bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between type 1 diabetes mellitus and ankylosing spondylitis: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Ju , Qi Jiaping , Li Yixuan , Wang Jing , Jiang Huan , Sun Qiong , Gu Qinchen , Ying Zhenhua
Published: December 2023

Objective

The development of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is closely related to autoimmune system dysfunction. Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease that is a risk factor for many diseases. This study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between T1DM mellitus and AS genetically.

Methods

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) of causal relationships between exposure (T1DM) and outcome (AS) was performed using summary data from the GWAS database. We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study of these two diseases. Inverse variance weighting (IVW) was used as the primary analysis method, with MR Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode used as supplementary methods. Sensitivity analyses were performed using Cochran’s Q test, MR-Egger intercept, MR-Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and outlier methods, leave-one-out analysis, and funnel plots.

Results

A total of 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)were identified for instrumental variables(IVs) for MR analysis.IVW found that T1DM was causally associated with AS ((IVW: OR = 1.0006 (95% CI 1.0001, 1.0011), p = 0.0057; MR-Egger: OR = 1.0003 (95% CI 0.9995, 1.0012), p = 0.4147; weighted median: OR = 1.0006 (95% CI 1.0003, 1.0008), p = 0.0001; weighted mode: OR = 1.0007 (95% CI 1.0005, 1.0009), p = 0.0001). No horizontal pleiotropy was found for the MR-Egger intercept, and leave -one-out analysis found that the results remained stable after the removal of individual SNPs.

Conclusion

The results of the two-sample MR analysis supported a causal relationship between T1DM and AS risk.
Associations of the circulating levels of cytokines with risk of ankylosing spondylitis: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ye Yang , Wang Chuan-en , Zhong Rui , Xiong Xiao-ming
Published: December 2023

Background

Observational studies have shown that changes in circulating cytokine/growth factor levels occur throughout the initiation and progression of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), yet whether they are etiologic or downstream effects remains unclear. In this study, we performed a summarized-level bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to shed light on the causal relationship between the two.

Methods

Genetic instrumental-variables (IVs) associated with circulating cytokine/growth factor levels were derived from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 8,293 European individuals, whereas summary data for the AS were obtained from a FinnGen GWAS of 166,144 participants. We used the inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) method as the main analysis for causal inference. Furthermore, several sensitivity analyses (MR-Egger, weighted median, MR-PRESSO and Cochran’s Q test) were utilized to examine the robustness of the results. Finally, reverse MR analysis was performed to assess reverse causality between AS and circulating cytokine/growth factor levels.

Results

After Bonferroni correction, circulating levels of Cutaneous T-cell attracting (CTACK) and Monocyte specific chemokine 3 (MCP-3) were positively associated with a higher risk of AS (odds ratio [OR]: 1.224, 95% confidence interval [95% Cl]: 1.022 ~ 1.468, P = 0.028; OR: 1.250, 95% Cl: 1.016 ~ 1.539, P = 0.035). In addition, elevated circulating levels of Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-basic), Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and MCP-3 was considered a consequence of AS disease (β = 0.023, P = 0.017; β = 0.017, P = 0.025; β = 0.053, P = 0.025). The results of the sensitivity analysis were generally consistent.

Conclusion

The present study supplies genetic evidence for the relationship between circulating cytokine levels and AS. Targeted interventions of specific cytokines may help to reduce the risk of AS initiation and progression.
Role of gut microbiota and inflammatory factors in acute respiratory distress syndrome: a Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Ma Jiawei , Zhu Zigang , Yishajiang Yisikandeer , Alarjani Khaloud Mohammed , Hong Lei , Luo Liang
Published: December 2023

Background

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious lung ailment marked by significant inflammation and damage in the alveoli and capillaries of the lungs. Recent research suggests a strong correlation between the onset and advancement of ARDS and an imbalance in the gut microbiota (GM).

Methods

In this investigation, Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was utilized, drawing on data from publicly accessible genome-wide association studies. The primary focus was on examining the interplay between GM, inflammatory factors (IFs) and ARDS. Instrumental variables were established through genetic modifications of GM and IFs. Various statistical analysis methods including the inverse-variance weighted model, MR-Egger method and Wald ratio test were applied for comprehensive data analysis.

Results

Eight bacterial taxa within the GM demonstrated a potential causal link with development of ARDS. Notably, the phylum Actinobacteria and the genus Intestinibacter exhibited a negative association with the risk of ARDS. However, Erysipelotrichales (id. 2,148), Victivallis (id. 2,256), Ruminococcaceae UCG014 (id. 11,371), Eubacterium ruminantium group (id. 11,340), Erysipelotrichaceae (id. 2,149) and Erysipelotrichia (id. 2,147) demonstrated a positive association with ARDS risk. Additionally, the study identified a potential causal relationship between the inflammatory factors interleukin-16 and C-C motif chemokine 3 with the occurrence of ARDS.

