bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification, physical mechanisms and impacts of drought–flood abrupt alternation: a review
Authors: Bai Xiaoyan , Zhao Chengxin , Tang Yihan , Zhang Zhenxing , Yang Bing , Wang Zhenxiong
Published: June 2023

Climate change has led to an increase in the frequency of extreme events, such as droughts and floods. This study aims to review the literature on the newly proposed phenomenon known as drought-flood abrupt alternation (DFAA). A comprehensive summary is provided to round up the numerous approaches employed to identify DFAA events, as well as its mechanisms and impacts. To provide a reference for responding and managing the emerging intensity and frequency of DFAA events, we conclude the paper by listing the insufficiency of current research and suggesting possible future research directions. As for the impact of DFAA, besides the loss of life and property which can be caused by any natural disaster, a DFAA event severely threatens food security by making a lasting and profound impact on the land productivity through the alteration of the combining conditions of water, soil, and temperature. As for the future research directions, existing indexes developed for DFAA identification should be improved by downscaling the temporal and spatial scale, with interactions of neighboring drought and flood events taken into consideration. What’s more, to better protect human society from the losses caused by DFAA, researches on accurate DFAA prediction are encouraged.
Research on the saturated/unsaturated seepage laws of ionic rare earth ore under different leaching conditions
Authors: Guo Zhongqun , Liu Lingfeng , Zhou Kefan , Wang Xiaojun , Zhong Wen
Published: June 2023

The seepage law of the ionic rare earth leaching process plays an important role in the efficient development and utilization. The saturation permeation test of ionic rare earth under different leaching conditions was carried out using the variable head method, and the influence of type, concentration, and leaching path on the saturation permeability coefficient was revealed. The relationship between the water content and the matric suction of ionic rare earths under different leaching conditions was measured with the Geo-Experts pressure plate apparatus, and the soil-water characteristic curves under different leaching conditions were obtained. Based on the soil-water characteristic curve model, the unsaturated permeability coefficient function of ionic rare earths under different conditions was studied. The results show that the saturated-unsaturated permeability coefficients of ionic rare earths are pure water, 3% (NH4)2SO4, and 3% MgSO4, in descending order, when the type of leaching solution is different. For different concentrations of the leaching solution, when the concentration of (NH4)2SO4 increases from 2% to 5%, the saturated permeability coefficient first increases and then decreases. The matrix suction is an important factor affecting the unsaturated permeability coefficient when the ore body is unsaturated, and the unsaturated permeability coefficient decreases with the increase of the leaching solution concentration under the same matric suction. The seepage law is related to the leaching path, and the permeability coefficient increases when leaching at high concentrations followed by low concentrations, in reverse order, the permeability coefficient decreases. The research results can provide theoretical guidance for the design of injection parameters, and improve the theory of in-situ leaching.
Designing an international research experience for graduate students
Authors: Schneider Verena , Grau David , Ariaratnam Samuel T.
Published: June 2023

As a result of the ongoing globalization, international student experiences are becoming fundamental to advance students’ development and knowledge. Even though such growing importance, the body of knowledge regarding international interventions is dominated by subjective accounts and lacks contrasted results. In order to design an international research experience for graduate students, recommendations on the design and content of such experiences based on the review of literature were explored. A qualitative and bibliographical analysis of 40 studies evaluating the influence of international student interventions informed about the variables that such interventions should measure and the impact of such experiences on student development. Researchers especially measured the competencies intercultural development (83%), intellectual growth (58%), personal development (58%), professional development (50%), and academic development (15%). However, most of the studies failed to develop an appropriate research design that enables researchers to capture the breadth and depth of an international intervention. Results include addressing various competencies that students can gain during their experience abroad, using mixed methods to collect the data, whereby data should be collected at different time points including before, and multiple times after the international experience by different means.
Does the gender-equality paradox hold on the micro level? An assessment of the effect of household wealth on gendered math intentions for 60 countries
Authors: Uunk Wilfred
Published: June 2023

The Gender-Equality Paradox (GEP) describes the phenomenon that the gender gap in the preference for and choice of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors is larger in more affluent and gender-egalitarian societies. GEP has theoretically been explained by greater economic opportunities in affluent societies for gendered self-realization, yet the literature lacks a test of this explanation on the individual level. This study tests (a) whether household wealth is associated with a greater male-favorable gender gap in student's math intentions, (b) whether this association, if any, is different in size and shape in more affluent and less affluent countries, and (c) whether household wealth can account for GEP regarding math intentions. Multilevel regression analyses of 15-year-old students' intentions to study math rather than language from 60 countries of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2012 display that household wealth is only weakly and positively related to girls' and boys' math intentions and does not increase or decrease the gender gap in math intentions. This pattern of household wealth effects does not differ between more affluent and less affluent countries, and household wealth cannot account for GEP regarding math intentions. These findings underline that the economic need/opportunity interpretation of GEP does not hold on the micro level and requires further research into the drivers of GEP.
The relationship between young children’s personal values and their teacher-rated behaviors in the classroom
Authors: Scholz-Kuhn Ricarda , Makarova Elena , Bardi Anat , Döring Anna K.
Published: June 2023

