bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tetracycline, an Appropriate Reagent for Measuring Bone-Formation Activity in the Murine Model of the Streptococcus mutans-Induced Bone Loss
Authors: Hirohashi Yuna , Kamijo Shingo , Khan Masud , Ikeda Masaomi , Oki Meiko , Matin Khairul , Rashed Fatma , Aoki Kazuhiro
Published: September 2021

Tetracycline is used as a fluorescent reagent to measure bone formation activity in bone histomorphometric analyses. However, there is a possibility to lead a different conclusion when it is used in a bacteria-infected murine model since the tetracycline is considered to work as an antibiotic reagent. There are non-antibiotic fluorescent reagents such as alizarin and calcein for measuring bone formation activity. The purpose of this study was to clarify whether tetracycline could be an appropriate reagent to measure bone formation activity in a murine bacterial model in the same way as a non-antibiotic fluorescent reagent. We usedStreptococcus mutans(S. mutans), a normal inhabitant in the oral cavity and tetracycline-sensitive bacteria, for inducing the bacterial model. The murine bacterial model was generated by intravenously inoculatingS. mutansto the tail vein, followed immediately by the injection of the first fluorescent reagent, and the second one was injected 2 days prior to euthanization. After one day of inoculation withS. mutans, the subcutaneously injected alizarin had a similar colony count derived from the liver and the bone marrow tissue compared to the phosphate buffered saline (PBS)-injected control group. On the other hand, subcutaneous injection of tetracycline led to a significantly lower colony count from the liver compared to alizarin- or calcein-injected group. However, on day seven, afterS. mutansintravenous injections, bone mineral density of distal femurs was significantly reduced by the bacteria inoculation regardless of which fluorescent reagents were injected subcutaneously. Finally,S. mutansinoculation reduced bone-formation-activity indices in both the tetracycline-alizarin double-injected mice and the calcein-alizarin double-injected mice. These results suggested that a one-time injection of tetracycline did not affect bone formation indices in theS. mutans-induced bone loss model. Tetracycline could be used for measuring bone formation activity in the same way as non-antibiotic fluorescent reagent such as calcein and alizarin, even in a tetracycline-sensitive bacterium-infected model.
Making Food-Systems Policy for Local Interests and Common Good
Authors: Lind Colene J. , Reeves Monica L.
Published: September 2021

The unjust distribution of poor health outcomes producedviacurrent United States food systems indicates the need for inclusive and innovative policymaking at the local level. Public health and environmental organizers are seeking to improve food environments from the ground up with locally driven policy initiatives but since 2010 have increasingly met resistanceviastate-government preemption of local policymaking power. This analysis seeks to understand how political actors on both sides of preemption debates use rhetorical argumentation. In doing so, we offer insights to the meaning-making process specific to food systems. We argue that advocates for local food-system innovations are forwarding understandings of food and community that contradict the policy goals they seek. We offer suggestions for local food and environmental advocates for adjusting their arguments.
Adrenal Myelolipoma: 369 Cases From a High-Volume Center
Authors: Lin Lede , Gong Lina , Cheng Liang , Liu Zhihong , Shen Sikui , Zhu Yuchun , Zhou Liang
Published: September 2021

Background: Adrenal myelolipoma (AML) is a nonfunctional benign neoplasm from the adrenal cortex, composed of mature fat and hematopoietic tissue. Usually, patients have no symptoms. However, some patients with hypertension and blood pressure normalize after AML surgery, indicating some connections between AML and hypertension.

Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 369 patients diagnosed with AML from September 2008 to December 2018 collected in the Urology Department of West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. We collected clinical records of patients before surgery. Postoperative follow-up was also carried out for those with hypertension and whether patients needed to take antihypertensive drugs and postoperative blood pressure were recorded. We aim to explore the characteristics of both patients with AML having hypertension and having remission of hypertension in 1 year after surgery.

Results: There were 369 patients with AML included in the study, 156 men and 213 women, aged 49.86 ± 11.61 years old. Among them, 121 (32.8%) patients presented with hypertension. Body mass index was significantly higher in the hypertension group than that in the nonhypertension group, even after adjusting other variables (26.26 ± 3.43 vs. 24.28 ± 3.38 kg/m2, P < 0.001 for both univariate and multivariate analyses). Sixty patients were followed up for 1–9 years, with a median follow-up of 52 months. The duration of hypertension in the remission group was shorter than that in the non-remission group (P = 0.020), and the tumor lateralization was significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.005).

