bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptation on xylose improves glucose–xylose co-utilization and ethanol production in a carbon catabolite repression (CCR) compromised ethanologenic strain
Authors: Dev Chandra , Jilani Syed Bilal , Yazdani Syed Shams
Published: August 2022

Background

Sugar hydrolysates from lignocellulosic biomass are majorly composed of glucose and xylose that can be fermented to biofuels. Bacteria, despite having the natural ability to consume xylose are unable to consume it in presence of glucose due to a carbon catabolite repression (CCR) mechanism. This leads to overall reduced productivity as well as incomplete xylose utilization due to ethanol build-up from glucose utilization. In our effort to develop a strain for simultaneous fermentation of glucose and xylose into ethanol, we deleted ptsG in ethanologenic E. coli SSK42 to make it deficient in CCR and performed adaptive laboratory evolution to achieve accelerated growth rate, sugar consumption and ethanol production. Finally, we performed proteomics study to identify changes that might have been responsible for the observed improved phenotype of the evolved strain.

Results

The parental strain of SSK42, i.e., wild-type E. coli B, did not co-utilize glucose and xylose as expected. After deleting the ptsG gene encoding the EIIBCGlc subunit of PTS system, glucose consumption is severely affected in wild-type E. coli B. However, the ethanologenic, SSK42 strain, which was evolved in our earlier study on both glucose and xylose, didn’t show such a drastic effect of EIIBCGlc deletion, instead consumed glucose first, followed by xylose without delay for switching from one sugar to another. To improve growth on xylose and co-utilization capabilities, the ptsG deleted SSK42 was evolved on xylose. The strain evolved for 78 generations, strain SCD78, displayed significant co-utilization of glucose and xylose sugars. At the bioreactor level, the strain SCD78 produced 3-times the ethanol titer of the parent strain with significant glucose–xylose co-utilization. The rate of glucose and xylose consumption also increased 3.4-fold and 3-fold, respectively. Proteome data indicates significant upregulation of TCA cycle proteins, respiration-related proteins, and some transporters, which may have a role in increasing the total sugar consumption and co-utilization of sugars.

Conclusion

Through adaptive evolution, we have obtained a strain that has a significant glucose–xylose co-utilization phenotype with 3-fold higher total sugar consumption rate and ethanol production rate compared to the unevolved strain. This study also points out that adaptation on xylose is enough to impart glucose–xylose co-utilization property in CCR compromised ethanologenic strain SSK42.
In vitro magnetosome remineralization for silver-magnetite hybrid magnetosome biosynthesis and used for healing of the infected wound
Authors: Xu Junjie , Ma Shijiao , Zhang Wei , Jia Lina , Zheng Haolan , Bo Pang , Bai Xue , Sun Hongyan , Qi Lei , Zhang Tongwei , Chen Chuanfang , Li Feng , Arai Fumihito , Tian Jiesheng , Feng Lin
Published: August 2022

Background

Magnetosomes (BMPs) are organelles of magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) that are responsible for mineralizing iron to form magnetite. In addition, BMP is an ideal biomaterial that is widely used in bio- and nano-technological applications, such as drug delivery, tumor detection and therapy, and immunodetection. The use of BMPs to create multifunctional nanocomposites would further expand the range of their applications.

Results

In this study, we firstly demonstrate that the extracted BMP can remineralize in vitro when it is exposed to AgNO3 solution, the silver ions (Ag+) were transported into the BMP biomembrane (MM) and mineralized into a silver crystal on one crystal plane of Fe3O4. Resulting in the rapid synthesis of an Ag-Fe3O4 hybrid BMP (BMP-Ag). The synergy between the biomembrane, Fe3O4 crystal, and unmineralized iron enabled the remineralization of BMPs at an Ag+ concentration ≥ 1.0 mg mL−1. The BMP-Ag displayed good biocompatibility and antibacterial activity. At a concentration of 2.0 mg/mL, the BMP-Ag and biomembrane removed Ag-Fe3O4 NPs inhibited the growth of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Thus using BMP-Ag as a wound dressing can effectively enhance the contraction of infected wounds.

Conclusions

This study represents the first successful attempt to remineralize organelles ex vivo, realizing the biosynthesis of hybrid BMP and providing an important advancement in the synthesis technology of multifunctional biological nanocomposites.

Graphical abstract
Vibropolyfection: coupling polymer-mediated gene delivery to mechanical stimulation to enhance transfection of adherent cells
Authors: Ponti Federica , Bono Nina , Russo Luca , Bigini Paolo , Mantovani Diego , Candiani Gabriele
Published: August 2022

Background

With the success of recent non-viral gene delivery-based COVID-19 vaccines, nanovectors have gained some public acceptance and come to the forefront of advanced therapies. Unfortunately, the relatively low ability of the vectors to overcome cellular barriers adversely affects their effectiveness. Scientists have thus been striving to develop ever more effective gene delivery vectors, but the results are still far from satisfactory. Therefore, developing novel strategies is probably the only way forward to bring about genuine change. Herein, we devise a brand-new gene delivery strategy to boost dramatically the transfection efficiency of two gold standard nucleic acid (NA)/polymer nanoparticles (polyplexes) in vitro.

