bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Splenic B1 B Cells Acquire a Proliferative and Anti-Inflamatory Profile During Pregnancy in Mice
Authors: Valeff Natalin J. , Ventimiglia María S. , Dibo Marcos , Markert Udo R. , Jensen Federico
Published: April 2022

B cells are a heterogeneous cell population with differential ontogeny, anatomical location, and functions. B1 B cells are a distinct subpopulation characterized by their unique capacity of self-renewal, the production of large quantities of IL-10, and the ability to secrete protective, anti-inflammatory natural antibodies (NAbs), presumably upon down-regulation of CD1d expression. Although natural antibodies are thought to be protective, due to their polyreactivity, their participation in certain autoimmune diseases has been suggested. In the context of pregnancy, the role of B1 B cells has been discussed controversially. While in human pregnancies B1 B cells and natural/polyreactive antibodies they produce are involved in the development of preeclampsia, in mice they promote healthy gestation and fetal protection. In this work, we aimed to functionally characterize the splenic B1 B cell population during pregnancy in mice. Functional enrichment analysis using only up-regulated transcripts from a transcriptomic profile performed on total splenic B cells from pregnant compared to non-pregnant mice showed augmented cell cycle and DNA replication pathways. Proliferation studies by flow cytometry showed augmented Ki-67 proliferation marker expression and percentages of B1 B cells. Furthermore, B1 B cells produced higher levels of IL-10 and lower levels of TNF-α leading to an increased IL-10/TNF-α ratio and showing an immunoregulatory phenotype. Finally, we observed lower expression of CD1d on B1 B cells, suggesting a higher capacity to produce NAbs in the context of pregnancy. In summary, our results showed not only an expanded and proliferative splenic B1 B cell population during pregnancy but also the acquisition of immunomodulatory capacities suggesting its critical role in the intricate process of pregnancy tolerance.
Composition, Demographic History, and Population Structures of Trichiurus
Authors: Hsu Kui-Ching , Yi Mu-Rong , Gu Sui , He Xiong-Bo , Luo Zhi-Sen , Kang Bin , Lin Hung-Du , Yan Yun-Rong
Published: April 2022

Sequences of the complete mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene were used to identify Trichiurus species and examine their population genetic structure and demographic history along the coast of China. Three Trichiurus species were found. Trichiurus japonicus lives in colder waters along the continental shelves in the China Seas, while Trichiurus nanhaiensis lives warmer waters along continental slopes in the South China Sea, and Trichiurus brevis lives in shallow and warmer waters in the South China Sea. The migrations of these species were mainly associated with feeding and spawning preferences. Two major wintering and spawning grounds in the East China Sea and South China Sea were found. All species showed a lack of population genetic structure resulting from their oceanodromous life cycle (the degree of population substructure index NST = 0.000–0.149), but the results of approximate Bayesian computational approaches suggested population declines or stabilization and differentiation. The results of the TMRCA (time to the most recent common ancestor) showed that during glaciations, the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea were completely exposed, and the South China Sea acted as a refugium. Thus, the populations of these three species experienced differentiation during glaciations. This study also examined the limitations of Bayesian skyline plot analysis.
The Anti-Inflammatory and Free Radical Scavenging Activities of Bio-Inspired Nano Magnesium Oxide
Authors: Shahid Sammia , Ejaz Anam , Javed Mohsin , Mansoor Sana , Iqbal Shahid , Elkaeed Eslam B. , Alzhrani Rami M. , Alsaab Hashem O. , Awwad Nasser S. , Ibrahium Hala A. , Fatima Urooj , Zaman Sabah , Nazim Sarwar Muhammad
Published: April 2022

This work includes green synthesis of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) by using Alstoniascholaris, which is indigenous to many countries such as China, Australia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and India. Its pharmacological activities include antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer, analgesic, antitussive, and anti-diarrheal activities. In this study, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of bio-inspired magnesium oxide nanoparticles, MgO NPs, were investigated. MgO NPs were prepared by using the leaf extract of Alstonia scholaris, followed by characterization using EDX, XRD, and SEM techniques. The crystallite size of magnesium oxide nanoparticles was 19.57 nm. XRD analysis confirmed the crystallinity and the purity of MgO NPs. Anti-inflammatory activity was carried out to observe inhibition of protein denaturation. Since the IC50 of MgO nanoparticles was lower than the standard, it was found to be more effective. IC50 values were compared, and results reveal that bioinspired MgO NPs undergo more scavenging of free radicals than standard (ascorbic acid) MgO NPs. These MgO nanoparticles are useful in cosmetics such as scrubs, moisturizers, and an active ingredient in microdermabrasion and in formulating effective drugs for maintaining the protein structure of the body, which will reduce inflammation.
Strong Perpendicular Anisotropy and Anisotropic Landé Factor in Bismuth-Doped Thulium Garnet Thin Films
Authors: Zhang Xiuye , Jin Lichuan , Zhang Dainan , Liu Bo , Meng Hao , Zhang Lei , Zhong Zhiyong , Tang Xiaoli
Published: April 2022

