bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequence of Volcanic Activity of Sakurajima Volcano, Japan, as Revealed by Non-Eruptive Deflation
Authors: Iguchi Masato , Yamada Taishi , Tameguri Takeshi
Published: March 2022

Mechanisms that control fluctuation of long-term eruptive activity are not well understood. Since 1955, Sakurajima volcano has experienced repeated Vulcanian eruptions accompanied by deflation. However, ground deflations sometimes occurred even if no eruption took place. Characteristics of the non-eruptive deflation (NED) have not been investigated because of the related ambiguous ground vibration, infrasound and visual phenomena. In this study, we categorize deflation events contained in continuous deformation records covering eruptive activities at the Sakurajima volcano Minamidake crater during the period from November 2017 to December 2020. The deflation events are classified into eruptive and NED types by examining the seismic data, infrasound generations, and visual phenomena. Their event type occurrence characteristics are then further clarified based on their relationships to pressure source volume changes. Comparing the pressure source volume changes with the monthly mass of volcanic ash expelled from the crater, which is estimated from deposition data around the volcano, we found the contribution of NED events to volcanic ash mass eruption amounts to be much smaller than that for Vulcanian events, and visual observations confirm that NED events are phenomena that primarily emit volcanic gas. The NED event changes during the episode are interpreted by the magna transition from bubble-rich to bubble-poor conditions and are supported by the sulfur dioxide (SO2) discharge rate. The activity of NED events is helpful to understand long-term variations in eruptive activity.
Impact of the Spring North Atlantic Oscillation on the Northern Hemisphere Tropical Cyclone Genesis Frequency
Authors: Zhang Leying , Yang Xiting , Zhao Jiuwei
Published: March 2022

A majority of studies have documented basin-dependent factors for predicting interannual variability of tropical cyclone genesis frequency (TCGF) over basins. In this study, we find that the spring North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) has cross-basin impacts on summer and autumn TCGF over the whole North Hemisphere. The positive NAO suppresses the TCGF in the North Atlantic (NA) but promotes the TCGF in the North Pacific (NP) via modulating the large-scale environment parameters and vice versa. The positive NAO in spring can induce negative sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the NA, which persists into summer via the ocean memory. The negative SST anomalies cool the overlying atmosphere and damp the precipitation, leading to a low-level anti-cyclonic circulation and thereby counteracting the TCGF over the NA in summer and autumn. The southerly anomaly west of the anti-cyclonic circulation increases the SST and precipitation over the northeast Pacific in summer. Accordingly, a cyclonic circulation appears western NP via Gill response and sustains by the warm advection via the air–ocean positive feedback, which devotes the NP TCGF in summer and autumn. The composite results in high-resolutions numerical model from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 further verify the relationship between the spring NAO and TCGF.
Meso-Cenozoic Tectonic Evolution of the Kexueshan Basin, Northwestern Ordos, China: Evidence from Palaeo-Tectonic Stress Fields Analyses
Authors: Cheng Yongzhi , Gao Rui , Lu Zhanwu , Li Wenhui , Su He , Han Rubing , Chen Hao
Published: March 2022

The Kexueshan Basin in the western Ordos Block is characteristic of typical regional superimposed folds in the Jurassic strata, documenting the main tectonic shortening since the Mesozoic. Field structural investigation, fault kinematic analysis, together with regional structural analysis, we reconstruct two-phase tectonic stress fields related to crustal shortening. Synthesizing the regional structural analysis and geochronology, two stages of tectonic evolution are proposed in the Kexueshan Basin since the late Mesozoic. In the mid-late Middle Jurassic (J2), controlled by NW-SE compaction, NW-SE structures formed in the Kexueshan Basin on the western margin of the Ordos Block, marked by NE-to NNE-trending folds and thrust faults. Growth strata found in the study area constrain the starting time of the NW-SE structures. This shortening is likely related to a combination of the southward convergence of the Siberian plate and the northwestward subduction of the Pacific plate. In the end Cenozoic (N12-N2), the tectonic stress field was transformed to NE-SW compression, resulting in the development of NW- to NNW-trending fold structures, which were superimposed on early NE-to NNE-trending structures to produce regional superimposed folds. The tectonic shortening coincided with the northeastward growth of the Tibetan Plateau.
First Farmers in the South China Coast: New Evidence From the Gancaoling Site of Guangdong Province
Authors: Deng Zhenhua , Huang Bixiong , Zhang Qianglu , Zhang Min
Published: March 2022

The transformation from hunter-gathering to farming in the south China coast has always been a conspicuous topic, as its great significance for the understanding of crop dispersal and human migration into southern China and Southeast Asia. It has been primarily assumed that rice was the only crop cultivated by early farmers in this region since 5,000 cal. BP., but the reliability of this speculation remains ambiguous, owing to the lack of systematic evidence. Based on analysis of macroscopic plant remains and phytoliths, as well as AMS radiocarbon dating at the Gancaoling site in Guangdong province, this study demonstrates the emergence of agriculture in the south China coast could be dated back to as early as 4,800–4,600 cal. BP., with the cultivation of rice and foxtail millet. This subsistence strategy change was an integral part of a more comprehensive social transformation, which started a new era of local history. Moreover, this discovery also provides further evidence supporting the universality of mixed farming in southern China and shed new light on the study of agriculture southward dispersal. The crop package of rice and millets possibly spread into the south China coast from Jiangxi via the mountain areas and then into Mainland Southeast Asia by a maritime route along the coastal regions.
The Importance of Creativity in the Sportification of Breakdance
Authors: Yang Zhi , Bai YuJie , Wei MingTao
Published: March 2022

