bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GPNMB protects against obesity-related metabolic disorders by attenuating macrophage-derived inflammation in white adipose tissue through CD44 receptor-dependent mechanism
Authors: Prabata A , Ikeda K , Hirata K , Emoto N 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Obesity is a worldwide health issue frequently linked to cardiovascular disease. Obesity is closely associated with chronic low-grade inflammation in adipose tissue caused by macrophage infiltration and activation, which leads to metabolic disorders. We discovered glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB) as a gene that is robustly expressed in white adipose tissue of obese mice.

Purpose
We aim to elucidate the role of GPNMB in obesity and its related metabolic disorders.

Methods
We generated GPNMB-knockout (KO) mice and assessed body weight, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation-related phenotypes after 12 weeks of high fat-diet (HFD) feeding. For in vitro experiment, we isolated peritoneal macrophages from wild-type (WT) and GPNMB-KO mice to explore their inflammatory phenotypes.

Results
After HFD feeding, obesity-related metabolic disorders were markedly worsened in GPNMB-KO mice, assessed by insulin and glucose tolerance test, although the weight gain and adiposity were similar between WT and GPNMB-KO mice. Expression of inflammatory cytokines was significantly increased in WAT of GPNMB-KO mice, in addition to a remarkable increase in crown-like structures. Peritoneal macrophages isolated from GPNMB-KO mice exhibited higher inflammatory cytokine levels, and significantly impaired the adipocytes insulin sensitivity in an endocrine manner. Recombinant soluble GPNMB attenuated the inflammatory capabilities in peritoneal macrophages isolated from GPNMB-KO mice. We identified that GPNMB inhibits the NF-κB signaling through binding to the CD44 receptor, and therefore negatively regulates inflammatory responses in macrophages.

Conclusion
Our study demonstrates GPNMB as an adipokine that protects against obesity-related metabolic disorders by reducing macrophage-derived inflammation, which in turn improves adipocytes functions and consequently preserves systemic metabolic health. Therefore, GPNMB is an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity-related metabolic disorders.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Functional and transcriptional differences in monocytes from children with obesity compared to children of healthy weight
Authors: Bekkering S , Saner C , Novakovic B , McCallum Z , Netea M G , Riksen N P , Sabin M A , Saffery R , Burgner D P 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background and aim
Cardiometabolic risk accrues across the entire life course and childhood is a key epoch for effective prevention. Obesity in childhood is the most prevalent modifiable risk factor for later cardiovascular disease (CVD). Inflammatory biomarkers and innate immune capacity are increased in adults with obesity, but childhood data are scarce. We aimed to investigate (i) innate immune cell activation in children with and without obesity; and (ii) whether weight loss impacts the innate immune inflammatory phenotype.

Methods
The innate immune phenotype of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) from 31 children with obesity (BMI z-score&gt;2.5) and 22 children of healthy weight (−1.5≤BMIz≤1.5, sex, age and pubertal stage matched) was characterized by high dimensional flow cytometry, ex vivo stimulation assays with subsequent 27-plex cytokine measurements, and transcriptome analysis using RNA sequencing (Figure 1). Children with obesity participated to the Royal Children's Hospital Weight Management Service (median 5 years) and at follow-up, PBMCs were obtained again as well as anthropometric data and subclinical cardiovascular phenotypes.

Results
Flow cytometric analysis showed marked differences in cell composition between children with obesity and children of healthy weight. Specifically, children with obesity have significant changes in monocyte subsets and an increased expression of monocyte activation markers. Upon stimulation, monocytes of children with obesity show an increased cytokine production capacity. Finally, transcriptomic analysis shows significant differences between monocytes from obese children and healthy controls. Effects of weight loss on these immune parameters and correlations with preclinical CVD phenotypes are currently being analysed.

