bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methodological approaches for estimating populations of the endangered dhole Cuon alpinus
Authors: Punjabi Girish A. , Havmøller Linnea Worsøe , Havmøller Rasmus Worsøe , Ngoprasert Dusit , Srivathsa Arjun
Published: February 2022

Large carnivores are important for maintaining ecosystem integrity and attract much research and conservation interest. For most carnivore species, estimating population density or abundance is challenging because they do not have unique markings for individual identification. This hinders status assessments for many threatened species, and calls for testing new methodological approaches. We examined past efforts to assess the population status of the endangered dhole (Cuon alpinus), and explored the application of a suite of recently developed models for estimating their populations using camera-trap data from India’s Western Ghats. We compared the performance of Site-Based Abundance (SBA), Space-to-Event (STE), and Time-to-Event (TTE) models against current knowledge of their population size in the area. We also applied two of these models (TTE and STE) to the co-occurring leopard (Panthera pardus), for which density estimates were available from Spatially Explicit Capture–Recapture (SECR) models, so as to simultaneously validate the accuracy of estimates for one marked and one unmarked species. Our review of literature (n = 38) showed that most assessments of dhole populations involved crude indices (relative abundance index; RAI) or estimates of occupancy and area of suitable habitat; very few studies attempted to estimate populations. Based on empirical data from our field surveys, the TTE and SBA models overestimated dhole population size beyond ecologically plausible limits, but the STE model produced reliable estimates for both the species. Our findings suggest that it is difficult to estimate population sizes of unmarked species when model assumptions are not fully met and data are sparse, which are commonplace for most ecological surveys in the tropics. Based on our assessment, we propose that practitioners who have access to photo-encounter data on dholes across Asia test old and new analytical approaches to increase the overall knowledge-base on the species, and contribute towards conservation monitoring of this endangered carnivore.
High-Efficiency Encryption and Authentication Network Security for Automotive Ethernet
Authors:   Division of Electronics and Communication Engineering of Yanbian University, Yanji, China, Li Jia-Ming , Fu Shuo , Wu Yu-Jing , Xu Yi-Nan
Published: February 2022

Automotive ethernet has the advantages of high bandwidth, low latency, and strong compatibility, which meets the needs of new energy vehicles for the development of network integration. Automotive ethernet can not only solve the problem of increased wiring harness and complicated wiring in the intelligentization of automotive electronics, but also can improve the comfort, reliability and multiple safety of the car. Although the car is connected to the smart phone, Bluetooth, Internet and other network systems to improve the driving pleasure for the driver, but it brings hacker attacks, security loopholes and other car network security problems that cannot be ignored, which seriously affects the safe driving of the car, personal privacy, and even endanger public safety. In this paper, we focus on the need for the network security of automotive ethernet, and analyses problem in encryption authentication algorithm. An improved AES-128 encryption algorithm and an improved MD5 authentication algorithm are proposed innovatively. Through the experimental simulation of CANoe.Ethernet, the improved AES-128 encryption algorithm proposed in this paper is 15% more efficient than the traditional encryption algorithm, and the improved MD5 authentication algorithm is 4 times faster than the traditional authentication algorithm. Thus, the active network security performance of automotive ethernet is further improved.
Early Identification and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Short versus Standard Incubated Blood Cultures from a Tertiary Care Centre in Southern India
Authors: Padmaja Kanne , Sudhaharan Sukanya , Vemu Lakshmi , Teja Vijay Dharma
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Blood cultures play an important role in the early diagnosis of sepsis and its management. Early detection of pathogens in Blood Stream Infections (BSI) and their Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) pattern, plays a vital role in the diagnosis of sepsis and is important for guidance of appropriate therapy. Aim: To evaluate the accuracy of shortly incubated blood cultures in comparison with standard method for an early Identification (ID) and AST. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study undertaken from July 2015-June 2016 at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The blood cultures were loaded in the BacT/Alert system. A total of 92 patients with two sets of blood cultures that flagged positive within 24 hours of collection were included in the study. Grams stain and subcultures of the broths were done. The culture plates were examined after four hours and then at hourly intervals for the presence of growth. Once the growth was sufficient it was processed immediately for ID and AST by Vitek 2C. Incubation of the plates was continued for the rest of the 24 hours at 37oC and was processed again. The mean time for detection were compared between short and standard cultures. Results: Gram negative pathogens were the predominant organisms isolated in 82/92 (89%) followed by Gram positive in 10/92 (10%). The short and standard cultures had comparable results with respect to ID of the isolates. But, the AST results were comparable only in 88/92 (95.6%) patients. Of the remaining four patients, the AST showed Very Major Error (VME) in 3 (3.3%) patients and Major Error (ME) in 1 (1.08%) patient. Conclusion: Short incubation of cultures enabled earliest ID and AST of the isolates from blood cultures than standard incubation
DETERMINAÇÃO DA PRODUÇÃO DE BIOGÁS EM UMA FÁBRICA DE CHOCOLATES PARA FINS DE APROVEITAMENTO ENERGÉTICO
Authors: Pereira Flávio Raposo , Zavarise Julio Pansiere , Pinotti Laura Marina
Published: February 2022

