bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A health-promoting role of exclusive breastfeeding on infants through restoring delivery mode-induced gut microbiota perturbations
Authors: Liu Yu , Ma Jingmei , Zhu Baoli , Liu Fei , Qin Shengtang , Lv Na , Feng Ye , Wang Shuxian , Yang Huixia
Published: July 2023

The establishment of human gut microbiota in early life is closely associated with both short- and long-term infant health. Delivery mode and feeding pattern are two important determinants of infant gut microbiota. In this longitudinal cohort study, we examined the interplay between the delivery mode and feeding pattern on the dynamics of infant gut microbiota from 6 weeks to 6 months post-delivery in 139 infants. We also assessed the relationship between infant respiratory infection susceptibility and gut microbial changes associated with delivery mode and feeding pattern. At 6 weeks postpartum, the composition and structure of gut microbiota of cesarean section-delivered (CSD) infants differed from those of vaginally delivered (VD) infants, with decreased Bacteroides and Escherichia-Shigella and increased Klebsiella, Veillonella, and Enterococcus. At 6 months postpartum, these delivery mode-induced microbial shifts were restored by exclusive breastfeeding, resulting in similar gut microbial profiles between VD and CSD infants who were exclusively breastfed (P = 0.57) and more variable gut microbial profiles between VD and CSD infants who were mixed fed (P < 0.001). We identified that the VD-associated genera were enriched in healthy infants, while the CSD-associated genera were enriched in infants who suffered from respiratory infections. Our findings indicate that exclusive breastfeeding may play a health-promoting role by reducing infant respiratory infection susceptibility through the restoration of gut microbiota perturbations caused by cesarean section.
Gut microbiome interacts with pregnancy hormone metabolites in gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lyu Xuejing , Wang Shaona , Zhong Jiaxin , Cai Lingzhu , Zheng Yanhui , Zhou Ying , Zhou Ying , Chen Qionghua , Li Qiyuan
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Change in the composition of intestinal microbiota is associated with metabolic disorders such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

To understand how the microbiota impacts the development of gestational diabetes mellitus, we profiled the intestinal microbiome of 54 pregnant women, including 27 GDM subjects, by employing 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Additionally, we conducted targeted metabolomics assays to validate the identified pathways with overrepresented metabolites.

Results

We evaluated the patterns of changing abundances of operational taxonomic units (OTU) between GDM and the healthy counterparts over three timepoints. Based on the significant OTUs, we inferred 132 significantly altered metabolic pathways in GDM. And identified two overrepresented metabolites of pregnancy hormone, butyrate and mevalonate, as potential intermediary metabolites of intestinal microbiota in GDM. Finally, we validated the impacts of the intestinal microbiota on GDM by demonstrating consistent changes of the serum levels of progesterone, estradiol, butyrate, and mevalonate in an independent cohort.

Discussion

Our findings confirm that alterations in the microbiota play a role in the development of GDM by impacting the metabolism of pregnancy hormones. This provides a novel perspective on the pathogenesis of GDM and introduces potential biomarkers that can be used for early diagnosis and prevention of the disease.
Evaluation of the constituent compounds, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial potential of Prangos ferulacea plant extract and its effect on Listeria monocytogenes virulence gene expression
Authors: Jalil Sarghaleh Shahab , Alizadeh Behbahani Behrooz , Hojjati Mohammad , Vasiee Alireza , Noshad Mohammad
Published: July 2023

Prangos ferulacea plant is very popular in Iran due to its unique properties in treating diseases and its special flavor. To check the characteristics of this plant, first, its extract was extracted using the maceration method. Its chemical composition was investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) that p-coumaric was identified as its main compound, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed the presence of functional groups related to phenolic, flavonoid, tannins, and carboxylic acids such as caffeic acid and coumaric acid composition. Total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and beta-carotene were equal to 202.04 ± 5.46 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight, 1,909.46 ± 13 μg quercetin (QE)/g of dry weight, and 2.91 mg/100 g. The antioxidant property of the extract was evaluated using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) free radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP). According to the IC50 obtained for DDPH (274 ± 7.2 μg/mL) and ABTS (120.45 ± 9.6 μg/mL) and FRAP values [1.92 ± 0.05 μg ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE)/g of extract], this extract had high antioxidant properties. Cytotoxicity was evaluated against the survival of HT 29 cells that IC50 was 82.15 ± 0.02 μg/mL. The antimicrobial property of the extract was calculated using disk diffusion agar (DDA), well diffusion agar (WDA), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Listeria monocytogenes has the highest sensitivity to this extract and inhibition zone based on DDA and WDA method and with an MIC and MBC equal to 16 and 128 mg/mL has the least resistance. The morphology change of L. monocytogenes strain was proved through scanning electron microscope (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The extract caused a significant reduction in the transcription of genes involved in the film formation ability of L. monocytogenes. The obtained results fully prove the very practical and pragmatic characteristics of P. ferulacea.
Pre-treatment amygdala activation and habituation predict symptom change in post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Hinojosa Cecilia A. , VanElzakker Michael B. , Kaur Navneet , Felicione Julia M. , Charney Meredith E. , Bui Eric , Marques Luana , Summergrad Paul , Rauch Scott L. , Simon Naomi M. , Shin Lisa M.
Published: July 2023

