bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aortic Elasticity and Cardiac Function in Fetuses With Aortic Coarctation
Authors: Zhou Dan , Xu Ran , Zhou Jiawei , Xie Li , Xu Ganqiong , Liu Minghui , Zeng Shi
Published: May 2022

Objective

The purpose of the study was to observe the elasticity of the ascending aorta (AAo) in normal fetuses and fetuses with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) by M-mode echocardiography.

Methods

This was a prospective clinical study performed on 16 fetuses with CoA and 48 gestational-age matched normal fetuses. The minimum internal diameter in the diastolic phase (Dmin) and the maximum internal diameter in the systolic phase (Dmax) of the AAo were measured by M-mode echocardiography. The aortic strain was calculated using the formula 100 × (Dmax−Dmin)/Dmin). Doppler echocardiography was performed to measure the cardiac function parameters. Correlations between aortic strain and cardiac function were assessed in fetuses with CoA.

Results

The aortic strain of the ascending aorta in the fetuses with CoA was significantly lower than that in normal fetuses (18.12 ± 4.88% vs. 25.22 ± 4.92%, p < 0.01). The fetuses with CoA showed significantly higher combined cardiac output than the controls (471.89 ± 93.98 vs. 411.57 ± 46.35 ml/min/kg, p < 0.05). Compared with the normal group, the early diastolic velocities (E') and peak systolic velocities (S') of the left side were obviously decreased in the CoA group (p < 0.05), while the left early diastolic velocity ratio (E/E') was significantly increased in the fetuses with CoA (p < 0.01). For the fetuses with CoA, the aortic strain of the AAo was correlated with the left E/E' and S' (r = −0.522 and 0.504, respectively, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The aortic strain of the ascending aorta was significantly decreased in fetuses with CoA in middle-late gestation. The impaired strain of the ascending aorta was correlated with the left ventricle function in the fetuses with CoA. These findings imply that the abnormalities of the intrinsic aortic wall of CoA might develop early in utero.
THIRSTY FOR FRUCTOSE: Arginine Vasopressin, Fructose, and the Pathogenesis of Metabolic and Renal Disease
Authors: Student Jeffrey , Sowers James , Lockette Warren
Published: May 2022

We review the pathways by which arginine vasopressin (AVP) and hydration influence the sequelae of the metabolic syndrome induced by high fructose consumption. AVP and inadequate hydration have been shown to worsen the severity of two phenotypes associated with metabolic syndrome induced by high fructose intake–enhanced lipogenesis and insulin resistance. These findings have implications for those who frequently consume sweeteners such as high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Patients with metabolic syndrome are at higher risk for microalbuminuria and/or chronic kidney disease; however, it is difficult to discriminate the detrimental renal effects of the metabolic syndrome from those of hypertension, impaired glucose metabolism, and obesity. It is not surprising the prevalence of chronic renal insufficiency is growing hand in hand with obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome in those who consume large amounts of fructose. Higher AVP levels and low hydration status worsen the renal insufficiency found in patients with metabolic syndrome. This inter-relationship has public health consequences, especially among underserved populations who perform physical labor in environments that place them at risk for dehydration. MesoAmerican endemic nephropathy is a type of chronic kidney disease highly prevalent in hot ambient climates from southwest Mexico through Latin America. There is growing evidence that this public health crisis is being spurred by greater fructose consumption in the face of dehydration and increased dehydration-dependent vasopressin secretion. Work is needed at unraveling the mechanism(s) by which fructose consumption and increased AVP levels can worsen the renal disease associated with components of the metabolic syndrome.
Marker-Independent Monitoring of in vitro and in vivo Degradation of Supramolecular Polymers Applied in Cardiovascular in situ Tissue Engineering
Authors: Marzi Julia , Munnig Schmidt Emma C. , Brauchle Eva M. , Wissing Tamar B. , Bauer Hannah , Serrero Aurelie , Söntjens Serge H. M. , Bosman Anton W. , Cox Martijn A. J. , Smits Anthal I. P. M. , Schenke-Layland Katja
Published: May 2022

The equilibrium between scaffold degradation and neotissue formation, is highly essential for in situ tissue engineering. Herein, biodegradable grafts function as temporal roadmap to guide regeneration. The ability to monitor and understand the dynamics of degradation and tissue deposition in in situ cardiovascular graft materials is therefore of great value to accelerate the implementation of safe and sustainable tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) as a substitute for conventional prosthetic grafts. In this study, we investigated the potential of Raman microspectroscopy and Raman imaging to monitor degradation kinetics of supramolecular polymers, which are employed as degradable scaffolds in in situ tissue engineering. Raman imaging was applied on in vitro degraded polymers, investigating two different polymer materials, subjected to oxidative and enzymatically-induced degradation. Furthermore, the method was transferred to analyze in vivo degradation of tissue-engineered carotid grafts after 6 and 12 months in a sheep model. Multivariate data analysis allowed to trace degradation and to compare the data from in vitro and in vivo degradation, indicating similar molecular observations in spectral signatures between implants and oxidative in vitro degradation. In vivo degradation appeared to be dominated by oxidative pathways. Furthermore, information on collagen deposition and composition could simultaneously be obtained from the same image scans. Our results demonstrate the sensitivity of Raman microspectroscopy to determine degradation stages and the assigned molecular changes non-destructively, encouraging future exploration of this techniques for time-resolved quality assessment of in situ tissue engineering processes.
Potentials and Challenges of Pervasive Sensing in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Davoudi Anis , Shickel Benjamin , Tighe Patrick James , Bihorac Azra , Rashidi Parisa
Published: May 2022

