bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Acidosis in Children: A Literature Review
Authors: Zaki Syed Ahmed , Shanbag Preeti
Published: March 2023

Metabolic acidosis is characterised by a primary decrease in the serum bicarbonate concentration, a secondary decrease in the arterial partial pressure of CO­2, and a reduction in blood pH. Metabolic acidosis, acute or chronic, may have deleterious effects on cellular function and cause increased morbidity and mortality. A systematic review of the available literature was performed to identify data on the prevalence, manifestations, cause, outcomes, and treatment of metabolic acidosis in children. Online databases (Ovid Medline, Embase, and PubMed), commercial search engines (including Google), and chapters on metabolic acidosis in the standard textbooks of paediatrics and medicine were reviewed.

Systematic approach to acute metabolic acidosis starts with proper history taking and examination. This is followed by assessment of acid-base parameters, including pH, partial pressure of CO2, and bicarbonate concentration in arterial blood. Blood gas is needed to differentiate primary metabolic acidosis from compensated respiratory alkalosis. Once the diagnosis of a metabolic acidosis has been confirmed, serum electrolyte values are used to determine the serum anion gap. The various causes of increased and normal anion gap metabolic acidosis have been discussed in the article. The main aim of treatment in metabolic acidosis is to reverse the primary pathophysiology. In acute metabolic acidosis, sodium bicarbonate therapy is not beneficial due to potential complications and is reserved for specific situations. Base therapy is used in chronic metabolic acidosis where it ameliorates many of its untoward effects. Other modalities of treatment of metabolic acidosis include peritoneal or haemodialysis and tris-hydroxymethyl aminomethane.
PRESERVATION OF UANG ASAP TRADITION IN MELAYU WEDDING: MAQĀSID SHAR'AH PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Humairah Siti
Published: March 2023

This article is the result of a qualitative field research. This research is a legal sociology research. This article discusses determination of “Uang Asap” in the Malay wedding tradition. The researcher analyzed the research data using the maqasid shariah theory. The location of this research is in Nusapati Village, Sungai Pinyuh District, Mempawah Regency, West Kalimantan. The findings of this study are that in the view of maqasid sharia, the determination of smoked money is included in the category of tahsiniyat (tertiary) benefit. Field data shows that the giving of smoked money is a general tradition, in the sense that it applies to everyone of the Malay ethnicity, especially in Nusapati Village, Sungai Pinyuh District, Mempawah Regency, West Kalimantan. Although the giving of smoked money is not explicitly regulated in maqasid sharia, the giving of smoked money is already a tradition that must be carried out in the community and as long as this does not conflict with aqidah and shari'ah then it is allowed by Islamic law

Keywords: “uang asap” tradition, wedding traditions, maqasid shariah theory

 

Abstrak

Artikel ini adalah hasil penelitian kualitatif lapangan. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian sosiologi hukum. Artikel ini mendiskusikan penetapan uang asap dalam tradisi pernikahan adat Melayu. Peneliti menganalisis data penelitian menggunakan teori maqasid shariah. Lokasi penelitian ini berada di Desa Nusapati Kecamatan Sungai Pinyuh Kabupaten Mempawah Kalimantan Barat. Temuan penelitian ini adalah bahwa Dalam pandangan maqasid syariah  penetapan uang asap masuk dalam kategori kemaslahatan tahsiniyat (tersier). Data lapangan menunjukkan bahwa pemberian uang asap merupakan tradisi yang bersifat umum, dalam artian berlaku pada setiap orang yang bersuku Melayu  khususnya di Desa Nusapati Kecamatan Sungai Pinyuh Kabupaten Mempawah Kalimantan Barat. Walaupun pemberian uang asap ini tidak secara gamblang diatur dalam maqasid syariah, namun pemberian uang asap sudah merupakan suatu tradisi yang harus dilakukan pada masyarakat tersebut dan selama hal ini tidak bertentangan dengan akidah dan syari’at maka hal itu diperbolehkan oleh hukum islam.

 

Kata Kunci: tradisi uang asap, adat pernikahan, teori maqasid shariah
LAW REASONING OF CHILD CUSTODIAL RIGHT FOR NON-MUSLIM MOTHER
Authors: Mashudi Ahmad Ali
Published: March 2023

This article is result of library research. This research is included in the category of normative legal research. This research discussion aims to explain the legal status of non-Muslim mothers in the context of post-divorce child care. The findings of this study are that according to the ulama' of the four schools of thought, the haānah rights of an apostate mother should not be granted. The argument that is built is that haānah does not only take care of physically but also includes children's religious education. The non-Muslim mother is feared to have a direct or indirect influence on the child. The legal status of an apostate also affects legal action. The apostasy reduces the ability to raise children, so the majority of scholars' abort the haānah rights for apostate mothers. KHI explains child custody/haānah in general as regulated in article 105. Parenting rights of non-Muslim mothers are not regulated by KHI.

