bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Keeping cool on hot days: activity responses of African antelope to heat extremes
Authors: Berry Paul E. , Dammhahn Melanie , Blaum Niels
Published: June 2023

Long-lived organisms are likely to respond to a rapidly changing climate with behavioral flexibility. Animals inhabiting the arid parts of southern Africa face a particularly rapid rise in temperature which in combination with food and water scarcity places substantial constraints on the ability of animals to tolerate heat. We investigated how three species of African antelope—springbok Antidorcas marsupialis, kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros and eland T. oryx—differing in body size, habitat preference and movement ecology, change their activity in response to extreme heat in an arid savanna. Serving as a proxy for activity, dynamic body acceleration data recorded every five minutes were analyzed for seven to eight individuals per species for the three hottest months of the year. Activity responses to heat during the hottest time of day (the afternoons) were investigated and diel activity patterns were compared between hot and cool days. Springbok, which prefer open habitat, are highly mobile and the smallest of the species studied, showed the greatest decrease in activity with rising temperature. Furthermore, springbok showed reduced mean activity over the 24 h cycle on hot days compared to cool days. Large-bodied eland seemed less affected by afternoon heat than springbok. While eland also reduced diurnal activity on hot days compared to cool days, they compensated for this by increasing nocturnal activity, possibly because their predation risk is lower. Kudu, which are comparatively sedentary and typically occupy shady habitat, seemed least affected during the hottest time of day and showed no appreciable difference in diel activity patterns between hot and cool days. The interplay between habitat preference, body size, movement patterns, and other factors seems complex and even sub-lethal levels of heat stress have been shown to impact an animal's long-term survival and reproduction. Thus, differing heat tolerances among species could result in a shift in the composition of African herbivore communities as temperatures continue to rise, with significant implications for economically important wildlife-based land use and conservation.
Phylogenomics of Lasiodoriforms: reclassification of the South American genus Vitalius Lucas, Silva and Bertani and allied genera (Araneae: Theraphosidae)
Authors: Galleti-Lima Arthur , Hamilton Chris A. , Borges Leandro M. , Guadanucci José Paulo L.
Published: June 2023

Theraphosinae is the most diverse subfamily of Theraphosidae spiders, but their evolutionary history remains unresolved to date. This problem is common in taxonomic groups with phylogenetic hypotheses that have often been based only on qualitative morphological characters and, rarely, on molecular analyses. Phylogenomics has significantly contributed to the understanding of the evolution of many non-model groups, such as spiders. Herein, we employed ultraconserved elements (UCEs) phylogenomics to propose a new hypothesis for a group of Theraphosinae genera, namely Lasiodoriforms: Vitalius, Lasiodora, Eupalaestrus, Pterinopelma, Proshapalopus, and Nhandu. We propose three genera and their respective morphological diagnoses are provided. Our phylogeny supports the transfer of species from the genus Vitalius to Pterinopelma and Proshapalopus and from Proshapalopus to Eupalaestrus. Finally, we describe a new species of Vitalius from Southern Brazil. Based on these three new generic descriptions and transferred species, the Lasiodoriform tarantulas comprise nine genera from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, and the genus Vitalius now includes seven species.
Advanced maternal age: copy number variations and pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Cao Luoyuan , Dong Wenxu , Wu Qinjuan , Huang Xiaomin , Zeng Xiaomei , Yang Jing , Lu Jiaojiao , Chen Xunyan , Zheng Xian , Fu Xianguo
Published: June 2023

Objective: Adverse pregnancy outcomes are closely related to advanced maternal age (AMA; age at pregnancy ≥35 years). Little research has been reported on aneuploid abnormalities and pathogenic copy number variations (CNVs) affecting pregnancy outcomes in women with AMA. The purpose of this study was to assess CNVs associated with AMA in prenatal diagnosis to determine the characteristics of pathogenic CNVs and assist with genetic counseling of women with AMA.

Methods: Among 277 fetuses of women with AMA, 218 (78.7%) were isolated AMA fetuses and 59 (21.3%) were non-isolated AMA fetuses and showed ultrasound anomalies from January 2021 to October 2022. Isolated AMA was defined as AMA cases without sonographic abnormalities. Non-isolated AMA was defined as AMA cases with sonographic abnormalities such as sonographic soft markers, widening of the lateral ventricles, or extracardiac structural anomalies. The amniotic fluid cells underwent routine karyotyping followed by single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-array) analysis.

Results: Of the 277 AMA cases, karyotype analysis identified 20 chromosomal abnormalities. As well as 12 cases of chromosomal abnormalities corresponded to routine karyotyping, the SNP array identified an additional 14 cases of CNVs with normal karyotyping results. There were five pathogenetic CNVs, seven variations of uncertain clinical significance (VOUS), and two benign CNVs. The detection rate of abnormal CNVs in non-isolated AMA cases was increasing (13/59; 22%) than in isolated AMA cases (13/218; 5.96%) (p < 0.001). We also determined that pathogenic CNVs affected the rate of pregnancy termination in women with AMA.

