bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atypical frontotemporal cortical activity in first-episode adolescent-onset schizophrenia during verbal fluency task: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Zhang Kun , Jin Xingyue , He Yuqiong , Wu Shuxian , Cui Xilong , Gao Xueping , Huang Chunxiang , Luo Xuerong
Published: March 2023

Background

Frontotemporal cortex dysfunction has been found to be associated with cognitive impairment in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ). In patients with adolescent-onset SCZ, a more serious type of SCZ with poorer functional outcome, cognitive impairment appeared to occur at an early stage of the disease. However, the characteristics of frontotemporal cortex involvement in adolescent patients with cognitive impairment are still unclear. In the present study, we aimed to illustrate the frontotemporal hemodynamic response during a cognitive task in adolescents with first-episode SCZ.

Methods

Adolescents with first-episode SCZ who were aged 12-17 and demographically matched healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. We used a 48-channel functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) system to record the concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) in the participants' frontotemporal area during a verbal fluency task (VFT) and analyzed its correlation with clinical characteristics.

Results

Data from 36 adolescents with SCZ and 38 HCs were included in the analyses. Significant differences were found between patients with SCZ and HCs in 24 channels, mainly covering the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, superior and middle temporal gyrus and frontopolar area. Adolescents with SCZ showed no increase of oxy-Hb concentration in most channels, while the VFT performance was comparable between the two groups. In SCZ, the intensity of activation was not associated with the severity of symptoms. Finally, receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that the changes in oxy-Hb concentration could help distinguish the two groups.

Conclusion

Adolescents with first-episode SCZ showed atypical cortical activity in the frontotemporal area during the VFT, and fNIRS features might be more sensitive indicators in cognitive assessment, indicating that the characteristic hemodynamic response pattern might be potential imaging biomarkers for this population.
Relationship between social support and fear of cancer recurrence among Chinese cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Xianying , Wu Chenxi , Bai Dingxi , You Qian , Cai Mingjin , Wang Wei , Hou Chaoming , Gao Jing
Published: March 2023

Background

To quantitatively analyze the association between social support (SS) and fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) by reviewing current evidence from observational studies.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed in nine databases from inception to May 2022. Observational studies that used both SS and FCR as study variables were included. Regression coefficient (β’) and correlation coefficient (r) were calculated with R software. Subgroup analysis was utilized to investigate the degree of the relationship between SS and FCR as well as the impact of various forms of SS on FCR in cancer patients.

Results

Thirty-seven studies involving 8,190 participants were identified. SS significantly reduced FCR risk [pooled β’ = –0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) = –0.364 to –0.172], with moderate negative correlations (summary r = –0.52, 95% CI = –0.592 to –0.438). Meta-regression and subgroup analysis showed that types of cancer and study type were the source of heterogeneity. However, types of SS [actual SS, perceived social support (PSS), and others], source of actual SS, and source of PSS were not significant moderators.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to quantitatively investigate the association between SS and FCR in Chinese cancer patients using β’ and r coefficients. The results re-emphasized that social workers should enhance the use of SS by cancer patients and establish a sound SS system by either implementing more relevant research or developing targeted policies. Based on meta-regression and subgroup analyses, moderators of the association between SS and FCR should also be studied closely as they may help identify patients in need. In addition, longitudinal research, as well as mixed research, should be conducted to more comprehensively explore the relationship between SS and FCR.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42022332718.
Factors associated with receipt of informal care among the Vietnamese older persons: Evidence from a national survey
Authors: Giang Long Thanh , Nguyen Nam Truong , Pham Tham Thi Hong , Phi Phong Manh
Published: March 2023

Background

The rapidly growing older population in Vietnam poses an increasing need for care among the older persons, who have mainly relied on informal care at homes and communities. This study examined the Vietnamese older persons' individual and household factors determining their receipt of informal care.

Methods

This study provided cross-tabulations and multivariable regression analyses to identify who provided assistance to the Vietnamese older people along with their individual and household characteristics.

Data

The nationally representative survey on older persons, namely Vietnam Aging Survey (VNAS) in 2011 was used in this study.

Results

We found that proportions of older persons having difficulty in activities of daily living (ADLs) were different in regard to their age, sex, marital status, health status, working status, and living arrangements. In care provision, gender differences were clear, in which females generally had significantly higher rates of providing care to older persons than their male counterparts.

Conclusion

Care for older persons in Vietnam has been mainly provided by their families, and thus changes in socio-economic, demographic factors along with differences among generations in family values will be a key challenge to maintain such care arrangements.
Associations among teacher-child interaction, children's executive function and children's comprehensible vocabulary
Authors: Yan Shi , Li Min , Yan Zhonglian , Hu Biying , Zeng Li , Lv Bo
Published: March 2023

Objective

To understand the working mechanism and the relationships among the quality of teacher-child interaction (TCI), children's comprehensible vocabulary (CV) and executive function (EF).

Methods

Using stratified sampling, 900 children (boys 50.2%) and 60 preschool teachers were recruited from 4 places in China for testing, and five measurement tools, including the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT-R), the Stroop test, a card sorting task, and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV), were used.

