bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small-scale differences in blue cod length distribution, growth, and trophic ecology in New Zealand
Authors: Kolodzey S , Stroh AK , Wing SR
Published: March 2023

Growth and reproduction in marine fish populations can be strongly influenced by local habitat quality and nutritional resources. Habitat degradation can alter prey composition and availability, and, consequently, trophic position and dietary niche breadth of marine fish. In the present study, we compared length-frequency distributions, growth, stomach contents, and isotopic values (δ13C and δ15N) of blue cod Parapercis colias subpopulations from biogenic reef habitats and habitats that were more strongly influenced by shellfish dredges and fine sediment in New Zealand. Blue cod inhabiting more degraded regions were significantly smaller and relied on different prey items than blue cod from biogenic reef habitats. Results indicated that the isotopic niche areas of blue cod occupying degraded habitats were smaller than those of blue cod inhabiting relatively undisturbed biogenic reefs. Isotope mixing models demonstrated that blue cod from one of the biogenic reef regions relied predominantly on suspended particulate organic matter, while blue cod from the other biogenic and degraded regions primarily relied on macroalgae as their organic matter source. Dietary niche overlap was likely higher for blue cod from degraded habitats, with potential consequences for growth and reproduction. Blue cod inhabiting biogenic reefs showed a high degree of individual specialisation. The present study demonstrated that differences in length distribution, growth, and trophic ecology among blue cod subpopulations coincided with differences in habitat degradation. Ecosystem-based management solutions can help regenerate high-quality biogenic habitats while reducing fisheries mortality within these critical habitats.
Increased Hyaluronan Acid Binding Ability of Spermatozoa Indicating a Better Maturity, Morphology, and Higher DNA Integrity After Micronutrient Supplementation
Authors: Lipovac Markus , Bodner Florian , Schütz Alexander , Kurz Harald , Riedl Claus , Mair Julia , Imhof Martin
Published: March 2023

Measuring the hyaluronan-binding ability of spermatozoa is useful in predicting the ability of spermatozoa to fertilise oocytes during in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Recent publications discuss an influence of micronutrients on sperm quality. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the effect of a non-prescription nutraceutical containing eight micronutrients on sperm-hyaluronan binding assay (SHBA) values among males with idiopathic sub-/infertility, using an open comparative pilot study. The study took place at the Outpatient Fertility Centre IMI, Vienna, Austria, and involved 67 sub-/infertile males. Sub-/infertile males were invited to participate and take two daily capsules of the active compound for a 3-month period between the first and the follow-up semen analysis. Each capsule contained L-carnitine, L-arginine, zinc, vitamin E, glutathione, selenium, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and folic acid (Profertil®). 40 sub-/infertile men receiving no active treatment served as controls; this was measured by change in SHBA after 3 months. It was found that SHBA values significantly increased after 3 months of treatment with the active compound, from a median baseline value of 56.0% to 74% (p<0.05). This represented a 19.7% increase compared to baseline, which was significantly higher than the 2.1% decrease observed in the control group. The rate of subjects displaying an increase in SHBA values after 3 months was significantly higher in the active group (74.6% versus 30.0%, p=0.0001), which showed that sub-/infertile men treated with the active micronutrient compound displayed increased SHBA ability. However, more research is necessary to get detailed information on this specific subject.
Properties of Y2O3 Dispersion Strengthened W Fabricated by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis and Pressure Sintering
Authors: Lee Eui Seon , Heo Youn Ji , Kim Ji Young , Lee Young-In , Suk Myung-Jin , Oh Sung-Tag
Published: March 2023

The effects of fabrication method on the microstructure and sinterability of W-1 wt% Y2O3 were analyzed. W composite powders dispersed with Y2O3 particles were synthesized by the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis process or the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis/polymer solution process. A dense composite was fabricated by a combination of spark plasma sintering and final hot isostatic pressing. The powder synthesized by the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis had fine dispersed particles on the surface of the cubic powder and was composed of W, Y2O3 and W-oxides. On the other hand, in the case of the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis/polymer solution process, the nano-sized particles formed agglomerates and existed only as pure W and Y2O3 phases. All the sintered compacts treated with HIP showed an increase in relative density, and the sintered compacts of the powder synthesized by the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis/polymer solution process showed a maximum relative density of 97~99% and a fine grain size. The change in microstructure with different powder processing was explained by the presence of W-oxide and the size and distribution of Y2O3 particles. The Vickers hardness of the sintered compact reached the largest value of about 5 GPa in the powder synthesized by the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis/polymer solution process, which was interpreted to be a result of the relatively high density and decreased grain size.
Development of Alternative Reductant using Biomass for Reducing CO2 in Ironmaking Process
Authors: Kim Ga Eon , Oh Han Sang , Lee Jong Hyup , Park Young Joo , Lee Yu Bin , Kwon Jae Hong , Kim Byong Chul
Published: March 2023

