Significant Differences In Activity Research Articles

SOC and TN fluctuations determine the variations in microbial enzymatic activities under diverse land use types in the Central Himalaya, India

Soil microbial enzymatic activities, often used as indicators of soil health and fertility, are vulnerable to changes in climate and anthropogenic activities. This study analyses the responses of specific soil enzymatic activities– dehydrogenase (DHA), acid phosphatase (APH), β-glucosidase (BG) and urease (URE)– in Nitosols/Luvisols of the subtropical zone of the Central Himalaya, India. We investigated how these enzymatic activities vary with different land uses: arable land (AL), kitchen garden (KG) and peach orchard (PO), across four villages– Niglat, Kainchidham, Majhera and Syalikhet. Considering associated management practices, we quantified cumulative average soil enzymatic activities for the rabi season (2017–2018). In general, catalytic activity of the selected enzymes was highest in Syalikhet and lowest in Majhera. However, for land use types, enzymatic activities were lower in AL and KG (75.56–90.17% and 39.41–61.72%, respectively) compared to PO values. MANOVA analysis evaluated significant spatial differences (P < 0.001) in enzymatic activities. Soil enzymatic mean values were highest in the surface layer (0–10 cm) and decreased gradually with increasing depth. Parameters such as soil moisture content (SMC) and pH, along with vegetation, management practices, and nutrients such as SOC, TN, K, AP, and N forms (NH4+–N and NO3––N) showed significant and strong correlations with all the soil enzyme activities (r = 0.40–0.97; P < 0.05). TN, SOC, K, SMC, pH, AP, NH4+- N, and clay content were key determining factors of soil enzymatic activities, explaining approximately 59% of the variation. These results suggest that using soil microbial enzymatic activities as soil quality indicators is a feasible approach to assess the impacts of vegetation, management practices, and soil profile depths in soils under different land use types/systems in selected impoverished villages of the fragile Central Himalaya, India.

Does dual‐tasking affect the ability to generate anticipatory postural adjustments in young adults?

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate how additional cognitive tasks (Stroop test and counting backwards task) influence young adults' ability to generate appropriate postural responses while standing on a continuously oscillating platform. Twenty young adults (25.95 ± 2.97 years) stood on a moving platform which was translated in the anterior–posterior direction at three different frequencies (0.10, 0.25 and 0.50 Hz) in three dual‐task conditions (counting backwards task, a Stroop task or no additional cognitive task). Postural muscle onset latencies and tonic activity levels of the leg muscles were measured through surface electromyography; the number of steps taken and cognitive errors made were recorded. Results showed no significant differences in muscle activity between dual and single‐tasking conditions nor between the two dual tasking conditions. Cognitive errors were made in the counting backwards task but not the Stroop task. A frequency effect was identified with participants showing greater tonic activity in rectus femoris (p = 0.012), gastrocnemius medialis (p = 0.016) and bicep femoris (p = 0.043) at 0.5 Hz, as well as earlier muscle activation in tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius medialis and bicep femoris (p &lt; 0.001) at 0.50 Hz. Transition and steady state muscle onset latencies were only significantly different for gastrocnemius medialis at 0.25 Hz (p = 0.001). Dual tasking did not seem to influence anticipatory postural adjustments in young adults; however, perturbation intensities did. The differences observed in the number of cognitive errors made could be indicative of the regional cortical activations and overlapping demand for resources interfering with balance control, though cortical activation was not recorded. Future research should include detailed cognitive behavior, including cortical activations and task reaction times to better understand the allocation of attentional resources during perturbed balance dual tasking.

Wildfires affect mesocarnivores habitat use and mammalian predator-prey relationships in a Mediterranean ecosystem

