bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal changes in cell size of the dominant diatom species in the waters of Lake Biwa (Japan)
Authors: Deb Soumya , Weilhoefer Christine , Keitaro Fukushima , Yukiko Goda , Tetsuji Akatsuka , Nakano Shin ichi
Published: September 2023

We examined the seasonal changes in cell size and abundance of the dominant diatoms, Aulacoseira granulata, Aulacoseira ambigua f. japonica, and Fragilaria crotonensis, together with environmental variables, in the northern basin of Lake Biwa. The cell size of the diatoms decreased gradually with the increase in cell abundance, indicating that the population underwent vegetative reproduction followed by sexual reproduction. The observation revealed two diatom blooms in a year. The autumn bloom from early October to late November was primarily dominated by A. granulata, A. ambigua f. japonica, and F. crotonensis. The minimum cell size of the diatoms recorded was 30, 20, and 75 µm, respectively. F. crotonensis caused another bloom from late March to early May; the minimum cell size recorded was 68 µm. These results suggested that F. crotonensis undergoes sexual reproduction twice a year, while the other two diatom species undergo sexual reproduction once a year. Correlation matrices and redundancy analysis were performed to explore the relationship of various environmental factors to cell size reduction and restoration of the seasonally dominant diatoms, and it is suggested that water temperature and/or concentration of dissolved inorganic nitrogen are critical environmental variables for seasonal changes in cell abundance and/or size of the dominant diatom species. Our results demonstrated that each diatom species had distinct favorable ecological conditions for staging its life cycle.
Ecological compensation based on the ecosystem services value: A case study of the Xin'an River Basin in China
Authors: Yuanhua Chen , Qinglian Wu , Liang Guo , Huazhe Wang , Wanqian Guo
Published: September 2023

To establish a sound ecological compensation (EC) mechanism in the Xin'an River Basin, this study suggested utilizing ecosystem services valuation to determine the compensation amount. In this study, a reasonable watershed EC model was established by ecological compensation demand intensity coefficient (ECDIC) and value spillover theory (VST) of the ecosystem services. The results indicate that ecosystem services in the Xin'an River Basin can be classified into three categories: supply service, regulating service, and cultural service, comprising 14 specific functions. These functions include water resource products, fishery products, agricultural products, forestry products, animal husbandry products, water conservation, soil conservation, flood regulation and storage, water purification, air purification, fixed carbon dioxide, release oxygen, climate regulation, and leisure tourism. The total ecosystem services value (ESV) in the Xin'an River Basin was estimated to be 70.271 billion CNY, with supply service accounting for 22.7%, regulating service accounting for 24.6%, and cultural service accounting for 52.7%. Based on the VST, the upper and lower limits of EC in the Xin'an River Basin were calculated to be 2.115 billion CNY and 1.777 billion CNY, respectively. Therefore, the ESV based EC model for the Xin'an River Basin can effectively address the challenge of inadequate EC in the watershed. It also facilitates balanced regional development and serves as a theoretical foundation and empirical evidence for the government to establish a unified national policy on cross-border river basin ecological compensation.
Growth dynamics of Indian infants using latent trajectory models in pooled survey datasets
Authors: Saji Aswathi , Baby Jeswin , Antony Prem , Sinha Srishti , Bandyopadhyay Sulagna , Jose Joby K , Kurpad Anura V , Thomas Tinku
Published: September 2023

Background: National survey data show that growth faltering starts early in Indian children, and the early detection of growth trajectories is important for the prevention of later growth faltering. We aimed to identify and characterize distinct growth trajectories in the first year, in urban and rural Indian children.
Methods: Pooled data from 5 interventional and non-interventional longitudinal studies across India were used for the analysis. Latent class mixed modeling (LCMM) was used to identify the groups of children with similar trajectories over age. Classes of children were created for length-for-age (LAZ) and weight-for-age (WAZ), based on place of birth, residential area, and maternal education.
Results: We identified 2 and 3 latent trajectories for LAZ in boys and girls respectively, and 4 trajectories for WAZ in both boys and girls. The first trajectory for LAZ with the highest proportion of children (>80% of children), did not decline or increase with age; the boys trajectory was close to the WHO median while the girls trajectory was lower than the WHO median from birth. The LAZ trajectories of remaining boys and girls declined with age (slope, μdg=-1.04; 95% CI: -1.09, -0.99 for boys and μdg=-0.69; 95% CI: -0.76,-0.63 for girls). The first trajectory for WAZ (~50% of children) increased with age for boys (μdg=0.13; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.16) and girls (μdg=-0.64 (-1.14, -0.13), while in the remaining trajectories, WAZ declined with age.
Conclusion: Distinct growth trajectories are present in Indian children in the first year. Identification of a faltering trajectory and associated modifiable factors can help with early preventive or corrective interventions.
The increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in total cholesterol is correlated with osteopenia in middle-aged and older adults
Authors: Zhao Dian Chen , Pan Bin , Mo Song-yi , Li Jia-hui , Wei Jin-ting , Zhang Xin , Jing Ma Shi , Liao Su Chan , Huang Ling Ling , Fang Xiao Yan , Zhong Bin , Li Biao , Wang Jin Hua
Published: September 2023

