bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Choline Chloride Based Deep Eutectic Solvents as Promising Extractants of Flavonoids from Sedative Plant Composition
Authors: Dzhavakhyan M. A. , Prozhogina Yu. E.
Published: November 2022

Introduction. Nowadays deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are the object of close attention of the scientific community in various fields, such as chemistry, biology, pharmacy, biotechnology. The areas of application of DESs vary widely, and one of them is the extraction of biologically active substances from plant raw materials.

Aim. The aim of this work was to study the possibility of extraction of flavonoids from plant raw materials with using of deep eutectic solvents based on choline chloride, as well as to compare the efficiency of their extraction with traditional solvents.

Materials and methods. The extraction of flavonoids was carried out from the collection of a plant composition consisting of the herb of motherwort cordial (common motherwort) (Leonurus cardiaca L.), the herb of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.), the herb of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) and the herb of creeping thyme (thyme) (Thymus serpyllum L.) in a ratio of 4 : 2.5 : 2.5 : 1, crushed to a particle size of 2–3 mm. DESs based on choline chloride as hydrogen bond acceptor were used as extractants.

Results and discussion. In this article, DESs based on choline chloride were investigated for the ability to extract flavonoids from the medicinal collection of a plant composition based on leonurus grass, hypericum grass, melissa grass and thyme grass, which has a sedative effect. The influence of the water content in DES solutions on the properties of the extractant was also studied. Quantitative determination of flavonoids in terms of rutin was carried out by differential spectrophotometry at a wavelength of 410 ± 2 nm. The maximum yield of flavonoids was achieved by using a 50 % aqueous solution of DES based on choline chloride, glucose and water in a molar ratio of 2 : 1 : 1 at an extraction temperature of 60 °C.

Conclusion. The extracting ability of the obtained DES in terms of the efficiency of flavonoid extraction exceeds the extracting characteristics of the classical extractant for the composition under study – 70 % ethanol. Further study of the properties of the obtained extractant, its physical, chemical, and toxicological characteristics is the task of future experiments.
Impact of Parameter on Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Formulation and Approach of the Carrier for Cancer Treatment: a Brief Study
Authors: Sahoo L. , Jena G. K. , Patro C. S.
Published: November 2022

Introduction. For the last decade, nanotechnology has been studied extensively in the pharmaceutical field. Among all the nanotechnology formulation areas, nanostructured lipid carrier is enormously researched by formulation scientists as it is one of the focused areas of lipid carrier for the effective formulation.

Materials and methods. The nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) consists of solid lipid, liquid lipid & surfactant for fabrication of formulation. Methods such as high energy methods, low energy methods and organic solvent-based methods are used for the preparation of NLC. As per literature study the High pressure homogenization is the most efficient method for fabrication of formulation.

Results and discussion. This carrier system has significant advantages such as high drug entrapment, improved bioavailability, stability during storage, and targeting the site with a better-controlled release making it a prominent area for the formulator to emphasize on it. Although many drugs are formulated with a nanostructured lipid carrier, it is a concern for researchers to find out the effectiveness of formulation by studying the process parameter and safety.

Conclusion. The present review was focused to study the impact of various parameters such as Lipid, surfactant, homogenization rate, preservative, Crystallinity, and surface charge on the formulation. The study also extended towards toxicity and biocompatibility, topical targeting & cancer treatment of the Nanostructured lipid carrier.
Nanoparticles as Emerging Diagnostic Tools in Liquid Tumours
Authors: Matias Ana Sofia , Vinhas Raquel , Mendes Rita , Fernandes Alexandra R. , Baptista Pedro Viana
Published: November 2022

Nanotechnology has become an important approach to improving the diagnosis and treatment of cancer; advances in this area have made it possible to use various materials to detect cancers in the early stages. Materials at the nanoscale have unique physical, optical, and electrical properties that are useful for cancer detection. Nanoparticles, alongside the discovery of several biomarkers, made it possible to reduce the detection limit of cancer biomarkers and this breakthrough provided the possibility of new methodologies for diagnosis with simple and non-invasive approaches. Haematological malignancies such as leukaemia and lymphoma represent a specific class of cancer that attract special attention in this area of diagnoses. The aim of this review is to elucidate the applications of nanotechnology for these types of cancer and the potentialities of nanotechnology for the diagnosis of haematological malignancies. When combined onto a single nanomaterial (an approach known as nanotheranostics), these platforms may revolutionise the way we tackle liquid tumours, as well as providing innovative tools for precision oncology, diagnostics, and follow-up therapy and disease management.
eHealth Technologies: The Faster We Go, the More We Leave Behind?
Authors: Sudbury-Riley Lynn
Published: November 2022

