bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pregnancy Lipid Profile and Different Lipid Patterns of Gestational Diabetes Treated by Diet Itself
Authors: Cibickova L , Langova K , Schovanek J , Macakova D , Krystynik O , Karasek D
Published: May 2022

The development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects lipid metabolism during pregnancy. However, the magnitude of changes in lipid parameters is unclear. In addition, the patterns of these changes may vary based on the criteria selected for making the diagnosis of GDM. Thus, our aim was to compare the anthropometric and laboratory profiles of GDM-associated vs. GDM-free gestation with those of healthy non-pregnant women. We designed a cross-sectional study involving a group of females affected by GDM, a group of healthy pregnant controls and a group of healthy non-pregnant counterparts. GDM patients were divided into 3 subgroups according to the fulfilled diagnostic criteria, that is, those presenting with high fasting plasma glucose in the first trimester (subgroup 1), high fasting plasma glucose in the second trimester (subgroup 2) and high plasma glucose following oral glucose load in the second trimester (subgroup 3). The anthropometric and metabolic profiles of GDM subjects resembled the facets of metabolic syndrome (highest body mass index, waist circumference, C-peptide level, triglycerides) significantly more than the respective profiles of healthy non-pregnant women (p<0.0001). While total cholesterol (TC) (together with LDL-C and non-HDL-C) in pregnant women with GDM and without GDM did not differ, both groups had significantly higher levels of triglycerides (TG) than non-pregnant women (p<0.0001). Subgroup 1 had the highest fasting glucose level in the second trimester whereas subgroup 3 had the lowest fasting glucose level (p=0.019). Concentration of TG increased, being the lowest in subgroup 1 and the highest in subgroup 3 (p=0.006). Women with GDM had more pronounced features of metabolic syndrome than pregnant women without GDM. Both groups reached higher levels of TC (LDL-C, non-HDL-C) than non-pregnant controls and did not differ from each other. We found differences in TG and fasting glucose levels among different types of GDM
Multiglandular Parathyroid Disease in Primary Hyperparathyroidism With Inconclusive Conventional Imaging
Authors: Zajíčková K , Včelák J. , Lešková Z , Grega M , Goltzman D , Zogala D
Published: May 2022

Inconclusive preoperative imaging is a strong predictor of multiglandular parathyroid disease (MGD) in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). MGD was investigated in a cohort of 17 patients with PHPT (mean age 64.9 years, total calcium 2.75 mmol/l and parathyroid hormone (PTH) 113.3 ng/l) who underwent 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT (FCH) imaging before surgery. The initial MIBI SPECT scintigraphy (MIBI) and/or neck ultrasound were not conclusive or did not localize all pathological parathyroid glands, and PHPT persisted after surgery. Sporadic MGD was present in 4 of 17 patients with PHPT (24 %). In 3 of 4 patients with MGD, FCH correctly localized 6 pathological parathyroid glands and surgery was successful. Excised parathyroid glands were smaller (p <0.02) and often hyperplastic in MGD than in single gland disease. In two individuals with MGD, excision of a hyperplastic parathyroid gland led to a false positive decline in intraoperative PTH and/or postoperative serum calcium. Although in one patient it was associated with partial false negativity, parathyroid imaging with FCH seemed to be superior to neck ultrasound and/or MIBI scintigraphy in MGD.
Potential Protective Effect of Puncture Vine (Tribulus terrestris, L.) Against Xylene Toxicity on Bovine Ovarian Cell Functions
Authors: Tarko A , Štochmaľová A , Hrabovszká S , Vachanová A , Harrath AH , Aldahmash W , Grossman R , Sirotkin AV
Published: May 2022

The action of the medicinal plant Tribulus terrestris (TT) on bovine ovarian cell functions, as well as the protective potential of TT against xylene (X) action, remain unknown. The aim of the present in vitro study was to elucidate the influence of TT, X and their combination on basic bovine ovarian cell functions. For this purpose, we examined the effect of TT (at doses of 0, 1, 10, and 100 ng/ml), X (at 20 μg/ml) and the combination of TT + X (at these doses) on proliferation, apoptosis and hormone release by cultured bovine ovarian granulosa cells. Markers of proliferation (accumulation of PCNA), apoptosis (accumulation of Bax) and the release of hormones (progesterone, testosterone and insulin-like growth factor I, IGF-I) were analyzed by quantitative immunocytochemistry and RIA, respectively. TT addition was able to stimulate proliferation and testosterone release and inhibit apoptosis and progesterone output. The addition of X alone stimulated proliferation, apoptosis and IGF-I release and inhibited progesterone and testosterone release by ovarian cells. TT was able to modify X effects: it prevented the antiproliferative effect of X, induced the proapoptotic action of X, and promoted X action on progesterone but not testosterone or IGF-I release. Taken together, our observations represent the first demonstration that TT can be a promoter of ovarian cell functions (a stimulator of proliferation and a suppressor of apoptosis) and a regulator of ovarian steroidogenesis. X can increase ovarian cell proliferation and IGF-I release and inhibit ovarian steroidogenesis. These effects could explain its anti-reproductive and cancer actions. The ability of TT to modify X action on proliferation and apoptosis indicates that TT might be a natural protector against some ovarian cell disorders associated with X action on proliferation and apoptosis, but it can also promote its adverse effects on progesterone release.
PEMBENTUKAN PERSEPSI LANSIA TENTANG VAKSINASI COVID-19 DI KABUPATEN MERAUKE
Authors: Sigalingging Ida Masnita , Sherlly Maria
Published: May 2022

