bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kajian Dampak Sosio-Lingkungan Akibat Sistem Transportasi Angkutan Barang di Kota Makassar
Authors: Mahmud  , Said Lambang Basri , H St Maryam
Published: July 2023

Sistem transportasi berkelanjutan merupakan suatu konsep dalam pengelolaan transportasi barang / ekspor / impor logistik dalam mengurangi dampak eksternalitas sosial lingkungan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui Kajian Dampak Sosio-Lingkungan Akibat Sistem Transportasi Angkutan Barang di Kota Makassar. Variabel bebas dan terikat yang diteliti adalah solusi teknologi (X1), solusi budaya dan Perilaku (X2), solusi sosio ekonomi dan pemerintahan (X3), solusi perbaikan Infrastruktur (X4), dan solusi aksesibilitas jaringan (X5) terhadap kinerja lingkungan (Y1) dan kinerja sosial (Y2) dengan pengukuran skala likert. Berdasarkan hasil analisis diketahui bahwa solusi teknologi dan solusi aksesibilitas secara parsial berpengaruh terhadap kinerja sosio-lingkungan. sedangkan solusi budaya dan perilaku, solusi sosio- ekonomi dan pemerintahan dan solusi perbaikan infrastruktur secara parsial tidak berpengaruh terhadap kinerja sosio-lingkungan. Pengaruh secara simultan solusi teknologi, solusi budaya dan perilaku, solusi sosio-ekonomi dan pemerintahan, solusi perbaikan infrastruktur, dan solusi aksesibilitas jaringan secara simultan memberikan pengaruh positif dan signifikan untuk kinerja sosio-lingkungan, maka hipotesis diterima.
Protocol of a feasibility randomised controlled trial of Empowered Conversations: training family carers to enhance their relationships and communication with people living with dementia.
Authors: Eastham Cassie , Mansell Warren , Sutton Chris , Prior Yeliz , Keady John , Shields Gemma , Riley Cathy , Bowker Gail , Sylvestre Yvonne , Morris Lydia
Published: July 2023

Background: Communication difficulties can cause frustration, low mood, and stress for people living with dementia and their carer. Carers should be offered training on adapting their communication skills. However, it is not common for skills-based education to examine emotional aspects of care and the effect of dementia on relationships. The Empowered Conversations (EC) training course was developed in response to a gap in service provision and has been adapted to a virtual format (Zoom). It addresses the specific psychological, relationship, and communication needs of informal and family dementia carers. The primary aim of the study is to investigate the feasibility of conducting a multi-centre randomised controlled evaluation trial of EC.  Secondary aims include exploring the acceptability of delivering the intervention online and examining the optimum way of establishing cost-effectiveness.

Methods: The feasibility trial uses a pragmatic data-collector blind parallel two-group RCT design with two arms (EC intervention plus treatment as usual, and treatment as usual waitlist control). There will be a 2:1 allocation in favour of the EC-training intervention arm. 75 participants will complete baseline outcome measures exploring their role as a carer, including their physical and mental health, attitudes to caring, quality of life, and use of health and social care services. These will be repeated after six-months. Participants allocated to the treatment group who complete the course will be invited to participate in a qualitative interview discussing their experience of EC.

Discussion: The study will investigate recruitment pathways (including facilitators and barriers to recruitment), estimate retention levels and response rates to questionnaires, obtain additional evidence regarding proof of concept, and consider the most appropriate primary outcome measures and methods for evaluating cost-effectiveness. The results of the feasibility study will be used to inform the development of a multicentre randomised controlled trial in the United Kingdom.

Registration: ISRCTN15261686 (02/03/2022)
Banco Nacional de Cerebros UNPHU
Authors: Guillen Jose
Published: July 2023

El desarrollo de bancos de cerebros para el estudio de las enfermedades neurodegenerativas se ha presentado en el mundo como una llave imprescindible para el diagnóstico y la búsqueda de un biomarcador específico para las enfermedades neurodegenerativas, basados en el estudio molecular de las proteínas implicadas en ellas. La enfermedad de Alzheimer es la demencia más prevalente en la población adulta mayor. Hasta el momento no se ha desarrollado un modelo animal que ejemplifique un procesamiento molecular y neurodegenerativo igual que en el cerebro humano, por lo tanto, es imprescindible el estudio en el origen mismo: el humano a su fallecimiento. El desarrollo del Banco Nacional de Cerebros de la Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (BNC-UNPHU), ha sido un logro inusitado por la visión y apoyo del Arq. Miguel Fiallo y su concepción por la Dra. Daisy Acosta. El objetivo del Banco de Cerebros es la obtención de tejido nervioso en óptimas condiciones para la investigación y desarrollar el estudio de las enfermedades neurodegenerativas en el país. Nuestros resultados han sido satisfactorios. Se ha logrado actualmente obtener y preservar 20 cerebros con un tiempo postmorten de menos de 12h. Se han caracterizado histopatológicamente mediante tinciones de la proteína tau y amiloide beta con la técnica de peroxidasa e inmunofluorescencia. Así mismo hemos tenido el apoyo de FONDOCYT para el desarrollo de un proyecto consorciados entre BNC-UNPHU, Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) y Biobanco Nacional de Demencias. México (BND).
Medidas de contenção utilizadas pela equipe de enfermagem aos pacientes adultos com transtornos psiquiátricos nos serviços de urgência – revisão integrativa
Authors: Fonseca Alisson Batista da , Santos Bruno Silva , Azevedo Marcel Vinícius Cunha , Teles Weber de Santana , Silva Max Cruz da , Souza Neto Conrado Marques de , Torres Ruth Cristini , Calasans Taíssa Alice Soledade , Hora Aline Barreto , Barros Ângela Maria Melo Sá
Published: July 2023