Results

We conceived a device to generate milli-to-nanoscale vibrational cues as a function of the frequency set, and deliver vertical uniaxial displacements to adherent cells in culture. A short-lived high-frequency vibrational load (t = 5 min, f = 1,000 Hz) caused abrupt and extensive plasmalemma outgrowths but was safe for cells as neither cell proliferation rate nor viability was affected. Cells took about 1 hr to revert to quasi-naïve morphology through plasma membrane remodeling. In turn, this eventually triggered the mechano-activated clathrin-mediated endocytic pathway and made cells more apt to internalize polyplexes, resulting in transfection efficiencies increased from 10-to-100-fold. Noteworthy, these results were obtained transfecting three cell lines and hard-to-transfect primary cells.

Conclusions

In this work, we focus on a new technology to enhance the intracellular delivery of NAs and improve the transfection efficiency of non-viral vectors through priming adherent cells with a short vibrational stimulation. This study paves the way for capitalizing on physical cell stimulation(s) to significantly raise the effectiveness of gene delivery vectors in vitro and ex vivo.

Graphical Abstract
Effects of seasonal variations and meteorological factors on IVF pregnancy outcomes: a cohort study from Henan Province, China
Authors: Chu Ting , Wang Di , Yu Ting , Zhai Jun
Published: August 2022

Objective

To investigate whether seasonal variations and meteorological factors influence pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

University-affiliated reproductive medical center.

Subjects

Women aged < 35 years undergoing IVF from June 1, 2015, to June 1, 2019.

Interventions

Cycles were divided into four groups according to the date of the beginning of ovulation induction: spring (659 cycles), summer (578 cycles), autumn (519 cycles), and winter (534 cycles).

Results

The high-quality embryo rate was higher in autumn and winter than in cycles in which ovulation induction occurred in spring and summer (58.70% vs. 58.78% vs. 62.67% vs. 63.42%; P < 0.001). The results of linear regression analysis showed that the high-quality embryo rate was significantly correlated with the daily average temperature of ovulation induction (P = 0.037). The clinical pregnancy rates of cycles starting ovulation induction in spring, summer, and autumn were significantly higher than those starting in winter (70.71% vs. 73.18% vs. 70.13% vs. 65.17%; P = 0.031), while the biochemical pregnancy rate, early abortion rate, and live birth rate were not significantly different (P > 0.050). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed significant seasonal variation in clinical pregnancy (OR = 1.643, 95% CI = 1.203–2.243; P = 0.002), and that a higher daily average temperature at the time of ovulation induction increased the clinical pregnancy rate (OR = 1.012, 95% CI = 1.001–1.022; P = 0.031).

Conclusions

In women younger than 35 years who undergo IVF treatment, the season and ambient temperature on the date of the beginning of ovulation induction may have an impact on embryo development and clinical pregnancy.
Evaluation of pre-Games effects of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on Japanese population-level physical activity: a time-series analysis
Authors: Amagasa Shiho , Kamada Masamitsu , Bauman Adrian E. , Miyachi Motohiko , Inoue Shigeru
Published: August 2022

Background

The Olympic Games represent an opportunity to create a ‘physical activity legacy’ that promotes physical activity at the population level in the host nations and cities. However, previous studies showed little increase in population-level physical activity following the Olympics. The upsurge of public interest in sports and physical activity participation before the Olympics may diminish rapidly following the Games. We examined the pre-Games effects of the Olympics on Japanese population-level physical activity after the announcement of Tokyo’s successful bid for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in September 2013.

Methods

We used publicly available data from serial cross-sectional surveys conducted with nationally or regionally representative samples in Japan seven years before and after the announcement (from 2006–2020). The outcomes were 1) daily step counts and 2) exercise habit prevalence (≥ 30 min/day, ≥ 2 days/week, and over a year) from the National Health and Nutrition Surveys Japan (NHNS-J; 14 time points; aggregated data); and 3) sports participation (at least once a week) from the National Sports-Life Survey conducted every two years (NSLS; eight time points; individual-level data of 18,867 adults) and from the Public Opinion Survey on Sports Participation of Tokyo Residents (POSSP; eight time points; aggregated data). Age- and gender-adjusted regression models were used to estimate changes in the outcomes before and after the announcement.

Results

There were no significant pre-Games effects of the Olympics on national-level physical activity participation among Japanese adults. Sports participation (56.4% and 57.5%, respectively; P = 0.518), daily steps (6,535 and 6,686 steps/day; P = 0.353), and exercise habit (30.7% and 29.1%, P = 0.309) did not change significantly before and after the announcement. Although an increase in sports participation among Tokyo residents was not found in the NSLS (61.5% and 59.3%, P = 0.227), it was observed in the POSSP (49.1% and 57.7%, P = 0.019). Nonetheless, this increase might not be related to the pre-Games effects since the trend diminished following the announcement.

