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A registration strategy to characterize DTI-observed changes in skeletal muscle architecture due to passive shortening
Skeletal muscle architecture is a key determinant of muscle function. Architectural properties such as fascicle length, pennation angle, and curvature can be characterized using Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), but acquiring these data during a contraction is not currently feasible. However, an image registration-based strategy may be able to convert muscle architectural properties observed at rest to their contracted state. As an initial step toward this long-term objective, the aim of this study was to determine if an image registration strategy could be used to convert the whole-muscle average architectural properties observed in the extended joint position to those of a flexed position, following passive rotation. DTI and high-resolution fat/water scans were acquired in the lower leg of seven healthy participants on a 3T MR system in + 20° and −10° ankle positions. The diffusion and anatomical images from the two positions were used to propagate DTI fiber-tracts from seed points along a mesh representation of the aponeurosis of fiber insertion. The −10° and + 20° anatomical images were registered and the displacement fields were used to transform the mesh and fiber-tracts from the + 20° to the −10° position. Student’s paired t -tests were used to compare the mean architectural parameters between the original and transformed fiber-tracts. The whole-muscle average fiber-tract length, pennation angle, curvature, and physiological cross-sectional areas estimates did not differ significantly. DTI fiber-tracts in plantarflexion can be transformed to dorsiflexion position without significantly affecting the average architectural characteristics of the fiber-tracts. In the future, a similar approach could be used to evaluate muscle architecture in a contracted state.
Study on the bonding behavior of concrete-filled aluminum alloy tube
Identification and validation of the common pathogenesis and hub biomarkers in Papillary thyroid carcinoma complicated by rheumatoid arthritis
Background Papillary thyroid carcinoma coexisting with rheumatoid arthritis is frequently observed in clinical patients, yet its pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. This investigation sought to further explore the molecular underpinnings of these two diseases. Methods Gene expression profiles for thyroid papillary carcinoma and rheumatoid arthritis patients were obtained from the Comprehensive Gene Expression Database (GEO). Following the discovery of shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between these two conditions, three separate analyses were conducted. These included functional annotation, the establishment of a protein‒protein interaction (PPI) network and module, and the identification of hub genes via coexpression analysis. The final step involved the validation of target genes via clinical specimens. Results This study analyzed datasets from four GEO databases and identified 64 common DEGs. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these genes are predominantly associated with pathways related to immunity and signal transduction. Protein‒protein interaction (PPI) network analysis revealed complex interactions among these differentially expressed genes and highlighted several genes that may play pivotal roles in shared pathological mechanisms, namely, CCR5, CD4, IL6, CXCL13, FOXM1, CXCL9, and CXCL10. Conclusion Our study highlights the shared pathogenesis between papillary thyroid cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Shared pathways and crucial genes could offer novel perspectives for subsequent investigations into the mechanisms of these diseases.
A quantitative analysis method based on network evolution for risk factors of safety production in chemical enterprises
Numerical simulation analysis of pile-soil interaction under earthquake action
Pile foundation is a commonly recognized form of foundation, and earthquakes are a common seismic damage phenomenon. Accidents resulting from reduction in pile bearing capacity due to earthquakes pose a great threat to people’s lives and safety. This article investigates the interaction between soil and piles under earthquake action. Utilizing the MIDAS GTS NX finite element software, the vertical bearing characteristics of piles under earthquake action are studied. Obtained acceleration of piles, pile settlement, pile axial force, pile top horizontal displacement, soil pore water pressure, and pore pressure ratio under different earthquake magnitudes. The research results indicate that as the depth increases, the acceleration at the pile top is significantly greater than that at the pile bottom, with an average increase of 20% in acceleration at three different earthquake magnitudes; Both the beginning of the pore pressure ratio growth and the ultimate reaching of its stable pore pressure ratio coincide with a rise in earthquake magnitude. Additionally, the axial force of the pile body also increases with the magnitude of the earthquake, and the maximum axial force of the pile body can increase by 40% at the same time. Simultaneously, the magnitude of the earthquake influences both the displacement of the pile body and the settling of the pile top. This article can provide reference for pile foundation design and engineering construction in liquefaction sites.
