bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P14AS upregulates gene expression in the CDKN2A/2B locus through competitive binding to PcG protein CBX7
Authors: Li Zhuoqi , Qiao Juanli , Ma Wanru , Zhou Jing , Gu Liankun , Deng Dajun , Zhang Baozhen
Published: September 2022

Background: It is well known that P16INK4A, P14ARF, P15INK4B mRNAs, and ANRIL lncRNA are transcribed from the CDKN2A/2B locus. LncRNA P14AS is a lncRNA transcribed from antisense strand of P14ARF promoter to intron-1. Our previous study showed that P14AS could upregulate the expression level of ANRIL and P16INK4A and promote the proliferation of cancer cells. Because polycomb group protein CBX7 could repress P16INK4A expression and bind ANRIL, we wonder whether the P14AS-upregulated ANRIL and P16INK4A expression is mediated with CBX7.

Results: In this study, we found that the upregulation of P16INK4A, P14ARF, P15INK4B and ANRIL expression was induced by P14AS overexpression only in HEK293T and HCT116 cells with active endogenous CBX7 expression, but not in MGC803 and HepG2 cells with weak CBX7 expression. Further studies showed that the stable shRNA-knockdown of CBX7 expression abolished the P14AS-induced upregulation of these P14AS target genes in HEK293T and HCT116 cells whereas enforced CBX7 overexpression enabled P14AS to upregulate expression of these target genes in MGC803 and HepG2 cells. Moreover, a significant association between the expression levels of P14AS and its target genes were observed only in human colon cancer tissue samples with high level of CBX7 expression (n = 38, p < 0.05), but not in samples (n = 37) with low level of CBX7 expression, nor in paired surgical margin tissues. In addition, the results of RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP)- and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-PCR analyses revealed that lncRNA P14AS could competitively bind to CBX7 protein which prevented the bindings of CBX7 to both lncRNA ANRIL and the promoters of P16INK4A, P14ARF and P15INK4B genes. The amounts of repressive histone modification H3K9m3 was also significantly decreased at the promoters of these genes by P14AS in CBX7 actively expressing cells.

Conclusions: CBX7 expression is essential for P14AS to upregulate the expression of P16INK4A, P14ARF, P15INK4B and ANRIL genes in the CDKN2A/2Blocus. P14AS may upregulate these genes’ expression through competitively blocking CBX7-binding to ANRIL lncRNA and target gene promoters.
The wiener index of the zero-divisor graph for a new class of residue class rings
Authors: Wei Yinhu , Luo Ricai
Published: September 2022

The zero-divisor graph of a commutative ring R, denoted by Γ(R), is a graph whose two distinct vertices x and y are joined by an edge if and only if xy = 0 or yx = 0. The main problem of the study of graphs defined on algebraic structure is to recognize finite rings through the properties of various graphs defined on it. The main objective of this article is to study the Wiener index of zero-divisor graph and compressed zero-divisor graph of the ring of integer modulo psqt for all distinct primes p, q and s,t∈N. We study the structure of these graphs by dividing the vertex set. Furthermore, a formula for the Wiener index of zero-divisor graph of Γ(R), and a formula for the Wiener index of associated compressed zero-divisor graph ΓE(R) are derived for R=Zpsqt.
From research to practice: Adapting agriculture to climate today for tomorrow in Ethiopia
Authors: Grossi Amanda , Dinku Tufa
Published: September 2022

Eighty percent of the world's agriculture is rainfed, making it highly vulnerable to climate fluctuations and stresses, such as those brought about by climate variability and change. Sub-Saharan Africa and Ethiopia in particular have experienced a significant increase in climate variability over the past decade, which has led to more frequent weather extremes such as floods and droughts. Because 85% of Ethiopia depends upon agriculture for its livelihoods, such rainfall shortages or excesses can impede food production, access to financial and natural assets, and the ability to recover in subsequent crop seasons. This means that climate variability in agriculture not only affects the availability of the food Ethiopians consume, but also the income of its smallholder farmers. Variability in rainfall and temperature can also have adverse effects on livestock and the pastoralists whose livelihoods depend upon it. Thus, all development planning and practice in the agriculture and related sectors need to take climate variability and long-term climate change into account. Climate services can contribute to the alleviation of a range of climate-sensitive development challenges, including agricultural production and food security. The Adapting Agriculture to Climate Today for Tomorrow (ACToday) approach of the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI), Columbia University, USA, aims to develop climate service solutions through enhancement of the availability and effectiveness of climate information in national policy, planning, management, and other decision-making processes in countries that are particularly dependent on agriculture and vulnerable to the effects of climate variability and change. It targets improved food security, nutrition, environmental sustainability and economic outcomes in these countries by promoting the use of climate information and services to manage current climate risks, while laying the foundation for adaptation to future climatic conditions. In this Perspective, we share experiences from the implementation of the ACToday project and approach in Ethiopia, outlining its accomplishments and challenges. In doing so, we characterize best practices and pitfalls to avoid to ensure climate knowledge and information truly meet the needs of climate-informed decision making and climate-smart policy and planning. We also outline pragmatic guidance to ensure activities designed to evolve climate research into services are done so appropriately, responsibly, and sustainably to bridge the gap between those who produce climate information and those who ultimately use it.
Expanding role of deoxyribonucleic acid-sensing mechanism in the development of lifestyle-related diseases
Authors: Nishimoto Sachiko , Sata Masataka , Fukuda Daiju
Published: September 2022

