bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ТРАНСПОРТУВАННЯ ПРИРОДНОГО ГАЗУ В ГАЗОГІДРАТНОМУ СТАНІ
Authors: Bosyi M.V. , Klymenko V.V.
Published: May 2022

Вступ. Нині споживання природного газу в Україні та у світі постійно зростає. Традиційні технології його транспортування часто виявляються неефективними і не сприяють розробці невеликих родовищ. Транспортування природного газу натепер здійснюється морем, використовуючи такі технології, як: LNG-технологія, CNG-технологія і особливо заслуговує на увагу NGH-технологія – газ у газогідратній формі. Метою роботи є обґрунтування перспективних технологій транспортування газу в газогідратній формі і розробка схемно-технологічного рішення застосування процесу гідратоутворення під час видобутку вуглеводневих газів, їх транспортування і використання для умов малодебітних родовищ та схемно-технологічного рішення регазифікації гідратних пелет у контейнері для їх транспортування. Результати. Обґрунтовано перспективи впровадження технології транспортування газу в газогідратній формі. Наведені переваги NGH-технології порівняно з іншими технологіями. Згідно з відомою натепер NGH-технологією запропоновано формувати газогідрати у вигляді пелетів, покритих тонким шаром льоду. Вибір форми пелетів і послідовність їх виготовлення спрямовані на оптимізацію процесів NGH-технології. Висновки. Запропоновані схемно-технологічні рішення: перше – застосування процесу гідратоутворення для видобутку та підготовки до транспортування вуглеводневих газів з малодебітного родовища; друге – регазифікація гідратних пелет у контейнері для їх транспортування. Ця технологія дозволяє з мінімальними енерговитратами отримати газогідратні пелети, а їх транспортування у такій формі дозволить значно знизити вартість транспортного обладнання.
Effect of leptin on insulin resistance of muscle – direct or indirect?
Authors: Doh KO , Park JO , Kim YW , Park SY , Jung JH , Jeon JR , Lee SK , Kim JY
Published: May 2022

We examined the effect of leptin on the insulin resistance in skeletal muscles by measuring glucose transport. Male Wistar rats were fed rat chow or high-fat diets for 30 days. Before sacrifice, rats fed high-fat diet were subcutaneously injected with leptin (1 mg/kg b.w.) for 3 days. The glucose transport in epitrochlearis and soleus muscles did not differ in the experimental groups under basal conditions, however these values decreased significantly in the rats fed high-fat diet under insulin stimulation (p<0.01). Leptin treatment recovered the decreased glucose transport in epitrochlearis (p<0.05) and soleus muscles (p=0.08). Triglyceride concentrations in soleus muscles were increased significantly in the rats fed high-fat diet as compared to rats fed chow diet (p<0.01), and were decreased significantly by leptin treatment (p<0.01). The glucose transport was measured under basal conditions and after 60 microU/ml of insulin treatment with or without 50 ng/ml of leptin. Leptin had no direct stimulatory effect on glucose transport under both basal and insulin-stimulated conditions in vitro. These results demonstrate that leptin injection to rats fed high-fat diet recovered impaired insulin responsiveness of skeletal muscles and muscle triglyceride concentrations. However, there was no direct stimulatory effect of leptin on insulin sensitivity of skeletal muscles in vitro.
Apolipoprotein A5 and hypertriglyceridemia in Prague hypertriglyceridemic rats
Authors: Kadlecová M , Hojná S , Bohuslavová R , Hubáček JA , Zicha J , Kuneš J
Published: May 2022

High plasma triglyceride (TG) level is a major independent risk factor of coronary heart disease. A newly identified Apolipoprotein A5 (Apoa5) gene has been shown to play an important role in determining plasma TG concentrations in humans and mice. Prague hereditary hypertriglyceridemic (HTG) rats are a useful model of human hypertriglyceridemia and other symptoms of metabolic syndrome. Thus, the variation of Apoa5 gene and its expression were studied in this strain under normal conditions and after chronic fructose loading. Lewis and Wistar rats served as normotriglyceridemic controls. Plasma TG were significantly higher in HTG rats in comparison with both control strains. Screening of the coding regions and intron-exon boundaries of Apoa5 gene did not reveal any mutation of this gene in HTG rats in comparison with Lewis and Wistar ones. However, rat Apoa5 gene contains only one intron in contrast with two introns of mouse Apoa5 gene. Under the basal conditions the expression of Apoa5 was lower in all age groups of HTG rats compared to Wistar animals. Furthermore, during chronic fructose loading there were no significant changes of Apoa5 expression in HTG rats, although plasma TG levels rose 3-4 times within first two days of fructose loading and were increased during the whole period of fructose treatment. In conclusion, Apoa5 does not seem to be a genetic determinant of hypertriglyceridemia in HTG rats. The absence of significant changes in Apoa5 gene expression during chronic fructose-induced TG elevation excludes its major role in mechanisms compensating severe hypertriglyceridemia.
The Surgical Strategy for Progressive Dilatation of Aortic Root and Aortic Regurgitation After Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot: A Case Report
Authors: Zhang Shuaipeng , Liu Haiyuan , Wang Xiangyu , Huang Shaojun , Zhang Chengxin
Published: May 2022

It has been found that postoperative progressive dilatation of aortic root is not rare for adult patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), which leads to severe aortic regurgitation or even fatal dissection. Therefore, clinically, surgical treatment for both regurgitated aortic valve and dilated root is needed based on preoperative assessments and individual treatment strategies.
Call to Action for Enhanced Equity: Racial/Ethnic Diversity and Sex Differences in Stroke Symptoms
Authors: Hosman Floortje L. , Engels Sabine , den Ruijter Hester M. , Exalto Lieza G.
Published: May 2022

Background

Fundamental aspects of human identity may play a role in the presentation of stroke symptoms and, consequently, stroke recognition. Strokes must be recognized and treated expeditiously, as delays result in poorer outcomes. It is known that sex plays a role in the presentation of symptoms, such that non-traditional symptoms are more commonly observed among women. However, factors such as geographical location and race/ethnicity, and the interactions between these various factors, need to be considered. This will provide an intersectional approach.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was conducted to investigate differences in the presentation of stroke symptoms between sexes. Using PubMed and Embase, a search involving the components sex, symptoms and stroke was completed and yielded 26 full-text manuscripts.

