bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TREM-1 Expression on the Surface of Neutrophils in Patients With Visceral Leishmaniasis Is Associated With Immunopathogenesis
Authors: Bomfim Lays Gisele Santos , Magalhães Lucas Sousa , Rodrigues Lorrany Santana , Barreto Aline Silva , Santos Camilla Natália Oliveira , Santos Priscila Lima dos , Corrêa Cristiane Bani , Fukutani Kiyoshi Ferreira , Filho Dalmo Correia , da Silva Angela Maria , Lipscomb Michael Wheeler , de Moura Tatiana Rodrigues
Published: March 2022

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a systemic chronic and potentially fatal disease for humans. Mechanisms related to the dysregulation of the inflammatory response may be involved in both the pathogenesis and prognosis of VL. Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells-1 (TREM-1) is a receptor constitutively expressed on neutrophils and monocyte subsets. The protein serves to regulate and amplify inflammatory responses. This study aimed to evaluate the expression profile of TREM-1 on the surface of neutrophils from patients with VL at varying time points during leishmanicidal treatment. For this purpose, neutrophils were isolated from the peripheral blood of patients with VL at different stages of treatment, which include 0, 7, and 30 days after treatment. Surface TREM-1 expression was assessed by immunophenotyping neutrophil populations. In addition, the association of TREM-1 expression on the surface of neutrophils with clinical and laboratory parameters and serum levels of inflammatory mediators was also evaluated. Results demonstrate a lower surface expression of TREM-1 in VL patients in the absence of treatment. However, increased levels of TREM-1 expression were observed 7 and 30 days after the start of treatment, with levels similar to those of healthy controls. TREM-1 expression was directly correlated with lymphocyte and erythrocyte count and indirectly correlated with spleen and liver size. Furthermore, elevated levels of TREM-1 expression were also correlated with lower serum levels of interleukin (IL)-22. Taken together, these results suggest that infection by Leishmania infantum leads to depressed TREM-1 expression on the neutrophil surface and may contribute to the inflammatory imbalance that characterizes active VL disease.
Biofilm Formation of Helicobacter pylori in Both Static and Microfluidic Conditions Is Associated With Resistance to Clarithromycin
Authors: Krzyżek Paweł , Migdał Paweł , Grande Rossella , Gościniak Grażyna
Published: March 2022

It is widely accepted that production of biofilm is a protective mechanism against various type of stressors, including exposure to antibiotics. However, the impact of this structure on the spread of antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori is still poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of the current research was to determine the relationship between biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance of H. pylori. The study was carried out on 24 clinical strains with different resistance profiles (antibiotic-sensitive, mono-resistant, double-resistant and multidrug-resistant) against clarithromycin (CLR), metronidazole (MTZ) and levofloxacin (LEV). Using static conditions and a crystal violet staining method, a strong correlation was observed between biofilm formation and resistance to CLR but not MTZ or LEV. Based on the obtained results, three the strongest and three the weakest biofilm producers were selected and directed for a set of microfluidic experiments performed in the Bioflux system combined with fluorescence microscopy. Under continuous flow conditions, it was observed that strong biofilm producers formed twice as much of biofilm and created significantly more eDNA and in particular proteins within the biofilm matrix when compared to weak biofilm producers. Additionally, it was noticed that strong biofilm producers had higher tendency for autoaggregation and presented morphostructural differences (a greater cellular packing, shorter cells and a higher amount of both OMVs and flagella) in relation to weak biofilm counterparts. In conclusion, resistance to CLR in clinical H. pylori strains was associated with a broad array of phenotypical features translating to the ability of strong biofilm formation.
The Long and Short of Next Generation Sequencing for Cryptosporidium Research
Authors: Mkandawire Tapoka T. , Sateriale Adam
Published: March 2022

The intestinal parasite Cryptosporidium is a significant cause of severe diarrhoeal disease that can have long term effects. Therapeutic options remain limited despite a significant impact on public health, partly due to various challenges in the field of Cryptosporidium research, including the availability of genomic and transcriptomic data from environmental and clinical isolates. In this review we explore how long read DNA and RNA sequencing technologies have begun to provide novel insights into the biology of the parasite. The increased deployment of these technologies will help researchers address key gaps in the understanding of Cryptosporidium biology, and ultimately drive translational research and better parasite control.
C-Reactive Protein: Friend or Foe? Phylogeny From Heavy Metals to Modified Lipoproteins and SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Torzewski Michael
Published: March 2022

Animal C-reactive protein (CRP) has a widespread existence throughout phylogeny implying that these proteins have essential functions mandatory to be preserved. About 500 million years of evolution teach us that there is a continuous interplay between emerging antigens and components of innate immunity. The most archaic physiological roles of CRP seem to be detoxication of heavy metals and other chemicals followed or accompanied by an acute phase response and host defense against bacterial, viral as well as parasitic infection. On the other hand, unusual antigens have emerged questioning the black-and-white perception of CRP as being invariably beneficial. Such antigens came along either as autoantigens like excessive tissue-stranded modified lipoprotein due to misdirected food intake linking CRP with atherosclerosis with an as yet open net effect, or as foreign antigens like SARS-CoV-2 inducing an uncontrolled CRP-mediated autoimmune response. The latter two examples impressingly demonstrate that a component of ancient immunity like CRP should not be considered under identical “beneficial” auspices throughout phylogeny but might effect quite the reverse as well.
Bibliometric and Visual Analysis on Metabolomics in Coronary Artery Disease Research
Authors: Yu Ning , Wang Ruirui , Liu Baocheng , Zhang Lei
Published: March 2022

Background

Metabolomics has immense research value in coronary artery disease and has drawn increasing attention over the past decades. Many articles have been published in this field, which may challenge researchers aiming to investigate all the available information. However, bibliometrics can provide deep insights into this research field.

