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Abstract Background The interplay between metabolic disorders and chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been well-documented. However, the connection between CKD and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) remains understudied. This research delves into the correlation between these two factors, aiming to shed new light on their potential association. Methods The relationship between AIP and CKD was evaluated using a weighted multivariate logistic regression model, and the curvilinear relationship between AIP and CKD was explored through smooth curve fitting. We engaged a recursive partitioning algorithm in conjunction with a two-stage linear regression model to precisely determine the inflection point. By conducting stratified analyses, the heterogeneity within subpopulations was explored. Results In the regression model that accounted for all covariates, ORs (95% CI) for the association between CKD and AIP were 1.12 (0.91, 1.36), indicating no significant association between AIP and CKD. However, sensitivity analyses suggested that the relationship between them may be non-linear. Smooth curve analysis confirmed the non-linear relationship between AIP and CKD, identifying an inflection point at -0.55. Below this threshold, AIP exhibited a significant inverse correlation with CKD. Conversely, above this threshold, a pronounced positive correlation was detected. Stratified analyses elucidated that a non-linear association between AIP and CKD was observed among female participants and those aged 50 and above. Conclusion We found a curvilinear relationship between chronic kidney disease and atherogenic index of plasma.

BackgroundDepressive symptom, a pervasive mental health disorder, has garnered increasing attention due to its intricate interconnections with various physiological processes. One emerging avenue of investigation delves into the potential association between depressive symptom and Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), a parameter reflecting insulin resistance. The intricate interplay between these two domains holds promising implications for understanding the multifaceted nature of depressive symptom and its impact on metabolic health.MethodsWe used weighted multivariable logistic regression models with subgroup analysis to explore the relationship between depressive symptom and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Non-linear correlations were explored using fitted smoothing curves. Then, we constructed a two-piece linear regression model and performed a recursive algorithm to calculate the inflection point.ResultsThe study included 20,282 participants in the United States. In the regression model adjusted for all confounding variables, the odds ratio (OR) for the correlation between depressive symptom and the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was 1.01 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.01). However, a significant discrepancy between trend tests and regression analyses suggests a potential non-linear relationship between depressive symptom and the assessment of insulin resistance using the Homeostasis Model. Constrained cubic spline analysis confirmed this non-linear relationship, identifying an inflection point at 10.47. Before the inflection point, depressive symptom exhibited a significantly positive correlation with the assessment of insulin resistance using the Homeostasis Model. However, after the inflection point, a negative correlation was observed, though it did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionWe found a curve-like relationship between depressive symptom and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance.

IntroductionFatty liver disease is potentially linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD), yet the association between the Framingham Steatosis Index (FSI) and CKD remains uncharted. Our study thoroughly investigated the correlation between FSI and CKD, aiming to elucidate the underlying links between these two conditions.MethodsThe relationship between FSI and CKD was evaluated using a weighted multivariate logistic regression model, and the curvilinear relationship between FSI and CKD was explored through smooth curve fitting. We engaged a recursive partitioning algorithm in conjunction with a two-stage linear regression model to determine the inflection point. By conducting stratified analyses, the heterogeneity within subpopulations was explored.ResultsIn the fully adjusted Model 3, which accounted for all covariates, the odds ratios (ORs) (95% CI) for the association between FSI and CKD were 1.01 (0.97, 1.06), indicating no significant statistical association. Sensitivity analysis confirms the stability of the relationship between FSI and CKD. Smooth curve fitting discloses a non-linear association between FSI and CKD. The two-piecewise linear regression model, applied to explore this non-linearity, identified an inflection point at an FSI value of −3.21. Below this threshold, the OR (95% CI) was 0.25 (0.17, 0.37), signifying an inverse correlation between FSI and CKD. Above the inflection point, the OR (95% CI) was 1.19 (1.13, 1.25), suggesting a positive correlation. In the stratified curve analysis, the results were essentially consistent with the overall findings, except for the subgroups with BMI > 30 and age > 50.ConclusionWe found a curvilinear relationship between FSI and CKD.

Abstract Nanosecond pulsed atmospheric pressure plasma jets (ns-APPJs) produce reactive plasma species, including charged particles and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), which can induce oxidative stress in biological cells. Nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) has also been found to cause permeabilization of cell membranes and induce apoptosis or cell death. Combining the treatment of ns-APPJ and nsPEF may enhance the effectiveness of cancer cell inactivation with only moderate doses of both treatments. Employing ns-APPJ powered by 9 kV, 200 ns pulses at 2 kHz and 60-nsPEF of 50 kV/cm at 1 Hz, the synergistic effects on pancreatic cancer cells (Pan02) in vitro were evaluated on the metabolic activities of cells and transcellular electrical resistance (TER). It was observed that treatment with ns-APPJ for > 2 min disrupts Pan02 cell stability and resulted in over 30% cell death. Similarly, applying nsPEF alone, > 20 pulses resulted in over 15% cell death. While the inactivation activity from the individual treatment is moderate, combined treatments resulted in 80% cell death, approximately 3-to-fivefold increase compared to the individual treatment. In addition, reactive oxygen species such as OH and O were identified at the plasma-liquid interface. The gas temperature of the plasma and the temperature of the cell solution during treatments were determined to be near room temperature.

