bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the upward-increasing gradient magnetic field on soot properties in ethylene inverse diffusion flames with different oxygen concentrations
Authors: Ying Yaoyao , Duan Jiaqi , Liu Dong
Published: August 2022

The effects of the upward-increasing gradient magnetic field on soot properties are experimentally investigated in ethylene inverse diffusion flames with different oxygen concentrations. The soot morphology, nanostructure, graphitization degree, and oxidation reactivity are obtained by high-resolution transmission electron spectroscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), respectively. The upward-increasing gradient magnetic field is induced by two Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets with different thicknesses. The results show that the magnetic field influences the soot properties mainly by affecting the distributions of paramagnetic O2 and OH radicals in the flames. The soot samples are more graphitized in the flame with higher O2 concentration, which contains a longer fringe length and smaller fringe tortuosity. Fullerene-like structures are more apparent with increasing oxygen content. The soot fringe length decreases and fringe tortuosity increases when the upward-increasing gradient magnetic field is applied. The application of the magnetic field enhances the soot oxidation reactivity, and it shows the greatest effect on the oxidation reactivity of soot produced in the flame with 21% O2 content.
Pollution level of trace metals (As, Pb, Cr and Cd) in the sediment of Rupsha River, Bangladesh: Assessment of ecological and human health risks
Authors: Kubra Khadijatul , Mondol Anwar Hossain , Ali Mir Mohammad , Palash Md. Amin Ullah , Islam Md. Saiful , Ahmed A. S. Shafiuddin , Masuda Mst Antara , Islam Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul , Bhuyan Md. Simul , Rahman Md. Zillur , Rahman Md. Mostafizur
Published: August 2022

The study area was selected in the Rupsha river basin and the sediment samples were collected to determine trace metal concentrations of As, Pb, Cd, and Cr along with biological effects, and potential ecological and human health hazards for adults and children. The concentrations of trace metals were detected from sixty composite sediment samples using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) following some sequential analytical procedures. The mean concentrations of trace metals were organized in the descending order of chromium (Cr) (43.2 mg/kg) > lead (Pb) (29.21 mg/kg) > arsenic (As) (5.18 mg/kg) > cadmium (Cd) (1.8 mg/kg). The current study highlighted that metals were attributed to the riverine sediments from natural sources and other anthropogenic sources, particularly from various industries. Based on the effect-range classifications of threshold effect concentration (TEC) and probable effect concentration (PEC), the trace metal concentrations can impact on the sediment-dwelling organisms occasionally especially for Cr, Cd, and Pb. That is, the concentrations had negative biological consequences on aquatic creatures. The assessed potential ecological risk of Cd offers a significant risk to the aquatic ecosystem, whereas As, Cr, and Cd were in low-risk. Most of the sites of the study area were within the range of moderate risk, indicated by the risk index (RI) values. Furthermore, the applied sediment quality indices, geo-accumulation index (Igeo) indicated that sediment was contaminated by Cd whereas contamination factor (CF) denoted that the sediment of the study area was moderately polluted by Pb. However, pollution load index (PLI) revealed that the study area was polluted for cumulative sence especially in winter season. The age-group risk index (HI) was much lower than the threshold limit of 1, showing that the pollution had no non-carcinogenic risk effect. Total carcinogenic risk (TCR) was less than one-tenth of a percentile. For the sake of human and environmental health, proper monitoring of metal element attribution and strict regulation are required to lessen trace metal pollution.
The evidence base on the environmental, economic and social outcomes of agroforestry is patchy—An evidence review map
Authors: Köthke Margret , Ahimbisibwe Vianny , Lippe Melvin
Published: August 2022

Agroforestry is often seen as a panacea that offers multiple environmental, economic, and social benefits. However, the validity of generalized statements on agroforestry outcomes is doubtful because the evidence base is unclear. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses exist on the topic in addition to many case studies that address specific outcomes of individual agroforestry practices at different sites. However, the overall picture of available scientific evidence on agroforestry outcomes remains opaque due to the wide diversity of existing agroforestry practices, outcome indicators, and spatial locations. To clarify whether and in which areas the research landscape allows conclusions to be drawn about the potential benefits or drawbacks of agroforestry compared to other land uses, an evidence review map was created for the purpose of this study. Based on a systematic literature search and screening, 64 systematic review articles were finally identified that summarize ecological, economic, or social outcomes of at least one agroforestry practice compared to another land use as control. The thematic and spatial coverage of the systematic reviews on agroforestry outcomes is mapped to identify density and research gaps in the evidence base. Moreover, the comprehensibility of the study selection for each identified systematic review is critically assessed. The resulting evidence review map discloses a solid evidence base for environmental outcomes and productivity aspects of individual agrisilvicultural practices, as well as for agroforestry systems when considering an aggregate level. However, the outcomes of individual silvopastoral and agrosilvopastoral practices have been less studied in the literature. A global coverage at the level of individual agroforestry practices is only available for impacts on climate change mitigation. Major research gaps were identified for systematic analysis of social outcomes of all agroforestry types. The results of the evidence mapping highlight further research needs, but also urge for caution in making generalized statements about the benefits of agroforestry.
Equilibrium or imbalance? Regional variations and evolutionary traits of two-way FDI coordination level in Yangtze River economic belt
Authors: Pan Xiaochun , Xiao Yi , Liu Zhengjun
Published: August 2022