There has been little research on the relationships between children’s personal values and the behaviors that express such values in the school context. In the present study, we examined for the first time with children at this young age, the relations between values and their value-related behaviors, i.e., supportive, disciplined, learning-oriented, and achievement-oriented, in the primary school context. The sample consisted of 952 primary school children (51.5% boys; Mage = 7.93; SD = 0.35). Data used in this study were collected in 2022 in Switzerland. A multilevel analysis confirmed the hypothesis that systematic relationships between values and teacher-rated behaviors can be demonstrated with young children. However, gender was the strongest predictor of teacher-rated children’s classroom behaviors. The results highlight the significance of understanding children’s value-behavior relations, teachers’ possible gender stereotypes of children’s behaviors, and its practical importance in the school context.
The influence of educational information visualization trends in higher education for students in the Russian Federation
Authors: Matveeva Natalya , Dorel Lea , Kosareva Irina , Sabirova Fairuza
Published: June 2023

The establishment of scientific foundations for the integration of information technologies and innovative educational processes in student learning activities entails the necessity of creating a basis for transitioning from information processes to information technologies. The research aims to study the effectiveness of innovative information technologies in higher education and assess student involvement in using innovative information technologies. The study relies on the experimental survey method to assess respondents’ involvement in the use of innovative information technologies. In addition, the modeling method was used to increase students’ motivation to study through visualization and other modern technologies. A training program based on visualization and innovative information technologies aimed to study their impact on the teaching process in higher education was developed. The study results show that visualization technologies improve students’ intrinsic motivation to learn. The practical significance and further research prospects are due to the possibility of applying the training program developed in the study in higher education. The program can also become the basis for developing new training programs to study other subjects as it is not tied to studying a certain discipline and requires only computer skills.
A novel mutation in CFAP47 causes male infertility due to multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella
Authors: Liu Mohan , Dai Siyu , Zhang Jiying , Yang Yihong , Shen Ying , Liu Hongqian , Yang Yanting , Jiang Chuan , Tian Erpo
Published: June 2023

Introduction

A previous study suggested that loss of CFAP47 function is involved in multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) in humans and mice. However, the comprehensive role of CFAP47 in spermatogenesis is largely unknown.

Methods

Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was conducted to identify pathogenic variant in two patients with MMAF. The functional effect of the identified mutations was investigated by immunofluorescence staining and western blotting. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was used to assist fertilization for the patient with MMAF.

Results

In this study, we identified a novel missense mutation (c.1414G>A; p.V472M) in CFAP47 in two unrelated patients with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Intriguingly, in addition to the MMAF phenotype very analogous to the previous report, the two patients notably presented abnormal morphology of sperm heads, the sperm mitochondrial sheath was obviously disorganized, and the sperm annulus were almost defective. Further functional experiments confirmed that the expression of CFAP47 was markedly reduced in the spermatozoa of the patients. Mechanism analysis suggested that CFAP47 might regulate the expression of CFAP65, CFAP69 and SEPTIN4 through their physical interactions and thus modulating sperm morphogenesis.

Conclusion

we revealed a novel mutation in CFAP47 and further expanded the phenotype and mutation spectrum of CFAP47, as well as the potential mechanism of CFAP47 manipulating spermatogenesis, finally providing important guidance for genetic counseling and targeted treatment for CFAP47 mutation-related male infertility.
Lipid accumulation product is a better predictor of metabolic syndrome in Chinese adolescents: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Zi-yi , Liu Lei , Zhuang Xu-xiu , Zhang Yi-cong , Ma Ya-nan , Liu Yang , Wen De-liang
Published: June 2023

Aim

Confirm and compare the degree of associations of non-traditional lipid profiles and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Chinese adolescents, determine the lipid parameter with better predictive potential, and investigate their discriminatory power on MetS.

Methods

Medical measurements, including anthropometric measurements and biochemical blood tests, were undergone among a total sample of 1112 adolescents (564 boys and 548 girls) aged from 13 to 18 years. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied for assessing the relationships between the levels of traditional/non-traditional lipid profiles and MetS. We performed Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analyses to mensurate the effectiveness of lipid accumulation product (LAP) on the diagnosis of MetS. Meanwhile, areas under the ROC curve and the cut-off values were calculated for MetS and its components.

Results

Univariate analysis showed that all our lipid profiles were closely associated with MetS (P< 0.05). LAP index showed the closest association with MetS than the other lipid profiles. Additionally, ROC analyses indicated that the LAP index showed sufficient capabilities to identify adolescents with MetS and its components.