Patients in critical care settings often require continuous and multifaceted monitoring. However, current clinical monitoring practices fail to capture important functional and behavioral indices such as mobility or agitation. Recent advances in non-invasive sensing technology, high throughput computing, and deep learning techniques are expected to transform the existing patient monitoring paradigm by enabling and streamlining granular and continuous monitoring of these crucial critical care measures. In this review, we highlight current approaches to pervasive sensing in critical care and identify limitations, future challenges, and opportunities in this emerging field.
An Analysis of the Effects of Anthropogenic Factors on Vegetation Cover Change in Guanzhong, China
Authors: Bai Ziyi , Dong Zhibao , Xue Liang , Cui Yingying , Shi Weikang , Chen Guoxiang , Chi Zheng , Zhang Chong
Published: May 2022

Exploring the impacts of anthropogenic factors on vegetation cover and future spatiotemporal trends in vegetation cover change are of great practical significance for sustainable management of the ecological environment. This study used the residual, trend analysis, Hurst index, and geographic detector methods to explore the spatiotemporal trends in the effects of anthropogenic factors on vegetation cover in Guanzhong, China from 2001 to 2018. The contributions of different kinds of anthropogenic factors to vegetation cover were quantitatively decomposed to identify those with the most effect. The main conclusions of the study included: 1) Although there was a positive trend in the effects of anthropogenic factors on vegetation cover from 2001 to 2018, this trend was projected to become negative in the future. This transition was evident in 45.53% of the total study area, mainly distributed in the cities of Baoji, Weinan, and Xianyang. The effects of artificial factors on reversing this deteriorating trend in the region should be noted. 2) The factors with the greatest influences on vegetation cover changes were popular tourist attractions, transportation, and urbanization rates. The influences of various factors on vegetation cover showed temporal variation, driven by societal and economic development, indicating the complexity and diversity of the influences of anthropogenic factors on vegetation cover. 3) Sustainable development should be promoted and the pressure on the ecology resulting from popular tourist attractions, the transportation network, and rapid urbanization should be reduced.
Linguistic Indicators for Text Complexity in Picture Books for Young Chinese Children Learning English as a Foreign Language
Authors: Zhao Jing , Zhu Meifang , de Ruiter Laura , Chen Si
Published: May 2022

We examined the linguistic features of texts in twenty-nine picture books used in an early English as a Foreign Language program in China. We used the software CLAN to automatically extract indices of linguistic complexity that are typically used to analyze child-directed speech and tested if these indices aligned with expert judgments on the books’ appropriate grade level (Kindergarten-1 through Kindergarten-3). Of the eleven characteristics investigated, seven showed significant between-level differences with moderate effect sizes. Across all levels, vocabulary complexity (i.e., frequency of types, frequency of tokens, and vocabulary diversity) and syntactic complexity (i.e., number of verbs per utterance, number of Developmental-Sentence-Scoring-eligible utterances, mean length of utterance in morphemes, and total number of non-zero morphemes) increased, also in alignment with experts’ judgments. Indices of child language development can thus be used to estimate text complexity in picture books. The study contributes to a better understanding of children’s picture book difficulty and has methodological implications for investigating text characteristics for very young children learning English as a foreign language.
Nuclear-Order-Induced Quantum Criticality and Heavy-Fermion Superconductivity at Ultra-low Temperatures in YbRh2Si2
Authors: Schuberth Erwin , Wirth Steffen , Steglich Frank
Published: May 2022

The tetragonal heavy-fermion metal YbRh2Si2 orders antiferromagnetically at TN = 70 mK and exhibits an unconventional quantum critical point (QCP) of Kondo-destroying type at BN = 60 mT, for the magnetic field applied within the basal (a, b) plane. Ultra-low-temperature magnetization and heat-capacity measurements at very low fields indicate that the 4f-electronic antiferromagnetic (AF) order is strongly suppressed by a nuclear-dominated hybrid order (“A-phase”) at TA ≤ 2.3 mK, such that quantum critical fluctuations develop at B ≈ 0 (Schuberth et al., Science, 2016, 351, 485–488). This enables the onset of heavy-fermion superconductivity (Tc = 2 mK) which appears to be suppressed by the primary antiferromagnetic order at elevated temperatures. Measurements of the Meissner effect reveal bulk superconductivity, with Tc decreasing under applied field to Tc < 1 mK at B > 20 mT. The observation of a weak but distinct superconducting shielding signal at a temperature as high as 10 mK suggests the formation of insulated random islands with emergent A-phase order and superconductivity. Upon cooling, the shielding signal increases almost linearly in temperature, indicating a growth of the islands which eventually percolate at T ≈ 6.5 mK. Recent electrical-resistivity results by Nguyen et al. (Nat. Commun., 2021, 12, 4341) confirm the existence of superconductivity in YbRh2Si2 at ultra-low temperatures. The combination of the results of Schuberth et al. (2016) and Nguyen et al. (2021) at ultra-low temperatures below BN, along with those previously established at higher temperatures in the paramagnetic state, provide compelling evidence that the Kondo-destruction quantum criticality robustly drives unconventional superconductivity.
Role of Posterodorsal Medial Amygdala Urocortin-3 in Pubertal Timing in Female Mice
Authors: Ivanova Deyana , Li XiaoFeng , Liu Yali , McIntyre Caitlin , Fernandes Cathy , Lass Geffen , Kong Lingsi , O’Byrne Kevin T.
Published: May 2022