Results

Our findings indicate that there is substantial overlap in stroke symptom presentation in men and women. Nonetheless, some differences in the clinical manifestations of stroke were observed. In addition, it was discovered that only three studies were conducted outside of North America and Europe. Furthermore, only two studies reported symptoms based on both sex and racial/ethnic group.

Conclusion

These findings indicate a research gap and call for increased research in order to uncover the possible interactions between sex and race/ethnicity in an intersectional approach. Resultantly, stroke recognition could be improved and greater equity in healthcare can be achieved.
Geodynamics Based on Solidification of Liquid/Molten Substances in the Earth’s Interior
Authors: Li Xin , Tao Mingjiang , He Duanwei
Published: May 2022

Since its formation, the Earth has cooled from molten magma to the present layered structure. The liquid and molten substance in the interior of the Earth continuously solidifies, radiating heat to the outer space and causing changes in the pressure and density inside the Earth. Constrained by the rigid lithosphere, the change in density decreases the pressure at the bottom of the crust, and thereby supports the rigid lithosphere. Under the effect of gravity, there is an increased interaction between tectonic plates, which leads to local stress accumulation. Eventually, this stress exceeds the strength of the rock and makes the mechanical structure of the crustal lithosphere unstable. This process is iterative, and the Earth continuously adjusts to new mechanical equilibria by releasing the accumulated stress through geological events such as earthquakes. In this study, using three sets of observations (Global Positioning System data, length of day data, and the latent heat of Earth solidification), we show that these observations are consistent with the aforementioned assumption that the solidification of liquid cause changes in density and volume in the Earth’s interior. Mechanical analyses indicate that liquid solidification in the interior of the Earth leads to decrease in the Earth’s volume. This increases the intensity of plate interactions, which leads to the movement of large plates, triggering geological events such as earthquakes. Thus, it is determined that liquid solidification in the Earth’s interior is the main source for the movement of plates.
Identification of Variants Responsible for Monogenic Forms of Diabetes in Brazil
Authors: Abreu Gabriella de Medeiros , Tarantino Roberta Magalhães , da Fonseca Ana Carolina Proença , Andrade Juliana Rosa Ferreira de Oliveira , de Souza Ritiele Bastos , Soares Camila de Almeida Pereira Dias , Cambraia Amanda , Cabello Pedro Hernan , Rodacki Melanie , Zajdenverg Lenita , Zembrzuski Verônica Marques , Campos Junior Mário
Published: May 2022

Monogenic forms of diabetes mellitus may affect a significant number of patients of this disease, and it is an important molecular cause to be investigated. However, studies of the genetic causes of monogenic diabetes, especially in populations with mixed ethnic backgrounds, such as the one in Brazil, are scarce. The aim of this study was to screen several genes associated with monogenic diabetes in fifty-seven Brazilian patients with recurrence of the disease in their families and thirty-four relatives. Inclusion criteria were: Age of onset ≤ 40 years old, BMI < 30 kg/m², at least two affected generations and negative anti-GAD and anti-IA2 antibodies. MODY genes HNF4A, GCK, HNF1A, HNF1B, NEUROD1, KLF11, PAX4, INS, KCNJ11, and MT-TL1 were sequenced by Sanger sequencing. We identified a total of 20 patients with variants, 13 GCK-MODY, four HNF1A-MODY, and one variant in each of the following genes, HNF4A, HNF1B and MT-TL1. Segregation analysis was performed in 13 families. Four variants were novel, two in GCK (p.(Met115Val) [c.343A>G] and p.(Asp365GlufsTer95) [c.1094_1095insGCGA]) and two in HNF1A (p.(Tyr163Ter) [c.489C>G] and p.(Val380CysfsTer39) [c.1136_1137insC]). Here we highlight the importance of screening for monogenic diabetes in admixed populations.
The Association Between Serum Palmitic Acid and Thyroid Function
Authors: Zhou Guowei , Xu Yumeng , Zhai Yuqing , Gong Zhen , Xu Kun , Wang Gaoyuan , Sun Chenhua , Ma Chaoqun
Published: May 2022

Aim

Emerging evidence indicates that palmitic acid (PA) can regulate the progression and development of many diseases. However, the studies examining the association between PA and thyroid function remain sparse. We aimed to investigate the association between serum PA (sPA) and thyroid function in the US population.

Methods

In this retrospective study, a cross-sectional analysis was performed using the data pooled from the database of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2012. The thyroid parameters investigated were mainly free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), total T3 (TT3), TT4, thyroglobulin (Tg), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), anti-thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), and anti-thyroperoxidase antibody (TPOAb). The central sensitivity to thyroid function was evaluated by the thyroid feedback quantile-based index (TFQI), thyrotrophin thyroxine resistance index (TT4RI), and thyrotropin index (TSHI). The FT3 to FT4 ratio (FT3/FT4) was employed to evaluate peripheral sensitivity to thyroid hormones. Multiple imputation was applied to handle the missing data, and weighted multivariable linear regression, subgroup, and interaction analyses were then employed to estimate the association between sPA and thyroid parameters.

