bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STRA6 regulates tumor immune microenvironment and is a prognostic marker in BRAF-mutant papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: He Weiman , Sun Yijia , Ge Jiawei , Wang Xuejie , Lin Bo , Yu Shuang , Li Yanbing , Hong Shubin , Xiao Haipeng
Published: February 2023

Background

BRAF mutation is one of the most common genetic alterations contributing to the initiation and progression of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, the prognostic value of BRAF mutation for PTC is limited. Novel markers are needed to identify BRAF-mutant patients with poor prognosis.

Methods

Transcriptional expression data were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Pathway enrichment was performed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Protein-protein interaction networks were predicted by the GeneMANIA. The correlation between STRA6 expression and immune infiltration was analyzed by tumor immune estimation resource (TIMER) and tumor-immune system interaction database (TISIDB). Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the STRA6 protein expression level of PTC. Infiltration of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and CD8+ T cells in tumor samples were analyzed by fluorescent multiplex immunohistochemistry.

Results

In BRAF-mutant PTC, STRA6 was extremely upregulated and predicted unfavorable survival, which was an independent risk factor for increased mortality risk. Bioinformatic analyses indicated that STRA6 might activate the MAPK pathway synergistically with BRAFV600E. The expression of STRA6 was associated with immune infiltrates and T cell exhaustion. Fluorescent multiplex immunohistochemistry showed that STRA6 increased Tregs abundance and decreased CD8+ T cells infiltration in PTC. Moreover, STRA6 promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition via increased cancer-associated fibroblasts infiltration.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates STRA6 may serve as a prognostic marker for BRAF-mutated PTC, which may drive thyroid carcinogenesis via activation of oncogenic pathway and regulation of tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment.
A meta-analysis: Effect of androgens on reproduction in sows
Authors: Guo Zhenhua , Lv Lei , Liu Di , Ma Hong , Radovic Cedomir
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The mechanisms by which male hormones affect the development of ovaries and follicles has been studied by injecting exogenous androgens into sows. This may provide a reference for human polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and can also provide guidance for improving the litter size of sows.

Methods

We present a meta-analysis of studies published in the past 30 years on the effect of androgens on the ovulation rate of sows. A total of 517 papers were analyzed.

Results

The results showed that both testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) injected into sows were positively related to the ovulation rate. T did not have a relevant effect on swine in vivo blastocyst survival rate. DHT had a negative phase with respect to blastocyst survival rate. Pig T-androgen receiver affinity was higher than the analogous affinity for DHT; this is different in humans. This suggests that sows are not suitable as human PCOS experimental animal models.

Discussion

To improve the litter size of sows, future research should focus on the mixed use of T and DHT, and the timing of use should be consistent with the periodic changes in androgen levels in sows. In addition, the welfare of experimental sows should be considered with reference to the clinical symptoms of PCOS.
Characterization of placental endocrine function and fetal brain development in a mouse model of small for gestational age
Authors: Lopez-Tello Jorge , Sferruzzi-Perri Amanda N.
Published: February 2023

Conditions such as small for gestational age (SGA), which is defined as birthweight less than 10th percentile for gestational age can predispose to neurodevelopmental abnormalities compared to babies with normal birthweight. Fetal growth and birthweight depend on placental function, as this organ transports substrates to the developing fetus and it acts as a source of endocrine factors, including steroids and prolactins that are required for fetal development and pregnancy maintenance. To advance our knowledge on the aetiology of fetal growth disorders, the vast majority of the research has been focused on studying the transport function of the placenta, leaving practically unexplored the contribution of placental hormones in the regulation of fetal growth. Here, using mice and natural variability in fetal growth within the litter, we compared fetuses that fell on or below the 10th percentile (classified as SGA) with those that had adequate weight for their gestational age (AGA). In particular, we compared placental endocrine metabolism and hormone production, as well as fetal brain weight and expression of developmental, growth and metabolic genes between SGA and AGA fetuses. We found that compared to AGA fetuses, SGA fetuses had lower placental efficiency and reduced capacity for placental production of hormones (e.g. steroidogenic gene Cyp17a1, prolactin Prl3a1, and pregnancy-specific glycoproteins Psg21). Brain weight was reduced in SGA fetuses, although this was proportional to the reduction in overall fetal size. The expression of glucose transporter 3 (Slc2a3) was reduced despite the abundance of AKT, FOXO and ERK proteins were similar. Developmental (Sv2b and Gabrg1) and microglia genes (Ier3), as well as the pregnancy-specific glycoprotein receptor (Cd9) were lower in the brain of SGA versus AGA fetuses. In this mouse model of SGA, our results therefore demonstrate that placental endocrine dysfunction is associated with changes in fetal growth and fetal brain development.
Climate risk and precautionary cash holdings: Evidence from Chinese listed companies
Authors: Zhang Wei , Yang Kaidi , Li Yulei
Published: February 2023

