bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative 3-D Model of Carbonate Reef and Shoal Facies Based on UAV Oblique Photogrammetry Data: A Case Study of the Jiantanba Outcrop in West Hubei, China
Authors: Yin Senlin , Zhao Lei , Lin Yu , Zhu Baiyu , Zhao Junwei , Cheng Leli
Published: April 2022

Aiming at the problem of insufficient data acquisition for steep carbonate outcrops, we used unmanned aerial vehicle oblique photogrammetry to quantitatively evaluate Jiantianba outcrops from a global perspective. This method can quickly and flexibly acquire, process and interpret outcrop data, establish the three-dimensional digital outcrop model and quantitative reservoir geological knowledge database. Through the fine analysis and comparative study of multiple outcrop sections, we use lithofacies combination, hierarchical interface, sequential indicator stochastic simulation and multiple-point geostatistical simulation methods to establish a three-dimensional multi-point statistical model of the outcrop area. The results show that the model of the Jiantianba carbonate outcrop has three-dimensional coordinates that correspond to oblique photograph image data, allowing for both the accurate location of any point and the measurement of the rock body, and thus providing a base for studying the stratigraphic architecture of the outcrop. Through fine-scale geological and statistical analyses of the geological parameters of three geologic sections, we established a database and model of a typical outcrop, including the types, continuity and scale of lithology, as well as different lithological combinations and the geological evolution of the region. And we established a geological model and quantitative geological database via sequential indicator simulation, using virtual well location, lithological combination, stratigraphic correlation, three-dimensional stratigraphic and lithological models of a typical outcrop. Subsequently, we analyzed the training images of different microfacies based on these models combined with the outcrop geometry. Finally, we established a three-dimensional geological model of reef–shoal facies that is more in line with our current understanding of the geology of the outcrop area by multi-point geostatistical simulations.
Association Between Maternal Characteristics and the Risk of Isolated Maternal Hypothyroxinemia
Authors: Liu Yang , Li Guohua , Guo Nafei , Liu Xiaosong , Huang Shijia , Du Qiaoling
Published: April 2022

Objective

We aimed to determine the association between maternal characteristics and isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia (IMH).

Methods

Pregnancies registered at Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital between January 2014 and September 2020 were included in this cross-sectional study. IMH was defined as free thyroxine (FT4) levels below the 10th percentile with TSH within the normal reference range. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify potential risk factors for IMH, including demographic information, anthropometric measurements and nutritional status.

Results

A total of 54586 singleton pregnancies were included, involving 6084 women with IMH and 48502 euthyroid women. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the variables for women with ages ≥35 (adjusted OR = 1.30, 95% CI:1.20–1.40), non-local residence (adjusted OR = 1.16, 95% CI:1.09–1.23), multiparas (adjusted OR = 1.11, 95% CI:1.03–1.21), pre-pregnancy overweight (adjusted OR = 1.37, 95% CI:1.27–1.49) or obesity (adjusted OR = 1.35, 95% CI:1.18–1.54), and iron deficiency (adjusted OR = 1.27, 95% CI:1.20–1.35) were independent risk factors for IMH in the overall study population, which were identical to those in the first trimester subgroup.

Conclusions

Maternal characteristics were associated with the onset of IMH. Maternal age, residence of origin, parity, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and iron status should be comprehensively considered to evaluate the risk of IMH, according to which obstetricians could determine an optimal assessment time for thyroid function.
Optimal Capacity Planning of Power to Hydrogen in Integrated Electricity–Hydrogen–Gas Energy Systems Considering Flexibility and Hydrogen Injection
Authors: Wang Jinpeng , Zeng Pingliang , Li Yalou , Liu Jia
Published: April 2022

With increasing penetration of renewable energy, it is important to source adequate system flexibility to maintain security of supply and minimize renewable generation curtailment. Power to hydrogen (P2H) plays an important role in the low-carbon renewable dominated energy systems. By blending green hydrogen produced from renewable power into the natural gas pipelines, it is possible to help integrate large-scale intermittent generation and smooth the variability of renewable power output through the interconnection of the natural gas network, hydrogen energy network, and electric network. A two-stage stochastic mixed-integer nonlinear planning framework for P2H sizing and siting is proposed in this paper, considering system flexibility requirements. The problem is then reduced to a mixed-integer second-order cone (MISOC) model through convex transformation techniques in order to reduce the computation burden. Then, a distributed algorithm based on Bender’s decomposition is applied to obtain the optimal solution. A modified hybrid IEEE 33-node and Gas 20-node system is then used for simulation tests. The results showed that investment of P2H can significantly reduce the total capital and operational costs with lower renewable generation curtailment and electricity demand shedding. Numerical tests demonstrated to demonstrate the validity of the proposed MISOC model.
Social Network, Production Purpose, and Biological Pesticide Application Behavior of Rice Farmers
Authors: Li Zhaoliang , Zhu Mande , Zuo Qiaoli
Published: April 2022

