bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre-operative evaluation and mid-term outcomes of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery based on left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Xia Shu-Liang , Tao Hui-Kang , Ma Li , Cui Yan-Qing , Zou Ming-Hui , Li Jian-Ru , Li Feng-xiang , Li Jia , Zhang Xu , Chen Xin-Xin
Published: August 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognosis of patients with anomalous left coronary artery originating from pulmonary artery with varying cardiac function after surgical correction.

Methods

This was a single-center retrospective cohort study including 51 patients with anomalous left coronary artery originating from pulmonary artery, all of whom underwent surgery at our center.

Results

All 5 deaths occurred in the pre-operative low cardiac function group (n = 39). After corrected by body surface area, parameters such as left coronary artery, right coronary artery, left atrial diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, and main pulmonary artery diameter, were lower in patients in the normal cardiac function group than in the low cardiac function group. The rate of collateral circulation formation was higher in the normal cardiac function group. The proportion of changes of T wave was higher in the low cardiac function group (P = 0.005), and the duration of vasoactive drugs (dopamine, milrinone, epinephrine, nitroglycerin.) was longer in the low cardiac function group. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, main pulmonary artery diameter, and left atrial diameter were smaller than those pre-operatively (P < 0.05). Left ventricular ejection fraction was higher than that pre-operatively (P = 0.003). The degree of mitral regurgitation in the low cardiac function group was reduced post-operatively (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

There was a significant difference between the pre-operative baseline data of the low cardiac function group and the normal cardiac function group. After surgical repair, cardiac function gradually returned to normal in the low cardiac function group. The low cardiac function group required vasoactive drugs for a longer period of time. The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, left atrial diameter, and main pulmonary artery diameter decreased and gradually returned to normal after surgery. The degree of mitral regurgitation in the low cardiac function group was reduced after surgery.
Successful immune checkpoint inhibitor rechallenge after immune-related pericarditis: Clinical case series
Authors: Chye Adrian M. , Nordman Ina I. C. , Sverdlov Aaron L.
Published: August 2022

Pericardial diseases secondary to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are rare. Here, we describe two cases of immune-related pericarditis caused by ICI for treatment of advanced NSCLC. Select patients can be successfully rechallenged with ICI after immune-related pericardial disease.
Advances in cell death mechanisms involved in viral myocarditis
Authors: Yang Yang , Li Wang , You Benshuai , Zhou Chenglin
Published: August 2022

Viral myocarditis is an acute inflammatory disease of the myocardium. Although many etiopathogenic factors exist, coxsackievirus B3 is a the leading cause of viral myocarditis. Abnormal cardiomyocyte death is the underlying problem for most cardiovascular diseases and fatalities. Various types of cell death occur and are regulated to varying degrees. In this review, we discuss the different cell death mechanisms in viral myocarditis and the potential interactions between them. We also explore the role and mechanism of cardiomyocyte death with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Exploring the mechanisms may help in the early identification and the development of effective treatments, thus improving the quality of life of patients with viral myocarditis. We believe that the inhibition of cardiomyocyte death has immense therapeutic potential in increasing the longevity and health of the heart.
MiRNA and associated inflammatory changes from baseline to hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ramanjaneya Manjunath , Priyanka Ruth , Bensila Milin , Jerobin Jayakumar , Pawar Krunal , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Abou-Samra Abdul Badi , Halabi Najeeb M. , Moin Abu Saleh Md , Atkin Stephen L. , Butler Alexandra E.
Published: August 2022

Objective

Hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes (T2D) increases morbidity and mortality but the underlying physiological response is still not fully understood, though physiological changes are still apparent 24 hours after the event. Small noncoding microRNA (miRNA) have multiple downstream biological effects that may respond rapidly to stress. We hypothesized that hypoglycemia would induce rapid miRNA changes; therefore, this pilot exploratory study was undertaken.

Methods

A pilot prospective, parallel study in T2D (n=23) and controls (n=23). Insulin-induced hypoglycemia (2mmol/l: 36mg/dl) was induced and blood sampling performed at baseline and hypoglycemia. Initial profiling of miRNA was undertaken on pooled samples identified 96 miRNA that were differentially regulated, followed by validation on a custom designed 112 miRNA panel.

Results

Nine miRNAs differed from baseline to hypoglycemia in control subjects; eight were upregulated: miR-1303, miR-let-7e-5p, miR-1267, miR-30a-5p, miR-571, miR-661, miR-770-5p, miR-892b and one was downregulated: miR-652-3p. None of the miRNAs differed from baseline in T2D subjects.

Conclusion

A rapid miRNA response reflecting protective pathways was seen in control subjects that appeared to be lost in T2D, suggesting that mitigating responses to hypoglycemia with blunting of the counter-regulatory response in T2D occurs even in patients with short duration of disease.