Based on the VAR model, the two-way FDI data of the Yangtze River Economic Zone from 2005 to 2019 were used as the specimen. The correlation of the two-way FDI was observed using the VAR impulse effect through ADF root test and lag structure laboratory testing. The original study results demonstrated that there have been disparities in the spatial and temporal evolution of FDI and OFDI coordination levels between the eastern, central, and western city groups in the Yangtze River Economic Belt region from 2005 to 2019. The unequal expansion of FDI and OFDI is the phenomena that results in the gap between eastern and western cities. The development of the coupling coordination level between the east and west areas has been unequal due to variances in the natural environment, trade value, corporate expansion, and other variables. Contrarily, the Yangtze River Economic Belt’s western urban agglomerations have a lower level of coupling and coordination development than the region’s eastern urban agglomerations, with an overall declining phenomena from east to west. The coupling and coordinated development of two-way FDI within the economic belt, which has a significant impact on the rationalization of regional resource allocation, industrial structure optimization, and technology iteration with civilization construction, can be greatly facilitated, in our opinion, by strengthening uncoordinated regional development infrastructure and deepening regional economic-industrial links.
Does climate change affect enterprises’ ability to sell their products?
Authors: Yu Siming , Cai Cheng , Zhang Shuocheng , You Peng
Published: August 2022

Based on local cities’ climate change data and the operating income data of Chinese listed enterprises from 2008 to 2019, we study the impact of climate change on enterprises’ sales ability and analyze its subsequent influence on their sales revenue from three dimensions: inside enterprises, the supply side and the demand side. The results show that climate change reduces enterprises’ sales revenue. From enterprises’ internal perspective, climate change reduces production efficiency, increases management costs and the impact on the cost of sales is not obvious. From the demand side, climate change increases business risks and reduces transactions between large customers and enterprises. The share of sales from large customers is reduced, but no obvious impact is observed for small customers. On the supply side, climate change reduces business credit levels, which in turn reduces sales revenue. A heterogeneity analysis shows that the impact of climate change on sales revenue is more obvious in private enterprises, enterprises with weak internal controls and enterprises in central and western regions of China.
Multi-task learning for predicting SARS-CoV-2 antibody escape
Authors: Gross Barak , Sharan Roded
Published: August 2022

The coronavirus pandemic has revolutionized our world, with vaccination proving to be a key tool in fighting the disease. However, a major threat to this line of attack are variants that can evade the vaccine. Thus, a fundamental problem of growing importance is the identification of mutations of concern with high escape probability. In this paper we develop a computational framework that harnesses systematic mutation screens in the receptor binding domain of the viral Spike protein for escape prediction. The framework analyzes data on escape from multiple antibodies simultaneously, creating a latent representation of mutations that is shown to be effective in predicting escape and binding properties of the virus. We use this representation to validate the escape potential of current SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Identification of Autophagy-Related LncRNA to Predict the Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Duan Ling , Xia Yang , Li Chunmei , Lan Ning , Hou Xiaoming
Published: August 2022

Objective: To establish a prediction model based on autophagy-related lncRNAs and investigate the functional enrichment of autophagy-related lncRNAs in colorectal cancer.

Methods: TCGA database was used to extract the transcriptome data and clinical features of colorectal cancer patients. HADb was used to obtain autophagy-related genes. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to identify autophagy-related lncRNAs. The autophagy-related lncRNAs with prognostic values were selected. Based on the selected lncRNAs, the risk score model and nomogram were constructed, respectively. Calibration curve, concordance index, and ROC curve were performed to evaluate the predictive efficacy of the prediction model. GSEA was performed to figure out the functional enrichment of autophagy-related lncRNAs.

Results: A total of 13413 lncRNAs and 938 autophagy-related genes were obtained. A total of 709 autophagy-related genes were identified in colon cancer tissues, and 11 autophagy-related lncRNAs (AL138756.1, LINC01063, CD27-AS1, LINC00957, EIF3J-DT, LINC02474, SNHG16, AC105219.1, AC068580.3, LINC02381, and LINC01011) were finally selected and set as prognosis-related lncRNAs. According to the risk score, patients were divided into the high-risk and low-risk groups, respectively. The survival K–M (Kaplan–Meier) curve showed the low-risk group exhibits better overall survival than the high-risk group. The AUCs under the ROC curves were 0.72, 0.814, and 0.83 at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. The C-index (concordance index) of the model was 0.814. The calibration curves at 1, 3, and 5 years showed the predicting values were consistent with the actual values. Functional enrichment analysis showed that autophagy-related lncRNAs were enriched in several pathways.