Conclusion

This study strongly suggests that the interaction between gut microbiota (GM) and inflammatory factors (IFs) significantly contributes to the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This underscores their crucial involvement in both the initiation and advancement of this severe lung disorder.
Effect of decreased platelets on postoperative recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma
Authors: Yagi Kenji , Matsubara Maoki , Kanda Eiichiro , Minami Yukari , Hishikawa Tomohito
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is commonly treated using simple burr hole surgery. However, postoperative recurrence occurs at a relatively high rate of 10–20%. A decrease in platelet count (PC) may be associated with recurrence via a hemostasis disorder; however, this association has not been well-studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between PC and postoperative CSDH recurrence.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the data for CSDHs in 488 cerebral hemispheres of 431 patients who underwent burr hole surgery at our institution between January 2013 and December 2022. The association between preoperative PC and postoperative CSDH recurrence was investigated. We used the first quartile of PC, PC < 170 × 103/μL to define a threshold for decreased PC.

Results

In total, 459 cerebral hemispheres with CSDHs in 405 patients were followed up postoperatively for at least 3 months or until CSDH disappeared. CSDH recurred in 39 (8.5%) cerebral hemispheres. The recurrence rate was gradually increased in parallel with a decreasing PC. Among 109 CSDHs with a decreased PC (<170 × 103/μL), 15 (13.8%) recurred, whereas only 24 (6.9%) of 350 CSDHs without a decreased PC recurred (p = 0.03). In univariable logistic analysis, eosinophil-rich blood (≥100/μL eosinophils in peripheral blood) and a decreased PC were significant risk factors. Multivariable analysis showed that eosinophil-rich blood (adjusted odds ratio, 2.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.26–4.99; p = 0.009) and a decreased PC (adjusted odds ratio, 2.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–4.35; p = 0.03) were independent risk factors for recurrence.

Conclusion

Our study showed that a decrease in PC was associated with postoperative CSDH recurrence. Patients with CSDH and a decreased PC require careful postoperative follow-up.
The profiles and clinical significance of extraocular muscle-expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in oculomotor nerve palsy
Authors: Wu Lianqun , Shi Mingsu , Liang Yu , Huang Jiaqiu , Xia Weiyi , Bian Hewei , Zhuo Qiao , Zhao Chen
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) arises from primary abnormalities in the central neural pathways that control the extraocular muscles (EOMs). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to be involved in the pathogenesis of various neuroparalytic diseases. However, little is known about the role of lncRNAs in ONP.

Methods

We collected medial rectus muscle tissue from ONP and constant exotropia (CXT) patients during strabismus surgeries for RNA sequencing analysis. Differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs were revealed and included in the functional enrichment analysis. Co-expression analysis was conducted between these differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs, followed by target gene prediction of differentially expressed lncRNAs. In addition, lncRNA-microRNA and lncRNA-transcription factor-mRNA interaction networks were constructed to further elaborate the pathological changes in medial rectus muscle of ONP. Furthermore, RT-qPCR was applied to further validate the expression levels of important lncRNAs and mRNAs, whose clinical significance was examined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

A total of 618 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 322 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified. The up-regulated mRNAs were significantly related to cholinergic synaptic transmission (such as CHRM3 and CHRND) and the components and metabolism of extracellular matrix (such as CHI3L1 and COL19A1), while the down-regulated mRNAs were significantly correlated with the composition (such as MYH7 and MYL3) and contraction force (such as MYH7 and TNNT1) of muscle fibers. Co-expression analysis and target gene prediction revealed the strong correlation between MYH7 and NR_126491.1 as well as MYOD1 and ENST00000524479. Moreover, the differential expressions of lncRNAs (XR_001739409.1, NR_024160.1 and XR_001738373.1) and mRNAs (CDKN1A, MYOG, MYOD1, MYBPH, TMEM64, STATH, and MYL3) were validated by RT-qPCR. ROC curve analysis showed that lncRNAs (XR_001739409.1, NR_024160.1, and NR_002766.2) and mRNAs (CDKN1A, MYOG, MYOD1, MYBPH, TMEM64, and STATH) might be promising biomarkers of ONP.

Conclusions

These results may shed light on the molecular biology of EOMs of ONP, as well as the possible correlation of lncRNAs and mRNAs with clinical practice.
Access and efficacy of university mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Wagner Beverly , Snoubar Yaser , Mahdi Yousif S.
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study sought to understand the mental health issues, mental health support and efficacy of that support among university students.

Participants

All students enrolled in a College of Arts and Sciences at one mid-size university received an email that contained a link to an anonymous, online questionnaire developed and disseminated through PsychData. 162 students completed the questionnaire.

Methods

Mixed methods: Data was summarized using descriptive analysis, testing for significance, testing for differences, and content analysis.

Results

Participants reported high levels of anxiety (76%) and depression (65%). Results indicated that participant demographics were associated with types of mental access, and support. Unexpected results included lack of knowledge or information on cost, and how to access mental health services hindered access for participants, and although telehealth was the most widely used support, in contrast to other studies, participants indicated a preference for face-to-face mental health services.

