bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Operationalizing the Nexus Approach: Insights From the SIM4NEXUS Project
Authors: Ramos Eunice Pereira , Kofinas Dimitris , Sundin Caroline , Brouwer Floor , Laspidou Chrysi
Published: June 2022

Over the past decades, the understanding and assessment of cross-systems interactions have gained momentum in research and policy-support. As such, scientific literature on Nexus assessment methods and applications continues to grow, followed by numerous state-of-the-art reviews. Among the flexibility and variety of Nexus approaches, comprehensive, transferable and accessible methodologies with operational potential are missing. To address this gap, we introduce the SIM4NEXUS approach, which emerged from twelve test cases. Fledged from practice, the approach is a unique output in the Nexus research field. It is informed by the development of twelve case studies, which differ in spatial scope, socioeconomic and biophysical contexts, and Nexus challenges. The studies were conducted under similar conditions (e.g., timeframe and multidisciplinary teams of experts and dialogues with practitioners from policy and business). We find that transdisciplinarity and the integration of qualitative and quantitative methods are vital elements in Nexus assessments for policy support. Additionally, we also propose steps to advance Nexus assessments: 1) integration of the policy cycle in research (including monitoring and evaluation, and offer support during the implementation process), 2) multidisciplinary collaboration with different levels of engagement and financial support, 3) inclusion of ecosystems and other relevant dimensions (e.g., health) in the Nexus. Ultimately, the SIM4NEXUS approach provides practice-based guidance on conducting a Nexus assessment, and we recommend it for future Nexus assessments by the research community, institutions, and private actors.
Trait-Based Model Reproduces Patterns of Population Structure and Diversity of Methane Oxidizing Bacteria in a Stratified Lake
Authors: Zimmermann Matthias , Mayr Magdalena J. , Bouffard Damien , Wehrli Bernhard , Bürgmann Helmut
Published: June 2022

In stratified lakes, methane oxidizing bacteria are critical methane converters that significantly reduce emissions of this greenhouse gas to the atmosphere. Efforts to better understand their ecology uncovered a surprising diversity, vertical structure, and seasonal succession. It is an open question how this diversity has to be considered in models of microbial methane oxidation. Likewise, it is unclear to what extent simple microbial traits related to the kinetics of the oxidation process and temperature optimum, suggested by previous studies, suffice to understand the observed ecology of methane oxidizing bacteria. Here we incorporate niche partitioning in a mechanistic model of seasonal lake mixing and microbial methane oxidation in a stratified lake. Can we model MOB diversity and niche partitioning based on differences in methane oxidation kinetics and temperature adaptation? We found that our model approach can closely reproduce diversity and niche preference patterns of methanotrophs that were observed in seasonally stratified lakes. We show that the combination of trait values resulting in coexisting methanotroph communities is limited to very confined regions within the parameter space of potential trait combinations. However, our model also indicates that the sequence of community assembly, and variations in the stratification and mixing behavior of the lake result in different stable combinations. A scenario analysis introducing variable mixing conditions showed that annual weather conditions and the pre-existing species also affect the developing stable methanotrophic species composition of the lake. Both, effect of pre-existing species and the environmental impact suggest that the MOB community in lakes may differ from year to year, and a stable community may never truly occur. The model further shows that there are always better-adapted species in the trait parameter space that would destabilize and replace an existing stable community. Thus, natural selection may drive trait values into the specific configurations observed in nature based on physiological limits and tradeoffs between traits.
Mediating Role of Risk Perception and Environmental Quality on the Relationship Between Risk Knowledge and Traveler’s Intention in COVID-19
Authors: Yang Dongxu , Fang Ning , Ramirez-Asis Edwin , Alashker Yasser , Abourehab Mohammed A. S. , Zhang Kun
Published: June 2022

The recent outbreak of epidemic disease (COVID-19) has dramatically changed the socio-economic and environmental dynamics of the world. In particular, it affects human movement, travel intentions, and ambient air pollution amid rising stringency measures. Therefore, this study examines the influence of tourism knowledge, environmental vulnerability, and risk knowledge on travelers’ intentions in China’s tourism industry during COVID-19. To address the study objectives, an online survey questionnaire was created, through which a valid sample of 402 respondents was achieved. The direct and indirect relationship between variables was tested through structural equation modeling, the outcomes confirm that both tourism knowledge and risk knowledge in terms of COVID-19 significantly and negatively define the travelers’ intention toward tourism. Moreover, environmental vulnerability moderately affected tourism behavior and augmented with COVID-19 stringency disclosures. The mediating effect of risk perception and attitude towards the relationship between exogenous and endogenous constructs was tested. It shows a significant mediating impact of risk perception, environmental hazards and attitude towards risk on the nexus between tourism knowledge and travelers’ intention. The study offers valuable recommendations for policymakers to understand tourist intentions and climate vulnerability.
The Effect of a VAT Rate Reduction on Enterprise Costs: Empirical Research Based on China’s VAT Reform Practice
Authors: Liu Yongjiu , Wang Wei , Liu Chao
Published: June 2022

