bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical fertilizer reduction combined with bio-organic fertilizers increases cauliflower yield via regulation of soil biochemical properties and bacterial communities in Northwest China
Authors: Xiao Xuemei , Li Ju , Lyu Jian , Feng Zhi , Zhang Guobin , Yang Haixing , Gao Chengfei , Jin Li , Yu Jihua
Published: July 2022

The continuous application of chemical fertilizers in vegetable cropping has led to deterioration of the soil environment and reduced yield and quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of combining chemical and bio-organic fertilizers on cauliflower yield, soil biochemical properties, and the bacterial community. Six treatments were established: no fertilizer (CK, control), chemical fertilizers (CF, conventional dosage for this region), balanced fertilization (BF, 30% reduction of chemical fertilizers), and balanced fertilization plus 3,000, 6,000, or 12,000 kg.ha–1 bio-organic fertilizer (Lvneng Ruiqi Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Gansu, China) (BF + OF1, BF + OF2, BF + OF3, respectively). A two-season field experiment with cauliflower was conducted under the different fertilizer treatments in irrigation districts along the Yellow River, Northwest China. The results indicate that the yield, soil organic matter, total potassium content, and enzyme activity under the bio-organic treatments were generally higher than those under the CF treatment. Compared with the CF treatment, the BF treatment increased soil organic matter content, enzyme activity and soil bacterial relative abundance. Moreover, the bacterial alpha-diversity were higher than those of conventional fertilization. The predominant phyla, including Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, and Chloroflexi, were the main contributors to the microbiome shift, as demonstrated by their remarkable enrichment in the soil under BF + OF2 and BF + OF3 treatments. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analyses show significant correlations among the soil organic matter, available P and K, electrical conductivity, and relative abundance of potentially beneficial microbial groups, such as the genera Massilia, Bacillus, Lysobacter, and Nitrosospira. Overall, this study suggests that balanced fertilization and the application of bio-organic fertilizers are essential to ensure soil fertility and long-term sustainable green productivity.
Distributions and relationships of virio- and picoplankton in the epi-, meso- and bathypelagic zones of the Amundsen Sea, West Antarctica during the austral summer
Authors: Han Meiaoxue , Luo Guangfu , He Jianfeng , Liang Yantao , Chen Xuechao , Liu Gang , Su Yue , Ge Fuyue , Yu Hao , Zhao Jun , Hao Qiang , Shao Hongbing , Sung Yeong Yik , Mok Wen Jye , Wong Li Lian , McMinn Andrew , Wang Min
Published: July 2022

Virioplankton and picoplankton are the most abundant marine biological entities on earth and mediate biogeochemical cycles in the Southern Ocean. However, understanding of their distribution and relationships with environmental factors is lacking. Here, we report on their distribution and relationships with environmental factors at 48 stations from 112.5° to 150°W and 67° to 75.5°S in the Amundsen Sea of West Antarctica. The epipelagic stations were grouped into four clusters based on the virio- and picoplankton composition and abundance. Clusters three and four, which were associated with the ice-edge blooms in the coastal and Amundsen Sea Polynya (ASP) areas, had high abundances of autotrophic picoeukaryotes; this resulted in subsequent high abundances of heterotrophic prokaryotes and viruses. Cluster two stations were in open oceanic areas, where the abundances of autotrophic and heterotrophic picoplankton were low. Cluster one stations were located between the areas of blooms and the oceanic areas, which had a low abundance of heterotrophic prokaryotes and picoeukaryotes and a high abundance of virioplankton. The abundance of viruses was significantly correlated with the abundances of autotrophic picoeukaryotes and Chl-a concentration in oceanic areas, although this reflected a time-lag with autotrophic picoeukaryote and heterotrophic prokaryotes abundances in ice-edge bloom areas. The upwelling of Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW) might have induced the high abundance of autotrophic picoeukaryotes in the epipelagic zone, and the sinking particulate organic carbon (POC) might have induced the high abundance of heterotrophic prokaryotes and virioplankton in the meso- and bathypelagic zones. This study shows that the summer distribution of virio- and picoplankton in the Amundsen Sea of West Antarctica was mainly controlled by upwelling of the CDW and the timing of ice-edge blooms.
Potential roles of gut microbial tryptophan metabolites in the complex pathogenesis of acne vulgaris
Authors: Huang Yukun , Liu Lu , Hao Zhenyu , Chen Lingna , Yang Qian , Xiong Xia , Deng Yongqiong
Published: July 2022

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disease in which the influence of gut microbiota has been implicated but without clarification of mechanisms. Gut microbiota may exert such an influence via metabolites, particularly those of tryptophan. End metabolites of tryptophan activate receptors, including aryl hydrocarbon, G protein-coupled, and pregnane X receptors to stabilize the immune microenvironment and intestinal mucosal homeostasis. Any impact on the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris remains unclear. The current review collates recent advances concerning potential roles of tryptophan metabolism in mediating skin inflammation, follicular sebaceous gland function and intestinal permeability, all of which influence the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. The aim was to improve understanding of the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris and to expose therapeutic opportunities.
Liver fat metabolism of broilers regulated by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TL via stimulating IGF-1 secretion and regulating the IGF signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Pinpin , Li Shijie , Zhou Zutao , Wang Xu , Shi Deshi , Li Zili , Li Xiaowen , Xiao Yuncai
Published: July 2022

