bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Cronobacter sakazakii in an infant simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem using a potential synbiotic
Authors: Ke Alfred , Parreira Valeria R. , Farber Jeffrey M. , Goodridge Lawrence
Published: July 2022

Powdered infant formula (PIF) can be contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii, which can cause severe illnesses in infants. Synbiotics, a combination of probiotics and prebiotics, could act as an alternative control measure for C. sakazakii contamination in PIF and within the infant gut, but synbiotics have not been well studied for their ability to inhibit C. sakazakii. Using a Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®) inoculated with infant fecal matter, we demonstrated that a potential synbiotic, consisting of six lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains and Vivinal GOS, can inhibit the growth of C. sakazakii in an infant possibly through either the production of antimicrobial metabolites like acetate, increasing species diversity within the SHIME compartments to compete for nutrients or a combination of mechanisms. Using a triple SHIME set-up, i.e., three identical SHIME compartments, the first SHIME (SHIME 1) was designated as the control SHIME in the absence of a treatment, whereas SHIME 2 and 3 were the treated SHIME over 2, 1-week treatment periods. The addition of the potential synbiotic (LAB + VGOS) resulted in a significant decrease in C. sakazakii levels within 1 week (p < 0.05), but in the absence of a treatment the significant decline took 2 weeks (p < 0.05), and the LAB treatment did not decrease C. sakazakii levels (p ≥ 0.05). The principal component analysis showed a distinction between metabolomic profiles for the control and LAB treatment, but similar profiles for the LAB + VGOS treatment. The addition of the potential synbiotic (LAB + VGOS) in the first treatment period slightly increased species diversity (p ≥ 0.05) compared to the control and LAB, which may have had an effect on the survival of C. sakazakii throughout the treatment period. Our results also revealed that the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium was negatively correlated with Cronobacter when no treatments were added (ρ = −0.96; p < 0.05). These findings suggest that C. sakazakii could be inhibited by the native gut microbiota, and inhibition can be accelerated by the potential synbiotic treatment.
Comprehensive Pan-Cancer Analysis of Senescence With Cancer Prognosis and Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhao Qinfei , Hu Weiquan , Xu Jing , Zeng Shaoying , Xi Xuxiang , Chen Jing , Wu Xiangsheng , Hu Suping , Zhong Tianyu
Published: July 2022

Senescence is a double-edged sword in tumorigenesis and affects the immunotherapy response through the modulation of the host’s immune system. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive analysis of the senescence-related genes (SRGs) in human cancers, and the predictive role of senescence in cancer immunotherapy response has not been explored. The multi-omics approaches were performed in this article to conduct a systematic pan-cancer genomic analysis of SRGs in cancer. In addition, we calculated the generic senescence score (SS) to quantify the senescence levels in cancers and explored the correlations of SS with cancer prognosis, biological processes, and tumor microenvironment (TME). The gene signatures were deregulated in multiple cancers and indicated a context-dependent correlation with prognosis, tumor-immune evasion, and response to therapy across various tumor types. Further analysis disclosed that SS was positively associated with the infiltration levels of immune suppressive cells, including induced Tregs (iTregs), central memory Ts (Tcms), and natural Tregs (nTregs), and negatively associated with immune killer cells, including natural killers (NKs) and mucosal-associated invariant Ts (MAITs). Moreover, the SS was significantly correlated with tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immune-related genes, and immune checkpoints and had a predictive value of immunotherapy response. Thus, the expression of SRGs was involved in resistance to several anticancer drugs. Our work illustrates the characterization of senescence across various malignancies and highlights the potential of senescence as a biomarker of the response to immunotherapy.
The Long-Term Effect of Blue-Light Blocking Spectacle Lenses on Adults’ Contrast Perception
Authors: Lian Yan , Lu Weiwei , Huang Haixiao , Wu Ge , Xu Aiqin , Jin Wanqing
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the long-term effect of two different degrees of blue-light blocking (BB) spectacle lenses on adults’ contrast perception under various lighting conditions.

Methods

In total, 144 healthy adults aged 24.70 (±4.32 years) were recruited to this randomized controlled trial. The participants were randomly divided into three groups and used three different spectacle lenses (15% BB: 15% blue-blocking spectacle lenses; 30% BB: 30% blue-blocking spectacle lenses; RC: regular clear lenses serving as control). Contrast sensitivity under four light conditions (scotopic and photopic, both with/without glare) was measured using standard clinical tests at baseline, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months of use. The area under the log contrast sensitivity function (AULCSF) was also computed as an index for their overall contrast sensitivity across spatial frequencies.

Results

There was no significant difference in AULCSFs among the three types of spectacle lenses under any light condition (all P > 0.81). No statistical difference was found in the AULSCF among the four time points (all P > 0.39), with no interaction between the effects of group and time (all P > 0.42).

