bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional metagenomic and metabolomics analysis of gut dysbiosis induced by hyperoxia
Authors: Cai Yulan , Luo Yanhong , Dai Ninan , Yang Yan , He Ying , Chen Huajun , Zhao Manlu , Fu Xiaoyun , Chen Tao , Xing Zhouxiong
Published: September 2023

Background

Inhaled oxygen is the first-line therapeutic approach for maintaining tissue oxygenation in critically ill patients, but usually exposes patients to damaging hyperoxia. Hyperoxia adversely increases the oxygen tension in the gut lumen which harbors the trillions of microorganisms playing an important role in host metabolism and immunity. Nevertheless, the effects of hyperoxia on gut microbiome and metabolome remain unclear, and metagenomic and metabolomics analysis were performed in this mouse study.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a control (CON) group exposed to room air with fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2) of 21% and a hyperoxia (OXY) group exposed to FiO2 of 80% for 7 days, respectively. Fecal pellets were collected on day 7 and subjected to metagenomic sequencing. Another experiment with the same design was performed to explore the impact of hyperoxia on gut and serum metabolome. Fecal pellets and blood were collected and high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric analysis was carried out.

Results

At the phylum level, hyperoxia increased the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (p = 0.049). At the species level, hyperoxia reduced the abundance of Muribaculaceae bacterium Isolate-037 (p = 0.007), Isolate-114 (p = 0.010), and Isolate-043 (p = 0.011) etc. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) revealed that Muribaculaceae and Muribaculaceae bacterium Isolate-037, both belonging to Bacteroidetes, were the marker microbes of the CON group, while Firmicutes was the marker microbes of the OXY group. Metagenomic analysis using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Carbohydrate-Active enZYmes (CAZy) revealed that hyperoxia provoked disturbances in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Fecal metabolomics analysis showed hyperoxia reduced 11-dehydro Thromboxane B2-d4 biosynthesis (p = 1.10 × 10−11). Hyperoxia blunted fecal linoleic acid metabolism (p = 0.008) and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism (p = 0.014). We showed that 1-docosanoyl-glycer-3-phosphate (p = 1.58 × 10−10) was the most significant differential serum metabolite inhibited by hyperoxia. In addition, hyperoxia suppressed serum hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1, p = 0.007) and glucagon signaling pathways (p = 0.007).

Conclusion

Hyperoxia leads to gut dysbiosis by eliminating beneficial and oxygen strictly intolerant Muribaculaceae with genomic dysfunction of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. In addition, hyperoxia suppresses unsaturated fatty acid metabolism in the gut and inhibits the HIF-1 and glucagon signaling pathways in the serum.
Fecal microbiota transplantation from HUC-MSC-treated mice alleviates acute lung injury in mice through anti-inflammation and gut microbiota modulation
Authors: Hua Feng , Cui Enhai , Lv Lu , Wang Bin , Li Liqin , Lu Huadong , Chen Na , Chen Wenyan
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe respiratory tract disorder facilitated by dysregulated inflammation, oxidative stress and intestinal ecosystem. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a rapid method for gut microbiota (GM) reconstruction. Furthermore, our previous studies have confirmed that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (HUC-MSCs) can alleviate ALI by improving GM composition. Therefore, we aimed to explore the efficacy and mechanism of FMT from HUC-MSCs-treated mice on ALI.

Methods

In brief, fresh feces from HUC-MSCs-treated mice were collected for FMT, and the mice were randomly assigned into NC, FMT, LPS, ABX-LPS, and ABX-LPS-FMT groups (n = 12/group). Subsequently, the mice were administrated with antibiotic mixtures to deplete GM, and given lipopolysaccharide and FMT to induce ALI and rebuild GM. Next, the therapeutic effect was evaluated by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and histopathology. Immune cells in peripheral blood and apoptosis in lung tissues were measured. Furthermore, oxidative stress- and inflammation-related parameter levels were tested in BALF, serum, lung and ileal tissues. The expressions of apoptosis-associated, TLR4/NF-κB pathway-associated, Nrf2/HO-1 pathway related and tightly linked proteins in the lung and ileal tissues were assessed. Moreover, 16S rRNA was conducted to assess GM composition and distribution.

Results

Our results revealed that FMT obviously improved the pathological damage of lung and ileum, recovered the immune system of peripheral blood, decreased the cell apoptosis of lung, and inhibited inflammation and oxidative stress in BALF, serum, lung and ileum tissues. Moreover, FMT also elevated ZO-1, claudin-1, and occludin protein expressions, activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway but hindering the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Of note, the relative abundances of Bacteroides, Christensenella, Coprococcus, and Roseburia were decreased, while the relative abundances of Xenorhabdus, Sutterella, and Acinetobacter were increased in the ABX-LPS-FMT group.

