bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Late Paleocene to early Oligocene fire ecology of the south Mongolian highland
Authors: Zhou Xinying , Wang Jian , Li Qian , Bai Bin , Mao Fangyuan , Li Xiaoqiang , Wang Yuan-Qing
Published: June 2023

Changes in fire ecology during warm and cold periods in the geological past are important because of their effects on terrestrial ecosystems and the global carbon cycle. We examined the charcoal concentrations of the Erden Obo section in Inner Mongolia to reconstruct the evolution of wildfire and their relationship to the regional vegetation from the Late Paleocene through Early Oligocene. Our data show that fire frequency were relatively high from the end of the Paleocene to the beginning of the Eocene, in accord with other paleofire records worldwide. However, low fire frequency occurred during the Early Eocene Climate Optimum (EECO), coincident with the change in the regional vegetation from shrubland to forest due to the strengthening of the regional rainfall, and we suggest that the humid climate may have been responsible for this decrease. High frequency fire occurred after the Middle Eocene, near-synchronously with the transition of the regional vegetation from forest to steppe. The high-frequency fire was most likely triggered by regional drought during the aridification process after the Middle Eocene. We propose that these temporal changes in the fire ecology were consistent within the northern temperate zone from the Late Paleocene through Early Oligocene, and we suggest that studies of global wildfires need to be evaluated within the context of paleovegetation zones and ecosystem evolution.
Effect of wave disturbance on the fluid dynamics of the pump turbine in a seawater pumped storage hydroplant
Authors: Hu Jianyong , Wang Qingbo , Song Hongge , Mao Jiahua
Published: June 2023

Compared with conventional pumped-storage hydroplants, seawater pumped-storage hydroplants are constructed in a complex marine environment. The wave disturbance may affect the safety operation of the pump turbine in the seawater pumped hydroplant via affecting the level of the free water surface. To explore the effect of wave disturbance on the operation of the pump turbine in a seawater pumped-storage hydroplant, assuming that the wave disturbance follows a sine function, on the basis of Airy’s micro-amplitude wave theory and the comprehensive characteristic curve of a pump turbine, we use sliding grid technology and the SST k–ω turbulence model to simulate the dynamics of fluid in a full-flow channel. In this study, the unsteady flow field, Q-criterion vorticity, relative pressure pulsation amplitude, and frequency of pressure pulsation are analyzed to determine the internal flow field and pressure pulsation under different wave disturbance conditions and operating loads. The results show that both the pressure pulsation in the pump turbine and its frequency domain are affected by the wave disturbance. In addition, the turbulent flow with a large flow rate tends to produce higher relative pressure pulsation under wave disturbance. Due to the large flow rate and strong static and dynamic interference in the vaneless area, the relative amplitude of the pressure pulsation is significantly affected by wave disturbance. Furthermore, the low-frequency pressure pulsation of the draft tube is superimposed with the wave disturbance frequency.
Now that kindergarten is free of charge: laying the foundations for future pre-school policy change in Bulgaria
Authors: Volen Eugenia
Published: June 2023

Since April 1, 2022, all children in Bulgaria attend nursery and kindergarten completely free of charge. This paper makes the argument that without improving the quality of kindergarten services, policy gains toward expanding access remain fragile. The public early education system will continue to be challenged to realize the full potential of its impact. Strengthening demand for high quality kindergartens could bolster efforts to enhance the supply of such services. This could be achieved by reframing the role of kindergartens to society, improving the capacity of parents to voice their demands, and creating opportunities for them to do so. Moreover, civil society could encourage the establishment and communication to the public of process quality measurement in an effort to secure a broad foundation of support for greater investment in early education.
Infertility and cortisol: a systematic review
Authors: Karunyam Bheena Vyshali , Abdul Karim Abdul Kadir , Naina Mohamed Isa , Ugusman Azizah , Mohamed Wael M. Y. , Faizal Ahmad Mohd , Abu Muhammad Azrai , Kumar Jaya
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Stress and infertility form a complex relationship. In line with this, various stress-related biological markers have been investigated in infertility.

Methods

This systematic review was performed using PRISMA guidelines (i) to report whether cortisol is highly present in infertile patients compared to fertile control; (ii) to report whether there is any significant difference in the cortisol level in infertile subjects that conceive and those that didn’t at the end of assisted reproduction treatments. Original articles involving human (male and female) as subjects were extracted from four electronic databases, including the list of references from the published papers. Sixteen original full-length articles involving male (4), female (11), and both genders (1) were included.

Results

Findings from studies that compared the cortisol level between infertile and fertile subjects indicate that (i) Male: three studies reported elevated cortisol level in infertile patients and one found no significant difference; (ii) Female: four studies reported increased cortisol level in infertile subjects and three studies found no significant difference. Findings from studies that measured the cortisol level from infertile patients that conceived and those that didn’t indicate that (i) Male: one study reported no significant difference; (ii) Female: one study reported elevated cortisol in infertile patients that conceived, whereas two studies reported increased cortisol in infertile patients that was unable to conceive. Five studies found no significant difference between the groups.