Results

For every additional unit of TCI, EF increases by 0.55 units; For every additional unit of EF, CV increases by 0.55 units; For every additional unit of CV, EF increases by 0.55 units; For every additional unit of CV, TCI increases by 0.38 units; For every additional unit of TCI, CV increases by 0.38 units. In the Model of TCI-EF-CV, the estimated value of TCI and the total effect of comprehensible vocabulary is 0.18; Z = 9.84, which is significantly greater than 1.96 at the bias-corrected 95% confidence interval and at the percentile 95% confidence interval (0.15, 0.23), both of which do not contain 0. The direct effect of TCI and CV is significant and indirect effects account for 39%. In the Model of TCI-CV-EF, the total effect of TCI on executive function is 0.09 (Z = 6.14), the direct effect is not significant with bias-corrected 95% confidence interval and 95% confidence interval (−0.01, 0.03), both of which include 0.

Conclusion

There are two-way effects among children's EF and CV, TCI and CV. EF plays a mediating role in the influence of TCI on CV. TCI positively predicts children's EF, but this mainly depends on CV. Therefore, TCI plays a positive role in the development of children's CV and EF.
Development and external validation of a prognosis model to predict outcomes after curative resection of early-stage intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Jianping , Huang Manling , Shen Jingxian , Li Bin , Wu Yanqing , Xie Wenxuan , Xiao Han , Tan Li
Published: March 2023

Background

Early-stage intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ESICC) with curative resection and lymph node-negative still has the risk of poor prognosis, and there lacks prognosis-assessing tools for these patients. The objective of this study was to develop a prognosis model to predict outcomes and identify risk stratification for ESICC after resection.

Methods

Totally 263 patients with ESICC after hepatectomy from January 2012 to January 2022 were analyzed. Clinicopathological factors were selected using multivariable Cox regression analysis and a prognosis model was developed. The performance of the model was evaluated by concordance index (C-index), calibration plots, decision curves analysis (DCA), and net reclassification index (NRI). Kaplan-Meier curves were analyzed for risk stratification of overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) based on the prognosis model.

Results

The clinicopathological features that were independently associated with OS of ESICC included carbohydrate antigen19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen, tumor size, tumor differentiation, and T stage. The prognosis model based on these prognostic factors demonstrated excellent discriminatory performance in both derivation cohort (C-index, 0.71) and external validation cohort (C-index, 0.78), which outperformed the TNM staging system (C-index, 0.59) and individual prognostic factors (all C-index < 0.7). Calibration plots, DCA and NRI also showed superior predictive performance. According to the risk for survival, the model stratified patients into low risk (median OS, 66.6 months; median RFS, 24.3 months) and high risk (median OS, 24.0 months; median RFS, 6.4 months) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our prognosis model can robustly predict the outcomes of ESICC after curative resection and provide precise evaluation on prognosis risk, facilitating clinicians to develop individualized postoperative treatment options.
The supportive care needs and its influencing factors among thyroid cancer patients after surgery: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Cai Ming , Gou Juxiang
Published: March 2023

Objective

To study the supportive care needs (SCNS) of thyroid cancer (TC) patients after surgery, and to identity its influencing factors.

Methods

By convenience sampling method, total of 115 patients undergoing thyroid surgery who met the inclusion criteria from May 2021 to July 2021 were selected as the research objects. The general information questionnaire, Supportive Care Need Survey Short-Form (SCNS-SF34), functional subscale of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) were used to investigate these patients.

Results

The average score for the items of SCNS-SF34 in 102 TC patients was 2.15 ± 0.71. The domain with the highest item average score was “health system information needs” (2.48 ± 1.17). The domain with the highest unsatisfied rate was “psychological needs” (69.6%). The item with the highest average score was “fear of cancer spreading” in the psychological needs domain (2.80 ± 1.48). The scores of physical function (r = −0.431, P < 0.001), role function (r = −0.428, P < 0.001), cognitive function (r = −0.531, P < 0.001), emotional function (r = −0.388, P < 0.001), social function (r = −0.464, P < 0.001) were correlated with the total score of SCNS-SF34. The univariate analysis of SCNS-SF34 scores showed that TC patients who were women (t = 2.013, P = 0.047), older (F = 1.353, P = 0.013), and with longer hospital stays (F = 3.705, P = 0.028) had higher demand of SCNS. The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that the significant variables that entered the regression equation were gender, age, length of stay in hospital, cognitive function and social function (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

TC patients after surgery have many SCNS in different domains. It is necessary to focus on women, older patients, patients with long hospital stays and poor functioning. The implementation of a supportive care screening tool is recommended and the individualized interventions need to be developed to provide targeted support and care.
Oxidative stress and toxicity produced by arsenic and chromium in broiler chicks and application of vitamin E and bentonite as ameliorating agents
Authors: Mashkoor Javaria , Al-Saeed Fatimah A. , Guangbin Zhang , Alsayeqh Abdullah F. , Gul Shafia Tehseen , Hussain Riaz , Ahmad Latif , Mustafa Riaz , Farooq Umar , Khan Ahrar
Published: March 2023