Keywords: Parenting rights, non-Muslim mothers, legal reasoning

 

Abstrak

Artikel ini adalah hasil dari penelitian pustaka (library research). Penelitian ini masuk dalam kategori penelitian hukum normatif. Diskusi penelitian ini bertujuan menjelaskan status hukum ibu nonmuslim dalam konteks pengasuhan anak pascaperceraian. Temuan penelitian ini adalah bahwa menurut ulama’ empat mazhab, hak haḍānah ibu murtad, tidak boleh diberikan. Argumen yang dibangun adalah haḍānah  tidak  hanya merawat secara jasmani saja akan tetapi haḍānah juga meliputi pendidikan agama anak. Ibu nonmuslim itu dikhawatirkan memberi pengaruh baik langsung maupun tidak langsung kepada anak. Status hukum seorang yang murtad juga mempengaruhi tindakan hukum. Kemurtadan itu mengurangi kecakapan dalam mengasuh anak, sehingga mayoritas ulama’ menggugurkan hak haḍānah bagi ibu murtad. KHI menjelaskan hak asuh anak/haḍānah secara umum saja sebagaimana diatur dalam pasal 105. Hak Pengasuhan ibu non muslim tidak diatur oleh KHI.

Kata kunci: Hak pengasuhan, ibu nonomuslim, nalar hukum
Dysbiotic lung microbial communities of neonates from allergic mothers confer neonate responsiveness to suboptimal allergen
Authors: Bloodworth Jeffery C. , Hoji Aki , Wolff Garen , Mandal Rabindra K. , Schmidt Nathan W. , Deshane Jessy S. , Morrow Casey D. , Kloepfer Kirsten M. , Cook-Mills Joan M.
Published: March 2023

In humans and animals, offspring of allergic mothers have increased responsiveness to allergens. This is blocked in mice by maternal supplementation with α-tocopherol (αT). Also, adults and children with allergic asthma have airway microbiome dysbiosis with increased Proteobacteria and may have decreased Bacteroidota. It is not known whether αT alters neonate development of lung microbiome dysbiosis or whether neonate lung dysbiosis modifies development of allergy. To address this, the bronchoalveolar lavage was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene analysis (bacterial microbiome) from pups of allergic and non-allergic mothers with a basal diet or αT-supplemented diet. Before and after allergen challenge, pups of allergic mothers had dysbiosis in lung microbial composition with increased Proteobacteria and decreased Bacteroidota and this was blocked by αT supplementation. We determined whether intratracheal transfer of pup lung dysbiotic microbial communities modifies the development of allergy in recipient pups early in life. Interestingly, transfer of dysbiotic lung microbial communities from neonates of allergic mothers to neonates of non-allergic mothers was sufficient to confer responsiveness to allergen in the recipient pups. In contrast, neonates of allergic mothers were not protected from development of allergy by transfer of donor lung microbial communities from either neonates of non-allergic mothers or neonates of αT-supplemented allergic mothers. These data suggest that the dysbiotic lung microbiota is dominant and sufficient for enhanced neonate responsiveness to allergen. Importantly, infants within the INHANCE cohort with an anti-inflammatory profile of tocopherol isoforms had an altered microbiome composition compared to infants with a pro-inflammatory profile of tocopherol isoforms. These data may inform design of future studies for approaches in the prevention or intervention in asthma and allergic disease early in life.
High-throughput screening of microbial strains in large-scale microfluidic droplets
Authors: Zhang Zhidong , Guo Qi , Wang Yuetong , Huang He
Published: March 2023

The transformation of engineered microbial cells is a pivotal link in green biomanufacturing. Its distinctive research application involves genetic modification of microbial chassis to impart targeted traits and functions for effective synthesis of the desired products. Microfluidics, as an emerging complementary solution, focuses on controlling and manipulating fluid in channels at the microscopic scale. One of its subcategories is droplet-based microfluidics (DMF), which can generate discrete droplets using immiscible multiphase fluids at kHz frequencies. To date, droplet microfluidics has been successfully applied to a variety of microbes, including bacteria, yeast, and filamentous fungi, and the detection of massive metabolites of strain products, such as polypeptides, enzymes, and lipids, has been realized. In summary, we firmly believe that droplet microfluidics has evolved into a powerful technology that will pave the way for high-throughput screening of engineered microbial strains in the green biomanufacturing industry.
Membrane-camouflaged biomimetic nanoparticles as potential immunomodulatory solutions for sepsis: An overview
Authors: Wang Yanbei , Liu Liping , Zheng Xinchuan , Liu Xin
Published: March 2023