Objective

We aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively study metabolomics and coronary artery disease research, visually analyse the development status, trends, research hotspots, and frontiers of this field, and provide a reference for research on coronary artery disease.

Methods

Articles were acquired from the Web of Science Core Collection. VOSviewer and CiteSpace software were used to analyse publication growth, country/region, institution, journal distribution, author, reference, and keywords, and detected the keywords with strong citation burstness to identify emerging topics.

Results

A total of 1121 references were obtained, and the annual number of publications increased over the past 16 years. Metabolomics research has shown a gradual upward trend in coronary artery disease. The United States of America and China ranked at the top in terms of percentage of articles. The institution with the highest number of research publications in this field was Harvard University, followed by the University of California System and Brigham Women’s Hospital. The most frequently cited authors included Hazen SL, Tang WH, and Wang ZN. Ala-Korpela M was the most productive author, followed by Clish CB and Adamski J. The journal with the most publications in this field was Scientific Reports, followed by PLoS One and the Journal of Proteome Research. The keywords used at a high frequency were “risk,” “biomarkers,” “insulin resistance,” and “atherosclerosis.” Burst detection analysis of top keywords showed that “microbiota,” “tryptophan,” and “diabetes” are the current research frontiers in this field.

Conclusion

This study provides useful information for acquiring knowledge on metabolomics and coronary artery diseases. Metabolomics research has shown a gradual upward trend in coronary artery disease studies over the past 16 years. Research on tryptophan metabolism regulated by intestinal flora will become an emerging academic trend in this field, which can offer guidance for more extensive and in-depth studies in the future.
Case Report: Early Identification of Subclinical Cardiac Tamponade in a Patient With a Left Ventricular Assist Device by the Use of Sublingual Microcirculatory Imaging: A New Diagnostic Imaging Tool?
Authors: Akin Sakir , Ince Can , Struijs Ard , Caliskan Kadir
Published: March 2022

Clinical diagnosis of cardiac tamponade can be difficult in patients with continuous flow left ventricle assist devices (cf-LVADs). This is even more so because of the lack of adequate bedside echocardiographic windows. Previous studies on monitoring sublingual microcirculation showed deterioration of end-organ perfusion in patient with cardiogenic shock. In this paper we report alterations in the sublingual microcirculation in a cf-LVAD patient prior to clinical manifestation of tamponade. Our case report suggests that such real-time monitoring of the microcirculation may provide a new diagnostic modality for early recognition of cardiac tamponade.
In silico Drug Screening Approach Using L1000-Based Connectivity Map and Its Application to COVID-19
Authors: Asano Takaharu , Chelvanambi Sarvesh , Decano Julius L. , Whelan Mary C. , Aikawa Elena , Aikawa Masanori
Published: March 2022

Conventional drug screening methods search for a limited number of small molecules that directly interact with the target protein. This process can be slow, cumbersome and has driven the need for developing new drug screening approaches to counter rapidly emerging diseases such as COVID-19. We propose a pipeline for drug repurposing combining in silico drug candidate identification followed by in vitro characterization of these candidates. We first identified a gene target of interest, the entry receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Next, we employed a gene expression profile database, L1000-based Connectivity Map to query gene expression patterns in lung epithelial cells, which act as the primary site of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Using gene expression profiles from 5 different lung epithelial cell lines, we computationally identified 17 small molecules that were predicted to decrease ACE2 expression. We further performed a streamlined validation in the normal human epithelial cell line BEAS-2B to demonstrate that these compounds can indeed decrease ACE2 surface expression and to profile cell health and viability upon drug treatment. This proposed pipeline combining in silico drug compound identification and in vitro expression and viability characterization in relevant cell types can aid in the repurposing of FDA-approved drugs to combat rapidly emerging diseases.
Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy Are Associated With Congenital Heart Defects in Offspring: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Senmao , Qiu Xing , Wang Tingting , Chen Letao , Li Jinqi , Diao Jingyi , Li Yihuan , Qin Jiabi , Chen Lizhang , Jiang Yurong
Published: March 2022

Background

Although research indicates an association between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and congenital heart defects (CHDs) in offspring, consistency is still lacking. Therefore, we aimed to synthesize the updated published epidemiologic evidence to estimate the association of maternal HDP with the risk of total CHDs and its phenotypes in offspring.

