bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological characterization and genetic diversity of a new microsporidium, Neoflabelliforma dubium n. sp. from the adipose tissue of Diaphanosoma dubium (Crustacea: Sididae)
Authors: Weng Meiqi , Zhang Xintong , Xin Zhaozhe , Xue Sijia , Zhang Qianqian , Li Aihua , Zhang Jinyong
Published: January 2023

We reported a new microsporidiumNeoflabelliforma dubiumn. sp. from the adipose tissue ofDiaphanosoma dubiumin China. The infected daphnids generally appeared opaque due to the presence of numerous spore aggregates located in the adipose tissue. All developmental stages were in direct contact with the host cell cytoplasm. Multinucleate sporogonial plasmodia developed into uninucleate sporoblasts by rosette-like fashion. Mature spores were pyriform and monokaryotic, measuring 4.02 ± 0.24 (3.63-4.53) µm long and 2.27 ± 0.15 (2.12-2.57) µm wide (N = 40). The polaroplast was bipartite with a tightly packed anterior lamellae and a loosely aligned posterior lamellae. Isofilar polar filament was coiled 9-11 turns and arranged in 2-3 rows. The phylogenetic analysis based on the obtained SSU rDNA sequence indicated that theN. dubiumn. sp. clustered with the freshwater oligochaete-infectingN. aurantiaeto form an independent monophyletic group, positioned at the base of Clade 4. In addition, we analyzed the genetic diversity in threeN.dubiumn. sp. isolates based on the rDNA (SSU rDNA, ITS and LSU rDNA) and Rpb1 gene. The genetic variation among the rDNA sequences was not distinct, however, high nucleotide diversity could be observed in Rpb1 gene, and a wide variety of Rpb1 haplotypes were identified within each isolate. Genetic recombination detected in the Rpb1 sequences presumes cryptic sexual process occurring inN.dubiumn. sp. Statistical evolutionary analyses further indicated that the purifying selection eliminated mutations in the Rpb1 gene.
Do obese patients with type A aortic dissection benefit from total arch repair through a partial upper sternotomy?
Authors: Xie Lin-Feng , He Jian , Wu Qing-Song , Qiu Zhi-Huang , Jiang De-Bin , Gao Hang-Qi , Chen Liang-wan
Published: January 2023

Background

Minimal research has been performed regarding total arch replacement through partial upper sternotomy in patients with acute type A aortic dissection who are obese, and the safety and feasibility of this procedure need to be further investigated. The present study investigated the potential clinical advantages of using a partial upper sternotomy versus a conventional full sternotomy for total arch replacement in patients who were obese.

Methods

This was a retrospective study. From January 2017 to January 2020, a total of 65 acute type A aortic dissection patients who were obese underwent total arch replacement with triple-branched stent graft. Among them, 35 patients underwent traditional full sternotomy, and 30 patients underwent partial upper sternotomy. The perioperative clinical data and postoperative follow-up results of the two groups were collected, and the feasibility and clinical effect of partial upper sternotomy in total arch replacement were summarized.

Results

The in-hospital mortality rates of the two groups were similar. The total operative time, cardiopulmonary bypass, aortic cross-clamp, cerebral perfusion, and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest times were also similar in both groups. The thoracic drainage and postoperative red blood cell transfusion volumes in the partial upper sternotomy group were significantly lower than those in the full sternotomy group. Mechanical ventilation time was shorter in the partial upper sternotomy group than that in the full sternotomy group. Additionally, the incidences of pulmonary infection, hypoxemia, and sternal diaphoresis were lower in the partial upper sternotomy group than those in the full sternotomy group.

Conclusion

This study showed that total arch replacement surgery through a partial upper sternotomy in patients with acute type A aortic dissection who are obese is safe, effective, and superior to full sternotomy in terms of blood loss, postoperative blood transfusion, and respiratory complications.
A 3D mixed reality visualization of network topology and activity results in better dyadic cyber team communication and cyber situational awareness
Authors: Ask Torvald F. , Kullman Kaur , Sütterlin Stefan , Knox Benjamin J. , Engel Don , Lugo Ricardo G.
Published: January 2023

Background

Cyber defense decision-making during cyber threat situations is based on human-to-human communication aiming to establish a shared cyber situational awareness. Previous studies suggested that communication inefficiencies were among the biggest problems facing security operation center teams. There is a need for tools that allow for more efficient communication of cyber threat information between individuals both in education and during cyber threat situations.

Methods

In the present study, we compared how the visual representation of network topology and traffic in 3D mixed reality vs. 2D affected team performance in a sample of cyber cadets (N = 22) cooperating in dyads. Performance outcomes included network topology recognition, cyber situational awareness, confidence in judgements, experienced communication demands, observed verbal communication, and forced choice decision-making. The study utilized network data from the NATO CCDCOE 2022 Locked Shields cyber defense exercise.

Results

We found that participants using the 3D mixed reality visualization had better cyber situational awareness than participants in the 2D group. The 3D mixed reality group was generally more confident in their judgments except when performing worse than the 2D group on the topology recognition task (which favored the 2D condition). Participants in the 3D mixed reality group experienced less communication demands, and performed more verbal communication aimed at establishing a shared mental model and less communications discussing task resolution. Better communication was associated with better cyber situational awareness. There were no differences in decision-making between the groups. This could be due to cohort effects such as formal training or the modest sample size.