China has implemented a series of tax system reforms to improve the business environment, reduce the burden on enterprises and promote supply-side structural reform. In this article, we focus on the value-added tax (VAT) rate reduction that occurred in 2018 and 2019. We analyse the mechanism of the impact of the value-added tax rate reduction on enterprises’ costs and conduct an empirical test using the DID model and data from Chinese listed companies. The main conclusions are as follows. First, the reduction of VAT rate can significantly reduce the total cost of enterprises. This means that the reduction of VAT rate plays a positive role in reducing enterprise burden, stimulating enterprise vitality and improving enterprise performance. Second, the “cost reduction” effect is more obvious in non-state-owned enterprises than state-owned enterprises. Third, Further heterogeneity analysis shows that the cost reduction effect is more obvious in enterprises that are high-cost, large scale, and those located in eastern China. Small and medium-sized enterprises and those found in the central and western regions failed to significantly reduce operating costs, indicating that they did not benefit fully from a reduced VAT rate, which partly shows that the benefits of VAT tax reduction are not evenly distributed among enterprises. This study can provide a reference for the government to further improve the tax system, optimize the living environment of enterprises, and promote the sustainable development of economy.
Dynamic Relationship Between Water Resources and New Urbanization Based on a Vector Autoregressive Model: A Case Study of Hebei Province, China
Authors: Li Shule , Yan Jingjing , Pei Qiuming , Sha Jinghua , Liu Fei
Published: June 2022

Overly rapid urban expansion in the past has significantly changed water resources, resulting in an imbalance between water resources and the sustainable development of new urbanization. To facilitate the sustainable development and utilization of water resources and promote the high-quality development of new urbanization, this study constructs evaluation index systems for water resources and new urbanization. The analytic hierarchy process, entropy method and projection pursuit method are used to determine the weight of each index, and Hebei Province is taken as an example for empirical analysis. The results indicate an upward trend for water resources in Hebei during the 2000–2019 period, while the water resources support capacity and water environmental pollution showed trends of gradual improvement but changed greatly, the water ecological carrying capacity gradually increased, and the negative impact of water disaster damage on the comprehensive situation of regional water resources gradually increased. Meanwhile, a qualitative breakthrough has been made in the development of new urbanization. Based on their evaluation results data, the long-term equilibrium relationship between water resources and new urbanization as well as the dynamics are empirically analyzed using a vector autoregressive model with a variable cointegration test, generalized impulse responses, and a decomposition prediction method using evaluation result data for the 2000–2019 period. There is indeed a supporting and inhibiting dynamic relationship between new urbanization and water resources as well as its components. At the early stage of urbanization, the endowment of water resources, the background value of the water environment, the ecological capacity of water and man-made water disasters were not fully considered, which led to the sharp contradiction between water resources and new urbanization. For a period, the decline in water resource support capacity and serious water environmental pollution have gradually become important factors limiting new urbanization in Hebei, and the constraining effects of the reduced water ecological carrying capacity and water disaster damage have gradually decreased. For future development, decision makers in Hebei should take measures such as adjusting the economic growth mode, improving resource utilization efficiency and technical level, and fully considering the positive role of new urbanization in promoting water resources and water environments. At the same time, Hebei Province should reduce the rate of water resource consumption by strengthening water conservation measures, optimizing the water utilization structure, and increasing investments in water pollution prevention and control to enhance the stability of water environments to realize the coordinated development of water resources and new urbanization.
Towards Sustainable Water Use: Factors Influencing Farmers’ Participation in the Informal Groundwater Markets in Pakistan
Authors: Razzaq Amar , Xiao Meizhen , Zhou Yewang , Anwar Mumtaz , Liu Hancheng , Luo Fang
Published: June 2022

Informal groundwater markets have spontaneously developed in Pakistan due to the heterogeneity of farmers’ resource endowments, irrigation water shortages, and productivity gains of groundwater. Evidence shows that water allocation through formal or informal water markets can result in significant benefits for buyers and sellers and improve sustainable water use. Existing literature on water markets generally takes only buyers’ perspectives into account when studying the factors influencing the purchase of groundwater for irrigation. In contrast, we look at the perspectives of both buyers and sellers to investigate farmers’ participation in informal water markets. We conducted this study in the three agroecological zones of Punjab. The data was collected from a sample size of 360 farmers, with an equal proportion of water buyers, sellers, and self-users. Cragg’s double hurdle model was used to investigate the factors influencing the extent of water buying or selling. Results of the demand side analysis show that educated has negative correlation with water market participation and level of water purchasing. In addition, large farmers are less likely to buy water, indicating that the majority of farmers in water markets are smallholders. However, the degree of land fragmentation, soil fertility, and adoption of improved seeds each have may increase water market participation. Water cost and farmers’ family size has negative impact on level of water purchasing. The results of supply side analysis show that tubewell capacity, degree of land fragmentation, and the number of operational tubewells at a given farm have a positive relationship with the likelihood of selling water. When it comes to the amount of water sold, two factors that positively influence the extent of water selling are the income from water sales and the degree of land fragmentation. Finally, we discuss the implications of these results for sustainable water extraction in the water markets.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Schima superba From Southern China
Authors: Bai Qingsong , He Boxiang , Cai Yanling , Lian Huiming , Zhang Qian , Liang Dongcheng , Wang Yingli
Published: June 2022