Conclusions: Nearly one-third of patients with AML suffered from hypertension in our study, and there existed some potential links between AML and hypertension. To be more specific, AML-related hypertension was more likely to result from obesity and renal compression by perirenal fat than from endocrine disorders or blood vessels compression. Patients with AML and with more than 3 years of hypertension might have less possibility to recover.
Predictors of Teachers’ Self-Efficacy in Teaching EFL: An Examination of “Nativeness” and Teachers’ Training
Authors: Gao Yan , Gumah Bernard , Kulbo Nora B. , Addo Prince Clement , Kulbo Dora B. , Aziabah Maxwell A.
Published: September 2021

The study aimed to establish the link between teacher training and “nativeness” on teachers’ self-efficacy in teaching English as a second language. By applying a teacher’s sense of efficacy scale, we measured the self-efficacy of a total of 281 foreign teachers in Chengdu, China. We adopted MANOVA and tested the influence of “nativeness” and teachers’ training on teachers’ self-efficacy. Our analysis shows that while being a native speaker does not necessarily influence a teacher’s self-efficacy, trained teachers have higher self-efficacy than untrained teachers. Thus, the current study lends credence to the view that language proficiency should not be allied with being a language teacher. Instead, educational administrators and policymakers should focus on language teachers’ professional development rather than emphasizing the native/non-native teachers’ distinction.
Biology Students’ Morality When Engaged With Moral Dilemmas in the Human-Nature Context
Authors: van der Leij Tore , Avraamidou Lucy , Wals Arjen , Goedhart Martin
Published: September 2021

Framed within the Four Component Model (FCM) of morality, this case study investigates the nature of Dutch 15–16 years old biology students’ morality in socioscientific issues in the human-nature context. In doing so, we discuss the morality of 12 students with data collected through individual semi-structured interviews following the implementation of a specially-designed curriculum. During the interviews the students discussed a moral dilemma related to the rehabilitation of seals. The findings indicate that students demonstrated aspects of all four FCM components. The students placed themselves in the perspectives of involved stakeholders, both affectively and cognitively. In addition, the students exhibited both rationality-based and emotion-based moral reasoning. A number of students experienced an “inner conflict” between cognitive and emotional reasoning, which affected their moral motivation and–as such–represented their moral reflection process. Students’ moral emotions were often decisive in their moral decision-making. Among the different kinds of moral emotions (compassion, guilt, duty, respect), compassion appeared most. The findings are discussed alongside implications for future research with a focus on encouraging aspects of students’ morality, which are an important part of citizenship skills.
The Impact of Diet and Physical Activity on Bone Health in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Proia Patrizia , Amato Alessandra , Drid Patrik , Korovljev Darinka , Vasto Sonya , Baldassano Sara
Published: September 2021

There is growing recognition of the role of diet and physical activity in modulating bone mineral density, bone mineral content, and remodeling, which in turn can impact bone health later in life. Adequate nutrient composition could influence bone health and help to maximize peak bone mass. Therefore, children’s nutrition may have lifelong consequences. Also, physical activity, adequate in volume or intensity, may have positive consequences on bone mineral content and density and may preserve bone loss in adulthood. Most of the literature that exists for children, about diet and physical activity on bone health, has been translated from studies conducted in adults. Thus, there are still many unanswered questions about what type of diet and physical activity may positively influence skeletal development. This review focuses on bone requirements in terms of nutrients and physical activity in childhood and adolescence to promote bone health. It explores the contemporary scientific literature that analyzes the impact of diet together with the typology and timing of physical activity that could be more appropriate depending on whether they are children and adolescents to assure an optimal skeleton formation. A description of the role of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and gut hormones (gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1, and GLP-2) as potential candidates in this interaction to promote bone health is also presented.
Perceptions of Public Officers Towards the Effects of Climate Change on Ecosystem Services: A Case-Study From Northern Portugal
Authors: Vaz Ana Sofia , Graça Marisa , Carvalho-Santos Cláudia , Pinto Eva , Vicente Joana R. , Honrado João P. , Santos João A.
Published: September 2021

How institutional stakeholders perceive the supply and demand of ecosystem services (ES) under distinct contexts determines which planning actions are deemed priority or not. Public officers play a crucial role in social-ecological management and decision-making processes, but there is a paucity of research exploring their perceptions on ES supply and demand under a changing climate. We address this gap through an exploratory study that analyses the views of public officers on the potential impacts of climate-change related drivers on multiple ES in a major administrative region from Portugal (EU NUTS 3). We combined qualitative spatial data from participatory maps and semi-quantitative answers from questionnaire-based surveys with 22 officers from public institutions contributing to territorial planning. Contrary to other similar studies, public officers shared a common view on the importance of ES. This view aligns with scientific projections on how a changing climate is expected to influence ES in the region over the next decade. In agreement with other observations in Mediterranean regions, the most perceivably valued ES concerned tangible socio-economic benefits (e.g., periurban agriculture and wine production). Surprisingly, despite the region’s potential for cultural ES, and considering the impacts that climate change may hold on them, recreation and tourism did not seem to be embedded in the officers’ views. We explore the implications of our findings for territorial planning and social-ecological adaptation, considering that the way stakeholders manage the territory in response to climate change depends on the extent to which they are aware and expect to experience climatic consequences in the future.
Identification of Signature Genes Associated With Invasiveness and the Construction of a Prognostic Model That Predicts the Overall Survival of Bladder Cancer
Authors: He Yang , Wu Yongxin , Liu Zhe , Li Boping , Jiang Ning , Xu Peng , Xu Abai
Published: September 2021

Background: Bladder cancer has become the tenth most diagnosed cancer worldwide. The prognosis has been shown to differ between non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). We aimed to identify signature genes that are associated with the invasiveness and survival of bladder cancer and to identify potential treatments.

