bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermoneutrality and severe malaria: investigating the effect of warmer environmental temperatures on the inflammatory response and disease progression
Authors: Vialard Fiorella , Allaeys Isabelle , Dong George , Phan Minh Phuong , Singh Urvashi , Hébert Marie Josée , Dieudé Mélanie , Langlais David , Boilard Eric , Labbé David P. , Olivier Martin
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Most studies using murine disease models are conducted at housing temperatures (20 – 22°C) that are sub-optimal (ST) for mice, eliciting changes in metabolism and response to disease. Experiments performed at a thermoneutral temperature (TT; 28 – 31°C) have revealed an altered immune response to pathogens and experimental treatments in murine disease model that have implications for their translation to clinical research. How such conditions affect the inflammatory response to infection with Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA) and disease progression is unknown. We hypothesized that changes in environmental temperature modulate immune cells and modify host response to malaria disease. To test this hypothesis, we conducted experiments to determine: (1) the inflammatory response to malarial agents injection in a peritonitis model and (2) disease progression in PbA-infected mice at TT compared to ST.

Methods

In one study, acclimatized mice were injected intraperitoneally with native hemozoin (nHZ) or Leishmania at TT (28 – 31°C) or ST, and immune cells, cytokine, and extracellular vesicle (EV) profiles were determined from the peritoneal cavity (PEC) fluid. In another study, PbA-infected mice were monitored until end-point (i.e. experimental malaria score ≥4).

Results

We found that Leishmania injection resulted in decreased cell recruitment and higher phagocytosis of nHZ in mice housed at TT. We found 398 upregulated and 293 downregulated proinflammatory genes in mice injected with nHZ, at both temperatures. We report the presence of host-derived EVs never reported before in a murine parasitic murine model at both temperatures. We observed metabolic changes in mice housed at TT, but these did not result to noticeable changes in disease progression compared to ST.

Discussion

To our knowledge, these experiments are the first to investigate the effect of thermoneutrality on a malaria murine model. We found important metabolic difference in mice housed at TT. Our results offer insights on how thermoneutrality might impact a severe malaria murine model and directions for more targeted investigations.
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells and pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Zhang Hui , Li Qi-Wei , Li Yuan-Yuan , Tang Xue , Gu Ling , Liu Han-Min
Published: June 2023

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic pulmonary vascular disorder characterized by an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary arterial pressure. The detailed molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In recent decades, increasing evidence shows that altered immune microenvironment, comprised of immune cells, mesenchymal cells, extra-cellular matrix and signaling molecules, might induce the development of PH. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have been proposed over 30 years, and the functional importance of MDSCs in the immune system is appreciated recently. MDSCs are a heterogeneous group of cells that expand during cancer, chronic inflammation and infection, which have a remarkable ability to suppress T-cell responses and may exacerbate the development of diseases. Thus, targeting MDSCs has become a novel strategy to overcome immune evasion, especially in tumor immunotherapy. Nowadays, severe PH is accepted as a cancer-like disease, and MDSCs are closely related to the development and prognosis of PH. Here, we review the relationship between MDSCs and PH with respect to immune cells, cytokines, chemokines and metabolism, hoping that the key therapeutic targets of MDSCs can be identified in the treatment of PH, especially in severe PH.
Case Report: A novel IRF2BP2 mutation in an IEI patient with recurrent infections and autoimmune disorders
Authors: Pan Yiwen , Shang Guoguo , Li Jing , Zhang Yuwen , Liu Jianying , Ji Yuan , Ding Jing , Wang Xin
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by increased risk of infections, autoimmunity, autoinflammatory diseases, malignancy and allergy. Next-generation sequencing has revolutionized the identification of genetic background of these patients and assists in diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we identified a probable unique monogenic cause of IEI, and evaluated the immunological methods and pathogenic detections.

Methods

A family with a member with a clinical diagnosis of IEI was screened by whole genomic sequencing (WGS). Demographic data, clinical manifestations, medical history, physical examination, laboratory findings and imaging features of the patient were extracted from medical records. Comprehensive immune monitoring methods include a complete blood count with differential, serum levels of cytokines and autoantibodies, T-cell and B-cell subsets analysis and measurement of serum immunoglobulins. In addition, metagenomic sequencing (mNGS) of blood, cerebrospinal fluid and biopsy from small intestine were used to detect potential pathogens.

Results

The patient manifested with recurrent infections and autoimmune disorders, who was eventually diagnosed with IEI. Repetitive mNGS tests of blood, cerebrospinal fluid and biopsy from small intestine didn’t detect pathogenic microorganism. Immunological tests showed a slightly decreased level of IgG than normal, elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-6. Lymphocyte flow cytometry showed elevated total B cells and natural killer cells, decreased total T cells and B-cell plasmablasts. WGS of the patient identified a novel heterozygous mutation in IRF2BP2 (c.439_450dup p. Thr147_Pro150dup), which was also confirmed in his father. The mutation was classified as variant of uncertain significance (VUS) according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines.