The present study investigated the adverse effects of arsenic and chromium in broilers and ascertained the role of vitamin E and bentonite in alleviating their harmful effects. For this purpose, we experimented on 180 one-day-old broiler chickens. The feed was administered to broiler chicks of groups 2, 6, 7, 8, and 9 chromium @ (270 mg.kg−1 BW). Groups 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9 were administered arsenic @ (50 mg.kg−1 BW). Groups 4, 7, and 9 received vitamin E (150 mg.kg−1 BW), and groups 5, 8, and 9 received bentonite (5%), respectively. Group 1 was kept in control. All the broiler chicks treated with chromium and arsenic showed a significant (p < 0.05) decline in erythrocytic parameters on experimental days 21 and 42. Total proteins decreased significantly, while ALT, AST, urea, and creatinine increased significantly (p < 0.05). TAC and CAT decreased significantly (p < 0.05), while TOC and MDA concentrations increased significantly (p < 0.05) in chromium and arsenic-treated groups on experimental days 21 and 42. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between TAC and CAT (Pearson correlation value = 0.961; p < 0.001), similarly TOC and MDA positive correlation (Pearson correlation value = 0.920; p < 0.001). However, TAC and CAT showed a negative correlation between TOC and MDA. The intensity of gross and microscopic lesions was more in chromium (270 mg.kg−1) and arsenic (50 mg.kg−1) singly or in combination-treated groups. Thus, broiler chicks treated with chromium plus arsenic exhibited higher gross and microscopic lesion intensity than other treated groups. Fatty degeneration, severe cytoplasmic vacuolar degeneration, and expansion of sinusoidal spaces were the main lesions observed in the liver. Kidneys showed renal epithelial cells necrosis, glomerular shrinkage, and severe cytoplasmic vacuolar degeneration. Co-administration of bentonite along with chromium and arsenic resulted in partial amelioration (group 8) compared to groups 7 and 9, administered arsenic + chromium + vitamin E and arsenic + chromium + vitamin E + bentonite, respectively. It was concluded that arsenic and chromium cause damage not only to haemato-biochemical parameters but also lead to oxidation stress in broilers. Vitamin E and bentonite administration can ameliorate toxicity and oxidative stress produced by arsenic and chromium.
Temperature-induced reactivation of Marek's disease virus-transformed T cells ex vivo
Authors: Tien Yung-Tien , Akbar Haji , Jarosinski Keith William
Published: March 2023

Marek's disease virus (MDV) establishes latency in chicken T lymphocytes that can lead to T cell transformation and cancer. Transformed Marek's disease chicken cell lines (MDCCs) can be expanded ex vivo and provide a valuable model to study latency, transformation, and reactivation. Here, we developed MDCCs from chickens infected with MDV that fluoresce during lytic replication and reactivation. Sodium butyrate treatment increased fluorescent protein expression as evidenced by fluorescent microscopy, flow cytometry, and western blotting; however, it caused significant apoptosis and necrosis. Treatment of MDCCs by decreasing the temperature resulted in robust MDV reactivation without significant induction of apoptosis and necrosis. Furthermore, MDV reactivation was significantly affected by the time in culture that can affect downstream reactivation analyses. In all, our data show that fluorescent protein expression during reactivation is a robust tool to examine viral replication in live cells ex vivo, and temperature treatment is an efficient technique to induce reactivation without punitive effects on cell viability seen with chemical treatment.
Trust in Government, Perceived Integrity and Food Safety Protective Behavior: The Mediating Role of Risk Perception
Authors: Liu Jie , Han Ziqiang , Liu Yihong , William Sombo
Published: March 2023

Objective: This study examined the correlations between trust in government and the public’s protective behaviors regarding food safety, focusing on the mediating role of risk perception.

Methods: The 2013 (1,432 samples) and 2019 (1,276 samples) Taiwan Social Change Survey data were analyzed using ordinary least squares regression models. The bootstrap method was used to examine the mediating effect of risk perception.

Results: Perceived integrity of government regarding food safety issues influences all four types of food protective behaviors directly and indirectly via risk perceptions. The four protective behaviors were “not eating that food,” “preparing food kit,” “preferring organic food,” and “overall behaviors.” Trust in government directly influences part of the protective food behaviors, while no mediating effects of risk perception were found.