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TL (B.A-TL) is well-known for its capability of promoting protein synthesis and lipid metabolism, in particular, the abdominal fat deposition in broilers. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. In our study, the regulations of lipid metabolism of broilers by B.A-TL were explored both in vivo and in vitro. The metabolites of B.A-TL were used to simulate in vitro the effect of B.A-TL on liver metabolism based on the chicken hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (i.e., LMH cells). The effects of B.A-TL on lipid metabolism by regulating insulin/IGF signaling pathways were investigated by applying the signal pathway inhibitors in vitro. The results showed that the B.A-TL metabolites enhanced hepatic lipid synthesis and stimulated the secretion of IGF-1. The liver transcriptome analysis revealed the significantly upregulated expressions of four genes (SI, AMY2A, PCK1, and FASN) in the B.A-TL treatment group, mainly involved in carbohydrate digestion and absorption as well as biomacromolecule metabolism, with a particularly prominent effect on fatty acid synthase (FASN). Results of cellular assays showed that B.A-TL metabolites were involved in the insulin/IGF signaling pathway, regulating the expressions of lipid metabolism genes (e.g., FASN, ACCα, LPIN, and ACOX) and the FASN protein, ultimately regulating the lipid metabolism via the IGF/PI3K/FASN pathway in broilers.
Post-silicon nano-electronic device and its application in brain-inspired chips
Authors: Lv Yi , Chen Houpeng , Wang Qian , Li Xi , Xie Chenchen , Song Zhitang
Published: July 2022

As information technology is moving toward the era of big data, the traditional Von-Neumann architecture shows limitations in performance. The field of computing has already struggled with the latency and bandwidth required to access memory (“the memory wall”) and energy dissipation (“the power wall”). These challenging issues, such as “the memory bottleneck,” call for significant research investments to develop a new architecture for the next generation of computing systems. Brain-inspired computing is a new computing architecture providing a method of high energy efficiency and high real-time performance for artificial intelligence computing. Brain-inspired neural network system is based on neuron and synapse. The memristive device has been proposed as an artificial synapse for creating neuromorphic computer applications. In this study, post-silicon nano-electronic device and its application in brain-inspired chips are surveyed. First, we introduce the development of neural networks and review the current typical brain-inspired chips, including brain-inspired chips dominated by analog circuit and brain-inspired chips of the full-digital circuit, leading to the design of brain-inspired chips based on post-silicon nano-electronic device. Then, through the analysis of N kinds of post-silicon nano-electronic devices, the research progress of constructing brain-inspired chips using post-silicon nano-electronic device is expounded. Lastly, the future of building brain-inspired chips based on post-silicon nano-electronic device has been prospected.
The Response Dynamics and Function of Cholinergic and GABAergic Neurons in the Basal Forebrain During Olfactory Learning
Authors: Zhou Ping , Liu Penglai , Zhang Ying , Wang Dejuan , Li Anan
Published: July 2022

Modulation of neural circuits is essential for flexible sensory perception and decision-making in a changing environment. Cholinergic and GABAergic projections to the olfactory system from the horizontal limb of the diagonal band of Broca (HDB) in the basal forebrain are crucial for odor detection and olfactory learning. Although studies have demonstrated that HDB neurons respond during olfactory learning, how cholinergic and GABAergic neurons differ in their response dynamics and roles in olfactory learning remains unclear. In this study, we examined the response profiles of these two subpopulations of neurons during passive odor exposure and associative olfactory learning. We show that the excitatory responses in both cholinergic and GABAergic neurons tended to habituate during repeated passive odor exposure. However, while these habituated responses were also observed in GABAergic neurons during a go-go task, there was no such habituation in cholinergic neurons. Moreover, the responses to S+ and S− trials diverged in cholinergic neurons once mice learned a go/no-go task. Furthermore, the chemogenetic inactivation of cholinergic neurons in the HDB impaired odor discrimination. Together, these findings suggest that cholinergic neurons in the HDB reflect attention to positive reinforcement and may regulate odor discrimination via top–down inputs to the olfactory system.
A single cell death is disruptive to spontaneous Ca2+ activity in astrocytes
Authors: Gomez-Godinez Veronica , Li Huayan , Kuang Yixuan , Liu Changchen , Shi Linda , Berns Michael W.
Published: July 2022

Astrocytes in the brain are rapidly recruited to sites of injury where they phagocytose damaged material and take up neurotransmitters and ions to avoid the spreading of damaging molecules. In this study we investigate the calcium (Ca2+) response in astrocytes to nearby cell death. To induce cell death in a nearby cell we utilized a laser nanosurgery system to photolyze a selected cell from an established astrocyte cell line (Ast1). Our results show that the lysis of a nearby cell is disruptive to surrounding cells' Ca2+ activity. Additionally, astrocytes exhibit a Ca2+ transient in response to cell death which differs from the spontaneous oscillations occurring in astrocytes prior to cell lysis. We show that the primary source of the Ca2+ transient is the endoplasmic reticulum.
Tailored GuideLine Implementation in STrokE Rehabilitation (GLISTER) in Germany. Protocol of a Mixed Methods Study Using the Behavior Change Wheel and the Theoretical Domains Framework
Authors: Scheffler Bettina , Schimböck Florian , Schöler Almut , Rösner Katrin , Spallek Jacob , Kopkow Christian
Published: July 2022

