Search Results (246)

With the advancement of deep learning, related networks have shown strong performance for Hyperspectral Image (HSI) classification. However, these methods face two main challenges in HSI classification: (1) the inability to capture global information of HSI due to the restriction of patch input and (2) insufficient utilization of information from limited labeled samples. To overcome these challenges, we propose an Advanced Global Prototypical Segmentation (AGPS) framework. Within the AGPS framework, we design a patch-free feature extractor segmentation network (SegNet) based on a fully convolutional network (FCN), which processes the entire HSI to capture global information. To enrich the global information extracted by SegNet, we propose a Fusion of Lateral Connection (FLC) structure that fuses the low-level detailed features of the encoder output with the high-level features of the decoder output. Additionally, we propose an Atrous Spatial Pyramid Pooling-Position Attention (ASPP-PA) module to capture multi-scale spatial positional information. Finally, to explore more valuable information from limited labeled samples, we propose an advanced global prototypical representation learning strategy. Building upon the dual constraints of the global prototypical representation learning strategy, we introduce supervised contrastive learning (CL), which optimizes our network with three different constraints. The experimental results of three public datasets demonstrate that our method outperforms the existing state-of-the-art methods. Full article

We aimed to evaluate glycaemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes during the first three months of use of the flash glucose monitoring (FGM) system. Methods: We conducted a study of a cohort of 81 people with type 1 diabetes mellitus who used the FreeStyle Libre 2 (FSL2) sensor continuously for 3 months. Patients had not used a CGM before. The effectiveness of using the FSL2 system was assessed using AGP reports at two time points (3–4 weeks and 11–12 weeks of system use). Results: Eight weeks after using FSL2, compared with results from 3–4 weeks of use, there were no differences in the glucose management indicator, time spent in range, above range and below range, or glucose variability. In the first month of FGM use, patients scanned the sensor significantly more often than in the following two months (p = 0.021). No significant differences were found in the change of the evaluated parameters when comparing patients by duration of diabetes and treatment method. Conclusions: Short-term use of FSL2 promotes a significant reduction in GMI in patients with more time spent in hyperglycaemia (especially > 250 mg/dL). In this short period of use, no other changes in glycaemic control parameters are observed. Full article

Proper feeding and nutrition are vital for maintaining the health of giant pandas (GPs), yet the impact of dietary changes and gut microbiota on their nutrient utilization remains unclear. To address these uncertainties, we investigated nutrient intake and apparent digestibility, as well as gut microbiota composition across different age groups of giant pandas: sub-adults (SGPs), adults (AGPs), and geriatrics (GGPs). Our findings revealed notable shifts in dietary patterns from SGPs to GGPs. As they aged, significantly more bamboo shoots and less bamboo were consumed. Consequently, GGPs showed significantly reduced crude fiber (CF) intake and digestibility, while crude protein (CP) did not alter significantly. In addition, 16S rRNA microbial sequencing results showed that unidentified_Enterobacteriaceae and Streptococcus were the dominant genera among all age groups. The relative abundance of the genus Enterococcus in GGPs was significantly higher than that in SGPs and AGPs (p < 0.05). Overall, our results indicated the importance of bamboo shoots as a major source of protein in GGPs’ diet, which can effectively compensate for the certain nutritional loss caused by the reduction in bamboo intake. Age-related changes in bacterial abundance have an effect on specific nutrient apparent digestibility in the gut of GPs. The data presented in this study serve as a useful reference for nutritional management in different ages of GPs under healthy conditions. Full article

