bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Gallium as an Additive Over Corresponding Ni–Mo/γ-Al2O3 Catalysts on the Hydrodesulfurization Performance of 4,6-DMDBT
Authors: Huang Meng , Huang Wenbin , Li Anqi , Yang Han , Jia Yijing , Yu Zhiqing , Xu Zhusong , Wang Xiaohan , Zhou Yasong , Wei Qiang
Published: March 2022

Experiments were carried out to research the different contents of Ga2O3 modification effects on the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) performance of 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) catalyzed by the stepwise impregnation method. Characterization techniques such as XRD, BET, HRTEM, NH3-TPD, and Py-FTIR were performed to determine the effects of each modification of the catalyst by Ga on the properties of the prepared supports and catalysts. The catalytic effect of gallium is reflected in the fact that the empty d-orbitals of Ga elements participate in the formation of molecular orbitals in the active center and change their orbital properties, thus generating a direct desulfurization active phase suitable for complex sulfides for endpoint adsorption. The characterization results indicated that the introduction of Ga2O3 with appropriate content (2 wt.%) promoted Ni and Mo species to disperse uniformly and doping of more Ni atoms into the MoS2 crystals, which also increased the average stacking number and the length of MoS2. As a result, more NiMoS active phases were favored to form in the system. The specific surface area and the amounts of acid sites were increased, facilitating the adsorption of reactant molecules and the HDS reactions. The HDS results also suggested the effects of Ga modification play a very important role in the catalytic performance of the corresponding catalysts. The catalyst Ga–Ni–Mo/Al2O3 exhibited the highest conversion rate towards 4,6-DMDBT HDS when the amount of Ga2O3 loading was 2 wt.% with an LHSV of 2.5 h−1 at 290°C and Ga modification also can effectively improve the direct desulfurization (DDS) route selectivity in varying degrees.
Continuum of Care: Positioning of the Virtual Hospital
Authors: van der Lande Anne Catherine M. H. , Treskes Roderick W. , Beeres Saskia L. M. A. , Schalij Martin J.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Patients with multiple chronic diseases suffer from reduced life expectancy. Care for these patients is often divided over multiple healthcare professionals. eHealth might help to integrate care for these patients and create a continuum. It is the primary purpose of this paper to describe an intervention that integrates first, second, and third line care in patients with multiple chronic conditions using remote monitoring, remote therapy and data automatization, all integrated in a virtual care center (VCC).

Methods

Patients diagnosed with three or more chronic conditions are included and given smartphone compatible devices for remote monitoring and a tablet for video consultations. Patients will be followed-up by the VCC, consisting of nurses who will coordinate care, supervised by general practitioners and medical specialists. Data is reviewed on a daily basis and patients are contacted on a weekly basis. Review of data is automated by computer algorithms. Patients are contacted in case of outcome abnormalities in the data. Patients can contact the VCC at any time. Follow-up of the study is 1 year.

Results

The primary outcome of this study is the median number of nights admitted to the hospital per patient compared to the hospitalization data 12 months before enrolment. Secondary outcomes include all-cause mortality, event free survival, quality of life and satisfaction with technology and care.

Conclusion

This study presents the concept of a VCC that integrates first, second, and third line care into a virtual ward using remote monitoring and video consultation.
Negative Risk Markers for Cardiovascular Risk Evaluation in Chinese Adults
Authors: Bie Lizhan , Niu Jingya , Wu Shujing , Zheng Ruizhi , Xu Min , Lu Jieli , Wang Tiange , Zhao Zhiyun , Wang Shuangyuan , Lin Hong , Dai Meng , Zhang Di , Chen Yuhong , Bi Yufang , Wang Weiqing , Ning Guang , Li Mian , Xu Yu
Published: March 2022

Background

The atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk predicted by traditional risk factors is used to guide preventive treatment. We aimed to investigate whether preferable levels of non-traditional emerging risk factors (i.e., negative risk markers) could downgrade the predicted ASCVD risk beyond traditional risk factors.

Methods

A total of 7,568 Chinese adults aged ≥ 40 years were followed up during 2010–2015. Negative risk markers including non-traditional lipids, urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio, electrocardiogram (ECG), and measurements of atherosclerosis were evaluated using diagnostic likelihood ratio (DLR) and continuous net reclassification index (NRI) for their ability to downshift predicted CVD risk in the overall study population and in participants with intermediate (traditional risk factor predicted ASCVD risk 7.5% to 19.9%) or high risk (≥20%).

Results

During a median follow-up of 4.5 years, 416 participants developed CVD events including non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, and cardiovascular death. Among negative risk markers examined, lipoprotein(a) ≤ 10th percentile (5 mg/dL), normal ECG, and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) ≤ 25th percentile (0.5 mm) provided moderate CVD risk reclassification and downward changes in pre- to post-test risk on top of the traditional CVD risk factors, especially in high-risk participants. The DLRs were 0.41, 0.75, and 0.41, and the NRIs were 18, 22, and 14% for lipoprotein(a), ECG, and CIMT, respectively in high-risk participants.

