bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of a Prognostic Model Based on Fatty Acid Metabolism-Related Genes of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Du Peiyu , Chai Yue , Zong Shimin , Yue Jianxin , Xiao Hongjun
Published: June 2022

The fatty acid metabolism (FAM) is known to impact tumorigenesis, tumor progression and treatment resistance via enhancing lipid synthesis, storage and catabolism. However, the role of FAM in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has remained elusive. In the present study, we obtained a total of 69 differentially expressed FAM-related genes between 502 HNSCC samples and 44 normal samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The HNSCC samples were divided into 2 clusters according to 69 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) via cluster analysis. Then DEGs in the two clusters were found, and 137 prognostic DEGs were identified by univariate analysis. Subsequently, combined with the clinical information of 546 HNSCC patients from TCGA database, a 12-gene prognostic risk model was established (FEPHX3, SPINK7, FCRLA, MASP1, ZNF541, CD5, BEST2 and ZAP70 were down-regulation, ADPRHL1, DYNC1I1, KCNG1 and LINC00460 were up-regulation) using multivariate Cox regression and LASSO regression analysis. The risk scores of 546 HNSCC samples were calculated. According to the median risk score, 546 HNSCC patients were divided into the high- and low-risk (high- and low score) groups. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the survival time of HNSCC patients was significantly shorter in the high-risk group than that in the low-risk group (p < 0.001). The same conclusion was obtained in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset. After that, the multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the risk score was an independent factor for patients with HNSCC in the TCGA cohort. In addition, single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) indicated that the level of infiltrating immune cells was relatively low in the high-risk group compared with the low-risk group. In summary, FAM-related gene expression-based risk signature could predict the prognosis of HNSCC independently.
Genetic Polymorphisms and Kidney Stones Around the Globe: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mohammadi Abdolreza , Shabestari Alireza Namazi , Baghdadabad Leila Zareian , Khatami Fatemeh , Reis Leonardo Oliveira , Pishkuhi Mahin Ahmadi , Kazem Aghamir Seyed Mohammad
Published: June 2022

Objective: This study explores associations between recurrent kidney stones and genetic polymorphisms.

Methods: Meta-analysis of polymorphisms in renal stone cases versus control groups. Four electronic databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Web of Science) were searched up to 30 May 2021, using the keywords: “kidney stone” or “kidney calculi,” or “urolithiasis” or “nephrolithiasis” or “urinary calculi” and “genome” or “genetic” or “mutation” or “single nucleotide polymorphism.” Forrest plots, ORs, 95% CI, Chi-square (χ2)-test, and index of heterogeneity (I2) were calculated. Only studies with Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS) ≥ 6 were included for quality control, and Funnel, Begg’s, and Eager’s plots assessed publication bias. PROSPERO: CRD42022250427.

Results: Among 7,671 searched articles, 72 were included. Polymorphisms in VDR (OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.06–1.36), CASR (OR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.01–1.52), Osteopontin (OR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.09–1.74), and Urokinase genes (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.02–2.28) showed a significant association with risk of urinary stone formation, while Klotho gene showed a protective effect (OR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.57–0.99). The VDR gene polymorphism was frequent in Asians, whereas CASR polymorphism was frequent in European and North American populations.

Conclusion: Multifactorial nature of the stone formation, emphasizing the role of environmental factors, might explain contradictory results in the literature. While polymorphisms in VDR, CASR, Osteopontin, and Urokinase genes were associated with urinary stone formation, the Klotho gene showed a protective effect.
Discovery of Notch Pathway-Related Genes for Predicting Prognosis and Tumor Microenvironment Status in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Sun Xianchao , Xin Shiyong , Li Weiyi , Zhang Ying , Ye Lin
Published: June 2022

Background: Notch signaling is a key regulator of immune cell differentiation and linked to autoimmune diseases, tumorigenesis and tumor-induced immunomodulation. An abnormally activated Notch signaling pathway contributes to almost all of the key features of cancer, including tumor angiogenesis, stemness, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Consequently, we investigated Notch pathway-related genes for developing prognostic marker and assessing immune status in bladder cancer.

Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were utilized to analyze RNA-seq data for bladder cancer. Cluster subtypes were identified using the NMF algorithm. In order to establish a prognostic risk signature, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) and Cox regression analysis was utilized. GSEA was carried out to investigate the molecular mechanisms. Immune cell infiltration levels in bladder cancer were calculated using the CIBERSORT algorithm. External clinical tissue samples were used to validate the expression levels of signature genes.

Results: Based on the NMF algorithm, bladder cancer samples were divided into two cluster subtypes and displayed different survival outcome and immune microenvironment. A six-gene risk signature (DTX3L, CNTN1, ENO1, GATA3, MAGEA1, and SORBS2) was independent for prognosis and showed good stability. The infiltration of immune cells and clinical variables were significantly different among the risk groups of patients. Response to immunotherapy also differed between different risk groups. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of the signature genes were verified in tissue samples by qRT-PCR.

