Effects of Heating Treatment on the Physicochemical and Volatile Flavor Properties of Argentinian Shortfin Squid (Illex argentinus).

In this study, the effect of different heating temperatures (80, 90, 100, and 121 °C) on the physicochemical and volatile flavor properties of fried mantles (Argentinian shortfin) was investigated. The squid mantles were soaked in a maltose syrup solution (20% w/v) for 10 s and fried in soybean oil for 10 s (160 °C), vacuum-packed, and processed at different temperatures for 10 min. Then, the squid mantles were subjected to colorimetric analysis, sensory evaluation, free amino acid analysis, and texture profile analysis. In addition, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the squid mantles were analyzed. The results revealed that lower treating temperatures (80 and 90 °C) improved the chromatic and textural properties, along with organoleptic perception. Additionally, the content of amino acid in the squid mantles treated at 121 °C was significantly lower than that of the samples treated at other temperatures (p < 0.05). Headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) was used to detect 41 VOCs, including their monomers and dimers. Among these detected VOCs, the contents of alcohols, ketones, and pyrazines were positively correlated with temperature. However, the content of aldehydes in the squid mantles gradually decreased as the heating temperature increased (p < 0.05). The combined HS-GC-IMS and E-nose results revealed that the lower temperatures (80 and 90 °C) were more suitable for flavor development and practical processing. This study provides valuable information for properly controlling the heating process of squid products, as well as flavor and practical applications for the aquatic industry.

Comparison of physicochemical and volatile flavor properties of neon flying squid (Ommastrephes bartramii), jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas), and Argentine shortfin squid (Illex argentinus) during chilled storage.

The difference and similarities in the physicochemical and volatile flavor properties were determined in neon flying squid (OB), jumbo squid (DG), and Argentine squid (IA) mantles during 8 days of chilled storage. Physicochemical analysis indicated the chilled conditions induced rapid increases in pH value, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), and carbonyl and malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the three squid species. In addition, myofibrillar protein (MP) content decreased and springiness in the OB, DG, and IA mantle samples declined with the extension of storage time. Importantly, OB mantles presented less chemical stability than the other two squid samples during 8 days of chilled storage. In addition, histological observations suggest DG mantle tissues presented more compact structures than those of the other two samples. Volatile flavor analysis showed propionaldehyde, 3-pentanone, trimethylamine, 3-furanmethanol, 2-methyl butyric acid, and 2-butanone were highly abundant in the squid mantles after storage, likely resulting from decomposition, oxidation, and degradation of proteins and lipids in the squid mantle, which varied with different squid species. The findings provide insight into the performance of three squid species during chilled storage.

The safety and efficacy of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy and fenestration discectomy in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to explore the safety and efficacy of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) and fenestration discectomy (FD) in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The complete clinical data from 87 patients with LDH from our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into a control group (n = 39, treated with FD) and a research group (n = 48, treated with PTED) according to the prescribed treatments. The basic operation conditions were compared across the two groups. Surgical outcomes were assessed. The incidences of complications and the life quality of patients were evaluated 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: The patients in both groups completed the operation. The visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index score of patients in the research group was significantly lower while the Orthopaedic Association Score was significantly higher after surgery. The success rate of the operation in the research group which was significantly higher and the rate of complications was significantly lower. No statistical differences in the quality of life were observed between the patients (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PTED and FD are effective in the treatment of LDH. However, our study showed that PTED has a higher rate of treatment success, faster recovery times and is safer than FD.

OBJETIVO: Investigar la seguridad y la eficacia de la discectomía endoscópica percutánea (DEP) y de la discectomía fenestrada (DF) en el tratamiento de la hernia de disco lumbar. MÉTODO: Se analizaron retrospectivamente los datos clínicos completos de 87 pacientes con hernia de disco lumbar. De acuerdo con el tratamiento prescrito, los pacientes fueron divididos en grupo control (DF, n = 39) y grupo de estudio (DEP, n = 48). Se compararon las condiciones básicas de funcionamiento de los dos grupos y se evaluaron los resultados de la cirugía, la incidencia de complicaciones y la calidad de vida al año de la operación. RESULTADOS: Ambos grupos completaron la operación. En el grupo de estudio, las puntuaciones en la escala visual análoga y ODI disminuyeron significativamente, mientras que las puntuaciones JOA aumentaron significativamente. La tasa de éxito de la operación en el grupo de estudio fue significativamente mayor que en el grupo control, y la incidencia de complicaciones fue significativamente menor que en el grupo control. No hubo diferencia significativa en la calidad de vida entre los dos grupos (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONES: La tasa de éxito del tratamiento con DEP fue mayor, y el tiempo de recuperación fue más rápido y más seguro que con la DF.

Phenotypic, genomic, and transcriptomic changes in an Acinetobacter baumannii strain after spaceflight in China's Tiangong-2 space laboratory.