Conclusion

We identified a novel IRF2BP2 mutation in a family with a member diagnosed with IEI. Immune monitoring and WGS as auxiliary tests are helpful in identifying genetic defects and assisting diagnosis in patients with clinically highly suspected immune abnormalities and deficiencies in inflammation regulation. In addition, mNGS techniques allow a more comprehensive assessment of the pathogenic characteristics of these patients. This report further validates the association of IRF2BP2 deficiency and IEI, and expands IEI phenotypes.
Increased captures of the critically endangered leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) around New Zealand: the contribution of warming seas and fisher behavior
Authors: Dunn Matthew R. , Finucci Brittany , Pinkerton Matthew H. , Sutton Philip , Duffy Clinton A.J.
Published: June 2023

Five species of sea turtles are known to occur in New Zealand waters, with the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) being the most frequently reported. In New Zealand all sea turtles are protected, but there are currently no fisheries bycatch mitigation measures. We describe fishery captures of leatherbacks from Ministry observer and fisher self-reported data. A generalized additive model (GAM) was then used to evaluate which factors might explain the observed year trend in captures. Between fishing years 2007–08 and 2020–21 (years starting 1 October), there were 217 captures of leatherback turtles, an annual average of 15.5. Reported captures increased substantially to 50 in 2020–21. Nearly all (97.7%) captures were reported from surface longline fisheries. Because of sparse observer coverage most captures (85.3%) were self-reported by fishers. Within the main fishery, just 9.4% of the vessels reported 94.5% of the leatherback captures, and one vessel reported 40.4% of all captures. Some non-reporting of captures seems likely. The GAM estimated a higher probability of capture with increasing SST from a constant-over-time spatial pattern of monthly sea surface temperature, and predicted the increase in captures in 2020–21. Much of the increase in bycatch could therefore be explained by the fleet moving into warmer areas where the probability of leatherback capture was higher. Capture mitigation measures could include restricting fishing in turtle ‘hotspot’ times and areas. New Zealand waters should be recognized as an important seasonal foraging ground for leatherback turtles where capture mitigation measures are necessary.
Field measurement of the erosion threshold of silty seabed in the intertidal flat of the Yellow River Delta with a newly-developed annular flume
Authors: Liu Hanlu , Jia Yonggang , Zhang Shaotong , Shan Hongxian , Xue Liang , Sun Zhiwen , Quan Yongzheng , Li Zhenghui , Chen Tian , Tian Zhuangcai , Wang Zhenhao
Published: June 2023

Accurately measuring the critical shear stress is crucial for numerous applications, such as sediment transport modeling, erosion prediction, and the design of sustainable coastal engineering structures. However, developing reliable and precise in-situ measurement devices faces significant challenges due to the harsh and dynamic nature of aquatic environments. Factors like turbulence and waves introduce complexities that must be considered when designing and calibrating these devices. The newly developed Openable Underwater Carousel In-situ Flume (OUC-IF) was used to determine the critical shear stress (τc) and quantify erosion rates. Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV) was employed to measure 3D near-bottom velocities, which were then used to estimate and pre-calibrate bed shear stress (τ) applied on the seabed in the annular flume. Three computation methods of shear stress were evaluated: turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), direct covariance (COV), and log profile (LP). In-situ erosion experiments were conducted for the first time at two sites in the tidal flat of the Yellow River Delta (site 1 with a water depth of 1.32 m and site 2 with a water depth of 0.75 m). The critical shear stress was found to be 0.10 Pa at site 1 and 0.19 Pa at site 2, and the erosion rates of the sediments were successfully measured. The effect of wave-seabed interactions on erosion resistance was explored by theoretically estimating the wave-induced pore pressure of the seabed based on the observed data. The max liquefaction degree of the seabed at site 1 and site 2 was 0.035 and 0.057, respectively, and the average erosion coefficient Me was 2.63E-05 kg m-2s-1 at site 1 and 3.48E-05 kg m-2s-1 at site 2.
Photothermal excitation in non-local semiconductor materials with variable moisture thermal conductivity according to moisture diffusivity
Authors: El-Sapa Shreen , El-Bary Alaa A. , Chtioui Houda , Becheikh Nidhal , Lotfy Khaled
Published: June 2023