Trauma-focused psychotherapy approaches are the first-line treatment option for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); however, up to a third of patients remain symptomatic even after completion of the treatment. Predicting which patients will respond to a given treatment option would support personalized treatments and improve the efficiency of healthcare systems. Although previous neuroimaging studies have examined possible pre-treatment predictors of response to treatment, the findings have been somewhat inconsistent, and no other study has examined habituation to stimuli as a predictor. In this study, 16 treatment-seeking adults (MAge = 43.63, n = 10 women) with a primary diagnosis of PTSD passively viewed pictures of emotional facial expressions during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). After scanning, participants rated facial expressions on both valence and arousal. Participants then completed eight weekly sessions of prolonged exposure (PE) therapy. PTSD symptom severity was measured before and after treatment. Overall, participants showed symptomatic improvement with PE. Consistent with hypotheses, lesser activation in the amygdala and greater activation in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex during the presentation of fearful vs. happy facial expressions, as well as a greater decline in amygdala activation across blocks of fearful facial expressions at baseline, were associated with greater reduction of PTSD symptoms. Given that the repeated presentation of emotional material underlies PE, changes in brain responses with repeated stimulus presentations warrant further studies as potential predictors of response to exposure therapies.
Polysialic acid promotes remyelination in cerebellar slice cultures by Siglec-E-dependent modulation of microglia polarization
Authors: Schröder Lara-Jasmin , Thiesler Hauke , Gretenkort Lina , Möllenkamp Thiemo Malte , Stangel Martin , Gudi Viktoria , Hildebrandt Herbert
Published: July 2023

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Spontaneous restoration of myelin after demyelination occurs, but its efficiency declines during disease progression. Efficient myelin repair requires fine-tuning inflammatory responses by brain-resident microglia and infiltrating macrophages. Accordingly, promising therapeutic strategies aim at controlling inflammation to promote remyelination. Polysialic acid (polySia) is a polymeric glycan with variable chain lengths, presented as a posttranslational modification on select protein carriers. PolySia emerges as a negative regulator of inflammatory microglia and macrophage activation and has been detected on oligodendrocyte precursors and reactive astrocytes in multiple sclerosis lesions. As shown recently, polySia-modified proteins can also be released by activated microglia, and the intrinsically released protein-bound and exogenously applied free polySia were equally able to attenuate proinflammatory microglia activation via the inhibitory immune receptor Siglec-E. In this study, we explore polySia as a candidate substance for promoting myelin regeneration by immunomodulation. Lysophosphatidylcholine-induced demyelination of organotypic cerebellar slice cultures was used as an experimental model to analyze the impact of polySia with different degrees of polymerization (DP) on remyelination and inflammation. In lysophosphatidylcholine-treated cerebellar slice cultures, polySia-positive cells were abundant during demyelination but largely reduced during remyelination. Based on the determination of DP24 as the minimal polySia chain length required for the inhibition of inflammatory BV2 microglia activation, pools with short and long polySia chains (DP8–14 and DP24–30) were generated and applied to slice cultures during remyelination. Unlike DP8–14, treatment with DP24–30 significantly improved remyelination, increased arginase-1-positive microglia ratios, and reduced the production of nitric oxide in wildtype, but not in Siglec-E-deficient slice cultures. In vitro differentiation of oligodendrocytes was not affected by DP24–30. Collectively, these results suggest a beneficial effect of exogenously applied polySia DP24–30 on remyelination by Siglec-E-dependent microglia regulation.
Moral reasoning through the eyes of persons with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Antoniou Rea , Hausermann Tobias , Sideman Alissa Bernstein , Fong Kristina Celeste , Callahan Patrick , Miller Bruce L. , Kramer Joel H. , Chiong Winston , Rankin Katherine P.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Persons with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) can exhibit apparently antisocial behaviors. An example is their tendency to adopt utilitarian choices in sacrificial moral dilemmas, i.e. harmful actions to promote overall welfare. Moral cognition models interpret such tendencies as deriving from a lack of emotional engagement and selective impairment in prosocial sentiments.

Methods

We applied a qualitative approach to test those theoretical assumptions and to further explore the emotional experiences and values of people with bvFTD while they contemplate moral scenarios. We conducted semistructured interviews with 14 participants: 7 persons with bvFTD and 7 older healthy controls. Transcripts were coded using ATLAS.ti 5.0.

Results

During the moral reasoning task, persons with bvFTD reported more positive emotions than negative and showed significantly less cognitive precision in their moral reasoning compared to controls. Persons with bvFTD also organized their choices predominantly around kindness and altruism, and their responses reflected higher rule compliance. Our study showed that bvFTD persons’ utilitarian responses to moral dilemmas did not arise from an emotionally disengaged or antisocial perspective. Instead, they were underpinned by positive emotionality and prosocial values.