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction due to dysregulated host responses induced by infection. The presence of immune disturbance is key to the onset and development of sepsis but has remarkably limited therapeutic options. Advances in biomedical nanotechnology have provided innovative approaches to rebalancing the host immunity. In particular, the technique of membrane-coating has demonstrated remarkable improvements to therapeutic nanoparticles (NPs) in terms of tolerance and stability while also improving their biomimetic performance for immunomodulatory purposes. This development has led to the emergence of using cell-membrane-based biomimetic NPs in treating sepsis-associated immunologic derangements. In this minireview, we present an overview of the recent advances in membrane-camouflaged biomimetic NPs, highlighting their multifaceted immunomodulatory effects in sepsis such as anti-infection, vaccination, inflammation control, reversing of immunosuppression, and targeted delivery of immunomodulatory agents.
Osteoblast derived extracellular vesicles induced by dexamethasone: A novel biomimetic tool for enhancing osteogenesis in vitro
Authors: Zhang Xing , Zhao Qun , Zhou Nan , Liu Yu , Qin Kang , Buhl Eva Miriam , Wang Xinhong , Hildebrand Frank , Balmayor Elizabeth R. , Greven Johannes
Published: March 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are newly appreciated communicators involved in intercellular crosstalk, and have emerged as a promising biomimetic tool for bone tissue regeneration, overcoming many of the limitations associated with cell-based therapies. However, the significance of osteoblast-derived extracellular vesicles on osteogenesis has not been fully established. In this present study, we aim to investigate the therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles secreted from consecutive 14 days of dexamethasone-stimulated osteoblasts (OB-EVDex) to act as a biomimetic tool for regulating osteogenesis, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. OB-EVdex treated groups are compared to the clinically used osteo-inductor of BMP-2 as control. Our findings revealed that OB-EVDex have a typical bilayer membrane nanostructure of, with an average diameter of 178 ± 21 nm, and that fluorescently labeled OB-EVDex were engulfed by osteoblasts in a time-dependent manner. The proliferation, attachment, and viability capacities of OB-EVDex-treated osteoblasts were significantly improved when compared to untreated cells, with the highest proliferative rate observed in the OB-EVDex + BMP-2 group. Notably, combinations of OB-EVDex and BMP-2 markedly promoted osteogenic differentiation by positively upregulating osteogenesis-related gene expression levels of RUNX2, BGLAP, SPP1, SPARC, Col 1A1, and ALPL relative to BMP-2 or OB-EVDex treatment alone. Mineralization assays also showed greater pro-osteogenic potency after combined applications of OB-EVDex and BMP-2, as evidenced by a notable increase in mineralized nodules (calcium deposition) revealed by Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Alizarin Red Alizarin Red staining (ARS), and von Kossa staining. Therefore, our findings shed light on the potential of OB-EVDex as a new therapeutic option for enhancing osteogenesis.
Market trends and analysis of blockchain technology in supply chain
Authors: Thakur Anusha
Published: March 2023

Technology is an important tool in the armory of state-of-the-art innovations, in terms of both digital expansions and disruptions. With blockchain technology gaining momentum, different industries are emphasizing experimentation with it. Nowadays, organizations are emphasizing towards agile and leaner supply chains with end-to-end prominence via the incorporation of this latest technology, thereby boosting services across the world. The revolutionary features of blockchain technology are paving the way for greater opportunities for supply chain businesses. The technology has the potential to become a supply chain data utility and repository that offers benefits to all its users, such as unique market information that would be otherwise unavailable from any other source. This paper contemplates the need for blockchain technology in the supply chain and its contribution to enhancing the overall efficiency and demand planning processes of businesses. It discusses the latest market trends and factors driving the need for the incorporation of blockchain in the supply chain sector and the future scenario. Different use cases of the technology, market challenges in the implementation of the technology, and the solutions offered by different companies to address such problems have also been discussed.
Engineering the catalytic properties of CeO2 catalyst in HCl-assisted propane dehydrogenation by effective doping: A first-principles-based microkinetic simulation
Authors: Jan Faheem , Yang Min , Zhou Nuodan , Sun XiaoYing , Li Bo
Published: March 2023

HCl-assisted propane dehydrogenation (PDH) is an attractive route for propene production with good selectivity. In this study, the doping of CeO2 with different transition metals, including V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Pd, Pt, and Cu, in the presence of HCl was investigated for PDH. The dopants have a pronounced effect on the electronic structure of pristine ceria that significantly alters the catalytic capabilities. The calculations indicate the spontaneous dissociation of HCl on all surfaces with a facile abstraction of the first hydrogen atom except on V- and Mn-doped surfaces. The lowest energy barrier of 0.50 and 0.51eV was found for Pd- and Ni-doped CeO2 surfaces. The surface oxygen is responsible for hydrogen abstraction, and its activity is described by the p-band center. Microkinetics simulation is performed on all doped surfaces. The increase in the turnover frequency (TOF) is directly linked with the partial pressure of propane. The adsorption energy of reactants aligned with the observed performance. The reaction follows first-order kinetics to C3H8. Furthermore, on all surfaces, the formation of C3H7 is found as the rate-determining step confirmed by the degree of rate control (DRC) analysis. This study provides a decisive description of catalyst modification for HCl-assisted PDH.
Efficient isolation of rare B cells using next-generation antigen barcoding
Authors: Hurtado Jonathan , Flynn Claudia , Lee Jeong Hyun , Salcedo Eugenia C. , Cottrell Christopher A. , Skog Patrick D. , Burton Dennis R. , Nemazee David , Schief William R. , Landais Elise , Sok Devin , Briney Bryan
Published: March 2023

