bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An updated meta-analysis of device related thrombus following left atrial appendage closure in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Zhang Song , Xiong Si-huai , Guan Yu-gen , Zhao Xian-xian , Qin Yong-wen , Guo Zhi-fu , Bai Yuan
Published: December 2022

Aims

Device related thrombus (DRT) is a known complication of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC). However, the relation between DRT and elevated risk of ischemic events remains controversial. This study is sought to reassessed the incidence of DRT following LAAC and the relation between DRT and elevated risk of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism (SE) with latest clinical trials included.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched from their inception until April 2022 for studies that reported the incidence of DRT and compared the incidence of both stroke and SE between DRT patients and non-DRT patients.

Results

In 59 eligible studies, the incidence of DRT was 366/12,845 (2.8%, ranging from 0 to 11%, I2 = 64%). The incidence of DRT was not statistically different between single-seal device (SS) and dual-seal device (DS) in subgroup analysis [171/6,190 (2.8%) vs. 78/3,023 (3.6%); p = 0.93]. The pooled incidence of stroke (26 studies, 7,827 patients) in patients with and without DRT was 11.5% in DRT patients and 2.9% among non-DRT patients (OR: 5.08; 95% CI = 3.47–7.44). In the sensitivity analysis, DRT was associated with higher rate of stroke (12.1 vs. 3.2%; OR: 4.14; 95% CI = 2.69–6.38) and SE (16.0 vs. 3.8%; OR: 4.48; 95% CI = 3.04–6.62).

Conclusion

The incidence of DRT was low and similar between SS and DS devices. DRT was associated with increased rates of ischemic events. The occurrence rate of ischemic events associated DRT was comparable between two occlusion mechanism devices.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/], identifier [CRD42022326179].
Recommendations for design of a mobile application to support management of anxiety and depression among Black American women
Authors: McCall Terika , Threats Megan , Pillai Malvika , Lakdawala Adnan , Bolton Clinton S.
Published: December 2022

Black American women experience adverse health outcomes due to anxiety and depression. They face systemic barriers to accessing culturally appropriate mental health care leading to the underutilization of mental health services and resources. Mobile technology can be leveraged to increase access to culturally relevant resources, however, the specific needs and preferences that Black women feel are useful in an app to support management of anxiety and depression are rarely reflected in existing digital health tools. This study aims to assess what types of content, features, and important considerations should be included in the design of a mobile app tailored to support management of anxiety and depression among Black women. Focus groups were conducted with 20 women (mean age 36.6 years, SD 17.8 years), with 5 participants per group. Focus groups were led by a moderator, with notetaker present, using an interview guide to discuss topics, such as participants' attitudes and perceptions towards mental health and use of mental health services, and content, features, and concerns for design of a mobile app to support management of anxiety and depression. Descriptive qualitative content analysis was conducted. Recommendations for content were either informational (e.g., information to find a Black woman therapist) or inspirational (e.g., encouraging stories about overcoming adversity). Suggested features allow users to monitor their progress, practice healthy coping techniques, and connect with others. The importance of feeling “a sense of community” was emphasized. Transparency about who created and owns the app, and how users' data will be used and protected was recommended to establish trust. The findings from this study were consistent with previous literature which highlighted the need for educational, psychotherapy, and personal development components for mental health apps. There has been exponential growth in the digital mental health space due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, a one-size-fits-all approach may lead to more options but continued disparity in receiving mental health care. Designing a mental health app for and with Black women may help to advance digital health equity by providing a tool that addresses their specific needs and preferences, and increase engagement.
Guidance for the treatment of adult growth hormone deficiency with somapacitan, a long-acting growth hormone preparation
Authors: Bidlingmaier Martin , Biller Beverly M.K. , Clemmons David , Jørgensen Jens Otto L. , Nishioka Hiroshi , Takahashi Yutaka
Published: December 2022

Adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) is a rare endocrine disorder characterized by an abnormal body composition, metabolic abnormalities associated with increased cardiovascular diseases, bone loss, and impaired quality of life. Daily subcutaneous injections with recombinant growth hormone (GH) can alleviate the abnormalities associated with AGHD. Several long-acting GH (LAGH) preparations are currently in development that aim to reduce treatment burden for patients receiving daily GH injections. Somapacitan (Sogroya®; Novo Nordisk, Denmark) is the first LAGH preparation that has been approved for treatment of AGHD in the United States, Europe, and Japan. The recent approval of somapacitan and anticipated approval of other LAGH molecules presents new questions for physicians planning to treat AGHD with LAGH in the future. Differences in the technologies used to prolong the half-life of recombinant GH are expected to result in variations in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles between preparations. Therefore, it is essential that physicians understand and consider such variations when treating patients with these novel GH replacement therapies. Here, we present a set of treatment recommendations that have been created to guide physicians initiating therapy with somapacitan in patients with AGHD who are eligible for GH replacement. Furthermore, we will review the published data that underlie these recommendations to explain the rationale for the treatment and monitoring advice provided.
Elevated serum leptin levels are associated with lower renal function among middle-aged and elderly adults in Taiwan, a community-based, cross-sectional study
Authors: Shih Yu-Lin , Shih Chin-Chuan , Chen Sun-Yi-Fan , Chen Jau-Yuan
Published: December 2022

Background

Plasma leptin is considered a risk factor for obesity and cardio-metabolic disease, but the link between serum leptin and renal function is still under evaluation. In our study, we focused on the relationship between serum leptin and renal function, and we investigated the relationship in more detail.