Objective
To study the correlation between the proportion of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in total cholesterol and osteopenia in middle-aged and older adults.
Methods
From July 2016 to November 2016, 711 middle-aged and older adults aged 40–90 years in Southwest China were selected by random cluster sampling. The bone mineral density (BMD) of subjects was measured from the calcaneus by using an ultrasound bone densitometer (OSTEOSPACE), and the T value was calculated. According to the diagnostic criteria for osteopenia and the inclusion and exclusion criteria formulated by the WTO, 254 subjects with normal bone mass and 111 subjects with reduced bone mass were obtained. The serum of these subjects was collected, and the levels of LDL-C and TC and the ratio of LDL-C/TC in the serum were determined by the enzymatic method. The values of T, LDL-C, and TC levels and the LDL-C/TC ratio of 16,465 people from 2013 to 2018 were obtained from the NCHS NHANES database (National Center for Health Statistics). The rank sum test was used to analyze the differences in various indexes in different groups of samples, and linear regression and binary logistic regression analysis were used to explore the correlation between osteopenia and LDL-C and TC levels and the LDL-C/TC ratio.
Results
Compared to the normal group, the levels of LDL-C and TC and the LDL-C/TC ratio in the osteopenia group were higher (P < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for age, sex, and BMI as related factors, serum LDL-C (OR = 1.452, P < 0.01), TC (OR = 1.264, P < 0.01) and LDL-C/TC (OR = 21.161, P < 0.05) were risk factors for osteopenia in middle-aged and older adults. LDL-C and TC levels in osteopenia groups of all ages were relatively high (Fig. 2). According to the verification of the database, after adjusting for age, sex, and BMI as related factors, LDL-C (OR = 1.353, P < 0.001), TC (P < 0.001, OR = 1.293), LDL-C/TC (OR = 13.743, P < 0.01).
Conclusion
The high proportion of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in total cholesterol is correlated with osteopenia in middle-aged and older adults.
Association between host defense peptide IDR-1002 and ciprofloxacin: effects on human dental pulp cells
Authors: Martins Danilo César Mota , Sousa Maurício Gonçalves da Costa Sousa , Silva Poliana Amanda Oliveira Silva , Aguiar Lana Ribeiro Aguiar , Andrade Rosângela Vieira de Andrade , Silva-Carvalho Amandda Évellin Silva-Carvalho , Saldanha-Araújo Felipe Saldanha-Araújo , Franco Octávio Luiz Franco , Rezende Taia Maria Berto Rezende
Published: September 2023

Aim: to evaluate the effects of the association of host defense peptide IDR-1002 and ciprofloxacin on human dental pulp cells (hDPSCs).
Materials and methods: hDPSCs were stimulated in culture with ciprofloxacin and IDR-1002. Cell viability (by MTT assay), migration capacity (by scratch assay), production of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators by hDPSCs (by RT-PCR) and osteogenic differentiation (after alizarin red staining) were evaluated. Statistical differences were verified by one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-tests.
Results: phenotypic profile of hDPSCs demonstrated more than 97% for positive marked mesenchymal stem cell. Increased pulp cells migration and proliferation were observed after 24 and 48h of exposure to IDR-1002 with and without ciprofloxacin. Mineral matrix formation by hDPSCs was observed in the presence of the association while its reduction was observed in the presence of peptide. After 24h of cell incubation, the association between ciprofloxacin and IDR-1002 significantly downregulated TNFRSF-1, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-6, and IL-10 gene expression (p ≤0.0001).
Conclusions: The association between the IDR-1002 and ciprofloxacin showed favorable immunomodulatory potential, emerging as a promising option for pulp revascularization processes.
Clinical relevance: These results appear in addition to previous results, increasing the potential of this synergistic association for biotechnological applications in the context of pulp revascularization.
Poor sleep behaviors and high genetic susceptibility increase the risk of osteoarthritis
Authors: Yang Yi-Qun , Yu Xing-Hao , Fu Ting , Bo Lin , Lei Shu-Feng , Deng Fei-Yan
Published: September 2023

Background
Emerging research evidence suggests an association between sleep behaviors and the risk of osteoarthritis. The various sleep behaviors are typically correlated; however, most previous studies have focused on a particular sleep behavior without considering the overall sleep pattern. Combining conventional evidence from UK Biobank longitudinal data and genetic evidence from Mendelian randomization methods to infer causality between sleep behaviors and osteoarthritis (OA) at different sites.
Method
First, we conducted an assessment of the association between various sleep behaviors and different OA sites based on the comprehensive prospective cohort study of the UK Biobank. Furthermore, we constructed individual sleep risk scores (ISRS) to evaluate their effect on OA when combined. Second, we utilized MR to provide genetic evidence for the causal linkage between sleep behavior and OA. Finally, we calculated a genetic risk score (GRS) for OA based on a large-scale genome-wide association study and assessed the joint effect of sleep and genetic factors on the risk of OA.
Results
We found a U-shaped relationship between sleep duration and the risk of OA (Pnonlinear < 0.001), with the lowest risk for sleep duration of 7–8 hours per day. Participants with often and sometimes insomnia had a 46.9% and 16.4% increased risk of OA (HR Sometimes = 1.164, 95% CI = 1.132∼1.197, PSometimes = 3.44×10− 26; HR Usually =1.469, 95% CI = 1.426∼1.514, PUsually =3.82×10− 142), respectively, while MR analysis also provided consistent evidence. Similar results were observed in participants who were daytime dozing, but no association between daytime dozing and risk of OA was shown in the MR analysis. In observational studies, snoring and difficulty getting up are associated with an increased risk of OA. We further constructed ISRS with potential risk sleep factors. We found that the risk of OA was positively associated with ISRS; furthermore, if all participants maintained healthy sleep behavior, 21.3% of OA cases could be removed.
Conclusion
Unhealthy sleep behaviors, individually or in combination, could increase the risk of OA, while poor sleep behaviors and genetic factors can collaboratively increase the risk of OA.
CircHIPK3/miR-124 affects angiogenesis in early-onset preeclampsia via CPT1A-mediated fatty acid oxidation.
Authors: Wu Yanying , Huang Jingrui , Liu Lijuan , Zhang Xiaowen , Zhang Weishe , Li Qi
Published: September 2023

