bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D Ultrasound Measurements Are Highly Sensitive to Monitor Formation and Progression of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Mouse Models
Authors: Ibrahim Nahla , Bleichert Sonja , Klopf Johannes , Kurzreiter Gabriel , Knöbl Viktoria , Hayden Hubert , Busch Albert , Stiglbauer-Tscholakoff Alexander , Eilenberg Wolf , Neumayer Christoph , Bailey Marc A. , Brostjan Christine
Published: July 2022

Background

Available mouse models for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) differ substantially in the applied triggers, associated pathomechanisms and rate of vessel expansion. While maximum aortic diameter (determined after aneurysm excision or by 2D ultrasound) is commonly applied to document aneurysm development, we evaluated the sensitivity and reproducibility of 3D ultrasound to monitor aneurysm growth in four distinct mouse models of AAA.

Methods

The models included angiotensin-II infusion in ApoE deficient mice, topical elastase application on aortas in C57BL/6J mice (with or without oral administration of β-aminoproprionitrile) and intraluminal elastase perfusion in C57BL/6J mice. AAA development was monitored using semi-automated 3D ultrasound for aortic volume calculation over 12 mm length and assessment of maximum aortic diameter.

Results

While the models differed substantially in the time course of aneurysm development, 3D ultrasound measurements (volume and diameter) proved highly reproducible with concordance correlation coefficients > 0.93 and variations below 9% between two independent observers. Except for the elastase perfusion model where aorta expansion was lowest and best detected by diameter increase, all other models showed high sensitivity of absolute volume and diameter measurements in monitoring AAA formation and progression by 3D ultrasound. When compared to standard 2D ultrasound, the 3D derived parameters generally reached the highest effect size.

Conclusion

This study has yielded novel information on the robustness and limitations of semi-automated 3D ultrasound analysis and provided the first direct comparison of aortic volume increase over time in four widely applied mouse models of AAA. While 3D ultrasound generally proved highly sensitive in detecting early AAA formation, the 3D based volume analysis was found inferior to maximum diameter assessment in the elastase perfusion model where the extent of inflicted local injury is determined by individual anatomical features.
Metformin Protects Cardiovascular Health in People With Diabetes
Authors: Chen Chong , Yuan Shiqi , Zhao Xuenuo , Qiao Mengmeng , Li Shuna , He Ningxia , Huang Liying , Lyu Jun
Published: July 2022

Background

Metformin is the most commonly used drug for patients with diabetes, but there is still some controversy about whether it has a protective effect on cardiovascular health. We therefore used the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) database to analyze the impact of metformin use on cardiovascular health in patients with diabetes.

Methods

We extracted the demographic data and laboratory test results of all people with diabetes in the NHANES database from January 2017 to March 2020. The outcomes were seven indicators of cardiovascular health from the American Heart Association, each was scored as 0, 1, and 2 to represent poor, moderate, and ideal health statuses, respectively. The scores for the indicators (excluding diet and glycemic status) were summed, and the sum score was then considered to indicate unhealthy (0–5) or healthy (>5). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used, and subgroup analyses were performed by age, alcohol consumption, education, and marital status.

Results

This study included 1,356 patients with diabetes, among which 606 were taking metformin. After adjusting for all included variables, oral metformin in patients with diabetes had a protective effect on the cardiovascular health of patients (OR = 0.724, 95% CI = 0.573–0.913, P = 0.007). Subgroup analysis indicated that metformin protects the cardiovascular health of people with diabetes more clearly in those who are young (OR = 0.655, 95% CI = 0.481–0.892, P = 0.007), married (OR = 0.633, 95% CI = 0.463–0.863, P = 0.003), and drink alcohol (OR = 0.742, 95% CI = 0.581–0.946, P = 0.016).

Conclusion

This study found that metformin has a protective effect on the cardiovascular health of patients with diabetes. The study findings support the general applicability of metformin.
Spinel Harzburgite-Derived Silicate Melts Forming Sulfide-Bearing Orthopyroxenite in the Lithosphere. Part 1: Partition Coefficients and Volatile Evolution Accompanying Fluid- and Redox-Induced Sulfide Formation
Authors: Bénard A. , Le Losq C. , Müntener O. , Robyr M. , Nebel O. , Arculus R. J. , Ionov D. A.
Published: July 2022

