bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating Potential Links Between Fine-Grained Components in Loess and Westerly Airflow: Evidence From East and Central Asia
Authors: Li Yue , Song Yougui , Fitzsimmons Kathryn E. , Dave Aditi K. , Liu Yuming , Zong Xiulan , Sun Huanyu , Liu Huifang , Orozbaev Rustam
Published: June 2022

Loess is a ubiquitous, silty aeolian sediment common across the semiarid to subhumid regions in the Northern Hemisphere. As such, the physical characteristics of loess sediment, such as modal grain size and quartz crystallinity index, have the potential to inform us about dust transport pathways and corresponding atmospheric circulation responsible for entrainment, transport, and deposition. In this article, we combine detailed granularity analyses and non-parametric end-member modeling with investigations of the quartz crystallinity index of three loess deposits, extending from East to Central Asia, with the aim of identifying dust transport processes and the climate subsystems responsible for them. We find marked differences in the grain size characteristics of Eastern and Central Asian loess. Given potential linkages of fine particles to the westerly jet stream, here we focused on the fine-grained end-members in the loess. The fine-grained components of the Central Asian Bishkek (BSK) and Chashmanigar (CMG) loess may be derived from individual particles carried at high altitude by major climate subsystems such as the westerlies. However, similar quartz crystallinity indexes of fine- and coarse-grained components in the Central Asian loess indicated that surface-level wind strength might influence the releases from proximal-sourced regions and abundances in the upper atmosphere for the fine particles. By contrast, the fine-grained component of the East Asian [Fanshan18 (FS18)] loess seems to yield physical similarities to the Tertiary Red Clays underlying many loess stratigraphies, and has been interpreted to relate to transport associated with the East Asian winter monsoon. It was further supported by quartz crystallinity indexes of the <16 μm fractions in the FS18 loess, basically consistent with those of the deserts in North China, highlighting the near-surface northwesterly winter monsoon as the dominant transport dynamics of fine-grained dust. In addition, comparisons of quartz crystallinity indexes of fine-grained components between the East and Central Asian loess also suggest that variations in fine particles within the loess might not be related to transport by the higher-level westerlies, which is in disagreement with the previous model. Therefore, our results indicate that variations in fine-grained end-members in loess are difficult to reliably document the variabilities of higher-level westerlies.
Accelerated Shrinkage of Glaciers in the Altai Mountains From 2000 to 2020
Authors: Chang Jiawen , Wang Ninglian , Li Zhijie , Yang Daqing
Published: June 2022

Mountain glaciers are an important component of the global hydrological cycle. Existing research about glacier changes in the Altai focused on limited regions. Study about recent glacier changes in the entire Altai Mountains is still lacking. We presented a consistent method for identifying glacier margins. The two new glacier inventories in 2000 and 2020 were derived from Landsat satellite imagery. Glacier surface elevation change and mass balance were obtained by comparing the 2000 Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) and 2020 Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) generated from Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) images. The spatial pattern of glacier changes was discussed in conjunction with climate trends. We mapped a total area of 1,096.06 ± 53.32 km2around 2020, which amounts to 1,927 glaciers in the Altai Mountains. That was 12.02 ± 3.01% (or 0.60 ± 0.15%·a−1) less than the 1,245.75 ± 58.52 km2around 2000. The geodetic mass balance of the monitoring glaciers in the Aktru basin for the period 2000–2011 was used to validate the geodetic survey. The average geodetic mass balance of -0.32 ± 0.09 m w. e.·a−1on monitoring glaciers was slightly exaggerated than the observed mass balance of -0.26 m w. e.·a−1, but it was proved that the geodetic mass balance could reflect glacier changes in the Altai Mountains. An average mass loss of 14.55 ± 1.32 m w. e. (or 0.74 ± 0.07 m w. e.·a−1) was found during 2000–2020 in the Altai Mountains. Although the glacier area changes and mass balance were characterized by spatial heterogeneity, the glaciers in the Altai had experienced an accelerated shrinkage from 2000 to 2020 compared to the 20th century. The rising temperature is the foremost reason for glacier area shrinkage and mass loss according to the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) reanalysis data.
Parent Questionnaires in Screening for Developmental Language Disorder Among Bilingual Children in Speech and Language Clinics
Authors: Abutbul-Oz Hadar , Armon-Lotem Sharon
Published: June 2022