In this work, a new model is described for the case of interference between thermal, plasma and elastic waves in a non-local excited semiconductor medium. The governing equations have been put under the influence of moisture diffusion in one dimension (1D) when the moisture thermal conductivity of the non-local medium is taken in variable form. Linear transformations were used to describe the dimensionless model. The photo-thermoelasticity theory according to moisture diffusivity was applied to describe the governing equations using Laplace transforms to obtain analytical solutions. In the time domain, complete solutions are obtained linearly when the conditions are applied (thermal ramp type and non-Gaussian plasma shock) to the surface through numerical methods of inverse Laplace transforms. Numerical simulation is used to display the basic physical quantities under study graphically. The current research has yielded several specific examples of great significance. Many comparisons are made under the influence of fundamental physical variables such as relaxation times, variable thermal conductivity, non-local parameters, and reference moisture parameters through graphing and describing them theoretically.
Effect from usage and autoclave sterilization on torsional fracture resistance of heat-treated nickel-titanium instruments: an in-vitro study
Authors: Kang Yoo Jung , Alshehhi Aisha , Al Raeesi Dana , Alkhatib Zuhair , Jamal Mohamed , El Abed Rashid , Kim Hyeon-Cheol
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the effect from usage and autoclaving on torsional fracture resistance of heat-treated nickel-titanium rotary instruments. ProTaper Gold F2 (PG) and TruNatomy Prime (TN) were selected. For group-N, new files were tested to make a baseline torsional resistance. For group-U, files underwent instrumentation in a J-shaped canal block, and files were tested. For group-S, files underwent instrumentation as in the group-U and followed by autoclave sterilization then were tested. Maximum torsional strength and distortion angel until fracture were measured using a customized device and toughness was calculated. Statistical analysis was conducted at the significance level of 95%. The topographic appearances of torsional fracture fragments were examined under scanning electron microscopy. PG showed significantly higher torsional strength after usage and sterilization; however, TN had reduced torsional strength (p < 0.05). PG showed significantly higher torsional strength in group-S than subgroup-N, while TN showed significantly lower torsional strength in group-U than group-N (p < 0.05). Regardless of the test conditions, PG showed significantly higher torsional strength and toughness than TN while TN had bigger distortion angle than PG (p < 0.05). The mechanical loads from usage and heat application during sterilization may result in alteration of torsional resistances according to geometry and alloy characteristics.
Effects of acupuncture on gastrointestinal diseases and its underlying mechanism: a literature review of animal studies
Authors: Kim Min-Joon , Lee Seri , Kim Seung-Nam
Published: June 2023

Acupuncture is a non-pharmacological traditional Chinese medical technique that has been used for various types of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases in Eastern medicine. However, the specific mechanisms underlying acupuncture treatment in the GI tract have not yet been elucidated. In this study, we searched the electronic databases PUBMED, EMBASE, and MEDLINE and identified 30 eligible studies that were summarized in this review. This review demonstrates that treatments, including both manual and electroacupuncture, have therapeutic mechanisms in diverse GI diseases. The underlying mechanisms are broadly divided into the following: changes in gene expression in the gastric mucosa or nuclei of the solitary tract, metabolic change induction, regulation of anti-inflammatory substances, vagal activity increase, change in functional connectivity between brain regions, and control of the number of neurons related to GI diseases. Although this study is limited in that it does not represent all types of GI diseases with different acupuncture methods, this study identified acupuncture as effective for GI diseases through various biological mechanisms. We hope that our study will reveal various mechanisms of acupuncture in GI diseases and play an important role in the therapy and treatment of GI diseases, thus advancing the field of study.
Evolution of genetic architecture and gene regulation in biphenyl/PCB-degrading bacteria
Authors: Fujihara Hidehiko , Hirose Jun , Suenaga Hikaru
Published: June 2023

A variety of bacteria in the environment can utilize xenobiotic compounds as a source of carbon and energy. The bacterial strains degrading xenobiotics are suitable models to investigate the adaptation and evolutionary processes of bacteria because they appear to have emerged relatively soon after the release of these compounds into the natural environment. Analyses of bacterial genome sequences indicate that horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is the most important contributor to the bacterial evolution of genetic architecture. Further, host bacteria that can use energy effectively by controlling the expression of organized gene clusters involved in xenobiotic degradation will have a survival advantage in harsh xenobiotic-rich environments. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of evolutionary mechanisms operative in bacteria, with a focus on biphenyl/PCB-degrading bacteria. We then discuss metagenomic approaches that are useful for such investigation.
Dietary supplementation of Allium mongolicum modulates rumen-hindgut microbial community structure in Simmental calves
Authors: Xie Kaili , Chang Shenghua , Ning Jiao , Guo Yarong , Zhang Cheng , Yan Tianhai , Hou Fujiang
Published: June 2023

