bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential Novel Serum Metabolic Markers Associated With Progression of Prediabetes to Overt Diabetes in a Chinese Population
Authors: Ren Meng , Lin Diao zhu , Liu Zhi Peng , Sun Kan , Wang Chuan , Lao Guo juan , Fan Yan qun , Wang Xiao yi , Liu Jing , Du Jie , Zhu Guo bin , Wang Jia huan , Yan Li
Published: January 2022

Background

Identifying the metabolite profile of individuals with prediabetes who turned to type 2 diabetes (T2D) may give novel insights into early T2D interception. The purpose of this study was to identify metabolic markers that predict the development of T2D from prediabetes in a Chinese population.

Methods

We used an untargeted metabolomics approach to investigate the associations between serum metabolites and risk of prediabetes who turned to overt T2D (n=153, mean follow up 5 years) in a Chinese population (REACTION study). Results were compared with matched controls who had prediabetes at baseline [age: 56 ± 7 years old, body mass index (BMI): 24.2 ± 2.8 kg/m2] and at a 5-year follow-up [age: 61 ± 7 years old, BMI: 24.5 ± 3.1 kg/m2]. Confounding factors were adjusted and the associations between metabolites and diabetes risk were evaluated with multivariate logistic regression analysis. A 10-fold cross-validation random forest classification (RFC) model was used to select the optimal metabolites panels for predicting the development of diabetes, and to internally validate the discriminatory capability of the selected metabolites beyond conventional clinical risk factors.

Findings

Metabolic alterations, including those associated with amino acid and lipid metabolism, were associated with an increased risk of prediabetes progressing to diabetes. The most important metabolites were inosine [odds ratio (OR) = 19.00; 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.23-85.37] and carvacrol (OR = 17.63; 95% CI: 4.98-62.34). Thirteen metabolites were found to improve T2D risk prediction beyond eight conventional T2D risk factors [area under the curve (AUC) was 0.98 for risk factors + metabolites vs 0.72 for risk factors, P < 0.05].

Interpretations

Use of the metabolites identified in this study may help determine patients with prediabetes who are at highest risk of progressing to diabetes.
Programming With Varying Dietary Fat Content Alters Cardiac Insulin Receptor, Glut4 and FoxO1 Immunoreactivity in Neonatal Rats, Whereas High Fat Programming Alters Cebpa Gene Expression in Neonatal Female Rats
Authors: Govindsamy Annelene , Ghoor Samira , Cerf Marlon E.
Published: January 2022

Fetal programming refers to an intrauterine stimulus or insult that shapes growth, development and health outcomes. Dependent on the quality and quantity, dietary fats can be beneficial or detrimental for the growth of the fetus and can alter insulin signaling by regulating the expression of key factors. The effects of varying dietary fat content on the expression profiles of factors in the neonatal female and male rat heart were investigated and analyzed in control (10% fat), 20F (20% fat), 30F (30% fat) and 40F (40% fat which was a high fat diet used to induce high fat programming) neonatal rats. The whole neonatal heart was immunostained for insulin receptor, glucose transporter 4 (Glut4) and forkhead box protein 1 (FoxO1), followed by image analysis. The expression of 84 genes, commonly associated with the insulin signaling pathway, were then examined in 40F female and 40F male offspring. Maintenance on diets, varying in fat content during fetal life, altered the expression of cardiac factors, with changes induced from 20% fat in female neonates, but from 30% fat in male neonates. Further, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (Cebpa) was upregulated in 40F female neonates. There was, however, differential expression of several insulin signaling genes in 40F (high fat programmed) offspring, with some tending to significance but most differences were in fold changes (≥1.5 fold). The increased immunoreactivity for insulin receptor, Glut4 and FoxO1 in 20F female and 30F male neonatal rats may reflect a compensatory response to programming to maintain cardiac physiology.Cebpawas upregulated in female offspring maintained on a high fat diet, with fold increases in other insulin signaling genes viz.Aebp1,Cfd(adipsin),Adra1d,Prkcg,Igfbp,Retn(resistin) andUcp1. In female offspring maintained on a high fat diet, increasedCebpagene expression (concomitant with fold increases in other insulin signaling genes) may reflect cardiac stress and an adaptative response to cardiac inflammation, stress and/or injury, after high fat programming. Diet and the sex are determinants of cardiac physiology and pathophysiology, reflecting divergent mechanisms that are sex-specific.
Patterns and Predictors of Small Mammal Phylogenetic and Functional Diversity in Contrasting Elevational Gradients in Kenya
Authors: Onditi Kenneth Otieno , Song Wen-Yu , Li Xue-You , Chen Zhong-Zheng , Li Quan , He Shui-Wang , Musila Simon , Kioko Esther , Jiang Xue-Long
Published: January 2022