Technologies to reduce CO2 emissions in the steel industry have been actively developed since the early 1990s in order to deal with global climate change. In particular, the utilization of various types of biomass including wood, bamboo, grass, food and agricultural by-product are being attempted as carbon neutral fuels in the blast furnace process. In this study, an alternative reducing agent for coke and pulverized coal using biomass was developed and the effect on blast furnace performance and CO2 reduction was evaluated. The first investigation was whether a burden material made of torrefied biomass mixed with iron ore and coal (Iron-bearing Biomass Coke, IBC) could be used as a substitute for coke in the form of a carbonized briquette. In addition, a method of mixing torrefied biomass with pulverized coal (Bio-PC) to inject through tuyere in a blast furnace was examined. As a result, when coke was replaced with 10% of IBC, the reducibility of the sintered ore was improved in association with an increased CO gas utilization ratio, hence CO2 emissions decreased by 2.3%. Furthermore, the combustion efficiency of Bio-PC mixed with 10% of torrefied biomass was improved by 13.2%, thus, the amount of CO2 emissions was calculated to decrease by 4%. These results suggest that the possibility of using IBC and Bio-PC in blast furnaces, as they could effectively reduce CO2 emissions in the ironmaking process.
Literature Review: Description of the Psychological Impact of Social Support on Gynecological Cancer Patients
Authors: Sukyati Ira
Published: March 2023

Aims : Gynecological cancer is a group of diseases that develop and attack the female reproductive organs. There are many psychological problems due to the disease, such as anxiety, stress, helplessness, so that they need social support. Objective: to analyze the impact of social support for gynecologic cancer patients,
Material and Methods: the research used in this literature study was research that included the inclusion criteria that were made and the databases used, namely the wiley online library, EBSCO, Clinical key, and Google Scholar, Proquest. The keywords used were "gynecological cancer”, “ psychological problems” and” social support”.
Results : 229 research results have been found. and those that fit the inclusion criteria totaled six articles. The six articles resulted in findings that social support from family, friends and significant others greatly influences the psychosocial impact of patients reducing depression and increasing acceptance of cancer, having good coping mechanisms in dealing with stress, increasing quality of life and reducing anxiety levels, the patient's fighting spirit in dealing with cancer and increase patient motivation for treatment. One article describes the impact that the absence of support can lead to feelings of loneliness and loss of hope
Conclusion: Social support from family, friends and meaningful people is very useful to help the healing process of gynecological cancer patients
The Relationship Between Mother’s Support to the Development Level of Preschool-Age Children
Authors: Hastuti Dwi , Ningsih Retna , Fauziah Fifi , Nurbayanti Siti , Bola Ibrahim
Published: March 2023

Aim: The prevalence data for growth and development disorders is increased by 28.7%, and Indonesia being the third highest in Southeast Asia. The influence of family support, especially from the mother, is very influential on the child's development because the mother's encouragement is very influential on the child's success in achieving development according to the stages. This study aims to analyze the relationship between maternal support and the level of development of preschool children in Daya Wanita Kindergarten, Sumedang.
Methods: The research design used was an analytic survey with a cross-sectional approach. The number of samples used is 70 respondents (35 children and 35 mothers). This study used a purposive sampling technique and the developmental pre-screening questionnaire (KPSP) to measure the mother's support using a Guttman scale with two choices of answers that support and do not support.
Result: Univariate data analysis with frequency distribution technique and bivariate using Chi-Square test. The results showed that out of 35 children, 20 children had appropriate development (57.1%), ten children had doubtful development (28.6%), and five children had abnormal development (14.3%). Most of the children received support from their mothers. As many as 22 people (62.9%) and 13 children did not get proper support (37.1%). There is a significant relationship between the mother's support and preschool-age children's development level (p-value = 0.007).
Conclusion: This study showed a relationship between mothers' support and the development of preschool-age children. Based on this study result is hoped that schools can educate parents about stimulating child development, and parents can facilitate the children's stimulation at home.
ANALISIS PERAN MEDIA SOSIAL DALAM PEMBENTUKAN PENGETAHUAN POLITIK MASYARAKAT
Authors: Zempi Chairun Nisa , Kuswanti Ana , Maryam Siti
Published: March 2023

Media sosial tidak hanya digunakan sebagai tempat berkomunikasi, tetapi juga sebagai tempat mencari informasi, berdisikusi dan membentuk jaringan. Apalagi setiap masyarakat memiliki caranya masing-masing dalam mengolah informasi yang ada di media sosial yang akan dijadikan sebagai pengetahuan politik. Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis bagaimana media sosial menciptakan pengetahuan politik di masyarakat. Metode yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kualitatif untuk memahami secara mendalam fenomena dengan menjabarkan mengenai peran media sosial dalam memberikan pengetahuan politik. Data didapatkan melalui sumber-sumber kepustakaan seperti buku dan jurnal ilmiah. Hasil penelitian mendapati bahwa media sosial memiliki kekuatan dalam aspek involve atau terlibat dalam partisipasi politik, connect yaitu memiliki jaringan dalam partisipasi politik dan mobilize yaitu pemberian dukungan pada jalannya partisipasi politik. Akan tetapi penggunaan media sosial sebagai sumber informasi politik akan berbeda penerimaannya pada tiap individu. Terdapat 6 stratifikasi politik masyarakat dalam menggunakan media sosial sebagai sumber pengetahuan. Setiap level individu akan berbeda cara mereka menggunakan media sosial sosial sebagai sumber informasi.
Next generation neural population models
Authors: Coombes Stephen
Published: March 2023