Conclusion

This is the first study comparing the effect of 3D mixed reality and 2D visualizations of network topology on dyadic cyber team communication and cyber situational awareness. Using 3D mixed reality visualizations resulted in better cyber situational awareness and team communication. The experiment should be repeated in a larger and more diverse sample to determine its potential effect on decision-making.
Modeling seismic wave propagation in the Loess Plateau using a viscoacoustic wave equation with explicitly expressed quality factor
Authors: Hu Ziduo , Yang Jidong , Han Linghe , Huang Jianping , Qin Shanyuan , Sun Jiaxing , Yu Youcai
Published: January 2023

The thick Quaternary loess on the Loess Plateau of China produces strong seismic attenuation, resulting in weak reflections from subsurface exploration targets. Accurately simulating seismic wavefield in the Loess Plateau is important for guiding subsequent data processing and interpretation. We present a 2D/3D wavefield simulation method for the Loess Plateau using a viscoacoustic wave equation with explicitly expressed quality factor. To take into account the effect of irregular surface, we utilize a vertically deformed grid to represent the topography, and solve the viscoacoustic wave equation in a regular computational domain that conforms to topographic surface. Grid deformation introduces the partial derivatives such as ∂vx/∂z and ∂vy/∂z in the wave equation, which is difficult to be accurately computed using traditional staggered-grid finite-difference method. To mitigate this issue, a finite-difference scheme based on a fully staggered-grid is adopted to solve the viscoacoustic wave equation. Numerical experiments for a simple layer model and 2D/3D realistic Loess Plateau models demonstrate the feasibility and adaptability of the proposed method. The 3D modeling results show comparable amplitude and waveform characteristics to the field data acquired from the Chinese Loess Plateau, suggesting a good performance of the proposed modeling method.
Characterization of true triaxial rock bursts in sandstones with different water contents
Authors: Chen Kezhu , Zhou Weijin , Pan Yuangui , Zhuo Ying , Zheng Guoqiang
Published: January 2023

The rockburst phenomenon occurs in dry red sandstone under high in situ stress, and the rockburst effect is weaker for a water-bearing rock. The rockburst effect on red sandstone with different water contents is analyzed in this paper. A true triaxial testing machine is used to conduct the loading, and acoustic emission recording equipment and a high-speed camera are used to monitor the acoustic signal inside the rock and the rock-caving situation throughout the entire process in order to analyze the characteristics of the acoustic emissions and the ejection form of the rockburst. The results show that rockburst occurs in dry red sandstone and 50% saturated red sandstone but not in saturated red sandstone. The phrase characteristics of the stress–strain curve of the dry rock vary more significantly than those of the water-bearing rock, and the elastic strain energy inside the rock decreases gradually as the water content increases. The double peak of the acoustic emissions curve occurs during the failure process of the dry rock and gradually transitions to a stepped pattern as the water content increases. The ejected fragments of dry red sandstone during the rockburst are abundant and large. The true triaxial test results illustrate the characteristic effect of the rockburst on red sandstone with different water contents, reveal the failure mode and ejection characteristics of red sandstone with different water contents, and demonstrate the influence of the water content on the rockburst characteristics of red sandstone. The results of this study provide a theoretical reference for the study of the rockburst mechanisms of similar hard rocks.
Structural school characteristics and neighborhood risk factors: Associations with student-reported school climate in a large, urban public school district in the United States
Authors: Moore Stephanie A. , Ouellette Rachel R. , Connors Elizabeth H.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

School climate consistently predicts youth academic success, social–emotional well-being, and substance use, and positive school climate can buffer the negative effects of community violence exposure on youth development. Various structural school and neighborhood factors have been associated with school climate, but prior research has not examined these relations comprehensively.

Methods

We examined the relation between 18 school building and school neighborhood factors with student-reported school climate among 15,833 students in 124 public schools in a large, urban district in the United States.

Results

In this sample, attendance rate was most consistently associated with school climate (β = 0.015; p < 0.001). Teacher years of experience, mobility rate, number of students in special education, adult arrests in the school neighborhood, and service calls for shootings and dirty streets and alleys in the school neighborhood were also significantly associated with various domains of school climate.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the need for future longitudinal research on the influence of both school building and school neighborhood factors on school climate for public schools. Schools in our sample had a wide range of school climate scores despite consistently high crime rates and other structural risk factors such as low socioeconomic status throughout the city, so there are implications for researchers and education leaders to work together to identify opportunities for schools to foster positive school climate despite systemic school and/or neighborhood risk factors.
Effects of galactooligosaccharides on maternal gut microbiota, glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism and inflammation in pregnancy: A randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Wan Jiayang , An Lin , Ren Zhenghong , Wang Shuxian , Yang Huixia , Ma Jingmei
Published: January 2023

Background

Gut microbiota of pregnant women change with the gestational week. On the one hand, they participate in the metabolic adaptation of pregnant women. On the other hand, the abnormal composition of gut microbiota of pregnant women is more likely to suffer from gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Therefore, gut microbiota targeted treatment through dietary supplements is particularly important for prevention or treatment. Prebiotic supplements containing galactooligosaccharides (GOS) may be an intervention method, but the effect is still unclear.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of prebiotic intervention in healthy pregnant women during pregnancy, and to explore the possible effects of intervention on pregnant women and the influence on gut microbiota as preliminaries.

