bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple Synthesis of CeO2 Nanoparticle Composites In Situ Grown on Carbon Nanotubes for Phenol Detection
Authors: Hu Chao , Huang Haiping , Yan Yu , Hu Yongmei , Liu Sui-Jun , Wen He-Rui
Published: May 2022

via simple hydrothermal method, CeO2 was in-situ grown onto the CNTs to form CeO2/CNTs nanocomposites were synthesized with cerium nitrate as Ce resource. The morphology and structure were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The characterizations reveal that CeO2 nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed onto the surface of the pre-acidified CNTs. The electrochemical property of the synthesized nanocomposite was investigated in 0.1 M KCl electrolyte containing 2 mM [Fe(CN)6]3-/4-. The nanocomposites were employed to fabricate electrochemical sensor for phenol detection. The linear range for phenol detection measured by the differential pulse voltammetry method is 1–500 μM. The sensor also exhibits good selectivity, reproducibility and stability. When applied for the river and tap water analysis, it shows good recovery rate.
Astragaloside IV Ameliorates Isoprenaline-Induced Cardiac Fibrosis in Mice via Modulating Gut Microbiota and Fecal Metabolites
Authors: Du Xu-Qin , Shi Li-Peng , Chen Zhi-Wei , Hu Jin-Yuan , Zuo Biao , Xiong Yu , Cao Wen-Fu
Published: May 2022

Aim

Gut microbiota is of crucial importance to cardiac health. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a main active ingredient of Huangqi, a traditional edible and medicinal herb that has been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiac fibrosis (CF). However, it is still uncertain whether the consumption of AS-IV alleviates cardiac fibrosis through the gut microbiota and its metabolites. Therefore, we assessed whether the anti-fibrosis effect of AS-IV is associated with changes in intestinal microbiota and fecal metabolites and if so, whether some specific gut microbes are conducive to the benefits of AS-IV.

Methods

Male C57BL-6J mice were subcutaneously injected with isoprenaline (ISO) to induce cardiac fibrosis. AS-IV was administered to mice by gavage for 14 days. The effects of AS-IV on cardiac function, myocardial enzyme, cardiac weight index (CWI), and histopathology of ISO-induced CF mice were investigated. Moreover, 16S rRNA sequencing was used to establish gut-microbiota profiles. Fecal-metabolites profiles were established using the liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

Results

AS-IV treatment prevented cardiac dysfunction, ameliorated myocardial damage, histopathological changes, and cardiac fibrosis induced by ISO. AS-IV consumption increased the richness of Akkermansia, Defluviitaleaceae_UCG-011, and Rikenella. AS-IV also modulated gut metabolites in their feces. Among 141 altered gut metabolites, amino acid production was sharply changed. Furthermore, noticeable correlations were found between several specific gut microbes and altered fecal metabolites.

Conclusions

An increase of Akkermansia, Defluviitaleaceae_UCG-011, and Rikenella abundance, and modulation of amino acid metabolism, may contribute to the anti-fibrosis and cardiac protective effects of Astragaloside IV.
Altered Vaginal Microbiota Composition Correlates With Human Papillomavirus and Mucosal Immune Responses in Women With Symptomatic Cervical Ectopy
Authors: López-Filloy Mariana , Cortez Flor J. , Gheit Tarik , Cruz y Cruz Omar , Cruz-Talonia Fernando , Chávez-Torres Monserrat , Arteaga-Gómez Cristina , Mancilla-Herrera Ismael , Montesinos Juan J. , Cortés-Morales Víctor Adrián , Aguilar Cecilia , Tommasino Massimo , Pinto-Cardoso Sandra , Rocha-Zavaleta Leticia
Published: May 2022

Cervical ectopy is a benign condition of the lower genital tract that is frequently detected in women of reproductive age. Although cervical ectopy is regarded as a physiological condition, some women experience symptoms such as leucorrhoea, persistent bleeding and recurrent vaginal infections that require medical intervention. Cervical ectopy has not been linked to cervical cancer, but it is thought to facilitate the acquisition of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), like Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, as it provides a favorable microenvironment for virus infection and dissemination. We and others have described the presence of oncogenic HPV types in women with symptomatic cervical ectopy. The relevance of this finding and the impact of symptomatic cervical ectopy on the cervicovaginal microenvironment (vaginal microbiota, immune and inflammatory responses) are currently unknown. To shed some light into the interplay between HPV, the vaginal microbiota and mucosal immune and inflammatory responses in the context of this condition, we enrolled 156 women with symptomatic cervical ectopy and determined the presence of HPV using a type-specific multiplex genotyping assay. Overall, HPV was detected in 54.48% women, oncogenic HPV types were found in more than 90% of HPV-positive cases. The most prevalent HPV types were HPV16 (29.4%), HPV31 (21.17%) and HPV18 (15.29%). Next, we evaluated the vaginal microbial composition and diversity by 16S rDNA sequencing, and quantified levels of cytokines and chemokines by flow cytometry using bead-based multiplex assays in a sub-cohort of 63 women. IL-21 and CXCL9 were significantly upregulated in HPV-positive women (p=0.0002 and p=0.013, respectively). Women with symptomatic cervical ectopy and HPV infection had increased diversity (p<0.001), and their vaginal microbiota was enriched in bacterial vaginosis-associated anaerobes (Sneathia, Shuttleworthia, Prevotella, and Atopobium) and depleted in Lactobacillus spp. Furthermore, the vaginal microbiota of women with symptomatic cervical ectopy and HPV infection correlated with vaginal inflammation (IL-1β, rho=0.56, p=0.0004) and increased mucosal homeostatic response (IL-22, rho=0.60, p=0.0001). Taken together, our results suggest that HPV infection and dysbiotic vaginal communities could favor a vaginal microenvironment that might delay the recovery of the cervical epithelium in women with symptomatic cervical ectopy and favor STDs acquisition.
New Horizons for Biocatalytic Science
Authors: Woodley John M.
Published: May 2022