Methods

The 396 middle-aged and elderly Taiwanese adults recruited for our health survey were the subject of our research. All participants agreed to participate and signed a consent form before they joined and completed our study. We divided the participants into three groups according to eGFR tertiles and analyzed the parameters between each group. Then, we used Pearson’s correlation test to investigate the relationship between eGFR levels and cardio-metabolic risk factors with adjustment for age. The scatter plot indicates the trend between serum leptin levels and eGFR levels. Participants were reclassified into three subgroups according to their leptin levels and the bar chart reveals the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in each group. Finally, we used multivariate linear regression to evaluate the relationship between serum leptin and eGFR levels with adjustment for age, sex, smoking status, drinking status, body mass index (BMI), uric acid levels, hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), and dyslipidemia.

Results

In our study, we analyzed the data from 396 eligible participants. A total of 41.4% of the participants were male, and the average age of all participants was 64.81 years ( ± 8.78). The participants in the high eGFR group were more likely to have lower serum leptin levels. Furthermore, eGFR values were negatively correlated with serum leptin levels even after adjustment for age. The prevalence of CKD in the high serum leptin group was higher than that in the low serum leptin group. Serum leptin levels showed significant negative correlations with eGFR levels (β=-0.14, p<0.01) in the multivariate linear regression after adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, drinking status, BMI, uric acid levels, HTN, DM, and dyslipidemia.

Conclusion

According to our study, serum leptin levels show a negative relationship with eGFR levels in middle-aged and elderly people in Taiwan. In addition, high serum leptin levels could be an novel marker to survey kidney failure in clinical practices.
Potential role of 25(OH)D insufficiency in the dysfunction of glycolipid metabolism and cognitive impairment in patients with T2DM
Authors: Sun Hui-min , Yu Yue , Gao Xin-ran , Wei Ya-dong , Qi Chuan-zong , Ma Meng-die , Xu Dan-dan , Xu Ya-yun , Ge Jin-fang
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To investigate the changes of plasma 25(OH)D levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and explore its role in the dysfunction of glucose and lipid metabolism and cognition.

Methods

One hundred and thirty-two T2DM patients were enrolled and the demographic and clinical data were collected. The plasma concentration of 25(OH)D was detected and the patients were divided into two groups including a Vitamin D insufficient (VDI) group and a normal VD group according to the clinical diagnostic criterial of VDI with the plasma 25(OH)D level less than 29 ng/mL. The glycolipid metabolic and routine blood biochemical indices were detected, the plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble myeloid soluble trigger receptor 1 (sTREM1) were measured. The cognitive function was assessed using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A). The depressive symptomatology was assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Survey Depression Scale (CES-D). Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI).

Results

There were 70 T2DM patients with VDI (70/132, 53.03%) in this study. The plasma concentrations of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial blood glucose (PBG), IL-6, and sTREM1 were remarkably increased in T2DM patients with VDI as compared with that with the normal VD, accompanied with an elevated BRIEF-A scores. There was no significant difference between groups with regard to the indices of blood lipid, liver function, and scores in CES-D and PSQI. Moreover, results of Pearson correlation test showed that the plasma 25(OH)D levels were negatively correlated with HbA1c, FPG, PBG, CRP, IL-6, sTREM1, CES-D sum scores, and PSQI sum scores, but positively correlated with the plasma levels of Serum creatinine (Scr). Furthermore, result of Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed a predictive role of VDI levels in discriminating T2DM patients with higher cognitive impairments, with the sensitivity and specificity being 62.12% and 62.12%, respectively.

Conclusion

VDI is harmful for T2DM patients with a significant relation with the hyperglycosemia and cognitive dysfunction.
Interleukin-15 and chemokine ligand 19 enhance cytotoxic effects of chimeric antigen receptor T cells using zebrafish xenograft model of gastric cancer
Authors: Zhou Zhifeng , Li Jieyu , Hong Jingwen , Chen Shuping , Chen Mingshui , Wang Ling , Lin Wansong , Ye Yunbin
Published: December 2022

