bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of the adhesive domain of AtaA from Acinetobacter sp. Tol 5 and its application in immobilizing Escherichia coli
Authors: Yoshimoto Shogo , Aoki Sota , Ohara Yuki , Ishikawa Masahito , Suzuki Atsuo , Linke Dirk , Lupas Andrei N. , Hori Katsutoshi
Published: January 2023

Cell immobilization is an important technique for efficiently utilizing whole-cell biocatalysts. We previously invented a method for bacterial cell immobilization using AtaA, a trimeric autotransporter adhesin from the highly sticky bacterium Acinetobacter sp. Tol 5. However, except for Acinetobacter species, only one bacterium has been successfully immobilized using AtaA. This is probably because the heterologous expression of large AtaA (1 MDa), that is a homotrimer of polypeptide chains composed of 3,630 amino acids, is difficult. In this study, we identified the adhesive domain of AtaA and constructed a miniaturized AtaA (mini-AtaA) to improve the heterologous expression of ataA. In-frame deletion mutants were used to perform functional mapping, revealing that the N-terminal head domain is essential for the adhesive feature of AtaA. The mini-AtaA, which contains a homotrimer of polypeptide chains from 775 amino acids and lacks the unnecessary part for its adhesion, was properly expressed in E. coli, and a larger amount of molecules was displayed on the cell surface than that of full-length AtaA (FL-AtaA). The immobilization ratio of E. coli cells expressing mini-AtaA on a polyurethane foam support was significantly higher compared to the cells with or without FL-AtaA expression, respectively. The expression of mini-AtaA in E. coli had little effect on the cell growth and the activity of another enzyme reflecting the production level, and the immobilized E. coli cells could be used for repetitive enzymatic reactions as a whole-cell catalyst
Hemicellulose-based hydrogels for advanced applications
Authors: Xu Ying , Liu Kun , Yang Yanfan , Kim Min-Seok , Lee Chan-Ho , Zhang Rui , Xu Ting , Choi Sun-Eun , Si Chuanling
Published: January 2023

Hemicellulose-based hydrogels are three-dimensional networked hydrophilic polymer with high water retention, good biocompatibility, and mechanical properties, which have attracted much attention in the field of soft materials. Herein, recent advances and developments in hemicellulose-based hydrogels were reviewed. The preparation method, formation mechanism and properties of hemicellulose-based hydrogels were introduced from the aspects of chemical cross-linking and physical cross-linking. The differences of different initiation systems such as light, enzymes, microwave radiation, and glow discharge electrolytic plasma were summarized. The advanced applications and developments of hemicellulose-based hydrogels in the fields of controlled drug release, wound dressings, high-efficiency adsorption, and sensors were summarized. Finally, the challenges faced in the field of hemicellulose-based hydrogels were summarized and prospected.
Preparation and performance of random- and oriented-fiber membranes with core–shell structures via coaxial electrospinning
Authors: Li Yunhuan , Jin Dalai , Fan Yongyong , Zhang Kuihua , Yang Tao , Zou Chengyu , Yin Anlin
Published: January 2023

The cells and tissue in the human body are orderly and directionally arranged, and constructing an ideal biomimetic extracellular matrix is still a major problem to be solved in tissue engineering. In the field of the bioresorbable vascular grafts, the long-term functional prognosis requires that cells first migrate and grow along the physiological arrangement direction of the vessel itself. Moreover, the graft is required to promote the formation of neointima and the development of the vessel walls while ensuring that the whole repair process does not form a thrombus. In this study, poly (l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) shell layers and polyethylene oxide (PEO) core layers with different microstructures and loaded with sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) were prepared by coaxial electrospinning. The mechanical properties proved that the fiber membranes had good mechanical support, higher than that of the human aorta, as well as great suture retention strengths. The hydrophilicity of the oriented-fiber membranes was greatly improved compared with that of the random-fiber membranes. Furthermore, we investigated the biocompatibility and hemocompatibility of different functional fiber membranes, and the results showed that the oriented-fiber membranes containing sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate had an excellent antiplatelet adhesion effect compared to other fiber membranes. Cytological analysis confirmed that the functional fiber membranes were non-cytotoxic and had significant cell proliferation capacities. The oriented-fiber membranes induced cell growth along the orientation direction. Degradation tests showed that the pH variation range had little change, the material mass was gradually reduced, and the fiber morphology was slowly destroyed. Thus, results indicated the degradation rate of the oriented-fiber graft likely is suitable for the process of new tissue regeneration, while the random-fiber graft with a low degradation rate may cause the material to reside in the tissue for too long, which would impede new tissue reconstitution. In summary, the oriented-functional-fiber membranes possessing core–shell structures with sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate/polyethylene oxide loading could be used as tissue engineering materials for applications such as vascular grafts with good prospects, and their clinical application potential will be further explored in future research.
Deciphering regeneration through non-model animals: A century of experiments on cephalopod mollusks and an outlook at the future
Authors: De Sio Fabio , Imperadore Pamela
Published: January 2023