The tree Schima superba is important for afforestation and fire prevention in southern China. The wood of this tree can also be used for furniture and buildings. However, the lack of genetic background and genomic information for this species has lowered wood yield speed and quality improvement. Here, we aimed to discover genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 302 S. superba germplasms collected from southern China and to use these SNPs to investigate the population structure. Using genotyping by sequencing, a total of 785 high-quality SNP markers (minor allele frequency [MAF] ≥ 0.05) were identified from 302 accessions collected from seven geographical locations. Population structure analyses and principal coordinate analyses (PCoAs) indicated that these germplasm resources can be clearly separated into different populations. The S. superba accessions originating from Yunnan (YN) and Guangxi (GX) fell into the same population, separate from the accessions originating from Guangdong (GD), which indicated that these two regions should be regarded as major provenances of this species. In addition, two independent core germplasm sets with abundant genetic polymorphisms were constructed to support the breeding work. The identification of SNP markers, analyses of population genetics, and construction of core germplasm sets will greatly promote the molecular breeding work of S. superba.
Island and Mountain Ecosystems as Testbeds for Biological Control in the Anthropocene
Authors: Wyckhuys Kris A. G. , Sanchez Garcia Francisco J. , Santos Ana M. C. , Canal Nelson A. , Furlong Michael J. , Melo Maria C. , GC Yubak Dhoj , Pozsgai Gabor
Published: June 2022

For centuries, islands and mountains have incited the interest of naturalists, evolutionary biologists and ecologists. Islands have been the cradle for biogeography and speciation theories, while mountain ranges have informed how population adaptation to thermal floors shapes the distribution of species globally. Islands of varying size and mountains’ altitudinal ranges constitute unique “natural laboratories” where one can investigate the effects of species loss or global warming on ecosystem service delivery. Although invertebrate pollination or seed dispersal processes are steadily being examined, biological control research is lagging. While observations of a wider niche breadth among insect pollinators in small (i.e., species-poor) islands or at high (i.e., colder) altitudes likely also hold for biological control agents, such remains to be examined. In this Perspective piece, we draw on published datasets to show that island size alone does not explain biological control outcomes. Instead, one needs to account for species’ functional traits, habitat heterogeneity, host community make-up, phenology, site history or even anthropogenic forces. Meanwhile, data from mountain ranges show how parasitism rates of Noctuid moths and Tephritid fruit flies exhibit species- and context-dependent shifts with altitude. Nevertheless, future empirical work in mountain settings could clarify the thermal niche space of individual natural enemy taxa and overall thermal resilience of biological control. We further discuss how global databases can be screened, while ecological theories can be tested, and simulation models defined based upon observational or manipulative assays in either system. Doing so can yield unprecedented insights into the fate of biological control in the Anthropocene and inform ways to reinforce this vital ecosystem service under global environmental change scenarios.
From Passive to Active: The Paradigm Shift of Straw Collection
Authors: Wang Qiang , Yang Yueling
Published: June 2022

This paper takes the centralized biogas production project in the energy utilization of straw as a hypothetical item in investigation to discuss the straw collection mode based on the wishes of farmers. Through surveys of farmers in Shandong and Hebei provinces, under the current straw collection price, we found that 85% of farmers have the willingness to actively collect and transport straw, and the longest distance for active transportation is 3.22 km. The willingness of farmers to actively transport is not only affected by personal characteristics, family characteristics, and current energy consumption habits, but also the characteristics of behavioral intervention variables such as knowledge, attitude, and practice of environmental protection also significantly affect the distance of farmers’ active transportation. The behavioral intervention variables of these non-economic factors can be interfered and improved through multiple conventional propaganda tools. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a collection and storage point construction model based on the willingness of farmers to realize the transformation of the straw collection model from passive to active. This method also has an important reference value for most straw energy utilization projects. It will have an important impact on the planning, design, and operation of the project.
Assessing Forest Vitality and Forest Structure Using 3D Data: A Case Study From the Hainich National Park, Germany
Authors: Heidenreich Marius G. , Seidel Dominik
Published: June 2022