O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar as evidências disponíveis na literatura sobre a importância das medidas de contenção utilizadas pela equipe de enfermagem em serviços de urgência para adultos que sofrem de transtornos psiquiátricos. Trata-se de um estudo de revisão integrativa da literatura com abordagem qualitativa e caráter descritivo realizado em março de 2023. Foram encontrados 57 estudos indexados nas bases de dados BVS, LILACS, PubMed, Scielo, obtidos a partir do cruzamento entre os descritores, sendo incluídos para revisão no total de 11 artigos. A partir da busca sistemática nos bancos de dados, incluíram-se 11 estudos no total a fim de cumprir o objetivo proposto com as características referentes à autoria e Ano de publicação, títulos, periódicos, objetivos, metodologia e principais resultados encontrados. Logo, os estudos evidenciaram que o uso de contenções física, química e mecânica são importantes durante a assistência na prevenção de agressão à equipe e paciente (Auto Agressividade), como também para o alívio dos sintomas dos pacientes em surto psiquiátrico admitidos na urgência. Outrossim, demonstrou que os profissionais de enfermagem não estão preparados para atender pacientes em sofrimento mental, seja por falta de capacitação, medo e insegurança. Somado a isso, demonstrou fragilidade de articulação das redes de atenção à saúde mental e urgência que podem comprometer significativamente a assistência aos usuários dessa natureza. Ressalta-se a importância do uso de contenção na assistência, mas é necessário sobretudo a realização de uma abordagem humanizada baseada na escuta qualificada e acolhedora para não piorar a saúde dos pacientes.
Crop rotation and cultivation effects on Convolvulus arvensis population dynamics in small grain organic cropping systems
Authors: Hettinger Kara , Miller Zach , Hubbel Kyrstan , Seipel Tim
Published: July 2023

Convolvulus arvensis L. Scop. (field bindweed) is a difficult weed to manage in organic cropping systems. Convolvulus arvensis suppression often requires intensive tillage and cultivation practices that have negative impacts on soil quality. To improve C. arvensis management in organic, small grain cropping systems, we compared ten cropping system treatments in a field trial from the autumn of 2017 until harvest of 2020 in Corvallis, MT, USA. Cropping system treatments varied along a gradient of tillage and crop competition, with tillage intensity and competition inversely related. High soil disturbance and no competition occurred in two treatments that remained in tilled fallow for two consecutive years. Six cropping system treatments had different combinations of tillage and annual or biennial crops, including wheat and forages. Two treatments had minimal soil disturbance and maximum competition from two consecutive years of perennial alfalfa. Convolvulus arvensis ramet density was counted annually to estimate changes in treatments over time. Differences in soil chemical and physical properties between treatments were also assessed in the final years of the study. In the first two years, there was no difference in C. arvensis ramet density among cropping system treatments. In the final two years of the study, C. arvensis density remained below one ramet per m2 in intensively tilled fallow treatments and perennial alfalfa treatments, but was much more variable in treatments with more diverse annual and biennial crop rotations with minimal to moderate tillage. The only differences between treatments in soil physical and chemical properties was aggregate stability. Soil from the most intensively tilled fallow treatments had lower soil aggregate stability than six other treatments, indicating higher erosion potential. Our results suggest that annual cropping systems can lead to increased C. arvensis density. Incorporating a perennial forage or an intensively tilled fallow period can prevent C. arvensis expansion in small grain organic cropping systems, but the perennial forage can protect and enhance soil quality.
Optogenetic modulation of guanine nucleotide exchange factors of Ras superfamily proteins directly controls cell shape and movement
Authors: Pal Dhiman Sankar , Lin Yiyan , Zhan Huiwang , Banerjee Tatsat , Kuhn Jonathan , Providence Stephenie , Devreotes Peter N.
Published: July 2023