Conclusion

Wearing blue-light blocking lens had no clinically significant effect on adults’ long-term contrast perception under scotopic or photopic conditions, or with glare.
Risk of pediatric inflammatory multi-system syndrome (PIMS or MIS-C) in pediatric patients with COVID-19 presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms
Authors: Jaramillo-Esparza Carlos Mauricio , Vázquez-Frias Rodrigo
Published: July 2022

Introduction and objectives

Pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS) is a life-threatening complication in pediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. An increase in the association of gastrointestinal symptoms and the presence of PIMS has been observed. The objective of this study was to analyze whether pediatric patients with COVID-19, who debut with gastrointestinal symptoms, have a higher risk of developing PIMS.

Material and methods

An observational, analytical and retrolective study was carried out with a review of the records of patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Demographic, clinical and laboratory variables were recorded.

Results

A total of 248 patients who met the selection criteria were included. Of Those 40% were female, with a mean age of 7 +/- 5.8 years. Gastrointestinal symptoms were the initial presentation in 103 patients, with vomiting being the most frequent symptom, followed by abdominal pain and diarrhea. In total 52 patients developed PIMS, 30 of whom presented with gastrointestinal symptoms. A RR of 1.57 (97% CI of 1.17–2.11) was found for the presentation of PIMS in patients positive for SARS-CoV-2 who present with gastrointestinal symptoms.

Conclusions

There is an increased risk of developing pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome when there are gastrointestinal symptoms in pediatric patients with COVID-19.
Aberrant Expression of ACO1 in Vasculatures Parallels Progression of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Fukumoto Jutaro , Lin Muling , Banday Mudassir Meraj , Patil Sahebgowda Sidramagowda , Krishnamurthy Sudarshan , Breitzig Mason , Soundararajan Ramani , Galam Lakshmi , Narala Venkata Ramireddy , Johns Colleen , Patel Kapilkumar , Dunning John , Lockey Richard F. , Sharma Nirmal S. , Kolliputi Narasaiah
Published: July 2022

Rationale: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction. However, details about the non-mitochondrial enzymes that sustain the proliferative nature of IPF are unclear. Aconitases are a family of enzymes that sustain metabolism inside and outside mitochondria. It is hypothesized that aconitase 1 (ACO1) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of IPF given that ACO1 represents an important metabolic hub in the cytoplasm.

Objectives: To determine if ACO1 expression in IPF lungs shows specific patterns that may be important in the pathogenesis of IPF. To determine the similarities and differences in ACO1 expression in IPF, bleomycin-treated, and aging lungs.

Methods: ACO1 expression in IPF lungs were characterized and compared to non-IPF controls by western blotting, immunostaining, and enzymatic activity assay. ACO1-expressing cell types were identified by multicolor immunostaining. Using similar methods, the expression profiles of ACO1 in IPF lungs versus bleomycin-treated and aged mice were investigated.

Measurements and main results: Lower lobes of IPF lungs, unlike non-IPF controls, exhibit significantly high levels of ACO1. Most of the signals colocalize with von Willebrand factor (vWF), a lineage marker for vascular endothelial cells. Bleomycin-treated lungs also show high ACO1 expressions. However, most of the signals colocalize with E-cadherin and/or prosurfactant protein C, representative epithelial cell markers, in remodeled areas.

Conclusions: A characteristic ACO1 expression profile observed in IPF vasculatures may be a promising diagnostic target. It also may give clues as to how de novo angiogenesis contributes to the irreversible nature of IPF.
Repositioning of Lansoprazole as a Protective Agent Against Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity
Authors: Wakai Eri , Ikemura Kenji , Mizuno Toshiro , Takeuchi Kazuhiko , Tamaru Satoshi , Okuda Masahiro , Nishimura Yuhei
Published: July 2022

Cisplatin (CDDP) is a well-known chemotherapeutic drug approved for various cancers. However, CDDP accumulates in the inner ear cochlea via organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) and causes ototoxicity, which is a major clinical limitation. Since lansoprazole (LPZ), a proton pump inhibitor, is known to inhibit OCT2-mediated transport of CDDP, we hypothesized that LPZ might ameliorate CDDP-induced ototoxicity (CIO). To test this hypothesis, we utilized in vivo fluorescence imaging of zebrafish sensory hair cells. The fluorescence signals in hair cells in zebrafish treated with CDDP dose-dependently decreased. Co-treatment with LPZ significantly suppressed the decrease of fluorescence signals in zebrafish treated with CDDP. Knockout of a zebrafish homolog of OCT2 also ameliorated the reduction of fluorescence signals in hair cells in zebrafish treated with CDDP. These in vivo studies suggest that CDDP damages the hair cells of zebrafish through oct2-mediated accumulation and that LPZ protects against CIO, possibly inhibiting the entry of CDDP into the hair cells via oct2. We also evaluated the otoprotective effect of LPZ using a public database containing adverse event reports. The analysis revealed that the incidence rate of CIO was significantly decreased in patients treated with LPZ. We then retrospectively analyzed the medical records of Mie University Hospital to examine the otoprotective effect of LPZ. The incidence rate of ototoxicity was significantly lower in patients co-treated with LPZ compared to those without LPZ. These retrospective findings suggest that LPZ is also protective against CIO in humans. Taken together, co-treatment with LPZ may reduce the risk of CIO.
Enhanced Performance of the 4 × 20 Gbit/s-40 GHz OFDM-Based RoFSO Transmission Link Incorporating WDM-MDM of Hermite Gaussian and Laguerre Gaussian Modes
Authors: Singh Karamjeet , Singh Mehtab , Grover Amit , Miglani Rajan , Singh Harjeevan , Amhoud El Mehdi
Published: July 2022