The advent of marine stations in the last quarter of the 19th Century has given biologists the possibility of observing and experimenting upon myriad marine organisms. Among them, cephalopod mollusks have attracted great attention from the onset, thanks to their remarkable adaptability to captivity and a great number of biologically unique features including a sophisticate behavioral repertoire, remarkable body patterning capacities under direct neural control and the complexity of nervous system rivalling vertebrates. Surprisingly, the capacity to regenerate tissues and complex structures, such as appendages, albeit been known for centuries, has been understudied over the decades. Here, we will first review the limited in number, but fundamental studies on the subject published between 1920 and 1970 and discuss what they added to our knowledge of regeneration as a biological phenomenon. We will also speculate on how these relate to their epistemic and disciplinary context, setting the base for the study of regeneration in the taxon. We will then frame the peripherality of cephalopods in regeneration studies in relation with their experimental accessibility, and in comparison, with established models, either simpler (such as planarians), or more promising in terms of translation (urodeles). Last, we will explore the potential and growing relevance of cephalopods as prospective models of regeneration today, in the light of the novel opportunities provided by technological and methodological advances, to reconsider old problems and explore new ones. The recent development of cutting-edge technologies made available for cephalopods, like genome editing, is allowing for a number of important findings and opening the way toward new promising avenues. The contribution offered by cephalopods will increase our knowledge on regenerative mechanisms through cross-species comparison and will lead to a better understanding of the complex cellular and molecular machinery involved, shedding a light on the common pathways but also on the novel strategies different taxa evolved to promote regeneration of tissues and organs. Through the dialogue between biological/experimental and historical/contextual perspectives, this article will stimulate a discussion around the changing relations between availability of animal models and their specificity, technical and methodological developments and scientific trends in contemporary biology and medicine.
Somitic mesoderm morphogenesis is necessary for neural tube closure during Xenopus development
Authors: Christodoulou Neophytos , Skourides Paris A.
Published: January 2023

Neural tube closure is a fundamental process during vertebrate embryogenesis, which leads to the formation of the central nervous system. Defective neural tube closure leads to neural tube defects which are some of the most common human birth defects. While the intrinsic morphogenetic events shaping the neuroepithelium have been studied extensively, how tissues mechanically coupled with the neural plate influence neural tube closure remains poorly understood. Here, using Xenopus laevis embryos, live imaging in combination with loss of function experiments and morphometric analysis of fixed samples we explore the reciprocal mechanical communication between the neural plate and the somitic mesoderm and its impact on tissue morphogenesis. We show that although somitic mesoderm convergent extension occurs independently from neural plate morphogenesis neural tube closure depends on somitic mesoderm morphogenesis. Specifically, impaired somitic mesoderm remodelling results in defective apical constriction within the neuroepithelium and failure of neural tube closure. Last, our data reveal that mild abnormalities in somitic mesoderm and neural plate morphogenesis have a synergistic effect during neurulation, leading to severe neural tube closure defects. Overall, our data reveal that defective morphogenesis of tissues mechanically coupled with the neural plate can not only drastically exacerbate mild neural tube defects that may arise from abnormalities within the neural tissue but can also elicit neural tube defects even when the neural plate is itself free of inherent defects.
Development of the DNA-based voltammetric biosensor for detection of vincristine as anticancer drug
Authors: Abbasi Mahmoud , Alsaikhan Fahad , Obaid Rasha Fadhel , Jahani Shohreh , Biroudian Saeed , Oveisee Maziar , Arab Mohammad Reza , Aramesh-Boroujeni Zahra , Foroughi Mohammad Mehdi
Published: January 2023

In the article presented herein, a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) biosensor is introduced for Vincristine determination in pharmaceutical preparations based on the modification of screen printed electrode (SPE) with double-stranded DNA (ds-DNA), polypyrrole (PP), peony-like CuO:Tb3+ nanostructure (P-L CuO:Tb3+ NS). The developed sensor indicated a wide linear response to Vincristine concentration ranged from 1.0 nM to 400.0 μM with a limit of detection as low as .21 nM. The intercalation of Vincristine with DNA guanine led to the response. The optimized parameters for the biosensor performance were ds-DNA/Vincristine interaction time, DNA concentration and type of buffer solution. The docking investigation confirm the minor groove interaction between guanine base at surface of or ds-DNA/PP/P-L CuO:Tb3+ NS/SPE and Vincristine. The proposed sensor could successfully determine Vincristine in Vincristine injections and biological fluids, with acceptable obtains.
In situ preparation of a Bi2O2CO3/BiOI with 2D/2D p-n heterojunction photocatalyst for water purification under visible light
Authors: Wu Xiaoge , Qin Nan , Yan Lei , Ji Renlong , Wu Di , Hou Zhenhua , Peng Weihua , Hou Jianhua
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Semiconductors have similar crystal structures and matched energy levels could form a coupled heterojunction at an interface between them which may allow response to visible light, achieving efficient decomposition of organic compounds.