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have been proven effective for the treatment of B-cell-mediated malignancies. Currently, the development of efficient tools that supply CAR T cells for the treatment of other malignancies would have great impact. In this study, interleukin (IL)-15 and C-C motif chemokine ligand 19 (CCL19) were introduced into natural killer group 2D (NKG2D)-based CARs to generate 15×19 CAR T cells, which remarkably increased T-cell expansion and promoted the production of central memory T (Tcm) cells. 15×19 CAR T cells showed greater cytotoxicity to gastric cell lines than conventional CAR T cells and produced higher levels of IL-15 and CCL-19, which resulted in increased responder T cell chemotaxis and reduced expression of T cell exhaustion markers. A live zebrafish model was used for single-cell visualization of local cytotoxicity and metastatic cancers. Administration of 15×19 CAR T cells resulted in significant shrinking of gastric cancer xenograft tumors and expansion of 15×19 CAR T cells in zebrafish models. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that 15×19 CAR T cells are highly efficient in killing gastric cancer cells, are effective to avoid off-target effects, and migrate to local and metastatic sites for long-term surveillance of cancers.
Membrane-bound IL-2 improves the expansion, survival, and phenotype of CAR Tregs and confers resistance to calcineurin inhibitors
Authors: Kremer Jakob , Henschel Pierre , Simon Daniel , Riet Tobias , Falk Christine , Hardtke-Wolenski Matthias , Wedemeyer Heiner , Noyan Fatih , Jaeckel Elmar
Published: December 2022

Background

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis and the establishment of immune tolerance. Since Tregs do not secrete endogenous IL-2, they are especially dependent on external IL-2. IL-2 deficiency leads to lower Treg numbers, instability of the Treg phenotype and loss of immune regulation. After organ transplantation, patients are treated with calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), which further limits available IL-2. Application of low-dose IL-2 expands Tregs but also activates NK and CD8+ T cells. It was recently shown that graft-specific Tregs recognizing mismatched MHC I molecules via a chimeric antigen receptor were far more potent than polyclonal Tregs in the regulation of immune responses after solid organ transplantation in a humanized mouse model.

Methods

Therefore, our aim was to enhance the function and stability of transferred CAR-Tregs via expression of membrane-associated IL-2 (mbIL-2).

Results

mbIL-2 promoted higher survival, phenotypic stability, and function among CAR-Tregs than observed in clinical trials. The cells were also more stable under inflammatory conditions. In a preclinical humanized mouse model, we demonstrated that mbIL-2 CAR Tregs survive better in the Treg niche than control CAR Tregs and are even resistant to CNI therapy without affecting other Tregs, thus acting mainly in cis.

Discussion

The functional and phenotypic improvements observed after membrane-attached IL-2 expression in CAR-Tregs will be important step for enhancing CAR-Treg therapies currently being tested in clinical trials for use after kidney and liver transplantation as well as in autoimmune diseases.
Ferric carboxymaltose and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination-induced immunogenicity in kidney transplant recipients with iron deficiency: The COVAC-EFFECT randomized controlled trial
Authors: Vinke Joanna Sophia J. , Altulea Dania H. A. , Eisenga Michele F. , Jagersma Renate L. , Niekolaas Tessa M. , van Baarle Debbie , Heiden Marieke van Der , Steenhuis Maurice , Rispens Theo , Abdulahad Wayel H. , Sanders Jan-Stephan F. , De Borst Martin H.
Published: December 2022

Background

Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) have an impaired immune response after vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Iron deficiency (ID) may adversely affect immunity and vaccine efficacy. We aimed to investigate whether ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) treatment improves humoral and cellular responses after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in iron-deficient KTRs.

Methods

We randomly assigned 48 iron-deficient KTRs to intravenous FCM (1-4 doses of 500mg with six-week intervals) or placebo. Co-primary endpoints were SARS-CoV-2-specific anti-Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) Immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers and T-lymphocyte reactivity against SARS-CoV-2 at four weeks after the second vaccination with mRNA-1273 or mRNA-BNT162b2.

Results

At four weeks after the second vaccination, patients receiving FCM had higher plasma ferritin and transferrin saturation (P<0.001 vs. placebo) and iron (P=0.02). However, SARS-CoV-2-specific anti-RBD IgG titers (FCM: 66.51 [12.02-517.59] BAU/mL; placebo: 115.97 [68.86-974.67] BAU/mL, P=0.07) and SARS-CoV-2-specific T-lymphocyte activation (FCM: 93.3 [0.85-342.5] IFN-ɣ spots per 106 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), placebo: 138.3 [0.0-391.7] IFN-ɣ spots per 106 PBMCs, P=0.83) were not significantly different among both arms. After the third vaccination, SARS-CoV-2-specific anti-RBD IgG titers remained similar between treatment groups (P=0.99).

Conclusions

Intravenous iron supplementation efficiently restored iron status but did not improve the humoral or cellular immune response against SARS-CoV-2 after three vaccinations.
MST1 controls murine neutrophil homeostasis via the G-CSFR/STAT3 axis
Authors: Masgrau-Alsina Sergi , Wackerbarth Lou Martha , Lim Dae-sik , Sperandio Markus
Published: December 2022