The use of highly selective enzymes to catalyze value-added reactions outside the cell is commonly termed biocatalysis. In this brief perspective, some of the future opportunities for the application of biocatalysis are discussed. First, there are opportunities using multi-enzyme cascades where entirely new synthetic routes can be created independent of cellular constraints. Here the target is mostly high-priced products, such as pharmaceuticals. Secondly, there also exist opportunities for biocatalysis in the synthesis of low-priced products where the high productivities achievable make them eminently suited for drop-in solutions. Both options provide a wealth of interesting research and development possibilities, which are also discussed.
The Role of Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling in Myxomatous Mitral Valve Degeneration
Authors: Tang Qiyu , McNair Andrew J. , Phadwal Kanchan , Macrae Vicky E. , Corcoran Brendan M.
Published: May 2022

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) due to myxomatous degeneration is one of the most important chronic degenerative cardiovascular diseases in people and dogs. It is a common cause of heart failure leading to significant morbidity and mortality in both species. Human MVP is usually classified into primary or non-syndromic, including Barlow’s Disease (BD), fibro-elastic deficiency (FED) and Filamin-A mutation, and secondary or syndromic forms (typically familial), such as Marfan syndrome (MFS), Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and Loeys–Dietz syndrome. Despite different etiologies the diseased valves share pathological features consistent with myxomatous degeneration. To reflect this common pathology the condition is often called myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (disease) (MMVD) and this term is universally used to describe the analogous condition in the dog. MMVD in both species is characterized by leaflet thickening and deformity, disorganized extracellular matrix, increased transformation of the quiescent valve interstitial cell (qVICs) to an activated state (aVICs), also known as activated myofibroblasts. Significant alterations in these cellular activities contribute to the initiation and progression of MMVD due to the increased expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily cytokines and the dysregulation of the TGF-β signaling pathways. Further understanding the molecular mechanisms of MMVD is needed to identify pharmacological manipulation strategies of the signaling pathway that might regulate VIC differentiation and so control the disease onset and development. This review briefly summarizes current understanding of the histopathology, cellular activities, molecular mechanisms and pathogenesis of MMVD in dogs and humans, and in more detail reviews the evidence for the role of TGF-β.
Differences in Lipid Profiles and Atherogenic Indices Between Hypertensive and Normotensive Populations: A Cross-Sectional Study of 11 Chinese Cities
Authors: Cheng Wenke , Wang Lili , Chen Siwei
Published: May 2022

Background

Several previous studies have reported that dyslipidemia is associated with the risk of hypertension, but these studies are mainly conducted in European and US populations, with a very few studies in the Asian population. Moreover, the effects of atherosclerotic indices, including atherogenic coefficient (AC) and atherogenic risk of plasma (AIP), on hypertension in Asians have not been well described so far.

Methods

From 2010 to 2016, altogether 211,833 Chinese adults were ultimately recruited at the health centers in 11 Chinese cities (including Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, Suzhou, Shenzhen, Changzhou, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hefei, Wuhan, and Nantong). Differences in continuous variables between the two groups were analyzed by the Mann–Whitney test, while those in categorical variables were examined by the Chi-squared test. Logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association between lipid profiles and the risk of hypertension. The predictive values of AC and AIP for the incidence of hypertension were analyzed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Meanwhile, Bayesian network (BN) models were performed to further analyze the associations between the different covariates and the incidence of hypertension.

Results

A total of 117,056 participants were included in the final analysis. There were significant differences in baseline characteristics between normotension and hypertension groups (p < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression, the risk of hypertension increased by 0.2% (1.002 [1.001–1.003]), 0.2% (1.002 [1.001–1.003]), and 0.2% (1.002 [1.001–1.003]) per 1 mg/dl increase in total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-c), respectively. However, after adjusting for body mass index (BMI), an increase in HDL level was associated with a higher risk of hypertension (p for a trend < 0.001), and the risk of hypertension increased by 0.6% per 1 mg/dl increase in HDL-c (1.006 [1.003–1.008]). In women, AC had the highest predictive value for the incidence of hypertension with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.667 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.659–0.674]. BN models suggested that TC and LDL were more closely related to the incidence of hypertension.

