bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful Applications of Food-Assisted and -Simulated Training Model of Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: Li Yan-Rong , Chou Wei-Yu , Chan Wai-Kin , Cheng Kai-Lun , Sun Jui-Hung , Liu Feng-Hsuan , Chen Szu-Tah , Liou Miaw-Jene
Published: March 2022

Background

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for benign thyroid nodules is one kind of scarless treatment for symptomatic or cosmetic benign thyroid nodules. However, how to train RFA-naive physicians to become qualified operators for thyroid RFA is an important issue. Our study aimed to introduce a successful training model of thyroid RFA.

Materials and Methods

We used a food-assisted and -simulated training model of thyroid RFA. Chicken hearts were simulated into thyroid nodules, three-layer pork meats were simulated into peri-thyroid structure, and gel bottles were simulated into trachea, respectively. Successful training ablations were defined as chicken hearts that were fully cooked. After repeating training ablations of chicken hearts at least 100 times with the nearly 100% success rates for three young trainees, they served as the first assistant for the real procedures of thyroid RFA and then were qualified to perform thyroid RFA on real patients under the supervision of one experienced interventional radiologist.

Results

23 real patients who received RFA and follow-up at least 6 months after treatment were included in Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from January 1, 2020 to October 1, 2021. Three young endocrinologists performed thyroid RFA independently. The outcomes were volume reduction rate (VRR), major complications and minor complications. The median VRR at 12 months was 82.00%, two major complications were transient hoarseness, and three minor complications were wound pain. All complications were completely recovered within three days.

Conclusions

For young and RFA-native physicians without any basic skills of echo-guided intervention, this food-assisted and -simulated training model of thyroid RFA was useful for medical training and education.
Bad to the Bone: The Effects of Therapeutic Glucocorticoids on Osteoblasts and Osteocytes
Authors: Gado Manuel , Baschant Ulrike , Hofbauer Lorenz C. , Henneicke Holger
Published: March 2022

Despite the continued development of specialized immunosuppressive therapies in the form of monoclonal antibodies, glucocorticoids remain a mainstay in the treatment of rheumatological and auto-inflammatory disorders. Therapeutic glucocorticoids are unmatched in the breadth of their immunosuppressive properties and deliver their anti-inflammatory effects at unparalleled speed. However, long-term exposure to therapeutic doses of glucocorticoids decreases bone mass and increases the risk of fractures – particularly in the spine – thus limiting their clinical use. Due to the abundant expression of glucocorticoid receptors across all skeletal cell populations and their respective progenitors, therapeutic glucocorticoids affect skeletal quality through a plethora of cellular targets and molecular mechanisms. However, recent evidence from rodent studies, supported by clinical data, highlights the considerable role of cells of the osteoblast lineage in the pathogenesis of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis: it is now appreciated that cells of the osteoblast lineage are key targets of therapeutic glucocorticoids and have an outsized role in mediating their undesirable skeletal effects. As part of this article, we review the molecular mechanisms underpinning the detrimental effects of supraphysiological levels of glucocorticoids on cells of the osteoblast lineage including osteocytes and highlight the clinical implications of recent discoveries in the field.
Epigenetic Mechanisms Responsible for the Transgenerational Inheritance of Intrauterine Growth Restriction Phenotypes
Authors: Doan Thu Ngoc Anh , Akison Lisa K. , Bianco-Miotto Tina
Published: March 2022

A poorly functioning placenta results in impaired exchanges of oxygen, nutrition, wastes and hormones between the mother and her fetus. This can lead to restriction of fetal growth. These growth restricted babies are at increased risk of developing chronic diseases, such as type-2 diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease, later in life. Animal studies have shown that growth restricted phenotypes are sex-dependent and can be transmitted to subsequent generations through both the paternal and maternal lineages. Altered epigenetic mechanisms, specifically changes in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs that regulate expression of genes that are important for fetal development have been shown to be associated with the transmission pattern of growth restricted phenotypes. This review will discuss the subsequent health outcomes in the offspring after growth restriction and the transmission patterns of these diseases. Evidence of altered epigenetic mechanisms in association with fetal growth restriction will also be reviewed.
Policy Allocation for Settlement Development Using Simple Allocation Matrix Rules and Geographic Information System
Authors: Litasari Ulfah Choerunnisa Nurul , Widiatmaka Widiatmaka , Munibah Khursatul , Machfud Machfud
Published: March 2022

The settlement growth is potentially increased by the rural-to-urban perspective change due to the new era of aerotropolis in Kulon Progo. Land-use planning evaluation is required, especially settlement, which has a significant impact on the environment. However, land-use evaluation studies are currently focused on conforming analysis of official land-use planning (OLUP) toward existing or predicted land use partially or in combination with the performance assessment unit. Consequently, it affects the quality of policy products by disregarding crucial considerations of diverse conditions at points of time and aspects of ideality, reality, and regulation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to design a comprehensive policy allocation for settlements using a matrix allocation rule that integrates conformity and performance analysis in three aspects of planning simultaneously. Land allocation was proposed using a geographic information system (GIS) of land capability, settlement suitability, and agricultural and forest land protection. The current land use/land cover (LULC) was classified using visual interpretation of SPOT 7 satellite imagery and a multi-layer perceptron neural network (MLPNN) to predict the LULC in 2035. The result indicated that the stock of land allocation for settlement development is sufficient to meet the demands in 2035. However, there is a problem in the settlement distribution pattern in which 64.3% of existing settlements are located in non-recommended allocation. That number is predicted to increase by 1,145.8 ha. Land-use control instruments need to be conducted to prevent extensive settlement growth in non-recommended allocation. Conversely, zoning allocation should be directed to trigger the growth of settlements in recommended allocation.
The Impact of Green Finance on Carbon Emission--Analysis Based on Mediation Effect and Spatial Effect
Authors: Guo Chang-Qing , Wang Xin , Cao Dan-Dan , Hou Yong-Guang
Published: March 2022