The ability to efficiently isolate antigen-specific B cells in high throughput will greatly accelerate the discovery of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and catalyze rational vaccine development. Traditional mAb discovery is a costly and labor-intensive process, although recent advances in single-cell genomics using emulsion microfluidics allow simultaneous processing of thousands of individual cells. Here we present a streamlined method for isolation and analysis of large numbers of antigen-specific B cells, including next generation antigen barcoding and an integrated computational framework for B cell multi-omics. We demonstrate the power of this approach by recovering thousands of antigen-specific mAbs, including the efficient isolation of extremely rare precursors of VRC01-class and IOMA-class broadly neutralizing HIV mAbs.
Mycobacterium abscessus DosRS two-component system controls a species-specific regulon required for adaptation to hypoxia
Authors: Simcox Breven S. , Tomlinson Brooke R. , Shaw Lindsey N. , Rohde Kyle H.
Published: March 2023

Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab), an emerging opportunistic pathogen, predominantly infects individuals with underlying pulmonary diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF). Current treatment outcomes for Mab infections are poor due to Mab’s inherent antibiotic resistance and unique host interactions that promote phenotypic tolerance and hinder drug access. The hypoxic, mucus-laden airways in the CF lung and antimicrobial phagosome within macrophages represent hostile niches Mab must overcome via alterations in gene expression for survival. Regulatory mechanisms important for the adaptation and long-term persistence of Mab within the host are poorly understood, warranting further genetic and transcriptomics study of this emerging pathogen. DosRSMab, a two-component signaling system (TCS), is one proposed mechanism utilized to subvert host defenses and counteract environmental stress such as hypoxia. The homologous TCS of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), DosRSMtb, is known to induce a ~50 gene regulon in response to hypoxia, carbon monoxide (CO) and nitric oxide (NO) in vitro and in vivo. Previously, a small DosRMab regulon was predicted using bioinformatics based on DosRMtb motifs however, the role and regulon of DosRSMab in Mab pathogenesis have yet to be characterized in depth. To address this knowledge gap, our lab generated a Mab dosRS knockout strain (MabΔdosRS) to investigate differential gene expression, and phenotype in an in vitro hypoxia model of dormancy. qRT-PCR and lux reporter assays demonstrate Mab_dosR and 6 predicted downstream genes are induced in hypoxia. In addition, RNAseq revealed induction of a much larger hypoxia response comprised of >1000 genes, including 127 differentially expressed genes in a dosRS mutant strain. Deletion of DosRSMab led to attenuated growth under low oxygen conditions, a shift in morphotype from smooth to rough, and down-regulation of 216 genes. This study provides the first look at the global transcriptomic response of Mab to low oxygen conditions encountered in the airways of CF patients and within macrophage phagosomes. Our data also demonstrate the importance of DosRSMab for adaptation of Mab to hypoxia, highlighting a distinct regulon (compared to Mtb) that is significantly larger than previously described, including both genes conserved across mycobacteria as well as Mab-specific genes.
Atrial fibrillation: Primary prevention, secondary prevention, and prevention of thromboembolic complications: Part 2
Authors: Trohman Richard G. , Huang Henry D. , Sharma Parikshit S.
Published: March 2023

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, once thought to be benign as long as the ventricular rate was controlled, is associated with significant cardiac morbidity and mortality. Increasing life expectancy driven by improved health care and decreased fertility rates has, in most of the world, resulted in the population aged ≥65 years growing more rapidly than the overall population. As the population ages, projections suggest that the burden of AF may increase more than 60% by 2050. Although considerable progress has been made in the treatment and management of AF, primary prevention, secondary prevention, and prevention of thromboembolic complications remain a work in progress. This narrative review was facilitated by a search of MEDLINE to identify peer-reviewed clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and other clinically relevant studies. The search was limited to English-language reports published between 1950 and 2021. Atrial fibrillation was searched using the terms primary prevention, hyperthyroidism, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, catheter ablation, surgical ablation, hybrid ablation, stroke prevention, anticoagulation, left atrial occlusion and atrial excision. Google and Google scholar as well as bibliographies of identified articles were reviewed for additional references. In these two manuscripts, we discuss the current strategies available to prevent AF, then compare non-invasive and invasive treatment strategies to diminish AF recurrence. In addition, we examine the pharmacological, percutaneous device and surgical approaches to prevent stroke as well as other types of thromboembolic events.
Sinus node dysfunction and related permanent pacemaker implantation after major cardiac surgeries, systematic review, and meta-analysis
Authors: Hosseini Dolama Reza , Eghbal Amir Hosein , Rezaee Malihe , Farahani Ali Vasheghani , Jalali Arash , Hosseini Kaveh
Published: March 2023

Background

There is no concise evidence or clinical guidelines regarding the incidence of sinus node dysfunction (SND) and permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation following cardiac surgeries and their management approaches.

Objective

We aim to systematically review current evidence on the prevalence of SND, PPM implantation concerning it, and its risk factors in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Method

Four electronic databases (Cochrane Library, Medline, SCOPUS, and Web of Science) were systematically searched for articles regarding SND after cardiovascular surgeries and reviewed by two independent researchers, and a third review in case of discrepancies. Using the random-effects model, a proportion meta-analysis was performed on data regarding PPM implantation. Subgroup analysis was performed for different interventions, and the possible effect of different covariates was evaluated using meta-regression.

