bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significant Succession of Intestinal Bacterial Community and Function During the Initial 72 Hours of Acute Pancreatitis in Rats
Authors: Liu Jinbo , Luo Ming , Qin Shu , Li Bo , Huang Lin , Xia Xianming
Published: April 2022

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is followed by structural and functional changes in the intestine, resulting from microbiome dysbiosis. However, it remains unclear how gut microbiome changes within the initial 72h of onset. In this study, severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), mild acute pancreatitis (MAP), and sham operation (SO) were replicated in rat models. 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was used to explore the gut bacteria community. The predicted Cluster of Orthologous Genes (COG) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathways were associated with the 16S rRNA profiles. Compared to the SO group, significant community succession was found during the initial 72h in AP group. At 72 h after AP induction, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratios were significantly different, with the highest ratio in SAP group and the lowest in MAP group. Lactobacillus was the most abundant genus, but it nearly disappeared in SAP rats at 72 h. Clostridiaceae 1 and Clostridium sensu stricto 1 were significantly enriched in AP group. Bacteroidales S24-7 and Bacteroidales S24-7 group norank were enriched in MAP group, while Collinsella, Morganella, and Blautia were enriched in SAP group. Lactobacillus was significantly correlated with nine COGs. Nine COGs showed significant differences between AP group and SO group. Moreover, four COGs showed significant differences between the MAP and SAP groups. KEGG Level_3 pathways propanoate metabolism (Ko00640) in AP group was significantly higher than that in SO group. The aspartate‒ammonia ligase and four KEGG orthology terms of the AP group were lower than that in the SO group, respectively. All these results suggest that the intestinal bacterial community structure and function was changed during the initial 72h in AP rats. The intestinal F/B ratio and the relative abundance of Lactobacillus could be potential markers for early diagnosis of MAP and SAP. The genus Clostridium sensu stricto 1 was the most enriched genus in AP, and may be an important marker for AP.
A Dual Role of Complement Activation in the Development of Fulminant Hepatic Failure Induced by Murine-Beta-Coronavirus Infection
Authors: Fang Yingying , Guo Yan , Gao Tongtong , Han Xuelian , Jiang Yuting , Li Min , Xue Wei , Yang Binhui , Cui Yujun , Sun Shihui , Zhao Guangyu
Published: April 2022

With the epidemic of betacoronavirus increasing frequently, it poses a great threat to human public health. Therefore, the research on the pathogenic mechanism of betacoronavirus is becoming greatly important. Murine hepatitis virus strain-3 (MHV-3) is a strain of betacoronavirus which cause tissue damage especially fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) in mice, and is commonly used to establish models of acute liver injury. Recently, MHV-3-infected mice have also been introduced to a mouse model of COVID-19 that does not require a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) facility. FHF induced by MHV-3 is a type of severe liver damage imbalanced by regenerative hepatocellular activity, which is related to numerous factors. The complement system plays an important role in host defense and inflammation and is involved in first-line immunity and/or pathogenesis of severe organ disorders. In this study, we investigated the role of aberrant complement activation in MHV-3 infection-induced FHF by strategies that use C3-deficient mice and intervene in the complement system. Our results showed that mice deficient in C3 had more severe liver damage, a higher viral load in the liver and higher serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines than wild-type controls. Treatment of C57BL/6 mice with C3aR antagonist or anti-C5aR antibody reduced liver damage, viral load, and serum IFN-γ concentration compared with the control group. These findings indicated that complement system acts as a double-edged sword during acute MHV-3 infection. However, its dysregulated activation leads to sustained inflammatory responses and induces extensive liver damage. Collectively, by investigating the role of complement activation in MHV-3 infection, we can further understand the pathogenic mechanism of betacoronavirus, and appropriate regulation of immune responses by fine-tuning complement activation may be an intervention for the treatment of diseases induced by betacoronavirus infection.
Undertreatment or Overtreatment With Statins: Where Are We?
Authors: García-Fernández-Bravo Irene , Torres-Do-Rego Ana , López-Farré Antonio , Galeano-Valle Francisco , Demelo-Rodriguez Pablo , Alvarez-Sala-Walther Luis A.
Published: April 2022

Statins, in addition to healthy lifestyle interventions, are the cornerstone of lipid-lowering therapy. Other low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-lowering drugs include ezetimibe, bile acid sequestrants, and PCSK9 inhibitors. As new evidence emerges from new clinical trials, therapeutic goals change, leading to renewed clinical guidelines. Nowadays, LDL goals are getting lower, leading to the “lower is better” paradigm in LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) management. Several observational studies have shown that LDL-C control in real life is suboptimal in both primary and secondary preventions. It is critical to enhance the adherence to guideline recommendations through shared decision-making between clinicians and patients, with patient engagement in selecting interventions based on individual values, preferences, and associated conditions and comorbidities. This narrative review summarizes the evidence regarding the benefits of lipid-lowering drugs in reducing cardiovascular events, the pleiotropic effect of statins, real-world data on overtreatment and undertreatment of lipid-lowering therapies, and the changing LDL-C in targets in the clinical guidelines of dyslipidemias over the years.
Is Thoracic Aortic Diameter an Independent Predictor of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality? A Narrative Review
Authors: Tadic Marijana , Gherbesi Elisa , Sala Carla , Carugo Stefano , Cuspidi Cesare
Published: April 2022

