bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Industry 4.0 Powered Process Technology Innovation, Firm’s Leanness, and Eco-Environmental Performance During the COVID-19 Phase
Authors: Sun Han , Chu Xiao
Published: August 2022

Amid rising market competitiveness, Industry Revolution (IR) 4.0 oriented technological integration is considered an imperative driver of sustainable organizational performances and green supply chain management. This study explores the role of IR 4.0 powered process technology innovation in enhancing Leanness, Green Supply Chain Management, and Organizational Performance (including operational, economic, and environmental) during COVID-19. For this purpose, a novel conceptual framework was developed, and Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLSM) was employed on primary data of 314 respondents collected from Chinese manufacturing industries. Moreover, Multi-Group Analysis was also implemented to compare firms’ willingness to implement IR 4.0 technologies powered process innovation. The results exhibit that Green IR 4.0 powered process technology innovation improves firm’s leanness and stimulates environmental, optional, and economic performances. Similar findings are endorsed through the green supply chain management channel. Manifestly, COVID-19 instigated firms to adopt IR 4.0-based technological processes for efficient supply chain management. Based on these results, organizations are recommended to integrate IR 4.0 induced technology innovation to spur manufacturing firms’ eco-economic and operational performance.
Effect of drying dynamics on the functional structure of a fish assemblage from an intermittent river network
Authors: Gonçalves-Silva Milena , Manna Luisa Resende , Rodrigues-Filho Carlos Alberto Sousa , Teixeira Francisco Keilo , Rezende Carla Ferreira
Published: August 2022

We are living in a fast-changing world promoted by anthropogenic actions and ecosystems’ functioning has been constantly changed. One example is the globally reduction of river flow that can lead to more than 50% of the rivers and streams around the world becoming intermittent. However, the relationship between environmental changes and biological communities has been limited to taxonomic approach, rather than the functional approach. Functional structure determines how individuals interact with the environment and evaluating the effects of hydrological changes in functional variation can elucidate the responses of aquatic biota under climate changes. Thus, we hypothesized that hydrological phases (dry, re-wetting and wet) would influence both environmental conditions and fish composition (i.e., taxonomic richness and functional structure) in one intermittent river. In addition, we expected that: 1) fish assemblages will have higher values of species richness and Functional Diversity indexes—Richness (FRic), Dispersion (FDis), Specialization (FSpe), and Originality (FOri) in drier phases (dry and re-wetting); and 2) higher values of Functional Diversity indexes related to evenness (FEve) and divergence (FDiv) in the wet phase, due to the predominance of species with high dispersal capacity when sites are connected. Sampling was conducted in the Cruxati river during the three hydrological phases along four sites (250 m each). Functional diversity analysis, involving traits of dispersion, life history and trophic ecology were used to apply Functional Diversity indexes. Indexes were compared from null models and all species were ordered in a multidimensional functional space using principal coordinate analysis (PCoA). In the dry phase, taxonomic richness and FRic between communities is higher, as well as FSpe and FOri, showing that each assemblage has unique characteristics with different strategies allowing the establishment in this hydrological phase. However, communities are less functionally dispersed. In the wet phase, when the river is connected, FDis between communities is higher and species abundances are more equitable with regular distribution in the functional space. Therefore, we conclude that local ecological processes (i.e., dynamics of hydrology) may promote the establishment of species according to their functional traits and thereby the functional structure of local assemblages.
Evaluating households’ community participation: Does community trust play any role in sustainable development?
Authors: Hu Guangyin , Wang Jing , Laila Ume , Fahad Shah , Li Jinjie
Published: August 2022

Traditional community support, prevention from disasters, and mitigation depend on the top-down mode of management regulated by the government. This study aims to analyze the association between social networks and its structure on the decision of households’ participation in community. A households survey was conducted in Yanliang district of Shaanxi province of China and 393 households were targeted. An ordered multi classification logistic regression model was utilized to empirically analyze the association between the variables. The results showed that social networks have a significant positive impact on the households’ participation in cooperatives/communities. Among other variables, network interaction, network learning, network trust, and households’ participation in green energy technologies and cooperatives/community showed significant and positive correlation, but the variable network reciprocity was found to be negatively correlated to the adoption of green energy technologies. Study findings further revealed that, there is an interaction effect in the participation of households’ behavioral decision-making and joining cooperatives. Furthermore, the social experience of the head of the household and the source of income of the family showed a significant positive association with households’ participation in cooperatives/communities. Based on the study findings, it is suggested that the utilization and cultivation of households’ social network, service level of cooperatives need to be improved.
Can the modified ESG-KMV logit model explain the default risk of internet finance companies?
Authors: Zeng Li , Lau Wee-Yeap , Abdul Bahri Elya Nabila
Published: August 2022

