bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteopontin N-Terminal Function in an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm From Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice
Authors: Liu Hongyang , Zhang Ying , Song Wei , Sun Yancui , Jiang Yinong
Published: August 2021

The cleavage of osteopontin (OPN) by thrombin results in an N-terminal fragment (OPN-N), which exposes a cryptic integrin-binding motif that promotes the adherence of cells, and plays a proinflammatory role. However, the effect of OPN-N on abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of OPN-N in aortic tissue samples obtained from patients, who underwent acute aortic dissection (AD), and normal aorta, effect of OPN-N on angiotensin (Ang) II-induced AAA in mice, and relationship between OPN-N and pyroptosis-related inflammatory factorsin vitro. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was conducted to detect histological changes. Next, we detected the expression of the OPN-N protein. Additionally, ApoE−/− mice were divided into four groups: control, control + M5Ab (to block the OPN-N function in mice), Ang II, and Ang II + M5Ab. All mice were euthanized after a 28-day infusion and whole aortas, including thoracic and abdominal aortas, were collected for morphological and histological analysis of the AAA. The OPN-N protein expression was higher in patients with AD than in normal individuals, while histological changes in the aortas of Ang II mice were suppressed in Ang II + M5Ab mice. The expression of OPN-N, NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3, pro-Caspase-1, ASC, Gasdermin-d, interleukin (IL)-18, IL-1β, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2, and MMP9 was lower in the Ang II + M5Ab group than in the Ang II group. The gene expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α was suppressed in the aortic tissues of the Ang II + M5Ab group compared with the Ang II group. Moreover, the expression of α-smooth muscle actin was lower in the Ang II group than in the Ang II + M5Ab group.In vitroresults showed that the increase in the expression of pyroptosis-related inflammatory factors induced by OPN was mediated through the nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway. In conclusion, OPN-N promotes AAA by increasing the expression of pyroptosis-related inflammatory factors through the NF-κB pathway, inflammation, and extracellular matrix degradation. These results highlight the potential of OPN-N as a new therapeutic target to prevent AAA expansion.
GFP-Tagged Protein Detection by Electron Microscopy Using a GBP-APEX Tool in Drosophila
Authors: Bernard Fred , Jouette Julie , Durieu Catherine , Le Borgne Rémi , Guichet Antoine , Claret Sandra
Published: August 2021

In cell biology, detection of protein subcellular localizations is often achieved by optical microscopy techniques and more rarely by electron microscopy (EM) despite the greater resolution offered by EM. One of the possible reasons was that protein detection by EM required specific antibodies whereas this need could be circumvented by using fluorescently-tagged proteins in optical microscopy approaches. Recently, the description of a genetically encodable EM tag, the engineered ascorbate peroxidase (APEX), whose activity can be monitored by electron-dense DAB precipitates, has widened the possibilities of specific protein detection in EM. However, this technique still requires the generation of new molecular constructions. Thus, we decided to develop a versatile method that would take advantage of the numerous GFP-tagged proteins already existing and create a tool combining a nanobody anti-GFP (GBP) with APEX. This GBP-APEX tool allows a simple and efficient detection of any GFP fusion proteins without the needs of specific antibodies nor the generation of additional constructions. We have shown the feasibility and efficiency of this method to detect various proteins in Drosophila ovarian follicles such as nuclear proteins, proteins associated with endocytic vesicles, plasma membranes or nuclear envelopes. Lastly, we expressed this tool in Drosophila with the UAS/GAL4 system that enables spatiotemporal control of the protein detection.
Glycopeptidomics Analysis of a Cell Line Model Revealing Pathogenesis and Potential Marker Molecules for the Early Diagnosis of Gastric MALT Lymphoma
Authors: Xiao Di , Zou Qinghua , Meng Le , Xu Yanli , Zhang Huifang , Meng Fanliang , He Lihua , Zhang Jianzhong
Published: August 2021

Background & Aims

Gastric mucosa-associated lymphoma (GML) is a mature B cell tumor related to Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection. The clinical manifestations of GML are not specific, so GML is often misdiagnosed, leading to excessive treatment. The pathogenesis of H.pylori-induced GML is not well understood and there are no molecular markers for early GML diagnosis.

Methods

Glycopeptidomics analyses of host cell lines (a BCG823 cell line, C823) and C823 cells infected by H. pylori isolated from patients with GML (GMALT823), gastritis (GAT823), gastric ulcer (GAU823) and gastric cancer (GAC823) were carried out to clarify the host reaction mechanism against GML and to identify potential molecular criteria for the early diagnosis of GML.

Results

Thirty-three samples were analyzed and approximately 2000 proteins, 200 glycoproteins and 500 glycopeptides were detected in each sample. O-glycans were the dominant glycoforms in GMALT823 cells only. Four specific glycoforms in GMALT823 cells and 2 specific glycoforms in C823 and GMALT823 cells were identified. Eight specific glycopeptides from 7 glycoproteins were found in GMALT823 cells; of these glycopeptides, 6 and 3 specific glycopeptides had high affinity for T cell epitopes and have conformational B cell epitopes, respectively.

