bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences and similarities in the phytoplankton communities of two coupled transitional and marine ecosystems (the Lagoon of Venice and the Gulf of Venice - Northern Adriatic Sea)
Authors: Bernardi Aubry Fabrizio , Acri Francesco , Bastianini Mauro , Finotto Stefania , Pugnetti Alessandra
Published: September 2022

The main aim of this paper is to paint an ecological picture of the phytoplankton communities of two adjacent and connected ecosystems, one transitional and one coastal marine, in the Northern Adriatic Sea: the Lagoon of Venice (LoV) and the Gulf of Venice (GoV). Based on 10 years (2011-2020) of monthly samplings, we compare the taxonomic composition, abundance and seasonal cycles of the two ecosystems. We focus on the inner zones of the LoV and on the coastal sea up to 8 nmi offshore, an area suitable for assessing the reciprocal influence of the lagoon and sea in terms of phytoplankton. Our main interest is to verify (i) whether the sea still affects the lagoon phytoplankton and (ii) whether the lagoon can provide organisms to the adjacent sea. Using a matrix composed of 466 samples, we performed various types of analysis to: (i) identify the prevalent features and seasonal patterns of abiotic factors and chlorophyll a, (ii) assess and compare taxonomic composition at each station and (iii) identify the generalist and specialist taxa. Our findings provide evidence that the prevalent structure of the communities in the selected areas of the two environments clearly differ concerning (i) seasonal succession, unimodal in the LoV (only one peak in summer) and multi-peak in the GoV (a succession of small peaks from spring to autumn), (ii) abundance and chlorophyll a, both much higher in the LoV (average: 6,009,593 cells l-1 and 4.1 µgl-1 respectively) than in the GoV (average 2,901,266 cells l-1 and 1,5 µgl-1 respectively), (iii) community composition, dominated by diatoms shared with benthic habitats (e.g. Thalassiosira, Nitzschia, Navicula) in the lagoon and by euplanktonic diatoms (e.g. Skeletonema, Chaetoceros, Pseudonitzschia) in the sea. The phytoplankton in the LoV appears to be affected by the marine phytoplankton of the adjacent sea and vice versa: the two environments share taxa that are both generalist (e.g. Skeletonema, Chaetoceros, Cyclotella, Pseudonitzschia) and specialist. Although the dominant factors in structuring the phytoplankton communities are local, dispersal rates, while not intense enough to generate transport of species that could significantly affect assemblage composition, are also at play.
Local and remote forcing on the interannual variations of the sedimentary δ15N in Santa Barbara Basin during the past 80 years
Authors: Xu Hanyue , Li Da-Wei , Li Hong-Chun , Zhao Meixun , Berelson William M. , Jin Gui’e , Li Li , Misra Satabdi
Published: September 2022

Sedimentary nitrogen isotope (δ15Nsed) in Santa Barbara Basin (SBB) has been mostly interpreted as the record of the eastern tropical North Pacific (ETNP) intermediate water denitrification process. Nevertheless, debate remains regarding sources and control mechanisms of δ15Nsed signal in SBB. Multi-proxy analyses including δ15Nsed, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), C/N ratio, and marine biomarkers were performed on a 46-cm sediment core (SBB-190629) collected from SBB in 2019. The core was dated with varve counting and 210Pb dating method, showing a depositional history of 1938–2019 CE with a sedimentation rate of 0.564 cm/year. The findings show that the δ15Nsed record (at ~0.25-year resolution) ranges from 6.24‰ to 7.43‰, which was affected by both local and remote forcing. The long-term variations of the SBB δ15Nsed signature show a general decreasing trend from 1940 to the late 1980s, low values during 1980~2000, and an increase afterward, which is thought to reflect changes in ETNP denitrification induced by the strength of tropical trade winds. Our results also reveal a series of abrupt annual to multiannual changes, superimposed on the long-term variation mentioned above. The SBB local δ15N signal (Δδ15NSBB) is accessed by using the deviation from the mean δ15N (Δδ15N) of SBB-190629 to subtract the Δδ15N of the ETNP. The Δδ15NSBB record compares well with redox-sensitive proxies (Re/Mo ratio and C29 stanol/stenol ratio) from the SBB bottom water and with the OCmarine content calculated based on the C/N ratio mixing model, indicating that the Δδ15NSBB is mainly controlled by bottom water denitrification, which was induced by the change of upwelling intensity and marine productivity. Since various climatic factors (e.g., El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), and North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO)) have different impacts on the upwelling intensity (hence the marine productivity and denitrification) in SBB on different timescales, the influence of combined climatic factors on SBB denitrification is time dependent.
Visualization of the disordered structure of Fe-Ni Invar alloys by reverse monte carlo calculations
Authors: Kubo Yusuke , Ishimatsu Naoki , Kitamura Naoto , Kawamura Naomi , Kakizawa Sho , Mizumaki Masaichiro , Nomura Ryuichi , Irifune Tetsuo , Sumiya Hitoshi
Published: September 2022

Reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) calculation was performed to visualize the atomic arrangement in a disordered Fe55Ni45 alloy, which is classified as an intermediate structure between the non-crystalline glass and crystalline structures. The optimized structure of the ferromagnetic phase at low pressures revealed that Fe and Ni atoms were displaced from a perfect fcc lattice to elongate the nearest neighboring Fe-Fe atomic pairs, therefore, Fe-Fe atomic pairs have longer bond length than Fe-Ni and Ni-Ni atomic pairs. Because the elongation becomes negligible during the pressure-induced destabilization of the ferromagnetic state, the elongation of Fe-Fe pairs is the atomic scale origin of the volume expansion due to a large magnetovolume effect. Compared with the atomic arrangement in the Fe65Ni35 Invar alloy, a relationship between Fe-Fe atomic pairs, the Invar effect and elastic anomalies in the compression curve is elucidated.
The microstructural, textural, and mechanical effects of high-pressure torsion processing on Mg alloys: A review
Authors: Yan Zhaoming , Zhu Jiaxuan , Zhang Zhimin , Wang Qiang , Xue Yong
Published: September 2022

Magnesium (Mg) alloys attract considerable attention in the fields of aerospace, defense technology, and automobile production, owing to the advantages of their low density, their highly specific strength/stiffness, and their good damping and electromagnetic shielding performance. However, low strength and poor ductility limit further application. Severe plastic deformation is considered the most promising means of producing ultrafine-grained Mg alloys and improving their mechanical properties. To this end, high-pressure torsion (HPT) is one of the most effective techniques. This article outlines the microstructure, texture, and mechanical properties of Mg alloys processed using HPT. The effects of deformation parameters, such as processing temperature, turns, applied pressure, and rotation speed, on the grain refinement and secondary phases are discussed. Textural evolution is detailed in light of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as cumulative strain and the composition of the alloy elements. The subsequent enhancement of mechanical properties and mechanisms, and the significant contribution of the HPT process to strength are further reviewed. Given the advantages of HPT for grain refinement and structural modification, researchers have proposed several novel processes to extend the industrial application of these alloys.
Association of retinal fractal dimension and vessel tortuosity with impaired renal function among healthy Chinese adults
Authors: Wu Linbin , Gong Xia , Wang Wei , Zhang Lei , Zhou Jiachen , Ming Xi , Yuan Meng , Huang Wenyong , Wang Lanhua
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study investigated the association of retinal fractal dimension (FD) and blood vessel tortuosity (BVT) with renal function [assessed by estimated glomerular filtrate rate (eGFR)] in healthy Chinese adults using swept-source optical coherence tomographic angiography (SS-OCTA).

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among ocular treatment–naïve healthy participants from Guangzhou, China. FD and BVT in the superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus were measured by SS-OCTA with a 3 × 3 macula model. eGFR was calculated using the Xiangya equation, and impaired renal function (IRF) was defined as eGFR = 90 mL/min/1.73 m2. Linear regression was performed to evaluate the relationships between SS-OCTA metrics and renal function.

Results

A total of 729 participants with a mean age of 57.6 ± 9.1 years were included in the final analysis. Compared to participants with normal renal function, those with IRF had lower FD both in the superficial capillary plexus (1.658 ± 0.029 vs. 1.666 ± 0.024, p = 0.001) and deep capillary plexus (1.741 ± 0.016 vs. 1.746 ± 0.016, p = 0.0003), while the deep BVT was larger in participants with IRF than those with normal renal function (1.007 ± 0.002 vs. 1.006 ± 0.002, p = 0.028). The superficial FD was linearly and positively associated with eGFR after adjusting for confounders (β = 0.2257; 95% CI 0.0829–0.3685; p = 0.002), while BVT was not associated with eGFR (all p ≥ 0.05).

Conclusion

The patients with IRF had lower FD and larger BVT than those with normal renal function. The superficial FD decreased linearly with renal function deterioration. Our study suggests that the retinal microvasculature can represent a useful indicator of subclinical renal microvascular abnormalities and serve as a useful non-invasive assessment to predict and monitor the progression of renal function.
Serial platelet level index improves prediction of pulmonary hemorrhage in patients with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia respiratory infections and thrombocytopenia
Authors: Wu Huai-Chueh Gem , Wu Huai-Shing , Cheng Chao-Neng , Chen Jiann-Shiuh , Chen Tsai-Yun , Li Chung-I , Shen Ching-Fen
Published: September 2022

Patients with thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150 × 103/μL) often develop pulmonary hemorrhage (PH) after Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (SM) respiratory infection, resulting in a high respiratory failure rate and increased mortality. Developing an efficient method for early prediction of PH in these patients may improve survival. This study aimed to evaluate risk factors in PH and to develop an index measuring serial platelet deficit to predict PH in patients with SM respiratory infection. Data of patients with SM respiratory infection and thrombocytopenia treated in a tertiary university hospital during 2018–2020 were retrospectively retrieved from electronic medical records and analyzed. SM respiratory infection was defined as SM isolated from sputum, endotracheal suction, or bronchial alveolar lavage plus acute respiratory symptoms. Between PH and non-PH groups, clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters were collected and compared. The newly developed platelet dissimilarity index (d-index) was calculated by accumulating differences between the actual and the lowest normal level of the platelet count in each patient at different time points. Within 1,039 patients with positive SM culture, 437 cases matched the criteria and were analyzed. A total of 125 (28.6%) patients developed PH and 312 (71.4%) did not. The patients with PH had increased prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (PT/INR), lower platelet count, and higher platelet d-index. Multivariate analysis revealed that extreme thrombocytopenia (platelet count <50 × 103/μL) is a common independent risk factor in PH and mortality. The performance of platelet deficit and d-index varied between patients with different comorbidities. Performance of platelet deficit to predict PH is better in patients with hematology/oncology or liver disease (area under curve, 0.705–0.757), while d-index is better in patients with sepsis/treatment and various other groups (0.711–0.816). Prolonged and extreme thrombocytopenia is a determinant risk factor in PH in patients with SM respiratory infection. Given the complexity of causes of thrombocytopenia and associated comorbidities, different strategies should be applied when assessing the risk for PH.
Presbyopia-correcting performance and subjective outcomes of a trifocal intraocular lens in eyes with different axial lengths: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Sun Tong , Liu Yiyun , Zhao Xiaorui , Gao Yufei , Yang Tingting , Lan Qianqian , Tang Chuhao , Qi Hong
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To compare the presbyopia-correcting performance, visual quality, satisfaction and life quality after implantation of a diffractive trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) in eyes with different axial lengths (AL).

