bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk of cardiovascular disease among cancer survivors: Protocol of a pooled analysis of population-based cohort studies
Authors: Yu Botao , Mei Zubing , Yu Hang , Wang Yan , Geng Qian , Pu Jin
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Cancer and cardiovascular disease remain leading causes of death and disability worldwide, which places a heavy burden on public health systems and causes widespread suffering. Because these entities have highly overlapping risk factors, including hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking and other lifestyle factors, many studies have reported that they have similar etiological mechanisms. Accumulating evidence indicates that there is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease among cancer survivors compared with the general population. However, whether cancer is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease remains controversial.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct and report the meta-analysis strictly based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines combined with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis for Protocols (PRISM-P). This meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42022307056). We will search for studies published from database inception to December 1, 2021, regardless of language or date, in three electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library) to identify and appraise cohort studies examining the relationship between cancer and subsequent cardiovascular disease risk. The literature screening, inclusion and data extraction will be conducted independently by two investigators using pre-designed standardized data extraction forms. A senior investigator will be consulted in cases of disagreement. We will assess risk of bias in the included cohort studies using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). Quantitative synthesis will be conducted using a random-effects model. To explore potential sources of heterogeneity, we will carry out multiple sensitivity analysis, meta-regression and subgroup analysis according to baseline characteristics. Publication bias will be evaluated through visual inspection of funnel plot asymmetry as well as by Begg's rank correlation test and Egger's weighted linear regression test.
Luminescence dating of heated quartz extracted from burnt clay and pottery excavated from the Lingjiatan archaeological site, China
Authors: Wang Chun-Xin , Zhang Xiaolei , Zhang Yunyi , Wu Youjin , Huang Chang , Fan Anchuan
Published: August 2022

This study utilizes OSL-SAR, TL-SAR, and TL-MAAD methods to date heated quartz extracted from burnt clay and pottery samples from the Lingjiatan archaeological site, China. The OSL components of the heated quartz were determined by deconvoluting the CW-OSL curve, and the Fast Ratio value was used to distinguish whether the initial OSL signal was dominated by the fast component. The results show two types of quartz OSL characteristics in the initial signals: Type I is dominated by the fast component (Fast Ratio values > 10), while Type II is dominated by the medium and slow components (Fast Ratio values < 10). Type I samples show bright OSL signals, and a preheat plateau appears from a relatively low temperature. The recuperation is negligible, and reliable equivalent doses can be obtained using the conventional OSL-SAR measurement conditions. In contrast, the OSL signal of Type II samples is relatively dim, and the preheat plateau appears from a much higher temperature than in Type I samples. The recuperation of Type II samples increases significantly at higher preheat temperatures. Significant De underestimation of Type II samples was observed at lower preheat temperatures. It is noted that the thermal transfer effect can be attenuated by increasing the OSL stimulation temperature. Therefore, a modified OSL-SAR measurement condition, with higher preheat, cut-heat and stimulation temperatures, was used to date Type II samples. The OSL-SAR ages of most of these two types of samples agree well with the independent 14C ages, demonstrating that OSL-SAR can be used to date heated archaeological materials at high firing temperatures (∼900°C). The Lingjiatan archaeological site was determined to be approximately 5.4–5.8 ka BP 2022.
Dimerization of GPCRs: Novel insight into the role of FLNA and SSAs regulating SST2 and SST5 homo- and hetero-dimer formation
Authors: Treppiedi Donatella , Marra Giusy , Di Muro Genesio , Catalano Rosa , Mangili Federica , Esposito Emanuela , Calebiro Davide , Arosio Maura , Peverelli Erika , Mantovani Giovanna
Published: August 2022

The process of GPCR dimerization can have profound effects on GPCR activation, signaling, and intracellular trafficking. Somatostatin receptors (SSTs) are class A GPCRs abundantly expressed in pituitary tumors where they represent the main pharmacological targets of somatostatin analogs (SSAs), thanks to their antisecretory and antiproliferative actions. The cytoskeletal protein filamin A (FLNA) directly interacts with both somatostatin receptor type 2 (SST2) and 5 (SST5) and regulates their expression and signaling in pituitary tumoral cells. So far, the existence and physiological relevance of SSTs homo- and hetero-dimerization in the pituitary have not been explored. Moreover, whether octreotide or pasireotide may play modulatory effects and whether FLNA may participate to this level of receptor organization have remained elusive. Here, we used a proximity ligation assay (PLA)–based approach for the in situ visualization and quantification of SST2/SST5 dimerization in rat GH3 as well as in human melanoma cells either expressing (A7) or lacking (M2) FLNA. First, we observed the formation of endogenous SST5 homo-dimers in GH3, A7, and M2 cells. Using the PLA approach combined with epitope tagging, we detected homo-dimers of human SST2 in GH3, A7, and M2 cells transiently co-expressing HA- and SNAP-tagged SST2. SST2 and SST5 can also form endogenous hetero-dimers in these cells. Interestingly, FLNA absence reduced the basal number of hetero-dimers (-36.8 ± 6.3% reduction of PLA events in M2, P < 0.05 vs. A7), and octreotide but not pasireotide promoted hetero-dimerization in both A7 and M2 (+20.0 ± 11.8% and +44.1 ± 16.3% increase of PLA events in A7 and M2, respectively, P < 0.05 vs. basal). Finally, immunofluorescence data showed that SST2 and SST5 recruitment at the plasma membrane and internalization are similarly induced by octreotide and pasireotide in GH3 and A7 cells. On the contrary, in M2 cells, octreotide failed to internalize both receptors whereas pasireotide promoted robust receptor internalization at shorter times than in A7 cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated that in GH3 cells SST2 and SST5 can form both homo- and hetero-dimers and that FLNA plays a role in the formation of SST2/SST5 hetero-dimers. Moreover, we showed that FLNA regulates SST2 and SST5 intracellular trafficking induced by octreotide and pasireotide.
Dispatch for energy efficiency improvement of an integrated energy system considering multiple types of low carbon factors and demand response
Authors: Ma Xiping , Liang Yan , Wang Kaiyan , Jia Rong , Wang Xueyan , Du Haodong , Liu Heng
Published: August 2022