Conclusion

The predominant glycoforms of host cells infected by MALT H. pylori isolates differ from others, and the glycoproteins, glycosylation sites and glycoforms might be closely related to the formation of GML, which provides new insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of H. pylori infection and suggests molecular indicators for the early diagnosis of GML.
A Novel Risk Scoring Tool to Predict Saphenous Vein Graft Occlusion After Cardiac Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Cheng Yujing , Ma Xiaoteng , Liu Xiaoli , Zhao Yingxin , Sun Yan , Zhang Dai , Zhao Qi , Xu Yingkai , Zhou Yujie
Published: August 2021

Objectives: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) success is reduced by graft occlusion. Understanding factors associated with graft occlusion may improve patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop a predictive risk score for saphenous vein graft (SVG) occlusion after CABG.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study enrolled 3,716 CABG patients from January 2012 to March 2013. The development cohort included 2,477 patients and the validation cohort included 1,239 patients. The baseline clinical data at index CABG was analyzed for their independent impact on graft occlusion in our study using Cox proportional hazards regression. The predictive risk scoring tool was weighted by beta coefficients from the final model. Concordance (c)-statistics and comparison of the predicted and observed probabilities of predicted risk were used for discrimination and calibration.

Results: A total of 959 (25.8%) out of 3,716 patients developed at least one late SVG occlusion. Significant risk factors for occlusion were female sex [beta coefficients (β) = 0.52], diabetes (β = 0.21), smoking (currently) (β = 0.32), hyperuricemia (β = 0.22), dyslipidemia (β = 0.52), prior percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (β = 0.21), a rising number of SVG (β = 0.12) and lesion vessels (β = 0.45). On-pump surgery (β = −0.46) and the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) (β = −0.59) and calcium channel blockers (CCB) (β = −0.23) were protective factors. The risk scoring tool with 11 variables was developed from the derivation cohort, which delineated each patient into risk quartiles. The c-statistic for this model was 0.71 in the validation cohort.

Conclusions: An easy-to-use risk scoring tool which included female sex, diabetes, smoking, hyperuricemia, dyslipidemia, prior PCI, a rising number of SVG and lesion vessels, on-pump surgery, the use of ACEI/ ARB and CCB was developed and validated. The scoring tool accurately estimated the risk of late SVG occlusion after CABG (c-statistic = 0.71).
Modulation of Peripheral CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells Ameliorates Surgical Stress-Induced Atherosclerotic Plaque Progression in ApoE-Deficient Mice
Authors: Handke Jessica , Kummer Laura , Weigand Markus A. , Larmann Jan
Published: August 2021

Systemic inflammation associated with major surgery rapidly accelerates atherosclerotic plaque progression in mice. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have emerged as important modulators of atherogenesis. In coronary artery disease patients, low frequency of Tregs constitutes an independent risk factor for cardiovascular complications after non-cardiac surgery. In this exploratory analysis, we investigate whether preoperative Treg levels affect surgery-induced atherosclerotic lesion destabilization in a murine model of perioperative stress. After 9 weeks of high-cholesterol diet, atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E-deficient mice with modulated Treg levels were subjected to a 30-minute surgical procedure consisting of general isoflurane anesthesia, laparotomy and moderate blood loss. Controls underwent general anesthesia only. Brachiocephalic arteries were harvested 3 days after the intervention for histomorphological analyses of atherosclerotic plaques. Tregs were depleted by a single dose of anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody (mAb) administered 6 days prior to the intervention. Expansion of Tregs was induced by daily injections of IL-2/anti-IL-2 complex (IL-2C) on three consecutive days starting 3 days before surgery. Isotype-matched antibodies and PBS served as controls. Antibody-mediated modulation was Treg-specific. IL-2C treatment resulted in an eight-fold elevation of peripheral CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs compared to mice administered with anti-CD25 mAb. In mice treated with PBS and anti-CD25 mAb, surgical stress response caused a significant increase of atherosclerotic plaque necrosis (PBS: p < 0.001; anti-CD25 mAb: p = 0.037). Preoperative Treg expansion abrogated perioperative necrotic core formation (p = 0.556) and significantly enhanced postoperative atherosclerotic plaque stability compared to PBS-treated mice (p = 0.036). Postoperative plaque volume (p = 0.960), stenosis (p = 0.693), lesional collagen (p = 0.258), as well as the relative macrophage (p = 0.625) and smooth muscle cell content (p = 0.178) remained largely unaffected by preoperative Treg levels. In atherosclerotic mice, therapeutic expansion of Tregs prior to major surgery mitigates rapid effects on perioperative stress-driven atherosclerotic plaque destabilization. Future studies will show, whether short-term interventions modulating perioperative inflammation qualify for prevention of cardiovascular events associated with major non-cardiac surgery.
The Association of Stage 1 Hypertension, Defined by the 2017 ACC/AHA Guidelines, With Cardiovascular Events Among Rural Women in Liaoning Province, China
Authors: Wu Jiake , Duan Weili , Jiao Yundi , Liu SiTong , Zheng LiQiang , Sun YingXian , Sun ZhaoQing
Published: August 2021

Background: The recent American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines redefined blood pressure levels 130-139/80-89 mmHg as stage 1 hypertension. However, the association of stage 1 hypertension with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its age-specific differences among the rural women in Liaoning province remains unclear. It needs to be quantified in considering guideline adoption in China.

