bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Replacing rice with lower water consumption crops: green policy implications for Iran
Authors: Yazdanpanah M , Zobeidi T , Sieber S , Löhr K , Homayoon SB
Published: May 2022

Replacing rice cultivation is a measure that mitigates water scarcity and climate change. This study used the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) to predict rice growers’ intentions to alter their current rice cropping system to other, less water-consumptive products. Using survey data collected from 220 randomly sampled rice growers in southwestern Iran, structural equation modeling showed that environmental concerns positively affected the subjective norm (β = 0.57), perceived behavioral control (β = 0.16), moral norm (β = 0.37), self-identity (β = 0.26), and habit (β = 0.39). Environmental concerns indirectly affect farmers’ intentions through self-identity and habit. Attitude and self-identity positively affected and habit negatively affected behavioral intentions. The results showed that the extended TPB has superior predictive ability over TPB in predicting grower intentions. Extended TPB predicted 35% of the farmers’ intentions, while TPB predicted 30%. Given the strong indirect impact of environmental concerns on the farmers’ intention to change cultivation patterns, political efforts through the media and training campaigns should be aimed at raising environmental concerns, risk perception and awareness, and clarifying the risks of water scarcity. Extension agents may increase farmers’ willingness to change cultivated crops by disseminating information to farmers about measures needed to prepare the land, costs of cultivating alternative crops, and benefits of changing cultivation patterns to improve farmers’ attitudes.
Quo vadis porphyrin chemistry?
Authors: Král V , Králová J , Kaplánek R , Bříza T , Martásek P
Published: May 2022

This review summarizes recent developments in the area of porphyrin chemistry in the direction of biological applications. Novel synthetic methodologies are reviewed for porphyrin synthesis, porphyrin analog synthesis, stable porphyrinogens -- calixpyrroles, expanded porphyrins. Unique biological properties of those compounds are desribed with focus on photodynamic therapy (PDT) and molecular recognition properties. Special attentions given to metalloporphyrins with potential to affect heme degradation and CO formation.
Influence of Democratic Leadership Style, Motivation, and Work Environment on The Performance of Private University Employees in East Java
Authors: Yanti Dyah Agustin Widhi , Mursidi Mursidi
Published: May 2022

The most decisive factor in the construction of the campus is leadership. The Private University of East Java is led by a Chancellor. In this case, a leader or Chancellor becomes the locomotive towards which the organization will be brought. Leadership style will affect employee performance in a company or organization. Therefore, a leader must have the skills, creativity, emotion, and good intelligence to lead his employees at work. The variables analyzed in this study were democratic leadership style, motivation, and work environment on employee performance. The results of the study show (1) that Democratic leadership has a positive and significant effect on employee performance at the Private University of East Java. (2) Work motivation has a more dominant influence on employee performance at the Private University of East Java.
Effects of a Moderate or Aggressive Implant Strategy on the Rumen Microbiome and Metabolome in Steers
Authors: Henniger Madison T. , Wells Jim E. , Hales Kristin E. , Lindholm-Perry Amanda K. , Freetly Harvey C. , Kuehn Larry A. , Schneider Liesel G. , McLean Kyle J. , Campagna Shawn R. , Christopher Courtney J. , Myer Phillip R.
Published: May 2022

The effects of growth-promoting implants have been well-defined for their ability to impact growth performance in beef cattle. Production-relevant microbes and microbiomes in the rumen have also been associated with growth traits. However, the role of implants on the rumen microbiome has not been determined. The objective of this study was to determine if different doses of implant hormones cause gain-associated ruminal microbial community changes. To assess this, a completely randomized design was used and 336 fall-born steers 450 to 470 days of age from the germplasm evaluation population at the US Meat Animal Research Center (Clay Center, NE) were divided into two treatment groups: 1) a moderate implant strategy (n = 167) of Revalor-IS (80 mg trenbolone acetate and 16 mg estradiol) followed by Revalor-S (120 mg trenbolone acetate and 24 mg estradiol) or 2) an aggressive implant strategy (n = 169) of Revalor-IS followed by Revalor-200 (200 mg trenbolone acetate and 20 mg estradiol). Steers were fed the same diet (57.0% dry-rolled corn, 30% wet distiller’s grains with solubles, 8.0% alfalfa hay, 4.25% vitamin and mineral supplement, and 0.75% urea, on a DM basis). On d 85 after implants administration, rumen contents were collected via orogastric tubing. Samples were sequenced to target and identify bacteria, archaea, and protozoa. Untargeted metabolomics was performed on rumen content using ultra high performance liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry. Production data between implant strategies was analyzed using a mixed model ANOVA (SASv9.4, Cary, NC) followed by separation of least squares means. Microbial diversity between strategies did not differ for archaea or protozoa (P > 0.05). Average daily gain was different (P = 0.01; 1.72 vs 1.66 ± 0.02 kg, aggressive vs moderate, respectively); however, large microbial community shifts were not associated with implant strategy. Two metabolites, N-acetyllysine and N-acetylornithine, were found in greater abundance in the moderate implant strategy (P ≤ 0.04). Understanding associations between the rumen microbiome and implant strategies may allow improvement of growth efficiency in beef cattle.
CRISPR-Cas13-Mediated Knockdown of Regulator of G-Protein Signaling 8 (RGS8) Does Not Affect Purkinje Cell Dendritic Development
Authors: Wu Qin-Wei , Kapfhammer Josef P.
Published: May 2022