Conclusion

Results highlight the need for improving communication about and access to mental health services in higher education Recommendations and implications for policy and support services are provided.
Focusing on antimicrobial resistant infections –are we missing the forest for the trees and the patients for pathogens?
Authors: Lawandi Alexander , Kadri Sameer S. , Powers John H.
Published: December 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a challenge because it is associated with worse patient outcomes. To solve the problem will take development of interventions and policies which improve patient outcomes by prolonging survival, improving patient symptoms, function and quality of life. Logically, we should look to focusing resources in areas that would have the greatest impact on public health. AMR takes the approach of focusing on individual pathogens and “pathogen-focused” development. However, evaluating overall infections and their impact on patient outcomes reveals that 17 of 18 infection deaths are associated with susceptible pathogens. Here we discuss recentering on patients and patient outcomes instead of pathogens, and propose six suggestions on how a patient focus impacts areas and incentives for clinical research.
Vegetation Restoration Increases Soil Carbon Storage in Land Disturbed by a Photovoltaic Power Station in Semi-Arid Regions of Northern China
Authors: Zhao Wenjing , Zhao Jing , Liu Meiying , Gao Yong , Li Wenlong , Duan Haiwen
Published: December 2023

The photovoltaic industry is developing rapidly because of its renewable energy and other advantages. However, the installation of this infrastructure may affect soil, vegetation, and carbon dynamics, making it is necessary to carry out vegetation restoration work at a plant’s location in the later stages of its construction. For this reason, three types of artificial vegetation were selected (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica, Astragalus membra-naceus var. mongholicus and Medicago sativa) as research objects in an ecological photovoltaic power plant in Northern China, to study the changes in soil organic carbon storage (SOCS), carbon:nitrogen ratios (C:N) and C:phosphorus ratios (C:P) at different soil depths and for different vegetation types. Natural vegetation plots undisturbed by the construction of the power plant were used as a control. Seven years after revegetation, we found that the storage and content of soil organic carbon in all three artificial vegetation plots were notably lower compared to the control. Nevertheless, the soil’s organic carbon content for Medicago sativa plots increased was significantly higher by 1.2 g·kg−1 compared to Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica and A. membranaceus var. mongholicus plots, while organic carbon storage increased significantly by 3.55 t·ha and 7.15 t·ha. SOCS, C:N, and C:P concentrations in the 0–20 cm soil layer exhibited a significantly higher value in comparison to those of the 20–40 cm soil layer. As the soil depth increased, all the concentrations declined gradually. Vegetation type and soil depth, as well as their interaction, had a significant impact on soil carbon storage, C:N, and C:P. The study area was restricted by the availability of P. In general, vegetation restoration is a beneficial ecological practice for soil restoration at photovoltaic power stations. It is believed that planting alfalfa can accelerate the improvement of soil carbon with an extension of vegetation recovery time. In order to restore the balance of nutrients for plants, it is necessary to avoid human interference at the later stage, and to supplement phosphorus as soon as possible to minimize phosphorus limitation at the later stage of vegetation growth, which is of great importance to increasing the likelihood of success in reclaiming disturbed land.
Nanopore Amplicon Sequencing Allows Rapid Identification of Glutenin Allelic Variants in a Wheat Collection
Authors: Polkhovskaya Ekaterina , Gruzdev Ivan , Moskalev Evgeniy , Merkulov Pavel , Bolotina Anna , Soloviev Alexander , Kirov Ilya
Published: December 2023

Genetic variation in high molecular weight glutenin (HMW-GS) genes is tightly linked with the breadmaking quality of wheat. Hundreds of different alleles have been identified in HMW-GS genes worldwide. Such huge variability makes it difficult to distinguish them using conventional genotyping methods (for example, SDS-PAGE, SNP detection, etc.). Here, we exploited the nanopore amplicon sequencing technique (Amplicon-Seq) to uncover genetic variants distributed along the full-length sequence of six HMW-GSs, including the promoter and protein-coding regions. We analyzed 23 wheat accessions for allelic variants of HMW-GSs using the Amplicon-Seq and SDS-PAGE methods. We obtained sufficient (>50×) target gene coverage by ONT reads in just one hour. Using the obtained data, we identified numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms and InDels in the protein coding and promoter regions. Moreover, Amplicon-Seq allowed for the identification of new alleles (Glu-A1x1-T) of the Glu-1Ax gene that could not be recognized by SDS-PAGE. Collectively, our results showed that Amplicon-Seq is a rapid, multiplexed, and efficient method for high-throughput genotyping of full-length genes in large and complex genomes. This opens new avenues for the assessment of target gene variation to select novel alleles and create unique combinations of desirable traits in plant breeding programs.
Descriptive Statistics and Genome-Wide Copy Number Analysis of Milk Production Traits of Jiangsu Chinese Holstein Cows
Authors: Zhu Hao , Lu Xubin , Jiang Hui , Yang Zhangping , Xu Tianle
Published: December 2023