Virus Covid-19 telah masuk ke Indonesia sejak Maret 2020 dan sejak saat itu, dampak yang ditimbulkan dari Covid-19 saangatlah besar karena mengganggu kesehatan dan meruntuhkan sektor ekonomi. Vaksinasi menjadi salah satu solusi yang paling penting dalam mengatasi pandemic virus Covid-19. Diawali dengan vaksinasi terhadap bapak Presiden Joko Widodo pada 13 January 2021 yang kemudian vaksinasi berlanjut untuk kelompok prioritas seperti tenaga kesehatan dan lansia kemudian seluruh masyarakat Indonesia di berbagai daerah termasuk Kabupaten Merauke. Jurnal ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui mengenai persepsi lansia di Kabupaten Merauke terhadap vaksinasi Covid-19.
MAKNA KESENIAN BOKOBA PADA MASYARAKAT ROKAN HULU PROVINSI RIAU (Studi Etnografi Komunikasi Bokoba di Pasir Pangaraian Kec. Rambah Kab Rokan Hulu)
Authors: Nurrahmi Nurrahmi , Salam Noor Efni , Yasir Yasir
Published: May 2022

Bokoba merupakan salah satu bentuk sastra lisan yang disampaikan dengan gaya diceritakan, dinyayikan, dan diiringi alat musik serta menggunakan bahasa Melayu. Bokoba dituturkan, didengarkan, dan dihayati secara bersama-sama pada peristiwa tertentu berkaitan dengan upacara perkawinan, upacara menanam dan menuai padi, kelahiran bayi, dan tujuan magis. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan menggunakan studi etnografi komunikasi dimana dalam penyajiannya terdiri dari tiga konsep yaitu situasi komunikasi, peristiwa komunikasi dan tindak komunikasi. Informan penelitian berjumlah 7 (tujuh) orang dengan teknik pengumpulan data dengan menggunakan wawancara, observasi non partisipan, dan dokumentasi. Dari hasil penelitian ditemukan makna : (1) situasi komunikasi yaitu situasi komunikasi yang terjadi pada pertunjukan Bokoba di zaman dahulu berbeda dengan zaman sekarang, hal ini di lihat setting and scene. (2) peristiwa komunikasi pada pertunjukan Bokoba yang memiliki perbedaan dengan pertunjukan di zaman dahulu dilihat dari kompenen-kompenen peristiwa komunikasi yang dikemukakan oleh Hymes yang di sebut SPEAKING. (3) tindak komunikasi, di konsep ini ditemukan bahwa tukang Koba mahir berbasa-basi atau melantunkan Koba sehingga maksud dan tujuan yang disampaikan di mengerti oleh audiens atau penonton. Beberapa nilai-nilai yang dapat disimpulkan dalam penelitian ini adalah seperti nilai Budaya, nilai pendidkan religious, nilai ketangguhan dan nilai kepedulian.
MAKNA PESAN DALAM TRADISI UPACARA ADAT KAWIN CAI DI SITU BALONG DALEM BERBASIS LOCAL WISDOM DESA BABAKAN MULYA KECAMATAN JALAKSANA KABUPATEN KUNINGAN
Authors: Wicaksono Tegar , Nurudin Nurudin , Nurfalah Farida
Published: May 2022

Kebudayaan merupakan suatu kebiasaan yang mengandung nilai-nilai penting yang diturunkan dari generasi ke generasi. Warisan tersebut harus dijaga agar tidak pudar atau hilang, sehingga dapat dilestarikan oleh generasi selanjutnya. Dilihat dari segi komunikasi, budaya dan komunikasi memiliki keterkaitan dan timbal balik. Indonesia sangat terkenal dengan keragaman budayanya yang unik dengan ciri dan ciri khasnya sendiri. Salah satu bentuk tradisi yang menarik untuk dijadikan penelitian oleh peneliti adalah tradisi Upacara Kawin Cai. Seperti yang penulis teliti di Kabupaten Kuningan khususnya di Desa Babakan Mulya Kecamatan Jalaksana dimana di desa tersebut memiliki tradisi upacara adat dengan menyatukan 2 mata air dalam rangka menghormati leluhur dan menjaga kelestarian budaya warisan leluhur. Keseluruhan penelitian tersebut dengan metode deskriptif kualitatif dan menggunakan analisis semiotika serta menggunakan teori ikon, indeks, simbol dalam konsep alex sanders Pierce. Data yang diperoleh dalam penelitian ini diperoleh melalui observasi lapangan dan wawancara kepada beberapa informan. Hasil yang diperoleh bahwa pakaian adat ketua adat kampung putih yang menjadi salah satu ikon pada saat Upacara Kawin Cai menggambarkan kesucian bahwa seorang punduh adalah orang yang memiliki hati yang bersih, jauh dari Keburukan dan pesan moral yang terkandung dalam Upacara Kawin Cai untuk selalu mengingat dan tidak melupakan sejarah nenek moyang, selalu menjaga kelestarian lingkungan, menjaga kelestarian budaya, tidak menjadi masyarakat yang rakus, bekerja sama dengan sesama manusia yang baik, dan harus selalu hidup bermasyarakat. hidup sederhana.
A Model for a Biosocial Society
Authors: Fu Aaron Peng
Published: May 2022