Post-traumatic stress disorder impedes pubertal development and disrupts pulsatile LH secretion in humans and rodents. The posterodorsal sub-nucleus of the medial amygdala (MePD) is an upstream modulator of the hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse generator, pubertal timing, as well as emotional processing and anxiety. Psychosocial stress exposure alters neuronal activity within the MePD increasing the expression of Urocortin3 (Ucn3) and its receptor corticotropin-releasing factor type-2 receptor (CRFR2) while enhancing the inhibitory output from the MePD to key hypothalamic reproductive centres. We test the hypothesis that psychosocial stress, processed by the MePD, is relayed to the hypothalamic GnRH pulse generator to delay puberty in female mice. We exposed C57Bl6/J female mice to the predator odor, 2,4,5-Trimethylthiazole (TMT), during pubertal transition and examined the effect on pubertal timing, pre-pubertal LH pulses and anxiety-like behaviour. Subsequently, we virally infected Ucn3-cre-tdTomato female mice with stimulatory DREADDs targeting MePD Ucn3 neurons and determined the effect on pubertal timing and pre-pubertal LH pulse frequency. Exposure to TMT during pubertal development delayed puberty, suppressed pre-pubertal LH pulsatility and enhanced anxiety-like behaviour, while activation of MePD Ucn3 neurons reduced LH pulse frequency and delayed puberty. Early psychosocial stress exposure decreases GnRH pulse generator frequency delaying puberty while inducing anxiety-behaviour in female mice, an effect potentially involving Ucn3 neurons in the MePD.
Impact of Electrical Connection Distance on the Open Loop Modal Resonance of Grid Connected Photovoltaic Farms
Authors: Zhou Bo , Shi Peng , Xu Yunyang , Zeng Zhuolin
Published: May 2022

The grid connection of photovoltaic (PV) farms may cause power system oscillations under the condition of open-loop modal resonance (OLMR). This study elucidated the origin of the induced low-frequency oscillations and examined the impact of the electrical distance between grid-connected PV farms on OLMR intensity by using a simplified real power network. A linearized state-space model of the real power system comprising grid-connected PV farms was derived. Based on this, an OLMR analysis was performed to examine the impact of the electrical distance between the grid-connected PV farms as well as between each grid-connected PV farm and the main grid. The OLMR analysis results indicate that the strength of the OLMR increases with the electrical distance between the PV farms, thereby leading to growing power oscillations. Moreover, the increase of electrical distance between each of the grid-connected PV farms and the main grid has a greater effect on OLMR intensity. Additionally, the non-linear simulations were performed to confirm the correctness of the OLMR analysis. Finally, by re-tuning the parameters of the control system of the grid-connected PV farms to reduce the phase-locked loop bandwidth, the OLMR can be effectively eliminated to avoid power oscillations.
Green Finance, Innovation and the Energy-Environment-Climate Nexus
Authors: Zhang Kai Quan , Chen Hsing Hung , Tang Li Zhi , Qiao Sen
Published: May 2022

After the Paris Climate Conference (COP21), carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability have become the consensus of many countries. Technological innovation and green finance are the essential factors that can help to realize clean energy transition, carbon emission reduction and climate change mitigation. To investigate the pathways for sustainable development, this study includes innovation and green finance into simultaneous equations models within energy-environment-climate nexus. We examine the dynamic relationships for a sample of 49 countries with green bonds issued for the period 2007–2019. The results confirm that there are bidirectional relationships among renewable energy consumption, environmental pollution and climate change. Innovation can significantly promote renewable energy consumption, reduce CO2 emissions and mitigate climate change. Green finance can effectively alleviate environmental pollution and climate change. Accelerating the development of green finance is the primary motivation for sustainable development. Green finance moderates the relationship between innovation and energy-environment-climate nexus. The positive impact of innovation on renewable energy consumption is enhanced by higher level of green finance. When the development of green finance is high, innovation has a greater negative influence on CO2 emissions, and the impact of innovation on climate change is weakened.
Comparing the Ecotoxicological Effects of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA) on Freshwater Microbial Community
Authors: Laine Miikka B. , Vesamäki Jussi S. , Puupponen Veli-Mikko , Tiirola Marja , Taipale Sami J.
Published: May 2022

