bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of ecological and economic instruments of balanced development of the forest sector of Podilsk economic region
Authors: Yaremko O.
Published: June 2022

The article summarizes the results of research on sustainable development of the forest sector. It should be noted that the forest sector of the economy is a major part of the country’s economy and in particular the regions, which meets the needs of products, services and useful properties of forests, preserving and supporting the livelihood and reproduction of the population. The uniqueness of the forest sector lies in its multifunctional nature. In this context, it is appropriate to propose the main functions of forest sector development, in particular planning, organization, forecasting, control, regulation. It is proved that the system of forestry production in the regions of Ukraine should take into account aspects of the impact on human actions at the subconscious level, which are not subject to control and are not specified in the regulations. This determines the ideas of institutionalization in the activities of society, which are trying to transform into economic laws in the non-economic plane. In this context, the formation of competitive forestry is now a topical and controversial issue among research, the main component is the transformation of the economy, technology, institutions, which to some extent should reflect the production of forestry. Given certain details of traditions and rules, businesses are more focused on informal rules, underestimating the role of formal rules. The activities of forestry entities are hidden in informal institutions due to distrust of the authorities.
Basic theoretical fundamentals, current state of development and trends of formation of green construction in Ukraine in the context of sustainable development
Authors: Bilotil V.
Published: June 2022

Sustainable development stimulates the introduction of environmental innovations and technologies in various sectors of the economy, including construction. In the article the basic theoretical foundations, the current state of development and trends of the of formation of a new kind of construction — green one — have been studied. The basic approaches to the formulation and substantiation of the definition of green construction have been analyzed. A number of features of the green buildings have been highlighted. The expediency of introducing green construction in Ukraine has substantiated as green buildings have a number of advantages over conventional ones. The main regulatory documents (agreements, decrees, strategies, orders), that promote the development and support of renewable energy, energy efficiency, building ecology and green construction in our country, have been considered taking into account the principles of economic feasibility and environmental protection. The benefits of green construction for all participants in the construction process, from the state to the residents of green buildings, have been specified. In the study the importance of green construction for sustainable development of the world in general and Ukraine in particular has been emphasized.
Efficacy of filazonite biopreparation on vegetative organs of plants of different soybean varieties
Authors: Demianiuk O. , Havryliuk L. , Beznosko I.
Published: June 2022

The article presents the results of the analysis of biodiversity and spatial-functional structure of the microbial complex on the vegetative organs of soybean plants. Ways of regulation of the number of phytopathogenic micromycetes on vegetative organs of plants of different soybean varieties in the conditions of organic production have been developed. The interaction of Kent and Constellation soybean plants with phytopathogenic micromycetes in the conditions of organic production in the Central Forest-Steppe of Ukraine (Skvyra Research Station of Organic Production of IAP NAAS) was studied. The number of phytopathogenic micromycetes on vegetative organs of plants of different soybean varieties depending on the variety and technology of its cultivation was determined. It has been experimentally proven that the biological product Filazonit controls the formation of phytopathogenic micromycetes on the vegetative organs of Kent and Constellation soybean plants during ontogenesis compared to the control and ranges from 0.3 to 3.3 thousand CFU/g of green mass depending on the variety. It was found that the vegetative organs of soybean plants of both varieties are dominated by representatives of the genera Cladosporium (C. herbarum Lket Gray), Alternaria, (A. alternate (Fr.) Keissl.), Fusarium (F. grameniarum Schleht), Aspergillus (A. flavus) Link.), Sclerotinia (S. sclerotiorum (Lib.)). It is determined that the number of phytopathogenic micromycetes in the mycobioma of vegetative organs of soybean plants depends on the variety and technology of its cultivation. The relationship between the development of micromycetes and the use of biological product Filazonit, as in the seeds of soybean varieties Constellation (germination phase — H05=0.5 and H05=0.3; flowering phase — H05=0.4 and H05=0.3), and on the Kent variety (seedling phase — H05=0.9 and H05=0.7; flowering phase — H05=0.8 and H05=0.6). The relationship between the development of micromycetes and the hydrothermal coefficient — in the germination phase and in the flowering phase.
Agricultural land market in Ukraine
Authors: Krokhtiak O. , Olkhovych S. , Hrynyk O.
Published: June 2022

