Consistent Changes Research Articles

Морфометрические особенности сердца у детей 7–10 лет, проживающих на территории Архангельской области

The purpose of this paper was to determine the morphometric characteristics of the heart in 7–10-year-old children living in the Arkhangelsk Region in relation to their physical development parameters. Materials and methods. The research was performed in Vyzhletsov Arkhangelsk Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital. Using echocardiography, we studied the morphometric parameters of 990 children of both sexes aged between 7 and 10 years without cardiovascular pathologies and collected their anthropometric data. Results. With the relative stability of the processes of morphofunctional maturation at this stage of ontogenesis, both sexand age-related structural features of the heart were detected. The largest number of sex-related differences was found for children aged 8 years, and they were associated with greater values of cardiac parameters in boys compared to girls. Sеx-related differences in the width of the major vessels get levelled out by the age of 10. Parameters of physical development naturally increase with age, evenly over the years; sexual dimorphism is not pronounced. The total increase in anthropometric values from 7 to 10 years in boys and girls was: 12.67 % and 14.10 % for body length, 38.68 % and 40.66 % for body weight, and 24.21 % and 27.17 % for body surface area (BSA), respectively. The most consistent and unidirectional age-related changes concern BSA, which demonstrates a significant correlation with cardiac morphology, especially in late prepuberty. The greatest stability in reflecting the share of variation in echocardiogram parameters in all age and sex groups has BSA calculated by the Mosteller formula. The left heart in boys starts to enlarge from 8 to 10 years, while in girls, between 9 and 10 years. Factor analysis showed an increase in the contribution of physical development parameters to the dispersion of morphological characteristics of the heart with age.

Alterations of sleep deprivation on brain function: A coordinate-based resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging meta-analysis.

Sleep deprivation is a prevalent issue that impacts cognitive function. Although numerous neuroimaging studies have explored the neural correlates of sleep loss, inconsistencies persist in the reported results, necessitating an investigation into the consistent brain functional changes resulting from sleep loss. To establish the consistency of brain functional alterations associated with sleep deprivation through systematic searches of neuroimaging databases. Two meta-analytic methods, signed differential mapping (SDM) and activation likelihood estimation (ALE), were employed to analyze functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. A systematic search performed according to PRISMA guidelines was conducted across multiple databases through July 29, 2023. Studies that met specific inclu-sion criteria, focused on healthy subjects with acute sleep deprivation and reported whole-brain functional data in English were considered. A total of 21 studies were selected for SDM and ALE meta-analyses. Twenty-one studies, including 23 experiments and 498 subjects, were included. Compared to pre-sleep deprivation, post-sleep deprivation brain function was associated with increased gray matter in the right corpus callosum and decreased activity in the left medial frontal gyrus and left inferior parietal lobule. SDM revealed increased brain functional activity in the left striatum and right central posterior gyrus and decreased activity in the right cerebellar gyrus, left middle frontal gyrus, corpus callosum, and right cuneus. This meta-analysis consistently identified brain regions affected by sleep deprivation, notably the left medial frontal gyrus and corpus callosum, shedding light on the neuropathology of sleep deprivation and offering insights into its neurological impact.

<i>Aspergillus niger </i>АМ1 strain as causative agent for oil and petroleum products biodegradation

The biodegradation of oils by the strain Aspergillus niger AM1 VKM F-4815D was studied. Visual observation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that oil is subject to partial destruction, but cannot serve as the only source of carbon — the culture medium must contain glucose. An interesting fact is the change in consistency and hardening of oil under the influence of A. niger. This allows us to consider the possibility of using the strain for the bioremediation of soils and waters contaminated with oil. No less interesting is that, even earlier, the ability of the strain to metabolize a number of toxic phosphorus compounds, including even white and red phosphorus, was established. However, most organic solvents have a noticeable toxic effect, inhibiting growth in the presence of glucose and not becoming carbon sources in the absence of glucose.