Abstract Dielectric barrier discharges (DBD) are widely utilised non‐equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasmas with a diverse range of applications, such as material processing, surface treatment, light sources, pollution control, and medicine. Over the course of several decades, extensive research has been dedicated to the generation of homogeneous DBD (H‐DBD), focussing on understanding the transition from H‐DBD to filamentary DBD and exploring strategies to create and sustain H‐DBD. This paper first discusses the influence of various parameters on DBD, including gas flow, dielectric material, surface conductivity, and mesh electrode. Secondly, a chronological literature review is presented, highlighting the development of H‐DBD and the associated understanding of its underlying mechanisms. This encompasses the generation of H‐DBD in helium, nitrogen, and air. Lastly, the paper provides a brief overview of multiple‐current‐pulse (MCP) behaviours in H‐DBD. The objective of this article is to provide a chronological understanding of homogeneous dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). This understanding will aid in the design of new experiments aimed at better comprehending the mechanisms behind H‐DBD generation and ultimately assist in achieving large‐volume H‐DBD in an air environment.

Abstract Background Microbiome in early life has long-term effects on the host’s immunological and physiological development and its disturbance is known to trigger various diseases in host Deuterostome animals. The sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus is one of the most valuable marine Deuterostome invertebrates in Asia and a model animal in regeneration studies. To understand factors that impact on host development and holobiont maintenance, host-microbiome association has been actively studied in the last decade. However, we currently lack knowledge of early life core microbiome during its ontogenesis and how it benefits the host’s growth. Results We analyzed the microbial community in 28 sea cucumber samples from a laboratory breeding system, designed to replicate aquaculture environments, across six developmental stages (fertilized eggs to the juvenile stage) over a three years-period to examine the microbiomes’ dynamics and stability. Microbiome shifts occurred during sea cucumber larval ontogenesis in every case. Application of the most sophisticated core microbiome extraction methodology, a hybrid approach with abundance-occupancy core microbiome analyses (top 75% of total reads and > 70% occupation) and core index calculation, first revealed early life core microbiome consisted of Alteromonadaceae and Rhodobacteraceae, as well as a stage core microbiome consisting of pioneer core microbe Pseudoalteromonadaceae in A. japonicus, suggesting a stepwise establishment of microbiome related to ontogenesis and feeding behavior in A. japonicus. More interestingly, four ASVs affiliated to Alteromonadaceae and Rhodobacteraceae were extracted as early life core microbiome. One of the ASV (ASV0007) was affiliated to the Sulfitobactor strain BL28 (Rhodobacteraceae), isolated from blastula larvae in the 2019 raring batch. Unexpectedly, a bioassay revealed the BL28 strain retains a host growth-promoting ability. Further meta-pangenomics approach revealed the BL28 genome reads were abundant in the metagenomic sequence pool, in particular, in that of post-gut development in early life stages of A. japonicus. Conclusion Repeated rearing efforts of A. japonicus using laboratory aquaculture replicating aquaculture environments and hybrid core microbiome extraction approach first revealed particular ASVs affiliated to Alteromonadaceae and Rhodobacteraceae as the A. japonicus early life core microbiome. Further bioassay revealed the growth promoting ability to the host sea cucumber in one of the core microbes, the Sulfitobactor strain BL28 identified as ASV0007. Genome reads of the BL28 were abundant in post-gut development of A. japonicus, which makes us consider effective probiotic uses of those core microbiome for sea cucumber resource production and conservation. The study also emphasizes the importance of the core microbiome in influencing early life stages in marine invertebrates. Understanding these dynamics could offer pathways to improve growth, immunity, and disease resistance in marine invertebrates.

The genus Thalassotalea is ubiquitous in marine environments, and up to 20 species have been described so far. A Gram-staining-negative, aerobic bacterium, designated strain PTE2T was isolated from laboratory-reared larvae of the Japanese sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene nucleotide sequences revealed that PTE2T was closely related to Thalassotalea sediminis N211T (= KCTC 42588T = MCCC 1H00116T) with 97.9% sequence similarity. ANI and in silico DDH values against Thalassotalea species were 68.5-77.0% and 19.7-24.6%, respectively, indicating the novelty of PTE2T. Based on genome-based taxonomic approaches, strain PTE2T (= JCM 34608T = KCTC 82592T) is proposed as a new species, Thalassotalea hakodatensis sp. nov.

