bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of exogenous bile salts supplementation on the performance and hepatic lipid metabolism of aged laying hens
Authors: Sun Lijing , Xin Qian , Jiao Hongchao , Wang Xiaojuan , Zhao Jingpeng , Li Haifang , Zhou Yunlei , Cao Aizhi , Wang Jianmin , Lin Hai
Published: September 2023

Bile acids (BA), a series of hydroxylated steroids secreted by the liver, are involved in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. In the present study, the effect of exogenous BAs on the performance and liver lipid metabolism of laying hens was investigated. Three hundred and sixty 50-wk-old Hy-line Brown hens were randomly allocated into three groups and subjected to one of the following treatments: fed with the basal diet (control, Con), the basal diet supplemented with 0.1 g/kg (0.1 g/kg BAs), or 0.2 g/kg (0.2 g/kg BAs) porcine BAs. Laying performance, egg quality, and blood parameters were measured during the 8-wk experimental period. The expression of genes related to hepatic lipid metabolism was determined at the end of experiment. The results showed that BAs treatments had no influence (P > 0.05) on laying rate, egg weight, and feed efficiency. BAs treatment, however, significantly decreased mortality of hens (P = 0.006). BAs treatment showed a transient negative influence on eggshell quality at week 4 but not at week 8. The yolk color on week 8 was increased by BAs treatments (P < 0.0001) compared to control. The duodenum index showed a tendency to be increased (P = 0.053) and jejunum index were increased (P = 0.007) by BAs treatment. Compared to control, BAs treatments decreased lipid droplet content (P < 0.0001) and TG content (P = 0.002) of liver. Fatty acid synthase activity was also decreased as an effect of BAs dietary supplementation. Compared to the control group, 0.1 g/kg BAs treatment increased (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression of genes Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) (P = 0.042), cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A member 1 (CYP7A1) (P = 0.002), and cytochrome P450 family 8 subfamily B member 1 (CYP8B1) (P = 0.017), fatty acid synthase (FAS) (P = 0.020), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) (P = 0.032), sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) (P = 0.037), proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) (P = 0.002), apolipoprotein B (APO-B) (P = 0.020), and very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) (P = 0.024). In conclusion, the addition of exogenous BAs reduces lipid accumulation in liver. BA supplementation reduces the mortality of hens and improves egg yolk color, with no unfavorable effect on laying performance. The result suggests that suppressed FAS activity is involved in the reduced hepatic lipid accumulation by BAs treatment.
Effects of overfeeding on the digestive efficiency, voluntary physical activity levels, and fecal characteristics and microbiota of adult cats
Authors: Opetz Danielle L , Oba Patricia M , Swanson Kelly S
Published: September 2023

The incidence of feline obesity continues to rise despite it being a preventable disease. There are many risks and health perturbations associated with obesity, with several of those impacting a pet’s quality of life, wellness, and longevity. Feline obesity is commonly studied, but most research has been focused on weight loss rather than weight gain. To our knowledge, feline studies have not examined the implications of overfeeding and weight gain on gastrointestinal transit time (GTT) nor the association it has with the fecal microbiota. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of overfeeding and weight gain on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), GTT, blood hormones, serum metabolites, hematology, fecal microbiota populations, and voluntary physical activity of cats. Eleven lean adult spayed female cats [body weight (BW) = 4.11 ± 0.43 kg; body condition score = 5.41 ± 0.3; age = 5.22 ± 0.03 y] were used in a longitudinal weight gain study. After a 2-wk baseline phase, cats were allowed to overeat for 18 wk. A commercially available complete and balanced diet was fed during the baseline phase to identify the intake needed to maintain BW. Cats were then fed the same diet ad libitum to induce weight gain. Fecal samples, blood samples, and voluntary physical activity data were collected at baseline (week 0) and 6, 12, and 18 wk after weight gain. Fecal samples were collected for microbiota analysis, determination of ATTD, and GTT measurement while blood samples were collected for serum chemistry, hematology, and insulin and leptin measurements. Microbiota data were evaluated using QIIME2. All other measures were evaluated statistically using the mixed models procedure of SAS using repeated measures analysis, with time effects being the focus. A P < 0.05 was considered significant. The ATTD of dry matter (P = 0.0061), organic matter (P = 0.0130), crude protein (P < 0.0001), fat (P = 0.0002), and gross energy (P = 0.0002), and GTT (P = 0.0418) decreased with overfeeding and weight gain. Fecal bacterial alpha diversity measures were unchanged, but fecal bacterial beta diversity was impacted (P < 0.05) with overfeeding and weight gain. The relative abundances of 16 bacterial genera, including Bifidobacterium, Collinsella, Erysipelatoclostridium were affected (P < 0.05) by overfeeding and weight gain. In conclusion, overfeeding and subsequent weight gain reduced ATTD, reduced GTT, and caused changes to the fecal microbial community of adult cats.
Inhibition of human glutathione transferase by catechin and gossypol: comparative structural analysis by kinetic properties, molecular docking and their efficacy on the viability of human MCF-7 cells
Authors: Guneidy Rasha Awni , Zaki Eman Ragab , Saleh Nevein Salah-eldin , Shokeer Abeer
Published: September 2023