A254 CANAGLIFLOZIN EXACERBATES CHEMICALLY INDUCED COLITIS WHEN COMBINED WITH A HIGH SUGAR DIET

Abstract Background Consumption of high-sugar diets exacerbates inflammation and hinders the healing process in animal models of acute colitis. Canagliflozin (CANA) is a sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor primarily used for the management of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. CANA has demonstrated the ability to suppress human T cell and macrophage effector function and to improve inflammation in rat colitis models. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that CANA would mitigate the deleterious effects of a high sugar diet in a DSS colitis model through its effects on immune effector cells. Aims The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a high sugar diet and CANA administration on colonic inflammation in an animal model of acute colitis. Methods Adult wild-type male and female 129/SvEv mice were placed on standard chow or a high-sugar diet (HSD) containing 50% sucrose (AIN76A) ± CANA (10mg/kg) gavaged daily (n=4-6 for each group). Following three days on the respective diet, mice received 1.8-2% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in their drinking water for 5 days, followed by water alone for 4 days. Disease Activity Index (DAI) was computed daily based on changes in animal weight, stool consistency, and blood in stool. Colonic tissues were evaluated for histological changes, weight-to-length ratio, and cytokine levels using the MesoScale discovery platform. Results Mice on the HSD had increased severity of colitis compared with chow fed mice as evidenced by enhanced DAI, increased weight loss, and increased levels of colonic TNFα (pampersand:003C0.02). Response to CANA treatment was both sex and diet dependent. Contrary to our hypothesis, CANA treatment increased severity of colitis in male mice on the HSD as evidenced by increased DAI and delayed healing with increased enterocyte injury and increased levels of lamina propria neutrophils and lymphocytes. CANA treatment did not exacerbate disease severity in females on the HSD but did delay healing as evidenced by increased lamina propria neutrophils and lymphocytes and worse enterocyte injury. These effects were not observed in mice that were fed standard chow diets with CANA. Conclusions A high-sugar diet significantly exacerbates chemically induced colitis and delays healing. This effect is intensified when combined with CANA, especially in male mice. These findings indicate that effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on colonic inflammation can be modulated by both dietary intake and sex. Funding Agencies CCC

Study of Electrical and Mechanical Properties of Polypyrrole-Coated Three-Dimensional Spacer Fabric

In this study, the liquid phase oxidative polymerization method was utilized to prepare polypyrrole conductive three-dimensional spacer fabrics. By controlling pyrrole solution, oxidant FeCl3 solution, dopant p-toluene sulfonic acid concentration and reaction time, the optimal process for the preparation of conductive spacer fabrics was obtained. This led to the best preparation process of polypyrrole-coated three-dimensional spacer conductive fabric (polypyrrole/three-dimensional spacer fabrics) being obtained. The results showed that the conductive properties of polypyrrole/three-dimensional spacer fabrics were the best when 0.10 mol/L pyrrole, 0.40 mol/L oxidant FeCl3 solution, and 0.40 mol/L dopant p-toluene sulfonic acid were prepared within a 2-h reaction time. The properties of polypyrrole/three-dimensional spacer fabrics were analyzed using the results from surface resistance, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, mechanical properties, and stability tests. The results showed that polypyrrole was well attached to the three-dimensional spacer fabric surface, and the concentration of polypyrrole in the fabric exhibited an inverse correlation with changes in surface resistance. The mechanical properties of polypyrrole/three-dimensional spacer fabrics after treatment exhibit superior performance, with consistent changes in the meridional and zonal electrical properties during tensile testing and can maintain excellent long-term electrical stability in atmospheric environments.

Comparing the gut microbiota of Sichuan golden monkeys across multiple captive and wild settings: roles of anthropogenic activities and host factors

BackgroundCaptivity and artificial food provision are common conservation strategies for the endangered golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana). Anthropogenic activities have been reported to impact the fitness of R. roxellana by altering their gut microbiota, a crucial indicator of animal health. Nevertheless, the degree of divergence in gut microbiota between different anthropogenically-disturbed (AD) R. roxellana and their counterparts in the wild has yet to be elucidated. Here, we conducted a comparative analysis of the gut microbiota across nine populations of R. roxellana spanning China, which included seven captive populations, one wild population, and another wild population subject to artificial food provision.ResultsBoth captivity and food provision significantly altered the gut microbiota. AD populations exhibited common variations, such as increased Bacteroidetes and decreased Firmicutes (e.g., Ruminococcus), Actinobacteria (e.g., Parvibacter), Verrucomicrobia (e.g., Akkermansia), and Tenericutes. Additionally, a reduced Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratiosuggested diminished capacity for complex carbohydrate degradation in captive individuals. The results of microbial functional prediction suggested that AD populations displayed heightened microbial genes linked to vitamin and amino acid metabolism, alongside decreased genes associated antibiotics biosynthesis (e.g., penicillin, cephalosporin, macrolides, and clavulanic acid) and secondary metabolite degradation (e.g., naphthalene and atrazine). These microbial alterations implied potential disparities in the health status between AD and wild individuals. AD populations exhibited varying degrees of microbial changes compared to the wild group, implying that the extent of these variations might serve as a metric for assessing the health status of AD populations. Furthermore, utilizing the individual information of captive individuals, we identified associations between variations in the gut microbiota of R. roxellana and host age, as well as pedigree. Older individuals exhibited higher microbial diversity, while a closer genetic relatedness reflected a more similar gut microbiota.ConclusionsOur aim was to assess how anthropogenic activities and host factors influence the gut microbiota of R. roxellana. Anthropogenic activities led to consistent changes in gut microbial diversity and function, while host age and genetic relatedness contributed to interindividual variations in the gut microbiota. These findings may contribute to the establishment of health assessment standards and the optimization of breeding conditions for captive R. roxellana populations.