Results

From the initial 2012 unique records, 87 were included in the study, and results were extracted. Pooled data from 38,519 patients indicated that the overall prevalence of PPM implantation due to SND after cardiac surgery was 2.87% (95% CI [2.09; 3.76]). The incidence of PPM implantation in the first post-surgical month was 2.707% (95% CI [1.657; 3.952]). Among the four main intervention groups, including valve, maze, valve-maze, and combined surgeries, maze surgery was associated with the highest prevalence (4.93%; CI [3.24; 6.92]). The pooled prevalence of SND among studies was 13.71% (95% CI [8.13; 20.33]). No significant relationship was observed between PPM implantation and age, gender, cardiopulmonary bypass time, or aortic cross-clamp time.

Conclusion

Based on the present report, patients undergoing the maze and maze-valve procedures are at higher risk of post-op SND, whereas lone valve surgery had the lowest prevalence of PPM implantation.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO (CRD42022341896).
Ferroptosis, necroptosis and cuproptosis: Novel forms of regulated cell death in diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ke Dan , Zhang Zhen , Liu Jieting , Chen Peijian , Li Jialing , Sun Xinhai , Chu Yanhui , Li Luxin
Published: March 2023

Diabetes is a common chronic metabolic disease, and its incidence continues to increase year after year. Diabetic patients mainly die from various complications, with the most common being diabetic cardiomyopathy. However, the detection rate of diabetic cardiomyopathy is low in clinical practice, and targeted treatment is lacking. Recently, a large number of studies have confirmed that myocardial cell death in diabetic cardiomyopathy involves pyroptosis, apoptosis, necrosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, cuproptosis, cellular burial, and other processes. Most importantly, numerous animal studies have shown that the onset and progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy can be mitigated by inhibiting these regulatory cell death processes, such as by utilizing inhibitors, chelators, or genetic manipulation. Therefore, we review the role of ferroptosis, necroptosis, and cuproptosis, three novel forms of cell death in diabetic cardiomyopathy, searching for possible targets, and analyzing the corresponding therapeutic approaches to these targets.
Differentiating depression using facial expressions in a virtual avatar communication system
Authors: Takemoto Ayumi , Aispuriete Inese , Niedra Laima , Dreimane Lana Franceska
Published: March 2023

Depression has a major effect on the quality of life. Thus, identifying an effective way to detect depression is important in the field of human-machine interaction. To examine whether a combination of a virtual avatar communication system and facial expression monitoring potentially classifies people as being with or without depression, this study consists of three research aims; 1) to understand the effect of different types of interviewers such as human and virtual avatars, on people with depression symptoms, 2) to clarify the effect of neutral conversation topics on facial expressions and emotions in people with depression symptoms, and 3) to compare verbal and non-verbal information between people with or without depression. In this study, twenty-seven participants—fifteen in the control group and twelve in the depression symptoms group—were recruited. They were asked to talk to a virtual avatar and human interviewers on both neutral and negative conversation topics and to score PANAS; meanwhile, facial expressions were recorded by a web camera. Facial expressions were analyzed by both manual and automatic analyses. In the manual analysis, three annotators counted gaze directions and reacting behaviors. On the other hand, automatic facial expression detection was conducted using OpenFace. The results of PANAS suggested that there was no significance between different interviewers’ types. Furthermore, in the control group, the frequency of look-downward was larger in negative conversation topics than in neutral conversation topics. The intensity of Dimpler was larger in the control group than in the depression symptoms group. Moreover, the intensity of Chin Raiser was larger in neutral conversation topics than in negative conversation topics in the depression symptoms group. However, in the control groups, there was no significance in the types of conversation topics. In conclusion, 1) there was no significance between human and virtual avatar interviewers in emotions, facial expressions, and eye gaze patterns, 2) neutral conversation topics induced less negative emotion in both the control and depression symptoms group, and 3) different facial expressions’ patterns between people with, or without depression, were observed in the virtual avatar communication system.
Dynamic background on formation, evolution, and later reformation of the Late Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic Basin in Songliao and its significance for hydrocarbon exploration
Authors: Song Lijun , Ruan Yongqi , Sun Yonghe , Xie Fenquan , Li Junlong , Yuan Yulong
Published: March 2023