Methods

This prospective cohort study enrolled patients with implantation of a trifocal IOL. Manifest refraction, uncorrected and distance-corrected visual acuity at different distances, contrast sensitivity, aberrations and IOL decentration were measured 3 months after surgery. Spectacle independence, adverse photic phenomena, overall satisfaction and life quality were assessed with a questionnaire.

Results

This study included 61 eyes of 61 patients: 16 eyes in the short AL group, 28 eyes in the control group and 17 eyes in the long AL group. Postoperatively, the prediction error (PE) of spherical equivalent showed a difference (P = 0.002). The uncorrected near visual acuity in the long AL group was higher (P = 0.047). Although a higher IOL decentration was obtained in the long AL group (P = 0.034), no significant difference was found in contrast sensitivity and aberrations (all P > 0.05). In the questionnaire, patients in the long AL group showed a relatively lower spectacle independence at near distance (P = 0.060) and had difficulties in near activities, mental health and role in daily life (P = 0.003, 0.021, and 0.033). However, no significant difference was observed in overall satisfaction (P = 0.124).

Conclusion

With detailed preoperative evaluation, the trifocal IOL provided satisfactory visual outcomes for patients with different AL. AL had a certain influence on predictability and IOL decentration. And for patients with long AL, the inadaptability to the near focal point might become an important problem.
Paecilins F–P, new dimeric chromanones isolated from the endophytic fungus Xylaria curta E10, and structural revision of paecilin A
Authors: Wei Pan-Pan , Ai Hong-Lian , Shi Bao-Bao , Ye Ke , Lv Xiao , Pan Xiao-Yan , Ma Xu-Jun , Xiao Dan , Li Zheng-Hui , Lei Xin-Xiang
Published: September 2022

A total of eleven new dimeric chromanones, paecilins F-P (2–12), were isolated from the endophytic fungus Xylaria curta E10, along with four known analogs (1, 13–15). Their structures and absolute configurations were determined by extensive experimental spectroscopic methods, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and equivalent circulating density (ECD) calculations. In addition, the structure of paecilin A, which was reported to be a symmetric C8-C8′ dimeric pattern, was revised by analysis of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 showed antifungal activity against the human pathogenic fungus Candida albicans with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 16 μg/mL, and Compounds 8 and 10 showed antibacterial activity against the gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli with the same minimum inhibitory concentration of 16 μg/mL.
Unchanged nitrate and nitrite isotope fractionation during heterotrophic and Fe(II)-mixotrophic denitrification suggest a non-enzymatic link between denitrification and Fe(II) oxidation
Authors: Visser Anna-Neva , Wankel Scott D. , Frey Claudia , Kappler Andreas , Lehmann Moritz F.
Published: September 2022

Natural-abundance measurements of nitrate and nitrite (NOx) isotope ratios (δ15N and δ18O) can be a valuable tool to study the biogeochemical fate of NOx species in the environment. A prerequisite for using NOx isotopes in this regard is an understanding of the mechanistic details of isotope fractionation (15ε, 18ε) associated with the biotic and abiotic NOx transformation processes involved (e.g., denitrification). However, possible impacts on isotope fractionation resulting from changing growth conditions during denitrification, different carbon substrates, or simply the presence of compounds that may be involved in NOx reduction as co-substrates [e.g., Fe(II)] remain uncertain. Here we investigated whether the type of organic substrate, i.e., short-chained organic acids, and the presence/absence of Fe(II) (mixotrophic vs. heterotrophic growth conditions) affect N and O isotope fractionation dynamics during nitrate (NO3–) and nitrite (NO2–) reduction in laboratory experiments with three strains of putative nitrate-dependent Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria and one canonical denitrifier. Our results revealed that 15ε and 18ε values obtained for heterotrophic (15ε-NO3–: 17.6 ± 2.8‰, 18ε-NO3–:18.1 ± 2.5‰; 15ε-NO2–: 14.4 ± 3.2‰) vs. mixotrophic (15ε-NO3–: 20.2 ± 1.4‰, 18ε-NO3–: 19.5 ± 1.5‰; 15ε-NO2–: 16.1 ± 1.4‰) growth conditions are very similar and fall within the range previously reported for classical heterotrophic denitrification. Moreover, availability of different short-chain organic acids (succinate vs. acetate), while slightly affecting the NOx reduction dynamics, did not produce distinct differences in N and O isotope effects. N isotope fractionation in abiotic controls, although exhibiting fluctuating results, even expressed transient inverse isotope dynamics (15ε-NO2–: –12.4 ± 1.3 ‰). These findings imply that neither the mechanisms ordaining cellular uptake of short-chain organic acids nor the presence of Fe(II) seem to systematically impact the overall N and O isotope effect during NOx reduction. The similar isotope effects detected during mixotrophic and heterotrophic NOx reduction, as well as the results obtained from the abiotic controls, may not only imply that the enzymatic control of NOx reduction in putative NDFeOx bacteria is decoupled from Fe(II) oxidation, but also that Fe(II) oxidation is indirectly driven by biologically (i.e., via organic compounds) or abiotically (catalysis via reactive surfaces) mediated processes co-occurring during heterotrophic denitrification.
Synergistic antibacterial activity of compact silver/magnetite core-shell nanoparticles core shell against Gram-negative foodborne pathogens
Authors: Sharaf Eman M. , Hassan Amr , AL-Salmi Fawziah A. , Albalwe Fauzeya M. , Albalawi Hessa Meteq R. , Darwish Doaa B. , Fayad Eman
Published: September 2022

