bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turning Eight Family Homes Into Interactive, Pervasive Playgrounds During the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown
Authors: Matjeka Louise Petersen , Svanæs Dag , Wang Alf Inge
Published: May 2022

This paper presents an evaluation study of how eighth families adopted, played and experienced a movement-based game system of analog and digital technologies in their homes during a pandemic lockdown. The COVID-19 pandemic locked down many countries and grounded people in their homes with social and physical implications. A game system consisting of simple, tangible technologies with modular components was designed to meet these needs. The game system was developed for the players to set up in their homes easily and, therefore, should not depend on screens or extensive physical installations. The game system comprises simple, tangible technologies such as light and music cubes, a simple mobile robot, card game challenges, and a suite of mini-games combining the elements in a variety of playful experiences. Using the technology probes methodology, the game system was packed into a suitcase and evaluated by eight families that played the game in their homes, video-recorded their sessions, wrote a final report and were (informally) interviewed afterwards. The data set presents how the families turned their ordinary everyday spaces into interactive, pervasive playgrounds encouraging social and bodily exploration and play. Furthermore, the study shows how bodily movement and social play can be promoted through different technologies that stimulate various bodily senses and incorporate them through the different game and play structures into their everyday living environments. The findings resulted in four design implications to aid designers and researchers in future work on movement-based game systems and interactive, pervasive playground design. These design implications accommodate social and bodily activities in ordinary places otherwise not pre-allocated for play or game activities.
Isolated Coarctation of the Aorta: Current Concepts and Perspectives
Authors: Bhatt Ami B. , Lantin-Hermoso Maria R. , Daniels Curt J. , Jaquiss Robert , Landis Benjamin John , Marino Bradley S. , Rathod Rahul H. , Vincent Robert N. , Keller Bradley B. , Villafane Juan
Published: May 2022

Current management of isolated CoA, localized narrowing of the aortic arch in the absence of other congenital heart disease, is a success story with improved prenatal diagnosis, high survival and improved understanding of long-term complication. Isolated CoA has heterogenous presentations, complex etiologic mechanisms, and progressive pathophysiologic changes that influence outcome. End-to-end or extended end-to-end anastomosis are the favored surgical approaches for isolated CoA in infants and transcatheter intervention is favored for children and adults. Primary stent placement is the procedure of choice in larger children and adults. Most adults with treated isolated CoA thrive, have normal daily activities, and undergo successful childbirth. Fetal echocardiography is the cornerstone of prenatal counseling and genetic testing is recommended. Advanced 3D imaging identifies aortic complications and myocardial dysfunction and guides individualized therapies including re-intervention. Adult CHD program enrollment is recommended. Longer follow-up data are needed to determine the frequency and severity of aneurysm formation, myocardial dysfunction, and whether childhood lifestyle modifications reduce late-onset complications.
Subseasonal Reversal of Winter Temperature Over Northeast China in 2014/2015: Role of Arctic Sea Ice
Authors: Dai Haixia , Fan Ke
Published: May 2022

This study investigates the temperature reversal over Northeast China (NEC) in winter 2014/2015, focusing on the variations of related general circulations and the affecting mechanisms of the Arctic sea ice on daily scale. It turns out to be the coupled impacts of the eastward propagations of tropospheric wave trains from the North Atlantic Ocean and the downward reflections of planetary wavenumber-1 from the stratosphere that resulted in the subseasonal reversal of winter temperature over NEC in winter 2014/2015. Also, such anomalous atmospheric circulations can be attributed to sea-ice anomalies over the Davis Strait–Baffin Bay (SIC-DSBB) and the Barents–Kara Sea (SIC-BKS) in November 2014. SIC-DSBB anomalies in November 2014 excited the eastward propagation of Rossby waves via the tripole pattern of sea surface temperature over the North Atlantic Sea, leading to the colder condition over NEC in the first and middle 10 days of December 2014. Anomalously heavy SIC-BKS also triggered wave trains from the polar region to Eurasia, strengthening the Rossby wave induced by SIC-DSBB. Moreover, the wave trains suppressed the upward propagation of planetary wavenumber-1 over the Siberia region, strengthening the stratospheric polar vortex. However, the sea-ice anomalies over these two domains only existed in November 2014. Thus, the tropospheric mechanisms by which the Arctic sea ice affected the temperature over NEC only lasted to late December 2014. Meanwhile, the stratospheric anomalies propagated downwards with the planetary wavenumber-1, favoring the positive phase of Arctic Oscillation in the troposphere and the warm condition over NEC since the last week of December 2014. Consequently, the temperature over NEC reversed in winter 2014/2015.
Retesting the Influences on CO2 Emissions in China: Evidence From Dynamic ARDL Approach
Authors: Nurgazina Zhanar , Guo Qingbin , Ali Uzair , Kartal Mustafa Tevfik , Ullah Arif , Khan Zaid Ashiq
Published: May 2022