Methods: In total, 19,374 women aged ≥35 years with complete data and no cardiovascular disease at baseline were followed in a rural community-based prospective cohort study of Liaoning province, China. Follow-up for the new cases of CVD was conducted from the end of the baseline survey to the end of the third follow-up survey (January 1, 2008–December 31, 2017). Adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were applied to estimate the Hazard Ratios (HR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) with the normal blood pressure as a reference.

Results: During the median follow-up period of 12.5 years, 1,419 subjects suffered all-cause death, 748 developed CVD, 1,224 participants suffered stroke and 241 had Myocardial Infarction (MI). Compared with normal BP, Stage 1 hypertension had a HR (95% CI) of 1.694 (1.202–2.387) in CVD mortality, 1.575 (1.244–1.994) in the incidence of stroke. The results obtained that the risk of CVD mortality and incidence of stroke was significantly associated with stage 1 hypertension in rural women aged ≥45 years after adjusting for other potential factors. However, in participants aged 35–44 years, stage 1 hypertension was not associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions: The newly defined stage 1 hypertension is associated with an increased risk of CVD mortality and also incidence of stroke in the rural women aged ≥45 years population of Liaoning province. This study can be a good reference for health policy makers and clinicians workers to make evidence-based decisions toward lowering burden of cardiovascular disease more efficient, timely measures on prevention and control of stage 1 hypertension in China.
High Glucose Induced Changes in Human VEC Phenotype in a 3D Hydrogel Derived From Cell-Free Native Aortic Root
Authors: Cecoltan Sergiu , Ciortan Letitia , Macarie Razvan D. , Vadana Mihaela , Mihaila Andreea C. , Tucureanu Monica , Vlad Mihaela-Loredana , Droc Ionel , Gherghiceanu Mihaela , Simionescu Agneta , Simionescu Dan Teodor , Butoi Elena , Manduteanu Ileana
Published: August 2021

Background: Valvular endothelial cells (VEC) have key roles in maintaining valvular integrity and homeostasis, and dysfunctional VEC are the initiators and major contributors to aortic valve disease in diabetes. Previous studies have shown that HG stimulated an inflammatory phenotype in VEC. Inflammation was shown to induce endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT), a process extensively involved in many pathologies, including calcification of the aortic valve. However, the effect of HG on EndMT in VEC is not known. In addition, there is evidence that endothelin (ET) is a proinflammatory agent in early diabetes and was detected in aortic stenosis, but it is not known whether HG induces ET and endothelin receptors and whether endothelin modulates HG-dependent inflammation in VEC. This study aims to evaluate HG effects on EndMT, on endothelin and endothelin receptors induction in VEC and their role in HG induced VEC inflammation.

Methods and Results: We developed a new 3D model of the aortic valve consisting of a hydrogel derived from a decellularized extracellular cell matrix obtained from porcine aortic root and human valvular cells. VEC were cultured on the hydrogel surface and VIC within the hydrogel, and the resulted 3D construct was exposed to high glucose (HG) conditions. VEC from the 3D construct exposed to HG exhibited: attenuated intercellular junctions and an abundance of intermediate filaments (ultrastructural analysis), decreased expression of endothelial markers CD31 and VE–cadherin and increased expression of the mesenchymal markers α-SMA and vimentin (qPCR and immunocytochemistry), increased expression of inflammatory molecules ET-1 and its receptors ET-A and ET-B, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 (qPCR and Immunocytochemistry) and augmented adhesiveness. Blockade of ET-1 receptors, ET-A and ET-B reduced secretion of inflammatory biomarkers IL-1β and MCP-1 (ELISA assay).

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that HG induces EndMT in VEC and indicates endothelin as a possible target to reduce HG-induced inflammation in VEC.
Discriminating the Multi-Frequency Microwave Brightness Temperature Anomalies Relating to 2017 Mw 7.3 Sarpol Zahab (Iran-Iraq Border) Earthquake
Authors: Ding Yifan , Qi Yuan , Wu Lixin , Mao Wenfei , Liu Yingjia
Published: August 2021

