bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Characteristics Together With Environmental Conditions Shape Marine Biofilm Dynamics in Coastal NW Mediterranean Locations
Authors: Briand Jean-François , Pollet Thomas , Misson Benjamin , Garnier Cédric , Lejars Marlène , Maintenay Marine , Barry-Martinet Raphaëlle , Portas Aurélie , Ghiglione Jean-François , Bressy Christine
Published: February 2022

Microbial colonization of artificial substrates in coastal areas, which concerns hull ships, sensors as well as plastic debris, is of huge significance to attain a rational environmental management. Some surface and environmental drivers of biofilm development have previously been described but their relative impact on the formation of biofilms remains unknown while crucial. Especially, there is no evidence of the relative importance of physical surface properties (wettability, roughness, smoothness) compared to seawater characteristics in driving biofilm abundance and diversity. In addition, few studies have considered the temporal evolution of this complex form of colonization, which often prevent to globally understand the process. Using experimental facilities in two Mediterrranean locations, a multidisciplinary approach including surface characterizations as well as seawaterquality analyses, flow cytometry and 16S rDNA metabarcoding, allowed for the identification of the main drivers of colonization for two antifouling (AF) coatings. One AF coating released copper (SPC1) while the other limit colonization thanks to physical properties, namely a low surface energy, roughness and smoothness (FRC1). Results were obtained over 75 days and compared to a control surface (PVC). Biofilm development was observed on all surfaces, with increasing density from AF coatings to PVC. Pionneer bacteria were dissimilar within all three surface types, however, communities observed on FRC1 converged toward PVC ones overtime, whereas SPC1 communities remained highly specific. A remarkably low and unique diversity was found on SPC1 during the experiment as Alteromonas accounted for more than 90% of the community colonizing this substrate until 12 days, and remained one of the co-dominant taxa of mature biofilms. Moreover, clear differences were found between geographical locations. Low nutrients and higher hydrodymanics in Banyuls bay resulted in less dense biofilms overall compared to Toulon, but also in a the slower dynamic of biofilm formation. This is illustrated by the persistence of pioneer Alteromonas but also Hyphomonadacae after 75 days on SPC1. We concluded that, even if local environmental conditions influenced the composition of biofilm communities, particular physical features may control the biofilm density but not the diversity, while copper releasing coating controlled both. In addition, it is evident from these results that sequential biofilm dynamics should carefully be considered as initial processes of formation differed from the long-term ones.
Key Life History Attributes and Removal Efforts of Invasive Lionfish (Pterois volitans) in the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, Northwestern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Blakeway Raven D. , Fogg Alexander Q. , Johnston Michelle A. , Rooker Jay R. , Jones Glenn A.
Published: February 2022

Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans and P. miles) are the first marine teleost to have successfully invaded and become established in the Western Atlantic Ocean of the United States, Gulf of Mexico (GoM), and Caribbean Sea. Pterois volitans were first reported in the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS), a protected coral reef system in the northwestern GoM, in 2011. Little is understood about the life history characteristics of lionfish in this ecosystem. This study assessed population characteristics (size, density, age and growth) and removal efforts of lionfish (n = 1,665) at two coral reef sites within FGBNMS for 2015, 2016, and 2018. The annual increment formation in sagittal otoliths was examined to assess the age and growth of lionfish collected in 2018 (n = 100). Lionfish ranged in size from 75 to 444 mm total length (TL) and 4–1,153 g in total weight (TW). Six hundred and ten fish were randomly dissected for sex determination (females = 256, males = 354), females ranged in size from 137 to 348 mm TL and 21–586 g, while males ranged from 118 to 444 mm TL and 18–1,153 g. Interannual variation in mean lionfish density ranged from 26.7 individuals per hectare (ind ha–1) in 2016 to 81.1 ind ha–1 in 2018, while removal effort significantly increased ranging from 1.92 to 5.42 kg diver h–1. Lionfish age ranged from 0 to 10 years, with a mean age of 3.9 years. The observed values of the asymptotic maximum total length (L∞) and Brody’s growth coefficient (K) were 345 mm and 0.30 for females and 415 mm and 0.18 for males. Results suggest lionfish from FGBNMS exhibit markedly lower mean densities, a lower L∞ and growth rate, but attain older ages than lionfish in the Caribbean Sea, Western Atlantic Ocean, and other ecoregions in the northern GoM. This study describes the first key life history parameters and removal efforts for lionfish in a protected, healthy coral reef system in the northwestern GoM that may provide insight into environmental population controls (e.g., ecological resilience). Metrics from this study could be integrated into mechanistic ecological models to determine if FGBNMS is in fact exhibiting natural resilience to the lionfish invasion.
Hsp90 Inhibitors Prevent HSV-1 Replication by Directly Targeting UL42-Hsp90 Complex
Authors: Qin Shurong , Hu Xiao , Lin Shimin , Xiao Ji , Wang Zhaoyang , Jia Jiaoyan , Song Xiaowei , Liu Kaisheng , Ren Zhe , Wang Yifei
Published: February 2022

Herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-1) is a member of the Alphaherpesvirinae family, which could initiate labial herpes caused by the reactivation of HSV-1 primary infection, and secondary infection even causes herpes encephalitis. The study presented here demonstrates that Hsp90 inhibitors (AT-533 and 17-AAG) directly targeted the HSV-1 UL42-Hsp90 complex, and Hsp90 interacted with HSV-1 UL42 in silicon and experiment. Interestingly, Hsp90 inhibitors also reduced virus titers of ACV-resistant clinical HSV-1 strains (153 and blue strain), revealing that HSV-1 UL42 would be a new target against ACV-resistant HSV-1 strains. Altogether, this present study indicates that Hsp90 inhibitors prevent HSV-1 proliferation by regulating the interaction between Hsp90 and HSV-1 UL42, suggesting a promising target for anti-HSV-1 therapies in the replication.
Dissociable Functional Brain Networks Associated With Apathy in Subcortical Ischemic Vascular Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Altunkaya Sabri , Huang Sheng-Min , Hsu Yen-Hsuan , Yang Jir-Jei , Lin Chien-Yuan , Kuo Li-Wei , Tu Min-Chien
Published: February 2022

Few studies have investigated differences in functional connectivity (FC) between patients with subcortical ischemic vascular disease (SIVD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), especially in relation to apathy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare apathy-related FC changes among patients with SIVD, AD, and cognitively normal subjects. The SIVD group had the highest level of apathy as measured using the Apathy Evaluation Scale-clinician version (AES). Dementia staging, volume of white matter hyperintensities (WMH), and the Beck Depression Inventory were the most significant clinical predictors for apathy. Group-wise comparisons revealed that the SIVD patients had the worst level of “Initiation” by factor analysis of the AES. FCs from four resting state networks (RSNs) were compared, and the connectograms at the level of intra- and inter-RSNs revealed dissociable FC changes, shared FC in the dorsal attention network, and distinct FC in the salient network across SIVD and AD. Neuronal correlates for “Initiation” deficits that underlie apathy were explored through a regional-specific approach, which showed that the right inferior frontal gyrus, left middle frontal gyrus, and left anterior insula were the critical hubs. These findings broaden the disconnection theory by considering the effect of FC interactions across multiple RSNs on apathy formation.
Modes of Brain Cell Death Following Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Zhang Yan , Khan Suliman , Liu Yang , Zhang Ruiyi , Li Hongmin , Wu Guofeng , Tang Zhouping , Xue Mengzhou , Yong V. Wee
Published: February 2022

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating form of stroke with high rates of mortality and morbidity. It induces cell death that is responsible for neurological deficits postinjury. There are no therapies that effectively mitigate cell death to treat ICH. This review aims to summarize our knowledge of ICH-induced cell death with a focus on apoptosis and necrosis. We also discuss the involvement of ICH in recently described modes of cell death including necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, autophagy, and parthanatos. We summarize treatment strategies to mitigate brain injury based on particular cell death pathways after ICH.
Paired Feed-Forward Excitation With Delayed Inhibition Allows High Frequency Computations Across Brain Regions
Authors: Cao Alexandra S. , Van Hooser Stephen D.
Published: February 2022

The transmission of high frequency temporal information across brain regions is critical to perception, but the mechanisms underlying such transmission remain unclear. Long-range projection patterns across brain areas are often comprised of paired feed-forward excitation followed closely by delayed inhibition, including the thalamic triad synapse, thalamic projections to cortex, and projections within the hippocampus. Previous studies have shown that these joint projections produce a shortened period of depolarization, sharpening the timing window over which the postsynaptic neuron can fire. Here we show that these projections can facilitate the transmission of high frequency computations even at frequencies that are highly filtered by neuronal membranes. This temporal facilitation occurred over a range of synaptic parameter values, including variations in synaptic strength, synaptic time constants, short-term synaptic depression, and the delay between excitation and inhibition. Further, these projections can coordinate computations across multiple network levels, even amid ongoing local activity. We suggest that paired feed-forward excitation and inhibition provide a hybrid signal—carrying both a value and a clock-like trigger—to allow circuits to be responsive to input whenever it arrives.
A Hybrid Brain-Computer Interface Based on Visual Evoked Potential and Pupillary Response
Authors: Jiang Lu , Li Xiaoyang , Pei Weihua , Gao Xiaorong , Wang Yijun
Published: February 2022