Faced with the problem of fossil energy depletion and the power industry’s low-carbon requirements, low-carbon technologies in collaboration with market mechanisms, supplemented by flexible resources, are critical to achieving the low-carbon operation of integrated energy systems (IES). This paper establishes an IES considering multiple types of low-carbon factors and demand response. Firstly, the IES is deemed to participate in the carbon trading market and introduce a ladder-type carbon trading mechanism at the low-carbon policy level. Then, at the low-carbon technology level, carbon capture power plants and power-to-gas equipment are introduced to refine the modeling of the power-to-gas process. Secondly, the integrated energy system includes pluralistic energy storage technology and demand response to increase the IES’s flexibility. Based on multiple types of low carbon factors and demand response mechanisms, the scheduling model for energy efficiency improvement is constructed with the lowest sum of the cost of wind abandonment penalty, the cost of purchasing energy, the cost of equipment operation and maintenance, and the cost of carbon trading as the optimization objective, and solved by a two-stage optimization method. Five energy efficiency indicators are presented to efficiently evaluate dispatching results: wind power consumption rate, carbon trading cost, actual carbon emissions, total cost, and load fluctuation. Finally, according to an arithmetic test system based on various operation scenarios, the proposed model may increase the IES’s comprehensive energy efficiency under the coupling effect of multiple types of low-carbon factors and demand response.
Evaluation of the effect and investment benefit of Marine ecosystem protection and restoration
Authors: Xu Lifeng , Liu Dandan
Published: August 2022

In order to explore the effectiveness of Marine ecosystem conservation and restoration, an evaluation method based on the effectiveness and investment benefit of Marine ecosystem conservation and restoration was proposed. This method recommends key technical problems and solutions based on the information represented by Marine ecosystem protection to explore the effectiveness of Marine ecosystem protection and restoration. The results show that the evaluation efficiency of Marine ecosystem protection and restoration and investment benefit is about 30% higher than that of traditional methods. Due to the uncertainty of Marine ecological restoration, the role of adaptive management in Marine ecological restoration has been paid more and more attention, and the systematic process of improved management adapted to new knowledge and information has been explored.
X-box Binding Protein 1 is a Potential Immunotherapy Target in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Jiang Yanhui , Yang Lewei , Jiang Ling , Yu Wenyan , Jin Zhongwen , Qiu Yeqing , Liao Yifeng , Liu Jihong , Zhang Hongyu
Published: August 2022

The allure of potentially dramatic and durable responses to immunotherapy has driven the study of several immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) agents in ovarian cancer. However, the results of ICI therapy in ovarian cancer have been rather disappointing. It is important to understand the reasons for the poor efficacy of ICI in ovarian cancer and to look for new targets for immunotherapy. To solve this problem, ovarian cancer–associated datasets were individually collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)、International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC)、Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), and comprehensively performed to expression, prognostic, pathological correlation, genomic and immunologic analyses of reported all immune checkpoints by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA2), Tumor and Immune System Interaction Database (TISIDB), cBio Cancer Genomics Portal (cBioPortal), and Kaplan-Meier Plotter. We concluded that those well-identified immune checkpoints might not be ideal targets for ovarian cancer immunotherapy. Intriguingly, the genomic alteration of X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1), the important mediator of chemotherapy-induced cancer immunogenic cell death, was found to be a potential coregulator of immune checkpoints in ovarian cancer. Importantly, XBP1 was detected to be highly expressed in ovarian cancer compared with normal ovarian tissue, and high XBP1 expression significantly benefits both overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of ovarian cancer patients. More importantly, XBP1 was further observed to be closely related to anti-tumor immunity in ovarian cancer, including multiple T-cell signatures and immunity-killing molecules. In conclusion, upregulating XBP1 rather than targeting immune checkpoints represents a potentially more efficient approach for ovarian cancer therapy.
A Systematic Review of Reproductive Counseling in Cases of Parental Constitutional Reciprocal Translocation (9;22) Mimicking BCR-ABL1
Authors: Gao Zimeng , Rice Stephanie M. , Wodoslawsky Sascha , Long Sara C. , Wang Zi-Xuan , Torkzaban Mehnoosh , Angarita Africano Ana Milena , Liu Jinglan , Al-Kouatly Huda B.
Published: August 2022