This study aims to demonstrate the impact of economic growth and energy consumption on environmental degradation in China, the top country that produced the highest carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, by considering that environmental degradation is one of the extreme challenges that the world and China have been facing. Parallel to this aim, this study uses dynamic ARDL (DYNARDL) simulations to investigate the long-run and short-run cointegration amongst the selected parameters from 1979 to 2019. The results of the long-run and short-run simulations illustrate that 1) economic growth increases environmental degradation; 2) growth in energy consumption worsens the environmental degradation situation; 3) urbanization improves the environmental situation in the long run, whereas growth in urban population increases CO2 emissions in the short-run. The research argues that improved energy production and management should be included in economic policy planning and the government should invest more in renewable energy to prevent environmental degradation.
Comprehensive Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Thai Beef Cattle Production and the Effect of Rice Straw Amendment on the Manure Microbiome
Authors: Angthong Wanna , Mori Akinori , Kitwetcharoen Haruthairat , Kaeokliang Ornvimol , Kamphayae Sukanya , Suzuki Tomoyuki , Cai Yimin , Maeda Koki
Published: May 2022

We measured the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions following beef cattle feeding and evaluated the manure management in northeast Thailand (Khon Kaen) to obtain the country-specific emission factor (EF) and replace the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) default value. We fed four Thai native cattle their typical diet of the region and then used the head-cage and dynamic chamber methods to measure the enteric methane (CH4) and GHG emissions during manure storage, respectively. The effect of amending the cattle manure with rice straw on the manure’s GHG emission was evaluated. The manure microbiome was monitored by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and qPCR assay of the functional genes that are required for the methanogenesis and nitrification/denitrification process. The estimated CH4conversion factor (Ym: 6.87 ± 0.11% gloss energy intake (GEI)) was slightly higher than the IPCC default value. The CH4emission from the manure accounted for 0.69 ± 0.26% GEI. The addition of rice straw slightly lowered the CH4emission from the manure, but the manure microbiome analysis results showed that it significantly reduced the relative abundance of methanogens (Methanobacteriales), and the functional estimation of manure microbiome agreed with this inhibition effect. The addition of rice straw also showed potential mitigation of the N2O emission with lowered nitrification activity and lower nitrifier abundance, but the results were not consistent between runs. Together these findings will be useful for the higher-tier approach to GHG emissions from beef cattle production systems in tropical regions.
Testing a New Ensemble Vegetation Classification Method Based on Deep Learning and Machine Learning Methods Using Aerial Photogrammetric Images
Authors: Drobnjak Siniša , Stojanović Marko , Djordjević Dejan , Bakrač Saša , Jovanović Jasmina , Djordjević Aleksandar
Published: May 2022

The objective of this research is to report results from a new ensemble method for vegetation classification that uses deep learning (DL) and machine learning (ML) techniques. Deep learning and machine learning architectures have recently been used in methods for vegetation classification, proving their efficacy in several scientific investigations. However, some limitations have been highlighted in the literature, such as insufficient model variance and restricted generalization capabilities. Ensemble DL and ML models has often been recommended as a feasible method to overcome these constraints. A considerable increase in classification accuracy for vegetation classification was achieved by growing an ensemble of decision trees and allowing them to vote for the most popular class. An ensemble DL and ML architecture is presented in this study to increase the prediction capability of individual DL and ML models. Three DL and ML models, namely Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Random Forest (RF), and biased Support vector machine (B-SVM), are used to classify vegetation in the Eastern part of Serbia, together with their ensemble form (CNN-RF-BSVM). The suggested DL and ML ensemble architecture achieved the best modeling results with overall accuracy values (0.93), followed by CNN (0.90), RF (0.91), and B-SVM (0.88). The results showed that the suggested ensemble model outperformed the DL and ML models in terms of overall accuracy by up to 5%, which was validated by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. According to this research, RF classifiers require fewer and easier-to-define user-defined parameters than B-SVMs and CNN methods. According to overall accuracy analysis, the proposed ensemble technique CNN-RF-BSVM also significantly improved classification accuracy (by 4%).
Characterization of Soil Pores Through X-Ray Computed Microtomography and Carbon Mineralization Under Contrasting Tillage and Land Configurations in the Indo-Gangetic Plains of India
Authors: Ghosh Tridiv , Maity Pragati Pramanik , Das T. K. , Krishnan P. , Chakraborty Debashis , Bhatia Arti , Ray Mrinmoy , Kundu Aditi , Bhattacharyya Ranjan
Published: May 2022