Milk production traits are the most important quantitative economic traits in dairy cow production; improving the yield and quality of milk is an important way to ensure the production efficiency of the dairy industry. This study carried out a series of in-depth statistical genetics studies and molecular analyses on the Chinese Holstein cows in the Jiangsu Province, such as descriptive statistics and copy number variation analysis. A genetic correlation, phenotypic correlation, and descriptive statistical analysis of five milk production traits (milk yield, milk fat percentage, milk fat yield, milk protein percentage, and milk protein yield) of the dairy cows were analyzed using the SPSS and DMU software. Through quality control, 4173 cows and their genomes were used for genomic study. Then, SNPs were detected using DNA chips, and a copy number variation (CNV) analysis was carried out to locate the quantitative trait loci (QTL) of the milk production traits by Perl program software Penn CNV and hidden Markov model (HMM). The phenotypic means of the milk yield, milk fat percentage, milk fat mass, milk protein percentage, and milk protein mass at the first trimester were lower than those at the other trimesters by 8.821%, 1.031%, 0.930%, 0.003%, and 0.826%, respectively. The five milk production traits showed a significant phenotypic positive correlation (p < 0.01) and a high genetic positive correlation among the three parities. Based on the GGPBovine 100 K SNP data, QTL-detecting research on the fist-parity milk performance of dairy cows was carried out via the CNV. We identified 1731 CNVs and 236 CNVRs in the 29 autosomes of 984 Holstein dairy cows, and 19 CNVRs were significantly associated with the milk production traits (p < 0.05). These CNVRs were analyzed via a bioinformatics analysis; a total of 13 gene ontology (GO) terms and 20 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were significantly enriched (p < 0.05), and these terms and pathways are mainly related to lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and cellular catabolic processes. This study provided a theoretical basis for the molecular-marker-assisted selection of dairy cows by developing descriptive statistics on the milk production traits of dairy cows and by locating the QTL and functional genes that affect the milk production traits of first-born dairy cows. The results describe the basic status of the milk production traits of the Chinese Holstein cows in Jiangsu and locate the QTL and functional genes that affect the milk production traits of the first-born cows, providing a theoretical basis for the molecular-marker-assisted selection of dairy cows.
Profitability Optimization of Dairy Farms: The Effect of Pregnancy Rate and Culling Decision
Authors: Tóth Violetta , Heinc Emília , Mikó Edit , Csendes Tibor , Bánhelyi Balázs
Published: December 2023

One of the most important decisions in dairy cattle production today is the correct choice of culling time for cows. In the culling decision process, the farmer has to take into account a number of factors, the complexity of which makes the decision-making task difficult. A crucial factor is the evolution of reproductive indicators. The aim of the research was to develop a microsimulation method that can be used to easily investigate the impact on profitability of increasing pregnancy rates and when the culling decision is made. In the microsimulation, the stock was examined without changing any other conditions. A microsimulation method has been developed to determine with high accuracy the effect of the pregnancy rate and the increase in culling days on the economic indicators of individual dairy farms. By microsimulation, the effect of changing these two parameters on the expected milk production of cows, the most important economic indicator for cattle farms, was investigated. The other parameters of economic importance were simulated using a cattle farm database. The purpose of microsimulation is to assist in producing certain managerial decisions in order to achieve better profitability and economic efficiency. In summary, the results showed that increasing the pregnancy rate can successfully reduce the length of the calving interval, but the improved pregnancy rate did not show a significant increase in milk production. In order to obtain results that can be used by farms, the authors intend to further develop the model in the future, adapting it to farms and taking into account their specificities.
Low Occurrence of Salmonella spp. in Wild Animals in Bahia, Brazil—Population Assessment and Characterization in the Caatinga and Atlantic Forest Biomes
Authors: Santos Eliege Jullia Eudoxia dos , Lopes Amanda Teixeira Sampaio , Fehlberg Hllytchaikra Ferraz , Rocha Josiane Moreira , Brito Júnior Pedro de Alcântara , Bernardes Fernanda Coelho Simas , Costa Thaise da Silva Oliveira , Guilherme Elisa Arcanjo , Vleeschouwer Kristel Myriam De , Oliveira Leonardo de Carvalho , Rosa Beatris Felipe , Amorim Beatricy Silva de , Filho Leildo Machado Carilo , Rios Elson Oliveira , Ferreira Suelen Sanches , Rodrigues Dália dos Prazeres , Albuquerque George Rêgo , Miranda Flávia Regina , Alvarez Martin Roberto Del Valle , Orrico Victor Goyannes Dill , Rezende Rachel Passos , Nogueira Selene Siqueira da Cunha , Pizauro Lucas Jose Luduverio , Maciel Bianca Mendes
Published: December 2023

Salmonella spp. are known to persist in the environment. Wild animals are believed to act as important reservoirs, with antimicrobial resistance frequently occurring in the environment. However, little is known about the role of the wildlife in Bahia as a reservoir for Salmonella in Brazil. This study aimed to isolate and characterize Salmonella spp. from wildlife in the Atlantic Forest and Caatinga biomes considering indicators such as the animal species, degree of anthropization, sampling area, and feeding habits. Convenience wildlife sampling and characterization were conducted, followed by microbiological and molecular identification of Salmonella isolates, serotyping, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. A total of 674 fecal samples were collected from 12 municipalities during 2015–2021, and 4 were positive for the following Salmonella species: Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Agona (n = 1), Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serogroup O:16 (n = 2), and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Muenchen (n = 1). Antimicrobial susceptibility analysis revealed that one isolate was resistant to six antibiotics, including extended-spectrum penicillins and beta-lactamase inhibitors. These results indicated a low frequency of Salmonella spp. in the sampled forest fragments. The presence of Salmonella in wild animals increases the risk to public health and biodiversity and indicates that they can act as sentinels of environmental contamination or indicators of preservation.
Silica–Calcite Sedimentary Rock (Opoka) Enhances the Immunological Status and Improves the Growth Rate in Broilers Exposed to Ochratoxin A in Feed
Authors: Makarski Mateusz , Piotrowska Klara , Żbikowski Artur , Pawłowski Karol , Rygało-Galewska Anna , Szmidt Maciej , Łozicki Andrzej , Niemiec Tomasz
Published: December 2023