Many historical works have attempted to reveal the process of the sportification of physical activity that originated in the eighteenth century. The process of sportification can be divided into three basic mechanisms: The institutionalization of practices, the formalization of standards, and the specialization of roles. Marginalized and discriminated lower-class American youths first used breakdancing to express their emotions. Nowadays, it has been announced by the International Olympic Committee as part of the Paris 2024 Olympic program in Paris, France. Therefore, this change may also further the specialization of breakdance teaching. In addition, this mini-review believes that it is necessary for breakdancing teachers, students, and judges to have a clear understanding of creativity, as it is often used as an essential scoring criterion in breakdancing competitions. This mini-review also shows the origins and evolution of breakdance. Cipher as a form of artistic communication produced the domino effect, which promoted the widespread popularity of breakdance worldwide. Creativity has also driven the evolution of breakdance moves. Finally, this article discusses the advantages and examples of the Four C models and suggests a set of methods for breakdance teachers to foster creativity in breakdance students.
PQQ Dietary Supplementation Prevents Alkylating Agent-Induced Ovarian Dysfunction in Mice
Authors: Dai Xiuliang , Yi Xiangjiao , Wang Yufeng , Xia Wei , Tao Jianguo , Wu Jun , Miao Dengshun , Chen Li
Published: March 2022

Alkylating agents (AAs) that are commonly used for cancer therapy cause great damage to the ovary. Pyrroloquinoline-quinine (PQQ), which was initially identified as a redox cofactor for bacterial dehydrogenases, has been demonstrated to benefit the fertility of females. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PQQ dietary supplementation plays a protective role against alkylating agent-induced ovarian dysfunction. A single dose of busulphan (20 mg/kg) and cyclophosphamide (CTX, 120 mg/kg) were used to establish a mouse model of ovarian dysfunction. Feed containing PQQNa2 (5 mg/kg) was provided starting 1 week before the establishment of the mouse model until the date of sacrifice. One month later, estrous cycle period of mice were examined and recorded for consecutive 30 days. Three months later, some mice were mated with fertile male mice for fertility test. The remaining mice were sacrificed to collect serum samples and ovaries. One day before sacrifice, some mice received a single injection of BrdU to label proliferating cells. Serum samples were used for test hormonal levels. Ovaries were weighted and used to detect follicle counts, cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and cell senescence. In addition, the levels of inflammation, oxidative damage and Pgc1α expression were detected in ovaries. Results showed that PQQ treatment increased the ovarian weight and size, partially normalized the disrupted estrous cycle period and prevented the loss of follicles of mice treated with AAs. More importantly, we found that PQQ treatment significantly increased the pregnancy rate and litter size per delivery of mice treated with AAs. The protective effects of PQQ appeared to be directly mediated by promoting cell proliferation of granulosa, and inhibiting cell apoptosis of granulosa and cell senescence of ovarian stromal cells. The underlying mechanisms may attribute to the anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammation and pro-mitochondria biogenesis effects of PQQ.Our study highlights the therapeutic potential of PQQ against ovarian dysfunction caused by alkylating agents.
Consistently Low Levels of Osteocalcin From Late Pregnancy to Postpartum Are Related to Postpartum Abnormal Glucose Metabolism in GDM Patients
Authors: Gong Yujia , Li Na , Lai Mengyu , Fang Fang , Yang Jiaying , Kang Mei , Shen Tingting , Peng Yongde , Wang Yufan
Published: March 2022

Objective

Increasing evidence suggests that osteocalcin (OC), a marker of bone formation, plays an important role in glucose homoeostasis. Few studies have investigated the relationship between OC levels in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients and their postpartum glucose metabolism. This study evaluated the relationship between OC levels in late pregnancy, their longitudinal changes, and postpartum glucose metabolism among GDM patients.

Measures

Serum OC was measured in late pregnancy and the postpartum period for 721 GDM patients. All patients underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 6–8 weeks postpartum. According to postpartum OGTT outcomes, patients were categorized into abnormal glucose metabolism (AGM) (n=255) and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) groups (n=466). Glucose metabolism-related indices were measured and calculated. Logistic regression analysis and linear mixed-effects model were used to assess the association between OC and postpartum AGM.

Results

In late pregnancy, OC levels were lower in the AGM group than in the NGT group (13.93 ± 6.90 vs 15.33 ± 7.63 ng/ml, P=0.015). After delivery, OC levels increased in both groups. However, OC levels remained lower in the AGM group than in the NGT group (23.48 ± 7.84 vs 25.65 ± 8.37 ng/ml, P=0.001). Higher OC levels in late pregnancy were associated with decreased risk of progressing to postpartum AGM (OR:0.96, 95%CI:0.94–0.99). Linear mixed-effects analysis showed that postpartum AGM patients exhibited consistently lower OC levels than NGT group from late pregnancy to the postpartum period after adjustment for cofactors (β=-1.70, 95% CI: -2.78– -0.62).

