bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gut microbiota were altered with platelet count and red blood cell count in immune thrombocytopenia patients with different treatments
Authors: Rui Xue , Fu Yanjun , Cai Jie , Zhang Yu , Fu Qiang , He Chengtao
Published: May 2023

The gut microbiome is clearly linked to the development of various autoimmune diseases, however, its association with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is less well understood. The current study collected 73 samples, including 36 from healthy individuals and 37 from ITP patients. The gut microbial community was assessed using 16s rRNA sequencing. Findings illustrated that the abundance of key microbiota was significantly higher in the ITP group. This group was further divided into three subgroups that received different treatments for ITP. A random forest model was used to predict the key microbiota and the identified bacteria were shown to easily distinguish between the healthy and the ITP treatment groups. Microbial function annotation and difference analysis showed that drug treatment changed the gut microbiota and may play a role in inducing host autoimmune responses by changing microbial metabolism pathways. Clinical indices also correlated negatively with changes in the microbiota after treatment. In summary, ITP patients who received drug treatment had significant differences in their microbiota along with a high abundance of bacteria. Thus, the microbiome could be used as a biomarker to distinguish between healthy and ITB groups. The key differential bacteria could help to regulate the number of platelets in ITP patients and provide a red blood cell overstock.
Long-read sequencing for reliably calling the mompS allele in Legionella pneumophila sequence-based typing
Authors: Krøvel Anne Vatland , Hetland Marit A. K. , Bernhoff Eva , Bjørheim Anna Steensen , Soma Markus André , Löhr Iren H.
Published: May 2023

Sequence-based typing (SBT) of Legionella pneumophila is a valuable tool in epidemiological studies and outbreak investigations of Legionnaires’ disease. In the L. pneumophila SBT scheme, mompS2 is one of seven genes that determine the sequence type (ST). The Legionella genome typically contains two copies of mompS (mompS1 and mompS2). When they are non-identical it can be challenging to determine the mompS2 allele, and subsequently the ST, from Illumina short-reads. In our collection of 233 L. pneumophila genomes, there were 62 STs, 18 of which carried non-identical mompS copies. Using short-reads, the mompS2 allele was misassembled or untypeable in several STs. Genomes belonging to ST154 and ST574, which carried mompS1 allele 7 and mompS2 allele 15, were assigned an incorrect mompS2 allele and/or mompS gene copy number when short-read assembled. For other isolates, mainly those carrying non-identical mompS copies, short-read assemblers occasionally failed to resolve the structure of the mompS-region, also resulting in untypeability from the short-read data. In this study, we wanted to understand the challenges we observed with calling the mompS2 allele from short-reads, assess if other short-read methods were able to resolve the mompS-region, and investigate the possibility of using long-reads to obtain the mompS alleles, and thereby perform L. pneumophila SBT from long-reads only. We found that the choice of short-read assembler had a major impact on resolving the mompS-region and thus SBT from short-reads, but no method consistently solved the mompS2 allele. By using Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) sequencing together with Trycycler and Medaka for long-read assembly and polishing we were able to resolve the mompS copies and correctly identify the mompS2 allele, in accordance with Sanger sequencing/EQA results for all tested isolates (n=35). The remaining six genes of the SBT profile could also be determined from the ONT-only reads. The STs called from ONT-only assemblies were also consistent with hybrid-assemblies of Illumina and ONT reads. We therefore propose ONT sequencing as an alternative method to perform L. pneumophila SBT to overcome the mompS challenge observed with short-reads. To facilitate this, we have developed ONTmompS (https://github.com/marithetland/ONTmompS), an in silico approach to determine L. pneumophila ST from long-read or hybrid assemblies.
Attentional development can help us understand the inattentional blindness effect in visual search
Authors: Gil-Gómez de Liaño Beatriz , Castelletti Chiara , Perez-Hernandez Elena , Quirós-Godoy María , Wolfe Jeremy M.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Inattentional Blindness (IB) is the failure to notice an unexpected, usually salient stimulus while immersed in a different, often demanding attentional task. More than just a laboratory curiosity, IB is an important phenomenon to understand because it may be related to real-world errors such as missed “incidental findings” in medical image or security searches. Interest in individual differences in susceptibility to IB has produced a number of studies showing inconclusive results.

Methods

Here, we tested IB in a sample of 277 participants, 4-25 years old performing a visual search task. On two critical trials, an unexpected letter and an unexpected word were presented among photorealistic objects.

Results

There was a clear age effect with younger individuals showing higher IB levels. IB correlated with attentional control in visual search and with Continuous Performance Test-CPT for d-prime, response times and attentional shifting measures. These effects disappeared if age was controlled. There were no general effects of intelligence (IQ; RIST) or gender. Younger observers showed a negative correlation of IB for the word with the verbal components of the RIST IQ-proxy (no effect for the letter).