Conclusions: A total of 11 specific autophagy-related lncRNAs were identified to own prognostic value in colon cancer. The predicting model based on the lncRNAs and clinical features can effectively predict the OS. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis showed that autophagy-related genes were enriched in various biological pathways.
Rapid and simple analysis of short and long sequencing reads using DuesselporeTM
Authors: Vogeley Christian , Nguyen Thach , Woeste Selina , Krutmann Jean , Haarmann-Stemmann Thomas , Rossi Andrea
Published: August 2022

Transcriptome analysis experiments enable researchers to gain extensive insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying cell physiology and disease. Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) has recently been developed as a fast, miniaturized, portable, and cost-effective alternative to next-generation sequencing (NGS). However, RNA-Seq data analysis software that exploits ONT portability and allows scientists to easily analyze ONT data everywhere without bioinformatics expertise is not widely available. We developed DuesselporeTM, an easy-to-follow deep sequencing workflow that runs as a local webserver and allows the analysis of ONT data everywhere without requiring additional bioinformatics tools or internet connection. DuesselporeTM output includes differentially expressed genes and further downstream analyses, such as variance heatmap, disease and gene ontology plots, gene concept network plots, and exports customized pathways for different cellular processes. We validated DuesselporeTM by analyzing the transcriptomic changes induced by PCB126, a dioxin-like PCB, and a potent aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist in human HaCaT keratinocytes, a well-characterized model system. DuesselporeTM was specifically developed to analyze ONT data, but we also implemented NGS data analysis. DuesselporeTM is compatible with Linux, Microsoft, and Mac operating systems and allows convenient, reliable, and cost-effective analysis of ONT and NGS data.
Expression and regulation of 42Sp50 in spotted scat (Scatophagus argus)
Authors: Zhi Fei , Jiang Dong-Neng , Mustapha Umar Farouk , Li Shao-Xiang , Shi Hong-Juan , Li Guang-Li , Zhu Chun-Hua
Published: August 2022

42Sp50 is an isoform of the eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 A (eEF1A) and is vital for fish ovarian development. Spotted scat (Scatophagus argus) is a popular marine cultured fish species in Southern Asia and China, and its artificial reproduction is complicated, with a relatively low success ratio in practice. In this study, the 42Sp50 gene was cloned from spotted scat. Tissue distribution analysis showed that 42Sp50 was mainly expressed in the ovary. qRT-PCR showed that 42Sp50 expression levels gradually decreased insignificantly in the ovaries from phase II to IV. Western blot analysis showed that 42Sp50 was highly expressed in the ovary, while it was almost undetectable in the testis. Immunohistochemistry analysis stained 42Sp50 mainly in the cytoplasm of the previtellogenic oocytes in ovaries of normal XX-female and sex-reversed XY-female. Aside from fish and amphibians, 42Sp50 was also identified in some reptile species using genomic database searching. Analyses of the transcriptome data from four different fish species (Hainan medaka (Oryzias curvinotus), silver sillago (Sillago sihama), Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), and Hong Kong catfish (Clarias fuscus)) revealed ovaries biased expression of 42Sp50 in all, similar to spotted scat. While the neighbor genes of 42Sp50 did not show ovary biased expression in the fish species analyzed. Bisulfite Sequencing PCR (BSP) results showed that the DNA methylation level of 42Sp50 promoter was low in ovaries, testes, and muscles. The luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that Dmrt4 activated 42Sp50 expression in the presence of Sf1 or Foxh1. These results suggest that 42Sp50 may be involved in regulating the early phase oocytes development of spotted scat.
Defying convention in the time of COVID-19: Insights into the role of γδ T cells
Authors: Sanz Marta , Mann Brendan T. , Chitrakar Alisha , Soriano-Sarabia Natalia
Published: August 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 is a complex disease which immune response can be more or less potent. In severe cases, patients might experience a cytokine storm that compromises their vital functions and impedes clearance of the infection. Gamma delta (γδ) T lymphocytes have a critical role initiating innate immunity and shaping adaptive immune responses, and they are recognized for their contribution to tumor surveillance, fighting infectious diseases, and autoimmunity. γδ T cells exist as both circulating T lymphocytes and as resident cells in different mucosal tissues, including the lungs and their critical role in other respiratory viral infections has been demonstrated. In the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection, γδ T cell responses are understudied. This review summarizes the findings on the antiviral role of γδ T cells in COVID-19, providing insight into how they may contribute to the control of infection in the mild/moderate clinical outcome.
Interactions between endoplasmic reticulum stress and extracellular vesicles in multiple diseases
Authors: Ye Jingyao , Liu Xuehong
Published: August 2022