Glutathione transferase Pi (GSTP1) expression is increased in many cancer types and is associated with multidrug resistance and apoptosis inhibition. Inhibitors of GSTP1-1 have the potential to overcome drug resistance and improve chemotherapy efficacy as adjuvant agents. This study investigated the effects of catechin and gossypol on human glutathione transferase Pi (GSTP1-1) activity and their cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cells (MCF-7) individually and in combination with tamoxifen (TAM). Gossypol effectively inhibited the enzyme with an IC50 value of 40 μM, compared to 200 μM for catechin. Gossypol showed stronger inhibition of GSTP1-1 activity (Ki = 63.3 ± 17.5 μM) compared to catechin (Ki = 220 ± 44 μM). Molecular docking analysis revealed their binding conformations to GSTP1-1, with gossypol binding at the subunit interface in an un-competitive manner and catechin showing mixed non-competitive inhibition. Gossypol had severe cytotoxic effects on both MCF-7 cells and normal BJ1 cells, while catechin had a weak cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells only. Combination therapy with TAM resulted in cytotoxicity of 27.3% and 35.2% when combined with catechin and gossypol, respectively. Gossypol showed higher toxicity to MCF-7 cells, but its strong effects on normal cells raised concerns about selectivity and potential side effects.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patient Experience: A Survey of Patient-Reported Symptoms by Irritable Bowel Syndrome Subtype and Impact on Quality of Life
Authors: Bhinder Ganive , Meza-Cardona Javier M , Low Alan , Aumais Guy , Attara Gail P , Gray James R
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, debilitating, functional gastrointestinal disorder with symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel behaviours of constipation (IBS-C), diarrhea (IBS-D), or a mixture of both (IBS-M). There is limited information published on the impact of symptoms on everyday life in the Canadian population.

Methods

An online survey was conducted with individuals diagnosed with IBS to capture the severity and frequency of patient-reported symptoms, including impact on productivity, quality of life, healthcare utilization, treatment access, and corresponding symptom relief. Responses from the three subtypes of IBS were categorized to illustrate differences among these.

Results

There were 2,470 qualified respondents (filtered from 2,981, which included nonspecific IBS). IBS-M was the most common subtype, at 44 percent. Most individuals from all three IBS subtypes reported experiencing moderate to severe abdominal pain (63–70 percent) and bloating (59–75 percent) over the previous 3 months. Persons living with IBS-C reported severe bloating (32 percent), straining (72 percent), and tenesmus (78 percent) whereas those with IBS-D experienced severe urgency (63 percent) and incontinence (29 percent). Symptoms interfered in daily life, sometimes in 46 percent and often in 23 percent of respondents. Patients reported mood and anxiety disorders as common comorbidities with IBS (mood disorders: 30–34 percent; anxiety disorders: 25–30 percent).

Conclusions

This study focuses on the differences among the IBS subtypes. IBS impacts productivity and healthcare utilization, which requires further investigation on approaches to improve treatment. The frequency and severity of symptoms in IBS are high and only a few respondents reported that their symptoms are under control.
Trophic discrimination factors and stable isotope variability in a captive feeding trial of the southern rock lobster Jasus edwardsii () (Decapoda: Palinuridae) in Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Smith Jennifer E , Dietz Christian , Keane John , Mundy Craig , Oellermann Michael , Gardner Caleb
Published: September 2023

Trophic discrimination or fractionation factors (TDFs), such as ∆15N and ∆13C, are used in stable isotope mixing models to account for differences between source tissues (diet/prey) and consumer tissues (predator). We aimed firstly to obtain TDF values for a spiny lobster, the southern rock lobster Jasus edwardsii (Hutton, 1875), to better understand lobster diet in the wild and secondly to investigate variability in isotope signature within tissues of individuals and across a temporal scale to test if non-lethal sampling can be used in an ecological context. We conducted an 18-mo captive feeding trial with juvenile lobsters using three diet treatments and analysed dorsal and leg muscle, along with dorsal and leg exoskeleton for δ13C and δ15N values. Average TDFs for the three diet treatments were 3.86 ± 0.98‰ (∆13C) and 5.06 ± 0.65‰ (∆15N) for leg muscle, and 4.45 ± 1.04‰ (∆13C) and 4.36 ± 0.6‰ (∆15N) for dorsal muscle. When tested against wild lobsters and prey, these TDFs outperformed multi-taxa TDFs found in the literature. Isotope values from lobster leg muscle were not identical to associated dorsal muscle but the two were highly correlated, indicating that non-lethal sampling is acceptable. Values for exoskeleton isotope were significantly different from muscle, likely due to the exoskeleton not being in a constant state of growth and replacement, unlike the muscle tissue, which constantly incorporates new material. We conclude that our experimentally derived TDFs are suitable for mixing model analysis for J. edwardsii and when tested on a wild sample of lobsters they outperformed other TDFs reported in the literature. We show that non-lethal sampling using leg muscle is an appropriate sampling method, since this tissue is highly correlated to the commonly used dorsal muscle. This option for non-lethal sampling enhances the potential to widely sample wild populations or sample during industrial processing without the need to sacrifice whole animals.
Seasonal occurrence of bark and woodboring Coleoptera in stands of Pinus densiflora (Pinales: Pinaceae) and Larix kaempferi (Pinales: Pinaceae) and monitoring method using multifunnel traps baited with pine volatiles
Authors: Park Ji-Hong , Huh Min-Jung , Lee Jae-Woo , Lee Min-Woo , Lee Dong-Ho , Nam Il , Park Il-Kwon
Published: September 2023