Conclusion

The LAP index is a simple and efficient tool to identify individuals with MetS in Chinese adolescents.
Can central and local forces promote green innovation of heavily polluting enterprises? evidence from China
Authors: Yang Guang , Zhang Jijian , Zhang Jize
Published: June 2023

Adequate government environmental supervision is the key to promoting green innovation which is an essential driver of green development. In environmental decentralization, an analysis of the mechanism of the inherent influence of central and local supervision on green innovation may prove to be of practical importance. The paper selects data from heavily polluting enterprises in A-shares in China from 2013 to 2019 using fixed-effects models, moderating effect models, heterogeneity tests, and other research methods for analysis. These results are: 1. Both central and local supervision can significantly facilitate green innovation in heavily polluting enterprises. Local supervision has a weaker promotion effect than central supervision. 2. The two environmental supervision approaches can work synergistically. Central supervision can enhance the effect of local supervision on enterprises’ green innovation. 3. An analysis of heterogeneity indicates that the two environmental supervision approaches significantly promote eastern heavy polluters engage into green innovation. However, they do not promote it significantly for non-eastern enterprises. In addition, the same regional heterogeneity exists in the positive moderating effect of central supervision. 4. Further research finds that both types of supervision induce high-quality substantive green innovation. Central supervision can further enhance the impact of local supervision on enterprises’ substantive green innovation. The paper provides empirical data references for establishing an environmental supervision path under collaboration by governments at different levels, and offers implications for achieving green innovation and optimizing pollution emission mechanisms in heavy polluters.
Visual-admittance-based model predictive control for nuclear collaborative robots
Authors: Qi Jun , Xu Zhao , Chu Jiru , Zhu Minglei , Teng Yunlong
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a novel visual-admittance-based model predictive control scheme to cope with the problem of vision/force control and several constraints of a nuclear collaborative robotic visual servoing system. A visual-admittance model considering the desired image feature and force command in the image feature space is proposed. Moreover, a novel constraint scheme of the model predictive control (MPC) is proposed to cancel the overshoot in the interaction force control for most cases by taking the desired force command as the constraint of the proposed MPC. Via applying the robotic dynamic image-based visual servoing (IBVS) model, some other constraints, such as the actuator saturation, joint angle, and visual limits, can be satisfied simultaneously. The simulation results for the two-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) robot manipulator with an eye-to-hand camera are present to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Biochar particle size coupled with biofertilizer enhances soil carbon-nitrogen microbial pools and CO2 sequestration in lentil
Authors: Ahmad Wiqar , Nepal Jaya , Zou Zhiyou , Munsif Fazal , Khan Aziz , Ahmad Ijaz , Zaheer Sajjad , Khan Muhammad Shahid , Jadoon Sultan Akbar , Tang Danfeng
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Biochar and biofertilizer have emerged as sustainable soil amendments to improve soil fertility and quality. However, it is necessary to determine how biochar’s various particle sizes and biofertilizers affect soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), and CO2 sequestration.

Methods: This research examined two rhizobia inoculum products—Biozote-N and Rhizogold—along with three biochar particle sizes (<2, 2–5, and 5–10 mm) under incubation intervals of 3, 6, and 10 days.

Results: The MBC (µg g−1 soil) and MBN (µg g−1 soil) increased significantly (p < 0.05), however, a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the organic C and mineralizable C within the <2 mm biochar treatment was observed. With biochar size of 2 mm on day 3, the CO2 evolution was 25% lower, but it increased 4%–19% from day 6–10 compared to the other biochar sizes and the biochar control. Sizes 2 and 2–5 mm were 43% lower in MBN, whereas 5–10 mm was 70% lower (µg g−1 OC). Biozote-N outperformed Rhizogold and no-biofertilizer on days 6 and 10, registering 6% and 20% higher MBC (g g−1 soil/OC), respectively. No biofertilizer increased CO2 production by 14% and 23% on days 3 and 6, respectively. On day 10, however, CO2 production inside Biozote and Rhizogold plots increased by 67% and 45% relative to the control, respectively. Biofertilizers enhanced MBN (µg g−1 OC) by 37%, with the contribution of Biozote-N being 18% more than that of Rhizogold. The Biozote-N and Rhizogold plots had a 13 and 28% increase in mineralizable N compared to the control. After the spring (lentil) crop, there was a 5%–18% higher MBC (g g−1 soil), 6%–17% higher MBC (g g−1 OC), 2%–10% greater CO2 evolution, 23% higher MBN, and 77% higher mineralizable N than after the fall (maize) crop.

Discussion: The results demonstrated the usefulness of Biozote-N for enhanced MBC and MBN, as they decreased C mineralization at the small biochar size (2 mm) even after 1 year of their combined application to lentil crop, showing that biochar-Biozote-N were more successful at boosting soil organic fertility and C sequestration.
The potential contribution of microplastic pollution by organic fertilizers in agricultural soils of Bangladesh: quantification, characterization, and risk appraisals
Authors: Rana Md. Mishail , Haque Md. Rashedul , Tasnim Sikder Sanchita , Rahman Md. Mostafizur
Published: June 2023

