bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional nanoporous activated carbon electrode derived from acacia wood for high‐performance supercapacitor
Authors: Hamouda Hamouda Adam , Abdu Hassan Idris , Hu Qinzheng , Abubaker Mohamed Aamer , Lei Haikuo , Cui Shuzhen , Alduma Anwar I. , Peng Hui , Ma Guofu , Lei Ziqiang
Published: October 2022

Herein, the novel acacia wood based hierarchical porous activated carbons (AWCs) are easily prepared, low cost and have excellent characterization, such as special biomass nanopores via structural stability and large specific surface areas. Activating agents such as KOH, ZnCl2, and H3PO4 have been used to convert acacia wood carbon into active carbons such as AWC-K, AWC-Z, and AWC-P, respectively, which are named after the activating agent. As a supercapacitor electrode, the AWC-K sample has a high yield was 69.8%, significant specific surface area of 1563.43 m2g−1 and layer thickness of 4.6 mm. Besides that, it showed specific capacitance of 224.92 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 in 2 M KOH as electrolyte. In addition, the AWC-K//AWC-K symmetrical supercapacitor device displays high energy density of 23.98 Wh kg−1 at 450 W kg−1 power density with excellent cycling number stability was 93.2% long lifetime of 10,000 cycles using 0.5 M Na2SO4 as electrolyte. The high electrochemistry performance mainly contributed the special biomass pores structure. Therefore, the presented approach opens new avenues in supercapacitor applications to meet energy storage.
Changes in HDL cholesterol, particles, and function associate with pediatric COVID-19 severity
Authors: Mietus-Snyder Michele , Suslovic William , Delaney Meghan , Playford Martin P. , Ballout Rami A. , Barber John R. , Otvos James D. , DeBiasi Roberta L. , Mehta Nehal N. , Remaley Alan T.
Published: October 2022

Background

Myriad roles for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) beyond atheroprotection include immunologic functions implicated in the severity of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in adults. We explored whether there is an association between HDL and COVID-19 severity in youth.

Methods

A pediatric cohort (N = 102), who tested positive for COVID-19 across a range of disease manifestations from mild or no symptoms, to acute severe symptoms, to the multisystem inflammatory syndrome of children (MIS-C) was identified. Clinical data were collected from the medical record and reserve plasma aliquots were assessed for lipoproteins by NMR spectroscopy and assayed for HDL functional cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC). Findings were compared by COVID-19 status and symptom severity. Lipoprotein, NMR spectroscopy and CEC data were compared with 30 outpatient COVID negative children.

Results

Decreasing HDL cholesterol (HDL-c), apolipoprotein AI (ApoA-I), total, large and small HDL particles and HDL CEC showed a strong and direct linear dose-response relationship with increasing severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Youth with mild or no symptoms closely resembled the uninfected. An atypical lipoprotein that arises in the presence of severe hepatic inflammation, lipoprotein Z (LP-Z), was absent in COVID-19 negative controls but identified more often in youth with the most severe infections and the lowest HDL parameters. The relationship between HDL CEC and symptom severity and ApoA-I remained significant in a multiply adjusted model that also incorporated age, race/ethnicity, the presence of LP-Z and of GlycA, a composite biomarker reflecting multiple acute phase proteins.

Conclusion

HDL parameters, especially HDL function, may help identify youth at risk of more severe consequences of COVID-19 and other novel infectious pathogens.
Phenotypic plasticity of vascular smooth muscle cells in vascular calcification: Role of mitochondria
Authors: Liu Yan Zhong , Li Zong Xiang , Zhang Lin Lin , Wang Dan , Liu Yi Ping
Published: October 2022

Vascular calcification (VC) is an important hallmark of cardiovascular disease, the osteo-/chondrocyte phenotype differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is the main cause of vascular calcification. Accumulating evidence shows that mitochondrial dysfunction may ultimately be more detrimental in the VSMCs calcification. Mitochondrial participate in essential cellular functions, including energy production, metabolism, redox homeostasis regulation, intracellular calcium homeostasis, apoptosis, and signal transduction. Mitochondrial dysfunction under pathological conditions results in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and metabolic disorders, which further lead to abnormal phenotypic differentiation of VSMCs. In this review, we summarize existing studies targeting mitochondria as a treatment for VC, and focus on VSMCs, highlighting recent progress in determining the roles of mitochondrial processes in regulating the phenotype transition of VSMCs, including mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, mitochondrial energy metabolism, and mitochondria/ER interactions. Along these lines, the impact of mitochondrial homeostasis on VC is discussed.
The association between adolescent mental health and oral health behavior: The Luxembourg Health Behavior in School-Aged Children study
Authors: Geraets Anouk Francine Jacqueline , Heinz Andreas
Published: October 2022

