bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fecal Microbiota Transplant Mitigates Adverse Outcomes Seen in Patients Colonized With Multidrug-Resistant Organisms Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Innes Andrew J. , Mullish Benjamin H. , Ghani Rohma , Szydlo Richard M. , Apperley Jane F. , Olavarria Eduardo , Palanicawandar Renuka , Kanfer Edward J. , Milojkovic Dragana , McDonald Julie A. K. , Brannigan Eimear T. , Thursz Mark R. , Williams Horace R. T. , Davies Frances J. , Marchesi Julian R. , Pavlů Jiří
Published: September 2021

The gut microbiome can be adversely affected by chemotherapy and antibiotics prior to hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). This affects graft success and increases susceptibility to multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) colonization and infection. We performed an initial retrospective analysis of our use of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from healthy donors as therapy for MDRO-colonized patients with hematological malignancy. FMT was performed on eight MDRO-colonized patients pre-HCT (FMT-MDRO group), and outcomes compared with 11 MDRO colonized HCT patients from the same period. At 12 months, survival was significantly higher in the FMT-MDRO group (70% versus 36% p = 0.044). Post-HCT, fewer FMT-MDRO patients required intensive care (0% versus 46%, P = 0.045) or experienced fever (0.29 versus 0.11 days, P = 0.027). Intestinal MDRO decolonization occurred in 25% of FMT-MDRO patients versus 11% non-FMT MDRO patients. Despite the significant differences and statistically comparable patient/transplant characteristics, as the sample size was small, a matched-pair analysis between both groups to non-MDRO colonized control cohorts (2:1 matching) was performed. At 12 months, the MDRO group who did not have an FMT had significantly lower survival (36.4% versus 61.9% respectively, p=0.012), and higher non relapse mortality (NRM; 60.2% versus 16.7% respectively, p=0.009) than their paired non-MDRO-colonized cohort. Conversely, there was no difference in survival (70% versus 43.4%, p=0.14) or NRM (12.5% versus 31.2% respectively, p=0.24) between the FMT-MDRO group and their paired non-MDRO cohort. Collectively, these data suggest that negative clinical outcomes, including mortality associated with MDRO colonization, may be ameliorated by pre-HCT FMT, even in the absence of intestinal MDRO decolonization. Further work is needed to explore this observed benefit.
Potential Immunomodulatory Properties of Biologically Active Components of Spices Against SARS-CoV-2 and Pan β-Coronaviruses
Authors: Sengupta Sourodip , Bhattacharyya Debina , Kasle Grishma , Karmakar Souvik , Sahu Omkar , Ganguly Anirban , Addya Sankar , Das Sarma Jayasri
Published: September 2021

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-induced COVID-19 has emerged as a defining global health crisis in current times. Data from the World Health Organization shows demographic variations in COVID-19 severity and lethality. Diet may play a significant role in providing beneficial host cell factors contributing to immunity against deadly SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. Spices are essential components of the diet that possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. Hyperinflammation, an aberrant systemic inflammation associated with pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, and multiorgan dysfunction, is a major clinical outcome in COVID-19. Knowing the beneficial properties of spices, we hypothesize that spice-derived bioactive components can modulate host immune responses to provide protective immunity in COVID-19. This study emphasizes that biologically active components of spices might alleviate the sustained pro-inflammatory condition by inhibiting the activity of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukins (IL6, IL8), and chemokine (CCL2) known to be elevated in COVID-19. Spices may potentially prevent the tissue damage induced by oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory mediators during SARS-CoV-2 infection. The current study also highlights the effects of spices on the antioxidant pathways mediated by Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) and Hmox1 (heme oxygenase 1) to restore oxidative homeostasis and protect from aberrant tissue damage. Taken together, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of bioactive components of spices may hold a promise to target the cellular pathways for developing antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 and pan β-coronaviruses.
We Still Have to Eat: Communication Infrastructure and Local Food Organizing as Public Health Responses to COVID-19 in Greensboro, North Carolina
Authors: LeGreco Marianne , Palmer Jasmine , Levithan Marianna
Published: September 2021

Food insecurity remains a pervasive and persistent social justice concern, both locally and globally–a concern that was heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic. This essay focuses on three short case studies around local food organizing, communication, and community in Greensboro, NC. Partners across three separate but related interventions leveraged their community and communication resources through listening sessions, surveys, and stories to ensure that individuals and families could continue to access food during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. By offering these case studies as an example of organizing (and reorganizing) during COVID-19, the analysis also opens up a conversation about power, resistance, and change at the intersections of poverty and access. Scholarly discussions of food insecurity continue to reinforce the need to address both food access and poverty in attempts to build resilient food systems. We take a community-engaged approach that emphasizes the importance of communication infrastructure to illustrate both the simple and mundane resources as well as the creative and innovative interventions that communities and their partners implemented during the initial onset of COVID-19 in the United States.
Reproductive History in Takotsubo Syndrome, A Register-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Tornvall Per , Pettersson Hans Järnbert
Published: September 2021

Background: Takotsubo syndrome (TS) is a recently recognized serious heart condition that mainly affects women. Despite that 80–90% of the patients are women, few studies have focused on sex-specific characteristics such as female sex hormones and reproductive history. The aim of the study was to compare reproductive history in patients with TS with controls.