The release of neutrophils from the bone marrow into the blood circulation is essential for neutrophil homeostasis and the protection of the organism from invading microorganisms. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) plays a pivotal role in this process and guides granulopoiesis as well as the release of bone marrow neutrophils into the blood stream both during homeostasis and in case of infection through activation of the G-CSF receptor/signal transduction and activation of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. Here, we investigated the role of the mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1 (MST1) for neutrophil homeostasis and neutrophil mobilization. We found increased plasma levels of G-CSF in Mst1-/- mice compared to wild type mice both under homeostatic conditions as well as after stimulation with the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α. In addition, G-CSF-induced mobilization of neutrophils from the bone marrow into the blood circulation in vivo was markedly reduced in the absence of MST1. Interestingly, this was not accompanied by differences in the number of blood neutrophils. Addressing the underlying molecular mechanism of MST1-regulated neutrophil mobilization, we found reduced STAT3 phosphorylation and impaired upregulation of CXCR2 in Mst1-/- bone marrow neutrophils compared to wild type cells, while JAK2 phosphorylation was not altered. Taken together, we identify MST1 as a critical modulator of neutrophil homeostasis and neutrophil mobilization from the bone marrow, which adds another important aspect to the complex role of MST1 in regulating innate immunity.
Cdc42 regulates cytokine expression and trafficking in bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Shouib Rowayna , Eitzen Gary
Published: December 2022

Airway epithelial cells can respond to incoming pathogens, allergens and stimulants through the secretion of cytokines and chemokines. These pro-inflammatory mediators activate inflammatory signaling cascades that allow a robust immune response to be mounted. However, uncontrolled production and release of cytokines and chemokines can result in chronic inflammation and appears to be an underlying mechanism for the pathogenesis of pulmonary disorders such as asthma and COPD. The Rho GTPase, Cdc42, is an important signaling molecule that we hypothesize can regulate cytokine production and release from epithelial cells. We treated BEAS-2B lung epithelial cells with a set of stimulants to activate inflammatory pathways and cytokine release. The production, trafficking and secretion of cytokines were assessed when Cdc42 was pharmacologically inhibited with ML141 drug or silenced with lentiviral-mediated shRNA knockdown. We found that Cdc42 inhibition with ML141 differentially affected gene expression of a subset of cytokines; transcription of IL-6 and IL-8 were increased while MCP-1 was decreased. However, Cdc42 inhibition or depletion disrupted IL-8 trafficking and reduced its secretion even though transcription was increased. Cytokines transiting through the Golgi were particularly affected by Cdc42 disruption. Our results define a role for Cdc42 in the regulation of cytokine production and release in airway epithelial cells. This underscores the role of Cdc42 in coupling receptor activation to downstream gene expression and also as a regulator of cytokine secretory pathways.
Comprehensive analysis of a glycolysis and cholesterol synthesis-related genes signature for predicting prognosis and immune landscape in osteosarcoma
Authors: Xu Fangxing , Yan Jinglong , Peng Zhibin , Liu Jingsong , Li Zecheng
Published: December 2022

Background

Glycolysis and cholesterol synthesis are crucial in cancer metabolic reprogramming. The aim of this study was to identify a glycolysis and cholesterol synthesis-related genes (GCSRGs) signature for effective prognostic assessments of osteosarcoma patients.

Methods

Gene expression data and clinical information were obtained from GSE21257 and TARGET-OS datasets. Consistent clustering method was used to identify the GCSRGs-related subtypes. Univariate Cox regression and LASSO Cox regression analyses were used to construct the GCSRGs signature. The ssGSEA method was used to analyze the differences in immune cells infiltration. The pRRophetic R package was utilized to assess the drug sensitivity of different groups. Western blotting, cell viability assay, scratch assay and Transwell assay were used to perform cytological validation.

Results

Through bioinformatics analysis, patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma were classified into one of 4 subtypes (quiescent, glycolysis, cholesterol, and mixed subtypes), which differed significantly in terms of prognosis and tumor microenvironment. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed that the modules strongly correlated with glycolysis and cholesterol synthesis were the midnight blue and the yellow modules, respectively. Both univariate and LASSO Cox regression analyses were conducted on screened module genes to identify 5 GCSRGs (RPS28, MCAM, EN1, TRAM2, and VEGFA) constituting a prognostic signature for osteosarcoma patients. The signature was an effective prognostic predictor, independent of clinical characteristics, as verified further via Kaplan-Meier analysis, ROC curve analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Additionally, GCSRGs signature had strong correlation with drug sensitivity, immune checkpoints and immune cells infiltration. In cytological experiments, we selected TRAM2 as a representative gene to validate the validity of GCSRGs signature, which found that TRAM2 promoted the progression of osteosarcoma cells. Finally, at the pan-cancer level, TRAM2 had been correlated with overall survival, progression free survival, disease specific survival, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, immune checkpoints and immune cells infiltration.

Conclusion

Therefore, we constructed a GCSRGs signature that efficiently predicted osteosarcoma patient prognosis and guided therapy.
Cuproptosis related genes associated with Jab1 shapes tumor microenvironment and pharmacological profile in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Wang Liping , Wang Dujuan , Yang Liu , Zeng Xiaojiao , Zhang Qian , Liu Guohong , Pan Yunbao
Published: December 2022

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common subcategory of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This study focused on the roles of cuproptosis related genes and Jab1 in the tumor microenvironment of NPC and HNSCC.