With the rapid development of internet finance in China, the risk management of internet finance has become an urgent issue. This study analyzes the factors that affect the default risk of Chinese internet finance companies based on measuring the distance to default of companies. This study incorporates ESG rating into the evaluation model to comprehensively reflect the default risk factors. The traditional KMV model is modified with ESG rating, and results are used to construct the panel logit model. Based on internet finance firms listed on China A-Shares data from 2016 to 2020, our results show the following: first, the modified ESG-KMV logit model can effectively analyze the influencing factors of the internet finance default risk. Second, ROE, accounts receivable turnover ratio, asset-liability ratio and z-value are important factors that affect the default risk of internet finance companies. Third, it is also found that COVID-19 has significantly impacted the default risk of internet finance companies. As a policy implication, the regulator can incorporate ESG into the measurement of the default risk to create more awareness among internet finance companies on the importance of the environment and sustainability to human societies.
The spatiotemporal effects and drivers of industrial agglomeration—A case study of counties in the Yellow River basin
Authors: Duan Ye , Zhao Huimin , Zhang Hao , Qin Yuming , Han Zenglin
Published: August 2022

While the research on industrial agglomeration has received more attention, there has been little research on its spatial effect and impact mechanism from the micro perspective. On the basis of the industrial cluster data of 600 counties in the Yellow River basin (YRB) from 2010 to 2020, this article investigates the spatial effect of industrial agglomeration in the YRB from the two aspects of time and space via center of gravity analysis and exploratory spatial data analysis and uses the spatial econometric method to research the drivers of county-level industrial agglomeration. The results reveal the following. During the study period, the industrial center of gravity in the YRB presented a moving tendency from east to west, and 2016 was an important turning point. The county-level industrial distribution in the YRB showed an unbalanced trend, but its unbalanced degree exhibited a weakening trend. In terms of the temporal dimension, the county-level industrial agglomeration degree in the YRB presented a significant downward trend and emerged an evolution process of “diffusion–agglomeration–re-diffusion.” Specifically, it gradually diffused from Shandong and Henan to southern Shanxi and Shaanxi. In the spatial dimension, the county-level industrial agglomeration in the YRB was found to have conspicuous spatial autocorrelation, and the spatial spillover effect was prominent. The number of counties with high–high cluster gradually increased and shifted to the west, while the number of counties with low–low agglomeration exhibited a decreasing trend. The degree of government intervention restrains county-level industrial agglomeration, while the external industry level, regional market demand, and urbanization level promote county-level industrial agglomeration. In terms of river basins, in the upstream, the degree of government intervention and industrial structure adjustment inhibit industrial agglomeration, while the regional market demand and urbanization level promote industrial agglomeration. In the midstream, the degree of government intervention inhibits industrial agglomeration, while the external industry level, regional market demand, and industrial structure adjustment promote industrial agglomeration. In the downstream, the external industry level and industrial structure adjustment restrain industrial agglomeration, while the regional market demand and urbanization level promote industrial agglomeration. The conclusions provide a significant reference for the industrial transformation and high-quality economic development of the YRB.
Role of socioeconomy and land management in the evolution of agrosilvopastoral landscapes in Northern Spain: The case study of Redes Biosphere Reserve
Authors: González Díaz José Antonio , González Díaz Benjamín , Rosa-García Rocío
Published: August 2022

Agrosilvopastoral systems are multifunctional, complex, and knowledge-intensive systems with the potential to deliver multiple ecosystem services. However, their future is hindered by socio-ecological factors which influence the dynamics of the associated landscapes by modifying how the natural resources are used over time and across the territory. An integrated analysis of the most influential factors and the associated dynamics urges due to the strategic potential of these systems to provide locally adapted ecosystem services to face both local and global challenges. We investigated the changes in the demography, productive activities and the strategies of land use, and how they influenced the landscape dynamics, in the Redes Biosphere Reserve. Datasets with demographic, socioeconomic, and landscape parameters from 1956, 1985, and 2016 were created. Landscape metrics were calculated for the whole Reserve and for six areas covering the bioclimatic variability. Historical data, interviews with the local population, and repeated images were used to reconstruct the land uses and the landscape maps in each period. The number of inhabitants declined 60% from 1956 to 2016, and only 4.7% are less than 15 years old nowadays. The human group’s capacity to maintain sustainable and productive activities is highly questionable. During the same period, the number of farms decreased by 80% and the herds evolved from multispecific (63% cattle and 37% small ruminants) to monospecific ones (around 88% cattle). The complex land management strategies simplified: subsistence agriculture almost disappeared and the diversity of livestock and agroforestry strategies also decreased. The landscape metrics revealed the most drastic changes in the lowlands associated with the construction of two water reservoirs and the disappearance of croplands and open chestnut forests. At middle altitudes, around 43% of the hay meadows disappeared and the remaining grasslands are only grazed, whereas grazed grasslands declined by 77% at the highest altitudes. Two drivers repeated across the three bioclimatic scenarios: expansion of dense woodlands (average 220%) and shrublands (295%). All these changes led to the reduction of the landscape diversity and the simplification of the mosaic, with possible environmental implications. Integrated approaches including environmental and socioeconomic measures are needed to preserve the landscapes and associated services.
A Prognostic Ferroptosis-Related lncRNA Model Associated With Immune Infiltration in Colon Cancer
Authors: Lu Jianzhong , Tan Jinhua , Yu Xiaoqing
Published: August 2022