We aim to determine the spectrum of cytogenetic abnormalities and outcomes in unbalanced offspring of asymptomatic constitutional balanced t(9;22) carriers through a systematic literature review. We also include a case of a constitutional balanced t(9;22) carrier from our institution. Among the 16 balanced t(9;22) carriers in our review, 13 were maternal and 3 were paternal. Of the 15 unbalanced translocation cases identified, 13 were live births, one was a missed abortion, and one resulted in pregnancy termination. The spectrum of established syndromes reported among the live births was the following: trisomy 9p syndrome (6/13), dual trisomy 9p and DiGeorge syndrome (3/13), dual 9q subtelomere deletion syndrome and DiGeorge syndrome (1/13), 9q subtelomere deletion syndrome (1/13), and DiGeorge syndrome (1/13). One unbalanced case did not have a reported syndrome. The phenotype of the unbalanced cases included cardiac abnormalities (5/13), neurological findings (7/13), intellectual disability (6/10), urogenital anomalies (3/13), respiratory or immune dysfunction (3/13), and facial or skeletal dysmorphias (13/13). Any constitutional balanced reciprocal t(9;22) carrier should be counseled regarding the increased risk of having a child with an unbalanced translocation, the spectrum of possible cytogenetic abnormalities, and predicted clinical phenotype for the unbalanced derivative.
Identification of programmed cell death-related gene signature and associated regulatory axis in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Shu Jun , Yang Lu , Wei Wenshi , Zhang Li
Published: August 2022

Background: Numerous studies have suggested that programmed cell death (PCD) pathways play vital roles in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the specific mechanisms underlying cell death during cerebral I/R injury have yet to be completely clarified. There is thus a need to identify the PCD-related gene signatures and the associated regulatory axes in cerebral I/R injury, which should provide novel therapeutic targets against cerebral I/R injury.

Methods: We analyzed transcriptome signatures of brain tissue samples from mice subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) and matched controls, and identified differentially expressed genes related to the three types of PCD(apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis). We next performed functional enrichment analysis and constructed PCD-related competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks. We also conducted hub gene analysis to identify hub nodes and key regulatory axes.

Results: Fifteen PCD-related genes were identified. Functional enrichment analysis showed that they were particularly associated with corresponding PCD-related biological processes, inflammatory response, and reactive oxygen species metabolic processes. The apoptosis-related ceRNA regulatory network was constructed, which included 24 long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), 41 microRNAs (miRNAs), and 4 messenger RNAs (mRNAs); the necroptosis-related ceRNA regulatory network included 16 lncRNAs, 20 miRNAs, and 6 mRNAs; and the pyroptosis-related ceRNA regulatory network included 15 lncRNAs, 18 miRNAs, and 6 mRNAs. Hub gene analysis identified hub nodes in each PCD-related ceRNA regulatory network and seven key regulatory axes in total, namely, lncRNA Malat1/miR-181a-5p/Mapt, lncRNA Malat1/miR-181b-5p/Mapt, lncRNA Neat1/miR-181a-5p/Mapt, and lncRNA Neat1/miR-181b-5p/Mapt for the apoptosis-related ceRNA regulatory network; lncRNA Neat1/miR-181a-5p/Tnf for the necroptosis-related ceRNA regulatory network; lncRNA Malat1/miR-181c-5p/Tnf for the pyroptosis-related ceRNA regulatory network; and lncRNAMalat1/miR-181a-5p for both necroptosis-related and pyroptosis-related ceRNA regulatory networks.

Conclusion: The results of this study supported the hypothesis that these PCD pathways (apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and PANoptosis) and crosstalk among them might be involved in ischemic stroke and that the key nodes and regulatory axes identified in this study might play vital roles in regulating the above processes. This may offer new insights into the potential mechanisms underlying cell death during cerebral I/R injury and provide new therapeutic targets for neuroprotection.
Genetic dissection of innate immune memory in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Tang Chang , Kurata Shoichiro , Fuse Naoyuki
Published: August 2022

Current studies have demonstrated that innate immunity possesses memory characteristics. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying innate immune memory have been addressed by numerous studies, genetic variations in innate immune memory and the associated genes remain unclear. Here, we explored innate immune memory in 163 lines of Drosophila melanogaster from the Drosophila Synthetic Population Resource. In our assay system, prior training with low pathogenic bacteria (Micrococcus luteus) increased the survival rate of flies after subsequent challenge with highly pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). This positive training effect was observed in most lines, but some lines exhibited negative training effects. Survival rates under training and control conditions were poorly correlated, suggesting that distinct genetic factors regulate training effects and normal immune responses. Subsequent quantitative trait loci analysis suggested that four loci containing 80 genes may be involved in regulating innate immune memory. Among them, Adgf-A, which encodes an extracellular adenosine deaminase-related growth factor, was shown to be associated with training effects. Our study findings help to elucidate the genetic architecture of innate immune memory in Drosophila and may provide insight for new therapeutic treatments aimed at boosting immunity.
Bacterial extracellular vesicles control murine norovirus infection through modulation of antiviral immune responses
Authors: Bhar Sutonuka , Zhao Guanqi , Bartel Julia D. , Sterchele Heather , Del Mazo Alexa , Emerson Lisa E. , Edelmann Mariola J. , Jones Melissa K.
Published: August 2022