A 4 × 20 Gbit/s-40 GHz orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing-based radio-on-free-space optics information link, integrating hybrid wavelength- and mode-division multiplexed transmission techniques, is proposed in this paper. Furthermore, an ameliorated detection scheme deploying a square root module after each photo diode at the receiver terminal is proposed to mitigate the adverse performance effects because of nonlinear photodiode characteristics. The presented results show a successful 80 Gbit/s-160 GHz transmission at 3000 and 2700 m under heavy rainy and foggy weather, respectively. The link demonstrates superior performance in terms of maximum range and transmission rate compared to previous works.
Pooled Analysis of Central Venous Pressure and Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Patients With Extubation Failure
Authors: Cao Jianghong , Wang Beibei , Zhu Lili , Song Lu
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Cardiac insufficiency has been considered to be a common cause of extubation failure. Some studies have shown that central venous pressure (CVP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) are able to predict extubation outcomes. Therefore, we conducted a pooled analysis to evaluate the potential of CVP and BNP levels as predictors of extubation outcomes, using a cohort of critically ill patients who were on mechanical ventilation (MV).

Methods: We searched three online electronic databases up to October 2021. All data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.4. For each study, the analysis was performed using standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results: The pooled analysis of seven studies on CVP levels and extubation outcomes showed that elevated CVP levels were significantly associated with extubation failure (SMD:0.47, 95% CI: 0. 43–0.51, p < 0.00001). This association also appeared before extubation (SMD:0.47, 95% CI: 0. 43–0.51, p < 0.00001), but it did not appear after extubation (SMD: 0.63, 95% CI: −0.05–1.31, p=0.07). Similarly, pooled analysis of eight studies on BNP levels and extubation outcomes showed that increased BNP levels are closely related to extubation failure (SMD:0.68, 95% CI: 0.49–0.86, p < 0.00001). This relationship also occurs before (SMD: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.35–0.79, p < 0.00001) and after (SMD: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.59–1.23, p < 0.00001) extubation.

Conclusions: This study showed that elevated CVP and BNP levels are associated with extubation failure in critically ill patients. However, BNP levels are more valuable than CVP levels in predicting extubation outcomes.
Effects of Linguistic Distance on Cognitive Skills, Health, and Social Outcomes in Canadian Immigrants
Authors: Kuperman Victor
Published: July 2022

Learning languages is more difficult if they are more distant (dissimilar) from the person's first language. For immigrants, a greater distance between their L1 and official languages of their host country impedes integration. Using microdata from the PIAAC survey in 2012, we quantified the cognitive, and socio-economic impact of linguistic distance on a sample of 2,018 immigrants to Canada representing 12 diverse languages. Speakers of languages more distant from English or French showed lower literacy scores, worse health and weaker community engagement, yet numeracy and income were unaffected. We discuss causes and implications of these findings for immigration experience.
Attitudes toward innovative mental health treatment approaches in Germany: E-mental health and home treatment
Authors: Lincke Lena , Ulbrich Lisa , Reis Olaf , Wandinger Elisa , Brähler Elmar , Dück Alexander , Kölch Michael
Published: July 2022

E-mental health and home treatment are treatment approaches that have proven to be effective, but are only slowly implemented in the German health care system. This paper explores the attitudes toward these innovative treatment approaches. Data was collected in two large, non-clinical samples representative of the German population in spring 2020 (N = 2,503) and winter 2020/2021 (N = 2,519). Statistical associations between variables were examined using two-tailed tests. Binary and multinomial logistic regressions were performed to predict attitudes toward online-based treatment concepts and home treatment approaches. Only few (<20%) people preferred online-based treatment approaches, while a larger proportion (~50%) could imagine being treated at home. Overall, younger subjects were more open to online-therapy approaches, while people with lower education preferred more often a traditional therapy setting. Acceptance of online-therapy did not raise significantly during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic. When different online-based treatment options were available, the probability of accepting home treatment significantly increased with increasing levels of therapeutic support. Further promotion of acceptance for online-therapy and home treatment seems to be necessary. In the future, more information on innovative treatment approaches should be actively provided.
Levels and Determinants of Prenatal Breastfeeding Knowledge, Attitude, and Intention Among Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Chekol Abebe Endeshaw , Ayalew Tiruneh Gebrehiwot , Asmare Adela Getachew , Mengie Ayele Teklie , Tilahun Muche Zelalem , Behaile T/Mariam Awgichew , Tilahun Mulu Anemut , Asmamaw Dejenie Tadesse
Published: July 2022

