bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetics and Epigenetics: New Insight on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Dalfrà Maria Grazia , Burlina Silvia , Del Vescovo Gloria Giovanna , Lapolla Annunziata
Published: December 2020

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic complication of pregnancy, with a prevalence that has increased significantly in the last decade, coming to affect 12–18% of all pregnancies. GDM is believed to be the result of a combination of genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors. Following the identification of susceptibility genes for type 2 diabetes by means of genome-wide association studies, an association has also been demonstrated between some type 2 diabetes susceptibility genes and GDM, suggesting a partial similarity of the genetic architecture behind the two forms of diabetes. More recent genome-wide association studies, focusing on maternal metabolism during pregnancy, have demonstrated an overlap in the genes associated with metabolic traits in gravid and non-gravid populations, as well as in genes apparently unique to pregnancy. Epigenetic changes—such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and microRNA gene silencing—have also been identified in GDM patients. Metabolomics has been used to profile the metabolic state of women during pregnancy, based on the measurement of numerous low-molecular-weight metabolites. Measuring amino acids and conventional metabolites has revealed changes in pregnant women with a higher insulin resistance and high blood glucose levels that resemble the changes seen in non-gravid, insulin-resistant populations. This would suggest similarities in the metabolic profiles typical of insulin resistance and hyperglycemia whether individuals are pregnant or not. Future studies combining data obtained using multiple technologies will enable an integrated systems biology approach to maternal metabolism during a pregnancy complicated by GDM. This review highlights the recent knowledge on the impact of genetics and epigenetics in the pathophysiology of GDM and the maternal and fetal complications associated with this pathology condition.
Effects of Dissociation Water Retention on Pore Structure Disintegration in Hydrate Sediments
Authors: Yang Liu , Wang Shuo , Lu Hongfeng , Liu Ling , Sa Rina
Published: December 2020

During the depressurization process, natural gas hydrates (NGHs) decompose and release methane gas and water. Field experience shows that only 1% of the dissociation water is recovered, hindering the continuous pressure decline and further NGHs decomposition. The retention effect of the dissociation water on the pore structure is still unclear in NGHs sediments. In this paper, the hydrate sediment samples were tested for porosity, permeability, pore structure and clay minerals content, etc. The ions concentration change of solution was continuously measured using a conductivity meter to evaluate the disintegration mechanism of sediments. The results show that the pore structure of sediments tend to disintegrate under the action of dissociation water, leading to an increase in the ions concentration of dissociation water. According to the ions concentration curve, the sediment disintegration is divided into two stages. The rapid disintegration stage is mainly related to clay minerals. The slow disintegration stage is mainly related to the dissolution of soluble salt minerals. The initial water content is the main factor affecting the disintegration of the sediment skeleton. Under the condition of low initial water content, the sediment skeleton disintegrates instantaneously in dissociation water. When the initial water content exceeds 30.6–37.9%, the pore structure of sediments tends to be stable in dissociation water. Studying the effect of dissociation water on the sediment pore structure is helpful to understand the mechanism of low water production and to optimize the exploitation regime of gas hydrate.
Antigen Specificity Enhances Disease Control by Tregs in Vitiligo
Authors: Mukhatayev Zhussipbek , Dellacecca Emilia R. , Cosgrove Cormac , Shivde Rohan , Jaishankar Dinesh , Pontarolo-Maag Katherine , Eby Jonathan M. , Henning Steven W. , Ostapchuk Yekaterina O. , Cedercreutz Kettil , Issanov Alpamys , Mehrotra Shikhar , Overbeck Andreas , Junghans Richard P. , Leventhal Joseph R. , Le Poole I. Caroline
Published: December 2020

Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disease characterized by melanocyte destruction. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are greatly reduced in vitiligo skin, and replenishing peripheral skin Tregs can provide protection against depigmentation. Ganglioside D3 (GD3) is overexpressed by perilesional epidermal cells, including melanocytes, which prompted us to generate GD3-reactive chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) Tregs to treat vitiligo. Mice received either untransduced Tregs or GD3-specific Tregs to test the hypothesis that antigen specificity contributes to reduced autoimmune reactivityin vitroandin vivo. CAR Tregs displayed increased IL-10 secretion in response to antigen, provided superior control of cytotoxicity towards melanocytes, and supported a significant delay in depigmentation compared to untransduced Tregs and vehicle control recipients in a TCR transgenic mouse model of spontaneous vitiligo. The latter findings were associated with a greater abundance of Tregs and melanocytes in treated mice versus both control groups. Our data support the concept that antigen-specific Tregs can be prepared, used, and stored for long-term control of progressive depigmentation.
B-Cell-Specific Myd88 L252P Expression Causes a Premalignant Gammopathy Resembling IgM MGUS
Authors: Schmidt Kristin , Sack Ulrike , Graf Robin , Winkler Wiebke , Popp Oliver , Mertins Philipp , Sommermann Thomas , Kocks Christine , Rajewsky Klaus
Published: December 2020

