bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal operation and locating method of new energy building with shared charging service
Authors: Liu Chang , Wang Wei , Wang Zhixun , Chen Shangfa , Su Peifang , Gao Hongyuan , Xu Chao , Ge Biyuan , Ding Hongfa , Liu Liang
Published: August 2022

In order to cope with global climate change, an electric vehicle (EV) and new energy building are constantly being innovated and improved. With the popularity and application of big data and Internet of Things, the new energy building with available charging piles may also become a charging station, which can solve the problem of difficult charging of EVs and promote the local energy consumption of the building. Therefore, this study proposes a shared charging concept for buildings, that is, shared photovoltaic, charging, and energy storage building (sPCEB). First, based on the analysis results of big data in cities or settlements of people, a locating method of the sPCEB system is introduced, and further proposes an optimal operating strategy that maximizes the combined benefit of the building. The efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed methods are verified by simulation.
Numerical simulation on influence of initial pressures on gas explosion propagation characteristics in roadway
Authors: Haohao Zhang , Zhenzhen Jia , Qing Ye , Yu Cheng , Shujuan Li
Published: August 2022

In order to investigate the influence of initial pressures on the propagation characteristics of gas explosion in roadway, the physical model of gas explosion under different initial pressures in roadway is established by the fluid-structure interaction algorithm of ANSYS/LS-DYNA. The pressure of shock wave, the rise rate of pressure and the flame propagation velocity are analyzed when the initial pressure is 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11, and 0.12 MPa, respectively. The results reveal that the maximum pressure of shock wave at the same position in the roadway increases significantly with the increase of initial pressure, which presents a quadratic function relationship. The time to reach the maximum pressure of shock wave is extended comparatively. In addition, the maximum rise rate of shock wave pressure increases with the increase of the initial pressure, which means that the explosion hazard increases. The flame propagation velocity in the roadway decreases linearly with the increase of initial pressure. When the initial pressure increases by 0.01 MPa, the flame propagation speed will decrease by 2.6%.
A hybrid deep learning model with error correction for photovoltaic power forecasting
Authors: Zhang Rongquan , Li Gangqiang , Bu Siqi , Kuang Guowen , He Wei , Zhu Yuxiang , Aziz Saddam
Published: August 2022

The penetration of photovoltaic (PV) power into modern power systems brings enormous economic and environmental benefits due to its cleanness and inexhaustibility. Therefore, accurate PV power forecasting is a pressing and rigid demand to reduce the negative impact of its randomness and intermittency on modern power systems. In this paper, we explore the application of deep learning based hybrid technologies for ultra-short-term PV power forecasting consisting of a feature engineering module, a deep learning-based point prediction module, and an error correction module. The isolated forest based feature preprocessing module is used to detect the outliers in the original data. The non-pooling convolutional neural network (NPCNN), as the deep learning based point prediction module, is developed and trained using the processed data to identify non-linear features. The historical forecasting errors between the forecasting and actual PV data are further constructed and trained to correct the forecasting errors, by using an error correction module based on a hybrid of wavelet transform (WT) and k-nearest neighbor (KNN). In the simulations, the proposed method is extensively evaluated on actual PV data in Limburg, Belgium. Experimental results show that the proposed hybrid model is beneficial for improving the performance of PV power forecasting compared with the benchmark methods.
A Motion Planning Algorithm for Live Working Manipulator Integrating PSO and Reinforcement Learning Driven by Model and Data
Authors: Ku Tao , Li Jin , Liu Jinxin , Lin Yuexin , Liu Xinyu
Published: August 2022

To solve the motion planning of the live working manipulator, this research proposes a hybrid data-model–driven algorithm called the P-SAC algorithm. In the model-driven part, to avoid obstacles and make the trajectory as smooth as possible, we designed the trajectory model of the sextic polynomial and used the PSO algorithm to optimize the parameters of the trajectory model. The data generated by the model-driven part are then passed into the replay buffer to pre-train the agent. Meanwhile, to guide the manipulator in reaching the target point, we propose a reward function design based on region guidance. The experimental results show that the P-SAC algorithm can reduce unnecessary exploration of reinforcement learning and can improve the learning ability of the model-driven algorithm for the environment.
Si/Cu composite as anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zeng Hong , He Yawen , Chamas Mohamad
Published: August 2022

An Si/Cu composite anode was prepared using a facile solid mechanosynthesis method and wet chemical etching. Phase transition and morphologies were investigated on pristine and as-synthesized composites. Effects of presence of Al80Si20 and super p carbon on ball-milling were investigated. Moreover, the etching effect was compared with that of pristine Cu–Zn and composites by addition of NH4Cl. The results of X-ray diffraction patterns, scanning-electron-microscopy morphological images, and focus-ion-beam/energy-dispersive mapping demonstrated that the formation of the intermetallic, elemental distribution, homogeneity, and dezincification is involved with the addition of Al, super p carbon, and etching additive NH4Cl. Super p carbon avoided the formation of Cu–Si, while Al made the more homogenous distribution of Si/Cu. The two synthesized types of Si/Cu composites deliver specific capacity/retention rates of 608 mAhg−1/66.4% (Si/Cu from pure Si) and 707 mAhg−1/81.1% (Si/Cu from Al80Si20) after 200 cycles, respectively. The higher stability of the galvanostatic cycling and capability performance resulted from the homogeneity of Si and Cu.
A novel hybridized neuro-fuzzy model with an optimal input combination for dissolved oxygen estimation
Authors: Maroufpoor Saman , Sammen Saad Sh. , Alansari Nadhir , Abba S.I. , Malik Anurag , Shahid Shamsuddin , Mokhtar Ali , Maroufpoor Eisa
Published: August 2022

