bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inferring Airflow Across Martian Dunes From Ripple Patterns and Dynamics
Authors: Hood D. R. , Ewing R. C. , Roback K. P. , Runyon K. , Avouac J.-P. , McEnroe M.
Published: July 2021

Large ripples form striking patterns on the slopes of martian sand dunes which can be mapped and tracked using high-resolution optical images. The ripples vary in orientation, wavelength, plan-view morphology, and rates of migration. The variations in the ripple patterns are recognized to signal the effects of the regional and local winds and feedbacks between winds and dune topography. We examine the ripple patterns and the motion of these ripples to interpret airflow dynamics around dunes in the dune field at Nili Patera. We find that coincident changes in ripple patterns and migration rates in dune wakes indicate reattachment lengths of 4–7 brink heights. This reattachment length is similar to length scales of flow reattachment for airflow over dunes measured on Earth despite the differences in aeolian environment. Furthermore, ripples on dune flanks are shown to behave according to terrestrial models for ripple development on steep slopes. Compensating for these slope effects allows them to act as indicators of dune-modified and regional wind directions. Changes in ripple patterns and migration rates also signal the response of dunes and airflow during dune collisions. Collectively, we find that differences in ripple patterns connected to changes in migration rate provide information on airflow over and around dunes. This detailed assessment of ripple measurement and ripple migration rates advances the use of ripples on martian dunes and sand sheets to infer dune- and field-scale wind dynamics. These measurements also indicate that the low density atmosphere on Mars does not significantly modify the behavior of wind-topography interactions compared to Earth. Such observations provide targets for computational fluid dynamic and large-eddy simulation models seeking to reveal complex airflows across dune fields both on Earth and on Mars.
Tectono-Thermal Evolution of the Red Sea Rift
Authors: Boone Samuel C. , Balestrieri Maria-Laura , Kohn Barry
Published: July 2021

The Oligocene-Recent Red Sea rift is one of the preeminent examples of lithospheric rupture in the recent geological past, forming the basis for many models of how continental breakup occurs and progresses to the formation of new oceanic crust. Utilisation of low-temperature thermochronology in the Red Sea Rift since the 1980s has been key to constraining its spatio-temporal evolution, providing constraints for the propagation of strain and geomorphological development of its margins where datable syn-tectonic strata and/or markers are absent. We review the wealth of published apatite fission track and (U-Th-Sm)/He data from along the Red Sea, affording insights into the Oligocene-Recent thermo-tectonic evolution of the Nubian and Arabian margins. A regional interpolation protocol was employed to synthesise time-temperature reconstructions generated from the mined thermochronology data and burial histories produced from vitrinite reflectance and well data. These cooling-heating maps record a series of pronounced episodes of upper crustal thermal flux related to the development of the Oligocene-Recent Red Sea Rift. Assimilation of these regional thermal history maps with paleogeographic reconstructions and regional magmatic and strain histories provide regional perspectives on the roles of tectonism and geodynamic activity in Red Sea formation and their effects on rift margin development.
Rejection Sensitivity and Psychological Capital as the Mediators Between Attachment Styles on Social Networking Sites Addiction
Authors: Shan Huanhuan , Ishak Zahari , Li Jingyi
Published: July 2021

This study was based on the framework of attachment, reinforcement sensitivity, and positive psychology theories. The main objective is to investigate rejection sensitivity and psychological capital as the mediators between attachment styles on social networking sites addiction. The sample comprised 607 college students, and the data was collected using an online survey owing to the rapid development and penetration of social networking sites in China. Results demonstrated a mediating effect between rejection sensitivity, psychological capital, and attachment styles on social networking sites addiction. Moreover, fearful style is predicted significantly and positively on social networking sites addiction. Preoccupied style and dismissive-avoidant style are not significant effect on social networking sites addiction after adding the mediating variables of rejection sensitivity and psychological capital. Furthermore, attachment styles also influence the social networking sites addiction due to their dual effect on rejection sensitivity and psychological capital. Overall, the findings suggest that weakening rejection sensitivity, and enhancing psychological capital can be considered in future studies as contributors to social networking sites addiction for prevention or intervention studies.
Biochanin A Alleviates Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Suppressing Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Induced Apoptosis and p38MAPK Signaling Pathway In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Guo Min-min , Qu Sheng-biao , Lu Hui-ling , Wang Wen-bo , He Mu-Liang , Su Jian-Lin , Chen Jian , Wang Yong
Published: July 2021

