bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Sensilla-Specific Expression and Subcellular Localization of SNMP1 and SNMP2 Reveal Novel Insights into Their Roles in the Antenna of the Desert Locust Schistocerca gregaria
Authors: Cassau Sina , Sander Doreen , Karcher Thomas , Laue Michael , Hause Gerd , Breer Heinz , Krieger Jürgen
Published: June 2022

Insect olfactory sensilla house olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) and supports cells (SCs). The olfactory sensory processes require, besides the odorant receptors (ORs), insect-specific members of the CD36 family, named sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs). While SNMP1 is considered to act as a coreceptor in the OR-mediated detection of pheromones, SNMP2 was found to be expressed in SCs; however, its function is unknown. For the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, we previously visualized mRNA for SNMP1 in OSNs and SNMP2 mRNA in cells associated with OSN clusters. Towards an understanding of their functional implication, it is imperative to explore the cellular and the subcellular localization the SNMP proteins. Therefore, we have generated polyclonal antibodies against SNMP1 and SNMP2 and used fluorescence immunohistochemistry (FIHC) to visualize the SNMP proteins. We found SNMP1 in the somata and respective dendrites of all OSNs in trichoid sensilla and in subsets of OSNs in basiconic sensilla. Notably, SNMP1 was also detected in SCs of these sensilla types. In contrast, SNMP2 protein was only visualized in SCs of basiconic and coeloconic sensilla, but not of trichoid sensilla. Exploring the subcellular localization by electron microscopy using anti-SNMP1-ab and anti-SNMP2-ab revealed an immunogold labelling of SC microvilli bordering the sensillum lymph. Together our findings suggest a dual role of SNMP1 in the antenna of S. gregaria, in some OSN subpopulations in odor detection as well as in functions of some SCs, whereas the role of SNMP2 is limited to the functions of support cells.
Silencing Transglutaminase Genes TGase2 and TGase3 Has Infection-Dependent Effects on the Heart Rate of the Mosquito Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Ramakrishnan Abinaya , Hillyer Julián F.
Published: June 2022

Transglutaminases are pleiotropic enzymes that in mosquitoes participate in the formation of the mating plug and the wound-induced antimalarial response. Moreover, one transglutaminase, TGase3, negatively regulates the infection-induced aggregation of hemocytes on the heart. Given that TGase3 is an inhibitor of periostial hemocyte aggregation, we used RNAi-based gene silencing followed by intravital video imaging to scrutinize whether any of the three transglutaminases encoded in the genome of the mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, play a role in modulating the heart rate of uninfected and infected mosquitoes. Initially, we confirmed that an infection decreases the heart rate. Then, we uncovered that silencing TGase1 does not impact heart physiology, but silencing TGase2 results in a constant heart rate regardless of infection status, eliminating the infection-induced decrease in the heart rate. Finally, silencing TGase3 decreases the heart rate in uninfected mosquitoes but increases the heart rate in infected mosquitoes. We conclude that TGase2 and TGase3 modulate heart physiology and demonstrate that factors not classically associated with insect circulatory physiology are involved in the functional integration of the immune and circulatory systems of mosquitoes.
The Effect of Supplementary Feeding with Different Pollens in Autumn on Colony Development under Natural Environment and In Vitro Lifespan of Honey Bees
Authors: Topal Erkan , Mărgăoan Rodica , Bay Veysel , Takma Çiğdem , Yücel Banu , Oskay Devrim , Düz Gamze , Acar Sezer , Kösoğlu Mustafa
Published: June 2022

Honey bees need pollen and nectar sources to survive in nature. Particularly, having young bees in colonies is vital before wintering, and proper feeding is necessary to achieve this. In the present study, the effect of feeding with pollen sources of different protein content on colony performance, wintering ability and in-vitro longevity of colonies that weakened after feeding with pine honey in autumn, or that needed to enter the winter period, was investigated. The experiment was carried out in 48 colonies divided into six groups as follows: control, syrup, mixed pollen, Cistus creticus pollen (Pink rock-rose), Papaver somniferum pollen (Opium poppy), and commercial bee cake groups. In particular, the P. somniferum pollen group was different (p < 0.01) from the other experiment groups with the number of bee frames (3.44), the area with brood (1184.14 cm2) and the wintering ability of 92.19%. The effect of nutritional differences on survival was found to be statistically significant in vitro and this supports the colony results in the natural environment (p < 0.001). The P. somniferum group has the longest longevity with 23 days. Pollen preferences of honey bees were P. somniferum, C. creticus, and mixed pollen, respectively.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Carotid Intima–Media Thickness in Physically Active Young Adults: CHIEF Atherosclerosis Study
Authors: Lin Gen-Min , Liu Pang-Yen , Tsai Kun-Zhe , Lin Yu-Kai , Huang Wei-Chun , Lavie Carl
Published: June 2022

