bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Models of the Electrolyte Filling Process of Lithium-Ion Batteries to Accelerate and Improve the Process and Cell Design
Authors: Hagemeister Jan , Günter Florian J. , Rinner Thomas , Zhu Franziska , Papst Alexander , Daub Rüdiger
Published: October 2022

In order to meet consumer demands for electric transportation, the energy density of lithium-ion batteries (LIB) must be improved. Therefore, a trend to increase the overall size of the individual cell and to decrease the share of inactive materials is needed. The process of electrolyte filling involves the injection of electrolyte liquid into the cell, as well as the absorption of the electrolyte into the pores of the electrodes and the separator, which is known as wetting. The trend towards larger-format LIB challenges the electrolyte filling due to an increase in wetting distance for the electrolyte as well as a decrease in the void volume of the cell. The optimization of the process via numerical simulation promises to reduce costs and ensure quality during battery production. The two models developed in this study are based on a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) program to study the effect of process parameters, such as pressure and temperature, on the filling process. The results were verified with neutron radiography images of the dosing process and a feasibility study for a wetting simulation is shown. For all simulations, specific recommendations are provided to set up the electrolyte filling process, based on which factors generate the greatest improvement.
Perfluorosulfonic Acid Membrane for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries with S/C Cathodes
Authors: Yaroslavtsev Andrey , Novikova Svetlana , Voropaeva Daria , Li Sergey , Kulova Tatiana
Published: October 2022

Polymer electrolyte based on Nafion-117 membranes in the Li+ form with intercalated 1,3-dioxolane-dimethoxyethane solvent mixtures (DOL-DME) has been obtained. The obtained electrolyte Nafion-Li+-DOL-DME has been characterized by DSC analysis, IR- and impedance spectroscopy. The solvent uptake of membrane in the DOL-DME mixture amounts to 1.9. Nafion-Li+-DOL-DME is characterized by an ionic conductivity ~10−7 S cm−1 at room temperature. The comparative study of the electrochemical properties of Li–S batteries with liquid electrolyte (1M Li(CF3SO2)2N in DOL-DME) with polypropylene film (PP) or Nafion-Li+-DOL-DME and S/C composites with mesoporous carbon as cathode materials has shown that the use of membrane can improve cyclability of the cell. The first-cycle discharge capacities of S/C electrodes in the Li–S battery cells with PP and Nafion-Li+-DOL-DME were 730 and 450 mAh g−1, respectively (0.1 mV s−1). However, the discharge capacity of S/C in the cell with PP reduced significantly after 10 cycles. The Li–S battery with the use of membrane exhibits significantly enhanced cyclability. The discharge capacity of S/C in the cell with Nafion-Li+-DOL-DME amounts to 365 mAh g−1 after 10 cycles and to up to 290 mAh g−1 after 40 cycles.
Improvement of Simple Test Cell Design for Cathode Microstructure Study in Tubular-Type Sodium–Metal Chloride Batteries
Authors: Ahn Byeong-Min , Ahn Cheol-Woo , Hahn Byung-Dong , Choi Jong-Jin , Kim Yang-Do , Lim Sung-Ki , Choi Joon-Hwan
Published: October 2022

Sodium–metal chloride batteries are suitable alternatives in battery energy storage systems (BESSs), since they are widely known as a type of high-safety battery. To accurately analyze the cathode microstructure of sodium–metal chloride batteries, in this study, we demonstrate the improved tubular-type simple test cell. This improved tubular-type simple test cell was supplemented from the setbacks of our previous test cell, such as a leak, Ni current collector wavering, and sodium wicking. Through testing of the improved test cells, we focus on cathode microstructure analysis, owing to the elimination of the external failure factors mentioned above. The group of improved test cells have a lower capacity gap of 9.5% in the 1st cycle than the capacity gap of previous test cells (37.2%). This result indicates the advancement of reproducibility. Moreover, the improved test cell has a long life of approximately 7200 h by changing the previous test cell structure. In particular, it is expected that this improved tubular simple test cell can advance the research of tubular-type sodium–metal chloride batteries in a small and academic laboratory.
Electrochemical Testing of Carbon Materials as Bromine Electrodes for the Hydrogen-Bromine Redox Flow Battery
Authors: Popat Yaksh , Trudgeon David P. , Li Xiaohong , Connor Peter , Asokan Arunchander , Suss Matthew E.
Published: October 2022

Hydrogen-bromine (H2-Br2) redox flow batteries (RFBs) have gained a lot of interest due to their advantages in mitigating the performance shortcomings of conventional zinc-bromine and vanadium flow batteries. Various carbon materials have been tested in H2-Br2 RFBs as bromine electrodes. However, a comparative study among the different carbon materials has not been reported in the literature. This work reports, for the first time, an evaluation of carbon papers, felt and cloth in a three-electrode half-cell setup as potential bromine electrodes, in pristine and thermally treated state. A systematic evaluation was performed by comparing the surface morphologies, kinetic parameters, polarisation curves and stability tests of different carbon electrodes. Thermally treated graphite felt electrode demonstrated the best electrochemical performance as bromine electrode owing to its improved surface area, hydrophilicity and intrinsic activity. Further in-depth studies will shed important insights, which will help understand the electrode characteristics for future bromine battery design. The current study will assist in evaluating the performance of upcoming novel electrode materials in a three-electrode assembly.
Antimicrobial Activity of Blow Spun PLA/Gelatin Nanofibers Containing Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles against Wound Infection-Causing Bacteria
Authors: Alinezhad Sardareh Elham , Shahzeidi Moloud , Salmanifard Ardestani Mohammad Taha , Mousavi-Khattat Mohammad , Zarepour Atefeh , Zarrabi Ali
Published: October 2022