The extension and diffusion of the green production mode in rural areas forms the micro basis for improve the ecological environment. While government has issued a series of policies to promote the green production mode, the effect depends on farmers’ behavior. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the causes and mechanisms underlying the influence of farmers’ behavior differences with regard to biopesticide application. Based on 1202 sampled rice farmers in China, this paper analyzes the impact of social network on their biological pesticide application behavior. Furthermore, the internal transmission mechanism of social network on biological pesticide application behavior of “ration-making” farmers (whose main purpose is to meet the demand for rations) and “profit-making” famers (whose main goal is to maximize their profit) is studied according to different production purposes. The results show that: 1) Social network has a significant positive role in promoting rice farmers’ biological pesticide application behavior. 2) Social network encourages rice farmers to apply biological pesticides by influencing both their behavioral attitude and behavioral efficacy toward green production. 3) The intermediary effect of behavioral efficacy exceeds that of behavioral attitude. 4) Compared with “profit-making” farmers, the biological pesticides application of “ration-making” farmers is stronger affected by their social network. Operation mode, operation scale, and educational level positively affect the pesticide application behavior of “profit-making” farmers, while age imposes a significantly negative influence. Biopesticide application of “ration-making” farmers is negatively affected by age and education level and positively affected by the mode of operation. 5) The behavioral attitude and behavioral efficacy of green production exert significant mediating effects on both types of farmers. Moreover, both intermediary variables exert stronger impacts on “profit-making” farmers. To a certain extent, this study expands the theoretical explanation of the “rational man” in neoclassical economics, and provides reliable evidence, both theoretical and empirical, for effective measures to stimulate green production in rice farmers.
A Study of Environmental Degradation in Turkey and its Relationship to Oil Prices and Financial Strategies: Novel Findings in Context of Energy Transition
Authors: Habeşoğlu Osman , Samour Ahmed , Tursoy Turgut , Ahmadi Mohsen , Abdullah Lazim , Othman Mahmod
Published: April 2022

The current empirical literature ignores the possible influence of oil prices on environmental degradation through fiscal policy instruments. Contributing to the literature, this study explores the influence of oil price on the environmental degradation in Turkey through fiscal policy instruments, using a novel methodology of the bootstrap ARDL approach. The FMOLS, CCR, DOLS, and ARDL models are used to examine the long-run linkage among the tested variables. The findings from estimating models demonstrated that government expenditures positively affected environmental degradation in Turkey. In contrast, the taxation revenues negatively affected the environmental degradation. Furthermore, the empirical outcomes affirm that oil prices have a powerful effect on the levels of Turkey’s environmental pollution through taxation revenues, energy, and GDP factors. Therefore, the study suggests that the Turkish policymakers should design policies to avoid any undesirable impacts of the spillover effects of the oil price on the environment using fiscal policy channels. In this sense, the government in Turkey should design a framework that includes financial incentives such as low taxation rates on green energy investment. In addition, the policy markets in Turkey should start to use the carbon tax policy, which is one of the most efficient tools to reduce environmental pollution.
Find My Way to You: A Comparative Study of Antennal Sensilla and Olfactory Genes in Slug Moth With Different Diet Ranges (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae)
Authors: Li Jing , Yang Yi-ming , Wang Ying , Yang Cai-qing , Wang Gui-fang , Wu Chun-sheng , Zhang Ai-bing
Published: April 2022

Insects and plants that provide them with foods have coexisted for several hundred million years, which leads to various defense approaches and insect-feeding strategies. The host plant provides insects with food sources, shelter materials, and oviposition sites for phytophagous insects. However, they need to find the most suitable host plants in complicated plant communities. The antenna is the main sensory organ of insects, housing different types of sensilla dedicated to detecting chemical cues, motion, humidity, and temperature. Phytophagous insects with different diets may possess various adaptations in their olfactory system. We selected three species of slug moth (Narosoideus flavidorsalis, Chalcoscelides castaneipars, and Setora postornata) with different diet breadths to detect the structural diversity of antennal sensilla using the scanning electron microscope. A total of nine types of sensilla were identified in these three species, in which two types of sensilla (sensilla uniporous peg and sensilla furcatea) were the first found and reported in Limacodidae. By comparing the number of sensilla types, there was a trend of gradually decreasing the number of sensory types with the gradual expansion of feeding habitats. To better understand the vital roles of olfactory proteins in localizing host plants, we investigated the chemosensory proteins in the antennal transcriptomes of N. flavidorsalis and S. postornata. However, there was no significant correlation between the number of olfactory genes and the increase of antennal sensilla types. Combining antennal morphology, transcriptome analysis, and the prediction of suitable areas, we better understood the olfactory systems with different feeding preferences, which will provide new prospects for plant–insect interactions and population control methods.
Transhumant Sheep Grazing Enhances Ecosystem Multifunctionality in Productive Mountain Grasslands: A Case Study in the Cantabrian Mountains
Authors: Fernández-Guisuraga José Manuel , Fernández-García Víctor , Tárrega Reyes , Marcos Elena , Valbuena Luz , Pinto Rayo , Monte Paula , Beltrán David , Huerta Sara , Calvo Leonor
Published: April 2022