Background: The relationship of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with subclinical atherosclerosis affected by the body adiposity has been observed in children, whereas this relationship remains unclear in young adults. Methods and Results: A total of 1520 military recruits, aged 18–40 years, were included in Taiwan in 2018–2020. All subjects underwent detailed physical and blood laboratory examinations. CRF was evaluated by time for a 3000 m run, and subclinical atherosclerosis was evaluated by intima–media thickness of the bulb of the left common carotid artery (cIMT) utilizing high-resolution ultrasonography. Multivariable linear regression analysis with adjustments for age, sex, cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterols, fasting glucose, waist circumference, serum uric acid and serum triglycerides were utilized to determine the correlation between CRF and cIMT. CRF was independently correlated with cIMT (standardized β: 0.11, p < 0.001). Of the cardiometabolic risk markers, serum triglycerides were the only independent risk marker of cIMT (standardized β: 0.063, p = 0.03). In addition, the association of CRF with cIMT did not differ between those with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 and those with BMI < 25 kg/m2 (standardized β: 0.103 and 0.117; p = 0.01 and 0.005, respectively). Conclusions: In physically active young men and women, there was an inverse association of cIMT with CRF, which was observed in both overweight/mild obesity and normal-weight individuals, highlighting the importance of endurance capacity on reducing risk of early atherosclerosis and implying that the moderation effect of body adiposity might not be present in this population.
The Prognostic Role of Polysomnography Parameters in Heart Failure Patients with Previous Decompensation
Authors: Medvedeva Elena , Korostovtseva Lyudmila , Bochkarev Mihail , Shumeiko Anastasiya , Berezina Aelita , Simonenko Maria , Sazonova Yulia , Kozlenok Andrey , Sviryaev Yurii
Published: June 2022

Background: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a widespread comorbidity in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) and may have a deleterious effect on the pathogenesis of HF. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of polysomnography parameters in HF patients with previous decompensation. Methods: 123 patients were included in the prospective cohort study. In addition to the standard examination, all patients underwent polysomnography (PSG). Results: The Kaplan–Meier analysis showed the incidence of the combined endpoint differs between LVEF categories ≤25.5% vs. >25.5% (χ2 = 9.6, log rank p = 0.002), NTpro-BNP > 680 vs. ≤680 pg/mL (χ2 = 12.7, log rank p = 0.001), VO2peak categories <16 vs. ≥16 mL/min/kg (χ2 = 14.2, log rank p = 0.001), VE/VCO2 slope ≥38.5 vs. <38.5 (χ2 = 14.5, log rank p = 0.001), wake after sleep onset >40 min vs. ≤40 min (χ2 = 9.7, log rank p = 0.03), and sleep stage 2 (S2) <44% vs. ≥44% (χ2 = 12.4, log rank p = 0.001). Conclusion: Among the PSG parameters, WASO > 40 min and S2 < 44% were associated with a combined endpoint in patients with previous decompensation of HF. Moreover, higher NT-proBNP and VE/VCO2 slope, lower LVEF, and VO2peak were also independent factors of a poor prognosis.
Perioperative Radiographic Predictors of Non-Union in Infra-Isthmal Femoral Shaft Fractures after Antegrade Intramedullary Nailing: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Hung Wei-Cheng , Hsu Chin-Jung , Kumar Abhishek , Tsai Chun-Hao , Chang Hao-Wei , Lin Tsung-Li
Published: June 2022

Antegrade intramedullary (IM) nailing is the gold standard treatment for femoral shaft fractures; however, the non-union rate of infra-isthmal femoral shaft fractures is still high after antegrade IM nailing. This retrospective case–control study aimed to determine the association between perioperative radiographic factors and the non-union of infra-isthmal femoral shaft fractures after antegrade IM nailing. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the radiographic risk factors of non-union. Ninety-three patients were included, with thirty-one non-unions and sixty-two matched controls between 2007 and 2017. All were regularly followed up for 2 years. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that a ratio of the unfixed distal segment > 32.5% was strongly predictive of postoperative non-union. The risk factors for non-union were AO/OTA type B and C (odds ratio [OR]: 2.20), a smaller ratio of the distal fragment (OR: 4.05), a greater ratio of the unfixed distal segment (OR: 7.16), a higher ratio of IM canal diameter to nail size at the level of fracture (OR: 6.23), and fewer distal locking screws (OR: 2.31). The radiographic risk factors for non-union after antegrade IM nailing for infra-isthmal femoral shaft fractures were unstable fractures, shorter distal fragments, longer unfixed distal fragments, wider IM canal, and fewer distal locking screws. Surgeons must strive to avoid non-union with longer and larger nails and apply more distal locking screws, especially for unstable, wider IM canal, and shorter distal fragment fractures.
Oral Health of Children One to Six Years after Dental Treatment under General Anaesthesia
Authors: Ehlers Vicky , Callaway Angelika , Patyna Michael , Pelkner Alexandra , Azrak Birgül , Deschner James
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to assess oral health in children following dental treatment under general anaesthesia and to obtain information about oral health measures in both the children and their parents. (2) Methods: Children were scheduled for regular dental re-examination one to six years after dental treatment under general anaesthesia. Scores for mixed dmft/DMFT, the plaque control record (PCR), and the gingival bleeding index (GBI) were determined. Information about children’s/parents’ oral hygiene habits and frequency of dental visits was obtained. Scores for mixed dmft/DMFT as assessed before dental treatment under general anaesthesia/at re-examination were compared (Wilcoxon test). (3) Results: From the 134 parents initially contacted, 35 attended regular dental control visits (response rate: 26%) with their children (median age 6 years). Of the 35 children (20 female, 15 male), 18 (51.4%) were healthy and 17 (48.6%) had a pre-existing condition. Mixed dmft/DMFT scores determined at the recall visit differed significantly from the earlier visit (p = 0.006). Children had 1.74 ± 3.64 teeth newly affected by caries. Four children (11.4%) needed dental treatment under general anaesthesia again. Oral hygiene was mediocre (median PCR: 32%). The GBI was high (median: 14%). Children with a high PCR also had a high GBI. (4) Conclusions: Children who had received dental treatment under general anaesthesia still had a high caries risk. Further prophylaxis programs are necessary to prevent caries and further use of general anaesthesia.
Exploring the Differences in the Gut Microbiome in Atopic Dermatitis According to the Presence of Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Authors: Han Chang-Yi , Kwon Soon-Kyeong , Yeom Mijung , Hahm Dae-Hyun , Park Jae-Woo , Park Hi-Joon , Kim Kyuseok
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial chronic allergic skin disease. Gastrointestinal (GI) functions have been suggested to be associated with its incidence or severity. As modulators of the gut–skin axis, gut microbes might affect the pathophysiology of AD. (2) Methods: We divided a cohort of patients with AD according to their GI symptoms as follows: AD with epigastric fullness (ADwEF), AD with epigastric rigidity (ADwER), and AD without GI symptoms (ADw/oGI). The gut microbial profiles were analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. (3) Results: The microbiota of the ADwER group showed low diversity indices in richness and evenness and formed a separate cluster to the other groups. In the ADwER group, the proportion of Bacteroides increased, while that of Prevotella decreased; functional pathways related to phosphotransferase systems were not abundant relative to those in the ADw/oGI group. Taken together, patients with AD with GI symptoms have a different microbiome from patients with simple AD. (4) Conclusions: In an exploratory study aimed at evaluating the relationship between AD and GI symptoms, the gut microbiome in patients with AD with GI symptoms differed from that in patients with simple AD, and this result could serve as a basis for further gut–skin axis studies.
Characteristics of the Ciliary Body in Healthy Chinese Subjects Evaluated by Radial and Transverse Imaging of Ultrasound Biometric Microscopy
Authors: Ren Jiawei , Gao Xinbo , Chen Liming , Lin Huishan , Liu Yao , Zhou Yuying , Liao Yunru , Xie Chunzi , Zuo Chengguo , Lin Mingkai
Published: June 2022

