bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of fatigue damage of pumping rods based on finite element simulation
Authors: Cai Wenbin , Mo Xiangyang , Li Wen , Liu Shun , Zhou Desheng , Zhang Huiren , Huang Zhimin
Published: January 2023

This study performed in-depth analysis of onsite fatigue damage and stress distribution in pumping rods. Two aspects of fatigue damage were analyzed: macroscopic morphology and chemical properties. In terms of chemical properties, the crystalline phase composition and hardness of the product at fatigue damage were analyzed; the stress distribution was analyzed in term so of the rod-body stress and the connection-section stress. The cross-sectional characteristics of the fatigue crack expansion were summarized, and the types of fatigue fracture and the influencing factors of the pumping rod were obtained from these cross-sectional characteristics. Finally, modeling and stress analysis of the pumping rod were performed using SolidWorks and ABAQUS software. By comparing the stress cloud diagrams of different thread root shapes, the factors that cause fracture in the pumping rod and the locations of stress concentrations and dangerous cross-sections of the rod were determined. The highest principal stresses were obtained at the rod body near the upsetting flange of the pumping rod, and fatigue damage was the most likely to occur at this location. The shoulder of the unloading groove and the upsetting flange area were relatively safe because of their large cross-sectional area and less likelihood to produce stress concentrations. The results of this study can provide scientific guidance and reference for the development of pumping rods for efficient oil production and the improvement of oil and gas production efficiency.
Delayed response of net primary productivity with climate change in the Yiluo River basin
Authors: Tian Zihao , Qin Tianling , Wang Huiliang , Li Yizhe , Yan Sheng , Hou Jun , Li Chenhao , Abebe Sintayehu A.
Published: January 2023

Climatic factors are the main drivers that change net primary productivity (NPP). We chose the Yiluo River Basin as the study area to investigate the response of NPP to climatic factors in the Yellow River’s middle reaches. The temporal and spatial distribution of net primary productivity and the trend change of slope in the basin from 2000 to 2020 are analyzed. In addition, we analyzed the correlation between the NPP and climatic factors (precipitation and temperature) and the time-lag effect. The results show that 1) the annual average NPP in the basin is 556.4 gC/m2/a, the maximum value that occurred in 2019. Most of the NPP’s mutation points in the basin’s forest appeared in 2004, while the NPP’s mutation points in arable land mostly appeared in 2008 and 2009. 2) The slope trend analysis result of NPP from 2000 to 2020 shows that the NPP in 67.88% of the basin shows a significant increasing trend, 3.8% of the basin shows a significant decrease, and the other area show no significant change. 3) The correlation analysis between NPP and climatic factors shows a positive correlation between precipitation and NPP in 62.3% of the basin and a positive correlation between air temperature and NPP in 62.5%. The response of NPP to precipitation and temperature in the basin has different degrees of a time-lag effect. The NPP has a time-lag effect on precipitation in 44.8% of the basin, and its mean lag time is 8 days. NPP has a time-lag effect on temperature in 55.7% of the basin, and its mean lag time is 1 day. This study is beneficial to understanding the influence of climatic factor change on vegetation activities in the Yiluo River Basin. Our study illustrates the significance of time lag in analyzing the relationship between NPP and climatic factors. Furthermore, it provides support for scientific vegetation regulation and allocation, as well as adaptation to climate change in areas similar to the Loess Plateau, based on the lag time distribution corresponding to different vegetation types in different regions of the Yiluo River Basin. After that, these areas’ water resources will be fully utilized by vegetation, and ecological restoration could be accelerated.
Study on small coal pillar in gob-side entry driving and control technology of the surrounding rock in a high-stress roadway
Authors: Wang Wen , Wu Yiheng , Lu Xiaowei , Zhang Guangjie
Published: January 2023

The technology described as gob-side entry driving was adopted in the Zhaogu No. 1 mine to resolve the issues pertinent to mining succession tension, serious roadway deformation, and support difficulties. The key parameters of coal columns must be studied to ensure the stable support effect of along-air tunneling under high stress. A calculation for the vertical stress of a coal pillar is proposed, and the location of the breaking line in the top plate in the hollowed mining zone is determined by considering the breakage attributes of the basic uppermost large structure of the key layer, combined with the internal and external stress fields, and the limit equilibrium zone theories. FLAC3D software is employed to simulate the geological requirements of the mine, the characteristics of vertical stress of the coal pillar, and the surrounding rock of the roadway under the technical plan of leaving a 4.5-m coal pillar. The software is also used to verify and analyze the actual measurements. The outcomes suggest that the basic roof break is located at 2.65 m on the side of the coal pillar in the near mining area, and there is a trapezoidal internal stability region around the coal pillar that can provide lasting and stable support of the roadway. The displacement of the two helpers of the roadway is between 100 and 500 mm, and the displacements of the top and bottom plates are less than 300 mm, which ensures the roadway is surrounded by rock when the high-stress requirements occur. The safety of the roadway is determined under high-stress conditions.
Study on rock mass failure characteristics of double-hole delayed blasting in interbedding based on particle expansion algorithm
Authors: Cui Jianbin , Liu Xuejun , Xie Liangfu , Qian Jiangu
Published: January 2023