Land resources are not only one of the main natural resources, but also the most important factor in the economic development of the country. With the opening of the market for agricultural land, this resource has become expensive. The moratorium on land sales, which lasted for about 20 years, did not allow citizens to freely dispose of their land rights. But with the adoption of the Law of Ukraine «On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine on the Conditions of Circulation of Agricultural Land» from 31.03.2020 № 552–IX, this right was allowed.
In this article, we analyzed the market of expropriated agricultural land for one hundred days and 6 months from the beginning of its introduction. The information base was provided by domestic laws and regulations on the economics of nature management, environmental protection, materials and reports of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, the State Service for Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre of Ukraine. We also used statistical and comparative research methods. Land reforms in Ukraine began with the beginning of independence and continue to this day. After the adoption of the above-mentioned Law, a new stage of land reform began in Ukraine. In the first hundred days, most land plots were expropriated and registered in Kharkiv and Kyiv oblasts, and the smallest — in Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts. At the same time, the largest area of expropriated plots was registered in Kirovohrad and Kharkiv oblasts, and the smallest — in Chernivtsi and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts. The most expensive land was in Kyiv and Kharkiv oblasts, and the cheapest — in Chernivtsi and Zakarpattia oblasts. All this is explained by the fact that in Kharkiv, Kyiv and Kirovohrad oblasts chernozem soils predominate, which have a high humus content and, accordingly, a higher price, in Chernivtsi and Zakarpattia oblasts sod-podzolic and brown earth soils predominate, which are less fertile, accordingly, the price is lower. Chernozem soils also predominate in Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts, but due to the temporary occupation of these oblasts, the number of expropriated land plots is smaller and cheaper than in other oblasts. In seven months, the situation on the land market has not changed. This indicates that the land market operates in Ukraine.
Ecological and functional features of forest plantations of the Forest-steppe of Ukraine
Authors: Furdychko O. , Tymochko I. , Solomakha I.
Published: June 2022

Forest plantations are very important to provide the raw materials and living needs of the population, despite the various ways of their origin, formation and development. They are an important factor in restoring the ecological and biological balance of agricultural lands and objects for the formation of floristic and faunal diversity, the creation of new topical links, the balanced reproduction of new biogeocenoses. Therefore, the forest ecosystems of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine are considered based on their importance and value for the studied area, in addition, the leading directions of socio-economic services and features of their manifestation and development are reproduced. A very important aspect of stabilization and reproduction of the natural state of forest plantations, along with studies of ecosystem services that can provide these plantations, is the dependence of their existence on the existing set of threats. Therefore, a list of major threats to ecosystem services has been developed, where they are presented in terms of threats to biodiversity development. The most important of which are continuous felling on large areas and excessive plowing of land, resulting in a decrease in the percentage of forest cover in this area. Regarding the complex of identified threats to the existing forest plantations, their main features and possible directions of their reproduction and preservation are given. It is especially important in this direction to increase the forest cover of the territory, create additional field protective forest strips to increase their number and territorial availability and reduce the anthropogenic load on forest ecosystems.
Composition and biometric indicators of field protective forest belts of the central Forest-steppe
Authors: Tkachuk O. , Pankova S.
Published: June 2022

The aim is to analyze the current state of protective forest belts of the Сentral Forest-Steppe for the possibility of their preservation, protection, restoration and further effective use. The research was conducted in Vinnytsia district of Vinnytsia region, located in the Сentral Forest-Steppe. The research program included a study of the network of protective forest belts of the study area in terms of their location relative to the world (main, auxiliary), structures (blown, openwork, dense), length, width, height, number of rows, species composition of primary, secondary, single trees and bushes and shrubs, the distance between trees in rows and in rows, the average girth of the tree trunk at a height of 1.3 m. A total of 22 protective forest belts were analyzed.
Only 14% of all studied main protective forest belts and 50% of all studied auxiliary protective forest belts are blown by design, have the highest efficiency of positive impact on adjacent agro-ecosystems, and 57% of all studied main protective forest belts are dense and less effective in terms of impact. crops. The main studied field protective forest belts are located at a permissible distance from each other, and the auxiliary ones should be placed one by one, ie the fields should be divided into two along the border in the middle of the auxiliary forest field field. The width of all studied forest belts was not less than recommended. At the same time, 42% of the main protective forest belts had a width greater than the recommended one. The number of rows in the studied main field protective forest belts varied in the range of 3–8 rows. Among all studied main forest belts, four-row ones prevailed, which accounted for 30% of all main field protective forest belts. Auxiliary field protective forest belts by the number of rows were only 2, 3 and 5 rows. They were dominated by 5-row, which accounted for 50% of all ancillary protective forest belts. The main forest species of protective forest belts were common maple and common ash.
Peran Kader dalam Penurunan Stunting di Desa
Authors: Ramadhan Kadar , Entoh Christina , Nurfatimah Nurfatimah
Published: June 2022

Introduction: The government's seriousness in preventing stunting contained in the national strategy to accelerate stunting prevention should be appreciated. The inclusion of stunting as a priority problem in the use of village funds is the right step because the village is the spearhead, therefore in every village there must be health cadres who focus on this problem. Given the vital role of cadres, cadres need to be equipped with good knowledge. The purpose of this study was to increase the role of cadres in preventing stunting in Bulili Village, South Lore District. Methods: This study is a cohort study for 3 months with the target focus being posyandu cadres and the output is the nutritional status of TB/U of all children aged 0-23 months in Bulili Village, South Lore District. Results: the results showed that the efforts of cadres succeeded in reducing the prevalence of stunting from 35.3% in November 2018 to 16.7% in October 2019, exclusive breastfeeding was associated with stunting. Conclusion: Cadre assistance must be carried out continuously so that cadre performance remains good.
 