Conclusion

FMT from HUC-MSCs-treated mice may alleviate ALI by inhibiting inflammation and reconstructing GM, additionally, we also found that the TLR4/NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways may involve in the improvement of FMT on ALI, which offers novel insights for the functions and mechanisms of FMT from HUC-MSCs-treated mice on ALI.
Roles of bacterial extracellular vesicles in systemic diseases
Authors: Wang Yanzhen , Luo Xinghong , Xiang Xiaozhen , Hao Chunbo , Ma Dandan
Published: September 2023

Accumulating evidence suggests that in various systems, not all bidirectional microbiota–host interactions involve direct cell contact. Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) may be key participants in this interkingdom crosstalk. BEVs mediate microbiota functions by delivering effector molecules that modulate host signaling pathways, thereby facilitating host–microbe interactions. BEV production during infections by both pathogens and probiotics has been observed in various host tissues. Therefore, these vesicles released by microbiota may have the ability to drive or inhibit disease pathogenesis in different systems within the host. Here, we review the current knowledge of BEVs and particularly emphasize their interactions with the host and the pathogenesis of systemic diseases.
Machine learning-based prediction of post-stroke cognitive status using electroencephalography-derived brain network attributes
Authors: Lee Minwoo , Hong Yuseong , An Sungsik , Park Ukeob , Shin Jaekang , Lee Jeongjae , Oh Mi Sun , Lee Byung-Chul , Yu Kyung-Ho , Lim Jae-Sung , Kang Seung Wan
Published: September 2023

Objectives

More than half of patients with acute ischemic stroke develop post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI), a significant barrier to future neurological recovery. Thus, predicting cognitive trajectories post-AIS is crucial. Our primary objective is to determine whether brain network properties from electroencephalography (EEG) can predict post-stroke cognitive function using machine learning approach.

Methods

We enrolled consecutive stroke patients who underwent both EEG during the acute stroke phase and cognitive assessments 3 months post-stroke. We preprocessed acute stroke EEG data to eliminate low-quality epochs, then performed independent component analysis and quantified network characteristics using iSyncBrain®. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA). We initially categorized participants based on the lateralization of their lesions and then developed machine learning models to predict cognitive status in the left and right hemisphere lesion groups.

Results

Eighty-seven patients were included, and the accuracy of lesion laterality prediction using EEG attributes was 97.0%. In the left hemispheric lesion group, the network attributes of the theta band were significantly correlated with MoCA scores, and higher global efficiency, clustering coefficient, and lower characteristic path length were associated with higher MoCA scores. Most features related to cognitive scores were selected from the frontal lobe. The predictive powers (R-squared) were 0.76 and 0.65 for the left and right stroke groups, respectively.

Conclusion

Estimating EEG-based network properties in the acute phase of ischemic stroke through a machine learning model has a potential to predict cognitive outcomes after ischemic stroke.
Impact of implementing a vancomycin protocol to reduce kidney toxicity: A comparative study
Authors: Baiocco Graziella Gasparotto , Greiner Stephanie , Rosa Mário Borges , Flores Cecília Dias , Barros Helena M. T.
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Vancomycin is a frequently used antibiotic for treating severe infections caused by multidrug-resistant, Gram-positive pathogens. To ensure its effectiveness and minimize the risk of nephrotoxicity, safe administration and dose monitoring are crucial. Understanding the impact of vancomycin serum levels on clinical outcomes is of paramount importance, necessitating improved knowledge on its use, dose monitoring, nephrotoxicity, and safe administration.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients receiving vancomycin before and after the implementation of an institutional protocol for vancomycin administration in a public tertiary hospital in southern Brazil.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, analyzing data from the electronic medical records of 422 patients who received vancomycin. The patient population was divided into two independent cohorts: those treated in 2016 (pre-protocol) and those treated in 2018 (post-protocol), following the implementation of the institutional vancomycin administration protocol.

Results: The study included 211 patients in each year of assessment. Patients from both cohorts had a Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score of 4. The post-protocol cohort consisted of older individuals, with a mean age of 62.8 years. In addition, patients in the post-protocol year had higher baseline creatinine levels, higher rates of intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization, and increased use of vasopressors. In the pre-protocol year, patients received vancomycin therapy for a longer duration. When comparing the incidence of AKI between the two groups, an intervention study revealed rates of 38.4% in group 1 and 20.9% in group 2, indicating a significant reduction (p < 0.001) in the post-protocol group. A logistic regression model was developed to predict AKI, incorporating variables that demonstrated significance (p ≤ 0.250) in bivariate analysis and those recognized in the literature as important factors for AKI, such as the duration of therapy, vancomycin serum level, and ICU hospitalization. The logistic regression classification performance was assessed using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, yielding an area under the curve of 0.764, signifying acceptable discrimination of the regression model.