Understanding the effects of traditional livestock grazing abandonment on the ability of mountain grasslands to sustain multiple ecosystem functions (ecosystem multifunctionality; EMF) is crucial for implementing policies that promote grasslands conservation and the delivery of multiple ecosystem services. In this study, we evaluated the effect of short- and long-term transhumant sheep abandonment on EMF through a grazing exclusion experiment in a grassland of the Cantabrian Mountains range (NW Spain), where transhumant sheep flocks graze in summer. We considered four key ecosystem functions, derived from vegetation and soil functional indicators measured in the field: (A) biodiversity function, evaluated from total plant species evenness, diversity and richness indicators; (B) forage production function, evaluated from cover and richness of perennial and annual herbaceous species indicators; (C) carbon sequestration function, evaluated from woody species cover and soil organic carbon indicators; and (D) soil fertility function, evaluated from NH4+-N, NO3–-N, P and K content in the soil. The EMF index was calculated by integrating the four standardized ecosystem functions through an averaging approach. Based on linear mixed modeling we found that grazing exclusion induced significant shifts in the considered individual ecosystem functions and also on EMF. Long-term livestock exclusion significantly hindered biodiversity and forage production functions, but enhanced the carbon sequestration function. Conversely, the soil fertility function was negatively affected by both short- and long-term grazing exclusion. Altogether, grazing exclusion significantly decreased overall EMF, especially in long-term livestock exclusion areas, while the decline in EMF in short-term exclusions with respect to grazed areas was marginally significant. The results of this study support the sustainability of traditional transhumance livestock grazing for promoting the conservation of grasslands and their ecosystem function in mountain regions.
Metabolic Profiling and Integration of Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Data From Pectoralis Muscle Reveal Winter-Adaptive Metabolic Responses of Black-Capped Chickadee and American Goldfinch
Authors: Wone Bernard W. M. , Swanson David L.
Published: April 2022

Seasonal changes, such as alterations in food availability or type and cold conditions, present challenges to free-living birds living in highly seasonal climates. Small birds respond to such challenges through seasonal metabolic flexibility, which better matches seasonal metabolic phenotypes to environmental conditions and can improve fitness. To better understand the mechanistic basis of this metabolic flexibility, we conducted a large-scale metabolic profiling of pectoralis muscle in black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) and American goldfinches (Spinus tristis), which are small, year-round bird species of temperate-zones. We analyzed muscle samples using non-biased, global metabolomics profiling technology based on UHLC/MS/MS2 platforms. A total of 582 metabolites was characterized for summer and winter season samples. Chickadees showed greater seasonal separation of global metabolite profiles than goldfinches, which is consistent with previous transcriptomic studies of pectoralis muscle in these two species. Reduced levels of amino acids during winter occurred in both species and might reflect decreasing dietary protein intake, amino acid shuttling to other pathways for thermogenesis and/or elevated rates of protein turnover in the pectoralis muscle. Concomitant decreased abundances in tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) metabolites suggest faster cycling of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway in winter to meet the metabolic demands of thermogenesis. Accordingly, chickadees displayed shifts toward lipid oxidation in winter, whereas goldfinches showed winter declines in ketone bodies, which suggests increased energy demand or subtle changes in substrate availability. Beyond the winter-specific changes in metabolite abundances, integration of the metabolomic and the transcriptomic data revealed a landscape of gene–metabolite associations related to the winter-adaptive metabolic response. This landscape of gene–metabolite pairs was overrepresented by pathways associated with transport of small molecules, metabolism of amino acids and derivatives, activation and biosynthesis of fatty acid derivatives, and biosynthesis and metabolism of nicotinate and nicotinamide derivatives. Collectively, our results suggest that increased levels of NADH and its derivatives in the pectoralis muscle are a potential novel mechanism for increasing winter metabolic output, fueled by lipids, for thermogenesis during winter.
Genetic and Epigenetic Signatures in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Treatment and Molecular Remission
Authors: Borutinskaitė Veronika , Žučenka Andrius , Vitkevičienė Aida , Stoškus Mindaugas , Kaupinis Algirdas , Valius Mindaugas , Gineikienė Eglė , Navakauskienė Rūta
Published: April 2022

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive, heterogeneous group of malignancies with different clinical behaviors and different responses to therapy. For many types of cancer, finding cancer early makes it easier to treat. Identifying prognostic molecular markers and understanding their biology are the first steps toward developing novel diagnostic tools or therapies for patients with AML. In this study, we defined proteins and genes that can be used in the prognosis of different acute leukemia cases and found possible uses in diagnostics and therapy. We analyzed newly diagnosed acute leukemia cases positive for t (15; 17) (q22; q21) PML-RAR alpha, acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). The samples of bone marrow cells were collected from patients at the diagnosis stage, as follow-up samples during standard treatment with all-trans retinoic acid, idarubicin, and mitoxantrone, and at the molecular remission. We determined changes in the expression of genes involved in leukemia cell growth, apoptosis, and differentiation. We observed that WT1, CALR, CAV1, and MYC genes’ expression in all APL patients with no relapse history was downregulated after treatment and could be potential markers associated with the pathology, thereby revealing the potential value of this approach for a better characterization of the prediction of APL outcomes.
Comparative Analysis of the Chalcone-Flavanone Isomerase Genes in Six Citrus Species and Their Expression Analysis in Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
Authors: Wan Quan , Bai Tingting , Liu Minmin , Liu Ying , Xie Yating , Zhang Tao , Huang Min , Zhang Jinlian
Published: April 2022