Conclusions

Lipoprotein(a) ≤ 5 mg/dL, normal ECG, and CIMT ≤ 0.5 mm might be used as negative non-traditional risk markers to correctly downgrade predicted ASCVD risk in Chinese adults.
A Multicenter Randomized Trial Assessing ZENFlow Carrier-Free Drug-Coated Balloon for the Treatment of Femoropopliteal Artery Lesions
Authors: Ni Leng , Ye Wei , Zhang Lan , Jin Xing , Shu Chang , Jiang Jin-song , Yang Mu , Wu Dan-ming , Li Ming , Yu Guan-feng , Yang Jun , Huang Jian-hua , Wang Xiao-bai , Li Xiao-qiang , Jiang Wei-liang , Wu Zhi-qun , Liu Chang-wei
Published: March 2022

Backgrounds and Objectives

Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) have shown promising benefits in improving the outcomes for patients with peripheral artery disease. Several randomized clinical trials have reported that paclitaxel-coated balloon significantly reduce the rates of restenosis and the need for reintervention in comparison with regular balloon angioplasty. Due to the differences in excipients, paclitaxel dose, and coating techniques, variable clinical outcomes have been observed with different DCBs. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel ZENFlow carrier-free DCB in the treatment of femoropopliteal artery occlusive disease.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial conducted at 15 sites, 192 patients with Rutherford class 3–5 were randomly assigned into two groups: drug-coated balloon group and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty group. The primary endpoint was a late lumen loss at 6 months based on blinded angiographic core laboratory evaluations, and the secondary endpoints included primary patency rate, binary restenosis, clinically driven target lesion revascularization, ankle-brachial index, Rutherford class change, and major adverse events.

Results

In this multicenter trial, 93 patients received DCB angioplasty, whereas 99 patients underwent regular balloon angioplasty. The late lumen loss at 6-month follow-up was 0.50 ± 0.82 and 1.69 ± 0.87 mm in the drug-coated balloon and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty groups, respectively (p < 0.001). During the 12-month follow-up period, the drug-coated balloon group showed a significantly higher primary patency rate (54 vs. 31.3%, p = 0.009) and markedly lower rates of target vessel restenosis (22.1 vs. 64.3%, p < 0.001) and clinically driven target lesion revascularization rate (5.4 vs. 19.2%, p = 0.006) than the percutaneous transluminal angioplasty group. Compared with the percutaneous transluminal angioplasty group, the drug-coated balloon group had significant improvements in the ankle-brachial index and Rutherford class. The all-cause mortality rate was comparable, and no device-related deaths occurred in either groups.

Conclusions

Balloon angioplasty using a ZENFlow carrier-free drug-coated balloon is a safe and effective treatment method for femoropopliteal artery lesions. This novel drug-coated balloon catheter achieved satisfactory early and 1-year outcomes in this trial.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT03844724.
Multimodality Advanced Cardiovascular and Molecular Imaging for Early Detection and Monitoring of Cancer Therapy-Associated Cardiotoxicity and the Role of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data
Authors: Kwan Jennifer M. , Oikonomou Evangelos K. , Henry Mariana L. , Sinusas Albert J.
Published: March 2022

Cancer mortality has improved due to earlier detection via screening, as well as due to novel cancer therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitions. However, similarly to older cancer therapies such as anthracyclines, these therapies have also been documented to cause cardiotoxic events including cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, myocarditis, arrhythmia, hypertension, and thrombosis. Imaging modalities such as echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are critical in monitoring and evaluating for cardiotoxicity from these treatments, as well as in providing information for the assessment of function and wall motion abnormalities. MRI also allows for additional tissue characterization using T1, T2, extracellular volume (ECV), and delayed gadolinium enhancement (DGE) assessment. Furthermore, emerging technologies may be able to assist with these efforts. Nuclear imaging using targeted radiotracers, some of which are already clinically used, may have more specificity and help provide information on the mechanisms of cardiotoxicity, including in anthracycline mediated cardiomyopathy and checkpoint inhibitor myocarditis. Hyperpolarized MRI may be used to evaluate the effects of oncologic therapy on cardiac metabolism. Lastly, artificial intelligence and big data of imaging modalities may help predict and detect early signs of cardiotoxicity and response to cardioprotective medications as well as provide insights on the added value of molecular imaging and correlations with cardiovascular outcomes. In this review, the current imaging modalities used to assess for cardiotoxicity from cancer treatments are discussed, in addition to ongoing research on targeted molecular radiotracers, hyperpolarized MRI, as well as the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data in imaging that would help improve the detection and prognostication of cancer-treatment cardiotoxicity.
Flow Field Description and Simplification Based on Principal Component Analysis Downscaling and Clustering Algorithms
Authors: Liu Fan , Zhou Wensheng , Liu Bingxuan , Li Ke , Zhang Kai , Cao Chenming , Qin Guoyu , Cao Chen , Yang Renfeng
Published: March 2022