Conclusions

In GDM patients, consistently low levels of OC from late pregnancy to postpartum were associated with increased postpartum AGM risk. The increase in serum OC may act as a protective factor to curb the progression of AGM at postpartum for GDM patients.
The Association Between Leucine and Diabetic Retinopathy in Different Genders: A Cross-Sectional Study in Chinese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Li Shen , Huang Bing , Liu Ming-Li , Cui Xue-Ting , Cao Yun-Feng , Gao Zheng-Nan
Published: March 2022

Objective

To explore the association between serum leucine (leu) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and then to analyze the influence of gender on the association.

Method

The electronic medical records of 1,149 T2D patients who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were retrieved from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University and the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University. Serum leu levels of all subjects were measured by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Logistic regression was used to obtain the odds ratio (OR) and CI of leu–DR risk in multiple models. When using these models, restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used to test the potential non-linear relationship between multiple continuous independent variables, such as leu and DR (classification), and dependent variables. We also used the additive interaction method to evaluate the interaction effect between leu and gender on DR.

Results

Leu was a protective factor of DR [0.78 (0.66, 0.92)]. When gender was divided into male and female, the above relationship was statistically significant only in men [0.73 (0.58, 0.94)]. Three indicators of additive interaction—RERI, AP, and S—suggested that there is no interaction between gender and leu on the risk of DR.

Conclusions

Male T2D patients with high leu levels may have a lower risk of DR.
Metformin Use in Relation to Clinical Outcomes and Hyperinflammatory Syndrome Among COVID-19 Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Propensity Score Analysis of a Territory-Wide Cohort
Authors: Wong Carlos K. H. , Lui David T. W. , Lui Angel Y. C. , Low Marshall C. H. , Kwok Ashley C. Y. , Lau Kristy T. K. , Au Ivan C. H. , Xiong Xi , Chung Matthew S. H. , Lau Eric H. Y. , Cowling Benjamin J.
Published: March 2022

Aim

This study was conducted in order to evaluate the association between metformin use and clinical outcomes in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

Patients with T2DM with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and admitted between January 21, 2020, and January 31, 2021 in Hong Kong were identified in our cohort. Exposure was defined as metformin use within 90 days prior to admission until hospital discharge for COVID-19. Primary outcome was defined as clinical improvement of ≥1 point on the WHO Clinical Progression Scale (CPS). Other outcomes were hospital discharge, recovery, in-hospital death, acidosis, hyperinflammatory syndrome, length of hospitalization, and changes in WHO CPS score.

Results

Metformin use was associated with greater odds of clinical improvement (OR = 2.74, p = 0.009), hospital discharge (OR = 2.26, p = 0.009), and recovery (OR = 2.54, p = 0.005), in addition to lower odds of hyperinflammatory syndrome (OR = 0.71, p = 0.021) and death (OR = 0.41, p = 0.010) than control. Patients on metformin treatment had a shorter hospital stay (−2.76 days, p = 0.017) than their control counterparts. The average WHO CPS scores were significantly lower in metformin users than non-users since day 15 (p < 0.001). However, metformin use was associated with higher odds of acidosis.

Conclusions

Metformin use was associated with lower mortality and lower odds for hyperinflammatory syndrome. This provides additional insights into the potential mechanisms of the benefits of metformin use in T2DM patients with COVID-19.
Cardiovascular Benefits With Favorable Renal, Amputation and Hypoglycemic Outcomes of SGLT-2 Inhibitors in Type 2 Diabetes From the Asian Perspective: A Population-Based Cohort Study and Systematic Review
Authors: Yang Chun-Ting , Peng Zi-Yang , Chen Yi-Chi , Ou Huang-Tz , Kuo Shihchen
Published: March 2022

Objective

We assessed the effects of sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) versus dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4is) in a large real-world Asian cohort with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and performed a systematic review with integrating the present study findings to provide up-to-date evidence from the Asian perspective.

Methods

New users of SGLT2is or DPP4is were identified from the Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database and followed until 2018. Primary outcomes were hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) and three-point major adverse cardiovascular event (3P-MACE; namely, myocardial infarction [MI], stroke, or cardiovascular death). Other outcomes included all-cause death, chronic kidney disease (CKD), amputation, and hospitalized hypoglycemia. Subdistribution hazard models were employed to assess treatment-associated clinical outcomes.

Results

A total of 21,329 SGLT2i and DPP4i propensity-score-matched pairs were analyzed. SGLT2is versus DPP4is showed lower risks of HHF (hazard ratio [95% CI]: 0.52 [0.45–0.59]), 3P-MACE (0.62 [0.55–0.70]), MI (0.63 [0.50–0.79]), stroke (0.60 [0.51–0.70]), all-cause death (0.57 [0.49–0.67]), CKD (0.46 [0.43–0.50]), amputation (0.64 [0.42–0.98]), and hospitalized hypoglycemia (0.54 [0.45–0.64]). Our results were consistent with findings from a systematic review.