Os efluentes líquidos das fábricas de chocolates demandam tratamento, dado o seu potencial poluidor. Uma alternativa é empregar o tratamento anaeróbio, que remove parcialmente a matéria orgânica e produz biogás. A produção de biogás pode ser estimada por meio de equações matemáticas simples, e a partir dessas estimativas pode ser avaliado o uso energético desse insumo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar o biogás produzido em um Reator Anaeróbio de Fluxo Ascendente (UASB, sigla em inglês) na unidade de tratamento de efluentes industriais e sanitários de uma fábrica de chocolates e avaliar dois cenários hipotéticos de aproveitamento energético do biogás gerado. O método usado para a estimativa da produção de metano foi o AMS III.H, com adaptações. Após a análise estatística, os dados amostrais indicaram que foram gerados cerca de 49020 Nm³/ano de biogás, com uma taxa de produção igual a 0,21 Nm3 biogás/kg de Demanda Química de Oxigênio (DQO) removida. O trabalho concluiu que o cenário de aproveitamento energético dobiogás para a geração de vapor em caldeiras apresentou-se superior pelo seu baixo custo relativo de manutenção, pela pronta adaptabilidade dos sistemas de gás natural para biogás e pelas vantagens ambientais oferecidas.
AVALIAÇÃO DA INFLUÊNCIA DO USO E COBERTURA DO SOLO E DA RETIRADA DE ÁGUA SUBTERRÂNEA SOBRE A VAZÃO DO RIBEIRÃO TORTINHO – DF
Authors: Pereira Alice Rocha , Almeida Andréia de , Koide Sergio
Published: February 2022

