Can Single-Pass Contrastive Learning Work for Both Homophilic and Heterophilic Graph?

Existing graph contrastive learning (GCL) typically requires two forward pass for a single instance to construct the contrastive loss. Despite its remarkable success, it is unclear whether such a dual-pass design is (theoretically) necessary. Besides, the empirical results are hitherto limited to the homophilic graph benchmarks. Then a natural question arises: Can we design a method that works for both homophilic and heterophilic graphs with a performance guarantee? To answer this, we analyze the concentration property of features obtained by neighborhood aggregation on both homophilic and heterophilic graphs, introduce the single-pass graph contrastive learning loss based on the property, and provide performance guarantees of the minimizer of the loss on downstream tasks. As a direct consequence of our analysis, we implement the Single-Pass Graph Contrastive Learning method (SP-GCL). Empirically, on 14 benchmark datasets with varying degrees of heterophily, the features learned by the SP-GCL can match or outperform existing strong baselines with significantly less computational overhead, which verifies the usefulness of our findings in real-world cases.Comment: 20 pages, 6 figures, 9 tables. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:2204.0487

Advancements and future prospects of adeno-associated virus-mediated gene therapy for sensorineural hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), a highly prevalent sensory impairment, results from a multifaceted interaction of genetic and environmental factors. As we continually gain insights into the molecular basis of auditory development and the growing compendium of deafness genes identified, research on gene therapy for SNHL has significantly deepened. Adeno-associated virus (AAV), considered a relatively secure vector for gene therapy in clinical trials, can deliver various transgenes based on gene therapy strategies such as gene replacement, gene silencing, gene editing, or gene addition to alleviate diverse types of SNHL. This review delved into the preclinical advances in AAV-based gene therapy for SNHL, spanning hereditary and acquired types. Particular focus is placed on the dual-AAV construction method and its application, the vector delivery route of mouse inner ear models (local, systemic, fetal, and cerebrospinal fluid administration), and the significant considerations in transforming from AAV-based animal model inner ear gene therapy to clinical implementation

The early posterior cortex pixel value ratio: a novel reliable indicator for distraction osteogenesis

AimsWe aimed to explore the associations of the early PVR in four cortices with Healing Index (HI), Lengthening Index (LI), and External Fixator Index (EFI) in the bone union and non-union groups.MethodsA total of 52 patients, including 39 bone union and 13 bone non-union subjects, were recruited in this study. The general characteristics and PVR in four cortices in each group were explored. Afterward, the early PVR in four cortices, including medial, lateral, anterior, and posterior sides, were compared. Finally, the associations of the early PVR in four cortices with HI, LI, and EFI were also investigated.ResultsThe general characteristics of these patients were consistent, except for HI (31.54 ± 12.24 vs. 45.08 ± 27.10, P = 0.018) and EFI (57.63 ± 18.15 vs. 71.29 ± 24.60, P = 0.046). The growth of regenerated callus was asymmetrical in the bone union group (the posterior PVR seems to grow faster), whereas no statistical difference was obtained in the bone non-union group. Furthermore, the posterior PVR in the bone union group was significantly higher than that in the bone non-union group (the first month: 0.96 ± 0.17 vs. 0.86 ± 0.06, p = 0.047; the second month: 0.98 ± 0.14 vs. 0.89 ± 0.09, p = 0.041; the third month: 1.00 ± 0.12 vs. 0.92 ± 0.09, p = 0.039). Most importantly, the posterior PVR was inversely associated with HI, LI, and EFI (the first month: r = −0.343, p = 0.041; r = −0.346, p = 0.042; r = −0.352, p = 0.041; the second month: r = −0.459, p = 0.004; r = −0.277, p = 0.101; r = −0.511, p = 0.002; the third month: r = −0.479, p = 0.003; r = −0.398, p = 0.018; r = −0.551, p = 0.001) in the bone union group, respectively. However, this finding was lost in the bone non-union group.ConclusionThe early posterior cortex PVR seems to grow faster than the medial, lateral, and anterior sides in the bone union group, which represents an asymmetrical development pattern. Moreover, the posterior cortex PVR was negatively associated with HI, LI, and EFI, respectively. The posterior cortex PVR may be a novel and reliable detection index in the process of DO

Divergence of a genomic island leads to the evolution of melanization in a halophyte root fungus

AbstractUnderstanding how organisms adapt to extreme living conditions is central to evolutionary biology. Dark septate endophytes (DSEs) constitute an important component of the root mycobiome and they are often able to alleviate host abiotic stresses. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial association between the DSE Laburnicola rhizohalophila and its host, the native halophyte Suaeda salsa, using population genomics. Based on genome-wide Fst (pairwise fixation index) and Vst analyses, which compared the variance in allele frequencies of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variants (CNVs), respectively, we found a high level of genetic differentiation between two populations. CNV patterns revealed population-specific expansions and contractions. Interestingly, we identified a ~20 kbp genomic island of high divergence with a strong sign of positive selection. This region contains a melanin-biosynthetic polyketide synthase gene cluster linked to six additional genes likely involved in biosynthesis, membrane trafficking, regulation, and localization of melanin. Differences in growth yield and melanin biosynthesis between the two populations grown under 2% NaCl stress suggested that this genomic island contributes to the observed differences in melanin accumulation. Our findings provide a better understanding of the genetic and evolutionary mechanisms underlying the adaptation to saline conditions of the L. rhizohalophila–S. salsa symbiosis.</jats:p

