bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In ovo Inoculation of Bacillus subtilis and Raffinose Affects Growth Performance, Cecal Microbiota, Volatile Fatty Acid, Ileal Morphology and Gene Expression, and Sustainability of Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus)
Authors: Shehata Abdelrazeq M. , Paswan Vinod K. , Attia Youssef A. , Abougabal Mohammed Sh. , Khamis Tarek , Alqosaibi Amany I. , Alnamshan Mashael M. , Elmazoudy Reda , Abaza Mohamed A. , Salama Ehab A. A. , El-Saadony Mohamed T. , Saad Ahmed M. , Abdel-Moneim Abdel-Moneim Eid
Published: May 2022

Banning antibiotic growth promoters has negatively impacted poultry production and sustainability, which led to exploring efficient alternatives such as probiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics. Effect of in ovo injection of Bacillus subtilis, raffinose, and their synbiotics on growth performance, cecal microbial population and volatile fatty acid concentration, ileal histomorphology, and ileal gene expression was investigated in broilers (Gallus gallus) raised for 21 days. On 300 h of incubation, a total of 1,500 embryonated eggs were equally allotted into 10 groups. The first was non-injected (NC) and the remaining in ovo injected with sterile distilled water (PC), B. subtilis 4 × 105 and 4 × 106 CFU (BS1 and BS2), Raffinose 2 and 3 mg (R1 and R2), B. subtilis 4 × 105 CFU + raffinose 2 mg (BS1R1), B. subtilis 4 × 105 CFU + raffinose 3 mg (BS1R2), B. subtilis 4 × 106 CFU + raffinose 2 mg (BS2R1), and B. subtilis 4 × 106 CFU + raffinose 3 mg (BS2R2). At hatch, 60 chicks from each group were randomly chosen, divided into groups of 6 replicates (10 birds/replicate), and fed with a corn–soybean-based diet. In ovo inoculation of B. subtilis and raffinose alone or combinations significantly improved body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio of 21-day-old broilers compared to NC. Cecal concentrations of butyric, pentanoic, propionic, and isobutyric acids were significantly elevated in R1, R2, BS2R1, and BS2R2, whereas isovaleric and acetic acids were significantly increased in R1 and BS2R1 compared to NC. Cecal microbial population was significantly altered in treated groups. Ileal villus height was increased (p < 0.001) in BS1, R2, and BS2R2 compared to NC. The mRNA expression of mucin-2 was upregulated (p < 0.05) in synbiotic groups except for BS1R1. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was increased (p < 0.05) in BS2, R1, BS1R1, and BS1R2 compared to NC. SGLT-1 expression was upregulated (p < 0.05) in all treated birds except those of R1 group compared to NC. The mRNA expressions of interleukin (IL)-2 and toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 were downregulated (p < 0.05) in BS2 and R1 for IL-2 and BS1R1 and BS2R2 for TLR-4. It was concluded that in ovo B. subtilis, raffinose, and synbiotics positively affected growth performance, cecal microbiota, gut health, immune responses, and thus the sustainability of production in 21-day-old broilers.
The Influence of Comminuting Methods on the Structure, Morphology, and Calcium Release of Chicken Bones
Authors: Wang Ying , Feng Tao , Xia Qiang , Zhou Changyu , Cao Jinxuan
Published: May 2022

This work aimed at assessing the influence of comminuting methods, including colloid mill, planetary ball mill and dynamic high-pressure microfluidization on the chemical composition, particle properties, morphology and calcium release of chicken bone. The results showed that planetary ball mill and dynamic high-pressure microfluidization could reduce the particle size of bone powder, and the particle size of sample treated by dynamic high-pressure microfluidization reached 446 nm. Chicken bone particles were negatively charged, and the absolute value of zeta potential was significantly reduced after milling treatments. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicated that the planetary ball mill and dynamic high-pressure microfluidization processes presented no significant effect on the internal chemical structure of bone particles. Compared with the other groups, samples treated by dynamic high-pressure microfluidization released more calcium ions, which was related to the significant effects on surface calcium composition and reducing particle size. Therefore, dynamic high-pressure microfluidization has a great potential in the processing of bone-derived products, particularly for the design and development of bone-derived product with high calcium bioaccessibility.
Case Report: Afatinib Sensitivity in Rare EGFR E746_L747delinsIP Mutated LUAD With Peritoneal Metastases
Authors: Zhang Lili , Yang Lu , Sun Binxu , Deng Yixiao , Yang Jie , Wu Dongfang , Kong Fanming
Published: May 2022

Patients with non-small cell lung cancer harboring the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-sensitive mutations are known to benefit significantly from EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as erlotinib, gefitinib, icotinib, or afatinib. However, the efficacy of EGFR-TKIs against rare mutations has not yet been well investigated. Here, we report a female patient with advanced lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), carrying a rare mutation of EGFR Exon19 E746_L747delinsIP, who was administered first-generation EGFR-TKIs as the first-line treatment. The patient continued to progress slowly until peritoneal metastases have occurred. Subsequently, the patient was treated with anlotinib for 5 months until disease progression. Given the finding of the same EGFR rare mutation in peritoneal effusion without other EGFR-TKI resistance mutations, the patient received afatinib with a tremendous response. Our results may be of clinical relevance for patients with LUAD carrying this rare mutation, and these findings warrant further investigation.
Radiomics Nomogram in Assisting Lymphadenectomy Decisions by Predicting Lymph Node Metastasis in Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Liu Xue-Fei , Yan Bi-Cong , Li Ying , Ma Feng-Hua , Qiang Jin-Wei
Published: May 2022

Background

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is an important risk factor affecting treatment strategy and prognosis for endometrial cancer (EC) patients. A radiomics nomogram was established in assisting lymphadenectomy decisions preoperatively by predicting LNM status in early-stage EC patients.