Conclusion: Aneuploid abnormalities and pathogenic CNVs affect pregnancy outcomes in women with AMA. SNP array had a higher detection rate of genetic variation than did karyotyping and is an important supplement to karyotype analysis, which enables better informed clinical consultation and clinical decision-making.
Polygenic risk scores in pharmacogenomics: opportunities and challenges—a mini review
Authors: Simona Aurélien , Song Wenyu , Bates David W. , Samer Caroline Flora
Published: June 2023

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) aims at tailoring drug therapy by considering patient genetic makeup. While drug dosage guidelines have been extensively based on single gene mutations (single nucleotide polymorphisms) over the last decade, polygenic risk scores (PRS) have emerged in the past years as a promising tool to account for the complex interplay and polygenic nature of patients’ genetic predisposition affecting drug response. Even though PRS research has demonstrated convincing evidence in disease risk prediction, the clinical utility and its implementation in daily care has yet to be demonstrated, and pharmacogenomics is no exception; usual endpoints include drug efficacy or toxicity. Here, we review the general pipeline in PRS calculation, and we discuss some of the remaining barriers and challenges that must be undertaken to bring PRS research in PGx closer to patient care. Besides the need in following reporting guidelines and larger PGx patient cohorts, PRS integration will require close collaboration between bioinformatician, treating physicians and genetic consultants to ensure a transparent, generalizable, and trustful implementation of PRS results in real-world medical decisions.
Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosome alleviates sepsis- associated acute liver injury by suppressing MALAT1 through microRNA-26a-5p: an innovative immunopharmacological intervention and therapeutic approach for sepsis
Authors: Cai Jizhen , Tang Da , Hao Xiao , Liu Enyi , Li Wenbo , Shi Jian
Published: June 2023

Background

Sepsis is a syndrome with the disturbed host response to severe infection and is a major health problem worldwide. As the front line of infection defense and drug metabolism, the liver is vulnerable to infection- or drug-induced injury. Acute liver injury (ALI) is thus common in patients with sepsis and is significantly associated with poor prognosis. However, there are still few targeted drugs for the treatment of this syndrome in clinics. Recent studies have reported that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show potential for the treatment of various diseases, while the molecular mechanisms remain incompletely characterized.

Aims and Methods

Herein, we used cecal ligation puncture (CLP) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus D-galactosamine (D-gal) as sepsis-induced ALI models to investigate the roles and mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the treatment of ALI in sepsis.

Results

We found that either MSCs or MSC-derived exosome significantly attenuated ALI and consequent death in sepsis. miR‐26a‐5p, a microRNA downregulated in septic mice, was replenished by MSC-derived exosome. Replenishment of miR‐26a‐5p protected against hepatocyte death and liver injury caused by sepsis through targeting Metastasis Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 (MALAT1), a long non-coding RNA highly presented in hepatocyte and liver under sepsis and inhibiting anti-oxidant system.

Conclusion

Taken together, the results of the current study revealed the beneficial effects of MSC, exosome or miR-26a-5p on ALI, and determined the potential mechanisms of ALI induced by sepsis. MALAT1 would be a novel target for drug development in the treatment of this syndrome.
Deep immune B and plasma cell repertoire in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Patel Akshay J. , Khan Naeem , Richter Alex , Naidu Babu , Drayson Mark T. , Middleton Gary W.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

B cells, which have long been thought to be minor players in the development of anti-tumor responses, have been implicated as key players in lung cancer pathogenesis and response to checkpoint blockade in patients with lung cancer. Enrichment of late-stage plasma and memory cells in the tumor microenvironment has been shown in lung cancer, with the plasma cell repertoire existing on a functional spectrum with suppressive phenotypes correlating with outcome. B cell dynamics may be influenced by the inflammatory microenvironment observed in smokers and between LUAD and LUSC.

Methods

Here, we show through high-dimensional deep phenotyping using mass cytometry (CyTOF), next generation RNA sequencing and multispectral immunofluorescence imaging (VECTRA Polaris) that key differences exist in the B cell repertoire between tumor and circulation in paired specimens from lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC).

Results

In addition to the current literature, this study provides insight into the in-depth description of the B cell contexture in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) with reference to broad clinico-pathological parameters based on our analysis of 56 patients. Our findings reinforce the phenomenon of B-cell trafficking from distant circulatory compartments into the tumour microenvironment (TME). The circulatory repertoire shows a predilection toward plasma and memory phenotypes in LUAD however no major differences exist between LUAD and LUSC at the level of the TME. B cell repertoire, amongst other factors, may be influenced by the inflammatory burden in the TME and circulation, that is, smokers and non-smokers. We have further clearly demonstrated that the plasma cell repertoire exists on a functional spectrum in lung cancer, and that the suppressive regulatory arm of this axis may play a significant role in determining postoperative outcomes as well as following checkpoint blockade. This will require further long-term functional correlation.