Background

Pregnant women are a critical part of the community to assess various determinants of their future breastfeeding practice. This study aimed to assess the levels and determinants of breastfeeding knowledge, attitude, and intention among pregnant women.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 pregnant women from January 18 to February 27, 2022, at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (DTCSH) in Northwest Ethiopia. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews from participants selected by convenience sampling technique. Data analysis was made using Stata version 16.0. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the determinants of the knowledge, attitude, and intention of pregnant women, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Result

About 57.8% of participants had adequate breastfeeding knowledge and only 46.9% had a positive attitude. Almost two-thirds (65.4%) of them had good intentions to breastfeed. Pregnant women attaining secondary education (AOR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.31, 3.19), achieving college or university education (AOR = 3.13; 95% CI: 1.63, 7.41), being multiparous (AOR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.33, 3.43), having four or more ANC visits (AOR:1.45; 95% CI: 1.21, 4.31), and having prior breastfeeding experience (AOR: 3.53; 95% CI: 2.22, 5.65) were significant predictors of adequate knowledge. Attending college or university education (AOR = 2.71;95% CI: 2.33, 5.13), being multiparous (AOR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.32, 8.25), and having adequate knowledge (AOR = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.88,7.14) were determinants of a positive breastfeeding attitude. Whereas, advanced age (AOR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.12, 5.59), adequate knowledge (AOR: 5.21; 95% CI: 1.51,8.04), and positive attitude (AOR = 2.41;95% CI:1.50, 4.27) were independent predictors of good breastfeeding intention.

Conclusion

The breastfeeding knowledge and attitude of pregnant women were generally suboptimal. Their overall breastfeeding intention was also unsatisfactory. This highlights the need to develop culture-specific interventions aimed at improving breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and intention to enhance the appropriate breastfeeding practice of their future children.
Remote Healthcare During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings for Older Adults in 27 European Countries and Israel
Authors: Smolić Šime , Blaževski Nikola , Fabijančić Margareta
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated issues regarding access to healthcare for older people, by far the most vulnerable population group. In particular, older adults avoided seeking medical treatment for fear of infection or had their medical treatments postponed or denied by health facilities or health professionals. In response, remote medical services were recognized as an essential adjustment mechanism to maintain the continuity of healthcare provision. Using the SHARE Corona Survey data, we estimate logistic and multilevel regression models for the remote care of 44,152 persons aged 50 and over in 27 European countries and Israel. Our findings suggest that those aged 80+ were the least likely to use remote healthcare. However, women, better educated individuals, older adults who lived in urban areas, those with no financial strain, and active Internet users used remote medical consultations more often. Those who reported poor or fair health status, two or more chronic diseases, or hospitalization in the last 12 months were significantly more likely to use remote healthcare. Furthermore, remote medical consultations were more frequent for those who had their healthcare postponed or went without it due to fear of coronavirus infection. Finally, older adults used remote care more frequently in countries with less healthcare coverage and lower health expenditures. Health systems should prioritize vulnerable groups in maintaining continuity in access to healthcare, despite the availability of remote care. Policymakers should improve telemedicine regulation and offer incentives for providers of remote healthcare services by adapting reimbursement policies. Remote medical care could play an important role in maintaining healthcare access for older adults and increasing health systems' preparedness in future health emergencies.
Valorization Strategies for a By-Product of Organic Tomato Processing as Potential Ingredient in Functional Food Formulations
Authors: López Bermúdez Yhonattan Nicolás , Aldana Heredia Juan Felipe , Sánchez-Camargo Andrea del Pilar , Hernández-Carrión María
Published: July 2022

Production of tomato-based products generates 5% of waste, composed mainly of peel. This has a significant amount of carotenoids, such as lycopene, and an appropriate amount of total dietary fiber (TDF). Both carotenes and dietary fiber are known to have functional effects on the human body. Therefore, the aim of this research was mainly divided into two parts. First, organic tomato peel obtained by a local processing industry was characterized in terms of percentage of macronutrients such as dietary fiber, protein, and ash, as well as total carotenoid content. Second, two valorization alternatives of these compounds as potential functional additives in food processing were proposed. The first one included carotenoid extraction using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), the encapsulation of the enriched carotenoid extract using spray-drying technology, and its subsequent analysis of powder properties. The second one evaluated the potential use of TDF tomato peel as a replacement for fat and flour in four formulations of cookies. Each formulation was assessed using physicochemical, texture, sensory, and theoretical proximal analyses. The results revealed that UAE optimization was performed using a solvent ratio of 80:20 ethyl acetate:ethanol and 2.5% w/v of solvent:biomass ratio. The recovery percentage of total carotenoid content was 89.08%. The TDF content was 49.46 (3.91) g/100 g on a dry basis. For encapsulation, the drying yield and encapsulation efficiencies were 67.3% (0.5) and 58.1% (0.8), respectively. Sensory analysis showed no significant difference between the means for the control cookie and the 30% fat replacement cookie. Moreover, these 30% fat replacement cookies had the highest purchase intention by the consumers. This study presented a solution for unused tomato peel industrial byproducts, promoting the design of new functional food products with a high content of carotenes and dietary fiber, thereby increasing nutritional and health benefits for consumers.
Grotifer: A new electric field instrument design to address the need for highly accurate three-component electric field measurements
Authors: Lejosne Solène , Auslander David M. , Bonnell John W. , Klumpar David M. , Mozer Forrest S. , Pankow David H. , Sample John G.
Published: July 2022

