bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Efficient Gaussian Mixture Model and It's Application to Neural Network
Authors: Lu Weiguo , Ding Deng , Wu Fengyan , Yuan Gangnan
Published: February 2023

While modeling data in reality, uncertainties in both data (aleatoric) and model (epistemic) are not necessarily Gaussian. The uncertainties could appear with multimodality or any other particular forms which need to be captured. Gaussian mixture models (GMMs) are powerful tools that allow us to capture those features from a unknown density with a peculiar shape. Inspired by Fourier expansion, we propose a GMM model structure to decompose arbitrary unknown densities and prove the property of convergence. A simple learning method is introduced to learn GMMs through sampled datasets. We applied GMMs as well as our learning method to two classic neural network applications. The first one is learning encoder output of autoencoder as GMMs for handwritten digits images generation. The another one is learning gram matrices as GMMs for style-transfer algorithm. Comparing with the classic Expectation maximization (EM) algorithm, our method does not involve complex formulations and is capable of achieving applicable accuracy.
The Role of C2 Domains in Two Different Phosphatases: PTEN and SHIP2
Authors: John Laura , Naughton Fiona , Sansom Mark , Larsen Andreas Haahr
Published: February 2023

Phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) and SH2-containing-inositol-5’-phosphatase 2 (SHIP2) are structurally and functionally similar. They both consist of a Phosphastase (Ptase) domain and an adjacent C2 domain, and both proteins dephosphorylate phosphoinositol-tri(3,4,5)phosphate, PI(3,4,5)P3; PTEN at the 3-phophate and SHIP2 at the 5-phosphate. Therefore, they play pivotal roles in the PI3K/Akt pathway. Here, we investigate the role of the C2 domain in membrane interactions of PTEN and SHIP2, using molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations. It is generally accepted that for PTEN the C2 domain interacts strongly with anionic lipids and therefore significantly contributes to membrane recruitment. In contrast, for the C2 domain in SHIP2 we previously found much weaker binding affinity for anionic membranes. Our simulations confirm the membrane anchor role of the C2 domain in PTEN, as well as its necessity for the Ptase domain in gaining its productive membrane binding conformation. In contrast, we identified that the C2 domain in SHIP2 undertakes neither of these roles, which are generally proposed for C2 domains. Our data support a model in which the main role of the C2 domain in SHIP2 is to introduce allosteric interdomain changes that enhance catalytic activity of the Ptase domain.
HAX1 Is a Novel Binding Partner of Che-1/AATF. Implications in Oxidative Stress Cell Response
Authors: Pisani Cinzia , Onori Annalisa , Gabanella Francesca , Iezzi Simona , De Angelis Roberta , Fanciulli Maurizio , Colizza Andrea , De Vincentiis Marco , Di Certo Maria Grazia , Passananti Claudio , Corbi Nicoletta
Published: February 2023

HAX1 is a multifunctional protein involved in the antagonism of apoptosis in cellular response to oxidative stress. In the present study we identified HAX1 as novel binding partner for Che-1/AATF, a pro-survival factor which plays a crucial role in fundamental processes, including response to multiple stresses and apoptosis. HAX1 and Che-1 proteins show extensive colocalization in mitochondria and we demonstrated that their association is strengthened after oxidative stress stimuli. Interestingly, in MCF-7 cells, resembling luminal estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer, we found that Che-1 depletion correlates with decreased HAX1 mRNA and protein levels, and this event is not significantly affected by oxidative stress induction. Furthermore, we observed an enhancement of the previously reported interaction between HAX1 and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) upon H2O2 treatment. These results indicate the two anti-apoptotic proteins HAX1 and Che-1 as coordinated players in cellular response to oxidative stress with a potential role in estrogen sensitive breast cancer cells.
Characterization of the zooplankton in the continental shelf of the Brazilian Equatorial Atlantic
Authors: Nunes Yago Bruno Silveira , Cutrim Marco Valério Jansen , Diaz Xiomara Franchesca Garcia , Campos Paula Nepomuceno , Palheta Glauber David Almeida , Melo Nuno Filipe Alves Correia de
Published: February 2023

The equatorial Atlantic is characterized by its high abundance of zooplankton. However, starting point studies concerning the species composition in the northern Brazilian continental shelf are still scarce. Species cataloging studies can help to know the diversity of this ecosystem and, consequently, develop conservation studies and strategies for natural resources management. Thus, this work aims to characterize the species composing the zooplanktonic communities present on the continental shelf of Maranhão. Ninety-six taxa distributed among the Radiolaria, Myozoa, Foraminifera, Cnidaria, Mollusca, Annelida, Arthropoda, Bryozoa, Chaetognatha, Echinodermata, Chordata, and other groups, were recorded. The composition of mesozooplankton showed a wide distribution, indicating that the species are finding the appropriate conditions for their development.
Pembuatan Buku Saku Panduan Pemakaian Retinol untuk Mencegah Penuaan bagi Pemula
Authors: Neneng Siti Silfi Ambarwati  , Tania Salsabila Putri Harfi
Published: February 2023

