bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Silica nanoparticles induce neurotoxicity in striatum region by activating oxidative stress and apoptosis-related gene expression in adult male rats: Possible involvement of Nrf2/HO-1 and apoptotic pathways
Authors: Boukholda Khadija , Aouey Bakhta , Gargouri Brahim , Guerrero-Hue Melania , García-Caballero Cristina , Vallejo-Mudarra Mercedes , Najimi Mohamed , Bouchard Michèle , Moreno Juan Antonio , Fetoui Hamadi 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Extensive use of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) in biomedical and industrial fields has increased the risk of exposure, resulting in concerns about their safety. However, information regarding their neurotoxic effects through different pathways particularly by perturbing the oxidative/nitrosative balance and causing striatum damage is scarce. The objective of this study was to further assess mechanisms involved in SiNPs-induced neurotoxicity in the striatum using a rat model. Results showed a significant increase in lipid peroxide levels (LPO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitrite (NO) and protein carbonyl contents in the striatum, whereas there was a significant decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT and GPx) and glutathione (GSH) levels in rats following a subacute intraperitoneal injection of SiNPs (at 25 and 100 mg/kg bw/day for 28 days) compared to controls. Furthermore, a decrease in cholinergic (AChE and BChE) and membrane-bound ATPase (Na+ K+ ATPase, Mg2+ ATPase and Ca2+ ATPase) enzyme activities in the striatum was also observed. Immunohistochemical analyses of the striatum revealed a significant increase in protein expression of antioxidant markers, in particular nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Quantitative real-time PCR also showed that SiNPs induced an up-regulation of pro-apoptotic gene expression (Bax, p53, Caspase-9/3) and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 in this brain region, with a concomitant upregulation of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Histopathological analysis confirmed that SiNPs induced extensive neuronal damage and degeneration of surrounding cells in striatum tissue. Our findings suggest that oxidative/nitrosative stress-mediated apoptosis is involved in the striatum neurotoxicity induced by SiNPs by activating Nrf2/HO-1 and apoptotic signaling pathways.
A novel program of infiltrative control in astrocytomas: ADAM23 depletion promotes cell invasion by activating γ-Secretase and NOTCH1 signaling pathway
Authors: Jandrey Elisa Helena Farias , Barnabé Gabriela Filoso , Asprino Paula Fontes , Santos Natália Cristina , Inoue Lilian Tiemi , Rozanski Andrei , Maldaun Marcos , Galante Pedro Alexandre Favoretto , Marie Suely Kazue N , Oba-Shinjo Sueli Mieko , Santos Tiago Góss , Chammas Roger , Lancellotti Carmen Lucia Penteado , Furnari Frank B. , Camargo Anamaria Aranha , Costa Érico Tosoni 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Diffuse infiltration is a life-threatening growth pattern in malignant astrocytomas and a significant cause of therapy resistance. This pattern is determined by the balance between proliferative and invasive genetic programs and is mainly recapitulated by glioma stem cells (GSCs) during astrocytoma progression. Infiltration results in the GSCs spreading deeply into the surrounding brain tissue, fostering tumor recurrence and making complete surgical resection impossible. We need to thoroughly understand the mechanisms underlying diffuse infiltration to develop effective therapies.
Results
We found that ADAM23 is downregulated in astrocytoma compared with the normal brain. Based on the clinical data and preclinical models, ADAM23 downregulation is associated with a favorable prognosis in lower-grade astrocytoma patients and correlated with the emergence of a pro-invasive tumor phenotype. The expression of ADAM23 in astrocytoma cells is inversely correlated with increased γ-secretase complex activity, consequently contributing to NOTCH1 pathway activation in GSCs and amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition in the mouse brain. Finally, epigenetic inhibition or administration of γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) induced a significant inhibitory effect on the invasive programs, specifically in ADAM23low astrocytoma cells.
Conclusions
Overall, our findings reveal ADAM23 expression levels as a new prognostic biomarker and a predictive factor of GSI efficacy for diffuse infiltration in ADAM23 low-expressing astrocytomas.