Methods

A total of 707 retrospective clinical early-stage EC patients were enrolled and randomly divided into a training cohort and a test cohort. Radiomics features were extracted from MR imaging. Three models were built, including a guideline-recommended clinical model (grade 1-2 endometrioid tumors by dilatation and curettage and less than 50% myometrial invasion on MRI without cervical infiltration), a radiomics model (selected radiomics features), and a radiomics nomogram model (combing the selected radiomics features, myometrial invasion on MRI, and cancer antigen 125). The predictive performance of the three models was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC). The clinical decision curves, net reclassification index (NRI), and total integrated discrimination index (IDI) based on the total included patients to assess the clinical benefit of the clinical model and the radiomics nomogram were calculated.

Results

The predictive ability of the clinical model, the radiomics model, and the radiomics nomogram between LNM and non-LNM were 0.66 [95% CI: 0.55-0.77], 0.82 [95% CI: 0.74-0.90], and 0.85 [95% CI: 0.77-0.93] in the training cohort, and 0.67 [95% CI: 0.56-0.78], 0.81 [95% CI: 0.72-0.90], and 0.83 [95% CI: 0.74-0.92] in the test cohort, respectively. The decision curve analysis, NRI (1.06 [95% CI: 0.81-1.32]), and IDI (0.05 [95% CI: 0.03-0.07]) demonstrated the clinical usefulness of the radiomics nomogram.

Conclusions

The predictive radiomics nomogram could be conveniently used for individualized prediction of LNM and assisting lymphadenectomy decisions in early-stage EC patients.
Chondroitin Sulfates Control Invasiveness of the Basal-Like Breast Cancer Cell Line MDA-MB-231 Through ROR1
Authors: Nadanaka Satomi , Tamura Jun-ichi , Kitagawa Hiroshi
Published: May 2022

Extracellular and cell surface chondroitin sulfates (CSs) regulate cancer cell properties, including proliferation and invasion. Thus, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying their roles in cancer. Although we have shown that CS has an inherent ability to enhance the invasive activity of the human triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231, its molecular mechanism remains elusive. Here, we focused on receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) and dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 1 (DKK1). MDA-MB-231 cells express high levels of ROR1; their invasive potential depends on ROR1 signaling. Although accumulating evidence has demonstrated that ROR1 is associated with aggressive breast-cancer phenotypes, the whole picture of its biological function remains poorly understood. In this study, we examined whether CS controls ROR1 function. Surface plasmon resonance analysis indicated that CSs were bound to ROR1 in the presence of WNT5A. The invasive activity of MDA-MB-231 cells enhanced by CSs was completely suppressed by ROR1 knockdown. In addition, knockdown of the CS biosynthetic enzymes CHST11 and CHST15 inhibited invasive activity, even in the presence of ROR1. These results suggest that CS is required to induce an ROR1-dependent, aggressive MDA-MB-231 phenotype. ROR1 signaling in MDA-MB-231 cells activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), leading to increased invasive potential; moreover, exogenous CSs activated JNK. MDA-MB-231 cells express DKK1, a tumor suppressor factor that binds to CS, at high levels. Knockdown of DKK1 enhanced CS-stimulated tumor invasion activity of MDA-MB-231 cells, suggesting that DKK1 sequesters CS to block ROR1/JNK signaling. These results showed that CSs promotes cancer aggressiveness through the ROR1−JNK axis in MDA-MB-231 cells.
Differential Retinal Ganglion Cell Vulnerability, A Critical Clue for the Identification of Neuroprotective Genes in Glaucoma
Authors: Amin Dwarkesh , Kuwajima Takaaki
Published: May 2022

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the neurons in the retina which directly project to the brain and transmit visual information along the optic nerve. Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness, is characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and degeneration of the optic nerve, which is followed by RGC death. Currently, there are no clinical therapeutic drugs or molecular interventions that prevent RGC death outside of IOP reduction. In order to overcome these major barriers, an increased number of studies have utilized the following combined analytical methods: well-established rodent models of glaucoma including optic nerve injury models and transcriptomic gene expression profiling, resulting in the successful identification of molecules and signaling pathways relevant to RGC protection. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of pathological features in a variety of animal models of glaucoma and top differentially expressed genes (DEGs) depending on disease progression, RGC subtypes, retinal regions or animal species. By comparing top DEGs among those different transcriptome profiles, we discuss whether commonly listed DEGs could be defined as potential novel therapeutic targets in glaucoma, which will facilitate development of future therapeutic neuroprotective strategies for treatments of human patients in glaucoma.
Case Report: A Novel Intronic Mutation in AIFM1 Associated With Fatal Encephalomyopathy and Mitochondrial Disease in Infant
Authors: Peng Qi , Ma Keze , Wang Linsheng , Zhu Yinghua , Zhang Yaozhong , Rao Chunbao , Luo Dong , Jiang Zaixue , Lai Wei , Lu Huiling , Duan Chaohui , Zhou Zhongjun , Lu Xiaomei
Published: May 2022

Background

The AIFM1 gene is located on chromosome Xq26.1 and encodes a flavoprotein essential for nuclear disassembly in apoptotic cells. Mutations in this gene can cause variable clinical phenotypes, but genotype-phenotype correlations of AIFM1-related disorder have not yet been fully determined because of the clinical scarcity.