Conclusion: We established a 6-gene signature associated with Notch pathway in bladder cancer to effectively predict prognosis and reflect immune microenvironment status.
The Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Oral Cancer and Possible Therapy Regime
Authors: Yang Tong , Tang Shuai , Peng Shan , Ding Gang
Published: June 2022

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are characterized by self-renewal, rapid proliferation, multipotent differentiation, and low immunogenicity. In addition, the tropism of MSCs towards injured tissues and tumor lesions makes them attractive candidates as cell carriers for therapeutic agent delivery and genetic material transfer. The interaction between tumor cells and MSCs in the tumor microenvironment plays an important role in tumor progression. Oral cancer is one of the most common malignant diseases in the head and neck. Although considerable improvements in the treatment of oral cancer were achieved, more effective and safer novel agents and treatments are still needed, and deeper studies on the etiology, pathology, and treatment of the oral cancer are desirable. In the past decades, many studies have reported the beneficial effects of MSCs-based therapies in the treatment of various diseases, including oral cancers. Meanwhile, other studies demonstrated that MSCs may enhance the growth and metastasis of oral cancer. In this paper, we reviewed the research progress of the effects of MSCs on oral cancers, the underlying mechanisms, and their potential applications in the treatment of oral cancers.
Perceptions and Experiences of Health Care Workers on Accountability Mechanisms for Enhancing Quality Improvement in the Delivery of Maternal Newborns and Child Health Services in Mkuranga, Tanzania
Authors: August Francis , Nyamhanga Tumaini , Kakoko Deodatus , Nathanaeli Sirili , Frumence Gasto
Published: June 2022

Background

Maternal mortality estimates globally show that by 2017 there were still 211 deaths per 100,000 live births; more strikingly, 99% of them happen in low and middle-income countries, including Tanzania. There has been insufficient progress in improving maternal and newborn health despite the efforts to strengthen the health systems, to improve the quality of maternal health in terms of training and deploying human resources for health, constructing health facilities, and supplying medical products. However, fewer efforts are invested in enhancing accountability toward the improvement of the quality of maternal health care. This the study was conducted to explore the perceptions of healthcare workers regarding accountability mechanisms for enhancing quality improvement in the delivery of maternal newborn and child health services in Tanzania.

Methods

We adopted phenomenology as a study design to understand how health workers perceive accountability and data were collected using semi-structured interviews. We then used thematic analysis to analyze themes and sub- themes.

Results

The study revealed four categories of perceptions namely, differences in the conceptualization of accountability and accountability mechanisms, varied opinions about the existing accountability mechanisms, perceived the usefulness of accountability mechanisms, together with perceived challenges in the enforcement of accountability mechanisms.

Conclusion

Perceived variations in the understanding of accountability among healthcare workers signaled a proper but fragmented understanding of accountability in maternal care. Accountability mechanisms are perceived to be useful for enhancing hard work in the provision of maternal health services. Moreover, inadequate motivation resulting from health system bottlenecks tend to constrain enforcement of accountability in the provision of maternal care services. Thus, we recommend that the government should deal with health system constraints and enforce regular monitoring and supervision.
Key Signature Genes of Early Terminal Granulocytic Differentiation Distinguish Sepsis From Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome on Intensive Care Unit Admission
Authors: Velásquez Sonia Y. , Coulibaly Anna , Sticht Carsten , Schulte Jutta , Hahn Bianka , Sturm Timo , Schefzik Roman , Thiel Manfred , Lindner Holger A.
Published: June 2022

Infection can induce granulopoiesis. This process potentially contributes to blood gene classifiers of sepsis in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) patients. This study aimed to identify signature genes of blood granulocytes from patients with sepsis and SIRS on intensive care unit (ICU) admission. CD15+ cells encompassing all stages of terminal granulocytic differentiation were analyzed. CD15 transcriptomes from patients with sepsis and SIRS on ICU admission and presurgical controls (discovery cohort) were subjected to differential gene expression and pathway enrichment analyses. Differential gene expression was validated by bead array in independent sepsis and SIRS patients (validation cohort). Blood counts of granulocyte precursors were determined by flow cytometry in an extension of the validation cohort. Despite similar transcriptional CD15 responses in sepsis and SIRS, enrichment of canonical pathways known to decline at the metamyelocyte stage (mitochondrial, lysosome, cell cycle, and proteasome) was associated with sepsis but not SIRS. Twelve of 30 validated genes, from 100 selected for changes in response to sepsis rather than SIRS, were endo-lysosomal. Revisiting the discovery transcriptomes revealed an elevated expression of promyelocyte-restricted azurophilic granule genes in sepsis and myelocyte-restricted specific granule genes in sepsis followed by SIRS. Blood counts of promyelocytes and myelocytes were higher in sepsis than in SIRS. Sepsis-induced granulopoiesis and signature genes of early terminal granulocytic differentiation thus provide a rationale for classifiers of sepsis in patients with SIRS on ICU admission. Yet, the distinction of this process from noninfectious tissue injury-induced granulopoiesis remains to be investigated.
TNFR2 Costimulation Differentially Impacts Regulatory and Conventional CD4+ T-Cell Metabolism
Authors: Mensink Mark , Tran Thi Ngoc Minh , Zaal Esther A. , Schrama Ellen , Berkers Celia R. , Borst Jannie , de Kivit Sander
Published: June 2022