Low-dimensional neural mass models are often invoked to model the coarse-grained activity of large populations of neurons and synapses and have been used to help understand the coordination of large scale brain rhythms. However, they are phenomenological in nature and, although motivated by neurobiological considerations, the absence of a direct link to an underlying biophysical reality is a weakness that means they may not be best suited to capturing some of the rich behaviors seen in real neuronal tissue. In this perspective article I discuss a simple spiking neuron network model that has recently been shown to admit to an exact mean-field description for synaptic interactions. This has many of the features of a neural mass model coupled to an additional dynamical equation that describes the evolution of population synchrony. Thisnext generationneural mass model is ideally suited to understanding the patterns of brain activity that are ubiquitously seen in neuroimaging recordings. Here I review the mean-field equations, the way in which population synchrony, firing rate, and average voltage are intertwined, together with their application in large scale brain modeling. As well as natural extensions of this new approach to modeling the dynamics of neuronal populations I discuss some of the open mathematical challenges in developing a statistical neurodynamics that can generalize the one discussed here.
Non-invasive monitoring of microbial triterpenoid production using nonlinear microscopy techniques
Authors: Dianat Mariam , Münchberg Ute , Blank Lars M. , Freier Erik , Ebert Birgitta E.
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Bioproduction of plant-derived triterpenoids in recombinant microbes is receiving great attention to make these biologically active compounds industrially accessible as nutraceuticals, pharmaceutics, and cosmetic ingredients. So far, there is no direct method for detecting triterpenoids under physiological conditions on a cellular level, information yet highly relevant to rationalizing microbial engineering.

Methods: Here, we show in a proof-of-concept study, that triterpenoids can be detected and monitored in living yeast cells by combining coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) and second-harmonic-generation (SHG) microscopy techniques. We applied CARS and SHG microscopy measurements, and for comparison classical Nile Red staining, on immobilized and growing triterpenoid-producing, and non-producing reference Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains.

Results and Discussion: We found that the SHG signal in triterpenoid-producing strains is significantly higher than in a non-producing reference strain, correlating with lipophile content as determined by Nile red staining. In growing cultures, both CARS and SHG signals showed changes over time, enabling new insights into the dynamics of triterpenoid production and storage inside cells.
Non-invasive estimation of the parameters of a three-element windkessel model of aortic arch arteries in patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair
Authors: Tricarico Rosamaria , Berceli Scott A. , Tran-Son-Tay Roger , He Yong
Published: March 2023

Background: Image-based computational hemodynamic modeling and simulations are important for personalized diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, the required patient-specific boundary conditions are often not available and need to be estimated.

Methods: We propose a pipeline for estimating the parameters of the popular three-element Windkessel (WK3) models (a proximal resistor in series with a parallel combination of a distal resistor and a capacitor) of the aortic arch arteries in patients receiving thoracic endovascular aortic repair of aneurysms. Pre-operative and post-operative 1-week duplex ultrasound scans were performed to obtain blood flow rates, and intra-operative pressure measurements were also performed invasively using a pressure transducer pre- and post-stent graft deployment in arch arteries. The patient-specific WK3 model parameters were derived from the flow rate and pressure waveforms using an optimization algorithm reducing the error between simulated and measured pressure data. The resistors were normalized by total resistance, and the capacitor was normalized by total resistance and heart rate. The normalized WK3 parameters can be combined with readily available vessel diameter, brachial blood pressure, and heart rate data to estimate WK3 parameters of other patients non-invasively.

Results: Ten patients were studied. The medians (interquartile range) of the normalized proximal resistor, distal resistor, and capacitor parameters are 0.10 (0.07–0.15), 0.90 (0.84–0.93), and 0.46 (0.33–0.58), respectively, for common carotid artery; 0.03 (0.02–0.04), 0.97 (0.96–0.98), and 1.91 (1.63–2.26) for subclavian artery; 0.18 (0.08–0.41), 0.82 (0.59–0.92), and 0.47 (0.32–0.85) for vertebral artery. The estimated pressure showed fairly high tolerance to patient-specific inlet flow rate waveforms using the WK3 parameters estimated from the medians of the normalized parameters.