ABSTRAK
Pendahuluan: Keseriusan pemerintah dalam pencegahan stunting yang terdapat dalam strategi nasional percepatan pencegahan stunting patut diapresiasi. Dimasukannya stunting sebagai prioritas masalah dalam penggunan dana desa merupakan langkah tepat karena desa adalah ujung tombaknya, olehnya itu di setiap desa harus ada kader kesehatan yang fokus pada masalah ini. Mengingat peran kader yang vital maka kader perlu dibekali dengan pengetahuan yang baik. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk meningkatkan peran kader dalam pencegahan stunting di Desa Bulili Kecamatan Lore Selatan. Metode: Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian cohort selama 3 bulan dengan fokus sasaran adalah kader posyandu dan outputnya adalah status gizi TB/U semua anak usia 0-23 bulan di Desa Bulili Kecamatan Lore Selatan. Hasil: hasil penelitian menunjukan usaha kader berhasil menurunkan prevalensi stunting dari 35,3% pada November 2018 menjadi 16,7% pada Oktober 2019, pemberian ASI eksklusif berhubungan dengan kejadian stunting. Simpulan: Pendampingan kader harus dilakukan berkelanjutan agar kinerja kader tetap baik.
Single Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals the Pathogenesis of Aortic Dissection Caused by Hypertension and Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Zhang Li , Qiu Zhihuang , Zheng Hui , Yang Xi , Ye Jianqiang , He Jian , Li Yumei , Chen Liangwan
Published: June 2022

Aortic dissection (AD) is mainly caused by hypertension and Marfan syndrome. However, it is unclear whether the cellular components and functions are different between the two causes. A total of 11 aortic samples were collected for single-cell RNA analysis and 20 clusters were disclosed, including VSMCs, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, T cells, B cells, monocytes, macrophages, mast cells, and neutrophils components. There were differences in cell subclusters and function between hypertension and Marfan patients. The cells also had different differentiations. Cellchat identified cell ligand–receptor interactions that were associated with hypertension and Marfan-induced AD involving SMC, fibroblast, mo-macrophages, and T-cell subsets. This study revealed the heterogeneity of cellular components and gene changes in hypertension and Marfan-induced AD. Through functional analysis and the changes in intercellular communication, the possible mechanisms of different causes of AD were explained from a new perspective, so we can better understand the occurrence and development of diseases.
In Situ Synthesis Mechanism and Photocatalytic Performance of Cyano-Bridged Cu (I)/Cu (II) Ultrathin Nanosheets
Authors: Li Shixiong , Qiang Jiawei , Lu Lifei , Yang Shaolong , Chen Yufeng , Liao Beiling
Published: June 2022

In situ synthesis of cyano-bridged Cu (I)/Cu (II) complexes usually requires organometallic catalysts or is carried out under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions. Herein, the cyano-bridged two-dimensional Cu (I)/Cu (II) photocatalyst, [Cu2 (Py)3(CN)3]n (1), is synthesized in situ at room temperature. The in situ synthesis mechanism of 1 shows that the partial Cu (II) complex catalyzed the C-C bond cleavage of 1,3-isophthalonitrile (L) to introduce -CN and generate Cu (I)/Cu (II). Its ultrathin nanosheets can be obtained by adding sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate and performing ultrasonic synthesis in the process of synthesis 1. The ultrathin nanosheets of 1 have a lattice distance of about 0.31 nm, and it can rapidly decompose methylene blue (MB) (K = 0.25 mg L−1 min−1 at pH = 3). This research work is beneficial for in situ synthesis of cyano-bridged Cu (I)/Cu (II) complexes at room temperature and explores their synthesis and photocatalytic mechanism.
Exploring the Role of Low-Density Neutrophils During Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Rankin Ananda N. , Hendrix Skyler V. , Naik Sumanta K. , Stallings Christina L.
Published: June 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by infection with the bacteriumMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb), which primarily infects the lungs but can also cause extrapulmonary disease. Both the disease outcome and the pathology of TB are driven by the immune response mounted by the host. Infection with Mtb elicits inflammatory host responses that are necessary to control infection, but can also cause extensive tissue damage when in excess, and thus must be precisely balanced. In particular, excessive recruitment of neutrophils to the site of infection has been associated with poor control of Mtb infection, prompting investigations into the roles of neutrophils in TB disease outcomes. Recent studies have revealed that neutrophils can be divided into subpopulations that are differentially abundant in TB disease states, highlighting the potential complexities in determining the roles of neutrophils in Mtb infection. Specifically, neutrophils can be separated into normal (NDN) and low-density neutrophils (LDNs) based on their separation during density gradient centrifugation and surface marker expression. LDNs are present in higher numbers during active TB disease and increase in frequency with disease progression, although their direct contribution to TB is still unknown. In addition, the abundance of LDNs has also been associated with the severity of other lung infections, including COVID-19. In this review, we discuss recent findings regarding the roles of LDNs during lung inflammation, emphasizing their association with TB disease outcomes. This review highlights the importance of future investigations into the relationship between neutrophil diversity and TB disease severity.
Mainstreaming the Ambition, Coherence, and Comprehensiveness of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework Into Conservation Policy
Authors: Carroll Carlos , Rohlf Daniel J. , Epstein Yaffa
Published: June 2022

Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity are finalizing a new Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) to more effectively guide efforts by the world’s nations to address global loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Each party is required to mainstream the new framework and its component targets into national conservation strategies. To date, such strategies have been criticized as largely aspirational and lacking clear linkages to national policy mechanisms, which has contributed to the world’s general failure to meet the Convention’s previous targets. We use the United States and European Union as examples to compare and contrast opportunities and barriers for mainstreaming the GBF more effectively into policy. The European Union and United States have unique relationships to the Convention, the former being the only supranational party and the latter, having signed but never ratified the treaty, adopting Convention targets on an ad hoc basis. The contrasting conservation policy frameworks of these two polities illustrate several conceptual issues central to biodiversity conservation and demonstrate how insights from the GBF can strengthen biodiversity policy even in atypical contexts. We focus on three characteristics of the GBF which are essential if policy is to effectively motivate and guide efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss: comprehensiveness, coherence, and ambition. Statutes in both the United States and European Union provide a strong foundation for mainstreaming the GBF’s comprehensiveness, coherence, and ambition, but policy development and implementation falls short. We identify six common themes among the reforms needed to successfully achieve targets for reversing biodiversity loss: broadening conservation focus to all levels of biodiversity, better coordinating conservation strategies that protect sites and landscapes with those focused on biodiversity elements (e.g., species), coordinating biodiversity conservation with efforts to safeguard ecosystem services including ecosystem-based climate mitigation and adaptation, more coherent scaling of targets from global to local extents, adoption of a more ambitious vision for recovery of biodiversity, and development of effective tracking and accountability mechanisms.
Impact of Educational Interventions on Knowledge About Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Among Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gholami Kosar , Norouzkhani Narges , Kargar Meraj , Ghasemirad Hamidreza , Ashtiani Atieh Jafarabadi , Kiani Shamim , Sajedi Far Mahdi , Dianati Maryam , Salimi Yasaman , Khalaji Amirmohammad , Honari Sara , Deravi Niloofar
Published: June 2022

Background

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including chronic hypertension, preeclampsia and gestational hypertension, is the cause of about 50,000 deaths out of 400,000 perinatal deaths. HDP is an effective risk factor in stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases like ischemic heart disease. There is a significant relation between HDP, lifestyle, and knowledge. Unfortunately, many studies showed that pregnant women have lack of knowledge about HDP. Therefore, the importance of educational interventions is, today, more acknowledged than before.

Aim

The goal of this systematic review was to investigate the effect of interventional educations on the knowledge of pregnant women about HDP.

Methods

A systematic review of the related articles was conducted. We included English randomized controlled trials published up to December 2021, including pregnant women as population, HDP as the outcome, and educational interventions as the intervention.

Results

After the process of study selection, six articles containing 819 pregnant women were included in this study. Educational pamphlets, mobile-based application, a mixture of pamphlets, pictographic magnet and videos, and a combination of PowerPoint and data show projectors and conversation were the educational interventions in these studies.

Conclusions

The positive effects of educational interventions on the knowledge of women with HTP were observed in all studies. The higher knowledge leads to HDP-related complications.

Systematic Review Registration

https://archive.org/details/osf-registrations-gcs5r-v1, identifier: doi: 10.17605/OSF.IO/GCS5R.
The Palma Echo Platform: Rationale and Design of an Echocardiography Core Lab
Authors: López Luis , Rossello Xavier , Romaguera Dora , Alonso-Gómez Ángel M. , Toledo Estefanía , Fortuny Elena , Noris Marta , Mas-Lladó Caterina , Fiol Miquel , Ramallal Raul , Tojal-Sierra Lucas , Alonso Alvaro , Fernandez-Palomeque Carlos
Published: June 2022

Background

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Characterization of cardiac structural and functional abnormalities due to the MetS can help recognize individuals who would benefit the most from preventive interventions. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) provides an opportunity to identify those abnormalities in a reproducible and cost-efficient manner. In research settings, implementation of protocols for the acquisition and analysis of TTE images are key to ensure validity and reproducibility, thus facilitating answering relevant questions about the association of the MetS with cardiac alterations.

Methods and Results

The Palma Echo Platform (PEP) is a coordinated network that is built up to evaluate the underlying structural and functional cardiac substrate of participants with MetS. Repeated TTE will be used to evaluate 5-year changes in the cardiac structure and function in a group of 565 individuals participating in a randomized trial of a lifestyle intervention for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. The echocardiographic studies will be performed at three study sites, and will be centrally evaluated at the PEP core laboratory. Planned analyses will involve evaluating the effect of the lifestyle intervention on cardiac structure and function, and the association of the MetS and its components with changes in cardiac structure and function. Particular emphasis will be placed on evaluating parameters of left atrial structure and function, which have received more limited attention in past investigations. This PEP will be available for future studies addressing comparable questions.