The development of innovative antibacterial drugs against foodborne pathogens has led to an interest in novel materials such as nanomaterials. The unique features of nanomaterial qualify it for use as an antibacterial treatment. Noble metals and metal oxide nanoparticles, such as silver and magnetite nanoparticles, have been shown to be effective antibacterial medications against a range of microorganisms. In this work, Ag@Fe3O4 -NPs were fabricated by using a wet chemical reduction and modified co-precipitation techniques. The antibacterial efficiency of the Ag/Fe3O4 core shell nanoparticles was investigated by applying various techniques, such as the Kirby–Bauer Disk Diffusion test, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and bactericidal concentration (MBC), Colony Forming Unit (CFU), and kill time assay. The toxicity mechanism of Ag@Fe3O4 -NPs against Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli was studied by apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays. The data revealed that a cubic core was surrounded by a silver shell, which indicated the regular morphology of silver magnetite core shell nanoparticles without any aggregation. Furthermore, Ag@Fe3O4 -NPs is more toxic against S. typhimurium and E. coli than Ag-NPs and Fe3O4 NPs. The MIC values for Ag/Fe3O4 NPs against S. typhimurium and E. coli were 3.1 and 5.4 μg/ml, respectively, whereas the MIC values for Ag-NPs and MNPs against S. typhimurium and E. coli were 4.1 and 8.2 μg/ml for Ag-NPs and 6.9 and 10.3 μg/ml for MNPs. The results showed the ability of Ag@Fe3O4 -NPs to induce apoptosis by generating ROS. Also, the ability of Ag@Fe3O4 -NPs to liberate free Ag+ and generate ROS via the Haber-Weiss cycle may be a plausible mechanism to explain the toxicity of Ag@Fe3O4 -NPs - NPs.
Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria Additives on the Quality, Volatile Chemicals and Microbial Community of Leymus chinensis Silage During Aerobic Exposure
Authors: Liu Yichao , Li Yuyu , Lu Qiang , Sun Lin , Du Shuai , Liu Tingyu , Hou Meiling , Ge Gentu , Wang Zhijun , Jia Yushan
Published: September 2022

Silage exposed to air is prone to deterioration and production of unpleasant volatile chemicals that can seriously affect livestock intake and health. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), Lactobacillus buchneri (LB), and a combination of LP and LB (PB) on the quality, microbial community and volatile chemicals of Leymus chinensis silage at 0, 4, and 8 days after aerobic exposure. During aerobic exposure, LP had higher WSC and LA contents but had the least aerobic stability, with more harmful microorganisms such as Penicillium and Monascus and produced more volatile chemicals such as Isospathulenol and 2-Furancarbinol. LB slowed down the rise in pH, produced more acetic acid and effectively improved aerobic stability, while the effect of these two additives combined was intermediate between that of each additive alone. Correlation analysis showed that Actinomyces, Sphingomonas, Penicillium, and Monascus were associated with aerobic deterioration, and Weissella, Pediococcus, Botryosphaeria, and Monascus were associated with volatile chemicals. In conclusion, LB preserved the quality of L. chinensis silage during aerobic exposure, while LP accelerated aerobic deterioration.
The immunity priming effect of the Arabidopsis phyllosphere resident yeast Protomyces arabidopsidicola strain C29
Authors: Wang Kai , Auzane Agate , Overmyer Kirk
Published: September 2022