Conclusion: Implementation of the institutional protocol for vancomycin administration resulted in a significant and cost-effective impact, ensuring appropriate therapeutic dosing, reducing adverse events (e.g., nephrotoxicity), and improving clinical outcomes for patients in the study population.
Exosomes as a delivery tool of exercise-induced beneficial factors for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lai Zhijie , Liang Jiling , Zhang Jingfeng , Mao Yuheng , Zheng Xinguang , Shen Xiang , Lin Wentao , Xu Guoqin
Published: September 2023

Exercise-derived exosomes have been identified as novel players in mediating cell-to-cell communication in the beneficial effects of improving cardiovascular disease (CVD). This review aimed to systematically investigate exosomes as delivery tools for the benefits of exercise in the prevention and treatment of CVD and summarize these outcomes with an overview of their therapeutic implications. Among the 1417 articles obtained in nine database searches (PubMed, EBSCO, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, Ovid, Science Direct, Scopus, and Wiley), 12 articles were included based on eligibility criteria. The results indicate that exercise increases the release of exosomes, increasing exosomal markers (TSG101, CD63, and CD81) and exosome-carried miRNAs (miR-125b-5p, miR-122-5p, miR-342-5p, miR-126, miR-130a, miR-138-5p, and miR-455). These miRNAs mainly regulate the expression of MAPK, NF-kB, VEGF, and Caspase to protect the cardiovascular system. Moreover, the outcome indicators of myocardial apoptosis and myocardial infarction volume are significantly reduced following exercise-induced exosome release, and angiogenesis, microvessel density and left ventricular ejection fraction are significantly increased, as well as alleviating myocardial fibrosis following exercise-induced exosome release. Collectively, these results further confirm that exercise-derived exosomes have a beneficial role in potentially preventing and treating CVD and support the use of exercise-derived exosomes in clinical settings.
The untapped potential of targeting NRF2 in neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Chen Wei-Tai , Dodson Matthew
Published: September 2023

Since its initial discovery almost three decades ago, the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) has been shown to regulate a host of downstream transcriptional responses and play a critical role in preventing or promoting disease progression depending on the context. Critically, while the importance of proper nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 function has been demonstrated across a variety of pathological settings, the ability to progress NRF2-targeted therapeutics to clinic has remained frustratingly elusive. This is particularly true in the case of age-related pathologies, where nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 is a well-established mitigator of many of the observed pathogenic effects, yet options to target this pathway remain limited. Along these lines, loss of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 function has clearly been shown to enhance neuropathological outcomes, with enhancing nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway activation to prevent neurodegenerative/neurological disease progression continuing to be an active area of interest. One critical obstacle in generating successful therapeutics for brain-related pathologies is the ability of the compound to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB), which has also hampered the implementation of several promising nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 inducers. Another limitation is that many nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 activators have undesirable off-target effects due to their electrophilic nature. Despite these constraints, the field has continued to evolve, and several viable means of targeting nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in a neuropathological context have emerged. In this perspective, we will briefly discuss the key findings and promising therapeutic options that have been discovered to date, as well as highlight emerging areas of NRF2-neurodegeneration research that provide hope for successfully targeting this pathway in the future.
Exploring the sustainability of public housing: the case of customized public housing for artists in Seoul
Authors: Duan Ziyu , Kim Seiyong
Published: September 2023

Since 2014, Seoul has proposed customized public housing as a means to address the reduced effectiveness of the urban housing supply. The focus of policy has gradually shifted from total housing security to welfare support, and the South Korean government has announced that the model will be replicated nationwide by 2023. The paper aims to summarize the development and characteristics of the artist-tailored public housing through a review of policy developments and cases from 2013 to 2023. The analysis reveals that the model is characterized by a uniform supply by the public sector, starting with the rights of minority groups rather than the needs of society as a whole. It helps improve the housing supply's effectiveness and moderate the vacancy rate in the city and regional economic stagnation. Finally, this paper summarizes the staged development experience of the artist's customized public rental housing system from four aspects: housing market, supply system, regional economy, and residents' spontaneous participation, and discusses the system's role in promoting the sustainable development of the public housing system. It provides suggestions for the current model's promotion and also provides references for the binary opposition relationship between the economic value of art and urban gentrification in other countries.
Novel heterotopic continental ileal reservoir based on the Mitrofanoff principle: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Yakun Hou , Guofan Dong , Qiang Liu , Azat Bahtiyar , Rexiati Mulati , Yujie Wang , Wenguang Wang
Published: September 2023

For patients undergoing radical cystectomy with standard lymphadenectomy for bladder cancer, appropriate urinary diversion (with a pouch and conduit) improves postoperative quality of life, reduces postoperative complications, and prolongs survival. We developed a novel heterotopic ileal reservoir to achieve these goals. This report describes the methodology involved and the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications. Three patients who underwent novel heterotopic ileal reservoir creation following radical cystectomy and standard lymphadenectomy (for bladder cancer) were evaluated. The ileum served as a pouch in which the ureters and appendix were implanted by extramural tunnelling. The appendix served as a conduit and pelvic reperitonealization was performed. Operative times, intraoperative blood loss, time to intestinal function recovery, incidence of intestinal obstruction and ureteric reflux, and bladder volumes and continence levels were evaluated. The surgical intervention was successful with operation times ranging 410–525 min, blood loss ranging 300–700 ml, and recovery time for intestinal function ranging 3–5 days. The postoperative hospitalization time was 11–15 days. Subileus occurred in patient B, who recovered after fasting and fluid replacement. Patients B and C achieved complete continence 6 weeks after surgery, while patient A experienced umbilical urine leakage with catheterization time intervals that exceeded 4 h. At 3 months after surgery, the bladder capacities of all patients ranged 250–370 ml. Follow-up cystography suggested the presence of bilateral ureteral reflux in patient A, with mild and moderate reflux on the left right sides, respectively. All patients achieved complete continence. Patients were followed for 3–9 months postoperatively; chest and abdominal computed tomography and cystography showed absence of hydronephrosis, recurrence, or distant metastasis during this period. The novel heterotopic continent ileal reservoir described in this study may be suitable for selected patients. The surgical procedure is safe when performed by well-trained and highly experienced urologists.
Unraveling the Anticancer Potential of Statins: Mechanisms and Clinical Significance
Authors: Zaky Mohamed Y. , Fan Chuanwen , Zhang Huan , Sun Xiao-Feng
Published: September 2023