This study investigated the seasonal occurrence of bark and woodboring Coleoptera in Pinus densiflora (Pinales: Pinaceae), and Larix kaempferi (Pinales: Pinaceae) stands using multifunnel traps baited with pine volatiles in Korea. The number and species of bark and woodboring beetles caught in traps baited with ethanol, α-pinene, and ethanol+α-pinene were compared to determine the effective attractants. In addition, the effects of other pine volatiles, such as (-)-β-pinene, β-caryophyllene, (±)-limonene, β-myrcene, and 3-carene, were investigated. A total of 13,134 woodboring beetles from 150 species were collected from pine and larch stands from 2019 to 2020. Tomicus minor (Hartig) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) adults were more attracted to traps baited with α-pinene, whereas Xyleborinus saxesenii (Ratzeburg) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Cyclorhipidion pelliculosum (Eichhoff) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and Phloeosinus pulchellus (Blandford) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) adults were more attracted to traps baited with ethanol. Hylurgops interstitialis (Chapuis) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Shirahoshizo genus group, Rhagium inquisitor (Linne) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), and Rhadinomerus maebarai (Voss & Chûjô) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) were more frequently attracted to traps baited with ethanol+α-pinene than to traps baited with other attractants. The addition of 3-carene to ethanol+α-pinene enhanced the capture of H. interstitialis, R. inquisitor, and Hylobius (Callirus) haroldi (Faust) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).
Crisp Bi-Gödel modal logic and its paraconsistent expansion
Authors: Bílková Marta , Frittella Sabine , Kozhemiachenko Daniil
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we provide a Hilbert-style axiomatization for the crisp bi-Gödel modal logic $\textbf {K}\textsf {biG}$. We prove its completeness w.r.t. crisp Kripke models where formulas at each state are evaluated over the standard bi-Gödel algebra on $[0,1]$. We also consider a paraconsistent expansion of $\textbf {K}\textsf {biG}$ with a De Morgan negation $\neg $, which we dub $\textbf {K}\textsf {G}^{2}$. We devise a Hilbert-style calculus for this logic and, as a consequence of a conservative translation from $\textbf {K}\textsf {biG}$ to $\textbf {K}\textsf {G}^{2}$, prove its completeness w.r.t. crisp Kripke models with two valuations over $[0,1]$ connected via $\neg $. For these two logics, we establish that their decidability and validity are $\textsf {PSPACE}$-complete. We also study the semantical properties of $\textbf {K}\textsf {biG}$ and $\textbf {K}\textsf {G}^{2}$. In particular, we show that Glivenko’s theorem holds only in finitely branching frames. We also explore the classes of formulas that define the same classes of frames both in $\textbf {K}$ (the classical modal logic) and the crisp Gödel modal logic $\mathfrak {G}\mathfrak {K}^{c}$. We show that, among others, all Sahlqvist formulas and all formulas $\phi \rightarrow \chi $ where $\phi $ and $\chi $ are monotone define the same classes of frames in $\textbf {K}$ and $\mathfrak {G}\mathfrak {K}^{c}$.
Meet Amblyseius swirskii (Acari: Phytoseiidae): a commonly used predatory mite in vegetable crops
Authors: Lopez Lorena
Published: September 2023

The predatory mite, Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae), is a generalist predator feeding on multiple soft-bodied insects and mite pest species. It is a biological control agent commercially available since 2005 that has become one of the top 3 most released biocontrol predators worldwide. It is commonly used to suppress whitefly populations (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), thrips (Thysanoptera), and spider mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) to a lesser degree. This predatory mite has been used as part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs for vegetable (e.g., peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, squash) and ornamental (e.g., roses, chrysanthemums) crops in open fields and greenhouses, and some field crops such as cotton, but it has been demonstrated to be more successful at establishing reproductive populations and suppressing pests under protected structures. Amblyseius swirskii can feed on various food resources besides prey, including pollen or honeydew. It is successful at suppressing pests when used together with low-risk pesticides, when multiple prey are available, when prey and pollen are available naturally (neighboring flowering or companion plants present), or when pollen is supplemented in the field. This predator is a good option to control pests early in the season if shelter and food resources are available for its establishment.
GKT137831 in combination with adipose-derived stem cells alleviates high glucose–induced inflammaging and improves diabetic wound healing
Authors: Dong Yunxian , Zhang Youliang , Li Fangwei , Tang Bing , Lv Dongming , Wang Haibin , Luo Shengkang
Published: September 2023

