bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetics and Plasticity Are Responsible for Ecogeographical Patterns in a Recent Invasion
Authors: Stuart Katarina C. , Sherwin William B. , Cardilini Adam P.A. , Rollins Lee A.
Published: March 2022

Patterns of covariation between phenotype and environment are presumed to be reflective of local adaptation, and therefore translate to a meaningful influence on an individual’s overall fitness within that specific environment. However, these environmentally driven patterns may be the result of numerous and interacting processes, such as genetic variation, epigenetic variation, or plastic non-heritable variation. Understanding the relative importance of different environmental variables on underlying genetic patterns and resulting phenotypes is fundamental to understanding adaptation. Invasive systems are excellent models for such investigations, given their propensity for rapid evolution. This study uses reduced representation sequencing data paired with phenotypic data to examine whether important phenotypic traits in invasive starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) within Australia appear to be highly heritable (presumably genetic) or appear to vary with environmental gradients despite underlying genetics (presumably non-heritable plasticity). We also sought to determine which environmental variables, if any, play the strongest role shaping genetic and phenotypic patterns. We determined that environmental variables—particularly elevation—play an important role in shaping allelic trends in Australian starlings and may also reinforce neutral genetic patterns resulting from historic introduction regime. We examined a range of phenotypic traits that appear to be heritable (body mass and spleen mass) or negligibly heritable (e.g. beak surface area and wing length) across the starlings’ Australian range. Using SNP variants associated with each of these phenotypes, we identify key environmental variables that correlate with genetic patterns, specifically that temperature and precipitation putatively play important roles shaping phenotype in this species. Finally, we determine that overall phenotypic variation is correlated with underlying genetic variation, and that these interact positively with the level of vegetation variation within a region, suggesting that ground cover plays an important role in shaping selection and plasticity of phenotypic traits within the starlings of Australia.
Cell-Based NIPT Detects 47,XXY Genotype in a Twin Pregnancy
Authors: Jeppesen Line Dahl , Hjortshøj Tina Duelund , Hindkjær Johnny , Hatt Lotte , Petersen Olav Bjørn , Singh Ripudaman , Schelde Palle , Andreasen Lotte , Christensen Rikke , Lildballe Dorte L. , Vogel Ida
Published: March 2022

Background: The existing risk of procedure-related miscarriage following invasive sampling for prenatal diagnosis is higher for twin pregnancies and some women are reluctant to test these typically difficultly obtained pregnancies invasively. Therefore, there is a need for noninvasive testing options that can test twin pregnancies at an early gestational age and ideally test the twins individually.

Case presentation: A pregnant woman opted for cell-based NIPT at GA 10 + 5. As cell-based NIPT is not established for use in twins, the test was provided in a research setting only, when an ultrasound scan showed that she carried dichorionic twins.

Materials and Methods: Fifty mL of peripheral blood was sampled, and circulating fetal cells were enriched and isolated. Individual cells were subject to whole-genome amplification and STR analysis. Three fetal cells were analyzed by chromosomal microarray (aCGH).

Results: We identified 20 fetal cells all sharing the same genetic profile, which increased the likelihood of monozygotic twins. aCGH of three fetal cells showed the presence of two X chromosomes and a gain of chromosome Y. CVS from both placentae confirmed the sex chromosomal anomaly, 47,XXY and that both fetuses were affected.

Conclusion: NIPT options can provide valuable genetic information to twin pregnancies that help the couples in their decision-making on prenatal testing. Little has been published about the use of cell-based NIPT in twin pregnancies, but the method may offer the possibility to obtain individual cell-based NIPT results in dizygotic twins.
Type I Interferon-Induced TMEM106A Blocks Attachment of EV-A71 Virus by Interacting With the Membrane Protein SCARB2
Authors: Guo Xuemin , Zeng Shinuan , Ji Xiaoxin , Meng Xiaobin , Lei Nanfeng , Yang Hai , Mu Xin
Published: March 2022

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) and Coxsackievirus A16 (CV-A16) are the main causative agents of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) worldwide. Studies showed that EV-A71 and CV-A16 antagonize the interferon (IFN) signaling pathway; however, how IFN controls this viral infection is largely unknown. Here, we identified an IFN-stimulated gene, Transmembrane Protein 106A (TMEM106A), encoding a protein that blocks EV-A71 and CV-A16 infection. Combined approaches measuring viral infection, gene expression, and protein interactions uncovered that TMEM106A is required for optimal IFN-mediated viral inhibition and interferes with EV-A71 binding to host cells on the receptor scavenger receptor class B member 2 (SCARB2). Our findings reveal a new mechanism contributing to the IFN-mediated defense against EV-A71 and CV-A16 infection and provide a potential strategy for HFMD treatment by using the antiviral role of TMEM106A against enterovirus.
Increased Expression of Viral Sensor MDA5 in Pancreatic Islets and in Hormone-Negative Endocrine Cells in Recent Onset Type 1 Diabetic Donors
Authors: Nigi Laura , Brusco Noemi , Grieco Giuseppina E. , Fignani Daniela , Licata Giada , Formichi Caterina , Aiello Elena , Marselli Lorella , Marchetti Piero , Krogvold Lars , Jorgensen Knut Dahl , Sebastiani Guido , Dotta Francesco
Published: March 2022