Results

In the 737 adults, after adjusting covariates, we demonstrated a significant negative association between sPA and FT4 [β = -1.078, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.729 to -0.427], as well as a positive relationship between sPA and FT3/FT4 ratio (β = 0.073, 95% CI: 0.044 to 0.102). These results did not change on multiple imputations. In the subgroup analyses, the associations were more significant in male and obese subjects.

Conclusion

This investigation demonstrated the significant correlation between sPA and thyroid dysfunction, which suggested the close relationship between lipotoxicity and hypothyroidism or subclinical hypothyroidism. Future research is required to confirm these findings.
Higher Serum Soluble TREM2 as a Potential Indicative Biomarker for Cognitive Impairment in Inadequately Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Without Obesity: The DOR-KyotoJ-1
Authors: Tanaka Masashi , Yamakage Hajime , Muranaka Kazuya , Yamada Tsutomu , Araki Rika , Ogo Atsushi , Matoba Yuka , Watanabe Tetsuhiro , Saito Miho , Kurita Seiichiro , Yonezawa Kazuya , Tanaka Tsuyoshi , Suzuki Masahiro , Sawamura Morio , Matsumoto Morio , Nishimura Motonobu , Kusakabe Toru , Wada Hiromichi , Hasegawa Koji , Kotani Kazuhiko , Noda Mitsuhiko , Satoh-Asahara Noriko
Published: May 2022

Objective

Type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for dementia. We investigated whether serum levels of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell 2 (sTREM2), a soluble form of the cell surface receptor TREM2, were predictive of cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes without obesity.

Methods

A total of 166 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes without obesity were followed-up for 2 years. We measured clinical parameters, assessed cognitive function using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), quantified and divided serum sTREM2 levels into quartiles, and examined the longitudinal associations.

Results

During the follow-up, HbA1c levels were elevated in 98 patients and decreased in 68 patients. In the HbA1c-elevated group, higher sTREM2 levels at baseline showed a significant association with a greater tendency for reduction in MMSE scores (P for trend = 0.015), whereas they were not significantly associated with other examined parameters. In the HbA1c-decreased group, there was no significant association between sTREM2 levels at baseline and changes in MMSE scores, but higher sTREM2 levels at baseline were significantly associated with a greater tendency for reduction in waist circumference (P for trend = 0.027), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (P for trend = 0.039), and sTREM2 levels (P for trend = 0.023).

Conclusions

Glycemic control is suggested to be important in preventing cognitive impairment in patients with type 2 diabetes without obesity. Higher serum sTREM2 levels would be a predictive marker for cognitive impairment in inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes without obesity.
Standard Operating Protocol for Ion-Exchange Capacity of Anion Exchange Membranes
Authors: Wang Lan , Rojas-Carbonell Santiago , Hu Keda , Setzler Brian P. , Motz Andrew R. , Ueckermann Matthew E. , Yan Yushan
Published: May 2022

Ion-exchange capacity (IEC) is the measure of a material’s capability to displace ions formerly incorporated within its structure. IEC is a key feature of anion-exchange membranes (AEM), as it determines the AEM’s ability to conduct the ions required to sustain the electrochemical reactions where they are utilized. As an intrinsic property, measuring the IEC accurately is essential to study AEMs and understand their performance within devices. In this method article, a facile and accurate standard operating procedure (SOP) to measure the IEC of AEMs is proposed. When compared to conventional acid-base back-titration or Mohr titration, the proposed method combines the fast reaction between silver and halide ions and the accuracy of the potentiometric titration, providing a convenient and precise protocol for researchers in the field.
Finite-Time Adaptive Sliding Mode Control of a Power Converter Under Multiple Uncertainties
Authors: Amrr Syed Muhammad , Ahmad Javed , Waheed Sofi Abdul , Sarwar Adil , Saidi Abdelaziz Salah , Nabi M.
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates the use of a new sliding mode control for the output voltage regulation of boost converter under parametric uncertainties of load resistance and input voltage. Owing to the fact that the proposed scheme employs the adaptation law; therefore, apriori knowledge about the upper bound value of uncertainties is not required while selecting the controller gains. Moreover, the stability analysis of the closed-loop system guarantees the finite-time convergence of output voltage to the desired value while ensuring robustness against uncertainties. The numerical simulation and hardware analysis illustrate the effective performance of the developed strategy.
Nickel Ore Mining Waste as a Promising Source of Magnesium and Silicon for a Smart-Agricultural Management
Authors: Crusciol Carlos A. C. , de Campos Murilo , Momesso Letusa , Bossolani Joao W. , Moretti Luiz G. , Portugal Jose R. , de Melo Carlos V. C. B. , Calonego Juliano C.
Published: May 2022