Objective

Evidence-based guidelines are important for informing clinical decision-making and improving patient outcomes. There is inconsistent usage of guidelines among physical therapists involved in stroke rehabilitation, suggesting the existence of a gap between theory and practice. Addressing the German guideline “evidence-based rehabilitation of mobility after stroke (ReMoS),” the aims of this project are (1) to describe the current physical therapy practice within the context of stroke rehabilitation in Germany, (2) to evaluate barriers and facilitators of guideline usage, (3) to develop, and (4) to pilot test a theory-based, tailored implementation intervention for the benefit of guideline recommendations.

Materials and Methods

This study uses a stepwise mixed methods approach for implementing a local guideline. A self-reported online questionnaire will be used to survey the current physical therapy practice in stroke rehabilitation. The same survey and systematic-mixed methods review will be used to evaluate the barriers and facilitators of guideline usage quantitatively. Semi-structured interviews will add a qualitative perspective on factors that influence ReMoS guideline implementation. The Behavior Change Wheel and Theoretical Domains Framework will be used to support the development of a tailored implementation intervention which will be pilot tested in a controlled study. Patient and physical therapy-related outcomes, as well as the appropriateness, such as acceptance and feasibility of the tailored implementation intervention, will be analyzed.

Conclusion

This will be the first endeavor to implement a guideline in German stroke rehabilitation with a focus on changing care provider behavior based on the knowledge of current practice and determining factors using a tailored and theory-based intervention.
Preoperative Brain Tumor Imaging: Models and Software for Segmentation and Standardized Reporting
Authors: Bouget David , Pedersen André , Jakola Asgeir S. , Kavouridis Vasileios , Emblem Kyrre E. , Eijgelaar Roelant S. , Kommers Ivar , Ardon Hilko , Barkhof Frederik , Bello Lorenzo , Berger Mitchel S. , Conti Nibali Marco , Furtner Julia , Hervey-Jumper Shawn , Idema Albert J. S. , Kiesel Barbara , Kloet Alfred , Mandonnet Emmanuel , Müller Domenique M. J. , Robe Pierre A. , Rossi Marco , Sciortino Tommaso , Van den Brink Wimar A. , Wagemakers Michiel , Widhalm Georg , Witte Marnix G. , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , De Witt Hamer Philip C. , Solheim Ole , Reinertsen Ingerid
Published: July 2022

For patients suffering from brain tumor, prognosis estimation and treatment decisions are made by a multidisciplinary team based on a set of preoperative MR scans. Currently, the lack of standardized and automatic methods for tumor detection and generation of clinical reports, incorporating a wide range of tumor characteristics, represents a major hurdle. In this study, we investigate the most occurring brain tumor types: glioblastomas, lower grade gliomas, meningiomas, and metastases, through four cohorts of up to 4,000 patients. Tumor segmentation models were trained using the AGU-Net architecture with different preprocessing steps and protocols. Segmentation performances were assessed in-depth using a wide-range of voxel and patient-wise metrics covering volume, distance, and probabilistic aspects. Finally, two software solutions have been developed, enabling an easy use of the trained models and standardized generation of clinical reports: Raidionics and Raidionics-Slicer. Segmentation performances were quite homogeneous across the four different brain tumor types, with an average true positive Dice ranging between 80 and 90%, patient-wise recall between 88 and 98%, and patient-wise precision around 95%. In conjunction to Dice, the identified most relevant other metrics were the relative absolute volume difference, the variation of information, and the Hausdorff, Mahalanobis, and object average symmetric surface distances. With our Raidionics software, running on a desktop computer with CPU support, tumor segmentation can be performed in 16–54 s depending on the dimensions of the MRI volume. For the generation of a standardized clinical report, including the tumor segmentation and features computation, 5–15 min are necessary. All trained models have been made open-access together with the source code for both software solutions and validation metrics computation. In the future, a method to convert results from a set of metrics into a final single score would be highly desirable for easier ranking across trained models. In addition, an automatic classification of the brain tumor type would be necessary to replace manual user input. Finally, the inclusion of post-operative segmentation in both software solutions will be key for generating complete post-operative standardized clinical reports.
A systematic review of research on augmentative and alternative communication brain-computer interface systems for individuals with disabilities
Authors: Peters Betts , Eddy Brandon , Galvin-McLaughlin Deirdre , Betz Gail , Oken Barry , Fried-Oken Melanie
Published: July 2022