At present, human society is facing unbalanced and maximized development and a weakening of sustainable living. Based on a new perspective, this study develops and explores a social system model based on biological morphology and mechanisms. It simultaneously introduces the stands and principles of a new social model. The result has a clear basis and is self-evident in reality. It indicates that the main social conflicts and developing crises are determined by the fundamental social form and principle. Therefore, a balanced, coordinated and sustainable new societal mode is the real solution. The biosocial model was built based on a unique perspective and cognitive mechanism, allowing us to build a new social mode that contains biological characteristics and mechanisms and directly connects and synchronizes with the natural ecological system.
Detection of Foreign Material in Soybean (Glycine max) Grain
Authors: Schwartz-Lazaro Lauren M. , LaBiche Gabrielle , Copes Josh T.
Published: May 2022

The United States (US) is ranked second in the world in exporting soybean with Louisiana ranked 17th for exporting agricultural products, including soybean. Importing countries maintain high standards for the level of foreign material (FM) accepted in soybean grain shipments. While it has been identified that changes are needed, there is limited research on what comprises the FM, specifically weed seeds, in these samples. The objective of the study was to determine what proportion of the FM consists of weed seeds and to quantify those seeds in Louisiana grain elevators and in Mississippi River Valley (MRV) barges bound for Louisiana. Fifty soybean samples were taken from barges traveling down the Mississippi River Valley (MRV) as well as 56 total samples from Louisiana grain elevators. Each sample was weighed, and each fraction of the FM was separated, weighed, and counted to determine the exact proportion of each fraction. Twelve different weed seeds were found within the FM samples. The amount of weed seeds found was not consistent based on where the sample was retrieved, grain elevator or MRV barge, however the total FM was <1% for all MRV barge samples. A better understanding of the FM in soybean grain samples will allow the midsouthern US to know more accurately which weed seeds are found within grain bound for exportation.
DNA Damage Response and Repair in Adaptive Immunity
Authors: Luo Sha , Qiao Ruolin , Zhang Xuefei
Published: May 2022

The diversification of B-cell receptor (BCR), as well as its secreted product, antibody, is a hallmark of adaptive immunity, which has more specific roles in fighting against pathogens. The antibody diversification is from recombination-activating gene (RAG)-initiated V(D)J recombination, activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID)-initiated class switch recombination (CSR), and V(D)J exon somatic hypermutation (SHM). The proper repair of RAG- and AID-initiated DNA lesions and double-strand breaks (DSBs) is required for promoting antibody diversification, suppressing genomic instability, and oncogenic translocations. DNA damage response (DDR) factors and DSB end-joining factors are recruited to the RAG- and AID-initiated DNA lesions and DSBs to coordinately resolve them for generating productive recombination products during antibody diversification. Recently, cohesin-mediated loop extrusion is proposed to be the underlying mechanism of V(D)J recombination and CSR, which plays essential roles in promoting the orientation-biased deletional end-joining . Here, we will discuss the mechanism of DNA damage repair in antibody diversification.
Lens Fibrosis: Understanding the Dynamics of Cell Adhesion Signaling in Lens Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Taiyab Aftab , West-Mays Judith
Published: May 2022

Injury to the ocular lens perturbs cell-cell and cell-capsule/basement membrane interactions leading to a myriad of interconnected signaling events. These events include cell-adhesion and growth factor-mediated signaling pathways that can ultimately result in the induction and progression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lens epithelial cells and fibrosis. Since the lens is avascular, consisting of a single layer of epithelial cells on its anterior surface and encased in a matrix rich capsule, it is one of the most simple and desired systems to investigate injury-induced signaling pathways that contribute to EMT and fibrosis. In this review, we will discuss the role of key cell-adhesion and mechanotransduction related signaling pathways that regulate EMT and fibrosis in the lens.
An Anti-MRSA Phage From Raw Fish Rinse: Stability Evaluation and Production Optimization
Authors: Abd-Allah Israa M. , El-Housseiny Ghadir S. , Alshahrani Mohammad Y. , El-Masry Samar S. , Aboshanab Khaled M. , Hassouna Nadia A.
Published: May 2022

Accumulating evidence has denoted the danger of resistance in tenacious organisms like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA, a supple bacterium that adopts a variety of antibiotic resistance mechanisms, is the cause of multiple life-threatening conditions. Approaching a post-antibiotic era, bacteria-specific natural predators, bacteriophages, are now given the chance to prove eligible for joining the antibacterial weaponry. Considering the foregoing, this study aimed at isolating bacteriophages with promising anti-MRSA lytic activity, followed by characterization and optimization of the production of the bacteriophage with the broadest host range. Five phages were isolated from different environmental sources including the rinse of raw chicken egg, raw milk, and, remarkably, the raw meat rinses of chicken and fish. Examined for lytic activity against a set of 23 MRSA isolates collected from various clinical specimens, all five phages showed relatively broad host ranges with the bacteriophage originally isolated from raw fish rinse showing lytic activity against all the isolates tested. This phage is suggested to be a member of Siphoviridae family, order Caudovirales, as revealed by electron microscopy. It also exhibited good thermal stability and viability at different pH grades. Moreover, it showed reasonable stability against UV light and all viricidal organic solvents tested. Optimization using D-optimal design by response surface methodology was carried out to enhance the phage yield. The optimum conditions suggested by the generated model were a pH value of 7, a carbon source of 0.5% w/v sucrose, and a nitrogen source of 0.1% w/v peptone, at a temperature of 28°C and a bacterial inoculum size of 107 CFU/ml, resulting in a 2 log-fold increase in the produced bacteriophage titer. Overall, the above findings indicate the lytic ability inflicted by this virus on MRSA. Apparently, its stability under some of the extreme conditions tested implies its potential to be a candidate for pharmaceutical formulation as an anti-MRSA therapeutic tool. We hope that bacteriophages could tip the balance in favor of the human front in their battle against multidrug-resistant pathogens.
Gender, Climate Change Adaptation, and Cultural Sustainability: Insights From Bangladesh
Authors: Roy Sajal , Tandukar Shristi , Bhattarai Utsab
Published: May 2022