The ubiquitous presence of perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) around the globe has attracted increasing attention, due to their persistency, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Nevertheless, the ecotoxicological effects of the compounds on aquatic microorganisms has remained understudied. Hence, the present study focused on determining, and comparing, the effects of regulated long-chain PFCA, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and nonregulated short-chain PFCA, perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), on the diversity, structure, microbial growth, and activity of a freshwater microbial community. In the experiment, lake water was incubated for a period of four weeks at three different concentrations of the studied PFCAs: 100 ng/L, 100 μg/L, and 10 mg/L. The results suggested that both compounds at high concentration (10 mg/L) altered the structure of the microbial community, but the diversity was not affected. Both compounds also decreased the microbial biovolume at higher concentrations and the increasing dose added to the significance of the impact, whereas inhibition of net microbial respiration could not be demonstrated. PFOA showed more potent toxicity towards the microbial community as it caused more significant structural changes to the community and significantly inhibited microbial growth even at the low 100 ng/L concentration. This study helps to better understand the ecotoxicity of PFCAs and to assess the environmental risks associated with their use. Additionally, these results can help policy makers to better assess the environmental risks posed by short-chain PFCAs on aquatic ecosystems.
Interactions of Functional Traits With Native Status and Ecosystem Novelty Explain the Establishment of Plant Species Within Urban Ecosystems: Evidence From Berlin, Germany
Authors: Knapp Sonja , von der Lippe Moritz , Kowarik Ingo
Published: May 2022

A key challenge in urban biodiversity conservation is to understand the drivers that govern the population establishment of different groups of species in different urban ecosystems. Here, we ask whether and to what extent vascular plant species establishment (i.e., the ability to establish self-sustaining populations within a certain time span) is driven by interactions of species functional traits, native status, and the type of ecosystem species occur in, with types of ecosystems distinguished by their degree of ecosystem novelty. To answer this question, we use a dataset of 1,178 vascular plant species occurring in Berlin, Germany that originally had been compiled to substantiate the Berlin Red List of endangered plant species. This dataset classifies native and non-native species into casual and established species based on a minimum of 25 years of expert observation. Whether a species is established or casual is distinguished among four broad types of ecosystems: natural remnant, hybrid, novel immature, and novel mature ecosystems. Moreover, we classify species into those native to Berlin and non-native species (split into archaeophytes and neophytes), and link species to selected functional traits and indicator values. By applying ordinal regression within a Bayesian framework, we show that traits are key drivers of these establishment processes and that the traits that drive species establishment differ across types of ecosystems. While across traits, more established species are present in natural remnants, low canopy height, annual life span, and late end of flowering specifically promote establishment in novel immature ecosystems. In hybrid ecosystems, low canopy height and reproduction by seeds are beneficial traits, with the latter promoting establishment in novel mature ecosystems, too. Traits were less important in predicting species establishment in native as compared to non-native species. All types of ecosystems add to urban biodiversity, and trait analyses refine our knowledge on how they can be supported in doing so on the long term. This can help in sharpening conservation measures.
Effect of SLC16A1 on Hepatic Glucose Metabolism in Newborn and Post-Weaned Holstein Bulls
Authors: Xue Mingming , Song Mingkun , Yan Duo , Sun Shuaijie , Wang Yadong , Fu Tong , Cai Hanfang , Xu Huifen , Sun Guirong , Wang Kejun , Li Ming
Published: May 2022

Background: Patterns of liver energy metabolism significantly differ from birth to adult in cattle undergoing change of rumen rumination. However, the genes involve in hepatic energy metabolism during bovine development and how regulate are still unclear.

Methods: In this study, 0-day-old newborn calves (0W) and 9-week-old weaned calves (9W) were used to investigate differences in liver glucose metabolism at these stages of calf development. We did this primarily through the quantitation of energy metabolism indicators, then sequencing the liver transcriptome for each group of claves.

Results: The transcriptome results showed 979 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), enriched in animal organ development, catabolic process, transmembrane transport. SLC16A1 involved in that and was locked to investigate. We explored the effects of SLC16A1 on glucose and lactate flux in vitro. We identified and verified its target, miR-22-3p, through bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assays. Moreover, this study found that miR-22-3p decreased cell activity by negatively regulating the SLC16A1. Importantly, our result showed the insulin-induced SLC16A1 mRNA expression decreased, regulated by promoter activity rather than miR-22-3p.

Conclusions: Our study illustrates the role of SLC16A1 in the liver mediated metabolism of developing calves. These data enrich our knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms of liver mediated glucose metabolism in developing cattle.
Polymorphism of Sex Determination Amongst Wild Populations Suggests its Rapid Turnover Within the Nile Tilapia Species
Authors: Triay Cécile , Courcelle Maxime , Caminade Pierre , Bezault Etienne , Baroiller Jean-François , Kocher Thomas D. , D’Cotta Helena
Published: May 2022

Sex-determining regions have been identified in the Nile tilapia on linkage groups (LG) 1, 20 and 23, depending on the domesticated strains used. Sex determining studies on wild populations of this species are scarce. Previous work on two wild populations, from Lake Volta (Ghana) and from Lake Koka (Ethiopia), found the sex-determining region on LG23. These populations have a Y-specific tandem duplication containing two copies of the Anti-Müllerian Hormone amh gene (named amhY and amhΔY). Here, we performed a whole-genome short-reads analysis using male and female pools on a third wild population from Lake Hora (Ethiopia). We found no association of sex with LG23, and no duplication of the amh gene. Furthermore, we found no evidence of sex linkage on LG1 or on any other LGs. Long read whole genome sequencing of a male from each population confirmed the absence of a duplicated region on LG23 in the Lake Hora male. In contrast, long reads established the structure of the Y haplotype in Koka and Kpandu males and the order of the genes in the duplicated region. Phylogenies constructed on the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, showed a closer relationship between the two Ethiopian populations compared to the Ghanaian population, implying an absence of the LG23Y sex-determination region in Lake Hora males. Our study supports the hypothesis that the amh region is not the sex-determining region in Hora males. The absence of the Y amh duplication in the Lake Hora population reflects a rapid change in sex determination within Nile tilapia populations. The genetic basis of sex determination in the Lake Hora population remains unknown.
Prognostic and Immunological Role of PPP1R14A as a Pan-Cancer Analysis Candidate
Authors: Wang Zhaotao , Huang Rihong , Wang Haojian , Peng Yuecheng , Fan Yongyang , Feng Zejia , Zeng Zhaorong , Ji Yunxiang , Wang Yezhong , Lu Jiajie
Published: May 2022