Contrasting tillage and land configuration have important roles in porosity and pore size distribution (PSD), which in turn affects the carbon mineralization in soil. Information on the effects of these treatments on PSD and subsequent carbon mineralization is very limited. Hence, an attempt was made to evaluate the long-term impact of soil tillage and land configurations on the distribution of soil pores and its relationship with soil carbon mineralization under a maize (Zea mays)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) rotation. There were five treatments, that is, conventional tillage, (CT); permanent broad bed, (PBB); PBB + residue (R); zero tillage, (ZT); and ZT + R. Soil pores were quantified by X-ray computed tomography (μ-CT). The conversion of CT to ZT and PBB with or without residue retention (+R) resulted in the reduction of pores >60 μm diameter and was mostly due to a reduction in the number of larger size macro-pores (>110 μm). This resulted in restricted drainage. However, under these practices, pores with larger diameters (60–110 μm) facilitated soil aeration. The total organic carbon (TOC) was 15–48% and 17–47% higher under PBB, PBB + R, ZT, and ZT + R than that under CT in the 0–5 and 5–15 cm layers. The highest MWD (1.01 mm) was in the plots under PBB + R, and the lowest was in the CT plots, and all residue-retained plots (ZT + R and PBB + R) had a higher MWD than residue removal plots (ZT and PBB). Relative to CT, soil C mineralization rates in 0–5 and 5–15 cm soil depths were 63 and 55% higher in the alternate tillage practices, respectively, and the highest value occurred in PPB + R treatments. Increased labile C concentrations were indicative of greater mineralization and were correlated with pores >60 μm, particularly in the size range 110–500 μm and TOC concentrations of 0–15 cm soil layer. Thus, the transition to alternate tillage from the conventional tillage enhanced soil organic carbon concentration (16–47.5%), improved soil structure, reduced the diameter of pores up to >60 μm, and facilitated C mineralization by altering the pore size distribution of soil under a maize-wheat system in the IGP.
Fine Mapping of a Major Backfat QTL Reveals a Causal Regulatory Variant Affecting the CCND2 Gene
Authors: Oliveira Haniel C. , Derks Martijn F. L. , Lopes Marcos S. , Madsen Ole , Harlizius Barbara , van Son Maren , Grindflek Eli H. , Gòdia Marta , Gjuvsland Arne B. , Otto Pamela Itajara , Groenen Martien A. M. , Guimaraes Simone E. F.
Published: May 2022

Backfat is an important trait in pork production, and it has been included in the breeding objectives of genetic companies for decades. Although adipose tissue is a good energy storage, excessive fat results in reduced efficiency and economical losses. A large QTL for backfat thickness on chromosome 5 is still segregating in different commercial pig breeds. We fine mapped this QTL region using a genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) with 133,358 genotyped animals from five commercial populations (Landrace, Pietrain, Large White, Synthetic, and Duroc) imputed to the porcine 660K SNP chip. The lead SNP was located at 5:66103958 (G/A) within the third intron of theCCND2gene, with the G allele associated with more backfat, while the A allele is associated with less backfat. We further phased the QTL region to discover a core haplotype of five SNPs associated with low backfat across three breeds. Linkage disequilibrium analysis using whole-genome sequence data revealed three candidate causal variants within intronic regions and downstream of theCCND2gene, including the lead SNP. We evaluated the association of the lead SNP with the expression of the genes in the QTL region (includingCCND2) in a large cohort of 100 crossbred samples, sequenced in four different tissues (lung, spleen, liver, muscle). Results show that the A allele increases the expression ofCCND2in an additive way in three out of four tissues. Our findings indicate that the causal variant for this QTL region is a regulatory variant within the third intron of theCCND2gene affecting the expression ofCCND2.
Screening the Potential Biomarkers of COVID-19-Related Thrombosis Through Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Qi Peng , Huang Mengjie , Li Tanshi
Published: May 2022

A high proportion of critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experience thrombosis, and there is a strong correlation between anticoagulant therapy and the COVID-19 survival rate, indicating that common COVID-19 and thrombosis targets have potential therapeutic value for severe COVID-19.Gene expression profiling data were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and common differentially expressed genes (co-DEGs) were identified. The potential biological functions of these co-DEGs were explored by functional enrichment analysis, and protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the co-DEGs. Finally, hub genes in the co-DEG network were identified, and correlation analysis was performed.We identified 8320 upregulated genes and 7651 downregulated genes from blood samples of COVID-19 patients and 368 upregulated genes and 240 downregulated genes from blood samples of thrombosis patients. The enriched cellular component terms were mainly related to cytosolic ribosomes and ribosomal subunits. The enriched molecular function terms were mainly related to structural constituents of ribosomes and electron transfer activity. Construction of the PPI network and identification of hub genes ultimately confirmed that RPS7, IGF1R, DICER1, ERH, MCTS1, and TNPO1 were jointly upregulated hub genes, and FLNA and PXN were jointly downregulated hub genes.The identification of novel potential biomarkers provides new options for treating COVID-19-related thrombosis and reducing the rate of severe COVID-19.
Novel Potassium-Competitive Acid Blocker, Tegoprazan, Protects Against Colitis by Improving Gut Barrier Function
Authors: Son Mijeong , Park I Seul , Kim Soochan , Ma Hyun Woo , Kim Ji Hyung , Kim Tae Il , Kim Won Ho , Han Jaeyong , Kim Seung Won , Cheon Jae Hee
Published: May 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic immune-mediated disorder characterized by prolonged inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. IBD can result from gut barrier dysfunction, altered gut microbiota, and abnormal intestinal immunity induced by environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as rabeprazole are frequently employed for gastric acid inhibition. However, long-term PPI administration can alter the intestinal microbiome composition, possibly worsening IBD severity. The present study revealed that tegoprazan, a potassium-competitive acid blocker, significantly improved colitis in mice and enhanced the intestinal epithelial barrier function. Tegoprazan alleviated gut microbiota dysbiosis and enhanced the growth of Bacteroides vulgatus. In turn, B. vulgatus alleviated intestinal inflammation by inhibiting epithelial adhesion of pathogenic bacteria. Unlike rabeprazole, tegoprazan did not induce gut dysbiosis. Our findings provide novel insights into the potential role of tegoprazan as an intestinal protectant for IBD and as a therapeutic agent for gastric acid-related diseases.
C/EBPα Epigenetically Modulates TFF1 Expression via mC-6 Methylation in the Jejunum Inflammation Induced by a Porcine Coronavirus
Authors: Qu Huan , Zong Qiufang , Wang Haifei , Wu Shenglong , Cai Demin , Bao Wenbin
Published: May 2022