(1) The development of sweet potato storage roots is impacted by nitrogen (N) levels, with excessive nitrogen often impeding development. Starch synthesis enzymes such as sucrose synthase (SUS) and ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) are pivotal in this context. Although the effects of excessive nitrogen on the formation of sweet potato storage roots are well documented, the specific responses of IbSUSs and IbAGPases have not been extensively reported on. (2) Pot experiments were conducted using the sweet potato cultivar “Pushu 32” at moderate (MN, 120 kg N ha⁻¹) and excessive nitrogen levels (EN, 240 kg N ha⁻¹). (3) Nine IbSUS and nine IbAGPase genes were categorized into three and two distinct subgroups based on phylogenetic analysis. Excessive nitrogen significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed the expression of IbAGPL1, IbAGPL2, IbAGPL4, IbAGPL5, IbAGPL6, IbAGPS1, and IbAGPS2 in fibrous roots and IbSUS2, IbSUS6, IbSUS7, IbSUS8, IbSUS9, IbAGPL2, and IbAGPL4 in storage roots, and then significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the SUS and AGPase activities and starch content of fibrous root and storage root, ultimately reducing the storage root formation of sweet potato. Excessive nitrogen extremely significantly (p < 0.01) enhanced the expression of IbAGPL3, which was strongly negatively correlated with the number and weight of storage roots per plant. (4) IbAGPL3 may be a key gene in the response to excessive nitrogen stress and modifying starch synthesis in sweet potato. Full article

Background and Objectives: This study investigated whether serum alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) at diagnosis could reflect the cross-sectional activity represented by the Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS) and further predict poor outcomes during follow-up in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). Materials and Methods: This study included 70 patients with AAV. Clinical data at diagnosis, including AAV-specific indices and acute-phase reactants such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), were reviewed. All-cause mortality, relapse, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), cerebrovascular accident, and acute coronary syndrome were evaluated as poor outcomes of AAV. Serum AGP was measured using the sera obtained and stored at diagnosis. Results: The median age of the patients was 63.0 years, with 29 male and 41 female patients. The median serum AGP was 150.9 μg/mL. At diagnosis, serum AGP was significantly correlated with BVAS and ESR but not CRP or serum albumin. Additionally, serum AGP showed significant correlations with the sum scores of ear–nose–throat and pulmonary manifestations; however, no significant differences in serum AGP according to each poor outcome were observed. Although serum AGP at diagnosis tended to be associated with ESKD occurrence during follow-up, serum AGP at AAV diagnosis was not significantly useful in predicting the future occurrence of poor outcomes of AAV during follow-up. Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrated the clinical utility of serum AGP at AAV diagnosis in assessing the cross-sectional activity represented by BVAS in patients with AAV for the first time. Full article

Due to the challenge of weaning pigs and the need to reduce the use of antimicrobials in animal feed, there is a growing need to look for nutraceutical alternatives to reduce the adverse effects of the post-weaning period. We evaluate the effect of different feed nutraceutical additives on the microbial communities, gut health biomarkers, and productivity of pigs during the post-weaning period. The study involved 240 piglets weaned on the 21st day of age and randomized to six different diets: D1-BD commercial standard feed, D2-AGP: D1 + 150 ppm zinc bacitracin, D3-MD: D1 + 550 ppm maltodextrin, D4-FOS: D1 + 300 ppm fructo-oligosaccharides, D5-EO: D1 + 70 ppm Lippia origanoides essential oil, and D6-SH: D1 + 750 ppm sodium humate. On day 30 post-weaning, zootechnical parameters were evaluated, and jejunal samples were taken to obtain morphometric variables, expression of barrier and enzymatic proteins, and analysis of microbial communities. Animals fed D4-FOS and D5-EO had the lowest feed conversion ratio and higher expression of barrier and enzymatic proteins compared to D1-BD, D2-AGP, and D3-MD. The use of the additives modified the gut microbial communities of the piglets. In conclusion, fructo-oligosaccharides and Lippia origanoides essential oil were the best alternatives to zinc bacitracin as antibiotic growth promoters. Full article