Confectionery products stored in permafrost conditions

Industrial development of the Arctic territories is a crucial direction in the development of our country. Expanding the market for confectionery products requires increasing their safety in various climatic conditions, which is only possible by ensuring quality indicators that guarantee their specified shelf life. Studies of confectionery products stored in conditions of unregulated negative temperatures of permafrost, according to organoleptic, physico-chemical and microbiological quality indicators, have been conducted. “Iris Kiss-Kiss” candies, “Strawberry” cookies, homemade crackers, biscuits, and chocolate were stored at unregulated low temperatures. In cookies, crackers, and biscuits, a foreign odor and rancid taste caused by oxidation products of the fat fraction were detected. As for chocolate after storage, heavy bloom and significant changes in structure and consistency were revealed. The moisture content of the chocolate increased. Storage conditions at low temperatures and high humidity increase the risk of microorganism development and microbiological spoilage. The results obtained allow concluding that long-term storage of confectionery products is possible under unregulated low temperatures.

BEHAVIOR OF PHYSICAL AND DENSITY PROPERTIES OF SOFT SOIL STABILIZED WITH NICKEL SLAG

Soft soils have become a significant challenge in geotechnical engineering, due to their low bearing capacity and susceptibility to deformation. Chemical stabilization using nickel slag is an alternative solution and is considered more environmentally friendly. This article focuses on the utilization of nickel slag as a binder material aimed at behavior of physical and mechanical properties of soft soil stabilized with nickel slag soft soil. The nickel slag was carried out with variations of 3%, 6%, 9% and 12% by weight of soil. All the test using ASTM procedure in order to gain physical and mechanical value. The results of this study showed that plasticity index decrease with the increasing of slag nickel concentration, where it is an indication of a change in soil consistency, shifting from initially soft to now medium. Futher, the optimum dry density (d-opt) value of the original soil used was 1.09 gr/cm3, while the optimum dry density (d) values at 3%, 6%, 9% and 12% nickel slag addition were 1.12 gr/cm3; 1.15 gr/cm3; 1.19 gr/cm3 and 1.22 gr/cm3, respectively. These results show that the presence of nickel slag can increase influence the physical and density properties of soft soil, which indicates that nickel slag has the potential to be used as a stabilization material in soft soil.

Using near-infrared spectroscopy to predict nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations of herbarium specimens under different storage conditions

BackgroundHerbaria are becoming increasingly important as archives of biodiversity, and play a central role in taxonomic and biogeographic studies. There is also an ongoing interest in functional traits and the way they mediate interactions between a plant species and its environment. Herbarium specimens allow tracking trait values over time, and thus, capturing consequences of anthropogenic activities such as eutrophication. Here, we present an open, reproducible, non-destructive workflow to collect leaf trait data from herbarium specimens using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and a proof of concept for the reliability of this approach.ResultsWe carried out three experiments to test the suitability of non-destructive NIRS methods to predict leaf traits both for fresh and dried leaves: (1) With a fertilization experiment, we studied whether NIRS was able to capture changes in leaf N and leaf P during a fertilization experiment and we compared contents predicted by NIRS with results obtained from regular wet lab methods. Calibration models for leaf nitrogen and phosphorus contents had a quality of R2 = 0.7 and 0.5, respectively. We fitted calibration models for NIRS readings on fresh and dried leaf samples, both of which produced equally precise predictions compared to results from wet lab analyses. (2) We tested the effect of herbarium conservation on NIRS readings by simulating them through the application of six treatments combining freezing, drying and pesticide spraying in a factorial scheme and comparing these with untreated samples. No consistent changes were observed in the spectra quality before and after the simulated herbarium conditions. (3) Finally, we studied the effect of specimen storage duration using specimens from a 2018 study which were re-analyzed and compared with spectra obtained in 2021. No consistent changes in spectra were observed after the storage period.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate the reliability of NIRS to measure leaf N and P on herbarium samples. Together with the calibration method and dataset presented here, they provide a toolset allowing researchers to study the development of leaf traits and their response to environmental changes over decades and even centuries in a fast and non-destructive manner.