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is one of the main prerequisites to protect amphibian biological systems and to support powerful administration choices. This research investigated the applicability of Shannon’s entropy theory and correlation in obtaining the combination of the optimum inputs, and then the abstracted input variables were used to develop three novel intelligent hybrid models, namely, NF-GWO (neuro-fuzzy with grey wolf optimizer), NF-SC (subtractive clustering), and NF-FCM (fuzzy c-mean), for estimation of DO concentration. Seven different input combinations of water quality variables, including water temperature (TE), specific conductivity (SC), turbidity (Tu), and pH, were used to develop the prediction models at two stations in California. The performance of proposed models for DO estimation was assessed using statistical metrics and visual interpretation. The results revealed the better performance of NF-GWO for all input combinations than other models where its performance was improved by 24.2–66.2% and 14.9–31.2% in terms of CC (correlation coefficient) and WI (Willmott index) compared to standalone NF for different input combinations. Additionally, the MAE (mean absolute error) and RMSE (root mean absolute error) of the NF model were reduced using the NF-GWO model by 9.9–46.0% and 8.9–47.5%, respectively. Therefore, NF-GWO with all water quality variables as input can be considered the optimal model for predicting DO concentration of the two stations. In contrast, NF-SC performed worst for most of the input combinations. The violin plot of NF-GWO-predicted DO was found most similar to the violin plot of observed data. The dissimilarity with the observed violin was found high for the NF-FCM model. Therefore, this study promotes the hybrid intelligence models to predict DO concentration accurately and resolve complex hydro-environmental problems.
Microtopographic reconstruction improves soil erosion resistance and vegetation characteristics on the slopes of large dump sites in semi-arid areas
Authors: Tian Xiumin , Yin Ruiping , Wang Jian , Dong Lei , Cheng Bo , Liu Hu , Ge Nan
Published: August 2022

In view of the management of slopes in large mine dumps in semi-arid regions, this study explored different methods for controlling soil erosion and improving the microenvironment of the surface of such slopes. Focusing on microtopography modifications and vegetation measures on the slopes of a large mine dump in a semi-arid region, the soil erosion resistance of the slope was continuously monitored using installed observation plots. In addition, the characteristics of plant communities that thrived on the dump were investigated. The results indicate that the soil erosion resistance, soil organic matter content, and biodiversity increased to different degrees in the large mine dump that experienced microtopography modifications and implemented vegetation measures compared with those of slopes managed only by soil cover and planting. Compared with that in the control plot, under the same vegetation restoration measures, the macroaggregate content in the four plots that implemented microtopography modifications increased by 20%, 24%, 21%, and 30%; the soil erodibility (K-factor) decreased by 7.8%, 8.5%, 10%, and 10.7%; and the soil organic matter increased by 2%, 4.5%, 3.4%, and 4.7%. Microtopography modification consisting of U-shaped blocking boards and fixed rods embedded in the slope, combined with vegetation measures, resulted in a protective effect, which in turn induced the highest diversity, evenness, and richness index values of 2.35, 0.87, and 1.94, respectively. The study results revealed that a combination of microtopography modifications and vegetation measures can be used to achieve effective vegetation restoration, prevent soil erosion, and create different microhabitats, indicating that our approach is an effective way to control critical issues affecting large mine dumps in semi-arid regions.
Estimation of potential soil erosion reduction using GIS-based RUSLE under different land cover management models: A case study of Pale Municipality, B&H
Authors: Golijanin Jelena , Nikolić Gojko , Valjarević Aleksandar , Ivanović Rade , Tunguz Vesna , Bojić Stefan , Grmuša Milka , Lukić Tanović Mariana , Perić Marija , Hrelja Edin , Stankov Slobodanka
Published: August 2022

Spatial assessment of soil erosion is an important indicator of ecological soil change and global environmental changes. This is especially true for countries with rich forest cover such as Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this study, the risk of soil erosion was assessed using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model and the impact of changes in the forest ecosystem, current conditions were compared with possible future forest management scenarios, and measures and solutions were proposed to reduce soil erodibility in vulnerable areas of the Pale Municipality in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The studied area is at increased risk of soil erosion due to natural conditions (mountain relief, climate change, and the frequency of extreme climatic events—drought and heavy rains, which occur more and more frequently in a short period of time) and due to anthropogenic factors, such as large-scale deforestation and conversion of mountain areas for tourism purposes, tracing and construction of ski slopes and ski resorts in general, and expansion of settlements. All this leads to threats to water conservation areas, landslides, floods, forest fires, and additional reduction of forest areas due to drying of forests and expansion of settlements. GIS as a tool provides us with a quick and accurate way to find possible solutions to problems resulting from the intensive use and inadequate monitoring. In this study, we have tried to offer possible solutions and show the benefits that can be obtained by varying the factors that affect soil erodibility and depend on vegetation cover, that is, land use (C-factor). This study presents the application of RUSLE methods in combination with GIS for the purpose of planning economic activities, such as winter tourism development in the community of Pale. An increase in soil loss due to inappropriate land use was found, with the average annual soil loss due to deforestation in the ski area increasing to 909.43 t ha−1 year−1.
The complete mitochondrial genome of Simulium jisigouense (Diptera: Simuliidae) and phylogenetic analysis of Simuliidae
Authors: An Yuxin , Li Cong , Li Jing , Wang Yuyu
Published: August 2022