Case Presentation

We describe a 4-month-old infant with mitochondrial encephalopathy, carrying a novel intronic variant in AIFM1 (NM_004208.4: c.1164 + 5G > A). TA cloning of the complementary DNA (cDNA) and Sanger sequencing revealed the simultaneous presence of an aberrant transcript with exon 11 skipping (89 bp) and a normal transcript through analysis of mRNA extracted from the patient’s fibroblasts, which is consistent with direct RNA sequencing results.

Conclusion

We verified the pathogenic effect of the AIFM1 c.1164 + 5G > A splicing variant, which disturbed normal mRNA splicing. Our findings expand the mutation spectrum of AIFM1 and point out the necessity of intronic sequence analysis and the importance for integrative functional studies in the interpretation of sequence variants.
Bone-Targeted Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System: An Emerging Strategy for Bone-Related Disease
Authors: Chen Yulin , Wu Xianmin , Li Jiadong , Jiang Yingying , Xu Ke , Su Jiacan
Published: May 2022

Targeted delivery by either systemic or local targeting of therapeutics to the bone is an attractive treatment for various bone metabolism diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, osteosarcoma, osteomyelitis, etc. To overcome the limitations of direct drug delivery, the combination of bone-targeted agents with nanotechnology has the opportunity to provide a more effective therapeutic approach, where engineered nanoparticles cause the drug to accumulate in the bone, thereby improving efficacy and minimizing side effects. Here, we summarize the current advances in systemic or local bone-targeting approaches and nanosystem applications in bone diseases, which may provide new insights into nanocarrier-delivered drugs for the targeted treatment of bone diseases. We envision that novel drug delivery carriers developed based on nanotechnology will be a potential vehicle for the treatment of currently incurable bone diseases and are expected to be translated into clinical applications.
Morning Exercise Reduces Abdominal Fat and Blood Pressure in Women; Evening Exercise Increases Muscular Performance in Women and Lowers Blood Pressure in Men
Authors: Arciero Paul J. , Ives Stephen J. , Mohr Alex E. , Robinson Nathaniel , Escudero Daniela , Robinson Jake , Rose Kayla , Minicucci Olivia , O’Brien Gabriel , Curran Kathryn , Miller Vincent J. , He Feng , Norton Chelsea , Paul Maia , Sheridan Caitlin , Beard Sheriden , Centore Jessica , Dudar Monique , Ehnstrom Katy , Hoyte Dakembay , Mak Heather , Yarde Aaliyah
Published: May 2022

The ideal exercise time of day (ETOD) remains elusive regarding simultaneous effects on health and performance outcomes, especially in women.

Purpose: Given known sex differences in response to exercise training, this study quantified health and performance outcomes in separate cohorts of women and men adhering to different ETOD.

Methods: Thirty exercise-trained women (BMI = 24 ± 3 kg/m2; 42 ± 8 years) and twenty-six men (BMI = 25.5 ± 3 kg/m2; 45 ± 8 years) were randomized to multimodal ETOD in the morning (0600–0800 h, AM) or evening (1830–2030 h, PM) for 12 weeks and analyzed as separate cohorts. Baseline (week 0) and post (week 12) muscular strength (1-RM bench/leg press), endurance (sit-ups/push-ups) and power (squat jumps, SJ; bench throws, BT), body composition (iDXA; fat mass, FM; abdominal fat, Abfat), systolic/diastolic blood pressure (BP), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), profile of mood states (POMS), and dietary intake were assessed.

Results: Twenty-seven women and twenty men completed the 12-week intervention. No differences at baseline existed between groups (AM vs PM) for both women and men cohorts. In women, significant interactions (p < 0.05) existed for 1RM bench (8 ± 2 vs 12 ± 2, ∆kg), pushups (9 ± 1 vs 13 ± 2, ∆reps), BT (10 ± 6 vs 45 ± 28, ∆watts), SJ (135 ± 6 vs 39 ± 8, ∆watts), fat mass (−1.0 ± 0.2 vs −0.3 ± 0.2, ∆kg), Abfat (−2.6 ± 0.3 vs −0.9 ± 0.5, ∆kg), diastolic (−10 ± 1 vs−5 ± 5, ∆mmHg) and systolic (−12.5 ± 2.7 vs 2.3 ± 3, mmHg) BP, AM vs PM, respectively. In men, significant interactions (p < 0.05) existed for systolic BP (−3.5 ± 2.6 vs −14.9 ± 5.1, ∆mmHg), RER (−0.01 ± 0.01 vs −0.06 ± 0.01, ∆VCO2/VO2), and fatigue (−0.8 ± 2 vs −5.9 ± 2, ∆mm), AM vs PM, respectively. Macronutrient intake was similar among AM and PM groups.