In lifestyle-related diseases, such as cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, and kidney diseases, chronic inflammation plays a causal role in their pathogenesis; however, underlying mechanisms of sterile chronic inflammation are not well-understood. Previous studies have confirmed the damage of cells in these organs in the presence of various risk factors such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cigarette smoking, releasing various endogenous ligands for pattern recognition receptors. These studies suggested that nucleic acids released from damaged tissues accumulate in these tissues, acting as an endogenous ligand. Undamaged DNA is an integral factor for the sustenance of life, whereas, DNA fragments, especially those from pathogens, are potent activators of the inflammatory response. Recent studies have indicated that inflammatory responses such as the production of type I interferon (IFN) induced by DNA-sensing mechanisms which contributes to self-defense system in innate immunity participates in the progression of inflammatory diseases by the recognition of nucleic acids derived from the host, including mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The body possesses several types of DNA sensors. Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) recognizes DNA fragments in the endosomes. In addition, the binding of DNA fragments in the cytosol activates cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP)-adenosine monophosphate (AMP) synthase (cGAS), resulting in the synthesis of the second messenger cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP). The binding of cGAMP to stimulator of interferon genes (STING) activates NF-κB and TBK-1 signaling and consequently the production of many inflammatory cytokines including IFNs. Numerous previous studies have demonstrated the role of DNA sensors in self-defense through the recognition of DNA fragments derived from pathogens. Beyond the canonical role of TLR9 and cGAS-STING, this review describes the role of these DNA-sensing mechanism in the inflammatory responses caused by endogenous DNA fragments, and in the pathogenesis of lifestyle-related diseases.
Case report: Right ventricular outflow tract obstruction caused by multicomponent mesenchymal tumor
Authors: Huang Shengyuan , Wang Shiye , Tang Zhixiang , Dai Yinghuan , Song Long
Published: September 2022

Right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) is a cause of hemodynamic instability that can lead to right ventricular dysfunction. Cardiac tumors located in the right ventricle or surrounding structures can cause RVOTO. Herein, we present a rare case of a 21-year-old male with palpitations due to RVOTO caused by a cardiac multicomponent mesenchymal tumor. The tumor was localized in the right ventricular outflow tract, resulting in right side heart enlargement, tricuspid regurgitation, and RVOTO. Hence, tumor resection was performed. The patient was in a stable condition and discharged home on the 6th post-operative day. However, histopathological examination of the tumor specimen suggested a three-component mesenchymal tumor containing mucinous components, formed blood vessels, and fibrous tissue, which is like an atypical capillary hemangioma. After seven years of follow-up, the patient had no right heart enlargement, tricuspid regurgitation, and tumor recurrence. We believe surgical treatment is effective, and this case will provide a reference for clinicians to treat and evaluate the prognosis of similar three-component mesenchymal cardiac tumor cases in the future.
Instability and failure characteristics of surrounding rock of water drenching roadway in thick coal seam
Authors: Jia Ce , Li Sheng , Fan Chaojun , Luo Mingkun , Yang Zhenhua , Yang Lei , Pu Ziang
Published: September 2022

Aiming at the water drenching problem in the roof of transport roadway 2,606 of the Zhangcun coal mine, the instability and failure law of the drenching roadway was studied by borehole peephole, soaking water softening test and numerical simulation in this study. It is found that the relation between compressive strength, elastic modulus, tensile strength and moisture content is a negative exponential function. Subsequently, the Fish language was used to embed the functional relationship between mechanical parameters of surrounding rock in the roadway and moisture content into Flac3D software to simulate the failure law of surrounding rock under different moisture contents. The influence of moisture content on the surrounding rock is ordered as roof > two sides > floor. Through the comparison between borehole peeping and plastic zone, the roof water content is obtained by inversion. The results provide a reference basis for the selection of the surrounding rock support method for drenching roadway in thick coal seam.
Asthenospheric flow through the Izanagi-Pacific slab window and its influence on dynamic topography and intraplate volcanism in East Asia
Authors: Brown Hamish , Colli Lorenzo , Bunge Hans-Peter
Published: September 2022