Salah satu fenomena yang terjadi dan telah disadari oleh masyarakat adalah dijumpai banyak individu yang telah mengalami proses penuaan sebelum waktunya. Retinol merupakan salah satu bahan aktif yang mampu menangani berbagai masalah kulit, baik penuaan kulit, hiperpigmentasi hingga masalah jerawat. Seiring maraknya penggunaan retinol, masih ada sebagian orang yang belum memahami bahwa retinol merupakan bahan aktif yang dalam penggunaanya memerlukan pengetahuan dasar agar retinol bekerja secara maksimal dan reaksi negatif pada awal pemakaian dapat diminimalisir. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membuat buku saku yang berisi informasi mengenai bahan aktif retinol, hal yang harus dilakukan sebelum menggunakan retinol, serta panduan pemakaian bahan retinol berdasarkan bentuk produknya. Semua informasi ini dimuat menjadi lebih menarik dalam buku saku karena dikemas secara singkat, padat, dan jelas dengan bahasa yang mudah dimengerti oleh pemula, yaitu semua orang di berbagai kalangan yang ingin menggunakan bahan retinol. Tahap pembuatan buku ini terdiri dari tahap pendefinisian, tahap perancangan, tahap pengembangan dan tahap implementasi, penilaian buku dilakukan oleh dua orang ahli yaitu ahli media dan ahli materi. Hasil pembuatan buku ini memenuhi kriteria validasi dengan hasil yang didapat oleh ahli materi adalah 79%, dari ahli media 92%, sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa buku tersebut layak untuk digunakan sebagai referensi dan panduan pemakaian retinol bagi pemula.

 

Kata Kunci : Buku Saku, Panduan, Retinol, Penuaan Kulit
Polycephalomycetaceae , a new family of clavicipitoid fungi segregates from Ophiocordycipitaceae
Authors: Xiao Yuan-Pin , Wang Yuan Bing , Hyde Kevin D. , Eleni Gentekaki , Sun Jingzu , Yang Yu , Meng Juan , Yu Hong , Wen Ting-Chi
Published: February 2023

Clavicipitoid fungi comprise three families, namely Clavicipitaceae, Cordycipitaceae, and Ophiocordycipitaceae. They are found worldwide and are specialized pathogens of invertebrate, plant and fungal hosts. Over the last decade, morphology- and phylogeny-based studies on clavicipitoid fungi have increased. The latter have revealed that Polycephalomyces, Perennicordyceps and Pleurocordyceps consistently cluster together.These genera are currently considered as members of Ophiocordycipitaceae. Nonetheless, information with regard to their diversity and ecology remains sparse. To fill this gap, we collected 29 fresh specimens from insect and fungal substrates from tropical and subtropical evergreen forests in Thailand and southwestern China. We performed detailed morphological analyses and constructed photoplates for all isolated fungi. We used extensive taxon sampling and a dataset comprising internal transcribed spacer gene region (ITS), small subunit ribosomal RNA gene region (SSU), large subunit rRNA gene region (LSU), translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene region (TEF-1α), RNA polymerase II largest subunit gene region (RPB1) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) to infer order-, family and genus-level phylogenetic trees. Based on these biphasic analyses, we segregate Polycephalomyces, Perennicordyceps, and Pleurocordycepsfrom Ophiocordycipitaceae and introduce the new family Polycephalomycetaceae to accomodate these three genera. The majority of species in this family have a vast range of insect and fungal hosts. The sexual morph of Polycephalomycetaceaehas stromatic ascomata, long stipes, thick peridium, and cylindrical secondary spores. The asexual morph is characterized by colonies on the host surface or synnemata with stipes on the host, one or two types of phialides, and cylindrical to fusiform conidia. We expand the number of taxa in the new family by introducing seven new species (Polycephalomyces albiramus, Perennicordyceps lutea, Pleurocordyceps parvicapitata, Pleurocordyceps lanceolatus, Pleurocordyceps nutansis, Pleurocordyceps heilongtanensis, Pleurocordyceps vitellina), nine new hosts, and one new combination (Perennicordyceps elaphomyceticola). The results herein hint at a high level of diversity for Polycephalomycetaceae. Future investigations focusing on obtaining additional collections and specimens from different geographical areas would help to reveal not only the extent of the group’s diversity, but also resolve its deeper phylogenetic placement.
Extensive inheritance of gut microbial communities in a superorganismal termite
Authors: Sinotte Veronica , Renelies-Hamilton Justinn , Andreu-Sánchez Sergio , Vasseur-Cognet Mireille , Poulsen Michael
Published: February 2023

Mutualistic co-evolution can be mediated by vertical transmission of symbionts between host generations. Organisms exhibit adaptations that ensure optimal microbial inheritance, yet the extent to which this applies to social insects, such as termites that have co-evolved with gut microbes, is poorly resolved. Here, we document consistent vertical transmission across colony generations of fungus-farming termites. Inherited bacteria comprise 44% of the microbiome, over 80 genera, and strains that are specific to termite pedigrees. We show that the superorganism, consisting of reproductives and workers, analogous to gametes and soma of an organism, is adapted to vertically transmit a distinct microbial community with high fidelity. Microbial inheritance is achieved because colony-founding reproductives are endowed with a set of non-random, environmentally-sensitive, and termite-specific gut microbes derived from their colonies of origin. Reproductives biparentally transmit these symbionts to offspring colony workers, where priority effects dictate the composition of the forming colony microbiome. Superorganismal gametes, the reproductives, are thus adapted to secure transmission of entire communities of specific, co-evolved microbes that are critical to the colony microbiome later retained by workers. Extensive vertical transmission aligns with evolutionary patterns of termite-bacterial co-diversification. This colony-level inheritance extends models of transmission from individual organisms to superorganisms, both of which demonstrate adaptations to retain symbiotic fidelity and mixed-mode transmission conducive to mutualism.
Impact force localization and reconstruction via ADMM-based sparse regularization method
Authors: Wang Yanan , Chen Lin , Liu Junjiang , Qiao Baijie , He Weifeng , Chen Xuefeng
Published: February 2023

