bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factores Contextuales Asociados a la Selectividad de la Conducta Alimentaria: Perspectiva Fonoaudiológica.
Authors: Eusse Solano Paola Andrea , Vargas Garc´ía Miguel Antonio
Published: January 2023

La conducta alimentaria es una condición que el infante construye en el marco de su realidad contextual. Históricamente la alimentación se ha visto como la vía nutricional, que lo es, pero también cumple otro papel fundamental, generar las condiciones fenotípicas del crecimiento orofacial. Desde cualquiera de estas dos perspectivas, se debe implementar una visión preventiva de la atención en salud, permitiendo generar aportes desde la fonoaudiología para prever situaciones de riesgo alrededor de la selectividad y rechazo de la conducta alimentaria y otras áreas de abordaje que nos competen, y que, en el caso de este artículo, hacen parte del desarrollo de la salud alrededor de los procesos motores y comunicativos que se entretejen con el acto de comer.
Las decisiones alrededor de inclusión de nuevos alimentos y la presentación de estos en cuanto características reológicas y organolépticas, son decisiones que deben tomarse a partir de un reconocimiento de la edad, el crecimiento, el desarrollo y la maduración del sistema estomatognático, factores concatenados de manera estrecha con la acción y facilitación de los padres y el contexto.
Es importante destacar que la selectividad y el rechazo del alimento, así como la alimentación misma podría destacarse como un hedonismo que no necesariamente nace con el sujeto, sino que se fomenta y se construye a partir de las experiencias. De ahí la importancia de las experiencias positivas en el marco de la alimentación, donde se involucra toda una situación familiar y social cargada de afectividad y patrones inicialmente imitables.
Recuerde que, aunque el niño/a no debe ser visto como un adulto de estatura menor, también es importante entender que, desde su nivel de desarrollo cognitivo y emocional, son seres humanos con pensamientos, sensaciones y criterios definidos para su edad, por lo cual aprender a escucharlos también es importante alrededor de los temas que atañen a su alimentación. Buscar estrategias para que ellos comprendan la importancia de la alimentación en relación con el crecimiento y el desarrollo será fundamental no sólo desde lo biológico.
Methods to improve the accuracy of next-generation sequencing
Authors: Cheng Chu , Fei Zhongjie , Xiao Pengfeng
Published: January 2023

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is present in all fields of life science, which has greatly promoted the development of basic research while being gradually applied in clinical diagnosis. However, the cost and throughput advantages of next-generation sequencing are offset by large tradeoffs with respect to read length and accuracy. Specifically, its high error rate makes it extremely difficult to detect SNPs or low-abundance mutations, limiting its clinical applications, such as pharmacogenomics studies primarily based on SNP and early clinical diagnosis primarily based on low abundance mutations. Currently, Sanger sequencing is still considered to be the gold standard due to its high accuracy, so the results of next-generation sequencing require verification by Sanger sequencing in clinical practice. In order to maintain high quality next-generation sequencing data, a variety of improvements at the levels of template preparation, sequencing strategy and data processing have been developed. This study summarized the general procedures of next-generation sequencing platforms, highlighting the improvements involved in eliminating errors at each step. Furthermore, the challenges and future development of next-generation sequencing in clinical application was discussed.
Study on failure mechanism on rechargeable alkaline zinc–Air battery during charge/discharge cycles at different depths of discharge
Authors: Zhang Donghao , Hu Wenbin
Published: January 2023

Background: Zinc-air battery (ZAB) is a promising candidate for energy storage, but the short cycle life severely restricts the wider practical applications. Up to date, no consensus on the dominant factors affecting ZABs cycle life was reached to help understanding how to prolong the ZAB’s cycle life. Here, a series of replacement experiments based on the ZAB were conducted to confirm the pivotal factors that influence the cycle life at different depths of discharge (DOD).

Method: The morphology and composition of the components of the battery were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and chemical titration analyses.

Result: SEM images and XRD results revealed that the failure of the zinc anode gradually deepens with the increase of DOD, while the performance degradation of the tricobalt tetroxide/Carbon Black (Co3O4/CB) air cathode depends on the operating time. The concentration of CO32− depends on the charge/discharge cycle time. The replacement experiments results show that the dominant factors affecting the ZAB’s cycle life is the reduction of active sites on the surface of Co3O4/CB air cathode at a shallow DOD, while that is the carbonation of the electrolyte at a deep DOD. The reduction of active sites on the surface of Co3O4/CB air cathode is caused by the coverage of K2CO3 precipitated by carbonation of the electrolyte, suggesting that the carbonation of the alkaline electrolyte limits ZAB’s cycle life.