CRISPR-Cas13 technology is rapidly evolving as it is a very specific tool for RNA editing and interference. Since there are no significant off-target effects via the Cas13-mediated method, it is a promising tool for studying gene function in differentiating neurons. In this study, we designed two crRNA targeting regulator of G-protein signaling 8 (RGS8), which is a signaling molecule associated with spinocerebellar ataxias. Using CRISPR-Cas13 technology, we found that both of crRNAs could specifically achieve RGS8 knockdown. By observing and comparing the dendritic growth of Purkinje cells, we found that CRISPR-Cas13-mediated RGS8 knockdown did not significantly affect Purkinje cell dendritic development. We further tested the role of RGS8 by classical RNAi. Again, the results of the RNAi-mediated RGS8 knockdown showed that reduced RGS8 expression did not significantly affect the dendritic growth of Purkinje cells. This is the first example of CRISPR-Cas13-mediated gene function study in Purkinje cells and establishes CRISPR-Cas13-mediated knockdown as a reliable method for studying gene function in primary neurons.
Gut Microbiota and Antidiabetic Drugs: Perspectives of Personalized Treatment in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Liu Wenhui , Luo Zhiying , Zhou Jiecan , Sun Bao
Published: May 2022

Alterations in the composition and function of the gut microbiota have been reported in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Emerging studies show that prescribed antidiabetic drugs distort the gut microbiota signature associated with T2DM. Even more importantly, accumulated evidence provides support for the notion that gut microbiota, in turn, mediates the efficacy and safety of antidiabetic drugs. In this review, we highlight the current state-of-the-art knowledge on the crosstalk and interactions between gut microbiota and antidiabetic drugs, including metformin, α-glucosidase inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, traditional Chinese medicines and other antidiabetic drugs, as well as address corresponding microbial-based therapeutics, aiming to provide novel preventative strategies and personalized therapeutic targets in T2DM.
Anaplasma marginale Infection of Dermacentor andersoni Primary Midgut Cell Culture Is Dependent on Fucosylated Glycans
Authors: Vimonish Rubikah , Capelli-Peixoto Janaina , Johnson Wendell C. , Hussein Hala E. , Taus Naomi S. , Brayton Kelly A. , Munderloh Ulrike G. , Noh Susan M. , Ueti Massaro W.
Published: May 2022

Tick midgut is the primary infection site required by tick-borne pathogens to initiate their development for transmission. Despite the biological significance of this organ, cell cultures derived exclusively from tick midgut tissues are unavailable and protocols for generating primary midgut cell cultures have not been described. To study the mechanism ofAnaplasma marginale-tick cell interactions, we successfully developed anin vitro Dermacentor andersoniprimary midgut cell culture system. Midgut cells were maintained for up to 120 days. We demonstrated the infection ofin vitromidgut cells by using anA. marginale omp10::himar1mutant with continued replication for up to 10 days post-infection.Anaplasma marginaleinfection of midgut cells regulated the differential expression of tick α-(1,3)-fucosyltransferases A1 and A2. Silencing of α-(1,3)-fucosyltransferase A2 in uninfected midgut cells reduced the display of fucosylated glycans and significantly lowered the susceptibility of midgut cells toA. marginaleinfection, suggesting that the pathogen utilized core α-(1,3)-fucose of N-glycans to infect tick midgut cells. This is the first report usingin vitroprimaryD. andersonimidgut cells to studyA. marginale-tick cell interactions at the molecular level. The primary midgut cell culture system will further facilitate the investigation of tick-pathogen interactions, leading to the development of novel intervention strategies for tick-borne diseases.
Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in Early Detection of Radiation Associated Cardiotoxicity With Chest Radiation
Authors: Vallabhaneni Srilakshmi , Wang Yue , Zhang Ying , Smith Amanda , Zou Wei , Feigenberg Steven , Plastaras John , Freedman Gary , Witschey Walter R. T. , Ky Bonnie , Han Yuchi
Published: May 2022

Background

Chest radiation therapy (RT) is known to be associated with cardiotoxicity. However, the changes in myocardial tissue characterization with radiation-induced cardiotoxicity are not well-understood.

Objectives

This study sought to assess the changes in left ventricular function and tissue characterization using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients receiving RT.

Materials and Methods

Between June 2015 and July 2018, we enrolled patients with breast, lung cancer, or lymphoma with plan to receive chest radiation after chemotherapy. CMR was performed using a 1.5T scanner at baseline and 6 months after RT. Myocardial volume, function, strain analysis using feature tracking, and tissue characterization including late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), T1, T2, T1ρ (rho), and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) were measured and compared using non-parametric methods.

Results

The final cohort consisted of 16 patients, 11 of whom completed both baseline and follow-up CMRs. Patients were matched to 10 healthy controls. At baseline prior to RT, compared to controls, patients had lower global circumferential strain (GCS) (15.3 ± 2.2% vs.18.4 ± 2.1%, p = 0.004), and elevated T2 (47.9 ± 4.8 ms vs. 45.0 ± 1.5 ms, p = 0.04) and T1ρ values (78.4 ± 5.9 vs. 66.9 ± 4.6 ms, p < 0.001). Two patients had LGE. There was no significant difference in the average T1 values or ECV. There was a trend toward lower LV ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain (GLS). At 6-month follow-up after RT, there were no significant changes in all the CMR parameters.