Effectiveness of a Multispecies Synbiotic on Functional Constipation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Changes in the intestinal microbial flora may contribute to the occurrence and intensification of functional constipation (FC). Probiotics have shown promise as a potential alternative treatment for constipation. Objectives: The main goal of this study is to assess the effects of an Iranian multispecies synbiotic supplement on FC. Methods: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) recruited 115 adult patients who met the Rome IV criteria for FC after fulfilling the inclusion criteria. They were randomly assigned to receive either psyllium (n = 57) or psyllium plus synbiotic (n = 58) daily for 4 weeks. The treatment response was evaluated based on changes in stool consistency (based on the Bristol scale), bloating severity, and constipation intensity (based on the Wexner Constipation Scoring System), and those with a partial to excellent response were considered treatment successes. Results: The two groups did not differ in terms of sex, age, and BMI. The downward trend of stool consistency, bloating, as well as, constipation intensity was significant after 2 weeks of synbiotic-containing intervention. Treatment success after 4 weeks was 75.44% in the synbiotic group, compared to 30.91% in the psyllium-alone group (P < 0.001), indicating the superior efficiency of the synbiotic. Neither treatment exhibited adverse effects (P = 0.924), although psyllium was found to be less tolerable than the synbiotic (P = 0.026). Conclusions: Multispecies synbiotic intake for 4 weeks may be a promising treatment option for FC, given its striking favorable effects on constipation severity, safety, and tolerability.

Long term methionine restriction: Influence on gut microbiome and metabolic characteristics.

The Methionine restriction (MR) diet has been shown to delay aging and extend lifespan in various model organisms. However, the long-term effects of MR diet on the gut microbiome composition remain unclear. To study this, male mice were started on MR and control diet regimens at 6 months and continued until 22 months of age. MR mice have reduced body weight, fat mass percentage, and bone mineral density while having increased lean mass percentage. MR mice also have increased insulin sensitivity along with increasing indirect calorimetry markers such as energy expenditure, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, and glucose oxidation. Fecal samples were collected at 1 week, 18 weeks, and 57 weeks after the diet onset for 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to study the gut microbiome composition. Alpha and beta diversity metrics detected changes occurring due to the timepoint variable, but no changes were detected due to the diet variable. The results from LEfSe analysis surprisingly showed that more bacterial taxa changes were linked to age rather than diet. Interestingly, we found that the long-term MR diet feeding induced smaller changes compared to short-term feeding. Specific taxa changes due to the diet were observed at the 1 or 18-week time points, including Ileibacterium, Odoribacter, Lachnoclostridium, Marinifilaceae, and Lactobacillaceae. Furthermore, there were consistent aging-associated changes across both groups, with an increase in Ileibacterium and Erysipelotrichaceae with age, while Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group, Ruminococcaceae, Peptococcaceae, and Peptococcus decreased with age.

T1-weighted MRI of targeting atherosclerotic plaque based on CD40 expression on engulfed USPIO’s cell surface