Accurate knowledge of the full, three-dimensional electric field vector is of fundamental importance in understanding electrodynamics of a vast variety of space plasmas. However, heliophysics research still lacks access to the reliable parallel electric field measurements required to close many significant science questions. This uncertainty represents a significant barrier to progress in the field. The only way to close this major observational gap is a profound change in electric field instrument design. A new electric field instrument called Grotifer is now being designed to address the need for highly accurate three-dimensional electric field measurements while enabling lower cost missions and constellation missions in deep space. Grotifer (Giant rotifer) is a reference to the rotifer, also known as the “wheel animalcule.” Similarly, Grotifer consists of mounting detectors on two rotating plates, orthogonal to each other, on a non-rotating central body. The two rotating plates provide continuous high-accuracy three-dimensional measurements of both electric fields and magnetic fields. The Grotifer design leverages more than 50 years of expertise in delivering highly accurate spin plane electric field measurements, while overcoming inaccuracies generated by spin axis electric field measurements. Our current efforts focus on designing Grotifer as a SmallSat (27U CubeSat). That said, Grotifer could also become part of the payload on a much larger platform. In the future, one could imagine fleets of Grotifers studying electrodynamics at many points, facilitating differentiation between spatial and temporal dynamics. Plasma detectors could also be added to the rotating plates to cover the full phase space better than is done on spinning spacecraft, leading to more complete correlation studies of the fields and plasmas.
Percutaneous kyphoplasty for the treatment of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis with vertebral fractures: A case report and treatment review
Authors: Wang Wenhao , Huang Yixue , Zhang Linlin , Yang Huilin
Published: July 2022

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a systemic metabolic condition characterized by new bone formation mainly at the anterolateral spine. Surgery such as screw fixation is commonly used for DISH patients who also suffer from vertebral fractures. In this case report, we share a DISH case with lumbar vertebral fracture and osteoporosis who underwent percutaneous kyphoplasty plus braces and medication. Percutaneous kyphoplasty, considered as minimally invasive surgery, may be another treatment option with the advantages of less trauma and faster recovery. The clinical information and radiological findings are described and treatments for DISH with vertebral fractures are then briefly reviewed.
Personality traits affect learning performance in dwarf goats (Capra hircus)
Authors: Finkemeier Marie-Antonine , Krause Annika , Tuchscherer Armin , Puppe Birger , Langbein Jan
Published: July 2022

A wide range of species exhibit time- and context-consistent interindividual variation in a number of specific behaviors related to an individual's personality. Several studies have shown that individual differences in personality-associated behavioral traits have an impact on cognitive abilities. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between personality traits and learning abilities in dwarf goats. The behavior of 95 goats during a repeated open field (OF) and novel object test (NO) was analyzed, and two main components were identified using principal component analysis: boldness and activity. In parallel, the goats learned a 4-choice visual initial discrimination task (ID) and three subsequent reversal learning (RL) tasks. The number of animals that reached the learning criterion and the number of trials needed (TTC) in each task were calculated. Our results show that goats with the lowest learning performance in ID needed more TTC in RL1 and reached the learning criterion less frequently in RL2 and RL3 compared to animals with better learning performance in ID. This suggests a close relationship between initial learning and flexibility in learning behavior. To study the link between personality and learning, we conducted two analyses, one using only data from the first OF- and NO-test (momentary personality traits), while the other included both tests integrating only animals that were stable for their specific trait (stable personality traits). No relationship between personality and learning was found using data from only the first OF- and NO-test. However, stability in the trait boldness was found to have an effect on learning. Unbold goats outperformed bold goats in RL1. This finding supports the general hypothesis that bold animals tend to develop routines and show less flexibility in the context of learning than unbold individuals. Understanding how individual personality traits can affect cognitive abilities will help us gain insight into mechanisms that can constrain cognitive processing and adaptive behavioral responses.
Food Choices and Hypertension Among Rural Thais: Evidence From a Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Rusmevichientong Pimbucha , Nguyen Helen , Morales Celina , Jaynes Jessica , Wood Michele M.
Published: July 2022

Objective: The rural northern region of Thailand exhibits the highest rate of hypertension. This study explored hypertensive-related food choices between normotensive and hypertensive people residing in rural northern Thailand to determine which food attributes influence their choices.

Methods: The study conducted a discrete choice experiment (DCE) survey among Thai adults residing in rural northern Thailand (n = 403) to estimate the relative importance of four food attributes, including food preparation, price, taste, and amount of salt. A mixed logit model was used to analyze the data from the DCE.

Results: The first and second most important attributes in both hypertensive and normotensive groups were the amount of salt and food preparation at home, respectively, followed by price and taste. Specifically, the normotensive group was more attentive to the amount of salt in their food than their hypertensive counterparts.