Conclusion

At 6-month following chest radiation therapy, there was no change in LV and RV EF, LV and RV GLS, LV GCS, and myocardial tissue characterization using LGE, T1, ECV, T2, and T1ρ in a small cohort of patients. However, the baseline T2 and T1ρ were elevated and LV GCS was reduced compared to controls indicating ongoing myocardial edema and subclinical dysfunction post-chemotherapy.
MG53 Inhibits Necroptosis Through Ubiquitination-Dependent RIPK1 Degradation for Cardiac Protection Following Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Wang Qiang , Park Ki Ho , Geng Bingchuan , Chen Peng , Yang Chunlin , Jiang Qiwei , Yi Frank , Tan Tao , Zhou Xinyu , Bian Zehua , Ma Jianjie , Zhu Hua
Published: May 2022

Rationale

While reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been recognized as one of the main causes of cardiac injury following myocardial infarction, the clinical application of antioxidants has shown limited effects on protecting hearts against ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury. Thus, the precise role of ROS following cardiac injury remains to be fully elucidated.

Objective

We investigated the role of mitsugumin 53 (MG53) in regulating necroptosis following I/R injury to the hearts and the involvement of ROS in MG53-mediated cardioprotection.

Methods and Results

Antioxidants were used to test the role of ROS in MG53-mediated cardioprotection in the mouse model of I/R injury and induced human pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)-derived cardiomyocytes subjected to hypoxia or re-oxygenation (H/R) injury. Western blotting and co-immunoprecipitation were used to identify potential cell death pathways that MG53 was involved in. CRISPR/Cas 9-mediated genome editing and mutagenesis assays were performed to further identify specific interaction amino acids between MG53 and its ubiquitin E3 ligase substrate. We found that MG53 could protect myocardial injury via inhibiting the necroptosis pathway. Upon injury, the generation of ROS in the infarct zone of the hearts promoted interaction between MG53 and receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1). As an E3 ubiquitin ligase, MG53 added multiple ubiquitin chains to RIPK1 at the sites of K316, K604, and K627 for proteasome-mediated RIPK1 degradation and inhibited necroptosis. The application of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) disrupted the interaction between MG53 and RIPK1 and abolished MG53-mediated cardioprotective effects.

Conclusions

Taken together, this study provided a molecular mechanism of a potential beneficial role of ROS following acute myocardial infarction. Thus, fine-tuning ROS levels might be critical for cardioprotection.
Additive Impact of Interleukin 6 and Neuron Specific Enolase for Prognosis in Patients With Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest – Experience From the HAnnover COoling REgistry
Authors: Akin Muharrem , Sieweke Jan-Thorben , Garcheva Vera , Martinez Carolina Sanchez , Adel John , Plank Pia , Zandian Paris , Sühs Kurt-Wolfram , Bauersachs Johann , Schäfer Andreas
Published: May 2022

Background

Patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) are at increased risk for mortality and poor neurological outcome. We assessed the additive impact of interleukin 6 (IL-6) at admission to neuron-specific enolase (NSE) at day 3 for prognosis of 30-day mortality and long-term neurological outcome in OHCA patients.

Methods

A total of 217 patients from the HAnnover COoling REgistry with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after OHCA and IL-6 measurement immediately after admission during 2017–2020 were included to investigate the prognostic value and importance of IL-6 in addition to NSE obtained on day 3. Poor neurological outcome was defined by cerebral performance category (CPC) ≥ 3 after 6 months.

Results

Patients with poor outcome showed higher IL-6 values (30-day mortality: 2,224 ± 524 ng/l vs 186 ± 15 ng/l, p < 0.001; CPC ≥ 3 at 6 months: 1,440 ± 331 ng/l vs 180 ± 24 ng/l, p < 0.001). IL-6 was an independent predictor of mortality (HR = 1.013/ng/l; 95% CI 1.007–1.019; p < 0.001) and poor neurological outcome (HR = 1.004/ng/l; 95% CI 1.001–1.007; p = 0.036). In ROC-analysis, AUC for IL-6 was 0.98 (95% CI 0.96–0.99) for mortality, but only 0.76 (95% CI 0.68–0.84) for poor neurological outcome. The determined cut-off value for IL-6 was 431 ng/l for mortality (NPV 89.2%). In patients with IL-6 > 431 ng/l, the combination with NSE < 46 μg/l optimally identified those individuals with potential for good neurological outcome (CPC ≤ 2).

Conclusion

Elevated IL-6 levels at admission after ROSC were closely associated with 30-day mortality. The combination of IL-6 and NSE provided clinically important additive information for predict poor neurological outcome at 6 months.
Fenestrated and Branched Stent-Grafts for the Treatment of Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Zhongzhou , Zhang Zheng , Liu Hui , Chen Zhong
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To investigate the safety and efficacy of total endovascular repair for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) with fenestrated and branched stent-grafts.