Screening for Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) among bilingual children in Speech and Language Clinics is challenged by the use of Societal Language (SL) monolingual norms and by the absence of knowledge about children’s performance in the Home Language (HL) leading to over diagnosis of DLD among bilingual children. The current study examined how bilingual parents’ questionnaire can contribute to a more accurate clinical protocol that can help mitigate the diagnosis difficulties and help disentangle the impact of bilingualism from DLD. Parents of 75 bilingual children (ages 48–82 months) participated in this study. Forty six children were referred to Speech and Language Pathologists (SLPs) due to language performance difficulties (Clinically Referred- CR) and 29 were never referred to a SLP (Non-referred- NR). Of the CR group only 19 were diagnosed by the SLP with DLD using dynamic assessment (CR-DLD), while 27 were diagnosed as having typical language development (CR-TLD). Parents of all children filled a Bilingual Parent Questionnaire (BIPAQ), developed from a SLP’s perspective, ith information in five domains: (a) Demographic Information, (b) Developmental background, (c) HL abilities, (d) SL abilities, and (e) Quantity and quality of exposure to both HL and SL. Significantly lower scores were observed for the CR-DLD group compared to the other groups on Developmental background, HL abilities, and SL abilities as well as on the total score. Sentence complexity, difference from other children in language development, and family history significantly distinguished between the CR-DLD and CR-TLD groups. Sentence complexity, difference from other children in language development, and confidence speaking freely distinguished between CR-DLD and NR children. No significant difference was observed between CR-TLD and NR children. A comparison of the CR- DLD and the CR-TLD bilinguals using a ROC curve analysis yielded good sensitivity and specificity, as well as good accuracy (AUC = 0.869). Our findings show that parent questionnaires can be a valuable part of diagnosis protocol and provide missing information needed for more accurate diagnosis before treatment commences, allowing clinicians alternative options of treatment as well as reducing caseloads at clinics.
Output Current Ripple and Efficiency Optimal Control Method for Multi-Phase Interleaved LLC Resonant Converter
Authors: Wang Weikang , Liu Yang , Zhao Jin , Yin Quan , Lv Qiaoqiang , Zhang Peng
Published: June 2022

The interleaving technique is required for LLC resonant converters to achieve high power levels, handle higher input/output currents, and reduce output current ripple. However, the high system efficiency and the low output current ripple for the multi-phase LLC resonant converter cannot be achieved at the same time at low and medium power levels. Most methods try to keep the multi-phase LLC resonant converter in load-sharing mode regardless of the power level, which will result in low system efficiency at low and medium power levels. In this paper, an output current ripple and efficiency optimal control method with finite load distribution schemes is proposed for the multi-phase LLC resonant converter to balance the efficiency and output current ripple. The optimal control method improves the efficiency as much as possible while keeping output current ripple low. According to the calculation of output current ripple and efficiency, the optimal load distribution scheme is selected. The pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) and phase-shift modulation (PSM) hybrid control is applied to regulate the load of each phase. An analysis is provided, and a 540-W three-phase interleaved LLC resonant converter is built to verify the superiority.
A Modified Long Short-Term Memory-Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient-Based Scheduling Method for Active Distribution Networks
Authors: Chen Zhong , Wang Ruisheng , Sun Kehui , Zhang Tian , Du Puliang , Zhao Qi
Published: June 2022

To improve the decision-making level of active distribution networks (ADNs), this paper proposes a novel framework for coordinated scheduling based on the long short-term memory network (LSTM) with deep reinforcement learning (DRL). Considering the interaction characteristics of ADNs with distributed energy resources (DERs), the scheduling objective is constructed to reduce the operation cost and optimize the voltage distribution. To tackle this problem, a LSTM module is employed to perform feature extraction on the ADN environment, which can realize the recognition and learning of massive temporal structure data. The concerned ADN real-time scheduling model is duly formulated as a finite Markov decision process (FMDP). Moreover, a modified deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm is proposed to solve the complex decision-making problem. Numerous experimental results within a modified IEEE 33-bus system demonstrate the validity and superiority of the proposed method.
Application of a Novel Hybrid Machine Learning Algorithm in Shallow Landslide Susceptibility Mapping in a Mountainous Area
Authors: Ghasemian Bahareh , Shahabi Himan , Shirzadi Ataollah , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Jaafari Abolfazl , Geertsema Marten , Melesse Assefa M. , Singh Sushant K. , Ahmad Anuar
Published: June 2022

Landslides can be a major challenge in mountainous areas that are influenced by climate and landscape changes. In this study, we propose a hybrid machine learning model based on a rotation forest (RoF) meta classifier and a random forest (RF) decision tree classifier called RoFRF for landslide prediction in a mountainous area near Kamyaran city, Kurdistan Province, Iran. We used 118 landslide locations and 25 conditioning factors from which their predictive usefulness was measured using the chi-square technique in a 10-fold cross-validation analysis. We used the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, F1-measure, Kappa, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to validate the performance of the proposed model compared to the Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Logistic Model Tree (LMT), Best First Tree (BFT), and RF models. The validation results demonstrated that the landslide susceptibility map produced by the hybrid model had the highest goodness-of-fit (AUC = 0.953) and higher prediction accuracy (AUC = 0.919) compared to the benchmark models. The hybrid RoFRF model proposed in this study can be used as a robust predictive model for landslide susceptibility mapping in the mountainous regions around the world.
Against the Flow: The Colonisation of the Lesotho Highlands by Freshwater Limpets
Authors: Sands Arthur F. , Riedel Frank , Gummersbach Venise S. , Albrecht Christian
Published: June 2022