The existence of the interface between soft and hard rock often makes it difficult to control the blasting effect. Studying the influence of structural plane and delayed initiation time on rock blasting characteristics can make the blasting effect more controllable. In this paper, by using the Particle Flow Code (PFC2D) and particle expansion algorithm, the double-hole delayed blasting experiments of soft-hard rock are carried out, and the results are analyzed from the perspectives of fragment gradation, micro contact force and energy field. Results show that: 1) When blasting in hard rock, if the distance between structural plane and blasthole is about two times the radius of crushing area, it will easier to form large area fragments, and the fragments tend to be crushed with the increase of the distance. When the distance is 2–4 times the radius of crushing area, with the increase of delay time, the overall fragment area value increases first and then decreases, and reaches the maximum when the delay time is 4 ms. 2) When the structural plane existing in the rock mass, the delayed initiation will make the contact force become relatively uniform within a certain range. The main direction of contact force will appear in the uneven state of contact force generated by simultaneous or delayed initiation, which is close to the parallel or vertical direction of blasthole connection. 3) When blasting in hard rock, if the distance between the structural plane and the blasthole is greater than about two times the radius of the crushing area, compared with simultaneous blasting, the peak kinetic energy and peak strain energy of delayed blasting will be reduced by about 33% and 46% respectively.
DL-KF modeling for acceleration of flash calculations in phase equilibrium using deep learning methods
Authors: Zheng Zhixue , Di Yuan , Yu Enyi
Published: January 2023

Improving the robustness and efficiency of flash calculations in phase equilibrium is crucial for reservoir simulation. DL-KF (Deep Learning for K-values and Fugacity Calculation) modeling is proposed to accelerate phase equilibrium calculation using deep learning methods, in which the three-steps neural networks are included: ANN-STAB (Artificial Neural Network for Stability Test) model, ANN-KV (Artificial Neural Network for K-values Calculation) model and ANN-FUG (Artificial Neural Network for Fugacity Calculation) model respectively. The ANN-STAB model is generated to test phase stability. When temperature, pressure and feed composition are given, the phase classification is obtained directly with very low computation cost. In the ANN-KV model, initial K-values are determined by trained networks instead of employing Wilson equation employed in traditional flash calculation. Its initial estimations of K-values significantly reduce the number of iterations and avoid converging to incorrect or unphysical solutions. The ANN-FUG model is built to replace the fugacity coefficient calculation in traditional flash calculation algorithms, and simplifies the nonlinear calculation of internal iterative calculation. These three artificial neural network models are embedded into the traditional algorithms to accelerate flash calculations. The framework considers the complete physical process of the algorithms of flash calculations in phase equilibrium calculations using deep learning methods, and it can also guarantee the conservation of component mass, which is crucial for phase equilibrium calculations and reservoir simulation. The proposed DL-KF modeling is validated and compared with the original equation of state modeling and three other deep learning methods using two typical hydrocarbon fluid cases. A sample of C3H8-CO2-heavy oil systems from Huabei oilfield and a PVT experiment in Tahe oilfield are used to examine the DL-KF modeling. The physical properties of oil sample of Bakken reservoir with CO2 injection are also investigated. These results reveal that the DL-KF methoding is accurate and efficient for accelerating phase equilibrium calculations of reservoir fluids.
Precipitation trends (1958–2021) on Ammassalik island, south-east Greenland
Authors: van der Schot Jorrit , Abermann Jakob , Silva Tiago , Jensen Caroline Drost , Noël Brice , Schöner Wolfgang
Published: January 2023

Along with Arctic warming, climate models project a strong increase in Arctic precipitation in the 21st century as well as an increase in the ratio of liquid to total precipitation. In the precipitation-rich region of south-east Greenland, precipitation changes could locally have significant impacts on runoff. However, climate data are sparse in this remote region. This study focuses on improving our understanding of the past precipitation changes on Ammassalik island in south-east Greenland between 1958 and 2021. To assess past changes in air temperature at 2-meter and precipitation, output from a regional polar climate model (RACMO2.3p2) is evaluated with measurements from automatic weather stations in Tasiilaq and on Mittivakkat glacier. In addition, RACMO2.3p2 is used to assess past seasonal changes in air temperature at 2-meter, precipitation amount, precipitation phase and the altitude of the rain/snow boundary. We find that the climate model accurately represents the monthly average observed air temperature at 2-meter. While total precipitation is overestimated, interannual variability of precipitation is properly captured. We report a significant increase of summer temperature at 2-meter of +0.3°C/decade (p<0.01) at Mittivakkat glacier and +0.2°C/decade (p<0.01) in Tasiilaq in 1958–2021. For the subperiod 1990–2019, the trend in annual averages of temperature at 2-meter in Tasiilaq (+0.8°C/decade, p=0.02) corresponds well to known temperature trends on the Greenland Ice Sheet within the same period. On Mittivakkat glacier a significant trend is not detected within this subperiod (+0.2°C/decade, p=0.25). The modelled liquid precipitation ratio on Ammassalik island increased in all summer months (1958–2015) by +2.0/+1.9/+1.8%/decade in June/July/August respectively. In July and August, these trends were stronger at higher elevations. No statistical evidence is found for trends in other seasons. We also identify monthly increases in the altitude of the rain-to-snow boundary (+25/+23/+20 m/decade in July/August/September respectively).
Research on the efficiency of green development of industry in Chinese prefecture-level oil and gas cities based on super-efficient SBM-DEA model and Malmquist index
Authors: Fei Sun , Chongliang Sun , Jie Luo , Yana An , Haiyan Sun
Published: January 2023