One of the main challenges in wound healing is the wound infection due to various causes, of which moisture is the most important reason. Owing to this fact, wound dressings that can collect wound moisture in addition to showing antibacterial properties have provided an important basis for wound healing research. In this study, gelatin and poly lactic acid (PLA) polymers were used in a wound dressing textile to provide gelation and structure strength properties, respectively. Meanwhile, silver nanoparticles (SNPs) synthesized through the green method were integrated into these fibers to provide the formed textile with antibacterial properties. Nanoparticles were made using donkey dung extract, and nanofibers were produced by the solution blow spinning method which has high production efficiency and low energy consumption among spinning methods. The produced nanoparticles were characterized and evaluated by UV-Vis, DLS, XRD, and FTIR methods, and the production of silver nanoparticles that were coated with metabolites in the extract was proven. In addition, the morphology and diameter of the resulted fibers and presence of nanoparticles were confirmed by the SEM method. The size and size distribution of the synthesized fibers were determined through analyzing SEM results. Gelatin nanofibers demonstrated a mean size of 743 nm before and 773 nm after nanoparticle coating. PLA nanofibers demonstrated a mean size of 57 nm before and 182 nm after nanoparticle coating. Finally, 335 nm was the mean diameter size of gelatin/PLA/SNPs nanofibers. Also, the textiles synthesized by PLA and gelatin which contained silver nanoparticles showed higher antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative species compared to PLA and gelatin tissues without nanoparticles. Cytotoxicity test on L929 cells showed that silver nanoparticles incorporated textiles of PLA and gelatin show a very low level and non-significant toxicity compared to the free particles.
Nanostructured ZnO-Based Electrochemical Sensor with Anionic Surfactant for the Electroanalysis of Trimethoprim
Authors: Patil Vinoda B. , Ilager Davalasab , Tuwar Suresh M. , Mondal Kunal , Shetti Nagaraj P.
Published: October 2022

In this research, detection of trimethoprim (TMP) was carried out using a nanostructured zinc oxide nanoparticle-modified carbon paste electrode (ZnO/CPE) with an anionic surfactant and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) with the help of voltametric techniques. The electrochemical nature of TMP was studied in 0.2 M pH 3.0 phosphate-buffer solution (PBS). The developed electrode displayed the highest peak current compared to nascent CPE. Effects of variation in different parameters, such as pH, immersion time, scan rate, and concentration, were investigated. The electrode process of TMP was irreversible and diffusion controlled with two electrons transferred. The effective concentration range (8.0 × 10−7 M–1.0 × 10−5 M) of TMP was obtained by varying the concentration with a lower limit of detection obtained to be 2.58 × 10−8 M. In addition, this approach was effectively employed in the detection of TMP in pharmaceutical dosages and samples of urine with the excellent recovery data, suggesting the potency of the developed electrode in clinical and pharmaceutical sample analysis.
Deep Learning for Live Cell Shape Detection and Automated AFM Navigation
Authors: Rade Jaydeep , Zhang Juntao , Sarkar Soumik , Krishnamurthy Adarsh , Ren Juan , Sarkar Anwesha
Published: October 2022

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides a platform for high-resolution topographical imaging and the mechanical characterization of a wide range of samples, including live cells, proteins, and other biomolecules. AFM is also instrumental for measuring interaction forces and binding kinetics for protein–protein or receptor–ligand interactions on live cells at a single-molecule level. However, performing force measurements and high-resolution imaging with AFM and data analytics are time-consuming and require special skill sets and continuous human supervision. Recently, researchers have explored the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning (DL) in the bioimaging field. However, the applications of AI to AFM operations for live-cell characterization are little-known. In this work, we implemented a DL framework to perform automatic sample selection based on the cell shape for AFM probe navigation during AFM biomechanical mapping. We also established a closed-loop scanner trajectory control for measuring multiple cell samples at high speed for automated navigation. With this, we achieved a 60× speed-up in AFM navigation and reduced the time involved in searching for the particular cell shape in a large sample. Our innovation directly applies to many bio-AFM applications with AI-guided intelligent automation through image data analysis together with smart navigation.
Automated Atrial Fibrillation Detection with ECG
Authors: Wei Ting-Ruen , Lu Senbao , Yan Yuling
Published: October 2022

An electrocardiography system records electrical activities of the heart, and it is used to assist doctors in the diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmia such as atrial fibrillation. This study presents a fast, automated deep-learning algorithm that predicts atrial fibrillation with excellent performance (F-1 score 88.2% and accuracy 97.3%). Our approach involves the pre-processing of ECG signals, followed by an alternative representation of the signals using a spectrogram, which is then fed to a fine-tuned EfficientNet B0, a pre-trained convolution neural network model, for the classification task. Using the transfer learning approach and with fine-tuning of the EfficientNet, we optimize the model to achieve highly efficient and effective classification of the atrial fibrillation.
Development of Digital Fetal Heart Models with Virtual Ultrasound Function Based on Cardiovascular Casting and Computed Tomography Scan
Authors: Yang Qi , Han Jiancheng , Wang Rui , Zhang Tong , Zhang Yingying , Wang Jingyi , Xu Lei , Hou Zengguang , Wang Shuangyi , He Yihua
Published: October 2022