Multiple theories have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE), and angiogenic dysfunction is an important part of the pathogenesis. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT1A) is a key rate-limiting enzyme in the metabolic process of fatty acid oxidation (FAO). FAO regulates endothelial cell (EC) proliferation during vascular germination and is also essential for ab initio deoxyribonucleotide synthesis, but its role in EOPE needs to be further elucidated. In the present study, we investigated its functional role in EOPE by targeting the circHIPK3/miR-124-3p/CPT1A axis. In our study, reduced expression of circHIPK3 and CPT1A and increased expression of miR-124-3p in placental tissues from patients with EOPE were associated with EC dysfunction. Here, we confirmed that CPT1A regulates fatty acid oxidative activity, cell proliferation, and tube formation of ECs by regulating FAO. Functionally, knockdown of circHIPK3 suppressed EC angiogenesis by inhibiting CPT1A-mediated fatty acid oxidative activity, which was ameliorated by CPT1A overexpression. In addition, circHIPK3 regulates CPT1A expression by sponging miR-124-3p. Hence, circHIPK3 knockdown reduced the fatty acid oxidative process in ECs by sponging miR-124-3p in a CPT1A-dependent manner and inhibited EC proliferation and tube formation, which may have led to aberrant angiogenesis in EOPE. Thus, strategies targeting CPT1A-driven FAO may be a promising approach for the treatment of EOPE.
Anomalous trends in global ocean carbon concentrations following the 2022 eruptions of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai
Authors: Franz Bryan , Cetinić Ivona , Ibrahim Amir , Sayer Andrew
Published: September 2023

We report on observed trend anomalies in climate-relevant global ocean biogeochemical properties, as derived from satellite ocean color measurements, that show a substantial decline in phytoplankton carbon concentrations following eruptions of the submarine volcano Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai in January 2022. The anomalies are seen in remotely-sensed ocean color data sets from multiple satellite missions, but not in situ observations, thus suggesting that the observed anomalies are a result of ocean color retrieval errors rather than indicators of a major shift in phytoplankton carbon concentrations. The enhanced concentration of aerosols in the stratosphere following the eruptions results in a violation of some fundamental assumptions in the processing algorithms used to obtain marine biogeochemical properties from satellite radiometric observations, and it is demonstrated through radiative transfer simulations that this is the likely cause of the anomalous trends. We note that any future stratospheric aerosol disturbances, either natural or geoengineered, may lead to similar artifacts in satellite ocean color and other remote-sensing measurements of the marine environment, thus confounding our ability to track the impact of such events on ocean ecosystems.
Bayesian optimization of separation gradients to maximize the performance of untargeted LC-MS
Authors: Huan Tao , Yu Huaxu , Biswas Puja , Rideout Elizabeth , Cao Yankai
Published: September 2023

Liquid chromatography (LC) with gradient elution is a routine practice for separating complex chemical mixtures in mass spectrometry (MS)-based untargeted analysis. Despite its prevalence, systematic optimization of LC gradients has remained challenging. Here we develop a Bayesian optimization method, BAGO, for autonomous and efficient LC gradient optimization. BAGO is an active learning strategy that discovers the optimal gradient using limited experimental data. From over 100,000 plausible gradients, BAGO locates the optimal LC gradient within ten sample analyses. We validated BAGO on six biological studies of different sample matrices and LC columns, showing that BAGO can significantly improve quantitative performance, tandem MS spectral coverage, and spectral purity. For instance, the optimized gradient increases the count of annotated compounds meeting quantification criteria by up to 48.5%. Furthermore, applying BAGO in a Drosophila metabolomics study, an additional 57 metabolites and 126 lipids were annotated. The BAGO algorithms were implemented into user-friendly software for everyday laboratory practice and a Python package for its flexible extension.
Nephrotic syndrome with acute kidney injury due to combination therapy of immune checkpoint inhibitors: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Saiki Ryosuke , Katayama Kan , Saiki Haruko , Fukumori Ayumi , Tsujimoto Kayo , Yamawaki Masahiro , Tanaka Fumika , Takahashi Daisuke , Oda Keiko , Suzuki Yasuo , Murata Tomohiro , Dohi Kaoru
Published: September 2023