The family Simuliidae belongs to Diptera whose systematic position is still strongly debated. A few mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of Simuliidae and none of the subgenus Montisimulium in the genus Simulium have previously been available. Therefore, the mitogenome of Simulium jisigouense Chen, Zhang and Liu, 2008 was sequenced to better understand the diversity of mitogenomes within this family. The complete mitogenome of S. jisigouense was 16,384 bp long. It contained 37 genes including 22 tRNAs, 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), and 2 rRNAs, and an A + T-rich region, which was the same as the arrangement of mitogenomes of ancestral insects. Almost all PCGs used the typical ATN as start codons, except COI used TTG. Almost all tRNAs could be folded into cloverleaf structures except the dihydrouridine (DHU) arm of tRNASer(AGN), which formed a loop. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that Simuliidae was monophyletic and was the sister group to Thaumaleidae. Subgenus Simulium was recovered as paraphyletic and needs more comprehensive sampling in future studies. Divergence time estimation showed that Simuliidae diverged from Thaumaleidae at 239.24 Ma and the subgenera of Simulium diverged from each other from 162.46 to 75.08 Ma.
Environmental technology effect of two-way foreign direct investment interactive development in China
Authors: Gong Mengqi , You Zhe
Published: August 2022

This paper examines the impact of the interactive development of inward foreign direct investment (IFDI) and outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) [two-way foreign direct investment (FDI)] on regional environmental technology by using data from 30 provinces and cities in China from 2004 to 2017. To overcome the possible endogeneity problem of the model, the system generalized moment estimation method (system GMM) is used to estimate the model. The results show the following: First, two-way FDI could inhibit the progress of regional environmental technology. Second, the results of the regional heterogeneity test show that the development of two-way FDI interaction promotes the environmental technology in the eastern region, but inhibits the environmental technology in the central and western regions of China. Third, the heterogeneity test results of the two-way FDI interactive development degree show that the two-way FDI interactive development in China promotes environmental technology in high-interactive areas, but inhibits environmental technology in low-interactive areas. Finally, the results of the phased heterogeneity test show that as China’s two-way FDI interactive development gradually increases, its inhibitory effect on regional environmental technology gradually declines. Therefore, it is believed that in the future, China should further strengthen inward FDI and OFDI, realize the benign interaction of two-way FDI, and finally promote the progress of regional environmental technology.
Drosophila melanogaster: A platform for anticancer drug discovery and personalized therapies
Authors: Munnik Chamoné , Xaba Malungi P. , Malindisa Sibusiso T. , Russell Bonnie L. , Sooklal Selisha A.
Published: August 2022

Cancer is a complex disease whereby multiple genetic aberrations, epigenetic modifications, metabolic reprogramming, and the microenvironment contribute to the development of a tumor. In the traditional anticancer drug discovery pipeline, drug candidates are usually screened in vitro using two-dimensional or three-dimensional cell culture. However, these methods fail to accurately mimic the human disease state. This has led to the poor success rate of anticancer drugs in the preclinical stages since many drugs are abandoned due to inefficacy or toxicity when transitioned to whole-organism models. The common fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has emerged as a beneficial system for modeling human cancers. Decades of fundamental research have shown the evolutionary conservation of key genes and signaling pathways between flies and humans. Moreover, Drosophila has a lower genetic redundancy in comparison to mammals. These factors, in addition to the advancement of genetic toolkits for manipulating gene expression, allow for the generation of complex Drosophila genotypes and phenotypes. Numerous studies have successfully created Drosophila models for colorectal, lung, thyroid, and brain cancers. These models were utilized in the high-throughput screening of FDA-approved drugs which led to the identification of several compounds capable of reducing proliferation and rescuing phenotypes. More noteworthy, Drosophila has also unlocked the potential for personalized therapies. Drosophila ‘avatars’ presenting the same mutations as a patient are used to screen multiple therapeutic agents targeting multiple pathways to find the most appropriate combination of drugs. The outcomes of these studies have translated to significant responses in patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma and metastatic colorectal cancers. Despite not being widely utilized, the concept of in vivo screening of drugs in Drosophila is making significant contributions to the current drug discovery pipeline. In this review, we discuss the application of Drosophila as a platform in anticancer drug discovery; with special focus on the cancer models that have been generated, drug libraries that have been screened and the status of personalized therapies. In addition, we elaborate on the biological and technical limitations of this system.
Suitability of testers to characterize provitamin a content and agronomic performance of tropical maize inbred lines
Authors: Maazou Abdoul-Raouf Sayadi , Adetimirin Victor O. , Gedil Melaku , Meseka Silvestro , Mengesha Wende , Menkir Abebe
Published: August 2022