In this article, we provide detailed protocols on using optogenetic dimerizers to acutely perturb activities of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) specific to Ras, Rac or Rho small GTPases of the migratory networks in various mammalian and amoeba cell lines. These GEFs are crucial components of signal transduction networks which link upstream G-protein coupled receptors to downstream cytoskeletal components and help cells migrate through their dynamic microenvironment. Conventional approaches to perturb and examine these signaling and cytoskeletal networks, such as gene knockout or overexpression, are protracted which allows networks to readjust through gene expression changes. Moreover, these tools lack spatial resolution to probe the effects of local network activations. To overcome these challenges, blue light-inducible cryptochrome- and LOV domain-based dimerization systems have been recently developed to control signaling or cytoskeletal events in a spatiotemporally precise manner. We illustrate that, within minutes of global membrane recruitment of full-length GEFs or their catalytic domains only, widespread increases or decreases in F-actin rich protrusions and cell size occur, depending on the particular node in the networks targeted. Additionally, we demonstrate localized GEF recruitment as a robust assay system to study local network activation-driven changes in polarity and directed migration. Altogether, these optical tools confirmed GEFs of Ras superfamily GTPases as regulators of cell shape, actin dynamics, and polarity. Furthermore, this optogenetic toolbox may be exploited in perturbing complex signaling interactions in varied physiological contexts including mammalian embryogenesis.
Sox, Fox, and Lmx1b binding sites differentially regulate a Gdf5-Associated regulatory region during elbow development
Authors: Yeboah Ruth-Love , Pira Charmaine U. , Shankel Matthew , Cooper Allen M. , Haro Endika , Ly Van-Dai , Wysong Kenrick , Zhang Michael , Sandoval Nicole , Oberg Kerby C.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: The articulating ends of limb bones have precise morphology and asymmetry that ensures proper joint function. Growth differentiation factor 5 (Gdf5) is a secreted morphogen involved in cartilage and bone development that contributes to the architecture of developing joints. Dysregulation of Gdf5 results in joint dysmorphogenesis often leading to progressive joint degeneration or osteoarthritis (OA). The transcription factors and cis-regulatory modules (CRMs) that regulate Gdf5 expression are not well characterized. We previously identified a Gdf5-associated regulatory region (GARR) that contains predicted binding sites for Lmx1b, Osr2, Fox, and the Sox transcription factors. These transcription factors are recognized factors involved in joint morphogenesis and skeletal development.

Methods: We used in situ hybridization to Gdf5, Col2A1, and the transcription factors of interest in developing chicken limbs to determine potential overlap in expression. We further analyzed scRNA-seq data derived from limbs and knees in published mouse and chicken datasets, identifying cells with coexpression of Gdf5 and the transcription factors of interest. We also performed site-directed mutatgenesis of the predicted transcription factor binding sites in a GARR-reporter construct and determined any change in activity using targeted regional electroporation (TREP) in micromass and embryonic chicken wing bioassays.

Results:Gdf5 expression overlapped the expression of these transcription factors during joint development both by in situ hybridization (ISH) and scRNA-seq analyses. Within the GARR CRM, mutation of two binding sites common to Fox and Sox transcripstion factors reduced enhancer activity to background levels in micromass cultures and in ovo embryonic chicken wing bioassays, whereas mutation of two Sox-only binding sites caused a significant increase in activity. These results indicate that the Fox/Sox binding sites are required for activity, while the Sox-only sites are involved in repression of activity. Mutation of Lmx1b binding sites in GARR caused an overall reduction in enhancer activity in vitro and a dorsal reduction in ovo. Despite a recognized role for Osr2 in joint development, disruption of the predicted Osr2 site did not alter GARR activity.

Conclusion: Taken together, our data indicates that GARR integrates positive, repressive, and asymmetrical inputs to fine-tune the expression of Gdf5 during elbow joint development.
Signaling pathways governing the maintenance of breast cancer stem cells and their therapeutic implications
Authors: Ordaz-Ramos Alejandro , Tellez-Jimenez Olivia , Vazquez-Santillan Karla
Published: July 2023

Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) represent a distinct subpopulation of cells with the ability to self-renewal and differentiate into phenotypically diverse tumor cells. The involvement of CSC in treatment resistance and cancer recurrence has been well established. Numerous studies have provided compelling evidence that the self-renewal ability of cancer stem cells is tightly regulated by specific signaling pathways, which exert critical roles to maintain an undifferentiated phenotype and prevent the differentiation of CSCs. Signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, Notch, Hedgehog, TGF-β, and Hippo have been implicated in the promotion of self-renewal of many normal and cancer stem cells. Given the pivotal role of BCSCs in driving breast cancer aggressiveness, targeting self-renewal signaling pathways holds promise as a viable therapeutic strategy for combating this disease. In this review, we will discuss the main signaling pathways involved in the maintenance of the self-renewal ability of BCSC, while also highlighting current strategies employed to disrupt the signaling molecules associated with stemness.
Mechanosensory feedback loops during chronic inflammation
Authors: Saha Sarbari , Müller Dafne , Clark Andrew G.
Published: July 2023