Methods: This register-based cohort study compared reproductive history and off-spring birth characteristics between 158 TS patients without coronary artery stenoses and 236 age- and sex-matched controls (C) with coronary artery stenoses because of acute coronary syndrome (ACS-C), respectively, 285 without coronary artery stenoses with chest pain (CP-C).

Results: There were no differences in pregnancy complications between TS and CP-C. Gestational length did not differ, but infants born to TS patients had lower birth weight for gestational age than CP-C with an odds ratio of 1.7 (95% confidence interval 1.2–2.5) for infants born small.

Conclusion: The results showing an association between birth weight for gestational age and TS later in life are hypothesis-generating. The association is not likely causal and before delivery of small for gestational age infants can be considered as a risk marker for TS later in life the results need to be confirmed in independent studies
Surgical Interventions Are Effective for Treating Unruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysms
Authors: Qiu Juntao , Xie Enzehua , Wang Yuetang , Wang Wei , Yu Cuntao , Luo Xinjin
Published: September 2021

Background: This study investigates the optimal management for unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysms (USVAs) combined with other cardiovascular lesions.

Methods: This retrospective study examined 33 USVA patients who underwent surgical repair from February 1, 2007 to January 31, 2012. We analyzed the surgical procedures and the patients' quality of life after surgery. Additionally, echocardiography follow-up was performed before and after the operation.

Results: Most USVAs (87.8%) originated in the right coronary sinus. Aside from one patient who was preoperatively misdiagnosed as having a ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA). USVAs of the right coronary sinus were addressed by reinforcing this sinus with a Dacron patch through the right ventricle. USVAs were corrected by aortotomy using an autogenous pericardium patch when they originated in the non-coronary or left coronary sinus. Thirty patients (90.9%) were followed up for 22–119 months. No early death, residual fistula or SVA recurrence were found during the follow-up period. They all had a good quality of life and good heart function (New York Heart Association class I–II).

Conclusions: Active surgical repair of an USVA can be achieved with satisfactory results in patients combined with other cardiovascular lesions.
Role of Lipid Accumulation and Inflammation in Atherosclerosis: Focus on Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms
Authors: Malekmohammad Khojasteh , Bezsonov Evgeny E. , Rafieian-Kopaei Mahmoud
Published: September 2021

Atherosclerosis is a chronic lipid-driven and maladaptive inflammatory disease of arterial intima. It is characterized by the dysfunction of lipid homeostasis and signaling pathways that control the inflammation. This article reviews the role of inflammation and lipid accumulation, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL), in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, with more emphasis on cellular mechanisms. Furthermore, this review will briefly highlight the role of medicinal plants, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and microRNAs in the pathophysiology, treatment, and prevention of atherosclerosis. Lipid homeostasis at various levels, including receptor-mediated uptake, synthesis, storage, metabolism, efflux, and its impairments are important for the development of atherosclerosis. The major source of cholesterol and lipid accumulation in the arterial wall is proatherogenic modified low-density lipoprotein (mLDL). Modified lipoproteins, such as oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and LDL binding with proteoglycans of the extracellular matrix in the intima of blood vessels, cause aggregation of lipoprotein particles, endothelial damage, leukocyte recruitment, foam cell formation, and inflammation. Inflammation is the key contributor to atherosclerosis and participates in all phases of atherosclerosis. Also, several studies have shown that microRNAs and lncRNAs have appeared as key regulators of several physiological and pathophysiological processes in atherosclerosis, including regulation of HDL biogenesis, cholesterol efflux, lipid metabolism, regulating of smooth muscle proliferation, and controlling of inflammation. Thus, both lipid homeostasis and the inflammatory immune response are closely linked, and their cellular and molecular pathways interact with each other.
Association Between Proficiency and Efficiency in Electronic Health Records Among Pediatricians at a Major Academic Health System
Authors: Khairat Saif , Zalla Lauren , Gartland Allie , Seashore Carl
Published: September 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the variations in electronic health record (EHR) activity among General and Specialty pediatricians by investigating the time spent and documentation length, normalized for workload.

Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of pediatric physicians using Epic EHR at a major Southeastern academic healthcare system. We collected user-level EHR activity data of 104 pediatric physicians over 91 days from April 1 to June 30, 2020.

Results: Of the 104 pediatrics physicians, 56 (54%) were General pediatricians and 48 (46%) were Specialists pediatricians. General pediatricians spent an average of 17.6 min [interquartile range (IQR): 12.9–37] using the EHR per appointment, while Specialists spent 35.7 min (IQR: 28–48.4) per appointment.