Discussion

These findings enrich current understandings of moral cognition and highlight the importance of incorporating mixed methods approaches in dementia research that take into consideration the viewpoint of cognitively impaired individuals
A rare case of intracranial solitary fibrous tumor that is still alive after multiple surgical resections: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Gao YiMeng , Xu Yan , Xie RuiZhi , Shen YouBi , Xue DaoJin , Zhen Zheng , Lu JingJing , Huang Tao , Peng ZiZhuang
Published: July 2023

A Solitary Fibrous Tumor (SFT) is a rare, aggressive, and metastasis- and recurrence- prone mesenchymal tumor. In this case report and review, we describe a rare instance of intracranial SFT, discovered for the first time. It was discovered in 2008 and following total surgical removal, the pathology was categorized as hemangiopericytoma cell tumor (HPC) at the time by WHO tumor criteria. An imaging review 8 months after surgery revealed a tumor recurrence: combined radiation and gamma-knife therapy was continued throughout this time. The tumor did not metastasis until June 2018 when it presented in the pancreas with ruptured bleeding and a postoperative pathology was suggestive of SFT. Fortunately, the patient is still alive nearly 3 years after the 2020 surgery, after staged surgical resection and combined multimedia therapy, with no imaging or clinical evidence of a recurrent intracranial primary lesions. To our knowledge, there is no previous record of using a combined treatment modality for Intracranial Solitary Fibrous Tumor (ISFT). Combined with an account of the patient's experience, we empirically describe a combined approach with a preference for gross-total resection (GTR), supplemented by multimodal assistance with stereotactic (radiotherapy), gamma knife (GK), molecular targeting, and immunization for patients admitted acutely, with accurate preoperative identification and aggressive management after intraoperative case response to maximize treatment of recurrent ISFT and improve prognosis. We recommend multimodal management for SFT with prolonged-term recurrence and metastases, both for the control benefits of GTR, RT, or GK for local recurrence and for the positive prognosis of targeted and immune metastases.
Plasma urea cycle metabolite levels and the risk of moyamoya disease
Authors: Yu Xiaofan , Ge Peicong , Zhai Yuanren , Liu Wei , Zhang Qian , Ye Xun , Liu Xingju , Wang Rong , Zhang Yan , Zhao Jizong , Zhang Dong
Published: July 2023

Background and purpose

Urea cycle metabolites are expected to be the biomarkers for cerebrovascular diseases. However, the effects of circulating urea cycle metabolites on the risk of MMD and its subcategories remain unclear. The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the association between plasma urea cycle metabolites and the risk of MMD and its subcategories.

Methods

We measured plasma urea cycle metabolite levels for 360 adult MMD patients and 89 matched healthy controls. Clinical and laboratory characteristics were obtained from the medical record. The study was conducted from July 2020 to December 2021.

Results

After multivariate adjustment, the risk of MMD increased with each increment in ornithine level (per natural log [ornithine] increment: OR, 3.893; 95% CI, 1.366–11.090). The risk of MMD decreased with each increment in arginine level (per natural log [arginine] increment: OR, 0.109; 95% CI, 0.028–0.427), urea level (per natural log [urea] increment: OR, 0.261; 95% CI, 0.072–0.940), and global arginine bioavailability ratio (GABR) level (per natural log [GABR] increment: OR, 0.189; 95% CI, 0.074–0.484). The addition of plasma arginine (integrated discrimination improvement: 1.76%, p = 0.021) or GABR (integrated discrimination improvement: 1.76%, p = 0.004) to conventional risk factors significantly improved the risk reclassification for MMD.

Conclusion

Plasma ornithine levels are positively associated with the risk of MMD. By contrast, the levels of arginine, urea, and GABR are inversely related to the risk of MMD. Plasma urea cycle metabolites might be potential biomarkers for the risk of MMD.
Global ginseng trade networks: structural characteristics and influencing factors
Authors: Fang Yue , Tang Mengxue , Wei Hua , Feng Zhipei , Yu Nianjun
Published: July 2023

Background: Ginseng is a rare and highly valued Chinese materia medica with a rich trading history and has a wide range of application, including medicine, food, healthcare, and daily chemical production. However, the global trade of ginseng exhibits diverse features and uneven development across different countries and regions. Surprisingly, the intricate network relationship and the underlying characteristics and influencing factors of ginseng trade networks remain unexplored.

Methods: This study analyzed ginseng trade data obtained from the UN-Comtrade database and used social network analysis to construct global ginseng trade networks. To elucidate the structural characteristics, we analyzed the indicators of the overall network structure and node attributes. Core-periphery analysis is used to examine the evolutionary patterns within the global ginseng trade networks. Furthermore, we apply the quadratic assignment procedure to investigate the impact and relevance of spatial proximity, cultural differences, economic indicators, population size, technological similarity, and institutional distance.

Results: The findings reveal that the global ginseng trade networks exhibit typical small-world and scale-free properties, as well as a core-periphery structure. Several core countries, including China, South Korea, Germany, and the United States, exert significant control over both trade volume and trade partners. South Korea and China initially occupied central positions in the export market due to their resource endowments, their prominence has gradually diminished with the ascendancy of Germany and the United States. According to the core-periphery analysis, the ginseng trade has shown a gradual concentration within specific trade groups comprising core and semi-periphery countries, most of which are along the “Belt and Road” religion. We also found that geographic distance and GDP per capita exert negative effects on ginseng trade, while factors such as land adjacency, technology and economic gap, population size, and institution similarity play significant positive roles.