Discussion

In the present review we only included the cortisol value that was measured prior to stimulation or IVF treatment or during natural or spontaneous cycles, despite this, there are still variations in the sampling period, assessment techniques and patients’ characteristics. Hence, at present, we are still unable to conclude that cortisol is significantly elevated in infertile patients. We warrant future studies to standardize the time of biological sample collection and other limitations that were addressed in the review to negate the unwanted influencing factors.
Lineage plasticity and treatment resistance in prostate cancer: the intersection of genetics, epigenetics, and evolution
Authors: Imamura Jarrell , Ganguly Shinjini , Muskara Andrew , Liao Ross S. , Nguyen Jane K. , Weight Christopher , Wee Christopher E. , Gupta Shilpa , Mian Omar Y.
Published: June 2023

Androgen deprivation therapy is a cornerstone of treatment for advanced prostate cancer, and the development of castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is the primary cause of prostate cancer-related mortality. While CRPC typically develops through a gain in androgen receptor (AR) signaling, a subset of CRPC will lose reliance on the AR. This process involves genetic, epigenetic, and hormonal changes that promote cellular plasticity, leading to AR-indifferent disease, with neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) being the quintessential example. NEPC is enriched following treatment with second-generation anti-androgens and exhibits resistance to endocrine therapy. Loss of RB1, TP53, and PTEN expression and MYCN and AURKA amplification appear to be key drivers for NEPC differentiation. Epigenetic modifications also play an important role in the transition to a neuroendocrine phenotype. DNA methylation of specific gene promoters can regulate lineage commitment and differentiation. Histone methylation can suppress AR expression and promote neuroendocrine-specific gene expression. Emerging data suggest that EZH2 is a key regulator of this epigenetic rewiring. Several mechanisms drive AR-dependent castration resistance, notably AR splice variant expression, expression of the adrenal-permissive 3βHSD1 allele, and glucocorticoid receptor expression. Aberrant epigenetic regulation also promotes radioresistance by altering the expression of DNA repair- and cell cycle-related genes. Novel therapies are currently being developed to target these diverse genetic, epigenetic, and hormonal mechanisms promoting lineage plasticity-driven NEPC.
An unsteady flow control technique based on negative circulation conception and its application to a blade-divergent passage
Authors: Hong Shuli , Lu Weiyu , Xiang Xin , Qiu Lei
Published: June 2023

A two-dimensional vortex model is introduced in this paper in order to understand the characteristics of the shedding vortex in a blade-divergent passage and to mitigate or suppress it by appropriate methods. The performance of this model under the influence of three typical external factors is studied, namely, the main flow extrusion effect, viscous effect, and transport effect. Based on the analysis, a negative circulation unsteady flow control technique is proposed to compensate for the viscous effect, which is known as NCFC. Numerical simulation is performed to verify the effectiveness of the NCFC method. The results show that the NCFC method is superior to the conventional unsteady flow control for improving the performance of the blade-divergent passage in most cases. In addition, there is an optimum injection to suppress the shedding vortex with NCFC, which is about 0.2% of the main flow mass, and NCFC shows to be more efficient than conventional flow control in weakening the shedding vortex. Furthermore, NCFC can effectively inhibit separation flow and is shown to be insensitive to the injection flow mass. Finally, the NCFC method is highly recommended to adapt to the fact that the working conditions often change in practice.
The influence of renewable and non-renewable energy on carbon emissions in Pakistan: evidence from stochastic impacts by regression on population, affluence, and technology model
Authors: Amin Azka , bte Mohamed Yusoff Nora Yusma , Yousaf Hazrat , Peng Sun , Işık Cem , Akbar Muhammad , Abbas Shujaat
Published: June 2023

Like other developing countries, Pakistan faces one of the most serious challenges of how to mitigate carbon emissions while achieving sustainable development. Although, it is widely accepted that the rising trend of carbon emissions and the resulting negative effects of climate change on human activities have emerged as major issues in recent years, the environmental effectiveness needed to clean the environment and promote sustainability is often overlooked. Using the PLSM 2018–2019 survey, this study attempts to examine the household sector’s renewable and non-renewable energy usage magnitude, and the share of renewable and non-renewable energy in Pakistan. Furthermore, this study examines the impact of income, household size, biomass, non-renewable energy, and clean energy on carbon emissions using the STIRPAT model. It is obvious from the empirical findings that the coefficient of income is positive, whereas the coefficient of income square is negative and statistically significant, which indicates that carbon emissions in the household sector increase at lower income levels, while decreasing as income increases. The household size shows that the population has a positive impact on carbon emissions. The impact of biomass, non-renewable, and clean energy is particularly appealing, as the household sector consumes more biomass and non-renewable energy, which stimulates carbon emissions to rise. In the rural sector, clean energy has a negative but statistically insignificant impact on carbon emissions, showing a greater reliance on biomass and non-renewable energy consumption. Lastly, it is suggested that reducing the use of non-renewable energy in the household sector while increasing the use of green energy could be a policy option for making the environment clean and sustainable.
Deformed wing virus prevalence in solitary bees put to the test: an experimental transmission study
Authors: Schauer Alexandria , Bianco Nadia , Yañez Orlando , Brown Andrew , Albrecht Matthias , Neumann Peter
Published: June 2023