Despite recent breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment, congenital heart defects (CHDs) continue to be the leading cause of death among newborns. Fetal echocardiography is the most effective and non-invasive method for the prenatal diagnosis of CHDs. However, the challenge of obtaining standard views can lead to a low diagnostic accuracy. To explore new methods for training, the combined use of cardiovascular casting, computed tomography (CT) scanning, and virtual ultrasound generation methods was studied to preserve the cardiac structures of a fetus in digital form. The feasibility of the proposed workflow was verified by testing three fetal heart specimens collected after the termination of pregnancy. As a result, the anatomical structures were imaged clearly by a CT scan after cardiovascular casting, and the virtually generated ultrasound images based on the use of the Public software Library for UltraSound imaging research (PLUS) toolkit successfully demonstrated both the standard views and the views with diagnostic values for the visualization of the cardiovascular structures. This solution provides great data extensibility while being simple and cost-effective for end users. Therefore, the proposed method could provide a promising educational system for trainees to understand standard views of fetal echocardiography and the corresponding anatomical correlations.
Bioactive Scaffold Fabricated by 3D Printing for Enhancing Osteoporotic Bone Regeneration
Authors: Zhang Xiaoting , Wang Xinluan , Lee Yuk-wai , Feng Lu , Wang Bin , Pan Qi , Meng Xiangbo , Cao Huijuan , Li Linlong , Wang Haixing , Bai Shanshan , Kong Lingchi , Chow Dick Ho Kiu , Qin Ling , Cui Liao , Lin Sien , Li Gang
Published: October 2022

We develop a poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)/β-calcium phosphate (PLGA/TCP)-based scaffold through a three-dimensional (3D) printing technique incorporating icaritin (ICT), a unique phytomolecule, and secretome derived from human fetal mesenchymal stem cells (HFS), to provide mechanical support and biological cues for stimulating bone defect healing. With the sustained release of ICT and HFS from the composite scaffold, the cell-free scaffold efficiently facilitates the migration of MSCs and promotes bone regeneration at the femoral defect site in the ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporotic rat model. Furthermore, mechanism study results indicate that the combination of ICT and HFS additively activates the Integrin–FAK (focal adhesion kinase)–ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2)–Runx2 (Runt-related transcription factor 2) axis, which could be linked to the beneficial recruitment of MSCs to the implant and subsequent osteogenesis enhancement. Collectively, the PLGA/TCP/ICT/HFS (P/T/I/S) bioactive scaffold is a promising biomaterial for repairing osteoporotic bone defects, which may have immense implications for their translation to clinical practice.
VEGF Polymorphism rs3025039 and Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus 1 (HTLV-1) Infection among Older Japanese Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Shimizu Yuji , Yamanashi Hirotomo , Miyata Jun , Takada Midori , Noguchi Yuko , Honda Yukiko , Nonaka Fumiaki , Nakamichi Seiko , Nagata Yasuhiro , Maeda Takahiro
Published: October 2022

Previous studies have reported a close correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which plays an important role in angiogenesis, and human T-cell leukemia virus 1 (HTLV-1). However, an association between genetic characteristics related to VEGF and HTLV-1 infection has not yet been reported. Because the VEGF polymorphism rs3025039 is inversely associated with serum concentrations of VEGF, we focus on rs3025039 in the present study. To clarify the association between the VEGF polymorphism rs3025039 and HTLV-1 infection, a cross-sectional study of 1924 Japanese individuals aged 60–79 years who participated in general health check-ups was conducted. Using logistic regression, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for HTLV-1 infection in relation to rs3025039 genotype were calculated with adjustment for known confounders. Compared with rs3025039 CC-homozygotes, (T) allele carriers had a significantly lower OR for HTLV-1 infection. The adjusted OR and 95% CI for HTLV-1 infection was 0.70 (0.54–0.91) (p = 0.009). Genetic characteristics related to lower angiogenesis activity might be associated with a lower chance of establishing HTLV-1 infection. Although further investigation is necessary, angiogenesis might play a crucial role in the establishment of HTLV-1 infection.
Layer-Specific Damage Modeling of Porcine Large Intestine under Biaxial Tension
Authors: Bhattarai Aroj , May Charlotte Anabell , Staat Manfred , Kowalczyk Wojciech , Tran Thanh Ngoc
Published: October 2022

The mechanical behavior of the large intestine beyond the ultimate stress has never been investigated. Stretching beyond the ultimate stress may drastically impair the tissue microstructure, which consequently weakens its healthy state functions of absorption, temporary storage, and transportation for defecation. Due to closely similar microstructure and function with humans, biaxial tensile experiments on the porcine large intestine have been performed in this study. In this paper, we report hyperelastic characterization of the large intestine based on experiments in 102 specimens. We also report the theoretical analysis of the experimental results, including an exponential damage evolution function. The fracture energies and the threshold stresses are set as damage material parameters for the longitudinal muscular, the circumferential muscular and the submucosal collagenous layers. A biaxial tensile simulation of a linear brick element has been performed to validate the applicability of the estimated material parameters. The model successfully simulates the biomechanical response of the large intestine under physiological and non-physiological loads.
An Inductively Powered Implantable System to Study the Gastrointestinal Electrophysiology in Freely Behaving Rodents
Authors: Berry Dylan T. , Choi Joanne , Dexheimer Calla A. , Verhaalen Morgan A. , Javan-Khoshkholgh Amir
Published: October 2022