Clinical trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03102801?term=NCT03102801&draw=2&rank=1, identifier NCT03102801.
Possible important roles of galectins in the healing of human fetal membranes
Authors: Chen Jia-Le , Chen Yu , Xu De-Xiang , Chen Dao-Zhen
Published: August 2022

The fetal membranes healing is a complex and dynamic process of replacing devitalized and missing cellular structures and tissue layers. Multiple cells and extracellular matrices, and cell differentiation, migration and proliferation may participate in restoring the integrity of damaged tissue, however this process still remains unclear. Therefore, there is a need to identify and integrate new ideas and methods to design a more effective dressing to accelerate fetal membrane healing. This review explores the function and role of galectins in the inflammatory, epithelial mesenchymal transition, proliferative migration, and remodeling phases of fetal membrane healing. In conclusion, the preliminary findings are promising. Research on amnion regeneration is expected to provide insight into potential treatment strategies for premature rupture of membranes.
Trends in all-cause mortality and major causes of death between 2007 and 2018 among patients with diabetes in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Jun-Sing , Wu Yi-Ling , Ou Horng-Yih , Yang Yi-Sun , Hsu Chih-Cheng , Hwu Chii-Min
Published: August 2022

Optimal control of diabetes and relevant risk factors substantially reduce the risks of chronic complications and mortality. We investigated all-cause mortality rate and major causes of death between 2007 and 2018 in patients with diabetes in Taiwan. This study was conducted using data from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. We selected patients with diabetes diagnosed between 2007 and 2017 (grouped according to the year of diabetes diagnosis 2007-2010 vs. 2011-2017). Information on mortality and causes of death by the end of 2018 was confirmed through linking to the National Death Registry. Standardized mortality rate (SMR) were calculated by weighting the World Health Organization (WHO) standard population (WHO 2000-2025). More than 2.7 million of patients with diabetes were analyzed and a total of 566121 deaths were identified. Overall, the SMR was 11.72 per 1000 person-years. Patients with diabetes diagnosed in 2011-2017 had a lower SMR (8.42 vs. 12.92 per 1000 person-years) than those diagnosed in 2007-2010. Similar finding were noted regarding the major causes of death (cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertensive disease, and cerebrovascular disease). Compared with patients who were diagnosed in 2008-2010, those who were diagnosed in 2011-2014 and 2015-2018 had a higher 3-year survival rate (0.9356 vs. 0.9438 vs. 0.946, log-rank test p<0.001) after the diagnosis of diabetes. Patients who were diagnosed with diabetes after 2011 had a lower rate of all-cause mortality and major causes of death, compared with those who were diagnosed before 2010 in Taiwan.
Artifacts and levels of abstraction
Authors: Chirimuuta M.
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this article is to show how the comparison or analogy with artifacts (i.e., systems engineered by humans) is foundational for the idea that complex neuro-cognitive systems are amenable to explanation at distinct levels, which is a central simplifying strategy for modeling the brain. The most salient source of analogy is of course the digital computer, but I will discuss how some more general comparisons with the processes of design and engineering also play a significant role. I will show how the analogies, and the subsequent notion of a distinct computational level, have engendered common ideas about how safely to abstract away from the complexity of concrete neural systems, yielding explanations of how neural processes give rise to cognitive functions. I also raise worries about the limitations of these explanations, due to neglected differences between the human-made devices and biological organs.
When nature needs a helping hand: Different levels of human intervention for mangrove (re-)establishment
Authors: Zimmer Martin , Ajonina Gordon N. , Amir A. Aldrie , Cragg Simon M. , Crooks Stephen , Dahdouh-Guebas Farid , Duke Norman C. , Fratini Sara , Friess Daniel A. , Helfer Véronique , Huxham Mark , Kathiresan Kandasamy , Kodikara K. A. Sunanda , Koedam Nico , Lee Shing Yip , Mangora Mwita M. , Primavera Jurgenne , Satyanarayana Behara , Yong Jean Wan Hong , Wodehouse Dominic
Published: August 2022

Protecting existing mangrove forests is a priority for global conservation because of the wide range of services that these coastal forests provide to humankind. Despite the recent reduction in global rates of mangrove loss, high historical loss rates mean that there are at least 800,000 ha globally that are potentially suitable for mangrove re-establishment. Recently deposited mud banks or intertidal, previously terrestrial, land might provide additional habitat for expanding mangrove areas locally. There is a long history of mangrove rehabilitation. However, despite numerous good examples of, and growing expertise in, natural or assisted (re-)establishment activities, most mangrove planting efforts, for instance, either fail entirely or meet with only limited success. Exposed to waves and currents and subject to tidal inundation, mangroves differ from terrestrial forests, and approaches to, or tools for, terrestrial forest restoration cannot easily be transferred to mangrove forests. Successful mangrove (re-)establishment usually requires a robust understanding of the abiotic and biotic conditions of the chosen site, the ecological requirements of the mangrove species used or facilitated, the reasons for previous mangrove loss or degradation, as well as the barriers–both societal and ecological–that have prevented natural recovery to date. Because most mangrove forests are socio-ecological systems, with which local human populations are intimately engaged, (re-)establishment will normally require the support of, and engagement with, local communities and other local stakeholders. Here, we summarize where, when and why (re-)establishment of mangroves is needed and how to assess this need. We discuss a range of potential aims and goals of mangrove (re-)establishment along with potential pitfalls along the way from conceiving the initial idea to its realization. We compare different technical and conceptual approaches to mangrove (re-)establishment, their challenges and opportunities, and their design and financial requirements, as well as potential solutions. We ground our final outlook and recommendations on examples of successful efforts and the factors that rendered (re-)establishment successful in the past.
Promoter Methylation of QKI as a Potential Specific Biomarker for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhang Lei , Li Dapeng , Gao Lijing , Fu Jinming , Sun Simin , Huang Hao , Zhang Ding , Jia Chenyang , Zheng Ting , Cui Binbin , Liu Yanlong , Zhao Yashuang
Published: August 2022