Methods

After recruitment in first trimester, 52 pregnant women were randomly assigned to receive GOS intervention or placebo containing fructooligosaccharides. 16S rRNA sequencing technology was used to detect the composition, diversity and differential flora of gut microbiota. Lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism and inflammatory factors during pregnancy were also analyzed.

Results

The adverse symptoms of GOS intervention are mild and relatively safe. For pregnant women, there was no significant difference in the GDM incidence rates and gestational weight gain (GWG) in the GOS group compared with placebo (P > 0.05). Compared with the placebo group, the levels of FPG, TG, TC, HDL-C LDL-C, and IL-6 had no significant difference in GOS group (P > 0.05). For newborns, there was no significant difference between GOS group and placebo group in the following variables including gestational week, birth weight, birth length, head circumference, chest circumference, sex, and delivery mode (P > 0.05). And compared with the placebo group, the GOS group had a higher abundance of Paraprevotella and Dorea, but lower abundance of LachnospiraceaeUCG_001.

Conclusions

GOS prebiotics appear to be safe and acceptable for the enrolled pregnancies. Although GOS intervention did not show the robust benefits on glucose and lipid metabolism. However, the intervention had a certain impact on the compostion of gut microbiota. GOS can be considered as a dietary supplement during pregnancy, and further clinical studies are needed to explore this in the future.
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition: An underappreciated mediator of diabetic complications
Authors: Wang Eric , Wang Honglin , Chakrabarti Subrata
Published: January 2023

Diabetes and its complications represent a great burden on the global healthcare system. Diabetic complications are fundamentally diseases of the vasculature, with endothelial cells being the centerpiece of early hyperglycemia-induced changes. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition is a tightly regulated process that results in endothelial cells losing endothelial characteristics and developing mesenchymal traits. Although endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition has been found to occur within most of the major complications of diabetes, it has not been a major focus of study or a common target in the treatment or prevention of diabetic complications. In this review we summarize the importance of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in each major diabetic complication, examine specific mechanisms at play, and highlight potential mechanisms to prevent endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in each of the major chronic complications of diabetes.
Corneal dendritic cells in diabetes mellitus: A narrative review
Authors: Liu Fengyi , Liu Chang , Lee Isabelle Xin Yu , Lin Molly Tzu Yu , Liu Yu-Chi
Published: January 2023

Diabetes mellitus is a global public health problem with both macrovascular and microvascular complications, such as diabetic corneal neuropathy (DCN). Using in-vivo confocal microscopy, corneal nerve changes in DCN patients can be examined. Additionally, changes in the morphology and quantity of corneal dendritic cells (DCs) in diabetic corneas have also been observed. DCs are bone marrow-derived antigen-presenting cells that serve both immunological and non-immunological roles in human corneas. However, the role and pathogenesis of corneal DC in diabetic corneas have not been well understood. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of both animal and clinical studies that report changes in DCs, including the DC density, maturation stages, as well as relationships between the corneal DCs, corneal nerves, and corneal epithelium, in diabetic corneas. We have also discussed the associations between the changes in corneal DCs and various clinical or imaging parameters, including age, corneal nerve status, and blood metabolic parameters. Such information would provide valuable insight into the development of diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic strategies for DM-associated ocular surface complications.
Determining Farmers’ Awareness About Climate Change Mitigation and Wastewater Irrigation: A Pathway Toward Green and Sustainable Development
Authors: Sohail Muhammad Tayyab , Elkaeed Eslam B. , Irfan Muhammad , Acevedo-Duque Ángel , Mustafa Sohaib
Published: January 2023

The present study was conducted in one of the major agriculture areas to check farmers’ awareness of climate change, adaptation measurements, and use of wastewater for irrigation. A semi-structured questionnaire was adopted from the existing literature, it was divided into different parts such as demographic information, use of wastewater for irrigation, farmer’s livelihood assets, climate change deciding factors, and adaptation measures, and some statistical tools (correlation and regression) were used to analyze the data. The farmers with enough resources and assets regarded themselves as safer and have enough capacity to bear the negative impacts of climate change. Farmers’ assets (FA) with determinants of climate change (DCC) and adaption measures (AM) are highly significant with the correlation values of 0.440 and 0.466, respectively, and DCC with AM (0.269). The correlation values for other variables are: gender with cultivated land 0.202, wastewater use (WWU) 0.419, farmers’ assets (FA) 0.766, determinants of climate change (DCC) 0.381, and adaption measures (AM) 0.449. Floods and droughts variables have shown a significant relationship with adaption measures at p-value 0.000 and coefficient 0.176 and p-value 0.021 and coefficient 0.063, respectively. The study will aid in the implementation of effective monitoring and public policies to promote integrated and sustainable water development.
Recent updates on correlates of vaccine-induced protection
Authors: Plotkin Stanley A.
Published: January 2023

Correlates of protection are key for vaccine development against any pathogen. In this paper we summarize recent information about correlates for vaccines against dengue, Ebola, influenza, pneumococcal, respiratory syncytial virus, rotavirus, shigella, tuberculosis and Zika virus.
Vanadium exposure exacerbates allergic airway inflammation and remodeling through triggering reactive oxidative stress
Authors: Tu Wei , Xiao Xiaojun , Lu Jiahua , Liu Xiaoyu , Wang Eryi , Yuan Ruyi , Wan Rongjun , Shen Yingchun , Xu Damo , Yang Pingchang , Gong Miao , Gao Peisong , Huang Shau-Ku
Published: January 2023

Background

Metal components of environmental PM2.5 are associated with the exacerbation of allergic diseases like asthma. In our recent hospital-based population study, exposure to vanadium is shown to pose a significant risk for current asthma, but the causal relationship and its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear.