Epithelial tissues are crucial to maintaining healthy organization and compartmentalization in various organs and act as a first line of defense against infection in barrier organs such as the skin, lungs and intestine. Disruption or injury to these barriers can lead to infiltration of resident or foreign microbes, initiating local inflammation. One often overlooked aspect of this response is local changes in tissue mechanics during inflammation. In this mini-review, we summarize known molecular mechanisms linking disruption of epithelial barrier function to mechanical changes in epithelial tissues. We consider direct mechanisms, such as changes in the secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM)-modulating enzymes by immune cells as well as indirect mechanisms including local activation of fibroblasts. We discuss how these mechanical changes can modulate local immune cell activity and inflammation and perturb epithelial homeostasis, further dysregulating epithelial barrier function. We propose that this two-way relationship between loss of barrier function and altered tissue mechanics can lead to a positive feedback loop that further perpetuates inflammation. We discuss this cycle in the context of several chronic inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver disease and cancer, and we present the modulation of tissue mechanics as a new framework for combating chronic inflammation.
The characteristics of invasive cardiac lipoma: case report and literature review
Authors: Zhu Xiliang , Cheng Zhaoyun , Wang Sheng , Chen Xianjie , Lu Guoqing , Li Xiaoyang
Published: July 2023

Invasive cardiac lipoma is a rare type of primary cardiac tumor that is composed of adipose tissue but infiltrating the adjacent structures. It is a benign tumor that can cause significant morbidity and mortality due to its size and location within the heart. We describe a giant invasive intracardiac lipoma across atrial wall extending to the ascending aorta and the superior vena cava. This review will provide an overview of invasive cardiac lipoma, including its clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management.
Receptor-mediated drug delivery of bispecific therapeutic antibodies through the blood-brain barrier
Authors: Pardridge William M.
Published: July 2023

Therapeutic antibody drug development is a rapidly growing sector of the pharmaceutical industry. However, antibody drug development for the brain is a technical challenge, and therapeutic antibodies for the central nervous system account for ∼3% of all such agents. The principal obstacle to antibody drug development for brain or spinal cord is the lack of transport of large molecule biologics across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Therapeutic antibodies can be made transportable through the blood-brain barrier by the re-engineering of the therapeutic antibody as a BBB-penetrating bispecific antibody (BSA). One arm of the BSA is the therapeutic antibody and the other arm of the BSA is a transporting antibody. The transporting antibody targets an exofacial epitope on a BBB receptor, and this enables receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT) of the BSA across the BBB. Following BBB transport, the therapeutic antibody then engages the target receptor in brain. RMT systems at the BBB that are potential conduits to the brain include the insulin receptor (IR), the transferrin receptor (TfR), the insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGFR) and the leptin receptor. Therapeutic antibodies have been re-engineered as BSAs that target the insulin receptor, TfR, or IGFR RMT systems at the BBB for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Optimal configuration and operation of the regional integrated energy system considering carbon emission and integrated demand response
Authors: Zeng Xianqiang , Wang Jin , Zhou Yun , Li Hengjie
Published: July 2023

Under the “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality” development strategy, in order to suppress load fluctuations and promote renewable energy consumptions in the regional integrated energy system involving concentrating solar power stations, a double-layer optimization model based on the improved non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II) and mixed integer linear programming (MILP) is proposed. The upper layer completes the capacity configuration process based on multiple objectives to minimize the annual planning cost and the net emission of pollutants. The lower layer is designed to minimize the annual operating cost and optimize the output of the devices and the load curves through the participation of the integrated demand response process for flexible loads and the whole process of carbon emission including carbon capture, carbon utilization, and carbon trading mechanisms to obtain the best operating plan. The final results indicate that the participation of concentrating solar power stations can improve the level of coordinated optimization, and the improved NSGA-II is stronger than the conventional one in convergence ability. Besides, considering the whole process of carbon emission and integrated demand response is capable of decreasing the annual operating cost and net carbon emission to improve the economy and environmental protection of the system significantly.
Dynamic changes and driving factors of rural settlements at the county level in a rapidly urbanizing province of China from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Xu Yan , Zhang Runsen , Wu Wenchao , Xu Chen , Yu Cheng , Chen Dechao , Liu Yumei
Published: July 2023

Urbanization and industrialization in developing countries has contributed to great changes in rural settlements, which presents an increasing threat to rural sustainability. Spatiotemporal changes in rural settlements at the county level are significant to land use planning and are not clear in the highly urbanized regions. This study considered Jiangsu, one of the most urbanized provinces of China, as an example and investigated the spatial variation in rural settlements and their socioeconomic driving factors during the period of 2000–2020 using mixed geographic weighted regression. The results showed that the area of rural settlements in the highly urbanized province expanded from 2000 to 2015 following a decrease in the rural population, but then began to decrease from 2015. There were obvious spatial differences in the rural settlements in the counties of Jiangsu Province. The area of rural settlements in the different counties maintained a positive association with the rural population and cropland but had a negative correlation with the rural production value in 2000. By 2020, the area of rural settlements was only positively associated with the rural population. The correlation between the area of rural settlements and rural population continually decreased from 2000 to 2020. The area of rural settlements had no significant association with the area of urban settlements. The expansion of rural settlements mainly occurred at the expense of cropland. The decrease in the rural settlements was accompanied by an increase in the urban settlements and an expansion of cropland. The policy implications arising from this study are presented to provide guidance for rural development at the county level and ensure rural sustainability.
Staphylococcus microbes in the bovine skin microbiome attract blood-feeding stable flies
Authors: Nayani Saif A. , Meraj Sanam , Mohr Emerson , Gries Regine , Kovacs Emma , Devireddy Anand , Gries Gerhard
Published: July 2023

