Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biomarkers in Ringed Seals Reveal Recent Onset of Borealization in the High- Compared to the Mid-Latitude Canadian Arctic

Warming of the Arctic has resulted in environmental and ecological changes, termed borealization, leading to the northward shift of temperate species. Borealization has occurred across all trophic levels, altering the structure of the food web. The onset and rate of borealization likely varies with latitude, depending on local warming and advection of warmer water into the Arctic. In order to assess latitudinal trends in food web structure in the Arctic, we analyzed stable nitrogen isotopes of specific amino acids alongside bulk stable carbon isotopes in ringed seal muscle tissue from the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (high-Arctic) and Southern Baffin Bay (mid-Arctic) from 1990 to 2016. Our results indicate a shift in food web structure in the high-Arctic that has occurred more recently when compared with the mid-Arctic. Specifically, over the past 25 years, the trophic position of ringed seals from the mid-Arctic was largely constant, whereas the trophic position of ringed seals decreased in the high-Arctic, reaching similar values observed in the mid-Arctic in 2015–2016. This suggests a potential shortening of the food chain length in the high-Arctic, possibly driven by changes in zooplankton communities feeding complexity in association with sea ice decline. This study identifies a temporal offset in the timing of borealization in the Canadian Arctic, resulting in different response of food webs to ecological changes, depending on latitude.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of Metal Tolerance Protein Gene Family in Medicago truncatula Under a Broad Range of Heavy Metal Stress

Metal tolerance proteins (MTPs) encompass plant membrane divalent cation transporters to specifically participate in heavy metal stress resistance and mineral acquisition. However, the molecular behaviors and biological functions of this family in Medicago truncatula are scarcely known. A total of 12 potential MTP candidate genes in the M. truncatula genome were successfully identified and analyzed for a phylogenetic relationship, chromosomal distributions, gene structures, docking analysis, gene ontology, and previous gene expression. M. truncatula MTPs (MtMTPs) were further classified into three major cation diffusion facilitator (CDFs) groups: Mn-CDFs, Zn-CDFs, and Fe/Zn-CDFs. The structural analysis of MtMTPs displayed high gene similarity within the same group where all of them have cation_efflux domain or ZT_dimer. Cis-acting element analysis suggested that various abiotic stresses and phytohormones could induce the most MtMTP gene transcripts. Among all MTPs, PF16916 is the specific domain, whereas GLY, ILE, LEU, MET, ALA, SER, THR, VAL, ASN, and PHE amino acids were predicted to be the binding residues in the ligand-binding site of all these proteins. RNA-seq and gene ontology analysis revealed the significant role of MTP genes in the growth and development of M. truncatula. MtMTP genes displayed differential responses in plant leaves, stems, and roots under five divalent heavy metals (Cd2+, Co2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, and Fe2+). Ten, seven, and nine MtMTPs responded to at least one metal ion treatment in the leaves, stems, and roots, respectively. Additionally, MtMTP1.1, MtMTP1.2, and MtMTP4 exhibited the highest expression responses in most heavy metal treatments. Our results presented a standpoint on the evolution of MTPs in M. truncatula. Overall, our study provides a novel insight into the evolution of the MTP gene family in M. truncatula and paves the way for additional functional characterization of this gene family.
Hot Spots and Climate Trends of Meteorological Droughts in Europe–Assessing the Percent of Normal Index in a Single-Model Initial-Condition Large Ensemble