Located on the Songnen block of the Northeast Asia block group, the Songliao Basin is sandwiched by three major plates in Siberia, North China, and the Pacific Ocean. The recognition of the basin's properties and the dynamic processes of formation, evolution, and late reformation of the Late Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic Basin (LP-EMB), which has suffered from intense multi-stage, and various types of late reformation, are always controversial. On the basis of previous research on the regional tectonic geological background, combined with petrochemical and chronological data from core samples and seismic data, the attributes, evolution process, and late reformation of the LP-EMB and its dynamic environments have been deeply analyzed. Since the Late Paleozoic, it has successively experienced the development of Late Hercynian to Early–Middle Indosinian rifts and subsequent multi-stage superimposed transformation stages, which can be divided into the near-north-trending thrust reformation in the Late Indosinian, the near-west-trending thrust reformation in the Early Yanshanian, the differential extensional reformation in the early Late Yanshanian, the strike-slip shearing and deep burial reformation in the middle Late Yanshanian, and the strike-slip compression fold transformation in the late Late Yanshanian to the early Himalayan. The formation of the LP-EMB was mainly controlled by back-arc extension caused by the subduction and retreat of the paleo-Pacific Plate and partly by the closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean between the North China Plate and the Northeast Asia micro-block group. The later reformation stages were closely related to the collision extrusion, strike-slip activity, and deep mantle activity caused by either the relative convergence movement between Songnen and other micro-blocks in the Northeast China micro-block group or by the remote collision effect of the Northeast China micro-block group and the surrounding plates. The inner fault zone (body), which was formed by multi-phase fault cutting, and the top weathering and denudation unconformity surface, are potential sites of hydrocarbon accumulation, from which natural gas has been transported along the fault and fracture belt into the weathering crust and the inner fracture zone in the Upper Paleozoic–Lower Mesozoic (UP-LM). This study significantly expands our knowledge of the tectonic evolution and gas exploration of the Songliao Basin.
MKRN2 knockout causes male infertility through decreasing STAT1, SIX4, and TNC expression
Authors: Wang Lin , Yong Yan-Ling , Wang Kun-Kun , Xie Yun-Xia , Qian Ying-Chen , Zhou Feng-Mei , Qiu Jian-Ge , Jiang Bing-Hua
Published: March 2023

Makorin-2 (Mkrn2) is an evolutionarily conserved gene whose biological functions are not fully known. Although recent studies have shed insights on the potential causes of male infertility, its underlining mechanisms still remain to be elucidated. We developed a Mrkn2 knockout mice model to study this gene and found that deletion of Mkrn2 in mice led to male infertility. Interestingly, the expression level of signal transducer and activator of the transcription (STAT)1 was significantly decreased in MKRN2 knockout testis and MEF cells. Co-IP assay showed an interaction between MKRN2 and STAT1. Moreover, our results further indicated that MKRN2 regulated the expression level of SIX4 and tenascin C (TNC) via the EBF transcription factor 2 (EBF2) in mice. The results of our study will provide insights into a new mechanism of male infertility.
The impact of managerial competence on corporate carbon performance: An empirical study based on Chinese heavy polluters
Authors: Zhao Zexia , Wang Peiqiong
Published: March 2023

Climate risk to human survival and progress can no longer be disregarded, nor can the reduction of carbon emissions be postponed. How can economic progress and carbon emission reduction be reconciled? This research studied the relationship between managerial skill and carbon emission performance. We used the Shanghai and Shenzhen A-shares data of Chinese heavy polluters from 2014 to 2019 to assess the impact of managerial competency on business carbon emission performance using a temporal and individual fixed effects model. We discovered that management competency can greatly contribute to the enhancement of carbon emission performance inside corporations. The stepwise regression technique was then utilized to examine the mediating influence of financing limitations and financial status. This study validated the threshold effect of internal pay equity among corporate managers using a threshold regression model.
Effects of paddy field non-grainization consolidation on sustainable eco-functions protection of soil bacterial: Empirical evidence from Zhejiang province, China
Authors: Liang Ying , Geng Bin
Published: March 2023

The increasing “non-grainization” of paddy fields affecting large-scale grain cultivation and impacting the sustainable eco-functions protection of soil bacterial in China. The same problem of “non-grainization” has threatened food security and farmland soil ecological functions in other areas of the world. Although previous research has demonstrated that soil microorganisms are strongly affected by land use change, little is known about the effects of paddy field non-grainization consolidation (NGC) on soil microorganisms. This study examined soil samples before and after paddy field NGC in Zhejiang province, China, measured soil environmental factors and performed 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing to analyze the changes in soilbacterial communities and ecosystem functions before and after NGC. Results show that NGC increased the relative abundances of Proteobacteria (27.89%) and Actinobacteria (25.25%) in the project zones. Total soil bacteria increased in all samples after NGC implementation in terms of absolute soil bacterial community content, but there were large differences. NGC improved the alpha diversity indices, including Ace, Chao1, Coverage, and Shannon indices (p < 0.01) in terms of soil bacterial community diversity. The data analysis of RDA and the significance test showed that the environmental factors which were close-knitted with the soil bacterial diversity and structure of the sample sites were TN, AP, pH, SOM, FIQ, and AK. Wilcoxon rank sum test results showed that NGC also significantly enhanced the amino acid transport and metabolic functions of soil bacterial. Our findings suggest that NGC is beneficial to improve the paddy field soil bacterial diversity, enhance the versatility of soil ecosystems, and promote sustainable arable land soil ecosystem protection. The quantitative results would be useful for better studying the use of land remediation engineering measures to the remediation and maintenance of bacterial diversity and sustainable eco-functions protection in paddy fields.
Construction of a water resource suitability index for agricultural production and matching analysis of cultivated land in Lhasa, Tibet
Authors: Liu Yumei , Wang Zhiyong , Wang Chuansheng , Wang Yafei , Li Jiuyi , Liang Liqiao
Published: March 2023