The interaction between genetic and environmental factors determines the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Some viruses are capable of infecting and damaging pancreatic β-cells, whose antiviral response could be modulated by specific viral RNA receptors and sensors such as melanoma differentiation associated gene 5 (MDA5), encoded by the IFIH1 gene. MDA5 has been shown to be involved in pro-inflammatory and immunoregulatory outcomes, thus determining the response of pancreatic islets to viral infections. Although the function of MDA5 has been previously well explored, a detailed immunohistochemical characterization of MDA5 in pancreatic tissues of nondiabetic and T1D donors is still missing. In the present study, we used multiplex immunofluorescence imaging analysis to characterize MDA5 expression and distribution in pancreatic tissues obtained from 22 organ donors (10 nondiabetic autoantibody-negative, 2 nondiabetic autoantibody-positive, 8 recent-onset, and 2 long-standing T1D). In nondiabetic control donors, MDA5 was expressed both in α- and β-cells. The colocalization rate imaging analysis showed that MDA5 was preferentially expressed in α-cells. In T1D donors, we observed an increased colocalization rate of MDA5-glucagon with respect to MDA5-insulin in comparison to nondiabetic controls; such increase was more pronounced in recent-onset with respect to long-standing T1D donors. Of note, an increased colocalization rate of MDA5-glucagon was found in insulin-deficient-islets (IDIs) with respect to insulin-containing-islets (ICIs). Strikingly, we detected the presence of MDA5-positive/hormone-negative endocrine islet-like clusters in T1D donors, presumably due to dedifferentiation or neogenesis phenomena. These clusters were identified exclusively in donors with recent disease onset and not in autoantibody-positive nondiabetic donors or donors with long-standing T1D. In conclusion, we showed that MDA5 is preferentially expressed in α-cells, and its expression is increased in recent-onset T1D donors. Finally, we observed that MDA5 may also characterize the phenotype of dedifferentiated or newly forming islet cells, thus opening to novel roles for MDA5 in pancreatic endocrine cells.
The Skill Assessment of Weather and Research Forecasting and WAVEWATCH-III Models During Recent Meteotsunami Event in the Persian Gulf
Authors: Rahimian Mohsen , Beyramzadeh Mostafa , Siadatmousavi Seyed Mostafa
Published: March 2022

This study aims to use a fully realistic high-resolution mesoscale atmospheric and wave model to reproduce met-ocean conditions during a meteotsunami in the Persian Gulf. The atmospheric simulations were performed with the Weather and Research Forecasting (WRF) model by varying planetary boundary layer, microphysics, cumulus, and radiations parameterizations. The atmospheric results were compared to the meteorological observations (e.g., air pressure and wind speed) from the coastal and island synoptic and buoy stations of the nearest area to the meteotsunami event. The results show that using Mellor-Yamada-Nakanishi-Niino (MYNN) scheme for planetary boundary and surface layer had the best performance for stations over the water, whereas applying Mellor-Yamada-Janjic scheme for planetary boundary and Eta similarity surface layer had the best performance for stations over the land. For wave simulations, the WAVEWATCH-III model was employed with the well-known WAM-Cycle4 formulation and a more recent ST6 package. Six WRF experiments and ERA5 wind data were used to force the wave models. The new error parameter was introduced to identify the optimum wind data for wave simulation. EXP4 configuration which uses the MYNN scheme for planetary boundary and surface layer was led to minimum error, while ERA5 severely underestimated Hs and Tp parameters. For the first time, the Gaussian Quadrature Method (GQM) was implemented in the WAVEWATCH-III model and combined with a depth scale to be used in the Persian Gulf. This method is more accurate for non-linear wave-wave interaction than the default Discrete Interaction Approximation (DIA) method. Lower coefficients for dissipation term were required for GQM and the resulted bulk wave parameters were improved compared to the DIA method. The calibrated ST6 formulation with GQM resulted in a more realistic prediction of wave spectrum than the default settings of the WAVEWATCH-III.
Hall Effect Study of the Metamagnetic Transition in the Sr4(Ru0.99Fe0.01)3O10 Nanosheet
Authors: Wan Jiajie , Liu Yan , Wan Yuanqing , Wu Qing , Wang Yu , Yang Jiyong , Mao Zhiqiang , Wang Junzhong
Published: March 2022

Sr4(Ru0.99Fe0.01)3O10 shows a ferromagnetic (FM) transition at TC ∼ 105 K with the magnetic easy axis in the ab plane, followed by a metamagnetic transition (MMT) at low temperatures when the magnetic field H is applied along the c axis, which is in sharp contrast to that of the pure Sr4Ru3O10, where the easy axis is along the c axis and the MMT is in the ab plane. Here, we studied the MMT in the Sr4(Ru0.99Fe0.01)3O10 nanosheet by the Hall effect. It was found that the ordinary Hall coefficient of Sr4(Ru0.99Fe0.01)3O10 is almost the same as that of the pure Sr4Ru3O10, while a sudden increase in the Hall resistance Rxy is observed below ∼50 K, above which the Rxy presents the conventional anomalous Hall effect up to TC. Analysis of the results indicates that the MMT has no direct correlation to the electronic structure but closely relates to the magnetic moment locking, where the magnetic-field-induced breakdown of the locked moments is responsible for the MMT.
Differences in the Distribution of Species, Carbapenemases, Sequence Types, Antimicrobial Heteroresistance and Mortality Rates Between Pediatric and Adult Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales in Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Yu Hanbing , Ma Deyu , Liu Bo , Yang Suqing , Lin Qiuxia , Yu Renlin , Jia Xiaojiong , Niu Siqiang , Zhang Qun , Huang Shifeng
Published: March 2022

