bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphate availability conditions caspofungin tolerance, capsule attachment and titan cell formation in Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Qu Xianya , Bhalla Kabir , Horianopoulos Linda C. , Hu Guanggan , Alcázar Magaña Armando , Foster Leonard J. , Roque da Silva Leandro Buffoni , Kretschmer Matthias , Kronstad James W.
Published: August 2024

There is an urgent need for new antifungal drugs to treat invasive fungal diseases. Unfortunately, the echinocandin drugs that are fungicidal against other important fungal pathogens are ineffective against Cryptococcus neoformans, the causative agent of life-threatening meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised people. Contributing mechanisms for echinocandin tolerance are emerging with connections to calcineurin signaling, the cell wall, and membrane composition. In this context, we discovered that a defect in phosphate uptake impairs the tolerance of C. neoformans to the echinocandin caspofungin. Our previous analysis of mutants lacking three high affinity phosphate transporters revealed reduced elaboration of the polysaccharide capsule and attenuated virulence in mice. We investigated the underlying mechanisms and found that loss of the transporters and altered phosphate availability influences the cell wall and membrane composition. These changes contribute to the shedding of capsule polysaccharide thus explaining the reduced size of capsules on mutants lacking the phosphate transporters. We also found an influence of the calcineurin pathway including calcium sensitivity and an involvement of the endoplasmic reticulum in the response to phosphate limitation. Furthermore, we identified membrane and lipid composition changes consistent with the role of phosphate in phospholipid biosynthesis and with previous studies implicating membrane integrity in caspofungin tolerance. Finally, we discovered a contribution of phosphate to titan cell formation, a cell type that displays modified cell wall and capsule composition. Overall, our analysis reinforces the importance of phosphate as a regulator of cell wall and membrane composition with implications for capsule attachment and antifungal drug susceptibility.
Causal association between inflammatory bowel disease and acute pancreatitis: a two-sample bidirectional mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Cong , Fan Xiujing , Li Zhijun , Hu Zongyi , He Chengcheng , Wang Shanping , Li Mingsong
Published: August 2024

Background

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an extraintestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Numerous observational studies have reported an increased risk of AP in patients diagnosed with IBD. However, the causal association and directionality between IBD or its subtypes and the development of AP remains unclear due to the limitations of observational research. This study aims to explore the relationship between IBD or its subtypes and AP risk using Mendelian Randomization (MR) method.

Methods

A two-sample bidirectional MR study was conducted, selecting genetic variants associated with IBD and AP as instrumental variables from the International Inflammatory Bowel Disease Genetics Consortium (IIBDGC) and FinnGen databases, respectively. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method used as the primary approach for causal inference. The Cochran Q test was employed for heterogeneity assessment. Sensitivity analyses were performed using the MR Egger intercept test, MR-Presso, and Leave-one-out method.

Results

The results revealed that IBD (OR = 1.049, 95% CI = 1.010–1.090, p = 0.013) and ulcerative colitis (UC) (OR = 1.057, 95% CI = 1.013–1.102, p = 0.011) were significantly associated with an increased risk of AP. However, Crohn’s disease (CD) (OR = 1.023, 95% CI = 0.993-1.055, p = 0.134) did not show a causal association with the risk of AP. Interestingly, AP was suggestively associated with a decreased risk of CD (OR = 0.797, 95% CI = 0.637-0.997, p = 0.047). Furthermore, there was no causal association between AP and the risk of IBD (OR = 0.886, 95% CI = 0.753-1.042, p = 0.144) or UC (OR = 0.947, 95% CI = 0.773-1.159, p = 0.595).

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides genetic evidence supporting the causal influence of IBD (specifically UC) on AP, while CD does not appear to have a causal impact on AP.
Genetic diversity, population structure, and phylogenetic relationships of a widespread East Asia herb, Cryptotaenia japonica Hassk. (Apiaceae) based on genomic SNP data generated by dd-RAD sequencing
Authors: Wu Baocheng , Wen Jun , Lu Ruisen , Zhou Wei
Published: August 2024

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) represent the most prevalent form of genomic polymorphism and are extensively used in population genetics research. Using dd-RAD sequencing, a high-throughput sequencing method, we investigated the genome-level diversity, population structure, and phylogenetic relationships among three morphological forms of the widely distributed taxon Cryptotaenia japonica Hassk., which is native to East Asia. Our study aimed to assess the species status of C. japonica according to its genetic structure and genetic diversity patterns among 66 naturally distributed populations, comprising 26 C. japonica f. japonica, 36 C. japonica f. dissecta (Y. Yabe) Hara and 4 C. japonica f. pinnatisecta S. L. Liou accessions. Based on genomic SNP data generated by dd-RAD sequencing, we conducted genetic diversity, principal component, neighbor-joining (NJ) phylogenetic, admixture clustering, and population differentiation analyses. The findings revealed the following: (1) 5,39,946 unlinked, high-quality SNPs, with mean π, HO,HE and FIS values of 0.062, 0.066, 0.043 and −0.014, respectively, were generated; (2) population divergence was unaffected by isolation through distance; (3) six main distinct regions corresponding to geographic locations and exhibiting various levels of genetic diversity were identified; (4) pairwise FST analysis showed significant (P < 0.05) population differentiation in 0%–14% of populations among the six regions after sequential Bonferroni correction; and (5) three migration events (historical gene flow) indicated east‒west directionality. Moreover, contemporary gene flow analysis using Jost’s D, Nei’s GST, and Nm values highlighted the middle latitude area of East Asia as a significant contributor to genetic structuring in C. japonica. Overall, our study elucidates the relatively low genetic differentiation and population structure of C. japonica across East Asia, further enhancing our understanding of plant lineage diversification in the Sino-Japanese Floristic Region.
An innate immune signature induced by AS01- or AS03-adjuvanted vaccines predicts the antibody response magnitude and quality consistently over time
Authors: Tasdighian Setareh , Bechtold Viviane , Essaghir Ahmed , Saeys Yvan , Burny Wivine
Published: August 2024