Significant negative associations were found between proficiency scores and the amount of time spent in the system for Generalists (p < 0.001). On the contrary, significant positive associations were found between proficiency scores and the amount of time spent in the system for Specialists (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: We report an association between EHR proficiency and efficiency levels among pediatricians within the same healthcare system, receiving the same EHR training, and using the same EHR system. The profound differences in EHR activity suggest that higher priority should be given to redesigning EHR training methods to accommodate the learning needs of physicians.
Wnt Signalling in Regenerative Dentistry
Authors: Birjandi Anahid A. , Sharpe Paul
Published: September 2021

Teeth are complex structures where a soft dental pulp tissue is enriched with nerves, vasculature and connective tissue and encased by the cushioning effect of dentin and the protection of a hard enamel in the crown and cementum in the root. Injuries such as trauma or caries can jeopardise these layers of protection and result in pulp exposure, inflammation and infection. Provision of most suitable materials for tooth repair upon injury has been the motivation of dentistry for many decades. Wnt signalling, an evolutionarily conserved pathway, plays key roles during pre- and post-natal development of many organs including the tooth. Mutations in the components of this pathway gives rise to various types of developmental tooth anomalies. Wnt signalling is also fundamental in the response of odontoblasts to injury and repair processes. The complexity of tooth structure has resulted in diverse studies looking at specific compartments or cell types of this organ. This review looks at the current advances in the field of tooth development and regeneration. The objective of the present review is to provide an updated vision on dental biomaterials research, focusing on their biological properties and interactions to act as evidence for their potential use in vital pulp treatment procedures. We discuss the outstanding questions and future directions to make this knowledge more translatable to the clinics.
Seismic Characteristics of Paleo-Pockmarks in the Great South Basin, New Zealand
Authors: Karaket Arunee , Chenrai Piyaphong , Huuse Mads
Published: September 2021

Globally, a wide range of pockmarks have been identified onshore and offshore. These features can be used as indicators of fluid expulsion through unconsolidated sediments within sedimentary basin-fills. The Great South Basin, New Zealand, is one such basin where paleo-pockmarks are observed at around 1,500 m below the seabed. This study aims to describe the characteristics of paleo-pockmarks in the Great South Basin. Numerous paleo-pockmarks are identified and imaged using three-dimensional seismic reflection data and hosted by fine-grained sediments of the Middle Eocene Laing Formation. The paleo-pockmarks are aligned in a southwest to northeast direction to form a fan-shaped distribution with a high density of around 67 paleo-pockmarks per square kilometre in the centre of the study area. The paleo-pockmarks in this area have a similar shape, varying from sub-rounded to a rounded planform shape, but vary in size, ranging from 138 to 481 m in diameter, and 15–45 ms (TWT) depth. The origin of the fluids that contributed to the paleo-pockmark formation is suggested, based on seismic observations, to be biogenic methane. The basin floor fan deposits beneath the interval hosting the paleo-pockmark might have enhanced fluid migration through permeable layers in this basin-fill. This model can help to explain pockmark formation in deep water sedimentary systems, and may inform future studies of fluid migration and expulsion in sediment sinks.
Peripheral and Autonomic Neuropathy Status of Young Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus at the Time of Transition From Pediatric Care to Adult-Oriented Diabetes Care
Authors: Vágvölgyi Anna , Maróti Ágnes , Szűcs Mónika , Póczik Csongor , Urbán-Pap Dóra , Baczkó István , Nemes Attila , Csajbók Éva , Sepp Krisztián , Kempler Péter , Orosz Andrea , Várkonyi Tamás , Lengyel Csaba
Published: September 2021

Introduction

The prevalence of neuropathic lesions in young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) at the time of transition from pediatric care to adult-oriented diabetes care is poorly studied. A comparative study with healthy volunteers to assess the possible neuropathic condition of this special population and to identify the potential early screening needs has not been performed yet. The results may provide important feedback to pediatric diabetes care and a remarkable baseline reference point for further follow up in adult diabetes care.

Patients and Methods

Twenty-nine young patients with T1DM [age: 22.4 ± 2.9 years; HbA1c: 8.5 ± 2.1%, diabetes duration: 12.2 ± 5.8 years; (mean ± SD)] and 30 healthy volunteers (age: 21.5 ± 1.6 years; HbA1c: 5.3 ± 0.3%) were involved in the study. Autonomic function was assessed by standard cardiovascular reflex tests. Complex peripheral neuropathic testing was performed by Neurometer®, Neuropad®-test, Tiptherm®, Monofilament®, and Rydel-Seiffer tuning fork tests.