To date, limited research has taken place on the evolutionary history of biodiversity in the high-altitude zones of southern Africa, particularly the Lesotho Highlands. The few studies that do exist point to similar high-altitude zones being either prolific museums (i.e., refugia and cradles) for cold-evolved species or sinks for temperate species post the Last Glacial Maximum, yet the role this zone has played for freshwater biodiversity is unknown for almost all freshwater taxa. In this study, we address this lack of knowledge by looking at the phylogeography of the freshwater limpet genus, Burnupia, across its southern and eastern African range, but particularly focusing on the Lesotho Highlands. We used COI data to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the genus, quantify phylogenetic species diversity, test both isolation by distance (IBD) and by elevation (IBE) and model ancestral area estimation “in” and “out” of the Highlands to determine: 1) The diversity and endemicity of Burnupia spp. in the Highlands in comparison to the broader southern African region and 2) when did the colonisation of the Highlands happen. Our results showed that at least two of the nine southern African phylogenetic species delimited occur in the Highlands (which appears average for the geographical extent of this area in comparison to the broader southern African region) and that the genus has been present in the Lesotho Highlands for somewhere between 1.38–0.23 million years. However, we found the endemicity of at least one of the two Highland species, supported by weak but significant IBD and IBE in Burnupia. Therefore we favour the notion that the Highlands are likely an important haven for cold-evolved species. As our results also generated a lot of data useful for Burnupia systematics, we discuss some taxonomic implications of our findings.
Groundwater Flow Modeling of a Near-Surface Disposal Repository for Low- and Intermediate-Level Radioactive Waste in Southwest China
Authors: Zhang Huang , Zhang Qiulan , Chen Yunli , Shao Jingli , Cui Yali , Wan Wenyi , Han Shangqi
Published: June 2022

The influence and function of engineering facilities were increasingly concerned about the safety analysis of low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste (LILW). In terms of near-surface disposal, many artificial facilities were set down, such as drainage facilities, covering layers, and disposal units. To analyze the long-term impact of these artificial facilities on groundwater in the disposal site area, we built four time-continuing models by setting the time nodes of parameter or boundary changes using FEFLOW code, considering the possible aging and degradation state of these facilities. According to the models, the site area’s groundwater level situations for long-term safety assessment were predicted. The results showed the different regulating abilities of drainage facilities affected the groundwater level of the disposal site in different degradation states, which also reflected the necessity of artificial facilities simulation in groundwater modeling. In addition, the Monte Carlo method and surrogate model were adopted to analyze the influence of the uncertainty of model parameters on the output of groundwater flow models. This study could help in further understanding the groundwater flow modeling for long-term safety assessment of near-surface disposal engineering.
Analysis of Population Genetic Diversity and Genetic Structure of Schizothorax biddulphi Based on 20 Newly Developed SSR Markers
Authors: Nie Zhulan , Ren Yongli , Zhang Lirong , Ge Rui , Wei Jie
Published: June 2022

To protect the germplasm resources of Schizothorax biddulphi, we developed and used 20 pairs of polymorphic microsatellite primers to analyze the genetic diversity and structure of populations. A total of 126 samples were collected from the Qarqan River (CEC), Kizil River (KZL), and Aksu River (AKS) in Xinjiang, China. The results showed that 380 alleles were detected in 20 pairs of primers and the average number of alleles was 19.0. The effective allele numbers and Nei’s gene diversity ranged from 1.1499 to 1.1630 and 0.0962 to 0.1136, respectively. The Shannon index range suggested low levels of genetic diversity in all populations. The genetic distance between the CEC and AKS populations was the largest, and the genetic similarity was the smallest. There was a significant genetic differentiation between CEC and the other two populations. The UPGMA clustering tree was constructed based on population genetic distance, and the clustering tree constructed by individuals showed that the AKS population and KZL population were clustered together, and the CEC population was clustered separately. Also, the group structure analysis also got the same result. It can be seen that although the three populations of S. biddulphi do not have high genetic diversity, the differentiation between the populations was high and the gene flow was limited, especially the differentiation between the CEC population and the other two populations. This study not only provided genetic markers for the research of S. biddulphi but the results of this study also suggested the need for enhanced management of S. biddulphi populations.
Biomechanical Comparison of Six Different Root-Analog Implants and the Conventional Morse Taper Implant by Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Wang Jia-Qing , Zhang Yuan , Pang Min , Wang Yue-Qiu , Yuan Jun , Peng Hui , Zhang Wen , Dai Lu , Li Hong-Wei
Published: June 2022

Taper implants differ greatly from anatomical teeth in shape. In this study, seven three-dimensional finite element models were established, including a conventional taper implant and six root-analog implants with different root numbers and shapes. Vertical, horizontal, and oblique instantaneous loads of 100 N were applied to the models to obtain stress distribution in the implant, mucosa, cortical bone, and cancellous bone. ANSYS was used to perform the analysis under hypothetical experimental conditions. We find the stresses in all the implants and surrounding tissues varied by loading direction, the sequence of stress magnitude is vertical load, oblique load, and then horizontal load. The maximum stress values in root-analog implants were significantly less than in the taper implant. Moreover, stress distribution in the former was equalized contrary to the concentrated stress in the latter. Root-analog implants with different root geometry also revealed a pattern: stresses in multiple-root implant models were lower than those in single-root implants under the same load. The implant with a long and rounded root distributed the stress more uniformly, and it was mainly concentrated on the implant itself and cancellous bone. However, the opposite effect was observed in the short implant on mucosa and cortical bone. The root geometry of anatomical teeth can modify their functions. A uniform-shaped implant can hardly meet their functional requirements. Thus, the root-analog implant could be a possible solution.
Major Molecular Factors Related to Leishmania Pathogenicity
Authors: Al-Khalaifah Hanan S.
Published: June 2022