Conclusion

Among Asian patients with T2D, SGLT2is versus DPP4is showed benefits for several clinical outcomes. More research is warranted to explore the heterogeneous treatment effects of SGLT2is and DPP4is by race/ethnicity.
Expression of Recombinant Rat Secretable FNDC5 in Pichia Pastoris and Detection of Its Biological Activity
Authors: Zhao Yi , Li Hui , Donelan William , Li Shiwu , Tang Dongqi
Published: March 2022

FNDC5 is the precursor of the myokine irisin proposed to exhibit favorable metabolic activity, including anti-obesity and anti-diabetes effects. The diversity of FNDC5 transcripts has been reported by several studies, but the role and existence of these transcripts are not well defined. In our previous study, a novel secretable FNDC5 (sFNDC5) isoform lacking the transmembrane region was found in rat INS-1 cells and multiple rat tissues. In the current study, we established a high-yield system for the expression and purification of sFNDC5 inPichia pastoris, and functional investigations were undertaken using 3T3-L1 cells. We discovered that this new isoform has similar and even stronger biological functions than irisin, which may be due to its more complete structure without cleavage. Hence, we believe that sFNDC5, as the first identified readily secretable derivative, can better induce lipolysis and can potentially prevent obesity and related metabolic diseases.
Effects of Stepwise Microwave Synergistic Process Water Recirculation During Hydrothermal Carbonization on Properties of Wheat Straw
Authors: Zhang Xinyan , Qin Qingyu , Liu Xian , Wang Wenlong
Published: March 2022

In this study, wheat straw (WS) was treated using two-step synergistic techniques, which were process water recirculation (PWR) during hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and microwave energy activation (MEA). The physicochemical properties of solid and liquid products during the process of HTC PWR were characterized. The temperature-rising properties, yields, and fuel properties of hydrochar after MEA were explored. Then the optimal technique conditions were explored. When HTC PWR was twice, the carbon content (55.59%) and higher heating value (21.72 MJ/kg) were the highest, and the ash content (1.93%) and the O/C and H/C ratios were the lowest. When HTC PWR was three times, the fixed carbon content, mass yield, and energy yield were the highest: 18.53%, 58.25%, and 71.84%, respectively. Many more carbon microspheres and pores appeared on the surface of hydrochar after PWR, which could improve the fuel characteristics and mass yield. After HTC PWR, the concentration of organic acids and HMF in liquid by-products increased, which was conducive to the increase of carbon content and mass yield. The best effect was HTC PWR twice or three times. With the increase of microwave power or the extension of microwave activation duration, the temperature-rising properties of hydrochar significantly increased, and the mass and energy yields decreased. The volatile contents of hydrochar decreased and their fixed carbon contents and HHV increased with the increase of microwave power. The properties of hydrochar could be improved when MEA was 900 W or 1000 W for 4 min. Therefore, MEA had significant effects on the properties of hydrochar after different PWR conditions.
Strategic Interactions in Environmental Regulation: Evidence From Spatial Effects Across Chinese Cities
Authors: Zhang Hua , Xu Tiantian , Zhang Yun , Zhou Xiaoxiao
Published: March 2022

Developing countries are notorious for their enforcement gap in environmental regulation. Despite policymakers and scholars focusing on this phenomenon in China, there is little literature to explore the cause for its prevalence. This paper aims to explain this occurrence from the perspective of strategic interactions among the local governments in China based on the yardstick competition theory. Employing spatial panel data models, we use a panel dataset of Chinese cities to investigate strategic interactions in environmental regulation and identify their possible sources. The results depict a confirmative picture of strategic interactions in environmental regulation among Chinese cities, suggesting that the cities tend to imitate their neighbours and implement looser environmental regulation in response to the decreasing stringency in neighbouring cities. This transmission effect demonstrates the prevalence of incomplete implementation of environmental regulation. Moreover, the imitative actions vary across Chinese cities, as they are observed in eastern and western cities but not in central cities. In addition, the imitative actions are significantly weaker when environmental governance gains a higher degree of salience, indicating that green performance appraisals reduce strategic interactions among local governments. Finally, strategic interactions are found to originate from the fiscal decentralization system, and are strengthened by the turnover of the municipal party secretary or a younger one.
Back to the Future: Restoring Northern Drained Forested Peatlands for Climate Change Mitigation
Authors: Escobar Daniel , Belyazid Salim , Manzoni Stefano
Published: March 2022