Mountains of the Afrotropics are global biodiversity hotspots and centers of speciation and endemism; however, very few studies have focused on the phylogenetic and functional dimensions of Afromontane small mammals. We investigated the patterns and mechanisms of small mammal phylogenetic and functional diversity and assembly along elevational gradients in Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa, and a contrasting low mountain range, Chyulu Hills. We sampled 24 200-m interval transects in both sites; 18 in Mt. Kenya (9 each in the windward side, Chogoria, and the leeward side, Sirimon) and 6 in Chyulu. We extracted the mitochondrialCytochrome bgene to reconstruct a time-calibrated species tree for estimating phylogenetic diversity indices [phylogenetic richness (PD), mean nearest taxon distance (PDMNTD), and nearest taxon index (PDNTI)]. A functional trait data set was compiled from the field-recorded measurements and published data sets for estimating functional diversity indices [functional richness (FD), mean nearest taxon distance (FDMNTD), and nearest taxon index (FDNTI)]. Several environmental variables representing water-energy availability, primary habitat productivity, and topographic heterogeneity were used to estimate the predictive power of abiotic conditions on diversity variances using generalized linear and generalized additive regression models. The PD and FD peaked around mid-elevations in Mt. Kenya, unimodally increased or decreased in Chogoria and Sirimon, and monotonically increased in Chyulu. The divergence and community structure indices—PDMNTD, FDMNTD, and PDNTIand FDNTI—were relatively weakly associated with elevation. Overall, the tendency of assemblages to be phylogenetically and functionally closely related than expected by chance decreased with elevation in Mt. Kenya but increased in Chyulu. Across the indices, the annual precipitation and topographic ruggedness were the strongest predictors in Mt. Kenya, evapotranspiration and temperature seasonality were the strongest predictors in Chyulu, while temperature seasonality and terrain ruggedness overlapped as the strongest predictors in Chogoria and Sirimon in addition to annual precipitation in the latter and normalized difference vegetation index in the former. The observed contrasting trends in diversity distribution and the strongest predictors between elevational gradients are integral to the sustainable management of the high faunal biodiversity in tropical Afromontane ecosystems.
Variation in Leaf Morphological Traits of European Beech and Norway Spruce Over Two Decades in Switzerland
Authors: Zhu Joachim , Thimonier Anne , Etzold Sophia , Meusburger Katrin , Waldner Peter , Schmitt Maria , Schleppi Patrick , Schaub Marcus , Thormann Jean-Jacques , Lehmann Marco M.
Published: January 2022

Leaf morphological traits (LMTs) of forest trees have been observed to vary across space and species. However, long-term records of LMTs are scarce, due to a lack of measurements and systematic leaf archives. This leaves a large gap in our understanding of the temporal dynamics and drivers of LMT variations, which may help us understand tree acclimation strategies. In our study, we used long-term LMT measurements from foliar material collections of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Norway spruce (Picea abies), performed every second year from 1995 to 2019 on the same trees within the Swiss Long-term Forest Ecosystem Research Program LWF. The 11 study plots (6 beech, 4 spruce, and 1 mixed) are distributed along gradients of elevation (485–1,650 m a.s.l.), mean annual precipitation (935–2142 mm), and mean annual temperature (3.2–9.8°C). The investigated LMTs were (i) leaf or needle mass, (ii) leaf area or needle length, and (iii) leaf mass per area or needle mass per length. We combined this unique data set with plot variables and long-term data on potential temporal drivers of LMT variations, including meteorological and tree trait data. We used univariate linear regressions and linear mixed-effects models to identify the main spatial and temporal drivers of LMT variations, respectively. For beech LMTs, our temporal analysis revealed effects of mast year and crown defoliation, and legacy effects of vapor pressure deficit and temperature in summer and autumn of the preceding year, but no clear long-term trend was observed. In contrast, spruce LMTs were mainly driven by current-year spring conditions, and only needle mass per length showed a decreasing long-term trend over the study period. In temporal models, we observed that LMTs of both species were influenced by elevation and foliar nutrient concentrations, and this finding was partly confirmed by our spatial analyses. Our results demonstrate the importance of temporal analysis for determining less recognized drivers and legacy effects that influence LMTs, which are difficult to determine across space and species. The observed differences in the temporal drivers of beech and spruce LMTs suggest differences in the adaptation and acclimation potential of the two species.
Different Associations Between CDKAL1 Variants and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Susceptibility: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Zeng Qiaoli , Zou Dehua , Gu Shanshan , Han Fengqiong , Cao Shilin , Wei Yue , Guo Runmin
Published: January 2022

Background:CDK5 regulatory subunit associated protein 1 like 1 (CDKAL1) is a major pathogenesis-related protein for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Recently, some studies have investigated the association of CDKAL1 susceptibility variants, including rs4712523, rs4712524, and rs9460546 with T2DM. However, the results were inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the association of CDKAL1 variants and T2DM patients.

Methods: A comprehensive meta-analysis was performed to assess the association between CDKAL1 SNPs and T2DM among dominant, recessive, additive, and allele models.