We have previously shown that biochanin A exhibits neuroprotective properties in the context of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The mechanistic basis for such properties, however, remains poorly understood. This study was therefore designed to explore the manner whereby biochanin A controls endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, apoptosis, and inflammation within fetal rat primary cortical neurons in response to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury, and in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/R) injury. For the OGD/R in vitro model system, cells were evaluated after a 2 h OGD following a 24 h reoxygenation period, whereas in vivo neurological deficits were evaluated following 2 h of ischemia and 24 h of reperfusion. The expression of proteins associated with apoptosis, ER stress (ERS), and p38 MAPK phosphorylation was evaluated in these samples. Rats treated with biochanin A exhibited reduced neurological deficits relative to control rats following MCAO/R injury. Additionally, GRP78 and CHOP levels rose following I/R modeling both in vitro and in vivo, whereas biochanin A treatment was associated with reductions in CHOP levels but further increases in GRP78 levels. In addition, OGD/R or MCAO/R were associated with markedly enhanced p38 MAPK phosphorylation that was alleviated by biochanin A treatment. Similarly, OGD/R or MCAO/R injury resulted in increases in caspase-3, caspase-12, and Bax levels as well as decreases in Bcl-2 levels, whereas biochanin A treatment was sufficient to reverse these phenotypes. Together, these findings thus demonstrate that biochanin A can alleviate cerebral I/R-induced damage at least in part via suppressing apoptosis, ER stress, and p38 MAPK signaling, thereby serving as a potent neuroprotective agent.
Galectin-3 and Estrogen Receptor Alpha as Prognostic Markers in Prolactinoma: Preliminary Results From a Pilot Study
Authors: Bima Chiara , Chiloiro Sabrina , Giampietro Antonella , Gessi Marco , Mattogno Pier Paolo , Lauretti Liverana , Anile Carmelo , Rindi Guido , Pontecorvi Alfredo , De Marinis Laura , Bianchi Antonio
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Prolactin-secreting pituitary tumors (PRL-omas) are generally benign neoplasia. However, a percentage of cases show aggressive behavior. Prognostic markers may allow for the identification of aggressive cases. In this study, we investigated the prognostic role of galectin-3 and the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), as predictive biomarkers of aggressiveness and poor prognosis.

Patients and Methods

A mono-centric and retrospective study was conducted on consecutive cases of PRL-omas that underwent first line treatment with surgery and were followed-up for at least five years. The immunohistochemical expression of ERα and galectin-3 was investigated in each case.

Results

36 patients were enrolled. Galectin-3 resulted positive in 11 patients (30.6%). The median expression of ERα was 85% (IQR: 37). Among the group of 21 patients who underwent radical surgery (58.3%), recurrence occurred in 12 cases (33.3%). 27 patients were treated post-surgery with a dopamine agonist (DA) (12 for recurrence and 22 for a history of partial surgery). 13 patients (48.1%) were responsive to DA. Six of 11 cases positive for galactin-3 underwent partial surgery (54.5%, p<0.001). Recurrence occurred in all five cases that underwent radical surgery, which were also positive for galectin-3 (p=0.03). Galectin-3 resulted positive in 9 patients resistant to DA treatment (81.1%, p=0.01). ERα expression was lower in tumors positive for galectin-3 (p<0.001), with mitotic activity (p=0.012), with higher Ki67 Li (p<0.001), and in males with post-surgical recurrence (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Galectin-3 and ERα play as markers of aggressiveness and prognosis in PRL-omas and may be tested to identify the aggressive forms of the disease.
3,5-Diiodo-L-Thyronine (T2) Administration Affects Visceral Adipose Tissue Inflammatory State in Rats Receiving Long-Lasting High-Fat Diet
Authors: Petito Giuseppe , Cioffi Federica , Silvestri Elena , De Matteis Rita , Lattanzi Davide , de Lange Pieter , Lombardi Assunta , Moreno Maria , Goglia Fernando , Lanni Antonia , Senese Rosalba
Published: July 2021

3,5-diiodo-thyronine (T2), an endogenous metabolite of thyroid hormones, exerts beneficial metabolic effects. When administered to overweight rats receiving a high fat diet (HFD), it significantly reduces body fat accumulation, which is a risk factor for the development of an inflammatory state and of related metabolic diseases. In the present study, we focused our attention on T2 actions aimed at improving the adverse effects of long-lasting HFD such as the adipocyte inflammatory response. For this purpose, three groups of rats were used throughout: i) receiving a standard diet for 14 weeks; ii) receiving a HFD for 14 weeks, and iii) receiving a HFD for 14 weeks with a simultaneous daily injection of T2 for the last 4 weeks. The results showed that T2 administration ameliorated the expression profiles of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, reduced macrophage infiltration in white adipose tissue, influenced their polarization and reduced lymphocytes recruitment. Moreover, T2 improved the expression of hypoxia markers, all altered in HFD rats, and reduced angiogenesis by decreasing the pro-angiogenic miR126 expression. Additionally, T2 reduced the oxidative damage of DNA, known to be associated to the inflammatory status. This study demonstrates that T2 is able to counteract some adverse effects caused by a long-lasting HFD and to produce beneficial effects on inflammation. Irisin and SIRT1 pathway may represent a mechanism underlying the above described effects.
Cathode–Sulfide Solid Electrolyte Interfacial Instability: Challenges and Solutions
Authors:   Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States, Brahmbhatt Teerth , Yang Guang ,   Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States, Self Ethan ,   Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States, Nanda Jagjit ,   Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Education, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
Published: July 2021