Vitamin A deficiency poses health risks for children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Southeast Asia. Provitamin A–biofortified maize varieties can contribute to minimizing the adverse effects of vitamin A deficiency in areas where maize is a staple food crop. Identifying suitable testers is important to breed provitamin A–biofortified hybrid maize. This study was therefore conducted to 1) assess the suitability of maize inbred lines with contrasting levels of provitamin A (one with high and one with low provitamin A concentration) to assess the combining ability of maize inbred lines in accumulating provitamin A and other carotenoids, and grain yield, 2) confirm the mode of inheritance of provitamin A and grain yield, and 3) identify promising inbred lines with desirable combining ability effects for use to develop high-yielding provitamin A–biofortified hybrids. The inbreds crossed to the two inbred testers were evaluated in four environments for the carotenoid content and eight environments for the agronomic performance. The combined analysis of variance revealed a significant genetic variation among the testcrosses for all carotenoids, grain yield, and other agronomic traits. The mode of inheritance for grain yield, other agronomic traits, provitamin A, and other carotenoids was regulated by both additive and non-additive gene effects with a prominence of additive gene effects. The high provitamin A tester that displayed positive GCA effects for β-carotene and provitamin A content, broader agronomic performance of testcrosses, and higher levels of provitamin A in testcrosses can be considered suitable for breeding programs developing provitamin A–biofortified hybrids. The inbred lines TZI2012, TZI2142, TZI2130, TZI2065-2, TZI2161, TZI2025, TZI1278, TZI1314, TZI1304, and TZI2032 with positive GCA effects for grain yield and provitamin A content could be used as parental lines to develop source population of new inbred lines and high-yielding hybrids with elevated levels of provitamin A. The best performing hybrids are promising for release as high-yielding provitamin A maize hybrids after further evaluations.
Gut microbiota-mediated metabolic restructuring aggravates emotional deficits after anesthesia/surgery in rats with preoperative stress
Authors: Lei Lei , Ji Muhuo , Yang Jinjin , Chen Sai , Gu Hanwen , Yang Jian-jun
Published: August 2022

Patients with preoperative stress are prone to postoperative emotional deficits. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we characterize the changes of microbial composition and specific metabolites after anesthesia/surgery in rats with preoperative stress based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and non-targeted metabolomics technique. Consequently, we found that anesthesia/surgery aggravated anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors in rats under preoperative stress. Microglia were activated and pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor ɑ (TNF-α) were upregulated after anesthesia/surgery. The postoperative gut microbiota and metabolite composition of rats exposed to preoperative stress differed from those of control rats. Lastly, emotional impairments, metabolic alterations, and neuroinflammation returned normal in antibiotics-treated rats. Our findings provide further evidence that abnormalities in the gut microbiota contribute to postoperative metabolic restructuring, neuroinflammation, and psychiatric deficits in rats under preoperative stress.
Pan-Cancer Analysis of the Immunological Role of PDIA5: A Potential Target for Immunotherapy
Authors: Chen Yu , He Jialin , Chen Rui , Wang Zeyu , Dai Ziyu , Liang Xisong , Wu Wantao , Luo Peng , Zhang Jian , Peng Yun , Zhang Nan , Liu Zaoqu , Zhang Liyang , Zhang Hao , Cheng Quan
Published: August 2022

The aberrant protein disulfide isomerase A5 (PDIA5) expression was relevant to the poor prognosis of patients with human cancers. However, its relationship with the epigenetic and genetic alterations and its effect on tumor immunity is still lacking. In the present study, we comprehensively analyzed the immune infiltration role of PDIA5 in human cancers based on large-scale bioinformatics analyses and in vitro experiments. Obvious DNA methylation and moderate alteration frequency of PDIA5 were observed in human cancers. The expression level of PDIA5 was significantly correlated with infiltrated immune cells, immune pathways, and other immune signatures. We found that cancer cells and macrophages exhibited high PDIA5 expression in human cancers using the single-cell RNA sequencing analysis. We also demonstrated the interaction between PDIA5 and immune cells in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Multiplex immunofluorescence staining showed the upregulated expression level of PDIA5 and the increased number of M2 macrophage markers-CD163 positive cells in pan-cancer samples. Notably, PDIA5 silencing resulted in upregulated expression of PD-L1 and SPP1 in U251 cells. Silencing of PDIA5 in hepG2 cells, U251 cells, and PC3 cells contributed to a decline in their ability of proliferation, clone formation, and invasion and inhibited the migration of cocultured M2 macrophages. Additionally, PDIA5 also displayed predictive value in the immunotherapy response of both murine and human cancer cohorts. Overall, our findings indicated that PDIA5 might be a potential target for immunotherapies in cancers.
Inhibition of PCSK9 enhances the antitumor effect of PD-1 inhibitor in colorectal cancer by promoting the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and the exclusion of Treg cells
Authors: Wang Rui , Liu Hongchuan , He Peng , An Duopeng , Guo Xiaohan , Zhang Xuyao , Feng Meiqing
Published: August 2022