Results: We investigated these three CDKAL1 variants to identify T2DM risk. Our findings were as follows: rs4712523 was associated with an increased risk of T2DM for the allele model (G vs A: OR = 1.172; 95% CI: 1.103–1.244; p < 0.001) and dominant model (GG + AG vs AA: OR = 1.464; 95% CI: 1.073–1.996; p = 0.016); rs4712524 was significantly associated with an increased risk of T2DM for the allele model (G vs A: OR = 1.146; 95% CI: 1.056–1.245; p = 0.001), additive model (GG vs AA: OR = 1.455; 95% CI: 1.265–1.673; p < 0.001) recessive model (GG vs AA + AG: OR = 1.343; 95% CI: 1.187–1.518; p < 0.001) and dominant model (GG + AG vs AA: OR = 1.221; 95% CI: 1.155–1.292; p < 0.001); and rs9460546 was associated with an increased risk of T2DM for the allele model (G vs T: OR = 1.215; 95% CI: 1.167–1.264; p = 0.023). The same results were found in the East Asian subgroup for the allele model.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that CDKAL1 polymorphisms (rs4712523, rs4712524, and rs9460546) are significantly associated with T2DM.
Myeloid Fbxw7 Prevents Pulmonary Fibrosis by Suppressing TGF-β Production
Authors: He Jia , Du Yue , Li Gaopeng , Xiao Peng , Sun Xingzheng , Song Wenjun , Lai Lihua , Xia Meng , Zhang Jianhua , Wang Qingqing
Published: January 2022

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a group of chronic interstitial pulmonary diseases characterized by an inexorable decline in lung function with limited treatment options. The abnormal expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in profibrotic macrophages is linked to severe pulmonary fibrosis, but the regulation mechanisms of TGF-β expression are incompletely understood. We found that decreased expression of E3 ubiquitin ligase Fbxw7 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was significantly related to the severity of pulmonary fibrosis in IPF patients. Fbxw7 is identified to be a crucial suppressing factor for pulmonary fibrosis development and progression in a mouse model induced by intratracheal bleomycin treatment. Myeloid cell-specific Fbxw7 deletion increases pulmonary monocyte-macrophages accumulation in lung tissue, and eventually promotes bleomycin-induced collagen deposition and progressive pulmonary fibrosis. Notably, the expression of TGF-β in profibrotic macrophages was significantly upregulated in myeloid cell-specific Fbxw7 deletion mice after bleomycin treatment. C-Jun has long been regarded as a critical transcription factor of Tgfb1, we clarified that Fbxw7 inhibits the expression of TGF-β in profibrotic macrophages by interacting with c-Jun and mediating its K48-linked ubiquitination and degradation. These findings provide insight into the role of Fbxw7 in the regulation of macrophages during the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis.
Airway Microbiome and Serum Metabolomics Analysis Identify Differential Candidate Biomarkers in Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Yuan Yuze , Wang Chao , Wang Guoqiang , Guo Xiaoping , Jiang Shengyu , Zuo Xu , Wang Xinlei , Hsu Alan Chen-Yu , Qi Mingran , Wang Fang
Published: January 2022

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common heterogeneous chronic disease with a high prevalence and a complex pathogenesis influenced by numerous factors, involving a combination of genetic and environmental factors. To gain insight into the pathogenesis of AR and to identity diagnostic biomarkers, we combined systems biology approach to analyze microbiome and serum composition. We collected inferior turbinate swabs and serum samples to study the microbiome and serum metabolome of 28 patients with allergic rhinitis and 15 healthy individuals. We sequenced the V3 and V4 regions of the 16S rDNA gene from the upper respiratory samples. Metabolomics was used to examine serum samples. Finally, we combined differential microbiota and differential metabolites to find potential biomarkers. We found no significant differences in diversity between the disease and control groups, but changes in the structure of the microbiota. Compared to the HC group, the AR group showed a significantly higher abundance of 1 phylum (Actinobacteria) and 7 genera (Klebsiella, Prevotella and Staphylococcus, etc.) and a significantly lower abundance of 1 genus (Pelomonas). Serum metabolomics revealed 26 different metabolites (Prostaglandin D2, 20-Hydroxy-leukotriene B4 and Linoleic acid, etc.) and 16 disrupted metabolic pathways (Linoleic acid metabolism, Arachidonic acid metabolism and Tryptophan metabolism, etc.). The combined respiratory microbiome and serum metabolomics datasets showed a degree of correlation reflecting the influence of the microbiome on metabolic activity. Our results show that microbiome and metabolomics analyses provide important candidate biomarkers, and in particular, differential genera in the microbiome have also been validated by random forest prediction models. Differential microbes and differential metabolites have the potential to be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.
Senso-Immunologic Prospects for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Treatment
Authors: Okumo Takayuki , Takayama Yasunori , Maruyama Kenta , Kato Mami , Sunagawa Masataka
Published: January 2022

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain syndrome that occurs in tissue injuries as the result of surgery, trauma, or ischemia. The clinical features of this severely painful condition include redness and swelling of the affected skin. Intriguingly, it was recently suggested that transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is involved in chronic post-ischemia pain, a CRPS model. TRPA1 is a non-selective cation channel expressed in calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-positive primary nociceptors that becomes highly activated in ischemic conditions, leading to the generation of pain. In this review, we summarize the history of TRPA1 and its involvement in pain sensation, inflammation, and CRPS. Furthermore, bone atrophy is also thought to be a characteristic clinical sign of CRPS. The altered bone microstructure of CRPS patients is thought to be caused by aggravated bone resorption via enhanced osteoclast differentiation and activation. Although TRPA1 could be a target for pain treatment in CRPS patients, we also discuss the paradoxical situation in this review. Nociceptor activation decreases the risk of bone destruction via CGRP secretion from free nerve endings. Thus, TRPA1 inhibition could cause severe bone atrophy. However, the suitable therapeutic strategy is controversial because the pathologic mechanisms of bone atrophy in CRPS are unclear. Therefore, we propose focusing on the remission of abnormal bone turnover observed in CRPS using a recently developed concept: senso-immunology.
Functional Analysis of Human and Feline Coronavirus Cross-Reactive Antibodies Directed Against the SARS-CoV-2 Fusion Peptide
Authors: Vanderheijden Nathalie , Stevaert Annelies , Xie Jiexiong , Ren Xiaolei , Barbezange Cyril , Noppen Sam , Desombere Isabelle , Verhasselt Bruno , Geldhof Peter , Vereecke Nick , Stroobants Veerle , Oh Dayoung , Vanhee Merijn , Naesens Lieve M. J. , Nauwynck Hans J.
Published: January 2022