Conclusion: Morning exercise (AM) reduced abdominal fat and blood pressure and evening exercise (PM) enhanced muscular performance in the women cohort. In the men cohort, PM increased fat oxidation and reduced systolic BP and fatigue. Thus, ETOD may be important to optimize individual exercise-induced health and performance outcomes in physically active individuals and may be independent of macronutrient intake.
Candidate Chemosensory Genes Identified in the Adult Antennae of Sympiezomias velatus and Binding Property of Odorant-Binding Protein 15
Authors: Li Xiao , Li Jian-Wen , Sun Wen-Xiu , Li Wei , Gao Hua-Yuan , Liu Tong-Xian , Qu Ming-Jing
Published: May 2022

Chemosensory genes play important roles in insect behaviors and have thus become potential molecular targets for pest control based on the manipulation of chemoreception-driven behaviors. The great gray weevil Sympiezomias velatus (Chevrolat) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an important agricultural pest that causes serious economic losses to many crops in China, but its chemosensory genes have not been reported. Here we assembled the antennal transcriptomes of female and male adult S. velatus and revealed the major chemosensory genes necessary for olfaction. A total of 138 candidate chemosensory genes in six families were identified, including 41 encoding odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), 11 encoding chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 62 encoding odorant receptors (ORs), 15 encoding gustatory receptors (GRs), six encoding ionotropic receptors (IRs), and three encoding sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs). We analyzed their phylogenetic relationship based on the amino acid sequences of these chemosensory-related protein families in S. velatus and other insects, and the expression profiles based on their antennal transcriptomes. Chemosensory genes that show antenna-abundant/specific or sex-biased expression were observed, suggesting that these genes might have functions in olfaction. Furthermore, we chose an antenna-abundant OBP belonging to ABPX subfamily, SvelOBP15, to investigate its binding property. The results showed that among 33 tested compounds, SvelOBP15 displayed high binding affinities (Ki = 7.36–12.94 μmol/L) with farnesol, nerolidol, limonene and diisobutyl phthalate, indicating that SvelOBP15 plays olfactory roles by binding and transporting specific plant volatiles. These findings will help us better understand the olfactory systems of S. velatus, and provide a basis for functional elucidation of these chemosensory genes.
Pup1 QTL Regulates Gene Expression Through Epigenetic Modification of DNA Under Phosphate Starvation Stress in Rice
Authors: Kumar Suresh , Seem Karishma , Kumar Santosh , Vinod K. K. , Chinnusamy Viswanathan , Mohapatra Trilochan
Published: May 2022

Cytosine methylation, epigenetic DNA modification, is well known to regulate gene expression. Among the epigenetic modifications, 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) has been one of the extensively studied epigenetic changes responsible for regulating gene expression in animals and plants. Though a dramatic change in 5-mC content is observed at the genome level, the variation in gene expression is generally less than that it is expected. Only less is understood about the significance of 5-mC in gene regulation under P-starvation stress in plants. Using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing of a pair of rice [Pusa-44 and its near-isogenic line (NIL)-23 harboring Pup1 QTL] genotypes, we could decipher the role of Pup1 on DNA (de)methylation-mediated regulation of gene expression under P-starvation stress. We observed 13–15% of total cytosines to be methylated in the rice genome, which increased significantly under the stress. The number of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) for hypomethylation (6,068) was higher than those (5,279) for hypermethylated DMRs under the stress, particularly in root of NIL-23. Hypomethylation in CHH context caused upregulated expression of 489 genes in shoot and 382 genes in root of NIL-23 under the stress, wherein 387 genes in shoot and 240 genes in root were upregulated exclusively in NIL-23. Many of the genes for DNA methylation, a few for DNA demethylation, and RNA-directed DNA methylation were upregulated in root of NIL-23 under the stress. Methylation or demethylation of DNA in genic regions differentially affected gene expression. Correlation analysis for the distribution of DMRs and gene expression indicated the regulation of gene mainly through (de)methylation of promoter. Many of the P-responsive genes were hypomethylated or upregulated in roots of NIL-23 under the stress. Hypermethylation of gene body in CG, CHG, and CHH contexts caused up- or downregulated expression of transcription factors (TFs), P transporters, phosphoesterases, retrotransposon proteins, and other proteins. Our integrated transcriptome and methylome analyses revealed an important role of the Pup1 QTL in epigenetic regulation of the genes for transporters, TFs, phosphatases, carbohydrate metabolism, hormone-signaling, and chromatin architecture or epigenetic modifications in P-starvation tolerance. This provides insights into the molecular function of Pup1 in modulating gene expression through DNA (de)methylation, which might be useful in improving P-use efficiency or productivity of rice in P-deficient soil.
Ultra-Low Oxygen and Preconditioning Storage Regulate Ethylene Synthesis to Prevent Corky Disorders in ‘Fuji’ Apple
Authors: Riaño Camila , Ribba Tomás , Marchant Juan I. , O’Brien José A. , Contreras Carolina , Zoffoli Juan P.
Published: May 2022