Background: The imaging and analysis of the ciliary body (CB) are valuable in many potential clinical applications. This study aims to demonstrate the anatomy characteristics of CB using radial and transverse imaging of ultrasound biometric microscopy (UBM) in healthy Chinese subjects, and to explore the determining factors. Methods: Fifty-four eyes of 30 healthy Chinese subjects were evaluated. Clinical data, including age, body mass index (BMI), intraocular pressure (IOP), axial length (AL), and lens thickness (LT), were collected. Radial and transverse UBM measurements of the ciliary body were performed. Anterior chamber depth (ACD), ciliary sulcus diameter (CSD), ciliary process length (CPL), ciliary process density (CPD), ciliary process area (CPA), ciliary muscle area (CMA), ciliary body area (CBA), ciliary body thickness (CBT0, CBT1, and CBTmax), anterior placement of ciliary body (APCB), and trabecular-ciliary angle (TCA) of four (superior, nasal, inferior, and temporal) quadrants were measured. Results: The average CPL was 0.513 ± 0.074 mm, and the average CPA was 0.890 ± 0.141 mm2. CPL and CPA tended to be longer and larger in the superior quadrant (p < 0.001) than in the other three quadrants. Average CPL was significantly correlated with AL (r = 0.535, p < 0.001), ACD (r = 0.511, p < 0.001), and LT (r = −0.512, p < 0.001). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) scores were high for CPL (0.979), CPD (0.992), CPA (0.966), CMA (0.963), and CBA (0.951). Conclusions: In healthy Chinese subjects, CPL was greatest in the superior quadrant, followed by the inferior, temporal, and nasal quadrants, and CPA was largest in the superior quadrant, followed by the tempdoral, inferior, and nasal quadrants. Transverse UBM images can be used to measure the anatomy of the ciliary process with relatively good repeatability and reliability.
Comparison of Malocclusion Prevalence, Type and Severity between Cerebral Palsy and Healthy Subjects: A Prospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Martínez-Mihi Victoria , Paredes-Gallardo Vanessa , Silvestre Francisco-Javier , Silvestre-Rangil Javier
Published: June 2022

Background: To analyze the prevalence, type and severity of malocclusions in a group of patients with cerebral palsy (CP) using a facial and occlusal analysis and the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). Methods: A prospective, case–control study was made of two groups, a cerebral palsy and a control group, with the determination of the facial and occlusion analysis in the three spatial planes. The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) was used to assess the severity of malocclusion. Results: The patients with CP presented a higher prevalence of increased facial lower third height and a greater tendency towards right-side canine and molar class II malocclusion, narrower transverse relationship and crossbite. The DAI scores were statistically significantly higher in the CP group. Increased physical impairment in the CP group was associated to greater DAI scores. Conclusions: The prevalence and severity of malocclusion were significantly greater in the CP group. The type of malocclusion predominantly found in these patients was molar class II, with open bite, increased overjet and a narrow arch. The CP group also presented mixed breathing with higher DAI scores and decreased facial lower third height.
Correlation of Nabiximols Dose to Steady-State Concentrations of Cannabinoids in Urine Samples from Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Birke Rüdiger , Meister Stefanie , Winkelmann Alexander , Hinz Burkhard , Walther Udo I.
Published: June 2022