Leishmaniasis is a major health problem with 600k - 1M new cases worldwide and 1 billion at risk. It involves a wide range of clinical forms ranging from self-healing cutaneous lesions to systemic diseases that are fatal if not treated, depending on the species ofLeishmania. Leishmaniasp. are digenetic parasites that have two different morphological stages.Leishmaniaparasites possess a number of invasive/evasive and pathoantigenic determinants that seem to have critical roles inLeishmaniainfection of macrophages which leads to successful intracellular parasitism in the parasitophorous vacuoles. These determinants are traditionally known as “virulence factors”, and are considered to be good targets for developing specific inhibitors to attenuate virulence ofLeishmaniaby gene deletions or modifications, thus causing infective, but non-pathogenic mutants for vaccination. Pathway of biosynthesis is critical for keeping the parasite viable and is important for drug designing against these parasites. These drugs are aimed to target enzymes that control these pathways. Accordingly, maintaining low level of parasitic infection and in some cases as a weapon to eradicate infection completely. The current paper focuses on several virulence factors as determinants ofLeishmaniapathogenicity, as well as the metabolites produced byLeishmaniato secure its survival in the host.
Positive Regulation of the Antiviral Activity of Interferon-Induced Transmembrane Protein 3 by S-Palmitoylation
Authors: Wen Shubo , Song Yang , Li Chang , Jin Ningyi , Zhai Jingbo , Lu Huijun
Published: June 2022

The interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3), a small molecule transmembrane protein induced by interferon, is generally conserved in vertebrates, which can inhibit infection by a diverse range of pathogenic viruses such as influenza virus. However, the precise antiviral mechanisms of IFITM3 remain unclear. At least four post-translational modifications (PTMs) were found to modulate the antiviral effect of IFITM3. These include positive regulation provided by S-palmitoylation of cysteine and negative regulation provided by lysine ubiquitination, lysine methylation, and tyrosine phosphorylation. IFITM3 S-palmitoylation is an enzymatic addition of a 16-carbon fatty acid on the three cysteine residues within or adjacent to its two hydrophobic domains at positions 71, 72, and 105, that is essential for its proper targeting, stability, and function. As S-palmitoylation is the only PTM known to enhance the antiviral activity of IFITM3, enzymes that add this modification may play important roles in IFN-induced immune responses. This study mainly reviews the research progresses on the antiviral mechanism of IFITM3, the regulation mechanism of S-palmitoylation modification on its subcellular localization, stability, and function, and the enzymes that mediate the S-palmitoylation modification of IFITM3, which may help elucidate the mechanism by which this IFN effector restrict virus replication and thus aid in the design of therapeutics targeted at pathogenic viruses.
The Designated Shipping Avoidance Area Around St. Lawrence Island, Northern Bering Sea, Is not Sufficient to Protect Foraging Habitat of the Island’s Breeding Seabird Community
Authors: Thiebot Jean-Baptiste , Will Alexis P. , Tsukamoto Shota , Kitaysky Alexander S. , Takahashi Akinori
Published: June 2022

One direct consequence of Arctic warming is the expansion of navigable portions of the Arctic Ocean. As a result, vessel traffic and the accompanying threats of spills, strikes and disturbance is intensifying throughout the Arctic. In the Bering Sea, these threats to the environment, wildlife and to the people who rely on marine resources for food and cultural continuity, are acute. We examined the spatial relevance of an Area To Be Avoided (ATBA), a shipping-risk mitigation measure, established around St. Lawrence Island with respect to seabirds, as sentinel species, habitat use. We studied four seabird species (common murre Uria aalge, thick-billed murre U. lomvia, crested auklet Aethia cristatella, black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla) breeding at St. Lawrence Island in the northern Bering Sea. GPS tracking data from 47 at-sea foraging trips showed that both murre species and crested auklets distributed outside the ATBA, during at least one stage of the breeding season. A larger dataset based on the birds’ red blood cell isotopic signatures confirmed that for murres, the tracked individuals covered the broad niche exploited by these species. Habitat modelling further showed that the birds’ most suitable marine habitats were associated with seasonal surface chlorophyll blooms, and largely extended beyond the ATBA on the shelf north of the island. Data on the murres’ diet and diving behavior emphasized the importance of the shelf as a foraging habitat for these birds. We suggest that extending the ATBA to the north by only 35 km, would include areas of maximal habitat suitability. This extension would better protect seabirds, their foraging habitats and the cultural continuity of St. Lawrence Islanders, against growing threats stemming from Arctic warming.
Relationship Between Asexual Reproduction of Aurelia coerulea Polyps and Jellyfish Blooms Under the Influence of Temperature Dynamics in Winter and Spring
Authors: Zang Wenxiao , Zhang Fang , Chi Xupeng , Sun Song
Published: June 2022