Methods

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched between January 2001 and December 2021 to identify literature relevant to the use of fenestrated and branched endografts for the treatment of TAAAs. Studies with <4 cases and those on juxtarenal or pararenal aortic aneurysms were excluded. Meta-analyses were conducted to evaluate spinal cord ischemia (SCI), irreversible SCI, renal insufficiency, dialysis, endoleak, reintervention, target vessel patency, 30-day mortality and overall mortality. Fourteen studies comprising 1,114 patients (mean age 72.42 years, 847 men) were selected. The mean TAAA diameter was 67 mm. The Crawford TAAA classification was type I-III in 759 cases, type IV in 344 cases, and type V in 10 cases. Outcomes of the meta-analysis are reported as proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The pooled rates for 30-day mortality and overall mortality were 6% and 18%, respectively. The pooled rate for technical success was 94% (95% CI, 93–96%), for SCI was 8% (95% CI, 7–10%), for irreversible SCI was 6% (95% CI, 4–7%), for reversible SCI was 5% (95% CI, 4–6%), for reversible SCI was 2% (95% CI, 2–3%), for renal insufficiency was 7% (95% CI, 5–10%), for dialysis was 3% (95% CI, 2–4%), for target vessel patency was 98% (95% CI, 97–99%), and for reintervention was 15% (95% CI, 9–24%).

Conclusion

Fenestrated and branched endografts for the treatment of TAAAs are safe and effective with acceptable early results. Lifelong regular follow-up and additional prospective studies are necessary to substantiate whether this technique is valid.
Bioprosthetic vs. Mechanical Mitral Valve Replacement for Rheumatic Heart Disease in Patients Aged 50–70 Years
Authors: Yu Jun , Wang Wei
Published: May 2022

Background

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a critical problem in developing countries and is the cause of most of the cardiovascular adverse events in young people. In patients aged 50–70 years with RHD requiring mitral valve replacement (MVR), deciding between bioprosthetic and mechanical prosthetic valves remains controversial because few studies have defined the long-term outcomes.

Methods

1,691 Patients aged 50–70 years with RHD who received mechanical mitral valve replacement (MVRm) or bioprosthetic mitral valve replacement (MVRb) were retrospectively reviewed in Fuwai hospital from 2010 to 2014. Follow-up ended 31/12/2021; median duration was 8.0 years [interquartile range (IQR), 7.7–8.3 years]. Propensity score matching at a 1:1 ratio for 24 baseline features between MVRm and MVRb yielded 300 patient pairs. The primary late outcome was postoperative mid- to long-term all-cause mortality.

Results

Ten-year survival after MVR was 63.4% in the MVRm group and 63.7% in the MVRb group (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.69–1.21; P = 0.528). The cumulative incidence of mitral valve reoperation was 0.0% in the MVRm group and 1.2% in the MVRb group (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.69–1.21; P = 0.530). The cumulative incidence of stroke was 5.5% in the MVRm group and 6.1% in the MVRb group (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.67–1.18; P = 0.430). The cumulative incidence of major bleeding events was 3.3% in the MVRm group and 3.4% in the MVRb group (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.70–1.22; P = 0.560).

Conclusions

In patients aged 50–70 years with RHD who underwent mitral valve replacement, there was no significant difference on survival, stroke, mitral valve reoperation and major bleeding events at 10 years. These findings suggest mechanical mitral valve replacement may be a more reasonable alternative in patients aged 50–70 years with rheumatic heart disease.
Geochemistry and Isotopic Characteristics of Apatite and Zircon From Late Jurassic Granites in the Jiaobei Terrane, East China: Implications for Petrogenesis and Geodynamic Setting
Authors: Mao Xiancheng , Qu Xin , Liu Zhankun , Huang Jixian , Hollings Pete , Du Peijie , Yang Haibin
Published: May 2022

The North China Craton (NCC) was stable for more than 2.0 Gyr before a Jurassic–Cretaceous large-scale lithospheric thinning event, but the geodynamic setting during the early phases (Late Jurassic) of NCC reworking remains controversial. We present new petrological and whole-rock geochemical data, zircon and apatite geochemistry, U–Pb ages, O isotopic data, and Sr–Nd isotopic data for two phases of Late Jurassic granite (Linglong and Luanjiahe) from the Jiaobei terrane, southeastern NCC. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating suggests that the Linglong granite formed about 6 Myr earlier than Luanjiahe granite (158 Ma vs 152 Ma), after the inception of the paleo-Pacific plate subduction. High zircon U/Yb ratios, high δ18O values [7.89 ± 0.10‰ to 7.67 ± 0.14‰ (2σ)], and inherited zircon age spectra, as well as high apatite F/Cl ratios and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions, suggest that the Linglong and Luanjiahe granites formed by partial melting of ancient thickened lower continental crust of the NCC and Yangtze Craton. Magma evolution modelling based on Rb and Rb/Nb data suggests a similar decoupled assimilation-fractional crystallization process for the generation of Linglong and Luanjiahe granite but with different assimilation degrees. The water contents of parental magma evaluated by using whole-rock Ba, Sr and apatite F, Cl data indicate that the Linglong granite was formed in a relatively water-rich environment than Luanjiahe. This is consistent with the presence of amphibole and minor negative Eu anomalies in the Linglong granite, as water input can promote amphibole fractionation and suppresses plagioclase crystallization. Considering the similar magma sources but distinct water contents of the granites, and the oblique Paleo-Pacific plate subduction setting in the Late Jurassic, the fluids were likely released from the ocean plate beneath a stacked thickened crust. Since the earliest mafic dikes (OIB-type) in the NCC are coeval with the Luanjiahe granite, we suggest that the lower water contents of the Luanjiahe granite were associated with roll-back that resulted in an increasing distance from slab to continental crust. Such a tectonic transition from subduction compression (158 Ma) to initial extension (152 Ma) in the Late Jurassic perhaps possibly marks the beginning of the reworking of the NCC.
Forecast Method of Distributed Photovoltaic Power Generation Based on EM-WS-CNN Neural Networks
Authors: Huang Ruanming , Wang Xiaohui , Fei Fei , Li Haoen , Wu Enqi
Published: May 2022