Brain-computer interface (BCI) based on steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) has been widely studied due to the high information transfer rate (ITR), little user training, and wide subject applicability. However, there are also disadvantages such as visual discomfort and “BCI illiteracy.” To address these problems, this study proposes to use low-frequency stimulations (12 classes, 0.8–2.12 Hz with an interval of 0.12 Hz), which can simultaneously elicit visual evoked potential (VEP) and pupillary response (PR) to construct a hybrid BCI (h-BCI) system. Classification accuracy was calculated using supervised and unsupervised methods, respectively, and the hybrid accuracy was obtained using a decision fusion method to combine the information of VEP and PR. Online experimental results from 10 subjects showed that the averaged accuracy was 94.90 ± 2.34% (data length 1.5 s) for the supervised method and 91.88 ± 3.68% (data length 4 s) for the unsupervised method, which correspond to the ITR of 64.35 ± 3.07 bits/min (bpm) and 33.19 ± 2.38 bpm, respectively. Notably, the hybrid method achieved higher accuracy and ITR than that of VEP and PR for most subjects, especially for the short data length. Together with the subjects’ feedback on user experience, these results indicate that the proposed h-BCI with the low-frequency stimulation paradigm is more comfortable and favorable than the traditional SSVEP-BCI paradigm using the alpha frequency range.
The Contribution of Anterior Segment Abnormalities to Changes in Intraocular Pressure in the DBA/2J Mouse Model of Glaucoma: DBA/2J-Gpnmb+/SjJ Mice as Critical Controls
Authors: Rohowetz Landon J. , Mardelli Marc E. , Duncan R. Scott , Riordan Sean M. , Koulen Peter
Published: February 2022

The contributions of anterior segment abnormalities to the development of ocular hypertension was determined in the DBA/2J mouse model of glaucoma. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured non-invasively. Iris pigment dispersion (IPD) and corneal calcification were measured weekly starting at 20 weeks of age in DBA/2J and DBA/2J-Gpnmb+/SjJ mice. Thickness, surface area, auto-fluorescence intensity, and perimeter length of calcified regions were measured in postmortem corneas using confocal microscopy. DBA/2J mice developed elevated IOP between 9 and 12 months of age, but DBA/2J-Gpnmb+/SjJ mice did not. Corneal calcification was found at all ages observed and at similar frequencies in both strains with 83.3% of DBA/2J eyes and 60.0% of DBA/2J-Gpnmb+/SjJ eyes affected at 12 months (P = 0.11). Calcification increased with age in both DBA/2J (P = 0.049) and DBA/2J-Gpnmb+/SjJ mice (P = 0.04) when assessed qualitatively and based on mixed-effects analysis. No differences in the four objective measures of calcification were observed between strains or ages. At 12 months of age, DBA/2J mice with corneal calcification had greater mean IOP than DBA/2J mice without corneal calcification. IOP was not correlated with the qualitatively assessed measures of calcification. For the subset of eyes with ocular hypertension, which were only found in DBA/2J mice, IOP was negatively correlated with the qualitative degree of calcification, but was not correlated with the four quantitative measures of calcification. Differences in IOP were not observed between DBA/2J-Gpnmb+/SjJ mice with and without calcification at any age. IPD increased with age and demonstrated a moderate correlation with IOP in DBA/2J mice, but was not observed in DBA/2J-Gpnmb+/SjJ mice. In the DBA/2J mouse model of glaucoma, increased IPD is positively correlated with an increase in IOP and corneal calcification is present in the majority of eyes at and after age 9 months. However, while IPD causes ocular hypertension, corneal calcification does not appear to contribute to the elevation of IOP, as the control strain DBA/2J-Gpnmb+/SjJ exhibits corneal calcification similar to DBA/2J mice, but does not develop ocular hypertension. Corneal calcification, therefore, does not appear to be a contributing factor to the development of elevated IOP in DBA/2J mice.
The Value of Brain Imaging and Electrophysiological Testing for Early Screening of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Clairmont Cullen , Wang Jiuju , Tariq Samia , Sherman Hannah Tayla , Zhao Mingxuan , Kong Xue-Jun
Published: February 2022

Given the significance of validating reliable tests for the early detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this systematic review aims to summarize available evidence of neuroimaging and neurophysiological changes in high-risk infants to improve ASD early diagnosis. We included peer-reviewed, primary research in English published before May 21, 2021, involving the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalogram (EEG), or functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in children with high risk for ASD under 24 months of age. The main exclusion criteria includes diagnosis of a genetic disorder and gestation age of less the 36 weeks. Online research was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. Article selection was conducted by two reviewers to minimize bias. This research was funded by Massachusetts General Hospital Sundry funding. IRB approval was not submitted as it was deemed unnecessary. We included 75 primary research articles. Studies showed that high-risk infants had divergent developmental trajectories for fractional anisotropy and regional brain volumes, increased CSF volume, and global connectivity abnormalities on MRI, decreased sensitivity for familiar faces, atypical lateralization during facial and auditory processing, and different spectral powers across multiple band frequencies on EEG, and distinct developmental trajectories in functional connectivity and regional oxyhemoglobin concentrations in fNIRS. These findings in infants were found to be correlated with the core ASD symptoms and diagnosis at toddler age. Despite the lack of quantitative analysis of the research database, neuroimaging and electrophysiological biomarkers have promising value for the screening of ASD as early as infancy with high accuracy, which warrants further investigation.
Cardiovascular Pulsatility Increases in Visual Cortex Before Blood Oxygen Level Dependent Response During Stimulus
Authors: Huotari Niko , Tuunanen Johanna , Raitamaa Lauri , Raatikainen Ville , Kananen Janne , Helakari Heta , Tuovinen Timo , Järvelä Matti , Kiviniemi Vesa , Korhonen Vesa
Published: February 2022