Methods: The Bi2O2CO3/BiOI (BOC/BOI) with 2D/2D p-n heterojunction was prepared by one-pot room-temperature strategy. The prepared materials were tested by various technologies, and the three-dimensional structure, light absorption properties, electrochemical properties and other information were obtained. Photocatalytic tests have also been carried out.

Results and discussion: BOC/BOI heterojunction with oxygen vacancies showed much higher photocatalytic activity than pure BOC and BOI. For example, the preferred BOC/BOI-0.5 heterojunction of the degradation rate for Rhodamine B (RhB) is 97.6 % within 2 h, which is 15.8 and 2.2 times faster than that of BiOI and BOC. In addition, the removal rates of tetracycline, ciprofloxacin and bisphenol A by BOC/ BOI-0.5 were 92.4, 80.3 and 68.6%, respectively. The 2D/2D structures of BOC/BOI-0.5 with rich in oxygen vacancies combined p-n junction can effectively inhibit the photoinduced electron-hole pair recombination and increase the production of active free radicals. The O2- and h+ are the main reactants, giving the composite catalyst potential for degrading a variety of pollutants.
Preventive effect of Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. extract on mice infected with Salmonella Typhimurium
Authors: Kong Qinghui , Shang Zhenda , Liu Yao , Fakhar-e-Alam Kulyar Muhammad , Suo-lang Sizhu , Xu Yefen , Tan Zhankun , Li Jiakui , Liu Suozhu
Published: January 2023

Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. (TB) is a traditional herbal combination used in Chinese medicine for the treatment of a broad range of diseases. In this study, thirty KM mice were randomly divided into control (N), infection group (NS), and the TB protection group (HS). Based on its digestive feature, intestinal physical barrier, immunological barrier and gut microbiota effects in vivo on challenged with S.typhimurium mice were investigated after oral administration of 600 mg/kg b.wt of TB for 13 days. The results show that the extract could improve the level of serum immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG), decrease the intestinal cytokine secretion to relieve intestinal cytokine storm, reinforce the intestinal biochemical barrier function by elevating the sIgA expression, and strengthen the intestinal physical barrier function. Simultaneously, based on the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA analyzed, the results of the taxonomic structure of the intestinal microbiota demonstrated that the TB prevention effect transformed the key phylotypes of the gut microbiota in S. Typhimurium-challenged mice and promoted the multiplication of beneficial bacteria. Furthermore, the abundance of Firmicutes and Deferribacteres increased, while that of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria decreased. At the genus level, the abundance of Ruminococcus and Oscillospira was substantially enhanced, while the other dominant genera showed no significant change between the vehicle control groups and the TB prevention groups. In summary, these results provide evidence that the administration of TB extract can prevent S. Typhimurium infection by alleviating the intestinal physical and immunological barriers and normalizing the gut microbiota, highlighting a promising application in clinical treatment. Thus, our results provide new insights into the biological functions of TB for the preventive effect of intestinal inflammation.
Functional characterization of a novel aminoglycoside phosphotransferase, APH(9)-Ic, and its variant from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Authors: Shi Weina , Lu Junwan , Feng Chunlin , Gao Mengdi , Li Anqi , Liu Shuang , Zhang Lei , Zhang Xueya , Li Qiaoling , Lin Hailong , Lin Xi , Li Kewei , Zhang Hailin , Hu Yunliang , Wang Guangli , Bao Qiyu , Jiang Weiyan
Published: January 2023

Background

The intrinsic resistance mechanism plays an essential role in the bacterial resistance to a variety of the antimicrobials. The aim of this study is to find the chromosome-encoded novel antimicrobial resistance gene in the clinical isolate.

Methods

The function of the predicted resistance gene was verified by gene cloning and antibiotic susceptibility test. Recombinant protein expression and enzyme kinetic studies were performed to explore the in vivo activity of the enzyme. Expression of the resistance gene exposed to antimicrobial was determined by RT-qPCR. Whole genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis were applied to analyze the genetic context of the resistance gene.

Results

The novel aminoglycoside (AG) resistance genes designated aph(9)-Ic and aph(9)-Ic1 confer resistance to spectinomycin, and a recombinant strain harboring aph(9)-Ic (pMD19-T-aph(9)-Ic/DH5α) showed a significantly increased minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) level against spectinomycin compared with the control strains (DH5α and pMD19-T/DH5α). The result of the kinetic analysis of APH(9)-Ic was consistent with the MIC result for the recombinant pMD19-T-aph(9)-Ic/DH5α, showing the efficient catalytic activity for spectinomycin [kcat/Km ratio = (5.58 ± 0.31) × 104 M−1·s−1]. Whole-genome sequencing demonstrated that the aph(9)-Ic gene was located on the chromosome with a relatively conserved genetic environment, and no mobile genetic element was found in its surrounding region. Among all the function-characterized resistance genes, APH(9)-Ic shares the highest amino acid sequence identity of 33.75% with APH(9)-Ia.