Although plastics are being recycled worldwide, a significant amount of plastic is still directly exposed to the environment and, in the end, forms microplastic (MP) particles (<5 mm). Soil is a significant sink for plastic waste. Thus, MP is considered an emerging threat to terrestrial ecosystems. Among several sources, organic fertilizer can be a potential source of MP to contaminate agricultural soils. Therefore, it is hypothesized that commercial organic fertilizer acts as a carrier of MP to agricultural soils in Bangladesh. Hence, 18 organic fertilizers were collected from different local markets in Bangladesh and subjected to the following available MP separation/extraction techniques. Then, a series of experimental steps were conducted, such as microscopic inspection, identification through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), to identify and characterize MP. The data were analyzed statistically using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. On average, 1,529.62 ± 420.2 MP items/kg of organic fertilizer were detected in the study, ranging from 433.33 ± 152.75 items/kg to 3,466.67 ± 1,357.69 items/kg in different organic fertilizers. The size range of 0.5 mm–1.00 mm (30%) was predominant among five different size ranges. The fiber was dominant over various shapes, and seven colors were observed, with black being the most prevalent. Overall, in a year, 971.31–1,387.37 items/m3 area was introduced through organic fertilizer to land. These MPs further contaminate soil biota and groundwater by their distribution pattern. According to the polymer hazard index (PHI), pollution load index (PLI), and potential ecological risk index (PERI), this organic fertilizer belongs to hazard categories III, V, and extreme danger, respectively. This study clearly explains the presence of MP in commercially available organic fertilizers and their probable effects. This could be applicable in further policy planning to reduce contaminants in formulating organic fertilizers.
Large-scale spatial variation and phenotypic integration in three Argynnini species inform about functions and evolutionary drivers of butterfly wings
Authors: Polic Daniela , Yıldırım Yeşerin , Vila Roger , Ribeiro Cardoso Paulo Ricardo , Franzén Markus , Forsman Anders
Published: June 2023

Understanding how large-scale environmental variability may shape the distribution of phenotypic variation remains central to evolutionary biology. Across-species comparisons of trait variation alongside environmental gradients may offer valuable insights into how different species may respond to similar selective pressures. We conducted a comparative morphological study (>32° latitude and >47° longitude) on three closely related Argynnini butterfly species, Speyeria aglaja, Fabriciana adippe, and F. niobe. We measured wing size and coloration to assess (1) whether they respond similarly or differently to environmental factors (longitude, latitude, altitude, temperature, precipitation, solar radiation, wind speed); (2) if these factors correspond with those associated with the species’ genetic structure based on a previous study; and (3) whether correlations between phenotypic traits within individuals are species-specific. We found common and species-specific associations of climatic (precipitation, wind speed) and geographic (longitude, altitude) factors with the composite phenotypic variation. Wing size was associated with different variables in the studied species, while melanisation mainly increased in cooler regions in all species, suggesting that the need for temperature regulation is a strong selective pressure on melanisation. Wing size was associated with the genetic structure in all species, highlighting the functional importance of this trait. The environmental drivers associated with the phenotypic variation in S. aglaja and F. adippe were largely the same as those associated with their genetic structure, hinting at a genetic underpinning of the observed morphological variation due to local adaption. We report some distinct intraspecific trait correlations in S. aglaja and F. adippe, indicative of independent phenotypic integration. These phenotypes seem to be associated with protection against predators and thermal regulation in the respective habitats of both species, suggesting that similar selective pressures have resulted in the evolution of different trait combinations. Some of the inter-specific differences could be related to diverging niche breadths and dispersal capacities, exemplifying that the evolution of trait integration and spatial phenotypic differentiation may differ between closely related species with overlapping distribution ranges. Our findings highlight the importance of comparative assessments of variation, and demonstrate that the relative effects of drivers of variability may vary between sister species.
Spatiotemporal variation of marsh vegetation productivity and climatic effects in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Wang Yanji , Zhang Jiaqi , Shen Xiangjin , Ma Rong , Liu Yiwen , Wu Liyuan , Tong Shouzheng , Jiang Ming , Lu Xianguo
Published: June 2023

Net primary productivity (NPP) is a vital ecological index that reflects the ecological function and carbon sequestration of marsh ecosystem. Inner Mongolia has a large area of marshes, which play a crucial role in the East Asian carbon cycle. Under the influence of climate change, the NPP of Inner Mongolian marsh has changed significantly in the past few decades, but the spatiotemporal variation in marsh vegetation NPP and how climate change affects marsh NPP remain unclear. This study explores, for the first time, the spatiotemporal variation of marsh NPP and its response to climatic change in Inner Mongolia based on the MODIS-NPP and climate datasets. We find that the long-term average annual NPP of marsh is 339.85 g⋅C/m2 and the marsh NPP shows a significantly increasing trend (4.44 g⋅C/m2/a; p < 0.01) over Inner Mongolia during 2000–2020. Spatially, the most prominent increase trend of NPP is mainly distributed in the northeast of the region (Greater Khingan Mountains). The partial correlation results show that increasing autumn and summer precipitation can increase the NPP of marsh vegetation over Inner Mongolia. Regarding the temperature effects, we observe a strong asymmetric effect of maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) temperature on annual NPP. A high spring Tmax can markedly increase marsh NPP in Inner Mongolia, whereas a high Tmin can significantly reduce it. In contrast to spring temperature effects on NPP, a high summer Tmax can decrease NPP, whereas a high Tmin can increase it. Our results suggest different effects of seasonal climate conditions on marsh vegetation productivity and highlight the influences of day-time and night-time temperatures. This should be considered in simulating and predicting marsh carbon sequestration in global arid and semi-arid regions.
Criteria for prioritizing selection of Mexican maize landrace accessions for conservation in situ or ex situ based on phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Martínez Octavio , Ojeda Adriana Ceniceros , Hayano-Kanashiro Corina , Reyes Valdés M. Humberto , Hernández José Luis Pons , Simpson June
Published: June 2023

Introduction

A combination of factors including migration, climate change and the encroachment of growing cities are associated with the extinction of species and a reduction in biodiversity. In Mexico maize landraces are an important source of germplasm that could be invaluable for future breeding programs in response a changing environment. Efforts to develop conservation strategies are hampered by the costs of housing and maintaining large germplasm collections. Effective criteria are therefore needed to identify rare genotypes that are in danger of being lost and to define minimal cost-effective core collections.