The tectonics of East Asia are notoriously complex. Consisting of an intricate patchwork of microplates and accreted terranes, even the Cenozoic tectonic history of the region remains controversial, and many differing reconstructions have been proposed. While the exact kinematics remain poorly constrained, it is generally accepted that East Asia has been characterised by a long history of subduction and downwelling. However, numerous geological observations, at a first glance, appear to lie in stark contrast to this history. For example, seismically slow anomalies in the uppermost mantle are extensive in this region and coincide spatially with widespread intraplate volcanism since the latest Paleogene, which is seemingly at odds with the cold upper mantle and downwelling flow expected from a history of subduction. Here, we propose a solution to this paradox, in which hot asthenospheric material flows through the slab window opened by the subduction of the Izanagi-Pacific ridge during the early Cenozoic, passing from the Pacific domain into East Asia. To investigate this hypothesis, we compare several independent geological observations to the asthenospheric flow predicted by a suite of recently published global mantle circulation models. The timing and location of intraplate volcanism is compared with the predicted distribution of this hot material through time, while observations linked to uplift and erosion are compared to the changes in dynamic topography that it induces. These include the widespread late Eocene–Oligocene sedimentary hiatus in far eastern China and the regional erosion of the South China Block since the Miocene inferred from Apatite Fission Track Thermochronology studies. The westward influx of hot asthenospheric material is a robust feature in the models, being predicted regardless of the implemented Cenozoic tectonic reconstruction. However, we find that a small Philippine Sea Plate that overrides a marginal “vanished ocean” during the late Cenozoic provides an optimal fit to the geological observations considered. Flow of hot asthenospheric material through gaps in subduction has the potential to significantly affect the geodynamic and geologic history of backarc and hinterland regions, and might have been a recurring phenomenon throughout Earth’s history. However, further research will be required in order to establish this.
Characteristics of large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns conducive to severe spring and winter wind events over beijing in china based on a machine learning categorizing method
Authors: Zhao Wei , Hao Cui , Cao Jie , Lan Xiaoqing , Huang Yan
Published: September 2022

Severe wind events which occur in the metropolis of Beijing in China bring major catastrophes. Characteristics of severe winter and spring wind events over Beijing during the past 40 years have been analyzed. An artificial intelligence-based method is adopted to categorize the favorable large-scale circulation patterns and dominant weather systems. Four categories are concluded and compared to each other in terms of distributions of geopotential height at 500 hPa, temperature at 500 hPa, sea level pressure and their corresponding anomalies in 1979–2019. It is found that the first category (T1) which is dominated by strong cold trough at upper levels with strong cold-core high locating at surface is the most conducive circulation pattern, while the fourth category (T4) which is controlled by weak trough and strong ridge with strong low cyclone at surface is the least one. The second and third categories, represented by T2 and T3, are under the control of strong cold trough and warm ridge at upper levels with weak high at surface, and of weak trough and strong ridge with strong low cyclone at surface, respectively. Characteristics and differences under different backgrounds of global temperatures are analyzed by separating the past 40years into two distinct periods. The decreasing trends of intensities of the trough and ridge, the temperature at 500hPa, together with the surface systems, are found to be responsible for the decrease in severe wind events in T1, T2 and T3 in the last 20 years, while T4 is distinct to the other three categories with little change in its circulation pattern, and thus continues contributing to the severe wind events over Beijing. The results found in this study with the usage of an AI-based algorithm will benefit for the operational forecasting for extreme wind events over Beijing.
Follicular fluid lipidomic profiling reveals potential biomarkers of polycystic ovary syndrome: A pilot study
Authors: Ding Ying , Jiang Yihong , Zhu Mingjiang , Zhu Qinling , He Yaqiong , Lu Yao , Wang Yuan , Qi Jia , Feng Yifan , Huang Rong , Yin Huiyong , Li Shengxian , Sun Yun
Published: September 2022

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder associated with multiple metabolic conditions including obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. PCOS is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility; however, the molecular diversity of the ovarian follicle microenvironment is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the follicular fluid (FF) lipidomic profiles in different phenotypes of PCOS and to explore novel lipid biomarkers.

Methods

A total of 25 women with PCOS and 12 women without PCOS who underwent in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer were recruited, and their FF samples were collected for the lipidomic study. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to compare the differential abundance of FF lipids between patients with different PCOS phenotypes and controls. Subsequently, correlations between specific lipid concentrations in FF and high-quality embryo rate (HQER) were analyzed to further evaluate the potential interferences of lipid levels with oocyte quality in PCOS. Candidate biomarkers were then compared via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

In total, 19 lipids were identified in ovarian FF. Of these, the concentrations of ceramide (Cer) and free fatty acids (FFA) in FF were significantly increased, whereas those of lysophosphatidylglycerol (LPG) were reduced in women with PCOS compared to controls, especially in obese and insulin-resistant groups. In addition, six subclasses of ceramide, FFA, and LPG were correlated with oocyte quality. Twenty-three lipid subclasses were identified as potential biomarkers of PCOS, and ROC analysis indicated the prognostic value of Cer,36:1;2, FFA C14:1, and LPG,18:0 on HQER in patients with PCOS.

