bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expansion of Immature Neutrophils During SIV Infection Is Associated With Their Capacity to Modulate T-Cell Function
Authors: Lemaitre Julien , Desjardins Delphine , Gallouët Anne-Sophie , Gomez-Pacheco Mario , Bourgeois Christine , Favier Benoit , Sáez-Cirión Asier , Le Grand Roger , Lambotte Olivier
Published: February 2022

In spite of the efficacy of combinational antiretroviral treatment (cART), HIV-1 persists in the host and infection is associated with chronic inflammation, leading to an increased risk of comorbidities, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurocognitive disorders, and cancer. Myeloid cells, mainly monocytes and macrophages, have been shown to be involved in the immune activation observed in HIV-1 infection. However, less attention has been paid to neutrophils, the most abundant circulating myeloid cell, even though neutrophils are strongly involved in tissue damage and inflammation in several chronic diseases, in particular, autoimmune diseases. Herein, we performed a longitudinal characterization of neutrophil phenotype and we evaluated the interplay between neutrophils and T cells in the model of pathogenic SIVmac251 experimental infection of cynomolgus macaques. We report that circulating granulocytes consists mainly of immature CD10- neutrophils exhibiting a prime phenotype during primary and chronic infection. We found that neutrophil priming correlates with CD8+ T cell activation. Moreover, we provide the evidence that neutrophils are capable of modulating CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell proliferation and IFN-γ production in different ways depending on the time of infection. Thus, our study emphasizes the role of primed immature neutrophils in the modulation of T-cell responses in SIV infection.
Neutrophils Contribute to ER Stress in Lung Epithelial Cells in the Pristane-Induced Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage Mouse Model
Authors: Tumurkhuu Gantsetseg , Laguna Duygu Ercan , Moore Richard E. , Contreras Jorge , Santos Gabriela De Los , Akaveka Luisa , Montano Erica N. , Wang Yizhou , Ishimori Mariko , Venuturupalli Swamy , Forbess Lindsy J. , Stripp Barry R. , Wallace Daniel J. , Jefferies Caroline A.
Published: February 2022

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH), although rare, is a life-threatening complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Little is known about the pathophysiology of DAH in humans, although increasingly neutrophils, NETosis and inflammatory monocytes have been shown to play an important role in the pristane-induced model of SLE which develops lung hemorrhage and recapitulates many of the pathologic features of human DAH. Using this experimental model, we asked whether endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress played a role in driving the pathology of pulmonary hemorrhage and what role infiltrating neutrophils had in this process. Analysis of lung tissue from pristane-treated mice showed genes associated with ER stress and NETosis were increased in a time-dependent manner and reflected the timing of CD11b+Ly6G+ neutrophil accumulation in the lung. Using precision cut lung slices from untreated mice we observed that neutrophils isolated from the peritoneal cavity of pristane-treated mice could directly induce the expression of genes associated with ER stress, namely Chop and Bip. Mice which had myeloid-specific deletion of PAD4 were generated and treated with pristane to assess the involvement of PAD4 and PAD4-dependent NET formation in pristane-induced lung inflammation. Specific deletion of PAD4 in myeloid cells resulted in decreased expression of ER stress genes in the pristane model, with accompanying reduction in IFN-driven genes and pathology. Lastly, coculture experiments of human neutrophils and human lung epithelial cell line (BEAS-2b) showed neutrophils from SLE patients induced significantly more ER stress and interferon-stimulated genes in epithelial cells compared to healthy control neutrophils. These results support a pathogenic role of neutrophils and NETs in lung injury during pristane-induced DAH through the induction of ER stress response and suggest that overactivation of neutrophils in SLE and NETosis may underlie development of DAH.
A Signature of N6-methyladenosine Regulator-Related Genes Predicts Prognoses and Immune Responses for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Junjun , Lu Tianzhu , Zhong Fangyan , Lv Qiaoli , Fang Min , Tu Ziwei , Ji Yulong , Li Jingao , Gong Xiaochang
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to construct a signature of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulator-related genes that could be used for the prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and to clarify the molecular and immune characteristics and benefits of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy using the prognostic signature to define the subgroups of HNSCC. This study showed that eighteen m6A regulators were abnormally expressed in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) HNSCC tissues compared with those in normal tissues. We constructed a signature of 12 m6A regulator-related genes using the Cox risk model, combined with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) variable screening algorithm. Based on the median of the signature risk score, the patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups. The Kaplan–Meier survival analyses showed that patients with high-risk scores demonstrated poorer overall survival (OS) than those with low-risk scores based on TCGA-HNSCC data (p <0.001). The OS of high-risk patients was significantly worse than that of low-risk patients in the GSE65858 (p <0.001) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) oral cancer cohorts (p = 0.0089). Furthermore, immune infiltration analyses showed that 8 types of immune cell infiltration showed highly significant differences between the two risk groups (p <0.001). In the Imvigor210CoreBiologies dataset of patients who received ICIs, the objective response rate (ORR) of the low-risk group (32%) was significantly higher than that of the high-risk group (13%). Additionally, patients in the high-risk group presented with a more significant adverse OS than that of the low-risk group (p = 0.00032). GSE78220 also showed that the ORR of the low-risk group (64%) was higher than that of the high-risk group (43%) and the OS of low-risk patients was better than that of high-risk patients (p = 0.0064). The constructed prognostic signature, based on m6A regulator-related genes, could be used to effectively distinguish between prognoses for HNSCC patients. The prognostic signature was found to be related to the immune cell infiltration of HNSCC; it might help predict the responses and prognoses of ICIs during treatment.
Association of Peripheral Blood Biomarkers With Response to Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy for Patients With Deficient Mismatch Repair Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Cheng Yi-Kan , Chen Dong-Wen , Chen Ping , He Xiaosheng , Li Pei-Si , Lin Zhen-Sen , Chen Shao-Xia , Ye Shu-Biao , Lan Ping
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) is an established biomarker for the response to the programmed cell death (PD)-1 inhibitors in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Although patients with dMMR mCRC could achieve a high incidence of disease control and favorable progression-free survival (PFS), reported response rates to PD-1 inhibitors are variable from 28% to 52%. We aimed to explore the additional predictive biomarkers associated with response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in patients with dMMR mCRC.