Conclusion

We characterized a novel AG resistance gene aph(9)-Ic and its variant aph(9)-Ic1 that mediated spectinomycin resistance from S. maltophilia. The identification of the novel AG resistance genes will assist us in elucidating the complexity of resistance mechanisms in microbial populations.
Ecological influence by colonization of fluoride-resistant Streptococcus mutans in oral biofilm
Authors: Shen Yan , Yu Fangzheng , Qiu Lili , Gao Mengjia , Xu Puxin , Zhang Lingjun , Liao Xiangyan , Wang Min , Hu Xiangyu , Sun Yan , Pan Yihuai
Published: January 2023

Background

Dental caries is one of the oldest and most common infections in humans. Improved oral hygiene practices and the presence of fluoride in dentifrices and mouth rinses have greatly reduced the prevalence of dental caries. However, increased fluoride resistance in microbial communities is concerning. Here, we studied the effect of fluoride-resistant Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) on oral microbial ecology and compare it with wild-type S. mutans in vitro.

Methods

Biofilm was evaluated for its polysaccharide content, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging, acid-producing ability, and related lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), arginine deiminase (ADS), and urease enzymatic activity determination. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to evaluate the S. mutans ratio within the biofilm. It was followed by 16S rRNA sequencing to define the oral microbial community.

Results

Fluoride-resistant S. mutans produced increased polysaccharides in presence of NaF (P < 0.05). The enzymatic activities related to both acid and base generation were less affected by the fluoride. In presence of 275 ppm NaF, the pH in the fluoride-resistant strain sample was lower than the wild type. We observed that with the biofilm development and accumulative fluoride concentration, the fluoride-resistant strain had positive relationships with other bacteria within the oral microbial community, which enhanced its colonization and survival. Compared to the wild type, fluoride-resistant strain significantly increased the diversity and difference of oral microbial community at the initial stage of biofilm formation (4 and 24 h) and at a low fluoride environment (0 and 275 ppm NaF) (P < 0.05). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that fluoride-resistant strain enhanced the metabolic pathways and glucose transfer.

Conclusions

Fluoride-resistant S. mutans affected the microecological balance of oral biofilm and its cariogenic properties in vitro, indicating its negative impact on fluoride's caries prevention effect.
Second language learning of depiction in a different modality: The case of sign language acquisition
Authors: Kurz Kim B. , Kartheiser Geo , Hauser Peter C.
Published: January 2023

This study investigated the acquisition of depicting signs (DS) among students learning a signed language as their second-modality and second-language (M2L2) language. Depicting signs, broadly described, illustrate actions and states. This study sample includes 75 M2L2 students who were recruited from college-level American Sign Language (ASL) courses who watched and described three short clips fromCanary Rowthe best they could in ASL. Four types of DS were coded in the students' videorecorded retellings: (1) entity depicting signs (EDS); (2) body part depicting signs (BPDS); (3) handling depicting signs (HDS); and (4) size-and-shape specifiers (SASS). Results revealed that SASS and HDS increase in instances as students advance in their ASL learning and comprehension. However, EDS expressions did not have a relationship with their ASL comprehension. ASL 2 students produced less DS than the ASL 1 students but did not differ from the ASL 3+ students. There were no differences in instances of BPDS among the three groups of L2 learners although their ability to produce BPDS was correlated with their ASL comprehension. This study is the first to systematically elicit depicting signs from M2L2 learners in a narrative context. The results have important implications for the field of sign language pedagogy and instruction. Future research, particularly cross-sectional and/or longitudinal studies, is needed to explore the trajectory of the acquisition of DS and identify evidence-based pedagogical approaches for teaching depicting signs to M2L2 students.
An exploratory analysis of revision behavior development of L2 writers on an intensive English for academic purposes program using Bayesian methods
Authors: Mazgutova Diana , McCray Gareth
Published: January 2023

Revision is a fundamental part of the writing process and is particularly important in the production of high-quality academic writing. This study is anexploratoryexamination of changes in revision behavior, as measured by keystroke logging software, at the beginning (T1) and end (T2) of a one-month intensive English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course onn= 39 undergraduate and postgraduate students. Bayes Factors (BFs) are utilized as measures of strength of evidence for changes in behavior. In this paper, we examine the application of a Bayesian Hypothesis Testing (BHT) approach and its implications specifically for exploratory studies, i.e., studies with relatively small samples intended to search data for emergent patterns. The results show that, in most cases, we have moderate evidence against any change in behavior over time. Based on this evidence, we conclude that the experimental parameters of further exploratory work into the development of revisions should be modified to maximize the chance of finding patterns in the data from which to generate any confirmatory hypotheses.
CT characteristics and clinical implications of acute type A aortic intramural hematoma
Authors: Yen Hsu-Ting , Wu Chia-Chen , Lee Yi-Wei , Lo Chien-Ming , Chen Yen-Yu
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Computed tomography (CT) has been increasingly used in the diagnosis of acute aortic syndrome, and a number of high-risk CT imaging features have been reported. We aimed to identify CT imaging findings suggesting high-risk for acute aortic syndrome by examining clinical outcomes of patients with acute type A aortic intramural hematoma (TAIMH).