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen often found in patients with low immunity. It causes nosocomial infections, which are difficult to treat. This bacterium can rapidly mutate, developing resistance to antimicrobials and adapting to environmental stress, thereby increasing its survival. Understanding such adaptive mechanisms will be beneficial for controlling the spread of A. baumannii. Astrobiology studies have demonstrated that microbiomes from astronauts and manned spaceflight environments show resistance to stress and antibiotics. Astronauts also encounter low immunity during spaceflight missions. The extreme conditions of spaceflight provide a unique research platform for studying how opportunistic pathogens such as A. baumannii adapt to conditions such as microgravity and mutate during spaceflight. In this study, we compared phenotypic variations and analyzed genomic and transcriptomic variations in A. baumannii strains exposed to three different conditions: ST1 (64 days on Tiangong-2 space laboratory), GT1 (ground control), and Aba (original strain). Biofilm formation ability of the ST1 strain increased after 64 days of spaceflight. In addition, high-throughput sequencing revealed that some differentially expressed genes were upregulated in the ST1 strain compared to the GT1 strain. These results provide insights into the environmental adaptation of this widespread pathogen.

Effect of Alga Gelidium sp. Flour Extract on Lipid Damage Evolution in Heated Fish Muscle System.

This research aimed to evaluate the antioxidant properties of flour obtained from red alga Gelidium sp., which is underutilised nowadays in food applications. Thus, a model system consisting of minced mackerel (Scomber scombrus) muscle and aqueous flour extract was subjected to heating treatment (50 °C) for 11 days. Resulting levels on conjugated diene (CD) and triene (CT) contents, peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid index, and fluorescent compound and free fatty acid (FFA) formation were monitored at different heating times. As a result, the presence of the aqueous extract of the alga flour led to higher levels (p < 0.05) of primary lipid oxidation compounds (CD and CT assessment) and lipid hydrolysis (FFA content). Contrarily, alga flour addition led to lower (p < 0.05) fluorescent compound formation measured in the aqueous and organic fractions resulting from the lipid extraction of the fish muscle and in the supernatant medium corresponding to the heating reaction system. All effects were found to be more important (p < 0.05) with increased alga flour concentration and heating reacting time. According to the straight relationship between the interaction compound formation and nutritional and sensory values, this study opens the way to the quality enhancement of thermally treated seafood by the addition of flour extract from Gelidium sp.

Effect of exercise on insulin resistance in obese type 2 diabetes patients / Efeito do exercício sobre a resistência à insulina em pacientes obesos com diabetes tipo 2 / Efecto del ejercicio sobre la resistencia a la insulina en pacientes obesos con diabetes tipo 2

ABSTRACT Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), accounts for more than 90% of the total number of diabetes mellitus cases and often occurs in middle-aged and elderly people. Objective: To investigate the effect of exercise intervention on insulin resistance in obese type 2 diabetes patients. Methods: Eighty-six obese diabetic patients were screened as experimental subjects in physical examinations and randomly divided into observation and control groups. Visceral fat volume, fasting blood glucose, and fasting insulin of all subjects were measured before and after completion of the 6-month experimental implementation. The insulin resistance was calculated for both groups and the values for each indicator were compared statistically between groups. Results: Control of body weight, body mass index, blood glucose, blood lipids and insulin resistance index were better in the observation group than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Basal intervention with quantitative exercise can significantly improve insulin resistance in obese type 2 diabetes patients and the effect is better than treatment with diet and conventional exercise. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Introdução: O diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (T2DM), também conhecido como diabetes mellitus não insulino-dependente (NIDDM), é responsável por mais de 90% do total de casos de diabetes mellitus e, com frequência ocorre em pessoas de meia-idade e idosos. Objetivo: Investigar o efeito da intervenção com exercícios sobre a resistência à insulina em pacientes obesos com diabetes tipo 2. Métodos: Oitenta e seis pacientes diabéticos obesos foram selecionados como participantes experimentais em exames físicos e foram divididos randomicamente em grupos de observação e controle. Gordura visceral, glicose e insulina sanguíneas em jejum de todos os indivíduos foram medidas antes e depois do término do experimento de seis meses. A resistência à insulina foi calculada para ambos os grupos e os valores de cada indicador foram comparados estatisticamente entre os grupos. Resultados: O controle de peso, índice de massa corporal, glicose e lípides sanguíneos e o índice de resistência à insulina foram melhores no grupo observação do que no grupo controle, e a diferença foi estatisticamente significativa (P < 0,05). Conclusões: A intervenção basal com exercícios quantitativos pode melhorar significativamente a resistência à insulina em pacientes obesos com diabetes tipo 2 e seu efeito é melhor do que a dieta e a terapia com exercícios convencionais. Nível de Evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: La diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DMT2), también conocida como diabetes mellitus no insulinodependiente (DMNID), representa más del 90% de todos los casos de diabetes mellitus y suele afectar a personas de mediana edad y ancianos. Objetivo: Investigar el efecto de la intervención con ejercicios sobre la resistencia a la insulina en pacientes obesos con diabetes tipo 2. Métodos: Se seleccionaron 86 pacientes diabéticos obesos como participantes experimentales en exámenes físicos y se dividieron aleatoriamente en grupos de observación y control. Se midieron la grasa visceral, la glucosa y la insulina en ayunas de todos los individuos antes y después de finalizar el experimento de seis meses. Se calculó la resistencia a la insulina en ambos grupos y se compararon estadísticamente los valores de cada indicador entre los grupos. Resultados: El control del peso, el índice de masa corporal, la glucosa y los lípidos en la sangre y el índice de resistencia a la insulina fueron mejores en el grupo de observación que en el grupo de control, y la diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa (P < 0,05). Conclusiones: La intervención inicial con ejercicios cuantitativos puede mejorar significativamente la resistencia a la insulina en pacientes obesos con diabetes tipo 2 y su efecto es mejor que la dieta y la terapia con ejercicios convencionales. Nivel de Evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography vs Endoscopy Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography for Detection of Anatomic Variants of the Pancreatic Duct in Children.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) with endoscopy retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in children for the identification of pancreatic duct variants. STUDY DESIGN: We identified children with a pancreatic duct variant by ERCP and separately queried our MRCP database for similar variants. Patients with a paired ERCP-MRCP were reviewed. Three radiologists blinded to the ERCP and MRCP findings were asked to independently review the MRCP studies and define the pancreatic duct anatomy. These blinded reviewers also graded the magnetic resonance imaging examination quality. RESULTS: Seventy-four pairs of ERCP-MRCP examinations were identified. Pancreas divisum was the most frequent ductal variant encountered (73%). There was fair agreement between the radiology reviewers as to the quality of the magnetic resonance imaging studies (Fleiss Kappa agreement). Concordance of the reviewers with that of the ERCP was moderate for the exact diagnosis, moderate for the presence of pancreas divisum, and fair for agreement on the presence of any duct variant. Concordance among reviewers was moderate for the exact diagnosis, moderate for normal vs abnormal, and substantial for the presence of pancreas divisum. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic limitations exist when comparing MRCP with the gold reference standard of ERCP, specifically when assessing for pancreatic duct variants in children.