Early and specific detection of cancer provides an opportunity for appropriate treatment. Although studies have suggested that QKI is a tumor suppressor gene, no studies have evaluated the diagnostic utility of QKI methylation in colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we evaluated the methylation status of QKI by integrating the methylation data of tissues and cell lines of multiple cancer types. The diagnostic performance of QKI was analyzed in the discovery dataset from the TCGA CRC 450K array (n = 440) and tested in the test sets (n = 845) from the GEO. The methylation level of QKI was further validated in our independent dataset (n = 388) using targeted bisulfite sequencing. All detected CpG sites in the QKI promoter showed CRC-specific hypermethylation in 31 types of tumor tissues. In the discovery dataset, six consecutive CpG sites achieved high diagnostic performances, with AUCs ranging from 0.821 to 0.930. In the test set, a region (chr6: 163,834,452–163,834,924) including four consecutive CpG sites had robust diagnostic ability in distinguishing CRC and adenoma from normal samples. In the validation dataset, similar robust results were observed in both early- and advanced-stage CRC patients. In addition, QKI exhibited hypermethylation in the cfDNA of patients with CRC (n = 14). Collectively, the QKI promoter is a CRC-specific methylation biomarker and holds great promise for improving the diagnosis using minimally invasive biopsy.
The difference in CD4+ T cell immunity between high- and low-virulence Tembusu viruses is mainly related to residues 151 and 304 in the envelope protein
Authors: Meng Runze , Yang Baolin , Feng Chonglun , Huang Jingjing , Wang Xiaoyan , Zhang Dabing
Published: August 2022

Tembusu virus (TMUV) can result in a severe disease affecting domestic ducks. The role of T cells in protection from TMUV infection and the molecular basis of T cell-mediated protection against TMUV remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we used the high-virulence TMUV strain Y and the low-virulence TMUV strain PS to investigate the protective role for TMUV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. When tested in a 5-day-old Pekin duck model, Y and PS induced comparable levels of neutralizing antibody, whereas Y elicited significantly stronger cellular immune response relative to PS. Using a duck adoptive transfer model, we showed that both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells provided significant protection from TMUV-related disease, with CD8+ T cell conferring more robust protection to recipient ducklings. For TMUV, CD4+ T cells mainly provided help for neutralizing antibody response, whereas CD8+ T cells mainly mediated viral clearance from infected tissues. The difference in T cell immunity between Y and PS was primarily attributed to CD4+ T cells; adoptive transfer of Y-specific CD4+ T cells resulted in significantly enhanced protective ability, neutralizing antibody response, and viral clearance from the brain relative to PS-specific CD4+ T cells. Further investigations with chimeric viruses, mutant viruses, and their parental viruses identified two mutations (T151A and R304M) in the envelope (E) protein that contributed significantly to TMUV-specific CD4+ T cell-mediated protective ability and neutralizing antibody response, with more beneficial effects being conferred by R304M. These data indicate T cell-mediated immunity is important for protection from disease, for viral clearance from tissues, and for the production of neutralizing antibodies, and that the difference in CD4+T cell immunity between high- and low-virulence TMUV strains is primarily related to residues 151 and 304 in the E protein.
Characterization and validation of a ferroptosis-related LncRNA signature as a novel prognostic model for lung adenocarcinoma in tumor microenvironment
Authors: Wang Yuanyong , Lu Guofang , Xue Xinying , Xie Mei , Wang Zhaoyang , Ma Zhiqiang , Feng Yingtong , Shao Changjian , Duan Hongtao , Pan Minghong , Ding Peng , Li Xiaofei , Han Jing , Yan Xiaolong
Published: August 2022