Methods

Differential expression analysis of Jab1 and cuproptosis related genes in tumor cell enriched region (PanCK-expressing) and immune cell enriched region (CD45-expressing) of NPC microenvironment were performed by packages of R software. Survival analysis was performed using the survival and survminer packages. Corrplot package was used for correlation analysis. ConsensusClusterPlus package was used for cluster clustering among different regions of NPC, and functional enrichment analysis was performed using GSVA, GSEABase, clusterProfiler, org.Hs.eg.db and enrichplot packages. The pRRophetic package was used to predict drug sensitivity in NPC and HNSCC.

Results

Relationships exist between cuproptosis related genes and Jab1 in the NPC microenvironment. The expression of cuproptosis related genes and Jab1 differed between tumor cell enriched region and immune cell enriched region. AKT inhibitor VIII, Doxorubicin, Bleomycin and Etoposide showed higher sensitivity to tumor cell than immune cell. In the high Jab1 group, higher expression of ATP7A, DBT, DLD and LIAS were associated with better prognosis of HNSCC patients. In contrast, in the low Jab1 group, higher expression of these genes is associated with worse prognosis of HNSCC patients.

Conclusions

Prognostic cuproptosis related genes and Jab1 provided a basis for targeted therapy and drug development.
‘Cannibalism’ of exogenous DNA sequences: The ancestral form of adaptive immunity which entails recognition of danger
Authors: Devaux Christian A. , Pontarotti Pierre , Nehari Sephora , Raoult Didier
Published: December 2022

Adaptive immunity is a sophisticated form of immune response capable of retaining the molecular memory of a very great diversity of target antigens (epitopes) as non-self. It is capable of reactivating itself upon a second encounter with an immunoglobulin or T-cell receptor antigen-binding site with a known epitope that had previously primed the host immune system. It has long been considered that adaptive immunity is a highly evolved form of non-self recognition that appeared quite late in speciation and complemented a more generalist response called innate immunity. Innate immunity offers a relatively non-specific defense (although mediated by sensors that could specifically recognize virus or bacteria compounds) and which does not retain a memory of the danger. But this notion of recent acquisition of adaptive immunity is challenged by the fact that another form of specific recognition mechanisms already existed in prokaryotes that may be able to specifically auto-protect against external danger. This recognition mechanism can be considered a primitive form of specific (adaptive) non-self recognition. It is based on the fact that many archaea and bacteria use a genome editing system that confers the ability to appropriate viral DNA sequences allowing prokaryotes to prevent host damage through a mechanism very similar to adaptive immunity. This is indistinctly called, ‘endogenization of foreign DNA’ or ‘viral DNA predation’ or, more pictorially ‘DNA cannibalism’. For several years evidence has been accumulating, highlighting the crucial role of endogenization of foreign DNA in the fundamental processes related to adaptive immunity and leading to a change in the dogma that adaptive immunity appeared late in speciation.
The impact of neglected tropical diseases on women and girl refugees: A call for increased awareness and strategic intervention
Authors: Duffey Megan M. , Patel Tulsi , Koukaz Yasmine , Sepulveda Theresa , Barbour Kelli , Fredricks Karla , Weatherhead Jill E.
Published: December 2022

As the number of forcibly displaced women and girls increases, it becomes ever important to recognize the negative health impacts of being displaced. Women and girl refugees are disproportionately affected by sexual and gender-based violence and mental health concerns. In addition to these health concerns in women, crowding and lack of clean water in refugee camps leads to the spread of infectious diseases in general. Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are infectious diseases of poverty found in tropical areas, and longstanding infections lead to significant morbidity. Particularly for women, these diseases can impact fertility, chronic disease in pregnancy, and social stigma. Despite being a high-risk group, there are minimal data on the impact of NTDs on the health of Women and girl refugees. Diseases such as schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminth infections, strongyloidiasis, and leishmaniasis have all been shown to affect Women and girl refugees, but the majority of these data describe NTDs in this population only after resettlement. Access to medical care with providers that are knowledgeable about NTDs while in situations of displacement as well as after third-country resettlement is crucial to their timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent longstanding sequalae. More studies in this at-risk population are needed to understand the extent of this issue and begin to work towards lasting, equitable healthcare.
Spiribacter halobius sp. nov., a novel halophilic Gammaproteobacterium with a relatively large genome
Authors: Gong Ya , Ma Lu , Du Zhao-Zhong , Zheng Wei-Shuang , Lu De-Chen , Du Zong-Jun
Published: December 2022