The physiological pulsations that drive tissue fluid homeostasis are not well characterized during brain activation. Therefore, we used fast magnetic resonance encephalography (MREG) fMRI to measure full band (0–5 Hz) blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLDFB) signals during a dynamic visual task in 23 subjects. This revealed brain activity in the very low frequency (BOLDVLF) as well as in cardiac and respiratory bands. The cardiovascular hemodynamic envelope (CHe) signal correlated significantly with the visual BOLDVLF response, considered as an independent signal source in the V1-V2 visual cortices. The CHe preceded the canonical BOLDVLF response by an average of 1.3 (± 2.2) s. Physiologically, the observed CHe signal could mark increased regional cardiovascular pulsatility following vasodilation.
Preterm Birth Alters the Maturation of the GABAergic System in the Human Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Lacaille Helene , Vacher Claire-Marie , Penn Anna A.
Published: February 2022

Developmental changes in GABAergic and glutamatergic systems during frontal lobe development have been hypothesized to play a key role in neurodevelopmental disorders seen in children born very preterm or at/with low birth weight, but the associated cellular changes have not yet been identified. Here we studied the molecular development of the GABAergic system specifically in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a region that has been implicated in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. The maturation state of the GABAergic system in this region was assessed in human post-mortem brain samples, from term infants ranging in age from 0 to 8 months (n= 17 male, 9 female). Gene expression was measured for 47 GABAergic genes and used to calculate a maturation index. This maturation index was significantly more dynamic in male than female infants. To evaluate the impact of premature birth on the GABAergic system development, samples from 1-month-old term (n= 9 male, 4 female) and 1-month corrected-age very preterm (n= 8 male, 6 female) infants, were compared using the same gene list and methodology. The maturation index for the GABAergic system was significantly lower (−50%,p< 0.05) in male preterm infants, with major alterations in genes linked to GABAergic function in astrocytes, suggesting astrocytic GABAergic developmental changes as a new cellular mechanism underlying preterm brain injury.
Crosstalk Between the NLRP3 Inflammasome/ASC Speck and Amyloid Protein Aggregates Drives Disease Progression in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Hulse Jonathan , Bhaskar Kiran
Published: February 2022

Two key pathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), are the accumulation of misfolded protein aggregates and the chronic progressive neuroinflammation that they trigger. Numerous original research and reviews have provided a comprehensive understanding of how aggregated proteins (amyloid β, pathological tau, and α-synuclein) contribute to the disease, including driving sterile inflammation, in part, through the aggregation of multi-protein inflammasome complexes and the ASC speck [composed of NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a C-terminal caspase activation and recruitment domain (ASC), and inflammatory caspase-1] involved in innate immunity. Here, we provide a unique perspective on the crosstalk between the aggregation-prone proteins involved in AD/PD and the multi-protein inflammasome complex/ASC speck that fuels feed-forward exacerbation of each other, driving neurodegeneration. Failed turnover of protein aggregates (both AD/PD related aggregates and the ASC speck) by protein degradation pathways, prionoid propagation of inflammation by the ASC speck, cross-seeding of protein aggregation by the ASC speck, and pro-aggregatory cleavage of proteins by caspase-1 are some of the mechanisms that exacerbate disease progression. We also review studies that provide this causal framework and highlight how the ASC speck serves as a platform for the propagation and spreading of inflammation and protein aggregation that drives AD and PD.
Serial Measurements of Refractive Index, Glucose and Protein to Assess Gastric Liquid Nutrient Transport—A Proof-of-Principal Study
Authors: Wittstock Matthias , Kästner Matthias , Kolbaske Stephan , Sellmann Tina , Porath Katrin , Patejdl Robert
Published: February 2022

Delayed gastric emptying contributes to complications as aspiration or malnutrition. Among patients suffering from acute neurological diseases, motility disorders are prevalent but poorly understood. Thus, methods to measure gastric emptying are required to allow for appropriate adaptions of individual enteral nutrition algorithms. For enterally fed patients repetitive concentration measurements of gastric content have been proposed to assess gastric emptying. This approach can be used to calculate the gastric residual volume (GRV) and transport of nutrition formula (NF), but it has not yet been implemented in clinical routine. The aim of this study was to investigate whether refractometry or other likewise straightforward analytical approaches produce the best results under in vitro conditions mimicking the gastric milieu. We measured NF in different known concentrations, either diluted in water or in simulated gastric fluid (SGF), with each of the following methods: refractometer, handheld glucose meter, and Bradford protein assay. Then, in enterally fed patients suffering from acute neurological disease, we calculated GRVs and nutrition transport and tested possible associations with clinical parameters. In water dilution experiments, NF concentrations could be assessed with the readout parameters of all three methods. Refractometry yielded the most precise results over the broadest range of concentrations and was biased least by the presence of SGF (detection range for Fresubin original fibre, given as volume concentration/normalized error of regression slope after incubation with water or SGF: 0–100 vs. 0–100%/0.5 vs. 3.9%; glucose-measurement: 5–100 vs. 25–100%/7.9 vs. 6.1%; Bradford-assay: 0–100 vs. 0–100%/7.8 vs. 15.7%). Out of 28 enterally fed patients, we calculated significant slower nutrition transport in patients with higher blood glucose (Rho −0.391; p = 0.039) and in patients who received high-dose sufentanil (Rho −0.514; p = 0.005). Also, the calculated nutrition transport could distinguish patients with and without feeding intolerance (Median 6 vs. 17 ml/h; Mann-Whitney test: p = 0.002). The results of our study prove that serial refractometry is a suitable and cost-effective method to assess gastric emptying and to enhance research on gastrointestinal complications of stroke.
A Semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire Has Relative Validity to Identify Groups of NOVA Food Classification System Among Mexican Adults
Authors: Oviedo-Solís Cecilia Isabel , Monterrubio-Flores Eric A. , Rodríguez-Ramírez Sonia , Cediel Gustavo , Denova-Gutiérrez Edgar , Barquera Simón
Published: February 2022