Colon cancer (CC) is a common malignant tumor worldwide, and ferroptosis plays a vital role in the pathology and progression of CC. Effective prognostic tools are required to guide clinical decision-making in CC. In our study, gene expression and clinical data of CC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. We identified the differentially expressed ferroptosis-related lncRNAs using the differential expression and gene co-expression analysis. Then, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify the effective ferroptosis-related lncRNAs for constructing the prognostic model for CC. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to explore the functional enrichment analysis. CIBERSORT and single-sample GSEA were performed to investigate the association between our model and the immune microenvironment. Finally, three ferroptosis-related lncRNAs (XXbac-B476C20.9, TP73-AS1, and SNHG15) were identified to construct the prognostic model. The results of the validation showed that our model was effective in predicting the prognosis of CC patients, which also was an independent prognostic factor for CC. The GSEA analysis showed that several ferroptosis-related pathways were significantly enriched in the low-risk group. Immune infiltration analysis suggested that the level of immune cell infiltration was significantly higher in the high-risk group than that in the low-risk group. In summary, we established a prognostic model based on the ferroptosis-related lncRNAs, which could provide clinical guidance for future laboratory and clinical research on CC.
Maternal Xp22.31 copy-number variations detected in non-invasive prenatal screening effectively guide the prenatal diagnosis of X-linked ichthyosis
Authors: Tang Xinxin , Wang Zhiwei , Yang Shuting , Chen Min , Zhang Yue , Zhang Fang , Tan Juan , Yin Ting , Wang Leilei
Published: August 2022

Background and aims: X-linked ichthyosis (XLI) is a common recessive genetic disease caused by the deletion of steroid sulfatase (STS) in Xp22.31. Maternal copy-number deletions in Xp22.31 (covering STS) can be considered an incidental benefit of genome-wide cell-free DNA profiling. Here, we explored the accuracy and clinical value of maternal deletions in Xp22.31 during non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS).

Materials and methods: We evaluated 13,156 pregnant women who completed NIPS. The maternal deletions in Xp22.31 revealed by NIPS were confirmed with maternal white blood cells by chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) or copy-number variation sequencing (CNV-seq). Suspected positive women pregnant with male fetuses were informed and provided with prenatal genetic counseling.

Results: Nineteen maternal deletions in Xp22.31 covering STS were detected by NIPS, which were all confirmed, ranging in size from 0.61 to 1.77 Mb. Among them, eleven women with deletions in male fetuses accepted prenatal diagnoses, and finally nine cases of XLI were diagnosed. The nine XLI males had differing degrees of skin abnormalities, and of them, some male members of ten families had symptoms associated with XLI.

Conclusion: NIPS has the potential to detect clinically significant maternal X chromosomal CNVs causing XLI, which can guide the prenatal diagnosis of X-linked ichthyosis and reflect the family history, so as to enhance pregnancy management as well as children and family members’ health management.
Bioinformatics searching of diagnostic markers and immune infiltration in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Yao Xinrui , Wang Xiuxia
Published: August 2022

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine diseases in reproductive-aged women, and it affects numerous women worldwide. This study aimed to identify potential diagnostic markers and explore the infiltration of immune cells in PCOS, contributing to the development of potential therapeutic drugs for this disease. We identified five key genes: CBLN1 (AUC = 0.924), DNAH5 (AUC = 0.867), HMOX1 (AUC = 0.971), SLC26A8 (AUC = 0,933), and LOC100507250 (AUC = 0.848) as diagnostic markers of PCOS. Compared with paired normal group, naïve B cells, gamma delta T cells, resting CD4 memory T cells, and activated CD4 memory T cells were significantly decreased in PCOS while M2 macrophages were significantly increased. Significant correlations were presented between the five key genes and the components of immune infiltrate. The results of CMap suggest that four drugs, ISOX, apicidin, scriptaid, and NSC-94258, have the potential to reverse PCOS. The present study helps provide novel insights for the prevention and treatment of PCOS, and immune cell infiltration plays a role that cannot be ignored in the occurrence and progression of the disease.
Prenatal and postnatal diagnosis of Phelan–McDermid syndrome: A report of 21 cases from a medical center and review of the literature
Authors: Hao Ying , Liu Yang , Yang Jingxin , Li Xingping , Luo Fuwei , Geng Qian , Li Suli , Li Peining , Wu Weiqing , Xie Jiansheng
Published: August 2022

Background: Phelan–McDermid syndrome (PMS), caused by deletions at 22q13.3 and pathogenic variants in the SHANK3 gene, is a rare developmental disorder characterized by hypotonia, developmental delay (DD), intellectual disability (ID), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), dysmorphic features, absence of or delayed language, and other features.

Methods: Conventional karyotyping, chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), and whole exome sequencing (WES) have been used to detect genetic defects causing PMS. We summarized the genetic and clinical findings from prenatal to postnatal stages of detected cases of PMS and mapped potential candidate haploinsufficient genes for deletions of 22q13. This study aimed to summarize the laboratory findings, genetic defects, and genotype–phenotype correlations for Chinese patients with PMS.