Virus spillover from managed to unmanaged bees and vice versa may be one mechanism driving colony losses of the former and declines of the latter. There is clear evidence that the ubiquitous Deformed wing virus (DWV) is a major driver of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colony mortality. Although DWV has been detected in the solitary bee Osmia bicornis, data on DWV infectivity and virulence from solitary bees are scarce. Here, we used microinjection to investigate whether DWV genotype A (DWV-A) obtained from honey bees can replicate in O. bicornis. DWV-A titers and intermediate strand analyses suggest that DWV-A does not replicate in O. bicornis and thus is probably not infectious for this solitary bee species. Interestingly, the data demonstrate that DWV-A recovered from O. bicornis 16 days post-microinjection remains infectious for A. mellifera. Therefore, despite the lack of apparent virulence of DWV in this solitary bee species, O. bicornis has the potential to act as a virus spillover host and may contribute to increased colony losses of managed honey bees and declines in populations of other managed or unmanaged bee species.
Impact of host stress on the replication rate of Plasmodium: take it easy to avoid malaria recurrences
Authors: Pigeault Romain , Ruiz De Paz Angela , Baur Molly , Isaïa Julie , Glaizot Olivier , Christe Philippe
Published: June 2023

Malaria is widespread throughout the world and affects many animal species. Although the origin of this vector-borne disease was discovered more than a century ago, several aspects of the within-host infection dynamic are still poorly understood. Among them, the factors triggering parasite recurrences – episodes of brief increase in parasite number following a period when the parasite was either absent or present at very low levels in the blood – have still not been clearly identified. Yet, recurrences may contribute significantly to overall infection prevalence in vertebrate host populations. Here, we investigated whether artificial or natural increases in stress hormone levels in chronically infected birds influence the replication rate of Plasmodium relictum and transmission to its natural vector, the mosquito Culex pipiens. Our results provide evidence that increased levels of corticosterone, either induced by oral ingestion or caused by handling stress, can trigger malaria recurrences. However, we did not observe any effect on the transmission rate of the parasite to the mosquito vector. Our study is a first fundamental step in understanding the mechanisms underlying malaria recurrences. It remains to be ascertained whether this feature extends to other malaria system and in particular to human malaria.
The Sordariomycetes: an expanding resource with Big Data for mining in evolutionary genomics and transcriptomics
Authors: Wang Zheng , Kim Wonyong , Wang Yen-Wen , Yakubovich Elizabeta , Dong Caihong , Trail Frances , Townsend Jeffrey P. , Yarden Oded
Published: June 2023

Advances in genomics and transcriptomics accompanying the rapid accumulation of omics data have provided new tools that have transformed and expanded the traditional concepts of model fungi. Evolutionary genomics and transcriptomics have flourished with the use of classical and newer fungal models that facilitate the study of diverse topics encompassing fungal biology and development. Technological advances have also created the opportunity to obtain and mine large datasets. One such continuously growing dataset is that of the Sordariomycetes, which exhibit a richness of species, ecological diversity, economic importance, and a profound research history on amenable models. Currently, 3,574 species of this class have been sequenced, comprising nearly one-third of the available ascomycete genomes. Among these genomes, multiple representatives of the model genera Fusarium, Neurospora, and Trichoderma are present. In this review, we examine recently published studies and data on the Sordariomycetes that have contributed novel insights to the field of fungal evolution via integrative analyses of the genetic, pathogenic, and other biological characteristics of the fungi. Some of these studies applied ancestral state analysis of gene expression among divergent lineages to infer regulatory network models, identify key genetic elements in fungal sexual development, and investigate the regulation of conidial germination and secondary metabolism. Such multispecies investigations address challenges in the study of fungal evolutionary genomics derived from studies that are often based on limited model genomes and that primarily focus on the aspects of biology driven by knowledge drawn from a few model species. Rapidly accumulating information and expanding capabilities for systems biological analysis of Big Data are setting the stage for the expansion of the concept of model systems from unitary taxonomic species/genera to inclusive clusters of well-studied models that can facilitate both the in-depth study of specific lineages and also investigation of trait diversity across lineages. The Sordariomycetes class, in particular, offers abundant omics data and a large and active global research community. As such, the Sordariomycetes can form a core omics clade, providing a blueprint for the expansion of our knowledge of evolution at the genomic scale in the exciting era of Big Data and artificial intelligence, and serving as a reference for the future analysis of different taxonomic levels within the fungal kingdom.
Rapid determination of influenza vaccine potency by an SPR-based method using subtype or lineage-specific monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Narayan Kartik , Paduraru Crina , Blake Taylor , Arunachalam Arun B.
Published: June 2023