Methods: We downloaded gene expression profiles of bladder cancer from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to identify differentially expressed genes and perform weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Functional enrichment was analyzed by GO and KEGG analyses. Hub genes were identified from the significant module. Another dataset was also acquired to verify the expression of hub genes. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to the dataset downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Risk scores were calculated and the effect was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. A nomogram was constructed and validated using training and testing samples, respectively. Analysis of the tumor immune microenvironment was conducted with the CIBERSORT algorithm.

Results: In total, 1,245 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. A distinct module was identified that was significantly correlated to invasiveness. The genes within this module were found to be significantly associated with extracellular exosomes, GTPase activity, metabolic pathways, etc. Three hub genes (VSIG2, PPFIBP2, and DENND2D) were identified as biomarkers of invasiveness; two of these (PPFIBP2 and DENND2D) were closely associated with prognosis. The risk score was regarded as an independent prognostic factor. The nomogram was associated with acceptable accuracy for predicting 1- and 5-year overall survival. The infiltrating levels of resting NK cells, activated natural killer (NK) cells, CD8+ T cells, activated memory CD4+ T cells, and T follicular helper cells, were significantly higher in the group with lower risk scores. The group with higher risk scores showed predominant infiltration by regulatory T cells (Tregs).

Conclusion: We successfully identified three signature genes related to invasiveness and constructed a nomogram of bladder cancer with acceptable performance. Differences suggested by risk scores between groups of patients showing diverse patterns of immune cell infiltration may be beneficial for selecting therapeutic approaches and predicting prognosis.
Time Course Transcriptomic Study Reveals the Gene Regulation During Liver Development and the Correlation With Abdominal Fat Weight in Chicken
Authors: Xing Siyuan , Liu Ranran , Zhao Guiping , Groenen Martien A. M. , Madsen Ole , Liu Lu , Zheng Maiqing , Wang Qiao , Wu Zhou , Crooijmans Richard P. M. A. , Wen Jie
Published: September 2021

Background:The liver is the central metabolic organ of animals. In chicken, knowledge on the relationship between gene expression in the liver and fat deposition during development is still limited. A time-course transcriptomic study from the embryonic (day 12) to the egg-producing period (day 180 after hatch) was performed to profile slow-growing meat type chicken liver gene expression and to investigate its correlation with abdominal fat deposition.

Results:The transcriptome profiles showed a separation of the different developmental stages. In total, 13,096 genes were ubiquitously expressed at all the tested developmental stages. The analysis of differentially expressed genes between adjacent developmental stages showed that biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids pathway was enriched from day 21 to day 140 after hatch. The correlation between liver gene expression and the trait abdominal fat weight (AFW) was analyzed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis. The genesMFGE8,HHLA1,CKAP2, andACSBG2were identified as hub genes in AFW positively correlated modules, which suggested important roles of these genes in the lipid metabolism in chicken liver.

Conclusion:Our results provided a resource of developmental transcriptome profiles in chicken liver and suggested that the geneACSBG2among other detected genes can be used as a candidate gene for selecting low AFW chickens.
The Effect of Population Structure on Murine Genome-Wide Association Studies
Authors: Wang Meiyue , Fang Zhuoqing , Yoo Boyoung , Bejerano Gill , Peltz Gary
Published: September 2021

The ability to use genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for genetic discovery depends upon our ability to distinguish true causative from false positive association signals. Population structure (PS) has been shown to cause false positive signals in GWAS. PS correction is routinely used for analysis of human GWAS results, and it has been assumed that it also should be utilized for murine GWAS using inbred strains. Nevertheless, there are fundamental differences between murine and human GWAS, and the impact of PS on murine GWAS results has not been carefully investigated. To assess the impact of PS on murine GWAS, we examined 8223 datasets that characterized biomedical responses in panels of inbred mouse strains. Rather than treat PS as a confounding variable, we examined it as a response variable. Surprisingly, we found that PS had a minimal impact on datasets measuring responses in ≤20 strains; and had surprisingly little impact on most datasets characterizing 21 – 40 inbred strains. Moreover, we show that true positive association signals arising from haplotype blocks, SNPs or indels, which were experimentally demonstrated to be causative for trait differences, would be rejected if PS correction were applied to them. Our results indicate because of the special conditions created by GWAS (the use of inbred strains, small sample sizes) PS assessment results should be carefully evaluated in conjunction with other criteria, when murine GWAS results are evaluated.
Functional Exhaustion of HBV-Specific CD8 T Cells Impedes PD-L1 Blockade Efficacy in Chronic HBV Infection
Authors: Ferrando-Martinez Sara , Snell Bennett Angie , Lino Elisabete , Gehring Adam J. , Feld Jordan , Janssen Harry L. A. , Robbins Scott H.
Published: September 2021

