bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Interference of Virtual Machines: A Survey
Authors: Lin Weiwei , Xiong Chennian , Wu Wentai , Shi Fang , Li Keqin , Xu Minxian
Published: November 2022

The rapid development of cloud computing with virtualization technology has benefited both academia and industry. For any cloud data center at scale, one of the primary challenges is how to effectively orchestrate a large number of virtual machines (VMs) in a performance-aware and cost-effective manner. A key problem here is that the performance interference between VMs can significantly undermine the efficiency of cloud data centers, leading to performance degradation and additional operation cost. To address this issue, extensive studies have been conducted to investigate the problem from different aspects. In this survey, we make a comprehensive investigation into the causes of VM interference and provide an in-depth review of existing research and solutions in the literature. We first categorize existing studies on interference models according to their modeling objectives, metrics used, and modeling methods. Then we revisit interference-aware strategies for scheduling optimization as well as co-optimization-based approaches. Finally, the survey identifies open challenges with respect to VM interference in data centers and discusses possible research directions to provide insights for future research in the area.
Triadic Closure Sensitive Influence Maximization
Authors: Yang Jie , Wang Zhixiao , Rui Xiaobin , Chai Yahui , Yu Philip S. , Sun Lichao
Published: November 2022

The influence are not linked to any footnote in the text. Please check and suggest. maximization problem aims at selecting the
k
most influential nodes (i.e., seed nodes) from a social network, where the nodes can maximize the number of influenced nodes activated by a certain propagation model. However, the widely used Independent Cascade model shares the same propagation probability among substantial adjacent node pairs, which is too idealistic and unreasonable in practice. In addition, most heuristic algorithms for influence maximization need to update the expected influence of the remaining nodes in the seed selection process, resulting in high computation cost. To address these non-trivial problems, we propose a novel edge propagation probability calculation method. The method first utilizes the triadic closure structure of social networks to precisely measure the closeness between nodes and assigns different propagation probabilities to each edge, deriving a Triadic Closure-based Independent Cascade (TC-IC) model. Then, we further propose a heuristic influence maximization algorithm named Triadic Closure-based Influence Maximization (TC-IM). The algorithm evaluates the expected influence of a node by integrating the triadic closure weighted propagation probability and the triadic closure weighted degree. Especially, in the seed selection process, only the most influential node that has not been updated in the current round needs to be updated, which significantly improves the efficiency. Besides, we further provide theoretical proofs to guarantee the correctness of this updating strategy. Experimental results on nine real datasets and three propagation models demonstrate that: (1) The TC-IC model can set a proper propagation probability for each node pair, where the IM algorithms could easily identify influential nodes; (2) The TC-IM algorithm can significantly reduce the complexity through an efficient updating strategy with a comparable influence spread to the approximation IM algorithms; (3) Besides, the TC-IM algorithm also exhibits stable performance under other IC models including UIC and WIC, exhibiting good stability and generality.
Operando AC In-Plane Impedance Spectroscopy of Electrodes for Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Maurel Victor , Brousse Kevin , Mathis Tyler S. , Perju Audrey , Taberna Pierre-Louis , Simon Patrice
Published: November 2022

Characterization of battery and supercapacitor materials and devices is typically performed using various methods such as cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, galvanostatic cycling, etc. However, none of these techniques allow for operando tracking of changes in the electrode material’s in-plane ionic and electronic percolation under polarization, which plays a key-role in the electrochemical performance of the material. Here, we report an experimental set-up devoted to measuring the operando in-plane AC impedance and DC resistance of porous activated carbon and Ti3C2 MXene electrodes during electrochemical cycling. These impedance measurements allow for the deconvolution and tracking of the ionic and electronic contributions of the total impedance and the change in these components under polarization. Operando tracking of the in-plane electrode impedance under polarization brings insights regarding electronic and ionic transport mechanisms of electrodes during operation. This set-up serves as a complementary tool to further evaluate and improve the performance of electrode materials for energy storage.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Insertion/Deletion (I/D) Polymorphism as a Conjoint Regulator of Coagulation, Fibrinolytic, and RAAS Pathway in Infertility and Associated Pregnancy Complications
Authors: Thakur Sunil , Sharma Vaishnavi , Kaur Dipneet , Purkait Pulakes
Published: November 2022

Despite the increase in assisted reproductive technologies, the high rates of infertility and pregnancy complications are a major concern to infertility specialists worldwide. Infertility may be attributed to pregnancy complications like thrombophilia, preeclampsia and fibrin-induced recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) directly or indirectly causes preeclampsia and thrombophilia through the fibrinolytic pathway that ultimately leads to RPL or infertility. The underlying mechanisms of this interaction are still unclear. The present comprehensive review is intended to demonstrate the role and interaction of RAAS and fibrinolytic pathways in pregnancy complications. How this interaction can induce pregnancy complications, and ultimately infertility, is also discussed in the light of current evidence. This study also presents common markers that link RAAS and fibrinolytic processes in developing thrombophilia, preeclampsia and RPL. The common link in these pathways is ACE gene I/D polymorphism. Apart from ACE, PAI-1, VIIa, XIIa, AT1R, AT1AA, and TF are common molecules that can delineate the underlying causes of pregnancy complications and infertility.
A Belief Two-Level Weighted Clustering Method for Incomplete Pattern Based on Multiview Fusion
Authors: Ma Zong-fang , Zhao Hui-xuan , Li Lei-hua , Song Lin
Published: November 2022