Conclusion: The global ginseng trade has experienced increasing concentration and close linkage among a limited numbers of participants. It is crucial to pay close attention to the relationship between ginseng industry development and resource conservation. Strategies such as expanding trade channels, implementing trade substitution measures, and optimizing the quality and standards of ginseng products can effectively enhance trade security.
Effects of bergapten on the pharmacokinetics of macitentan in rats both in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Xu Jia , Zhou Quan , Hou Pengjiao , Wang Yu , Geng Peiwu , Lu Zebei , Zhou Yunfang , Dai Dapeng , Wang Shuanghu
Published: July 2023

Macitentan was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013 for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Bergapten is a furanocoumarin that is abundant in Umbelliferae and Rutaceae plants and is widely used in many Chinese medicine prescriptions. Considering the possible combination of these two compounds, this study is aimed to investigate the effects of bergapten on the pharmacokinetics of macitentan both in vitro and in vivo. Rat liver microsomes (RLMs), human liver microsomes (HLMs), and recombinant human CYP3A4 (rCYP3A4) were used to investigate the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of bergapten on macitentan in vitro. In addition, pharmacokinetic parameters were also studied in vivo. Rats were randomly divided into two groups (six rats per group), with or without bergapten (10 mg/kg), and pretreated for 7 days. An oral dose of 20 mg/kg macitentan was administered to each group 30 min after bergapten or 0.5% CMC-Na administration on day 7. Blood was collected from the tail veins, and the plasma concentrations of macitentan and its metabolites were assessed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS). Finally, we analyzed the binding force of the enzyme and two small ligands by in silico molecular docking to verify the inhibitory effects of bergapten on macitentan. The in vitro results revealed that the IC50 values for RLMs, HLMs, and rCYP3A4 were 3.84, 17.82 and 12.81 μM, respectively. In vivo pharmacokinetic experiments showed that the AUC(0-t), AUC(0-∞), and Cmax of macitentan in the experimental group (20,263.67 μg/L*h, 20,378.31 μg/L*h and 2,999.69 μg/L, respectively) increased significantly compared with the control group (7,873.97 μg/L*h, 7,897.83 μg/L*h and 1,339.44 μg/L, respectively), while the CLz/F (1.07 L/h/kg) of macitentan and the metabolite-parent ratio (MR) displayed a significant decrease. Bergapten competitively inhibited macitentan metabolism in vitro and altered its pharmacokinetic characteristics in vivo. Further molecular docking analysis was also consistent with the experimental results. This study provides a reference for the combined use of bergapten and macitentan in clinical practice.
Efficacy and safety of Qiangli Dingxuan tablet combined with amlodipine besylate for essential hypertension: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter trial
Authors: Lin Jianguo , Wang Qingqing , Zhong Dongsheng , Zhang Jinju , Yuan Tianhui , Wu Hui , Li Bin , Li Shuangdi , Xie Xiaoliu , An Dongqing , Deng Yue , Xian Shaoxiang , Xiong Xingjiang , Yao Kuiwu
Published: July 2023

Background: Hypertension, a major cardiovascular risk factor, severely impacts patients’ quality of life. Qiangli Dingxuan tablet (QDT) is a formally approved Chinese patent medicine, which has been widely used as an adjunctive treatment for hypertension. This study aimed to investigate the antihypertensive efficacy and safety of QDT combined with amlodipine besylate in patients with essential hypertension.

Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter trial conducted in China, patients diagnosed with grade 1 to 2 essential hypertension were randomly assigned in a 1:1 to the treatment of QDT or placebo for 12 weeks, alongside their ongoing treatment with amlodipine besylate. The primary outcome was the change in office blood pressure (BP) from baseline to 12 weeks. In addition, safety analysis included the assessment of vital signs and laboratory values.

Results: At baseline, 269 patients were randomly assigned to the QDT group (n = 133) or the placebo group (n = 136), and there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. The primary outcome based on the full analysis set from baseline to 12 weeks showed that the mean difference in the change of office systolic BP reduction between the two groups was 6.86 mmHg (95%CI, 4.84 to 8.88, p < 0.0001), for office diastolic BP, the mean difference in the change of office diastolic BP reduction between the two groups was 4.64 mmHg (95%CI, 3.10 to 6.18, p < 0.0001). In addition, traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores were significantly decreased in the QDT group compared with the placebo group. No severe adverse events attributable to QDT were reported.

Conclusion: The combination of QDT and amlodipine besylate demonstrates superior efficacy compared to amlodipine besylate monotherapy in the management of essential hypertension. QDT shows potential as an adjunctive treatment for essential hypertension. However, further rigorous clinical trials are warranted to validate these findings.