Using Chinese listed companies as the research setting, this study investigates the impact of climate risk on corporate precautionary cash holdings and further explores possible underlying channels. We first apply the text mining technique to construct the climate risk indicator. The regression results then show that climate risk has a significant and positive impact on corporate precautionary cash holdings. Such positive relationship is stronger for firms with small size and those located in central and eastern China. Further mechanism analysis indicates that risk taking and external financing play a mediating effect between climate risk and corporate precautionary cash holdings. Our findings have important practical implications for companies to make sustainability strategies against potential climate risks.
Spatial distribution and temporal variation of tropical mountaintop vegetation through images obtained by drones
Authors: Medeiros Thaís Pereira de , Morellato Leonor Patrícia Cerdeira , Silva Thiago Sanna Freire
Published: February 2023

Modern UAS (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) or just drones have emerged with the primary goal of producing maps and imagery with extremely high spatial resolution. The refined information provides a good opportunity to quantify the distribution of vegetation across heterogeneous landscapes, revealing an important strategy for biodiversity conservation. We investigate whether computer vision and machine learning techniques (Object-Based Image Analysis—OBIA method, associated with Random Forest classifier) are effective to classify heterogeneous vegetation arising from ultrahigh-resolution data generated by UAS images. We focus our fieldwork in a highly diverse, seasonally dry, complex mountaintop vegetation system, the campo rupestre or rupestrian grassland, located at Serra do Cipó, Espinhaço Range, Southeastern Brazil. According to our results, all classifications received general accuracy above 0.95, indicating that the methodological approach enabled the identification of subtle variations in species composition, the capture of detailed vegetation and landscape features, and the recognition of vegetation types’ phenophases. Therefore, our study demonstrated that the machine learning approach and combination between OBIA method and Random Forest classifier, generated extremely high accuracy classification, reducing the misclassified pixels, and providing valuable data for the classification of complex vegetation systems such as the campo rupestre mountaintop grassland.
The consumer purchase intention toward hybrid electric car: A utilitarian-hedonic attitude approach
Authors: Zamil Ahmad M. A. , Ali Saqib , Akbar Minhas , Zubr Vaclav , Rasool Farhan
Published: February 2023

Environmental conditions are rapidly changing with every passing day worldwide. Degradation of ecological conditions hurts human health. Carbon emission severely destroys greenhouse gases, CO2 is generated from different sectors, but the major portion of CO2 is generated from the transport sector. This environmental deterioration stimulates academicians and practitioners to study ecological consumption behaviour. Protecting the environment by reducing carbon emissions is a shared responsibility. In the current era, the world is shifting from conventional vehicles to electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles to control carbon emissions. This study examines the factors in predicting consumers’ purchase intention toward hybrid cars through the S-O-R model and theory of consumption values (functional and non-functional values). This will help academics and policymakers to expand the penetration of this new and favourable green technology in terms of protecting the environment. For our study, we collected data from the three big cities of Punjab, i.e., (Multan, Sahiwal, and Lahore). In this study, 500 questionnaires were distributed, from which 245 were returned. In the first step, we provide detailed information about demographic variables. The structural equation model (SEM) is used for evaluating the impact of identified constructs. The study results conclude that functional values (except conditional value) and non-functional values (except social value responsibility) positively influence the consumer’s attitude toward the intention to adopt hybrid electric vehicles. The reasons behind the results and implications for the practitioners and policymakers are discussed. Furthermore, directions for future research have also been suggested.
Evolutionary rescue and geographic range shifts under climate change for global amphibians
Authors: Souza Kelly Silva , Fortunato Danilo Siqueira , Jardim Lucas , Terribile Levi Carina , Lima-Ribeiro Matheus Souza , Mariano Camilla Ávila , Pinto-Ledezma Jesús Nazareno , Loyola Rafael , Dobrovolski Ricardo , Rangel Thiago Fernando , Machado Iberê Farina , Rocha Tainá , Batista Mariana Gomes , Lorini Maria Lucia , Vale Mariana Moncassim , Navas Carlos Arturo , Maciel Natan Medeiros , Villalobos Fabricio , Olalla-Tarraga Miguel Ângelo , Rodrigues João Fabrício Mota , Gouveia Sidney Feitosa , Diniz-Filho José Alexandre Felizola
Published: February 2023

By the end of this century, human-induced climate change and habitat loss may drastically reduce biodiversity, with expected effects on many amphibian lineages. One of these effects is the shift in the geographic distributions of species when tracking suitable climates. Here, we employ a macroecological approach to dynamically model geographic range shifts by coupling ecological niche models and eco-evolutionary mechanisms, aiming to assess the probability of evolutionary rescue (i.e., rapid adaptation) and dispersal under climate change. Evolutionary models estimated the probability of population persistence by adapting to changes in the temperature influenced by precipitation in the following decades, while compensating the fitness reduction and maintaining viable populations in the new climates. In addition, we evaluated emerging patterns of species richness and turnover at the assemblage level. Our approach was able to identify which amphibian populations among 7,193 species at the global scale could adapt to temperature changes or disperse into suitable regions in the future. Without evolutionary adaptation and dispersal, 47.7% of the species could go extinct until the year 2,100, whereas adding both processes will slightly decrease this extinction rate to 36.5%. Although adaptation to climate is possible for populations in about 25.7% of species, evolutionary rescue is the only possibility to avoid extinction in 4.2% of them. Dispersal will allow geographic range shifts for 49.7% of species, but only 6.5% may avoid extinction by reaching climatically suitable environments. This reconfiguration of species distributions and their persistence creates new assemblage-level patterns at the local scale. Temporal beta-diversity across the globe showed relatively low levels of species turnover, mainly due to the loss of species. Despite limitations with obtaining data, our approach provides more realistic assessments of species responses to ongoing climate changes. It shows that, although dispersal and evolutionary rescue may attenuate species losses, they are not enough to avoid a significant reduction of species’ geographic ranges in the future. Actions that guarantee a higher potential of adaptation (e.g., genetic diversity through larger population sizes) and increased connectivity for species dispersion to track suitable climates become essential, increasing the resilience of biodiversity to climate change.
Greenbug feeding-induced resistance to sugarcane aphids in sorghum
Authors: Puri Heena , Ikuze Edith , Ayala Jessica , Rodriguez Isabella , Kariyat Rupesh , Louis Joe , Grover Sajjan
Published: February 2023