Mycotoxins, such as Ochratoxin A (OTA), originating from fungi like Aspergillus and Penicillium, represent serious health hazards to poultry. The use of mycotoxin-adsorbing feed additives can reduce these risks. Opoka, a porous transitional rock, shows promise as one of these additives. This study is the first to examine the effect of Opoka administered with OTA on zootechnical parameters and the immune response of chickens. A 42-day investigation examined the impact of 1% of Opoka supplementation in feed on OTA-challenged broiler chickens. Seventy-two chickens were allocated into three groups of twenty-four individuals each: a control group, an OTA-exposed (2 mg/kg feed) group, and an OTA (2 mg/kg feed) plus 1% of Opoka group. Growth and blood parameters were monitored at predetermined intervals, and comprehensive biochemical, hematological, and cytometric analyses were conducted. The study showed that OTA exposure had a negative impact on chicken weight gain. However, adding Opoka to the diet improved weight gain, indicating its potential as a protective agent. Chickens fed with Opoka also had an increased white blood cell count, which suggests an improved immune response and elevated glucose and cholesterol concentrations. These findings indicate that Opoka may be useful in mitigating health complications caused by OTA exposure in broilers.
Right Ventricle Strain Assessed by 2-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography (2D-STE) to Evaluate Pulmonary Hypertension in Dogs with Dirofilaria immitis
Authors: Matos Jorge Isidoro , García-Rodríguez Sara Nieves , Costa-Rodríguez Noelia , Caro-Vadillo Alicia , Carretón Elena , Montoya-Alonso José Alberto
Published: December 2023

Echocardiographic assessment of the right ventricle is helpful for analysing the pathophysiology of heartworm disease and detecting pulmonary hypertension (PH) in dogs. In veterinary cardiology, the study of myocardial deformation using two-dimensional speckle tracking (2D-STE) echocardiography has become increasingly acknowledged as useful for quantifying right ventricular function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of myocardial deformation strain of the right ventricular free wall (FWS), global deformation strain of the right ventricle, including the interventricular septum (GS), and tissue motion annular displacement of the tricuspid valve (TMAD) in a cohort of dogs with heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) disease and to determine cut-off values for detecting the presence of PH. Out of the 93 dogs tested, 71% were diagnosed with heartworm infection. PH was identified in 41% of the infected dogs following the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) guidelines, based on the peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity to calculate the tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient (TRPG), while other routine measurements were used, including the right pulmonary artery distensibility index (RPADi). The 2D-STE mode measurements were determined using Right Ventricular Automated Function Imaging (RV AFI®) software. The statistical analysis showed significant differences in the studied parameters among dogs with and without PH. Additionally, sensitivity (sen) and specificity (sp) cut-off values were obtained (GS ≥ −21.25%, sen 96%, sp 86.4%; FWS ≥ −21.95%, sen 92.56%, sp 95.5%; TMAD ≤ 0.85 cm, sen 70.4%, sp 83.3%). These results demonstrated that GS, FWS, and TMAD could be used as supplementary and alternative variables to conventional echocardiographic measurements when detecting PH in dogs with heartworm disease.
Metagenomic Sequencing Revealed Differences in the Composition of Cecal Microbes in Different Breeds of Chickens
Authors: Yan Dan , Li Guohui , Zhang Huiyong , Xue Qian , Zhou Chenghao , Jiang Yixiu , Yin Jianmei , Wang Zhixiu , Zhao Wenming , Han Wei
Published: December 2023

Intestinal microorganisms are closely related to the health, development, and production performance of animals and can also provide basic information for us to fully understand and explore the germplasm characteristics and traits of local chicken breeds. In this experiment, we used five local Chinese chicken breeds as research materials; metagenomic sequencing technology was used to explore the differences in the composition of intestinal microorganisms in different breeds, and it was found that each local chicken breed had unique unigenes, of which Silkies had the most, with a total of 12,948. GO and KEGG analyses found that the biological processes most enriched by differential functional genes include genetic coding, macromolecular transport, protein synthesis, and molecular functions such as glycoprotein binding, protein hydrolysis, etc. Each breed is enriched with specific pathways, such as Anyi tile-like gray chickens, which are enriched with pathways related to disease resistance, while Gamecocks’ enrichment is related to amino acid metabolism. Random Forest and LEfSe analyses revealed specific species of intestinal microorganisms in the cecum of different breeds, such as Exiguobacterium, which is associated with melanin deposition in Silkies. Therefore, we infer that gut microorganisms are closely related to the formation of chicken breed characteristics, and the results of this experiment can provide a theoretical basis for the discovery of high-quality traits and the improvement of feeding conditions in the future.
Short Antimicrobial Peptide Derived from the Venom Gland Transcriptome of Pamphobeteus verdolaga Increases Gentamicin Susceptibility of Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Salinas-Restrepo Cristian , Naranjo-Duran Ana María , Quintana Juan , Bueno Julio , Guzman Fanny , Hoyos Palacio Lina M. , Segura Cesar
Published: December 2023