Methods

This multicenter cohort study enrolled patients with dMMR mCRC receiving anti-PD-1 immunotherapy at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University and Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between December 2016 and December 2019. The total information of 20 peripheral blood biomarkers, including T cells (frequency of CD4+ T cell, frequency of CD8+ T cell, and ratio of CD4+/CD8+), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), inflammatory markers, and lipid metabolism markers, was collected. The association between response or survival and peripheral blood parameters was analyzed.

Results

Among the tested parameters, the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ and frequency of CD4+ T cell were significantly associated with PFS (p = 0.023, p = 0.012) and overall survival (OS; p = 0.027, p = 0.019) in a univariate analysis. A lower level of CD4+/CD8+ ratio or frequency of CD4+ T cell showed a significant association with better overall response rates (ORRs; p = 0.03, p = 0.01). The ratio of CD4+/CD8+ and frequency of CD4+ T cell maintained significance in multivariate Cox model for PFS (HR = 9.23, p = 0.004; HR = 4.83, p = 0.02) and OS (HR = 15.22, p = 0.009; HR = 16.21, p = 0.025).

Conclusion

This study indicated that the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ and the frequency of CD4+ T cell might be crucial independent biomarkers within dMMR mCRC to better identify patients for anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. If validated in prospective clinical trials, the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ and the frequency of CD4+ T cell might aid in guiding the treatment of PD-1 inhibitors among patients with dMMR mCRC.
iPSC-Derived Natural Killer Cell Therapies - Expansion and Targeting
Authors: Goldenson Benjamin H. , Hor Pooja , Kaufman Dan S.
Published: February 2022

Treatment of cancer with allogeneic natural killer (NK) cell therapies has seen rapid development, especially use against hematologic malignancies. Clinical trials of NK cell-based adoptive transfer to treat relapsed or refractory malignancies have used peripheral blood, umbilical cord blood and pluripotent stem cell-derived NK cells, with each approach undergoing continued clinical development. Improving the potency of these therapies relies on genetic modifications to improve tumor targeting and to enhance expansion and persistence of the NK cells. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived NK cells allow for routine targeted introduction of genetic modifications and expansion of the resulting NK cells derived from a clonal starting cell population. In this review, we discuss and summarize recent important advances in the development of new iPSC-derived NK cell therapies, with a focus on improved targeting of cancer. We then discuss improvements in methods to expand iPSC-derived NK cells and how persistence of iPSC-NK cells can be enhanced. Finally, we describe how these advances may combine in future NK cell-based therapy products for the treatment of both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Donor and Dietary Fiber Intervention Collectively Contribute to Gut Health in a Mouse Model
Authors: Zhong Yifan , Cao Jiahong , Ma Yanfei , Zhang Yu , Liu Jianxin , Wang Haifeng
Published: February 2022

Transforming the gut microbiota has turned into the most intriguing target for interventions in multiple gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal disorders. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a therapeutic tool that administers feces collected from healthy donors into patients to help replenish the gut microbial balance. Considering the random donor selection, to maintain the optimal microbial ecosystem, post-FMT is critical for therapy outcomes but challenging. Aiming to study the interventions of different diets on recipients’ gut microbiota post-FMT that originated from donors with different diets, we performed FMT from domestic vs. wild pigs that are living on low-fiber vs. high-fiber diets into the pseudo-GF mouse, followed with fiber-free (FF) or fiber-rich (FR) diets post-FMT. Different patterns of gut microbiota and metabolites were observed when mice FMT from different donors were paired with different dietary fiber contents. Enrichment of bacteria, including Akkermansia and Parabacteroides, together with alteration of metabolites, including palmitic acid, stearic acid, and nicotinic acid, was noted to improve crypt length and mucus layer in the gut in mice FMT from wild pigs fed an FR diet. The results provide novel insight into the different responses of reconstructed gut microbiota by FMT to dietary fiber. Our study highlighted the importance of post-FMT precise dietary interventions.
Combined Effects of Microplastics and Benzo[a]pyrene on the Marine Diatom Chaetoceros muelleri
Authors: Su Yuanyuan , Qi Huaiyuan , Hou Yipeng , Gao Mengyi , Li Jie , Cai Minggang , Zhu Xiaoshan , Chen Miao , Ge Chengjun , Fu Dongdong , Wang Zezheng , Peng Licheng
Published: February 2022