CD4+ conventional T cells (Tconvs) mediate adaptive immune responses, whereas regulatory T cells (Tregs) suppress those responses to safeguard the body from autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases. The opposing activities of Tconvs and Tregs depend on the stage of the immune response and their environment, with an orchestrating role for cytokine- and costimulatory receptors. Nutrient availability also impacts T-cell functionality via metabolic and biosynthetic processes that are largely unexplored. Many data argue that costimulation by Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 2 (TNFR2) favors support of Treg over Tconv responses and therefore TNFR2 is a key clinical target. Here, we review the pertinent literature on this topic and highlight the newly identified role of TNFR2 as a metabolic regulator for thymus-derived (t)Tregs. We present novel transcriptomic and metabolomic data that show the differential impact of TNFR2 on Tconv and tTreg gene expression and reveal distinct metabolic impact on both cell types.
Shaping Polarization Of Tumor-Associated Macrophages In Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Gao Jing , Liang Yuanzheng , Wang Liang
Published: June 2022

Different stimuli can polarize macrophages into two basic types, M1 and M2. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are composed of heterogeneous subpopulations, which include the M1 anti-tumor and M2 pro-tumor phenotypes. TAMs predominantly play a M2-like tumor-promoting role in the TME and regulate various malignant effects, such as angiogenesis, immune suppression, and tumor metastasis; hence, TAMs have emerged as a hot topic of research in cancer therapy. This review focuses on three main aspects of TAMs. First, we summarize macrophage polarization along with the effects on the TME. Second, recent advances and challenges in cancer treatment and the role of M2-like TAMs in immune checkpoint blockade and CAR-T cell therapy are emphasized. Finally, factors, such as signaling pathways, associated with TAM polarization and potential strategies for targeting TAM repolarization to the M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype for cancer therapy are discussed.
Preclinical Autoimmune Disease: a Comparison of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Multiple Sclerosis and Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Frazzei Giulia , van Vollenhoven Ronald F. , de Jong Brigit A. , Siegelaar Sarah E. , van Schaardenburg Dirkjan
Published: June 2022

The preclinical phase of autoimmune disorders is characterized by an initial asymptomatic phase of varying length followed by nonspecific signs and symptoms. A variety of autoimmune and inflammatory manifestations can be present and tend to increase in the last months to years before a clinical diagnosis can be made. The phenotype of an autoimmune disease depends on the involved organs, the underlying genetic susceptibility and pathophysiological processes. There are different as well as shared genetic or environmental risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms between separate diseases. To shed more light on this, in this narrative review we compare the preclinical disease course of four important autoimmune diseases with distinct phenotypes: rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), multiple sclerosis (MS) and type 1 diabetes (T1D). In general, we observed some notable similarities such as a North-South gradient of decreasing prevalence, a female preponderance (except for T1D), major genetic risk factors at the HLA level, partly overlapping cytokine profiles and lifestyle risk factors such as obesity, smoking and stress. The latter risk factors are known to produce a state of chronic systemic low grade inflammation. A central characteristic of all four diseases is an on average lengthy prodromal phase with no or minor symptoms which can last many years, suggesting a gradually evolving interaction between the genetic profile and the environment. Part of the abnormalities may be present in unaffected family members, and autoimmune diseases can also cluster in families. In conclusion, a promising strategy for prevention of autoimmune diseases might be to address adverse life style factors by public health measures at the population level.
Immune Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in the Face of Pathogenic Infections
Authors: Keshtkar Somayeh , Soleimanian Saeede , Kaviani Maryam , Sarvestani Fatemeh Sabet , Azarpira Negar , Asvar Zahra , Pakbaz Sara
Published: June 2022

Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are a collection of vesicles released from cells that play an important role in intercellular communication. Microbial infections are known as one of the major problems in the medical field. Considering the increasing resistance of strains to routine drug treatments, the need for new therapies seems to be more than ever. Recent studies have shown that the EVs released from immune cells during microbial infections had anti-microbial effects or were able to induce neighbouring cells to display anti-microbial effects. This mini-review aimed to explore the latest studies on immune cell-derived EVs in viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. Review of the literature demonstrated that specific cargos in EVs were involved in the fight against pathogenic infections. Additionally, the transport of appropriate bioactive molecules including miRNAs, mRNAs, and proteins via EVs could mediate the anti-microbial process. Thus, it could be a proof-of-principle that therapeutic approaches based on EVs derived from immune cells could offer a promising path forward, which is still in early stages and needs further assessments.
Neutralizing Potency of Prototype and Omicron RBD mRNA Vaccines Against Omicron Variant
Authors: Zang Jinkai , Yin Yannan , Xu Shiqi , Qiao Weihua , Liu Qiuyue , Lavillette Dimitri , Zhang Chao , Wang Haikun , Huang Zhong
Published: June 2022