Subclinical alterations in cardiac structure and function include a variety of abnormal phenotypes of recognized adverse prognostic values, such as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), concentric remodeling, systolic/diastolic dysfunction, left atrial dilatation, and alterations of LV geometry. The excess cardiovascular risk associated with these markers has been documented in multiple clinical settings, such as the general population, hypertensive cohorts, patients with coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. On the contrary, the value of aortic root (AR) and ascending aortic diameter in predicting cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause mortality in populations free from overt aortic pathology is still debated. The present review, aimed at pointing out the prognostic implications of thoracic aortic dimensions in populations free from known connective and aortic diseases, suggests that available evidence supporting an association between aortic diameter and cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality is based on the limited number of studies, conducted with different imaging techniques and definition of the aortic phenotype.
The Relationship Between Short-Term Mean Arterial Pressure Variability and Mortality in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Hou Chenwei , Wang Xin , Li Yakun , Hei Feilong
Published: April 2022

Background

Increased or decreased blood pressure variability may affect the perfusion of tissues and organs, leading to acute kidney injury and death. This study was conducted to explore the relationship between mean arterial pressure variability and short- and long-term mortality in critically ill patients.

Methods

We used patient data from the MIMIC-III database for cohort study. According to the recorded mean arterial pressure during the first 24 h in the intensive care unit, we calculated each patient’s two variability parameters –coefficient of variation and average real variability. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality and the secondary outcomes were 28-day mortality and 1-year mortality. We conducted smooth spline models to examine the possible nonlinear associations between blood pressure variability and mortality. According to the smoothing curve, we further developed a two-piecewise linear regression model to find out the threshold effect. Multivariable logistic regression or Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the relationship. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis for 28-day and 1-year mortality was performed. Subgroup analysis explored the factors modifying the relationship between them.

Results

A total of 12,867 patients were enrolled in the study, 1,320 in-hospital death, 1,399 28-day death, and 2,734 1-year death occurred. The smooth spline showed death risk was the lowest when average real variability was around 7.2 mmHg. After adjusting for covariates, logistic or Cox regression showed the highest MAP variability level was strongly associated with increased mortality in the hospital (odds ratio: 1.44; 95% CI, 1.21∼1.72), at 28 days (hazard ratio: 1.28; 95% CI, 1.1∼1.5), and at 1 year (hazard ratio: 1.27; 95% CI, 1.14∼1.42) compared with the second level of average real variability group. The survival curve plot showed patients with higher average real variability had a higher risk of 28-day and 1-year mortality. This relationship remained remarkable in patients with low or high Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores in the sensitivity analysis. The two-piecewise linear regression model showed that lower ARV was a risk factor for 28-day (HR 0.72, 95% CI, 0.57∼0.91) and 1-year mortality (HR 0.81, 95% CI, 0.68∼0.96) when ARV was less than 7.2 mmHg, higher ARV was a risk factor for 28-day mortality (HR 1.1, 95% CI, 1.04∼1.17) and 1-year mortality (HR 1.07, 95% CI, 1.02∼1.12) when ARV was greater than 7.2 mmHg.

Conclusion

Blood pressure variability predicts mortality in critically ill patients. Individuals with higher or lower mean arterial pressure average real variability during the first day in ICU may have an increased risk of death.
Clinical and Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Predictors of Early and Long-Term Clinical Outcome in Acute Myocarditis
Authors: Bohbot Yohann , Garot Jérôme , Hovasse Thomas , Unterseeh Thierry , Di Lena Chloé , Boukefoussa Wahiba , Tawa Chloé , Renard Cédric , Limouzineau Isabelle , Duhamel Suzanne , Garot Philippe , Tribouilloy Christophe , Sanguineti Francesca
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The natural history of acute myocarditis (AM) remains partially unknown and predictors of outcome are debated. We sought to assess the impact of various cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) parameters on early and long-term prognosis in a population of patients with AM.

Materials and Methods

In a two-center longitudinal study, we included consecutive patients with diagnosis of AM based on CMR and without hemodynamic compromise. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of an event in the acute phase (≤15 days). Secondary endpoints were the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and recurrence of AM during follow-up.