Chronic studies in the fasting and fed states of conscious subjects are fundamental for understanding the pathophysiological significance of functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and motility dysfunctions. To study the electrophysiology of the GI tract in the long term, the development of gastric implants is essential. This paper presents the development of an implantable system capable of monitoring the bioelectrical activity of the gastric system and modulating the activity in freely behaving rodents. The system consists of a miniature-sized implantable unit (IU), a stationary unit (SU) that communicates with the IU over a 2.4 GHz far-field radio frequency (RF) bidirectional link, and a charging unit (CU) that establishes an inductive 13.56 MHz near-field communication (NFC) with the IU, implementing an adaptive wireless power transfer (WPT). The CU can generate an adjustable power between +20 dBm and +30 dBm, and, in the presence of body movements and stomach motility, can deliver a constant rectified voltage to the IU. The live subject’s exposure to the electromagnetic WPT in the developed system complies with the RF energy absorption restrictions for health and safety concerns. The system can be utilized to investigate the relationship between functional GI disorders and dysrhythmias in the gastric bioelectrical activity and study the potential of electroceutical therapies for motility dysfunctions in clinical settings.
Verification of the Efficacy of Mexiletine Treatment for the A1656D Mutation on Downgrading Reentrant Tachycardia Using a 3D Cardiac Electrophysiological Model
Authors: Qauli Ali Ikhsanul , Yoo Yedam , Marcellinus Aroli , Lim Ki Moo
Published: October 2022

The SCN5A mutations have been long associated with long QT variant 3 (LQT3). Recent experimental and computation studies have reported that mexiletine effectively treats LQT3 patients associated with the A1656D mutation. However, they have primarily focused on cellular level evaluations and have only looked at the effects of mexiletine on action potential duration (APD) or QT interval reduction. We further investigated mexiletine’s effects on cardiac cells through simulations of single-cell (behavior of alternant occurrence) and 3D (with and without mexiletine). We discovered that mexiletine could shorten the cell’s APD and change the alternant’s occurrence to a shorter basic cycle length (BCL) between 350 and 420 ms. The alternant also appeared at a normal heart rate under the A1656D mutation. Furthermore, the 3D ventricle simulations revealed that mexiletine could reduce the likelihood of a greater spiral wave breakup in the A1656D mutant condition by minimizing the appearance of rotors. In conclusion, we found that mexiletine could provide extra safety features during therapy for LQT3 patients because it can change the alternant occurrence from a normal to a faster heart rate, and it reduces the chance of a spiral wave breakup. Therefore, these findings emphasize the promising efficacy of mexiletine in treating LQT3 patients under the A1656D mutation.
A Novel System for Precise Grading of Glioma
Authors: Alksas Ahmed , Shehata Mohamed , Atef Hala , Sherif Fatma , Alghamdi Norah Saleh , Ghazal Mohammed , Abdel Fattah Sherif , El-Serougy Lamiaa Galal , El-Baz Ayman
Published: October 2022

Gliomas are the most common type of primary brain tumors and one of the highest causes of mortality worldwide. Accurate grading of gliomas is of immense importance to administer proper treatment plans. In this paper, we develop a comprehensive non-invasive multimodal magnetic resonance (MR)-based computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) system to precisely differentiate between different grades of gliomas (Grades: I, II, III, and IV). A total of 99 patients with gliomas (M = 49, F = 50, age range = 1–79 years) were included after providing their informed consent to participate in this study. The proposed imaging-based glioma grading (GG-CAD) system utilizes three different MR imaging modalities, namely; contrast-enhanced T1-MR, T2-MR known as fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR), and diffusion-weighted (DW-MR) to extract the following imaging features: (i) morphological features based on constructing the histogram of oriented gradients (HOG) and estimating the glioma volume, (ii) first and second orders textural features by constructing histogram, gray-level run length matrix (GLRLM), and gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM), (iii) functional features by estimating voxel-wise apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) and contrast-enhancement slope. These features are then integrated together and processed using a Gini impurity-based selection approach to find the optimal set of significant features. The reduced significant features are then fed to a multi-layer perceptron artificial neural networks (MLP-ANN) classification model to obtain the final diagnosis of a glioma tumor as Grade I, II, III, or IV. The GG-CAD system was evaluated on the enrolled 99 gliomas (Grade I = 13, Grade II = 22, Grade III = 22, and Grade IV = 42) using a leave-one-subject-out (LOSO) and k-fold stratified (with k = 5 and 10) cross-validation approach. The GG-CAD achieved 0.96 ± 0.02 quadratic-weighted Cohen’s kappa and 95.8% ± 1.9% overall diagnostic accuracy at LOSO and an outstanding diagnostic performance at k = 10 and 5. Alternative classifiers, including RFs and SVMlin produced inferior results compared to the proposed MLP-ANN GG-CAD system. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed CAD system as a novel tool to objectively characterize gliomas using the comprehensive extracted and selected imaging features. The developed GG-CAD system holds promise to be used as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for Precise Grading of Glioma.
Bone Graft Packing and Its Association with Bone Regeneration in Maxillary Sinus Floor Augmentations: Histomorphometric Analysis of Human Biopsies
Authors: Reich Karoline Maria , Beck Florian , Heimel Patrick , Lettner Stefan , Redl Heinz , Ulm Christian , Tangl Stefan
Published: October 2022