Plants are attacked by multiple insect pest species and insect herbivory can alter plant defense mechanisms. The plant defense responses to a specific herbivore may also contribute to the herbivore growth/survival on plants. Feeding by one insect species can modulate the plant defenses, which can either facilitate or hamper the colonization of subsequent incoming insects. However, little is known about the effect of sequential herbivory on sorghum plants. In this study, we demonstrate that a specialist aphid, sugarcane aphid (SCA; Melanaphis sacchari) grows faster on sorghum than a generalist aphid species, greenbug (GB; Schizaphis graminum). We also determined how the pre-infestation of SCA on sorghum affected the invasion of GB and vice-versa. Our sequential herbivory experiments revealed that SCA reproduction was lower on GB-primed sorghum plants, however, the reverse was not true. To assess the differences in plant defenses induced by specialist vs. generalist aphids, we monitored the expression of salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) marker genes, and flavonoid biosynthetic pathway genes after 48 h of aphid infestation. The results indicated that GB infestation induced higher expression of SA and JA-related genes, and flavonoid pathway genes (DFR, FNR, and FNSII) compared to SCA infestation. Overall, our results suggested that GB-infested plants activate the plant defenses via phytohormones and flavonoids at early time points and hampers the colonization of incoming SCA, as well as explain the reproductive success of SCA compared to GB.
Nesting success and potential nest predators of the red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus jabouillei) based on camera traps and artificial nest experiments
Authors: Rao Xiaodong , Li Jialing , He Binbin , Wang Hesheng , Wu Guanmian , Teng Tiantian , Ling Qingping
Published: February 2023

Breeding success is an important factor determining fecundity with nest predation being the main factor limiting avian breeding success. Understanding of nest predation and its influencing factors are highly significant to explore the dynamics of bird populations and developing appropriate conservation strategies. In two breeding seasons of the year 2020 and 2021, natural nests of the red junglefowl (Gallus gallus jabouillei) were systematically searched and monitored using infrared camera, in two nature reserves (Datian and Bangxi) of tropical Hainan island, China. Results showed that breeding season of the red junglefowl is mainly from March to July, with April being the breeding peak. The clutch size was 5.15 ± 1.28 (n = 13), and nesting success of natural nests was 31.2%, with nest predation accounting for 45.4% of nest failure. Artificial nest experiments showed that predation rates of artificial nests were 25% (Datian, 2020), 6.67% (Datian, 2021), and 0% (Bangxi, 2020). Rodents, reptiles, and coucals are the main nest predators of red junglefowls, while activities of Hainan Eld’s deers (Panolia siamensis) may interfere with the reproduction of red junglefowls. We suggest that the conservation management policies should consider the impacts on junglefowls’ breeding success when reconstructing the suitable habitat of the Hainan Eld’s deer.
Hyperprolactinaemia is common in Chinese premenopausal women with breast diseases
Authors: Zhu Jiang , Tang Yuyi , Lv Cuixia , Cong Han , Liu Jie , Zhao Song , Wang Yawen , Zhang Kai , Yu Wenbin , Cai Qian , Ma Rong , Wang Jianli
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Hyperprolactinaemia has been proposed to play a role in breast lesions pathophysiology. Thus far, controversial results have been reported for the relationship between hyperprolactinaemia and breast lesions. Moreover, the prevalence of hyperprolactinaemia in a population with breast lesions is scarcely reported. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of hyperprolactinaemia in Chinese premenopausal women with breast diseases, and explore the associations between hyperprolactinaemia with different clinical characteristics.

Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study performed in the department of breast surgery of Qilu hospital of Shandong University. Overall, 1,461 female patients who underwent the serum prolactin (PRL) level assay before breast surgery from January 2019 to December 2020 were included. Patients were divided into two groups: before and after menopause. Data were analyzed using SPSS 18.0 software.

Results: The results showed an elevated PRL level in 376 of the 1,461 female patients with breast lesions (25.74%). Furthermore, the proportion of hyperprolactinemia among premenopausal patients with breast disease (35.75%, 340/951) was significantly higher than among postmenopausal patients with breast disease (7.06%, 36/510). In premenopausal patients, the proportion of patients with hyperprolactinaemia and the mean serum PRL level were significantly higher in those diagnosed with fibroepithelial tumours (FETs) and in younger patients (aged < 35 years) than in those with non-neoplastic lesions and in those aged ≥ 35 years (both p < 0.05). Especially, the prolactin level exhibited steady ascending tendency for positive correlation with FET.