Conclusion: Therefore, this work not only further discloses the failure mechanism of ZAB, but also provides some feasible guidance to design a ZAB with along cycle life.
Combined use of in-reservoir geological records for oil-reservoir destruction identification: A case study in the Jingbian area (Ordos Basin, China)
Authors: Yang Zeguang , Wang Aiguo , Meng Pengyun , Chen Min , Guo Kai , Zhu Nan
Published: January 2023

Rapid identification of reservoir destruction is critical to avoid exploration failure. More indicators of reservoir destruction are urgently needed to be developed besides the evaluation methods of trap effectiveness based on structural analysis. Here, we provide a case study in the Ordos Basin to show that the combined use of in-reservoir geological records is a robust tool to rapidly identify oil-reservoir destruction. The sandstones within the Yanchang Formation in the oil-depleted Jingbian area were investigated by petrological and geochemical analysis. The results show that 1) the oils with increased density and viscosity occur in the low permeability sandstones, whereas the high permeability sandstones were occupied by water, 2) abundant solid bitumen occur in the intergranular pores, 3) the n-alkanes with carbon numbers less than 19 are significantly lost from the original oils, and 4) the majority of paleo oil layers have evolved into present water layers. All these in-reservoir physicochemical signatures unravel the same geological event (i.e., oil-reservoir destruction) in the Jingbian area. This oil-reservoir destruction was likely caused by the uplift-induced erosion and the fault activities after oil accumulation during the Late Early Cretaceous.
Exploring the importance of the works of Johann Sebastian Bach: Pedagogical perspectives and the emotional response of listeners
Authors: Morgan Neil , O’Neill Katherine
Published: January 2023

Music education in the United Kingdom has long been centred on the study of historic European classical music. Many studies within the field of Music Psychology have investigated the various ways in which people respond to Western Art Music, and how those responses may differ in accordance with the listening context, but very few have examined the effect of music by specific composers. Bach’s music is still performed regularly around the world—arguably more so than any other composer—and continues to be regarded as essential repertoire by instrumental teachers across many disciplines. This study sought to investigate the potential reasons for this from the perspective of pedagogic value and listener response. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, incorporating semi-structured interviews with music educators alongside a listening experiment in which participants rated their emotional responses to a selection of pieces by Bach, Beethoven and Mozart. A reflexive thematic analysis was used to present an apologia for the continued propagation of Bach’s music in mainstream education, and listeners’ emotional responses were measured using a standardised scale. Additional ratings for valence, arousal, familiarity and overall enjoyment were also gathered from each participant. Results indicate a statistically significant relationship between the music of specific composers and some emotion categories. These findings could lend support to the continued hagiolatry of J. S. Bach in music education, in spite of the welcome drive towards the diversification of the curriculum.
HRAS overexpression predicts response to Lenvatinib treatment in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Liverani Chiara , Spadazzi Chiara , Ibrahim Toni , Pieri Federica , Foca Flavia , Calabrese Chiara , De Vita Alessandro , Miserocchi Giacomo , Cocchi Claudia , Vanni Silvia , Ercolani Giorgio , Cavaliere Davide , Ranallo Nicoletta , Chiadini Elisa , Prisinzano Giovanna , Severi Stefano , Sansovini Maddalena , Martinelli Giovanni , Bongiovanni Alberto , Mercatali Laura
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a rare group of tumors exceptionally heterogeneous, with clinical presentation ranging from well differentiated more indolent tumors to poorly differentiated very aggressive forms. Both are often diagnosed after the metastatic spread and require appropriate medical treatment. A high priority need in the management of this disease is the identification of effective therapeutic strategies for advanced and metastatic patients. The recent TALENT trial demonstrated the efficacy of lenvatinib, a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) with no other treatment indication. Further development of this drug in advanced NETs is warranted.

Methods

We investigated potential clinical and molecular determinants of lenvatinib response in human primary cultures derived from patients with GEP-NET of different grades and sites of origin. We correlated response to treatment with patient clinical characteristics, with the mutational status of 161-cancer associated genes and with the expression levels of MKI-related genes.

Results

Lenvatinib exerted a significant antitumor activity in primary GEP-NET cells, with median survival inhibitions similar or higher than those of standard frontline treatments. Of the 11 primary cultures analyzed in our case series, 6 were classified as responder showing a significant survival inhibition, and 5 as non-responder. We observed that the overexpression of HRAS in the original tumor tissue compared to the matched healthy tissue significantly correlated with responsiveness of primary cells to lenvatinib (p=.048). All 5 non-responder cultures showed normal HRAS expression, while of the 6 responder cultures, 4 had HRAS overexpression. Overexpression of HRAS was not associated with gene mutation. None of the other evaluated clinical variables (grade, Ki67, site of origin and syndromic disease) or molecular markers correlated with response.

Discussion

Lenvatinib appears to be a highly effective drug for the treatment of NETs. The evaluation of HRAS expression in the tumor tissue might improve patient selection and optimize therapeutic outcome.
Cell-type specific distribution and activation of type I IFN pathway molecules at the placental maternal-fetal interface in response to COVID-19 infection
Authors: Wang Yuping , Gu Yang , Lewis David F. , Gu Xin , Brown Karisa , Lachute Courtney , Hankins Miriam , Scott Rona S. , Busada Caitlin , Cooper Danielle B. , McCathran Charles E. , Barrilleaux Perry
Published: January 2023

Background and objective

COVID-19 infection in pregnancy significantly increases risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, little is known how the innate immunity at the placental maternal-fetal interface responds to COVID-19 infection. Type I IFN cytokines are recognized as a key component of the innate immune response against viral infection. In this study, we specifically evaluated expression of IFN antiviral signaling molecules in placentas from women infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy.