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is an emerging coronavirus which causes acute diarrhea and destroys gastrointestinal barrier function in neonatal pigs. Trefoil factor 1 (TFF1) is a protective peptide for maintaining the integrity of gastrointestinal mucosa and reducing intestinal inflammation. However, its role in protecting intestinal epithelium against PEDV infection is still unclear. In this study, we discovered that TFF1 expression was activated in the jejunum of pigs with PEDV infection and TFF1 is required for the growth of porcine intestinal epithelial cells. For instance, inhibited cell proliferation and cell arrest were observed when TFF1 is genetically knocked-out using CRISPR-Cas9. Additionally, TFF1 depletion increased viral copy number and PEDV titer, along with the elevated genes involved in antiviral and inflammatory cytokines. The decreased TFF1 mRNA expression is in line with hypermethylation on the gene promoter. Notably, the strong interactions of protein-DNA complexes containing CCAAT motif significantly increased C/EBPα accessibility, whereas hypermethylation of mC-6 loci decreased C/EBPα binding occupancies in TFF1 promoter. Overall, our findings show that PEDV triggers the C/EBPα-mediated epigenetic regulation of TFF1 in intestine epithelium and facilitates host resistance to PEDV and other Coronavirus infections.
Staphylococcal Complement Evasion Protein Sbi Stabilises C3d Dimers by Inducing an N-Terminal Helix Swap
Authors: Dunphy Rhys W. , Wahid Ayla A. , Back Catherine R. , Martin Rebecca L. , Watts Andrew G. , Dodson Charlotte A. , Crennell Susan J. , van den Elsen Jean M. H.
Published: May 2022

Staphylococcus aureusis an opportunistic pathogen that is able to thwart an effective host immune response by producing a range of immune evasion molecules, includingS. aureusbinder of IgG (Sbi) which interacts directly with the central complement component C3, its fragments and associated regulators. Recently we reported the first structure of a disulfide-linked human C3d17Cdimer and highlighted its potential role in modulating B-cell activation. Here we present an X-ray crystal structure of a disulfide-linked human C3d17Cdimer, which undergoes a structurally stabilising N-terminal 3D domain swap when in complex with Sbi. These structural studies, in combination with circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopic analyses, reveal the mechanism underpinning this unique helix swap event and could explain the origins of a previously discovered N-terminally truncated C3dg dimer isolated from rat serum. Overall, our study unveils a novel staphylococcal complement evasion mechanism which enables the pathogen to harness the ability of dimeric C3d to modulate B-cell activation.
How Thymocyte Deletion in the Cortex May Curtail Antigen-Specific T-Regulatory Cell Development in the Medulla
Authors: Wang Chenglong , Daley Stephen R.
Published: May 2022

CD4+T cell responses to self-antigens are pivotal for immunological self-tolerance. Activation of Foxp3–T-conventional (T-conv) cells can precipitate autoimmune disease, whereas activation of Foxp3+T-regulatory (T-reg) cells is essential to prevent autoimmune disease. This distinction indicates the importance of the thymus in controlling the differentiation of self-reactive CD4+T cells. Thymocytes and thymic antigen-presenting cells (APC) depend on each other for normal maturation and differentiation. In this Hypothesis and Theory article, we propose this mutual dependence dictates which self-antigens induce T-reg cell development in the thymic medulla. We postulate self-reactive CD4+CD8–thymocytes deliver signals that stabilize and amplify the presentation of their cognate self-antigen by APC in the thymic medulla, thereby seeding a niche for the development of T-reg cells specific for the same self-antigen. By limiting the number of antigen-specific CD4+thymocytes in the medulla, thymocyte deletion in the cortex may impede the formation of medullary T-reg niches containing certain self-antigens. Susceptibility to autoimmune disease may arise from cortical deletion creating a “hole” in the self-antigen repertoire recognized by T-reg cells.
Past, Present and Future: The Relationship Between Circular RNA and Immunity
Authors: Gu Junjie , Su Chongying , Huang Fei , Zhao Yuwei , Li Jing
Published: May 2022