Therapeutic drug monitoring of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) is based on a complex procedure and is therefore not possible in most laboratories, especially in emergency cases. This work addresses the question of whether therapeutic drug monitoring of nabiximols can be performed using an immunological urine-based test system for cannabinoid abuse. Seventeen patients with multiple sclerosis were included in this study. Administered doses of nabiximols were correlated with immunologically determined urine concentrations of cannabinoids using the DRITM Cannabinoid (THC) Assay. Significant correlations with the administered nabiximols doses were found for creatinine-normalized urine concentrations of cannabinoids without (r = 0.675; p = 0.0015) and after (r = 0.650; p = 0.0044) hydrolysis, as well as for gas-chromatography-coupled mass spectrometry (GC/MS)-measured concentrations of the THC metabolite 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-THC (THC-COOH) in urine samples (r = 0.571; p = 0.0084) by Pearson’s correlation. In addition, doses were significantly correlated with plasma THC-COOH concentrations (r = 0.667; p = 0.0017) measured by GC/MS. Simple immunological cannabinoid measurements in urine samples could provide an estimate of nabiximols dosage, although the correlations obtained here were weak because of the small number of patients observed. Longitudinal monitoring of individual patients is expected to exhibit good results of therapeutic drug monitoring of nabiximols.
Update on the Accuracy of Conventional and Digital Full-Arch Impressions of Partially Edentulous and Fully Dentate Jaws in Young and Elderly Subjects: A Clinical Trial
Authors: Schlenz Maximiliane Amelie , Stillersfeld Julian Maximilian , Wöstmann Bernd , Schmidt Alexander
Published: June 2022

To update the available literature on the accuracy of conventional and digital full-arch impressions using the latest hardware and software, participants of different age groups and dental status were investigated. An established reference aid-based method was applied to analyze five intraoral scanners (IOS) CS 3800 (CS), iTero Element 5D (IT), Medit i700 (ME), Primescan (PS), and Trios 4 (TR), and one conventional polyether impression (CVI). Forty-five participants were classified into three groups: Age 27.3 ± 2.7 years fully dentate, 60.6 ± 8.1 years fully dentate, and 65.7 ± 6.2 years partially edentulous. The IOS datasets were investigated using three-dimensional software (GOM Inspect), and plaster casts of CVI were analyzed using a co-ordinate measurement machine. The deviations of the reference aid to impressions were determined. No significant differences in age between the three groups were observed by the IOS in terms of trueness (p < 0.05). These findings were confirmed for precision, except for TR. In contrast to CS (mean ± standard deviation 98.9 ± 62.1 µm) and IT (89.0 ± 91.0 µm), TR (58.3 ± 66.8 µm), ME (57.9 ± 66.7 µm), and PS (55.5 ± 48.7 µm) did not show significant differences than those of CVI (34.8 ± 29.6 µm) in overall view. Within the study, the latest IOSs still showed limitations in the accuracy of full-arch impressions. However, they seemed to be unaffected by age and fully dentate or partially edentulous dentitions with small gaps.
Effect of Functionalization with Potassium Atoms on the Electronic Properties of a 3D Glass-like Nanomaterial Reinforced with Carbon Nanotubes: In Silico Study
Authors: Petrunin Alexander A. , Slepchenkov Michael M. , Glukhova Olga E.
Published: June 2022

In this paper, using the self-consistent charge density-functional tight-binding (SCC DFTB) method, we perform an in silico study of the effect of functionalization by potassium atoms on the electronic properties of a new configuration of the glass-like carbon (GLC) reinforced with (4,4) and (6,5) single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The method of classical molecular dynamics was used to obtain energetically stable GLC configurations with different mass fractions of potassium. It is found that with an increase in the mass fraction of SWCNTs, the elasticity of GLC increases. It is shown that when the GLC structure reinforced with SWCNTs is filled with potassium, the number of available electronic states at the Fermi level increases compared to GLC without nanotubes, which significantly improves the emission and electrophysical characteristics of the carbon nanomaterial. For most structures, at a potassium/carbon mass ratio of 1:100 (0.01), an increase in the Fermi energy is observed, and, hence, a decrease in the work function. The maximum decrease in the work function by ~0.3 eV was achieved at a mass ratio of potassium/carbon of 1:4.5 (0.23) for GLC reinforced with (6,5) SWCNTs. It is revealed that, at a mass ratio of potassium/carbon of 1:28.5 (0.035), the quantum capacitance of GLC reinforced with (4,4) and (6,5) SWCNTs increases by ~9.4% (1752.63 F/g) and 24.1% (2092.04 F/g), respectively, as compared to GLC without nanotubes (1587.93 F/g). Based on the results obtained, the prospects for the application of the proposed GLC configuration in emission electronics devices are predicted.
Manufacturing of Fibrous Composites for Engineering Applications
Authors: Xu Jinyang
Published: June 2022

Fibrous composites are advanced engineering materials featuring the impregnation of fiber phase with a polymer matrix base to yield enhanced properties [...]
Easy—Ensemble Augmented-Shot-Y-Shaped Learning: State-of-the-Art Few-Shot Classification with Simple Components
Authors: Bendou Yassir , Hu Yuqing , Lafargue Raphael , Lioi Giulia , Pasdeloup Bastien , Pateux Stéphane , Gripon Vincent
Published: June 2022