Compared to traditional herbage, functional native herbage is playing more important role in ruminant agriculture through improving digestion, metabolism and health of livestock; however, their effects on rumen microbial communities and hindgut fermentation are still not well understood. The objective of present study was to evaluate the effects of dietary addition of Allium mongolicum on bacterial communities in rumen and feces of claves. Sixteen 7-month-old male calves were randomly divided into four groups (n = 4). All calves were fed a basal ration containing roughage (alfalfa and oats) and mixed concentrate in a ratio of 60:40 on dry matter basis. In each group, the basal ration was supplemented with Allium mongolicum 0 (SL0), 200 (SL200), 400 (SL400), and 800 (SL800) mg/kg BW. The experiment lasted for 58 days. Rumen fluid and feces in rectum were collected, Rumen fluid and hindgut fecal were collected for analyzing bacterial community. In the rumen, Compared with SL0, there was a greater relative abundance of phylum Proteobacteria (p < 0.05) and genera Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group (p < 0.01) in SL800 treatment. In hindgut, compared with SL0, supplementation of A. mongolicum (SL200, SL400, or SL800) decreased in the relative abundances of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 (p < 0.01), Ruminiclostridium_5 (p < 0.01), Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group (p < 0.05), and Alistipes (p < 0.05) in feces; Whereas, the relative abundances of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group (p < 0.05), and Prevotella_1 (p < 0.01) in SL800 were higher in feces, to maintain hindgut stability. This study provided evidence that A. mongolicum affects the gastrointestinal of calves, by influencing microbiota in their rumen and feces.
COVID-19 and the cardiovascular system: a study of pathophysiology and interpopulation variability
Authors: Zhao Yifan , Han Xiaorong , Li Cheng , Liu Yucheng , Cheng Jiayu , Adhikari Binay Kumar , Wang Yonggang
Published: June 2023

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in humans can lead to various degrees of tissue and organ damage, of which cardiovascular system diseases are one of the main manifestations, such as myocarditis, myocardial infarction, and arrhythmia, which threaten the infected population worldwide. These diseases threaten the cardiovascular health of infected populations worldwide. Although the prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has slightly improved with virus mutation and population vaccination, chronic infection, post-infection sequelae, and post-infection severe disease patients still exist, and it is still relevant to study the mechanisms linking COVID-19 to cardiovascular disease (CVD). This article introduces the pathophysiological mechanism of COVID-19-mediated cardiovascular disease and analyzes the mechanism and recent progress of the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and the cardiovascular system from the roles of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), cellular and molecular mechanisms, endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, iron homeostasis imbalance, and psychosocial factors, respectively. We also discussed the differences and mechanisms involved in cardiovascular system diseases combined with neocoronavirus infection in different populations and provided a theoretical basis for better disease prevention and management.
RNA sequencing and lipidomics uncovers novel pathomechanisms in recessive X-linked ichthyosis
Authors: McGeoghan Farrell , Camera Emanuela , Maiellaro Miriam , Menon Manasi , Huang Mei , Dewan Priya , Ziaj Stela , Caley Matthew P. , Donaldson Michael , Enright Anton J. , O’Toole Edel A.
Published: June 2023

Recessive X-linked ichthyosis (RXLI), a genetic disorder caused by deletion or point mutations of the steroid sulfatase (STS) gene, is the second most common form of ichthyosis. It is a disorder of keratinocyte cholesterol sulfate retention and the mechanism of extracutaneous phenotypes such as corneal opacities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are poorly understood. To understand the pathomechanisms of RXLI, the transcriptome of differentiated primary keratinocytes with STS knockdown was sequenced. The results were validated in a stable knockdown model of STS, to confirm STS specificity, and in RXLI skin. The results show that there was significantly reduced expression of genes related to epidermal differentiation and lipid metabolism, including ceramide and sphingolipid synthesis. In addition, there was significant downregulation of aldehyde dehydrogenase family members and the oxytocin receptor which have been linked to corneal transparency and behavioural disorders respectively, both of which are extracutaneous phenotypes of RXLI. These data provide a greater understanding of the causative mechanisms of RXLI’s cutaneous phenotype, and show that the keratinocyte transcriptome and lipidomics can give novel insights into the phenotype of patients with RXLI.
Gut microbiota and intestinal barrier function in subjects with cognitive impairments: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Pei Ying , Lu Yan , Li HuiZi , Jiang ChengYing , Wang Lei
Published: June 2023

Background

Gut-brain axis might play an important role in cognitive impairments by various diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Objective

To investigate the differences in gut microbial composition, intestinal barrier function, and systemic inflammation in patients with AD or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and normal control (NC) cases.

Methods

A total of 118 subjects (45 AD, 38 MCI, and 35 NC) were recruited. Cognitive function was assessed using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA). Functional ability was assessed using Activity of Daily Living Scale (ADL). The composition of gut microbiome was examined by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) was used to predict functional transfer of gut microbiota. Gut barrier dysfunction was evaluated by measuring the levels of diamine oxidase (DAO), D-lactic acid (DA), and endotoxin (ET). The serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level was used to indicate systemic inflammation.

Results

Compared with normal controls, patients with cognitive impairments (AD and MCI) had lower abundance of Dorea and higher levels of DAO, DA, and ET. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) results showed that the pathways related to glycan biosynthesis and metabolism increased in MCI patients, while the ones related to membrane transport decreased. The abundance of Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium was negatively correlated with the content of ET, and positively correlated with the scores of MMSE and MoCA. The hs-CRP levels were similar among the three groups. A significant negative correlation was observed between the severity of gut barrier dysfunction and cognitive function.