Conclusion

B and Plasma cell repertoire is very diverse and heterogeneous across different tissue compartments in lung cancer. Smoking status associates with key differences in the immune milieu and the consequent inflammatory microenvironment is likely responsible for the functional and phenotypic spectrum we have seen in the plasma cell and B cell repertoire in this condition.
Darcy–Benard–Oldroyd convection in anisotropic porous layer subject to internal heat generation
Authors: Swamy Mahantesh S. , Hanumagowda B. N. , Khan Umair , Vidyashree K. , Hassan Ahmed M. , Mohammed Saeed Abdulkafi , Kumar Ranvijay
Published: June 2023

An anisotropic horizontal porous layer saturated with viscoelastic liquids of the Oldroyd-B type is explored to determine how the internal heat source affects thermal convection. As a momentum equation, a modified Darcy–Oldroyd model is used that takes into account the anisotropy of the porous layer. The energy equation is formulated in such a way that the influence of internal heat sources and anisotropy in thermal diffusivity on the stability criterion may be easily identified. The effects of anisotropy, viscoelasticity, and internal heat generation on the onset of thermal convection are investigated using linear stability analysis. It is understood that convection begins via an oscillatory mode instead of a stationary mode because viscous relaxation, thermal diffusions, and internal heat generation mechanisms compete with one another. Both steady and unsteady finite-amplitude convections are studied using nonlinear stability analysis with the truncated Fourier series method. The effect of different governing parameters on the system’s stability and on convective heat transfer is studied. The present investigation has been significantly validated by the recovery of several prior results as special situations. The findings presented in this work are anticipated to have significant implications for a number of real-world applications, including modeling of oil reservoirs, crude oil extraction, crystal growth, the pharmaceutical and medical industries, and the use of geothermal energy, among others.
Effects of moisture content on strength and compression properties of foundation soils of cultural relics in areas flooded by the Yellow River
Authors: Ma Shaochun , Yao Yudi , Bao Peng , Guo Chengchao
Published: June 2023

This study investigated the effects of soil moisture content on the strength and deformation properties of the foundation soils of cultural relics. Our goal is to inform the formulation and implementation of the repair scheme for cultural relics above the foundation soils and help protect cultural relics. Soil samples with five different moisture contents were prepared and used in unconfined compression, triaxial, and consolidation tests. Several mechanical parameters were determined under different soil moisture contents: failure morphology, compressive strength, compressive modulus, and compressibility coefficient. Based on the test results, the soil cohesion and angle of internal friction were obtained using Mohr’s circle. Regions where the mechanical parameters were particularly sensitive to moisture content were located during the consolidation test. These were also the regions where the soil’s compressive modulus declined rapidly, which was detrimental to the overall stability and safety of overlying structures. The internal structure and particle size distribution of the foundation soils supporting cultural relics were determined by scanning electron microscopy. Constitutive parameters of soils were determined by the triaxial test and consolidation test. It was also found that when the soil moisture content exceeded the optimal level, the foundation soils were very likely to pose a risk to the safety of the overlying cultural relics. The moisture content of foundation soils supporting cultural relics deserves special attention in engineering practice.
Synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and their application as nano-fillers to improve the physical and mechanical properties of medium density fiberboard
Authors: Gul Waheed , Akbar Shah Syed Riaz , Khan Afzal , Ahmad Naveed , Ahmed Sheraz , Ain Noor , Mehmood Arshad , Salah Bashir , Ullah Syed Sajid , Khan Razaullah
Published: June 2023

Graphene is an advanced material in the carbon group and offers greater mechanical, electrical, structural, and optical properties. Graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized and their special effects on enhancing the physio-mechanical characteristics of medium density fiberboard (MDF) were assessed. GO and rGO nanoparticles were added to urea formaldehyde (UF) resin at different weight percentages (1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 wt%) during the dosing process. To manufacture the MDF, nanofillers were created by sonication and combination with natural wood fibers. To observe the behavior of nanoparticles in the nanofillers, microstructure characterizations were conducted. The manufactured nano MDF samples underwent physical and mechanical testing. The incorporation of GO and rGO nanoparticles into UF resin led to significant improvements in the physical and mechanical properties of the MDF. The addition of GO and rGO nanoparticles at different weight percentages (1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 wt%) resulted in a range of improvements in thickness swelling (up to 53.3% and 35.2% for GO and rGO nanoparticles, respectively), water absorption (up to 23.3% and 63.15%, respectively), and thermal conductivity (up to 42.16% and 27.7%, respectively). Additionally, the internal bond and rupture modulus of the MDF was enhanced by 59.0% and 70.0%, respectively, for GO and 41.4% and 48.5% for rGO. The highest value of the modulus of rupture (MoR) was observed at a concentration of 3.0% of rGO nanoparticles (44.7 MPa). The findings also showed that thickness swelling (Ts) and water absorption (WA) exhibited directly proportional relationships for 3.0% GO and rGO. These results suggested that incorporating GO and rGO nanoparticles into UF resin can significantly improve the physical and mechanical properties of nano MDF.
Investigating the retarding effect of CAC in alkali-activated cements
Authors: Stefanini Laura , Walkley Brant , Provis John L.
Published: June 2023