The flow field obtained from streamline simulation reflects key properties of the reservoir, such as the distribution of the remaining oil and the location of channels. However, in the three-dimensional streamline field, the advantages of streamline simulation are limited. Because numerous streamlines interfere with each other and distribute in a sophisticated way, it is really difficult to infer the connectivity between wells and the flow characteristics of the reservoir. To make a more effective and visualizable description of the flow field, the three-dimensional streamline field has to be simplified. In this paper, principal component analysis (PCA) is applied to parameterize the streamline attributes and reduce the dimensionality of the flow field. After dimension reduction, the principal components of the streamline field can be analyzed by the clustering method. In the clustering procedure, the mainstream lines are selected according to the clustering center, thereby intuitively illustrating the properties of the reservoir. Through experimental verification, the proposed method can characterize the streamlines of the flow field more efficiently and reflect the inter-well connectivity more clearly than the commercial numerical simulator.
Impacts of Permafrost Degradation on Hydrology and Vegetation in the Source Area of the Yellow River on Northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Southwest China
Authors: Jin Xiaoying , Jin Huijun , Luo Dongliang , Sheng Yu , Wu Qingbai , Wu Jichun , Wang Wenhui , Huang Shuai , Li Xiaoying , Liang Sihai , Wang Qingfeng , He Ruixia , Serban Raul D. , Ma Qiang , Gao Shuhui , Li Yan
Published: March 2022

Under a persistent warming climate and increasing human activities, permafrost in the Source Area of the Yellow River (SAYR) has been degrading regionally, resulting in many eco-environmental problems. This paper reviews the changes in air temperature and precipitation over the past 60 years and presents the distribution and degradation of alpine permafrost in the SAYR. The review is focused on the permafrost degradation–induced changes in hydrology, wetlands, thermokarst lakes, ponds, and vegetation. Mean annual air temperatures have been rising at an average rate of 0.4°C/10a over the past 60 years, while precipitation has increased only slightly (16 mm/10a). Borehole temperature monitoring at the depth of 15 m shows the permafrost warming rates of 0.01–0.21°C/10a in the Headwater Aera of the Yellow River. As a result of permafrost thaw, the amount of surface waters has declined while groundwater storage has increased. Due to permafrost degradation, the supra-permafrost water table lowers gradually, resulting in a reduction in areal extents of wetlands and lakes in the SAYR. We further renamed the concept of the burial depth of the ecologically-safe supra-permafrost water table, the minimum depth of the groundwater table for sustaining the normal growth of alpine grassland vegetation, for the SAYR to describe the relationship between the lowering permafrost table and succeeding alpine vegetation. Furthermore, we recommended more studies focusing on snow cover and carbon stock and emissions related to permafrost degradation under a warming climate. We also advised to timely establish the long-term monitoring networks for the rapidly changing mountain cryosphere, alpine ecology, alpine hydrology, eco-hydrology, cryo-hydrogeology, and carbon fluxes. Moreover, process-based models should be developed and improved to better simulate and predict the responses of alpine ecosystem changes to the interacting cryospheric and other environmental variables and their ecological and ecohydrological impacts in the SAYR and downstream Yellow River basins. This study can help better manage the ecological and hydrological environments in the Upper Yellow River that are sensitive to changes in the alpine climate and cryosphere.
Early Oligocene—Late Miocene Wildfire History in the Northern Tibetan Plateau and Links to Temperature-Driven Precipitation Changes
Authors: Miao Yunfa , Chang Hong , Li Lin , Cheng Feng , Garzione Carmala , Yang Yongheng
Published: March 2022

Late Cenozoic wildfire evolution in Inner Asia has been attributed to both ice-volume modulating precipitation changes and surface uplift of the Tibetan Plateau. Whether this is the case or not requires additional research and wildfire records from older periods. In this study, 251 microcharcoal samples from the Huatugou section in the western Qaidam Basin are used to reconstruct the early Oligocene-middle Miocene wildfire history of the northern Tibetan Plateau. The results show that wildfires remained relatively frequent before ∼26 Ma, then reduced gradually until ∼14 Ma, and finally increased slightly but still at low level between 14 and 12 Ma. The wildfire variations can be correlated to the steppe-based dryness changes, and both of which are coincident with global temperature changes. We infer that mean annual temperature might have played a dominant role in controlling wildfire frequencies in the northern Tibetan Plateau through modulating atmospheric moisture content. This conclusion is in line with previous studies including microcharcoal-based wildfire records of 18–5 Ma successions from the Qaidam Basin as well as soot-based wildfire records from Quaternary glacial–interglacial cycles of the Chinese Loess Plateau.
Multi-Scale Normalization Method Combined With a Deep CNN Diagnosis Model of Dynamometer Card in SRP Well
Authors: Tan Chaodong , Chen Peiyao , Feng Ziming , Ai Xin , Lu Mei , Zhou Qiannan , Feng Gang
Published: March 2022

