bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecosystem modelling to assess the impact of rearing density, environment variability and mortality on oyster production
Authors: Cugier P , Thomas Y , Bacher C
Published: February 2022

The natural productivity of ecosystems, farming practices and mortality events drive the rearing density and growth of oysters in shellfish farming areas. The variability of these drivers, which can be of natural or anthropic origin, is therefore an important source of variation in the growth performance and production of shellfish. Knowledge of these variabilities and their relative importance help producers to anticipate their effects and adapt aquaculture practices in order to limit negative impacts and guarantee a constant, or at least acceptable, level of production. In this paper, we implement a 3D model coupling hydrodynamics, primary production and individual growth to predict oyster growth and production in Bourgneuf Bay (French Atlantic coast). We set up numerous scenarios to compare and hierarchize the impacts of aquaculture practices, environmental variability and mortality events on shellfish production. Our results allowed us to propose a simplified management tool, in the form of response functions, to optimize shellfish farming practices interannually. This tool will help shellfish farmers quickly recover production levels in response to variations in mortality and/or environmental conditions.
Badania magnetyczne i elektrooporowe na terenie kopalni krzemienia w Bęble, stan. 4, pow. krakowski / Magnetic survey and electrical resistivity tomography at the flint mine in Bębło, Site 4, Kraków district
Authors: Przybyła Marcin , Podsiadło Michał , Gruba Piotr
Published: February 2022

The magnetic and electrical resistivity surveys have led to identifying the geological structure of Site 4 in Bębło, revealing varied limestone karren: karst grooves and clints, at a depth of one metre, under a shallow layer of humus and clayey loess. The bottom of those grooves may have been covered with flint concretions, and it is likely that flint was extracted exactly from there. The clarity of magnetic and geoelectrical anomalies in Bębło indicates that the test results reflect the true character of the mine. The absence of anomalies related to large and deep shafts seems to stem from the lack of those features in Bębło, not from their low susceptibility to geophysical testing. This substantiates the view that flint was extracted in Bębło solely by the method of open-pit mining. The area of intensive extraction may have coincided with the zones of lower resistivity, although this thesis must be verified by excavation. The examined part of the site was subjected to detailed surface survey. Mining items were detected throughout the surveyed area, while workshop items concentrated in the northern part of the site and were almost absent from the lower resistivity zones. This may confirm the opinion that the zones of homogeneously lower resistivity were produced by intensive mining that disturbed the near-surface layers of relatively high resistivity. It is worth noting that the lower resistivity zones do not show any anomalies produced by karst karren that are clearly traceable outside those sections. It is possible, therefore, that the karst features in those places were destroyed by Neolithic miners as well. The geophysical testing, carried out over five hectares, did not cover the entire site, as proven by the scatter pattern of the artefacts on the surface.
Structure-Function Relationships and Modifications of Cardiac Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+-Transport
Authors: Nusier M , Shah AK , Dhalla NS
Published: February 2022

Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is a specialized tubular network, which not only maintains the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ at a low level but is also known to release and accumulate Ca2+ for the occurrence of cardiac contraction and relaxation, respectively. This subcellular organelle is composed of several phospholipids and different Ca2+-cycling, Ca2+-binding and regulatory proteins, which work in a coordinated manner to determine its function in cardiomyocytes. Some of the major proteins in the cardiac SR membrane include Ca2+-pump ATPase (SERCA2), Ca2+-release protein (ryanodine receptor), calsequestrin (Ca2+-binding protein) and phospholamban (regulatory protein). The phosphorylation of SR Ca2+-cycling proteins by protein kinase A or Ca2+-calmodulin kinase (directly or indirectly) has been demonstrated to augment SR Ca2+-release and Ca2+-uptake activities and promote cardiac contraction and relaxation functions. The activation of phospholipases and proteases as well as changes in different gene expressions under different pathological conditions have been shown to alter the SR composition and produce Ca2+-handling abnormalities in cardiomyocytes for the development of cardiac dysfunction. The post-translational modifications of SR Ca2+ cycling proteins by processes such as oxidation, nitrosylation, glycosylation, lipidation, acetylation, sumoylation, and O GlcNacylation have also been reported to affect the SR Ca2+ release and uptake activities as well as cardiac contractile activity. The SR function in the heart is also influenced in association with changes in cardiac performance by several hormones including thyroid hormones and adiponectin as well as by exercise-training. On the basis of such observations, it is suggested that both Ca2+-cycling and regulatory proteins in the SR membranes are intimately involved in determining the status of cardiac function and are thus excellent targets for drug development for the treatment of heart disease.
Against Exclusionary Gaelic Language Policy: A Response to Ó Giollagáin and Caimbeul
Authors: McLeod Wilson , Dunbar Robert , Macleod Michelle , O’Rourke Bernadette , Dunmore Stuart , Armstrong Timothy Currie
Published: February 2022