Human norovirus is the primary cause of non-bacterial gastroenteritis globally and is the second leading cause of diarrheal deaths in children in developing countries. However, effective therapeutics which prevent or clear norovirus infection are not yet available due to a lack of understanding regarding norovirus pathogenesis. Evidence shows that noroviruses can bind to the surface of commensal bacteria, and the presence of these bacteria alters both acute and persistent murine norovirus infection through the modulation of host immune responses. Interestingly, norovirus-bacterial interactions also affect the bacteria by inducing bacterial stress responses and increasing the production of bacterial extracellular vesicles. Given the established ability of these vesicles to easily cross the intestinal barriers, enter the lamina propria, and modulate host responses, we hypothesized that bacterial extracellular vesicles influence murine norovirus infection through modulation of the antiviral immune response. In this study, we show that murine norovirus can attach to purified bacterial vesicles, facilitating co-inoculation of target cells with both virus and vesicle. Furthermore, we have found that when murine noroviruses and vesicles are used to co-inoculate macrophages, viral infection is reduced compared to virus infection alone. Specifically, co-inoculation with bacterial vesicles results in higher production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to viral infection. Ultimately, given that murine norovirus infection increases bacterial vesicle production in vivo, these data indicate that bacterial vesicles may serve as a mechanism by which murine norovirus infection is ultimately controlled and limited to a short-term disease.
Modified combination of anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) and post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) as compared with standard ATG protocol in haploidentical peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for acute leukemia
Authors: Barkhordar Maryam , Kasaeian Amir , Janbabai Ghasem , Kamranzadeh Fumani Hossein , Tavakoli Sahar , Rashidi Amir Abbas , Mousavi Seied Asadollah , Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir , Vaezi Mohammad
Published: August 2022

In haploidentical peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (haplo-PBSCT), the combination of anti-thymocyte globulin and post-transplant cyclophosphamide (ATG/PTCy) has a synergistic impact in preventing graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). However, little is known about the long-term consequences of the new combination approach. Our goal is to evaluate the efficacy of ATG/PTCy versus a standard ATG regimen by focusing at long-term outcomes in a more homogeneous group of patients. We retrospectively included 118 adult patients up to 60 years with acute leukemia who underwent haplo-PBSCT at our single institution, following the same myeloablative conditioning regimen. From 2010 to 2020, 78 patients received a modified combination of ATG (2.5 mg/kg/day, on days −3, −2, and −1) and PTCy (40 mg/kg/day on days +3 and +4) compared to 40 patients who had a standard ATG-based regimen (2.5 mg/kg/day from days −4 to −1) from 2008 to 2015. The median follow-up time for all patients was 5.36 years, respectively. The cumulative incidence (CI) of neutrophil and platelet engraftment, as well as CMV reactivation, did not differ statistically between the two groups. The CI of the acute GvHD of grades II–IV and III–IV and extensive chronic GvHD were considerably lower in the ATG/PTCy (34.6%, 8.97%, and 13.63%) than in the ATG cohort (57.5%, 30%, and 38.23%) as validated by multivariable modeling. Additionally, compared to the ATG arm, the ATG/PTCy was a hazard factor associated with a higher risk of relapse (HR = 2.23, p = 0.039). The probability of 5-year overall survival, disease-free survival, and GvHD-free relapse-free survival in the ATG/PTCy group (53.34%, 49.77%, and 36.04%) was comparable with the ATG group (47.5%, 42.5%, and 22.5%), respectively. Our finding suggested that a modified ATG/PTCy combination resulted in a lower risk of acute and chronic GvHD and a higher risk of relapse than the standard ATG-based protocol but had no effect on long-term outcomes. However, certain adjustments in the immunosuppression protocol are warranted to improve the outcome.
Dietary supplementation of exopolysaccharides from Lactobacillus rhamnosus GCC-3 improved the resistance of zebrafish against spring viremia of carp virus infection
Authors: Xie Mingxu , Li Yu , Olsen Rolf Erik , Ringø Einar , Yang Yalin , Zhang Zhen , Ran Chao , Zhou Zhigang
Published: August 2022

Spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) can cause high mortality of fish. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GCC-3 exopolysaccharides (GCC-3 EPS) on zebrafish (Danio rerio) infected with SVCV and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Zebrafish were fed with a control diet or diet supplemented with 0.5% and 1% of GCC-3 EPS for 2 weeks. The results showed that supplementation of GCC-3 EPS significantly improved the survival rate of zebrafish compared with the control group. In addition, dietary 0.5% and 1% GCC-3 EPS significantly up-regulated the expression of genes related to type I interferon (IFN) antiviral immunity. Consistent with in vivo results, GCC-3 EPS significantly inhibited SVCV replication in zebrafish embryonic fibroblast (ZF4) cells while significantly increased the expression of type I IFN signaling pathway related genes. Furthermore, knocking down TANK-binding kinase 1 significantly blocked the antiviral effect of GCC-3 EPS. Dietary GCC-3 EPS improved gut microbiota, and the culture supernatant of GCC-3 EPS-associated microbiota significantly inhibited SVCV replication in ZF4 cells compared with the control-microbiota counterpart. In conclusion, our results indicate that dietary GCC-3 EPS can improve the resistance of zebrafish against SVCV infection, and the mechanism may involve enhanced type I interferon signaling.
Functional characterization of MEKK3 in the intestinal immune response to bacterial challenges in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
Authors: Qu Fufa , Zeng Xuan , Liu Zhenzhen , Guo Meixing , Zhang Xia , Cao Shenping , Zhou Yonghua , He Zhimin , Tang Jianzhou , Mao Zhuangwen , Yang Yalin , Zhou Zhigang , Liu Zhen
Published: August 2022

Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 3 (MEKK3) is an evolutionarily conserved Ser/Thr protein kinase of the MEKK family that is essential for the host immune response to pathogen challenges in mammals. However, the immune function of MEKK3s in lower vertebrate species, especially in bony fish, remains largely unknown. In this study, a fish MEKK3 (designated CiMEKK3) gene was cloned and identified from grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). The present CiMEKK3 cDNA encoded a 620 amino acid polypeptide containing a conserved S-TKc domain and a typical PB1 domain. Several potential immune-related transcription factor-binding sites, including activating protein 1 (AP-1), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and signal transducer and activator of downstream transcription 3 (STAT3), were observed in the 5’ upstream DNA sequence of CiMEKK3. A phylogenetic tree showed that CiMEKK3 exhibits a close evolutionary relationship with MEKK3s from Cyprinus carpio and Carassius auratus. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that CiMEKK3 transcripts were widely distributed in all selected tissues of healthy grass carp, with a relatively high levels observed in the gill, head kidney and intestine. Upon in vitro challenge with bacterial pathogens (Aeromonas hydrophila and Aeromonas veronii) and pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) (lipopolysaccharide (LPS), peptidoglycan (PGN), L-Ala-γ-D-Glu-mDAP (Tri-DAP) and muramyl dipeptide (MDP)), the expression levels of CiMEKK3 in the intestinal cells of grass carp were shown to be significantly upregulated in a time-dependent manner. In vivo injection experiments revealed that CiMEKK3 transcripts were significantly induced by MDP challenge in the intestine; however, these effects could be inhibited by the nutritional dipeptides carnosine and Ala-Gln. Moreover, subcellular localization analysis and luciferase reporter assays indicated that CiMEKK3 could act as a cytoplasmic signal-transducing activator involved in the regulation of NF-κB and MAPK/AP-1 signaling cascades in HEK293T cells. Taken together, these findings strongly suggest that CiMEKK3 plays vital roles in the intestinal immune response to bacterial challenges, which will aid in understanding the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease in bony fish.
Effects of large-scale Sargassum fusiforme culture on phytoplankton community structure and water quality
Authors: Zhang Yurong , Xu Dongdong , Li Tiejun , Qiao Ling , Xu Nianjun
Published: August 2022

The large-scale cultivation of S. fusiforme was hypothesized to effectively improve water quality and environmental characteristics. Specifically, such cultivation could promote habitat restoration effects by increasing DO and pH levels in addition to decreasing nitrogen and phosphorus levels within cultivation area waters. Phytoplankton diversity could also reflect the quality and health of waters. This study explored the effects of large-scale cultivation of Sargassum fusiforme on the biodiversity and the ecosystem of a phytoplankton community in the coastal waters of Dongtou island, China. S. fusiforme cultivation increased DO and pH values within the area but decreased N contents of the cultivation area waters. A total of 75 phytoplankton species were identified based on morphological identification, while a parallel survey of phytoplankton communities using high-throughput cultivation-independent sequencing identified 601 phytoplankton OTUs. Large scale cultivation of S. fusiforme was associated with increased phytoplankton diversity as reflected by multiple alpha and beta diversity metrics. These data suggested that S. fusiforme cultivation could affect phytoplankton community structure when the S. fusiforme biomass reached maximum levels. Redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that S. fusiforme played an important role in controlling the dynamics of phytoplankton communities in coastal ecosystems. Thus, the results suggested that S. fusiforme cultivation could enhance phytoplankton community biodiversity. Overall, this study demonstrated that large-scale cultivation of S. fusiforme in coastal regions was an effective approach for mitigating environmental problems in marine ecosystems.
Analyses of growth performance and realized heritability of Pampus argenteus in a breeding program in China
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Jacques Kimran Jean , Zhang Shun , Xu Shanliang , Wang Yajun , Wang Danli
Published: August 2022

Silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus) is an economically important mariculture species. However, little is known about the genetic parameters of its commercially important traits. In order to determine whether continuous progress can be achieved by selection for growth, we took the body weight trait of East China Sea P. argenteus as the target trait of mass selection. The realized heritability of P. argenteus from the selected group and control group was analyzed at the three growth times (60, 90, and 120 days). The results showed that the growth performance parameters of the selected group in the third month post hatching were higher than those in the control group, but the opposite results were found in the fourth month. The morphological traits highly correlated with the body weight of P. argenteus were found by Pearson correlation analysis and path analysis, which were body length and tail length, respectively. On the 60th, 90th, and 120th days after hatching, the genetic gains of body weight trait in the selected group were 9.44%, 17.64%, and 15.18%, respectively, and the mean values of realized heritability were at moderate level. Nevertheless, in the selected group, the genetic variation values of the two morphological traits significantly related to body weight were all below 10%, and the genetic gains were relatively low and stable, but the genetic variation values of body weight trait in the selected group were above 20%, and genetic gains were relatively high. These implied that it is possible to obtain considerable genetic gains by selecting for body weight trait, and the results provide supportive evidence for the continuity of the P. argenteus-selective breeding program.
Research on a Large Diameter Magnetic Fluid Seal With Thin-Wall Parts
Authors: Guo Yunqi , Li Decai , Zang Guobao , Qi Zhiqiang , Zhang Zhili
Published: August 2022