Citrus fruit contains rich nutrients which is edible and of officinal value. Citrus flavanones are widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular and other diseases, and they are a foundational material of Chinese medicine. The chalcone-flavanone isomerase (CHI) plays a key role in flavanone synthesis. Therefore, we comprehensively analyzed CHI genes in Citrus species. Here, thirty CHI genes were identified for the first time in six Citrus species, which were divided into CHI and FAP groups. Evolutionary analysis showed that CHI gene members were highly conserved and were an ancient family. All CsCHI genes showed the highest expression level after the second physiological fruit-falling period in C. sinensis. CsCHI1 and CsCHI3 were highly expressed at 50 days after the flowering (DAF) stage in albedo. The expression of CsFAP2 and CsCHI3 genes at the 50 DAF stage was 16.5 and 24.3 times higher than that at the 220 DAF stage, respectively. The expression of CsCHI1, CsCHI3, and CsFAP2 genes in the peel was higher than that in the pulp, especially in common sweet orange. The CsCHI3 gene maintained a high expression level in the epicarp and juice sac at all periods. The members of CHIs interacted with chalcone synthase (CHS), flavonol synthase/flavanone 3-hydroxylase (FLS) and naringenin, and 2-oxoglutarate 3-dioxygenase (F3H) to form heterodimers, which might together play a regulatory role and participate in the flavonoid pathway. This study will provide the basis for the selection of flavonoids in plant tissues and periods and fundamental information for further functional studies.
Cytolytic CD4+ and CD8+ Regulatory T-Cells and Implications for Developing Immunotherapies to Combat Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Authors: Bolivar-Wagers Sara , Larson Jemma H. , Jin Sujeong , Blazar Bruce R.
Published: April 2022

Regulatory T-cells (Treg) are critical for the maintenance of immune homeostasis and tolerance induction. While the immunosuppressive mechanisms of Treg have been extensively investigated for decades, the mechanisms responsible for Treg cytotoxicity and their therapeutic potential in regulating immune responses have been incompletely explored and exploited. Conventional cytotoxic T effector cells (Teffs) are known to be important for adaptive immune responses, particularly in the settings of viral infections and cancer. CD4+ and CD8+ Treg subsets may also share similar cytotoxic properties with conventional Teffs. Cytotoxic effector Treg (cyTreg) are a heterogeneous population in the periphery that retain the capacity to suppress T-cell proliferation and activation, induce cellular apoptosis, and migrate to tissues to ensure immune homeostasis. The latter can occur through several cytolytic mechanisms, including the Granzyme/Perforin and Fas/FasL signaling pathways. This review focuses on the current knowledge and recent advances in our understanding of cyTreg and their potential application in the treatment of human disease, particularly Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD).
Genotoxic Mechanism of Action of TBBPA, TBBPS and Selected Bromophenols in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Barańska Anna , Woźniak Agnieszka , Mokra Katarzyna , Michałowicz Jaromir
Published: April 2022

Bromophenolic flame retardants (BFRs) are a large group of synthetic substances used in the industry in order to reduce the flammability of synthetic materials used in electrical and electronic devices, textiles, furniture and other everyday products. The presence of BFRs has been documented in the environment, food, drinking water, inhaled dust and the human body. Due to the widespread exposure of the general population to BFRs and insufficient knowledge on their toxic action, including genotoxic potential, we have compared the effect of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), tetrabromobisphenol S (TBBPS), 2,4,6,-tribromophenol (2,4,6-TBP) and pentabromophenol (PBP) on DNA damage in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) (playing a crucial role in the immune system) as well as examined underlying mechanism of action of these substances. The cells were incubated for 24 h with studied compounds in the concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 10 µg/mL. The study has shown that examined BFRs induced single and, to a lesser extent, double strand-breaks formation and caused oxidative damage to pyrimidines, and particularly to purines in the incubated cells. PBMCs efficiently repaired the DNA strand-breaks induced by BFRs, but they were unable to remove completely damaged DNA (except cells treated with TBBPS). The greatest changes in the above-mentioned parameters were observed in cells incubated with TBBPA, while the smallest in PBMCs treated with TBBPS. The results have also revealed that tested compounds do not form adducts with DNA in PBMCs, while the observed changes were the most probably induced by indirect DNA-damaging agents, such as ROS and other reactive species.
Exploration of Secondary Metabolite Production Potential in Actinobacteria Isolated From Kandelia candel Mangrove Plant
Authors: Hu Dini , Lee Simon Ming-Yuen , Li Kai , Mok Kai Meng
Published: April 2022