The human skin microbiome reportedly contributes to the attraction of mosquitoes to human hosts. We tested the hypothesis that bovine skin microbes affect the attraction of blood-feeding stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans, to their bovine hosts. Microbes were collected from a calf and adult cow, and subsequently isolated and identified by mass spectrometry and genetic sequencing. Separate groups of (i) four Staphylococcus congeners (S. chromogenes, S. sciuri, S. simulans, S. succinus) and (ii) three bacterial heterogeners (Glutamicibacter protophormiae, Corynebacterium stationis, Wautersiella sp.) grown on agar, each attracted flies in still-air olfactometers, as did each Staphylococcus congener singly. The four Staphylococcus microbes also attracted flies in room bioassays. In greenhouse bioassays with paired black barrels as visual (surrogate host) stimuli, the treatment barrel baited with S. sciuri on agar induced significantly more fly alighting responses than the control barrel with sterile agar. This treatment effect could not be demonstrated on a cattle farm, possibly because of chemically and visually complex surroundings. Ammonia emitted by Staphylococcus microbes attracted flies, and a synthetic blend of microbe odorants enhanced the attractiveness of ammonia. Optimal attraction of stable flies to bovine microbes likely requires the integration of multimodal host cues.
Single-cell transcriptomic landscape of immunometabolism reveals intervention candidates of ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, fatty-acid degradation and PUFA metabolism of T-cell subsets in healthy controls, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Peng Lu , Chen Ling , Wan Jianji , Liu Wenqi , Lou Shuang , Shen Zhu
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The modulation of immunometabolic pathways is emerging as a promising therapeutic target for immune-mediated diseases. However, the immunometabolic features of psoriatic disease and the potential targets for immunometabolic intervention in the different T-cell subsets involved in its pathogenesis remain unclear.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed circulating blood single-cell data from healthy controls (HC), psoriasis (PSO), and psoriatic arthritis (PSA) patients, and revealed their metabolic features of T-cell subsets: CD4+ central memory T cells (TCMs), CD8+ effective memory T cells (TEMs), regulatory T cells (Tregs), mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAITs ), and γδ T cells. Pearson test was performed to determine the linkages between differential metabolic and inflammatory pathways. Based on these results, we also analyzed the potential impacts of biological antibodies on differential metabolic pathways by comparing the immunometabolism differences between PSA patients without and with biological treatment.

Results

Our results suggest that upregulation of ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, as well as fatty acid degradation, may enhance the immune suppression of Tregs. Enhanced metabolism of alpha-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, and arachidonic acid may inhibit the pro-inflammatory functions of CD4+ TCMs and CD8+ TEMs in PSO and PSA, and protect the immune suppression of Tregs in PSA. We propose that supporting ascorbic acid and fatty acid metabolic pathways may be an adjunctive reprogramming strategy with adalimumab and etanercept therapy.

Discussion

These findings not only provide insights into immunometabolism characteristics of psoriatic disease, but also offer preliminary options for the auxiliary treatment of psoriasis.
Arecoline aggravates acute ulcerative colitis in mice by affecting intestinal microbiota and serum metabolites
Authors: Zhao Hu , Ding Taohui , Chen Yanglin , Yang Wenbin , Rao Jun , Liu Dan , Yi Bo
Published: July 2023

Arecoline is an alkaloid extracted from betel nut, which has various pharmacological effects. In the present study, we showed that arecoline aggravated experimental acute ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in mice. We measured body weight and colon length, evaluated disease activity index, colon pathology sections, and levels of colonic inflammatory factors. Arecoline exacerbated the clinical signs of UC and the colonic inflammatory response in mice. The results of 16S rRNA sequencing of fecal samples showed a significant decrease in the percentage of probiotic bacteria Ligilactobacillus, Limosilactobacillus and Lactobacillus and a significant increase in the percentage of conditionally pathogenic bacteria Odoribacter and Bacteroides after arecoline treatment. Serum untargeted metabolomics showed that arecoline intervention reduced the levels of ergothioneine, pentostatin, diadenosine tetraphosphate and other metabolites and modulated nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, metabolic pathways, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, and other metabolic pathways of intestinal microorganisms. According to the combined microbial and metabolite analysis, arecoline influences metabolite levels by modulating the intestinal microbiota. In summary, it was found that arecoline treatment exacerbated colonic injury and intestinal inflammatory responses in UC mice, disrupted the host’s intestinal flora, and affected changes in flora metabolites, thereby exacerbating the development of colonic inflammation. Therefore, the consumption of betel nut can be associated with the risk of aggravating UC.
Interspecies and spatial differences in the shell microbiome of Atlantic rock crab Cancer irrotatus and European green crab Carcinus maenas from Atlantic Canada
Authors: Koepper Svenja , Kelley Shannon , Thakur Krishna Kumar , Clark K. Fraser
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The native Atlantic rock crab (Cancer irrotatus) and the invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas) are commercially and ecologically important crustacean species in Atlantic Canada. The importance of microbiomes for host health and ecology has been recognized in many species, although very few studies have focused on crustaceans or their external shell microbiome. This is the first-ever study to characterize and analyze the microbial communities associated with the external carapace of C. irrotatus and C. maenas.

