bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-slide pile structure development: New design concept and novel structure
Authors: Chen Guangfu , Guo Fei , Zhang Guodong , Liu Jie , Ding Lijuan
Published: January 2023

The anti-slide pile is one of the most used measures in landslide control globally. Following its application, various structures have been developed. In this paper, we analyze the anti-slide pile structure development process and extract two development paths. One path is aimed at improving the applicability. The second path starts from an in-depth study of pile–soil interactions. However, these two paths share a single design concept: The anti-slide pile provides direct resistance to maintain landslide stability, that is, the anti-slide pile and the landslide body are thought to be confrontational sides. We here propose developing and utilizing the landslide body in anti-slide pile design. Accordingly, the confrontation relationship between the anti-slide pile and the landslide body can be changed while shifting away from the view that the landslide body is only a hazard. On this basis, we also design a novel structure: An arm-stretching-type anti-slide pile. The simulation verification results show that this novel structure works well in realizing the proposed design concept. Compared with the commonly used wholly buried pile, the safety factor of the landslide controlled by the novel structure is improved by 43.56%. This study promotes the design concept of anti-slide pile developing from the existing slide–resist single mode to the slide–self-stabilize–resist compound mode.
Organizational preparedness domains and indicators of educational organizations for students with disabilities in pandemic times: A scoping review
Authors: Vlachou Anastasia , Kalaitzi Stavroula , Tsermidou Lia , Toulia Anastasia , Papazoglou Theodora , Fyssa Aristea , Papazis Filippos
Published: January 2023

Background

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on educational systems has caused a profound shift in the organization and delivery of education worldwide. The effects of the pandemic crisis on educational systems proved to be detrimental for students with disabilities, highlighting not only the looming social and educational inequalities but also the huge gap in organizational preparedness for education, including identifying the main areas (domains) of preparedness that guide the process of organizational preparedness and the sub-themes (indicators) per domain that help educational organizations to evaluate their level of preparedness and to identify potential gaps and set priorities for preparedness planning.

Methods

Scoping review with thematic analysis was performed on literature published from 2010 to 2022. Six scientific databases (PsycInfo, Web of Science, Eric, Scopus, Proquest, JSTOR) and one academic search engine (Google Scholar) were examined in order to identify publications (peer-reviewed and preprint) in English. The search strategy and robust eligibility criteria were defined by the authors, who also performed screening of the papers, eligibility decisions, and key data extractions. A thematic analysis was applied to define the organizational preparedness domains and indicators per domain, informed by a system thinking approach for educational organizations. Conflicts were collaboratively resolved after each step. All members of the research team were involved in the data synthesis.

Results

From 1,564 publications identified, 216 were included in the final analysis. Six domains and 14 indicators were identified.

Conclusion

The organizational preparedness in educational organizations in pandemic crisis times needs to be prioritized in the educational policy agenda, drawing special attention on students with disabilities. The identified preparedness domains and indicators may guide the policy dialogue and inform accordingly a system thinking change approach in education and disability.
Lactate-related metabolic reprogramming and immune regulation in colorectal cancer
Authors: Sun Qianhui , Wu Jingyuan , Zhu Guanghui , Li Tingting , Zhu Xiaoyu , Ni Baoyi , Xu Bowen , Ma Xinyi , Li Jie
Published: January 2023

Changes in cellular metabolism involving fuel sources are well-known mechanisms of cancer cell differentiation in the context of carcinogenesis. Metabolic reprogramming is regulated by oncogenic signaling and transcriptional networks and has been identified as an essential component of malignant transformation. Hypoxic and acidified tumor microenvironment contributes mainly to the production of glycolytic products known as lactate. Mounting evidence suggests that lactate in the tumor microenvironment of colorectal cancer(CRC) contributes to cancer therapeutic resistance and metastasis. The contents related to the regulatory effects of lactate on metabolism, immune response, and intercellular communication in the tumor microenvironment of CRC are also constantly updated. Here we summarize the latest studies about the pleiotropic effects of lactate in CRC and the clinical value of targeting lactate metabolism as treatment. Different effects of lactate on various immune cell types, microenvironment characteristics, and pathophysiological processes have also emerged. Potential specific therapeutic targeting of CRC lactate metabolism is also discussed. With increased knowledge, effective druggable targets might be identified, with the aim of improving treatment outcomes by reducing chemoresistance.
Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition via dapagliflozin improves diabetic kidney disease (DKD) over time associatied with increasing effect on the gut microbiota in db/db mice
Authors: Wu Jiajia , Chen Yan , Yang Huinan , Gu Leyi , Ni Zhaohui , Mou Shan , Shen Jianxiao , Che Xiajing
Published: January 2023

Background

The intestinal microbiota disorder gradually aggravates during the progression of diabetes. Dapagliflozin (DAPA) can improve diabetes and diabetic kidney disease(DKD). However, whether the gut microbiota plays a role in the protection of DAPA for DKD remains unclear.

Methods

To investigate the effects of DAPA on DKD and gut microbiota composition during disease progression, in our study, we performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing on fecal samples from db/m mice (control group), db/db mice (DKD model group), and those treated with DAPA (treat group) at three timepoints of 14weeks\18weeks\22weeks.