Identification of potential drug targets for pelvic organ prolapse using a proteome-wide Mendelian randomization approach
Tuberculosis screening, isoniazid preventive therapy coverage and factors associated with active TB diagnosis among people living with HIV at public health facilities of central Ethiopia
Introduction TB is the most frequent opportunistic infection and cause of death among People living with HIV/AIDS. Human immunodeficiency virus-positive individuals are routinely screened for tuberculosis as a means of monitoring efforts to mitigate the consequences of the disease on HIV-positive patients. TB status assessment identifies HIV-positive clients who show no evidence of active TB by symptom screening and would benefit from treatment with isoniazid for prevention of TB disease among HIV positives. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in public health facilities of West Shewa Zone from January to February 2019. Of the 28 Public health facilities providing HIV/AIDS care and support (HCT and ART services) 13 of them were selected by simple random sampling techniques. Finally, 815 study participants were recruited by systematics sampling techniques & proportional sample size allocation was applied depending on the HIV patient load in each health facility. After reviewing relevant literature, a structured questionnaire adapted from standardized WHO guidelines, prepared for monitoring & evaluation of TB/HIV activities was used to collect data via interviewer. Results Of the total, 769 (94.4%) PLHIV were screened for tuberculosis, among which 212 (27.6%) were found to be positive for active tuberculosis. Among 557 (72.4%) individuals eligible for IPT, only 300 (53.9%) were provided IPT; 257 (46.1%) eligible PLHIV were not provided IPT. Resident (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 5.6), those who didn’t attend school (AOR 4.0), primary school (grade 1-8) (AOR 3.2), and secondary school (grade 9-12) (AOR 4.2) were significantly associated with the likelihood of tuberculosis infection. Conclusion The present study findings demonstrated that tuberculosis screening for PLHIV at West Shewa Zone public health facilities was improved in comparison with reports from many African countries and other parts of Ethiopia. The IPT implementation rate fell short of both national and WHO guidelines, notwithstanding this improvement. In the study area, diagnostic methods for tuberculosis and existing preventive measures should be improved overall.
Dynamics of organic matter in algal blooms on the Greenland ice sheet
Abstract Surface melting supports the development of pigmented algal blooms on the Greenland Ice Sheet, decreasing albedo and further accelerating melting. The interplay between carbon-fixing algae and carbon-respiring heterotrophic microorganisms ultimately controls the amount and composition of organic matter (OM) and thus the ice and snow color. Yet, the dynamics of microbially-derived OM on the Greenland Ice Sheet remain unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we incubated in situ algae-dominated snow and ice samples under light and dark conditions and characterized the changes in dissolved and particulate OM (DOM and POM) with the help of ultrahigh-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. We show that glacier ice-algae habitats are dominated by highly unsaturated and aromatic compounds resistant to bio- and photo-degradation. In contrary, snow-algae habitats are enriched in bioavailable and more photosensitive unsaturated aliphatics and sulfur- and phosphorus-containing compounds. In both habitats, light exposure increased water-soluble DOM compounds derived from POM, which accounted for ~ 50–70% of the initial DOM composition. Of the initial DOM, 35–50% were heterotrophically degraded in the dark, while light alone photodegraded 6–16%. The significant accumulation of light-absorbing aromatics from POM and DOM at the end of the ice-algae experiments, underscore the greater impact of glacier ice-algae habitats on altering glacier color and accelerating melting.
Analysis of the fecal microbiome and metabolome in dairy cows with different body condition scores
Holstein Friesian is the most popular breed of dairy cows worldwide due to its exceptional milk production capabilities. In dairy cow management, the body condition score (BCS) is a useful tool, serving as a reliable indicator of a cow’s nutritional status and overall health. It is determined via a subjective visual and tactile assessment of fat cover and muscle mass. A low BCS is associated with decreased milk production and fertility. While genetic and nutritional factors have previously been associated with BCS, their effects are often moderate. In this study, we compared the fecal microbiome and the untargeted fecal metabolome of normal (BCS ≥ 3, n = 16) and thin (BCS < 3, n = 16) Holstein Friesian dairy cows. The 16S rRNA gene-based metagenomic analysis revealed that thin cows had significantly higher levels of Clostridiaceae, Erysipelotrichales, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Turicibacter, while normal cows had higher levels of Clostridiales_vadinBB60_group, UCG-010, Bacteroidaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Paludibacteraceae, Alistipes, and Bacteroides. The fecal metabolomic analysis showed that key signaling pathways, including the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways, were enriched in thin cows. In addition, a significant correlation was observed between differential microbial taxa and metabolites. Notably, Clostridiaceae and Erysipelotrichaceae species are linked to inflammation, infectious diseases, and conditions such as ruminal acidosis. Additionally, the mTOR, PI3K-Akt, and AMPK pathways are known to be activated by both nutrient deficiencies and inflammation. We propose that, in addition to genetic and nutritional factors, gut microbiome dysbiosis may contribute to subclinical health conditions, such as chronic inflammation and acidosis, which indirectly affect the cow’s BCS. These findings are guiding our ongoing research on the underlying health conditions in thin cows to better understand the role that the gut microbiome plays in the regulation of the body condition.