Aurelia coerulea, a type of scyphozoan jellyfish, has massively appeared in the coastal waters of China in recent years and caused great damage, but the asexual reproduction of A. coerulea polyp predicted by local temperature could not correspond well to the field abundance of jellyfish in summer. To understand the influence of winter and spring conditions on the reproductive process and to provide the basis for jellyfish population prediction, A. coerulea polyps, originally reared from planula larvae of medusae collected from Jiaozhou Bay (120.2°E, 36.1°N), were investigated at orthometric 3 overwintering temperatures (2, 5, and 8°C), 3 spring warming speeds (1°C increment every 5 days, 7.5 days, and 10 days), and 3 feeding frequencies (once per 9 days, 6 days, and 3 days), representing the range of environment conditions in winter and spring where they exist. Polyps had earlier strobilation, higher strobilation frequency, and more ephyra and bud production during warmer winter, but had intensive strobilation after colder winter when the temperature began to rise in spring. When warming speed was fast in spring, the percentage of the first strobilation was higher and ephyrae were released more intensively. However, when warming speed was slow in spring, the polyp could conduct secondary strobilation, resulting in higher strobilation frequency and more ephyrae with a longer period. High feeding frequency helped polyps accumulate more energy and promote asexual reproduction, especially beneficial to the second strobilation. This experiment shows that winter and spring temperature in addition to food availability has a significant effect on the asexual reproduction of polyp. However, these may not be only factors necessarily lead to jellyfish outbreaks in the natural environment. In the context of global warming, whether reproduction of polyps will eventually lead to the outbreak of jellyfish needs to be multifacetedly analyzed based on the complex situation in the field, such as the concentration and timing of jellyfish appearance, and their interactions with other species.
Conditions of Mainland China’s Island Ecosystems and Associated Influencing Factors: Integrated Assessment of 42 Typical Island Ecosystems
Authors: Ma Zhiyuan , Yu Weiwei , Zhang Wanting , Ge Feiyang , Chen Bin , Hu Wenjia , Zhang Dian , Liao Jianji , Huang Hao , Sun Yuanmin , Huang Haiping
Published: June 2022

Although China possesses a large number of islands, knowledge of their overall ecological condition is limited on a national scale. Accordingly, this study developed a comprehensive and quantitative island ecosystem assessment framework that incorporates environmental quality, biological structure, and landscape patterns. The framework was applied to 42 typical, representative islands within China’s coastal regions, including different climatic zones, area sizes, populations, and substratum lithologies. Results showed that the value range of the comprehensive index of island ecosystem condition (CIisland) was significant (from 52.33 to 89.53, 71.72 average), and 85.4% of islands scored either “high” or “good,” indicative of their exceptional condition. However, conditions varied among different island components, indicating different challenges. Environmental quality index (Ienv) values ranged from 60.70 to 94.80 (79.72 average), where primary threats were seawater nutrient pollution, petroleum, and marine organism metal contamination. Biological structure index (Ibio) values ranged from 43.50 to 89.40 (66.10 average), where primary threats were vegetation destruction and a reduction in marine biodiversity within intertidal and subtidal zones. Landscape pattern index (Iland) values varied significantly (from 6 to 100, 72.36 average), where a key characteristic of highly developed islands was low natural landscape (vegetation) coverage. Conditions also varied among island climate zones, lithologies, area sizes, and levels of human habitation. Additionally, island ecosystem conditions were influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors as well as area size, population, and GDP. Although distance to the mainland significantly correlated to (Ibio), and (CIisland), these parameters did not significantly correlate to (Ienv), which might be explained by that environmental quality was generally conditional on large-scale environments. This assessment is intended to provide a holistic perspective on island conditions in China while identifying key challenges and associated driving factors, which will greatly aid in establishing island-specific sustainable management practices.
Influence of Ocular Residual Astigmatism on the Correction of Myopic Astigmatism by Toric Implantable Collamer Lens: A Comparative Study With Femtosecond Laser Small Incision Lenticule Extraction
Authors: Sun Ling , Zhang Xiaoyu , Ding Lan , Shen Yang , Qian Yishan , Zhou Xingtao
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of the origin of astigmatism on the correction of myopic astigmatism by toric implantable collamer lens (TICL) and compare it with femtosecond laser small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE).