Drought, caused by a prolonged deficit of precipitation, bears the risk of severe economic and ecological consequences for affected societies. The occurrence of this significant hydro-meteorological hazard is expected to strongly increase in many regions due to climate change, however, it is also subject to high internal climate variability. This calls for an assessment of climate trends and hot spots that considers the variations due to internal variability. In this study, the percent of normal index (PNI), an index that describes meteorological droughts by the deviation of a long-term reference mean, is analyzed in a single-model initial-condition large ensemble (SMILE) of the Canadian regional climate model version 5 (CRCM5) over Europe. A far future horizon under the Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 is compared to the present-day climate and a pre-industrial reference, which is derived from pi-control runs of the CRCM5 representing a counterfactual world without anthropogenic climate change. Our analysis of the SMILE reveals a high internal variability of drought occurrence over Europe. Considering the high internal variability, our results show a clear overall increase in the duration, number and intensity of droughts toward the far future horizon. We furthermore find a strong seasonal divergence with a distinct increase in summer droughts and a decrease in winter droughts in most regions. Additionally, the percentage of summer droughts followed by wet winters is increasing in all regions except for the Iberian Peninsula. Because of particularly severe drying trends, the Alps, the Mediterranean, France and the Iberian Peninsula are suggested to be considered as drought hot spots. Due to the simplicity and intuitivity of the PNI, our results derived from this index are particularly appropriate for region-specific communication purposes and outreach.
Impact of Prior Intra-articular Injections on the Risk of Prosthetic Joint Infection Following Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: The current review was designed to assess the impact of prior intra-articular injections on the risk of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA) with a focus on the timing of injection before surgery. Methods: The databases of PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar were searched up to 15th June 2021. All studies comparing the incidence of PJI with and without prior intra-articular injections were included. Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for PJI. Results: Nineteen studies were included. Both corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid injections were used before TJA in the included studies. Overall, comparing 127,163 patients with prior intra-articular injections and 394,104 patients without any injections, we noted a statistically significant increased risk of PJI in the injection group (RR 1.24 95% CI: 1.11, 1.38 I2 = 48% p = 0.002). On subgroup analysis, there was a statistically significant increased risk of PJI in the injection group in studies where intra-articular injections were administered <12 months before surgery (RR 1.18 95% CI: 1.10, 1.27 I2 = 7% p < 0.00001). Furthermore, on meta-analysis, we noted non-significant but increased risk of PJI when injections were administered 1 month (RR 1.47 95% CI: 0.88, 2.46 I2 = 77% p = 0.14), 0–3 months (RR 1.22 95% CI: 0.96, 1.56 I2 = 84% p = 0.11), and 3–6 months (RR 1.16 95% CI: 0.99, 1.35 I2 = 49% p = 0.06) before surgery. Conclusion: Our results indicate that patients with prior intra-articular injections have a small but statistically significant increased risk of PJI after TJA. Considering that PJI is a catastrophic complication with huge financial burden, morbidity and mortality; the clinical significance of this small risk cannot be dismissed. The question of the timing of injections and the risk of PJI still remains and can have a significant impact on the decision making. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO: CRD42021258297.
Taxonomy and SSU rDNA-Based Phylogeny of Two Heterotrich Ciliates (Ciliophora, Heterotrichea) Collected From Subtropical Wetlands of China, Including the Description of a New Species, Linostomella pseudovorticella n. sp.

The Heterotrichea Stein, 1859 are a group of ciliated protists (single-celled eukaryotes) that occur in a wide variety of aquatic habitat where they play important roles in the flow of nutrients and energy within the microbial food web. Many species are model organisms for research in cytology and regenerative biology. In the present study, the morphology and phylogeny of two heterotrich ciliates, namely, Linostomella pseudovorticella n. sp. and Peritromus kahli Villeneuve-Brachon, 1940, collected from subtropical wetlands of China, were investigated using morphological and molecular methods. L. pseudovorticella n. sp. differs from its only known congener, Linostomella vorticella Ehrenberg, 1833 Aescht in Foissner et al., 1999, by having more ciliary rows (48–67, mean about 56 vs. 26–51, mean about 42) and its small-subunit (SSU) rDNA sequence, which shows a 15-bp divergence. Although P. kahli has been reported several times in recent decades, its infraciliature has yet to be described. A redescription and improved diagnosis of this species based on a combination of previous and present data are here supplied. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rDNA sequences revealed that the genus Linostomella is positioned within Condylostomatidae, and Peritromidae is sister to Climacostomidae with relatively low support, and the family Spirostomidae is the root branch of the class Heterotrichea.
Vascular Diameters as Predictive Factors of Recanalization Surgery Outcomes in Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion

Background: Revascularization surgery sometimes can achieve recanalization in patients with internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO). High-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (HRVWI) is a feasible technique to give detailed characteristics of the vessel wall, which may help to identify patients that carry higher success rates and more suitable for revascularization surgery. Objective: To examine the association between HRVWI characteristics of ICAO and the success rate of revascularization surgery in ICAO patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 31 ICAO recanalization patients enrolled from October 2017 to May 2019. The clinical data of patients and lesions were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 31 ICAO patients were enrolled in this study. No significant differences were found between recanalization success and recanalization failure groups with regard to occlusion length, distal end of the occluded segment, and the treatment applied. The ipsilateral-to-contralateral diameter ratios (I/C ratios) of C1 or C2 and the diameter of C7 were positively related to recanalization success. A two-factor predictive model was constructed, and the I/C ratio of C2 < 0.86 and the diameter of C7 < 1.75mm were separately assigned 1 point. The ICAO patients who scored 0, 1, or 2 points had a risk of 5.6% (1/18), 55.6% (5/9), or 100% (4/4) to fail in the recanalization. Conclusions: The I/C ratios of C1 or C2 and the diameter of C7 are predictive factors of a revascularization surgery success in ICAO patients. A risk stratification model involving C2 and C7 was constructed for future clinical applications.
Improving Wellness of Operating Room Personnel: A Light-Based Intervention on Perceived Nursing-Related Stress

Background: Nursing is an emotionally demanding and physically draining occupation. Well-being of health care workers is essential to achieve success in care and have good cooperation relationships with other health professionals. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a light-based intervention on perceived nursing-related stress in health care personnel working in an operating room environment. Methods: A total of 84 nurses participated in this randomized, cross-over controlled study. Intervention consisted of 4 weeks of bright blue-enriched light exposure using a LED head-mounted portable device (n = 42) or no light exposure (n = 42) separated by a 2-week washout period in a crossover fashion. Participants completes questionnaires for the Nursing Stress Scale (NSS). Results: Intervention and control groups were comparable in terms of demographics, with a median age of 34 (IQR: 27–49) and 69 (82%) female. The mean baseline NSS score was similar in both groups before intervention. The NSS score of the intervention group was significantly lower after intervention than the baseline score: the NSS score difference before and after intervention was 15.1 (SD 7.6) (p < 0.001) and 19.7 (SD 7.5) (p < 0.001) during the two successive periods of intervention, respectively. The cross-group comparison after intervention showed a significantly higher NSS score difference after intervention in the intervention group than the control group: 15.1 (SD 7.6) vs. 1.4 (SD 8.4) (p < 0.001) and 19.7 (SD 7.5) vs. 1.7 (SD 8.9) (p < 0.001) during the two successive periods of intervention, respectively. Conclusion: Alternative person-directed initiatives should be considered to improve the well-being of the health workforce in operating rooms, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.
Sepsis Disrupts Mitochondrial Function and Diaphragm Morphology