The importance of health literacy is well recognised. Health literacy has a strong impact on health status and is crucial for empowering patients to pursue a more active role in their own healthcare. Health information is one of the most frequently searched topics on the internet, and in the current networked environment, electronic health resources are becoming increasingly vital in improving overall health literacy. New technologies that allow a myriad of eHealth applications and communication channels are revolutionising the ways in which health information is accessed and used by both providers and patients. Hence, the concept of eHealth literacy, which is an individual’s ability to find, evaluate, and apply health information from electronic sources, is a crucial area of study to understand and enhance the ways in which patients access and use eHealth information. This study examines eHealth literacy levels among a group of UK baby boomers (individuals born between 1946 and 1964) (N=407) who had recently used the internet to search for health information. The results suggest that even among this group of internet users, there are skill gaps that need to be addressed before the full potential of these electronic resources in empowering patients to play an active role in their own healthcare can be reached.
Humans of Instagram: Exploring influencer identity discourses on Instagram
Authors: Tewatia Maanya , Majumdar Sramana
Published: November 2022

Instagram has become a contemporary platform for presenting our digital identity. In this study, the Instagram influencer phenomenon is investigated from an identity, self-presentation, and impression management perspective. By focusing on the language of Instagram that enables this identity, its navigation and manifestations are explored. In-depth interviews were conducted with 8 fashion, beauty and lifestyle influencers, and the obtained data was analysed through the approach of discourse analysis, rooted in discursive psychology. Prominent discourses include a critical discussion on the ideas of aesthetic influencer identity, ‘handle names’, ‘follower’s gaze’, ‘stories’, ‘posts’, and ‘filters’. The findings provide an exploratory and critical perspective on the ways in which Instagram is creating and shaping identities. By offering an understanding of the facets of the influencer identity, this pioneering study highlights the different negotiations, conflicts, and resolutions in the performance of this identity.
Transition to n-type Thermoelectric Conduction in Ni-doped FeSe2 Alloys
Authors: An Young Bin , Park Sang Jeong , Park Okmin , Kim Sang-il
Published: November 2022

We investigated the effect of Ni doping on the electrical, thermal, and thermoelectric transport properties of FeSe2 polycrystalline alloys. FeSe2 alloys exhibit both n-type and p-type conduction at different temperatures and thus their practicality as a thermoelectric material is somewhat limited. In this study, Fe1-xNixSe2 polycrystalline samples withx = 0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, and 0.125 were synthesized, and it was shown that Ni doping in FeSe2 alloys induces n-type conduction in the entire temperature range. The electrical conductivity is gradually increased with an increase in carrier concentration as Ni doping increases, from 8.52 (x = 0) to 329 S/cm (x = 0.125) at 300 K. The maximum power factor of 0.61 mW/mK2 was observed in the Fe1-xNixSe2 sample atx = 0.01 at 600 K. Other Ni-doped samples exhibited power factors between 0.31 and 0.34 mW/mK2 at 600 K. The thermal conductivity gradually decreased from 6.9 (x = 0) to 4.2 W/mK (x = 0.125) with Ni doping because of the additional point-defect phonon scattering of the Ni substitutes. As a result, a zT of 0.11 was observed inx = 0.01 at 600 K, while the zT of the other Ni-doped samples exhibited 0.056-0.069 at 600 K.
Ara Söz Kavramı Hakkında Meddahtan Romana Karşılaştırmalı Bazı Tespitler
Authors: DAĞLI Ahmet
Published: November 2022

Makalenin konusu, kurguya dayalı edebî ürünlerdeki “ara söz” kullanımı üzerinedir. Ara söz, anlatıcı ya da yazarın metni zaman zaman geçici olarak durdurup dinleyiciye/okura çok çeşitli konularda kendi düşünce, yorum, duygu veya eleştirilerini aktardığı cümlelerdir. Metne ilgiyi artıran bu ara ifadelerde genellikle amaç kültür aktarımı yaparak insanları eğitmek, böylece aynı değerler etrafında sıkı bağları olan bir toplum oluşturmaktır. Bu makalede önce ara söz konusunda mevcut literatür bilgilerine ilave olabilecek değerlendirmeler yapılmıştır. Ardından meddah anlatılarındaki ara sözler ile roman türündeki ara sözler karşılaştırılmıştır. Edebî eserler ilhamını, konusunu toplumdan aldığı için onlar da yeni toplum düzenine uyum sağlayarak gelişir, dönüşür. Anadolu Türklerinin orta Asya’dan günümüze kadar kurgusal anlatılarına baktığımızda destanı, İslami destanı, halk hikâyesini, meddah anlatısını ve romanı gösterebiliriz. Bu türler içinde roman hariç diğerleri sözlü icra ortamı ürünüdürler. Bu kapsamda önce Meddah Behçet Mahir’in bir anlatısından ilk on ara söz alınıp içerik olarak değerlenmiştir. Sonra roman türünün ilk örneklerinden olan, Felatun Bey ve Rakım Efendi, Taaşşuk-ı Talat ve Fitnat, İntibah romanlarının ilk on ara sözleri tespit edilerek içerik incelemesi yapılmıştır. Romanda ara söz kullanımı teknik kusur olarak görülür. Çalışmada, incelenen romanlarda niçin ara söz kullanıldığı konusu, icra metinleri olan meddahlık anlatısı ile kıyaslanarak tartışılmış, tespit edilen sonuçlar ifade edilmiştir.
Cyprus Peace Operation in The Perspective of Responsibility to Protect
Authors: BİLGİN AYTAÇ Gizem
Published: November 2022