Methods

Expression of IFN activation signaling pathway molecules, including cyclic GMP–AMP synthase (cGAS), stimulator of interferon genes (STING), interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7), mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS), and IFNβ were determined in formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) placental tissue sections (villous and fetal membrane) by immunostaining. A total of 20 placentas were examined, 12 from COVID-19 patients and 8 from non-COVID-19 controls. Patient demographics, clinical data, and placental pathology report were acquired via EPIC medical record review.

Results

Except BMI and placental weight, there was no statistical difference between COVID and non-COVID groups in maternal age, gestational age at delivery, gravity/parity, delivery mode, and newborn gender and weight. In COVID-exposed group, the main pathological characteristics in the placental disc are maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion and chronic inflammation. Compared to non-COVID controls, expression of IFN activation pathway molecules were all upregulated with distinct cell-type specific distribution in COVID-exposed placentas: STING in villous and decidual stromal cells; IRF3 in cytotrophoblasts (CTs) and extra-villous trophoblasts (EVTs); and TLR7 and MAVS in syncytiotrophoblasts (STs), CTs, and EVTs. Upregulation of STING, MAVS and TLR7 was also seen in fetal endothelial cells.

Conclusions

STING, IRF3, TLR7, and MAVS are key viral sensing molecules that regulate type I IFN production. Type I IFNs are potent antiviral cytokines to impair and eradicate viral replication in infected cells. The finding of cell-type specific distribution and activation of these innate antiviral molecules at the placental maternal-fetal interface provide plausible evidence that type I IFN pathway molecules may play critical roles against SARS-CoV-2 infection in the placenta. Our findings also suggest that placental maternal-fetal interface has a well-defined antiviral defense system to protect the developing fetus from SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Adrenal gland involvement in 11-ketotestosterone production analyzed using LC-MS/MS
Authors: Ikegawa Kento , Hasegawa Yukihiro
Published: January 2023

Introduction

11-ketotestosterone (11KT), which is derived by the bioconversion of testosterone via 11β-hydroxytestosterone (11OHT), is a potent agonist of the human androgen receptor. The adrenal gland is considered an important organ in 11KT production because CYP11B1, which catalyzes testosterone to 11OHT, is expressed in the adrenal glands. The present study aimed to demonstrate adrenal gland involvement in 11KT production in prepubertal children, a topic which has not yet been addressed by any previous studies.

Methods

Three, retrospective, observational studies were performed. Study 1 enrolled patients aged 8 months to 7 years with severe Kawasaki disease (KD) who were treated with mPSL pulse. Studies 2 and 3 included patients who had received a corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation test and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test, respectively. Samples were collected before and after treatment or drug administration, and serum 11KT, 11OHT, and other 11-oxygenated androgens were measured by LC-MS/MS. Steroid hormone values before and after medication were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Results

Studies 1, 2, and 3 included twenty patients with severe KD, eight patients with a CRH stimulation test, and eight patients with an ACTH stimulation test, respectively. Study 1 demonstrated that the median (IQR) 11KT level was significantly higher before, than after, mPSL pulse (0.39 (0.28-0.47) nmol/L versus 0.064 (0.012-0.075) nmol/L; P < 0.001). Studies 2 and 3 indicated no significant difference in the median 11KT value before and after the CRH or ACTH stimulation test while the 11OHT value was significantly higher after the test.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the mediation of 11KT production by ACTH demonstrated the importance of the adrenal glands in the synthesis of this androgen in prepubertal children.
Integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics provides insights into enhanced osteogenesis in Ano5Cys360Tyr knock-in mouse model
Authors: Li Hongyu , Liu Sirui , Miao Congcong , Lv Yan , Hu Ying
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Gnathodiaphyseal dysplasia (GDD; OMIM#166260) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by diaphyseal sclerosis of tubular bones and cemento-osseous lesions in mandibles. GDD is caused by point mutations in the ANO5 gene. However, the mechanisms underlying GDD have not been disclosed. We previously generated the first knock-in mouse model for GDD expressing a human mutation (p.Cys360Tyr) in ANO5 and homozygous Ano5 knock-in (Ano5KI/KI) mice exhibited representative traits of human GDD especially including enhanced osteogenesis.

Methods

Metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses were conducted for wildtype (Ano5+/+) and Ano5KI/KI mature mouse calvarial osteoblasts (mCOBs) grown in osteogenic cultures for 14 days to identify differential intracellular metabolites and genes involved in GDD. Subsequently, related differential genes were validated by qRT-PCR. Cell proliferation was confirmed by CCK8 assay and calcium content in mineral nodules was detected using SEM-EDS.

Results

Metabolomics identified 42 differential metabolites that are primarily involved in amino acid and pyrimidine metabolism, and endocrine and other factor-regulated calcium reabsorption. Concomitantly, transcriptomic analysis revealed 407 differentially expressed genes in Ano5KI/KI osteoblasts compared with wildtype. Gene ontology and pathway analysis indicated that Ano5Cys360Tyr mutation considerably promoted cell cycle progression and perturbed calcium signaling pathway, which were confirmed by validated experiments. qRT-PCR and CCK-8 assays manifested that proliferation of Ano5KI/KI mCOBs was enhanced and the expression of cell cycle regulating genes (Mki67, Ccnb1, and Ccna2) was increased. In addition, SEM-EDS demonstrated that Ano5KI/KI mCOBs developed higher calcium contents in mineral nodules than Ano5+/+ mCOBs, while some calcium-related genes (Cacna1, Slc8a1, and Cyp27b1) were significantly up-regulated. Furthermore, osteocalcin which has been proved to be an osteoblast-derived metabolic hormone was upregulated in Ano5KI/KI osteoblast cultures.