Conclusions
Monocytes from children with obesity have a pro-inflammatory phenotype compared to children of normal weight. Heightened inflammation may contribute to increased CVD risk later in life and may offer opportunities for early intervention.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Dutch Scientific Organisation (NWO) - Rubicon grant to S.B. Dutch Heart Foundation - CVON IN CONTROL II to N.P.R. and D.B. Figure 1. Schematical overview of study
Wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 corroborates heightened community infection during the initial peak of COVID-19 in Bexar County, Texas
Authors: Al-Duroobi Haya , Moghadam Sina V , Phan Duc C , Jafarzadeh Arash , Matta Akanksha , Kapoor Vikram 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to conduct a preliminary assessment of the levels of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in wastewater at the Salitrillo Wastewater Treatment Plant in Texas during the initial peak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Raw wastewater influent (24 h composite, time-based 1 L samples, n = 13) was collected weekly during June–August 2020. We measured SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater by reverse transcription droplet digital PCR using the same N1 and N2 primer sets as employed in COVID-19 clinical testing. Virus RNA copies for positive samples (77%) ranged from 1.4 × 102 to 4.1 × 104 copies per liter of wastewater, and exhibited both increasing and decreasing trends, which corresponded well with the COVID-19 weekly infection rate (N1: ρ = 0.558, P = 0.048; N2: ρ = 0.487, P = 0.092). A sharp increase in virus RNA concentrations was observed during July sampling dates, consistent with the highest number of COVID-19 cases reported. This could be attributed to an increase in the spread of COVID-19 infection due to the Fourth of July holiday week gatherings (outdoor gatherings were limited to 100 people during that time). Our data show that wastewater surveillance is an effective tool to determine trends in infectious disease prevalence, and provide complementary information to clinical testing.
De novowhole-genome assembly ofChrysanthemum makinoi, a key wild chrysanthemum
Authors: van Lieshout Natascha , van Kaauwen Martijn , Kodde Linda , Arens Paul , Smulders Marinus J M , Visser Richard G F , Finkers Richard 
Published: October 2021

AbstractChrysanthemum is among the top 10 cut, potted, and perennial garden flowers in the world. Despite this, to date, only the genomes of two wild diploid chrysanthemums have been sequenced and assembled. Here, we present the most complete and contiguous chrysanthemum de novo assembly published so far, as well as a corresponding ab initio annotation. The cultivated hexaploid varieties are thought to originate from a hybrid of wild chrysanthemums, among which the diploid Chrysanthemum makinoi has been mentioned. Using a combination of Oxford Nanopore long reads, Pacific Biosciences long reads, Illumina short reads, Dovetail sequences, and a genetic map, we assembled 3.1 Gb of its sequence into nine pseudochromosomes, with an N50 of 330 Mb and a BUSCO complete score of 92.1%. Our ab initio annotation pipeline predicted 95,074 genes and marked 80.0% of the genome as repetitive. This genome assembly of C. makinoi provides an important step forward in understanding the chrysanthemum genome, evolution, and history.
Gender differences in informal payments for healthcare: evidence from 34 African countries
Authors: Rajan Selina , Santoso Cornelia , Abba-Aji Mohammed , Stuckler David , McKee Martin , Hutchinson Eleanor , Onwujekwe Obinna , Balabanova Dina 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Informal payments are widespread in many healthcare systems and can impede access to healthcare and thwart progress to achieving universal health coverage, a major element of the health-related Sustainable Development Goals. Gender may be an important driver in determining who pays informally for care, but few studies have examined this, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Our study aimed to examine gender disparities in paying informally for healthcare in Africa. We used Afrobarometer Round 7 survey data collected between September 2016 and August 2018 from 34 African countries. The final sample was composed of 44 715 adults. We used multiple logistic regression to evaluate associations between gender and paying informally to obtain healthcare. Our results show that 12% of women and 14% of men reported paying informally for healthcare. Men were more likely to pay informally for healthcare than women in African countries [odds ratio 1.22 (95% confidence interval 1.13–1.31)], irrespective of age, residential location, educational attainment, employment status, occupation and indicators of poverty. To make meaningful progress towards improving universal healthcare coverage in African countries, we must improve our understanding of the gendered aspects of informal payments in healthcare, which can act as both a barrier to accessing care and a determinant of poor health.
Successful use of bio plugs for delayed bronchial closure after pneumonectomy in experimental settings
Authors: Moriyama Masaaki , Matsumoto Keitaro , Taniguchi Daisuke , Machino Ryusuke , Tsuchiya Tomoshi , Nakayama Koichi , Nagayasu Takeshi 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Cell therapies, such as stem cell suspension injection, are used to treat bronchopleural fistula. Although it is safe and effective, injected cells cannot remain within the bronchioles of the fistula due to cell leakage into the thoracic cavity. Here, we inserted a ‘bio plug’ into the fistula, produced using cells and a bio-3D printer, to examine the effectiveness of bio plugs for the closure of bronchopleural fistulas, the optimal cell source and the closure mechanism.