Conclusions

Overall, lipid profiles were significantly abnormal in the hypertensive population than in the normotensive population. TC and LDL were strongly associated with the incidence of hypertension. TC, LDL, and non-HDL-c levels show a positive association, HDL-c shows a negative association, while TG is not significantly associated with the risk of hypertension. After adjusting for BMI, HDL-c turns out to be positively associated with the risk of hypertension. In addition, AC has a good predictive value for the incidence of hypertension in women.
Association Between Serum Uric Acid Levels and Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Xiamen Residents of China: A Real-World Study
Authors: Zhang Peng , Chen Linjian , Li Zhaokai , Ni Wei , Wang Lin , Mei Wanchun , Ruan Guoqiang , Shi Zaixing , Dai Cuilian
Published: May 2022

Background

Serum uric acid (SUA) levels was associated with cardiovascular diseases and cardiovascular events. However, the relationship between SUA levels and traditional cardiovascular risk factors has not been well-established among Xiamen residents. Our study aimed to estimate the relationship between SUA levels and cardiovascular risk factors among Xiamen residents using real-world data.

Methods

Participants were enrolled from eight community health service centers in Xiamen, China. Participants were divided into four groups according to quartiles of the SUA levels. The history of diseases, the use of medications and the levels of laboratory parameters were collected. The China-PAR equation was used to evaluate the 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk.

Results

A total of 1,322 participants were enrolled. About 568 (43.0%) were men and 754 (57.0%) were women. The prevalences of hypertension, elderly, current smokers, and obesity were higher in the quartile 4 (Q4) group than the quartile 1 (Q1) group (all p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed the OR for hypertension was 2.671 (95% CI 1.777–4.015, p < 0.001) in the Q4 group compared with that in the Q1 group. Further logistic regression showed the OR for hypertension was 3.254 (95% CI 1.756–6.031, p < 0.001) in men and 2.314 (95% CI 1.354–3.955, p = 0.002) in women in the Q4 group compared with that in the Q1 group, respectively. In addition, the percentage of participants with low 10-year ASCVD risk calculated by China-PAR was higher in the Q1 group than that in the Q4 group (55.86 vs. 31.82%, p < 0.001). The percentage of participants with high 10-year ASCVD risk was lower in the Q1 group compared with the Q4 group (15.32 vs. 25.45%, p < 0.001). Multiple linear logistic regression showed the 10-year China-PAR ASCVD risk scores was positively correlated with SUA after adjusting for various factors (β = 0.135, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Serum uric acid was associated with several cardiovascular risk factors in Xiamen residents. The percentage of high 10-year ASDVD risk was higher in participants with hyperuricemia. Participants with hyperuricemia may experience cardiovascular benefit from uric acid-lowering therapy.
Modeling Tephra Fall and Sediment-Water Flows to Assess Their Impacts on a Vulnerable Building Stock in the City of Arequipa, Peru
Authors: Thouret J.-C. , Arapa E. , Charbonnier S. , Guerrero A. , Kelfoun K. , Cordoba G. , Rodriguez D. , Santoni O.
Published: May 2022

Arequipa, Peru’s second economic center hosting c. 1,110,000 inhabitants, is the largest South American city exposed to a large variety of natural hazards. At least 200,000 live in areas likely to be affected by hazards from El Misti volcano, located 17 km to the NE. A multidisciplinary project aims to address the impacts of tephra fall and frequent mass flows on the vulnerable building stock and roofs along two ravines that cross the city, enabling decision-makers to undertake retrofitting projects and improve urban risk planning. Two recent eruptions, that is, the 1440–1470 CE Vulcanian event and c. 2070 years BP Plinian eruption, were chosen as references for probable scenarios of potential tephra fall impacts from El Misti on the building roofs. Tephra fall impacts on the city depend on the eruptive style, column height, and patterns of wind directions and velocities over south Peru and roof mechanical resistance. Estimates of potential damage levels and cost range values rely on nine structural types and four classes of vulnerable roofs. Simulation runs of hyperconcentrated flows (HCF) and debris flows (DF), using three depth-averaged flow models (Titan2F, VolcFlow, and Flo-2D) along two drainage basins on the SW flank of El Misti and across Arequipa, examined three scenarios from a database of 39 recent events and other historical lahars. Simulation results showcase the extent toward the city, inundation depths ≤4.6 m, flow velocities ≤9 m/s, and dynamic pressure up to 100 kPa from three different magnitude HCFs and DFs. In both ravines, overbank flows occurred in key urban areas due to channel sinuosity and constrictions near bridges. Potential impacts on habitat stem from ranges of flow dynamic pressure and measurements of construction material. We estimated the monetary loss of buildings according to hyperconcentrated flows and debris flows scenarios to contribute to retrofitting procedure, implementation of defense work, and relocation policy.
Mesoscale Eddy Effects on Nitrogen Cycles in the Northern South China Sea Since the Last Glacial
Authors: Chen Miao , Zhao Xiaoxiao , Li Da-Wei , Dong Liang
Published: May 2022