The dissemination of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) is worrisome given their scarce treatment options. CPE bloodstream infections (BSIs) had a high mortality rate in adults, and there was little data on pediatric CPE-BSIs around the world. We comprehensively explored the differences in the clinical and microbiological characteristics between pediatric and adult CPE-BSIs. Forty-eight pediatric and 78 adult CPE-BSIs cases were collected. All-cause 30 day-mortality in children with CPE-BSIs (14.6%, 7/48) was significantly lower than that in adult patients (42.3%, 33/78, p = 0.001). The subgroup in adults empirically treated with tigecycline as an active drug displayed a significantly higher 30-days crude mortality (63.3%, 19/30) than the subgroup treated without tigecycline (29.2%, 14/48, p = 0.003). K. pneumoniae was the most prevalent species in both the pediatric (45.8%, 22/48) and adult populations (64.1%, 50/78), with discrepant carbapenemase genes in each population: 95.4% (21/22) of the pediatric K. pneumoniae isolates carried blaNDM, while 82.0% (41/50) of the adult strains harbored blaKPC. The ratio of E. coli in children (37.5%) was significantly higher than that in adults (12.8%, p = 0.002). In both populations, the majority of E. coli expressed blaNDM, particularly blaNDM−5. With statistical significance, blaNDM was much more common in children (95.8%, 46/48) than in adults (34.6%, 27/78). The rate of multiple-heteroresistance phenotypes in children was as high as 87.5%, which was much lower in adults (57.1%). Agar dilution checkboard experiment against one pediatric carbapenemase-producing E. coli isolates showed that the combination of amikacin and fosfomycin yielded an additive effect. Overall, K. pneumoniae was the most common CPE-BSIs pathogen in both populations, with NDM-producing K. pneumoniae and KPC-producing ST11 K. pneumoniae being the most prevalent species in children and adults, respectively. E. coli was more prevalent in children than in adults, yet blaNDM−5 was the most common carbapenem-resistant mechanism in E. coli in both populations. The wide range of multiple-heteroresistance combination traits found in different pathogen species from different host populations should provide a good foundation for future combination therapy design. Further investigations from more CPE isolates of various species are needed to evaluate the possible in vitro partial synergy of the amikacin and fosfomycin combination.
Air Trapping and the Risk of COPD Exacerbation: Analysis From Prospective KOCOSS Cohort
Authors: Kim Youlim , Kim Sang Hyuk , Rhee Chin Kook , Lee Jae Seung , Lee Chang Youl , Kim Deog Kyeom , Shin Kyeong-Cheol , Jung Ki Suck , Yoo Kwang Ha , Park Yong Bum
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims

Air trapping is a predictive index for a decline in lung function and mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the role of air trapping in COPD exacerbation has rarely been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of air trapping as a continuous parameter on COPD exacerbation.

Materials and Methods

To evaluate air trapping, we identified the ratio of residual volume (RV) to total lung capacity (TLC) of patients with COPD from the Korean COPD Subgroup Study (KOCOSS) cohort, which is a multicenter-based, prospective, consecutive cohort in Korea. The primary outcome was a development of COPD exacerbation during 3 years of follow-up.

Results

Of 2,181 participants, 902 patients measured the RV/TLC ratio in the baseline enrollment, and 410 were evaluated for assessing the development of COPD exacerbation. Of 410 patients, the rate of moderate to severe exacerbation and severe exacerbation was 70.7% and 25.9%. A 10% increase of RV/TLC ratio increased the risk of the moderate to severe exacerbation by 35% and severe exacerbation by 36%. In subgroup analysis, an interaction effect between triple inhaled therapy and the RV/TLC ratio for severe exacerbation nullified the association between the RV/TLC ratio and severe exacerbation (p for interaction = 0.002).

Conclusions

In this prospective cohort study, we found that air trapping (representing RV/TLC ratio as a continuous parameter) showed an association with an increased risk of COPD exacerbation, particularly in patients who have not undergone triple inhaler therapy.
Benefits of Integrating Telemedicine and Artificial Intelligence Into Outreach Eye Care: Stepwise Approach and Future Directions
Authors: Chia Mark A. , Turner Angus W.
Published: March 2022

Telemedicine has traditionally been applied within remote settings to overcome geographical barriers to healthcare access, providing an alternate means of connecting patients to specialist services. The coronavirus 2019 pandemic has rapidly expanded the use of telemedicine into metropolitan areas and enhanced global telemedicine capabilities. Through our experience of delivering real-time telemedicine over the past decade within a large outreach eye service, we have identified key themes for successful implementation which may be relevant to services facing common challenges. We present our journey toward establishing a comprehensive teleophthalmology model built on the principles of collaborative care, with a focus on delivering practical lessons for service design. Artificial intelligence is an emerging technology that has shown potential to further address resource limitations. We explore the applications of artificial intelligence and the need for targeted research within underserved settings in order to meet growing healthcare demands. Based on our rural telemedicine experience, we make the case that similar models may be adapted to urban settings with the aim of reducing surgical waitlists and improving efficiency.
Microbial Co-occurrence Network and Fermentation Information of Natural Woody-Plant Silage Prepared With Grass and Crop By-Product in Southern Africa
Authors: Du Zhumei , Yamasaki Seishi , Oya Tetsuji , Nguluve Damiao , Euridse Denise , Tinga Benedito , Macome Felicidade , Cai Yimin
Published: March 2022