This article considers a range of weaknesses and deficiencies in the article ‘Moving Beyond Asocial Minority-Language Policy’ by Conchúr Ó Giollagáin and Iain Caimbeul and the underlying research study on which it was based. The authors’ presentation of previous research was inadequate and the framing of their survey results was sensationalistic, risking the demoralisation of Gaelic speakers and the weakening of social or political support for the language. The authors fail to justify and properly define the key terms used in their analysis, including ‘vernacular community’ and ‘Gaelic group’, so that there is a pervasive lack of clarity to their discussion, with serious implications for their key policy proposal. We also identify shortcomings in the geographic framing of their study; which areas were included and which were not. We then challenge the social classification they use in their analysis, and their rigid distinction between Gaelic speakers in their study area and all those living elsewhere. We then demonstrate how the authors’ presentation of current Gaelic policy is incomplete, misleading and biased, and we critique their proposals for fundamental changes to the current policy structure, including the creation of a new Gaelic community trust. We argue that strengthening existing policy structures and exploiting such structures much more energetically and effectively offers a better approach to strengthening the language, both in the areas studied and elsewhere in the country.
On Decolonising and Indigenising ScottishGàidhligStudies: A Rejoinder to Armstrong et al.
Authors: MacKinnon Iain
Published: February 2022

In their response to my Scottish Affairs article ‘Recovering and Reconstituting Gàidheal Ethnicity’, Armstrong et al. present misleading and misinformed beliefs about my views on identity and indigeneity. In doing so they distort and divert from my article’s focus. Armstrong et al.’s own views on identity and indigeneity not only contain problematic claims relating to ancestry and race, but also disclose superficial essentialist thinking. Indigeneity is not decided by abstract theorising or legal fiat, as Armstrong et al. propose. Instead, the contemporary emergence of indigeneity in the Gàidhealtachd is happening in community settings among many self-identifying and community recognised or affirmed Gàidheil, and with support from those working in allyship. It is developing, and apparently intensifying, in relation to real-world experiences, concerns and aspirations. This development has global resonance and offers the best hope for the resurgence of Gàidheil as a historically, culturally and place-grounded people, including language revitalisation.
Equations of Spheroid and Ellipsoid Surface Area by Analytical Method
Authors: Soltani Abolfazl
Published: February 2022

We do not have any exact equation for ellipsoid and subsequently spheroid surface area. Here we will obtain the equations of Spheroid and Ellipsoid surface area by analytical method.
Counterexample of the Riemann Hypothesis
Authors: Vega Frank
Published: February 2022

Under the assumption that the Riemann hypothesis is true, von Koch deduced the improved asymptotic formula $\theta(x) = x + O(\sqrt{x} \times \log^{2} x)$, where $\theta(x)$ is the Chebyshev function. We obtain a result which contradicts this asymptotic formula. By contraposition, we deduce that the Riemann hypothesis is false.
Sosialisasi dan Penyuluhan Strategi Pemasaran Digital Pada UMKM Baby Smart Bubur Bayi Berbasis E-Commerce
Authors: Friadi John
Published: February 2022

UMKM adalah kegiatan ekonomi atau usaha yang dilakukan rakyat kebanyakan dengan swadaya mengelola sumberdaya ekonomi yang diusahakan dan dikuasainya. UMKM Smart Baby Bubur Bayi dalam perkembangannya memiliki keterbatasan untuk menjangkau pasar dan melakukan promosi. Sistem pemasaran dan promosi usaha ini masih konvensional yaitu, menjual produk langsung ke konsumen berdasarkan orderan masuk, menitipkan produk ke penjual dengan sistem persenan 20% untuk produk terjual dan menjadi tidak efektif karena bubur yang tidak terjual terbuang dan profit menjadi berkurang serta promosi hanya dengan membagikan kartu nama UMKM kepada orang-orang yang memiliki bayi. Tujuan dari pengabdian masyarakat ini adalah melakukan sosialisasi dan penyuluhan mengenai strategi pemasaran dan promosi secara digital kepada UMKM Smart Baby Bubur Bayi berbasis E-Commerce dengan 5 tahapan kegiatan yaitu tahap 1 survei, untuk mengetahui permasalahan mitra, tahap 2 persiapan dan penyusunan tujuan penyelesaian masalah, tahap 3 pelaksanaan kegiatan, sosialisasi dan penyuluhan strategi pemasaran digital web E-Commerce, tahap 4 evaluasi kegiatan, membandingkan kondisi sebelum dan sesudah program dilaksanakan, tahap 5 laporan kegiatan dan dokumentasi, kegiatan dengan media kamera dan rekaman.. Indikator keberhasilan program dari kegiatan ini terlihat dari bertambahnya pengetahuan dan pemahaman mitra mengenai pentingnya web E-Commerce sebagai strategi pemasaran dan promosi digital UMKM untuk meningkatkan penjualan dan promosi.
Protein Level Defense Responses of Theobroma cacao Interaction With Phytophthora palmivora
Authors: Rego Angra Paula Bomfim , Mora-Ocampo Irma Yuliana , Pirovani Carlos Priminho , Luz Edna Dora Martins Newman , Corrêa Ronan Xavier
Published: February 2022