Archaeal ammonia oxidation is the most important intermediate pathway in regulating the oceanic nitrogen cycle; however, the study of its specific role on a geological time scale is restricted to a specific part of marginal seas; thus far, only in the southern South China Sea (SCS). To explore the spatial pattern of the role of archaeal ammonia oxidation in the SCS, the GDGT-[2]/[3] ratio (Glycerol Dialkyl Glycerol Tetraether), an indicator of the archaeal ammonia oxidation rate, was analyzed and examined from the collected data profiles since the last glacial period in the northern SCS. The results showed that the GDGT-[2]/[3] ratio in the northern SCS was opposite to that in the southern SCS, with higher GDGT-[2]/[3] values during the Holocene compared to the last glacial period. Based on existing published depths of thermocline (DOT) data in the northern SCS since 30 ka, we believe that hydrological structural variations induced by mesoscale eddies caused this difference. Therefore, physical processes are very important factors that control the nitrogen cycle over a long-time scale. This study may provide new insights into the understanding of the role of archaeal ammonia oxidation within the marine nitrogen cycle over geological time scale.
Quantitative Evaluation of Reservoir Heterogeneity in the Ordos Basin Based on Tamura Texture Features
Authors: Xiao Zikang , Ding Wenlong , Hao Shiyan , Wang Zhitao , Xu Chong , Gao Huiran , Zhang Xiaolong
Published: May 2022

The low permeability sandstone reservoir in the Ordos Basin displays heterogeneity with sedimentation and tectonic origins, which is mainly manifest by interbedding of sandstone and mudstone, bedding, and fractures (). There is a clear difference between this type of heterogeneity and pore heterogeneity and diagenetic heterogeneity. At present, academia pays less attention to this kind of heterogeneity and lacks a quantitative evaluation method. The imaging log can describe this kind of heterogeneity directly. The Tamura texture features (TTF) method was used to calculate the roughness of different heterogeneous intervals. It is found that the fracture has the largest roughness, followed by the oblique bedding and the horizontal bedding section, and the massive bedding has the smallest roughness. The GR curve roughness calculated by EMD is consistent with that calculated by TTF. Therefore, TTF can be used to quantitatively evaluate the heterogeneity of low permeability sandstone reservoirs based on the imaging log when the imaging log has the same size. The roughness of the imaging log calculated by the TTF method has a strong coupling with the sedimentary cycle. This method is accurate, objective, and easy to understand. This is another important application of TTF in addition to quantitative evaluation of the heterogeneity of low permeability sandstone reservoirs.
Dihydroartemisinin Exerts Antifibrotic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Graves’ Ophthalmopathy by Targeting Orbital Fibroblasts
Authors: Yang Shenglan , Wang Xing , Xiao Wei , Xu Zhihui , Ye Huijing , Sha Xiaotong , Yang Huasheng
Published: May 2022

Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) is a common orbital disease that threatens visual function and appearance. Orbital fibroblasts (OFs) are considered key target and effector cells in GO. In addition, hyaluronan (HA) production, inflammation, and orbital fibrosis are intimately linked to the pathogenesis of GO. In this study, we explored the therapeutic effects of dihydroartemisinin (DHA), an antimalarial drug, on GO-derived, primary OFs. CCK8 and EdU assays were applied to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of DHA on OFs. Wound healing assays were conducted to assess OF migration capacity, while qRT-PCR, western blotting, ELISA, and immunofluorescence were used to determine the expression of fibrosis-related and pro-inflammatory markers in these cells. Moreover, RNA sequencing was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in DHA-treated OFs, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed to explore potential mechanisms mediating the antifibrotic effect of DHA on GO-derived OFs. Results showed that DHA dose-dependently inhibited OF proliferation and downregulated, at the mRNA and protein levels, TGF-β1-induced expression of fibrosis markers, including alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). Furthermore, DHA inhibited TGF-β1 induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), which suggested that DHA exerted antifibrotic effects via suppression of the ERK and STAT3 signaling pathways. In addition, DHA suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including IL-6, IL-8, CXCL-1, MCP-1, and ICAM-1, and attenuated HA production induced by IL-1β in GO-derived OFs. In conclusion, our study provides first-time evidence that DHA may significantly alleviate pathogenic manifestations of GO by inhibiting proliferation, fibrosis- and inflammation-related gene expression, and HA production in OFs. These data suggest that DHA may be a promising candidate drug for treatment of GO.
Methods for the Determination of Stable Isotope Ratios of Multiple Nitrogen Species in Rainwater Using Distillation and Evaporation
Authors: Jeong Young-Jae , Seo Bo-Seong , Baek Nuri , Kwak Jin-Hyeob , Lee Sang-Mo , Park Hyun-Jin , Choi Woo-Jung
Published: May 2022