All-solid-state batteries are a candidate for next-generation energy-storage devices due to potential improvements in energy density and safety compared to current battery technologies. Due to their high ionic conductivity and potential scalability through slurry processing routes, sulfide solid-state electrolytes are promising to replace traditional liquid electrolytes and enable All-solid-state batteries, but stability of cathode-sulfide solid-state electrolytes interfaces requires further improvement. Herein we review common issues encountered at cathode-sulfide SE interfaces and strategies to alleviate these issues.
Optimal Array Reconfiguration of a PV Power Plant for Frequency Regulation of Power Systems
Authors: He Tingyi , Li Shengnan , Chen Yiping , Wu Shuijun , Li Chuangzhi
Published: July 2021

This paper establishes a novel optimal array reconfiguration (OAR) of a PV power plant for secondary frequency control of automatic generation control (AGC). Compared with the existing studies, the proposed OAR can further take the AGC signal responding into account except the maximum power output, in which the battery energy storage system is used to balance the power deviation between the AGC signals and the PV power outputs. Based on these two conflicted objects, the OAR is formulated as a bi-objective optimization. To address this problem, the efficient non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) is designed to rapidly obtain an optimal Pareto front due to its high optimization efficiency. The decision-making method called VIKOR is employed to determine the best compromise solution from the obtained Pareto front. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed bi-objective optimization of OAR, three case studies with fixed, step-increasing, and step-decreasing AGC signals are carried out on a 10 × 10 total-cross-tied PV arrays under partial shading conditions.
The IL-1 Receptor Is Required to Maintain Neutrophil Viability and Function During Aspergillus fumigatus Airway Infection
Authors: Ralph Benjamin AWR , Lehoux Melanie , Ostapska Hanna , Snarr Brendan D. , Caffrey-Carr Alayna K. , Fraser Richard , Saleh Maya , Obar Joshua J. , Qureshi Salman T. , Sheppard Donald C.
Published: July 2021

Aspergillus fumigatusairway infections are associated with increased rates of hospitalizations and declining lung function in patients with chronic lung disease. While the pathogenesis of invasiveA. fumigatusinfections is well studied, little is known about the development and progression of airway infections. Previous studies have demonstrated a critical role for the IL-1 cytokines, IL-1α and IL-1β in enhancing pulmonary neutrophil recruitment during invasive aspergillosis. Here we use a mouse model ofA. fumigatusairway infection to study the role of these IL-1 cytokines in immunocompetent mice. In the absence of IL-1 receptor signaling, mice exhibited reduced numbers of viable pulmonary neutrophils and increased levels of neutrophil apoptosis during fungal airway infection. Impaired neutrophil viability in these mice was associated with reduced pulmonary and systemic levels of G-CSF, and treatment with G-CSF restored both neutrophil viability and resistance toA. fumigatusairway infection. Taken together, these data demonstrate that IL-1 dependent G-CSF production plays a key role for host resistance toA. fumigatusairway infection through suppressing neutrophil apoptosis at the site of infection.
An Integrated View on Neuronal Subsets in the Peripheral Nervous System and Their Role in Immunoregulation
Authors: Jakob Manuel O. , Kofoed-Branzk Michael , Deshpande Divija , Murugan Shaira , Klose Christoph S. N.
Published: July 2021

The peripheral nervous system consists of sensory circuits that respond to external and internal stimuli and effector circuits that adapt physiologic functions to environmental challenges. Identifying neurotransmitters and neuropeptides and the corresponding receptors on immune cells implies an essential role for the nervous system in regulating immune reactions. Vice versa, neurons express functional cytokine receptors to respond to inflammatory signals directly. Recent advances in single-cell and single-nuclei sequencing have provided an unprecedented depth in neuronal analysis and allowed to refine the classification of distinct neuronal subsets of the peripheral nervous system. Delineating the sensory and immunoregulatory capacity of different neuronal subsets could inform a better understanding of the response happening in tissues that coordinate physiologic functions, tissue homeostasis and immunity. Here, we summarize current subsets of peripheral neurons and discuss neuronal regulation of immune responses, focusing on neuro-immune interactions in the gastrointestinal tract. The nervous system as a central coordinator of immune reactions and tissue homeostasis may predispose for novel promising therapeutic approaches for a large variety of diseases including but not limited to chronic inflammation.
SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines Based on the Spike Glycoprotein and Implications of New Viral Variants
Authors: Martínez-Flores Daniel , Zepeda-Cervantes Jesús , Cruz-Reséndiz Adolfo , Aguirre-Sampieri Sergio , Sampieri Alicia , Vaca Luis
Published: July 2021

Coronavirus 19 Disease (COVID-19) originating in the province of Wuhan, China in 2019, is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), whose infection in humans causes mild or severe clinical manifestations that mainly affect the respiratory system. So far, the COVID-19 has caused more than 2 million deaths worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 contains the Spike (S) glycoprotein on its surface, which is the main target for current vaccine development because antibodies directed against this protein can neutralize the infection. Companies and academic institutions have developed vaccines based on the S glycoprotein, as well as its antigenic domains and epitopes, which have been proven effective in generating neutralizing antibodies. However, the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants could affect the effectiveness of vaccines. Here, we review the different types of vaccines designed and developed against SARS-CoV-2, placing emphasis on whether they are based on the complete S glycoprotein, its antigenic domains such as the receptor-binding domain (RBD) or short epitopes within the S glycoprotein. We also review and discuss the possible effectiveness of these vaccines against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Inflammatory Stratification in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome Reveals Novel Immune Cell Alterations in Patients’ Minor Salivary Glands
Authors: Bharaj Tamandeep K. , Aqrawi Lara A. , Fromreide Siren , Jonsson Roland , Brun Johan G. , Appel Silke , Skarstein Kathrine
Published: July 2021