We report abundances of major trace and volatile elements in an orthopyroxenite vein cutting a sub-arc, mantle-derived, spinel harzburgite xenolith from Kamchatka. The orthopyroxenite contains abundant sulfides and is characterized by the presence of glass (formerly melt) both interstitially and as inclusions in minerals, comparable with similar veins from the West Bismarck arc. The glass formed by quenching of residual melts following crystallization of abundant orthopyroxene, amphibole, and minor olivine and spinel. The interstitial glass has a low-Ti, high-Mg# andesite composition, with a wide range of H2O and S contents but more limited F and Cl variations. We calculate trace element partition coefficients using mineral and glass data, including those for halogens in amphibole, which agree with experimental results from the literature. Despite having a similar, high-Mg# andesite composition, the orthopyroxene-hosted glass inclusions usually contain much more H2O and S than the interstitial glass (4–7 wt% and ∼2,600 ppm, respectively). The initial vein-forming melts were oxidized, recording oxygen fugacity conditions up to ∼1.5 log units above the fayalite–magnetite–quartz oxygen buffer. They intruded the sub-arc mantle lithosphere at ≥1,300°C, where they partially crystallized to form high-Mg# andesitic derivative melts at ca. 1,050–1,100°C. Comparison with literature data on glass-free orthopyroxenite veins from Kamchatka and the glass-bearing ones from West Bismarck reveals fundamental similarities indicating common parental melts, which were originally produced by low-degree melting (≤5%) of spinel harzburgite at ≥1,360°C and ≤1.5 GPa. This harzburgite source likely contained ≤0.05 wt% H2O and a few ppm of halogens. Volatile evolution inferred from glass compositions shows that (i) redox exchange between S6+ in the original melt and Fe2+ in the host mantle minerals, together with (ii) the formation of an S-bearing, (H2O, Cl)-rich hydrothermal fluid from the original melt, provides the conditions for the formation of abundant sulfides in the orthopyroxenites during cooling. During this process, up to 85% of the original melt S content (∼2,600 ppm) is locally precipitated as magmatic and hydrothermal sulfides. As such, melts derived from spinel harzburgite sources can concentrate chalcophile and highly siderophile metals in orthopyroxenite dykes and sills in the lithosphere.
Experimental Study on Damage Properties of Granites Under Flowing Acid Solution
Authors: Chen Wei , Wan Wen , Zhao Yanlin , Wu Qiuhong , He Huan , Peng Wenqing , Wu Xiaofan , Zhou Yu , Wu Li , Xie Senlin
Published: July 2022

In order to study the deterioration characteristics of the tunnel surrounding rock under the scouring of flowing groundwater, we ratioed similar acidic solutions based on groundwater composition. The microstructure of granite samples cored on site, deformation features, and evolution characteristics of mechanical parameters under saturations with different flow rates and various pH values were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicate the following: 1) compared with the static water condition, the higher flow rate produces greater relative changes in granite’s microstructure, porosity, mass, and pH of the immersed solution. Moreover, the rate of change is relatively fast in the early stage and gradually slows down until it reaches a stable state. 2) Compared with the natural dry condition, the solution with a lower pH value causes the structural framework of the specimen to loosen, the mass loss degree to increase, and the porosity dispersion to intensify. 3) The dynamic water is more sensitive than the static water to the elastic vertical wave velocity of granite. Compared with the dry sample, the elastic longitudinal wave velocity of the sample in acidic solution with pH = 2 and flow rates of 0, 150, and 300 mm·s−1 for 49 days decreased by 8.7, 10.9, and 13.5%, respectively, which accelerates the instability and failure of the granite surroundings.
Integrated Geophysical Assessment of Groundwater Potential in Southwestern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed , Al Deep Mohamed , Othman Abdullah , Taha Ayman I. , Alshehri Fahad , Abdelrady Ahmed
Published: July 2022

Saudi Arabia is seeking fresh groundwater resources to face the increase in anthropogenic activities. The groundwater storage variations and occurrence were investigated and the surface and subsurface structures influencing the groundwater resources in the research area were defined using a combined study of Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment, aeromagnetic data, and electrical resistivity data with other relevant datasets. Results are: The groundwater storage fluctuation is calculated at −0.34 ± 0.01 mm/yr during the period 04/2002-12/2021. The area is receiving an average annual rainfall rate of 117.6 mm during the period 2002 to 2019. Three structural trends, defined in the directions of NS, NNW, and NNE are cutting the sedimentary cover and the basement rocks. The sedimentary cover ranges from 0 to 1.2 km thick. Vertical electrical sounding results indicate three main geoelectric layers: the surface geoelectrical layer of higher resistivity values (428-9626 Ω. m) is made up of unconsolidated Quaternary sediments; the water-bearing layer of saturated sands with a resistivity range between 5.1 and 153 Ω. m and with depths vary from 1 to 94 m, and highly fractured basement rocks with resistivity values ranging from 813 to 6030 Ω. m. The integrated results are useful in providing a comprehensive image of the study area’s surface and subsurface structures, as well as groundwater potential in the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia. Our integrated approach provides a reproducible model for assessing groundwater potential in arid and semiarid areas.
Global Research Trends on Infertility and Psychology From the Past Two Decades: A Bibliometric and Visualized Study
Authors: Zhu Hongkun , Shi Lingli , Wang Rong , Cui Lijuan , Wang Jiahui , Tang Mengyu , Qian Haiqing , Wei Minggang , Wang Lihong , Zhou Huifang , Xu Wenting
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the global scientific output of research on infertility and psychology; explore the current status and trends in this field through the cooperation of authors, countries, and institutions; shed light on the direction of clinical infertility research in the future, and provide inspiration for targeted diagnosis and treatment of infertility.