Conclusions

Our study showed the unique lipidomic profiles in FF from women with PCOS. Moreover, it provided metabolic signatures as well as candidate biomarkers that help to better understand the pathogenesis of PCOS.
Association between fertility treatments and breast cancer risk in women with a family history or BRCA mutations: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Xiaojing , Yue Jing , Pervaiz Ruqiya , Zhang Hanwang , Wang Lan
Published: September 2022

Women with hereditary breast cancer factors are more likely to be infertile and tend to receive fertility treatments. The safety of fertility treatments that contain hormone-related medications for ovarian stimulation has gained wide attention; however, evidence of the safety of fertility treatments is limited. This study aims to assess the association between fertility treatments and the incidence rate of breast cancer in women with a family history of breast cancer or BRCA mutations. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase. Studies concerning the effect of fertility treatments on breast cancer risk in genetically susceptible women were included. The fixed and random effects models were used to estimate the summary effects. Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions instrument was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. A total of 5,282 studies were screened. Five cohort studies and three case-control studies were included. Breast cancer risk was not significantly increased by fertility treatments in general genetically susceptible women [pooled odds ratio (OR) 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96–1.45], women with a family history of breast cancer (pooled OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.97–1.89), or women with BRCA mutations (pooled OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.74–1.4). In subgroup analyses, there was no significant increase in breast cancer risk whether in BRCA1 mutation carriers (pooled OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.81–1.72), BRCA2 mutation carriers (pooled OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.09–3.34), or in the women treated with in vitro fertilization (pooled OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.51–1.1), clomiphene citrate (pooled OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.78–1.45) or gonadotropins (pooled OR 1.32, 95% CI 0.8–2.18). This is the first meta-analysis concerning the impact of fertility treatments on breast cancer risk in genetically susceptible women. Despite the finding that fertility treatment did not significantly increase breast cancer risk in genetically susceptible women, large prospective cohorts with more detailed information are required. Further investigations are needed to explore subtypes of breast cancer, genetic background of hormone-related breast cancer, and the association between BRCA mutations and the incidence of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

Registration number

PROSPERO(CRD42021281336).
A capacitor-based DC circuit breaker for HVDC power grid
Authors: Xu Zhuang , Liang Jun , Guo Yanxun , Wang Yaoqiang
Published: September 2022

DC circuit breakers (DCCBs) are the critical equipment to isolate faults in high-voltage DC grids. The improvement of interruption performances of capacitor-based DCCBs (C-DCCBs) has been widely researched. However, in previous papers, the adaptive reclosing of C-DCCBs is less considered and requires further research. In this paper, a novel C-DCCB with adaptive reclosing ability is proposed. The interruption and adaptive reclosing processes of the proposed C-DCCB are presented. The fault current is interrupted by charging the internal capacitor to a voltage higher than the system voltage. The fault property identification is key to adaptive reclosing and is achieved using the capacitor discharge characteristic. The parameter designs are analyzed to guarantee successful interruptions, and the identification criteria are proposed to serve the adaptive reclosing. On the one hand, the proposed C-DCCB has good interruption performances; on the other hand, an adaptive reclosing strategy is designed for the proposed C-DCCB to restore the power transmission whereas avoiding a second fault shock, which is the main contribution of this paper. Finally, the interruption and adaptive reclosing performances of the proposed C-DCCB are validated using PSCAD/EMTDC simulations.
The right stuff; realizing the potential for enhanced biomass production in microalgae
Authors: Subramanian Sowmya , Sayre Richard T
Published: September 2022

There is growing evidence that eukaryotic microalgae can become a more sustainable and profitable alternative than terrestrial crops to produce feed, fuels, and valuable coproducts. The major factor driving progress in algal biomass production is the potential of microalgae to produce substantially greater biomass per unit land area than terrestrial crops. To be financially feasible, however, current algal biomass yields must be increased. Given the fact that algal biomass production is in its infancy there exist multiple opportunities to improve biomass yields. For example, recent bioprospecting efforts have led to the identification of new microalgal strains having biomass yields that compete economically with plant biomass. Substantial increases in biomass yields have also been achieved using advanced genetic engineering approaches. Targeted improvements in photosynthetic efficiency have led to three-fold increases in algal biomass yields. One genetic tool that has seen limited application for algal biomass enhancement is advanced breeding genetics. The greater availability of algal genomes and recent advancements in breeding algae will further accelerate yield improvements. Genetic engineering strategies to increase biomass production will also be assisted by transcriptomic and metabolomic studies that help identify metabolic constraints that limit biomass production. In this review we assess some of the recent advances in algal strain selection, directed evolution, genetic engineering and molecular-assisted breeding that offer the potential for increased algal biomass production.
Cooperative cathodes for enhanced hexavalent chromium reduction and electricity generation in bioelectrochemical reactor with simultaneous sludge degradation
Authors: Yu Hang , Cao Yuhui , Zhao Qingliang , Liang Zhuyuan , Zhu Yimin
Published: September 2022