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed the relationship of clinical patient characteristics and imaging features with mortality and aortic events in 63 patients receiving initial medical treatment for TAIMH. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of aortic events, and the Kaplan–Meier method was used to analyze survival and aortic events.

Results

During a median follow-up of 4.2 years, 25 patients experienced aortic events and 40% of these occurred within 7 days of admission. In total, 12 patients experienced aortic death and 12 patients underwent open aortic surgery or endovascular stenting for aortic disease. In multivariate regression analysis, penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers (PAUs) or ulcer-like projections (ULPs) (P = 0.04) and pericardial effusion (P = 0.03) were independent predictors of aortic events. In the Cox regression model, PAUs/ULPs (P = 0.04) and pericardial effusion (P = 0.04) were independently associated with lower aortic event-free survival.

Conclusion

Identification of high-risk CT features is important for clinical decision-making during TAIMH treatment. Early and frequent CT imaging follow-up is required in patients receiving medical treatment. PAUs/ULP and pericardial effusion were the strongest predictors of adverse aortic events.
Triglyceride-glucose index and estimated 10-year risk of a first hard cardiovascular event
Authors: Qu Hua , Long Lin-zi , Chen Li , Wu Han-tao , Fu Chang-geng , Zhang Shan-shan
Published: January 2023

Background

Whether Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is associated with 10-year risk of a first hard atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) event in the United States remains unclear.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, the participants, ranged from 40 to 79 years old, were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999 and 2018. TyG index was the independent variable and 10-year risk of a first hard ASCVD was the dependent variable. The other variables, such as age, gender, race, body mass index (BMI), hypertension treatment states, smoking states and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) et al. were considered as the potential confounding factors. Multivariate linear regression models and smooth curve fittings were used to evaluate the association between TyG index and 10-year risk of a first hard ASCVD event.

Results

A total of 2,142 participants were included in the analysis. The results showed that TyG index was associated with an increased 10-year risk of a first hard ASCVD event [β = 2.208, 95% (1.716, 2.700), P < 0.00001]. The association had statistical significance in both men [β = 3.862 95% CI (3.274, 4.450), P < 0.00001] and women [β = 1.067, 95% CI (0.286, 1.849), P = 0.00756)] according to subgroup analysis. Smooth curve fittings revealed that TyG index was linearly associated with 10-year risk of ASCVD in both male and female.

Conclusion

Triglyceride-glucose index was associated with an increased 10-year risk of a first hard ASCVD event in the United States, suggesting it is necessary to monitor and control an appropriate range of TyG index.
Short-wall paste continuous mining and continuous backfilling for controlling industrial square surface subsidence
Authors: Meng Zixuan , Dong Yue , Zhang Xinguo , Jiao Fangshu , Fan Yaqi , Thammavongsa Champa
Published: January 2023

To facilitate coal mining under the industrial square in Western China, short-wall paste continuous mining and continuous backfilling (PCMCB) is proposed to release the overlaid resources and handle coal gangue. First, the concept of short-wall PCMCB is presented, and the principle of surface subsidence is analyzed. Second, the mechanical model of the branch roadway and strength of the backfill body are established via mechanical derivations. Third, the proportion of backfill materials is calculated. Finally, field applications are carried out in the Dingjiaqu coal mine. The results show the following: 1) Based on the simply supported beam model of the roof and strength design model of the backfill body, the reasonable width of the branch roadway was determined as 5 m and late strength of the backfill body should exceed 2.62 MPa in the Dingjiaqu coal mine. 2) According to the design strength of the backfill body and backfill material proportion, the reasonable ratio of cement: fly ash: gangue: water was determined as 1:1.82:4.17:1.78. 3) In accordance with the equivalent mining height theory, the critical filling rate of the goaf should be more than 90% to ensure that the deformation is within the first level of building damage. 4) The field application shows that subsidence could be effectively controlled by backfilling, the overall surface subsidence was very small, and the maximum subsidence value (77 mm) was far lower than the deformation extremes of the building protection requirements. This study provides practical guidance for the exploitation of overlaid resources under similar shallow burial conditions, which can help in the disposal of coal gangue with considerable social and economic benefits with popularization and application.
Study of the spectral characters–chlorophyll inversion model of Sabina vulgaris in the Mu Us Sandy Land
Authors: Wang Ning , Yang Guang , Han Xueying , Jia Guangpu , Li Qinghe , Liu Feng , Liu Xin , Chen Haoyu , Guo Xinyu , Zhang Tianqi
Published: January 2023