A Mw 7.3 earthquake occurred near the Iran-Iraq border on November 12, 2017, as the result of oblique-thrust squeezing of the Eurasian plate and the Arabian plate. By employing the spatio-temporally weighted two-step method (STW-TSM) and microwave brightness temperature (MBT) data from AMSR-2 instrument on board Aqua satellite, this paper investigates carefully the spatiotemporal features of multi-frequency MBT anomalies relating to the earthquake. Soil moisture (SM), satellite cloud image, regional geological map and surface landcover data are utilized to discriminate the potential MBT anomalies revealed from STW-TSM. The low-frequency MBT residual images shows that positive anomalies mainly occurred in the mountainous Urmia lake and the plain region, which were 300 km north and 200 km southwest about to the epicenter, respectively. The north MBT anomaly firstly appeared 51 days before the mainshock and its magnitude increased over time with a maximum of about +40K. Then the anomaly disappeared 3 days before, reappeared 1d after and diminished completely 10 days after the mainshock. Meanwhile, the southwest MBT anomaly firstly occurred 18 days before and peaked 3 days before the mainshock with a maximum of about +20K, and then diminished gradually with aftershocks. It is speculated that the positive MBT anomaly in the Urmia lake was caused by microwave dielectric property change of water body due to gas bubbles leaking from the bottom of the lake disturbed by local crust stress alteration, while the southwest MBT positive anomaly was caused by microwave dielectric constant change of shallow surface due to accumulation of seismically-activated positive charges originated at deep crust. Besides, some accidental abnormal residual stripes existed in line with satellite orbit, which turned out to be periodic data errors of the satellite sensor. High-frequency MBT residual images exhibit some significant negative anomalies, including a narrow stripe pointing to the forthcoming epicenter, which were confirmed to be caused by synchronous altostratus clouds. This study is of guidance meaning for distinguishing non-seismic disturbances and identifying seismic MBT anomaly before, during and after some large earthquakes.
Late Quaternary Climate Reconstruction and Lead-Lag Relationships of Biotic and Sediment-Geochemical Indicators at Lake Bolshoe Toko, Siberia
Authors: Biskaborn Boris K. , Nazarova Larisa , Kröger Tim , Pestryakova Lyudmila A. , Syrykh Liudmila , Pfalz Gregor , Herzschuh Ulrike , Diekmann Bernhard
Published: August 2021

Millennial-scale climate change history in eastern Siberia and relationships between diatom diversity, paleoclimate, and sediment-geochemical lake system trajectories are still poorly understood. This study investigates multi-proxy time series reaching back to the Late Pleistocene derived from radiocarbon dated Lake Bolshoe Toko sediment cores, southeastern Yakutia, Russia. We analyzed diatoms, elements (XRF), minerals (XRD), grain-size, organic carbon, and included chironomid analyses and published pollen-data for quantitative paleoclimate reconstruction. Changes in diatom species abundances reveal repeated episodes of thermal stratification indicated by shifts from euplanktonicAulacoseiratoCyclotellaspecies. Chironomid and pollen-inferred temperature reconstruction reveal that the main shift between these diatom species is related to the onset of Holocene Thermal Maximum (HTM) at 7.1 cal ka BP. Comparison to other paleoclimate records along a north-south transect through Yakutia shows that the HTM was delayed as far south as the Stanovoy mountains. Relationships between sediment-geochemistry, paleoclimate variability and diatom species richness (alpha diversity) was tested in a moving temporal offset approach to detect lead-lag relationships. Sediment-geochemical data, mainly uniform during the Holocene, revealed strongest positive or negative correlations ahead of species richness changes. Mean July air temperature (TJuly) reconstructions correlate with both Hill numbers and relative assemblage changes indicated by sample scores of multidimensional scaling analysis (MDS) over the entire time series. We found that sediment organic carbon revealed distinct positive correlations, i.e., centennial-scale delay to increases in diatom effective richness (Hill numbers N0 and N2). We conclude that a lag of deposited organic carbon concentrations behind changes in diatom alpha diversity reveals that species richness can augment the production and thus sequestration of organic matter in comparable lake systems.
Stress-Related Amygdala Metabolic Activity Is Associated With Low Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women: A Pilot 18F-FDG PET/CT Study
Authors: Pahk Kisoo , Kwon Hyun Woo , Joung Chanmin , Kim Sungeun
Published: August 2021

Background

Psychological stress is associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis. However, the underlying mechanism of stress-related brain neural activity with osteoporosis is not fully elucidated. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) is an established method to evaluate the metabolic activity of brain amygdala, a region involved in stress. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between metabolic activity of amygdala (AmygA) and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Materials and Methods

A total of 115 postmenopausal women who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for routine health screening were enrolled in this study. AmygA was defined as the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of amygdala divided by the mean SUV of temporal lobe. The levels of psychological stress were measured using the Psychosocial Well-being Index-Short Form (PWI-SF).

Results

The participants with osteoporosis exhibited significantly higher AmygA than without osteoporosis (0.81 ± 0.16 vs. 0.61 ± 0.13, p < 0.001). The AmygA value of 0.69 was suggested as an optimal cut-off value to identify participant with osteoporosis (sensitivity; 79.1%, specificity; 83.3%, area under the curve; 0.841, p < 0.001). Furthermore, AmygA showed significant association with osteoporosis in postmenopausal woman by multivariate analysis. Psychological stress scale (PWI-SF) was well correlated with AmygA and AmygA was highest in high stress risk-, intermediate in moderate stress risk-, and lowest in healthy group.

Conclusions

AmygA measured by 18F-FDG PET/CT is associated with osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Our results provide the possibility that stress-related neurobiological activity involving amygdala is linked with postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Exosomes: Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets of Diabetic Vascular Complications
Authors: Chen Anqi , Wang Hailing , Su Ying , Zhang Chunlin , Qiu Yanmei , Zhou Yifan , Wan Yan , Hu Bo , Li Yanan
Published: August 2021