Water resources are essential for agriculture. In the spatial layout of agricultural production, quantitatively identifying the spatial differences in water resource conditions, including precipitation and irrigation water supply factors, is necessary. Here, a water resource suitability index for agricultural production (WRSIA) was constructed for agricultural development using irrigation water supply convenience (IWSC) and precipitation conditions. Considering Lhasa as the study area, water resource suitability index for agricultural production was calculated on a 100 m grid scale, and the spatial distribution relationship between water resource suitability index for agricultural production and cultivated land was analyzed using geographically weighted regression (GWR). The results showed that irrigation water supply convenience severely restricted agricultural production in Lhasa, and the high water resource suitability index for agricultural production values were mainly distributed in the valleys of the Lhasa River and its tributaries. Moreover, 47.7% of the cultivated land was distributed in 5% of the area having the highest water resource suitability. According to geographically weighted regression, the cultivated land area and water resource availability were strongly correlated (R2 = 0.904). The distribution of the cultivated land was well explained by water resource suitability index for agricultural production, which could describe the differences in water resource suitability for agricultural production. Furthermore, the suitability of agricultural production was better evaluated when water resource suitability index for agricultural production was coupled with the land resource suitability index. Overall, water resource suitability index for agricultural production showed high applicability in Lhasa and other regions, thereby providing a scientific basis and technical support for the spatial layout of agricultural production.
Development and validation of a genomic nomogram based on a ceRNA network for comprehensive analysis of obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Liu Wang , Sun Xishi , Huang Jiewen , Zhang Jinjian , Liang Zhengshi , Zhu Jinru , Chen Tao , Zeng Yu , Peng Min , Li Xiongbin , Zeng Lijuan , Lei Wei , Cheng Junfen
Published: March 2023

Objectives: Some ceRNA associated with lncRNA have been considered as possible diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We intend to identify the potential hub genes for the development of OSA, which will provide a foundation for the study of the molecular mechanism underlying OSA and for the diagnosis and treatment of OSA.

Methods: We collected plasma samples from OSA patients and healthy controls for the detection of ceRNA using a chip. Based on the differential expression of lncRNA, we identified the target genes of miRNA that bind to lncRNAs. We then constructed lncRNA-related ceRNA networks, performed functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction analysis, and performed internal and external validation of the expression levels of stable hub genes. Then, we conducted LASSO regression analysis on the stable hub genes, selected relatively significant genes to construct a simple and easy-to-use nomogram, validated the nomogram, and constructed the core ceRNA sub-network of key genes.

Results: We successfully identified 282 DElncRNAs and 380 DEmRNAs through differential analysis, and we constructed an OSA-related ceRNA network consisting of 292 miRNA-lncRNAs and 41 miRNA-mRNAs. Through PPI and hub gene selection, we obtained 7 additional robust hub genes, CCND2, WT1, E2F2, IRF1, BAZ2A, LAMC1, and DAB2. Using LASSO regression analysis, we created a nomogram with four predictors (CCND2, WT1, E2F2, and IRF1), and its area under the curve (AUC) is 1. Finally, we constructed a core ceRNA sub-network composed of 74 miRNA-lncRNA and 7 miRNA-mRNA nodes.

Conclusion: Our study provides a new foundation for elucidating the molecular mechanism of lncRNA in OSA and for diagnosing and treating OSA.
Case report: Detection of fetal trisomy 9 mosaicism by multiple genetic testing methods: Report of two cases
Authors: Ma Na , Zhu Zhenhua , Hu Jiancheng , Pang Jialun , Yang Shuting , Liu Jing , Chen Jing , Tang Wanglan , Kuang Haiyan , Hu Rong , Li Zhuo , Wang Hua , Peng Ying , Xi Hui
Published: March 2023

Chromosomal mosaicism remains a perpetual diagnostic and clinical dilemma. In the present study, we detected two prenatal trisomy 9 mosaic syndrome cases by using multiple genetic testing methods. The non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) results suggested trisomy 9 in two fetuses. Karyotype analysis of amniocytes showed a high level (42%–50%) of mosaicism, and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) of uncultured amniocytes showed no copy number variation (CNV) except for large fragment loss of heterozygosity. Ultrasound findings were unmarkable except for small for gestational age. In Case 1, further umbilical blood puncture confirmed 22.4% and 34% trisomy 9 mosaicism by CMA and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) respectively. After comprehensive consideration of the genetic and ultrasound results, the two gravidas decided to receive elective termination and molecular investigations of multiple tissue samples from the aborted fetus and the placenta. The results confirmed the presence of true fetoplacental mosaicism with levels of trisomy 9 mosaicism from 76% to normal in various tissues. These two cases highlight the necessity of genetic counseling for gravidas whose NIPT results highly suggest the risk of chromosome 9 to ascertain the occurrence of mosaicism. In addition, the comprehensive use of multiple genetic techniques and biological samples is recommended for prenatal diagnosis to avoid false-negative results. It should also be noted that ultrasound results of organs with true trisomy 9 mosaicism can be free of structural abnormalities during pregnancy.
Circadian rhythm-related genes index: A predictor for HNSCC prognosis, immunotherapy efficacy, and chemosensitivity
Authors: Chi Hao , Yang Jinyan , Peng Gaoge , Zhang Jinhao , Song Guobin , Xie Xixi , Xia Zhijia , Liu Jinhui , Tian Gang
Published: March 2023

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common head and neck cancer and is highly aggressive and heterogeneous, leading to variable prognosis and immunotherapy outcomes. Circadian rhythm alterations in tumourigenesis are of equal importance to genetic factors and several biologic clock genes are considered to be prognostic biomarkers for various cancers. The aim of this study was to establish reliable markers based on biologic clock genes, thus providing a new perspective for assessing immunotherapy response and prognosis in patients with HNSCC.