Conclusion

In this article we describe the protocol of a central echocardiography laboratory for the study of functional and structural alterations of the MetS.
A Transition Mechanism for the Participation of Renewable Energy Generation Companies in Competitive Electricity Spot Markets
Authors: Wang Kun , Deng Hui , Yang Jiajia , Xu Chengwei , Zhou Ziqing , Wen Fushuan , Qi Donglian
Published: June 2022

Under the China’s ‘dual carbon’ national goal–reaching peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, one of the key issues in China is how to smoothly transit from a fixed-price mode to a competitive market pricing mode for renewable energy generation companies. Aiming at minimizing governmental subsidies and maximizing the fairness among renewable energy generation companies, a multi-agent three-layer transition mechanism with the transactions of green certificates considered is proposed in this paper. Through adjusting subsidy policies, the developed transition mechanism can stimulate the renewable energy generation companies to gradually participate in the competitive electricity spot market. Specifically, a multi-market multi-agent transaction framework in the transition mechanism is first established. Then, in order to derive the important parameters of the transition mechanism, a method that decouples the electricity market and the green certificate market is designed. Finally, the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed transition mechanism are demonstrated through numerical examples.
Auxiliary Service Market Model Considering the Participation of Pumped-Storage Power Stations in Peak Shaving
Authors: Zhang Zilong , Cong Wenbo , Liu Shizhong , Li Chenglong , Qi Shaolong
Published: June 2022

In the context of insufficient system operation flexibility and increasing peaking pressure caused by the large-scale integration of renewable energy into the grid, a market model for peaking auxiliary services involving pumped storage power stations is proposed in this study. First, taking the minimum peak shaving cost as the optimization goal, the peak shaving value of the participating peak shaving units is quantified, and the mathematical model of the peak shaving auxiliary service market is established. Then, considering that the pumped-storage power station has both source-load characteristics, the peak-shaving value of the pumped-storage power station is deeply excavated to share the peak-shaving pressure of thermal power units, and a compensation mechanism for peak ancillary service fees is established. Finally, the 11-machine, 14-node system topology is proposed to simulate the peak-shaving auxiliary service market model proposed in this study, and the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified.
Recent Trends in Survival and Mortality of Wolves in Minnesota, United States
Authors: Chakrabarti Stotra , O’Neil Shawn T. , Erb John , Humpal Carolin , Bump Joseph K.
Published: June 2022

Survival is a key determinant of population growth and persistence; computation and understanding of this metric is key to successful population management, especially for recovering populations of large carnivores such as wolves. Using a Bayesian frailty analytical approach, we evaluated information from 150 radio-tagged wolves over a 16-year time period to determine temporal trends and age- and sex-specific survival rates of wolves in Minnesota, United States. Based on our analyses, overall annual survival of wolves during the study was 0.67, with no clear evidence for age- or sex-specific differences in the population. Our model demonstrated statistical support for a temporal trend in annual survival; the highest survival was predicted at the beginning of the time series (0.87), with lowest survival (0.55) during 2018. We did not observe evidence that survival was markedly reduced during years when a regulated hunting and trapping season was implemented for wolves (years 2012–2014). However, cause-specific mortality analysis indicated that most mortality was human-caused. While the estimate for increasing human-caused mortality over time was positive, the evidence was not statistically significant. Anthropogenic causes resulted in ∼66% of known mortalities, including legal and illegal killing, and vehicular collisions. Trends in wolf survival in Minnesota may reflect an expanding distribution; wolf range has spread to areas with more human development during the study, presumably leading to increased hazard and reduced survival. Our results provide foundational information for evaluating and guiding future policy decisions pertaining to the Great Lakes wolf population.
Midgut Bacterial Communities of Vespa velutina Lepeletier (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: Zhang Li , Liu Feng , Wang Xin-Ling , Wang Pin-Hong , Ma Shi-Long , Yang Yang , Ye Wu-Guang , Diao Qing-Yun , Dai Ping-Li
Published: June 2022