Effects of fires on carnivores are still poorly understood, particularly in the fire-prone Mediterranean basin. For instance, whether the effects are mainly mediated by prey abundance (Prey Abundance Hypothesis, PAH), prey catchability (Prey Catchability Hypothesis, PCH) or habitat suitability is unclear. Our objective was to investigate the role of fire, mammalian prey abundance, habitat suitability and their interactions in shaping the use of space and time of two carnivores, i.e., the red fox Vulpes vulpes and the stone marten Martes foina. The study area was Monte Pisano (Italy), where 12 km2 of surface burned in 2018. In early summer 2021 a stratified random sampling design was implemented, with fire and forest type as main strata. Fifty sites were selected, and two infrared cameras were placed at each site. Camera data were used to develop single-species occupancy models for the two predators, whereas time overlap between theme and their prey was evaluated through the Mardia-Watson-Wheeler test. Fox occupancy decreased with increasing herbaceous cover, but only when “mouse and voles” abundance was medium to high, regardless of habitat type. Fox also had significant differences in temporal activity between burnt and unburnt areas, not coupled by a similar pattern for its prey. In contrast, stone marten occupancy mainly depended on canopy cover. The fox could have adapted its hunting strategy to features of the environment and prey abundance, somehow supporting both PCH and PAH. In time, this species could optimize its activity in burnt and unburnt areas according to the brightness of the night. Differences in activity in “mice and voles” were interpreted as anti-predatory responses to the fox. Lastly, the stone marten did not pursue its prey in open areas. In conclusion, carnivores’ habitat use and mammalian predator-prey relationships were overall influenced by fire and post-fire successions.

FNIRS is capable of distinguishing laterality of lower body contractions.

The use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) for brain imaging during human movement continues to increase. This technology measures brain activity non-invasively using near-infrared light, is highly portable, and robust to motion artifact. However, the spatial resolution of fNIRS is lower than that of other imaging modalities. It is unclear whether fNIRS has sufficient spatial resolution to differentiate nearby areas of the cortex, such as the leg areas of the motor cortex. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine fNIRS' ability to discern laterality of lower body contractions. Activity in the primary motor cortex was recorded in forty participants (mean = 23.4years, SD = 4.5, female = 23, male = 17) while performing unilateral lower body contractions. Contractions were performed at 30% of maximal force against a handheld dynamometer. These contractions included knee extension, knee flexion, dorsiflexion, and plantar flexion of the left and right legs. fNIRS signals were recorded and stored for offline processing and analysis. Channels of fNIRS data were grouped into regions of interest, with five tolerance conditions ranging from strict to lenient. Four of five tolerance conditions resulted in significant differences in cortical activation between hemispheres. During right leg contractions, the left hemisphere was more active than the right hemisphere. Similarly, during left leg contractions, the right hemisphere was more active than the left hemisphere. These results suggest that fNIRS has sufficient spatial resolution to distinguish laterality of lower body contractions. This makes fNIRS an attractive technology in research and clinical applications in which laterality of brain activity is required during lower body activity.

Improvement of gait and balance function in chronic post-stroke patients induced by Lower Extremity – Constraint Induced Movement Therapy: a randomized controlled clinical trial

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the effects of Lower Extremity – Constraint Induced Movement Therapy on gait function and balance in chronic hemiparetic patients. Methods Randomized, controlled, single-blinded study. We recruited chronic post stroke patients and allocated them to Lower Extremity – Constraint Induced Movement Tharapy (LE-CIMT) or Control Group. The LE-CIMT group received this protocol 2.5 hour/day for 15 followed days, including: 1) intensive supervised training, 2) use of shaping as a strategy for motor training, and 3) application of a transfer package. The control group received conventional physiotherapy for 2.5 hours/day for 15 followed days. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, after the interventions, and after 6 months, through 6-minute walk test and Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test; 10-meter walk test, Timed Up and Go, 3-D gait analysis, and Lower Extremity – Motor Activity Log. Results LE-CIMT was superior on the Assistance and confidence subscale of Lower Extremity – Motor Activity Log, Mini-BESTest and 6-minute walk test. The effect size for all outcomes was small when comparing both groups. LE-CIMT showed clinically significant differences in daily activities, balance, and gait capacity, with no clinically significant difference for spatiotemporal parameters. Conclusion The LE-CIMT protocol had positive outcomes on balance, performance, and confidence perception.

Changes in the Activation Level of the Floor of the Mouth Muscles during Pressing and Swallowing Tasks According to the Degree of Tongue Pressure.