Conclusions

Population-level physical activity did not show significant changes until 2020. Realising the physical activity legacy of an Olympics may require strategic promotion and cross-agency partnership implementation in the pre- and post-event period.
Harm of circadian misalignment to the hearts of the adolescent wistar rats
Authors: Wang YunLei , Hou YuanYuan , Song ShaoFei , Zuo Yao , Yu Yan , Chi YaFei , Zhang Tong
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to observe the harm of circadian misalignment (CM), caused by an inverted photoperiod (IP), on the hearts of the adolescent Wistar rats, and to explore the mechanisms leading to harm.

Methods

An IP was used to create a CM model. A total of 174 Wistar rats were randomly divided into circadian alignment (CA) and CM groups (87 rats per group). The different activity rhythms of the two groups of rats were adjusted through different light/dark cycles for 90 days. We recorded the rhythmic activity trajectory and sleep time of the rats. After 90 days of modeling, we performed various analyses (i.e., blood pressure, weight, cardiac ultrasound tests, serological tests, cardiac tissue immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy on myocardial mitochondria, western blotting, and quantitative polymerase chain reactions).

Results

(1) The IP protocol caused CM in rats. (2) CM rats showed significantly higher blood pressure during the day (resting phase). They also showed significantly higher serum levels of angiotensin II and epinephrine during the day compared to the CA rats. (3) CM caused up-regulation of gene expression of adrenergic receptors α1 (α1-AR) and β1 (β1-AR) and down-regulation of the glucocorticoid receptor (Gr) gene expression in rat hearts. It also caused downregulation of Bmal1 expression. In addition, the changes in Bmal1 and Per2 correlated with the changes in β1-AR and α1-AR. (4) CM had adverse effects on multiple molecular proteins of the heart. (5) CM increased the collagen fibers in the rat heart and increased the destruction of mitochondria. (6) Eventually, CM caused a decrease in the pumping function of the heart and decreased the coronary blood flow rate.

Conclusions

(1) CM significantly affected the cardiac structure and function in the adolescent rats through a variety of mechanisms. (2) CM can regulate the expression of myocardial clock genes, and it is likely to have an impact on the heart through this pathway.
Semaphorin 4D is upregulated in neurons of diseased brains and triggers astrocyte reactivity
Authors: Evans Elizabeth E. , Mishra Vikas , Mallow Crystal , Gersz Elaine M. , Balch Leslie , Howell Alan , Reilly Christine , Smith Ernest S. , Fisher Terrence L. , Zauderer Maurice
Published: August 2022

Background

The close interaction and interdependence of astrocytes and neurons allows for the possibility that astrocyte dysfunction contributes to and amplifies neurodegenerative pathology. Molecular pathways that trigger reactive astrocytes may represent important targets to preserve normal homeostatic maintenance and modify disease progression.

Methods

Semaphorin 4D (SEMA4D) expression in the context of disease-associated neuropathology was assessed in postmortem brain sections of patients with Huntington’s (HD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), as well as in mouse models of HD (zQ175) and AD (CVN; APPSwDI/NOS2−/−) by immunohistochemistry. Effects of SEMA4D antibody blockade were assessed in purified astrocyte cultures and in the CVN mouse AD model. CVN mice were treated weekly from 26 to 38 weeks of age; thereafter mice underwent cognitive assessment and brains were collected for histopathology.

Results

We report here that SEMA4D is upregulated in neurons during progression of neurodegenerative diseases and is a trigger of reactive astrocytes. Evidence of reactive astrocytes in close proximity to neurons expressing SEMA4D is detected in brain sections of patients and mouse models of HD and AD. We further report that SEMA4D-blockade prevents characteristic loss of GABAergic synapses and restores spatial memory and learning in CVN mice, a disease model that appears to reproduce many features of AD-like pathology including neuroinflammation. In vitro mechanistic studies demonstrate that astrocytes express cognate receptors for SEMA4D and that ligand binding triggers morphological variations, and changes in expression of key membrane receptors and enzymes characteristic of reactive astrocytes. These changes include reductions in EAAT-2 glutamate transporter and glutamine synthetase, key enzymes in neurotransmitter recycling, as well as reduced GLUT-1 glucose and MCT-4 lactate transporters, that allow astrocytes to couple energy metabolism with synaptic activity. Antibody blockade of SEMA4D prevented these changes and reversed functional deficits in glucose uptake.

Conclusions

Collectively, these results suggest that SEMA4D blockade may ameliorate disease pathology by preserving normal astrocyte function and reducing the negative consequences of reactive astrogliosis.
Enhanced silver nanoparticle-induced pulmonary inflammation in a metabolic syndrome mouse model and resolvin D1 treatment
Authors: Alqahtani Saeed , Xia Li , Shannahan Jonathan H.
Published: August 2022

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) exacerbates susceptibility to inhalation exposures such as particulate air pollution, however, the mechanisms responsible remain unelucidated. Previously, we determined a MetS mouse model exhibited exacerbated pulmonary inflammation 24 h following AgNP exposure compared to a healthy mouse model. This enhanced response corresponded with reduction of distinct resolution mediators. We hypothesized silver nanoparticle (AgNP) exposure in MetS results in sustained pulmonary inflammation. Further, we hypothesized treatment with resolvin D1 (RvD1) will reduce exacerbations in AgNP-induced inflammation due to MetS.