Trace Metal Residues in Marine Mussels: A Global Survey.

Pressures from anthropogenic activities are causing degradation of estuarine and coastal ecosystems around the world. Trace metals are key pollutants that are released and can partition in a range of environmental compartments, to be ultimately accumulated in exposed biota. The level of pressure varies with locations and the range and intensity of anthropogenic activities. The present study measured residues of trace metals in Mytilus mussel species collected from a range of locations around the world in areas experiencing a gradient of anthropogenic pressures that we classified as low, moderate, or high impact. The data showed no grouping/impact level when sampling sites in all countries were incorporated in the analysis, but there was significant clustering/impact level for most countries. Overall, high-impact areas were characterized by elevated concentrations of zinc, lead, nickel, and arsenic, whereas copper and silver were detected at higher concentrations in medium-impact areas. Finally, whereas most metals were found at lower concentrations in areas classified as low impact, cadmium was typically elevated in these areas. The present study provides a unique snapshot of worldwide levels of coastal metal contamination through the use of Mytilus species, a well-established marine biomonitoring tool. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:3434-3440. © 2021 SETAC.

Decreased biofilm formation in Proteus mirabilis after short-term exposure to a simulated microgravity environment.

BACKGROUND: Microbes threaten human health in space exploration. Studies have shown that Proteus mirabilis has been found in human space habitats. In addition, the biological characteristics of P. mirabilis in space have been studied unconditionally. The simulated microgravity environment provides a platform for understanding the changes in the biological characteristics of P. mirabilis. OBJECTIVE: This study intends to explore the effect of simulated microgravity on P. mirabilis, the formation of P. mirabilis biofilm, and its related mechanism. METHODS: The strange deformable rods were cultured continuously for 14 days under microgravity simulated in high-aspect rotating vessels (HARVs). The morphology, growth rate, metabolism, and biofilm formation of the strain were measured, and the phenotypic changes of P. mirabilis were evaluated. Transcriptome sequencing was used to detect differentially expressed genes under simulated microgravity and compared with phenotype. RESULTS: The growth rate, metabolic ability, and biofilm forming ability of P. mirabilis were lower than those of normal gravity culture under the condition of simulated microgravity. Further analysis showed that the decrease of growth rate, metabolic ability, and biofilm forming ability may be caused by the downregulation of related genes (pstS, sodB, and fumC). CONCLUSION: The simulated microgravity condition enables us to explore the potential relationship between bacterial phenotype and molecular biology, thus opening up a suitable and constructive method for medical fields that have not been explored before. It provides a certain strategy for the treatment of P. mirabilis infectious diseases in space environment by exploring the microgravity of P. mirabilis.