Background Recent studies have focused on immune checkpoint inhibitors. Renal complications associated with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors are uncommon compared with other immune-related adverse events. Acute interstitial nephritis accounts for most of these renal complications, with nephrotic syndrome quite rare. We herein report a case of nephrotic syndrome associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors that was more severe than that in previous cases. By comparing this case with previous reports, the possible reasons for the particular severity of this case are discussed.Case presentation A 75-year-old man developed nephrotic syndrome with acute kidney injury after the first combination therapy of nivolumab and ipilimumab for malignant pleural mesothelioma. The results of a kidney biopsy indicated minimal change disease with mild atherosclerosis and fusion of nearly all podocyte foot processes. Nivolumab and ipilimumab therapy were stopped, and treatment with corticosteroids was initiated. We investigated previously reported cases of nephrotic syndrome using immune checkpoint inhibitors. Seventeen cases of immune checkpoint inhibitor-related nephrotic syndrome, including ours, have been reported. Two of the 17 patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor-related nephrotic syndrome required hemodialysis treatment for acute kidney injury. Unlike many previously reported cases, the present patient was administered two different immune checkpoint inhibitors, which may be one of the reasons for the development of severe nephrotic syndrome.Conclusions In addition to previously reported risk factors, immune checkpoint inhibitor combination therapy can exacerbate nephrotic syndrome compared to immune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy.
First high peak and average power THz SASE FEL in operation
Authors: Krasilnikov Mikhail , Aboulbanine Zakaria , Adhikari Gowri , Aftab Namra , Asoyan Aida , Boonpornprasert Prach , Davtyan Hakob , Georgiev Georgi , Good James , Grebinyk Anna , Gross Matthias , Hoffmann Andreas , Kongmon Ekkachai , Li Xiangkun , Lueangaramwong Anusorn , Melkumyan David , Mohanty Sandeep , Niemczyk Raffael , Oppelt Anne , Tischer Markus , Qian Houjun , Richard Christopher , Schneidmiller Evgeny , Stephan Frank , Pavel Vagin , Vashchenko Grygorii , Weilbach Tobias , Yurkov Mikhail , Wolfgang Hillert , Rossbach Jörg , Brachmann Axel , Holtkamp Norbert , Nuhn Heinz-Dieter
Published: September 2023

Advanced experiments using THz pump and X-ray probe pulses at modern free-electron lasers (FELs) like the European X-ray FEL require a frequency-tunable (from 0.1 THz to 30 THz), high-power (> 10 microjoule), narrow-band (~ 1–2%) THz source maintaining the repetition rate and pulse structure of the X-ray pulses. This paper reports the first results from a THz source, that is based on a self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) FEL operating with a central wavelength of 100 micrometers. The THz SASE FEL prototype is currently under development at the Photo Injector Test facility at DESY in Zeuthen (PITZ) and uses the same type of electron source as the European XFEL photo injector. The first proof-of-principle experiments were done at PITZ using an LCLS-I undulator to generate high-power, high-repetition-rate THz SASE FEL radiation. Electron bunches with a beam energy of ~ 17 MeV and a bunch charge of up to several nC are used to generate THz pulses with a pulse energy of several tens of microjoules. For example, for an electron beam with a charge of ~ 2.4 nC, 65 microjoules were measured at a central wavelength of 100 micrometers. These proof-of-principle experiments pave the way for a tunable, high-repetition-rate THz source providing pulses with energies in the millijoule range.
Genetic overlap between Alzheimer's disease and immune-mediated diseases: An atlas of shared genetic determinants and biological convergence
Authors: Fernandes Brisa , Enduru Nitesh , Fernandes Brisa , Bahrami Shahram , Dai Yulin , Andreassen Ole , Zhao Zhongming
Published: September 2023

The occurrence of immune disease comorbidities in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been observed in both epidemiological and molecular studies, suggesting a neuroinflammatory basis in AD. However, their shared genetic components have not been systematically studied. Here, we composed an atlas of the shared genetic associations between 11 immune-mediated diseases and AD by analyzing genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics. Our results unveiled a significant genetic overlap between AD and 11 individual immune-mediated diseases despite negligible genetic correlations, suggesting a complex shared genetic architecture distributed across the genome. The shared loci between AD and immune-mediated diseases implicated several genes, includingGRAMD1B,FUT2,ADAMTS4, HBEGF, WNT3, TSPAN14, DHODH, ABCB9andTNIP1, all of which are protein-coding genes and thus potential drug targets. Top biological pathways enriched with these identified shared genes were related to the immune system and cell adhesion. In addition,in silicosingle-cell analyses showed enrichment of immune and brain cells, including neurons and microglia. In summary, our results suggest a genetic relationship between AD and the 11 immune-mediated diseases, pinpointing the existence of a shared however non-causal genetic basis. These identified protein-coding genes have the potential to serve as a novel path to therapeutic interventions for both AD and immune-mediated diseases and their comorbidities.
Sirt6-mediated cell death associated with Sirt1 suppression in gastric cancer
Authors: Seo Ji Hyun , Ryu Somi , Cheon So Young , Lee Seong-Jun , Won Seong Jun , Yim Chae Dong , Lee Hyun-Jin , Hah Young-Sool , Park Jung Je
Published: September 2023