Incomplete pattern clustering is a challenging task because the unknown attributes of the missing data introduce uncertain information that affects the accuracy of the results. In addition, the clustering method based on the single view ignores the complementary information from multiple views. Therefore, a new belief two-level weighted clustering method based on multiview fusion (BTC-MV) is proposed to deal with incomplete patterns. Initially, the BTC-MV method estimates the missing data by an attribute-level weighted imputation method with k-nearest neighbor (KNN) strategy based on multiple views. The unknown attributes are replaced by the average of the KNN. Then, the clustering method based on multiple views is proposed for a complete data set with estimations; the view weights represent the reliability of the evidence from different source spaces. The membership values from multiple views, which indicate the probability of the pattern belonging to different categories, reduce the risk of misclustering. Finally, a view-level weighted fusion strategy based on the belief function theory is proposed to integrate the membership values from different source spaces, which improves the accuracy of the clustering task. To validate the performance of the BTC-MV method, extensive experiments are conducted to compare with classical methods, such as MI-KM, MI-KMVC, KNNI-FCM, and KNNI-MFCM. Results on six UCI data sets show that the error rate of the BTC-MV method is lower than that of the other methods. Therefore, it can be concluded that the BTC-MV method has superior performance in dealing with incomplete patterns.
Stellettin B Isolated from Stelletta Sp. Reduces Migration and Invasion of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells through Reducing Activation of the MAPKs and FAK/PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathways
Authors: Tsai Tsung-Chang , Wu Wen-Tung , Lin Jen-Jie , Su Jui-Hsin , Wu Yu-Jen
Published: November 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors, and there is currently a lack of effective treatment options to control the metastasis. This study was performed to examine the mechanisms of the migration and invasion characteristics of HCC, with the aim of reducing metastasis by inhibiting cancer cell migration and invasion. In this study, we used Stellettin B, an active compound isolated from Stelletta sponges, as the experimental drug and evaluated its inhibition effects on cell migration and invasion in human hepatoma cells (HA22T and HepG2). MTT assay, gelatin zymography, and western blotting were employed. The results showed that Stellettin B significantly inhibited the protein expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9, and uPA, while upregulating the protein expressions of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. The expressions of p-FAK, p-PI3K, p-AKT, p-mTOR, and MAPKs (p-JNK, p-JUN, p-MAPKp38, and p-ERK) were decreased with increasing concentrations of Stellettin B. Our results suggest that Stellettin B-dependent downregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities could be mediated by FAK/PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPKs signaling pathways in HA22T and HepG2 cells, preventing HCC invasion and migration.
A Distinguishable Pseudo-Feature Synthesis Method for Generalized Zero-Shot Learning
Authors: Jia Yunpeng , Ye Xiufen , Liu Yusong , Xing Huiming , Guo Shuxiang
Published: November 2022

Generalized zero-shot learning (GZSL) aims to classify seen classes and unseen classes that are disjoint simultaneously. Hybrid approaches based on pseudo-feature synthesis are currently the most popular among GZSL methods. However, they suffer from problems of negative transfer and low-quality class discriminability, causing poor classification accuracy. To address them, we propose a novel GZSL method of distinguishable pseudo-feature synthesis (DPFS). The DPFS model can provide high-quality distinguishable characteristics for both seen and unseen classes. Firstly, the model is pretrained by a distance prediction loss to avoid overfitting. Then, the model only selects attributes of similar seen classes and makes sparse representations based on attributes for unseen classes, thereby overcoming negative transfer. After the model synthesizes pseudo-features for unseen classes, it disposes of the pseudo-feature outliers to improve the class discriminability. The pseudo-features are fed into a classifier of the model together with features of seen classes for GZSL classification. Experimental results on four benchmark datasets verify that the proposed DPFS has GZSL classification performance better than that in existing methods.
Spontaneous Adrenal Hemorrhage with Mild Hypoadrenalism in a Patient Anticoagulated with Apixaban for Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Tan Jia Wei , Shukla Anant , Hu Jiun-Ruey , Majumdar Sachin K.
Published: November 2022

Background. Adrenal hemorrhage (AH) is a serious endocrine complication of antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS). Case Presentation. We report a 45-year-old man who presented with several deep venous thromboses and was initially treated with apixaban, who later developed bilateral AH. Laboratory findings were consistent with cortisol deficiency yet preserved aldosterone physiology. He was diagnosed with APLS and treated with warfarin. After 8 months of follow-up, he remained on cortisol replacement with no evidence of recovery. We reviewed PubMed/MEDLINE indexed articles from 1950 to 2022 for cases of AH in APLS patients on anticoagulation. Six cases of patients on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) were reported. Discussion. The unique vasculature of the adrenal glands creates a “functional vascular dam” in the zona reticularis, which is susceptible to thrombosis in situ and hemorrhage. DOACs may further increase the risk of AH. Conclusion. Depending on the degree of adrenal involvement in AH, patients can present with partial or complete primary adrenal insufficiency. More data are needed to characterize adrenal function after AH, and the safety of DOAC versus warfarin in patients with APLS warrants further studies.
Development and Verification of Postural Control Assessment Using Deep-Learning-Based Pose Estimators: Towards Clinical Applications
Authors: Ienaga Naoto , Takahata Shuhei , Terayama Kei , Enomoto Daiki , Ishihara Hiroyuki , Noda Haruka , Hagihara Hiromichi
Published: November 2022