Discussion

Our data demonstrated that the Ano5Cys360Tyr mutation could affect the metabolism of osteoblasts, leading to unwonted calcium homeostasis and cellular proliferation that can contribute to the underlying pathogenesis of GDD disorders.
Vanadium (V) bio-detoxification based on washing water of rice as microbial and carbon sources
Authors: Hao Liting , Wang Xinli , Shi Jinkai , Li Lin , Hao Xiaodi
Published: January 2023

Mining and smelting result in vanadium (V) being released into the environment. Biologically removing V(V) with washing water of rice (WWR) was investigated in this study. Over a 7-d trial, the V(V) removal efficiency increased with dosing washing water of rice dosage up to 56.6%. The results demonstrated that washing water of rice could be used as carbon and microbial sources for biologically reducing V(V). Using domesticated sludge as the inoculum could enhance V(V) detoxification performance, and 95.5% of V(V) was removed in the inoculated system for 5 d. Soluble V(V) was transformed into insoluble V(IV) (VO2), which could be further removed with precipitation. In addition to ABC transporters, a two-component system was also involved in V(V) reduction. The study confirmed that washing water of rice could be utilized for V(V) bio-detoxification.
Incorporation of ionic rare earth elements as a form of microbial environmental remediation
Authors: Rassy Wadih Y. , Ripper Doris , Pomare Eliana , Winkler Sebastian , Koppensteiner Anita , Spadiut Oliver , Schild Dominik
Published: January 2023

Modern society is heavily dependent on critical raw materials, such as rare earth elements (REEs), for use in electronic devices. The increasing demand for these materials has led to the need for environmentally friendly methods of processing non-recycled materials from e-waste and wastewater, as well as waste streams from cleaning and manufacturing facilities. Modern society’s dependence on such materials is growing by the day, and with it, the need for environmentally friendly processing of non-recycled materials from e-waste and wastewater in the form of “end-of-life” products, as well as waste streams from cleaning and manufacturing facilities, also increases. As these are problematic indications for modern isolation methods in the industry, these sources may be more suitable for new techniques as they have low concentration and high throughput for bioaccumulation. Chemical methods using nanomaterials are already being tested for their possibilities but still depend on acids and harsh chemicals. Microorganisms, on the other hand, can adsorb/absorb REEs in a more ecological way. Previous studies could already show that it is possible to accumulate REEs in the precipitates of bacterial cultures spiked with REEs to a value of over 50%. However, the question arose whether rare earths were spun into the pellets by centrifugation, adsorbed, or really incorporated in the cells. Therefore, we established a new easy-to-use experimental design in which the microorganisms were spiked with an REE standard and washed to minimize the falsification of measurements by peripheral binding of ions before being analyzed for REE contents by ICP-OES. The bioaccumulation of rare earths in microorganisms was monitored, yielding an uptake rate of up to 53.12% of the overall present ionic REE concentration. In this manuscript, we present the different concentration measurements that were taken during the process, before and after washing of the cells, to create a full picture of the localization, binding, incorporation, and occurrence of the ions of interest. The setup also showed a correlation between the introduction method of rare earths and the uptake of certain elements that might be correlated with the differentiation between light and heavy rare earth elements, while Y and Sc often seem to represent outliers.
Genome-wide identification of the TGA genes in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and revealing their functions in response to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli infection
Authors: Liu Yu , Huang Yuning , Li Zhao , Feng Ming , Ge Weide , Zhong Chao , Xue Renfeng
Published: January 2023

Fusarium wilt, which affects common bean all across the world, is caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Phaseoli (Fop). It is necessary to have functional genes in response to Fop infection because they might be used to manage disease. As a crucial regulator, TGA-binding transcription factor (TGA) is engaged in the defense mechanism of plants against pathogens. The role of TGA regulators in common bean in response to Fop infection, however, has not been documented. Hence, we performed genome-wide identified and characterized eight TGA genes in common bean. In this study, eight PvTGA genes were distributed on six chromosomes and classified into four subgroups. The PvTGA genes have the same conserved bZIP and DOG1 domains, but there are specific sequence structures in different PvTGAs. Phylogenetic and synteny analysis explained that PvTGA gene has a close genetic relationship with legume TGAs and that PvTGA03 and PvTGA05 may play an important role in evolution. Transcriptome data explained that expression levels of PvTGA genes showed diversity in different tissues. After Fop inoculation, the expression levels of PvTGA03 and PvTGA07 were significantly different between resistant and susceptible genotypes. Under SA treatment, the expression levels of PvTGA03, PvTGA04, PvTGA06, PvTGA07 and PvTGA08 were significantly different. These results imply that PvTGA03 and PvTGA07 play key roles in SA-mediated resistance to Fusarium wilt. Together, these findings advance knowledge of the PvTGA gene family in common bean and will help future studies aimed at reducing Fusarium wilt.
Addressing persistent evidence gaps in cardiovascular sex differences research – the potential of clinical care data
Authors: Bots Sophie H. , Onland-Moret N. Charlotte , den Ruijter Hester M.
Published: January 2023