Nitrogen (N) isotope ratios (δ15N) of multiple N species including ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3−), dissolved organic N (DON), and total dissolved N (TDN) can serve as indicators of the sources of wet N deposition. However, methods for sequential analysis of these multiple N species are not well developed. In this study, methods for the determination of δ15N of these multiple N species were proposed through a traditional distillation method for NH4+and NO3−, direct evaporation for TDN, and an isotope mass balance equation for δ15N-DON. A series of experiments were conducted 1) to find evaporation conditions including pH (<3.5 vs. 5.4) and evaporation methods (oven drying at 60 and 100°C, infra-red chamber, and freeze-drying), 2) to investigate precision and accuracy of distillation for δ15N of NH4+and NO3−, and 3) to determine δ15N-TDN by direct evaporation and δ15N-DON with mass balance equation. (NH4)2SO4(‒4.0 ± 0.03‰), KNO3(‒4.2 ± 0.03‰), and CO(NH2)2(‒5.4 ± 0.04‰) were used as reference materials for NH4+, NO3−, and DON, respectively. In this study, for the analysis of δ15N of NH4+and NO3−, the conventional distillation method was tested in an effort to save cost for laboratories equipped with the distillation system. Evaporation using oven at 60°C (but not 100°C), infra-red chamber, or freeze-drier after acidification to < pH 3.5 prevented14NH3loss. Analysis of the δ15N-NO3−(‒4.4 ± 0.1‰ to ‒3.9 ± 0.5‰) was reliable for a wide range of N content (0.1–0.5 mg), but analytical errors for δ15N-NH4+were as high as 2.1‰ when N content was small (e.g., 0.1–0.3 mg N) due to background contamination and potential interference by co-existing DON. Direct evaporation of solution containing NH4+, NO3−, and DON to dryness produced reliable δ15N-TDN with accuracy <0.15‰ and precision <0.21‰. However, the analytical errors of δ15N-DON were highly dependent on the content of co-existing NH4+as well as DON content. Therefore, the proposed protocol can be applied for rainwater containing a high NH4+concentration (>2.0 mg N L−1assuming that 200 ml of sample is used for distillation).
Environmental Factors Affecting Near-Surface Oxygen Content Vary in Typical Regions of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Liu Dong , Tang Haiping
Published: May 2022

Hypoxia threatens the health of people in highland regions around the world. Recent studies have shown that altitude has a significant effect on near-surface oxygen content at broad geographic scales, and whether this effect is manifested at the landscape scale, particularly on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) in China, has not been documented. We investigated the relationship between altitude, vegetation (Net Primary Productivity, NPP; Leaf Area Index, LAI; Fractional Vegetation Cover, FVC; Length of the Growing Season, LOS and Vegetation Type), climate variables (Mean Monthly Temperature, MMT; Mean Monthly Precipitation, MMP and Wind Speed, WS), and near-surface oxygen content in five typical regions of the QTP, including the Qilian Mountains (QLM), the Three-River Headwater Area (THA), Ngari Prefecture (NAP), Hengduan Mountains (HDM) and Yajiang Valley (YJV). The results showed that 1) altitude, NPP, FVC, LOS, MMP and MMT were important variables for predicting near-surface oxygen content; 2) the local-scale relationship between altitude and oxygen content exhibited negative or no correlations across broad regions; and 3) oxygen content exhibited a great deal of spatial heterogeneity, with altitude being the main affecting factor, followed by vegetation. Different drivers of near-surface oxygen content should be incorporated into Earth system models to reduce uncertainty in predicting oxygen dynamics and its potential feedback to global warming.
The Global and Western Indian Ocean Dispersal of House Geckos From Asia Using Historical and Mitochondrial DNA Perspectives
Authors: Rocha Sara , Trinks Alexandra , Harris D. James , Larson Greger , Cheke Anthony S.
Published: May 2022

Seven species of house geckos occur across the scattered islands of the Indian Ocean. Two of these, Hemidactylus frenatus and H. parvimaculatus are both widespread and possess distribution profiles that suggest pre-European, or perhaps natural dispersal to some islands. Of these, only H. frenatus currently has sufficient molecular data to begin exploring dispersal patterns. This species is one of the most successful reptile colonists, as demonstrated by its global, pantropical distribution. While in some areas, such as Australia and continental South America, its dispersal patterns are both recent and well-known, early historical records of Hemidactylus in the Indian Ocean islands suggest earlier and/or potentially non-human-mediated dispersals. Here, we reviewed the historical literature and combined those reports with an assessment of mitochondrial DNA diversity of a global sampling of H. frenatus samples that included modern and museum specimens. Our results corroborate previous studies and demonstrate the relatively high diversity within this species’ native range in Southeast Asia. In addition, the phylogenetic analysis suggests both a potential cryptic species complex, as well as global geographic structuring of different H. frenatus mitochondrial lineages. This has important implications for many comparative studies of this complex. Frequent and ongoing dispersals and colonizations complicate the identification of potentially older migration patterns. Further assessments including additional samples and analyses of additional genetic markers are necessary to disentangle older from more recent dispersals within this intriguing species.
Female Dispersion Is Necessary, but Not Sufficient, for Pairbonded Monogamy in Mammals
Authors: Dunbar R. I. M.
Published: May 2022

Explanations for the evolution of social monogamy in mammals typically emphasise one of two possibilities: females are overdispersed (such that males cannot defend access to more than one female at a time) or males provide a service to the female. However, the first claim has never been formally tested. I test it directly at three levels using population-level data from primates and ungulates. First, I show that the females of monogamous genera do not have territories that are significantly larger, either absolutely or relatively, than those of polygynous genera. Second, using two indices of territorial defendability, I show that, given their typical day journey lengths, males of most monogamous species could easily defend an area large enough to allow them to monopolise as many as 5–10 females if they ranged solitarily. Finally, I use a model of male mate searching strategies to show that the opportunity cost incurred by pairbonded males is typically 5–10 times the reproductive success they actually obtain by being obligately monogamous. This suggests that the selection pressure dissuading them from pursuing a roving male strategy must be very considerable. At present, the evidence is undecided as to whether mitigating predation or infanticide risk is the primary function, but estimates of their impacts suggest that both are in fact plausible.
NFE2L3 as a Novel Biomarker Associated With IL-2/STAT5/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma and Other Cancers
Authors: Wang Zhen , Yang Han , Luo Bin , Duan Pengfei , Lin Peng
Published: May 2022

Background: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a malignant tumor originating from pleural mesothelial cells and has a high mortality rate worldwide. With the advent of immunotherapy in MPM treatment, there is an urgent need to elucidate the immune-related mechanisms in this caner.