Carbon emission reduction is critical to realizing China’s “Carbon Peak” and “Carbon Neutrality” goals. Green finance plays an essential role in accomplishing carbon emission reduction. Given the importance, this study builds and tests a causal model that specifies the direct and indirect interconnection of green finance and carbon emission reduction of the Yangtze River Economic Belt in China from 2006 to 2019. The received data reports are from national and local statistical offices. The unit root test and multicollinearity test proves the data are stationary and free from multicollinearity, which builds a foundation for constructing a regression model. The Hausman test provides the evidence for the selection of time and individuals double fixed effects. The stepwise regression model explains the mediation role of technological innovation in the green finance and carbon emission relationship which confirms the rationality of the theoretical assumptions. The spatial Durbin model (SDM) is applied using Stata version 16 for analysis purposes to measure the strength of the relationships which exist among the studied variables. Through the endogeneity test, the reliability of the model results has been demonstrated. The empirical outcomes indicate that it is the Yangtze River Economic Belt that has existed a significant spatial effect of reducing carbon emission, and the various provinces have shown mutual restraint effects of carbon emission. The findings show that green finance has a prominent adverse direct impact on carbon emission, but the spillover effect of green finance on neighboring provinces are seemingly insignificant. A green finance development alliance, green financial reform, and innovation pilot zone should be promoted. The generalizability of the study offers valuable insights for imminent researchers. The research findings could be beneficial for policymakers.
Comparing Four Indexing Approaches to Define Soil Quality in an Intensively Cropped Region of Northern India
Authors: Lenka Narendra Kumar , Meena Bharat Prakash , Lal Rattan , Khandagle Abhishek , Lenka Sangeeta , Shirale Abhay Omprakash
Published: March 2022

The usefulness of the soil quality index (SQI) as a tool to evaluate management options has mostly been studied within the boundaries of a crop or experimental field, calling for the need to enhance its utility in regional-scale soil health assessment. Thus, four quantitative approaches for computing the SQI were evaluated with samples collected from 0 to 15 and 15 to 30 cm depths at 156 points from the Trans-Gangetic Plains of North India. Principal component analysis (PCA) and soil function (SF)-based approaches were used to select the minimum dataset from 18 soil parameters and assign weights to key indicators. In both approaches, two different data transformation methods were followed: 1) routine method with maximum or minimum values of indicator parameters and 2) percentile method with the 90th or 10th percentile value as the denominator or numerator for “more is better” and “less is better” scoring functions, respectively. The PCA output with factor loadings from the varimax rotation showed six principal components accounting for 75% of the total variance, with PC1 explaining the highest variance (26.8%) followed by PC2 (16%). The SF-based approach was better than PCA in terms of a higher correlation of SQI with rice and wheat yields. The percentile method showed a higher correlation in both PCA and SF methods. The SQI computed from 0 to 30 cm soil data did not show any superiority over that from 0 to 15 cm soil. Thus, the soil function–based approach with the percentile method of data transformation proved better to compute the SQI and establish a relationship with production function.
A New Species of Pseudocyclopiidae (Crustacea, Copepoda, Calanoida) From an Anchialine Environment of South-Eastern Italy
Authors: Belmonte Genuario
Published: March 2022

A new species of stygobiont copepod (Stygocyclopia badinoi sp.nov.) is described from the anchialine environment of Zinzulùsa cave (Castro, Italy). It is the first Pseudocyclopiidae (Copepoda, Calanoida) to be reported from Italian fauna and the second one reported from the Mediterranean area. The current species is characterized by the largest body size among congeners and by a general lacking of spiny fields on the cuticle of Urosome and P5. The genus has representatives in anchialine environments of coastal caves in Australia, New Caledonia, Philippines, Canaries, and Balearic islands, and the present Mediterranean report is a relict station well included in the frame of an ancient and widespread geographic distribution of ancestral Pseudocyclopiidae along the Tethys Ocean coastlines.
Differential Virulence Among Geosmithia morbida Isolates Collected Across the United States Occurrence Range of Thousand Cankers Disease
Authors: Chahal Karandeep , Gazis Romina , Klingeman William , Lambdin Paris , Grant Jerome , Windham Mark , Hadziabdic Denita
Published: March 2022