Magnetic fluid seal is a new type of sealing method, which has been applied in many fields. For some fields, such as aviation and aerospace, high sealing performance, large shaft diameter, and small design space are required, which brings difficulties to the sealing design. Therefore, it is necessary to study a large diameter magnetic fluid seal with thin-wall parts. In this article, the effects of seal clearance and shaft deflection on the magnetic field distribution of magnetic fluid seal are analyzed by the finite element method. At the same time, the force of seal shaft in the assembly process is also simulated. The influence of the amount of magnetic fluid on the pressure resistance is analyzed. The low-temperature starting torque and high-temperature pressure resistance of magnetic fluid seal are experimentally studied, and the optimal injection amount of magnetic fluid is obtained. The research content of this article can be used as a reference for the design of a large diameter magnetic fluid seal with thin-wall parts.
Nudix Hydroxylase 15 Mutations Strongly Predict Thiopurine-Induced Leukopenia Across Different Asian Ethnicities: Implications for Screening in a Diverse Population
Authors: Khoo Xin-Hui , Wong Shin Yee , Ibrahim Nik Razima Wan , Ng Ruey Terng , Chew Kee Seang , Lee Way Seah , Wong Zhi Qin , Raja Ali Raja Affend , Shahrani Shahreedhan , Leow Alex Hwong-Ruey , Hilmi Ida Normiha
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims

Thiopurines, which are immunosuppressive drugs for maintaining remission for inflammatory bowel disease, are known to cause myelotoxicity in patients with Nudix Hydroxylase 15 (NUDT15) genetic variants in some Asian countries with monoethnic populations. We aimed to investigate the association of NUDT15 variants with leukopenia in a multiethnic population in Southeast Asia.

Methods

Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease were recruited. We collected demographic and clinical characteristics and whole blood counts before and after initiating thiopurines. Thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) and NUDT15 genotypes were analyzed with the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyping assay. Leukopenia was defined as a white blood cell (WBC) count < 3,000/μl.

Results

In this study, 19 (18.6%) of the 102 patients who had adequate thiopurine therapy experienced leukopenia, 11 patients (57.9%) had NUDT15 c.415C > T variants, 2 patients (10.5%) had NUDT15 c.52G > A variants while one (5.3%) had a TPMT variation. Individually, NUDT15 c.415C > T had a sensitivity and specificity of 57.9% and 94.0% (odds ratio [OR] = 21.45, 95% CI 5.94–77.41, p < 0.001), respectively, for predicting thiopurine-induced leukopenia, while NUDT15 c.52G > A was only observed in patients with leukopenia. As compared with patients with wild-type NUDT15, both NUDT15 variations had a combined sensitivity and specificity of 68.4% and 94%, respectively (OR = 33.80, 95% CI 8.99–127.05, p < 0.001), for predicting thiopurine-induced leukopenia as well as a shorter onset to leukopenia (median onset [months] 2.0 vs. 5.5; p = 0.045). Sub-group analysis showed that both NUDT15 variations were strongly associated with leukopenia among the Chinese and Indians but not among the Malays.

Conclusion

Nudix Hydroxylase 15 variants strongly predicted thiopurine-induced leukopenia across a multiethnic Southeast Asian population, particularly among the Chinese and Indians.
Dose-dependent impact of enrofloxacin on broiler chicken gut resistome is mitigated by synbiotic application
Authors: Temmerman Robin , Ghanbari Mahdi , Antonissen Gunther , Schatzmayr Gerd , Duchateau Luc , Haesebrouck Freddy , Garmyn An , Devreese Mathias
Published: August 2022