Background

Ultra-processed foods are recognized as indicators of an unhealthy diet in epidemiological studies. In addition to ultra-processed foods, the NOVA food classification system identifies three other groups with less processing. Unprocessed foods that, together with minimally processed foods (MPF), make NOVA group 1, NOVA group 2 is processed culinary ingredients, and NOVA group 3 is processed foods.

Objective

To assess the relative validity of the semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ) to estimate the energy intake for each group NOVA classification system by comparing it with two 24 h-dietary-recall (24DRs) Mexican adults.

Methods

We analyzed dietary information from 226 adults included <60 and ≥60 years with complete SFFQ and two 24DRs from the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012. We reported mean differences, Spearman correlation coefficients, intra-class correlations coefficients, Bland–Altman plots, and weighted kappa between measures.

Results

The percentage energy intake from unprocessed and minimally processed foods group, Spearman correlation coefficients was 0.54 in adults <60 years and 0.42 in adults ≥60 years, while ultra-processed foods group was 0.67 and 0.48, respectively. The intra-class correlation coefficients in the unprocessed and minimally processed foods group was 0.51 in adults <60 years and 0.46 in adults ≥60 years, and for the ultra-processed foods group were 0.71 and 0.50, respectively. Bland–Altman plots indicated reasonably consistent agreement for unprocessed and minimally processed foods group and ultra-processed foods group in adults <60 years and adults in the ≥60 age group. Weighted kappa was 0.45 in the ultra-processed foods group to adults <60 years and was 0.36–≥60 years.

Conclusion

The SFFQ had acceptable validity to rank the percentage of energy intake from unprocessed and minimally processed foods group and ultra-processed foods group in Mexican adults, both in adults under 60 years and who were 60 years old or older.
Verifying the Use of Food Labeling Data for Compiling Branded Food Databases: A Case Study of Sugars in Beverages
Authors: Hafner Edvina , Lavriša Živa , Hribar Maša , Krušič Sanja , Kušar Anita , Žmitek Katja , Skrt Mihaela , Poklar Ulrih Nataša , Pravst Igor
Published: February 2022

Branded food composition databases are an important tool for research, education, healthcare, and policy making, amongst others. Such databases are typically compiled using food labeling data without chemical analyses of specific products. This study aimed to verify whether the labeled sugar content in sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) corresponds to the actual sugar content in these products, thus enabling food monitoring studies to be conducted. A secondary objective was to determine the specific types of sugars in these SSBs. A case study was conducted using market share-driven sampling of these beverages from the Slovenian food supply. On the basis of nationwide yearly sales data, 51 best-selling products were sampled in 2020 and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. This sales-driven approach to sampling has been shown to be very useful for conducting food monitoring studies. With the careful selection of a small proportion of available products, we finished with a manageable sample size, reflecting the composition of a majority (69%) of the national market share volume. The analyzed total sugar content was compared with labeled data, within the context of the European Union's regulatory labeling tolerances. In all samples, the sugar content was within the tolerance levels. The most common (N = 41) deviation was within ±10% of the labeled sugar content. In the subcategories, the differences between the analyzed and labeled median sugar contents were not statistically significant. Sucrose was most commonly (N = 36; 71%) used for sweetening, suggesting that the proportion of fructose in most SSBs was around 50%. A higher fructose content was only observed in beverages with fructose–glucose syrup or a higher content of fruit juice. The study results show that the labeled sugar content information in SSBs is reliable and can be used to compile branded food databases and monitor the nutritional quality of foods in the food supply.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation and Coronary Heart Disease Risks: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials
Authors: Shen ShiChun , Gong Chen , Jin KaiQin , Zhou Lei , Xiao Yin , Ma Likun
Published: February 2022

Background

The clinical benefits of omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) supplementation in preventing and treating coronary heart disease (CHD) remain controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the clinical benefits of omega-3 FA supplementation, with special attention given to specific subgroups.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effects of omega-3 FA supplementation for CHD vs. a control group and including at least 1,000 patients were eligible for the inclusion in this meta-analysis. The relative risk (RR) of all-cause death, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and revascularization were estimated. We analyzed the association between cardiovascular risk and omega-3 FA supplementation in the total subjects. We focused on the cardiovascular risk compared to omega-3 FA in subgroups with different development stages of CHD, omega-3 FA supplementation application dose, diabetes, and sex. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42021282459.