Analysis of biolo artificial neural network in prediction of aerobic exercise index based on algorithm / Análise de rede neural artificial na predição do índice de exercício aeróbio baseada em algorítimo / Análisis de red neuronal artificial en la predicción del índice de ejercicio aeróbico

ABSTRACT Objective: To study the relationship between aerobic activity and cardiac autonomic nerve activity by artificial neural network algorithm and biological image fusion; because of the artificial neural network model (ANN) problems, biological image processing technology is introduced based on ANN. Methods: An Ann under biological image intelligence algorithm is proposed, a classifier suitable for electrocardiograph (ECG) screening is designed, and an ECG signal screening system is successfully established. Moreover, the data set of normal recovered ECG signals of the subjects during the experimental period is constructed, and a classifier is used to extract the characteristic data of a normal ECG signal during the experimental period. Results: The changes in resting heart rate and other physical health indicators are analyzed by combining resting physiological indicators, namely heart rate, body weight, body mass index and body fat rate. The results show that the self-designed classifier can efficiently process the ECG images, and long-term regular activities can improve the physical conditions of most people. Most subjects' body weight and body fat rate decrease with the extension of experiment time, and the resting heart rate decreases relatively. Conclusions: Certain indicators can be used to predict a person's dynamic physical health, which indicates that the experimental research of index prediction in this research has a good effect, which not only extends the application of artificial neural network but also lays a foundation for the research and implementation of ECG intelligent testing wearable devices. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Objetivo: Com o objetivo de estudar a relação entre atividade aeróbia e atividade nervosa autonômica cardíaca por algoritmo de rede neural artificial e fusão biológica de imagens, tendo em vista os problemas existentes no modelo de rede neural artificial (RNA), é introduzida a tecnologia de processamento biológico de imagens com base em ANN. Métodos: um algoritmo de inteligência biológica de imagem Ann é proposto, um classificador adequado para triagem eletrocardiográfica (ECG) é projetado e um sistema de triagem de sinal de ECG é estabelecido com sucesso. Além disso, o conjunto de dados de sinais de ECG normais recuperados dos sujeitos durante o período experimental é construído e um classificador é usado para extrair os dados característicos de um sinal de ECG normal durante o período experimental. Resultados: As alterações na frequência cardíaca em repouso e outros indicadores de saúde física são analisadas pela combinação de indicadores fisiológicos de repouso, a saber, frequência cardíaca, peso corporal, índice de massa corporal e índice de gordura corporal. Os resultados mostram que o classificador autodesenhado pode processar com eficiência as imagens de ECG, e as atividades regulares de longo prazo podem melhorar as condições físicas da maioria das pessoas. O peso corporal e a taxa de gordura corporal da maioria dos indivíduos diminuem com a extensão do tempo do experimento, e a freqüência cardíaca em repouso diminui relativamente. Conclusões: Certos indicadores podem ser usados para prever a saúde física dinâmica de uma pessoa, o que indica que a pesquisa experimental de predição de índice nesta pesquisa tem um bom efeito, que não apenas estende a aplicação da rede neural artificial, mas também estabelece uma base para a pesquisa e implementação de dispositivos vestíveis de teste inteligente de ECG. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos- investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Para estudiar la relación entre la actividad aeróbica y la actividad del nervio autónomo cardíaco mediante el algoritmo de red neuronal artificial y la fusión de imágenes biológicas, ante los problemas existentes en el modelo de red neuronal artificial (ANN), se introduce la tecnología de procesamiento de imágenes biológicas basada en ANA. Métodos: Se propone un algoritmo de inteligencia de imagen biológica de Ann, se diseña un clasificador adecuado para el cribado electrocardiógrafo (ECG) y se establece con éxito un sistema de cribado de señales de ECG. Además, se construye el conjunto de datos de las señales de ECG recuperadas normales de los sujetos durante el período experimental, y se utiliza un clasificador para extraer los datos característicos de una señal de ECG normal durante el período experimental. Resultados: Los cambios en la frecuencia cardíaca en reposo y otros indicadores de salud física se analizan combinando indicadores fisiológicos en reposo, a saber, frecuencia cardíaca, peso corporal, índice de masa corporal y tasa de grasa corporal. Los resultados muestran que el clasificador de diseño propio puede procesar de manera eficiente las imágenes de ECG, y las actividades regulares a largo plazo pueden mejorar las condiciones físicas de la mayoría de las personas. El peso corporal y la tasa de grasa corporal de la mayoría de los sujetos disminuyen con la extensión del tiempo del experimento, y la frecuencia cardíaca en reposo disminuye relativamente. Conclusiones: Ciertos indicadores pueden usarse para predecir la salud física dinámica de una persona, lo que indica que la investigación experimental de predicción de índices en esta investigación tiene un buen efecto, lo que no solo extiende la aplicación de la red neuronal artificial sino que también sienta las bases para la investigación. e implementación de dispositivos portátiles de prueba inteligente de ECG. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos- investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Latent Tuberculosis Infection and Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerosis in Peru and Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) has been linked to an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). We assessed whether latent TB infection (LTBI) is associated with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in 2 TB-prevalent areas. METHODS: We analyzed cross-sectional data from studies conducted in Lima, Peru, and Kampala, Uganda. Individuals ≥40 years old were included. We excluded persons with known history of ASCVD events or active TB. Participants underwent QuantiFERON-TB (QFT) testing to define LTBI and computed tomography angiography to examine coronary atherosclerosis. A Coronary Artery Disease-Reporting Data System (CAD-RADS) score ≥3 defined obstructive CAD (plaque causing ≥50% stenosis). RESULTS: 113 and 91 persons with and without LTBI, respectively, were included. There were no significant differences between LTBI and non-LTBI participants in terms of age (median [interquartile range]; 56 [51-62] vs 55 [49-64] years; P = .829), male sex (38% vs 42%; P = .519), or 10-year ASCVD risk scores (7.1 [3.2-11.7] vs 6.1 [2.8-1.8]; P = .533). CAD prevalence (any plaque) was similar between groups (29% vs 24%; P = .421). Obstructive CAD was present in 9% of LTBI and 3% of non-LTBI individuals (P = .095). LTBI was associated with obstructive CAD after adjusting for ASCVD risk score, HIV status, and study site (adjusted OR, 4.96; 95% CI, 1.05-23.44; P = .043). Quantitative QFT TB antigen minus Nil interferon-γ responses were associated with obstructive CAD (adjusted OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.03-1.41; P = .022). CONCLUSIONS: LTBI was independently associated with an increased likelihood of subclinical obstructive CAD. Our data indicate that LTBI is a nontraditional correlate of ASCVD risk.