Oral health remains a global health problem. Mental health has been linked to oral health behavior. However, studies among adolescents in high-income countries are limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between adolescent mental health and well-being with regular toothbrushing. We used data from the 2018 Luxembourg Health Behavior in School-Aged Children study (n = 7,561; n = 3,896 [51.5%] girls; mean [standard deviation] age = 14.9 [2.1] years). Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations of self-reported stress levels, life-satisfaction, somatic health complaints, and psychological health complaints with regular toothbrushing (≥2 daily). Analyses were adjusted for gender, age, family affluence, family structure, migration background, daily sugar consumption, smoking behavior, and general health. 70.5% of the adolescents regularly brushed their teeth. Adolescents who reported higher levels of stress (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.97 [0.95;0.99] per one-point increase), low life-satisfaction (OR = 0.92 [0.89;0.95] per one-point increase), and psychological health complaints (OR = 0.95 [0.91;0.99] per complaint) were less likely to regularly brush their teeth. No association was found between somatic health complaints and regular toothbrushing (OR = 1.00 [0.94;1.06] per complaint). Adolescents with poor mental health and well-being are less likely to regularly brush their teeth and may have an increased risk for oral diseases. Interventions focused on lifestyle modification in adolescents with mental health problems should include regular toothbrushing to prevent dental caries and other oral diseases.
Energy and glacier mass balance of Fürkeleferner, Italy: past, present, and future
Authors: Krampe Daniela , Arndt Anselm , Schneider Christoph
Published: October 2022

The energy and mass balance of mountain glaciers translate into volume changes that play out as area changes over time. From this, together with former moraines during maximum advances, information on past climate conditions and the climatic drivers behind during glacier advances can be obtained. Here, we use the distributed COupled Snowpack and Ice surface energy and mass balance model in PYthon (COSIPY) to simulate the present state of an Italian glacier, named Fürkeleferner, for the mass balance years 2013–2017. Next, we investigate the local climate during the time of the last “Little Ice Age” (LIA) maximum glacier advance using COSIPY together with the LIA glacier outline retrieved from moraine mapping and a digital elevation model (DEM) adapted for the glacier’s geometry at the time of the LIA as a benchmark. Furthermore, the glacier’s sensitivity to future air temperature increase of +1 K and +2 K is investigated using the same model. For all simulations, meteorological data of closely located climate stations are used to force the model. We show the individual monthly contribution of individual energy and mass balance components. Refreezing during the summer months is an important component of the energy and mass balance, on average about 9 % relative to total annual ablation. The results from simulating past climate show a 2.8 times larger glacier area for Fürkeleferner during the LIA than today. This further implies a 2.5 K colder climate, assuming that the amount of precipitation was 10 %–20 % in excess of today’s value. Concerning further temperature increase of 2 K, the glacier would only consist of the ablation area implying sustained mass loss and eventual total mass loss. Even under current climatic conditions, the glacier area would have to decrease to 17 % of its current area to be in a steady state. We discuss the reliability of the results by comparing simulated present mass balance to measured mass balances of neighboring glaciers in the European Alps and with short-term measurements on Fürkeleferner itself. In conclusion, we are able to show how the glacier responds to past and future climate change and determine the climatic drivers behind.
Effects of concept mapping strategy on sentence construction, paragraphing and editing in junior secondary schools students’ composition writing achievements
Authors: Gowon Rahila P. , Yashim Haddy Y.
Published: October 2022

This study investigated the effects of concept mapping on sentence construction, paragraphing, and editing in composition writing achievement of secondary school students in Kafanchan Education Zone, Kaduna State Nigeria. The study answered three research questions and tested three hypotheses. Quasi-experimental (non-equivalent pre-test-post-test control group design) research design was employed for the study. The population of the study included all the 1,242 Junior Secondary School two (JS II) students in 35 public secondary schools in Kafanchan Education Zone of Kaduna State. Sample of 66 students from two intact classes (experimental group = 36, control group = 30) participated in the study. Students in the experimental group received 8-weeks of training on concept mapping instruction, while those in the control group were exposed to normal conventional teaching. Students’ composition writing achievement test (SCWAT, test-retest reliability = 0.78) was developed by the researcher to obtain baseline information and after-intervention information. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics [means and standard deviation (SD)] and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results indicated that students have the very low ability in sentence construction, paragraphing, and editing in composition writing achievement at baseline. Also, concept mapping instruction significantly improved students’ ability to construct a cohesive sentence, develop a paragraph, and edit composition writing. The study concluded that concept mapping strategy has significant effects on sentence construction, paragraphing, and editing in composition writing achievement skills of junior secondary school students. The study strongly recommended the use of a concept mapping strategy by teachers, students, and school administrators in Nigeria.
Blastocyst quality and perinatal outcomes of frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfer cycles
Authors: Jia Nan , Hao Haoying , Zhang Cuilian , Xie Juanke , Zhang Shaodi
Published: October 2022

Objective

To investigate the effects of blastocyst quality and morphological grade on the perinatal outcomes in patients undergoing frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfer cycles.

Methods

This single-center retrospective cohort study included 2648 singleton neonates resulting from frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfers performed between January 2017 and September 2021. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate perinatal outcomes for their association with blastocyst quality and morphological parameters.