Methods

A systematic search of Web of Science Database, PubMed, and Embase were searched from inception through April 30, 2021 based on a preprepared protocol, and the reference lists were also manually searched. The combined risk estimates were calculated using either the fixed-effect models or random-effect models. Possible heterogeneity moderators were detected by subgroup, sensitivity analyses, and Galbraith plot.

Results

Twenty-four studies involving 477,839 CHDs cases among 40,394,699 participants were included in our meta-analysis. Mothers who had HDP exposure were significantly associated with an increased risk of total CHDs compared with non-exposure. When maternal HDP exposure was further subdivided into pre-eclampsia (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.50–2.13), gestational hypertension (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.02–1.31), and chronic hypertension (OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.49–1.89), a significantly increased risk of total CHDs were still presented. Furthermore, a statistically significant increased association was found between maternal HDP exposure and most CHD phenotypes. Besides, relevant heterogeneity moderators have been identified by subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that maternal HDP exposure may be associated with an increase in the risk of CHDs in offspring. These findings highlight the need for greater surveillance of pregnant women with HDP exposure to allow early prevention that may be good for reducing the risk of CHDs in offspring.

Clinical Trial Registration

[www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [CRD42021268093].
Association of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction With Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Pre-dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease: Findings From KNOW-CKD Study
Authors: Suh Sang Heon , Oh Tae Ryom , Choi Hong Sang , Kim Chang Seong , Bae Eun Hui , Oh Kook-Hwan , Choi Kyu Hun , Oh Yun Kyu , Ma Seong Kwon , Kim Soo Wan
Published: March 2022

Background

The impact of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) on cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients with pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been rarely unveiled. We here investigated the association of LVDD with CV outcomes and all-cause mortality in patients with pre-dialysis CKD.

Methods

A total of 2,135 patients with pre-dialysis CKD from the Korean Cohort Study for Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease (KNOW-CKD) cohort were dichotomized by the absence or presence of LVDD, which was defined as the ratio of the early transmitral blood flow velocity to early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (E/e′) > 14.

Results

Cox regression analysis revealed that LVDD was significantly associated with increased risk of composite CV events [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 2.194, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.486–3.240] and all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 1.830, 95% CI 1.168–2.869). Restricted cubic splines visualized stringent linear correlations of E/e′ with both composite CV events and all-cause mortality. In the sensitivity analysis only including the subjects with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 50%, LVDD was still significantly associated with adverse CV outcomes (adjusted HR 1.984, 95% CI 1.325–3.000) and all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 1.727, 95% CI 1.083–2.754), suggesting that the impact of LVDD on the outcomes in patients with CKD is independent of LV systolic function. Subgroup analyses revealed that the associations were not modified by various clinical contexts, such as age, sex, burden of comorbid conditions, body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and albuminuria.

Conclusion

LVDD is independently associated with adverse CV outcomes and all-cause mortality in patients with pre-dialysis CKD.
Antibiotic-Eluting Envelopes for the Prevention of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Infections: Rationale, Efficacy, and Cost-Effectiveness
Authors: Traykov Vassil , Blomström-Lundqvist Carina
Published: March 2022

Infections related to cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite optimal use of antimicrobials and other preventive strategies, the incidence of CIED infections is increasing over time leading to considerable costs to the healthcare systems. Recently, antibiotic-eluting envelopes (AEEs) have been introduced as a promising technology to prevent CIED infections. This review will address the current evidence on stratification of CIED infection risk, present the rationale behind AEE, and summarize the currently available evidence for CIED infection prevention as well as demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of this novel technology.
Association of Lipid Levels With COVID-19 Infection, Disease Severity and Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chidambaram Vignesh , Shanmugavel Geetha Harinivaas , Kumar Amudha , Majella Marie Gilbert , Sivakumar Ranjith Kumar , Voruganti Dinesh , Mehta Jawahar L. , Karakousis Petros C.
Published: March 2022

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ranges from asymptomatic infection to severe illness. Cholesterol in the host cell plasma membrane plays an important role in the SARS-CoV-2 virus entry into cells. Serum lipids, especially low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), are in constant interaction with the lipid rafts in the host cell membranes and can modify the interaction of virus with host cells and the resultant disease severity. Recent studies on serum lipid levels and COVID-19 disease severity lack consistency.

Objectives

Our systematic review and meta-analysis compared the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides (TG) between (1) COVID-19 patients vs. healthy controls; (2) severe vs. non-severe COVID-19 disease; (3) deceased vs. surviving COVID-19 patients.

Methods

PRISMA guidelines were followed. We included peer-reviewed articles on observational (case-control and cohort) studies from PubMed and Embase published from the database inception until September 1, 2021. We used random-effects meta-analysis for pooled mean-differences (pMD) in lipid levels (mg/dL) for the above groups.