Results: Seven prenatal cases and fourteen postnatal cases were diagnosed with PMS in our center. Thirteen cases had a deletion ranging in size from 69 to 9.06 Mb at 22q13.2-q13.33, and five cases had a pathogenic variant or an intragenic deletion in the SHANK3 gene. Three familial cases with a parental carrier of a balanced translocation were noted. A review of the literature noted another case series of 29 cases and a report of five cases of PMS in China. Genotype–phenotype correlations confirmed haploinsufficiency of the SHANK3 gene for PMS and suggested other candidate haploinsufficient genes TNFRSFI3C and NFAM1 genes for immunological features and TCF20, SULT4A1, PARVB, SCO2, and UPK3A genes for intellectual impairment and behavioral abnormality, neurological features, macrocephaly/hypotonia, oculopathy, and renal adysplasia, respectively.

Conclusion: Indications for prenatal diagnosis of PMS are not specific, and approximately 85% prenatally diagnosed PMS elected termination of pregnancies after genetic counseling. For postnatal cases, 62.5% were caused by a deletion at 22q13 and 37.5% were caused by a pathogenic variant or an intragenic deletion in the SHANK3 gene. Approximately 6.7% of cases with a deletion were familial, and almost all pathogenic variants were de novo. Combined karyotype, CMA, and WES should be performed to increase the diagnostic yield. The identification of other candidate haploinsufficient genes in deletions of 22q13.2-q13.33 could relate to more severe dysmorphic features, neurologic defects, and immune deficiency. These results provided evidence for diagnostic interpretation, genetic counseling, and clinical management for the Chinese cases of PMS.
Emerging innovations on exosome-based onco-therapeutics
Authors: Dai Xiaofeng , Ye Yongju , He Fule
Published: August 2022

Exosomes, nano-sized extracellular vesicles for intercellular communications, are gaining rapid momentum as a novel strategy for the diagnosis and therapeutics of a spectrum of diseases including cancers. Secreted by various cell sources, exosomes pertain numerous functionalities from their parental cells and have enhanced stability that enable them with many features favorable for clinical use and commercialization. This paper focuses on the possible roles of exosomes in cancer therapeutics and reviews current exosome-based innovations toward enhanced cancer management and challenges that limit their clinical translation. Importantly, this paper casts insights on how cold atmospheric plasma, an emerging anticancer strategy, may aid in innovations on exosome-based onco-therapeutics toward improved control over cancers.
Coelomocyte populations in the sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, undergo dynamic changes in response to immune challenge
Authors: Barela Hudgell Megan A. , Grayfer Leon , Smith L. Courtney
Published: August 2022

The sea urchin,Strongylocentrotus purpuratushas seven described populations of distinct coelomocytes in the coelomic fluid that are defined by morphology, size, and for some types, by known functions. Of these subtypes, the large phagocytes are thought to be key to the sea urchin cellular innate immune response. The concentration of total coelomocytes in the coelomic fluid increases in response to pathogen challenge. However, there is no quantitative analysis of how the respective coelomocyte populations change over time in response to immune challenge. Accordingly, coelomocytes collected from immunoquiescent, healthy sea urchins were evaluated by flow cytometry for responses to injury and to challenge with either heat-killedVibrio diazotrophicus, zymosan A, or artificial coelomic fluid, which served as the vehicle control. Responses to the initial injury of coelomic fluid collection or to injection ofV. diazotrophicusshow significant increases in the concentration of large phagocytes, small phagocytes, and red spherule cells after one day. Responses to zymosan A show decreases in the concentration of large phagocytes and increases in the concentration of small phagocytes. In contrast, responses to injections of vehicle result in decreased concentration of large phagocytes. When these changes in coelomocytes are evaluated based on proportions rather than concentration, the respective coelomocyte proportions are generally maintained in response to injection withV. diazotrophicusand vehicle. However, this is not observed in response to zymosan A and this lack of correspondence between proportions and concentrations may be an outcome of clearing these large particles by the large phagocytes. Variations in coelomocyte populations are also noted for individual sea urchins evaluated at different times for their responses to immune challenge compared to the vehicle. Together, these results demonstrate that the cell populations in sea urchin immune cell populations undergo dynamic changesin vivoin response to distinct immune stimuli and to injury and that these changes are driven by the responses of the large phagocyte populations.
Recombinant BCG expressing the LTAK63 adjuvant improves a short-term chemotherapy schedule in the control of tuberculosis in mice
Authors: Trentini Monalisa Martins , Kanno Alex Issamu , Rodriguez Dunia , Marques-Neto Lazaro Moreira , Eto Silas Fernandes , Chudzinki-Tavassi Ana Marisa , Leite Luciana Cezar de Cerqueira
Published: August 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the deadliest infectious diseases around the world. Prevention is based on the prophylactic use of BCG vaccine, effective in infants but as protection wanes with time, adults are less protected. Additionally, chemotherapy requires the use of many antibiotics for several months to be effective. Immunotherapeutic approaches can activate the immune system, intending to assist chemotherapy of TB patients, improving its effectiveness, and reducing treatment time. In this work, the recombinant BCG expressing LTAK63 (rBCG-LTAK63) was evaluated for its immunotherapeutic potential against TB. Bacillary load, immune response, and lung inflammation were evaluated in mice infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and treated either with BCG or rBCG-LTAK63 using different routes of administration. Mice infected with Mtb and treated intranasally or intravenously with rBCG-LTAK63 showed a reduced bacillary load and lung inflammatory area when compared to the group treated with BCG. In the spleen, rBCG-LTAK63 administered intravenously induced a higher inflammatory response of CD4+ T cells. On the other hand, in the lungs there was an increased presence of CD4+IL-10+ and regulatory T cells. When combined with a short-term chemotherapy regimen, rBCG-LTAK63 administered subcutaneously or intravenously decreases the Mtb bacillary load, increases the anti-inflammatory response, and reduces tissue inflammation. These findings highlight the potential of rBCG-LTAK63 in assisting chemotherapy against Mtb.
Profiling the serum proteome during Schistosoma mansoni infection in the BALB/c mice: A focus on the altered lipid metabolism as a key modulator of host-parasite interactions
Authors: Gonçalves-Silva Gustavo , Vieira Lara Geralda Magela dos Santos , Cosenza-Contreras Miguel , Souza Ana Flávia Pinho , Costa Daniela Caldeira , Castro-Borges Wiliam
Published: August 2022