The use of military intervention against Humanitarian Crises during the Cold War was a concept that was limited in world politics and international law. Today, despite the theoretical and legal debates, sometimes by UN Security Council resolutions and sometimes by exceeding the only legitimate authorized institution of the use of force, states implement their responsibility to protect against third-party countries. Studies on the responsibility to protect, covering the history and theory of international relations, call the Cyprus Peace Operation a controversial example of humanitarian intervention in terms of the international community's reaction and the operation's legitimacy. Therefore, it will be examined within the framework of the responsibility to protect (R2P) in international political theory. In the 1990s, the International Relations literature defined humanitarian intervention as limiting the sovereignty of states against global atrocities. After the 2005 Earth Summit, R2P, third-party action against humanitarian crises, becomes a normative order-forming phenomenon. The phenomenon will allow us to examine the 1974 peace movement within the context of its responsibility to protect it. Discussions on the Cyprus Peace Operation under the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be used as the study's research method in the Parliamentary Budget Discussions.
Changes of the in vivo kinematics of the human medial longitudinal foot arch, first metatarsophalangeal joint, and the length of plantar fascia in different running patterns
Authors: Sun Xiaole , Su Wanyan , Zhang Faning , Ye Dongqiang , Wang Shaobai , Zhang Shen , Fu Weijie
Published: November 2022

Accurately obtaining the in vivo motion of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA), first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ), and plantar fascia (PF) is essential for analyzing the biomechanics of these structures in different running strike patterns. Most previous studies on the biomechanics of the MLA, first MTPJ, and PF have been based on traditional skin-marker–based motion capture, which cannot acquire the natural foot motion. Therefore, this study aimed to 1) describe the movement of the MLA, first MTPJ, and PF during running by using the high-speed dual fluoroscopic imaging system (DFIS) and 2) explore changes of the in vivo kinematics of the MLA and first MTPJ, and the length of the PF during the stance phase of running with different foot strike patterns. Fifteen healthy male runners all of whom ran with a regular rearfoot strike (RFS) pattern were required to run with forefoot strike (FFS) and RFS patterns. Computed tomography scans were taken from each participant’s right foot for the construction of 3D models (the calcaneus, first metatarsal, and first proximal phalanges) and local coordinate systems. A high-speed DFIS (100 Hz) and 3D force platform (2,000 Hz) were used to acquire X-ray images of the foot bones and ground reaction force data during the stance phase of running (3 m/s ± 5%) simultaneously. Then, 3D-2D registration was used to obtain the in vivo kinematic data of the MLA and first MTPJ and the length of the PF. When compared with RFS, in FFS, 1) the range of motion (ROM) of the medial/lateral (5.84 ± 5.61 mm vs. 0.75 ± 3.38 mm, p = 0.002), anterior/posterior (14.64 ± 4.33 mm vs. 11.18 ± 3.56 mm, p = 0.010), plantarflexion/dorsiflexion (7.13 ± 3.22° vs. 1.63 ± 3.29°, p < 0.001), and adduction/abduction (−3.89 ± 3.85° vs. −0.64 ± 4.39°, p = 0.034) motions of the MLA were increased significantly; 2) the ROM of the anterior/posterior (7.81 ± 2.84 mm vs. 6.24 ± 3.43 mm, p = 0.003), superior/inferior (2.11 ± 2.06 mm vs. −0.57 ± 1.65 mm, p = 0.001), and extension/flexion (−9.68 ± 9.16° vs. −5.72 ± 7.33°, p = 0.018) motions of the first MTPJ were increased significantly; 3) the maximum strain (0.093 ± 0.023 vs. 0.075 ± 0.020, p < 0.001) and the maximum power (4.36 ± 1.51 W/kg vs. 3.06 ± 1.39 W/kg, p < 0.001) of the PF were increased significantly. Running with FFS may increase deformation, energy storage, and release of the MLA and PF, as well as the push-off effect of the MTPJ. Meanwhile, the maximum extension angle of the first MTPJ and MLA deformation increased in FFS, which showed that the PF experienced more stretch and potentially indicated that FFS enhanced the PF mechanical responses.
Identification and validation of the molecular subtype and prognostic signature for clear cell renal cell carcinoma based on neutrophil extracellular traps
Authors: Quan Jing , Huang Banggao
Published: November 2022

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common cancers, with an annual incidence of nearly 400,000 cases worldwide. Increasing evidence has also demonstrated the vital role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in cancer progression and metastatic dissemination.

Methods: Consensus cluster analysis was performed to determine the number of ccRCC subtypes. The Kruskal–Wallis test or Student t-test was performed to evaluate the difference of infiltrating immune cell and gene expression in different groups. The Kaplan–Meier (KM) method was used to draw the survival curve. LASSO cox regression analysis was conducted to construct a NET-related prognostic signature. We also constructed a lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA regulatory axis by several miRNA and lncRNA target databases.