Conclusion: Intervention programs in rural communities may benefit from focusing their attention on embracing low-salt cultural foods and providing guidance on how to add flavor without additional salt or reduce high sodium seasonings without losing flavor when cooking.
Numerical Study on the Yaw Control for Two Wind Turbines under Different Spacings
Authors: Xin Zhiqiang , Liu Songyang , Cai Zhiming , Liao Shenghai , Huang Guoqing
Published: July 2022

In this study, the large eddy simulation method and the actuator line model are used to investigate the wake redirection of two turbines. Different turbine spacings and yaw-based control of the upstream turbine are considered. The effects of yaw angle and turbine spacing on the output power of two turbines are comprehensively analyzed, and the physical mechanisms of the wake deficit, deflection and interaction are revealed from the distributions of the wake velocity, turbulence intensity and the structures of wake vortices. The results show that the overall power of two turbines is related to the yaw angle of the upstream turbine and the spacing between two turbines. We find yaw angle is the dominant factor in the total power improvement compared to turbine spacing. Still, a large yaw angle causes significant power fluctuations of the downstream turbine. The deficit of wake velocity and the change of output power are determined by the characteristics of the wake flow field, which the yaw control regulates.
Comparative Transcriptome and Interaction Protein Analysis Reveals the Mechanism of IbMPK3-Overexpressing Transgenic Sweet Potato Response to Low-Temperature Stress
Authors: Jin Rong , Yu Tao , Guo Pengyu , Liu Ming , Pan Jiaquan , Zhao Peng , Zhang Qiangqiang , Zhu Xiaoya , Wang Jing , Zhang Aijun , Cao Qinghe , Tang Zhonghou
Published: July 2022

The sweet potato is very sensitive to low temperature. Our previous study revealed that IbMPK3-overexpressing transgenic sweet potato (M3) plants showed stronger low-temperature stress tolerance than wild-type plants (WT). However, the mechanism of M3 plants in response to low-temperature stress is unclear. To further analyze how IbMPK3 mediates low-temperature stress in sweet potato, WT and M3 plants were exposed to low-temperature stress for 2 h and 12 h for RNA-seq analysis, whereas normal conditions were used as a control (CK). In total, 3436 and 8718 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in WT at 2 h (vs. CK) and 12 h (vs. CK) under low-temperature stress, respectively, whereas 1450 and 9291 DEGs were detected in M3 plants, respectively. Many common and unique DEGs were analyzed in WT and M3 plants. DEGs related to low temperature were involved in Ca2+ signaling, MAPK cascades, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling pathway, hormone transduction pathway, encoding transcription factor families (bHLH, NAC, and WRKY), and downstream stress-related genes. Additionally, more upregulated genes were associated with the MAPK pathway in M3 plants during short-term low-temperature stress (CK vs. 2 h), and more upregulated genes were involved in secondary metabolic synthesis in M3 plants than in the WT during the long-time low-temperature stress treatment (CK vs. 12 h), such as fatty acid biosynthesis and elongation, glutathione metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis, carotenoid biosynthesis, and zeatin biosynthesis. Moreover, the interaction proteins of IbMPK3 related to photosynthesis, or encoding CaM, NAC, and ribosomal proteins, were identified using yeast two-hybrid (Y2H). This study may provide a valuable resource for elucidating the sweet potato low-temperature stress resistance mechanism, as well as data to support molecular-assisted breeding with the IbMPK3 gene.
Camellia sinensis Chloroplast Fluoride Efflux Gene CsABCB9 Is Involved in the Fluoride Tolerance Mechanism
Authors: Luo Bingbing , Guang Min , Yun Wenjing , Ding Shitao , Ren Suna , Gao Hongjian
Published: July 2022

Soil is a main source of fluoride for plants. The tea plants (Camellia sinensis) accumulate excessive amounts of fluoride in their leaves compared to other plants, but their fluoride tolerance mechanism is poorly understood. A chloroplast fluoride efflux gene (CsABCB9) was newly discovered by using transcriptome analysis, cloned from Camellia sinensis, and its function was demonstrated in the fluoride detoxication mechanism in Escherichia coli/Xenopus laevis oocytes and Arabidopsis thaliana. CsABCB9 is expressed in tea leaves upon F− treatment. The growth of tea, E. coli, and Arabidopsis were inhibited by F− treatment. However, growth of CsABCB9-overexpression in E. coli was shown to increase with lower fluoride content under F− treatment compared to the control. Furthermore, chlorophyll, xanthophyll and soluble sugar contents of CsABCB9-overexpression in Arabidopsis were improved under F− treatment compared to the wild type. CsABCB9 functions in fluoride transport, and the mechanism by which CsABCB9 improves fluoride resistance in tea is mainly chloroplast protection through fluoride efflux.
Investigating the Implementation of Toyota’s Human Resources Management Practices in the Aerospace Industry
Authors: Benkarim Amal , Imbeau Daniel
Published: July 2022