Schistosomiasis represents a condition in which every aspect of the disease, starting from skin invasion of the cercariae to egg laying by adult worms, incites a tissue response from the vertebrate host. This response, whether acute or chronic, leads to the appearance of reporter molecules of tissue injury in bodily fluids that could be surveyed as markers for disease diagnosis, status and prognosis. In this scenario, the serum proteome associated with a schistosome infection remains poorly explored; particularly by the use of high-throughput mass spectrometric instrumentation. In this study, we aimed to comparatively examine the serum proteome of control versus infected BALB/c mice, spanning the interval between the onset of egg laying and the peak of the acute phase of infection. Compositional analysis of the sera, using one dimensional reversed-phase fractionation of tryptic peptides coupled to mass spectrometry, allowed identification of 453 constituents. Among these, over 30% (143 molecules) were differentially present comparing sera from infected and non-infected mice, as revealed by quantitative label-free shotgun approach. The majority of proteins exhibiting altered levels was categorised as belonging to immune response (acute phase-related proteins) followed by those linked to lipid transport and metabolism. Inspection of the lipid profile from control and infected individuals demonstrated more pronounced and significant alterations in triglycerides, VLDL and HDL fractions (p<0,001), attesting for a disturbance in circulating lipid molecules, and suggesting a key role in host-parasite interactions. Our findings provide a global view of the serum proteome in the context of experimental schistosomiasis during the acute phase of infection. It contributes by listing key molecules that could be monitored to inform on the associated inflammatory disease status. We hope it will shed light into uncovered aspects of the Schistosoma mansoni parasitism in the vertebrate host, particularly those related to modulation of the lipid metabolism mediating immune responses.
Cd248a and Cd248b in zebrafish participate in innate immune responses
Authors: Li Xianpeng , Guo Ruitong , Yang Shuaiqi , Zhang Xiangmin , Yin Xiu , Teng Lei , Zhang Shicui , Ji Guangdong , Li Hongyan
Published: August 2022

CD248, also known as endosialin or tumor endothelial marker 1, is a type I single transmembrane glycoprotein. CD248 has been demonstrated to be upregulated in cancers, tumors and many fibrotic diseases in human and mice, such as liver damage, pulmonary fibrosis, renal fibrosis, arthritis and tumor neovascularization. However, no definite CD248 orthologs in fish have been documented so far. In this study, we report the identification of cd248a and cd248b in the zebrafish. Both the phylogenetic analysis and the conserved synteny strongly suggested that zebrafish cd248a and cd248b are orthologs of the human CD248. Both cd248a and cd248b exhibited similar and dynamic expression pattern in early development, both genes had weak maternal expression, the zygotic transcripts were first seen in anterior somites and head mesenchyme, then shifted to eyes and head mesenchyme, later expanded to branchial arches, and gradually declined with development. The expression profiles of cd248a and cd248b were upregulated upon LPS (Lipopolysaccharide) challenge. Both Cd248a protein and Cd248b protein were localized on the cell membrane and cytoplasm, and overexpression of cd248a and cd248b induced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, deficiency of cd248a or cd248b both downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and upregulated anti-inflammatory cytokine. Additionally, loss of cd248a or cd248b both downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines after LPS treatment. Taken together, these results indicated that cd248a and cd248b in zebrafish were involved in immune response and would provide further information to understand functions of Cd248 protein in innate immunity of fish.
Inflammatory perturbations in early life long-lastingly shape the transcriptome and TCR repertoire of the first wave of regulatory T cells
Authors: Yang Juhao , Zou Mangge , Chu Xiaojing , Floess Stefan , Li Yang , Delacher Michael , Huehn Jochen
Published: August 2022