Statins are an essential medication class in the treatment of lipid diseases because they inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. They reduce cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in both primary and secondary prevention. In addition to their powerful pharmacologic suppression of cholesterol production, statins appear to have pleitropic effects in a wide variety of other diseases by modulating signaling pathways. In recent years, statins have seen a large increase in interest due to their putative anticancer effects. Statins appear to cause upregulation or inhibition in key pathways involved in cancer such as inhibition of proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis as well as reducing cancer stemness. Further, statins have been found to induce oxidative stress, cell cycle arrest, autophagy, and apoptosis of cancer cells. Interestingly, clinical studies have shown that statin use is associated with a decreased risk of cancer formation, lower cancer grade at diagnosis, reduction in the risk of local reoccurrence, and increasing survival in patients. Therefore, our objective in the present review is to summarize the findings of the publications on the underlying mechanisms of statins’ anticancer effects and their clinical implications.
The Possible Role of Anti- and Protumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Pathologic Complete Response in Early Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Neoadjuvant Systemic Therapy
Authors: Geršak Klara , Geršak Blaž Matija , Gazić Barbara , Klevišar Ivančič Andreja , Drev Primož , Ružić Gorenjec Nina , Grašič Kuhar Cvetka
Published: September 2023

The tumor microenvironment, composed of pro- and antitumor immune cells, affects cancer cell behavior. We aimed to evaluate whether tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) density and TIL subtypes in core biopsies at the diagnosis of breast cancer patients could predict a pathologic complete response (pCR; ypT0/is ypN0) from neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST). The TIL subtypes were determined based on the proportions of presumably antitumor (CD8+, CXCL13+) and protumor (PD-1+, FOXP3+) immune cells. A prospective, noninterventional study, including 171 participants undergoing NST, was performed. The median TIL density for the entire cohort was 10% (IQR: 3.5–23.8), and 59 (35%) patients achieved pCR. TIL density was positively associated with pCR (univariately and multivariably). In the multivariable logistic regression model, TIL density was an independent predictor of pCR (p = 0.012, OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.05–1.54) when controlled for age (p = 0.232), Ki-67 (p = 0.001), node-negative status (p = 0.024), and HER2+/triple negative vs. luminal B-like subtype (p < 0.001). In our sample, higher proportions of PD-1+ TILs and FOXP3+ TILs were associated with a higher probability of pCR but the association was not statistically significant and we could not make any conclusions on the direction of associations in the model with all four biomarkers. In the exploratory multivariable analysis, we showed that only higher CD8+ TILs were associated with pCR. In conclusion, TIL density and its subtypes are associated with pCR.
Near-Infrared Imaging of Colonic Adenomas In Vivo Using Orthotopic Human Organoids for Early Cancer Detection
Authors: Wu Xiaoli , Chen Chun-Wei , Jaiswal Sangeeta , Chang Tse-Shao , Zhang Ruoliu , Dame Michael K. , Duan Yuting , Jiang Hui , Spence Jason R. , Hsieh Sen-Yung , Wang Thomas D.
Published: September 2023

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Premalignant lesions that are flat and subtle in morphology are often missed in conventional colonoscopies. Patient-derived adenoma colonoids with high and low cMet expression and normal colonoids were implanted orthotopically in the colon of immunocompromised mice to serve as a preclinical model system. A peptide specific for cMet was labeled with IRDye800, a near-infrared (NIR) fluorophore. This peptide was administered intravenously, and in vivo imaging was performed using a small animal fluorescence endoscope. Quantified intensities showed a peak target-to-background ratio at ~1 h after intravenous peptide injection, and the signal cleared by ~24 h. The peptide was stable in serum with a half-life of 3.6 h. Co-staining of adenoma and normal colonoids showed a high correlation between peptide and anti-cMet antibody. A human-specific cytokeratin stain verified the presence of human tissues implanted among surrounding normal mouse colonic mucosa. Peptide biodistribution was consistent with rapid renal clearance. No signs of acute toxicity were found on either animal necropsy or serum hematology and chemistries. Human colonoids provide a clinically relevant preclinical model to evaluate the specific uptake of a NIR peptide to detect premalignant colonic lesions in vivo.
A Study on the Distribution Pattern of Banana Blood Disease (BBD) and Fusarium Wilt Using Multispectral Aerial Photos and a Handheld Spectrometer in Subang, Indonesia
Authors: Wikantika Ketut , Ghazali Mochamad Firman , Dwivany Fenny M. , Susantoro Tri Muji , Yayusman Lissa Fajri , Sunarwati Diah , Sutanto Agus
Published: September 2023