Methods: Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was used to score the immunocytes infiltration of data from different database sources. Identification of immunocyte-related genes was performed with weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis, and correlation analysis. Pan-caner analysis was performed using “DiffExp” and “Correlation” modules in TIMER.

Results: T-helper 2 (Th2) cell was found to be a poor prognostic factor for patients with MPM. Then a transcription factor, NFE2L3, was identified as a biomarker that showed a strong positive correlation with Th2 cell infiltration, and was highly expressed in MPM tissues and was related to the poor prognosis of these patients. At the same time, multiple NFE2L3 methylation sites were negatively correlated with Th2 cell infiltration, and patients with a high degree of methylation enjoy a better prognosis. Pan-caner analysis indicated that NFE2L3 might promote the differentiation of Th2 cells through the IL-2/STAT5/NLRP3 signaling pathway in MPM and many other cancers.

Conclusion: We believe that NFE2L3 can serve as a potential biomarker related to the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with MPM, and speculate that NFE2L3 could promote Th2 cell differentiation via IL-2/STAT5/NLRP3 signaling pathway in MPM and many other cancers.
Evidence of Paternal Effects on Telomere Length Increases in Early Life
Authors: Bennett Sophie , Girndt Antje , Sánchez-Tójar Alfredo , Burke Terry , Simons Mirre , Schroeder Julia
Published: May 2022

Offspring of older parents in many species have decreased longevity, a faster ageing rate and lower fecundity than offspring born to younger parents. Biomarkers of ageing, such as telomeres, that tend to shorten as individuals age, may provide insight into the mechanisms of such parental age effects. Parental age may be associated with offspring telomere length either directly through inheritance of shortened telomeres or indirectly, for example, through changes in parental care in older parents affecting offspring telomere length. Across the literature there is considerable variation in estimates of the heritability of telomere length, and in the direction and extent of parental age effects on telomere length. To address this, we experimentally tested how parental age is associated with the early-life telomere dynamics of chicks at two time points in a captive population of house sparrows Passer domesticus. We experimentally separated parental age from sex effects, and removed effects of age-assortative mating, by allowing the parent birds to only mate with young, or old partners. The effect of parental age was dependent on the sex of the parent and the chicks, and was found in the father-daughter relationship only; older fathers produced daughters with longer telomere lengths post-fledging. Overall we found that chick telomere length increased between the age of 0.5 and 3 months at the population and individual level. This finding is unusual in birds with such increases more commonly associated with non-avian taxa. Our results suggest parental age effects on telomere length are sex-specific either through indirect or direct inheritance. The study of similar patterns in different species and taxa will help us further understand variation in telomere length and its evolution.
Intracellular Ca2+ Signaling and Calcium Release-Activated Calcium Modulator ORAI1 Are Associated With CD4+ T Lymphocytes in Dairy Cows
Authors: Li Ming , Zhang Bingbing , Yin Yufeng , Wen Jianan , Wang Jingjing , He Yuxin , Jiang Qianming , Loor Juan J. , Wang Shuang , Yang Wei , Xu Chuang
Published: May 2022

The nutritional status of dairy cows and the metabolism of specific nutrients are critical regulators of immune cell function. Around the time of parturition, mobilization of body lipid and muscle helps compensate for the decrease in nutrient intake and the increased requirements of the mammary gland for lactation. An end-result of these processes is the marked increase in circulating concentrations of fatty acids (FA), which are a major risk factor for immune dysfunction. In food animal species such as dairy cows, any disturbance in nutritional or immunological homeostasis leads to deleterious feedback loops that can further risk health, efficiency of nutrient use, and compromise availability of safe and nutritious dairy foods for humans. Despite substantial progress with respect to regulation of innate immunity, such knowledge for adaptive immunity is scarce. To help bridge this gap in knowledge, we sought to study the role of calcium release-activated calcium modulator ORAI1 activation in T cells systemic immune function in vivo. CD4+ T cells were isolated from peripheral blood of dairy cows diagnosed as healthy or with ketosis, a common metabolic disorder of FA metabolism. Results revealed that levels of intracellular Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species (ROS) along with the abundance of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) moiety increased during ketosis. Further, plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines were elevated, the balance of Th17/Treg cells was disrupted, mitochondrial function impaired, and the abundance of mitophagy-related proteins in CD4+ T cells altered during ketosis. Molecular characterization of the direct effects of FA was evaluated in CD4+ T cells isolated from the spleen of 1-day-old calves. Enhanced supply of FA increased intracellular Ca2+ and ROS concentrations, upregulated the abundance of proteins associated with mitochondrial dynamics and ORAI1. Intermediates of mitophagy accumulated and the balance of Th17/Treg cells also was affected by the supply of FA. These negative effects were attenuated by silencing or inhibition of ORAI1 in CD4+ T cells. Together, data indicated that physiological states that lead to increases in systemic concentrations of FA could impact adaptive immunity negatively through ORAI1 regulated intracellular Ca2+, ROS balance, and increased effector functions of Th17 cells.
Underlying Inborn Errors of Immunity in Patients With Evans Syndrome and Multilineage Cytopenias: A Single-Centre Analysis
Authors: Miano Maurizio , Guardo Daniela , Grossi Alice , Palmisani Elena , Fioredda Francesca , Terranova Paola , Cappelli Enrico , Lupia Michela , Traverso Monica , Dell’Orso Gianluca , Corsolini Fabio , Beccaria Andrea , Lanciotti Marina , Ceccherini Isabella , Dufour Carlo
Published: May 2022