Conclusion: Hyperprolactinaemia is prevalent in Chinese premenopausal patients with breast diseases, especially in those with FETs, which implies a potential association, to some extent, between the PRL levels in various breast diseases.
De novo intronic GATA1 mutation leads to diamond-blackfan anemia like disease
Authors: Liu Shan , Pei Kunlin , Chen Lu , Wu Jing , Chen Qiuling , Zhang Jinyan , Zhang Hui , Wang Chengyi
Published: February 2023

GATA1 is required for normal erythropoiesis. Exonic/intronic GATA1 mutations causes Diamond-Blackfan Anemia (DBA)-like disease. Herein, we present a case of a 5-year-old boy with anemia of unknown etiology. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a de novo GATA1 c.220 + 1G>C mutation. The reporter gene assay revealed that such mutations did not affect on GATA1 transcriptional activity. The normal transcription of GATA1 was disturbed, as evidenced by increased expression of the shorter GATA1 isoform. RDDS prediction analysis revealed that abnormal GATA1 splicing might be the underlying mechanism disrupting GATA1 transcription, thereby impairing erythropoiesis. Prednisone treatment significantly improved erythropoiesis, evidenced by increased hemoglobin and reticulocyte counts.
The prognostic value of the GPAT/AGPAT gene family in hepatocellular carcinoma and its role in the tumor immune microenvironment
Authors: Wen Peizhen , Wang Rui , Xing Yiqun , Ouyang Wanxin , Yuan Yixin , Zhang Shuaishuai , Liu Yuan , Peng Zhihai
Published: February 2023

Background

Liver cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma accounts for an estimated 90% of all liver cancers. Many enzymes of the GPAT/AGPAT family are required for the synthesis of triacylglycerol. Expression of AGPAT isoenzymes has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of tumorigenesis or development of aggressive phenotypes in a variety of cancers. However, whether members of the GPAT/AGPAT gene family also influence the pathophysiology of HCC is unknown.

Methods

Hepatocellular carcinoma datasets were obtained from the TCGA and ICGC databases. Predictive models related to the GPAT/AGPAT gene family were constructed based on LASSO-Cox regression using the ICGC-LIRI dataset as an external validation cohort. Seven immune cell infiltration algorithms were used to analyze immune cell infiltration patterns in different risk groups. IHC, CCK-8, Transwell assay, and Western blotting were used for in vitro validation.

Results

Compared with low-risk patients, high-risk patients had shorter survival and higher risk scores. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that risk score was a significant independent predictor of overall survival (OS) after adjustment for confounding clinical factors (p < 0.001). The established nomogram combined risk score and TNM staging to accurately predict survival at 1, 3, and 5 years in patients with HCC with AUC values of 0.807, 0.806, and 0.795, respectively. This risk score improved the reliability of the nomogram and guided clinical decision-making. In addition, we comprehensively analyzed immune cell infiltration (using seven algorithms), response to immune checkpoint blockade, clinical relevance, survival, mutations, mRNA expression-based stemness index, signaling pathways, and interacting proteins related to the three core genes of the prognostic model (AGPAT5, LCLAT1, and LPCAT1). We also performed preliminary validation of the differential expression, oncological phenotype, and potential downstream pathways of the three core genes by IHC, CCK-8, Transwell assay, and Western blotting.

Conclusion

These results improve our understanding of the function of GPAT/AGPAT gene family members and provide a reference for prognostic biomarker research and individualized treatment of HCC.
Mid-titer human convalescent plasma administration results in suboptimal prophylaxis against SARS-CoV-2 infection in rhesus macaques
Authors: Beddingfield Brandon J. , Maness Nicholas J. , Spencer Skye , Rappaport Jay , Aye Pyone Pyone , Russell-Lodrigue Kasi , Doyle-Meyers Lara A. , Blair Robert V. , Gao HongMei , Montefiori David , Roy Chad J.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory pathogen currently causing a worldwide pandemic, with resulting pathology of differing severity in humans, from mild illness to severe disease and death. The rhesus macaque model of COVID-19 was utilized to evaluate the added benefit of prophylactic administration of human post-SARS-CoV-2 infection convalescent plasma (CP) on disease progression and severity.

Methods

A pharmacokinetic (PK) study using CP in rhesus monkeys preceded the challenge study and revealed the optimal time of tissue distribution for maximal effect. Thereafter, CP was administered prophylactically three days prior to mucosal SARS-CoV-2 viral challenge.

Results

Results show similar viral kinetics in mucosal sites over the course of infection independent of administration of CP or normal plasma, or historic controls with no plasma. No changes were noted upon necropsy via histopathology, although there were differences in levels of vRNA in tissues, with both normal and CP seemingly blunting viral loads.