Background The diaphragm is the primary muscle of inspiration, and its dysfunction is frequent during sepsis. However, the mechanisms associated with sepsis and diaphragm dysfunction are not well understood. In this study, we evaluated the morphophysiological changes of the mitochondrial diaphragm 5 days after sepsis induction. Methods Male C57Bl/6 mice were divided into two groups, namely, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP, n = 26) and sham-operated (n = 19). Mice received antibiotic treatment 8 h after surgery and then every 24 h until 5 days after surgery when mice were euthanized and the diaphragms were collected. Also, diaphragm function was evaluated in vivo by ultrasound 120 h after CLP. The tissue fiber profile was evaluated by the expression of myosin heavy chain and SERCA gene by qPCR and myosin protein by using Western blot. The Myod1 and Myog expressions were evaluated by using qPCR. Diaphragm ultrastructure was assessed by electron microscopy, and mitochondrial physiology was investigated by high-resolution respirometry, Western blot, and qPCR. Results Cecal ligation and puncture mice developed moderated sepsis, with a 74% survivor rate at 120 h. The diaphragm mass did not change in CLP mice compared with control, but we observed sarcomeric disorganization and increased muscle thickness (38%) during inspiration and expiration (21%). Septic diaphragm showed a reduction in fiber myosin type I and IIb mRNA expression by 50% but an increase in MyHC I and IIb protein levels compared with the sham mice. Total and healthy mitochondria were reduced by 30% in septic mice, which may be associated with a 50% decrease in Ppargc1a (encoding PGC1a) and Opa1 (mitochondria fusion marker) expressions in the septic diaphragm. The small and non-functional OPA1 isoform also increased 70% in the septic diaphragm. These data suggest an imbalance in mitochondrial function. In fact, we observed downregulation of all respiratory chain complexes mRNA expression, decreased complex III and IV protein levels, and reduced oxygen consumption associated with ADP phosphorylation (36%) in CLP mice. Additionally, the septic diaphragm increased proton leak and downregulated Sod2 by 70%. Conclusion The current model of sepsis induced diaphragm morphological changes, increased mitochondrial damage, and induced functional impairment. Thus, diaphragm damage during sepsis seems to be associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Graphical Abstract Septic diaphragm has impaired morphology and increased thickness that seems to be associated, at least in part, with decreased mitochondrial function related to reducing in Pgc1α expression, ATP production, mitochondrial number, and quality in the CLP mice compared with the control group.
Perspective of Human Condensins Involved in Colorectal Cancer

Although many important roles are played by human condesins in condensation and segregation of mitotic chromosomes, what roles of human condensins play in colorectal cancer are still unclear at present. Recently, abnormal expressions of all eight subunits of human condensins have been found in colorectal cancer and they are expected to become potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer in the future. However, there are still no reviews on the significance of abnormal expression of human condensin subunits and colorectal cancer until now. Based on a brief introduction to the discovery and composition of human condensins, the review summarized all abnormally expressed human subunits found in colorectal cancer based on publicly published papers. Moreover, Perspective of application on abnormally expressed human subunits in colorectal cancer is further reviewed.
Specialized Metabolites in Floral Resources: Effects and Detection in Buff-Tailed Bumblebees

The selection of appropriate food resources by bees is a critical aspect for the maintenance of their populations, especially in the current context of global change and pollinator decline. Wild bees have a sophisticated ability to forage selectively on specific resources, and can assess the quality of pollen using contact chemosensory perception (taste). While numerous studies have investigated the detection of pollen macronutrients in bees and their impact on bee health and reproductive success, only a few studies have described the gustatory responses of bees toward specialized metabolites. In addition, these studies mostly focused on the response to nectar and neglected pollen, which is the main food resource for both bee imagines and larvae. Whether bees have the ability to detect specialized toxic metabolites in pollen and then rapidly adapt their foraging behavior to avoid them is very little studied. In this study, we tested whether pollen specialized metabolites affect bumblebees at both the micro-colony and individual levels (i.e., bioassays using supplemented pollen), and whether foragers detect these specialized metabolites and potentially display an avoidance behavior (i.e., preference tests using supplemented syrup). Bumblebees were fed with either amygdalin-, scopolamine- or sinigrin-supplemented pollen diets in ratios that mimic 50%, 100%, and 200% of naturally occurring concentrations. We found no effect of these specialized metabolites on resource collection, reproductive success and stress response at the micro-colony level. At the individual level, bumblebees fed on 50%-amygdalin or 50%-scopolamine diets displayed the highest scores for damage to their digestive systems. Interestingly, during the preference tests, the solution with 50%-scopolamine displayed a phagostimulatory activity, whereas solution with 50%-amygdalin had a deterrent effect and could trigger an active avoidance behavior in bumblebees, with a faster proboscis retraction. Our results suggest that regulation of toxin intake is not as well-established and effective as the regulation of nutrient intake in bees. Bees are therefore not equally adapted to all specialized pollen metabolites that they can come into contact with.
Discovery of Novel Viruses Associated With the Invasive Cane Toad (Rhinella marina) in Its Native and Introduced Ranges