Background

A functional cure for chronic HBV could be achieved by boosting HBV-specific immunity. In vitro studies show that immunotherapy could be an effective strategy. However, these studies include strategies to enrich HBV-specific CD8 T cells, which could alter the expression of the anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 antibody targets. Our aim was to determine the efficacy of PD-L1 blockade ex vivo.

Methods

HBV-specific CD8 T cells were characterized ex vivo by flow cytometry for the simultaneous analysis of six immune populations and 14 activating and inhibitory receptors. Ex vivo functionality was quantified by ELISpot and by combining peptide pool stimulation, dextramers and intracellular flow cytometry staining.

Results

The functionality of HBV-specific CD8 T cells is associated with a higher frequency of cells with low exhaustion phenotype (LAG3-TIM3-PD-1+), independently of the clinical parameters. The accumulation of HBV-specific CD8 T cells with a functionally exhausted phenotype (LAG3+TIM3+PD-1+) is associated with lack of ex vivo functionality. PD-L1 blockade enhanced the HBV-specific CD8 T cell response only in patients with lower exhaustion levels, while response to PD-L1 blockade was abrogated in patients with higher frequencies of exhausted HBV-specific CD8 T cells.

Conclusion

Higher levels of functionally exhausted HBV-specific CD8 T cells are associated with a lack of response that cannot be restored by blocking the PD-1:PD-L1 axis. This suggests that the clinical effectiveness of blocking the PD-1:PD-L1 axis as a monotherapy may be restricted. Combination strategies, potentially including the combination of anti-LAG-3 with other anti-iR antibodies, will likely be required to elicit a functional cure for patients with high levels of functionally exhausted HBV-specific CD8 T cells.
Safety and Preliminary Efficacy of a Novel Host-Modulatory Therapy for Reducing Gingival Inflammation
Authors: Hasturk Hatice , Schulte Fabian , Martins Melissa , Sherzai Homa , Floros Constantinos , Cugini MaryAnn , Chiu Chung-Jung , Hardt Markus , Van Dyke Thomas
Published: September 2021

Background

Periodontal disease is among the sixth most common inflammatory diseases worldwide with high risk to promote complications from other inflammatory diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s Disease. Failure of active resolution of inflammation pathways is implicated in pathogenesis of periodontal diseases, including gingivitis. Lipoxin A4 (LXA4), a member of the specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) that drive resolution of inflammation via GPC-receptor mediated pathways, offered therapeutic advantages in preclinical models of periodontitis.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group Phase 1 clinical trial to determine the safety and preliminary efficacy of an LXA4 analog in patients with gingival inflammation. One hundred twenty-seven (127) individuals were randomized to daily use of an oral rinse containing a LXA4 mimetic, methyl ester-benzo-lipoxin A4 (BLXA4), placebo rinse or a no-rinse control group for 28 days. Treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were assessed for safety, the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included the change in the level of gingival inflammation and periodontal pocket depth (PD). Serum SPMs were monitored using targeted lipid mediator lipidomics to assess potential systemic impact of BLXA4.

Results

The frequency of TEAEs was similar in BLXA4 and placebo-treated groups with no study-related SAEs. Once-daily rinsing with BLXA4 for 28-days resulted in a greater decrease in gingival inflammation compared to placebo rinse and no-rinse control groups (mean change: 0.26 GI unit vs 0.21 and 0.17, respectively). PD reduction was also greater with BLXA4 oral rinse compared to placebo and no-rinse groups (mean reduction: 1.23 mm vs. 0.71 mm and 0.46 mm, respectively). Topical application of BLXA4 increased serum levels of SPMs.

Conclusion

Treatment with BLXA4 reduces local inflammation, and increases abundance of pro-resolution molecules systemically, which may dampen inflammation that can mediate progression and course of inflammatory diseases beyond periodontitis.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier (NCT02342691).
Association Between Severity of Leptospirosis and Subsequent Major Autoimmune Diseases: A Nationwide Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Chih-Chung , Hung Yao-Min , Chiu Lu-Ting , Chou Mei-Chia , Chang Renin , Wei James Cheng-Chung
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Infections play a role in autoimmune diseases (AD). Leptospirosis has been linked to the trigger of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective

To investigate subsequent risk of major AD in hospitalized Taiwanese for Leptospirosis.