Non-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging-based radiomics model for the differentiation of pancreatic adenosquamous carcinoma from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

PurposeTo evaluate the diagnostic performance of radiomics model based on fully automatic segmentation of pancreatic tumors from non-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for differentiating pancreatic adenosquamous carcinoma (PASC) from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).Materials and methodsIn this retrospective study, patients with surgically resected histopathologically confirmed PASC and PDAC who underwent MRI scans between January 2011 and December 2020 were included in the study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to develop a clinical and radiomics model based on non-enhanced T1-weighted and T2-weighted images. The model performances were determined based on their discrimination and clinical utility. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests were used for survival analysis.ResultsA total of 510 consecutive patients including 387 patients (age: 61 ± 9 years; range: 28–86 years; 250 males) with PDAC and 123 patients (age: 62 ± 10 years; range: 36–84 years; 78 males) with PASC were included in the study. All patients were split into training (n=382) and validation (n=128) sets according to time. The radiomics model showed good discrimination in the validation (AUC, 0.87) set and outperformed the MRI model (validation set AUC, 0.80) and the ring-enhancement (validation set AUC, 0.74).ConclusionsThe radiomics model based on non-enhanced MRI outperformed the MRI model and ring-enhancement to differentiate PASC from PDAC; it can, thus, provide important information for decision-making towards precise management and treatment of PASC

Association between parental unhealthy behaviors and offspring’s cardiovascular health status: Results from a cross-sectional analysis of parent–offspring pairs in China

BackgroundCardiovascular health (CVH) in children and adolescents, which might be largely influenced by parental behaviors, may affect the incidence of cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. However, few studies have been conducted to explore the associations between parental behaviors and CVH status of offspring in China.MethodsData were obtained from a cross-sectional survey conducted in Chinese children and adolescents aged 7–18 years old, with a total of 10,043 parent–offspring pairs included. Parental behaviors included moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), dietary behaviors, and weight status. The CVH status of offspring was consulted by The American Heart Association, including seven factors. The associations between parental behaviors and CVH status of offspring were evaluated by multilevel logistic regression. Stratified analyses were conducted to explore the potential modifying influence of sociodemographic factors.ResultsMost of the offspring had five ideal CVH factors; only 21.04% had six to seven ideal CVH factors. Parental unhealthy behaviors were associated with high odds of nonideal CVH status of offspring. Parental overweight/obesity, insufficient MVPA, and unhealthy dietary behaviors could increase the odds of owning one to three ideal CVH factors in offspring, with corresponding odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence interval) of 1.61 (1.32–1.96), 1.31 (1.10–1.56), and 2.05 (1.43–2.94), respectively. There was a dose–response relationship between parental single unhealthy behavior and the odds of nonideal CVH status in offspring (P-trend &lt; 0.001). Offspring with overweight parents had ORs of 1.25 for nonideal CVH status, compared to offspring with normal-weight parents. Among offspring who had the same number of ideal CVH factors, the cumulative association between unhealthy behaviors of parents and offspring’s nonideal CVH status increased if parents had more unhealthy behaviors (P-trend &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsParental overweight/obesity, insufficient MVPA, and unhealthy dietary behaviors were strongly associated with CVH status in offspring. With a cumulative association, more unhealthy parental behaviors were associated with higher odds of offspring’s nonideal CVH status, suggesting that targeting parental behaviors might facilitate attainment of improving CVH status of children and adolescents

Weight self-misperception and Obesity-related Knowledge, Attitudes, Lifestyle Behaviors and Cardio-metabolic Markers among Chinese School-aged Children and Adolescents

Abstract Objective: The relationships between childhood weight self-misperception and obesity-related factors particularly health markers have not been extensively discussed. This study aims to examine the associations between weight self-misperception and obesity-related knowledge, attitudes, lifestyles and cardio-metabolic markers among Chinese pediatric population. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Data sourced from a national survey in Chinese seven provinces in 2013. Participants: Children and adolescents aged 5-19 years. Results: Of the total 14079 participants, there were 14.5% and 2.2% participants over-estimated and under-perceived their weight, respectively. Multi-variable logistic regression was applied to calculate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% Cl) of obesity-related behaviors and cardio-metabolic markers by actual and perceived weight status. Individuals who perceived themselves as overweight/obese were more likely to have prolonged screen time, insufficient dairy intake, and over sugar-sweetened beverages consumption (all P<0.05), regardless of their weight. Furthermore, actual overweight/obese individuals had higher odds of abnormal cardio-metabolic markers, but a smaller magnitude of association was found among weight under-estimators. Among non-overweight/obese individuals, weight over-estimation was positively associated with abdominal obesity (OR: 10.49, 95% CI: 7.45, 14.76), elevated blood pressure (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.51), and dyslipidemia (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.29, 1.58). Conclusions: Weight over-perception was more prevalent than under-estimation, particularly in girls. Weight over-estimators tended to master better knowledge but behave more unhealthily, both weight over-perception and actual overweight/obesity status were associated with poorer cardio-metabolic markers. Future obesity intervention programs should additionally pay attention to the population with inaccurate estimation of weight who were easily overlooked