Diabetic vascular complications (DVC) including macrovascular and microvascular lesions, have a significant impact on public health, and lead to increased patient mortality. Disordered intercellular cascades play a vital role in diabetic systemic vasculopathy. Exosomes participate in the abnormal signal transduction of local vascular cells and mediate the transmission of metabolic disorder signal molecules in distant organs and cells through the blood circulation. They can store different signaling molecules in the membrane structure and release them into the blood, urine, and tears. In recent years, the carrier value and therapeutic effect of exosomes derived from stem cells have garnered attention. Exosomes are not only a promising biomarker but also a potential target and tool for the treatment of DVC. This review explored changes in the production process of exosomes in the diabetic microenvironment and exosomes’ early warning role in DVC from different systems and their pathological processes. On the basis of these findings, we discussed the future direction of exosomes in the treatment of DVC, and the current limitations of exosomes in DVC research.
Psychological Well-Being of Parents of Very Young Children With Type 1 Diabetes – Baseline Assessment
Authors: de Beaufort Carine , Pit-ten Cate Ineke M. , Schierloh Ulrike , Cohen Nathan , Boughton Charlotte K. , Tauschmann Martin , Allen Janet M. , Nagl Katrin , Fritsch Maria , Yong James , Metcalfe Emily , Schaeffer Dominique , Fichelle Muriel , Thiele Alena G. , Abt Daniela , Faninger Kerstin , Mader Julia K. , Slegtenhorst Sonja , Ashcroft Nicole , Wilinska Malgorzata E. , Sibayan Judy , Kollman Craig , Hofer Sabine E. , Fröhlich-Reiterer Elke , Kapellen Thomas M. , Acerini Carlo L. , Campbell Fiona , Rami-Merhar Birgit , Hovorka Roman
Published: August 2021

Background

Type 1 diabetes in young children is a heavy parental burden. As part of pilot phase of the KIDSAP01 study, we conducted a baseline assessment in parents to study the association between hypoglycemia fear, parental well-being and child behavior.

Methods

All parents were invited to fill in baseline questionnaires: hypoglycemia fear survey (HFS), WHO-5, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).

Results

24 children (median age: 5-year, range 1-7 years, 63% male, mean diabetes duration: 3 ± 1.7 years) participated. 23/24 parents filled out the questionnaires. We found a higher score for the hypoglycemia fear behavior 33.9 ± 5.6 compared to hypoglycemia worry 34.6 ± 12.2. Median WHO-5 score was 16 (8 - 22) with poor well-being in two parents. Median daytime sleepiness score was high in five parents (>10). For six children a high total behavioral difficulty score (>16) was reported. Pro social behavior score was lower than normal in six children (<6). Parental well-being was negatively associated with HFS total (r = - 0.50, p <.05) and subscale scores (r = - 0.44, p <.05 for HFS-Worry and HFS-Behavior), child behavior (r = - 0.45, p = .05) and positively with child age and diabetes duration (r = 0.58, p <.01, r = 0.6, p <.01). HFS, parental well-being nor daytime sleepiness are associated with the HbA1c.

Conclusion

Regular screening of parental well-being, hypoglycemia fear and child behavior should be part of routine care to target early intervention.
How Information Technology Investment Affects Green Innovation in Chinese Heavy Polluting Enterprises
Authors: Xiude Chen , Yuting Tan , Miaoxin Lin , Guangyu Zhang , Wencong Ma , Shiwei Yang , Yulian Peng
Published: August 2021

Promoting green innovation is an effective way to solve the increasingly serious environmental pollution problems in emerging economies. Information technology is constantly changing the operation mode of enterprises; however, whether information technology investment helps promote enterprises’ green innovation is still an important issue to be studied. According to resource-based and knowledge integration theory, this study constructs data from Chinese A-share listed heavy polluting enterprises during 2010–2018, adopting the panel data Tobit model to investigate the nexus between information technology investment and green innovation. Our empirical results demonstrate that the amount of information technology investment is positively correlated with the emerging levels of green patents in Chinese heavy polluting enterprises, and this positive correlation only significantly exists in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and enterprises with a strong sense of environmental responsibility and strict environmental regulation. The findings of this study help understand in depth how information technology investment affects enterprises’ green innovation and its boundaries, which also have important policy implications for government departments and enterprises to make better use of information technology to deal with the challenge of environmental pollution.
Ecological Risk Assessment of Phthalate Esters (DBP and DEHP) in Surface Water of China
Authors: Sun Fuhong , Tao Yanru , Shi Di , Yang Jiwei , Li Huixian , Wei Yuan , Su Hailei
Published: August 2021

As a new type of pollutant, phthalate esters (PAEs) are common organic compounds in industrial production and daily life, which are widely detected in surface water environment. Among them, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) have attracted much attention due to their harmful effects on aquatic life such as endocrine disrupting effects. In this study, the toxicity data of DBP and DEHP were collected and screened through literature research, and their water quality criteria (WQC) for protecting aquatic life were derived by the species sensitivity distribution method. In addition, the distributions of DBP and DEHP in surface water environment of China were analyzed and their ecological risk levels to aquatic life in six regions were evaluated by hazard quotients (HQs) and probabilistic approaches. The result revealed that the chronic WQC of DBP is 12.9 μg/L (criteria continuous concentration, CCC) and acute WQC is 162.9 μg/L (criteria maximum concentration, CMC) and the chronic WQC of DEHP is 1.0 μg/L (CCC) and acute WQC is 71.8 μg/L (CMC). The ecological risk of DBP and DEHP in North China and Yangtze River is relatively higher than other regions, which may have harmful effects on the aquatic environments. So, it is necessary to strengthen the water quality management. The results could provide scientific basis for ecological risk management of DBP and DEHP.
Climate Change Alters Temperate Forest Canopies and Indirectly Reshapes Arthropod Communities
Authors: Sallé Aurélien , Cours Jérémy , Le Souchu Elodie , Lopez-Vaamonde Carlos , Pincebourde Sylvain , Bouget Christophe
Published: August 2021