Background

Evans syndrome (ES) is a rare disorder classically defined as the simultaneous or sequential presence of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and immune thrombocytopenia, but it has also been described as the presence of at least two autoimmune cytopenias. Recent reports have shown that ES is often a manifestation of an underlying inborn error of immunity (IEI) that can benefit from specific treatments.

Aims

The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical and immunological characteristics and the underlying genetic background of a single-centre cohort of patients with ES.

Methods

Data were obtained from a retrospective chart review of patients with a diagnosis of ES followed in our centre. Genetic studies were performed with NGS analysis of 315 genes related to both haematological and immunological disorders, in particular IEI.

Results

Between 1985 and 2020, 40 patients (23 men, 17 women) with a median age at onset of 6 years (range 0–16) were studied. ES was concomitant and sequential in 18 (45%) and 22 (55%) patients, respectively. Nine of the 40 (8%) patients had a positive family history of autoimmunity. Other abnormal immunological features and signs of lymphoproliferation were present in 24/40 (60%) and 27/40 (67%) of cases, respectively. Seventeen out of 40 (42%) children fit the ALPS diagnostic criteria. The remaining 21 (42%) and 2 (5%) were classified as having an ALPS-like and an idiopathic disease, respectively. Eighteen patients (45%) were found to have an underlying genetic defect on genes FAS, CASP10, TNFSF13B, LRBA, CTLA4, STAT3, IKBGK, CARD11, ADA2, and LIG4. No significant differences were noted between patients with or without variant and between subjects with classical ES and the ones with other forms of multilineage cytopenias.

Conclusions

This study shows that nearly half of patients with ES have a genetic background being in most cases secondary to IEI, and therefore, a molecular evaluation should be offered to all patients.
Aspartate Aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index and Fibrosis-4 Index for Detecting Liver Fibrosis in Patients With Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dong Bingtian , Chen Yuping , Lyu Guorong , Yang Xiaocen
Published: May 2022

Background

Aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) are the two most widely studied noninvasive markers of liver fibrosis. We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of APRI and FIB-4 for liver fibrosis in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) using liver biopsy as the reference standard.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases were searched for studies (published as of May 1st, 2021) that assessed the diagnostic performance of APRI and FIB-4 for liver fibrosis in AIH. The summary area under receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC), sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratios were used to assess the diagnostic accuracy of APRI and FIB-4 for detecting liver fibrosis.

Results

Fourteen studies (including 1015 patients) were selected with 13 studies each evaluating the use of APRI and FIB-4 for detecting different stages of fibrosis in AIH. For prediction of significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis, the summary AUROC value was 0.66 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.61–0.70], 0.71 (95% CI: 0.67–0.75), and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.71–0.79) for APRI, and the summary AUROC value was 0.75 (95% CI: 0.71–0.79), 0.73 (95% CI: 0.69–0.77) and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.75–0.82) for FIB-4, respectively. The summary sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis were 90% and 36%, 78% and 55%, and 77% and 61% for APRI, and 70% and 70%, 65% and 70%, and 78% and 65% for FIB-4, respectively.

Conclusions

APRI and FIB-4 showed suboptimal diagnostic performance for identifying liver fibrosis in AIH with mediocre sensitivity and specificity.
Hyperimmune Targeting Staphylococcal Toxins Effectively Protect Against USA 300 MRSA Infection in Mouse Bacteremia and Pneumonia Models
Authors: Han Xiaobing , Ortines Roger , Mukherjee Ipsita , Kanipakala Tulasikumari , Kort Thomas , Sherchand Shardulendra P. , Liao Grant , Mednikov Mark , Chenine Agnes L. , Aman M. Javad , Nykiforuk Cory L. , Adhikari Rajan P.
Published: May 2022