There are more than 20 types of dynamometer card measured of sucker rod pumping (SRP) wells in oil fields, and some working conditions are very complicated. The common diagnosis model of SRP well based on dynamometer card recognition has low accuracy and recall rate of complicated working conditions. In order to improve the accuracy and recall rate of multi-condition diagnosis of SRP well and solve the problem of inseparable data attributes caused by traditional dynamometer card normalization methods, a new dynamometer card preprocessing method is proposed, which uses a clustering analysis algorithm to obtain multiple normalized dynamometer cards of the original dynamometer card and at the same time, adds a set of time-series dynamometer cards to enhance the separability of data. The dynamometer card preprocessing method combined with four deep convolutional neural networks are used to build a diagnosis model. Experiments are conducted under 24 different working conditions, the accuracy of our method is up to 95.8%, and the average recall rate of complicated working conditions is up to 93.1%, which is 13.6 and 35.3% higher than that of the model (AlexNet) built by the traditional preprocessing method. In addition, the preprocessing method of dynamometer card proposed is applicable to all deep learning models and machine learning models. Field applications show that our method is very effective for recalling abnormal working conditions, which is of great significance to the real demand for intelligent diagnosis of SRP well.
Determinants of People’s Secondary Hazards Risk Perception: A Case Study in Wenchuan Earthquake Disaster Areas of China
Authors: Huang Huan , Wang Rui , Xiao Yi , Li Yuan , Zhang Qiu-Feng , Xiang Xin
Published: March 2022

Few studies have examined people’s subjective perceptions of risk after secondary disasters. This study selected 12 towns in the areas where secondary geological hazards (SGH) occurred after the Wenchuan earthquake as the survey research areas and obtained a total of 957 valid samples to assess the risk perceptions of residents and the factors influencing them 10 years after the disaster. Using four indicators (possibility, awareness, apprehension, and impact) to construct the Resident Risk Perception Index (RRPI), the results show that residents in the affected areas have high, moderate, and low-risk perceptions of SGH at 27.59, 48.38, and 24.03% respectively. The study found that people who suffered in the past from geological disasters had a higher risk perception. Perceptions of secondary geological hazard risk varied significantly with age, education, marital status, and experience. It was also found that residents in the 30–40 age group have the highest risk perception, young people in the 20–30 age group have the highest risk awareness, and older people over 60 are more fearful of SGH. The study recommends awareness campaigns and adequate disaster preparedness exercises to improve the risk perception of local people, especially to foster ownership of learning about disasters among residents.
Relationship Between Acylcarnitine and the Risk of Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wang Wan-Ying , Liu Xu , Gao Xiao-Qian , Li Xin , Fang Zhong-Ze
Published: March 2022

Objective

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Due to the limited effectiveness of current prevention and treatment methods, new biomarkers are urgently needed for the prevention and diagnosis of DR. This study aimed to explore the relationships between plasma acylcarnitine with DR in T2DM.

Methods

From May 2015 to August 2016, data of 1032 T2DM patients were extracted from tertiary hospitals. Potential non-linear associations were tested by binary logistic regression models, and ORs and 95% CIs of the research variables were obtained. Correlation heat map was used to analyze the correlation between variables. The change of predictive ability was judged by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

Of the 1032 patients with T2DM, 162 suffered from DR. After adjusting for several confounding variables, C2 (OR:0.55, 95%CI:0.39-0.76), C14DC (OR:0.64, 95%CI:0.49-0.84), C16 (OR:0.64, 95%CI:0.49-0.84), C18:1OH (OR:0.51, 95%CI:0.36-0.71) and C18:1 (OR:0.60, 95%CI:0.44-0.83) were negatively correlated with DR. The area under the curve increased from 0.794 (95% CI 0.745 to 0.842) to 0.840 (95% CI 0.797 to 0.833) when C2, C14DC, C18:1OH and C18:1 added to the traditional risk factor model.

Conclusion

There was a negative correlation between C2, C14DC, C16, C18:1OH, and C18:1 and the risk of retinopathy in patients with T2DM. C2, C14DC, C18:1OH, and C18:1 may be new predictors and diagnostic markers of DR.
Effects of Organic Agriculture in Structure and Organic Carbon Adsorption at Colloidal Scale in Marginal Olive Groves, Characterized by the Extended DLVO Model
Authors: Calero J. , Plaza I. , Ontiveros A. , Aranda V. , García-Ruiz R.
Published: March 2022

Relationship between macroscopic and microscopic behavior of soils is a difficult issue, especially when dealing with complex properties such as structure or carbon sequestration, but it is necessary for a suitable understanding of the agricultural soil quality. In this work, we used the extended-DLVO theory to compute total energy of interaction between particles (kT), of three soils over granodiorites. This parameter allows predicting the tendency to aggregate formation at the colloidal scale, being the basis of soil structure. Furthermore, we characterized the mechanism and adsorption capacity of humic molecules on mineral surfaces, and its influence in the interaction energy, by means of the adsorption isotherms. The aim was to compare first the effects of organic farming on conventionally managed soils and, second, to compare these with a non-cultivated forest soil under Mediterranean climate. When total energies are negative (particle attraction), or positive (particle repulsion) but near 0 kT (<100 kT), then particle flocculation occurs and the structure at colloidal scale can be developed. Total energy was less in the forest sample and greater in the soil of conventional groves, with intermediate values in organic farming soil. This indicates a tendency toward particle flocculation and more stability of the structure at colloidal scale in less disturbed soils, agreeing with other soil physical properties such as the total porosity (50, 41 and 37% in forest, organic and conventional plots, respectively) or the aggregate stability index (0.94, 0.73 and 0.66, respectively), which followed the same trend. Of the three components of the total energy of interaction, the acid-base force was a key factor. This component, related with the electron-donor component of surface free energy, γ−, yielded a strong attractive force (−150 kT at 3 nm) when calcium solutions were analyzed for the forest soil. This indicates a clear hydrophobic character of this sample. Because the mineralogical composition of the samples is quite similar, hydrophobicity should be attributed to the organic carbon content of the forest soil, which is much higher than that of the cultivated ones (12.03 vs. 1.44% and 0.88% in organic and conventional farms, respectively), proving to be an essential element for the development of the structure at the colloidal level.
Investigate the Effects of Industrial Agglomeration on Nitrogen Dioxide Pollution Using Spatial Panel Durbin and Panel Threshold Models
Authors: Han Cheng-Yu , Gu Zhao-Lin , Yang Hexiang
Published: March 2022