Results

Three hundred and eighty-eight patients were included [mean age 38.5 years, 77.3% male, mean ejection fraction (EF):56%] of which 82% (317) presented with chest pain. CMR was performed 4 ± 2 days after index presentation. Overall, 38 patients (9.8%) had an event at the acute phase, 41 (10.6%) presented at least one MACE during follow-up (median 7.5 years, 6.6–8.9) and 30 (7.7%) experienced a recurrence of AM. By multivariate analysis, the independent predictors of initial complications were absence of chest pain (OR [95%CI] = 0.35 [0.15–0.82]), presence of syncope/pre-syncope (OR [95%CI] = 3.56 [1.26–10.02]), lower EF (OR [95%CI] = 0.94 [0.91–0.98] per%), myocardial extent of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) (OR [95%CI] = 1.05 [1.002–1.100] per%) and absence of edema (OR [95%CI] = 0.44 [0.19–0.97]). Only age (HR [95%CI] = 1.021 [1.001–1.041] per year) and an initial alteration of EF (HR [95%CI] = 0.94 [0.91–0.97] per%) were associated with MACE during follow-up. Factors independently associated with AM recurrence were myocarditis prior to the index episodes (HR [95%CI] = 5.74 [1.72–19.22]) and viral syndrome at the index episode (HR [95%CI] = 4.21 [1.91–9.28]).

Conclusion

In routine consecutive hemodynamically stable patients with diagnosis of AM based on CMR, absence of edema, reduced EF, and extent of LGE were associated with early adverse outcome. Only age and EF were associated with long-term events.
The Causal Fairness Field Guide: Perspectives From Social and Formal Sciences
Authors: Carey Alycia N. , Wu Xintao
Published: April 2022

Over the past several years, multiple different methods to measure the causal fairness of machine learning models have been proposed. However, despite the growing number of publications and implementations, there is still a critical lack of literature that explains the interplay of causality-based fairness notions with the social sciences of philosophy, sociology, and law. We hope to remedy this issue by accumulating and expounding upon the thoughts and discussions of causality-based fairness notions produced by both social and formal (specifically machine learning) sciences in this field guide. In addition to giving the mathematical backgrounds of several popular causality-based fair machine learning notions, we explain their connection to and interplay with the fields of philosophy and law. Further, we explore several criticisms of the current approaches to causality-based fair machine learning from a sociological viewpoint as well as from a technical standpoint. It is our hope that this field guide will help fair machine learning practitioners better understand how their causality-based fairness notions align with important humanistic values (such as fairness) and how we can, as a field, design methods and metrics to better serve oppressed and marginalized populaces.
Determining the Critical Slip Surface of Slope by Vector Sum Method Based on Strength Reduction Definition
Authors: Guo Mingwei , Li Jiahang , Dong Xuechao
Published: April 2022

Slope-stability assessment involves the location of the critical slip surface and the corresponding factor of safety (FOS). Considering force-vector characteristics, the vector sum method was further studied based on the strength reduction definition of the FOS and stress field of slope, and the FOS can be calculated directly by the force limit equilibrium equation on the global sliding direction of the slope. For the sliding direction, it is rigidly proved to be determined only by the sliding shear stress along the slip surface based on the principle of minimum potential energy. Then, two examples with fixed slip surfaces were analyzed and the results were compared with the rigorous Morgenstern–Price method. Finally, two examples from the literature are investigated for searching the critical slip surface using the proposed method and a real-coded genetic algorithm. The calculated results revealed the rationality of the proposed method for both fixed slip surfaces and critical slip surfaces from the literatures in slope stability assessment. This proposed method provides a new path to assess the slope stability, which is worth to be further studied in practical engineering.
The Impact of Ice Caps on the Mechanical Stability of Magmatic Systems: Implications for Forecasting on Human Timescales
Authors: Lucas Lilian C. , Albright John A. , Gregg Patricia M. , Zhan Yan
Published: April 2022

Monitoring the activity of subglacial volcanoes along the Aleutian Arc in Alaska is important to the safety of local populations, as well as air traffic flying through the region. However, observations of volcanic unrest are limited by accessibility and resources, particularly at glacier-covered systems, making investigations of their stability challenging. Westdahl Peak, a subglacial volcano on Unimak Island in the Aleutian Arc has experienced significant unrest and uplift since its most recent VEI three eruption in 1991-1992. Given the magnitude of observed uplift, previous investigations suggested the potential for eruption by 2010, but no such event has occurred. One hypothesis to explain this prolonged unrest is that the 1-km thick glacier may increase the stability of the magma system. However, the impact of ice caps and glaciers on the short-term stability of volcanoes is not well understood. In this study, thermomechanical finite element models are used to evaluate how the stability of a glaciated volcano is impacted by variations in ice cap thickness, magma chamber depth, geometry, magma flux rate, and seasonal changes in ice cover thickness. Our numerical experiments indicate that the presence of an ice cap (1–3 km thick) increases the average repose interval for a magma system. Among models with different magma chamber geometries, depths, and flux rates, the greatest increases in repose interval are observed in prolate systems where the increase is up to 57% for a chamber located at 5 km-depth. Spherical and oblate also experience smaller, yet significant, increases in repose interval. Additionally, the percentage increase in repose interval is not impacted by variations in magma flux rate for a given ice cap thickness and magma chamber geometry. However, flux rates do influence the timing of eruptions when the system is experiencing seasonal variations in ice thickness. Our results show that systems with low flux rates are more likely to fail when the ice thickness is at its lowest. The numerical estimates further suggest that the ice cap on Westdahl Peak, which is ∼1 km, may slightly increase the stability of the magma system. In general, given flux rates and magma chamber geometries estimated for the Westdahl system, the repose interval can increase by ∼7 years due to the Westdahl glacier. This increase is small on a geologic scale but is significant on human time scales and the impact of glaciers must be considered in future forecasting efforts.
Association Between Long-Term HbA1c Variability and Functional Limitation in Individuals Aged Over 50 Years: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Shao Di , Wang Shuang-Shuang , Sun Ji-Wei , Wang Hai-Peng , Sun Qiang
Published: April 2022