To facilitate the use of woody plant (WP) as a natural biomass resource to address the shortage of feed for ruminants in the tropics, we use PacBio SMRT sequencing to explore the microbial co-occurrence network and silage fermentation of gliricidia and leucaena prepared with Napier grass (NG) and corn stover (CS) in Southern Africa. Based on dry matter, the crude protein contents of WP are as high as 25%. Compared with NG, the addition of CS speed up the dynamic succession of microorganisms in the silage fermentation process from Gram-negative bacteria to Gram-positive bacteria, and promoted Lactiplantibacillus plantarum to become the dominant community and enhanced the metabolic pathways of lactic acid and citric acid, thus improved the fermentation flavour and quality of WP silage. WP can be mixed with CS to make high-quality silage, which can alleviate the shortage of feed and promote local animal production.
Fusobacterium nucleatum: The Opportunistic Pathogen of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases
Authors: Chen Yanchi , Shi Tao , Li Yiling , Huang Linyang , Yin Derong
Published: March 2022

Peri-implant diseases are considered to be a chronic destructive inflammatory destruction/damage occurring in soft and hard peri-implant tissues during the patient’s perennial use after implant restoration and have attracted much attention because of their high incidence. Although most studies seem to suggest that the pathogenesis of peri-implant diseases is similar to that of periodontal diseases and that both begin with microbial infection, the specific mechanism of peri-implant diseases remains unclear. As an oral opportunistic pathogen, Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) has been demonstrated to be vital for the occurrence and development of many oral infectious diseases, especially periodontal diseases. More notably, the latest relevant studies suggest that F. nucleatum may contribute to the occurrence and development of peri-implant diseases. Considering the close connection between peri-implant diseases and periodontal diseases, a summary of the role of Fusobacterium nucleatum in periodontal diseases may provide more research directions and ideas for the peri-implantation mechanism. In this review, we summarize the effects of F. nucleatum on periodontal diseases by biofilm formation, host infection, and host response, and then we establish the relationship between periodontal and peri-implant diseases. Based on the above aspects, we discuss the importance and potential value of F. nucleatum in peri-implant diseases.
The Role of the Lateral Habenula in Suicide: A Call for Further Exploration
Authors: Marks Rocky B. , Wee Janelle Y. , Jacobson Samantha V. , Hashimoto Kimi , O’Connell Katherine L. , Golden Sam Adler , Baker Phillip Michael , Law Keyne Catherine
Published: March 2022

Despite decades of significant effort in research, policy, and prevention, suicide rates have continued to rise to the current peak of 14.6 per 100,000 deaths. This has resulted in a concerted effort to identify biomarkers associated with suicidal behavior in the brain, to provide predictions that are better than the chance of discerning who will die by suicide. We propose that the lateral habenula (LHb), and its dysfunction during a suicidal crisis, is a critical component of the transition from suicidal ideations to self-harm. Moreover, the LHb—a key functional node in brain reward circuitry—has not been ascribed a contributory role in suicidal behavior. We argue that the LHb anchors a “suicide circuit” and call for suicide researchers to directly examine the role of the LHb, and its long-term modulation, in response to the negative affect in suicidal behavior. Discerning the neural mechanisms of this contribution will require the collaboration of neuroscientists and psychologists. Consequently, we highlight and discuss research on LHb as it relates to suicidal ideation, suicidal behavior, or death by suicide. In so doing we hope to address the bench-to-bedside translational issues currently involved in suicide research and suggest a developmental framework that focuses on specific structures motivated by theoretical anchors as a way to incorporate neurobiological findings within the context of clinical theory.
Factors Contributing to Malnutrition in Parkinson's Disease Patients With Freezing of Gait
Authors: Zhang Li-Li , Zhang Liang , Dong Jingde , Zhao Ying , Wang Xiao-Ping
Published: March 2022

Background and Purpose

Little is known about the nutritional status and clinical characteristics of patients with Parkinson's disease with freezing of gait (PDFOG). The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between nutritional status and characteristics of patients with PDFOG.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 178 PDFOG patients were recruited and classified as nutritionally normal or at risk of malnutrition/already malnourished based on their Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) scores. Each participant underwent a structured questionnaire, physical examination and routine serum biochemical tests.

Results

We found that 44.4 and 37.1% of PDFOG patients were malnourished [mini nutritional assessment (MNA) score <17] and at risk of malnutrition (17 ≤ MNA score ≤ 23.5), respectively. Compared to patients with normal nutrition, PDFOG patients with malnutrition and at risk of malnutrition had longer duration of Parkinson's disease (PD) and freezing of gait (FOG), more levodopa equivalent daily doses (LEDD), lower body mass index (BMI), more motor symptoms according to the Unified PD Rating Scale-III (UPDRS-III) and non-motor symptoms according to the PD Non-motor Symptoms Questionnaire (PD-NMS) (P < 0.05). Uric acid, albumin, prealbumin, and total cholesterol (TC) differed between the two groups (P < 0.05). High Hoehn and Yahr (H-Y) stage, high Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FOGQ) scores, low TC and low uric acid were risk factors for malnutrition in patients with PDFOG.