The degree of industrial agglomeration in China has contributed to the reduction of nitrogen dioxide pollution because of financial support, the allocation of environmental governance efficiency, and technological advantages. However, the intensity and scope of the spatial effect of this contribution needs to be studied in depth. Based on the influence mechanism and intermediate mechanism of the spatial pattern, this paper uses the panel data of 282 prefecture-level and above cities in China from 2015 to 2018, draws on the STIRPAT model, and uses the Spatial Panel Durbin and Panel Threshold models to investigate the effects of industrial agglomeration on nitrogen dioxide. The study finds that 1) industrial agglomeration has a significant spatial spillover effect on the reduction of nitrogen dioxide pollution, and the increase in the level of local industrial agglomeration can greatly reduce the concentration of nitrogen dioxide in the surrounding area. 2) This kind of spatial overflow has a threshold boundary. Within 100 km, it is a dense area of overflow and reaches the threshold boundary beyond 150 km. 3) Under the influence of the three intermediate mechanisms of industrial agglomeration, the increase in car ownership, and the level of economic development, the impact of industrial agglomeration on the reduction of nitrogen dioxide pollution has gradually increased. The above conclusion is still valid after various robustness tests.
Tropospheric Ozone Alters the Chemical Signal Emitted by an Emblematic Plant of the Mediterranean Region: The True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.)
Authors: Dubuisson Candice , Nicolè Florence , Buatois Bruno , Hossaert-McKey Martine , Proffit Magali
Published: March 2022

Among air pollutants, tropospheric ozone (O3) is one of the most stressful for organisms due to its strong oxidative potential. For instance, high ozone concentration ([O3]) has the potential to affect (i) the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by plants and (ii) the lifetime of these VOCs in the atmosphere, and consequently disturb crucial signals in the interactions between plants and other organisms. However, despite the determinant role of VOCs emitted by flowers for pollinator attraction, a very limited number of studies have investigated the impact of O3 on floral VOCs. In this study, we investigated the effect of high [O3] episodes on the VOCs emitted by a flowering Mediterranean plant: the true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Lamiaceae). To do so, in controlled conditions, we exposed (i) the entire plant to high but realistic [O3] (200 ppb for 5 h) and (ii) only the VOCs emitted by lavender to increasing [O3] (0, 40, 80, 120, and 200 ppb). We sampled VOCs of lavender in both conditions and analyzed them by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry in order to qualify and quantify the flowering lavender’s emissions and the reaction of VOCs with O3 in the atmosphere. Our results showed that exposure to high [O3] during a short period (5 h) did not affect the emission of VOCs by flowering lavender. Incidentally, we also showed that the chemical signal varied in quantities and proportions over the day. Moreover, we showed that after their emission by the plant, composition of the VOCs changed quantitatively and qualitatively in an atmosphere containing [O3] naturally observed nowadays. Quantities of several of the major terpenes emitted by lavender decreased drastically during O3 exposure, whereas concentrations of some VOCs increased, such as carbonyls and carboxylic acids, which are probably reaction products of terpenes with O3. Exposure to high [O3] thus directly affected the proportions of VOCs in the atmosphere. Because pollinators generally use a blend of VOCs in particular proportions as a signal to localize flowers, the numerous pollinators of lavender may experience difficulty in recognizing specific floral odors during frequent and moderate [O3] episodes in the Mediterranean region.
Population and Nesting Site Evidence for Diamondback Terrapins, Malaclemys terrapin, in Northeast Florida
Authors: Butler Joseph A. , Lambert J. David , DeDeo Michelle , Murphy Daniel P.
Published: March 2022

Diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin)are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List Index of Threatened Species. Among the challenges terrapins encounter are habitat loss due to coastal development and sea level rise, mortality at all life stages by mammalian and avian predators, road mortality, boat strikes, harvest for the pet trade, and drowning in crab traps. The primary objective of this study was to locate populations and nesting areas of diamondback terrapins in the four northeastern-most counties of Florida (Nassau, Duval, St. Johns, and Flagler). We conducted head counts and performed land surveys of shorelines and high spots for evidence of terrapin presence. During the land surveys we searched for crawls, intact and depredated nests, dead terrapins, and terrapin bones. To evaluate whether woody plant presence affected nest site choices, we recorded the occurrence of 10 common woody plant species during each land survey and compared areas where nesting did and did not occur. We collected 404 records of terrapin activity in 2013 and 2014. Most were from Nassau County (277) and only one was from Flagler County. Most data were in the form of depredated nests (205) and terrapin remains (147). The woody plant data suggest that terrapins were significantly more likely to nest when Christmas berry (Lycium carolinianum) was present, and nesting was less likely when either wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) or oak (Quercusspp.) were present.
Relative Importance of Ecological, Evolutionary and Anthropogenic Pressures on Extinction Risk in Chinese Angiosperm Genera
Authors: Yu Haibin , Sui Xinghua , Sun Miao , Yin Xue , Deane David C.
Published: March 2022