The newly emerged Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) contains more than 30 mutations on the spike protein, 15 of which are located within the receptor binding domain (RBD). Consequently, Omicron is able to extensively escape existing neutralizing antibodies and may therefore compromise the efficacy of current vaccines based on the original strain, highlighting the importance and urgency of developing effective vaccines against Omicron. Here we report the rapid generation and evaluation of an mRNA vaccine candidate specific to Omicron, and explore the feasibility of heterologous immunization with WT and Omicron RBD vaccines. This mRNA vaccine encodes the RBD of Omicron (designated as RBD-O) and is formulated with lipid nanoparticle. Two doses of the RBD-O mRNA vaccine efficiently induce neutralizing antibodies in mice; however, the antisera are effective only on the Omicron variant but not on the wildtype and Delta strains, indicating a narrow neutralization spectrum. It is noted that the neutralization profile of the RBD-O mRNA vaccine is opposite to that observed for the mRNA vaccine expressing the wildtype RBD (RBD-WT). Importantly, booster with RBD-O mRNA vaccine after two doses of RBD-WT mRNA vaccine can significantly increase neutralization titers against Omicron. Additionally, an obvious increase in IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α-expressing RBD-specific CD4+ T cell responses was observed after immunization with the RBD-WT and/or RBD-O mRNA vaccine. Together, our work demonstrates the feasibility and potency of an RBD-based mRNA vaccine specific to Omicron, providing important information for further development of heterologous immunization program or bivalent/multivalent SARS-CoV-2 vaccines with broad-spectrum efficacy.
Pan-Cancer and Single-Cell Analysis Reveals CENPL as a Cancer Prognosis and Immune Infiltration-Related Biomarker
Authors: Feng Ziyang , Chen Yu , Cai Changjing , Tan Jun , Liu Ping , Chen Yihong , Shen Hong , Zeng Shan , Han Ying
Published: June 2022

Background

Centromere protein L (CENPL) is an important member of the centromere protein (CENP) family. However, the correlation between CENPL expression and cancer development and immune infiltration has rarely been studied. Here, we studied the role of CENPL in pan-cancer and further verified the results in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) through in vitro experiments.

Methods

The CENPL expression level was studied with TIMER 2.0 and Oncomine databases. The potential value of CENPL as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in pan-cancer was evaluated with the TCGA database and GEPIA. The CENPL mutation character was analyzed using the cBioPortal database. The LinkedOmics and CancerSEA databases were used to carry out the function analysis of CENPL. The role of CENPL in immune infiltration was studied using the TIMER and TISIDB websites. Moreover, the expression of CENPL was detected through RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the infiltration level of CD8+ T cells. Cell proliferation was detected by EdU and CCK8. A flow cytometer was used to analyze the influence of CENPL in cell cycle and apoptosis.

Results

CENPL was increased in most of the cancers. The upregulation and mutation of CENPL were associated with a poorer prognosis in many cancers. The results showed a significant positive correlation between CENPL and myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) infiltration and a negative correlation between CENPL and T-cell NK infiltration in most of the cancers. CENPL regulated cell proliferation and cell cycle, and was negatively correlated with the inflammation level of LUAD. The in vitro experiments suggested that CENPL was increased in LUAD tissue and cell lines. There was a negative correlation between CENPL expression and CD8+ T-cell infiltration. The knockdown of CENPL significantly suppressed the expression of CDK2 and CCNE2, and induced G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis of LUAD.

Conclusions

CENPL may function as a potential biomarker and oncogene in pan-cancer, especially LUAD. Furthermore, CENPL was associated with immune cell infiltration in pan-cancer, providing a potential immune therapy target for tumor treatment.
Cerebral Cavernous Malformation: Immune and Inflammatory Perspectives
Authors: Tu Tianqi , Peng Zhenghong , Ren Jian , Zhang Hongqi
Published: June 2022

Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a type of vascular anomaly that arises due to the dyshomeostasis of brain capillary networks. In the past two decades, many advances have been made in this research field. Notably, as a more reasonable current view, the CCM lesions should be attributed to the results of a great number of additional events related to the homeostasis disorder of the endothelial cell. Indeed, one of the most fascinating concerns in the research field is the inflammatory perturbation in the immune microenvironment, which would affect the disease progression as well as the patients’ outcomes. In this work, we focused on this topic, and underlined the immune-related factors’ contribution to the CCM pathologic progression.
Mapping the Tumor Microenvironment in TNBC and Deep Exploration for M1 Macrophages-Associated Prognostic Genes
Authors: Xu Baojin , Sun Hefen , Song Xiaoqing , Liu Qiqi , Jin Wei
Published: June 2022