Women have historically been underrepresented in cardiovascular clinical trials, resulting in a lack of sex-specific data. This is especially problematic in two situations, namely those where diseases manifest differently in women and men and those where biological differences between the sexes might affect the efficacy and/or safety of medication. There is therefore a pressing need for datasets with proper representation of women to address questions related to these situations. Clinical care data could fit this bill nicely because of their unique broad scope across both patient groups and clinical measures. This perspective piece presents the potential of clinical care data in sex differences research and discusses current challenges clinical care data-based research faces. It also suggests strategies to reduce the effect of these limitations, and explores whether clinical care data alone will be sufficient to close evidence gaps or whether a more comprehensive approach is needed.
A tutorial for modeling the evolution of network dynamics for multiple groups
Authors: Pilny Andrew , Ruge-Jones Luisa , Poole Marshall Scott
Published: January 2023

Researchers have been increasingly taking advantage of the stochastic actor-oriented modeling framework as a method to analyze the evolution of network ties. Although the framework has proven to be a useful method to model longitudinal network data, it is designed to analyze a sample of one bounded network. For group and team researchers, this can be a significant limitation because such researchers often collect data on more than one team. This paper presents a nontechnical and hands-on introduction for a meta-level technique for stochastic actor-oriented models in RSIENA where researchers can simultaneously analyze network drivers from multiple samples of teams and groups. Moreover, we follow up with a multilevel Bayesian version of the model when it is appropriate. We also provide a framework for researchers to understand what types of research questions and theories could be examined and tested.
Exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation establishes a novel immune suppressive lipidome in skin-draining lymph nodes
Authors: Tse Benita C. Y. , Ferguson Angela L. , Koay Yen Chin , Grau Georges E. , Don Anthony S. , Byrne Scott N.
Published: January 2023

The ability of ultraviolet radiation to suppress the immune system is thought to be central to both its beneficial (protection from autoimmunity) and detrimental (carcinogenic) effects. Previous work revealed a key role for lipids particularly platelet-activating factor and sphingosine-1-phosphate in mediating UV-induced immune suppression. We therefore hypothesized that there may be other UV-induced lipids that have immune regulatory roles. To assess this, mice were exposed to an immune suppressive dose of solar-simulated UV (8 J/cm2). Lipidomic analysis identified 6 lipids (2 acylcarnitines, 2 neutral lipids, and 2 phospholipids) with significantly increased levels in the skin-draining lymph nodes of UV-irradiated mice. Imaging mass spectrometry of the lipids in combination with imaging mass cytometry identification of lymph node cell subsets indicated a preferential location of UV-induced lipids to T cell areas. In vitro co-culture of skin-draining lymph node lipids with lymphocytes showed that lipids derived from UV-exposed mice have no effect on T cell activation but significantly inhibited T cell proliferation, indicating that the lipids play an immune regulatory role. These studies are important first steps in identifying novel lipids that contribute to UV-mediated immune suppression.
Free complement and complement containing extracellular vesicles as potential biomarkers for neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Burgelman Marlies , Dujardin Pieter , Vandendriessche Charysse , Vandenbroucke Roosmarijn E.
Published: January 2023

The complement system is implicated in a broad range of neuroinflammatory disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Consequently, measuring complement levels in biofluids could serve as a potential biomarker for these diseases. Indeed, complement levels are shown to be altered in patients compared to controls, and some studies reported a correlation between the level of free complement in biofluids and disease progression, severity or the response to therapeutics. Overall, they are not (yet) suitable as a diagnostic tool due to heterogeneity of reported results. Moreover, measurement of free complement proteins has the disadvantage that information on their origin is lost, which might be of value in a multi-parameter approach for disease prediction and stratification. In light of this, extracellular vesicles (EVs) could provide a platform to improve the diagnostic power of complement proteins. EVs are nanosized double membrane particles that are secreted by essentially every cell type and resemble the (status of the) cell of origin. Interestingly, EVs can contain complement proteins, while the cellular origin can still be determined by the presence of EV surface markers. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge and future opportunities on the use of free and EV-associated complement proteins as biomarkers for neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders.
The adjuvants dmLT and mmCT enhance humoral immune responses to a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine after both parenteral or mucosal immunization of neonatal mice
Authors: Molina Estupiñan Jenny Lorena , Aradottir Pind Audur Anna , Foroutan Pajoohian Poorya , Jonsdottir Ingileif , Bjarnarson Stefania P.
Published: January 2023