The immune system has evolved since the birth of humans. However, immune-related diseases have not yet been overcome due to the lack of expected indicators and targeting specificity of current medical technology, subjecting patients to very uncomfortable physical and mental experiences and high medical costs. Therefore, the requirements for treatments with higher specificity and indicative ability are raised. Fortunately, the discovery of and continuous research investigating circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a promising method among numerous methods. Although circRNAs wear regarded as metabolic wastes when discovered, as a type of noncoding RNA (ncRNA) with a ring structure and wide distribution range in the human body, circRNAs shine brilliantly in medical research by virtue of their special nature and structure-determined functions, such as high stability, wide distribution, high detection sensitivity, acceptable reproducibility and individual differences. Based on research investigating the role of circRNAs in immunity, we systematically discuss the hotspots of the roles of circRNAs in immune-related diseases, including expression profile analyses, potential biomarker research, ncRNA axis/network construction, impacts on phenotypes, therapeutic target seeking, maintenance of nucleic acid stability and protein binding research. In addition, we summarize the current situation of and problems associated with circRNAs in immune research, highlight the applications and prospects of circRNAs in the treatment of immune-related diseases, and provide new insight into future directions and new strategies for laboratory research and clinical applications.
METTL3-Mediated N6-Methyladenosine Modification of Trim59 mRNA Protects Against Sepsis-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Chen Yi , Wu Yuling , Zhu Linjie , Chen Caiyang , Xu Saihong , Tang Dan , Jiao Yingfu , Yu Weifeng
Published: May 2022

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification is a fundamental determinant of mRNA metabolism in eukaryotic cells and is involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes. However, the specific role of m6A modification in sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS) remains unknown. Here, we show that the levels of m6A RNA were significantly decreased in septic lungs and that METTL3 was the main regulator involved in the absence of m6A RNA modification. Pulmonary endothelial barrier damage is a critical process in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury during sepsis. METTL3 regulated endothelial barrier dysfunction and inflammatory responses in sepsis-induced ARDS in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we identified tripartite motif-containing (Trim)59 as a key m6A effector and Trim59 deficiency exacerbated lung injury. Mechanistically, METTL3 inhibited endothelial injury in sepsis-induced ARDS through Trim59-associated NF-κB inactivation. Our findings revealed novel insights into epitranscriptional mechanisms in sepsis-induced ARDS via m6A modifications, which has important application value in the diagnosis, prognosis, and molecular-targeted therapy of sepsis-associated lung injury.
Contribution of Sex Differences to HIV Immunology, Pathogenesis, and Cure Approaches
Authors: Moran Jose A. , Turner Shireen R. , Marsden Matthew D.
Published: May 2022

Approximately 38 million people were living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 2020 and 53% of those infected were female. A variety of virological and immunological sex-associated differences (sexual dimorphism) in HIV infection have been recognized in males versus females. Social, behavioral, and societal influences play an important role in how the HIV pandemic has affected men and women differently. However, biological factors including anatomical, physiologic, hormonal, and genetic differences in sex chromosomes can each contribute to the distinct characteristics of HIV infection observed in males versus females. One striking example of this is the tendency for women to have lower HIV plasma viral loads than their male counterparts early in infection, though both progress to AIDS at similar rates. Sex differences in acquisition of HIV, innate and adaptive anti-HIV immune responses, efficacy/suitability of specific antiretroviral drugs, and viral pathogenesis have all been identified. Sex differences also have the potential to affect viral persistence, latency, and cure approaches. In this brief review, we summarize the major biological male/female sex differences in HIV infection and their importance to viral acquisition, pathogenesis, treatment, and cure efforts.
Understanding the Interactions Between Cetaceans and Other Megafauna With the Albacore Tuna Fishery: A Case Study From the Cyprus’ Pelagic Longline Fishery
Authors: Papageorgiou Marios , Hadjioannou Louis , Jimenez Carlos , Georgiou Andreas , Petrou Antonis
Published: May 2022

Depredation by cetaceans on fisheries is a major issue globally, both in terms of conservation and fisheries economics. The present study conducted in Cyprus, Eastern Mediterranean Sea, aimed to understand the extent, level, and type of cetacean depredation on the albacore tuna pelagic longline fishery, and in particular to quantify and evaluate the economic consequences of depredation and identify potential dolphin-longline conflict areas and mitigation practices for management. The data were obtained from fisher’s logbooks, interviews and onboard observations between June and August 2018. A novel and simple approach was applied to estimate the depredation rate and economic loss by using simple calculations including the number and weight of depredated fish, landings and fishing effort. The results revealed that there is an estimated economic loss per fishing trip of 313.07± 486.19 EUR and an estimated annual economic loss for the entire fleet of 259,272 EUR from depredation caused by cetaceans. The study also estimated that 16,639 albacore tunas were depredated in 2018 and the depredation rate ranged between 0% to 100% with a mean depredation rate of 17% per fishing trip. Depredation by the common bottlenose dolphin and striped dolphin was reported in more than 50% of their fishing trips. Other species that were found to be involved in depredation were the neon flying squid, the shortfin mako shark and the Risso’s dolphin. This is the first official record worldwide of depredation from the common bottlenose dolphin, the striped dolphin and the neon flying squid on the pelagic longline albacore tuna fishery. A total bycatch of 62 individuals of common bottlenose dolphins and one individual of stripped dolphin were reported in interviews as a result of depredation on bait and catch. The study also identified depredation hotspots and possible depredation mitigation measures. Such information could support the development of management action plans and measures to minimise interactions between cetaceans and pelagic longlines.
Visual Rounds Based on Multiorgan Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the ICU
Authors: Mao Jia-Yu , Zhang Hong-Min , Liu Da-Wei , Wang Xiao-Ting
Published: May 2022

Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is performed by a treating clinician at the patient's bedside, provides a acquisition, interpretation, and immediate clinical integration based on ultrasonographic imaging. The use of POCUS is not limited to one specialty, protocol, or organ system. POCUS provides the treating clinician with real-time diagnostic and monitoring information. Visual rounds based on multiorgan POCUS act as an initiative to improve clinical practice in the Intensive Care Unit and are urgently needed as part of routine clinical practice.
Health-Promoting Nature of Lactococcus lactis IBB109 and Lactococcus lactis IBB417 Strains Exhibiting Proliferation Inhibition and Stimulation of Interleukin-18 Expression in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Sałański Przemysław , Kowalczyk Magdalena , Bardowski Jacek K. , Szczepankowska Agnieszka K.
Published: May 2022

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are Gram-positive bacteria which are considered for use as adjuvant therapeutics in management of various disease ailments, including obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance and cancer. To investigate the possible use of Lactococcus lactis strains from our collection in treatment of gastrointestinal cancer, we tested them for the ability to arrest proliferation of human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2). Results of the BrdU assay showed that the anti-proliferative activity of L. lactis cells is strain-specific. We found that particularly, two strains, L. lactis IBB109 and L. lactis IBB417, exhibited the most potent inhibitory effect. Moreover, both strains triggered interleukin 18 gene expression, normally inhibited in Caco-2 (cancer) cells. To examine the probiotic potential of the two strains, we tested them for bile salts and acid tolerance, as well as adhesion properties. Both isolates exhibited probiotic potential—they survived in the presence of 0.3% bile salts and tolerated exposure to low pH and osmotic stress. Notably, we found that L. lactis IBB417 displayed better adherence to mucus and Caco-2 cells than L. lactis IBB109. Additionally, by microdilution tests we confirmed that both strains are sensitive to all nine antibiotics of human and veterinary importance listed by the European Food Safety Authority. Finally, by in silico investigations of whole genome sequencing data, we revealed the genetic features of L. lactis IBB109 and L. lactis IBB417 that can be associated with functional (e.g., adhesion and carbohydrate metabolic genes) and safety (e.g., virulence and antibiotic resistance) aspects of the strains, confirming their health-promoting potential.
1,4-Dihydropyridine as a Promising Scaffold for Novel Antimicrobials Against Helicobacter pylori
Authors: González Andrés , Casado Javier , Gündüz Miyase Gözde , Santos Brisa , Velázquez-Campoy Adrián , Sarasa-Buisan Cristina , Fillat María F. , Montes Milagrosa , Piazuelo Elena , Lanas Ángel
Published: May 2022

The increasing occurrence of multidrug-resistant strains of the gastric carcinogenic bacterium Helicobacter pylori threatens the efficacy of current eradication therapies. In a previous work, we found that several 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP)-based antihypertensive drugs exhibited strong bactericidal activities against H. pylori by targeting the essential response regulator HsrA. To further evaluate the potential of 1,4-DHP as a scaffold for novel antimicrobials against H. pylori, we determined the antibacterial effects of 12 novel DHP derivatives that have previously failed to effectively block L- and T-type calcium channels. Six of these molecules exhibited potent antimicrobial activities (MIC ≤ 8 mg/L) against three different antibiotic-resistant strains of H. pylori, while at least one compound resulted as effective as metronidazole. Such antimicrobial actions appeared to be specific against Epsilonproteobacteria, since no deleterious effects were appreciated on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The new bactericidal DHP derivatives targeted the H. pylori regulator HsrA and inhibited its DNA binding activity according to both in vitro and in vivo analyses. Molecular docking predicted a potential druggable binding pocket in HsrA, which could open the door to structure-based design of novel anti-H. pylori drugs.
Detection and Control of Pantoea agglomerans Causing Plum Bacterial Shot-Hole Disease by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Technique
Authors: Shu Ran , Yin Xianhui , Long Youhua , Yuan Jun , Zhou Houyin
Published: May 2022