Results: A total of 23 differentially expressed NET-related genes were obtained in ccRCC. Three clusters of ccRCC cases with significant difference in prognosis, immune infiltration, and chemotherapy and targeted therapy were identified. LASSO Cox regression analysis identified a NET-related prognostic signature including six genes (G0S2, DYSF, MMP9, SLC22A4, SELP, and KCNJ15), and this signature had a good performance in predicting the overall survival of ccRCC patients. The expression of prognostic signature genes was significantly correlated with the pTMN stage, immune infiltration, tumor mutational burdens, microsatellite instability, and drug sensitivity of ccRCC patients. MMP9 was identified as the hub gene. We also identified the lncRNA UBA6-AS1/miR-149-5p/MMP9 regulatory axis for the progression of ccRCC.

Conclusion: Collectively, the current study identified three molecular clusters and a prognostic signature for ccRCC based on neutrophil extracellular traps. Integrative transcriptome analyses plus clinical sample validation may facilitate the biomarker discovery and clinical transformation.
Key brain cell interactions and contributions to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Saavedra Joana , Nascimento Mariana , Liz Márcia A. , Cardoso Isabel
Published: November 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, with the two major hallmarks being the deposition of extracellular β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Additionally, early pathological events such as cerebrovascular alterations, a compromised blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction, culminate in neuron loss and cognitive deficits. AD symptoms reflect a loss of neuronal circuit integrity in the brain; however, neurons do not operate in isolation. An exclusively neurocentric approach is insufficient to understand this disease, and the contribution of other brain cells including astrocytes, microglia, and vascular cells must be integrated in the context. The delicate balance of interactions between these cells, required for healthy brain function, is disrupted during disease. To design successful therapies, it is critical to understand the complex brain cellular connections in AD and the temporal sequence of their disturbance. In this review, we discuss the interactions between different brain cells, from physiological conditions to their pathological reactions in AD, and how this basic knowledge can be crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies.
Cerebellar development after preterm birth
Authors: Iskusnykh Igor Y. , Chizhikov Victor V.
Published: November 2022

Preterm birth and its complications and the associated adverse factors, including brain hemorrhage, inflammation, and the side effects of medical treatments, are the leading causes of neurodevelopmental disability. Growing evidence suggests that preterm birth affects the cerebellum, which is the brain region involved in motor coordination, cognition, learning, memory, and social communication. The cerebellum is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of preterm birth because key cerebellar developmental processes, including the proliferation of neural progenitors, and differentiation and migration of neurons, occur in the third trimester of a human pregnancy. This review discusses the negative impacts of preterm birth and its associated factors on cerebellar development, focusing on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that mediate cerebellar pathology. A better understanding of the cerebellar developmental mechanisms affected by preterm birth is necessary for developing novel treatment and neuroprotective strategies to ameliorate the cognitive, behavioral, and motor deficits experienced by preterm subjects.
Comprehensive review of additively manufactured biodegradable magnesium implants for repairing bone defects from biomechanical and biodegradable perspectives
Authors: Wang Zhengguang , Liu Bingchuan , Yin Bangzhao , Zheng Yufeng , Tian Yun , Wen Peng
Published: November 2022

Bone defect repair is a complicated clinical problem, particularly when the defect is relatively large and the bone is unable to repair itself. Magnesium and its alloys have been introduced as versatile biomaterials to repair bone defects because of their excellent biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, bone-mimicking biomechanical features, and non-toxic and biodegradable properties. Therefore, magnesium alloys have become a popular research topic in the field of implants to treat critical bone defects. This review explores the popular Mg alloy research topics in the field of bone defects. Bibliometric analyses demonstrate that the degradation control and mechanical properties of Mg alloys are the main research focus for the treatment of bone defects. Furthermore, the additive manufacturing (AM) of Mg alloys is a promising approach for treating bone defects using implants with customized structures and functions. This work reviews the state of research on AM-Mg alloys and the current challenges in the field, mainly from the two aspects of controlling the degradation rate and the fabrication of excellent mechanical properties. First, the advantages, current progress, and challenges of the AM of Mg alloys for further application are discussed. The main mechanisms that lead to the rapid degradation of AM-Mg are then highlighted. Next, the typical methods and processing parameters of laser powder bed fusion fabrication on the degradation characteristics of Mg alloys are reviewed. The following section discusses how the above factors affect the mechanical properties of AM-Mg and the recent research progress. Finally, the current status of research on AM-Mg for bone defects is summarized, and some research directions for AM-Mg to drive the application of clinical orthopedic implants are suggested.
Improvement of rural soil properties and states by biomass carbon under the concept of sustainability: A research progress
Authors: Yang Yuchi
Published: November 2022