Cane toads (Rhinella marina) are notoriously successful invaders: from 101 individuals brought to Australia in 1935, poisonous toads now cover an area >1.2 million km2 with adverse effects on native fauna. Despite extensive research on the role of macroparasites in cane toad invasion, viral research is lagging. We compared viral prevalence and diversity between toads in their native range (French Guiana, n=25) and two introduced ranges: Australia (n=151) and Hawai’i (n=10) with a metatranscriptomic and metagenomic approach combined with PCR screening. Australian toads almost exclusively harbor one of seven viruses detected globally. Rhimavirus-A (Picornaviridae) exhibited low genetic diversity and likely actively infected 9% of sampled Australian toads extending across ~2,000km of Northern Australia and up to the current invasion front. In native range cane toads, we identified multiple phylogenetically distinct viruses (Iridoviridae, Picornaviridae, Papillomaviridae, and Nackedna-like virus). None of the same viruses was detected in both ranges, suggesting that Australian cane toads have largely escaped the viral infection experienced by their native range counterparts. The novel native range viruses described here are potential biocontrol agents, as Australian toads likely lack prior immunological exposure to these viruses. Overall, our evidence suggests that there may be differences between viruses infecting cane toads in their native vs. introduced ranges, which lays the groundwork for further studies on how these viruses have influenced the toads’ invasion history.
NOX2-Deficient Neutrophils Facilitate Joint Inflammation Through Higher Pro-Inflammatory and Weakened Immune Checkpoint Activities

Immune-mediated arthritis is an important chronic inflammatory disease of joints causing debilitating morbidity in affected patients. The mechanisms underlying immune-mediated arthritis have been intensively investigated, however the cellular and molecular factors contributing to the joint inflammation in different redox conditions have not been clearly elucidated. Previous research showed that phagocyte-produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays an anti-inflammatory role in K/BxN serum-transfer arthritis and NOX2-deficient mice tend to have more severe arthritis. Although many leukocytes play critical roles in the development of immune-mediated arthritis, the role of neutrophils, which are the main producers of ROS in inflammation, is still controversial. We hence assessed the immunomodulatory function of neutrophils from arthritic joints of NOX2-deficient and wild type mice in this study. We found more neutrophils accumulation in NOX2-deficient inflamed joints. RNA-sequencing and quantitative PCR revealed significantly increased expression of acute inflammation genes including IL1b, Cxcl2, Cxcl3, Cxcl10 and Mmp3 in activated neutrophils from the inflamed joints of NOX2-deficient mice. Moreover, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed enriched gene signatures in type I and II IFN responses, IL-6-JAK-STAT3 signaling pathway and TNF-α signaling pathway via NF-κB in NOX2-deficient neutrophils. In addition, we found that NOX2-deficient neutrophils expressed lower levels of PD-L1 and were less suppressive than WT neutrophils. Moreover, treatment of PD-L1-Fc decreased cytokine expression and ameliorated the severity of inflammatory arthritis. Our results suggest that NOX2-derived ROS is critical for regulating the function and gene expression in arthritic neutrophils. Both the strong pro-inflammatory and weakened anti-inflammatory functions of neutrophils due to abnormal redox regulation may be targets of treatment for immune-mediated arthritis.