With the proposal of Industrial Green Development Plan (2016–2020), it is particularly urgent to focus on the industrial green development of oil and gas cities, actively promote industrial energy efficiency, reduce pollution emissions, and measure the efficiency of their industrial green development. Based on the actual situation of oil and gas cities, we apply the Super-SBM model to measure the industrial green development efficiency of oil and gas cities in 15 years from 2004 to 2018, analyze the spatial and temporal evolution trends and characteristics of industrial green development efficiency, and also calculate the Malmquist index to dynamically analyze the industrial green development efficiency of oil and gas cities. The results show that the industrial green development efficiency of oil and gas cities as a whole is not high from 2004 to 2018, showing a gentle “W” type fluctuation change. From the spatial dimension, there are significant differences in industrial green development efficiency among oil and gas cities in the east, central and west, with the efficiency value is relatively higher in the west. The total factor productivity of industrial green development is most influenced by the changes of technical efficiency and technological progress. In view of the above problems, it is recommended to broaden green technology innovation channels, increase green technology innovation investment, build a new mechanism for regional synergistic development, and formulate regional graded development strategies.
Eco-digital storytelling: Engaging historically excluded populations in environmental action through mentoring, geospatial technology, and digital media storytelling
Authors: Cisneros Laura , Campbell Todd , Freidenfelds Nicole , Lindemann Anna , Elliot-Famularo Heather , Chadwick Cary , Dickson David , Park Byung-Yeol
Published: January 2023

The environment, science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics fields (a collection of fields we call E-STEAM) continue to grow and remain economically and ecologically important. However, historically excluded groups remain underrepresented in science and technology professions, particularly in environmental and digital media fields. Consequently, building pathways for historically excluded students to enter economically viable and ecologically influential E-STEAM professions is critically important. These new pathways hold promise for increasing innovation within these fields and ensuring a multiplicity of representation as these fields are shaped and reshaped to attend to the plural interests of diverse communities. Consequently, this conceptual paper describes an eco-digital storytelling (EDS) approach to engaging historically excluded populations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This approach offers structured learning opportunities connected to learner interests and community needs with the aim of increasing E-STEAM identity and career interest of teens from groups historically excluded from E-STEAM fields. E-STEAM identity is a meaning one can attach to oneself or that can be ascribed externally by others as individuals interact and engage in E-STEAM fields in ways that foreground the environment. The EDS approach leverages community-based action, technology and digital media, and arts and storytelling as entry points for engaging learners. EDS is designed to increase teens’ content knowledge within multiple E-STEAM fields and to provide numerous technology-rich experiences in both application of geospatial technologies (i.e., GPS, interactive maps) and digital media creation (i.e., video, animation, ArcGIS StoryMaps) as a way to shape teens’ cultural learning pathways. Examples of rich digital media presentations developed to communicate the EDS approach and local environmental opportunities, challenges, and projects are provided that exemplify how both participation in and communication of environmental action can contribute to more promising and sustainable futures.
Efficacy and safety of switching from febuxostat to dotinurad, a novel selective urate reabsorption inhibitor, in hyperuricemic patients with type 2 diabetic kidney disease: Protocol for a single-arm, open-label, prospective, exploratory study
Authors: Osonoi Takeshi , Saito Miyoko , Hosoya Mitsuru , Douguchi Satako , Ofuchi Kensuke , Katoh Makoto
Published: January 2023

Background

Dotinurad is a novel uricosuric drug in Japan with selective and potent urate transporter 1 (URAT1) inhibitory activity. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dotinurad in hyperuricemic patients with type 2 diabetic kidney disease by comparing serum levels of urate and plasma and urinary levels of indoxyl sulfate excreted via the urate excretion transporter ATP binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2), as indices, with baseline levels after switching from febuxostat to dotinurad.