Results

To evaluate these hypotheses, healthy and MetS mouse models were exposed to vehicle (control) or AgNPs and a day later, treated with resolvin D1 (RvD1) or vehicle (control) via oropharyngeal aspiration. Pulmonary lung toxicity was evaluated at 3-, 7-, 14-, and 21-days following AgNP exposure. MetS mice exposed to AgNPs and receiving vehicle treatment, demonstrated exacerbated pulmonary inflammatory responses compared to healthy mice. In the AgNP exposed mice receiving RvD1, pulmonary inflammatory response in MetS was reduced to levels comparable to healthy mice exposed to AgNPs. This included decreases in neutrophil influx and inflammatory cytokines, as well as elevated anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusions

Inefficient resolution may contribute to enhancements in MetS susceptibility to AgNP exposure causing an increased pulmonary inflammatory response. Treatments utilizing specific resolution mediators may be beneficial to individuals suffering MetS following inhalation exposures.
Effects of the administration of Elovl5-dependent fatty acids on a spino-cerebellar ataxia 38 mouse model
Authors: Balbo Ilaria , Montarolo Francesca , Genovese Federica , Tempia Filippo , Hoxha Eriola
Published: August 2022

Background

Spinocerebellar ataxia 38 (SCA38) is a rare autosomal neurological disorder characterized by ataxia and cerebellar atrophy. SCA38 is caused by mutations of ELOVL5 gene. ELOVL5 gene encodes a protein, which elongates long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Knockout mice lacking Elovl5 recapitulate SCA38 symptoms, including motor coordination impairment and disruption of cerebellar architecture. We asked whether, in Elovl5 knockout mice (Elovl5−/−), a diet with both ω3 and ω6 PUFAs downstream Elovl5 can prevent the development of SCA38 symptoms, and at which age such treatment is more effective. Elovl5−/− mice were fed either with a diet without or containing PUFAs downstream the Elovl5 enzyme, starting at different ages. Motor behavior was assessed by the balance beam test and cerebellar structure by morphometric analysis.

Results

The administration from birth of the diet containing PUFAs downstream Elovl5 led to a significant amelioration of the motor performance in the beam test of Elovl5−/− mice, with a reduction of foot slip errors at 6 months from 2.2 ± 0.3 to 1.3 ± 0.2 and at 8 months from 3.1 ± 0.5 to 1.9 ± 0.3. On the contrary, administration at 1 month of age or later had no effect on the motor impairment. The cerebellar Purkinje cell layer and the white matter area of Elovl5−/ −mice were not rescued even by the administration of diet from birth, suggesting that the improvement of motor performance in the beam test was due to a functional recovery of the cerebellar circuitry.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the dietary intervention in SCA38, whenever possible, should be started from birth or as early as possible.
Establishment of Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation and application of CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing system to Brassica rapa var. rapa
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Zhang Li , Li Cheng , Yang Yunqiang , Duan Yuanwen , Yang Yongping , Sun Xudong
Published: August 2022

Background

Genome editing is essential for crop molecular breeding. However, gene editing in turnip (Brassica rapa var. rapa) have not been reported owing to the very low transformation efficiency.

Results

In this study, we established a transformation procedure involving chemical-inducible activation of the BrrWUSa gene, which resulted in high transformation frequencies of turnip. Estradiol-inducible BrrWUSa transgenic plants were fertile and showed no obvious developmental defects. Furthermore, we used CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology to edit BrrTCP4b and generated 20 BrrTCP4b-edited seedlings with an increase in leaf trichome number.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that BrrWUSa improves the regeneration efficiency in turnip. The transformation procedure represents a promising strategy to improve genetic transformation and for functional characterization of genes in turnip.
dGLYAT modulates Gadd45-mediated JNK activation and cell invasion
Authors: Xu Meng , Ren Pu , Tian Juhui , Xiao Lisha , Hu Ping , Chen Ping , Li Wenzhe , Xue Lei
Published: August 2022

Background

Cell invasion is a crucial step of tumor metastasis, finding new regulators of which offers potential drug targets for cancer therapy. Aberrant GLYAT expression is associated with human cancers, yet its role in cancer remains unknown. This study aims to understand the function and mechanism of Drosophila GLYAT in cell invasion.

Results

We found that dGLYAT regulates Gadd45-mediated JNK pathway activation and cell invasion. Firstly, loss of dGLYAT suppressed scrib depletion- or Egr overexpression-induced JNK pathway activation and invasive cell migration. Secondary, mRNA-seq analysis identified Gadd45 as a potential transcriptional target of dGLYAT, as depletion of dGLYAT decreased Gadd45 mRNA level. Finally, Gadd45 knockdown suppressed scrib depletion-induced JNK pathway activation and cell invasion.

Conclusions

These evidences reveal the role of dGLYAT and Gadd45 in JNK-dependent cell invasion, and provide insight for the roles of their human homologs in cancers.
The growth of recovery capital in clients of recovery residences in Florida, USA: a quantitative pilot study of changes in REC-CAP profile scores
Authors: Härd Sofia , Best David , Sondhi Arun , Lehman John , Riccardi Richard
Published: August 2022

Background

There is a growing evidence base around predictors of retention and completion in a range of recovery residence models, particularly Oxford Houses and Sober Living Houses, and recovery housing is recognized as a clearly evidenced area of recovery intervention. The aim of the study was to quantitatively assess recovery capital in a sample of recovery residence clients.