Methods

Retrospective observational cohort study was employed. The enrolled period was from 2000 to 2012. In the main model, we extracted 4026 inpatients with leptospirosis from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) and 16,104 participants without leptospirosis at a 1:4 ratio propensity-score matched (PSM) by age, gender, index year, and comorbidities. The follow-up period was defined as the time from the initial diagnosis of leptospirosis to major AD occurrence or 2013. This study was re-analyzed by frequency-matching as a sensitivity analysis for cross-validation. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were applied to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The adjusted HR (95% CI) of major ADs for the leptospirosis group was 4.45 (3.25–6.79) (p < 0.001) compared to the controls after full adjustment. The risk of major ADs was 5.52-fold (95% CI, 3.82–7.99) higher in leptospirosis patients hospitalized for seven days and above than the controls, while 2.80-fold (95% CI, 1.68–5.61) in those hospitalized less than seven days. The sensitivity analysis yields consistent findings. Stratified analysis revealed that the association between leptospirosis and major ADs was generalized in both genders, and all age groups.

Conclusions

Symptomatic leptospirosis is associated with increased rate of subsequent major ADs, and the risk seems to be higher in severe cases.
The Recruitment of Neutrophils to the Tumor Microenvironment Is Regulated by Multiple Mediators
Authors: SenGupta Shuvasree , Hein Lauren E. , Parent Carole A.
Published: September 2021

Neutrophils sense and migrate towards chemotactic factors released at sites of infection/inflammation and contain the affected area using a variety of effector mechanisms. Aside from these established immune defense functions, neutrophils are emerging as one of the key tumor-infiltrating immune cells that influence cancer progression and metastasis. Neutrophil recruitment to the tumor microenvironment (TME) is mediated by multiple mediators including cytokines, chemokines, lipids, and growth factors that are secreted from cancer cells and cancer-associated stromal cells. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie the expression and secretion of the different mediators from cancer cells and how neutrophils integrate these signals to reach and invade tumors remain unclear. Here, we discuss the possible role of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) program, which is a well-established promoter of malignant potential in cancer, in regulating the expression and secretion of these key mediators. We also summarize and review our current understanding of the machineries that potentially control the secretion of the mediators from cancer cells, including the exocytic trafficking pathways, secretory autophagy, and extracellular vesicle-mediated secretion. We further reflect on possible mechanisms by which different mediators collaborate by integrating their signaling network, and particularly focus on TGF-β, a cytokine that is highly expressed in invasive tumors, and CXCR2 ligands, which are crucial neutrophil recruiting chemokines. Finally, we highlight gaps in the field and the need to expand current knowledge of the secretory machineries and cross-talks among mediators to develop novel neutrophil targeting strategies as effective therapeutic options in the treatment of cancer.
Combined Transcriptome and Proteome Leukocyte’s Profiling Reveals Up-Regulated Module of Genes/Proteins Related to Low Density Neutrophils and Impaired Transcription and Translation Processes in Clinical Sepsis
Authors: Leite Giuseppe Gianini Figueirêdo , Ferreira Bianca Lima , Tashima Alexandre Keiji , Nishiduka Erika Sayuri , Cunha-Neto Edecio , Brunialti Milena Karina Colo , Assuncao Murillo , Azevedo Luciano Cesar Pontes , Freitas Flávio , van der Poll Tom , Scicluna Brendon P. , Salomão Reinaldo
Published: September 2021

Sepsis is a global health emergency, which is caused by various sources of infection that lead to changes in gene expression, protein-coding, and metabolism. Advancements in “omics” technologies have provided valuable tools to unravel the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. In this study, we performed shotgun mass spectrometry in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from septic patients (N=24) and healthy controls (N=9) and combined these results with two public microarray leukocytes datasets. Through combination of transcriptome and proteome profiling, we identified 170 co‐differentially expressed genes/proteins. Among these, 122 genes/proteins displayed the same expression trend. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed pathways related to lymphocyte functions with decreased status, and defense processes that were predicted to be strongly increased. Protein-protein interaction network analyses revealed two densely connected regions, which mainly included down‐regulated genes/proteins that were related to the transcription of RNA, translation of proteins, and mitochondrial translation. Additionally, we identified one module comprising of up‐regulated genes/proteins, which were mainly related to low-density neutrophils (LDNs). LDNs were reported in sepsis and in COVID-19. Changes in gene expression level were validated using quantitative real-time PCR in PBMCs from patients with sepsis. To further support that the source of the upregulated module of genes/proteins found in our results were derived from LDNs, we identified an increase of this population by flow cytometry in PBMC samples obtained from the same cohort of septic patients included in the proteomic analysis. This study provides new insights into a reprioritization of biological functions in response to sepsis that involved a transcriptional and translational shutdown of genes/proteins, with exception of a set of genes/proteins related to LDNs and host‐defense system.
Active Ecological Restoration of Cold-Water Corals: Techniques, Challenges, Costs and Future Directions
Authors: Montseny Maria , Linares Cristina , Carreiro-Silva Marina , Henry Lea-Anne , Billett David , Cordes Erik E. , Smith Christopher J. , Papadopoulou Nadia , Bilan Meri , Girard Fanny , Burdett Heidi L. , Larsson Ann , Strömberg Susanna , Viladrich Núria , Barry James P. , Baena Patricia , Godinho Antonio , Grinyó Jordi , Santín Andreu , Morato Telmo , Sweetman Andrew K. , Gili Josep-Maria , Gori Andrea
Published: September 2021