With the development of spintronics, garnet films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) have been attracting the attention of researchers for decades. In this work, bismuth-doped thulium iron garnet (Tm2BiFe5O12, TmBiIG) films of varying thickness having strong PMA effect were fabricated on substituted Gd3Ga5O12 (sGGG) (111) substrates using the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. Crystallographic characterization and magnetic properties of TmBiIG films were investigated using high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry, and broadband ferromagnetic resonance (FMR). A high perpendicular anisotropic field of H⊥ = 4,445 ± 7.5 Oe in a 10-nm-thick film and H⊥ = 4,582 ± 7.7 Oe in a 30-nm-thick film at room temperature were obtained and analyzed in detail. Surprisingly, an additional spin-wave mode was observed in the in-plane FMR spectra. The discrepancy between in-plane and the out-of-plane Landé g-factors established a correlation with the PMA effect in the TmBiIG films. The Landé g-factor of the TmBiIG films is much lower than that of free electrons, indicating that the strong spin–orbit coupling is caused by Tm and Bi heavy elements. The Gilbert damping factor α changed from 0.007 to 0.012 in various thicknesses of TmBiIG films.
On the Viscoelastic Drift Behavior During Nanoindentation
Authors: Shen Yu-Lin
Published: April 2022

Nanoindentation measurements frequently involve a hold period at the peak load to allow the material to reach a stabilized state. A dwell time is also commonly employed at a sufficiently low load after unloading, to quantify the thermal drift for correction of the raw load-displacement data. This communication presents numerical case studies of indentation loading on a viscoelastic thin film using the finite element method. We illustrate that a simple viscoelastic material can actually induce prominent drift even under a low indentation load. The drift is caused by the material itself, unrelated to the thermal drift of the instrument. The direction and magnitude of the viscoelastic drift are controlled by the prior loading/unloading history as well as the load-displacement response of the fully relaxed elastic state.
Zintl Phase Compounds Mg3Sb2−xBix (x = 0, 1, and 2) Monolayers: Electronic, Phonon and Thermoelectric Properties From ab Initio Calculations
Authors: Chang Zheng , Ma Jing , Yuan Kunpeng , Zheng Jiongzhi , Wei Bin , Al-Fahdi Mohammed , Gao Yufei , Zhang Xiaoliang , Shao Hezhu , Hu Ming , Tang Dawei
Published: April 2022

The Mg3Sb2−xBix family has emerged as the potential candidates for thermoelectric applications due to their ultra-low lattice thermal conductivity (κL) at room temperature (RT) and structural complexity. Here, using ab initio calculations of the electron-phonon averaged (EPA) approximation coupled with Boltzmann transport equation (BTE), we have studied electronic, phonon and thermoelectric properties of Mg3Sb2−xBix (x = 0, 1, and 2) monolayers. In violation of common mass-trend expectations, increasing Bi element content with heavier Zintl phase compounds yields an abnormal change in κL in two-dimensional Mg3Sb2−xBix crystals at RT (∼0.51, 1.86, and 0.25 W/mK for Mg3Sb2, Mg3SbBi, and Mg3Bi2). The κL trend was detailedly analyzed via the phonon heat capacity, group velocity and lifetime parameters. Based on quantitative electronic band structures, the electronic bonding through the crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP) and electron local function analysis we reveal the underlying mechanism for the semiconductor-semimetallic transition of Mg3Sb2-−xBix compounds, and these electronic transport properties (Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and electronic thermal conductivity) were calculated. We demonstrate that the highest dimensionless figure of merit ZT of Mg3Sb2−xBix compounds with increasing Bi content can reach ∼1.6, 0.2, and 0.6 at 700 K, respectively. Our results can indicate that replacing heavier anion element in Zintl phase Mg3Sb2−xBix materials go beyond common expectations (a heavier atom always lead to a lower κL from Slack’s theory), which provide a novel insight for regulating thermoelectric performance without restricting conventional heavy atomic mass approach.
The Value of Early Positive Nucleic Acid Test and Negative Conversion Time of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the Clinical Outcome of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Zang Xin , Xiong Liangkun , Zhu Junyao , Zhao Fangfang , Wang Shihong , Zeng Wenhui , Yu Kaihuan , Zhai Yongzhen
Published: April 2022

Background

The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) poses a great threat to global public health. At present, the number of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths is increasing worldwide. The strategy of comprehensive and scientific detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for special populations and environments provides great support for the prevention and control of this pandemic in China. Our study focused on determining the factors associated with the length of time from symptom onset to the first positive nucleic acid test of throat swabs in COVID-19 patients, evaluating the effect of early positive nucleic acid detection on the disease severity and its significance in prognosis, and predicting the factors associated with the time from positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA test to negative conversion (negative conversion of SARS-CoV-2 virus) in COVID-19 patients.

Methods

This study included 116 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 from January 30, 2020 to March 4, 2020 in Wuhan, China. Throat swab samples were collected for qRT-PCR testing of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, and all patients included in this study were positive for this test.