Conclusion: When patient-specific outflow boundary conditions are not available, our proposed pipeline can be used to estimate the WK3 parameters of arch arteries.
Microwave-assisted cassava pulp hydrolysis as food waste biorefinery for biodegradable polyhydroxybutyrate production
Authors: Prasertsilp Patiya , Pattaragulwanit Kobchai , Kim Beom Soo , Napathorn Suchada Chanprateep
Published: March 2023

Cassava pulp is one of the most abundant agricultural residues that can cause serious disposal problems. This study aimed to apply a biorefinery approach by examining the feasibility of microwave-assisted cassava pulp hydrolysis to attain sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. Four factors, namely, the liquid-to-solid ratio (20 mL/g, 10 mL/g, 7.5 mL/g, and 5 mL/g), types of acids (H2SO4and H3PO4), watt power (600 W, 700 W, and 800 W) and time (3, 5 and 8 min), were carefully investigated. The highest fermentable sugar content of 88.1 g/L ± 0.7 g/L (0.88 g fermentable sugars/g dry cassava pulp) was achieved when 20 mL/g cassava pulp was hydrolyzed with 2.5% (v/v) H2SO4under microwave irradiation at 800 W for 8 min. Glucose was a major product (82.0 g/L ± 5.2 g/L). The inhibitor concentration was 5.17 g/L ± 0.01 g/L, and the levulinic acid concentration was 5.15 g/L ± 0.01 g/L. The results indicated that the liquid-to-solid ratio, diluted acid concentration, irradiation watt power and time were important factors in producing fermentable sugars from acid hydrolysis under microwave irradiation. The crude hydrolysate was used for PHB production byCupriavidus necatorstrain A-04. The hydrolysate to nutrients ratio of 30:70 (v/v) yielded a cell dry weight of 7.5 g/L ± 0.1 g/L containing PHB content of 66.8% ± 0.3% (w/w), resulting in a yieldYP/S(g-PHB/g-SPHB) of 0.35 g/g. This study demonstrated that the microwave-assisted cassava pulp hydrolysate developed in this study provided a high amount of glucose (88.1% conversion) and resulted in a low concentration of inhibitors without xylose; this was successfully achieved without pregelatinization, alkaline pretreatment or detoxification.
Bioactive semaphorin 3A promotes sequential formation of sensory nerve and type H vessels during in situ osteogenesis
Authors: Han Xiaoxiao , Ma Yuxuan , Lu Weicheng , Yan Jianfei , Qin Wenpin , He Jiaying , Niu Li-Na , Jiao Kai
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Sensory nerves and vessels are critical for skeletal development and regeneration, but crosstalk between neurovascular network and mineralization are not clear. The aim of this study was to explore neurovascular changes and identify bioactive regulators during in situ osteogenesis.

Method:In situ osteogenesis model was performed in male rats following Achilles tenotomy. At 3, 6 and 9 weeks after surgery, mineralization, blood vessels, sensory innervation, and bioactive regulators expression were evaluated via micro-computed tomography, immunofluorescent staining, histology and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analyses.

Result: In the process of in situ osteogenesis, the mineral density increased with time, and the locations of minerals, nerves and blood vessels were highly correlated at each time point. The highest density of sensory nerve was observed in the experimental group at the 3rd week, and then gradually decreased with time, but still higher than that in the sham control group. Among many regulatory factors, semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) was highly expressed in experimental model and its expression was temporally sequential and spatially correlated sensory nerve.

Conclusion: The present study showes that during in situ osteogenesis, innervation and angiogenesis are highly correlated, and Sema3A is associated with the position and expression of the sensory nerve.
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for neurological disorders: The light or the dark side of the force?
Authors: Isaković Jasmina , Šerer Klara , Barišić Barbara , Mitrečić Dinko
Published: March 2023

Neurological disorders are recognized as major causes of death and disability worldwide. Because of this, they represent one of the largest public health challenges. With awareness of the massive burden associated with these disorders, came the recognition that treatment options were disproportionately scarce and, oftentimes, ineffective. To address these problems, modern research is increasingly looking into novel, more effective methods to treat neurological patients; one of which is cell-based therapies. In this review, we present a critical analysis of the features, challenges, and prospects of one of the stem cell types that can be employed to treat numerous neurological disorders—mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Despite the fact that several studies have already established the safety of MSC-based treatment approaches, there are still some reservations within the field regarding their immunocompatibility, heterogeneity, stemness stability, and a range of adverse effects—one of which is their tumor-promoting ability. We additionally examine MSCs’ mechanisms of action with respect toin vitroandin vivoresearch as well as detail the findings of past and ongoing clinical trials for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, ischemic stroke, glioblastoma multiforme, and multiple sclerosis. Finally, this review discusses prospects for MSC-based therapeutics in the form of biomaterials, as well as the use of electromagnetic fields to enhance MSCs’ proliferation and differentiation into neuronal cells.
Dissecting insect cell heterogeneity during influenza VLP production using single-cell transcriptomics
Authors: Silvano Marco , Virgolini Nikolaus , Correia Ricardo , Clarke Colin , Isidro Inês A. , Alves Paula M. , Roldão António
Published: March 2023