Many companies try to follow Toyota’s production model to achieve better performance. In their attempts, however, they primarily focus on Lean Production tools, often overlooking the role of employees and HRM practices. In this work, we aim to investigate the implementation of Toyota’s HRM practices in the aerospace sector. For this purpose, we used a qualitative methodology, whereby data were collected through semi-structured interviews with thirty office and production employees from a Canadian aerospace company. Our results show that the company under study adopted several of Toyota’s HRM practices, including training, communication, respect, supervisor/manager support, fairness, and occupational health and safety. These findings underscore the importance of Toyota’s HRM practices in the aerospace sector. Notably, however, not all of Toyota’s HRM practices were adopted, and among those adopted, we found considerable differences in implementation. Overall, our findings provide novel insights into the implementation of HRM practices in the aerospace sector and highlight the flexibility in their implementation to adapt to the context of the target company.
Human and Bacterial Toll-Interleukin Receptor Domains Exhibit Distinct Dynamic Features and Functions
Authors: Lee Eunjeong , Redzic Jasmina S. , Nemkov Travis , Saviola Anthony J. , Dzieciatkowska Monika , Hansen Kirk C. , D’Alessandro Angelo , Dinarello Charles , Eisenmesser Elan Z.
Published: July 2022

Toll-interleukin receptor (TIR) domains have emerged as critical players involved in innate immune signaling in humans but are also expressed as potential virulence factors within multiple pathogenic bacteria. However, there has been a shortage of structural studies aimed at elucidating atomic resolution details with respect to their interactions, potentially owing to their dynamic nature. Here, we used a combination of biophysical and biochemical studies to reveal the dynamic behavior and functional interactions of a panel of both bacterial TIR-containing proteins and mammalian receptor TIR domains. Regarding dynamics, all three bacterial TIR domains studied here exhibited an inherent exchange that led to severe resonance line-broadening, revealing their intrinsic dynamic nature on the intermediate NMR timescale. In contrast, the three mammalian TIR domains studied here exhibited a range in terms of their dynamic exchange that spans multiple timescales. Functionally, only the bacterial TIR domains were catalytic towards the cleavage of NAD+, despite the conservation of the catalytic nucleophile on human TIR domains. Our development of NMR-based catalytic assays allowed us to further identify differences in product formation for gram-positive versus gram-negative bacterial TIR domains. Differences in oligomeric interactions were also revealed, whereby bacterial TIR domains self-associated solely through their attached coil-coil domains, in contrast to the mammalian TIR domains that formed homodimers and heterodimers through reactive cysteines. Finally, we provide the first atomic-resolution studies of a bacterial coil-coil domain and provide the first atomic model of the TIR domain from a human anti-inflammatory IL-1R8 protein that undergoes a slow inherent exchange.
Debelalactone Prevents Hepatic Cancer via Diminishing the Inflammatory Response and Oxidative Stress on Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Pathak Prateek , Kumar Vikas , Khalilullah Habibullah , Grishina Maria , Singh HariOm , Verma Amita
Published: July 2022

The current study was conducted to exemplify the effect of debelalactone on tissue protection, chronic hepatic inflammation, hepatic protection and oxidative stress induced by diethyl nitrosamine in Wistar rats. Therefore, DEN (200 mg/kg) was used for the induction the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the level of serum alpha fetoprotein was used for the estimation and confirmation of HCC. The study illustrated that debelalactone (DL) significantly downregulated the hepatic, non-hepatic parameters such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alpha fetoprotein, NO levels, total protein, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin in dose dependent manner, as well as noticeably improving the body weight, of treated animals. The macroscopically observation of DEN-induced rat liver showed the formation of informalities in liver tissue, which was reduced with treatment of DL at dose dependent manner. However, antioxidant markers and inflammatory mediators such as lipid peroxidation, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and transferase, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and NF-kB restored up to the normal level by DL. The histopathology studies showed that the treated group of animals returned to a normal status. Collectively, it can be concluded that debelalactone mediated chemoprevention in the DEN-induced rats via an increase in the activities of endogenous enzymes and/or inhibition the precancerous cells.
Carborane-Based Analog of Rev-5901 Attenuates Growth of Colon Carcinoma In Vivo
Authors: Paskaš Svetlana , Murganić Blagoje , Kuhnert Robert , Hey-Hawkins Evamarie , Mijatović Sanja , Maksimović-Ivanić Danijela
Published: July 2022