There is a critical need to deconvolute the heterogeneity displayed by the minor salivary glands of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) patients. This is challenging primarily because the disease etiology remains unknown. The hypothesis includes that initial events in the disease pathogenesis target the salivary glands, thereby triggering the development of focal infiltrates (≥50 mononuclear cells) and finally germinal center-like structures. However, the proportion of key mononuclear immune cells residing at these sites, in combination with the overall ratio of morphometric tissue atrophy and adipose infiltration within the minor salivary glands (MSG) parenchyma at distinct phases of inflammatory disease establishment and progression have not been quantified in detail. In this cross-sectional study, we intended to address this problem by stratifying 85 patients into mild (S1), moderate (S2), and severe (S3) stages using the Inflammatory severity index. We found that mild (<3%) and marked (≥3%) levels of atrophy were accompanied by the respective levels of adipose infiltration in the non-SS sicca controls (p <0.01), but not in pSS patients. The percentage of adipose infiltration significantly correlated with the age of patients (r = 0.458, p <0.0001) and controls (r = 0.515, p <0.0001). The CD4+ T helper cell incidence was reduced in the focal infiltrates of the MSG of S2 patients compared to S1 (p <0.01), and in S2 compared to S1 and S3 combined (p <0.05). CD20+ B cells increased from S1 to S3 (p <0.01) and S2 to S3 (p <0.01), meanwhile CD138+ plasma cells diminished in S3 patients compared to both S1 and S2 groups combined (p <0.01). The proportion of patients with anti-Ro/SSA+, anti-La/SSB+, and RF+ increased over the course of inflammatory disease progression and they were significantly more common in the S3 group relative to S1 (p <0.05). On the other hand, S2 patients measured a higher mean salivary flow relative to S1 and S3 patients combined (p <0.05). Our results demonstrate how the proposed Inflammatory severity index stratification revealed pathological cell and tissue-associated aberrations in the salivary component over the course of inflammatory progression, and their correlations to clinical outcomes. This could be directly transferred to the optimization of available diagnostic strategies applied for pSS patients.
Shared Pathogenetic Features Between Common Variable Immunodeficiency and Sjögren’s Syndrome: Clues for a Personalized Medicine
Authors: Quartuccio Luca , De Marchi Ginevra , Longhino Simone , Manfrè Valeria , Rizzo Maria Teresa , Gandolfo Saviana , Tommasini Alberto , De Vita Salvatore , Fox Robert
Published: July 2021

Common variable immunodeficiency disorders (CVID) are a group of rare diseases of the immune system and the most common symptomatic primary antibody deficiency in adults. The “variable” aspect of CVID refers to the approximately half of the patients who develop non-infective complications, mainly autoimmune features, in particular organ specific autoimmune diseases including thyroiditis, and cytopenias. Among these associated conditions, the incidence of lymphoma, including mucosal associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type, is increased. Although these associated autoimmune disorders in CVID are generally attributed to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), we propose that Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) is perhaps a better candidate for the associated disease. SS is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the lymphocytic infiltrates of lacrimal and salivary glands, leading to dryness of the eyes and mouth. Thus, it is a lymphocyte aggressive disorder, in contrast to SLE where pathology is generally attributed to auto-antibody and complement activation. Although systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) shares these features with SS, a much higher frequency of MALT lymphoma distinguishes SS from SLE. Also, the higher frequency of germ line encoded paraproteins such as the monoclonal rheumatoid factor found in SS patients would be more consistent with the failure of B-cell VDJ switching found in CVID; and in contrast to the hypermutation that characterizes SLE autoantibodies. Thus, we suggest that SS may fit as a better “autoimmune” association with CVID. Examining the common underlying biologic mechanisms that promote lymphoid infiltration by dysregulated lymphocytes and lymphoma in CVID may provide new avenues for treatment in both the diseases. Since the diagnosis of SLE or rheumatoid arthritis is usually based on specific autoantibodies, the associated autoimmune features of CVID patients may not be recognized in the absence of autoantibodies.
Trichome Lengths of the Heterocystous N2-Fixing Cyanobacteria in the Tropical Marginal Seas of the Western North Pacific
Authors: Tuo Sing-how , Mulholland Margaret R. , Taniuchi Yukiko , Chen Houng-Yung , Jane Wann-Neng , Lin Yen-Huei , Chen Yuh-ling Lee
Published: July 2021