Potency testing and release of annual influenza vaccines require preparation, calibration, and distribution of reference antigens (RAs) and antisera every year, which takes an average of 8 to 12 weeks, and can be a major limiting factor in pandemic situations. Here we describe for the first time a robust Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR)-based method that employs influenza subtype or lineage hemagglutinin (HA) specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to measure the HA concentration in influenza multivalent vaccines. Implementing such an advanced test method will at the very least eliminate the rate-limiting and laborious efforts of making antisera reagents annually, and thus expedite the influenza vaccine delivery to the public by at least 6 weeks. Results demonstrate that the SPR-based method, developed using Biacore, is robust and not influenced by the type of RAs (inactivated whole virus, split, or subunit vaccine-derived materials), whether they are used as monovalent or multivalent preparations. HA concentrations obtained for monovalent drug substances (DS) or quadrivalent drug products (DP) of inactivated influenza split vaccine showed a tight correlation (the best fit value for the slope is 1.001 with R2 of 0.9815 and P-value <0.0001) with the corresponding values obtained by the current potency assay, Single Radial Immunodiffusion (SRID). Supplementary analysis of the results by the Bland-Altman plot demonstrated good agreement between the SPR and SRID methods, with no consistent bias of the SPR versus SRID method. We further demonstrate that the SPR-based method can be used to estimate HA concentrations in intermediates of the influenza vaccine manufacturing process containing varying matrices and impurity levels. Further, the results demonstrate that the method is sensitive to detecting degradation of HA caused by elevated temperature, low pH, and freezing. It is evident from this report and other published work that the advancement of analytical techniques and the early findings are encouraging for the implementation of alternate potency assays with far-reaching benefits covering both seasonal and pandemic influenza.
SARS-CoV-2 infection dysregulates NAD metabolism
Authors: Izadpanah Amin , Mudd Joseph C. , Garcia Joe G. N. , Srivastav Sudesh , Abdel-Mohsen Mohamed , Palmer Clovis , Goldman Aaron R. , Kolls Jay K. , Qin Xuebin , Rappaport Jay
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Severe COVID-19 results initially in pulmonary infection and inflammation. Symptoms can persist beyond the period of acute infection, and patients with Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID (PASC) often exhibit a variety of symptoms weeks or months following acute phase resolution including continued pulmonary dysfunction, fatigue, and neurocognitive abnormalities. We hypothesized that dysregulated NAD metabolism contributes to these abnormalities.

Methods

RNAsequencing of lungs from transgenic mice expressing human ACE2 (K18-hACE2) challenged with SARS-CoV-2 revealed upregulation of NAD biosynthetic enzymes, including NAPRT1, NMNAT1, NAMPT, and IDO1 6 days post-infection.

Results

Our data also demonstrate increased gene expression of NAD consuming enzymes: PARP 9,10,14 and CD38. At the same time, SIRT1, a protein deacetylase (requiring NAD as a cofactor and involved in control of inflammation) is downregulated. We confirmed our findings by mining sequencing data from lungs of patients that died from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our validated findings demonstrating increased NAD turnover in SARS-CoV-2 infection suggested that modulating NAD pathways may alter disease progression and may offer therapeutic benefits. Specifically, we hypothesized that treating K18-hACE2 mice with nicotinamide riboside (NR), a potent NAD precursor, may mitigate lethality and improve recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also tested the therapeutic potential of an anti- monomeric NAMPT antibody using the same infection model. Treatment with high dose anti-NAMPT antibody resulted in significantly decreased body weight compared to control, which was mitigated by combining HD anti-NAMPT antibody with NR. We observed a significant increase in lipid metabolites, including eicosadienoic acid, oleic acid, and palmitoyl carnitine in the low dose antibody + NR group. We also observed significantly increased nicotinamide related metabolites in NR treated animals.

Discussion

Our data suggest that infection perturbs NAD pathways, identify novel mechanisms that may explain some pathophysiology of CoVID-19 and suggest novel strategies for both treatment and prevention.
Primary biliary cholangitis: molecular pathogenesis perspectives and therapeutic potential of natural products
Authors: Zhao Yanling , Wei Shizhang , Chen Lisheng , Zhou Xuelin , Ma Xiao
Published: June 2023

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic immune liver disease characterized by persistent cholestasis, interlobular bile duct damage, portal inflammation, liver fibrosis, eventual cirrhosis, and death. Existing clinical and animal studies have made a good progress in bile acid metabolism, intestinal flora disorder inflammatory response, bile duct cell damage, and autoimmune response mechanisms. However, the pathogenesis of PBC has not been clearly elucidated. We focus on the pathological mechanism and new drug research and development of PBC in clinical and laboratory in the recent 20 years, to discuss the latest understanding of the pathological mechanism, treatment options, and drug discovery of PBC. Current clinical treatment mode and symptomatic drug support obviously cannot meet the urgent demand of patients with PBC, especially for the patients who do not respond to the current treatment drugs. New treatment methods are urgently needed. Drug candidates targeting reported targets or signals of PBC are emerging, albeit with some success and some failure. Single-target drugs cannot achieve ideal clinical efficacy. Multitarget drugs are the trend of future research and development of PBC drugs.
Multimodal analysis of granulocytes, monocytes, and platelets in patients with cystic fibrosis before and after Elexacaftor–Tezacaftor–Ivacaftor treatment
Authors: Schmidt Hanna , Höpfer Larissa Melina , Wohlgemuth Lisa , Knapp Christiane Leonie , Mohamed Adam Omar Khalaf , Stukan Laura , Münnich Frederik , Hüsken Dominik , Koller Alexander Sebastian , Stratmann Alexander Elias Paul , Müller Paul , Braun Christian Karl , Fabricius Dorit , Bode Sebastian Felix Nepomuk , Huber-Lang Markus , Messerer David Alexander Christian
Published: June 2023