Spiribacter is the most abundant bacterial genus in the intermediate-salinity zones of hypersaline environments. However, Spiribacter strains are extremely difficult to isolate in pure culture. Therefore, the characteristics, genome features, and adaption mechanisms that allow Spiribacter strains to thrive in highly saline conditions are largely unknown. Here, we show that Spiribacter is predominant in brines from marine solar salterns and sulfate-type salt lakes with intermediate to saturated salinities. Using a high-salt medium, we isolated a novel strain, Spiribacter halobius E85T, which possesses a relatively large and distinct genome. The genome of strain E85T has a length of 4.17 Mbp, twice that of other Spiribacter species genomes and the largest described genome within the family Ectothiorhodospiraceae. Comparative genomic analyses indicate that approximately 50% of E85T genes are strain-specific, endowing functional differences in its metabolic capabilities, biosynthesis of compatible solutes, and transport and pumping of solutes into the cell from the environment. Hundreds of insertion sequences result in many pseudogenes and frequent gene fragment rearrangements in the E85T genome. Dozens of genomic islands, which show a significant preference for replication, recombination and repair, and cell motility and may have been gained from other bacterial species, are scattered in the genome. This study provides important insights into the general genetic basis for the abundance of Spiribacter in hypersaline environments and the strain-specific genome evolutionary strategies of strain E85T.
Maternal spawning experience and thermal effects on offspring viability of chub mackerel and their influence on reproductive success
Authors: Yoneda Michio , Kitano Hajime , Nyuji Mitsuo , Nakamura Masahiro , Takahashi Masanori , Kawabata Atsushi , Matsuyama Michiya , Shimizu Akio , Tsuzaki Tatsuo , Togashi Hiroyuki , Kamimura Yasuhiro
Published: December 2022

Maternal effects on offspring viability significantly contribute to the productivity and resilience of exploited marine fish populations. The temporal trend of biomass of chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) in the western North Pacific showed cyclic fluctuation patterns, but it has been rapidly increasing since 2011. Although there are several assumptions regarding the mechanisms of the population dynamics of this species in these waters, there is a contradiction in the effects of thermal environmental conditions on recruitment success. We explored the effects of maternal age and/or previous spawning experience on egg and offspring traits of captive chub mackerel in response to thermal conditions. Moreover, from the relationship between the growth rate and temperature experienced by captive fish, the experienced temperatures of wild specimens were assessed. The sizes of eggs spawned from females aged 1–3 years were negatively correlated with temperature, but the effects of maternal age on egg size and nutrition were significant with larger and nutrient-rich eggs spawned from 2- or 3-year-old females (repeat spawners) than those from 1-year-old females (first-time spawners) at a given temperature. Such temperature- and maternal-age-dependent egg traits reflected the standard length of first-feeding larvae. The effects of maternal age on the starvation tolerance of larvae after hatching and body sizes of first-feeding larvae were also evident in larvae derived from 3-year-old females showing longer starvation tolerance and larger body heights than those from 1-year-old females. Further, larvae derived from 3-year-old females grew significantly faster than those from 1-year-old females at the tested temperatures. The process of ontogenetic development and growth rate of captive specimens until age 25 days were positively correlated with temperature. Meanwhile, the estimated temperatures experienced by wild specimens until age 25 days ranged from 18.0 to 20.3°C. These findings suggested that there were opposing thermal responses between maternal and offspring traits of chub mackerel, but the temperatures experienced by the main recruit fish may be restricted within the range of temperatures available for spawning. We discuss the mechanisms of reproductive success of this species in accordance with the maternal spawning experience and thermal effects on life history traits.
Acoustic sampling of Antarctic krill with simulated underwater buoyancy gliders: Does the sawtooth dive pattern work?
Authors: Kinzey Douglas , Cossio Anthony M. , Reiss Christian S. , Watters George M.
Published: December 2022

Autonomous underwater gliders may be viable adjuncts to or in some cases replacements for ship-based oceanographic sampling. Gliders and ships acoustically sample the water column differently, with ships sampling all depths simultaneously in a single vertical pulse and gliders sampling shorter vertical segments of the water column in an up and down, sawtooth pattern. We simulated gliders following this flight pattern to sample the densities at depth of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), a patchily-distributed crustacean that is targeted by an international fishery. Krill densities from ship-based surveys conducted between 2001 to 2011 were treated as the “true” population densities sampled by the simulated gliders. Depth-integrated densities estimated from the glider sampling were compared to the population densities for each year. Coverage probabilities (the proportion of population means within a standard deviation of the glider sample means) for gliders diving to 150 m were near 100% in most years, better than the nominal 68%. Gliders diving to a maximum depth of 150 m estimated the annual population means better than gliders diving deeper because shallow dives provided more samples for a given length of trackline. Modeling the zero and non-zero data as separate distributions (the delta approach), an alternative to the lognormal CV approach used in this study, resulted in less accurate estimates of krill population densities. These results suggest that the sawtooth flight pattern of gliders can produce density estimates of krill comparable to the annual time series of density estimates from ship-based surveys. Gliders may also be useful to survey other patchily-distributed pelagic organisms.
Cloning, characterization and expression analysis of caspase-8 genes from the golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus)
Authors: Da Fan , Wan Xiaoju , Lin Guixiang , Jian Jichang , Cai Shuanghu
Published: December 2022