Clinical Trial Registration: [https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05521282?cond=NCT05521282&rank=1]; Identifier: [NCT05521282]
Advances in natural products and antibody drugs for SLE: new therapeutic ideas
Authors: Han Yibing , Liu Lingwei , Zang Bo , Liang Ruiwen , Zhao Xinyue , Liu Bin
Published: July 2023

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune systemic disease with a wide range of clinical symptoms, complex development processes, and uncertain prognosis. The clinical treatment of SLE is mainly based on hormones and immunosuppressants. Research on novel therapy strategies for SLE has flourished in recent years, especially the emergence of new targeted drugs and natural products that can modulate related symptoms. This review discusses the current experience including B-cell targeted drugs (belimumab, tabalumab, blisibimod, atacicept, rituximab, ofatumumab, ocrelizumab, obexelimab, and epratuzumab), T-cell targeted drugs (abatacept, dapirolizumab, and inhibitor of syk and CaMKIV), cytokines targeted drugs (anifrolumab and sifalimumab), and natural products (curcumin, oleuropein, punicalagin, sulforaphane, icariin, apigenin, and resveratrol). The aim of this paper is to combine the existing in vitro and in vivo models and clinical research results to summarize the efficacy and mechanism of natural drugs and targeted drugs in SLE for the reference and consideration of researchers.
Noiseless Variable-Pressure Neck Chamber Device to Assess the Carotid Baroreflex Function
Authors: Pinheiro Alessandro , Vianna Lauro C. , Carmo Jake C.
Published: July 2023

Background: The blood pressure responses to baroreflex perturbations can be assessed only using the variable-pressure neck chamber technique. However, the application of this approach in hospital environments is limited owing to the loud noise emitted during its operation. This study was aimed at developing a noiseless neck suction chamber device (NCD) that could stimulate the baroreceptors located in the carotid sinus in humans.

Methods: A non-invasive device was developed to pressurize the carotid arteries externally. A microcontroller with a computer interface and neck chamber (3D-printed) was used. The anatomical neck chamber was fitted on six healthy, young, asymptomatic participants (five men; 32 ± 6 year), who were normotensive, nonsmoking, in sinus rhythm, free of known cardiovascular or metabolic diseases, and not consuming any acute or chronic medications. A suction of −60 mmHg was applied for 5 s, and the corresponding data were recorded. Before each study visit, the participants were instructed to abstain from caffeine, alcohol, and strenuous exercise for 12–24 h.

Results: In all the trials, a significant reflex bradycardia (−10 ± 2 bpm) and depressor response (−15 ± 4 mmHg) to neck suction were observed, consistent with the results in the literature. The neck chamber device operated noiselessly [sound pressure level (SPL) of 34.3 dB] compared to a regular vacuum-cleaner-based system (74.6 dB).

Conclusion: Using the proposed approach, consistent blood pressure and heart rate responses to carotid baroreflex hypertensive stimuli could be recorded, as in previous studies conducted using neck collar devices. Furthermore, the neck chamber device operated noiselessly and can thus be applied in hospital environments.
Impact of electrode orientation, myocardial wall thickness, and myofiber direction on intracardiac electrograms: numerical modeling and analytical solutions
Authors: Leenknegt Lore , Panfilov Alexander V. , Dierckx Hans
Published: July 2023

Intracardiac electrograms (iEGMs) are time traces of the electrical potential recorded close to the heart muscle. We calculate unipolar and bipolar iEGMs analytically for a myocardial slab with parallel myofibers and validate them against numerical bidomain simulations. The analytical solution obtained via the method of mirrors is an infinite series of arctangents. It goes beyond the solid angle theory and is in good agreement with the simulations, even though bath loading effects were not accounted for in the analytical calculation. At a large distance from the myocardium, iEGMs decay as 1/R (unipolar), 1/R2 (bipolar and parallel), and 1/R3 (bipolar and perpendicular to the endocardium). At the endocardial surface, there is a mathematical branch cut. Here, we show how a thicker myocardium generates iEGMs with larger amplitudes and how anisotropy affects the iEGM width and amplitude. If only the leading-order term of our expansion is retained, it can be determined how the conductivities of the bath, torso, myocardium, and myofiber direction together determine the iEGM amplitude. Our results will be useful in the quantitative interpretation of iEGMs, the selection of thresholds to characterize viable tissues, and for future inferences of tissue parameters.
Dual action of Dooku1 on PIEZO1 channel in human red blood cells
Authors: Hatem Aline , Poussereau Gwendal , Gachenot Martin , Pérès Laurent , Bouyer Guillaume , Egée Stéphane
Published: July 2023

PIEZO1 is a mechanosensitive non-selective cation channel, present in many cell types including Red Blood Cells (RBCs). Together with the Gárdos channel, PIEZO1 forms in RBCs a tandem that participates in the rapid adjustment of the cell volume. The pharmacology allowing functional studies of the roles of PIEZO1 has only recently been developed, with Yoda1 as a widely used PIEZO1 agonist. In 2018, Yoda1 analogues were developed, as a step towards an improved understanding of PIEZO1 roles and functions. Among these, Dooku1 was the most promising antagonist of Yoda1-induced effects, without having any ability to activate PIEZO1 channels. Since then, Dooku1 has been used in various cell types to antagonize Yoda1 effects. In the present study using RBCs, Dooku1 shows an apparent IC50 on Yoda1 effects of 90.7 µM, one order of magnitude above the previously reported data on other cell types. Unexpectedly, it was able, by itself, to produce entry of calcium sufficient to trigger Gárdos channel activation. Moreover, Dooku1 evoked a rise in intracellular sodium concentrations, suggesting that it targets a non-selective cation channel. Dooku1 effects were abolished upon using GsMTx4, a known mechanosensitive channel blocker, indicating that Dooku1 likely targets PIEZO1. Our observations lead to the conclusion that Dooku1 behaves as a PIEZO1 agonist in the RBC membrane, similarly to Yoda1 but with a lower potency. Taken together, these results show that the pharmacology of PIEZO1 in RBCs must be interpreted with care especially due to the unique characteristics of RBC membrane and associated cytoskeleton.
The effects of community-based exercise modalities and volume on musculoskeletal health and functions in elderly people
Authors: Lim Chin Leong , Keong Nicholas Ling Swee , Yap Margaret Mei Chan , Tan Alvin Wai Kit , Tan Cher Heng , Lim Wee Shiong
Published: July 2023

The effects of different muscle loading exercise (MLEX) modes and volume on musculoskeletal health is not well-studied in older populations.