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a monogenetic disease caused by an impairment of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). CF affects multiple organs and is associated with acute and chronic inflammation. In 2020, Elexacaftor–Tezacaftor–Ivacaftor (ETI) was approved to enhance and restore the remaining CFTR functionality. This study investigates cellular innate immunity, with a focus on neutrophil activation and phenotype, comparing healthy volunteers with patients with CF before (T1, n = 13) and after six months (T2, n = 11) of ETI treatment. ETI treatment reduced sweat chloride (T1: 95 mmol/l (83|108) vs. T2: 32 mmol/l (25|62), p < 0.01, median, first|third quartile) and significantly improved pulmonal function (FEV1 T1: 2.66 l (1.92|3.04) vs. T2: 3.69 l (3.00|4.03), p < 0.01). Moreover, there was a significant decrease in the biomarker human epididymis protein 4 (T1: 6.2 ng/ml (4.6|6.3) vs. T2: 3.0 ng/ml (2.2|3.7), p < 0.01) and a small but significant decrease in matrix metallopeptidase 9 (T1: 45.5 ng/ml (32.5|140.1) vs. T2: 28.2 ng/ml (18.2|33.6), p < 0.05). Neutrophil phenotype (CD10, CD11b, CD62L, and CD66b) and function (radical oxygen species generation, chemotactic and phagocytic activity) remained largely unaffected by ETI treatment. Likewise, monocyte phenotype and markers of platelet activation were similar at T1 and T2. In summary, the present study confirmed a positive impact on patients with CF after ETI treatment. However, neither beneficial nor harmful effects of ETI treatment on cellular innate immunity could be detected, possibly due to the study population consisting of patients with well-controlled CF.
Breakthrough infection evokes the nasopharyngeal innate immune responses established by SARS-CoV-2–inactivated vaccine
Authors: He Xiaomeng , Cao Yingyin , Lu Yanmei , Qi Furong , Wang Haiyan , Liao Xuejiao , Xu Gang , Yang Biao , Ma Junhua , Li Dapeng , Tang Xian , Zhang Zheng
Published: June 2023

Nasopharyngeal immune responses are vital for defense against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although vaccination via muscle immunization has shown a high efficacy in reducing severity and death in COVID-19 infection, breakthrough infection frequently happens because of mutant variants and incompletely established mucosal immunity, especially in the upper respiratory tract. Here, we performed a single-cell RNA and T-cell receptor repertoire sequencing and delineated a high-resolution transcriptome landscape of nasopharyngeal mucosal immune and epithelial cells in vaccinated persons with breakthrough infection and non-vaccinated persons with natural infection as control. The epithelial cells showed anti-virus gene expression diversity and potentially recruited innate immune cells into the nasopharyngeal mucous of vaccinated patients. Upon infection, they released significant pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by macrophages and monocytes and expressed antigen-presenting relevant genes by dendritic cells. Such immune responses of nasopharyngeal innate immune cells would facilitate the strengthened expression of cytotoxic genes in virus-specific T-cell or B-cell differentiation into antibody-secreting cells at the early stage of breakthrough infection through cell interaction between innate and adaptive immune cells. Notably, these alterations of nasopharyngeal immune cells in breakthrough infection depended on the activated Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling rather than type I interferon responses due to the general reduction in interferon-stimulated gene expression. Our findings suggest that vaccination potentially strengthens innate immune barriers and virus-specific memory immune cell responses, which could be quickly activated to defend against variant breakthrough infection and maintain nasopharyngeal epithelial cell integrity. Thus, this study highlights the necessity of a boost via nasal mucous after intramuscular immunization.
Case report: Curing a rare, unstable hemoglobin variant Hb Bristol-Alesha using haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Zhang Qin , Huo Yujia , Sun Qinggang , Liu Nan , Shi Hongchuan , Wang Minghui , Xiao Jinming , Yuan Hanzi , Tang Xiangfeng
Published: June 2023

Unstable hemoglobinopathies are a rare, heterogeneous group of diseases that disrupt the stability of hemoglobin (Hb), leading to chronic hemolysis and anemia. Patients with severe phenotypes often require regular blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy. Although rare, studies have reported that hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) seems to be an available curative approach in transfusion-dependent patients with unstable hemoglobinopathies. Here, we describe successful haploidentical HSCT for the treatment of an unstable Hb variant, Hb Bristol-Alesha, in a 6-year-old boy with severe anemia since early childhood. Two years after transplantation, he had a nearly normal hemoglobin level without evidence of hemolysis. DNA analysis showed complete chimerism of the donor cell origin, confirming full engraftment with normal erythropoiesis.
Prognostic models for predicting postoperative recurrence in Crohn’s disease: a systematic review and critical appraisal
Authors: Chen Rirong , Zheng Jieqi , Li Chao , Chen Qia , Zeng Zhirong , Li Li , Chen Minhu , Zhang Shenghong
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

Prophylaxis of postoperative recurrence is an intractable problem for clinicians and patients with Crohn’s disease. Prognostic models are effective tools for patient stratification and personalised management. This systematic review aimed to provide an overview and critically appraise the existing models for predicting postoperative recurrence of Crohn’s disease.