Discussion

These results support a relationship between IB and cognitive-developmental changes, showing that maturation of attention and executive processes can help us understand the intriguing phenomenon of (sometimes) missing what is in front of our eyes.
Transcatheter mitral and tricuspid interventions—the bigger picture: valvular disease as part of heart failure
Authors: Curio Jonathan , Beneduce Alessandro , Giannini Francesco
Published: May 2023

The prevalence of mitral (MR) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR), especially in heart failure (HF) populations, is high. However, the distinct role of atrioventricular valve diseases in HF, whether they are merely indicators of disease status or rather independent contributors in a vicious disease cycle, is still not fully understood. For decades, tricuspid regurgitation (TR) was considered an innocent bystander subsequent to other heart or lung pathologies, thus, not needing dedicated treatment. Recent increasing awareness towards the role of atrioventricular valve diseases has revealed that MR and TR are, in fact, independent predictors of outcome in HF, thus, warranting attention in the HF treatment algorithm. This awareness arose, especially, with the development of minimally invasive transcatheter solutions providing new treatment options, which can also be used for patients considered as having increased surgical risk. However, outcomes of such transcatheter treatments have, in part, been sub-optimal and likely influenced by the status of the concomitant HF disease. Thus, this review aims to summarize data on the current understanding regarding the role of MR and TR in HF, how HF impacts outcomes of transcatheter MR and TR interventions, and how the understanding of this relationship might help to identify patients that benefit most from these therapies, which have proven to be lifesaving in properly selected candidates.
Perceived self-efficacy and empowerment in patients at increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest
Authors: Davies Brianna , Allan Katherine S. , Carroll Sandra L. , Gibbs Karen , Roberts Jason D. , MacIntyre Ciorsti , Steinberg Christian , Tadros Rafik , Dorian Paul , Healey Jeff S. , Gardner Martin , Laksman Zachary W. M. , Krahn Andrew D. , Fournier Anne , Seifer Colette , Lauck Sandra B.
Published: May 2023

Background

The role of multidisciplinary clinics for psychosocial care is increasingly recognized for those living with inherited cardiac conditions (ICC). In Canada, access to healthcare providers differ between clinics. Little is known about the relationship between access to specialty care and a patient's ability to cope with, and manage their condition.

Methods

We leveraged the Hearts in Rhythm Organization (HiRO) to conduct a cross-sectional, community-based survey of individuals with ICC and their family members. We aimed to describe access to services, and explore the relationships between participants’ characteristics, cardiac history and self-reported health status and self-efficacy (GSE: General Self-Efficacy Scale) and empowerment (GCOS-24: Genetic Counseling Outcome Scale).

Results

We collected 235 responses from Canadian participants in 10 provinces and territories. Overall, 63% of participants reported involvement of a genetic counsellor in their care. Access to genetic testing was associated with greater empowerment [mean GCOS-24: 121.14 (SD = 20.53) vs. 105.68 (SD = 21.69); p = 0.004]. Uncertain genetic test results were associated with lower perceived self-efficacy (mean GSE: uncertain = 28.85 vs. positive = 33.16, negative = 34.13; p = 0.01). Low global mental health scores correlated with both lower perceived self-efficacy and empowerment scores, with only 11% of affected participants reporting involvement of psychology services in their care.

Conclusion

Differences in resource accessibility, clinical history and self-reported health status impact the perceived self-efficacy and empowerment of patients with ICC. Future research evaluating interventions to improve patient outcomes is recommended.
Crustal structure of the Ethiopian Northwestern Plateau and central Afar from receiver function analysis
Authors: Kibret Birhanu Abera , Ayele Atalay , Keir Derek
Published: May 2023

In magma-rich continental rifts extension by magma intrusion is thought to accommodate much of the extension. We aim to constrain major melt reservoirs in the crust during magma-rich rifting by applying P-to-S receiver functions (RFs) using legacy teleseismic data having magnitudes Mb > 6.0 and epicentral distances ranging from 30° to 90° and collected between the years 2000 and 2013 in 17 temporary broadband stations in Ethiopia and Eritrea. The majority of the NW Plateau crust shows fast Vs of ∼4–4.7 km/s with localized slow Vs (3.2 km/s) and high Vp/Vs (1.85–2.0) in the mid-crust (∼10–25 km depth). The seismic velocity beneath the Afar crust is fairly homogeneous except beneath the current locus of strain at the magmatic segments, which have a relatively fast Vs. (∼4.5 km/s) at a shallow (∼6–14 km) depth underlain by slower Vs. (<3.2 km/s) and high Vp/Vs (2.0) at lower crustal depths (∼20–25 km). The Moho is sharp beneath most of the plateau stations and more gradational beneath Afar with estimated values of 36–44 km in the NW plateau and 26–30 km in Afar. The results point towards the presence of partial melt in localized places in the mid-crust beneath the NW plateau, and in the lower crust beneath the west of Afar, and particularly focused in the lower crust beneath the magmatic segments in Afar. The results suggest that the lower crust is an important melt reservoir for rift-related magmatic processes. The presence of melt in the NW plateau crust is more difficult to explain but is potentially linked to the broad extension of the plateau, or lateral migration of melt from the rift.
Perspectives of using the integration mechanisms of education’s development for accelerating Russia’s economic growth
Authors: Chutcheva Yuliya V. , Semenov Alexander V. , Krasilnikova Varvara G. , Balova Suzana L.
Published: May 2023