A highly recurrent somatic L265P mutation in the TIR domain of the signaling adapter MYD88 constitutively activates NF-κB. It occurs in nearly all human patients with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM), a B cell malignancy caused by IgM-expressing cells. Here, we introduced an inducible leucine to proline point mutation into the mouse Myd88 locus, at the orthologous position L252P. When the mutation was introduced early during B cell development, B cells developed normally. However, IgM-expressing plasma cells accumulated with age in spleen and bone, leading to more than 20-fold elevated serum IgM titers. When introduced into germinal center B cells in the context of an immunization, the Myd88L252Pmutation caused prolonged persistence of antigen-specific serum IgM and elevated numbers of antigen-specific IgM plasma cells. Myd88L252P-expressing B cells switched normally, but plasma cells expressing other immunoglobulin isotypes did not increase in numbers, implying that IgM expression may be required for the observed cellular expansion. In order to test whether the Myd88L252Pmutation can cause clonal expansions, we introduced it into a small fraction of CD19-positive B cells. In this scenario, five out of five mice developed monoclonal IgM serum paraproteins accompanied by an expansion of clonally related plasma cells that expressed mostly hypermutated VDJ regions. Taken together, our data suggest that the Myd88L252Pmutation is sufficient to promote aberrant survival and expansion of IgM-expressing plasma cells which in turn can cause IgM monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), the premalignant condition that precedes WM.
Migratory Zooplankton Excreta and Its Influence on Prokaryotic Communities
Authors: Maas Amy E. , Liu Shuting , Bolaños Luis M. , Widner Brittany , Parsons Rachel , Kujawinski Elizabeth B. , Blanco-Bercial Leocadio , Carlson Craig A.
Published: December 2020

Particulate organic matter (POM) (fecal pellets) from zooplankton has been demonstrated to be an important nutrient source for the pelagic prokaryotic community. Significantly less is known about the chemical composition of the dissolved organic matter (DOM) produced by these eukaryotes and its influence on pelagic ecosystem structure. Zooplankton migrators, which daily transport surface-derived compounds to depth, may act as important vectors of limiting nutrients for mesopelagic microbial communities. In this role, zooplankton may increase the DOM remineralization rate by heterotrophic prokaryotes through the creation of nutrient rich “hot spots” that could potentially increase niche diversity. To explore these interactions, we collected the migratory copepodPleuromamma xiphiasfrom the northwestern Sargasso Sea and sampled its excreta after 12–16 h of incubation. We measured bulk dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved free amino acids (DFAA) via high performance liquid chromatography and dissolved targeted metabolites via quantitative mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MSMS) to quantify organic zooplankton excreta production and characterize its composition. We observed production of labile DOM, including amino acids, vitamins, and nucleosides. Additionally, we harvested a portion of the excreta and subsequently used it as the growth medium for mesopelagic (200 m) bacterioplankton dilution cultures. In zooplankton excreta treatments we observed a four-fold increase in bacterioplankton cell densities that reached stationary growth phase after five days of dark incubation. Analyses of 16S rRNA gene amplicons suggested a shift from oligotrophs typical of open ocean and mesopelagic prokaryotic communities to more copiotrophic bacterial lineages in the presence of zooplankton excreta. These results support the hypothesis that zooplankton and prokaryotes are engaged in complex and indirect ecological interactions, broadening our understanding of the microbial loop.
Coupled Epidemio-Hydrodynamic Modeling to Understand the Spread of a Deadly Coral Disease in Florida
Authors: Dobbelaere Thomas , Muller Erinn M. , Gramer Lewis J. , Holstein Daniel M. , Hanert Emmanuel
Published: December 2020

For the last six years, the Florida Reef Tract (FRT) has been experiencing an outbreak of the Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD). First reported off the coast of Miami-Dade County in 2014, the SCTLD has since spread throughout the entire FRT with the exception of the Dry Tortugas. However, the causative agent for this outbreak is currently unknown. Here we show how a high-resolution bio-physical model coupled with a modified patch Susceptible-Infectious-Removed epidemic model can characterize the potential causative agent(s) of the disease and its vector. In the present study, the agent is assumed to be transported within composite material (e.g., coral mucus, dying tissues, and/or resuspended sediments) driven by currents and potentially persisting in the water column for extended periods of time. In this framework, our simulations suggest that the SCTLD is likely to be propagated within neutrally buoyant material driven by mean barotropic currents. Calibration of our model parameters with field data shows that corals are diseased within a mean transmission time of 6.45 days, with a basic reproduction number slightly above 1. Furthermore, the propagation speed of the disease through the FRT is shown to occur for a well-defined range of values of a disease threshold, defined as the fraction of diseased corals that causes an exponential growth of the disease in the reef site. Our results present a new connectivity-based approach to understand the spread of the SCTLD through the FRT. Such a method can provide a valuable complement to field observations and lab experiments to support the management of the epidemic as well as the identification of its causative agent.
The Neuromodulator-Encoding sadA Gene Is Widely Distributed in the Human Skin Microbiome
Authors: Luqman Arif , Zabel Susanne , Rahmdel Samane , Merz Britta , Gruenheit Nicole , Harter Johannes , Nieselt Kay , Götz Friedrich
Published: December 2020