Background

Antibody-mediated protection can depend on mechanisms varying from neutralization to Fc-dependent innate immune-cell recruitment. Adjuvanted vaccine development relies on a holistic understanding of how adjuvants modulate the quantity/titer and quality of the antibody response.

Methods

A Phase 2 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00805389) evaluated hepatitis B vaccines formulated with licensed adjuvants (AS01B, AS01E, AS03, AS04 or Alum) in antigen-naïve adults. The trial investigated the role of adjuvants in shaping antibody-effector functions, and identified an innate transcriptional response shared by AS01B, AS01E and AS03. We integrated previously reported data on the innate response (gene expression, cytokine/C-reactive protein levels) and on quantitative/qualitative features of the mature antibody response (Fc-related parameters, immunoglobulin titers, avidity). Associations between the innate and humoral parameters were explored using systems vaccinology and a machine-learning framework.

Results

A dichotomy in responses between AS01/AS03 and AS04/Alum (with the former two contributing most to the association with the humoral response) was observed across all timepoints of this longitudinal study. The consistent patterns over time suggested a similarity in the impacts of the two-dose immunization regimen, year-long interval, and non-adjuvanted antigenic challenge given one year later. An innate signature characterized by interferon pathway-related gene expression and secreted interferon-γ-induced protein 10 and C-reactive protein, which was shared by AS01 and AS03, consistently predicted both the qualitative antibody response features and the titers. The signature also predicted from the antibody response quality, the group of adjuvants from which the administered vaccine was derived.

Conclusion

An innate signature induced by AS01- or AS03-adjuvanted vaccines predicts the antibody response magnitude and quality consistently over time.
Emerging therapeutic strategies targeting extracellular histones for critical and inflammatory diseases: an updated narrative review
Authors: Yang Tinghang , Peng Jing , Zhang Zhuyun , Chen Yu , Liu Zhihui , Jiang Luojia , Jin Lunqiang , Han Mei , Su Baihai , Li Yupei
Published: August 2024

Extracellular histones are crucial damage-associated molecular patterns involved in the development and progression of multiple critical and inflammatory diseases, such as sepsis, pancreatitis, trauma, acute liver failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, vasculitis and arthritis. During the past decade, the physiopathologic mechanisms of histone-mediated hyperinflammation, endothelial dysfunction, coagulation activation, neuroimmune injury and organ dysfunction in diseases have been systematically elucidated. Emerging preclinical evidence further shows that anti-histone strategies with either their neutralizers (heparin, heparinoids, nature plasma proteins, small anion molecules and nanomedicines, etc.) or extracorporeal blood purification techniques can significantly alleviate histone-induced deleterious effects, and thus improve the outcomes of histone-related critical and inflammatory animal models. However, a systemic evaluation of the efficacy and safety of these histone-targeting therapeutic strategies is currently lacking. In this review, we first update our latest understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of histone-induced hyperinflammation, endothelial dysfunction, coagulopathy, and organ dysfunction. Then, we summarize the latest advances in histone-targeting therapy strategies with heparin, anti-histone antibodies, histone-binding proteins or molecules, and histone-affinity hemoadsorption in pre-clinical studies. Finally, challenges and future perspectives for improving the clinical translation of histone-targeting therapeutic strategies are also discussed to promote better management of patients with histone-related diseases.
Impact of salt erosion on mechanical and drying shrinkage performance of cement stabilized macadam
Authors: Wang Chengbin , Chen Yadi , An Baoping , Guo Qinglin , Wang Yibo
Published: August 2024