Plum bacterial shot-hole caused by Pantoea agglomerans (P. agglomerans) is one of the primary bacterial diseases in plum tree planting areas, resulting in abnormal growth of plum trees and severe economic losses. Early diagnosis of P. agglomerans is crucial to effectively control plant diseases. In this study, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) analysis for genome-specific gene sequences was developed for the specific detection of P. agglomerans. We designed the LAMP primers based on the gyrB gene of P. agglomerans. The best reaction system was 0.2 μmol·L−1 for outer primer F3/B3 and 1.6 μmol·L−1 for inner primer FIP/BIP. The LAMP reaction was optimal at 65°C for 60 min based on the color change and gel electrophoresis. This technology distinguished P. agglomerans from other control bacteria. The detection limit of the LAMP technology was 5 fg·μl−1 genomic DNA of P. agglomerans, which is 1,000 times that of the traditional PCR detection method. The LAMP technology could effectively detect the DNA of P. agglomerans from the infected leaves without symptoms after indoor inoculation. Furthermore, the LAMP technology was applied successfully to detect field samples, and the field control effect of 0.3% tetramycin after LAMP detection reached 82.51%, which was 7.90% higher than that of conventional control. The proposed LAMP detection technology in this study offers the advantages of ease of operation, visibility of results, rapidity, accuracy, and high sensitivity, making it suitable for the early diagnosis of plum bacteria shot-hole disease.
Large Margin and Local Structure Preservation Sparse Representation Classifier for Alzheimer’s Magnetic Resonance Imaging Classification
Authors: Liu Runmin , Li Guangjun , Gao Ming , Cai Weiwei , Ning Xin
Published: May 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive dementia in which the brain shrinks as the disease progresses. The use of machine learning and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the early diagnosis of AD has a high probability of clinical value and social significance. Sparse representation classifier (SRC) is widely used in MRI image classification. However, the traditional SRC only considers the reconstruction error and classification error of the dictionary, and does not consider the global and local structural information between images, which results in unsatisfactory classification performance. Therefore, a large margin and local structure preservation sparse representation classifier (LMLS-SRC) is developed in this manuscript. The LMLS-SRC algorithm uses the classification large margin term based on the representation coefficient, which results in compactness between representation coefficients of the same class and a large margin between representation coefficients of different classes. The LMLS-SRC algorithm uses local structure preservation term to inherit the manifold structure of the original data. In addition, the LMLS-SRC algorithm imposes the ℓ2,1-norm on the representation coefficients to enhance the sparsity and robustness of the model. Experiments on the KAGGLE Alzheimer’s dataset show that the LMLS-SRC algorithm can effectively diagnose non AD, moderate AD, mild AD, and very mild AD.
A Protocol for the Non-invasive Method of Ultrasound Separation During the Sociosexual Vocal-Non-contact Model in Rats
Authors: Bogacki-Rychlik Wiktor , Wrona Anna , Bialy Michal
Published: May 2022

Ultrasonic vocalization (USV) is one of the measurable behavioral parameters of sociosexual interactions in rats. To precisely and accurately describe the neurobehavioral properties of USV and the potentially related specific emotional responsiveness of animals, we need to know which animals vocalize and what is their exact behavioral and physiological response. To this end, we modified the non-contact cage [non-contact erection model (NCE)] by adding a modification [vocalization-non-contact erection (VOC-NCE)] that makes it possible to assign emitted ultrasonic signals to a particular animal. Typically, the NCE cage consists of two compartments separated by perforated baffles. A male is placed in one section, and a receptive female is placed in the other section. This makes possible the accurate description of sexual parameters related to the cues controlled by the experimenter. In VOC-NCE, we completely separated the male USV from the female USV by three appropriately perforated baffles and located microphones combined with ultrasonic screening. We recorded emission in both typical bands, the so-called 22- and 50-kHz bands, with various subtypes, thus highlighting the utility of our protocol to investigate the sexual dimorphism of vocalization. Similar to the anticipatory model, we showed that emission can occur without acoustic feedback from concomitants during the VOC-NCE test. Therefore, we propose a relatively simple method for assigning individual vocalization. We discuss its usefulness and limitations in assessing vocal differentiation related to sexual parameters, adaptive changes during conditioning procedures, and further applications.
Case Report: Presence of Anti-MAG in the CSF Can Be Associated With a Neurodegenerative Process With Frontal Involvement
Authors: Dorcet Guillaume , Benaiteau Marie , Ory-Magne Fabienne , Blancher Antoine , Pariente Jérémie , Fortenfant Françoise , Bost Chloé
Published: May 2022

Background

Autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) is an increasingly broad nosological framework that may clinically mimic neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs).

Cases Reported

We describe here the clinical, radiological, electrophysiological, and biological evolution of three patients. Two women aged 73 and 72 years and a 69-year-old man presented with complex cognitive and focal neurological symptoms and each had a predominant frontal dysexecutive involvement and an unexpectedly high titer of anti-MAG antibodies in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The question of an autoimmune cause was raised. After 2 years of follow-up and, for two of them, without improvement despite immunosuppressive treatments, diagnoses of NDD were eventually retained: post-radiation encephalopathy, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and Alzheimer's disease.

Conclusion

The presence of a high titer of anti-MAG antibodies may be found in NDD. It could reflect cerebral tissue damages, particularly in the case of significant frontal involvement. Atypical presentations may lead to a search for a paraneoplastic neurologic syndrome or AIE. However, the indirect immunofluorescence staining positivity on a monkey cerebellum section linked with anti-MAG antibodies should not lead to those diagnoses being retained.
miR-17-5p/HOXA7 Is a Potential Driver for Brain Metastasis of Lung Adenocarcinoma Related to Ferroptosis Revealed by Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Chen Quanfang , Pan Qingyun , Gao Han , Wang Yingju , Zhong Xiaoning
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Present study aims to identify the essential mRNAs responsible for the development of brain neurovascular-related metastases (BNM) among lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients. Further, we attempted to predict brain metastases more accurately and prevent their development in LUAD patients.