α-Synuclein modulates tau spreading in mouse brains.

α-Synuclein (α-syn) and tau aggregates are the neuropathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), respectively, although both pathologies co-occur in patients with these diseases, suggesting possible crosstalk between them. To elucidate the interactions of pathological α-syn and tau, we sought to model these interactions. We show that increased accumulation of tau aggregates occur following simultaneous introduction of α-syn mousepreformed fibrils (mpffs) and AD lysate-derived tau seeds (AD-tau) both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, the absence of endogenous mouse α-syn in mice reduces the accumulation and spreading of tau, while the absence of tau did not affect the seeding or spreading capacity of α-syn. These in vivo results are consistent with our in vitro data wherein the presence of tau has no synergistic effects on α-syn. Our results point to the important role of α-syn as a modulator of tau pathology burden and spreading in the brains of AD, PDD, and DLB patients.

Distribution of Chinese traditional villages and influencing factors for regionalization / Distribuição das aldeias tradicionais chinesas e fatores de influência para a regionalização

Traditional Villages (TVs) are typical and representative of the agricultural civilization in millions of Chinese villages. The distribution of TVs shows spatial heterogeneity, based on the complexity and diversity of several influencing factors. In this study, 6,819 Chinese TVs were identified and the influencing factors that affect their distribution were screened in terms of three indicator groups: climatic, geographic, and humanity-related factors. Additionally, the K-means clustering algorithm clustered the TVs into different distribution regions. The quantitative relationships between the dominant influencing factors of different distribution regions were revealed to ensure a lucid understanding of the regional distribution of TVs. The results indicated that 1) climatic factors have the greatest impact on the spatial distribution of TVs, followed by geographic factors, particularly the elevation, and then by human factors, of which ethnic distribution played a relatively important role. 2) Twenty-one TV clustering distributions were obtained, which were classified into eight regions of TV distribution with different dominant influencing factors. Management and protective strategies were formulated based on the attribute analysis of influencing factors in each region. The obtained results delineated homogeneous TV distribution regions via the clustering method to achieve an accurate statistical analysis of the influencing factors. This study proposes a new perspective and reference for managing and protecting the diversity, continuity, and integrity of TVs across administrative regions.(AU)

As aldeias tradicionais (TVs) são típicas e representativas da civilização agrícola em milhões de comunidades chinesas. A distribuição das TVs mostra heterogeneidade espacial, baseada na complexidade e diversidade de diversos fatores influenciadores. Neste estudo, 6.819 TVs chinesas foram identificadas e os fatores que influenciam sua distribuição foram analisados em termos de três grupos de indicadores: fatores climáticos, geográficos e relacionados à humanidade. Além disso, o algoritmo de agrupamento K-means agrupou as TVs em diferentes regiões de distribuição. As relações quantitativas entre os fatores de influência dominantes de diferentes regiões de distribuição foram reveladas para garantir uma compreensão lúcida da distribuição regional de TVs. Os resultados indicam que 1) os fatores climáticos têm maior impacto na distribuição espacial das TVs, seguidos dos geográficos, em particular da elevação, e depois dos humanos, nos quais a distribuição étnica teve um papel relativamente importante; 2) foram obtidas as vinte e uma distribuições de agrupamento de TV, as quais foram classificadas em oito regiões de distribuição de TV com diferentes fatores de influência dominante. Estratégias de manejo e proteção foram formuladas com base na análise de atributos dos fatores influenciadores de cada região. Os resultados obtidos delinearam regiões homogêneas de distribuição de TV por meio do método de agrupamento para obter uma análise estatística precisa dos fatores de influência. Este estudo propõe uma nova perspectiva e referência para a gestão e proteção da diversidade, continuidade e integridade das TVs nas regiões administrativas.(AU)

Distribution of Chinese traditional villages and influencing factors for regionalization / Distribuição das aldeias tradicionais chinesas e fatores de influência para a regionalização