Occupational therapists evaluate various aspects of a client’s occupational performance. Among these, postural control is one of the fundamental skills that need assessment. Recently, several methods have been proposed to estimate postural control abilities using deep-learning-based approaches. Such techniques allow for the potential to provide automated, precise, fine-grained quantitative indices simply by evaluating videos of a client engaging in a postural control task. However, the clinical applicability of these assessment tools requires further investigation. In the current study, we compared three deep-learning-based pose estimators to assess their clinical applicability in terms of accuracy of pose estimations and processing speed. In addition, we verified which of the proposed quantitative indices for postural controls best reflected the clinical evaluations of occupational therapists. A framework using deep-learning techniques broadens the possibility of quantifying clients’ postural control in a more fine-grained way compared with conventional coarse indices, which can lead to improved occupational therapy practice.
Influencing Factors of Interfacial Behavior between Geogrid and Coal Gangue
Authors: Fan Xiangxi , Gao Pengfei , Liu Weichao , Meng Lingxiao , Xu Yingdong , Zheng Hong
Published: November 2022

Coal gangue is a type of solid waste that is generated in the process of coal mining and washing. This concept can be effectively used in reinforced engineering fillings. The influences of shear rates and geogrid transverse ribs were studied using a large indoor direct shear test. The test results showed that the relationship between shear stress and shear displacement of geogrid‐coal gangue is nonlinear, and the shear process is accompanied by the crushing of coal gangue particles. The addition of geogrid significantly improved the shear stress and interfacial quasi‐cohesion of geogrid‐coal gangue, whereas the interfacial quasi‐friction angle remained almost unaffected. When normal stress was greater than 25 kPa, the shear stress gradually increased as the shear rate was increased from 1 to 5 mm/s. With an increasing shear rate, the interfacial quasi‐friction angle increased, whereas the interfacial quasi‐cohesion decreased. The interfacial shear stress, interfacial adhesion, and interfacial friction angle decreased with the number of geogrid ribs; the contribution of the middle transverse rib to the interfacial shear strength was smaller than that of the transverse rib at the far end in the shearing direction.
Development and In Vitro/Ex Vivo Evaluation of Lecithin‐Based Deformable Transfersomes and Transfersome‐Based Gels for Combined Dermal Delivery of Meloxicam and Dexamethasone
Authors: Khan Muhammad Imran , Yaqoob Samiya , Madni Asadullah , Akhtar Muhammad Furqan , Sohail Muhammad Farhan , Saleem Ammara , Tahir Nayab , Khan Kashif-ur-Rehman , Qureshi Omer Salman
Published: November 2022

Transfersomes (TFS) are the promising carriers for transdermal delivery of various low and high molecular weight drugs, owing to their self‐regulating and self‐optimizing nature. Herein, we report synthesis and characterization of TFS loaded with meloxicam (MLX), an NSAID, and dexamethasone (DEX), a steroid, for simultaneous transdermal delivery. The different formulations of TFS containing varying amounts of lecithin, Span 80, and Tween 80 (TFS‐1 to TFS‐6) were successfully prepared by thin‐film hydration method. The size of ranged between 248 and 273 nm, zeta potential values covering from –62.6 to –69.5 mV, polydispersity index (PDI) values in between 0.329 and 0.526, and entrapment efficiency of MLX and DEX ranged between 63‐96% and 48‐81%, respectively. Release experiments at pH 7.4 demonstrated higher cumulative drug release attained with Tween 80 compared to Span 80‐based TFS. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of selected formulations ‐1 and TFS‐3 revealed spherical shape of vesicles. Furthermore, three optimized transfersomal formulations (based on entrapment efficiency, TFS‐1, TFS‐3, and TFS‐5) were incorporated into carbopol‐940 gels coded as TF‐G1, TF‐G3, and TF‐G5. These transfersomal gels were subjected to pH, spreadability, viscosity, homogeneity, skin irritation, in vitro drug release, and ex vivo skin permeation studies, and the results were compared with plain (nontransfersomal) gel having MLX and DEX. TFS released 71.72% to 81.87% MLX in 12 h; whereas, DEX release was quantified as 74.72% to 83.72% in same time. Nevertheless, TF‐based gels showed slower drug release; 51.54% to 59.60% for MLX and 48.98% to 61.23% for DEX. The TF‐G systems showed 85.87% permeation of MLX (TF‐G1), 68.15% (TF‐G3), and 68.94% (TF‐G5); whereas, 78.59%, 70.54%, and 75.97% of DEX was permeated by TF‐G1, TF‐G3, and TF‐G5, respectively. Kinetic modeling of release and permeation data indicated to follow Korsmeyer‐Peppas model showing diffusion diffusion‐based drug moment. Conversely, plain gel influx was found mere 26.18% and 22.94% for MLX and DEX, respectively. These results suggest that TF‐G loaded with MLX and DEX can be proposed as an alternate drug carriers for improved transdermal flux that will certainly increase therapeutic outcomes.
The Paths of the Galls: Differences in the Ecology and Distribution of Two European Oak Gall Wasps Andricus dentimitratus and Andricus pictus
Authors: Multigner Lola F. , Gil-Tapetado Diego , Nieves-Aldrey Jose Luis , Gómez José F.
Published: November 2022