Results

Among 441 articles identified, 29 articles (26 retrospective and 3 prospective cohorts), with an aggregate of 256,721 participants, were included. COVID-19 patients had lower TC (pMD-14.9, 95%CI-21.6 to −8.3) and HDL-C (pMD-6.9, 95%CI −10.2 to −3.7) levels (mg/dL). Severe COVID-19 patients had lower TC (pMD-10.4, 95%CI −18.7 to −2.2), LDL-C (pMD-4.4, 95%CI −8.4 to −0.42), and HDL-C (pMD-4.4, 95%CI −6.9 to −1.8) at admission compared to patients with non-severe disease. Deceased patients had lower TC (pMD-14.9, 95%CI −21.6 to −8.3), LDL-C (pMD-10.6, 95%CI −16.5 to −4.6) and HDL-C (pMD-2.5, 95%CI −3.9 to −1.0) at admission. TG levels did not differ based on COVID-19 severity or mortality. No publication bias was noted.

Conclusion

We demonstrated lower lipid levels in patients with COVID-19 infection and an association with disease severity and mortality. Their potential role in COVID-19 pathogenesis and their utility as prognostic factors require further investigation.
Distribution Characteristics of the Deep Geothermal Field in the Sichuan Basin and its Main Controlling Factors
Authors: Zhu Chuanqing , Xu Tong , Qiu Nansheng , Chen Tiange , Xu Ming , Ding Rui
Published: March 2022

Geothermal energy and petroleum are two resources that coexist in sedimentary basins, and both of them are closely related to temperature. Based on the surface heat flow and the rock thermophysical properties, the deep geothermal field was calculated, then temperature distribution characteristics and the primary influencing factors on the geothermal state were discussed. The temperature distribution map of the Sichuan Basin for depths of 3,000–9,000 m presented the central and southern areas are characterized by relatively higher temperatures while the northwestern and northeastern areas are characterized by lower temperatures. Strata temperature in the central and southern areas exceeded 150°C as the burial depth reached 5,000 m. At the depth of 7,000 m, the temperatures in the central and southern areas were above 180°C, which is the threshold temperature for hot dry rock (HDR), while the temperatures in the northwestern and northeastern areas were below 160°C, which is close to the lower limit for oil crude oil cracking. The central and southern areas are favorite zones for the exploration of geothermal energy, conversely, the relatively lower temperatures in the northern, northwestern, and eastern areas are conducive to the presence of oil and gas. The unevenly distribution of geothermal field were controlled by the thicknesses of sedimentary layer and the crust, which indicates the lithosphere flexure and thickening caused by compression and depression, rapid deposition in the foreland depressions. The results can provide geothermal understandings for the exploration and development of the petroleum and geothermal resources and could serve as a reference for geodynamic studies in the Sichuan Basin.
Remagnetization of Carboniferous Limestone in the Zaduo Area, Eastern Qiangtang Terrane, and Its Tectonic Implications
Authors: Yu Liang , Yan Maodu , Guan Chong , Li Bingshuai , Fu Qiang , Xu Wanlong , Feng Zhantao , Zhang Dawen , Shen Miaomiao , Xu Zunbo , Niu Zhichao
Published: March 2022

Robust paleomagnetic results through geological time are one of the keys to understand the drift history of the eastern Qiangtang terrane (EQT). Here, we presented comprehensive petrographic observations and rock magnetic and paleomagnetic analyses of the early Carboniferous Upper Zaduo (ZD) limestone Formation (C1z2) from the Sulucun (SLC) section in the Zaduo area, EQT, to investigate its magnetic originality and geological significance. A total of 12 sites (131 samples) were collected. Photomicrograph observations indicate that the limestone samples were characterized by widespread carbonate veinlets. Electron microprobe and energy dispersive spectrometry analyses confirm that authigenic magnetite formed after pyrite. Rock magnetic analyses reveal the dominant magnetic minerals of pyrite and magnetite, with ‘wasp-waisted’ hysteresis loops and close to the “remagnetization trend” hysteresis parameters. Based on both thermal and alternating field demagnetizations, the characteristic remanent magnetization directions for most samples were isolated: Dg = 6.3°, Ig = 50.1°, kg = 54.9, α95 = 6.2° in-situ, and Ds = 330.2°, Is = 58.9°, ks = 5.9, and α95 = 20.5° after 2-step tilt correction. The κ (α95) value decreases (increases) after tilt-correction, and the ChRM directions failed both the McFadden (1990), Watson and Enkin (1993) fold tests, indicating post-folding magnetizations. The 11 site-mean directions yield a mean in-situ paleopole of 84.4°N, 200.3°E, and A95 = 6.8°, which is coincident with the post ∼53 Myr (especially around 40 Ma) paleopoles of the region. We therefore interpreted that these early Carboniferous limestone samples contain remagnetized magnetizations and that they were obtained after 53 Ma, most likely around 40 Ma, due to the far-field effect of the India–Eurasia collision.
Deep Crustal Structure of the Eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt Revealed by Integrated Magnetic-Gravity Imaging
Authors: Chang Chang , Wang Haiyan , Gao Rui , Guo Hua , Han Song , Wu Yangang
Published: March 2022

The Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is a globally magnificent accretionary orogenic belt that has been formed since the Phanerozoic as a result of the Paleozoic closing of the Paleo-Asian Ocean (PAO). The transition zone between the North China Craton (NCC) and the Siberia Plate is located in the eastern CAOB and has been thoroughly investigated by various seismic investigations. However, other types of geophysical approaches lag behind, especially integrated magnetic-gravity surveying, which could provide regional continent-scale constraints on the deep crustal structure. Here, the high-resolution ground gravity and airborne magnetic data covering the study region are newly processed by upward continuation, an improved potential field normalization differential algorithm, an analytical signal approach, and correlation analysis. The processed gravity and magnetic anomalies reveal dominant differences between the CAOB and the northern margin of the NCC; these regions are tectonically divided by the upper crustal Chifeng-Baiyan Obo fault, which is expressed by an important geological boundary. In the middle and lower crust, this tectonic boundary extends northward to the Xar Moron fault. Unexposed Mesozoic granites may be distributed extensively in the mid-lower crust along the Solonker suture zone. The local negative correlation characteristics of gravity and magnetic anomalies may be related to the structural fabrics derived from the convergence of the two terrains.
Investigating Surface Deformation Caused by Excavation of Curved Shield in Upper Soft and Lower Hard Soil
Authors: Jia Bao-Xin , Gao Zong-xian
Published: March 2022

Existing studies on surface deformation prediction consider single soil layers and straight-line excavation when investigating deformation caused by metro shield construction. In this study, we provide a new prediction method for studying the soil deformation caused by curved shield tunnel construction in the upper soft and lower hard soil. The deformation equations are derived using the Mindlin solution and random medium theory and are verified using engineering examples and numerical simulation. The influencing factors and laws of the surface deformation caused by the excavation are also identified. The study found that the horizontal settlement trough on the ground surface was distributed asymmetrically during the curve construction, with maximum settlement on the inner side of the curve. The offset and settlement values were affected by the thrust difference coefficients α and β and the turning radius. When constructing in the upper soft and lower hard soil layers, the settlement trough tends to become wider and shallower. The results show that the derived equation is suitable for actual engineering calculations, and the measured data are in good agreement.
Spatio-Temporal Differentiation Characteristic and Evolution Process of Meteorological Drought in Northwest China From 1960 to 2018
Authors: Li Hui , Hou Enke , Deng Jiawei
Published: March 2022

Against the backdrop of global climate change, the response characteristic of meteorological drought is of great concern, especially in the arid or semi-arid regions. By employing the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), TPFW-MK test, Run Theory, Moran’s I, and General G, the spatio-temporal evolution characteristic of drought was clarified and the spatial autocorrelation of local and global drought characteristic variables was explored based on the meteorological data from 122 stations in Northwest China (NWC) during 1960–2018. The results indicated that the drought situation of NWC was improving regardless of annual or seasonal scale. According to the Z-statistics by the TPFW-MK test, there existed an obvious wet trend in west NWC and a slight dry trend in east NWC. The center of gravity migration model revealed that the gravity center of SPI moved towards higher latitude over the last decades, there was a northwest (1960–1990) and northeast (1990–2018) variation in the covering shapes of the standard deviational ellipses of SPI, and the spatial distribution of SPI tended to be concentrated. Meanwhile, the distribution pattern of drought characteristics suggested that more droughts occurred in east of NWC, which were less harmful while fewer droughts happened in west NWC, which brought greater drought damage. The results of global Moran’s I (GMI) indicated that both annual and seasonal drought variables were characterized with significant spatial autocorrelation, the spatial distribution of winter drought variables was more disperse than other seasons, while the damage of summer and autumn drought was bigger than that in spring and winter. Besides, the results of local Moran’s I (LMI) showed that there was obvious agglomeration in the overall distribution of drought characteristic variables, which had a seesaw effect. The spatial distribution of hot spots and cold spots at different confidence levels indicated that Shaanxi Province experienced the most droughts but with shortest duration and lowest severity while northwest Xinjiang had the fewest droughts with longest duration and highest severity. The results of revealing the drought development process and identifying the location of drought aggregation will provide references for supporting climate adaptation strategies and preventing drought-related loss.
Polymagmatic Glaciovolcanism: Cracked Mountain Tuya, Canadian Cascades
Authors: Harris Martin A. , Russell James K.
Published: March 2022