Conclusion: The results of this study will deepen our understanding of food consumption behavior, identify key factors that influence public food protective behaviors, and inform food safety management to implement strategies necessary to improve food consumption.
Multidisciplinary Optimization Design of Low-Noise Propellers
Authors: Xue Dongwen , Yan Qun , Li Zhuohan , Wei Kai
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a multidisciplinary optimization design method and its verification of low-noise aircraft propellers considering aerodynamics, noise, and structural strength were carried out to further reduce the aerodynamic noise of the aircraft propellers. The Vortex Lattice Method-based Lift Surface Method and the Frequency-Domain-based Hanson Method were deployed to evaluate the aerodynamic performance and far-field noise of the propeller with validation by benchmark test result comparison, respectively. Integrating both of the aforementioned methods, the constraints, and a genetic algorithm with coding, a joint program was successfully proposed so that the aircraft propeller performance could be optimized comprehensively. In this program, the design variables contain blade structural strength-constrained distribution patterns of the chord length, twist angle, and dihedral angle along the blade radius. A maximum amount of noise reduction was settled as an optimization target. Meanwhile, it ensured no penalty for aerodynamic thrust and efficiency. The optimized propeller was successfully delivered by performing the developed program. Its structure examined strength tests such as static load and dynamic response, and its aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performances were tested at an aeroacoustic wind tunnel. As a result, the optimized propeller reduced its far-field noise emission peak by 2.7 dB at the first BPF under typical conditions and performed a maximum noise reduction of 4 dB for lower-thrust operations compared with the baseline propeller. For the latter operation, noise reduction at the second BPF was also obviously observed.
Component Maintenance Planning Optimization in Defense Aviation
Authors: Verhoeff Mathijs , Verhagen Wim J. C.
Published: March 2023

The primary objective in military aviation is to optimize operational readiness, the capability to perform assigned flight missions. This capability is influenced by aircraft downtime due to preventive maintenance at prescribed flight time intervals. In practice, flight planning incorporates preventive maintenance relative to the aircraft as a whole, but also to specific components that are subject to individual constraints. Optimization models have been developed to address the associated aircraft flight and maintenance planning problem, but none of these models addresses planning at the component level while retaining consistency with the aircraft planning outputs. Furthermore, no existing models adequately incorporate the main components of operational readiness. Lastly, practical approaches to this planning problem are reactive. To address these issues, this paper proposes a mixed integer linear programming model that solves the component flight and maintenance planning problem using component substitution scheduling while being aligned with overall aircraft flight and maintenance planning. In this manner, a pro-active, integrated approach is established. The proposed model has been applied towards Royal Netherlands Air Force CH47D Chinook helicopter fleet data, with results showing substantial improvements in critical operational readiness key performance indicators while showing strong reductions in the variability of the preventive maintenance demand and associated financial expenses.
An Effective Procedure to Build Space Object Datasets Based on STK
Authors: Wei Rongke , Song Anyang , Duan Huixian , Pei Haodong
Published: March 2023

With the development of space technology, deep learning methods, with their excellent generalization ability, are increasingly applied in various space activities. The space object data is difficult to obtain, which greatly limits its application in space activities. The images of the existing public spacecraft dataset are mostly rendered, which not only lack physical meaning but also have limited data. In this paper, we propose an effective construction procedure to build a space object dataset based on STK, which can help to break the limitations of deep learning methods in space activities. Firstly, based on STK, we conduct orbit simulation for 24 space targets and establish the simulation dataset; secondly, we use 600 images of 6 typical targets and label them to build a real-shot validation dataset. Finally, the constructed space object dataset based on STK is verified to be effective through six semantic segmentation networks, which can be used to train the real spacecraft’s semantic segmentation. Lots of experiments show that the accuracy of migrating the training results of the simulation dataset to the real shooting dataset is slightly reduced, but the mPA is still greater than 85%. In particular, after adding orbital physics simulation data, the accuracy of six semantic segmentation methods is generally improved. Therefore, the STK-based physical simulation of orbit is an effective method for space object dataset construction.
Feedback and Control of Linear Electromagnetic Actuators for Flapping Wing MAVs
Authors: McIvor Blake , McGuire John , Chahl Javaan
Published: March 2023

We present a method for generating feedback and controlling multi-coil linear electromagnetic actuators for flapping wing systems. This has been achieved with a system capable of self-lifting, constructed using 3D-printed structures and miniaturised electromagnetic actuators with a combined weight of 3.07 g. Combining multiple magnets and coils into a single actuator with onboard feedback sensors has improved power densities upon existing linear electromagnetic systems present in the literature. The use of closed-loop control of the dynamics of the flapping profile allows for independent control of both flapping frequency and amplitude, which is differentiated from open-loop and resonance-based systems. This change will allow relatively precise control over the flapping dynamics of future systems while improving actuation efficiency.
Annotation of the 12th Chromosome of the Forest Pathogen Fusarium circinatum
Authors: Malewski Tadeusz , Matić Slavica , Okorski Adam , Borowik Piotr , Oszako Tomasz
Published: March 2023