Calothrix rhizosoleniaeandRichelia intracellularisare heterocystous cyanobacteria found in the tropical oceans.C. rhizosoleniaecommonly live epiphytically on diatom generaChaetoceros(C-C) andBacteriastrum(B-C) whileR. intracellularislive endosymbiotically withinRhizosolenia(R-R),Guinardia(G-R), andHemiaulus(H-R); although, they occasionally live freely (FL-Cand FL-R). Both species have much shorter trichomes than the other marine filamentous cyanobacteria such asTrichodesmiumspp. andAnabaena gerdii. We investigated the trichome lengths ofC. rhizosoleniaeandR. intracellularisin the South China Sea (SCS) and the Philippine Sea (PS) between 2006 and 2014. On average,H-Rhad the shortest trichome lengths (3.5 cells/trichome), followed byB-CandC-C(4.9–5.2 cells/trichome) and FL-C(5.9 cells/trichome), andR-R,G-R, and FL-Rhad the longest trichome lengths (7.4–8.3 cells/trichome). Field results showed the trichome lengths ofC-CandB-Cdid not vary seasonally or regionally. However, FL-CandH-Rfrom the SCS and during the cool season had longer trichomes, where/when the ambient nutrient concentrations were higher.R-R,G-R, and FL-Ralso showed regional and seasonal variations in trichome length. Ultrastructural analysis found no gas vesicles within theC. rhizosoleniaecells to assist in buoyancy regulation. Results suggest that the trichome lengths ofC. rhizosoleniaeandR. intracellularismight be regulated by their diatom hosts’ symbiotic styles and by ambient nutrients. Short trichome length might helpC. rhizosoleniaeandR. intracellularisto stay in the euphotic zone regardless as to whether they are free-living or symbiotic.
The Effects of Suspended Particulate Matter, Nutrient, and Salinity on the Growth of Amphidinium carterae Under Estuary Environmental Conditions
Authors: Jiang Zong-Pei , Tong Yuqi , Tong Mengmeng , Yuan Jiajun , Cao Qin , Pan Yiwen
Published: July 2021

The environmental conditions in estuaries display distinct variability along the river-ocean mixing continuum from turbid, eutrophic freshwater to clear, oligotrophic offshore oceanic water. In order to understand the effects of suspended particulate matter (SPM), nutrient, and salinity on phytoplankton growth, this study investigated the response of a harmful dinoflagellate (Amphidinium carterae Hulburt) to the ecological gradients in estuary environments. Rapid nutrient uptake and growth of A. carterae were detected in the nutrient-rich clear water, while nutrient concentration had little impact on the cellular chlorophyll a (Chl-a) content at the stationary phase. Light attenuation caused by SPM not only inhibited the specific growth rate of A. carterae but also prolonged its adaption period in turbid water, resulting in a delayed and weakened growth response. The elevated cellular Chl-a content under high SPM conditions resulting from photo-acclimation led to the decoupling of cell density and Chl-a concentration, indicating that Chl-a is not a reliable indicator for phytoplankton abundance in turbid environments. The combined effect of SPM and nutrient on specific growth rate of A. carterae can be explained by the comparative effect model, while the multiplicative effect model better predicted their interactive effect on the growth inhibitory rate (GIR). There is a transit of dominant limiting factor for phytoplankton growth along the salinity gradient in estuary environments. Salinity (for marine phytoplankton cannot survive under low salinity condition) and SPM are the dominant limiting factors at low salinities in nearshore turbid environments, while nutrient depletion exerts the dominant inhibitory effect in high salinity offshore water. Depending on the balance between enhancing nutrient limitation and reducing light limitation with increasing salinity, blooms most likely occur in the “optimal growth region” at intermediate salinities where light and nutrient are both suitable for phytoplankton growth.
Effects of Temperature and Salinity on Egg Production, Hatching, and Mortality Rates in Acartia ohtsukai (Copepoda, Calanoida)
Authors: Choi Seo Yeol , Lee Eun Hye , Soh Ho Young , Jang Min-Chul
Published: July 2021

The calanoid copepod Acartia ohtsukai predominates the estuarine and coastal waters of East Asia during summer. Its occurrence characteristics confer it with good potential as live prey for fish larvae through mass culture. To investigate the effect of temperature and salinity combinations on its egg production rate (EPR), hatching success (HS), and mortality rate, experiments were undertaken and repeated three times for combinations of five temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30°C) and seven salinities (10, 15, 20, 25, 27, 30, and 33 psu). EPR and HS were highest at temperatures of 25 and 30°C, respectively, with a salinity of 27 psu. Mortality rate was highest at 10°C in almost all salinity gradients, whereas it was lower at water temperature and salinity ranges of 20–30°C and 20–30 psu, respectively. These findings indicate that A. ohtsukai can inhabit wide ranges of water temperatures and salinities, and that the optimized condition for mass culture is a combination of water temperature of 25°C and salinity of 27 psu.
Cognitive and Motor Cortical Activity During Cognitively Demanding Stepping Tasks in Older People at Low and High Risk of Falling
Authors: Pelicioni Paulo H. S. , Lord Stephen R. , Sturnieks Daina L. , Halmy Bethany , Menant Jasmine C.
Published: July 2021

Background: Choice stepping reaction time tasks are underpinned by neuropsychological, sensorimotor, and balance systems and therefore offer good indices of fall risk and physical and cognitive frailty. However, little is known of the neural mechanisms for impaired stepping and associated fall risk in older people. We investigated cognitive and motor cortical activity during cognitively demanding stepping reaction time tasks using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in older people at low and high fall risk.