Results

The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model showed that disease severity (HR = 0.572; 95% CI 0.348–0.942; p = 0.028) was a protective factor for the time from symptom onset to positive nucleic acid detection. Meanwhile, the time from symptom onset to positive nucleic acid detection (HR = 1.010; 95% CI 1.005–1.020; p = 0.0282) was an independent risk factor for the delay in negative conversion time of SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, the severity of the disease (HR=1.120; 95% CI 0.771–1.640; p = 0.544) had no correlation with the negative conversion time of SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Conclusions

Patients with more severe disease had a shorter time from symptom onset to a positive nucleic acid test. Prolonged time from symptom onset to positive nucleic acid test was an independent risk factor for the delay in negative conversion time of SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the severity of the disease had no correlation with negative conversion time of SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Prognostic-Related Metabolic Score for Survival Prediction in Early-Stage Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer: A Multi-Center and Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Zizhuo , Song Kun , Liu Jingbo , Zhang Qing , Zhang Chuyao , Wang Beibei , Fu Yu , Wang Yu , Yao Shuzhong , Xu Congjian , Xia Min , Lou Ge , Liu Jihong , Lin Bei , Wang Jianliu , Zhao Weidong , Zhang Jieqing , Cheng Wenjun , Guo Hongyan , Guo Ruixia , Xue Fengxia , Wang Xipeng , Han Lili , Zhao Xia , Li Xiaomao , Zhang Ping , Zhao Jianguo , Ma Jiezhi , Yao Qin , Li Wenting , Yang Xiaohang , Fang Yong , Chen Gang , Li Kezhen , Shen Yuanming , Sun Chaoyang , Kong Beihua
Published: April 2022

Objective

Patients with endometrial cancer (EC) combined with metabolic syndrome (MetS) have a worse prognosis than those without MetS. This study aimed to investigate whether partial metabolic disorder significantly influenced early-stage endometrioid EC (EEC) survival and searched for a more efficient method to evaluate metabolic status.

Methods

This is a nationwide, multicenter cohort study that included 998 patients with primary early-stage EEC from 2001 to 2018. Patients were divided into different metabolic groups based on the diagnostic criteria of the Chinese Medical Association (CDC). The progression-free survival (PFS) time was compared between various metabolic status. Meanwhile, we established an EC Prognostic-Related Metabolic Score (ECPRM Score) to explore the association of the severity of metabolic status and early-stage EEC PFS. A nomogram was established for predicting PFS, which was externally validated in a testing set that includes 296 patients.

Results

A partial metabolic disorder, as well as MetS, was an independent risk factor of poor survival of patients with early-stage EEC [hazard ratio (HR) = 7.6, 95% CI = 1.01–57.5, p < 0.05]. A high ECPRM Score was associated with lower PFS (HR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.05–4.0, p < 0.001). The nomogram, in which the ECPRM Score contributed most to the prognosis, exhibited excellent discrimination of survival supported by the internal and external validations. In addition, the calibration curve supports its robust predicting ability.

Conclusion

Even though they do not meet the criteria of MetS, partial metabolic disorders were also associated with adverse outcomes in early-stage EEC. The ECPRM Score is beneficial for clinicians to evaluate the severity of metabolic abnormalities and guide patients to ameliorate the poor prognosis of metabolic disorders.
EML4–NTRK3 Fusion Cervical Sarcoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Dang Xiaohe , Xiang Tao , Zhao Can , Tang Hao , Cui Pengfei
Published: April 2022

The concept of neurotrophic factor tyrosine kinase receptor (NTRK) fusion tumor has emerged in recent years. Moreover, NTRK fusion is unusual in common tumors but can often be identified in rare tumors. The NTRK fusion cervical or uterine tumors are mainly recognized through case reports due to their extremely low incidence. In this study, we reported a new case of EML4–NTRK3 fusion cervical sarcoma to enhance its recognition. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case from a Chinese institution. We also conducted a literature review, in which a total of 19 cases of NTRK fusion cervical tumors and 4 cases of uterine tumors were retrieved. We summarized the clinicopathological features, treatment methods, and prognosis of these cases. Based on available information, we observed that surgery and complete excision, if possible, are still the primary modes of therapy. In addition, an increasing number of studies have shown that tropomyosin receptor kinases (TRK) inhibitors can improve the prognosis of cancer patients with NTRK gene fusion, which gives a silver lining for patients with metastatic lesions. We found that age and mitotic rate may be associated with recurrence or metastasis by univariate survival analysis. To draw more convincing conclusions, there is a need to establish an international database of rare cases and aggregate these sporadic cases.
Early Changes in B and Plasma Cell Subsets and Traditional Serological Markers as Predictors of SRI-4 Response to Therapy in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Parodis Ioannis , Gomez Alvaro , Lindblom Julius , Chow Jun Weng , Doria Andrea , Gatto Mariele
Published: April 2022

Objective

With the premise of the hypothesis that early biological responses to therapy for active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) portend later clinical improvements, we studied changes in B cell subsets and traditional serological markers in relation to clinical response to standard therapy (ST) with or without the addition of belimumab.

Patients and Methods

We analyzed data from the BLISS-76, BLISS-SC, and BLISS Northeast Asia trials (N = 1712). Circulating CD19+ B cell subsets were determined by flow-cytometry. We studied associations of relative to baseline percentage changes in circulating B and plasma cell subsets, anti-dsDNA antibody levels and complement levels with SLE Responder Index (SRI)-4 response after 52 weeks of treatment. Changes occurring through week 8 were deemed “rapid,” through week 24 “early,” and thereafter “delayed”.