Cold-water coral (CWC) habitats dwell on continental shelves, slopes, seamounts, and ridge systems around the world’s oceans from 50 to 4000 m depth, providing heterogeneous habitats which support a myriad of associated fauna. These highly diverse ecosystems are threatened by human stressors such as fishing activities, gas and oil exploitation, and climate change. Since their life-history traits such as long lifespan and slow growth rates make CWCs very vulnerable to potential threats, it is a foremost challenge to explore the viability of restoration actions to enhance and speed up their recovery. In contrast to terrestrial and shallow-water marine ecosystems, ecological restoration in deep marine environments has received minimal attention. This review, by means of a systematic literature search, aims to identify CWC restoration challenges, assess the most suitable techniques to restore them, and discuss future perspectives. Outcomes from the few restoration actions performed to date on CWCs, which have lasted between 1 to 4 years, provide evidence of the feasibility of coral transplantation and artificial reef deployments. Scientific efforts should focus on testing novel and creative restoration techniques, especially to scale up to the spatial and temporal scales of impacts. There is still a general lack of knowledge about the biological, ecological and habitat characteristics of CWC species exploration of which would aid the development of effective restoration measures. To ensure the long-term viability and success of any restoration action it is essential to include holistic and long-term monitoring programs, and to ideally combine active restoration with natural spontaneous regeneration (i.e., passive restoration) strategies such as the implementation of deep-sea marine protected areas (MPAs). We conclude that a combination of passive and active restoration approaches with involvement of local society would be the best optimal option to achieve and ensure CWC restoration success.
Using Remote Sensing and in situ Measurements for Efficient Mapping and Optimal Sampling of Coral Reefs
Authors: Candela Alberto , Edelson Kevin , Gierach Michelle M. , Thompson David R. , Woodward Gail , Wettergreen David
Published: September 2021

Coral reefs are of undeniable importance to the environment, yet little is known of them on a global scale. Assessments rely on laborious, local in-water surveys. In recent years remote sensing has been useful on larger scales for certain aspects of reef science such as benthic functional type discrimination. However, remote sensing only gives indirect information about reef condition. Only through combination of remote sensing andin situdata can we achieve coverage to understand reef condition and monitor worldwide condition. This work presents an approach to global mapping of coral reef condition that intelligently selects local,in situmeasurements that refine the accuracy and resolution of global remote sensing. To this end, we apply new techniques in remote sensing analysis, probabilistic modeling for coral reef mapping, and decision theory for sample selection. Our strategy represents a fundamental change in how we study coral reefs and assess their condition on a global scale. We demonstrate feasibility and performance of our approach in a proof of concept using spaceborne remote sensing together with high-quality airborne data from the NASA Earth Venture Suborbital-2 (EVS-2) Coral Reef Airborne Laboratory (CORAL) mission as a proxy forin situsamples. Results indicate that our method is capable of extrapolatingin situfeatures and refining information from remote sensing with increasing accuracy. Furthermore, the results confirm that decision theory is a powerful tool for sample selection.
Analysis of 23 Years of Daily Cloud-Free Chlorophyll and Suspended Particulate Matter in the Greater North Sea
Authors: Alvera-Azcárate Aida , Van der Zande Dimitry , Barth Alexander , Troupin Charles , Martin Samuel , Beckers Jean-Marie
Published: September 2021

Satellite-derived estimates of ocean color variables are available for several decades now and allow performing studies of the long-term changes occurred in an ecosystem. A daily, gap-free analysis of chlorophyll (CHL) and suspended particulate matter (SPM, indicative of light availability in the subsurface) at 1 km resolution over the Greater North Sea during the period 1998–2020 is presented. Interannual changes are described, with maximum average CHL values increasing during the period 1998–2008, a slightly decreasing trend in 2009–2017 and an stagnation in recent years. The typical spring bloom is observed to happen earlier each year, with about 1 month difference between 1998 and 2020. The duration of the bloom (time between onset and offset) appears also to be increasing with time, but the average CHL value during the spring bloom does not show a clear trend. The causes for earlier spring blooms are still unclear, although a rising water temperature can partially explain them through enhanced phytoplankton cell division rates or through increased water column stratification. SPM values during winter months (prior to the development of the spring bloom) do not exhibit a clear trend over the same period, although slightly higher SPM values are observed in recent years. The influence of sea surface temperature in the spring bloom timing appears to be dominant over the influence of SPM concentration, according to our results. The number of satellites available over the years for producing CHL and SPM in this work has an influence in the total amount of available data before interpolation. The amount of missing data has an influence in the total variability that is retained in the final dataset, and our results suggest that at least three satellites would be needed for a good representation of ocean color variability.
Effect of the Alkalized Rice Straw Content on Strength Properties and Microstructure of Cemented Tailings Backfill
Authors: Wang Shi , Song Xuepeng , Wei Meiliang , Liu Wu , Wang Xiaojun , Ke Yuxian , Tao Tiejun
Published: September 2021