The genus Fusarium comprises more than 300 species, and many of them are pathogens that cause severe diseases in agricultural, horticultural and forestry plants in both antropogenic and natural ecosystems. Because of their importance as plant pathogens, the genomes of several Fusarium spp. have been sequenced. Within this genus, Fusarium circinatum is one of the most harmful pathogens of pine trees attacking up to 60 Pinus species. Till now, the genomes of 13 strains of F. circinatum have been sequenced. The strain GL1327 we studied lacks a twelfth chromosome, which allows the study of virulence genes on this chromosome. Although the genome of several strains of F. circinatum has been sequenced, it is still almost completely unannotated, which severely limits the possibilities to further investigate the molecular mechanisms of virulence of Fusarium. Therefore, this study aimed to annotate the 12th chromosome of F. circinatum and integrate currently available resources. In silico annotation of the 12th chromosome of F. circinatum revealed the presence of 118 open reading frames (ORFs) encoding 141 proteins which were predicted using an ab initio gene prediction tool. The InterProScan and SMART analyses identified known domains in 30 proteins and eggNOG additionally in 12 of them. Among them, four groups can be distinguished: genes possibly related to heterokaryon incompatibility (4 genes), regulation of transcription (5 genes), plant cell wall degrading enzymes (7 genes) and trichothecene synthesis (3 genes). This study also integrated data of F.circinatum reference strain CMWF1803 assembled to chromosome level but not annotated with currently best annotated but assembled only to scaffold level strain NRRL 25331.
Effect of Salicylic Acid on the Growth and Development of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) under Standard and High EC Nutrient Solution in Aeroponic Cultivation
Authors: Sobczak Anna , Kućko Agata , Pióro-Jabrucka Ewelina , Gajc-Wolska Janina , Kowalczyk Katarzyna
Published: March 2023

High electrical conductivity (EC) in cultivation systems with the recirculating nutrient solutions can affect plant growth and development. This study aimed to investigate the effect of salicylic acid (SA) on the selected physiological and biochemical parameters of sweet pepper (Capsicum annum L.) growing aeroponically at standard and high concentrations of nutritive solutions. Four experimental variants were tested: (1) plants cultivated under low EC conditions, (2) plants cultivated under low EC conditions and treated with foliar SA, (3) plants cultivated under high EC conditions, (4) plants cultivated under high EC conditions and treated with SA on leaves and roots. The obtained results revealed that exogenous SA, regardless of EC, reduced the formation of fruits with calcium deficiency symptoms. Furthermore, SA helps plants to cope with high EC nutrient stress through an increase in leaf SPAD index, maximum light-adapted chlorophyll fluorescence and PSII viability. Exogenous SA reduced the number of soluble proteins both under low and high EC; however, increased H2O2 content induced a defence mechanism reflected by the upregulation of antioxidant enzyme activity. The results of the study provide valuable information on the role of SA in the alleviation of the harmful effect of salinity under aeroponic cultivation.
The Effect of Nitrogen and Sulphur Application on Soybean Productivity Traits in Temperate Climates Conditions
Authors: Głowacka Aleksandra , Jariene Elvyra , Flis-Olszewska Ewelina , Kiełtyka-Dadasiewicz Anna
Published: March 2023

Both nitrogen and sulphur are important macronutrients necessary for the proper development and yield of soybean. Moreover, sulphur plays a special role in nitrogen metabolism in the plant, and sulphur deficiency leads to a reduction in the utilization of nitrogen from fertilizer. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of nitrogen and sulphur application on the yield and quality traits of soybean seeds. The following factors were analyzed in the experiment: I. Nitrogen application rate: 0, 30 and 60 kg ha−1 applied at different times (before sowing and/or at the start of the seed filling stage); II. Sulphur application rate: 0 and 40 kg ha−1 applied in two portions: half during the development of lateral shoots and half at the start of flowering. Thus the 14 fertilizer combinations were obtained. Result show that the highest seeds yield was obtained in the combinations with 60 kg N applied ½ before sowing + ½ after emergence (BBCH 73-75) and ¾ before sowing +¼ after emergence. In these combinations, sulphur did not significantly affect seed yield. In the remaining nitrogen application, sulphur application significantly increased the seed yield. Taking into account the yield and the chemical composition of the soybean seeds, fertilization with 60 kg N ha−1 in two portions can be recommended—½ or ¾ before sowing and the remainder during the development of pods and seeds—in combination with sulphur application.
Bovine Colostrum Supplementation Modulates the Intestinal Microbial Community in Rabbits
Authors: Agradi Stella , Cremonesi Paola , Menchetti Laura , Balzaretti Claudia , Severgnini Marco , Riva Federica , Castiglioni Bianca , Draghi Susanna , Di Giancamillo Alessia , Castrica Marta , Vigo Daniele , Modina Silvia Clotilde , Serra Valentina , Quattrone Alda , Angelucci Elisa , Pastorelli Grazia , Curone Giulio , Brecchia Gabriele
Published: March 2023

BC is a nutraceutical that can modulate intestinal microbiota. This study investigates the effects of BC diet supplementation on luminal and mucosa-associated microbiota in the jejunum, caecum, and colon of rabbits. Twenty-one New Zealand White female rabbits were divided into three experimental groups (n = 7) receiving a commercial feed (CTRL group) and the same diet supplemented with 2.5% and 5% BC (2.5% BC and 5% BC groups, respectively), from 35 (weaning) to 90 days of age (slaughtering). At slaughter, the digestive tract was removed from each animal, then both content and mucosa-associated microbiota of jejunum, caecum, and colon were collected and analysed by Next Generation 16SrRNA Gene Sequencing. Significant differences were found in the microbial composition of the three groups (i.e., beta-diversity: p < 0.01), especially in the caecum and colon of the 2.5% BC group. The relative abundance analysis showed that the families most affected by the BC administration were Clostridia UCG-014, Barnesiellaceae, and Eggerthellaceae. A trend was also found for Lachnospiraceae, Akkermansiaceae, and Bacteroidaceae. A functional prediction has revealed several altered pathways in BC groups, with particular reference to amino acids and lactose metabolism. Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio decreased in caecum luminal samples of the 2.5% BC group. These findings suggest that BC supplementation could positively affect the intestinal microbiota. However, further research is needed to establish the optimal administration dose.
Analysis of Capped Silver Nanoparticles Combined with Imipenem against Different Susceptibility Profiles of Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Fontoura Inglid , Veriato Thaís S. , Raniero Leandro J. , Castilho Maiara L.
Published: March 2023

Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is an opportunistic bacterium that has drawn attention due to its resistance to carbapenem antibiotics. The treatment of patients with severe infections has been challenging. Thus, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been applied for their antimicrobial effects. This work aims to analyze the synergistic effect of the carbapenem antibiotic Imipenem with AgNPs against different susceptibility clinical profiles of K. pneumoniae. The silver nanoparticles were synthesized by bottom-up methodology and capped with alpha-lipoic acid. Susceptibility tests were performed using four K. pneumoniae strains with different susceptibility profiles to Imipenem. The strains were induced to form a biofilm for 48 h. Crystal violet and Resazurin assays were performed to determine biofilm formation and minimal inhibitory concentration, respectively. The reduction in Imipenem concentration with the association of nanoparticles was found in all strains studied in planktonic form, and the synergism between silver nanoparticles and Imipenem was demonstrated through the analysis of the fractional inhibitory concentration index. The viability percentage was reduced at rates ≥80% in the biofilm analysis, characterized by the minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration. The study’s proposed association resulted in inhibitory effects on different K. pneumoniae profiles, both in planktonic forms and biofilm, with peculiar behavior in the Imipenem-resistant profile.
GC-MS Profiling and Biomedical Applications of Essential Oil of Euphorbia larica Boiss.: A New Report
Authors: Shah Muddaser , Khan Faizullah , Ullah Saeed , Mohanta Tapan Kumar , Khan Ajmal , Zainab Rimsha , Rafiq Naseem , Ara Hussan , Alam Tanveer , Rehman Najeeb Ur , Al-Harrasi Ahmed
Published: March 2023

The present study explored Euphorbia larica essential oil (ELEO) constituents for the first time, obtained via hydro-distillation by means of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) profiling. The essential oil was screened in vitro against breast cancer cells, normal cell lines, α-glucosidase, carbonic anhydrase-II (CA-II), free radical scavenging and in vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory capabilities. The GC-MS screening revealed that the ELEO comprises sixty compounds (95.25%) with the dominant constituents being camphene (16.41%), thunbergol (15.33%), limonene (4.29%), eremophilene (3.77%), and β-eudesmol (3.51%). A promising antidiabetic capacity was noticed with an IC50 of 9.63 ± 0.22 μg/mL by the ELEO as equated to acarbose with an IC50 = 377.71 ± 1.34 μg/mL, while a 162.82 ± 1.24 μg/mL inhibition was observed against CA-II. Regarding breast cancer, the ELEO offered considerable cytotoxic capabilities against the triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cell lines, having an IC50 = 183.8 ± 1.6 μg/mL. Furthermore, the ELEO was also tested with the human breast epithelial (MCF-10A) cell line, and the findings also presumed that the ELEO did not produce any damage to the tested normal cell lines. The ELEO was effective against the Gram-positive bacteria and offered a 19.8 ± 0.02 mm zone of inhibition (ZOI) against B. atrophaeus. At the same time, the maximum resistance with 18.03 ± 0.01 mm ZOI against the fungal strain Aspergillus parasiticus was observed among the tested fungal strains. An appreciable free radical significance was observed via the DPPH assay with an IC50 = 133.53 ± 0.19 µg/mL as equated to the ABTS assay having an IC50 = 154.93 ± 0.17 µg/mL. The ELEO also offered a substantial analgesic capacity and produced 58.33% inhibition in comparison with aspirin, a 68.47% decrease in writhes, and an anti-inflammatory capability of 65.54% inhibition, as equated to the standard diclofenac sodium having 73.64% inhibition. Hence, it was concluded that the ELEO might be a natural source for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, breast cancer, analgesic, inflammatory, and antimicrobial-related diseases. Moreover, additional phytochemical and pharmacological studies are needed to isolate responsible chemical ingredients to formulate new drugs for the examined activities.
From In Silico to a Cellular Model: Molecular Docking Approach to Evaluate Antioxidant Bioactive Peptides
Authors: Tonolo Federica , Grinzato Alessandro , Bindoli Alberto , Rigobello Maria Pia
Published: March 2023