Indomethacin (INDO) has a mechanism of action based on inhibiting fatty acids cyclooxygenase activity within the inflammation process. The action mechanism could be correlated with possible anticancer activity, but its high toxicity in normal tissues has made therapy difficult. By the coprecipitation method, the drug carried in a layered double hydroxides (LDH) hybrid matrix would reduce its undesired effects by promoting chemotherapeutic redirection. Therefore, different samples containing INDO intercalated in LDH were synthesized at temperatures of 50, 70, and 90 °C and synthesis times of 8, 16, 24, and 48 h, seeking the best structural organization. X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrational Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), spectrophotometric analysis in UV-VIS, and differential thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA) were used for characterization. Our results indicate that higher temperatures and longer synthesis time through coprecipitation reduce the possibility of INDO intercalation. However, it was possible to establish a time of 16 h and a temperature of 50 °C as the best conditions for intercalation. In vitro results confirmed the cell viability potential and anticancer activity in the LDH-INDO sample (16 h and 50 °C) for gastric cancer (AGP01, ACP02, and ACP03), breast cancer (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7), melanoma (SK-MEL-19), lung fibroblast (MRC-5), and non-neoplastic gastric tissue (MN01) by MTT assay. Cell proliferation was inhibited, demonstrating higher and lower toxicity against MDA-MB-231 and SK-MEL-19. Thus, a clinical redirection of INDO is suggested as an integral and adjunctive anticancer medication in chemotherapy treatment. Full article

Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia are common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), to the detriment of the patients’ quality of life. Since ferritin, as an acute-phase protein (APP), has limited diagnostic value in IBD, concurrent assessment of C-reactive protein (CRP) is recommended. The World Health Organization suggests using α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) as an additional biomarker due to its differing half-life. This study aimed to evaluate ferritin levels in patients with IBD using CRP and AGP, individually and in combination. A total of 118 patients with IBD (mean age: 45.48 ± 15.25 years, 47.46% female) were recruited, including 38 with Crohn’s disease, 47 with ulcerative colitis, and 33 controls. The results showed that while CRP alone detected an inflammatory increase in ferritin of 29.76%, this increased to 82.14% when AGP or both AGP and CRP were considered (p < 0.05). Elevated AGP levels were more prevalent in patients with ulcerative colitis. However, concordance between high CRP and AGP levels was confirmed in only 55% of cases. Correcting for inflammation using CRP and/or AGP significantly improved the diagnostic accuracy of ferritin levels in patients with IBD, highlighting the challenge posed by inflammation when assessing iron deficiency. Full article

Circulating α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are commonly measured to assess inflammation, but these biomarkers fail to reveal the complex molecular biology of inflammation. We mined the maternal plasma proteome to detect proteins that covary with AGP and CRP. In 435 gravida predominantly in <12-week gestation, we correlated the relative quantification of plasma proteins assessed via a multiplexed aptamer assay (SOMAScan^®) with AGP and CRP, quantified by immunoassay. We defined a plasma inflammasome as protein correlates meeting a false discovery rate <0.05. We examined potential pathways using principal component analysis. A total of 147 and 879 of 6431 detected plasma proteins correlated with AGP and CRP, respectively, of which 61 overlapped with both biomarkers. Positive correlates included serum amyloid, complement, interferon-induced, and immunoregulatory proteins. Negative correlates were micronutrient and lipid transporters and pregnancy-related anabolic proteins. The principal components (PCs) of AGP were dominated by negatively correlated anabolic proteins associated with gestational homeostasis, angiogenesis, and neurogenesis. The PCs of CRP were more diverse in function, reflecting cell surface and adhesion, embryogenic, and intracellular and extra-hepatic tissue leakage proteins. The plasma proteome of AGP or CRP reveals wide proteomic variation associated with early gestational inflammation, suggesting mechanisms and pathways that merit future research. Full article