Ferroptosis is a more relatively recently identified type of programmed cell death, which is associated with tumor progression. However, the mechanism underlying the effect of ferroptosis-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains elusive. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the role of ferroptosis-related lncRNAs in LUAD and to develop a prognostic model. The clinicopathological characteristics of patients and the gene sequencing data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas, while the ferroptosis-associated mRNAs were downloaded from the FerrDb database. A ferroptosis-related lncRNA signature was established with Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator Cox regression analysis. Furthermore, the risk scores of ferroptosis-related lncRNAs were calculated and LUAD patients were then assigned to high- and low-risk groups based on the median risk score. The prognostic model was established by K-M plotters and nomograms. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to evaluate the association between immune responses and ferroptosis-related lncRNAs. A total of 10 ferroptosis-related lncRNAs were identified as independent predictors of LUAD outcome, namely RP11-386M24.3, LINC00592, FENDRR, AC104699.1, AC091132.1, LANCL1-AS1, LINC-PINT, IFNG-AS1, LINC00968 and AC006129.2. The area under the curve verified that the established signatures could determine LUAD prognosis. The nomogram model was used to assess the predictive accuracy of the established signatures. Additionally, GSEA revealed that the 10 ferroptosis-related lncRNAs could be involved in immune responses in LUAD. Overall, the results of the current study may provide novel insights into the development of novel therapies or diagnostic strategies for LUAD.
Dietary selenium sources alleviate immune challenge induced by Salmonella Enteritidis potentially through improving the host immune response and gut microbiota in laying hens
Authors: Kang Ruifen , Wang Weihan , Liu Yafei , Huang Shimeng , Xu Jiawei , Zhao Lihong , Zhang Jianyun , Ji Cheng , Wang Zhong , Hu Yanxin , Ma Qiugang
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different selenium (Se) sources on the immune responses and gut microbiota of laying hens challenged with Salmonella enteritidis (S. Enteritidis). A total of 240 45-week-old layers were randomly divided into eight groups with six replicates per group according to a 4 × 2 factorial design, including a blank diet without Se supplementation (CON group) and three diets with 0.3 mg/kg Se supplementation from sodium selenite (IS group), yeast Se (YS group), and selenium-enriched yeast culture (SYC group), respectively. After 8 weeks of feeding, half of them were orally challenged with 1.0 ml suspension of 109 colony-forming units per milliliter of S. Enteritidis daily for 3 days. The serum was collected on days 3, 7, and 14, and the cecum content was collected on day 14 after challenge. There was no significant difference in laying performance among the eight groups before challenge. The S. Enteritidis challenge significantly decreased the laying performance, egg quality, GSH-Px, IgG, and IgM and increased the ratio of feed and egg, malondialdehyde (MDA), Salmonella-specific antibody (SA) titers, IL-6, IL-2, IL-1β, and INF-γ. However, SYC increased the level of GSH-Px and IgG and decreased IL-6, while YS decreased the level of IL-2 and IL-1β. What is more, Se supplementation decreased the SA titers to varying degrees and reduced the inflammatory cell infiltration in the lamina propria caused by S. Enteritidis infection. In addition, the S. Enteritidis challenge disrupted the intestinal flora balance by reducing the abundance of the genera Clostridium innocuum, Lachnospiraceae, and Bifidobacterium and increasing the genera Butyricimonas and Brachyspira, while Se supplementation increased the gut microbial alpha diversity whether challenged or not. Under the S. Enteritidis challenge condition, the alteration of microbial composition by the administration of different Se sources mainly manifested as IS increased the relative abundance of the genera Lachnospiraceae and Christensenellaceae, YS increased the relative abundance of the genera Megamonas and Sphingomonas, and SYC increased the genera Fusobacterium and Lactococcus. The alteration of gut microbial composition had a close relationship with antioxidant or immune response. To summarize, different Se sources can improve the egg quality of layers challenged by S. Enteritidis that involves elevating the immunity level and regulating the intestinal microbiota.
Sex bias in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: How it influences clinical course, MRI parameters and prognosis
Authors: Nytrova Petra , Dolezal Ondrej
Published: August 2022

This review is a condensed summary of representative articles addressing the sex/gender bias in multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD). The strong effects of sex on the incidence and possibly also the activity and progression of these disorders should be implemented in the evaluation of any phase of clinical research and also in treatment choice consideration in clinical practice and evaluation of MRI parameters. Some relationships between clinical variables and gender still remain elusive but with further understanding of sex/gender-related differences, we should be able to provide appropriate patient-centered care and research.
PD-L1 maintains neutrophil extracellular traps release by inhibiting neutrophil autophagy in endotoxin-induced lung injury
Authors: Zhu Cheng-long , Xie Jian , Zhao Zhen-zhen , Li Peng , Liu Qiang , Guo Yu , Meng Yan , Wan Xiao-jian , Bian Jin-jun , Deng Xiao-ming , Wang Jia-feng
Published: August 2022

Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is not only an important molecule in mediating tumor immune escape, but also regulates inflammation development. Here we showed that PD-L1 was upregulated on neutrophils in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Neutrophil specific knockout of PD-L1 reduced lung injury in ARDS model induced by intratracheal LPS injection. The level of NET release was reduced and autophagy is elevated by PD-L1 knockout in ARDS neutrophils both in vivo and in vitro. Inhibition of autophagy could reverse the inhibitory effect of PD-L1 knockout on NET release. PD-L1 interacted with p85 subunit of PI3K at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in neutrophils from ARDS patients, activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. An extrinsic neutralizing antibody against PD-L1 showed a protective effect against ARDS. Together, PD-L1 maintains the release of NETs by regulating autophagy through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in ARDS. Anti-PD-L1 therapy may be a promising measure in treating ARDS.
Circulating interleukin-38 concentrations in healthy adults
Authors: Teufel Lisa U. , de Graaf Dennis M. , Netea Mihai G. , Dinarello Charles A. , Joosten Leo A. B. , Arts Rob J. W.
Published: August 2022