Result

Transfer of a good-quality blastocyst in a frozen-thawed cycle was associated with a lower rate of preterm delivery (PTD, adjusted OR =0.7, 95% CI 0.5-0.9; P=0.020) and a higher likelihood of a male neonate (adjusted OR =1.2, 95%CI 1.0-1.5; P=0.048). Compared with grade C inner cell mass (ICM) blastocyst transfer, grade B ICM (adjusted OR =0.5, 95%CI 0.2-0.9; P=0.027) and grade A ICM (adjusted OR =0.6, 95%CI 0.3-1.5; P=0.290) blastocyst transfers were associated with a lower rate of PTD, which was more evident for grade B ICM. After adjusting for confounders, the likelihood of a male neonate (grade B TE, OR =1.2, 95%CI 1.0-1.5, P=0.037; grade A TE OR =1.9, 95%CI 1.3-28, P=0.002) increased with increasing trophectoderm (TE) quality. Compared with expansion stage 4, the likelihood of a male neonate was 1.5 times greater with transfer of a stage 6 blastocyst (OR =1.5, 95%CI 1.0-2.3; P=0.06), and the risk of small for gestational age (SGA) was greater with transfer of a stage 5 blastocyst (adjusted OR =3.5, 95%CI 1.5-8.0; P=0.004). The overall grading of the blastocyst, expansion stage, ICM grade, and TE grade were not associated with length at birth, birthweight, large for gestational age (LGA), or birth defects (all P>0.05).

Conclusions

In frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfer cycles, transfer of a good-quality blastocyst was associated with a lower rate of PTD and a greater likelihood of a male neonate. Transfer of grade B ICM blastocysts decreased the rate of PTD, and TE quality was positively correlated with the likelihood of a male neonate.
Interleukin-18 in metabolism: From mice physiology to human diseases
Authors: Somm Emmanuel , Jornayvaz François R.
Published: October 2022

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a classical member of the IL-1 superfamily of cytokines. As IL-1β, IL-18 precursor is processed by inflammasome/caspase-1 into a mature and biologically active form. IL-18 binds to its specific receptor composed of two chains (IL-18Rα and IL-18Rβ) to trigger a similar intracellular signaling pathway as IL-1, ultimately leading to activation of NF-κB and inflammatory processes. Independently of this IL-1-like signaling, IL-18 also specifically induces IFN-γ production, driving the Th1 immune response. In circulation, IL-18 binds to the IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) with high affinity, letting only a small fraction of free IL-18 able to trigger receptor-mediated signaling. In contrast to other IL-1 family members, IL-18 is produced constitutively by different cell types, suggesting implications in normal physiology. If the roles of IL-18 in inflammatory processes and infectious diseases are well described, recent experimental studies in mice have highlighted the action of IL-18 signaling in the control of energy homeostasis, pancreatic islet immunity and liver integrity during nutritional stress. At the same time, clinical observations implicate IL-18 in various metabolic diseases including obesity, type 1 and 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In the present review, we summarize and discuss both the physiological actions of IL-18 in metabolism and its potential roles in pathophysiological mechanisms leading to the most common human metabolic disorders, such as obesity, diabetes and NAFLD/NASH.
The Impact of Government Behaviors on the Transition Towards Carbon Neutrality in the Construction Industry: A Perspective of the Whole Life Cycle of Buildings
Authors: Tang Daizhong , Gong Xueyang , Liu Menglan
Published: October 2022

The carbon-intensive economy has dramatically caused global climate changes and profoundly impacted humankind. As one of the largest energy consumers, carbon emissions in the construction industry (CECI) play a crucial role in achieving the carbon neutrality goal. Government behaviors could significantly affect CECI. However, few studies have comprehensively reviewed existing literature regarding the effect of government instruments on triggering carbon reduction. A total of 1,082 papers about CECI from 51 countries/regions were retrieved in this study, while 296 relevant articles on the government behaviors in CECI were collected to conduct further analysis. Based on the bibliometric analysis with CiteSpace, the co-occurrence networks of countries/regions, institutions, keywords and cluster analysis are applied to illustrate the characteristics of previous studies. Furthermore, a research framework has been formulated to review the impact of government behaviors on CECI during the life cycle of buildings. The result indicated that government behaviors could affect CECI through three stages, i.e., material production, construction and operation, which is considered the transmission path of government behaviors towards CECI. Moreover, the findings revealed that government behaviors present the most significant impact on CECI in the following sectors: 1) the green supply chain management and waste recycling in the material production stage; 2) the green building decisions and the adoption of off-site construction in the construction stage; 3) energy conservation behaviors and green retrofit decisions in the operation stage. Finally, this study discusses prior study gaps and provides potential directions for future research.
Does ESG investment reduce carbon emissions in China?
Authors: Cong Yingnan , Zhu Chen , Hou Yufei , Tian Shuairu , Cai Xiaojing
Published: October 2022