Few-shot classification aims at leveraging knowledge learned in a deep learning model, in order to obtain good classification performance on new problems, where only a few labeled samples per class are available. Recent years have seen a fair number of works in the field, each one introducing their own methodology. A frequent problem, though, is the use of suboptimally trained models as a first building block, leading to doubts about whether proposed approaches bring gains if applied to more sophisticated pretrained models. In this work, we propose a simple way to train such models, with the aim of reaching top performance on multiple standardized benchmarks in the field. This methodology offers a new baseline on which to propose (and fairly compare) new techniques or adapt existing ones.
Numerical Simulation of the Thermo-Mechanical Behavior of 6061 Aluminum Alloy during Friction-Stir Welding
Authors: Mishin Vasiliy , Shishov Ivan , Kalinenko Alexander , Vysotskii Igor , Zuiko Ivan , Malopheyev Sergey , Mironov Sergey , Kaibyshev Rustam
Published: June 2022

In this work, a finite-element model was elaborated to simulate the thermomechanical behavior of 6061 aluminum alloy during friction-stir welding (FSW). It was shown that FSW-induced deformation is a two-stage process. In addition to the stirring action exerted by the rotating tool probe, the material in the near-surface area of the stir zone also experienced a secondary deformation by the shoulder edge after passage of the welding tool. Both deformation steps were found to be comparable in terms of temperature and strain, but the secondary deformation was primarily concentrated in the near-surface layer. The effects of tool rotation and translation rates on FSW temperature and strain were also systematically examined. Depending on particular welding conditions, the peak welding temperature was predicted to vary from 360 to 500 °C, while the cumulative effective strain was from 12 to 45.
A 3D Innovative Approach Supporting the Description of Boring Sponges of the Precious Red Coral Corallium rubrum
Authors: Pulido Mantas Torcuato , Bavestrello Giorgio , Bertolino Marco , Cerrano Carlo , Pica Daniela , Roveta Camilla , Calcinai Barbara
Published: June 2022

The carbonatic scleraxis of Corallium rubrum (L.), commonly known as red coral, is often found infested by excavating sponges. These boring organisms produce galleries inside the compact axis of the coral in a variety of shapes compromising the integrity of the skeleton and reducing its commercial value. Three sponge species, already known to bore into Corallium rubrum, have been identified in colonies collected from Cape Verde Archipelago—Alectona millari (Carter, 1879); Dotona pulchella mediterranea (Rosell and Uriz, 2002); and Thoosa armata (Topsent, 1888)—together with a new species belonging to the genus Alectona and here described. SEM analysis provided evidence of the microerosion patterns of these species, confirming the presence of radial scars overlapped with the concentric ones, in T. armata. For the first time, microcomputed tomography was employed to obtain three-dimensional reconstructions of sponge excavations inside the red coral scleraxis and to estimate the eroded volume.
Bioremediation Capabilities of Hymeniacidon perlevis (Porifera, Demospongiae) in a Land-Based Experimental Fish Farm
Authors: Longo Caterina , Pierri Cataldo , Mercurio Maria , Trani Roberta , Cardone Frine , Carbonara Pierluigi , Alfonso Sébastien , Stabili Loredana
Published: June 2022

The expansion of aquaculture practices in coastal areas can alter the balance of microbial communities in nearby marine ecosystems with negative impacts on both farmed and natural species, as well as on human health through their consumption. Among marine filter-feeder invertebrates, poriferans are known as effective microbial bioremediators, even though they are currently still underutilized in association with fish mariculture plants. In this study, we investigate the microbial bioremediation capability of the demosponge Hymeniacidon perlevis in an experimental land-based fish farm where this species occurred consistently in the drainage conduit of the wastewater. Microbiological analyses of cultivable vibrios, total culturable bacteria (37 °C), fecal and total coliforms, and fecal enterococci were carried out on the fish farm wastewater in two sampling periods: autumn and spring. The results showed that H. perlevis is able to filter and remove all the considered bacterial groups from the wastewater, including human potential pathogens, in both sampling periods. This finding sustains the hypothesis of H. perlevis use as a bioremediator in land-based aquaculture plants as well.
Bioinformatics Analysis and Functional Characterization of the CFEM Proteins of Metarhizium anisopliae
Authors: Cai Ni , Liu Rong , Yan Duozi , Zhang Neng , Zhu Kaihui , Zhang Daogang , Nong Xiangqun , Tu Xiongbing , Zhang Zehua , Wang Guangjun
Published: June 2022

The entomopathogen Metarhizium anisopliae is a facultative rhizosphere or endophytic fungus available for managing pests and improving plant growth. The CFEM (common in fungal extracellular membrane) proteins form a unique group in fungi but are rarely reported in entomopathogens. In this study, we cloned and identified 13 CFEM genes from M. anisopliae (MaCFEMs). Sequence alignment and WebLogo analysis showed that eight cysteines were the most conserved amino acids in their CFEM domain. Phylogenic analysis suggested that these 13 proteins could be divided into 4 clades based on the presence of the transmembrane region and the position of CFEM domain in the whole sequence. Six MaCFEM proteins with a signal peptide and without a transmembrane domain were considered candidate effector proteins. According to Phyre2 analysis, the MaCFEM88 and MaCFEM85 have the most homologous to Csa2 in Candida albicans. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that five effectors were located in the plasma membrane, while MaCFEM88 may locate in both plasma membrane and nucleus in the treated Nicotiana benthamiana. Expression pattern analysis showed that MaCFEM81, 85, 88, and 89 expression level was significantly higher in the sporulation stage compared to other growth stages. Furthermore, the yeast secretion assay showed that six candidate effectors were able to secrete out of the cell. All of the MaCFEMs couldn’t affect INF1-induced programmed cell death (PCD), but MaCFEM85 and 88 could trigger a slight hypersensitive response both when applied separately or in combination with INF1 in N. benthamiana leaves. These findings showed that six MaCFEM potential effectors with various structures and subcellular localizations in host cells might be used to illustrate the roles of MaCFEM proteins during M. anisopliae-plant interactions.
Marine Compounds with Anti-Candida sp. Activity: A Promised “Land” for New Antifungals
Authors: Alves Anelise Maria Costa Vasconcelos , Cruz-Martins Natália , Rodrigues Célia Fortuna
Published: June 2022