Despite emerging evidence revealing the remarkable roles of protein phosphatase 1 regulatory inhibitor subunit 14A (PPP1R14A) in cancer tumorigenesis and progression, no pan-cancer analysis is available. A comprehensive investigation of the potential carcinogenic mechanism of PPP1R14A across 33 tumors using bioinformatic techniques is reported for the first time. PPP1R14A is downregulated in major malignancies, and there is a significant correlation between the PPP1R14A expression and the prognosis of patients. The high expression of PPP1R14A in most cases was associated with poor overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and progress-free interval (PFI) across patients with various malignant tumors, including adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) and bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA), indicated through pan-cancer survival analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis subsequently exhibited that the molecule has high reference significance in diagnosing a variety of cancers. The frequency of PPP1R14A genetic changes including genetic mutations and copy number alterations (CNAs) in uterine carcinosarcoma reached 16.07%, and these alterations brought misfortune to the survival and prognosis of cancer patients. In addition, methylation within the promoter region of PPP1R14A DNA was enhanced in a majority of cancers. Downregulated phosphorylation levels of phosphorylation sites including S26, T38, and others in most cases took place in several tumors, such as breast cancer and colon cancer. PPP1R14A remarkably correlated with the levels of infiltrating cells and immune checkpoint genes. Our research on the carcinogenic effect of PPP1R14A in different tumors is comprehensively summarized and analyzed and provides a theoretical basis for future therapeutic and immunotherapy strategies.
Rare Alleles and Signatures of Selection on the Immunodominant Domains of Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 in Malaria Parasites From Western Kenya
Authors: Ochwedo Kevin O. , Ariri Fredrick O. , Otambo Wilfred O. , Magomere Edwin O. , Debrah Isaiah , Onyango Shirley A. , Orondo Pauline W. , Atieli Harrysone E. , Ogolla Sidney O. , Otieno Antony C. A. , Mukabana Wolfgang R. , Githeko Andrew K. , Lee Ming-Chieh , Yan Guiyun , Zhong Daibin , Kazura James W.
Published: May 2022

Background: Malaria elimination and eradication efforts can be advanced by including transmission-blocking or reducing vaccines (TBVs) alongside existing interventions. Key transmission-blocking vaccine candidates, such as Pfs230 domain one and Pfs48/45 domain 3, should be genetically stable to avoid developing ineffective vaccines due to antigenic polymorphisms. We evaluated genetic polymorphism and temporal stability of Pfs230 domain one and Pfs48/45 domain three in Plasmodium falciparum parasites from western Kenya.

Methods: Dry blood spots on filter paper were collected from febrile malaria patients reporting to community health facilities in endemic areas of Homa Bay and Kisumu Counties and an epidemic-prone area of Kisii County in 2018 and 2019. Plasmodium speciation was performed using eluted DNA and real-time PCR. Amplification of the target domains of the two Pfs genes was performed on P. falciparum positive samples. We sequenced Pfs230 domain one on 156 clinical isolates and Pfs48/45 domain three on 118 clinical isolates to infer the levels of genetic variability, signatures of selection, genetic diversity indices and perform other evolutionary analyses.

Results:Pfs230 domain one had low nucleotide diversity (π = 0.15 × 10–2) with slight variation per study site. Six polymorphic sites with nonsynonymous mutations and eight haplotypes were discovered. I539T was a novel variant, whereas G605S was nearing fixation. Pfs48/45 domain three had a low π (0.063 × 10–2), high conservation index, and three segregating sites, resulting in nonsynonymous mutation and four haplotypes. Some loci of Pfs230 D1 were in positive or negative linkage disequilibrium, had negative or positive selection signatures, and others (1813, 1955) and (1813, 1983) had a history of recombination. Mutated loci pairs in Pfs48/45 domain three had negative linkage disequilibrium, and some had negative and positive Tajima’s D values with no history of recombination events.