Microplastics are regarded as ubiquitous pollutants in the ocean and have attracted worldwide concerns. Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), one of typical polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), is commonly detected in marine environment. Once coexisted, the microplastics and B[a]P may interact with each other and result in combined toxicity to organisms, and these remain to be systematically elucidated. Thus, this study aims to investigate (i) the effects of single micro-sized polystyrene (mPS), polyethylene terephthalate (mPET), and B[a]P on cell growth of Chaetoceros muelleri; and (ii) the interaction of microplastics and B[a]P, and their combined effects on C. muelleri. The results showed that both single microplastics and B[a]P at a high concentration of 150 μg/L inhibited the growth of C. muelleri. For single treatment of microplastics, stronger inhibition effects on microalgae was caused by mPET than that of mPS, with the highest IR of 25.23 and 11.17%, respectively. This may be attributed to the obvious surface roughness of mPET. By comparison, the combined effects of microplastics and B[a]P significantly inhibited the growth of C. muelleri as compared with the single treatment of B[a]P (P < 0.05). Synergistic effect was found in the combination of microplastics with B[a]P at high concentrations of 150 μg/L. Interestingly, the antagonistic effect on C. muelleri was observed in the combined treatment of microplastics and B[a]P at low concentrations of 10 μg/L. In addition, the pollutants reduced the content of photosynthetic pigments in microalgal cells. The SOD and MDA content of microalgae increased in the early stage of exposure to pollutants (e.g., Days 1 and 5), but decreased in the later stage (Day 15) compared with the control group. The decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in single and composite systems may indicate that the antioxidative enzymatic system of microalgae has been inhibited or destroyed. This study will be helpful to further explore the ecological threats of microplastics and PAHs to the marine ecosystem.
Occurrence of Microplastic Pollution in the Beibu Gulf, the Northern South China Sea
Authors: Zhu Zuhao , Wei Huihua , Huang Wei , Wu Xingxu , Guan Yao , Zhang Qiufeng
Published: February 2022

In this study, microplastics were sampled and analyzed from surface water and sediment samples from July to August in 2020, in the Beibu Gulf (the northern South China Sea [SCS]), a gulf with intensive fishery activities while the economy is less developed, compared with other coastal areas of China. The abundances of microplastics in seawater and sediment in the Beibu Gulf were 0.67 items/m3 and 4.33 items/kg of dry weight, respectively. In seawater, the fragments (92.38%) contributed the most, and polystyrene (PS) was the dominant polymer (53.23%). In sediment, the most abundant microplastics were fiber (82.93%) and rayon (RY; 39.54%). The abundances of remarkably higher microplastics were found in the seawater and sediment adjacent to the urban area. The abundances of microplastics in far coastal sediment were only slightly lower than that in the coastal sediment, indicating that microplastics are ready to transport and bury in open area sediment. Significant positive correlations between the microplastic abundance and population density and per capita gross domestic product (GDP) were found in Chinese coastal seawater, with low population density and less developed economy, and the microplastic pollution in the Beibu Gulf was at a low level. This study provides preliminary data of microplastics in the Beibu Gulf, supporting further investigation of transportation fate and management of this emerging pollutant from the coastal zone to the SCS.
Diel Patterns in Marine Microbial Metatranscriptomes Reflect Differences in Community Metabolic Activity Over Depth on the Continental Shelf of the North Atlantic
Authors: Zehnpfennig Jessica R. , Hansel Colleen M. , Wankel Scott D. , Sheik Cody S. , Horton Dean J. , Lamborg Carl H. , Learman Deric R.
Published: February 2022

Microbial community dynamics are influenced not only by biological but also physical and chemical phenomena (e.g., temperature, sunlight, pH, wave energy) that vary on both short and long-time scales. In this study, samples of continental shelf waters of the northwest Atlantic Ocean were periodically collected from pre-sunrise to post-sunset and at multiple depths over summers of 2016 and 2017. Metatranscriptomic analyses revealed expression of photosynthetic genes in surface water samples corresponding to a diel relationship with sunlight. Photosynthetic genes originated from known phototrophs including Aureococcus, Ostreococcous, Synechocococus, and Prochlorococcus. Photosynthetic gene expression occurred pre-sunrise, suggesting the community initiates transcription before sunlight exposure, ostensibly to harvest energy more efficiently when the anticipated increase in light occurs. Transcripts from photoheterotrophic members of the SAR11 clade were also documented in surface samples, with rhodopsin expression being more abundant pre-sunrise and post-sunrise. Conversely, samples taken from the aphotic layer exhibited expression of transcripts related to nitrification that did not vary over the diel cycle. Nitrification gene transcripts, specifically amoA, nirK, hao, and norAB, were taxonomically related to well-known genera of ammonia oxidizers, such as Nitrospira, Candidatus Nitrosomarinus, Nitrosospira, and Nitrosopumilus. Overall, this study documents the role of light (varying with time and depth) in shaping the photosynthetic microbial community activity in the surface ocean, and further demonstrates that this diel regulation of photosynthesis is decoupled from the activity of the nitrifying microbial community in deeper and darker waters.
Global Health Governance on Cruise Tourism: A Lesson Learned From COVID-19
Authors: Hu Zhengliang , Li Wenwen
Published: February 2022