Candida albicans is still the major yeast causing human fungal infections. Nevertheless, in the last decades, non-Candida albicans Candida species (NCACs) (e.g., Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, and Candida parapsilosis) have been increasingly linked to Candida sp. infections, mainly in immunocompromised and hospitalized patients. The escalade of antifungal resistance among Candida sp. demands broadly effective and cost-efficient therapeutic strategies to treat candidiasis. Marine environments have shown to be a rich source of a plethora of natural compounds with substantial antimicrobial bioactivities, even against resistant pathogens, such as Candida sp. This short review intends to briefly summarize the most recent marine compounds that have evidenced anti-Candida sp. activity. Here, we show that the number of compounds discovered in the last years with antifungal activity is growing. These drugs have a good potential to be used for the treatment of candidiasis, but disappointedly the reports have devoted a high focus on C. albicans, neglecting the NCACs, highlighting the need to perform outspreading studies in the near future.
WARE: Wet AMD Risk-Evaluation Tool as a Clinical Decision-Support System Integrating Genetic and Non-Genetic Factors
Authors: Fabrizio Carlo , Termine Andrea , Caputo Valerio , Megalizzi Domenica , Zampatti Stefania , Falsini Benedetto , Cusumano Andrea , Eandi Chiara Maria , Ricci Federico , Giardina Emiliano , Strafella Claudia , Cascella Raffaella
Published: June 2022

Given the multifactorial features characterizing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the availability of a tool able to provide the individual risk profile is extremely helpful for personalizing the follow-up and treatment protocols of patients. To this purpose, we developed an open-source computational tool named WARE (Wet AMD Risk Evaluation), able to assess the individual risk profile for wet AMD based on genetic and non-genetic factors. In particular, the tool uses genetic risk measures normalized for their relative frequencies in the general population and disease prevalence. WARE is characterized by a user-friendly web page interface that is intended to assist clinicians in reporting risk assessment upon patient evaluation. When using the tool, plots of population risk distribution highlight a “low-risk zone” and a “high-risk zone” into which subjects can fall depending on their risk-assessment result. WARE represents a reliable population-specific computational system for wet AMD risk evaluation that can be exploited to promote preventive actions and personalized medicine approach for affected patients or at-risk individuals. This tool can be suitable to compute the disease risk adjusted to different populations considering their specific genetic factors and related frequencies, non-genetic factors, and the disease prevalence.
Validity and Reliability of the Dental Neglect Scale among Romanian Adults
Authors: Balgiu Beatrice Adriana , Sfeatcu Ruxandra , Mihai Christina , Ilici Roxana Romanița , Parlatescu Ioanina , Tribus Laura
Published: June 2022

The Dental Neglect Scale (DNS) is a well-known measure for assessing behaviours and attitudes related to oral health. However, the factor inconsistency revealed by the literature involves further investigations. The study focuses on the validation of the DNS in the case of a sample of the adult population from Romania. In this regard, data were collected online from 872 adults (616 females and 256 males). DNS reliability was examined from the perspective of internal consistency. Convergent validity was performed by associating DNS with different scales from the oral health field. In order to examine and confirm the factorial structure, the sample was broken down into two subsamples which made the subject of the exploratory factorial analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factorial analysis (CFA), respectively. DNS-RO is positively associated with the scale which measures the values related to oral health (OHVS) and negatively with those that assess the impact of the oral health on life quality (OHIP-14), the distrust of the benefits of oral health services (R-DBS), and reduced need for oral care (DIS). The Cronbach’s α = 0.70, McDonald’s ω = 0.70 and CR = 0.77 are acceptable. Both EFA and CFA (χ2/df = 1.13; CFI = 0.99; RMSEA = 0.017; SRMR = 0.059) support the unifactorial structure of the scale. The gender differences show that females evince greater care for oral health than male subjects. The study shows that the DNS-RO can be used to assess the behaviours and attitudes towards oral health in the case of the Romanian adult population in epidemiological studies and health promotion programs through health education.
Chronic Effects of Effective Oral Cannabidiol Delivery on 24-h Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Vascular Outcomes in Treated and Untreated Hypertension (HYPER-H21-4): Study Protocol for a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, and Crossover Study
Authors: Kumric Marko , Bozic Josko , Dujic Goran , Vrdoljak Josip , Dujic Zeljko
Published: June 2022