China has many threatened plant species, which are exposed to environmental degradation and other anthropogenic pressures. We assessed support for potential extinction pathways in Chinese angiosperm genera and quantified possible threats to phylogenetic diversity. We compiled a database and phylogeny for 27,409 Chinese angiosperm species in 2,453 genera. For each genus, we used the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List classifications to quantify extinction risk and calculated predictors corresponding to their ecological, evolutionary characteristics and exposure to human pressures. We first tested for phylogenetic clustering in extinction risk among genera and then tested support for direct and indirect causal pathways involving our predictors using piecewise structural equation models. Finally, we quantified the potential loss of phylogenetic diversity under different extinction scenarios. We found that extinction risk is non-randomly distributed among Chinese angiosperm genera, with the proportion of threatened species higher in range-limited and species-rich taxa. Habitat loss had a significant positive effect on threatened species richness. Phylogenetic diversity loss under scenarios: the decreasing habitat loss and relative extinction rate were high. Thus, genera would suffer from high extinction risk, if species in these genera occupy similar niches and overlapping ranges. While diversification or speciation via niche divergence might increase range-limited species vulnerable to stochastic extinction, this could reduce extinction risk of the whole clade by expanding its range and climatic niche tolerance. Endemic genera with higher extinction rates, less climatic niche divergence, and lower range segregation are especially vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances.
Evaluation of a Novel Adjuvanted Vaccine for Ultrashort Regimen Therapy of Artemisia Pollen-Induced Allergic Bronchial Asthma in a Mouse Model
Authors: Tabynov Kairat , Babayeva Meruert , Nurpeisov Tair , Fomin Gleb , Nurpeisov Temirzhan , Saltabayeva Ulbossyn , Renu Sankar , Renukaradhya Gourapura J. , Petrovsky Nikolai , Tabynov Kaissar
Published: March 2022

Wormwood (Artemisia) pollen is among the top 10 aeroallergens globally that cause allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is the gold standard for treating patients with allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. A significant disadvantage of today’s ASIT methods is the long duration of therapy and multiplicity of allergen administrations. The goal of this study was to undertake a pilot study in mice of a novel ultrashort vaccine immunotherapy regimen incorporating various adjuvants to assess its ability to treat allergic bronchial asthma caused by wormwood pollen.

We evaluated in a mouse model of wormwood pollen allergy candidates comprising recombinant Art v 1 wormwood pollen protein formulated with either newer (Advax, Advax-CpG, ISA-51) or more traditional [aluminum hydroxide, squalene water emulsion (SWE)] adjuvants administered by the intramuscular or subcutaneous route vs. intranasal administration of a mucosal vaccine formulation using chitosan-mannose nanoparticle entrapped with Art v 1 protein. The vaccine formulations were administered to previously wormwood pollen-sensitized animals, four times at weekly intervals. Desensitization was determined by measuring decreases in immunoglobulin E (IgE), cellular immunity, ear swelling test, and pathological changes in the lungs of animals after aeroallergen challenge. Art v 1 protein formulation with Advax, Advax-CpG, SWE, or ISA-51 adjuvants induced a significant decrease in both total and Art v 1-specific IgE with a concurrent increase in Art v 1-specific IgG compared to the positive control group. There was a shift in T-cell cytokine secretion toward a Th1 (Advax-CpG, ISA-51, and Advax) or a balanced Th1/Th2 (SWE) pattern. Protection against lung inflammatory reaction after challenge was seen with ISA-51, Advax, and SWE Art v 1 formulations. Overall, the ISA-51-adjuvanted vaccine group induced the largest reduction of allergic ear swelling and protection against type 2 and non-type 2 lung inflammation in challenged animals. This pilot study shows the potential to develop an ultrashort ASIT regimen for wormwood pollen-induced bronchial asthma using appropriately adjuvanted recombinant Art v 1 protein. The data support further preclinical studies with the ultimate goal of advancing this therapy to human clinical trials.
Induction of IDO1 and Kynurenine by Serine Proteases Subtilisin, Prostate Specific Antigen, CD26 and HtrA: A New Form of Immunosuppression?
Authors: Clanchy Felix I. L. , Huang Yi-Shu , Ogbechi Joy , Darlington L. Gail , Williams Richard O. , Stone Trevor W.
Published: March 2022