The suprahyoid muscles play an important role in protecting the airway by elevating both the hyoid bone and larynx superior-anteriorly during swallowing. However, providing systematic external resistance when performing exercises to improve suprahyoid muscle strength is practically difficult. This study attempted to confirm whether systematic resistance can be provided to the suprahyoid muscles using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI)-a representative tongue pressure measurement device. Thirty-one healthy adults participated in this study (20.6 ± 0.96 y, 19 females). The participants performed 16 exercise tasks using the IOPI three times each in random order (Anterior/posterior tongue × pressing/swallowing task × 40/60/80/100% maximum tongue pressure). Furthermore, the floor of the mouth (FOM) muscle activity during exercise was simultaneously measured using surface electromyography. During the pressing task, there were significant differences in FOM maximal muscle activity among the four exercise intensities for both the anterior and posterior oral tongue. For the swallowing task, a significant difference was found in FOM muscle activity among the four exercise intensities for the anterior tongue. For the posterior tongue, significant differences were identified among all conditions except for the comparison between 80% and 100% maximum tongue pressure. Significant correlations between the degree of tongue pressure and maximal FOM muscle activity were found in both the pressing and swallowing tasks at the anterior and posterior oral tongue. Overall, these results indicate that objective and systematic external resistance can be applied using the IOPI-a standard tongue pressure measurement device-during the program to improve suprahyoid muscle function.

Current status of graft choice in adults for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a frequently performed surgical procedure in the field of sports medicine, and graft selection is an essential aspect of ACL reconstruction (ACLR) that has been shown to optimize post-operative rehabilitation, facilitate return to full sporting function and reduce the risk of complications. However, there needs to be more agreement regarding optimal graft choice. The present study aims to identify the optimal graft choice in the adult population undergoing ACLR. The current systematic review explores the electronic database of online libraries of academic institutions from 2011 to 30 September 2022 and compared the clinical outcomes of autograft and allograft for ACLR, which provides an evidence-based approach for graft selection. The findings of our present study delineate that ACLR in adult populations with autograft is the most promising choice for ligament tear over allograft based on lower failure rate, reduced complications, and high cost-effectiveness. However, there was no significant difference in overall IKDC, pivot shift, Lachman test, and Tegner activity. This critical analysis recommends that for an adult population, ACLR with autograft can provide better clinical results than an allograft, but further studies carried out about other parameters affecting the long-term stability, quick return, and physical therapy adopted outside the supervision of the respective surgeon would be required.

Pushing the Efficiency of the Selective and Base‐Free Air‐Oxidation of HMF by Varying the Properties of Carbon‐Based Supports

AbstractThe selective oxidation of 5‐(Hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) to 2,5‐Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is highly attractive for the production of renewable monomers as substitute for fossil‐based monomers. To achieve a sustainable synthesis, we report on advances for a base‐free approach, reducing waste from the process, using air as oxidant and heterogeneous catalysts. Various Carbon‐based supports, which can be bio‐sourced and cost‐efficient, for Pt particles were investigated as they allow for an easy reuse and at the end‐of‐life Pt can be recycled to enable a closed cycle. Commercially available supports with varying properties, which might replace the base, were studied with Pt particles of similar size and loading. Significant differences in the catalytic activity were observed, which were correlated with the O‐functionalities and graphitization degree of the supports derived from Raman spectroscopy, temperature‐programmed desorption, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. An activated carbon (Norit ROX) rich in quinone/pyrone‐type groups and a carbon black‐based catalyst with graphene‐layers pushed the efficiency with enhanced FDCA‐yields enabling the complete substitution of the homogeneous base. This allows to circumvent the base in this process which together with high selectivity, air as oxidant, a reusable catalyst, and the use of bio‐based feedstock contributes to the sustainability of the production of renewable monomers.

Determination of Serum Arginase-1 Concentrations and Serum Arginase Activity for the Non-Invasive Diagnosis of Endometriosis.

Backgroud: Endometriosis remains a diagnostic challenge, both clinically and economically, affecting 6% to 15% of women of child-bearing potential. We have attempted to determine whether testing serum concentrations and activity of arginase isoenzymes could be useful for the non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis. Methods: This study involved 180 women (105 endometriosis subjects-study group B; 22 subjects with other benign gynaecological conditions-control group 1-K1, both undergoing surgery; and 53 healthy subjects without features of endometriosis-control group 2-K2). Results: Preoperative and postoperative arginase-1 (Arg-1) concentrations were significantly higher in patients, as compared with the control groups K1 (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0005, respectively) and K2 (both p < 0.0001). Similarly, arginase activity was significantly higher in patients than in the control group K1 before surgery and higher than in both control groups after surgery. No significant differences in either Arg-1 concentrations or arginase activity were noted between the operated control group K1 and the non-operated control group K2. A significant postoperative decrease in Arg-1 concentration was observed within both patient (p < 0.0001) and control group K1 (p = 0.0043). Diagnostic performance was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) method. The threshold for differentiation between endometriosis patients and healthy non-operated controls was 42.3 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 81%. For differentiation of patients and operated controls with benign gynaecological conditions, the threshold was 78.4 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 61% and specificity of 95%. Conclusions: We, therefore, conclude that Arg-1 serum concentrations and arginase activity could be considered potential biomarkers for endometriosis but require further studies on larger cohorts of patients.