Interleukin (IL)-38 is the latest discovered member of the interleukin-1 family, which has anti-inflammatory properties similar to IL-36Ra. Several studies compared circulating IL-38 concentrations in healthy and diseased populations to characterize its role in both auto-immune and inflammatory pathologies, with both higher and lower concentrations being associated with certain diseases. However, in order to use IL-38 as a biomarker, a reference range in healthy adults is needed. To establish a reference IL-38 circulating concentration, accessible data from 25 eligible studies with IL-38 concentrations in healthy adults was collected. To validate the values found in literature, we measured IL-38 concentrations by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in several cohorts from our own institute. Additionally, the effect of blood collection techniques, freeze thawing cycles, and hemolysis on IL-38 measurements was assessed. To evaluate the importance of the genetic background of individuals as confounding factor of IL-38 synthesis, we used publicly available eQTL databases with matched data on allele frequencies in individuals of different ethnicities. Mean IL-38 concentrations in the various studies were weighted by their corresponding sample size, resulting in a weighted mean, and weighted upper and lower limits were calculated by mean ± 2 SD. Differences of over 10.000-fold were found in the weighted means between studies, which could not be attributed to the blood collection method or assessment of IL-38 in plasma or serum. Although IL-38 concentrations were markedly higher in Chinese then in European population studies, we could not show an association with the genetic background. From our analysis, a reference range for circulating IL-38 in healthy adults could thus not yet be established.
Global Distribution of Zooplankton Biomass Estimated by In Situ Imaging and Machine Learning
Authors: Drago Laetitia , Panaïotis Thelma , Irisson Jean-Olivier , Babin Marcel , Biard Tristan , Carlotti François , Coppola Laurent , Guidi Lionel , Hauss Helena , Karp-Boss Lee , Lombard Fabien , McDonnell Andrew M. P. , Picheral Marc , Rogge Andreas , Waite Anya M. , Stemmann Lars , Kiko Rainer
Published: August 2022

Zooplankton plays a major role in ocean food webs and biogeochemical cycles, and provides major ecosystem services as a main driver of the biological carbon pump and in sustaining fish communities. Zooplankton is also sensitive to its environment and reacts to its changes. To better understand the importance of zooplankton, and to inform prognostic models that try to represent them, spatially-resolved biomass estimates of key plankton taxa are desirable. In this study we predict, for the first time, the global biomass distribution of 19 zooplankton taxa (1-50 mm Equivalent Spherical Diameter) using observations with the Underwater Vision Profiler 5, a quantitative in situ imaging instrument. After classification of 466,872 organisms from more than 3,549 profiles (0-500 m) obtained between 2008 and 2019 throughout the globe, we estimated their individual biovolumes and converted them to biomass using taxa-specific conversion factors. We then associated these biomass estimates with climatologies of environmental variables (temperature, salinity, oxygen, etc.), to build habitat models using boosted regression trees. The results reveal maximal zooplankton biomass values around 60°N and 55°S as well as minimal values around the oceanic gyres. An increased zooplankton biomass is also predicted for the equator. Global integrated biomass (0-500 m) was estimated at 0.403 PgC. It was largely dominated by Copepoda (35.7%, mostly in polar regions), followed by Eumalacostraca (26.6%) Rhizaria (16.4%, mostly in the intertropical convergence zone). The machine learning approach used here is sensitive to the size of the training set and generates reliable predictions for abundant groups such as Copepoda (R2 ≈ 20-66%) but not for rare ones (Ctenophora, Cnidaria, R2 < 5%). Still, this study offers a first protocol to estimate global, spatially resolved zooplankton biomass and community composition from in situ imaging observations of individual organisms. The underlying dataset covers a period of 10 years while approaches that rely on net samples utilized datasets gathered since the 1960s. Increased use of digital imaging approaches should enable us to obtain zooplankton biomass distribution estimates at basin to global scales in shorter time frames in the future.
Protocol of Kupffer phase whole liver scan for metastases: A single-center prospective study
Authors: Wu Qiong , Liu Yilun , Sun Di , Wang Yan , Wei Xiaoer , Li Jing , Liu Beibei , Wang Shuhao , Zhou Yan , Hu Haiyan , Zhang Rui , Jiao Qiong , Li Yi , Ying Tao
Published: August 2022

Introduction

As the presence of hepatic metastases is very important to cancer patients' clinical stage which would directly affect the selection and application of anti-cancer treatments. Although conventional ultrasound is commonly performed as a screening tool, most of the examinations have relatively poor sensitivity and specificity for detecting liver metastases. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with Sonazoid has been reported to have the advantage of the diagnosis and therapeutic support of focal hepatic lesions and its specific Kupffer phase whole liver scan (KPWLS) is believed to be sensitive to detect liver metastases. And the purpose of this study is to determine the number, size, location and diagnosis of metastatic lesions, and to compare the results with conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT), thus to clarify the application value, indications of Sonazoid-CEUS in screening liver metastasis.