Results

We found that DAPA remarkably prevented weight loss and lowered fasting blood glucose in db/db mice during disease progression, eventually delaying the progression of DKD. Intriguingly, the study strongly suggested that there is gradually aggravated dysbacteriosis and increased bile acid during the development of DKD. More importantly, comparisons of relative abundance at the phylum level and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) plots roughly reflected that the effect of DAPA on modulating the flora of db/db mice increased with time. Specifically, the relative abundance of the dominant Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes was not meaningfully changed among groups at 14 weeks as previous studies described. Interestingly, they were gradually altered in the treat group compared to the model group with a more protracted intervention of 18 weeks and 22 weeks. Furthermore, the decrease of Lactobacillus and the increase of norank_f:Muribaculaceae could account for the differences at the phylum level observed between the treat group and the model group at 18 weeks and 22 weeks.

Conclusion

We firstly found that the protective effect of DAPA on DKD may be related to the dynamic improvement of the gut microbiota over time, possibly associated with the impact of DAPA on the bile acid pool and its antioxidation effect.
Clinical and genetic analysis of atypical parathyroid adenoma compared with parathyroid carcinoma and benign lesions in a Chinese cohort
Authors: Chen Yingyu , Song An , Nie Min , Jiang Yan , Li Mei , Xia Weibo , Wang Ou , Xing Xiaoping
Published: January 2023

Context

The malignant potential and molecular signature of atypical parathyroid adenoma (APA) remain elusive. Data from Asia are still lacking.

Design and setting

This was a retrospective study on a large APA cohort in a single center from mainland China.

Methods

A total of 320 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), containing 79 APA, 79 Parathyroid cancer (PC) and 162 benign lesions cases, were enrolled after surgery for collection of clinical data and genetic analysis.

Results

APA patients showed earlier mean onset age than benign group (46.9 ± 17.1 vs. 52.0 ± 14.3 yrs). Less bone involvement and gastrointestinal symptoms were presented in APA compared to PC (35.4% vs. 62.0%, and 17.7% vs. 41.8%), while more urolithiasis was seen in APA than in benign lesions (57.0% vs. 29.6%). The APA group had moderate hypercalcemia (mean 3.02 ± 0.44mmol/L) with elevated serum PTH (median 593.0pg/ml) and proportion of hypercalcemic crisis as 22.8%, all higher than those of benign lesions but lower than those of PC group. The recurrence/no remission rate of the APA group was significantly lower than that of the PC and similar to the benign group (5.1% vs. 31.6% vs. 3.1%). Germline CDC73 mutation was the most common molecular abnormality in both PC and APA subjects. APA patients with nonsynonymous germline variants showed earlier onset age (28.5 ± 16.9 vs. 48.1 ± 17.7 yrs) and more cases developing no remission/recurrence (25.0% vs. 0.0%).

Conclusions

Patients with APA presented clinical and biochemical characteristics much less severe than PC and resembling the benign neoplasms, with a relatively good prognosis. Germline gene variations were associated with earlier onset and probably more recurrence of PHPT in APA.
Low glomerular number at birth can lead to the development of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Fukunaga Shohei , Fujita Yuki
Published: January 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence is increasing worldwide, and reducing the number of patients with CKD is of utmost importance. The environment during the fetal, perinatal, and early childhood stages may influence CKD development (developmental origins of health and disease). Under conditions of maternal malnutrition, the glomerular number of infants reduces, and the risk of developing CKD may increase. Nephron progenitor cells and ureteric buds interact with each other to form glomeruli at the tip of the ureteric bud. Thus, the number of glomeruli is determined by the number of ureteric bud branches, which are reportedly decreased due to maternal malnutrition, in turn reducing the glomerular number. Four possible mechanisms can explain the low glomerular number resulting from maternal malnutrition: 1) suppression of c-Ret expression, 2) suppression of nephron formation by renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibition, 3) exposure to excess glucocorticoids, and 4) promotion of apoptosis. Additionally, nephron formation does not continue after birth in humans. Therefore, a low glomerular number at birth is a lifelong burden on the glomeruli and increases the risk of developing CKD. Therefore, it is important to maintain the glomerular number at birth. Accurate glomerular counts are essential for conducting studies on the glomerular number. The dissector/fractionator method is the gold standard; however, it can only be performed at some institutions. Recently, methods have been developed to measure the glomerular number by combining computed tomography and pathological examination and measure the glomerular count using magnetic resonance imaging. Models of decreased and increased glomerular numbers have been developed. Moreover, research regarding the causes of decreased glomerular number and its relationship with development of lifestyle-related diseases and renal dysfunction has significantly progressed, furthering our understanding of the importance of glomerular number.
Numerical simulation based on a weakly compressible model in the multi-elbow pipe
Authors: Lin Peifeng , Kang Xuefeng , Huang Ruijian
Published: January 2023