Infectious diseases account for nine percent of annual human deaths, and the widespread emergence of antimicrobial resistances threatens to significantly increase this number in the coming decades. The prospect of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) derived from venomous animals presents an interesting alternative for developing novel active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Small, cationic and amphiphilic peptides were predicted from the venom gland transcriptome of Pamphobeteus verdolaga using a custom database of the arthropod’s AMPs. Ninety-four candidates were chemically synthesized and screened against ATCC® strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Among them, one AMP, named PvAMP66, showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties with selectivity towards Gram-negative bacteria. It also exhibited activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as both an ATCC® and a clinically isolated multidrug-resistant (MDR) strain of K. pneumoniae. The scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that PvAMP66 induced morphological changes of the MDR K. pneumoniae strain suggesting a potential “carpet model” mechanism of action. The isobologram analysis showed an additive interaction between PvAMP66 and gentamicin in inhibiting the growth of MDR K. pneumoniae, leading to a ten-fold reduction in gentamicin’s effective concentration. A cytotoxicity against erythrocytes or peripheral blood mononuclear cells was observed at concentrations three to thirteen-fold higher than those exhibited against the evaluated bacterial strains. This evidence suggests that PvAMP66 can serve as a template for the development of AMPs with enhanced activity and deserves further pre-clinical studies as an API in combination therapy.
Acinetobacter baumannii Survival under Infection-Associated Stresses Depends on the Expression of Resistance–Nodulation–Division and Major Facilitator Superfamily Efflux Pumps
Authors: Leus Inga V. , Olvera Marcela , Adamiak Justyna W. , Nguyen Lauren L. , Zgurskaya Helen I.
Published: December 2023

Multidrug efflux transporters are major contributors to the antibiotic resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii in clinical settings. Previous studies showed that these transporters are tightly integrated into the physiology of A. baumannii and have diverse functions. However, for many of the efflux pumps, such functions remain poorly defined. In this study, we characterized two putative drug efflux pumps, AmfAB and AmfCD (Acinetobacter Major Facilitator), that are homologous to EmrAB-like transporters from Escherichia coli and other Gram-negative bacteria. These pumps comprise the Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS) transporters AmfB and AmfD and the periplasmic membrane fusion proteins AmfA and AmfC, respectively. We inactivated and overproduced these pumps in the wild-type ATCC 17978 strain and its derivative strains lacking the major efflux pumps from the Resistance–Nodulation–Division (RND) superfamily and characterized antibiotic susceptibilities and growth of the strains under stresses typical during human infections. We found that neither AmfAB nor AmfCD contribute to the antibiotic non-susceptibility phenotypes of A. baumannii. The two pumps, however, are critical for the adaptation and growth of the bacterium under acidic stress, whereas AmfCD also contributes to growth under conditions of low iron, high temperature, and in the presence of bile salts. These functions are dependent on the presence of the RND pumps, the inactivation of which further diminishes A. baumannii survival and growth. Our results suggest that MFS transporters contribute to stress survival by affecting the permeability properties of the A. baumannii cell envelope.
Distinct or Overlapping Areas of Mitochondrial Thioredoxin 2 May Be Used for Its Covalent and Strong Non-Covalent Interactions with Protein Ligands
Authors: Ntallis Charalampos , Tzoupis Haralampos , Tselios Theodore , Chasapis Christos T. , Vlamis-Gardikas Alexios
Published: December 2023

In silico approaches were employed to examine the characteristics of interactions between human mitochondrial thioredoxin 2 (HsTrx2) and its 38 previously identified mitochondrial protein ligands. All interactions appeared driven mainly by electrostatic forces. The statistically significant residues of HsTrx2 for interactions were characterized as “contact hot spots”. Since these were identical/adjacent to putative thermodynamic hot spots, an energy network approach identified their neighbors to highlight possible contact interfaces. Three distinct areas for binding emerged: (i) one around the active site for covalent interactions, (ii) another antipodal to the active site for strong non-covalent interactions, and (iii) a third area involved in both kinds of interactions. The contact interfaces of HsTrx2 were projected as respective interfaces for Escherichia coli Trx1 (EcoTrx1), 2, and HsTrx1. Comparison of the interfaces and contact hot spots of HsTrx2 to the contact residues of EcoTx1 and HsTrx1 from existing crystal complexes with protein ligands supported the hypothesis, except for a part of the cleft/groove adjacent to Trp30 preceding the active site. The outcomes of this study raise the possibility for the rational design of selective inhibitors for the interactions of HsTrx2 with specific protein ligands without affecting the entirety of the functions of the Trx system.
A Study on the Measuring Methods of Website Security Risk Rate
Authors: Lee Yong-Joon
Published: December 2023