Cruise tourism is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. However, the health and safety of thousands of cruise tourists have been put in jeopardy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The refusal of cruise ships calling has been the most significant reason behind the health hazards faced by passengers. Moreover, some coastal States have decided to close their borders, leaving passengers to their own fate in the case of a COVID-19 outbreak on board. Situation analysis contributes to demonstrating obstacles encountered in public health governance on cruise tourism. Information is collected from official websites of governments and international organizations to investigate the reasons behind the non-compliance of these countries with the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005). Academic literatures showcase different views on the necessity of revising the IHR (2005). Statistical analysis is used to assess core capacities required by the IHR (2005) of the coastal States. Coastal States reserve their rights to refuse foreign cruise ships to enter ports and to prevent the persons aboard from embarking or disembarking so long as conditions under Article 43 are met. However, some foreign cruise ships were directly refused to call by various coastal States without scientific evidence. This practice stems largely from the high risk of COVID-19 outbreaks in cruise ships and the resulting burden from the cruise pandemic response. Compared with improving IHR (2005), especially its dispute settlement mechanism, helping coastal States to boost their core capacities is more conducive to solving the problem of cruise public health governance. The improvement of core capacities can be carried out from the aspects of surveillance of cruise ships and risk assessment, medical examinations on cruise travelers, cruise design and cruise tourism management.
Uniaxial Compression Damage Mechanical Properties and Mechanisms of Dolomite Under Deep High-Humidity Condition
Authors: Chen Wei , Peng Wenqing , Wan Wen , Wang Xianqing , Wu Qiuhong , Zhou Yu , Xie Senlin
Published: February 2022

The paper studies the uniaxial compression mechanical properties of pillars under the deep and high-humidity environment. We make the pillars cored from the −750 m mine room of Wengfu Phosphate Mine into the standard dolomite samples and test with a humidity control device developed by ourselves. Combining with uniaxial compression tests and microstructure inspections, we study the mechanical deterioration rule and damage mechanism of the dry samples and the wet ones that have been placed in a high-humidity condition (90% RH) for 30, 60 and 90 d, respectively. The results show that: 1) When the sample is placed in the humidity device, its original layered or sheet crystal morphology will change into sponge-like or flocculent morphology. As the placement time increases, the structure of the sample becomes looser and the boundaries between layers become blurred. The numbers of micro-cracks and micro-pores increase. 2) In the initial stage of water molecule intrusion (0–30 d), the strength and mass damages of the rock sample are less, and the damage rate is low. As high-humidity action time increases (30–90 d), the damage rates of both strength and mass gradually grow. 3) The failure modes of dolomites include shear failure and tensile/shear mixed failure, which are controlled by the storage time under high-humidity condition. As time goes by, more macroscopic cracks appear and the failure mode of the rock changes from shear to tensile. 4) Based on the X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis on mineral components, together with the principle of chemical kinetics, we discuss the chemical reaction process between dolomite and gaseous water molecules, and summarize the chemical damage mechanism of rocks during the water-rock interaction. The research has a certain guiding significance for the durability and stability prediction of pillars under deep high-humidity conditions.
Machine Learning Assisted Design of Experiments for Solid State Electrolyte Lithium Aluminum Titanium Phosphate
Authors: Zhao Yinghan , Schiffmann Nikolas , Koeppe Arnd , Brandt Nico , Bucharsky Ethel C. , Schell Karl G. , Selzer Michael , Nestler Britta
Published: February 2022

Lithium-ion batteries with solid electrolytes offer safety, higher energy density and higher long-term performance, which are promising alternatives to conventional liquid electrolyte batteries. Lithium aluminum titanium phosphate (LATP) is one potential solid electrolyte candidate due to its high Li-ion conductivity. To evaluate its performance, influences of the experimental factors on the materials design need to be investigated systematically. In this work, a materials design strategy based on machine learning (ML) is employed to design experimental conditions for the synthesis of LATP. In the variation of parameters, we focus on the tolerance against the possible deviations in the concentration of the precursors, as well as the influence of sintering temperature and holding time. Specifically, models built with different design selection strategies are compared based on the training data assembled from previous laboratory experiments. The best one is then chosen to design new experiment parameters, followed by measuring the corresponding properties of the newly synthesized samples. A previously unknown sample with ionic conductivity of 1.09 × 10−3 S cm−1 is discovered within several iterations. In order to further understand the mechanisms governing the high ionic conductivity of these samples, the resulting phase compositions and crystal structures are studied with X-ray diffraction, while the microstructures of sintered pellets are investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Our studies demonstrate the advantages of applying machine learning in designing experimental conditions by the synthesis of desired materials, which can effectively help researchers to reduce the number of required experiments.
Numerical Simulation on Cement Hydration and Microstructure Development in Repair-Substrate Interface
Authors: Lan Mingzhang , Zhou Jian , Li Hui , Wang Ying
Published: February 2022