The article aims at selecting the most perspective mechanisms and finding the perspectives of using the integration mechanisms of education development for accelerating Russia’s economic growth. The methods of correlation and regression analysis are used. It is proved – by the example of top universities in Russia in 2020 – that the development of higher education and maximization of its contribution to the acceleration of economic growth could be achieved based on the integration mechanisms with the participation of universities. It is determined that optimization should be applied to educational (quality of higher education), scientific (R&D), and international (globalization) activities of universities, which could reach its maximum in case of an increase in the number of incubators in each university up to 5 units, number of centers of shared use of scientific equipment up to 40 units, and number of small companies up to 41. It is determined that citations and profitability (effectiveness) of universities do not depend on integration mechanisms in higher education. Such integration mechanisms as employer-sponsored education, practice bases, and technological parks do not contribute to the improvement of the indicators of universities’ activities and thus their development is inexpedient. The practical significance of the authors’ conclusions and recommendations is that they allow raising the effectiveness of university management and optimizing the organizational and managerial conditions under which the potential of universities in the sphere of support for the implementation of the social and investment model of economic growth is unlocked in the most comprehensive way.
Safety and efficacy of prophylactic treatment for hyperthyroidism induced by iodinated contrast media in a high-risk population
Authors: Manso Jacopo , Piva Ilaria , Censi Simona , Clausi Cristina , Bardi Maria , Schiavon Benedetta , Merante Boschin Isabella , Tona Francesco , Mian Caterina
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The use of iodinated contrast media (ICM) can lead to thyrotoxicosis, especially in patients with risk factors, such as Graves’ disease, multinodular goiter, older age, and iodine deficiency. Although hyperthyroidism may have clinically relevant effects, whether high-risk patients should receive prophylactic treatment before they are administered ICM is still debated.

Aim of the study

We aimed to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of prophylactic treatment with sodium perchlorate and/or methimazole to prevent ICM-induced hyperthyroidism (ICMIH) in a population of high-risk cardiac patients. We ran a cost analysis to ascertain the most cost-effective prophylactic treatment protocol. We also aimed to identify possible risk factors for the onset of ICMIH.

Materials and methods

We performed a longitudinal retrospective study on 61 patients admitted to a tertiary-level cardiology unit for diagnostic and/or therapeutic ICM-procedures. We included patients with available records of thyroid function tests performed before and after ICM were administered, who were at high risk of developing ICMIH. Patients were given one of two different prophylactic treatments (methimazole alone or both methimazole and sodium perchlorate) or no prophylactic treatment. The difference between their thyroid function at the baseline and 11-30 days after the ICM-related procedure was considered the principal endpoint.

Results

Twenty-three (38%) of the 61 patients were given a prophylactic treatment. Thyroid function deteriorated after the administration of ICM in 9/61 patients (15%). These cases were associated with higher plasma creatinine levels at admission, higher baseline TSH levels, lower baseline FT4 levels, and no use of prophylactic treatment. The type of prophylaxis provided did not influence any onset of ICMIH. A cost-benefit analysis showed that prophylactic treatment with methimazole alone was less costly per person than the combination protocol. On multivariate analysis, only the use of a prophylactic treatment was independently associated with a reduction in the risk of ICMIH. Patients not given any prophylactic treatment had a nearly five-fold higher relative risk of developing ICMIH.

Conclusion

Prophylactic treatment can prevent the onset of ICMIH in high-risk populations administered ICM. Prophylaxis is safe and effective in this setting, especially in cardiopathic patients. Prophylaxis with methimazole alone seems to be the most cost-effective option.
Experimental research on heat transfer characteristic of HITEC molten salt in evacuated tube solar collector
Authors: Ji Guo-Jian , Gu Jin-Ming , Chen Zhi , Lu Bei-Bei , Gao Ying
Published: May 2023

HITEC molten salt (7% NaNO3, 53% KNO3, 40% NaNO2) has been identified as a suitable heat transfer fluid for concentrated solar power (CSP) systems, such as parabolic trough collectors (PTC) and evacuated tube solar collectors (ETSC). In order to optimize the flow and heat transfer performance of HITEC in ETSC, a molten salt heat transfer test rig was built to conduct an experimental study, varying inlet and outlet temperatures and mass flow rates of HITEC. Results show that the heat loss of HITEC in ETSC is lower than the other tubes. The convective heat transfer coefficient of HITEC is much lower than that of HITEC in round tube. Because the experimental data of HITEC in ETSC largely differed from the classical correlation equations, a new empirical heat transfer correlation equation was set for HITEC in ETSC, and the deviation between the experiment data and new correlation was within ±19.2%. Finally, by comparing the inlet and outlet temperatures of ETSC under different irradiation intensities, it is concluded that the ETSC can work stably when the temperature exceeds 700 W/m2.
Improving saline-alkali soil and promoting wheat growth by co-applying potassium-solubilizing bacteria and cyanobacteria produced from brewery wastewater
Authors: Duan Huijie , Liu Wei , Zhou Lixiu , Han Bing , Huo Shuhao , El-Sheekh Mostafa , Dong Haiwen , Li Xiaomeng , Xu Tongtong , Elshobary Mostafa
Published: May 2023