Objective

We sought to determine whether vanadium co-exposure can aggravate house dust mite (HDM)-induced allergic airway inflammation and remodeling, as well as investigate its related mechanisms.

Methods

Asthma mouse model was generated by using either vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) or HDM alone or in combination, in which the airway inflammation and remodeling was investigated. The effect of V2O5 co-exposure on HDM-induced epithelial-derived cytokine release and oxidative stress (ROS) generation was also examined by in vitro analyses. The role of ROS in V2O5 co-exposure-induced cytokine release and airway inflammation and remodeling was examined by using inhibitors or antioxidant.

Results

Compared to HDM alone, V2O5 co-exposure exacerbated HDM-induced airway inflammation with increased infiltration of inflammatory cells and elevated levels of Th1/Th2/Th17 and epithelial-derived (IL-25, TSLP) cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs). Intriguingly, V2O5 co-exposure also potentiated HDM-induced airway remodeling. Increased cytokine release was further supported by in vitro analysis in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs). Mechanistically, ROS, particularly mitochondrial-derived ROS, was significantly enhanced in HBECs after V2O5 co-exposure as compared to HDM challenge alone. Inhibition of ROS with its inhibitor N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant MitoTEMPO blocked the increased epithelial release caused by V2O5 co-exposure. Furthermore, vitamin D3 as an antioxidant was found to inhibit V2O5 co-exposure-induced increased airway epithelial cytokine release and airway remodeling.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that vanadium co-exposure exacerbates epithelial ROS generation that contribute to increased allergic airway inflammation and remodeling.
Changes in Systemic Regulatory T Cells, Effector T Cells, and Monocyte Populations Associated With Early-Life Stunting
Authors: Andriamanantena Zo , Randrianarisaona Fanirisoa , Rakotondrainipiana Maheninasy , Andriantsalama Prisca , Randriamparany Ravaka , Randremanana Rindra , Randrianirina Frédérique , Novault Sophie , Duffy Darragh , Huetz François , Hasan Milena , Schoenhals Matthieu , Sansonetti Philippe J. , Vonaesch Pascale , Vigan-Womas Inès ,   Afribiota Investigators
Published: January 2023

Stunting and environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) may be responsible for altered gut and systemic immune responses. However, their impact on circulating immune cell populations remains poorly characterized during early life. A detailed flow cytometry analysis of major systemic immune cell populations in 53 stunted and 52 non-stunted (2 to 5 years old) children living in Antananarivo (Madagascar) was performed. Compared to age-matched non-stunted controls, stunted children aged 2-3 years old had a significantly lower relative proportion of classical monocytes. No significant associations were found between stunting and the percentages of effector T helper cell populations (Th1, Th2, Th17, Th1Th17, and cTfh). However, we found that HLA-DR expression (MFI) on all memory CD4+ or CD8+ T cell subsets was significantly lower in stunted children compared to non-stunted controls. Interestingly, in stunted children compared to the same age-matched non-stunted controls, we observed statistically significant age-specific differences in regulatory T cells (Treg) subsets. Indeed, in 2- to 3-year-old stunted children, a significantly higher percentage of memory Treg, whilst a significantly lower percentage of naive Treg, was found. Our results revealed that both innate and adaptive systemic cell percentages, as well as activation status, were impacted in an age-related manner during stunting. Our study provides valuable insights into the understanding of systemic immune system changes in stunted children.
Increased Seroprevalence and Improved Antibody Responses Following Third Primary SARS-CoV-2 Immunisation: An Update From the COV-AD Study
Authors: Shields Adrian M. , Faustini Sian E. , Hill Harriet J. , Al-Taei Saly , Tanner Chloe , Ashford Fiona , Workman Sarita , Moreira Fernando , Verma Nisha , Wagg Hollie , Heritage Gail , Campton Naomi , Stamataki Zania , Drayson Mark T. , Klenerman Paul , Thaventhiran James E. D. , Elkhalifa Shuayb , Goddard Sarah , Johnston Sarah , Huissoon Aarnoud , Bethune Claire , Elcombe Suzanne , Lowe David M. , Patel Smita Y. , Savic Sinisa , Richter Alex G. , Burns Siobhan O. ,   the COV-AD consortium
Published: January 2023

Background

Patients with primary and secondary antibody deficiency are vulnerable to COVID-19 and demonstrate diminished responses following two-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccine schedules. Third primary vaccinations have been deployed to enhance their humoral and cellular immunity.

Objectives

To determine the immunogenicity of the third primary SARS-CoV-2 immunisation in a heterogeneous cohort of patients with antibody deficiency.

Methods

Participants enrolled in the COV-AD study were sampled before and after their third vaccine dose. Serological and cellular responses were determined using ELISA, live-virus neutralisation and ELISPOT assays.