Results

T1DM patients had significantly higher diastolic blood pressure than controls (80 ± 9 vs. 74 ± 8 mmHg, p < 0.01), but there was no significant difference in systolic blood pressure (127 ± 26 vs. 121 ± 13 mmHg). Cardiovascular reflex tests had not revealed any significant differences between the T1DM patients and controls. No significant differences with Neurometer®, Neuropad®-test, and Monofilament® were detected between the two groups. The vibrational sensing on the radius on both sides was significantly impaired in the T1DM group compared to the controls with Rydel-Seiffer tuning fork test (right: 7.5 ± 1.0 vs. 7.9 ± 0.3; left: 7.5 ± 0.9 vs. 7.9 ± 0.3, p < 0.05). The Tiptherm®-test also identified a significant impairment in T1DM patients (11 sensing failures vs. 1, p < 0.001). In addition, the neuropathic complaints were significantly more frequently present in the T1DM patient group than in the controls (9 vs. 0, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

In this young T1DM population, cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy and cardiac morphological alterations could not be found. However, Rydel-Seiffer tuning fork and Tiptherm®-tests revealed peripheral sensory neurological impairments in young T1DM patients at the time of their transition to adult diabetes care.
Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Matrix Metalloproteinases as Markers of Metabolic Status in Non-Growth Hormone-Treated Girls With Turner Syndrome
Authors: Błaszczyk Ewa , Gawlik Jakub , Gieburowska Joanna , Tokarska Agnieszka , Kimsa-Furdzik Małgorzata , Hibner Grzegorz , Francuz Tomasz , Gawlik Aneta Monika
Published: September 2021

Background

Turner syndrome (TS) presents a high risk of congenital heart defects and may predispose to both obesity and related metabolic complications. Hence the search for new markers as potential early predictors of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular diseases appears warranted.

Objective

To assess MMP-1 (matrix metalloproteinase-1), MMP-2 (matrix metalloproteinase-2), MMP-9 (matrix metallopeptidase-9), BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), GDNF (glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor), and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) in non-MetS TS girls not treated with growth hormone (GH) vs. healthy short stature girls, and to assess the connection with basic metabolic parameters.

Method

The concentrations of circulating MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, BDNF, GDNF and VEGF were measured in 12 patients with TS not treated with growth hormone. The control group was composed of 17 girls with non-pathologic short stature. The patients’ clinical and biochemical phenotypes were determined by weight, height, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, aminotransferases, IGF1, TSH and fT4.

Results

There were no differences in mean age, weight, BMI Z-Score, or hSDS between the studied group and the controls; however, they differed in baseline values of ALT (18.2 ± 4.2 vs. 14.2 ± 4.1, p= 0.02), BDNF [29951.5 (26176.9 – 41271.9) vs. 23131.7 (18392.4 – 28313.3), p=0.01] and MMP-2 [91.8 (71.7 – 111.0) vs. 143.6 (123.7 - 244.5), p< 0.001]. BDNF correlated with ALT activity (r = 0.56 p = 0.002) and BMI Z-score (r = 0.38 p = 0.042), while MMP-2 correlated with HDL concentration (r = 0.48 p = 0.029) in all the patients. The analysis of the study group alone revealed significant positive correlations between MMP-9 and TSH (r = 0.74 p = 0.036), BDNF and both ALT (r = 0.73 p = 0.038) and TSH (r = 0.85 p = 0.008), and a negative correlation between MMP-1 and fT4 (r = -0.75 p = 0.032). The control group did not present any significant correlations.

Conclusion

The higher concentrations of BDNF and lower of MMP-2 found in girls with TS without MetS compared to healthy girls with short stature, could have a major impact on the future “natural” development of the metabolic status. Our findings need further studies.
Simplified Event-Based Load Shedding Scheme for Frequency Stability in an Isolated Power System With High Renewable Penetration. El Hierro: A Case Study
Authors: Sarasúa José Ignacio , Pérez-Díaz Juan Ignacio , Martínez-Lucas Guillermo , Fernández-Muñoz Daniel
Published: September 2021

This study presents a novel approach to calculate the load to be shed in El Hierro isolated power system in generation tripping events. The proposed shedding law is based on a linear regression model. The regression model is obtained by means of offline dynamic simulations in a set of representative test cases. The proposed shedding law has been compared to the under-frequency load shedding scheme currently utilized in El Hierro, considering three different implementation schemes. The results of this study demonstrate that the proposed shedding law can contribute to reduce the average amount of load shed in generation tripping events and meet the requirements of the system’s frequency with a moderate investment in smart power management devices.
Data-Driven Real-Time Pricing Strategy and Coordinated Optimization of Economic Load Dispatch in Electricity Market
Authors: Wang Shunjiang , Zang Yuxiu , Ge Weichun , Wang Aihua , Li Dianyang , Tang Jingyi
Published: September 2021

Compared to the step tariff, the real-time pricing (RTP) could be more stimulated for household consumers to change their electricity consumption behaviors. It can reduce the reserve capacity, peak load, and of course the electricity bill, which could achieve the purpose of saving energy. This paper proposes a coordinated optimization algorithm and data-driven RTP strategy in electricity market. First, the electricity price is divided into two parts, basic electricity price and fluctuating price. When the electricity consumption is equal to the average daily electricity consumption, the price is defined as the basic electricity price, which is the clearing electricity price. The consumer electricity data are analyzed. A random forest algorithm is adopted to predict the load data. Optimal adjustment parameters are obtained and the load fluctuation and the fluctuation of the electricity price are further quantified. Secondly, the appliances are modeled. The operation priority is established based on the preferences of customers and the Monte Carlo method is used to form the power load curve. Then, the smart energy planning unit is proposed to optimize the appliances on/off time and running time of residential electrical appliances. An incentive mechanism is used to further standardize the temporary electricity consumption. An improved multiobjective particle swarm optimization (IMOPSO) algorithm is adopted, which adopts the linear weighted evaluation function method to maximize the consumer’s social welfare while minimizing the electricity bill. The simulation proves that the stability of the power grid is improved while obtaining the best power strategy.
Ensemble Temperature and Precipitation Projection for Multi-Factorial Interactive Effects of GCMs and SSPs: Application to China
Authors: Duan Ruixin , Huang Guohe , Li Yongping , Zheng Rubing , Wang Guoqing , Xin Baozhen , Tian Chuyin , Ren Jiayan
Published: September 2021

