bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Identification and Bioinformatics Analyses of Host Defense Peptides Snakin/GASA in Mangrove Plants
Authors: Shang Chenjing , Ye Ting , Zhou Qiao , Chen Pengyu , Li Xiangyu , Li Wenyi , Chen Si , Hu Zhangli , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2023

Host defense peptides (HDPs) are components of plant defensive barriers that resist microbial infection. Members of the Snakin/GASA protein family in plants have functions of regulating plant growth, defense, and bacteriostasis. Most mangrove plants grow in coastal zones. In order to survive in harsh environments, mangrove plants have evolved complex adaptations against microbes. In this study, Snakin/GASA family members were identified and analyzed in the genomes of three mangrove species. Twenty-seven, thirteen, and nine candidate Snakin/GASA family members were found in Avicennia marina, Kandelia obovata, and Aegiceras corniculatum, respectively. These Snakin/GASA family members were identified and categorized into three subfamilies via phylogenetic analysis. The genes coding for the Snakin/GASA family members were unevenly distributed on chromosomes. Collinearity and conservative motif analyses showed that the Snakin/GASA family members in K. obovata and A. corniculatum underwent multiple gene duplication events. Snakin/GASA family member expression in normal leaves and leaves infected with pathogenic microorganisms of the three mangrove species was verified using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The expression of KoGASA3 and 4, AcGASA5 and 10, and AmGASA1, 4, 5, 15, 18, and 23 increased after microbial infection. This study provides a research basis for the verification of HDPs from mangrove plants and suggests directions for the development and utilization of marine biological antimicrobial peptides.
Optimizing Sparse Testing for Genomic Prediction of Plant Breeding Crops
Authors: Montesinos-López Osval A. , Saint Pierre Carolina , Gezan Salvador A. , Bentley Alison R. , Mosqueda-González Brandon A. , Montesinos-López Abelardo , van Eeuwijk Fred , Beyene Yoseph , Gowda Manje , Gardner Keith , Gerard Guillermo S. , Crespo-Herrera Leonardo , Crossa José
Published: April 2023

While sparse testing methods have been proposed by researchers to improve the efficiency of genomic selection (GS) in breeding programs, there are several factors that can hinder this. In this research, we evaluated four methods (M1–M4) for sparse testing allocation of lines to environments under multi-environmental trails for genomic prediction of unobserved lines. The sparse testing methods described in this study are applied in a two-stage analysis to build the genomic training and testing sets in a strategy that allows each location or environment to evaluate only a subset of all genotypes rather than all of them. To ensure a valid implementation, the sparse testing methods presented here require BLUEs (or BLUPs) of the lines to be computed at the first stage using an appropriate experimental design and statistical analyses in each location (or environment). The evaluation of the four cultivar allocation methods to environments of the second stage was done with four data sets (two large and two small) under a multi-trait and uni-trait framework. We found that the multi-trait model produced better genomic prediction (GP) accuracy than the uni-trait model and that methods M3 and M4 were slightly better than methods M1 and M2 for the allocation of lines to environments. Some of the most important findings, however, were that even under a scenario where we used a training-testing relation of 15–85%, the prediction accuracy of the four methods barely decreased. This indicates that genomic sparse testing methods for data sets under these scenarios can save considerable operational and financial resources with only a small loss in precision, which can be shown in our cost-benefit analysis.
Factors Influencing Quality of Life after Massive Weight Loss—What Makes the Difference?
Authors: Aitzetmüller-Klietz Matthias Michael , Raschke Laura , Hirsch Tobias , Kückelhaus Maximilian , Wiebringhaus Philipp , Aitzetmüller-Klietz Marie-Luise , Harati Kamran
Published: April 2023

Although weight reduction in obesity and morbid obesity has been shown to improve associated comorbidities, there is currently no information on what influences quality of life after a large reduction in body weight. The present study looks at differences in patients’ quality of life classified by mode and amount of weight loss. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was designed using a validated German version of the BODY-Q questionnaire. The internet-based questionnaire was distributed to patients via social media. Results: 460 patients (443 female, 17 male) were interviewed for this study via “Surveymonkey”. The comparison of conservative and surgical weight loss showed no significant difference in the patients’ quality of life (p > 0.05). A high BMI correlates negatively with body image (p = 0.023 *), as does the specific assessment of most body regions. For example, a negative correlation was found between a high BMI and satisfaction with skin appearance (p < 0.001 *) and satisfaction with the inner thigh (p = 0.011 *). Conclusion: Increased weight loss is associated with a greater ability to maximise quality of life. The type of weight loss, whether conservative or surgical, can be neglected based on the present study. Bariatric surgery cannot be considered a universal solution to obesity. Body contouring interventions should also become a focus of therapy.
The Climate Toolbox—A Microsoft® Excel® Based Tool for Assessing and Comparing the Effects of Internal Climates on Museum Artefacts
Authors: Pretzel Boris
Published: April 2023