This paper discusses the design of hybrid alkali-activated binders at ambient temperature, specifically the development of mixes based on ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS) with calcium aluminate cement (CAC) as an additive, aiming to obtain high early strength binders with optimised Al incorporation, increased crosslinking and degree of polymerisation. The effects of 10 wt% CAC replacement of GGBFS, activated with sodium silicate with varying modulus (SiO2/Na2O molar ratio) or with sodium hydroxide, on fresh and hardened properties are investigated. The inclusion of CAC in GGBFS mixtures activated using sodium silicate results in an unexpected retardation of the polycondensation reactions required to form the main calcium aluminosilicate hydrate gel phase. This is due to incomplete dissolution of the GGBFS precursor, inhibited by the rapid formation of additional reaction products (especially cubic aluminate hydrates, C3AH6) resulting in lowered reaction kinetics, and thus delayed setting and hardening times. For sodium silicate activators, this retarding effect appears to be only slightly dependent on the activator solution modulus. When activating with 4 M NaOH, the retarding effect is reduced, along with the incorporation of CAC in the C-A-S-H gel, increasing the amount of reactive aluminium present in the binder to form a more compact gel product. Increasing the molarity of NaOH solutions results in a similar delay in reaction kinetics. The results suggest the existence of only a limited pH range in which the addition of CAC can promote the formation of a binding gel with enhanced mechanical properties, whilst other factors including the effect of sodium silicate inclusion in CAC systems are still unclear. The typical hydration products of CAC were not detected in this study.
Association of TIM-3 with anterior uveitis and associated systemic immune diseases: a Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Lin Dan , Zhu Rong-Cheng , Tang Chun , Li Fen-Fen , Gao Mei-Ling , Wang Yu-Qin
Published: June 2023

Background

We aimed to investigate the causal association between TIM-3, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, and anterior uveitis (AU), as well as associated systemic immune diseases.

Materials and methods

We performed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to estimate the causal effects of TIM-3 on AU and three associated systemic diseases, namely ankylosing spondylitis (AS), Crohn's disease (CD), and ulcerative colitis (UC). Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with AU, AS, CD, and UC were selected as the outcomes: AU GWAS with 2,752 patients with acute AU accompanied with AS (cases) and 3,836 AS patients (controls), AS GWAS with 968 cases and 336,191 controls, CD GWAS with 1,032 cases and 336,127 controls, and UC GWAS with 2,439 cases and 460,494 controls. The TIM-3 dataset was used as the exposure (n = 31,684). Four MR methods, namely, inverse-variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger regression, weighted median, and weighted mode, were used in this study. Comprehensive sensitivity analyses were conducted to estimate the robustness of identified associations and the potential impact of horizontal pleiotropy.

Results

Our studies show that TIM-3 is significantly associated with CD using the IVW method (OR = 1.001, 95% CI = 1.0002–1.0018, P-value = 0.011). We also found that TIM-3 may be a protective factor for AU although these results lacked significance (OR = 0.889, 95% CI = 0.631–1.252, P-value = 0.5). No association was observed between the genetic predisposition to particular TIM-3 and susceptibility to AS or UC in this study. No potential heterogeneities or directional pleiotropies were observed in our analyses.

Conclusion

According to our study, a small correlation was observed between TIM-3 expression and CD susceptibility. Additional studies in different ethnic backgrounds will be necessary to further explore the potential roles and mechanisms of TIM-3 in CD.
Characteristics and neurological survival following intraoperative cardiac arrest in a Swiss University Hospital: a 7-year retrospective observational cohort study
Authors: Fuchs Alexander , Franzmeier Lea , Cheseaux-Carrupt Marie , Kaempfer Martina , Disma Nicola , Pietsch Urs , Huber Markus , Riva Thomas , Greif Robert
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Little is known about intraoperative cardiac arrest during anesthesia care. In particular, data on characteristics of cardiac arrest and neurological survival are scarce.

Methods

We conducted a single-center retrospective observational study evaluating anesthetic procedures from January 2015 until December 2021. We included patients with an intraoperative cardiac arrest and excluded cardiac arrest outside of the operating room. The primary outcome was the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Secondary outcomes were sustained ROSC over 20 min, 30-day survival, and favorable neurological outcome according to Clinical Performance Category (CPC) 1 and 2.

Results

We screened 228,712 anesthetic procedures, 195 of which met inclusion criteria and were analyzed. The incidence of intraoperative cardiac arrest was 90 (CI 95% 78–103) in 100,000 procedures. The median age was 70.5 [60.0; 79.4] years, and two-thirds of patients (n = 135; 69.2%) were male. Most of these patients with cardiac arrest had ASA physical status IV (n = 83; 42.6%) or V (n = 47; 24.1%). Cardiac arrest occurred more frequently (n = 104; 53.1%) during emergency procedures than elective ones (n = 92; 46.9%). Initial rhythm was pre-dominantly non-shockable with pulseless electrical activity mostly. Most patients (n = 163/195, 83.6%; CI 95 77.6–88.5%) had at least one instance of ROSC. Sustained ROSC over 20 min was achieved in most patients with ROSC (n = 147/163; 90.2%). Of the 163 patients with ROSC, 111 (68.1%, CI 95 60.4–75.2%) remained alive after 30 days, and most (n = 90/111; 84.9%) had favorable neurological survival (CPC 1 and 2).