One of the key parameters for the performance of concrete repairs is the quality of the interface between the repair material and concrete substrate, which is determined by cement hydration and microstructure development. The moisture exchange between the repair material and concrete substrate plays an important role in the cement hydration and porosity of cementitious repair materials. To better understand the influence of moisture exchange on the hydration of cementitious repair materials, this paper presents a numerical simulation of cement hydration and microstructure development of repair materials, considering moisture exchange. The simulation results reveal that the moisture exchange between the repair material and concrete substrate results in a water content change in two parts. Before the repair material setting, the water absorption of an unsaturated concrete substrate causes a reduction in the w/c ratio in the repair material, decreasing the hydration rate of the repair material. After the repair material setting, the water migrates from the concrete substrate to the repair material to provide additional water to accelerate the hydration of unhydrated cement in the repair material.
Association Between Drinking Water Sources and Osteoarthritis Incidence in Chinese Elderly Population: National Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Yangchang , Wu Tingting , Shen Shisi , Xiong Yang , Wang Xu , Yang Jialu , Chen Xirui , Lu Yanjun , Lei Xun
Published: February 2022

Background

The elderly is a vulnerable group susceptible to toxic environmental factors; however, the association between unsafe water and osteoarthritis (OA) incident among this population is poorly investigated. This study aimed to examine the effects of drinking water sources on OA risk in the Chinese elderly population.

Methods

Data were obtained from the China Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey to perform a 16-year longitudinal study. All participants aged ≥65 years at baseline were potentially eligible. Information on drinking water sources was recorded via a structured questionnaire. The water source was classified as well, surface, spring, or tap. OA was selected as the health outcome. Cox proportional hazard models, adjusted socio-demographics, lifestyle, and chronic disease were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for OA. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess the potential interactive effect.

Results

A total of 12,543 participants were included. With restriction to the longest follow-up time, the mean survival time of follow-up was 14.56 years. Among the cohort members, 1,585 members suffered from OA. In the full model, drinking from well water and spring water was associated with a higher risk of OA compared with drinking from tap water (HR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.22–1.54; HR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.03–1.74). Except for age, the effects of modifications from socioeconomic status, lifestyles, and health conditions were non-significant (p for interaction <0.05). After multiple imputations for missing data and excluding deaths in the first year of follow-up and participants with a history of the disease and using the Shared-frailty Cox model, sensitivity analysis indicated a robust association between the drinking water source and OA incidence.

Conclusion

Drinking tap water was associated with a low risk of OA among older adults in China. The use of clean water sources as a marker of decreased OA and arthritis risks must be revisited in low- and middle-income countries.
Impact of the “WeChat Cloud Service” Option for Patients in an Emergent Intensive Care Unit During an Epidemic in Tai Zhou China
Authors: Wang Jie , Qin Jie , Tung Tao-Hsin , Chen Jianping , Zheng Ningyu , Lu Lili , Jin Yingying
Published: February 2022

To explore the application and effect of “WeChat cloud service” in the emergency intensive care unit (EICU) in the context of an epidemic, we examined 774 patients admitted to an EICU between February 2020 and June 2021. Patients admitted from February 2020 to December 2020 were selected as the control group (n = 503) and those from January 2021 to June 2021 comprised the observation group (n = 271). There were no statistically significant differences in gender, age, disease, and length of stay in the EICU between the groups. The control group received the general (routine) daily service, such as communicating with families through in-person information transmission, and receiving self-provided drugs and daily supplies during the specified visiting time; the observation group received the “WeChat cloud service” providing the chance of communication, supplies, and payment through the platform at any time. We used a T-test and χ2-test to analyse the incidence of delirium, labour costs, and patient and family satisfaction throughout ICU treatment for comparison. Results indicated that the observation group had lower labour costs, less incidence of delirium, and greater patient and family satisfaction than the control group. The “WeChat cloud service” was beneficial for preventing and controlling coronavirus disease 2019 during the epidemic and providing an improved patient experience.
Lactococcus Species Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection in Pediatrics: A Case Series
Authors: Firmani Sarah E. , Maples Holly D. , Balamohan Archana
Published: February 2022

Lactococcus spp. is typically thought to be of low virulence and seldom considered pathogenic. Few cases of significant infections in children have been reported, all outside of the United States. There is also limited data on antimicrobial susceptibility testing for Lactococcus spp. We present three pediatric patients with central line bloodstream infections due to Lactococcus spp. between 2018 and 2020, along with a review of the pediatric literature.
Different Trends in the Incidence and Mortality Rates of Prostate Cancer Between China and the USA: A Joinpoint and Age-Period-Cohort Analysis
Authors: He Hairong , Liang Liang , Han Didi , Xu Fengshuo , Lyu Jun
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study used data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019) to determine the differences in the incidence and mortality of prostate cancer (PCa) between China and the USA from 1990 to 2019.