To face the continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, broadly protective therapeutic antibodies are highly needed. We here focused on the fusion peptide (FP) region of the viral spike antigen since it is highly conserved among alpha- and betacoronaviruses. First, we found that coronavirus cross-reactive antibodies are commonly formed during infection, being omnipresent in sera from COVID-19 patients, in ~50% of pre-pandemic human sera (rich in antibodies against endemic human coronaviruses), and even in feline coronavirus-infected cats. Pepscan analyses demonstrated that a confined N-terminal region of the FP is strongly immunogenic across diverse coronaviruses. Peptide-purified human antibodies targeting this conserved FP epitope exhibited broad binding of alpha- and betacoronaviruses, besides weak and transient SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing activity. Being frequently elicited by coronavirus infection, these FP-binding antibodies might potentially exhibit Fc-mediated effector functions and influence the kinetics or severity of coronavirus infection and disease.
Role of Vitamin K in Intestinal Health
Authors: Lai Yujiao , Masatoshi Hori , Ma Yanbo , Guo Yuming , Zhang Bingkun
Published: January 2022

Intestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and colorectal cancer (CRC) generally characterized by clinical symptoms, including malabsorption, intestinal dysfunction, injury, and microbiome imbalance, as well as certain secondary intestinal disease complications, continue to be serious public health problems worldwide. The role of vitamin K (VK) on intestinal health has drawn growing interest in recent years. In addition to its role in blood coagulation and bone health, several investigations continue to explore the role of VK as an emerging novel biological compound with the potential function of improving intestinal health. This study aims to present a thorough review on the bacterial sources, intestinal absorption, uptake of VK, and VK deficiency in patients with intestinal diseases, with emphasis on the effect of VK supplementation on immunity, anti-inflammation, intestinal microbes and its metabolites, antioxidation, and coagulation, and promoting epithelial development. Besides, VK-dependent proteins (VKDPs) are another crucial mechanism for VK to exert a gastroprotection role for their functions of anti-inflammation, immunomodulation, and anti-tumorigenesis. In summary, published studies preliminarily show that VK presents a beneficial effect on intestinal health and may be used as a therapeutic drug to prevent/treat intestinal diseases, but the specific mechanism of VK in intestinal health has yet to be elucidated.
Identification of Hub Biomarkers and Immune-Related Pathways Participating in the Progression of Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Xia Meng-Di , Yu Rui-Ran , Chen Dong-Ming
Published: January 2022

Background

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a systemic autoimmune disease that generally induces the progression of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (GN). The purpose of this study was to identify key biomarkers and immune-related pathways involved in the progression of ANCA-associated GN (ANCA-GN) and their relationship with immune cell infiltration.

Methods

Gene microarray data were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Hub markers for ANCA-GN were mined based on differential expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and lasso regression, followed by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) of the differential genes. The infiltration levels of 28 immune cells in the expression profile and their relationship to hub gene markers were analysed using single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA). In addition, the accuracy of the hub markers in diagnosing ANCA-GN was subsequently evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC).

Results

A total of 651 differential genes were screened. Twelve co-expression modules were obtained via WGCNA; of which, one hub module (black module) had the highest correlation with ANCA-GN. A total of 66 intersecting genes were acquired by combining differential genes. Five hub genes were subsequently obtained by lasso analysis as potential biomarkers for ANCA-GN. The immune infiltration results revealed the most significant relationship among monocytes, CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells. ROC curve analysis demonstrated a prime diagnostic value of the five hub genes. According to the functional enrichment analysis of the differential genes, hub genes were mainly enhanced in immune- and inflammation-related pathways.

Conclusion

B cells and monocytes were closely associated with the pathogenesis of ANCA-GN. Hub genes (CYP3A5, SLC12A3, BGN, TAPBP and TMEM184B) may be involved in the progression of ANCA-GN through immune-related signal pathways.
Case Report: Anti-LGI1 Encephalitis Following COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Zlotnik Yair , Gadoth Avi , Abu-Salameh Ibrahim , Horev Anat , Novoa Rosa , Ifergane Gal
Published: January 2022