Augmentative and alternative communication brain-computer interface (AAC-BCI) systems are intended to offer communication access to people with severe speech and physical impairment (SSPI) without requiring volitional movement. As the field moves toward clinical implementation of AAC-BCI systems, research involving participants with SSPI is essential. Research has demonstrated variability in AAC-BCI system performance across users, and mixed results for comparisons of performance for users with and without disabilities. The aims of this systematic review were to (1) describe study, system, and participant characteristics reported in BCI research, (2) summarize the communication task performance of participants with disabilities using AAC-BCI systems, and (3) explore any differences in performance for participants with and without disabilities. Electronic databases were searched in May, 2018, and March, 2021, identifying 6065 records, of which 73 met inclusion criteria. Non-experimental study designs were common and sample sizes were typically small, with approximately half of studies involving five or fewer participants with disabilities. There was considerable variability in participant characteristics, and in how those characteristics were reported. Over 60% of studies reported an average selection accuracy ≤70% for participants with disabilities in at least one tested condition. However, some studies excluded participants who did not reach a specific system performance criterion, and others did not state whether any participants were excluded based on performance. Twenty-nine studies included participants both with and without disabilities, but few reported statistical analyses comparing performance between the two groups. Results suggest that AAC-BCI systems show promise for supporting communication for people with SSPI, but they remain ineffective for some individuals. The lack of standards in reporting outcome measures makes it difficult to synthesize data across studies. Further research is needed to demonstrate efficacy of AAC-BCI systems for people who experience SSPI of varying etiologies and severity levels, and these individuals should be included in system design and testing. Consensus in terminology and consistent participant, protocol, and performance description will facilitate the exploration of user and system characteristics that positively or negatively affect AAC-BCI use, and support innovations that will make this technology more useful to a broader group of people.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42018095345, PROSPERO: CRD42018095345.
Identification of BAG5 as a Potential Biomarker for Parkinson’s Disease Patients With R492X PINK1 Mutation
Authors: Fu Yu , Chen Yongkang , Tian Haiyan , Liu Han , Qi Dan , Wu Erxi , Wang Xuejing
Published: July 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a degenerative, progressive nervous system disorder with an unknown cause. PINK1 [phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN)-induced putative kinase 1] causative mutations R492X may cause autosomal recessive early-onset parkinsonism. In this study, we utilized patient samples and cell line system to investigate roles of Bcl2-associated athanogene 5 (BAG5) in PD patients with R492X PINK1 mutation. We show that the expression levels of BAG5 in the skin tissues from PD patients with R492X PINK1 mutation are markedly lower than those from the healthy control subjects in a small cohort of patients, which has not been recognized before. In addition, we demonstrate that BAG5 physically binds to R492X mutated PINK1 protein. Furthermore, we reveal that BAG5 promotes the degradation of R492X mutated PINK1 protein via ubiquitin/proteasome-dependent pathway, suggesting that decreased level of BAG5 may lead to R492X mutated PINK1 protein accumulation. These findings suggest that BAG5 may serve as an early detection biomarker for PD patients with R492X PINK1 mutation and provide important new insights on how BAG5 affects R492X mutated PINK1 protein, highlighting therapeutic targets for this disease.
The leaves of the seasoning plant Litsea cubeba inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome and ameliorate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice
Authors: Wong Wei-Ting , Wu Chun-Hsien , Li Lan-Hui , Hung De-Yu , Chiu Hsiao-Wen , Hsu Hsien-Ta , Ho Chen-Lung , Chernikov Oleg V. , Cheng Shu-Meng , Yang Shih-Ping , Chung Chih-Hsin , Hua Kuo-Feng , Wang Chin-Fah
Published: July 2022

The intracellular sensor NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome controls caspase-1 activity and the maturation and release of the cytokines interleukin (IL)−1β and IL−18. The NLRP3 inflammasome has attracted the attention of the pharmaceutical industry because it promotes the pathogenesis of many diseases, making it a promising target for drug development. Litsea cubeba (Lour.) is a plant traditionally used as a seasoning in Taiwan and in other Asian countries. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory activity of the leaves of L. cubeba against the NLRP3 inflammasome. We found that the ethanol extract of L. cubeba leaves (MLE) inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages by reducing caspase−1 activation and IL−1β secretion. MLE reduced pyroptosis in macrophages and inhibited the release of NLRP3 and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC). In a mechanistic study, MLE reduced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and preserved mitochondrial integrity, which led to reduced mitochondrial DNA release into the cytosol. MLE did not reduce the expression levels of NLRP3, IL−1β precursor or TNF-α in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages. These results indicated that MLE inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome by suppressing the activation signals of the NLRP3 inflammasome but not by reducing the priming signal induced by LPS. In addition, oral administration of MLE (20−80 mg/kg) ameliorated dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)−induced colitis in a mouse model. Notably, mice that received MLE (1 and 2 g/kg) daily for 7 days did not exhibit visible side effects. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis found that α-Terpinyl acetate (27.2%) and 1,8−Cineole (17.7%) were the major compounds in MLE. These results indicated that L. cubeba leaves have the potential to be a nutraceutical for preventing and improving NLRP3 inflammasome-related diseases.
Early Life to Adult Brain Lipidome Dynamic: A Temporospatial Study Investigating Dietary Polar Lipid Supplementation Efficacy
Authors: Oliveira Manuel , Koshibu Kyoko , Rytz Andreas , Giuffrida Francesca , Sultan Sebastien , Patin Amaury , Gaudin Mathieu , Tomezyk Aurore , Steiner Pascal , Schneider Nora
Published: July 2022