The arch expansion damage of asphalt pavement is a typical disease in desert Gobi and saline-alkali areas, and the reasons for arch expansion are very complex. Exploring the impact of salt solution on the mechanical and drying shrinkage performances of cement-stabilized macadam helps to clarify the causes of the arch expansion damage. To this purpose, this paper designed a salt solution infiltration experiment, using salt solution infiltration to simulate the transmission and accumulation of salts in cement-stabilized macadam, and carried out the compressive and flexural tests of cement-stabilized mortar and cement-stabilized macadam, and measured the drying shrinkage performance of cement-stabilized mortar and macadam. The results show that the type of salt solution has a significant influence on the weight of the cement-stabilized mortar samples, sulfates will cause the samples to lose weight, while chlorides and mixed solutions cause the increase in weight. Chlorides and sulfates lead to the decrease in the strengths of cement-stabilized mortar and macadam. The salt crystallization will lead to the decline of the drying shrinkage strains of cement-stabilized mortar and macadam, which has a positive action for reducing the drying shrinkage deformation. However, under the combined action of chlorides and sulfates, cement-stabilized macadam expands with the moisture loss. This may be one of the important causes of the arch expansion of asphalt pavement in the Gobi area and saline-alkali area.
Candida tropicalis ZD-3 prevents excessive fat deposition by regulating ileal microbiota and bile acids enterohepatic circulation in broilers
Authors: Feng Jiaqi , Wang Fang , Nan Shanshan , Dou Lijing , Pang Xiaotong , Niu Junli , Zhang Wenju , Nie Cunxi
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Evidence suggests that the dietary intake of Candida tropicalisZD-3 (ZD-3) has various health benefits, but the treatment mechanisms and effects remain unclear. The aim of this study investigates the effect of ZD-3 on reducing fat deposition in broilers and the underlying mechanism.

Methods

180 one-day-old, yellow-feathered broilers were randomly divided into three groups: control (CON) group fed a basal diet, an active Candida tropicalis ZD-3 (ZD) group supplemented with ZD, and a heat-inactivated Candida tropicalis ZD-3 (HZD) group supplemented with HZD. The experiment lasted for 28 d.

Results

The ZD and HZD treatments significantly reduced the abdominal fat index (p < 0.05), decreased TG levels in serum and liver (p < 0.05), altered the ileal microbial composition by reducing the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio. Additionally, the ZD and HZD treatments reduced liver cholesterol by decreasing ileal FXR-FGF19 signaling and increasing liver FXR-SHP signaling (p < 0.05). The ZD and HZD treatments also changed liver PC and TG classes lipid composition, regulating liver lipid metabolism by promoting TG degradation and modulating the signal transduction of the cell membrane.

Discussion

Overall, ZD-3 was effective in improving lipid metabolism in broilers by regulating the ileal microbial composition and BAs enterohepatic circulation. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development and application of ZD-3 for the regulation of lipid metabolism in broilers.
ProcCluster® and procaine hydrochloride inhibit the replication of influenza A virus in vitro
Authors: Häring Clio , Schroeder Josefine , Jungwirth Johannes , Löffler Bettina , Henke Andreas , Engert Beatrice , Ehrhardt Christina
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Treatment of influenza A virus infections is currently limited to few direct acting antiviral substances. Repurposing other established pharmaceuticals as antivirals could aid in improving treatment options.

Methods

This study investigates the antiviral properties of ProcCluster® and procaine hydrochloride, two derivatives of the local anesthetic procaine, in influenza A virus infection of A549, Calu-3 and MDCK cells.

Results

Both substances inhibit replication in all three of these cell lines in multi-cycle experiments. However, cell line-dependent differences in the effects of the substances on viral RNA replication and subsequent protein synthesis, as well as release of progeny viruses in single-cycle experiments can be observed. Both ProcCluster® and procaine hydrochloride delay endosome fusion of the virus early in the replication cycle, possibly due to the alkaline nature of the active component procaine. In A549 and Calu-3 cells an additional effect of the substances can be observed at late stages in the first replication cycle. Interestingly, this effect is absent in MDCK cells. We demonstrate that ProcCluster® and procaine hydrochloride inhibit phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzymes from A549 but not MDCK cells and confirm that specific inhibition of calcium independent PLA2 but not cytosolic PLA2 has antiviral effects.

Discussion

We show that ProcCluster® and procaine hydrochloride inhibit influenza A virus infection at several stages of the replication cycle and have potential as antiviral substances.
Leaf age structures phyllosphere microbial communities in the field and greenhouse
Authors: Geyer Julie K. , Grunberg Rita L. , Wang Jeremy , Mitchell Charles E.
Published: August 2024

The structure of the leaf microbiome can alter host fitness and change in response to abiotic and biotic factors, like seasonality, climate, and leaf age. However, relatively few studies consider the influence of host age on microbial communities at a time scale of a few days, a short time scale relevant to microbes. To understand how host age modulates changes in the fungal and bacterial leaf microbiome on a short time scale, we ran independent field and greenhouse-based studies and characterized phyllosphere communities using next-generation sequencing approaches. Our field study characterized changes in the fungal and bacterial phyllosphere by examining leaves of different relative ages across individuals, whereas the greenhouse study examined changes in the fungal microbiome by absolute leaf age across individuals. Together, these results indicate that fungal communities are susceptible to change as a leaf ages as evidenced by shifts in the diversity of fungal taxa both in the field and the greenhouse. Similarly, there were increases in the diversity of fungal taxa by leaf age in the greenhouse. In bacterial communities in the field, we observed changes in the diversity, composition, and relative abundance of common taxa. These findings build upon previous literature characterizing host-associated communities at longer time scales and provide a foundation for targeted work examining how specific microbial taxa might interact with each other, such as fine-scale interactions between pathogenic and non-pathogenic species.
Thalamic volume in very preterm infants: associations with severe brain injury and neurodevelopmental outcome at two years
Authors: Trimarco Emiliano , Jafrasteh Bahram , Jiménez-Luque Natalia , Marín Almagro Yolanda , Román Ruiz Macarena , Lubián Gutiérrez Manuel , Ruiz González Estefanía , Segado Arenas Antonio , Lubián-López Simón Pedro , Benavente-Fernández Isabel
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Several studies demonstrate the relationship between preterm birth and a reduced thalamus volume at term-equivalent age. In contrast, this study aims to investigate the link between the thalamic growth trajectory during the early postnatal period and neurodevelopment at two years of age.