Method

The study used a repeated measures self-completion of a standardized recovery capital instrument (REC-CAP) for clients retained across various houses within one Level 2 recovery residence provider whose program was based on a 12-step approach. While 823 clients participated in the baseline assessment, a sample of 267 clients was achieved for six-month follow-up interview, based on those retained in the residence. A logistic regression model examined factors associated with retention and a repeated measures marginal mixed model evaluated the factors associated with changes in recovery capital between the baseline and the follow-up assessment.

Results

Members of the group that remained in recovery residences were more likely to be older with a record of high participation in recovery groups, with greater drop-out among younger residents, female residents and those with an identified housing need. For those retained to follow-up, greater recovery capital growth was associated with employment, higher levels of social support and more recovery group involvement, as well as age and a higher quality of life. The need for family support was shown to reduce levels of recovery capital. However, those younger people who were retained reported better recovery capital growth during the initial six months of residence.

Conclusion

The key conclusion is that while recovery capital generally increases during a stay in a recovery residence, it does not do so consistently across the sample population. This has implications for how pathways to recovery group engagement are supported for women and young people and how social support (encompassing housing, employment and family issues) is provided to those populations during periods of residence. This suggests the potential need for training and guidance for house managers working with these groups.
Development of clinical phenotypes and biological profiles via proteomic analysis of trauma patients
Authors: Tachino Jotaro , Matsumoto Hisatake , Sugihara Fuminori , Seno Shigeto , Okuzaki Daisuke , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Komukai Sho , Kido Yoshiyuki , Kojima Takashi , Togami Yuki , Katayama Yusuke , Nakagawa Yuko , Ogura Hiroshi
Published: August 2022

Background

Trauma is a heterogeneous condition, and specific clinical phenotypes may identify target populations that could benefit from certain treatment strategies. In this retrospective study, we determined clinical phenotypes and identified new target populations of trauma patients and their treatment strategies.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed datasets from the Japan Trauma Data Bank and determined trauma death clinical phenotypes using statistical machine learning techniques and evaluation of biological profiles.

Results

The analysis included 71,038 blunt trauma patients [median age, 63 (interquartile range [IQR], 40–78) years; 45,479 (64.0%) males; median Injury Severity Score, 13 (IQR, 9–20)], and the derivation and validation cohorts included 42,780 (60.2%) and 28,258 (39.8%) patients, respectively. Of eight derived phenotypes (D-1–D-8), D-8 (n = 2178) had the highest mortality (48.6%) with characteristic severely disturbed consciousness and was further divided into four phenotypes: D-8α, multiple trauma in the young (n = 464); D-8β, head trauma with lower body temperature (n = 178); D-8γ, severe head injury in the elderly (n = 957); and D-8δ, multiple trauma, with higher predicted mortality than actual mortality (n = 579). Phenotype distributions were comparable in the validation cohort. Biological profile analysis of 90 trauma patients revealed that D-8 exhibited excessive inflammation, including enhanced acute inflammatory response, dysregulated complement activation pathways, and impaired coagulation, including downregulated coagulation and platelet degranulation pathways, compared with other phenotypes.

Conclusions

We identified clinical phenotypes with high mortality, and the evaluation of the molecular pathogenesis underlying these clinical phenotypes suggests that lethal trauma may involve excessive inflammation and coagulation disorders.
Effects of sample preservation methods and duration of storage on the performance of mid-infrared spectroscopy for predicting the age of malaria vectors
Authors: Mgaya Jacqueline N. , Siria Doreen J. , Makala Faraja E. , Mgando Joseph P. , Vianney John-Mary , Mwanga Emmanuel P. , Okumu Fredros O.
Published: August 2022

Background

Monitoring the biological attributes of mosquitoes is critical for understanding pathogen transmission and estimating the impacts of vector control interventions on the survival of vector species. Infrared spectroscopy and machine learning techniques are increasingly being tested for this purpose and have been proven to accurately predict the age, species, blood-meal sources, and pathogen infections in Anopheles and Aedes mosquitoes. However, as these techniques are still in early-stage implementation, there are no standardized procedures for handling samples prior to the infrared scanning. This study investigated the effects of different preservation methods and storage duration on the performance of mid-infrared spectroscopy for age-grading females of the malaria vector, Anopheles arabiensis.

Methods

Laboratory-reared An. arabiensis (N = 3681) were collected at 5 and 17 days post-emergence, killed with ethanol, and then preserved using silica desiccant at 5 °C, freezing at − 20 °C, or absolute ethanol at room temperature. For each preservation method, the mosquitoes were divided into three groups, stored for 1, 4, or 8 weeks, and then scanned using a mid-infrared spectrometer. Supervised machine learning classifiers were trained with the infrared spectra, and the support vector machine (SVM) emerged as the best model for predicting the mosquito ages.

