bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arenothiophenes in oil basic sulfoxides synthesis and oxidation receiving sulfoxides from oil
Authors: Sh Bozorova L , Qurbanov M J , Pirimov O J , Tursunov O
Published: December 2021

Some of the sulfide compounds were converted to sulfoxides by the action of a 30% solution of hydrogen peroxide on the acid catalyst of a molecule of bicyclic sulfide organic compounds in the paraffin distillate of the oil. The resulting sulfoxides were treated with 70% sulfuric acid and sulfate compounds of sulfoxides were obtained. In order to confirm the composition and structure of these compounds, chemical reactions of the corresponding sulfoxides on the basis of benzothiophene derivatives were carried out.
Study on the traveling magnetic field water purifier
Authors: Berdyshev A S , Djumabayeva Z Z , Abdullaev A A , Mussabekov A
Published: December 2021

The article discusses a new technology for Uzbekistan of purifying drinking water from mechanical particles. This is achieved due to the generated traveling magnetic field of the electric winding wound on the metal cylinder. An analysis of the resulting mechanical attraction forces in the space of a cylindrical purifier is given. Mathematical expressions are given to calculate these forces. The analysis of the obtained graphs of temporal and spatial characteristics is presented. The values of currents allow effectively implementing the process of water purification from mechanical impurities is determined.
Study on the determination of the parameters of the electric purifier
Authors: Berdyshev A S , Djumabayeva Z Z , Abdullaev A A , Mussabekov A
Published: December 2021

The article is devoted to the determination of the parameters on which the filter performance depends on the hydrodynamic, electromagnetic and geometrical parameters of the fluid and pollution. These include fluid viscosity and flow rate, magnetizing force, particle size of contamination, gap height, and the distance between the turns.
Road Intersection Improvement – Main Step for Emission Reduction and Fuel Economy
Authors: Khakimov Sh , Rajapova S , Amirkulov F , Islomov E
Published: December 2021

This article demonstrates the changes made in the intersection model using PTV Vissim have an impact on reducing an amount of GHG and fuel consumption. One of the most problematic intersections in Namangan, Uzbekistan, was selected and traffic flow during peak hours was studied in order to prepare the simulation of the intersection. The article offers two types of solution as so to lessen the amount of toxic gases and fuel consumption. In the first solution, the situation was improved by optimizing the phase of the traffic light and by changing the cycle duration. The second solution was to reduce the amount of toxic gases and fuel consumption from vehicles by changing the geometric dimensions of the intersection. After the implementation of both solutions, the current state of LOS was raised from D to A level.
Effect of humate substances on biological activity and physical properties of eroded soils: a case study of Uzbekistan
Authors: Kamilov B S , Makhkamova A SH , Sodikova G S , Kodirov E T
Published: December 2021

Worldwide, approximately 3 million hectares of land degraded due to erosion, and every minute approximately 44 hectares of agricultural land are being lost. In fact, agricultural area situated in arid zone is vulnerable to erosion, which leads to decline in agricultural productivity due to low quality soil. Evidently, the vital activity of microorganisms is interlinked with the assimilation of minerals by plants in irrigated lands, that is, the production of high and quality crops. Therefore, this research was intended to see effect of humate substance on biological activity and physical properties of eroded soils, that is, investigate how humate substance impact on overall structure of soils in the Pskent district of Tashkent province. The results extracted from field and laboratory experiments showed that poultry manure in moderately eroded soils and humus and poultry manure variants in washed-out soils ranged from 2.2x107 KHB/g to 7.5-3.0x106 KHB/g. Oligonitrophilic microorganisms were found to be the same in all variants. Micromycetes were observed in humus variants with an average erosion of 2.2x104 KHB/g, and in washed-out soils of 7.5x103 KHB/g. The amount of actinomycetes in samples 3 and 4 was 7.5x103 KHB/g per 1 gram of soil, while in samples 1, 2, 5 and 6 they were not found at all. This means that the amount of actinomycetes was slightly reduced in summer, but the relative changes between the options were 1.1-8.3x108 KHB/g in washed-out soils with moderate erosion in less washed soils, and 7.5-8.3x107 KHB/g in moderately washed and washed soils. Furthermore, influence of humic biofertilizers, organic fertilizers on general physical properties of eroded typical gray soils was also studied. Accordingly, the effect of fertilizers in the control variant was 1.30g/cm3, followed by the variant with the use of mineral fertilizers humate 1.27g/cm3, and the application of poultry manure 1.29g/cm3. In moderately eroded soils, the values were found to be 1.40 g/cm3, 1.35 g/cm3, 1.33 g/cm3, respectively, and 1.25 g/cm3, 1.31 g/cm3, 1.29 g/cm3 in washed out soils.
Vilt resistance of cotton varieties while inoculation with various isolates of the fungus Verticillium dahliae kleb. in an artificial climate of Uzbekistan
Authors: Usmanov S A , Mashrapov KH T , Khudarganov K O
Published: December 2021