Knowledge of the health of banana trees is critical for farmers in order to profit from banana cultivation. Fusarium wilt and banana blood disease (BBD), two significant diseases that infect banana trees, are caused by Fusarium oxysporum and Ralstonia syzygii, respectively. They have caused a decline in crop yield, as they destroy trees, starting sequentially from the pseudostem to the fruit. The entire distribution of BBD and fusarium on a plantation can be understood using advanced geospatial information obtained from multispectral aerial photographs taken using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and a reliable data field for infected trees. Vegetation and soil indices derived from multispectral aerial photographs, such as the normalized difference vegetation index, the modified chlorophyll absorption ratio index, the normalized difference water index (NDWI), and soil pH, may have to be relied upon to explain the precise location of these two diseases. This study used a random forest algorithm to handle a large dataset consisting of multispectral and spectral models. The results show that the soil indices, soil pH, and NDWI are the most important variables for predicting the spatial distribution of these two diseases. Simultaneously, the plantation area affected by BBD is more extensive than that affected by fusarium if variations in planted banana cultivars are not considered.
Effects of Artificial Restoration and Natural Recovery on Plant Communities and Soil Properties across Different Temporal Gradients after Landslides
Authors: Chen Sibo , Hua Jinguo , Liu Wanting , Yang Siyu , Wang Xiaoqi , Ji Wenli
Published: September 2023

Landslides cause significant disturbances to mountainous ecosystems and human activities. Due to climate change, the frequency of landslides as secondary disasters has notably increased compared to the past. Further exploration is needed to understand the effects of different restoration methods on post-landslide plant communities and soil properties over different periods of time. In this regard, we selected Lantian County in the northern foothills of the Qinling Mountains as our study area. We conducted surveys on artificially restored and naturally recovered plots at 1, 6, and 11 years after landslide events. Undamaged areas were chosen nearby as control plots. We identified vegetation types and species diversity after artificial and natural recovery and further analyzed the impact of different restoration strategies on vegetation patterns and soil properties. The research results indicate that, compared with natural recovery, artificial restoration can more quickly improve vegetation and soil. With the increasing time gradient, the average ground cover of the herbaceous layer in natural recovery decreased gradually from 47% at year one to 34% at year eleven. In contrast, in artificial restoration, the average ground cover of the herbaceous layer increased from 27% at year one to 44% at year eleven. For the shrub layer, in natural recovery, the average ground cover gradually increased to 39% over eleven years. While in artificial restoration, the average ground cover for the shrub layer gradually increased to 46% over the same period. In the artificial restoration plots, soil pH gradually increased (from 6.2 to 8.2), while TN content gradually decreased (from 1.7 g/kg to 0.9 g/kg). Similarly, TK content decreased (from 22.4 g/kg to 14.5 g/kg), and AP content showed a decreasing trend (from 20.7 mg/kg to 11.4 mg/kg). In the natural recovery plots, DNA content gradually increased (from 3.2 μg/g/d to 142.6 μg/g/d), and SC content gradually increased as well (from 2.4 mg/d/g to 23.1 mg/d/g). In contrast, on sites undergoing natural recovery, the short-term restoration rates of vegetation and soil are lower, but they show greater stability over a longer time. This study provides a new perspective on vegetation restoration strategies and is expected to offer insights for the optimization of post-landslide recovery in the future.
Functional Association between Storage Protein Mobilization and Redox Signaling in Narrow-Leafed Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) Seed Germination and Seedling Development
Authors: Escudero-Feliu Julia , Lima-Cabello Elena , Rodríguez de Haro Esther , Morales-Santana Sonia , Jimenez-Lopez Jose C.
Published: September 2023

(1) Background: Seed storage mobilization, together with oxidative metabolism, with the ascorbate–glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle as a crucial signaling and metabolic functional crossroad, is one of the main regulators of the control of cell morphogenesis and division, a fundamental physiological process driving seed germination and seedling growth. This study aims to characterize the cellular changes, composition, and patterns of the protein mobilization and ROS-dependent gene expression of redox metabolism in Lupinus angustifolius L. (narrow-leafed lupin, NLL) cotyledons during seed germination. (2) Methods: We performed gene expression analyses via RT-qPCR for conglutins α (1, 2, and 3), β (1, 2, and 5), γ (1, 2), and δ (2 and 4), including a ubiquitin gene as a control, and for redox metabolism-related genes; GADPH was used as a control gene. A microscopic study was developed on cotyledon samples from different germination stages, including as IMB (imbibition), and 2–5, 7, 9, and 11 DAI (days after imbibition), which were processed for light microscopy. SDS-PAGE and immunocytochemistry assays were performed using an anti-β-conglutin antibody (Agrisera), and an anti-rabbit IgG Daylight 488-conjugated secondary antibody. The controls were made while omitting primary Ab. (3) Results and Discussion: Our results showed that a large amount of seed storage protein (SSP) accumulates in protein bodies (PBs) and mobilizes during germination. Families of conglutins (β and γ) may play important roles as functional and signaling molecules, beyond the storage function, at intermediate steps of the seed germination process. In this regard, metabolic activities are closely associated with the regulation of oxidative homeostasis through AsA-GSH activities (γ-L-Glutamyl-L-cysteine synthetase, NOS, Catalase, Cu/Zn-SOD, GPx, GR, GS, GsT) after the imbibition of NLL mature seeds, metabolism activation, and dormancy breakage, which are key molecular and regulatory signaling pathways with particular importance in morphogenesis and developmental processes. (4) Conclusions: The knowledge generated in this study provides evidence for the functional changes and cellular tightly regulated events occurring in the NLL seed cotyledon, orchestrated by the oxidative-related metabolic machinery involved in seed germination advancement.
Uncovering the Molecular Drivers of NHEJ DNA Repair-Implicated Missense Variants and Their Functional Consequences
Authors: Al-Jarf Raghad , Karmakar Malancha , Myung Yoochan , Ascher David B.
Published: September 2023