This paper describes the Climate Toolbox—a set of utilities for assessing and comparing real internal climates in terms of hazards they pose to museum collections. The Toolbox is a Microsoft® Excel® workbook with complex VBA codes optimised to process large datasets efficiently and quickly. The Toolbox takes user-provided climate data (up to 8000 sets of temperature, T, and relative humidity, rh, data) and characterises the climates in terms of critical parameters for stresses and mechanical damage, risk and magnitude of mould, relative permanence compared to (selectable) reference specifications, the proportion of data lying within and without selectable specification ranges, and the proportion of rh data swings exceeding a given magnitude. The interface is easily customisable, allowing users to input desired specification ranges, insert opening and closing times (to allow for different temperature specifications for periods when a space is open and occupied to when it is closed and empty), selectively change material critical strain parameters, and adjust the cycle periods for stress analysis. Results are summarised in a range of different graphical and tabular outputs and can be processed further to compare and rank spaces for their suitability to house different collections.
Grape-Bunch Identification and Location of Picking Points on Occluded Fruit Axis Based on YOLOv5-GAP
Authors: Zhang Tao , Wu Fengyun , Wang Mei , Chen Zhaoyi , Li Lanyun , Zou Xiangjun
Published: April 2023

Due to the short fruit axis, many leaves, and complex background of grapes, most grape cluster axes are blocked from view, which increases robot positioning difficulty in harvesting. This study discussed the location method for picking points in the case of partial occlusion and proposed a grape cluster-detection algorithm “You Only Look Once v5-GAP” based on “You Only Look Once v5”. First, the Conv layer of the first layer of the YOLOv5 algorithm Backbone was changed to the Focus layer, then a convolution attention operation was performed on the first three C3 structures, the C3 structure layer was changed, and the Transformer in the Bottleneck module of the last layer of the C3 structure was used to reduce the computational amount and execute a better extraction of global feature information. Second, on the basis of bidirectional feature fusion, jump links were added and variable weights were used to strengthen the fusion of feature information for different resolutions. Then, the adaptive activation function was used to learn and decide whether neurons needed to be activated, such that the dynamic control of the network nonlinear degree was realized. Finally, the combination of a digital image processing algorithm and mathematical geometry was used to segment grape bunches identified by YOLOv5-GAP, and picking points were determined after finding centroid coordinates. Experimental results showed that the average precision of YOLOv5-GAP was 95.13%, which was 16.13%, 4.34%, and 2.35% higher than YOLOv4, YOLOv5, and YOLOv7 algorithms, respectively. The average positioning pixel error of the point was 6.3 pixels, which verified that the algorithm effectively detected grapes quickly and accurately.
Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Mechanism of Lignin Biosynthesis in Fresh-Cut Cucumber
Authors: Wang Yi , Yuan Ning , Guan Yuge , Chen Chen , Hu Wenzhong
Published: April 2023

When subjected to a certain degree of mechanical damages, a systematic responsive mechanism of fresh-cut cucumber is activated. Among them, the lignin produced in the secondary metabolism will make the fresh-cut cucumber lignified, which will increase the hardness and whiten the cutting surface of the fresh-cut cucumber, seriously affecting the taste and appearance quality. In order to further understand the mechanism of lignin synthesis, transcriptome analysis was carried out on two cutting types of fruit samples from the slices treatment (P) and shreds treatment (S) stored for 24 h. Compared with the whole fruit (CK), 2281 and 2259 differentially expressed genes (EDGs) were identified in the slices and shreds treatments, respectively; 1442 up-regulated genes and 839 down-regulated genes were expressed as 2281 in the slices treatment; 1475 significantly up-regulated genes and 784 significantly down-regulated genes were expressed as 2259 in the shreds treatment; and 1582 DEGs were commonly detected between the slices treatment and shreds treatment, indicating that these DEGs were related to lignin synthesis. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that compared with the whole fruit, the metabolic pathways of amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and secondary metabolism were affected by mechanical damages. This study revealed that JA biosynthesis was activated by mechanical damages, and the up-regulation of phenylalanine metabolism and phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan metabolism affected phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, which may promote lignin synthesis. Fifteen DEGs were selected for qRT-PCR validation, and the reliability and accuracy of transcriptome data were confirmed.
Application of Running Water-Type Retarding Basin to Old Kinu River Floodplain, Japan
Authors: Ishikawa Tadaharu , Akoh Ryosuke
Published: April 2023

In the upper and middle reaches of rivers in Japan, river channels used to meander in a comparatively narrow floodplain and heavy rain runoff used to naturally expand over the entire floodplain, retarding floods toward the downstream. Recent continuous levee building to prevent river overflow has had two kinds of negative effects, namely an increase in flood damage in areas of a floodplain closed by levees and river terraces at the time of runoff over the river channel capacity, and an increase in the flood peak toward the downstream. This study introduces the concept of a running water-type retarding basin that mitigates flood damage by allowing excess runoff to pass through the floodplain, restoring a natural hydrological process. After a description of the concept of the facility design, a design example is presented for a closed floodplain of the Kinu River Floodplain, where excess runoff caused severe flood damage in 2015, to quantify the performance and effects of the running water-type retarding basin.
Natural Mineral Water and Diuresis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vitali Matteo , Fontana Mario , De Giorgi Andrea , Marotta Daniela , Crucianelli Serena , Antonucci Arianna , Protano Carmela
Published: April 2023