Immune responses can severely perturb endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function. As a protein-folding factory and dynamic calcium storage compartment, the ER plays a pivotal role in resisting pathogens and in the development of autoimmune diseases and various other diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular, neurological, orthopedic, and liver-related diseases, metabolic disorders, etc. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have shown that extracellular vesicles (EVs) play important roles in these conditions, suggesting that cells carry out some physiological functions through EVs. The formation of EVs is dependent on the ER. ER stress, as a state of protein imbalance, is both a cause and consequence of disease. ER stress promotes the transmission of pathological messages to EVs, which are delivered to target cells and lead to disease development. Moreover, EVs can transmit pathological messages to healthy cells, causing ER stress. This paper reviews the biological functions of EVs in disease, as well as the mechanisms underlying interactions between ER stress and EVs in multiple diseases. In addition, the prospects of these interactions for disease treatment are described.
Hot and cold marine extreme events in the Mediterranean over the period 1982-2021
Authors: Simon Amelie , Plecha Sandra M. , Russo Ana , Teles-Machado Ana , Donat Markus G. , Auger Pierre-Amael , Trigo Ricardo M.
Published: August 2022

Marine temperature extremes are anomalous ocean temperature events, often persisting over several weeks or longer, with potential impacts on physical and ecological processes that often encompass socio-economic implications. In recent years, a considerable effort has been directed at the development of metrics allowing an objective characterization of both marine heatwaves (MHWs) and marine cold spells (MCSs). However, the majority of these metrics do not consider explicitly the spatial extent of the events. Here, we rank and evaluate the relative importance of marine temperature extreme events thanks to a metric, called activity, that combines the number of events, duration, intensity and spatial extent. According to this definition, in the Mediterranean basin between 1982 and 2021, summer 2018 experienced slightly more MHW activity than summer 2003, documented as an exceptional extreme event. Besides, MHW activities were higher in the last two decades while winter MCS activities were higher in the 1980s-1990s. The highest MHW activities occurred preferentially in the western Mediterranean while the strongest MCS activities took place preferentially in the eastern Mediterranean. Moreover, the duration, mean intensity, and activity of the three strongest MHWs are twice as high as those of the three strongest MCSs. The long-term tendency of extreme events activity shows an accelerated increase for summer MHWs (about +150°C.days.10⁶km²) and a linear decrease for winter MCSs in the Mediterranean (about -60°C.days.10⁶km²) over the last four decades.
Seasonal mesozooplankton patterns and timing of life history events in high-arctic fjord environments
Authors: Søreide Janne E. , Dmoch Katarzyna , Blachowiak-Samolyk Katarzyna , Trudnowska Emilia , Daase Malin
Published: August 2022

Seasonal patterns in mesozooplankton composition, vertical distribution, and timing of reproduction are challenging to study in the open sea due to ocean currents and mix of populations of different origins. Sill fjords, on the other hand, with restricted water exchange, are ideal locations for studying taxa- and community-specific adaptations to the prevailing environment. Here, we present re-occurring patterns in the mesozooplankton community structure in Billefjorden, Svalbard, a high Arctic sill fjord with extensive seasonal ice cover, based on monthly sampling from 2011 to 2013. The zooplankton community composition confirmed the Arctic character of this fjord. Predominantly herbivorous taxa, such as Calanus glacialis and Pseudocalanus spp., showed strong seasonal variation in abundance and depth distribution, with population minima in spring being compensated by a rapid population recovery during summer. Omnivorous taxa, such as Microcalanus spp. and copepods of the family Aetideidae, largely remained at depth throughout the year and had an extended or year-round reproductive period. Deep-dwelling omnivorous/carnivorous species peaked in abundance in winter–spring when herbivorous populations were severely depleted. Taxa with seasonally limited occurrences, i.e., meroplankton, peaked in spring and summer at the surface, but were largely absent for the rest of the year. The different life histories, with contrasting feeding modes, depth preferences, and timing of reproduction lead to reduced interspecies competition and allow for a rather high and stable abundance of mesozooplankton year-round despite the short primary production window at high latitudes.
The photosensitizer-based therapies enhance the repairing of skin wounds
Authors: Ning Xiaoying , He Gang , Zeng Weihui , Xia Yumin
Published: August 2022

Wound repair remains a clinical challenge and bacterial infection is a common complication that may significantly delay healing. Therefore, proper and effective wound management is essential. The photosensitizer-based therapies mainly stimulate the photosensitizer to generate reactive oxygen species through appropriate excitation source irradiation, thereby killing pathogenic microorganisms. Moreover, they initiate local immune responses by inducing the recruitment of immune cells as well as the production of proinflammatory cytokines. In addition, these therapies can stimulate the proliferation, migration and differentiation of skin resident cells, and improve the deposition of extracellular matrix; subsequently, they promote the re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. Studies in multiple animal models and human skin wounds have proved that the superior sterilization property and biological effects of photosensitizer-based therapies during different stages of wound repair. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in photosensitizer-based therapies for enhancing tissue regeneration, and suggest more effective therapeutics for patients with skin wounds.
Negative-pressure wound therapy to treat thoracic empyema with COVID-19-related persistent air leaks: A case report
Authors: Konagaya Kensuke , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Nishida Tomoki , Morita Tomotaka , Suda Tomoyuki , Isogai Jun , Murayama Hiroyuki , Ogino Hidemitsu
Published: August 2022