Background

As mean HbA1c provides incomplete information regarding glycemic variability, there has been considerable interest in the emerging association between glycemic variability and macrovascular events and with microvascular complications and mortality in adults with and without diabetes. However, the association between long-term glycemic variability, represented by visit-to-visit HbA1c variability, and functional limitations has not been clarified in previous literature. The present study aimed to explore the longitudinal association between long-term glycemic variability, represented by visit-to-visit HbA1c variability and functional limitations.

Methods

This cohort study included adults aged over 50 years who participated in the 2006 to 2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Physical functions, including mobility, large muscle function, activities of daily living (ADLs), and instrumental ADLs (IADLs), were assessed at baseline and every 2 years, and HbA1c levels were assessed at baseline and every 4 years. Visit-to-visit HbA1c variability was calculated using the HbA1c variability score (HVS) during the follow-up period. Generalized estimating equation models were used to evaluate the longitudinal association between HbA1c variability and functional limitations with adjustment for a series of confounders.

Results

A total of 5,544 participants having three HbA1c measurements from 2006 to 2016, having two or more physical function measures (including one at baseline), and age over 50 years were included in this analysis. The mean age at baseline was 66.13 ± 8.39 years. A total of 916 (16.5%) participants had an HVS = 100, and 35.1% had an HVS = 50. The highest HVS category (HVS =100) was associated with increased functional status score (β = 0.093, 95% CI: 0.021–0.165) in comparison with the lowest HVS category (HVS = 0). Sensitivity analyses using the CV and SD of HbA1c as measures of variability showed similar associations between HbA1c variability and functional limitation. An incremental increase in HbA1c-CV (β = 0.630, 95% CI: 0.127–1.132) or HbA1c-SD (β = 0.078, 95% CI: 0.006–0.150) was associated with an increase in functional limitation in the fully adjusted model.

Conclusions

HbA1c variability was associated with heightened difficulty in performing functional activities over time after adjusting for mean HbA1c levels and multiple demographics and comorbidities. This study provides further evidence regarding the detrimental effect of HbA1c variability and highlights the significance of steady glycemic control.
A Randomized Controlled Phase 3 Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone in Children With Idiopathic Short Stature
Authors: Yuan Jinna , Fu Junfen , Wei Haiyan , Zhang Gaixiu , Xiao Yanfeng , Du Hongwei , Gu Wei , Li Yanhong , Chen Linqi , Luo Feihong , Zhong Yan , Gong Haihong
Published: April 2022

Background

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of daily somatropin (Jintropin®), a recombinant human growth hormone, in prepubertal children with ISS in China.

Methods

This study was a multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label, phase 3 study. All subjects were randomized 3:1 to daily somatropin 0.05 mg/kg/day or no treatment for 52 weeks. A total of 481 subjects with a mean baseline age of 5.8 years were enrolled in the study. The primary endpoint was change in (△) height standard deviation score (HT-SDS) for chronological age (CA). Secondary endpoints included △height from baseline; △bone age (BA)/CA; △height velocity (HV) and △insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1 SDS).

Results

△HT-SDS at week 52 was 1.04 ± 0.31 in the treatment group and 0.20 ± 0.33 in the control group (P < 0.001). At week 52, statistical significance was observed in the treatment group compared with control for △height (10.19 ± 1.47 cm vs. 5.85 ± 1.80 cm; P < 0.001), △BA/CA (0.04 ± 0.09 vs. 0.004 ± 0.01; P < 0.001), △HV (5.17 ± 3.70 cm/year vs. 0.75 ± 4.34 cm/year; P < 0.001), and △IGF-1 SDS (2.31 ± 1.20 vs. 0.22 ± 0.98; P < 0.001). The frequencies of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were similar for the treatment and the control groups (89.8% vs. 82.4%); most TEAEs were mild to moderate in severity and 23 AEs were considered study-drug related.