Immunotherapy especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has brought favorable clinical results for numerous cancer patients. However, the efficacy of ICIs in colorectal cancer (CRC) is still unsatisfactory due to the poor median progression-free survival and overall survival. Here, based on the CRC models, we tried to elucidate novel relapse mechanisms during anti-PD-1 therapy. We found that PD-1 blockade elicited a mild antitumor effect in these tumor models with both increased CD8+ T cells and Treg cells. Gene mapping analysis indicated that proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), low-density lipoprotein receptor, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and CD36 were unexpectedly upregulated during PD-1 blockade. To investigate the critical role of these proteins especially PCSK9 in tumor growth, anti-PCSK9 antibody in combination with anti-PD-1 antibody was employed to block PCSK9 and PD-1 simultaneously in CRC. Data showed that neutralizing PCSK9 during anti-PD-1 therapy elicited a synergetic antitumor effect with increased CD8+ T-cell infiltration and inflammatory cytokine releases. Moreover, the proportion of Treg cells was significantly reduced by co-inhibiting PCSK9 and PD-1. Overall, inhibiting PCSK9 can further enhance the antitumor effect of anti-PD-1 therapy in CRC, indicating that targeting PCSK9 could be a promising approach to potentiate ICI efficacy.
CD19+ lineage chimerism, an early biomarker after anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy in patients previously receiving a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Martínez-Romera Isabel , Galán-Gómez Víctor , González-Martínez Berta , Guerra García Pilar , San Román Pacheco Sonsoles , Corral Sánchez Dolores , Mozo del Castillo Yasmina , Bueno Sánchez David , Sisinni Luisa , González Guerrero Alba , Castellano Dámaso Serafin , Sánchez Zapardiel Elena , Ruz Caracuel Beatriz , Balas Pérez Antonio , Pérez-Martínez Antonio
Published: August 2022

Treatment targeting CD19 by a chimeric antigen receptor expressed on T cells (anti-CD19 CAR-T) has led to a breakthrough in the management and treatment of relapsed and refractory B- cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). After infusion, the efficacy of anti-CD19 CAR-T is monitored by bone marrow negative minimal residual disease and the absence of peripheral CD19+ B lymphocytes (B-cell aplasia). In patients who have received an allogenic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) prior to treatment with anti-CD19 CAR-T, monitoring lineage-specific chimerism could be helpful. We found that on 4 patients who received anti-CD19 CAR-T cells after HSCT and achieved early complete response, CD19+ lineage mixed chimerism but not CD3+ lineage mixed chimerism monitored by molecular techniques anticipated earlier than B-cell aplasia determined by flow cytometry, lack of effectiveness of anti-CD19 CAR-T and leukemia relapse. Donor lymphocyte infusions (DLIs) did not prevent relapse but recovered CD3+ full donor chimerism. We suggest that continuous lineage chimerism analysis should be done routinely in patients who receive anti-CD19 CAR-T cells after HSCT and achieve complete remission because it can support early treatment intervention. However, the role of DLI in this setting is unclear, so further prospective studies should be developed.
The significance of preclinical anti-BP180 autoantibodies
Authors: Mai Yosuke , Izumi Kentaro , Mai Shoko , Ujiie Hideyuki
Published: August 2022

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease. Although the pathomechanism of BP onset has yet to be elucidated in detail, BP autoantibodies targeting two hemidesmosomal components, BP180 and BP230, are known to play a pivotal role in BP pathogenesis. Thus, the detection and measurement of BP autoantibodies are necessary for diagnosing BP and monitoring the disease activity. Immune assays such as immunofluorescence microscopy, immunoblotting, and ELISAs using BP180 and BP230 detect BP autoantibodies in most BP cases with high specificity; however, BP autoantibodies are sometimes detected in BP patients before the onset of this disease. BP autoantibodies that are detected in patients without typical tense blisters are defined as “preclinical BP autoantibodies”. These preclinical BP autoantibodies are detected even in a low percentage of normal healthy individuals. Although the importance of preclinical BP autoantibodies remains elusive, these autoantibodies might be a potential risk factor for subsequent BP development. Therefore, previous comparative epidemiological studies have focused on the prevalence of preclinical BP autoantibodies in populations susceptible to BP (e.g., the elderly) or in diseases with a higher risk of comorbid BP. This mini-review summarizes the literature on the prevalence of preclinical BP autoantibodies in patients with various conditions and diseases, and we discuss the significance of preclinical BP autoantibody detection.
A live attenuated strain of HY9901ΔdctP provides protection against Vibrio alginolyticus to the pearl gentian grouper (♀Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂Epinephelus lanceolatus)
Authors: Zhang Yilin , Zhang Ziyu , Zhang Jinxia , Huang Yucong , Jian Jichang , Cai Shuanghu
Published: August 2022