Immaturity of the neonatal immune system contributes to increased susceptibility to infectious diseases and poor vaccine responses. Therefore, better strategies for early life vaccination are needed. Adjuvants can enhance the magnitude and duration of immune responses. In this study we assessed the effects of the adjuvants dmLT and mmCT and different immunization routes, subcutaneous (s.c.) and intranasal (i.n.), on neonatal immune response to a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Pn1-CRM197. Pn1-specific antibody (Ab) levels of neonatal mice immunized with Pn1-CRM197 alone were low. The adjuvants enhanced IgG Ab responses up to 8 weeks after immunization, more after s.c. than i.n. immunization. On the contrary, i.n. immunization with either adjuvant enhanced serum and salivary IgA levels more than s.c. immunization. In addition, both dmLT and mmCT enhanced germinal center formation and accordingly, dmLT and mmCT enhanced the induction and persistence of Pn1-specific IgG+ Ab-secreting cells (ASCs) in spleen and bone marrow (BM), irrespective of the immunization route. Furthermore, i.n. immunization enhanced Pn1-specific IgA+ ASCs in BM more than s.c. immunizatiofimmu.2022.1078904n. However, a higher i.n. dose of the Pn1-CRM197 was needed to achieve IgG response comparable to that elicited by s.c. immunization with either adjuvant. We conclude that dmLT and mmCT enhance both induction and persistence of the neonatal immune response to the vaccine Pn1-CRM197, following mucosal or parenteral immunization. This indicates that dmLT and mmCT are promising adjuvants for developing safe and effective early life vaccination strategies.
The immunomodulatory role of matrix metalloproteinases in colitis-associated cancer
Authors: He Luying , Kang Qianming , Chan Ka Iong , Zhang Yang , Zhong Zhangfeng , Tan Wen
Published: January 2023

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are an important class of enzymes in the body that function through the extracellular matrix (ECM). They are involved in diverse pathophysiological processes, such as tumor invasion and metastasis, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, periodontal disease, osteogenesis imperfecta, and diseases of the central nervous system. MMPs participate in the occurrence and development of numerous cancers and are closely related to immunity. In the present study, we review the immunomodulatory role of MMPs in colitis-associated cancer (CAC) and discuss relevant clinical applications. We analyze more than 300 pharmacological studies retrieved from PubMed and the Web of Science, related to MMPs, cancer, colitis, CAC, and immunomodulation. Key MMPs that interfere with pathological processes in CAC such as MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-9, MMP-10, MMP-12, and MMP-13, as well as their corresponding mechanisms are elaborated. MMPs are involved in cell proliferation, cell differentiation, angiogenesis, ECM remodeling, and the inflammatory response in CAC. They also affect the immune system by modulating differentiation and immune activity of immune cells, recruitment of macrophages, and recruitment of neutrophils. Herein we describe the immunomodulatory role of MMPs in CAC to facilitate treatment of this special type of colon cancer, which is preceded by detectable inflammatory bowel disease in clinical populations.
IgY antibodies: The promising potential to overcome antibiotic resistance
Authors: El-Kafrawy Sherif A. , Abbas Aymn T. , Oelkrug Christopher , Tahoon Marwa , Ezzat Sameera , Zumla Alimuddin , Azhar Esam I.
Published: January 2023

Antibiotic resistant bacteria are a growing threat to global health security. Whilst the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a natural phenomenon, it is also driven by antibiotic exposure in health care, agriculture, and the environment. Antibiotic pressure and inappropriate use of antibiotics are important factors which drive resistance. Apart from their use to treat bacterial infections in humans, antibiotics also play an important role in animal husbandry. With limited antibiotic options, alternate strategies are required to overcome AMR. Passive immunization through oral, nasal and topical administration of egg yolk-derived IgY antibodies from immunized chickens were recently shown to be effective for treating bacterial infections in animals and humans. Immunization of chickens with specific antigens offers the possibility of creating specific antibodies targeting a wide range of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In this review, we describe the growing global problem of antimicrobial resistance and highlight the promising potential of the use of egg yolk IgY antibodies for the treatment of bacterial infections, particularly those listed in the World Health Organization priority list.
LAG3 genotype of the donor and clinical outcome after allogeneic transplantation from HLA-identical sibling donors
Authors: Cruz David , Rodríguez-Romanos Rocío , González-Bartulos Marta , García-Cadenas Irene , de la Cámara Rafael , Heras Inmaculada , Buño Ismael , Santos Nazly , Lloveras Natàlia , Velarde Pilar , Tuset Esperanza , Martínez Carmen , González Marcos , Sanz Guillermo F. , Ferrá Christelle , Sampol Antonia , Coll Rosa , Pérez-Simón Jose A. , López-Jiménez Javier , Jurado Manuel , Gallardo David
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The association of polymorphisms in molecules involved in the immune response (checkpoint inhibitors) with the clinical outcome after allogeneic transplantation (alloHSCT) has been described. Lymphocyte Activation 3 (LAG3) is a surface protein that plays a regulatory role in immunity as an inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule.

Methods

To determine its role in the alloHSCT setting, we analyzed 797 patients transplanted from HLA-identical sibling donors. The LAG3 rs870849 C>T polymorphism was genotyped in donors.

Results

We detected a higher incidence of severe acute GVHD in patients transplanted from donors with TT genotype (p: 0.047, HR 1.64; 95% CI 1.01 – 2.67). Overall survival (OS) was worse for patients transplanted from donors with the rs870849 CT/TT genotype (0.020; HR, 1.44; 95% CI 1.06 – 1.96), as well as disease-free survival (DFS) (p: 0.002; HR 1.58, 95%CI: 1.18 – 2.14) and transplant-related mortality (TRM) (p< 0.001; HR: 1.88, 95% CI 1.29 – 2.74). When combining the LAG3 rs870849 and the PDCD1 rs36084323 genotypes of the donor, three genetic groups were well defined, allowing a good stratification of the risk of acute GVHD, TRM, OS and DFS.