Species of the genusPhytophthoracause black-pod rot, which is the disease responsible for the largest losses in cocoa production in the world. The speciesPhytophthora palmivoraaffects cacao tree cultivation in all producing countries. However, proteomic level studies of theTheobroma cacao–P. palmivorainteraction are incipient. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze this pathosystem through comparative proteomics and systems biology analyses. The proteins were extracted from leaves ofT. cacaoPA 150 (resistant) and SIC 23 (susceptible) clones 48 h after inoculation withP. palmivorausing inoculation with sterile distilled water as controls. There were differences in the protein profile between the control and inoculated treatments of both clones. Thirty-seven distinct proteins were identified on 88 spots of the PA 150 treatments, and 39 distinct proteins were identified on 120 spots of the SIC 23 treatments. The metabolisms of ATP, carbohydrates, and nitrogen compounds had higher percentages of proteins with increased accumulation after inoculation in both clones. Systems biology analysis demonstrated that the networks contain a higher number of proteins in the clusters corresponding to processes of photosynthesis and glucose metabolism, suggesting that they are the most affected by the infection. In addition, lipoxygenase (LOX), 2-methylene-furan-3-one reductase-like, and co-chaperonin CPN20 proteins and a probable CC-NBS-LRR protein may be involved in resistance to black-pod disease caused byP. palmivora.
In Silico Biomechanical Evaluation of WE43 Magnesium Plates for Mandibular Fracture Fixation
Authors: Orassi Vincenzo , Fischer Heilwig , Duda Georg N. , Heiland Max , Checa Sara , Rendenbach Carsten
Published: February 2022

Titanium fixation devices are the gold standard for the treatment of mandibular fractures; however, they present serious limitations, such as non-degradability and generation of imaging artifacts. As an alternative, biodegradable magnesium alloys have lately drawn attention due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. In addition, magnesium alloys offer a relatively high modulus of elasticity in comparison to biodegradable polymers, being a potential option to substitute titanium in highly loaded anatomical areas, such as the mandible. This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical competence of magnesium alloy WE43 plates for mandibular fracture fixation in comparison to the clinical standard or even softer polymer solutions. A 3D finite element model of the human mandible was developed, and four different fracture scenarios were simulated, together with physiological post-operative loading and boundary conditions. In a systematic comparison, the material properties of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V, magnesium alloy WE43, and polylactic acid (PLA) were assigned to the fixation devices, and two different plate thicknesses were tested. No failure was predicted in the fixation devices for any of the tested materials. Moreover, the magnesium and titanium fixation devices induced a similar amount of strain within the healing regions. On the other hand, the PLA devices led to higher mechanical strains within the healing region. Plate thickness only slightly influenced the primary fixation stability. Therefore, magnesium alloy WE43 fixation devices seem to provide a suitable biomechanical environment to support mandibular fracture healing in the early stages of bone healing. Magnesium WE43 showed a biomechanical performance similar to clinically used titanium devices with the added advantages of biodegradability and radiopacity, and at the same time it showed a remarkably higher primary stability compared to PLA fixation devices, which appear to be too unstable, especially in the posterior and more loaded mandibular fracture cases.
Biodistribution and Dosimetry Evaluation for a Novel Tau Tracer [18F]-S16 in Healthy Volunteers and Its Application in Assessment of Tau Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Wang Ying , Cai Li , Zhou Kaixiang , Cui Mengchao , Yao Shaobo
Published: February 2022

Background: The goal of this study was to report a fully automated radiosynthetic procedure of a novel tau tracer [18F]-S16 and its safety, biodistribution, and dosimetry in healthy volunteers as well as the potential utility of [18F]-S16 positron emission tomography (PET) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Methods: The automated radiosynthesis of [18F]-S16 was performed on a GE Tracerlab FX2 N module. For the biodistribution and dosimetry study, healthy volunteers underwent a series of PET scans acquired at 10, 60, 120, and 240 min post-injection. The biodistribution and safety were assessed. For the AD study, both AD and healthy controls (HCs) underwent dynamic [18F]-S16 and static [18F]-FDG PET imaging. [18F]-S16 binding was assessed quantitatively using standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) measured at different regions of interest (ROIs). [18F]-S16 SUVRs were compared between the AD patients and HCs using the Mann–Whitney U-test. In AD patients with all cortical ROIs, Spearman rank-correlation analysis was used to calculate the voxel-wise correlations between [18F]-S16 and [18F]-FDG.

Results: The automated radiosynthesis of [18F]-S16 was finished within 45 min, with a radiochemical yield of 30 ± 5% (n = 8, non-decay-corrected). The radiochemical purity was greater than 98%, and the specific activity was calculated to be 1,047 ± 450 GBq/μmol (n = 5), and [18F]-S16 was stable in vitro. In the healthy volunteer study, no adverse effect was observed within 24 h post-injection, and no defluorination was observed in vivo. The radiotracer could pass through the blood–brain barrier easily and was rapidly cleared from the circulation and excreted through the hepatic system. The whole-body mean effective dose was 15.3 ± 0.3 μSv/MBq. In AD patients, [18F]-S16 accumulation was identified as involving the parietal, temporal, precuneus, posterior cingulate, and frontal lobes. No specific [18F]-S16 cerebral uptake was identified in HCs. The SUVR of AD patients was significantly higher than that of HCs. No specific binding uptake was found in the choroid plexus, venous sinus, and white matter. A significant correlation was found between [18F]-S16 binding and hypometabolism across neocortical regions.