Biomass carbon is a highly aromatic carbonaceous solid obtained by thermochemical reaction of biomass raw materials. It is frequently used in the research and application of soil properties and states improvement. Biomass carbon has abundant porous structure, high specific surface area and surface functional groups. After being applied to the soil, it has a significant impact on manipulating the physichemical properties of the soil, enhancing the microbial environment and remediating soil pollutants, which is conducive to the resource utilization of agricultural wastes and the long-term preservation of the environment. Based on 328 moderately to highly relevant literatures on biomass carbon and rural soil property improvement since 2010, this paper reviewed the contemporary research progress of biomass carbon application in soil property improvements utilizing the concept of sustainable development. In order to provide beneficial illumination for the complete implementation of biomass carbon in improving rural soil properties, this paper primarily evaluated the principle as well as mechanism of promoting sustainable soil properties. It tends to prospect the application and development aspirations of biomass carbon in soil ecological restoration, crop growth, development.
Fusobacterium nucleatum and colorectal cancer: From phenomenon to mechanism
Authors: Ou Suwen , Wang Hufei , Tao Yangbao , Luo Kangjia , Ye Jinhua , Ran Songlin , Guan Zilong , Wang Yuliuming , Hu Hanqing , Huang Rui
Published: November 2022

Colorectal cancer(CRC) is the third most frequent malignant tumor. The gut microbiome acts as a vital component of CRC etiology. Fusobacterium nucleatum(Fn) is a key member of colorectal cancer-associated bacteria. But we lack a systematic and in-depth understanding on its role in CRC evolution. In this article, We reviewed the abundance changes and distribution of Fn in CRC occurrence and development, potential effect of Fn in the initiation of CRC, the source of intratumoral Fn and the cause of its tropism to CRC. In addition, We described the mechanism by which Fn promotes the malignant biological behavior of CRC, affects CRC response to therapy, and shapes the tumor immune microenvironment in great detail. Based on the relationship between Fn and CRC, we proposed strategies for CRC prevention and treatment, and discussed the feasibility and limitations of specific cases, to gain insights into further basic and clinical research in the future.
MiR-199a-3p-regulated alveolar macrophage-derived secretory autophagosomes exacerbate lipopolysaccharide-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Xu Xinyi , Liu Xu , Dong Xuecheng , Yang Yi , Liu Ling
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a prevalent illness in intensive care units. Extracellular vesicles and particles released from activated alveolar macrophages (AMs) assist in ARDS lung injury and the inflammatory process through mechanisms that are unclear. This study investigated the role of AM-derived secretory autophagosomes (SAPs) in lung injury and microRNA (MiR)-199a-3p-regulated inflammation associated with ARDS in vitro and in a murine model.

Methods

The ARDS model in mouse was established by intratracheal LPS lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. The agomirs or antagomirs of MiR-199a-3p were injected into the caudal vein to figure out whether MiR-199a-3p could influence ARDS inflammation and lung injury, whereas the mimics or inhibitors of MiR-199a-3p, siRNA of Rab8a, or PAK4 inhibitor were transfected or applied to RAW264.7 cells to evaluate the mechanism of SAP release. Culture supernatants of RAW264.7 cells treated with LPS or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from mice were collected for the isolation of SAPs.

Results

We found that MiR-199a-3p was over-expressed in the lungs of ARDS mice. The MiR-199a-3p antagomir alleviated, whereas the MiR-199a-3p agomir exacerbated LPS-induced inflammation in mice by promoting AM-derived SAP secretion. In addition, MiR-199a-3p over-expression exacerbated LPS-induced ARDS via activating Rab8a, and Rab8a silencing significantly suppressed the promoting influence of the MiR-199a-3p mimic on SAP secretion. Furthermore, MiR-199a-3p mimic activated Rab8a by directly inhibiting PAK4 expression.

Conclusion

The novel finding of this study is that MiR-199a-3p participated in the regulation of SAP secretion and the inflammatory process via targeting of PAK4/Rab8a, and is a potential therapeutic candidate for ARDS treatment.
Molecular characterization and genetic diversity of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina of cattle in Thailand
Authors: Srionrod Nitipon , Nooroong Pornpiroon , Poolsawat Napassorn , Minsakorn Sutthida , Watthanadirek Amaya , Junsiri Witchuta , Sangchuai Siriphan , Chawengkirttikul Runglawan , Anuracpreeda Panat
Published: November 2022

Babesia bovis and B. bigemina are the most common tick-borne parasites that cause bovine babesiosis which effects livestock production, leading to economic losses in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. The aims of this study were to determine the molecular detection, genetic diversity and antigenicity prediction of B. bovis based on spherical body protein 2 (sbp-2) gene and B. bigemina based on rhoptry-associated protein 1a (rap-1a) gene in cattle in Thailand. By PCR assay, the molecular detection of B. bovis and B. bigemina infection revealed levels of 2.58% (4/155) and 5.80% (9/155), respectively. The phylograms showed that B. bovis sbp-2 and B. bigemina rap-1a sequences displayed 5 and 3 clades with similarity ranging between 85.53 to 100% and 98.28 to 100%, respectively, when compared within Thailand strain. Diversity analysis of sbp-2 and rap-1a sequences showed 18 and 4 haplotypes, respectively. The entropy analysis illustrated 104 and 7 polymorphic sites of sbp-2 and rap-1a nucleic acid sequences, respectively, while those of sbp-2 and rap-1a amino acid sequences showed 46 and 4 high entropy peaks, respectively. Motifs analysis exhibited the distribution and conservation among sbp-2 and rap-1a sequences. The continuous and discontinuous B-cell epitopes have also been evaluated in this work. Therefore, our findings may be used to ameliorate the understanding inputs of molecular phylogeny, genetic diversity and antigenicity of B. bovis and B. bigemina Thailand stains.
Characterization of microbial communities from gut microbiota of hypercholesterolemic and control subjects
Authors: Morales Cristian , Rojas Gabriel , Rebolledo Camilo , Rojas-Herrera Marcelo , Arias-Carrasco Raúl , Cuadros-Orellana Sara , Maracaja-Coutinho Vinicius , Saavedra Kathleen , Leal Pamela , Lanas Fernando , Salazar Luis A. , Saavedra Nicolás
Published: November 2022