Methods

Transcriptome data analysis was used to identify differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs) associated with brain metastasis, and thereby the ferroptosis index (FPI) is calculated using a computational model. Meanwhile, the DEmRNAs linked with FPI, and brain metastasis were derived by the intersection of these two groups of DEMs. We also constructed a ceRNA network containing these DEmRNAs, identifying the HCP5 /hsa-miR-17-5p/HOXA7 axis for analysis. Further, a clinical cohort was employed to validate the regulatory roles of molecules involved in the ceRNA regulatory axis.

Results

Here we report the development of a ceRNA network based on BNM-associated DEMs and FPI-associated DEmRNAs which includes three core miRNAs (hsa-miR-338-3p, hsa-miR-429, and hsa-miR-17-5p), three mRNAs (HOXA7, TBX5, and TCF21), and five lncRNAs (HCP5, LINC00460, TP53TG1). Using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and survival analysis, the potential axis of HCP5 /hsa-miR-17-5p/HOXA7 was further investigated. It is found that HOXA7 and ferroptosis index are positively correlated while inhibiting tumor brain metastasis. It may be that HCP5 binds competitively with miR-17-5p and upregulates HOXA7 to increase iron death limiting brain cancer metastases

Conclusions

The expression of both HOXA7 and HCP5 is positively correlated with FPI, indicating a possible link between ferroptosis and BNM. According to the results of our study, the ferroptosis-related ceRNA HCP5 /hsa-miR-17-5p/HOXA7 axis may contribute to the development of BNM in LUAD patients.
A Decrease in Hemodynamic Response in the Right Postcentral Cortex Is Associated With Treatment-Resistant Auditory Verbal Hallucinations in Schizophrenia: An NIRS Study
Authors: Liang Nana , Liu Sha , Li Xinrong , Wen Dan , Li Qiqi , Tong Yujie , Xu Yong
Published: May 2022

Background

Treatment-resistant auditory verbal hallucinations (TRAVHs) might cause an increased risk of violence, suicide, and hospitalization in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ). Although neuroimaging studies have identified the neural correlation to the symptom of AVH, functional brain activity that correlates particularly in patients with TRAVH remains limited. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a portable and suitable measurement, particularly in exploring brain activation during related tasks. Hence, our researchers aimed to explore the differences in the cerebral hemodynamic function in SCZ-TRAVH, patients with schizophrenia without AVH (SCZ-nAVH), and healthy controls (HCs), to examine neural abnormalities associated more specifically with TRAVH.

Methods

A 52-channel functional near-infrared spectroscopy system was used to monitor hemodynamic changes in patients with SCZ-TRAVH (n = 38), patients with SCZ-nAVH (n = 35), and HC (n = 30) during a verbal fluency task (VFT). VFT performance, clinical history, and symptom severity were also noted. The original fNIRS data were analyzed using MATLAB to obtain the β values (the brain cortical activity response during the VFT task period); these were used to calculate Δβ (VFT β minus baseline β), which represents the degree of change in oxygenated hemoglobin caused by VFT task.

Result

Our results showed that there were significant differences in Δβ values among the three groups at 26 channels (ch4, ch13-15, 18, 22, ch25–29, 32, ch35–39, ch43–51, F = 1.70 to 19.10, p < 0.043, FDR-corrected) distributed over the prefrontal–temporal cortical regions. The further pairwise comparisons showed that the Δβ values of 24 channels (ch13–15, 18, 22, 25, ch26–29, ch35–39, ch43–49, ch50–51) were significantly lower in the SCZ group (SCZ-TRAVH and/or SCZ-nAVH) than in the HC group (p < 0.026, FDR-corrected). Additionally, the abnormal activation in the ch22 of right postcentral gyrus was correlated, in turn, with severity of TRAVH.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that specific regions of the prefrontal cortex may be associated with TRAVH, which may have implications for early intervention for psychosis.
Production, Biosynthesis, and Commercial Applications of Fatty Acids From Oleaginous Fungi
Authors: Zhang Xin-Yue , Li Bing , Huang Bei-Chen , Wang Feng-Biao , Zhang Yue-Qi , Zhao Shao-Geng , Li Min , Wang Hai-Ying , Yu Xin-Jun , Liu Xiao-Yan , Jiang Jing , Wang Zhi-Peng
Published: May 2022

Oleaginous fungi (including fungus-like protists) are attractive in lipid production due to their short growth cycle, large biomass and high yield of lipids. Some typical oleaginous fungi including Galactomyces geotrichum, Thraustochytrids, Mortierella isabellina, and Mucor circinelloides, have been well studied for the ability to accumulate fatty acids with commercial application. Here, we review recent progress toward fermentation, extraction, of fungal fatty acids. To reduce cost of the fatty acids, fatty acid productions from raw materials were also summarized. Then, the synthesis mechanism of fatty acids was introduced. We also review recent studies of the metabolic engineering strategies have been developed as efficient tools in oleaginous fungi to overcome the biochemical limit and to improve production efficiency of the special fatty acids. It also can be predictable that metabolic engineering can further enhance biosynthesis of fatty acids and change the storage mode of fatty acids.