Results

The model trained using silica-preserved mosquitoes achieved 95% accuracy when predicting the ages of other silica-preserved mosquitoes, but declined to 72% and 66% when age-classifying mosquitoes preserved using ethanol and freezing, respectively. Prediction accuracies of models trained on samples preserved in ethanol and freezing also reduced when these models were applied to samples preserved by other methods. Similarly, models trained on 1-week stored samples had declining accuracies of 97%, 83%, and 72% when predicting the ages of mosquitoes stored for 1, 4, or 8 weeks respectively.

Conclusions

When using mid-infrared spectroscopy and supervised machine learning to age-grade mosquitoes, the highest accuracies are achieved when the training and test samples are preserved in the same way and stored for similar durations. However, when the test and training samples were handled differently, the classification accuracies declined significantly. Protocols for infrared-based entomological studies should therefore emphasize standardized sample-handling procedures and possibly additional statistical procedures such as transfer learning for greater accuracy.

Graphical Abstract
Prevalence of Plasmodium spp. in Anopheles mosquitoes in Thailand: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sukkanon Chutipong , Masangkay Frederick Ramirez , Mala Wanida , Kotepui Kwuntida Uthaisar , Wilairatana Polrat , Chareonviriyaphap Theeraphap , Kotepui Manas
Published: August 2022

Background

The entomological inoculation rate (EIR) is one of the key indices used to evaluate malaria transmission and vector control interventions. One of the components of the EIR is the sporozoite rate in Anopheles vectors. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to identify the prevalence of Plasmodium spp. in field-collected Anopheles species across Thailand.

Methods

This systematic review was registered under the PROSPERO number CRD42021297255. Studies that focused on the identification of Plasmodium spp. in Anopheles mosquitoes were identified from the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The quality of the identified studies was determined using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology approach. The proportion of Anopheles mosquitoes collected, Anopheles vectors for Plasmodium species, and specificity of Anopheles vectors for Plasmodium species were analyzed. The pooled prevalence of Plasmodium species among the primary vectors (Anopheles dirus, Anopheles minimus, and Anopheles maculatus) was estimated using the random-effects model.

Results

Of the 1113 studies identified, 31 were included in the syntheses. Of the 100,910 Anopheles mosquitoes identified for species and sibling species, An. minimus (40.16%), An. maculatus (16.59%), and Anopheles epiroticus (9.18%) were the most prevalent Anopheles species. Of the 123,286 Anopheles mosquitoes identified, 566 (0.46%) were positive for Plasmodium species. The highest proportions of Plasmodium species were identified in Anopheles hodgkini (2/6, 33.3%), Anopheles nigerrimus (2/24, 8.33%), Anopheles balabacensis (4/84, 4.76%), An. dirus (114/4956, 2.3%), Anopheles annularis (16/852, 1.88%), Anopheles kochi (8/519, 1.54%), Anopheles vagus (3/215, 1.4%), and Anopheles baimaii (1/86, 1.16%). The pooled prevalence of Plasmodium species identified in the main Anopheles vectors was 0.4% of that of Plasmodium species identified in An. dirus was 2.1%, that of Plasmodium species identified in An. minimus was 0.4%, and that of Plasmodium species identified in An. maculatus was 0.4%.

Conclusions

We found a low prevalence of Plasmodium infection in Anopheles mosquitoes across Thailand. Therefore, the use of EIR to determine the impact of vector control intervention on malaria parasite transmission and elimination in Thailand must be undertaken with caution, as a large number of Anopheles specimens may be required.

Graphical Abstract
The association between Toxoplasma infection and mortality: the NHANES epidemiologic follow-up study
Authors: Huang Jiaofeng , Zheng Jiaolong , Liu Bang , Lu Lingling , Wu Haicong , Lin Su , Li Dongliang
Published: August 2022

Background

Toxoplasma gondii has been reported to be associated with higher mortality in patients with schizophrenia. This study aimed to explore the relationship between T. gondii infection and 25-year mortality based on data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) database.

Methods

Cases with serum T. gondii antibody test results were included in this study and the corresponding mortality dataset was obtained from the US National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match age and sex between groups. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the effect of T. gondii infection on mortality.

Results

A total of 14,181 cases were included in the analysis, of which 3831 (27.0%) were seropositive for T. gondii antibody. The median follow-up time of the whole cohort was 22.5 (interquartile range 16.3, 24.5) years. A total of 5082 deaths were observed in this cohort, a mortality rate of 35.8%. All-cause mortality was significantly higher in the seropositive group than in the seronegative group (50.0% vs 30.6%, P < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a significant difference in the survival time between two groups before and after PSM. Multivariate analysis showed that T. gondii infection was independently associated with higher all-cause mortality after adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusions

Toxoplasma gondii infection is associated with higher mortality in general population.

Graphical Abstract
Intractable middle ear effusion in EGPA patients might cause permanent hearing loss: a case–control study
Authors: Kang Noeul , Shin Joongbo , Cho Yang-Sun , Lee Jin-Young , Lee Byung-Jae , Choi Dong-Chull
Published: August 2022

Background

Ear, nose, and throat involvement are common in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Among otologic manifestation, middle ear effusion (MEE) is less recognized but a problematic condition as it may progress to hearing impairment when left untreated. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics, risk factors and clinical outcomes of MEE in EGPA patients.