The insect cell-baculovirus expression vector system (IC-BEVS) has been widely used to produce recombinant protein at high titers, including complex virus-like particles (VPLs). However, cell-to-cell variability upon infection is yet one of the least understood phenomena in virology, and little is known about its impact on production of therapeutic proteins. This study aimed at dissecting insect cell population heterogeneity during production of influenza VLPs in IC-BEVS using single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq). High Five cell population was shown to be heterogeneous even before infection, with cell cycle being one of the factors contributing for this variation. In addition, infected insect cells were clustered according to the timing and level of baculovirus genes expression, with each cluster reporting similar influenza VLPs transgenes (i.e., hemagglutinin and M1) transcript counts. Trajectory analysis enabled to track infection progression throughout pseudotime. Specific pathways such as translation machinery, protein folding, sorting and degradation, endocytosis and energy metabolism were identified as being those which vary the most during insect cell infection and production of Influenza VLPs. Overall, this study lays the ground for the application of scRNA-seq in IC-BEVS processes to isolate relevant biological mechanisms during recombinant protein expression towards its further optimization.
Stepwise use of genomics and transcriptomics technologies increases diagnostic yield in Mendelian disorders
Authors: Colin Estelle , Duffourd Yannis , Chevarin Martin , Tisserant Emilie , Verdez Simon , Paccaud Julien , Bruel Ange-Line , Tran Mau-Them Frédéric , Denommé-Pichon Anne-Sophie , Thevenon Julien , Safraou Hana , Besnard Thomas , Goldenberg Alice , Cogné Benjamin , Isidor Bertrand , Delanne Julian , Sorlin Arthur , Moutton Sébastien , Fradin Mélanie , Dubourg Christèle , Gorce Magali , Bonneau Dominique , El Chehadeh Salima , Debray François-Guillaume , Doco-Fenzy Martine , Uguen Kevin , Chatron Nicolas , Aral Bernard , Marle Nathalie , Kuentz Paul , Boland Anne , Olaso Robert , Deleuze Jean-François , Sanlaville Damien , Callier Patrick , Philippe Christophe , Thauvin-Robinet Christel , Faivre Laurence , Vitobello Antonio
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Multi-omics offer worthwhile and increasingly accessible technologies to diagnostic laboratories seeking potential second-tier strategies to help patients with unresolved rare diseases, especially patients clinically diagnosed with a rare OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man) disease. However, no consensus exists regarding the optimal diagnostic care pathway to adopt after negative results with standard approaches.

Methods: In 15 unsolved individuals clinically diagnosed with recognizable OMIM diseases but with negative or inconclusive first-line genetic results, we explored the utility of a multi-step approach using several novel omics technologies to establish a molecular diagnosis. Inclusion criteria included a clinical autosomal recessive disease diagnosis and single heterozygous pathogenic variant in the gene of interest identified by first-line analysis (60%–9/15) or a clinical diagnosis of an X-linked recessive or autosomal dominant disease with no causative variant identified (40%–6/15). We performed a multi-step analysis involving short-read genome sequencing (srGS) and complementary approaches such as mRNA sequencing (mRNA-seq), long-read genome sequencing (lrG), or optical genome mapping (oGM) selected according to the outcome of the GS analysis.

Results: SrGS alone or in combination with additional genomic and/or transcriptomic technologies allowed us to resolve 87% of individuals by identifying single nucleotide variants/indels missed by first-line targeted tests, identifying variants affecting transcription, or structural variants sometimes requiring lrGS or oGM for their characterization.

Conclusion: Hypothesis-driven implementation of combined omics technologies is particularly effective in identifying molecular etiologies. In this study, we detail our experience of the implementation of genomics and transcriptomics technologies in a pilot cohort of previously investigated patients with a typical clinical diagnosis without molecular etiology.
The current regenerative medicine approaches of craniofacial diseases: A narrative review
Authors: Tahmasebi Elahe , Mohammadi Mehdi , Alam Mostafa , Abbasi Kamyar , Gharibian Bajestani Saeed , Khanmohammad Rojin , Haseli Mohsen , Yazdanian Mohsen , Esmaeili Fard Barzegar Peyman , Tebyaniyan Hamid
Published: March 2023

Craniofacial deformities (CFDs) develop following oncological resection, trauma, or congenital disorders. Trauma is one of the top five causes of death globally, with rates varying from country to country. They result in a non-healing composite tissue wound as they degenerate in soft or hard tissues. Approximately one-third of oral diseases are caused by gum disease. Due to the complexity of anatomical structures in the region and the variety of tissue-specific requirements, CFD treatments present many challenges. Many treatment methods for CFDs are available today, such as drugs, regenerative medicine (RM), surgery, and tissue engineering. Functional restoration of a tissue or an organ after trauma or other chronic diseases is the focus of this emerging field of science. The materials and methodologies used in craniofacial reconstruction have significantly improved in the last few years. A facial fracture requires bone preservation as much as possible, so tiny fragments are removed initially. It is possible to replace bone marrow stem cells with oral stem cells for CFDs due to their excellent potential for bone formation. This review article discusses regenerative approaches for different types of craniofacial diseases.
DNA repair genes play a variety of roles in the development of fish embryos
Authors: Dey Abhipsha , Flajšhans Martin , Pšenička Martin , Gazo Ievgeniia
Published: March 2023