A novel bioelectrochemical reactor assembled with cooperative cathodes of chemical cathode and bio-cathode (BERCC) and excess sludge as the anodic substrate obtained continuous and effective Cr(VI) reduction. Cooperative cathodes in BERCC stimulated the growth of electrochemically active microorganisms such as Geobacter sp. and Shewanella sp. in the anodic biofilm and produced 8.21 ± 0.64 mg C/(L·h) more electrons than the dual chemical cathodes in the bioelectrochemical reactor with dual chemical cathodes, which enhanced the electrons for electricity generation and Cr(VI) reduction by approximately 58.3% and 56.1 ± 5.6%, respectively.
Effect of plot size and precipitation magnitudes on the activation of soil erosion processes using simulated rainfall experiments in vineyards
Authors: Neumann Martin , Kavka Petr , Devátý Jan , Stašek Jakub , Strouhal Luděk , Tejkl Adam , Kubínová Romana , Rodrigo-Comino Jesús
Published: September 2022

Soil erosion is recognized as a threat to humankind and to natural ecosystems when sustainable limits are exceeded. Several researchers have used various tools, such as rainfall simulators, to assess extreme rainfall events and non-sustainable soil management practices. However, combinations of two different devices of different sizes has not been tested before, especially in vineyards. The aim is to verify whether plot size, connectivity processes and rainfall distribution affect the activation of soil erosion. In this research on soils cultivated with vineyards in the Moravia Region in the south-eastern part of the Czech Republic, we have performed various rainfall simulation experiments with a small device (1 × 1 m) and with a large device (8 × 1 m). Our results show that the surface runoff was approximately 30% higher on the small plot than on the large plot. The large rainfall simulator produced sediment concentration that was up to 3 times higher, and soil loss that was up to 1.5 times higher, even when the surface runoff was 30%–50% lower for the large rainfall simulator. We therefore conclude that there is a clear influence of surface length and plot size on surface runoff, soil loss and sediment concentration activation. When planning their experiments, researchers need to consider that the type of device can have a drastic influence on the final results. Two devices subjected to the same rainfall intensity (60 mm h−1) can produce very different results, e.g., depending on plot size and kinetic energy. Our results can be effectively used to plan soil protection measures and to inform local authorities about areas prone to flooding and about loss of sediments.
Extreme event impacts on terrestrial and freshwater biota in the arctic: A synthesis of knowledge and opportunities
Authors: van Beest Floris M. , Barry Tom , Christensen Tom , Heiðmarsson Starri , McLennan Donald , Schmidt Niels M.
Published: September 2022

Extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and intensity across the Arctic, one of the planet’s most rapidly warming regions. Studies from southern latitudes have revealed that the ecological impacts of extreme events on living organisms can be severe and long-lasting, yet data and evidence from within the terrestrial Arctic biome appear underrepresented. By synthesizing a total of 48 research articles, published over the past 25 years, we highlight the occurrence of a wide variety of extreme events throughout the Arctic, with multiple and divergent impacts on local biota. Extreme event impacts were quantified using a myriad of approaches ranging from circumpolar modelling to fine-scale experimental studies. We also identified a research bias towards the quantification of impacts related to a few extreme event types in the same geographic location (e.g. rain-on-snow events in Svalbard). Moreover, research investigating extreme event impacts on the ecology of arthropods and especially freshwater biota were scant, highlighting important knowledge gaps. While current data allow for hypotheses development, many uncertainties about the long-term consequences of extreme events to Arctic ecosystems remain. To advance extreme event research in the terrestrial Arctic biome, we suggest that future studies i) objectively define what is extreme in terms of events and ecological impacts using long-term monitoring data, ii) move beyond single-impact studies and single spatial scales of observation by taking advantage of pan-Arctic science-based monitoring networks and iii) consider predictive and mechanistic modelling to estimate ecosystem-level impacts and recovery.
Genetic substructure of Guizhou Tai-Kadai-speaking people inferred from genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms data
Authors: Ren Zheng , Yang Meiqing , Jin Xiaoye , Wang Qiyan , Liu Yubo , Zhang Hongling , Ji Jingyan , Wang Chuan-Chao , Huang Jiang
Published: September 2022

The genome-wide characteristics and admixture history of the Tai-Kadai-speaking populations are essential for understanding the population genetic diversity in southern China. We genotyped about 700,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 239 individuals from six Tai-Kadai-speaking populations residing in the mountainous Guizhou Province of southwestern China. We merged the genome-wide data with available populations and ancients in East and Southeast Asia to infer Tai-Kadai-speaking populations’ admixture history and genetic structure. We observed a genetic substructure within the studied six populations in the PCA, ADMIXTURE, ChromoPainter, GLOBETROTTER, f-statistics, and qpWave analysis. The Dong, Zhuang, and Bouyei people had a strong genetic affinity with other Tai-Kadai-speaking and Austronesian groups in the surrounding area. However, Gelao showed an affinity to Sino-Tibetan groups, and Mulao people were genetically close to Hmong-Mien populations. qpAdm further illuminated that Gelao and Dong_Tongren composited more Han-related ancestry than Dong, Zhuang, Bouyei, and Mulao people. Meanwhile, we observed high frequencies of Y-chromosome haplogroup O in studied Tai-Kadai-speaking groups except for Gelao people with a high haplogroup N frequency. From the maternal side, haplogroup M7 was frequent in studied populations except for Tongren Dong, who had a high frequency of haplogroup B5. Our newly reported data are helpful for further exploring population dynamics in southern China.
Nutrient return through decomposing Coriaria nepalensis litter in degraded hills of Kumaun Himalaya, India
Authors: Awasthi Pankaj , Bargali Kiran , Bargali Surendra Singh , Khatri Kavita
Published: September 2022