Methods

Ocular residual astigmatism (ORA) was determined by vector analysis using manifest refraction and Scheimpflug camera imaging of the anterior cornea. One-to-one matching between the TICL and SMILE groups was performed by preoperative manifest refractive astigmatism (RA) and ORA, tolerating a maximum difference of 0.50 diopter (D) for RA and 0.25 D for ORA. Patients of each group were further divided into groups according to ORA (high > 1.0 D; low ≤ 1.0 D). The baseline and 12-month postoperative data were analyzed. Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). A value of p less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

For the TICL group, no significant differences in the postoperative RA, safety index, efficacy index, index of success (IOS), correction index (CI), and angle of error (AOE) were found between high (n = 36) and low ORA (n = 36) groups (Mann–Whitney U test, p > 0.05). For the SMILE group, the postoperative RA (high: −0.67 ± 0.43 D, low: −0.39 ± 0.29 D, Mann–Whitney U test, p = 0.003) and IOS (high: 0.50 ± 0.43, low: 0.25 ± 0.23, Mann–Whitney U test, p = 0.003) were greater in the high ORA group. When comparing TICL and SMILE groups, the mean postoperative RA (TICL: −0.48 ± 0.29 D, SMILE: −0.67 ± 0.43 D, Mann–Whitney U test, p = 0.03) and IOS (TICL: 0.32 ± 0.23, SMILE: 0.50 ± 0.43, Mann–Whitney U test, p = 0.03) were significantly higher in the SMILE group when the ORA was >1.0 D.

Conclusion

Both TICL and SMILE are effective in correcting myopic astigmatism. ORA has a lesser effect on TICL than on SMILE.
A Novel Role of IL13Rα2 in the Pathogenesis of Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Qi Hui , Dong Lijun , Fang Dong , Chen Lu , Wang Yun , Fan Ning , Mao Xingxing , Wu Wenyi , Yan Xiaohe , Zhang Guoming , Zhang Shaochong , Lei Hetian
Published: June 2022

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), an inflammatory and fibrotic blinding disease, is still a therapeutic challenge. Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells dislodged in the vitreous play a central role in the PVR pathogenesis. To identify potential novel contributors to the pathogenesis of PVR, we investigated a profile of vitreous-induced changes in ARPE-19 cells by RNA sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis of the sequencing data showed that there were 258 genes up-regulated and 835 genes down-regulated in the ARPE-19 cells treated with human vitreous. Among these genes, there were three genes related to eye disease with more than threefold changes. In particular, quantitative PCR and western blot results showed that interleukin 13 receptor (IL13R)α2 that is over-expressed in a variety of cancers was up-regulated more than three times in the vitreous-treated ARPE-19 cells. Immunofluorescence analysis indicated that interleukin-13 receptor subunit α2 (IL13Rα2) was highly expressed in ARPE-19 cells within epiretinal membranes from patients with PVR. Importantly, blocking IL13Rα2 with its neutralizing antibody significantly inhibited vitreous-induced contraction of ARPE-19 cells, suggesting a novel role of IL13Rα2 in the PVR pathogenesis. These findings will improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which PVR develops and provides potential targets for PVR therapeutics.
Case Report: Rare Dynein Axonemal Heavy Chain 9 Mutations in a Han-Chinese Patient With Kartagener Syndrome
Authors: Feng Jingjing , Li Junqing , Du Yong , Shi Tianyun , Sharma Lokesh , Jie Zhijun
Published: June 2022

A 52-year-old woman presented with respiratory symptoms of productive cough and shortness of breath. She had suffered from repeated pneumonia. The CT scans revealed chronic sinusitis, tree bud signs in pulmonary imaging, and situs inversus. She received a primary diagnosis of Kartagener syndrome of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and a genetic examination was performed. Compound heterozygous mutations in dynein axonemal heavy chain 9 (DNAH9) were identified, which encoded outer dynein arms (ODAs) components. DNAH9 mutations are relatively rare events in PCD, and this is the first report of PCD patients with DNAH9 mutations in the Chinese population. Further, a literature review of mutations in PCD was conducted.
Case Report: First Report of Fatal Legionella pneumophila and Klebsiella pneumoniae Coinfection in a Kidney Transplant Recipient
Authors: Scaturro Maria , Girolamini Luna , Pascale Maria Rosaria , Mazzotta Marta , Marino Federica , Errico Giulia , Monaco Monica , Girolamo Antonietta , Rota Maria Cristina , Ricci Maria Luisa , Cristino Sandra
Published: June 2022

A very rare case of pulmonary Klebsiella pneumoniae-Legionella pneumophila coinfection in a double kidney transplanted man affected by the chronic renal disease is described. Cases of Legionnaires' disease with an incubation period of 14 days have rarely been documented. Despite the long period of hospitalization, typing of clinical and environmental L. pneumophila strains demonstrated that the patient's home water distribution system was the source of infection, highlighting that Legionella house contamination can be a hidden risk, especially for immune-compromised people.
Combining Traditional and Molecular Techniques Supports the Discovery of a Novel Legionella Species During Environmental Surveillance in a Healthcare Facility
Authors: Girolamini Luna , Pascale Maria Rosaria , Mazzotta Marta , Spiteri Simona , Marino Federica , Salaris Silvano , Grottola Antonella , Orsini Massimiliano , Cristino Sandra
Published: June 2022