Insecticidal Effects of Transgenic Maize Bt-Cry1Ab, Bt-Vip3Aa, and Bt-Cry1Ab+Vip3Aa against the Oriental Armyworm, Mythimna separata (Walker) in Southwest China.

The oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata (Walker), an important migratory pest of maize and wheat, is posing a severe threat to maize production in Asian countries. As source areas of spring-summer emigratory populations, the control of M. separata in southwestern China is of great significance for East Asian maize production. To assess the toxicity of Bt maize against the pest, bioassays of Bt-(Cry1Ab+Vip3Aa) maize (event DBN3601T), Bt-Cry1Ab maize (event DBN9936), and Bt-Vip3Aa maize (event DBN9501) were conducted in Yunnan province of southwest China. There were significant differences in insecticidal activity between the three Bt maize events, and DBN3601T presented the highest insecticidal role. The results also indicated that the insecticidal effect of various Bt maize tissues took an order in leaf > kernel > silk, which is highly consistent with the expression amounts of Bt insecticidal protein in leaf (69.69 ± 1.18 μg/g), kernel (11.69 ± 0.75 μg/g), and silk (7.32 ± 0.31 μg/g). In field trials, all larval population densities, plant damage rates, and leaf damage levels of DBN3601T maize were significantly lower than the conventional maize. This research indicated that the DBN3601T event had a high control efficiency against M. separata and could be deployed in southwest China for the management of M. separata.

Salt type, sugar addition, and system type in intensive RAS for Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) production

The use of a low-cost, homemade salt mixture in hybrid RAS may reduce operational costs for inland marine aquaculture producers. The addition of sugar in RAS may benefit shrimp growth by making suspended microbes richer in protein, which shrimp can then consume. Increased digestive enzyme activity has been noted in shrimp raised in systems with a substantial abundance of biofloc particles. However, there is still debate over whether clear-water RAS may be superior to particulate-rich systems. This study examined the effects of system type, low-cost salt, and sugar addition on the production, water quality, and digestive enzyme activity of L. vannamei. In the study, two levels of each experimental factor were used. The factors used were system type (clear water-CW vs hybrid-HY), salt type (Least Cost-L vs Commercial-C), and sugar (presence or absence of sugar addition: S vs. N). There was a total of eight treatments: HY-L-S, HY-L-N, HY-C-S, HY-C-N, CW-L-S, CW-L-N, CW-C-S, and CW-C-N, each of which had three randomly assigned, replicate, 1 m3 tanks. All tanks were stocked with 250 shrimp per m3 (3.1 g average weight), extra filtration was used in CW tanks, and sugar (sucrose) was added at a targeted C:N ratio of 14:1 in the sugar tanks. At the end of the experiment, the hepatopancreas was removed from shrimp for digestive enzyme analyses. Results from the experiment showed no significant differences in the average weight, total harvest, FCR, and growth rate between system types and salt types. However, the use of sugar resulted in significantly reduced mean individual weight of shrimp. Nitrate concentration was significantly lower and solids concentrations were higher in the tanks receiving sugar compared to those with no sugar addition. There were no significant differences in amylase activity between treatments, but trypsin activity was higher in the HY systems than the CW systems. The results of this study indicate that this particular low-cost salt mixture had no adverse effects on the water quality, production, or enzyme metrics tested. Biofloc particles seem to have enhanced trypsin activity in the HY system shrimp. Lastly, the addition of sugar had some substantial impacts on solids and nitrate concentrations, as well as negative effects on shrimp growth. Both independently and in combination, the factors examined in this project may have important implications for the management of intensive shrimp aquaculture operations.

Measuring functional hand use in children with unilateral cerebral palsy using accelerometry and machine learning.