In recent decades, vibriosis caused byVibrio alginolyticushas become a severe threat to the global mariculture industry. There is an urgent need for an effective vaccine to alleviate this unoptimistic situation. In this study, we evaluated the safety, immunoprotection, and specific and non-specific immune response effect of ΔdctPstrain as a live-attenuated vaccine to pearl gentian grouper (♀Epinephelus fuscoguttatus× ♂Epinephelus lanceolatu). The results demonstrate that the safe dose of ΔdctPwas ≤1.0 ×106CFU in pearl gentian grouper. The relative percent survival of the pearl gentian grouper challenged with the ΔdctPmutant strain by intraperitoneal injection reached 74.4%, which was significantly higher than that of the control group. Meanwhile, the expression level of immune-relative genes, includingIgM,IL-1β,IL-8,IL-10,MHC-Iα,MHC2,TNF-α,TLR3, andCD4, were upregulated in liver, spleen, and head kidney within 28 d post-vaccination. Moreover, specific antibody IgM, total serum protein as well as activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and lysozyme in serum were significantly up-regulated in vaccinated groupers compared with those in control. Collectively, ΔdctPcould be used as a live-attenuated vaccine candidate againstV. alginolyticusinfection in pearl gentian grouper.
The impact of biologic therapies on extra-intestinal manifestations in inflammatory bowel disease: A multicenter study
Authors: Ferretti Francesca , Monico Maria Camilla , Cannatelli Rosanna , Carmagnola Stefania , Lenti Marco Vincenzo , Di Sabatino Antonio , Conforti Francesco , Pastorelli Luca , Caprioli Flavio , Bezzio Cristina , Saibeni Simone , Mazza Stefano , Vecchi Maurizio , Maconi Giovanni , Ardizzone Sandro
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a high risk of developing extra-intestinal manifestations (EIMs). We aimed to assess the cumulative incidence and clinical course of EIMs in patients treated with Vedolizumab (VDZ) and non-gut selective biologic drugs.

Materials and methods

In this multicenter observational study, we enrolled 1,182 patients with IBD under biologic treatment in tertiary care centers, collecting the rate of new-onset EIMs and the clinical course of new and pre-existing EIMs since the introduction of the ongoing biologic drug (259 VDZ vs. 923 non-gut selective agents, median time 3 vs. 4 years).

Results

Among 1,182 patients with IBD (median age of 46 years; 55% men) on biologics, the overall cumulative incidence of new onset EIMs was 4.1% (49/1,182), in particular 6.6% (17/259) on VDZ vs. 3.5% (32/923) on non-gut selective biologics (p = 0.02). Among 224 patients reporting new or pre-existing EIMs, those on VDZ showed a higher rate of clinical worsening compared with non-gut selective therapies (15.5 vs. 7.3%, p = 0.08). However, both showed a similar rate of modification of the therapeutic regimen. Female gender [hazard ratio (HR) 2.18], a longer course of ongoing biologic therapy (HR 1.18), ulcerative colitis (UC) (HR 1.83), and VDZ therapy (HR 1.85) were significant risk factors for developing new EIMs.

Discussion

Our study suggests that the type of biologic treatment might affect the risk of developing EIMs, with a slightly higher risk in patients on gut-selective therapies. However, a similar clinical course is observed in the two groups.
Krebs von den Lungen-6 glycoprotein circulating levels are not useful as prognostic marker in COVID-19 pneumonia: A large prospective cohort study
Authors: Castellví Ivan , Castillo Diego , Corominas Hèctor , Mariscal Anaís , Orozco Sandra , Benito Natividad , Pomar Virginia , Baucells Andrés , Mur Isabel , de la Rosa-Carrillo David , Lobo David , Millan Ana Milena , Hernández de Sosa Nerea , Filella David , Matas Laia , Martínez-Martínez Laura , Juarez Cándido , Casademont Jordi , Domingo Pere
Published: August 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly expanded worldwide. Currently, there are no biomarkers to predict respiratory worsening in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 pneumonia. Small studies explored the use of Krebs von de Lungen-6 circulating serum levels (sKL-6) as a prognostic biomarker of the worsening of COVID-19 pneumonia. We aimed at a large study to determine the prognostic value of sKL-6 in predicting evolving trends in COVID-19. We prospectively analyzed the characteristics of 836 patients with COVID-19 with mild lung disease on admission. sKL-6 was obtained in all patients at least at baseline and compared among patients with or without respiratory worsening. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to find the optimal cutoff level. A total of 159 (19%) patients developed respiratory worsening during hospitalization. Baseline sKL-6 levels were not higher in patients who had respiratory worsening (median {IQR} 315.5 {209–469} vs. 306 {214–423} U/ml p = 0.38). The last sKL-6 and the change between baseline and last sKL-6 were higher in the respiratory worsening group (p = 0.02 and p < 0.0001, respectively). The best sKL-6 cutoff point for respiratory worsening was 497 U/ml (area under the curve 0.52; 23% sensitivity and 85% specificity). sKL-6 was not found to be an independent predictor of respiratory worsening. A conditional inference tree (CTREE) was not useful to discriminate patients at risk of worsening. We found that sKL-6 had a low sensibility to predict respiratory worsening in patients with mild-moderate COVID-19 pneumonia and may not be of use to assess the risk of present respiratory worsening in inpatients with COVID-19 pneumonia.
Fecal microbial signatures of healthy Han individuals from three bio-geographical zones in Guangdong
Authors: Huang Litao , Deng Liting , Liu Changhui , Huang Enping , Han Xiaolong , Xiao Cheng , Liang Xiaomin , Sun Huilin , Liu Chao , Chen Ling
Published: August 2022