It is challenging to realize impact localization and time history reconstruction simultaneously in practice. Ill-posed and under-determined problems are usually encountered due to the confined and harsh measuring conditions. ℓ1 regularization has been a favoured way to help gain sparse and accurate solutions, while ℓ1 -minimization is a biased estimator and generally underestimates the amplitude of the solution. To overcome this conundrum, ℓp (0 ≤ p < 1) regularization has
come into view to enhance the sparsity and achieve better solutions. The non-convex ℓp regularization is notoriously tough to handle, as classical optimization algorithms tend to get stuck in undesired local minimizers. This paper presents a novel imapct force identification scheme with ℓp regularization by utilizing the alternating direction method of multipliers(ADMM), which can decompose the complex primal problem into sub-problems that are easier to solve in parallel directly via proximal operators. To reduce the annoying sensitivity of identification accuracy to regularization parameters, an adaptive regularization parameter is derived based on K-sparsity strategy. Then an ADMM-based sparse regularization method, which can cope with ℓp regularization with arbitrary p values utilizing adaptively-updated regularization parameters, is developed to simultaneously reconstruct the impact time history and localize impact with under-determined sensor configurations. The effectiveness and performance of the proposed method are verified on the aircraft skin-like composite structure. To obtain a high-accuracy solution via ℓp regularization, the optimal p value is studied. Evidences demonstrate ℓ0.6 regularization is always able to yield sparser and more accurate solutions for impact force identification than the classic ℓ1 regularization.
COX6A2 deficiency leads to cardiac remodeling in human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Jiang Mengqi , Song Yuanxiu , Chen Xi , Zhu Min , Lu Wenjing , Wei Mingyu , Lan Feng , Cui Ming , Bai Yun
Published: February 2023

Background: Cardiac remodeling is the initiating factor in the development of heart failure(HF), which can occur in various cardiomyopathies. cytochrome c oxidase subunit 6A2(COX6A2) is one of the components of cytochrome c oxidase, which drives oxidative phosphorylation. The pathogenesis of myocardial remodeling caused by COX6A2 deficiency in humans remains unclear due to the lack of a suitable research model. In this study, we established a COX6A2-deficient human cardiac myocyte(CM) model mimicking "human COX6A2 homozygous mutation" to explore the potential effects of COX6A2 dysfunction and its mechanism of action.
Methods: Human COX6A2 homozygous knockout cardiomyocytes model was established by combining CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology and hiPSCs directed differentiation technology. Cell model phenotypic assays were then performed to characterize the pathological features of COX6A2-deficient cardiomyocytes.
Results: COX6A2 gene knockout did not affect the pluripotency and differentiation efficiency of hiPSCs. Myocardial cells with COX6A2 gene knockout showed abnormal energy metabolism, increased oxidative stress level, abnormal calcium transport and decreased contractility. In addition, L-carnitine and trimetazidine significantly improved energy metabolism in COX6A2 deficient human myocardial model.
Conclusions: We have established a COX6A2-deficient human cardiomyocyte model that exhibits abnormal energy metabolism, elevated oxidative stress levels, abnormal calcium transport, and reduced contractility. This model is an important tool to help understand the mechanism of action of energy metabolism disorders leading to myocardial remodeling, elucidate the gene-phenotype relationship of COX6A2 deficiency, and facilitate drug screening.
The first biological experiments on the lunar show that low gravity conditions will acclimate to super-freezing
Authors: Xie GengXin , Yang Jing , Xu YuXuan , Zhang YuanXun , Qiu Dan , Ding JingHang
Published: February 2023

For humanity to complete its ambitious solar system exploration, it is crucial to comprehend how terrestrial life reacts to differing planet gravity. We followed the life trajectory of an earth cotton seed's germination, development, and ultimate fate after prolonged exposure to extremely low temperatures using the life-regeneration ecosystem carried by Chang'e 4 probe, which landed on the Moon on January 3rd, 2019, for the first time in human history. In a controlled environment with similar characteristics, such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, and nutrition, we compared this life trajectory on the moon to that on Earth, except for the differences in gravity, light, and radiation. We discovered that the 1/6 g moon gravity speeds up seed germination. Surprisingly, Moon seedlings demonstrated rapid acclimatization to super-freezing (below minus 52 degrees Celsius) under 1/6 g lunar gravity, maintaining upright and green despite exposure to long-term extremely cold temperatures for 18–24 hours. Based on cellular and molecular reactions caused by moon-low gravity, we suggest probable mechanisms for cold resilience. These unique findings will enhance our understanding of how plants adapt to suboptimal environmental conditions in space.
Nuclear receptor corepressor 1 deficiency exacerbates asthma by modulating macrophage polarization
Authors: Duan Sheng-Zhong , Hou Chen-Chen , Yan Li-Feng , Sun Ke , Zhou Tian-Yu , Zou Yu-Xin , Xiong Wei-Ning
Published: February 2023