Coriaria nepalensis, a nitrogen-fixing actinorhizal shrub, is a prominent and successful colonizer of bare rocks and landslide affected degraded lands. Field experiments were conducted to determine the differences in biomass decomposition and nutrient release pattern of different plant parts ofC. nepalensisusing litter bag technique. Results showed that the leaves decomposed completely within 6 months while only 46.55% of the lateral roots were decomposed with slowest decomposition rate of 0.14% day–1. The decomposition rate was in the order: Leaves > Reproductive parts > Twigs (< 5 mm) > Twigs (> 5 mm) > Bark > Fine roots > Lateral roots. The decay rate coefficient was highest (0.003–0.014) for leaves and lowest (0.001–0.002) for lateral roots. During the decomposition cycle (364 days), overall increase was reported in nitrogen and phosphorus concentration, while potassium concentration decreased continuously in residual litters. The nutrient mobility was in the order: K > P > N. Climatic factors like temperature, relative humidity and rainfall significantly affected the decomposition process and among these factors, rainfall pattern emerged as a most effective environmental driver. Thus, taking into account initial nutrient content, nutrient release and decay rates, the leaves and reproductive parts ofC. nepalensisproved to be more important as nutrient source than other components.
Carbon stocks across different environments, disturbance regimes, and stand age in Fitzroya cupressoides forests, the longest-lived species of the southern hemisphere
Authors: González Mauro E. , Lara Antonio , Urrutia-Jalabert Rocío , Bustos-Salazar Angela , Ruiz-Gómez Carolina , Aravena Juan C.
Published: September 2022

Forest disturbances influence Fitzroya cupressoides forest structure and carbon stocks at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Natural disturbances such as landslides and volcanism affect and give rise to the mostly pristine Fitzroya stands present in the Andean cordillera. On the other hand, mostly human-caused fires and logging have been the main processes shaping the structure of Fitzroya stands in the Coastal range and of Fitzroya small remnants in the Central depression. The main goal of this study was to assess the carbon stocks and accumulation rates of Fitzroya forest stands according to their development stage under different disturbance regimes and environmental conditions given by the three physiographic units where the species grows (Coastal range, Central depression, and Andean range). The site selection included an age sequence of stands, known as a chronosequence approach. We identified Fitzroya post-disturbance stands in three different stages of development: young forest stage (mean stand age of the main cohort ≤ 200 years old), mature forest stage (200–800 years old), and old growth forest stage (800–1,500 years old). The following biomass components were considered: living standing trees, dead standing trees (snags), and logs from dead trees laying on the ground (coarse woody debris). Old-growth Fitzroya forests reached a mean total carbon stock (standing live trees, snags, and coarse woody debris) of 507, 279, and 331 Mg C ha−1 in the Andean and Coastal ranges, and Central depression, respectively. Fitzroya cupressoides contributes, in average, more than 80% to the total carbon stock in the Andean and Coastal ranges, and 63% in the Central depression. The remainder corresponds mainly to Nothofagus spp. The high carbon stocks in old-growth stands in the Andean range are explained by Fitzroya longevity, larger size, wood decay resistance, and the low recurrence of volcanic events. Carbon accumulation rates differ between the forests in the three physiographic units (Central depression>Andean range>Coastal range), mainly due to the different growth rates and environmental conditions present in each unit. In the context of climate change, conserving old-growth stands with large biomass and carbon stocks and restoring Fitzroya forests should be recognized as a key contribution toward national and global goals to mitigate global warming.
Downregulation of circLIFR exerts cancer-promoting effects on hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro
Authors: Ji Jingzhang , Tang Jialyu , Ren Ping , Cai Wenpin , Shen Meina , Wang Qiunan , Yang Xiaoyun , Chen Wei
Published: September 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most fatal malignant tumors worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a special type of RNA that lacks the 5′ and 3’ ends. The functional roles of circRNAs in HCC remain largely unknown. Using high-throughput sequencing, we found several differentially expressed circRNAs in HCC tissues compared with nearby normal tissues. Among them, circRNA derived from the LIFR gene, named circLIFR, was significantly downregulated in HCC. Intriguingly, circLIFR overexpression in SK-Hep-1 cells promoted cell growth and invasion. RNA pull-down and mass spectrometry detection revealed circLIFR interacting with TANK binding kinase 1 (TBK1). Anti-TBK1 RIP confirmed the interaction between circLIFR and TBK1. TBK1 is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates several signaling pathways, including the NF-κB pathway. TBK1 inhibitors inhibit NF-κB activation. Overexpression of circLIFR overcame the in-hibitory function of TBK1, resulting in the upregulation of several genes, including MMP13, MMP3, VEGF, and MAPK. This study shows that the downregulation of circLIFR in HCC has a can-cer-promoting effect by interacting with TBK1 to promote the activation of downstream NF-κB pathway genes related to cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. This novel finding reveals the diversity of circRNA functions in HCC and provides novel insights into the role of circRNAs.
A novel approach to characterize phenotypic variation in GSD IV: Reconceptualizing the clinical continuum
Authors: Kiely Bridget T. , Koch Rebecca L. , Flores Leticia , Burner Danielle , Kaplan Samantha , Kishnani Priya S.
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Glycogen storage disease type IV (GSD IV) has historically been divided into discrete hepatic (classic hepatic, non-progressive hepatic) and neuromuscular (perinatal-congenital neuromuscular, juvenile neuromuscular) subtypes. However, the extent to which this subtype-based classification system accurately captures the landscape of phenotypic variation among GSD IV patients has not been systematically assessed.