Methods: Ninety-five older adults [mean (SD) 71.4 (4.9) years, 23 men] were categorized as low or high fall risk [based on 12-month fall history (≥2 falls) and/or Physiological Profile Assessment fall risk score ≥1]. Participants performed a choice stepping reaction time test and a more cognitively demanding Stroop stepping task on a computerized step mat. Cortical activity in cognitive [dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)] and motor (supplementary motor area and premotor cortex) regions was recorded using fNIRS. Stepping performance and cortical activity were contrasted between the groups and between the choice and Stroop stepping conditions.

Results: Compared with the low fall risk group (n = 71), the high fall risk group (n = 24) exhibited significantly greater DLPFC activity and increased intra-individual variability in stepping response time during the Stroop stepping task. The high fall risk group DLPFC activity was greater during the performance of Stroop stepping task in comparison with choice stepping reaction time. Regardless of group, the Stroop stepping task elicited increased cortical activity in the supplementary motor area and premotor cortex together with increased mean and intra-individual variability of stepping response times.

Conclusions: Older people at high fall risk exhibited increased DLPFC activity and stepping response time variability when completing a cognitively demanding stepping test compared with those at low fall risk and to a simpler choice-stepping reaction time test. This increased hemodynamic response might comprise a compensatory process for postural control deficits and/or reflect a degree of DLPFC neural inefficiency in people with increased fall risk.
Epigenetic Regulation in Sepsis, Role in Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Perspective
Authors: Falcão-Holanda Renata Brito , Brunialti Milena Karina Colo , Jasiulionis Miriam Galvonas , Salomão Reinaldo
Published: July 2021

Sepsis is characterized by an initial hyperinflammatory response, with intense cell activation and cytokine storm. In parallel, a prolonged compensatory anti-inflammatory response, known as immunological tolerance, can lead to immunosuppression. Clinically, this condition is associated with multiple organ failure, resulting in the patient's death. The mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of sepsis are not yet fully understood, but evidence is strong showing that epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation and post-translational modifications of histones, modulate the inflammatory response of sepsis. During the onset of infection, host cells undergo epigenetic changes that favor pathogen survival. Besides, epigenetic changes in essential genes also orchestrate the patient's inflammatory response. In this review, we gathered studies on sepsis and epigenetics to show the central role of epigenetic mechanisms in various aspects of the pathogenesis of sepsis and the potential of epigenetic interventions for its treatment.
Commercial Organic Versus Conventional Whole Rye and Wheat Flours for Making Sourdough Bread: Safety, Nutritional, and Sensory Implications
Authors: Pontonio Erica , Arora Kashika , Dingeo Cinzia , Carafa Ilaria , Celano Giuseppe , Scarpino Valentina , Genot Bernard , Gobbetti Marco , Di Cagno Raffaella
Published: July 2021

Organic farming is gaining a broad recognition as sustainable system, and consumer demand for organic products has increased dramatically in the recent past. Whether organic agriculture delivers overall advantages over conventional agriculture is, however, contentious. Here, the safety, nutritional, and sensory implications of using commercial organic rye, soft, and durum wheat flours rather than conventional-made sourdough bread have been investigated. Culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches were used to explore the microbial architecture of flours and to study their dynamics during sourdough propagation. Besides biochemical features, the main nutritional (amino acid content, asparagine level, and antioxidant activity) characteristics of sourdoughs were investigated, and their effect on the structural, nutritional, and sensory profiles of breads assessed. Overall, the organic farming system led to flours characterized by lower content of asparagine and cell density of Enterobacteriaceae while showing higher concentration of total free amino acids. Differences of the flours mirrored those of sourdoughs and breads. The use of sourdough fermentation guaranteed a further improvement of the flour characteristics; however, a microbial and sensory profile simplification as well as a slight decrease of the biochemical parameters was observed between breads with sourdough after one-cycle fermentation and 10 days of propagation.
The Genome of “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” Is Highly Transcribed When Infecting the Gut of Diaphorina citri
Authors: Darolt Josiane Cecília , Bento Flavia de Moura Manoel , Merlin Bruna Laís , Peña Leandro , Cônsoli Fernando Luis , Wulff Nelson Arno
Published: July 2021