Methods

Systematic retrieval was performed using PubMed and Web of Science in January 2022. Original articles on prognostic models for predicting postoperative recurrence of Crohn’s disease were included in the analysis. The risk of bias was assessed using the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment (PROBAST) tool. This study was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; number CRD42022311737).

Results

In total, 1948 articles were screened, of which 15 were ultimately considered. Twelve studies developed 15 new prognostic models for Crohn’s disease and the other three validated the performance of three existing models. Seven models utilised regression algorithms, six utilised scoring indices, and five utilised machine learning. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the models ranged from 0.51 to 0.97. Six models showed good discrimination, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of >0.80. All models were determined to have a high risk of bias in modelling or analysis, while they were at low risk of applicability concerns.

Conclusions

Prognostic models have great potential for facilitating the assessment of postoperative recurrence risk in patients with Crohn’s disease. Existing prognostic models require further validation regarding their reliability and applicability.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022311737.
How can early life adversity still exert an effect decades later? A question of timing, tissues and mechanisms
Authors: Mposhi Archibold , Turner Jonathan D.
Published: June 2023

Exposure to any number of stressors during the first 1000 days from conception to age 2 years is important in shaping an individual’s life trajectory of health and disease. Despite the expanding range of stressors as well as later-life phenotypes and outcomes, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Our previous data strongly suggests that early-life exposure to a stressor reduces the capacity of the immune system to generate subsequent generations of naïve cells, while others have shown that, early life stress impairs the capacity of neuronal stem cells to proliferate as they age. This leads us to the “stem cell hypothesis” whereby exposure to adversity during a sensitive period acts through a common mechanism in all the cell types by programming the tissue resident progenitor cells. Furthermore, we review the mechanistic differences observed in fully differentiated cells and suggest that early life adversity (ELA) may alter mitochondria in stem cells. This may consequently alter the destiny of these cells, producing the lifelong “supply” of functionally altered fully differentiated cells.
The first mass drug administration campaign for schistosomiasis control in Lagos, Nigeria: lessons for future control programs
Authors: Olamiju Francisca O. , Nebe Obiageli , Mogaji Hammed , Abdus-Salam Ismail , Jenrola Lanre , Marcus Ayodele J. , Olamiju Olatunwa J. , Isiyaku Sunday , Amodu-Agbi Perpetua , Nwoye Ikenna , Achu Ijeoma , Abah Emmanuel
Published: June 2023

Background

In this study we summarized the lessons learnt during the first effective mass drug administration (MDA) campaign in one of the most urbanized states in Nigeria. We particularly discuss the implementation approach including associated challenges and future prospects.

Methods

We implemented schistosomiasis MDA with praziquantel in seven endemic districts of the state, using a sub-district/ward-level implementation approach. Upon completion, we conducted desk reviews of field reports and a high-level stakeholder meeting among 95 key personnel involved in the MDA. We reviewed excerpts from the meetings to highlight the strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities (SWOT) of the sub-district/ward-level implementation approach. Quantitative data were summarized using basic descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed to identify emerging themes.

Results

About 1.45 million children between age 5 and 15 were targeted for treatment, and a geographic (100%) and therapeutic coverage of 85.5% was achieved. Therapeutic coverage was optimal (>75%), across all the implementation districts (Range:76.2- 95.3%). Ifako-Ijaiye had the highest therapeutic coverage (95.3%), while Oshodi-Isolo as the least (76.2%). Strategies supporting high coverage includes; (1) adequate delineation of hard-to reach areas and allocation of commensurate resources, (2) improved consultation and microplanning among programmers, (3) addressing traffic congestion on transportation routes, (4) strengthened engagements and collaborations with community gatekeepers, (5) optimizing cash flow to mitigate financial risk, (6) capacity building of field stakeholders and, (7) regular advocacy and sensitization among stakeholders.

Conclusion

This study provides possible directions for implementation of schistosomiasis control by programs and agencies at sub-district/ward-level in a cosmopolitan and urbanized state, like that of Lagos, Nigeria.
Eukaryotic algal community composition in tropical environments from solar salterns to the open sea
Authors: Eckmann Charlotte A. , Eberle Jessica S. , Wittmers Fabian , Wilken Susanne , Bergauer Kristin , Poirier Camille , Blum Marguerite , Makareviciute-Fichtner Kriste , Jimenez Valeria , Bachy Charles , Vermeij Mark J. A. , Worden Alexandra Z.
Published: June 2023