Aim: Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of community-based MLEX modalities and volume on musculoskeletal health in elderly people.

Methods: Elderly men (n = 86) and women (n = 170), age 50–82 years old, were assigned to the sedentary (SE, n = 60), muscle strengthening exercise (MSE, n = 71), aerobic exercise (AE, n = 62) and Tai Chi exercise (TCE, n = 63) groups, based on > 2 years of exercise history. Exercise volume was compared between “Minimum” (“Min” < 60 min/week), “Low” (60–120 min/week). “Moderate” (121–239 min/week) and “High” (240–720 min/week) volumes.

Results: All three modes of MLEX were associated with lower percentage of body fat (BF%) and higher percentage of lean body mass (LBM%, p = 0.003 main effect of group, and p = 0.002 main effect of volume for both BF% and LBM%), but not with higher bone mineral density (BMD, total body, lumbar spine, total hip and neck of femur), than SE. TCE had a distinct advantage in trunk flexibility (p = 0.007 with MSE, p = 0.02 with AE, and p = 0.01 with SE), and both TCE (p = 0.03) and AE (p = 0.03) performed better than SE in the one-leg stand balance test. Isometric strength and throwing speed and peak power with a 2 kg power ball were higher in the MLEX than SE groups (p = 0.01), in the ranking order of MSE, AE and TCE. However, there was no difference in handgrip strength performance between the MLEX groups, which performed better than the SE participants. Accumulating >120 min/week of MLEX can promote body composition health and muscle functions, but 60 min/week of MSE alone may have equal or better outcomes in these parameters.

Conclusion: Community-based MLEX classes may be used to mitigate age-related chronic disease that are associated with body composition and muscular functions.
Ganoderma boninense: general characteristics of pathogenicity and methods of control
Authors: Khoo Ying Wei , Chong Khim Phin
Published: July 2023

Ganoderma boninense (G. boninense) is a soil-borne fungus threatening oil palm at the present. It causes basal stem rot disease on oil palm. Within six months, this fungus can cause an oil palm plantation to suffer a significant 43% economic loss. The high persistence and nature of spread of G. boninense in soil make control of the disease challenging. Therefore, controlling the pathogen requires a thorough understanding of the mechanisms that underlie pathogenicity as well as its interactions with host plants. In this paper, we present the general characteristics, the pathogenic mechanisms, and the host’s defensive system of G. boninense. We also review upcoming and most promising techniques for disease management that will have the least negative effects on the environment and natural resources.
Transcriptome and metabolite analyses indicated the underlying molecular responses of Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) toward Colletotrichum panacicola infection
Authors: Xia Jinglin , Liu Ning , Han Junyou , Sun Jingyuan , Xu Tianyi , Liu Shouan
Published: July 2023

Panax ginseng Meyer is one of the most valuable plants and is widely used in China, while ginseng anthracnose is one of the most destructive diseases. Colletotrichum panacicola could infect ginseng leaves and stems and causes serious anthracnose disease, but its mechanism is still unknown. Here, transcriptome and metabolism analyses of the host leaves were conducted to investigate the ginseng defense response affected by C. panacicola. Upon C. panacicola infection, ginseng transcripts altered from 14 to 24 h, and the expression of many defense-related genes switched from induction to repression. Consequently, ginseng metabolites in the flavonoid pathway were changed. Particularly, C. panacicola repressed plant biosynthesis of the epicatechin and naringin while inducing plant biosynthesis of glycitin, vitexin/isovitexin, and luteolin-7-O-glucoside. This work indicates C. panacicola successful infection of P. ginseng by intervening in the transcripts of defense-related genes and manipulating the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, which might have antifungal activities.
Invasive clonal plants possess greater capacity for division of labor than natives in high patch contrast environments
Authors: Zhang Jin , You Wen-Hua , Li Ning-Ning , Du Dao-Lin
Published: July 2023