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has resulted in a global pandemic. Recently, COVID-19-related pneumothorax has gained attention because of the associated prolonged hospital stay and high mortality. While most cases of pneumothorax respond well to conservative and supportive care, some cases of refractory pneumothorax with persistent air leaks (PALs) do not respond to conventional therapies. There is a lack of evidence-based management strategies to this regard. We describe the case of a 73-year-old man with COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who developed delayed tension pneumothorax with PALs caused by alveolopleural fistulas. Despite chest tube drainage, autologous blood pleurodesis, and endoscopic procedures, the PALs could not be closed, and were complicated by thoracic empyema. Subsequent minimally invasive open-window thoracostomy (OWT) with vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy helped successfully control the refractory PALs. Serial chest computed tomography monitoring was useful for the early detection of the pneumothorax and understanding of its temporal relationship with air-filled lung cysts. Our case provides a new perspective to the underlying cause of refractory pneumothorax with PALs, secondary to COVID-19-related ARDS, and underscores the potential of OWT with VAC therapy as a therapeutic alternative in such cases.
Mushrooms as Potential Sources of Active Metabolites and Medicines
Authors: Bhambri Anne , Srivastava Malay , Mahale Vivek G. , Mahale Sushma , Karn Santosh Kumar
Published: August 2022

Background

Mushrooms exist as an integral and vital component of the ecosystem and are very precious fungi. Mushrooms have been traditionally used in herbal medicines for many centuries.

Scope and Approach

There are a variety of medicinal mushrooms mentioned in the current work such asAgaricus, Amanita, Calocybe, Cantharellus, Cordyceps, Coprinus, Cortinarius, Ganoderma, Grifola, Huitlacoche, Hydnum, Lentinus, Morchella, Pleurotus, Rigidoporus, Tremella, Trametessp., etc., which play a vital role in various diseases because of several metabolic components and nutritional values. Medicinal mushrooms can be identified morphologically on the basis of their size, color (white, black, yellow, brown, cream, pink and purple-brown, etc.), chemical reactions, consistency of the stalk and cap, mode of attachment of the gills to the stalk, and spore color and mass, and further identified at a molecular level by Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) regions of gene sequencing. There are also other methods that have recently begun to be used for the identification of mushrooms such as high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), microscopy, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), DNA sequencing, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), chemical finger printing, ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LCMS-TOF) and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Lately, the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) technique is also used for the identification of fungi.

Key Finding and Conclusion

Medicinal mushrooms possess various biological activities like anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-tumor, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, anti-HIV, anti-diabetic, and many others that will be mentioned in this article. This manuscript will provide future direction, action mechanisms, applications, and the recent collective information of medicinal mushrooms. In addition to many unknown metabolites and patented active metabolites are also included.
Dietary forage to concentrate ratios impact on yak ruminal microbiota and metabolites
Authors: Pang Kaiyue , Chai Shatuo , Yang Yingkui , Wang Xun , Liu Shujie , Wang ShuXiang
Published: August 2022

To improve the rumen fermentation function and growth performance of yaks (Bos grunniens), better understanding of the effect of different dietary forage to concentrate ratios on rumen microbiota and metabolites is needed. In the present study, three diets with different dietary forage to concentrate ratios (50:50, 65:35, and 80:20) were fed to 36 housed male yaks. The changes in the distribution of rumen microorganisms and metabolites and the interactions between them were studied by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS). The diversity and richness of microorganisms in the rumen varied according to diet. The most abundant phyla were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Firmicutes was the most abundant in the C50 group, and the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes was significantly lower in the C65 group than in the C80 group (p < 0.05). The Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, and Methanobrevibacter had the highest relative abundances at the genus level. Among them, Christensenellace_R-7_group had the highest relative abundance in the C50 group. The Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group was significantly abundant in the C80 group compared with the C50 group. The Methanobrevibacter content was higher in the C65 group than in the other two groups. Both the concentration and metabolic pathways of rumen metabolites were influenced by the dietary concentrate ratio; lipids, lipid-like molecules, organic acid metabolites, and organic oxide-related metabolites differed between the groups. Significant changes were found for six metabolic pathways, including arginine and proline metabolism; glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism; glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism; arginine biosynthesis; glycerophospholipid metabolism; glycerolipid metabolism; and nitrogen metabolism.
Virome of Rhipicephalus ticks by metagenomic analysis in Guangdong, southern China
Authors: Guo Luanying , Ma Jun , Lin Junwei , Chen Meiyi , Liu Wei , Zha Jin , Jin Qinqin , Hong Hongrong , Huang Weinan , Zhang Li , Zhang Ketong , Wei Zhengkai , Liu Quan
Published: August 2022