Bacillus predominates in the Ophiocordyceps pseudolloydii-infected ant cadavers
Authors: Kuo Hao-Yu , Chiu Ming-Chung , Chou Jui-Yu 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose: The bacterial communities that colonize the cadaver environment of insects infected and killed by parasitoid fungi can be selected by the sympatric fungi and provide novel impacts. Bacillus cereus/thuringiensis has previously been found to predominate the bacterial community in the Ophiocordyceps unilateralis sensu lato-infected ant cadavers in Taiwan. Methods: The bacterial communities were captured by a culture-dependent method from infected ant. We evaluate the biological properties and the possible impact of the predominant bacterial species on ant infection and examine bacterial growth in relation to the production of naphthoquinone derivatives. We further investigate the impact on ant infection by examining the bacterial species for biological properties related to host-killing, resource exploitation, and defense against possible invaders of the host cadaver.Result: We found a similar phenomenon in Dolichoderus thoracicus ants colonized by O. pseudolloydii. The predominant bacteria in these two ant cadavers were similar in the 16S rDNA barcoding sequences, and most of the strains were hemolytic and able to produce hydrolytic enzymes for digesting the ant tissue. Similar to that found in the O. unilateralis s. l.-infected ants, a relatively more intense lethal effect on the co-cultured nematode was displayed by a hemolytic strain. However, the naphthoquinone tolerance found in bacteria from O. unilateralis s. l.-infected ant cadavers was not detected in the bacteria of the ant infected by O. pseudolloydii. Moreover, the antagonistic effect against entomopathogenic fungi detected in the bacteria sympatric with O. pseudolloydii was not obvious against Aspergillus nomius, an ant pathogenic fungus infecting D. thoracicus. These two differences in the properties of the bacteria might be explained by the production of naphthoquinone, which has only been reported in O. unilateralis but not the other closely related fungi, and the bacteria from O. pseudolloydii-infected ants could be more adaptive to D. thoracicus ant cadavers.Conclusion: Through behavioral manipulation of the Ophiocordyceps fungi–ant parasitic associations, the bacterial diversity revealed in this study is a step forward in understanding the impact of microbial communities in parasitic life cycles.
Relationship of Depression, Impulsivity, Distress Intolerance and Coping Styles with Maladaptive Eating Patterns in Bariatric Candidates
Authors: Aki Şahinde Özlem Erden , AYTULUN Aslı , KARAKAYA Jale , IŞIKLI Sedat 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose
The study aimed to investigate the problematic eating patterns, and understand their relationship to some psychological constructs including stress intolerance, coping mechanisms and impulsivity; and psychiatric symptoms among a group of bariatric surgery candidates.
Methods
The bariatric candidates were evaluated by psychiatric interview and standard scales assessing maladaptive eating behaviors (Eating Attitudes Test (EAT), Bulimia Investigatory Test-Edinburgh (BITE), Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire(DEBQ)), depression (Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)), psychiatric symptoms (Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI)), and psychological constructs (Distress Intolerance Index (DSI), Coping Styles Scale (CSS), UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale(UPPS)).
Results
More than half (57.8%) of the sample had maladaptive eating behaviors, and 23.6% had binge eating behavior. Depression and anxiety were found to predict EAT, BITE and DEBQ emotional and external eating sub-scale scores; and distress intolerance, helpless coping style and impulsivity were also found to predict maladaptive eating behaviors in bariatric candidates.
Conclusion
Maladaptive eating patterns play an important role in failure to lose weight and regaining weight, and are found to be predicted by depression, anxiety and psychological constructs in this study. Evaluation of pathological trait characteristics besides discrete psychiatric syndromes should be recommended in the pre-operation process to plan relevant interventions in the long-term management of weight.