Invasion success of clonal plants is closely related to their unique clonal life history, and clonal division of labor is a crucial clonal trait. However, so far, it is unclear whether invasive alien clonal species generally possess a greater capacity for division of labor than native species and whether this pattern is affected by environmental conditions. To test whether patch contrast affects the differences in the capacity for division of labor between invasive alien and native clonal plants, we selected five pairs of exotic invasive and native clonal plant species that are congeneric and co-occurring in China as experimental materials. We grew the clonal fragment pairs of these invasive and native plants under high, low, or no contrast of reciprocal patchiness of light and nutrient, respectively, with ramet connections either severed (division of labor prevented) or kept intact (division of labor allowed). The results showed that connection significantly decreased the proportion of biomass allocated to roots in distal (younger) ramets, whereas it increased in proximal (older) ramets of all studied plants under high -contrast treatments. This clear pattern strongly indicated the occurrence of division of labor. Furthermore, the connection had a more pronounced effect on the pattern of biomass allocation of invasive alien plants, resulting in a greater increase in biomass for invasive alien plants compared to native plants. These findings suggest that the invasive alien plants possess a greater capacity for division of labor, which may confer a competitive advantage to them over natives, thus facilitating their invasion success in some heterogeneous habitats such as forest edges where light and soil nutrients show a high negative correlation.
“You are the first person to ask me how I’m doing sexually”: sexual and reproductive health needs and sexual behaviours among migrant people in transit through Panama
Authors: Panchenko Sofya , Mayaud Philippe , Baranyi Nicholls Sebastian , López González Carolina , Ordáz Khatherine Michelle , Baird Madeline , Gabster Amanda
Published: July 2023

Background

Unprecedented numbers of migrant people transiting through the Darién Gap at the Panama-Colombia border were recorded in 2021 and 2022. Data on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs and service provision among migrant people in transit is generally extremely sparse. This study aimed to collect personal accounts of sexual behaviours and SRH needs and access to services among migrant people in transit through Panama.

Methods

We conducted a rapid-assessment qualitative study using semi-structured interviews during June-July 2022. Participants were migrant people in transit at three locations across Panama: (i) at the Migrant Reception Station (MRS) in Darién province at the Panama-Colombia border, (ii) in the city of David near the Costa Rica-Panama border, and (iii) at the Costa Rica-Panama border. Migrant peoples (>18 years) were invited to participate using purposive sampling.

Results

Overall, 26 adult migrant people (16 men, 10 women) across the three sites participated in the study. We identified three overarching themes from the interviews: (1) increased need for SRH service provision, (2) experiences of sex, relationships, and transactional sex, and (3) vulnerability to exploitation and sexual violence. All accounts reported that no formal SRH care was present during the journey through the Gap and described as inconsistent at the MRS in Darién. Provision of gynaecological or genital examinations, laboratory testing for urinary tract or STI, and prenatal care were mentioned to be the most pressing needs. Participants reported a change in their sexual behaviour while travelling, whether a decline in sexual libido or preference towards short-term partners. Most female participants recounted constantly fearing sexual violence during the journey through the Gap and several respondents reported witnessing incidents of sexual and other forms of violence.

Conclusion

There are significant unmet needs regarding SRH care during the journey of migrant people transiting through the Darién Gap, at the MRS in the Darién province, and across Panama. Provision of antenatal care, rapid testing for HIV/STI, condom distribution, and care for victims of sexual violence would significantly reduce adverse SRH outcomes and improve the well-being of migrant people, even when in transit.
A rare case of giant hepatic angiomyolipoma with subcapsular rupture
Authors: Wu Cuiting , Yang Yang , Tian Feng , Xu Yuan , Qu Qiang
Published: July 2023

Hepatic angiomyolipoma (HAML) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm that predominantly affects middle-aged women. In this study, we present a case of a 49-year-old woman with a giant HAML accompanied by spontaneous subcapsular rupture. The patient initially experienced nausea and abdominal distention, followed by an enlargement of the upper abdominal circumference. Laboratory examination revealed decreased serum hemoglobin, while tumor biomarkers were within normal ranges. Imaging studies, such as abdominal ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), demonstrated a large upper abdominal mass with heterogeneous density and hypervascularity. The tumor appeared to have invaded the left liver, raising concerns about possible malignancy. Subsequent positron-emission tomography/CT confirmed increased fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the mass. Laparoscopic exploration revealed a protruding, well-encapsulated tumor from the left liver, exhibiting subcapsular hemorrhage. Surgical resection of the tumor and the left liver was performed, leading to a successful outcome.
ω-Circulant Matrices: A Selection of Modern Applications from Preconditioning of Approximated PDEs to Subdivision Schemes
Authors: Díaz Fuentes Rafael , Serra-Capizzano Stefano , Sormani Rosita Luisa
Published: July 2023

It is well known that ω-circulant matrices with ω≠0 can be simultaneously diagonalized by a transform matrix, which can be factored as the product of a diagonal matrix, depending on ω, and of the unitary matrix Fn associated to the Fast Fourier Transform. Hence, all the sets of ω-circulants form algebras whose computational power, in terms of complexity, is the same as the classical circulants with ω=1. However, stability is a delicate issue, since the condition number of the transform is equal to that of the diagonal part, tending to max{|ω|,|ω|−1}. For ω=0, the set of related matrices is still an algebra, which is the algebra of lower triangular matrices, but they do not admit a common transform since most of them (all except the multiples of the identity) are non-diagonalizable. In the present work, we review two modern applications, ranging from parallel computing in preconditioning of PDE approximations to algorithms for subdivision schemes, and we emphasize the role of such algebra. For the two problems, few numerical tests are conducted and critically discussed and the related conclusions are drawn.
Modelling the Periodic Response of Micro-Electromechanical Systems through Deep Learning-Based Approaches
Authors: Gobat Giorgio , Baronchelli Alessia , Fresca Stefania , Frangi Attilio
Published: July 2023