To investigate wearable sensors for measuring functional hand use in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP). Dual wrist-worn accelerometry data were collected from three females and seven males with unilateral CP (mean age = 10 years 2 months [SD 3 years]) while performing hand tasks during video-recorded play sessions. Video observers labelled instances of functional and non-functional hand use. Machine learning was compared to the conventional activity count approach for identifying unilateral hand movements as functional or non-functional. Correlation and agreement analyses compared the functional usage metrics derived from each method. The best-performing machine learning approach had high precision and recall when trained on an individual basis (F1 = 0.896 [SD 0.043]). On an individual basis, the best-performing classifier showed a significant correlation (r = 0.990, p < 0.001) and strong agreement (bias = 0.57%, 95% confidence interval = -4.98 to 6.13) with video observations. When validated in a leave-one-subject-out scenario, performance decreased significantly (F1 = 0.584 [SD 0.076]). The activity count approach failed to detect significant differences in non-functional or functional hand activity and showed no significant correlation or agreement with the video observations. With further development, wearable accelerometry combined with machine learning may enable quantitative monitoring of everyday functional hand use in children with unilateral CP.

Dissociation Phenomenon of Erythrocyte Agglutination and Its Application to Assay of Functional Activity of the Complement System in Clinical Laboratory.

The objective of the study was to validate the dissociation phenomenon of erythrocyte agglutination which is based on erythrocyte fragments and to apply it in the functional activity assay of the complement system. The dissociation-agglutination effect of erythrocyte fragments was validated by detecting the number of free erythrocytes after the action of erythrocyte fragments on agglutinated erythrocytes. The number of free erythrocytes produced after hemolysis of agglutinated erythrocytes caused by complements and complement activators(CAs) was detected by auto hematology analyzer and the results were indicated by mean hemoglobin concentration of erythrocytes (MCHC). We optimized the test conditions and validated the inter-batch stability, explored the resolution of the assay method, and assayed for the total complement activity (AC) and the CAs activated complement activity (ACA) in serum from patients and healthy individual groups. Erythrocyte fragments have a dissociative effect on agglutinated erythrocytes. The auto hematology analyzer was able to detect AC and ACA, where AC showed an inverse correlation with MCHC, and ACA demonstrated a positive correlation with MCHC. The inter-batch CV of AC, ACA, and ACA/AC was found to be 5%, 9%, and 11.7%, respectively, with good stability. The study found that serum samples from acute phase reaction patients showed significant differences in ACA compared with healthy individuals, with a p value of 0.018; serum samples from patients with nephrotic syndrome showed significant differences in AC, ACA, and ACA/AC compared with healthy individuals, with p values of 0.014, 0.002, and 0.041, respectively. Erythrocyte fragments have dissociation-agglutination effect. The complement system immunological functional detection method, based on this effect, has potential clinical application value due to its sensitivity and accuracy.

Altered resting-state brain function in endurance athletes.

Previous research has confirmed significant differences in regional brain activity and functional connectivity between endurance athletes and non-athletes. However, no studies have investigated the differences in topological efficiency of the brain functional network between endurance athletes and non-athletes. Here, we compared differences in regional activities, functional connectivity, and topological properties to explore the functional basis associated with endurance training. The results showed significant correlations between Regional Homogeneity in the motor cortex, visual cortex, cerebellum, and the training intensity parameters. Alterations in functional connectivity among the motor cortex, visual cortex, cerebellum, and the inferior frontal gyrus and cingulate gyrus were significantly correlated with training intensity parameters. In addition, the graph theoretical analysis results revealed a significant reduction in global efficiency among athletes. This decline is mainly caused by decreased nodal efficiency and nodal local efficiency of the cerebellar regions. Notably, the sensorimotor regions, such as the precentral gyrus and supplementary motor areas, still exhibit increased nodal efficiency and nodal local efficiency. This study not only confirms the improvement of regional activity in brain regions related to endurance training, but also offers novel insights into the mechanisms through which endurance athletes undergo changes in the topological efficiency of the brain functional network.

