bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk of Liver Fibrosis Is Associated with More Severe Strokes, Increased Complications with Thrombolysis, and Mortality
Authors: Toh Emma , Joseph Ravi Priscilla , Ming Chua , Lim Amanda , Sia Ching-Hui , Chan Bernard , Sharma Vijay , Ng Cheng , Tan Eunice , Yeo Leonard , Huang Daniel , Muthiah Mark , Tan Benjamin
Published: January 2023

The Fibrosis (FIB)-4 index is an established non-invasive test to detect liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis is postulated to be one of the predictors of the risk of symptomatic Intracranial Haemorrhage (SICH) after intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) therapy, the mainstay of treatment following acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, SICH is a feared complication of thrombolytic therapy. We aimed to evaluate the association of FIB-4 with outcomes of AIS after IV tPA. Consecutive AIS patients receiving IV tPA from 2006 to 2018 at a single stroke centre were studied in a retrospective cohort study. Multivariable adjusted logistic regression was performed to assess associations of FIB-4 with outcomes. The primary outcome was SICH, and secondary outcomes included functional independence (mRS of 0–2) and mortality measured at 90 days. Among 887 patients (median age: 67 (IQR: 57–77)), 342 had FIB-4 < 1.3 and 161 had FIB-4 > 2.67. A greater proportion of moderate to severe strokes (NIHSS ≥10) occurred in the FIB-4 > 2.67 group (n = 142, 88.8%) compared to the FIB-4 < 1.3 group (n = 208, 61.2%). Amongst the different stroke subtypes, median FIB-4 was highest in cardioembolic stroke (CES) compared to the 3 other non-CES stroke subtypes (1.90 (IQR: 1.41–2.69)). Following IV tPA, having FIB-4 > 2.67 was associated with an increased rate of SICH (adjusted OR: 4.09, 95% CI: 1.04–16.16, p = 0.045) and increased mortality (adjusted OR 3.05, 95% CI: 1.28–7.26, p = 0.012). Advanced liver fibrosis was associated with an increased rate of SICH and increased 90-day mortality after IV tPA. The FIB-4 score may be useful for prognostication after IV tPA.
Exploration of Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer and Development of a Clinical High-Risk Group Rating Scale
Authors: Zhao Qian , Wang Yan , Huo Tianyu , Li Furong , Zhou Lu , Feng Yongliang , Wei Zhigang
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: There are few studies on people at high risk for clinical pancreatic cancer (PC). We aimed to explore the risk factors of PC and establish a scale for identifying high-risk populations of clinical PC. (2) Methods: We conducted a matched case-control study, retrospectively collecting demographic data and common clinical indicators from all subjects. Logistic regression was used to explore the risk factors of PC. Based on these factors, we created a high-risk population rating scale, which showed a higher diagnostic value. (3) Results: 385 cases and 428 controls were finally enrolled in our study. Multivariate analysis showed that body mass index (BMI) below 18.5 kg/m2 (OR 5.944, 95%CI: 1.759~20.084), smoking (OR 2.745, 95%CI: 1.555~4.844), new-onset diabetes (OR 5.239, 95%CI: 2.091~13.125), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (OR 1.790, 95%CI: 1.044~3.069), and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) levels no less than 35 U/mL (OR 160.328, 95%CI: 83.392~308.243) were associated with an increased risk of PC, whereas high total cholesterol (TC) levels were related to a lower risk of PC (OR 0.392, 95%CI: 0.211~0.730). The high-risk population scale, whose area under the receiver operating curve reached 0.948 (p < 0.001), showed a greater clinical diagnostic value. (4) Conclusions: Smoking history, new-onset diabetes, BMI, TC, HDL-C, and CA19-9 levels were associated with the risk of PC. The high-risk population rating scale might be used for early clinical PC screening.
Modified Primary Anastomosis Using an Intestinal Internal Drainage Tube for Crohn’s Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Deng Aojian , Zheng Shaopeng , Yuan Lianwen , Xiang Kaimin , Wang Fen
Published: January 2023

Purpose: Surgical treatment is an important part of the management of Crohn’s disease (CD). However, the current recommended staged procedures require two operations, with long hospital stays and high costs, while traditional primary anastomosis has a high risk of complications. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of modified primary anastomosis using intestinal internal drainage tubes for CD. Methods: In this study, emergency and nonemergency CD patients were included separately. Then, the patients were divided into three subgroups: patients with intestinal internal drainage tubes (modified primary anastomosis), staged procedures, and traditional primary anastomosis. The main outcomes were the number of hospitalizations, length and cost of the first hospital stay, length and cost of total hospital stays, and complications. Results: The outcomes of the three subgroups of emergency CD patients were not significantly different. For nonemergency CD patients, patients with intestinal internal drainage tubes had shorter total hospital stays and fewer hospitalizations compared with the staged procedures subgroup, while no significant differences in any outcomes were observed between the modified and traditional primary anastomosis subgroups. Conclusions: For emergency CD patients, no significant advantage in terms of the main outcomes was observed for modified primary anastomosis. For nonemergency CD patients, modified primary anastomosis reduced the length of total hospital stays and hospitalizations compared with staged procedures. The placement of intestinal internal drainage tubes allows some patients who cannot undergo primary anastomosis to undergo it, which is a modification of traditional primary anastomosis.
Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis: Myth or Reality? An Unending Debate
Authors: Naddei Roberta , Rebollo-Giménez Ana , Burrone Marco , Natoli Valentina , Rosina Silvia , Consolaro Alessandro , Ravelli Angelo
Published: January 2023