ABSTRACT: Traditional Villages (TVs) are typical and representative of the agricultural civilization in millions of Chinese villages. The distribution of TVs shows spatial heterogeneity, based on the complexity and diversity of several influencing factors. In this study, 6,819 Chinese TVs were identified and the influencing factors that affect their distribution were screened in terms of three indicator groups: climatic, geographic, and humanity-related factors. Additionally, the K-means clustering algorithm clustered the TVs into different distribution regions. The quantitative relationships between the dominant influencing factors of different distribution regions were revealed to ensure a lucid understanding of the regional distribution of TVs. The results indicated that 1) climatic factors have the greatest impact on the spatial distribution of TVs, followed by geographic factors, particularly the elevation, and then by human factors, of which ethnic distribution played a relatively important role. 2) Twenty-one TV clustering distributions were obtained, which were classified into eight regions of TV distribution with different dominant influencing factors. Management and protective strategies were formulated based on the attribute analysis of influencing factors in each region. The obtained results delineated homogeneous TV distribution regions via the clustering method to achieve an accurate statistical analysis of the influencing factors. This study proposes a new perspective and reference for managing and protecting the diversity, continuity, and integrity of TVs across administrative regions.

RESUMO: As aldeias tradicionais (TVs) são típicas e representativas da civilização agrícola em milhões de comunidades chinesas. A distribuição das TVs mostra heterogeneidade espacial, baseada na complexidade e diversidade de diversos fatores influenciadores. Neste estudo, 6.819 TVs chinesas foram identificadas e os fatores que influenciam sua distribuição foram analisados em termos de três grupos de indicadores: fatores climáticos, geográficos e relacionados à humanidade. Além disso, o algoritmo de agrupamento K-means agrupou as TVs em diferentes regiões de distribuição. As relações quantitativas entre os fatores de influência dominantes de diferentes regiões de distribuição foram reveladas para garantir uma compreensão lúcida da distribuição regional de TVs. Os resultados indicam que 1) os fatores climáticos têm maior impacto na distribuição espacial das TVs, seguidos dos geográficos, em particular da elevação, e depois dos humanos, nos quais a distribuição étnica teve um papel relativamente importante; 2) foram obtidas as vinte e uma distribuições de agrupamento de TV, as quais foram classificadas em oito regiões de distribuição de TV com diferentes fatores de influência dominante. Estratégias de manejo e proteção foram formuladas com base na análise de atributos dos fatores influenciadores de cada região. Os resultados obtidos delinearam regiões homogêneas de distribuição de TV por meio do método de agrupamento para obter uma análise estatística precisa dos fatores de influência. Este estudo propõe uma nova perspectiva e referência para a gestão e proteção da diversidade, continuidade e integridade das TVs nas regiões administrativas.

Morphological changes in the midface of Beagle dogs treated by trans-sutural distraction / Cambios morfológicos en la cara media de perros Beagle tratados por distracción trans-sutural

Trans-sutural distraction is a biological process that induces the formation of new bone and changes the position of bone by pulling on growing suture under the action of external forces. Currently, therapy to midfacial hypoplasia treated by trans-sutural distraction has been applied. In this study, Beagle dogs were selected as experimental animals, and a traction device designed by ourselves was applied to Beagle dogs to simulate the treatment process of trans-sutural distraction in human face, so as to provide a basis for the subsequent research on the related mechanism of trans-sutural distraction. The objective is that the animal model can provide the basis for the follow-up study of transsutural distraction. 45 month beagle dogs were randomly divided into two groups 3 in experiment group and 3 in control group. Implant nails were implanted as the bone marker in the bilateral zygomatic temporal suture, zygomandibular maxillary suture and palatine transverse suture in experimental group. The traction of the maxilla was carried out by the external cranial traction frame with canine fossa as bearing point, 800g force each side, elastic traction for 15 days. The control group only implanted the implant nail as the bone marker on both sides of the bone suture. The distance between two implant nails was measured by vernier calipers and X-ray examination, compared with preoperative and postoperative changes. X-ray and cephalometric measurements were used to measure change in the cranial basal angle. HE staining was used to observe the width of the bone seams, the morphology and structure of the cells and the tissue of the new bone under the phase contrast microscope. Then descriptive statistical analysis and t-test between two independent samples are carried out for the measurement data. The experimental group had a good retention of the beagle traction frame. In the experimental group, the maxillaries of dogs were protrudent in the process of traction gradually and the occlusal relationship changed to type II malocclusion. When the traction is 15 days, the coverage distance is about 8~9 mm. Before and after the traction, the distance between landmark points indicated that the spacing between the transverse palatine suture was the largest (experimental group: 5.52±0.19 mm control group 1.31±0.06 mm P<0.05), and zygomaticotemporal suture was the second (experimental group: 3.12±0.15 mm, control group 0.73±0.04 mm, P<0.05), and zygomaticomaxillary suture was less (experimental group: 2.60±0.34 mm, control group 0.53±0.05 mm, P<0.05). The cranial basal angle was no change before and after operation (controlgroup: 32.3±1.3°, experimental group: 33.2±1.1° P>0.05. Histology showed that the collagenous fibers in the suture of the control group were denser and the osteoblasts were visible on the edge of the suture, showing osteogenic activity. The experimental group significantly widened suture (experimental group: 1209.388±42.714 µm, control group 248.276±22.864 µm, P<0.05), the number of fibroblasts increased significantly with loose collagen fiber. The direction of cell and fiber arrangement were parallel to the traction force. There were many small blood vessels and marrow cavities, and the bone trabecula around the bone suture was thin (experimental group: 23.684±3.774 mm, control group: 86.810±9.219 mm, P < 0.05), showing active osteogenic activity. The growing beagle dog can be used to establish a suture traction animal model for experimental study. In the experiment, Kirschner wire was used to penetrate the bottom plane of the piriform hole of the maxilla (about the position of the canine fossa at the back) and the traction direction was basically the same as the growth direction, and the maxilla was basically parallel and moved forward.