Methods

Thalamic volume was extracted from 84 early MRI scans at postmenstrual age of 32.33 (± 2.63) weeks and 93 term-equivalent age MRI scans at postmenstrual age of 42.05 (± 3.33) weeks of 116 very preterm infants (56% male) with gestational age at birth of 29.32 (± 2.28) weeks and a birth weight of 1158.92 (± 348.59) grams. Cognitive, motor, and language outcomes at two years of age were assessed with Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Third Edition. Bivariate analysis was used to describe the clinical variables according to neurodevelopmental outcomes and multilevel linear regression models were used to examine the impact of these variables on thalamic volume and its relationship with neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Results

The results suggest an association between severe brain injury and thalamic growth trajectory (β coef = −0.611; p < 0.001). Moreover, thalamic growth trajectory during early postnatal life was associated with the three subscale scores of the neurodevelopmental assessment (cognitive: β coef = 6.297; p = 0.004; motor: β coef = 7.283; p = 0.001; language: β coeficient = 9.053; p = 0.002).

Discussion

These findings highlight (i) the impact of severe brain injury on thalamic growth trajectory during early extrauterine life after preterm birth and (ii) the relationship of thalamic growth trajectory with cognitive, motor, and language outcomes.
Natural history and outcome of nonketotic hyperglycinemia in China
Authors: Zhou Zhizi , Cai Yanna , Li Xiuzhen , Liu Zongcai , Peng Minzhi , Lin Yunting , Mao Xiaojian , Zeng Chunhua , Liu Li , Zhang Wen
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) is a rare, life-threatening genetic disorder. The patients usually show heterogeneous and nonspecific symptoms, resulting in diagnosis challenges using conventional approaches. Here, the clinical presentation and genetic features of 20 Chinese patients were examined and reported in order to clarify the natural history and prognosis of NKH in China.

Methods

The Human Gene Mutation Database and literature regarding NKH in China were reviewed. Age of onset, clinical characteristics, genetic analysis, cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) examinations, and outcome of the patients were analyzed. Natural history experiences and follow-up assays for five patients who were followed in our center were described.

Results

Among all 20 NKH patients, 17 (85%) had the neonatal type and 3 (15%) had the infantile type, no late-onset cases were detected. Patients showed up for admission with a history of seizures (15/20), lethargy (14/20), hypotonia (11/20), apnea (9/20), and feeble sobbing (4/20). Brain MRI findings included abnormal signals in the internal capsule, cerebellum, or brainstem (6/14), dysplasia of the corpus callosum (5/14), and white matter abnormalities (3/14). EEG evaluations showed anomalies such as burst suppression (4/8) and hypsarrhythmia and/or epileptic activity (6/8). Median values of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glycine levels, plasma glycine levels and CSF/plasma glycine ratios were135.2 (range, 6.3–546.3) μmol/L, 998.2 (range,75–3,084) μmol/L, 0.16 (range, 0.03–0.60) respectively. Genetic analyses revealed four new variations and GLDC, AMT gene abnormalities in 13 (65%), 7 (35%) case, respectively. Prognosis information was available for 18 cases: nine patients died, eight in the neonatal period. Among the nine survivors, varying developmental disorders were observed.

Discussion

Different disease processes and outcomes were found in Chinese NKH patients, according to this study. The initial clinical presentations, CSF glycine levels and CSF to plasma glycine ratios do not reliably predict prognosis, while MRI and EEG abnormalities may indicate a poor outlook. NKH diagnosis should be considered for neonates presenting specific symptoms. The present survey provides clinical data that support the development of a standardized protocol for diagnosing and treating NKH in China.
Protective role of serum albumin in dementia: a prospective study from United Kingdom biobank
Authors: Cui Yiyuan , Li Chunyu , Ke Bin , Xiao Yi , Wang Shichan , Jiang Qirui , Zheng Xiaoting , Lin Junyu , Huang Jingxuan , Shang Huifang
Published: August 2024

Background

A number of studies have explored the link between neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) and albumin, the main protein in human plasma. However, the results have been inconsistent, highlighting the necessity for a detailed systemic analysis.

Methods

Utilizing data from the United Kingdom Biobank, we investigated the relationship between baseline levels of serum and urine albumin and the occurrence of common NDDs, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and dementia, employing Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

Results

Our results reveal that elevated baseline serum albumin levels are linked to a decreased risk of developing dementia (beta = −0.024, SE = 0.004, p < 0.001). Subgroup and interaction analyses highlighted the impact of factors like body mass index (BMI), age, and alcohol consumption on this relationship. Specifically, participants with higher BMI, younger age, or lower alcohol intake exhibited a stronger protective effect. On the other hand, a higher baseline level of urine microalbumin was connected to a slight increase in dementia risk (beta = 0.003, SE = 3.30E-04, p < 0.001). No significant associations were found between albumin levels and the risk of PD or ALS.