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have been proven to promote healing in diabetic wounds, which are one of the most serious chronic refractory wounds. However, reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by high glucose (HG) lead to oxidative stress and aging in ADSCs, which limits the therapeutic effect of ADSCs. In this study, we investigated the role of GKT137831, a NOX1/4 inhibitor that can reduce ROS production, in protecting ADSCs from hyperglycemia and in diabetic wound healing. In vitro, ROS levels and NOX4 expression were increased after HG treatment of ADSCs, while the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde was increased; mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased; inflammatory aging–related indicators such as p16, p21, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1), MMP3, interleukin-6, and β-galactosidase were increased; and migration was weakened. In vivo, we constructed a diabetic mouse wound model and found that the combination of ADSCs and GKT137831 synergistically promoted the 21-day wound healing rate, increased the expression of collagen and hydroxyproline, increased the number of blood vessels and the expression of CD31, and reduced the expression of interleukin-6, MMP1, MMP3, and p21. These results suggest that GKT137831 could protect ADSCs from oxidative stress and aging induced by HG and enhance the therapeutic effect of ADSCs on diabetic wounds.
Adjuvant chemotherapy benefit according to T and N stage in small bowel adenocarcinoma: a large retrospective multicenter study
Authors: Zaanan Aziz , Henriques Julie , Turpin Anthony , Manfredi Sylvain , Coriat Romain , Terrebonne Eric , Legoux Jean-Louis , Walter Thomas , Locher Christophe , Dubreuil Olivier , Pernot Simon , Vernet Chloé , Bouché Olivier , Hautefeuille Vincent , Gagniere Johan , Lecomte Thierry , Tougeron David , Grainville Thomas , Vernerey Dewi , Afchain Pauline , Aparicio Thomas
Published: September 2023

Background

Small bowel adenocarcinoma is a rare cancer, and the role of adjuvant chemotherapy for localized disease is still debated.

Methods

This retrospective multicenter study included all consecutive patients who underwent curative surgical resection for localized small bowel adenocarcinoma between 1996 and 2019 from 3 French cohort studies. Prognostic and predictive factors of adjuvant chemotherapy efficacy were analyzed for disease-free survival and overall survival. The inverse probability of treatment weighting method was applied in the Cox regression model using the propensity score derived from multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A total of 354 patients were included: median age, 63.5 years; duodenum location, 53.5%; and tumor stage I, II, and III in 31 (8.7%), 144 (40.7%), and 179 (50.6%) patients, respectively. The adjuvant chemotherapy was administered in 0 (0%), 66 (48.5%), and 143 (80.3%) patients with stage I, II, and III, respectively (P < .0001). In the subgroup analysis by inverse probability of treatment weighting method, a statistically significant disease-free survival and overall survival benefit in favor of adjuvant chemotherapy was observed in high-risk stage II (T4 and/or <8 lymph nodes examined) and III (T4 and/or N2) but not for low-risk stage II (T3 and ≥8 lymph nodes examined) and III (T1-3/N1) tumors (Pinteraction < .05). Furthermore, tumor location in jejunum and ileum was also a statistically significant predictive factor of response to adjuvant chemotherapy in stage II and III tumors (Pinteraction < .05).

Conclusion

In localized small bowel adenocarcinoma, adjuvant chemotherapy seems to provide a statistically significant survival benefit for high-risk stage II and III tumors and for jejunum and ileum tumor locations.
An optimized transient detection pipeline for the ASKAP Variables and Slow Transients (VAST) survey
Authors: An Tao , Lao Baoqiang , Xu Zhijun , Lu Shuoying , Wang Yuanming , Murphy Tara , Kaplan David L , Guo Shaoguang
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we present an optimized version of the detection pipeline for the ASKAP Variables and Slow Transients (VAST) survey, offering significant performance improvement. The key to this optimization is the replacement of the original w-projection algorithm integrated in the Common Astronomy Software Applications package with the w-stacking algorithm implemented in the WSClean software. Our experiments demonstrate that this optimization improves the overall processing efficiency of the pipeline by approximately a factor of 3. Moreover, the residual images generated by the optimized pipeline exhibit lower noise levels and fewer artefact sources, suggesting that our optimized pipeline not only enhances detection accuracy but also improves imaging fidelity. This optimized VAST detection pipeline is integrated into the Data Activated Liu Graph Engine (DALiuGE) execution framework, specifically designed for SKA-scale big data processing. Experimental results show that the performance and scalability advantages of the pipeline using DALiuGE over traditional MPI or BASH techniques increase with the data size. In summary, the optimized transient detection pipeline significantly reduces runtime, increases operational efficiency, and decreases implementation costs, offering a practical optimization solution for other ASKAP imaging pipelines as well.
Particle-in-cell simulations – ion beam instabilities and the generation of Alfvén and whistler waves in low β plasma
Authors: Che H , Benz A O , Zank G P
Published: September 2023

Ion beam-driven instabilities in a collisionless space plasma with low β, i.e. low plasma and magnetic pressure ratio, are investigated using particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations. Specifically, the effects of different ion drift velocities on the development of Buneman and resonant electromagnetic (EM) right-handed (RH) ion beam instabilities are studied. Our simulations reveal that both instabilities can be driven when the ion beam drift exceeds the theoretical thresholds. The Buneman instability, which is weakly triggered initially, dissipates only a small fraction of the kinetic energy of the ion beam while causing significant electron heating, owing to the small electron-ion mass ratio. However, we find that the ion beam-driven Buneman instability is quenched effectively by the resonant EM RH ion beam instability. Instead, the resonant EM RH ion beam instability dominates when the ion drift velocity is larger than the Alfvén speed, leading to the generation of RH Alfvén waves and RH whistler waves. We find that the intensity of Alfvén waves decreases with decrease of ion beam drift velocity, while the intensity of whistler waves increases. Our results provide new insights into the complex interplay between ion beams and plasma instabilities in low β collisionless space plasmas.
Extending the unified subhalo model to warm dark matter
Authors: He Feihong , Han Jiaxin , Gao Hongyu , Zhang Jiajun
Published: September 2023