This study explores the relationship between ESG investments and carbon emissions in China. Our results show that 1% increase in environmental investments would cause 0.246% decrease in CO2 emissions and 0.558% decrease in carbon emission intensity. The impact of ESG investment is heterogeneous across the developed and underdeveloped regions. Environmental investments in the advanced eastern region have significantly improved carbon productivity. In contrast, environmental investments in the central and western regions significantly reduced carbon emissions, but they have little impact on carbon productivity.
Phenotypic and genetic diversity of the Anjian chicken in China
Authors: Yang Na , Tang Chi , Azimu Wumaierjiang , Wang Hui’e , Tuersuntuoheti Tuerdibake , Yalimaimaiti Yinamujiang , Kelimu Nuermanu , Li Hang Sen , Wumaier Alfera , Sun Xiao Yuan , Hao Chao Shuai , Muhatai Gemingguli
Published: October 2022

The Anjian chicken is a local breed in Hotan, Xinjiang, China. Herein, we studied the morphological characteristics and genetic diversity of the Anjian chicken population. The findings of this study could inform the genetic improvement strategy of this breed. Phenotypic characteristics investigated included the diversity in the general appearance, feather color, and crowing length of the Anjian cocks. The population structure of the Anjian chicken and its relationship with other chicken breeds were also assessed based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop sequence analysis. Phenotypically, the feather color of the Anjian chicken varied considerably. The sequence diversity analysis revealed the following: nucleotide diversity (Pi) was 0.00618, haplotype diversity (Hd) was 0.776, the average number of nucleotide differences (k) was 7.631, and Tajima’s (D) was −0.00407, indicating that Anjian chicken is moderately genetically diverse. Further phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Anjian chicken breed has 10 haplotypes clustered into two branches. Genetic distance and median network analysis showed that the mtDNA D-loop sequence of the Anjian chicken was distributed in many different clusters of the tree. These data demonstrate that even though the Anjian chicken mainly originated from red jungle fowl, it has multiple maternal origins. In conclusion, the Anjian chicken is highly genetically diverse.
Eyespot configuration and predator approach direction affect the antipredator efficacy of eyespots
Authors: Skelhorn John , Rowland Hannah M.
Published: October 2022

Many prey species possess eyespots: paired markings that often consist of two or more concentric circles. Predators are wary of such prey because eyespots are conspicuous and/or mistaken for vertebrate eyes. Here we used naïve domestic chicks as predators of artificial moth-like prey to test the hypothesis that both eyespots configuration and predator approach direction affect the antipredator efficacy of eyespots. We found that when chicks approached prey straight on, eyespots configuration did not influence attack latency. Chicks that approached from either the left or the right, were slower to attack prey in which the central circle of the eyespot was centrally placed or shifted in the direction of the chick’s approach, compared to prey in which the central circle had been shifted away from the direction of approach. These findings suggest that eyespots composed of concentric circles may protect prey against predators approaching from a wider range of directions than eyespots composed of eccentric circles. They are also consistent with the idea that eyespots are mistaken for eyes, and are perceived to pose a lesser risk when their “gaze” is averted from the approaching predator.
Population genetic characteristics of Hainan medaka with whole-genome resequencing
Authors: Yao Zebin , Long Shuisheng , Wang Chun , Huang Chengqin , Zhang Hairui , Jian Liao , Huang Jingru , Guo Yusong , Dong Zhongdian , Wang Zhongduo
Published: October 2022

The DMY gene is deleted in all males of the Sanya population (SY-medaka) of the Hainan medaka, Oryzias curvinotus, as recently reported by us. However, due to limited knowledge regarding their population genetic background, it is difficult to explore the possible evolutionary pathway. Herein, we resequenced the whole genome of four populations, including SY-medaka. A total of 56 mitogenomes and 32,826,105 SNPs were identified. We found that the genetic differentiation is highest between SY-medaka and the other populations. The results of the population history of the O. curvinotus suggest that the SY-medaka has been in a bottleneck period recently. Further analysis shows that SY-medaka are the most strongly affected by environmental selection. Moreover, we screened some potential genomic regions, and the genes contained in these regions may explain the potential mechanism of the selection process of the SY-medaka. In conclusion, our study can provide new clues for the adaptation process of medaka in the new environment of Sanya.
Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 as a potential biomarker for SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccine efficacy
Authors: Lennol Matthew P. , García-Ayllón María-Salud , Esteban Mariano , García-Arriaza Juan , Sáez-Valero Javier
Published: October 2022