Conclusion: [18F]-S16 could be synthesized automatically, and it showed favorable biodistribution and safety in humans. [18F]-S16 PET indicated a high image quality for imaging tau deposition in AD and distinguishing AD from HCs.
The Roles of EphB2 in Cancer
Authors: Liu Wei , Yu Chengpeng , Li Jianfeng , Fang Jiwei
Published: February 2022

The erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma (Eph) receptors and their Eph receptor-interacting (ephrin) ligands together constitute a vital cell communication system with diverse roles. Experimental evidence revealed Eph receptor bidirectional signaling with both tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing activities in different cancer types and surrounding environment. Eph receptor B2 (EphB2), an important member of the Eph receptor family, has been proved to be aberrantly expressed in many cancer types, such as colorectal cancer, gastric cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma, resulting in tumor occurrence and progression. However, there are no reviews focusing on the dual roles of EphB2 in cancer. Thus, in this paper we systematically summarize and discuss the roles of EphB2 in cancer. Firstly, we review the main biological features and the related signaling regulatory mechanisms of EphB2, and then we summarize the roles of EphB2 in cancer through current studies. Finally, we put forward our viewpoint on the future prospects of cancer research focusing on EphB2, especially with regard to the effects of EphB2 on tumor immunity.
Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived CD133+CD34+ Cells Protect Retinal Endothelial Cells and Ganglion Cells in X-Irradiated Rats through Angioprotective and Neurotrophic Factors
Authors: Chen Siyu , Li Minghui , Sun Jianguo , Wang Dan , Weng Chuanhuang , Zeng Yuxiao , Li Yijian , Huo Shujia , Huang Xiaona , Li Shiying , Zou Ting , Xu Haiwei
Published: February 2022

Radiation retinopathy (RR) is a common complication following radiation therapy of globe, head, and neck malignancies, and is characterized by microangiopathy, neuroretinopathy, and the irreversible loss of visual function. To date, there is no effective treatment for RR. Stem cells have been clinically used to treat retinal degeneration. CD133+CD34+ cells from human umbilical cord blood (hUCB-CD133+CD34+ cells), a subpopulation of hematopoietic stem cells, were applied to determine their protective efficacy on irradiated rat retinas. After X-ray irradiation on the retinas, rats were intravitreally injected with hUCB-CD133+CD34+ cells. Transplantation of hUCB-CD133+CD34+ cells prevented retinal dysfunction 2 weeks post-operation and lasted at least 8 weeks. CD133+CD34+ cells were distributed along the retinal vessel and migrated to the ganglion cell layer. Moreover, grafted CD133+CD34+ cells reduced the apoptosis of endothelial and ganglion cells in irradiated rats and increased the number of survived CD31+ retinal endothelial cells and Brn3a+ ganglion cells at 2 and 4 weeks, respectively, post-operation. Co-culturing of CD133+CD34+ cells or supernatants with irradiated human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hRECs) in vitro, confirmed that CD133+CD34+ cells ameliorated hREC apoptosis caused by irradiation. Mechanistically, we found that angioprotective mediators and neurotrophic factors were secreted by CD133+CD34+ cells, which might attenuate irradiation-induced injury of retinal endothelial cells and ganglion cells. hUCB-CD133+CD34+ cell transplantation, as a novel treatment, protects retinal endothelial and ganglion cells of X-irradiated rat retinas, possibly through angioprotective and neurotrophic factors.
Harpagoside Protects Against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity via P53-Parkin-Mediated Mitophagy
Authors: Li Weili , Wang Xiaoping , Liu Tianhua , Zhang Qian , Cao Jing , Jiang Yanyan , Sun Qianbin , Li Chun , Wang Wei , Wang Yong
Published: February 2022

Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents. However, its clinical use is limited due to the severe risk of cardiotoxicity. One of the hallmarks of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DICT) is the cascade of mitophagy deficiency-mitochondrial oxidative injury-apoptosis, while so far, there is no preventive strategy for alleviating DICT by targeting this molecular mechanism. Excitedly, based on our previous drug screen in DICT zebrafish model, harpagoside (HAR) showed dramatic anti-DICT efficacy superior to dexrazoxane (DXZ) only cardioprotectant approved by FDA. Therefore, its pharmacological effects and molecular mechanism on DICT mouse and rat cardiomyocytes were further discussed. In vivo, HAR significantly improved cardiac function and myocardial structural lesions with concomitant of diminished mitochondrial oxidative damage and recovered mitophagy flux. In parallel, HAR protected mitophagy and mitochondria homeostasis, and repressed apoptosis in vitro. Intriguingly, both nutlin-3 (agonist of p53) and Parkin siRNA reversed these protective effects of HAR. Additional data, including fluorescence colocalization of Parkin and MitoTracker and mt-Keima for the detection of mitophagy flux and coimmunoprecipitation of p53 and Parkin, showed that HAR promoted Parkin translocation to mitochondria and substantially restored Parkin-mediated mitophagy by inhibiting the binding of p53 and Parkin. Importantly, the results of the cell viability demonstrated that cardioprotective effect of HAR did not interfere with anticancer effect of DOX on MCF-7 and HepG2 cells. Our research documented p53-Parkin-mediated cascade of mitophagy deficiency-mitochondrial dyshomeostasis-apoptosis as a pathogenic mechanism and druggable pathway and HAR as a cardioprotection on DICT by acting on novel interaction between p53 and Parkin.
inlF Enhances Listeria monocytogenes Early-Stage Infection by Inhibiting the Inflammatory Response
Authors: Ling Zhiting , Zhao Dan , Xie Xinyu , Yao Hao , Wang Yuting , Kong Suwei , Chen Xiang , Pan Zhiming , Jiao Xin’an , Yin Yuelan
Published: February 2022