Methods

A large-scale genotyping analysis of Mexican maize landraces was carried out using 14 SSR markers spread across the 10 maize chromosomes. DNA was extracted from 30 individual plants of each accession and 3 bulks containing 220ng of DNA from each of 10 individual plants were prepared. Amplification reactions were carried out individually on each bulk sample and SSRs were detected using an automatic sequencer. Binary scores were used to produce phylogenies and a rareness index Ri was developed to identify a minimal collection of accessions.

Results

A total of 40,140 individual plants from accessions obtained in 14 different Mexican states and covering 47 maize races were analyzed. Accessions from Northern and Central-Southern states could be distinguished based on genotype and accessions from Michoacán state were found to be distinct to all other accessions. A minimal collection of 56 accessions that covered all identified alleles and included rare allele combinations was determined.

Discussion

The strategy employed successfully distinguished accessions from different regions of Mexico and identified rare germplasm and offers a cost effective method to determine minimal germplasm collections for conservation in situ or ex situ. The strategy could easily be adapted for use in other native crop species such as common bean, chili pepper and tomato among others.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the Indian dammer bee, Tetragonula iridipennis, and the phylogenomics of Meliponini
Authors: Karuppaiah Vadivelu , Gadge Ankush S. , Shirsat Dhananjay V. , Soumia Parakkattu S. , Mainkar Pawan , Kumar Satish , Jaiswal Durgesh K. , Mahajan Vijay
Published: June 2023

The Indian stingless bee Tetragonula iridipennis (Hymenoptera: Apidae), popularly recognized as the Indian dammer bee, is an economically important and widely distributed non-Apis bee species in India. The taxonomic gaps, systematics, evolutionary puzzles, and structural motifs within the mitogenomes of this species have rarely been examined and are not fully understood. Next-generation sequencing was employed to decipher the complete mitochondrial genome of T. iridipennis (15,045 bp). De novo genome assembly revealed that it encompasses 34 genes: protein-coding genes (13), transfer RNA (tRNAs) genes (19), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes (2). Additionally, genome organization, including gene content, nucleotide composition, codon usage, and gene rearrangement, was investigated to better comprehend, utilize, and conserve this germplasm resource. The average gene length was 400 bp; maximum and minimum lengths were 1,530 bp (cox1) and 57 bp (tRNA-S1), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis has suggested that T. iridipennis is mostly closely related to T. pagdeni and Lepidotrigona species. All the stingless bee species (Meliponini) formed a distinct clade that shared a closer relationship with bumble bees (Bombini) than honey bees (Apini). The nucleotide composition of T. iridipennis was biased toward A+T, which accounted for 75.95% of the whole mitogenome. Length and compositional differences between T. iridipennis and other bees were detected, and gene order was compared. The mitogenome of T. iridipennis showed the highest gene rearrangement score (78), suggesting this species has a hyperactive evolutionary history. The variations of gene positions and gene rearrangement in the mitogenome could also aid in resolving the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history in Meliponini. Additionally, this is the first report of a complete mitochondrial genome sequence of T. iridipennis.
Monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio as a predictor for patients with Takayasu arteritis and coronary involvement: a double-center, observational study
Authors: Ci Weiping , Wan Jin , Han Jing , Zou Kaiyuan , Ge Changjiang , Pan Lili , Jin Zening
Published: June 2023

Background

The implication of the monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) in Takayasu arteritis (TAK) remains unclear.

Objective

We aimed to assess the predictive value of the MHR to identify coronary involvement with TAK and determine the patient prognosis.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 1,184 consecutive patients with TAK were collected and assessed, and those who were initially treated and with coronary angiography were enrolled and classified according to coronary involvement or no involvement. Binary logistic analysis was performed to assess coronary involvement risk factors. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis was used to determine the MHR value to predict coronary involvement in TAK. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were recorded in patients with TAK and coronary involvement within a 1-year follow-up, and Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis was conducted to compare MACEs between them stratified by the MHR.