Various species of the SARS-CoV-2 host cell receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), are present in serum, which may result from virus entry and subsequent proteolytic processing of the membrane receptor. We have recently demonstrated changes of particular ACE2 species in virus infected humans, either cleaved fragments or circulating full-length species. Here, we further explore the potential of serum ACE2 as a biomarker to test SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccine efficacy in virus susceptible transgenic K18-hACE2 mice expressing human ACE2. First, in serum samples derived from K18-hACE2 mice challenged with a lethal dose of SARS-CoV-2, we observed an increase in the levels of cleaved ACE2 fragment at day 2 post-challenge, which may represent the subsequent proteolytic processing through virus entry. These elevated levels were maintained until the death of the animals at day 6 post-challenge. The circulating full-length ACE2 form displayed a sizable peak at day 4, which declined at day 6 post-challenge. Noticeably, immunization with two doses of the MVA-CoV2-S vaccine candidate prevented ACE2 cleaved changes in serum of animals challenged with a lethal dose of SARS-CoV-2. The efficacy of the MVA-CoV2-S was extended to vaccinated mice after virus re-challenge. These findings highlight that ACE2 could be a potential serum biomarker for disease progression and vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.
African swine fever virus infection activates inflammatory responses through downregulation of the anti-inflammatory molecule C1QTNF3
Authors: Lv Changjie , Zhang Qiang , Zhao Li , Yang Jingyu , Zou Zhong , Zhao Ya , Li Chengfei , Sun Xiaomei , Lin Xian , Jin Meilin
Published: October 2022

African swine fever (ASF) is the most dangerous pig disease, and causes enormous economic losses in the global pig industry. However, the mechanisms of ASF virus (ASFV) infection remains largely unclear. Hence, this study investigated the host response mechanisms to ASFV infection. We analyzed the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between serum samples from ASFV-infected and uninfected pigs using quantitative proteomics. Setting the p-value < 0.05 and |log2 (fold change)| > 1.5, we identified 173 DEPs, comprising 57 upregulated and 116 downregulated proteins, which belonged to various biological processes and pathways based on the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses. The enriched pathways include immune responses, metabolism, and inflammation signaling pathways. Western blot analysis validated the DEPs identified using quantitative proteomics. Furthermore, our proteomics data showed that C1QTNF3 regulated the inflammatory signaling pathway. C1QTNF3 knockdown led to the upregulation of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-8, and IL-6, thus inhibiting ASFV replication. These results indicated that C1QTNF3 was critical for ASFV infection. In conclusion, this study revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying the host-ASFV interaction, which may contribute to the development of novel antiviral strategies against ASFV infection in the future.
Mucin-degrading gut commensals isolated from healthy faecal donor suppress intestinal epithelial inflammation and regulate tight junction barrier function
Authors: Pan Mingfang , Barua Nilakshi , Ip Margaret
Published: October 2022

The intestinal epithelium surface is covered by a layer of mucus that harbors a complex and dynamic population of bacteria termed gut microbiota. In particular, some gut bacteria have the ability to degrade the mucin glycan for nutritional sources. However, the bacterial diversity of mucin-degrading bacteria in human gut microbiota and their role in the gut remains unclear. In this study, we characterized the diversity of mucin-degrading bacteria in the human gut microbiota by an established cultivation-based molecular profiling method. The results showed the gut commensals having the mucin degrading ability were widely distributed in the gut microbiota and were more abundant than previously thought. In addition, many previously uncharacterized mucin degraders were isolated from faecals samples, suggesting the mucin-degrading gut commensals were underappreciated. To gain a better understanding of the interaction between these mucin-degrading gut commensals and the host, the effect of the commensals on intestinal epithelial cells were examined, and the results revealed that the commensals (8 Bacteroides spp., 2 Parabacteroides spp, Akkermanisa muciniphila and Bifidobacterial dentium) incited low level of inflammatory response (IL-8 and TNF-α) but suppressed the inflammatory response induced by E. coli through downregulating the NF-κB pathway. The presence of gut commensals also showed potential in enhancing the epithelial tight junction (TJ) barrier function through regulating the mRNA expression of TJ protein genes such as Zo-1, Occludin, Claudin-1 and E-cadherin. Furthermore, the presence of commensal bacteria P. distasonis, B. thetaiotaomicron and A. muciniphila completely or partly restored the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β induced TJ barrier disruption. In conclusion, these findings indicate that mucin-degrading gut commensals were widely distributed in the gut microbiota and showed anti-inflammatory effect against pathogen infection and potential in modulating the epithelial barrier function.
COVID-19 vaccination influences subtypes of γδ-T cells during pregnancy
Authors: Wang Li , Li Jiawei , Jiang Silin , Li Yan , Guo Rong , Chen Yuyuan , Chen Yan , Yu Hang , Qiao Qingqing , Zhan Mingjie , Yin Zhinan , Xiang Zheng , Xu Chengfang , Xu Yan
Published: October 2022