Background Gastric cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related death, is strongly associated with H. pylori infection, although other risk factors have been identified. The sirtuin (Sirt) family is involved in the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer, and sirtuins can have pro-tumorigenic or anti-tumorigenic effects. Methods After determining the overall survival rate of gastric cancer patients with or without Sirt6 expression was determined, the effect of Sirt6 upregulation was also tested using an in vivo xenograft mouse model. The regulation of Sirt6 and Sirt1, leading to the induction of MDM2 and reactive oxygen species (ROS), was mainly analyzed with western blot and immunofluorescence staining, and gastric cancer cell (SNU-638) death associated with these proteins were measured using flow cytometric analysis. Results Sirt6 overexpression lead to Sirt1 suppression of gastric cancer cell, resulted in a higher level of gastric cancer cell death in vitro and a reduced tumor volume in vivo. The ROS and MDM2 expression levels were upregulated by Sirt6 overexpression and/or Sirt1 suppression on western blot analysis. The upregulated ROS ultimately led to gastric cancer cell death on western blot and flow cytometric analysis. Conclusion We found that upregulation of Sirt6 suppressed Sirt1, and Sirt6- and Sirt1-induced gastric cancer cell death was mediated by ROS production. These findings highlight the potential of Sirt6 and Sirt1 as therapeutic targets in gastric cancer.
Temperature and transmission: novel estimates of the effects of temperature on the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Suh Eunho , Stopard Isaac , Lambert Ben , Waite Jessica , Dennington Nina , Churcher Thomas , Thomas Matthew
Published: September 2023

Malaria transmission is strongly influenced by traits such as mosquito life expectancy, vector competence, and the Extrinsic Incubation Period (EIP, which is the development time of the parasite inside the mosquito). Even though these traits are known to be shaped by environmental temperature and there is considerable concern that climate change could increase disease risk in certain areas, surprisingly these temperature dependencies are poorly characterized. Here, we use a mechanistic model fitted to novel experimental data to describe how Plasmodium falciparum infection of the African malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae, is modulated by temperature, including its influences on parasite establishment, conversion efficiency through parasite developmental stages, EIP and overall competence. We use these data, together with novel estimates of the survival of infected blood-fed mosquitoes, to explore the potential influence of temperature on transmission in four locations in Kenya, considering recent conditions and future climate change. Results provide insights into factors limiting transmission in cooler environments and indicate that increases in malaria transmission efficiency due to climate warming in areas like the Kenyan Highlands, might be less than previously predicted.
Effect of bimaxillary orthognathic surgery on acoustic analysis of vowels
Authors: Yaprak Gazi Kutalmış , KAPUKAYA Rana , Gencel Eyüphan
Published: September 2023

Aim: Bimaxillary orthognathic double chin surgery is performed for therapeutic purposes in patients with occlusion disorders due to dentofacial deformity. We aimed to show the effect of this procedure on sound acoustics.Materials and Methods: The study was planned as retrospective and cross-sectional. Information about patients who applied to our center due to developmental malocclusion between 2018 and 2020 was examined. A total of 26 patients, 13 males and 13 females, who underwent orthognathic double jaw surgery after orthodontic treatment, were included in the study. Vowel (a,e,i,ı,o,ö,u,ü) recordings of the patients were analyzed before the surgery and at the 6th month after the surgery. Sound recordings were taken with the Audacity program (Open Source Software). The recordings were analyzed with the Praat acoustic analysis program. Before and after surgery for each letter; Fundamental frequency, Shimmer, Jitter and Harmony Noise Ratios were examined. Measurements taken before and after surgery were compared.Results: A decrease in fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer and harmony noise values was detected. This can be interpreted as an increase in sound quality. A statistically significant change was detected in at least two parameters for each letter.Conclusion: Orthognathic double chin surgery performed due to dentofacial deformity provides an increase in the pronunciation of vowels and voice quality. To increase the reliability of the result, acoustic analysis was performed with multiple parameters.
Assessment of chemical and antimicrobial components of artworks attributed to the Costa Rican painter Fausto Pacheco
Authors: Herrera-Sancho Oscar , ROMERO Melania RIVERA , MEJIA Bianca VARELA , CAMPOS Lucia UGALDE , Jaikel-Víquez Daniela , Calderón-Mesén Paula , DELGADO Roberto MARIN , ALVARADO Keilyn URENA , GONZALEZ Alejandra ROJAS , Urcuyo Roberto , CAMPOS Mario CUBERO , Redondo-Solano Mauricio
Published: September 2023

The use of analytical techniques in cultural heritage research represents an amazing multidisciplinary collaboration. In heritage studies, it is important to pay attention to authenticating, dating, and determining the origin of works of art. Three watercolors were analyzed: Paisaje con árbol, Paisaje con casa campesina and El puente, belonging to the collection of the Central Bank of Costa Rica and attributed to the Costa Rican artist Fausto Pacheco Hernández. Employing multispectral imaging and innovative computational tools, we determined the state of conservation and biodeterioration of the works evaluated. By using spectroscopic techniques such as Fiber Optics Reflectance Spectroscopy, X-Ray Fluorescense, Raman and Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-Ray we identified and compared different pigments in the artworks. By using a multidisciplinary process we determined the creative process of the artist. Based on our results, Paisaje con árbol was the most likely, of the three paintings, to be attributed to the artist, followed by Paisaje con casa campesina and lastly El puente. Finally, we studied the antibacterial and antifungal properties of two of the pigments identified in the paintings (ultramarine blue and yellow ochre). Both the bacterial and fungal isolates were more susceptible to the latter. These kind of studies help to increase the knowledge of the Costa Rican artist and his historical period, providing a better understanding of his creative techniques and palettes, in order to strengthen the database for future works.
Comprehensive allostatic load risk index is associated with increased frontal and left parietal white matter hyperintensities in mid-life cognitively healthy adults
Authors: Buller-Peralta Ingrid , Gregory Sarah , Low Audrey , Dounavi Maria-Eleni , Wells Katie , Ntailianis Georgios , Lawlor Brian , Naci Lorina , Koychev Ivan , Malhotra Paresh , O'Brien John T , Ritchie Craig W , Terrera Graciela Muniz
Published: September 2023