Trace amines (TA) are endogenously produced in mammals, have a low concentration in the central nervous system (CNS), but trigger a variety of neurological effects and intervene in host cell communication. It emerged that neurotransmitters and TA are produced also by the microbiota. As it has been shown that TA contribute to wound healing, we examined the skin microbiome of probands using shotgun metagenomics. The phyla Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes were predominant. Since SadA is a highly promiscuous TA-producing decarboxylase in Firmicutes, the skin microbiome was specifically examined for the presence of sadA-homologous genes. By mapping the reads of certain genes, we found that, although there were less reads mapping to sadA than to ubiquitous housekeeping genes (arcC and mutS), normalized reads counts were still >1000 times higher than those of rare control genes (icaA, icaB, and epiA). At protein sequence level SadA homologs were found in at least 7 phyla: Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Cyanobacteria, and in 23 genera of the phylum Firmicutes. A high proportion of the genera that have a SadA homolog belong to the classical skin and intestinal microbiota. The distribution of sadA in so many different phyla illustrates the importance of horizontal gene transfer (HGT). We show that the sadA gene is widely distributed in the human skin microbiome. When comparing the sadA read counts in the probands, there was no correlation between age and gender, but an enormous difference in the sadA read counts in the microbiome of the individuals. Since sadA is involved in TA synthesis, it is likely that the TA content of the skin is correlated with the amount of TA producing bacteria in the microbiome. In this way, the microbiome-generated TA could influence signal transmission in the epithelial and nervous system.
COVID-19: The Emerging Immunopathological Determinants for Recovery or Death
Authors: Ahmad Tanveer , Chaudhuri Rituparna , Joshi Mohan C. , Almatroudi Ahmad , Rahmani Arshad Husain , Ali Syed Mansoor
Published: December 2020

Hyperactivation of the host immune system during infection by SARS-CoV-2 is the leading cause of death in COVID-19 patients. It is also evident that patients who develop mild/moderate symptoms and successfully recover display functional and well-regulated immune response. Whereas a delayed initial interferon response is associated with severe disease outcome and can be the tipping point towards immunopathological deterioration, often preceding death in COVID-19 patients. Further, adaptive immune response during COVID-19 is heterogeneous and poorly understood. At the same time, some studies suggest activated T and B cell response in severe and critically ill patients and the presence of SARS-CoV2-specific antibodies. Thus, understanding this problem and the underlying molecular pathways implicated in host immune function/dysfunction is imperative to devise effective therapeutic interventions. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the emerging immunopathological determinants and the mechanism of virus evasion by the host cell immune system. Using the knowledge gained from previous respiratory viruses and the emerging clinical and molecular findings on SARS-CoV-2, we have tried to provide a holistic understanding of the host innate and adaptive immune response that may determine disease outcome. Considering the critical role of the adaptive immune system during the viral clearance, we have presented the molecular insights of the plausible mechanisms involved in impaired T cell function/dysfunction during various stages of COVID-19.
Individual Differences in Interoceptive Accuracy Are Correlated With Salience Network Connectivity in Older Adults
Authors: Ueno Daisuke , Matsuoka Teruyuki , Kato Yuka , Ayani Nobutaka , Maeda Saaya , Takeda Minato , Narumoto Jin
Published: December 2020

Interoceptive accuracy refers to the ability to consciously perceive the physical condition of the inner body, including one’s heartbeat. In younger adults, interoceptive accuracy is correlated with insular and orbitofrontal cortical connectivity within the salience network (SN). As interoceptive accuracy and insular cortex volume are known to decrease with aging, we aimed to evaluate the correlation between SN connectivity and interoceptive accuracy in older adults. 27 older adults (mean age, 77.29 years, SD = 6.24; 19 female) underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, followed by a heartbeat counting task and neuropsychological test. We evaluated the correlation between interoceptive accuracy and SN connectivity with age, sex, cognitive function, and total gray matter volume as covariates. Region of interest-to-region of interest analyses showed that interoceptive accuracy was positively correlated with the functional connectivity (FC) of the left rostral prefrontal cortex with the right insular, right orbitofrontal, and anterior cingulate cortices [F(6,16) = 4.52, false discovery rate (FDR)-correctedp< 0.05]. Moreover, interoceptive accuracy was negatively correlated to the FC of the left anterior insular cortex with right intra-calcarine and visual medial cortices (F(6,16) = 2.04, FDR-correctedp< 0.10). These findings suggest that coordination between systems, with a positive correlation between left rostral prefrontal cortex and the SN and a negative correlation between left insular cortex and vision-related exteroceptive brain regions, is important for maintaining interoceptive accuracy in older adults.
Impact of Stimulus Features on the Performance of a Gaze-Independent Brain-Computer Interface Based on Covert Spatial Attention Shifts
Authors: Reichert Christoph , Tellez Ceja Igor Fabian , Sweeney-Reed Catherine M. , Heinze Hans-Jochen , Hinrichs Hermann , Dürschmid Stefan
Published: December 2020