Thermomagnesium (TM), a byproduct of Ni ore mining, can be processed as a clean alternative to conventional fertilizers as a source of magnesium (Mg) and silicon (Si) for agriculture. TM positively impacts soil properties and provides nutrients that are available for uptake by plants; however, information on the effects of TM on plant physiology in cropping systems is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of increasing doses of TM on crop yield; soil chemical attributes; and leaf contents of Mg, Si, reducing sugars, sucrose, and starch in a soybean-maize crop rotation system. The study was performed under rainfed conditions during three consecutive crop seasons in 2018/2019 (soybean), 2019 (maize), and 2019/2020 (soybean). Six TM doses (0, 350, 700, 1050, 1400, 1750 kg ha−1) with four replicates were applied prior to the first season. Responses to the application of TM were observed up to the highest doses (1,400 and 1750 kg ha−1), with increases in soil concentrations of Mg and Si, soil pH, leaf pigments, gas exchange parameters, and carbohydrate concentrations but decreases in starch content. The increases in photosynthetic rates and carbohydrate partitioning led to increases in the weight of 100 grains (W100G) and grain yield (GY). W100G increased by 11% in soybean at a TM dose of 1,050 kg ha−1 and 23% in maize at a TM dose of 1,400 kg ha−1 dose. For both crops, the greatest increases in GY were obtained at a TM dose of 1,050 kg ha−1, with increases of 1,068 and 3,658 kg ha−1 for soybean and maize, respectively, compared with the control. Therefore, TM can be used in agricultural systems as a viable source of Mg and Si and as soil acidity amendment to promote sustainable agriculture.
The Dynamics of Three Currencies’ Bid–Ask Spread From the Perspective of Import–Export Success: Novel Findings for Digital Trade and Sustainable Production
Authors: Xu Lu , Liu Xijing , Smutka Luboš , Strielkowski Wadim , Zhao Xin
Published: May 2022

Import and export have been acknowledged for their beneficial effects on sustainable economic development. In the context of economic globalization, the dynamics of exchange rates are more critical and necessary to export success and sustainable development. Therefore, understanding the dynamics of exchange rates contributes to the achievement of export success so as to promote sustainable production. The aim of this research was to find out the dynamics of spreads in foreign exchange rates over 15 years and the systematic relationship between dynamics of spreads in foreign exchange rates and information arrival and dynamics of spreads and cost of carry. The multiple regression, dummy variable test, and vector autoregressive model show that most variations in the spreads result from relative spread rather than information arrival and cost of carry for the long term. The information arrival and cost of carry have almost no influence upon relative spread, even during the global financial crisis in 2008. This article suggests that exporters should pay more attention to the effects of relative spread rather than information arrival and cost of carry in the foreign exchange market when they carry out foreign trade.
i5hmCVec: Identifying 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine Sites of Drosophila RNA Using Sequence Feature Embeddings
Authors: Liu Hang-Yu , Du Pu-Feng
Published: May 2022

5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), one of the most important RNA modifications, plays an important role in many biological processes. Accurately identifying RNA modification sites helps understand the function of RNA modification. In this work, we propose a computational method for identifying 5hmC-modified regions using machine learning algorithms. We applied a sequence feature embedding method based on the dna2vec algorithm to represent the RNA sequence. The results showed that the performance of our model is better that of than state-of-art methods. All dataset and source codes used in this study are available at: https://github.com/liu-h-y/5hmC_model.
Case Report: Wide Spectrum of Manifestations of Ligase IV Deficiency: Report of 3 Cases
Authors: Castro Ana Costa e , Maia Raquel , Batalha Sara , Freixo João Parente , Martins Catarina , Neves Conceição , Cordeiro Ana Isabel , Neves João Farela
Published: May 2022

DNA ligase IV deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder associated with impaired DNA repair mechanisms. Most patients with DNA repair defects present with neurologic deficits, combined immunodeficiency, bone marrow failure, and/or hematologic neoplasia. We present 3 unrelated cases of ligase IV deficiency with different clinical presentations. Patient 1 presented at the age of 5 with bone marrow failure, dysmorphic features, and T and B lymphopenia. A compound heterozygous variant L19W/K635fs in the LIG4 gene was identified. Patient 2 presented at the age of 16 with recurrent infections. He had agammaglobulinemia and absent B cells. A homozygous R278H in the LIG4 gene was identified. Patient 3 was referred for vitiligo and B-cell lymphopenia (low class-switched B cells) and hypogammaglobulinemia. Homozygous R278H in LIG4 was also identified. In the last few years, the spectrum of clinical manifestations caused by ligase IV deficiency has widened, making it very difficult to establish an accurate clinical diagnosis. The use of NGS allows a proper diagnosis and provides a better prognosis and adequate family counseling.
Tumor-Associated Macrophages Regulate PD-1/PD-L1 Immunosuppression
Authors: Pu Yunzhou , Ji Qing
Published: May 2022

Anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) or anti-PD-ligand (L) 1 drugs, as classic immune checkpoint inhibitors, are considered promising treatment strategies for tumors. In clinical practice, some cancer patients experience drug resistance and disease progression in the process of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play key roles in regulating PD-1/PD-L1 immunosuppression by inhibiting the recruitment and function of T cells through cytokines, superficial immune checkpoint ligands, and exosomes. There are several therapies available to recover the anticancer efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors by targeting TAMs, including the inhibition of TAM differentiation and re-education of TAM activation. In this review, we will summarize the roles and mechanisms of TAMs in PD-1/PD-L1 blocker resistance. Furthermore, we will discuss the therapies that were designed to deplete TAMs, re-educate TAMs, and intervene with chemokines secreted by TAMs and exosomes from M1 macrophages, providing more potential options to improve the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.
Cyanobacterial Diazotroph Distributions in the Western South Atlantic
Authors: Detoni Amália Maria Sacilotto , Subramaniam Ajit , Haley Sheean T. , Dyhrman Sonya T. , Calil Paulo H. R.
Published: May 2022