Methods

Research publications on infertility and psychology from the past two decades were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Bibliometric analyses were performed using VOSviewer software and the bibliometrix R package. Network maps were generated to evaluate the collaborations between different authors, countries, institutions, and keywords.

Results

A total of 151 articles related to the study of infertility and psychology were identified. We observed a gradual increase in the number of publications from 2001 to 2021, and the trend has been relatively stable in the past eight years. Human Reproduction (England), as the leading journal publishing the most papers (29 articles), was cited in the most journals (1208 times). Boivin J was the most prolific author (16 articles), with the largest number of citations (890 times) and the highest h-index (14) during the past decades. Boivin J was also the leader with the highest publication frequency and more active cooperation with other top authors. The United Kingdom (34 papers) and Cardiff University (25 articles) contributed the most publications and were the leading contributors in this field. Active cooperation between countries and between institutions was observed, and analyses of articles and references were also shown. The main hot topics included matters related to women (39 times), in-vitro salt (31 times), infertility (30 times), couples (25 times), and impact (24 times).

Conclusion

Our study results provide a comprehensive overview of the development of scientific literature, allowing relevant authors and research teams to recognize the current research status in this field. At the same time, infertility and psychology may soon become hotspots and should be closely monitored.
Predicting the Risk of Diabetic Foot Ulcers From Diabetics With Dysmetabolism: A Retrospective Clinical Trial
Authors: Jiang Mingyang , Gan Fu , Gan Meishe , Deng Huachu , Chen Xuxu , Yuan Xintao , Huang Danyi , Liu Siyi , Qin Baoyu , Wei Yanhong , Su Shanggui , Bo Zhandong
Published: July 2022

Background

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) often leads to amputation. Early intervention to prevent DFU is urgently necessary. So far, there have been no studies on predictive models associated with DFU risk factors. Our study aimed to quantify the predictive risk value of DFU, promote health education, and further develop behavioral interventions to reduce the incidence of DFU.

Methods

Data from 973 consecutive patients with T2D was collected from two hospitals. Patients from the Guangxi Medical University First Affiliated Hospital formed the training cohort (n = 853), and those from the Wuming Hospital of Guangxi Medical University formed the validation cohort (n = 120). Independent variable grouping analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine the risk factors of DFUs. The prediction model was established according to the related risk factors. In addition, the accuracy of the model was evaluated by specificity, sensitivity, predictive value, and predictive likelihood ratio.

Results

In total, 369 of the 853 patients (43.3%) and 60 of the 120 (50.0%) were diagnosed with DFUs in the two hospitals. The factors associated with DFU were old age, male gender, lower body mass index (BMI), longer duration of diabetes, history of foot disease, cardiac insufficiency, no use of oral hypoglycemic agent (OHA), high white blood cell count, high platelet count, low hemoglobin level, low lymphocyte absolute value, and high postprandial blood glucose. After incorporating these 12 factors, the nomogram drawn achieved good concordance indexes of 0.89 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.87 to 0.91] in the training cohort and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.77 to 0.91) in the validation cohort in predicting DFUs and had well-fitted calibration curves. Patients who had a nomogram score of ≥180 were considered to have a low risk of DFU, whereas those having ≥180 were at high risk.

Conclusions

A nomogram was constructed by combining 12 identified risk factors of DFU. These 12 risk factors are easily available in hospitalized patients, so the prediction of DFU in hospitalized patients with T2D has potential clinical significance. The model provides a reliable prediction of the risk of DFU in patients with T2D.
Effects of Exercise Intervention on Type 2 Diabetes Patients With Abdominal Obesity and Low Thigh Circumference (EXTEND): Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Liu Dan , Zhang Ying , Wu Liang , Guo Jingyi , Yu Xiangtian , Yao Huasheng , Han Rui , Ma Tianshu , Zheng Yuchan , Gao Qiongmei , Fang Qichen , Zhao Yan , Zhao Yanan , Sun Biao , Jia Weiping , Li Huating
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes patients have abdominal obesity and low thigh circumference. Previous studies have mainly focused on the role of exercise in reducing body weight and fat mass, improving glucose and lipid metabolism, with a lack of evaluation on the loss of muscle mass, diabetes complications, energy metabolism, and brain health. Moreover, whether the potential physiological benefit of exercise for diabetes mellitus is related to the modulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis remains unclear. Multi-omics approaches and multidimensional evaluations may help systematically and comprehensively correlate physical exercise and the metabolic benefits.

Methods and Analysis

This study is a randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 100 sedentary patients with type 2 diabetes will be allocated to either an exercise or a control group in a 1:1 ratio. Participants in the exercise group will receive a 16-week combined aerobic and resistance exercise training, while those in the control group will maintain their sedentary lifestyle unchanged. Additionally, all participants will receive a diet administration to control the confounding effects of diet. The primary outcome will be the change in body fat mass measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. The secondary outcomes will include body fat mass change rate (%), and changes in anthropometric indicators (body weight, waist, hip, and thigh circumference), clinical biochemical indicators (glycated hemoglobin, blood glucose, insulin sensitivity, blood lipid, liver enzyme, and renal function), brain health (appetite, mood, and cognitive function), immunologic function, metagenomics, metabolomics, energy expenditure, cardiopulmonary fitness, exercise-related indicators, fatty liver, cytokines (fibroblast growth factor 21, fibroblast growth factor 19, adiponectin, fatty acid-binding protein 4, and lipocalin 2), vascular endothelial function, autonomic nervous function, and glucose fluctuation.