Research in maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA) focussed on the optimisation of microstructural parameters such as microporosity and particle size of bone substitute particles (BS). However, little is known about the impact of BS packing and the corresponding (void) interparticular space on bone regeneration. The aim of this study was to characterise the spatial distribution of BS and its association with BS integration 6 ± 1 months after MSFA. Histological thin-ground sections of 70 human sinus biopsies were histomorphometrically analysed: In serial zones of 100 µm proceeding from the sinus floor (SF) up to the apical end of the biopsy, we measured the distribution of BS particles within these zones in terms of volume (BSV/TV), number and size of BS particles, interparticle spacing (BS.Sp) and bone-to-BS contact. BS particles were not homogeneously distributed over the length of biopsies: The first 200 µm directly adjacent to the SF represented a zone poor in BS particles but with high osteogenic potential. Graft packing density increased from the SF towards the apical part of the AA. Integration of BS particles was inversely associated with the distance to the SF and the graft packing density. A high packing density through excessive compaction of BS particles should be avoided to optimise the macrostructural environment for bone regeneration.
Behavioural Aversion and Cortisol Level Assessment When Adult Zebrafish Are Exposed to Different Anaesthetics
Authors: Ferreira Jorge M. , Jorge Sara , Félix Luís , Morello Gabriela M. , Olsson I. Anna S. , Valentim Ana M.
Published: October 2022

The use of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an animal model is growing and occurs in a wide range of scientific areas. Therefore, researchers need better and more appropriate anaesthetics for stressful and/or painful procedures to prevent unpleasant experiences. Thus, we aimed to study if adult zebrafish displayed aversion-associated behaviours (conditioned place aversion) and alterations in cortisol levels when exposed to equipotent concentrations of MS222, propofol/lidocaine, clove oil, or etomidate. Adult AB zebrafish (mixed-sex, N = 177) were randomly assigned to MS222 (150 mg/L), Propofol/Lidocaine (5 mg/L propofol + 150 mg/L lidocaine), Clove Oil (45 mg/L), or Etomidate (2 mg/L) groups. The conditioned place aversion test was used to assess behavioural aversion. Only etomidate resulted in a similar aversion to the positive control group (HCl; pH = 3). Cortisol levels were measured 5 and 15 min after loss of equilibrium. Etomidate induced low levels of cortisol by impairing its synthesis, whereas all the other groups had similar cortisol levels. Based on our data, etomidate was ruled out as an alternative to MS222, as it showed an aversive profile. The remaining protocols were not innocuous, displaying a weak aversive profile when compared to the positive control. In conclusion, a combination of propofol with lidocaine, clove oil, and MS222 were valid candidates for use as anaesthetic protocols.
Keystone Taxa and Predictive Functional Analysis of Sphagnum palustre Tank Microbiomes in Erxianyan Peatland, Central China
Authors: Man Baiying , Xiang Xing , Zhang Junzhong , Cheng Gang , Zhang Chao , Luo Yang , Qin Yangmin
Published: October 2022

Sphagnum is a fundamental ecosystem of engineers, including more than 300 species around the world. These species host diverse microbes, either endosymbiotic or ectosymbiotic, and are key to carbon sequestration in peatland ecosystems. However, the linkages between different types of Sphagnum and the diversity and ecological functions of Sphagnum-associated microbiomes are poorly known, and so are their joint responses to ecological functions. Here, we systematically investigated endophytes in Sphagnum palustre via next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques in the Erxianyan peatland, central China. The total bacterial microbiome was classified into 38 phyla and 55 classes, 122 orders and 490 genera. The top 8 phyla of Proteobacteria (33.69%), Firmicutes (11.94%), Bacteroidetes (9.42%), Actinobacteria (6.53%), Planctomycetes (6.37%), Gemmatimonadetes (3.05%), Acidobacteria (5.59%) and Cyanobacteria (1.71%) occupied 78.31% of total OTUs. The core microbiome of S. palustre was mainly distributed mainly in 7 phyla, 9 classes, 15 orders, 22 families and 43 known genera. There were many differences in core microbiomes compared to those in the common higher plants. We further demonstrate that the abundant functional groups have a substantial potential for nitrogen fixation, carbon cycle, nitrate metabolism, sulfate respiration and chitinolysis. These results indicate that potential ecological function of Sphagnum palustre in peatlands is partially rooted in its microbiomes, and that incorporating into functional groups of Sphagnum-associated microbiomes can promote mechanistic understanding of Sphagnum ecology in subalpine peatlands.
Effects of 6-Week Supplementation with GliSODin on Parameters of Muscle Damages, Metabolic, and Work Performance at International Level Rowers after Specific Maximal Effort
Authors: Dudašova Petrovičova Olina , Stanković Ivan , Milinković Neda , Dopsaj Violeta , Đorđević Brižita , Dopsaj Milivoj
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementation with plant origin superoxide dismutase (SOD), GliSODin, on parameters of muscle damage, metabolic, and work performance at international level rowers. Twenty-eight rowers were included in a randomized, double-blind study. The study was conducted during a 6-week preparation period. At the beginning of the study and after 6 weeks of the supplementation period, all rowers were tested on a rowing ergometer. Blood samples were taken from the antecubital vein before and after every ergometer testing. Muscle damage markers creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), inflammation parameters interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. Rowing performance was assessed by lactate level in capillary blood and power output on the rowing ergometer. After supplementation, experimental group had significantly lower CK (p = 0.049) and IL-6 (p = 0.035) before and IL-6 (p = 0.050) after exhausting exercise on ergometer. Relative change of power output at 4 mmol/L concentration of lactate in blood, considering the initial and final test, was significantly higher (p = 0.020) in the supplemented group. It was concluded that GliSODin could be considered a good supplement in preventing some deleterious effects of intensive physical activity, including inflammation and muscle damage, and consequently, to enable a better rowing performance of elite rowers.
Shark Bite Reporting and The New York Times
Authors: Pepin-Neff Christopher L.
Published: October 2022