Soil salinization is a serious ecological problem. Bacteria and cyanobacteria both have great potential for saline-alkali soil improvement. However, the effect of co-applying bacteria and cyanobacteria on soil improvement and crop growth promotion in saline-alkali soil remains unclear. In this study, the effects of Paenibacillus sabinae (potassium-solubilizing bacteria) and Leptolyngbya sp. RBD05 (cyanobacteria), produced in brewery wastewater, on soil properties, wheat growth, and wheat stress tolerance were studied by applying them to saline-alkali soil alone or in combination. The study indicated that P. sabinae and Leptolyngbya sp. RBD05 have important roles in increasing wheat growth, N:P ratio, K:Na ratio, proline content, and superoxide dismutase activity, as well as in slowing the decline of soil nutrient content caused by wheat absorption. Compared to the control group, the co-application had the best effect on soil available K content, wheat dry weight, and wheat root length (increased by 26%, 85%, and 70%, respectively); and it was more conducive to promoting the wheat K:Na ratio (increased by 41%), which would better improve the wheat’s saline-alkali stress tolerance. This study provided a new and clean strategy to improve saline-alkali soil quality and promote crop growth by the bacteria and cyanobacteria produced from wastewater treatment.
Temporal and spatial characteristics of vegetation coverage and their influencing factors in the Sugan Lake wetland on the northern margin of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Kang Man-Ping , Zhao Cheng-Zhang , Li Xiao-Ya , Ma Min , Zhao Xia-Wei
Published: May 2023

Fractional vegetation cover (FVC) is an important indicator of the development or reversal of salt marsh due to its absence in arid desert areas. Many studies have emphasized the differences in factors that affect fractional vegetation cover (FVC) in different temporal and spatial scales. However, few studies have reported on the temporal and spatial variations in vegetation coverage and their response to climate and also on the hydrological environment in inland salt marsh wetlands. Accordingly, based on a wetland community survey, different types of data, such as meteorological data, hydrological data, and Landsat remote sensing image data, recorded during the period from 1990 to 2020 were collected. The characteristics of the spatial and temporal distribution of vegetation coverage in the Sugan Lake wetland over the past 30 years were analyzed using a binary pixel model. Furthermore, a quantitative analysis on the response of vegetation coverage to hydrological and meteorological factors was undertaken. The results of the present study showed that the dimidiate pixel model had a high simulation accuracy in retrieving the vegetation coverage in inland salt marsh wetlands. The vegetation coverage of the Sugan Lake wetland increased with each year from 1990 to 2020, and its annual average was 19.34%. The spatial distribution of vegetation coverage was patchy and decreased from the center to the edge of the wetland. Within the same period, the vegetation coverage showed an increasing trend in Quan-shui and He-hong areas and a decreasing trend in the Shan-hong area. Vegetation coverage was mainly affected by various factors, such as precipitation, lake area, surface runoff, groundwater depth, and residential density, respectively. It was significantly positively correlated with precipitation (R2 = 0.56, P < 0.01), lake area (R2 = 0.50, P < 0.01), air temperature (R2 = 0.46, P < 0.01), and river system density (R2 = 0.52, P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with groundwater depth (R2 =-0.57, P < 0.01) and residential density (R2 = −0.38, P < 0.05). Implicit in these findings are complex mechanisms of change in vegetation coverage that help prevent the degradation of vegetation in fragile ecosystems.
Microclimate along an elevational gradient controls foliar litter cellulose and lignin degradation in a subtropical forest
Authors: Chen Bo , Yang Yuting , Chen Lyuyi , Jiang Lan , Hong Yu , Zhu Jing , Liu Jinfu , Xu Daowei , Kuang Kaijin , He Zhongsheng
Published: May 2023

Cellulose and lignin are the principal constituents of plant litter, and their degradation plays an important role in the maintaining the soil carbon balance in terrestrial ecosystems. Yet, our knowledge of the responses of litter mass loss and cellulose and lignin degradation to litter quality, environmental factors, and taxonomic diversity indices along an elevational gradient in subtropical forests remains sparse. To gain insight into litter decomposition dynamics and its influencing factors, we investigated the cellulose and lignin degradation of foliar litter that from the two most dominant tree species along an elevational gradient (900–1,600 m) in a subtropical forest on Daiyun Mountain, China. Our results showed the following. (1) The degradation rate of cellulose was higher than that of lignin for litter collected at each elevation. The mass loss for foliar litter at different elevations was greater in the early period (0–180 days) than later period (180–270 days). (2) Litter quality, as well as environmental factors and taxonomic diversity indices, together influenced the foliar litter mass loss rate in addition to the rates of cellulose and lignin degradation. The key environmental factors included air and soil temperature, which had significant correlations with litter decomposition positively. The litter quality, namely is N (nitrogen) and P (phosphorus) contents, had significant positive correlations with degradation rates of cellulose and lignin in litter, and vice versa for lignin/N and C/N ratios. Some of the taxonomic diversity indices had positive correlations with litter decomposition, indicating that the input of highly diver litter material leads to a non-additive effect. (3) The litter decomposition was affected by the combination of litter quality, environmental factors, and taxonomic diversity indices. Of these, however, the environmental factors are the main factors that controlled the litter decomposition along elevational gradients in this subtropical forest. The results could provide a theoretical basis for understanding foliar litter nutrient release for the subtropical forest ecosystem of China.
Association analysis and functional follow-up identified common variants of JAG1 accounting for risk to biliary atresia
Authors: Bai Mei-Rong , Pei Hao-Yue , Zhou Ying , Song Huan-Lei , Pan Wei-Hua , Gong Yi-Ming , Wu Wen-Jie , Yu Wen-Wen , Cui Meng-Meng , Gu Bei-Lin , Chu Xun , Cai Wei
Published: May 2023