Results

Following a two-dose schedule, 100% of healthy controls mounted a serological response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, however, 38.6% of individuals with antibody deficiency remained seronegative. A third primary SARS-CoV-2 vaccine significantly increased anti-spike glycoprotein antibody seroprevalence from 61.4% to 76.0%, the magnitude of the antibody response, its neutralising capacity and induced seroconversion in individuals who were seronegative after two vaccine doses. Vaccine-induced serological responses were broadly cross-reactive against the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 variant of concern, however, seroprevalence and antibody levels remained significantly lower than healthy controls. No differences in serological responses were observed between individuals who received AstraZeneca ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and Pfizer BioNTech 162b2 during their initial two-dose vaccine schedule. SARS-CoV-2 infection-naive participants who had received a heterologous vaccine as a third dose were significantly more likely to have a detectable T cell response following their third vaccine dose (61.5% vs 11.1%).

Conclusion

These data support the widespread use of third primary immunisations to enhance humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in individuals with antibody deficiency.
Fpr2 exacerbates Streptococcus suis-induced streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome via attenuation of neutrophil recruitment
Authors: Ni Chengpei , Gao Song , Li Xudong , Zheng Yuling , Jiang Hua , Liu Peng , Lv Qingyu , Huang Wenhua , Li Qian , Ren Yuhao , Mi Zhiqiang , Kong Decong , Jiang Yongqiang
Published: January 2023

The life-threatening disease streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome (STSLS), caused by the bacterial pathogen Streptococcus suis (S. suis). Proinflammatory markers, bacterial load, granulocyte recruitment, and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) levels were monitored in wild-type (WT) and Fpr2-/- mice suffering from STSLS. LXA4 and AnxA1, anti-inflammatory mediators related to Fpr2, were used to identity a potential role of the Fpr2 in STSLS development. We also elucidated the function of Fpr2 at different infection sites by comparing the STSLS model with the S. suis-meningitis model. Compared with the WT mice, Fpr2-/- mice exhibited a reduced inflammatory response and bacterial load, and increased neutrophil recruitment. Pretreatment with AnxA1 or LXA4 impaired leukocyte recruitment and increased both bacterial load and inflammatory reactions in WT but not Fpr2-/- mice experiencing STSLS. These results indicated that Fpr2 impairs neutrophil recruitment during STSLS, and this impairment is enhanced by AnxA1 or LXA4. By comparing the functions of Fpr2 in different S. suis infection models, inflammation and NETs was found to hinder bacterial clearance in S. suis meningitis, and conversely accelerate bacterial clearance in STSLS. Therefore, interference with neutrophil recruitment could potentially be harnessed to develop new treatments for this infectious disease.
Elevated IFNA1 and suppressed IL12p40 associated with persistent hyperinflammation in COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: Jeon Kyeongseok , Kim Yuri , Kang Shin Kwang , Park Uni , Kim Jayoun , Park Nanhee , Koh Jaemoon , Shim Man-Shik , Kim Minsoo , Rhee Youn Ju , Jeong Hyeongseok , Lee Siyoung , Park Donghyun , Lim Jinyoung , Kim Hyunsu , Ha Na-Young , Jo Hye-Yeong , Kim Sang Cheol , Lee Ju-Hee , Shon Jiwon , Kim Hoon , Jeon Yoon Kyung , Choi Youn-Soo , Kim Hye Young , Lee Won-Woo , Choi Murim , Park Hyun-Young , Park Woong-Yang , Kim Yeon-Sook , Cho Nam-Hyuk
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Despite of massive endeavors to characterize inflammation in COVID-19 patients, the core network of inflammatory mediators responsible for severe pneumonia stillremain remains elusive.

Methods

Here, we performed quantitative and kinetic analysis of 191 inflammatory factors in 955 plasma samples from 80 normal controls (sample n = 80) and 347 confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia patients (sample n = 875), including 8 deceased patients.

Results

Differential expression analysis showed that 76% of plasmaproteins (145 factors) were upregulated in severe COVID-19 patients comparedwith moderate patients, confirming overt inflammatory responses in severe COVID-19 pneumonia patients. Global correlation analysis of the plasma factorsrevealed two core inflammatory modules, core I and II, comprising mainly myeloid cell and lymphoid cell compartments, respectively, with enhanced impact in a severity-dependent manner. We observed elevated IFNA1 and suppressed IL12p40, presenting a robust inverse correlation in severe patients, which was strongly associated with persistent hyperinflammation in 8.3% of moderate pneumonia patients and 59.4% of severe patients.

Discussion

Aberrant persistence of pulmonary and systemic inflammation might be associated with long COVID-19 sequelae. Our comprehensive analysis of inflammatory mediators in plasmarevealed the complexity of pneumonic inflammation in COVID-19 patients anddefined critical modules responsible for severe pneumonic progression.
Antigen-specific downregulation of miR-150 in CD4 T cells promotes cell survival
Authors: Ménoret Antoine , Agliano Federica , Karginov Timofey A. , Karlinsey Keaton S. , Zhou Beiyan , Vella Anthony T.
Published: January 2023