Enhancing SLAM algorithm with Top-K optimization and semantic descriptors
Morbillivirus and coronavirus survey in stranded cetaceans, Brazil
Since 2010, Guiana dolphin morbillivirus (GDMV; family Paramyxoviridae, genus Morbillivirus, species Morbillivirus ceti, syn. Cetacean morbillivirus) is recognized as the cause of death of multiple cetacean species along the Brazilian coast, including an unusual mortality event in Rio de Janeiro state. Coronaviruses of the genus Gammacoronavirus (family Coronaviridae) have been previously detected in cetaceans in the northern hemisphere. After the emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic and with the potential to affect several mammal species, there is an increased concern about the risk of infection in aquatic mammals. The goal of this study was to molecularly screen the presence of morbillivirus and coronavirus infections in cetaceans stranded in several regions of the Brazilian coast in order to determine their occurrence rates, pathogenicity, and range of potentially susceptible cetacean species. We molecularly tested tissue samples of 118 cetaceans, belonging to 20 species, found stranded in Brazil, between 2015 and 2022. Overall, 2.5% (3/118) of the analyzed cetaceans were positive for GDMV infection: a Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis), an Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis), and a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). None of the animals were positive for coronavirus. Our findings indicate that the morbillivirus sequence type identified in Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) of Australia and our GDMV sequences from Brazil belong to the same strain. The systematic monitoring of cetacean morbilliviruses is recommended to properly estimate the occurrence rate, pathogenicity and evolution of these viruses, which may help anticipate novel epizooties and reduce their impact on endangered cetacean populations.
Co-detection of various viruses in SARS-CoV-2 in children with respiratory infections
Lower termite (Coptotermes heimi) gut fibrolytic bacterial consortium: Isolation, phylogenetic characterization, fibre degradation potential and in vitro digestibility
Lower termites produce wide array of fibrolytic enzymes and serves as prospective microbial enzymes source for enhancing biodegradability of recalcitrant ligno-cellulosic fibrous feeds. The present study was aimed to isolate and characterize anaerobic fibrolytic bacteria from gut of termite Coptotermes heimi for screening promising isolates to improve fiber digestibility in ruminants. A total of 141 isolates were obtained from 97 termite gut samples, and 24 isolates (TM1 to TM24) were selected and characterized as fibrolytic. All isolates were obligatory anaerobes and catalase negative except, TM8, TM9, TM14 and TM22 which were facultative anaerobes and catalase positive. Overall fibrolytic enzyme activity was highest in isolate TM23, TM6 and TM22. Highest FPase activity was observed in isolate TM5 (12.05 U/ml) while, lowest in TM19 (6.41 U/ml). The phylogenetic analysis of the isolates depicted four major families, i.e., Clostridiales, Bacillales, Lactobacillales and Enterobacterales under phyla Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. The in vitro dry matter digestibility of the substrate was increased by 9.4 to 36.0% with the inoculation of isolated bacterial strains. Among the screened isolates, TM6 exhibited highest ability to improve the in vitro dry matter digestibility. The findings of the present study revealed that the fibrolytic bacteria isolated from - termite gut can be used for commercial enzyme production or in rumen biotechnological application for enhancing utilization of fibrous feed in ruminants.
Synthesis, characterizations and disinfection potency of gelatin based Gum Arabic antagonistic films
Abstract Water-borne infections are considered as one of the major risky concerns regarding the sanitary state of water bodies dedicated to drinking water supply. Therefore, the employment of environmentally benign materials in water/wastewater treatment is an indispensable aspect to solve the water crisis problem in an eco-friendly and economic manner. This study describes the synthesis, characterization, and disinfection potency of different formulas of gelatin-based Gum Arabic composites, for the first time. SEM, XRD, FTIR, ζ-potential, and swelling tests were used to assess their physicochemical properties, which revealed the enhanced compatibility and miscibility with increasing Gum Arabic concentration. The formula of GEL/50%GA showed more homogenously distributed pores as visualized by SEM with noticeable shifts in the characteristic FTIR-band and more negatively charged surface, reflecting the considerable stability as indicated by ζ-potential. Besides, it also had superior hydrophilic and swellability levels. Interestingly, the results of antimicrobial activity showed the susceptibility of broad-spectrum microbes against examined composites, especially with elevating the concentration of Gum Arabic incorporated in the composite. As a natural alternative disinfectant, the as-prepared composites (3 and 10% W/V) were evaluated in the disinfection of real wastewater samples. The results revealed that GEL/50%GA (10% W/V) exhibited a noticeable reduction in total plate count by 45.62 ± 1.48% and 37.48 ± 1.63% and in coliforms by 58.43 ± 2.07% and 40.88 ± 2.24% for municipal and industrial effluents, respectively. However, the microbial metabolic activity via MTT assay was diminished by more than 50% in both effluents; denoting the efficient inhibiting capability of GEL supplemented with GA films in restricting microbial viability even in unculturable microbes. Overall, the antagonistic activity of examined composites offers promising insights for recruitment in different disciplines such as anti-biofouling membranes, food coating, dietary supplements, wound healing, and drug delivery.