This article addresses the studies on the resistance of cotton varieties to Verticillium dahliae Kleb on an artificial infectious background. It is shown that resistance indicators depend on the origin of varieties. V.dahliae isolates isolated from varieties C-6524, Namangan-77, Barkhayot, Shodiyona, Omad and C-8290 showed different virulence; isolates allocated from varieties C-6524, Namangan-77, Barkhayot, Shodiyona and Omad showed the highest virulence.
Scientific and practical fundamentals of growing cabbage (Brassica capitata lizg.) in Uzbekistan
Authors: Shokirov A J , Lapasov S S , Shokirov K J
Published: December 2021

At present, scientific research is underway to further develop vegetable growing in the secondary crop, in particular to further increase the yield and quality of white cabbage, to select a system of planting time-sowing scheme that maximizes the biological productivity of varieties, and to apply the most optimal standards of fertilization and irrigation. In this regard, the urgent task remains to determine the optimal varieties of cabbage that can be grown in repeated crops, their optimal planting scheme, timing, development and implementation of optimal standards for each variety of mineral fertilizers and irrigation, and its solution is large-scale throughout the country. Besides that a number of problematic issues are addressed, which could allow to get high and high-quality harvest of white cabbage in repeated sowing in grain-free areas.
Possibilities of drip irrigation of vegetables in agricultural land of Uzbekistan
Authors: Ilkhamov N M , Kurbanov I G , Kh Aliev J , Ganiev S E , Toshpulatov Ch V
Published: December 2021

Reducing water consumption in crop irrigation in the world agriculture, studying soil moisture and water consumption by different irrigation methods, improving soil agrophysical properties and increasing productivity, as well as increasing the productivity of vegetable crops by various irrigation methods and improving phytosanitary conditions (weed and pest density, disease). Extensive research is being conducted to assess the level of one of the most pressing issues in agriculture is the development, improvement and widespread introduction of cost-effective irrigation methods in the spring and summer planting and care of vegetable crops in conditions of water scarcity.
Simple superphosphate by two-stage acid treatment of phosphate raw materials
Authors: Sherkuziev D
Published: December 2021

The distinguishing feature of the proposed flow method before the classical (chamber) method is that the entire production cycle of natural phosphate processing is carried out in two stages. At the first stage, the phosphorite is treated with a stoichiometric flow rate of concentrated sulphuric acid (at least 93%), under conditions of complete decomposition of phosphorite to form phosphoric acid and crystals of anhydrite (calcium sulfate). The reaction temperature is 122 °C. In the second stage, the resulting concentrated solution of phosphoric acid in a mixture with sulphur is involved in a reaction with an additional input of phosphorite, which is the basis for the mechanism of chemical formation of monocalciumphosphate and granulation of superphosphate mass. The processes for neutralizing phosphoric acid on monocalciumphosphate and for granulating the product by coagulation are combined in one apparatus. The drying stage of the product is excluded from the scheme.
Constituents of Leachate Generation and Migration in Ministry of Agriculture Forest Nursery Open Dumpsite in Jos Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Wuave Terwase
Published: December 2021

The constituents of leachate generation and migration in ministry of agriculture nursery open dumpsite in Jos Plateau were determined. Leachate extraction from solid waste (SW) was carried out. Test dumpsite soil with different elevations. Elevations were with uniform density. Representative solid waste dumpsite soil sample were collected from one dumpsite. The collected SW soil subjected to column experimental test, results showed physicochemical parameters (pH, TSS,TDS and EC) range of descriptive value in terms of histogram values of 5.66 – 8.23(1.0m to 1.5m depth) pH, 90.65 – 1125.96mg/l (0.5 to 2.0m depth) TSS, 17.78 – 156mg/l (1.5 to 0.5m depth) TDS, 9.02 – 80.01 us/cm and principal component summary analysis. The histogram and principal component summary values increase. Alkalinity has highest concentration, followed by hardness which has least, BOD5 has lower values, followed by COD which has higher value, Cl−increasing, S04
2-, N03 values increases, P04 in waste decreases with increase time and depth. The Na+, increasing K+ second to Na+, increases, Mg2+ and Ca2+ in MSW increases as time and depth proceed. The results of Cu, Fe, Cd and Pb in histogram had moderate to high values. All were examined for physicochemical, alkalinity and hardness, BOD5, COD, anions, cations and heavy metals to study the seasonal variation of significant parameters. The results from the leachate analysis were used as a tool to identify the processes and mechanisms affecting the soil and water chemistry from the study area.
Diseases that provoke fungi in leguminous cereals and measures of fighting against them
Authors: Rakhmanov J H , Gulmurodov R A , Tukhtamishev S S , Soatov T T , Gulmurodova Sh
Published: December 2021