Mangroves are extreme inter-tidal environments containing rich microbial communities. Actinobacteria from mangroves have an unprecedented ability to biosynthesize secondary metabolites. Therefore, the secondary metabolite production potential of actinobacteria sourced from mangroves warrants further exploration to determine whether they offer new sources of natural products. For this purpose, we selected a strain of Mycobacterium saopaulense (Actinobacteria phylum) from the mangroves in Macau for whole genome sequencing and tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The results showed that the 5,376,881-bp genome from this strain contains 5,391 protein-coding genes and a coding density of 90.53%. The main participating KEGG pathway was “Metabolism”. Altogether, the 81 gene clusters identified in its genome were associated with the production of 23 secondary metabolites. Sixteen of them were classified as antibiotics and three of them as bioactive compounds. Furthermore, two of the predicted secondary metabolites from the fermentation process were clavulanic acid and streptomycin. Both of these antibiotics were initially found to be produced by the M. saopaulense strain. This study shows that mangrove-derived actinobacteria have a large number of biosynthetic pathways with the potential to produce a range of biologically active secondary metabolites.
Bile Acids Reduced the Lipid Deposition in Fatty Degenerated Hepatocytes of Pearl Gentian Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♂ × Epinephelus lanceolatus♀) in vitro
Authors: Xu Jia , Yao Xinzhou , Li Xiaoyue , Xie Shiwei , Chi Shuyan , Zhang Shuang , Cao Junming , Tan Beiping
Published: April 2022

Little is known about the association of bile acids (BAs) with lipid deposition and lipid metabolism of fish in vitro. In the present study, we established the model of fatty-degenerated hepatocytes in pearl gentian grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♂ × Epinephelus lanceolatus♀), and explored the effects and mechanism of BAs regulating on lipid metabolism in this model. The results showed that fatty-degenerated hepatocytes induced by lipid emulsion accumulated the intracellular triglyceride (TG), the enhanced expression of sterol responsive element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) protein, and the repressed expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARA), and phosphorylated PPARA (P-PPARA) proteins. BAs co-incubation reduced the content of TG, while increasing the expression of PPARA, farnesoid X receptor (FXR), and G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (TGR5) proteins. Activation of FXR by INT-747 reduced the content of TG, while down-regulating the expression of SREBP1 and PPARA, and up-regulating the expression of P-PPARA, FXR, small heterodimer partner (SHP), and TGR5. Inhibition of FXR by guggulsterone increased the level of TG, while decreasing the expression of TGR5, increasing the expression of SHP. Activation of TGR5 by INT-777 reduced the content of TG, while down-regulating the expression of SREBP1 and SHP, up-regulated the expression of TGR5. Inhibition of TGR5 by SBI-115 elevated the level of TG, while reducing the expression of P-PPARA and TGR5. In conclusion, the FXR and/or TGR5 signaling pathways which were inhibited in fatty-degenerated hepatocytes from pearl gentian grouper, were activated after BAs co-incubation, then altering the lipid metabolism by repressing lipogenesis and enhancing lipolysis, and regulating transcriptional factors, thus reduces the lipid accumulation in vitro.
Vegetation Regulates Element Composition of Soils by Enhancing Organic Matter Accumulation in the Salt Marshes of Liao River Delta, China
Authors: Wang Guodong , Wang Ming , Xue Zhenshan , Ren Zhibin , Jiang Ming , Otte Marinus
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate if vegetation regulates soil biogeochemistry in coastal salt marshes, here measured as element concentrations (43 elements) and organic matter content of the soils. We selected seven sampling sites in Liao River Delta, China, within each of which three areas existed in close proximity of each other, characterized as ‘bare, unvegetated sediments’, ‘Phragmites australis marsh’, and ‘Suaeda heteroptera marsh’. We recorded sampling locations and measured soil element concentrations, organic matter content, soil pH, soil salinity, soil water content, and soil electrical conductivity. All but four of element concentrations of soils varied by wetland type, and concentrations of 35 elements, and organic matter content increased from bare, unvegetated sites to Phragmites marshes to Suaeda marshes. Redundancy analysis (RDA) identified that organic matter content explained most variance. Organic matter content was positively related with most elements including nutrients and metals, negatively related with Sr, Ba and Na. However, further analysis of element concentrations revealed significant differences also between Phragmites-dominated and Suaeda-dominated sites, even though they did not differ significantly in organic matter content. This information highlights the importance of vegetation in regulating soil element composition and biogeochemical processes in coastal salt marshes.
Considerations on Immunization and Immunosuppression of Patients With Autoimmune Blistering Diseases During COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil: Case Report
Authors: Miyamoto Denise , Santi Claudia Giuli , Maruta Celina Wakisaka , Aoki Valeria
Published: April 2022

Autoimmune blistering diseases comprise a rare group of potentially life-threatening dermatoses. Management of autoimmune disorders poses a challenge in terms of achieving disease control and preventing adverse events. Treatment often requires an individualized approach considering disease severity, age, comorbidities, and infectious risk especially in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Knowledge regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection is still evolving and no specific antiviral therapy is available yet. We report four patients with active disease that required adjustment of treatment during the pandemic to discuss the use of immunosuppressants and immunobiologics, weighing potential risks and benefits of each therapy modality and vaccination status.
Multisystem Involvement Induced by Human Parvovirus B19 Infection in a Non-immunosuppressed Adult: A Case Report
Authors: Zou Qihang , Chen Peisong , Chen Jiaxin , Chen Dingbang , Xia Han , Chen Ling , Feng Huiyu , Feng Li
Published: April 2022

Background

Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection is usually symptomless and occurs in the childhood. While in immunocompromised adults, B19V infection also presents various clinical symptoms due to the host's immune status. The classic symptoms include erythema, anemia, arthropathy, and edema, but neurological involvement is rare.