We propose a deep learning-based reduced order modelling approach for micro- electromechanical systems. The method allows treating parametrised, fully coupled electromechanical problems in a non-intrusive way and provides solutions across the whole device domain almost in real time, making it suitable for design optimisation and control purposes. The proposed technique specifically addresses the steady-state response, thus strongly reducing the computational burden associated with the neural network training stage and generating deep learning models with fewer parameters than similar architectures considering generic time-dependent problems. The approach is validated on a disk resonating gyroscope exhibiting auto-parametric resonance.
Organizational Change: The Challenge of Change Aversion
Authors: Hubbart Jason A.
Published: July 2023

Organizational change has been investigated for decades, with many works addressing change adoption challenges. Change aversion, like change resistance, is not uncommon, but going unchecked can reduce organizational change initiative success. This communication aims to provide a concise in-road for students and practitioners to the organizational change and change aversion literature. An attempt is made to enter this complicated discussion in a way that may assist the reader in understanding what change aversion is, how vital acceptance of organizational change is, and that there are operational practices that can facilitate a culture of change acceptance. Aversion to change may result from many factors, including (but not limited to) fear of the unknown, discomfort over a potential loss of control, and the instinctive tendency to prefer the familiar over the unfamiliar. However, despite advancements in the administration of inevitable organizational change moments, challenges related to change resistance can always occur, particularly lacking effective change leadership. Leadership can address resistance early, thus more readily guaranteeing a positive and productive organizational change outcome. Offering employees quality jobs and an inclusive, empathetic, and considerate environment can lead to early organizational buy-in and change acceptance, thereby improving long-term organization efficiencies and outputs. Ultimately, organizational change initiatives are most likely to succeed with buy-in and acceptance, thereby enabling businesses to remain competitive in a continuously evolving environment.
Morphological and Molecular Characterization of a New Self-Compatible Almond Variety
Authors: Mougiou Niki , Maletsika Persefoni , Konstantinidis Aristarhos , Grigoriadou Katerina , Nanos George , Argiriou Anagnostis
Published: July 2023

Almonds are one of the most popular nuts, cultivated in countries with Mediterranean climates. In an almond orchard of the self-incompatible cultivar ‘Ferragnes’ in Greece, a tree with different morphological characteristics and signs of self-compatibility was observed. The aim of this study was to study the phenotype, investigate the self-compatibility trait, and elucidate the phylogenetic background of this tree, named ‘Mars’. Morphological traits and kernel and nut characteristics were measured in ‘Mars’, ‘Ferragnes’, ‘Tuono’, and ‘Lauranne’ cultivars. The self-compatibility trait of almonds is attributed to the Sf allele; thus, its existence was investigated in ‘Mars’ by PCR amplification. Moreover, the S-RNase genes of all the cultivars were sequenced. The genetic profile of ‘Mars’ was identified using eight SSR molecular markers and compared with the ‘Ferragnes’, ‘Ferraduel’, ‘Texas’, ‘Tuono’, and ‘Lauranne’ cultivars. The morphological traits suggest that ‘Mars’ is more similar to the ‘Ferragnes’ cultivar, while it bears the Sf allele. S-RNases sequencing revealed that ‘Mars’ has the genotype S1Sf, and the SSR markers showed that it is differentiated genetic material, suggesting it is a cross between ‘Ferragnes’ and ‘Tuono’. Therefore, ‘Mars’ is evaluated as a self-compatible variety with interesting agronomic traits for use in new mono-cultivar almond plantations.
Plastic Contaminant Detection in Aerial Imagery of Cotton Fields Using Deep Learning
Authors: Yadav Pappu Kumar , Thomasson J. Alex , Hardin Robert , Searcy Stephen W. , Braga-Neto Ulisses , Popescu Sorin C. , Rodriguez III Roberto , Martin Daniel E , Enciso Juan , Meza Karem , White Emma L.
Published: July 2023

Plastic shopping bags are often discarded as litter and can be carried away from roadsides and become tangled on cotton plants in farm fields. This rubbish plastic can end up in the cotton at the gin if not removed before harvest. These bags may not only cause problems in the ginning process but might also become embedded in cotton fibers, reducing the quality and marketable value. Therefore, detecting, locating, and removing the bags before the cotton is harvested is required. Manually detecting and locating these bags in cotton fields is a tedious, time-consuming, and costly process. To solve this, this paper shows the application of YOLOv5 to detect white and brown colored plastic bags tangled at three different heights in cotton plants (bottom, middle, top) using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)-acquired Red, Green, Blue (RGB) images. It was found that an average white and brown bag could be detected at 92.35% and 77.87% accuracies and a mean average precision (mAP) of 87.68%. Similarly, the trained YOLOv5 model, on average, could detect 94.25% of the top, 49.58% of the middle, and only 5% of the bottom bags. It was also found that both the color of the bags (p < 0.001) and their height on cotton plants (p < 0.0001) had a significant effect on detection accuracy. The findings reported in this paper can help in the autonomous detection of plastic contaminants in cotton fields and potentially speed up the mitigation efforts, thereby reducing the amount of contaminants in cotton gins.