Variants in non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) DNA repair genes are associated with various human syndromes, including microcephaly, growth delay, Fanconi anemia, and different hereditary cancers. However, very little has been done previously to systematically record the underlying molecular consequences of NHEJ variants and their link to phenotypic outcomes. In this study, a list of over 2983 missense variants of the principal components of the NHEJ system, including DNA Ligase IV, DNA-PKcs, Ku70/80 and XRCC4, reported in the clinical literature, was initially collected. The molecular consequences of variants were evaluated using in silico biophysical tools to quantitatively assess their impact on protein folding, dynamics, stability, and interactions. Cancer-causing and population variants within these NHEJ factors were statistically analyzed to identify molecular drivers. A comprehensive catalog of NHEJ variants from genes known to be mutated in cancer was curated, providing a resource for better understanding their role and molecular mechanisms in diseases. The variant analysis highlighted different molecular drivers among the distinct proteins, where cancer-driving variants in anchor proteins, such as Ku70/80, were more likely to affect key protein–protein interactions, whilst those in the enzymatic components, such as DNA-PKcs, were likely to be found in intolerant regions undergoing purifying selection. We believe that the information acquired in our database will be a powerful resource to better understand the role of non-homologous end-joining DNA repair in genetic disorders, and will serve as a source to inspire other investigations to understand the disease further, vital for the development of improved therapeutic strategies.
Evaluation of Antioxidant Defence Systems and Inflammatory Status in Basketball Elite Athletes
Authors: Gentile Alessandro , Punziano Carolina , Calvanese Mariella , De Falco Renato , Gentile Luca , D’Alicandro Giovanni , Miele Ciro , Capasso Filomena , Pero Raffaela , Mazzaccara Cristina , Lombardo Barbara , Frisso Giulia , Borrelli Paola , Mennitti Cristina , Scudiero Olga , Faraonio Raffaella
Published: September 2023

Intense physical activity can induce metabolic changes that modify specific biochemical biomarkers. In this scenario, the purpose of our study was to evaluate how intense physical activity can affect oxidative metabolism. Following this, fifteen professional basketball players and fifteen sedentary controls were recruited and subjected to two samplings of serum and urine in the pre-season (September) and two months after the start of the competitive season (November). Our results have shown an increase in athletes compared to controls in CK and LDH in September (respectively, p-value 0.003 and p-value < 0.001) and in November (both p-value < 0.001), whereas ALT is increased only in November (p-value 0.09). GGT serum levels were decreased in athletes compared to controls in both months (in September p-value 0.001 and in November p-value < 0.001). A gene expression analysis, carried out using RT-PCR, has revealed that IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, xCT and GCLM are increased in athletes in both months (p-value < 0.0001), while IL-10 and CHAC1 are increased only in September if compared to the controls (respectively, p-value 0.040 and p-value < 0.001). In conclusion, physical activity creates an adaptation of the systems involved in oxidative metabolism but without causing damage to the liver or kidney. This information could be of help to sports doctors for the prevention of injuries and illnesses in professional athletes for the construction of the athlete’s passport.
Social Capital and Mental Wellbeing of Older People Migrating along with Adult Children in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Wang Julia Juan , Lai Daniel W. L. , Yu Wenqing
Published: September 2023

The phenomenon of ‘older people migrating along’ (OPMA) with adult children is a unique outcome of social changes that have occurred in China. These individuals generally experience different challenges and needs associated with mental wellbeing. However, there is limited research on the relationship between the social capital and mental health of OPMA in China. This study aims to examine the mental health status of OPMA and the effects of bonding social capital and bridging social capital on their mental wellbeing in China by conducting a quantitative research survey among 399 OPMA participants. We found that bonding social capital correlated to only one indicator of mental wellbeing, subjective happiness. Bridging social capital had significant relationships with four mental health indicators, namely, the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), subjective happiness, and life satisfaction. Through strengthening bridging social capital, these older adults can benefit from more opportunities for participation in formal or informal organizations in their communities and improve their mental wellbeing.
An Exploration of Black Men’s Attitudes and Experiences Communicating with Dentists about Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Smith Patrick D. , Weatherspoon Darien J. , Bailey Tiosha , Peterson Caryn E. , Murray Marcus , Bekoe Osei , Shadamoro Anuoluwapo , Osazuwa-Peters Nosayaba , Nu-Tall Kimberly
Published: September 2023