Methods and analysis

Kupffer phase whole liver scan for metastases (KPWLSM) is a self-control, blind map-reading, single-center, prospective superiority trial. Approved by the institutional review committee, the study period is planned to be from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2025. Our study will include 330 patients with history of malignant tumors that cling to metastasize to liver. All patients will undergo the examinations of conventional ultrasound, Sonazoid-CEUS, and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CEMRI), and 65 of them should have additional CECT scans. The primary endpoint is the comparative analysis of the numbers of detected liver metastatic lesions among Sonazoid-CEUS, conventional ultrasound and CECT in screening liver metastases. Subjective conditions of patient after injection of Sonazoid will be followed up 3 and 30 days after KPWLSM, and any short-term and long-term adverse events are to be recorded with telephone interviews.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been granted by the Ethics Committee of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital (Approval No: 2021-197). When the KPWLSM is completed, we will publish it in an appropriate journal to promote further widespread use.

Registration

Trial Registration Number and Date of Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100054385, December 16, 2021.
RAGE pathway activation and function in chronic kidney disease and COVID-19
Authors: Curran Colleen S. , Kopp Jeffrey B.
Published: August 2022

The multi-ligand receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) and its ligands are contributing factors in autoimmunity, cancers, and infectious disease. RAGE activation is increased in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). CKD may increase the risk of COVID-19 severity and may also develop in the form of long COVID. RAGE is expressed in essentially all kidney cell types. Increased production of RAGE isoforms and RAGE ligands during CKD and COVID-19 promotes RAGE activity. The downstream effects include cellular dysfunction, tissue injury, fibrosis, and inflammation, which in turn contribute to a decline in kidney function, hypertension, thrombotic disorders, and cognitive impairment. In this review, we discuss the forms and mechanisms of RAGE and RAGE ligands in the kidney and COVID-19. Because various small molecules antagonize RAGE activity in animal models, targeting RAGE, its co-receptors, or its ligands may offer novel therapeutic approaches to slowing or halting progressive kidney disease, for which current therapies are often inadequate.
Genetic context of blaCTX–M–55 and qnrS1 genes in a foodborne Salmonella enterica serotype Saintpaul isolate from China
Authors: Li Lili , Olsen Rikke Heidemann , Xiao Jian , Meng Hecheng , Peng Shifu , Shi Lei
Published: August 2022

Salmonella enterica resistant to fluoroquinolones (FQs) and extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs) has been deemed a high-priority pathogen by the WHO. Salmonella enterica serovar Saintpaul (S. Saintpaul) co-resistant to ESCs and FQs and harboring corresponding resistance genes (blaCTX–M–55 and qnrS1) have been previously reported. However, they have not been reported in China. Moreover, the genetic context and transferability of ESCs and FQs resistance genes in S. Saintpaul remain obscure. This study is the first study to characterize a multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. Saintpaul isolate (16Sal016) harboring plasmid-mediated blaCTX–M–55 and qnrS1 genes recovered from weever fish in China. The whole genome short- and long-read sequencing results identified the presence of 15 acquired antibiotic resistance genes encoding resistance to nine classes of antibiotics, as well as abundant mobile genetic elements residing on a 259,529 bp IncHI2 plasmid. The blaCTX–M–55 and qnrS1 genes were located in a 12,865 bp region, IS26-orf-orf-ISKpn19-qnrS1-IS3-Tn3-orf-blaCTX–M–55-ISEc9-orf-IS26. Similar structures have been identified in various bacterial species, indicating a high transferability of blaCTX–M–55 and qnrS1 genes within this gene cluster. The plasmid was found to be transferable to Escherichia coli (E. coli) J53 by conjugation and resulted in the acquisition of multiple resistances by the transconjugants. Genome sequence comparisons by core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) based on global 2,947 S. Saintpaul isolates indicated that strain 16Sal016 was epidemiologically linked with an isolate from the United Kingdom (UK). Our findings suggest that plasmids and IS26-mediated mobile genetic elements are carriers of blaCTX–M–55 and qnrS1 genes in S. Saintpaul, and highlight their potential transmission, which needs continuous investigations.
Heat inactivation of stable proteinaceous particles for future sample return mission architecture
Authors: Seto Emily P. , Hirsch Aspen L. , Schubert Wayne W. , Chandramowlishwaran Pavithra , Chernoff Yury O.
Published: August 2022