Fluoroquinolone agents are considered critical for human medicine by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, they are often used for the treatment of avian colibacillosis in poultry production, creating considerable concern regarding the potential spread of fluoroquinolone resistance genes from commensals to pathogens. Therefore, there is a need to understand the impact of fluoroquinolone application on the reservoir of ARGs in poultry gut and devise means to circumvent potential resistome expansion. Building upon a recent dose optimization effort, we used shotgun metagenomics to investigate the time-course change in the cecal microbiome and resistome of broiler chickens receiving an optimized dosage [12.5 mg/kg body weight (bw)/day], with or without synbiotic supplementation (PoultryStar®, BIOMIN GmbH), and a high dosage of enrofloxacin (50 mg/kg bw/day). Compared to the high dose treatment, the low (optimized) dose of enrofloxacin caused the most significant perturbations in the cecal microbiota and resistome of the broiler chickens, demonstrated by a lower cecal microbiota diversity while substantially increasing the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) resistome diversity. Withdrawal of antibiotics resulted in a pronounced reduction in ARG diversity. Chickens receiving the synbiotic treatment had the lowest diversity and number of enriched ARGs, suggesting an alleviating impact on the burden of the gut resistome. Some Proteobacteria were significantly increased in the cecal metagenome of chickens receiving enrofloxacin and showed a positive association with increased ARG burden. Differential abundance (DA) analysis revealed a significant increase in the abundance of ARGs encoding resistance to macrolides-lincosamides-streptogramins (MLS), aminoglycosides, and tetracyclines over the period of enrofloxacin application, with the optimized dosage application resulting in a twofold higher number of affected ARG compared to high dosage application. Our results provide novel insights into the dose-dependent effects of clinically important enrofloxacin application in shaping the broiler gut resistome, which was mitigated by a synbiotic application. The contribution to ameliorating the adverse effects of antimicrobial agents, that is, lowering the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes, on the poultry and potentially other livestock gastrointestinal microbiomes and resistomes merits further study.
Expanding the environmental virome: Infection profile in a native rainforest tree species
Authors: Vieira Anderson Carvalho , Lopes Ícaro Santos , Fonseca Paula Luize Camargos , Olmo Roenick Proveti , Bittencourt Flora , de Vasconcelos Letícia Maróstica , Pirovani Carlos Priminho , Gaiotto Fernanda Amato , Aguiar Eric Roberto Guimarães Rocha
Published: August 2022

Agroforestry systems (AFS) for cocoa production combine traditional land-use practices with local biodiversity conservation, resulting in both ecological and agricultural benefits. The cacao-cabruca AFS model is widely implemented in regions of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Carpotroche brasiliensis (Raddi) A. Gray (Achariaceae) is a tree found in cabruca landscapes that is often used for reforestation and biotechnological applications. Despite its importance, we still lack information about viruses circulating in C. brasiliensis, particularly considering the possibility of spillover that could affect cocoa production. In our study, we analyzed the Carpotroche brasiliensis virome from Atlantic Forest and cacao-cabruca AFS regions using metatranscriptomics from several vegetative and reproductive organs. Our results revealed a diverse virome detecting near-complete or partial coding sequences of single- and double-stranded DNA and RNA viruses classified into at least six families (Botourmiaviridae, Bromoviridae, Caulimoviridae, Genomoviridae, Mitoviridae, and Rhabdoviridae) plus unclassified elements. We described with high confidence the near-complete and the partial genomes of two tentative novel viruses: Carpotroche-associated ilarvirus and Carpotroche-associated genomovirus, respectively. Interestingly, we also described sequences likely derived from a rhabdovirus, which could represent a novel member of the genus Gammanucleorhabdovirus. We observed higher viral diversity in cacao-cabruca AFS and reproductive organs of C. brasiliensis with preferential tropism to fruits, which could directly affect production. Altogether, our results provide data to better understand the virome in this unexplored agroecological interface, such as cacao-cabruca AFS and forest ecosystem, providing information on the aspects of virus–plant interactions.
Endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein MoScs2 is important for asexual development and pathogenesis of Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Zhang Jun , Chen Xuehang , Yang Zifeng , Xu Huxiao , Weng Shuning , Wang Zonghua , Tang Wei
Published: August 2022

Most secretory proteins are folded and modified in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the absence of Scs2 protein will lead to the separation of the endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane, resulting in endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction, but its function is not clear in rice blast fungus or even filamentous fungus. In this study, we report the identification and characterization of MoSCS2 in the pathogenesis of the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. Protein subcellular localization showed that MoSCS2 is mainly localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. Compared to the wild-type strain Guy11, the deletion mutant ΔMoscs2 showed a significant reduction in growth and conidiation. MoSCS2 deficiency also resulted in abnormal conidial morphology and septum formation. The ΔMoscs2 mutant shows delayed appressorium formation, and the appressorium of ΔMoscs2 mutant could not form huge turgor pressure to penetrate the host epidermal cell wall. Pathogenicity and plant leave infection assays showed that knockout of MoSCS2 significantly inhibited the expansion of the invasive hyphae in host cells, ultimately leading to the decline of pathogenicity. Moreover, MoSCS2 gene is also involved in the regulation of cell wall and endoplasmic reticulum stress response. In conclusion, MoSCS2 plays an important role in the growth, asexual production, conidia morphogenesis, infection-related morphogenesis and pathogenicity of M. oryzae.
A pluralistic view of holobionts in the context of process ontology
Authors: Stencel Adrian , Wloch-Salamon Dominika
Published: August 2022

Developing precise definitions and fine categories is an important part of the scientific endeavour, enabling fidelity of transfers of knowledge and the progress of science. Currently, as a result of research on symbiotic microorganisms, science has been flooded with discoveries which appear to undermine many commonly accepted concepts and to introduce new ones that often require updated conceptualisations. One question currently being debated concerns whether or not a holobiont can be considered an organism. Based on which concept, physiology or evolutionary, of the organism is chosen, the verdict differs. We attempt here to show how a change in perspective, from that of substance ontology into that of process ontology, is capable of reconciling opposing positions within the existing discussion and enabling the implementation of conceptual pluralism.
Effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 19-2 on immunomodulatory function and gut microbiota in mice
Authors: Wang Xiaoran , Tang Jilang , Zhang Shixia , Zhang Nuannuan
Published: August 2022