Corky disorders in apples represent a significant problem for long-term storage where controlled atmosphere (CA) is mainly used. Ultra-low oxygen (ULO) is an alternative to CA, which consists of low partial pressure of O2 to maintain a low metabolism in the apple fruit, achieving an effective decrease in the ethylene production and physiological disorders. The aim of this research was to study the effectiveness of a short hypoxia period on the development of cork physiological disorders during the storage of apple. ‘Fuji’ apples were prestored under ULO (0.5 kPa O2) for two periods of time (15 and 30 days) and at two temperatures (0 or 5°C). Corky physiological disorders increased at 5°C prestorage temperature; however, ULO treatments for 15 or 30 days at 0 or 5°C achieved a significant reduction in corky disorders near to 1%, compared with control treatments. In addition, a considerable reduction in ethylene production for up to 30 days was observed in ULO-treated fruit at 0 and 5°C. ULO for 30 days at 0 and 5°C increased the internal production of ethanol and acetaldehyde, causing a lower sensory quality due to the presence of fermentative flavors in fruit stored at 5°C. ULO of 15 days of conditioning decreased the relative expression of ethylene biosynthesis genes MdACS1 and MdACO1, resulting in lower ethylene production.
Islands Apart: Explaining the Chinese Experience in the Philippines
Authors: Masucol Ethan , Jap Jangai , Liu Amy H.
Published: May 2022

What explains the general absence of disdain against the Chinese Filipino community in the Philippines? One common answer focuses on the high rates of intermarriage—a legacy of Spanish colonialism. Yet, this explanation ignores how the Chinese were explicitly targeted—culturally during the American occupation and economically in the aftermath of independence. Moreover, it runs against theoretical expectations that when there are national security threats, there is a domestic backlash in the threatened state against the diaspora from the aggressor state. Simply put, we should observe rising discrimination against the Chinese-Filipinos given escalating maritime disputes between Manila and Beijing in the West Philippine Sea. Yet we do not. In this paper, we argue current patterns of minimal discrimination is the product of government–tempered nationalism. Despite the territorial conflicts, the Duterte administration has gone to great lengths to highlight the positive economic aspects between the two countries. To test this argument, we employ an original survey data, scrape speeches by government officials, and conduct interviews with local officials and business leaders.
Sex Differences in Depression and Anxiety Symptoms: Measurement Invariance, Prevalence, and Symptom Heterogeneity Among University Students in South Africa
Authors: Tadi N. Florence , Pillay Kaylene , Ejoke Ufuoma P. , Khumalo Itumeleng P.
Published: May 2022

Adequate measurement is an essential component of the assessment of mental health disorders and symptoms such as depression and anxiety. The present study investigated sex-specific differences in the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). This comprehensive cross-sectional design study pursued four objectives: measurement invariance of PHQ-9 and GAD-7 between male and female; depression and anxiety prevalence differences; cross-sex differences in the relationship between depression and anxiety; and a comparison of symptom heterogeneity. A sample of 1966 (male = 592; female = 1374; mean age = 21 years) students from South Africa completed the PHQ-9 and the GAD-7. Data analyses for measurement invariance, latent class analysis, inter-variable correlations and group comparisons were conducted in Mplus. The two-dimensional PHQ-9 achieved scalar invariance, while the GAD-7 yielded metric invariance. The somatic and non-somatic latent dimensions of depression were compared and showed no significant difference between male and female groups. The positive relationship between depression and anxiety was also not significantly different between the two groups. While the PHQ-9 symptoms formed three classes in the male group, and four classes in the female group, the GAD-7 had the same number of classes (three) and a similar pattern between the two groups. These findings hold implications for the measurement, assessment and understanding of symptom manifestation and distribution, as well as the treatment of depression and anxiety in South Africa.
Effect of DL-Methylephedrine on Dopamine Transporter Using Positron Emission Tomography With [18F]FE-PE2I
Authors: Nogami Tsuyoshi , Arakawa Ryosuke , Sakayori Takeshi , Ikeda Yumiko , Okubo Yoshiro , Tateno Amane
Published: May 2022

Rationale

Since ephedrine has a dopamine transporter (DAT) inhibitory effect similar to amphetamine, dl-methylephedrine, a derivative of ephedrine, is considered to have the characteristics of a central nervous system stimulant due to the DAT inhibitory effect. For example, the World Anti-Doping Agency categorizes dl-methylephedrine as a stimulant in the prohibited list for competitions. Assuming to have the same effect as ephedrine, the urinary concentration of dl-methylephedrine is regulated below 10 μg/mL, as is ephedrine. However, the extent to which dl-methylephedrine affects brain function is not yet fully understood.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate DAT occupancy by a single oral administration of a daily dose of dl-methylephedrine using positron emission tomography (PET) with [18F]FE-PE2I to characterize its stimulatory effect on the central nervous system.

Methods

Nine healthy male volunteers were enrolled in the study. The experiments were designed as a placebo-controlled randomized double-blind crossover comparative study. After the first PET scan in a drug-free state, the second and third PET scans were performed with randomized dosing at 60 mg of dl-methylephedrine or placebo. The plasma and urine concentrations of dl-methylephedrine were measured just before and after the PET scans, respectively.

Results

Mean urine and plasma concentrations of dl-methylephedrine were 13.9 μg/mL and 215.2 ng/mL, respectively. Mean DAT occupancy in the caudate was 4.4% for dl-methylephedrine and 1.2% for placebo. Mean DAT occupancy in the putamen was 3.6% for dl-methylephedrine and 0.5% for placebo. There was no significant difference of DAT occupancies between the groups.