Role of hippocampal circKcnk9 in visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety comorbidity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Liu yuan , Chen Zhong , Lin Wei , Zhou Yifei , Liu Zihan , Zhao Ruixia , Chen Yu , Wu Bin , Chen Aiqin , Lin Chun 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional disease. However, its molecular and pathological mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, neonatal colorectal distension induced visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety comorbidity. The expression of hippocampal circKcnk9, a novel circRNA we termed, was increased significantly in IBS-like rats. Interesting, CA1 shcircKcnk9 treatment inhibited LTP and alleviated visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety in IBS-like rats while overexpression of CA1 circKcnk9 induced LTP, visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety in controls. Then, several experiments indicated that increased CA1 circKcnk9 acts as miR-124-3p sponge, which results in the inhibiting effect of miR-124-3p on gene silencing. There was a negative correlation between circKcnk9 and miR-124-3p. As expected, CA1 administration of agomiR-124-3p decreased CA1 LTP, visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety in IBS-like rats. In contrast, CA1 treatment with antagomiR-124-3p induced LTP, visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety in controls. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis and experimental data showed EZH2 is a target gene of circKcnk9/miR-124-3p and increased EZH2 expression is involved in visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety of IBS-like rats by enhancing hippocampal synaptic plasticity. In conclusion, early life stress induces increased expression of circKcnk9 in the CA1 of IBS-like rats. Increased circKcnk9 ensuing regulates the synaptic transmission and enhances LTP, leading to visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety comorbidity in IBS-like rats. The underlying signaling pathway of circKcnk9 is miR124-3p/EZH2. Increased circKcnk9 reinforces its sponge for miR124-3p, strongly suppresses miR124-3p activity, resulting in increased expression level of target gene EZH2. The study provides a new epigenetic mechanism of visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety comorbidity in IBS-like rats.
Effect of the CAPN1 316 and 4751, CAST 282 and 2959, and LEP E2FB and E2JW markers upon the carcass and meat characteristics in Brahman livestock
Authors: Rojas Luis Erensto López , Herrera Albeiro López , Zuluaga José Julian Echeverri 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Livestock meat production in Colombia is mostly based upon brahman breed specimens. Nonetheless, their meat has deficient-quality organoleptic characteristics since the alleles of the SNPs CAPN316, CAPN4751, CAST282, CAST2959, E2FB, and E2JW that favors them are found in very low amounts. In contrast, the most frequent alleles might contribute to their rusticity and adaptability to the lower tropic. This study assessed the effect of these markers upon the productive and meat quality characteristics in regards to the live weight, the sacrifice age, the weight and yielding of the hot carcass, the leg perimeter, the loin eye area, the ICTA carcass classification, the intramuscular fat, protein and moisture during the slaughter process, the pH, the water holding capacity, the Warner-Bratzler's shear force and the texture profile during the first, seventh and fourteenth day of maturation. Furthermore, the study wanted to identify whether these markers were associated with the muscle µ-calpain and calpastatin content. It was found that the CAPN4751, CAST282, and CAST2959 markers affect most of the productive and meat quality characteristics on brahman breed livestock that are raised and fattened under the lowland´s Colombian tropic conditions. Nevertheless, even though a significant amount of differences were found among the genotypes, these were of a low magnitude.
A review on enhanced nutrient removal in Constructed Wetlands: Insights into operating conditions and plant variation
Authors: Sharma Balram , Kamilya Tuhin , Jain Mahak , Gupta Ashok Kumar , Ghosal Partha Sarathi 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
In the last few decades, nutrient-rich wastewater has become a worldwide problem due to exponentially increased anthropogenic activities causing eutrophication or algal blooms in waters and affect the water bodies with their biological and chemical activities. Physico-chemical techniques have shown promising results, while operational cost, hefty sludge generation, and energy requirement are the major drawbacks. On the other hand, biological processes are cost-effective and efficient, although they are associated with design complexity and extensive monitoring. Among biological techniques, constructed wetland (CW) is an economical, efficient, and green technique for nutrient removal comprising of inherent mechanisms, such as microbial degradation, rhizofiltration, phytodegradation, sorption, etc. This major highlight of the present study is to apprise and critically analyze the ideal conditions and system insights to enhance the nutrient removal efficiency of CW. Macrophytes play a vital role in CW and its planting practices, namely monoculture and polyculture, also influence the removal efficiency of the CW. In the present study, an in-depth analysis reflected that polyculture exhibits better treatment for TN and TP compared to monoculture practices. The observed optimum conditions for nutrient removal in CW were polyculture in combination with higher temperature (23ºC-29ºC), artificial aeration, advanced substrate, and bioaugmentation. The review emphasized the process and design criticality of CWs in removing nutrients from various types of wastewater, which may be instrumental for water research and field applications.