The adaptation of forest management to changing environmental conditions due to climate change relies on information on the current forest and tree vitality. In common practice, the percentage of crown defoliation is used as a proxy for tree vitality, an approach that has several drawbacks. By performing laser scanning on a forest plot in the Hainich National Park, we tested a new approach to quantifying tree vitality. Based on the difference in structural complexity measured between summer and winter, assessed via the box-dimension, the new approach provides an objective and reproducible method that does not only allow the quantification of the defoliation, but also includes the effects of branch diebacks. In addition, we assessed the change in box-dimension and branch lengths between 2013 and 2021 and studied the overall structural development of the trees to analyze the alteration of their vitality. On average, we found a decrease in overall structural complexity, as well as in branch lengths for most trees in the investigated forest. Further, the mean difference in box-dimension (summer minus winter) decreased with ascending vitality class. We conclude that the vitality of the trees was negatively affected over the period of 8 years, and we argue the newly proposed method based on the box-dimension holds potential to be used as a measure for tree vitality in deciduous forests.
Dynamic Metabolic Changes During Prolonged Ex Situ Heart Perfusion Are Associated With Myocardial Functional Decline
Authors: Olkowicz Mariola , Ribeiro Roberto Vanin Pinto , Yu Frank , Alvarez Juglans Souto , Xin Liming , Yu Miao , Rosales Roizar , Adamson Mitchell Brady , Bissoondath Ved , Smolenski Ryszard T. , Billia Filio , Badiwala Mitesh Vallabh , Pawliszyn Janusz
Published: June 2022

Ex situ heart perfusion (ESHP) was developed to preserve and evaluate donated hearts in a perfused beating state. However, myocardial function declines during ESHP, which limits the duration of perfusion and the potential to expand the donor pool. In this research, we combine a novel, minimally-invasive sampling approach with comparative global metabolite profiling to evaluate changes in the metabolomic patterns associated with declines in myocardial function during ESHP. Biocompatible solid-phase microextraction (SPME) microprobes serving as chemical biopsy were used to sample heart tissue and perfusate in a translational porcine ESHP model and a small cohort of clinical cases. In addition, six core-needle biopsies of the left ventricular wall were collected to compare the performance of our SPME sampling method against that of traditional tissue-collection. Our state-of-the-art metabolomics platform allowed us to identify a large number of significantly altered metabolites and lipid species that presented comparable profile of alterations to conventional biopsies. However, significant discrepancies in the pool of identified analytes using two sampling methods (SPME vs. biopsy) were also identified concerning mainly compounds susceptible to dynamic biotransformation and most likely being a result of low-invasive nature of SPME. Overall, our results revealed striking metabolic alterations during prolonged 8h-ESHP associated with uncontrolled inflammation not counterbalanced by resolution, endothelial injury, accelerated mitochondrial oxidative stress, the disruption of mitochondrial bioenergetics, and the accumulation of harmful lipid species. In conclusion, the combination of perfusion parameters and metabolomics can uncover various mechanisms of organ injury and recovery, which can help differentiate between donor hearts that are transplantable from those that should be discarded.
Can the cGAS-STING Pathway Play a Role in the Dry Eye?
Authors: Ouyang Weijie , Wang Shoubi , Hu Jiaoyue , Liu Zuguo
Published: June 2022

Dry eye is one of the most common ocular surface diseases in the world and seriously affects the quality of life of patients. As an immune-related disease, the mechanism of dry eye has still not been fully elucidated. The cGAS-STING pathway is a recently discovered pathway that plays an important role in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases by recognizing dsDNA. As an important signal to initiate inflammation, the release of dsDNA is associated with dry eye. Herein, we focused on the pathophysiology of the immune-inflammatory response in the pathogenesis of dry eye, attempted to gain insight into the involvement of dsDNA in the dry eye immune response, and investigated the mechanism of the cGAS-STING pathway involved in the immune-inflammatory response. We further proposed that the cGAS-STING pathway may participate in dry eye as a new mechanism linking dry eye and the immune-inflammatory response, thus providing a new direction for the mechanistic exploration of dry eye.
Gut Microbiota: A Novel Therapeutic Target for Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Zhu Manlian , Liu Xia , Ye Yiru , Yan Xiumei , Cheng Yiwen , Zhao Longyou , Chen Feng , Ling Zongxin
Published: June 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor dysfunction. Growing evidence has demonstrated that gut dysbiosis is involved in the occurrence, development and progression of PD. Numerous clinical trials have identified the characteristics of the changed gut microbiota profiles, and preclinical studies in PD animal models have indicated that gut dysbiosis can influence the progression and onset of PD via increasing intestinal permeability, aggravating neuroinflammation, aggregating abnormal levels of α-synuclein fibrils, increasing oxidative stress, and decreasing neurotransmitter production. The gut microbiota can be considered promising diagnostic and therapeutic targets for PD, which can be regulated by probiotics, psychobiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, diet modifications, and Chinese medicine. This review summarizes the recent studies in PD-associated gut microbiota profiles and functions, the potential roles, and mechanisms of gut microbiota in PD, and gut microbiota-targeted interventions for PD. Deciphering the underlying roles and mechanisms of the PD-associated gut microbiota will help interpret the pathogenesis of PD from new perspectives and elucidate novel therapeutic strategies for PD.
Data-Driven Mapping With Prediction Neural Network for the Future Wide-Swath Satellite Altimetry
Authors: Di Jiankai , Ma Chunyong , Chen Ge
Published: June 2022