A ocupação intensa e desordenada ocorrida nas últimas décadas na região do Núcleo Rural Lago Oeste (LO), inserida na bacia do ribeirão Tortinho, bem como, o aumento das atividades agrícolas e irrigação, passando a totalizar aproximadamente 22% da bacia, tornou-se um fator preocupante dado que o ribeirão Tortinho contribui para o abastecimento de água para consumo humano em Brasília. Ademais, em face à irregularidade da ocupação urbana, não há abastecimento de água pela companhia local e ocorre a explotação de águas subterrâneas no LO para abastecimento e irrigação. Logo, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito das alterações de uso e cobertura do solo na vazão do ribeirão Tortinho e analisar o impacto devido à exploração de águas subterrâneas sobre o escoamento de base no ribeirão Tortinho. Para avaliar a influência das mudanças ocorridas no uso e cobertura do solo sobre a vazão foi realizada simulação com o modelo de bacia SWAT e aplicado o teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov nas séries de vazão, enquanto, na avaliação do efeito da retirada de água por poços na região sobre o escoamento de base, foram considerados cenários para a simulação com o modelo acoplado SWAT-MODFLOW. Observou-se que as alterações ocorridas na vazão simulada em face às mudanças de uso e cobertura (1975 e 2013) não foram estatisticamente significantes. Os cenários simulados com maior número de poços, baseados em levantamento de campo, como forma de aproximar mais à situação real, leva a uma extensa área de secamento na região do LO prolongando-se para dentro do Parque Nacional de Brasília, o que afetaria a vegetação nativa e o escoamento de base. Dessa forma, a retirada de águas subterrâneas no LO pode ter impacto significativo no nível freático no domínio poroso e, portanto, verifica-se a importância de hidrometração dos poços na região para que seja realizada a gestão adequada das águas da bacia.
AVALIAÇÃO PRELIMINAR DA REMOÇÃO DE ATIVIDADE ESTROGÊNICA DE UMA MISTURA DE DESREGULADORES ENDÓCRINOS EM ÁGUA UTILIZANDO CARVÃO ATIVADO GRANULAR
Authors: Santos Juliana Palermo Evangelista dos , Corrêa Lucas Martins , Fernandes Pedro Antônio Alves , Bottrel Sue Ellen Costa , Pereira Renata de Oliveira
Published: February 2022

Os Desreguladores Endócrinos (DE) têm sido detectados em mananciais de abastecimento de água e sua remoção se faz necessária. Esses compostos são capazes de interagir ao sistema endócrino mesmo em concentrações muito baixas. Entre as tecnologias utilizadas em Estações de Tratamento de Água, o carvão ativado possui uma satisfatória relação custo-benefício e não forma subprodutos químicos no processo. Assim, avaliou-se a remoção da atividade estrogênica causada por uma mistura de estrona (E1), 17-β-estradiol (E2), 17-α-etinilestradiol (EE2) e 4-n-nonilfenol (NP), em baixas concentrações, por Carvão Ativado Granular (CAG), em diferentes doses. O CAG foi caracterizado e foram utilizadas doses variando de 100 a 700 mg.L-1. A quantificação da atividade estrogênica foi realizada pelo ensaio Yeast Estrogen Screen antes e após os experimentos. Observou-se que o CAG possuiu baixa quantidade de microporos e mesoporos, com a maior remoção da atividade estrogênica, de 91,6%, ocorrendo na maior dose de CAG utilizada (700 mg.L-1). Além disso, foi possível confirmar sinergia entre os DE, tornando a avaliação da atividade estrogênica uma importante ferramenta no estudo de DE. Portanto, conclui-se uma elevada remoção por CAG, todavia com atividade estrogênica remanescente podendo causar efeitos adversos à saúde.
FILTRAÇÃO EM MÚLTIPLAS ETAPAS (FiME) MODIFICADA POR MATERIAIS NÃO CONVENCIONAIS
Authors: Almeida Tiago Silva de , Lima Anderson de Jesus , Souza Lucas de Araújo , Michelan Denise Conceição de Góis Santos
Published: February 2022

Dentre as técnicas disponíveis para tratamento de água para abastecimento humano, pesquisas apontam a filtração em múltiplas etapas (FiME) como alternativa para algumas limitações da filtração lenta pelos tradicionais filtros de areia. Com o objetivo de amortecer picos de cor e turbidez da água afluente, a FiME propõe uma ou mais etapas de filtração antecedentes aos filtros lentos, podendo incorporar materiais não convencionais e resíduos na composição dos leitos filtrantes das suas etapas de filtração, agregando viés ambiental e econômico. Assim, o trabalho avaliou a eficiência do tratamento do sistema de FiME composto por três unidades de filtração ligadas em série, com meios filtrantes compostos por manta não tecida, resíduo de cerâmica vermelha e fibras de coco. O sistema piloto operou sob taxa de filtração de 3 m3/m2 dia ± 10%, em regime intermitente, através de dois Estágios distintos (Estágios 1 e 2). O monitoramento do sistema, associado às análises estatísticas realizadas, não evidenciou diferenças significativas entre os desempenhos alcançados nos dois Estágios. Os pré-filtros apresentaram eficiências médias de remoção de cor aparente de 60% e 46% para os Estágios 1 e 2, respectivamente, ao passo em que a eficiência média de remoção de turbidez alcançada foi de 64% no Estágio 1 e 57% para o Estágio 2, baseando-se, sobretudo, na capacidade de adsorção dos resíduos cerâmicos. A adição das camadas de manta não tecida foi pouco expressiva sobre a eficiência dos filtros, entretanto pôde agregar estabilidade na operação destes, haja vista os baixos Índices de Decaimento da Qualidade da Água (IDQA) alcançados.
Pressupostos para a concepção de educação no pensamento de Marx: um estudo de 1844 a 1848
Authors: Almeida José Salvador , Ferreira Costa Frederico Jorge
Published: February 2022