Regaining communication abilities in patients who are unable to speak or move is one of the main goals in decoding brain waves for brain-computer interface (BCI) control. Many BCI approaches designed for communication rely on attention to visual stimuli, commonly applying an oddball paradigm, and require both eye movements and adequate visual acuity. These abilities may, however, be absent in patients who depend on BCI communication. We have therefore developed a response-based communication BCI, which is independent of gaze shifts but utilizes covert shifts of attention to the left or right visual field. We recorded the electroencephalogram (EEG) from 29 channels and coregistered the vertical and horizontal electrooculogram. Data-driven decoding of small attention-based differences between the hemispheres, also known as N2pc, was performed using 14 posterior channels, which are expected to reflect correlates of visual spatial attention. Eighteen healthy participants responded to 120 statements by covertly directing attention to one of two colored symbols (green and red crosses for “yes” and “no,” respectively), presented in the user’s left and right visual field, respectively, while maintaining central gaze fixation. On average across participants, 88.5% (std: 7.8%) of responses were correctly decoded online. In order to investigate the potential influence of stimulus features on accuracy, we presented the symbols with different visual angles, by altering symbol size and eccentricity. The offline analysis revealed that stimulus features have a minimal impact on the controllability of the BCI. Hence, we show with our novel approach that spatial attention to a colored symbol is a robust method with which to control a BCI, which has the potential to support severely paralyzed people with impaired eye movements and low visual acuity in communicating with their environment.
Effects of Cyclocarya paliurus Aqueous and Ethanol Extracts on Glucolipid Metabolism and the Underlying Mechanisms: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Liu Wei , Wu You , Hu Yuli , Qin Shuai , Guo Xiaoyuan , Wang Minghui , Wu Lili , Liu Tonghua
Published: December 2020

Background and Aims:Cyclocarya paliurus (CP) has been used as an herbal tea to treat diabetes mellitus and obesity for hundreds of years. Previous research suggests that CP specifically restores glucolipid metabolic homeostasis, and the two most studied preparations are aqueous and ethanol extracts. In order to verify the effect of CP on glucolipid metabolism in animal models with metabolic syndrome, a meta-analysis was performed, and the active components and underlying mechanisms were systematically reviewed.

Methods: Four databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify potential literature. Data of blood glucose (BG) level, area under curve (AUC) of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were extracted as indicators of the assessment of CP's effects. Follow-up analyses including subgroup analysis, meta-regressions, and publication bias were also conducted.

Results: A total of 96 papers were identified from the databases and 11 papers including 31 data reports were involved in the meta-analysis. CP had a positive effect in down-regulating BG, AUC of OGTT, TC, TG, and LDL, and up-regulating HDL (P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval of standard mean difference did not incorporate the null value 0).

Conclusion: CP showed definite activity of regulating glucolipid metabolism in animal models, and it exerted its function through multiple mechanisms including but not limited to: (1) improving insulin resistance; (2) protecting pancreatic β cells; (3) decreasing inflammatory infiltration; and (4) anti-oxidative stress.
The Role of Autophagy in Tumor Immunology—Complex Mechanisms That May Be Explored Therapeutically
Authors: de Souza Alana Serrano Campelo , Gonçalves Letícia Boslooper , Lepique Ana Paula , de Araujo-Souza Patrícia Savio
Published: December 2020

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is complex, and its composition and dynamics determine tumor fate. From tumor cells themselves, with their capacity for unlimited replication, migration, and invasion, to fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells, which can have pro and/or anti-tumor potential, interaction among these elements determines tumor progression. The understanding of molecular pathways involved in immune escape has permitted the development of cancer immunotherapies. Targeting molecules or biological processes that inhibit antitumor immune responses has allowed a significant improvement in cancer patient’s prognosis. Autophagy is a cellular process required to eliminate dysfunctional proteins and organelles, maintaining cellular homeostasis. Usually a process associated with protection against cancer, autophagy associated to cancer cells has been reported in response to hypoxia, nutrient deficiency, and oxidative stress, conditions frequently observed in the TME. Recent studies have shown a paradoxical association between autophagy and tumor immune responses. Tumor cell autophagy increases the expression of inhibitory molecules, such as PD-1 and CTLA-4, which block antitumor cytotoxic responses. Moreover, it can also directly affect antitumor immune responses by, for example, degrading NK cell-derived granzyme B and protecting tumor cells. Interestingly, the activation of autophagy on dendritic cells has the opposite effects, enhancing antigen presentation, triggering CD8+ T cells cytotoxic activity, and reducing tumor growth. Therefore, this review will focus on the most recent aspects of autophagy and tumor immune environment. We describe the dual role of autophagy in modulating tumor immune responses and discuss some aspects that must be considered to improve cancer treatment.
Phenotypic Characterization of Intellectual Disability Caused by MBOAT7 Mutation in Two Consanguineous Pakistani Families
Authors: Sun Liwei , Khan Amjad , Zhang Han , Han Shirui , Habulieti Xiaerbati , Wang Rongrong , Zhang Xue
Published: December 2020