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains the worst molecular subtype due to high heterogeneity and lack of effective therapeutic targets. Here we investigated the tumor and immune microenvironment heterogeneity of TNBC using scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq data from public databases and our cohort. Macrophage subpopulations accounted for a high proportion of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), and M1 macrophages were associated with better clinical outcomes. Furthermore, three maker genes including IFI35, PSMB9, and SAMD9L showed a close connection with M1 macrophages. Specifically, IFI35 was positively associated with macrophage activation, chemotaxis, and migration. Also, patients with high IFI35 expression had a better prognosis. In vitro studies subsequently demonstrated that IFI35 was upregulated during the M1 subtype differentiation of macrophages. In summary, our data suggested that IFI35 maybe a promising novel target that helps to reshape macrophage polarization towards the M1 subtype for anti-tumor effects.
Coupled Oceanic and Atmospheric Controls of Deglacial Southeastern South America Precipitation and Western South Atlantic Productivity
Authors: Meier Karl J. F. , Jaeschke Andrea , Rethemeyer Janet , Chiessi Cristiano M. , Albuquerque Ana Luiza S. , Wall Vincent , Friedrich Oliver , Bahr André
Published: June 2022

Various mechanisms were proposed as substantial drivers of (sub)tropical South American hydroclimate changes during the last deglaciation. However, the interpretation of past precipitation records from the regions affected by the South American Summer Monsoon, the dominant hydroclimatic system in (sub)tropical South America, still insufficiently consider feedbacks between oceanic and atmospheric processes evident in modern observational data. Here, we evaluate ocean-atmosphere feedbacks active in the region from 19 to 4 ka based on a multi-proxy record comprising lipid biomarker, bulk sediment elemental composition and foraminiferal geochemistry from a sediment core retrieved from the tropical western South Atlantic offshore eastern Brazil at ~22°S. Our proxy data together with existing paleoclimate records show that the consideration of large scale synoptic climatic features across South America is crucial for understanding the past spatio-temporal rainfall variability, especially during the last deglaciation. While the paleohydrological data from our study site show relatively stable precipitation across the deglaciation in the core region of the South Atlantic Convergence Zone, distinct hydroclimatic gradients developed across the continent during Heinrich Stadial 1, which climaxed at ~16 ka. By then, the prevalent atmospheric and oceanic configuration caused more frequent extreme climatic events associated with positive rainfall in the northern portion of eastern South America and in the southeastern portion of the continent. These climatic extremes resulted from substantial warming of the sub(tropical) western South Atlantic sea surface that fostered oceanic moisture transport towards the continent and the reconfiguration of quasi-stationary atmospheric patterns. We further find that enhanced continental precipitation in combination with low glacial sea level strongly impacted marine ecosystems via enhanced terrigenous organic matter input in line with augmented nutrient release to the ocean. Extreme rainfall events similar to those that occurred during Heinrich Stadial 1 are likely to recur in South America as a consequence of global warming, because the projected reduction of the intra-hemispheric temperature gradient may lead to the development of atmospheric patterns similar to those in force during Heinrich Stadial 1.
Towards a 2025 National Ocean Literacy Strategy: Current Status and Future Needs in Primary Education
Authors: Freitas Cátia , Bellgrove Alecia , Venzo Paul , Francis Prue
Published: June 2022

Globally, ocean health has become critically compromised due to compounding negative human impacts. Marine science education can play a key role in raising collective understanding of the vulnerability of marine environments and the importance of their protection, and this may best begin with integration of ocean literacy in schools. Previous research shows that K-12 students worldwide have a limited understanding of the ocean. This lack of familiarity with the ocean has been linked to the absence of topics related to marine science in most national school curricula. Teachers are the ultimate arbiters deciding whether and how to include these topics in their classes. However, the extent to which marine science may be currently being taught in formal education is still unknown. We used the Australian public school system as a case study to investigate the marine science teaching practices of primary school teachers (Foundation – Grade 6), through an online survey. Our results indicate that while teachers value the importance of ocean education from a young age, most of them rarely or only occasionally cover marine science topics in their lessons. Teachers cited increased levels of marine science knowledge and a greater availability of ocean-related educational resources linked to the school curriculum as key areas for improvement in ocean education practices. This study highlights the importance of formal marine science education in primary education, along with the need for professional development opportunities for teachers.
A Roadmap to Advance Marine and Coastal Monitoring, Biodiversity Assessment, and International Reporting: A Developing Nation Perspective
Authors: Smit Kaylee P , Van Niekerk Lara , Harris Linda R. , McQuatters-Gollop Abigail , Shannon Lynne J. , Sink Kerry J.
Published: June 2022