The present systematic review is aimed at evaluating the diuretic effects determined according to the natural mineral water consumption on healthy individuals. This systematic review has been performed following the guidelines of the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) Statement, investigating PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library from inception to November 2022. Studies performed both on animals and on humans were considered. After screening, a total of 12 studies have been identified. Of these, 11 studies were performed in Italy and 1 in Bulgaria. The time range of publication is very wide, ranging from 1962 to 2019 for human studies and from 1967 to 2001 for animal studies. All the included studies found an increase in diuresis determined according to the consumption of natural mineral water, in some cases after just one administration of the tested water. However, the quality of the studies is not so high, especially for the research conducted many years ago. Thus, it would be desirable to carry out new clinical studies using more appropriate methodological approaches and more refined methods of statistical data processing.
The Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Overall and Cause-Specific Mortality in Pavia, Northern Italy: Updated Estimates for the Year 2021
Authors: Bertuccio Paola , Perotti Pietro , Mosconi Giansanto , Dalle Carbonare Simona , Manzoni Federica , Boschetti Lorenza , Marguati Stefano , Paraluppi Paolo , Blandi Lorenzo , Gentile Leandro , Gaeta Maddalena , Cecconami Lorella , Odone Anna
Published: April 2023

Excess mortality estimates are considered relevant indicators of direct and indirect pandemic effects on the population. Scant data have been published on cause-specific excess mortality. Using individual-level administrative data covering the Pavia province of Italian northern Lombardy region, we provided all-cause and cause-specific raw (RMR) and age-standardized (ASMR) mortality rates in 2021 and 2015–2019, the rate ratio, and 95% confidence intervals, overall and by sex. We obtained the excess deaths in 2021 as the difference between the number of observed and expected deaths from all causes and the two leading causes of death (all neoplasms and circulatory system diseases) by fitting over-dispersed quasi-Poisson regression models, accounting for temporal, seasonal and demographic changes. The total ASMR in 2021 was 972.4/100,000 (6836 certified deaths), with the highest ASMRs for circulatory system diseases (272.6/100,000) and all neoplasms (270.3/100,000), followed by COVID-19 (94.8/100,000 and 662 deaths). Compared to the expected, we estimated a total of 6.2% excess deaths in 2021 (7.2% in males and 5.4% in females), with no excess deaths from all neoplasms and a 6.2% reduction from circulatory system diseases. COVID-19 continued to affect total mortality in 2021, albeit to a lesser extent than in 2020, consistently with national patterns.
Acute Effect of a Half-Marathon over the Muscular Function and Electromyographic Activity of the Pelvic Floor in Female Runners with or without Urinary Incontinence: A Pilot Study
Authors: de Mendonça Horianna Cristina Silva , Ferreira Caroline Wanderley Souto , de Moura Filho Alberto Galvão , de Sousa Melo Pedro Vanderlei , Ribeiro Ana Flávia Medeiros , de Amorim Cabral Kryslly Danielle , de Souza Melo Renato , Barbosa Leila Maria Alvares , de Lima Ferreira Ana Paula
Published: April 2023

Objective: to verify the acute effect of running a half marathon on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function and electromyographic (EMG) activity in female runners with and without urinary incontinence. Methods: This is a cross-sectional pilot study. The sample was divided into two groups: runners with urinary incontinence (with UI) and runners without urinary incontinence (without UI). A semi-structured form and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire—Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF) were used for data collection. The EMG and PFM function were evaluated using the PERFECT method before and immediately after running a half marathon. Results: A total of 14 runners were included (8 with UI; 6 without UI). Runners with and without UI did not show significant differences for EMG and PERFECT. The acute effects of the half marathon on runners without UI were reduced PFM function in terms of strength (p = 0.00), reduced endurance (p = 0.02), and reduced repetition (p = 0.03), and an increase in EMG measured by the median frequency (p = 0.02). Runners with UI showed reduced PFM function in terms of strength (p = 0.05) and repetition (p = 0.01). Conclusion: there was no difference in the acute effects of the half marathon on PFM function and EMG in women with and without UI.
Enterprise-Based Participatory Action Research in the Development of a Basic Occupational Health Service Model in Thailand
Authors: Passaranon Kankamol , Chaiear Naesinee , Duangjumphol Napak , Siviroj Penprapa
Published: April 2023

Various basic occupational health services (BOHS) are provided, particularly in-plant BOHS; however, it might be necessary to start expanding BOHS. The current study focuses on BOHS model development using participatory action research (PAR) at a large-sized enterprise in northeastern Thailand. The PAR began with a situation analysis using ILO Convention C161, problem and cause analysis, the development of an action plan, observation and action, evaluation, and replanning. The research tools included interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and participant observations. The participants included managers, human resource staff, safety officers, and workers. Both inductive and deductive thematic analyses were undertaken. The results showed that (1) education and learning experience led to the workers detecting work-related diseases early by themselves and the implementation of medical surveillance programs; (2) the workers’ occupational health needs led to return-to-work assessments and first aid room system development; (3) the employer’s experience led to appropriate fit-for-work examinations and emergency preparedness; and (4) the feedback from BOHS providers led to a hospital-to-in-plant return-to-work conversion. The study concluded that the enterprise could develop fit-for-work and return-to-work assessments as per the ILO Convention C161 under the policy; however, medical surveillance and the first aid room system need to be developed through counseling at the hospital’s occupational medicine clinic.
Perceived Social Support Mediates the Relationship between Use of Greenspace and Geriatric Depression: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Sample of South-Italian Older Adults
Authors: Ricciardi Elisabetta , Spano Giuseppina , Tinella Luigi , Lopez Antonella , Clemente Carmine , Bosco Andrea , Caffò Alessandro Oronzo
Published: April 2023