Vespa velutina nigrithorax and Vespa velutina auraria are two subspecies of Vespa velutina Lepeletier. V. velutina preys managed honey bees, other pollinators, and insects. However, the Vespa midgut microbiota of three forms, namely queens, workers, and males have not been reported, thus the objective of this study was to analyze the midgut bacterial diversity of the three forms of V. v. nigrithorax and V. v. auraria. Our results showed that Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Tenericutes, and Actinobacteria were the most abundant phyla, and Lactobacillus (17.21%) and Sphingomonas (11.39%) were the most abundant genera in the midgut of V. v. nigrithorax and V. v. auraria. We found that the midgut bacterial compositions of the V. velutina males were special, in terms of richness and diversity of bacterial communities, as well as the content of lactic acid bacteria. By comparing the gut bacterial compositions of Vespa from different regions (Japan, South Korea, Italy, and China), it was discovered that the gut bacterial compositions were very similar at the phylum and class level, and Gammaproteobacteria, Bacilli, and Alphaproteobacteria were the most abundant classes of bacteria and consistent in the genus Vespa. Besides, though Vespa from different regions had quite different gut bacterial communities at the genus level, Lactobacillus and other lactic acid bacteria were abundant and played important roles in protection and metabolism in V. velutina collected from different regions. This is the first report of midgut bacterial diversity of three forms queens, workers, and males of V. velutina. Our findings provide insight that Proteobacteria and Firmicutes (especially Lactobacillus and other lactic acid bacteria) are consistent and may play important roles in the genus Vespa. The understanding of the microbiome in the midgut of Vespa and the discovery of the vital bacteria would provide useful information to design pest biological control agents. Thus, the significance of this study is to provide a basis for the study of the relationship between gut microbiota and physiology and health of Vespa, as well as the control of Vespa.
Implications and Lessons From the Introduction of Genome-Edited Food Products in Japan
Authors: Matsuo Makiko , Tachikawa Masashi
Published: June 2022

Japan clarified its regulatory approaches for products derived from genome editing technologies in 2019. Consequently, Japan has become a pioneer in the social implementation of such technologies, as to date, the notification process for three products, GABA-enriched tomato, fleshier red sea bream, and high-growth tiger puffer, has been completed. However, this has led to questions about how this was achieved, given the poor consumer acceptance and low public support for genetically modified (GM) foods in the past. This paper describes Japan’s regulatory approaches and their implementation guidelines for products created using genome editing technologies. It explains the governance of genome editing technologies and how the derived products have been introduced into society. The three factors that made this possible include: 1) improved R&D environments as a result of government-led innovation policy and regulations which have sought a balance between science and social demand 2) changes in the players (i.e. university startups), that engage in R&D and the strategies used for social introduction, and 3) social value changes—the recent rise in momentum for sustainable development goals (SDGs) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing. The lessons and challenges in terms of R&D policy development and regulation from these analyses are presented. As the market size and social impact of genome-edited food products is limited, it is too early to fully assess this topic for Japan and thus, the analysis in this study is preliminary and must be revisited in the coming years.
A Pyroptosis-Related Signature Predicts Overall Survival and Immunotherapy Responses in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhu Kaibin , Yan An , Zhou Fucheng , Zhao Su , Ning Jinfeng , Yao Lei , Shang Desi , Chen Lantao
Published: June 2022

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a highly malignant cancer with a bleak prognosis. Pyroptosis is crucial in LUAD. The present study investigated the prognostic value of a pyroptosis-related signature in LUAD.

Methods: LUAD’s genomic data were downloaded from TCGA and GEO databases. K-means clustering was used to classify the data based on pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs). The features of tumor microenvironment were compared between the two subtypes. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the two subtypes, and functional enrichment and module analysis were carried out. LASSO Cox regression was used to build a prognostic model. Its prognostic value was assessed.

Results: In LUAD, genetic and transcriptional changes in PRGs were found. A total of 30 PRGs were found to be differentially expressed in LUAD tissues. Based on PRGs, LUAD patients were divided into two subgroups. Subtype 1 has a higher overall survival rate than subtype 2. The tumor microenvironment characteristics of the two subtypes differed significantly. Compared to subtype 1, subtype 2 had strong immunological infiltration. Between the two groups, 719 DEGs were discovered. WGCNA used these DEGs to build a co-expression network. The network modules were analyzed. A prognostic model based on seven genes was developed, including FOSL1, KRT6A, GPR133, TMPRSS2, PRDM16, SFTPB, and SFTA3. The developed model was linked to overall survival and response to immunotherapy in patients with LUAD.

Conclusion: In LUAD, a pyroptosis-related signature was developed to predict overall survival and treatment responses to immunotherapy.
Identification of Biomarkers Associated With CD8+ T Cells in Coronary Artery Disease and Their Pan-Cancer Analysis
Authors: Zhao Shijian , Wu Yinteng , Wei Yantao , Xu Xiaoyu , Zheng Jialin
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To identify biomarkers associated with CD8+ T cells in coronary artery disease (CAD) and initially explore their potential role in the tumor immune microenvironment.

Materials and Methods

CAD-related datasets GSE12288, GSE34198, and GSE66360, were downloaded from the GEO database. First, GSVA was performed based on the GSE12288 dataset. Then WGCNA analysis was performed to identify the most relevant module and candidate hub gene for CD8+ T cells, followed by GO and KEGG analysis of this module. Secondly, the relationship between candidate hub genes and CD8+ T cells was verified using GSE34198 and GSE66360, which led to the identification of hub genes. The relationship of hub genes with CD8+ T cells in cancer was analyzed using the TIMER database. Methylation analysis of hub genes was performed using the DiseaseMeth database. CAD, pan-cancer, pan-cell lines, and pan-normal tissues, correlations between hub genes. In addition, potential drugs and TFs associated with hub genes were predicted, and the ceRNA network was constructed. Finally, GSEA was performed separately for hub genes.