Anti-leucine rich glioma inactivated 1 (LGI1) autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is characterized by cognitive impairment or rapid progressive dementia, psychiatric disorders, faciobrachial dystonic seizures (FBDS) and refractory hyponatremia. Since December 2020, millions of people worldwide have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Several soft neurological symptoms like pain, headache, dizziness, or muscle spasms are common and self-limited adverse effects after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. However, several major neurological complications, despite the unproven causality, have been reported since the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine. Herein, we describe a 48 years old man presenting with rapidly progressive cognitive decline and hyponatremia diagnosed with anti LGI1 AE, occurring shortly after the second dose of mRNA COVID -19 vaccine and possibly representing a severe adverse event related to the vaccination. Response to high dose steroid therapy was favorable. As millions of people worldwide are currently receiving COVID-19 vaccinations, this case should serve to increase the awareness for possible rare autoimmune reactions following this novel vaccination in general, and particularly of anti-LGI1 AE.
New Insights on the Diurnal Mechanism of Calcification in the Stony Coral, Stylophora pistillata
Authors: Neder Maayan , Saar Raoul , Malik Assaf , Antler Gilad , Mass Tali
Published: January 2022

Scleractinian corals are evolutionary-successful calcifying marine organisms, which utilize an endo-symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic dinoflagellate algae that supply energy products to their coral hosts. This energy further supports a higher calcification rate during the day in a process known as light enhanced calcification. Although this process has been studied for decades, the mechanisms behind it are still unknown. However, photosynthesis and respiration also cause daily fluctuations in oxygen and pH levels, resulting in the coral facing highly variable conditions. Here we correlated gene expression patterns with the physiological differences along the diel cycle to provide new insights on the daily dynamic processes, including circadian rhythm, calcification, symbiosis, cellular arrangement, metabolism, and energy budget. During daytime, when solar radiation levels are highest, we observed increased calcification rate combined with an extensive up-regulation of genes associated with reactive oxygen species, redox, metabolism, ion transporters, skeletal organic matrix, and mineral formation. During the night, we observed a vast shift toward up-regulation of genes associated with cilia movement, tissue development, cellular movement, antioxidants, protein synthesis, and skeletal organic matrix formation. Our results suggest that light enhanced calcification is related to several processes that occur across the diel cycle; during nighttime, tissue might elevate away from the skeleton, extending the calcifying space area to enable the formation of a new organic framework template. During daytime, the combination of synthesis of acid-rich proteins and a greater flux of ions to the sites of calcification facilitate the conditions for extensive mineral growth.
Estuarine Infauna Within Incidentally Retained Sediment in Artificial Rockpools
Authors: Bone Jessica R. , Stafford Rick , Hall Alice E. , Boyd Ian , George Nigel , Herbert Roger J. H.
Published: January 2022

Artificial coastal structures (ACSs) are primarily designed to provide services for human use, such as flood defence or shipping, and are generally poor for marine biodiversity. Consequently, there has been significant research effort to enhance these hard structures to increase biodiversity and habitat availability via eco-engineering. On seawalls and breakwaters, this has included the creation of habitats for benthic species found on natural rocky shores, including the provision of cracks, crevices and water retaining features, such as artificial rockpools. When sediment retention in these features has occurred, it has often been deemed detrimental to the overarching aim of the intervention. Yet, it is soft sediment habitat that is impacted the most through coastal construction. As ecological enhancement of a flood defence scheme, nine concrete retrofit rockpools were installed at three different tidal elevations between mean high water neap tide and mean tide level on steel sheet piling on the Arun Estuary in Littlehampton Harbour, United Kingdom, which naturally filled with mud 1 year after installation. To explore how analogous the faunal assemblages and sediment profile of rockpool mud were to two local mudflats, core samples were taken and analysed for species richness, abundance, biomass, assemblage structure, median grain size, and organic matter content. More benthic species were observed in the artificial rockpool than in the local mudflats. Although the rockpools were placed at higher tidal levels than the lower shore mudflat, their assemblage structure and species richness were more similar to the lower shore mudflat at the base of the sheet piling than the upper shore mudflat. This study demonstrates that retained sediment within eco-engineered features on hard ACSs can create habitat for benthic assemblages. Providing sediment-retentive features on ACSs has the potential to provide a novel eco-engineering option that may be appropriate for some heavily modified waterbodies on sheltered, depositional coasts.
Hydrogen-Induced Micro-Strain Evolution in Super Duplex Stainless Steel—Correlative High-Energy X-Ray Diffraction, Electron Backscattered Diffraction, and Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Örnek Cem , Müller Timo , Şeşen Bilgehan M. , Kivisäkk Ulf , Zhang Fan , Långberg Marie , Lienert Ulrich , Jeromin Arno , Keller Thomas F. , Lundgren Edvin , Pan Jinshan
Published: January 2022

The local lattice strain evolution during electrochemical hydrogen charging and mechanical loading in 25Cr-7Ni super duplex stainless steel were measured in-situ using synchrotron high-energy x-ray diffraction. Post-mortem electron backscattered diffraction analysis showed that the austenite phase underwent plastic deformation in the near-surface due to hydrogen-enhanced localized plasticity, where the ferrite phase experienced hardening. In bulk regions, the ferrite was the softer phase, and the austenite remained stiff. Digital image correlation of micrographs recorded, in-situ, during mechanical tensile testing revealed intensified plastic strain localization in the austenite phase, which eventually led to crack initiation. The absorption of hydrogen caused strain localization to occur primarily in austenite grains.
Lower Rate of Daily Smokers With Symptomatic COVID-19: A Monocentric Self-Report of Smoking Habit Study
Authors: Miyara Makoto , Tubach Florence , Pourcher Valérie , Morélot-Panzini Capucine , Pernet Julie , Haroche Julien , Lebbah Said , Morawiec Elise , Gorochov Guy , Caumes Eric , Hausfater Pierre , Combes Alain , Similowski Thomas , Amoura Zahir
Published: January 2022

Background: Identification of prognostic factors in COVID-19 remains a global challenge. The role of smoking is still controversial.