Thousand cankers disease (TCD), first documented in the western United States in the early 2000s, has spread into nine western and seven eastern states in the United States and northern Italy. TCD incidence and severity differ between eastern and western United States outbreak localities. Black walnut (Juglans nigra) trees, introduced into both urban and plantation settings in the western United States, have been severely impacted as evident by the documented high disease incidence and mortality. However, in eastern United States localities, where J. nigra is native, host-pathogen-vector interactions resulted in two different outcomes: trees either die or partly recover followed by infection. Recent genetic studies on the TCD causal agent, Geosmithia morbida, indicate the spatial genetic structure and high levels of genetic diversity among United States populations. Using detached branch inoculation assays, we reported differential virulence among 25 G. morbida isolates collected across the current distribution range of the disease. As a proxy for virulence, the canker area was measured to 7 days after inoculation. Varying degrees of virulence were observed among tested G. morbida isolates, which was partly explained by their genetic provenance (genetic clusters). Isolates that grouped within genetic cluster 2 (n = 7 from the eastern United States and n = 6 from the western United States; mean = 210.34 mm2) induced significantly larger cankers than isolates that grouped within genetic cluster 1 (n = 12; all western United States isolates; mean = 153.76 mm2). Canker sizes varied among isolates within each genetic cluster and were not correlated with a geographic region (eastern vs. western United States) but rather to the isolated state of origin. Mean canker size also differed in response to isolates that originated from different tree host species. G. morbida isolates collected from Juglans major induced statistically smaller cankers when compared to isolates recovered from undetermined Juglans species but not from J. nigra. In sum, the increased mortality reported for western United States walnut tree populations cannot be explained by a higher virulence of local G. morbida. Plausible explanations for the observed disparity include environmental conditions, such as prolonged drought, greater population densities of walnut twig beetle causing a higher number of inoculation events to individual trees, and multiple introductions of G. morbida originating from multiple locations. Future experimental evaluation should be undertaken to quantify the influence of these factors on the local epidemics.
High Methane Emission From Palm Stems and Nitrous Oxide Emission From the Soil in a Peruvian Amazon Peat Swamp Forest
Authors: Soosaar Kaido , Schindler Thomas , Machacova Katerina , Pärn Jaan , Fachín-Malaverri Lizardo Manuel , Rengifo-Marin Jhon Ever , Alegría-Muñoz Waldemar , Jibaja-Aspajo José Luis , Negron-Juarez Robinson , Zárate-Gómez Ricardo , Garay-Dinis Danika Journeth , Arista-Oversluijs Adriana Gabriela , Tello-Espinoza Rodil , Pacheco-Gómez Tedi , Mander Ülo
Published: March 2022

Tree stems in tropical peat swamp forests are known as considerable methane (CH4) emitters; however, little is known about their carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) exchange. Differences between species, especially the role of palm stems in the exchange of greenhouse gasses, have remained largely unknown. We measured stem CO2, CH4, and N2O fluxes from the different heights of widely spread aguaje palms (Mauritia flexuosa) and boarwoods (Symphonia globulifera) and the soil beneath the same trees in a Peruvian Amazon palm swamp using a static closed chamber technique from September 2019 to March 2020. The tree stems were the net emitters of CO2and CH4but occasionally showed low N2O uptake. We found the highest stem CH4emissions (average ± SE) from palm stems of the height of 80 cm (1,601 ± 165.9 μg C m–2h–1), which are more than 300 times greater compared to the highest fluxes from boarwood stems, at the height of 30 cm (5.12 ± 1.27 μg C m–2h–1). The average soil CH4flux was 3,618 ± 465 μg C m–2h–1. Whereas N2O fluxes from the stems were negligible, the average N2O fluxes from soils beneath the same trees were relatively high, ranging from 53.75 ± 24.04 (close to boarwood trees) to 143.4 ± 68.43 (close to palms) μg N m–2h–1. While roughly upscaling tree-level fluxes to the stand level of 27,732 km2of palm swamp in the Pastaza-Marañon foreland basin, these forests are net annual emitters of CH4and N2O (897 Gg C y–1and 24 Gg N y–1, respectively). These results highlight the necessity to study this kind of ecosystem more intensely.
Detection of De Novo PAX2 Variants and Phenotypes in Chinese Population: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Xiong Hua-Ying , Shi Yong-Qi , Zhong Cheng , Yang Qin , Zhang Gaofu , Yang Haiping , Wu Daoqi , Chen Yaxi , Li Qiu , Wang Mo
Published: March 2022

Background:PAX2 is a nuclear transcription factor gene that is highly conserved among species. Variants within PAX2 could result in optic nerve colobomas and kidney hypoplasia. However, little clinical and genetic information is currently available about PAX2 variants in Chinese children.

Objective: This study aims to further understand the clinical manifestations and genetic characteristics of PAX2 variants in Chinese population.

Methods: In this single-center retrospective study, we analyzed the clinical data of 10 children identified as carriers of PAX2 variants by gene sequencing. All the variants found in this study were analyzed using in silico prediction and American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) standards and guidelines.

Results: The mean age for developing the first symptom in 10 unrelated children was 7.2 years old. Proteinuria and bilateral kidney dysplasia were found in every patient. Two children underwent kidney histological examination; one child showed high-intensity C1q deposition in the kidney, and the other child showed focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS). Three children had PAX2-related ocular abnormalities, including nystagmus, retinal exudation, amblyopia, microphthalmia, microcornea, and total blindness. In addition, one patient had the comorbidity of oculocutaneous albinism (OCA). Eight different PAX2 variants were found in ten patients, three of which were reported for the first time.