Traditionally, website security risks are measured using static analysis based on patterns and dynamic analysis by accessing websites with user devices. Recently, similarity hash-based website security risk analysis and machine learning-based website security risk analysis methods have been proposed. In this study, we propose a technique to measure website risk by collecting public information on the Internet. Publicly available DNS information, IP information, and website reputation information were used to measure security risk. Website reputation information includes global traffic rankings, malware distribution history, and HTTP access status. In this study, we collected public information on a total of 2000 websites, including 1000 legitimate domains and 1000 malicious domains, to assess their security risk. We evaluated 11 categories of public information collected by the Korea Internet & Security Agency, an international domain registrar. Through this study, public information about websites can be collected and used to measure website security risk.
Discrimination Accuracy of Sequential Versus Simultaneous Vibrotactile Stimulation on the Forearm
Authors: Yeganeh Nashmin , Makarov Ivan , Kristjánsson Árni , Unnthorsson Runar
Published: December 2023

We examined discrimination accuracy of vibrotactile patterns on the upper forearm using a 2 × 3 array of voice coil actuators to generate 100 Hz vibrotactile stimulation. We evaluated participants’ ability to recognize distinct vibrotactile patterns presented both simultaneously (1000 ms) and sequentially (500 ms with a 450 ms interval). Recognition accuracy was significantly higher for sequential (93.24%) than for simultaneous presentation (26.15%). Patterns using 2–3 actuators were recognized more accurately than those using 4–5 actuators. During sequential presentation, there were primacy and recency effects; accuracy was higher for the initial and final stimulations in a sequence. Over time, participants also demonstrated a learning effect, becoming more adept at recognizing and interpreting vibrotactile patterns. This underscores the potential for skill development and emphasizes the value of training for wearable vibrotactile devices. We discuss the implications of these findings for the design of tactile communication devices and wearable technology.
Phytochemical Screening, GCMS Profiling, In Vitro Antioxidant, In Vivo Acute Toxicity, and Hepatoprotective Activity of Cleome simplicifolia Bioactive Metabolites against Paracetamol-Intoxicated Wister Albino Rats
Authors: Shaikh Heena Yaqub , Niazi Shaik Kalimulla , Bepari Asmatanzeem , Assiri Rasha Assad , Rudrappa Muthuraj , Chavhan Mahantesh Shitaram , Basavarajappa Dhanyakumara Shivapoojar , Agadi Shekappa Ningappa
Published: December 2023

The current study aimed to appraise extracts of Cleome simplicifolia (Cambess.) Hook. f. and Thomson leaves for chemical integrant and biological activities. In this study, different extracts of leaves were estimated for qualitative phytochemical screening, identification of functional groups, mineral content, and phyto-compounds and assessed for in vitro antioxidant and in vivo acute toxicity and hepatoprotective activity antagonistic toward paracetamol-intoxicated Wister albino rats. The results of the qualitative phytochemical assessment of the leaf extracts (acetone, methanol, and distilled water) exhibited the occurrence of useful metabolites. A Fourier transform infrared analysis confirmed the occurrence of O-H, N-H, C=C, S=O, C-O, C-N, C-Cl, and C-Br at 3367.14, 2920.79, 2850.32, 1631.04, 1384.59, 1168.64, 1063.78, 824.78, and 615.25 cm−1 wavelengths, whereas energy-dispersive X-ray showed the existence of carbon, oxygen, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, potassium, and calcium elements in the leaf, respectively. Thereafter, a gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy analysis unveiled the diverse volatile compounds in the methanolic leaf extracts, namely n-Heptyl acrylate—18.87%, undecane—17.49%, 2-Propenoic acid, 3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-, (E)—11.40%, Neophytadiene—11.02%, n-Hexadecanoic acid—10.78%, Glafenin—10.09%, Decane—7.45%, Phytol—6.0%, Benzene, (1-methyldodecyl)—3.48%, and 4-Cyclohexyl-1-butanol—3.41%, respectively. An analysis of in vitro antioxidant activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay of methanolic leaf extract revealed elevated levels of antioxidant ability at 20 (46.18%), 40 (53.83%), 60 (66.64%), 80 (74.03%), and 100 (85.05%) μg/mL. In addition, in vivo acute toxicity determination proved that the methanolic leaf extract was innocuous and caused no mortality at 72 mg, 78 mg, or 82 mg/kg b.wt. doses. The methanolic leaf extracts’ in vivo hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol revealed significant efficacy at 50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt. via reduction of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and cholesterol (serum blood biochemical markers) followed by an enhancement in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione (liver antioxidants) with lipid peroxidation depletion compared with the normal group rats. From the investigated study, it was concluded that the C. simplicifolia leaf are a potential source for the isolation of biologically active phyto-compounds and have the ability to prevent liver damage by paracetamol induction, where the hepatic restoration ability is indexed to its in vivo and in vitro antioxidant ability, which might be the result of its chemical constituents.
Fault Diagnosis in Partially Observable Petri Nets with Quantum Bayesian Learning
Authors: Liu Jiufu , Mvungi Elishahidi S. B. , Zhang Xinzhe , Dias Aurea
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates the quantum Bayesian probability estimation of fault diagnosis based on Partially Observable Petri Nets (POPN) for a liquid-propellant rocket engine system. To solve the problem of a poor environment, a complex structure, and limited observable information in the liquid-propellant rocket engine system, a method of fault diagnosis based on POPN and quantum Bayesian probability estimation is proposed. According to the operating state and key actions of the system model, the places and transitions are set, and the unobservable key actions will become unobservable transitions. Combined with the trigger relationship of the transitions, a POPN model is established. All path estimation system states that satisfy the observable transition sequence information are traversed. If the diagnosis result is a possible failure, we establish a quantum Bayesian Petri net model corresponding to the failure transition, manually adjust the quantum parameters to calculate the quantum probability of the failure transition, and determine the system failure state. Finally, the model of the start-up process of the engine system based on the POPN is built to verify the effectiveness of the algorithm with the data in the simulation experiment.
Study on the Fracture Resistance of Mixed Fiber Concrete Lining in a Reverse Fault Tunnel
Authors: Wang You , Huang Can , Wang Ziwei , Wang Rui , Yu Siyuan , Ma Yue
Published: December 2023