The phyllosphere is a complex habitat for diverse microbial communities. Under natural conditions, multiple interactions occur between host plants and phyllosphere resident microbes, such as bacteria, oomycetes, and fungi. Our understanding of plant associated yeasts and yeast-like fungi lags behind other classes of plant-associated microbes, largely due to a lack of yeasts associated with the model plantArabidopsis,which could be used in experimental model systems. The yeast-like fungal speciesProtomyces arabidopsidicolawas previously isolated from the phyllosphere of healthy wild-growingArabidopsis, identified, and characterized. Here we explore the interaction ofP. arabidopsidicolawithArabidopsisand foundP. arabidopsidicolastrain C29 was not pathogenic onArabidopsis, but was able to survive in its phyllosphere environment both in controlled environment chambers in the lab and under natural field conditions. Most importantly,P. arabidopsidicolaexhibited an immune priming effect onArabidopsis, which showed enhanced disease resistance when subsequently infected with the fungal pathogenBotrytis cinerea. Activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), camalexin, salicylic acid, and jasmonic acid signaling pathways, but not the auxin-signaling pathway, was associated with this priming effect, as evidenced by MAPK3/MAPK6 activation and defense marker expression. These findings demonstrateArabidopsisimmune defense priming by the naturally occurring phyllosphere resident yeast species,P. arabidopsidicola,and contribute to establishing a new interaction system for probing the genetics ofArabidopsisimmunity induced by resident yeast-like fungi.
Physicochemical property, bacterial diversity, and volatile profile during ripening of naturally fermented dry mutton sausage produced from Jianzhou big-eared goat
Authors: Chen Juan , Niu Ying , Wang Jie , Yang Ziyao , Cai Zijian , Dao Xiaofang , Wang Chengen , Wang Yong , Lin Yaqiu
Published: September 2022

Physicochemical properties, bacterial communities, and volatile compounds of mutton sausage produced from Jianzhou Big-Eared goat meat during natural ripening were investigated. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes accounted for over 66% of all operational taxonomic units (OTUs) throughout the whole process, with Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Staphylococcus as the predominant genus during the early and later ripening periods, respectively. The evolution of microbial composition became less rich and diverse. The uncultured bacterium, the Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, and Staphylococcus were marker bacteria on days 0, 7, and 26, respectively, with none on day 16. The bacteria distribution seemed to influence the volatile profile of mutton sausage throughout processing, with the bacterial composition on day 0 and day 7 clustered separately from day 16 and day 26, and the same pattern for the volatile profile. Meanwhile, the concentration of total volatile fraction significantly increased, and the majority of the volatile compounds were generated during late ripening. Non-anal, hexanal, decanal, heptanal, dodecyl aldehyde, benzaldehyde, 3-methylbutanal, γ-dodecalactone, 2-pentylfuran, and 1-octen-3-ol were key volatile compounds, contributing to the overall mutton sausage flavors. Based on Spearman’s correlation analysis, Staphylococcus as well as Psychrobacter were positively correlated with the production of the key volatile compounds, and other bacteria such as Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, Prevotella_1, Odoribacter, and so on were associated with the production of most alcohols and esters.
Metabolomic analysis in spondyloarthritis: A systematic review
Authors: Huang Tianwen , Pu Yaoyu , Wang Xiangpeng , Li Yanhong , Yang Hang , Luo Yubin , Liu Yi
Published: September 2022

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of rheumatic diseases that cause joint inflammation. Accumulating studies have focused on the metabolomic profiling of SpA in recent years. We conducted a systematic review to provide a collective summary of previous findings on metabolomic profiling associated with SpA. We systematically searched PubMed, Medline, Embase and Web of Science for studies on comparisons of the metabolomic analysis of SpA patients and non-SpA controls. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of the included articles. From 482 records identified, 31 studies were included in the analysis. A number of metabolites were differentially distributed between SpA and non-SpA cases. SpA patients showed higher levels of glucose, succinic acid, malic acid and lactate in carbohydrate metabolism, higher glycerol levels and lower fatty acid (especially unsaturated fatty acid) levels in lipid metabolism, and lower levels of tryptophan and glutamine in amino acid metabolism than healthy controls. Both conventional and biological therapy of SpA can insufficiently reverse the aberrant metabolism state toward that of the controls. However, the differences in the results of metabolic profiling between patients with SpA and other inflammatory diseases as well as among patients with several subtypes of SpA are inconsistent across studies. Studies on metabolomics have provided insights into etiological factors and biomarkers for SpA. Supplementation with the metabolites that exhibit decreased levels, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), has good treatment prospects for modulating immunity. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of disordered metabolic molecules in the pathogenesis of SpA.
Biogeographic patterns of potential pathogenic bacteria in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River as well as its two adjoining lakes, China
Authors: Wan Xiaoling , Li Jia , Wang Shiyong , Fan Fei , McLaughlin Richard William , Wang Kexiong , Wang Ding , Zheng Jinsong
Published: September 2022

Understanding the distribution patterns and shaping factors of bacterial pathogens in aquatic ecosystems, especially in natural waters, are critical to the control of pathogen transmission. In this study, using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we explored the composition and biogeographic dynamics of potential bacterial pathogens in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, as well as its two vast adjoining lakes (Dongting Lake and Poyang Lake). The pathogen community belonged to 12 potential pathogenic groups, with “intracellular parasites,” “animal parasites or symbionts” and “human pathogens all” occupying 97.5% in total. The potential pathogen community covered seven phyla with Proteobacteria (69.8%) and Bacteroidetes (13.5%) the most predominant. In addition, 53 genera were identified with Legionella (15.2%) and Roseomonas (14.2%) the most dominant. The average relative abundance, alpha diversity and microbial composition of the potential bacterial pathogens exhibited significant biogeographical variations among the different sections. An in-depth analysis reflected that environmental variables significantly structured the potential bacterial pathogens, including water physiochemical properties (i.e., chlorophyll-a, total nitrogen and transparency), heavy metals (i.e., As and Ni), climate (i.e., air temperature) and land use type (i.e., waters). Compared to the overall bacterial community which was composed of both pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria, the pathogen community exhibited distinct microbial diversity patterns and shaping factors. This signifies the importance of different variables for shaping the pathogen community. This study represents one attempt to explore pathogen diversity patterns and their underlying drivers in the Yangtze River, which provides a foundation for the management of pathogenic bacteria.
Development of Cordyceps javanica BE01 with enhanced virulence against Hyphantria cunea using polyethylene glycol-mediated protoplast transformation
Authors: Wang Wenxiu , Wang Yahong , Dong Guangping , Chen Fengmao
Published: September 2022