Juvenile psoriatic arthritis (JPsA) accounts for 1–7% of all cases of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and its definition has been a matter of controversy among pediatric rheumatologists for many years. The traditional attribution of JPsA to the spondyloarthropathy group was challenged in the early 1990s, whereas the recent demonstrations of its heterogenous nature have led to questions about its identification as a distinct category in JIA classification. It has been shown that children with the phenotype of JPsA can be divided in two subgroups, one presenting with the features of early-onset ANA-positive JIA, and another that belongs to the spectrum of spondyloarthropathies. The few studies that have compared the clinical characteristics and genetic determinants of JPsA with those of the other JIA categories have obtained contrasting findings. The debate on the categorization of JPsA as a distinct entity within JIA classification is still ongoing and has prompted the revision of its current classification.
The ACT Predicts Academic Performance—But Why?
Authors: Burgoyne Alexander P. , Stec Kelly M. , Fenn Kimberly M. , Hambrick David Z.
Published: January 2023

Scores on the ACT college entrance exam predict college grades to a statistically and practically significant degree, but what explains this predictive validity? The most obvious possibility is general intelligence—or psychometric “g”. However, inconsistent with this hypothesis, even when independent measures of g are statistically controlled, ACT scores still positively predict college grades. Here, in a study of 182 students enrolled in two Introductory Psychology courses, we tested whether pre-course knowledge, motivation, interest, and/or personality characteristics such as grit and self-control could explain the relationship between ACT and course performance after controlling for g. Surprisingly, none could. We speculate about what other factors might explain the robust relationship between ACT scores and academic performance.
VERDA: A Multisampler Tool for Mesopelagic Nets
Authors: Castellón Arturo , Olivar María Pilar
Published: January 2023

Different types and systems to discriminate plankton samples at different strata in the water column have been developed in recent decades. For sampling at sufficient depth, opening and closing zooplankton multinets are ideal because there is no contamination of one sample with organisms of the previous one. However, for bigger nets, such as those used to collect micronektonic organism, it is difficult to use multiple net units, and multiple cod ends are preferred because of their simplicity, but with the problem of sample contamination from having a common net passageway. We present here a cod-end Multisampler design, VERDA, that uses a carrousel-like system. Similar to some sediment traps, the system works like a revolver with six or eight compartments whose turning mechanism is triggered when the net arrives to a programmed depth level. This prototype was built with inexpensive and recycled components and electronics similar to Arduino® and Teensy PCB to carry out electronic control. The net we used for testing the equipment was a mid-size midwater trawl of ca. 30 m2 and total length of 58 m that works with a single towing cable and no doors. The overall system is useful for all type of ships, due to the relatively easy deployment operations and because the Multisampler does not need electrical cable or acoustics. In our case, we used a Marport® (Reykjavik Iceland) and Scanmar (Åsgårdstrand, Norway) sensors for real-time depth monitoring and opening distance.
Diversity and Biogeography of Coral Mucus-Associated Bacterial Communities: The Case of Acropora formosa
Authors: Bui Van Ngoc , Nguyen Duong Huy , Chu Nhat Huy , Bettarel Yvan , Auguet Jean-Christophe , Bouvier Thierry , Chu Ha Hoang
Published: January 2023

The role of microorganisms in coral health, disease, and nutrition has been demonstrated in various studies. Environmental factors including pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen also play crucial roles in maintaining sustainable coral ecosystems. However, how geographical and environmental factors influence bacterial diversity and community composition is unclear. Here, bacterial communities associated with Acropora formosa coral were sampled from four different locations—Phu Quoc Islands (Vietnam), Nha Trang (Vietnam), Ujung Gelam (Indonesia), and Bourake (New Caledonia)—and compared using tagged 16S rRNA sequencing. We identified 24 bacterial phyla, 47 classes, 114 orders, and 495 genera from 18 samples. Overall, Proteobacteria (1039 distant amplicon sequence variants [ASVs]) and Firmicutes (589 ASVs) were predominant, while Verrucomicrobiota (75 ASVs) and Planctomycetota (46 ASVs) were minor taxa. Alpha diversity analyses revealed that the bacterial community associated with Acropora formosa from Ujung Gelam had the highest indexes (Observed and Chao1), while the figures for Bourake were the lowest. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) showed significant differences in bacterial communities among locations (ADONIS, p = 1 × 10−4). Temperature was strongly correlated with the distribution of bacterial communities in Bourake, whereas pH and dissolved oxygen were significantly correlated with the presence of coral-associated bacterial communities in Phu Quoc and Nha Trang. Across all samples, 28 potential biological markers and 95 core ASVs were found, revealing significant differences in coral-associated bacterial communities. Collectively, these findings provide a comprehensive understanding of bacterial communities living in coral reefs across different geographic sites, which could be useful springboards for further studies.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Function of a G-Protein α Subunit Gene in the Growth and Development of Pleurotus eryngii
Authors: Cao Jixuan , Sun Meijing , Yu Mingming , Xu Yanfei , Xie Jiacheng , Zhang Huangru , Chen Jiayi , Xu Tao , Qian Xin , Sun Shujing
Published: January 2023