A homozygous in-frame deletion (c. 758_778del; p. Glu253_Ala259del) in membrane-bound O-acyltransferase family member 7 (MBOAT7), also known as lysophosphatidylinositol acyltransferase (LPIAT1), was previously reported to be the genetic cause of intellectual disability (ID) in consanguineous families from Pakistan. Here, we identified two additional Pakistani consanguineous families with severe ID individuals sharing the same homozygous variant. Thus, we provide further evidence to support this MBOAT7 mutation as a potential founder variant. To understand the genotype-phenotype relationships of the in-frame deletion in the MBOAT7 gene, we located the variant in the fifth transmembrane domain of the protein and determined that it causes steric hindrance to the formation of an α-helix and hydrogen bond, possibly influencing its effectiveness as a functional transmembrane protein. Moreover, extensive neuropsychological observations, clinical interviews and genetic analysis were performed on 6 patients from the 2 families. We characterized the phenotype of the patients and noted the serious outcome of severe paraplegia. Thus, optimal management for symptom alleviation and appropriate screening in these patients are crucial.
Elevated Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen Impact Wheat and Its Aphid Pest
Authors: Carreras Navarro Eva , Lam Shu Kee , Trębicki Piotr
Published: December 2020

The rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) generally increases wheat biomass and grain yield but decreases its nutritional value. This, in turn, can alter the metabolic rates, development, and performance of insect pests feeding on the crop. However, it is unclear how elevated CO2 (eCO2) and nitrogen (N) input affect insect pest biology through changes in wheat growth and tissue N content. We investigated the effect of three different N application rates (low, medium, and high) and two CO2 levels (ambient and elevated) on wheat growth and quality and the development and performance of the bird cherry-oat aphid, a major cereal pest worldwide, under controlled environmental conditions. We found that eCO2 significantly decreased total aphid fecundity and wheat N content by 22 and 39%, respectively, when compared to ambient CO2 (aCO2). Greater N application significantly increased total aphid fecundity and plant N content but did not offset the effects of eCO2. Our findings provide important information on aphid threats under future CO2 conditions, as the heavy infestation of the bird cherry-oat aphid is detrimental to wheat grain yield and quality.
Affective Determinants of Physical Activity: A Conceptual Framework and Narrative Review
Authors: Stevens Courtney J. , Baldwin Austin S. , Bryan Angela D. , Conner Mark , Rhodes Ryan E. , Williams David M.
Published: December 2020

The literature on affective determinants of physical activity (PA) is growing rapidly. The present paper aims to provide greater clarity regarding the definition and distinctions among the various affect-related constructs that have been examined in relation to PA. Affective constructs are organized according to the Affect and Health Behavior Framework (AHBF), including: (1)affective response(e.g., how one feels in response to PA behavior) to PA; (2)incidental affect(e.g., how one feels throughout the day, unrelated to the target behavior); (3)affect processing(e.g., affective associations, implicit attitudes, remembered affect, anticipated affective response, and affective judgments); and (4)affectively charged motivational states(e.g., intrinsic motivation, fear, and hedonic motivation). After defining each category of affective construct, we provide examples of relevant research showing how each construct may relate to PA behavior. We conclude each section with a discussion of future directions for research.
A Hybrid Human-Neurorobotics Approach to Primary Intersubjectivity via Active Inference
Authors: Chame Hendry F. , Ahmadi Ahmadreza , Tani Jun
Published: December 2020

Interdisciplinary efforts from developmental psychology, phenomenology, and philosophy of mind, have studied the rudiments of social cognition and conceptualized distinct forms of intersubjective communication and interaction at human early life.Interaction theoristsconsiderprimary intersubjectivitya non-mentalist, pre-theoretical, non-conceptual sort of processes that ground a certain level of communication and understanding, and provide support to higher-level cognitive skills. We argue the study of human/neurorobot interaction consists in a unique opportunity to deepen understanding of underlying mechanisms in social cognition through synthetic modeling, while allowing to examine a second person experiential (2PP) access to intersubjectivity in embodied dyadic interaction. Concretely, we propose the study of primary intersubjectivity as a 2PP experience characterized by predictive engagement, where perception, cognition, and action are accounted for an hermeneutic circle in dyadic interaction. From our interpretation of the concept ofactive inferenceinfree-energy principletheory, we propose an open-source methodology namedneural robotics library(NRL) for experimental human/neurorobot interaction, wherein a demonstration program namedvirtual Cartesian robot(VCBot) provides an opportunity to experience the aforementioned embodied interaction to general audiences. Lastly, through a study case, we discuss some ways human-robot primary intersubjectivity can contribute to cognitive science research, such as to the fields of developmental psychology, educational technology, and cognitive rehabilitation.
Night Shift Among Women: Is It Associated With Difficulty Conceiving a First Birth?
Authors: Fernandez Renae C. , Moore Vivienne M. , Marino Jennifer L. , Whitrow Melissa J. , Davies Michael J.
Published: December 2020

Background: Asynchrony in circadian processes alters many physiological systems, including female reproduction. Thus, there are possible reproductive consequences of night shift work for women including menstrual irregularity, endometriosis, and prolonged time to conception. This study examined whether women who worked night shift were more likely than those who did not to require fertility treatment to conceive a first birth, whether they had specific infertility diagnoses, and if such relationships were age-specific.