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, is the vector of the bacterium “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” (Las), associated with the devastating, worldwide citrus disease huanglongbing. In order to explore the molecular interactions of this bacterium with D. citri during the vector acquisition process, cDNA libraries were sequenced on an Illumina platform, obtained from the gut of adult psyllids confined in healthy (H) and in Las-infected young shoots (Las) for different periods of times (I = 1/2 days, II = 3/4 days, and III = 5/6 days). In each sampling time, three biological replicates were collected, containing 100 guts each, totaling 18 libraries depleted in ribosomal RNA. Reads were quality-filtered and mapped against the Chinese JXGC Las strain and the Floridian strain UF506 for the analysis of the activity of Las genome and SC1, SC2, and type 3 (P-JXGC-3) prophages of the studied Las strain. Gene activity was considered only if reads of at least two replicates for each acquisition access period mapped against the selected genomes, which resulted in coverages of 44.4, 79.9, and 94.5% of the JXGC predicted coding sequences in Las I, Las II, and Las III, respectively. These genes indicate an active metabolism and increased expression according to the feeding time in the following functional categories: energy production, amino acid metabolism, signal translation, cell wall, and replication and repair of genetic material. Pilins were among the most highly expressed genes regardless of the acquisition time, while only a few genes from cluster I of flagella were not expressed. Furthermore, the prophage region had a greater coverage of reads for SC1 and P-JXGC-3 prophages and low coverage in SC2 and no indication of activity for the lysis cycle. This research presents the first descriptive analysis of Las transcriptome in the initial steps of the D. citri gut colonization, where 95% of Las genes were active.
Improving and Comparing Probiotic Plate Count Methods by Analytical Procedure Lifecycle Management
Authors: Weitzel M. L. Jane , Vegge Christina S. , Pane Marco , Goldman Virginia S. , Koshy Binu , Porsby Cisse Hedegaard , Burguière Pierre , Schoeni Jean L.
Published: July 2021

Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer a health benefit to the host when administered in adequate amounts. This definition links probiotic efficacy to microbial viability. The current gold standard assay for probiotic potency is enumeration using classical microbiology plating-based procedures, yielding results in colony-forming units (CFU). One drawback to plating-based procedures is high variability due to intrinsic and extrinsic uncertainties. These uncertainties make comparison between analytical procedures challenging. In this article, we provide tools to reduce measurement uncertainty and strengthen the reliability of probiotic enumerations by using analytical procedure lifecycle management (APLM). APLM is a tool that uses a step-by-step process to define procedure performance based on the concept that the reportable value (final CFU result) must be fit for its intended use. Once the procedure performance is defined, the information gathered through APLM can be used to evaluate and compare procedures. Here, we discuss the theory behind applying APLM and give practical information about its application to CFU enumeration procedures for probiotics using a simulated example and data set. Data collected in a manufacturer’s development laboratory is included to support application of the concept. Implementation of APLM can lead to reduced variability by identifying specific factors (e.g., the dilution step) with significant impact on the variability and providing insights to procedural modifications that lead to process improvement. Understanding and control of the analytical procedure is improved by using these tools. The probiotics industry can confidently apply the information and analytical results generated to make decisions about processes and formulation, including overage requirements. One benefit of this approach is that companies can reduce overage costs. More reliable procedures for viable cell count determinations will improve the quality evaluation of probiotic products, and hence manufacturing procedures, while ensuring that products deliver clinically demonstrated beneficial doses.
Resveratrol Attenuates Diquat-Induced Oxidative Stress by Regulating Gut Microbiota and Metabolome Characteristics in Piglets
Authors: Fu Qingyao , Tan Zhen , Shi Liguang , Xun Wenjuan
Published: July 2021

Previous studies have shown that dietary resveratrol (RES) reduces diarrhea and attenuates oxidative stress in piglets challenged with diquat. However, the effect of dietary resveratrol on the gut microbiota of these piglets, as well as the potential relationships between intestinal microflora and metabolites, remain unclear. Here, 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing and metabolome analyses were performed to investigate the effect of RES on the gut microbiota and metabolome of diquat-challenged piglets. A total of 18 weaned piglets (aged 28 ± 2 days) were divided into the control group (basal diet), diquat group (basal diet + diquat challenge), and RES group (basal diet containing 90 mg/kg RES + diquat challenge). Compared with the control group, piglets in the diquat group showed enriched relative abundance of the phyla Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, the genus Ruminococcaceae UCG-005, and members of the Eubacterium coprostanoligenes group. Noteworthy, RES supplementation significantly reduced the levels of these microorganisms. In contrast, the relative abundance of some beneficial bacterial species in the RES group, such as the genera Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Lachnospiraceae unclassified were significantly higher than in the diquat and control groups. Metabolomic analysis indicated that some metabolites, including indole-3-carbinol, 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid, and uridine, were significantly upregulated upon RES supplementation. In particular, the relative abundance of uridine, indole, and alpha- and beta-dihydroresveratrol was significantly higher in the RES group than in the control group. Moreover, most gut bacterial genera were found to be highly correlated with altered gut microbiota-related metabolites. These findings suggest that dietary supplementation with resveratrol may alter the composition and metabolites of colonic microbiota in diquat-challenged piglets, which provides important insights into the use of resveratrol as a feed additive for gut microbial regulation in piglets with inflammatory and oxidative stress-associated disorders.
Exploring Microbial Resource of Different Rhizocompartments of Dominant Plants Along the Salinity Gradient Around the Hypersaline Lake Ejinur
Authors: Luo Junqing , Zhang Zhechao , Hou Yazhou , Diao Fengwei , Hao Baihui , Bao Zhihua , Wang Lixin , Guo Wei
Published: July 2021