Conclusion: We reported some patients with unique manifestations and comorbidities, and we reported three variants that have not been previously identified. The PAX2 gene is prone to spontaneous variants, and the outcome of patients is unfavorable. Because of the lack of specific therapy, genetic testing should be recommended for individuals with obvious evidence of kidney dysplasia and eye abnormalities, and kidney protective treatment should be initiated early.
An Update on Resistance Genes and Their Use in the Development of Leaf Rust Resistant Cultivars in Wheat
Authors: Kumar Kuldeep , Jan Irfat , Saripalli Gautam , Sharma P. K. , Mir Reyazul Rouf , Balyan H. S. , Gupta P. K.
Published: March 2022

Wheat is one of the most important cereal crops in the world. The production and productivity of wheat is adversely affected by several diseases including leaf rust, which can cause yield losses, sometimes approaching >50%. In the present mini-review, we provide updated information on (i) all Lr genes including those derived from alien sources and 14 other novel resistance genes; (ii) a list of QTLs identified using interval mapping and MTAs identified using GWAS (particular those reported recently i.e., after 2018) and their association with known Lr genes; (iii) introgression/pyramiding of individual Lr genes in commercial/prominent cultivars from 18 different countries including India. Challenges and future perspectives of breeding for leaf rust resistance are also provided at the end of this mini-review. We believe that the information in this review will prove useful for wheat geneticists/breeders, not only in the development of leaf rust-resistant wheat cultivars, but also in the study of molecular mechanism of leaf rust resistance in wheat.
Adaptation of Imaging Mass Cytometry to Explore the Single Cell Alloimmune Landscape of Liver Transplant Rejection
Authors: Ung Nolan , Goldbeck Cameron , Man Cassandra , Hoeflich Julianne , Sun Ren , Barbetta Arianna , Matasci Naim , Katz Jonathan , Lee Jerry S. H. , Chopra Shefali , Asgharzadeh Shahab , Warren Mika , Sher Linda , Kohli Rohit , Akbari Omid , Genyk Yuri , Emamaullee Juliet
Published: March 2022

Rejection continues to be an important cause of graft loss in solid organ transplantation, but deep exploration of intragraft alloimmunity has been limited by the scarcity of clinical biopsy specimens. Emerging single cell immunoprofiling technologies have shown promise in discerning mechanisms of autoimmunity and cancer immunobiology. Within these applications, Imaging Mass Cytometry (IMC) has been shown to enable highly multiplexed, single cell analysis of immune phenotypes within fixed tissue specimens. In this study, an IMC panel of 10 validated markers was developed to explore the feasibility of IMC in characterizing the immune landscape of chronic rejection (CR) in clinical tissue samples obtained from liver transplant recipients. IMC staining was highly specific and comparable to traditional immunohistochemistry. A single cell segmentation analysis pipeline was developed that enabled detailed visualization and quantification of 109,245 discrete cells, including 30,646 immune cells. Dimensionality reduction identified 11 unique immune subpopulations in CR specimens. Most immune subpopulations were increased and spatially related in CR, including two populations of CD45+/CD3+/CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells and a discrete CD68+ macrophage population, which were not observed in liver with no rejection (NR). Modeling via principal component analysis and logistic regression revealed that single cell data can be utilized to construct statistical models with high consistency (Wilcoxon Rank Sum test, p=0.000036). This study highlights the power of IMC to investigate the alloimmune microenvironment at a single cell resolution during clinical rejection episodes. Further validation of IMC has the potential to detect new biomarkers, identify therapeutic targets, and generate patient-specific predictive models of clinical outcomes in solid organ transplantation.
The Role of Metabolic Dysfunction in T-Cell Exhaustion During Chronic Viral Infection
Authors: Zheng Kehong , Zheng Xiaojun , Yang Wei
Published: March 2022

T cells are important components of adaptive immunity that protect the host against invading pathogens during infection. Upon recognizing the activation signals, naïve and/or memory T cells will initiate clonal expansion, trigger differentiation into effector populations and traffic to the inflamed sites to eliminate pathogens. However, in chronic viral infections, such as those caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C (HBV and HCV), T cells exhibit impaired function and become difficult to clear pathogens in a state known as T-cell exhaustion. The activation and function persistence of T cells demand for dynamic changes in cellular metabolism to meet their bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands, especially the augmentation of aerobic glycolysis, which not only provide efficient energy generation, but also fuel multiple biochemical intermediates that are essential for nucleotide, amino acid, fatty acid synthesis and mitochondria function. Changes in cellular metabolism also affect the function of effectors T cells through modifying epigenetic signatures. It is widely accepted that the dysfunction of T cell metabolism contributes greatly to T-cell exhaustion. Here, we reviewed recent findings on T cells metabolism under chronic viral infection, seeking to reveal the role of metabolic dysfunction played in T-cell exhaustion.
Chrysin Ameliorates Influenza Virus Infection in the Upper Airways by Repressing Virus-Induced Cell Cycle Arrest and Mitochondria-Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Liu Ying , Song Xun , Li Chenyang , Hu Hao , Li Wanlin , Wang Lu , Hu Jing , Liao Chenghui , Liang Hanbai , He Zhendan , Ye Liang
Published: March 2022