Andricus dentimitratus (Rejtõ, 1887) and Andricus pictus (Hartig, 1856) are two European gall wasps (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae) that induce galls on species of Quercus. The distribution and ecological niches of these species have not been studied in detail, though they are known to have a different distribution pattern in the Iberian Peninsula in Europe. To investigate this difference and its potential relationship with climate and host species distribution, we analysed the potential distribution of both species in the Iberian Peninsula using six algorithms and a consensus model based on 600 iterations for each species. We compared the models obtained for each species with the distribution of their host Quercus species. The results show that A. dentimitratus and A. pictus have a complementary distribution delimited by the Ebro valley, with A. dentimitratus occurring northeast of the valley and A. pictus southwest. The observed distribution patterns might be due to differences in the climatic requirements of each species or to the distribution of their host species given that A. dentimitratus is specific to Q. humilis and Q. cerris (except in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula) and A. pictus, to marcescent Mediterranean oaks (Q. faginea and Q. pyrenaica) and Q. suber. We propose two hypotheses to explain the nonoverlapping distribution of the two gall wasp species in the Iberian Peninsula: in the first scenario, A. dentimitratus arrived to the to the Iberian Peninsula from the eastern Palearctic by way of Europe and A. pictus, from the north coast of Africa; in the second, their distribution is a result of their speciation in different glacial refugia: A. dentimitratus in the Italian Peninsula and A. pictus in the Iberian Peninsula.
Risk Factors for Complications following Volar Locking Plate (VLP) Fixation of Unstable Distal Radius Fracture (DRF)
Authors: Zhu Yanbin , Liu Song , Li Yansen , Yang Qianru , Miao Ruoxiang , Zhang Yingze
Published: November 2022

Objective. To evaluate the incidence and risk factors for complications following volar locking plate (VLP) fixation of unstable distal radius fracture (DRF). Methods. This retrospective study identified patients who underwent VLP fixation of unstable DRF between 2017 and 2020 with a minimum 12‐month follow‐up assessments. By reviewing electronic medical records and follow‐up notes, patients were categorized complication or noncomplication group. Differences in variables were detected by using univariate analyses, and independent factors were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results. During this study period, 423 patients were included, and 63 (rate, 14.9%) complications in 58 patients were documented. Wound infection (17, 4.0%) was most common, followed in decreasing frequency by carpal tunnel syndrome (13, 3.1%), tendon rupture/irritation (10, 2.4%), complex regional pain syndrome (8, 1.9%), and plate/screw‐related complications (5, 1.7%). In the univariate analyses, 18 variables were found to be significantly different (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified 5 independent factors, including being male (OR, 3.5; p = 0.014), type C fracture (vs. type A, OR: 2.7, and p = 0.035), general anesthesia (vs. regional, OR: 2.4, and p = 0.045), bone grafting (OR, 6.3; p < 0.001), and surgery performed by less experienced surgeons (OR, 3.1; p = 0.003). The goodness‐of‐fit of the final model was acceptable. Conclusions. These factors will help surgeons individualize and stratify the risk of complications and help patients for risk counselling; especially, an informed clinical decision targeting those modifiable factors (anesthesia mode, bone grafting, and surgeon experience) can be considered, when indicated.
Necroptosis-dependent Immunogenicity of Cisplatin: Implications for Enhancing the Radiation-induced Abscopal Effect
Authors: Luo Ren , Onyshchenko Kateryna , Wang Liqun , Gaedicke Simone , Grosu Anca-Ligia , Firat Elke , Niedermann Gabriele
Published: November 2022

Purpose:

Cisplatin is increasingly used in chemoimmunotherapy and may enhance the T cell–dependent radiation-induced abscopal effect, but how it promotes antitumor immunity is poorly understood. We investigated whether and why cisplatin is immunogenic, and the implications for the cisplatin-enhanced abscopal effect.

Experimental Design:

Cisplatin, carboplatin, and the well-known immunogenic cell death (ICD) inducer oxaliplatin were compared for their potency to enhance the abscopal effect and induce type I IFN (IFN-I) and extracellular ATP, danger signals of ICD. The hypothetical role of necroptosis and associated damage-associated molecular patterns for cisplatin-induced ICD was investigated by inhibitors and knockout cells in vitro and in two tumor models in mice. A novel necroptosis signature for tumor immune cell infiltration and therapy response was developed.

Results:

Cisplatin enhanced the abscopal effect more strongly than oxaliplatin or carboplatin. This correlated with higher induction of IFN-I and extracellular ATP by cisplatin, in a necroptosis-dependent manner. Cisplatin triggered receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3)-dependent tumor cell necroptosis causing cytosolic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) release, initiating the cyclic GMP–AMP synthase–stimulator of interferon genes pathway and IFN-I secretion promoting T-cell cross-priming by dendritic cells (DC). Accordingly, tumor cell RIPK3 or mtDNA deficiency and loss of IFN-I or ATP signaling diminished the cisplatin-enhanced abscopal effect. Cisplatin-treated tumor cells were immunogenic in vaccination experiments, depending on RIPK3 and mtDNA. In human tumor transcriptome analysis, necroptotic features correlated with abundant CD8+ T cells/DCs, sparse immunosuppressive cells, and immunotherapy response.