A growing body of evidence is suggestive for the beneficial role of contact with greenspace (e.g., use of greenspace, visual access to greenspace, etc.) on mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety, etc.). In addition, several studies have pointed out the benefits of social support and social interaction on psychological wellbeing. Even if evidence on the association between contact with greenspace and perceived social support were mixed, it was supposed that the use of greenspace could enhance social interactions and perceived social support, especially among older adults. The present study aims to explore the effect of use of greenspace on geriatric depression in a sample of South-Italian older adults and the mediating role of perceived social support in this association. A structural equation model was tested in a sample of 454 older adults (60–90 years old) residing in the Metropolitan Area of Bari, Apulia. The fit indices revealed the goodness of fit of the model (CFI = 0.934; TLI = 0.900; IFI = 0.911; NFI = 0.935; RMSEA = 0.074; SRMR = 0.056). Results showed that the use of greenspace was inversely associated with geriatric depression through perceived social support. These findings underlined the relevance of perceived social support on the pathway linking use of greenspace and geriatric depressive symptoms. This evidence may be useful to policymakers to plan interventions for promoting physical access to greenspace and social participation in an age-friendly city framework.
ADAM10 and ADAM17, Major Regulators of Chronic Kidney Disease Induced Atherosclerosis?
Authors: Maas Sanne L. , Donners Marjo M. P. C. , van der Vorst Emiel P. C.
Published: April 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health problem, affecting millions of people worldwide, in particular hypertensive and diabetic patients. CKD patients suffer from significantly increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality, mainly due to accelerated atherosclerosis development. Indeed, CKD not only affects the kidneys, in which injury and maladaptive repair processes lead to local inflammation and fibrosis, but also causes systemic inflammation and altered mineral bone metabolism leading to vascular dysfunction, calcification, and thus, accelerated atherosclerosis. Although CKD and CVD individually have been extensively studied, relatively little research has studied the link between both diseases. This narrative review focuses on the role of a disintegrin and metalloproteases (ADAM) 10 and ADAM17 in CKD and CVD and will for the first time shed light on their role in CKD-induced CVD. By cleaving cell surface molecules, these enzymes regulate not only cellular sensitivity to their micro-environment (in case of receptor cleavage), but also release soluble ectodomains that can exert agonistic or antagonistic functions, both locally and systemically. Although the cell-specific roles of ADAM10 and ADAM17 in CVD, and to a lesser extent in CKD, have been explored, their impact on CKD-induced CVD is likely, yet remains to be elucidated.
First Draft Genome Assembly of Root-Lesion Nematode Pratylenchus scribneri Generated Using Long-Read Sequencing
Authors: Arora Deepika , Hernandez Alvaro G. , Walden Kimberly K. O. , Fields Christopher J. , Yan Guiping
Published: April 2023

Root-lesion nematodes (genus Pratylenchus) belong to a diverse group of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) with a worldwide distribution. Despite being an economically important PPN group of more than 100 species, genome information related to Pratylenchus genus is scarcely available. Here, we report the draft genome assembly of Pratylenchus scribneri generated on the PacBio Sequel IIe System using the ultra-low DNA input HiFi sequencing workflow. The final assembly created using 500 nematodes consisted of 276 decontaminated contigs, with an average contig N50 of 1.72 Mb and an assembled draft genome size of 227.24 Mb consisting of 51,146 predicted protein sequences. The benchmarking universal single-copy ortholog (BUSCO) analysis with 3131 nematode BUSCO groups indicated that 65.4% of the BUSCOs were complete, whereas 24.0%, 41.4%, and 1.8% were single-copy, duplicated, and fragmented, respectively, and 32.8% were missing. The outputs from GenomeScope2 and Smudgeplots converged towards a diploid genome for P. scribneri. The data provided here will facilitate future studies on host plant-nematode interactions and crop protection at the molecular level.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor, Nivolumab, Combined with Chemotherapy Improved the Survival of Unresectable Advanced and Metastatic Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Real-World Experience
Authors: Kao Ming-Wei , Kuo Yao-Hung , Hsieh Kun-Chou , Lee Ching-Tai , Wu Shih-Chi , Yang Wen-Chi
Published: April 2023

Patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) have a poor prognosis when treated with standard chemotherapy. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in esophageal cancer has been associated with poor survival and more advanced stage. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as PD-1 inhibitors, showed benefits in advanced esophageal cancer in clinical trials. We analyzed the prognosis of patients with unresectable esophageal SCC who received nivolumab with chemotherapy, dual immunotherapy (nivolumab and ipilimumab), or chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy. Patients who received nivolumab with chemotherapy had a better overall response rate (ORR) (72% vs. 66.67%, p = 0.038) and longer overall survival (OS) (median OS: 609 days vs. 392 days, p = 0.04) than those who received chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy. In patients receiving nivolumab with chemotherapy, the duration of the treatment response was similar regardless of the treatment line they received. According to clinical parameters, liver and distant lymph nodes metastasis showed a trend of negative and positive impacts, respectively, on treatment response in the whole cohort and in the immunotherapy-containing regimen cohort. Nivolumab add-on treatment showed less gastrointestinal and hematological adverse effects, compare with chemotherapy. Here, we showed that nivolumab combined with chemotherapy is a better choice for patients with unresectable esophageal SCC.
The Diet as a Modulator of Tumor Microenvironment in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Collado Manuel , Castillo Marién , Muñoz de Mier Gemma Julia , de la Pinta Carolina , Peña Cristina
Published: April 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in Western countries and remains the second most common cause of cancer death worldwide. Many studies show the importance of diet and lifestyle in the incidence of CRC, as well as in CRC prevention. However, this review summarizes those studies that analyze the impact of nutrition on tumor microenvironment modulation and cancer progression. We review the available information about the effects of specific nutrients on cancer cell progression and on the different cells within the tumor microenvironment. Diet and nutritional status in the clinical management of colorectal cancer patients are also analyzed. Finally, future perspectives and challenges are discussed, with a view to improving CRC treatments by employing nutritional approaches. These promise great benefits and will eventually improve CRC patients’ survival.
Application of Biomedical Microspheres in Wound Healing
Authors: Yang Caihong , Zhang Zhikun , Gan Lu , Zhang Lexiang , Yang Lei , Wu Pan
Published: April 2023

Tissue injury, one of the most common traumatic injuries in daily life, easily leads to secondary wound infections. To promote wound healing and reduce scarring, various kinds of wound dressings, such as gauze, bandages, sponges, patches, and microspheres, have been developed for wound healing. Among them, microsphere-based tissue dressings have attracted increasing attention due to the advantage of easy to fabricate, excellent physicochemical performance and superior drug release ability. In this review, we first introduced the common methods for microspheres preparation, such as emulsification-solvent method, electrospray method, microfluidic technology as well as phase separation methods. Next, we summarized the common biomaterials for the fabrication of the microspheres including natural polymers and synthetic polymers. Then, we presented the application of the various microspheres from different processing methods in wound healing and other applications. Finally, we analyzed the limitations and discussed the future development direction of microspheres in the future.
Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis Identifies a Functional Guild and Metabolite Cluster Mediating the Relationship between Mucosal Inflammation and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Strauss Jaclyn C. , Haskey Natasha , Ramay Hena R. , Ghosh Tarini Shankar , Taylor Lorian M. , Yousuf Munazza , Ohland Christina , McCoy Kathy D. , Ingram Richard J. M. , Ghosh Subrata , Panaccione Remo , Raman Maitreyi
Published: April 2023

Diet influences the pathogenesis and clinical course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The Mediterranean diet (MD) is linked to reductions in inflammatory biomarkers and alterations in microbial taxa and metabolites associated with health. We aimed to identify features of the gut microbiome that mediate the relationship between the MD and fecal calprotectin (FCP) in ulcerative colitis (UC). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify modules of co-abundant microbial taxa and metabolites correlated with the MD and FCP. The features considered were gut microbial taxa, serum metabolites, dietary components, short-chain fatty acid and bile acid profiles in participants that experienced an increase (n = 13) or decrease in FCP (n = 16) over eight weeks. WGCNA revealed ten modules containing sixteen key features that acted as key mediators between the MD and FCP. Three taxa (Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Dorea longicatena, Roseburia inulinivorans) and a cluster of four metabolites (benzyl alcohol, 3-hydroxyphenylacetate, 3-4-hydroxyphenylacetate and phenylacetate) demonstrated a strong mediating effect (ACME: −1.23, p = 0.004). This study identified a novel association between diet, inflammation and the gut microbiome, providing new insights into the underlying mechanisms of how a MD may influence IBD. See clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04474561).
Inhibition of ROS-Scavenging Enzyme System Is a Key Event in Tomato Genetic Resistance against Root-Knot Nematodes
Authors: Molinari Sergio , Leonetti Paola
Published: April 2023