Legionella surveillance plays a significant role not only to prevent the risk of infection but also to study the ecology of isolates, their characteristics, and how their prevalence changes in the environment. The difficulty in Legionella isolation, identification, and typing results in a low notification rate; therefore, human infection is still underestimated. In addition, during Legionella surveillance, the special attention given to Legionella pneumophila leads to an underestimation of the prevalence and risk of infection for other species. This study describes the workflow performed during environmental Legionella surveillance that resulted in the isolation of two strains, named 8cVS16 and 9fVS26, associated with the genus Legionella. Traditional and novel approaches such as standard culture technique, MALDI-TOF MS, gene sequencing, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis were combined to demonstrate that isolates belong to a novel species. The strain characteristics, the differences between macrophage infectivity potential (mip), RNA polymerase β subunit (rpoB), and reference gene sequences, the average nucleotide identity (ANI) of 90.4%, and the DNA–DNA digital hybridization (dDDH) analysis of 43% demonstrate that these isolates belong to a new Legionella species. The finding suggests that, during the culture technique, special attention should be paid to the characteristics of the isolates that are less associated with the Legionella genus in order to investigate the differences found using more sensitive methods. The characterization of the two newly discovered isolates based on morphological, biochemical, and microscopic characteristics is currently underway and will be described in another future study.
High Expression of MUC5AC, MUC5B, and Layilin Plays an Essential Role in Prediction in the Development of Plastic Bronchitis Caused by MPP
Authors: Ma Yu , Gu Yeqi , Zhang Xinxing , Gu Wenjing , Wang Ting , Sun Huiming , Dai Yinfang , Yan Yongdong , Wang Yuqing , Wang Meijuan , Sun Huiquan , Hao Chuangli , Fan Liping , Chen Zhengrong
Published: June 2022

Plastic bronchitis (PB) is a rare respiratory condition which can result in severe respiratory complications such as respiratory failure and death. Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is a main etiology cause of plastic bronchitis. However, the pathogenesis of plastic bronchitis complicated by Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) has not yet been fully elucidated. Our article aims to explore biomarkers for early prediction of MPP cases complicated with plastic bronchitis. We utilized a protein chip to screen for significantly different proteins among the groups of healthy, general Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (GMPP) and refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) patients, where layilin exhibited a potent change across biology information technology. Next, we demonstrated the high expression of MUC5AC, MUC5B, and layilin in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of MPP cases complicated with plastic bronchitis. Further study suggested that the level of layilin had a positive correlation with both MUC5AC and MUC5B. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic values of MUC5AC, MUC5B, and layilin in MPP cases with PB. Data show that the three indicators have similar diagnostic ability for MPP children with plastic bronchitis. Then, we used different concentrations of community-acquired respiratory distress syndrome (CARDS) toxin or lipid-associated membrane proteins (LAMPs) to simulate an in vitro experiment. The in vitro assay revealed that CARDS toxin or LAMPs induced A549 cells to secrete MUC5AC, MUC5B, layilin, and proinflammatory factors. These findings suggest that MUC5AC, MUC5B, and layilin are correlated with MPP. The high expression of MUC5AC, MUC5B, and layilin play an essential role in prediction in the development of plastic bronchitis caused by MPP. The high expression of MUC5AC, MUC5B, and layilin may be relevant to the severity of illness.
The Effector Protein CgNLP1 of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Affects Invasion and Disrupts Nuclear Localization of Necrosis-Induced Transcription Factor HbMYB8-Like to Suppress Plant Defense Signaling
Authors: Yang Guangyong , Yang Jie , Zhang Qiwei , Wang Wenfeng , Feng Liping , Zhao Li , An Bang , Wang Qiannan , He Chaozu , Luo Hongli
Published: June 2022

Fungi secrete numerous effectors to modulate host defense systems. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which fungal effectors regulate plant defense is of great importance for the development of novel strategies for disease control. In this study, we identified necrosis- and ethylene-inducing protein 1 (Nep1)-like protein (NLP) effector gene, CgNLP1, which contributed to conidial germination, appressorium formation, invasive growth, and virulence of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides to the rubber tree. Transient expression of CgNLP1 in the leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana induced ethylene production in plants. Ectopic expression of CgNLP1 in Arabidopsis significantly enhanced the resistance to Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria brassicicola. An R2R3 type transcription factor HbMYB8-like of rubber tree was identified as the target of CgNLP1.HbMYB8-like, localized on the nucleus, and induced cell death in N. benthamiana. CgNLP1 disrupted nuclear accumulation of HbMYB8-like and suppressed HbMYB8-like induced cell death, which is mediated by the salicylic acid (SA) signal pathway. This study suggested a new strategy whereby C. gloeosporioides exploited the CgNLP1 effector to affect invasion and suppress a host defense regulator HbMYB8-like to facilitate infection.
P53-Related Anticancer Activities of Drimia calcarata Bulb Extracts Against Lung Cancer
Authors: Laka K. , Mbita Z.
Published: June 2022