Light is one of the most critical stimuli in the majority of living organisms. In the last two decades, blue light (BL) has become a major subject of attention because of developments in light-emitting diodes (LED). The effects of BL on eukaryotic organisms and phototrophic prokaryotes have been well studied, but the knowledge of its effects on non-phototrophic prokaryotes remains unclear. Since BL can penetrate seawater, it is expected that most prokaryotes living in the ocean possess molecular mechanisms which protect against BL. The aim of this study is to assess the molecular mechanisms of Vibrio parahaemolyticus cells against BL as a marine bacterial model compared to other wavelength light exposures. Physiological and transcriptomic analyses of BL-exposed cells compared to other light treated cells revealed the highest ROS fold change, the highest number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and up-regulation in the gene responsible to not only compatible solute such as glycine betaine and ectoine but also iron-sulfur biosynthesis related to ROS formation. Furthermore, red light (RL) up-regulated the expression of cryptochrome DASH, a protein known to be excited by BL, and orange light (OL) decreased the expression of thermostable direct hemolysin (TDH), suggesting that OL attenuates the virulence of V. parahaemolyticus. In addition, the expression of VtrA (V. parahaemolyticus type III secretion system 2 (T3SS2) regulator A) but not VtrB (V. parahaemolyticus T3SS2 regulator B) increased under both light treatments, indicating that light exposure is unlikely to be involved in T3SS2-mediated pathogenicity. These results expand our knowledge on unique light responses in non-phototrophic marine prokaryotes.

Vibrionaceae is one of the most diverse bacterial families and is currently classified into over 50 clades, some members of which play an important role in the symbiotic relationships with humans and animals. Halioticoli clade, which currently consists of 10 species: 8 species associated with the gut of abalone (symbiotic), 1 species (V. breoganii) from bivalves, and 1 species (V. ishigakensis) from subtropical seawater (planktonic). To accelerate studies in the evolution, ecogenomics, and biotechnology of Halioticoli clade species, the genomic backbones and pangenome analyses based on complete genome sequences are needed. Genome sizes of Halioticoli clade species ranged from 3.5 Mb to 4.8 Mb, with V. ishigakensis the biggest. The evolutionary relationships using multilocus sequence analysis based on eight housekeeping genes and 125 single-copy core genes revealed a division of five sub-clades in this clade; 1) V. breoganii, V. comitans, V. inusitatus and V. superstes, 2) V. ezurae, V. neonatus, and V. halioticoli, 3) V. rarus, 4) V. gallicus, and 5) V. ishigakensis. The pan-genomic analysis combined with function and metabolism estimations showed that the planktonic group (sub-clade 5) contained the greatest number of specific genes, and more genes responsible for carbohydrate metabolisms, especially the genes encoding D-galactonate degradation. These results demonstrated that the genome expanded by acquiring more abilities for utilizing various carbohydrates during the evolution from symbiotic to a planktonic lifestyle. Moreover, according to Carbohydrate-Active enZYmes (CAZy) profiling, genes encoding alginate degrading enzymes (aly), classified into PL6, PL7, PL15, and PL17 were common in the ten genomes, but sub-clade 1 had the most. Meanwhile, sub-clade 1and 5 also possessed abundant genes related to macroalgae substrates degradation (GHs), which are also responsible for the genome expansion of sub-clade 1 and 5.

A Gram-staining-negative, aerobic bacterium, designated strain PT3T was isolated from laboratory-reared larvae of the Japanese sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene nucleotide sequences revealed that PT3T was closely related to Amphritea ceti RA1T (= KCTC 42154T = NBRC 110551T) and Amphritea spongicola MEBiC05461T (= KCCM 42943T = JCM 16668T) both with 98.3% sequence similarity, however, average nucleotide identity (ANI) and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (in silico DDH) values among these three strains were below 95% and 70%, respectively, confirming the novelty of PT3T. Furthermore, the average amino acid identity (AAI) values of PT3T against other Amphritea species were on the reported genus delineation boundary (64-67%). Multilocus sequence analysis using four protein-coding genes (recA, mreB, rpoA, and topA) further demonstrated that PT3T, Amphritea ceti and Amphritea spongicola formed a monophyletic clade clearly separate from other members of the genus Amphritea. Three strains (PT3T, A. ceti KCTC 42154T and A. spongicola JCM 16668T) also showed higher similarities in their core genomes compared to those of the other Amphritea spp. Based on the genome-based taxonomic approach, Aliamphritea gen. nov. was proposed together with the reclassification of the genus Amphritea and Aliamphritea ceti comb. nov. (type strain RA1T = KCTC 42154T = NBRC 110551T), Aliamphritea spongicola comb. nov. (type strain MEBiC05461T = KCCM 42943T = JCM 16668T), and Aliamphritea hakodatensis sp. nov. (type strain PT3T = JCM 34607T = KCTC 82591T) were suggested.