Conclusion

Intraoperative cardiac arrest is rare but is more likely in older patients, patients with ASA physical status ≥IV, cardiac and vascular surgery, and emergency procedures. Patients often present with pulseless electrical activity as the initial rhythm. ROSC can be achieved in most patients. Over half of the patients are alive after 30 days, most with favorable neurological outcomes, if treated immediately.
Dynamic alterations in white blood cell counts and SARS-CoV-2 shedding in saliva: an infection predictor parameter
Authors: Aghbash Parisa Shiri , Rasizadeh Reyhaneh , Shirvaliloo Milad , Nahand Javid Sadri , Baghi Hossein Bannazadeh
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak posed a global threat and quickly escalated to a pandemic. However, accurate information on potential relationships between SARS-CoV-2 shedding in body fluids, especially saliva, and white blood cell (WBC) count is limited. In the present study we investigated the potential correlation between alterations in blood cell counts and viral shedding in saliva in a cohort of COVID-19 patients.

Method

In this preliminary clinical research, 24 age-matched COVID-19 patients without comorbidities, 12 (50%) men and 12 (50%) women, were followed up for a period of 5 days to investigate whether changes in the level of viral shedding in saliva might parallel with temporal alterations in WBC count. Viral shedding in saliva was qualitatively measured by performing SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen tests on patient saliva samples, using SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Kit (Roche, Basel, Switzerland). These patients were classified into two groups with sputum and non-sputum cough. WBCs counts including leukocyte (LYM), neutrophil (NEU), and LYM counts were recorded for each patient on days 1, 3, and 5.

Results

The results of the present study showed that the levels of WBC, LYM, and NEU as well as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) increased significantly on the 5th day compared to the first day in both groups with sputum. However, the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) did not show significant changes.

Conclusion

This study proves that investigating the change in the number of blood LYMs as well as laboratory parameters such as CRP, LDH, and ESR as biomarkers is an accurate indicator to detect the amount of viral shedding in people with sputum and non-sputum. The results of our study denote that the measured parameters exhibit the intensity of viral shedding in people with sputum.
Effect of storage temperature and produce type on the survival or growth of Listeria monocytogenes on peeled rinds and fresh-cut produce
Authors: Moreira Juan , Mera Erika , Singh Chhetri Vijay , King Joan M. , Gentimis Thanos , Adhikari Achyut
Published: June 2023

Whole and fresh-cut produce are minimally processed and susceptible to microbial contamination. This study evaluated the survival or growth of L. monocytogenes on peeled rinds, and fresh-cut produce at different storage temperatures. Fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, including cantaloupe, watermelon, pear, papaya, pineapple, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, bell pepper, and kale (25 g pieces) were spot inoculated with 4 log CFU/g of L. monocytogenes and stored at 4 or 13°C for 6  days. Cantaloupe and bell pepper rind disks (20 cm2), mimicking whole produce were inoculated with low inoculum level (4 log CFU/mL) and high inoculum level (6 log CFU/mL) and stored at 24°C up to 8  days and 4°C up to 14  days, respectively. L. monocytogenes counts on fresh-cut pear samples stored at 4°C increased significantly by 0.27 log CFU/g. However, Listeria levels on kale (day 4), cauliflower (day 6), and broccoli (day 2) were significantly reduced by 0.73, 1.18, and 0.80 log CFU/g, respectively, at 4°C. At 13°C, the bacterial counts increased significantly after a day of storage on fresh-cut watermelons (increasing by 1.10 log CFU/g) and cantaloupes (increasing by 1.52 log CFU/g). Similar increases were observed on pears (1.00 log CFU/g), papayas (1.65 log CFU/g), and green bell peppers (1.72 log CFU/g). Pineapple samples did not support the growth of L. monocytogenes at 13°C with a significant reduction of 1.80 log CFU/g by day 6. L. monocytogenes levels significantly increased in fresh-cut lettuce at 13°C but remained stable on kale, cauliflower, and broccoli after 6  days of storage. Stable population was observed also on cantaloupe rinds up to 8  days at 24°C. While on the outer surface of bell peppers, the population level decreased below the detectable limit of the test (10 CFU/20 cm2) after 14  days of storage at 4°C. The results demonstrated variable survival behavior of L. monocytogenes on fresh-cut produce with produce type and storage temperature.
Qishen granules regulate intestinal microecology to improve cardiac function in rats with heart failure
Authors: Gao Kuo , Yu Xue , Li Fanghe , Huang Yiran , Liu Jiali , Liu Siqi , Lu Linghui , Yang Ran , Wang Chao
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Qishen Granule (QSG), a clinically approved traditional Chinese medicine, has been researched for treating heart failure (HF) for many years. However, the effect of QSG on intestinal microecology remains unconfirmed. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the possible mechanism of QSG regulating HF in rats based on intestinal microecological changes.

Methods

A rat model with HF induced by myocardial infarction was prepared by left coronary artery ligation. Cardiac functions were assessed by echocardiography, pathological changes in the heart and ileum by hematoxylin–eosin (HE) and Masson staining, mitochondrial ultrastructure by transmission electron microscope, and gut microbiota by 16S rRNA sequencing.