Background: Biliary atresia (BA) is a destructive, obliterative cholangiopathy characterized by progressive fibro-inflammatory disorder and obliteration of intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts. The Jagged1 (JAG1) gene mutations have been found in some isolated BA cases. We aim to explore the association of common variants in JAG1 with isolated BA risk in the Chinese Han population.

Methods: We genotyped 31 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms covering the JAG1 gene region in 333 BA patients and 1,665 healthy controls from the Chinese population, and performed case-control association analysis. The expression patterns of JAG1 homologs were investigated in zebrafish embryos, and the roles of jag1a and jag1b in biliary development were examined by morpholino knockdown in zebrafish.

Results: Single nucleotide polymorphisms rs6077861 [PAllelic = 1.74 × 10−4, odds ratio = 1.78, 95% confidence interval: 1.31–2.40] and rs3748478 (PAllelic = 5.77 × 10−4, odds ratio = 1.39, 95% confidence interval: 1.15–1.67) located in the intron region of JAG1 showed significant associations with BA susceptibility. The JAG1 homologs, jag1a and jag1b genes were expressed in the developing hepatobiliary duct of zebrafish, especially at 72 and 96 h postfertilization. Knockdown of both jag1a and jag1b led to poor biliary secretion, sparse intrahepatic bile duct network and smaller or no gallbladders compared with control embryos in the zebrafish model.

Conclusion: Common genetic variants of JAG1 were associated with BA susceptibility. Knockdown of JAG1 homologs led to defective intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts in zebrafish. These results suggest that JAG1 might be implicated in the etiology of BA.
Gut microbiota derived bile acid metabolites maintain the homeostasis of gut and systemic immunity
Authors: Su Xiaomin , Gao Yunhuan , Yang Rongcun
Published: May 2023

Bile acids (BAs) as cholesterol-derived molecules play an essential role in some physiological processes such as nutrient absorption, glucose homeostasis and regulation of energy expenditure. They are synthesized in the liver as primary BAs such as cholic acid (CA), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and conjugated forms. A variety of secondary BAs such as deoxycholic acid (DCA) and lithocholic acid (LCA) and their derivatives is synthesized in the intestine through the involvement of various microorganisms. In addition to essential physiological functions, BAs and their metabolites are also involved in the differentiation and functions of innate and adaptive immune cells such as macrophages (Macs), dendritic cells (DCs), myeloid derived suppressive cells (MDSCs), regulatory T cells (Treg), Breg cells, T helper (Th)17 cells, CD4 Th1 and Th2 cells, CD8 cells, B cells and NKT cells. Dysregulation of the BAs and their metabolites also affects development of some diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases. We here summarize recent advances in how BAs and their metabolites maintain gut and systemic homeostasis, including the metabolism of the BAs and their derivatives, the role of BAs and their metabolites in the differentiation and function of immune cells, and the effects of BAs and their metabolites on immune-associated disorders.
Targeting protein glycosylation to regulate inflammation in the respiratory tract: novel diagnostic and therapeutic candidates for chronic respiratory diseases
Authors: Xie Xiaofeng , Kong Siyuan , Cao Weiqian
Published: May 2023

Protein glycosylation is a widespread posttranslational modification that can impact the function of proteins. Dysregulated protein glycosylation has been linked to several diseases, including chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs). CRDs pose a significant public health threat globally, affecting the airways and other lung structures. Emerging researches suggest that glycosylation plays a significant role in regulating inflammation associated with CRDs. This review offers an overview of the abnormal glycoenzyme activity and corresponding glycosylation changes involved in various CRDs, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, cystic fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, and lung cancer. Additionally, this review summarizes recent advances in glycomics and glycoproteomics-based protein glycosylation analysis of CRDs. The potential of glycoenzymes and glycoproteins for clinical use in the diagnosis and treatment of CRDs is also discussed.
Adverse events with risankizumab in the real world: postmarketing pharmacovigilance assessment of the FDA adverse event reporting system
Authors: Shu Yamin , Chen Jing , Ding Yiling , Zhang Qilin
Published: May 2023

Background

Risankizumab, a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that selectively inhibits IL-23, is currently approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and Crohn’s disease. The real-world safety study of risankizumab in a large- sample population is currently lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate risankizumab-associated adverse events (AEs) and characterize the clinical priority through the data mining of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

Methods

Disproportionality analyses were performed by calculating the reporting odds ratios (RORs), deemed significant when the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval was greater than 1, to quantify the signals of risankizumab-related AEs from the second quarter (Q2) of 2019 to 2022 Q3. Serious and non-serious cases were compared, and signals were prioritized using a rating scale.