Methods: In a retrospective data linkage study of 128,852 primiparous women, fertility treatment data were linked to the state perinatal registry for South Australia (1986–2002). Potential exposure to night shift work was assessed using a job-exposure matrix. First, the association between night shift work and fertility treatment was assessed among (1) all women, then (2) women in paid employment, using logistic regression. Interactions between age and shift work status were also examined. Secondly, among women who conceived with fertility treatment, we assessed associations between night shift work and type of infertility diagnosis. Potential confounders were considered in all analyses.

Results: Among women ≤35 years, night shift workers were more likely to require fertility treatment (all: OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.19–1.64; in paid employment: OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.08–1.50). There were no associations among women >35 years. Ethnicity, socioeconomic status and smoking did not affect these results. Among women who underwent fertility treatment, night shift workers were more likely than day workers to have menstrual irregularity (OR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.05–1.91) or endometriosis (OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.00–1.80).

Conclusions: Night shift work may contribute to increased need for fertility treatment in younger women. This increased risk may reflect young women's vulnerability in terms of poor tolerance of night shift work, and/or lack of control and choice about shift schedule.
“…This Has to Do With My Identity. And I Don't Want to Make it Totally Transparent.” Identity Relevance in the Attitudes of Affected People and Laypersons to the Handling of High-Throughput Genomic Data
Authors: Urban Alexander
Published: December 2020

With the establishment of genome sequencing, the influence of genomic information on self-understanding and identity construction has become increasingly important. New sequencing methods far exceed previous genetic tests in terms of scope and quantity. Despite theoretical approaches, however, there are few empirical findings on the identity-relevant influence of genomic information. The present study examines genomic information's identity-relevant influences and considers whether developments in the field of genome sequencing may generate problems that are not yet addressed by existing identity concepts based on traditional genetic tests. The study is based on 10 partially standardized interviews with personally affected persons and four focus groups with medical laypersons as representatives of the public, which were evaluated on the basis of qualitative content analysis. As a result, this paper presents five thematic areas with identity-relevant references within subjective attitudes toward the handling of genomic information, and also derives two basic identity concepts. The results indicate that the lay discourse is still strongly based on older debates about genetic testing and that the view on the complexity of genomic information established in the scientific context has thus far no influence on the perspectives either of those affected or laypersons.
Bioactive Compounds and Antiradical Activity of the Rosa canina L. Leaf and Twig Extracts
Authors: Kubczak Małgorzata , Khassenova Ainur B. , Skalski Bartosz , Michlewska Sylwia , Wielanek Marzena , Aralbayeva Araylim N. , Murzakhmetova Maira K. , Zamaraeva Maria , Skłodowska Maria , Bryszewska Maria , Ionov Maksim
Published: December 2020

It is important to search for new sources of bioactive, natural compounds, because customers are paying more attention to food quality. Fruits and berries from horticultural plants are known to be good sources of agents beneficial for human well-being and could serve as natural preservatives in the food industry. However, more recent research indicates that other plant organs can also be rich in nutrients. Our study focused on characterizing an unexplored source, namely leaf and twig extracts from Rosa canina. The chemical composition of these extracts was analyzed and their in vitro activity measured. HPLC analysis of the content of phenolics, vitamins and amino acids revealed that the leaf and twig extracts were found to be rich in bioactive compounds with potent antioxidant properties. The greatest differences between bioactive phenolic compounds in leaf and twig extracts related mainly to p-coumaric acid, myricetin, ellagic acid, cyanidin, procyanidin and quercetin, whereas salicylic acid levels were similar in both types of extract. Interactions with human serum albumin were investigated, and some conformational changes in protein structure were observed. Further analysis (lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, thiol group oxidation, DPPH inhibition and ROS inhibition) confirmed that both leaf and twig extracts exhibited antioxidant and antiradical scavenging activities. Cytotoxicity and hemotoxicity assays confirmed very low toxicity of the extracts towards human cells over the range of concentrations tested. Our results indicate that both extracts could serve as non-toxic sources of bioactive compounds with antiradical properties.
Land Suitability Analysis for Potato Crop in the Jucusbamba and Tincas Microwatersheds (Amazonas, NW Peru): AHP and RS–GIS Approach
Authors: Iliquín Trigoso Daniel , Salas López Rolando , Rojas Briceño Nilton B. , Silva López Jhonsy O. , Gómez Fernández Darwin , Oliva Manuel , Quiñones Huatangari Lenin , Terrones Murga Renzo E. , Barboza Castillo Elgar , Barrena Gurbillón Miguel Ángel
Published: December 2020