Conclusion

Our study underscores the potential role of serum albumin as a biomarker associated with reduced dementia risk. These findings contribute valuable insights into the understanding of albumin’s impact on NDDs, suggesting its utility as a biomarker for dementia in clinical settings and informing future therapeutic strategies in clinical trials.
Cortical response characteristics of passive, active, and resistance movements: a multi-channel fNRIS study
Authors: Li Wenxi , Zhu Guangyue , Jiang Yichen , Miao Cheng , Zhang Guohui , Xu Dongsheng
Published: August 2024

Objective

This study aimed to explore the impact of exercise training modes on sensory and motor-related cortex excitability using functional near-infrared spectroscopy technology (fNIRS) and reveal specific cortical effects.

Materials and methods

Twenty participants with no known health conditions took part in a study involving passive, active, and resistance tasks facilitated by an upper-limb robot, using a block design. The participants wore functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) devices throughout the experiment to monitor changes in cortical blood oxygen levels during the tasks. The fNIRS optode coverage primarily targeted key areas of the brain cortex, including the primary motor cortex (M1), primary somatosensory cortex (S1), supplementary motor area (SMA), and premotor cortex (PMC) on both hemispheres. The study evaluated cortical activation areas, intensity, and lateralization values.

Results

Passive movement primarily activates M1 and part of S1, while active movement mainly activates contralateral M1 and S1. Resistance training activates brain regions in both hemispheres, including contralateral M1, S1, SMA, and PMC, as well as ipsilateral M1, S1, SMA, and PMC. Resistance movement also activates the ipsilateral sensorimotor cortex (S1, SMA, PMC) more than active or passive movement. Active movement has higher contralateral activation in M1 compared to passive movement. Resistance and active movements increase brain activity more than passive movement. Different movements activate various cortical areas equally on both sides, but lateralization differs. The correlation between lateralization of brain regions is significant in the right cortex but not in the left cortex during three movement patterns.

Conclusion

All types of exercise boost motor cortex excitability, but resistance exercise activates both sides of the motor cortex more extensively. The PMC is crucial for intense workouts. The right cortex shows better coordination during motor tasks than the left. fNIRS findings can help determine the length of treatment sessions.
Cannabinoids and monoaminergic system: implications for learning and memory
Authors: Zhao Sha , Gu Zhao-Liang , Yue Ya-Nan , Zhang Xia , Dong Yuan
Published: August 2024

Cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) have been intensively studied for their neuroregulatory roles in the central nervous system (CNS), especially in regulating learning and memory. However, many experimental and clinical studies obtained conflicting results indicating a complex network of interaction underlying the regulation of learning and memory by different cannabinoids and the ECS. The ECS influences neuronal synaptic communications, and therefore may exert different regulation via their different impact on other neurotransmitters. The monoaminergic system includes a variety of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which play important roles in regulating mood, cognition, and reward. The interaction among cannabinoids, ECS and the monoaminergic system has drawn particular attention, especially their contributions to learning and memory. In this review, we summarized the current understanding of how cannabinoids, ECS and the monoaminergic system contribute to the process of learning and memory, and discussed the influences of monoaminergic neurotransmission by cannabinoids and ECS during this process.
Heat-killed Bifidobacterium longum BBMN68 and inulin protect against high-fat diet-induced obesity by modulating gut microbiota
Authors: Sun Siyuan , Zhang Qi , Li Dongdong , Li Hongliang , Ma Hairan , Wu Xiuying , Li Yixuan , Wang Pengjie , Liu Rong , Feng Haihong , Zhang Yongxiang , Sang Yue , Fang Bing , Wang Ran
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Obesity, a pervasive global epidemic, has heightened susceptibility to chronic ailments and diminished the overall life expectancy on a global scale. Probiotics and inulin (IN) have been documented to mitigate obesity by exerting an influence on the composition of the gut microbiota. Whether heat-killed Bifidobacterium longum BBMN68 (MN68) and IN have an anti-obesity effect remains to be investigated.

Methods

In this study, Wistar rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD), and orally administered heat-killed MN68 (2 × 1011 CFU/kg) and/or inulin (0.25 kg/kg) for 12 weeks. Histological analysis, serology analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were performed.

Results

Heat-killed MN68 + IN treatment showed an enhanced effect on preventing weight gain, diminishing fat accumulation, and regulating lipid metabolism, compared to either heat-killed MN68 treatment or inulin treatment. Gut microbiota results showed that heat-killed MN68 + IN treatment significantly increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Oscillospira, Intestinimonas, Christensenella, and Candidatus_Stoquefichus, and reduced the relative abundance of Enterococcus. Furthermore, heat-killed MN68 + IN significantly increased the SCFA levels, which were correlated with changes in the gut microbiota.