The tailings and rice straw are waste by-products, and the storage of tailings on the ground and the burning of rice straws will seriously damage the ecological environment. In this study, the effect of different contents of alkalized rice straw (ARS; rice straw was alkalized with 4% NaOH solution) on the mechanical properties and microstructure of cemented tailings backfill (CTB; ARSCTB) was studied through uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) tests. The results indicated that 1) the UCS of ARSCTB could be improved by ARS. However, with the increase in the ARS content from 0.1 to 0.4 wt%, the UCS showed a monotonous decreasing trend. The UCS improvement effect was best when the ARS content was 0.1 wt%, and at 7, 14, and 28 days curing ages, the UCS increased rate was 6.0, 8.3, 14.7% respectively. 2) The tensile strength of ARSCTB was generally higher than that of CTB and positively correlated with the ARS content. The tensile strength increase rate was 24.1–34.2% at 28 days curing age. 3) The SEM test indicated that the ARS was wrapped by cement hydration products, which improves its connection with the ARSCTB matrix. ARS performed a bridging role, inhibited cracks propagation, and provided drag or pulling force for the block that is about to fall off. Therefore, the mechanical properties of ARSCTB were enhanced. However, under high ARS content, the inhibition of ARS on hydration reaction and the overlap between ARS were not conducive to the improvement of the UCS of ARSCTB. 4) The post-peak residual strength and integrity effect of ARSCTB were greater. It is recommended to add 0.1–0.2 wt% ARS to the backfill with high compressive strength requirements such as the empty field subsequent filling mining method and the artificial pillar. 0.3–0.4 wt% ARS is incorporated into backfill with high tensile strength requirements such as high-stage filling with lateral exposure and artificial roof. This study further makes up for the blank of the application of plant fiber in the field of mine filling and helps to improve the mechanical properties of backfill through low-cost materials.
Molecular Characteristics, Clinical Implication, and Cancer Immunity Interactions of Pyroptosis-Related Genes in Breast Cancer
Authors: Xu Dandan , Ji Zhipeng , Qiang Ling
Published: September 2021

Objective: Pyroptosis represents an emerging inflammatory form of programmed cell death. Herein, specific functions and clinical implications of pyroptosis-related genes were systematically characterized in breast cancer.

Methods: Expression, somatic mutation and copy number variation of 33 pyroptosis-related genes were assessed in breast cancer from TCGA dataset. Their interactions, biological functions and prognostic values were then observed. By stepwise Cox regression analysis, a pyroptosis-related gene signature was generated. The predictive efficacy in survival was examined by survival analyses, ROCs, univariate and multivariate analyses and subgroup analyses. Associations between risk score (RS) and cancer immunity cycle, HLA, immune cell infiltrations, and immune checkpoints were analyzed.

Results: Most of pyroptosis-related genes were abnormally expressed in breast cancer. CASP8, NLRC4, NLRP3, NLRP2, PLCG1, NLRP1, NLRP7, SCAF11, GSDMC, and NOD1 occurred somatic mutations as well as most of them had high frequency of CNV. There were closely interactions between them. These genes were distinctly enriched in immune-related processes. A three-gene signature was generated, containing IL-18, GSDMC, and TIRAP. High RS predicted poorer overall survival, progression, and recurrence. After verification, this RS was an independent and sensitive predictive index. This RS was negatively correlated to cancer immunity cycle. Also, low RS was characterized by high HLA, immune cell infiltrations and immune checkpoints. A nomogram including age and RS was generated for accurately predicting 5-, 8-, and 10-year survival probabilities.