Important forensic evidence traced from crime scenes, such as fecal materials, can help in the forensic investigation of criminal cases. Intestines are the largest microbial pool in the human body whose microbial community is considered to be the human “second fingerprint”. The present study explored the potential for community characteristics of gut microbes in forensic medicine. Fecal microbiota profiles of healthy individuals from three representative Han populations (Guangzhou, Shantou and Meizhou) in Guangdong Province, China were evaluated using High-throughput sequencing of V3-V4 hypervariable regions of the 16SrRNA gene. Results of the present study showed that at the genus level, Shantou, Guangzhou, and Meizhou behaved as Enterotype1, Enterotype2, and Enterotype3, which were mainly composed of Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Blautia, respectively. Based on OTU abundance at the genus level, using the random forest prediction model, it was found that there might be potential for distinguishing individuals of Guangzhou, Meizhou, and Shantou according to their fecal microbial community. Moreover, the findings of the microbial community of fecal samples in the present study were significantly different from that of saliva samples reported in our previous study, and thus it is evident that the saliva and feces can be distinguished. In conclusion, this study reported the fecal microbial signature of three Han populations, which may provide basic data for the potential application in forensic practice, containing body fluid identification, and geographical inference.
Development and characterization of influenza M2 ectodomain and/or hemagglutinin stalk-based dendritic cell-targeting vaccines
Authors: Olukitibi Titus Abiola , Ao Zhujun , Azizi Hiva , Mahmoudi Mona , Coombs Kevin , Kobasa Darwyn , Kobinger Gary , Yao Xiaojian
Published: August 2022

A universal influenza vaccine is required for broad protection against influenza infection. Here, we revealed the efficacy of novel influenza vaccine candidates based on Ebola glycoprotein dendritic cell (DC)-targeting domain (EΔM) fusion protein technology. The four copies of ectodomain matrix protein of influenza (tM2e) or M2e hemagglutinin stalk (HA stalk) peptides (HM2e) were fused with EΔM to generate EΔM-tM2e or EΔM-HM2e, respectively. We demonstrated that EΔM-HM2e- or EΔM-tM2e-pseudotyped viral particles can efficiently target DC/macrophages in vitro and induced significantly high titers of anti-HA and/or anti-M2e antibodies in mice. Significantly, the recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV)-EΔM-tM2e and rVSV-EΔM-HM2e vaccines mediated rapid and potent induction of M2 or/and HA antibodies in mice sera and mucosa. Importantly, vaccination of rVSV-EΔM-tM2e or rVSV-EΔM-HM2e protected mice from influenza H1N1 and H3N2 challenges. Taken together, our study suggests that rVSV-EΔM-tM2e and rVSV-EΔM-HM2e are promising candidates that may lead to the development of a universal vaccine against different influenza strains.
Matrix glycoconjugate characterization in multispecies biofilms and bioaggregates from the environment by means of fluorescently-labeled lectins
Authors: Neu Thomas R. , Kuhlicke Ute
Published: August 2022

Environmental biofilms represent a complex mixture of different microorganisms. Their identity is usually analyzed by means of nucleic acid-based techniques. However, these biofilms are also composed of a highly complex extracellular matrix produced by the microbes within a particular biofilm system. The biochemical identity of this extracellular matrix remains in many cases an intractable part of biofilms and bioaggregates. Consequently, there is a need for an approach that will give access to the fully hydrated structure of the extracellular matrix or at least a major part of it. A crucial compound of the matrix identified as carbohydrate-based polymers represents major structural and functional constituents. These glycoconjugates can be characterized by using fluorescently-labeled lectins in combination with confocal laser scanning microscopy. The lectin approach is defined previously, as fluorescence lectin barcoding (FLBC) and fluorescence lectin-binding analysis (FLBA), where FLBC is equal to the screening of a particular sample with all the commercially available lectins and FLBA is the actual analysis of the matrix throughout an experiment with a selected panel of lectins. As the application of immune-based techniques in environmental biofilm systems is impossible, the lectin approach is currently the only option for probing lectin-specific glycoconjugates in complex biofilms and bioaggregates. From all the commercially available lectins tested, the lectins such as AAL, HAA, WGA, ConA, IAA, HPA, and LEA showed the highest binding efficiency. Furthermore, 20 of the overall lectins tested showed an intermediate signal intensity, nevertheless very useful for the assessment of matrix glycoconjugates. With the data compiled, we shall virtually shed more light on the dark matter of the extracellular matrix and their 3-dimensional distribution in environmental biofilm systems. The results will be helpful in future studies with a focus on the extracellular matrix glycoconjugates present in environmental microbial communities.
Acetogenic production of 3-Hydroxybutyrate using a native 3-Hydroxybutyryl-CoA Dehydrogenase
Authors: Lo Jonathan , Humphreys Jonathan R. , Magnusson Lauren , Wachter Benton , Urban Chris , Hebdon Skyler D. , Xiong Wei , Chou Katherine J. , Ching Maness Pin
Published: August 2022