Tropical environments with unique abiotic and biotic factors—such as salt ponds, mangroves, and coral reefs—are often in close proximity. The heterogeneity of these environments is reflected in community shifts over short distances, resulting in high biodiversity. While phytoplankton assemblages physically associated with corals, particularly their symbionts, are well studied, less is known about phytoplankton diversity across tropical aquatic environments. We assess shifts in phytoplankton community composition along inshore to offshore gradients by sequencing and analyzing 16S rRNA gene amplicons using primers targeting the V1-V2 region that capture plastids from eukaryotic phytoplankton and cyanobacteria, as well as heterotrophic bacteria. Microbial alpha diversity computed from 16S V1-V2 amplicon sequence variant (ASV) data from 282 samples collected in and around Curaçao, in the Southern Caribbean Sea, varied more within the dynamic salt ponds, salterns, and mangroves, compared to the seemingly stable above-reef, off-reef, and open sea environments. Among eukaryotic phytoplankton, stramenopiles often exhibited the highest relative abundances in mangrove, above-reef, off-reef, and open sea environments, where cyanobacteria also showed high relative abundances. Within stramenopiles, diatom amplicons dominated in salt ponds and mangroves, while dictyochophytes and pelagophytes prevailed above reefs and offshore. Green algae and cryptophytes were also present, and the former exhibited transitions following the gradient from inland to offshore. Chlorophytes and prasinophyte Class IV dominated in salt ponds, while prasinophyte Class II, includingMicromonas commodaandOstreococcusClade OII, had the highest relative abundances of green algae in mangroves, above-reef, off-reef, and the open sea. To improve Class II prasinophyte classification, we sequenced 18S rRNA gene amplicons from the V4 region in 41 samples which were used to interrelate plastid-based results with information on uncultured prasinophyte species from prior 18S rRNA gene-based studies. This highlighted the presence of newly describedOstreococcus bengalensisand twoMicromonascandidate species. Network analyses identified co-occurrence patterns between individual phytoplankton groups, including cyanobacteria, and heterotrophic bacteria. Our study reveals multiple uncultured and novel lineages within green algae and dictyochophytes in tropical marine habitats. Collectively, the algal diversity patterns and potential co-occurrence relationships observed in connection to physicochemical and spatial influences help provide a baseline against which future change can be assessed.
Characterization of Plebeiobacterium marinum gen. nov., sp. nov. and Plebeiobacterium sediminum sp. nov., revealing the potential nitrogen fixation capacity of the order Marinilabiliales
Authors: Yu Wen-Xing , Liang Qi-Yun , Du Zong-Jun , Mu Da-Shuai
Published: June 2023

Biological nitrogen fixation plays a crucial role in the marine nitrogen cycle, impacting global marine productivity and related carbon fluxes. The strains were analyzed by gene annotation, growth conditions and phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences.These two strains were isolated from the coastal sediment at Xiaoshi Island in Weihai, China. The strains were analyzed by gene annotation, growth conditions and phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences. It was revealed that strains D04T and AATT contain a set of nif gene clusters responsible for nitrogen fixation. Cell are yellow-colored, Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, and rod-shaped bacteria. The optimal growth conditions for strain D04T were found to be at 33 °C, pH 7.0, and in 2% (w/v) NaCl, while strain AATT prefers growth conditions at 33 °C, pH 6.5, and in 3% (w/v) NaCl. The highest similarity of strains D04T and AATT was to Saccharicrinis fermentans NBRC 15936T, with a similarity of 94.1% and 94.8%, respectively. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between the two strains was 96.6%. These novel strains were found to represent new taxa of the Marinilabiliaceae family, and we propose the names Plebeiobacterium marinum gen. nov., sp. nov. and Plebeiobacterium sediminum sp. nov. with type strains D04T (MCCC 1H00493T = KCTC 92026T) and AATT (MCCC 1H00485T = KCTC 92028T), respectively. In this study, nitrogen fixation genes were predicted for 53 strains from the whole order Marinilabiliales and it was found that nitrogen fixation gene clusters were present in 26 strains. These gene clusters were found in every family in the order, highlighting that the presence of nitrogen-fixing gene clusters in the order is common. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in sediments play an important role in various biogeochemical cycles. Thus, understanding the oceanic nitrogen cycle can provide insights into the energy flow of marine systems.
Case report: Post-streptococcal pustulosis after subcutaneous injection of secukinumab
Authors: Lang Xiaoqing , Bi Hongmei , Zhang Yingjie , Cui Hongzhou , Liu Hongye , Ren Ling , Dang Yao , Guo Shuping
Published: June 2023

An acute diffuse pustular eruption occurred in a patient after secukinumab injection and then the clinical presentation has been related to streptococcus infection after it has been isolated from throat swabs. Pustulosisacuta generalisata was definitively diagnosed. Antibiotic treatment had a poor effect, but the response to glucocorticoids was better.
Signaling and crosstalk of rhizobacterial and plant hormones that mediate abiotic stress tolerance in plants
Authors: Aloo B. N. , Dessureault-Rompré J. , Tripathi V. , Nyongesa B. O. , Were B. A.
Published: June 2023