Agricultural productivity in the Peruvian region of Amazonas is being jeopardized by conflicts and inadequate land use, that are ultimately contributing to environmental degradation. Therefore, our aim is to assess land suitability for potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) farming in the Jucusbamba and Tincas microwatersheds located in Amazonas, in order to improve land-use planning and enhance the crop productivity of small-scale farmers. The site selection methodology involved a pair-wise comparison matrix (PCM) and a weighted multicriteria analysis using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) on selected biophysical and socioeconomical drivers. Simultaneously, land cover mapping was conducted using field samples, remote sensing (RS), geostatistics and geographic information systems (GIS). The results indicated that for potato crop farming, the most important criteria are climatological (30.14%), edaphological (29.16%), topographical (25.72%) and socioeconomical (14.98%) in nature. The final output map indicated that 8.2% (22.91 km2) was highly suitable, 68.5% (190.37 km2) was moderately suitable, 21.6% (60.11 km2) was marginally suitable and 0.0% was not suitable for potato farming. Built-up areas (archaeological sites, urban and road networks) and bodies of water were discarded from this study (4.64 km2). This study intends to promote and guide sustainable agriculture through agricultural land planning.
Effects of Cold Stress and Ammonia Concentration on Productive Performance and Egg Quality Traits of Laying Hens
Authors: Li Dapeng , Tong Qin , Shi Zhengxiang , Zheng Weichao , Wang Yu , Li Baoming , Yan Geqi
Published: December 2020

In a cold climate, ensuring indoor air quality and heat preservation simultaneously has always been a difficult problem in the poultry house. The current study was carried out in order to determine the effects of chronic low temperature and ammonia concentration on productive performance and egg quality of commercial laying hens. 576 18-week-old Hy-line Brown hens were used in this study. Birds were housed in cages and received for 20-week exposure to low temperature and ammonia in six artificial environmental chambers. Birds were randomly assigned into six treatments: treatment 1 (T1, 20 °C, ≤5 ppm, control group), treatment 2 (T2, 20 °C, 20 ppm), treatment 3 (T3, 20 °C, 45 ppm), treatment 4 (T4, 8 °C, ≤5 ppm), treatment 5 (T5, 8 °C, 20 ppm) and treatment 6 (T6, 8 °C, 45 ppm). Daily feed intake (DFI), feed efficiency (FE), egg production (EP) and body weight (BW) were recorded and calculated from 19 weeks of age. Egg samples were collected at 22, 26, 30, 34 and 38 weeks of age and egg weight (EW), shell breaking strength (SBS), albumen height (AH), yolk weight (YW), shell weight (SW), shell thickness (ST) and Haugh unit (HU) were measured. The results of the present study indicated that low temperature and excessive ammonia decreased the EP of hens compared with those of the T1 birds. Low temperature increased DFI of hens thereby FE showed significant differences among treatments. During the early period of the experiment, low temperature treatment increased the BW of laying hens, but this trend of increase was suppressed by the treatment of ammonia with the prolongation of the experimental period. Egg quality was also affected by low temperature and excessive ammonia. At different experimental periods, egg quality traits of hens exposed to the cold and ammonia stress presented significant differences compared to those of control birds. The present study indicated that the effect of ammonia was more pronounced on hens than that of low temperature at the early and peak laying period in terms of several main traits of productive performance and egg quality under long term hens breeding.
The Use of Hides during and after Calving in New Zealand Dairy Cows
Authors: Zobel Gosia , Proudfoot Kathryn , Cave Vanessa , Huddart Frances , Webster James
Published: December 2020

Isolation during calving is a common dairy cow behavior, however it has not been examined in large outdoor group settings. The provision of “hides” was monitored for its impact on calving location and cow–calf behavior. Stocking density and bedding management were either controlled (Phase 1) or managed according to farm practice (Phase 2). Hides were used for calving by 18% (Phase 1) and 22% (Phase 2) of the cows; a further 59% and 44% of cows moved into the hides after calving (Phase 1 and 2, respectively). When hides were not available, cows calved near the edges of the calving area. In Phase 2, as stocking density increased, cows tended to use the hides less. Older cows were less likely to isolate regardless of management. Cow–calf interaction with other cows and calves was lower when hides were available. There was no evidence that hides reduced incorrect matching of cows and calves by staff, however cases of “mismothering” (i.e., calves being taken by other dams) were observed. Since the majority of cows used the hides at some stage before or after calving, we suggest opportunities for seclusion should be provided in large calving groups.
The Effect of Ag Nanoparticles and Multimicrobial Preparation as Factors Stabilizing the Microbiological Homeostasis of Feed Tables for Cornu aspersum (Müller) Snails on Snail Growth and Quality Parameters of Carcasses and Shells
Authors: Łozicki Andrzej , Niemiec Tomasz , Pietrasik Robert , Pawęta Sylwester , Rygało-Galewska Anna , Zglińska Klara
Published: December 2020