Methods

This single-center, single-arm, open-label, prospective, exploratory study aims to evaluate the effect of switching from febuxostat to dotinurad on serum urate levels and its background factors. The study will include 50 hyperuricemic patients with type 2 diabetic kidney disease and urate levels exceeding 6 mg/dL despite administration of febuxostat 20 mg/day for at least 3 months. The primary outcome is the achievement rate of serum urate levels of ≤6 mg/dL after 24 weeks of treatment with dotinurad at 0.5 mg to a maximum of 4 mg once daily. Secondary outcomes include the changes in serum urate levels, plasma and urinary indoxyl sulfate levels, and renal injury-related markers from baseline to observation points at weeks 4, 12, and 24.

Discussion

The study hypothesizes that switching to dotinurad may reduce the plasma levels of indoxyl sulfate and increase its urinary levels in patients with hyperuricemia. These suggest that dotinurad can potently lower the serum urate level by inhibiting URAT1 without adversely affecting ABCG2. Thus, findings of this study are expected to provide useful insights into the treatment of hyperuricemia associated with type 2 diabetic kidney disease and the discovery of new possibilities for dotinurad.

Ethics and Dissemination

Prior to the study, its study protocol was scientifically and ethically reviewed and approved by the Japan Physicians Association Clinical Research Review Board (approval number: JPA007-2204-02). In addition, patients who provide written informed consent will participate in the study. The results of this study will be published through submission to a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Clinical trial registration

https://jrct.niph.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCTs031220080, identifier jRCTs031220080.
Effects of labor induction in obesity with delayed pregnancy: A retrospective study based on Chinese obese primipara
Authors: Liu Shuhua , Song Bing , Liu Dehong , Zheng Chenmin , Wu Xiumei , Wei Zhaolian , Chen Xianxia
Published: January 2023

Objective

To test the hypothesis that obese primiparous women with an unfavorable cervix in delayed pregnancy may experience a worse induction of labor.

Study design

In total, 467 primiparas with poor cervical condition and delayed pregnancy (gestational age [GA]: >40weeks) were divided into an obese primiparas group (body mass index [BMI] >30kg/m2; n=166) and a non-obese primiparas group (BMI < 30kg/m2; (n=301). Labor was induced by various methods, double balloon, dinoprostone inserts, and amniotomy combined with oxytocin depending on the Bishop score. Experimental data were analyzed by Statistical Product Service Solutions (SPSS).

Results

BMI in the obese primiparas group was higher than in the non-obese group (33.91 ± 2.67 versus 24.09 ± 5.78, p<0.001), and there were significant differences in uterine tone and duration of contractions between the two groups in the second stage of labour (p=0.041, p=0.026, respectively).The rate of cesarean section (CS) was significantly higher in the primiparas group (23.49% versus 12.29%; P=0.002). There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of the duration of time to vaginal delivery (VD) (18h versus 8h; P <0.001) while the duration until VD in the obese primiparas group within 12 hours and 24 hours was significantly longer (P <0.001). After adjusting for possible confounders, caesarean section rates remained high in the obese primiparas women (OR: 2.564;95%CI1.919,3.864;P<0.001). Similarly, after adjusting for the same confounding factors, obese primiparas women increased the duration until VD within 24 h by 3.598 hours.

Conclusion

Obese primiparas with an unfavorable cervix in delayed pregnancy have a significantly higher risk of CS and a longer duration until VD than non-obese primiparas during labor induction.
Deleterious variants in TAF7L cause human oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and its impairing histone to protamine exchange inducing reduced in vitro fertilization
Authors: Bai Haowei , Sha Yanwei , Tan Yueqiu , Li Peng , Zhang Yuxiang , Xu Junwei , Xu Shuai , Ji Zhiyong , Wang Xiaobo , Chen Wei , Zhang Jianxiong , Yao Chencheng , Li Zheng , Zhi Erlei
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) is a major cause of infertility in males. Only a few pathogenic genes of OAT have been clearly identified till now. A large number of OAT-affected cases remain largely unknown.

Methods

Here, Whole-exome sequencing (WES) in 725 idiopathic OAT patients was performed. Ejaculated spermatozoa by OAT patients were microinjected into mouse oocytes to estimate fertilization potential. Diff-quick staining and transmission electron microscopy were performed to evaluate sperm morphology and ultrastructure. The protein expression level and localization In vitro were detected by Western Blotting and Immunocytochemistry.

Results

We identified four X-linked hemizygous deleterious variants of TAF7L—namely, c.1301_1302del;(p.V434Afs*5), c.699G>T;(p.R233S), c.508delA; (p. T170fs), c.719dupA;(p.K240fs) —in five probands. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were carried out in M1, M2-1and M3 patient's wife. However only M1 patient’s wife became pregnant after embryo transfer. In vitro study demonstrated significantly reduced fertilization ability in patient with TAF7L mutation. The TAF7L mutation let to abnormal sperm head and impaired histone-to protamine exchange. Variant 719dupA (p. K240fs) resulted in producing a truncated TAF7L protein and localized massively within the nucleus. In addition, TAF7L expression were not able to be detected due to variants c.1301_1302del (p. V434Afs*5) and c.508delA (p. T170fs) In vitro.