Conclusion

Our results showed disease severity, motor symptoms, TC levels and uric acid levels were all associated with nutritional status in patients with PDFOG. This study suggest early discovery of the nutritional status of PDFOG patients is important.
Cognitive Control Deficits in Children With Subthreshold Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Chen Caiqi , Li Zhuangyang , Liu Xiqin , Pan Yongling , Wu Tingting
Published: March 2022

Subthreshold Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is defined as a neurobiological condition with some core inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD which do not meet the full diagnosis clinically. Although it has been well documented that deficits in cognitive control, a high-level cognitive construct closely related to attention, are frequently found among children with ADHD, whether subthreshold ADHD is also associated with similar deficits remains unclear. In this study, we examined the attention functions and the cognitive control capacity (CCC) in children with ADHD (n = 39), those with subthreshold ADHD (n = 34), and typically developing peers (TD, n = 36). The results showed that the ADHD and subthreshold ADHD groups exhibited similar patterns of the impaired executive function of attention (revealed as an augment in flanker conflict effect) and reduced cognitive control capacity, and no significant difference was found between the two groups. These findings suggest that although children with subthreshold ADHD have not met the full criteria of ADHD, they showed reduced efficiency in cognitive control and attention function, similar to children with ADHD.
The Predictive Role of Low Spatial Frequencies in Automatic Face Processing: A Visual Mismatch Negativity Investigation
Authors: Lacroix Adeline , Harquel Sylvain , Mermillod Martial , Vercueil Laurent , Alleysson David , Dutheil Frédéric , Kovarski Klara , Gomot Marie
Published: March 2022

Visual processing is thought to function in a coarse-to-fine manner. Low spatial frequencies (LSF), conveying coarse information, would be processed early to generate predictions. These LSF-based predictions would facilitate the further integration of high spatial frequencies (HSF), conveying fine details. The predictive role of LSF might be crucial in automatic face processing, where high performance could be explained by an accurate selection of clues in early processing. In the present study, we used a visual Mismatch Negativity (vMMN) paradigm by presenting an unfiltered face as standard stimulus, and the same face filtered in LSF or HSF as deviant, to investigate the predictive role of LSF vs. HSF during automatic face processing. If LSF are critical for predictions, we hypothesize that LSF deviants would elicit less prediction error (i.e., reduced mismatch responses) than HSF deviants. Results show that both LSF and HSF deviants elicited a mismatch response compared with their equivalent in an equiprobable sequence. However, in line with our hypothesis, LSF deviants evoke significantly reduced mismatch responses compared to HSF deviants, particularly at later stages. The difference in mismatch between HSF and LSF conditions involves posterior areas and right fusiform gyrus. Overall, our findings suggest a predictive role of LSF during automatic face processing and a critical involvement of HSF in the fusiform during the conscious detection of changes in faces.
Dual Roles of Coconut Oil and Its Major Component Lauric Acid on Redox Nexus: Focus on Cytoprotection and Cancer Cell Death
Authors: Ramya Venkatesan , Shyam Karuppiah Prakash , Kowsalya Eshwaran , Balavigneswaran Chelladurai Karthikeyan , Kadalmani Balamuthu
Published: March 2022

It has been reported that coconut oil supplementation can reduce neuroinflammation. However, coconut oils are available as virgin coconut oil (VCO), crude coconut oil (ECO), and refined coconut oil (RCO). The impact of coconut oil extraction process (and its major fatty acid component lauric acid) at cellular antioxidant level, redox homeostasis and inflammation in neural cells is hitherto unexplained. Herein, we have shown the antioxidant levels and cellular effect of coconut oil extracted by various processes in human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) cultured in vitro. Results indicate VCO and ECO treated cells displayed better mitochondrial health when compared to RCO. Similar trend was observed for the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS), key oxidative stress response genes (GCLC, HO-1, and Nqo1) and inflammatory genes (IL6, TNFα, and iNOS) in SH-SY5Y cells. Our results signified that both VCO and ECO offer better neural health primarily by maintaining the cellular redox balance. Further, RCO prepared by solvent extraction and chemical refining process lacks appreciable beneficial effect. Then, we extended our study to find out the reasons behind maintaining the cellular redox balance in neuroblastoma cells by VCO and ECO. Our GC-MS results showed that lauric acid (C14:0) (LA) content was the major difference in the fatty acid composition extracted by various processes. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy of LA in SH-SY5Y cells. The LA showed dose-dependent effect. At IC50 concentration (11.8 μM), LA down regulated the oxidative stress response genes and inflammatory genes. The results clearly indicate that the LA inhibited the neuroinflammation and provided an efficient cellular antioxidant activity, which protects the cells. The efficiency was also evaluated in normal cell line such as fibroblasts (L929) to cross-validate that the results were not false positive. Different concentration of LA on L929 cells showed high compatibility. From our observation, we conclude that VCO and ECO offers better cellular protection owing to their powerful antioxidant system. Therefore, we advocate the inclusion of either VCO and/or ECO in the diet for a healthy lifestyle.
A Study on Legume-Based Noodles as Staple Food for Office Workers
Authors: Sumali Brian , Yoshimoto Joto , Kobayashi Hiroto , Yamada Mei , Maeda Tetsuya , Mitsukura Yasue
Published: March 2022