The internalin family proteins, which carry the leucine repeat region structural motif, play diverse roles in Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) infection and pathogenesis. Although Internalin F, encoded by inlF, was identified more than 20 years ago, its role in the Lm anti-inflammatory response remains unknown. Lm serotype 4b isolates are associated with the majority of listeriosis outbreaks, but the function of InlF in these strains is not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of inlF in modulating the inflammatory response and pathogenesis of the 4b strain Lm NTSN. Strikingly, although inlF was highly expressed at the transcriptional level during infection of five non-phagocytic cell types, it was not involved in adherence or invasion. Conversely, inlF did contributed to Lm adhesion and invasion of macrophages, and dramatically suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α). Consistent with the in vitro results, during Lm infection mice, inlF significantly inhibited the expression of IL-1β and IL-6 in the spleen, as well as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the liver. More importantly, inlF contributed to Lm colonization in the spleen, liver, and ileum during the early stage of mouse infection via intragastric administration, inducing severe inflammatory injury and histopathologic changes in the late stage. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate that inlF mediates the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory response and contributes to the colonization and survival of Lm during the early stage of infection in mice. Our research partly explains the high pathogenicity of serovar 4b strains and will lead to new insights into the pathogenesis and immune evasion of Lm.
Advances in the Rapid Diagnostic of Viral Respiratory Tract Infections
Authors: Gradisteanu Pircalabioru Gratiela , Iliescu Florina Silvia , Mihaescu Grigore , Cucu Alina Irina , Ionescu Octavian Narcis , Popescu Melania , Simion Monica , Burlibasa Liliana , Tica Mihaela , Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen , Iliescu Ciprian
Published: February 2022

Viral infections are a significant public health problem, primarily due to their high transmission rate, various pathological manifestations, ranging from mild to severe symptoms and subclinical onset. Laboratory diagnostic tests for infectious diseases, with a short enough turnaround time, are promising tools to improve patient care, antiviral therapeutic decisions, and infection prevention. Numerous microbiological molecular and serological diagnostic testing devices have been developed and authorised as benchtop systems, and only a few as rapid miniaturised, fully automated, portable digital platforms. Their successful implementation in virology relies on their performance and impact on patient management. This review describes the current progress and perspectives in developing micro- and nanotechnology-based solutions for rapidly detecting human viral respiratory infectious diseases. It provides a nonexhaustive overview of currently commercially available and under-study diagnostic testing methods and discusses the sampling and viral genetic trends as preanalytical components influencing the results. We describe the clinical performance of tests, focusing on alternatives such as microfluidics-, biosensors-, Internet-of-Things (IoT)-based devices for rapid and accurate viral loads and immunological responses detection. The conclusions highlight the potential impact of the newly developed devices on laboratory diagnostic and clinical outcomes.
Developmental Regulation and Functional Prediction of microRNAs in an Expanded Fasciola hepatica miRNome
Authors: Herron Caoimhe M. , O’Connor Anna , Robb Emily , McCammick Erin , Hill Claire , Marks Nikki J. , Robinson Mark W. , Maule Aaron G. , McVeigh Paul
Published: February 2022

The liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, is a global burden on the wellbeing and productivity of farmed ruminants, and a zoonotic threat to human health. Despite the clear need for accelerated discovery of new drug and vaccine treatments for this pathogen, we still have a relatively limited understanding of liver fluke biology and host interactions. Noncoding RNAs, including micro (mi)RNAs, are key to transcriptional regulation in all eukaryotes, such that an understanding of miRNA biology can shed light on organismal function at a systems level. Four previous publications have reported up to 89 mature miRNA sequences from F. hepatica, but our data show that this does not represent a full account of this species miRNome. We have expanded on previous studies by sequencing, for the first time, miRNAs from multiple life stages (adult, newly excysted juvenile (NEJ), metacercariae and adult-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs)). These experiments detected an additional 61 high-confidence miRNAs, most of which have not been described in any other species, expanding the F. hepatica miRNome to 150 mature sequences. We used quantitative (q)PCR assays to provide the first developmental profile of miRNA expression across metacercariae, NEJ, adult and adult-derived Evs. The majority of miRNAs were expressed most highly in metacercariae, with at least six distinct expression clusters apparent across life stages. Intracellular miRNAs were functionally analyzed to identify target mRNAs with inversely correlated expression in F. hepatica tissue transcriptomes, highlighting regulatory interactions with key virulence transcripts including cathepsin proteases, and neuromuscular genes that control parasite growth, development and motility. We also linked 28 adult-derived EV miRNAs with downregulation of 397 host genes in F. hepatica-infected transcriptomes from ruminant lymph node, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and liver tissue transcriptomes. These included genes involved in signal transduction, immune and metabolic pathways, adding to the evidence for miRNA-based immunosuppression during fasciolosis. These data expand our understanding of the F. hepatica miRNome, provide the first data on developmental miRNA regulation in this species, and provide a set of testable hypotheses for functional genomics interrogations of liver fluke miRNA biology.
Effects of Live Combined Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecium on Gut Microbiota Composition in C57BL/6 Mice and in Humans
Authors: Pi Xionge , Teng Weilin , Fei Dibo , Zhao Gang , Liu Wei
Published: February 2022

Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics can alleviate metabolic syndrome by altering the composition of the gut microbiota. Live combined Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus subtilis has been indicated to promote growth and reduce inflammation in animal models. However, the modulatory effects of live combined B. subtilis R-179 and E. faecium R-026 (LCBE) on human microbiota remain unclear. The current study examined the growth of these two strains in the presence of various oligosaccharides and assessed the effects of this probiotic mixture on human and murine gut microbiota in vitro and in vivo. Oligosaccharides improved the growth of E. faecium R-026 and B. subtilis R-179 as well as increased their production of short-chain fatty acids. E. faecium R-026 or B. subtilis R-179 co-incubated with Bifidobacterium and Clostridium significantly increased the number of the anaerobic bacteria Bifidobacterium longum and Clostridium butyricum by in vitro fermentation. Moreover, LCBE significantly reduced plasma cholesterol levels in mouse models of hyperlipidemia. LCBE combined with galacto-oligosaccharides led to a significant decrease in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and a significant increase in the relative abundance of Akkermansia and Bifidobacteria after treating mice with LCBE (0.23 g/day) for eight weeks. Furthermore, in vitro fermentation also showed that both the single strains and the two-strain mixture modulated human gut microbiota, resulting in increased Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, and decreased Escherichia-Shigella. Overall, these results suggest that LCBE can improve host health by reducing the level of cholesterol in mouse models by modifying the composition of the gut microbiota.
Evaluation of the Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of a Natural Products-Containing Toothpaste
Authors: Qi Cai , Peng Xian , Yuan Shaotang , Zhang Miaomiao , Xu Xin , Cheng Xingqun
Published: February 2022

Fluoride-containing toothpaste is daily used in toothbrush. Some compounds derived from natural herbs that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities has attracted increasing attention as potential supplements for the control of oral diseases. In this paper, a natural product mixture (NPM-8) containing eight herbs extracts was added to toothpaste, and its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects were investigated. The results showed that NPM-8-containing toothpaste exhibited superior and faster inhibitory and bactericidal effects against S. mutans, S. sanguinis and P. gingivalis than that of the NPM-8-free toothpaste. NPM-8-containing toothpaste significantly reduced the biomass of single-species or three-species biofilms. The cytotoxicity of the NPM-8-containing toothpaste was similar to that of the conventional fluoride toothpaste and CHX. The NPM-8-containing toothpaste could significantly inhibit IL-1β and IL-6 production in HGE cells and exhibited a better anti-inflammatory effect than that of the NPM-8-free toothpaste. In conclusion, NPM-8-containing fluoride toothpaste is superior to conventional fluoride toothpaste in regard to their antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anti-inflammatory properties. NPM-8-containing toothpaste also has good biocompatibility and is safe for daily use. It indicates that NPM-8 is a promising natural product mixture in oral health.
Short- and Long-Term Outcomes in Patients With Right Ventricular Infarction According to Modalities of Reperfusion Strategies in China: Data From China Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry
Authors: Hu Mengjin , Chen Ge , Yang Hongmei , Gao Xiaojin , Yang Jingang , Xu Haiyan , Wu Yuan , Song Lei , Qiao Shubin , Hu Fenghuan , Wang Yang , Li Wei , Jin Chen , Yang Yuejin ,   for the China Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry Investigators
Published: February 2022

Purpose

We sought to investigate the short- and long-term outcomes in patients with right ventricular infarction in China.

Methods

Data from China Acute Myocardial Infarction (CAMI) Registry for patients with right ventricular infarction between January 2013 and September 2014 were analyzed.

Results

Of the 1,988 patients with right ventricular infarction, 733 patients did not receive reperfusion therapy, 281 patients received thrombolysis therapy, and 974 patients underwent primary PCI. Primary PCI and thrombolysis were all associated with lower risks of in-hospital (3.1 vs. 12.6%; adjusted OR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.27–0.87; P = 0.0151 and 5.7 vs. 12.6%; adjusted OR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.22–0.85; P = 0.0155, respectively), and 2-year all-cause mortality (6.3 vs. 20.9%; adjusted HR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.34–0.73; P = 0.0003 and 11.0 vs. 20.9%; adjusted HR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.38–0.92; P = 0.0189, respectively), compared with no reperfusion therapy. Meanwhile, primary PCI was superior to thrombolysis in reducing the risks of in-hospital atrial-ventricular block (4.2 vs. 8.9%; adjusted OR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.23–0.91; P = 0.0257), cardiogenic shock (5.3 vs. 13.9%; adjusted OR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.23–0.83; P = 0.0115), and heart failure (8.5 vs. 23.5%; adjusted OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.22–0.56; P < 0.0001). Primary PCI could reduce the risk of 2-year major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (19.1 vs. 33.3%; adjusted HR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.56–0.92; P = 0.0092) relative to no reperfusion therapy, whereas thrombolysis may increase the risk of 2-year revascularization (15.5 vs. 8.7%; adjusted HR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.15–3.16; P = 0.0124) compared with no reperfusion therapy.