Two-dimensional mapping of sea surface height (SSH) for future wide-swath satellite altimetry (WSA) is a challenge at present. So far, considering the utilization of data-driven methods is a new researching direction for SSH mapping. In general, the data-driven mapping methods rely on the spatial-temporal relationship of the observations. These methods require training in large volumes, and the time cost is high, especially for the WSA observations. This paper proposed the prediction neural networks for mapping (Mapping-PNN) method to improve the training efficiency and maintain stable data and mapping capabilities. By 10-year wide-swath satellite along track observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) on the HYCOM data, the experiment results indicate that the method introduced in this paper can improve the training efficiency and meet the grid mapping expectations. Compared with other methods, the root mean squared error (RMSE) of the mapping-PNN method can be limited within the range of ~1.8 cm, and the new method can promote the observation of the ocean phenomena scale with < ~40 km, which reaches state of the art.
Rhodolith Physiology Across the Atlantic: Towards a Better Mechanistic Understanding of Intra- and Interspecific Differences
Authors: Schubert Nadine , Peña Viviana , Salazar Vinícius W. , Horta Paulo A. , Neves Pedro , Ribeiro Cláudia , Otero-Ferrer Francisco , Tuya Fernando , Espino Fernando , Schoenrock Kathryn , Hofmann Laurie C. , Le Gall Line , Santos Rui , Silva João
Published: June 2022

Coralline algae are important components in a large variety of ecosystems. Among them, rhodoliths are a group of free-living coralline red algae that cover extensive coastal areas, from tropical to polar regions. In contrast to other ecosystem engineers, limited research efforts preclude our understanding of their physiology, underlying mechanisms, drivers and potential differences related to species under varying environments. In this study, we investigated the photosynthetic and calcification mechanisms of six Atlantic rhodolith species from different latitudes, as well as intra-specific differences in one species from four locations. Laboratory incubations under varying light levels provided simultaneous photosynthesis- and calcification-irradiance curves, allowing the assessment of inter- and intra-specific differences on the coupling between these two processes. Stable isotope analysis and specific inhibitor experiments were performed to characterize and compare carbon-concentrating mechanisms (CCMs), as well as the involvement of specific ion-transporters for calcification. Our findings showed significant differences in rhodolith physiological mechanisms that were partially driven by local environmental conditions (light, temperature). High variability was found in the coupling between photosynthesis and calcification, in CCM-strategies, and in the importance of specific ion transporters and enzymes involved in calcification. While calcification was strongly correlated with photosynthesis in all species, the strength of this link was species-specific. Calcification was also found to be reliant on photosynthesis- and light-independent processes. The latter showed a high plasticity in their expression among species, also influenced by the local environment. Overall, our findings demonstrate that (1) rhodolith calcification is a biologically-controlled process and (2) the mechanisms associated with photosynthesis and calcification display a large variability among species, suggesting potential differences not only in their individual, but also community responses to environmental changes, such as climate change.
Setting Conservation Priorities for Marine Sharks in China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Seas: What Are the Benefits of a 30% Conservation Target?
Authors: Du Jianguo , Ding Like , Su Shangke , Hu Wenjia , Wang Yuyu , Loh Kar-Hoe , Yang Shengyun , Chen Mingru , Roeroe Kakaskasen Andreas , Songploy Se , Liu Zhenghua , Chen Bin
Published: June 2022

Sharks play an important role in marine ecosystems as top predators and have been increasingly accepted in recent years as a group for priority conservation worldwide. However, as one of the regions with the highest marine shark species richness, there is still a limited understanding of shark diversity patterns and conservation needs in China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) seas. In this study, we applied an ensemble species distribution model of five algorithms to investigate the diversity distribution patterns of 149 shark species in China and the ASEAN seas for the first time. A systematic conservation planning approach involving diversity, scarcity, and biogeographical distinctiveness was used to identify and compare conservation priority settings. Our results showed that bathymetry and dissolved oxygen were the most important variables contributing to shark distribution. The distribution pattern of shark species richness peaked on the continental shelves at 22–26°N, and a hotspot of shark diversity was identified around the Taiwan Strait. The spatial distribution of shark species in the nine orders and the 72 threatened shark species varied considerably. The existing marine protected area network only protects 2.1% of the ocean, 32.9% of the shark species, and 43.1% of the threatened species, highlighting a substantial conservation gap. Among the conservation priorities identified, the high conservation target scenario (30%) protects only 10%–15% more species than the low conservation target scenario (10%). However, under the high conservation target scenario, the conservation range of species tripled. Our results show that low conservation targets were only suitable for addressing the number of protected species, and that high targets would bring about improved outcomes for the number of protected species and the protected range of threatened species. Furthermore, planned priorities with a large clump pattern had slightly higher conservation achievements than those with small clumps. The results of this study will contribute to the development of a priority area network for sharks and provide a scientific basis for shark conservation and management in the China and ASEAN seas.
Comparison of Optic Disc Ovality Index and Rotation Angle Measurements in Myopic Eyes Using Photography and OCT Based Techniques
Authors: Rezapour Jasmin , Tran Andrew Q. , Bowd Christopher , El-Nimri Nevin W. , Belghith Akram , Christopher Mark , Brye Nicole , Proudfoot James A. , Dohleman Jade , Fazio Massimo A. , Jonas Jost B. , Weinreb Robert N. , Zangwill Linda M.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To compare optic nerve head (ONH) ovality index and rotation angle measurements based on semi-automated delineation of the clinical ONH margin derived from photographs and automated BMO configuration derived from optical coherence tomography (OCT) images in healthy and glaucomatous eyes with high-, mild- and no axial myopia.