To date, there is a lack of universally agreed values to calculate an Allostatic Load (AL) index and a considerable heterogeneity of methods. In this study we propose a comprehensive algorithm that integrates several approaches and generate risk categories to assess associations between AL and brain structure deterioration. In a cohort of cognitively normal mid-life adults (n = 620, age 51.3 ± 5.48 years), we developed a comprehensive composite for AL scoring incorporating gender and age differences, high quartile approach, up-to-date clinical reference values, and current medications, enabling us to then categorize individuals as no-risk, low-risk, medium-risk and high-risk of AL. Compared to the empirical approach, the comprehensive composite showed better model fit criteria and a strong association with gender. AL categories were regressed against Magnetic Resonance Imaging brain volume and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) measurements. Higher AL risk categories were associated with increased total, periventricular, frontal, and left parietal WMH volumes. This suggests that sustained stress exposure enhances brain deterioration in mid-life adults, potentially accelerating later development of cognitive decline and dementia. Showing better model fit than the classical approaches, our comprehensive algorithm can provide a more accurate AL estimation to explore how stress exposure enhances age-related health decline.
Improving biomass and dendrobine-type totalalkaloid (DTTAs) production of Dendrobium nobile through combining Temporary Immersion Bioreactor system (TIBS) with Endophyte MD33 elicitation
Authors: Cao Yiwen , Qian XU , Yu Tuifan , Jia Qi , Chen Jishuang
Published: September 2023

Dendrobium nobile Lindl. (D.nobile) is a perennial herb of the orchid family and is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. Due to the scarcity of D.nobile resources, the market is facing a shortage. To meet market demand, enhance cultivation efficiency, and reduce costs, the temporary immersion bioreactor (TIBS) has been employed for cultivation. The optimal cultivation conditions for D.nobile tissue culture seedlings have been determined through experimental research. These conditions include a liquid medium consisting of 1/2 MS, 30 g/L sucrose, 80 g/L potato, 0.5 mg/L NAA, 60 g/L banana, and a pH of 6.0. The optimal inoculation volume of TIBS per canister was 220 D.nobile seedlings, and the optimal submergence frequency of TIBS was set at 5 min/8 h, and the optimal submergence time was set at 6 min/6 h. In addition, it was observed that its endophytic fungus MD33, had a significant impact on the dendrobine-type total alkaloid (DTTAs) content and plant growth. This study demonstrates that utilizing TIBS for cultivation and co-cultivating with endophytic fungus significantly increased the biomass and bioactivity of D.nobile tissue culture seedlings.
Plant miRNAs in the rhizosphere target microbial genes
Authors: Middleton Harriet , Monard Cécile , Daburon Virginie , Clostres Emmanuel , Dozois Jessica , Tremblay Julien , Yergeau Étienne , Amrani Abdelhak El
Published: September 2023

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that control target gene expression, through sequence complementarity. Their roles in plants vary from regulating developmental processes to responding to abiotic and biotic stresses. Recently, small RNAs have been shown to play important roles in cross-kingdom communication, notably in plant-pathogen relationships. Plant miRNAs were even shown to regulate gene expression in the gut microbiota. Thus, we hypothesised that the same process happens in the rhizosphere which contributes to shaping plant-associated microbial communities.
Results To explore these questions, we performed small RNA sequencing in search of miRNAs in the rhizosphere of two evolutionarily distant plants, Arabidopsis thaliana and Brachypodium distachyon. This revealed the presence of specific and shared rhizospheric plant miRNAs, which were all absent in unplanted soils. A subset of these miRNAs were also detected inside rhizospheric bacteria, but were missing in bacteria from unplanted soils, suggesting bacterial uptake of surrounding plant miRNAs. Furthermore, an in silicoanalysis indicated potential targets of these rhizospheric miRNAs in plant-associated bacterial genomes. To examine the function of these miRNAs, A. thaliana mutants, affected in their miRNA and/or siRNA (small interfering RNA) biosynthesis, were grown. Their rhizospheric microbial communities were significantly disrupted in comparison with wild-type plants. Additionally, confronting synthetic rhizospheric miRNAs with bacterial cultures resulted in modulation of gene expression, suggesting a functional role of plant miRNAs in regulating microbial activity, in the rhizosphere.
Conclusions This work makes an important contribution to the field of rhizospheric plant-microbe interactions and offers some significant insights into the potential of plant miRNAs for microbiota engineering.
A loss-of-function variant in ZCWPW1 causes human male infertility with sperm head defect and high DNA fragmentation
Authors: Song Yuelin , Guo Juncen , Zhou Yanling , Wei Xingjian , Li Jianlan , Zhang Guohui , Wang Hongjing
Published: September 2023