Pleurotus eryngii is a commercially important edible fungus with high nutritional and economic value. However, few functional studies have examined key genes affecting the growth and development of P. eryngii. In this study, transformed strains, including over-expression (PeGNAI-OE) and RNA interference (PeGNAI-RNAi) lines, were constructed to elucidate the role of GNAI in P. eryngii growth. GNAI expression was found to affect the mycelial growth and the number of clamp connections. Moreover, the transformed strains were shown to have higher endogenous cAMP levels, thus affecting amylase and laccase activity. Fruiting experiments showed that GNAI expression revealed the formation of P. eryngii primordia and the number of buttons, while transcription analysis identified GNAI gene involvement in the growth and development of P. eryngii. Seven downstream genes regulated by GNAI were differentially expressed in PeGNAI-OE and PeGNAI-RNAi compared to wild type (WT). These genes may be related to mycelial growth and enzyme activity. They were involved in the MAPK signaling pathway, inositol phosphate metabolism, ascorbate, aldarate metabolism, and starch and sucrose metabolism. In summary, GNAI performs different physiological functions in regulating the growth and development of P. eryngii. Importantly, the molecular mechanisms of GNAI regulatory function are relatively complex and need further study.
Landslide Susceptibility Mapping under the Climate Change Impact in the Chania Regional Unit, West Crete, Greece
Authors: Nefros Constantinos , Tsagkas Dimitrios S. , Kitsara Gianna , Loupasakis Constantinos , Giannakopoulos Christos
Published: January 2023

Over the preceding decades, climate change has affected precipitation, the most common factor triggering landslides. The aim of this study is to highlight this impact by examining the precipitation trends in the Chania regional unit, Greece, with the help of the precipitation time series provided by 21 local meteorological stations covering a period from 1955 to 2020. The analysis also focuses on the extreme precipitation events of February 2019, where the monthly cumulated precipitation amount reached 1225 mm, one of the highest ever recorded in Greece. Moreover, an inventory of past and recent landslides was created and the intensity–duration landslide precipitation thresholds were evaluated. Daily simulations of precipitation from three state-of-the-art regional climate models were used to analyze precipitation patterns under two representative concentration pathways (RCPs), 4.5 and 8.5, for the period 2030–2060. The application of the estimated precipitation thresholds on the daily future precipitation projections revealed an increase in the following decades of the precipitation events that can activate a landslide and, therefore, highlighted the climate change impact. Moreover, the mean annual precipitation of the preceding 10 years was evaluated and used along with local hydro-geological data and the recent landslide inventory, providing approximately a 5% more effective landslide susceptibility map compared with the relative maps produced by using the mean annual precipitation evaluated for the control period (1976–2005) and for the preceding 30 years. Thus, landslide susceptibility emerges as a dynamic process and the landslide susceptibility map needs to be regularly updated due to the significant and ongoing changes in precipitation because of climate change.
Uchinaaguchi Learning through Indigenous Critical Pedagogy: Why Do Some People in Yomitan Not Know Yomitan Mountain?
Authors: Ohara Yumiko , Machida Seira
Published: January 2023

Since the 1970s, Yomitan Village in Okinawa has been at the forefront of community-led efforts of language preservation by documenting its folklore as a part of a larger goal to restore its language and culture. This has resulted in the documentation of over 5000 stories recounted in a local variety of Uchinaaguchi by over 700 community members from all parts of the village. The first aim of this article is to outline the vast folklore data that has been accumulated as well as the language-related materials that have been created from the data. Secondly, it explores conceptual frameworks for the teaching of endangered languages through an Indigenous critical pedagogy that incorporates three perspectives, namely, critical pedagogy hybridity and the third space, and decolonization. Furthermore, we suggest some ways to utilize these stories to teach the language and culture of the community and at the same time demonstrate how the accumulated narratives can be used to illuminate the crucial relationship among history, politics, and knowledge.
Twenty-Three Months Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the Primary Motor Cortex for Refractory Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Single-Case Study
Authors: Freigang Sascha , Fresnoza Shane , Lehner Christian , Jasinskaitė Dominyka , Ali Kariem Mahdy , Zaar Karla , Mokry Michael
Published: January 2023

Treatment refractory or recurrent trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a severe chronic pain illness. Single-session repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been shown to elicit analgesic effects in several craniofacial pain syndromes, including TN. However, the safety and long-term effect of multi-session rTMS for TN have yet to be fully explored. In this study, we present a case of a patient with medical treatment-refractory TN after microvascular decompression. The patient volunteered to undergo 73 sessions of 10 Hz rTMS over 23 months. Neurovagination was used for precise localization and stimulation of the hand and face representation at the left motor cortex. The numeric pain intensity scores derived using the visual analog scale served as a daily index of treatment efficacy. The patient experienced a significant weekly reduction in pain scores, cumulating in 70.89% overall pain relief. The medication dosages were reduced and then discontinued toward the end of the intervention period. No severe adverse events were reported. From our results, we can conclude that the longitudinal multi-session application of rTMS over the hand and face area of M1 is a safe and effective method for producing long-lasting pain relief in TN. Using rTMS may thus prove helpful as an adjunct to conventional methods for treating pain in TN.
An Anatomically Preserved Cone-like Flower from the Lower Cretaceous of China
Authors: Wang Xin , Diez José B. , Pole Mike , García-Ávila Manuel
Published: January 2023