Many crop losses have been observed in all states due to diseases in which fungi come from leguminous grain crops such as mung bean, peas and beans. In particular, this situation was noted in scientific observations conducted in several regions of our republic where legumes are grown. Fuzariosis, which occurs in leguminous grain crops, has been studied in studies on root rot, anthracnosis, ascochitosis, flour-dew and other fungi diseases, at what time of their appearance, spread, development and damage to the crop. From these diseases, root rotting in chickenpox and fuzariosis, as well as anthracnosis in mung bean and beans, root rot in fuzariosis, rapid spread and development of flour-dew diseases in connection with weather conditions have been identified.
Study on working bodies of the soil preparation machine for sowing potatoes
Authors: Mirzaev B , Mamatov F , Kodirov U , Shirinboyev X
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the study is to substantiate the parameters of the guide knife and the loosening pointed leg of the machine. The basic principles and methods of classical mechanics, mathematical analysis and statistics were used in this study. Theoretical studies were carried out to determine the parameters of the guide knife and the loosening pointed leg of the machine. It is established that to ensure the required value of the crest height with minimal energy consumption, the height and length of the guide knife should be 8 and 15 cm, respectively, the angle of the knife blade to the horizon - 30º, the longitudinal distance from the toe of the ploughshare body of the knife toe – 13 cm. To ensure the required crumbling of the soil, the width of the pointed loosening paw should be 15 cm.
Experimental determination of the wave height of the base and yarns in the tissue and a new method for measuring the tissue thickness without contact
Authors: Daminov A , Doniyorov B , Doniyorova M , Kosimov D , Sultonbekova Z , Nalibaev A
Published: December 2021

In many spinning and weaving processes, fibers and threads are bent. To be more precise: in the textile industry there is no technological process in which fibers, threads or textiles do not pass through a curved surface. Therefore, this article highlights the research work on a new method of contactless determination of the wave height and thickness of the warp and weft threads in the fabric using the capabilities of information and communication technologies. Experiments of research work are considered on the example of crêpe de Chine fabric.
Morphological and molecular identification three species Teladorsagia (Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae) in sheep, Uzbekistan
Authors: Kuchboev A , Amirov O , Soliyeva G , Karimova R , Sabirov H , Abramatov M , Kakhramanov B
Published: December 2021

Comparative studies of three species T. circumcincta, T. trifurcata and T. davtiani, which are preliminarily different morphs of the same species, have been carried out in this paper. Insignificant differences in morphological sizes and characters between males were identified and fragments of ITS-2 ribosomal DNA of three species of the genus Teladorsagia were investigated. There were no sequence differences between T. circumcincta and T. trifurcata. Minor differences were noted between T. circumcincta and T. davtiani species at the level of 0.8%. With complete similarity between T. circumcincta and T. trifurcata and a low percentage of differences between T. circumcincta and T. davtiani in different specimens, they represent different morphological forms of one species of T. circumcincta.
UV treatment of agricultural plants in territories subject to salination of soil
Authors: Anarbaev A , Tursunov O , Kodirov D , Tasheva U , Davronov Q , Davirov A
Published: December 2021

An assessment of the influence of electrotechnology of ultraviolet irradiation of seeds and pre-sowing soil treatment and the creation, on their technological basis, of management and control of salt and nutritional regimes of irrigated soils has been carried out. Relative yield of field crops versus the concentration of toxic salts in the soil solution at full moisture capacity are shown. By results of experimental researches acting of UV irradiation on the amount of ammonifying bacteria in the soil under cotton for increasing the accumulation of the most mobile nitrate forms of nitrogen are defined.
Study on microwave moisture measurement of grain crops
Authors: Kalandarov P I , Mukimov Z , Abdullaev Kh , Avezov N , Tursunov O , Kodirov D , Toshpulatov N , Khushiev S
Published: December 2021

This article discusses the possibility of implementing the microwave method for controlling the moisture content of agro-industrial products, which allows it to be used to control technological processes in grain processing industries and to control materials in free space, converting the parameters of waves passed through the material’s wave into an electrical signal. A functional diagram of the developed moisture meter is proposed, on the basis of the method, its electrodynamics’ characteristics are determined. Experimental data was obtained for samples of cotton seeds with specified moisture values. A method for measuring grain moisture in continuous production have been proposed, which gives a possibility to reduce the components of the measurement error caused by the uneven distribution of moisture in the grain, the inhomogeneity of the material in terms of density and temperature.
Determinants of Respirable Quartz Exposure Concentrations Across Occupations in Denmark, 2018
Authors: Boudigaard Signe Hjuler , Hansen Karoline Kærgaard , Kolstad Henrik , Kromhout Hans , Schlünssen Vivi
Published: December 2021

Background

High concentrations of respirable quartz have been reported from workers in construction, foundries, and quarries. Current exposure concentrations in prevalent but presumably lower exposed occupations have been less examined. We aimed to quantify current exposure concentrations of respirable dust and quartz across prevalent occupations and to identify determinants of respirable quartz exposure across these occupations.

Methods

One hundred and eighty-nine full-shift personal samples of respirable dust of workers within 11 occupations in Denmark were sampled during 2018. Respirable dust was determined gravimetrically and analysed for quartz content with infrared spectrometry. Determinants for respirable quartz exposure, i.e. use of power tools, outdoor or indoor location, and percentage of quartz in respirable dust, were analysed in linear mixed effect models.