Methods

One hundred seventy-five healthy and glaucomatous eyes of 146 study participants enrolled in the Diagnostic Innovations in Glaucoma Study (DIGS) with optic disc photographs and Spectralis OCT ONH scans acquired on the same day were stratified by level of axial myopia (non-myopic [n = 56, axial length (AL) <24 mm], mild-myopic [n = 58, AL 24–26 mm] and high-myopic [n = 32, AL >26 mm]. The clinical disc margin of each photograph was manually annotated, and semi-automated measurements were recorded of the ovality index and rotation angle based on a best-fit ellipse generated using ImageJ software. These semi-automated photograph-based measurements were compared to ovality index and rotation angle generated from custom automated BMO-based analysis using segmented OCT ONH volumes. R2 values from linear mixed effects models were used to describe the associations between semi-automated, photograph-based and automated OCT-based measurements.

Results

Average (95% CI) axial length was 23.3 (23.0, 23.3) mm, 24.8 (24.7, 25.0) mm and 26.8 (26.6, 27.0) mm in non-myopic, mild-myopic and high-myopic eyes, respectively (ANOVA, p ≤ 0.001 for all). The R2 association (95% CI) between semi-automated photograph-based and automated OCT-based assessment of ONH OI for all eyes was [0.26 (0.16, 0.36); p < 0.001]. This association was weakest in non-myopic eyes [0.09 (0.01, 0.26); p = 0.02], followed by mild-myopic eyes [0.13 (0.02, 0.29); p = 0.004] and strongest in high-myopic eyes [0.40 (0.19, 0.60); p < 0.001]. No significant associations were found between photography- and OCT-based assessment of rotation angle with R2 values ranging from 0.00 (0.00, 0.08) in non-myopic eyes to 0.03 (0.00, 0.21) in high-myopic eyes (all associations p ≥ 0.33).

Conclusions

Agreement between photograph-based and automated OCT-based ONH morphology measurements is limited, suggesting that these methods cannot be used interchangeably for characterizing myopic changes in the ONH.
Catch-22: War, Refugees, COVID-19, and the Scourge of Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Osman Marwan , Cummings Kevin J. , El Omari Khaled , Kassem Issmat I.
Published: June 2022

Wars have hidden repercussions beyond the immediate losses of life, well-being, and prosperity. Those that flee wars and seek refuge in safer locations are not immune to the tragic impacts. Of particular concern is the susceptibility of the refugee populations to infectious diseases and antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. This poses a detrimental risk to these disenfranchised populations, who often have limited access to medical care, sanitation, and nutritious and safe food. Furthermore, antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in refugees can be both transmitted to and acquired from their hosting communities. The latter is particularly problematic when the host countries suffer from serious challenges such as limited resources, pollution, and widespread antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Here, we discuss AMR in refugees of the ongoing Syrian war, a conflict that resulted in the largest population displacement in recent history. We argue that Syrian refugees and their hosting communities are at an elevated risk of complicated and life-threatening AMR infections. We also call on the international community to address this grievous problem that threatens the disenfranchised refugee populations and can spill over across geographic borders to affect multiple countries.
Detection, Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke: Current and Future Perspectives
Authors: Patil Smita , Rossi Rosanna , Jabrah Duaa , Doyle Karen
Published: June 2022

Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Early diagnosis and treatment of stroke are important for better clinical outcome. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of stroke subtypes is critical. This review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the current diagnostic and assessment techniques used in clinical practice, particularly for diagnosing acute ischemic stroke. Alternative techniques for rapid detection of stroke utilizing blood based biomarkers and novel portable devices employing imaging methods such as volumetric impedance phase-shift spectroscopy, microwave tomography and Doppler ultrasound are also discussed. Current therapeutic approaches for treating acute ischemic stroke using thrombolytic drugs and endovascular thrombectomy are discussed, with a focus on devices and approaches recently developed to treat large cranial vessel occlusions.
Sugarcane Root Transcriptome Analysis Revealed the Role of Plant Hormones in the Colonization of an Endophytic Diazotroph
Authors: Nong Qian , Malviya Mukesh Kumar , Solanki Manoj Kumar , Solanki Anjali Chandrol , Lin Li , Xie Jinlan , Mo Zhanghong , Wang Zeping , Song Xiu-Peng , Huang Xin , Rai Shalini , Li Changning , Li Yang-Rui
Published: June 2022