Although diverse fossil angiosperms (including their reproductive organs) have been reported from the Early Cretaceous, few of them are well-documented due to poor preservation and limited technologies available to apply. For example, paraffin sectioning, a routine technology applied to reveal the anatomical details of extant plants, was hitherto at most rarely applied to fossil plants. This undermines the comparability between the outcomes of studies on fossil and extant plants, and makes our understanding on plants incomplete and biased. Here, we applied paraffin sectioning technology, in addition to light microscopy, SEM, and TEM, to document a fossil reproductive organ, Xilinia gen. nov., from the Early Cretaceous in Inner Mongolia, China. The anatomical details of this new reproductive organ were documented. Xilinia bears a remarkable resemblance to conifer cones, although its ovules are enclosed in carpels. The paradoxical cone-like morphology of Xilinia appears to represent a transitional snapshot of plant evolution that is absent in extant plants.
First-Trimester Maternal Serum Adiponectin/Leptin Ratio in Pre-Eclampsia and Fetal Growth
Authors: de Knegt Victoria E. , Hedley Paula L. , Eltvedt Anna K. , Placing Sophie , Wøjdemann Karen , Shalmi Anne-Cathrine , Rode Line , Kanters Jørgen K. , Sundberg Karin , Tabor Ann , Lausten-Thomsen Ulrik , Christiansen Michael
Published: January 2023

The serum adiponectin/leptin ratio (A/L ratio) is a surrogate marker of insulin sensitivity. Pre-eclampsia (PE) is associated with maternal metabolic syndrome and occasionally impaired fetal growth. We assessed whether the A/L ratio in first-trimester maternal serum was associated with PE and/or birth weight. Adiponectin and leptin were quantitated in first-trimester blood samples (gestational week 10+3–13+6) from 126 women who later developed PE with proteinuria (98 mild PE; 21 severe PE; 7 HELLP syndrome), and 297 controls, recruited from the Copenhagen First-Trimester Screening Study. The A/L ratio was reduced in PE pregnancies, median 0.17 (IQR: 0.12–0.27) compared with controls, median 0.32 (IQR: 0.19–0.62) (p < 0.001). A multiple logistic regression showed that PE was negatively associated with log A/L ratio independent of maternal BMI (odds ratio = 0.315, 95% CI = 0.191 to 0.519). Adiponectin (AUC = 0.632) and PAPP-A (AUC = 0.605) were negatively associated with PE, and leptin (AUC = 0.712) was positively associated with PE. However, the A/L ratio was a better predictor of PE (AUC = 0.737), albeit not clinically relevant as a single marker. No significant association was found between A/L ratio and clinical severity of pre-eclampsia or preterm birth. PE was associated with a significantly lower relative birth weight (p < 0.001). A significant negative correlation was found between relative birth weight and A/L ratio in controls (β = −0.165, p < 0.05) but not in PE pregnancies), independent of maternal BMI. After correction for maternal BMI, leptin was significantly associated with relative birth weight (β = 2.98, p < 0.05), while adiponectin was not significantly associated. Our findings suggest that an impairment of the A/L ratio (as seen in metabolic syndrome) in the first trimester is characteristic of PE, while aberrant fetal growth in PE is not dependent on insulin sensitivity, but rather on leptin-associated pathways.
Basalt Fiber Reinforced Concrete: A Compressive Review on Durability Aspects
Authors: Al-Kharabsheh Buthainah Nawaf , Arbili Mohamed Moafak , Majdi Ali , Alogla Saleh M. , Hakamy Ahmad , Ahmad Jawad , Deifalla Ahmed Farouk
Published: January 2023

The creation of sustainable composites reinforced with natural fibers has recently drawn the interest of both industrial and academics. Basalt fiber (BF) stands out as the most intriguing among the natural fibers that may be utilized as reinforcement due to their characteristics. Numerous academics have conducted many tests on the strength, durability, temperature, and microstructure characteristics of concrete reinforced with BF and have found promising results. However, because the information is dispersed, readers find it problematic to assess the advantages of BF reinforced concrete, which limits its applications. Therefore, a condensed study that provides the reader with an easy route and summarizes all pertinent information is needed. The purpose of this paper (Part II) is to undertake a compressive assessment of basalt fiber reinforced concrete’s durability features. The results show that adding BF significantly increased concrete durability. The review also identifies a research deficiency that must be addressed before BF is used in practice.
Machine-Learning Methods on Noisy and Sparse Data
Authors: Poulinakis Konstantinos , Drikakis Dimitris , Kokkinakis Ioannis W. , Spottswood Stephen Michael
Published: January 2023

Experimental and computational data and field data obtained from measurements are often sparse and noisy. Consequently, interpolating unknown functions under these restrictions to provide accurate predictions is very challenging. This study compares machine-learning methods and cubic splines on the sparsity of training data they can handle, especially when training samples are noisy. We compare deviation from a true function f using the mean square error, signal-to-noise ratio and the Pearson R2 coefficient. We show that, given very sparse data, cubic splines constitute a more precise interpolation method than deep neural networks and multivariate adaptive regression splines. In contrast, machine-learning models are robust to noise and can outperform splines after a training data threshold is met. Our study aims to provide a general framework for interpolating one-dimensional signals, often the result of complex scientific simulations or laboratory experiments.
The Processing Map of Laser Powder Bed Fusion In-Situ Alloying for Controlling the Composition Inhomogeneity of AlCu Alloy
Authors: Zhou Yang , Chen Xiaohan , Zhou Fan , Li Xinggang , Huang Yuhe , Zhu Qiang
Published: January 2023