Conclusions:

Cisplatin induces antitumor immunity through necroptosis-mediated ICD. Our findings may help explain the benefits of cisplatin in chemo(radio)immunotherapies and develop clinical trials to investigate whether cisplatin enhances the abscopal effect in patients.
Growth and Growth Hormone through the Ages: Art and Science
Authors: Rogol Alan D. , Reiter Edward O.
Published: November 2022

Background: People have long been fascinated with the size and growth of living things, from the giants of classic mythology and art to the little people who also have appeared in classical art, as well as the courts of European monarchs, and were exploited in “shows.” Serious medical evaluation began in the late 19th century with the description of acromegaly and its association with pituitary tumors. In the early 20th century, multiple investigators attempted to extract a growth-promoting factor from the anterior pituitary and then, over the decades, to purify it and distinguish it from other anterior pituitary hormones. With relatively pure growth hormone (GH), its biological activity in growth promotion and as a metabolic hormone were studied, and species specificity became apparent: primate GH was the only GH active in man. Human GH was prepared from cadaveric pituitaries and distributed by the NIH to treat children with GH deficiency, but there was never enough pituitary hGH for all of the children who required it. When Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease was found in some patients who received pituitary GH, the production and FDA approval of biosynthetic hGH dramatically accelerated. With a large supply, one could treat those who were GH deficient and test its efficacy in other causes of short stature; longer acting versions of hGH have now been developed, tested, and in a few instances received FDA approval. Summary: It has been a long journey from the description of over- and underproduction of GH in animals to the production and clinical use of the biosynthetic hormones. Key Messages: The efforts of basic scientists led to the extraction and purification of GH. Clinical scientists have expanded the appropriate use of hGH for short children with conditions in addition to GH deficiency.
The Evolution of Adolescent Gender-Affirming Care: An Historical Perspective
Authors: Carswell Jeremi M. , Lopez Ximena , Rosenthal Stephen M.
Published: November 2022

While individuals have demonstrated gender diversity throughout history, the use of medication and/or surgery to bring a person’s physical sex characteristics into alignment with their gender identity is relatively recent, with origins in the first half of the 20th century. Adolescent gender-affirming care, however, did not emerge until the late 20th century and has been built upon pioneering work from the Netherlands, first published in 1998. Since that time, evolving protocols for gender-diverse adolescents have been incorporated into clinical practice guidelines and standards of care published by the Endocrine Society and World Professional Association for Transgender Health, respectively, and have been endorsed by major medical and mental health professional societies around the world. In addition, in recent decades, evidence has continued to emerge supporting the concept that gender identity is not simply a psychosocial construct but likely reflects a complex interplay of biological, environmental, and cultural factors. Notably, however, while there has been increased acceptance of gender diversity in some parts of the world, transgender adolescents and those who provide them with gender-affirming medical care, particularly in the USA, have been caught in the crosshairs of a culture war, with the risk of preventing access to care that published studies have indicated may be lifesaving. Despite such challenges and barriers to care, currently available evidence supports the benefits of an interdisciplinary model of gender-affirming medical care for transgender/gender-diverse adolescents. Further long-term safety and efficacy studies are needed to optimize such care.
Analysis of Lymph Node Metastasis and Risk Factors in 975 Patients with FIGO 2009 Stage IA–IIA Cervical Cancer
Authors: Cao Lina , Kong Weimin , Li Jing , Song Dan , Jin Bixia , Liu Tingting , Han Chao
Published: November 2022

Objectives: The objective of this study was to summarize the rate of lymph node metastasis (LNM) of patients with stage IA–IIA cervical cancer and further analyze its distribution characteristics and related risk factors. Design: This study is a retrospective analysis of clinical data about cervical cancer. Participants: According to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2009 staging standard, 975 patients with stage IA–IIA cervical cancer treated in our hospital from January 2010 to December 2018. Setting: This is a single-center study. Methods: The incidence and distribution of LNM were analyzed, and the influencing factors of cervical cancer LNM were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: In this study, the LNM rate was 14.8% (144/975), and a total of 20,288 lymph nodes were removed, among which 359 lymph nodes had metastasis. According to the number and frequency of metastatic lymph nodes in different regions, the metastatic rate was the highest in the external iliac regions. Univariate analysis showed that more than three pregnancies, tumor size >4 cm, gross type, FIGO stage, pathological type, positive lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), deep cervical stromal invasion (outer half invasion), parametrial involvement, and uterine corpus invasion (UCI) were correlated with LNM (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that tumor lesion of >4 cm (odds ratio (OR) = 2.253, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.486–3.416, p < 0.001), positive LVSI (OR = 5.353, 95% CI: 3.303–8.676, p < 0.001), deep cervical stromal invasion (OR = 3.461, 95% CI: 2.106–5.688, p < 0.001), and deep UCI (myometrial invasion ≥50%) (OR = 3.529, 95% CI: 1.321–9.427, p = 0.012) were independent risk factors for LNM. Limitations: Retrospective nature of the study and limitation to a single-center study are the limitations of the study. Conclusions: Patients with cervical cancer are more likely to have LNM with a tumor size of >4 cm, positive LVSI, deep cervical stromal invasion, or deep UCI. When these risk factors are present, the presence of LNM is possible, and attention should be paid. This study provides a certain reference value for predicting LNM risk for patients with early cervical cancer and for the stratified management of early cervical cancer treatment.
TXNIP Suppresses the Osteochondrogenic Switch of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Woo Sang-Ho , Kyung Dongsoo , Lee Seung Hyun , Park Kyu Seong , Kim Minkyu , Kim Kibyeong , Kwon Hyo-Jung , Won Young-Suk , Choi Inpyo , Park Young-Jun , Go Du-Min , Oh Jeong-Seop , Yoon Won Kee , Paik Seung Sam , Kim Ji Hyeon , Kim Yong-Hwan , Choi Jae-Hoon , Kim Dae-Yong
Published: November 2022