Climate change has broadly impacted on the China areas. There will be severe challenges due to the variations of precipitation and temperature in the future. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the future climate change over China areas is desired. In this study, future annual precipitation and annual mean temperature under two SSPs over China areas were projected through multiple global climate models. Meanwhile, to explore the sources of uncertainty in projecting future climate change, the multi-factorial analysis was conducted through GCMs (five levels) and SSPs (two levels). This study can help us understand the possible changes in precipitation, temperature, and the potential extreme climate events over the China area. The results indicate that China would have more annual precipitation and higher annual mean temperature in the future. Compared with the historical period, the annual mean temperature would face a continuously increasing trend under SSPs. Regardless of SSP245 or SSP585, the growth rate of annual precipitation and annual mean temperature increase in the northern region (e.g., Northeast China, North China, and Northwest China) are higher than those in the southern parts (e.g., East China, South China, and Central China). The future temperature rise may increase the frequency of heat-related extreme climate events, which needs to be focused on in future research. Moreover, GCM was the main contributing factor to the sources of uncertainty in projecting future precipitation and SSP was the main factor for future temperature. Overall, climate change is an indisputable fact in China. The annual precipitation and annual mean temperature would increase to varying degrees in the future. Reducing the systemic bias of the climate model itself will undoubtedly be the top priority, and it would help to improve the projection and evaluation effects of relevant climate variables.
Functional Analyses of Peripheral Auditory System Adaptations for Echolocation in Air vs. Water
Authors: Ketten Darlene R. , Simmons James A. , Riquimaroux Hiroshi , Simmons Andrea Megela
Published: September 2021

The similarity of acoustic tasks performed by odontocete (toothed whale) and microchiropteran (insectivorous bat) biosonar suggests they may have common ultrasonic signal reception and processing mechanisms. However, there are also significant media and prey dependent differences, notably speed of sound and wavelengths in air vs. water, that may be reflected in adaptations in their auditory systems and peak spectra of out-going signals for similarly sized prey. We examined the anatomy of the peripheral auditory system of two species of FM bat (big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus; Japanese house bat Pipistrellus abramus) and two toothed whales (harbor porpoise Phocoena phocoena; bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus) using ultra high resolution (11–100 micron) isotropic voxel computed tomography (helical and microCT). Significant differences were found for oval and round window location, cochlear length, basilar membrane gradients, neural distributions, cochlear spiral morphometry and curvature, and basilar membrane suspension distributions. Length correlates with body mass, not hearing ranges. High and low frequency hearing range cut-offs correlate with basilar membrane thickness/width ratios and the cochlear radius of curvature. These features are predictive of high and low frequency hearing limits in all ears examined. The ears of the harbor porpoise, the highest frequency echolocator in the study, had significantly greater stiffness, higher basal basilar membrane ratios, and bilateral bony support for 60% of the basilar membrane length. The porpoise’s basilar membrane includes a “foveal” region with “stretched” frequency representation and relatively constant membrane thickness/width ratio values similar to those reported for some bat species. Both species of bats and the harbor porpoise displayed unusual stapedial input locations and low ratios of cochlear radii, specializations that may enhance higher ultrasonic frequency signal resolution and deter low frequency cochlear propagation.
Delineating Conservation Areas for Cohabiting Species: An Example of Vernal Pond Conservation From Fort Stewart in Georgia, United States
Authors: Wang Yicheng , Önal Hayri , Dissanayake Sahan T. M.
Published: September 2021

Military installations are valuable in global biodiversity conservation as they secure representative ecosystems from land conversion and protect many threatened or endangered species. Selecting suitable areas for biodiversity conservation within military installations is a challenging problem as this must not impede military training activities. The issue gets more complicated when considering multiple cohabiting species in a metacommunity with species dependency. In this paper, we present an example for the conservation of two cohabiting species, Gopher Tortoise (GT) and Gopher Frog (GF), located within the boundaries of a military installation, Fort Stewart, Georgia, United States. The GF depends on both locations of GT habitat (burrows) and ephemeral vernal ponds (for breeding). We develop a model that identifies the cost-efficient areas for the conservation of these two species while taking into account the dependency of GF on GT burrows. The model selects a specified number of conservation areas for the two species, where each GF conservation area covers an adequate number of vernal ponds for the GFs to accommodate their reproduction, and each GT conservation area provides adequate habitat quality to sustain a viable GT population. The model also requires each GF site to be located close to GT sites so that the GFs could find refuge after they leave the water. We use the total distance of selected sites to the main roads in the military installation as a proxy for the conservation cost. We achieve contiguity of each conservation area by selecting sites that are adjacent to a central site of the conservation area to ensure undisrupted travel for both the GFs and the GTs. Using the model, we generated alternative configurations of conservation areas that could be considered by the land managers of Fort Stewart. Our methods are general and can be applied to other reserve site selection and land management problems with cohabiting interrelated species.
The Role of Emerging ICT in the Ports: Increasing Utilities According to Shared Decisions
Authors: Russo Francesco , Musolino Giuseppe
Published: September 2021