Agricultural areas exhibiting numerous abiotic stressors, such as elevated water stress, temperatures, and salinity, have grown as a result of climate change. As such, abiotic stresses are some of the most pressing issues in contemporary agricultural production. Understanding plant responses to abiotic stressors is important for global food security, climate change adaptation, and improving crop resilience for sustainable agriculture, Over the decades, explorations have been made concerning plant tolerance to these environmental stresses. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and their phytohormones are some of the players involved in developing resistance to abiotic stress in plants. Several studies have investigated the part of phytohormones in the ability of plants to withstand and adapt to non-living environmental factors, but very few have focused on rhizobacterial hormonal signaling and crosstalk that mediate abiotic stress tolerance in plants. The main objective of this review is to evaluate the functions of PGPR phytohormones in plant abiotic stress tolerance and outline the current research on rhizobacterial hormonal communication and crosstalk that govern plant abiotic stress responses. The review also includes the gene networks and regulation under diverse abiotic stressors. The review is important for understanding plant responses to abiotic stresses using PGPR phytohormones and hormonal signaling. It is envisaged that PGPR offer a useful approach to increasing plant tolerance to various abiotic stresses. However, further studies can reveal the unclear patterns of hormonal interactions between plants and rhizobacteria that mediate abiotic stress tolerance.
The abundance and diversity of antibiotic resistance genes in layer chicken ceca is associated with farm enviroment
Authors: Xiao Shasha , Mi Jiandui , Chen Yingxin , Feng Kunxian , Mei Liang , Liao Xindi , Wu Yinbao , Wang Yan
Published: June 2023

Industrialized layer chicken feedlots harbor complex environmental microbial communities that affect the enrichment and exchange of gut bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, the contribution of different environmental sources to the gut ARGs of layer chickens is not clear. Here, layer chicken gut and environmental samples (air, water, feed, cage, feather, maternal hen feces, uropygial glands) were collected during the early 3 month period before the laying of eggs, and the source and characteristics of the gut microorganisms and ARGs were analyzed by performing 16S rRNA and metagenomic sequencing. The results showed that the abundances of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria in cecum of layer chickens gradually increased, while that of Proteobacteria decreased with age, and the number and relative abundance of ARGs decreased significantly with age. On day 5, 57% of the layer chicken cecal ARGs were from feather samples, and 30% were from cage samples. Subsequently, the contribution of cage ARGs became progressively more prominent over time. At days 30 and 57, the contribution of cage ARGs to the chick cecal ARGs reached 63.3 and 69.5%, respectively. The bacterial community composition (especially the abundances of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli) was the major factor impacting the ARG profile. K. pneumoniae and E. coli were mainly transmitted from feathers to the layer chicken cecum, and the contribution rates were 32 and 3.4%, respectively. In addition, we observed the transmission of ARG-carrying bacteria (Bacteroides fragilis) from the cage to the gut, with a contribution rate of 11.5%. It is noteworthy that B. fragilis is an opportunistic pathogen that may cause diarrhea in laying hens. These results can provide reference data for the healthy breeding of layer chickens and the prevention and control of ARG pollution.
Taxonomic diversity of microbial communities in sub-seafloor hydrothermal sediments of the active Santorini-Kolumbo volcanic field
Authors: Polymenakou Paraskevi N. , Nomikou Paraskevi , Hannington Mark , Petersen Sven , Kilias Stephanos P. , Anastasiou Thekla I. , Papadimitriou Vasiliki , Zaka Eleutheria , Kristoffersen Jon Bent , Lampridou Danai , Wind Sandra , Heinath Verena , Lange Sabine , Magoulas Antonios
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Active hydrothermal vents of volcanic origin provide a remarkable manifestation of life on Earth under extreme conditions, which may have consequences for our understanding of habitability on other terrestrial bodies as well.

Methods

Here, we performed for the first time Illumina sequencing of bacterial and archaeal communities on sub-seafloor samples collected from the Santorini-Kolumbo volcanic field. A total of 19 (3-m long) gravity corers were collected and processed for microbial community analysis.

Results

From a total of 6,46,671 produced V4 sequences for all samples, a total of 10,496 different Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were identified that were assigned to 40 bacterial and 9 archaeal phyla and 14 candidate divisions. On average, the most abundant phyla in all samples were Chloroflexi (Chloroflexota) (24.62%), followed by Proteobacteria (Pseudomonadota) (11.29%), Firmicutes (Bacillota) (10.73%), Crenarchaeota (Thermoproteota) (8.55%), and Acidobacteria (Acidobacteriota) (8.07%). At the genus level, a total of 286 known genera and candidate genera were mostly dominated by members of Bacillus, Thermoflexus, Desulfatiglans, Pseudoalteromonas, and Pseudomonas.

Discussion

In most of the stations, the Chao1 values at the deeper layers were comparable to the surface sediment samples denoting the high diversity in the subsurface of these ecosystems. Heatmap analysis based on the 100 most abundant OTUs, grouped the sampling stations according to their geographical location, placing together the two hottest stations (up to 99°C). This result indicates that this specific area within the active Kolumbo crater create a distinct niche, where microorganisms with adaptation strategies to withstand heat stresses can thrive, such as the endospore-forming Firmicutes.