Up to now, there has been insufficient clinical data to support the safety and effects of vaccination on pregnancy post COVID-19 vaccination. The γδ-T cells are considered an important component in the immune system to fight against viral infection and exhibit critical roles throughout the pregnancy period. However, the immunological roles of γδ-T cells in pregnant women with the COVID-19 vaccination remain unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the alteration of frequency and expression pattern of activation receptors and inhibitory receptors in γδ-T cell and its subsets in peripheral blood samples collected from non-pregnant vaccinated women, vaccinated pregnant women, and unvaccinated pregnant women. Our findings indicated that the frequency of CD3+γδ-T+ cells is lower in vaccinated pregnant women than in unvaccinated pregnant women. But no significant difference was found in the frequency of CD3+γδ-T+ cells between non-pregnant vaccinated women and vaccinated pregnant women. In addition, there were no significant differences in the frequencies of CD3+γδ-T+Vδ1+T cells, CD3+γδ-T+Vδ2+T cells, CD3+γδ-T+Vδ1-Vδ2-T cells, and Vδ1+T cell/Vδ2+T cell ratio between the pregnant women with or without COVID-19 vaccination. Similar results were found after comparing non-pregnant and pregnant women who received the COVID-19 vaccine. However, there was a significant difference in the fraction of Vδ1-Vδ2-T cells in CD3+γδ-T+ cells between non-pregnant vaccinated women and vaccinated pregnant women. The frequency of NKG2D+ cells in Vδ2+T cells was not significantly different in the vaccinated pregnant women when compared to that in unvaccinated pregnant women or non-pregnant vaccinated women. But the percentage of NKG2D+ cells in Vδ1+T cells was the lowest in pregnant women after COVID-19 vaccination. Furthermore, down-regulation of NKP46 and NKP30 were found in Vδ2+T and Vδ1+T cells in the vaccinated pregnant women, respectively. After the vaccination, up-regulation of PD-1 expression in Vδ1+T cells and Vδ2+T cells indicated γδ-T cells could respond to COVID-19 vaccination and display an exhausted phenotype following activation. In conclusion, COVID-19 vaccination influences subtypes of γδ-T cells during pregnancy, but the side effects might be limited. The phenotypical changes of Vδ1+T cells and Vδ2+T cells will be a promising predictor for evaluating the clinical outcome of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Narcolepsy and H1N1 influenza immunology a decade later: What have we learned?
Authors: Buonocore Sofia M. , van der Most Robbert G.
Published: October 2022

In the wake of the A/California/7/2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic vaccination campaigns in 2009-2010, an increased incidence of the chronic sleep-wake disorder narcolepsy was detected in children and adolescents in several European countries. Over the last decade, in-depth epidemiological and immunological studies have been conducted to investigate this association, which have advanced our understanding of the events underpinning the observed risk. Narcolepsy with cataplexy (defined as type-1 narcolepsy, NT1) is characterized by an irreversible and chronic deficiency of hypocretin peptides in the hypothalamus. The multifactorial etiology is thought to include genetic predisposition, head trauma, environmental triggers, and/or infections (including influenza virus infections), and an increased risk was observed following administration of the A/California/7/2009 H1N1 vaccine Pandemrix (GSK). An autoimmune origin of NT1 is broadly assumed. This is based on its strong association with a predisposing allele (the human leucocyte antigen DQB1*0602) carried by the large majority of NT1 patients, and on links with other immune-related genetic markers affecting the risk of NT1. Presently, hypotheses on the underlying potential immunological mechanisms center on molecular mimicry between hypocretin and peptides within the A/California/7/2009 H1N1 virus antigen. This molecular mimicry may instigate a cross-reactive autoimmune response targeting hypocretin-producing neurons. Local CD4+ T-cell responses recognizing peptides from hypocretin are thought to play a central role in the response. In this model, cross-reactive DQB1*0602-restricted T cells from the periphery would be activated to cross the blood-brain barrier by rare, and possibly pathogen-instigated, inflammatory processes in the brain. Current hypotheses suggest that activation and expansion of cross-reactive T-cells by H1N1/09 influenza infection could have been amplified following the administration of the adjuvanted vaccine, giving rise to a “two-hit” hypothesis. The collective in silico, in vitro, and preclinical in vivo data from recent and ongoing research have progressively refined the hypothetical model of sequential immunological events, and filled multiple knowledge gaps. Though no definitive conclusions can be drawn, the mechanistical model plausibly explains the increased risk of NT1 observed following the 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic and subsequent vaccination campaign, as outlined in this review.
PRDX6AS1 gene polymorphisms and SLE susceptibility in Chinese populations
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Xue , You Jun-Peng , Liu Xin-Ran , Zhao Ya-Fei , Cui Yan , Zhao Zhan-Zheng , Qi Yuan-Yuan
Published: October 2022

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex, multisystem autoimmune disease that is characterized by the production of autoantibodies. Although accumulated evidence suggests that the dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is involved in the pathogenesis of SLE, the genetic contributions of lncRNA coding genes to SLE susceptibility remain largely unknown. Here, we aimed to provide more evidence for the role of lncRNA coding genes to SLE susceptibility.

Methods

The genetic association analysis was first adopted from the previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and was then validated in an independent cohort. PRDX6-AS1 is located at chr1:173204199-173446294. It spans a region of approximately 240 kb, and 297 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were covered by the previous GWAS. Differential expression at the mRNA level was analyzed based on the ArrayExpress Archive database.