Conclusion

Our findings support that TAF7L is one of pathogenic genes of OAT and deleterious mutations in TAF7L may cause impaired histone-to-protamine affected the chromatin compaction of sperm head.
(Thyroid) Hormonal regulation of breast cancer cells
Authors: Hercbergs Aleck , Lin Hung-Yun , Mousa Shaker A. , Davis Paul J.
Published: January 2023

Thyroid hormone as L-thyroxine (T4) acts nongenomically at physiological concentrations at its cancer cell surface receptor on integrin αvβ3 (‘thyrointegrin’) to cause cancer cell proliferation. In the case of estrogen receptor (ERα)-positive breast cancer cells, T4 via the integrin promotes ERα-dependent cancer growth in the absence of estrogen. Thus, tumor growth in the post-menopausal patient with ERα-positive cancer may again be ER-dependent because of T4. Additional mechanisms by which T4 may contribute uniquely to aggressive breast cancer behavior—independently of ER—are stimulation of immune checkpoint inhibitor gene expression and of several anti-apoptosis mechanisms. These observations may call for consideration of elimination of host T4 production in breast cancer patients whose response is suboptimal to standard chemotherapy regimens. Euthyroidism in such a setting may be maintained with exogenous 3,3’,5-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3).
Enhanced enzymolysis and bioethanol yield from tobacco stem waste based on mild synergistic pretreatment
Authors: Gong Jiang-Shi-Qi , Su Jia-En , Cai Jie-Yun , Zou Ling , Chen Yi , Jiang Yong-Lei , Hu Bin-Bin
Published: January 2023

The use of mild pretreatment conditions can significantly lower the cost of the biorefining process. This study evaluated a mild pretreatment approach for tobacco stem waste using a combination of dilute acid and dilute alkali. By optimizing the pretreatment conditions, we obtained a high reducing sugar concentration at a pretreatment temperature <100°C. Increasing the acid or alkali strength in a single pretreatment step did not always improve the result; instead, the synergistic effect of both pretreatment components was important. To increase the bioethanol titer, a high solid loading, 30%, was used for bioethanol fermentation. Compared with batch fermentation, enzyme feeding with a shorter feeding period (24 h) enhanced the bioethanol production by 4.32%, generating 86.88 g/L bioethanol. The results provide valuable insights into the effects of two-step acid/alkali pretreatment on enzymolysis. The findings suggest that the optimized synergistic pretreatment process is efficient for bioethanol fermentation.
Driving factor analysis of spatial and temporal variations in the gray water footprint of crop production via multiple methods: A case for west China
Authors: Gao Rong , Zhao Danyue , Zhang Ping , Li Meng , Huang Hongrong , Zhuo La , Wu Pute
Published: January 2023

The gray water footprint (GWF) can quantitatively evaluate the effect of non-point pollution on water quality in the context of water quantity. It is crucial to explore the driving forces behind the GWF to solve water quality problems. This study quantified the unit GWFs of grain crops and oil crops at the municipal scale in six provinces of western China over 2001–2018, then jointly applied the extended STIRPAT model and path analysis methods to analyze the climatic and socioeconomic driving forces of the GWF. Results show that the key driving forces affecting the GWF obtained by the two methods were consistent. Planting structure and population were the main factors increasing the total GWF, while crop yield was the largest factor inhibiting the unit GWF and demonstrates regional differences. However, when the indirect influence of the driving factor through other factors was large, some driving forces obtained by different methods were reversed. For example, the indirect impact of per capita cultivated land area on the total GWF in Inner Mongolia was large, resulting in a significant positive impact in path analysis and a slight negative impact in the STIRPAT model. To draw more comprehensive and referential conclusions, we suggest using multiple methods together to verify the driving forces and account for the regional differences.
Soil saline-alkali heterogeneity is an important factor driving the spatial expansion of clonal plant in grassland
Authors: Qu Luhao , Liu Jun , Yang Jiyun , Bai Long , Huang Yue , Lu Nan , Yu Hongzhu , Wang Zhifeng , Li Zhonghe
Published: January 2023