Cordyceps javanica has promising application prospects as an entomopathogenic fungus with a wide range of hosts. To enhance the virulence of C. javanica, a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-mediated protoplast genetic transformation system was constructed. Strains overexpressing the subtilisin-like protease genes CJPRB and CJPRB1 and the tripeptidyl peptidase gene CJCLN2-1 were constructed with this system, and the effects of these strains on Hyphantria cunea were tested. The aminoglycoside G418 was used at 800 μg ml−1 to screen the transformants. C. javanica hyphae were degraded with an enzyme mixture to obtain protoplasts at 1.31 × 107 protoplasts ml−1. The transformation of 2 μg of DNA into 1,000 protoplasts was achieved with 20% PEG2000, and after 6 h of recovery, the transformation efficiency was 12.33 ± 1.42 transformants μg−1 plasmid. The LT50 values of CJPRB, CJPRB1, and CJCLN2-1-overexpressing C. javanica strains were 1.32-fold, 2.21-fold, and 2.14-fold higher than that of the wild-type (WT) strain, respectively. The three overexpression strains showed no significant differences from the WT strain in terms of colony growth, conidial yield, and conidial germination rate. However, the infection rate of the CJPRB1 strain was faster than that of the WT strain, with infection occurring within 4–5 days. The CJCLN2-1 strain had a significantly higher mortality rate than the WT strain within 4–10 days after infection. A C. javanica genetic transformation system was successfully constructed for the first time, and an overexpression strain exhibited enhanced virulence to H. cunea compared with the WT strain.
Microbial community structure and shift pattern of industry brine after a long-term static storage in closed tank
Authors: Tu Demei , Ke Juntao , Luo Yuqing , Hong Tao , Sun Siqi , Han Jing , Chen Shaoxing
Published: September 2022

Brine from Dingyuan Salt Mine (Anhui, China), an athalassohaline hypersaline environment formed in the early tertiary Oligocene, is used to produce table salt for hundreds of millions of people. However, halophiles preserved in this niche during deposition are still unknown. Here, we employed cultivation and high-throughput sequencing strategies to uncover the microbial community and its shift after a long-term storage in the brine collected from Dingyuan Salt Mine. High-throughput sequencing showed (1) in the fresh brine (2021), Cyanobium_stocktickerPCC-6307 spp. (8.46%), Aeromonas spp. (6.91%) and Pseudomonas spp. (4.71%) are the dominant species in bacteria while Natronomonas spp. (18.89%), Halapricum spp. (13.73%), and Halomicrobium spp. (12.35%) in archaea; (2) after a 3-year-storage, Salinibacter spp. (30.01%) and Alcanivorax spp. (14.96%) surpassed Cyanobium_stocktickerPCC-6307 spp. (8.46%) becoming the dominant species in bacteria; Natronomonas spp. are still the dominant species, while Halorientalis spp. (14.80%) outnumbered Halapricum spp. becoming the dominant species in archaea; (3) Alcanivorax spp. and Halorientalis spp. two hydrocarbons degrading microorganisms were enriched in the brine containing hydrocarbons. Cultivation using hypersaline nutrient medium (20% NaCl) combined with high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that (1) the biomass significantly increased while the species diversity sharply declined after a 3-year-storage; (2) Halorubrum spp. scarcely detected from the environment total stocktickerDNA were flourishing after cultivation using AS-168 or NOM medium; (3) twelve possible new species were revealed based on almost full-length 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity search. This study generally uncovered the microbial community and the dominant halophiles in this inland athalassohaline salt mine, and provided a new insight on the shift pattern of dominant halophiles during a long-term storage, which illustrated the shaping of microorganisms in the unique environment, and the adaptation of microbe to the specific environment.
Advances in multi-omics research on viral hepatitis
Authors: Xiang Ze , Li Jiayuan , Lu Di , Wei Xuyong , Xu Xiao
Published: September 2022

Viral hepatitis is a major global public health problem that affects hundreds of millions of people and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Five biologically unrelated hepatotropic viruses account for the majority of the global burden of viral hepatitis, including hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), and hepatitis E virus (HEV). Omics is defined as the comprehensive study of the functions, relationships and roles of various types of molecules in biological cells. The multi-omics analysis has been proposed and considered key to advancing clinical precision medicine, mainly including genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics, metabolomics. Overall, the applications of multi-omics can show the origin of hepatitis viruses, explore the diagnostic and prognostics biomarkers and screen out the therapeutic targets for viral hepatitis and related diseases. To better understand the pathogenesis of viral hepatitis and related diseases, comprehensive multi-omics analysis has been widely carried out. This review mainly summarizes the applications of multi-omics in different types of viral hepatitis and related diseases, aiming to provide new insight into these diseases.
Detection of a novel Pestivirus strain in Java ticks (Amblyomma javanense) and the hosts Malayan pangolin (Manis javanica) and Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla)
Authors: Shi Yuan-Ni , Li Lin-Miao , Zhou Jia-Bin , Hua Yan , Zeng Zhi-Liao , Yu Ye-Pin , Liu Ping , Yuan Zi-Guo , Chen Jin-Ping
Published: September 2022