Background:

The osteochondrogenic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a pivotal cellular process in atherosclerotic calcification. However, the exact molecular mechanism of the osteochondrogenic transition of VSMCs remains to be elucidated. Here, we explore the regulatory role of TXNIP (thioredoxin-interacting protein) in the phenotypical transitioning of VSMCs toward osteochondrogenic cells responsible for atherosclerotic calcification.

Methods:

The atherosclerotic phenotypes of
Txnip
-/-
mice were analyzed in combination with single-cell RNA-sequencing. The atherosclerotic phenotypes of
Tagln
-Cre;
Txnip
flox/flox
mice (smooth muscle cell-specific
Txnip
ablation model), and the mice transplanted with the bone marrow of
Txnip
-/-
mice were analyzed. Public single-cell RNA-sequencing dataset (GSE159677) was reanalyzed to define the gene expression of TXNIP in human calcified atherosclerotic plaques. The effect of TXNIP suppression on the osteochondrogenic phenotypic changes in primary aortic VSMCs was analyzed.

Results:

Atherosclerotic lesions of
Txnip
-/-
mice presented significantly increased calcification and deposition of collagen content. Subsequent single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis identified the modulated VSMC and osteochondrogenic clusters, which were VSMC-derived populations. The osteochondrogenic cluster was markedly expanded in
Txnip
-/-
mice. The pathway analysis of the VSMC-derived cells revealed enrichment of bone- and cartilage-formation–related pathways and bone morphogenetic protein signaling in
Txnip
-/-
mice. Reanalyzing public single-cell RNA-sequencing dataset revealed that TXNIP was downregulated in the modulated VSMC and osteochondrogenic clusters of human calcified atherosclerotic lesions.
Tagln
-Cre;
Txnip
flox/flox
mice recapitulated the calcification and collagen-rich atherosclerotic phenotypes of
Txnip
-/-
mice, whereas the hematopoietic deficiency of TXNIP did not affect the lesion phenotype. Suppression of TXNIP in cultured VSMCs accelerates osteodifferentiation and upregulates bone morphogenetic protein signaling. Treatment with the bone morphogenetic protein signaling inhibitor K02288 abrogated the effect of TXNIP suppression on osteodifferentiation.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that TXNIP is a novel regulator of atherosclerotic calcification by suppressing bone morphogenetic protein signaling to inhibit the transition of VSMCs toward an osteochondrogenic phenotype.
How long do Acari live? A survey of mite lifespans (part 2) (TOC)
Authors: ZHANG ZHI-QIANG , FAN QING-HAI
Published: November 2022

Table Of Content
Large mites on wild mushrooms in Britain
Authors: SALOÑA-BORDAS MARTA I. , GARTHWAITE LAURA F. , PEROTTI M. ALEJANDRA , BRAIG HENK R.
Published: November 2022

Fungivorous mites and other acari associated with mushroom colonies are known since the beginning of acarology. Most of them are tiny and difficult or impossible to see with the naked eye. Most are myceliophagous mites (Behan & Hill, 1978; Renker et al., 2005; Werner et al., 2018). Large mites visible unaided on the stems, caps, or gills of the fleshy fruiting bodies of life wild mushrooms have been widely observed by naturalists but have rarely been documented in the acarological literature.
Comparative diversity of the Uropodina (Acari, Gamasida) inhabiting poultry manure in southeastern Brazil
Authors: RODRIGUEIRO TATYANA SACCHI CARMONA , ANJOS KARINA ARAÚJO DOS , DUARTE FERNANDA CALVO , MENDES MÁRCIA CRISTINA
Published: November 2022