Lipoxygenases convert polyunsaturated fatty acids into biologically active metabolites such as inflammatory mediators—prostaglandins and leukotrienes. The inhibition of lipoxygenases is increasingly employed in the treatment of cancer. We evaluated the anticancer potential of two novel 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors, named CarbZDNaph and CarbZDChin, which are analogues of the commercially available inhibitor Rev-5901. The in vitro segment of this study was conducted on a mouse colorectal carcinoma cell line—CT26CL25. For an in vivo model, we induced tumors in BALB/c mice by the implantation of CT26CL25 cells, and we treated the animals with potential inhibitors. A 48 h treatment resulted in diminished cell viability. Calculated IC50 values (half-maximal inhibitory concentrations) were 25 μM, 15 μM and 30 μM for CarbZDNaph, CarbZDChin and Rev-5901, respectively. The detailed analysis of mechanism revealed an induction of caspase-dependent apoptosis and autophagy. In the presence of chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor, we observed an increased mortality of cells, implying a cytoprotective role of autophagy. Our in vivo experiment reports tumor growth attenuation in animals treated with CarbZDChin. Compounds CarbZDNaph and Rev-5901 lacked an in vivo efficacy. The results presented in this study display a strong effect of compound CarbZDChin on malignant cell growth. Having in mind the important role of inflammation in cancer development, these results have a significant impact and are worthy of further evaluation.
In Vitro Activity of Water Extracts of Olive Oil against Planktonic Cells and Biofilm Formation of Arcobacter-like Species
Authors: Švarcová Karolína , Hofmeisterová Leona , Švecová Blanka , Šilha David
Published: July 2022

Extra-virgin olive oils contain many bioactive substances that are phenolic compounds. The survival of Arcobacter-like strains in non-buffered (WEOO) and buffered (BEOO) extracts of olive oils were studied. Time kill curves of different strains were measured in the environment of olive oil extracts of different grades. The activity of the extracts was also monitored for biofilm formation using the Christensen method. In vitro results revealed that extra-virgin olive oil extracts exhibited the strongest antimicrobial effects, especially non-buffered extracts, which exhibited strain inhibition after only 5 min of exposure. The weakest inhibitory effects were observed for olive oil extracts. A decrease in biofilm formation was observed in the environment of higher WEOO concentrations, although at lower concentrations of extracts, increased biofilm formation occurred due to stress conditions. The dialdehydic forms of oleuropein derivatives, hydroxytyrosol, and tyrosol were the main compounds detected by HPLC-CoulArray. The results indicate that not all olive oils had a similar bactericidal effect, and that bioactivity primarily depended on the content of certain phenolic compounds.
Isolation and Identification of Fisetin: An Antioxidative Compound Obtained from Rhus verniciflua Seeds
Authors: Kim Su-Hwan , Huh Chang-Ki
Published: July 2022

The goal of this study was to provide basic data for the development of functional food and health materials for Rhus verniciflua (R. verniciflua) seeds. We investigated an antioxidative compound obtained from these seeds. Solvent fractionation was carried out on a 50%-ethanol extract of the seeds. The DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activity and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured, and high antioxidant activity was seen in the ethyl acetate fraction. The antioxidant compounds in the ethyl acetate fraction were isolated using silica-gel column chromatography by adjusting the solvent between chloroform and methanol. Fraction numbers 2–7 showed activity of more than 50%. Next, primary column chromatography was used to mix and concentrate the fractions that demonstrated antioxidant activity. The fractions were then subjected to secondary column chromatography to obtain subfraction 4, which showed high antioxidant activity. The separation of subfraction 4 was then performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Three peaks were identified and peak number 2 was judged to be the primary antioxidative compound, which was then isolated by pure separation. Finally, the purified subfraction peak number 2 was identified as a fisetin compound by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and HPLC.
Friedelin Attenuates Neuronal Dysfunction and Memory Impairment by Inhibition of the Activated JNK/NF-κB Signalling Pathway in Scopolamine-Induced Mice Model of Neurodegeneration
Authors: Sandhu Marva , Irfan Hafiz Muhammad , Shah Shahid Ali , Ahmed Madiha , Naz Iffat , Akram Muhammad , Fatima Humaira , Farooq Ayesha Shuja
Published: July 2022

Oxidative stress (OS) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) are both key indicators implicated in neuro-inflammatory signalling pathways and their respective neurodegenerative diseases. Drugs targeting these factors can be considered as suitable candidates for treatment of neuronal dysfunction and memory impairment. The present study encompasses beneficial effects of a naturally occurring triterpenoid, friedelin, against scopolamine-induced oxidative stress and neurodegenerative pathologies in mice models. The treated animals were subjected to behavioural tests i.e., Y-maze and Morris water maze (MWM) for memory dysfunction. The underlying mechanism was determined via western blotting, antioxidant enzymes and lipid profile analyses. Molecular docking studies were carried out to predict the binding modes of friedelin in the binding pocket of p-JNK protein. The results reveal that scopolamine caused oxidative stress by (1) inhibiting catalase (CAT), peroxidase enzyme (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione enzyme (GSH); (2) the up-regulation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in mice brain; and (3) affecting the neuronal synapse (both pre- and post-synapse) followed by associated memory dysfunction. In contrast, friedelin administration not only abolished scopolamine-induced oxidative stress, glial cell activation, and neuro-inflammation but also inhibited p-JNK and NF-κB and their downstream signaling molecules. Moreover, friedelin administration improved neuronal synapse and reversed scopolamine-induced memory impairment accompanied by the inhibition of β-secretase enzyme (BACE-1) to halt amyloidogenic pathways of amyloid-β production. In summary, all of the results show that friedelin is a potent naturally isolated neuro-therapeutic agent to reverse scopolamine-induced neuropathology, which is characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.