Chrysin has been proven to possess antiviral properties, but the precise underlying anti-influenza mechanism and its anti-influenza efficacy in vivo are largely unclear. In this study, we investigated the involvement of chrysin in the blockade of cell cycle and apoptosis in distinct cell lines subjected to two H1N1 influenza A virus (IAV) strains, as well as its anti-IAV activity in vivo. Here, we found an early unidentified finding that chrysin strongly impeded IAV replication through a mechanism that was autonomous of innate antiviral immune activation and viral protein interaction. Surprisingly, chrysin can suppress IAV-induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase by downregulating the expression levels of P53 and P21 while promoting Cyclin D1/CDK4 and Cyclin E1/CDK2 activation. Furthermore, chrysin dramatically inhibited the IAV-triggered mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by altering the balance of Bax/Bcl-xl and reducing caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation. Accumulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) reduction may contribute to the inhibitory role of chrysin in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis following IAV infection. Notably, chrysin preferably inhibited IAV replication in the upper respiratory tract, indicating that it might be a promising drug for restraining the spread of respiratory viruses.
Poly-L-Lysine-Based αGal-Glycoconjugates for Treating Anti-αGal IgE-Mediated Diseases
Authors: Olivera-Ardid Sara , Bello-Gil Daniel , Tuzikov Alexander , Araujo Ricardo N. , Ferrero-Alves Yara , García Figueroa Blanca Esther , Labrador-Horrillo Moisés , García-Pérez Ana L. , Bovin Nicolai , Mañez Rafael
Published: March 2022

Anti-αGal IgE antibodies mediate a spreading allergic condition known as αGal-syndrome (AGS). People exposed to hard tick bites are sensitized to αGal, producing elevated levels of anti-αGal IgE, which are responsible for AGS. This work presents an immunotherapy based on polymeric αGal-glycoconjugates for potentially treating allergic disorders by selectively inhibiting anti-αGal IgE antibodies. We synthesized a set of αGal-glycoconjugates, based on poly-L-lysine of different degrees of polymerization (DP1000, DP600, and DP100), to specifically inhibit in vitro the anti-αGal IgE antibodies in the serum of αGal-sensitized patients (n=13). Moreover, an animal model for αGal sensitization in GalT-KO mice was developed by intradermal administration of hard tick’ salivary gland extract, mimicking the sensitization mechanism postulated in humans. The in vitro exposure to all polymeric glycoconjugates (5-10-20-50-100 µg/mL) mainly inhibited anti-αGal IgE and IgM isotypes, with a lower inhibition effect on the IgA and IgG, respectively. We demonstrated a differential anti-αGal isotype inhibition as a function of the length of the poly-L-lysine and the number of αGal residues exposed in the glycoconjugates. These results defined a minimum of 27 αGal residues to inhibit most of the induced anti-αGal IgE in vitro. Furthermore, the αGal-glycoconjugate DP1000-RA0118 (10 mg/kg sc.) showed a high capacity to remove the anti-αGal IgE antibodies (≥75% on average) induced in GalT-KO mice, together with similar inhibition for circulating anti-αGal IgG and IgM. Our study suggests the potential clinical use of poly-L-lysine-based αGal-glycoconjugates for treating allergic disorders mediated by anti-αGal IgE antibodies.
Sea Ice and Substratum Shape Extensive Kelp Forests in the Canadian Arctic
Authors: Filbee-Dexter Karen , MacGregor Kathleen A. , Lavoie Camille , Garrido Ignacio , Goldsmit Jesica , Castro de la Guardia Laura , Howland Kimberly L. , Johnson Ladd E. , Konar Brenda , McKindsey Christopher W. , Mundy Christopher J. , Schlegel Robert W. , Archambault Philippe
Published: March 2022

The coastal zone of the Canadian Arctic represents 10% of the world’s coastline and is one of the most rapidly changing marine regions on the planet. To predict the consequences of these environmental changes, a better understanding of how environmental gradients shape coastal habitat structure in this area is required. We quantified the abundance and diversity of canopy forming seaweeds throughout the nearshore zone (5–15 m) of the Eastern Canadian Arctic using diving surveys and benthic collections at 55 sites distributed over 3,000 km of coastline. Kelp forests were found throughout, covering on average 40.4% (±29.9 SD) of the seafloor across all sites and depths, despite thick sea ice and scarce hard substrata in some areas. Total standing macroalgal biomass ranged from 0 to 32 kg m–2 wet weight and averaged 3.7 kg m–2 (±0.6 SD) across all sites and depths. Kelps were less abundant at depths of 5 m compared to 10 or 15 m and distinct regional assemblages were related to sea ice cover, substratum type, and nutrient availability. The most common community configuration was a mixed assemblage of four species: Agarum clathratum (14.9% benthic cover ± 12.0 SD), Saccharina latissima (13% ± 14.7 SD), Alaria esculenta (5.4% ± 1.2 SD), and Laminaria solidungula (3.7% ± 4.9 SD). A. clathratum dominated northernmost regions and S. latissima and L. solidungula occurred at high abundance in regions with more open water days. In southeastern areas along the coast of northern Labrador, the coastal zone was mainly sea urchin barrens, with little vegetation. We found positive relationships between open water days (days without sea ice) and kelp biomass and seaweed diversity, suggesting kelp biomass could increase, and the species composition of kelp forests could shift, as sea ice diminishes in some areas of the Eastern Canadian Arctic. Our findings demonstrate the high potential productivity of this extensive coastal zone and highlight the need to better understand the ecology of this system and the services it provides.
Calcium-Calmodulin-Involved Heat Shock Response of Neoporphyra haitanensis
Authors: Zheng Hongyan , Xu Yan , Ji Dehua , Xu Kai , Chen Changsheng , Wang Wenlei , Xie Chaotian
Published: March 2022