Species in the cohort Uropodina include a great diversity of free-living mites, which inhabit soil, leaf litter and manure. These habitats present favorable microclimatic aspects for colonization and succession of several species of mites, with different niches occupied over time. For poultry manure, many weeks of manure accumulation are necessary for there to be sufficient colonization by predatory and decomposing arthropods, including mite species, and for the formation of complex food webs for ecological stability. The knowledge of manure mite fauna in Brazil is hampered by the great diversity of species and the lack of specialists. In the State of São Paulo, there are few known species of edaphic and manure mites from the cohort Uropodina. This study presents taxonomic and some comparative distribution data about uropodids in poultry manure in the State of São Paulo. The manure was collected in poultry farms in Mogi-Guaçu, SP (1,800 kg) in July 2022. The mites were extracted by Berlese-Tullgren method over an eight-day period and preserved in 70% alcohol. The mites were counted and Uropodina identified by visual observation for clarification and preparation of slides in Hoyer’s medium. The mite specimens were compared with the mites previously collected in manure from a laying farm in Santa Cruz da Conceição, SP in July 2001 and July 2002. Two morphospecies of Thrichouropoda were identified in the samples from Mogi-Guaçu. The mites obtained in Santa Cruz da Conceição, SP had representatives in the genera Uroseius, Uroobovella and Thrichouropoda, with four morphospecies identified. The variation in distribution and diversity of uropodids in the manure of both poultry farms suggest that instabilities regarding the accumulation of manure, management in these properties, environmental changes over the years and factors intrinsic to the locations, could affect the uniformity of collections in these areas. The uropodids from this study were deposited in the Collection of Arthropods of Medical and Veterinary Importance (IB-CPAMV), Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Biological Institute of São Paulo.
Morphological and molecular analyses of the six-spotted spider mite, Eotetranychus sexmaculatus (Riley) (Tetranychidae)—a pest more widespread than anticipated?
Authors: BEARD JENNIFER J. , BEAULIEU FRÉDÉRIC , KNEE WAYNE , GOTOH TETSUO
Published: November 2022

A spider mite species initially identified as the six-spotted spider mite, Eotetranychus sexmaculatus (Riley), was recorded defoliating avocado trees, Persea americana Mill. (Lauraceae), in the southwestern parts of Western Australia.  However, due to morphological inconsistencies in the descriptions of E. sexmaculatus, it has recently been suggested that these Australian specimens actually represented the native species E. queenslandicus Manson and that E. sexmaculatus was in fact not present in Australia (Seeman et al. 2017).
Diversity of phytoseiid mite (Acari: Mesostigmata) fauna from Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India
Authors: BISWAS SHUBHADEEP , KARMAKAR KRISHNA
Published: November 2022

The highly biodiverse group of mesostigmatid mites belonging to the family of Phytoseiidae are globally recognized as potential predators of small soft-bodied arthropods and destructive mite pests owing to their high searching capacity, good adaptability to a wide range of climatic regimes from arctic to tropics, short life cycle (1 week approx.), high multiplication capability (40–60 offspring per female) with high feeding potential. Phytoseiid mites that are commercially exploited as efficient biocontrol agents are regarded as farmers’ friends as they play a pivotal role in managing the pest population below the economic injury level to ensure a safe and sustainable pattern of food production system keeping aside hazardous chemicals. At present, the global scientific communities are deeply involved with this group of mites and due to their higher attention, the number of nominal phytoseiid species has increased from 34 in 1950 to more than 2500 in 2021.
The advent of the mite omics era and integration of multiple technological approaches to mite control
Authors: RODRIGUES JOSE CARLOS VERLE , MASSEY STEVEN E
Published: November 2022

Current food production involves not just the fundamental need to provide calories and proteins but full nutrition status under specific safety standards. Vegetable production, especially tomatoes, grown under highly intensive conditions and with cosmetic quality standards are exceedingly targeted by and susceptible to pests. Mites are mostly diminutive in size. Their widespread distribution and invasiveness (as new species) are often neglected, and they are commonly mistaken for similar known species, compounded by a limited understanding of their diverse biology and multitrophic interactions, resulting in pronounced crop losses due to late action.
Diversity, distribution and scope of utilization of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in eastern India
Authors: KARMAKAR KRISHNA , BHOWMIK SAGARIKA , KAR ANAMIKA , MOLLA MD. IFTIAR HOSSAIN , BISWAS SHUBHADEEP
Published: November 2022

The mites of the family Phytoseiidae are one of the most studied groups of predatory mites worldwide for its species diversity, wide distribution and feeding potential to act as biocontrol agents for control of pest mites and small soft bodied insect pests. Phytoseiid mites are boon of nature because they sustain on pests of many agri-horticultural crops which are indeed very difficult to manage relying solely on pesticides. Considering its immense importance, it has been extensively explored from eastern India to understand the inherent potential of these biocontrol agents. In the era of biological control, predatory mites, specifically those belonging to the family Phytoseiidae, are now appreciated with farmers worldwide as natural enemies for their exhaustive use in pest control in greenhouses and as well as in open field conditions.
Exploring the diversity and host association of tarsonemid mites in West Bengal, a highly biodiverse state of Eastern India
Authors: KARMAKAR KRISHNA , MONDAL PRIYANKAR , GANGULY MOUMI , KAYAL SANDIPAN
Published: November 2022

The family Tarsonemidae is an extremely diverse assemblage of heterostigmatid mites which include phytophagous, fungivorous, detriphagous, algivorous and insect parasitic species living in various terrestrial, arboreal, subcortical or nidicolous habitats. Many of these mites pose a serious threat to global agriculture due to their direct feeding on crop plants or indirect transmission of disease-causing bacterial or fungal spores to healthy plants. For instance, Polyphagotarsonemus latus may reproduce year-round in all tropical and subtropical habitats and feed on more than 60 different plant families. Steneotarsonemus species, such as S. spinki and S. subfurcatus, attack rice and can significantly reduce the harvest, S. ananas attacks pineapple, and S. laticeps targets lilies. In temperate forests of the Northern Hemisphere, several Tarsonemus species phoretic on curculionid beetles transfer lethal fungal spores on healthy pine trees, while some other species pose a real hazard to cultivated mushrooms and stored products.
Response of trehalose transporter gene in Aleuroglyphus ovatus (Troupeau) under low temperature stress
Authors: ZOU YANG , XIONG WENHUI , YANG YUANFA , AI HUI , ZOU ZHIYONG , XIN TIANRONG , XIA BIN , ZOU ZHIWEN
Published: November 2022