Genetic resistance in plants against incompatible pests is expressed by the activation of an immune system; however, the molecular mechanisms of pest recognition and expression of immunity, although long the object of investigation, are far from being fully understood. The immune response triggered by the infection of soil-borne parasites, such as root-knot nematodes (RKNs), to incompatible resistant tomato plants was studied and compared to the compatible response that occurred when RKNs attacked susceptible plants. In compatible interactions, the invading nematode juveniles were allowed to fully develop and reproduce, whilst that was impeded in incompatible interactions. In crude root extracts, a first assay of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging enzymatic activity was carried out at the earliest stages of tomato–RKN incompatible interaction. Membrane-bound and soluble CAT, which is the most active enzyme in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging, was found to be specifically inhibited in roots of inoculated resistant plants until 5 days after inoculation, with respect to uninoculated plants. The expression of genes encoding for antioxidant enzymes, such as CAT and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), was not always inhibited in roots of nematode-infected resistant tomato. Therefore, the biochemical mechanisms of CAT inhibition were further investigated. Two CAT isozymes were characterized by size exclusion HPLC as a tetrameric form with a molecular weight of 220,000 dalton and its subunits (55,000 dalton). Fractions containing such isozymes were tested by their sensitivity to both salicylic acid (SA) and H2O2. It was evidenced that elevated concentrations of both chemicals led to a partial inactivation of CAT. Elevated concentrations of H2O2 in incompatible interactions have been suggested to be produced by membrane-bound superoxide anion generating, SOD, and isoperoxidase-enhanced activities. Such partial inactivation of CAT has been depicted as one of the earliest key metabolic events, which is specifically associated with tomato immunity to RKNs. Enhanced ROS production and the inhibition of ROS-scavenging systems have been considered to trigger all the metabolic events leading to cell death and tissue necrosis developed around the head of the invading juveniles by which this special type of plant resistance is exerted.
Pharmacogenomics on the Treatment Response in Patients with Psoriasis: An Updated Review
Authors: Wang Ching-Ya , Wang Chuang-Wei , Chen Chun-Bing , Chen Wei-Ti , Chang Ya-Ching , Hui Rosaline Chung-Yee , Chung Wen-Hung
Published: April 2023

The efficacy and the safety of psoriasis medications have been proved in trials, but unideal responses and side effects are noted in clinical practice. Genetic predisposition is known to contribute to the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Hence, pharmacogenomics gives the hint of predictive treatment response individually. This review highlights the current pharmacogenetic and pharmacogenomic studies of medical therapy in psoriasis. HLA-Cw*06 status remains the most promising predictive treatment response in certain drugs. Numerous genetic variants (such as ABC transporter, DNMT3b, MTHFR, ANKLE1, IL-12B, IL-23R, MALT1, CDKAL1, IL17RA, IL1B, LY96, TLR2, etc.) are also found to be associated with treatment response for methotrexate, cyclosporin, acitretin, anti-TNF, anti-IL-12/23, anti-IL-17, anti-PDE4 agents, and topical therapy. Due to the high throughput sequencing technologies and the dramatic increase in sequencing cost, pharmacogenomic tests prior to treatment by whole exome sequencing or whole genome sequencing may be applied in clinical in the future. Further investigations are necessary to manifest potential genetic markers for psoriasis treatments.
In Response to a Punctual Stress Male and Female Tyrosine Hydroxylase Haploinsufficient Mice Show a Deteriorated Behavior, Immunity, and Redox State
Authors: Félix Judith , Garrido Antonio , De la Fuente Mónica
Published: April 2023

An inadequate stress response is associated with impaired neuroimmunoendocrine communication, increasing morbidity and mortality. Since catecholamines (CA) constitute one of the acute stress response pathways, female mice with an haploinsufficiency of the tyrosine hydroxylase gene (TH-HZ), the main limiting enzyme in CA synthesis, show low CA amounts, exhibiting an impairment of homeostatic systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a punctual stress in TH-HZ mice, determining the differences with wild-type (WT) mice and those due to sex by restraint with a clamp for 10 min. After restraint, a behavioral battery was performed, and several immune functions, redox state parameters, and CA amounts were evaluated in peritoneal leukocytes. Results show that this punctual stress impaired WT behavior and improved female WT immunity and oxidative stress, whereas in TH-HZ mice, all parameters were impaired. In addition, different responses to stress due to sex were observed, with males having a worse response. In conclusion, this study confirms that a correct CA synthesis is necessary to deal with stress, and that when a positive stress (eustress) occurs, individuals may improve their immune function and oxidative state. Furthermore, it shows that the response to the same stressor is different according to sex.
A Rat Model of Clinically Relevant Extracorporeal Circulation Develops Early Organ Dysfunctions
Authors: Persello Antoine , Souab Fouzia , Dupas Thomas , Aillerie Virginie , Bigot Edith , Denis Manon , Erraud Angélique , Pelé Thomas , Blangy-Letheule Angélique , Miniou Pierre , Guedat Philippe , De Waard Michel , Abgueguen Emmanuelle , Rozec Bertrand , Lauzier Benjamin
Published: April 2023