Conclusion: The two transmission blocking vaccine candidates have low nucleotide diversity, a small number of zone-specific variants, high nucleotide conservation index, and high frequency of rare alleles. With the near fixation a polymorphic site and the proximity of mutated codons to antibody binding epitopes, it will be necessary to continue monitoring sequence modifications of these domains when designing TBVs that include Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 antigens.
Induction of Fetal Hemoglobin by Introducing Natural Hereditary Persistence of Fetal Hemoglobin Mutations in the γ-Globin Gene Promoters for Genome Editing Therapies for β-Thalassemia
Authors: Lu Dian , Xu Zhiliang , Peng Zhiyong , Yang Yinghong , Song Bing , Xiong Zeyu , Ma Zhirui , Guan Hongmei , Chen Bangzhu , Nakamura Yukio , Zeng Juan , Liu Nengqing , Sun Xiaofang , Chen Diyu
Published: May 2022

Reactivation of γ-globin expression is a promising therapeutic approach for β-hemoglobinopathies. Here, we propose a novel Cas9/AAV6-mediated genome editing strategy for the treatment of β-thalassemia: Natural HPFH mutations −113A > G, −114C > T, −117G>A, −175T > C, −195C > G, and −198T > C were introduced by homologous recombination following disruption of BCL11A binding sites in HBG1/HBG2 promoters. Precise on-target editing and significantly increased γ-globin expression during erythroid differentiation were observed in both HUDEP-2 cells and primary HSPCs from β-thalassemia major patients. Moreover, edited HSPCs maintained the capacity for long-term hematopoietic reconstitution in B-NDG hTHPO mice. This study provides evidence of the effectiveness of introducing naturally occurring HPFH mutations as a genetic therapy for β-thalassemia.
Integrated Analysis of lncRNA and circRNA Mediated ceRNA Regulatory Networks in Skin Reveals Innate Immunity Differences Between Wild-Type and Yellow Mutant Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Wu Shenji , Huang Jinqiang , Li Yongjuan , Liu Zhe , Zhao Lu
Published: May 2022

Fish skin is a vital immune organ that forms the first protective barrier preventing entry of external pathogens. Rainbow trout is an important aquaculture fish species that is farmed worldwide. However, our knowledge of innate immunity differences between wild-type (WR_S) and yellow mutant rainbow trout (YR_S) remains limited. In this study, we performed whole transcriptome analysis of skin from WR_S and YR_S cultured in a natural flowing water pond. A total of 2448 mRNAs, 1630 lncRNAs, 22 circRNAs and 50 miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed (DE). Among these DEmRNAs, numerous key immune-related genes, including ifih1, dhx58, trim25, atp6v1e1, tap1, tap2, cd209, hsp90a.1, nlrp3, nlrc3, and several other genes associated with metabolism (gstp1, nampt, naprt and cd38) were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses of DEmRNAs revealed that many were significantly enriched in innate immune-related GO terms and pathways, including NAD+ADP-ribosyltransferase activity, complement binding, immune response and response to bacterium GO terms, and RIG-I-like receptor signaling, NOD-like receptor signaling and phagosome KEGG pathways. Furthermore, the immune-related competing endogenous RNA networks were constructed, from which we found that lncRNAs MSTRG.11484.2, MSTRG.32014.1 and MSTRG.29012.1 regulated at least three immune-related genes (ifih1, dhx58 and irf3) through PC-5p-43254_34, PC-3p-28352_70 and bta-miR-11987_L-1R-1_1ss8TA, and tap2 was regulated by two circRNAs (circRNA5279 and circRNA5277) by oni-mir-124a-2-p5_1ss13GA. The findings expand our understanding of the innate immune system of rainbow trout, and lay the foundation for further study of immune mechanisms and disease resistance breeding.
The Inhibition of Osteoblast Viability by Monosodium Urate Crystal-Stimulated Neutrophil-Derived Exosomes
Authors: Jia Ertao , Zhu Haiqiong , Geng Hongling , Zhong Li , Qiu Xia , Xie Jingjing , Xiao Yuya , Jiang Yubao , Xiao Min , Zhang Yanying , Wei Jiaxin , Tang Dabin , Zhang Jianyong
Published: May 2022

Background and Objective

Bone erosion is common in patients with gout. The role of neutrophil-derived exosomes in gouty bone erosion remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the functions of the neutrophil-derived exosomes in the development of bone erosion in gout.

Methods

Neutrophil-derived exosomes were collected and assessed by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Cell counting kit-8 assay was applied to evaluate cell viability, and cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. In addition, quantitative Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to determine the expression levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). Neutrophil-derived exosomes were tagged with PKH67. The miRNA expression profiles of exosomes and human fetal osteoblasts (hFOB) were compared using high-throughput sequencing. Functional miRNAs transfected into hFOB after co-incubation with exosomes were selected and validated by preliminary qPCR.

Results

Neutrophil-derived exosomes were stimulated by monosodium urate (MSU). The exosomes could inhibit the viability of the hFOB, and the expression levels of ALP and OPG were down-regulated, while the expression level of RANKL was up-regulated. However, there was no significant difference in the viability of osteoclasts and the expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells 1. Exosomes were observed in the cytoplasm under a confocal microscopy, confirming that exosomes could be taken up by hFOB. In total, 2590 miRNAs were found, of which 47 miRNAs were differentially expressed. Among the delivered miRNAs, miR-1246 exhibited the highest level of differential expression. The viability of hFOB was reduced by miR-1246 mimics and increased by miR-1246 inhibitors. There was no significant difference in hFOB apoptosis rate between the miR-1246 mimic and miR-1246 inhibitor group. MiR-1246 overexpression decreased the expression levels of ALP and OPG, whereas increasing the expression level of RANKL. In contrast, miR-1246 inhibitor increased the expression levels of ALP and OPG, while decreasing the expression level of RANKL. Neutrophil-derived exosomes stimulated by MSU could increase the expression of miR-1246.