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of cholesterol within the arterial wall. Its progression can be monitored via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Particles of Iron Oxide (USPIO) (<5 nm) have been employed as T1 contrast agents for MRI applications. In this study, we synthesized USPIO with an average surface carboxylation of approximately 5.28 nm and a zeta potential of −47.8 mV. These particles were phagocytosed by mouse aortic endothelial cells (USPIO-MAECs) and endothelial progenitor cells (USPIO-EPCs), suggesting that they can be utilized as potential contrast agent and delivery vehicle for the early detection of atherosclerosis. However, the mechanism by which this contrast agent is delivered to the plaque remains undetermined. Our results demonstrated that with increasing USPIO concentration during 10–100 μg ml−1, consistent change appeared in signal enhancement on T1-weighted MRI. Similarly, T1-weighted MRI of MAECs and EPCs treated with these concentrations exhibited a regular change in signal enhancement. Prussian blue staining of USPIO revealed substantial absorption into MAECs and EPCs after treatment with 50 μg ml−1 USPIO for 24 h. The iron content in USPIO-EPCs was much higher (5 pg Fe/cell) than in USPIO-MAECs (0.8 pg Fe/cell). In order to substantiate our hypothesis that CD40 protein on the cell surface facilitates migration towards inflammatory cells, we utilized AuNPs-PEI (gold nanoparticles-polyethylenimine) carrying siRNACD40 to knockout CD40 expression in MAECs. It has been documented that gold nanoparticle-oligonucleotide complexes could be employed as intracellular gene regulation agents for the control of protein level in cells. Our results confirmed that macrophages are more likely to bind to MAECs treated with AuNPs-PEI-siRNANC (control) for 72 h than to MAECs treated with AuNPs-PEI-siRNACD40 (reduced CD40 expression), thus confirming CD40 targeting at the cellular level. When USPIO-MAECs and MAECs (control) were delivered to mice (high-fat-fed) via tail vein injection respectively, we observed a higher iron accumulation in plaques on blood vessels in high-fat-fed mice treated with USPIO-MAECs. We also demonstrated that USPIO-EPCs, when delivered to high-fat-fed mice via tail vein injection, could indeed label plaques by generating higher T1-weighted MRI signals 72 h post injection compared to controls (PBS, USPIO and EPCs alone). In conclusion, we synthesized a USPIO suitable for T1-weighted MRI. Our results have confirmed separately at the cellular and tissue and in vivo level, that USPIO-MAECs or USPIO-EPCs are more accessible to atherosclerotic plaques in a mouse model. Furthermore, the high expression of CD40 on the cell surface is a key factor for targeting and USPIO-EPCs may have potential therapeutic effects.

Levetiracetam modulates brain metabolic networks and transcriptomic signatures in the 5XFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Subcritical epileptiform activity is associated with impaired cognitive function and is commonly seen in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The anti-convulsant, levetiracetam (LEV), is currently being evaluated in clinical trials for its ability to reduce epileptiform activity and improve cognitive function in AD. The purpose of the current study was to apply pharmacokinetics (PK), network analysis of medical imaging, gene transcriptomics, and PK/PD modeling to a cohort of amyloidogenic mice to establish how LEV restores or drives alterations in the brain networks of mice in a dose-dependent basis using the rigorous preclinical pipeline of the MODEL-AD Preclinical Testing Core. Chronic LEV was administered to 5XFAD mice of both sexes for 3 months based on allometrically scaled clinical dose levels from PK models. Data collection and analysis consisted of a multi-modal approach utilizing 18F-FDG PET/MRI imaging and analysis, transcriptomic analyses, and PK/PD modeling. Pharmacokinetics of LEV showed a sex and dose dependence in Cmax, CL/F, and AUC0-∞, with simulations used to estimate dose regimens. Chronic dosing at 10, 30, and 56 mg/kg, showed 18F-FDG specific regional differences in brain uptake, and in whole brain covariance measures such as clustering coefficient, degree, network density, and connection strength (i.e., positive and negative). In addition, transcriptomic analysis via nanoString showed dose-dependent changes in gene expression in pathways consistent 18F-FDG uptake and network changes, and PK/PD modeling showed a concentration dependence for key genes, but not for network covariance modeling. This study represents the first report detailing the relationships of metabolic covariance and transcriptomic network changes resulting from LEV administration in 5XFAD mice. Overall, our results highlight non-linear kinetics based on dose and sex, where gene expression analysis demonstrated LEV dose- and concentration-dependent changes, along with cerebral metabolism, and/or cerebral homeostatic mechanisms relevant to human AD, which aligned closely with network covariance analysis of 18F-FDG images. Collectively, this study show cases the value of a multimodal connectomic, transcriptomic, and pharmacokinetic approach to further investigate dose dependent relationships in preclinical studies, with translational value toward informing clinical study design.