Methods

This is a case–control study of patients who were diagnosed and treated for EGPA from January 1995 to November 2018. Patients with ear symptoms (ear fullness, ear discharge, tinnitus or hearing loss) were assessed by otologists and were included in the case group (n = 23) if clinically relevant. The other patients without MEE were included in the control group (n = 52). Risk of MEE was calculated using the Cox proportional-hazard model.

Results

During median follow-up of 9.9 years, 23 (30.7%) out of 75 patients had MEE. In MEE group, 12 (52.2%) patients had hearing loss; conductive type in 10 (10/12, 83.3%) and mixed type in two (2/12, 16.7%). In multivariable regression analysis, major organ involvement at diagnosis (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 65.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.50—2838.39; P = 0.030] , early onset of ear symptom after systemic therapy (< 6 months) (aHR 40.0; 95% CI, 1.35—1183.43; P = 0.033) and continuing the maintenance steroid without cessation (aHR 8.59; 95% CI, 1.13—65.42; P = 0.038) were independently associated with a risk of MEE. To control MEE, 16 (69.6%) patients had to increase maintenance steroid dose and 9 (39.1%) patients experienced recurrent MEE whenever maintenance dose was tapered.

Conclusions

MEE is a common but frequently neglected condition in EGPA which is often intractable. The maintenance steroid dose should be adequately adjusted to control MEE and to prevent from progressive hearing loss. Novel biologic agents possibly have a role in controlling MEE in EGPA.
Boundary value problems for a second-order difference equation involving the mean curvature operator
Authors: Wang Zhenguo , Xie Qilin
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we consider the existence of multiple solutions for discrete boundary value problems involving the mean curvature operator by means of Clark’s Theorem, where the nonlinear terms do not need any asymptotic and superlinear conditions at 0 or at infinity. Further, the existence of a positive solution has been considered by the strong comparison principle. As an application, some examples are given to illustrate the obtained results.
Spatiotemporal dynamics in a delayed diffusive predator–prey system with nonlocal competition in prey and schooling behavior among predators
Authors: Yang Ruizhi , Zhang Xiaowen , Jin Dan
Published: August 2022

The nonlocal competition in prey and schooling behavior among predators are incorporated in a delayed diffusive predator–prey model. Our main interest is to study the dynamic properties of the model generated by nonlocal competition and delay. We mainly concentrate on the stability and Hopf bifurcation at the coexisting equilibrium. Compared with the model without nonlocal competition, our results suggest that nonlocal competition can affect the stability of the coexisting equilibrium, and induce the stably spatial bifurcating periodic solutions.
Big data analytics in Cloud computing: an overview
Authors: Berisha Blend , Mëziu Endrit , Shabani Isak
Published: August 2022

Big Data and Cloud Computing as two mainstream technologies, are at the center of concern in the IT field. Every day a huge amount of data is produced from different sources. This data is so big in size that traditional processing tools are unable to deal with them. Besides being big, this data moves fast and has a lot of variety. Big Data is a concept that deals with storing, processing and analyzing large amounts of data. Cloud computing on the other hand is about offering the infrastructure to enable such processes in a cost-effective and efficient manner. Many sectors, including among others businesses (small or large), healthcare, education, etc. are trying to leverage the power of Big Data. In healthcare, for example, Big Data is being used to reduce costs of treatment, predict outbreaks of pandemics, prevent diseases etc. This paper, presents an overview of Big Data Analytics as a crucial process in many fields and sectors. We start by a brief introduction to the concept of Big Data, the amount of data that is generated on a daily bases, features and characteristics of Big Data. We then delve into Big Data Analytics were we discuss issues such as analytics cycle, analytics benefits and the movement from ETL to ELT paradigm as a result of Big Data analytics in Cloud. As a case study we analyze Google’s BigQuery which is a fully-managed, serverless data warehouse that enables scalable analysis over petabytes of data. As a Platform as a Service (PaaS) supports querying using ANSI SQL. We use the tool to perform different experiments such as average read, average compute, average write, on different sizes of datasets.
Decursinol chloroacrylates useful as fungicides
Authors: Shin Yun-Jeong , Shin Jiyoung , Jang Hyewon , Son Hokyoung , Kwon Yonghoon
Published: August 2022

Natural products decursin and decursinol angelate were recently reported as benign fungicides for controlling rice blast. Inspired by the structural similarity of the cumarin compounds and gained hint from the skeletal motifs, we designed and prepared synthetic compounds to increase the natural product efficacy and evaluated their antifungal activities against various plant disease pathogens in vitro. Synthetically prepared compound 4 and 5 indeed suppressed the mycelial growth of B. cinerea, F. oxysporum, P. italicum, and R. quercus-mongolicae. Additionally, compound 5 effectively prevents the growth of C. coccodes and C. parasitica. Furthermore, both 4 and 5 possess better inhibitory activities on spore germination of F. oxysporum and M. oryzae than the natural product decursin and commercial pesticide Iprodione. These results suggest that the effect of the lead compound for plant disease protection can be improved by tuning the structure of the original natural product and decursinol chloroacrylates 4 and 5 are candidates for the control of F. oxysporum and M. oryzae.
Correlation between albuminuria and interstitial injury marker reductions associated with SGLT2 inhibitor treatment in diabetic patients with renal dysfunction
Authors: Sato Saeko , Takayanagi Kaori , Shimizu Taisuke , Kanozawa Koichi , Iwashita Takatsugu , Hasegawa Hajime
Published: August 2022

Background

We investigated the effects of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) administration focusing on its involvement in tubulo-interstitial disorders in diabetic kidney.