METHODS
Bio plugs were made with mesenchymal stem (stromal) cells derived from bone marrow (MSCBM), fibroblasts and rat lung micro-vessel endothelial cells using a bio-3D printer with different cell mixing ratios. Six groups, according to the presence or absence and the type of bio plugs, were compared. The plugs were inserted into the bronchi of F344 rats. The obstruction ratio and histological and immunohistochemical findings were evaluated.

RESULTS
MSCBM+ rat lung micro-vessel endothelial cell group exhibited a higher obstruction ratio among all groups excluding the MSCBM group (P = 0.039). This group had fibrosis and CD31-positive cells and fewer CD68-positive cells than MSCBM and MSCBM+ fibroblast groups.

CONCLUSIONS
Bio plugs with mixed cells, including stem cells, contribute to bronchial closure in the current experimental setting. Endothelial cells effectively maintain the structure in this model. Although bronchial closure for bronchopleural fistula could not be described as clinical conditions were not reproduced, we collected essential data on bronchial closure; however, further experiments are warranted.
Combination of Clofazimine and Atovaquone as a Potent Therapeutic Regimen for the Radical Cure of Babesia microti Infection in Immunocompromised Hosts
Authors: Tuvshintulga Bumduuren , Sivakumar Thillaiampalam , Nugraha Arifin Budiman , Ahedor Believe , Batmagnai Enkhbaatar , Otgonsuren Davaajav , Liu MingMing , Xuan Xuenan , Igarashi Ikuo , Yokoyama Naoaki 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Human babesiosis caused by Babesia microti can be fatal in immunocompromised patients, and the currently used drugs are often ineffective. A recent study found that clofazimine clears B. microti Munich strain in immunocompromised mice. In the present study, we investigated the efficacies of clofazimine and 2-drug combinations involving clofazimine, atovaquone, and azithromycin against B. microti Peabody mjr strain in immunocompromised mice. Treatment with clofazimine alone, clofazimine plus azithromycin, and atovaquone plus azithromycin was ineffective and failed to eliminate the parasites completely, while a 44-day treatment with clofazimine plus atovaquone was highly effective and resulted in a radical cure.
PSVI-12 The effects of road transportation with or without homeopathic remedy supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, microbiota, serum cortisol and superoxide dismutase in growing pigs
Authors: Deokho Koo , De Xin Dang , Thanapal Palanisamy , Ju Park Hyun , Je Min Ahn , Inho Kim 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This study investigated the effects of road transportation with or without homeopathic remedy (Convermax) supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbiota, and serum cortisol and superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentrations in growing pigs. A total of 180 49-day old growing pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an initial body weight of 13.17 ± 0.02 kg were randomly allotted to 2 groups based on the initial body weight, containing 18 replicates with 5 pigs (mixed sex) in each. The pigs were fed dietary supplementation of a homeopathic remedy (Convermax) (0 or 200 mg/kg of feed, as-fed) for 35 days. On day 21, forty-five pigs (70-day old; 25.25 ± 0.37 kg) were randomly selected from each group and assigned to either 2 h of road transportation or no road transportation, resulting in a 2×2 factorial design. Results showed that road transportation led to an increase in the fecal coliform bacteria counts (P = 0.023) and serum cortisol concentration (P = 0.039) and a decrease in the serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration (P &lt; 0.001). However, supplementing homeopathic remedy (Convermax) to the diet of growing pigs increased gain to feed ratio (P = 0.042), apparent nitrogen digestibility (P = 0.019), and serum SOD concentration (P = 0.007), whereas decreased serum cortisol concentration (P = 0.022). In brief, road transportation induced stress response for growing pigs and increased harmful bacteria counts in their intestines. Dietary supplementation of homeopathic remedy (Convermax) alleviated stress response, improved apparent nitrogen digestibility, and increased gain to feed ratio. However, no significant interactive effects between road transportation with or without dietary homeopathic remedy (Convermax) levels were observed on the detected parameters in growing pigs.