The negative pressure wave method is a more important method used for pipeline leak detection and location in practical engineering applications. In this paper, a new method based on a weakly compressible model and a standard k-e turbulence model is proposed, which is used to simulate the propagation of negative pressure waves in pipelines. The purpose of the study is to capture the negative pressure wave propagation phenomenon in multi-elbow pipe leaks based on the weakly compressible method and to investigate the negative pressure wave propagation law in multi-elbow pipes. The results show that the negative pressure wave transmission phenomenon inside the leaking pipeline can be calculated by using the weakly compressible model, and the transmission law is consistent with the actual one. It was found that the propagation velocity of the negative pressure wave in the elbow was 1.4% higher than that in the straight pipe, and there was backflow in each elbow, which affected the propagation distance of the negative pressure wave at different locations in the elbow. The vortex viscosity and turbulence frequency in the axis of the elbow were 12.2% and 5.4% higher than those in the straight pipe, respectively. In addition, the high viscous force and pulsation frequency in the elbow accelerate the volume compression and expansion of the flow elements, for which the equivalent length equation of the elbow in the negative pressure wave leakage localization method is proposed to verify the applicability of the weakly compressible model. The research in this paper reveals the internal effects of the negative pressure wave method in the bend as well as provides an innovative equivalence formula for the negative pressure wave leak location method. This work will provide a more accurate method for pipeline leak detection and localization.
Fault diagnosis of free-conducting particles within GIL based on vibration signals
Authors: Duan Dawei , Ma Hongzhong , Yang Qifan , Li Nan
Published: January 2023

Accurate quantitative diagnosis of free-conducting particle faults plays an important role in improving the reliability of the gas insulated line (GIL) system. However, the existing fault diagnosis methods cannot accurately identify the free-conducting particle faults with different quantities and sizes. Motivated by this, this paper proposes a novel fault diagnosis method based on vibration signals, which integrates variational mode decomposition (VMD), self-adapting whale optimization algorithm-multiscale permutation entropy (SAWOA-MPE), and deep forest (DF). First, the raw vibration signals of free-conducting particle faults are decomposed via VMD, and the decomposed signals are reconstructed based on the correlation degree. Afterwards, SAWOA is employed to optimize the critical parameters of MPE, and the optimized MPE is further utilized to extract the fault features of the reconstructed signals. Finally, the extracted feature vectors are trained and tested to construct a valid DF classification model that identifies the free-conducting particle faults. The experimental results indicate that the identification accuracy of the proposed method can reach 99.5%. Moreover, comparative tests based on various feature vector extraction methods and classification models further validate the superiority of the proposed method.
Challenge for the validation of high-fidelity multi-physics LWR modeling and simulation: Development of new experiments in research reactors
Authors: Vaglio-Gaudard Claire , Destouches Christophe , Hawari Ayman , Avramova Maria , Ivanov Kostadin , Valentine Timothy , Blaise Patrick , Hudelot Jean-Pascal
Published: January 2023

Current approaches to validate multi-physics coupling mainly rely upon experimental data from the operation of the current reactor fleet. These data allow global experimental validation based on Light Water Reactor (LWR) macroscopic physical parameters of interest. However, they are insufficient for validating detailed coupling at the assembly and pin level. The use of well-controlled experimental data provided by research reactors is essential to implement a rigorous and consistent step-wise validation process of high-fidelity multi-physics coupling. That is why experimental data, such as the core power evolution in a transient-state coming from the SPERT-III experimental program and the CABRI research reactor, are analyzed as a first step towards this objective for the simulation of LWR transients initiated by reactivity insertion. The analysis of the state-of-the-art shows no existing experimental benchmark available worldwide for LWRs to consistently and rigorously validate advanced reactor physics/thermal-hydraulics/fuel performance coupling at the pin- or sub-channel scale. In this context, a discussion is therefore initiated in this paper on the perspective of developing new experiments dedicated to high-fidelity multi-physics tools, focusing on a first application: the validation of reactivity feedback effects. Very few existing light-water experimental reactors containing UO2fuel could today have the capacity to host these experiments. The development of a new validation experiment could only be achievable by considering a two-stage process for the experiment realization: a first stage involving a distributed network of sensors in the reactor core using instrumentation commonly used in research reactors, and a second stage implementing an instrumented fuel pin and innovative experimental techniques, in the longer term. Even if the OECD/NEA activities in the Expert Group on Multi-Physics Experimental Data, Benchmarks and Validation (EGMPEBV) (currently merged in the Expert Group on Multi-Physics of Reactor Systems – EGMUP) have started to pave the way for the development of such a high-fidelity multi-physics experiment, most of the work is still ahead of us.
Methods for the detection and characterization of boat paint microplastics in the marine environment
Authors: Gondikas Andreas , Mattsson Karin , Hassellöv Martin
Published: January 2023