Conclusion

Neutrophil-derived exosomes stimulated by MSU could inhibit the viability of osteoblasts.
Ginsenoside Rg1 Alleviates Acute Ulcerative Colitis by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Microbial Tryptophan Metabolism
Authors: Cheng Hao , Liu Juan , Zhang Dandan , Wang Jing , Tan Yuzhu , Feng Wuwen , Peng Cheng
Published: May 2022

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory disorder in the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we examined the pharmacological effects of ginsenoside Rg1, a natural compound with low bioavailability, on the acute experimental colitis mice induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and explored underlying mechanisms. Acute UC was induced in C57BL/6 mice by 2.5% DSS for 7 days, meanwhile, 2 mg/10 g b.w. ginsenoside Rg1 was administrated to treat the mice. Body weight, colon length, colon tissue pathology, and colon tissue inflammatory cytokines were assessed. The composition structure of gut microbiota was profiled using 16s rRNA sequencing. Global metabolomic profiling of the feces was performed, and tryptophan and its metabolites in the serum were detected. The results showed that Rg1 significantly ameliorated DSS-induced colonic injury and colonic inflammation. In addition, Rg1 also partly reversed the imbalance of gut microbiota composition caused by DSS. Rg1 intervention can regulate various metabolic pathways of gut microbiota such as valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis and vitamin B6 metabolism and the most prominent metabolic alteration was tryptophan metabolism. DSS decreased the levels of tryptophan metabolites in the serum, including indole-3-carboxaldehyde, indole-3-lactic acid, 3-indolepropionic acid, and niacinamide and Rg1 can increase the levels of these metabolites. In conclusion, the study discovered that Rg1 can protect the intestinal barrier and alleviate colon inflammation in UC mice, and the underlying mechanism is closely related to the regulation of gut microbiota composition and microbial tryptophan metabolism.
Serological Evidence of Arboviruses in Horses During West Nile Fever Monitoring Surveillance in Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Guimarães Mylenna de Cássia Neves , Freitas Maria Nazaré Oliveira , Sousa Alana Watanabe de , Cunha Marcos Antônio Correia Rodrigues da , Almada Gilton Luiz , Romano Alessandro Pecego Martins , Santos Maria Guadalupe Dias Pestana , Rodrigues Gilsa Aparecida Pimenta , Martins Lívia Caricio , Chiang Jannifer Oliveira , Casseb Livia Medeiros Neves
Published: May 2022

Many human arboviruses are also pathogenic for horses, and some of these have emerged recently. A descriptive cross-sectional observational study was conducted to assess the prevalence of West Nile virus (WNV) and other arboviruses among 77 horses on the rural properties of the Espirito Santo state, Brazil. Serum samples were screened for arbovirus-reactive antibodies using the hemagglutination inhibition technique and subsequently a plaque reduction neutralization test for the confirmation of exposure from sera was used to detect heterotypic immune reactions. Overall, the total antibodies against at least one arbovirus of Alphavirus, Flavivirus, and Orthobunyavirus genera were detected in 39 (50.6%) animals. The antibodies to Phlebovirus were not detected in any sample. When the 24 WNV hemagglutination inhibition (HI)-positive samples were tested by the plaque-reduction neutralization test 90%, 9 (32.1%) were positive for WNV antibodies and 14 (50%) for Saint Louis encephalitis virus. Our findings indicate that the region provides ideal conditions for the emergence of arboviruses, reinforcing the need for further surveillance of mosquito-transmitted diseases in domestic animals.
A Modeling Study on Population Dynamics of Jellyfish Aurelia aurita in the Bohai and Yellow Seas
Authors: Zhang Haiyan , Zhang Guangyue , Lan Yifan , Xiao Jingen , Wang Yuheng , Song Guisheng , Wei Hao
Published: May 2022

Jellyfish blooms have become a marine environmental issue with detrimental effects on marine ecosystems around the world. The jellyfish Aurelia aurita is one of dominant species of blooms worldwide and also in the Bohai and Yellow Seas (BYSs) of China. To investigate population dynamics and controlling factors on population biomass, a complex population-dynamic model is developed for jellyfish of A. aurita in the BYSs that includes three components, namely, a three-dimensional coupled physical–biogeochemical model, a Lagrangian particle-tracking model, and an energy balance model for the jellyfish life cycle. By comparison, the model well reproduces the individual growth and seasonal evolution of A. aurita population. During individual growth period, the temperature is a key factor controlling growth and dry weight, characterized by a nearly linear growth rate. Longer period tends to favor larger medusa size and further to promote the biomass. The yearly peak biomass shows interannual variations that are controlled by the jellyfish magnitude, food concentration, and effective accumulative temperature of growth, with their contributions quantified through statistical analyses. Only considering the effect of temperature, the yearly peak biomass can be obtained through the durations of suitable temperature ranges for strobilization and individual growth that determines the magnitude and the averaged individual weight, respectively, with longer strobilation duration leading to higher magnitude. The simplified statistical relationships would favor to understand the temperature control on population dynamics of A. aurita.
Full Lignin-Derived Electrospun Carbon Materials as Electrodes for Supercapacitors
Authors: Thielke Michael W. , Lopez Guzman Stiven , Victoria Tafoya Jorge Pavel , García Tamayo Esteban , Castro Herazo Cristina Isabel , Hosseinaei Omid , Sobrido Ana Jorge
Published: May 2022