Results

A total of 115 patients with TAK were included in this study, and 41 of them had coronary involvement. A higher MHR was found for TAK with coronary involvement than for TAK without coronary involvement (P = 0.014). Multivariate analysis showed that the MHR is an independent risk factor for coronary involvement in TAK (odds ratio: 92.718, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.813–3056.291, P = 0.011). With the best cut-off value of 0.35, the MHR identified coronary involvement with 53.7% sensitivity and 68.9% specificity [area under the curve (AUC): 0.639, 95% CI: 0.544–0.726, P=0.010] and identified left main disease and/or three-vessel disease (LMD/3VD) with 70.6% sensitivity and 66.3% specificity (AUC: 0.704, 95% CI: 0.612–0.786, P = 0.003) in TAK. Combined with other variables, the MHR identified coronary involvement with 63.4% sensitivity and 90.5% specificity (AUC: 0.852, 95% CI: 0.773–0.911, P < 0.001), and identified LMD/3VD with 82.4% sensitivity and 78.6% specificity (AUC: 0.827, 95% CI: 0.720–0.934, P < 0.001) in TAK. A total of 39 patients with TAK and coronary involvement were followed up for 1 year, and 5 patients suffered a MACE. Those with an MHR >0.35 had a higher MACE incidence than their counterparts with an MHR ≤0.35 (χ2 = 4.757, P = 0.029).

Conclusions

The MHR could be a simple, practical biomarker for identifying coronary involvement and LMD/3VD in TAK and predicting a long-term prognosis.
Preservation solution Custodiol containing human alpha-1-antitrypsin improves graft recovery after prolonged cold ischemic storage in a rat model of heart transplantation
Authors: Korkmaz-Icöz Sevil , Abulizi Sophia , Li Kunsheng , Korkmaz Brice , Georgevici Adrian-Iustin , Sayour Alex Ali , Loganathan Sivakkanan , Canoglu Hansa , Karck Matthias , Szabó Gábor
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The shortage of available donor hearts and the risk of ischemia/reperfusion injury restrict heart transplantation (HTX). Alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), a well-characterized inhibitor of neutrophil serine protease, is used in augmentation therapy to treat emphysema due to severe AAT deficiency. Evidence demonstrates its additional anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective effects. We hypothesized that adding human AAT in a preservation solution reduces graft dysfunction in a rat model of HTX following extended cold ischemic storage.

Methods

The hearts from isogenic Lewis donor rats were explanted, stored for either 1h or 5h in cold Custodiol supplemented with either vehicle (1h ischemia, n=7 or 5h ischemia, n=7 groups) or 1 mg/ml AAT (1h ischemia+AAT, n=7 or 5h ischemia+AAT, n=9 groups) before heterotopic HTX. Left-ventricular (LV) graft function was evaluated in vivo 1.5h after HTX. Immunohistochemical detection of myeloperoxydase (MPO) was performed in myocardial tissue and expression of 88 gene quantified with PCR was analyzed both statistical and with machine-learning methods.

Results

After HTX, LV systolic function (dP/dtmax 1h ischemia+AAT 4197 ± 256 vs 1h ischemia 3123 ± 110; 5h ischemia+AAT 2858 ± 154 vs 5h ischemia 1843 ± 104mmHg/s, p<0.05) and diastolic function (dP/dtmin 5h ischemia+AAT 1516 ± 68 vs 5h ischemia 1095 ± 67mmHg/s, p<0.05) at an intraventricular volume of 90µl were improved in the AAT groups compared with the corresponding vehicle groups. In addition, the rate pressure product (1h ischemia+AAT 53 ± 4 vs 1h ischemia 26 ± 1; 5h ischemia+AAT 37 ± 3 vs 5h ischemia 21 ± 1mmHg*beats/min at an intraventricular volume of 90µl; p<0.05) was increased in the AAT groups compared with the corresponding vehicle groups. Moreover, the 5h ischemia+AAT hearts exhibited a significant reduction in MPO-positive cell infiltration in comparison to the 5h ischemia group. Our computational analysis shows that ischemia+AAT network displays higher homogeneity, more positive and fewer negative gene correlations than the ischemia+placebo network.

Discussion

We provided experimental evidence that AAT protects cardiac grafts from prolonged cold ischemia during HTX in rats.
Identifying hub genes and common biological pathways between COVID-19 and benign prostatic hyperplasia by machine learning algorithms
Authors: Zhou Hang , Xu Mingming , Hu Ping , Li Yuezheng , Ren Congzhe , Li Muwei , Pan Yang , Wang Shangren , Liu Xiaoqiang
Published: June 2023

Background

COVID-19, a serious respiratory disease that has the potential to affect numerous organs, is a serious threat to the health of people around the world. The objective of this article is to investigate the potential biological targets and mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 affects benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and related symptoms.

Methods

We downloaded the COVID-19 datasets (GSE157103 and GSE166253) and the BPH datasets (GSE7307 and GSE132714) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. In GSE157103 and GSE7307, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found using the “Limma” package, and the intersection was utilized to obtain common DEGs. Further analyses followed, including those using Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI), Gene Ontology (GO) function enrichment analysis, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Potential hub genes were screened using three machine learning methods, and they were later verified using GSE132714 and GSE166253. The CIBERSORT analysis and the identification of transcription factors, miRNAs, and drugs as candidates were among the subsequent analyses.