Draining peatlands for forestry in the northern hemisphere turns their soils from carbon sinks to substantial sources of greenhouse gases (GHGs). To reverse this trend, rewetting has been proposed as a climate change mitigation strategy. We performed a literature review to assess the empirical evidence supporting the hypothesis that rewetting drained forested peatlands can turn them back into carbon sinks. We also used causal loop diagrams (CLDs) to synthesize the current knowledge of how water table management affects GHG emissions in organic soils. We found an increasing number of studies from the last decade comparing GHG emissions from rewetted, previously forested peatlands, with forested or pristine peatlands. However, comparative field studies usually report relatively short time series following rewetting experiments (e.g., 3 years of measurements and around 10 years after rewetting). Empirical evidence shows that rewetting leads to lower GHG emissions from soils. However, reports of carbon sinks in rewetted systems are scarce in the reviewed literature. Moreover, CH4 emissions in rewetted peatlands are commonly reported to be higher than in pristine peatlands. Long-term water table changes associated with rewetting lead to a cascade of effects in different processes regulating GHG emissions. The water table level affects litterfall quantity and quality by altering the plant community; it also affects organic matter breakdown rates, carbon and nitrogen mineralization pathways and rates, as well as gas transport mechanisms. Finally, we conceptualized three phases of restoration following the rewetting of previously drained and forested peatlands, we described the time dependent responses of soil, vegetation and GHG emissions to rewetting, concluding that while short-term gains in the GHG balance can be minimal, the long-term potential of restoring drained peatlands through rewetting remains promising.
Investigating Relationships Between Tourism, Economic Growth, and CO2 Emissions in Brazil: An Application of the Nonlinear ARDL Approach
Authors: Ullah Irfan , Rehman Alam , Svobodova Libuse , Akbar Ahsan , Shah Muhammad Haroon , Zeeshan Muhammad , Rehman Mubeen Abdur
Published: March 2022

Global tourism has witnessed a significant positive implication on the development of developing economies. Despite the positive implication of tourism, it imposes a serious environmental cost such as environmental pollution. Brazil receives a large number of tourists each year that potentially affects economic growth and development. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of tourism on GDP and CO2 emissions in Brazil. We used a nonlinear ARDL approach to examine the nexus between tourism, economic growth, and CO2 emissions in Brazil for the period 1995–2018. The outcomes of this study reveal both short-run and long-run associations between tourism, GDP per capita, and CO2 emissions in Brazil. Nevertheless, both tourism and economic growth cause significant deterioration of the environment quality in Brazil. These findings suggest that the policymakers shall look for more sustainable and eco-friendly economic growth and tourism policies to preserve the environmental quality in Brazil.
Mating and Reproductive Success in Free-Ranging Stump-Tailed Macaques: Effectiveness of Male–Male Coalition Formation as a Reproductive Strategy
Authors: Toyoda Aru , Maruhashi Tamaki , Kawamoto Yoshi , Matsudaira Kazunari , Matsuda Ikki , Malaivijitnond Suchinda
Published: March 2022

Male coalition-like formation, recently found in stump-tailed macaques (Macaca arctoides), occurs when several top-ranking males collaboratively guard females to prevent mating with other rival males and actively share secured mating opportunities with their allies. We lack a comprehensive understanding of the proximate mechanisms underlying such male coalitions, e.g., the effect of genetic relatedness. Such cooperative partner choice among males is particularly interesting in animals, such as M. arctoides, that live in matrilineal (female philopatry/male dispersal) society. Theoretically, in such a social system, females, and not males, are often related to each other by kinship. Thus, the occurrence of cooperative behavior between related females are generally common, but it would be rare between unrelated/non-kin males in such matrilineal society. Herein, for the first time, we report detailed copulatory behaviors, including mating and reproductive success, in relation to male coalition-like formation in free-ranging M. arctoides following direct behavioral observation and genetic analysis. We found that coalition-forming male–male alliances often occur among both individuals that are highly related and those that are less related. We identified two groups with different mating strategies, i.e., single-male monopoly and coalition-male monopoly groups. In both groups, nearly 80% of copulations were monopolized by a single male or by coalition males. However, the single-male monopoly strategy allows opportunistic/sneaky copulations by other males with a relatively high probability. Thus, the degree of reproductive success did not reflect mating success. In contrast, the males employing a coalition strategy successfully shared their mating and reproductive success, particularly in the largest group. Compared with single-male monopolized groups, the coalition-male monopoly groups copulated with a considerably more number of females, suggesting that coalition males can effectively guard against opportunistic/sneaky copulation by rival males. We also found that coalition-forming male–male alliances often occur regardless of the degree of kinship/relatedness, indicating the complexity and flexibility inherent in the male social bond of M. arctoides.
Anthropause Opportunities: Experimental Perturbation of Road Traffic and the Potential Effects on Wildlife
Authors: Perkins Sarah E. , Shilling Fraser , Collinson Wendy
Published: March 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic severely reduced many human activities. So pronounced was the change, it has given rise to the term “anthropause”: the considerable alteration of modern human activities. Among these was surface transportation, with prolonged traffic reductions, in excess, of 50% in many countries. Roads and traffic are responsible for functionally fragmenting ecosystems, wildlife populations, and species interactions. The unintentional “dialing-down” of traffic has given continuous monitoring systems of wildlife-vehicle conflict a unique opportunity to study the consequences of perturbing this source of wildlife disturbance and mortality. Experimental manipulation of traffic at the global scale would not have been possible without mitigation responses to SARS-CoV-2. Such a perturbation allows robust empirical investigation into wildlife responses to traffic, including changes in mortality, behavior, genetic connectivity, and knock-on ecosystem effects, the responses to which can be replicated across a global network of wildlife-vehicle conflict monitoring systems. We review the extent to which these extensive data-collection systems provide the primary source of data to study many of these responses, providing the raw material to understand some striking wildlife consequences of the anthropause.
Competition and Facilitation Effects of Semi-Natural Habitats Drive Total Insect and Pollinator Abundance in Flower Strips
Authors: Schoch Kevin , Tschumi Matthias , Lutter Stefan , Ramseier Hans , Zingg Silvia
Published: March 2022