Global change challenges the adaptive potential of forests. Large-scale alterations of forest canopies have been reported across Europe, and further modifications are expected in response to the predicted changes in drought and windstorm regimes. Since forest canopies are dynamic interfaces between atmosphere and land surface, communities of canopy-dwelling insects are at the forefront of major changes in response to both direct and indirect effects of climate change. First, we briefly introduce the factors shaping arthropod communities in the canopy of temperate forests. Second, we cover the significant impacts of a forest decline on canopy structure and functioning, and more specifically its contrasted effects on insect microhabitats, trophic resources and forest microclimates. Deleterious effects may be expected for several guilds of leaf-dwelling insects. Nonetheless, a forest decline could also lead to transient or long-lasting resource pulses for other canopy-dwelling guilds, especially saproxylic species depending on deadwood substrates and tree-related microhabitats. The novel microclimates may also become more favorable for some particular groups of insects. We pinpoint current knowledge gaps and the technological locks that should be undone to improve our understanding of the canopy biotope and biodiversity in temperate forests. We highlight the need for integrative approaches to reveal the mechanisms at play. We call for cross-scale studies and long-term collaborative research efforts, involving different disciplines such as community and disturbance ecology, plant and insect ecophysiology, and thermal ecology, to better anticipate ongoing functional and conservation issues in temperate forest ecosystems.
High Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte Ratio Is an Independent Risk Factor for End Stage Renal Diseases in IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Wang Siqing , Dong Lingqiu , Pei Gaiqin , Jiang Zheng , Qin Aiya , Tan Jiaxing , Tang Yi , Qin Wei
Published: August 2021

Background

Complex factors are involved in the development and progression of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), a common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide. Autoimmunity and inflammation have been considered to be the basic mechanisms; however, the exact pathogenesis remains unclear. As a novel marker of inflammation, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been studied in various diseases. Whether the NLR can predict the renal outcome of patients with IgAN remains unclear. We evaluated the relationships between the NLR and renal function, pathologic lesions, renal progression, and prognosis in patients with IgAN.

Methods

This retrospective study involved 966 patients with biopsy-proven IgAN. They were divided into two groups based on the cut-off value of the NLR: the high group (NLR ≥ 2.67, n = 384) and the low group (NLR < 2.67, n = 582). The endpoint was end-stage renal disease [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of <15 mL/min/1.73 m2 or performance of renal replacement therapy]. A correlation test was conducted to explore the relationship between the NLR and other important parameters (eGFR, serum creatinine, proteinuria, hypertension and renal pathologic lesions). The predictive value was determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC). Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed to evaluate renal progression and prognosis.

Results

The NLR had the highest AUROC, which was 0.633 (p < 0.001). The correlation test revealed that the NLR was positively correlated with serum creatinine (r = 0.127, p < 0.001) and 24-hour urine protein (r = 0.18, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with eGFR (r = 0.14, p < 0.001). Patients with IgAN who had a high NLR were more likely to have hypertension (p = 0.003). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that a high NLR was an independent risk factor for IgAN even after adjustment for important clinical and pathological parameters (p = 0.043, HR = 1.74, 95%CI: 1.02-2.97). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that a high NLR was significantly associated with the renal prognosis of patients with IgAN (p < 0.001), especially patients with stage 3 to 4 chronic kidney disease (p = 0.028) or 24-hour urine protein of >1 g/day (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

An elevated NLR affects the renal progression and prognosis in patients with IgAN and could be a marker for evaluation of renal function and pathologic lesions.
Manipulating the NKG2D Receptor-Ligand Axis Using CRISPR: Novel Technologies for Improved Host Immunity
Authors: Alves Eric , McLeish Emily , Blancafort Pilar , Coudert Jerome D. , Gaudieri Silvana
Published: August 2021

The activating immune receptor natural killer group member D (NKG2D) and its cognate ligands represent a fundamental surveillance system of cellular distress, damage or transformation. Signaling through the NKG2D receptor-ligand axis is critical for early detection of viral infection or oncogenic transformation and the presence of functional NKG2D ligands (NKG2D-L) is associated with tumor rejection and viral clearance. Many viruses and tumors have developed mechanisms to evade NKG2D recognition via transcriptional, post-transcriptional or post-translational interference with NKG2D-L, supporting the concept that circumventing immune evasion of the NKG2D receptor-ligand axis may be an attractive therapeutic avenue for antiviral therapy or cancer immunotherapy. To date, the complexity of the NKG2D receptor-ligand axis and the lack of specificity of current NKG2D-targeting therapies has not allowed for the precise manipulation required to optimally harness NKG2D-mediated immunity. However, with the discovery of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins, novel opportunities have arisen in the realm of locus-specific gene editing and regulation. Here, we give a brief overview of the NKG2D receptor-ligand axis in humans and discuss the levels at which NKG2D-L are regulated and dysregulated during viral infection and oncogenesis. Moreover, we explore the potential for CRISPR-based technologies to provide novel therapeutic avenues to improve and maximize NKG2D-mediated immunity.
DAMPening COVID-19 Severity by Attenuating Danger Signals
Authors: Silva-Lagos Luis A. , Pillay Janesh , van Meurs Matijs , Smink Alexandra , van der Voort Peter H. J. , de Vos Paul
Published: August 2021