The first wave of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) generated in neonates is critical for the life-long prevention of autoimmunity. Although it is widely accepted that neonates are highly susceptible to infections, the impact of neonatal infections on this first wave of Tregs is completely unknown. Here, we challenged newborn Treg fate-mapping mice (Foxp3eGFPCreERT2xROSA26STOP-eYFP) with the Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists LPS and poly I:C to mimic inflammatory perturbations upon neonatal bacterial or viral infections, respectively, and subsequently administrated tamoxifen during the first 8 days of life to selectively label the first wave of Tregs. Neonatally-tagged Tregs preferentially accumulated in non-lymphoid tissues (NLTs) when compared to secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs) irrespective of the treatment. One week post challenge, no differences in the frequency and phenotypes of neonatally-tagged Tregs were observed between challenged mice and untreated controls. However, upon aging, a decreased frequency of neonatally-tagged Tregs in both NLTs and SLOs was detected in challenged mice when compared to untreated controls. This decrease became significant 12 weeks post challenge, with no signs of altered Foxp3 stability. Remarkably, this late decrease in the frequency of neonatally-tagged Tregs only occurred when newborns were challenged, as treating 8-days-old mice with TLR agonists did not result in long-lasting alterations of the first wave of Tregs. Combined single-cell T cell receptor (TCR)-seq and RNA-seq revealed that neonatal inflammatory perturbations drastically diminished TCR diversity and long-lastingly altered the transcriptome of neonatally-tagged Tregs, exemplified by lower expression of Tigit, Foxp3, and Il2ra. Together, our data demonstrate that a single, transient encounter with a pathogen in early life can have long-lasting consequences for the first wave of Tregs, which might affect immunological tolerance, prevention of autoimmunity, and other non-canonical functions of tissue-resident Tregs in adulthood.
A robust CD8+ T cell-related classifier for predicting the prognosis and efficacy of immunotherapy in stage III lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Feng Jinteng , Xu Longwen , Zhang Shirong , Geng Luying , Zhang Tian , Yu Yang , Yuan Rui , He Yusheng , Nan Zhuhui , Lin Min , Guo Hui
Published: August 2022

Patients with stage III lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) have significant survival heterogeneity, meanwhile, CD8+ T cell has a remarkable function in immunotherapy. Therefore, developing novel biomarkers based on CD8+ T cell can help evaluate the prognosis and guide the strategy of immunotherapy for patients with stage III LUAD. Thus, we abstracted twelve datasets from multiple online databases and grouped the stage III LUAD patients into training and validation sets. We then used WGCNA and CIBERSORT, while univariate Cox analysis, LASSO analysis, and multivariate Cox analysis were performed. Subsequently, a novel CD8+ T cell-related classifier including HDFRP3, ARIH1, SMAD2, and UPB1 was developed, which could divide stage III LUAD patients into high- and low-risk groups with distinct survival probability in multiple cohorts (all P < 0.05). Moreover, a robust nomogram including the traditional clinical parameters and risk signature was constructed, and t-ROC, C-index, and calibration curves confirmed its powerful predictive capacity. Besides, we detected the difference in immune cell subpopulations and evaluated the potential benefits of immunotherapy between the two risk subsets. Finally, we verified the correlation between the gene expression and CD8+ T cells included in the model by immunohistochemistry and validated the validity of the model in a real-world cohort. Overall, we constructed a robust CD8+ T cell-related risk model originally which could predict the survival rates in stage III LUAD. What’s more, this model suggested that patients in the high-risk group could benefit from immunotherapy, which has significant implications for accurately predicting the effect of immunotherapy and evaluating the prognosis for patients with stage III LUAD.
Pulse corticosteroid therapy in the treatment of steroid-refractory immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis: Case report and review
Authors: Lai Kuan-Chang , Hsiao Yi-Han , Chen San-Chi
Published: August 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated promising therapeutic outcomes in treating a variety of malignancies, but immune-related adverse events (irAE) may develop. Among all the irAE, immune-related pneumonitis was relatively common and life-threatening. High-dose corticosteroid was recommended for the initial management, but a part of patients developed steroid-refractory pneumonitis. Other immunosuppressants were recommended, but the optimal treatment is still controversial. Here, we report two cases of steroid-refractory immune-related pneumonitis who were successfully treated with pulse corticosteroid therapy. Case 1 was hepatocellular carcinoma treated with nivolumab for 5 months. She developed acute respiratory distress syndrome due to grade 4 immune-related pneumonitis that was refractory to intravenous methylprednisolone 2 mg/kg/day treatment. Methylprednisolone 500 mg for 3 days followed by 2 mg/kg/day steroid as maintenance therapy was given. Subsequently, her pneumonitis was regressed, and the endotracheal tube was successfully removed on day 9 after the start of pulse therapy. Case 2 presented with grade 4 immune-related pneumonitis in spite the use of methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg for his skin rash. Pulse corticosteroid therapy was prescribed, then his pneumonitis was completely regressed on day 12. In this report, we demonstrated the potential role of pulse corticosteroid therapy for steroid-refractory pneumonitis.
A data fusion approach for estimating traffic distribution characteristics of expressway: A case study of guangdong province, china
Authors: Dan Han-Cheng , Ling Chongyu , Zhu Zhiheng , Gao Liansheng , Zeng Xiaojun
Published: August 2022