Results

A total of 33 SNPs were associated with SLE susceptibility, with a P<1.68×10-4. The strongest association signal was detected at rs844649 (P=2.12×10-6), according to the previous GWAS. Combining the results from the GWAS Chinese cohort and our replication cohort, we pursued a meta-analysis approach and found a pronounced genetic association between PRDX6-AS1 rs844649 and SLE susceptibility (pmeta=1.24×10-13, OR 1.50, 95% CI: 1.34–1.67). The mRNA expression of PRDX6 was elevated in peripheral blood cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and multiple cell subpopulations, such as B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD3+ cells, and monocytes in patients with SLE. The PRDX6 protein expression level was also increased in patients with SLE compared with healthy donors.

Conclusion

Our study provides new evidence that variants located in lncRNA coding genes are associated with SLE susceptibility.
Development and validation of nomogram prediction model for severe kidney disease in children with Henoch–Schönlein purpura: A prospective analysis of two independent cohorts—forecast severe kidney disease outcome in 2,480 hospitalized Henoch–Schönlein purpura children
Authors: Wang Ke , Sun Xiaomei , Jing Shuolan , Lin Li , Cao Yao , Peng Xin , Qiao Lina , Dong Liqun
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram to forecast severe kidney disease (SKD) outcomes for hospitalized Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP) children. The predictive model was built based on a primary cohort that included 2,019 patients with HSP who were diagnosed between January 2009 and December 2013. Another cohort consisting of 461 patients between January 2014 and December 2016 was recruited for independent validation. Patients were followed up for 24 months in development/training and validation cohorts. The data were gathered at multiple time points after HSP (at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months) covering severe kidney disease as the severe outcome after HSP. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model was utilized to decrease data dimension and choose potentially relevant features, which included socioeconomic factors, clinical features, and treatments. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis was employed to establish a novel nomogram. The performance of the nomogram was assessed on the aspects of its calibration, discrimination, and clinical usefulness. The nomogram comprised serious skin rash or digestive tract purpura, severe gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations, recurrent symptoms, and renal involvement as predictors of SKD, providing favorable calibration and discrimination in the training dataset with a C-index of 0.751 (95% CI, 0.734–0.769). Furthermore, it demonstrated receivable discrimination in the validation cohort, with a C-index of 0.714 (95% CI, 0.678–0.750). With the use of decision curve analysis, the nomogram was proven to be clinically useful. The nomogram independently predicted SKD in HSP and displayed favorable discrimination and calibration values. It could be convenient to promote the individualized prediction of SKD in patients with HSP.
Mental health, stigma, and neglected tropical diseases: A review and systematic mapping of the evidence
Authors: Koschorke Mirja , Al-Haboubi Yasmin Hussain , Tseng Po-Chang , Semrau Maya , Eaton Julian
Published: October 2022

Recent years have seen an increase in recognition of the important impact that mental health, wellbeing, and stigma have on the quality of life of people affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), including the publication of global normative guidance and policy frameworks. However, systematic collation of the evidence that can guide greater clarity of thinking for research and practical application of effective interventions is lacking. We used systematic mapping methodology to review the state of the evidence around mental health, stigma, and NTDs in low- and middle-income countries, applying a simple theoretical framework to explore intersections between these areas. We built on existing reviews on the links between each domain, bringing the reviews up to date, across the NTDs identified by the WHO (minus recent additions). After systematic searching of major databases, and exclusions, we identified 190 papers. Data extraction was done to inform key topics of interest, namely, the burden of mental distress and illness/stigma associated with NTDs, the mechanisms by which NTDs add to mental distress and illness/stigma, how mental distress and illness/stigma affect the outcome and treatment of NTDs, and efficacy of interventions to address these domains. We also document the recommendations given by the authors of included studies for research and interventions. We found that there has been a substantial increase in research, which remains very heterogeneous. It was dominated by skin conditions, especially leprosy and, less so, lymphatic filariasis. Few studies had a comparative and even fewer had an intervention design. Our findings were however consistent with existing reviews, pointing to a high prevalence of mental conditions, substantially mediated by stigma and exclusion and a lack of sufficient access to support for mental wellbeing in programmes, despite the existence of effective interventions. These interventions cut across mental health services, stigma reduction, community engagement, and empowerment of people affected. We conclude that the evidence justifies increased investment in practical and integrated interventions to support the wellbeing of people affected by NTDs but that there remains a need for implementation research of consistent quality, and basic science around the impact of mental health interventions on NTD outcomes (including on elimination efforts) needs to be strengthened.
Spatial and temporal variability of phytoplankton photophysiology in the Atlantic Southern Ocean
Authors: Singh Asmita , Thomalla Sandy J. , Fietz Susanne , Ryan-Keogh Thomas J.
Published: October 2022