Background
In about one-third of cases, the genetic causes of asthenozoospermia are unknown. The more causative genes related to human male infertility should be further explored. The essential role of ZCWPW1 in mouse male fertility has been established and the role of ZCWPW1 in human reproduction need further investigation to verify.
Methods
Whole-exome sequencing was conducted to identify causative genes in the infertile man. The phenotype of the asthenozoospermia was determined by Papanicolaou staining, immunofluorescence staining and electron microscope. In-vitro experiments, western blot and in-silicon analysis were applied to assess the pathogenicity of the identified variant. Additionally, we examined the influence of the variant on the DNA fragmentation and DNA repair capability by Sperm Chromatin Dispersion and Neutral Comet Assay.
Results
The spermatozoa of the proband exhibited low quantity, head defects in semen examination, papanicolaou staining and electron microscope. Whole-exome sequencing and sanger sequencing found the proband carried a homozygous ZCWPW1 variant (c.1064C > T, p. P355L). Immunofluorescence analysis showed that a significant decrease of ZCWPW1 expression in proband’s sperm. The obvious declined expression of ZCWPW1 with the mutation was validated in HEK293T. Furthermore, Sperm Chromatin Dispersion assay revealed the proband’s spermatozoa had high DNA fragmentation. After treated by hydroxyurea, MUT-ZCWPW1 transfected cells and empty vector transfected cells had higher level of γ-H2AX and tail DNA than WT-ZCWPW1 transfected cells.
Conclusions
It is the first report that a novel homozygous missense mutation in ZCWPW1 caused human male infertility with sperm head defect and high DNA fragmentation. This finding enriches the gene variant spectrum and etiology of asthenozoospermia.
Topology optimization introducing manual intervention
Authors: Wei Peng , Liu Jinjia , Li Xueping , Su Cheng
Published: September 2023

Topology optimization is an iterative process driven by algorithms from initial to final design, which can provide novel structural forms and is typically used to provide conceptual design. However, in real-life structural design, the intentions of designers, including requirements, specifications and various constraints that are difficult to modelling, are unable to directly introduced to the topology optimization algorithms. Therefore, it often takes a lot of time and even repeated iterations to modify the results of topology optimization, thereby extending the design process and increasing design costs. For this issue, in order to endow designers with the ability to modify intermediate results during iterations and integrate human design intentions with algorithms, this paper proposes a method called Manual Intervention. Our purpose is to provide a pause option for topology optimization process then modify the optimization intermediate results based on the expression of topology shapes (density, level set function, etc.), which is the literal explanation for manual intervention. An interactive interface based on radial basis function parameterized level set method was written on the MATLAB GUIDE platform. We have implemented a design method for interaction between manual intervention and algorithm meanwhile provided a simple case of maximizing stiffness. Furthermore extending the implement to SIMP. The final result shows that this method can effectively handle design requirements which are relatively complex and difficult to express through algorithms to integrate them into the design results. Its method has important potential and provides new ideas for future topology optimization design.
Unveiling the Gut and Flesh Microbiome Signature and Diversity of the Bangladesh National Fish Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha)
Authors: Hoque M. Nazmul , Kawser A. Q.M. Robiul , Rahman M. Shaminur , Sakif Tahsin Islam , Islam Tofazzal
Published: September 2023

Fish microbiome science is progressing fast, but it is mostly restricted to farmed or laboratory fish species compared to natural or marine fish populations. The aim of this study was to unveil the gut and flesh microbiome signature and diversity of the anadromous fish, Tenualosa ilisha (hilsa), the national fish of Bangladesh. We analysed 18 samples including 15 gut (intestinal contents) and three flesh samples from 18 individual hilsa fishes collected from three major habitats (e.g., freshwater, brackish water and marine water) of hilsa in Bangladesh through 16S rRNA (V3 – V4 region) gene sequencing-based metagenomics. A total of 325 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) including 67 and 258 in flesh and gut samples, respectively were identified. The observed OTUs were represented by six phyla, nine classes, 19 orders, 26 families and 40 genera of bacteria. Our findings revealed substantial taxonomic variability between sample categories (i.e., gut and flesh; p = 0.0127; Kruskal Wallis test), and habitats (freshwater, brackish water, and marine water; (p = 0.007; Kruskal Wallis test) of the hilsa fishes, indicated by their higher degree of shared microbiota. Of the identified genera, Vagococcus, Morganella, Enterobacter, Plesiomonas, Shigella, Clostridium, Klebsiella, Serratia, Aeromonas, Macrococcus, Staphylococcus, Proteus, Hafnia etc. were the major bacterial genera detected in hilsa fish. Importantly, we detected six genera such as Sinobaca, Synechococcus, Gemmata, Serinicoccus, Saccharopolyspora, and Paulinella seem to be specific to the hilsa fishes. Our data provided evidence for the existence of both unique and shared bacteriomes with probiotics potentials in the gut and flesh of hilsa fishes, which might be taken into consideration for undertaking future microbiome study in this economically important fish species.
“Evaluating Quality of Life in Pediatric Palliative Care: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Children’s and Parents’ Perspectives”.
Authors: Toro-Pérez Daniel , Limonero Joaquin T. , Guillen Montserrat , Bolancé Catalina , Vilarrubí Sergi Navarro , Camprodon-Rosanas Ester
Published: September 2023