Currently, people pay more and more attention to road maintenance, and the traffic characteristics of vehicles play an important role in road quality evolution and maintenance decision, which commonly depends on the collection and analysis of traffic data. Nevertheless, the rationality of traffic data analysis and the scientificity of maintenance decision are deficient. This study carries out a research on the data fusion of multisource traffic data including toll data and video surveillance data. First, the information of vehicle type and axle load is acquired from the toll data, and the lane, speed and temporal information are obtained from the video surveillance data. A Bayesian method is used to train toll data and video surveillance data to recover missing data. The vehicle type distribution probabilities of traffic volume during different periods and speeds in different lanes are investigated. Next, the number of equivalent standard axle load (ESAL) at different lanes, time periods, and speeds are estimated based on the axle load conversion relationship between different vehicle types. Then the axle load spectrum and distribution characteristics of traffic in different sections, lanes, speeds, and time periods are analyzed. Finally, the comparison of rutting depth from the multisource data fusion and specification is carried out, and it shows an apparent difference (e.g., beyond 20%) when the lateral distribution in lanes is taken into account. Although the difference is less than 10% by considering vehicle speed and time periods, the time to reach the same value of rutting depth maybe more than 1 year. Therefore, it greatly affects accurate determination of preventive maintenance timing. As a whole, this study provides beneficial information for accurately understanding the preventive maintenance opportunities and making reasonable maintenance decisions.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of HIV-1 CRF63_02A6 sub-epidemic
Authors: Sivay Mariya V. , Maksimenko Lada V. , Osipova Irina P. , Nefedova Anastasiya A. , Gashnikova Mariya P. , Zyryanova Dariya P. , Ekushov Vasiliy E. , Totmenin Alexei V. , Nalimova Tatyana M. , Ivlev Vladimir V. , Kapustin Dmitriy V. , Pozdnyakova Larisa L. , Skudarnov Sergey E. , Ostapova Tatyana S. , Yaschenko Svetlana V. , Nazarova Olga I. , Chernov Aleksander S. , Ismailova Tatyana N. , Maksutov Rinat A. , Gashnikova Natalya M.
Published: August 2022

HIV-1 epidemic in Russia is one of the fastest growing in the world reaching 1.14 million people living with HIV-1 (PLWH) in 2021. Since mid-1990s, the HIV-1 epidemic in Russia has started to grow substantially due to the multiple HIV-1 outbreaks among persons who inject drugs (PWID) leading to expansion of the HIV-1 sub-subtype A6 (former Soviet Union (FSU) subtype A). In 2006, a local HIV-1 sub-epidemic caused by the distribution of novel genetic lineage CRF63_02A6 was identified in Siberia. In this study, we used a comprehensive dataset of CRF63_02A6 pol gene sequences to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamic of the HIV-1 CRF63_02A6 sub-epidemic. This study includes all the available CRF63_02A6 HIV-1 pol gene sequences from Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) HIV Sequence Database. The HIV-1 subtypes of those sequences were conferred using phylogenetic analysis, and two automated HIV-1 subtyping tools Stanford HIVdb Program and COMET. Ancestral state reconstruction and origin date were estimated using Nextstrain. Evolutionary rate and phylodynamic analysis were estimated using BEAST v 1.10.4. CRF63_02A6 was assigned for 872 pol gene sequences using phylogenetic analysis approach. Predominant number (n = 832; 95.4%) of those sequences were from Russia; the remaining 40 (4.6%) sequences were from countries of Central Asia. Out of 872 CRF63_02A6 sequences, the corresponding genetic variant was assigned for 75.7 and 79.8% of sequences by Stanford and COMET subtyping tools, respectively. Dated phylogenetic analysis of the CRF63_02A6 sequences showed that the virus most likely originated in Novosibirsk, Russia, in 2005. Over the last two decades CRF63_02A6 has been widely distributed across Russia and has been sporadically detected in countries of Central Asia. Introduction of new genetic variant into mature sub-subtype A6 and CRF02_AGFSU epidemics could promote the increase of viral genetic diversity and emergence of new recombinant forms. Further HIV-1 studies are needed due to a continuing rapid virus distribution. Also, the implementation of HIV-1 prevention programs is required to reduce HIV-1 transmission. This study also highlights the discrepancies in HIV-1 subtyping approaches. The reference lists of HIV-1 sequences implemented in widely used HIV-1 automated subtyping tools need to be updated to provide reliable results.
Morphology and multigene phylogeny reveal a new order and a new species of wood-inhabiting basidiomycete fungi (Agaricomycetes)
Authors: Luo Kai-Yue , Zhao Chang-Lin
Published: August 2022

Dead wood-associated fungi play an important role in wood degradation and the recycling of organic matter in the forest ecological system. Xenasmataceae is a cosmopolitan group of wood-rotting fungi that grows on tropical, subtropical, temperate, and boreal vegetation. In this study, a new fungal order, Xenasmatales, is introduced based on both morphology and multigene phylogeny to accommodate Xenasmataceae. According to the internal transcribed spacer and nuclear large subunit (ITS+nLSU) and nLSU-only analyses of 13 orders, Xenasmatales formed a single lineage and then grouped with orders Atheliales, Boletales, and Hymenochaetales. The ITS dataset revealed that the new taxon Xenasmatella nigroidea clustered into Xenasmatella and was closely grouped with Xenasmatella vaga. In the present study, Xenasmatella nigroidea collected from Southern China is proposed as a new taxon, based on a combination of morphology and phylogeny. Additionally, a key to the Xenasmatella worldwide is provided.
Viral vector and nucleic acid vaccines against COVID-19: A narrative review
Authors: Khoshnood Saeed , Ghanavati Roya , Shirani Maryam , Ghahramanpour Hossein , Sholeh Mohammad , Shariati Aref , Sadeghifard Nourkhoda , Heidary Mohsen
Published: August 2022