Several serine proteases have been linked to autoimmune disorders and tumour initiation although the mechanisms are not fully understood. Activation of the kynurenine pathway enzyme indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) modulates cellular activity in the brain, tolerogenesis in the immune system and is a major checkpoint in cancer development. We now report that IDO1 mRNA and IDO1 protein expression (generating kynurenine) are induced in human monocyte-derived macrophages by several chymotryptic serine proteases with direct links to tumorigenesis, including Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), CD26 (Dipeptidyl-peptidase-4, CD26/DPP-4), High Temperature Requirement protein-A (HtrA), and the bacterial virulence factor subtilisin. These proteases also induce expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine genes IL1B and IL6. Other serine proteases tested: bacterial glu-C endopeptidase and mammalian Pro-protein Convertase Subtilase-Kexin-3 (PCSK3, furin), urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), cathepsin G or neutrophil elastase, did not induce IDO1, indicating that the reported effects are not a general property of all serine proteases. The results represent a novel mechanism of activating immunosuppressive IDO1 and inducing kynurenine generation which, together with the production of inflammatory cytokines, would contribute to tumour initiation and progression, providing a new target for drug development. In addition, the proteasomal S20 serine protease inhibitor carfilzomib, used in the treatment of myeloma, prevented the induction of IDO1 and cytokine gene expression, potentially contributing to its clinical anti-cancer activity.
The Diversity of Serum Anti-DSG3 IgG Subclasses Has a Major Impact on Pemphigus Activity and Is Predictive of Relapses After Treatment With Rituximab
Authors: Golinski Marie-Laure , Lemieux Alexandre , Maho-Vaillant Maud , Barray Marion , Drouot Laurent , Schapman Damien , Petit Marie , Hertl Michael , Boyer Olivier , Calbo Sébastien , Joly Pascal , Hébert Vivien
Published: March 2022

Introduction

We studied the distribution and in vitro pathogenicity of anti-DSG3 IgG subclasses during the course of pemphigus vulgaris (PV).

Methods

We longitudinally studied the distribution of anti-DSG3 IgG subclasses (before versus after treatment) in sera from PV patients, using an addressable-laser bead immunoassay (ALBIA). The in vitro pathogenicity of corresponding sera was tested using keratinocyte dissociation and immunofluorescence assays.

Results

Sixty-five sera were assessed at baseline (33 from patients treated with rituximab and 32 with corticosteroids). Sixty-three percent of these baseline sera contained 2 or more anti-DSG3 IgG subclasses versus 35.7% of sera from patients in complete remission (CR) and 75.0% of sera from patients with persistent disease activity after treatment. IgG4 was the most frequently detected anti-DSG3 IgG subclass, both in patients with disease activity and in those in CR. The presence of three or more anti-DSG3 IgG subclasses was predictive of relapse, in particular when it included IgG3, with a positive predictive value of 62.5% and a negative predictive value of 92%. While anti-DSG3 IgG4 Abs from sera collected before treatment were most often pathogenic, anti-DSG3 IgG4 from sera collected after treatment were pathogenic only after adjusting their titer to the one measured before treatment. The IgG3 fraction containing anti-DSG3 Abs also had an in vitro pathogenic effect. The disappearance of the pathogenic effect of some sera after removal of anti-DSG3 IgG3 suggested an additional effect of this IgG subclass.

Conclusion

The serum levels and number of anti-DSG3 IgG subclasses drive the pathogenic effect of pemphigus sera and may predict the occurrence of relapses.
BmCPV-Derived Circular DNA vcDNA-S7 Mediated by Bombyx mori Reverse Transcriptase (RT) Regulates BmCPV Infection
Authors: Zhu Min , Pan Jun , Tong Xinyu , Qiu Qunnan , Zhang Xing , Zhang Yaxin , Sun Sufei , Feng Yongjie , Xue Renyu , Cao Guangli , Hu Xiaolong , Gong Chengliang
Published: March 2022

Circular DNAs derived from single-stranded RNA viruses play important roles in counteracting viral infection. However, whether double-stranded RNA viruses generate functional circular DNAs is still unknown. Using circDNA sequencing, divergent PCR, DNA in situ hybridization and rolling circular amplification, we presently confirmed that in silkworm, Bombyx mori cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus (BmCPV), a double-stranded RNA virus belonging to cypovirus, is prone to produce a BmCPV-derived circular DNA termed as vcDNA-S7. We have also found that vcDNA-S7 formation is mediated by endogenous reverse transcriptase (RT), and the proliferation of BmCPV can be inhibited by vcDNA-S7 in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we have discovered that the silkworm RNAi immune pathway is activated by vcDNA-S7, while viral small interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs) derived from transcribed RNA by vcDNA-S7 can be detected by small RNA deep sequencing. These results suggest that BmCPV-derived vcDNA-S7, mediated by RT, can serve as a template for the biogenesis of antiviral siRNAs, which may lead to the repression of BmCPV infection. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that a circular DNA, produced by double stranded RNA viruses, is capable of regulating virus infection.
Chaotic Genetic Patchiness in the Highly Valued Atlantic Stalked Barnacle Pollicipes pollicipes From the Iberian Peninsula: Implications for Fisheries Management
Authors: Parrondo Marina , Morán Paloma , Ballenghien Marion , Acuña Jose L. , Aguión Alba , Arrontes Julio , Chiss Juliette , Cruz Teresa , Fernandes Joana N. , García-Flórez Lucía , García-Vázquez Eva , Geiger Katja J. , Macho Gonzalo , Thiébaut Eric , Weidberg Nicolas , Jollivet Didier , Borrell Yaisel J.
Published: March 2022