Method

The age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) and age-standardized death rates (ASDRs) in China and the USA from 1990 to 2019 were extracted from GBD 2019. Annual percentage changes and relative risks of ASIR and ASDR were calculated using joinpoint regression analysis and age-period-cohort models, respectively.

Results

The ASIR of PCa in China continually increased from 1990 to 2019, while in the USA it increased from 1990 to 1994 and then continually decreased until 2015, and then slightly increased again until 2019. The ASDR in China did not change, and the trend of ASDR in the USA was similar to the trend of the ASIR in the USA. The incidence of PCa increased with age in China, but decreased after the age of 75 years in the USA. A period effect was present, with the risk of developing PCa increasing continuously over longer time periods. Those born later had a lower risk of PCa or death, indicating a cohort effect.

Conclusion

PCa is becoming more problematic for Chinese males. Disease trends in the USA indicate that large-scale screening may be beneficial and should be immediately implemented among high-risk groups in China.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis and SARS-CoV-2 Coinfections: A Review
Authors: Bostanghadiri Narjess , Jazi Faramarz Masjedian , Razavi Shabnam , Fattorini Lanfranco , Darban-Sarokhalil Davood
Published: February 2022

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is still one of the most important causes of death worldwide. The lack of timely attention on TB diagnosis and treatment during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a potential threat to health issues and may have severe consequences for patients and health systems. There is not much information on the management of TB during this period. Here, we reviewed the current literature to evaluate the rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 coinfections and interactions between these infectious agents.

Methods

Several databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, and MEDLINE (via PubMed), were searched for original articles addressing TB and COVID-19 diseases published from December 2019 to April 2021.

Results

Of 3,879 articles, 57 articles were included in this study, and among 106,033 patients affected by COVID-19, 891 also had TB. Overall, investigators found a consistent increase in C-reactive protein, D-dimer (especially in patients with severe clinical manifestation), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, and a reduction of lymphocytes. The respiratory symptoms of TB/COVID-19 patients were similar to those of TB patients, but the risk of developing pulmonary TB increased in COVID-19 patients. Also, the mortality rate in TB/COVID-19 patients was higher than that in patients affected only by COVID-19 or TB.

Conclusion

Some reports indicated worsening respiratory symptoms and even activation of latent TB after COVID-19 or vice versa. It seems that both active and previously treated TB constituted a risk factor for COVID-19 in terms of severity and mortality, regardless of other underlying diseases and patient status. Health systems should not neglect TB during this era of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by setting up appropriate diagnostic and clinical management algorithms.
Hi-C Metagenomics in the ICU: Exploring Clinically Relevant Features of Gut Microbiome in Chronically Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Ivanova Valeriia , Chernevskaya Ekaterina , Vasiluev Petr , Ivanov Artem , Tolstoganov Ivan , Shafranskaya Daria , Ulyantsev Vladimir , Korobeynikov Anton , Razin Sergey V. , Beloborodova Natalia , Ulianov Sergey V. , Tyakht Alexander
Published: February 2022

Gut microbiome in critically ill patients shows profound dysbiosis. The most vulnerable is the subgroup of chronically critically ill (CCI) patients – those suffering from long-term dependence on support systems in intensive care units. It is important to investigate their microbiome as a potential reservoir of opportunistic taxa causing co-infections and a morbidity factor. We explored dynamics of microbiome composition in the CCI patients by combining “shotgun” metagenomics with chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C). Stool samples were collected at 2 time points from 2 patients with severe brain injury with different outcomes within a 1–2-week interval. The metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) were reconstructed based on the Hi-C data using a novel hicSPAdes method (along with the bin3c method for comparison), as well as independently of the Hi-C using MetaBAT2. The resistomes of the samples were derived using a novel assembly graph-based approach. Links of bacteria to antibiotic resistance genes, plasmids and viruses were analyzed using Hi-C-based networks. The gut community structure was enriched in opportunistic microorganisms. The binning using hicSPAdes was superior to the conventional WGS-based binning as well as to the bin3c in terms of the number, completeness and contamination of the reconstructed MAGs. UsingKlebsiella pneumoniaeas an example, we showed how chromosome conformation capture can aid comparative genomic analysis of clinically important pathogens. Diverse associations of resistome with antimicrobial therapy from the level of assembly graphs to gene content were discovered. Analysis of Hi-C networks suggested multiple “host-plasmid” and “host-phage” links. Hi-C metagenomics is a promising technique for investigating clinical microbiome samples. It provides a community composition profile with increased details on bacterial gene content and mobile genetic elements compared to conventional metagenomics. The ability of Hi-C binning to encompass the MAG’s plasmid content facilitates metagenomic evaluation of virulence and drug resistance dynamics in clinically relevant opportunistic pathogens. These findings will help to identify the targets for developing cost-effective and rapid tests for assessing microbiome-related health risks.
Biological Approaches Integrating Algae and Bacteria for the Degradation of Wastewater Contaminants—A Review
Authors: Mathew Merwin Mammen , Khatana Kanchan , Vats Vaidehi , Dhanker Raunak , Kumar Ram , Dahms Hans-Uwe , Hwang Jiang-Shiou
Published: February 2022