Results

CAD was shown to be associated with immune response by GSVA analysis. WGCNA identified the blue module as most related to CD8+ T cells and identified nine candidate hub genes. The relevance of CAD to immunity was further confirmed by GO and KEGG analysis of the module. Two additional datasets validated and identified three hub genes (FBXO7, RAD23A, and MKRN1) that significantly correlated with CD8+ T cells. In addition, we found that hub genes were positively associated with CD8+ T cells in TGCT, THCA, and KICH cancers by our analysis. Moreover, the hub gene was differentially methylated. We also analyzed the correlation between hub genes in CAD, different cancers, different cell lines, and different normal tissues. The results of all the analyses showed a positive correlation between them. Finally, we successfully constructed hub gene-associated TF-gene and ceRNA networks and predicted 11 drugs associated with hub genes. GSEA suggests that hub genes are related to multiple immune response processes.

Conclusion

FBXO7, RAD23A, and MKRN1 are significantly associated with CD8+ T cells in CAD and multiple cancers and may act through immune responses in CAD and cancer.
Pycard and BC017158 Candidate Genes of Irm1 Locus Modulate Inflammasome Activation for IL-1β Production
Authors: Borrego Andrea , Colombo Francesca , de Souza Jean Gabriel , Jensen José Ricardo , Dassano Alice , Piazza Rocco , Rodrigues dos Santos Barbara Anaís , Ribeiro Orlando Garcia , De Franco Marcelo , Cabrera Wafa Hanna Koury , Icimoto Marcelo Yudi , Starobinas Nancy , Magalhães Geraldo , Monteleone Leticia Figueiredo , Eto Silas Fernandes , DeOcesano-Pereira Carlos , Goldfeder Mauricio Barbugiani , Pasqualoto Kerly Fernanda Mesquita , Dragani Tommaso A. , Ibañez Olga Célia Martinez
Published: June 2022

We identifiedPycardandBC017158genes as putative effectors of the Quantitative Trait locus (QTL) that we mapped at distal chromosome 7 namedIrm1for Inflammatory response modulator 1, controlling acute inflammatory response (AIR) and the production of IL-1β, dependent on the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. We obtained the mapping through genome-wide linkage analysis of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in a cross between High (AIRmax) and Low (AIRmin) responder mouse lines that we produced by several generations of bidirectional selection for Acute Inflammatory Response. A highly significant linkage signal (LOD score peak of 72) forex vivoIL-1β production limited a 4 Mbp interval to chromosome 7. Sequencing of the locus region revealed 14 SNPs between “High” and “Low” responders that narrowed the locus to a 420 Kb interval. Variants were detected in non-coding regions ofItgam,Rgs10andBC017158genes and at the first exon ofPycardgene, resulting in an E19K substitution in the protein ASC (apoptosis associated speck-like protein containing a CARD) an adaptor molecule in the inflammasome complex. Silencing ofBC017158inhibited IL1-β production by stimulated macrophages and the E19K ASC mutation carried by AIRmin mice impaired theex vivoIL-1β response and the formation of ASC specks in stimulated cells. IL-1β and ASC specks play major roles in inflammatory reactions and in inflammation-related diseases. Our results delineate a novel genetic factor and a molecular mechanism affecting the acute inflammatory response.
Comparison of an In Situ Imaging Device and Net-Based Method to Study Mesozooplankton Communities in an Oligotrophic System
Authors: Barth Alexander , Stone Joshua
Published: June 2022

In the past several years, the capabilities of optical tools and in situ imaging devices have greatly expanded and are now revolutionizing the field of plankton research. These tools have facilitated the discovery of new plankton and enhanced the understanding of populations of fragile and gelatinous zooplankton. Imaging devices are becoming more accessible and regularly deployed on oceanographic studies and monitoring efforts. However, despite the increasing use of these tools, there are few studies which offer direct comparisons between in situ imaging devices and traditional-net based methods, especially in open-ocean, oligotrophic systems where plankton are sparser and less intensively sampled. This study compares estimates of mesozooplankton abundance calculated by net-tows and an Underwater Vision Profiler 5 (UVP5HD-DEEP) imaging system. Net tows were conducted with a Multiple Opening and Closing Nets with Environmental Sensing System (MOCNESS) device equipped with 153µm mesh. In total, four tows, each sampling eight distinct depth bins, were conducted aboard two cruises in the Sargasso Sea. Along each cruise, in situ images were collected using an Underwater Vison Profiler 5 (UVP5HD-DEEP). Using these methods, we estimated abundance of different mesozooplankton groups (>0.5 mm). Using established biovolume-biomass conversions, we also estimated the dry mass of certain zooplankton taxa. Furthermore, we address two methods for calculating density and biomass concentration from UVP data. Estimates of mesozooplankton abundance and biomass concentration were generally higher from MOCNESS methods than the UVP estimates across all taxa. It was found that there is not a reliable relationship between UVP estimates and MOCNESS estimates when directly comparing similar depth bins. Nonetheless, when integrating density and biomass concentrations throughout the water column, estimates are not significantly different between the methodology. This study addresses several important considerations for using in situ imaging tools and how to reconcile findings with traditional net-based methods.
Platelet-to-Portal Vein Width Ratio and Platelet-to-Spleen Thickness Ratio Can Be Used to Predict Progressive Liver Fibrosis Among Patients With HBV Infection With HBeAg-Negativity and a Normal ALT Level
Authors: Feng Mudan , Lei Lan , Xu Jian , Shi Yuzhi , Yang Wenfeng
Published: June 2022