Microplastics in the marine environment have been the focus of intense research recently, however little attention has been given to boat paint sources, despite its direct influence on the marine ecosystem. This is largely due to the lack of established analytical methods. Microplastics from boating sources may originate from antifouling paints on the underwater body, surface coatings on the top sides, deck, and superstructure, as well as plastic parts of the boat construction. Their release can occur during construction, operation (leisure boats and commercial ships), service, and maintenance, from the materials themselves or used chemicals (e.g., abrasive detergents). Most importantly, boat paint microplastics containing biocides, such as the metals copper and zinc, and particles containing tin (residues from old or current use of tributyl-tin ship hull paints) should raise higher concern on potential environmental impacts. This study aims to provide practical insight on methods for the quantification of boat paint microplastics in marine waters and provide a baseline survey on their occurrence. Sampling and analysis methods are applied on case studies, i.e., marinas on the Swedish coast. A multi-method approach for identifying and characterizing boat paint microplastics based on visual and chemical characteristics is presented. In general, the measured content of biocide-containing microplastics was remarkably high in all marinas, with concentration levels of copper-rich particles >10 μm between 400 and 1400 particles per L. Given that biocide paint particles are manufactured to be toxic, it is particularly important to take into account field measurements in future environmental status assessments. This work underlines the importance of monitoring data in the action work between relevant authorities and stakeholders.
Infrastructure development, human development index, and CO2 emissions in China: A quantile regression approach
Authors: Liu Yaofei , Poulová Petra , Pražák Pavel , Ullah Farman , Nathaniel Solomon Prince
Published: January 2023

This study investigates the relationships between infrastructure development, human development index (HDI), and CO2 emissions in China. Infrastructure has played an essential role in achieving social and economic developmental goals in China, but environmental pollution has significantly increased in the country in the last two decades. Our analysis uses time series data from 1990 to 2021 and quantile regressions, and we find that infrastructure has positive and statistically significant relationships with HDI, CO2 emissions, and GDP in all quantiles. Recent infrastructure upgrades improve living standards and increase HDI but damage the environment, and infrastructure is the main source of CO2 emissions in the country. Therefore, the government should invest in sustainable infrastructure to mitigate CO2 emissions. The government may consider infrastructure options such as low carbon transportation, including railway infrastructure, urban metros, and light rail.
Bioclimatic drivers of forage growth and cover in alpine rangelands
Authors: Wang Li , Ma Wenmei , Zhou Dan , Chen Qi , Liu Lu , Li Long
Published: January 2023

Context

Climate change and human activities have significant impacts on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau; the alpine ecosystem in this region has been degraded. A decline in forage yield reduces the livestock carrying capacity, but an unmitigated increase may lead to overfeeding and damage to vegetation. These changes have eventually led to grassland degradation and a series of ecological problems. Therefore, it is essential to examine bioclimatic factors that affect forage growth in grasslands.

Objective

To identify bioclimatic factors associated with forage growth and coverage in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau.

Methods

We examined how forage growth and coverage are affected by 35 bioclimatic indicators published in a global database (CMCC-BioClimInd).

Results and conclusions

We comprehensively considered the relationship between 35 indicators and forage yield and coverage and found that the combination of temperature and precipitation indicators had a very high correlation with yield and coverage. When we evaluated the relationship between each index and forage yield, forage yield was found to be significantly correlated with 16 bioclimatic indices. Forage yield was positively correlated with yearly positive precipitation (R2 = 0.49, p < 0.05), annual precipitation (R2 = 0.48, p < 0.05), and precipitation of driest quarter (R2 = 0.47, p < 0.05), and negatively correlated with temperature seasonality (R2 = 0.52, p < 0.05), precipitation seasonality (R2 = 0.39, p < 0.05), and simplified continentality index (R2 = 0.48). Forage coverage was significantly correlated with 15 bioclimatic indicators. It showed positive correlations with precipitation of driest quarter (R2 = 0.36, p < 0.05), precipitation of driest month (R2 = 0.33, p < 0.05), and annual precipitation (R2 = 0.31, p < 0.05), and negative correlations with temperature seasonality (R2 = 0.415, p < 0.05), annual temperature range, precipitation seasonality, and simplified continentality index (R2 = 0.37, p < 0.05).

Significance

We identified bioclimatic indicators that affect forage growth in the northeastern Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, and explored the physiological and ecological mechanisms underlying forage growth. Our results provide a scientific basis for future forage management, early determination of livestock carrying capacity, rational management of animal husbandry practices, and ecological protection and restoration efforts.
Water relations and yield characteristics of mungbean as influenced by foliar application of gibberellic acid (GA3)
Authors: Islam Mohammad Sohidul , Hasan Md. Kamrul , Islam Md. Rafiqul , Chowdhury Md. Kaium , Pramanik Moaz Hosen , Iqbal Muhammad Aamir , Rajendran Karthika , Iqbal Rashid , Soufan Walid , Kamran Muhammad , Liyun Liu , El Sabagh Ayman
Published: January 2023