Flower strips are an effective agri-environmental measure to promote functional biodiversity and ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes. In particular, tailored annual flower strips are increasingly implemented to foster insect pollination and biological pest control. While positive effects of flower strips on service providers and associated ecosystem services were recently demonstrated, little is known about how their effectiveness is affected by the surrounding landscape. We investigated how landscape composition and configuration, as well as flower strip traits influence the abundance of all insects, pollinators and natural enemies in 74 annual flower strips across 7 years (2014–2020). Landscape characteristics such as crop diversity, mean field size, area, and quality of semi-natural farmland habitats were assessed in a 1-km radius surrounding flower strips and combined with flower strip traits such as size, flower coverage, and flowering plant species richness to model insect abundance and diversity. Total insect and pollinator abundance, as well as wild bee abundance, richness, and diversity in flower strips were negatively affected by the share of semi-natural farmland habitats in the surrounding landscape, suggesting a dilution effect. On the other hand, semi-natural habitats with elevated ecological quality (i.e., biodiversity promotion areas with high botanical and structural diversity) enhanced total insect and pollinator abundance in flower strips. Furthermore, pollinator abundance and wild bee abundance in specific were positively affected by the flower coverage of the strips. Our results therefore suggest simultaneous competition and facilitation effects of semi-natural habitats on the landscape scale depending on their ecological quality. Annual flower strips will therefore be most effective in fostering services in landscapes of moderate to low complexity but with a high share of semi-natural habitats with increased ecological quality. For additional benefits for pollinator and wild bee abundance, flower strips should be designed to yield high flower cover. Our study thus highlights the importance of quality of ecological infrastructure and provides recommendations to maximize ecosystem services and biodiversity by means of flower strips at the landscape scale.
Targeted Gene Insertion for Functional CFTR Restoration in Airway Epithelium
Authors: Barillà Cristina , Suzuki Shingo , Rab Andras , Sorscher Eric J. , Davis Brian R.
Published: March 2022

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is caused by a diverse set of mutations distributed across the approximately 250 thousand base pairs of the CFTR gene locus, of which at least 382 are disease-causing (CFTR2.org). Although a variety of editing tools are now available for correction of individual mutations, a strong justification can be made for a more universal gene insertion approach, in principle capable of correcting virtually all CFTR mutations. Provided that such a methodology is capable of efficiently correcting relevant stem cells of the airway epithelium, this could potentially provide life-long correction for the lung. In this Perspective we highlight several requirements for efficient gene insertion into airway epithelial stem cells. In addition, we focus on specific features of the transgene construct and the endogenous CFTR locus that influence whether the inserted gene sequences will give rise to robust and physiologically relevant levels of CFTR function in airway epithelium. Finally, we consider how in vitro gene insertion methodologies may be adapted for direct in vivo editing.
MEDUSA: A Pipeline for Sensitive Taxonomic Classification and Flexible Functional Annotation of Metagenomic Shotgun Sequences
Authors: Morais Diego A. A. , Cavalcante João V. F. , Monteiro Shênia S. , Pasquali Matheus A. B. , Dalmolin Rodrigo J. S.
Published: March 2022

Metagenomic studies unravel details about the taxonomic composition and the functions performed by microbial communities. As a complete metagenomic analysis requires different tools for different purposes, the selection and setup of these tools remain challenging. Furthermore, the chosen toolset will affect the accuracy, the formatting, and the functional identifiers reported in the results, impacting the results interpretation and the biological answer obtained. Thus, we surveyed state-of-the-art tools available in the literature, created simulated datasets, and performed benchmarks to design a sensitive and flexible metagenomic analysis pipeline. Here we present MEDUSA, an efficient pipeline to conduct comprehensive metagenomic analyses. It performs preprocessing, assembly, alignment, taxonomic classification, and functional annotation on shotgun data, supporting user-built dictionaries to transfer annotations to any functional identifier. MEDUSA includes several tools, as fastp, Bowtie2, DIAMOND, Kaiju, MEGAHIT, and a novel tool implemented in Python to transfer annotations to BLAST/DIAMOND alignment results. These tools are installed via Conda, and the workflow is managed by Snakemake, easing the setup and execution. Compared with MEGAN 6 Community Edition, MEDUSA correctly identifies more species, especially the less abundant, and is more suited for functional analysis using Gene Ontology identifiers.
BAFF Blockade Attenuates DSS-Induced Chronic Colitis via Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome and NF-κB Activation
Authors: Zhang Ying , Tao Meihui , Chen Chaoyue , Zhao Xi , Feng Qinyu , Chen Guang , Fu Yu
Published: March 2022

Background

BAFF production is increased in IBD patients. However, the specific role of BAFF in IBD is still uncovered. This study aimed to investigate the expression and function of BAFF in experimental colitis and the potential mechanisms.