The lipid composition of the brain is well regulated during development, and the specific temporospatial distribution of various lipid species is essential for the development of optimal neural functions. Dietary lipids are the main source of brain lipids and thus contribute to the brain lipidome. Human milk is the only source of a dietary lipids for exclusively breastfed infant. Notably, it contains milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) enriched in polar lipids (PL). While early life is a key for early brain development, the interplay between dietary intake of polar lipids and spatial dynamics of lipid distribution during brain development is poorly understood. Here, we carried out an exploratory study to assess the early postnatal temporal profiling of brain lipidome between postnatal day (PND) 7 and PND 50 using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization as a mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) in an in vivo preclinical model. We also assessed the effect of chronic supplementation with PL extracted from alpha-lactalbumin-enriched whey protein concentrate (WPC) containing 10% lipids, including major lipid classes found in the brain (37% phospholipids and 15% sphingomyelin). MALDI-MSI of the spatial and temporal accretion of lipid species during brain development showed that the brain lipidome is changing heterogeneously along time during brain development. In addition, increases in 400+ PL supplement-dependent lipids were observed. PL supplementation had significant spatial and temporal effect on specific fatty esters, glycerophosphocholines, glycerophosphoethanolamines, and phosphosphingolipids. Interestingly, the average levels of these lipids per brain area tended to be constant in various brain structures across the age groups, paralleling the general brain growth. In contrast, other lipids, such as cytidine diphosphate diacylglycerol, diacylglycerophosphates, phosphocholines, specific ether-phosphoethanolamines, phosphosphingolipids, glycerophosphoinositols, and glycerophosphoserines showed clear age-dependent changes uncoupled from the general brain growth. These results suggest that the dietary PL supplementation may preferentially provide the building blocks for the general brain growth during development. Our findings add to the understanding of brain-nutrient relations, their temporospatial dynamics, and potential impact on neurodevelopment.
Risk of inflammatory bowel disease appears to vary across different frequency, amount, and subtype of alcoholic beverages
Authors: Liu Bi-Xia , Yang Jing , Zeng Chunyan , Dai Xi-Jian , Chen Youxiang
Published: July 2022

Objective

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and alcohol use has become a significant and growing public health concern. Alcohol use has been reported to be the most-avoided diet item among IBD patients. However, knowledge regarding the impact of different classes of alcoholic beverages on the management of IBD is limited. Our study aims to evaluate the association of different frequencies, amounts, and subtypes of alcoholic beverages with IBD risk.

Methods

The UK Biobank comprised 7,095 subjects with IBD and 4,95,410 subjects without IBD. Multivariate Logistic regression, stratifying analysis, and interaction terms were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of IBD. A generalized additive model was used to evaluate the linearity associations of the total amount of all alcoholic beverages or that of each of five alcoholic beverages with IBD risk.

Results

Compared with non-drinkers, the IBD risk was 12 to 16% lower in red wine consumers (1–2 glasses/week, OR [95%CI], 0.88 [0.80, 0.97]; 3–4 glasses/week, 0.84 [0.76, 0.93]; ≥5 glasses/week, 0.86 [0.78, 0.95]), whereas 12% higher in white wine and champagne consumers (1–2 glasses/week, 1.12 [1.03, 1.22]). Stratifying analysis showed low-frequency red wine consumers were associated with a lower IBD risk (0.85 [0.74, 0.97]), whereas spirits consumers were associated with a higher risk (1.28 [1.03, 1.59]). High doge of red wine consumers were associated with a lower IBD risk (above guidelines, 0.80 [0.67, 0.97]; double above, 0.83 [0.71, 0.97]), whereas high doge white wine and champagne (1.32 [1.09, 1.61]) and beer and cider (1.26 [1.02, 1.54]) consumers were associated with a higher IBD risk. White wine and champagne showed a significant interaction effect with high doge alcohol consumption (1.27 [1.03–1.58], p = 0.029). The dose-response association showed an increased IBD risk with more number of alcohol consumption of white wine and champagne, beer and cider, or the total amount of all alcoholic beverages. However, red wine is at low risk across the whole dose cycle.

Conclusions

The IBD risk appears to vary across different frequencies, amounts, and subtypes of alcoholic beverages. Overall, alcohol intake is not recommended.
Effects of phytosterols' intake on systemic and tissue-specific lipid metabolism in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Zhu Qian , Wu Jingjing , Li Jianling , Wang Shengquan , He Daxue , Lian Xuemei
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of phytosterols (PS) intake on systemic and tissue-specific lipid metabolism in C57BL/6J mice. Healthy male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control diet group (CS) and PS diet group (2% PS). After 28 weeks of continuous feeding, serums, livers, and lungs were collected for targeted free sterols quantification, biochemical tests, lipid profile detection, and RNA-seq analysis. Compared with the CS group, 2% PS supplementation significantly increased campesterol concentrations and its ratio to cholesterol in the serum, liver, and lung of mice, with cholestanol concentrations and its ratio to cholesterol decreased. Total cholesterol (TC) levels were reduced in the serum of the PS group (p < 0.05), with the triglyceride (TG) levels unchanged. In response to the decreased circulating cholesterol concentration, the expression of endogenous cholesterol synthesis genes was upregulated in the liver, but caused no obvious lipid accumulation and inflammatory cell infiltration. However, for peripheral tissues, long-term PS-fed mice exhibited diminished cholesterol synthesis, fatty acid transport, and oxidation in the lung. The results provided clear indication that 2% PS diet effectively reduced circulating TC levels in the healthy mice, with tissue-specific lipid metabolic regulation in the liver and the lung.
Quantification of Vitamins, Minerals, and Amino Acids in Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
Authors: Antora Salma Akter , Ho Khanh-Van , Lin Chung-Ho , Thomas Andrew L. , Lovell Sarah T. , Krishnaswamy Kiruba
Published: July 2022