Conclusion

Cognitive impairments might be associated with gut microbial dysbiosis and intestinal barrier dysfunction.
New aneurysm formation after endovascular embolization of a vertebral epidural AV fistula: a rare sequelae of NF AV fistulae
Authors: Zeng Yiyong , Li Xianru , Zhang Junjun , Huang Yi , Lin Zhiqin , Zhou Shengjun
Published: June 2023

Background

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is a dominant genetic disorder often accompanied by lesions of the neurovascular system. Patients with NF-1 are predisposed to unique vertebral artery fistula (AVF).

Case description

We report on a rare case of multiple neurovascular abnormalities in a 47-year-old man with neurofibromatosis. He was admitted due to a sudden headache and was found to have suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage from a left vertebral arteriovenous fistula. He underwent two endovascular procedures complicated by a delayed extraspinal mass 7 days after treatment. Angiography revealed a new vascular abnormality, and although we performed another embolization, it failed to respond to further embolization.

Conclusion

Vascular abnormalities in patients with NF-1 can be complex. Endovascular intervention remains feasible for NF-1 related AVF, however, partial occlusion of the fistula should be avoided to limit and iatrogenic damage to the blood vessels.
Association between dietary habits and the risk of migraine: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Xinhui , Yu Yuanyuan , Hou Lei , Yu Yifan , Wu Yutong , Wu Sijia , He Yina , Ge Yilei , Wei Yun , Luo Qingxin , Qian Fengtong , Feng Yue , Li Hongkai , Xue Fuzhong
Published: June 2023

Objective

The important contribution of dietary triggers to migraine pathogenesis has been recognized. However, the potential causal roles of many dietary habits on the risk of migraine in the whole population are still under debate. The objective of this study was to determine the potential causal association between dietary habits and the risk of migraine (and its subtypes) development, as well as the possible mediator roles of migraine risk factors.

Methods

Based on summary statistics from large-scale genome-wide association studies, we conducted two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) and bidirectional MR to investigate the potential causal associations between 83 dietary habits and migraine and its subtypes, and network MR was performed to explore the possible mediator roles of 8 migraine risk factors.

Results

After correcting for multiple testing, we found evidence for associations of genetically predicted coffee, cheese, oily fish, alcohol (red wine), raw vegetables, muesli, and wholemeal/wholegrain bread intake with decreased risk of migraine, those odds ratios ranged from 0.78 (95% CI: 0.63–0.95) for overall cheese intake to 0.61 (95% CI: 0.47–0.80) for drinks usually with meals among current drinkers (yes + it varies vs. no); while white bread, cornflakes/frosties, and poultry intake were positively associated with the risk of migraine. Additionally, genetic liability to white bread, wholemeal/wholegrain bread, muesli, alcohol (red wine), cheese, and oily fish intake were associated with a higher risk of insomnia and (or) major depression disorder (MDD), each of them may act as a mediator in the pathway from several dietary habits to migraine. Finally, we found evidence of a negative association between genetically predicted migraine and drinking types, and positive association between migraine and cups of tea per day.

Significance

Our study provides evidence about association between dietary habits and the risk of migraine and demonstrates that some associations are partly mediated through one or both insomnia and MDD. These results provide new insights for further nutritional interventions for migraine prevention.
Weaving the nest: extracellular matrix roles in pre-metastatic niche formation
Authors: Patras Laura , Paul Doru , Matei Irina R.
Published: June 2023

The discovery that primary tumors condition distant organ sites of future metastasis for seeding by disseminating tumor cells through a process described as the pre-metastatic niche (PMN) formation revolutionized our understanding of cancer progression and opened new avenues for therapeutic interventions. Given the inherent inefficiency of metastasis, PMN generation is crucial to ensure the survival of rare tumor cells in the otherwise hostile environments of metastatic organs. Early on, it was recognized that preparing the “soil” of the distal organ to support the outgrowth of metastatic cells is the initiating event in PMN development, achieved through the remodeling of the organ’s extracellular matrix (ECM). Remote restructuring of ECM at future sites of metastasis under the influence of primary tumor-secreted factors is an iterative process orchestrated through the crosstalk between resident stromal cells, such as fibroblasts, epithelial and endothelial cells, and recruited innate immune cells. In this review, we will explore the ECM changes, cellular effectors, and the mechanisms of ECM remodeling throughout PMN progression, as well as its impact on shaping the PMN and ultimately promoting metastasis. Moreover, we highlight the clinical and translational implications of PMN ECM changes and opportunities for therapeutically targeting the ECM to hinder PMN formation.
Case report: Ultrahypofractionated palliative breast radiotherapy for a fungating invasive mammary carcinoma
Authors: Hong Yejun , Nixon Nancy , Cao Jeffrey Q. , Lee Sangjune Laurence
Published: June 2023