Monogenetic volcanoes are characterized as having no temporal break in eruptive activity and are often assumed to have a simple (singular) magmatic plumbing system. However, recent studies on monogenetic systems have started to recover evidence of complexities within the magma-crustal dynamics. Here we investigate Cracked Mountain (CM), a 401 ± 38 ka glaciovolcanic basaltic landform in southwest, British Columbia, Canada. The volcano covers an area of ∼1.5 km2, has an eruptive volume of ∼0.18 km3, and comprises lapilli tuff, breccia, peperite, pillow and sheet lava, and dykes with no erosional surfaces present between the stratigraphic successions. The paleomagnetic signature of all volcanic lithofacies records a single-pole direction and, in conjunction with stratigraphic evidence, implies a monogenetic eruption. We establish that the Cracked Mountain volcano was fed by two separate crustally-stored magmas (i.e., polymagmatic), each characterized by a unique phenocryst assemblage indicative of different pre-eruptive storage conditions. The first mineral assemblage is an olivine-and-plagioclase phyric (OP) suite, and the second is an olivine-plagioclase-and-augite phyric (OPA) suite. The major-element geochemical compositions of the two petrographic suites vary slightly, with OPA samples higher in SiO2 and total-alkali contents than OP. The two magmas have similar rare earth (REE) trace element signatures, suggesting the same mantle source. We use thermodynamic modeling (Rhyolite-MELTS) to show that the OP suite derives from magma stored at depths <6 km (< 2 kbar) and temperatures of 1240–1155°C. In contrast, the OPA magmas crystallized at depths between 7–9 km (∼2–2.5 kbar) at 1,250–1,150°C prior to eruption. Both magmas are shown to be nearly “dry” having less than 0.5 H2O wt% in their respective systems. We use Pearce Element Ratios (PER) to show that the chemical variations within and between the two CM magmas are controlled solely by the crystal fractionation of two phenocryst assemblages that underwent syn-eruptive mixing. This study concludes that the polymagmatic plumbing system at Cracked Mountain shows similar complexities to other global investigations of monogenetic volcanoes. Lastly, we propose a causal link between the crustal dynamics of magma systems and the impact of crustal loading and unloading during cycles of glaciation.
Multi-Source Information Fusion Correlation Analysis of Bedrock Deterioration on Slopes Under Leaching Erosion
Authors: Zhong Wen , Feng Zhiqi , Li Bo , Zhang Zequn , Zeng Peng , Guo Zhongqun , Hu Kaijian , Wang Xiaojun
Published: March 2022

To explore the effect of leaching erosion on the deterioration mechanism of ionic rare earth slope bedrock. The E-TOPSIS method and fuzzy grey correlation method were used to fuse and analyze the multi-source heterogeneous information such as porosity, pH, mass, volume, density, P-wave and characteristic strength of bedrock specimens. The dominant response parameters of bedrock deterioration of slopes under leaching erosion were obtained, and the multi-source information fusion correlation analysis model was established. The results show that compared with the basic physical parameters of bedrock, the influence of leaching erosion on the pore structure of bedrock is more significant; the pore space and leaching solution pH show obvious dominant responsiveness in the E-TOPSIS analysis with soaking duration. Basically, from the results of fuzzy grey correlation analysis, the micropore of bedrock specimens continued to increase after the decrease in the early stage of soaking, and the porosity varied significantly; the micropore and porosity of bedrock specimens had the highest correlation with the characteristic strength of bedrock, followed by the pH of leaching solution.
Impacts of Central Tropical Pacific SST on the Reversal of December and January Surface Air Temperature Anomalies Over Central Asia
Authors: Li Haishan , Fan Ke , Li Hua , Xu Zhiqing
Published: March 2022

The reversal of winter surface air temperature anomalies (SATAs) over Central Asia (CA) between December and January is investigated in this study and found to be closely related to the sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) over the central tropical Pacific (CTP). The cold CTP SSTAs can lead to positive (negative) SATAs over CA in December (January). The different responses of SATAs over CA to the SSTAs are attributed to different Rossby wave propagations. In December, a wave train from the North Pacific directly reaches CA, while in January it mainly propagates in the meridional direction and cannot reach CA. The January SATAs of CA are influenced by a wave train from the North Atlantic, which is induced by CTP SSTAs indirectly. The wave trains from the North Pacific are mainly driven by the Gill-type response to the cold CTP SSTA in both December and January. In January, since the climatological subtropical jet stream over the North Pacific is stronger and situated more towards the equator, a stronger Gill-type response is excited and causes the meridional propagation of the Rossby waves. Then, this stronger Gill-type response can cause strong zonal wind anomalies over the East Pacific. Local anomalies of the synoptic-scale transient eddy can be further caused by the zonal wind anomalies and travel eastward to the North Atlantic. The eddy-induced geopotential anomalies over the North Atlantic can further trigger Rossby waves and cause the negative SATAs over CA. Numerical simulations reproduce these mechanisms.
Exercise and/or Cold Exposure Alters the Gene Expression Profile in the Fat Body and Changes the Heart Function in Drosophila
Authors: Huang Ting , Jian Xiaoyi , Liu Jinglin , Zheng Lan , Li Fang Qiu , Meng Ding , Wang Tongquan , Zhang Shihu , Liu Yi , Guan Zhilong , Feng Jiadong
Published: March 2022