This paper aims to quantify the micronutrients in black walnut and address its human health benefits. The metabolic profiling of 11 black walnut cultivars was accomplished using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight high-resolution mass spectrometer. Results revealed that the highest concentration of vitamin B9 was present in cultivar “Daniel” (avg. relative signal intensity 229.53 × 104 mAU). “Surprise” and “Daniel” cultivars had the highest amount of vitamin B5. However, vitamin A, D3, E, and K showed no significant difference among the cultivars. The vitamin content levels among the cultivars were compared by applying one way ANOVA method with (P < 0.05) significance level. Mineral analysis for the black walnut kernel, Persian walnut, and black walnut protein powder was done using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission spectroscopy. The experimental data for black walnut kernel is 0.04 mg/g for Fe and 0.03 mg/g for Zn, and for black walnut, protein powder is 0.07 mg/g for Fe and 0.07 mg/g for Zn. The amino acid analysis and comparison with black walnut kernel show that black walnut flour and protein powder have a higher amount of essential and non-essential amino acids. Therefore, researchers, food process engineers, and food product developers should consider the health benefits of black walnuts and explore the commercial potential of this native agroforestry crop.
Neonatal Diet and Gut Microbiome Development After C-Section During the First Three Months After Birth: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pivrncova Eliska , Kotaskova Iva , Thon Vojtech
Published: July 2022

Background

Cesarean section (C-section) delivery imprints fundamentally on the gut microbiota composition with potential health consequences. With the increasing incidence of C-sections worldwide, there is a need for precise characterization of neonatal gut microbiota to understand how to restore microbial imbalance after C-section. After birth, gut microbiota development is shaped by various factors, especially the infant’s diet and antibiotic exposure. Concerning diet, current research has proposed that breastfeeding can restore the characteristic gut microbiome after C-section.

Objectives

In this systematic review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the current literature on the effect of breastfeeding on gut microbiota development after C-section delivery in the first 3 months of life.

Methods

The retrieved data from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were evaluated according to the PICO/PECO strategy. Quality assessment was conducted by the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale.

Results

After critical selection, we identified 14 out of 4,628 studies for the evaluation of the impact of the diet after C-section delivery. The results demonstrate consistent evidence that C-section and affiliated intrapartum antibiotic exposure affect Bacteroidetes abundance and the incapacity of breastfeeding to reverse their reduction. Furthermore, exclusive breastfeeding shows a positive effect on Actinobacteria and Bifidobacteria restoration over the 3 months after birth. None of the included studies detected any significant changes in Lactobacillus abundance in breastfed infants after C-section.

Conclusion

C-section and intrapartum antibiotic exposure influence an infant’s gut microbiota by depletion of Bacteroides, regardless of the infant’s diet in the first 3 months of life. Even though breastfeeding increases the presence of Bifidobacteria, further research with proper feeding classification is needed to prove the restoration effect on some taxa in infants after C-section.

Systematic Review Registration:

[www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42021287672].
Regular exercise combined with ferulic acid exhibits antiobesity effect and regulates metabolic profiles in high-fat diet-induced mice
Authors: Wang Ou , Zhang Nanhai , Han Chao , Huang Jian
Published: July 2022

Exercise (Ex) has been recognized as an effective way of obesity prevention, but it shows a dual effect on the body's antioxidant system. Ferulic acid (FA) is a kind of phenolic acid with well-known antioxidant capacity and numerous health benefits. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare the antiobesity effect of Ex, FA, and Ex combined with FA (Ex-FA) in vivo and to illustrate the potential mechanisms. Mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) with or without administration of Ex, FA, and Ex-FA for 13 weeks. The body weight, antioxidant ability, Ex performance, and lipid profiles in the serum, liver, and skeletal muscle were compared among the groups, and serum metabolomics analysis was conducted. The results showed that Ex, FA, and Ex-FA exhibited a similar effect on body weight management. Ex had a more beneficial function by alleviating HFD-induced dyslipidemia than FA, while FA exerted a more efficient effect in mitigating lipid deposition in the liver and skeletal muscle. Ex-FA showed comprehensive effects in the regulation of the lipid contents in serum, liver, and skeletal muscle, and provoked enhancement effects on antioxidant ability and Ex capacity. Mice administered with Ex, FA, and Ex-FA showed different metabolic profiles, which might be achieved through different metabolic pathways. The findings of this research implied that Ex coupled with FA could become an effective and safe remedy for the management of dietary-induced obesity.
Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) ≤60 Is Strongly Associated With Shorter Brain-Specific Progression-Free Survival Among Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer With Brain Metastases
Authors: Freeman Mark , Ennis Marguerite , Jerzak Katarzyna J.
Published: July 2022

Objective

To examine the association between Karnofsky Performance Status (“KPS”) and brain-specific progression-free survival (“bsPFS”) among patients with breast cancer brain metastases (“BCBrM”).