Methods: This study synthesized clinical data from all eligible cases of GSD IV in the published literature to evaluate whether this disorder is better conceptualized as discrete subtypes or a clinical continuum. A novel phenotypic scoring approach was applied to characterize the extent of hepatic, neuromuscular, and cardiac involvement in each eligible patient.

Results: 146 patients met all inclusion criteria. The majority (61%) of those with sufficient data to be scored exhibited phenotypes that were not fully consistent with any of the established subtypes. These included patients who exhibited combined hepatic-neuromuscular involvement; patients whose phenotypes were intermediate between the established hepatic or neuromuscular subtypes; and patients who presented with predominantly cardiac disease.

Conclusion: The application of this novel phenotypic scoring approach showed that–in contrast to the traditional subtype-based view–GSD IV may be better conceptualized as a multidimensional clinical continuum, whereby hepatic, neuromuscular, and cardiac involvement occur to varying degrees in different patients.
Risk factors of pelvic organ prolapse at Asella Teaching and Referral Hospital: Unmatched case control study
Authors: Obsa Mohammed Suleiman , Worji Tahir A. , Kedir Nemo A. , Kute Negeso G.
Published: September 2022

Background

Prolapse is one of the sub-types of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) which occurs due to abnormal fall of the pelvic organs from their normal anatomic positions. Although the cause of prolapse is multifactorial, it primarily occurs due to pregnancy and vaginal delivery. Hence, the present study aimed to identify risk factors of prolapse among women who undergo gynecological surgery.

Materials and methods

Facility-based-unmatched case–control design was employed. Cases were all gynecological women who were diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) at Asella teaching referral hospital (ATRH) while controls were all charts of gynecological women who were diagnosed with other gynecological problems rather than POP at ATRH. For each case, two controls were selected using a simple random sampling technique. The data were entered into Epidata version 4.3.1 and finally exported to SPSS version 25 for further analysis. Then variables that had an association in the bivariate model (p < 0.25) were entered and analyzed by a multivariable conditional logistic regression model to identify the independent effect of different factors. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05.

Results

A total of 147 cases and 293 controls were included in this study. Women who had a history of chronic cough, previous pelvic floor surgery, constipation, and vaginal tear during delivery, history of pelvic trauma, age of the women, rural resident, and maternal gravidity were strongly associated with prolapse at p-value of < 0.05. Multigravida [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.987 (95% CI 1.237–6.853), p = 0.014], age >50 years [AOR: 2.496 (95% CI 1.372–4.539), p = 0.003], women with a history of pelvic floor surgery [AOR: 0.3.666 (95% CI 1.328–10.124), p = 0.012], women who had diabetes mellitus [AOR: 4.676 (95% CI 0.908–24.075), p = 0.065], and resided in rural areas [AOR = 1.878; (95% CI: 0.984–3.585), I2 = 47.5%, p = 0.056] were the independent predictors were of prolapse.

Conclusions

In this study, women with diabetes mellitus, previous pelvic floor surgery, rural residents, being multigravida, and age >40 were independent predictors of prolapse. Therefore, delivering health education by focusing on the identified risk factors was strongly recommended.
C-reactive protein, immunothrombosis and venous thromboembolism
Authors: Dix Caroline , Zeller Johannes , Stevens Hannah , Eisenhardt Steffen U. , Shing Karen S. Cheung Tung , Nero Tracy L. , Morton Craig J. , Parker Michael W. , Peter Karlheinz , McFadyen James D.
Published: September 2022