Background: Poor oral and pharyngeal cancer (OPC) survival among Black men is partially due to their limited knowledge about OPCs, which is exacerbated by dentists’ limited training and discomfort in discussing OPC risk factors. The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes and experiences that Black men have communicating with dentists about OPCs. Methods: To qualitatively assess these attitudes and experiences, a focus group guide and recruitment strategy were developed using a community engagement approach. Data were analyzed using grounded theory. Results: Twenty-three self-identified Black men participated in three focus groups through the Zoom platform (mean age of 46.1 years). Four main themes emerged, which identified that participants: (1) had little knowledge of OPCs; (2) felt that addressing OPC risk among Black men was not a priority for dentists; (3) stressed the importance of dentists acknowledging the complexity of how race and gender affects Black men’s healthcare experiences; and (4) expressed a benefit to receiving information from multiple social networks. Conclusion: The focus groups provided context for how dentists might engage with Black men in discussions about OPC prevention and treatment.
Health Disparities in the Use of Primary Cesarean Delivery among Asian American Women
Authors: Zhang Yuqing , Heelan-Fancher Lisa , Leveille Suzanne , Shi Ling
Published: September 2023

This study examined the health disparities in primary cesarean delivery (PCD) use among Asian American (AA) women and within AA subgroups. We examined 22 years of birth registry data from one diverse northeastern state in the United States, including singleton vertex live births between 24 and 44 weeks of gestation without congenital abnormalities. Multivariate logistic regression was used to test the association between PCD and race and ethnicity groups adjusting for maternal demographic and health behaviors, infant gender and birth weight, gestational age, initiation of prenatal care, and other risk factors. Among the eligible sample, 8.3% were AA. AAs had the highest rate of PCD (18%) among all racial and ethnic groups. However, extensive heterogeneity was found among the AA subgroups. After controlling for confounding variables, compared to non-Hispanic White women, Filipino, Asian Indian, and Other Asian subgroups had a higher risk for PCD (Adj OR = 1.40, 1.37, and 1.21, p < 0.001), while Japanese, Chinese, and Korean had a lower risk (Adj OR = 0.57, 0.83, and 0.90, p < 0.001), and Vietnamese had no significant difference in PCD use. Although AA as a single racial and ethnic group had higher prevalence of PCD, more studies are warrantied to address the disproportional distribution of health disparities in PCD use within AA subgroups.
A Random Forest Classifier for Anomaly Detection in Laser-Powder Bed Fusion Using Optical Monitoring
Authors: Khan Imran Ali , Birkhofer Hannes , Kunz Dominik , Lukas Drzewietzki , Ploshikhin Vasily
Published: September 2023

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) is a disruptive production technology, widely adopted in innovative industries that revolutionizes design and manufacturing. The interest in quality control of AM systems has grown substantially over the last decade, driven by AM’s appeal for intricate, high-value, and low-volume production components. Geometry-dependent process conditions in AM yield unique challenges, especially regarding quality assurance. This study contributes to the development of machine learning models to enhance in-process monitoring and control technology, which is a critical step in cost reduction in metal AM. As the part is built layer upon layer, the features of each layer have an influence on the quality of the final part. Layer-wise in-process sensing can be used to retrieve condition-related features and help detect defects caused by improper process conditions. In this work, layer-wise monitoring using optical tomography (OT) imaging was employed as a data source, and a machine-learning (ML) technique was utilized to detect anomalies that can lead to defects. The major defects analyzed in this experiment were gas pores and lack of fusion defects. The Random Forest Classifier ML algorithm is employed to segment anomalies from optical images, which are then validated by correlating them with defects from computerized tomography (CT) data. Further, 3D mapping of defects from CT data onto the OT dataset is carried out using the affine transformation technique. The developed anomaly detection model’s performance is evaluated using several metrics such as confusion matrix, dice coefficient, accuracy, precision, recall, and intersection-over-union (IOU). The k-fold cross-validation technique was utilized to ensure robustness and generalization of the model’s performance. The best detection accuracy of the developed anomaly detection model is 99.98%. Around 79.40% of defects from CT data correlated with the anomalies detected from the OT data.
Special Issue: Thermo-Electric and Mechanical Properties of Carbon-Based Polymer
Authors: Spinelli Giovanni , Romano Vittorio
Published: September 2023

Although on the one hand polymers are arousing increasing interest due to their remarkable properties in terms of lightness, cost-effectiveness, easy processing, and mechanical resistance, on the other hand, they still present several restrictions in practical applications [...]
Aluminum Foam Sandwich: Pore Evolution Mechanism Investigation and Engineering Preparing Optimization
Authors: Sun Xi , Jian Zhiqian , Su Xixi , Huang Peng , Gao Qiang , Feng Zhanhao , Zu Guoyin
Published: September 2023