In-situ alloying is a facile method for exploring high-performance metallic materials for additive manufacturing. However, composition inhomogeneity is inevitable, and it is a double-edged sword for the properties of in-situ alloyed parts. Appropriately controlling the composition inhomogeneity benefits the applications of in-situ alloying in specific microstructural and properties design. In this work, the Al20Cu alloy was selected as the benchmark alloy to investigate the tailoring of composition inhomogeneity. The morphology and area percentage of composition inhomogeneity in the as-built samples were firstly analyzed. These results provided evidence for the formation of composition inhomogeneity and indicate that its content is tightly dependent on processing parameters. The characteristics of the molten pool under various processing parameters were investigated by modeling the laser remelting process. Based on these, a processing map was established to guide the tailoring of composition inhomogeneity. This study expands the understanding of the formation mechanism of composition inhomogeneity in in-situ alloyed parts and sheds light on employing laser powder bed fusion in-situ alloying for new materials development.
Melatonin from Microorganisms, Algae, and Plants as Possible Alternatives to Synthetic Melatonin
Authors: Arnao Marino B. , Giraldo-Acosta Manuela , Castejón-Castillejo Ana , Losada-Lorán Marta , Sánchez-Herrerías Pablo , El Mihyaoui Amina , Cano Antonio , Hernández-Ruiz Josefa
Published: January 2023

Melatonin dietary supplements are widely consumed worldwide, with developed countries as the largest consumers, with an estimated annual growth rate of approximately 10% until 2027, mainly in developing countries. The wide use of melatonin against sleep disorders and particular problems, such as jet lag, has been added to other applications, such as anti-aging, anti-stress, immune system activation, anticancer, and others, which have triggered its use, normally without a prescription. The chemical industry currently covers 100% of the needs of the melatonin market. Motivated by sectors with more natural consumption habits, a few years ago, the possibility of obtaining melatonin from plants, called phytomelatonin, arose. More recently, the pharmaceutical industry has developed genetically modified microorganisms whose ability to produce biological melatonin in bioreactors has been enhanced. This paper reviews the aspects of the chemical and biological synthesis of melatonin for human consumption, mainly as dietary supplements. The pros and cons of obtaining melatonin from microorganisms and phytomelatonin from plants and algae are analyzed, as well as the advantages of natural melatonin, avoiding unwanted chemical by-products from the chemical synthesis of melatonin. Finally, the economic and quality aspects of these new products, some of which are already marketed, are analyzed.
Metagenomic Strain-Typing Combined with Isolate Sequencing Provides Increased Resolution of the Genetic Diversity of Campylobacter jejuni Carriage in Wild Birds
Authors: Herold Malte , Hock Louise , Penny Christian , Walczak Cécile , Djabi Fatu , Cauchie Henry-Michel , Ragimbeau Catherine
Published: January 2023

As the world’s leading cause of human gastro-enteritis, the food- and waterborne pathogen Campylobacter needs to be intensively monitored through a One Health approach. Particularly, wild birds have been hypothesized to contribute to the spread of human clinical recurring C. jejuni genotypes across several countries. A major concern in studying epidemiological dynamics is resolving the large genomic diversity of strains circulating in the environment and various reservoirs, challenging to achieve with isolation techniques. Here, we applied a passive-filtration method to obtain isolates and in parallel recovered genotypes from metagenomic sequencing data from associated filter sweeps. For genotyping mixed strains, a reference-based computational workflow to predict allelic profiles of nine extended-MLST loci was utilized. We validated the pipeline by sequencing artificial mixtures of C. jejuni strains and observed the highest prediction accuracy when including obtained isolates as references. By analyzing metagenomic samples, we were able to detect over 20% additional genetic diversity and observed an over 50% increase in the potential to connect genotypes across wild-bird samples. With an optimized filtration method and a computational approach for genotyping strain mixtures, we provide the foundation for future studies assessing C. jejuni diversity in environmental and clinical settings at improved throughput and resolution.
Petrogenesis of Middle Triassic Adakite-like Intrusions in the Asiha Orogenic Gold Deposit, East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, China
Authors: Norbu Namkha , Tang Ling , Li Jinchao , Kong Huilei , Li Yazhi , Jia Qunzi , Xu Yan
Published: January 2023