Results

In the analysis of the entire cohort, SRI-4 responders showed more prominent decreases from baseline through week 52 in CD19+CD20+CD27– naïve B cells (median change: −61.2% versus −50.0%; P = 0.004), CD19+CD20–CD27bright plasmablasts (−44.9% versus −33.3%; P = 0.011), and CD19+CD20–CD138+ long-lived plasma cells (−48.2% versus −37.1%; P = 0.024), and a more prominent rapid (+92.0% versus +66.7%; P = 0.002) and early (+60.0% versus +49.5%; P = 0.033) expansion of CD19+CD20+CD27+ memory B cells than non-responders. More prominent rapid reductions in anti-dsDNA (−14.8% versus −8.7%; P = 0.043) and increases in C3 (+4.9% versus +2.1%; P = 0.014) and C4 levels (+11.5% versus +8.3%; P = 0.017) were documented in SRI-4 responders compared with non-responders among patients who received add-on belimumab, but not among patients who received non-biological ST alone.

Conclusion

SRI-4 responders showed a more prominent rapid expansion of memory B cells and more prominent delayed reductions in naïve B cells, plasmablasts and long-lived plasma cells. Moreover, clinical response to belimumab was associated with preceding more prominent reductions of anti-dsDNA and increases in C3 and C4 levels. Monitoring biological changes may prove useful in SLE patient surveillance and early treatment evaluation.
Which Is the Optimum Antigen Concentration for the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory Test of Cerebrospinal Fluid for Neurosyphilis Diagnosis: 10 or 17 μL?
Authors: Xiao Yao , Li Wei , Li Qiu-Ling , Xu Qiu-Yan , Yang Yang , Yang Tian-Ci , Liu Li-Li , Gu Wei-Ming
Published: April 2022

The manufacturer's instructions for the venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) antigen test for diagnosing neurosyphilis describe testing of serum samples and do not include procedures for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing. This study compared the CSF-VDRL test with 10 μL of antigen (CSF-VDRL-10) according to the American Public Health Association to the CSF-VDRL test with 17 μL of antigen (CSF-VDRL-17) according to the VDRL serum procedure. A total of 121 neurosyphilis patients and 86 syphilis/non-neurosyphilis patients were included. The sensitivities of the CSF-VDRL-10 and CSF-VDRL-17 tests were comparable for neurosyphilis diagnosis. The positive rate of the CSF-VDRL-17 test was higher than that of the CSF-VDRL-10 test. In all, 78.3% of the quantitative CSF-VDRL-17 results were consistent with those of the CSF-VDRL-10 test, 18.4% exhibited one-titer higher results than those of the CSF-VDRL-10 test, and 3.4% had positive CSF-VDRL-17 results but negative CSF-VDRL-10 results. The CSF-VDRL test with 17 μL of antigen was more sensitive, and it is worth performing longitudinal studies to understand its practical implications.
New Insights in Pathogenesis of Endometriosis
Authors: Signorile Pietro G. , Viceconte Rosa , Baldi Alfonso
Published: April 2022

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease characterized by the growth of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. The incidence of the disease is very high, there are currently no reliable early diagnostic tests, the therapies are only symptomatic and, consequently, the social impact of endometriosis is very important, also considering the related fertility problems. Despite this, the pathogenesis of endometriosis is still not fully defined. Retrograde menstruation and coelomic metaplasia are currently the most recognized pathogenetic hypotheses. Recent experimental evidences generated by our research group and by others have indicated an alteration of the fine-tuning of the female genital system developmental program during a critical window of time in the fetal life as the pathogenetic event prompting to the development of endometriosis later in life. Goal of this article is to present a revision of the recent literature about the different pathogenetic mechanisms proposed for endometriosis with particular emphasis on the embryologic theory. The possible clinical and pathological implications of these findings will be discussed.
Berberine as a Potential Agent for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Jiang Xi , Jiang Zhongxiu , Jiang Min , Sun Yan
Published: April 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed and deadly malignancies worldwide. The incidence of CRC has been increasing, especially in young people. Although great advances have been made in managing CRC, the prognosis is unfavorable. Numerous studies have shown that berberine (BBR) is a safe and effective agent presenting significant antitumor effects. Nevertheless, the detailed underlying mechanism in treating CRC remains indistinct. In this review, we herein offer beneficial evidence for the utilization of BBR in the management and treatment of CRC, and describe the underlying mechanism(s). The review emphasizes several therapeutic effects of BBR and confirms that BBR could suppress CRC by modulating gene expression, the cell cycle, the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and several signaling pathways. In addition, BBR also displays antitumor effects in CRC by regulating the gut microbiota and mucosal barrier function. This review emphasizes BBR as a potentially effective and safe drug for CRC therapy.
Toxicological Effects of Microplastics and Sulfadiazine on the Microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Li Ze , Dong Sheng , Huang Fei , Lin Langli , Hu Zhangli , Zheng Yihong
Published: April 2022