Macrophage polarization plays an important role in asthma. Nuclear receptor corepressor 1 (NCOR1) plays an important role in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases by regulating the function of macrophages. The aim of this research was to examine the role and mechanism of macrophage NCOR1 in the development of asthma. We used ovalbumin (OVA) to induce macrophage NCOR1-deficient mice for asthma formation. Our results revealed that macrophage NCOR1 deficiency markedly enhanced allergic airway inflammation. In addition, NCOR1 deficiency in macrophages was found to enhance M2 polarization. Mechanistic studies suggested that NCOR1 promoted macrophage polarization by interacting with PPARγ, contributing to the pathogenesis of asthma. In conclusion, macrophage NCOR1 deficiency promoted the regulation of M2 programming by derepressing PPARγ expression to exacerbate asthma. Macrophage NCOR1 might be a potential target for the treatment of asthma.
How was a sedentary lifestyle associated with the prevalence of thyroid nodules among government staff?
Authors: Zhou Peien , Zeng Hongli , Zhang Weizheng , Yang Shuo , Zhang Wangjian , Zhou Hui
Published: February 2023

Purpose A sedentary lifestyle has been an increasing public health issue especially since the outbreak of COVID-19. Limited evidence was reported on the association between sedentary lifestyle and prevalence of thyroid nodules, a benign but prevalent health concern in the modern society. Methods This study used the annual examination data of Guangzhou public officials in 2020. Thyroid nodules were diagnosed following standard criteria. Sedentary lifestyle was self-reported as spending < 2 h, 2 ~ 4 h, 4 ~ 6 h, or > 6 h per day staying sedentary. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to evaluate the association between sedentary lifestyle and thyroid nodules. Results were also stratified by covariates. Results Among 18,023 participants, sedentary lifestyle was positively associated with the prevalence of thyroid nodules, withORs (95%CIs) of 1.23 (1.05–1.43), 1.69 (1.45–1.96), and 1.74 (1.49–2.03) for those with daily sedentary time of 2 ~ 4h, 4 ~ 6h, >6h compared with < 2h group (P-trend < 0.01). The three estimates (i.e., 1.29, 1.92, and 1.96 respectively) were stronger among the participants with thyroid nodules of TI-RADS-2 stage compared with other groups. Stratified analysis also indicated a modification effect of age, with the estimates for participants aged ≥ 50 being 1.21, 1.79 and 2.00, compared with 1.04, 1.29 and 1.31 among those aged 35 ~ 49, and 1.13, 1.37 and 1.34 among those under 34 years old (P-interaction = 0.012). Conclusions A sedentary lifestyle may be associated with increased prevalence of thyroid nodules among government staff, with the elderly being the most vulnerable. The sedentary lifestyle should be modified to promote their well-being.
Warming alters floral phenology and resource provisioning in native plant species from a threatened ecological community
Authors: Schmidt Lena Alice , Gilpin Amy-Marie , Rymer Paul D. , Gibson-Roy Paul , Cook James M. , Power Sally A.
Published: February 2023

Global warming has the potential to affect plant growth, with changes in flowering phenology and nectar rewards that have subsequent effects on pollinating insects. Despite the importance of native vegetation for provisioning pollinating insects, few studies have evaluated the impacts of elevated temperatures on floral resource supply of native plant species, particularly in Australia. To examine the effects of warming on the flowering phenology and nectar production of 11 herbaceous plant species endemic to south-eastern Australia, we conducted a glasshouse experiment spanning the flowering season with two temperature treatments (ambient: 30°C [TA]; elevated: 34°C [TE]). We found that plant species differed widely in their responses to warming. Flowering phenology changed significantly under TE in three species and flower production was reduced in three species. While there was no significant treatment effect on the number of nectar-producing flowers and nectar sugar concentrations across species, individual flower nectar volume increased with warming in one species. Meanwhile, aboveground biomass production was reduced under TE in three species, and three species experienced a reduction in relative biomass allocation to reproductive, compared to vegetative, growth. These changes in reproductive resource allocation and floral phenology could impact floral resource availability, plant-pollinator interactions and pollination services in the future, notably for those critical resources supplied by winter flowering species, at times when overall floral resource availability in the landscape is low. This represents a risk for the long-term viability of vulnerable plant communities, including remnant native vegetation, that are already threatened due to land use change.
Comparing the Enhanced Recovery Program with the Conventional Techniques in Patients Undergoing Intestinal Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Aggarwal Devanshu , Sood Rumit , Saini Manmohan , Kumar Amarendra
Published: February 2023