Discussion

This study will evaluate the effect of a 16-week combined aerobic and resistance exercise regimen on patients with diabetes. The results will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the physiological effects of exercise, and reveal the role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in exercise-induced metabolic benefits to diabetes.

Clinical Trial Registration

http://www.chictr.org.cn/searchproj.aspx, identifier ChiCTR2100046148.
Cancer Risk in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Xiaojie , Wang Xuanyu , Liang Yue , Chen Xin , Zhou Siyuan , Fei Wenting , Yang Yuxin , Que Huafa
Published: July 2022

Objective

Research data suggest that patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may increase the risk of cancer. However, existing research is inconsistent with this view. Therefore, to investigate the effect of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis on the risk of developing cancer, we conducted this study.

Methods

We searched the PubMed and Embase databases from database establishment until March 2022. After rigorous literature screening by two authors, 23 studies that met the inclusion criteria were identified, and the required data were independently extracted.

Results

We retrieved 3591 records, and after the screening, 11 case-control studies and 12 cohort studies were included in the analysis. Data analysis suggested that patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis had an increased risk of developing breast cancer, urogenital cancer, digestive organs cancer, hematologic cancer, and a low risk of respiratory cancers.

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that patients with HT may have a significantly increased risk of thyroid cancer, breast cancers, lung cancer, digestive system cancer, urogenital cancers, blood cancers, and prolactinoma people without HT.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD 42022320741.
EpCAM Is a Surface Marker for Enriching Anterior Pituitary Cells From Human Hypothalamic-Pituitary Organoids
Authors: Kodani Yu , Kawata Miho , Suga Hidetaka , Kasai Takatoshi , Ozone Chikafumi , Sakakibara Mayu , Kuwahara Atsushi , Taga Shiori , Arima Hiroshi , Kameyama Toshiki , Saito Kanako , Nakashima Akira , Nagasaki Hiroshi
Published: July 2022

Human stem cell-derived organoid culture enables the in vitro analysis of the cellular function in three-dimensional aggregates mimicking native organs, and also provides a valuable source of specific cell types in the human body. We previously established organoid models of the hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) complex using human pluripotent stem cells. Although the models are suitable for investigating developmental and functional HP interactions, we consider that isolated pituitary cells are also useful for basic and translational research on the pituitary gland, such as stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. To develop a method for the purification of pituitary cells in HP organoids, we performed surface marker profiling of organoid cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Screening of 332 human cell surface markers and a subsequent immunohistochemical analysis identified epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) as a surface marker of anterior pituitary cells, as well as their ectodermal precursors. EpCAM was not expressed on hypothalamic lineages; thus, anterior pituitary cells were successfully enriched by magnetic separation of EpCAM+ cells from iPSC-derived HP organoids. The enriched pituitary population contained functional corticotrophs and their progenitors; the former responded normally to a corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulus. Our findings would extend the applicability of organoid culture as a novel source of human anterior pituitary cells, including stem/progenitor cells and their endocrine descendants.
Effect of Exercise Instructions With Ambulatory Accelerometer in Japanese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: a Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Matsushita Jin , Okada Hiroshi , Okada Yuki , Sekiyama Takashi , Iida Hideto , Shindo Atsushi , Murata Hiroaki , Fukui Michiaki
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effects of physical therapists’ exercise instructions in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes. Thirty-six participants were recruited from the outpatient clinic at Matsushita Memorial Hospital, Osaka, Japan from June 2020 to September 2020 and were randomly assigned to either the non-intervention or intervention group. The intervention group received exercise instructions from physical therapists for 30 min at baseline (week 0) and at week 4 by referring to ambulatory accelerometer records. Laboratory parameters, physical activity, body composition, motor skill, and transtheoretical model were assessed in both the groups at baseline (week 0) and week 8. In week 8, patients in the intervention group had a statistically significant reduction in HbA1c levels compared with those in the non-intervention group (7.3% [6.8-%–7.9%] vs. 7.4% [7.3%–7.7%], P = 0.04). The number of steps per day (P = 0.001), energy expenditure (P = 0.01), lower extremity muscle strength (P = 0.002), and 6-min walk test results (P = 0.04) were significantly increased in the intervention group compared with those in the non-intervention group in week 8. The transtheoretical model varied between baseline (week 0) and week 8 only in the intervention group (P < 0.001). Thus, outpatient exercise instructions from physical therapists could improve glycemic control owing to physical activity by improving motor skills and changing the transtheoretical model in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.
Improved Lifetime of Na-Ion Batteries With a Water-Scavenging Electrolyte Additive
Authors: Chen Lin , Kishore Brij , Song Tengfei , Walker Marc , Dancer Claire , Kendrick Emma
Published: July 2022