Some sugarcane germplasms can absorb higher amounts of nitrogen via atmospheric nitrogen fixation through the bacterial diazotrophs. Most endophytic diazotrophs usually penetrate through the root, colonize inside the plant, and fix the nitrogen. To assess the plant’s bacterial association during root colonization, strain GXS16 was tagged with a plasmid-bear green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene. The results demonstrated that the strain can colonize roots all the way to the maturation zone. The strain GXS16 showed maximum nitrogenase enzyme activity at pH 8 and 30°C, and nitrogenase activity is less affected by different carbon sources. Further, strain GXS16 colonization response was investigated through plant hormones analysis and RNAseq. The results showed that the bacterial colonization gradually increased with time, and the H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA) content significantly increased at 1 day after inoculation. There were no substantial changes noticed in proline content, and the ethylene content was detected initially, but it decreased with time. The abscisic acid (ABA) content showed significant increases of 91.9, 43.9, and 18.7%, but conversely, the gibberellin (GA3) content decreased by 12.9, 28.5, and 45.2% at 1, 3, and 5 days after inoculation, respectively. The GXS16 inoculation significantly increased the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR) at different timepoint. In contrast, the peroxisome (POD) activity had no changes detected during the treatment. In the case of RNAseq analysis, 2437, 6678, and 4568 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from 1, 3, and 5 days inoculated root samples, and 601 DEGs were shared in all samples. The number or the expression diversity of DEGs related to ethylene was much higher than that of ABA or GA, which indicated the critical role of ethylene in regulating the sugarcane roots response to GXS16 inoculation.
The Diversity and Spatiotemporally Evolutionary Dynamic of Atypical Porcine Pestivirus in China
Authors: Ma Hailong , Li Wentao , Zhang Mengjia , Yang Zhengxin , Lin Lili , Ghonaim Ahmed H. , He Qigai
Published: June 2022

The presence of congenital tremor (CT) type A-II in newborn piglets, caused by atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV), has been a focus since 2016. However, the source, evolutionary history, and transmission pattern of APPV in China remain poorly understood. In this study, we undertook phylogenetic analyses based on available complete E2 gene sequences along with 98 newly sequenced E2 genes between 2016 and 2020 in China within the context of global genetic diversity. The phylogenies revealed four distinct lineages of APPV, and interestingly, all lineages could be detected in China with the greatest diversity. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses showed that the E2 gene evolves at a mean rate of 1.22 × 10−3 (8.54 × 10−4-1.60 × 10−3) substitutions/site/year. The most recent common ancestor for APPVs is dated to 1886 (1837–1924) CE, somewhat earlier than the documented emergence of CT (1922 CE). Our phylogeographic analyses suggested that the APPV population possibly originated in the Netherlands, a country with developed livestock husbandry, and was introduced into China during the period 1837–2010. Guangdong, as a primary seeding population together with Central and Southwest China as epidemic linkers, was responsible for the dispersal of APPVs in China. The transmission pattern of “China lineages” (lineage 3 and lineage 4) presented a “south to north” movement tendency, which was likely associated with the implementation of strict environmental policy in China since 2000. Reconstruction of demographic history showed that APPV population size experienced multiple changes, which correlated well with the dynamic of the number of pigs in the past decades in China. Besides, positively selected pressure and geography-driven adaptation were supposed to be key factors for the diversification of APPV lineages. Our findings provide comprehensive insights into the diversity and spatiotemporal dynamic of APPV in China.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Methyltransferase Rv1515c Can Suppress Host Defense Mechanisms by Modulating Immune Functions Utilizing a Multipronged Mechanism
Authors: Rani Anshu , Alam Anwar , Ahmad Faraz , P. Manjunath , Saurabh Abhinav , Zarin Sheeba , Mitra Dipendra Kumar , Hasnain Seyed E. , Ehtesham Nasreen Z.
Published: June 2022

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) gene Rv1515c encodes a conserved hypothetical protein exclusively present within organisms of MTB complex and absent in non-pathogenic mycobacteria. In silico analysis revealed that Rv1515c contain S-adenosylmethionine binding site and methyltransferase domain. The DNA binding and DNA methyltransferase activity of Rv1515c was confirmed in vitro. Knock-in of Rv1515c in a model mycobacteria M. smegmatis (M. s_Rv1515c) resulted in remarkable physiological and morphological changes and conferred the recombinant strain with an ability to adapt to various stress conditions, including resistance to TB drugs. M. s_Rv1515c was phagocytosed at a greater rate and displayed extended intra-macrophage survival in vitro. Recombinant M. s_Rv1515c contributed to enhanced virulence by suppressing the host defense mechanisms including RNS and ROS production, and apoptotic clearance. M. s_Rv1515c, while suppressing the phagolysosomal maturation, modulated pro-inflammatory cytokine production and also inhibited antigen presentation by downregulating the expression of MHC-I/MHC-II and co-stimulatory signals CD80 and CD86. Mice infected with M. s_Rv1515c produced more Treg cells than vector control (M. s_Vc) and exhibited reduced effector T cell responses, along-with reduced expression of macrophage activation markers in the chronic phase of infection. M. s_Rv1515c was able to survive in the major organs of mice up to 7 weeks post-infection. These results indicate a crucial role of Rv1515c in M. tb pathogenesis.
Rich-Club Analysis of Structural Brain Network Alterations in HIV Positive Patients With Fully Suppressed Plasma Viral Loads
Authors: Aili Xire , Wang Wei , Zhang Aidong , Jiao Zengxin , Li Xing , Rao Bo , Li Ruili , Li Hongjun
Published: June 2022

Objective

Even with successful combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), patients with human immunodeficiency virus positive (HIV+) continue to present structural alterations and neuropsychological impairments. The purpose of this study is to investigate structural brain connectivity alterations and identify the hub regions in HIV+ patients with fully suppressed plasma viral loads.