Introduction

In recent years, several studies have evidenced the importance of the microbiome to host physiology as metabolism regulator, along with its potential role in triggering various diseases. In this study, we analyzed the gut microbiota in hypercholesterolemic (cases) and normocholesterolemic (controls) individuals to identify characteristic microbial signature for each condition.

Methods

Stool samples were obtained from 57 adult volunteers (27 hypercholesterolemic and 30 controls). The taxonomic profiling of microbial communities was performed using high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA V3-V4 amplicons, followed by data analysis using Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology 2 (QIIME2) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe).

Results

Significant differences were observed in weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) between the groups (p<0.05). LEfSe showed differentially abundant prokaryotic taxa (α=0.05, LDA score > 2.0) in the group of hypercholesterolemic individuals (Methanosphaera, Rothia, Chromatiales, Clostridiales, Bacillaceae and Coriobacteriaceae) and controls (Faecalibacterium, Victivallis and Selenomonas) at various taxonomic levels. In addition, through the application of Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States 2 (PICRUSt2), the predominance of pathways related to biosynthesis in hypercholesterolemic patients was established, compared to controls in which degradation pathways were predominant. Finally, in the analysis of co-occurrence networks, it was possible to identify associations between the microorganisms present in both studied groups.

Conclusion

Our results point out to unique microbial signatures, which likely play a role on the cholesterol metabolism in the studied population.
Mapping of the myxomatous mitral valve: The three-dimensional extension of mitral annular disjunction in surgically repaired mitral prolapse
Authors: Biondi Raoul , Ribeyrolles Sophie , Diakov Christelle , Amabile Nicolas , Ricciardi Gabriella , Khelil Nizar , Berrebi Alain , Zannis Konstantinos
Published: November 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to describe the heterogeneous extension of mitral annular disjunction (MAD) and assess the hypotesis that different phenotypes of disjunction are not associated with increased surgical challenges.

Background

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the most common end-stage scenario of degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD). Few data exist on the three-dimensional extension and geometry of MAD, as well as for its role in valvular dynamic and coaptation.

Methods

A total of 85 consecutive subjects, who underwent elective mitral valve repair (MVR) for MMVD at our Institution between November 2019 and October 2021, were studied retrospectively. The extension and geometry of MAD was assessed using the digitally stored volumetric datasets of real-time 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Annular phenotypes and surgical repair techniques were analyzed.

Results

Mitral annular disjunction was diagnosed in 50 out of 85 patients (59%) with Barlow disease (BD). A detailed analysis of MAD extension was conducted on 33 patients. Two pattern of disjunction were identified: a bimodal shape was highlighted in 21 patients, while a more uniform distribution of the disjuncted annulus was observed in 12 patients. The bimodal pattern was characterized by lower disjunction distance (DD) at the 140°–220° arch (3.6 ± 2.2 mm), while a more regular DD was measured in the remaining patients. All patients successfully underwent MVR. Triangular leaflet resection was performed in 58% of the cases, neochordae implantation in 9%, and notably a 27% received an isolated annuloplasty.

Conclusion

Rather than a binary feature, MAD should be taken into account in its complex and heterogeneous morphology, where two major phenotypes can be identified. Despite its anatomical complexity, MAD was not associated with an increased surgical challenge; conversely a peculiar subgroup of patient was successfully treated with an isolated annuloplasty.
Reductions in extracellular vesicle-associated microRNA-126 levels in coronary blood after acute myocardial infarction: A retrospective study
Authors: Yuan Yujuan , Ma Yiping , Aili Zulipiya , Nijiati Muyesai
Published: November 2022

Background

Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) is a kind of cardiovascular disease with high mortality and incidence. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and microRNA-126 (miR-126) are known to play important role in the development and prognosis of several cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the changes in Extracellular vesicle (EV)-associated miR-126 levels in the coronary blood of patients with AMI to explore the relationship between miR-126 levels and AMI.