Optimizing the dose and foliar application frequency of growth regulators such as gibberellic acid (GA3) may play an important role in ensuring food security under changing climate scenarios by boosting grain yield of food legumes such as mungbean. A trial was conducted to evaluate the growth promoting effect of foliage applied gibberellic acid (GA3) at various spraying frequencies for mungbean crop. The employed treatments included four gibberellic acid levels (0, 100, 200, and 300 ppm) and two application frequencies (single spray at 30 days after sowing DAS, and two sprays at 30 and 40 DAS). Water relations, yield contributing characteristics and mungbean grain yield were among the response variables investigated. The research findings revealed that GA3(200 ppm applied twice at pre-flowering and post-flowering stages) significantly improved the water relations, morphological and yield attributes of mungbean. This treatment combination remained unmatched by producing the highest relative water content in the stem (85.52), water retention capacity in the stem (17.24), and water uptake capacity in the stem and leaf (2.35). Furthermore, the same treatment combination resulted in the maximum plant height (50.04 cm), pods per plant (11.07), pod length (6.62 cm), grains number per pod (11.00), 100-grains weight (3.78 g), grain yield per plant (4.57 g), and a minimum water saturation deficit. Thus, GA3foliage application at 200 ppm at 30 and 60 DAS has the potential to stimulate growth and increase the yield attributes and grain yield of mungbean. However, additional in-depth field trials with various doses of GA3sprayed at a higher frequency may be required before recommending GA3for general adoption to mungbean growers.
Relationship between microclimate and cow behavior and milk yield under low-temperature and high-humidity conditions
Authors: Song Jiamei , Yu Qingyuan , Wang Xiaolin , Wang Yiqiang , Zhang Yonggen , Sun Yukun
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), and temperature and humidity index (THI), milk yield (MY), rumination time (RT), and activity (AT) of dairy cows in different parities under low temperature and high humidity (LTHH). In this study, the number of samples each day was determined by all healthy cows in the barn with parity and days in milk (DIM) within 5 and 305, respectively. The box plot method was used for screening and removing outliers of dairy cow indicators after classification according to parity and DIM. To remove the effect of DIM on MY, a bivariate regression model was used to standardize the MY in milk yield index (MYI). The best bivariate regression model based on the lowest Akaike information criterion was used to analyze the relationship between behavioral parameters, MYI, and microclimate indicators for each parity. In the barn with the microclimate at a low temperature above 0°C, high RH was negatively correlated with MYI in primiparous and multiparous cows but positively correlated with AT in primiparous and multiparous cows and RT in multiparous cows (p < 0.05), so RH was a significant factor related to MYI, RT, and AT of cows. The 2-day lagged daily average T and THI were correlated with MYI in primiparous cows (p < 0.05). The inflection point value of 71.9 between AT and RH in the multiparity as the upper limit of RH was beneficial for improving comfort and MY in all parity dairy cows. Compared with MYI and RT, AT had a higher R2 with a microclimate indicator, so it could be used as a better indicator for assessing the LTHH. Comparing the R2 of multiparous cows to T (R2 = 0.0807) and THI (R2 = 0.1247), primiparous cows had higher R2 in MYI to T (R2 = 0.2833) and THI (R2 = 0.3008). Therefore, primiparous cows were more susceptible to T and THI. The inflection point values for MYI to T and THI were greater in primiparous cows than in multiparous cows, indicating that primiparous cows had a smaller tolerance range to T and THI than multiparous cows. Thus, parity should be considered when studying the relationship between MY, T, and THI under LTHH.
Natural selection versus neutral mutation in the evolution of subterranean life: A false dichotomy?
Authors: Culver David C. , Kowalko Johanna E. , Pipan Tanja
Published: January 2023

Throughout the evolutionary tree, there are gains and losses of morphological features, physiological processes, and behavioral patterns. Losses are perhaps nowhere so prominent as for subterranean organisms, which typically show reductions or losses of eyes and pigment. These losses seem easy to explain without recourse to natural selection. Its most modern form is the accumulation of selectively neutral, structurally reducing mutations. Selectionist explanations include direct selection, often involving metabolic efficiency in resource poor subterranean environments, and pleiotropy, where genes affecting eyes and pigment have other effects, such as increasing extra-optic sensory structures. This dichotomy echoes the debate in evolutionary biology in general about the sufficiency of natural selection as an explanation of evolution, e.g., Kimura’s neutral mutation theory. Tests of the two hypotheses have largely been one-sided, with data supporting that one or the other processes is occurring. While these tests have utilized a variety of subterranean organisms, the Mexican cavefish,Astyanax mexicanus, which has eyed extant ancestral-like surface fish conspecifics, is easily bred in the lab, and whose whole genome has been sequenced, is the favored experimental organism. However, with few exceptions, tests for selection versus neutral mutations contain limitations or flaws. Notably, these tests are often one sided, testing for the presence of one or the other process. In fact, it is most likely that both processes occur and make a significant contribution to the two most studied traits in cave evolution: eye and pigment reduction. Furthermore, narrow focus on neutral mutation hypothesis versus selection to explain cave-evolved traits often fails, at least in the simplest forms of these hypotheses, to account for aspects that are likely essential for understanding cave evolution: migration or epigenetic effects. Further, epigenetic effects and phenotypic plasticity have been demonstrated to play an important role in cave evolution in recent studies. Phenotypic plasticity does not by itself result in genetic change of course, but plasticity can reveal cryptic genetic variation which then selection can act on. These processes may result in a radical change in our thinking about evolution of subterranean life, especially the speed with which it may occur. Thus, perhaps it is better to ask what role the interaction of genes and environment plays, in addition to natural selection and neutral mutation.
RNAi verifications on olfactory defects of an essential biocontrol agent Agasicles hygrophila (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) regarding mating and host allocation
Authors: Ning Xiaoyu , Huang Cong , Dong Changhong , Jin Jisu , Qiao Xi , Guo Jianying , Qian Wanqiang , Cao Fengqin , Wan Fanghao
Published: January 2023