Discussion

Results indicate that prophylactic administration with mid-titer CP is not effective in reducing disease severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the rhesus COVID-19 disease model.
Global trends in research of fibroblasts associated with rheumatoid diseases in the 21st century: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Huang Runzhi , Jin Minghao , Liu Yifan , Lu Yuwei , Zhang Mengyi , Yan Penghui , Xian Shuyuan , Wang Siqiao , Zhang Hao , Zhang Xinkun , Chen Shaofeng , Lu Bingnan , Yang Yiting , Huang Zongqiang , Liu Xin , Ji Shizhao
Published: February 2023

Background

Rheumatoid Diseases (RDs) are a group of systemic auto-immune diseases that are characterized by chronic synovitis, and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) play an important role in the occurrence and progression of synovitis. Our study is the first to adopt bibliometric analysis to identify the global scientific production and visualize its current distribution in the 21st century, providing insights for future research through the analysis of themes and keywords.

Methods

We obtained scientific publications from the core collection of the Web of Science (WoS) database, and the bibliometric analysis and visualization were conducted by Biblioshiny software based on R-bibliometrix.

Results

From 2000 to 2022, a total of 3,391 publications were reviewed. China is the most prolific country (n = 2601), and the USA is the most cited country (cited 7225 times). The Center of Experimental Rheumatology at University Hospital Zürich supported the maximum number of articles (n = 40). Steffen Gay published 85 records with 6263 total citations, perhaps making him the most impactful researcher. Arthritis and Rheumatism, Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, and Rheumatology are the top three journals.

Conclusion

The current study revealed that rheumatoid disease (RD)-related fibroblast studies are growing. Based on the bibliometric analysis, we summarized three important topics: activation of different subsets of fibroblasts; regulation of fibroblast function; and in vitro validation of existing discoveries. They are all valuable directions, which provide reference and guidance for researchers and clinicians engaged in the research of RDs and fibroblasts.
Survival and development of Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) on common secondary host plants differ by life stage under controlled conditions
Authors: Elsensohn Johanna E. , Nixon Laura J. , Urban Julie , Jones Sharon K. , Leskey Tracy C.
Published: February 2023

Host range assessment for emerging invasive insects is a vital step toward fully defining the issues the insect may pose. Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive species that is rapidly expanding its presence in the United States. The primary hosts facilitating this spread are tree of heaven, a plant from SLF’s native range, and the economically important winegrape. Black walnut is also implicated as an important and common host plant. This study investigated the survival and development of SLF on diets that included a variety of crop host plants in the presence or absence of tree of heaven. The following plant species, ‘Honeycrisp’ apple, ‘Reliance’ peach, silver maple, and tree of heaven were paired with winegrape or black walnut throughout the study. SLF had strong development and high survival on a diet of winegrape alone, and winegrape or black walnut paired with tree of heaven. Survival parameters were reduced with all other plant pairings. In particular, SLF in the winegrape and peach diet treatment did not develop past the third nymphal instar. A second experiment evaluated the survival of early and late instar nymphs and adult SLF life stages on three specialty crops – ‘Cascade’ hops, muscadine grapes, and kiwifruit over a two-week period. Nymphs survived longer than adults, with survival of first and second instar nymphs on hops not differing from the control tree of heaven treatment. The adult stage survived best on kiwi and muscadine grape. Our results show tree of heaven and winegrape were the only single plant diets evaluated that are sufficient for complete SLF development, while other host plants may require additional host or hosts of sufficient nutritional quality for SLF survival.
Identifying priority areas for improvement in Chilean fisheries
Authors: Gozzer-Wuest Renato , Vinatea Chávez Rosa Amelia , Olea Stranger Gonzalo , Araya Goncalves Gonzalo , Hiriart-Bertrand Luciano , Labraña-Cornejo Rolando , Alonso-Población Enrique
Published: February 2023

Chile is amidst an unprecedented legal and institutional change since the restoration of democracy at the end of the 80’s, which is expected to affect fisheries governance. A global lead in marine resource landings, Chile implemented significant fisheries management reforms in the past decade. Yet, Chilean fisheries still face sustainability challenges. In this paper we reflect on the results of a survey carried out in 2019-2020 with key informants aimed to identify fisheries policy reform priorities in country. Addressing Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; Developing a priority national research agenda to improve fisheries management in Chile; Addressing the lack of legitimacy of the fisheries law; Developing a new national fisheries policy; and Update the Artisanal Fisheries Registry were identified as priority topics by respondents.
Hydrodynamic constraint loads estimation on connectors of column-pontoon type very large floating structure (CP-VLFS) under wave stimulation
Authors: Wu Linjian , Jiang Han , Ji Xudong , Ju Xueli , Xiang Zhouyu , Gu Mingjie
Published: February 2023