Palliative radiotherapy for symptomatic and intact breast tumors must balance convenience, efficacy, and risk of acute toxicity. This case report presents a patient with metastatic breast cancer and an intact fungating primary tumor. She was treated with an ultrahypofractionated radiation therapy, 26 Gy in 5 consecutive daily fractions, with sequential palliative chemotherapy. This resulted in a minimal toxicity profile and significant reduction of tumor burden and symptoms.
Differences in the effects of Bordetella pertussis and respiratory syncytial virus infection on the composition of nasopharyngeal flora in neonates
Authors: Ding Yijun , Wang Qing , Li Dongfang , Li Yue , Yao Kaihu , Wang Tianyou
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Bordetella pertussis and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are important pathogens causing cough in neonates. Few studies have investigated the differences in the effects of these two specific infections on respiratory flora. The aim of this study was to explore whether infections with Bordetella pertussis and RSV have different effects on respiratory floral composition in neonates.

Methods

Nasopharyngeal respiratory flora was assessed by 16S ribosomal RNA amplification and V3–V4 region sequencing. Shannon and Simpson indices were calculated to determine the α diversity and principal coordinate analysis was performed to determine the β diversity.

Results

In total, 111 hospitalized neonates were divided into the pertussis (n = 29), RSV (n = 57), and control groups (n = 25) according to the pathogens detected. The relative abundance of Bordetella was significantly higher in the pertussis group (median: 19.18%, interquartile range: 72.57%). In contrast, this species was not detected in the other two groups. In the RSV group, the relative abundance of Streptococcus (median: 77.15%, interquartile range: 45.84%) was significantly higher than those in the pertussis and control groups (both P < 0.001). The α diversity of the RSV group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.001). Moreover, no statistically significant differences in the Shannon and Simpson indices were observed between the pertussis and control groups (P = 0.101 and P = 0.202, respectively). Principal coordinate analysis revealed a large overlap between the pertussis and control groups and a significant distance between the RSV and control groups without any overlap.

Discussion

Thus, the effects of infections with the two species, B. pertussis and RSV, impacted the diversity of nasopharyngeal flora differently. The principles underlying the difference in the effects of different pathogens on microbial flora require further investigation.
Achieving a full color palette with thickness, temperature, and humidity in cholesteric hydroxypropyl cellulose
Authors: Ren Hongning , Balcerowski Tadeusz , Dumanli Ahu Gümrah
Published: June 2023

Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) is a sustainable, cost-efficient, and bio-compatible cellulose derivative that forms cholesteric liquid crystalline phases in highlyconcentrated water solutions that reflects colour in the visible range. While there have been studies exploiting HPC’s structural coloration and transferring the cholesteric order of the solutions into solid form via cross-linking, there is still lack of understanding on the thermotropic mechanisms that enable the transfer of the structural ordering of the pure HPC at higher temperatures. In this work, we demonstrate the balance between the temperature, humidity, and film thickness to achieve a full color palette of pure HPC. We reveal that at the early stages of the evaporation, formation of a dense skin over the lyotropic phase facilitates the thermal expansion of the HPC during the heat treatment. Increasing the thickness, applying higher drying temperatures, and exposing the samples to higher humidity during the evaporation all result with increased pitch values that cause a red-shift in coloration in the solid state. Our analysis of the HPC samples dried in controlled temperature and humidity conditions at a fixed thickness provided an understanding of the dominance of the thermal expansion which drives the final structural organization in the solid cholesteric phase. When the thickness of the films was varied against fixed temperature and humidity conditions, the color shift from red to violet follows the thickness gradient of the sample due to the change in the drying time required to reach the solid form.
Heat transfer in MHD flow of Carreau ternary-hybrid nanofluid over a curved surface stretched exponentially
Authors: Nabwey Hossam A. , Rashad A. M. , Khan Waqar A. , El-Kabeir S. M. M. , AbdElnaem Shereen
Published: June 2023

This investigation aims to study Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD)two-dimensional incompressible boundary layer performing non-Newtonian Carreau ternary-hybrid nanofluid flow with heat transfer through an exponential stretching curved surface. The ternary-hybrid nanofluid has been synthesized with titanium oxide, aluminum oxide, and silver dispersionin the base fluid water. TheNavier Stokes equation and Carreau ternary-hybrid nanofluid model govern the partial differential equations (PDEs), and appropriate similarity transformations are utilized to transfer these PDEs into ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The effects of the pertinent parameters on the dimensionless velocity and temperature profiles are analyzed withfigures. This study provides new insights and solutions to previously unsolved problems related to heat transfer in the MHD flow of a Carreau Ternary-Hybrid Nanofluid over a curved surface stretched exponentially, or it could contribute to the existing knowledge and literature by refining existing models or methods. The surface drag force and Nusselt numbers are studied for the different values of the governing parameters throughgraphs. It is demonstrated that the heat transfer rate and skin friction increase from base fluid to mono, hybrid, and ternary nanofluids. Both heat transfer rate and skin friction increase with the addition of nanoparticles.
Clinical application of liquid biopsy based on circulating tumor DNA in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Xin Liu , Yue Yang , Zihan Ren , Youbin Cui , Tianyu Lu , Rui Wang
Published: June 2023