Current lung cancer treatment strategies are ineffective, and lung cancer cases continue to soar; thus, novel anticancer drugs and targets are needed, and medicinal plants are promising to offer better alternatives. This study was aimed at analysing two p53 splice variants during the potential anticancer activities of Drimia calcarata (Dc) methanol and water extracts against different human lung cancer cell lines of varying p53 mutation status, and these included mutant H1573 and mutant H1437 and p53-wild type (A549) cells. The anticancer activities of the Dc extracts were assessed by establishing the cytotoxic effect and the apoptosis-inducing capacity of these extracts, using the MTT assay and Annexin V analysis, respectively, with the latter confirmed using fluorescence microscopy. The molecular mechanisms induced by these extracts were further evaluated using cell cycle analysis and RT-PCR. Both extracts demonstrated safety against noncancerous lung MRC-5 fibroblasts and exhibited significant anticancer potency (p < 0.001) against the H1437 (IC50 values: 62.50 μg/ml methanol extract and 125 μg/ml WE), H1573 (IC50 value: 125 μg/ml for both extracts) and A549 (IC50 value: 500 μg/ml ME). The water extract had no effect on the viability of A549 cells. Treated H1437 cells underwent p53-dependent apoptosis and S-phase cell cycle arrest while H1573 treated cells underwent p53-independed apoptosis and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest through upregulation of p21 mRNA expression levels. The expression levels of STAT1, STAT3, STAT5A and STAT5B genes increased significantly (p < 0.001) following the treatment of H1573 cells with ME and WE. Treatment of H1437 cells with ME upregulated the STAT1, STAT3, STAT5A and STAT5B mRNAs. Our results indicate that the proliferative inhibitory effect of D. calcarata extracts on A549 and H1573 cells is correlated with the suppression of Bcl-2, STAT3 and STAT5B while that is not the case in H1437 cells. Thus, our results suggest that the dysregulation of anti-apoptotic molecules Bcl-2, STAT3, STAT5A and STAT5B in H1437 may play a role in cancer cell survival, which may consequently contribute to the development of p53-mutated non-small human lung cancer. Our results indicate that D. calcarata is a promising source of anticancer agents for the treatment of p53-mutant human non-small lung cancer cells than the p53-wild type human non-small lung cancer cells.
Membrane Protein Activity Induces Specific Molecular Changes in Nanodiscs Monitored by FTIR Difference Spectroscopy
Authors: Baserga Federico , Vorkas Antreas , Crea Fucsia , Schubert Luiz , Chen Jheng-Liang , Redlich Aoife , La Greca Mariafrancesca , Storm Julian , Oldemeyer Sabine , Hoffmann Kirsten , Schlesinger Ramona , Heberle Joachim
Published: June 2022

It is well known that lipids neighboring integral membrane proteins directly influence their function. The opposite effect is true as well, as membrane proteins undergo structural changes after activation and thus perturb the lipidic environment. Here, we studied the interaction between these molecular machines and the lipid bilayer by observing changes in the lipid vibrational bands via FTIR spectroscopy. Membrane proteins with different functionalities have been reconstituted into lipid nanodiscs: Microbial rhodopsins that act as light-activated ion pumps (the proton pumps NsXeR and UmRh1, and the chloride pump NmHR) or as sensors (NpSRII), as well as the electron-driven cytochrome c oxidase RsCcO. The effects of the structural changes on the surrounding lipid phase are compared to mechanically induced lateral tension exerted by the light-activatable lipid analogue AzoPC. With the help of isotopologues, we show that the ν(C = O) ester band of the glycerol backbone reports on changes in the lipids’ collective state induced by mechanical changes in the transmembrane proteins. The perturbation of the nanodisc lipids seems to involve their phase and/or packing state. 13C-labeling of the scaffold protein shows that its structure also responds to the mechanical expansion of the lipid bilayer.
A Comprehensive Overview of the Complex Role of Oxidative Stress in Aging, The Contributing Environmental Stressors and Emerging Antioxidant Therapeutic Interventions
Authors: Iakovou Evripides , Kourti Malamati
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Aging is a normal, inevitable, irreversible, and progressive process which is driven by internal and external factors. Oxidative stress, that is the imbalance between prooxidant and antioxidant molecules favoring the first, plays a key role in the pathophysiology of aging and comprises one of the molecular mechanisms underlying age-related diseases. However, the oxidative stress theory of aging has not been successfully proven in all animal models studying lifespan, meaning that altering oxidative stress/antioxidant defense systems did not always lead to a prolonged lifespan, as expected. On the other hand, animal models of age-related pathological phenotypes showed a well-correlated relationship with the levels of prooxidant molecules. Therefore, it seems that oxidative stress plays a more complicated role than the one once believed and this role might be affected by the environment of each organism. Environmental factors such as UV radiation, air pollution, and an unbalanced diet, have also been implicated in the pathophysiology of aging and seem to initiate this process more rapidly and even at younger ages.

Aim

The purpose of this review is to elucidate the role of oxidative stress in the physiology of aging and the effect of certain environmental factors in initiating and sustaining this process. Understanding the pathophysiology of aging will contribute to the development of strategies to postpone this phenomenon. In addition, recent studies investigating ways to alter the antioxidant defense mechanisms in order to prevent aging will be presented.

Conclusions

Careful exposure to harmful environmental factors and the use of antioxidant supplements could potentially affect the biological processes driving aging and slow down the development of age-related diseases. Maybe a prolonged lifespan could not be achieved by this strategy alone, but a longer healthspan could also be a favorable target.