Background
There is limited adoption and paucity of research on ERAS in the Indian scenario despite plethora of literature in the western world. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the efficacy of the ERAS program in Indian population.
Methods
This prospective study involves 100 patients undergoing planned intestinal surgery, implementing ERAS program in 46 and traditional care in 54 patients. Primary outcomes were postoperative length of hospital stay and morbidity. Secondary outcomes were reinsertion of nasogastric tubes and urinary catheters, postoperative opioid consumption, time to first bowel sounds/flatus/stools, and factors jeopardizing the success of ERAS.
Results
ERAS without affecting the morbidity, decreases the median postoperative length of stay. Reinsertion was not affected post early removal of nasogastric tubes and urinary catheters. Although, opioid consumption significantly decreased from 51.85–19.57%. Male gender and hypertensive patients were independent predictors of ERAS failure.
Conclusion
ERAS has significantly benefitted postoperative outcomes with improved quality of patient care and therefore, can be adopted across the health system.
UBE4B interacts with the ITCH E3 ubiquitin ligase to induce Ku70
and c-FLIPL polyubiquitination and enhanced neuroblastoma
apoptosis
Authors: Clorennec Christophe Le , Subramonian Divya , Huo Yuchen , Zage Peter
Published: February 2023

Expression of the UBE4B ubiquitin ligase is strongly associated with neuroblastoma patient outcomes, but the functional roles of UBE4B in neuroblastoma pathogenesis are not known. We evaluated interactions of UBE4B with the E3 ubiquitin ligase ITCH/AIP4 and the effects of UBE4B expression on Ku70 and c-FLIPL ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation by co-immunoprecipitation and Western blots. We also evaluated the role of UBE4B in apoptosis induced by histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition using Western blots. UBE4B binding to ITCH was mediated by WW domains in the ITCH protein. ITCH activation led to ITCH-UBE4B complex formation and recruitment of Ku70 and c-FLIPL via ITCH WW domains, followed by Ku70 and c-FLIPL Lys48/Lys63 branched polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. HDAC inhibition induced Ku70 acetylation, leading to release of c-FLIPL and Bax from Ku70, increased Ku70 and c-FLIPL Lys48/Lys63 branched polyubiquitination via the ITCH-UBE4B complex, and induction of apoptosis. UBE4B depletion led to reduced polyubiquitination and increased levels of Ku70 and c-FLIPL and to reduced apoptosis induced by HDAC inhibition via stabilization of c-FLIPL and Ku70 and inhibition of caspase 8 activation. Our results have identified novel interactions and novel targets for UBE4B ubiquitin ligase activity and a direct role of the ITCH-UBE4B complex in responses of neuroblastoma cells to HDAC inhibition, suggesting that the ITCH-UBE4B complex plays a critical role in responses of neuroblastoma to therapy and suggesting a potential mechanism underlying the association of UBE4B expression with neuroblastoma patient outcomes.
Characterization and Clinical Verification of Immune-related Genes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Aid Prognosis Evaluation and Immunotherapy
Authors: Qu Jialin , Sun Fenghao , Hou Yichen , Qi Haoran , Sun Xiaorong , Xing Ligang
Published: February 2023

(1) Backgroud: Immune-related genes (IRGs) have been confirmed to play an important role in tumorigenesis and tumor microenvironment formation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We investigated how IRGs regulates the HCC immunophenotype and thus affects the prognosis and response to immunotherapy.
(2) Methods: We investigated RNA expression of IRGs and developed an immune-related genes-based prognostic index (IRGPI) in HCC samples. Then, the influence of the IRGPI on the immune microenvironment was comprehensively analysed.
(3) Results: According to IRGPI, HCC patients are divided into two immune subtypes. A high IRGPI was characterized by an increased tumor mutation burden (TMB) and a poor prognosis. More CD8+ tumor infiltrating cells and expression of PD-L1 were observed in low IRGPI subtypes. Two immunotherapy cohorts confirmed patients with low IRGPI demonstrated significant therapeutic benefits. Multiplex immunofluorescence staining determined that there were more CD8+ T cells infiltrating into tumor microenvironment in IRGPI-low groups, and the survival time of these patients was longer.
(4) Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the IRGPI serve as a predictive prognostic biomarker and potential indicator for immunotherapy.
Nutrient digestibility, gut microflora, carcass yield and meat microbiology of broilers fed diets supplemented Ethiopian pepper (Xylopia aethiopica), Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) and their composite
Authors: Williams Gabriel Adedotun , Oso Abimbola Oladele , Mafimidiwo Ayotunde Nathanael , Olayemi Wasiu Ajani , Akinjute Obafemi Foluso , Isaque Adebayo Adewumi , Williams Oluwaseyi Kudirat , Ogunrombi Joshua Olumide
Published: February 2023