Materials and methods

We analyzed EV-associated miR-126 in the coronary blood of patients with AMI and stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Results

We tested the coronary blood of 20 patients with AMI and 20 with SCAD. The mean age of the patients was 58.8 ± 10.3 years and 32 (80%) were men. We observed that the EV-associated miR-126 levels were lower in patients with AMI [median = 0.13; interquartile range (IQR): 0.08–0.22] than in patients with SCAD (median = 0.37; IQR: 0.26–0.48) (P < 0.001). In addition, the levels of miR-126 were negatively associated with the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score (r = −0.66, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Reduction of EV-associated miR-126 levels in the coronary blood of patients with AMI may be involved in acute coronary thrombosis events.
Selecting and justifying quantitative analysis techniques in single-case research through a user-friendly open-source tool
Authors: Fingerhut Joelle , Moeyaert Mariola
Published: November 2022

Certain quantification techniques may be more appropriate than others for single-case design analysis depending on the research questions, the data or graph characteristics, and other desired features. The purpose of this study was to introduce a newly developed and empirically validated user-friendly tool to assist researchers in choosing and justifying single-case design quantification techniques. A total of sixteen different quantification techniques and nine facets (research questions, data or graph characteristics, or desired features) that may affect the appropriateness of a single-case experimental design quantification technique were identified to be included in the tool. The resulting tool provides a ranking of recommended quantification techniques, from most to least appropriate, depending on the user input. A pretest and posttest design was utilized to test the effectiveness of the tool amongst 25 participants. The findings revealed that those who use single-case designs may need support in choosing and justifying their use of quantification techniques. Those who utilize single-case designs should use the developed tool (and other tools) to assist with their analyses. The open-source tool can be downloaded from osf.io/7usbj/.
Current insights in molecular characterization of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and treatment
Authors: Che Wensheng , Zhao Ming , Li Xiaoqing , Li Chunlong , Cho William C. , Yu Shan
Published: November 2022

There is a continuously rising incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) around the world, which parallels the increasing incidence of metabolic diseases. NAFLD is a range of liver conditions that contains simple non-alcoholic fatty liver and advanced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. In serious cases, NAFLD may develop into cirrhosis or even liver cancer. NAFLD has an intense relationship with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is known that gut microbiota, and functional molecules such as adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase JNK, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in progressing and treating NAFLD. Traditionally, the conventional and effective therapeutic strategy is lifestyle intervention. Nowadays, new medicines targeting specific molecules, such as farnesoid X receptor, PPARs, and GLP-1 receptor, have been discovered and shown beneficial effects on patients with NAFLD. In this article, we focus on the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic approaches to NAFLD.
Thermographic detection and localisation of unsteady flow separation on rotor blades of wind turbines
Authors: Oehme Felix , Gleichauf Daniel , Balaresque Nicholas , Sorg Michael , Fischer Andreas
Published: November 2022

A thermographic detection and localization of unsteady flow separation on an operating wind turbine of type GE1.5sl is presented and verified by means of tufts flow visualisation. Unsteady flow separation phenomena such as dynamic stall are an undesired flow state as it causes fatigue failures, limits the turbine efficiency and increases noise emissions from the rotor blades. In comparison to available methods for stall detection on wind turbines, the presented infrared thermographic measurement approach is non-invasive, in-process capable and provides a high spatial resolution. On the basis of the thermodynamic response behaviour of the surface temperature in case of unsteady flow events, a two-step signal processing approach is proposed, to achieve the highest possible spatio-temporal resolution in the detection and localisation of stall. First, the identification of distinct maxima of the spatial standard deviation of difference images, enables to determine potential stall events in time. In the subsequent combined image evaluation with a transient approach and a principal component analysis, unsteady flow separation is detected during the occurrence of a strong wind gust with the maximum time resolution (image exposure time) as well as the maximum spatial resolution (image resolution), respectively, despite the limited signal-to-noise ratio compared to wind tunnel experiments. In addition, a geometric assignment of the image data to the rotor blade geometry is conducted, which enables a localization of the separation point on the 3 days rotor blade geometry with a maximal uncertainty of 2.3% of the chord length.
Does environmental administrative penalty promote the quantity and quality of green technology innovation in China? Analysis based on the peer effect
Authors: Chen Xuan , Zhan Meng
Published: November 2022

As the guarantee for the effective implementation of environmental policies, the spillover of the deterrent effect of environmental administrative penalties is crucial for solving the environmental regulatory dilemma. It is also unclear whether environmental administrative penalties can affect green technology innovation of the peer enterprises and whether they have an impact on both the quantity and quality dimensions. Taking listed firms of heavily polluting industries in China’s Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share from 2016 to 2020 as the sample, this paper analyzes the impact of the environmental administrative penalty on the quantity and quality of corporate green technology innovation based on the perspective of peer effect. The results indicate that: 1) Environmental administrative penalty significantly promotes the quantity and quality of peer enterprises’ green technology innovation. 2) Heterogeneity analysis shows that the diversity of penalties, the competitiveness of the penalized enterprises, and the property rights of peer enterprises all contribute to the different impacts of the environmental administrative penalty on the peer enterprises’ green technology innovation. 3) Further analysis shows that the promotion effect will be weakened when peer enterprises face high financing constraints. The research results expand the related research on direct government regulation and green technology innovation from the perspective of peer effect and provide policy reference for the government to formulate differentiated penalty policies according to the heterogeneity of enterprise.
Adult sex ratios and partial dominance of females over males in the rock hyrax
Authors: Hemelrijk Charlotte K. , Seex Lauren , Pederboni Matteo , Ilany Amiyaal , Geffen Eli , Koren Lee
Published: November 2022