Alligator weedAlternanthera philoxeroidesis a perennial, worldwide pernicious weed. The beetleAgasicles hygrophilais considered to be a classical biological agent used to controlA. philoxeroides. In the insect peripheral olfactory system, the odorant receptor co-receptor (ORco) plays an important function in the perception of odors in insects. However, the function of ORco in the mating and host-finding behaviors ofA. hygrophilaremains unclear. In this study, we characterized the odorant receptor co-receptor ofA. hygrophila(AhygOrco). Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT–PCR) showed thatAhygOrcowas predominantly expressed in the antennae of both male and female adults, and the difference between male and female antennae was not significant. The RNA interference (RNAi) results showed that compared to the control, the injection ofAhygOrcodsRNA strongly reduced the expression ofAhygOrcoby 90% in male beetles and 89% in female beetles. The mate-seeking and feeding behavior ofAhygOrco-silenced beetles were significantly inhibited. Male adults were significantly less successful in finding a mate compared to the control group. Furthermore, host allocation abilities towardA. philoxeroidesof both adults were significantly repressed. These results indicated thatAhygOrcois associated withA. hygrophilafeeding and mate-seeking and that inhibition ofAhygOrcoexpression is one of the causes of reduced host and mate recognition inA. hygrophila. Meanwhile, the study provides support for exploring gene functions based on RNAi.
Positive long-term effects of year-round horse grazing in orchid-rich dry calcareous grasslands–Results of a 12-year study
Authors: Köhler Martina , Schmidt Annika , Hölzel Norbert , Baasch Annett , Tischew Sabine
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Dry calcareous grasslands are among the most species-rich habitats worldwide but strongly endangered by abandonment causing a severe decline of characteristic species such as orchids. To counteract further degradation, economically sustainable restoration tools such as megaherbivore grazing, that aim to substitute extinct wild grazers, should be considered. However, the long-term effects on target species of dry grasslands, and in particular for orchid populations, is still unclear.

Methods

To contribute to this knowledge gap, we applied vegetation surveys (5 m  ×  5 m), as well as large-scale census-based orchid observation and mapping of habitat structures (50 m  ×  50 m) in a year-round grazing scheme of a Natura 2000 site in Central Germany over 12 years. The horses and their grazing activity were observed via GPS telemetry. We fitted linear mixed models to evaluate whether Ophrys apifera density was affected by horse feeding frequency, habitat structure variables (bare soil patches, woody plant cover), grassland type or years.

Results

A The main results were that the target dry calcareous grassland vegetation significantly increased in species numbers and cover. The total abundance of O. apifera increased from 1,237 (2013) and 1,893 (2018), to 4,652 (2021) individuals. Ophrys apifera density was positively affected by horse feeding frequency as well as grazing-induced enhanced bare soil patches but underlying mechanisms varied between the three classified grassland types.

Discussion

Our results indicate that low-intensity year-round horse grazing as a relatively new restoration tool in dry calcareous grasslands has the potential to enhance floristic biodiversity in general, and particularly O. apifera density in the long run. Furthermore, we showed that highvalue xeric grasslands with outstanding orchid abundances can be integrated into the year-round grazing system and that there is no need of fencing off such sections.
Negative effects on the development of Chrysodeixis includens and Spodoptera cosmioides fed by peanut plants inoculated with entomopathogenic fungi
Authors: Vinha Fernando Belezini , Rojas Luis Angel Chicoma , Ramos Sales Cinara , Monteiro Lima Natalia Sarmanho , Nascimento Joacir Do , De Carvalho Lucas Amoroso Lopes , Lemos Eliana Gertrudes De Macedo
Published: January 2023