Increasing global temperatures have seriously affected the sustainable development of Neoporphyra haitanensis cultivation. Although several pathways are reported to be involved in the response of N. haitanensis to heat stress, it is unknown which ones are activated by signal transduction. Previously, we detected a large influx of calcium ions (Ca2+) in N. haitanensis under heat stress. In this study, we further investigated the specificity of Ca2+ signaling and how is it transduced. Transmission electron microscopy and Fv/Fm analyses showed that the Ca2+ signal derived from extracellular Ca2+ formed at the early stage of the response to heat stress, and the signal was recognized and decoded by N. haitanensis calmodulin (NhCaM). In yeast two-hybrid assays, DnaJ, a voltage-dependent anion channel, and a bromodomain-containing protein interacted with PhCaM1 in vivo. The transcript levels of the genes encoding these proteins increased significantly in response to heat stress, but decreased upon inhibition of NhCaM1, indicating that these interacting factors were positively related to NhCaM1. Additionally, a comparative transcriptome analysis indicated that Ca2+ signal transduction is involved in phosphatidylinositol, photosystem processes, and energy metabolism in N. haitanensis under heat stress. Our results suggest that Ca2+-CaM plays important roles in signal transduction in response to heat stress in N. haitanensis.
Effect of Hydrogen Inhalation Therapy on Hearing Loss of Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma After Radiotherapy
Authors: Kong Xiaofeng , Lu Tianyu , Lu You-Yong , Yin Zhinan , Xu Kecheng
Published: March 2022

Objective

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of hydrogen inhalation in improving hearing loss in patients with long-term survival of nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy.

Methods

The eustachian tube dysfunction score, pure tone air conduction threshold, bone conduction threshold, the score of tympanogram and otoscope were prospectively observed in patients with deafness after radiotherapy only or combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Paired t test and one-way analysis of variance were used to analyze the data before and after treatment.

Results

A total of 17 patients were observed. The median time from radiotherapy to now was 228 months, and the median time from the diagnose of deafness to now was 92 months. After 4 weeks of hydrogen inhalation, the score of eustachian tube dysfunction, air conduction and bone conduction hearing thresholds were significantly reduced, P values were 0.0293, 0.0027, 0.0404, respectively. The mean air-bone gap, the score of otoendoscopy and tympanogram were also decreased, but the differences were not significant (P = 0.2079, P = 0.0536, P = 0.1056). Patients with radiotherapy alone and concurrent chemo-radiotherapy had significantly lower air conduction hearing threshold after hydrogen absorption (P = 0.0142, P = 0.0495). The results of air and bone hearing thresholds before, 4 and 12 weeks after hydrogen inhalation showed a descending trend. The air and bone hearing thresholds before hydrogen inhalation were 74.69 ± 27.03 dB and 45.70 ± 21.58 dB, respectively. At the 12th week, the mean values of air and bone hearing thresholds were the lowest, which were 66.88 ± 20.88 dB and 40.94 ± 18.93 dB, respectively, but there was no significant difference in air and bone hearing thresholds among all groups (P = 0.6755, P = 0.7712). After hydrogen inhalation treatment, no adverse reactions such as nosebleed, chest pain, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, earache and allergic reaction were observed.

Conclusion

This is the first prospective study on the effect of hydrogen inhalation on hearing improvement in patients with deafness after radiotherapy/chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, suggesting that continuous hydrogen inhalation may be an alternative rehabilitation therapy for these patients.
Epidemiological Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Variants During Social Protests in Cali, Colombia
Authors: Patiño Luz H. , Castañeda Sergio , Muñoz Marina , Ballesteros Nathalia , Ramirez Angie L. , Luna Nicolas , Guerrero-Araya Enzo , Pérez Julie , Correa-Cárdenas Camilo A. , Duque Maria Clara , Méndez Claudia , Oliveros Carolina , Shaban Maryia V. , Paniz-Mondolfi Alberto E. , Ramírez Juan David
Published: March 2022

Background

The third wave of the global health crisis attributed to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus reached Colombia in March 2021. Over the following 6 months, it was interpolated by manifestations of popular disapproval to the actual political regime—with multiple protests sprouting throughout the country. Large social gatherings seeded novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) variants in big cities and propagated their facile spread, leading to increased rates of hospitalizations and deaths.

Methods

In this article, we evaluate the effective reproduction number (Rt) dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in Cali, Colombia, between 4 April 2021 and 31 July 2021 based on the analysis of 228 genomes.

Results

Our results showed clear contrast in Rt values between the period of frequent protests (Rt > 1), and the preceding and following months (Rt < 1). Genomic analyses revealed 16 circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages during the initial period—including variants of concern (VOCs) (Alpha, Gamma, and Delta) and variants of interest (VOIs) (Lambda and Mu). Furthermore, we noticed the Mu variant dominating the COVID-19 distribution schema as the months progressed. We identified four principal clusters through phylogenomic analyses—each one of potentially independent introduction to the city. Two of these were associated with the Mu variant, one associated with the Gamma variant, and one with the Lambda variant.