Methods

We used 502 HNSCC samples and 44 normal samples from the TCGA-HNSCC dataset as the training set. 97 samples from GSE41613 were used as an external validation set. Prognostic characteristics of circadian rhythm-related genes (CRRGs) were established by Lasso, random forest and stepwise multifactorial Cox. Multivariate analysis revealed that CRRGs characteristics were independent predictors of HNSCC, with patients in the high-risk group having a worse prognosis than those in the low-risk group. The relevance of CRRGs to the immune microenvironment and immunotherapy was assessed by an integrated algorithm.

Results

6-CRRGs were considered to be strongly associated with HNSCC prognosis and a good predictor of HNSCC. The riskscore established by the 6-CRRG was found to be an independent prognostic factor for HNSCC in multifactorial analysis, with patients in the low-risk group having a higher overall survival (OS) than the high-risk group. Nomogram prediction maps constructed from clinical characteristics and riskscore had good prognostic power. Patients in the low-risk group had higher levels of immune infiltration and immune checkpoint expression and were more likely to benefit from immunotherapy.

Conclusion

6-CRRGs play a key predictive role for the prognosis of HNSCC patients and can guide physicians in selecting potential responders to prioritise immunotherapy, which could facilitate further research in precision immuno-oncology.
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition is the main way in which glioma-associated microglia/macrophages promote glioma progression
Authors: He Xin , Guo Yuduo , Yu Chunjiang , Zhang Hongwei , Wang Shengdian
Published: March 2023

Microglia/macrophages make up the largest population of tumor-infiltrating cells. Numerous studies have demonstrated that glioma-associated microglia/macrophages (GAMs) could promote the malignant progression of gliomas in various pathways. However, the primary function of GAMs in glioma remains inconclusive. First, by the CIBERSORT algorithm, we evaluated the content of microglia/macrophages in glioma tissues by bioinformatic analysis of omic data from thousands of glioma samples. Subsequently, we analyzed and confirmed the significant relationship between GAMs and the malignant phenotype of glioma, including survival time, IDH mutation status, and time of symptom onset. Afterward, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) was identified by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) from numerous biological processes as the most relevant mechanism of malignant progression to GAMs. Moreover, a series of clinical samples were detected, including normal brain and various-grade glioma tissues. The results not only showed that GAMs were significantly associated with gliomas and their malignancy but also that GAMs were highly correlated with the degree of EMT in gliomas. In addition, we isolated GAMs from glioma samples and constructed co-culture models (in vitro) to demonstrate the promotion of the EMT process in glioma cells by GAMs. In conclusion, our study clarified that GAMs exert oncogenic effects with EMT in gliomas, suggesting the possibility of GAMs as immunotherapeutic targets.
Nlrp12 deficiency alters gut microbiota and ameliorates Faslpr-mediated systemic autoimmunity in male mice
Authors: Abdelhamid Leila , Mao Jiangdi , Cabana-Puig Xavier , Zhu Jing , Swartwout Brianna K. , Edwards Michael R. , Testerman James C. , Michaelis Jacquelyn S. , Allen Irving Coy , Ahmed S. Ansar , Luo Xin M.
Published: March 2023

NLRP12 has dual roles in shaping inflammation. We hypothesized that NLRP12 would modulate myeloid cells and T cell function to control systemic autoimmunity. Contrary to our hypothesis, the deficiency of Nlrp12 in autoimmune-prone B6.Faslpr/lpr mice ameliorated autoimmunity in males but not females. Nlrp12 deficiency dampened B cell terminal differentiation, germinal center reaction, and survival of autoreactive B cells leading to decreased production of autoantibodies and reduced renal deposition of IgG and complement C3. In parallel, Nlrp12 deficiency reduced the expansion of potentially pathogenic T cells, including double-negative T cells and T follicular helper cells. Furthermore, reduced pro-inflammatory innate immunity was observed, where the gene deletion decreased in-vivo expansion of splenic macrophages and mitigated ex-vivo responses of bone marrow-derived macrophages and dendritic cells to LPS stimulation. Interestingly, Nlrp12 deficiency altered the diversity and composition of fecal microbiota in both male and female B6/lpr mice. Notably, however, Nlrp12 deficiency significantly modulated small intestinal microbiota only in male mice, suggesting that the sex differences in disease phenotype might be gut microbiota-dependent. Together, these results suggest a potential pathogenic role of NLRP12 in promoting systemic autoimmunity in males. Future studies will investigate sex-based mechanisms through which NLRP12 differentially modulates autoimmune outcomes.