This study aims to verify the effects of “legume-based noodles” as a staple food for lunch, specifically: blood glucose, cognitive function tests, Kansei value, work questionnaires, typing, and body weight. The experiment is divided into two groups: the intervention group (legumes-based noodle) and the control group (regular lunch). Both groups have similar menu except the staple food. The intervention group resulted in a statistically significant lower blood glucose area under the curve (AUC) and lower maximum blood glucose levels during the afternoon work hours on weekdays. In addition, the Kansei value “concentration” decreased at the end of the workday in the control group compared to before and after lunch but did not decrease in the intervention group. Furthermore, the number of typing accuracy was higher in the intervention group than in the control group, and the questionnaire responses for “work efficiency” and “motivation” were more positive. These results suggest that eating legume-based noodles may lead to improved performance of office workers.
Camrelizumab Combined With Gemcitabine and Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel for Neoadjuvant Therapy in the Treatment of Progressive Gallbladder Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Wu Jing , Wang Zheng , Li Jing , Peng Xue-Hui , Tang Yi-Chen , Huang Xiao-Bing , He Yong-Gang
Published: March 2022

Background

The roles of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of gallbladder cancer are still unclear and challenged by controversial findings. Recent research has shown that immune checkpoint inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy may alleviate disease progression.

Case Summary

A 45-year-old female patient with gallbladder cancer accompanied by multiple abdominal lymph node metastasis was treated with camrelizumab combined with paclitaxel for injection (albumin-bound) and gemcitabine (AG) to downstage the tumor before a radical surgery could be performed. The postoperative quality of life was superior to the preoperative level.

Conclusion

Camrelizumab + AG offers a new therapeutic option for gallbladder cancer with multiple abdominal lymph node metastasis, which, however, warrants further validation in clinical trials.
Dihydromyricetin Alleviates Pulmonary Fibrosis by Regulating Abnormal Fibroblasts Through the STAT3/p-STAT3/GLUT1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Zhen , Geng Jing , Xie Bingbing , He Jiarui , Wang Jing , Peng Liang , Hu Yinan , Dai Huaping , Wang Chen
Published: March 2022

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive disorder with a poor prognosis. Although dihydromyricetin (DHM), extracted from vine tea and other Ampelopsis species, has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions, the effects of DHM on IPF remain unclear.

Methods: The effects of DHM on the differentiation, migration, proliferation, and respiratory functions of primary mouse lung fibroblasts (PMLFs) and primary human lung fibroblasts (PHLFs) were detected by western blotting, the Transwell assay, EdU staining, and the Mito Stress test. Then, the impacts of DHM on bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis were evaluated by pathological staining, western blotting, and coimmunofluorescence staining. The signaling pathway influenced by DHM was also investigated.

Results: DHM could regulate the differentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts and suppress the abnormal migration, proliferation, and respiratory functions of myofibroblasts induced by TGF-β1 or myofibroblasts from IPF patients. DHM could also alleviate pulmonary fibrosis induced by BLM. All these effects were achieved by regulating the STAT3/p-STAT3/GLUT1 signaling pathway.

Conclusion: DHM could regulate the abnormal functions of myofibroblasts induced by TGF-β1 and myofibroblasts from IPF patients and alleviate pulmonary fibrosis induced by BLM; thus, DHM might be a candidate medicinal treatment for IPF.
A Novel Modulator of the Renin–Angiotensin System, Benzoylaconitine, Attenuates Hypertension by Targeting ACE/ACE2 in Enhancing Vasodilation and Alleviating Vascular Inflammation
Authors: Zhang Qi-Qiang , Chen Feng-Hua , Wang Fei , Di Xue-Mei , Li Wei , Zhang Hai
Published: March 2022

The monoester alkaloids in Aconitum carmichaelii, including benzoylaconitine (BAC), benzoylmesaconine, and benzoylhypaconitine, were found to have anti-hypertensive effects in spontaneously hypertension rats (SHRs), of which BAC is the strongest. However, its antihypertensive target and underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, first, we screened the antihypertensive targets of BAC by using the CVDPlatform (www.cbligand.org/CVD) and found that ACE/ACE2 are the most possible targets. Then, we verified the effect of BAC on ACE/ACE2 by virtual docking, SPR, enzyme activity assay, and HUVECs cell experiment. We found that BAC could bind with ACE/ACE2, inhibit ACE activity and protein expression, and activate ACE2 enzyme activity. Using vascular function test in vitro, we found that BAC could target ACE/ACE2 to enhance endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. In BAC-treated SHRs, the levels of ACE and AngII in serum were reduced while Ang (1–7) was increased significantly, and the expression of ACE was reduced, which suggested that BAC can inhibit ACE and activate ACE2 to inhibit AngI to AngII and promote AngII to Ang (1–7) to inhibit vasoconstriction and finally attenuate hypertension. Furthermore, the signaling pathways with regard to vasorelaxation and vascular inflammation were investigated. The results showed that BAC could significantly activate Akt/eNOS, increase NO production, and promote endothelial-related vasodilation; BAC could also reduce inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL6, inhibition of COX-2 expression, and IKB-α phosphorylation to reduce vascular inflammation in SHRs. In brief, BAC targets ACE/ACE2 to enhance endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation and reduce vascular inflammation to attenuate hypertension as a potential modulator of the renin–angiotensin system.
The Theoretical Study of Unexpected Magnetism in 2D Si-Doped AlN
Authors: Wan Wenhui , Kang Na , Ge Yanfeng , Liu Yong
Published: March 2022