Discussion

This research provides support for the application of heat-killed MN68 and IN in the treatment of obesity, and highlights the combination of heat-killed BBMN68 and IN as functional food ingredients.
Association between changes in lean mass, muscle strength, endurance, and power following resistance or concurrent training with differing high protein diets in resistance-trained young males
Authors: Bagheri Reza , Karimi Zohreh , Camera Donny M. , Scott David , Bashirzad Mahdi Ziaee , Sadeghi Ramin , Kargarfard Mehdi , Dutheil Fred
Published: August 2024

Background

We assessed the relationship of changes in upper and lower body lean mass with muscle strength, endurance and power responses following two high protein diets (1.6 or 3.2 g.kg-1.d−1) during 16 weeks of either concurrent training (CT) or resistance training (RT) in resistance-trained young males.

Methods

Forty-eight resistance-trained young males (age: 26 ± 6 yr., body mass index: 25.6 ± 2.9 kg.m−2) performed 16 weeks (four sessions·wk.−1) of CT or RT with either 1.6 g.kg-1.d−1 protein (CT + 1.6; n = 12; RT + 1.6; n = 12) or 3.2 g.kg-1.d−1 protein (CT + 3.2; n = 12; RT + 3.2; n = 12). Relationships between upper (left arm + right arm + trunk lean mass) and lower body (left leg + right leg lean mass) lean mass changes with changes in muscle performance were assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients.

Results

For upper body, non-significant weak positive relationships were observed between change in upper body lean mass and change in pull-up (r = 0.183, p = 0.234), absolute chest press strength (r = 0.159, p = 0.302), chest press endurance (r = 0.041, p = 0.792), and relative chest press strength (r = 0.097, p = 0.529) while non-significant weak negative relationships were observed for changes in absolute upper body power (r = −0.236, p = 0.123) and relative upper body power (r = −0.203, p = 0.185). For lower body, non-significant weak positive relationships were observed between the change in lower body lean mass with change in vertical jump (r = 0.145, p = 0.346), absolute lower body power (r = 0.109, p = 0.480), absolute leg press strength (r = 0.073, p = 0.638), leg press endurance (r < 0.001, p = 0.998), relative leg press strength (r = 0.089, p = 0.564), and relative lower body power (r = 0.150, p = 0.332).

Conclusion

Changes in muscle strength, endurance and power adaptation responses following 16 weeks of either CT or RT with different high protein intakes were not associated with changes in lean mass in resistance-trained young males. These findings indicate that muscle hypertrophy has a small, or negligible, contributory role in promoting functional adaptations with RT or CT, at least over a 16-week period.
The effects of long-term application of fomesafen on weed seedbank and resistance levels of Amaranthus retroflexus L.
Authors: Guo Xiaotong , Guo Yulian , Wang Yu , Luo Chan , Cong Keqiang
Published: August 2024

Amaranthus retroflexus L. is one of the invasive malignant weeds in soybean fields. Diphenyl ether herbicides are commonly used to control weeds in soybean fields currently, among which fomesafen is the most widely used. With the long-term use of fomesafen, the weed species in soybean fields in multiple areas declined, and the control effect of fomesafen against Amaranthus retroflexus decreased significantly. This study aims to confirm the effects of long-term use of fomesafen on weed community richness and the current resistance level of Amaranthus retroflexus. In this paper, the result of seed germination indicated that the weed community richness decreased significantly due to the long-term application of fomesafen, and the primary dominant weed was Amaranthus retroflexus. The result of the whole-plant bioassay showed that Amaranthus retroflexus has developed resistance to fomesafen, and the resistance index was 50~59 g a.i. ha-1. The resistance level and mechanism of Amaranthus retroflexus were clarified by target gene detection, enzyme activity determination, and gene expression analysis. The results showed that there were both target resistance with Arg128Gly mutation in the PPX2 gene and non-target resistance (NTSR), with increased activity of metabolic enzymes (cytochromes P450 (P450s) and glutathione S-transferase (GSTs)) and protective enzymes (peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT)) in Amaranthus retroflexus.
Beyond words: investigating non-verbal indicators of collaborative engagement in a virtual synchronous CSCL environment
Authors: Jeitziner Loris T. , Paneth Lisa , Rack Oliver , Zahn Carmen
Published: August 2024

In the future of higher education, student learning will become more virtual and group-oriented, and this new reality of academic learning comes with challenges. Positive social interactions in virtual synchronous student learning groups are not self-evident but need extra support. To successfully support positive social interactions, the underlying group processes, such as collaborative group engagement, need to be understood in detail, and the important question arises: How can collaborative group engagement be assessed in virtual group learning settings? A promising methodological approach is the observation of students’ non-verbal behavior, for example, in videoconferences. In an exploratory field study, we observed the non-verbal behavior of psychology students in small virtual synchronous learning groups solving a complex problem via videoconferencing. The groups were videorecorded to analyze possible relations between their non-verbal behaviors and to rate the quality of collaborative group engagement (QCGE). A rating scheme consisting of four QCGE dimensions (Behavioral, Social, Cognitive, and Conceptual-to-consequential QCGE) was applied, and non-verbal behaviors during the task were coded based on related research literature. We quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed non-verbal behaviors as indicators of QCGE. The results show that groups use a wide range of non-verbal behaviors. Furthermore, certain non-verbal behaviors are significantly related to specific dimensions of QCGE. These results help to identify relevant indicators of QCGE in virtual synchronous learning settings and thus promote the development of advanced methods for assessing QCGE. Furthermore, the indicators can be discussed as possible anchors for supporting collaborative learning in virtual synchronous groups.
Children's understanding of demonstratives: an experimental study with German-speaking children between 5 and 7 years of age
Authors: Glauer Ramiro David , Sixtus Elena , Kachel Gregor , Lonnemann Jan , Hildebrandt Frauke
Published: August 2024