Consistent effects of independent domestication events on the plant microbiota

The effect of plant domestication on plant-microbe interactions remains difficult to prove. In this study, we provide evidence of a domestication effect on the composition and abundance of the plant microbiota. We focused on the genus Phaseolus, which underwent four independent domestication events within two species (P.vulgaris and P.lunatus), providing multiple replicates of a process spanning thousands of years.We targeted Phaseolus seeds to identify a link between domesticated traits and bacterial community composition as Phaseolus seeds have been subject to large and consistent phenotypic changes during these independent domestication events. The seed bacterial communities of representative plant accessions from subpopulations descended from each domestication event were analyzed under controlled and field conditions. The results showed that independent domestication events led to similar seed bacterial community signatures in independently domesticated plant populations, which could be partially explained by selection for common domesticated plant phenotypes. Our results therefore provide evidence of a consistent effect of plant domestication on seed microbial community composition and abundance and offer avenues for applying knowledge of the impact of plant domestication on the plant microbiota to improve microbial applications in agriculture.

Metabolic Imaging Biomarkers of Response to Signaling Inhibition Therapy in Melanoma.

Dabrafenib therapy for metastatic melanoma focuses on blocking growth-promoting signals produced by a hyperactive BRAF protein. We report the metabolic differences of four human melanoma cell lines with diverse responses to dabrafenib therapy (30 mg/kg; oral): WM3918 < WM9838BR < WM983B < DB-1. Our goal was to determine if metabolic changes produced by the altered signaling pathway due to BRAF mutations differ in the melanoma models and whether these differences correlate with response to treatment. We assessed metabolic changes in isolated cells using high-resolution proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) and supplementary biochemical assays. We also noninvasively studied mouse xenografts using proton and phosphorus (1H/31P) MRS. We found consistent changes in lactate and alanine, either in isolated cells or mouse xenografts, correlating with their relative dabrafenib responsiveness. In xenografts, we also observed that a more significant response to dabrafenib correlated with higher bioenergetics (i.e., increased βNTP/Pi). Notably, our noninvasive assessment of the metabolic status of the human melanoma xenografts by 1H/31P MRS demonstrated early metabolite changes preceding therapy response (i.e., tumor shrinkage). Therefore, this noninvasive methodology could be translated to assess in vivo predictive metabolic biomarkers of response in melanoma patients under dabrafenib and probably other signaling inhibition therapies.

A multiproxy reconstruction of Asian winter monsoon variability since the last glacial from southeast offshore Hainan Island, South China Sea

The evolution of East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) in tropical oceans has been a key issue in the climatic coupling between high- and low-latitudes. This study aims to investigate the EAWM variability using multiproxy of sediment core XB19S40 in the southeast offshore of Hainan Island, South China Sea. Alkenone derived sea surface temperature (SST), sediment grain size, and elemental ratios show consistent changes over the last 20.7 ka. There were synchronous abrupt changes in the SST, Zr/Rb, K/Ti, and End-members (EMs) during the Bølling-Allerød warming period, Younger Dryas and 8.2 ka cooling events. The Zr/Rb and EM2 (18.7–84.6 μm, 40.1 μm) changes reflect the EAWM and are highly coincident with records in high latitudes. These changes suggest that the EAWM gradually weakened from the last glacial maximum to early Holocene, experienced minor strengthening in the late Holocene but has diminished since 1 ka. In contrast, the indicators K/Ti and EM1 (0.2–18.7 μm, 9.9 μm) suggest that the East Asian summer monsoon is in the opposite phase. Spectral analysis demonstrates that the intensity of East Asian monsoons in the SCS were mainly affected by solar activity on a centennial-scale. The results of this study provide new insight into the complexity of the EAWM system and emphasize the importance of understanding multiple components of the climate system.

Lanthanide metal organic frameworks as fluorescence sensors for temperature and antibiotics differentiation

Dual-emission ratiometric fluorescent sensors based on lanthanide metal-organic frameworks with excellent luminescent properties have become a class of emerging materials in luminescence. Herein, one three-dimensional lanthanide metal-organic framework [Eu2(NDC)3H2O] (CUST-619) (NDC: 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid) was successfully synthesized. Based on the excellent stability of CUST-619 in water environment, the fluorescent sensing and distinguishing for commonly used antibiotics in water is performed, in which tetracycline quenched the double fluorescence emission peaks of CUST-619, while tetracycline hydrochloride only causes the Eu emission peak in CUST-619 to quench. Subsequently, powder MOF crystals are physically mixed with the polymer polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) to prepare mixed matrix membranes (CUST-619@PVDF). CUST-619 and CUST-619@PVDF exhibits temperature sensing performance with consistent color changes under UV light and in CIE coordinates. This work provides a general approach to synthesize lanthanide metal-organic frameworks based materials for fluorescence sensing technology.