Inputs of new nitrogen by cyanobacterial diazotrophs are critical to ocean ecosystem structure and function. Relative to other ocean regions, there is a lack of data on the distribution of these microbes in the western South Atlantic. Here, the abundance of six diazotroph phylotypes: Trichodesmium, Crocosphaera, UCYN-A, Richelia associated with Rhizosolenia (Het-1) or Hemiaulus (Het-2), and Calothrix associated with Chaetoceros (Het-3) was measured by quantitative PCR (qPCR) of the nifH gene along a transect extending from the shelf-break to the open ocean along the Vitória-Trindade seamount chain (1200 km). Using nifH gene copies as a proxy for phylotype abundance, Crocosphaera signals were the most abundant, with a broad distribution throughout the study region. Trichodesmium signals were the second most abundant, with the greatest numbers confined to the warmer waters closer to the coast, and a significant positive correlation with temperature. The average signals for the host-associated diazotrophs (UCYN-A, Het-1, and Het-2) were consistently lower than for the other phylotypes. These findings expand measurements of cyanobacterial diazotroph distribution in the western South Atlantic, and provide a new resource to enhance modeling studies focused on patterns of nitrogen fixation in the global ocean.
Association Between White Matter Hyperintensities and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wei Cun-Sheng , Yan Cai-Yun , Yu Xiao-Rong , Wang Lin , Zhang Rui , Jiang Jun-Ying , Dai Qi , Li Jun-Rong , Chen Xue Mei
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Previous studies of the associations between white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were still conflicting; therefore, our study aimed to conduct a systematic review of all of the available research on this topic and a meta-analysis of the association between WMH and CKD among observational studies.

Setting and Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Outcome Measures

Severity of WMH.

Methods and Participants

All relevant studies in public databases were examined until 15 November 2020. Two independent reviewers assessed all the included studies using the Cross-Sectional/Prevalence Study Quality (CSSQ) scale, and then literature review and meta-analyses were undertaken.

Results

We pooled the odds ratio (OR) for the presence of WMH, periventricular hyperintensities (PVH), and deep subcortical white matter hyperintensities (DWMH) of patients with CKD vs. non-CKD patients by subgroup analysis, and the results obtained were WMH OR 2.07, 95% CI [1.58, 2.70], PVH OR 2.41, 95% CI [1.90, 3.05], and DWMH OR 2.11, 95% CI [1.60, 2.80], respectively. The main outcome showed that patients with CKD were more likely to have WMH in the brain compared to the normal controls. Another meta-analysis showed a statistically significant decline in renal function in patients with moderate to severe WMH compared with those with no to mild WMH.

Conclusions

The findings indicated that patients with CKD were more likely to experience WMH than demographically matched controls. On the other hand, patients with moderate to severe WMH in the brain had poor renal function more frequently than those with no to mild WMH.
Effect of Dietary Zinc Methionine Supplementation on Growth Performance, Immune Function and Intestinal Health of Cherry Valley Ducks Challenged With Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Chang Yaqi , Mei Jia , Yang Ting , Zhang Zhenyu , Liu Guangmang , Zhao Hua , Chen Xiaoling , Tian Gang , Cai Jingyi , Wu Bing , Wu Fali , Jia Gang
Published: May 2022

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of supplemental zinc methionine (Zn–Met) on growth performance, immune function, and intestinal health of meat ducks challenged with avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). A total of 480 1-day-old Cherry Valley male ducks were randomly assigned to 8 treatments with 10 replicates, each replicate containing 10 ducks. A 4 × 2 factor design was used with four dietary zinc levels (0, 30, 60, 120 mg Zn/kg in the form Zn–Met was added to the corn–soybean basal diet) and challenged with or without APEC at 8-days-old ducks. The trial lasted for 14 days. The results showed that a dietary Zn–Met supplementation significantly increased body weight (BW) of 14 days and BW gain, and decreased mortality during 7–14-days-old ducks (p < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary 30, 60, 120 mg/kg Zn–Met supplementation noticeably increased the thymus index at 2 days post-infection (2 DPI) and 8 DPI (p < 0.05), and 120 mg/kg Zn–Met enhanced the serum IgA at 2 DPI and IgA, IgG, IgM, C3 at 8 DPI (p < 0.05). In addition, dietary 120 mg/kg Zn–Met supplementation dramatically increased villus height and villus height/crypt depth (V/C) of jejunum at 2 DPI and 8 DPI (p < 0.05). The TNF-α and IFN-γ mRNA expression were downregulated after supplemented with 120 mg/kg Zn–Met in jejunum at 8 DPI (p < 0.05). Moreover, dietary 120 mg/kg Zn–Met supplementation stimulated ZO-3, OCLN mRNA expression at 2 DPI and ZO-2 mRNA expression in jejunum at 8 DPI (p < 0.05), and improved the MUC2 concentration in jejunum at 2 DPI and 8 DPI (p < 0.05). At the same time, the cecal Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus counts were increased (p < 0.05), and Escherichia coli counts were decreased (p < 0.05) after supplemented with Zn–Met. In conclusion, inclusion of 120 mg/kg Zn–Met minimizes the adverse effects of APEC challenge on meat ducks by improving growth performance and enhancing immune function and intestinal health.
Biogeography of Southern Ocean Active Prokaryotic Communities Over a Large Spatial Scale
Authors: Maturana-Martínez Claudia , Iriarte José Luis , Ha Sun-Yong , Lee Boyeon , Ahn In-Young , Vernet Maria , Cape Mattias , Fernández Camila , González Humberto E. , Galand Pierre E.
Published: May 2022