Methods

Microbiome samples were collected from three locations in Atlantic Canada, processed using standard 16S Illumina MiSeq PE250 sequencing and analyzed with the open-access QIIME2 software.

Results

Taxonomic classification of the microbial compositions, as well as alpha- and beta diversities, reveal that the shell microbiome differs by host species between C. irrotatus and C. maenas sampled from the same location and between C. irrotatus sampled from different locations. Interestingly, the differences are greater between species at the same location than between locations for the same species.

Discussion

These are the first-ever results showing that the crustacean shell microbiome not only depends on geographical factors but also on intrinsic factors specific to the host species. This implies that crustaceans exert some impact on their shell microbiome, potentially selecting beneficial taxa. These are important findings that could elucidate contributing factors of crustacean shell diseases that are still poorly understood.
Barotropic and baroclinic tides increase primary production on the Northwest European Shelf
Authors: Kossack Jan , Mathis Moritz , Daewel Ute , Zhang Yinglong Joseph , Schrum Corinna
Published: July 2023

High biological productivity and the efficient export of carbon-enriched subsurface waters to the open ocean via the continental shelf pump mechanism make mid-latitude continental shelves like the northwest European shelf (NWES) significant sinks for atmospheric CO2. Tidal forcing, as one of the regionally dominant physical forcing mechanisms, regulates the mixing-stratification status of the water column that acts as a major control for biological productivity on the NWES. Because of the complexity of the shelf system and the spatial heterogeneity of tidal impacts, there still are large knowledge gaps on the role of tides for the magnitude and variability of biological carbon fixation on the NWES. In our study, we utilize the flexible cross-scale modeling capabilities of the novel coupled hydrodynamic–biogeochemical modeling system SCHISM–ECOSMO to quantify the tidal impacts on primary production on the NWES. We assess the impact of both the barotropic tide and the kilometrical-scale internal tide field explicitly resolved in this study by comparing simulated hindcasts with and without tidal forcing. Our results suggest that tidal forcing increases biological productivity on the NWES and that around 16% (14.47 Mt C) of annual mean primary production on the shelf is related to tidal forcing. Vertical mixing of nutrients by the barotropic tide particularly invigorates primary production in tidal frontal regions, whereas resuspension and mixing of particulate organic matter by tides locally hinders primary production in shallow permanently mixed regions. The tidal impact on primary production is generally low in deep central and outer shelf areas except for the southwestern Celtic Sea, where tidal forcing substantially increases annual mean primary production by 25% (1.53 Mt C). Tide-generated vertical mixing of nutrients across the pycnocline, largely attributed to the internal tide field, explains one-fifth of the tidal response of summer NPP in the southwestern Celtic Sea. Our results therefore suggest that the tidal NPP response in the southwestern Celtic Sea is caused by a combination of processes likely including tide-induced lateral on-shelf transport of nutrients. The tidally enhanced turbulent mixing of nutrients fuels new production in the seasonally stratified parts of the NWES, which may impact the air–sea CO2 exchange on the shelf.
In vitro modeling of isoniazid resistance mechanisms in Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv
Authors: Dokrungkoon Thanadon , Tulyaprawat Orawan , Suwannakarn Kamol , Ngamskulrungroj Popchai
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), the causative agent of tuberculosis, has been a global threat to human beings for several decades. Treating tuberculosis has become more difficult as the prevalence of drug-resistant tuberculosis has increased globally. Evidence suggests that the comprehensive landscape of resistance mechanisms in MTB is ambiguous. More importantly, little is known regarding the series of events connected to resistance mechanisms in MTB before exposure to anti-TB drugs, during exposure to the drugs, and finally, when the MTB becomes resistant after exposure, upon analyses of its genome.

Methods

We used the wild-type strain of MTB (H37Rv) in an in vitro model for generating induced resistance using a sub-inhibitory concentration of isoniazid, and the generated resistance-associated variants (RAVs) were identified using the whole genome sequencing method.

Results

The detection of an inhA promoter mutation (fabG1−15C>T), which results in increased production of InhA protein, was found to be a major mechanism for developing resistance to isoniazid in the first place. We observed adaptation of MTB resistance mechanisms in high isoniazid stress by alteration and abolishment of KatG due to the detection of katG S315N, the common region of mutation that confers isoniazid resistance, along with katG K414N, katG N138S, and katG A162E. Furthermore, we detected the ahpC−72C>T and ahpC 21C>A mutations, but further investigation is needed to determine their role in compensating for the loss of KatG activity.