Methods

BAFF levels in the serum and colon tissues were measured by ELISA in DSS-induced colitis mice. Mouse-derived BAFF antibody was administered in DSS mice. The changes of body weight, disease activity index (DAI) scores, colon length, spleen weight, histopathological damage, inflammatory indicators, NF-κB signaling, and NLRP3 inflammasome were assayed in DSS mice and control. LPS-primed RAW264.7 cells and bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs) were treated with BAFF blockage and recombinant mouse BAFF. Inflammatory associated cytokines, NLRP3 inflammasomes and NF-κB signaling were detected among groups.

Results

BAFF production was elevated systemically and locally in colitis mice. BAFF blockade improved the body weight loss, DAI scores, colon length, spleen weight, and histopathological damage in colitis mice. Immunoflurescence analysis revealed that elevated macrophages in mucosal lamina propria were the primary source of BAFF in the colon. NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB signaling pathway activation were dramatically inhibited in DSS mice treated with BAFF blockage. In LPS-primed RAW264.7 cells/BMDMs, BAFF blockade decreased the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome (NLPR3, ASC, cleaved IL-1β, cleaved caspase 1) via inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway. Moreover, LPS synergizes with BAFF to promote inflammatory factor secretion and expression of NF-κB signaling pathway in RAW264.7 cells.

Conclusions

These results suggested that BAFF blockade protected against colitis partially by relieving inflammation, inhibiting intestinal NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB signaling pathway from macrophages. BAFF plays an important role in inflammation regulation in IBD, thus providing a novel idea for further research on colitis and experimental evidences for novel potential therapeutic target in IBD.
In the Thick of It: Formation of the Tuberculous Granuloma and Its Effects on Host and Therapeutic Responses
Authors: Cronan Mark R.
Published: March 2022

The defining pathology of tuberculosis is the granuloma, an organized structure derived from host immune cells that surrounds infectingMycobacterium tuberculosis. As the location of much of the bacteria in the infected host, the granuloma is a central point of interaction between the host and the infecting bacterium. This review describes the signals and cellular reprogramming that drive granuloma formation. Further, as a central point of host-bacterial interactions, the granuloma shapes disease outcome by altering host immune responses and bacterial susceptibility to antibiotic treatment, as discussed herein. This new understanding of granuloma biology and the signaling behind it highlights the potential for host-directed therapies targeting the granuloma to enhance antibiotic access and tuberculosis-specific immune responses.
B Cell Immunity in Lung Transplant Rejection - Effector Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Ohm Birte , Jungraithmayr Wolfgang
Published: March 2022

Allograft rejection remains the major hurdle in lung transplantation despite modern immunosuppressive treatment. As part of the alloreactive process, B cells are increasingly recognized as modulators of alloimmunity and initiators of a donor-specific humoral response. In chronically rejected lung allografts, B cells contribute to the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures and promote local alloimmune responses. However, B cells are functionally heterogeneous and some B cell subsets may promote alloimmune tolerance. In this review, we describe the current understanding of B-cell-dependent mechanisms in pulmonary allograft rejection and highlight promising future strategies that employ B cell-targeted therapies.
Influence of Winter Storms on the Sea Urchin Pathogen Assemblages
Authors: Salazar-Forero Camila Esperanza , Reyes-Batlle María , González-Delgado Sara , Lorenzo-Morales Jacob , Hernández José Carlos
Published: March 2022

In recent years, recurrent sea urchin mass mortalities in the Canary Islands have been registered. These mortality-related events have decimated 93% of the eastern Atlantic populations of the barren-forming sea urchin Diadema africanum. Two severe episodes of rough southeastern seas led to winter storms in February 2010 (Xynthia) and February 2018 (Emma) and preceded the last mass mortality event. We hypothesized that these events are related to the mass mortalities registered during the February in those years. Previous studies identified Neoparamoeba branchiphila as the causal agent of the disease, possibly acting in synergy with Vibrio alginolyticus and/or other pathogens. To determine the link between winter storms and the sea urchin pathogen community, we monitored the marine pathogen assemblage before and after the winter storm Filomena (February 2020) on Tenerife Island, on different habitats (sea water, sediment and algae) and in four species of sea urchin hosts (D. africanum, Arbacia lixula, Paracentrotus lividus and Sphaerechinus granularis). A total of six pathogens, including N. branchiphila, Vexillifera minutissima, Acanthamoeba sp., Vahlkampfia sp., V. alginolyticus and green colonies of Vibrio spp., were identified. Only small amoebas were found in sea urchins, while Vibrio species were more common in seawater, sediment and algae substrates. V. alginolyticus was occasionally detected in three sea urchins specimens, while N. branchiphila was found in the coelom of all four sea urchin studied. As previously hypothesized, a significant pathogen increment in seawater and in the sea urchin species D. africanum and P. lividus, was found after Filomena. Our results confirmed the relationship between the winter storms and marine pathogen dynamics. However, further studies are needed to demonstrate the direct relationship between these pathogen increases and the sea urchin mass mortalities.
Surface Free Energy of Titanium Disks Enhances Osteoblast Activity by Affecting the Conformation of Adsorbed Fibronectin
Authors: Lin Jiating , Dong Hao , Wen Yin , Zhuang Xianxian , Li Shaobing
Published: March 2022