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a member of the highly conserved pentraxin superfamily of proteins and is often used in clinical practice as a marker of infection and inflammation. There is now increasing evidence that CRP is not only a marker of inflammation, but also that destabilized isoforms of CRP possess pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic properties. CRP circulates as a functionally inert pentameric form (pCRP), which relaxes its conformation to pCRP* after binding to phosphocholine-enriched membranes and then dissociates to monomeric CRP (mCRP). with the latter two being destabilized isoforms possessing highly pro-inflammatory features. pCRP* and mCRP have significant biological effects in regulating many of the aspects central to pathogenesis of atherothrombosis and venous thromboembolism (VTE), by directly activating platelets and triggering the classical complement pathway. Importantly, it is now well appreciated that VTE is a consequence of thromboinflammation. Accordingly, acute VTE is known to be associated with classical inflammatory responses and elevations of CRP, and indeed VTE risk is elevated in conditions associated with inflammation, such as inflammatory bowel disease, COVID-19 and sepsis. Although the clinical data regarding the utility of CRP as a biomarker in predicting VTE remains modest, and in some cases conflicting, the clinical utility of CRP appears to be improved in subsets of the population such as in predicting VTE recurrence, in cancer-associated thrombosis and in those with COVID-19. Therefore, given the known biological function of CRP in amplifying inflammation and tissue damage, this raises the prospect that CRP may play a role in promoting VTE formation in the context of concurrent inflammation. However, further investigation is required to unravel whether CRP plays a direct role in the pathogenesis of VTE, the utility of which will be in developing novel prophylactic or therapeutic strategies to target thromboinflammation.
Reprogramming alternative macrophage polarization by GATM-mediated endogenous creatine synthesis: A potential target for HDM-induced asthma treatment
Authors: Yu Li , Wang Lingwei , Hu Guang , Ren Laibin , Qiu Chen , Li Shun , Zhou Xiaohui , Chen Shanze , Chen Rongchang
Published: September 2022

Cellular energy metabolism plays a crucial role in the regulation of macrophage polarization and in the execution of immune functions. A recent study showed that Slc6a8-mediated creatine uptake from exogenous supplementation modulates macrophage polarization, yet little is known about the role of the de novo creatine de novobiosynthesis pathway in macrophage polarization. Here, we observed that glycine amidinotransferase (GATM), the rate-limiting enzyme for creatine synthesis, was upregulated in alternative (M2) polarized macrophages, and was dependent on the transcriptional factor STAT6, whereas GATM expression was suppressed in the classical polarized (M1) macrophage. Next, we revealed that exogenous creatine supplementation enhanced IL-4-induced M2 polarization, confirming recent work. Furthermore, we revealed that genetic ablation of GATM did not affect expression of M1 marker genes (Nos2, IL1b, IL12b) or the production of nitric oxide in both peritoneal macrophages (PMs) and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). By contrast, expression levels of M2 markers (Arg1, Mrc1, Ccl17 and Retnla) were lower following GATM deletion. Moreover, we found that deletion of GATM in resident alveolar macrophages (AMs) significantly blocked M2 polarization but with no obvious effect on the number of cells in knockout mice. Lastly, an upregulation of GATM was found in lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid macrophages from HDM-induced asthmatic mice. Our study uncovers a previously uncharacterized role for the de novo creatine biosynthesis enzyme GATM in M2 macrophage polarization, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of related inflammatory diseases such as an T helper 2 (Th2)-associated allergic asthma.
The regulation of ISG20 expression on SARS-CoV-2 infection in cancer patients and healthy individuals
Authors: Cheng Jingliang , Fu Jiewen , Tan Qi , Liu Zhiying , Guo Kan , Zhang Lianmei , He Jiayue , Zhou Baixu , Liu Xiaoyan , Li Dabing , Fu Junjiang
Published: September 2022

ISG20 inhibits viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 invasion; however, details of its expression and regulation with viral susceptibility remain to be elucidated. The present study analyzed ISG20 expression, isoform information, survival rate, methylation patterns, immune cell infiltration, and COVID-19 outcomes in healthy and cancerous individuals. Cordycepin (CD) and N6, N6-dimethyladenosine (m62A) were used to treat cancer cells for ISG20 expression. We revealed that ISG20 mRNA expression was primarily located in the bone marrow and lymphoid tissues. Interestingly, its expression was significantly increased in 11 different types of cancer, indicating that cancer patients may be less vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among them, higher expression of ISG20 was associated with a long OS in CESC and SKCM, suggesting that ISG20 may be a good marker for both viral prevention and cancer progress. ISG20 promoter methylation was significantly lower in BLCA, READ, and THCA tumor tissues than in the matched normal tissues, while higher in BRCA, LUSC, KIRC, and PAAD. Hypermethylation of ISG20 in KIRC and PAAD tumor tissues was correlated with higher expression of ISG20, suggesting that methylation of ISG20 may not underlie its overexpression. Furthermore, ISG20 expression was significantly correlated with immune infiltration levels, including immune lymphocytes, chemokine, receptors, immunoinhibitors, immunostimulators, and MHC molecules in pan-cancer. STAD exhibited the highest degree of ISG20 mutations; the median progression-free survival time in months for the unaltered group was 61.84, while it was 81.01 in the mutant group. Isoforms ISG20-001 and ISG20−009 showed the same RNase_T domain structure, demonstrating the functional roles in tumorigenesis and SARS-CoV-2 invasion inhibition in cancer patients. Moreover, CD and m62A increase ISG20 expression in various cancer cell lines, implying the antiviral/anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic potential. Altogether, this study highlighted the value of combating cancer by targeting ISG20 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and small molecules extracted from traditional Chinese medicines, such as CD, may have potential as anti-SARS-CoV-2 and anticancer agents by promoting ISG20 expression.