Results

This meta-analysis included 14 clinical RCTs, including 1,35,291 subjects. Omega-3 FA supplementation reduced the risk of MACE (RR; 0.95; CI: 0.91–0.99; p for heterogeneity 0.27; I2 = 20%; p = 0.03), cardiovascular death (RR; 0.94; CI: 0.89–0.99; p for heterogeneity 0.21; I2 = 25%; p = 0.02), and MI (RR; 0.86; CI: 0.79–0.93; p for heterogeneity 0.28; I2 = 19%; p < 0.01), but had no significant effect on all-cause death, stroke, and revascularization. In the subgroup analysis, omega-3 FA supplementation decreased the incidence of MACE and cardiovascular death in acute patients with MI, the risk of MI and stroke in patients with CHD, and the risk of MI in patients with high-risk CHD. 0.8–1.2 g omega-3 FA supplementation reduced the risk of MACE, cardiovascular death, and MI. It was revealed that gender and diabetes have no significant association between omega-3 FA supplementation and MACE risk.

Conclusions

Omega-3 FA supplementation had a positive effect in reducing the incidence of MACE, cardiovascular death, MI. Regardless of the stage of CHD, omega-3 FA supplementation can prevent the occurrence of MI. The 0.8–1.2 g omega-3 FA supplementation alleviated CHD risk more effectively than lower or higher doses.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42021282459.
Tetramethylpyrazine Alleviates Endothelial Glycocalyx Degradation and Promotes Glycocalyx Restoration via TLR4/NF-κB/HPSE1 Signaling Pathway During Inflammation
Authors: Lei Jin , Xiang Peng , Zeng Shengmei , Chen Le , Zhang Lei , Yuan Zhiyi , Zhang Jun , Wang Tingting , Yu Ruihong , Zhang Wanping , Ibrahim Issa Issoufou , Ma Limei , Yu Chao
Published: February 2022

Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), a Chinese traditional herbal extraction widely used in treating cardiovascular diseases, could attenuate vascular endothelial injuries, but the underlying mechanism remains incomprehensive. Vascular glycocalyx coating on the endothelium would be damaged and caused endothelial dysfunction in the inflammatory microenvironment, which was the initial factor of morbidity of many vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis (AS). Here, we thoroughly investigated the molecular mechanism of TMP on vascular endothelial glycocalyx in the LPS-induced inflammatory model both in vitro and in vivo. Results showed that pretreatment with TMP significantly inhibited glycocalyx degradation and monocytes adhesion to the endothelial process. Moreover, TMP pretreatment inhibited the expression of HPSE1 (a major degrading enzyme of endothelial glycocalyx), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and the translocation of nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65). We were utilized withTLR4 siRNA, NF-κB inhibitor, and HPSE1 overexpression analysis confirmed TMP’s protection on endothelial glycocalyx injury, which further contributed to the monocyte-endothelial adhesion process. It was indicated that TMP might suppress glycocalyx degradation through TLR4/NF-κB/HPSE1 signaling pathway. Taken together, our results enriched the occurrence molecular mechanism of glycocalyx shedding and molecular regulation mechanism of TMP in protecting integrity of the glycocalyx structure during inflammation. As TMP is currently used in clinical applications, it may be considered a novel strategy against atherosclerosis through its ability to protect endothelial glycocalyx.
Dynamics of Racial Residential Segregation and Gentrification in New York City
Authors: Operti Felipe G. , Moreira André A. , Reis Saulo D. S. , Gabrielli Andrea , Makse Hernán A. , Andrade José S.
Published: February 2022

Racial residential segregation is interconnected with several other phenomena such as income inequalities, property values inequalities, and racial disparities in health and education. Furthermore, recent literature suggests the phenomenon of gentrification as a cause of perpetuation or increase of racial residential segregation in some American cities. In this paper, we analyze the dynamics of racial residential segregation for white, black, Asian, and Hispanic citizens in New York City in 1990, 2000, and 2010. It was possible to observe that segregation between white and Hispanic citizens and between white and Asian ones has grown, while segregation between white and black is relatively stable. Furthermore, we analyzed the per capita income and the Gini coefficient in each segregated zone, showing that the highest inequalities occur in the zones where there is an overlap of high-density zones of pair of races. Focusing on the changing of the density of population across the city during these 20 years, and by analyzing white and black people’s segregation, our analysis reveals that a positive flux of white (black) people is associated with a substantial increase (decrease) of the property values, as compared with the city mean. Furthermore, by clustering the region with the higher density of black citizens, we measured the variation of area and displacement of the four most significant clusters from 1990 to 2010. The large displacements (≈1.6km) observed for two of these clusters, namely, one in the neighborhood of Harlem and the other inside the borough of Brooklyn, led to the emergence of typically gentrified regions.
Understanding the Effect of Different Abiotic Stresses on Wild Marigold (Tagetes minuta L.) and Role of Breeding Strategies for Developing Tolerant Lines
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Gautam Rahul Dev , Kumar Ashok , Singh Satbeer , Singh Sanatsujat
Published: February 2022