Discussion

We conclude that the LAG3 genotype of the donor may be considered in donors’ selection. As this selection may be limited in the HLA-identical sibling donor scenario, further studies exploring the impact of LAG3 genotype of the donor in unrelated transplantation are warranted.
NK cell education: Physiological and pathological influences
Authors: Rascle Philippe , Woolley Griffin , Jost Stephanie , Manickam Cordelia , Reeves R. Keith
Published: January 2023

Natural killer (NK) cells represent a critical defense against viral infections and cancers. NK cells require integration of activating and inhibitory NK cell receptors to detect target cells and the balance of these NK cell inputs defines the global NK cell response. The sensitivity of the response is largely defined by interactions between self-major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules and specific inhibitory NK cell receptors, so-called NK cell education. Thus, NK cell education is a crucial process to generate tuned effector NK cell responses in different diseases. In this review, we discuss the relationship between NK cell education and physiologic factors (type of self-MHC-I, self-MHC-I allelic variants, variant of the self-MHC-I-binding peptides, cytokine effects and inhibitory KIR expression) underlying NK cell education profiles (effector function or metabolism). Additionally, we describe the broad-spectrum of effector educated NK cell functions on different pathologies (such as HIV-1, CMV and tumors, among others).
A potential area of use for immune checkpoint inhibitors: Targeting bone marrow microenvironment in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Aru Başak , Pehlivanoğlu Cemil , Dal Zeynep , Dereli-Çalışkan Nida Nur , Gürlü Ege , Yanıkkaya-Demirel Gülderen
Published: January 2023

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) arises from the cells of myeloid lineage and is the most frequent leukemia type in adulthood accounting for about 80% of all cases. The most common treatment strategy for the treatment of AML includes chemotherapy, in rare cases radiotherapy and stem cell and bone marrow transplantation are considered. Immune checkpoint proteins involve in the negative regulation of immune cells, leading to an escape from immune surveillance, in turn, causing failure of tumor cell elimination. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) target the negative regulation of the immune cells and support the immune system in terms of anti-tumor immunity. Bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) bears various blood cell lineages and the interactions between these lineages and the noncellular components of BMM are considered important for AML development and progression. Administration of ICIs for the AML treatment may be a promising option by regulating BMM. In this review, we summarize the current treatment options in AML treatment and discuss the possible application of ICIs in AML treatment from the perspective of the regulation of BMM.
Flexural behaviour of RC one-way slabs reinforced using PAN based carbon textile grid
Authors: Abd Suhad M. , Ibrahim Amer M. , Hussein Omar H. , Shamim Saba , Qaidi Shaker , Najm Hadee Mohammed , Özkılıç Yasin O. , Sabri Sabri Mohanad Muayad
Published: January 2023

Textile reinforced mortar (TRM) is mainly used for strengthening of existing structural members whereas, on the other hand Textile reinforced concrete (TRC) is a technology implied in construction of new members for enhancing the structural behaviour. Application of TRM on the tension zone of the reinforced concrete (RC) slabs to improve the flexural capacity has been investigated by many researchers in the past. However, the effectiveness of textile fabrics, used as internal reinforcement in the RC slab (TRC technology) needs to be studied. The paper, therefore, presents the experimental research conducted on three one-way RC slabs specimens reinforced using textile grid. An innovative Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based carbon textile grid was used as internal reinforcement in combination with the steel bars. Two textile-reinforced RC slabs having one and two layers of textile grid (SRC + 1T and SRC + 2T respectively) and one reference slab (SRC) was fabricated to investigate the flexural behaviour under a four-point loading system. The internal textile reinforcement layer(s) was confirmed to be effective, particularly in terms of improving the cracking load, ductility, deformability and toughness. The material ductility of SRC + 1T and SRC + 2T slabs were increased by 41% and 44% compared to SRC slab. Also, the deformability ratio was found to be greater than 4, indicating a ductile failure of textile-reinforced slabs. Further, based on the load-deflection relation, moment-curvature curves were derived. Moreover, these curves were also developed using Eurocode two prediction model. The experimental and the predicted moment-curvature curves showed good agreement.
Response of fermentation quality and microbial community of oat silage to homofermentative lactic acid bacteria inoculation
Authors: Tahir Muhammad , Li Jiayi , Xin Yafen , Wang Tianwei , Chen Chen , Zhong Yihao , Zhang Lei , Liu Haiping , He Yaling , Wen Xingjin , Yan Yanhong
Published: January 2023