The lifetime of sodium-ion batteries is strongly affected by degradation species and contaminants such as H2O and HF, which are produced during formation and cycling. In this work, the use of low levels of N, N-diethyltrimethylsilylamine (DETMSA), as an electrolyte additive, shows an improvement in the stability and cycle life of a hard carbon vs. layered oxide sodium-ion battery. Approximately 80% of the capacity is retained after 500 cycles, which is almost double the performance of the standard electrolyte. The additive works by reducing the surface ageing constituents, as observed through XPS of the surfaces and the change in resistance after cycling. DETMSA is slowly consumed over time; however, the extensive improvement in cycle life shows that low level of impurities and degradation species have a big impact upon cycle life.
The progress and perspective of electrospun carbon nanofibers based anode materials for potassium ion storage: A mini review
Authors: Xiao Ming , Li Ruixue , Yang Ting , Dai Yu
Published: July 2022

Potassium ion battery (PIB) is one of the promising substitutes for lithium ion battery. Developing new anode materials is still one of the key factors to promote the electrochemical performances of PIB. Electrospun carbon nanofibers based binder-free electrodes have received widely researches because multi-advantages of good conductivity, large surface areas and structural stability. In this review, the latest research progress in enhancing the potassium ion storage properties based on electrospun carbon nanofibers through introducing porous structure, doping heteroatoms and preparing composites have been summarized. The effects of pore structure, heteroatom types and non-metal/metal loading on specific surface area, conductivity, lattice distance and potassium storage performance of the electrospun carbon nanofiber electrode were emphatically discussed. In addition, several suggestions for industrial application of electrospun carbon nanofiber electrodes for potassium ion storage were proposed in this review.
The Land–Water–Energy Nexus of Ruzizi River Dams (Lake Kivu Outflow, African Great Lakes Region): Status, Challenges, and Perspectives
Authors: Muvundja Fabrice Amisi , Walumona Jacques Riziki , Dusabe Marie-Claire , Alunga Georges Lufungula , Kankonda Alidor Busanga , Albrecht Christian , Eisenberg Joachim , Wüest Alfred
Published: July 2022

Hydroelectric power (HP) represents the main source of electricity in Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo. The demand for new dam construction is high, and major projects are currently progressing through planning and implementation stages. New HP dams should comply with both past and emerging environmental requirements. River systems need water to maintain hydraulic and ecological functions. Flow regime disturbance can prevent rivers from providing their ecosystem services and disrupt riparian communities. Most dammed rivers in Africa are understudied, however, in terms of their environmental flow requirements. This study analysed the hydrological regime and water quality of the Ruzizi River. The research investigated conditions of minimum water flow and hydropeaking at the Ruzizi I HP dam in terms of land management constraints and ecological impacts. According to Gumbel’s hydrological model, a discharge of ∼130 m3/s showed the longest return period (12 years) among the most recurrent flows. By contrast, the maximum recorded discharge of 143 m3/s showed a return time of 76 years. Any discharge between 46 and 120 m3/s could occur at any time within three years. The discharge–hydropower production relationship for the power plant provided a possible minimum environmental flow of 28 m3/s (i.e., 25%). Drinking water quality was assessed according to WHO water quality index (WQI) standards. Turbidity (i.e., total suspended solids) upstream and downstream of dams correlated strongly with rainfall (r = 0.8; n = 12) and land use. WQI values observed in excess of WHO drinking water standards indicate that the Ruzizi River is currently unsuitable for drinking water purposes.
Sensitivity Analysis for Modeling of Cr(VI) Transfer From Soil to Surface Runoff
Authors: Wu Xiujie , Xu Zhongyuan , Tong Juxiu , Hu Bill X.
Published: July 2022

Heavy metal contamination in soil has become a serious environmental problem in China, and chromium is one of the major threats to human health. In order to better understand the transfer pattern of heavy metal hexavalent chromium from polluted sites into surface water, the influencing factors that affect solute transfer from soil into the surface runoff with linear and nonlinear adsorption equations based on a two-layer incomplete mixing model were analyzed in this study. The Quasi-Newton method was used to optimize model parameters by fitting with the experimental laboratory data of chromium (Cr(VI)) in surface runoff. The local sensitivity analysis and the Morris global sensitivity analysis approaches were used to assess the parameter importance of rainfall intensity p, the thickness of the mixing layer hmix, incomplete mixing parameter α and γ, the soil adsorption parameters, and the initial soil water content θ0. The study results showed that the optimized nonlinear models were better consistent with the experimental results than the linear adsorption equation model. The results of global sensitivity indicated that rainfall intensity p was the main factor influencing Cr(VI) transport from the soil into surface runoff. The hmix and the α in the two-layer model were vital parameters that influenced such transport processes. Moreover, the soil adsorption properties and the θ0 had the lowest effects on runoff Cr(VI) loss. The results indicate that for controlling pollution migration in surface runoff, it is essential to focus on the analysis of precipitation conditions and soil properties that control the thickness of the mixing layer and the degree of mixing.
Landscape of Variability in Chemosensory Genes Associated With Dietary Preferences in Indian Population: Analysis of 1029 Indian Genomes
Authors: Prakrithi P. , Jha Pankaj , Jaiswal Jushta , Sharma Disha , Bhoyar Rahul C. , Jain Abhinav , Imran Mohamed , Senthilvel Vigneshwar , Divakar Mohit Kumar , Mishra Anushree , Scaria Vinod , Sivasubbu Sridhar , Mukerji Mitali
Published: July 2022