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) are studying how to improve the safety of future planetary science sample return missions that would bring back materials to Earth. Backward planetary protection requirements have been identified as a critical technology development focus in order to reduce the possibility of harm to Earth’s biosphere from such returned materials. In order to meet these challenges, NASA has identified the need for an appropriate suite of biological indicators (BIs) that would be used to develop, test, and ultimately validate sample return mission sterilization systems. Traditionally, BIs are defined as test systems composed of viable microorganisms that are inactivated when necessary conditions are met during sterilization procedures, providing a level of confidence in the process. BIs used traditionally at NASA have been driven by past mission requirements, mainly focused on spore-formers. However, spore-based BIs are insufficient as the only analog for a nominal case in sample return missions. NASA has directed sample return missions from habitable worlds to manage “potential extraterrestrial life and bioactive molecules” which requires investigation of a range of potential BIs. Thus, it is important to develop a mitigation strategy that addresses various known forms of biology, from complex organisms to biomolecular assemblies (including self-perpetuating non-nucleic acid containing structures). The current effort seeks to establish a BI that would address a stable biomolecule capable of replication. Additional engineering areas that may benefit from this information include applications of brazing, sealing, and impact heating, and atmospheric entry heating. Yeast aggregating proteins exhibit aggregation behavior similar to mammalian prion protein and have been successfully employed by researchers to understand fundamental prion properties such as aggregation and self-propagation. Despite also being termed “prions,” yeast proteins are not hazardous to humans and can be used as a cost effective and safer alternative to mammalian prions. We have shown that inactivation by dry heat is feasible for the prion formed by the yeast Sup35NM protein, although at higher temperature than for bacterial spores.
Assembly and dynamics of the apple carposphere microbiome during fruit development and storage
Authors: Zhimo V. Yeka , Kumar Ajay , Biasi Antonio , Abdelfattah Ahmed , Sharma Vijay Kumar , Salim Shoshana , Feygenberg Oleg , Bartuv Rotem , Freilich Shiri , Whitehead Susan R. , Wisniewski Michael , Droby Samir
Published: August 2022

Microbial communities associated with fruit can contribute to quality and pathogen resistance, but little is known about their assembly and dynamics during fruit development and storage. Three apple cultivars growing under the same environmental conditions were utilized to examine the apple carposphere microbiome composition and structure at different developmental stages and storage. There was a significant effect (Adonis, p ≤ 0.001) of fruit genotype and its developmental stages and storage times on the fruit surface microbial assemblage and a strong temporal microbial community succession was detected (Mantel test: R ≤ 0.5, p = 0.001) in both bacterial and fungal communities. A set of 15 bacterial and 35 fungal core successional taxa and members exhibiting differential abundances at different fruit stages were identified. For the first time, we show the existence of underlying universal dynamics in the assembly of fruit-associated microbiomes. We also provide evidence of strong microbial cross-domain associations and uncover potential microbe-microbe correlations in the apple carposphere. Together our findings shed light on how the fruit carposphere assemble and change over time, and provide new insights into fruit microbial ecology.
Indigofera tinctoria L. leaf powder promotes initiation of indigo reduction by inducing of rapid transition of the microbial community
Authors: Lopes Helena de Fátima Silva , Tu Zhihao , Sumi Hisako , Yumoto Isao
Published: August 2022

Water-insoluble indigo is solubilized by the reducing action of microorganisms which occurs during fermentation. In natural indigo fermentation, composted leaves of Polygonum tinctorium L. (sukumo) are the raw material that has been used as both the indigo source and the bacterial inoculum. Ideally, indigo reduction occurs shortly after preparation of the fermentation vat. The time-to-reduction depends on the quality of the sukumo and the methods for preparation and management of the fermentation batch. We estimated the effect of adding Indigofera tinctoria L. leaf powder (LP) to indigo fermentation in two fermentations originally exhibiting either rapid or slow time-to-reduction (T-sukumo and D-sukumo, respectively). Alkalihalobacillus spp. (97.7%–98.4% similarities with Alkalihalobacillus macyae) were observed only in the LP-added T-sukumo fermentation liquor. They appeared from day 1 (0.7%) and increased to 24.4% on day 6, and their presence was related to indigo reduction. Differences in functional ratio between LP-added and its control batches revealed enhancement of pathways related to reconstitution of cellular functions and substrate metabolisms, to all of which Alkalihalobacillus spp. contributed intensively. In D-sukumo batch, appearance of bacteria necessary to initiate indigo reduction (principally Anaerobacillus/Polygonibacillus) was comparatively slower. LP promotes earlier indigo reduction in both T- and D-sukumo-based batches, owing to its promotion of microbiota transition. The effect of the LP was intensified from day 1 to day 2 in both sukumo using batches according to the assumed function of the microbiota. The initial effect of LP on the T-sukumo batches was more intense than that in the D-sukumo batches and was continued until day 3, while the duration in the T-sukumo batches was continued until day 5. Based on these observations, we propose that the LP functions through its phytochemicals that eliminate oxygen, stimulate the microbiota, and accelerate its transitional changes toward a suitable function that opens the pathway for the extracellular electron transfer using carbohydrates as a substrate.
The role and mechanism of butyrate in the prevention and treatment of diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Cheng Xi , Zhou Tingting , He Yanqiu , Xie Yumei , Xu Yong , Huang Wei
Published: August 2022