The activity of marine microorganisms depends on community composition, yet, in some oceans, less is known about the environmental and ecological processes that structure their distribution. The objective of this study was to test the effect of geographical distance and environmental parameters on prokaryotic community structure in the Southern Ocean (SO). We described the total (16S rRNA gene) and the active fraction (16S rRNA-based) of surface microbial communities over a ~6,500 km longitudinal transect in the SO. We found that the community composition of the total fraction was different from the active fraction across the zones investigated. In addition, higher α-diversity and stronger species turnover were displayed in the active community compared to the total community. Oceanospirillales, Alteromonadales, Rhodobacterales, and Flavobacteriales dominated the composition of the bacterioplankton communities; however, there were marked differences at the order level. Temperature, salinity, silicic acid, particulate organic nitrogen, and particulate organic carbon correlated with the composition of bacterioplankton communities. A strong distance–decay pattern between closer and distant communities was observed. We hypothesize that it was related to the different oceanic fronts present in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the complex arrangement that shapes the structure of bacterioplankton communities in the SO.
Coxiella Endosymbiont of Rhipicephalus microplus Modulates Tick Physiology With a Major Impact in Blood Feeding Capacity
Authors: Guizzo Melina Garcia , Tirloni Lucas , Gonzalez Sergio A. , Farber Marisa D. , Braz Glória , Parizi Luís Fernando , Dedavid e Silva Lucas Andre , da Silva Vaz Itabajara , Oliveira Pedro L.
Published: May 2022

In the past decade, metagenomics studies exploring tick microbiota have revealed widespread interactions between bacteria and arthropods, including symbiotic interactions. Functional studies showed that obligate endosymbionts contribute to tick biology, affecting reproductive fitness and molting. Understanding the molecular basis of the interaction between ticks and their mutualist endosymbionts may help to develop control methods based on microbiome manipulation. Previously, we showed that Rhipicephalus microplus larvae with reduced levels of Coxiella endosymbiont of R. microplus (CERM) were arrested at the metanymph life stage (partially engorged nymph) and did not molt into adults. In this study, we performed a transcriptomic differential analysis of the R. microplus metanymph in the presence and absence of its mutualist endosymbiont. The lack of CERM resulted in an altered expression profile of transcripts from several functional categories. Gene products such as DA-P36, protease inhibitors, metalloproteases, and evasins, which are involved in blood feeding capacity, were underexpressed in CERM-free metanymphs. Disregulation in genes related to extracellular matrix remodeling was also observed in the absence of the symbiont. Taken together, the observed alterations in gene expression may explain the blockage of development at the metanymph stage and reveal a novel physiological aspect of the symbiont-tick-vertebrate host interaction.
Phylogenetic Patterns of Swainsonine Presence in Morning Glories
Authors: Quach Quynh N. , Gardner Dale R. , Clay Keith , Cook Daniel
Published: May 2022

Endosymbionts play important roles in the life cycles of many macro-organisms. The indolizidine alkaloid swainsonine is produced by heritable fungi that occurs in diverse plant families, such as locoweeds (Fabaceae) and morning glories (Convolvulaceae) plus two species of Malvaceae. Swainsonine is known for its toxic effects on livestock following the ingestion of locoweeds and the potential for pharmaceutical applications. We sampled and tested herbarium seed samples (n = 983) from 244 morning glory species for the presence of swainsonine and built a phylogeny based on available internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of the sampled species. We show that swainsonine occurs only in a single morning glory clade and host species are established on multiple continents. Our results further indicate that this symbiosis developed ∼5 mya and that swainsonine-positive species have larger seeds than their uninfected conspecifics.
Integrating Broussonetia papyrifera and Two Bacillus Species to Repair Soil Antimony Pollutions
Authors: Huang Huimin , Fan Li , Zhao Yunlin , Jin Qi , Yang Guiyan , Zhao Di , Xu Zhenggang
Published: May 2022

Heavy metal resistant bacteria play an important role in the metal biogeochemical cycle in soil, but the benefits of microbial oxidation for plants and soil have not been well-documented. The purpose of this study was to explore the contribution of two Bacillus spp. to alleviate the antimony (Sb) toxicity in plants, and, then, to propose a bioremediation method for Sb contaminated soil, which is characterized by environmental protection, high efficiency, and low cost. This study explored the effects of Bacillus cereus HM5 and Bacillus thuringiensis HM7 inoculation on Broussonetia papyrifera and soil were evaluated under controlled Sb stressed conditions (0 and 100 mmol/L, antimony slag) through a pot experiment. The results show that the total root length, root volume, tips, forks, crossings, and root activities of B. papyrifera with inoculation are higher than those of the control group, and the strains promote the plant absorption of Sb from the soil environment. Especially in the antimony slag treatment group, B. cereus HM5 had the most significant effect on root promotion and promoting the absorption of Sb by B. papyrifera. Compared with the control group, the total root length, root volume, tips, forks, crossings, and root activities increased by 64.54, 70.06, 70.04, 78.15, 97.73, and 12.95%, respectively. The absorption of Sb by root, stem, and leaf increased by 265.12, 250.00, and 211.54%, compared with the control group, respectively. Besides, both B. cereus HM5 and B. thuringiensis HM7 reduce the content of malondialdehyde, proline, and soluble sugars in plant leaves, keeping the antioxidant enzyme activity of B. papyrifera at a low level, and alleviating lipid peroxidation. Principal component analysis (PCA) shows that both B. cereus HM5 and B. thuringiensis HM7 are beneficial to the maintenance of plant root functions and the improvement of the soil environment, thereby alleviating the toxicity of Sb. Therefore, B. cereus HM5 and B. thuringiensis HM7 in phytoremediation with B. papyrifera is a promising inoculant used for bacteria-assisted phytoremediation on Sb contaminated sites.
Designing Synergistic Biostimulants Formulation Containing Autochthonous Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria for Sustainable Wheat Production
Authors: Yahya Mahreen , Rasul Maria , Sarwar Yasra , Suleman Muhammad , Tariq Mohsin , Hussain Syed Zajif , Sajid Zahid Iqbal , Imran Asma , Amin Imran , Reitz Thomas , Tarkka Mika Tapio , Yasmin Sumera
Published: May 2022