Results

We identified 97 common DEGs from GSE157103 and GSE7307. According to the GO and KEGG analyses, the primary gene enrichment pathways were immune-related pathways. Machine learning methods were used to identify five hub genes (BIRC5, DNAJC4, DTL, LILRB2, and NDC80). They had good diagnostic properties in the training sets and were validated in the validation sets. According to CIBERSORT analysis, hub genes were closely related to CD4 memory activated of T cells, T cells regulatory and NK cells activated. The top 10 drug candidates (lucanthone, phytoestrogens, etoposide, dasatinib, piroxicam, pyrvinium, rapamycin, niclosamide, genistein, and testosterone) will also be evaluated by the P value, which is expected to be helpful for the treatment of COVID-19-infected patients with BPH.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal common signaling pathways, possible biological targets, and promising small molecule drugs for BPH and COVID-19. This is crucial to understand the potential common pathogenic and susceptibility pathways between them.
Association of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class II (DRB1 and DQB1) alleles and haplotypes with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Sudanese patients
Authors: Ali Adil Ahmed , Khalid Khalid Eltahir , Mohammed Somaya Elhaj , Akhtar Mohammed Salman , Saeed Osman Khalafalla
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to determine the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class II (DRB1 and DQB1) alleles and haplotype frequency in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in the Sudanese population. The frequency of HLA-DRB1 and -DQB1 alleles and DRB1-DQB1 haplotypes were determined in 122 RA patients and 100 controls. HLA alleles were genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP) method. In RA patients, HLA-DRB1*04 and *10 alleles were high in frequency (9.6% vs 14.2%, P = 0.038 and P = 0.042, respectively), and dependently on anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) seropositivity (P = 0.044 and P = 0.027, respectively). In contrast, the frequency of the HLA-DRB1*07 allele was significantly low in patients than in controls (11.7% vs 5.0%, P = 0.010). Moreover, the HLA-DQB1*03 allele was strongly associated with RA risk (42.2%, P = 2.2x10-8), whereas, HLA-DQB1*02 and *06 showed protective effects against RA (23.1% and 42.2%, P = 0.024 and P = 2.2x10-6, respectively). Five different HLA haplotypes, DRB1*03-DQB1*03 (P = 0.00003), DRB1*04-DQB1*03 (P = 0.00014), DRB1*08-DQB1*03 (P = 0.027), DRB1*13-DQB1*02 (P = 0.004), and DRB1*13-DQB1*03 (P = 3.79x10-8) were significantly associated with RA risk, while 3 protective haplotypes, DRB1*03-DQB1*02 (Pc = 0.008), DRB1*07-DQB1*02 (Pc = 0.004), and DRB1*13-DQB1*06 (Pc = 0.02) were identified. This is the first study determining the association between HLA class II alleles and haplotypes and RA risk in our population.
Azacitidine and lenalidomide combination: a novel relapse prophylaxis regimen after allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Feng Yimei , Chen Ting , Zhang Yun , Yao Han , Wang Ping , Wang Lu , Cassady Kaniel , Zou Zhongmin , Liu Yuqing , Zhao Lu , Gao Lei , Zhang Xi , Kong Peiyan
Published: June 2023

Introduction

While allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) can be a curative regimen for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), relapse of AML remains a serious risk post-transplantation. Once relapsed, salvage options are limited and management of AML is difficult. Here we designed a prospective study to examine the efficacy and tolerability of maintenance therapy with azacytidine (AZA) plus low-dose lenalidomide (LEN) to prevent relapse after allo-HSCT for AML patients (ChiCTR2200061803).

Methods

AML patients post-allo-HSCT were treated with AZA (75 mg/m2 for 7 days), followed by LEN (5 mg/m2, day 10-28), and a 4-week resting interval, which was defined as one treatment cycle. A total of 8 cycles was recommended.

Results

37 patients were enrolled, 25 patients received at least 5 cycles, and 16 patients finished all 8 cycles. With a median follow-up time of 608 (43-1440) days, the estimated 1-year disease free survival (DFS) was 82%, cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) was 18%, and overall survival (OS) was 100%. Three patients (8%) had grade 1-2 neutropenia without fever; one patient developed grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia and minor subdural hematoma; 4/37 patients (11%) developed chronic GVHD with a score of 1-2, without requiring systemic treatment; No patient developed acute GVHD. After AZA/LEN prophylaxis, increasing numbers of CD56+NK and CD8+ T, and decreasing of CD19+ B cells were observed.

Discussion

Azacitidine combined with low-dose lenalidomide was observed to be an effective relapse prophylaxis option after allo-HSCT in AML patients, and can be administered safely without significantly increasing the risk of GVHD, infection and other AEs.

Clinical Trial Registration

www.chictr.org, identifier ChiCTR2200061803.
Deficiency in the production of antibodies to lipids correlates with increased lipid metabolism in severe COVID-19 patients
Authors: Piédrola Ignacio , Martínez Sara , Gradillas Ana , Villaseñor Alma , Alonso-Herranz Vanesa , Sánchez-Vera Isabel , Escudero Esther , Martín-Antoniano Isabel A. , Varona Jose Felipe , Ruiz Andrés , Castellano Jose María , Muñoz Úrsula , Sádaba María C.
Published: June 2023

Background

Antibodies to lipids are part of the first line of defense against microorganisms and regulate the pro/anti-inflammatory balance. Viruses modulate cellular lipid metabolism to enhance their replication, and some of these metabolites are proinflammatory. We hypothesized that antibodies to lipids would play a main role of in the defense against SARS-CoV-2 and thus, they would also avoid the hyperinflammation, a main problem in severe condition patients.