COVID-19 might lead to multi-organ failure and, in some cases, to death. The COVID-19 severity is associated with a “cytokine storm.” Danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are proinflammatory molecules that can activate pattern recognition receptors, such as toll-like receptors (TLRs). DAMPs and TLRs have not received much attention in COVID-19 but can explain some of the gender-, weight- and age-dependent effects. In females and males, TLRs are differentially expressed, likely contributing to higher COVID-19 severity in males. DAMPs and cytokines associated with COVID-19 mortality are elevated in obese and elderly individuals, which might explain the higher risk for severer COVID-19 in these groups. Adenosine signaling inhibits the TLR/NF-κB pathway and, through this, decreases inflammation and DAMPs’ effects. As vaccines will not be effective in all susceptible individuals and as new vaccine-resistant SARS-CoV-2 mutants might develop, it remains mandatory to find means to dampen COVID-19 disease severity, especially in high-risk groups. We propose that the regulation of DAMPs via adenosine signaling enhancement might be an effective way to lower the severity of COVID-19 and prevent multiple organ failure in the absence of severe side effects.
Case Report: Convalescent Plasma Therapy Induced Anti-SARS-CoV-2 T Cell Expansion, NK Cell Maturation and Virus Clearance in a B Cell Deficient Patient After CD19 CAR T Cell Therapy
Authors: Bošnjak Berislav , Odak Ivan , Ritter Christiane , Stahl Klaus , Graalmann Theresa , Steinbrück Lars , Blasczyk Rainer , Falk Christine S. , Schulz Thomas F. , Wedemeyer Hans Heinrich , Cornberg Markus , Ganser Arnold , Förster Reinhold , Koenecke Christian
Published: August 2021

Here, we described the case of a B cell-deficient patient after CD19 CAR-T cell therapy for refractory B cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma with protracted coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). For weeks, this patient only inefficiently contained the virus while convalescent plasma transfusion correlated with virus clearance. Interestingly, following convalescent plasma therapy natural killer cells matured and virus-specific T cells expanded, presumably allowing virus clearance and recovery from the disease. Our findings, thus, suggest that convalescent plasma therapy can activate cellular immune responses to clear SARS-CoV-2 infections. If confirmed in larger clinical studies, these data could be of general importance for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
Sea-Air Exchange of Methane in Shallow Inshore Areas of the Baltic Sea
Authors: Lundevall-Zara Maysoon , Lundevall-Zara Erik , Brüchert Volker
Published: August 2021

We report sea-air fluxes of methane in physically and biologically distinct inshore habitats of the Baltic Sea with the goal to establish empirical relationships that allow upscaling of local site-specific flux measurements. Flux measurements were conducted using floating chambers with and without bubble shields, and by using a boundary layer gas transfer model before, during, and after an annually occurring algal bloom from June to October 2019. Water and air temperature, salinity, wind, sediment organic content, and organic content of floating algal biomass were found to successfully discriminate the different habitats in terms of methane flux, both over periods of days and over a season. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to establish the relative environmental forcing of methane emissions over one growth season for each flux method. Floating algal biomass carbon and sediment organic content were identified as the most important controlling factors for methane emissions based on flux chamber measurements over a period of days to weeks, whereas water and air temperature and wind velocity were the most important factors based on the gas transfer model on these time scales. Over the season, water and air temperature were the most important controlling factors with both methods. We present a first attempt how our observations can be extrapolated to determine the coastal methane emission along the coastline.
Climate Change Induced Trends and Uncertainties in Phytoplankton Spring Bloom Dynamics
Authors: Mészáros Lőrinc , van der Meulen Frank , Jongbloed Geurt , El Serafy Ghada
Published: August 2021