Applying phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) as biofertilizers has enormous potential for sustainable agriculture. Despite this, there is still a lack of information regarding the expression of key genes related to phosphate-solubilization (PS) and efficient formulation strategies. In this study, we investigated rock PS by Ochrobactrum sp. SSR (DSM 109610) by relating it to bacterial gene expression and searching for an efficient formulation. The quantitative PCR (qPCR) primers were designed for PS marker genes glucose dehydrogenase (gcd), pyrroloquinoline quinone biosynthesis protein C (pqqC), and phosphatase (pho). The SSR-inoculated soil supplemented with rock phosphate (RP) showed a 6-fold higher expression of pqqC and pho compared to inoculated soil without RP. Additionally, an increase in plant phosphorous (P) (2%), available soil P (4.7%), and alkaline phosphatase (6%) activity was observed in PSB-inoculated plants supplemented with RP. The root architecture improved by SSR, with higher root length, diameter, and volume. Ochrobactrum sp. SSR was further used to design bioformulations with two well-characterized PS, Enterobacter spp. DSM 109592 and DSM 109593, using the four organic amendments, biochar, compost, filter mud (FM), and humic acid. All four carrier materials maintained adequate survival and inoculum shelf life of the bacterium, as indicated by the field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis. The FM-based bioformulation was most efficacious and enhanced not only wheat grain yield (4–9%) but also seed P (9%). Moreover, FM-based bioformulation enhanced soil available P (8.5–11%) and phosphatase activity (4–5%). Positive correlations were observed between the PSB solubilization in the presence of different insoluble P sources, and soil available P, soil phosphatase activity, seed P content, and grain yield of the field grown inoculated wheat variety Faisalabad-2008, when di-ammonium phosphate fertilizer application was reduced by 20%. This study reports for the first time the marker gene expression of an inoculated PSB strain and provides a valuable groundwork to design field scale formulations that can maintain inoculum dynamics and increase its shelf life. This may constitute a step-change in the sustainable cultivation of wheat under the P-deficient soil conditions.
The Tol-Pal System Plays an Important Role in Maintaining Cell Integrity During Elongation in Escherichia coli
Authors: Park Sohee , Cho Hongbaek
Published: May 2022

The Tol-Pal system is a transenvelope complex widely conserved among Gram-negative bacteria. It is recruited to the septal ring during cytokinesis, and its inactivation causes pleiotropic phenotypes mainly associated with the division process. From our genetic screen to identify factors required for delaying lysis upon treatment of beta lactams, we discovered that the tol-pal mutant shares similar defects with mutants of the major class A PBP system (PBP1b-LpoB) in terms of lysis prevention. Further phenotypic analyses revealed that the Tol-Pal system plays an important role in maintaining cell integrity not only during septation, but also during cell elongation. Simultaneous inactivation of the Tol-Pal system and the PBP1b-LpoB system leads to lysis during cell elongation as well as during division. Moreover, production of the Lpo activator-bypass PBP1b, but not wild-type PBP1b, partially suppressed the Tol-Pal defect in maintaining cell integrity upon treatment of mecillinam specific for the Rod system, suggesting that the Tol-Pal system is likely to be involved in the activation of aPBP by Lpo factors. Overall, our results indicate that the Tol-Pal system plays an important role in maintaining cell wall integrity during elongation in addition to its multifaceted roles during cytokinesis.
Age-Dependent FOSB/ΔFOSB Response to Acute and Chronic Stress in the Extended Amygdala, Hypothalamic Paraventricular, Habenular, Centrally-Projecting Edinger-Westphal, and Dorsal Raphe Nuclei in Male Rats
Authors: Kovács László Ákos , Füredi Nóra , Ujvári Balázs , Golgol Abolfazl , Gaszner Balázs
Published: May 2022