Column-pontoon type very large floating structure (CP-VLFS) operated at the deep and sea faraway areas are generally exposed to the extremely complex wave conditions. The connectors of CP-VLFS are generally subjected to complicated hydrodynamic constraint loads when the modules of CP-VLFS are stimulated by the long-tern wave forces. The general method for analyzing the hydrodynamic performances for marine floating structures and their components is almost on the basis of potential flow/fluid theory (PFT), but its algorithm principle is relatively complex and would consume plenty of computing time. During the preliminary design and scheme comparison stages for CP-VLFSs, the hydrodynamic results for CP-VLFSs’ modules and their connectors required to be rapidly determined. Hence, a rapid and high-efficiency estimating method for time-domain hydrodynamic constraint loads of connectors on CP-VLFS considering the mathematical and mechanical model of rigid module and flexible connector (RMFC) is developed via this paper. During this estimation method, the Morison theory of floating body is employed to assess the hydrodynamic excitation forces by random and irregular wave (RIW) on CP-VLFS structures, and a series of concise formulas for estimating the hydrodynamic constraint loads of CP-VLFS connectors are derived based on the geometrical relationship of the CP-VLFS modules’ motion. For this paper’s explorations, a three-module CP-VLFS model is considered as a case, and the time-domain hydrodynamic constraint loads of CP-VLFS’s connectors are determined under the RIW stimulations with different wave angles. Hydrodynamic constraint loads of CP-VLFS connectors estimated by this paper agree well with the results of PFT and those of physical experiment, validation the methodologies developed by this paper. Some useful conclusions may provide significant technical supports for hydrodynamic characteristics of CP-VLFS modules and their connectors optimization.
Main drivers of marine heat waves in the eastern South Pacific
Authors: Carrasco David , Pizarro Oscar , Jacques-Coper Martín , Narváez Diego A.
Published: February 2023

During the last decades, marine heat waves (MHWs) have increased in frequency and duration, with important impacts on marine ecosystems. This trend has been related to rising global sea surface temperatures, which are expected to continue in the future. Here, we analyze the main characteristics and possible drivers of MHWs in the eastern South Pacific off Chile. Our results show that MHWs usually exhibit spatial extensions on the order of 103-104 km2, temperature anomalies in the mixing layer between 1 and 1.3°C, and durations of 10 to 40 days, with exceptional events lasting several months. In this region, MHW are closely related to the ENSO cycles, in such a way that El Niño and, to a lesser extent, La Niña events increase the probability of high intensity and extreme duration MHWs. To analyze the MHW drivers, we use the global ocean reanalysis GLORYS2 to perform a heat budget in the surface mixed layer. We find that most events are dominated by diminished heat loss –associated with reduced evaporation– and enhanced insolation; thus, this group is called ASHF (for air-sea heat fluxes). The second type of MHWs is driven by heat advection, predominantly forced by anomalous eastward surface currents superimposed on a mean westward temperature gradient. The third type of MHWs results from a combination of positive (seaward) anomalies of air-sea heat fluxes and heat advection; this group exhibits the greatest values of spatial extension, intensity, and duration.
Molecular autopsy: Twenty years of post-mortem diagnosis in sudden cardiac death
Authors: Martínez-Barrios Estefanía , Grassi Simone , Brión María , Toro Rocío , Cesar Sergi , Cruzalegui José , Coll Mònica , Alcalde Mireia , Brugada Ramon , Greco Andrea , Ortega-Sánchez María Luisa , Barberia Eneko , Oliva Antonio , Sarquella-Brugada Georgia , Campuzano Oscar
Published: February 2023

In the forensic medicine field, molecular autopsy is the post-mortem genetic analysis performed to attempt to unravel the cause of decease in cases remaining unexplained after a comprehensive forensic autopsy. This negative autopsy, classified as negative or non-conclusive, usually occurs in young population. In these cases, in which the cause of death is unascertained after a thorough autopsy, an underlying inherited arrhythmogenic syndrome is the main suspected cause of death. Next-generation sequencing allows a rapid and cost-effectives genetic analysis, identifying a rare variant classified as potentially pathogenic in up to 25% of sudden death cases in young population. The first symptom of an inherited arrhythmogenic disease may be a malignant arrhythmia, and even sudden death. Early identification of a pathogenic genetic alteration associated with an inherited arrhythmogenic syndrome may help to adopt preventive personalized measures to reduce risk of malignant arrhythmias and sudden death in the victim’s relatives, at risk despite being asymptomatic. The current main challenge is a proper genetic interpretation of variants identified and useful clinical translation. The implications of this personalized translational medicine are multifaceted, requiring the dedication of a specialized team, including forensic scientists, pathologists, cardiologists, pediatric cardiologists, and geneticists.
A novel promising laccase from the psychrotolerant and halotolerant Antarctic marine Halomonas sp. M68 strain
Authors: Bisaccia Melissa , Binda Elisa , Rosini Elena , Caruso Gabriella , Dell'Acqua Ombretta , Azzaro Maurizio , Laganà Pasqualina , Tedeschi Gabriella , Maffioli Elisa  M. , Pollegioni Loredano , Marinelli Flavia
Published: February 2023