The stalked barnacle Pollicipes pollicipes inhabits rocky shores from the Atlantic coasts of Brittany (France) to Senegal. Because of the culinary traditions of southern Europe, stalked barnacles represent an important target species for local fisheries on the Iberian Peninsula. To manage this fishery sustainably, it is therefore important to assess the dynamics of local populations over the Iberian coast, and how they are interconnected at a wider scale using finely tuned genetic markers. In this work, a new enriched library of GT microsatellites for P. pollicipes was prepared and sequenced using Ion Torrent™ Next Gen-Sequencing Technology. 1,423 adults and juveniles were sampled in 15 localities of three geographic regions: southern Portugal, Galicia and Asturias (both in northern Spain). Twenty polymorphic loci arranged in five multiplex PCRs were then tested and validated as new molecular tools to address the spatial and temporal genetic patterns of P. pollicipes. Our results revealed high genetic diversity among adults. However, juveniles were genetically more structured than their adult counterparts, which alternatively displayed much more connectivity among the three studied regions. The lack of spatial genetic heterogeneity in adults may be due to the overlapping of several generations of settlers coming from different geographic origins, which mainly depends on the orientation of residual currents along the coast during reproduction. The genetic differentiation of juveniles may indeed be congruent with Iberian Peninsula hydrodynamics, which can produce chaotic genetic patchiness (CGP) at small temporal scales due to sweepstake reproductive success, collective dispersal and/or self-recruitment. Remarkably, most of the genetic heterogeneity of juveniles found in this work was located in Galicia, which could represent an admixture between distinct metapopulations or an old refuge for the most northern populations. To conclude, high genetic variation in P. pollicipes can lead to the false impression of population panmixia at the Iberian scale by masking more restricted and current-driven larval exchanges between regions. This possibility should be taken into consideration for further specific management and conservation plans for the species over the Iberian Peninsula.
Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Symbiont Colonization and Loss During Bleaching in the Model Sea Anemone Aiptasia
Authors: Tivey Trevor R. , Coleman Tyler J. , Weis Virginia M.
Published: March 2022

The ability of symbionts to recolonize their hosts after a period of dysbiosis is essential to maintain a resilient partnership. Many cnidarians rely on photosynthate provided from a large algal symbiont population. Under periods of thermal stress, symbiont densities in host cnidarians decline, and the recovery of hosts is dependent on the re-establishment of symbiosis. The cellular mechanisms that govern this process of colonization are not well-defined and require further exploration. To study this process in the symbiotic sea anemone model Exaiptasia diaphana, commonly called Aiptasia, we developed a non-invasive, efficient method of imaging that uses autofluorescence to measure the abundance of symbiont cells, which were spatially distributed into distinct cell clusters within the gastrodermis of host tentacles. We estimated cell cluster sizes to measure the occurrence of singlets, doublets, and so on up to much larger cell clusters, and characterized colonization patterns by native and non-native symbionts. Native symbiont Breviolum minutum rapidly recolonized hosts and rapidly exited under elevated temperature, with increased bleaching susceptibility for larger symbiont clusters. In contrast, populations of non-native symbionts Symbiodinium microadriaticum and Durusdinium trenchii persisted at low levels under elevated temperature. To identify mechanisms driving colonization patterns, we simulated symbiont population changes through time and determined that migration was necessary to create observed patterns (i.e., egression of symbionts from larger clusters to establish new clusters). Our results support a mechanism where symbionts repopulate hosts in a predictable cluster pattern, and provide novel evidence that colonization requires both localized proliferation and continuous migration.
Variability and Feedbacks in the Atlantic Freshwater Budget of CMIP5 Models With Reference to Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation Stability
Authors: Haines Keith , Ferreira David , Mignac Davi
Published: March 2022

It has been suggested that freshwater transports by the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) in the South Atlantic may be a useful metric for determining the stability of the AMOC because it can lead to feedbacks onto North Atlantic salinities and hence deep water formation. In this manuscript we investigate feedbacks between South Atlantic Freshwater transports, Freshwater content and AMOC transport contributions across different Atlantic latitudes, and at different timescales in centennial runs of 10 CMIP5 climate models, with both northward and southward AMOC freshwater transports in the South Atlantic. In all models, salinity variations are more important than AMOC variations in determining South Atlantic freshwater transports, especially on longer timescales >10 years. Only in the North Atlantic do AMOC variations become important in changing the meridional freshwater transports, which might then lead to feedbacks with stability implications. Closed budgets of Freshwater content show that South Atlantic transports only influence local freshwater budgets (within ∼10° latitude) and that variations in horizontal transports by the South Atlantic gyre always dominate the overturning transports in all models and timescales. These results suggest that South Atlantic freshwater transports by the AMOC is highly unlikely to be a useful metric in determining AMOC stability as meridional freshwater transports are much less meridionally coherent than the AMOC circulation itself in all 10 CMIP5 models studied.