The effects of Massa Medicata Fermentata on the digestive function and intestinal flora of mice with functional dyspepsia.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to identify the chemical components of Massa Medicata Fermentata (MMF) in different fermentation methods, analyze its regulatory effects on gastrointestinal propulsion and intestinal flora in mice with food accumulation, and further explore its mechanism of action in the treatment of dyspepsia. Methods: The chemical compositions of three kinds of MMF were identified using the UPLC-Q- Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometer. A model of spleen deficiency and food accumulation in mice was established. The gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate were calculated, serum gastrin concentration and cholinesterase activity were measured, and 16S rRNA microbial detection was performed in different groups of mouse feces. Results: The results showed that a total of 95 chemical components were identified from the three MMF extracts, 62 of which were the same, but there were differences in flavonoids and their glycosides, organic acids, and esters. MMF, PFMMF, and commercial MMF could all significantly improve the gastric emptying rate, intestinal propulsion rate, and GAS concentration in the serum of model mice; PFMMF has a better effect, while there was no significant difference in cholinesterase activity among the groups (p > 0.05). The 16S rRNA sequencing results showed that the MMF and PFMMF could increase the content of beneficial bacteria Bacteroidetes and decrease the pathogenic bacteria Verrucomicrobia in the intestines of model mice, while the commercial MMF could not. Discussion: Studies suggest that MMF has a variety of possible mechanisms for improving food accumulation and treating gastrointestinal dyspepsia, which provides reference value for the quality evaluation and clinical application of MMF.

Human leucocytes processed by fast-rate inertial microfluidics retain conventional functional characteristics.

The manufacturing of clinical cellular therapies is a complex process frequently requiring manipulation of cells, exchange of buffers and volume reduction. Current manufacturing processes rely on either low throughput open centrifugation-based devices, or expensive closed-process alternatives. Inertial focusing (IF) microfluidic devices offer the potential for high-throughput, inexpensive equipment which can be integrated into a closed system, but to date no IF devices have been approved for use in cell therapy manufacturing, and there is limited evidence for the effects that IF processing has on human cells. The IF device described in this study was designed to simultaneously separate leucocytes, perform buffer exchange and provide a volume reduction to the cell suspension, using high flow rates with high Reynolds numbers. The performance and effects of the IF device were characterized using peripheral blood mononuclear cells and isolated monocytes. Post-processing cell effects were investigated using multi-parameter flow cytometry to track cell viability, functional changes and fate. The IF device was highly efficient at separating CD14+ monocytes (approx. 97% to one outlet, approx. 60% buffer exchange, 15 ml min-1) and leucocyte processing was well tolerated with no significant differences in downstream viability, immunophenotype or metabolic activity when compared with leucocytes processed with conventional processing techniques. This detailed approach provides robust evidence that IF devices could offer significant benefits to clinical cell therapy manufacture.

Pentraxin 3 exacerbates psoriasiform dermatitis through regulation of macrophage polarization

ObjectiveTo elucidate the mechanism of Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in the pathogenesis of psoriasiform dermatitis using Ptx3-knockout (Ptx3-KO) background mice. MethodsAn Imiquimod (IMQ)-induced murine psoriatic model was created using Ptx3-KO (Ptx3-/-) and wild-type (Ptx3+/+) mice. Skin lesion severity and expression of inflammatory mediators (IL-6 and TNFα) were assessed using PASI score and ELISA, respectively. Cutaneous tissues from the two mice groups were subjected to histological analyses, including HE staining, Masson staining, and Immunohistochemistry (IHC). The PTX3, iNOS, COX2, and Arg1 expressions were quantified and compared between the two groups. We used RNA-seq to clarify the underlying mechanisms of the disease. Flow cytometry was used to analyze systemic Th17 cell differentiation and macrophage polarization. ResultThe psoriatic region exhibited a higher PTX3 expression than the normal cutaneous area. Moreover, PTX3 was upregulated in HaCaT cells post-TNFα stimulation. Upon IMQ stimulation, Ptx3-/- mice displayed a lower degree of the psoriasiform dermatitis phenotype compared to Ptx3+/+ mice. Consistent with the RNA-seq results, further experiments confirmed that compared to the wild-type group, the PTX3-KO group exhibited a generally lower IL-6, TNFα, iNOS, and COX2 expression and a contrasting trend in macrophage polarization. However, no significant difference in Th17 cell activation was observed between the two groups. ConclusionsThis study revealed that PTX3 was upregulated in psoriatic skin tissues and TNFα-stimulated HaCaT cells. We also discovered that PTX3 deficiency in mice ameliorated the psoriasiform dermatitis phenotype upon IMQ stimulation. Mechanistically, PTX3 exacerbates psoriasiform dermatitis by regulating macrophage polarization rather than Th17 cell differentiation.