Geographical location, infrastructures, and services are the main consolidated pillars of a port in terms of its capacity to compete and cooperate with other ports. In the last years, a new pillar was identified: emerging technologies. Ports’ issues were initially solved with individual ICT solutions adopted by each decision-maker, which generated efficiencies in the three main port flows: cargo, information, and financial. However, new benefits and challenges are connected with the introduction of shared emerging ICT among decision-makers inside ports. The crucial issue concerns the fact that several decision-makers could share a decision about a single-port operation. Therefore, the effectiveness and efficiency of ports depend on how the interactions between the decision-makers are solved. Port operations are associated with movements (cargo) and transactions (information and financial) in a synchronic graph, which allows highlighting the role of emerging technologies in the modification of port operation generalized cost, considering the different decision-makers. The focal point concerns the building of a theoretical model using the formal equations of Transport System Models (TSMs) for the estimation of the cost for a Unit of Load (UL), e.g., a container traveling along a path, composed of a sequence of port operations, inside a port with and without emerging technologies. The proposed theoretical model provides the possibility of estimatingex antethe reduction of cost (port time of UL) given by introducing new technologies and a Port Community System (PCS). Different scenarios, considering some cases, ranging from the absence of ICT to the presence of a PCS, are compared, considering the different situations from a non-congested port to a congested one. The main results of the study and its novelty concern, on the one hand, the extension of TSMs to port systems, highlighting the problem of a non-single decision-maker (two or more) in some port operations and, on the other hand, the possibility of reducing the generalized cost (e.g., time) in the same operations in which there are concurrent decision-makers, through the use of an advanced PCS. The reported numerical example confirms the theoretical results. The work can be useful for researchers for port planners (e.g., port authorities) because it permits evaluating the utility for introducing shared emerging technologies using advanced PCS in a unified view.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of HSP90-RAR1-SGT1-Complex Members From Arachis Genomes and Their Responses to Biotic and Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Yuan Cuiling , Li Chunjuan , Zhao Xiaobo , Yan Caixia , Wang Juan , Mou Yifei , Sun Quanxi , Shan Shihua
Published: September 2021

The molecular chaperone complex HSP90-RAR1-SGT1 (HRS) plays important roles in both biotic and abiotic stress responses in plants. A previous study showed that wild peanut Arachis diogoi SGT1 (AdSGT1) could enhance disease resistance in transgenic tobacco and peanut. However, no systematic analysis of the HRS complex in Arachis has been conducted to date. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of the HRS complex were performed in Arachis. Nineteen HSP90, two RAR1 and six SGT1 genes were identified from the allotetraploid peanut Arachis hypogaea, a number close to the sum of those from the two wild diploid peanut species Arachis duranensis and Arachis ipaensis. According to phylogenetic and chromosomal location analyses, thirteen orthologous gene pairs from Arachis were identified, all of which except AhHSP90-A8, AhHSP90-B9, AdHSP90-9, and AiHSP90-9 were localized on the syntenic locus, and they shared similar exon-intron structures, conserved motifs and expression patterns. Phylogenetic analysis showed that HSP90 and RAR1 from dicot and monocot plants diverged into different clusters throughout their evolution. Chromosomal location analysis indicated that AdSGT1 (the orthologous gene of AhSGT1-B3 in this study) might provide resistance to leaf late spot disease dependent on the orthologous genes of AhHSP90-B10 and AhRAR1-B in the wild peanut A. diogoi. Several HRS genes exhibited tissue-specific expression patterns, which may reflect the sites where they perform functions. By exploring published RNA-seq data, we found that several HSP90 genes play major roles in both biotic and abiotic stress responses, especially salt and drought responses. Autoactivation assays showed that AhSGT1-B1 could not be used as bait for yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) library screening. AhRAR1 and AhSGT1 could strongly interact with each other and interact with AhHSP90-B8. The present study represents the first systematic analysis of HRS complex genes in Arachis and provides valuable information for functional analyses of HRS complex genes. This study also offers potential stress-resistant genes for peanut improvement.
Case Report: A Boy From a Consanguineous Family Diagnosed With Congenital Muscular Dystrophy Caused by Integrin Alpha 7 (ITGA7) Mutation
Authors: Xia Wenqing , Ni Zhumei , Zhang Zheng , Sang Hongfei , Liu Huifang , Chen Zhenzhen , Jiang Lin , Yin Congguo , Huang Jinyu , Li Lingfei , Lei Xiaoguang
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) is a group of early-onset disorders with clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Patients always present with muscle weakness typically from birth to early infancy, delay or arrest of gross motor development, and joint and/or spinal rigidity. There are various genes related to the development of CMD. Among them, mutations in integrin alpha 7 (ITGA7) is a rare subtype. The identification of disease-causing genes facilitates the diagnosis and treatment of CMD.