Using a set of high-resolution N-body simulations, we extend the unified distribution model of cold dark matter (CDM) subhaloes to the warm dark matter (WDM) case. The same model framework combining the unevolved mass function, unevolved radial distribution, and tidal stripping can predict the mass function and spatial distribution of subhaloes in both CDM and WDM simulations. The dependence of the model on the DM particle property is universally parametrized through the half-mode mass of the initial power spectrum. Compared with the CDM model, the WDM model differs most notably in two aspects. (1) In contrast to the power-law form in CDM, the unevolved subhalo mass function for WDM is scale-dependent at the low mass end due to the cut-off in the initial power spectrum. (2) WDM subhaloes are more vulnerable to tidal stripping and disruption due to their lower concentrations at accretion time. Their survival rate is also found to depend on the infall mass. Accounting for these differences, the model predicts a final WDM subhalo mass function that is also proportional to the unevolved subhalo mass function. The radial distribution of WDM subhaloes is predicted to be mass-dependent. For low mass subhaloes, the radial distribution is flatter in the inner halo and steeper in the outer halo compared to the CDM counterpart, due to the scale-dependent unevolved mass function and the enhanced tidal stripping. The code for sampling subhaloes according to our generalized model is available at https://github.com/fhtouma/subgen2.
Quasi-regular variations of subpulse drifting for PSR J1857+0057
Authors: Yan Yi , Han J L , Wang C , Wang P F
Published: September 2023

During observations of the Galactic Plane Pulsar Snapshot survey by the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope, varying subpulse drifting of PSR J1857+0057 is detected. The follow-up observation confirms the quasi-regular changes of the drifting rate about every 50 periods. We determine the drift rate D through a linear fit to the pulse-central longitudes of subpulses in a drifting band, and determine P3 from the cross-points of two fitted lines at the zero longitude for two neighbouring drifting bands. The low frequency modulation of about every 50 periods is found on variations of not only pulse intensity but also drift parameters. In most of low frequency modulation cycles, the integrated pulse intensity I and the absolute drift rate |D| tend to increase first and then decrease, and the drifting periodicity P3 varies just in the opposite. In addition, the phase-forward intensity-enhancement is observed in many modulation cycles. Based on our polarization data, the average position angle curve for pulses with a smaller |D| and larger P3 is slightly steep in the leading edge of pulse profile compared with that of the fully averaged profile.
A fast method of reionization parameter space exploration using GPR trained SCRIPT
Authors: Maity Barun , Paranjape Aseem , Choudhury Tirthankar Roy
Published: September 2023

Efficient exploration of parameter spaces is crucial to extract physical information about the Epoch of Reionization from various observational probes. To this end, we propose a fast technique based on Gaussian process regression training applied to a semi-numerical photon-conserving reionization model, SCRIPT. Our approach takes advantage of the numerical convergence properties of SCRIPT and constructs a training set based on low-cost, coarse-resolution simulations. A likelihood emulator is then trained using this set to produce results in approximately two orders of magnitude less computational time than a full Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) run, while still generating reasonable 68 per cent and 95 per cent confidence contours. Furthermore, we conduct a forecasting study using simulated data to demonstrate the applicability of this technique. This method is particularly useful when full MCMC analysis is not feasible due to expensive likelihood computations.
Diversification of Ubiquinone Biosynthesis via Gene Duplications, Transfers, Losses, and Parallel Evolution
Authors: Kazemzadeh Katayoun , Pelosi Ludovic , Chenal Clothilde , Chobert Sophie-Carole , Hajj Chehade Mahmoud , Jullien Margaux , Flandrin Laura , Schmitt William , He Qiqi , Bouvet Emma , Jarzynka Manon , Varoquaux Nelle , Junier Ivan , Pierrel Fabien , Abby Sophie S
Published: September 2023

The availability of an ever-increasing diversity of prokaryotic genomes and metagenomes represents a major opportunity to understand and decipher the mechanisms behind the functional diversification of microbial biosynthetic pathways. However, it remains unclear to what extent a pathway producing a specific molecule from a specific precursor can diversify. In this study, we focus on the biosynthesis of ubiquinone (UQ), a crucial coenzyme that is central to the bioenergetics and to the functioning of a wide variety of enzymes in Eukarya and Pseudomonadota (a subgroup of the formerly named Proteobacteria). UQ biosynthesis involves three hydroxylation reactions on contiguous carbon atoms. We and others have previously shown that these reactions are catalyzed by different sets of UQ-hydroxylases that belong either to the iron-dependent Coq7 family or to the more widespread flavin monooxygenase (FMO) family. Here, we combine an experimental approach with comparative genomics and phylogenetics to reveal how UQ-hydroxylases evolved different selectivities within the constrained framework of the UQ pathway. It is shown that the UQ-FMOs diversified via at least three duplication events associated with two cases of neofunctionalization and one case of subfunctionalization, leading to six subfamilies with distinct hydroxylation selectivity. We also demonstrate multiple transfers of the UbiM enzyme and the convergent evolution of UQ-FMOs toward the same function, which resulted in two independent losses of the Coq7 ancestral enzyme. Diversification of this crucial biosynthetic pathway has therefore occurred via a combination of parallel evolution, gene duplications, transfers, and losses.
Gazella leptoceros(Artiodactyla: Bovidae)
Authors: Huffman Brent A , Leslie David M
Published: September 2023