Conclusion

In this study, the urinary concentration of dl-methylephedrine (13.9 μg/mL) was higher than the prohibited reference value (10.0 μg/mL), and there was no significant difference in DAT occupancy between dl-methylephedrine and placebo. These findings suggest that a clinical daily dose of dl-methylephedrine may exceed the doping regulation value according to urine concentration; however, it was considered that at least the central excitatory effect mediated by DAT inhibition was not observed at the daily dose of dl-methylephedrine.
Latent Profile Analysis of Positive Solitude During the Recurrent Outbreak of COVID-19
Authors: Yu Zhijun , Ye Baojuan , Hu Yong , Yang Qiang
Published: May 2022

The current study aimed to identify latent profiles of positive solitude during the recurrent outbreak of COVID-19 among Chinese adults. A total of 902 adults from China completed the questionnaires. We found five different profiles of positive solitude: low positive solitude group, medium-low positive solitude group, quietness positive solitude group, medium-high positive solitude group, and high positive solitude group. Positive and negative affect were significantly different from the five profiles. In addition, gender had different effects on different positive solitude profiles. The results of the study provide a new perspective to understand the positive solitude of Chinese adults during the recurrent outbreak of COVID-19 by using the people-centered approach.
Predictive Nomogram for Clinical Prognosis in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy With Intramedullary T2-Weighted Increased Signal Intensity: A Novel Digital Tool for Patient Prognosis Education
Authors: Wang Jie , Li Haopeng , Yang Baohui
Published: May 2022

Aims

To establish a predictive nomogram for clinical prognosis in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) with intramedullary T2-weighted increased signal intensity (ISI).

Methods

The clinical data of 680 patients with CSM with intramedullary T2-weighted ISI were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into the modeling group (476) and the validation group (204) by using a random number table at a ratio of 7:3. The independent prognostic factors were screened using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The factors were subsequently incorporated into the establishment of the predictive nomogram. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was undertaken to estimate the discrimination of the predictive nomogram. The calibration curve and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test were used to assess the calibration of the predictive nomogram. The clinical usefulness of the predictive nomogram was evaluated by decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

Based on the pre-operative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, maximal canal compromise (MCC), and maximal spinal cord compression (MSCC), we established a predictive nomogram. The AUCs in the modeling group and validation group were 0.892 (95% CI: 0.861~0.924) and 0.885 (95% CI: 0.835~0.936), respectively, suggesting good discrimination of the nomogram. Calibration curves showed a favorable consistency between the predicted probability and the actual probability. In addition, the values of P of the Hosmer-Lemeshow were 0.253 and 0.184, respectively, suggesting good calibration of the nomogram. DCA demonstrated that the nomogram had good clinical usefulness.

Conclusion

We established and validated a predictive nomogram for the clinical prognosis in CSM with intramedullary T2-weighted ISI. This predictive nomogram could help clinicians and patients identify high-risk patients and educate them about prognosis, thereby improving the prognosis of high-risk patients.
Visual Rewards From Observation for Sequential Tasks: Autonomous Pile Loading
Authors: Strokina Nataliya , Yang Wenyan , Pajarinen Joni , Serbenyuk Nikolay , Kämäräinen Joni , Ghabcheloo Reza
Published: May 2022

One of the key challenges in implementing reinforcement learning methods for real-world robotic applications is the design of a suitable reward function. In field robotics, the absence of abundant datasets, limited training time, and high variation of environmental conditions complicate the task further. In this paper, we review reward learning techniques together with visual representations commonly used in current state-of-the-art works in robotics. We investigate a practical approach proposed in prior work to associate the reward with the stage of the progress in task completion based on visual observation. This approach was demonstrated in controlled laboratory conditions. We study its potential for a real-scale field application, autonomous pile loading, tested outdoors in three seasons: summer, autumn, and winter. In our framework, the cumulative reward combines the predictions about the process stage and the task completion (terminal stage). We use supervised classification methods to train prediction models and investigate the most common state-of-the-art visual representations. We use task-specific contrastive features for terminal stage prediction.
Modeling and Simulation of Robotic Grasping in Simulink Through Simscape Multibody
Authors: Pozzi Maria , Achilli Gabriele Maria , Valigi Maria Cristina , Malvezzi Monica
Published: May 2022

Grasping and dexterous manipulation remain fundamental challenges in robotics, above all when performed with multifingered robotic hands. Having simulation tools to design and test grasp and manipulation control strategies is paramount to get functional robotic manipulation systems. In this paper, we present a framework for modeling and simulating grasps in the Simulink environment, by connecting SynGrasp, a well established MATLAB toolbox for grasp simulation and analysis, and Simscape Multibody, a Simulink Library allowing the simulation of physical systems. The proposed approach can be used to simulate the grasp dynamics in Simscape, and then analyse the obtained grasps in SynGrasp. The devised functions and blocks can be easily customized to simulate different hands and objects.
Virtual Reality and Productivity in Knowledge Workers
Authors: Aufegger Lisa , Elliott-Deflo Natasha
Published: May 2022

Productivity has a significant impact on success and monetary wellbeing of every organisation. Over the past few years, the substantial developments of digital technologies have encouraged a shift in the way we work and produce, from an office-based environment to “virtual work”. However, very little is known as to how virtual work and productivity can be supported by virtual reality (VR). We conducted two studies to extend previous productivity research in relation to VR: Study one examined the routes that connect the organisational context with the individual productivity position through the lens of remote working and distributed collaboration; Study two explored the nature of and connections between productivity in individuals and teams working in VR. Based on the findings we explored how the future of VR could enact in knowledge workers’ daily productivity. This was done by developing a VR productivity framework that represents physical, environmental, cognitive, and behavioural needs to ensure productivity and organisational growth. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Performance Modeling and Simulation for Wastewater Collection Networks
Authors: Ganjidoost Amin , Knight Mark A. , Unger Andre J. A. , Haas Carl T.
Published: May 2022