The focus of this paper is mainly to investigate climate change adaptation practices and the applicability of a cultural sustainability approach in understanding gender dimension of the residents of the southwest coast of Bangladesh. It is one of the most vulnerable regions in South Asia due to the significant impacts of climate change. The long-term effects of climate change in this region are the increasing salinity in farmlands, heatwaves, and sea-level rise. The southwest coast of Bangladesh is a classic example of “good practice” as well as the center for learning, implementing, and communicating climate change adaptation actions in practice. The reason for this the collective action carried out to initiate and improve adaptation activities by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of the Government of Bangladesh, as well as several national and international development and non-government organizations (NGOs). Using a systematic review of literature, and field-based case studies, we examined how gender and cultural issues (such as the adaptive capacity of men and women, and the transformation of gendered power relations) have been addressed to successfully implement climate change adaptation initiatives in the context of the nominated study area. Our study results revealed that both male and female participants were strategic and capable of dealing with climate change impacts, although the adaptive capacity of the former group was comparatively sturdier than the later. The extent of cultural sustainability was found to be weaker in the study region compared to many other coastal communities in the country. The efforts made by NGOs in collaboration with the governmental bodies of Bangladesh were found contributory in providing knowledge of climate change along with the techniques to adapt to its consequences for the people of the study region. Similarly, the activities of NGOs were found influential in helping the government to support people in adapting to climate change in terms of the gendered and cultural sustainability perspectives. Our findings contribute to the field of climate change impacts in understanding the complexities of rural development.
Plasma Membrane Localization of CD36 Requires Vimentin Phosphorylation; A Mechanism by Which Macrophage Vimentin Promotes Atherosclerosis
Authors: Kim Seo Yeon , Jeong Se-Jin , Park Ji-Hae , Cho Wonkyoung , Ahn Young-Ho , Choi Youn-Hee , Oh Goo Taeg , Silverstein Roy L. , Park Young Mi
Published: May 2022

Vimentin is a type III intermediate filament protein expressed in cells of mesenchymal origin. Vimentin has been thought to function mainly as a structural protein and roles of vimentin in other cellular processes have not been extensively studied. Our current study aims to reveal functions of vimentin in macrophage foam cell formation, the critical stage of atherosclerosis. We demonstrated that vimentin null (Vim–/–) mouse peritoneal macrophages take up less oxidized LDL (oxLDL) than vimentin wild type (Vim+/+) macrophages. Despite less uptake of oxLDL in Vim–/– macrophages, Vim+/+ and Vim–/– macrophages did not show difference in expression of CD36 known to mediate oxLDL uptake. However, CD36 localized in plasma membrane was 50% less in Vim–/– macrophages than in Vim+/+ macrophages. OxLDL/CD36 interaction induced protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated vimentin (Ser72) phosphorylation. Cd36–/– macrophages did not exhibit vimentin phosphorylation (Ser72) in response to oxLDL. Experiments using phospho-mimetic mutation of vimentin revealed that macrophages with aspartate-substituted vimentin (V72D) showed more oxLDL uptake and membrane CD36. LDL receptor null (Ldlr–/–) mice reconstituted with Vim–/– bone marrow fed a western diet for 15 weeks showed 43% less atherosclerotic lesion formation than Ldlr–/– mice with Vim+/+ bone marrow. In addition, Apoe–/–Vim–/– (double null) mice fed a western diet for 15 weeks also showed 57% less atherosclerotic lesion formation than Apoe–/– and Vim+/+mice. We concluded that oxLDL via CD36 induces PKA-mediated phosphorylation of vimentin (Ser72) and phosphorylated vimentin (Ser72) directs CD36 trafficking to plasma membrane in macrophages. This study reveals a function of vimentin in CD36 trafficking and macrophage foam cell formation and may guide to establish a new strategy for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Differential Gene Expression and Immune Cell Infiltration in Carotid Intraplaque Hemorrhage Identified Using Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Lv Xiaoshuo , Wang Feng , Sun Mingsheng , Sun Congrui , Fan Xueqiang , Ma Bo , Yang Yuguang , Ye Zhidong , Liu Peng , Wen Jianyan
Published: May 2022

Background

Intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) is an important feature of unstable plaques and an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. However, the molecular mechanisms contributing to IPH are incompletely characterized. We aimed to identify novel biomarkers and interventional targets for IPH and to characterize the role of immune cells in IPH pathogenesis.