The increasing need to counteract the redox imbalance in chronic diseases leads to focusing research on compounds with antioxidant activity. Among natural molecules with health-promoting effects on many body functions, bioactive peptides are gaining interest. They are protein fragments of 2–20 amino acids that can be released by various mechanisms, such as gastrointestinal digestion, food processing and microbial fermentation. Recent studies report the effects of bioactive peptides in the cellular environment, and there is evidence that these compounds can exert their action by modulating specific pathways. This review focuses on the newest approaches to the structure–function correlation of the antioxidant bioactive peptides, considering their molecular mechanism, by evaluating the activation of specific signaling pathways that are linked to antioxidant systems. The correlation between the results of in silico molecular docking analysis and the effects in a cellular model was highlighted. This knowledge is fundamental in order to propose the use of bioactive peptides as ingredients in functional foods or nutraceuticals.
Review of the NPA Diagnostic Application at Globus-M/M2
Authors: Bakharev Nikolai N. , Melnik Andrey D. , Chernyshev Fedor V.
Published: March 2023

The application of a neutral particle analyzer (NPA) diagnostic at the Globus-M/M2 spherical tokamaks is discussed. Physical principles of the diagnostic are reviewed. Two general approaches—active and passive measurements—are described. Examples of NPA application for the ion temperature and isotope composition measurements are presented. NPA-aided studies of the energetic ions in the MHD-free discharges, as well as in the experiments with sawtooth oscillations and toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes, are considered.
Acellular Human Placenta Small-Diameter Vessels as a Favorable Source of Super-Microsurgical Vascular Replacements: A Proof of Concept
Authors: Falkner Florian , Mayer Simon Andreas , Thomas Benjamin , Zimmermann Sarah Onon , Walter Sonja , Heimel Patrick , Thiele Wilko , Sleeman Jonathan Paul , Bigdeli Amir Khosrow , Kiss Herbert , Podesser Bruno Karl , Kneser Ulrich , Bergmeister Helga , Schneider Karl Heinrich
Published: March 2023

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the human placenta as a source of blood vessels that can be harvested for vascular graft fabrication in the submillimeter range. Our approach included graft modification to prevent thrombotic events. Submillimeter arterial grafts harvested from the human placenta were decellularized and chemically crosslinked to heparin. Graft performance was evaluated using a microsurgical arteriovenous loop (AVL) model in Lewis rats. Specimens were evaluated through hematoxylin-eosin and CD31 staining of histological sections to analyze host cell immigration and vascular remodeling. Graft patency was determined 3 weeks after implantation using a vascular patency test, histology, and micro-computed tomography. A total of 14 human placenta submillimeter vessel grafts were successfully decellularized and implanted into AVLs in rats. An appropriate inner diameter to graft length ratio of 0.81 ± 0.16 mm to 7.72 ± 3.20 mm was achieved in all animals. Grafts were left in situ for a mean of 24 ± 4 days. Decellularized human placental grafts had an overall patency rate of 71% and elicited no apparent immunological responses. Histological staining revealed host cell immigration into the graft and re-endothelialization of the vessel luminal surface. This study demonstrates that decellularized vascular grafts from the human placenta have the potential to serve as super-microsurgical vascular replacements.
Lumbar Kinematics Assessment of Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain in Three Bridge Tests Using Miniaturized Sensors
Authors: Triantafyllou Athanasios , Papagiannis Georgios , Stasi Sophia , Gkrilias Panagiotis , Kyriakidou Maria , Kampouroglou Effrosyni , Skouras Apostolos-Zacharias , Tsolakis Charilaos , Georgoudis George , Savvidou Olga , Papagelopoulos Panayiotis , Koulouvaris Panagiotis
Published: March 2023

Lumbar muscle atrophy, diminished strength, stamina, and increased fatigability have been associated with chronic nonspecific low back pain (LBP). When evaluating patients with LBP, trunk or core stability, provided by the performance and coordination of trunk muscles, appears to be essential. Several clinical tests have been developed to identify deficiencies in trunk performance, demonstrating high levels of validity and reproducibility. The most frequently prescribed tests for assessing the core body muscles are the prone plank bridge test (PBT), the side bridge test (SBT), and the supine bridge test (SUBT). However, quantitative assessments of the kinematics of the lumbar spine during their execution have not yet been conducted. The purpose of our study was to provide objective biomechanical data for the assessment of LBP patients. The lumbar spine ranges of motion of 22 healthy subjects (Group A) and 25 patients diagnosed with chronic LBP (Group B) were measured using two inertial measurement units during the execution of the PBT, SUBT, and SBT. Statistically significant differences between the two groups were found in all three tests’ kinematic patterns. This quantitative assessment of lumbar spine motion transforms the three bridge tests into an objective biomechanical diagnostic tool for LPBs that may be used to assess the efficacy of applied rehabilitation programs.
In Vivo CaV3 Channel Inhibition Promotes Maturation of Glucose-Dependent Ca2+ Signaling in Human iPSC-Islets
Authors: Zhao Kaixuan , Shi Yue , Yu Jia , Yu Lina , Köhler Martin , Mael Amber , Kolton Anthony , Joyce Thomas , Odorico Jon , Berggren Per-Olof , Yang Shao-Nian
Published: March 2023