The East Kunlun Orogenic Belt is considered as one of the important gold mineralization regions in the Tethys tectonic domain. These orogenic gold deposits are related to intermediate-acid intrusions formed at the end of Paleo-Tethys evolution, but the petrogenesis is controversial. This paper presents a new study on the geochemistry of zircon U-Pb, O, S, and Pb isotopic compositions of Asiha quartz diorite, granite porphyry, and sulfides. The geochemical features of quartz diorite and granite porphyry are consistent with the modern adakite, with high content of Sr but low content of Y, Yb, and MgO. Magmatic zircons from these two types of intrusion yielded U-Pb ages of 238.4 ± 1.4 Ma and 240 ± 1.7 Ma, respectively. The high O isotopic composition of Asiha complex may reflect that crust or crustal derivates were incorporated into the magmatic melt, and the Pb isotope characteristics indicates a lower crust origin. The δ34S values of pyrites range from 4.9‰ to 11.6‰. This study infers that the Asiha complex perhaps formed by partial melting of the Paleo-Tethys subducted oceanic crust with seafloor sediments and is markedly different from the traditional adakite. Asiha deposit is an orogenic gold deposit related to adakite-like rocks, which formed in Triassic in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt.
Geochemical Features of Volcanic Rocks from the Shaerbuti Mountain Complex, West Junggar, Xinjiang, China: Implications for Recycling of Materials
Authors: Sun Jinheng , Li Ni , Dong Cheng , Ren Yanhong
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we focus on the geological features of volcanic edifices and the geochemistry of intermediate–basic volcanic rocks of Shaerbuti Mountain, which offer a new perspective on recycled materials in the study area. The Shaerbuti volcanic rocks consist of calc-alkali basalt and andesite formed in an arc setting. The porphyroclastic texture of basalt, explosive breccia rock, and the distribution of both breccia and agglomerate provide robust evidence that a volcanic edifice exists in Shaerbuti Mountain. Based on geochemical features, the Shaerbuti volcanic rocks have been identified as being of two types. Type I volcanic rocks have light rare earth element (LREE)-enriched patterns, with La/Sm ratios of 2.27–4.03, Th/Yb ratios of 0.50–1.46, and Nb/Yb ratios of 1.11–2.28. Type II volcanic rocks display a flat rare earth element (REE) pattern, with La/Sm ratios ranging from 1.83 to 2.43, Th/Yb ratios ranging from 0.24 to 0.45, and Nb/Yb ratios ranging from 0.87 to 0.93. In the studied rocks, MgO-Cr, MgO-Ni and MgO-CaO present a positive relationship, which indicates clinopyroxenes crystallized. The Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic compositions of these basalts present values of 0.7045 to 0.7063 ((87Sr/86Sr)i), 6.4 to 6.6 (εNd(t)), and 17.1300 to 18.3477 ((206Pb/204Pb)i), respectively. According to Sr-Nd-Pb isotope features, we argue that melts of altered oceanic crust and sediments were incorporated into the source. We also evaluate the water content (0.55%–6.72%) of the studied volcanic rocks.
Chemical Profiles, In Vitro Antioxidant and Antifungal Activity of Four Different Lavandula angustifolia L. EOs
Authors: Caprari Claudio , Fantasma Francesca , Monaco Pamela , Divino Fabio , Iorizzi Maria , Ranalli Giancarlo , Fasano Fausto , Saviano Gabriella
Published: January 2023

Lavandula angustifolia L., known as lavender, is an economically important Lamiaceae due to the production of essential oils (EOs) for the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and medical industries. The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical composition of EOs isolated from four inflorescences of L. angustifolia L. collected in different geographical areas: central-southern Italy (LaCC, LaPE, LaPS) and southern France (LaPRV). The essential oils, obtained by steam distillation from plants at the full flowering stage, were analyzed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). More than 70 components identified in each sample showed significant variability among the main constituents. The four EOs analyzed contained the following as main component: linalool (from 30.02% to 39.73%), borneol (13.65% in LaPE and 16.83% in La PS), linalyl acetate (24.34% in LaCC and 31.07% in LaPRV). The EOs were also evaluated for their in vitro antifungal activity against two white rot fungi (Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Trametes cingulata) as potential natural biodeteriogens in the artworks field, and against Sclerotium rolfsii, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium verticilloides responsible for significant crop yield losses in tropical and subtropical areas. The results confirm a concentration-dependent toxicity pattern, where the fungal species show different sensitivity to the four EOs. The in vitro antioxidant activity by DPPH assay showed better scavenging activity on LaCC (IC50 26.26 mg/mL) and LaPRV (IC50 33.53 mg/mL), followed by LaPE (IC50 48.00 mg/mL) and LaPS (IC50 49.63 mg/mL). The potential application of EOs as a green method to control biodeterioration phenomena on a work of art on wood timber dated 1876 was evaluated.
Tannins-Based Extracts: Effects on Gut Chicken Spontaneous Contractility
Authors: Mattioli Laura Beatrice , Corazza Ivan , Micucci Matteo , Pallavicini Marco , Budriesi Roberta
Published: January 2023

The impossibility of using drugs for the health of farm animals leads to the search for alternative strategies with two purposes: to maintain animal health and safeguard human health. In this perspective, tannins have shown great promises. These phytocomplexes obtained from natural matrices with multiple health properties may be used as a feed supplement in chicken farms. In this work, we studied two tannin-based extracts (from Castanea sativa Mill. wood and from Schinopsis balansae Engl. Quebracho Colorado hardwood) with different chemical compositions on the spontaneous contractility on the isolated intestinal tissues of healthy chicken. The results showed that the chemical composition of the two phytocomplexes influenced the spontaneous intestinal contractility in different ways by regulating the tone and consequent progression of the food bolus. The chemical analysis of the two extracts revealed that Castanea sativa Mill. wood mainly contains hydrolysable tannins, while Schinopsis balansae Engl. hardwood mainly contains condensed tannins. The two phytocomplexes showed different effects towards gastrointestinal smooth muscle contractility, with Castanea sativa Mill. wood providing a better activity profile than Schinopsis balansae Engl. hardwood.
Improved Principal Component Analysis (IPCA): A Novel Method for Quantitative Calibration Transfer between Different Near-Infrared Spectrometers
Authors: Zhang Hui , Tan Haining , Lin Boran , Yang Xiangchun , Sun Zhongyu , Zhong Liang , Gao Lele , Li Lian , Dong Qin , Nie Lei , Zang Hengchang
Published: January 2023