Despite the increasing number of tools and indicators to measure biodiversity status and trends, many developing countries struggle to initiate and advance coastal and marine assessments needed to monitor and track national and international progress in biodiversity targets. We identified five key challenges that hinder progress in this context, based on a national marine assessment workshop held in South Africa, and developed recommendations and tangible actions to address these challenges drawing from multiple national assessments, regional initiatives, and global collaborations over the last 15 years. Challenges include a poor understanding of methods, limited capacity and funding for assessments, a lack of systematic approaches to biodiversity assessment and indicator development, and scattered efforts that often fail to link science to policy. Key actions could enable the development of a coordinated framework to feed into policy and decision-making at multiple scales. We provide South African examples to highlight a developing country’s progress toward marine biodiversity assessment and provide a roadmap to integrated monitoring, assessment, and reporting based on positive outcomes. Recommendations to address challenges include building collective understanding of assessment tools and methods, prioritizing pressures urgently needing mitigation measures, using relevant indicators to support reporting at multiple scales, applying coordinated approaches to identify gaps and opportunities, codeveloping coordinated approaches with direct policy links, and leveraging resources and technical capacity for iterative improvement. This roadmap can guide developing and developed countries and support global best practices to collaboratively advance marine and coastal ecosystem monitoring and assessment at multiple scales for meeting many objectives.
Proteomic Profiling of Black Coral (Antipatharia) Skeleton Reveals Hundreds of Skeleton-Associated Proteins Across Two Taxa
Authors: Drake Jeana L. , Mass Tali
Published: June 2022

Black corals, ecologically important cnidarians found from shallow to deep ocean depths, form a strong yet flexible skeleton of sclerotized chitin and other biomolecules including proteins. The structure and mechanical properties of the chitin component of the skeleton have been well-characterized. However, the protein component has remained a mystery. Here we used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to sequence proteins extracted from two species of common Red Sea black corals following either one or two cleaning steps. We detected hundreds of proteins between the two corals, nearly 70 of which are each other’s reciprocal best BLAST hit. Unlike stony corals, only a few of the detected proteins were moderately acidic (biased toward aspartic and/or glutamic acid residues) suggesting less of a role for these types of proteins in black coral skeleton formation as compared to stony corals. No distinct chitin binding domains were found in the proteins, but proteins annotated as having a role in protein and chitin modifications were detected. Our results support the integral role of proteins in black coral skeleton formation, structure, and function.
Swimming Activity as an Indicator of Seasonal Diapause in the Copepod Calanus finmarchicus
Authors: Grigor Jordan J. , Freer Jennifer J. , Tarling Geraint A. , Cohen Jonathan H. , Last Kim S.
Published: June 2022

Copepods dominate zooplankton biomass of the upper ocean, especially in the highly seasonal boreal and polar regions, for which specific life-cycle traits such as the accumulation of lipid reserves, migration into deep water and diapause are key adaptations. Understanding such traits is central to determining the energetic consequences of high latitude range shifts related to climate change and ultimately, biogeochemical models of carbon flow. Using the calanoid copepod Calanus finmarchicus, we explore a new indicator of diapause, swimming activity, and assess its relationship with respiration. Stage CV copepods were sampled in late summer from shallow (epipelagic) and deep (mesopelagic) water at both slope and basin locations within the Fram Strait at a time when the animals had entered diapause. Using high-throughput quantitative behaviour screening on ex-situ swimming activity, we found that irrespective of sampling station copepods from the mesopelagic show highly reduced activity (88.5 ± 3.4% reduction) when compared to those from the epipelagic with a clearly defined threshold between epi- and mesopelagic animals (~5 beam breaks 30 min-1). Mesopelagic individuals were also larger (12.4 ± 8.8%) and had more lipid reserves (19.3 ± 2.2%) than epipelagic individuals. On average, copepods from the basin station exhibited respiration rates similar to overwintering rates observed elsewhere (1.23 ± 0.76 µg C d-1), while respiration rates of copepods from the shelf station were more consistent with active metabolism (2.46 ± 1.02 µg C d-1). Nevertheless, active and diapausing rates were observed in individuals from both stations at both epi- and mesopelagic depths. We suggest that rapid screening of activity may provide an early indicator of diapause before it becomes fully apparent and consistent in other physiological indicators. Ultimately, swimming activity may provide a useful tool to assess the putative endogenous and exogenous factors involved in diapause onset, provide a handle on the energetics of diapause, and input to biogeochemical carbon models on C. finmarchicus.
New Insight Into the Molting and Growth in Crustaceans: Regulation of Energy Homeostasis Through the Lipid Nutrition
Authors: Yuan Ye , Jin Min , Fang Fang , Tocher Douglas R. , Betancor Mónica B. , Jiao Lefei , Hong Yucong , Zhou Qicun
Published: June 2022