In order to cope with the challenges of dispatching of power grids brought by large-scale distributed photovoltaic power generation related to production and consumers, a maximum expected sample weighted convolutional neural network (EM-WS-CNN) is proposed to forecast the distributed photovoltaic output. First, the distance correlation coefficient and the principal component analysis method are used to extract the comprehensive meteorological factors from the original meteorological data, and then the 6 statistical indexes of the comprehensive meteorological factors and historical power data are used as the clustering characteristics. The historical data are divided into different weather types by using the maximum expectation clustering, and the training samples are weighted based on the membership matrix. Finally, the weighted training data are used to construct the EM-WS-CNN model. In the experimental analysis, the above-mentioned method is compared with the CNN model, and the results show that the proposed method has higher accuracy and robustness.
Hydrologic Controls on Peat Permafrost and Carbon Processes: New Insights From Past and Future Modeling
Authors: Treat Claire C. , Jones Miriam C. , Alder Jay , Frolking Steve
Published: May 2022

Soil carbon (C) in permafrost peatlands is vulnerable to decomposition with thaw under a warming climate. The amount and form of C loss likely depends on the site hydrology following permafrost thaw, but antecedent conditions during peat accumulation are also likely important. We test the role of differing hydrologic conditions on rates of peat accumulation, permafrost formation, and response to warming at an Arctic tundra fen using a process-based model of peatland dynamics in wet and dry landscape settings that persist from peat initiation in the mid-Holocene through future simulations to 2100 CE and 2300 CE. Climate conditions for both the wet and dry landscape settings are driven by the same downscaled TraCE-21ka transient paleoclimate simulations and CCSM4 RCP8.5 climate drivers. The landscape setting controlled the rates of peat accumulation, permafrost formation and the response to climatic warming and permafrost thaw. The dry landscape scenario had high rates of initial peat accumulation (11.7 ± 3.4 mm decade−1) and rapid permafrost aggradation but similar total C stocks as the wet landscape scenario. The wet landscape scenario was more resilient to 21st century warming temperatures than the dry landscape scenario and showed 60% smaller C losses and 70% more new net peat C additions by 2100 CE. Differences in the modeled responses indicate the largest effect is related to the landscape setting and basin hydrology due to permafrost controls on decomposition, suggesting an important sensitivity to changing runoff patterns. These subtle hydrological effects will be difficult to capture at circumpolar scales but are important for the carbon balance of permafrost peatlands under future climate warming.
ProtTrans-Glutar: Incorporating Features From Pre-trained Transformer-Based Models for Predicting Glutarylation Sites
Authors: Indriani Fatma , Mahmudah Kunti Robiatul , Purnama Bedy , Satou Kenji
Published: May 2022

Lysine glutarylation is a post-translational modification (PTM) that plays a regulatory role in various physiological and biological processes. Identifying glutarylated peptides using proteomic techniques is expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, developing computational models and predictors can prove useful for rapid identification of glutarylation. In this study, we propose a model called ProtTrans-Glutar to classify a protein sequence into positive or negative glutarylation site by combining traditional sequence-based features with features derived from a pre-trained transformer-based protein model. The features of the model were constructed by combining several feature sets, namely the distribution feature (from composition/transition/distribution encoding), enhanced amino acid composition (EAAC), and features derived from the ProtT5-XL-UniRef50 model. Combined with random under-sampling and XGBoost classification method, our model obtained recall, specificity, and AUC scores of 0.7864, 0.6286, and 0.7075 respectively on an independent test set. The recall and AUC scores were notably higher than those of the previous glutarylation prediction models using the same dataset. This high recall score suggests that our method has the potential to identify new glutarylation sites and facilitate further research on the glutarylation process.
Developmental Validation of the Novel Five-Dye-Labeled Multiplex Autosomal STR Panel and Its Forensic Efficiency Evaluation
Authors: Huang Shimei , Jin Xiaoye , Zhang Hongling , Jin Haiying , Ren Zheng , Wang Qiyan , Liu Yubo , Ji Jingyan , Yang Meiqing , Zhang Han , Zheng Xingkai , Song Danlu , Zheng Bingjie , Huang Jiang
Published: May 2022

Short tandem repeats (STRs) are the most frequently used genetic markers in forensic genetics due to their high genetic diversities and abundant distributions in the human genome. Currently, the combined DNA index system is commonly incorporated into various commercial kits for forensic research. Some novel STRs that are different from the combined DNA index system were not only used to assess complex paternity cases but also could provide more genetic information and higher forensic efficiency in combination with those commonly used STRs. In this study, we validated forensic performance of a novel multiplex amplification STR panel to evaluate its sensitivity, species specificity, forensic application values, and so on. Obtained results revealed that the kit showed high sensitivity, and the complete allelic profile could be observed at 0.125 ng DNA sample. In addition, the kit possessed high species specificity, good tolerance to common inhibitors, and accurate genotyping ability. More importantly, STRs out of the kit displayed high discrimination power and probability of exclusion. To sum up, the novel kit presented in this study can be viewed as a promising tool for forensic human identification and complex paternity analysis.
The Role of Crosstalk of Immune Cells in Pathogenesis of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
Authors: Zhou Bingjing , Li Jie , Liu Runqiu , Zhu Lei , Peng Cong
Published: May 2022