Conclusions

Timely reperfusion therapy is essential for patients with right ventricular infarction. Primary PCI may be considered as the default treatment strategy for patients with right ventricular infarction in the contemporary primary PCI era.
ADAMTS8 Promotes Cardiac Fibrosis Partly Through Activating EGFR Dependent Pathway
Authors: Zha Yafang , Li Yanyan , Ge Zhuowang , Wang Jian , Jiao Yuheng , Zhang Jiayan , Zhang Song
Published: February 2022

Myocardial infarction or pressure overload leads to cardiac fibrosis, the leading cause of heart failure. ADAMTS8 (A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 8) has been reported to be involved in many fibrosis-related diseases. However, the specific role of ADAMTS8 in cardiac fibrosis caused by myocardial infarction or pressure overload is yet unclear. The present study aimed to explore the function of ADAMTS8 in cardiac fibrosis and its underlying mechanism. ADAMTS8 expression was significantly increased in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy; its expression myocardial infarction and TAC rat models was also increased, accompanied by increased expression of α-SMA and Collagen1. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of ADAMTS8 through cardiac in situ injection aggravated cardiac fibrosis and impaired cardiac function in the myocardial infarction rat model. Furthermore, in vitro studies revealed that ADAMTS8 promoted the activation of cardiac fibroblasts; ADAMTS8 acted as a paracrine mediator allowing for cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts to communicate indirectly. Our findings showed that ADAMTS8 could damage the mitochondrial function of cardiac fibroblasts and then activate the PI3K-Akt pathway and MAPK pathways, promoting up-regulation of YAP expression, with EGFR upstream of this pathway. This study systematically revealed the pro-fibrosis effect of ADAMTS8 in cardiac fibrosis and explored its potential role as a therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis and heart failure.
Evaluating the Impact of Orthostatic Syncope and Presyncope on Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hockin Brooke C. D. , Heeney Natalie D. , Whitehurst David G. T. , Claydon Victoria E.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Syncope (transient loss of consciousness and postural tone) and presyncope are common manifestations of autonomic dysfunction that are usually triggered by orthostasis. The global impact of syncope on quality of life (QoL) is unclear. In this systematic review, we report evidence on the impact of syncope and presyncope on QoL and QoL domains, identify key factors influencing QoL in patients with syncopal disorders, and combine available data to compare QoL between syncopal disorders and to population normative data.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search of academic databases (MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Embase) was conducted (February 2021) to identify peer-reviewed publications that evaluated the impact of vasovagal syncope (VVS), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), or orthostatic hypotension (OH) on QoL. Two team members independently screened records for inclusion and extracted data relevant to the study objectives.

Results

From 12,258 unique records identified by the search, 36 studies met the inclusion criteria (VVS: n = 20; POTS: n = 13; VVS and POTS: n = 1; OH: n = 2); 12 distinct QoL instruments were used. Comparisons of QoL scores between patients with syncope/presyncope and a control group were performed in 16 studies; significant QoL impairments in patients with syncope/presyncope were observed in all studies. Increased syncopal event frequency, increased autonomic symptom severity, and the presence of mental health disorders and/or comorbidities were associated with lower QoL scores.

Conclusion

This review synthesizes the negative impact of syncope/presyncope on QoL and identifies research priorities to reduce the burden of these debilitating disorders and improve patient QoL.
Defense Against Explanation Manipulation
Authors: Tang Ruixiang , Liu Ninghao , Yang Fan , Zou Na , Hu Xia
Published: February 2022

Explainable machine learning attracts increasing attention as it improves the transparency of models, which is helpful for machine learning to be trusted in real applications. However, explanation methods have recently been demonstrated to be vulnerable to manipulation, where we can easily change a model's explanation while keeping its prediction constant. To tackle this problem, some efforts have been paid to use more stable explanation methods or to change model configurations. In this work, we tackle the problem from the training perspective, and propose a new training scheme called Adversarial Training on EXplanations (ATEX) to improve the internal explanation stability of a model regardless of the specific explanation method being applied. Instead of directly specifying explanation values over data instances, ATEX only puts constraints on model predictions which avoids involving second-order derivatives in optimization. As a further discussion, we also find that explanation stability is closely related to another property of the model, i.e., the risk of being exposed to adversarial attack. Through experiments, besides showing that ATEX improves model robustness against manipulation targeting explanation, it also brings additional benefits including smoothing explanations and improving the efficacy of adversarial training if applied to the model.
Submarine Channel Mouth Settings: Processes, Geomorphology, and Deposits
Authors: Hodgson David M. , Peakall Jeff , Maier Katherine L.
Published: February 2022