Protein-energy wasting and inflammation are major risk factors for complications in hemodialysis patients. As these risk factors are triggered by a pro-inflammatory state, oxidative stress and hemodynamic dysfunction, which overlap in hemodialyzed subjects, we aimed to assess the efficacy of a cost-effective and straightforward screening tool, the Prognostic Inflammatory and Nutritional Index (PINI), in regularly screening maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, to detect early signs of inflammation and malnutrition. A 12-month follow-up was carried out on a cohort of 102 adult patients undergoing maintenance dialysis, during which the Prognostic Inflammatory and Nutritional Index (PINI) was calculated using the formula alpha1-Acid Glycoprotein (AGP) × C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin (ALB) × transthyretin (TTR). A PINI score < 1 was considered normal. The patients were stratified based on their PINI score: 66 patients (64.70%) had a normal score, below 1, while 36 patients (35.30%) had a PINI score ≥ 1. Despite the absence of clinical evidence of inflammation at enrollment, the latter group exhibited higher levels of CRP. During the follow-up period, all patients with a PINI score ≥ 1 experienced at least one acute event, compared to only 6% of patients with a normal PINI score, which presented COVID-19 infection as an acute event. The evaluation of the PINI can effectively identify the silent malnutrition–inflammation syndrome and predict the risk of acute events. This straightforward test appears to be a rapid tool that is independent of the examiner’s experience and subjectivity, thereby potentially reducing hospitalization costs. Full article

Species in the genus Utricularia are carnivorous plants that prey on invertebrates using traps of leaf origin. The traps are equipped with numerous different glandular trichomes. Trichomes (quadrifids) produce digestive enzymes and absorb the products of prey digestion. The main aim of this study was to determine whether arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) occur in the cell wall ingrowths in the quadrifid cells. Antibodies (JIM8, JIM13, JIM14, MAC207, and JIM4) that act against various groups of AGPs were used. AGP localization was determined using immunohistochemistry techniques and immunogold labeling. AGPs localized with the JIM13, JIM8, and JIM14 epitopes occurred in wall ingrowths of the pedestal cell, which may be related to the fact that AGPs regulate the formation of wall ingrowths but also, due to the patterning of the cell wall structure, affect symplastic transport. The presence of AGPs in the cell wall of terminal cells may be related to the presence of wall ingrowths, but processes also involve vesicle trafficking and membrane recycling, in which these proteins participate. Full article

Mealy peaches are dry and flavorless, which reduces their consumer acceptance. A deeper understanding of the mechanism underlying mealiness is crucial to enhancing peach fruit quality. In this study, comparative profiling was conducted on CP13, CP14, CM, and RM peaches. Sensory evaluation indicated that CP13 and CM are non-mealy clingstone and freestone peaches, respectively, and CP14 and RM are mealy freestone peaches. Both CP13 and CP14, identified as stony hard (SH) peaches, exhibited minimal ethylene release, whereas CM and RM, identified as melting flesh (MF) peaches, released high amounts of ethylene during the ripening process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) microstructure observation indicated that cells in the flesh tissue of mealy peaches, CP14 (SH) and RM (MF), were intact and separated, with large intercellular spaces and irregular arrangements. The main factor that promotes mealiness is differences in pectin metabolism, which impact cell wall composition. The fluctuations in polygalacturonase (PG) and pectin methylesterase (PME) activity between mealy and non-mealy peaches were the main factor contributing to mealiness. However, the changes in cell wall metabolism that caused these fluctuations did not have a clear direction. Using transcriptome analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we were able to identify forty differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that are associated with mealy patterns. Among these DEGs, genes encoding PG were significantly upregulated in mealy peaches (CP14 and RM) compared to non-mealy peaches (CP13 and CM). PpPG1 was the main effector gene for mealiness, while PpPG2, PpEGase2, PpEXP1, PpEXP3, PpAGP2, PpIAA4, and PpABA2 were identified as candidate genes regulating peach mealiness. These findings provide a solid experimental basis for understanding the textual distinctions between mealy and non-mealy peaches. Full article