Case Presentation

In this report, we present a case of B19V infection caused multiple organ dysfunction in a non-immunosuppressed adult. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) was used and successfully detected the pathogen in multiple types of samples, including blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The diagnosis was subsequently confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). He was treated with intravenous gamma globulin, resulting in a significant resolution of symptoms after 1 month.

Conclusion

Multisystem involvement induced by B19V infection was found in this case report. mNGS performed great advantages in rapidly and accurately diagnosing B19V infection in multiple types of samples, which helps the timely adjustment of treatment and improves the prognosis.
Combination of Fat-Free Muscle Index and Total Spontaneous Portosystemic Shunt Area Identifies High-Risk Cirrhosis Patients
Authors: Faron Anton , Abu-Omar Jasmin , Chang Johannes , Böhling Nina , Sprinkart Alois Martin , Attenberger Ulrike , Rockstroh Jürgen K. , Luu Andreas Minh , Jansen Christian , Strassburg Christian P. , Trebicka Jonel , Luetkens Julian , Praktiknjo Michael
Published: April 2022

Background

Sarcopenia and spontaneous portosystemic shunts (SPSSs) are common complications of liver cirrhosis, and both are associated with higher rates of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) development in these patients. This study aimed to evaluate the simultaneous impact of skeletal muscle mass and spontaneous portosystemic shunting, measured from routine diagnostic CT on outcomes in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of patients with cirrhosis. Skeletal muscle mass [including fat-free muscle index (FFMI) as a surrogate for sarcopenia] and total cross-sectional spontaneous portosystemic shunt area (TSA) were quantified from CT scans. The primary endpoint was the development of HE, while the secondary endpoint was 1-year mortality.

Results

One hundred fifty-six patients with liver cirrhosis were included. Patients with low (L-) FFMI and large (L-)TSA showed higher rates of HE development. In multivariable analysis, L-FFMI and L-TSA were independent predictors of HE development (L-FFMI HR = 2.69, CI 1.22–5.93; L-TSA, HR = 2.50, CI = 1.24–4.72) and 1-year mortality (L-FFMI, HR = 7.68, CI 1.75–33.74; L-TSA, HR = 3.05, CI 1.32–7.04). The simultaneous presence of L-FFMI and L-TSA exponentially increased the risk of HE development (HR 12.79, CI 2.93–55.86) and 1-year mortality (HR 13.66, CI 1.75–106.50). An easy sequential algorithm including FFMI and TSA identified patients with good, intermediate, and poor prognoses.

Conclusion

This study indicates synergy between low skeletal muscle mass and large TSA to predict exponentially increased risk of HE development and mortality in liver cirrhosis. Simultaneous screening for sarcopenia and TSA from routine diagnostic CT may help to improve the identification of high-risk patients using an easy-to-apply algorithm.

Clinical Trial registration

[ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT03584204].
Establishment and Verification of Prognostic Nomograms for Young Women With Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis
Authors: Wang Zhan , Shao Haiyu , Xu Qiang , Wang Yongguang , Ma Yaojing , Diaty Diarra Mohamed , Zhang Jiahao , Ye Zhaoming
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The prognosis of patients with metastatic breast cancer usually varies greatly among individuals. At present, the application of nomogram is very popular in metastatic tumors. The present study was conducted to identify independent survival predictors and construct nomograms among young women with breast cancer bone metastasis (BCBM).

Patients and Methods

We searched the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to identify young women diagnosed with BCBM between 2010 and 2016. We first analyzed the potential risk factors of overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) by applying univariate Cox regression analysis. Then we conducted multivariate Cox analysis to identify independent survival predictors. Based on significant independent predictors, we developed and validated novel prognostic nomograms by using the R version 4.1.0 software.

Results

We finally identified 715 eligible young women with BCBM for survival analysis, of which 358 patients were in the training set, and 357 patients in the validation set. Approximately four-fifths of patients are between 31 and 40 years old. The 5-year OS and CSS rates of this research population were 41.9 and 43.3%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed seven independent predictors of both OS and CSS, including race, tumor subtype, tumor size, surgical treatment, brain metastasis, liver metastasis, and lung metastasis. Based on these predictors, we developed and validated OS and CSS nomograms. The C-index of the OS nomogram reached 0.728 and 0.73 in the training and validation sets, respectively. The C-index of the CSS nomogram reached 0.743 and 0.695 in the training and validation sets, respectively. Meanwhile, high quality calibration plots were revealed in both OS and CSS nomograms.