Microbial communities inhabiting the Antarctic Ocean show psychrophilic and halophilic adaptations conferring interesting properties to the enzymes they produce, which could be exploited in biotechnology and bioremediation processes. Use of cold- and salt-tolerant enzymes allows to limit costs, reduce contaminations, and minimize pretreatment steps. Here, we report on the screening of 186 morphologically diverse microorganisms isolated from marine biofilms and water samples collected in Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea, Antarctica) for the identification of new laccase activities. After primary screening, 13.4 and 10.8% of the isolates were identified for the ability to oxidize 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and the dye azure B, respectively. Amongst them, the marine Halomonas sp. strain M68 showed the highest activity. Production of its laccase-like activity increased six-fold when copper was added to culture medium. Enzymatic activity-guided separation coupled with mass spectrometry identified this intracellular laccase-like protein (named Ant laccase) as belonging to the copper resistance system multicopper oxidase family. Ant laccase oxidized ABTS and 2,6-dimethoxy phenol, working better at acidic pHs The enzyme showed a good thermostability, with optimal temperature in the 40–50°C range and maintaining more than 40% of its maximal activity even at 10°C. Furthermore, Ant laccase was salt- and organic solvent-tolerant, paving the way for its use in harsh conditions. To our knowledge, this is the first report concerning the characterization of a thermo- and halo-tolerant laccase isolated from a marine Antarctic bacterium.
Environmental DNA sequencing reveals the regional difference in diversity and community assembly mechanisms of eukaryotic plankton in coastal waters
Authors: Yan Zhen-Guang , Zhu Xue-Ming , Zhang Shou-Wen , Jiang Hua , Wang Shu-Ping , Wei Chao , Wang Jie , Shao Yun , Liu Chen , Wang Hui
Published: February 2023

The diversity and community assembly mechanisms of eukaryotic plankton in coastal waters is so far not clear. In this study, we selected the coastal waters of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, which is a highly developed region in China, as the research area. By use of high-throughput sequencing technologies, the diversity and community assembly mechanisms of eukaryotic marine plankton were studied in which a total of 7,295 OTUs were obtained, and 2,307 species were annotated by doing environmental DNA survey of 17 sites consist of surface and bottom layer. Ultimately, the analysis reveals that the species abundance of bottom layer is, by and large, higher than that in the surface layer. In the bottom, Arthropoda is the first largest group, accounting for more than 20% while Arthropoda and Bacillariophyta are dominant groups in surface waters accounting for more than 40%. It is significant of the variance in alpha-diversity between sampling sites, and the difference of alpha-diversity between bottom sites is greater than that of surface sites. The result suggests that the environmental factors that have significant influence on alpha-diversity are total alkalinity and offshore distance for surface sites, and water depth and turbidity for bottom sites. Likewise, the plankton communities obey the typical distance-decay pattern. Analysis about community assembly mechanisms reveals that, overall, dispersal limitation is the major pattern of community formation, which accounts for more than 83% of the community formation processes, suggesting that stochastic processes are the crucial assembly mechanism of the eukaryotic plankton community in the study area.
In vivo client proteins of the chaperonin GroEL-GroES provide insight into the role of chaperones in protein evolution
Authors: Taguchi Hideki , Koike-Takeshita Ayumi
Published: February 2023

Protein folding is often hampered by intermolecular protein aggregation, which can be prevented by a variety of chaperones in the cell. Bacterial chaperonin GroEL is a ring-shaped chaperone that forms complexes with its cochaperonin GroES, creating central cavities to accommodate client proteins (also referred as substrate proteins) for folding. GroEL and GroES (GroE) are the only indispensable chaperones for bacterial viability, except for some species of Mollicutes such as Ureaplasma. To understand the role of chaperonins in the cell, one important goal of GroEL research is to identify a group of obligate GroEL/GroES clients. Recent advances revealed hundreds of in vivo GroE interactors and obligate chaperonin-dependent clients. This review summarizes the progress on the in vivo GroE client repertoire and its features, mainly for Escherichia coli GroE. Finally, we discuss the implications of the GroE clients for the chaperone-mediated buffering of protein folding and their influences on protein evolution.
Association of GBA genotype with motor and cognitive decline in Chinese Parkinson’s disease patients
Authors: Ren Jingru , Zhou Gaiyan , Wang Yajie , Zhang Ronggui , Guo Zhiying , Zhou Hao , Zheng Huifen , Sun Yu , Ma Changyan , Lu Ming , Liu Weiguo
Published: February 2023

Objective

Variants in the glucocerebrosidase (GBA) gene are the most common and significant risk factor for Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the impact ofGBAvariants on PD disease progression in the Chinese population remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the significance ofGBAstatus on motor and cognitive impairment in a longitudinal cohort of Chinese patients with PD.

Methods

The entireGBAgene was screened by long-range polymerase chain reaction (LR-PCR) and next generation sequencing (NGS). A total of 43GBA-related PD (GBA-PD) and 246 non-GBA-mutated PD (NM-PD) patients with complete clinical data at baseline and at least one follow-up were recruited for this study. The associations ofGBAgenotype with rate of motor and cognitive decline, as measured by Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), were assessed by linear mixed-effect models.

Results

The estimated (standard error, SE) UPDRS motor [2.25 (0.38) points/year] and MoCA [−0.53 (0.11) points/year] progression rates in theGBA-PD group were significantly faster than those in the NM-PD group [1.35 (0.19); −0.29 (0.04) points/year; respectively]. In addition, theGBA-PD group showed significantly faster estimated (SE) bradykinesia [1.04 (0.18) points/year], axial impairment [0.38 (0.07) points/year], and visuospatial/executive [−0.15 (0.03) points/year] progression rates than the NM-PD group [0.62 (0.10); 0.17 (0.04); −0.07 (0.01) points/year; respectively].