The social and political dynamics around human–shark interactions are a growing area of interest in marine social science. The question motivating this article asks to what extent media reporting by The New York Times has engaged beyond the lexicon of “shark attack” discourse to describe human–shark interactions. It is important because different styles of reporting on human–shark interactions can influence the public’s perceptions about sharks and support for shark conservation. This media outlet is also a paper of record whose editorial style choices may influence the broader media landscape. I review reporting language from The New York Times for 10 years between 2012 and 2021 (n = 36). I present three findings: first, I argue that The New York Times has had an increased frequency in use of the term “shark bite” to describe human–shark interactions. Secondly, I find that shark “attack” is still used consistently with other narratives. Third, there appears to be an increased use of “sightings; encounter; and incident” descriptors since 2020. The implication of this is a layered approach to reporting on human–shark interactions that diversifies away from a one-dimensional shark “attack” discourse.
Cycle-Inhibiting Factor Is Associated with Burkholderia pseudomallei Invasion in Human Neuronal Cells
Authors: Rungruengkitkun Amporn , Jitprasutwit Niramol , Muangkaew Watcharamat , Suttikornchai Chantira , Tandhavanant Sarunporn , Indrawattana Nitaya , Ampawong Sumate , Sukphopetch Passanesh , Chantratita Narisara , Pumirat Pornpan
Published: October 2022

Burkholderia pseudomallei is a pathogenic bacterium that causes human melioidosis, which is associated with a high mortality rate. However, the underlying mechanisms of B. pseudomallei pathogenesis are largely unknown. In this study, we examined the infection of human neuronal SH-Sy5y cells by several clinically relevant B. pseudomallei strains. We found that all tested B. pseudomallei strains can invade SH-Sy5y cells, undergo intracellular replication, cause actin-tail formation, and form multinucleated giant cells. Additionally, a deletion mutant of B. pseudomallei cycle-inhibiting factor (cif) was constructed that exhibited reduced invasion in SH-Sy5y cells. Complementation of cif restored invasion of the B. pseudomallei cif-deleted mutant. Our findings enhance understanding of B. pseudomallei pathogenicity in terms of the virulence factor Cif and demonstrate the function of Cif in neurological melioidosis. This may eventually lead to the discovery of novel targets for treatment and a strategy to control the disease.
Glacial Legacies: Microbial Communities of Antarctic Refugia
Authors: Jackson Abigail C. , Jorna Jesse , Chaston John M. , Adams Byron J.
Published: October 2022

In the cold deserts of the McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDV) the suitability of soil for microbial life is determined by both contemporary processes and legacy effects. Climatic changes and accompanying glacial activity have caused local extinctions and lasting geochemical changes to parts of these soil ecosystems over several million years, while areas of refugia may have escaped these disturbances and existed under relatively stable conditions. This study describes the impact of historical glacial and lacustrine disturbance events on microbial communities across the MDV to investigate how this divergent disturbance history influenced the structuring of microbial communities across this otherwise very stable ecosystem. Soil bacterial communities from 17 sites representing either putative refugia or sites disturbed during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) (22-17 kya) were characterized using 16 S metabarcoding. Regardless of geographic distance, several putative refugia sites at elevations above 600 m displayed highly similar microbial communities. At a regional scale, community composition was found to be influenced by elevation and geographic proximity more so than soil geochemical properties. These results suggest that despite the extreme conditions, diverse microbial communities exist in these putative refugia that have presumably remained undisturbed at least through the LGM. We suggest that similarities in microbial communities can be interpreted as evidence for historical climate legacies on an ecosystem-wide scale.
Decline in Running Performance in Highest-Level Soccer: Analysis of the UEFA Champions League Matches
Authors: Modric Toni , Versic Sime , Alexe Dan Iulian , Gilic Barbara , Mihai Ilie , Drid Patrik , Radulovic Nikola , Saavedra Jose M. , Menjibar Rafael Burgueño
Published: October 2022