Tick-borne viruses (TBVs) have increasingly caused a global public health concern. This study collected Rhipicephalus ticks in Guangdong, southern China to identify RNA viruses. Meta-transcriptome analysis revealed the virome in Rhipicephalus ticks, resulting in the discovery of 10 viruses, including Lihan tick virus, Brown dog tick phlebovirus 1 and 2 in the family Phenuiviridae, Mivirus and Wuhan tick virus 2 in the family Chuviridae, Wuhan tick virus 1 in the family Rhabdoviridae, bovine hepacivirus in the family Flaviviridae, Guangdong tick quaranjavirus (GTQV) in the family Orthomyxoviridae, Guangdong tick orbivirus (GTOV) in the family Reoviridae, and Guangdong tick Manly virus (GTMV) of an unclassified family. Phylogenetic analysis showed that most of these TBVs were genetically related to the strains in countries outside China, and GTQV, GTOV, and GTMV may represent novel viral species. These findings provided evidence of the long-distance spread of these TBVs in Guangdong, southern China, suggesting the necessity and importance of TBV surveillance.
An Automated Approach to Assess Relative Galectin-Glycan Affinity Following Glycan Microarray Analysis
Authors: Ho Alex D. , Wu Shang-Chuen , Kamili Nourine A. , Blenda Anna V. , Cummings Richard D. , Stowell Sean R. , Arthur Connie M.
Published: August 2022

Numerous studies have highlighted the utility of glycan microarray analysis for the elucidation of protein-glycan interactions. However, most current glycan microarray studies analyze glycan binding protein (GBP)-glycan interactions at a single protein concentration. While this approach provides useful information related to a GBP’s overall binding capabilities, extrapolation of true glycan binding preferences using this method fails to account for printing variations or other factors that may confound relative binding. To overcome this limitation, we examined glycan array binding of three galectins over a range of concentrations to allow for a more complete assessment of binding preferences. This approach produced a richer data set than single concentration analysis and provided more accurate identification of true glycan binding preferences. However, while this approach can be highly informative, currently available data analysis approaches make it impractical to perform binding isotherms for each glycan present on currently available platforms following GBP evaluation. To overcome this limitation, we developed a method to directly optimize the efficiency of assessing association constants following multi-GBP concentration glycan array analysis. To this end, we developed programs that automatically analyze raw array data (kdMining) to generate output graphics (kaPlotting) following array analysis at multiple doses. These automatic programing methods reduced processing time from 32.8 h to 1.67 min. Taken together, these results demonstrate an effective approach to glycan array analysis that provides improved detail and efficiency when compared to previous methods.
Innovative surface bio-functionalization by fungal hydrophobins and their engineered variants
Authors: Stanzione Ilaria , Pitocchi Rossana , Pennacchio Anna , Cicatiello Paola , Piscitelli Alessandra , Giardina Paola
Published: August 2022

Research on innovative surface functionalization strategies to develop materials with high added value is particularly challenging since this process is a crucial step in a wide range of fields (i.e., biomedical, biosensing, and food packaging). Up to now, the main applied derivatization methods require hazardous and poorly biocompatible reagents, harsh conditions of temperature and pressure, and are time consuming and cost effective. The discovery of biomolecules able to adhere by non-covalent bonds on several surfaces paves the way for their employment as a replacement of chemical processes. A simple, fast, and environment-friendly method of achieving modification of chemically inert surfaces is offered by hydrophobins, small amphiphilic proteins produced by filamentous fungi. Due to their structural characteristics, they form stable protein layers at interfaces, serving as anchoring points that can strongly bind molecules of interest. In addition, genetic engineering techniques allow the production of hydrophobins fused to a wide spectrum of relevant proteins, providing further benefits in term of time and ease of the process. In fact, it is possible to bio-functionalize materials by simply dip-casting, or by direct deposition, rendering them exploitable, for example, in the development of biomedical and biosensing platforms.
Assessing bilateral ankle proprioceptive acuity in stroke survivors: An exploratory study
Authors: Pan Li , Xu Dongyan , Wang Weining , Rong Jifeng , Xu Jinyao , Ferland Amanda , Adams Roger , Han Jia , Zhu Yulian
Published: August 2022

Background

Bilateral proprioception deficits were reported in stroke survivors. However, whether bilateral proprioception deficits exist in the ankle joint after stroke was unclear. Ankle proprioception is a significant predictor of balance dysfunction after stroke, and previous studies to date are lacking appropriate evaluation methods.

Objectives

We want to determine whether the active movement extent discrimination apparatus (AMEDA) is a reliable tool for assessing ankle proprioceptive acuity in stroke survivors and the presence of deficits in ankle proprioception on the affected and unaffected sides in patients after stroke.

Methods

Bilateral ankle proprioception was assessed in 20 stroke patients and 20 age-matched healthy controls using AMEDA. Test-retest reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

The ICC in the affected and unaffected sides was 0.713 and 0.74, respectively. Analysis of variance revealed significant deficits in ankle proprioception in subacute stroke survivors vs. healthy controls (F = 2.719, p = 0.045). However, there were no significant differences in proprioception acuity scores between the affected and unaffected sides in patients after stroke (F = 1.14, p = 0.331).