Accumulating data from both human and animal studies suggest that cannabidiol (CBD) may be associated with improved cardiovascular function, markedly with regard to reduction in blood pressure and improved endothelial function. However, there is a lack of randomized studies to support these notions, especially in at-risk populations. The principal aim of this randomized, placebo-controlled, and crossover study is to examine the influence of chronic CBD administration on 24-h blood pressure in individuals with mild or moderate hypertension who are either untreated or receiving standard care therapy. The secondary aims of the study are to determine the safety and tolerability of 5 weeks of CBD administration, and to quantify the effect on arterial stiffness, CBD and vascular health biomarkers, inflammation, heart rate variability, and psychological well-being in both groups of patients. The present single-center study is designed as a triple blind (Participant, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor), placebo-controlled, crossover pilot study in which 70 hypertensive volunteers (aged 40–70 years) will receive DehydraTECH2.0 CBD formulation and placebo in a crossover manner. We believe that comprehensive analyses that will be performed in the present trial will decipher whether CBD is in fact a safe and valuable supplement for patients with treated and untreated hypertension.
Experience with Photodynamic Therapy Using Indocyanine Green Liposomes for Refractory Cancer
Authors: Yorozu Kensho , Kaibori Masaki , Kimura Shintarou , Ichikawa Misa , Matsui Kosuke , Kaneshige Soichiro , Kobayashi Masanori , Jimbo Daiki , Torikai Yusuke , Fukuzawa Yoshitaka , Okamoto Yoshiharu
Published: June 2022

We reported the development of an effective cancer treatment using a multidisciplinary treatment, including photodynamic therapy (PDT) with indocyanine green (ICG) liposomes and a combination of Lentinula edodes mycelia (LEM) and hydrogen gas inhalation therapy. ICG liposomes were prepared by adding 5 mg of ICG to 50 mL liposomes. Later, 25 mL of ICG liposomes were diluted with 250 mL of 5% glucose solution and administered intravenously to the patient. We selected the multi-laser delivery system (MLDS), a laser irradiator for performing PDT. Further, the patients received a combination of LEM and hydrogen gas inhalation therapy throughout the treatment. We reported two cases of PDT therapy, one with middle intrathoracic esophagus carcinoma and the other with hypopharyngeal cancer. In the first case, the MLDS laser was directly attached to the endoscope and directed to the cancer area with wavelengths of 810 nm. After the treatment, a biopsy demonstrated no tumor recurrence. In the second case, the patient was treated with endovascular PDT using ICG liposomes and MLDS fiber optics. Later, tumor shrinkage was demonstrated after the first round and disappeared after six months. In conclusion, the present findings suggest that the effect of PDT using ICG liposomes with LEM and hydrogen gas may eradicate cancer without burdening patients by enhancing tumor immunity.
Risk Factors Predisposing to Angina in Patients with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Wiśniewski Oskar Wojciech , Dydowicz Franciszek , Salamaga Szymon , Skulik Przemysław , Migaj Jacek , Kałużna-Oleksy Marta
Published: June 2022

No hemodynamically significant atherosclerotic plaques are observed in up to 30% of patients reporting angina and undergoing coronary angiography. To investigate risk factors associated with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (NOCAD), we analyzed the medical records of, consecutively, 136 NOCAD subjects and 128 patients with significant stenosis in at least one coronary artery (the OCAD group). The blood concentrations of the TC (4.40 [3.78–5.63] mmol/L vs. 4.12 [3.42–5.01] mmol/L; p = 0.026), LDL-C (2.32 [1.80–3.50] mmol/L vs. 2.10 [1.50–2.70] mmol/L; p = 0.003), non-HDL-C (2.89 [2.29–4.19] mmol/L vs. 2.66 [2.06–3.39] mmol/L; p = 0.045), as well as the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (1.75 [1.22–2.60] vs. 1.50 [1.10–1.95]; p = 0.018) were significantly increased in the NOCAD patients compared to the OCAD group due to the lower prevalence and intensity of the statin therapy in the NOCAD individuals (p < 0.001). Moreover, the abovementioned lipid parameters appeared to be valuable predictors of NOCAD, with the LDL-C (OR = 1.44; 95%CI = 1.14–1.82) and LDL-C/HDL-C (OR = 1.51; 95%CI = 1.13–2.02) showing the highest odds ratios. Furthermore, multivariable logistic regression models determined female sex as the independent risk factor for NOCAD (OR = 2.37; 95%CI = 1.33–4.20). Simultaneously, arterial hypertension substantially lowered the probability of NOCAD (OR = 0.21; 95%CI = 0.10–0.43). To conclude, female sex, the absence of arterial hypertension, as well as increased TC, LDL-C, non-HDL, and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio are risk factors for NOCAD in patients reporting angina, potentially as a result of poor hypercholesterolemia management.
Analysis of Spatial Patterns and Socioeconomic Activities of Urbanized Rural Areas in Fujian Province, China
Authors: Guo Qinghai , He Zhichao , Li Dawei , Spyra Marcin
Published: June 2022

Rural urbanization under China’s process of rapid urbanization entails significant rural transformation and is profoundly influencing sustainable development. However, little research has been undertaken on spatial patterns and socioeconomic activities. In this study, we defined urbanized rural areas as territories where the population size, economic output, and built-up land area are larger than in other rural and urban areas. Using large-scale and high-granularity spatial data, we delimited 255 urbanized rural areas from the 15,117 village-level administrative units in Fujian Province, China, in 2015. Analysis of the spatial patterns of the urbanized rural areas showed that spatial clustering, proximity to well-developed urban centers, and transportation accessibility influenced the development of the urbanized rural areas. Analysis of socioeconomic activities in the urbanized rural areas showed that the urbanized rural areas are rudimentary urban areas in terms of socioeconomic activities. Specifically, we found four representative socioeconomic activities in the urbanized rural areas: an urban-like housing model, diverse non-agricultural activities, transportation improvements, and sufficient health services. Based on our findings, we put forward several policy implications. This study can add valuable new knowledge for rural and urbanization studies.
Characterization of Soil-Plant Leaf Nutrient Elements and Key Factors Affecting Mangoes in Karst Areas of Southwest China
Authors: Song Tao , Huang Chao , Yang Hui , Liang Jianhong , Ma Yiqi , Xu Can , Li Mingbao , Liu Xiang , Zhang Liankai
Published: June 2022