Analysis of cellular senescence-related genes in calcified aortic valve disease and the potential therapeutic role of β-Carotene
Objective Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a progressive, age-related degenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of calcium deposits in the aortic valve. We aim to screen key genes associated with cellular senescence (CS) in CAVD. Methods The GSE12644 and GSE51472 datasets from the GEO database was utilized in this study, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the “limma” R package. CS-related DEGs (CS-DEGs) were determined through the CellAge database. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed on CS-DEGs. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database. The cytoHubba plug-in in Cytoscape was used to identify hub genes. A noncoding-RNA-mRNA regulatory network was established. DSigDB database was used to to identify drugs potentially be useful for treating CAVD. Results A total of 16 CS-DEGs were identified. These genes were primarily associated with collagen metabolic process, collagen catabolic process and external side of plasma membrane. 10 hub genes were identified as regulators of cellular senescence in CAVD: LPAR1, PTPN6, CD28, ID1, MEIS2, FGFR3, KDR, MMP7, AR, HIF1A. The Noncoding RNA-mRNA regulatory network indicated that CS-DEGs may be regulated by noncoding RNAs. β-Carotene, a naturally occurring carotenoid with antioxidant properties, was identified potential therapeutic agents through interacting with MMP9, MEIS2, and CTSB. Conclusion This study provides insights into the key genes and pathways related to cellular senescence in CAVD (MMP9, MEIS2, and CTSB) and highlights the potential role of β-Carotene treatment of CAVD.
Association between serum uric acid levels and bone mineral density in Chinese and American: a cross-sectional study
Role of vitamins in the pathogenesis and treatment of restless leg syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis
We performed a meta-analysis to assess the role of vitamins in the possible pathogenesis and treatment of RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome). A systematic search of the PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science databases was conducted. Fifty-nine studies on the relationship between vitamins and RLS were included, as well as four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on vitamin treatment of RLS. Compared with non-RLS patients, serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower both in primary (P = 0.009) and secondary (P = 0.003) RLS patients, and appeared to be positively correlated with disease severity. Serum folate levels were lower in pregnant RLS patients than in pregnant non-RLS patients (P = 0.007), but this phenomenon was not seen in non-pregnant RLS patients (P = 0.65). Vitamin B12 (P = 0.59) and B1 (P = 0.362) deficiencies were not found in RLS patients. Oral vitamin B6 significantly improved primary RLS (P < 0.0001), while vitamin D did not (P = 0.05). Oral vitamin C (P < 0.00001), E (P < 0.0001), and vitamin C + E (P < 0.00001) all significantly improved hemodialysis-associated RLS with equal efficacy. Vitamin C is equivalent to 0.18 mg of pramipexole for the treatment of RLS (P = 0.81). In this meta-analysis, low vitamin D levels were found in patients with RLS, low folate levels were associated with RLS only in pregnant women, and vitamin C/E/B6 may improved symptoms in patients with RLS. These results suggest that vitamin deficiency or insufficiency may be related to the pathogenesis of RLS.
Osteoarthritis burden and inequality from 1990 to 2021: a systematic analysis for the global burden of disease Study 2021
Screening and identification of strains for high quality and antioxidant activity of Baijiu from strong-flavor Daqu and analysis of microbial synergistic effects
In this study, functional strains with strong fermentation characteristics were isolated from Strong-flavor Daqu and evaluated for their ability to enhance the quality and antioxidant activity of Baijiu. Bacillus velezensis (S1), Bacillus subtilis (S12), and Escherichia coli (S16) were identified as key strains. Fermentation experiments with different inoculation amounts and combinations revealed synergistic effects on Baijiu quality and antioxidant activity. Specifically, the total ester content in Baijiu fermented with 3% of S1, S12 and S16 were increased by 5.68%, 53.41% and 70.45% respectively, while the DPPH radical scavenging rate was increased by 52.01%, 17.63% and 35.52%, respectively, compared with the Baijiu fermented only with Daqu. Multi-strain combinations, particularly 4%-S16+2.5%-S1 and 3%-S16+4%-S12, exhibited notable antioxidant activity and ester content. Furthermore, the inoculation of 3% E. coli, 2% B. velezensis and 4% B. subtilis combination significantly increased total ester content (1.94 g/L) and antioxidant activity (38.09%) of Baijiu, in which S1 increased antioxidant activity of Baijiu while S12 increased total ester content. The results of GC-MS indicated that biofortified fermentation produced high levels of esters and guaiacol and its analogues, facilitated by synergistic interactions among indigenous microorganisms. This study is helpful to provide a new perspective and insight for improving Baijiu flavor and antioxidant activity.