Embryogenesis is one of the most important life stages because it determines an organism’s healthy growth. However, embryos of externally fertilizing species, such as most fish, are directly exposed to the environment during development and may be threatened by DNA damaging factors (pollutants, UV, reactive oxygen species). To counteract the negative effects of DNA fragmentation, fish embryos evolved complex damage response pathways. DNA repair pathways have been extensively studied in some fish species, such as zebrafish (Danio rerio). Our literature review, on the other hand, revealed a paucity of knowledge about DNA damage response and repair in non-model aquaculture fish species. Further, several pieces of evidence underlie the additional role of DNA repair genes and proteins in organogenesis, spatiotemporal localization in different tissue, and its indispensability for normal embryo development. In this review, we will summarize features of different DNA repair pathways in course of fish embryo development. We describe how the expression of DNA repair genes and proteins is regulated during development, their organogenetic roles, and how the expression of DNA repair genes changes in response to genotoxic stress. This will aid in addressing the link between genotoxic stress and embryo phenotype. Furthermore, available data indicate that embryos can repair damaged DNA, but the effects of early-life stress may manifest later in life as behavioral changes, neoplasia, or neurodegeneration. Overall, we conclude that more research on DNA repair in fish embryos is needed.
Visual and rapid identification of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae using multiplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification and a gold nanoparticle-based lateral flow biosensor
Authors: Chen Xu , Zhou Qingxue , Yuan Wei , Shi Yuanfang , Dong Shilei , Luo Xinhua
Published: March 2023

Sexually transmitted chlamydia and gonorrhea infections caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae remain a major public health concern worldwide, particularly in less developed nations. It is crucial to use a point of care (POC) diagnostic method that is quick, specific, sensitive, and user-friendly to treat and control these infections effectively. Here, a novel molecular diagnostic assay, combining multiplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification (mLAMP) with a visual gold nanoparticles-based lateral flow biosensor (AuNPs-LFB) was devised and used for highly specific, sensitive, rapid, visual, and easy identification of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae. Two unique independent primer pairs were successful designed against the ompA and orf1 genes of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae, respectively. The optimal mLAMP-AuNPs-LFB reaction conditions were determined to be 67°C for 35 min. The detection procedure, involving crude genomic DNA extraction (~5 min), LAMP amplification (35 min), and visual results interpretation (<2 min), can be completed within 45 min. Our assay has a detection limit of 50 copies per test, and we did not observe any cross-reactivity with any other bacteria in our testing. Hence, our mLAMP-AuNPs-LFB assay can potentially be used for POC testing to detect C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae in clinical settings, particularly in underdeveloped regions.
Altered gut microbiota in the early stage of acute pancreatitis were related to the occurrence of acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Hu Xiaomin , Han Ziying , Zhou Ruilin , Su Wan , Gong Liang , Yang Zihan , Song Xiao , Zhang Shuyang , Shu Huijun , Wu Dong
Published: March 2023

Background

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the most common cause of organ failure in acute pancreatitis (AP) patients, which associated with high mortality. Specific changes in the gut microbiota have been shown to influence progression of acute pancreatitis. We aimed to determine whether early alterations in the gut microbiota is related to and could predict ARDS occurrence in AP patients.

Methods

In this study, we performed 16S rRNA sequencing analysis in 65 AP patients and 20 healthy volunteers. The AP patients were further divided into two groups: 26 AP-ARDS patients and 39 AP-nonARDS patients based on ARDS occurrence during hospitalization.

Results

Our results showed that the AP-ARDS patients exhibited specific changes in gut microbiota composition and function as compared to subjects of AP-nonARDS group. Higher abundances of Proteobacteria phylum, Enterobacteriaceae family, Escherichia-Shigella genus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, but lower abundances of Bifidobacterium genus were found in AP-ARDS group compared with AP-nonARDS groups. Random forest modelling analysis revealed that the Escherichia-shigella genus was effective to distinguish AP-ARDS from AP-nonARDS, which could predict ARDS occurrence in AP patients.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that alterations of gut microbiota in AP patients on admission were associated with ARDS occurrence after hospitalization, indicating a potential predictive and pathogenic role of gut microbiota in the development of ARDS in AP patients.
Erastin inhibits porcine epidemic diarrhea virus replication in Vero cells
Authors: Zhang Hongliang , Li Yingguang , Yang Ruimei , Xiao Ling , Dong Shaoming , Lin Jiaxu , Liu Gang , Shan Hu
Published: March 2023

Background

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), an intestinal pathogenic coronavirus, has caused significant economic losses to the swine industry worldwide. At present, there are several treatment methods, but there is still a lack of clinically effective targeted drugs, new antiviral mechanisms and drugs need to be explored.

Methods

In this study, we established a model of erastin versus ferrostatin-1 treatment of Vero cells, and then detected virus proliferation and gene expression by RT-qPCR through PEDV infection experiments.

Results

We demonstrated for the first time that erastin significantly inhibited the replication of PEDV upon entry into cells; Vero treated with erastin significantly regulated the expression of three genes, NRF2, ACSL4 and GPX4, notably erastin regulated the expression of these three genes negatively correlated with the expression induced by PEDV virus infection.