The major reason of human morbidity and mortality is obesity and related diseases. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is associated with low total adipose tissue content and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Studies have shown that exercise and cold expose may induce browning. In this study, we verified (1) whether exercise and/or cold exposure can improve the expression level of ucp4c, serca, ampkα, camkII, sirt1, octβ3r, and hamlet; (2) if these interventions can save cardiac dysfunction induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in Drosophila. w1118 (wild-type) virgin female flies collected within 8 h after eclosion were divided into eight groups: the normal feed control group (NFD-C), the normal feed exercise group (NFD-E), the normal feed cold exposure group (NFD-CA), the normal feed exercise/cold exposure group (NFD-EC), the HFD control group (HFD-C), the HFD exercise group (HFD-E), the HFD cold exposure group (HFD-CA), and the HFD exercise/cold exposure group (HFD-EC). After exercise and/or cold exposure for 7 days, the mRNA expression levels of ucp4c, serca, ampkα, camk II, sirt1, octβ3r, and hamlet were tested by qRT-PCR, and m-mode was used to assess cardiac function. In addition, we assessed the triacylglycerol (TAG) levels, motor ability, fat mass (by Oil Red O [ORO] staining), and morphological features. The results of TAG, ORO staining, and morphological features all indicate that after interventions, body size of Drosophila was smaller compared with the control group, irrespective of the feeding patterns. The mRNA expression levels of ucp4c, serca, octβ3r, hamlet, ampkα, camkII, and sirt1 were changed to varying degrees under different intervention states (exercise and/or cold exposure). Cold exposure and exercise/cold exposure partly improved cardiac function and the normal fruit flies’ cardiac function and exercise ability. However, after exercise intervention, exercise ability and heart function were improved in both HFD and normal-fat diet (NFD) fruit flies. In conclusion, different intervention states (exercise and/or cold exposure) can change the mRNA expression levels of ucp4c, serca, octβ3r, hamlet, ampkα, camkII, and sirt1. Exercise is the most effective way to restore HFD-induced cardiac dysfunction.
Cognitive Domain Impairment and All-Cause Mortality in Older Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Guo Yidan , Tian Ru , Ye Pengpeng , Li Xin , Li Guogang , Lu Fangping , Ma Yingchun , Sun Yi , Wang Yuzhu , Xiao Yuefei , Zhang Qimeng , Zhao Xuefeng , Zhao Haidan , Luo Yang
Published: March 2022

The highly prevalent cognitive impairment in hemodialysis patients is associated with all-cause mortality; however, the role of different cognitive domain impairments in this association is still not clarified. Our objective was to determine the association between cognitive domain impairment and all-cause mortality in elderly adult patients undergoing hemodialysis. We conducted a prospective cohort study including patients from 11 hemodialysis centers in Beijing. Baseline data were collected, and a series of neuropsychological batteries covering 5 domains of cognitive function were included for the assessment of cognitive function. According to the fifth version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria (DSM-V), the patients were classified as normal, mild, and major cognitive impairment for global and domain cognitive function, then followed up for 1 year. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to compare the difference in the cumulative survival rate in different cognitive domains. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to determine the association between global or domain cognitive impairment and all-cause mortality. A total of 613 patients were enrolled, the mean age was 63.82 ± 7.14 years old, and 42.1% were women. After 49.53 ± 8.42 weeks of follow-up, 69 deaths occurred. Kaplan–Meier plots demonstrated a significant association of cognitive impairment in memory, executive function, attention, and language domains with all-cause death. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that mild and major impairment of global cognition (HR = 2.89 (95% CI, 1.01–8.34), p = 0.049 and HR = 4.35 (95% CI, 1.55–12.16), p = 0.005, respectively), executive cognitive domain (HR = 2.51 (95% CI, 1.20–5.24), p = 0.014; HR = 3.91 (95% CI, 1.70–9.03), p = 0.001, respectively), and memory cognitive domain (HR = 2.13 (95% CI, 1.07–4.24), p = 0.031; HR = 3.67 (95% CI, 1.71–7.92), p = 0.001, respectively) were associated with all-cause mortality. Combined impairment of 3, 4, and 5 cognitive domains was associated with all-cause mortality [HR = 5.75 (95% CI, 1.88–17.57), p = 0.002; HR = 12.42 (95% CI, 3.69–41.80), p < 0.001; HR = 13.48 (95% CI, 3.38–53.73), p < 0.001, respectively]. We demonstrate an association between the executive and memory cognitive domain impairment and all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients. Our data suggest that the impairments in these cognitive domains might help in the early identification of hemodialysis patients at risk of death.
The Resting-State Brain Network Functional Connectivity Changes in Patients With Acute Thyrotoxic Myopathy Based on Independent Component Analysis
Authors: Li Yanfang , Ling Min , Huang Song , Liang Xinghuan , Qin Yingfen , Luo Zuojie , Zhou Jia
Published: March 2022

Objective

The independent component analysis (ICA) was applied to explore the correlation between clinical manifestation and the functional connectivity changes of the sensorimotor network (SMN) and left frontoparietal network (LFPN) in patients with acute thyrotoxic myopathy (ATM), which was expected to provide a functional imaging basis for the exploration of the pathophysiological mechanism of ATM.

Methods

13 ATM patients (ATM) and 12 non-ATM patients (nATM) who met the diagnostic and inclusion criteria were enrolled. Their resting-state brain function images were obtained with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). GIFT software was used for independent component analysis to obtain the brain regions with SMN and LFPN changes. The correlation between the functional connectivity of these brain regions and clinical indicators was calculated.