Demonstratives (“this”/“that”) express a speaker-relative distance contrast and need to be substituted for each other systematically: depending on their relative position, what one speaker refers to by saying “this” another speaker has to refer to by saying “that.” This substitution aspect of demonstratives poses additional difficulties for learning demonstratives, because it requires recognizing that two speakers have to refer to the same thing with different words, and might be one reason for the reportedly protracted acquisition of demonstratives. In an online study conducted in German, it was investigated whether children in the estimated upper age range of demonstrative acquisition (5 to 7 years) understand demonstratives' substitution aspect with familiar (“dies”/“das”) and novel (“schmi”/“schmu”) demonstratives, and whether they understand novel words (“schmi”/“schmu”) when used non-demonstratively as labels (N = 73; between-subject). Children's accuracy was compared with adult performance (N = 74). The study shows that children between 5 and 7 years of age perform less accurately than adults in all conditions. While adults' performance was highly accurate in all conditions (between 75% and 92% correct), children performed below chance in both demonstrative conditions and above chance in the labeling condition. This suggests that children do not understand demonstratives in the presented setup. More detailed analyses of children's response patterns indicate that they instead treat words as mutually exclusive labels in any condition.
Associations of sugar-related food parenting practices and parental feeding styles with prospective dietary behavior of children and adolescents: a systematic review of the literature from 2017 to 2023
Authors: Hübner Hannah Leonike , Bartelmeß Tina
Published: August 2024

Introduction

High consumption of sugar-rich foods and beverages has been associated with increased overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. Dietary behavior is influenced by learned mechanisms that originate in childhood and is associated with food parenting practices (FPP) and parental feeding styles (PFS). This systematic review aimed to narratively synthesize FPP and PFS concerning sugar-rich foods and beverages and their associations with the prospective dietary behavior of children and adolescents to derive evidence-based recommendations for health professionals and parents to promote healthy behaviors.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and Web of Science databases covering the publication years 2017–2023. The results were narratively synthesized, and exposure-outcome matrices were used for visual representation. The review included 15 peer-reviewed studies from different geographical regions that investigated FPP or PFS regarding the handling of sugar-rich foods and beverages in children’s diets and reported the associations with the prospective dietary behavior of children and adolescents.

Results

The findings indicate that highly controlling parental practices were associated with the development of unhealthy eating behaviors and preferences for sugar-rich foods and beverages over time. Conversely, parental practices that emphasized structure and balance in dietary choices yielded more positive long-term outcomes, associated with reduced preferences for sugar-rich foods and drinks.

Discussion

The results underscore the significance of fostering a healthy home environment and active parental role modeling in promoting healthier dietary behaviors among children and adolescents.
COVID-19 vaccine preferences for pregnant and lactating women in Bangladesh and Kenya: a qualitative study
Authors: Schue Jessica L. , Fesshaye Berhaun , Miller Emily , Singh Prachi , Limaye Rupali J.
Published: August 2024

COVID-19 was responsible for more than 7 million deaths globally, as well as numerous morbidities and social and economic effects. While COVID-19 vaccines were seen as a marvel of science by the scientific community, much of the public had concerns related to COVID-19 vaccines, with certain groups—such as pregnant and lactating women—having specific concerns related to vaccine effects on their pregnancy and breast milk. In this qualitative study, we interviewed stakeholders in Bangladesh (n = 26) and Kenya (n = 94) who affect the decision-making process related to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among pregnant and lactating women. These included pregnant and lactating women themselves, community gatekeepers or family members, healthcare workers, and policymakers. Several themes related to confidence and vaccine preference emerged. Stakeholders indicated a lack of confidence related to non-mRNA vaccines due to safety concerns, number of doses, and media coverage; lack of confidence related to mRNA vaccines due to safety concerns; and preference for non-mRNA vaccines due to health system compatibility and availability. While COVID-19 vaccine availability in much of the world—particularly in low-and middle-income countries—affected the public’s ability to have a choice in the vaccine they received, there were evident vaccine preferences. As the public health world will continue to face other infectious disease outbreaks, bolstering vaccine confidence broadly and specifically related to new technologies will be paramount to realize the individual-and population-level benefits of life-saving vaccines.
Machine Psychology: integrating operant conditioning with the non-axiomatic reasoning system for advancing artificial general intelligence research
Authors: Johansson Robert
Published: August 2024