MicroRNA-150 (miR-150) has been shown to play a general role in the immune system, but very little is known about its role on CD4+ T cell responses. During T cell responses against superantigen Staphylococcal Enterotoxin A, miR-150 expression was down-regulated in antigen-specific CD4+ T cells but up-regulated in CD8+ T cells. CD4+ and CD8+ T cell clonal expansion was greater in miR-150-KO mice than in WT mice, but miR-150 selectively repressed IL-2 production in CD4+ T cells. Transcriptome analysis of CD4+ T cells demonstrated that apoptosis and mTOR pathways were highly enriched in the absence of miR-150. Mechanistic studies confirmed that miR-150 promoted apoptosis specifically in antigen-specific CD4+ T cells, but not in bystander CD4+ nor in CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, inhibition of mTOR-linked mitochondrial superoxidedismutase-2 increased apoptosis in miR-150-/- antigen-specific CD4+ T. Thus, miR-150 impacts CD4+ T cell helper activity by attenuating IL-2 production along with clonal expansion, and suppresses superoxidedismutase to promote apoptosis.
Systemic immune-inflammation index is associated with aneurysmal wall enhancement in unruptured intracranial fusiform aneurysms
Authors: Peng Fei , Xia Jiaxiang , Niu Hao , Feng Xin , Zheng Tianheng , He Xiaoxin , Xu Boya , Chen Xuge , Xu Peng , Zhang Hong , Chen Jigang , Tong Xin , Bai Xiaoyan , Li Zhiye , Duan Yonghong , Sui Binbin , Zhao Xingquan , Liu Aihua
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Inflammation plays a key role in the progression of intracranial aneurysms. Aneurysmal wall enhancement (AWE) correlates well with inflammatory processes in the aneurysmal wall. Understanding the potential associations between blood inflammatory indices and AWE may aid in the further understanding of intracranial aneurysm pathophysiology.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 122 patients with intracranial fusiform aneurysms (IFAs) who underwent both high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging and blood laboratory tests. AWE was defined as a contrast ratio of the signal intensity of the aneurysmal wall to that of the pituitary stalk ≥ 0.90. The systemic immune-inflammation (SII) index (neutrophils × platelets/lymphocytes) was calculated from laboratory data and dichotomized based on whether or not the IFA had AWE. Aneurysmal symptoms were defined as sentinel headache or oculomotor nerve palsy. Multivariable logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to determine how well the SII index was able to predict AWE and aneurysmal symptoms. Spearman’s correlation coefficients were used to explore the potential associations between variables.

Results

This study included 95 patients, of whom 24 (25.3%) presented with AWE. After adjusting for baseline differences in neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios, leukocytes, and neutrophils in the multivariable logistic regression analysis, smoking history (P = 0.002), aneurysmal symptoms (P = 0.047), maximum diameter (P = 0.048), and SII index (P = 0.022) all predicted AWE. The SII index (P = 0.038) was the only independent predictor of aneurysmal symptoms. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the SII index was able to accurately distinguish IFAs with AWE (area under the curve = 0.746) and aneurysmal symptoms (area under the curve = 0.739).

Discussion

An early elevation in the SII index can independently predict AWE in IFAs and is a potential new biomarker for predicting IFA instability.
Bayesian geoacoustic parameters inversion for multi-layer seabed in shallow sea using underwater acoustic field
Authors: Xue Yangyang , Zhu Hanhao , Wang Xiaohan , Zheng Guangxue , Liu Xu , Wang Jiahui
Published: January 2023

Seabed geoacoustic parameters play an important role in underwater acoustic channel modeling. Traditional methods to determine these parameters, for example, drilling, are expensive and are being replaced by acoustic inverse technology. An inversion method based on Bayesian theory is presented to derive the structure and geoacoustic parameters of a layered seabed in a shallow sea. The seabed was considered a layered elastic medium. The objective of this research was to use the sound pressure detected by underwater acoustic sensors at different positions and to use nonlinear Bayesian inversion to estimate the geoacoustic parameters and their uncertainties in the multi-layer seabed. Specifically, the thickness, density, compression wave speed, shear wave speed, and the attenuation of these two wave speeds were determined. The maximum a posterior (MAP) model and posterior probability distribution of each parameter were estimated using the optimized simulated annealing (OSA) and Metropolis-Hastings sampling (MHS) methods. Model selection was carried out using the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) to determine the optimal model that thoroughly explained the experimental data for different parameterizations. The results showed that the OSA is much more capable of delivering high-accuracy results in multi-layer seabed models. The compression wave speed and shear wave speed were less uncertain than the other parameters, and the parameters in the upper layer had less uncertainty than those in the lower layer.
Suggesting a mechanism for acupuncture as a global percutaneous needle fasciotomy that respects tensegrity principles for treating fibromyalgia
Authors: Plaut Shiloh
Published: January 2023