Gazella leptoceros (F. Cuvier, 1842) is a monotypic African gazelle, most commonly called the slender-horned gazelle. It is one of 21 species in the genus Gazella and is distinguished by its pale sandy coloration, fawn-colored markings, and namesake long, slender horns. Gazella leptoceros is a dune specialist that inhabits the hyperarid northern Sahara Desert between Algeria and Egypt. It feeds on shrubs and low desert plants and ranges over large distances in small groups of 1–5 animals. Because of its very small, isolated populations, G. leptoceros is classified as “Endangered” (EN) on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species and is on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Peptides from conserved tandem direct repeats of SHORT-LEAF regulate gametophore development in moss P. patens
Authors: Palit Shirsa , Bhide Amey J , Mohanasundaram Boominathan , Pala Madhusmita , Banerjee Anjan K
Published: September 2023

Tandem direct repeat (TDR)-containing proteins, present across all domains of life, play crucial roles in plant development and defense mechanisms. Previously, we identified that disruption of a bryophyte-specific protein family, SHORT-LEAF (SHLF), possessing the longest reported TDRs, is the cause of the shlf mutant phenotype in Physcomitrium patens. shlf exhibits reduced apical dominance, altered auxin distribution, and 2-fold shorter leaves. However, the molecular role of SHLF was unclear due to the absence of known conserved domains. Through a series of protein domain deletion analyses, here, we demonstrate the importance of the signal peptide and the conserved TDRs and report a minimal functional protein (miniSHLF) containing the N-terminal signal peptide and first two TDRs (N-TDR1–2). We also demonstrate that SHLF behaves as a secretory protein and that the TDRs contribute to a pool of secreted peptides essential for SHLF function. Further, we identified that the mutant secretome lacks SHLF peptides, which are abundant in WT and miniSHLF secretomes. Interestingly, shlf mutants supplemented with the secretome or peptidome from WT or miniSHLF showed complete or partial phenotypic recovery. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that shlf displays an elevated stress response, including high ROS activity and differential accumulation of genes and metabolites involved in the phenylpropanoid pathway, which may affect auxin distribution. The TDR-specific synthetic peptide SHLFpep3 (INIINAPLQGFKIA) also rescued the mutant phenotypes, including the altered auxin distribution, in a dosage-dependent manner and restored the mutant's stress levels. Our study shows that secretory SHLF peptides derived from conserved TDRs regulate moss gametophore development.
Global burden and inequality of maternal and neonatal disorders: based on data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease study
Authors: Peng R , Tong Y , Yang M , Wang J , Yang L , Zhu J , Liu Yu , Wang H , Shi Z , Liu Ya
Published: September 2023

Background

Maternal and neonatal disorders account for substantial health loss across the lifespan from early childhood. These problems may be related to health inequality.

Aim

To provide evidence for improvement in health policies regarding maternal and neonatal disorder inequity.

Design

This was a population-based cross-sectional study based on 2019 Global Burden of Disease data.

Methods

Annual cases and age-standardized rates (ASRs) of incidence, prevalence, death, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in maternal and neonatal disorders between 1990 and 2019 were collected from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease study. Concentration curves and concentration indices were used to summarize the degree of socioeconomic-related inequality.

Results

For maternal disorders, the global ASRs of incidence, prevalence, death and DALYs were 2889.4 (95% uncertainty interval (UI), 2562.9–3251.9), 502.9 (95% UI 418.7–598.0), 5.0 (95% UI 4.4–5.8) and 324.9 (95% UI 284.0–369.1) per 100 000 women in 2019, respectively. The ASRs of maternal disorders were all obviously reduced and remained pro-poor from 1990 to 2019. In neonatal disorders, the global ASRs of incidence, prevalence, death and DALYs were 363.3 (95% UI 334.6–396.8), 1239.8 (95% UI 1142.1–1356.7), 29.1 (95% UI 24.8–34.5) and 2828.3 (95% UI 2441.6–3329.6) per 100 000 people in 2019, respectively. The global ASRs of incidence, death and DALYs in neonatal disorders have remained pro-poor. However, the socioeconomic-related fairness in the ASR of neonatal disorder prevalence is being levelled.