Soil salinity is well known heterogeneous and various within natural soil environment. In Songnen grassland of Northeast China, grazing aggravates the saline-alkali heterogeneity in soil habitat, which led to dominant clonal plant species forming a variety of adaptive strategies. However, based on the previous studies of morphological plasticity and clonal integration in clonal plants, there was a lack of mechanism research on the spatial expansion strategy of clonal plants population subjected to clipping in saline-alkali heterogeneity soil patches. To address this knowledge gap, we carried out an experiment by applying different clipping intensities (0%, 35%, 70% of the above-ground biomass removed) to explore the spatial expansion strategy and morphological plasticity of Leymus chinensis and their belowground rhizomes in different heterogeneous saline-alkali patches. We found that, clipping significantly decreased the plant average height and above-ground biomass in homogeneous patches, especially heavy clipping had a significant adverse impact on plant belowground (rhizome, fine root) biomass and leaf area. However, there was no significant difference in the biomass, average height, and leaf area among the clipping treatments in low saline-alkali heterogeneous patches. In addition, the number of leaves, daughter plants and rhizome internode buds were significantly affected by saline-alkali heterogeneity alone, and low saline-alkali heterogeneity had a positive effect on these parameters. Biomass accumulation and rhizome expansion were gradually inhibited by the increasing of clipping intensity in a homogeneous environment, but the inhibitory effect of clipping was not significant in saline-alkali patches soil. We concluded that L. chinensis can respond to grazing or mowing disturbance by increasing tiller and daughter-plant numbers in a saline-alkali heterogeneous environment. The saline-alkali patches promoted clonal plant population spatial expansion more than grazing or mowing disturbance did. This study emphasizes saline-alkali heterogeneity distribution patterns in grassland soil environment were the primary and important driving factor promoting the spatial expansion of L. chinensis.
Functional immune diversity in reindeer reveals a high Arctic population at risk
Authors: Lukacs Morten , Nymo Ingebjørg H. , Madslien Knut , Våge Jørn , Veiberg Vebjørn , Rolandsen Christer Moe , Bøe Cathrine Arnason , Sundaram Arvind Y. M. , Grimholt Unni
Published: January 2023

Climate changes the geographic range of both species as well as pathogens, causing a potential increase in the vulnerability of populations or species with limited genetic diversity. With advances in high throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies, we can now define functional expressed genetic diversity of wild species at a larger scale and identify populations at risk. Previous studies have used genomic DNA to define major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II diversity in reindeer. Varying numbers of expressed genes found in many ungulates strongly argues for using cDNA in MHC typing strategies to ensure that diversity estimates relate to functional genes. We have used available reindeer genomes to identify candidate genes and established an HTS approach to define expressed MHC class I and class II diversity. To capture a broad diversity we included samples from wild reindeer from Southern Norway, semi-domesticated reindeer from Northern Norway and reindeer from the high Artic archipelago Svalbard. Our data show a medium MHC diversity in semi-domesticated and wild Norwegian mainland reindeer, and low MHC diversity reindeer in Svalbard reindeer. The low immune diversity in Svalbard reindeer provides a potential risk if the pathogenic pressure changes in response to altered environmental conditions due to climate change, or increased human-related activity.
Theoretical perspectives on reproductive aging
Authors: Lee Ronald , Chu C. Y. Cyrus
Published: January 2023

Age patterns of female reproduction vary widely among iteroparous animal species with determinate growth. Often fertility declines with age, but in other cases, it may be flat or rise across age. Sometimes fertility ceases altogether, leaving a substantial post-reproductive life span. In this article, we discuss theories that may provide some insights into how these diverse patterns might evolve. We present a simple optimal life history model and consider circumstances in which fertility might rise or fall with age. In our model, without assuming that costs per birth rise with age, that foraging efficiency declines, or that net intergenerational transfers increase, we find that optimal fertility would tend to rise rather than decline. This happens because less energy would be allocated to survival at older ages, leaving more to allocate to fertility. In our analysis, optimal fertility could decline at older ages when an older female makes heavy net intergenerational transfers to multiple offspring or grandoffspring, reducing resources for her own reproduction. This pattern is more likely to evolve when costs of fertility at older ages are higher, when costs of reducing juvenile mortality are low, and when the level of juvenile mortality is high. We also derive conditions for the evolution of menopause, for determinate growth, and for juvenile mortality that declines with age. The optimal life history can exhibit a variety of age patterns of fertility, rising, flat, or falling, depending on the constraints and opportunities faced.
Cell death-related biomarker SLC2A1 has a significant role in prognosis prediction and immunotherapy efficacy evaluation in pan-cancer
Authors: Wang Yuhang , Wang Kai , Zhang Han , Jia Xiaoteng , Li Xin , Sun Shuai , Sun Daqiang
Published: January 2023

Introduction: SLC2A1, a member of the SLC transporter family, is involved in a variety of cell death modalities and has been found to be associated with the prognosis and immune microenvironment of a variety of tumors. However, there is a lack of systematic and comprehensive studies on the role of SLC2A1 in pan-cancer.

Methods: The mRNA, promoter methylation, and protein expression levels of SLC2A1 in pan-cancer were comprehensively evaluated using GEPIA2.0, TIMER2.0, and UALCAN databases. UCSCXenaShiny based on the cancer genomic atlas pan-cancer data and GEPIA2.0 database were used to assess the prognostic significance of SLC2A1 in pan-cancer. Genetic alterations in SLC2A1 were also evaluated using cBioPortal. The relevance of SLC2A1 to immune infiltrating cells in pan-cancer was evaluated using the XCELL algorithm in combination with the TIMER2.0 database. The correlation of SLC2A1 with the efficacy of immune checkpoint blocker (ICB) therapy was evaluated using the tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) score. The correlation of SLC2A1 with numerous immune-related markers was also evaluated using the TISIDB database. The correlation of SLC2A1 with tumor biological function was evaluated at the single-cell level using the CancerSEA database. Finally, the biological function of SLC2A1 was comprehensively evaluated using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and protein interaction networks.