Methods: PCR-positive in- and outpatients with symptomatic COVID-19 from a large French University hospital were systematically interviewed for their smoking status, use of e-cigarette, and nicotinic substitutes. The rates of daily smokers in in- and outpatients were compared using the same smoking habit questionnaire to those in the 2019 French general population, after standardisation for sex and age.

Results: The inpatient group was composed of 340 patients, median age of 66 years: 203 men (59.7%) and 137 women (40.3%), median age of both 66 years, with a rate of 4.1% daily smokers (CI 95% [2.3–6.9]) (5.4% of men and 2.2% of women). The outpatient group was composed of 139 patients, median age of 44 years: 62 men (44.6%, median age of 43 years) and 77 women (55.4%, median age of 44 years). The daily smoker rate was 6.1% (CI 95% [2.7–11.6], 5.1% of men and 6.8% of women). Amongst inpatients, daily smokers represented 2.2 and 3.4% of the 45 dead patients and of the 29 patients transferred to ICU, respectively. The rate of daily smokers was significantly lower in patients with symptomatic COVID-19, as compared to that in the French general population after standardisation by age and sex, with standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) of 0.24 [0.12–0.48] for outpatients and 0.24 [0.14–0.40] for inpatients.

Conclusions: Daily smoker rate in patients with symptomatic COVID-19 is lower as compared to the French general population
Optic Nerve Ultrasound Evaluation in Animals and Normal Subjects
Authors: Vitiello Livio , De Bernardo Maddalena , Capasso Luigi , Cornetta Palmiro , Rosa Nicola
Published: January 2022

In recent years, ultrasonographic measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) has been widely used to identify the presence of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Intracranial hypertension is a life-threatening condition that can be caused by various neurological and non-neurological disorders, and it is associated to poor clinical results. Ultrasonography could be used to qualitatively and efficiently detect ICP increases, but to reach this purpose, clear cut-off values are mandatory. The aim of this review is to provide a wide overview of the most important scientific publications on optic nerve ultrasound normal values assessment published in the last 30 years. A total of 42 articles selected from PubMed medical database was included in this review. Our analysis showed that ocular ultrasonography is considered to be a valuable diagnostic tool, especially when intracranial hypertension is suspected, but unfortunately this research provided conflicting results that could be due to the different ultrasound protocols. This is mainly caused by the use of B scan alone, which presents several limitations. The use of B-scan coupled with the standardized A-scan approach could give more accurate, and reliable ultrasound evaluation, assuring higher data objectivity.
CANT-HYD: A Curated Database of Phylogeny-Derived Hidden Markov Models for Annotation of Marker Genes Involved in Hydrocarbon Degradation
Authors: Khot Varada , Zorz Jackie , Gittins Daniel A. , Chakraborty Anirban , Bell Emma , Bautista María A. , Paquette Alexandre J. , Hawley Alyse K. , Novotnik Breda , Hubert Casey R. J. , Strous Marc , Bhatnagar Srijak
Published: January 2022

Many pathways for hydrocarbon degradation have been discovered, yet there are no dedicated tools to identify and predict the hydrocarbon degradation potential of microbial genomes and metagenomes. Here we present the Calgary approach to ANnoTating HYDrocarbon degradation genes (CANT-HYD), a database of 37 HMMs of marker genes involved in anaerobic and aerobic degradation pathways of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Using this database, we identify understudied or overlooked hydrocarbon degradation potential in many phyla. We also demonstrate its application in analyzing high-throughput sequence data by predicting hydrocarbon utilization in large metagenomic datasets from diverse environments. CANT-HYD is available at https://github.com/dgittins/CANT-HYD-HydrocarbonBiodegradation.
Additives Altered Bacterial Communities and Metabolic Profiles in Silage Hybrid Pennisetum
Authors: Tian Hanchen , Zhu Yanchen , Dai Mengxue , Li Tong , Guo Yongqing , Deng Ming , Sun Baoli
Published: January 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different additives on the fermentation quality, nutrient composition, bacterial communities, and metabolic profiles of the silage of hybrid Pennisetum. The experiment was conducted using five treatments, i.e., CK, control group, MA, 1% malic acid of fresh matter (FM) basis, GL, 1% glucose of FM basis, CE, 100 U/g FM cellulase, and BS, 106 cfu/g FM Bacillus subtilis, with six replicates each treatment. After a 120-day fermentation, 30 silage packages were opened for subsequent determination. As a result, all four additives had positive effects on the fermentation quality and nutrient composition of the silage of hybrid Pennisetum. The high-throughput sequencing of V3–V4 regions in 16S rRNA was performed, and results showed that Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the dominant phyla and that Aquabacterium and Bacillus were the dominant genera. MA, GL, CE, and BS treatment resulted in 129, 21, 25, and 40 differential bacteria, respectively. The four additives upregulated Bacillus smithii but downregulated Lactobacillus rossiae. Metabolic profiles were determined by UHPLC-Q/TOF-MS technology and the differential metabolites caused by the four additives were 47, 13, 47, and 18, respectively. These metabolites played antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory functions and involved in pathways, such as the citrate cycle, carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms, and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism. In conclusion, silage additives promoted fermentation quality and nutrient composition by altering bacterial communities and metabolic profiles. This study provided potential biomarkers for the improvement of silage quality.
ABO Blood Group Incompatibility Protects Against SARS-CoV-2 Transmission
Authors: Boukhari Rachida , Breiman Adrien , Jazat Jennifer , Ruvoën-Clouet Nathalie , Martinez Salima , Damais-Cepitelli Anne , Le Niger Catherine , Devie-Hubert Isabelle , Penasse Fanny , Mauriere Dominique , Sébille Véronique , Dürrbach Antoine , Le Pendu Jacques
Published: January 2022