It is widely recognized that there is a decline in match running performance (MRP) towards the end of matches. To clarify whether it is primarily a consequence of fatigue, pacing or situational influences, this study aimed to examine MRP across 15-min match periods for players on different playing positions. Players’ MRP (n = 244) were examined from the UEFA Champions League matches (n = 20) using a semiautomatic optical tracking system. Linear mixed models for repeated measures were adjusted to analyze MRP over the six 15-min match periods while controlling the influence of situational factors. No effects of match outcome, match location, team, and opponent quality on total distance (TD) and high-intensity running (HIR) for players in all playing positions were found (F = 0.03–2.75; all p > 0.05). Significant differences in TD (F = 17.57–53.01; η2 = 0.39–0.52, all large effect sizes) and HIR (F = 3.67–7.64; η2 = 0.05–0.19, small to medium effect sizes) among six 15-minute match periods were found for players in all playing positions. In addition, players in all playing positions covered less TD (d = 1.41–2.15, large to very large effect sizes) and HIR (d = 0.16–0.6, trivial to medium effect sizes) in the last compared to the first 15-min match period. No differences in TD and HIR between the last two match periods in the second half were observed. This study confirmed that soccer players reduce MRP towards the end of matches, and suggest that the decline of MPR in highest-level soccer may be a consequence of pacing strategies.
A New Clue for the Late Eocene Freshwater Ecosystem of Central China Evidenced by New Fossils of Trapa L. and Hemitrapa Miki (Lythraceae)
Authors: Han Zhuochen , Jia Hui , Meng Xiangning , Ferguson David K. , Luo Mingyue , Liu Ping , Wang Junjie , Quan Cheng
Published: October 2022

Both Trapa L. and the extinct Hemitrapa Miki are aquatic plants in the family Lythraceae, with abundant fossil records in Eurasia and North America in the Cenozoic. However, documented materials are mainly based on fruit and pollen grains without reliable leaf fossils. Here, we report fossil leaves, fruit, and roots of Trapa and fruit of Hemitrapa from the late Eocene of Weinan, the Weihe Basin of central China. The fossil leaves are identified as a new species, Trapa natanifolia Z. C. Han et H. Jia sp. nov., which represents the earliest known record of a Trapa leaf fossil. It is remarkably similar to extant species of Trapa, mostly due to the unique inflated petiole structures found in both of them. While displaying prominent intergeneric differences, the incomplete fossil fruits are assigned to Trapa sp. indet. and Hemitrapa sp. indet. The former is the earliest fossil fruit record of Trapa, and the latter represents the earliest fossil record of Hemitrapa found in Asia. These new fossil discoveries suggest that the divergence of Trapa and Hemitrapa occurred at least by the late Eocene. It is believed that modern Trapa most likely originated in China. Furthermore, this unexpected aquatic plant fossil assemblage indicates that central China was warm and humid, with freshwater ponds or lakes, in the late Eocene and not as arid as previously thought.
Dunaliella salina Microalga Restores the Metabolic Equilibrium and Ameliorates the Hepatic Inflammatory Response Induced by Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in Male Zebrafish
Authors: Mawed Suzan Attia , Centoducati Gerardo , Farag Mayada R. , Alagawany Mahmoud , Abou-Zeid Shimaa M. , Elhady Walaa M. , El-Saadony Mohamed T. , Di Cerbo Alessandro , Al-Zahaby Sheren A.
Published: October 2022

Microalgae are rich in bioactive compounds including pigments, proteins, lipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, carbohydrates, and vitamins. Due to their non-toxic and nutritious characteristics, these are suggested as important food for many aquatic animals. Dunaliella salina is a well-known microalga that accumulates valuable amounts of carotenoids. We investigated whether it could restore the metabolic equilibrium and mitigate the hepatic inflammation induced by zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using male zebrafish which were exposed to 1/5th 96 h-LC50 for 4 weeks, followed by dietary supplementation with D. salina at two concentrations (15% and 30%) for 2 weeks. Collectively, ZnO-NPs affected fish appetite, whole body composition, hepatic glycogen and lipid contents, intestinal bacterial and Aeromonas counts, as well as hepatic tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α). In addition, the mRNA expression of genes related to gluconeogenesis (pck1, gys2, and g6pc3), lipogenesis (srepf1, acaca, fasn, and cd36), and inflammatory response (tnf-α, tnf-β, nf-kb2) were modulated. D. salina reduced the body burden of zinc residues, restored the fish appetite and normal liver architecture, and mitigated the toxic impacts of ZnO-NPs on whole-body composition, intestinal bacteria, energy metabolism, and hepatic inflammatory markers. Our results revealed that the administration of D. salina might be effective in neutralizing the hepatotoxic effects of ZnO-NPs in the zebrafish model.
Humic Lake Exhibits Higher Microbial Functional Gene Diversity and Weaker Gene Interaction Efficiency than a Common Alkaline Lake
Authors: He Dan , Liu Yuanyuan , Wu Qinglong , Peng Yuyang , Ren Lijuan
Published: October 2022