The patient's perspective is an essential component of understanding the individual experience of suffering in children with palliative needs, but it is a perspective that is often overlooked. Purpose: the aim of this study was to compare the perception of quality of life (QoL) of children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions expressed by the children themselves and their parents. Methods: Through a cross-sectional study, the responses of 44 parent-child dyads were obtained and the analysis was performed with the statistics based on Student's t distribution and non-parametric tests. Results: Children value QoL more positively (mean = 6.95, SD = 1.85) than their parents (mean = 5.39, SD = 2.43). This difference exists even if we consider sociodemographic and disease variables. The presence of exacerbated symptoms is the situation in which both parents (mean=3.70; SD=1.95) and children (mean=5.60; SD=1.17) evaluate QoL more negatively. Conclusions: Children have a more optimistic view than their parents When the child is the one who reports a lower QoL score than their parent, we should be carefully monitored. The voice of the child and that of the family members can be collected to create a "family voice" and can be complementary.
Poly(N-vinyl caprolactam-co-maleic anhydride)-grafted cotton gauze with antimicrobial properties for their potential use as wound dressings
Authors: Carrillo-Rodríguez J. C. , Betancourt-Galindo R. , Meléndez-Ortiz H. Ivan , Puente-Urbina B. , Espinosa-Neira R. , Ledezma A.
Published: September 2023

Medical cotton gauzes were modified by grafting poly(N-vinylcaprolactam-co-maleic anhydride) (gauze-g-(PVCL-co-MA)) through free radical polymerization to prepare a novel wound dressing with antimicrobial and drug delivery capabilities. Several gauze-g-(PVCL-co-MA) were synthesized, each with distinct grafting percentages. For characterization, the selected percentages were 23, 40, and 100%, designated as VMG1, VMG2, and VMG3, respectively. Polymer grafting was verified using methods such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), and swelling studies. The grafted cotton gauzes were loaded with vancomycin and tested as drug-eluting systems, exhibited considerable loading capacity and over 80% release. The antibacterial activity was evaluated against S. aureus (ATCC 29213) according to the Japanese Industrial Standard JIS Z 2801 method. They showed growth inhibition for this microorganism. Moreover, they showed good biocompatibility for the 1132SK and SaOS-2 cell lines. These results suggest that the gauze-g-(PVCL-co-MA) could be used as antimicrobial and drug-eluting wound dressings in the biomedical field.
Rationale for use for monoclonal antibody therapy in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: a systematic review
Authors: Reyes Jason , Salter Sandra , Sanfilippo Frank , Bradshaw Pamela , MacDonald Bradley
Published: September 2023

Objective
To review systematically the rationale for choice and use of monoclonal antibody therapy in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).
Study design
A systematic review was conducted using electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, SCOPUS, and Web of Science) and preprint servers (MedRxiv and BioRxiv) between 01/01/2020 and 01/03/22. Studies were included if they had pediatric patients aged <21 years with MIS-C that had experienced the use of monoclonal antibodies. Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case reports, case series, case-control studies, and cohort studies were included.
Results
Twenty observational studies with 726 patients were included. Anakinra, tocilizumab and infliximab were used in 9.9%, 6.9%, and 12.4% of the cases, respectively. The most common rationale for the initiation of monoclonal antibody therapy for MIS-C was for patients who presented with severe disease or refractory to first line therapy. Infliximab tended to be used because of its precedence in managing IVIG-resistant Kawasaki Disease.
Conclusions
Use and choice of Monoclonal antibody seems to rely more on subjective clinician preferences than rigorous evidence-based studies. More studies exploring the exact pathogenesis of MIS-C are warranted to identify the key players of the cytokine storm that act as biological targets and their outcomes.
Nurses’ Preferences for Interventions to Improve Infection Prevention and Control Behaviors based on Systems Engineering Initiative to Patient Safety Model: A Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Zhou Qian , Liu Junjie , Zheng Feiyang , Wang Qianning , Zhang Xinping , Li Hui , Tan Li , Luo Wanjun
Published: September 2023

Background
The evidence of preferences for infection prevention and control (IPC) intervention from system perspective was lacked. This study aimed to elicit nurses' preferences for the intervention designed to improve IPC behaviors based on the Systems Engineering Initiative to Patient Safety (SEIPS) model using Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE).
Methods
A DCE was conducted among nurses from July 5th to 10th, 2021. Scenarios were formed by six attributes with varying levels based on SEIPS model: person, organization, tools and technology, tasks, internal environment and external environment. A conditional logit model and latent class logit model were performed to analyze the data.
Results
A total of 257 valid questionnaires were analyzed among nurses. The results from the latent class logit model show that nurses’ preferences can be divided into three classes. For class one (41.9%), positive coefficients were obtained in those six attributes. For class two (19.7%) only person was positively significant. For class three (36.4%), the most important attribute were tasks, tools and technology, internal environment and external environment.
Conclusions
This finding suggest that nurses have three latent-class preferences for interventions. Multifaceted interventions to improve IPC behaviors based on the SEIPS model are preferred by most nurses. Moreover, relevant measured should be performed targeted the latent class of person-preferred and external-environment-preferred nurses.