Conclusion

The current novel nomograms can provide an individualized survival evaluation of young women with BCBM and instruct clinicians to treat them appropriately.
Senescence-Associated Molecules and Tumor-Immune-Interactions as Prognostic Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kellers Franziska , Fernandez Aurélie , Konukiewitz Björn , Schindeldecker Mario , Tagscherer Katrin E. , Heintz Achim , Jesinghaus Moritz , Roth Wilfried , Foersch Sebastian
Published: April 2022

Background and Aims

The initiation of cellular senescence in response to protumorigenic stimuli counteracts malignant progression in (pre)malignant cells. Besides arresting proliferation, cells entering this terminal differentiation state adopt a characteristic senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) which initiates alterations to their microenvironment and effects immunosurveillance of tumorous lesions. However, some effects mediated by senescent cells contribute to disease progression. Currently, the exploration of senescent cells' impact on the tumor microenvironment and the evaluation of senescence as possible target in colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy demand reliable detection of cellular senescence in vivo. Therefore, specific immunohistochemical biomarkers are required. Our aim is to analyze the clinical implications of senescence detection in colorectal carcinoma and to investigate the interactions of senescent tumor cells and their immune microenvironment in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Senescence was induced in CRC cell lines by low-dose-etoposide treatment and confirmed by Senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-GAL) staining and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. Co-cultures of senescent cells and immune cells were established. Multiple cell viability assays, electron microscopy and live cell imaging were conducted. Immunohistochemical (IHC) markers of senescence and immune cell subtypes were studied in a cohort of CRC patients by analyzing a tissue micro array (TMA) and performing digital image analysis. Results were compared to disease-specific survival (DSS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

Varying expression of senescence markers in tumor cells was associated with in- or decreased survival of CRC patients. Proximity analysis of p21-positive senescent tumor cells and cytotoxic T cells revealed a significantly better prognosis for patients in which these cell types have the possibility to directly interact. In vitro, NK-92 cells (mimicking natural killer T cells) or TALL-104 cells (mimicking both cytotoxic T cells and natural killer T cells) led to dose-dependent specific cytotoxicity in >75 % of the senescent CRC cells but <20 % of the proliferating control CRC cells. This immune cell-mediated senolysis seems to be facilitated via direct cell-cell contact inducing apoptosis and granule exocytosis.

Conclusion

Counteracting tumorigenesis, cellular senescence is of significant relevance in CRC. We show the dual role of senescence bearing both beneficial and malignancy-promoting potential in vivo. Absence as well as exceeding expression of senescence markers are associated with bad prognosis in CRC. The antitumorigenic potential of senescence induction is determined by tumor micromilieu and immune cell-mediated elimination of senescent cells.
Acquisition of Daptomycin Resistance by Enterococcus faecium Confers Collateral Sensitivity to Glycopeptides
Authors: Zeng Weiliang , Feng Luozhu , Qian Changrui , Chen Tao , Wang Sipei , Zhang Ying , Zheng Xiangkuo , Wang Lingbo , Liu Shixing , Zhou Tieli , Sun Yao
Published: April 2022

Daptomycin is a last-line antibiotic used in the treatment of multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecium infections. Alarmingly, daptomycin-resistant E. faecium isolates have emerged. In this study, we investigated the evolution and mechanisms of daptomycin resistance in clinical E. faecium isolates and the corresponding acquisition of collateral sensitivity (CS) as an evolutionary trade-off. We evolved daptomycin resistance in six daptomycin-susceptible E. faecium isolates to obtain daptomycin-resistant mutants. The six E. faecium strains successfully acquired high-level resistance to daptomycin in vitro, but this led to fitness costs in terms of growth, in vitro competition, and virulence. Mutations in liaFSR, yycFG, and cls; increased surface positive charge; thicker cell walls; and elevated expression of dltABCD and tagGH were observed in daptomycin-resistant mutants. Surprisingly, we observed the emergence of CS in SC1762 isolates after the induction of daptomycin resistance. Compared with parental strains, the SC1174-D strain (i.e., daptomycin-resistant mutant of SC1174; non-CS) showed significantly upregulated expression of the vanA gene cluster. However, in SC1762-D (i.e., daptomycin-resistant mutant of SC1762), all vanA cluster genes except the vanX gene were obviously downregulated. Further in silico analyses revealed that an IS1216E-based composite transposon was generated in SC1762-D, and it disrupted the vanH gene, likely affecting the structure and expression of the vanA gene cluster and resulting in resensitization to glycopeptides. Overall, this study reports a novel form of CS between daptomycin and glycopeptides in E. faecium. Further, it provides a valuable foundation for developing effective regimens and sequential combinations of daptomycin and glycopeptides against E. faecium.
Identification of Antibacterial Activity of Hepcidin From Antarctic Notothenioid Fish
Authors: Liu Mingli , Hu Ruiqin , Li Wenhao , Yang Wenyi , Xu Qianghua , Chen Liangbiao
Published: April 2022