Discussion

This suggests that increased InhA production is the main mechanism where there are low levels of isoniazid, whereas the alteration of KatG was found to be utilized in mycobacterium with a high concentration of isoniazid. Our work demonstrates that this in vitro approach of generating induced resistance could provide clinically relevant information after the fabG1−15C>T mutation, which is the common mutation found in clinical isolates. Moreover, other mutations detected in this work can also be found in clinical isolates. These findings may shed light on the impact of isoniazid in generating RAV and the resistance mechanism scenario that mycobacterium used under various isoniazid-pressuring conditions. More research is needed to understand better the role of RAV and mechanical resistance events within the mycobacterium genome in promoting a promising drug prediction platform that could lead to the right treatment for patients with MDR-TB and XDR-TB.
Role of phagocyte extracellular traps during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections and tuberculosis disease processes
Authors: García-Bengoa María , Meurer Marita , Goethe Ralph , Singh Mahavir , Reljic Rajko , von Köckritz-Blickwede Maren
Published: July 2023

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infections remain one of the most significant causes of mortality worldwide. The current situation shows an emergence of new antibiotic-resistant strains making it difficult to control the tuberculosis (TB) disease. A large part of its success as a pathogen is due to its ability to persist for years or even decades without causing evident clinical manifestations. M.tb is highly successful in evading the host-defense by manipulating host-signalling pathways. Although macrophages are generally viewed as the key cell type involved in harboring M.tb, growing evidence shows that neutrophils also play a fundamental role. Both cells are known to act in multiple ways when encountering an invading pathogen, including phagocytosis, release of cytokines and chemokines, and oxidative burst. In addition, the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and macrophage extracellular traps (METs) has been described to contribute to M.tb infections. NETs/METs are extracellular DNA fibers with associated granule components, which are released upon activation of the cells by the pathogen or by pro-inflammatory mediators. On one hand, they can lead to a protective immune response by entrapment and killing of pathogens. However, on the other hand, they can also play a severe pathological role by inducing tissue damage. Extracellular traps (ETs) produced in the pulmonary alveoli can expand easily and expose tissue-damaging factors with detrimental effects. Since host-directed therapies offer a complementary strategy in TB, the knowledge of NET/MET formation is important for understanding potential protective versus detrimental pathways during innate immune signaling. In this review, we summarize the progress made in understanding the role of NETs/METs in the pathogenesis of TB.
The influence of sensorimotor experience on beauty evaluation of preschool children
Authors: Ardizzi Martina , Ferroni Francesca , Manini Aurora , Giudici Claudia , Maccaferri Elena , Uccelli Stefano , Umiltà Maria Alessandra
Published: July 2023

Nowadays there is a broad consensus on the role of multimodality in the construction of an embodied aesthetic experience in adults, whereas little is known about the relationship between sensorimotor and aesthetic experience during development. To fill this gap, the present study investigated whether sensorimotor experience with sculpting natural materials (i.e., clay or sand) influences beauty judgments offered to abstract artifacts made by the same materials. Five years old children (n.47) were asked to rate tactile (How smooth is it?), visual (How dark is it?) and beauty (How much do you like it?) proprieties of two artifacts using a visual-analog measurement-tool ad hoc developed to fit children’s cognitive skills. Participants rated the artifacts before and after a free-hands manipulation with only one of the two sculpting materials, either sand or clay. Results showed that the greater the sensorimotor interaction experienced with the artifacts, the higher the increment of beauty rating offered to the artifacts made by the same material previously manipulated. No modulations were found for tactile and visual ratings. These results demonstrate that, even in pre-school children, aesthetic experience is specifically linked to its sensorimotor component, supporting, from a developmental perspective, the definition of aesthetic experience as intrinsically rooted on beholders’ bodily experience.
Sustainable choices of plant-based (‘super’) foods: examining the consumption patterns of German consumers on avocados
Authors: Ohlau Marlene , Huning Sophie Christine , Spiller Achim
Published: July 2023

This paper aims to better understand consumer awareness of the environmental impact of plant-based (‘super’-) foods, using avocados as an example. Since all food production impacts the environment, both meat-based and plant-based, there is scope for more sustainable food choices. Avocados have positive health properties while being considered critically for the potential negative environmental impact of their production. This study examines the avocado consumption behaviour of German consumers and the extent to which knowledge and dietary patterns are related to this. Data from 373 respondents from Germany were collected through an online consumer survey. Bivariate comparisons for avocado consumption and logistic regression analyses were performed to explore avocado consumption behaviour. The frequency of avocado consumption among respondents was moderate, averaging once per month. Avocado consumption was related to a flexitarian diet, older age and higher income, and urban dwellers. Knowledge of the environmental impacts of avocado cultivation had no influence. Respondents’ self-assessed knowledge about avocados was low. To help consumers in making conscious, sustainable choices for plant-based foods, it is necessary to provide accessible and comparable information on the environmental impact of food products. However, further life cycle assessments on avocado production are clearly needed in order to produce valid information material. A flexitarian diet with reduced consumption of animal foods is an important prerequisite for environmental sustainability. Drawing attention to environmentally friendly plant-based food choices for flexitarian consumers could further encourage them to become food innovators for a healthy planet by reducing climate impact, land use, and energy and water consumption.
Effect of a probiotic formula on gastrointestinal health, immune responses and metabolic health in adults with functional constipation or functional diarrhea
Authors: Zheng Yanyi , Xu Leiming , Zhang Silu , Liu Yanwen , Ni Jiayi , Xiao Guoxun
Published: July 2023

Objective

Our aim was to determine the efficacy of four-week probiotic supplementation on gastrointestinal health. The secondary objectives were to assess probiotic effects on immune reaction, as well as weight control and metabolic health.