ABO blood groups appear to be associated with the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but the underlying mechanisms and their real importance remain unclear. Two hypotheses have been proposed: ABO compatibility-dependence (neutralization by anti-ABO antibodies) and ABO-dependent intrinsic susceptibility (spike protein attachment to histo-blood group glycans). We tested the first hypothesis through an anonymous questionnaire addressed to hospital staff members. We estimated symptomatic secondary attack rates (SAR) for 333 index cases according to spouse ABO blood group compatibility. Incompatibility was associated with a lower SAR (28% vs. 47%; OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.27–0.69), but no ABO dependence was detected in compatible situations. For the second hypothesis, we detected no binding of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 RBD to blood group-containing glycans. Thus, although no intrinsic differences in susceptibility according to ABO blood type were detected, ABO incompatibility strongly decreased the risk of COVID-19 transmission, suggesting that anti-ABO antibodies contribute to virus neutralization.
Exploring Sexual Dimorphism in the Intestinal Microbiota of the Yellow Drum (Nibea albiflora, Sciaenidae)
Authors: Li Haidong , Lu Lei , Chen Ruiyi , Li Shanshan , Xu Dongdong
Published: January 2022

Most of fish species exhibit striking sexual dimorphism, particularly during growth. There are also sexual dimorphisms of internal organs and biological functions, including those of intestinal microbiota, which likely plays a key role in growth. In this study, the growth and intestinal microbiota of the female, male, and all-female Nibea albiflora (yellow drums) were comprehensively analyzed. The caged culture female and all-female yellow drums showed higher growth rates than males. A further analysis of the intestinal microbiota showed a significant difference in diversity between females and males in the summer, whereas there were no significant differences in the diversity and richness between females and males in the winter. In contrast, a significant difference in richness was observed between all-female and male fish, regardless of the season. Although the main composition of the intestinal microbiota showed no significant sex differences, the community structure of the intestinal microbiota of yellow drums did. Furthermore, the correlations between intestinal microbial communities are likely to be influenced by sex. The ecological processes of the intestinal microbial communities of the yellow drums showed clear sexual dimorphism. Further network analysis revealed that, although the main components of the network in the intestinal microbiota of female, male, and all-female fish were similar, the network structures showed significant sex differences. The negative interactions among microbial species were the dominant relationships in the intestinal ecosystem, and Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria were identified as the functional keystone microbes. In addition, the functional pathways in the intestinal microbiota of yellow drums showed no significant sexual or seasonal differences. Based on the findings of this study, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between sex, growth, and intestinal microbiota in yellow drums.
Methods for Assessment of Viability and Germination of Plasmodiophora brassicae Resting Spores
Authors: Wang Yao , Koopmann Birger , von Tiedemann Andreas
Published: January 2022

Clubroot caused by the obligate biotrophic parasite Plasmodiophora brassicae is a destructive soil borne disease of cruciferous crops. Resting spores of P. brassicae can survive in the soil for a long period without hosts or external stimulants. The viability and germination rate of resting spores are crucial factors of the inoculum potential in the field. The accurate assessment of viability and germination rate is the foundation to evaluate the effect of control methods. In this study, we evaluated several methods for the assessment of viability and germination rate of P. brassicae resting spores. Dual staining with calcofluor white-propidium iodide (CFW-PI) or single stain with Evans blue showed reliable accuracy in estimating viability. CFW-PI was capable of reliably determining the viability within 10 min, while Evans blue required overnight incubation to obtain accurate results. Due to DNA degradation of heat treatments, acetone was selected to evaluate the efficiency of propidium monoazide (PMA)–quantitative PCR (qPCR) used for the quantification of DNA from viable cells. The staining with 4,6-Diamidine-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI) and the use of differential interference contrast microscopy were suitable for the determination of resting spore germination rates. The latter method also allowed recording individual germination states of spores. Alternatively, dual staining with CFW-Nile red was successfully used to assess the germination rate of resting spores with a lethal pre-treatment. This study evaluates and confirms the suitability of various microscopic and molecular genetic methods for the determination of viability and germination of P. brassicae resting spores. Such methods are required to study factors in the soil regulating survival, dormancy and germination of P. brassicae resting spores causing clubroot disease in Brassicaceae hosts and therefore are fundamental to develop novel strategies of control.
Metabolic Reprogramming Underlying Brain Metastasis of Breast Cancer
Authors: Liu Baoyi , Zhang Xin
Published: January 2022