Results: SLC2A1 expression is aberrant in a variety of tumors and is strongly associated with the prognosis of several cancers. SLC2A1 is significantly associated with a variety of immune infiltrating cells including CD8+ T cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and macrophages in a variety of tumors. Meanwhile, the expression of SLC2A1 significantly correlated with multiple immune-related markers. In addition, SLC2A1 can also predict the effect of immune checkpoint blocker therapy in some tumors. In a functional analysis, SLC2A1 was significantly associated with hypoxia, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, mTORC1 signaling, and multiple metabolic pathways in pan-cancer.

Conclusion: Our study systematically and comprehensively summarizes the prognostic significance and immune-related role of SLC2A1 in pan-cancer and reveals the potential mechanism of SLC2A1 in regulating the tumor microenvironment and tumor behavior, providing a new effective pan-applicable biomarker for prognostic prediction and the evaluation of immunotherapeutic strategies for tumors.
The impact of cross-reactive immunity on the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Thompson Robin N. , Southall Emma , Daon Yair , Lovell-Read Francesca A. , Iwami Shingo , Thompson Craig P. , Obolski Uri
Published: January 2023

Introduction

A key feature of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants with different transmission characteristics. However, when a novel variant arrives in a host population, it will not necessarily lead to many cases. Instead, it may fade out, due to stochastic effects and the level of immunity in the population. Immunity against novel SARS-CoV-2 variants may be influenced by prior exposures to related viruses, such as other SARS-CoV-2 variants and seasonal coronaviruses, and the level of cross-reactive immunity conferred by those exposures.

Methods

Here, we investigate the impact of cross-reactive immunity on the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants in a simplified scenario in which a novel SARS-CoV-2 variant is introduced after an antigenically related virus has spread in the population. We use mathematical modelling to explore the risk that the novel variant invades the population and causes a large number of cases, as opposed to fading out with few cases.

Results

We find that, if cross-reactive immunity is complete (i.e. someone infected by the previously circulating virus is not susceptible to the novel variant), the novel variant must be more transmissible than the previous virus to invade the population. However, in a more realistic scenario in which cross-reactive immunity is partial, we show that it is possible for novel variants to invade, even if they are less transmissible than previously circulating viruses. This is because partial cross-reactive immunity effectively increases the pool of susceptible hosts that are available to the novel variant compared to complete cross-reactive immunity. Furthermore, if previous infection with the antigenically related virus assists the establishment of infection with the novel variant, as has been proposed following some experimental studies, then even variants with very limited transmissibility are able to invade the host population.

Discussion

Our results highlight that fast assessment of the level of cross-reactive immunity conferred by related viruses against novel SARS-CoV-2 variants is an essential component of novel variant risk assessments.
Safety of COVID-19 vaccination in women undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment - Clinical study and systematic review
Authors: Chen Huijun , Zhang Xiaoli , Lin Ge , Gong Fei , Hocher Berthold
Published: January 2023

Background

It was suggested that vaccination in general might affect reproductive health. Safety of COVID-19 vaccination in women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques (ART) treatment is not well established.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study including 536 women undergoing fresh embryo transfer after IVF/ICSI treatment in a huge IVF center in southern China to investigate the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on oocyte maturation, fertilization rate, blastulation rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate. In addition, we performed a systematic review of existing studies on the safety of COVID-19 vaccination in women undergoing ART treatment.

Results

In our study, 268 women received inactivated or recombinant COVID-19 vaccination and 268 controls were enrolled based on propensity score matching. We observed a decreased fertilization rate and signs for impaired oocyte maturation in vaccinated women. Besides our study, there were 15 studies analyzing the safety of COVID-19 vaccination in women undergoing ART treatment. For the mRNA vaccines, no adverse signals were reported concerning oocyte maturation, fertilization rate, blastulation rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate. In women being vaccinated with an inactivated vaccine, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate were not affected, whereas oocyte maturation and fertilization rate were impaired.

Conclusions

Vaccination against COVID-19 in women undergoing ART treatment seems to be safe especially for women getting mRNA vaccines. The effects on oocyte maturation and fertilization rate of inactivated and recombinant COVID-19 vaccinations might be a safety signal and need further investigation and independent confirmation.
The involvement of the primo vascular system in local enteritis and its modification by electroacupuncture
Authors: Nan Sha , Wan Juan , Lei Qianghui , Wang Xinya , Ma Ning , Yin Ruiling , Zhu Jiandi , Ding Mingxing , Ding Yi
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The primo vascular system (PVS), an intensive network structure, has been claimed to be representative of the acupuncture meridian. Here, we explored the role of the PVS in local enteritis and its modification by acupuncture.