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is defined as recurrent episodes of spontaneous wheal development and/or angioedema for more than six weeks and at least twice a week. The core link in the pathogenesis of CSU is the activation of mast cells, T cells, eosinophils, and other immune cells infiltrating around the small venules of the lesion. Increased vascular permeability, vasodilatation, and recruitment of inflammatory cells directly depend on mast cell mediators’ release. Complex regulatory systems tightly influence the critical roles of mast cells in the local microenvironment. The bias toward Th2 inflammation and autoantibodies derived from B cells, histamine expressed by basophils, and initiation of the extrinsic coagulation pathway by eosinophils or monocytes exerts powerful modulatory influences on mast cells. Cell-to-cell interactions between mast cells and eosinophils/T cells also are regulators of their function and may involve CSU’s pathomechanism. This review summarizes up-to-date knowledge regarding the crosstalk between mast cells and other immune cells, providing the impetus to develop new research concepts and treatment strategies for CSU.
The Role of Myeloid Cells in GBM Immunosuppression
Authors: Lin Ya-Jui , Wu Caren Yu-Ju , Wu Janet Yuling , Lim Michael
Published: May 2022

Gliomas are intrinsic brain tumors that originate from glial cells. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive glioma type and resistant to immunotherapy, mainly due to its unique immune environment. Dimensional data analysis reveals that the intra-tumoral heterogeneity of immune cell populations in the glioma microenvironment is largely made up of cells of myeloid lineage. Conventional therapies of combined surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy have achieved limited improvements in the prognosis of glioma patients, as myeloid cells are prominent mediators of immune and therapeutic responses—like immunotherapy resistance—in glioma. Myeloid cells are frequently seen in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and they are polarized to promote tumorigenesis and immunosuppression. Reprogramming myeloid cells has emerged as revolutionary, new types of immunotherapies for glioma treatment. Here we detail the current advances in classifying epigenetic, metabolic, and phenotypic characteristics and functions of different populations of myeloid cells in glioma TME, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), glioma-associated microglia/macrophages (GAMs), glioma-associated neutrophils (GANs), and glioma-associated dendritic cells (GADCs), as well as the mechanisms underlying promotion of tumorigenesis. The final goal of this review will be to provide new insights into novel therapeutic approaches for specific targeting of myeloid cells to improve the efficacy of current treatments in glioma patients.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis Revealed the Mechanism of Tea Tree Oil Targeting Lipid Metabolism and Antioxidant System to Protect Hepatopancreatic Health in Macrobrachium rosenbergii
Authors: Liu Mingyang , Sun Cunxin , Zheng Xiaochuan , Zhou Qunlan , Liu Bo , Zhou Yifan , Xu Pao , Liu Bo
Published: May 2022

Tea tree oil (TTO) is a pure natural plant essential oil. The studies evaluated the hepatopancreas lipid metabolism and antioxidant efficacy of Macrobrachium rosenbergii fed with 0 (CT group) and 100 mg/kg TTO (TT group) by label-free quantification proteomic analysis. Compared to the CT group, the TT group improved growth performance and increased the survival rate after stress. Dietary TTO also decreased hemolymph AST and ALT activities and decreased hepatopancreatic vacuolation. At the same time, hepatopancreas lipids droplets and hemolymph lipids (TG, TC, LDL-C) were decreased, and the peroxidation products content (MDA, LPO, 4-HNE) was also decreased. In addition, the levels of hepatopancreas antioxidant enzymes (T-AOC, CAT, and SOD) were increased in the TT group. With proteomic analysis, a total of 151 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) (99 up-regulated and 52 down-regulated) were identified in the hepatopancreas. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and protein-protein interaction analysis showed that the 16 DEPs have interactions, which are mainly involved in the pathways related to lipid metabolism (fatty acid biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism) and redox reaction (cytochrome P450 enzyme systems). Furthermore, the mRNA expression of 15 proteins followed the proteomic analysis with qRT-PCR validation. Pearson correlation analysis showed that fatty acids and glycerophospholipid metabolism-related proteins were highly correlated to peroxide content, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and cytochrome P450 system-related proteins (CYP1A1, GSTT1, GPX4) were highly correlated to AST and ALT. Additionally, GPX4 is closely related to peroxide content and antioxidant enzyme activity. Our results revealed that TTO plays a protective role in the hepatopancreas targeting the critical enzymes and antioxidant reactions in lipid metabolism. Provides a new perspective to elucidate the action path of TTO in protecting invertebrate hepatopancreas, highlights the influence of lipid metabolism on hepatopancreas health and the interaction between lipid metabolism and antioxidant system in the regulation of TTO.
Mortality and Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease and Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Watanabe Yu , Tanaka Akihito , Furuhashi Kazuhiro , Saito Shoji , Maruyama Shoichi
Published: May 2022

Background

The incidence of sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is reported to be markedly high in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, it is extremely important to know whether SAS affects prognosis in patients with CKD. Further, it is imperative to understand the prognostic impact of home continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which is one of the most common treatments for SAS.

Materials and Methods

We used a clinical database to identify patients with CKD using diagnosis codes. We included patients with CKD aged 20 years or more, not on renal replacement therapy, with a known change in renal function for at least 1 year. The propensity score was used to compare event rates for patients with SAS and those without SAS. In addition, the prognostic impact of CPAP therapy was investigated. The primary outcome is a composite of death, initiation of renal replacement therapy, hospitalization for heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease.