Bacterial infection triggers apoptosis and immunity by regulating the expression of caspases. In this article, we report two caspase-8 paralogs, termed ToCas8 and ToCas8-like, from an economically important teleost golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus). Caspase-8 is a classic cysteine protease that is essential for the initiation and execution of apoptosis and is a critical regulator in initiating death receptor-induced programmed cell death. The two proteins encoded by ToCas8 and ToCas8-like were characterized by multiple sequence alignment and protein structure analysis showing similarity to their counterparts in vertebrates and exhibiting typical features of the Caspase-8 protein family. Gene synteny analysis further confirmed that two isoforms of caspase-8 genes exactly existed in golden pompano. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Caspase-8 proteins of the selected species in the study were clustered together, and Cas8 and Cas8-like were clustered into two different subgroups. In addition, ToCas8 and ToCas8-like were widely distributed and both were expressed at high levels in gill, kidney and intestinal tissues. Transcript levels of ToCas8 and ToCas8-like were significantly upregulated in response to LPS and Poly(I:C) challenges, suggesting that caspase-8 genes are involved in the immune response to pathogens. In summary, we have identified two isoforms of caspase-8 in golden pompano that are involved in the immune response. These findings will expand our understanding of the evolutionary history and functional characteristics of caspase-8 genes in vertebrates.
Graphene based microstrip patch antenna on photonic crystal substrate for 5G application
Authors: Kumar Chandan , Raghuwanshi Sanjeev Kumar , Kumar Vikram
Published: December 2022

One of the strongest and thinnest substances known to exist is graphene. It can be efficiently used for antenna fabrication and significant benefits can be analyzed such as size miniaturization, gain and return loss enhancement, flexibility and increase in bandwidth, etc. In this paper, a graphene patch antenna has been designed and fabricated for 5G applications at 28.3 GHz. Different 5G frequency allocation throughout the world is shown in tabular form. Photonic crystal substrate is used to reduce surface wave loss which in turn, increases the radiation efficiency of the antenna. The ground plane is made up of copper, treated as a Perfect Electric Conductor Several unique properties of graphene are analyzed and shown. Then, a thin graphene sheet is used as a patch and an antenna is designed and fabricated. The patch has dimensions of 3.4 mm by 2.38 mm. The simulated return loss is maximum at −33.69 dB at 28.3 GHz, whereas for the measured design it is −26.31 dB at 28.04 GHz. It is observed that graphene can be a good alternative to existing conductors, especially at higher frequencies. The proposed antenna is designed and simulated using HFSS software.
Spatial patterns of dominant bacterial community components and their influential factors in the southern Qinling Mountains, China
Authors: Zhao Yonghua , Luo Manya , Zhou Yujie , Jia Xia , Kang Shuaizhi , Yang Shuyuan , Mu Qi
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Soil bacteria not only maintain the biodiversity of forest ecosystems but also affect soil nutrient cycling and ecosystem function. Nonetheless, the spatial pattern and patchy distribution of dominant bacterial community components in soil are still rarely explored.

Method

The spatial pattern and distribution of the dominant bacterial community components and their influential factors were investigated using traditional statistics, geostatistics, and kriging spatial interpolation methods in the Huoditang region of the Qinling Mountains, China.

Results

The dominant bacterial phyla were Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, Rokubacteria, Actinobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia in this region. Among the bacterial phyla, Proteobacteria occupied an area of 2.56 km2(the greatest) in the highest patch category, followed by Planctomycetes. Moreover, among the lowest patch category, Firmicutes occupied the lowest area (11.93 km2). The results of kriging maps showed that the dominant bacterial group presented “peak,” “bimodal,” and “multimodal” distributions in Huoditang. Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadetes, Nitrospirae, and ASV (amplicon sequence variants) had significant spatial autocorrelation (< 0.68 km). Variance partitioning analysis confirmed that soil nutrients (36.5%) were the significant driving factors shaping the bacterial community structure, followed by environmental factors (28.2%) and topographic factors (7.8%). Furthermore, pH (9.1%), soil organic carbon (SOC, 6.6%), available phosphorus (AP, 4.7%), and elevation (3.9%) were the most important driving factors for the spatial distribution of bacterial community groups in the Huoditang Forest of the Qinling Mountains. The findings provide a new perspective for studying the spatial distribution characteristics and driving factors of dominant soil bacterial community components in subtropical forest ecosystems.
Dietary supplementation of Bacillus subtilis or antibiotics modified intestinal microbiome of weaned pigs under enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection
Authors: Jinno Cynthia , Li Xunde , Liu Yanhong
Published: December 2022