The traditional approach for biodegradation of organic matter in sewage treatment used a consortium of bacterial spp. that produce untreated or partially treated inorganic contaminants resulting in large amounts of poor-quality sludge. The aeration process of activated sludge treatment requires high energy. So, a sustainable technique for sewage treatment that could produce less amount of sludge and less energy demanding is required for various developed and developing countries. This led to research into using microalgae for wastewater treatment as they reduce concentrations of nutrients like inorganic nitrates and phosphates from the sewage water, hence reducing the associated chemical oxygen demand (COD). The presence of microalgae removes nutrient concentration in water resulting in reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and toxic heavy metals like Al, Ni, and Cu. Their growth also offers opportunity to produce biofuels and bioproducts from algal biomass. To optimize use of microalgae, technologies like high-rate algal ponds (HRAPs) have been developed, that typically use 22% of the electricity used in Sequencing Batch Reactors for activated sludge treatment with added economic and environmental benefits like reduced comparative operation cost per cubic meter, mitigate global warming, and eutrophication potentials. The addition of suitable bacterial species may further enhance the treatment potential in the wastewater medium as the inorganic nutrients are assimilated into the algal biomass, while the organic nutrients are utilized by bacteria. Further, the mutual exchange of CO2 and O2 between the algae and the bacteria helps in enhancing the photosynthetic activity of algae and oxidation by bacteria leading to a higher overall nutrient removal efficiency. Even negative interactions between algae and bacteria mediated by various secondary metabolites (phycotoxins) have proven beneficial as it controls the algal bloom in the eutrophic water bodies. Herein, we attempt to review various opportunities and limitations of using a combination of microalgae and bacteria in wastewater treatment method toward cost effective, eco-friendly, and sustainable method of sewage treatment.
High Prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance and Integron Gene Cassettes in Multi-Drug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates From Captive Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
Authors: Yan Xia , Su Xiaoyan , Ren Zhihua , Fan Xueyang , Li Yunli , Yue Chanjuan , Yang Mei , Deng Huidan , Deng Youtian , Xu Zhiwen , Zhang Dongsheng , Li Lin , Hou Rong , Liu Songrui , Deng Junliang
Published: February 2022

Multi-drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDR K. pneumonia) is increasingly being reported with corresponding increase in morbidity and mortality all over the world. However, limited information is available concerning MDR K. pneumonia in giant pandas. The objective of this study was to grasp the drug resistance profile of MDR K. pneumonia isolated from giant pandas. A total of 182 K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from fresh feces of 94 captive giant pandas of different ages and sex and separated by season. We performed a standard disk diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility test with the isolates and further evaluated the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) of multi-drug-resistant strains by high-throughput quantitative PCR. In addition, we then analyzed mobile genetic elements (MGEs), integron gene cassettes, and the multi-locus sequence typing of multi-drug-resistant strains by PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing results demonstrated that a total of 30 (16.5%) K. pneumoniae isolates showed multiple drug resistances. The thirty MDR K. pneumonia isolates were mainly resistant to amoxicillin (100.0%), doxycycline (86.7%), chloramphenicol (60.0%), compound trimethoprim (60.0%) and trimethoprim (56.7%). Fifty different types of antibiotic resistance genes were found, which included a total of 671 antibiotic resistance genes, in the 30 multi-drug-resistant isolates. The top ten resistance genes were: vanTC-02, aacC, blaCTX-M-04, blaSHV-01, blaSHV-02, ampC-04, blaOXY, tetD, blaTEM and tetA-02. Thirteen mobile genetic elements were detected, of which IS26 (96.67%) and intI1 (96.67%) had the highest frequency. The thirty MDR K. pneumonia isolates were negative for the traA, traF, tnsA, IS1133, ISpa7, ISkpn6, intI2 and intI3 genes. Moreover, a further investigation of integrons revealed that two types of specific gene cassettes (dfrA12 + orfF + aadA2 and dfrA12 + orfF) were identified in class 1 integrons. Multi-locus sequence typing results showed that 22 STs in the thirty MDR K. pneumonia isolates were identified, the main type was ST37 (5/30). Our results illustrate that effective surveillance and strict biosecurity strategies should be taken to prevent the spread of multi-drug-resistant bacteria, and monitor the emergence of mobile genetic elements and integrons.
Isolation, Identification and Characterization of Two Kinds of Deep-Sea Bacterial Lipopeptides Against Foodborne Pathogens
Authors: Gu Yanjun , Zheng Rikuan , Sun Chaomin , Wu Shimei
Published: February 2022