Perception and preferences for food and beverages determine dietary behaviour and health outcomes. Inherent differences in chemosensory genes, ethnicity, geo-climatic conditions, and sociocultural practices are other determinants. We aimed to study the variation landscape of chemosensory genes involved in perception of taste, texture, odour, temperature and burning sensations through analysis of 1,029 genomes of the IndiGen project and diverse continental populations. SNPs from 80 chemosensory genes were studied in whole genomes of 1,029 IndiGen samples and 2054 from the 1000 Genomes project. Population genetics approaches were used to infer ancestry of IndiGen individuals, gene divergence and extent of differentiation among studied populations. 137,760 SNPs including common and rare variants were identified in IndiGenomes with 62,950 novel (46%) and 48% shared with the 1,000 Genomes. Genes associated with olfaction harbored most SNPs followed by those associated with differences in perception of salt and pungent tastes. Across species, receptors for bitter taste were the most diverse compared to others. Three predominant ancestry groups within IndiGen were identified based on population structure analysis. We also identified 1,184 variants that exhibit differences in frequency of derived alleles and high population differentiation (FST ≥0.3) in Indian populations compared to European, East Asian and African populations. Examples include ADCY10, TRPV1, RGS6, OR7D4, ITPR3, OPRM1, TCF7L2, and RUNX1. This is a first of its kind of study on baseline variations in genes that could govern cuisine designs, dietary preferences and health outcomes. This would be of enormous utility in dietary recommendations for precision nutrition both at population and individual level.
Association Between Telomere Length and Skin Cancer and Aging: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Son Nannan , Cui Yankun , Xi Wang
Published: July 2022

Background: Telomere shortening is a hallmark of cellular senescence. However, telomere length (TL)-related cellular senescence has varying effects in different cancers, resulting in a paradoxical relationship between senescence and cancer. Therefore, we used observational epidemiological studies to investigate the association between TL and skin cancer and aging, and to explore whether such a paradoxical relationship exists in skin tissue.

Methods: This study employed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to analyze the causal relationship between TL and skin cancer [melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs)] and aging. We studied single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained from pooled data belonging to genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in the literature and biobanks. Quality control was performed using pleiotropy, heterogeneity, and sensitivity analyses.

Results: We used five algorithms to analyze the causal relationship between TL and skin aging, melanoma, and NMSCs, and obtained consistent results. TL shortening reduced NMSC and melanoma susceptibility risk with specific odds ratios (ORs) of 1.0344 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0168–1.0524, p = 0.01] and 1.0127 (95% CI: 1.0046–1.0209, p = 6.36E-07), respectively. Conversely, TL shortening was validated to increase the odds of skin aging (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.9332–0.9956, p = 0.03). Moreover, the MR-Egger, maximum likelihood, and inverse variance weighted (IVW) methods found significant heterogeneity among instrumental variable (IV) estimates (identified as MR-Egger skin aging Q = 76.72, p = 1.36E-04; melanoma Q = 97.10, p = 1.62E-07; NMSCsQ = 82.02, p = 1.90E-05). The leave-one-out analysis also showed that the SNP sensitivity was robust to each result.

Conclusion: This study found that TL shortening may promote skin aging development and reduce the risk of cutaneous melanoma and NMSCs. The results provide a reference for future research on the causal relationship between skin aging and cancer in clinical practice.
Early Discovery of Children With Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency With the Universal Familial Hypercholesterolemia Screening Program
Authors: Sustar Ursa , Groselj Urh , Trebusak Podkrajsek Katarina , Mlinaric Matej , Kovac Jernej , Thaler Martin , Drole Torkar Ana , Skarlovnik Ajda , Battelino Tadej , Hovnik Tinka
Published: July 2022

Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL-D) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder, caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous pathogenic variants in the LIPA gene. Clinically, LAL-D is under- and misdiagnosed, due to similar clinical and laboratory findings with other cholesterol or liver misfunctions. As a part of the Slovenian universal familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) screening, LAL-D is screened as a secondary condition among other rare dyslipidemias manifesting with hypercholesterolemia. Out of 669 children included, three were positive for a homozygous disease-causing splicing variant NM_000235.4: c.894G > A (NP_000226.2:p. Gln298Gln) in the LIPA gene (NG_008194.1). The mean age by the diagnosis of LAL-D was 9.8 ± 0.9 years. Moreover, all three LAL-D-positive children had an important elevation of transaminases and decreased activity of the lysosomal acid lipase enzyme. Abdominal MRI in all children detected an enlarged liver but a normal-sized spleen. In conclusion, universal FH screening algorithms with the confirmatory genetic analysis in the pediatric population enable also rare dyslipidemia detection at an early age. An important clinical criterion for differentiation between FH and the LAL-D-positive children has elevated transaminase levels (AST and ALT). In all three LAL-D positive children, an improvement in cholesterol and transaminase levels and steatosis of the liver has been seen after early treatment initiation.
Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Crosstalk Propensity Between the Tumor Intermediate State and the CD8+ T Exhausted State to be Associated with Clinical Benefits in Melanoma
Authors: Zhu Jiali , Yan Min , Yan Haoteng , Xu Liwen , Jiang Zedong , Liao Gaoming , Zhou Yao , Liu Wei , Liang Xin , Li Xia , Xiao Yun , Zhang Yunpeng
Published: July 2022

Heterogeneous crosstalk between tumor cells and CD8+ T cells leads to substantial variation in clinical benefits from immunotherapy in melanoma. Due to spatial distribution and functional state heterogeneity, it is still unknown whether there is a crosstalk propensity between tumor cells and CD8+ T cells in melanoma, and how this crosstalk propensity affects the clinical outcome of patients. Using public single-cell transcriptome data, extensive heterogeneous functional states and ligand–receptor interactions of tumor cells and CD8+ T cells were revealed in melanoma. Furthermore, based on the association between cell–cell communication intensity and cell state activity in a single cell, we identified a crosstalk propensity between the tumor intermediate state and the CD8+ T exhausted state. This crosstalk propensity was further verified by pseudo-spatial proximity, spatial co-location, and the intra/intercellular signal transduction network. At the sample level, the tumor intermediate state and the CD8+ T exhausted state synergistically indicated better prognosis and both reduced in immunotherapy-resistant samples. The risk groups defined based on these two cell states could comprehensively reflect tumor genomic mutations and anti-tumor immunity information. The low-risk group had a higher BRAF mutation fraction as well as stronger antitumor immune response. Our findings highlighted the crosstalk propensity between the tumor intermediate state and the CD8+ T exhausted state, which may serve as a reference to guide the development of diagnostic biomarkers for risk stratification and therapeutic targets for new therapeutic strategies.
Influence of the Initial Neutrophils to Lymphocytes and Platelets Ratio on the Incidence and Severity of Sepsis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury: A Double Robust Estimation Based on a Large Public Database
Authors: Xiao Wenyan , Lu Zongqing , Liu Yu , Hua Tianfeng , Zhang Jin , Hu Juanjuan , Li Hui , Xu Yaohua , Yang Min
Published: July 2022

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent consequence of sepsis and has been linked to poor prognosis. In critically ill patients, the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes and platelets (N/LP) has been confirmed as an inflammation-related marker connected with the development of renal dysfunction. However, the effect of the N/LP ratio on the initiation and development of AKI in patients with sepsis remained unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine if the N/LP ratio on intensive care unit (ICU) admission was associated with the occurrence of sepsis-associated AKI (S-AKI) and severe AKI.

Methods

Adult septic patients from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV database were screened and classified into three categories (low, middle, or high) based on their N/LP ratio quartiles. The Cox proportional hazard and competing risk models were used to determine the risk of S-AKI in various N/LP groups, whilst the logistic regression model and restricted cubic splines (RCS) analysis were employed to investigate the link between N/LP ratios and the occurrence of severe AKI. Finally, we did a doubly robust estimation, a subgroup analysis, and a sensitivity analysis to determine the findings’ robustness.

Results

We categorized 485, 968, and 485 septic patients into three groups based on their N/LP ratios: low, intermediate, and high. According the Cox proportional hazard model, the hazard rate (95% CI) for those in the middle and high N/LP groups on the incidence of S-AKI were 1.30(1.07, 1.58) and 1.27(1.02, 1.59), respectively, as compared to those in the low N/LP group. And the Fine-Gray proportional subdistribution hazards model indicated that mortality was not a substantial competing risk for S-AKI. Additionally, multivariate logistic regression revealed that the risk of severe AKI increased 1.83 fold in the high group compared to the low group. The RCS result also suggested that the probability of severe AKI rose significantly when N/LP > 9.5. The consistency of these findings was confirmed using doubly robust estimation. However, subgroup and sensitivity analyses revealed that the association between N/LP and the incidence of S-AKI, severe AKI varied considerably between different populations and diagnostic criteria.