This study develops a framework for asset management strategy of wastewater collection networks comprised of three interconnected decision-making layers: (1) Visions & Values, (2) Function, and (3) Performance, which are set according to the established concepts of strategic targets, policy levers, sustainability and life cycle. The asset management strategy framework is implemented and validated through demonstration of functionality and value by using the wastewater collection networks of three utilities in Ontario, Canada, to drive management simulations. A borrowing management strategy is used to benchmark the utilities against each other in terms of infrastructure, sociopolitical, and financial performance over a 100-year benchmarking period. It is found that a borrowing management strategy can enable the utility to accelerate their capital works, reduce the volume of inflow and infiltration and their associated expenses and sustainably meet their strategic targets over the life cycle of the assets. Using contour plots, the impact of maximum debt capacity on two infrastructure and financial benchmarking performance indicators is also investigated to explore the “optimal” combination of allowable fee hikes and preferred rehabilitation rates. Furthermore, using a borrowing management strategy, a business case for asset management of wastewater collection networks is developed to explore the “optimal” combination of allowable fee-hike and rehabilitation rates, using a developed inflow and infiltration expenditures (I&IEx) saving ratio contour plots. The results indicate that a borrowing management strategy competes as long as the combinations of allowable fee-hike and preferred rehabilitation rates lead to a positive value of I&IEx saving ratio.
Looking Inside the Human Body Using Radioactive Atoms
Authors: O’Malley M. Grace , Inkster James A. H.
Published: May 2022

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a method for taking pictures of a disease inside of a sick person’s body, without having to cut them open. In PET imaging, a radioactive chemical called a radiotracer is injected into a patient. All radiotracers have two main parts: a part that targets the disease, and an unstable atom (radioisotope) that emits positive electrons (positrons) as it breaks down (decays). When a positron crashes into an electron, both are destroyed, and two particles of light emerge. Doctors can detect these radioactive signals and use them to create a 3D image of where the tracer (and the disease) is in the body. This article describes PET and PET radioisotopes in greater detail. We focus on fluorine-18, a radioisotope that makes up the “signaling part” of many important PET radiotracers.
Beneficial Effects of Spore-Forming Bacillus Probiotic Bacteria Isolated From Poultry Microbiota on Broilers' Health, Growth Performance, and Immune System
Authors: Mazanko Maria S. , Popov Igor V. , Prazdnova Evgeniya V. , Refeld Aleksandr G. , Bren Anzhelica B. , Zelenkova Galina A. , Chistyakov Vladimir A. , Algburi Ammar , Weeks Richard M. , Ermakov Alexey M. , Chikindas Michael L.
Published: May 2022

Probiotics are known for their beneficial effects on poultry health and wellbeing. One promising strategy for discovering Bacillus probiotics is selecting strains from the microbiota of healthy chickens and subsequent screening for potential biological activity. In this study, we focused on three probiotic strains isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of chickens bred in different housing types. In addition to the previously reported poultry probiotic Bacillus subtilis KATMIRA1933, three strains with antimutagenic and antioxidant properties Bacillus subtilis KB16, Bacillus subtilis KB41, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens KB54, were investigated. Their potential effects on broiler health, growth performance, and the immune system were evaluated in vivo. Two hundred newly hatched Cobb500 broiler chickens were randomly divided into five groups (n = 40). Four groups received a standard diet supplemented with the studied bacilli for 42 days, and one group with no supplements was used as a control. Our data showed that all probiotics except Bacillus subtilis KATMIRA1933 colonized the intestines. Treatment with Bacillus subtilis KB54 showed a significant improvement in growth performance compared to other treated groups. When Bacillus subtilis KB41 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens KB54 were applied, the most significant immune modulation was noticed through the promotion of IL-6 and IL-10. We concluded that Bacillus subtilis KB54 supplementation had the largest positive impact on broilers' health and growth performance.
Continuous Endogenous Exhaled CO Monitoring by Laser Spectrometer in Human EVLP Before Lung Transplantation
Authors: Brenckmann Vivien , Briot Raphael , Ventrillard Irène , Romanini Daniele , Barbado Maud , Jaulin Kevin , Trocme Candice , De Wolf Julien , Glorion Matthieu , Sage Édouard
Published: May 2022