In this study, the structural and magnetic properties of Si-doped bulk and 2D AlN were systematically investigated by first-principles calculations. Si atoms prefer to substitute Al atoms in both bulk and 2D AlN under N-rich growth conditions. In bulk AlN, Si dopants exhibit a non-magnetic state, uniform distribution, and a strong anisotropic diffusion energy barrier. In contrast to that, Si dopants prefer to form a buckling structure and exhibit a magnetic moment of 1 μB in 2D AlN. At a low Si concentration, Si atoms tend to get together with antiferromagnetic coupling between each other. However, the magnetic coupling among Si atoms changes to ferromagnetic coupling as Si concentration increases, due to the enhanced exchange splitting and delocalized impurity states. At the extreme doping limit, monolayer SiN, along with its analogs GeN and SnN, is a ferromagnetic semiconductor with a large band gap and high Curie temperature. These results indicate that 2D AlN doped by group IV atoms has potential applications in spintronic devices.
Exercise Physiology Impairments of Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Findings
Authors: He Ji , Fu Jiayu , Zhao Wei , Ren Chuan , Liu Ping , Chen Lu , Li Dan , Zhou Lequn , Tang Lu , Liu Xiangyi , Ye Shan , Liu Xiaolu , Ma Yan , Zhang Yixuan , Ma Xinran , Zhang Linjing , Zhang Gaoqi , Li Nan , Fan Dongsheng
Published: March 2022

Background and Objective

In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), progressive weakness significantly limits the ability to exercise. However, measurements of the impaired exercise function and their practical value to assess disease progression in ALS are scarce. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a non-invasive accurate method used to comprehensively quantify exercise physiology in a variety of diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical value of CPET and to explore its association with disease severity and prognosis prediction in ALS.

Methods

A total of 319 participants were enrolled in this 3-year prospective study. After strict quality control, 109 patients with ALS and 150 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included with comprehensive clinical assessment and follow-ups. The incremental ramp protocol for symptom-limited CPET was applied in both groups. The exercise physiology during peak effort exercise was systematically measured, including the overall aerobic capacity of exercise (VO2 peak) and the respective capacity of the exercise-involved organs [cardiac response (heart rate peak—HR peak), ventilatory efficiency (VE/VCO2 slope), breathing economy (VE/VO2 peak), and other relevant parameters]. Disease severity and progression were evaluated using recognized scales. Survival was monitored with regular follow-ups every 6 months.

Results

Decreased exercise capacity (VO2 peak < 16 ml/kg/min) occurred more frequently in patients with ALS than in controls (44.95% vs. 9.33%, p < 0.01). In patients with ALS, the average VO2 peak (16.16 ± 5.43 ml/kg/min) and HR peak [135 (112–153) bpm] were significantly lower (p < 0.01) than in controls [22.26 ± 7.09 ml/kg/min; 148 (135–164) bpm], but the VE/VCO2 slope was significantly higher [28.05 (25.03–32.16) vs. 26.72 (24.37–29.58); p = 0.03]. In patients with ALS, the VO2 peak and HR peak were significantly correlated with disease severity and progression scores (p < 0.05). Survival analyses revealed the VO2 peak and HR peak as protective indicators while the VE/VO2 peak as a detrimental indicator for the prognostic prediction in ALS (HR = 0.839, p = 0.001; HR = 0.967, p < 0.001; HR = 1.137, p = 0.028, respectively).

Conclusion

Our prospective study quantified the significantly decreased exercise capacity in ALS through non-invasive CPET. The impaired VO2 peak and HR peak closely correlated with disease severity and independently predicted a worse prognosis. Our findings identified the clinical value of CPET as an objective indicator of disease progression in ALS.
Physiological Responses to Acute Cycling With Blood Flow Restriction
Authors: Kilgas Matthew A. , Yoon Tejin , McDaniel John , Phillips Kevin C. , Elmer Steven J.
Published: March 2022

Aerobic exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) can improve muscular function and aerobic capacity. However, the extent to which cuff pressure influences acute physiological responses to aerobic exercise with BFR is not well documented. We compared blood flow, tissue oxygenation, and neuromuscular responses to acute cycling with and without BFR. Ten participants completed four intermittent cycling (6 × 2 min) conditions: low-load cycling (LL), low-load cycling with BFR at 60% of limb occlusion pressure (BFR60), low-load cycling with BFR at 80% of limb occlusion pressure (BFR80), and high-load cycling (HL). Tissue oxygenation, cardiorespiratory, metabolic, and perceptual responses were assessed during cycling and blood flow was measured during recovery periods. Pre- to post-exercise changes in knee extensor function were also assessed. BFR60 and BFR80 reduced blood flow (~33 and ~ 50%, respectively) and tissue saturation index (~5 and ~15%, respectively) when compared to LL (all p < 0.05). BFR60 resulted in lower VO2, heart rate, ventilation, and perceived exertion compared to HL (all p < 0.05), whereas BFR80 resulted in similar heart rates and exertion to HL (both p > 0.05). BFR60 and BFR80 elicited greater pain compared to LL and HL (all p < 0.05). After exercise, knee extensor torque decreased by ~18 and 40% for BFR60 and BFR80, respectively (both p < 0.05), and was compromised mostly through peripheral mechanisms. Cycling with BFR increased metabolic stress, decreased blood flow, and impaired neuromuscular function. However, only BFR60 did so without causing very severe pain (>8 on pain intensity scale). Cycling with BFR at moderate pressure may serve as a potential alternative to traditional high-intensity aerobic exercise.
Real-Time Algorithm for Detrended Cross-Correlation Analysis of Long-Range Coupled Processes
Authors: Kaposzta Zalan , Czoch Akos , Stylianou Orestis , Kim Keumbi , Mukli Peter , Eke Andras , Racz Frigyes Samuel
Published: March 2022