Results

The overall geometric means (geometric standard deviations) for respirable dust and quartz were 216 µg m−3 (4.42) and 16 µg m−3 (4.07), respectively. The highest quartz concentrations were observed among stone cutters and carvers [93 µg m−3 (3.47)], and metal melters and casters [61 µg m−3 (1.71)]. Use of power tools increased exposure concentrations of quartz by a factor of 3.5. Occupations explained 27%, companies within occupations 28%, and differences between workers within companies within occupations 14% of the variability in quartz concentrations. Thirty percent was due to day-to-day variability in exposure concentrations. In total, 19% of the variation in quartz concentration could be explained by type of tool, indoor/outdoor location, and percentage of quartz in respirable dust.

Conclusion

Current exposure concentrations are generally low, but some occupations in this study had average exposure concentrations to respirable quartz above the ACGIH threshold limit value of 25 µg m−3. Preventive measures to lower excess risk of quartz-related diseases among these workers are still needed. In terms of preventive strategies, use of power tools and quartz content of used materials were identified as main determinants of exposure. Lowering of exposures will be most efficient when focussed on these major determinants, e.g. tool dust control with water, dust extraction, and use of low quartz content materials.
The Wildland Firefighter Exposure and Health Effect (WFFEHE) Study: Rationale, Design, and Methods of a Repeated-Measures Study
Authors: Navarro Kathleen M , Butler Corey R , Fent Kenneth , Toennis Christine , Sammons Deborah , Ramirez-Cardenas Alejandra , Clark Kathleen A , Byrne David C , Graydon Pamela S , Hale Christa R , Wilkinson Andrea F , Smith Denise L , Alexander-Scott Marissa C , Pinkerton Lynne E , Eisenberg Judith , Domitrovich Joseph W
Published: December 2021

The wildland firefighter exposure and health effect (WFFEHE) study was a 2-year repeated-measures study to investigate occupational exposures and acute and subacute health effects among wildland firefighters. This manuscript describes the study rationale, design, methods, limitations, challenges, and lessons learned. The WFFEHE cohort included fire personnel ages 18–57 from six federal wildland firefighting crews in Colorado and Idaho during the 2018 and 2019 fire seasons. All wildland firefighters employed by the recruited crews were invited to participate in the study at preseason and postseason study intervals. In 2019, one of the crews also participated in a 3-day midseason study interval where workplace exposures and pre/postshift measurements were collected while at a wildland fire incident. Study components assessed cardiovascular health, pulmonary function and inflammation, kidney function, workplace exposures, and noise-induced hearing loss. Measurements included self-reported risk factors and symptoms collected through questionnaires; serum and urine biomarkers of exposure, effect, and inflammation; pulmonary function; platelet function and arterial stiffness; and audiometric testing. Throughout the study, 154 wildland firefighters participated in at least one study interval, while 144 participated in two or more study interval. This study was completed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health through a collaborative effort with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Department of the Interior National Park Service, and Skidmore College. Conducting research in the wildfire environment came with many challenges including collecting study data with study participants with changing work schedules and conducting study protocols safely and operating laboratory equipment in remote field locations. Forthcoming WFFEHE study results will contribute to the scientific evidence regarding occupational risk factors and exposures that can impact wildland firefighter health over a season and across two wildland fire seasons. This research is anticipated to lead to the development of preventive measures and policies aimed at reducing risk for wildland firefighters and aid in identifying future research needs for the wildland fire community.
Transcriptome changes in maternal peripheral blood during term parturition mimic perturbations preceding spontaneous preterm birth
Authors: Gomez-Lopez Nardhy , Romero Roberto , Galaz Jose , Bhatti Gaurav , Done Bogdan , Miller Derek , Ghita Corina , Motomura Kenichiro , Farias-Jofre Marcelo , Jung Eunjung , Pique-Regi Roger , Hassan Sonia S , Chaiworapongsa Tinnakorn , Tarca Adi L
Published: December 2021

The complex physiologic process of parturition includes the onset of labor, which requires the orchestrated stimulation of a common pathway involving uterine contractility, cervical ripening, and chorioamniotic membrane activation. However, the labor-specific processes taking place in these tissues have limited use as predictive biomarkers unless they can be probed in non-invasive samples, such as the peripheral blood. Herein, we utilized a transcriptomic dataset to assess labor-specific changes in the peripheral blood of women who delivered at term. We identified a set of genes that were differentially expressed with labor and enriched for immunological processes, and these gene expression changes were strongly correlated with results from prior studies, providing in silico validation of our findings. We then identified significant correlations between labor-specific transcriptomic changes in the maternal circulation and those detected in the chorioamniotic membranes, myometrium, and cervix of women at term, demonstrating that tissue-specific labor signatures are partly mirrored in the peripheral blood. Finally, we demonstrated a significant overlap between the peripheral blood transcriptomic changes in term parturition and those observed in asymptomatic women, prior to the diagnosis of preterm prelabor rupture of the membranes, who ultimately delivered preterm. Collectively, we provide evidence that the normal process of labor at term is characterized by a unique immunological expression signature, which may serve as a useful tool for assessing labor status and for potentially identifying women at risk for preterm birth.
Developmental exposure to methylmercury and ADHD, a literature review of epigenetic studies
Authors: Ke Tao , Tinkov Alexey A , Skalny Antoly V , Bowman Aaron B , Rocha Joao B T , Santamaria Abel , Aschner Michael
Published: December 2021