Prenatal imaging and whole-exome sequencing identifies novel tetratricopeptide repeat domain 7A mutation in fetus with gastrointestinal atresia: a case report.
Authors: Barkat Kawthar 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
BackgroundTetratricopeptide repeat domain 7A (TTC7A, chromosome 2p21) is a highly-conserved structural motif essential for multiprotein scaffolding and cell survival. Fewer than 60 cases of TTC7A deficiency have been reported globally. It produces multisystemic disease phenotypes which are lethal in two-thirds of patients, with a median survival age of 12 months. It is predominantly detected postnatally, often rendering medical and surgical interventions futile. Case presentationWe report the antenatal sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of a novel phenotype of TTC7A-deficiency presenting with gastrointestinal atresia. This has never been previously documented. The diagnosis was confirmed via whole-exome next generation sequencing thus facilitating prompt initiation of management and prolonging viability. ConclusionsNovel insight into the prenatal morphological characteristics of TTC7A-deficiency phenotypes expands knowledge of this rare condition. Furthermore, antenatal recognition facilitates targeted investigation, genetic counselling, and earlier multidisciplinary intervention to prolong viability of this predominantly lethal condition.
The preparation of dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide modified titanium dioxide for the removal of uranium
Authors: Wang Jian , Ma Ran , Jiang Zheng 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Radioactive contamination, especially the pollution of uranium, is threatening the ecological environment. How to efficient and quickly remove the uranium from the environment is a problem to be solved. In this study, the dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide embellished titanium dioxide composite (DTAB/TiO2) was synthesized as an adsorbent to adsorb uranium from water. The DTAB/TiO2 composite was composed of nanoparticles and presented a spherical morphology of rough surface. The removal of U(VI) on DTAB/TiO2 was a monolayer adsorption process and the removal process was dependent on solution pH. The capture of U(VI) enhanced with the increase of temperature, indicating an endothermic process. According to the Langmuir model, the removal capacity of DTAB/TiO2 for U(VI) reached 108.4 mg/g. The surface oxygen-containing functional groups, especially hydroxyl groups, played a crucial role in the capture of U(VI). This work can provide useful information for the cleanup of uranium and expand the application of surfactants.
Lactobacillus fermentum HNU312 alleviated oxidative damage and behavioural abnormalities during brain development in early life induced by chronic lead exposure through multiple strategies
Authors: Zhang Jiachao , Zhang Zeng , Li Jiahe , Jiang Shuaiming , Xu Meng , Ma Teng , Sun Zhihong 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Lead exposure severely disrupts brain development and causes damage to the nervous system in early life. Probiotics and gut microbes have been highlighted for their key roles in mitigating lead toxicity. However, the underlying mechanisms by which they work have not been fully explored. Here, we designed a two-stage experiment using the probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum HNU312 (Lf312) to uncover how probiotics alleviate lead toxicity to the brain by activating the gut microbiome during early life. In the first phase, we explored the tolerance and adsorption of this strain to lead in vitro and observed the adsorption effect of this strain at the cellular level. In the second phase, the adsorption capacity of the strain was determined and confirmed in vivo. Then, we clarified how the gut microbiome was involved in mitigating oxidation and inflammation in the brain induced by lead exposure using shotgun metagenome sequencing. The results showed lead exposure-induced imbalance and dysfunction of the gut microbiome. In contrast, Lf312 intake significantly modulated the structure of the microbiome, increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing bacteria, and upregulated function-related metabolic pathways such as antioxidants. Notably, Lf312 enhanced the integrity of the blood-brain barrier by increasing the levels of SCFAs in the gut alleviated inflammation in the brain and ultimately improved anxiety-like and depression-like behaviours induced by lead exposure in mice. Subsequently, the effective mechanism was confirmed in vitro and in vivo, which highlighted that Lf312 worked through integrated strategies, including ionic adsorption and microbiota-gut-brain axis regulation.