Under multiple stresses of deep sea, many microorganisms have evolved potentials to produce different metabolites to cope with the stresses they face. In this study, we isolated a bacterial strain Bacillus sp. YJ17 from the deep-sea cold seep. Compared with commercial food preservative nisin, it showed broad and strong antibacterial activities against foodborne pathogens, including multiple resistant bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The active agents were purified by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Analysis of high-energy collision induced dissociation mass spectrometry (HCD-MS) showed that the two active agents belong to family of fengycin and surfactin, and based on results of tandem mass spectrometry (HCD-MS/MS), the amino acid sequence of purified fengycin and surfactin might be Glu-Orn-Tyr-Thr-Glu-Val-Pro-Gln-Tyr-Ile and Glu-Leu/Ile-Leu/Ile-Leu/Ile-Val-Asp-Leu/Ile, respectively. Since the purified fengycin and surfactin exhibited strong inhibition against P. aeruginosa PAO1 and MRSA respectively, the inhibition mechanisms of fengycin against P. aeruginosa PAO1 and surfactin against MRSA were investigated by electron microscopy. After treatment with purified fengycin, the morphology of P. aeruginosa PAO1 became abnormal and aggregated together, and obvious cytoplasmic leakage was observed. After treatment with purified surfactin, the MRSA cells clustered together, and cell surface became rough and jagged. Further study showed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and cell membrane damage occurred in P. aeruginosa PAO1 and MRSA after treated with fengycin and surfactin, respectively. Furthermore, typical ROS scavenging enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also significantly reduced in P. aeruginosa PAO1 and MRSA after treated with fengycin and surfactin, respectively. Therefore, the inhibition mechanisms of fengycin against P. aeruginosa PAO1 and surfactin against MRSA are closely related with accumulation of ROS, which might be due to the decreased activity of CAT and SOD after treated with fengycin and surfactin, respectively. Overall, our study provides good candidates from the deep-sea environment to deal with foodborne pathogens, especially multidrug-resistant bacteria.
MicroRNA-125b-5p Correlates With Prognosis and Lung Adenocarcinoma Progression
Authors: Tang Lin , Yuan Yixiao , Zhai Haoqing , Wang Juan , Zhang Dahang , Liang Huasu , Shi Yulin , Duan Lincan , Jiang Xiulin
Published: February 2022

A growing number of studies have focused on investigating microRNAs as crucial regulators in the progression of multiple cancer types. Nevertheless, the biological effects and immunological role of miR-125b-5p in non-small cell lung cancer (lung adenocarcinoma, LUAD) have not been determined. The present study aimed to examine the function of miR-125b-5p on cell proliferation and the outcomes of LUAD patients. We utilized diverse public databases in the analysis of the expression, prognosis, diagnostic value, and immune role of miR-125b-5p in non-small cell lung cancer. The growth curve, colony formation, flow cytometry, and Transwell and invasion assays were utilized to determine the function of miR-125b-5p in LUAD progression. In this study, we found that miR-125b-5p was decreased in LUAD and correlated with poor prognosis. Pathway analyses revealed that miR-125b-5p was mainly involved in cell proliferation and immune regulation. Moreover, in vitro experiments indicated that the overexpression of miR-125b-5p significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and induced cell apoptosis of LUAD. Finally, we discovered that miR-125b-5p correlated with immune cell infiltration. In summary, these results demonstrated that miR-125b-5p serves as a prognostic marker and a therapeutic target for LUAD.
Increased RNA Transcription of Energy Source Transporters in Circulating White Blood Cells of Aged Mice
Authors: Takeuchi Yukiko , Saino Orie , Okinaka Yuka , Ogawa Yuko , Akamatsu Rie , Kikuchi-Taura Akie , Kataoka Yosky , Maeda Mitsuyo , Gul Sheraz , Claussen Carsten , Boltze Johannes , Taguchi Akihiko
Published: February 2022

Circulating white blood cells (WBC) contribute toward maintenance of cerebral metabolism and brain function. Recently, we showed that during aging, transcription of metabolism related genes, including energy source transports, in the brain significantly decreased at the hippocampus resulting in impaired neurological functions. In this article, we investigated the changes in RNA transcription of metabolism related genes (glucose transporter 1 [Glut1], Glut3, monocarboxylate transporter 4 [MCT4], hypoxia inducible factor 1-α [Hif1-α], prolyl hydroxylase 3 [PHD3] and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 [PDK1]) in circulating WBC and correlated these with brain function in mice. Contrary to our expectations, most of these metabolism related genes in circulating WBC significantly increased in aged mice, and correlation between their increased RNA transcription and impaired neurological functions was observed. Bone marrow mononuclear transplantation into aged mice decreased metabolism related genes in WBC with accelerated neurogenesis in the hippocampus. In vitro analysis revealed that cell-cell interaction between WBC and endothelial cells via gap junction is impaired with aging, and blockade of the interaction increased their transcription in WBC. Our findings indicate that gross analysis of RNA transcription of metabolism related genes in circulating WBC has the potential to provide significant information relating to impaired cell-cell interaction between WBC and endothelial cells of aged mice. Additionally, this can serve as a tool to evaluate the change of the cell-cell interaction caused by various treatments or diseases.