Organisms can regulate mitochondrial metabolic adaptation, further ameliorate the energy homeostasis to control the ATP production for the energy expenditure during the growth process under different physiological and nutritional conditions. Based on this understanding, the objective of the present study was to investigate how different dietary n-3 PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acid) lipid sources modify the mitochondrial metabolic adaptation, and further affect the energy homeostasis and the growth of swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus). A total of 120 swimming crab juveniles with an average initial weight of 10.17 ± 0.12 g were fed one of three diets (4 replicates/treatment) containing either fish oil (control), krill oil or linseed oil as dietary lipid sources for 8 weeks, and the effects of dietary lipid sources on the growth and energy homeostasis via the regulation of mitochondrial metabolic adaptation were evaluated. The study revealed that, compared with linseed oil rich in 18:3n-3, fish oil and krill oil rich in 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 significantly promoted the molting and growth of juvenile swimming crab, increased the ATP level, mitochondrial membrane potential, NAD+ substrate level, NAD+/NADH ratio and the mitochondrial DNA copy number. Furthermore, crabs fed the diet supplemented with krill oil can up-regulate the expression levels of genes related to energy metabolism. In addition, dietary krill oil also specifically improved the ability for scavenging free radicals produced in the process of physiological metabolism, reduced the level of lipid peroxidation and the degree of DNA oxidative damage, and improved the health status of swimming crab. The present study revealed the adaptation of mitochondrial metabolism and the regulation of the energy homeostasis of swimming crab to different dietary n-3 PUFA lipid sources, and provided a new insight into the relationship between the growth as well as molting and the energy homeostasis, which provided a novel insight into the lipid nutrition and energy metabolism of crustacean species.
Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis Polysaccharide Attenuates D-Galactose–Induced Aging of Mice by Regulating Oxidative Stress and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Zhang Zhongshan , Li Xinyue , Xu Xiaogang , Mao Genxiang , Sun Xue , Xu Nianjun , Wang Xiaomei
Published: June 2022

Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis polysaccharide (GP) exerted protective effects in an aging mouse model administered with D-galactose, and its mechanism was revealed. GP increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, reduced malondialdehyde levels in the brain and serum, alleviated D-galactose–induced damage to the liver, and ameliorated mild cognitive impairment. Abundance of the gut microbiota differed significantly between GP and control groups. GP alleviated liver and brain injuries by regulating oxidative stress and modulating the composition and metabolism of the gut microbiota.
The Effective Diffusion Coefficient of Hydrogen in Tungsten: Effects of Microstructures From Phase-Field Simulations
Authors: Li Bingchen , Xue Bowen , Hao Jiannan , Jin Shuo , Zhou Hong-Bo , Liang Linyun , Lu Guang-Hong
Published: June 2022

In this work, we propose an efficient numerical method to study the effects of microstructures on the effective diffusion coefficient of the diffusion component in materials. We take the diffusion of hydrogen (H) atoms in porous polycrystalline tungsten (W) as an example. The grain structures and irradiated void microstructures are generated by using the phase-field model. The effective diffusion coefficients of H in these microstructures are obtained by solving the steady-state diffusion equation, using a spectral iterative algorithm. We first validate our simulation code for calculating the effective diffusion coefficient by using three simple examples. We then investigate the effects of the grain morphology and porosity on the effective diffusion coefficient of H in W. Regardless of whether the grain boundary is beneficial to the diffusion of H or not, it is found that the effective diffusion coefficient of H along the elongated grain direction in columnar crystals is always greater than that in isometric crystals. The increase of the porosity can significantly decrease the effective diffusion coefficient of H from the simulations of the porous W. A correlation of converting the two-dimensional (2D) effective diffusion coefficient into three-dimensional (3D) in the porous and polycrystalline W is fitted by using our simulation data, respectively. Two fitted correlations can be used to predict the synergistic effect of the porosity and grain boundary on the effective diffusion coefficient of H in W. Consequently, our simulation results provide a good reference for understanding the influence of the complex microstructures on H diffusion, and may help to design W-based materials for the fusion reactor.
Developmental Trends and Research Hotspots in Bronchoscopy Anesthesia: A Bibliometric Study
Authors: Min Keting , Wu Yutong , Wang Sheng , Yang Hao , Deng Huimin , Wei Juan , Zhang Xiaowei , Zhou Huanping , Zhu Wanli , Gu Yang , Shi Xuan , Lv Xin
Published: June 2022

Background

This study discusses the developmental trends and research hotspots in bronchoscopy anesthesia in the past six decades.

Methods

The original and review articles published from 1975 to June 2021 related to bronchoscopy anesthesia were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Three different scientometric tools (CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix) were used for this comprehensive analysis.

Results

There was a substantial increase in the research on bronchoscopy anesthesia in recent years. A total of 1,270 publications were retrieved up to June 25, 2021. Original research articles were 1,152, and reviews were 118, including 182 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These publications were cited a total of 25,504 times, with a mean of 20.08 citations per publication. The US had the largest number of publications (27.6%) and the highest H-index of 44. The sum of publications from China ranked second (11.5%), with an H-index of 17. Keyword co-occurrence and references co-citation visual analysis showed that the use of sedatives such as dexmedetomidine in the process of bronchoscopy diagnosis and treatment was gradually increasing, indicating that bronchoscopy anesthesia was further progressing toward safety and comfort.