CaV3 channels are ontogenetically downregulated with the maturation of certain electrically excitable cells, including pancreatic β cells. Abnormally exaggerated CaV3 channels drive the dedifferentiation of mature β cells. This led us to question whether excessive CaV3 channels, retained mistakenly in engineered human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived islet (hiPSC-islet) cells, act as an obstacle to hiPSC-islet maturation. We addressed this question by using the anterior chamber of the eye (ACE) of immunodeficient mice as a site for recapitulation of in vivo hiPSC-islet maturation in combination with intravitreal drug infusion, intravital microimaging, measurements of cytoplasmic-free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and patch clamp analysis. We observed that the ACE is well suited for recapitulation, observation and intervention of hiPSC-islet maturation. Intriguingly, intraocular hiPSC-islet grafts, retrieved intact following intravitreal infusion of the CaV3 channel blocker NNC55-0396, exhibited decreased basal [Ca2+]i levels and increased glucose-stimulated [Ca2+]i responses. Insulin-expressing cells of these islet grafts indeed expressed the NNC55-0396 target CaV3 channels. Intraocular hiPSC-islets underwent satisfactory engraftment, vascularization and light scattering without being influenced by the intravitreally infused NNC55-0396. These data demonstrate that inhibiting CaV3 channels facilitates the maturation of glucose-activated Ca2+ signaling in hiPSC-islets, supporting the notion that excessive CaV3 channels as a developmental error impede the maturation of engineered hiPSC-islet insulin-expressing cells.
Synthesis, In Vitro Biological Evaluation of Antiproliferative and Neuroprotective Effects and In Silico Studies of Novel 16E-Arylidene-5α,6α-epoxyepiandrosterone Derivatives
Authors: Brito Vanessa , Marques Mariana , Esteves Marta , Serra-Almeida Catarina , Alves Gilberto , Almeida Paulo , Bernardino Liliana , Silvestre Samuel
Published: March 2023

Steroids constitute an important class of pharmacologically active molecules, playing key roles in human physiology. Within this group, 16E-arylideneandrostane derivatives have been reported as potent anti-cancer agents for the treatment of leukemia, breast and prostate cancers, and brain tumors. Additionally, 5α,6α-epoxycholesterol is an oxysterol with several biological activities, including regulation of cell proliferation and cholesterol homeostasis. Interestingly, pregnenolone derivatives combining these two modifications were described as potential neuroprotective agents. In this research, novel 16E-arylidene-5α,6α-epoxyepiandrosterone derivatives were synthesized from dehydroepiandrosterone by aldol condensation with different aldehydes followed by a diastereoselective 5α,6α-epoxidation. Their cytotoxicity was evaluated on tumoral and non-tumoral cell lines by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Furthermore, the assessment of the neuroprotective activity of these derivatives was performed in a dopaminergic neuronal cell line (N27), at basal conditions, and in the presence of the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Interestingly, some of these steroids had selective cytotoxic effects in tumoral cell lines, with an IC50 of 3.47 µM for the 2,3-dichlorophenyl derivative in the breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The effects of this functionalized epoxide on cell proliferation (Ki67 staining), cell necrosis (propidium iodide staining), as well as the analysis of the nuclear area and near neighbor distance in MCF-7 cells, were analyzed. From this set of biological studies, strong evidence of the activation of apoptosis was found. In contrast, no significant neuroprotection against 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity was observed for the less cytotoxic steroids in N27 cells. Lastly, molecular docking simulations were achieved to verify the potential affinity of these compounds against important targets of steroidal drugs (androgen receptor, estrogen receptor α, and 5α-reductase type 2, 17α-hydroxylase-17,20-lyase and aromatase enzymes). This in silico study predicted a strong affinity between most novel steroidal derivatives and 5α-reductase and 17α-hydroxylase-17,20-lyase enzymes.
Evaluation of Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived from a Patient with Schwartz–Jampel Syndrome Revealed Distinct Hyperexcitability in the Skeletal Muscles
Authors: Yamashita Yuri , Nakada Satoshi , Nakamura Kyoko , Sakurai Hidetoshi , Ohno Kinji , Goto Tomohide , Mabuchi Yo , Akazawa Chihiro , Hattori Nobutaka , Arikawa-Hirasawa Eri
Published: March 2023

Schwartz–Jampel syndrome (SJS) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in heparan sulfate proteoglycan 2 (HSPG2), which encodes the core basement membrane protein perlecan. Myotonia is a major criterion for the diagnosis of SJS; however, its evaluation is based solely on physical examination and can be challenging in neonates and young children. Furthermore, the pathomechanism underlying SJS-related myotonia is not fully understood, and effective treatments for SJS are limited. Here, we established a cellular model of SJS using patient-derived human-induced pluripotent stem cells. This model exhibited hyper-responsiveness to acetylcholine as a result of abnormalities in the perlecan molecule, which were confirmed via comparison of their calcium imaging with calcium imaging of satellite cells derived from Hspg2−/−-Tg mice, which exhibit myotonic symptoms similar to SJS symptoms. Therefore, our results confirm the utility of creating cellular models for investigating SJS and their application in evaluating myotonia in clinical cases, while also providing a useful tool for the future screening of SJS therapies.