Results

Risankizumab was recorded in 10,235 reports, with 161 AEs associated with significant disproportionality. Of note, 37 PTs in at least 30 cases were classified as unexpected AEs, which were uncovered in the drug label, such as myocardial infarction, cataract, pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, stress, and nephrolithiasis. 74.68%, 25.32%, and 0% PTs were graded as weak, moderate, and strong clinical priorities, respectively. A total of 48 risankizumab-related AEs such as pneumonia, cerebrovascular accident, cataract, loss of consciousness, cardiac disorder, hepatic cirrhosis, and thrombosis, were more likely to be reported as serious AEs. The median TTO of moderate and weak signals related to risankizumab was 115 (IQR 16.75–305) and 124 (IQR 29–301) days, respectively. All of the disproportionality signals had early failure type features, indicating that risankizumab-associated AEs gradually decreased over time.

Conclusion

Our study found potential new AE signals and provided valuable evidence for clinicians to mitigate the risk of risankizumab-associated AEs based on an extensive analysis of a large-scale postmarketing international safety database.
Latroeggtoxin-VI protects nerve cells and prevents depression by inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway activation and excessive inflammation
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Zhai Yiwen , Lei Zhixiang , Chen Si , Sun Minglu , Yin Panfeng , Duan Zhigui , Wang Xianchun
Published: May 2023

Depression has a high incidence and seriously endangers human health. Accumulated evidence indicates that targeting neuroinflammation is a potential avenue for neuroprotection and thus depression prevention. Herein, the effects of latroeggtoxin-VI (LETX-VI), a bioactive protein from the eggs of spider Latrodectus tredecimguttatus, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and depression were systematically investigated using RAW264.7 macrophages and depression mouse model. Pretreatment with LETX-VI suppressed LPS-evoked NF-κB signaling pathway activation, inhibited LPS-induced over-production of NO, iNOS, IL-6 and TNF-α; at the same time LETX-VI mitigated the inhibitory effect of LPS on the expression of anti-inflammatory factors such as Arg-1, thereby suppressing oxidative stress and excessive inflammation. Culture of PC12 cells with the conditioned medium of RAW264.7 cells pretreated with LETX-VI demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of LETX-VI due to its anti-inflammation effect. In the LPS-induced depression mouse model, pretreatment with LETX-VI improved the LPS-induced depression-like behaviors, inhibited the activation of microglia and astrocytes, prevented the down-regulation of Nurr1 expression and alleviated the LPS-caused adverse changes in the brain tissues. Taken together, these in vitro and in vivo findings provide powerful insights into the anti-inflammation-based neuroprotective and antidepressant mechanisms of LETX-VI, which is helpful to deeply reveal the biological effects and potential applications of LETX-VI.
Temporal and spatial dynamics of the emerald ash borer invasion in Connecticut as shown by the native digging wasp Cerceris fumipennis (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae)
Authors: Rutledge Claire E. , Clark Robert E.
Published: May 2023

Detecting and monitoring populations of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) is crucial to successful management of the pest and evaluation of its ecological impacts. However, the beetle’s cryptic habit makes accurate monitoring costly and time-consuming. Biosurveillance takes advantage of the foraging effort of a predatory wasp Cerceris fumipennis (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae). This native, solitary, ground-nesting hunting wasp hunts adult buprestid beetles to provision its brood cells. By intercepting the hunting wasps, we can learn which species of buprestids are in the surrounding forest. The resulting data provides information on the presence and relative abundance of invasive buprestids like EAB which can supplement other monitoring efforts. In this paper we share results of ten years of biosurveillance surveys of the EAB in Connecticut. Among 112 sites, we observed EAB populations; from first detection, through the population peak and then through to the population crash, matching patterns observed in other regions of the United States. We also observed the spread of the EAB relative abundance as it moved through the state following an invasion front starting in New Haven, Co. The average time from first detection to population crash was nine years. On average, populations peaked three years after first detection, and remained at peak levels for three to four years. Population decline was gradual and took another three to four years. Notably, no evidence of a second introduction to Connecticut was seen with proportional abundance increasing over time after expanding outward from the introduction point. These results corroborate other traditional monitoring efforts in the eastern U.S. and provide independent validation of predicted population dynamics in ash stands.
Systematics of lionfishes (Scorpaenidae: Pteroini) using molecular and morphological data
Authors: Chou Tak-Kei , Liu Min-Yun , Liao Te-Yu
Published: May 2023