Recent studies have shown that entomopathogenic fungi, as endophytes, can have beneficial effects on plants, protecting them from defoliating insects. The potential of endophytic association by entomopathogenic fungi with the peanut crop has been little explored. In our study, we conducted experiments by inoculation of peanut seeds through a soil drench method with nine strains/species of entomopathogenic fungi of the genera Metarhizium, Beauveria and Cordyceps, subsequently these plants were consumed by two larval pests, Chrysodeixis includens and Spodoptera cosmioides. The parameters of larval growth rates, mortality, foliar consumption and larval period were observed during the development of larvae. In addition, the endophytic capacity of these fungi in peanut plants and their persistence in soil were investigated. In two replicate greenhouse trials for each larva, peanut plants were inoculated with fungi by the soil-drench method. We evaluated the performance of C. includens and S. cosmioides feeding on inoculated peanut plants starting at the 2nd larval instar. The larval and pupal weights of C. includens and S. cosmioides were significantly different among the fungal treatment groups, where insects feeding on control plants exhibited higher larval and pupal weights than insects feeding on treated plants. The differences in larval period showed that Control larvae pupated faster than the larvae fed on fungal-inoculated plants, fungal treatments had a larval period of 3 to 5 days more than the control. The mortality rates of C. includens and S. cosmioides were significantly different among the fungal treatment groups, insects fed on Control plants exhibited higher survival than insects fed on fungal-inoculated plants. The persistence of all Metarhizium fungi was higher in the soil compared to other fungi, and only Metarhizium and B. bassiana IBCB215 emerged from the phyllosphere of peanut plants. Although the fungus Cordyceps presented the worst performance among the fungal treatments. Overall, our results demonstrate the negative effects on the development of C. includens and S. cosmioides that were fed on fungal-inoculated peanut plants, the best results recorded were for Metarhizium strains and the fungus B. bassiana IBCB215.
Precision Population Medicine in Primary Care: The Sanford Chip Experience
Authors: Christensen Kurt D. , Bell Megan , Zawatsky Carrie L. B. , Galbraith Lauren N. , Green Robert C. , Hutchinson Allison M. , Jamal Leila , LeBlanc Jessica L. , Leonhard Jennifer R. , Moore Michelle , Mullineaux Lisa , Petry Natasha , Platt Dylan M. , Shaaban Sherin , Schultz April , Tucker Bethany D. , Van Heukelom Joel , Wheeler Elizabeth , Zoltick Emilie S. , Hajek Catherine ,   on behalf of the Imagenetics Metrics Team
Published: January 2023

Genetic testing has the potential to revolutionize primary care, but few health systems have developed the infrastructure to support precision population medicine applications or attempted to evaluate its impact on patient and provider outcomes. In 2018, Sanford Health, the nation’s largest rural nonprofit health care system, began offering genetic testing to its primary care patients. To date, more than 11,000 patients have participated in the Sanford Chip Program, over 90% of whom have been identified with at least one informative pharmacogenomic variant, and about 1.5% of whom have been identified with a medically actionable predisposition for disease. This manuscript describes the rationale for offering the Sanford Chip, the programs and infrastructure implemented to support it, and evolving plans for research to evaluate its real-world impact.
Case report: The CCDC103 variant causes ultrastructural sperm axonemal defects and total sperm immotility in a professional athlete without primary ciliary diskinesia
Authors: Luongo Francesca Paola , Luddi Alice , Ponchia Rosetta , Ferrante Rossella , Di Rado Sara , Paccagnini Eugenio , Gentile Mariangela , Lupetti Pietro , Guazzo Raffaella , Orrico Alfredo , Stuppia Liborio , Piomboni Paola
Published: January 2023

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an inherited autosomal-recessive disorder characterized by abnormal ciliary motion, due to a defect in ciliary structure and/or function. This genetic condition leads to recurrent upper and lower respiratory infections, bronchiectasis, laterality defect, and subfertility. Male infertility is often associated with PCD, since the ultrastructure of the axoneme in the sperm tail is similar to that of the motile cilia of respiratory cells. We present the first reported case of a male patient from a non-consanguineous Italian family who exhibited a severe form of asthenozoospermia factor infertility but no situs inversus and absolutely no signs of the clinical respiratory phenotype, the proband being a professional basketball player. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) has identified a homozygote mutation (CCDC103 c.461 A>C, p.His154Pro) in the proband, while his brother was a heterozygous carrier for this mutation. Morphological and ultrastructural analyses of the axoneme in the sperm flagellum demonstrated the complete loss of both the inner and outer dynein arms (IDA and ODA, respectively). Moreover, immunofluorescence of DNAH1, which is used to check the assembly of IDA, and DNAH5, which labels ODA, demonstrated that these complexes are absent along the full length of the flagella in the spermatozoa from the proband, which was consistent with the IDA and ODA defects observed. Noteworthy, TEM analysis of the axoneme from respiratory cilia showed that dynein arms, although either IDAs and/or ODAs seldom missing on some doublets, are still partly present in each observed section. This case reports the total sperm immotility associated with the CCDC103 p.His154Pro mutation in a man with a normal respiratory phenotype and enriches the variant spectrum of ccdc103 variants and the associated clinical phenotypes in PCD, thus improving counseling of patients about their fertility and possible targeted treatments.
Prediction of the tetramer protein complex interaction based on CNN and SVM
Authors: Lyu Yanfen , He Ruonan , Hu Jingjing , Wang Chunxia , Gong Xinqi
Published: January 2023