Staphylococcus aureus has been acquiring multiple drug resistance and has evolved into superbugs such as Methicillin/Vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA/VRSA) and, consequently, is a major cause of nosocomial and community infections associated with high morbidity and mortality for which no FDA-approved vaccines or biotherapeutics are available. Previous efforts targeting the surface-associated antigens have failed in clinical testing. Here, we generated hyperimmune products from sera in rabbits against six major S. aureus toxins targeted by an experimental vaccine (IBT-V02) and demonstrated significant efficacy for an anti-virulence passive immunization strategy. Extensive in vitro binding and neutralizing titers were analyzed against six extracellular toxins from individual animal sera. All IBT-V02 immunized animals elicited the maximum immune response upon the first boost dose against all pore-forming vaccine components, while for superantigen (SAgs) components of the vaccine, second and third doses of a boost were needed to reach a plateau in binding and toxin neutralizing titers. Importantly, both anti-staphylococcus hyperimmune products consisting of full-length IgG (IBT-V02-IgG) purified from the pooled sera and de-speciated F(ab’)2 (IBT-V02-F(ab’)2) retained the binding and neutralizing titers against IBT-V02 target toxins. F(ab’)2 also exhibited cross-neutralization titers against three leukotoxins (HlgAB, HlgCB, and LukED) and four SAgs (SEC1, SED, SEK, and SEQ) which were not part of IBT-V02. F(ab’)2 also neutralized toxins in bacterial culture supernatant from major clinical strains of S. aureus. In vivo efficacy data generated in bacteremia and pneumonia models using USA300 S. aureus strain demonstrated dose-dependent protection by F(ab’)2. These efficacy data confirmed the staphylococcal toxins as viable targets and support the further development effort of hyperimmune products as a potential adjunctive therapy for emergency uses against life-threatening S. aureus infections.
Dietary Supplementation of Bile Acids in Tongue Sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis): A Promising Strategy to Improve Hepatic Health Status
Authors: Wang Shengpeng , Zhang Wei , Cao Aizhi , Pan Zhongchao , Liu Tailiang
Published: May 2022

A 10-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the beneficial effects of bile acids (BAs) on hepatic health status in tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). Three experimental diets were prepared with different levels of BA inclusion in the commercial basal diet: control group (CT: 0 mg/kg basal diet), low-level group (BA1: 300 mg/kg basal diet), and high-level group (900 mg/kg basal diet). At the end of the feeding trial, growth performance and survival rate were measured, as well as numerous physiological and biochemical parameters of the liver, including four hepatic function indices, five antioxidant indices, five lipid metabolism parameters, and three digestive enzyme activities. Moreover, the mRNA expression levels of three growth-related genes and three immune-related genes in the liver were assayed. Results showed that growth performance and survival were substantially improved in both low- and high-level BA inclusive groups. Further, the tested liver physiological and biochemical parameters combined with the quantitative real-time PCR results revealed enhanced antioxidant capacity, energy metabolism, digestive ability, and immune response. Finally, these findings provide a wider spectrum of the beneficial effects of dietary BAs on liver health in tongue sole.
Synergy of Dietary Quercetin and Vitamin E Improves Cecal Microbiota and Its Metabolite Profile in Aged Breeder Hens
Authors: Amevor Felix Kwame , Cui Zhifu , Du Xiaxia , Feng Jing , Shu Gang , Ning Zifan , Xu Dan , Deng Xun , Song Weizhen , Wu Youhao , Cao Xueqing , Wei Shuo , He Juan , Kong Fanli , Du Xiaohui , Tian Yaofu , Karikari Benjamin , Li Diyan , Wang Yan , Zhang Yao , Zhu Qing , Zhao Xiaoling
Published: May 2022

In the present study, the synergistic effects of quercetin (Q) and vitamin E (E) on cecal microbiota composition and function, as well as the microbial metabolic profile in aged breeder hens were investigated. A total of 400 (65 weeks old) Tianfu breeder hens were randomly allotted to four experimental groups (four replicates per group). The birds were fed diets containing quercetin at 0.4 g/kg, vitamin E (0.2 g/kg), quercetin and vitamin E (QE; 0.4 g/kg and 0.2 g/kg), and a basal diet for a period of 10 wks. After the 10 week experimental period, the cecal contents of 8 aged breeder hens per group were sampled aseptically and subjected to high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomic analysis. The results showed that the relative abundances of phylaBacteroidota,Firmicutes,andActinobacteriotawere the most prominent among all the dietary groups. Compared to the control group, the relative abundance of the familiesBifidobacteriaceae,Lachnospiraceae, Tannerellaceae,Mathonobacteriaceae, Barnesiellaceae,andPrevotellaceaewere enriched in the QE group; andBacteroidaceae, Desulfovibrionaceae, Peptotostretococcaceae,andFusobacteriaceaewere enriched in the Q group, whereas those ofLactobacillaceae, Veillonellaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Akkermansiaceae,andRikenellaceaewere enriched in the E group compared to the control group. Untargeted metabolomics analyses revealed that Q, E, and QE modified the abundance of several metabolites in prominent pathways including ubiquinone and other terpenoid–quinone biosynthesis, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, insulin secretion, pancreatic secretion, nicotine addiction, and metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450. Furthermore, key cecal microbiota, significantly correlated with important metabolites,for example,(S)-equol positively correlated withAlistipesandChlamydiain E_vs_C, and negatively correlated withOlsenella,Paraprevotella,andMucispirillumbut, a contrary trend was observed withParabacteroidesin QE_vs_C. This study establishes that the synergy of quercetin and vitamin E alters the cecal microbial composition and metabolite profile in aged breeder hens, which lays a foundation for chicken improvement programs.