Conclusions

Stroke survivors had bilateral deficits in ankle proprioceptive acuity during active movements compared with age-matched healthy controls, underscoring the need to evaluate these deficits on both sides of the body and develop effective sensorimotor rehabilitation methods for this patient population. The AMEDA can reliably determine bilateral ankle proprioceptive acuity in stroke survivors.
Perampanel and childhood absence epilepsy: A real life experience
Authors: Operto Francesca Felicia , Orsini Alessandro , Sica Gianpiero , Scuoppo Chiara , Padovano Chiara , Vivenzio Valentina , de Simone Valeria , Rinaldi Rosetta , Belfiore Gilda , Mazza Roberta , Aiello Salvatore , Vetri Luigi , Donadio Serena , Labate Angelo , Pastorino Grazia Maria Giovanna
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of perampanel (PER) as first add-on and as second line monotherapy in subjects with childhood absence epilepsy.

Methods

Our sample consisted of 20 patients with childhood absence epilepsy, aged between 8 and 10, already in therapy with a first antiseizure medication with incomplete seizure control. PER was added as first add-on in a dose ranging from 3 to 8 mg/die with 1- 2 mg/week increments. The patients that were seizure-free were shifted to a PER monotherapy. All patients underwent a standardized neuropsychological evaluation in order to assess non-verbal intelligence and executive functions before adding PER and after 6 months of drug therapy. All parents completed two questionnaires, in order to assess the emotional-behavioral problems and parental stress.

Results

15/20 patients responded to add-on PER and were seizure-free, in 3/20 patients we observed a reduction of seizure frequency <50%, and in the 2 remaining patients the add-on therapy with PER did not lead to a reduction in seizures frequency from baseline. The patients who were seizure-free were switched to PER monotherapy. 9/15 patients remained seizure-free in monotherapy with PER. In the first month of therapy with PER 2/20 patients (10%) reported mild, transient side effects of irritability, headache and dizziness, which did not lead to discontinuation of therapy. Adjunctive treatment with PER did not negatively affect non-verbal intelligence, executive functions, emotional/behavioral symptoms of children and parental stress levels.

Significance

Our clinical experience in real life showed that PER appears to be effective in the control of absence seizures in childhood absence epilepsy, with a favorable tolerability profile. PER would seem effective on absence seizures even in monotherapy. Further studies with larger samples, longer follow-up and controlled vs. placebo (or other first choice antiseizure medications) are needed to confirm our data.
Application of Surface Electromyography in Exercise Fatigue: A Review
Authors: Sun Jiaqi , Liu Guangda , Sun Yubing , Lin Kai , Zhou Zijian , Cai Jing
Published: August 2022

Exercise fatigue is a common physiological phenomenon in human activities. The occurrence of exercise fatigue can reduce human power output and exercise performance, and increased the risk of sports injuries. As physiological signals that are closely related to human activities, surface electromyography (sEMG) signals have been widely used in exercise fatigue assessment. Great advances have been made in the measurement and interpretation of electromyographic signals recorded on surfaces. It is a practical way to assess exercise fatigue with the use of electromyographic features. With the development of machine learning, the application of sEMG signals in human evaluation has been developed. In this article, we focused on sEMG signal processing, feature extraction, and classification in exercise fatigue. sEMG based multisource information fusion for exercise fatigue was also introduced. Finally, the development trend of exercise fatigue detection is prospected.
The milk fat globule size governs a physiological switch for biofilm formation by Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Raz Chen , Paramonov Margarita Maggie , Shemesh Moshe , Argov-Argaman Nurit
Published: August 2022

Milk lipids are organized in the form of milk fat globules (MFG), ranging in size from 0. 1 to 15 μm. The MFG size is closely associated with the composition of fatty acids, polar lipids, sphingolipids, cholesterol and the content of the MFG membrane (MFGM). Also, the MFGM integral proteins and glycoconjugates differ in composition and structure between different MFG size groups. These compositional differences may modulate the functionality of the MFG and its interaction with microbial cells. We report that small (2.3 μm) MFG facilitates the growth of the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis whereas induction of biofilm formation was found in the presence of large (7.0 μm) MFG. Attempting to distinguish between the role played by the size from that played by the composition of the MFG, we compared phospholipid composition between treatments. We found that adjusting the phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) level to the concentration found in the small MFG, increased growth but suppressed biofilm formation in the presence of large MFG. The same normalization protocol for phosphatidylinositol (PI) or sphingomyeline (SM) did not exert a similar effect, suggesting a specific role for PE in regulating bacteria proliferation. We suggest that the content of MFGM, affected by MFG size, governs the ability of B. subtilis to utilize lipids from milk fat. This process might affect the bacterial decision-making toward biofilm formation or growth.
Association Between the Risk of Hyperuricemia and Changes in Branched-Chain Amino Acids Intake Over Twelve Years: A Latent Class Trajectory Analysis From the China Health and Nutrition Survey, 1997–2009
Authors: Ren Xiyun , Wu Shasha , Xie Wei , Liu Ying , Yang Shucai
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study aims to identify dietary branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) consumption trajectories in Chinese adults and to evaluate their association with the risk of hyperuricemia (HU).