Conclusions

Daily subcutaneous administration of somatropin at 0.05 mg/kg/day for 52 weeks demonstrated improvement in growth outcomes and was well tolerated with a favorable safety profile.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT03635580). URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03635580
Is There a Role for Diabetes-Specific Nutrition Formulas as Meal Replacements in Type 2 Diabetes?
Authors: Noronha Jarvis C. , Mechanick Jeffrey I.
Published: April 2022

Nutrition therapy plays an integral role in the prevention and management of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). A potential strategy is the utilization of diabetes-specific nutrition formulas (DSNFs) as meal replacements. In this article, we distinguish DSNFs from standard nutrition formulas, review the clinical data examining the effectiveness of DSNFs, and propose an evidence-based algorithm for incorporating DSNFs as part of nutrition therapy in T2D. DSNFs contain slowly-digestible carbohydrates, healthy fats (e.g., monounsaturated fatty acids), and specific micronutrients, which provide added benefits over standard nutrition formulas. In short- and long-term clinical trials, DSNFs demonstrate improvements in postprandial glycemic responses translating into sustainable benefits in long-term glycemic control (e.g., hemoglobin A1c and glycemic variability) and various cardiometabolic outcomes. To facilitate the delivery of DSNFs in a clinical setting, the transcultural diabetes nutrition algorithm can be utilized based on body weight (underweight, normal weight, or overweight) and level of glycemic control (controlled or uncontrolled).
Investigating the Use of C/SiC Ceramic Composites in an Innovative Light-Water Reactor Core Grouping Catcher
Authors: Han Xu , Zhang Litong , Xing Ji , Ma Weimin , Yuan Yidan , Wang Haoxuan , Wang Yiguang , Zeng Xiao
Published: April 2022

China Nuclear Power Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, and Beijing Institute of Technology have undertaken a joint research work with the goal of developing corium retention containers for use in an innovative light-water reactor core grouping catcher (CGC). In Serious Accidents (SAs), the corium will be retained in the C/SiC ceramic composite spherical shell container and thrown into the pool for passive cooling. In order to investigate the capability of the C/SiC ceramic composites to withstand the high temperature of 1800°C and the huge thermal shock at the initial stage of cooling, in this work, the high-temperature performance of these composites is studied. Furthermore, the compatibility of these composites with corium is investigated, and a retention container design prototype is proposed. The thermal conductivity, thermal expansion coefficient, high-temperature tensile strength, and thermal shock resistance of the candidate C/SiC specimens to be used in the manufacturing of the detention container are measured. The FactSage software package is used for the chemical compatibility study and product composition analysis of the composite SiC deposition layer and corium. The corrosion process of the SiC deposition layer of the composite material caused by corium is investigated through high-temperature corrosion tests and the electron microscopy analysis of the SiC specimen with the incorporation of CeO2. The results show that the C/SiC ceramic composite can meet the design criteria of the CGC corium retention container, and it is impossible to cause a carbon reaction disaster through the failure of the composite SiC deposition layer.
Forecasting of Wind Speed Using an Interval-Based Least Square Method
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Albassam Mohammed
Published: April 2022

A new least square method (LSM) for time series analysis under indeterminacy is proposed in this work. The proposed LSM under indeterminacy is known as the neutrosophic least square method (NLSM). The NLSM is proposed to forecast wind speed when data are in the interval. The trended line under indeterminacy is introduced and applied using wind speed data. The time series plots under neutrosophic statistics are given. A comparative study shows that the proposed NLSM is more efficient and informative to apply for the forecasting of wind speed.
The Power of Civilization: The Role of Civilized Cities in Corporate ESG Performance
Authors: Qi Zhenyu , Zhang Enqi , Wang Chuncao , Liu Wei
Published: April 2022

Civilization usually has a societal impact that is created by well-integrated members of society. The present study argues that government-led construction of a national civilized city encourages enterprises to assume more ESG investments, including social and environmental practices. Based on panel data of Chinese listed firms, we found that if the firm’s residence is rated as a national civilized city, the corporate ESG performance improves. This effect is only significant for environmental practices, which are easily quantified and of high concern for the government. In addition, this positive effect is only significant in state-owned firms with a close relationship with the government. We also found that the spotlight effect of the media is an essential guarantee for civilized city policies to improve corporate ESG performance. This study confirms the role of government-led civilized city construction as a soft restraint mechanism in enhancing corporate environmental practices, but also found that there is insufficient motivation for other social responsibilities. These findings expand research on the influencing factors of corporate ESG performance.
Protective Efficiency of Railway Arbor-Shrub Windbreak Forest Belts in Gobi Regions: Numerical Simulation and Wind Tunnel Tests
Authors: Zhang Kai , Qu Jianjun , Zhang Xingxin , Zhao Liming , Li Sheng
Published: April 2022