Methods

In this study, we compared the brain structural connectivity in 48 patients with HIV+ treated with a combination of antiretroviral therapy and 48 healthy controls, using diffusion tensor imaging. Further comparisons were made in 24 patients with asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment (ANI) and 24 individuals with non-HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders forming a subset of HIV+ patients. The graph theory model was used to establish the topological metrics. Rich-club analysis was used to identify hub nodes across groups and abnormal rich-club connections. Correlations of connectivity metrics with cognitive performance and clinical variables were investigated as well.

Results

At the regional level, HIV+ patients demonstrated lower degree centrality (DC), betweenness centrality (BC), and nodal efficiency (NE) at the occipital lobe and the limbic cortex; and increased BC and nodal cluster coefficient (NCC) in the occipital lobe, the frontal lobe, the insula, and the thalamus. The ANI group demonstrated a significant reduction in the DC, NCC, and NE in widespread brain regions encompassing the occipital lobe, the frontal lobe, the temporal pole, and the limbic system. These results did not survive the Bonferroni correction. HIV+ patients and the ANI group had similar hub nodes that were mainly located in the occipital lobe and subcortical regions. The abnormal connections were mainly located in the occipital lobe in the HIV+ group and in the parietal lobe in the ANI group. The BC in the calcarine fissure was positively correlated with complex motor skills. The disease course was negatively correlated with NE in the middle occipital gyrus.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the occipital lobe and the subcortical regions may be important in structural connectivity alterations and cognitive impairment. Rich-club analysis may contribute to our understanding of the neuropathology of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
Auditory Phenotype and Histopathologic Findings of a Mutant Nlrp3 Expression Mouse Model
Authors: Kim Yehree , Lee Sang-Yeon , Kim Min Young , Park Kyusun , Han Jin Hee , Kim Jung Ho , Kim Bong Jik , Choi Byung Yoon
Published: June 2022

Objective

The pathogenesis of hearing loss in autoinflammatory disorders due to activation of the inflammasome remains incompletely understood. Previously no animals expressing mutant Nlrp3 (NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3) survived to an age when hearing evaluation was possible due to embryonic lethality. We aimed to establish a novel mouse model that manifests quantifiable hearing loss with other syndromic features due to alteration of Nlrp3 and investigate the audiologic and histopathologic phenotype in the cochlea to clarify how the genetic alterations of NLRP3 could induce autoinflammatory hearing loss.

Methods

To induce inner ear expression of the mutant Nlrp3, Nlrp3D301NneoR mice were bred with Gfi1Cre knock-in mice for conditional mutant Nlrp3 activation in the cochlea and hematopoietic cells. Hearing thresholds were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin sections of the cochlea, brain, kidney, and liver were examined under light microscopy. Immunohistochemical analyses using polyclonal anti-NLRP3 antibodies on cochlear whole-mount preparations and frozen sections were performed.

Results

We, for the first time in the literature, established a mouse model that manifests quantifiable hearing loss due to Nlrp3 alteration. ABR recordings of Nlrp3D301NneoR/+; Gfi1Cre/+ mice, albeit with limited life expectancy, exhibited severe to profound hearing loss at postnatal day 20 (P20). There was overall overexpression of mutant Nlrp3, and mutant Nlrp3 expression was noted in the spiral prominence, the outer sulcus region (Claudius cells and outer sulcus cells), the organ of Corti, the inner sulcus, and the spiral ganglion neurons in the cochlea. The hematoxylin-eosin sections of Nlrp3D301NneoR/+; Gfi1Cre/+ mice cochleae at P12 exhibited a disorganized organ of Corti between the outer hair cells/supporting Deiters' cells and basilar membrane compared with the normal phenotype mice, leading to a collapsed Nuel's space. This morphologic feature gradually returned to normal by P15. Varying degrees of inflammation with lymphocytic infiltrations were observed in the brain, kidney, and liver.

Conclusion

We report the first mutant Nlrp3 overexpression mouse model (Nlrp3D301NneoR/+; Gfi1Cre/+) that shows obvious overexpression of Nlrp3 in the cochlea, a transient developmental lag of the cochlea, and severe to profound hearing loss. We expect that this mouse line, which models human autoinflammatory hearing loss, could provide a valuable tool to elucidate the underlying pathogenic mechanism of inflammasome activation-mediated hearing loss.