This paper employs an innovative investigation approach to study pore evolution in Al-Si-Mg-Cu alloy within aluminum foam sandwiches (AFS) by integrating data from heating–expansion ratio curves, in situ observation of synchronous radiation, and microscopic analysis of the matrix’s microstructure at different stages. Additionally, the cavity design and plate type control for large-scale AFS production are explored. Findings categorize the precursor heating into three stages: rapid heating, solid–liquid transition, and stable foaming. During solid–liquid transition, the expansion rate experiences a sudden drop, associated with pore nucleation and edge cracking of precursors. Pores nucleate as elongated crack-like structures along the rolling direction, guided by the Mg-enriched regions. In stable foaming, these pores evolve, become spherical, and the matrix rapidly expands. Using square tubes for sealing on the preform cavity sides creates a dense edge zone during rolling, halting crack propagation into the powder core. Adopting edge sealing during foaming mitigates boundary effects, thereby improving AFS panel flatness.
Effect of Heat Treatment Time and Temperature on the Microstructure and Shape Memory Properties of Nitinol Wires
Authors: Agarwal Neha , Ryan Murphy Josephine , Hashemi Tina Sadat , Mossop Theo , O’Neill Darragh , Power John , Shayegh Ali , Brabazon Dermot
Published: September 2023

In this study, the effect of heat treatment parameters on the optimized performance of Ni-rich nickel–titanium wires (NiTi/Nitinol) were investigated that were intended for application as actuators across various industries. In this instance, the maximum recovery strain and actuation angle achievable by a nitinol wire were employed as indicators of optimal performance. Nitinol wires were heat treated at different temperatures, 400–500 °C, and times, 30–120 min, to study the effects of these heat treatment parameters on the actuation performance and properties of the nitinol wires. Assessment covered changes in density, hardness, phase transition temperatures, microstructure, and alloy composition resulting from these heat treatments. DSC analysis revealed a decrease in the austenite transformation temperature, which transitioned from 42.8 °C to 24.39 °C with an increase in heat treatment temperature from 400 °C to 500 °C and was attributed to the formation of Ni4Ti3 precipitates. Increasing the heat treatment time led to an increase in the austenite transformation temperature. A negative correlation between the hardness of the heat-treated samples and the heat treatment temperature was found. This trend can be attributed to the formation and growth of Ni4Ti3 precipitates, which in turn affect the matrix properties. A novel approach involving image analysis was utilized as a simple yet robust analysis method for measurement of recovery strain for the wires as they underwent actuation. It was found that increasing heat treatment temperature from 400 °C to 500 °C above 30 min raised recovery strain from 0.001 to 0.01, thereby maximizing the shape memory effect.
Assessing Effects of van der Waals Corrections on Elasticity of Mg3Bi2−xSbx in DFT Calculations
Authors: Peng Qing , Ma Xinjie , Yang Xiaoyu , Zhao Shuai , Yuan Xiaoze , Chen Xiaojia
Published: September 2023

As a promising room-temperature thermoelectric material, the elastic properties of Mg3Bi2−xSbx (0 ≤ x ≤ 2), in which the role of van der Waals interactions is still elusive, were herein investigated. We assessed the effects of two typical van der Waals corrections on the elasticity of Mg3Bi2−xSbx nanocomposites using first-principles calculations within the frame of density functional theory. The two van der Waals correction methods, PBE-D3 and vdW-DFq, were examined and compared to PBE functionals without van der Waals correction. Interestingly, our findings reveal that the lattice constant of the system shrinks by approximately 1% when the PBE-D3 interaction is included. This leads to significant changes in certain mechanical properties. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of the elastic performance of Mg3Bi2−xSbx, including Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, bulk modulus, etc., for different concentration of Sb in a 40-atom simulation box. The presence or absence of van der Waals corrections does not change the trend of elasticity with respect to the concentration of Sb; instead, it affects the absolute values. Our investigation not only clarifies the influence of van der Waals correction methods on the elasticity of Mg3Bi2−xSbx, but could also help inform the material design of room-temperature thermoelectric devices, as well as the development of vdW corrections in DFT calculations.
Fe3O4 Magnetic Nanoparticles Obtained by the Novel Aerosol-Based Technique for Theranostic Applications
Authors: Pawlik Piotr , Błasiak Barbara , Pruba Marcin , Miaskowski Arkadiusz , Moraczyński Oskar , Miszczyk Justyna , Tomanek Boguslaw , Depciuch Joanna
Published: September 2023

This work is aimed at presenting a novel aerosol-based technique for the synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) and to assess the potential medical application of their dispersions after being coated with TEA-oleate. Refinement of the processing conditions led to the formation of monodispersed NPs with average sizes of ∼5–6 nm and narrow size distribution (FWHM of ∼3 nm). The NPs were coated with Triethanolammonium oleate (TEA-oleate) to stabilize them in water dispersion. This allowed obtaining the dispersion, which does not sediment for months, although TEM and DLS studies have shown the formation of small agglomerates of NPs. The different behaviors of cancer and normal cell lines in contact with NPs indicated the diverse mechanisms of their interactions with Fe3O4 NPs. Furthermore, the studies allowed assessment of the prospective theranostic application of magnetite NPs obtained using the aerosol-based technique, particularly magnetic hyperthermia and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).