The railways in the Gobi area have serious sand hazards. To prevent these hazards and ensure operational safety, plant-based sand prevention is a fundamental measure for the prevention and control of railway wind-sand hazards. This study considers the protective windbreak forest belts along the Lan-Xin Railway, Northwest China as the study area and evaluates its protective benefits from the perspectives of windproof efficiency and sand control efficiency using numerical simulations and wind tunnel testing. Our results show that the disrupting effect of the three shelterbelt rows on the airflow was significantly enhanced, and the wind velocity profile began to change at 2H. As the airflow continued to move forward, the wind velocity profile gradually deviated from the logarithmic law, and an obvious turning point appeared at 13H behind the forest belt. Under different incoming wind velocities, the maximum wind protection efficiency of the three shelterbelt rows appeared at 5H on the leeward side. The maximum wind protection efficiencies in the numerical simulation were 95.1, 90.4, and 88.6%, respectively. The minimum value appeared at 15H on the leeward side, and the minimum wind protection efficiencies were 58.3, 53.1, and 47.1%, respectively. The maximum wind protection efficiencies in the tunnel test were 94.3, 90.1, and 86.5%, and the minimum value appeared at 15H on the leeward side. As the wind velocity increased, the efficiency of wind protection tended to decrease. The sand control efficiencies of the shelterbelt were 93.8, 91.6, and 88.1%, and as the wind velocity increased, the sand control efficiency continued to decrease. In general, the forest belt had a significant effect on reducing the sand flux density, especially below the forest belt height, which can effectively control the wind and sand disasters in some Gobi areas along the Lan-Xin Railway.
Interactions With Plant Defences Isolate Sympatric Populations of an Herbivorous Mite
Authors: Villacis-Perez Ernesto , Alba Juan Manuel , Cotte Julien , van Loon Zeno , Breeuwer Johannes A. J. , Van Leeuwen Thomas
Published: April 2022

Host plant specialisation can promote evolutionary divergence between herbivore populations associated with different plant species. While the mechanisms by which specialist species exploit their hosts have been studied widely across taxa, less is known about the mechanisms that allow intraspecific variants to arise and to be maintained across spatial and temporal scales. To understand whether adaptations to plant defences against herbivory contribute to the co-existence of genetically distinct populations of an herbivore, we investigate the interaction between honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) and sympatric specialist and generalist populations of the spider miteTetranychus urticae. We found that mite folivory induces the production of sticky droplets on honeysuckle, which have a defensive role: they increase mite mortality directly, and potentially indirectly by increasing the arrestment of a predator. We show that droplet induction and the preference to feed on honeysuckle depend on mite genotype, where the generalist avoids this host and the specialist suppresses droplet production. These traits are heritable and dominant in F1 hybrids between generalists and specialists. Selection pressure from honeysuckle and differences in host preference likely reduce the opportunity of mating encounters on this host. We propose that the interplay between selection from host plant defences and ecological barriers to hybridisation contribute to the persistence of genetically distinct populations of a single species in sympatry.
Aeroscapes and the Sensory Ecology of Olfaction in a Tropical Dry Forest
Authors: DePasquale Allegra , Hogan Jeremy D. , Guadamuz Araya Christopher , Dominy Nathaniel J. , Melin Amanda D.
Published: April 2022

Aeroscapes—dynamic patterns of air speed and direction—form a critical component of landscape ecology by shaping numerous animal behaviors, including movement, foraging, and social and/or reproductive interactions. Aeroecology is particularly critical for sensory ecology: air is the medium through which many sensory signals and cues propagate, inherently linking sensory perception to variables such as air speed and turbulence. Yet, aeroscapes are seldom explicitly considered in studies of sensory ecology and evolution. A key first step towards this goal is to describe the aeroscapes of habitats. Here, we quantify the variation in air movement in two successional stages (early and late) of a tropical dry forest in Costa Rica. We recorded air speeds every 10 seconds at five different heights simultaneously. Average air speeds and turbulence increased with height above the ground, generally peaked midday, and were higher overall at the early successional forest site. These patterns of lower air speed and turbulence at ground level and overnight have important implications for olfactory foraging niches, as chemotaxis is most reliable when air movement is low and steady. We discuss our results in the context of possible selective pressures and observed variation in the foraging ecology, behaviors, and associated morphologies of resident vertebrates, with a focus on mammals. However, these data also have relevance to researchers studying socioecology, invertebrate biology, plant evolution, community ecology and more. Further investigation into how animals use different forest types, canopy heights and partition activities across different times of day will further inform our understanding of how landscape and sensory ecology are interrelated. Finally, we emphasize the timeliness of monitoring aeroecology as global wind patterns shift with climate change and human disturbance alters forest structure, which may have important downstream consequences for biological conservation.
Traces of Genetic but Not Epigenetic Adaptation in the Invasive Goldenrod Solidago canadensis Despite the Absence of Population Structure
Authors: Eckert Silvia , Herden Jasmin , Stift Marc , Durka Walter , van Kleunen Mark , Joshi Jasmin
Published: April 2022

Biological invasions may result from multiple introductions, which might compensate for reduced gene pools caused by bottleneck events, but could also dilute adaptive processes. A previous common-garden experiment showed heritable latitudinal clines in fitness-related traits in the invasive goldenrod Solidago canadensis in Central Europe. These latitudinal clines remained stable even in plants chemically treated with zebularine to reduce epigenetic variation. However, despite the heritability of traits investigated, genetic isolation-by-distance was non-significant. Utilizing the same specimens, we applied a molecular analysis of (epi)genetic differentiation with standard and methylation-sensitive (MSAP) AFLPs. We tested whether this variation was spatially structured among populations and whether zebularine had altered epigenetic variation. Additionally, we used genome scans to mine for putative outlier loci susceptible to selection processes in the invaded range. Despite the absence of isolation-by-distance, we found spatial genetic neighborhoods among populations and two AFLP clusters differentiating northern and southern Solidago populations. Genetic and epigenetic diversity were significantly correlated, but not linked to phenotypic variation. Hence, no spatial epigenetic patterns were detected along the latitudinal gradient sampled. Applying genome-scan approaches (BAYESCAN, BAYESCENV, RDA, and LFMM), we found 51 genetic and epigenetic loci putatively responding to selection. One of these genetic loci was significantly more frequent in populations at the northern range. Also, one epigenetic locus was more frequent in populations in the southern range, but this pattern was lost under zebularine treatment. Our results point to some genetic, but not epigenetic adaptation processes along a large-scale latitudinal gradient of S. canadensis in its invasive range.
Rapid Generation of TCR and CD8αβ Transgenic Virus Specific T Cells for Immunotherapy of Leukemia
Authors: Bajwa Gagan , Arber Caroline
Published: April 2022