PSVII-3 Evaluation of dietary OmniGen AF supplementation and PG600 injection on reproductive characteristics of gilts
Authors: Chen Jun , Lee Jung Wook , Monegue Jim J , Niblett Richard , Williams Kim , Estienne Mark J , Chapman Jim , Humphrey Brooke , Lindemann Merlin D 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
A cooperative study evaluated effects of supplemental dietary OmniGen AF (OG; Phibro Animal Health Corporation) on reproductive characteristics of gilts. Crossbred gilts (n = 56; initial body weight = 152.3 ± 9.7 kg) were assigned to treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design [diet (OG or control) and PG600 (Merck Animal Health, El Dora, KS) injection (Yes or No)]. Dietary treatments were: 1) corn-SBM basal diet (control) that met NRC (2012) requirement estimates, or 2) control plus 0.75% OG and were fed 35 to 40 d prior to breeding. A common diet formulation was used by both stations. Gilts were estrous-synchronized by 14-d feeding of Matrix (Merck Animal Health). PG600 injections occurred 24 hours after Matrix withdrawal. Gilts were weighed at breeding and preslaughter (at d 39 to 48 postbreeding) and were euthanized to evaluate reproductive characteristics. There were no OG x PG600 interactions on any response measures (P &gt; 0.15). Mean responses did not differ (P &gt; 0.20) when gilts were fed control or OG diets, respectively, for total uterus weight (6,065 vs. 5,883 g), uterine horn length (129.2 vs. 123.9 cm), ovary weight (9.66 vs. 9.94 g), total corpora lutea (CL) number (25.0 vs. 25.3), individual CL weight (0.41 vs. 0.43 g), total follicular fluid weight (3.17 vs. 3.03 g), individual placenta weight (86.3 vs. 86.4 g), total fetuses (14.2 vs. 13.0), and fetus crown-rump length (7.97 vs. 7.66 cm). Supplementation with OG reduced (P = 0.04) individual placenta fluid volume of gilts (150.6 vs. 115.4 mL). PG600 injection increased (P &lt; 0.001) ovary weight (9.03 vs. 10.57 g), total CL (18.09 vs 32.27) and reduced CL weight (0.46 vs. 0.38 g). The results demonstrated classic PG600 responses on reproductive characteristics but no effects of 0.75% OG supplementation nor an interaction between the two factors.
PSIX-9 Effect of calcium nitrate fed to dairy cows on nitrate residues, fatty acids profile, and antioxidant capacity in milk
Authors: Almeida Kleves V , Osorio Jesus A C , Marchi Francilaine E , Silva Junior Ranulfo C , Sippert Micheli , Pinto Regina C C , Tuzzi Beatriz , Araujo Rafael C , Daniel João L P , Santos Geraldo T 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Six lactating cows (106.3 ± 14.8 DIM; 550.7 ± 21.8 kg BW) were enrolled in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square to evaluate the supplementation of double salt of calcium ammonium nitrate decahydrate (CAN), composed by 16.5% N, 76.5% of nitrate (NO3 -), and 85.0% DM, on NO3 - and nitrite (NO2 -) residues, fatty acids (FA) proportion, and antioxidant capacity in milk. Each period lasted 21 d, with 14 d for adaptation and 7 d for sampling. Treatments were URE (11.9 g/DM of urea as a control), CAN15: 15 g of CAN (11.5 g of NO3 - on DM), and CAN30: 30 g of CAN (23 g of NO3 - on DM). Milk samples were collected on d 15–16 of each period, frozen at –20°C, and after analyzed for NO3 - and NO2 - residues, fatty acids, and antioxidant capacity. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. Supplemental CAN increased by 26% NO3 - residue in milk (P = 0.02), whereas did not affect (P &lt; 0.05) NO2 - concentration (average of 0.042 mg/L). Total CLA and short-chain FA were not affected (P &gt; 0.05) by CAN. Medium-chain FA decreased linearly (P &lt; 0.05), while long-chain FA (P = 0.06) and monounsaturated FA (P = 0.08) tended to increase linearly. Saturated FA reduced (P &lt; 0.05) linearly; however, the total of polyunsaturated FA was not affected (P &gt; 0.05). There were no effects of CAN (P &gt; 0.05) on n-3, n-6, and n-6/n-3 ratio. Milk reducing power and TBARS concentration were not affected (P &gt; 0.05) by CAN, whereas conjugated dienes increased (P = 0.02) linearly (URE= 47.6 vs. CAN15= 52.7 vs. CAN30= 63.4 mmol/kg of fat). Supplementing CAN at 30 g/DM reduced total saturated FA and increased conjugated dienes, caused possibly by lower rumen biohydrogenation, which might increase lipid oxidation in milk.