Methods

Enrolled patients with diabetic kidney disease received a mean dose of 52.3 mg of an SGLT2i (ipragliflozin) daily. Blood and urine were sampled at 0, 1, and 12 months (M).

Results

Non-renal-dysfunction patients (NRD: baseline eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, n = 12) and renal-dysfunction patients (RD: baseline eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, n = 9) were analyzed separately. The median urine albumin-to-Cr ratio (ACR) was significantly decreased at 1 M in both groups (NRD: 163.1 at 0 M vs 118.5 mg/g Cr at 1 M, RD: 325.2 at 0 M vs 136.0 mg/g Cr at 1 M). In the RD, but not the NRD group, reduction of urine monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) by SGLT2i showed a significant difference between high-responders (HR: − 25.7 ± 11.4%) and low-responders (LR: 59.2 ± 17.0%), defined by ACR reduction at 1 M. Univariate analysis showed a significant correlation between the reduction of ACR and MCP-1 (R = 0.683, p = 0.042) in RD.

Conclusion

SGLT2i exerted an anti-albuminuric effect regardless of the presence/absence of renal dysfunction. However, the anti-albuminuric effect of SGLT2i in patients with renal dysfunction appears more closely associated with amelioration of tubulo-interstitial disorders compared to patients without renal dysfunction.
Finite element analysis of dynamic changes in spinal mechanics of osteoporotic lumbar fracture
Authors: Yan Jianwen , Liao Zhong , Yu Yafang
Published: August 2022

Aim

This study aims to explore the effects of finite element biomechanical properties of different methods in the treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures.

Methods

Based on the ultra-thin computed tomography scan data of a volunteer’s thoracolumbar spine, the finite element method was used to simulate the treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar fracture. Spiral computed tomography scanning was used to obtain images of the thoracolumbar region, which was then imported into Mimics software to obtain the three-dimensional geometric model. The finite element model of normal T11 – L2 segment was established by finite element software Abaqus and the validity of the model loading was verified. The finite element model of T11 vertebral compression fracture was established based on normal raw data. The clinical overextension reduction manipulation was simulated by different treatment methods and the changes in stress and displacement in different parts of injured vertebrae were analyzed.

Results

An effective finite element model of T11–L2 segment was established. The maximum stress, axial compression strength, axial compression stiffness, and transverse shear stiffness were significantly better in the percutaneous kyphoplasty and percutaneous vertebroplasty treatment group than in the conservative treatment group and open treatment group (P < 0.05). Additionally, there was no significant difference between the open treatment group and conservative treatment group, or between the PKP and PVP treatment group.

Conclusion

Percutaneous vertebroplasty and percutaneous kyphoplasty not only met the requirements of normal functional kinematics of thoracolumbar spine, but also restored the stability of thoracolumbar spine. They had good biomechanical properties and remarkable application effects. The application of finite element analysis can help select a scientific, reasonable, and effective treatment scheme for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures.
Correlation between pleth variability index and ultrasonic inferior vena cava-collapsibility index in parturients with twin pregnancies undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia
Authors: Zhang Huiying , Yuan Hongmei , Yu Huiling , Zhang Yue , Feng Shanwu
Published: August 2022

Background

To explore the correlation and consistency of non-invasive pleth variability index (PVI) combined with ultrasonic measurement of inferior vena cava-collapsibility index (IVC-CI) in parturients with twin pregnancies undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia.

Methods

Forty-seven twin pregnancies women undergoing elective cesarean section were selected. The ASA score was rated as I–II, aged from 18 to 45 years. Spinal anesthesia was performed at L3–4. PVI and IVC-CI, general data (BMI, gestational weeks, operation duration, blood loss), MAP, temperature sensory block level and adverse reactions were recorded at baseline (T1) and completion of testing the level of spinal anesthesia (T2).

Results

The correlation coefficient analysis of baseline IVC-CI% and PVI revealed that the Pearson's coefficient was 0.927, > 0.4. Thus, pre-anesthesia IVC-CI% had a strong correlation with PVI, with R2 of 85.69%. The correlation coefficient analysis of post-anesthesia IVC-CI% and PVI revealed that the Pearson's coefficient was 0.904, > 0.4. Thus, post-anesthesia IVC-CI% had a strong correlation with PVI, with R2 of 81.26%.

Conclusion

PVI is strongly consistent with ultrasound measurement of IVC-CI twin pregnancies, which can be used as a valuable index for predicting the volume in parturients with twin pregnancies undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia.

Trial registration This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with clinical trial registration number of ChiCTR2200055364 (08/01/2022).