Acupuncture is a minimally invasive therapeutic method that uses small caliber needles while inserting them through the skin into various areas of the body. Some empirical studies find evidence to support the use of acupuncture as a treatment for certain medical conditions, however, this peculiar practice is widely considered as the domain of alternative and non-evidence-based medicine. Several mechanisms have been suggested in an attempt to explain the therapeutic action of acupuncture, but the way in which acupuncture alleviates chronic non-cancer pain or psychosomatic and psychiatric disorders is not fully understood. A recent study suggested a theoretical model (coined “Fascial Armoring”) with a cellular pathway to help explain the pathogenesis of myofascial pain/fibromyalgia syndrome and functional psychosomatic syndromes. It proposes that these syndromes are a spectrum of a single medical entity that involves myofibroblasts with contractile activity in fascia and aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, which may lead to widespread mechanical tension and compression. This can help explain diverse psycho-somatic manifestations of fibromyalgia-like syndromes. Fascia is a continuous interconnected tissue network that extends throughout the body and has qualities of bio-tensegrity. Previous studies show that a mechanical action by needling induces soft tissue changes and lowers the shear modulus and stiffness in myofascial tissue. This hypothesis and theory paper offers a new mechanism for acupuncture therapy as a global percutaneous needle fasciotomy that respects tensegrity principles (tensegrity-based needling), in light of the theoretical model of “Fascial Armoring.” The translation of this model to other medical conditions carries potential to advance therapies. These days opioid overuse and over-prescription are ubiquitous, as well as chronic pain and suffering.
Characterization and comparative genomics analysis of RepA_N multi-resistance plasmids carrying optrA from Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Zhang Enbao , Zong Shuaizhou , Zhou Wei , Zhou Jinzhi , Han Jianzhong , Qu Daofeng
Published: January 2023

Introduction

This research aimed to investigate the antibiotic resistance of Enterococcus faecalis from swine farms in Zhejiang Province and the prevalence and transmission mechanism of oxazolidone resistance gene optrA.

Method

A total of 226 Enterococcus faecalis were isolated and their resistance to 14 antibiotics was detected by broth microdilution. The resistance genes were detected by PCR.

Results

The antibiotic resistance rate of 226 isolates to nearly 57% (8/14) of commonly used antibiotics was higher than 50%. The resistance rate of tiamulin was highest (98.23%), that of tilmicosin, erythromycin, tetracycline and florfenicol was higher than 80%, and that of oxazolidone antibiotic linezolid was 38.49%. The overall antibiotics resistance in Hangzhou, Quzhou and Jinhua was more serious than that in the coastal cities of Ningbo and Wenzhou. The result of PCR showed that optrA was the main oxazolidinone and phenicols resistance gene, with a detection rate of 71.68%, and optrA often coexisted with fexA in the isolates. Through multi-locus sequence typing, conjugation transfer, and replicon typing experiments, it was found that the horizontal transmission mediated by RepA_N plasmid was the main mechanism of optrA resistance gene transmission in E. faecalis from Zhejiang Province. Two conjugative multi-resistance plasmids carrying optrA, RepA_N plasmid pHZ318-optrA from Hangzhou and Rep3 plasmid from Ningbo, were sequenced and analyzed. pHZ318-optrA contain two multidrug resistance regions (MDR), which contributed to the MDR profile of the strains. optrA and fexA resistance genes coexisted in IS1216E-fexA-optrA-ferr-erm(A)-IS1216E complex transposon, and there was a partial sequence of Tn554 transposon downstream. However, pNB304-optrA only contain optrA, fexA and an insertion sequence ISVlu1. The presence of mobile genetic elements at the boundaries can possibly facilitate transfer among Enterococcus through inter-replicon gene transfer.

Discussion

This study can provide theoretical basis for ensuring the quality and safety of food of animal origin, and provide scientific guidance for slowing down the development of multi-antibiotic resistant Enterococcus.
Association of gut microbiota and SCFAs with finishing weight of Diannan small ear pigs
Authors: Lan Qun , Lian Yuju , Peng Peiya , Yang Long , Zhao Heng , Huang Peng , Ma Haiming , Wei Hongjiang , Yin Yulong , Liu Mei
Published: January 2023

Finishing weight is a key economic trait in the domestic pig industry. Evidence has linked the gut microbiota and SCFAs to health and production performance in pigs. Nevertheless, for Diannan small ear (DSE) pigs, a specific pig breed in China, the potential effect of gut microbiota and SCFAs on their finishing weight remains unclear. Herein, based on the data of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene and metagenomic sequencing analysis, we found that 13 OTUs could be potential biomarkers and 19 microbial species were associated with finishing weight. Among these, carbohydrate-decomposing bacteria of the families Streptococcaceae, Lactobacillaceae, and Prevotellaceae were positively related to finishing weight, whereas the microbial taxa associated with intestinal inflammation and damage exhibited opposite effects. In addition, interactions of these microbial species were found to be linked with finishing weight for the first time. Gut microbial functional annotation analysis indicated that CAZymes, such as glucosidase and glucanase could significantly affect finishing weight, given their roles in increasing nutrient absorption efficiency. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Orthologies (KOs) and KEGG pathways analysis indicated that glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, phosphotransferase system (PTS), secondary bile acid biosynthesis, ABC transporters, sulfur metabolism, and one carbon pool by folate could act as key factors in regulating finishing weight. Additionally, SCFA levels, especially acetate and butyrate, had pivotal impacts on finishing weight. Finishing weight-associated species Prevotella sp. RS2, Ruminococcus sp. AF31-14BH and Lactobacillus pontis showed positive associations with butyrate concentration, and Paraprevotella xylaniphila and Bacteroides sp. OF04-15BH were positively related to acetate level. Taken together, our study provides essential knowledge for manipulating gut microbiomes to improve finishing weight. The underlying mechanisms of how gut microbiome and SCFAs modulate pigs’ finishing weight required further elucidation.
Vertical organization of microbial communities in Salineta hypersaline wetland, Spain
Authors: Bourhane Zeina , Cagnon Christine , Castañeda Carmen , Rodríguez-Ochoa Rafael , Álvaro-Fuentes Jorge , Cravo-Laureau Cristiana , Duran Robert
Published: January 2023