Methods

We conducted two randomized sub-trials, respectively, among subjects who were diagnosed with functional constipation (FC) or functional diarrhea (FDr) according to the Rome IV criteria. In each sub-trial, 70 eligible Chinese adults were randomized to receive a multi-strain probiotic combination or a placebo. Gastrointestinal symptoms, defecation habits, stool characteristics, blood and fecal biochemistry markers, anthropometrics measures, stress-associated responses, and intestinal flora changes were assessed at baseline and after probiotics intervention.

Results

Four weeks of probiotic supplementation reduced overall gastrointestinal symptoms scores in FC participants (p < 0.0001). Their mean weekly stool frequency increased from 3.3 times to 6.2 times; immune response and inflammation markers improved with increases in serum IgA, IFN-γ and fecal sIgA, and decrease in hsCRP; most components of lipid profile were significantly ameliorated, with increases in HDL-C and reductions in TC and TG; body weight, body mass index and basal metabolic rate decreased following probiotics consumption. For FDr participants, probiotics consumption markedly reduced overall gastrointestinal symptom scores (p < 0.0001); decreased stool frequency by 3 times per week; increased IgA, IFN-γ, sIgA concentrations, while lowered hsCRP and IL-4 levels. Both FC and FDr participants had improvement in the scores of defecation habits, anxiety or depression, and perceived stress. Probiotics supplementation promoted the production of all three major short-chain fatty acids. No changes were observed in LDL-C, IgG, IgM, IL-8, IL-10 and motilin.

Conclusion

Supplementation with the probiotic formula over a four-week period could help relieving gastrointestinal symptoms, improving satisfaction with defecation habits, emotional state and immune response, and ameliorating dysbacteriosis in participants with FC or FDr. It also had beneficial effects on lipid metabolism and weight control for FC participants.
A narrative review on the use of probiotics in several diseases. Evidence and perspectives
Authors: Campaniello Daniela , Bevilacqua Antonio , Speranza Barbara , Racioppo Angela , Sinigaglia Milena , Corbo Maria Rosaria
Published: July 2023

Gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem, strictly linked to health and disease, as a balanced composition (referred as eubiosis) is necessary for several physiological functions, while an unbalanced composition (dysbiosis) is often associated to pathological conditions and/or diseases. An altered microbiota could be positively affected and partially restored through probiotic supplementation, among others. This review addresses the effects of probiotics in several conditions, used as case-studies (colorectal cancer, neuro-psychiatric diseases, intestinal diseases, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, immune system, and musculoskeletal system disorders) by pointing out the clinical outcomes, the mode of action, mainly related to the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), the impact of probiotic dose and mode of supplementation, as well as trying to highlight a hit of the most used genera.
Effects of isolation and confinement on gastrointestinal microbiota–a systematic review
Authors: Klos Bea , Steinbach Christina , Ketel Jasmin , Lambert Claude , Penders John , Doré Joël , Enck Paul , Mack Isabelle
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota is a complex and dynamic ecosystem whose composition and function are influenced by many internal and external factors. Overall, the individual GI microbiota composition appears to be rather stable but can be influenced by extreme shifts in environmental exposures. To date, there is no systematic literature review that examines the effects of extreme environmental conditions, such as strict isolation and confinement, on the GI microbiota.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review to examine the effects of isolated and confined environments on the human GI microbiota. The literature search was conducted according to PRISMA criteria using PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. Relevant studies were identified based on exposure to isolated and confined environments, generally being also antigen-limited, for a minimum of 28 days and classified according to the microbiota analysis method (cultivation- or molecular based approaches) and the isolation habitat (space, space- or microgravity simulation such as MARS-500 or natural isolation such as Antarctica). Microbial shifts in abundance, alpha diversity and community structure in response to isolation were assessed.

Results

Regardless of the study habitat, inconsistent shifts in abundance of 40 different genera, mainly in the phylum Bacillota (formerly Firmicutes) were reported. Overall, the heterogeneity of studies was high. Reducing heterogeneity was neither possible by differentiating the microbiota analysis methods nor by subgrouping according to the isolation habitat. Alpha diversity evolved non-specifically, whereas the microbial community structure remained dissimilar despite partial convergence. The GI ecosystem returned to baseline levels following exposure, showing resilience irrespective of the experiment length.

Conclusion

An isolated and confined environment has a considerable impact on the GI microbiota composition in terms of diversity and relative abundances of dominant taxa. However, due to a limited number of studies with rather small sample sizes, it is important to approach an in-depth conclusion with caution, and results should be considered as a preliminary trend. The risk of dysbiosis and associated diseases should be considered when planning future projects in extreme environments.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022357589.