Methods

The microarray dataset GSE163154 which contain IPH and non-IPH plaque samples was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). R software was adopted for identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and conducting functional investigation. The hub genes were carried by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and were validated by the GSE120521 dataset. CIBERSORT deconvolution was used to determine differential immune cell infiltration and the relationship of immune cells and hub genes. We confirmed expression of proteins encoded by the hub genes by immunohistochemistry and western blotting in 8 human carotid endarterectomy samples with IPH and 8 samples without IPH (non-IPH).

Results

We detected a total of 438 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 248 were upregulated and 190 were downregulated. DEGs were mainly involved in inflammatory related pathways, including neutrophil activation, neutrophil degranulation, neutrophil-mediated immunity, leukocyte chemotaxis, and lysosomes. The hub genes found through the method of degree in the PPI network showed that ITGB2 and ITGAM might play an important role in IPH. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) results also showed a good performance of these two genes in the test and validation dataset. We found that the proportions of infiltrating immune cells in IPH and non-IPH samples differed, especially in terms of M0 and M2 macrophages. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting analysis showed that expression levels of ITGB2 and ITGAM increased significantly in carotid atherosclerotic plaques with IPH.

Conclusion

ITGB2 and ITGAM are key hub genes of IPH and may play an important role in the biological process of IPH. Our findings advance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of IPH pathogenesis and provide valuable information and directions for future research into novel targets for IPH diagnosis and immunotherapy.
Association Between Dietary Fiber Intake and Heart Failure Among Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2018
Authors: Zhang Hao , Lin Zhibin , Chen Jun , Gan Daojing , Zhou Haobin , Ma Zhuang , Zeng Xianghui , Xue Yuting , Wang Xiao , Zhan Qiong , Zeng Qingchun , Xu Dingli
Published: May 2022

Objective

To explore the association between dietary fiber and heart failure (HF).

Methods

Data were collected from the 2009–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Dietary fiber intake data were obtained from two 24-h dietary recall interviews. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models were used to explore the association of dietary intakes of total, cereal, fruit, and vegetable fiber with HF prevalence.

Results

A total of 21869 adults were included in this study. After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for HF was 0.49 (0.28 to 0.87, P for trend = 0.016) for the highest tertile versus lowest tertile of total fiber intake. Similar results were observed for cereal but not fruit and vegetable fiber intake. Dose-response analysis indicated that dietary intake of total and cereal fiber were inversely associated with HF in a linear manner.

Conclusion

Intakes of total and cereal fiber were inversely associated with HF in adults.
Image Recognition–Based Identification of Multifractal Features of Faults
Authors: Hu Xiuquan , Liu Hong , Tan Xiucheng , Yi Chi , Niu Zhipeng , Li Jianghan , Li Jieyi
Published: May 2022

Geologists have made several advances in applying multifractal theory in geology; however, some questions such as a large statistical workload and low efficiency remain unanswered. Thus, this study proposes an image recognition–based method for calculating fault multifractality. First, grayscale processing and binarization of the fault distribution map were performed. The image was then gridded, and the grids were numbered. Subsequently, computer image recognition technology was used to count the number of faults in each grid as a replacement for manual counting. Finally, the fractal dimensions of the faults were calculated using a multifractal box-counting algorithm. This method was successfully applied to fracture studies of the Maokou Formation in southeast Sichuan. Compared to the conventional approach, the proposed method demonstrated considerably improved work efficiency and accuracy. The results showed that the faults in the study area exhibited good statistical self-similarity in the scale range, indicating fractal characteristics. The fractal dimensions of faults with different orientations and the planar distribution of the fractal dimension contours indicate tectonic stages and stress magnitude in the study area. The results indicate that the tectonic setting of southeast Sichuan was formed primarily during the Indosinian, Yanshanian, and Himalayan periods. From the Indosinian to the early Yanshanian periods, NE-trending faults with relatively large fractal dimensions developed under NW–SE compressional tectonic stress. From the Late Yanshanian to Early Himalayan, EW-trending faults were formed by relatively weak N–S compressional stress and had the lowest fractal dimensions. The NW-trending faults formed by intense NE–SW compressional tectonic stress in the Late Himalayan region had the highest fractal dimensions. To promote oil and gas migration and ensure that faults do not destroy the caprock, oil and gas reservoirs must be in a relatively mild tectonic environment. Thus, the fractal dimensions of faults in favorable areas should be neither too high nor too low. The relationship between the fractal dimensions of faults and well test results in southeast Sichuan indicates that the region along the wells “ls1–xia14–guan3” (with fractal dimensions of 1.49–1.57) in the study area is a relatively favorable region for oil and gas preservation.
Impact of Treat-to-Target Therapy on Bone Mineral Density Loss in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Huang Hong , Wang Yu , Xie Wenhui , Geng Yan , Gao Dai , Zhang Zhuoli
Published: May 2022

Background

Osteoporosis is a common comorbidity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although RA disease activity has been demonstrated to be associated with bone loss in previous studies, most of them were cross-sectional studies and not in the context of treat-to-target (T2T) strategies.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the association of disease activity with bone mineral density (BMD) changes in the context of T2T strategies in a prospective RA cohort.

Methods

RA patients were enrolled from a prospective CENTRA cohort of Peking University First Hospital. The follow-ups have been scheduled every 3 to 6 months. BMD was repeated at baseline, 1 year, and then every other year. Demographics, baseline clinical features, laboratory data, and medications at each visit were recorded. Time-adjusted mean disease activity scores were adopted to reflect the overall disease activity during follow-up. The influence of univariable associations between predictors and BMD was investigated using linear regression.