This paper presents an interdisciplinary framework, Machine Psychology, which integrates principles from operant learning psychology with a particular Artificial Intelligence model, the Non-Axiomatic Reasoning System (NARS), to advance Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) research. Central to this framework is the assumption that adaptation is fundamental to both biological and artificial intelligence, and can be understood using operant conditioning principles. The study evaluates this approach through three operant learning tasks using OpenNARS for Applications (ONA): simple discrimination, changing contingencies, and conditional discrimination tasks. In the simple discrimination task, NARS demonstrated rapid learning, achieving 100% correct responses during training and testing phases. The changing contingencies task illustrated NARS’s adaptability, as it successfully adjusted its behavior when task conditions were reversed. In the conditional discrimination task, NARS managed complex learning scenarios, achieving high accuracy by forming and utilizing complex hypotheses based on conditional cues. These results validate the use of operant conditioning as a framework for developing adaptive AGI systems. NARS’s ability to function under conditions of insufficient knowledge and resources, combined with its sensorimotor reasoning capabilities, positions it as a robust model for AGI. The Machine Psychology framework, by implementing aspects of natural intelligence such as continuous learning and goal-driven behavior, provides a scalable and flexible approach for real-world applications. Future research should explore using enhanced NARS systems, more advanced tasks and applying this framework to diverse, complex tasks to further advance the development of human-level AI.
Do male and female heads of households have different beliefs about gender equity among young people in Nigeria?
Authors: Nwankpa Ozioma Patricia , Ekwueme Chinazom N. , Akamike Ifeyinwa , Mbachu Chinyere Ojiugo , Onwujekwe Obinna
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Gender-transformative approaches (GTAs) have been successfully carried out to address harmful gender norms and power imbalances to promote more gender equitability. However, to improve the health and wellbeing of young people, it is necessary to involve household heads by positively transforming their beliefs on gender equity and norms.

Methods

This study was cross-sectional quantitative research undertaken in six local government areas in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The study population consisted of household heads in households with young people aged 15–24 years. Data were collected for 15 days using paper and electronic copies of the questionnaire. Descriptive, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were performed using Stata.

Results

The results showed that 46.32% of male and 62.81% of female heads of households disagreed with the statement “a good woman never questions her husband’s opinions, even if she is not sure she agrees with them.” Female heads of households aged 50 years and below with an odds ratio of 0.47 (p-value = 0.02) suggest they were 0.47 times more likely to have a positive attitude toward the rights and privileges of young girls. Male heads of households aged 50 years and below with an odds ratio of 1.05 (p-value = 0.84) suggest that they were 1.05 times more likely to have a positive attitude toward the rights and privileges of young girls.

Conclusion

This paper provides new knowledge on the gender norm attitude of male and female heads of households on the rights, privileges, and equity promotion of young boys and young girls, as well as its associated factors.
Give it a rest: a systematic review with Bayesian meta-analysis on the effect of inter-set rest interval duration on muscle hypertrophy
Authors: Singer Alec , Wolf Milo , Generoso Leonardo , Arias Elizabeth , Delcastillo Kenneth , Echevarria Edwin , Martinez Amaris , Androulakis Korakakis Patroklos , Refalo Martin C. , Swinton Paul A. , Schoenfeld Brad J.
Published: August 2024

We systematically searched the literature for studies with a randomized design that compared different inter-set rest interval durations for estimates of pre-/post-study changes in lean/muscle mass in healthy adults while controlling all other training variables. Bayesian meta-analyses on non-controlled effect sizes using hierarchical models of all 19 measurements (thigh: 10; arm: 6; whole body: 3) from 9 studies meeting inclusion criteria analyses showed substantial overlap of standardized mean differences across the different inter-set rest periods [binary: short: 0.48 (95%CrI: 0.19–0.81), longer: 0.56 (95%CrI: 0.24–0.86); Four categories: short: 0.47 (95%CrI: 0.19–0.80), intermediate: 0.65 (95%CrI: 0.18–1.1), long: 0.55 (95%CrI: 0.15–0.90), very long: 0.50 (95%CrI: 0.14–0.89)], with substantial heterogeneity in results. Univariate and multivariate pairwise meta-analyses of controlled binary (short vs. longer) effect sizes showed similar results for the arm and thigh with central estimates tending to favor longer rest periods [arm: 0.13 (95%CrI: −0.27 to 0.51); thigh: 0.17 (95%CrI: −0.13 to 0.43)]. In contrast, central estimates closer to zero but marginally favoring shorter rest periods were estimated for the whole body [whole body: −0.08 (95%CrI: −0.45 to 0.29)]. Subanalysis of set end-point data indicated that training to failure or stopping short of failure did not meaningfully influence the interaction between rest interval duration and muscle hypertrophy. In conclusion, results suggest a small hypertrophic benefit to employing inter-set rest interval durations >60 s, perhaps mediated by reductions in volume load. However, our analysis did not detect appreciable differences in hypertrophy when resting >90 s between sets, consistent with evidence that detrimental effects on volume load tend to plateau beyond this time-frame.

Systematic Review Registration: OSF, https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/YWEVC.
From “safe” to “brave” spaces: pedagogical practices of exclusion to promote inclusion within & beyond skateboarding
Authors: Petrone Robert , Beal Becky
Published: August 2024

Through interviews with key stakeholders within skateboard organizations that explicitly attend to issues of diversity, access, and equity, this article explores pedagogical practices that undergird these organizations' programming for justice. More specifically, this article focuses on the interplay between the implementation of practices of exclusion to promote, ultimately, inclusion. In theorizing this pedagogical approach, this article discusses how notions of “brave spaces” work in tandem with ideas and practices of cultivating “safe spaces” to work toward social transformation within and beyond skateboarding.