Spatio-temporal evolution and influencing factors of habitat quality in Karst mountainous cities —— A case study of Guiyang City, China
Authors: Wang Zhijie , Liu Shujun , Su Yuan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The coupling of rapid urbanization and ecological remediation measures has significant influence on the habitat quality of fragile and fragmented Karst mountainous cities in recent years. This study aims to reveal the spatio-temporal changes of habitat quality and the influencing of landscape pattern on habitat quality in Karst mountainous cities. Taking Guiyang City, a typical Karst mountainous city of southwest, China, as the research object, the spatial-temporal dynamics and heterogeneity of habitat quality and influence of landscape pattern on habitat quality were explored using the InVEST model, Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis (ESDA) analysis, and hierarchical partitioning (HP), etc. We found that the habitat quality index of Guiyang City improved from 0.6643 to 0.6988 during 2000 ~ 2019, the distribution of habitat quality has significant spatio-temporal heterogeneity and spatial aggregation effect with the low values or the decreased areas concentrated in and around the built-up areas or urbanization expansion areas. Landscape composition had greater contribution than landscape configuration to habitat quality. The increase in natural habitat area had a positive effect on habitat quality. Moreover, each landscape configurations had a significant positive or negative correlation with the habitat quality. Therefore, implementing ecological protection and restoration measures in Karst mountainous cities might be an effective strategy to improve habitat quality in the process of rapid urbanization. Furthermore, optimizing habitat patterns, reducing the habitats loss, and protecting the natural habitat integrity is crucial to improve and maintain biodiversity in the study area.
Application of Skinless Gracilis Adipofascial Flap for Pelvic Floor Reconstruction after Pelvic Exenteration
Authors: Zhang Chen , Yang Xin , Bi Hongsen 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Pelvic exenteration is a radical surgery performed in selected patients with locally advanced or recurrent pelvic malignancy. It involves radical en bloc resection of the adjacent anatomical structures affected by tumor. The authors sought to evaluate the clinical application of skinless gracilis adipofascial flap for pelvic floor reconstruction after pelvic exenteration.
Methods
A total of 31 patients underwent pelvic floor reconstruction with gracilis adipofascial flap after pelvic exenteration in Peking University Third Hospital from 2014 to 2022 were enrolled in the study. Postoperative follow-up durations varied from 4 months to 12 months.
Results
The total incidence of postoperative complications associated with the flap was 25.81%, with an incidence of 6.45% in the donor site and 19.35% in the recipient site. All complications were early complications, including postoperative infection and flap necrosis. All patients recovered after treatments, including anti-infectives, dressing change, debridement, and local flap repair. Long-term follow-up showed good outcomes without flap-related complications.
Conclusions
Skinless gracilis adipofascial flap can be applied for pelvic floor reconstruction after pelvic exenteration. The flap is an ideal and reliable choice for pelvic floor reconstruction with few complications, high survival rate, sufficient volume, and mild effects on the function of the donor site.
Country-report pattern corrections of new cases allow accurate two-week predictions of Covid19 evolution with the Gompertz model
Authors: Villanueva I. , Conesa D. , Català M. , Cano C. López , Perramon A. , Molinuevo D. , Lopez-Codina D. , Alonso S. , Cardona P. J. , Montañola-Sales C. , Prats C. , Alvarez-Lacalle E. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Accurate short-term prediction of Covid19 cases with empirical models allow Health Officials to prepare for hospital contingencies in a two-three week window given the delay between case reporting and the admission of patients in a hospital. We investigate the ability of Gompertz-type empiric models to provide accurate prediction up to two and three weeks to give a large window of preparation in case of a surge in virus transmission. We investigate the stability of the prediction and its accuracy using bi-weekly predictions during the last trimester of 2020 and 2021. Using data from 2020, we show that understanding and correcting for the daily reporting structure of cases in the different countries is key to accomplish accurate predictions. Furthermore, we found that filtering out predictions that are highly unstable to changes in the parameters of the model, which are roughly 20%, reduces strongly the number of predictions that are way-off. The method is then tested for robustness with data from 2021. We found that, for this data, only 1-2% of the one-week predictions were off by more than 50%. This increased to 3% for two-week predictions, and only for three-week predictions it reached 10%.