La distracción trans-sutural es un proceso biológico que induce la formación de hueso nuevo y cambia la posición del éste al tirar de la sutura en crecimiento bajo la acción de fuerzas externas. Actualmente, se ha aplicado la terapia para la hipoplasia de la cara media tratada por distracción trans-sutural. En este estudio, fueron seleccionados perros Beagle como animales experimentales, y un dispositivo de tracción fue instalado a los perros para simular el proceso de tratamiento de la distracción trans-sutural en el rostro humano. El objetivo fue proporcionar una base para la investigación posterior sobre mecanismos relacionados con la distracción trans-sutural. El modelo animal puede proporcionar la base para este tipo de estudio de seguimiento de la distracción trans-sutural. Perros Beagle de 45 meses de edad se dividieron aleatoriamente en dos grupos: 3 en el grupo experimental y 3 en el grupo control. Los clavos de implante se usaron como marcadores óseos en la sutura temporal cigomática bilateral, la sutura maxilar cigomandibular y en la sutura transversal palatina en el grupo experimental. La tracción del maxilar se realizó mediante el marco de tracción craneal externo con fosa canina como punto de apoyo, 800 g de fuerza a cada lado, tracción elástica durante 15 días. En el grupo control solo se implantó el clavo del implante como marcador óseo en ambos lados de la sutura. La distancia entre dos clavos de implante se midió mediante calibradores de vernier y examen de rayos X, en comparación con los cambios preoperatorios y postoperatorios. Se utilizaron mediciones cefalométricas y de rayos X para medir el cambio en el ángulo basal craneal. La tinción con HE se usó para observar el ancho de las suturas óseas, la morfología y la estructura de las células y el tejido del hueso nuevo bajo el microscopio de contraste de fase. Luego se realizó un análisis estadístico descriptivo y una prueba t entre dos muestras independientes para los datos de medición. El grupo experimental tuvo una buena retención del cuadro de tracción del Beagle. En el grupo experimental, los maxilares de los perros sobresalieron gradualmente en el proceso de tracción y la relación oclusal cambió a maloclusión tipo II. Cuando la tracción era de 15 días, la distancia de cobertura fue de aproximadamente 8 ~ 9 mm. Antes y después de la tracción, la distancia entre los puntos de referencia indicaba que el espacio entre la sutura palatina transversal era más grande (grupo experimental: 5,52 ± 0,19 mm, grupo de control 1,31 ± 0,06 mm, P <0,05), y la sutura cigomáticotemporal fue la segunda. (Grupo experimental: 3,12 ± 0,15 mm, grupo control 0,73 ± 0,04 mm, P <0,05), y la sutura cigomaticomaxilar fue menor (grupo experimental, 2,60 ± 0,34 mm, grupo control 0,53 ± 0,05 mm, P <0,05). El ángulo basal craneal no cambió antes ni después de la operación (grupo control 32,3 ± 1,3, grupo experimental, 33,2 ± 1,1 ° , P> 0,05). La histología mostró que las fibras colágenas en la sutura del grupo control eran más densas y los osteoblastos se observaron en el margen de la sutura, mostrando actividad osteogénica. En el grupo experimental se amplió significativamente la sutura (1209,388 ± 42,714 µm, grupo control 248,276 ± 22,864 µm, P <0,05), el número de fibroblastos aumentó significativamente con fibras colágenas dispersas. La dirección de la disposición de la celda y las fibras era paralela a la fuerza de tracción. Se observó gran cantidad de vasos sanguíneos pequeños, cavidades medulares, y trabéculas óseas alrededor de la sutura ósea (grupo experimental: 23,684 ± 3,774 mm, grupo control: 86,810 ± 9,219 mm, P <0,05), que mostró actividad osteogénica activa. El perro Beagle en crecimiento se puede utilizar para estudios experimentales y así establecer un modelo animal de tracción de sutura. En el proceso, se usó alambre de Kirschner para penetrar en el plano inferior del foramen piriforme del maxilar (aproximadamente en la posición de la fosa canina en la parte posterior) y la dirección de tracción fue básicamente la misma que en el crecimiento.