Methods

Using a previously compiled retrospective cohort of 683 patients who were treated for BCBrM with surgery and/or radiotherapy at the Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre from 2008-2018, electronic records were reviewed to impute KPS scores at the time of BCBrM diagnosis. Patients were then grouped into KPS ≤60 and KPS >60 cohorts. The dataset was analyzed to identify variables that were prognostic for bsPFS and/or overall survival (“OS”) using univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

The mean age of patients was 57 (range 24-93). Most patients (n=622, 91%) had extracranial metastatic disease and 174 (25%) had leptomeningeal disease. 247 patients (36%) had hormone receptor (“HR”)-positive/human endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (“HER2”)-negative tumours, 189 (28%) had HER2-positive disease, and 153 (22%) had triple-negative breast cancer. Of the 331 patients (48%) who could be assigned a KPS cohort, 102 (31%) had KPS ≤60. Most patients were treated with whole brain radiotherapy (n=498, 73%) and/or stereotactic radiosurgery (“SRS”) (n=128, 19%). Median bsPFS was 9 months (95% CI 8-10 months) and median OS was not reached. In univariable analyses, KPS ≤60, presence of leptomeningeal disease, neurological symptoms, ≥2 brain metastases, and not undergoing SRS were factors associated with shorter bsPFS. In a multivariable analysis, KPS ≤60 was the only statistically significant determinant of bsPFS (HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.20-2.88). Although survival data was limited, KPS ≤60 was associated with shorter OS in both univariable (HR 3.12, 95% CI 1.85-5.26) and multivariable (HR 2.95, 95% CI 1.55-5.58) analyses.

Conclusion

Patients with BCBrM who have a KPS ≤60 have significantly shorter bsPFS and OS than those with KPS >60. KPS should be documented routinely at the time of diagnosis of brain metastases to improve prognostication.
Preference for endoscopic screening of upper gastrointestinal cancer among Chinese rural residents: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Liu Ruyue , Lu Youhua , Li Yifan , Wei Wenjian , Sun Chen , Zhang Qianqian , Wang Xin , Wang Jialin , Zhang Nan
Published: July 2022

Background

The low uptake rate of upper gastrointestinal cancer (UGC) screening substantially reduces the benefits of endoscopic screening. This study aimed to obtain residents’ UGC screening preferences to optimize screening strategies and increase the participation rate.

Methods

A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted to assess UGC screening preferences of 1,000 rural residents aged 40 to 70 years from three countries (Linqu, Feicheng, and Dongchangfu) of Shandong province in China. The DCE questionnaire was developed from five attributes: out-of-pocket costs, screening interval, regular follow-up for precancerous lesions, mortality reduction, and screening technique. The data from the DCE were analyzed within the framework of random utility theory using a mixed logit model.

Results

In total, 926 of 959 residents who responded were analyzed. The mean (SD) age was 57.32 (7.22) years. The five attributes all significantly affected residents’ preferences, and the painless endoscopy had the most important impact (β=2.927, P<0.01), followed by screening interval of every year (β = 1.184, P<0.01). Policy analyses indicated that switching the screening technique to painless endoscopy would increase the participation rate up to 89.84% (95%CI: 87.04%-92.63%). Residents aged 40–49, with a history of cancer, with a family income of more than ¥30,000 were more likely to participate in a screening.

Conclusions

UGC screening implementation should consider residents’ preferences to maximize the screening participation rate. Resources permitting, we can carry out the optimal screening program with shorter screening intervals, lower out-of-pocket costs, less pain, follow-up, and higher UGC mortality reduction.
Open controversies on the treatment of undescended testis: An update
Authors: Liu Jie , Xiu Wenli , Sui Bangzhi , Jin Zhiyuan , Xu Xudong , Xia Nan , Duan Guangqi
Published: July 2022

Cryptorchidism is a common congenital malformation in pediatric urology. Although there have been many studies on the etiology of the disease, it has not been fully clarified, and while its diagnostic and treatment models have gradually approached standardization and systematization, some controversies regarding treatment remain. Additionally, although ultrasound is a non-invasive examination without ionizing radiation, its role in the evaluation of cryptorchidism remains controversial. The main basis for treating cryptorchidism is orchidopexy, and the main view on treatment age is that treatment should be performed between 6 and 12 months after birth, but no more than 18 months after birth. The view on hormone therapy is still controversial because most scholars believe that early surgery is the key to treatment. There are many surgical treatment methods for cryptorchidism, including traditional open surgery and laparoscopic surgery, which provide satisfactory results. In conclusion, the treatment of undescended testis (UDT) had been largely standardized, apart from the treatment of high intra-abdominal testis (IAT), which remains a matter of debate.
Grain-filling characteristics and yield formation of wheat in two different soil fertility fields in the Huang–Huai–Hai Plain
Authors: Zheng Xuejiao , Yu Zhenwen , Yu Fengxin , Shi Yu
Published: July 2022