Hepcidin is a small peptide composed of signal peptide, propeptide, and the bioactive mature peptide from N terminal to C terminal. Mature hepcidin is an antibacterial peptide and iron regulator with eight highly conserved cysteines forming four intramolecular disulfide bonds, giving it a β sheet hairpin-like structure. Hepcidin homologs are found in a variety of vertebrates, especially fish, and their diversity may be associated with different habitats and different levels of pathogens. Dissostichus mawsoni, an Antarctic notothenioid fish that lives in the coldest water unlike most places of the world, with at least two hepcidin variants with eight cysteines. We confirmed the formation process of activated mature hepcidins from D. mawsoni in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line, obtained recombinant hepcidin protein from prokaryotes, and characterized its binding ability and antibacterial activity against varying bacteria. The expression of hepcidin in CHO cell line showed that the prepropeptide of Dmhep_8cysV1 and Dmhep_8cysV2 cleavage into smaller mature peptide. The antibacterial assay and flow cytometry showed that Dmhep_8cysV1, Dmhep_8cysV2, and Drhep bound to different bacteria and killed them with different minimum inhibitory concentration. These data suggest that hepcidin plays an important role in the innate immunity of D. mawsoni and is of great value in improving resistance to pathogens.
Comparative Genomics of Members of the Genus Defluviicoccus With Insights Into Their Ecophysiological Importance
Authors: Bessarab Irina , Maszenan Abdul Majid , Haryono Mindia A. S. , Arumugam Krithika , Saw Nay Min Min Thaw , Seviour Robert J. , Williams Rohan B. H.
Published: April 2022

Members of the genus Defluviicoccus occur often at high abundances in activated sludge wastewater treatment plants designed to remove phosphorus, where biomass is subjected to alternating anaerobic feed/aerobic famine conditions, believed to favor the proliferation of organisms like Ca. Accumulibacter and other phosphate-accumulating organisms (PAO), and Defluviicoccus. All have a capacity to assimilate readily metabolizable substrates and store them intracellularly during the anaerobic feed stage so that under the subsequent famine aerobic stage, these can be used to synthesize polyphosphate reserves by the PAO and glycogen by Defluviicoccus. Consequently, Defluviicoccus is described as a glycogen-accumulating organism or GAO. Because they share a similar anaerobic phenotype, it has been proposed that at high Defluviicoccus abundance, the PAO are out-competed for assimilable metabolites anaerobically, and hence aerobic P removal capacity is reduced. Several Defluviicoccus whole genome sequences have been published (Ca. Defluviicoccus tetraformis, Defluviicoccus GAO-HK, and Ca. Defluviicoccus seviourii). The available genomic data of these suggest marked metabolic differences between them, some of which have ecophysiological implications. Here, we describe the whole genome sequence of the type strain Defluviicoccus vanusT, the only cultured member of this genus, and a detailed comparative re-examination of all extant Defluviicoccus genomes. Each, with one exception, which appears not to be a member of this genus, contains the genes expected of GAO members, in possessing multiple copies of those for glycogen biosynthesis and catabolism, and anaerobic polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthesis. Both 16S rRNA and genome sequence data suggest that the current recognition of four clades is insufficient to embrace their phylogenetic biodiversity, but do not support the view that they should be re-classified into families other than their existing location in the Rhodospirillaceae. As expected, considerable variations were seen in the presence and numbers of genes encoding properties associated with key substrate assimilation and metabolic pathways. Two genomes also carried the pit gene for synthesis of the low-affinity phosphate transport protein, pit, considered by many to distinguish all PAO from GAO. The data re-emphasize the risks associated with extrapolating the data generated from a single Defluviicoccus population to embrace all members of that genus.
The Many Faces of G Protein-Coupled Receptor 143, an Atypical Intracellular Receptor
Authors: Bueschbell Beatriz , Manga Prashiela , Schiedel Anke C.
Published: April 2022

GPCRs transform extracellular stimuli into a physiological response by activating an intracellular signaling cascade initiated via binding to G proteins. Orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) hold the potential to pave the way for development of new, innovative therapeutic strategies. In this review we will introduce G protein-coupled receptor 143 (GPR143), an enigmatic receptor in terms of classification within the GPCR superfamily and localization. GPR143 has not been assigned to any of the GPCR families due to the lack of common structural motifs. Hence we will describe the most important motifs of classes A and B and compare them to the protein sequence of GPR143. While a precise function for the receptor has yet to be determined, the protein is expressed abundantly in pigment producing cells. Many GPR143 mutations cause X-linked Ocular Albinism Type 1 (OA1, Nettleship-Falls OA), which results in hypopigmentation of the eyes and loss of visual acuity due to disrupted visual system development and function. In pigment cells of the skin, loss of functional GPR143 results in abnormally large melanosomes (organelles in which pigment is produced). Studies have shown that the receptor is localized internally, including at the melanosomal membrane, where it may function to regulate melanosome size and/or facilitate protein trafficking to the melanosome through the endolysosomal system. Numerous additional roles have been proposed for GPR143 in determining cancer predisposition, regulation of blood pressure, development of macular degeneration and signaling in the brain, which we will briefly describe as well as potential ligands that have been identified. Furthermore, GPR143 is a promiscuous receptor that has been shown to interact with multiple other melanosomal proteins and GPCRs, which strongly suggests that this orphan receptor is likely involved in many different physiological actions.