The effect of dietary supplementation of Ethiopian pepper (Xylopia aethiopica) and clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and their composite on nutrient digestibility, gut microflora, carcass yield and meat microbiology were investigated in a 52-day boiler feeding trial. Three hundred and sixty unsexed Ross broilers were used for the study. Four experimental diets were formulated for the tarter (0-28days) and finisher (29-56days) phases; Diet 1 was the control without Phytogenic supplementation, Diet 2 (supplemented with 1% Ethiopian pepper (EP)), Diet 3 (supplemented with 1% Clove (CL)) and Diet 4 (supplemented with 1% mix of equal quantity (0.5% each) of Ethiopian pepper and clove (EPCL)). Each treatment was replicated 6 times with 15 birds per replicate. Nutrient digestibility was determined on days 28 and 56, gut microflora was determined for the small intestine and caecum on day 56, carcass yield, organ weights and meat microbiology were also determined on day 56. Data obtained were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance using SAS 2000 and significant means were separated using Tukey’s test in the same software. At day 28, broilers fed the diet supplemented EPCL had the highest (P < 0.05) dry matter digestibility (DMD, 86.81%) and crude protein digestibility (CPD, 71.28%). Increased (P < 0.05) ether extract digestibility (EED) was observed for broilers fed the diet supplemented CL (75.27%) and EPCL (76.43%). At day 56, broilers fed the diet supplemented CL and those fed the EPCL supplemented diet had increased (P < 0.05) CPD (78.07%, 79.35%) and EED (70.20%, 71.42%). Intestinal clostridium count reduced (P < 0.05) and lactobacillus count increased (P < 0.05) in the intestine and caecum of broilers fed the diet supplemented CL and those fed EPCL supplemented diet. Intestinal coliform and salmonella count reduced (P < 0.05) for broilers fed the diet supplemented EP and those fed the EPCL supplemented diet. Dietary supplementation of EPCL resulted in the highest (P < 0.05) body weight (BW, 2551.38g), dressing percentage (DP, 81.68%) and breast weight (510.20g). Supplementation of EP, CL, and EPCL in the diet of broilers resulted in higher (P < 0.05) spleen weight while dietary supplementation of EP and EPCL resulted in higher (P < 0.05) thymus weight. Clostridium count was reduced (P < 0.05) in the meat of broilers fed the diet supplemented CL and EPCL and the lowest (P < 0.05) salmonella count was observed in the meat of broilers fed the diet supplemented with EPCL. In conclusion, the current study reveals that dietary supplementation with EPCL composite improves nutrient digestibility, gut microflora, dressing percentage with reduced meat microbial load of broilers.
Six polymorphisms in the lncRNA H19 gene and the risk of cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Maoquan , Zhang Mingwei , Wang Qiong , Guo Xiaojing , Gu Jinhua , Ji Wansheng , Zhang Li
Published: February 2023

Background: Numerous studies have demonstrated long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) play an important role in the occurrence and progression of cancer, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in lncRNA are considered to affect cancer suspensibility. Herein, a meta-analysis was carried out to better assess the relationship of H19 polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility.
Methods: A literature search was conducted through using PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases to obtain relevant publications before Aug 23, 2022.The reference lists of the retrieved studies were also investigated to identify additional relevant articles. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to appraise the risk of various cancers.
Results: There appeared to be a remarkable correlation between the rs2107425 variation and decreased cancer risk among Caucasians. Nevertheless, the rs217727 polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Also, we found a significant correlation between the rs2839698 polymorphism and increased cancer risk among Asians, gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, hospital-based control and larger simple size subgroups, respectively. Similarly, the rs3741219 mutation was notably related to cancer risk in higher quality score. As for trs3024270 polymorphism, the homozygous model was markedly linked to cancer risk in overall analysis and population-based controls. There was no significant association between the rs3741216 polymorphism and cancer risk.
Conclusion: H19 rs2839698 and rs3024270 were closely associated with overall cancer risk. H19 rs2107425 was related to lower cancer risk among Caucasians, while the rs2839698 was related to increased cancer risk among Asians. Our results supported that H19 SNPs were significantly correlated with cancer risk.
Wildfire effects on aquatic host-parasite interactions
Authors: Svatos Emma Catherine , Falke Landon , Preston Daniel
Published: February 2023

Increases in the intensity and frequency of wildfires highlight the need to understand how fire disturbance affects ecological interactions. Though the effects of wildfire on free-living aquatic communities are relatively well-studied, how host-parasite interactions respond to fire disturbance is largely unexplored. Our study investigated the effects of wildfire on trematode parasites and their intermediate snail hosts using a Before-After-Control-Impact design. We surveyed 10 stream sites (5 burned and 5 unburned) in the Willamette River Basin, Oregon and quantified host infection status and trematode community structure one year before and two years after historic wildfires. Despite the severity of the wildfires, snail host populations appeared resilient, without significant shifts in population characteristics. We detected nine taxa of trematode parasites and overall prevalence of infection remained consistent over the three-year study period. However, at the taxon-specific level, we found evidence that infection probability by one trematode decreased and one increased after fire. In a larger dataset focusing on the first year after fire (9 burned, 8 unburned sites), we found evidence for subtle differences in trematode community structure, including higher Shannon diversity and evenness at the burned sites. Taken together, our results suggest that host-parasite interactions were remarkably stable for most taxa; for trematodes that did show responses, changes in abundance or behavior of definitive hosts that input infectious stages to the aquatic environment may underlie observed patterns. These results provide a useful first step in evaluating the broader utility of parasites as bioindicators of ecosystem changes following wildfire disturbance.
Investigation of Intestinal Parasites by Conventional and Molecular Methods in Children with Gastrointestinal System Complaints
Authors: Özkan-Ahmetoğlu Merve , Demirel Filiz , Taşar Medine Ayşin , Dinç Bedia , Sarzhanov Fakhriddin , Doğruman-Al Funda
Published: February 2023