Methods: We screened ITGA7 mutations in four people by whole exome sequencing and targeted sequencing from a consanguineous family. We then carried out electromyography and neuroelectrophysiological examinations to clarify a clinical picture of the patient diagnosed with CMD.

Results: We report a Chinese boy diagnosed with CMD who carries a homozygous variant (c.1088dupG, p.H364Sfs*15) of the ITGA7 gene. According to the genotype analysis of his family members, this is an autosomal recessive inheritance.

Conclusions: Our case further shows that ITGA7 mutation is related to CMD. Genetic counseling and multidisciplinary management of CMD play an important role in helping patients and their family. Further elucidation of the significant clinical and genetic heterogeneity, therapeutic targets, and the clinical care for patients remains our challenge for the future.
Genome Size Doubling Arises From the Differential Repetitive DNA Dynamics in the Genus Heloniopsis (Melanthiaceae)
Authors: Pellicer Jaume , Fernández Pol , Fay Michael F. , Michálková Ester , Leitch Ilia J.
Published: September 2021

Plant genomes are highly diverse in size and repetitive DNA composition. In the absence of polyploidy, the dynamics of repetitive elements, which make up the bulk of the genome in many species, are the main drivers underpinning changes in genome size and the overall evolution of the genomic landscape. The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies has enabled investigation of genome evolutionary dynamics beyond model plants to provide exciting new insights in species across the biodiversity of life. Here we analyze the evolution of repetitive DNA in two closely related species of Heloniopsis (Melanthiaceae), which despite having the same chromosome number differ nearly twofold in genome size [i.e., H. umbellata (1C = 4,680 Mb), and H. koreana (1C = 2,480 Mb)]. Low-coverage genome skimming and the RepeatExplorer2 pipeline were used to identify the main repeat families responsible for the significant differences in genome sizes. Patterns of repeat evolution were found to correlate with genome size with the main classes of transposable elements identified being twice as abundant in the larger genome of H. umbellata compared with H. koreana. In addition, among the satellite DNA families recovered, a single shared satellite (HeloSAT) was shown to have contributed significantly to the genome expansion of H. umbellata. Evolutionary changes in repetitive DNA composition and genome size indicate that the differences in genome size between these species have been underpinned by the activity of several distinct repeat lineages.
Properdin Deficiency Impairs Phagocytosis and Enhances Injury at Kidney Repair Phase Post Ischemia–Reperfusion
Authors: Wu Yuanyuan , Zwaini Zinah D. , Brunskill Nigel J. , Zhang Xinyue , Wang Hui , Chana Ravinder , Stover Cordula M. , Yang Bin
Published: September 2021

Properdin, a positive regulator of complement alternative pathway, participates in renal ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury and also acts as a pattern-recognition molecule affecting apoptotic T-cell clearance. However, the role of properdin in tubular epithelial cells (TECs) at the repair phase post IR injury is not well defined. This study revealed that properdin knockout (PKO) mice exhibited greater injury in renal function and histology than wild-type (WT) mice post 72-h IR, with more apoptotic cells and macrophages in tubular lumina, increased active caspase-3 and HMGB1, but better histological structure at 24 h. Raised erythropoietin receptor by IR was furthered by PKOand positively correlated with injury and repair markers. Properdin in WT kidneys was also upregulated by IR, while H2O2-increased properdin in TECs was reduced by its small-interfering RNA (siRNA), with raised HMGB1 and apoptosis. Moreover, the phagocytic ability of WT TECs, analyzed by pHrodoEscherichia colibioparticles, was promoted by H2O2but inhibited by PKO. These results were confirmed by counting phagocytosed H2O2-induced apoptotic TECs byin situend labeling fragmented DNAs but not affected by additional serum with/without properdin. Taken together, PKOresults in impaired phagocytosis at the repair phase post renal IR injury. Properdin locally produced by TECs plays crucial roles in optimizing damaged cells and regulating phagocytic ability of TECs to effectively clear apoptotic cells and reduce inflammation.
Recombinant Mycobacterium paragordonae Expressing SARS-CoV-2 Receptor-Binding Domain as a Vaccine Candidate Against SARS-CoV-2 Infections
Authors: Kim Byoung-Jun , Jeong Hyein , Seo Hyejun , Lee Mi-Hyun , Shin Hyun Mu , Kim Bum-Joon
Published: September 2021