Conclusions

The global burden of maternal and neonatal disorders has remained high, and socioeconomic-related inequality (pro-poor) tended not to change between 1990 and 2019.
Why momentum concentrates among overvalued stocks?
Authors: Favilukis Jack , Zhang Terry
Published: September 2023

We uncover a link between momentum and overvaluation: assets that generate strong momentum profits have lower risk-adjusted unconditional returns; conversely, trading momentum within overvalued assets doubles the profit of the standard momentum strategy. We compute the profits of a momentum strategy within various portfolios; portfolios within which momentum is profitable are defined as momentum trading opportunity (MTO). High-MTO assets have negative unconditional alphas and concentrate in the short legs of most anomalies; controlling for MTO reduces anomaly alphas by up to half. These results imply that the existence of other anomalies is closely linked to the existence of momentum and they should be studied jointly.
Impact of type D personality and depressive symptoms on premature ejaculation in young adult males
Authors: Liao Wei-Chuang , Cheng Wei-Ming , Fan Yu-Hua , Liou Ying-Jay
Published: September 2023

Background

Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most common male sexual dysfunctions with prominent psychological consequences. Type D personality (TDP) is also associated with multiple psychological disorders, such as depression and anxiety. However, the correlation between PE and TDP remains unknown.

Aim

The study sought to investigate the relationships between depressive symptoms, TDP, and PE.

Methods

Adult males in Taiwan who were 20 to 40 years of age and who had sexual intercourse in the past 6 months were recruited to complete online questionnaires composed of general demographics, the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), Type D Scale-14, and Depression and Somatic Symptom Scale (DSSS). Chi-square test and independent Student’s t test were used to compare the parameters between the TDP and non-TDP groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate factors related to PE.

Outcomes

Outcomes were the prevalence of PE and TDP in young Taiwanese men, the associations between depressive symptoms and PE and TDP, and the predictive factors of PE.

Results

In total, 2558 men with a mean age of 31.3 ± 5.3 years were included in the present study. Among them, 315 (12.3%) and 767 (30.1%) participants were classified as having PE and moderate-to-severe erectile dysfunction (ED), respectively. In total, 1249 (48.8%) participants met the criteria for TDP. The PEDT, IIEF-5, and DSSS, including the total scores and depression and somatic subscales, were significantly higher in men with TDP (all P < .001). PE prevalence was significantly greater in men with TDP than in those without TDP (16.2% vs 8.6%; P < .001). Most parameters, including age, moderate-to-severe ED, the Type D Scale-14 subscales, and the DSSS somatic and depressive subscales, were significantly associated with PE in the univariate analysis. Only the depressive subscale of the DSSS and moderate-to-severe ED (IIEF-5 ≤16) were the independent predictors of PE in the multivariate analysis.

Clinical Implications

The results suggest that it is important to consider the psychological effects of PE in young men, and the study has provided a biopsychosocial aspect to manage patients with PE.

Strengths and Limitations

This is the first study to evaluate the association between PE, TDP, and depression in a large population of young adult males. However, the cross-sectional design may have limited the investigation of causality, and selection bias may be present.

Conclusion

Men with TDP tended to have higher PEDT scores and a prevalence of PE and ED. Moderate-to-severe ED and depressive symptoms are the independent predictive factors of PE.
Effects of sleep-corrected social jetlag on measures of mental health, cognitive ability, and brain functional connectivity in early adolescence
Authors: Yang Fan Nils , Picchioni Dante , Duyn Jeff H
Published: September 2023

Approximately half of adolescents encounter a mismatch between their sleep patterns on school days and free days, also referred to as “social jetlag.” This condition has been linked to various adverse outcomes, such as poor sleep, cognitive deficits, and mental disorders. However, prior research was unsuccessful in accounting for other variables that are correlated with social jetlag, including sleep duration and quality. To address this limitation, we applied a propensity score matching method on a sample of 6335 11–12-year-olds from the 2-year follow-up (FL2) data of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study. We identified 2424 pairs of participants with high sleep-corrected social jetlag (SJLsc, over 1 hour) and low SJLsc (<= 1 hour) at FL2 (1728 pairs have neuroimaging data), as well as 1626 pairs at 3-year follow-up (FL3), after matching based on 11 covariates including socioeconomic status, demographics, and sleep duration and quality. Our results showed that high SJLsc, as measured by the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire, was linked to reduced crystallized intelligence (CI), lower school performance—grades, and decreased functional connectivity between cortical networks and subcortical regions, specifically between cingulo-opercular network and right hippocampus. Further mediation and longitudinal mediation analyses revealed that this connection mediated the associations between SJLsc and CI at FL2, and between SJLsc and grades at both FL2 and FL3. We validated these findings by replicating these results using objective SJLsc measurements obtained via Fitbit watches. Overall, our study highlights the negative association between social jetlag and CI during early adolescence.
Reproductive toxicity following in utero and lactational exposure to a human-relevant phthalate mixture in rats
Authors: Curi Tatiana Zauer , Passoni Marcella Tapias , Lima Tolouei Sara Emilia , de Araújo Ramos Anderson Tadeu , França de Almeira Samara Christina , Scinskas Anna Beatriz Abreu Ferraz , Romano Renata Marino , de Oliveira Jeane Maria , Spercoski Katherinne Maria , Carvalho dos Santos Ariany , Dalsenter Paulo Roberto , Koch Holger Martin , Martino-Andrade Anderson Joel
Published: September 2023