Conclusion

Our results chronicle the impact of large group assemblies on the epidemiology of COVID-19 during this intersection of political turmoil and sanitary crisis in Cali, Colombia. We emphasize upon the effects of limited biosecurity strategies (which had characterized this time period), on the spread of highly virulent strains throughout Cali and greater Colombia.
Transmission Clusters, Predominantly Associated With Men Who Have Sex With Men, Play a Main Role in the Propagation of HIV-1 in Northern Spain (2013–2018)
Authors: Gil Horacio , Delgado Elena , Benito Sonia , Georgalis Leonidas , Montero Vanessa , Sánchez Mónica , Cañada-García Javier E. , García-Bodas Elena , Díaz Asunción , Thomson Michael M. ,   The Members of the Spanish Group for the Study of New HIV Diagnoses
Published: March 2022

Viruses of HIV-1-infected individuals whose transmission is related group phylogenetically in transmission clusters (TCs). The study of the phylogenetic relations of these viruses and the factors associated with these individuals is essential to analyze the HIV-1 epidemic. In this study, we examine the role of TCs in the epidemiology of HIV-1 infection in Galicia and the Basque County, two regions of northern Spain. A total of 1,158 HIV-1-infected patients from both regions with new diagnoses (NDs) in 2013–2018 were included in the study. Partial HIV-1 pol sequences were analyzed phylogenetically by approximately maximum-likelihood with FastTree 2. In this analysis, 10,687 additional sequences from samples from HIV-1-infected individuals collected in Spain in 1999–2019 were also included to assign TC membership and to determine TCs’ sizes. TCs were defined as those which included viruses from ≥4 individuals, at least 50% of them Spaniards, and with ≥0.95 Shimodaira-Hasegawa-like node support in the phylogenetic tree. Factors associated to TCs were evaluated using odds ratios (OR) and their 95% CI. Fifty-one percent of NDs grouped in 162 TCs. Male patients (OR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.5–4.7) and men having sex with men (MSM; OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.4–3.2) had higher odds of belonging to a TC compared to female and heterosexual patients, respectively. Individuals from Latin America (OR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.2–0.4), North Africa (OR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2–1.0), and especially Sub-Saharan Africa (OR: 0.02; 95% CI: 0.003–0.2) were inversely associated to belonging to TCs compared to native Spaniards. Our results show that TCs are important components of the HIV-1 epidemics in the two Spanish regions studied, where transmission between MSM is predominant. The majority of migrants were infected with viruses not belonging to TCs that expand in Spain. Molecular epidemiology is essential to identify local peculiarities of HIV-1 propagation. The early detection of TCs and prevention of their expansion, implementing effective control measures, could reduce HIV-1 infections.
Agricultural Jiaosu: An Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective Control Strategy for Suppressing Fusarium Root Rot Disease in Astragalus membranaceus
Authors: Gao Youhui , Zhang Yue , Cheng Xiaoqian , Zheng Zehui , Wu Xuehong , Dong Xuehui , Hu Yuegao , Wang Xiaofen
Published: March 2022

Root rot caused by the pathogenic fungi of the Fusarium genus poses a great threat to the yield and quality of medicinal plants. The application of Agricultural Jiaosu (AJ), which contains beneficial microbes and metabolites, represents a promising disease control strategy. However, the action-effect of AJ on Fusarium root rot disease remains unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the characteristics and antifungal activity of AJ fermented using waste leaves and stems of medicinal plants, and elucidated the mechanisms of AJ action by quantitative real-time PCR and redundancy analysis. The effects of AJ and antagonistic microbes isolated from it on disease suppression were further validated through a pot experiment. Our results indicate that the AJ was rich in beneficial microorganisms (Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Lactobacillus), organic acids (acetic, formic, and butyric acids) and volatile organic compounds (alcohols and esters). It could effectively inhibit Fusarium oxysporum and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was 13.64%. The antifungal contribution rate of the microbial components of AJ reached 46.48%. Notably, the redundancy analysis revealed that the Bacillus and Pseudomonas genera occupied the main niche during the whole inhibition process. Moreover, the abundance of the Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Lactobacillus genera were positively correlated with the pH-value, lactic, formic and butyric acids. The results showed that the combined effects of beneficial microbes and organic acid metabolites increased the efficacy of the AJ antifungal activity. The isolation and identification of AJ’s antagonistic microbes detected 47 isolates that exhibited antagonistic activities against F. oxysporum in vitro. In particular, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus velezensis presented the strongest antifungal activity. In the pot experiment, the application of AJ and these two Bacillus species significantly reduced the disease incidence of Fusarium root rot and promoted the growth of Astragalus. The present study provides a cost-effective method to control of Fusarium root rot disease, and establishes a whole-plant recycling pattern to promote the sustainable development of medicinal plant cultivation.
Host Shift Speciation of the Ectomycorrhizal Genus Suillus (Suillineae, Boletales) and Biogeographic Comparison With Its Host Pinaceae
Authors: Zhang Rui , Shi Xiao-fei , Liu Pei-gui , Wilson Andrew W. , Mueller Gregory M.
Published: March 2022