In the search for more sustainable energy storage devices, biomass-derived materials have been widely researched as carbon source for electrode applications. Here we present the processing of high molecular lignin, an abundant carbon rich biopolymer and byproduct of the pulp and paper industry, into freestanding nonwoven carbon fiber (CNFs) electrodes by using electrospinning. It is worth mentioning that no petrol-derived polymers that are usually included in the electrospinning of lignin, were employed in this work, making these electrodes more sustainable than common lignin-derived carbon electrodes. The effect of the carbonization temperature and oxygen plasma treatment in the electrochemical performance of the CNFs as electrodes for supercapacitors was studied. The upscaling of the processing of lignin into carbon electrodes was also explored by comparing a standard electrospinning set up with a needleless electrospinning equipment that enabled faster and higher throughput. The electrochemical performance of the CNFs increased after plasma treatment of the surface and the electrodes prepared using the standard set up exhibited the highest activity, achieving specific capacitances of up to 103.6 F g−1.
Conductive GelMA/PEDOT: PSS Hybrid Hydrogel as a Neural Stem Cell Niche for Treating Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Zhang Yilei , Zhang Meimei , Zhang Runlin , Liu Haining , Chen Hui , Zhang Xiaofeng , Li Chen , Zeng Qing , Chen Yunhua , Huang Guozhi
Published: May 2022

Cerebral ischemia and the subsequent cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury usually result in neuronal impairment with serious disabilities. Although neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation can help with functional recovery after stroke, due to the improper cellular milieu after brain injury, direct NSC transplantation will result low cell survival rates and differentiation efficiency into neurons. Here a conductive hybrid hydrogel based on gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) was created as a NSC niche for the treatment of cerebral I/R injury. GelMA/PEDOT:PSS hybrid hydrogel promoted the development of NSCs into neurons. GelMA/PEDOT:PSS hydrogel along with NSCs could enhance neuronal activity and minimize apoptosis when co-cultured with oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) neurons. Furthermore, after 7 days of implantation, GelMA/PEDOT:PSS/NSCs on the infarcted brain of rats subjected to reperfusion injury after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was verified to attenuate inflammatory responses. These findings show that the conductive GelMA/PEDOT:PSS hybrid hydrogel could regulate NSC development and act as promising cell niches for the treatment of cerebral I/R injury.
Gut Microbes in Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy and Their Potential Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Wang Yi , Tian Lingling , Sun Lin , Zhou Wenjing , Zhi Wenqiang , Qing Jianbo , Abdi Saed Yasin , Dong Lina , Zhang Xiadong , Li Yafeng
Published: May 2022

Microbial ecosystem consists of a complex community of bacterial interactions and its host microenvironment (tissue, cell, metabolite). Because the interaction between gut microbiota and host involves many diseases and seriously affects human health, the study of the interaction mechanism between gut microbiota and host has attracted great attention. The gut microbiome is made up of 100 trillion bacteria that have both beneficial and adverse effects on human health. The development of IgA Nephropathy results in changes in the intestinal microbial ecosystem that affect host physiology and health. Similarly, changes in intestinal microbiota also affect the development of IgA Nephropathy. Thus, the gut microbiome represents a novel therapeutic target for improving the outcome of IgA Nephropathy, including hematuria symptoms and disease progression. In this review, we summarize the effect of intestinal microbiota on IgA Nephropathy in recent years and it has been clarified that the intestinal microbiota has a great influence on the pathogenesis and treatment of IgA Nephropathy.
Hyperphosphatemia and Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zheng Wen-He , Yao Yan , Zhou Hua , Xu Yuan , Huang Hui-Bin
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Serum phosphate level is often deranged during critical illness. Hyperphosphatemia, as a marker of disease severity, attracts more and more attention. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of hyperphosphatemia on clinical outcomes in critically ill patients.

Methods

We searched for relevant studies in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane database up to Jan 10, 2022. Two authors independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed the study quality. Meta-analyses were performed to determine hyperphosphatemia prevalence and evaluate its relationship with prognosis and important clinical outcomes. We also conducted subgroup analysis and sensitivity analyses to explore the sources of heterogeneity.

Results

Ten studies with 60,358 patients met the inclusion criteria. These studies were moderate to high quality. The median prevalence of hyperphosphatemia was 30% (range from 5.6 to 45%). Patients with hyperphosphatemia had a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality than those without (OR 2.85; 95% CI, 2.35 to 3.38, P < 0.0001). Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and regression analyses further confirmed these results. In addition, patients with hyperphosphatemia required more CRRT (OR 4.96; 95% CI, 2.43 to 10.2, P < 0.0001) but not significantly increased duration of mechanical ventilation (mean difference, MD 0.13, 95% CI −0.04 to 0.30; P = 0.138), length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU) (SMD 0.164 day, 95% CI −0.007 to 0.335; P = 0.06), and length of stay in hospital (SMD 0.005 day, 95% CI −0.74 to 0.75; P = 0.99).

Conclusions

Our results indicated that hyperphosphatemia was associated with all-cause mortality in critically ill patients. However, due to the retrospective design of the included studies, more prospective, well-designed research is required in the future.

Systematic Review Registration

[https://doi.org/10.37766/inplasy2021.12.0130], identifier [INPLASY2021120130].