As the dominant shrub community plant in the Mu Us Sandy Land, S. vulgaris is the key factor of ecological environment restoration in the Mu Us Sandy Land, It is of great significance to explore the estimation and inversion of content based on spectrum for ecological environment evaluation and intervention in Mu Us Sandy Land. The SVC HR-1024 portable feature spectrometer and SPAD 502 chlorophyll meter were used to study Mu Us Sandy Land of S. vulgaris. The best band is screened by correlation matrix method, the best vegetation index is screened by Structural Equation Modeling model, and then the best inversion model is established by different mathematical modeling methods. Results revealed that the vegetation indices and chlorophyll content were correlated, combining the six vegetation indices revealed that 610–690nm and 700–940 nm were the bands with the highest correlation. In the selection of optimal vegetation index, NDVI, ratio vegetation index and mNDVI perform best and are suitable for subsequent modeling. Of the four models, the partial least squares model had the best fitting effect (R2 > 0.91). The univariate linear regression model had the simplest processing procedure, but its accuracy was unstable (R2 = 0.1–0.9). multivariate stepwise regression accuracy is also appropriate (R2 > 0.8). The stability of BP neural network modeling is not high. Compare the four methods, PLS and multivariate stepwise regression have their own advantages, and the accuracy is higher, you can make a choice according to the demand as the late modeling method.
Research on the deformation control of surrounding rock about large-section tunnel in strong-medium weathered slate
Authors: Niu Zelin , Wang Yaqiong , Fan Shengyuan
Published: January 2023

Affected by dip angle and thickness of strata and the tunneling method, soft rock tunnel has obvious characteristics of large deformation, long deformation time and difficult support. Based on a case study of Gelong the deformation and failure mechanism of surrounding rock, stress characteristics of supporting structural and control method of large section highway tunnel passing through strong-medium weathered carbonaceous slate stratum are studied. This paper proposed construction method based on strengthening the longitudinal stiffness of supporting structure and increasing the integrity of surrounding rock, The results showed that the deformation of surrounding rock and the stress of supporting structure increased rapidly in the early stage of construction. The cumulative deformation of vault settlement and horizontal convergence reached 116.9 mm and 97.9 mm, respectively, accounting for 73.53% and 76.62% of the total deformation. The proportion of surrounding rock pressure shared by the primary support and the secondary lining was about 8.9:1.1. This shows that the initial support after comprehensive reinforcement has a strong supporting capacity, and effectively reduces the secondary lining pressure of the tunnel, which plays a vital role in the long-term service of the secondary lining.
Factors controlling spatial distribution of complex lithology in transitional shale strata: Implications from logging and 3D seismic data, Shan-2 Lower Sub-member, Eastern Ordos Basin
Authors: Wang Xuxu , Zhou Lu , Wu Yong , Li Shuxin , Gu Yifan , Li Xingtao
Published: January 2023

The Shanxi Formation Shan-2 Lower Sub-member transitional shale in the eastern Ordos Basin is characterized by high total organic carbon value, wide distribution, and large single-layer/cumulative thickness; it is the key target interval for transitional shale gas exploration. Based on drilling, logging, 3D seismic, and natural energy spectrum data, this study discusses the spatial distribution and controlling factors of complex lithology in the transitional shale stratum. Using the multi-lithological eigenvalue method, the lithologic differential distribution characteristics of the Shan-2 Lower Sub-member were identified through seismic attribute analysis and post-stack seismic parameter inversion. On this basis, the controlling factors of lithology spatial difference distribution are revealed by paleogeomorphology restoration, the sedimentary environmental indicator characteristics of shale, and seismic facies division. The results indicate that the lithology distribution of transitional shale strata in the Shan-2 Lower Sub-member is significantly different, and the geomorphological pattern of interjacent depressions and highlands lays a foundation for the formation of the sedimentary system. The environmental and energy differences of paleo-sedimentary water form a sedimentary environment with frequent facies transitions, which controls the distribution of sediments. Th/U and Th/K radios, which indicate redox conditions and sedimentary water energy during the early sedimentary stage of the Shan-2 Lower Sub-member, show that the geomorphic uplift area is characterized by a high-energy transitional environment of mainly developed sandstone and silty mudstone, while the depression is relatively low-energy under a brackish water reduction environment, mainly composed of both dark and carbonaceous shale. During the late sedimentary stage of the Shan-2 Lower Sub-member, when geomorphic control was weakened, it presented a shallow-water, high-energy, and oxidized transitional environment, with a lithology dominated by the complex interbedding of fine-grained sandstone, silty shale, shale, carbonaceous shale, and coal seam. Therefore, it is inferred that the Shan-2 Lower Sub-member may have developed as a barrier island-lagoon sedimentary model. The early depositional period was dominated by barrier island-lagoon-tidal flat depositional combination, thence the sedimentary environment gradually evolved into a tidal flat-swamp environment.
Parents’ understanding of early writing development and ways to promote it: Relations with their own children’s early writing
Authors: Aram Dorit , Yashar Rony
Published: January 2023