Spring phytoplankton blooms in the southern North Sea substantially contribute to annual primary production and largely influence food web dynamics. Studying long-term changes in spring bloom dynamics is therefore crucial for understanding future climate responses and predicting implications on the marine ecosystem. This paper aims to study long term changes in spring bloom dynamics in the Dutch coastal waters, using historical coastalin-situdata and satellite observations as well as projected future solar radiation and air temperature trajectories from regional climate models as driving forces covering the twenty-first century. The main objective is to derive long-term trends and quantify climate induced uncertainties in future coastal phytoplankton phenology. The three main methodological steps to achieve this goal include (1) developing a data fusion model to interlace coastalin-situmeasurements and satellitechlorophyll-aobservations into a single multi-decadal signal; (2) applying a Bayesian structural time series model to produce long-term projections of chlorophyll-a concentrations over the twenty-first century; and (3) developing a feature extraction method to derive the cardinal dates (beginning, peak, end) of the spring bloom to track the historical and the projected changes in its dynamics. The data fusion model produced an enhanced chlorophyll-a time series with improved accuracy by correcting the satellite observed signal within-situobservations. The applied structural time series model proved to have sufficient goodness-of-fit to produce long term chlorophyll-a projections, and the feature extraction method was found to be robust in detecting cardinal dates when spring blooms were present. The main research findings indicate that at the study site location the spring bloom characteristics are impacted by the changing climatic conditions. Our results suggest that toward the end of the twenty-first century spring blooms will steadily shift earlier, resulting in longer spring bloom duration. Spring bloom magnitudes are also projected to increase with a 0.4%year−1trend. Based on the ensemble simulation the largest uncertainty lies in the timing of the spring bloom beginning and -end timing, while the peak timing has less variation. Further studies would be required to link the findings of this paper and ecosystem behavior to better understand possible consequences to the ecosystem.
Vertical Niche Partitioning of Archaea and Bacteria Linked to Shifts in Dissolved Organic Matter Quality and Hydrography in North Atlantic Waters
Authors: Rodríguez-Ramos Tamara , Nieto-Cid Mar , Auladell Adrià , Guerrero-Feijóo Elisa , Varela Marta M.
Published: August 2021

Understanding the factors that modulate prokaryotic assemblages and their niche partitioning in marine environments is a longstanding challenge in marine microbial ecology. This study analyzes amplicon sequence variant (ASV) diversity and co-occurrence of prokaryotic (Archaea and Bacteria) communities through coastal-oceanic gradients in the NW Iberian upwelling system and adjacent open-ocean (Atlantic Ocean). Biogeographic patterns were investigated in relation with environmental conditions, mainly focusing on the optical signature of the dissolved organic matter (DOM). Alpha- and beta-diversity were horizontally homogeneous [with the only exception of Archaea (∼1700 m depth), attributed to the influence of Mediterranean water, MW], while beta-diversity was significantly vertically stratified. Prokaryotic communities were structured in four clusters (upper subsurface, lower subsurface, intermediate, and deep clusters). Deep (>2000 m) archaeal and bacterial assemblages, and intermediate (500-2000 m) Bacteria (mainly SAR202 and SAR406), were significantly related to humic-like DOM (FDOM-M), while intermediate Archaea were additionally related to biogeochemical attributes of the high-salinity signature of MW. Lower subsurface (100-500 m) Archaea (particularly one ASV belonging to the genus Candidatus Nitrosopelagicus) were mainly related to the imprint of high-salinity MW, while upper subsurface (≤100 m) archaeal assemblages (particularly some ASVs belonging to Marine Group II) were linked to protein-like DOM (aCDOM254). Conversely, both upper and lower subsurface bacterial assemblages were mainly linked to aCDOM254 (particularly ASVs belonging to Rhodobacteraceae, Cyanobacteria, and Flavobacteriaceae) and nitrite concentration (mainly members of Planctomycetes). Most importantly, our analysis unveiled depth-ecotypes, such as the ASVs MarG.II_1 belonging to the archaeal deep cluster (linked to FDOM-M) and MarG.II_2 belonging to the upper subsurface cluster (related to FDOM-T and aCDOM254). This result strongly suggests DOM-mediated vertical niche differentiation, with further implications for ecosystem functioning. Similarly, positive and negative co-occurrence relationships also suggested niche partitioning (e.g., between the closely related ASVs Thaum._Nit._Nit._Nit._1 and _2) and competitive exclusion (e.g., between Thaum._Nit._Nit._Nit._4 and _5), supporting the finding of non-randomly, vertically structured prokaryotic communities. Overall, differences between Archaea and Bacteria and among closely related ASVs were revealed in their preferential relationship with compositional changes in the DOM pool and environmental forcing. Our results provide new insights on the ecological processes shaping prokaryotic assembly and biogeography.
Heterotrophic Dinoflagellate Growth and Grazing Rates Reduced by Microplastic Ingestion
Authors: Fulfer Victoria M. , Menden-Deuer Susanne
Published: August 2021

Microplastics are ubiquitous contaminants in marine ecosystems worldwide, threatening fisheries production, food safety, and human health. Ingestion of microplastics by fish and large zooplankton has been documented, but there are few studies focusing on single-celled marine predators, including heterotrophic dinoflagellates. In laboratory experiments, the heterotrophic dinoflagellate species Oxyrrhis marina and Gyrodinium sp. readily ingested both algal prey and polystyrene microplastic spheres (2.5–4.5 μm), while Protoperidinium sp. did not ingest microplastics. Compared to algae-only fed dinoflagellates, those that ingested microplastics had growth rates reduced by 25–35% over the course of 5 days. Reduced growth resulted in a 30–50% reduction of secondary production as measured as predator biomass. Ingestion rates of algal prey were also reduced in the microplastic treatments. When given a mixture of microplastics and algal prey, O. marina displayed a higher selectivity for algal prey than Gyrodinium sp. Observations in the coastal ocean showed that phylogenetically diverse taxa ingested microplastic beads, and thus heterotrophic dinoflagellates could contribute to trophic transfer of microplastics to higher trophic levels. The results of this study may suggest that continued increase in microplastic pollution in the ocean could lead to reduced secondary production of heterotrophic protists due to microplastic ingestion, altering the flow of energy and matter in marine microbial food webs.