Assessing power-law cross-correlations between a pair – or among a set – of processes is of great significance in diverse fields of analyses ranging from neuroscience to financial markets. In most cases such analyses are computationally expensive and thus carried out offline once the entire signal is obtained. However, many applications – such as mental state monitoring or financial forecasting – call for fast algorithms capable of estimating scale-free coupling in real time. Detrended cross-correlation analysis (DCCA), a generalization of the detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) to the bivariate domain, has been introduced as a method designed to quantify power-law cross-correlations between a pair of non-stationary signals. Later, in analogy with the Pearson cross-correlation coefficient, DCCA was adapted to the detrended cross-correlation coefficient (DCCC), however as of now no online algorithms were provided for either of these analysis techniques. Here we introduce a new formula for obtaining the scaling functions in real time for DCCA. Moreover, the formula can be generalized via matrix notation to obtain the scaling relationship between not only a pair of signals, but also all possible pairs among a set of signals at the same time. This includes parallel estimation of the DFA scaling function of each individual process as well, thus allowing also for real-time acquisition of DCCC. The proposed algorithm matches its offline variants in precision, while being substantially more efficient in terms of execution time. We demonstrate that the method can be utilized for mental state monitoring on multi-channel electroencephalographic recordings obtained in eyes-closed and eyes-open resting conditions.
Rapid Identification of Soybean Varieties by Terahertz Frequency-Domain Spectroscopy and Grey Wolf Optimizer-Support Vector Machine
Authors: Wei Xiao , Kong Dandan , Zhu Shiping , Li Song , Zhou Shengling , Wu Weiji
Published: March 2022

Different soybean varieties vary greatly in their nutritional value and composition. Screening for superior varieties is also essential for the development of the soybean seed industry. The objective of the paper was to analyze the feasibility of terahertz (THz) frequency-domain spectroscopy and chemometrics for soybean variety identification. Meanwhile, a grey wolf optimizer-support vector machine (GWO-SVM) soybean variety identification model was proposed. Firstly, the THz frequency-domain spectra of experimental samples (6 varieties, 270 in total) were collected. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to analyze the THz spectra. After that, 203 samples from the calibration set were used to establish a soybean variety identification model. Finally, 67 samples from the test set were used for prediction validation. The experimental results demonstrated that THz frequency-domain spectroscopy combined with GWO-SVM could quickly and accurately identify soybean varieties. Compared with discriminant partial least squares (DPLS) and particles swarm optimization support vector machine, GWO-SVM combined with the second derivative could establish a better soybean variety identification model. The overall correct identification rate of its prediction set was 97.01%.
Disjunction and Vicariance Between East and West Asia: A Case Study on Euonymus sect. Uniloculares Based on Plastid Genome Analysis
Authors: Jamshed Shayan , Kim Joo-Hwan
Published: March 2022

Scientists have long been captivated by biogeographic disjunctions, and disjunctions between East Asia and North America have been particularly well-studied at the genus and family levels. By contrast, disjunctions between eastern and western Asia have received less attention.EuonymusL. is taxonomically divided into two sections based on the number of cells in anthers as follows:E. sect.Uniloculareshas one-celled anthers and occurs mainly in Asia, whereasE. sect.Biloculareshas two-celled anthers and is distributed globally. We used Illumina sequencing to investigate the genomes of four species in sect.Uniloculares. The chloroplast (cp) genomes are highly conserved (157,290–158,094 bp). Pseudogenisation ofndhF and intron loss inrps16 was detected. Based on the cp genomes of the four species ofE. sect.Uniloculares, we propose a novel hypothesis of disjunction between eastern and western Asia. Biogeographic reconstruction and molecular dating revealed that sect.Unilocularesseparated from its sect.Bilocularesforebears 4.0 Mya during the Pliocene era. The radial diversification of sect.Unilocularesfrom East Asia and the establishment of the western Asian clade during the Pleistocene era (1.9 Mya) were the results of both dispersal and vicariance, making the section the youngest diverged clade conforming to age estimation. The centre of origin of sect.Uniloculareswas determined to be in East Asia. Disjunctions and diversification between eastern and western Asia in sect.Unilocularesare thought to have been caused by changes in monsoon patterns, temperature variations, and the emergence of the Gobi Desert.
Metabolomics Study of Different Germplasm Resources for Three Polygonatum Species Using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS
Authors: Wang Shiqiang , Li Wenna , Zhang Xinfei , Li Gang , Li Xiao dong , Chang Hui , Niu Junfeng , Wang Zhezhi
Published: March 2022

Rhizomes of the Polygonatum species are well-known in traditional Chinese medicine. The 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia includes three different species that possess different pharmacological effects. Due to the lack of standardized discriminant compounds there has often been inadvertently incorrect prescriptions given for these medicines, resulting in serious consequences. Therefore, it is critical to accurately distinguish these herbal Polygonatum species. For this study, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS based metabolomics was employed for the first time to discriminate between three Polygonatum species. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) models were utilized to select the potential candidate discriminant compounds, after which MS/MS fragmentation patterns were used to identify them. Meanwhile, metabolic correlations were identified using the R language package corrplot, and the distribution of various metabolites was analyzed by box plot and the Z-score graph. As a result, we found that adenosine, sucrose, and pyroglutamic acid were suitable for the identification of different Polygonatum species. In conclusion, this study articulates how various herbal Polygonatum species might be more accurately and efficiently distinguished.