Oat (Avena sativa L.) is one of the important forage crops in the world. However, oat grown in Southwest China has higher moisture content and their preservation face significant challenges. In addition, existing commercial lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have poor fermentation effects in hot and humid regions. Consequently, the current study investigated the response of oat fermentation quality and microbial community to self-selected LAB inoculation. The treatments were: CK, sterilized water; LP694, Lactobacillus plantarum 694; LR753, Lactobacillus rhamnosus 753; and LPLR, LP694 combined with LR753, followed by 1, 3, 7, 14, and 60 days (d) of fermentation. The results showed that LAB inoculation significantly raised the lactic acid content, and decreased the level of pH value, acetic acid, and ammonia-N in oat silage. The LR753 group had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) lactic acid content (60.95 g kg–1 DM), and lower pH value (3.95) and ammonia-N content (10.1 g kg–1 DM) followed by the LPLR group. The LR753 showed lower NDF (54.60% DM) and ADF (39.73% DM) contents than other groups. The Lactobacillus was a prevalent genus in LAB-treated groups, and its relative abundance reached maximum in LP694 (69%) on day 3, while in the LR753 group (72%) on 60 days. The Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus fermentum became the dominant species in LAB-treated groups with fermentation time. The Lactobacillus genus was positively correlated with WSC (R = 0.6, p < 0.05), while negatively correlated with pH (R = −0.5, p < 0.05), and BA (R = −0.5, p < 0.01). Overall, the LR753 group had better fermentation quality and preservation of nutritional components providing theoretical support and guidance for future oat silage production in Southwest China.
Litter size influences rumen microbiota and fermentation efficiency, thus determining host early growth in goats
Authors: Wang Dangdang , Tang Guangfu , Yu Junjian , Li Yuanyuan , Wang Yannan , Chen Luyu , Lei Xinjian , Cao Yangchun , Yao Junhu
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Multiple litters are accompanied by low birth weight, low survival rates, and growth rates in goats during early life. Regulating rumen microbiota structure can indirectly or directly affect host metabolism and animal growth. However, the relationship between high litter size and rumen microbiome, rumen fermentation, and growth performance in goat kids is unclear.

Methods

In the present study, thirty 6-month-old, female goats were investigated, of which 10 goats were randomly chosen from single, twin and triplet goats respectively, and their birth weight was recorded. From birth, all goats were subjected to the same feed and management practices. Individual weaning and youth body weight were measured, and the rumen fluid samples were collected to characterize the bacterial communities and to determine the ruminal volatile fatty acids (VFA), free amino acids (AA), and free fatty acids (FA) concentration of those young goats.

Results and Discussion

Compared with the single and twin goats, triplet goats have lower weaning and youth body weight and average daily gain (ADG). Ruminal propionate, butyrate, and total VFA were decreased in triplet goats. Meanwhile, ruminal AA, such as branched chain amino acids (BCAA), essential amino acids (EAA), unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were decreased, while saturated fatty acids (SFA) and odd and branched chain fatty acids (OBCFA) were increased in triplet goats. Our results also revealed that litter size significantly affected the rumen bacterial communities, and triplet goats had a lower the Firmicutes: Bacteroidota ratio, the abundance of Firmicutes phylum, Rikenellaceae family, andRikenellaceae RC9 gut group, and had a higher proportion of Prevotellaceae family, and several genera of Prevotellaceae, such asPrevotella, andunclassified f Prevotellaceae. Furthermore, Spearman’s correlation network analysis showed that the changes in the rumen bacteria were associated with changes in rumen metabolites. In conclusion, this study revealed that high litter size could bring disturbances to the microbial communities and decrease the rumen fermentation efficiency and growth performance, which can be utilized to better understand variation in microbial ecology that will improve growth performance in triplet goats.
Genomic-based phylogenetic and metabolic analyses of the genus Natronomonas, and description of Natronomonas aquatica sp. nov.
Authors: García-Roldán Alicia , Durán-Viseras Ana , de la Haba Rafael R. , Corral Paulina , Sánchez-Porro Cristina , Ventosa Antonio
Published: January 2023

The genus Natronomonas is classified on the family Haloarculaceae, within the class Halobacteria and currently includes six species isolated from salterns, saline or soda lakes, and salt mines. All are extremely halophilic (optimal growth at 20–25% [w/v] NaCl) and neutrophilic, except Natronomonas pharaonis, the type species of the genus, that is haloalkaliphilic (showing optimal growth at pH 9.0) and possesses distinct phenotypic features, such as a different polar lipid profile than the rest of species of the genus. We have carried out a genome-based study in order to determine the phylogenetic structure of the genus Natronomonas and elucidate its current taxonomic status. Overall genomic relatedness indexes, i.e., OrthoANI (Average Nucleotide Identity), dDDH (digital DNA–DNA hybridization), and AAI (Average Amino acid Identity), were determined with respect to the species of Natronomonas and other representative taxa of the class Halobacteria. Our data show that the six species of Natronomonas constitute a coherent cluster at the genus level. Besides, we have characterized a new haloarchaeon, strain F2-12T, isolated from the brine of a pond of a saltern in Isla Cristina, Huelva, Spain, and we determined that it constitutes a new species of Natronomonas, for which we propose the name Natronomonas aquatica sp. nov. Besides, the metabolic analysis revealed a heterotrophic lifestyle and a versatile nitrogen metabolism for members of this genus. Finally, metagenomic fragment recruitments from a subset of hypersaline habitats, indicated that the species of Natronomonas are widely distributed in saline lakes and salterns as well as on saline soils. Species of this haloarchaeal genus can be considered as ubiquitous in intermediate to high salinity habitats.