Given the labor-consuming nature of model establishment, model transfer has become a considerable topic in the study of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Recently, many new algorithms have been proposed for the model transfer of spectra collected by the same types of instruments under different situations. However, in a practical scenario, we need to deal with model transfer between different types of instruments. To expand model applicability, we must develop a method that could transfer spectra acquired from different types of NIR spectrometers with different wavenumbers or absorbance. Therefore, in our study, we propose a new methodology based on improved principal component analysis (IPCA) for calibration transfer between different types of spectrometers. We adopted three datasets for method evaluation, including public pharmaceutical tablets (dataset 1), corn data (dataset 2), and the spectra of eight batches of samples acquired from the plasma ethanol precipitation process collected by FT-NIR and MicroNIR spectrometers (dataset 3). In the calibration transfer for public datasets, IPCA displayed comparable results with the classical calibration transfer method using piecewise direct standardization (PDS), indicating its obvious ability to transfer spectra collected from the same types of instruments. However, in the calibration transfer for dataset 3, our proposed IPCA method achieved a successful bi-transfer between the spectra acquired from the benchtop and micro-instruments with/without wavelength region selection. Furthermore, our proposed method enabled improvements in prediction ability rather than the degradation of the models built with original micro spectra. Therefore, our proposed method has no limitations on the spectrum for model transfer between different types of NIR instruments, thus allowing a wide application range, which could provide a supporting technology for the practical application of NIR spectroscopy.
Characterization of Magnetron Sputtered BiTe-Based Thermoelectric Thin Films
Authors: Zhang Zhenxue , Gurtaran Mikdat , Li Xiaoying , Un Hio-Ieng , Qin Yi , Dong Hanshan
Published: January 2023

Thermoelectric (TE) technology attracts much attention due to the fact it can convert thermal energy into electricity and vice versa. Thin-film TE materials can be synthesized on different kinds of substrates, which offer the possibility of the control of microstructure and composition to higher TE power, as well as the development of novel TE devices meeting flexible and miniature requirements. In this work, we use magnetron sputtering to deposit N-type and P-type BiTe-based thin films on silicon, glass, and Kapton HN polyimide foil. Their morphology, microstructure, and phase constituents are studied by SEM/EDX, XRD, and TEM. The electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient of the thin film are measured by a special in-plane advanced test system. The output of electrical power (open-circuit voltage and electric current) of the thin film is measured by an in-house apparatus at different temperature gradient. The impact of deposition parameters and the thickness, width, and length of the thin film on the power output are also investigated for optimizing the thin-film flexible TE device to harvest thermal energy.
Depot-Dependent Impact of Time-Restricted Feeding on Adipose Tissue Metabolism in High Fat Diet-Induced Obese Male Mice
Authors: Bushman Theresa , Lin Te-Yueh , Chen Xiaoli
Published: January 2023

Time-restricted feeding (TRF) is known to be an effective strategy for weight loss and metabolic health. TRF’s effect on metabolism is complex and likely acts on various pathways within multiple tissues. Adipose tissue plays a key role in systemic homeostasis of glucose and lipid metabolism. Adipose tissue dysregulation has been causally associated with metabolic disorders in obesity. However, it is largely unknown how TRF impacts metabolic pathways such as lipolysis, lipogenesis, and thermogenesis within different in adipose tissue depots in obesity. To determine this, we conducted a 10-week TRF regimen in male mice, previously on a long-term high fat diet (HFD) and subjected the mice to TRF of a HFD for 10 h per day or ad libitum. The TRF regimen showed reduction in weight gain. TRF restored HFD-induced impairment of adipogenesis and increased lipid storage in white adipose tissues. TRF also showed a depot-dependent effect in lipid metabolism and restored ATP-consuming futile cycle of lipogenesis and lipolysis that is impaired by HFD within epididymal adipose tissue, but not inguinal fat depot. We demonstrate that TRF may be a beneficial option as a dietary and lifestyle intervention in lowering bodyweight and improving adipose tissue metabolism.
Nutritional Status Indicators as a Predictor of Achieving Remission at Week 14 during Vedolizumab Therapy in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sobolewska-Włodarczyk Aleksandra , Walecka-Kapica Ewa , Włodarczyk Marcin , Gąsiorowska Anita
Published: January 2023