Background and aims:
Intestinal parasitic infections are a global health problem that causes morbidity and mortality, especially in children living in rural areas. In this study, stool samples of pediatric patients with gastrointestinal complaints were examined by conventional and molecular methods to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites.
Methods:
A total of 100 pediatric patients with gastrointestinal complaints and 50 healthy children were included in the study. Stool samples were collected from each child and examined by direct microscopic examination (native-Lugol method), formol-ethyl acetate concentration technique, Kinyoun’s acid-fast staining, and Wheatley trichrome staining methods. Real-time PCR was used for the detection of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilisin the stool samples. Sanger sequencing was used to identify Blastocystissp. subtypes.
Results:
One or more intestinal parasites were found in 12% (n=100) of the patient group and 1% (n=50) of the control group using conventional techniques. By using real-time PCR, Blastocystis sp. was discovered in 14% (14/100) of the patient group and 4% (4/50) of the control group. There was no significant difference in the frequency of Blastocystis sp. between the two groups. The most prevalent Blastocystissubtype was ST1 and the most frequent allele was a2 among the samples successfully amplified and sequenced. D. fragilis was detected in 17% (17/100) of the patient group and 8% (4/50) of the control group by real-time PCR. The prevalence of D. fragiliswas not significantly different between the patient and control groups, as well.
Conclusions:
Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis were found in high prevalence in pediatric patients with gastrointestinal complaints in this study. Although the role of these protists as a pathogen in humans is still controversial, it is supposed to the presence of the parasites are associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. More case-control studies are needed to understand the pathogenic or commensal role of these parasites on the intestinal microbiota, especially in both patients with gastrointestinal disorders and healthy individuals.
Prevalence of Acute Kidney Injury in Mexico; a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zaragoza Jose J. , Chavez-Iñiguez Jonathan S. , Rangel Armando Vazquez
Published: February 2023

Background: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a serious health problem worldwide, that account for high hospital morbidity and mortality. The 0 by 25 initiative from the International Society of Nephrology is designed to reduce avoidable AKI-related death worldwide by 2025 and considers a key point on the research agenda epidemiological data accumulation. There is little available information regarding the characteristics and incidence of AKI in Latin America, especially in Mexico. Methods: We performed a systematic search for articles with both pediatric and adult patients admitted to general ward facility, Emergency Room (ER) or Intensive Care Unit (ICU) published between January 1st, 2000, and December 31st, 2019. MEDLINE LILIACS, EMBASE and SciELO were searched for eligible studies, and we explored for additional reports from supplements, abstracts, and conference proceedings. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis for clinically and methodologically comparable studies to estimate the frequency of AKI and KRT. We calculated pooled estimates stratified by age group, year of publication and setting. Results: 71 full-text articles describing epidemiology of AKI in Mexico were included. Total proportion of AKI was calculated in 35% (95% CI, 28 – 42). Mortality was calculated for AKI adult patients in 31% (95% CI, 24 – 37). An overall KRT rate in AKI patients was reported in 4% (95% CI, 3 – 6), global mortality for AKI requiring KRT was estimated in 52% (95% CI, 45 – 60), with an Ι2 estimated in 81.13% (p<0.01). Conclusion: AKI is a common disease in Mexico and remains a main public health problem that needs to be addressed at every level of care. Data for epidemiological studies in Latin America is scarce, but efforts should be made to reinitiate AKI research and control in Mexico and LA. Trial Registration: The protocol of this review is registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with ID CRD42022362196, Registered Oct 3rd, 2022; retrospectively registered.
Analysis of the local Heat Transfer of Quenching moving Metal Sheets made of different materials using Flat Spray Nozzles
Authors: Mehdi Bilal , Ryll Stephan , Specht Eckehard
Published: February 2023

Experimental investigations have been performed for the cooling of hot moving metal sheets of thickness 2 mm and 5 mm with the initial temperature of 500°C to 800°C by two flat spray nozzles. Tap water at room temperature is used as a coolant. Experiments are carried out for nickel, nicrofer, and aluminum alloy AA6082 with varying sheet velocity ( 5,10,15 mm/s) and nozzle inclination angle (45°,65°,90°). The temperature distribution on the backside of the sheet during the cooling is recorded with a high-speed infrared camera. The recorded thermal data are used in the inverse heat conduction analysis to estimate the local heat fluxes and temperatures on the quenched surface. The thermal images obtained are used to analyze the length of the pre-cooling, transition boiling, and nucleate boiling. The maximum heat flux, the DNB temperature, and the rewetting temperature are presented for researched parameters. The nozzle inclination angle has a weak influence. The higher the velocity and the thickness of the sheet are, the higher the maximum heat flux and the shorter the pre-cooling region. The reason is that the position of the max. heat flux is shifted downstream near to impingement region.
Construction and validation of a prognostic risk model for cuproptosis-related lncrna in breast cancer
Authors: Chen Chenxi , Zhong Hangtian , Chen Lihua , Yu Weihua , Liu Li
Published: February 2023