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the competence of academic performance and social wellness in children and adults. The causes of ADHD are unclear. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of ADHD. The behavioral impairments in ADHD are associated with epigenetic changes in genes that are important for neurodevelopment. Among environmental causes of ADHD, the neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg) is associated with an increased risk for ADHD. Developing children are susceptible to neurotoxic effects of prenatal MeHg exposure. Human epidemiology studies have shown that prenatal MeHg exposure could invoke epigenetic changes in genes that are involved in ADHD. In addition, the pathogenesis of ADHD involves dopaminergic system, which is a target of developmental MeHg exposure. MeHg-induced alterations in the dopaminergic system have a profound impact on behavioral functions in adults. As a trace level of MeHg (around nM) can induce long-lasting behavioral alterations, potential mechanisms of MeHg-induced functional changes in the dopaminergic system may involve epigenetic mechanisms. Here, we review the relevant evidence on developmental MeHg exposures and the risk for ADHD. We also point out research gaps in understanding environmental causes of ADHD.
Global, regional, and national burden and quality of care index of endocarditis: the global burden of disease study 1990–2019
Authors: Momtazmanesh Sara , Saeedi Moghaddam Sahar , Malakan Rad Elaheh , Azadnajafabad Sina , Ebrahimi Narges , Mohammadi Esmaeil , Rouhifard Mahtab , Rezaei Negar , Masinaei Masoud , Rezaei Nazila , Keykhaei Mohammad , Aminorroaya Arya , Ghamari Azin , Larijani Bagher , Farzadfar Farshad
Published: December 2021

Aims

Endocarditis accounts for significant morbidity and mortality. Timely diagnosis and prompt treatment are of paramount importance for optimal patient outcome. However, only few studies have assessed quality of care (QoC) in endocarditis. We aimed to describe QoC and changes in epidemiological features of endocarditis from 1990 to 2019.

Methods and results

Using primary indices of mortality, incidence, years of life lost, years lived with disability, and disability-adjusted life year, obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, we calculated four secondary measures. Principal component analysis was performed to calculate QoC index (QCI), scored on a scale of 0–100 with higher values indicating better QoC, for different locations, age groups, and genders from 1990 to 2019. The all-ages incidence rate of endocarditis was estimated to increase significantly from 1990 to 2019, while mortality rate did not change. The age-standardized QCI was 73.6% globally, with higher values in high-income countries than in low-income countries. High-income North America (82.0%) and Asia Pacific (81.1%) had the highest QCI, whereas Eastern Europe (43.3%) had the lowest. Globally, the 30–49 and 95+ age groups had the highest (91.3%) and the lowest (71.7%) QCI, respectively. In most countries, particularly those with lower socio-demographic index, women had better QCI.

Conclusion

This is the first global assessment of QCI, shedding light on the current trends and highlighting the necessity of improving the endocarditis QoC, mainly by timely case detection, adherence to antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines, utilizing targeted antibiotics and advanced treatments, in the African region and resolving gender inequality in selected countries.
Beyond the usual suspects: methanogenic communities in eastern North American peatlands are also influenced by nickel and copper concentrations
Authors: Bear Sydney E , Seward James D , Lamit Louis Jamie , Basiliko Nathan , Moore Tim , Lilleskov Erik , Yavitt Joseph B , Schadt Christopher W , Smith Dave Solance , Mclaughlin Jim , Siljanen Henri , Mykytczuk Nadia , Williams Shanay , Roulet Nigel , Harris Lorna , Carson Michael A , Watmough Shaun , Bräuer Suzanna L
Published: December 2021

Peatlands both accumulate carbon and release methane, but their broad range in environmental conditions means that the diversity of microorganisms responsible for carbon cycling is still uncertain. Here we describe a community analysis of methanogenic archaea responsible for methane production in 17 peatlands from 36 to 53 N latitude across the eastern half of North America, including three metal-contaminated sites. Methanogenic community structure was analyzed through Illumina amplicon sequencing of the mcrA gene. Whether metal-contaminated sites were included or not, metal concentrations in peat were a primary driver of methanogenic community composition, particularly nickel, a trace element required in the F430 cofactor in methyl-coenzyme M reductase that is also toxic at high concentrations. Copper was also a strong predictor, likely due to inhibition at toxic levels and/or to cooccurrence with nickel, since copper enzymes are not known to be present in anaerobic archaea. The methanogenic groups Methanocellales and Methanosarcinales were prevalent in peatlands with low nickel concentrations, while Methanomicrobiales and Methanomassiliicoccales were abundant in peatlands with higher nickel concentrations. Results suggest that peat-associated trace metals are predictors of methanogenic communities in peatlands.
Iterative mutagenesis induced by atmospheric and room temperature plasma treatment under multiple selection pressures for the improvement of coenzyme Q10 production by Rhodobacter sphaeroides
Authors: Wang Yong , Chen Shaofei , Huo Kai , Wang Bin , Liu Junguo , Zhao Guoqun , Liu Jinlong
Published: December 2021