Suillus is a genus of ectomycorrhizal fungi associated almost exclusively with Pinaceae. Lack of sample collections in East Asia and unresolved basal phylogenetic relationships of the genus are the major obstacles for better understanding the Suillus evolution. A resolved phylogeny of Suillus representing global diversity was achieved by sequencing multiple nuclear ribosomal and protein coding genes and extensive samples collected in East Asia. Fungal fossils are extremely rare, and the Eocene ectomycorrhizal symbiosis (ECM) fossil of Pinus root has been widely used for calibration. This study explored an alternative calibration scenario of the ECM fossil for controversy. Ancestral host associations of Suillus were estimated by maximum likelihood and Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) analyses, inferred from current host information from root tips and field observation. Host shift speciation explains the diversification of Suillus major clades. The three basal subgenera of Suillus were inferred to be associated with Larix, and diverged in early Eocene or Upper Cretaceous. In the early Oligocene or Paleocene, subgenus Suillus diverged and switched host to Pinus subgenus Strobus, and then switched to subgenus Pinus four times. Suillus subgenus Douglasii switched host from Larix to Pseudotsuga in Oligocene or Eocene. Increased species diversity occurred in subgenus Suillus after it switched host to Pinus but no associated speciation rate shifts were detected. Ancestral biogeographic distributions of Suillus and Pinaceae were estimated under the Dispersal Extinction Cladogenesis (DEC) model. Ancestral distribution patterns of Suillus and Pinaceae are related but generally discordant. Dispersals between Eurasia and North America explain the prevalence of disjunct Suillus taxa.
Effect of Cistanche deserticola on Rumen Microbiota and Rumen Function in Grazing Sheep
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyun , Liu Xulei , Chang Shenghua , Zhang Cheng , Du Wuchen , Hou Fujiang
Published: March 2022

For a long time, veterinary drugs and chemical additives have been widely used in livestock and poultry breeding to improve production performance. However, problems such as drug residues in food are causing serious concerns. The use of functional plants and their extracts to improve production performance is becoming increasingly popular. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Cistanche deserticola in sheep feed on rumen flora and to analyze the causes to provide a theoretical basis for the future use of Cistanche deserticola as a functional substance to improve sheep production performance. A completely randomized experimental design was adopted using 24 six-month-old sheep males divided into four groups (six animals in each group) which were fed a basic diet composed of alfalfa and tall fescue grass. The C. deserticola feed was provided to sheep at different levels (0, 2, 4, and 6%) as experimental treatments. On the last day (Day 75), ruminal fluid was collected through a rumen tube for evaluating changes in rumen flora. The test results showed that Prevotella_1, Lactobacillus, and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group were the dominant species at the genus level in all samples. Lactobacillus, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group, Butyrivibrio_2, and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group differed significantly in relative abundance among the treatment groups. The polysaccharides in C. deserticola was the major factor influencing the alteration in rumen flora abundance, and had the functions of improving rumen fermentation environment and regulating rumen flora structure, etc. Hence, C. deserticola can be used to regulate rumen fermentation in grazing sheep to improve production efficiency.
Fungal Communities of Eucalyptus grandis Leaves Are Influenced by the Insect Pest Leptocybe invasa
Authors: Messal Mandy , Vivas María , Kemler Martin , Begerow Dominik , Brachmann Andreas , Witfeld Frederick , Naidoo Sanushka , Slippers Bernard
Published: March 2022

Fungal communities in above-ground tree tissues are hyperdiverse and are influenced by biotic interactions with other organisms living in or on these tissues. These biotic interactions are, however, still poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to understand how insect-associated gall formation on Eucalyptus foliage correlates with the diversity of foliar fungal communities in surrounding healthy leaf tissue, as well as the co-occurrence patterns among the members of the fungal community. We used ITS metabarcoding to characterise the foliar fungal communities of 179 individual E. grandis trees. These trees were assigned to infestation levels of the wasp Leptocybe invasa (Eulophidae: Hymenoptera), which causes gall formation on shoot tips and leaves of its host. Fungal community networks were calculated using a Pearson correlation coefficient. The composition and diversity of fungal communities were influenced by the severity of L. invasa infestations. We identified potential Eucalyptus pathogens with high sequence abundance at all disease severity levels, but network analysis indicated that the co-occurrence of potential pathogens between no to mild and medium to heavy infestation differed significantly. A better understanding of microbial interactions, especially the role of pathogens, can be useful for controlling disease- and beneficial host-associated microbial communities.
Biochemical Characterization of a Carrageenase, Car1383, Derived From Associated Bacteria of Antarctic Macroalgae
Authors: Li Jiang , Gu Xiaoqian , Zhang Qian , Fu Liping , Tan Jiaojiao , Zhao Luying
Published: March 2022

A carrageenase gene, car1383, was obtained from the metagenome of Antarctic macroalgae-associated bacteria. The amino acid sequence of its product showed up to 33% similarity with other carrageenases and contained a GH16-family motif. The recombinant Car1383 was heterologously expressed in Eschericia coli and exhibited maximal activity at 50°C and pH 6.0, with a Km of 6.51 mg/ml and a Vmax of 55.77 U/mg. Its activity was enhanced by some cations (Na+, K+, and Fe2+), but inhibited or inactivated by others (Sr2+, Ca2+, Ni2+, Ba2+, Mn2+, Cu2+, Fe3+, and Mg2+). Car1383 degraded carrageenan into neocarrabiose and neocarratetraose. Site-directed mutagenesis indicated that putative active sites, E190 and E195, conserved sites, W183 and G255, play important roles in Car1383 activity. This study provides a new candidate for the industrial preparation of bioactive algal oligosaccharides.