After about 2 years since the first detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 that resulted in a worldwide pandemic, 6.2 million deaths have been recorded. As a result, there is an urgent need for the development of a safe and effective vaccine for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Endeavors for the production of effective vaccines inexhaustibly are continuing. At present according to the World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 vaccine tracker and landscape, 153 vaccine candidates are developing in the clinical phase all over the world. Some new and exciting platforms are nucleic acid-based vaccines such as Pfizer Biontech and Moderna vaccines consisting of a messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding a viral spike protein in host cells. Another novel vaccine platform is viral vector vaccine candidates that could be replicating or nonreplicating. These types of vaccines that have a harmless viral vector like adenovirus contain a genome encoding the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, which induces significant immune responses. This technology of vaccine manufacturing has previously been used in many human clinical trials conducted for adenoviral vector-based vaccines against different infectious agents, including Ebola virus, Zika virus, HIV, and malaria. In this paper, we have a review of nucleic acid-based vaccines that are passing their phase 3 and 4 clinical trials and discuss their efficiency and adverse effects.
Characterizing free-living and particle-attached bacterial communities of a canyon river reservoir on the Yungui Plateau, China
Authors: Yang Yang , Chen Chen , Wang Junyi , Xu Tao
Published: August 2022

Revealing the composition of free-living (FL) and particle-attached (PA) bacterial communities could provide insights into their distinct roles in biogeochemical processes and algal bloom dynamics. While there is still a lack of research about the difference and interactions between FL and PA communities, especially on the Yungui plateau with underestimated diversity. This study unveiled the structure of both FL and PA bacterial communities in a canyon reservoir (Wujiangdu) on the Yungui Plateau, southern China. Water samples were collected from surface water at nine sites in the reservoir. FL and PA bacterial community structures were identified by high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We compared the structure and diversity of FL and PA bacteria and investigated their relationship with environmental factors. Results showed that there were different structures between FL and PA bacterial communities, and the dominant FL and PA phyla were affected by different environmental variables. Moreover, diversity of PA bacteria was greater than that of FL bacteria. Both groups exhibited distance decay patterns in this reservoir with varying correlations with geographic distances. FL fraction, however, exhibited a stronger correlation with environmental factors than the PA counterpart. Both FL and PA communities were phylogenetic clustering than expected according to the mean nearest taxon distance. This study provides fundamental information on FL and PA bacteria distribution and demonstrates how specific environmental factors affected these two bacterial fractions in canyon river reservoirs.
A comparative study of functional MRI in predicting response of regional nodes to induction chemotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Dawei , Fang Xuemei , Fan Wenjun , Meng Lingling , Luo Yanrong , Chen Nanxiang , Li Jinfeng , Zang Xiao , Li Meng , Guo Xingdong , Cao Biyang , Wu Chenchen , Tan Xin , Cai Boning , Ma Lin
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To identify and compare the value of functional MRI (fMRI) in predicting the early response of metastatic cervical lymph nodes (LNs) to induction chemotherapy (IC) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients.

Methods

This prospective study collected 94 metastatic LNs from 40 consecutive NPC patients treated with IC from January 2021 to May 2021. Conventional diffusion-weighted imaging, diffusion kurtosis imaging, intravoxel incoherent motion, and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging were performed before and after IC. The parameter maps apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), mean diffusion coefficient (MD), mean kurtosis (MK), Dslow, Dfast, perfusion fraction (PF), Ktrans, Ve, and Kep) of the metastatic nodes were calculated by the Functool postprocessing software. All LNs were classified as the responding group (RG) and non-responding group (NRG) according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1. The fMRI parameters were compared before and after IC and between the RG and the NRG. The significant parameters are fitted by logistic regression analysis to produce new predictive factor (PRE)–predicted probabilities. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to further identify and compare the efficacy of the parameters.

Results

After IC, the mean values of ADC, MD, and Dslow significantly increased, while MK, Dfast, and Ktrans values decreased dramatically, while no significant difference was detected in Ve and Kep. Compared with NRG, PF-pre and Ktrans-pre values in the RG were higher statistically. The areas under the ROC for the pretreatment PF, Ktrans, and PRE were 0.736, 0.722, and 0.810, respectively, with the optimal cutoff value of 222 × 10-4, 934 × 10-3/min, and 0.6624, respectively.

Conclusions

The pretreatment fMRI parameters PF and Ktrans showed promising potential in predicting the response of the metastatic LNs to IC in NPC patients.

Clinical Trial Registration

This study was approved by the ethics board of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, and registered on 30 January 2021, in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=121198, identifier (ChiCTR2100042863).