Methods

Serum samples from COVID-19 patients with mild and severe course, and control group were included. IgG and IgM to different glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids were analyzed using a high-sensitive ELISA developed in our laboratory. A lipidomic approach for studying lipid metabolism was performed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS).

Results

Mild and severe COVID-19 patients had higher levels of IgM to glycerophosphocholines than control group. Mild COVID-19 patients showed higher levels of IgM to glycerophosphoinositol, glycerophosphoserine and sulfatides than control group and mild cases. 82.5% of mild COVID-19 patients showed IgM to glycerophosphoinositol or glycerophosphocholines plus sulfatides or glycerophosphoserines. Only 35% of severe cases and 27.5% of control group were positive for IgM to these lipids. Lipidomic analysis identify a total of 196 lipids, including 172 glycerophospholipids and 24 sphingomyelins. Increased levels of lipid subclasses belonging to lysoglycerophospholipids, ether and/or vinyl-ether-linked glycerophospholipids, and sphingomyelins were observed in severe COVID-19 patients, when compared with those of mild cases and control group.

Conclusion

Antibodies to lipids are essential for defense against SARS-CoV-2. Patients with low levels of anti-lipid antibodies have an elevated inflammatory response mediated by lysoglycerophospholipids. These findings provide novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Evaluation of neoadjuvant immunotherapy plus chemotherapy in Chinese surgically resectable gastric cancer: a pilot study by meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Hao , Li Tengyun , Shao Guoyi , Wang Weizhi , He Zhongyuan , Xu Jianghao , Qian Yawei , Liu Hongda , Ge Han , Wang Linjun , Zhang Diancai , Yang Li , Li Fengyuan , Xu Zekuan
Published: June 2023

Background

Recently, the use of immunochemotherapy in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer (GC) has been increasing and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitors combined with chemotherapy has become the first-line treatment for advanced GC. However, few studies with small sample sizes have examined this treatment regimen to assess its effectiveness and safety in the neoadjuvant treatment phase of resectable local advanced GC.

Materials and methods

Herein, we systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science for clinical trials on neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (nICT) in advanced GC. The primary outcomes were effectiveness [evaluated by major pathological response (MPR) and pathological complete response (pCR)] and safety [assessed by grade 3–4 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) and postoperative complications]. A meta-analysis of non-comparative binary results was performed to aggregate the primary outcomes. Direct comparative analysis was used to compare pooled results of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) with nICT. The outcomes emerged as risk ratios (RR).

Results

Five articles with 206 patients were included, and all of them were from the Chinese population. The pooled pCR and MPR rates were 26.5% (95% CI: 21.3%–33.3%) and 49.0% (95% CI: 42.3%–55.9%), while grade 3–4 TRAEs and post-operative complication rates were 20.0% (95% CI: 9.1%–39.8%) and 30.1% (95% CI: 23.1%–37.9%), respectively. Direct comparison showed that with the exception of grade 3–4 TRAEs and postoperative complications, all outcomes including pCR, MPR, and R0 resection rate favoured nICT to nCT.

Conclusion

nICT is a promising strategy for use as an advisable neoadjuvant treatment for patients with advanced GC in Chinese population. However, more phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) will be required to further consolidate the efficacy and safety of this regimen.
Platelets-related signature based diagnostic model in rheumatoid arthritis using WGCNA and machine learning
Authors: Liu Yuchen , Jiang Haixu , Kang Tianlun , Shi Xiaojun , Liu Xiaoping , Li Chen , Hou Xiujuan , Li Meiling
Published: June 2023

Background and aim

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoinflammatory disease that may lead to severe disability. The diagnosis of RA is limited due to the need for biomarkers with both reliability and efficiency. Platelets are deeply involved in the pathogenesis of RA. Our study aims to identify the underlying mechanism and screening for related biomarkers.

Methods

We obtained two microarray datasets (GSE93272 and GSE17755) from the GEO database. We performed Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) to analyze the expression modules in differentially expressed genes identified from GSE93272. We used KEGG, GO and GSEA enrichment analysis to elucidate the platelets-relating signatures (PRS). We then used the LASSO algorithm to develop a diagnostic model. We then used GSE17755 as a validation cohort to assess the diagnostic performance by operating Receiver Operating Curve (ROC).

Results

The application of WGCNA resulted in the identification of 11 distinct co-expression modules. Notably, Module 2 exhibited a prominent association with platelets among the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analyzed. Furthermore, a predictive model consisting of six genes (MAPK3, ACTB, ACTG1, VAV2, PTPN6, and ACTN1) was constructed using LASSO coefficients. The resultant PRS model demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy in both cohorts, as evidenced by area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.801 and 0.979.

Conclusion

We elucidated the PRSs occurred in the pathogenesis of RA and developed a diagnostic model with excellent diagnostic potential.