At present, concerns that the recent global emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants could compromise the current vaccines have been raised, highlighting the urgent demand for new vaccines capable of eliciting T cell-mediated immune responses, as well as B cell-mediated neutralizing antibody production. In this study, we developed a novel recombinant Mycobacterium paragordonae expressing the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) (rMpg-RBD-7) that is capable of eliciting RBD-specific immune responses in vaccinated mice. The potential use of rMpg-RBD-7 as a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 infections was evaluated in in vivo using mouse models of two different modules, one for single-dose vaccination and the other for two-dose vaccination. In a single-dose vaccination model, we found that rMpg-RBD-7 versus a heat-killed strain could exert an enhanced cell-mediated immune (CMI) response, as well as a humoral immune response capable of neutralizing the RBD and ACE2 interaction. In a two-dose vaccination model, rMpg-RBD-7 in a two-dose vaccination could also exert a stronger CMI and humoral immune response to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 infections in pseudoviral or live virus infection systems, compared to single dose vaccinations of rMpg-RBD or two-dose RBD protein immunization. In conclusion, our data showed that rMpg-RBD-7 can lead to an enhanced CMI response and humoral immune responses in mice vaccinated with both single- or two-dose vaccination, highlighting its feasibility as a novel vaccine candidate for SARS-CoV-2. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first in which mycobacteria is used as a delivery system for a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.
PAC1 Receptor Mediates Electroacupuncture-Induced Neuro and Immune Protection During Cisplatin Chemotherapy
Authors: Li Shanshan , Huang Jin , Guo Yi , Wang Jiaqi , Lu Shanshan , Wang Bin , Gong Yinan , Qin Siru , Zhao Suhong , Wang Shenjun , Liu Yangyang , Fang Yuxin , Guo Yongming , Xu Zhifang , Ulloa Luis
Published: September 2021

Platinum-based chemotherapy is an effective treatment used in multiple tumor treatments, but produces severe side effects including neurotoxicity, anemia, and immunosuppression, which limits its anti-tumor efficacy and increases the risk of infections. Electroacupuncture (EA) is often used to ameliorate these side effects, but its mechanism is unknown. Here, we report that EA on ST36 and SP6 prevents cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity and immunosuppression. EA induces neuroprotection, prevents pain-related neurotoxicity, preserves bone marrow (BM) hematopoiesis, and peripheral levels of leukocytes. EA activates sympathetic BM terminals to release pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP). PACAP-receptor PAC1-antagonists abrogate the effects of EA, whereas PAC1-agonists mimic EA, prevent neurotoxicity, immunosuppression, and preserve BM hematopoiesis during cisplatin chemotherapy. Our results indicate that PAC1-agonists may provide therapeutic advantages during chemotherapy to treat patients with advanced neurotoxicity or neuropathies limiting EA efficacy.
The Molecular Allergen Recognition Profile in China as Basis for Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy
Authors: D’souza Nishelle , Weber Milena , Sarzsinszky Eszter , Vrtala Susanne , Curin Mirela , Schaar Mirjam , Garib Victoria , Focke-Tejkl Margarete , Li Yanqiu , Jones Richard , Chen Hao , Valenta Rudolf , Sun Baoqing
Published: September 2021

Approximately 30% of the world population suffers from immunoglobulin-E (IgE)-mediated allergy. IgE-mediated allergy affects the respiratory tract, the skin and the gastrointestinal tract and may lead to life-threatening acute systemic manifestations such as anaphylactic shock. The symptoms of allergy are mediated by IgE-recognition of causative allergen molecules from different allergen sources. Today, molecular allergy diagnosis allows determining the disease-causing allergens to develop allergen-specific concepts for prevention and treatment of allergy. Allergen-specific preventive and therapeutic strategies include allergen avoidance, vaccination, and tolerance induction. The implementation of these preventive and therapeutic strategies requires a detailed knowledge of the relevant allergen molecules affecting a given population. China is the world´s most populous country with around 1.4 billion inhabitants and an estimated number of more than 400 million allergic patients. Research in allergy in China has dramatically increased in the last decade. We summarize in this review article what is known about the dominating allergen sources and allergen molecules in China and what further investigations could be performed to draw a molecular map of IgE sensitization for China as a basis for the implementation of systematic and rational allergen-specific preventive and therapeutic strategies to combat allergic diseases in this country.
Autophagy and Host Defense in Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection
Authors: Silwal Prashanta , Kim In Soo , Jo Eun-Kyeong
Published: September 2021

Autophagy is critically involved in host defense pathways through targeting and elimination of numerous pathogens via autophagic machinery. Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs) are ubiquitous microbes, have become increasingly prevalent, and are emerging as clinically important strains due to drug-resistant issues. Compared to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causal pathogen for human tuberculosis, the roles of autophagy remain largely uncharacterized in the context of a variety of NTM infections. Compelling evidence suggests that host autophagy activation plays an essential role in the enhancement of antimicrobial immune responses and controlling pathological inflammation against various NTM infections. As similar to Mtb, it is believed that NTM bacteria evolve multiple strategies to manipulate and hijack host autophagy pathways. Despite this, we are just beginning to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between pathogen and the host autophagy system in a battle with NTM bacteria. In this review, we will explore the function of autophagy, which is involved in shaping host–pathogen interaction and disease outcomes during NTM infections. These efforts will lead to the development of autophagy-based host-directed therapeutics against NTM infection.