3-Hydroxybutyrate (3HB) is a product of interest as it is a precursor to the commercially produced bioplastic polyhydroxybutyrate. It can also serve as a platform for fine chemicals, medicines, and biofuels, making it a value-added product and feedstock. Acetogens non-photosynthetically fix CO2 into acetyl-CoA and have been previously engineered to convert acetyl-CoA into 3HB. However, as acetogen metabolism is poorly understood, those engineering efforts have had varying levels of success. 3HB, using acetyl-CoA as a precursor, can be synthesized by a variety of different pathways. Here we systematically compare various pathways to produce 3HB in acetogens and discover a native (S)-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase, hbd2, responsible for endogenous 3HB production. In conjunction with the heterologous thiolase atoB and CoA transferase ctfAB, hbd2 overexpression improves yields of 3HB on both sugar and syngas (CO/H2/CO2), outperforming the other tested pathways. These results uncovered a previously unknown 3HB production pathway, inform data from prior metabolic engineering efforts, and have implications for future physiological and biotechnological anaerobic research.
Common themes in antimicrobial and anticancer drug resistance
Authors: Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen , Filip Roxana , Constantin Marian , Pircalabioru Gratiela Gradisteanu , Bleotu Coralia , Burlibasa Liliana , Ionica Elena , Corcionivoschi Nicolae , Mihaescu Grigore
Published: August 2022

Antimicrobial and anticancer drug resistance represent two of the main global challenges for the public health, requiring immediate practical solutions. In line with this, we need a better understanding of the origins of drug resistance in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and the evolutionary processes leading to the occurrence of adaptive phenotypes in response to the selective pressure of therapeutic agents. The purpose of this paper is to present some of the analogies between the antimicrobial and anticancer drug resistance. Antimicrobial and anticancer drugs share common targets and mechanisms of action as well as similar mechanisms of resistance (e.g., increased drug efflux, drug inactivation, target alteration, persister cells’ selection, protection of bacterial communities/malignant tissue by an extracellular matrix, etc.). Both individual and collective stress responses triggered by the chemotherapeutic agent involving complex intercellular communication processes, as well as with the surrounding microenvironment, will be considered. The common themes in antimicrobial and anticancer drug resistance recommend the utility of bacterial experimental models for unraveling the mechanisms that facilitate the evolution and adaptation of malignant cells to antineoplastic drugs.
Suppression of AMF accelerates N2O emission by altering soil bacterial community and genes abundance under varied precipitation conditions in a semiarid grassland
Authors: Li Junqin , Meng Bo , Yang Xuechen , Cui Nan , Zhao Tianhang , Chai Hua , Zhang Tao , Sun Wei
Published: August 2022

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is one of the most important greenhouse gases contributing to global climate warming. Recently, studies have shown that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) could reduce N2O emissions in terrestrial ecosystems; however, the microbial mechanisms of how AMF reduces N2O emissions under climate change are still not well understood. We tested the influence of AMF on N2O emissions by setting up a gradient of precipitation intensity (+50%, +30%, ambient (0%), −30%, −50%, and −70%) and manipulating the presence or exclusion of AMF hyphae in a semiarid grassland located in northeast China. Our results showed that N2O fluxes dramatically declined with the decrease in precipitation gradient during the peak growing season (June–August) in both 2019 and 2020. There was a significantly positive correlation between soil water content and N2O fluxes. Interestingly, N2O fluxes significantly decreased when AMF were present compared to when they were absent under all precipitation conditions. The contribution of AMF to mitigate N2O emission increased gradually with decreasing precipitation magnitudes, but no contribution in the severe drought (−70%). AMF significantly reduced the soil’s available nitrogen concentration and altered the composition of the soil bacteria community including those associated with N2O production. Hyphal length density was negatively correlated with the copy numbers of key genes for N2O production (nirK and nirS) and positively correlated with the copy numbers of key genes for N2O consumption (nosZ). Our results highlight that AMF would reduce the soil N2O emission under precipitation variability in a temperate grassland except for extreme drought.
Selection of potential reference genes for RT-qPCR in the plant pathogenic fungus Colletotrichum fructicola
Authors: Chen Xingzhou , Chen Xinggang , Tan Qian , He Yuan , Wang Zhikai , Zhou Guoying , Liu Junang
Published: August 2022

Colletotrichum is widespread, and these pathogenic fungi can cause various plant diseases. Studies have shown that Colletotrichum fructicola cause oil-tea (Camellia oleifera) anthracnose and is widely distributed as a dominant fungus in all Ca. oleifera-producing regions. Real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR) is considered the most reliable technique for simultaneously measuring relative gene expression levels in different tissues. Target genes are typically quantified using RT-qPCR to explore gene function, and reliable RT-qPCR results require data normalization using stable reference genes. No studies have reported a suitable reference gene in C. fructicola. This study has eight candidate reference genes (CfCk, CfRpp, CfUce, CfRrp, CfAdrh, CfDd, CfAct, and CfTub) which were selected from C. fructicola-Ca. oleifera transcriptome data and evaluated and sequenced using geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper algorithms. The results showed that CfRrp had better stability in C. fructicola, both during the growth of pure pathogenic fungi and during the invasion of different oil-tea leaves. After normalization with CfRrp, the differentially expressed target genes were similar to the transcriptome. Our work provides suitable reference genes for future studies to quantify target gene expression levels in C. fructicola.