Background

Some people infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) with a normal level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are at risk of disease progression. We evaluated the value of platelet-to-portal vein width ratio (PPR) and platelet-to-spleen thickness ratio (PSR) to predict progressive liver fibrosis among patients with HBV infection with HBV e antigen (HBeAg)-negativity and a normal ALT level.

Methods

HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive and HBeAg-negative individuals with a normal ALT level were enrolled. The inflammation grade (G) and fibrosis stage(S) were analyzed according to pathological features. Then, two groups (<S2 vs. ≥S2) among people with a normal ALT level were divided based on the pathological diagnosis, and the clinical characteristics were summarized.

Results

Seventy-three individuals among 142 patients with HBsAg-positivity and HBeAg-negativity had a normal ALT level. Also, 83.56% (61/73) individuals showed progressive liver fibrosis (≥S2). The ALT level and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) between the two groups differed (21.01 ± 7.40 vs. 25.37 ± 7.90 U/L, p = 0.08; 29.49 ± 13.56 vs. 30.16 ± 21.88 U/L, p = 0.92, respectively). Portal-vein width, serum levels of albumin and globulin, AST-to-Platelet Ratio Index (APRI), and Fibrosis 4 (FIB-4) score were not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05). The platelet count, PPR, and PSR were significantly different between the two groups [(145.92 ± 14.55) ×109/L vs. (126.38 ± 23.85) ×109/L, p = 0.008; 10.80 ± 1.30 vs. 9.01 ± 1.97, p = 0.004; 4.21 ± 0.65 vs. 3.33 ± 0.89, p = 0.02, respectively]. The PPR and PSR decreased gradually upon fibrosis aggravation (p < 0.05). Based on the cut off value of the PPR (9.07) and PSR (3.54), their sensitivity and specificity was 0.917 and 0.525, and 0.833 and 0.541, respectively.

Conclusion

The PPR and PSR can be employed to assess earlier fibrosis progression among patients with HBV infection with HBeAg-negativity and a normal ALT level.
Using PacBio SMRT Sequencing Technology and Metabolomics to Explore the Microbiota-Metabolome Interaction Related to Silage Fermentation of Woody Plant
Authors: Du Zhumei , Sun Lin , Lin Yanli , Yang Fuyu , Cai Yimin
Published: June 2022

Silage fermentation is a dynamic process involving the succession of microbial communities and changes in metabolites. Fresh branched and leaves of paper mulberry were used to prepared silage. Crop by-products including corn bran, rice bran, and wheat bran were used as exogenous additives. Pacific Biosciences single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing technology and metabolomics are used to explore the interaction mechanism of microbial structure and metabolites during woody silage fermentation and to verify the principle that exogenous additives can modulate silage fermentation. Under the dual stress of anaerobic and acidic environment of silage fermentation, the microbial community changed from Gram-negative to Gram-positive bacteria, and a large amount of lactic acid and volatile fatty acid were produced, which lowered the pH value and caused the rapid death of aerobic bacteria with thin cell walls. The exogenous additives of corn bran and wheat bran accelerated the dynamic succession of lactic acid bacteria as the dominant microbial community in silage fermentation, increased the metabolic pathways of lactic acid, unsaturated fatty acids, citric acid, L-malic acid and other flavoring agents, and inhibited the growth of Clostridium and Enterobacter, thereby improving the flavor and quality of the silage. However, because rice bran contained butyric acid spore bacteria, it can multiply in an anaerobic environment, led to butyric acid fermentation, and promoted protein degradation and ammonia nitrogen production, thereby reduced the fermentation quality of woody silage. The results showed that during the silage fermentation process, the microbial community and the metabolome can interact, and exogenous additives can affect the fermentation quality of silage. SMRT sequencing technology and untargeted metabolomics revealed the microbiota-metabolome interaction during silage fermentation. Changes in the structure of the microbial community can affect the metabolic pathways, and the final metabolites can inhibit the growth of microorganisms that are not conducive to silage fermentation. Exogenous carbohydrate additives can change the fermentation substrate and affect microbial community structure, thus modulate the silage fermentation.