Results

A total of 268 patients were included in our analysis. Their mean age was 50 (12.9) years, and 224 (83.6%) were women. The median (IQR) disease duration was 48.7 (107.6) months. Osteoporosis in the lumbar spine was observed in 23.1% of patients and 9.3% in the femoral neck at enrollment. Older age, higher SDAI score, and lower BMI were associated with osteoporosis at baseline. The proportion of patients who achieved DAS28-ESR, CDAI, and SDAI remission or LDA at the end of the first year was 71.5%, 68.8%, and 67.4%, respectively. Reevaluations of BMD at 1 year were applied to 144 patients. Mean decreases of BMDs were 1.75% at the lumbar spine and 1.40% at the femoral neck at 1 year from baseline, respectively. Patients who achieved remission had less yearly bone loss in the lumbar spine (p = 0.036). Female gender was identified as a risk factor in the multiple linear regression analyses, and lower disease activity and bisphosphonates were protective factors of continuous bone loss.

Conclusion

Disease activity is associated with bone loss in RA patients in the context of T2T strategies, and those who achieved remission had less yearly bone loss.
Transcriptome Analysis of Multiple Metabolic Tissues in High-Salt Diet–Fed Mice
Authors: Mao Fei , Wang E. , Xu Jing , Lu Jin , Yan Guofeng , Fu Li , Jiao Yang , Wu Ling , Liu Tiemin , Li Yao
Published: May 2022

High-salt diet (HSD) is associated with dysregulated metabolism and metabolic disorders. Although previous studies have indicated its effect on metabolic tissues, the involving molecular mechanisms are not quite understood. In the present study, we provided a comprehensive transcriptome analysis on multiple metabolic tissues of HSD-fed mouse model by RNA sequencing. We observed that several genes associated with de novo lipogenesis and cholesterol biosynthesis were significantly downregulated in white adipose tissue and liver tissue of HSD mice group, such as Fasn, Scd1, Acaca, and Thrsp. Furthermore, combined with secretome datasets, our results further demonstrated that HSD could alter expression levels of organokines in metabolic tissues, for example, Tsk and Manf, in liver tissue and, thus, possibly mediate cross-talk between different metabolic tissues. Our study provided new insight about molecular signatures of HSD on multiple metabolic tissues.
Shade and Cd Conditions Strongly Impact the Physiological Responses of Purple Perilla
Authors: Zhang Yiran , Zhang Hanzhi
Published: May 2022

Plant metabolic regulation is an important strategy for dealing with abiotic stress, which can initiate dramatic changes in metabolite profiles. Metabolomic studies have been extensively used to reveal the responses of plants to abiotic stress, but research concerning how shade growth conditions impact the physiological responses of purple Perilla under Cd stress is still rare. Therefore, the research was designed to observe the important metabolites of purple Perilla under shaded conditions and Cd stress. In this study, we compared the metabolite profiles of purple Perilla exposed to shade and Cd stresses. The results showed that the metabolite profiles of purple Perilla under these stresses could be classified separately. Compared with the normal sunlight treatment, important energy metabolic pathways, including the citrate cycle, and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, were inhibited under shade stress. Metabolite analysis revealed that pyruvate was involved in numerous metabolic pathways under Cd stress, and decreased pyruvate was regarded as a metabolite marker for physiological changes. The results show that increased thiamine is an important intermediate that is beneficial for enhancement of Cd stress tolerance.
Evolution and Biogeography of Freshwater Snails of the Genus Bulinus (Gastropoda) in Afromontane Extreme Environments
Authors: Tumwebaze I. , Clewing C. , Chibwana F. D. , Kipyegon J. K. , Albrecht C.
Published: May 2022

Mountains are considered island-like systems often characterized by exceptional biodiversity and endemism. There are many highly isolated mountain ranges in Africa that collectively have been called the Afromontane archipelago. Freshwater snails of the genus Bulinus are composed of many veterinary and biomedical important species. These intermediate hosts for schistosomiasis parasites are wide spread and some of the species are considered to be highly adapted to very harsh environmental conditions such as droughts or low temperatures. However, the extent to which the Bulinus have adapted to live in high-altitudes and factors influencing these range shifts are not well investigated. In this study, we analyzed pan-African Bulinus species from various habitats across different altitudinal ranges, focusing on the high mountains or “sky islands” to examine how the contemporary climate and historical geological factors affect species distributions and evolutionary processes. Using a fossil-calibrated multigene phylogeny composed of two mitochondrial genes (cox1, 16S) and two nuclear genes (ITS2 and H3), we tested: 1) how often and when extreme altitudes were colonized, 2) what are the biogeographical affinities and degree of isolation of high-altitude species, 3) which lineages diversified and evolved endemism in the Afromontane environments, and 4) whether the Afromontane regions represent “sky islands”. Bayesian phylogenetic inference employing a fossil-calibrated molecular clock resulted in a strongly supported phylogeny resolving the relationships between the four Bulinus groups. High-altitude colonization exists exclusively within the Bulinus truncatus/tropicus complex. Several independent colonization events occurred in the Pliocene and Pleistocene throughout Africa, mostly from nearby regions of the respective mountain ranges. Most species evolved in low to mid-altitudinal ranges. Endemism is pronounced in the Ethiopian Highlands and those of Kenya and Lesotho. A previously unknown species was found at an extreme altitude (∼4,000 m a.s.l.) on Mt. Elgon/Uganda extending the formerly known altitudinal maximum of the genus by roughly 900 m. The endemic species has already diverged in the Pliocene (∼4 myr) and is currently characterized by low genetic diversity. There is further cryptic diversity in mountain ranges of Lesotho. Our findings are discussed in a biogeographical, conservation and biomedical context.
A Fly in the Ointment: How to Predict Environmentally Driven Phenology of an Organism That Partially Regulates Its Microclimate
Authors: Chappell Thomas M. , Rusch Travis W. , Tarone Aaron M.
Published: May 2022