CoQ10, which has been widely applied in medicine by dietary supplement, possesses important functions in antioxidant process and bioenergy generation. Iterative mutagenesis introduced by atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) treatment was studied to improve the coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) production of Rhodobacter sphaeroides (R. sphaeroides), and multiple selection pressures including vitamin K3 (VK3), Na2S and benzoic acid (BA) were adopted for the first time. After two rounds of mutation and screening, a mutant strain R.S 17 was obtained, and the product titer was increased by 80.37%. The CoQ10 titer and cell density reached 236.7 mg L−1 and 57.09 g L−1, respectively, in the fed-batch fermentation, and the CoQ10 content was 22.1% higher than that of the parent strain. In addition, the spectral scanning results indicated the metabolic flux improvement contributing to the CoQ10 production in R.S 17, and the genetic stability was validated. Based on the iterative mutagenesis introduced by ARTP under multiple selection pressures, the promotion of CoQ10 production by R. sphaeroides was achieved. The significant improvement in fermentation performances and the good genetic stability of R.S 17 indicate a potential way for the efficient biosynthesis of CoQ10.
Analysis of changes in the microbial community structure and physicochemical properties during the fermentation of sand crab juice
Authors: Luo Meiyan , Chen Leilei , Liu Huanming , Jiang Jiahui , Lai Chongxi , Zhou Chunxia , Hong Pengzhi , Gao Ping
Published: December 2021

The structure of the microbial community during sand crab juice fermentation was analyzed using culture-based methods and high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Additionally, the changes in amino acid nitrogen (AAN) and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) were evaluated. Staphylococcus equorum, Staphylococcus arlettae, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Salinicoccus amylolyticus, and Bacillus cereus were isolated by traditional culture isolation technique. The Good's coverage obtained by high-throughput sequencing was over 99.5%, and the Chao1 and Simpson indices showed small fluctuations, indicating that the species abundance and diversity did not change significantly during the fermentation process, although the abundance decreased. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria were the dominant bacterial phyla observed during fermentation, whereas Aquabacterium, Roseovarius, Muribaculaceae, and Silicimonas were the dominant bacterial genera. The AAN content increased from 0.15 to 0.43 g/100 mL during the 15-day fermentation, indicating the production of small peptides and amino acids during fermentation. The TVB-N content (25.2 mg/100 mL) on day 15 indicated slight spoilage of sand crab juice, although the freshness conformed to the production standard. These results provide a theoretical basis for improving the quality and optimizing the production process of sand crab juice.
Supercomplex Organization of the Electron Transfer System in Marine Bivalves, a Model of Extreme Longevity
Authors: Rodríguez Enrique , Radke Amanda , Hagen Tory M , Blier Pierre U
Published: December 2021

The mitochondrial oxidative stress theory of aging suggests that the organelle’s decay contributes to the aging phenotype via exacerbated oxidative stress, loss of organ coordination and energetics, cellular integrity, and activity of the mitochondrial electron transfer system (ETS). Recent advances in understanding the structure of the ETS show that the enzymatic complexes responsible for oxidative phosphorylation are arranged in supramolecular structures called supercomplexes that lose organization during aging. Their exact role and universality among organisms are still under debate. Here, we take advantage of marine bivalves as an aging model to compare the structure of the ETS among species ranging from 28 to 507 years in maximal life span. Our results show that regardless of life span, the bivalve ETS is arrayed as a set of supercomplexes. However, bivalve species display varying degrees of ETS supramolecular organization with the highest supercomplex structures found in Arctica islandica, the longest-lived of the bivalve species under study. We discuss this comparative model in light of differences in the nature and stoichiometry of these complexes and highlight the potential link between the complexity of these superstructures and longer life spans.
Navigating Black Aging: The Biological Consequences of Stress and Depression
Authors: Forrester Sarah N , Whitfield Keith E , Kiefe Catarina I , Thorpe Roland J
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Black persons in the United States are more likely to suffer from social inequality. Chronic stress caused by social inequality and racial discrimination results in weathering of the body that causes physiological dysregulation and biological age being higher than chronological age (accelerated aging). Depression has been linked to both racial discrimination and accelerated aging and accelerated aging has been demonstrated to be higher in Black than White persons, on average. However, we know little about accelerated aging across the life course in Black Americans.

Methods

We used mixed-effects growth models to measure biological age acceleration, measured with cardiometabolic markers, over a 20-year period in Black participants of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study who were aged 27–42 years at analytic baseline. We included an interaction between depressive symptoms and time to determine whether risk of depression was associated with a faster rate of biological aging.

Results

We found that the rate of biological aging increased over a 20-year span and that those at risk for depression had a faster rate of biological aging than those not at risk. We also found that various social factors were associated with biological age acceleration over time.