PSX-B-7 Effect of supplementation of a robotic milker pellet on mixed diet intake, milk production, and blood metabolites of lactating cows
Authors: Uzee Nick , Rathert Abigail R , Salisbury Carlee M , Montgomery Dagan , Foote Andrew P 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of concentrate pellets, typically supplied by a voluntary robotic milking system (VMS), on milk production and composition, nutrient metabolism, and diet dry matter intake (DMI) of lactating dairy cows. Holstein cows (n = 24) were assigned to receive either no supplemental pellets (CON), 2 kg/d (LP), or 6 kg/d (HP) in addition to ad libitum diet access, with treatments balanced by lactation number and days in milk. The LP group was allotted 1 kg of pellets every 12 hours and the HP group was allotted 2 kg every 8 hours, to simulate the amount consumed while visiting a VMS unit two or three times daily. Pellet and diet consumption were measured using the Insentec feeding system. Milk production was measured daily, utilizing a milk meter in a conventional parlor. Milk samples were collected twice weekly for 35 days and analyzed for components. Blood samples, body weight, and body condition scores were obtained weekly after the morning milking. Data were analyzed using a mixed model (SAS 9.4) with fixed effects of treatment, day, and their interaction, with day as a repeated measure. No treatment × day interaction was present for diet DMI (P = 0.72); however, addition of pellets to the LP and HP treatment groups decreased diet DMI when compared to CON (P &lt; 0.006). Plasma lactate tended to be greater for CON (P = 0.09) than LP and HP treatment groups with no treatment effect on other blood metabolites (P ≥ 0.30). There was no effect of treatment on milk yield, milk components, or body weight and condition (P ≥ 0.23). These data suggest that feeding a pellet similar to conditions in a robotic milking system could alter DMI without negatively impacting metabolism or milk production.
PSXIV-6 País grape marc (Vitis vinifera, País) inclusion in concentrate diets reduces ammonia nitrogen but not methane production in an in vitro batch culture
Authors: Suescun-Ospina Sandra , Vera Nelson , Astudillo Rita , Avila-Stagno Jorge 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
País Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) is an ancestral variety used in Chilean wine industry. It has a higher content of proanthocyanidins than commercial varieties such as Carmenère or Pinot Noir, resulting in País grape marc (PGM) with high contents of condensed tannins. As such, PGM inclusion in ruminant diets would have the potential to reduce enteric methane (CH4) emissions and decrease urinary N excretion. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of substitution of mixed hay (MH) with PGM in a high concentrate diet [65% dry matter (DM)] on in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD), ruminal fermentation parameters, gas and CH4 production. Treatments were: T1 (Control) = 20% MH, 15% corn silage, 65% concentrate; T2 = 10% MH, 10% PGM, 15% corn silage, 65% concentrate; T3 = 20% PGM, 15% corn silage, 65% concentrate. The study was a randomized complete design with 3 treatment and 3 replicates, incubated for 24 h at 39º C. Data were compared by Tukey test and polynomial contrasts. There was a linear reduction in NH3-N (P = 0.001) as dietary PGM increased. Inclusion of PGM reduced NH3-N by 50% when added at 10% DM, and 71.7% at 20% DM. However, there also was 4% reduction in IVDMD (P ≤ 0.001) and gas production (P = 0.012) in the 20% GM diet. There were no treatment effects (P ≥ 0.05) on CH4 production or yield. Fermentation efficiency determined by the partition factor increased linearly (P = 0.013) as PGM inclusion increased, suggesting that it increases organic matter to be degraded. Based on this study it could be concluded that PGM is an alternative source of fiber for ruminants on concentrate diets, as it can result in improved rumen fermentation efficiency and a substantial reduction in ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentration (NH3-N).