The study examined how parents’ understanding of early writing development was reflected in how they analyzed anonymous preschool children’s writings and the support they offered to promote these children’s writing. It also assessed how this general knowledge related to their own children’s early writing development. The participants were 274 parents and one of their children (M= 5.4 years old). During home visits, the parents were shown vignettes with three writing samples of invitations to a party written by anonymous 5½-6-year-old preschoolers. The sample represented initial, intermediate, and advanced early writing levels. The parents were asked to relate to each of these vignettes and write what the child who wrote the invitation knows about writing and how they would recommend promoting the child. Additionally, the participating parents’ children’s early writing was assessed. We studied the parents’ references to the following literacy aspects: Letters, orthography (e.g., final letters, vowel letters), phonology, and the writing system (e.g., the direction of writing, the separation between words) when relating to the vignettes and when recommending ways to support the children’s writing development. The study’s analyses revealed that parents distinguished between the writing levels of these anonymous children and suggested providing writing support recommendations in line with the various levels. Parents mainly referred to the letters when describing and suggesting support for the initial writing level. They referred more to the writing system when giving their opinion and suggesting support for the writing at an advanced level. The more parents referred to different aspects of literacy when analyzing the writing vignettes, the more aspects of writing support they suggested in their writing support recommendations. Parents who related to more literacy aspects in their writing support recommendations to anonymous children had children with higher writing levels. The study indicates that parents’ general knowledge and understanding of literacy development has a role in fostering their own children’s literacy skills.
Association between hyperglycemia and adverse clinical outcomes of sepsis patients with diabetes
Authors: Lin Shan , Lai Dingfeng , He Wanmei
Published: January 2023

Background

Hyperglycemia is one of the poor prognostic factors in critical ill sepsis patients with diabetes. We aimed to assess the interaction between admission glucose level and clinical endpoints in sepsis patients with diabetes admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

Data from the Medical Information Mart Intensive Care III database were used in this study. The study primary endpoint was 28-day mortality after ICU admission. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to explore the association between admission glucose level and the primary endpoint.

Results

We included 3,500 sepsis patients with diabetes. Of participants with no hyperglycemia, mild hyperglycemia, and severe hyperglycemia, no differences were evident in hospital mortality, ICU mortality, or 28-day mortality (all P >0.05). The multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that severe hyperglycemia did not increase the risk of 28-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR]=1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.86–1.31, P=0.5880). Threshold effects analysis identified the inflection points for 28-day mortality as 110 mg/dl and 240 mg/dl. The HRs for 28-day mortality were 0.980 in the <110 mg/dl and 1.008 in the >240 mg/dl. A short-term survival advantage was observed in the 110–240 mg/dl group compared with that in the <110 mg/dl group; meanwhile, no adverse hazard was detected in the >240 mg/dl group. In the stratified analyses, the association effect between the three glucose groups (<110 mg/dl, 110–240 mg/dl, and ≥240 mg/dl) and 28-day mortality was consistent in terms of different sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores and infection sites. The 28-day mortality of the 110–240 mg/dl group with a SOFA score of ≥10 was lower than that of the <110 mg/dl group (HR=0.61, 95% CI: 0.38–0.98).

Conclusion

Admission hyperglycemia was not a risk factor for short-term prognosis in critical ill sepsis patients with diabetes; a lower admission blood glucose level was associated with increased risk of poor prognosis. The potential benefit of higher admission glucose level on 28-day mortality in patients with a more severe condition remains a concern.
Structural homology between 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and Mycobacterium tuberculosis Inh-A enzyme: Dehydroepiandrosterone as a potential co-adjuvant treatment in diabetes-tuberculosis comorbidity
Authors: Hernández-Bustamante Israel , Santander-Plantamura Yanina , Mata-Espinosa Dulce , Reyes-Chaparro Andrés , Bini Estela I. , Torre-Villalvazo Iván , Tovar Armando R. , Barrios-Payan Jorge , Marquina-Castillo Brenda , Hernández-Pando Rogelio , Carranza Andrea
Published: January 2023

Metabolic syndrome is considered the precursor of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Tuberculosis is a leading infection that constitutes a global threat remaining a major cause of morbi-mortality in developing countries. People with type 2 diabetes mellitus are more likely to suffer from infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. For both type 2 diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis, there is pulmonary production of anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids mediated by the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1). The adrenal hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) counteracts the glucocorticoid effects of cytokine production due to the inhibition of 11β-HSD1. Late advanced tuberculosis has been associated with the suppression of the Th1 response, evidenced by a high ratio of cortisol/DHEA. In a murine model of metabolic syndrome, we determined whether DHEA treatment modifies the pro-inflammatory cytokines due to the inhibition of the 11β-HSD1 expression. Since macrophages express 11β-HSD1, our second goal was incubating them with DHEA and Mycobacterium tuberculosis to show that the microbicide effect was increased by DHEA. Enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (InhA) is an essential enzyme of Mycobacterium tuberculosis involved in the mycolic acid synthesis. Because 11β-HSD1 and InhA are members of a short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase family of enzymes, we hypothesize that DHEA could be an antagonist of InhA. Our results demonstrate that DHEA has a direct microbicide effect against Mycobacterium tuberculosis; this effect was supported by in silico docking analysis and the molecular dynamic simulation studies between DHEA and InhA. Thus, DHEA increases the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the lung, inactivates GC by 11β-HSD1, and inhibits mycobacterial InhA. The multiple functions of DHEA suggest that this hormone or its synthetic analogs could be an efficient co-adjuvant for tuberculosis treatment.
Suppression of neurotransmission on gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons in letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome: A mouse model
Authors: Bhattarai Pravin , Rijal Santosh , Bhattarai Janardhan P. , Cho Dong Hyu , Han Seong Kyu
Published: January 2023