Discussion

Given the known association between perceived racial discrimination and depressive symptoms, we provide a novel instance of the long-term effects of social inequality. Specifically, biological age acceleration, a marker of physiological dysregulation, is associated with time among Black persons and more strongly associated among those with depressive symptoms.
Excess Mortality by Individual and Spousal Education for Recent and Long-Term Widowed
Authors: Östergren Olof , Fors Stefan , Rehnberg Johan
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The loss of a spouse is followed by a dramatic but short-lived increase in the mortality risk of the survivor. Contrary to expectations, several studies have found this increase to be larger among those with high education. Having a spouse with high education is associated with lower mortality, which suggests that losing a spouse with high education means the loss of a stronger protective factor than losing a spouse with low education. This may disproportionately affect the high educated because of educational homogamy.

Methods

We use Swedish total population registers to construct an open cohort of 1,842,487 married individuals aged 60–89 during 2007–2016, observing 239,276 transitions into widowhood and 277,946 deaths. We use Poisson regression to estimate relative and absolute mortality risks by own and spousal education among the married and recent and long-term widows.

Results

We find an absolute increase in mortality risk, concentrated to the first 6 months of widowhood across all educational strata. The relative increase in mortality risk is larger in higher educational strata. Losing a spouse with high education is associated with higher excess mortality, which attenuates this difference.

Discussion

When considering the timing and the absolute level of excess mortality, we find that the overall patterns of excess mortality are similar across educational strata. We argue that widowhood has a dramatic impact on health, regardless of education.
Ethical and Methodological Challenges in Research With Hard-to-Reach Groups: Examples From Research on Family Caregivers for Migrant Older Adults Living With Dementia
Authors: Tezcan-Güntekin Hürrem , Özer-Erdogdu Ilknur , Yilmaz-Aslan Yüce , Aksakal Tugba , Bird Rona
Published: December 2021

Family caregivers of migrants with dementia constitute a population group that is hard to reach for research participation due to factors such as shame about the disease and past experiences of discrimination. In this article, research-ethical challenges associated with participant recruitment and qualitative data collection among relatives of migrants with dementia are discussed. Over a period of 8 years, 3 studies were conducted to investigate the experiences of family caregivers for persons with dementia of Turkish descent in Germany. Across these studies, a total of 32 family caregivers were interviewed. In this article, based on the “Principles of Biomedical Ethics” according to Beauchamp and Childress (2009), research-ethical conflicts associated with sampling methods and the presence of third parties during qualitative interviews are discussed. The potential risks emanating from sampling strategies and the presence of third parties during interviews regarding the voluntary nature of study participation are examined. Additionally, this article formulates recommendations for ensuring truly voluntary participation and protecting both the participants (family caregivers) and relatives with dementia from harm. These practical recommendations aim to help future researchers to avoid ethical pitfalls and represent a roadmap for making necessary methodological decisions.
Fat metabolism is associated with telomere length in six population-based studies
Authors: van der Spek Ashley , Karamujić-Čomić Hata , Pool René , Bot Mariska , Beekman Marian , Garmaeva Sanzhima , Arp Pascal P , Henkelman Sandra , Liu Jun , Alves Alexessander Couto , Willemsen Gonneke , van Grootheest Gerard , Aubert Geraldine ,   BBMRI Metabolomics Consortium, Ikram M Arfan , Jarvelin Marjo-Riitta , Lansdorp Peter , Uitterlinden André G , Zhernakova Alexandra , Slagboom P Eline , Penninx Brenda W J H , Boomsma Dorret I , Amin Najaf , van Duijn Cornelia M
Published: December 2021

Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences located at the end of chromosomes, which are associated to biological aging, cardiovascular disease, cancer and mortality. Lipid and fatty acid metabolism have been associated with telomere shortening. We have conducted an in-depth study investigating the association of metabolic biomarkers with telomere length (LTL). We performed an association analysis of 226 metabolic biomarkers with LTL using data from 11 775 individuals from six independent population-based cohorts (BBMRI-NL consortium). Metabolic biomarkers include lipoprotein lipids and subclasses, fatty acids, amino acids, glycolysis measures and ketone bodies. LTL was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction or FlowFISH. Linear regression analysis was performed adjusting for age, sex, lipid-lowering medication and cohort-specific covariates (model 1) and additionally for body mass index (BMI) and smoking (model 2), followed by inverse variance-weighted meta-analyses (significance threshold Pmeta = 6.5 × 10−4). We identified four metabolic biomarkers positively associated with LTL, including two cholesterol to lipid ratios in small VLDL (S-VLDL-C % and S-VLDL-CE %) and two omega-6 fatty acid ratios (FAw6/FA and LA/FA). After additionally adjusting for BMI and smoking, these metabolic biomarkers remained associated with LTL with similar effect estimates. In addition, cholesterol esters in very small VLDL (XS-VLDL-CE) became significantly associated with LTL (P = 3.6 × 10−4). We replicated the association of FAw6/FA with LTL in an independent dataset of 7845 individuals (P = 1.9 × 10−4). To conclude, we identified multiple metabolic biomarkers involved in lipid and fatty acid metabolism that may be involved in LTL biology. Longitudinal studies are needed to exclude reversed causation.
Reducing Pain in Experimental Models of Intestinal Inflammation Affects the Immune Response
Authors: Golusda Laura , Kühl Anja A , Siegmund Britta , Paclik Daniela
Published: December 2021