FOS proteins are early-responding gene products that contribute to the formation of activator protein-1. Several acute and chronic stimuli lead to Fos gene expression, accompanied by an increase of nuclear FOS, which appears to decline with aging. FOSB is another marker to detect acute cellular response, while ΔFOSB mirrors long-lasting changes in neuronal activity upon chronic stress. The notion that the occurrence of stress-related mood disorders shows some age dependence suggests that the brain’s stress sensitivity is also a function of age. To study age-dependent stress vulnerability at the immediate-early gene level, we aimed to describe how the course of aging affects the neural responses of FOSB/ΔFOSB in the acute restraint stress (ARS), and chronic variable mild stress (CVMS) in male rats. Fourteen brain areas [central, medial, basolateral (BLA) amygdala; dorsolateral- (BNSTdl), oval- (BNSTov), dorsomedial-, ventral- (BNSTv), and fusiform- (BNSTfu) divisions of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis; medial and lateral habenula, hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), centrally-projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus, dorsal raphe nucleus, barrel field of somatosensory cortex (S1)] were examined in the course of aging. Eight age groups [1-month-old (M), 1.5 M, 2 M, 3 M, 6 M, 12 M, 18 M, and 24 M] of rats were exposed to a single ARS vs. controls. In addition, rats in six age groups (2, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 M) were subjected to CVMS. The FOSB/ΔFOSB immunoreactivity (IR) was a function of age in both controls, ARS- and CVMS-exposed rats. ARS increased the FOSB/ΔFOSB in all nuclei (except in BLA), but only BNSTfu, BNSTv, and PVN reacted throughout the examined lifespan. The CVMS did not increase the FOSB/ΔFOSB in BLA, BNSTov, BNSTdl, and S1. PVN showed a constantly maintained FOSB/ΔFOSB IR during the examined life period. The maximum stress-evoked FOSB/ΔFOSB signal was detected at 2–3 M periods in the ARS- and at 6 M, 18 M in CVMS- model. Corresponding to our previous observations on FOS, the FOSB/ΔFOSB response to stress decreased with age in most of the examined nuclei. Only the PVN exerted a sustained age-independent FOSB/ΔFOSB, which may reflect the long-lasting adaptation response and plasticity of neurons that maintain the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis response throughout the lifespan.
Cerebral Augmentation Effect Induced by External Counterpulsation Is Not Related to Impaired Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Xiong Li , Chen Xiangyan , Liu Jia , Wong Lawrence Ka Sing , Leung Thomas W.
Published: May 2022

Background and Purpose

Dynamic cerebral autoregulation is impaired after ischemic stroke. External counterpulsation (ECP) augments the cerebral blood flow of patients with ischemic stroke by elevation of blood pressure (BP). We aimed to investigate if cerebral augmentation effects during ECP were associated with impaired dynamic cerebral autoregulation in patients after acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

Forty patients with unilateral ischemic stroke and large artery atherosclerosis in the anterior circulation territory within 7 days from symptom onset and eighteen healthy controls were recruited. We monitored changes in mean flow velocity over both middle cerebral arteries (MCA) by transcranial Doppler (TCD) before, during, and immediately after ECP. Cerebral augmentation index was MCA mean flow velocity increase in percentage during ECP compared with baseline to evaluate the augmentation effects of ECP. Spontaneous arterial BP and cerebral blood flow velocity in both bilateral MCAs were recorded using a servo-controlled plethysmograph and TCD, respectively. Transfer function analysis was used to derive the autoregulatory parameters, including phase difference (PD), and gain.

Results

The cerebral augmentation index in patients with stroke was significantly higher on both the ipsilateral and contralateral sides than that in controls, while the PD in patients with stroke was significantly lower on both sides than those in controls (all P < 0.05). The cerebral augmentation index did not correlate with PD and gain on either the ipsilateral or contralateral side of patients with stroke or in controls (all P > 0.05). The cerebral augmentation index of patients with stroke was significantly related to mean BP change on the ipsilateral side (R2 = 0.108, P = 0.038).

Conclusion

The degree of ECP-induced cerebral augmentation effects as measured by the cerebral augmentation index did not correlate with the magnitude of impaired dynamic cerebral autoregulation.
Dual-Task Abilities During Activities Representative of Daily Life in Community-Dwelling Stroke Survivors: A Pilot Study
Authors: Deblock-Bellamy Anne , Lamontagne Anouk , McFadyen Bradford J. , Ouellet Marie-Christine , Blanchette Andréanne K.
Published: May 2022

Background

In addition to several physical skills, being able to walk in the community, walking independently and safely in the community requires the ability to divide attention between walking and other tasks performed simultaneously. The aims of the present pilot study were to measure cognitive-locomotor dual-task (DT) abilities during activities representative of daily living in stroke survivors and to compare them with age- and gender-matched healthy individuals.

Methods

To assess DT abilities, all participants walked along a virtual shopping mall corridor and memorized a 5-item shopping list. Two levels of task complexity were used for the walking task (with or without virtual agents to avoid) and the cognitive task to recall a list of items (with or without a modification at mid-course). The assessment was conducted using an omnidirectional platform and a virtual reality (VR) headset. Locomotor and cognitive DT costs (DTC) were calculated as the percent change from single-task (ST) performance. Walking speed and minimal distance between the participant and the virtual agents were used to characterize locomotor performance. Cognitive performance was assessed by the number of correctly recalled items. One-sample Wilcoxon tests were used to determine the presence of DTCs and Mann-Whitney tests were performed to compare DTCs between the 2 groups.

Results

Twelve community-dwelling stroke survivors [60.50 years old (25-75th percentiles: 53.50–65.75); 5 women; 13.41 months post-stroke (5.34–48.90)] and 12 age- and gender- matched healthy individuals were recruited. Significant cognitive or mutual (cognitive and locomotor) interferences were observed in participants with stroke in all DT conditions, except the simplest (no virtual agents, no modifications to the list). For the control group, significant mutual interferences were only observed during the most complex DT condition. A group difference was detected in cognitive DTCs during the most complex DT condition (virtual agents and list modifications; p = 0.02). Stroke survivors had greater cognitive DTCs than the control group.

Conclusions

Using an ecological perspective contributes to understanding behavior of stroke survivors in daily activities. Virtual scenarios appear to be an interesting avenue for a more comprehensive understanding of DT abilities during activities representative of daily living in stroke survivors. The usability and feasibility of such an approach will have to be studied before considering implementation in rehabilitation settings.