Lionfishes (tribe Pteroini) are eye-catching due to their distinct elongated fins and warning coloration. The monophyly of the Pteroini is supported by recent phylogenetic analyses. However, the interrelationships between inter- and intra-genera of the Pteroini are contentious. In this study, 5,335 bps of two mitochondrial and five nuclear genes were sequenced to reconstruct the phylogeny of lionfishes. Our analyses showed Dendrochirus and Pterois were both not monophyletic and divided into Dendrochirus I, II, and III clades (D. I, II, and III) and Pterois I and II clades (Pt. I and II), respectively. Pt. I was sister to the Pt. II + D. I clades. D. II was the sister group of the Ebosia + Parapterois clade. The D. III clade was at the base of the Pteroini, followed by the genus Brachypterois. Morphologically, we provided combinations of characters to distinguish all clades. According to the molecular and morphological data, we propose a revised taxonomy of the Pteroini. D. I and Pt. I hold the generic names of Dendrochirus and Pterois, respectively. Neochirus gen. n. is proposed as a new genus for the D. II clade. The genera PteropterusSwainson, 1839 and NemapteroisFowler, 1938 are revalidated for Pt. II and D. III, respectively.
Impact of vessel noise on feeding behavior and growth of zooplanktonic species
Authors: Aspirault Ariane , Winkler Gesche , Jolivet Aurélie , Audet Céline , Chauvaud Laurent , Juanes Francis , Olivier Frédéric , Tremblay Réjean
Published: May 2023

Anthropogenic noise is a pervasive feature of the coastal ocean soundscape and is intensifying as vessel traffic activity increases. Low-frequency sounds from wave action on coastal reefs or anthropogenic noise have been shown to initiate larval settlement of marine invertebrates and accelerate metamorphosis to juvenile stages. These results suggest that some planktonic species can perceive and be impacted by anthropogenic sound. Hence, we tested the hypothesis that vessel noise has an impact on the feeding behavior of blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) veligers and of the copepod Eurytemora herdmani as well as on the growth of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis. The results show that microalgae and feeding behavior of early life stages of mussels and copepods are not influenced by the presence of vessel noise. The growth of the rotifers was similar between the two sound treatments, but rotifers’ egg production in the absence of vessel noise was higher and eggs were also larger. Our results suggest that the effects of noise on plankton are complex; much more work is needed to unravel these often subtle effects.
Determination of gonad reproductive state using non-lethal ultrasonography in endangered black (Haliotis cracherodii) and white abalone (H. sorenseni)
Authors: Boles Sara E. , Rogers-Bennett Laura , Bragg Wendy K. , Bredvik-Curran Jessica , Graham Suzanne , Gross Jackson A.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Black (H. cracherodii) and white abalone (H. sorenseni) are federally listed as endangered species in the United States. Conservation efforts include captive breeding programs; however, determination of the reproductive state of individual abalone is notoriously difficult using traditional visual assessments. Ultrasonography is a well-recognized technology used to assess gonad reproductive condition accurately and nonlethally in cultured and wild fish, and more recently cultured red abalone (H. rufescens). Here, we implemented the use of ultrasound imaging technology to monitor the gonad condition of endangered black and white abalone.

Methods

Repeated ultrasound assessments of the gonad were used to assess seasonal changes in reproductive development in wild black (n=20), and captive white abalone (n=25).

Results

A modified ultrasound gonad index score was developed to incorporate multiple species of abalone. The ultrasound index scores ranged from one to five, with an index score of one being the lowest (gonad margin is thinly wrapped around the digestive gland or not present) and an index score of five being the highest (gonad margin is thick and significantly compressing the digestive gland).

Conclusion

We show that non-lethal ultrasound imaging technology is useful for tracking cyclical changes in the gonad reproductive condition as well as a more precise selection of individuals that are in peak reproductive condition for captive breeding programs.
Exploring modern bathymetry: A comprehensive review of data acquisition devices, model accuracy, and interpolation techniques for enhanced underwater mapping
Authors: Li Zhuoxiao , Peng Zitian , Zhang Zheng , Chu Yijie , Xu Chenhang , Yao Shanliang , García-Fernández Ángel F. , Zhu Xiaohui , Yue Yong , Levers Andrew , Zhang Jie , Ma Jieming
Published: May 2023

Building a high-precision bathymetry digital elevation model is essential for navigation planning, marine and lake resource planning, port construction, and underwater archaeological projects. However, existing bathymetry methods have yet to be effectively and comparatively analyzed. This paper comprehensively reviews state-of-the-art bathymetry methods, including data acquisition techniques, model accuracy, and interpolation algorithms for underwater terrain mapping. First, We assess the merits and drawbacks of novel data acquisition devices, such as single-beam/multi-beam echo sounders and light detection and ranging systems. After that, we analyze the accuracy of the ETOPO1, GEBCO_2022 and SRTM15 to provide valuable insights into their performance. Furthermore, we evaluate ANUDEM, Inverse Distance Weighting, Kriging and Nearest Neighbor interpolation algorithms in different underwater terrains by comparing their applicability, reliability, and accuracy in various underwater environments. Finally, we discuss the development trends and challenges in underwater bathymetry technology and offer a forward-looking perspective on the future of this essential field.
Glacial-interglacial changes in oceanic conditions and depositional process in the continental rise in response to ice sheet (shelf) variation in Bellingshausen Sea, Antarctica
Authors: Kim Sunghan , Bak Young-Suk , Prebble Joseph G. , Kang Myung-Il , Kim Sookwan , Park Jinku , Lee Min Kyung , Lee Jae Il , Yoo Kyu-Cheul , Moon Heung Soo
Published: May 2023