Competition in group-living animals often results in a dominance hierarchy. The sex that is larger (usually the males) generally dominates the one that is smaller (the females). In certain species, however, despite being smaller, the females dominate several males. Female dominance over males may here arise from the self-reinforcing effects of winning and losing fights, the so-called winner-loser effect, as demonstrated in the model DomWorld. In the model, females may become dominant over more males when the percentage of males in the group is higher due to the higher intensity of aggression of males than females combined with the higher frequency of male–male fights. This association between female dominance and the percentage of adult males in the group has been confirmed in several primate species. Since in the model DomWorld this association requires few assumptions, it should be tested beyond primates. In the present study, we investigated it in the group-living rock hyrax (Procavia capensis), because it fulfilled most requirements. We used data on adults from six groups, collected over 20 years in natural colonies in Israel. We confirmed that body weight and intensity of aggression was greater in males than females. Three measurements indicated that females dominated ca. 70% of the males. Unexpectedly, only in the data where groups comprised several males, female dominance over males was shown to increase with male percentage, but not when including (the many) years in which groups comprised a single male. We attribute this non significance to the limited male–male interactions. One of the requirements of DomWorld is that individuals live in permanent groups, but in rock hyrax there were also bachelor males, that were not permanently associated with a group. Thus, we expected and confirmed that there was no association between the percentage of males and female dominance over males when including them. In conclusion, our results support the hypothesis that the winner-loser effect contributes to the dominance of females over males, and the association between the percentage of males in a group and female dominance over males requires an extra criterion: that most groups contain multiple males.
Shade and drought increase fungal contribution to partially mycoheterotrophic terrestrial orchids Goodyera pubescens and Tipularia discolor
Authors: McCormick Melissa K. , Good Kerry L. , Mozdzer Thomas J. , Whigham Dennis F.
Published: November 2022

Many photosynthetic plants supplement photosynthetic carbon with fungal carbon, but the mechanisms that govern dependence on mycoheterotrophic carbon are poorly understood. We used exclusion shelters to manipulate water and light availability to plants of the terrestrial orchids Goodyera pubescens and Tipularia discolor. We tracked changes in δ13C from photosynthesis and δ15N acquired from soil-derived inorganic nitrogen versus mycoheterotrophy, along with direct measures of photosynthesis in T. discolor. We hypothesized that shade would increase dependence on mycoheterotrophy compared to reference plants, while drought would decrease both photosynthesis and the abundance of potential mycorrhizal fungi. Drought and shade enriched 13C and 15N in both G. pubescens and T. discolor, compared to control plants, indicating increased fungal contribution to orchid tissues. Physiological measurements of T. discolor leaves showed that dark respiration, water use efficiency, and relative electron transport rate did not vary significantly, but shaded plants had greater quantum efficiency, suggesting they were light-limited. Light saturated photosynthesis of T. discolor leaves was lower in both shaded and drought-treated plants, indicating lower photosynthetic capacity, and likely greater dependence on mycoheterotrophy and corresponding enrichment in 13C and 15N. This study documented changes in orchid dependence on fungal carbon in response to manipulated environmental conditions. Both shade and drought increased the dependence of both orchids on mycoheterotrophically derived carbon and nitrogen.
Similarities in social calls during autumn swarming may facilitate interspecific communication between Myotis bat species
Authors: Bergmann Anja , Gloza-Rausch Florian , Wimmer Bernadette , Kugelschafter Karl , Knörnschild Mirjam
Published: November 2022

Bats employ a variety of social calls for communication purposes. However, for most species, social calls are far less studied than echolocation calls and their specific function often remains unclear. We investigated the function of in-flight social calls during autumn swarming in front of a large hibernaculum in Northern Germany, whose main inhabitants are two species ofMyotisbats, Natterer’s bats (Myotis nattereri) and Daubenton’s bats (Myotis daubentonii). We recorded social calls in nights of high swarming activity and grouped the calls based on their spectro-temporal structure into ten types and verified our visual classification by a discriminant function analysis. Whenever possible, we subsequently assigned social calls to eitherM. daubentoniiorM. nattereriby analyzing the echolocation calls surrounding them. As many bats echolocate at the same time during swarming, we did not analyze single echolocation calls but the “soundscape” surrounding each social call instead, encompassing not only spectral parameters but also the timbre (vocal “color”) of echolocation calls. Both species employ comparatively similar social call types in a swarming context, even though there are subtle differences in call parameters between species. To additionally gain information about the general function of social calls produced in a swarming context, we performed playback experiments with free-flying bats in the vicinity of the roost, using three different call types from both species, respectively. In three out of six treatments, bat activity (approximated as echolocation call rate) increased during and after stimulus presentation, indicating that bats inspected or approached the playback site. Using a camera trap, we were sometimes able to identify the species of approaching bats. Based on the photos taken during playbacks, we assume one call type to support interspecific communication while another call type works for intraspecific group cohesion.