Conclusion

GBA-PD is associated with faster motor and cognitive decline, specifically greater disability in terms of bradykinesia, axial impairment, and visuospatial/executive function. Better understanding ofGBA-PD progression may help predict prognosis and improve clinical trial design.
White matter injury, cholesterol dysmetabolism, and APP/Abeta dysmetabolism interact to produce Alzheimer’s disease (AD) neuropathology: A hypothesis and review
Authors: Sharp Frank R. , DeCarli Charles S. , Jin Lee-Way , Zhan Xinhua
Published: February 2023

We postulate that myelin injury contributes to cholesterol release from myelin and cholesterol dysmetabolism which contributes to Abeta dysmetabolism, and combined with genetic and AD risk factors, leads to increased Abeta and amyloid plaques. Increased Abeta damages myelin to form a vicious injury cycle. Thus, white matter injury, cholesterol dysmetabolism and Abeta dysmetabolism interact to produce or worsen AD neuropathology. The amyloid cascade is the leading hypothesis for the cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The failure of clinical trials based on this hypothesis has raised other possibilities. Even with a possible new success (Lecanemab), it is not clear whether this is a cause or a result of the disease. With the discovery in 1993 that the apolipoprotein E type 4 allele (APOE4) was the major risk factor for sporadic, late-onset AD (LOAD), there has been increasing interest in cholesterol in AD since APOE is a major cholesterol transporter. Recent studies show that cholesterol metabolism is intricately involved with Abeta (Aβ)/amyloid transport and metabolism, with cholesterol down-regulating the Aβ LRP1 transporter and upregulating the Aβ RAGE receptor, both of which would increase brain Aβ. Moreover, manipulating cholesterol transport and metabolism in rodent AD models can ameliorate pathology and cognitive deficits, or worsen them depending upon the manipulation. Though white matter (WM) injury has been noted in AD brain since Alzheimer’s initial observations, recent studies have shown abnormal white matter in every AD brain. Moreover, there is age-related WM injury in normal individuals that occurs earlier and is worse with the APOE4 genotype. Moreover, WM injury precedes formation of plaques and tangles in human Familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD) and precedes plaque formation in rodent AD models. Restoring WM in rodent AD models improves cognition without affecting AD pathology. Thus, we postulate that the amyloid cascade, cholesterol dysmetabolism and white matter injury interact to produce and/or worsen AD pathology. We further postulate that the primary initiating event could be related to any of the three, with age a major factor for WM injury, diet and APOE4 and other genes a factor for cholesterol dysmetabolism, and FAD and other genes for Abeta dysmetabolism.
Clinical antidiabetic medication used in Alzheimer’s disease: From basic discovery to therapeutics development
Authors: Huang Juan , Huang Nanqu , Cui Di , Shi Jingshan , Qiu Yu
Published: February 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) appears to increase and contributing to the risk of AD. Therefore, there is increasing concern about clinical antidiabetic medication used in AD. Most of them show some potential in basic research, but not in clinical research. So we reviewed the opportunities and challenges faced by some antidiabetic medication used in AD from basic to clinical research. Based on existing research progress, this is still the hope of some patients with special types of AD caused by rising blood glucose or/and insulin resistance.
Microcatheter-guided compartment packing of acutely ruptured complex intracerebral aneurysms (ARCIAs): Preliminary experience and technical note
Authors: Zhang Yi-Bin , Xie Bing-Sen , Wang Hao-Jie , Huang Sheng-Xuan , Fan Wen-Jian , Zhu Mei , Chen Guo-Rong , Wang Deng-Liang , Yao Pei-Sen , Yu Liang-Hong , Dai Lin-Sun , Kang De-Zhi , Zheng Shu-Fa
Published: February 2023

Objective

We present our initial experience using the microcatheter-guided compartment packing (MCP) technique for endovascular embolization of acutely ruptured complex intracerebral aneurysms (ARCIAs) and evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficiency of this technique.

Methods

This retrospective, single-center study included 28 patients who underwent coil embolization using the MCP technique for ARCIAs at our institution between January 2021 and January 2022. The MCP technique was the placement of microcatheters in different compartments within the aneurysm to deploy the coils simultaneously or sequentially. Patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, procedural parameters, grade of occlusion, complications, and clinical results were analyzed. The clinical outcomes were evaluated with modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores.

Results

Of the 28 patients successfully treated with the MCP technique, 24 (85.7%) aneurysms were considered as complete occlusions (Raymond I) based on the immediate postembolization angiogram results. Complications occurred in 2/28 treatments, including guidewire perforation with subarachnoid hemorrhage and cerebral vasospasm-related cerebral infarction. An angiography follow-up demonstrated complete occlusion in 25/28 aneurysms. Twenty-six (92.9%) patients had favorable 90-day outcomes (mRS 0-2) after the endovascular coil embolization.

Conclusion

The MCP technique is simple, safe, and effective, achieving good packing density and initial occlusion rate when used to treat ARCIAs.