Despite the fact that microplastics (MPs) facilitate the adsorption of environmental organic pollutants and influence their toxicity for organisms, more study is needed on the combination of MPs and antibiotics pollutant effects. In this study, polystyrene MPs (1 and 5 μm) and sulfadiazine (SDZ) were examined separately and in combination on freshwater microalga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The results suggest that both the MPs and SDZ alone and in combination inhibited the growth of microalgae with an increasing concentration of MPs and SDZ (5–200 mg l–1); however, the inhibition rate was reduced by combination. Upon exposure for 7 days, both the MPs and SDZ inhibited algal growth, reduced chlorophyll content, and enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, whereas glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was elevated only with the exposure of 1 μm MPs. Fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy also indicated that particle size contributed to the combined toxicity by aggregating MPs with periphery pollutants. Further, the amount of extracellular secretory protein increased in the presence of MPs and SDZ removal ratio decreased when MPs and SDZ coexisted, suggesting that MPs affected SDZ metabolism by microalgae. The particle size of microplastics affected the toxicity of MPs on microalgae and the combined effect of MPs and SDZ could be mitigated by MPs adsorption. These findings provide insight into microalgae responses to the combination of MPs and antibiotics in water ecosystems.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Two Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae Strains Isolated From Low Land and High Mountain Paddies in Guangxi, China
Authors: Li Tianjiao , Li Yiming , Ma Xiuguo , Dan Xue , Huang Xianjiao , Li Qinying , Lei Shimin , Zhang Zhengchun , Huang Sheng , Jiang Wei , Yu Yanhua , He Yong-Qiang
Published: April 2022

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. textitoryzae (Xoo) is a causal agent of rice bacterial leaf blight (BLB), the major rice disease, which is seriously constraining rice production in Asia. The interaction between Xoo and rice is in a dynamic process, essentially the co-evolution. Tracking the occurrence of plant diseases and identifying the epidemic pathogens in time are critical to assessing the epidemic disease status and understanding the pathogen evolution. In 2020, the occurrences of rice BLB were spotted in many places of Guangxi, the major rice growing region in China. Two of the 2020-epidemic Xoo strains, namely, GXO20-01 and GXO20-06, were isolated from low land and high mountain paddies in Guangxi, respectively, and were demonstrated to be race R8 of Chinese Xoo strains, but with significantly different virulence on certain susceptible varieties of rice. The HiFi PacBio sequencing revealed that GXO20-01 and GXO20-06 share the highly syntenic genome structures and the major genome contents, but only differ in <10 genes, including one gene encoding for transcription activator-like effector (TALE). A phylogenomic analysis grouped GXO20-01 and GXO20-06 into the PX-A lineage, stood close to PXO563 and PXO71 strains, but stood away from the other Chinese Xoo strains; for example, the JL25 and YC11. A comparative genomic analysis revealed that the major pathogenicity/virulence genes are conserved in two, newly isolated Xoo strains and the other Xoo strains in PX-A lineage, including the majority genes for the TALomes. The genomic differences between the Xoo strains were pinpointed to a few tal genes, which were variable in both their numbers and sequences, even between GXO20-01 and GXO20-06, the two 2020-epidemic Xoo strains. The study further revealed the instability and variability of tal genes in Xoo and highlighted the utility of HiFi long-read sequencing in TALE analysis and pathogen tracking.
Probiotics for the Management of Infectious Diseases: Reviewing the State of the Art
Authors: Wiegers Cato , van de Burgwal Linda H. M. , Larsen Olaf F. A.
Published: April 2022

This review aims to provide insight into the potential of probiotics as a clinical modality targeted at infectious diseases by creating a comprehensive overview of the state of the art of research and development efforts as shown by patents and clinical trials of the past 20 years. Data were retrieved from patent and clinical trial databases to reflect the long- and short-term developments of probiotics research. The data were analyzed to extract information on the total number of patents and trials for each indication, application date and location, and applicant/sponsor type. A total of 80 infectious diseases were investigated, precipitating in 789 patents and 602 clinical trials for 67 indications studied as targets of probiotics. An increasing trend was seen for the number of patents and clinical trials that were applied for since 1999 with the highest number of patents and clinical trials targeted to digestive tract, respiratory, and urogenital indications. Overall, research demonstrated a substantial interest in probiotics targeting infectious diseases, which was in line with reported unmet needs and global probiotics sales estimates. However, the declining rate of translation from patents to clinical trials indicates that there are some barriers obstructing the research process.
Lactobacillus Modulates Chlamydia Infectivity and Genital Tract Pathology in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Chen Hongliang , Min Shuling , Wang Li , Zhao Lanhua , Luo Fangzhen , Lei Wenbo , Wen Yating , Luo Lipei , Zhou Qianting , Peng Lixiu , Li Zhongyu
Published: April 2022