Genome-wide characterization of the abscisic acid-, stress- and ripening-induced (ASR) gene family in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

BACKGROUND: Abscisic acid-, stress-, and ripening-induced (ASR) genes are a class of plant specific transcription factors (TFs), which play important roles in plant development, growth and abiotic stress responses. The wheat ASRs have not been described in genome-wide yet. METHODS: We predicted the transmembrane regions and subcellular localization using the TMHMM server, and Plant-mPLoc server and CELLO v2.5, respectively. Then the phylogeny tree was built by MEGA7. The exon-intron structures, conserved motifs and TFs binding sites were analyzed by GSDS, MEME program and PlantRegMap, respectively. RESULTS: In wheat, 33ASR genes were identified through a genome-wide survey and classified into six groups. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the TaASR proteins in the same group tightly clustered together, compared with those from other species. Duplication analysis indicated that the TaASR gene family has expanded mainly through tandem and segmental duplication events. Similar gene structures and conserved protein motifs of TaASRs in wheat were identified in the same groups. ASR genes contained various TF binding cites associated with the stress responses in the promoter region. Gene expression was generally associated with the expected group-specific expression pattern in five tissues, including grain, leaf, root, spike and stem, indicating the broad conservation of ASR genes function during wheat evolution. The qRT-PCR analysis revealed that several ASRs were up-regulated in response to NaCl and PEG stress. CONCLUSION: We identified ASR genes in wheat and found that gene duplication events are the main driving force for ASR gene evolution in wheat. The expression of wheat ASR genes was modulated in responses to multiple abiotic stresses, including drought/osmotic and salt stress. The results provided important information for further identifications of the functions of wheat ASR genes and candidate genes for high abiotic stress tolerant wheat breeding.

Characterization of antibiotic resistance and host-microbiome interactions in the human upper respiratory tract during influenza infection.

BACKGROUND: The abundance and diversity of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the human respiratory microbiome remain poorly characterized. In the context of influenza virus infection, interactions between the virus, the host, and resident bacteria with pathogenic potential are known to complicate and worsen disease, resulting in coinfection and increased morbidity and mortality of infected individuals. When pathogenic bacteria acquire antibiotic resistance, they are more difficult to treat and of global health concern. Characterization of ARG expression in the upper respiratory tract could help better understand the role antibiotic resistance plays in the pathogenesis of influenza-associated bacterial secondary infection. RESULTS: Thirty-seven individuals participating in the Household Influenza Transmission Study (HITS) in Managua, Nicaragua, were selected for this study. We performed metatranscriptomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing analyses on nasal and throat swab samples, and host transcriptome profiling on blood samples. Individuals clustered into two groups based on their microbial gene expression profiles, with several microbial pathways enriched with genes differentially expressed between groups. We also analyzed antibiotic resistance gene expression and determined that approximately 25% of the sequence reads that corresponded to antibiotic resistance genes mapped to Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Following construction of an integrated network of ARG expression with host gene co-expression, we identified several host key regulators involved in the host response to influenza virus and bacterial infections, and host gene pathways associated with specific antibiotic resistance genes. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates the host response to influenza infection could indirectly affect antibiotic resistance gene expression in the respiratory tract by impacting the microbial community structure and overall microbial gene expression. Interactions between the host systemic responses to influenza infection and antibiotic resistance gene expression highlight the importance of viral-bacterial co-infection in acute respiratory infections like influenza. Video abstract.

Genome-wide characterization of the abscisic acid-, stress- and ripening-induced (ASR) gene family in wheat (Triticum aestivum L)

BACKGROUND: Abscisic acid-, stress-, and ripening-induced (ASR) genes are a class of plant specific transcription factors (TFs), which play important roles in plant development, growth and abiotic stress responses. The wheat ASRs have not been described in genome-wide yet. METHODS: We predicted the transmembrane regions and subcellular localization using the TMHMM server, and Plant-mPLoc server and CELLO v2.5, respectively. Then the phylogeny tree was built by MEGA7. The exon-intron structures, conserved motifs and TFs binding sites were analyzed by GSDS, MEME program and PlantRegMap, respectively. RESULTS: In wheat, 33ASR genes were identified through a genome-wide survey and classified into six groups. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the TaASR proteins in the same group tightly clustered together, compared with those from other species. Duplication analysis indicated that the TaASR gene family has expanded mainly through tandem and segmental duplication events. Similar gene structures and conserved protein motifs of TaASRs in wheat were identified in the same groups. ASR genes contained various TF binding cites associated with the stress responses in the promoter region. Gene expression was generally associated with the expected group-specific expression pattern in five tissues, including grain, leaf, root, spike and stem, indicating the broad conservation of ASR genes function during wheat evolution. The qRT-PCR analysis revealed that several ASRs were up-regulated in response to NaCl and PEG stress. CONCLUSION: We identified ASR genes in wheat and found that gene duplication events are the main driving force for ASR gene evolution in wheat. The expression of wheat ASR genes was modulated in responses to multiple abiotic stresses, including drought/osmotic and salt stress. The results provided important information for further identifications of the functions of wheat ASR genes and candidate genes for high abiotic stress tolerant wheat breeding.