Antarctic continental margin sediments are eroded from the shelf and transported to the slope/rise in association with changing ice sheet configuration. Understanding the dynamics of this transport pathway is important for utilizing distal deep-sea sedimentary archives to determine past changes in the Antarctic ice sheet. However, these connections are poorly understood. Here we present multi-proxy records of two sediment cores (BS17-GC01 and BS17-GC02) from the Bellingshausen Sea continental rise, to explore relationships between depositional regime and ice sheet dynamics. Two cores show depositional/sedimentological variations on glacial-interglacial scales. Biogenic sediments were deposited during MIS 1, 5, and 7 under open ocean conditions. Glacial to deglacial sediments were laminated as a result of varying intensity of bottom currents. Terrestrially derived sediments are inferred to be transported from shelf both as grounded ice advanced during glacial expansion, and as ice retreated during deglacial periods. Sediment color shifted to brown after deglacial periods with high Mn/Ti and occurrence of bioturbation, indicating increasing bottom water oxygenation in the study area. Since surface water production started to increase from deglacial periods, we infer increased bottom water oxygenation in this setting is due to ventilation (i.e., Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) formation), implying that AABW formation was increased during interglacial periods from deglacial period whereas was decreased during glacial periods. Thus, sedimentary/depositional changes in BS17-GC01 and BS17-GC02 are closely linked to ice sheet dynamics during the late Quaternary.
The impact of internal solitary waves on deep-sea benthic organisms on the continental slope of the northern South China Sea
Authors: Feng Xuezhi , Wang Linsen , Ji Chunsheng , Wang Hui , Zhu Chaoqi , Jia Yonggang
Published: May 2023

Internal solitary waves (ISWs) exert a significant influence on the deep-sea floor, yet little research has been conducted on their impact on benthic organisms. The objective of this study was to investigate the propagation characteristics of ISWs on the Shenhu continental slope in the northern South China Sea, as well as their mechanisms of influence on benthic activity. In-situ observation was performed at the head of the Shenhu Canyon (water depth 655m) to determine the physical characteristics of ISWs and the changes in benthic organisms. The study revealed that the abundance and density of benthic organisms were positively correlated with the time and intensity of ISWs. The abundance of benthic organisms affected by ISWs is 3-5 times that without ISWs, and the density of benthic organisms is 3-9 times. The impact induced by ISWs, including resuspension of bottom sediments, formation of marine snow, changes in the bottom boundary layer environment, and vertical transfer of seawater environmental factors, played a crucial role in the impact on benthic activity. To our limited knowledge, this is the first in-situ long-term observation study on the effects of ISWs on deep-sea benthic organisms on the continental slope of the northern South China Sea deeper than 600m, providing new insights for exploring the environmental impact of ISWs on the deep-sea bottom boundary layer.
Evaluating the potential of geopolymer concrete as a sustainable alternative for thin white-topping pavement
Authors: S. Sathvik , Shakor Pshtiwan , Hasan Sarwar , Awuzie Bankole Osita , Singh Atul Kumar , Rauniyar Abishek , Karakouzian Moses
Published: May 2023

Introduction: The construction industry uses a large quantity of natural materials in the production of concrete. Although attempts to incorporate green materials in concrete began years ago, not every building uses such materials today, and roadways, particularly, still rely on unsustainable materials.

Methods: Therefore, this study used alternative materials, including fly ash, manufactured sand aggregates, and different molarities of alkaline activators, to incorporate waste byproducts in a geopolymer concrete white-topping pavement layer. Recent developments have led to the emergence of geopolymers as distinct classes of materials. In the 1990s, fly ash-based geopolymers became more popular than other kinds, as they are more efficient compared to Portland cement concrete.

Results: Aluminosilicate gel can be obtained by combining fly ash and alkaline solution. A comprehensive literature review of geopolymer concrete was performed in this study. It examines its critical design parameters, including alkaline solutions, curing temperatures, curing methods, workability, and compressive strength under various environmental conditions. This review provides a unique opportunity for researchers to understand how geopolymer concrete performs.

Discussion: A range of conditions were investigated to determine how to enhance and use this material in a variety of ways. The fresh characteristics of different mixes were studied using slump and Vee-Bee tests, and the characteristics of the cured concrete mixes were determined using flexural, compressive, and flexural fatigue tests. The results indicated that the use of manufactured sand and fly ash with high-molarity alkaline activators results in a geopolymer concrete with an excellent maximum resistance of 5.1 N/mm2 workability, strength, and fatigue properties, making it suitable for use in roadway pavement.