O artigo analisa quatro pressupostos - 1) a crítica de Marx a economia nacional e a propriedade privada; 2) O conceito de trabalho estranhado; 3) a crítica de Marx à sociedade capitalista e 4) a afirmação de Marx de que o homem é um ser genérico - para compreender a concepção de educação, no pensamento de Marx, durante o período de 1844 a 1848, a partir do estudo das seguintes obras, a saber: Manuscritos econômico-filosófico (1844), A Ideologia Alemã (1845-1846) e Manifesto Comunista (1848). A pesquisa possui abordagem qualitativa, de natureza básica, de objetivos: exploratório e explicativos, de procedimento bibliográfico. Após a análise dos pressupostos, defendemos que Marx entende a educação como um processo de desenvolvimento das capacidades físicas, intelectuais e moral do ser humano em geral, uma educação que é indissociável da sociedade, pois articula-se social e historicamente com a categoria trabalho, na acepção de atividade constitutiva e formativa do ser social.
América Latina: 200 anos de fatalidade
Authors: Echeverría Bolívar , Fidelis Thays
Published: February 2022

Este foi provavelmente o último artigo escrito pelo filósofo equatoriano Bolívar Echeverría. Traduzido por Thays Fidelis
América Latina, experiências socialistas e educação
Authors: Correa Prado Fernando , Modé Magalhães Giselle , Ruiz Cardoso Mario Mariano , Messeder Neto Hélio da Silva
Published: February 2022

Editorial do número América Latina, experiências socialistas e educação
CHML is an NRF2 target gene that regulates mTOR function
Authors: Dodson Matthew , Dai Wujing , Anandhan Annadurai , Schmidlin Cody J. , Liu Pengfei , Wilson Nathan C. , Wei Yongyi , Kitamura Naoya , Galligan James J. , Ooi Aikseng , Chapman Eli , Zhang Donna D.
Published: February 2022

The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2) is often highly expressed in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Through its target genes, NRF2 enhances cancer progression and chemo/radioresistance, leading to a poorer prognosis in patients with high NRF2 expression. In this study, we identified CHM‐like Rab escort protein (CHML; encoding Rep2) as an NRF2 target gene with an antioxidant response element (ARE) in its promoter region (–1622 to –1612). Analysis of patient data curated by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Oncomine databases revealed that CHML mRNA expression was elevated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patient tumor tissues and correlated with decreased patient survival. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis of normal versus lung cancer patient tissues revealed that Rep2 protein levels were higher in lung tumors compared with normal tissue, which also correlated with increased levels of NRF2. Importantly, siRNA‐mediated knockdown of CHML/Rep2 in A549 NSCLC cells decreased their ability to proliferate. Mechanistically, Rep2 mediates mTOR function, as loss of Rep2 inhibited, whereas overexpression enhanced, mTOR translocation and activation at the lysosome. Our findings identify a novel NRF2–Rep2‐dependent regulation of mTOR function.
The dynamics of cell death patterns and regeneration during acute liver injury in mice
Authors: Shao Shuai , Zhang Yu , Li Guantong , Yu Zhenjun , Cao Yingying , Zheng Lina , Zhang Kun , Han Xiaohui , Shi Zhemin , Cui Hongmei , Song Xiaomeng , Hong Wei , Han Tao
Published: February 2022