Endogenous production of carbon monoxide (CO) is affected by inflammatory phenomena and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Precise measurement of exhaled endogenous CO (eCO) is possible thanks to a laser spectrometer (ProCeas® from AP2E company). We assessed eCO levels of human lung grafts during the normothermic Ex-Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP). ProCeas® was connected in bypass to the ventilation circuit. The surgical team took the decision to transplant the lungs without knowing eCO values. We compared eCO between accepted and rejected grafts. EVLP parameters and recipient outcomes were also compared with eCO values. Over 7 months, eCO was analyzed in 21 consecutive EVLP grafts. Two pairs of lungs were rejected by the surgical team. In these two cases, there was a tendency for higher eCO values (0.358 ± 0.52 ppm) compared to transplanted lungs (0.240 ± 0.76 ppm). During the EVLP procedure, eCO was correlated with glucose consumption and lactate production. However, there was no association of eCO neither with edema formation nor with the PO2/FiO2 ratio per EVLP. Regarding post-operative data, every patient transplanted with grafts exhaling high eCO levels (>0.235 ppm) during EVLP presented a Primary Graft Dysfunction score of 3 within the 72 h post-transplantation. There was also a tendency for a longer stay in ICU for recipients with grafts exhaling high eCO levels during EVLP. eCO can be continuously monitored during EVLP. It could serve as an additional and early marker in the evaluation of the lung grafts providing relevant information for post-operative resuscitation care.
Mitigation Strategies for Human–Tibetan Brown Bear (Ursus arctos pruinosus) Conflicts in the Hinterland of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Dai Yunchuan , Li Yi , Xue Yadong , Hacker Charlotte E. , Li Chunyan , Zahoor Babar , Liu Yang , Li Diqiang , Li Dayong
Published: May 2022

Personal injury and property damage caused by wildlife can worsen the relationship between humans and wildlife. In recent years, conflicts between herders and Tibetan brown bears (Ursus arctos pruinosus) (human–bear conflicts; HBCs) on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau have increased dramatically, severely affecting community motivation for the conservation of brown bears and other species. Understanding the types, effectiveness, and flaws of current HBC mitigation measures is critical to develop effective strategies to alleviate HBC. From 2017 to 2019, we conducted a systematic field survey regarding HBCs on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. In addition, we invited bear specialists and multiple interest groups to hold an HBC seminar and proposed some potential mitigation strategies. We surveyed 312 families via semi-structured interviews and documented 16 types of HBC mitigation measures. A total of 96% of respondents were using more than two mitigation measures simultaneously. The effectiveness evaluation of HBC mitigation measures showed that: (1) removing food from winter homes while herders were at their summer pastures and asking people to keep watch of winter homes were effective at protecting food and houses; (2) traditional grazing methods (human guarding of livestock all day) and solar soundboxes (attached to livestock) were effective at protecting free-range livestock; (3) solar street lights had a deterrent effect on brown bears and were effective in protecting livestock, houses, and people; and (4) due to the unstable power supply of photovoltaic cells and improper installation of ground wires, electric fences were not ideal in practice. Evaluation of the potential mitigation measures at the seminar showed that upgrading electric fence technology, expanding electric fence pilot areas, installing diversionary feeders, and introducing bear spray were the most optimal solutions. This study provides a scientific basis for creating human–bear coexistence plans on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Laboratory Diagnosis and In Vitro Antifungal Susceptibility of Trichophyton quinckeanum from Human Zoonoses and Cats
Authors: Łagowski Dominik , Gnat Sebastian , Dyląg Mariusz , Nowakiewicz Aneta
Published: May 2022

The “One Health” concept increasingly demonstrates the global spread of pathogenic (also eukaryotic) microorganisms and their zoonotic potential. Dermatophytes can cause superficial mycoses in humans and animals. Furthermore, the number of transmissions from asymptomatic carriers to humans has been on the rise over the last few years. This study was focused on the detailed characterisation of clinical isolates of Trichophyton quinckeanum with epidemiological analyses and characterisation of their in vitro antifungal susceptibility patterns. The isolated dermatophytes were identified with a combination of conventional and molecular methods. In turn, their susceptibility in vitro was tested according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M38 ed.3 protocol. A total of 36 strains were isolated, with 21 cases of T. quinckeanum zoonoses resulting from direct contact with symptomatic cats (58.3%). The other 15 strains (41.7%) were isolated simultaneously from healthy cats and their owners. All strains showed high susceptibility to allylamine, pyridinone, and phenyl morpholine derivatives but were resistant to fluconazole and ketoconazole. In conclusion, our study shows the frequency of zoonoses contracted from asymptomatic cats. Moreover, the antifungal susceptibility profiles indicate the serious risk posed to animal owners by resistant strains of T. quinckeanum, which are often responsible for recalcitrant-to-treatment cases.
New Antimicrobial Options in the Clinical Practice of Infections Caused by Difficult-to-Treat Pathogens: A Global Opportunity for Public Health
Authors: Principe Luigi
Published: May 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious cause of concern for public health [...]
The Vascular Microenvironment in Glioblastoma: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Mosteiro Alejandra , Pedrosa Leire , Ferrés Abel , Diao Diouldé , Sierra Àngels , González José Juan
Published: May 2022

Glioblastoma multiforme, the deadliest primary brain tumor, is characterized by an excessive and aberrant neovascularization. The initial expectations raised by anti-angiogenic drugs were soon tempered due to their limited efficacy in improving the overall survival. Intrinsic resistance and escape mechanisms against anti-VEGF therapies evidenced that tumor angiogenesis is an intricate multifaceted phenomenon and that vessels not only support the tumor but exert indispensable interactions for resistance and spreading. This holistic review covers the essentials of the vascular microenvironment of glioblastoma, including the perivascular niche components, the vascular generation patterns and the implicated signaling pathways, the endothelial–tumor interrelation, and the interconnection between vessel aberrancies and immune disarrangement. The revised concepts provide novel insights into the preclinical models and the potential explanations for the failure of conventional anti-angiogenic therapies, leading to an era of new and combined anti-angiogenic-based approaches.