Since we previously reported that women infected with chlamydia had a significant overall reduction in Lactobacillus in the vagina microbiota as compared to those uninfected individuals; the interactions between the altered Lactobacillus and Chlamydia trachomatis, on the other hand, need to be elucidated. Here, we employed both in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate the effects of this changed Lactobacillus on Chlamydia infection. We found that L. iners, L. crispatus, L. jensenii, L. salivarius, L. gasseri, L. mucosae, and L. reuteri all significantly reduced C. trachomatis infection in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The strongest anti-Chlamydia effects were found in L. crispatus (90 percent reduction), whereas the poorest was found in L. iners (50 percent reduction). D (–) lactic acid was the key component in Lactobacillus cell-free supernatants (CFS) to inactivate Chlamydia EBs, showing a positive correlation with the anti-Chlamydia activity. The effects of D (–) lactic acid were substantially attenuated by neutralizing the pH value to 7.0. In vivo, mice intravaginally inoculated with Lactobacillus mixtures (L. crispatus, L. reuteri, and L. iners at a ratio of 1:1:1), but not single Lactobacillus, after genital Chlamydia infection, significantly attenuated the levels of Chlamydia live organism shedding in both the lower genital tract and the intestinal tract, reduced cytokines production (TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β) in the vagina, and lessened upper genital tract inflammation and pathogenicity. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Lactobacillus inhibits Chlamydia infectivity both in vivo and in vitro, providing useful information for the development of Lactobacillus as adjunctive treatment in Chlamydia infection.
Glycopeptide Antibiotic Teicoplanin Inhibits Cell Entry of SARS-CoV-2 by Suppressing the Proteolytic Activity of Cathepsin L
Authors: Yu Fei , Pan Ting , Huang Feng , Ying Ruosu , Liu Jun , Fan Huimin , Zhang Junsong , Liu Weiwei , Lin Yingtong , Yuan Yaochang , Yang Tao , Li Rong , Zhang Xu , Lv Xi , Chen Qianyu , Liang Anqi , Zou Fan , Liu Bingfeng , Hu Fengyu , Tang Xiaoping , Li Linghua , Deng Kai , He Xin , Zhang Hui , Zhang Yiwen , Ma Xiancai
Published: April 2022

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), public health worldwide has been greatly threatened. The development of an effective treatment for this infection is crucial and urgent but is hampered by the incomplete understanding of the viral infection mechanisms and the lack of specific antiviral agents. We previously reported that teicoplanin, a glycopeptide antibiotic that has been commonly used in the clinic to treat bacterial infection, significantly restrained the cell entry of Ebola virus, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV by specifically inhibiting the activity of cathepsin L (CTSL). Here, we found that the cleavage sites of CTSL on the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 were highly conserved among all the variants. The treatment with teicoplanin suppressed the proteolytic activity of CTSL on spike and prevented the cellular infection of different pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Teicoplanin potently prevented the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the cellular cytoplasm with an IC50 of 2.038 μM for the Wuhan-Hu-1 reference strain and an IC50 of 2.116 μM for the SARS-CoV-2 (D614G) variant. The pre-treatment of teicoplanin also prevented SARS-CoV-2 infection in hACE2 mice. In summary, our data reveal that CTSL is required for both SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV infection and demonstrate the therapeutic potential of teicoplanin for universal anti-CoVs intervention.
TRP Channels as Molecular Targets to Relieve Endocrine-Related Diseases
Authors: Liu Yusheng , Lyu Yihan , Wang Hongmei
Published: April 2022

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are polymodal channels capable of sensing environmental stimuli, which are widely expressed on the plasma membrane of cells and play an essential role in the physiological or pathological processes of cells as sensors. TRPs often form functional homo- or heterotetramers that act as cation channels to flow Na+ and Ca2+, change membrane potential and [Ca2+]i (cytosolic [Ca2+]), and change protein expression levels, channel attributes, and regulatory factors. Under normal circumstances, various TRP channels respond to intracellular and extracellular stimuli such as temperature, pH, osmotic pressure, chemicals, cytokines, and cell damage and depletion of Ca2+ reserves. As cation transport channels and physical and chemical stimulation receptors, TRPs play an important role in regulating secretion, interfering with cell proliferation, and affecting neural activity in these glands and their adenocarcinoma cells. Many studies have proved that TRPs are widely distributed in the pancreas, adrenal gland, and other glands. This article reviews the specific regulatory mechanisms of various TRP channels in some common glands (pancreas, salivary gland, lacrimal gland, adrenal gland, mammary gland, gallbladder, and sweat gland).
A Fusion Algorithm of Object Detection and Tracking for Unmanned Surface Vehicles
Authors: Zhou Zhiguo , Hu Xinxin , Li Zeming , Jing Zhao , Qu Chong
Published: April 2022

To provide reliable input for obstacle avoidance and decision-making, unmanned surface vehicles (USV) need to have the function of sensing the position of other USV targets in the process of cooperation and confrontation. Due to the small size of the target and the interference of the water and sky background, the current algorithms are prone to missed detection and drift problems when detecting and tracking USV. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a fusion algorithm of detection and tracking for USV targets. To solve the problem of vague features in the single-frame image, high-resolution and deep semantic information are obtained through a cross-stage partial network, and the anchor and convolution structure in the network has been improved given the characteristics of USV; besides, to meet the real-time requirements, the detected target is quickly tracked through correlation filtering, and the correlation characteristics of multi-frame images are obtained; then, the correlation characteristics are used to significantly reduce missed detection, and the tracking drift problems are corrected, combined with high-resolution semantic features of a single frame. Finally, the fusion algorithm is designed. In this paper, we constructed a picture dataset and a video dataset to test the effect of detection, tracking, and fusion algorithm separately, which proves the superiority of the fusion algorithm in this paper. The results show that, compared with a single detection algorithm and tracking algorithm, the fusion one can increase the success rate by more than 10%.
Using Non-linear Dynamics of EEG Signals to Classify Primary Hand Movement Intent Under Opposite Hand Movement
Authors: Wang Jiarong , Bi Luzheng , Fei Weijie
Published: April 2022