Results

From the database, 31,294 patients with CKD without SAS and 1,026 with SAS were found to be eligible. Of these, 419 (41%) patients with SAS and 10,713 (34%) patients without SAS (P < 0.01) reached the primary outcome. After adjustment with the propensity score, the SAS group was found to have a similarly poor prognosis (P < 0.01): the hazard ratio for the primary outcome was 1.26 (95% CI, 1.08–1.45, P < 0.01) in the group with SAS compared with the group without SAS. Conversely, in patients with SAS and using CPAP, the hazard ratio was lower and did not differ significantly (HR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.76–1.22, P = 0.76).

Conclusion

In patients with CKD and SAS, the risk of death and cardiovascular disease is high. In addition, patients treated with CPAP may have improved life expectancy.
Case Report: Vancomycin-Associated Tubulointerstitial Nephritis in Clinical Practice-Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Kannan Lakshmi , Raj Rishi
Published: May 2022

Nephrotoxicity is one of the major limiting factors for vancomycin use. The most common histological patterns of kidney injury are acute tubulointerstitial nephritis and acute tubular necrosis. Patients who develop acute tubulointerstitial nephritis are prone to develop acute kidney injury with vancomycin rechallenge and, in most cases, present alone or as a part of Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS). The purpose of the review study is to identify biopsy-proven vancomycin-associated-tubulointerstitial nephritis in literature, determine possible underlying pathophysiology and identify the consequences of vancomycin rechallenge in such patients.
Early Weaning Stress Induces Intestinal Microbiota Disturbance, Mucosal Barrier Dysfunction and Inflammation Response Activation in Pigeon Squabs
Authors: Xu Qianqian , Jian Huafeng , Zhao Wenyan , Li Jiankui , Zou Xiaoting , Dong Xinyang
Published: May 2022

Early weaning stress has been reported to impair intestinal health in mammals. Like mammals, weaning of the pigeon squab, an altricial bird, is associated with social, environmental and dietary stress. However, understanding of weaning stress on intestinal functions is very limited in altricial birds, especially in squabs. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of early weaning stress on intestinal microbiota diversity, architecture, permeability, the first line defense mechanisms, mucosal barrier functions, and immune cell responses. A total of 192 newly hatched squabs were randomly allocated into two groups, one weaned on day 7 and the other remained with the parent pigeons. Mucosal tissue and digesta in ileum, as well as blood samples, were collected from squabs (n = 8) on days 1, 4, 7, 10, and 14 postweaning. Our results showed that weaning stress induced immediate and long-term deleterious effects on both growth performance and intestinal barrier functions of squabs. Early weaning significantly increased ileal bacterial diversity and alters the relative abundance of several bacteria taxa. Weaning stress can also cause morphological and functional changes in ileum, including an atrophy in villi, an increase in permeability, and a variation in the mRNA expression of genes encoding mucins, immunoglobulins, tight junction proteins, toll-like receptors, and cytokines, as well as the concentration of secretory IgA. We concluded that the impaired intestinal barrier functions accompanied with early weaning stress seems to be the main reason for the poor growth rate after weaning in squabs. In addition, the disturbance of intestinal microbiota of early weaning stress in squabs coincided with dysfunction of intestinal mucosal barrier and activation of inflammation cell responses that were possibly mediated via the activation of toll-like receptors.
Optimization of Heavy Metals Biosorption via Artificial Neural Network: A Case Study of Cobalt (II) Sorption by Pseudomonas alcaliphila NEWG-2
Authors: Elsayed Ashraf , Moussa Zeiad , Alrdahe Salma Saleh , Alharbi Maha Mohammed , Ghoniem Abeer A. , El-khateeb Ayman Y. , Saber WesamEldin I. A.
Published: May 2022

The definitive screening design (DSD) and artificial neural network (ANN) were conducted for modeling the biosorption of Co(II) by Pseudomonas alcaliphila NEWG-2. Factors such as peptone, incubation time, pH, glycerol, glucose, K2HPO4, and initial cobalt had a significant effect on the biosorption process. MgSO4 was the only insignificant factor. The DSD model was invalid and could not forecast the prediction of Co(II) removal, owing to the significant lack-of-fit (P < 0.0001). Decisively, the prediction ability of ANN was accurate with a prominent response for training (R2 = 0.9779) and validation (R2 = 0.9773) and lower errors. Applying the optimal levels of the tested variables obtained by the ANN model led to 96.32 ± 2.1% of cobalt bioremoval. During the biosorption process, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the sorption of Co(II) ions by P. alcaliphila. FTIR indicated the appearance of a new stretching vibration band formed with Co(II) ions at wavenumbers of 562, 530, and 531 cm–1. The symmetric amino (NH2) binding was also formed due to Co(II) sorption. Interestingly, throughout the revision of publications so far, no attempt has been conducted to optimize the biosorption of Co(II) by P. alcaliphila via DSD or ANN paradigm.
Profiling the Effects of Systemic Antibiotics for Acne, Including the Narrow-Spectrum Antibiotic Sarecycline, on the Human Gut Microbiota
Authors: Moura Ines B. , Grada Ayman , Spittal William , Clark Emma , Ewin Duncan , Altringham James , Fumero Emilio , Wilcox Mark H. , Buckley Anthony M.
Published: May 2022