Conclusions

Since NRF2, ACSL4 and GPX4 are classical Ferroptosis genes, this study speculates that erastin may inhibit the replication of PEDV in Vero cells in part through the regulation of ferroptosis pathway, and erastin may be a potential drug for the treatment of PEDV infection.
Implicit cross-situational word learning in children with and without developmental language disorder and its relation to lexical-semantic knowledge
Authors: Broedelet Iris , Boersma Paul , Rispens Judith
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Research indicates that statistical learning plays a role in word learning by enabling the learner to track the co-occurrences between words and their visual referents, a process that is named cross-situational word learning. Word learning is problematic for children with developmental language disorder (DLD), and a deficit in statistical learning has been suggested to contribute to the language difficulties in these children. Therefore, we investigate whether children with DLD have more difficulty than TD children with learning novel word–referent pairs based on cross-situational statistics in an implicit task, and whether this ability is related to their lexical-semantic skills. Moreover, we look at the role of variability of the learning environment.

Methods

In our implicit cross-situational word learning task, each trial in the exposure phase was in itself ambiguous: two pictures of unknown objects were shown at the same time and two novel words were played consecutively, without indicating which word referred to which object. However, as every word occurred with its correct referent consistently, the children could learn the word–referent pairs across trials. The children were not explicitly instructed to learn the names of new objects. As an on-line measure of learning, eye-movements were recorded during the exposure phase. After exposure, word–referent knowledge was also tested using multiple choice questions. Several measures of lexical-semantic knowledge were administered to the children with DLD, as well as tasks measuring non-verbal intelligence and phonological processing. Contextual variability (the number of different distractors with which a particular word–referent pair occurs across trials) was manipulated between subjects by constructing two types of exposure conditions: low contextual diversity vs. high contextual diversity.

Results

Both groups of children performed significantly above chance level on the test phase, but the TD children significantly outperformed the children with DLD. We found no significant effect of contextual diversity. The eye-tracking data revealed some evidence of on-line learning, but no differences between groups. Finally, the regression analyses did not reveal any significant predictors of off-line or on-line cross-situational word learning ability.

Discussion

Our results indicate that although children with DLD are able to learn word-referent pairs in an implicit task, they have more difficulty than TD children. Possibly they need more input to achieve the same level.
Feasibility and scalability of a fitness tracker study: Results from a longitudinal analysis of persons with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sieber Chloé , Haag Christina , Polhemus Ashley , Sylvester Ramona , Kool Jan , Gonzenbach Roman , von Wyl Viktor
Published: March 2023

Background

Consumer-grade fitness trackers offer exciting opportunities to study persons with chronic diseases in greater detail and in their daily-life environment. However, attempts to bring fitness tracker measurement campaigns from tightly controlled clinical environments to home settings are often challenged by deteriorating study compliance or by organizational and resource limitations.

Objectives

By revisiting the study design and patient-reported experiences of a partly remote study with fitness trackers (BarKA-MS study), we aimed to qualitatively explore the relationship between overall study compliance and scalability. On that account, we aimed to derive lessons learned on strengths, weaknesses, and technical challenges for the conduct of future studies.

Methods

The two-phased BarKA-MS study employed Fitbit Inspire HR and electronic surveys to monitor physical activity in 45 people with multiple sclerosis in a rehabilitation setting and in their natural surroundings at home for up to 8 weeks. We examined and quantified the recruitment and compliance in terms of questionnaire completion and device wear time. Furthermore, we qualitatively evaluated experiences with devices according to participants' survey-collected reports. Finally, we reviewed the BarKA-MS study conduct characteristics for its scalability according to the Intervention Scalability Assessment Tool checklist.

Results

Weekly electronic surveys completion reached 96%. On average, the Fitbit data revealed 99% and 97% valid wear days at the rehabilitation clinic and in the home setting, respectively. Positive experiences with the device were predominant: only 17% of the feedbacks had a negative connotation, mostly pertaining to perceived measurement inaccuracies. Twenty-five major topics and study characteristics relating to compliance were identified. They broadly fell into the three categories: “effectiveness of support measures”, “recruitment and compliance barriers”, and “technical challenges”. The scalability assessment revealed that the highly individualized support measures, which contributed greatly to the high study compliance, may face substantial scalability challenges due to the strong human involvement and limited potential for standardization.