Lake littoral zones can also be regarded as another extremely hypersaline environment due to hypersaline properties of salt lakes. In this study, high-throughput sequencing technique was used to analyze bacteria and fungi from different rhizocompartments (rhizosphere and endosphere) of four dominant plants along the salinity gradient in the littoral zones of Ejinur Salt Lake. The study found that microbial α-diversity did not increase with the decrease of salinity, indicating that salinity was not the main factor on the effect of microbial diversity. Distance-based redundancy analysis and regression analysis were used to further reveal the relationship between microorganisms from different rhizocompartments and plant species and soil physicochemical properties. Bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere and endosphere were the most significantly affected by SO42–, SOC, HCO3–, and SOC, respectively. Correlation network analysis revealed the potential role of microorganisms in different root compartments on the regulation of salt stress through synergistic and antagonistic interactions. LEfSe analysis further indicated that dominant microbial taxa in different rhizocompartments had a positive response to plants, such as Marinobacter, Palleronia, Arthrobacter, and Penicillium. This study was of great significance and practical value for understanding salt environments around salt lakes to excavate the potential microbial resources.
Correlation Analysis Between Serum Uric Acid, Prealbumin Level, Lactate Dehydrogenase, and Severity of COVID-19
Authors: Jin Zhenmu , Zheng Mo , Shi Jichan , Ye Xinchun , Cheng Fang , Chen Que-Lu , Huang Jianping , Jiang Xian-Gao
Published: July 2021

Objective: To analyze the correlation between serum uric acid, prealbumin levels, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and the severity of COVID-19.

Methods: The data from 135 patients with COVID-19 was collected, and the patients were divided into a non-severe group (110 cases) and a severe group (25 cases), according to the severity of illness. Sixty cases with normal physical examinations over the same period and 17 cases diagnosed with other viral pneumonia in the past five years were selected as the control group to analyze the correlation between the detection index and the severity of COVID-19.

Results: Serum albumin and prealbumin in the severe group were significantly lower than those in the non-severe group (p < 0.01); serum uric acid in the severe group was lower than that in the non-severe group (p < 0.05). LDH and C-reaction protein (CRP) in the severe group were higher than those in non-severe group (p < 0.01); the levels of albumin, prealbumin, serum uric acid, and LDH in the severe group were significantly different from those in healthy control group (p < 0.01) and the levels of prealbumin, serum uric acid, LDH, and CRP in the severe group were significantly different from those in the other viral pneumonia group (p < 0.01). Serum albumin and prealbumin were positively correlated with the oxygenation index (p < 0.001), while LDH was negatively correlated with oxygenation index (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Serum albumin, prealbumin, the oxygenation index, and LDH are risk factors of COVID-19.
Current Perspectives in the Discovery of Newer Medications Against the Outbreak of COVID-19
Authors: Ramesh M. , Anand Krishnan , Shahbaaz Mohd , Abdellattif Magda H.
Published: July 2021

A rapid and increasing spread of COVID-19 pandemic disease has been perceived worldwide in 2020. The current COVID-19 disease outbreak is due to the spread of SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 is a new strain of coronavirus that has spike protein on the envelope. The spike protein of the virus binds with the ACE-2 receptor of the human lungs surface for entering into the host. Therefore, the blocking of viral entry into the host by targeting the spike protein has been suggested to be a valid strategy to treat COVID-19. The patients of COVID-19 were found to be asymptomatic, cold, mild to severe respiratory illness, and leading to death. The severe illness has been noted mainly in old age people, cardiovascular disease patients, and respiratory disease patients. However, the long-term health effects due to COVID-19 are not yet known. Recently, the vaccines were authorized to protect from COVID-19. However, the researchers have put an effort to discover suitable targets and newer medications in the form of small molecules or peptides, based on in-silico methods and synthetic approaches. This manuscript describes the current perspectives of the causative agent, diagnostic procedure, therapeutic targets, treatment, clinical trials, and development of potential clinical candidates of COVID-19. The study will be useful to identify the potential newer medications for the treatment of COVID-19.
Mathematical Model of SARS-Cov-2 Propagation Versus ACE2 Fits COVID-19 Lethality Across Age and Sex and Predicts That of SARS
Authors: Bastolla Ugo
Published: July 2021

The fatality rate of Covid-19 escalates with age and is larger in men than women. I show that these variations correlate strongly with the level of the viral receptor protein ACE2 in rat lungs, which is consistent with the still limited data on human ACE2. Surprisingly, lower receptor levels correlate with higher fatality. I propose two possible explanations of this negative correlation: First, a previous mathematical model predicts that the velocity of viral progression in the organism as a function of the receptor level has a maximum and declines for abundant receptor. Secondly, degradation of ACE2 by the virus may cause the runaway inflammatory response that characterizes severe CoViD-19. I present here a mathematical model that predicts the lethality as a function of ACE2 protein level based on the two above hypothesis. The model fits Covid-19 fatality rate across age and sex in three countries with high accuracy (r2>0.9) under the hypothesis that the speed of viral progression in the infected organism is a decreasing function of the ACE2 level. Moreover, rescaling the fitted parameters by the ratio of the binding rates of the spike proteins of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 allows predicting the fatality rate of SARS-CoV across age and sex, thus linking the molecular and epidemiological levels.