Clarifying factors that underpinning the variation in wheat yield components between high and middle soil fertility fields is critical to increase grain production and narrow yield gap for smallholder farming systems in the Huang–Huai–Hai Plain (3HP), which characterized by a large variation in soil fertility. Two-year field experiments were conducted to investigate wheat tillering, leaf photosynthesis, and grain filling characteristics in different soil fertility fields: high soil fertility field (HF) and middle soil fertility field (MF). Results showed that the spike formation rate in HF was 12.7%–13.0% higher than that in MF, leading to an 18.0%–19.8% increase in spike number. In addition, HF improved canopy light interception and leaf photosynthesis characteristics after anthesis and delayed leaf senescence, contributing to the increase in both the active grain filling period and grain filling rate. This resulted in a higher 1,000 grain weight in HF, which was 8.2%–8.3% higher than that in MF. Compared to MF, HF obtained higher yields at 9,840 kg ha−1 in 2017/18 and 11,462 kg ha−1 in 2018/19, respectively. In summary, higher spike number and 1,000-grain weight, which were mediated by spike-formation rate, maximization of light interception and improved leaf photosynthesis. These results would have important implications for narrowing yield gap between MF and HF in the 3HP.
Effects of water levels on plant traits and nitrogen use efficiency in monoculture and intercropped artificial grasslands
Authors: Wan Zhiqiang , Gu Rui , Yan Yulong , Bai Lijun , Bao Tiejun , Yang Jie , Gao Qingzhu , Ganjurjav Hasbagan , Hu Guozheng , Zhou Haijun , Chun Xi
Published: July 2022

Water availability is the main factor affecting the forage productivity of artificial grasslands, particularly in semi-arid regions. Generally, intercropping of gramineous grass and leguminous grass can achieve high productivity. However, how different water availability levels affect the productivity of intercropping system remains unclear. Here, we conducted a 3-year (2015–2017) study by manipulating the water conditions (CK equivalent to the annual precipitation, +50% treatment equivalent to 50% increase over the average precipitation, and −50% treatment equivalent to 50% decrease over the average precipitation) to explore the responses of plant traits, nitrogen use efficiency, and biomass of the monoculture of Medicago sativa (a leguminous grass, M.s), monoculture of Elymus nutans (a gramineous grass, E.n), and intercropping of M.s and E.n in a semi-arid region in Inner Mongolia, China. The results showed that the biomass obtained by intercropping of M.s and E.n decreased by 24.4% in −50% treatment compared to the CK treatment, while that of the monoculture of M.s decreased by 34.4% under the −50% treatment compared to the CK treatment. However, there was no significant difference in the biomass between intercropping artificial grassland and monoculture M. sativa under +50% treatment. Compared to monoculture, M.s can obtain more nitrogen by biological nitrogen fixation and decrease the proportion of nitrogen absorbed from soils under intercropping in the same water conditions. Under the intercropping system, the proportions of nitrogen absorbed from soils by M.s were 87.4%, 85.1, and 76.9% in −50%, CK, and +50% treatments, respectively. Under monoculture, these proportions were 91.9, 89.3, and 82.3% in −50%, CK, and +50% treatments, respectively. Plant trait, but not soil nitrogen content, was the main regulator for the productivity responses to water level changes. Our results highlight that intercropping can achieve higher productivity in both dry and wet conditions. Therefore, considering the fluctuating rainfall events in the future, it might be useful to alter the proportions of intercropped forage species in an artificial grassland to obtain optimal productivity by reducing the limitations of nitrogen availability. However, the economic viability of intercropping M. sativa and E. nutans should be evaluated in the future.
Green Innovation, Corporate Environmental Ethics, and Competitive Advantages of Chinese Automobile Industry During COVID-19: Corporate Environmental Management as Moderator
Authors: Wu Wenhan , Wu Wenzhuo , Wu Kouhua , Ding Chen , Fan Chenya
Published: July 2022

Objective

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of green product and process innovation on the competitive advantages of the Chinese automobile industry during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study also examined the mediating role of corporate environmental ethics (CEE) and the moderating role of corporate environmental management in the relationship between the green product and process innovation on the competitive advantages of the Chinese automobile industry during COVID-19.

Methods

This study used a quantitative approach of research with the cross-sectional method for the collection of data. This study also used purposive sampling for the collection of data from the production managers of the automobile industry of China. The structural equation modeling-partial least squares (SEM-PLS) is used to analyze the data.

Results

The results of direct effects indicated that green product innovation has a significant and positive effect on the corporate advantages (β = 0.294, t = 2.868) and green process innovation also has a significant and positive effect on the corporate advantages (β = 0.350, t = 3.276). Moreover, green product innovation has also a significant effect on corporate advantages (β = 0.334, t = 4.258) and green product innovation has also a significant effect on corporate advantages (β = 0.269, t = 3.202).

Significance

The research in this domain about the antecedents of green innovation is still minimal in the previous literature. One of the antecedents of the green innovation, corporate environmental ethics is discussed in this study; thus, it provides the understanding of green innovation as the mediator which would mediate the relationship between corporate environmental ethics and competitive advantage in the auto manufacturing industry of China.

Novelty

This study is among very few to examine the relationship between green innovation, corporate environmental ethics, corporate environmental management, and competitive advantages of the Chinese automobile industry during COVID-19.