Background

Virus-specific T cells (VSTs) are an attractive cell therapy platform for the delivery of tumor-targeted transgenic receptors. However, manufacturing with conventional methods may require several weeks and intensive handling. Here we evaluated the feasibility and timelines when combining IFN-γ cytokine capture (CC) with retroviral transduction for the generation of T cell receptor (TCR) and CD8αβ (TCR8) transgenic VSTs to simultaneously target several viral and tumor antigens in a single product.

Methods

Healthy donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr-Virus (EBV) peptide mixtures derived from immunogenic viral proteins, followed by CC bead selection. After 3 days in culture, cells were transduced with a retroviral vector encoding four genes (a survivin-specific αβTCR and CD8αβ). TCR8-transgenic or control VSTs were expanded and characterized for their phenotype, specificity and anti-viral and anti-tumor functions.

Results

CC selected cells were efficiently transduced with TCR8. Average fold expansion was 269-fold in 10 days, and cells contained a high proportion of CD8+ T central memory cells. TCR8+ VSTs simultaneously expressed native anti-viral and transgenic anti-survivin TCRs on their cell surface. Both control and TCR8+ VSTs produced cytokines to and killed viral targets, while tumor targets were only recognized and killed by TCR8+ VSTs.

Conclusions

IFN-γ cytokine capture selects and activates CMV and EBV-specific memory precursor CD8+ T cells that can be efficiently gene-modified by retroviral transduction and rapidly ex vivo expanded. Our multi-specific T cells are polyfunctional and recognize and kill viral and leukemic targets expressing the cognate antigens.
The Influence of Genetic and Environmental Factors and Their Interactions on Immune Response to Helminth Infections
Authors: Oyesola Oyebola O. , Souza Camila Oliveira Silva , Loke P’ng
Published: April 2022

Helminth infection currently affect over 2 billion people worldwide, with those with the most pathologies and morbidities, living in regions with unequal and disproportionate access to effective healthcare solutions. Host genetics and environmental factors play critical roles in modulating and regulating immune responses following exposure to various pathogens and insults. However, the interplay of environment and genetic factors in influencing who gets infected and the establishment, persistence, and clearance of helminth parasites remains unclear. Inbred strains of mice have long been used to investigate the role of host genetic factors on pathogenesis and resistance to helminth infection in a laboratory setting. This review will discuss the use of ecological and environmental mouse models to study helminth infections and how this could be used in combination with host genetic variation to explore the relative contribution of these factors in influencing immune response to helminth infections. Improved understanding of interactions between genetics and the environment to helminth immune responses would be important for efforts to identify and develop new prophylactic and therapeutic options for the management of helminth infections and their pathogenesis.
Reactive Oxygen Species Induce Fatty Liver and Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Promoting Inflammation and Cell Death
Authors: Tang Shen-ping , Mao Xin-li , Chen Ya-hong , Yan Ling-ling , Ye Li-ping , Li Shao-wei
Published: April 2022

Liver transplantation is the ultimate method for treating end-stage liver disease. With the increasing prevalence of obesity, the number of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver, a common cause of chronic liver disease, is on the rise and may become the main cause of liver transplantation in the future. With the increasing gap between the number of donor livers and patients waiting for liver transplantation and the increasing prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver, the proportion of steatosis livers among non-standard donor organs is also increasing. Ischemia-reperfusion injury has historically been the focus of attention in the liver transplantation process, and severe ischemia-reperfusion injury leads to adverse outcomes of liver transplantation. Studies have shown that the production of reactive oxygen species and subsequent oxidative stress play a key role in the pathogenesis of hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury and non-alcoholic fatty liver. Furthermore, the sensitivity of fatty liver transplantation to ischemia-reperfusion injury has been suggested to be related to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress. In ischemia-reperfusion injury, Kupffer cell and macrophage activation along with mitochondrial damage and the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system promote marked reactive oxygen species production and the inflammatory response and apoptosis, resulting in liver tissue injury. The increased levels of ROS and lipid peroxidation products, vicious circle of ROS and oxidative stress along with mitochondrial dysfunction promoted the progress of non-alcoholic fatty liver. In contrast to the non-fatty liver, a non-alcoholic fatty liver produces more reactive oxygen species and suffers more serious oxidative stress when subjected to ischemia-reperfusion injury. We herein review the effects of reactive oxygen species on ischemia-reperfusion injury and non-alcoholic fatty liver injury as well as highlight several treatment approaches.
Functional and Pathogenic Roles of Retroviral Antisense Transcripts
Authors: Toyoda Kosuke , Matsuoka Masao
Published: April 2022