The genus Utricularia (bladderworts) species are carnivorous plants that prey on invertebrates using traps with a high-speed suction mechanism. The outer trap surface is lined by dome-shaped glands responsible for secreting water in active traps. In terminal cells of these glands, the outer wall is differentiated into several layers, and even cell wall ingrowths are covered by new cell wall layers. Due to changes in the cell wall, these glands are excellent models for studying the specialization of cell walls (microdomains). The main aim of this study was to check if different cell wall layers have a different composition. Antibodies against arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) were used, including JIM8, JIM13, JIM14, MAC207, and JIM4. The localization of the examined compounds was determined using immunohistochemistry techniques and immunogold labeling. Differences in composition were found between the primary cell wall and the cell secondary wall in terminal gland cells. The outermost layer of the cell wall of the terminal cell, which was cuticularized, was devoid of AGPs (JIM8, JIM14). In contrast, the secondary cell wall in terminal cells was rich in AGPs. AGPs localized with the JIM13, JIM8, and JIM14 epitopes occurred in wall ingrowths of pedestal cells. Our research supports the hypothesis of water secretion by the external glands. Full article

Until recently, the diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in cats usually led to euthanasia, but recent research has revealed that antiviral drugs, including the nucleoside analog GS-441524, have the potential to effectively cure FIP. Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) has been suggested as a diagnostic marker for FIP. However, AGP quantification methods are not easily accessible. This study aimed to establish a Spatial Proximity Analyte Reagent Capture Luminescence (SPARCL^TM) assay on the VetBio-1 analyzer to determine the AGP concentrations in feline serum and effusion samples. Linearity was found in serial dilutions between 1:2000 and 1:32,000; the intra-run and inter-run precision was <5% and <15%, respectively; and AGP was stable in serum stored for at least 8 days at room temperature, at 4 °C and at −20 °C. Cats with confirmed FIP had significantly higher serum AGP concentrations (median: 2954 µg/mL (range: 200–5861 µg/mL)) than those with other inflammatory diseases (median: 1734 µg/mL (305–3449 µg/mL)) and clinically healthy cats (median 235 µg/mL (range: 78–616 µg/mL); p_KW < 0.0001). The AGP concentrations were significantly higher in the effusions from cats with FIP than in those from diseased cats without FIP (p_MWU < 0.0001). The AGP concentrations in the serum of cats with FIP undergoing GS-441524 treatment showed a significant drop within the first seven days of treatment and reached normal levels after ~14 days. In conclusion, the VetBio-1 SPARCL^TM assay offers a precise, fast and cost-effective method to measure the AGP concentrations in serum and effusion samples of feline patients. The monitoring of the AGP concentration throughout FIP treatment provides a valuable marker to evaluate the treatment’s effectiveness and identify potential relapses at an early stage. Full article

Background: Burns represent a serious health problem, associated with multiple-organ failure, prolonged hospitalization, septic complications, and increased rate of mortality. The main aim of our study was to evaluate the levels of various circulating molecules in children with severe burns (more than 25% TBSA), in three different moments: 48 h, day 10, and day 21 post-burn. Materials and Methods: This study included 32 children with burns produced by flame, hot liquid, and electric arc and 21 controls. Serum plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), α 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and platelet factor 4 (PF4) were detected using the Multiplex technique. Several parameters, such as fibrinogen, leucocyte count, thrombocyte count, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and thyroid-stimulating hormone were also determined for each patient during hospitalization. Results: Significant statistical differences were obtained for CRP, AGP, and PF4 compared to the control group, in different moments of measurements. Negative correlations between CRP, AGP, and PF4 serum levels and burned body surface, and also the hospitalization period, were observed. Discussions: CRP levels increased in the first 10 days after burn trauma and then decreased after day 21. Serum PAI-1 levels were higher immediately after the burn and started decreasing only after day 10 post-burn. AGP had elevated levels 48 h after the burn, then decreased at 7–10 days afterwards, and once again increased levels after 21 days. PF4 serum levels increased after day 10 since the burning event. Conclusions: Serum CRP, AGP, PAI-1, and PF4 seem to be promising molecules in monitoring patients with a burn within the first 21 days. Full article