In clinical practice, extracorporeal circulation (ECC) is associated with coagulopathy and inflammation, eventually leading to organ injuries without preventive systemic pharmacological treatment. Relevant models are needed to reproduce the pathophysiology observed in humans and preclinical tests. Rodent models are less expensive than large models but require adaptations and validated comparisons to clinics. This study aimed to develop a rat ECC model and to establish its clinical relevance. One hour of veno-arterial ECC or a sham procedure were achieved on mechanically ventilated rats after cannulations with a mean arterial pressure objective > 60 mmHg. Five hours post-surgery, the rats’ behavior, plasmatic/blood biomarkers, and hemodynamics were measured. Blood biomarkers and transcriptomic changes were compared in 41 patients undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery. Five hours post-ECC, the rats presented hypotension, hyperlactatemia, and behavioral alterations. The same patterns of marker measurements (Lactate dehydrogenase, Creatinine kinase, ASAT, ALAT, and Troponin T) were observed in both rats and human patients. Transcriptome analyses showed similarity in both humans and rats in the biological processes involved in the ECC response. This new ECC rat model seems to resemble both ECC clinical procedures and the associated pathophysiology, but with early organ injury corresponding to a severe phenotype. Although the mechanisms at stake in the post-ECC pathophysiology of rats or humans need to be described, this new rat model appears to be a relevant and costless preclinical model of human ECC.
Ferroptosis-Related Molecular Clusters and Diagnostic Model in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Xie Maosheng , Zhu Chao , Ye Yujin
Published: April 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by synovitis, joint damage and deformity. A newly described type of cell death, ferroptosis, has an important role in the pathogenesis of RA. However, the heterogeneity of ferroptosis and its association with the immune microenvironment in RA remain unknown. Synovial tissue samples from 154 RA patients and 32 healthy controls (HCs) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Twelve of twenty-six ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) were differentially expressed between RA patients and HCs. Furthermore, the patterns of correlation among the FRGs were significantly different between the RA and HC groups. RA patients were classified into two distinct ferroptosis-related clusters, of which cluster 1 had a higher abundance of activated immune cells and a corresponding lower ferroptosis score. Enrichment analysis suggested that tumor necrosis factor-α signaling via nuclear factor-κB was upregulated in cluster 1. RA patients in cluster 1 responded better to anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy, which was verified by the GSE 198520 dataset. A diagnostic model to identify RA subtypes and immunity was constructed and verified, in which the area under the curve values in the training (70%) and validation (30%) cohorts were 0.849 and 0.810, respectively. This study demonstrated that there were two ferroptosis clusters in RA synovium that exhibited distinct immune profiles and ferroptosis sensitivity. Additionally, a gene scoring system was constructed to classify individual RA patients.
Ginsenoside Rc from Panax Ginseng Ameliorates Palmitate-Induced UB/OC-2 Cochlear Cell Injury
Authors: Gill Nicholas B. , Dowker-Key Presley D. , Hubbard Katelin , Voy Brynn H. , Whelan Jay , Hedrick Mark , Bettaieb Ahmed
Published: April 2023

By 2050, at least 700 million people will require hearing therapy while 2.5 billion are projected to suffer from hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) arises from the inability of the inner ear to convert fluid waves into neural electric signals because of injury to cochlear hair cells that has resulted in their death. In addition, systemic chronic inflammation implicated in other pathologies may exacerbate cell death leading to SNHL. Phytochemicals have emerged as a possible solution because of the growing evidence of their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties. Ginseng and its bioactive molecules, ginsenosides, exhibit effects that suppress pro-inflammatory signaling and protect against apoptosis. In the current study, we investigated the effects of ginsenoside Rc (G-Rc) on UB/OC-2 primary murine sensory hair cell survival in response to palmitate-induced injury. G-Rc promoted UB/OC-2 cell survival and cell cycle progression. Additionally, G-Rc enhanced the differentiation of UB/OC-2 cells into functional sensory hair cells and alleviated palmitate-induced inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and apoptosis. The current study offers novel insights into the effects of G-Rc as a potential adjuvant for SNHL and warrants further studies elucidating the molecular mechanisms.
Severe Acute Liver Dysfunction Induces Delayed Hepatocyte Swelling and Cytoplasmic Vacuolization, and Delayed Cortical Neuronal Cell Death
Authors: Nakadate Kazuhiko , Sono Chiaki , Mita Homura , Itakura Yuki , Kawakami Kiyoharu
Published: April 2023

Liver dysfunction is the main cause of hepatic encephalopathy. However, histopathological changes in the brain associated with hepatic encephalopathy remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated pathological changes in the liver and brain using an acute hepatic encephalopathy mouse model. After administering ammonium acetate, a transient increase in the blood ammonia level was observed, which returned to normal levels after 24 h. Consciousness and motor levels also returned to normal. It was revealed that hepatocyte swelling, and cytoplasmic vacuolization progressed over time in the liver tissue. Blood biochemistry also suggested hepatocyte dysfunction. In the brain, histopathological changes, such as perivascular astrocyte swelling, were observed 3 h after ammonium acetate administration. Abnormalities in neuronal organelles, especially mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum, were also observed. Additionally, neuronal cell death was observed 24 h post-ammonia treatment when blood ammonia levels had returned to normal. Activation of reactive microglia and increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were also observed seven days after a transient increase in blood ammonia. These results suggest that delayed neuronal atrophy could be iNOS-mediated cell death due to activation of reactive microglia. The findings also suggest that severe acute hepatic encephalopathy causes continued delayed brain cytotoxicity even after consciousness recovery.
NpPP2-B10, an F-Box-Nictaba Gene, Promotes Plant Growth and Resistance to Black Shank Disease Incited by Phytophthora nicotianae in Nicotiana tabacum
Authors: Wen Guo , Xie Zhongyi , Yang Yao , Yang Yuxue , Guo Qigao , Liang Guolu , Dang Jiangbo
Published: April 2023