Formulation of lotion ethanolic extract of rosella flower petals (Hibiscus sabrariffa L.) and antioxidant activity

Rosella flowers (Hibiscus sabrariffa L.) are plants that are useful as antioxidants. The content that acts as an antioxidant is a flavonoid compound. This study aimed to determine the effect of giving calliandra honey as a multiple active ingredient and single active ingredient (rosella petal extract, calliandra honey ) and ethyl vitamin C as an active ingredient. The lotion of ethanolic extract of rosela flower petals was made with three active ingredients: ethanolic extract of roselle flower petals with a concentration of 2.5%, calliandra honey 2.5%, and ethyl vitamin C 2%. Then, calliandra honey and ethanol extract of roselle flowers are combined with a concentration of extract 2.5% and calliandra honey (1.5%, 2%, and 2.5%). The physical and stability tests are the organoleptic, homogeneity, viscosity, dispersibility, pH, lotion stability, and the value of lotion's antioxidant activity. The activity test was carried out using the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picryhidrazil (DPPH) method, and the IC50 of inhibition was calculated. The results of the study showed that all lotion formulations had antioxidant activity. The highest antioxidant activity was obtained in formula three, which had a value of 95.2 ppm (2.5: 2.5 %). Based on the Kruskal Wallis test, the asymp value was obtained. Sig. 0.000, which indicates that there is a significant difference in antioxidant activity. This is because the percent inhibition of each sample has a large enough difference.

Ferroptosis-Related lncRNA to Predict the Clinical Outcomes and Molecular Characteristics of Kidney Renal Papillary Cell Carcinoma.

Kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma (KIRP) is a highly heterogeneous type of kidney cancer, resulting in limited effective prognostic targets for KIRP patients. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as crucial regulators in the regulation of ferroptosis and iron metabolism, making them potential targets for the treatment and prognosis of KIRP. In this study, we constructed a ferroptosis-related lncRNA risk score model (FRM) based on the TCGA-KIRP dataset, which represents a novel subtype of KIRP not previously reported. The model demonstrated promising diagnostic accuracy and holds potential for clinical translation. We observed significant differences in metabolic activities, immune microenvironment, mutation landscape, ferroptosis sensitivity, and drug sensitivity between different risk groups. The high-risk groups exhibit significantly higher fractions of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), and pericytes. Drugs (IC50) analysis provided a range of medication options based on different FRM typing. Additionally, we employed single-cell transcriptomics to further analyze the impact of immune invasion on the occurrence and development of KIRP. Overall, we have developed an accurate prognostic model based on the expression patterns of ferroptosis-related lncRNAs for KIRP. This model has the potential to contribute to the evaluation of patient prognosis, molecular characteristics, and treatment modalities, and can be further translated into clinical applications.

The Circadian Rhythm of the Behavior and Gut Microbiota in Dybowski's Frogs (Rana dybowskii) during the Autumn Migration Period.

Many amphibian behaviors and physiological functions adapt to daily environmental changes through variations in circadian rhythms. However, these adaptations have yet to be reported in Dybowski's frog (Rana dybowskii). We aimed to elucidate the dynamic changes in the behavior and gut microbiota of R. dybowskii within a 24 h cycle during their migration to hibernation sites. Thus, we monitored their behavior at 4 h intervals and collected samples for microbiome analysis. We found that the juvenile frogs arrived at hibernation sites earlier than the adults. Among the adults, the male frogs arrived earlier. The richness and diversity of the gut microbiota in the adult R. dybowskii were lowest at 14:00. At 6:00, the differences between the males and females were most significant. At 18:00, there was an increase in the activity of Bacteroides, Coprobacillus, Ruminococcus, and Dorea in the intestinal tracts of the male frogs, whereas in the intestinal tract of the female frogs, there was an increase in the activity of Pseudoramibacter_Eubacterium, Desulfovibrio, Anaerotruncus, and PW3. This indicated diurnal rhythmic variations in the gut microbiota and significant sex-based differences in the microbial activity at different time points. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the circadian rhythm of R. dybowskii and provide crucial insights into improving breeding strategies.