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains the leading cause of the end-stage renal disease and is a major burden on the healthcare system. The current understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the progression of DKD recognizes the involvement of oxidative stress, low-grade inflammation, and fibrosis. Several circulating metabolites that are the end products of the fermentation process, released by the gut microbiota, are known to be associated with systemic immune-inflammatory responses and kidney injury. This phenomenon has been recognized as the “gut–kidney axis.” Butyrate is produced predominantly by gut microbiota fermentation of dietary fiber and undigested carbohydrates. In addition to its important role as a fuel for colonic epithelial cells, butyrate has been demonstrated to ameliorate obesity, diabetes, and kidney diseases via G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). It also acts as an epigenetic regulator by inhibiting histone deacetylase (HDAC), up-regulation of miRNAs, or induction of the histone butyrylation and autophagy processes. This review aims to outline the existing literature on the treatment of DKD by butyrate in animal models and cell culture experiments, and to explore the protective effects of butyrate on DKD and the underlying molecular mechanism.
Tigecycline-resistant Escherichia coli ST761 carrying tet(X4) in a pig farm, China
Authors: Wang Jing , Lu Meng-Jun , Wang Zhen-Yu , Jiang Yue , Wu Han , Pan Zhi-Ming , Jiao Xinan
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and characterization of tet(X4) in Escherichia coli isolates from a pig farm in Shanghai, China, and to elucidate tet(X4) dissemination mechanism in this swine farm. Forty-nine (80.33%) E. coli strains were isolated from 61 samples from a pig farm and were screened for the presence of tet(X). Among them, six (12.24%) strains were positive for tet(X4) and exhibited resistance to tigecycline (MIC ≥ 16 mg/L). They were further sequenced by Illumina Hiseq. Six tet(X4)-positive strains belonged to ST761 with identical resistance genes, resistance profiles, plasmid replicons, and cgMLST type except that additional ColE10 plasmid was present in isolate SH21PTE35. Isolate SH21PTE31, as a representative ST761 E. coli strain, was further sequenced using Nanopore MinION. The tet(X4) in SH21PTE31 was located on IncFIA18/IncFIB(K)/IncX1 hybrid plasmid pYUSHP31-1, highly similar to other tet(X4)-carrying IncFIA18/IncFIB(K)/IncX1 plasmids from ST761 E. coli and other E. coli lineages in China. These IncFIA18/IncFIB(K)/IncX1 plasmids shared closely related multidrug resistance regions, and could reorganize, acquire or lose resistance modules mediated by mobile elements such as ISCR2 and IS26. Phylogenetic analysis were performed including all tet(X4)-positive isolates obtained in this pig farm combined with 43 tet(X4)-positive E. coli from pigs, cow, pork, wastewater, and patients with the same ST from NCBI. The 50 tet(X4)-carrying E. coli ST761 isolates from different areas in China shared a close phylogenetic relationship (0-49 SNPs). In conclusion, clonal transmission of tet(X4)-positive E. coli ST761 has occurred in this swine farm. E. coli ST761 has the potential to become a high-risk clone for tet(X4) dissemination in China.
Immunization with the lipoprotein FtsB stimulates protective immunity against Streptococcus pyogenes infection in mice
Authors: He Li-Yuan , Yu You-Bo , Liu Ying , Le Yao-Jin , Li Sha , Yang Xiao-Yan
Published: August 2022

Streptococcus pyogenesis one of the main pathogenic bacteria that causes disease in humans. It is reported that over 18 million cases ofS. pyogenesdisease occurred in the world, and more than 500,000 deaths occur annually worldwide. An effective vaccine is widely regarded as the most reliable way to control and prevent streptococcal infections. However, there is currently no approved vaccine forS. pyogenes. In this study, we evaluated the potential of lipoprotein FtsB as a new vaccine candidate to preventS. pyogenesinfection. Mice vaccinated with purified FtsB protein elicited high titers of IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies in mouse serum. Vaccinated with FtsB can reduce bacterial systemic dissemination in the blood, heart, and spleen and reduce organ damage in the mouse bacteremia model. In addition, active immunization with FtsB protected against streptococcal abscess formation. Furthermore, immunization with FtsB was efficient in inducing a mixed cellular immune response and promoting the maturation of dendritic cells in mice. The lipoprotein HtsA was served as a positive control because it has been reported to protect mice fromS. pyogenesinfection in both active and passive immunization. These findings demonstrated that lipoprotein FtsB may serve as a candidate vaccine for the prevention ofS. pyogenesinfection.
Reengineering of 7-dehydrocholesterol biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using combined pathway and organelle strategies
Authors: Wei Wenqian , Gao Song , Yi Qiong , Liu Anjian , Yu Shiqin , Zhou Jingwen
Published: August 2022

7-Dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) is a widely used sterol and a precursor of several costly steroidal drugs. In this study, 7-DHC biosynthesis pathway was constructed and modified in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Firstly, the biosynthesis pathway was constructed by knocking out the competitive pathway genes ERG5 and ERG6 and integrating two DHCR24 copies from Gallus gallus at both sites. Then, 7-DHC titer was improved by knocking out MOT3, which encoded a transcriptional repressor for the 7-DHC biosynthesis pathway. Next, by knocking out NEM1 and PAH1, 7-DHC accumulation was improved, and genes upregulation was verified by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Additionally, tHMG1, IDI1, ERG2, ERG3, DHCR24, POS5, and CTT1 integration into multi-copy sites was used to convert precursors to 7-DHC, and increase metabolic flux. Finally, qPCR confirmed the significant up-regulation of key genes transcriptional levels. In a 96 h shaker flask fermentation, the 7-DHC titer was 649.5 mg/L by de novo synthesis. In a 5 L bioreactor, the 7-DHC titer was 2.0 g/L, which was the highest 7-DHC titer reported to date. Our study is of great significance for the industrial production of 7-DHC and steroid development for medical settings.