Conclusion

Based on a bibliometric analysis of the publications over the past decades, a comprehensive analysis indicated that the research of bronchoscopy anesthesia is in a period of rapid development and demonstrated the improvement of medical instruments and surgical options that have significantly contributed to the field of bronchoscopy anesthesia. The data would provide future directions for clinicians and researchers in relation to bronchoscopy anesthesia.
Comparison of the Relationship Between SI and RASI Scores With the Outcome of Sepsis Patients
Authors: Hashemian Amir Masoud , Baghshani Zahra , Farzaneh Roohie , Zamani Moghadam Hamid , Maleki Fatemeh , Bagherian Farhad , Ahmadnezhad Somayyeh , Foroughian Mahdi
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to compare the relationship between shock index (SI) and respiratory adjusted shock index (RASI) scores with the final outcome of sepsis patients referred to the emergency department. This was prospective research that examined individuals who had been diagnosed with sepsis, determined by the presence of at least two of the three quick sepsis-related organ failure assessment (qSOFA) criteria and the presence of an infectious disease based on a diagnosis made by a hospital physician of Imam Reza and Ghaemshahr of Mashhad in 2019. Demographic information of patients, SI score, RASI score, and information related to the patient's clinical symptoms were recorded in the checklist. The final outcome of this study was considered mortality. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential tests. In the present study, a total of 178 patients, 46 patients (25.8%) were transferred to the intensive care unit, and 98 patients (55.1%) were admitted to the normal wards. Eighty-five patients (47.75%) died and the mean length of hospital stay of all patients was 11.07 ± 9.23 days. Forty-four patients (24.7%) had referred with a decreased level of consciousness and 44 patients (24.7%) presented with confusion. The rest of the patients reported normal levels of consciousness. Kaplan Mir analysis with log-rank was performed to determine the difference in survival distribution in different SI groups: Survival distribution was not statistically different for the four defined groups (based on statistical quartiles (P = 0.320). Receiver operator curves were considered as the date of death in the case of the deceased and the date of discharge from the hospital in the case of the living as censored. The AUC of the RASI scoring system for predicting mortality was 0.614 (P = 0.009) while this value was not significant for SI (P = 0.152). In logistic regression analysis, it was found that by adjusting for the variables of age, sex, sepsis etiology, blood pressure and heart rate, level of consciousness, and gender, patients with the lower respiratory rate (OR 1.6, z = −0.159 p = 0.007), younger age (OR 1.6, z = −0.029 p = 0.006) and higher RASI score are more in risk of mortality (OR 1.29, z = 1.209, p = 0.031). The results of our study showed that RASI scoring can be a good criterion for predicting the chance of mortality in patients with sepsis and could be used complementary to previous criteria such as SI. Patients with high RASI scores should be given more attention to reducing the chance of death.
Anti-colon Cancer Effects of Dendrobium officinale Kimura & Migo Revealed by Network Pharmacology Integrated With Molecular Docking and Metabolomics Studies
Authors: Tao Shengchang , Li Jinyan , Wang Huan , Ding Shaobo , Han Weichao , He Ruirong , Ren Zhiyao , Wei Gang
Published: June 2022

Objective

The present study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of Dendrobium officinale (D. officinale) on colorectal cancer and the relevant targets in the pathway using a network pharmacological approach.

Methods

(1) We identified the major bioactive components of D. officinale by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS and established the in-house library by using the literature mining method. (2) Target prediction was performed by SwissADME and SwissTargetPrediction. (3) A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and component–target–pathway network (C-T-P network) were constructed. (4) The GO pathways and the KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were carried out by the Metascape database. (5) Molecular docking was performed by AutoDock software. (6) A series of experimental assays including cell proliferation, cell invasion and migration, and TUNEL staining in CRC were performed in CRC cell lines (HT-29, Lovo, SW-620, and HCT-116) to confirm the inhibitory effects of D. officinale.

Results

(1) In total, 396 candidate active components of D. officinale were identified by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS and selected from the database. (2) From OMIM, GeneCards, DrugBank, and TTD databases, 1,666 gene symbols related to CRC were gathered, and (3) 34 overlapping gene symbols related to CRC and drugs were obtained. (4) These results suggested that the anti-CRC components of D. officinale were mainly apigenin, naringenin, caffeic acid, γ-linolenic acid, α-linolenic acid, cis-10-heptadecenoic acid, etc., and the core targets of action were mainly ESR1, EGFR, PTGS2, MMP9, MMP2, PPARG, etc. (5) The proliferation of muscle cells, the regulation of inflammatory response, the response of cells to organic cyclic compounds, and the apoptotic signaling pathway might serve as principal pathways for CRC treatment. (6) The reliability of some important active components and targets was further validated by molecular docking. The molecular docking analysis suggested an important role of apigenin, naringenin, PTGS2, and MMP9 in delivering the pharmacological activity of D. officinale against CRC. (7) These results of the evaluation experiment in vitro suggested that D. officinale had a strong inhibitory effect on CRC cell lines, and it exerted anti-CRC activity by activating CRC cell apoptosis and inhibiting CRC cell migration and invasion.

Conclusion

This study may provide valuable insights into exploring the mechanism of action of D. officinale against CRC.