Conclusion

A raised initial N/LP level may induce the development of S-AKI and severe AKI within 7 days after ICU admission in septic patients. These influences were enhanced in elder, male, septic shock, and those with poor health condition. Furthermore, high NLP was more strongly connected to the risk of S-AKI and severe AKI in sepsis patients on the urine output-based AKI criteria than on the serum creatinine-based criteria.
The Spatial Variation in Chlorophyte Community Composition From Coastal to Offshore Waters in a Subtropical Continental Shelf System
Authors: Lin Yun-Chi , Chin Chien-Pang , Chen Wei-Ting , Huang Ching-Ting , Gong Gwo-Ching , Chiang Kuo-Ping , Chen Xin-Bei
Published: July 2022

Globally, the continental shelf occupies less than 10% of the total sea surface, but supports substantial primary production and fisheries. Photosynthetic picoeukaryotes (PPE) are important primary producers in marine ecosystems, and chlorophytes make a significant contribution to PPE abundance. Although the distribution of chlorophytes has been widely studied, little is known about how their community composition varies along the coastal-offshore gradient in subtropical continental shelf waters. To better understand their spatial variations, we employed metabarcoding data of 18S rRNA V4 gene to examine chlorophyte composition within the surface and deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM) layers over the continental shelf in the East China Sea (ECS) with high-resolution sampling. Our results indicate a higher chlorophyte diversity in the surface layer than in the DCM. In addition, we found that chlorophytes in oligotrophic Kuroshio surface water were the most diverse, with a higher percentage of Chloropicophyceae, prasinophyte clade V, prasinophyte clade IX, Palmophyllophyceae and Chlorodendrophyceae. In more eutrophic waters along the coast and within the DCM layer, chlorophytes were dominated by Mamiellophyceae. A significant spatial variation in community composition occurred along the nutrient gradient in the subtropical continental shelf ecosystem, varying from Mamiellophyceae-dominant in coastal water to Chloropicophyceae-dominant in offshore water. Furthermore, at a low saline coastal station, which had the lowest chlorophyte diversity, Picochlorum (Trebouxiophyceae) was dominant. Overall, chlorophyte diversity was positively correlated with temperature, and negatively correlated with silicate concentration. This study revealed that terrestrial input into continental systems influences chlorophyte diversity in the subtropical northwestern Pacific Ocean.
Step in Time: Biomineralisation of Bivalve’s Shell
Authors: Louis Victoria , Besseau Laurence , Lartaud Franck
Published: July 2022

Biomineralisation process which is the induction of the precipitation of a mineral by an organism, generates hard tissues such as bones, teeth, otoliths and shells. Biomineralisation rate is not constant over time. This is likely due to variations of environmental and/or physiological conditions, leading to the formation of growth increments or rings. For bivalves, increments are considered as the unit of time recorded in shells. Therefore, shells are used as biological archives of (paleo)environmental and (paleo)climatic conditions. However, the environmental drivers leading to the periodic formation of increments are still poorly understood. Tackling the question of the integration of the environment by the organism is challenging: is there a direct effect of the environmental variability on bivalve shell biomineralisation? Or is biomineralisation controlled by a biological clock? In this review, the different temporal units observed in bivalve shells and the possible regulatory processes are explored and some research trajectories are suggested.
Effects of Salinity on the Growth, Physiological Characteristics, and Intestinal Microbiota of the Echiura Worm (Urechis unicinctus)
Authors: Zheng Qiaojun , Wang Yunjian , Chen Jiao , Li Yunpeng , Zhao Feng , Liu Danwen , Wei Maokai , Kong Dexu , Chen Zongtao , Zhang Zhifeng , Ma Yubin
Published: July 2022

Intertidal biota is subjected to significant fluctuations in salinity.Urechis unicinctus, a typical species thriving in intertidal sediments, have relatively simple anatomy structure and therefore could be considered as an ideal species for salinity acclimation. Moreover, due to the high nutrients,U. unicinctushas become an emerging aquaculture species in China. In this study, we investigated the effects of salinity on the growth performance, coelomic fluid biochemical indices, antioxidant enzyme system, Na+/K+-ATPase, and non-specific immune enzyme activities, as well as intestinal microbiota composition of this species in an 8-week experiment. The results indicatedU. unicinctusis a euryhaline species that can tolerate salinities from 15‰ to 40‰ and demonstrated the highest growth performance at 30‰. Physiological characteristic analyses of coelomic fluid and intestines indicated that the salinity range of 15‰ to 30‰ is more suitable, while 10‰ and 40‰ salinity ranges seem unsuitable for juvenileU. unicinctus. Furthermore, intestinal microbiota analysis indicated salinity had a significant effect on the composition structure. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that antioxidant related metabolic pathways and amino acid metabolic pathways may play important roles in gut microbiota under salinity stress. Comprehensive analysis of intestinal bacteria and enzyme activities indicated Unidentified Rhodobacteraceae,Vibrio, andShimiamay play important roles in high salinity acclimation, while Legionellaceae may act as important microbiota in low salinity acclimation. Moreover,Ruminococcus,Oscillospira, Lachnospiraceae, Clostridiales, and S24-7 showed negative correlations with the antioxidant and nonspecific immune enzymes, indicating that these bacteria can be considered as important candidates of probiotics forU. unicinctusaquaculture industry. The findings of this study will extend our understanding of the effects of salinity on the growth and health ofU. unicinctusand contribute to a better understanding of the salinity acclimation strategies of organisms in intertidal zones.