Baise city is one of the largest producers of mangoes, with this agricultural industry located in the karst region of Southwest China. However, calcium-rich and alkaline soils, severe soil fragmentation, and poor water and fertilizer retention capacity contribute to low mango yields and are key issues that limit the development of the mango industry in karst areas. Our study objectives were to identify the soil factors that limit mango growth and yield in the karst region of Southwest China, and to determine how these growth- and production-limiting conditions vary between landscape positions. This study analyzed the differences in soil nutrient and element contents in mango leaves, and used a Random Forest algorithm to calculate the eigenvalues of the mango leaf and soil elemental indices in the different geomorphic parts (slopes, transition zone, passes, high-yielding depressions, and low-yielding depressions) of the karst peak-cluster depressions. The key factors affecting the mango leaves and soil were screened based on the diagnostic results and the eigenvalues. The results showed that for the elemental contents of Fe, Mg, Ca, and Mn in the mango leaves in the different geomorphic parts of the karst, the peak-cluster depressions were generally deficient and varied significantly. The contents of available B (AB), soil organic matter (SOM), pH, total nitrogen, available Fe, available Mn, alkaline hydrolysis nitrogen, exchangeable Ca (Caex), exchangeable Mg, and other indices in the soils differed significantly, and AB, available Zn, and available K (AK) showed low or very low content levels. In addition, the key soil factors limiting mango yield in the karst areas were AB, fulvic acid, SOM, Fe, Mn, Caex, soil water, and AK; and the key mango leaf factors were Ca, Mn, Fe, Zn, and Mg. Consequently, the characteristics of soil water content, pH, and soil organic matter may be the main drivers affecting the differences in the mango yield and the elemental characteristics. These findings suggest that the addition of organic fertilizer could improve the quality and yield of mangoes in karst areas.
Restructuring for Growth in Development Zones, China: A Systematic Literature and Policy Review (1984–2022)
Authors: Yang Lingfan , Luo Xiaolong , Ding Ziyao , Liu Xiaoman , Gu Zongni
Published: June 2022

China’s development zones have been enjoying a process of dramatic growth and restructuring since the start of the new millennium, which has been extensively documented in the literature. The growth stems from the increased scope and expansion in demand created by China’s economic growth, as well as gradual global economic reconfiguration, which has, in itself, become a factor in advancing the country’s spiraling economic growth. This article examines the trajectory of the growth and restructuring of China’s development zones since 1984, by reviewing critical policies and their measures and effects, as well as academic research in this field, focusing on transitional stages, features and mechanisms. Based on different academic viewpoints, the work sets out a three-pronged conceptual framework composed of institutional transition, industrial evolution and land use transformation to systematize the growth process. In recent years, the restructuring of development zones has come to be considered as a comprehensive and complex issue, and its main challenges arise from factors such as overcoming outdated institutional arrangements, strengthening market participation, promoting high-end industrial agglomeration and breaking the bottleneck of inefficient land use. This article uses a multi-dimensional, logical approach to address the growth of development zones, and examines relevant practices and studies so as to explore the deeply rooted correlations between different dimensions in more depth and to examine the innate and unchanged logic involved in the restructuring of development zones.
Response of Land Use and Net Primary Productivity to Coal Mining: A Case Study of Huainan City and Its Mining Areas
Authors: Wang Xiaotong , Han Jiazheng , Lin Jian
Published: June 2022

The terrestrial ecosystem carbon cycle is essential to the global carbon cycle. Mining activities have seriously damaged the terrestrial ecosystem and destroyed the carbon sequestration ability of vegetation, which is of great significance to studying the effect of coal mining on land structure change and carbon sink function in cities and mining areas. However, the existing research lacks the targeted analysis of the carbon sink level of the mining area combined with the mining data. Based on the coal-mining information, land-use data, and MODIS NPP data, this study analyzed the spatio-temporal change characteristics of land use and NPP in Huainan City and its mining areas from 2001 to 2020. The results showed that: (1) 22.5% of the land types in the mining area have changed, much higher than 3.2% in Huainan; 40.08 km2 of the cropland in the mining area has been transformed into waterbodies, seriously affecting regional food security. (2) NPP fluctuates with rainfall, has a weak correlation with temperature, and is restricted by coal-mining factors. The average NPP of most coal mines is significantly lower than that of non-mining areas. The NPP of Huainan City showed an overall growth trend of 2.20 g/(m2 × a), which was much higher than the average value of 0.43 g/(m2 × a) in the mining area. Especially in the Guqiao mine, the difference in NPPslope before and after mining was as high as 16.92 g/(m2 × a). (3) The probability integral method was used to estimate that 195.16 km2 of land in Huainan would be damaged by mining in 2020. The distribution of damage degree was negatively correlated with NPPslope, which meant the more serious the damage was, the less NPPslope was. This study revealed the characteristics of land-use change and NPP spatio-temporal response in resource-based cities and mining-disturbed areas. It quantitatively estimated the impact of mining activities on regional carbon sink function. It can provide theory and data support for mining areas to carry out ecological protection and restoration, improve the environmental service function of resource-based cities, and formulate sustainable development strategies.