Globally distributed mite Aleuroglyphus ovatus is one of the dominant species of harmful mite in grain warehouses in China. It not only damages grains and edible fungi, but also causes various human diseases such as asthma. Temperature control and controlled atmosphere are two mature and widely used green grain storage technologies. In order to explore the mechanism of low temperature in the prevention and control of A. ovatus, this paper accurately obtained the half-lethal temperature (LLt50) and 99% lethal temperature (LLt99), 8.878 °C and -8.520 °C, respectively, and the half-lethal time (LLT50) and 99% lethal time (LLT99), 2.225 h and 26.979 h, respectively, of A. ovatus through low temperature exposure experiments. Enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) showed that with the decrease of temperature (16 °C to 4 °C), the trehalose transporter (Tret) content and trehalose concentration increased, while the glucose concentration decreased. When it was lower than 8 °C, Tret protein content began to decrease, trehalose content decreased, and glucose content increased after 4 °C. In the meantime, the content of trehalose transporter in egg stage was significantly higher than that in other stages (P <0.05). Then, the full-length of AoTret1-1 and AoTret1-2 genes of A. ovatus, 1,754 bp and 1,727 bp, was obtained by RACE technique. The mRNA expression levels of AoTret1-1 and AoTret1-2 under low temperature stress and different developmental stages were detected by qRT-PCR technique. Both AoTret1-1 and AoTret1-2 genes had the specificity of development stage, and the expression level of two AoTret1 genes in the egg and adult stages were significantly higher than those in other stages. After adults of A. ovatus were treated with low temperatures (0 °C, 4 °C, 8 °C, 12 °C, and 16 °C) for 3 h, the expression of AoTret1-1 and AoTret1-2 were significantly higher than those in the control group (28 °C), and the highest gene expression levels of AoTret1-1 and AoTret1-2 appeared at 8 °C. Our study showed that AoTret could play an important role in resisting low temperature stress in A. ovatus. To sum up, A. ovatus is a freeze-avoiding species, and its ability to withstand extreme low temperature is weak. It could significantly increase the contents of Tret, and accumulate trehalose in response to low temperature stress. Its two Tret genes were upregulated significantly by low temperature stress, which indicated that Tret was a potential specific target gene for A. ovatus control.
Use of the predatory mite Neoseiulus longispinosus Evans (Acari: Phytoseiidae) for biological control of red mite Tetranychus truncatus Ehara (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: KAEWPRADIT ATHITIYA , SOMSRI WEERACHAI , KRONWIPASRUNG PLOYCHOMPOO , DAMNOI SOMKID , SUNGNOI SONGMAT , SRIKUL SURAKITTI , CHOTWONG WIMOLWAN , TA-PHAISACH NAPHACHARAKORN
Published: November 2022

At present, cannabis is a narcotic plant which could be cultivated legitimately for general and medical uses in Thailand to become a new crop of economic importance. In a preliminary survey, the important mite and insect pests found on cannabis grown in the greenhouse were the mulberry red mite (Tetranychus truncatus), peanut thrips (Caliothrips phaseoli), and vegetable cutworm (Spodoptera litura). The most common one was the mulberry red mite. The objective of this project is to release the predatory mite, Neoseiulus longispinosus, for biological control of cannabis mite pest in the greenhouse. The application rate of 15,000 predatory mite per greenhouse was determined at the laboratory of the Plant Protection Research and Development Office, Department of Agriculture, Bangkok. The experiment was then carried out in the cannabis greenhouses of the Buriram Community Enterprise, Buriram, from October 2021 to January 2022 during the flowering period of two months. The comparison was Treatment 1 (No release of the predatory mites), and Treatment 2 (Release of the predatory mites, weekly for eight times), with 20 replications of each treatment. They were carried out in the greenhouses where the three similar mite and insect pests were found. The results showed that the population of the mulberry red mite, T. truncatus, was much lower in the greenhouse with the release of predatory mites than the one with no release, yielding 55 and 44 kg of dried flower bud (marijuana) per greenhouse, respectively. The 25% increase in yield due to predatory mite releases indicates that N. longispinosus is a promising biocontrol agent for cannabis mite pest in the greenhouse.
Two new species of the family Scheloribatidae from China, with remarks on the genus Annobonzetes Pérez-Íñigo, 1983 (Scheloribatidae)
Authors: WAN ZI-XUAN , TAN YAN-YING , YAN YI , XIE LIXIA
Published: November 2022

Two new species of oribatid mites are described based on adult specimens from China. Similobates linzhiensis sp. nov. differs from S. deficiens Wallwork, 1977 by its lanceolate shaped bothridial setae, and it also differs from S. staryi Ermilov, 2018 and S. demetororum Mahunka, 1982 by shorter adanal setae ad1 and ad2. Annobonzetes hamatus sp. nov. differs from A. sphaericus Pérez-Íñigo, 1983 by barbed prodorsal setae. The genera Annobonzetes and Similobates are recorded in China for the first time. The updated description and an identification key for the genus Annobonzetes are given.