Lung cancer is a widely occurring and deadly malignancy, with high prevalence rates in China and across the globe. Specifically, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents about 85% of all lung cancer cases. The 5-year disease-free survival rate after surgery for stage IB-IIIB NSCLC patients (disease-free survival, DFS) has notably declined from 73% to 13%. Early detection of abnormal cancer molecules and subsequent personalized treatment plans are the most effective ways to address this problem. Liquid biopsy, surprisingly, enables safe, accurate, non-invasive, and dynamic tracking of disease progression. Among the various modalities, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is the most commonly used liquid biopsy modality. ctDNA serves as a credible “liquid biopsy” diagnostic tool that, to a certain extent, overcomes tumor heterogeneity and harbors genetic mutations in malignancies, thereby providing early information on tumor genetic alterations. Despite considerable academic interest in the clinical significance of ctDNA, consensus on its utility remains lacking. In this review, we assess the role of ctDNA testing in the diagnosis and management of NSCLC as a reference for clinical intervention in this disease. Lastly, we examine future directions to optimize ctDNA for personalized therapy.
The effect of Aspalathin linearis, Cyclopia intermedia and Sutherlandia frutescene on sperm functional parameters of healthy male wistar rats
Authors: Omolaoye Temidayo S. , Skosana Bongekile T. , du Plessis Stefan S.
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Rooibos (Aspalathin linearis), honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia), and sutherlandia (Sutherlandia frutescene) are three Southern Africa indigenous plants, of which the extracts have become house-hold items and are consumed on a large scale. Although, they are known for their antioxidant properties, studies have highlighted danger in the excessive intake. Therefore, the current study investigated whether treatment with rooibos, honeybush, and sutherlandia will impact sperm functional parameters positively or otherwise, in healthy rats.

Methods: Fourteen-week-old pathogen-free adult male Wistar rats (250–300 g) were randomly divided into four groups of ten, including a control, rooibos (RF), honeybush (HB) and a sutherlandia (SL) group. After 7 weeks of treatment, animals were sacrificed. Spermatozoa were retrieved from the cauda epididymis for motility, morphology and concentration analysis and the testis was used for all biochemical assays.

Results: The infusion treated animals (RF, HB, and SL) presented with a non-significant decrease of −14.3%, −18.2%, −17.2% and −24.8%, −20.7%, −27.3% in total motility and progressive motility when compared to the control group, respectively. There was a significant increase in number of spermatozoa with slow speed (p = 0.03), especially in SL treated group compared to the control (p = 0.03). Additionally, there was an increase of 28.8%, 31.7%, 23% in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of RF, HB and SL compared to control, respectively. This was accompanied with a percentage decrease of −21.1%, −23.7%, 45.9% in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared to the control group.

Conclusion: In summary, animals treated with the respective infusions presented with a percentage increase in SOD activity but have reduced sperm motility and decreased normal morphology. Paradoxically, they presented with increased sperm concentration. Hence, it is presumed that rooibos, honeybush and sutherlandia may enhance sperm quantity (concentration) but may impair sperm quality (motility morphology) when consumed by healthy animals.
Metabolomics reveals the response of hydroprimed maize to mitigate the impact of soil salinization
Authors: Zhang Enying , Zhu Xingjian , Wang Wenli , Sun Yue , Tian Xiaomin , Chen Ziyi , Mou Xinshang , Zhang Yanli , Wei Yueheng , Fang Zhixuan , Ravenscroft Neil , O’Connor David , Chang Xianmin , Yan Min
Published: June 2023

Soil salinization is a major environmental stressor hindering global crop production. Hydropriming has emerged as a promising approach to reduce salt stress and enhance crop yields on salinized land. However, a better mechanisitic understanding is required to improve salt stress tolerance. We used a biochemical and metabolomics approach to study the effect of salt stress of hydroprimed maize to identify the types and variation of differentially accumulated metabolites. Here we show that hydropriming significantly increased catalase (CAT) activity, soluble sugar and proline content, decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and peroxide (H2O2) content. Conversely, hydropriming had no significant effect on POD activity, soluble protein and MDA content under salt stress. The Metabolite analysis indicated that salt stress significantly increased the content of 1278 metabolites and decreased the content of 1044 metabolites. Ethisterone (progesterone) was the most important metabolite produced in the roots of unprimed samples in response to salt s tress. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated that flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, which relate to scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), was the most significant metabolic pathway related to salt stress. Hydropriming significantly increased the content of 873 metabolites and significantly decreased the content of 1313 metabolites. 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate, a methyl donor for methionine, was the most important metabolite produced in the roots of hydroprimed samples in response to salt stress. Plant growth regulator, such as melatonin, gibberellin A8, estrone, abscisic acid and brassinolide involved in both treatment. Our results not only verify the roles of key metabolites in resisting salt stress, but also further evidence that flavone and flavonol biosynthesis and plant growth regulator relate to salt tolerance.
Simulating soil salinity dynamics, cotton yield and evapotranspiration under drip irrigation by ensemble machine learning
Authors: Jiang Zewei , Yang Shihong , Dong Shide , Pang Qingqing , Smith Pete , Abdalla Mohamed , Zhang Jie , Wang Guangmei , Xu Yi
Published: June 2023