Methods

Chronic cecitis in rabbits was induced by 2,4,6-trinitro-benzene-sulfonic acid (TNBS). The PVS on the cecum was visualized with trypan blue staining, and collected with the help of microsurgical forceps under an optical stereomicroscope.

Results

The increased primo vessels (PVs) and primo nodes (PNs) of the PVS on the surface of the cecum were induced by local inflammation, which was positively correlated with the inflammatory cells in the cecal mucosa. Tandem mass tag (TMT) based proteomic analysis revealed that 110 differentiated proteins of the PVS existed between TNBS-treated and control rabbits; 65 proteins were upregulated, while 45 proteins were downregulated. These proteins were mainly enriched in inflammation- and immunity-related processes, such as inflammatory cell proliferation, antigen presentation, and cell adhesion in the proliferated PVS (data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifiers PXD034280). Importantly, TNBS-induced cecitis, the proliferated PVS and inflammation response-related proteins (CD40, CD45, HLA-DRA1, LAMP1, JAGN1 and FGL1) in the PVS were alleviated or reversed by repetitive electroacupuncture (EA) stimulations.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the proliferated PVS and its active inclusions were related to the inflammatory process, which was modified by EA. Our study provides a new avenue for further exploration of the mechanism by which EA exerts anti-inflammatory effects.
Fire in the belly: A scoping review of the immunopathological mechanisms of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Venkatesh Karthik , Glenn Hannah , Delaney Anthony , Andersen Christopher R. , Sasson Sarah C.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is characterised by an inflammatory response that in its most severe form can cause a systemic dysregulated immune response and progression to acute multi-organ dysfunction. The pathobiology of the disease is unclear and as a result no targeted, disease-modifying therapies exist. We performed a scoping review of data pertaining to the human immunology of AP to summarise the current field and to identify future research opportunities.

Methods

A scoping review of all clinical studies of AP immunology was performed across multiple databases. Studies were included if they were human studies of AP with an immunological outcome or intervention.

Results

205 studies met the inclusion criteria for the review. Severe AP is characterised by significant immune dysregulation compared to the milder form of the disease. Broadly, this immune dysfunction was categorised into: innate immune responses (including profound release of damage-associated molecular patterns and heightened activity of pattern recognition receptors), cytokine profile dysregulation (particularly IL-1, 6, 10 and TNF-α), lymphocyte abnormalities, paradoxical immunosuppression (including HLA-DR suppression and increased co-inhibitory molecule expression), and failure of the intestinal barrier function. Studies including interventions were also included. Several limitations in the existing literature have been identified; consolidation and consistency across studies is required if progress is to be made in our understanding of this disease.

Conclusions

AP, particularly the more severe spectrum of the disease, is characterised by a multifaceted immune response that drives tissue injury and contributes to the associated morbidity and mortality. Significant work is required to develop our understanding of the immunopathology of this disease if disease-modifying therapies are to be established.
TREM2 is associated with tumor immunity and implies poor prognosis in glioma
Authors: Yu Mingchen , Chang Yuanhao , Zhai You , Pang Bo , Wang Peng , Li Guanzhang , Jiang Tao , Zeng Fan
Published: January 2023

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is expressed in myeloid cells of the central nervous system (CNS), which mediate the immunological response in a variety of diseases. Uncertain is the function of TREM2 in glioma and tumor immune responses. In this research, the expression patterns of TREM2 in glioma were analyzed, along with its prognostic value and functional roles. TREM2 expression is increased in glioblastomas, gliomas with a mesenchymal subtype, gliomas with wild-type isocitrate dehydrogenase, and gliomas without 1p/19q deletion, all of which suggest the aggressiveness and poor prognosis of gliomas. Gene ontology, KEGG, and Gene set variation analyses indicated that TREM2 may serve as an immune response mediator. However, the function of T cells against tumor cells was negatively correlated with TREM2, suggesting that TREM2 may suppress tumor immunity. Further investigation demonstrated a correlation between TREM2 expression and immune checkpoint expression. CIBERSORT research revealed a link between a higher TREM2 expression level and the enrichment of tumor-associated macrophages, especially M2 subtype. Single-cell analysis and multiple immunohistochemical staining results showed that microglia and macrophage cells expressed TREM2. Immunofluorescent staining indicated that knocking down the expression of TREM2 would result in a decrease in M2 polarization. TREM2 was discovered to be an independent prognostic factor in glioma. In conclusion, our findings revealed that TREM2 was significantly expressed in microglia and macrophage cells and was intimately associated with the tumor immune microenvironment. Thus, it is expected that small-molecule medications targeting TREM2 or monoclonal antibodies would enhance the efficacy of glioma immunotherapy.