This study evaluated the influence of surface free energy (SFE) of titanium disks on the adsorption and conformation of fibronectin (FN) and the biological behavior of osteoblasts cultured on the FN-treated modified surfaces. High [H]-SFE titanium disks were irradiated by a 30 W UV light, while low (L)-SFE titanium disks received no treatment. The surface characteristics of the titanium disks were examined using scanning electron microscope, optical surface profilometer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. Adsorbed FN on different groups was investigated using attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. MG-63 cells were cultured on FN-treated titanium disks to evaluate the in vitro bioactivity. The experiment showed H-SFE titanium disks adsorbed more FN and acquired more ß-turn content than L-SFE group. MG-63 cells cultured on FN-treated H-SFE titanium disks showed better osteogenic responses, including adhesion, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization than that on FN-treated L-SFE titanium disks. Compared to L-SFE titanium disks, integrin-β1, integrin-α5 and Rac-1 mRNA levels were significantly higher in MG-63 cells on FN-treated H-SFE after 3 h of culture. These findings suggest that the higher SFE of H-SFE compared to L-SFE titanium disks induced changes in the conformation of adsorbed FN that enhanced the osteogenic activity of MG-63 cells.
Treatment Outcomes of Infectious and Non-infectious Acute Exacerbation of Myositis-Related Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Lee Hyun , Chung Sung Jun , Kim Sang Hyuk , Choi Hayoung , Kim Youlim , Park Tai Sun , Park Dong Won , Moon Ji-Yong , Kim Sang-Heon , Kim Tae Hyung , Yoon Ho Joo , Sohn Jang Won
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Although respiratory infections are common causes of acute respiratory failure (ARF) in patients with myositis-interstitial lung disease (ILD), limited data are available regarding the treatment outcomes by the etiologies of acute exacerbation (AE) of myositis-related ILD (infectious vs. non-infectious). Our study aimed to investigate the treatment outcomes of AE in patients with myositis-related ILD focused on the infectious etiology.

Methods

A single center-based retrospective cohort was performed at Hanyang University Hospital between January 2000 and December 2018. A total of 36 patients with AE of myositis-related ILD were consecutively included. The exposure was the etiologies of AE in myositis-related ILD, and the outcome was in-hospital mortality. The infectious etiology was defined as confirmation of bacteria, virus, or fungus in samples obtained from the respiratory tract.

Results

Among the 36 patients, 17 were diagnosed with infectious AE. The overall in-hospital mortality rate of AE was 47.2%. Although the mortality rate in patients with infectious AE was lower (41.2%) than in those with non-infectious AE (52.6%), this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.724). A survival analysis showed no significant difference in mortality between patients with infectious AE versus those with non-infectious AE [risk ratio = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.38–1.59].

Conclusion

Our study showed that infectious AE is an important cause of mortality in patients with myositis-related ILD, showing a similar risk of mortality as non-infectious AE.
Is It an Outbreak of Health Care-Associated Infection? An Investigation of Binocular Conjunctival Congestion After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Was Traced to Chitosan Derivatives
Authors: Liu Sidi , Huang Xun , Fu Chenchao , Dou Qingya , Li Jie , Feng Xuelian , Mo Yang , Meng Xiujuan , Zeng Cui , Wu Anhua , Li Chunhui
Published: March 2022

Background

From May 6 to May 23, 2019, 24 (80.00%) patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) developed binocular conjunctival congestion within 4–8 h after their operation in the day ward of a teaching hospital.

Methods

Nosocomial infection prevention and control staff undertook procedural and environmental investigations, performed a case-control retrospective study (including 24 cases and 48 controls), and reviewed all lot numbers of biological material products to investigate the suspected outbreak of health care-associated infection.

Findings

Initially, an outbreak of health care-associated infection caused by bacteria was hypothesized. We first suspected the membranes that covered patients' eyes were cut using non-sterile scissors and thus contaminated, but they failed to yield bacteria. In addition, both corneal and conjunctival fluorescein staining results were negative in case-patients and isolated bacteria were ubiquitous in the environment or common skin commensals or normal flora of conjunctiva from 218 samples from day surgery and the day ward. Hence, we considered a non-infectious factor as the most likely cause of the binocular conjunctival congestion. Then, we found that case-patients were more likely than LC surgery patients without binocular conjunctival congestion to be exposed to biological materials in a retrospective case-control study. When we reviewed lot numbers, duration of use, and the number of patients who received four biological material products during LC in the day ward, we found that the BLK1821 lot of a modified chitosan medical membrance (the main ingredient is chitosan, a linear cationic polysaccharide) was used concurrently to when the case aggregation appeared. Finally, we surmised there was a correlation between this product and the outbreak of binocular conjunctival congestion. Relapse of the pseudo-outbreak has not been observed since stopping usage of the product for 6 months.

Conclusion

A cluster of binocular non-infectious conjunctival congestion diagnosed after LC proved to be a pseudo-outbreak. We should pay more attention to adverse events caused by biomaterials in hospitals.