Cotton is widely used in textile, decoration, and industry, but it is also threatened by soil salinization. Drip irrigation plays an important role in improving water and fertilization utilization efficiency and ensuring crop production in arid areas. Accurate prediction of soil salinity and crop evapotranspiration under drip irrigation is essential to guide water management practices in arid and saline areas. However, traditional hydrological models such as Hydrus require more variety of input parameters and user expertise, which limits its application in practice, and machine learning (ML) provides a potential alternative. Based on a global dataset collected from 134 pieces of literature, we proposed a method to comprehensively simulate soil salinity, evapotranspiration (ET) and cotton yield. Results showed that it was recommended to predict soil salinity, crop evapotranspiration and cotton yield based on soil data (bulk density), meteorological factors, irrigation data and other data. Among them, meteorological factors include annual average temperature, total precipitation, year. Irrigation data include salinity in irrigation water, soil matric potential and irrigation water volume, while other data include soil depth, distance from dripper, days after sowing (for EC and soil salinity), fertilization rate (for yield and ET). The accuracy of the model has reached a satisfactory level, R2 in 0.78-0.99. The performance of stacking ensemble ML was better than that of a single model, i.e., gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT); random forest (RF); extreme gradient boosting regression (XGBR), with R2 increased by 0.02%-19.31%. In all input combinations, other data have a greater impact on the model accuracy, while the RMSE of the S1 scenario (input without meteorological factors) without meteorological data has little difference, which is -34.22%~19.20% higher than that of full input. Given the wide application of drip irrigation in cotton, we recommend the application of ensemble ML to predict soil salinity and crop evapotranspiration, thus serving as the basis for adjusting the irrigation schedule.
Novel mechanisms for the synthesis of important secondary metabolites in Ginkgo biloba seed revealed by multi-omics data
Authors: He Bing , Qian Kun , Han Xin , Li Jianyang , Zhou Qi , Xu Li-an , Liu Hailin , Cui Peng
Published: June 2023

Although the detailed biosynthetic mechanism is still unclear, the unique secondary metabolites of Ginkgo biloba, including ginkgolic acids (GAs) and terpene trilactones, have attracted increasing attention for their potent medicinal, physiological and biochemical properties. In particular, GAs have shown great potential in the fields of antibacterial and insecticidal activities, making it urgent to elucidate their biosynthetic mechanism. In this study, we systematically revealed the landscape of metabolic-transcriptional regulation across continuous growth stages of G. biloba seeds (GBS) based on multi-omics mining and experimental verification, and successfully identified all major types of GAs and terpene trilactones along with more than a thousand kinds of other metabolites. The phenological changes and the essential gene families associated with these unique metabolites were analyzed in detail, and several potential regulatory factors were successfully identified based on co-expression association analysis. In addition, we unexpectedly found the close relationship between large introns and the biosynthesis of these secondary metabolites. These genes with large introns related to the synthesis of secondary metabolites showed higher gene expression and expression stability in different tissues or growth stages. Our results may provide a new perspective for the study of the regulatory mechanism of these unique secondary metabolites in GBS.
Construction of a high-density genetic map for faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and quantitative trait loci mapping of seed-related traits
Authors: Zhao Na , Xue Dong , Miao Yamei , Wang Yongqiang , Zhou Enqiang , Zhou Yao , Yao Mengnan , Gu Chunyan , Wang Kaihua , Li Bo , Wei Libin , Wang Xuejun
Published: June 2023

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is a valuable legume crop and data on its seed-related traits is required for yield and quality improvements. However, basic research on faba bean is lagging compared to that of other major crops. In this study, an F2 faba bean population, including 121 plants derived from the cross WY7×TCX7, was genotyped using the Faba_bean_130 K targeted next-generation sequencing genotyping platform. The data were used to construct the first ultra-dense faba bean genetic map consisting of 12,023 single nucleotide polymorphisms markers covering 1,182.65 cM with an average distance of 0.098 cM. The map consisted of 6 linkage groups, which is consistent with the 6 faba bean chromosome pairs. A total of 65 quantitative trait loci (QTL) for seed-related traits were identified (3 for 100-seed weight, 28 for seed shape, 12 for seed coat color, and 22 for nutritional quality). Furthermore, 333 candidate genes that are likely to participate in the regulation of seed-related traits were also identified. Our research findings can provide a basis for future faba bean marker-assisted breeding and be helpful to further modify and improve the reference genome.