With the increasing complexity of engineering environments in tunnel construction, some projects are located in areas with adverse geological conditions, including areas prone to fault movements and other geological hazards. Fiber-reinforced concrete can significantly enhance structural performance in such challenging conditions. Currently, the application of high-performance steel-polypropylene fiber in tunnel linings and its anti-fault performance are quite limited. Therefore, this paper focuses on studying the application of steel-polypropylene mixed fiber-reinforced concrete in tunnel lining under reverse fault movements. In this paper, the constitutive relationship of mixed fiber-reinforced concrete is modified based on literature data. Utilizing the Najar formula, fiber-related variables were designed, and a three-dimensional numerical simulation model of a reverse fault tunnel was established. By designing various parameter combination cases, the structural response of tunnel linings was calculated and studied. then the influence patterns of mixed fiber parameters on the anti-fault performance of tunnel linings are summarized, the relationships between main variables are explored, and a reasonable value range for the two fibers is determined, which can provide guidance for practical engineering.
Stress–Structural Failure of a 610 m Crushing Station Left-Side Tunnel Section in Jinchuan II Mine: A Numerical Simulation Study
Authors: Kou Yongyuan , Yin Shenghua , Qiu Shili , Xin Jie
Published: December 2023

To address the stress–structural failure phenomenon that can be induced by the excavation of a left-side tunnel section of a 610 m crushing station, an unmanned aerial vehicle was used in this study to collect the geological conditions and rock mass information of the working face, and important geometric information such as the attitude and spacing of rock mass were extracted. Based on the identified attitude and spacing information, a three-dimensional rock mass structure and numerical simulation model of the 610 m crushing station left-side tunnel section were constructed using discrete element numerical simulation software (3DEC) (version 5.0). The results show that the surrounding rock instability of the left-side tunnel section of the 610 m crushing station is controlled by both the stress field in the contact zone between reddish-brown granite stratum and the gray-black-gray gneiss stratum. The cause of stress–structural failure is that the joint sets (JSet #2 and JSet #3) are most likely to form unfavorable blocks with the excavation surface due to unloading triggered by the excavation. Therefore, stress–structural failure disasters in jointed strata sections are one of the key issues for surrounding rock stability during crushing station excavation. It is suggested to adopt ‘optimized excavation parameters + combined support forms’ to systematically control stress–structural failure after unloading due to the excavation from three levels: surface, shallow, and deep. The stress–structural failure mechanism of deep rock mass is generally applicable to a large extent, so the results of this research have reference value for engineering projects facing similar problems around the world.
The Effects of Running Kinematics on Peak Upper Trunk GPS-Measured Accelerations during Foot Contact at Different Running Speeds
Authors: Lawson Michael , Naemi Roozbeh , Needham Robert A. , Chockalingam Nachiappan
Published: December 2023

The overall aim of this study was to determine the effects of running kinematics on the peak upper trunk segmental accelerations captured with an accelerometer embedded in a commonly used GPS device. Thirteen male participants (age: 27 ± 3.7 years, height: 1.81 ± 0.06 m, mass: 82.7 ± 6.2 kg) with extensive running experience completed a single trial of treadmill running (1 degree inclination) for 40 s at nine different speeds ranging from 10 to 18 km/h at 1 km/h increments. Three-dimensional peak upper trunk acceleration values were captured via a GPS device containing a tri-axial accelerometer. Participants’ running kinematics were calculated from the coordinate data captured by an 18-camera motion capture system. A series of generalized linear mixed models were employed to determine the effects of the kinematic variables on the accelerometer acceleration peaks across the key gait phases of foot contact. Results showed that running kinematics had significant effects on peak accelerometer-measured accelerations in all axes (p < 0.05). Overall, peak segment velocities had a larger effect than joint/segment kinematics on resultant (F values = 720.9/54.2), vertical (F values = 149.8/48.1) and medial–lateral (F values = 55.4/33.4) peak accelerometer accelerations. The largest effect on peak accelerometer accelerations were observed during the impact subphase of foot contact at the adduction/abduction velocity of the shank (F value = 129.2, coefficient = −0.03) and anterior/posterior velocity of the pelvis (F value = 58.9, coefficient = 0.01). Axis-dependent effects of running kinematics were also observed, specifically at the trunk segment in the vertical and anterior–posterior peak accelerometer accelerations. This study showed the intersegmental relationship between joint/segment kinematics, segment velocities and the resulting peak accelerations of the upper trunk during running over several speeds. These findings provide insights into the lower body’s GRF attenuation capacity and its contribution to trunk stability whilst running.