Wild marigold has a growing demand for its essential oil in the flavor and fragrance industries. It can be grown over a broad range of climates, but the changing climatic conditions lead to abiotic stresses, thus restricting its productivity. Abiotic stresses at elevated levels result in the reduction of germination, growth, and essential oil quality of wild marigold leading to heterogeneous and inferior grades of “Tagetes oil.” Drought, salinity, and heavy metal stress at elevated levels have common effects in terms of ROS formation, which are the major cause of growth deterioration in wild marigold. Temperatures above 35°C inhibit seed germination. Irradiance stress reduces the biomass and essential oil yield. Waterlogging adversely affects the survival of wild marigold in high rainfall regions. The application of plant nutrients (fertilizers) modulates the biomass and essential oil yield. Wild marigold employs multiple tolerance mechanisms to cope up with the adverse effects of abiotic stresses such as the increased activity of antioxidants to maintain cellular redox homeostasis, enhanced lipid peroxidation in the cell membrane to maintain cell wall architecture, production of secondary metabolites, and accumulation of osmolytes. In this review, we tried to understand how abiotic stresses affect wild marigold. Understanding the physiological changes and biochemical characteristics of stress tolerance will contribute to the development of stress-tolerant lines of wild marigold.
Persian Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Bud Dormancy Dynamics in Northern Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: del Barrio Ricardo Alfredo , Orioli Gustavo Adolfo , Brendel Andrea Soledad , Lindström Lilia Ivone , Pellegrini Cecilia Noemí , Campoy José Antonio
Published: February 2022

Temperate deciduous fruit trees survive winter temperatures by entering a dormant phase in their aerial meristematic organs. Release from bud dormancy occurs after chill requirements (CR) have been satisfied, whereas bud burst/flowering follows heat requirement (HR) fulfillment. The physiological basis behind these metrics remains elusive. In this study, we are presenting the first multidisciplinary dormancy progression analysis in northern Patagonia, linking (1) forcing/field phenology, (2) bud anatomical development, and (3) soluble sugar (sucrose, glucose, and fructose) dynamics inJuglans regiaL. CR and HR were determined for ‘Chandler’ and ‘Franquette,’ two walnut cultivars with markedly different CR, in artificial chill/forced heat trials (three seasons) and in-field chill/forced heat tests (five seasons) using excised twigs either with or without apical buds (non-decapitated and decapitated). The soluble sugar dynamics of ‘Chandler’ (high-performance liquid chromatography) and the anatomical changes of the buds (light microscopy) of the two cultivars were analyzed during endo-ecodormancy progression in one and two seasons, respectively. The CR defined by artificial chill tests proved to be an overestimation compared to the field determinations. Moreover, HR was the main driver in the phenology dynamics, as expected for a high-chill region. ‘Chandler’ showed an average of 10.3 field chill portions (CP) and 2,163 Growing Degree Hours (GDH°C) less than ‘Franquette’ for dormancy release and bud burst, respectively. These results were consistent with the transition of the shoot apex from the vegetative to the reproductive phase and the soluble sugar profile. The decrease in sucrose between 15 and 30 days after CR fulfillment could be a reliable biological marker for endodormancy release in walnut, while the increase in fructose and glucose is likely an osmolyte and cellulosic carbon source in pre-sprouting. In addition, we discuss the effect of paradormancy thanks to our apical bud experiment (with or without). Our results improve the current understanding of endo-ecodormancy progression in walnut and provide insightful results for walnut production (i.e., cultivation practices such as pruning) as well as for further application in dormancy modeling, to infer the ideotypes that should be bred for future climate conditions.
A Calmodulin-Like Gene (GbCML7) for Fiber Strength and Yield Improvement Identified by Resequencing Core Accessions of a Pedigree in Gossypium barbadense
Authors: Zhao Nan , Wang Weiran , Jiang Kaiyun , Grover Corrinne E. , Cheng Cheng , Pan Zhuanxia , Zhao Cunpeng , Zhu Jiahui , Li Dan , Wang Meng , Xiao Li , Yang Jing , Ning Xinmin , Li Bin , Xu Haijiang , Su Ying , Aierxi Alifu , Li Pengbo , Guo Baosheng , Wendel Jonathan F. , Kong Jie , Hua Jinping
Published: February 2022