Black shank, a devastating disease affecting tobacco production worldwide, is caused by Phytophthora nicotianae. However, few genes related to Phytophthora resistance have been reported in tobacco. Here, we identified NpPP2-B10, a gene strongly induced by P. nicotianae race 0, with a conserved F-box motif and Nictaba (tobacco lectin) domain, in the highly resistant tobacco species Nicotiana plumbaginifolia. NpPP2-B10 is a typical F-box-Nictaba gene. When it was transferred into the black shank-susceptible tobacco cultivar ‘Honghua Dajinyuan’, it was found to promote resistance to black shank disease. NpPP2-B10 was induced by salicylic acid, and some resistance-related genes (NtPR1, NtPR2, NtCHN50, and NtPAL) and resistance-related enzymes (catalase and peroxidase) were significantly upregulated in the overexpression lines after infection with P. nicotianae. Furthermore, we showed that NpPP2-B10 actively regulated the tobacco seed germination rate, growth rate, and plant height. The erythrocyte coagulation test of purified NpPP2-B10 protein showed that NpPP2-B10 had plant lectin activity, and the lectin content in the overexpression lines was significantly higher than that in the WT, which could lead to accelerated growth and improved resistance of tobacco. SKP1 is an adaptor protein of the E3 ubiquitin ligase SKP1, Cullin, F-box (SCF) complex. We demonstrated that NpPP2-B10 could interact with the NpSKP1-1A gene in vivo and in vitro through yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC), indicating that NpPP2-B10 likely participates in the plant immune response by mediating the ubiquitin protease pathway. In conclusion, our study provides some important insights concerning NpPP2-B10-mediated regulation of tobacco growth and resistance.
Harnessing the Immunological Effects of Radiation to Improve Immunotherapies in Cancer
Authors: Hannon Gary , Lesch Maggie L. , Gerber Scott A.
Published: April 2023

Ionizing radiation (IR) is used to treat 50% of cancers. While the cytotoxic effects related to DNA damage with IR have been known since the early 20th century, the role of the immune system in the treatment response is still yet to be fully determined. IR can induce immunogenic cell death (ICD), which activates innate and adaptive immunity against the cancer. It has also been widely reported that an intact immune system is essential to IR efficacy. However, this response is typically transient, and wound healing processes also become upregulated, dampening early immunological efforts to overcome the disease. This immune suppression involves many complex cellular and molecular mechanisms that ultimately result in the generation of radioresistance in many cases. Understanding the mechanisms behind these responses is challenging as the effects are extensive and often occur simultaneously within the tumor. Here, we describe the effects of IR on the immune landscape of tumors. ICD, along with myeloid and lymphoid responses to IR, are discussed, with the hope of shedding light on the complex immune stimulatory and immunosuppressive responses involved with this cornerstone cancer treatment. Leveraging these immunological effects can provide a platform for improving immunotherapy efficacy in the future.
Visual Evoked Potentials for the Detection of Diabetic Retinal Neuropathy
Authors: Miura Gen
Published: April 2023

Visual evoked potentials (VEP) are visually evoked signals that extract electroencephalographic activity in the visual cortex that can detect retinal ganglion cells, optic nerves, chiasmal and retrochiasmal dysfunction, including optic radiations, and the occipital cortex. Because diabetes causes diabetic retinopathy due to microangiopathy and neuropathy due to metabolic abnormalities and intraneural blood flow disorders, assessment of diabetic visual pathway impairment using VEP has been attempted. In this review, evidence on the attempts to assess the visual pathway dysfunction due to abnormal blood glucose levels using VEP is presented. Previous studies have provided significant evidence that VEP can functionally detect antecedent neuropathy before fundus examination. The detailed correlations between VEP waveforms and disease duration, HbA1c, glycemic control, and short-term increases and decreases in blood glucose levels are evaluated. VEP may be useful for predicting postoperative prognosis and evaluating visual function before surgery for diabetic retinopathy. Further controlled studies with larger cohorts are needed to establish a more detailed relationship between diabetes mellitus and VEP.
Influence of the Structure on Magnetic Properties of Calcium-Phosphate Systems Doped with Iron and Vanadium Ions
Authors: Racolta Dania , Andronache Constantin , Balasoiu Maria , Mihaly-Cozmuta Leonard , Sikolenko Vadim , Orelovich Oleg , Rogachev Andrey , Borodi Gheorghe , Iepure Gheorghe
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize the glasses made of x(Fe2O3∙V2O5)∙(100 − x)[P2O5∙CaO] with x ranging of 0–50%. The contribution of Fe2O3 and V2O5 amount on the structure of P2O5·CaO matrix was investigated. The vitreous materials were characterized by XRD (X-ray diffraction analysis), EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance) spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. A hyperfine structure typical for isolated V4+ ions was noticed to all spectra containing low amount of V2O5. The XRD spectra show the amorphous nature of samples, apart x = 50%. An overlap of the EPR spectrum of a broad line without the hyperfine structure characteristic of clustered ions was observed with increasing V2O5 content. The results of magnetic susceptibility measurements explain the antiferromagnetic or ferromagnetic interactions expressed between the iron and vanadium ions in the investigated glass.