Protein-protein interactions play an important role in life activities. The study of protein-protein interactions helps to better understand the mechanism of protein complex interaction, which is crucial for drug design, protein function annotation and three-dimensional structure prediction of protein complexes. In this paper, we study the tetramer protein complex interaction. The research has two parts: The first part is to predict the interaction between chains of the tetramer protein complex. In this part, we proposed a feature map to represent a sample generated by two chains of the tetramer protein complex, and constructed a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model to predict the interaction between chains of the tetramer protein complex. The AUC value of testing set is 0.6263, which indicates that our model can be used to predict the interaction between chains of the tetramer protein complex. The second part is to predict the tetramer protein complex interface residue pairs. In this part, we proposed a Support Vector Machine (SVM) ensemble method based on under-sampling and ensemble method to predict the tetramer protein complex interface residue pairs. In the top 10 predictions, when at least one protein-protein interaction interface is correctly predicted, the accuracy of our method is 82.14%. The result shows that our method is effective for the prediction of the tetramer protein complex interface residue pairs.
Melanoma molecular subtyping and scoring model construction based on ligand-receptor pairs
Authors: Lin Zexu , Lin Xin , Sun Yuming , Lei Shaorong , Cai Gengming , Li Zhexuan
Published: January 2023

Melanoma is a malignancy of melanocytes, responsible for a high percentage of skin cancer mortality. Ligand-Receptor pairs, a type of cellular communication, are essential for tumor genesis, growth, metastasis, and prognosis. Yet, the role of Ligand-Receptor pairs in melanoma has not been fully elucidated. Our research focused on the function of Ligand-Receptor pairs in melanoma prognosis. We screened 131 melanoma prognosis corresponded ligand-receptor pairs by analyzing the TCGA data of melanoma and the 2293 LR pairs retrieved from the connectomeDB2020 database. And further developed subtypes of melanoma according to the expression of these ligand-receptor pairs by Consensus Clustering. Then we using lasso cox regression and stepwise multivariate regression analysis established a ligand-receptor pairs-based scoring model for the evaluation of melanoma prognosis. Our study demonstrated that the ligand-receptor pairs are vital to the molecular heterogeneity of melanoma, and characterized three different melanoma ligand-receptor pairs subtypes. Among them, the C3 subtype showed a better prognosis, while the C1 subtype exhibited a low prognosis state. And our analysis then found out that this could be related to the differed activation and inhabitation of the cell cycle and immune-related pathways. Using lasso cox regression and stepwise multivariate regression analysis, we further identified 9 key ligand-receptor pairs and established a scoring model that effectively correlated with the prognosis, immune pathways, and therapy of melanoma, showing that the LR.score model was a trustworthy and independent biomarker for melanoma prognosis evaluation. In sum, we found that ligand-receptor pairs are significantly associated with the prognosis and therapy of melanoma. And our ligand-receptor-based scoring model showed potential for the evaluation of melanoma prognosis and immune therapy outcome prediction, which is crucial to the survival for the patients.
Human alveolar macrophage metabolism is compromised during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
Authors: Mendonca Laura E. , Pernet Erwan , Khan Nargis , Sanz Joaquin , Kaufmann Eva , Downey Jeffrey , Grant Alexandre , Orlova Marianna , Schurr Erwin , Krawczyk Connie , Jones Russell G. , Barreiro Luis B. , Divangahi Maziar
Published: January 2023

Pulmonary macrophages have two distinct ontogenies: long-lived embryonically-seeded alveolar macrophages (AM) and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). Here, we show that after infection with a virulent strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37Rv), primary murine AM exhibit a unique transcriptomic signature characterized by metabolic reprogramming distinct from conventional BMDM. In contrast to BMDM, AM failed to shift from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to glycolysis and consequently were unable to control infection with an avirulent strain (H37Ra). Importantly, healthy human AM infected with H37Ra equally demonstrated diminished energetics, recapitulating our observation in the murine model system. However, the results from seahorse showed that the shift towards glycolysis in both AM and BMDM was inhibited by H37Rv. We further demonstrated that pharmacological (e.g. metformin or the iron chelator desferrioxamine) reprogramming of AM towards glycolysis reduced necrosis and enhanced AM capacity to control H37Rv growth. Together, our results indicate that the unique bioenergetics of AM renders these cells a perfect target for Mtb survival and that metabolic reprogramming may be a viable host targeted therapy against TB.
The roles of fungus in CNS autoimmune and neurodegeneration disorders
Authors: Wu Chuyu , Jiang Mei-Ling , Jiang Runqui , Pang Tao , Zhang Cun-Jin
Published: January 2023

Fungal infection or proliferation in our body is capable of initiation of strong inflammation and immune responses that result in different consequences, including infection-trigged organ injury and inflammation-related remote organ dysfunction. Fungi associated infectious diseases have been well recognized in the clinic. However, whether fungi play an important role in non-infectious central nervous system disease is still to be elucidated. Recently, a growing amount of evidence point to a non-negligible role of peripheral fungus in triggering unique inflammation, immune response, and exacerbation of a range of non-infectious CNS disorders, including Multiple sclerosis, Neuromyelitis optica, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis et al. In this review, we summarized the recent advances in recognizing patterns and inflammatory signaling of fungi in different subsets of immune cells, with a specific focus on its function in CNS autoimmune and neurodegeneration diseases. In conclusion, the fungus is capable of triggering unique inflammation by multiple mechanisms in the progression of a body of CNS non-infectious diseases, suggesting it serves as a key factor and critical novel target for the development of potential therapeutic strategies.