Observations from the modern seafloor that suggest turbidity currents tend to erode as they lose channel-levee confinement, rather than decelerating and depositing their sediment load, has driven investigations into sediment gravity flow behaviour at the mouth of submarine channels. Commonly, channel mouth settings coincide with areas of gradient change and play a vital role in the transfer of sediment through deep-water systems. Channel mouth settings are widely referred to as the submarine channel-lobe transition zone (CLTZ) where well-defined channel-levees are separated from well-defined lobes, and are associated with an assemblage of erosional and depositional bedforms (e.g., scours and scour fields, sediment waves, incipient channels). Motivated by recently published datasets, we reviewed modern seafloor studies, which suggest that a wide range of channel mouth configurations exist. These include traditional CLTZs, plunge pools, and distinctive long and flared tracts between channels and lobes, which we recognise with the new term channel mouth expansion zones (CMEZs). In order to understand the morphodynamic differences between types of channel mouth settings, we review insights from physical experiments that have focussed on understanding changes in process behaviour as flows exit channels. We integrate field observations and numerical modelling that offer insight into flow behaviours in channel mouth settings. From this analysis, we propose four types of channel mouth setting: 1) supercritical CMEZs on slopes; 2) plunge pools at steep slope breaks with high incoming supercritical Froude numbers; 3) CLTZs with arrays of hydraulic jumps at slope breaks with incoming supercritical Froude numbers closer to unity; and, 4) subcritical CLTZs associated with slope breaks and/or flow expansion. Identification of the stratigraphic record of channel mouth settings is complicated by the propagation, and avulsion, of channels. Nonetheless, recent studies from ancient outcrop and subsurface systems have highlighted the dynamic evolution of interpreted CLTZs, which range from composite erosion surfaces, to tens of metres thick stratigraphic records. We propose that some examples be reconsidered as exhumed CMEZs.
Water Migration and Segregated Ice Formation in Frozen Ground: Current Advances and Future Perspectives
Authors: Fu Ziteng , Wu Qingbai , Zhang Wenxin , He Hailong , Wang Luyang
Published: February 2022

A characteristic of frozen ground is a tendency to form banded sequences of particle-free ice lenses separated by layers of ice-infiltrated soil, which produce frost heave. In permafrost, the deformation of the ground surface caused by segregated ice harms engineering facilities and has considerable influences on regional hydrology, ecology, and climate changes. For predicting the impacts of permafrost degradation under global warming and segregated ice transformation on engineering and environmental, establishing appropriate mathematical models to describe water migration and ice behavior in frozen soil is necessary. This requires an essential understanding of water migration and segregated ice formation in frozen ground. This article reviewed mechanisms of water migration and ice formation in frozen soils and their model construction and introduced the effects of segregated ice on the permafrost environment included landforms, regional hydrological patterns, and ecosystems. Currently, the soil water potential has been widely accepted to characterize the energy state of liquid water, to further study the direction and water flux of water moisture migration. Models aimed to describe the dynamics of ice formation have successfully predicted the macroscopic processes of segregated ice, such as the rigid ice model and segregation potential model, which has been widely used and further developed. However, some difficulties to describe their theoretical basis of microscope physics still need further study. Besides, how to describe the ice lens in the landscape models is another interesting challenge that helps to understand the interaction between soil ice segregation and the permafrost environment. In the final of this review, some concerns overlooked by current research have been summarized which should be the central focus in future study.
Holocene Aeolian Activity Recorded by Mountain Paleosols, Gonghe Basin, Northeast Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Xu Chunxia , E Chongyi , Shi Yunkun , Zhang Jing , Sun Manping , Zhang Zhaokang , Zeng Yongxin
Published: February 2022

The Gonghe Basin (GHB) on the northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (NE-QTP) is sensitive to climatic change due to the interplay of the Asian summer monsoon and the westerlies. Extensive aeolian sediments in the basin represent important archives of regional environmental evolution. However, the paleosol development timing is still not clear because of limited number of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) sampling and dating, which restricts our understanding of past aeolian activities during the Holocene in GHB. In this study, a loess-paleosol section, Najiao (NJ), from the southeastern margin of GHB was investigated. Eighteen OSL samples were obtained from the 400-cm section in order to construct a high-resolution chronological framework. Paleoenvironmental proxies including grain size distribution (GS), magnetic susceptibility (MS), total organic carbon (TOC), and geochemical elements were measured to reconstruct the Holocene aeolian activity. Results show a successive accumulation from Early to Middle Holocene at NJ section, but a c. 3 ka sedimentary hiatus is found between c. 5 and 1.5 ka. Paleosol ages are constrained by high-resolution OSL ages which are from c. 7–5 ka. Consistent with previous studies, strong aeolian activities occurred in GHB during the Early Holocene (c. 13–9 ka), indicating dry climate conditions. Initiation of pedogenesis was at c. 9 ka, and the intensified soil development and lowest aeolian activity were between c. 7 and 5 ka. The increased sand content after c. 1.5 ka indicates enhanced human activities in the interior of GHB in the Late Holocene.
“It has Changed, Quite Clearly.” Exploring Perceptions of German Police Trainers on Police Recruits
Authors: Koerner Swen , Staller Mario S.
Published: February 2022

The individual views and attitudes of trainers responsible for equipping police officers for operational demands have rarely been subject to international research. Geared toward the German situation, the followingcase studyfocuses on the particular question of how police trainers at a German state police training site perceive police recruits as the target group of their coaching. The data set consisted ofn= 8 interviews with police trainers who were originally conducted with the aim to investigate their expert opinions on pedagogical, training-related issues. Within the process of inductive coding, the perceived recruit condition emerged as a high-order theme, displaying a predominantly deficit-oriented view among police trainers. The findings are discussed through the lens of the concept ofcritically reflective practice, in which the reflection of the views and guiding assumptions of the police trainers is seen as a key ingredient for a further professionalization of the police trainer education and its respective research.