Active chlorophyll-a fluorescence was measured during five summer research cruises (2008 – 2016), spanning the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean. This unique data set provides information for assessing zonal, inter-annual and intra-seasonal variability (early versus late summer) of photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm). The zonal variability of Fv/Fm showed a typical latitudinal decline from a maximum in the Polar Frontal Zone (PFZ) (0.24±0.03) to a minimum in the Southern Antarctic Circumpolar Current Zone (SACCZ) (0.18±0.07). The inter-annual variability in Fv/Fm (between each cruise) was the highest in the SACCZ, while the Antarctic Zone (AZ) exhibited low inter-annual variability. Intra-seasonal variability between the zones was limited to a significantly higher mean Fv/Fm in the PFZ and AZ in early summer compared to late summer. Intra-seasonal variability between the cruises was, however, inconsistent as higher mean Fv/Fm in early summer were seen during some years as opposed to others. Ancillary physical and biogeochemical parameters were also assessed to investigate potential direct and indirect drivers of co-variability with Fv/Fm through a series of statistical t-tests, where significant differences in Fv/Fm were used as focus points to interrogate the plausibility of co-variance. Inter-zonal variability of surface seawater temperature (SST) and Silicate:Phosphate (Si:P) ratios were highlighted as co-varying with Fv/Fm in all zones, whilst community structure played an indirect role in some instances. Similarly, inter-annual variability in Fv/Fm co-varied with SST, Nitrate:Phosphate (N:P) and Si:P ratios in the PFZ, AZ and SACCZ, while community structure influenced inter-annual variability in the PFZ and SACCZ. Intra-seasonal variability in Fv/Fm was linked to all the ancillary parameters, except community structure in the AZ, whilst different ancillary parameters dominated differences during each of the cruises. These results were further scrutinized with a Principal Component Analysis for a subset of co-located data points, where N:P and Si:P ratios emerged as the principal indirect drivers of Fv/Fm variability. This study highlights the scope for using Fv/Fm to reflect the net response of phytoplankton photophysiology to environmental adjustments and accentuates the complex interplay of different physical and biogeochemical parameters that act simultaneously and oftentimes antagonistically, influencing inter-zonal, inter-annual and intra-seasonal variability of Fv/Fm.
Comparison of clinical characteristics between SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and Delta variant infections in China
Authors: Li Qinggang , Liu Xiaorui , Li Lei , Hu Xiaobo , Cui Guangying , Sun Ranran , Zhang Donghua , Li Juan , Li Yonghong , Zhang Yong , Shen Shen , He Ping , Li Shasha , Liu Yanmin , Yu Zujiang , Ren Zhigang
Published: October 2022

Background

The continued ‘evolution’ of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to the emergence of the Omicron variant after the Delta variant, resulting in a significant increase in the number of people with COVID-19. This increase in the number of cases continues to have a significant impact on lives. Therefore, a more detailed understanding of the clinical characteristics of Omicron infection is essential.

Methods

Using medical charts, we extracted clinical information for 384 patients infected with the Omicron variant in Anyang City, Henan Province, China. Epidemiology and clinical characteristics were compared with a cohort of people infected with the Delta variant in Zhengzhou in 2021.

Findings

Common initial symptoms at onset of illness were cough [240 (63%)], expectoration [112 (29%)], fever [96 (25%)], nasal congestion [96 (25%)] and myalgia or fatigue [30 (6%)]. In patients with the Omicron variant, levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and creatinine increased in 52 (14%), 36 (9%) and 58 (15%) patients, respectively, compared with patients with the Delta variant [one (1%), one (1%) and two (2%)]. Levels of triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein also increased. In patients with the Omicron variant, the levels of specific gravity and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate were increased in 115 (30%) and 81 (21%) patients, and serum levels of complement 3 decreased in 93 (41%).

Results

Compared with patients infected with Delta, no major differences in initial clinical symptoms were identified in patients infected with Omicron. However, dyslipidemia and kidney injury were much more severe in patients with the Omicron variant, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate was increased. Due to decreased levels of complement 3, the immunity of patients with the Omicron variant was weak.
Abiotic environmental factors drive the diversity, compositional dynamics and habitat preference of ectomycorrhizal fungi in Pannonian forest types
Authors: Geml József , Leal Carla Mota , Nagy Richárd , Sulyok József
Published: October 2022

Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi are among the most diverse and dominant fungal groups in temperate forests and are crucial for ecosystem functioning of forests and their resilience toward disturbance. We carried out DNA metabarcoding of ECM fungi from soil samples taken at 62 sites in the Bükk Mountains in northern Hungary. The selected sampling sites represent the characteristic Pannonian forest types distributed along elevation (i.e., temperature), pH and slope aspect gradients. We compared richness and community composition of ECM fungi among forest types and explored relationships among environmental variables and ECM fungal alpha and beta diversity. The DNA sequence data generated in this study indicated strong correlations between fungal community composition and environmental variables, particularly with pH and soil moisture, with many ECM fungi showing preference for specific zonal, topographic or edaphic forest types. Several ECM fungal genera showed significant differences in richness among forest types and exhibited strong compositional differences mostly driven by differences in environmental factors. Despite the relatively high proportions of compositional variance explained by the tested environmental variables, a large proportion of the compositional variance remained unexplained, indicating that both niche (environmental filtering) and neutral (stochastic) processes shape ECM fungal community composition at landscape level. Our work provides unprecedented insights into the diversity, landscape-level distribution, and habitat preferences of ECM fungi in the Pannonian forests of Northern Hungary.