Methods

Cohort data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 1997–2009 were adopted in this research. A total of 6,810 participants aged ≥18 years were included in this study. Participants were designated into four subgroups on basis of the trajectories of dietary BCAA consumption. Cox proportional hazards models were performed to discuss the relationships between varied trajectories and the risk of HU after adjusting potential confounders. The intermediary effect of differential blood indexes between the trajectories and the risk of HU was explored with mediation analysis.

Results

Four distinct trajectory groups of dietary BCAA consumption were identified. Compared with the low stable trajectory group, high to low trajectory group was greatly related to an increased risk of HU (HR 1.35 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.79)) with modification for covariates. Total cholesterol (TC), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and triglyceride (TG) partially regulated trajectories and HU.

Conclusion

Gradually decreasing dietary BCAA intake increased the risk of HU, which is, at least, partially mediated by TC, HbA1c, FBG, and TG levels.
Association of consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages with cognitive function among the adolescents aged 12–16 years in US, NHANES III, 1988–1994
Authors: Yan Xiaofang , Xu Yingxia , Huang Jitian , Li Yanmei , Li Qian , Zheng Juan , Chen Qingsong , Yang Wenhan
Published: August 2022

Objective

As a major source of added sugar, the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) continues to increase worldwide. The adverse health effects associated with SSBs are also risk factors for cognitive development, but studies on the relationship between SSBs and adolescents' cognitive function are limited. We used data released by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III (1988–1994) to explore the association between the consumption of SSBs and cognitive function among children and adolescents aged 12–16 years in the United States.

Methods and procedures

A nationally representative population sample included 1,809 adolescents aged 12–16 years who participated in the United States NHANES from 1988 to 1994 and provided samples for the dietary intake frequency questionnaire and measures of cognitive function. Binary logistic regression was used to estimate the association between the frequency of SSB consumption and scores on cognitive function tests.

Results

This study of 1,809 adolescents aged 12–16 years comprised 963 girls (weighted proportion, 48.17%) and 846 boys (weighted, 51.83%), with a weighted mean (SE) age of 13.99 (0.05) years. Compared with adolescents who intake SSBs 0–1 times per week, those who drank 4–7 times per week had better scores in arithmetic, reading, and digit span tests, with odds ratios (ORs) of 0.36 (95% CI = 0.16–0.82), 0.35 (95% CI = 0.18–0.70), and 0.19 (95% CI = 0.08–0.44), respectively. The ORs for abnormal block design scores increase with the frequency of SSB intake after being adjusted for potential confounders (P for trend 0.02). Stratified analyses showed that compared with normal or below BMI, among overweight or obese individuals, the frequency of SSB intake had significant ORs for abnormal digit span scores (OR = 4.76, 95% CI = 1.19–18.96 vs. 0.35, 95% CI = 0.10–1.25; P for interaction = 0.01).

Conclusion

The positive associations of SSBs at moderate level intake with better scores in arithmetic, reading, and digit span were observed, but no dose-response relationship was identified at the overall level. Additionally, with the increasing frequency of SSB consumption, the risk of anomalous block design scores increased among US adolescents. Further investigation is warranted to confirm the association and mechanism between SSBs and cognitive function among adolescents.
Association of time of breakfast and nighttime fasting duration with breast cancer risk in the multicase-control study in Spain
Authors: Palomar-Cros Anna , Harding Barbara N. , Espinosa Ana , Papantoniou Kyriaki , Pérez-Gómez Beatriz , Straif Kurt , Ardanaz Eva , Fernández Villa Tania , Amiano Pilar , Gómez-Acebo Inés , Moreno Victor , Alguacil Juan , Fernández-Tardón Guillermo , Molina-Barceló Ana , Marcos-Gragera Rafael , Aragonés Nuria , Castaño-Vinyals Gemma , Guevara Marcela , Marcos Delgado Alba , Pollán Marina , Romaguera Dora , Kogevinas Manolis
Published: August 2022

Circadian nutritional behaviors, defined by the daily eating/fasting cycle, have been linked with breast cancer. This study aimed to further disentangle the association of nighttime fasting duration and time of breakfast with breast cancer risk. We analyzed data from 1,181 breast cancer cases and 1,326 population controls from the Spanish multicase-control study (MCC-Spain), 2008–2013. We collected circadian nutritional behaviors at mid-age via a telephonic interview. We applied logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association of nighttime fasting duration and time of breakfast with breast cancer risk in all women and stratified by menopausal status. Models were adjusted for age, center, education, family history of breast cancer, age at menarche, number of children, breastfeeding, age at first child, body mass index (BMI), contraceptive use, and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT). A later time of breakfast was associated with a non-significant increased risk of breast cancer (OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.95–1.16, per hour increase). This association was stronger among premenopausal women, among whom each hour later, the time of breakfast was associated with an 18% increase in breast cancer risk (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.01–1.40). The association was not observed in postmenopausal women. We did not observe an association between nighttime fasting duration and breast cancer risk after adjusting for the time of breakfast. In this study, late breakfast was associated with increased breast cancer risk, especially among premenopausal women, compared with early breakfast. Aside from nutritional quality, circadian nutritional behaviors should be further studied in relation to cancer.