Structure-dynamics correlations in composite PF127-PEG-based hydrogels; cohesive/hydrophobic interactions determine phase and rheology and identify the role of micelle concentration in controlling 3D extrusion printability

A library of composite polymer networks (CPNs) were formed by combining Pluronic F127, as the primary gelator, with a range of di-acrylate functionalised PEG polymers, which tune the rheological properties and provide UV crosslinkability. A coarse-grained sol–gel room temperature phase diagram was constructed for the CPN library, which identifies PEG-dependent disruption of micelles as leading to liquefication. Small angle X-ray scattering and rheological measurements provide detailed insight into; (i) micelle-micelle ordering; (ii) micelle-micelle disruption, and; (iii) acrylate-micelle disruption; with contributions that depend on composition, including weak PEG chain length and end group effects. The influence of composition on 3D extrusion printability through modulation of the cohesive/hydrophobic interactions was assessed. It was found that only micelle content provides consistent changes in printing fidelity, controlled largely by printing conditions (pressure and feed rate). Finally, the hydrogels were shown to be UV photo-crosslinkable, which further improves fidelity and structural integrity, and usefully reduces the mesh size. Our results provide a guide for design of 3D-printable CPN inks for future biomedical applications.

Therapeutic efficacy of sulforaphane in autism spectrum disorders and its association with gut microbiota: animal model and human longitudinal studies.

Sulforaphane (SFN) has been found to alleviate complications linked with several diseases by regulating gut microbiota (GM), while the effect of GM on SFN for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has not been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the effects of SFN on childhood ASD and GM through animal model and human studies. We evaluated the therapeutic effects of SFN on maternal immune activation (MIA) induced ASD-like rat model and pediatric autism patients using three-chamber social test and OSU Autism Rating Scale-DSM-IV (OARS-4), respectively, with parallel GM analysis using 16SrRNA sequencing. SFN significantly improved the sniffing times of ASD-like rats in the three-chamber test. For human participants, the average verbal or non-verbal communication (OSU-CO) scores of SFN group had changed significantly at the 12-wk endpoint. SFN was safe and no serious side effects after taking. GM changes were similar for both ASD-like rats and ASD patients, such as consistent changes in order Bacillales, family Staphylococcaceae and genus Staphylococcus. Although the gut microbiota composition was significantly altered in SFN-treated ASD-like rats, the alteration of GM was not evident in ASD patients after 12 weeks of SFN treatment. However, in the network analysis, we found 25 taxa correlated with rats' social behavior, 8 of which were associated with SFN treatment in ASD-like rats, For ASD patients, we found 35 GM abundance alterations correlated with improvements in ASD symptoms after SFN treatment. Moreover, family Pasteurellaceae and genus Haemophilus were found to be associated with SFN administration in the network analyses in both ASD-like rats and ASD patients. These findings suggest that SFN could provide a novel avenue for preventing and treating ASD, and its therapeutic effects might be related to gut microbiota.

The Impact of Fiber Source on Digestive Function, Fecal Microbiota, and Immune Response in Adult Dogs.

This study evaluated the impact of different fiber sources on intestinal function, fecal microbiota, and overall health in dogs. Twelve dogs were used in a crossover design, involving three periods of 6 weeks and three diets: a low-fiber diet (CTR), a cereal-fiber and beet-pulp-supplemented diet (BRA), and a fruit-fiber-supplemented diet (FRU). Each period included a digestibility trial and fecal and blood sampling in the last week. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and microbiota taxonomy (16S rRNA Illumina-MiSeq) and functionality (Shotgun-NovaSeq 6000) were determined in the feces. General biochemistry, complete blood cells, and lymphocyte subsets were also analyzed. The fiber-supplemented diets showed lower digestibility without significant changes in the fecal consistency. The BRA diet showed higher total SCFA concentrations (p = 0.056), with increases in alpha diversity and particular beneficial genera, such as Lachnospira, Bifidobacterium, and Faecalibacterium. The BRA microbiota was also associated with an overabundance of genes related to carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. The FRU diet had a distinct impact on the microbiota composition and functionality, leading to higher levels of CD8 lymphocytes. These findings emphasize the importance of selecting the right fiber source when formulating dog diets, as it can have a differential impact on gut microbiota and animal health.