Decoding human hand movement from electroencephalograms (EEG) signals is essential for developing an active human augmentation system. Although existing studies have contributed much to decoding single-hand movement direction from EEG signals, decoding primary hand movement direction under the opposite hand movement condition remains open. In this paper, we investigated the neural signatures of the primary hand movement direction from EEG signals under the opposite hand movement and developed a novel decoding method based on non-linear dynamics parameters of movement-related cortical potentials (MRCPs). Experimental results showed significant differences in MRCPs between hand movement directions under an opposite hand movement. Furthermore, the proposed method performed well with an average binary decoding accuracy of 89.48 ± 5.92% under the condition of the opposite hand movement. This study may lay a foundation for the future development of EEG-based human augmentation systems for upper limbs impaired patients and healthy people and open a new avenue to decode other hand movement parameters (e.g., velocity and position) from EEG signals.
Return Strategy and Machine Learning Optimization of Tennis Sports Robot for Human Motion Recognition
Authors: Wang Yuxuan , Yang Xiaoming , Wang Lili , Hong Zheng , Zou Wenjun
Published: April 2022

At present, there are many kinds of intelligent training equipment in tennis sports, but they all need human control. If a single tennis player uses the robot to return the ball, it will save some human resources. This study aims to improve the recognition rate of tennis sports robots in the return action and the return strategy. The human-oriented motion recognition of the tennis sports robot is taken as the starting point to recognize and analyze the return action of the tennis sports robot. The OpenPose traversal dataset is used to recognize and extract human motion features of tennis sports robots under different classifications. According to the return characteristics of the tennis sports robot, the method of tennis return strategy based on the support vector machine (SVM) is established, and the SVM algorithm in machine learning is optimized. Finally, the return strategy of tennis sports robots under eight return actions is analyzed and studied. The results reveal that the tennis sports robot based on the SVM-Optimization (SVM-O) algorithm has the highest return recognition rate, and the average return recognition rate is 88.61%. The error rates of the backswing, forward swing, and volatilization are high in the return strategy of tennis sports robots. The preparation action, backswing, and volatilization can achieve more objective results in the analysis of the return strategy, which is more than 90%. With the increase of iteration times, the effect of the model simulation experiment based on SVM-O is the best. It suggests that the algorithm proposed has a reliable accuracy of the return strategy of tennis sports robots, which meets the research requirements. Human motion recognition is integrated with the return motion of tennis sports robots. The application of the SVM-O algorithm to the return action recognition of tennis sports robots has good practicability in the return action recognition of tennis sports robot and solves the problem that the optimization algorithm cannot be applied to the real-time requirements. It has important research significance for the application of an optimized SVM algorithm in sports action recognition.
Partial Directed Coherence and the Vector Autoregressive Modelling Myth and a Caveat
Authors: Baccalá Luiz A. , Sameshima Koichi
Published: April 2022

Here we dispel the lingering myth that Partial Directed Coherence is a Vector Autoregressive (VAR) Modelling dependent concept. In fact, our examples show that it is spectral factorization that lies at its heart, for which VAR modelling is a mere, albeit very efficient and convenient, device. This applies to Granger Causality estimation procedures in general and also includes instantaneous Granger effects. Care, however, must be exercised for connectivity between multivariate data generated through nonminimum phase mechanisms as it may possibly be incorrectly captured.
COVID-19 and Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review
Authors: Meng Xiangming , Wang Jing , Sun Jian , Zhu Kangxu
Published: April 2022

A growing body of evidence suggests that patients with the 2019 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have a risk of developing sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). The pathogenesis of COVID-19-related SSNHL remains unclear. This systematic review examined whether COVID-19 causes an increased incidence of SSNHL and the clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19-related SSNHL according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. SSNHL usually developed between a few days and 2 months after the diagnosis of COVID-19, and a proportion of patients developed it before the diagnosis of COVID-19. The literature is inconsistent regarding whether COVID-19 causes an increased incidence of SSNHL, and this matter remains unclear. This review included 23 patients with COVID-19-related SSNHL, all adult patients with an average age of 43.1 years. Of these patients, 60.9% had accompanying tinnitus symptoms. Glucocorticoids are the preferred medication to treat COVID-19-related SSNHL. Intratympanic administration may be considered to reduce the side effects of the drug. Hearing tests are suggested when hearing loss is suspected in COVID-19 individuals, and if SSNHL is detected, prompt and aggressive treatment is vital. Large-scale, multicenter research on the pathophysiology, treatment, and prognosis of COVID-19- related SSNHL should be conducted in the future.
Ischemic Stroke–A Scientometric Analysis
Authors: Millenaar Dominic , Ragoschke-Schumm Andreas , Fehlmann Tobias , Raible Maximilian , Lochner Piergiorgio , Böhm Michael , Fassbender Klaus , Keller Andreas , Mahfoud Felix , Ukena Christian
Published: April 2022

Background

Stroke is the second leading cause of death world-wide. A comprehensive scientometric study regarding ischemic stroke research has not been performed yet. This study aims at investigating the global research output on ischemic stroke research.