Microbial communities inhabiting hypersaline wetlands, well adapted to the environmental fluctuations due to flooding and desiccation events, play a key role in the biogeochemical cycles, ensuring ecosystem service. To better understand the ecosystem functioning, we studied soil microbial communities of Salineta wetland (NE Spain) in dry and wet seasons in three different landscape stations representing situations characteristic of ephemeral saline lakes: S1 soil usually submerged, S2 soil intermittently flooded, and S3 soil with halophytes. Microbial community composition was determined according to different redox layers by 16S rRNA gene barcoding. We observed reversed redox gradient, negative at the surface and positive in depth, which was identified by PERMANOVA as the main factor explaining microbial distribution. The Pseudomonadota, Gemmatimonadota, Bacteroidota, Desulfobacterota, and Halobacteriota phyla were dominant in all stations. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) revealed that the upper soil surface layer was characterized by the predominance of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) affiliated to strictly or facultative anaerobic halophilic bacteria and archaea while the subsurface soil layer was dominated by an OTU affiliated to Roseibaca, an aerobic alkali-tolerant bacterium. In addition, the potential functional capabilities, inferred by PICRUSt2 analysis, involved in carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles were similar in all samples, irrespective of the redox stratification, suggesting functional redundancy. Our findings show microbial community changes according to water flooding conditions, which represent useful information for biomonitoring and management of these wetlands whose extreme aridity and salinity conditions are exposed to irreversible changes due to human activities.
Does combined training of biofeedback and neurofeedback affect smoking status, behavior, and longitudinal brain plasticity?
Authors: Pandria Niki , Athanasiou Alkinoos , Styliadis Charis , Terzopoulos Nikos , Mitsopoulos Konstantinos , Paraskevopoulos Evangelos , Karagianni Maria , Pataka Athanasia , Kourtidou-Papadeli Chrysoula , Makedou Kali , Iliadis Stavros , Lymperaki Evgenia , Nimatoudis Ioannis , Argyropoulou-Pataka Paraskevi , Bamidis Panagiotis D.
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Investigations of biofeedback (BF) and neurofeedback (NF) training for nicotine addiction have been long documented to lead to positive gains in smoking status, behavior and to changes in brain activity. We aimed to: (a) evaluate a multi-visit combined BF/NF intervention as an alternative smoking cessation approach, (b) validate training-induced feedback learning, and (c) document effects on resting-state functional connectivity networks (rsFCN); considering gender and degree of nicotine dependence in a longitudinal design.

Methods: We analyzed clinical, behavioral, and electrophysiological data from 17 smokers who completed five BF and 20 NF sessions and three evaluation stages. Possible neuroplastic effects were explored comparing whole-brain rsFCN by phase-lag index (PLI) for different brain rhythms. PLI connections with significant change across time were investigated according to different resting-state networks (RSNs).

Results: Improvements in smoking status were observed as exhaled carbon monoxide levels, Total Oxidative Stress, and Fageström scores decreased while Vitamin E levels increased across time. BF/NF promoted gains in anxiety, self-esteem, and several aspects of cognitive performance. BF learning in temperature enhancement was observed within sessions. NF learning in theta/alpha ratio increase was achieved across baselines and within sessions. PLI network connections significantly changed across time mainly between or within visual, default mode and frontoparietal networks in theta and alpha rhythms, while beta band RSNs mostly changed significantly after BF sessions.

Discussion: Combined BF/NF training positively affects the clinical and behavioral status of smokers, displays benefit in smoking harm reduction, plays a neuroprotective role, leads to learning effects and to positive reorganization of RSNs across time.

Clinical Trial Registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02991781.
A study on the effects of the Qihuang Needle therapy on patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Li Xinyu , Zhou Jingpei , He Renxiu , Lian Jiahui , Jia Jie , Hsu Chialin , Yuan Shihua , Chen Zhenhu
Published: January 2023

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Qihuang Needle (QHN) in treating Parkinson's disease (PD).

Design, setting, and participants

The trial was an 8-week randomized clinical trial (4 weeks of treatment followed by 4 weeks of follow-up) conducted from January 2021 to July 2022 in outpatient settings at three clinical sites in Guangzhou, China. Thirty-four participants with PD were diagnosed based on the diagnostic criteria formulated by the brain bank of the British Parkinson's Disease Society in 1992.

Interventions

Patients in the treatment and control groups received six sessions within 4 weeks of the QHN therapy or the sham acupuncture therapy (two times per week for the first two consecutive weeks and one time per week for the following two consecutive weeks).

Main outcomes and measures

The primary outcome measure was the change in the Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-Part III Motor Examination (UPDRS III) between baseline and 8 weeks after treatments. Secondary outcome measures were the Non-Motor Symptoms Scale for Parkinson's Disease (NMSS) and Parkinson's Disease Daily Quality of Life-39 (PDQ-39). Real-time shear wave elastography (SWE) was assessed for each patient at baseline and during the 4-week period as the third outcome measure.

Results

A more significant reduction of UPDRS III score, PDQ-39, NMSS, and SWE was observed in the QHN group than in the sham acupuncture group.

Conclusions

The QHN therapy consistently demonstrated superiority and produced clinically meaningful benefits in reducing motor and non-motor symptoms, as well as significantly improving muscle stiffness, in patients with PD.