Results

The SMN functional connectivity of ATM patients was increased at the posterior lobe of cerebellum, anterior lobe of cerebellum, right superior temporal gyrus, left cingulate gyrus, left precuneus, and left postcentral gyrus compared with that of nATM patients. However, it was decreased at the occipital lobe, right dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus, paracentral lobule, angular gyrus, and superior parietal gyrus (FDR correction, P<0.05). The LFPN functional connectivity of ATM patients was increased at the posterior lobe of cerebellum, middle temporal gyrus, inferior temporal gyrus, and right cingulate gyrus compared with that of nATM patients; but was decreased at frontal lobe, parahippocampal gyrus, precentral gyrus and postcentral gyrus (FDR correction, P<0.05) Correlation analysis results showed that the enhancement of SMN functional connection at right superior temporal gyrus was significantly negatively correlated with the free thyroxine level, and the decrease of SMN functional connectivity at occipital lobe was significantly positively correlated to the thyroid stimulating hormone level. The SMN and LFPN functional connectivity changes in other brain regions were not found to be significantly correlated with thyroid function parameters.

Conclusion

The bulbar paralysis (such as dysphagia, dysarthria) in ATM patients may be related to the functional connectivity changes of resting-state SMN and LFPN. The fMRI is expected to be one of the objective imaging indicators for the early clinical intervention of ATM patients.
Shared Genetic Basis and Causal Relationship Between Television Watching, Breakfast Skipping and Type 2 Diabetes: Evidence From a Comprehensive Genetic Analysis
Authors: Chen Dongze , Wu Hanyu , Wang Xinpei , Huang Tao , Jia Jinzhu
Published: March 2022

Background

Epidemiological investigations have established unhealthy lifestyles, such as excessive leisurely sedentary behavior (especially TV/television watching) and breakfast skipping, increase the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but the causal relationship is unclear. We aimed to understand how single nucleotide variants contribute to the co-occurrence of unhealthy lifestyles and T2D, thereby providing meaningful insights into disease mechanisms.

Methods

Combining summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on TV watching (N = 422218), breakfast skipping (N = 193860) and T2D (N = 159208) in European pedigrees, we conducted comprehensive pairwise genetic analysis, including high-definition likelihood (HDL-method), cross-phenotype association studies (CPASSOC), GWAS-eQTL colocalization analysis and transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS), to understand the genetic overlap between them. We also performed bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis for causal inference using genetic instrumental variables, and two-step MR mediation analysis was used to assess any effects explained by body mass index, lipid traits and glycemic traits.

Results

HDL-method showed that T2D shared a strong genetic correlation with TV watching (rg = 0.26; P = 1.63×10-29) and skipping breakfast (rg = 0.15; P =2.02×10-6). CPASSOC identifies eight independent SNPs shared between T2D and TV watching, including one novel shared locus. TWAS and CPASSOC showed that shared genes were enriched in lung, esophageal, adipose, and thyroid tissues and highlighted potential shared regulatory pathways for lipoprotein metabolism, pancreatic β-cell function, cellular senescence and multi-mediator factors. MR showed TV watching had a causal effect on T2D (βIVW = 0.629, PIVW = 1.80×10-10), but no significant results were observed between breakfast skipping and T2D. Mediation analysis provided evidence that body mass index, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c and high-density lipoprotein are potential factors that mediate the causal relationship between TV and T2D.

Conclusions

Our findings provide strong evidence of shared genetics and causation between TV watching and T2D and facilitate our identification of common genetic architectures shared between them.
Leptin Does Not Influence TSH Levels in Obese Short Children
Authors: Adamczewska Katarzyna , Adamczewski Zbigniew , Lewiński Andrzej , Stawerska Renata
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Growth hormone (GH) and thyroid hormones are important for children growing. In some obese children a slightly elevated TSH concentration is observed. This may be an adaptive mechanism: stimulation of pro-TRH biosynthesis in the hypothalamus in response to elevated leptin. The increased TSH may also reflect the necessity of maintaining the resting energy expenditure or may be a result of inappropriate, low FT4 concentration. Thus, we evaluated serum TSH and FT4 concentrations in idiopathic short stature (ISS) children (non GH-deficient) and examined the effect of children’s nutritional status and levels of selected adipocytokines on thyroid function, searching for the presence of various forms of subclinical hypothyroidism, which may be the cause of the slow growth rate.

Methods

The study group included 115 children (50 girls and 65 boys) with ISS, aged (mean ± SD) 10.4 ± 3.34 years. In each child, lipids, TSH, FT4, IGF-1, maxGH during the stimulation tests, leptin, adiponectin and resistin concentrations were determined. Based on BMI SDS, 3 subgroups: slim (n=26), obese (n=21) and normal weight (n=68) were distinguished.

Results

There was no correlation between leptin level and TSH, FT4 levels. The levels of leptin, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in obese short children were significantly higher than in children from other subgroups. In turn, the levels of adiponectin, resistin, TSH and FT4 did not differ between subgroups. In 7% of children, an elevated TSH level was found (but less than 10 mIU/L), with a similar frequency across subgroups. The higher the leptin, the lower maxGH in clonidine stimulation test was recorded.

Conclusions

It seems that in obese children with idiopathic short stature leptin does not increase TSH secretion. This may be related to a disruption of the effect of leptin on TSH production and could indicate wide ranging disturbances of hypothalamic signals, and consequently be the cause of inappropriate GH secretion.