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of Ag nanoparticles (nano-Ag) used in the paint covering feed tables or a multimicrobial preparation applied to feed tables on the microbiological composition of the feed table environment, the growth and mortality of snails, and selected parameters for assessing the quality of carcasses and snail shells. The research was carried out in a farm of Cornu aspersum (Müller) snails. In the control (K) group, paint without nano-Ag was used. In two other groups (N-Ag and N-Ag + effective microorganisms (EM)), the feed tables were covered with the same paint as in the control group but with the addition of 100 mg/L of nano-Ag it (N-Ag group). Additionally, multimicrobial preparation (EM Bokashi®) at a concentration of 10% was spread on the tables in the N-Ag + EM group. In the last group (EM), the feed tables were covered with paint without nano-Ag, and only multimicrobial preparation was applied at a concentration of 10%. During the tests, the body weight of snails was measured three times, and swab samples were taken from the feed tables for the examination of microbiological composition. At the end of the experiment, the snails were killed, and the weight of the carcass and the size of the shell were measured. The content of Ag and the degree of lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)) in the carcasses were analyzed, and the content of Ca and the crushing strength of the shells were determined. In the N-Ag and N-Ag + EM groups, a significant reduction in the total number of bacteria, fecal streptococci, and Escherichia coli was found, while there was also a reduction in mold and fungi in the N-Ag + EM and EM groups. In the K and EM groups, the mortality of animals was higher than in the nano-Ag groups. In subsequent weight checks, the highest body weight was found in the EM group and the lowest in the N-Ag and N-Ag + EM groups. In addition, the carcass weight and shell size in the N-Ag group was significantly lower compared to the K and EM groups. In the N-Ag and N-Ag + EM groups, a higher Ag content in the carcasses and a greater degree of lipid peroxidation were found. The Ca content of the shells was the highest in the N-Ag group, and the hardness of shells was the highest in the N-Ag and N-Ag + EM groups.
The Serum and Saliva Proteome of Dogs with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Franco-Martínez Lorena , Gelemanović Andrea , Horvatić Anita , Contreras-Aguilar María Dolores , Mrljak Vladimir , Cerón José Joaquín , Martínez-Subiela Silvia , Tvarijonaviciute Asta
Published: December 2020

This study aims to evaluate the changes in salivary and serum proteomes that occur in canine diabetes mellitus type-1 (DM) through a high-throughput quantitative proteomic analysis. The proteomes of 10 paired serum and saliva samples from healthy controls (HC group, n = 5) and dogs with untreated DM (DM group, n = 5) were analyzed using Tandem Mass Tags (TMT)-based proteomic approach. Additionally, 24 serum samples from healthy controls and untreated DM were used to validate haptoglobin in serum. The TMT analysis quantified 767 and 389 proteins in saliva and serum, respectively. Of those, 16 unique proteins in serum and 26 in saliva were differently represented between DM and HC groups. The verification of haptoglobin in serum was in concordance with the proteomic data. Our results pointed out changes in both saliva and serum proteomes that reflect different physiopathological changes in dogs with DM. Although some of the proteins identified here, such as malate dehydrogenase or glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, were previously related with DM in dogs, most of the proteins modulated in serum and saliva are described in canine DM for the first time and could be a source of potential biomarkers of the disease. Additionally, the molecular function, biological process, pathways and protein class of the differential proteins were revealed, which could improve the understanding of the disease’s pathological mechanisms.
Fatal Pulmonary Hypertension and Right-Sided Congestive Heart Failure in a Kitten Infected with Aelurostrongylus abstrusus
Authors: Vezzosi Tommaso , Perrucci Stefania , Parisi Francesca , Morelli Simone , Maestrini Michela , Mennuni Giulia , Traversa Donato , Poli Alessandro
Published: December 2020

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is considered the most important respiratory nematode of domestic cats worldwide. This parasite inhabits the alveoli, alveolar ducts, and bronchioles and causes a subacute to chronic respiratory clinical disease. Clinical signs may occur in domestic cats of any age, though they are more often described in young animals. Physical examination, echocardiography, thoracic radiography, pulmonary and cardiac pathological findings, classical, and molecular parasitological analysis of a six-month-old kitten referred at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Pisa (Italy) led to a diagnosis of parasitic bronchopneumonia caused by A. abstrusus, which was complicated by severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) and right-sided congestive heart failure (R-CHF) that caused the death of the animal. Cases of reversible PH associated with A. abstrusus infection have been seldom reported in cats. This is the first report of fatal PH and R-CHF in a kitten with clinical aelurostrongylosis.
Steps of the Replication Cycle of the Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia Virus (VHSV) Affecting Its Virulence on Fish
Authors: López-Vázquez Carmen , Bandín Isabel , Panzarin Valentina , Toffan Anna , Cuenca Argelia , Olesen Niels J. , Dopazo Carlos P.
Published: December 2020

The viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV), a single-stranded negative-sense RNA novirhabdovirus affecting a wide range of marine and freshwater fish species, is a main concern for European rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fish farmers. Its genome is constituted by six genes, codifying five structural and one nonstructural proteins. Many studies have been carried out to determine the participation of each gene in the VHSV virulence, most of them based on genome sequence analysis and/or reverse genetics to construct specific mutants and to evaluate their virulence phenotype. In the present study, we have used a different approach with a similar aim: hypothesizing that a failure in any step of the replication cycle can reduce the virulence in vivo, we studied in depth the in vitro replication of VHSV in different cell lines, using sets of strains from different origins, with high, low and moderate levels of virulence for fish. The results demonstrated that several steps in the viral replication cycle could affect VHSV virulence in fish, including adsorption, RNA synthesis and morphogenesis (including viral release). Notably, differences among strains in any step of the replication cycle were mostly strain-specific and reflected only in part the in vivo phenotype (high and low virulent). Our data, therefore, support the need for further studies aimed to construct completely avirulent VHSV recombinants targeting a combination of genes rather than a single one in order to study the mechanisms of genes interplay and their effect on viral phenotype in vitro and in vivo.