Conclusion

The personal interactions and highly individualized participant support positively influenced study compliance and retention. But the major human involvement in these support actions will pose scalability challenges due to resource limitations. Study conductors should anticipate this potential compliance-scalability trade-off already in the design phase.
Geological adaptability of deep CBM fractured horizontal well in SLN block
Authors: Fu Yutong , Yuan Weilin , Xu Zhidan , Zhao Ruosi , Wu Yue , Zheng Haibo , Wang Xianqing , Guo Xudong , Gou Shiyong , Ma Chunlin
Published: March 2023

The buried depth of the main coal beds in SLN Block is more than 1,500 m, and the gas content of the coal beds is high. However, the coal beds are generally in a high geostress environment, the permeability of the coal beds is generally low, and the development effect of conventional fractured straight wells is poor. Fractured horizontal well is an important technical means to improve the development effect of low permeability coalbed methane, but the investment cost is high. To reduce the investment risk of fractured horizontal wells, it is necessary to find out the gas production capacity and main control factors of the fractured horizontal wells, and determine the area suitable for the development of fractured horizontal wells. In the area with permeability higher than 0.28 md and gas content higher than 12.8 m3/t, the daily gas production capacity of fractured horizontal well is 16,450–21500 m3/d, and the development effect is good. The research results are of great significance to quickly evaluate the adaptability of fractured horizontal wells.
The role of obesity in sarcopenia and the optimal body composition to prevent against sarcopenia and obesity
Authors: Liu Chaoran , Cheng Keith Yu-Kin , Tong Xin , Cheung Wing-Hoi , Chow Simon Kwoon-Ho , Law Sheung Wai , Wong Ronald Man Yeung
Published: March 2023

Background

Elderly people with low lean and high fat mass, are diagnosed with sarcopenic obesity (SO), and often have poor clinical outcomes. This study aimed to explore the relationship between obesity and sarcopenia, and the optimal proportion of fat and muscle for old individuals.

Methods

Participants aged 60 years or above were instructed to perform bioelectrical impedance analysis to obtain the muscle and fat indicators, and handgrip strength was also performed. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to predicted appendicular skeletal muscle mass and function. Body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF%) were used to define obesity. The association of muscle and fat indicators were analyzed by Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Pearson Chi-Square test was utilized to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) on the risk of sarcopenia according to obesity status.

Results

1637 old subjects (74.8 ± 7.8 years) participated in this study. Not only fat mass, but also muscle indicators were positively correlated to BMI and body weight (p < 0.05). Absolute muscle and fat mass in different positions had positive associations (p < 0.05). Muscle mass and strength were negatively related to appendicular fat mass percentage (p < 0.05). When defined by BMI (OR = 0.69, 95% CI [0.56, 0.86]; p = 0.001), obesity was a protective factor for sarcopenia, whilst it was a risk factor when using BF% (OR = 1.38, 95% CI [1.13, 1.69]; p = 0.002) as the definition. The risk of sarcopenia reduced with the increase of BMI in both genders. It was increased with raised BF% in males but displayed a U-shaped curve for females. BF% 26.0–34.6% in old females and lower than 23.9% in old males are recommended for sarcopenia and obesity prevention.

Conclusion

Skeletal muscle mass had strong positive relationship with absolute fat mass but negative associations with the percentage of appendicular fat mass. Obesity was a risk factor of sarcopenia when defined by BF% instead of BMI. The management of BF% can accurately help elderly people prevent against both sarcopenia and obesity.
Triglycerides and leptin soluble receptor: Which one is the target to protect β-cells in patients with type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Alzamil Hana , Aldokhi Laila
Published: March 2023

Objectives

to study the relationships of leptin and leptin SR with adiposity indices, and glycemic indices in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compared to healthy subjects.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 65 patients with T2DM and 63 healthy controls. Fasting plasma levels of leptin, leptin SR, insulin and lipid profile were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent essay, basal insulin resistance and beta-cell function were assessed using the homeostasis model assessment.

Results

leptin SR level was significantly higher in T2DM patients than in controls (5.8 ± 1.6 and 4.8 ± 1.3 respectively; p= 0.001). In patients with T2DM, leptin SR was negatively correlated with homeostasis model of β-cell function and body fat mass while it has a significant positive correlation with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). The independent predictors for leptin SR in patients with T2DM were triglycerides (TG) and HbA1c.

Conclusions

elevated serum leptin SR level in patients with T2DM was positively correlated with TG and abnormal glucose metabolism which indicate that it plays a role in pathophysiology of T2DM. The association of elevated leptin SR level with high TG and deterioration of β-cell function indicate that in some individuals, particularly non-obese, dyslipidemia might be a cause rather than a complication of diabetes.
Understanding the relationships between physiological and psychosocial stress, cortisol and cognition
Authors: James Katharine Ann , Stromin Juliet Ilena , Steenkamp Nina , Combrinck Marc Irwin
Published: March 2023

Stress is viewed as a state of real or perceived threat to homeostasis, the management of which involves the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems. These systems work independently and interactively as part of the stress response. The scientific stress literature, which spans both animal and human studies, contains heterogeneous findings about the effects of stress on the brain and the body. This review seeks to summarise and integrate literature on the relationships between these systems, examining particularly the roles of physiological and psychosocial stress, the stress hormone cortisol, as controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and the effects of stress on cognitive functioning. Health conditions related to impaired HPA axis functioning and their associated neuropsychiatric symptoms will also be considered. Lastly, this review will provide suggestions of clinical applicability for endocrinologists who are uniquely placed to measure outcomes related to endocrine, nervous and immune system functioning and identify areas of intervention.