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease with its two main manifestations, colitis ulcerosa and Crohn’s disease, is rising globally year after year. There is still a tremendous need to study the underlying pathomechanisms and a well-established tool in order to better understand the disease are colitis models in rodents. Since the concept of the 3Rs was proposed by Russell and Burch, this would include pain medication in animal models of intestinal inflammation as a reduction of suffering. This review argues against pain medication because the administration of pain medication in its current form has an impact on the inflammatory process and the immune response, thus falsifying the results and the reproducibility and therefore leading to misconceptions.
Patient-derived gene and protein expression signatures of NGLY1 deficiency
Authors: Rauscher Benedikt , Mueller William F , Clauder-Münster Sandra , Jakob Petra , Islam M Saiful , Sun Han , Ghidelli-Disse Sonja , Boesche Markus , Bantscheff Marcus , Pflaumer Hannah , Collier Paul , Haase Bettina , Chen Songjie , Hoffman Rene , Wang Guangwen , Benes Vladimir , Drewes Gerard , Snyder Michael , Steinmetz Lars M
Published: December 2021

N-Glycanase 1 (NGLY1) deficiency is a rare and complex genetic disorder. Although recent studies have shed light on the molecular underpinnings of NGLY1 deficiency, a systematic characterization of gene and protein expression changes in patient-derived cells has been lacking. Here, we performed RNA-sequencing and mass spectrometry to determine the transcriptomes and proteomes of 66 cell lines representing four different cell types derived from 14 NGLY1 deficient patients and 17 controls. Although NGLY1 protein levels were up to 9.5-fold downregulated in patients compared with parents, residual and likely non-functional NGLY1 protein was detectable in all patient-derived lymphoblastoid cell lines. Consistent with the role of NGLY1 as a regulator of the transcription factor Nrf1, we observed a cell type-independent downregulation of proteasomal genes in NGLY1 deficient cells. In contrast, genes involved in ribosome biogenesis and mRNA processing were upregulated in multiple cell types. In addition, we observed cell type-specific effects. For example, genes and proteins involved in glutathione synthesis, such as the glutamate-cysteine ligase subunits GCLC and GCLM, were downregulated specifically in lymphoblastoid cells. We provide a web application that enables access to all results generated in this study at https://apps.embl.de/ngly1browser. This resource will guide future studies of NGLY1 deficiency in directions that are most relevant to patients.
Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors’ Understanding of Friendships: A Qualitative Analysis of ADOS-2 Interview Responses
Authors: Desjardins Leandra , Young Melissa , Hancock Kelly , Lai Meng-Chuan , Bartels Ute , Vorstman Jacob , Barrera Maru
Published: December 2021

Background

Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) are at risk of experiencing social competence challenges, but only a limited number of studies have used a qualitative approach to understand their social relationships. We examined PBTS responses to social interview questions within the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd edition (ADOS-2), which includes questions related to their understanding of their own relationships, as well as the construct of friendship more generally.

Methods

Twenty-four PBTS (ages 9–17 years; M = 14.2 years from diagnosis; 50% male; 42% received radiation treatment) completed the ADOS-2. ADOS-2 social interview responses were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Themes were derived using an inductive thematic analysis approach.

Results

PBTS reported that they considered trust, acceptance, respect, emotional support, and spending time together to be important aspects of friendships in general. When describing their own social relationships, some PBTS noted a lack of intimacy or closeness, spending time with their friends almost exclusively at school, with structured activities outside of school being an additional basis for friendship. Challenges to their social relationships included loneliness and reliance on family for social support, experiences of teasing and bullying, social skills deficits, and lack of insight into social situations.

Conclusion

Although PBTS were able to acknowledge many important qualities of friendships in general (e.g., trust, emotional support), these were not necessarily reported in their own friendships. PBTS also appeared to have difficulty identifying whether someone was their friend. These findings offer potential opportunities for supporting PBTS in achieving friendships consistent with their conception of this important relationship.
When multiple logics initiate a butterfly effect: the case of locum tenens physicians in Germany
Authors: Ehlen Ronny , Ruiner Caroline , Wilkesmann Maximiliane , Schulz Lena , Apitzsch Birgit
Published: December 2021

Modern work structures and organizations are often characterized by the simultaneous existence of multiple logics. Research has made profound efforts in describing a wide range of possible responses to different constellations of multiple logics in recent decades. But less is known about the subsequent effects of those responses. Since responses to multiple logics aim to change the initial constellation, they are likely to provoke counter-responses that alter the new constellation. Thus, as butterfly effect, certain strategies in dealing with multiple logics can initiate a series of responses that can lead to a fundamental change in the constellations of logics. The rise and fall of locum tenens physicians in Germany illustrate how series of responses can evolve, increase, and fundamentally alter the given constellation of logics. Thereby, our multi-method study also sheds light on the role of omnipresent actors and raises the question of how the actors can be theorized in a setting of multiple logics.