Pangolins are endangered animals and are listed in the CITES Appendix I of the Convention International Trade Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora as well as being the national first-level protected wild animal in China. Based on a few reports on pangolins infected with pestiviruses of the Flaviviridae family, Pestivirus infections in pangolins have attracted increasing attention. Pangolin pestivirus is a pathogen that may cause diseases such as acute diarrhea and acute hemorrhagic syndrome. To better understand the epidemiology and genomic characterization of pestiviruses carried by pangolins, we detected pestiviruses in dead Malayan pangolin using metavirome sequencing technology and obtained a Pestivirus sequence of 12,333 nucleotides (named Guangdong pangolin Pestivirus, GDPV). Phylogenetic tree analysis based on the entire coding sequence, NS3 gene or RdRp gene sequences, showed that GDPV was closely related to previously reported pangolin-derived Pestivirus and clustered into a separate branch. Molecular epidemiological investigation revealed that 15 Pestivirus-positive tissues from two pangolins individuals with a positivity rate of 5.56%, and six Amblyomma javanense carried pestiviruses with a positivity rate of 19.35%. Moreover, the RdRp gene of the Pestivirus carried by A. javanense showed a high similarity to that carried by pangolins (93–100%), indicating A. javanense is likely to represent the vector of Pestivirus transmission. This study expands the diversity of viruses carried by pangolins and provides an important reference value for interrupting the transmission route of the virus and protecting the health of pangolins.
Computational study on the binding of Mango-II RNA aptamer and fluorogen using the polarizable force field AMOEBA
Authors: Yang Xudong , Liu Chengwen , Kuo Yu-An , Yeh Hsin-Chih , Ren Pengyu
Published: September 2022

Fluorescent light-up aptamers (FLAPs) are well-performed biosensors for cellular imaging and the detection of different targets of interest, including RNA, non-nucleic acid molecules, metal ions, and so on. They could be easily designed and emit a strong fluorescence signal once bound to specified fluorogens. Recently, one unique aptamer called Mango-II has been discovered to possess a strong affinity and excellent fluorescent properties with fluorogens TO1-Biotin and TO3-Biotin. To explore the binding mechanisms, computational simulations have been performed to obtain structural and thermodynamic information about FLAPs at atomic resolution. AMOEBA polarizable force field, with the capability of handling the highly charged and flexible RNA system, was utilized for the simulation of Mango-II with TO1-Biotin and TO3-Biotin in this work. The calculated binding free energy using published crystal structures is in excellent agreement with the experimental values. Given the challenges in modeling complex RNA dynamics, our work demonstrates that MD simulation with a polarizable force field is valuable for understanding aptamer-fluorogen binding and potentially designing new aptamers or fluorogens with better performance.
No evidence for age-related alterations in the marmoset retina
Authors: Haverkamp Silke , Reinhard Katja , Peichl Leo , Mietsch Matthias
Published: September 2022

The physiological aging process of the retina is accompanied by various and sometimes extensive changes: Macular degeneration, retinopathies and glaucoma are the most common findings in the elderly and can potentially lead to irreversible visual disablements up to blindness. To study the aging process and to identify possible therapeutic targets to counteract these diseases, the use of appropriate animal models is mandatory. Besides the most commonly used rodent species, a non-human primate, the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) emerged as a promising animal model of human aging over the last years. However, the visual aging process in this species is only partially characterized, especially with regard to retinal aberrations. Therefore, we assessed here for the first time potential changes in retinal morphology of the common marmoset of different age groups. By cell type specific immunolabeling, we analyzed different cell types and distributions, potential photoreceptor and ganglion cell loss, and structural reorganization. We detected no signs of age-related differences in staining patterns or densities of various cell populations. For example, there were no signs of photoreceptor degeneration, and there was only minimal sprouting of rod bipolar cells in aged retinas. Altogether, we describe here the maintenance of a stable neuronal architecture, distribution and number of different cell populations with only mild aberrations during the aging process in the common marmoset retina. These findings are in stark contrast to previously reported findings in rodent species and humans and deserve further investigations to identify the underlying mechanisms and possible therapeutic targets.
Neural activity patterns in the chemosensory network encoding vomeronasal and olfactory information in mice
Authors: Pardo-Bellver Cecília , Vila-Martin Manuel E. , Martínez-Bellver Sergio , Villafranca-Faus María , Teruel-Sanchis Anna , Savarelli-Balsamo Camila A. , Drabik Sylwia M. , Martínez-Ricós Joana , Cervera-Ferri Ana , Martínez-García Fernando , Lanuza Enrique , Teruel-Martí Vicent
Published: September 2022