Background
Long non-coding RNAs(LncRNAs) are vital in regulating programmed death in breast cancer. Cuproptosis is a newly type of regulatory cell death(RCD) in tumor pathogenesis, development, prognosis and potentially as a target for immunotherapy.
Methods
The expression profile data and clinical information data of breast cancer (BRCA) from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were downloaded using the R package TCGA biolinks. The differential expression analysis was performed using R package ‘limma’. Univariate Cox analysis was performed on deregulated LncRNA related to cuproptosis to screen signature related to the prognosis of breast cancer. Using Cytoscape construct mRNA (cuproptosis-related factors) and co-expression of LncRNA networks. The network was verified in TCGA training set, global set and test set. Functional enrichment analysis was also performed for studied pathway.
Results
In this study, 1156 samples was screened from TCGA dataset for differential expression analysis, and finally a total of 284 dysregulated LncRNAs in breast cancer was identified. Then based on the expression of cuproptosis factors and dysregulated LncRNAs, a total of 140 cuproptosis-related dysregulated lncRNAs (CRDLs) were obtained by correlation analysis. Finally, eight model genes(LINC01235, MIR205HG, RP11-459E5.1, RP11-817J15.3, KLHDC7B-DT, LMNTD2-AS1, RP11-6O2.3, LINC00987) were obtained, one of which was a risk factor., we identified a prognostic risk model of dysregulated lncRNAs associated with cuproptosis by collecting RNA-seq data from TCGA. Subsequently, we verify this model, and the results showed that there were significant differences between the high and low-risk groups. Then, we took the test set and whole set, respectively, to perform model verification and prove that they have stable and favorable performance on survival prediction. And the Risk score we selected can be used as an independent prognostic factor. There were significant differences in the proportion of immune cell infiltration, genomic mutations, pathway enrichment scores, expression levels of immune checkpoints and chemoresistance between high and low-risk groups.
Conclusion
Ultimately, we conclude that the risk score can predict the benefit of immunotherapy in patients, and the model genes may be markers of immunotherapy response.
Metabolic programming determines the pathogenicity of　Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Hosomi Koji , Hatanaka Noritoshi , Hinenoya Atsushi , Tojima Yoko , Furuta Mari , Nagatake Takahiro , Saika Azusa , Kawai Soichiro , Yoshii Ken , Kondo Saki , Yamasaki Shinji , Kunisawa Jun
Published: February 2023

Many pathogens acquire pathogenicity through a specialized capacity for metabolic adaptation, but unique adaptations in the metabolism ofCampylobacter jejuniremain to be investigated. Here, we found that cultivation ofC. jejuniunder different conditions resulted in changes to the metabolic pathways associated with their altered pathogenicity in mice, such as highly frequent colonization and subsequent severe inflammation in the intestine. The metabolic changes involved the aspartate transferase–mediated pathway with serine as a substrate, which was required for aerobic energy generation. Our findings propose a novel pathway for controlling the pathogenicity ofC. jejuniwith promising preventive and therapeutic strategies for targeting bacterial metabolism.
Effect of scanning pathways on trueness and precision in full-arch optical impression
Authors: Kuroda Shota , Yotsuya Mamoru , Sato Toru , Hisanaga Ryuichi , Nomoto Syuntaro , Sekine Hideshi
Published: February 2023

Background: In this study, we investigate the effect of differences in scanning pathway during optical impression on the trueness and precision of full-arch impressions.
Methods: Reference data were obtained using a lab scanner. All the optical impressions were measured across the dental arch using TRIOS® 3 in four different pathways. The reference data and optical impression data were superimposed using a best-fit method. The criteria for superimposition included the center of one starting side dental arch (partial-arch best-fit method : PB) and the center of full-arch (full-arch best fit method : FB). Data were compared between the left and right molars (starting and ending sides). The mean values (scan deviations) of trueness (n = 5) and precision (n = 10) were calculated after the difference in deviation between each group was absolutized. Visual observations using the superimposed color map images showed the variation in trueness.
Results: There was no significant difference in scanning time or the amount of scan data between the four scanning pathways studied. Trueness did not differ significantly among the four pathways with respect to starting and ending sides, regardless of superimposition criteria. Precision with PB was significantly different between scanning pathways A and B, between pathways B and C for the starting sides and between scanning pathways A and B, between pathways A and D for the ending sides. In contrast, there was no significant difference between starting sides and ending sides pathways for FB. For PB, color map images showed a large error range in the direction toward the molar radius for occlusal surface and cervical regions on the ending sides.
Conclusion: Differences in scanning pathways did not affect trueness, regardless of superimposition criteria. Scan pathway B on the starting side and scan pathway D on the ending side were the most accurate, and the difference in scanning pathways was observed to affect the precision of PB.
CRISPR-Cas9 RAG2 Correction via Coding Sequence Replacement to Preserve Endogenous Gene Regulation and Locus Structure
Authors: Allen Daniel , Knop Orli , Itkowitz Bryan , Iancu Ortal , Beider Katia , Lee Yu Nee , Nagler Arnon , Somech Raz , Hendel Ayal
Published: February 2023

RAG2-SCID is a primary immunodeficiency caused by mutations in Recombination-activating gene 2 (RAG2), a gene intimately involved in the process of lymphocyte maturation and function. ex-vivo manipulation of a patient’s own hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) using CRISPR-Cas9/rAAV6 gene editing could provide a therapeutic alternative to the only current treatment, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Here we show a first-of-its-kind RAG2 correction strategy that replaces the entire endogenous coding sequence (CDS) to preserve the critical endogenous spatiotemporal gene regulation and locus architecture. Expression of the corrective transgene led to successful development into CD3+TCRαβ+ and CD3+TCRγδ+ T cells and promoted the establishment of highly diverse TRB and TRG repertoires in an in-vitro T-cell differentiation platform. We believe that a CDS replacement technique to correct tightly regulated genes, like RAG2, while maintaining critical regulatory elements and conserving the locus structure could bring safer gene therapy techniques closer to the clinic.