Results

QSG administration improved cardiac function, tightened cardiomyocytes alignment, decreased fibrous tissue and collagen deposition, and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Electron microscopic observation of mitochondria revealed that QSG could arrange mitochondria neatly, reduce swelling, and improve the structural integrity of the crest. Firmicutes were the dominant component in the model group, and QSG could significantly increase the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group. Furthermore, QSG significantly reduced plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS), improved intestinal structure, and recovered barrier protection function in rats with HF.

Conclusion

These results demonstrated that QSG was able to improve cardiac function by regulating intestinal microecology in rats with HF, suggesting promising therapeutic targets for HF.
Dietary fiber modulates gut microbiome and metabolome in a host sex-specific manner in a murine model of aging
Authors: Kadyan Saurabh , Park Gwoncheol , Wang Bo , Nagpal Ravinder
Published: June 2023

Emerging evidence reveals the fundamental role of the gut microbiome in human health. Among various factors regulating our gut microbiome, diet is one of the most indispensable and prominent one. Inulin is one of the most widely-studied dietary fiber for its beneficial prebiotic effects by positively modulating the gut microbiome and microbial metabolites. Recent research underscores sexual dimorphism and sex-specific disparities in microbiome and also diet-microbiome interactions. However, whether and how the prebiotic effects of dietary fiber differ among sexes remain underexplored. To this end, we herein examine sex-specific differences in the prebiotic effects of inulin on gut microbiome and metabolome in a humanized murine model of aging i.e., aged mice carrying human fecal microbiota. The findings demonstrate that inulin exerts prebiotic effects, but in a sex-dependent manner. Overall, inulin increases the proportion of Bacteroides, Blautia, and glycine, while decreasing Eggerthella, Lactococcus, Streptococcus, trimethylamine, 3-hydroxyisobutyrate, leucine and methionine in both sexes. However, we note sex-specific effects of inulin including suppression of f_Enteroccaceae:_, Odoribacter, bile acids, malonate, thymine, valine, acetoin, and ethanol while promotion of Dubosiella, pyruvate, and glycine in males. Whereas, suppression of Faecalibaculum, Lachnoclostridium, Schaedlerella, phenylalanine and enhancement of Parasutterella, Phocaeicola, f_Lachnospiraceae;_, Barnesiella, Butyricimonas, glycine, propionate, acetate and glutamate are observed in females. Altogether, the study reveals that prebiotic mechanisms of dietary fiber vary in a sex-dependent manner, underscoring the importance of including both sexes in preclinical/clinical studies to comprehend the mechanisms and functional aspects of dietary interventions for effective extrapolation and translation in precision nutrition milieus.
The glymphatic system: a new perspective on brain diseases
Authors: Ding Zhao , Fan Xiaodi , Zhang Yehao , Yao Mingjiang , Wang Guangrui , Dong Yilei , Liu Jianxun , Song Wenting
Published: June 2023

The glymphatic system is a brain-wide perivascular pathway driven by aquaporin-4 on the endfeet of astrocytes, which can deliver nutrients and active substances to the brain parenchyma through periarterial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) influx pathway and remove metabolic wastes through perivenous clearance routes. This paper summarizes the composition, overall fluid flow, solute transport, related diseases, affecting factors, and preclinical research methods of the glymphatic system. In doing so, we aim to provide direction and reference for more relevant researchers in the future.
Preoperative systemic immune-inflammation index may predict prolonged mechanical ventilation in patients with spontaneous basal ganglia intracerebral hemorrhage undergoing surgical operation
Authors: Xiao Huaming , Li Lei , Zhang Feng , Cheng Lei , Li Yang , Han Wenlan , Li Huanting , Fan Mingchao
Published: June 2023

Background

Prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) has been proven as a risk factor for poor prognosis in patients with neurocritical illness. Spontaneous basal ganglia intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is one common subtype of hemorrhagic stroke and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is used as a novel and valuable prognostic marker for various neoplastic diseases and other critical illnesses.

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the predictive value of preoperative SII for PMV in patients with spontaneous basal ganglia ICH who underwent surgical operations.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted in patients with spontaneous basal ganglia ICH who underwent surgical operations between October 2014 and June 2021. SII was calculated using the following formula: SII = platelet count × neutrophil count/lymphocyte count. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) were used to evaluate the potential risk factors of PMV after spontaneous basal ganglia ICH.

Results

A total of 271 patients were enrolled. Of these, 112 patients (47.6%) presented with PMV. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative GCS (OR, 0.780; 95% CI, 0.688–0.883; P < 0.001), hematoma size (OR, 1.031; 95% CI, 1.016–1.047; P < 0.001), lactic acid (OR, 1.431; 95% CI, 1.015–2.017; P = 0.041) and SII (OR, 1.283; 95% CI, 1.049–1.568; P = 0.015) were significant risk factors for PMV. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of SII was 0.662 (95% CI, 0.595–0.729, P < 0.001), with a cutoff value was 2,454.51.

Conclusion

Preoperative SII may predict PMV in patients with spontaneous basal ganglia ICH undergoing a surgical operation.
Comprehensive bibliometric research in neuroscience: focusing on ophthalmology
Authors: Xia Xiaojing , Li Lijun , Cheng Zeyu , Chen Qiyu , Huang Tao , Yu Yun , Shang Lei
Published: June 2023

Background

This study aimed to comprehensively summarize the knowledge structure and research hotspots of ophthalmology in the field of neuroscience through bibliometric and visual analysis.