Sea Island cotton (Gossypium barbadense) is world-renowned for its superior natural fiber. Although fiber strength is one of the most important fiber quality traits, genes contributing to fiber strength are poorly understood. Production of sea island cotton also is inextricably linked to improving its relatively low yield, thus enhancing the importance of joint improvement of both fiber quality and yield. We used genomic variation to uncover the genetic evidence of trait improvement resulting from pedigree breeding of Sea Island cotton. This pedigree was aimed at improving fiber strength and yielded an elite cultivar, XH35. Using a combination of genome-wide association study (GWAS) and selection screens, we detected 82 putative fiber-strength-related genes. Expression analysis confirmed a calmodulin-like gene, GbCML7, which enhanced fiber strength in a specific haplotype. This gene is a major-effect gene, which interacts with a minor-effect gene, GbTUA3, facilitating the enhancement of fiber strength in a synergistic fashion. Moreover, GbCML7 participates in the cooperative improvement of fiber strength, fiber length, and fiber uniformity, though a slight compromise exists between the first two of these traits and the latter. Importantly, GbCML7 is shown to boost yield in some backgrounds by increasing multiple yield components to varying degrees, especially boll number. Our work provides valuable genomic evidence and a key genetic factor for the joint improvement of fiber quality and yield in Sea Island cotton.
Epigenetic Regulation of Megaspore Mother Cell Formation
Authors: Jiang Ting , Zheng Binglian
Published: February 2022

In flowering plants, the female gametophyte (FG) initiates from the formation of the megaspore mother cell (MMC). Among a pool of the somatic cells in the ovule primordium, only one hypodermal cell undergoes a transition of cell fate to become the MMC. Subsequently, the MMC undergoes a series of meiosis and mitosis to form the mature FG harboring seven cells with eight nuclei. Although SPL/NZZ, the core transcription factor for MMC formation, was identified several decades ago, which and why only one somatic cell is chosen as the MMC have long remained mysterious. A growing body of evidence reveal that MMC formation is associated with epigenetic regulation at multiple layers, including dynamic distribution of histone variants and histone modifications, small RNAs, and DNA methylation. In this review, we summarize the progress of epigenetic regulation in the MMC formation, emphasizing the roles of chromosome condensation, histone variants, histone methylation, small RNAs, and DNA methylation.
The Influence of Internal and External Stakeholder Mechanisms on Entrepreneurial Success: The Moderating Role of Digital Technology Adoption
Authors: Yong Cui , Firdousi Saba Fazal , Afzal Ayesha , Florjančič Viktorija , Awais Minahil
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this research is to investigate the associations of internal and external support mechanisms with entrepreneurial success, in the context of China's entrepreneurial sector from network theory perspective. The role of digital technology, as a moderator, has also been analyzed. Data has been obtained from 500 entrepreneurs in Jiangsu, a province in China. All hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. It has been found that family support, business partner support, community support and external stakeholder relationships have positive effects on entrepreneurial success. It has also been discovered that digital technology adoption strengthens the positive relationship between business partner support and entrepreneurial success. Theoretical and practical implications have been highlighted and future research suggestions have been provided.
Application of Augmented Reality Technology in Children’s Picture Books Based on Educational Psychology
Authors: Wang Rui
Published: February 2022

To cultivate children’s imagination, observation, thinking ability, and aesthetic consciousness, the questionnaire survey is adopted to analyze the design strategies and principles of children’s picture books based on augmented reality (AR). Primarily, the related concepts and theories are expounded for the research content. Children in preschool aged 4–5 years are invited as primary participants in this work, and the psychological characteristics of the invited children are analyzed in depth. Then, a study is carried out on the existing AR children’s picture books. The problems existing in the design of AR children’s picture books are found, and then, related solutions are put forward based on the results of the questionnaire survey. Besides, a design is made on the strategies and interactive design principles of AR children’s picture books on mobile terminals that are more in line with the needs of children. The results show that 41.07% of parents do not understand AR technology, and 37.5% of preschool children indicate that they do not operate mobile devices independently. However, they need the assistance of parents to use this kind of picture book. A total of 44.64% of parents believe that the main problem of AR picture books in the current market is the lack of interesting interaction. Given the above problems, five principles are proposed for the design of AR children’s picture books based on mobile terminals, namely, easy operation principle, interesting principle, guiding principle, timely feedback principle, and safety principle. A set of universally applicable design methods are proposed for AR children’s picture books based on mobile terminals, which provides certain theoretical guidance for the development of related types of products.
The Relationship Between Personality Traits and Entrepreneurial Intention Among College Students: The Mediating Role of Creativity
Authors: Li Li-Na , Huang Jian-Hao , Gao Sun-Yu
Published: February 2022

Significant research has been conducted on the influence of entrepreneurial intention on entrepreneurial education and entrepreneurship practice. Similarly, this study aims to explore how creativity plays a mediating role in the influence of personality traits on entrepreneurial intention. As many as 674 valid questionnaires were collected from college students in China, allowing the relationship between personality traits, creativity, and entrepreneurial intention to be analyzed in detail. The following results are found through a series of explorations. First, neuroticism in personality traits has a significant negative impact on entrepreneurial intention, while conscientiousness, openness, and extraversion have a significant positive impact. Second, neuroticism has a significant negative impact on creativity, while conscientiousness, openness, and extraversion have a significant positive impact. Third, creativity has a significant positive impact on entrepreneurial intention, it has a partial mediating role between neuroticism, conscientiousness, extraversion, and entrepreneurial intention along with a complete mediating role between openness and entrepreneurial intention. The research results further provide a reference value for the improvement and optimization of entrepreneurial practice.