Humic lakes (HLs) are special water bodies (high organic matter content, low pH, and low transparency) that are important sources of major greenhouse gases. The knowledge about microbial functional potentials and the interactions among different genes in HL water has been scarcely understood. In this study, we used 16S rRNA gene sequencing and the GeoChip 5.0 to investigate microbial community compositions and functional gene structures in an HL and a reference weakly alkaline lake (RAL). The HL microbial communities showed distinct compositions and functional gene structures than those in the RAL. The functional gene diversity was significantly higher in the HL than in the RAL. Specifically, higher gene relative intensities in carbon and nitrogen fixations, the degradation of various types of carbon, methane oxidation and methanogenesis, ammonification, denitrification, and assimilatory N reduction were observed in the HL samples. By contrast, the metabolic potentials of microorganisms involved in dissimilatory N reduction, phosphorus degradation, and sulfur oxidation were weaker in the HL than in the RAL. Despite higher functional gene diversity, the interaction efficiency among genes (reflected by network geodesic distance and clustering coefficient) might be reduced in the HL. Different functional microbes may develop less interdependent relationships in acquiring nutrients given the high resource availability in the HL. Overall, the enhanced microbial metabolic potentials and less efficient functional interactions might have great consequences on nutrient cycling and greenhouse gas emissions in the HL ecosystem.
Assessment of the Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Rhizophora apiculata Blume (Rhizophoraceae) in Thailand
Authors: Ruang-areerate Panthita , Naktang Chaiwat , Kongkachana Wasitthee , Sangsrakru Duangjai , Narong Nattapol , Maknual Chatree , Pravinvongvuthi Tamanai , Promchoo Waratthaya , Yamprasai Suchart , Tangphatsornruang Sithichoke , Pootakham Wirulda
Published: October 2022

Rhizophora apiculata is one of the most widespread and economically important mangrove trees in the Indo-West Pacific region. Knowledge of the genetic variation of R. apiculata in Thailand is limited. Here, we generated a whole-genome sequence of R. apiculata using the 10× Genomics technology. R. apiculata genome assembly was 230.47 Mb. Based on its genome, 2640 loci of high-quality biallelic SNPs were identified from 82 R. apiculata accessions collected from 17 natural mangrove forests in Thailand to assess the genetic diversity and population structure among them. A moderate level of genetic diversity of R. apiculata was observed. The average observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.48) was higher than the average expected heterozygosity (He = 0.36). Two subpopulations were observed and confirmed from three approaches: population structure, PCA, and phylogenetic analyses. They corresponded to the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea separated by the Malay Peninsula. AMOVA analyses indicated that genetic variation was attributable to 76.22% within populations and 23.78% among populations. A high level of genetic differentiation between the two subpopulations (FST = 0.24, p < 0.001) was observed. This study evaluated the genetic diversity and population structure of R. apiculata, providing useful information for sustainable mangrove management in Thailand.
CircRNA Identification and CircRNA–miRNA–mRNA Network in Cynoglossus semilaevis Sexual Size Dimorphism
Authors: Gong Zhihong , Shi Rui , Chen Songlin , Wang Na
Published: October 2022

Sexual size dimorphism (SSD), which is the sexual differences in body size, has been widely reported in various species including fishes. For Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis), a flatfish exhibiting typically female-biased SSD, little is known for its epigenetic regulation mechanism, especially the role of circRNAs. Here, we identified the differently expressed abundances of circRNAs in females, males, and pseudo-males to explore the potential functions of circRNAs in Chinese tongue sole SSD. In total, 14,745 novel circRNAs were screened, among which 1461 DE circRNAs were identified from the brain, gonad, liver, and muscle in female, male, and pseudo-male individuals. The ceRNA network was subsequently constructed, including 10 circRNAs, 26 mRNAs, and 11 miRNAs. These DE mRNAs were mainly related to the mRNA surveillance pathway, metabolic pathways, and cellular senescence. Importantly, the ceRNA network has revealed that several circRNAs such as novel_circ_004374 and novel_circ_014597 may regulate homeodomain interacting protein kinase 2 (hipk2) expression by sponging miR-130-x. It is also worth exploring whether or how novel_circ_008696 regulates SET Domain Containing 2, histone lysine methyltransferase (setd2), which in turn affects the epigenetic patterns of different sexual individuals. The present study not only enriches the knowledge on the potential roles of circRNA in the physiological process, but also provides new clues for the explanation of fish SSD. In future studies, the precise function and involvement of circRNAs in female-biased SSD will require more efforts.
The Arabidopsis Receptor-like Kinase CAP1 Promotes Shoot Growth under Ammonium Stress
Authors: You Qingye , Dong Nannan , Yang Hong , Feng Fang , Xu Yifei , Wang Chong , Yang Yilan , Ma Xiaonan , Bai Ling
Published: October 2022

High levels of ammonium (NH4+) in soils inhibit plant growth and nitrogen utilization efficiency. Elucidating the underlying mechanisms of NH4+ toxicity is essential for alleviating the growth inhibition caused by high NH4+. Our previous work showed that [Ca2+]cyt-associated protein kinase 1 (CAP1) regulates root hair growth in response to NH4+ in Arabidopsis thaliana, and the cap1-1 mutant produces short root hairs under NH4+ stress conditions. However, it is unclear whether CAP1 functions in other physiological processes in response to NH4+. In the present study, we found that CAP1 also plays a role in attenuating NH4+ toxicity to promote shoot growth. The cap1-1 mutant produced smaller shoots with smaller epidermal cells compared with the wild type in response to NH4+ stress. Disruption of CAP1 enhanced the NH4+-mediated inhibition of the expression of cell enlargement-related genes. The cap1-1 mutant showed elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels under NH4+ stress, as well as increased expression of respiratory burst oxidase homologue genes and decreased expression of catalase genes compared with the wild type. Our data reveal that CAP1 attenuates NH4+-induced shoot growth inhibition by promoting cell wall extensibility and ROS homeostasis, thereby highlighting the role of CAP1 in the NH4+ signal transduction pathway.