Methods

All 21,115 articles regarding ischemic stroke were retrieved from the Web-of-Science-Core-Collection and analyzed regarding regional differences, the authors' sex, subtopics of stroke, as well as international research collaborations.

Results

A total of 132 different countries participated, with the USA contributing most publications with 4,614 (21.9%), followed by China with 3,872 (18.3%), and Germany with 1,120 (5.3%). Analyzing the scientific quality of different countries by H-index, the USA ranked first with an H-index of 202, followed by Germany (H-index 135) and the United Kingdom (UK;H-index 129). The most frequently used topic was “Clinical Neurology” with 9,028 publications. Among all first authors attributed to their sex, 32.3% of all first authors were female and 67.7% were male (4,335 vs. 9,097). The proportion of female last authors was comparatively lower at 22.4% (3,083 publications) compared with 77.6% male authors (10,658 publications). There was a broad network of international collaborations.

Conclusions

Research in ischemic stroke has substantially increased over time. Scientists from the USA have the highest number of publications, followed by China and Germany. Measured by the H-index, the USA held the highest publication quality, followed by Germany and the UK. The scientific landscape was male-dominated with 67.7% of all first authors being male. Worldwide international collaborations play a major role in ischemic stroke research.
Training Willpower: Reducing Costs and Valuing Effort
Authors: Audiffren Michel , André Nathalie , Baumeister Roy F.
Published: April 2022

The integrative model of effortful control presented in a previous article aimed to specify the neurophysiological bases of mental effort. This model assumes that effort reflects three different inter-related aspects of the same adaptive function. First, a mechanism anchored in the salience network that makes decisions about the effort that should be engaged in the current task in view of costs and benefits associated with the achievement of the task goal. Second, a top-down control signal generated by the mechanism of effort that modulates neuronal activity in brain regions involved in the current task to filter pertinent information. Third, a feeling that emerges in awareness during effortful tasks and reflects the costs associated with goal-directed behavior. The aim of the present article is to complete this model by proposing that the capacity to exert effortful control can be improved through training programs. Two main questions relative to this possible strengthening of willpower are addressed in this paper. The first question concerns the existence of empirical evidence that supports gains in effortful control capacity through training. We conducted a review of 63 meta-analyses that shows training programs are effective in improving performance in effortful tasks tapping executive functions and/or self-control with a small to large effect size. Moreover, physical and mindfulness exercises could be two promising training methods that would deserve to be included in training programs aiming to strengthen willpower. The second question concerns the neural mechanisms that could explain these gains in effortful control capacity. Two plausible brain mechanisms are proposed: (1) a decrease in effort costs combined with a greater efficiency of brain regions involved in the task and (2) an increase in the value of effort through operant conditioning in the context of high effort and high reward. The first mechanism supports the hypothesis of a strengthening of the capacity to exert effortful control whereas the second mechanism supports the hypothesis of an increase in the motivation to exert this control. In the last part of the article, we made several recommendations to improve the effectiveness of interventional studies aiming to train this adaptive function.

“Keep the faculty of effort alive in you by a little gratuitous exercise every day.”

James (1918, p. 127)
Oxytocin Reduces the Attractiveness of Silver-Tongued Men for Women During Mid-Cycle
Authors: Gao Zhao , Ma Xiaole , Zhou Xinqi , Xin Fei , Gao Shan , Kou Juan , Becker Benjamin , Kendrick Keith M.
Published: April 2022

In humans, the neuropeptide oxytocin promotes both attraction toward and bonds with romantic partners, although no studies have investigated whether this extends to the perceived attractiveness of flirtatious language. In a within-subject, randomized double-blind placebo-controlled behavior and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) paradigm (https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03144115), 75 women rated the attractiveness of either a male face alone or paired with a verbal compliment which varied in terms of topic (women or landscapes) and figurativeness (novel or conventional metaphors or literal expressions). Subjects were tested in fertile and luteal phases of their cycle and on both occasions received either 24 IU intranasal oxytocin or placebo. Results showed that, whereas under placebo women in the fertile phase rated the facial attractiveness of men producing novel metaphorical compliments higher than in their luteal phase, following oxytocin treatment they did not. Correspondingly, under oxytocin the faces of individuals producing novel metaphorical compliments evoked greater responses in brain regions involved in processing language (middle frontal gyrus) and cognitive and emotional conflict (posterior middle cingulate and dorsal anterior cingulate) but reduced functional connectivity between the dorsal anterior cingulate and right orbitofrontal and medial frontal gyri. Thus, sex hormones and oxytocin may have opposite effects in regulating mate selection in women during their fertile phase. Novel metaphorical compliments convey a greater sexual than bonding intention and thus while sex hormones at mid-cycle may promote attraction to individuals communicating sexual rather than bonding intent, oxytocin may bias attraction away from such individuals through increasing cognitive and emotional conflict responses toward them.