Methods

We searched the Web of Science Core Collection database for articles from 2002 to 2021 related to ophthalmology in the field of neuroscience. Using VOSviewer and CiteSpace, bibliometric analysis was conducted on the number of annual ophthalmology publications, authors, organizations, countries, journals, cited references, keywords, and burst keywords.

Results

A total of 9,179 articles were published from 34,073 authors, 4,987 organizations, and 87 countries. The cited references in these articles were published in 23,054 journals. Moreover, there were 30,864 keywords among the 9,179 articles. Notably, scholars have increasingly begun paying attention to ophthalmology in the field of neuroscience in the past 20 years. Claudio Babiloni published the most articles. The University of Washington had the greatest number of articles. The United States, Germany, and England led in the number of articles published. The Journal of Neuroscience was the most cited. The article with the highest outbreak intensity was an article published by Maurizio Corbetta in Nature Reviews Neuroscience in 2002 entitled “Control of goal-directed and stimulus-driven attention in the brain.” The most important keyword was the brain, and the top burst keyword was functional connectivity.

Conclusion

This study visualized ophthalmology research in the field of neuroscience through bibliometric analysis and predicted potential research trends in future to help clinicians and basic researchers provide diversified perspectives and further carry out in-depth research on ophthalmology.
The effects of targeted vagus nerve stimulation on glucose homeostasis in STZ-induced diabetic rodents
Authors: Dirr Elliott W. , Patel Yogi , Johnson Richard D. , Otto Kevin J.
Published: June 2023

During type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune attack destroys pancreatic β-cells leading to the inability to maintain glucose homeostasis. These β-cells are neuroresponsive endocrine cells which normally secrete insulin partially in response to input from the vagus nerve. This neural pathway can be utilized as a point of therapeutic intervention by delivering exogenous stimulation to drive increased insulin secretion. In this study, a cuff electrode was implanted on the pancreatic branch of the vagus nerve just prior to pancreatic insertion in rats, and a continuous glucose meter was implanted into the descending aorta. Streptozotocin (STZ) was used to induce a diabetic state, and changes in blood glucose were assessed using various stimulation parameters. Stimulation driven changes in hormone secretion, pancreatic blood flow, and islet cell populations were assessed. We found increased changes in the rate of blood glucose change during stimulation which subsided after stimulation ended paired with increased concentration of circulating insulin. We did not observe increased pancreatic perfusion, which suggests that the modulation of blood glucose was due to the activation of b-cells rather than changes in the extra-organ transport of insulin. Pancreatic neuromodulation showed potentially protective effects by reducing deficits in islet diameter, and ameliorating insulin loss after STZ treatment.
First application of dynamic oxygen-17 magnetic resonance imaging at 7 Tesla in a patient with early subacute stroke
Authors: Ebersberger Louise , Kratzer Fabian J. , Potreck Arne , Niesporek Sebastian C. , Keymling Myriam , Nagel Armin M. , Bendszus Martin , Wick Wolfgang , Ladd Mark E. , Schlemmer Heinz-Peter , Hoffmann Angelika , Platt Tanja , Paech Daniel
Published: June 2023

Dynamic oxygen-17 (17O) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an imaging method that enables a direct and non-invasive assessment of cerebral oxygen metabolism and thus potentially the distinction between viable and non-viable tissue employing a three-phase inhalation experiment. The purpose of this investigation was the first application of dynamic 17O MRI at 7 Tesla (T) in a patient with stroke. In this proof-of-concept experiment, dynamic 17O MRI was applied during 17O inhalation in a patient with early subacute stroke. The analysis of the relative 17O water (H217O) signal for the affected stroke region compared to the healthy contralateral side revealed no significant difference. However, the technical feasibility of 17O MRI has been demonstrated paving the way for future investigations in neurovascular diseases.
Cardiorespiratory fitness modulates prestimulus EEG microstates during a sustained attention task
Authors: Di Muccio Francesco , Simonet Marie , Brandner Catherine , Ruggeri Paolo , Barral Jérôme
Published: June 2023

Higher cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with an increased ability to perform sustained attention tasks and detect rare and unpredictable signals over prolonged periods. The electrocortical dynamics underlying this relationship were mainly investigated after visual stimulus onset in sustained attention tasks. Prestimulus electrocortical activity supporting differences in sustained attention performance according to the level of cardiorespiratory fitness have yet to be examined. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate EEG microstates 2 seconds before the stimulus onset in 65 healthy individuals aged 18–37, differing in cardiorespiratory fitness, while performing a psychomotor vigilance task. The analyses showed that a lower duration of the microstate A and a higher occurrence of the microstate D correlated with higher cardiorespiratory fitness in the prestimulus periods. In addition, increased global field power and occurrence of microstate A were associated with slower response times in the psychomotor vigilance task, while greater global explained variance, coverage, and occurrence of microstate D were linked to faster response times. Our collective findings showed that individuals with higher cardiorespiratory fitness exhibit typical electrocortical dynamics that allow them to allocate their attentional resources more efficiently when engaged in sustained attention tasks.
A balanced formula of essential amino acids promotes brain mitochondrial biogenesis and protects neurons from ischemic insult
Authors: Ragni Maurizio , Fenaroli Francesca , Ruocco Chiara , Segala Agnese , D’Antona Giuseppe , Nisoli Enzo , Valerio Alessandra
Published: June 2023

Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in the aging process, and aging is a strong risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases or brain injury characterized by impairment of mitochondrial function. Among these, ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death and permanent disability worldwide. Pharmacological approaches for its prevention and therapy are limited. Although non-pharmacological interventions such as physical exercise, which promotes brain mitochondrial biogenesis, have been shown to exert preventive effects against ischemic stroke, regular feasibility is complex in older people, and nutraceutical strategies could be valuable alternatives. We show here that dietary supplementation with a balanced essential amino acid mixture (BCAAem) increased mitochondrial biogenesis and the endogenous antioxidant response in the hippocampus of middle-aged mice to an extent comparable to those elicited by treadmill exercise training, suggesting BCAAem as an effective exercise mimetic on brain mitochondrial health and disease prevention. In vitro BCAAem treatment directly exerted mitochondrial biogenic effects and induced antioxidant enzyme expression in primary mouse cortical neurons. Further, exposure to BCAAem protected cortical neurons from the ischemic damage induced by an in vitro model of cerebral ischemia (oxygen-glucose deprivation, OGD). BCAAem-mediated protection against OGD was abolished in the presence of rapamycin, Torin-1, or L-NAME, indicating the requirement of both mTOR and eNOS signaling pathways in the BCAAem effects. We propose BCAAem supplementation as an alternative to physical exercise to prevent brain mitochondrial derangements leading to neurodegeneration and as a nutraceutical intervention aiding recovery after cerebral ischemia in conjunction with conventional drugs.
Diversity of electroencephalographic patterns during propofol-induced burst suppression
Authors: Jones Keith G. , Lybbert Carter , Euler Matthew J. , Huang Jason , Lunt Seth , Richards Sindhu V. , Jessop Jacob E. , Larson Adam , Odell David H. , Kuck Kai , Tadler Scott C. , Mickey Brian J.
Published: June 2023

Burst suppression is a brain state consisting of high-amplitude electrical activity alternating with periods of quieter suppression that can be brought about by disease or by certain anesthetics. Although burst suppression has been studied for decades, few studies have investigated the diverse manifestations of this state within and between human subjects. As part of a clinical trial examining the antidepressant effects of propofol, we gathered burst suppression electroencephalographic (EEG) data from 114 propofol infusions across 21 human subjects with treatment-resistant depression. This data was examined with the objective of describing and quantifying electrical signal diversity. We observed three types of EEG burst activity: canonical broadband bursts (as frequently described in the literature), spindles (narrow-band oscillations reminiscent of sleep spindles), and a new feature that we call low-frequency bursts (LFBs), which are brief deflections of mainly sub-3-Hz power. These three features were distinct in both the time and frequency domains and their occurrence differed significantly across subjects, with some subjects showing many LFBs or spindles and others showing very few. Spectral-power makeup of each feature was also significantly different across subjects. In a subset of nine participants with high-density EEG recordings, we noted that each feature had a unique spatial pattern of amplitude and polarity when measured across the scalp. Finally, we observed that the Bispectral Index Monitor, a commonly used clinical EEG monitor, does not account for the diversity of EEG features when processing the burst suppression state. Overall, this study describes and quantifies variation in the burst suppression EEG state across subjects and repeated infusions of propofol. These findings have implications for the understanding of brain activity under anesthesia and for individualized dosing of anesthetic drugs.
Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted extraction of flavonoids from Lactuca indica L. cv. Mengzao and their antioxidant properties
Authors: Hao Junfeng , Wang Zhijun , Jia Yushan , Sun Lin , Fu Zhihui , Zhao Muqier , Li Yuyu , Yuan Ning , Cong Baiming , Zhao Lixing , Ge Gentu
Published: June 2023

In this study, the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) conditions of flavonoids from Lactuca indica L.cv. Mengzao (LIM) leaves was optimized, and the flavonoids content and their antioxidant potential in different parts were analyzed. The optimal extraction parameters to obtain the highest total flavonoids content (TFC) were a a ratio of liquid to solid of 24.76 mL/g, ultrasonic power of 411.43 W, ethanol concentration of 58.86% and an extraction time of 30 min, the average TFC of LIM leaves could reach 48.01 mg/g. For the yield of flavonoids, the UAE method had the best extraction capacity compared with solvent extraction and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). In general, the TFC in different parts of LIM followed the order flower > leaf > stem > root, the flowering period is the most suitable harvesting period. From ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS) quantification, the flower samples showed significantly higher six flavonoids and had the highest radical scavenging capacities compared to other samples. A high positive correlation was observed between the antioxidant activity and TFC, luteolin-7-O-glucoside and rutin were significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with all antioxidant evaluations. This study provides valuable information for the development and utilization of flavonoids in Lactuca indica as ingredients in food, feed and nutritional health products.