Exogenous retroviruses such as human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and bovine leukemia virus (BLV) can cause various diseases including immunodeficiency, inflammatory diseases and hematologic malignancies. These retroviruses persistently infect their hosts. Therefore, they need to evade host immune surveillance. One way in which these viruses might avoid immune detection is to utilize functional RNAs, rather than proteins, for certain activities, because RNAs are not recognized by the host immune system. HTLV-1 encodes the HTLV-1 bZIP factor (HBZ) gene in the antisense strand of the provirus. The HBZ protein is constantly expressed in HTLV-1 carriers and patients with adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma, and it plays critical roles in pathogenesis. However, HBZ not only encodes this protein, but also functions as mRNA. Thus, HBZ gene mRNA is bifunctional. HIV-1 and BLV also encode long non-coding RNAs as antisense transcripts. In this review, we reshape our current understanding of how these antisense transcripts function and how they influence disease pathogenesis.
Blue Carbon Ecosystems in Brazil: Overview and an Urgent Call for Conservation and Restoration
Authors: Soares Marcelo O. , Bezerra Luis Ernesto Arruda , Copertino Margareth , Lopes Beatriz Diniz , Barros Kcrishna Vilanova de Souza , Rocha-Barreira Cristina Almeida , Maia Rafaela Camargo , Beloto Natalia , Cotovicz Luiz C.
Published: April 2022

In this article, we discuss knowledge and gaps regarding blue carbon ecosystems (BCEs) in Brazil, considering the urgency to apply protection actions and policies to safeguard their biodiversity and associated ecosystem services. We also indicate areas of further research to improve carbon stocks and sequestration rate estimates. We call attention to the shortage of studies on Brazilian BCEs relative to the growing knowledge on the Blue Carbon Framework accumulated worldwide over the last decade. Considering the extensive Brazilian Economic Exclusive Zone (known as “Blue Amazon”), knowledge concerning blue carbon stocks is vital at regional and global scales for mitigating global increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). The Blue Amazon has at least 1,100,000 ha of vegetated and non-vegetated coastal ecosystems (mangroves, salt marshes, seagrass meadows, and hypersaline tidal flats) that collectively contain vast amounts of stored carbon, making Brazil an ideal place to test mechanisms for evaluating, conserving, and restoring BCEs. Other poorly understood potential sinks and sources of carbon are macroalgal and rhodolith beds, mudflats, continental shelf sediments, and marine animal forests in shallow, mesophotic, and deep waters. The carbon fluxes between diverse environmental compartments, such as soil–air, soil–water, groundwater–water–surface water, air–water, and land–ocean, in BCEs across the Blue Amazon must be studied. We emphasize the importance of assessing the total carbon stock and the recent dismantling of environmental laws that pose great risks to these important BCEs. The conservation and recovery of these areas would enhance the carbon sequestration capacity of the entire country. Furthermore, we highlight priorities to improve knowledge concerning BCEs and their biogeochemical cycles in the Blue Amazon and to provide information to assist in the reduction of atmospheric levels of CO2 for the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science (2021–2030).
A Promising Approach to Quantifying Pteropod Eggs Using Image Analysis and Machine Learning
Authors: Weldrick Christine K.
Published: April 2022

A newly developed protocol to semi-automate egg counting in Southern Ocean shelled (thecosome) pteropods using image analysis software and machine learning algorithms was developed and tested for accuracy. Preserved thecosome pteropod (Limacina helicina antarctica) egg masses collected from two austral summer research voyages in East Antarctica were digitally photographed to develop a streamlined approach to enumerate eggs within egg masses using Fiji/ImageJ and the associated machine learning plugin known as Trainable Weka Segmentation. Results from this semi-automated approach were then used to compare with manual egg counts from eggs dissected from egg masses under stereomicroscope. A statistically significant correlation was observed between manual and semi-automated approaches (R2 = 0.92, p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between manual and automated protocols when egg counts were divided by the egg mass areas (mm2) (t(29.6) = 1.98, p = 0.06). However, the average time to conduct semi-automated counts (M = 7.4, SD = 1.2) was significantly less than that for the manual enumeration technique (M = 35.9, SD = 5.7; t(30) = 2.042, p < 0.05). This new approach is promising and, unlike manual enumeration, could allow specimens to remain intact for use in live culturing experiments. Despite some limitations that are discussed, this user-friendly and simplistic protocol can provide the basis for further future development, including the addition of macro scripts to improve reproducibility and through the association with other imaging platforms to enhance interoperability. Furthermore, egg counting using this technique may lead to a relatively unexplored monitoring tool to better understand the responses of a species highly sensitive to multiple stressors connected to climate change.