The development of brain metastasis is a major cause of death in patients with breast cancer, characterized by rapid progression of the disease and poor prognosis, and lack of effective treatment has existed as an unresolved issue clinically. Extensive research has shown that a variety of metabolic changes associated with cellular metastasis exist in primary breast cancer or brain metastases, therefore to elucidate metabolic characteristics at each step of the metastasis cascade will provide important clues to the efficient treatment. In this review, we discuss the changes in metabolic patterns of breast cancer cells at every step of metastasis for exploring the potential therapeutic target based on metabolic reprogramming, and provide new insights on the design and development of drugs for breast cancer brain metastasis.
What Is the Evidence on Natural Recovery Over the Year Following Sports-Related and Non-sports-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Scoping Review
Authors: Brady Morgan , Hume Patria A. , Mahon Susan , Theadom Alice
Published: January 2022

Background: Treatment approaches often differ dependent upon whether a person experiences a sports-related or a non-sports-related mild traumatic brain injury. It remains unclear if recovery from these injuries is comparable or unique to context of the injury.

Objective: To identify knowledge gaps on self-reported outcomes and trajectories between sports- and non-sports-related mild traumatic brain injuries and how they are assessed in adults.

Methods: This scoping review used a systematic search of key electronic databases, including PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Embase, MEDLINE, and CINAHL for articles published in 1937 until March 10, 2021. Articles were included if they were available in English; full text published in a peer-reviewed journal; had a prospective or retrospective study design; reported data on mild TBI cases >16 years of age, and included data from at least two time points on self-reported outcomes within 12 months post-injury. A standardized data extraction spreadsheet was used to determine the participant characteristics, definitions, assessment methods, outcomes, and recovery time frames.

Results: Following removal of duplicates, the search strategy elicited 6,974 abstracts. Following abstract review, 174 were retained for full text review. Of the 42 articles that met inclusion criteria, 18 were sports related (15 in the USA and three in Canada) and 24 were general population studies (six in USA, three in Canada, three in Australasia, nine in Europe, two in Taiwan, and one in Morocco). Direct comparison in recovery trajectories between the sport and general population studies was difficult, given notable differences in methodology, definitions, types of outcome measures, and timing of follow-up assessments. Only one article reported on both sports-related and non-sports-related traumatic brain injuries separately at comparable timepoints. This study revealed no differences in recovery time frames or overall symptom burden.

Discussion: Whilst there is a clear benefit in researching specific subpopulations in detail, standardized outcome measures and follow-up time frames are needed across contexts to facilitate understanding of similarities and differences between sports- and non-sports-related mild traumatic brain injuries to inform clinical treatment.
Early Deterioration and Long-Term Prognosis of Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage Along With Hematoma Volume More Than 20 ml: Who Needs Surgery?
Authors: Lin Fuxin , He Qiu , Tong Youliang , Zhao Mingpei , Ye Gezhao , Gao Zhuyu , Huang Wei , Cai Lveming , Wang Fangyu , Fang Wenhua , Lin Yuanxiang , Wang Dengliang , Dai Linsun , Kang Dezhi
Published: January 2022

Background and Purpose: The treatment of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage along with moderate hematoma and without cerebral hernia is controversial. This study aimed to explore risk factors and establish prediction models for early deterioration and poor prognosis.

Methods: We screened patients from the prospective intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) registration database (RIS-MIS-ICH, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03862729). The enrolled patients had no brain hernia at admission, with a hematoma volume of more than 20 ml. All patients were initially treated by conservative methods and followed up ≥ 1 year. A decline of Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) more than 2 or conversion to surgery within 72 h after admission was defined as early deterioration. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≥ 4 at 1 year after stroke was defined as poor prognosis. The independent risk factors of early deterioration and poor prognosis were determined by univariate and multivariate regression analysis. The prediction models were established based on the weight of the independent risk factors. The accuracy and value of models were tested by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results: After screening 632 patients with ICH, a total of 123 legal patients were included. According to statistical analysis, admission GCS (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.18–1.74; P < 0.001) and hematoma volume (OR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.84–0.97; P = 0.003) were the independent risk factors for early deterioration. Hematoma location (OR, 0.027; 95% CI, 0.004–0.17; P < 0.001) and hematoma volume (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03–1.15; P < 0.001) were the independent risk factors for poor prognosis, and island sign had a trend toward significance (OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.16-1.57; P = 0.051). The admission GCS and hematoma volume score were combined for an early deterioration prediction model with a score from 2 to 5. ROC curve showed an area under the curve (AUC) was 0.778 and cut-off point was 3.5. Combining the score of hematoma volume, island sign, and hematoma location, a long-term prognosis prediction model was established with a score from 2 to 6. ROC curve showed AUC was 0.792 and cutoff point was 4.5.

Conclusions: The novel early deterioration and long-term prognosis prediction models are simple, objective, and accurate for patients with ICH along with a hematoma volume of more than 20 ml.