This rodent (Wistar rats) study examined reproductive effects of in utero/lactational exposure to a mixture of 6 antiandrogenic phthalates (PMix): diisobutyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate, diisopentyl phthalate, butylbenzyl phthalate, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, and diisononyl phthalate. The PMix was defined based on exposure data from pregnant women in Brazil. Experimental groups were established by extrapolating the estimated human dose to rats (0.1 mg/kg/day), followed by up to 3 additional doses corresponding to 5, 1000, and 5000 times the starting rat dose: 0 (control), 0.1, 0.5, 100, and 500 mg/kg/day. The fetal experiment assessed gestational exposure effects on fetal gonads, whereas the postnatal experiment evaluated reproductive parameters in males and females after in utero and lactational exposure. Prenatal exposure decreased fetal testicular testosterone production at 0.5 and 500 mg/kg/day. PMix 500 also reduced mRNA expression of steroidogenesis-related genes, upregulated transcript expression of the retinoic acid-degrading enzyme Cyp26b1, and increased multinucleated gonocytes incidence in fetal testes. Postnatal assessment revealed antiandrogenic effects at the highest dose, including reduced anogenital distance, nipple retention, and decreased weight of reproductive organs. Early puberty onset (preputial separation) was observed at the lowest dose in males. In contrast, females did not show significant changes in fetal and adult endpoints. Overall, the PMix recapitulated early and late male rat phthalate syndrome phenotypes at the highest dose, but also induced some subtle changes at lower doses, which warrant confirmation and mechanistic assessments. Our data support the use of epidemiologically defined mixtures for exposure risk assessments over traditional toxicological approaches.
Cover Crop and Crop Rotation Effects on Tissue and Soil Population Dynamics of Macrophomina phaseolina and Yield Under No-Till System
Authors: Mengistu Alemu , Read Quentin D. , Sykes Virginia , Kelly Heather , Kharel Tulsi , Bellaloui Nacer
Published: September 2023

The effects of crop rotation and winter cover crops on soybean yield and colony-forming (CFU) units of Macrophomina phaseolina, the causal agent of charcoal rot (CR), are poorly understood. A field trial was conducted from 2011 to 2015 to evaluate (i) the impact of crop rotation consisting of soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) following cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), soybean following corn (Zea mays L.), and soybean following soybean over a 2-year rotation and its interaction with cover crop and (ii) the impact of different cover crops on a continuous soybean crop over a 5-year period. This trial was conducted in a field with 10 subsequent years of cover crop and rotation treatments. Cover crops consisted of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum L. subsp. sativum var. arvense), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), and a fallow treatment was evaluated with and without poultry litter application (bio-cover). Tissue CFU of M. phaseolina varied significantly between crop rotation treatments: plots where soybean was grown following cotton had significantly greater tissue CFU than plots following soybean. Poultry litter and hairy vetch cover cropping caused increased tissue CFU, though this effect differed by year and crop rotation treatment. Soil CFU in 2015 was substantially lower compared with 2011. However, under some crop rotation sequences, plots in the fallow treatment had significantly greater soil CFU than plots where hairy vetch and wheat was grown as a cover crop. Yield was greater in 2015 compared with 2011. There was a significant interaction of the previous crop in the rotation with year, and greater yield was observed in plots planted following cotton in the rotation in 2015 but not in 2011. The result from the continuous soybean planted over 5 years showed that there were no significant overall effects of any of the cover crop treatments nor was there interaction between cover crop treatment and year on yield. The lack of significant interaction between crop rotation and cover crop and the absence of significant differences between cover crop treatments in continuous soybean planting suggest that cover crop recommendations for midsouthern soybean growers may need to be independent of crop rotation and be based on long-term crop needs.
Muscle‐specific overexpression of Atg2 gene and endurance exercise delay age‐related deteriorations of skeletal muscle and heart function via activating the AMPK/Sirt1/PGC‐1α pathway in male Drosophila
Authors: Wang Jing‐feng , Wen Deng‐tai , Wang Shi‐jie , Gao Ying‐hui , Yin Xin‐yuan
Published: September 2023

Atg2 is a key gene in autophagy formation and plays an important role in regulating aging progress. Exercise is an important tool to resist oxidative stress in cells and delay muscle aging. However, the relationship between exercise and the muscle Atg2 gene in regulating skeletal muscle aging remains unclear. Here, overexpression or knockdown of muscle Atg2 gene was achieved by constructing the AtgUAS/MhcGal4 system in Drosophila, and these flies were also subjected to an exercise intervention for 2 weeks. The results showed that both overexpression of Atg2 and exercise significantly increased the climbing speed, climbing endurance, cardiac function, and lifespan of aging flies. They also significantly up‐regulated the expression of muscle Atg2, AMPK, Sirt1, and PGC‐1α genes, and they significantly reduced muscle malondialdehyde and triglyceride. These positive benefits were even more pronounced when the two were combined. However, the effects of Atg2 knockdown on skeletal muscle, heart, and lifespan were reversed compared to its overexpression. Importantly, exercise ameliorated age‐related changes induced by Atg2 knockdown. Therefore, current results confirmed that both overexpression of muscle Atg2 and exercise delayed age‐related deteriorations of skeletal muscle, the heart function, and lifespan, and exercise could also reverse age‐related changes induced by Atg2 knockdown. The molecular mechanism is related to the overexpression of the Atg2 gene and exercise, which increase the activity of the AMPK/Sirt1/PGC‐1α pathway, oxidation and antioxidant balance, and lipid metabolism in aging muscle.