Phenological models representing physiological and behavioral processes of organisms are used to study, predict, and optimize management of ecological subsystems. One application of phenological models is the prediction of temporal intervals associated with the measurable physiological development of arthropods, for the purpose of estimating future time points of interest such as the emergence of adults, or estimating past time points such as the arrival of ovipositing females to new resources. The second of these applications is of particular use in the conduct of forensic investigations, where the time of a suspicious death must be estimated on the basis of evidence, including arthropods with measurable size/age, found at the death scene. Because of the longstanding practice of using necrophagous insects to estimate time of death, standardized data and methods exist. We noticed a pattern in forensic entomological validation studies: bias in the values of a model parameter is associated with improved model fit to data, for a reason that is inconsistent with how the models used in this practice are interpreted. We hypothesized that biased estimates for a threshold parameter, representing the lowest temperature at which insect development is expected to occur, result in models’ accounting for behavioral and physiological thermoregulation but in a way that results in low predictive reliability and narrowed applicability of models involving these biased parameter estimates. We explored a more realistic way to incorporate thermoregulation into insect phenology models with forensic entomology as use context, and found that doing so results in improved and more robust predictive models of insect phenology.
Advantages and Limitations of Gene Therapy and Gene Editing for Friedreich’s Ataxia
Authors: Sivakumar Anusha , Cherqui Stephanie
Published: May 2022

Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) is an inherited, multisystemic disorder predominantly caused by GAA hyper expansion in intron 1 of frataxin (FXN) gene. This expansion mutation transcriptionally represses FXN, a mitochondrial protein that is required for iron metabolism and mitochondrial homeostasis, leading to neurodegerative and cardiac dysfunction. Current therapeutic options for FRDA are focused on improving mitochondrial function and increasing frataxin expression through pharmacological interventions but are not effective in delaying or preventing the neurodegeneration in clinical trials. Recent research on in vivo and ex vivo gene therapy methods in FRDA animal and cell models showcase its promise as a one-time therapy for FRDA. In this review, we provide an overview on the current and emerging prospects of gene therapy for FRDA, with specific focus on advantages of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing of FXN as a viable option to restore endogenous frataxin expression. We also assess the potential of ex vivo gene editing in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells as a potential autologous transplantation therapeutic option and discuss its advantages in tackling FRDA-specific safety aspects for clinical translation.
Investigating the Association Between Seven Sleep Traits and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Observational and Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Fan Hong , Liu Zhenqiu , Zhang Xin , Yuan Huangbo , Zhao Xiaolan , Zhao Renjia , Shi Tingting , Wu Sheng , Xu Yiyun , Suo Chen , Chen Xingdong , Zhang Tiejun
Published: May 2022

Background and Aim: Aberrant sleep parameters are associated with the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, existing information is inconsistent among studies and involves reverse causation. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the observational associations and causations between sleep traits and NAFLD.

Methods: We performed multivariable regression to assess observational associations of seven sleep traits (sleep duration, easiness of getting up in the morning, chronotype, nap during day, snoring, insomnia, and narcolepsy), and NAFLD in the UK Biobank (1,029 NAFLD). The Cox proportional hazards model was applied to derive hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Furthermore, a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach was used to explore the causal relationships between sleep traits and NAFLD.

Results: In the multivariable regression model adjusted for potential confounders, getting up in the morning not at all easy (HR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.27–1.78) and usually insomnia (HR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.21–1.75) were associated with the risk of NAFLD. Furthermore, the easiness of getting up in the morning and insomnia showed a dose–response association with NAFLD (Ptrend <0.05). MR analysis found consistent causal effects of NAFLD on easiness of getting up in the morning (OR, 0.995; 95% CI, 0.990–0.999; p = 0.033) and insomnia (OR, 1.006; 95% CI, 1.001–1.011; p = 0.024). These results were robust to weak instrument bias, pleiotropy, and heterogeneity.

Conclusions: Findings showed consistent evidence of observational analyses and MR analyses that trouble getting up in the morning and insomnia were associated with an increased risk of NAFLD. Bidirectional MR demonstrated causal effects of NAFLD on sleep traits.
A DNA Damage Repair Gene Signature Associated With Immunotherapy Response and Clinical Prognosis in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Peng Linjie , Liang Jiaming , Wang Qi , Chen Guodong
Published: May 2022

Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common subtype in renal cell carcinoma with relatively poor clinical outcomes DNA damage repair genes (DDRGs) as potential biomarkers are rarely reported in predicting immunotherapy response and clinical prognosis for ccRCC.