Objective

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder in reproductive-age women, characterized by the accretion of small cystic follicles in the ovary associated with chronic anovulation and overproduction of androgens. Ovarian function in all mammals is controlled by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, which are the central regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. However, the impact on the neurotransmitter system regulating GnRH neuronal function in the letrozole-induced PCOS mouse model remains unclear.

Methods

In this study, we compared the response of various neurotransmitters and neurosteroids regulating GnRH neuronal activities between letrozole-induced PCOS and normal mice via electrophysiological techniques.

Results

Response to neurotransmitter systems like GABAergic, glutamatergic and kisspeptinergic were suppressed in letrozole-fed compared to normal mice. In addition, neurosteroids tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (THDOC) and 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c] pyridine-3-ol (THIP) mediated response on GnRH neurons were significantly smaller on letrozole-fed mice compared to normal mice. Furthermore, we also found that letrozole-fed mice showed irregularity in the estrous cycle, increased body weight, and anovulation in female mice.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that PCOS is an endocrine disorder that may directly affect the neurotransmitter system regulating GnRH neuronal activity at the hypothalamic level and impact reproductive physiology.
Melatonin for premenstrual syndrome: A potential remedy but not ready
Authors: Yin Wei , Zhang Jie , Guo Yao , Wu Zhibing , Diao Can , Sun Jinhao
Published: January 2023

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a recurrent and moderate disorder that occurs during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and quickly resolves after menstruation, is characterized by somatic and emotional discomfort that can be severe enough to impair daily activities. Current therapeutic drugs for PMS such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are not very satisfying. As a critical pineal hormone, melatonin has increasingly been suggested to modulate PMS symptoms. In this review, we update the latest progress on PMS-induced sleep disturbance, mood changes, and cognitive impairment and provide possible pathways by which melatonin attenuates these symptoms. Moreover, we focus on the role of melatonin in PMS molecular mechanisms. Herein, we show that melatonin can regulate ovarian estrogen and progesterone, of which cyclic fluctuations contribute to PMS pathogenesis. Melatonin also modulates gamma-aminobutyric acid and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor system in PMS. Interpreting the role of melatonin in PMS is not only informative to clarify PMS etiology but also instructive to melatonin and its receptor agonist application to promote female health. As a safe interaction, melatonin treatment can be effective in alleviating symptoms of PMS. However, symptoms such as sleep disturbance, depressive mood, cognitive impairment are not specific and can be easily misdiagnosed. Connections between melatonin receptor, ovarian steroid dysfunction, and PMS are not consistent among past studies. Before final conclusions are drawn, more well-organized and rigorous studies are recommended.
Repercussions of absolute and time-rated BMI “yo-yo” fluctuations on cardiovascular stress-related morbidities within the vascular-metabolic CUN cohort
Authors: Sánchez-Iñigo Laura , Navarro-González D. , Martinez-Urbistondo D. , Pastrana J. C. , Fernandez-Montero A. , Martinez J. A.
Published: January 2023

Aims

The association between body mass index (BMI) fluctuation and BMI fluctuation rate with cardiovascular stress morbidities in a Caucasian European cohort was evaluated to ascertain the impact of weight cycling.

Methods

A total of 4,312 patients of the Vascular-Metabolic CUN cohort (VMCUN cohort) were examined and followed up during 9.35 years ( ± 4.39). Cox proportional hazard ratio analyses were performed to assess the risk of developing cardiovascular stress-related diseases (CVDs) across quartiles of BMI fluctuation, measured as the average successive variability (ASV) (ASV = |BMIt0 − BMIt1| + |BMIt1 − BMIt2| + |BMIt2-BMIt3| +…+ |BMItn – 1 − BMItn|/n− 1), and quartiles of BMI fluctuation rate (ASV/year).

Results

There were 436 incident cases of CVD-associated events involving 40,323.32 person-years of follow-up. A progressively increased risk of CVD in subjects with greater ASV levels was found. Also, a higher level of ASV/year was significantly associated with an increased risk of developing CVD stress independent of confounding factors with a value of 3.71 (95% CI: 2.71-5.07) for those in the highest quartile and 1.82 (95% CI: 1.33-2.50) for those in the third quartile.

Conclusions

The BMI fluctuation rate seems to be a better predictor than BMI fluctuation of the potential development of cardiovascular stress morbidities. The time-rated weight fluctuations are apparently more determinant in increasing the risk of a CVD than the weight fluctuation itself, which is remarkable in subjects under “yo-yo” weight patterns for precision medicine.