Treatment for moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris relies on prolonged use of oral tetracycline-class antibiotics; however, these broad-spectrum antibiotics are often associated with off-target effects and negative gastrointestinal sequelae. Sarecycline is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic treatment option. Here, we investigated the effect of prolonged sarecycline exposure, compared with broad-spectrum tetracyclines (doxycycline and minocycline) upon the colonic microbiota. Three in vitro models of the human colon were instilled with either minocycline, doxycycline or sarecycline, and we measured microbiota abundance and diversity changes during and after antibiotic exposure. Significant reductions in microbial diversity were observed following minocycline and doxycycline exposure, which failed to recover post antibiotic withdrawal. Specifically, minocycline caused a ~10% decline in Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae abundances, while doxycycline caused a ~7% decline in Lactobacillaceae and Bacteroidaceae abundances. Both minocycline and doxycycline were associated with a large expansion (>10%) of Enterobacteriaceae. Sarecycline caused a slight decline in bacterial diversity at the start of treatment, but abundances of most families remained stable during treatment. Ruminococcaceae and Desulfovibrionaceae decreased 9% and 4%, respectively, and a transient increased in Enterobacteriaceae abundance was observed during sarecycline administration. All populations recovered to pre-antibiotic levels after sarecycline exposure. Overall, sarecycline had minimal and transient impact on the gut microbiota composition and diversity, when compared to minocycline and doxycycline.
Investigation of Pathogenic Mechanism of Covert Mortality Nodavirus Infection in Penaeus vannamei
Authors: Liu Shuang , Xia Jitao , Tian Yuan , Yao Liang , Xu Tingting , Li Xupeng , Li Xiaoping , Wang Wei , Kong Jie , Zhang Qingli
Published: May 2022

Viral covert mortality disease (VCMD), also known as running mortality syndrome (RMS), is caused by covert mortality nodavirus (CMNV) and has impacted the shrimp farming industry in Asia and Latin America in recent years. The pathogenic mechanism of CMNV infecting Penaeus vannamei was investigated in this study. In the naturally infected shrimp, histopathological and in situ hybridization (ISH) analysis verified that CMNV infection and severe cellar structural damage occurred in almost all cells of the ommatidium. Under transmission electron microscopic (TEM), vacuolation and necrosis, together with numerous CMNV-like particles, could be observed in the cytoplasm of most cell types of the ommatidium. The challenge test showed that a low CMNV infectious dose caused cumulative mortality of 66.7 ± 6.7% and 33.3 ± 3.6% of shrimp in the 31-day outdoor and indoor farming trials, respectively. The shrimp in the infection group grew slower than those in the control group; the percentage of soft-shell individuals in the infection group (42.9%) was much higher than that of the control group (17.1%). The histopathological and ISH examinations of individuals artificially infected with CMNV revealed that severe cellar damage, including vacuolation, karyopyknosis, and structural failure, occurred not only in the cells of the refraction part of the ommatidium, but also in the cells of the nerve enrichment and hormone secretion zones. And the pathological damages were severe in the nerve cells of both the ventral nerve cord and segmental nerve of the pleopods. TEM examination revealed the ultrastructural pathological changes and vast amounts of CMNV-like particles in the above-mentioned tissues. The differential transcriptome analysis showed that the CMNV infection resulted in the significant down-regulated expression of genes of photo-transduction, digestion, absorption, and growth hormones, which might be the reason for the slow growth of shrimp infected by CMNV. This study uncovered unique characteristics of neurotropism of CMNV for the first time and explored the pathogenesis of slow growth and shell softening of P. vannamei caused by CMNV infection.
Enhanced Eradication of Enterococcus faecalis Biofilms by Quaternized Chitosan-Coated Upconversion Nanoparticles for Photodynamic Therapy in Persistent Endodontic Infections
Authors: Zong Bin , Li Xue , Xu Quanchen , Wang Danyang , Gao Pengyu , Zhou Qihui
Published: May 2022

Due to the persistent presence of Enterococcus faecalis biofilms in apical root canals, persistent endodontic infections (PEIs) have always been an intractable disease to solve. The conventional root canal disinfectants (e.g., calcium hydroxide, chlorhexidine) are arduous to scavenge the stubborn infection. With the progress of nanomedicine in the biomedical field, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is emerging as a prospective anti-infective therapy for PEIs. Herein, quaternized chitosan (QCh) modified upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP)@SiO2/methylene blue (MB) are developed with enhanced antibacterial/biofilm performance for aPDT in PEIs. QCh is coated on the UCNP@SiO2/MB by testing the changes in diameter, chemical functional group, and charge. Interestingly, QCh also increases the conversion efficiency of UCNP to generate more reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, the prepared UCNP@SiO2/MB@QCh exhibits highly effective antibacterial activity against free E. faecalis and related biofilm in vitro and extracted teeth. Importantly, the additional QCh with positive charges enhance UCNP@SiO2/MB@QCh contact with E. faecalis (negative charges) through electrostatic interaction. Then, UCNP@SiO2/MB@QCh could stick close to the E. faecalis and generate ROS under the irradiation by a 980 nm laser. The in vitro cellular test shows that UCNP@SiO2/MB@QCh has acceptable cytocompatibility. Thus, UCNP@SiO2/MB@QCh could offer a novel strategy for the potential aPDT clinical applications in the treatment of PEIs.