Methods: RNA-seq and clinical data of ccRCC cohort were collected form TCGA database. Univariate Cox regression and LASSO analysis were performed to construct a DDRG risk signature. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to explore latently enriched pathways associated with DDRG signature. Immune cell infiltration level was estimated using gene set enrichment analysis, and immune response of ccRCC was predicted by tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) algorithm. To predict 1-, 3-, and 5-years overall survival (OS), a nomogram was constructed based on independent prognostic factors, whose performance would be evaluated by calibration curve.

Results: A total of 47 DNA damage repair related genes (DDRGs) with significant prognostic value were identified in the ccRCC cohort (n = 519). A DDRG risk signature comprising six DRRGs (MSH3, RAD54L, RAD50, EME1, UNG, and NEIL3) were constructed by the LASSO analysis. ccRCC patients were then divided into low- and high-risk groups based on the risk score. Survival analysis revealed that patients in high-risk groups exhibited significantly poorer OS and progression-free survival (PFS), as was confirmed by the testing dataset. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between high- and low-risk groups were mainly associated with immune-related biological processes in ccRCC, among which the immunodeficiency pathway was significantly enriched in the high-risk group. Though the risk signature was significantly correlated with the immune cell infiltration, PD-1 and PD-L1 were less expressed in the DDRG signature, which might indicate the poor response to immunotherapy in the high-risk group. Furthermore, the Cox regression analysis indicated that the DDRG signature can be served as an independent prognostic predictor when compared to clinical characteristics. Based on the independent prognostic predictors, we constructed a nomogram with excellent predictive ability in OS prediction for ccRCC patients.

Conclusion: We developed a reliable DDRG risk signature that can independently predict the OS and PFS of ccRCC, which is also promising for predicting immunotherapeutic responses in ccRCC patients.
Stool and Ruminal Microbiome Components Associated With Methane Emission and Feed Efficiency in Nelore Beef Cattle
Authors: Andrade Bruno G. N. , Bressani Flavia A. , Cuadrat Rafael R. C. , Cardoso Tainã F. , Malheiros Jessica M. , de Oliveira Priscila S. N. , Petrini Juliana , Mourão Gerson B. , Coutinho Luiz L. , Reecy James M. , Koltes James E. , Neto Adhemar Z. , R. de Medeiros Sérgio , Berndt Alexandre , Palhares Julio C. P. , Afli Haithem , Regitano Luciana C. A.
Published: May 2022

Background:The impact of extreme changes in weather patterns on the economy and human welfare is one of the biggest challenges our civilization faces. From anthropogenic contributions to climate change, reducing the impact of farming activities is a priority since it is responsible for up to 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions. To this end, we tested whether ruminal and stool microbiome components could be used as biomarkers for methane emission and feed efficiency in bovine by studying 52 Brazilian Nelore bulls belonging to two feed intervention treatment groups, that is, conventional and by-product-based diets.

Results:We identified a total of 5,693 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) in the Nelore bulls’ microbiomes. A Differential abundance analysis with the ANCOM approach identified 30 bacterial and 15 archaeal ASVs as differentially abundant (DA) among treatment groups. An association analysis using Maaslin2 software and a linear mixed model indicated that bacterial ASVs are linked to the host’s residual methane emission (RCH4) and residual feed intake (RFI) phenotype variation, suggesting their potential as targets for interventions or biomarkers.

Conclusion:The feed composition induced significant differences in both abundance and richness of ruminal and stool microbial populations in ruminants of the Nelore breed. The industrial by-product-based dietary treatment applied to our experimental groups influenced the microbiome diversity of bacteria and archaea but not of protozoa. ASVs were associated with RCH4emission and RFI in ruminal and stool microbiomes. While ruminal ASVs were expected to influence CH4emission and RFI, the relationship of stool taxa, such asAlistipesand Rikenellaceae (gut group RC9), with these traits was not reported before and might be associated with host health due to their link to anti-inflammatory compounds. Overall, the ASVs associated here have the potential to be used as biomarkers for these complex phenotypes.
BBPpredict: A Web Service for Identifying Blood-Brain Barrier Penetrating Peptides
Authors: Chen Xue , Zhang Qianyue , Li Bowen , Lu Chunying , Yang Shanshan , Long Jinjin , He Bifang , Chen Heng , Huang Jian
Published: May 2022

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a major barrier to drug delivery into the brain in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Blood-brain barrier penetrating peptides (BBPs), a class of peptides that can cross BBB through various mechanisms without damaging BBB, are effective drug candidates for CNS diseases. However, identification of BBPs by experimental methods is time-consuming and laborious. To discover more BBPs as drugs for CNS disease, it is urgent to develop computational methods that can quickly and accurately identify BBPs and non-BBPs. In the present study, we created a training dataset that consists of 326 BBPs derived from previous databases and published manuscripts and 326 non-BBPs collected from UniProt, to construct a BBP predictor based on sequence information. We also constructed an independent testing dataset with 99 BBPs and 99 non-BBPs. Multiple machine learning methods were compared based on the training dataset via a nested cross-validation. The final BBP predictor was constructed based on the training dataset and the results showed that random forest (RF) method outperformed other classification algorithms on the training and independent testing dataset. Compared with previous BBP prediction tools, the RF-based predictor, named BBPpredict, performs considerably better than state-of-the-art BBP predictors. BBPpredict is expected to contribute to the discovery of novel BBPs, or at least can be a useful complement to the existing methods in this area. BBPpredict is freely available at http://i.uestc.edu.cn/BBPpredict/cgi-bin/BBPpredict.pl.