Conclusion: Pyroptosis-related genes exert key roles in cancer immunity and might be applied as a prognostic factor of breast cancer.
A Quantitative Comparison of Multispectral Refraction Topography and Autorefractometer in Young Adults
Authors: Liao Yunru , Yang Zhenlan , Li Zijing , Zeng Rui , Wang Jing , Zhang Yichi , Lan Yuqing
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Purpose of this study is to evaluate the measuring consistency of central refraction between multispectral refraction topography (MRT) and autorefractometry.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study including subjects in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital from September 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, ages 20 to 35 years with a best corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better. All patients underwent cycloplegia, and the refractive status was estimated with autorefractometer, experienced optometrist and MRT. We analyzed the central refraction of the autorefractometer and MRT. The repeatability and reproducibility of values measured using both devices were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

Results: A total of 145 subjects ages 20 to 35 (290 eyes) were enrolled. The mean central refraction of the autorefractometer was −4.69 ± 2.64 diopters (D) (range −9.50 to +4.75 D), while the mean central refraction of MRT was −4.49 ± 2.61 diopters (D) (range −8.79 to +5.02 D). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a high correlation between the two devices. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) also showed high agreement. The intrarater and interrater ICC values of central refraction were more than 0.90 in both devices and conditions. At the same time, the mean central refraction of experienced optometrist was −4.74 ± 2.66 diopters (D) (range −9.50 to +4.75D). The intra-class correlation coefficient of central refraction measured by MRT and subjective refraction was 0.939.

Conclusions: Results revealed that autorefractometry, experienced optometrist and MRT show high agreement in measuring central refraction. MRT could provide a potential objective method to assess peripheral refraction.
Nasopharyngeal Carriage in Children After the Introduction of Generalized Infant Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Immunization in Germany
Authors: Rose Markus A. , Laurenz Maren , Sprenger Ralf , Imöhl Matthias , van der Linden Mark
Published: September 2021

Epidemiological data on nasopharyngeal (NP) bacterial carriage in children in Germany are scarce. We prospectively characterized NP colonization to evaluate the impact of pneumococcal immunization. We longitudinally collected NP swabs from 2-month-old infants (visit 1; V1) at eight representative pediatric offices 10/2008-06/2009. The second swabs were taken at age 9–12 months (V2); the third swab was taken 3–6 months after the booster vaccination at age 17–19 months (V3), and the fourth swab (V4) at age 59–61 months. Samples were broth enriched, cultured for bacteria, and isolates were serotyped. Demographic risk factors for colonization were evaluated. Among 242 vaccinees, bacterial NP carriage increased with age [from 27.2% (V1) to 70.1% (V4)]; leading isolates were S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, and S. pyogenes. Overall pneumococcal carriage increased [14.7% (V1), 31.5% (V2), 34.8% (V3), 42.2% (V4)], being even greater among day-care attendees. Serotype distribution changed during the study period, with vaccine serotypes declining. At visit 4, 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10) serotypes were no longer among the NP flora, while some serotypes unique to 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13; 3 and 19A) were found. In Germany, universal infant PCV immunization was associated with an almost complete eradication of PCV-serotypes and concomitant increase of non-PCV-serotypes, mainly 11A, 22F, and 23A.
Effectiveness of Telemonitoring for Reducing Exacerbation Occurrence in COPD Patients With Past Exacerbation History: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lu Jing-wen , Wang Yu , Sun Yue , Zhang Qin , Yan Li-ming , Wang Ying-xi , Gao Jing-han , Yin Yan , Wang Qiu-yue , Li Xue-lian , Hou Gang
Published: September 2021

Background: Although an increasing number of studies have reported that telemonitoring (TM) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be useful and efficacious for hospitalizations and quality of life, its actual utility in detecting and managing acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) is less established. This meta-analysis aimed to identify the best available evidence on the effectiveness of TM targeting the early and optimized management of AECOPD in patients with a history of past AECOPD compared with a control group without TM intervention.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials published from 1990 to May 2020. Primary endpoints included emergency room visits and exacerbation-related readmissions. P-values, risk ratios, odds ratios, and mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

Results: Of 505 identified citations, 17 original articles with both TM intervention and a control group were selected for the final analysis (N = 3,001 participants). TM was found to reduce emergency room visits [mean difference (MD) −0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) −1.36 to −0.03], exacerbation-related readmissions (risk ratio 0.74, 95% CI 0.60–0.92), exacerbation-related hospital days (MD −0.60, 95% CI −1.06 to −0.13), mortality (odds ratio 0.71, 95% CI 0.54–0.93), and the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score (MD −3.72, 95% CI −7.18 to −0.26) but did not make a difference with respect to all-cause readmissions, the rate of exacerbation-related readmissions, all-cause hospital days, time to first hospital readmission, anxiety and depression, and exercise capacity. Furthermore, the subgroup analysis by observation period showed that longer TM (≥12 months) was more effective in reducing readmissions.

Conclusions: TM can reduce emergency room visits and exacerbation-related readmissions, as well as acute exacerbation (AE)-related hospital days, mortality, and the SGRQ score. The implementation of TM intervention is thus a potential protective therapeutic strategy that could facilitate the long-term management of AECOPD.

Systematic Review Registration: This systematic review and meta-analysis is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement and was registered at International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (number: CRD42020181459).