Our previous research reported that supplementation of Bacillus subtilis DSM 25841 promoted growth and disease resistance of weaned pigs under enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) challenge and its efficacy is comparable to carbadox. This follow-up study aimed to characterize the effects of ETEC infection, supplementing B. subtilis DSM 25841 or carbadox on intestinal microbiota of pigs. Forty-eight weaned pigs (6.17 ± 0.36 kg BW) were randomly allotted to one of four treatments: negative control (NC), positive control (PC), antibiotics (AGP, 50 mg/kg of carbadox), and direct fed microbials (DFM, 2.56 × 109  CFU/kg of B. subtilis). The experiment lasted 28 days with 7 days before and 21 days after first E. coli inoculation (day 0). Pigs in the PC, AGP, and DFM groups were orally inoculated with F18 ETEC for 3 consecutive days with 1010  CFU per dose per day. Fecal samples were collected on day −7, and day 7 and day 21 post inoculation, digesta samples were collected from jejunum, ileum, and distal colon on day 21 post inoculation to perform 16S rRNA sequencing. Sampling days and locations influenced (p < 0.05) Chao1 index and beta-diversity. Age increased (p  < 0.05) the relative abundance of Firmicutes but decreased (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes in feces. ETEC infection increased (p  < 0.05) the relative abundance of Proteobacteria in feces on day 7 post inoculation. AGP reduced (p < 0.05) relative abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillaceae in feces compared with PC and DFM. AGP reduced (p < 0.05) relative abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae in jejunum and ileum, while DFM reduced (p < 0.05) relative abundance of Actinomycetaceae in jejunum and Lachnospiraceae in ileum, compared with PC. Pigs fed with DFM had greater (p < 0.05) relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae, Veillonellaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae in jejunum, Lactobacillaceae in ileum and colon, and Bifidobacteriaceae in colon than pigs in AGP. Current results indicate that carbadox or B. subtilis had stronger influences on microbial diversity and composition in ileum than other intestinal segments and feces. Supplementation of B. subtilis could increase or maintain the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria in ileum compared with carbadox.
A positive feedback loop of the TAZ/β-catenin axis promotes Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric carcinogenesis
Authors: Xu Xinbo , Shu Chunxi , Wu Xidong , Ouyang Yaobin , Cheng Hong , Zhou Yanan , Wang Huan , He Cong , Xie Chuan , He Xingxing , Hong Junbo , Lu Nonghua , Ge Zhongming , Zhu Yin , Li Nianshuang
Published: December 2022

Background

Helicobacter pylori infection is the strongest known risk factor for gastric cancer. The Hippo signaling pathway controls organ size and maintains tissue homeostasis by coordinately regulating cell growth and proliferation. Here, we demonstrate the interactive role of TAZ, the transcriptional coactivator of the Hippo pathway, and beta-catenin in promoting the pathogenesis of H. pylori infection.

Methods

TAZ expression was evaluated in human gastric tissues and H. pylori-infected insulin–gastrin (INS-GAS) mice. Western blot, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and RT–PCR assays were performed. Coimmunoprecipitation was performed to examine the interaction between TAZ and β-catenin. TAZ and β-catenin were silenced using small interfering RNAs. HA-β-catenin and Flag-TAZ were constructed.

Results

Increased TAZ was noted in human gastric cancer tissues compared to chronic gastritis tissues and in H. pylori-positive gastritis tissues compared to H. pylori-negative gastritis tissues. In addition, H. pylori infection induced TAZ expression and nuclear accumulation in the gastric tissue of INS-GAS mice and cultured gastric epithelial cells, which was dependent on the virulence factor CagA. Moreover, TAZ or β-catenin knockdown significantly suppressed H. pylori infection-induced cell growth, survival, and invasion. Furthermore, the interactive regulation of TAZ and β-catenin activation was revealed. Finally, β-catenin was required for H. pylori-induced TAZ activation.

Conclusion

These findings suggest the existence of a positive feedback loop of activation between TAZ and β-catenin that could play an important role in CagA+ H. pylori infection-induced gastric carcinogenesis. TAZ inhibition represents a potential target for the prevention of H. pylori infection-associated gastric cancer.
Characterization of a novel thermostable alkaline lipase derived from a compost metagenomic library and its potential application in the detergent industry
Authors: Li Qing-Qing , Zhu Zi-Ran , Liu Qing-Gang , An Yu-Ting , Wang Yi-Xiang , Zhang Shu-Bin , Li Gang
Published: December 2022

Using composted soil samples, a metagenomic library consisting of 36,000 clones was constructed. Then, a novel lipase, Lip54q, which belongs to the VIII family of lipolytic enzymes, was identified from the metagenomic library by functional screening. To explore the enzymatic properties of Lip54q, lip54q was heterologous expressed in Escherichia coli with a high expression level of recombinant protein up to 720 mg/L. The recombinant enzyme showed the highest activity (28,160 U/mg) against a C10 substrate at pH 9.0 and 47°C, and was stable at temperatures ≤50°C and pH 8.0–11.0. Of particular interest, the surfactants, Tween-20, Tween-80 and Tritonx-100, exhibited strong promoting effects on Lip54q activities regardless of whether low concentrations (0.1%) or high concentrations (10%) were used. Application studies of Lip54q using six commercial detergents indicated that the enzyme had strong tolerance and immersion resistance to all six detergents. The results of oil-stain removal experiments suggested that addition of the enzyme to various commercial detergents could significantly improve the abilities of these detergents to remove oil-stains. Furthermore, the results of a molecular docking analysis of Lip54q showed that both the C10 substrate and linoleic acid molecules could form hydrogen bond interactions with the catalytic amino acids, Ser-268, Glu-168, and Asp-192, in the catalytic center of the enzyme, and the hydrogen bond distances were shorter. The electrostatic attraction between the enzyme and the substrate formed by the hydrogen bond with a shorter distance is stronger, which is conducive to the formation of a more stable complex between the enzyme and the substrate, thus increasing the activity of the enzyme to such substrate. These results 1ay a good foundation for application of this enzyme in the detergent industry in the future.