This study aims to evaluate the effects ofLactiplantibacillus plantarum19-2 (L. plantarum19-2) on mice treated with the alkylating agent cyclophosphamide (CTX). Our findings show thatL. plantarum19-2 restored the spleen and thymus index and the number of white blood cells and lymphocytes% in CTX treated mice. Serum immunoglobulin levels in CTX-treated mice were increased byL. plantarum19-2. In addition, as compared to the model group,L. plantarum19-2 upregulated the content of SIgA, whileL. plantarum19-2 regulates the mRNA and protein expression levels of GATA-3, T-bet, IFN-γ, and IL-4 in small intestinal tissues, which adjusted mucosal barriers, structural status, and the balance of Helper T-cell 1 and Helper T-cell 2.Lactiplantibacillus plantarum19-2 regulated the distribution of intestinal flora in mice, promoting the growth ofBacteroidesandProteobacteria. In addition,L. plantarum19-2 inhibited the growth of several harmful bacteria, includingActinobacteriaandFirmicutes.
Acetic Acid Bacteria in Sour Beer Production: Friend or Foe?
Authors: Bouchez Arne , De Vuyst Luc
Published: August 2022

Beer is the result of a multistep brewing process, including a fermentation step using in general one specific yeast strain. Bacterial presence during beer production (or presence in the beer itself) is considered as bad, since bacteria cause spoilage, produce off-flavors, and/or turbidity. Although most problems in the past related to lack of hygiene and/or cleaning, bacteria do still cause problems nowadays. Despite this negative imago, certain bacteria play an irreplaceable role during fermentation and/or maturation of more unique, funky, and especially refreshing sour beers. The termsour beersorsoursis not restricted to one definition but covers a wide variety of beers producedviadifferent techniques. This review proposes an uncluttered sour beer classification scheme, which includes all sour beer production techniques and pays special attention to the functional role of acetic acid bacteria. Whereas their oxidation of ethanol and lactate into acetic acid and acetoin usually spoils beer, including sour beers, organoleptically, a controlled growth leads to a desirable acidic flavor in sour beers, such as lambic-style, lambic-based, and red-brown acidic ales.
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus VP60 protein expressed in recombinant swinepox virus self-assembles into virus-like particles with strong immunogenicity in rabbits
Authors: Liu Changjin , Lin Min , Hu Huanyi , Liu Xiaolan , Bian Yanchao , Huang Xiaohua , Li Xiaoxiang , Yu Wenyang , Luo Feng , Deng Shunzhou
Published: August 2022

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) is an economically significant infectious disease of rabbits, and its infection causes severe losses in the meat and fur industry. RHD Virus (RHDV) is difficult to proliferate in cell lines in vitro, which has greatly impeded the progress of investigating its replication mechanism and production of inactivated virus vaccines. RHDV VP60 protein is a major antigen for developing RHD subunit vaccines. Herein, we constructed a TK-deactivated recombinant Swinepox virus (rSWPV) expressing VP60 protein and VP60 protein coupled with His-tag respectively, and the expression of foreign proteins was confirmed using immunofluorescence assay and western blotting. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the recombinant VP60, with or without His-tag, self-assembled into virus-like particles (VLPs). Its efficacy was evaluated by comparison with available commercial vaccines in rabbits. ELISA and HI titer assays showed that high levels of neutralizing antibodies were induced at the first week after immunization with the recombinant strain and were maintained during the ongoing monitoring for the following 13 weeks. Challenge experiments showed that a single immunization with 106 PFU of the recombinant strain protected rabbits from lethal RHDV infection, and no histopathological changes or antigenic staining was found in the vaccine and rSWPV groups. These results suggest that rSWPV expressing RHDV VP60 could be an efficient candidate vaccine against RHDV in rabbits.
Helicobacter pylori and unignorable extragastric diseases: Mechanism and implications
Authors: He Junjian , Liu Yunyi , Ouyang Qin , Li Rongxing , Li Jie , Chen Weiyan , Hu Weichao , He Lijiao , Bao Qiyu , Li Ping , Hu Changjiang
Published: August 2022

Considered as the most popular pathogen worldwide, Helicobacter pylori is intensively associated with diverse gastric diseases, including gastric ulcers, chronic progressive gastritis, and gastric cancer. Aside from its pathogenic effect on gastric diseases, growing evidences reveal that H. pylori may be related to numerous extragastric diseases. In this article, we reviewed recent studies and systematically elucidated that H. pylori may interfere with many biological processes outside the stomach and influence the occurrence of various extragastric diseases. Many epidemiological studies have indicated that H. pylori plays a pathogenic role in COVID-19, atherosclerosis, hyperemesis gravidarum and several other extragastric diseases, while the effect of H. pylori is currently under investigation in gastroesophageal reflux disease, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease. Moreover, we also summarized the possible pathogenic mechanisms of H. pylori that may be related to chronic systemic inflammation and molecular mimicker. Taken together, this review provides a new perspective on the role of H. pylori in extragastric diseases and explores the possible mechanisms, which may help guide clinical treatment.