Rodents detect chemical information mainly through the olfactory and vomeronasal systems, which play complementary roles to orchestrate appropriate behavioral responses. To characterize the integration of chemosensory information, we have performed electrophysiological and c-Fos studies of the bulbo–amygdalar network in freely behaving female mice exploring neutral or conspecific stimuli. We hypothesize that processing conspecifics stimuli requires both chemosensory systems, and thus our results will show shared patterns of activity in olfactory and vomeronasal structures. Were the hypothesis not true, the activity of the vomeronasal structures would be independent of that of the main olfactory system. In the c-Fos analysis, we assessed the activation elicited by neutral olfactory or male stimuli in a broader network. Male urine induced a significantly higher activity in the vomeronasal system compared to that induced by a neutral odorant. Concerning the olfactory system, only the cortex–amygdala transition area showed significant activation. No differential c-Fos expression was found in the reward system and the basolateral amygdala. These functional patterns in the chemosensory circuitry reveal a strong top-down control of the amygdala over both olfactory bulbs, suggesting an active role of the amygdala in the integration of chemosensory information directing the activity of the bulbs during environmental exploration.
Comparison of EOG and VOG obtained eye movements during horizontal head impulse testing
Authors: Pleshkov Maksim , Zaitsev Vasilii , Starkov Dmitrii , Demkin Vladimir , Kingma Herman , van de Berg Raymond
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Video head impulse testing is frequently used to evaluate the vestibular function. During this test, eye movement responses are recorded with video-oculography (VOG). However, the use of VOG can sometimes be challenging, especially due to pupil detection problems (e.g., blinking, droopy eyelids, etc.). Therefore, this study investigated whether electro-oculography (EOG), a technique that does not depend on pupil tracking but on the orientation of the corneoretinal potential, might be an alternative to VOG for quantifying eye movement responses during head impulse testing.

Subjects and methods

Head impulse testing was performed in 19 healthy subjects without a prior history of vestibular symptoms. Horizontal eye movements were recorded simultaneously with EOG (using an EOG system) and VOG (using a VHIT system: ICS Impulse). The eye movement responses to each side of both techniques were compared using a concordance correlation coefficient (rc), t-testing, and Bayes Factor (BF) paired t-testing.

Results

EOG and VOG obtained eye movement traces that correlated well with each other during head impulse testing (average rc = 0.89). Average VOR gains obtained with EOG and VOG were not significantly different from each other for all subjects during left head impulses. However, VOG gains differed between both techniques regarding right head impulses. VOG showed significant VOR gain asymmetry (5% to the right), whereas EOG showed no significant asymmetry (1% to the right).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the use of EOG to record eye movements during head impulse testing for the first time. EOG and VOG obtained eye movement traces that correlated well with each other during horizontal head impulse testing. In addition, EOG showed smaller VOR gain asymmetry in healthy individuals, in contrast to VOG. These findings indicate that EOG might potentially be applicable as an alternative to VOG for collecting eye movement responses during head impulse testing.

Trial registration number

10192021-38 dated 19.10.21.
Recent developments in the understanding of the interactions between the vestibular system, memory, the hippocampus, and the striatum
Authors: Smith Paul F.
Published: September 2022

Over the last two decades, evidence has accumulated to demonstrate that the vestibular system has extensive connections with areas of the brain related to spatial memory, such as the hippocampus, and also that it has significant interactions with areas associated with voluntary motor control, such as the striatum in the basal ganglia. In fact, these functions are far from separate and it is believed that interactions between the striatum and hippocampus are important for memory processing. The data relating to vestibular-hippocampal-striatal interactions have considerable implications for the understanding and treatment of Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease, in addition to other neurological disorders. However, evidence is accumulating rapidly, and it is difficult to keep up with the latest developments in these and related areas. The aim of this review is to summarize and critically evaluate the relevant evidence that has been published over the last 2 years (i.e., since 2021), in order to identify emerging themes in this research area.
Therapeutic properties of multi-cannabinoid treatment strategies for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Coles Madilyn , Steiner-Lim Genevieve Z. , Karl Tim
Published: September 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease characterized by declining cognition and behavioral impairment, and hallmarked by extracellular amyloid-β plaques, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. There is currently no cure for AD and approved treatments do not halt or slow disease progression, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Importantly, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is affected in AD. Phytocannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), interact with the ECS, have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, can ameliorate amyloid-β and NFT-related pathologies, and promote neurogenesis. Thus, in recent years, purified CBD and THC have been evaluated for their therapeutic potential. CBD reversed and prevented the development of cognitive deficits in AD rodent models, and low-dose THC improved cognition in aging mice. Importantly, CBD, THC, and other phytochemicals present in Cannabis sativa interact with each other in a synergistic fashion (the “entourage effect”) and have greater therapeutic potential when administered together, rather than individually. Thus, treatment of AD using a multi-cannabinoid strategy (such as whole plant cannabis extracts or particular CBD:THC combinations) may be more efficacious compared to cannabinoid isolate treatment strategies. Here, we review the current evidence for the validity of using multi-cannabinoid formulations for AD therapy. We discuss that such treatment strategies appear valid for AD therapy but further investigations, particularly clinical studies, are required to determine optimal dose and ratio of cannabinoids for superior effectiveness and limiting potential side effects. Furthermore, it is pertinent that future in vivo and clinical investigations consider sex effects.