Background: The loss of response or failure to achieve remission to vedolizumab in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients is currently a major clinical problem. Recently, Nutritional Risk Index (NRI), Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT), and Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) have been suggested as a new prognostic factor of UC activity. Here, we aimed at confirmation of hypotezis that NRI, CONUT and MUST may be used as inexpensive and efficient predictive biomarkers of response in UC patients treated with vedolizumab. Methods: This study was conducted in retrospective manner in 32 adult patients with UC of Caucasian origin (21 men and 11 women), who were qualified for 52-week therapy with vedolizumab and finished the 14-weeks from January 2020 to March 2022. Our study analyzed the 45 courses of vedolizumab therapy. Nutritional status indicators, i.e., the NRI, CONUT and MUST of each UC patient, were marked at the time of qualifying for biological treatment. Results: In our study, the MUST score was significantly lower in UC patients who positively achieved clinical remission at week 14 during vedolizumab induction therapy (0.33 ± 0.49 vs. 1.37 ± 0.83; p = 0.002). The analysis showed the lower baseline NRI and CONUT scores in patients with positive clinical remission at week 14 (NRI: 96.42 ± 4.29 vs. 101.41 ± 7.09; p = 0.024; CONUT: 1.00 ± 1.08 vs. 2.16 ± 1.46; p = 0.031). Conclusions: Nutritional status indicators (NRI, MUST and CONUT) may become valuable predictor of achieving remission at week 14 during vedolizumab therapy in UC patients.
Old Methods, New Insights: Reviewing Concepts on the Ecology of Trypanosomatids and Bodo sp. by Improving Conventional Diagnostic Tools
Authors: Alves Fernanda Moreira , Lisboa Cristiane Varella , Dario Maria Augusta , Novaes Roberto Leonan Morim , Tiepolo Liliani Marilia , Moratelli Ricardo , Jansen Ana Maria
Published: January 2023

Mixed infections by different Trypanosoma species or genotypes are a common and puzzling phenomenon. Therefore, it is critical to refine the diagnostic techniques and to understand to what extent these methods detect trypanosomes. We aimed to develop an accessible strategy to enhance the sensitivity of the hemoculture, as well as to understand the limitations of the hemoculture and the blood clot as a source of parasitic DNA. We investigated trypanosomatid infections in 472 bats by molecular characterization (18S rDNA gene) of the DNA obtained from the blood clot and, innovatively, from three hemoculture sample types: the amplified flagellates (“isolate”), the pellet of the culture harvested in its very initial growth stage (“first aliquot”), and the pellet of non-grown cultures with failure of amplification (“sediment”). We compared (a) the characterization of the flagellates obtained by first aliquots and isolates; and (b) the performance of the hemoculture and blood clot for trypanosomatid detection. We observed: (i) a putative new species of Bodo in Artibeus lituratus; (ii) the potential of Trypanosoma cruzi selection in the hemoculture; (iii) that the first aliquots and sediments overcome the selective pressure of the hemoculture; and (iv) that the blood clot technique performs better than the hemoculture. However, combining these methods enhances the detection of single and mixed infections.
Impact of a Dedicated Pretransplant Infectious Disease Consultation on Respiratory Tract Infections in Kidney Allograft Recipients: A Retrospective Study of 516 Recipients
Authors: Feredj Elsa , Audureau Etienne , Boueilh Anna , Fihman Vincent , Fourati Slim , Lelièvre Jean-Daniel , Gallien Sébastien , Grimbert Philippe , Matignon Marie , Melica Giovanna
Published: January 2023

Background: Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a leading cause of death after kidney transplant. Preventive strategies may be implemented during a dedicated infectious disease consultation (IDC) before transplantation. Impact of IDC on RTIs after transplant has not been determined. Methods: We conducted a monocentric retrospective cohort analysis including all kidney transplant recipients from January 2015 to December 2019. We evaluated the impact of IDC on RTIs and identified risk and protective factors associated with RTIs. Results: We included 516 kidney transplant recipients. Among these, 145 had an IDC before transplant. Ninety-five patients presented 123 RTIs, including 75 (61%) with pneumonia. Patient that benefited from IDC presented significantly less RTIs (p = 0.049). RTIs were an independent risk factor of mortality (HR = 3.64 (1.97–6.73)). Independent risk factors for RTIs included HIV (OR = 3.33 (1.43–7.74)) and HCV (OR = 3.76 (1.58–8.96)). IDC was identified as an independent protective factor (OR = 0.48 (0.26–0.88)). IDC prior to transplantation is associated with diminished RTIs and is an independent protective factor. RTIs after kidney transplant are an independent risk factor of death. Implementing systematic IDC may have an important impact on reducing RTIs and related morbidity and mortality.
First Molecular Identification of Fasciola gigantica in Slaughtered Cattle in Cape Verde: Prevalence, Gross Pathological Lesions, Genetic Identification and Coprological Analysis
Authors: Levy Sara , Calado Manuela , Mateus Teresa Letra , Vieira-Pinto Madalena
Published: January 2023

A study on fasciolosis prevalence, gross pathological lesions, fluke genetic identification and coprological analysis was carried out in slaughtered cattle from one abattoir in Cape Verde. Of the 131 cattle inspected over two months, 12 (9.0%) presented fasciolosis-compatible lesions (FCL) that resulted in liver condemnation. The genetic characterization of the flukes collected, through restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of PCR-amplified fragments (PCR-RFLP), confirmed the presence of Fasciola gigantica; therefore, being the first identification of this species in cattle from Cape Verde. Animals that released Fasciola spp. eggs and, thus, responsible for environment contamination (positive shedders), were identified through coprological analysis (natural sedimentation technique). Of the 12 animals with FCL, samples from 11 were submitted to coprological analysis and 7 (63.6%) were found to be positive shedders. Furthermore, of the 82 animals with non-FCL, randomly selected for coprological analysis, 4 (4.9%) were also found to be positive shedders for Fasciola spp. The results of this study, regarding species identification and coprological analysis, are epidemiologically important to update the information regarding fasciolosis in Cape Verde. The new data could help implement effective strategies for disease control and mitigation, consequently reducing economic loss and the level of animal and human infection from the One Health perspective.