Acute liver injury is a serious clinical syndrome with multiple causes and unclear pathological process. Here, CCl4‐ and D‐galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (D‐gal/LPS)‐induced acute liver injury was established to explore the cell death patterns and determine whether or not liver regeneration occurred. In CCl4‐induced hepatic injury, three phases, including the early, progressive, and recovery phase, were considered based on alterations of serum transaminases and liver morphology. Moreover, in this model, cytokines exhibited double‐peak fluctuations; apoptosis and pyroptosis persisted throughout all phases; autophagy occurred in the early and the progressive phases; and sufficient and timely hepatocyte regeneration was observed only during the recovery phase. All of these phenomena contribute to mild liver injury and subsequent regeneration. Strikingly, only the early and progressive phases were observed in the D‐gal/LPS model. Slight pyroptosis occurred in the early phase but diminished in the progressive phase, while apoptosis, reduced autophagy, and slight but subsequently diminished regeneration occurred only during the progressive phase, accompanied by a strong cytokine storm, resulting in severe liver injury with high mortality. Taken together, our work reveals variable modes and dynamics of cell death and regeneration, which lead to different consequences for mild and severe acute liver injury, providing a helpful reference for clinical therapy and prognosis.
Tuning the Hydrophilic–Hydrophobic Balance of Molecular Polymer Bottlebrushes Enhances their Tumor Homing Properties
Authors: Ramamurthi Parathan , Zhao Zhongchao , Burke Eamonn , Steinmetz Nicole F. , Müllner Markus
Published: February 2022

Nanoparticle (NP)‐based drug delivery systems are promising in anticancer therapy, capable of delivering cargo with superior selectivity and achieving enhanced tumor accumulation compared to small‐molecule therapeutics. As more efforts are being devoted to NP development, molecular polymer bottlebrushes (MPBs) have gained attention as a potential drug delivery vehicle. To date, the influence of various MPB parameters such as size, shape, and surface charge in determining tumor penetrability have been systematically probed. However, the role of amphiphilicity, specifically the hydrophilic–hydrophobic balance, remains unexplored. In this study, a series of MPBs are employed with varied hydrophobicity levels to reveal a dependence between MPB composition, cell association, and tumor homing. The data indicates that increasing levels of hydrophobicity in MPBs (to a certain level) demonstrate only marginal effects in vitro but reveals enhanced tumor homing in a mouse model of ovarian cancer in vivo, where more hydrophilic MPBs exhibit low tissue deposition and low tumor homing. In contrast, more hydrophobic MPBs show significant tumor accumulation and homing due to their engineered hydrophobicity.
Species, clover‐inclusion, and nitrogen fertilizer effects on sod tensile strength of fine fescue taxa
Authors: Braun Ross C. , Patton Aaron J.
Published: February 2022

Increasing fertilization rates from 0 to 49 kg N ha−1 during establishment of fine fescue (Festuca spp.) taxa can promote faster grow‐in; however, the influence on sod production (tensile strength and handling) is unknown. More information is needed on both fine fescue taxa and the effects N fertilizer or inclusion of clover (Trifolium spp.) during establishment on sod strength. Field experiments were repeated in 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 in Indiana to quantify differences among four fine fescue taxa and N fertilizer or clover‐inclusion effects on sod production. Six N fertilizer levels ranged from 0 to 122.5 kg N ha−1 during the first 8 weeks after planting (WAP), and two treatments consisted of inclusion of either annual or perennial clover + 0 kg N ha−1 at seeding. Sod harvest variables were measured at harvests from 9 to 12 months after planting (MAP). Results indicate fine fescue growth habit characteristics play a large role in sod strength differences. The highest to lowest sod strength and handling was ranked as follows: strong creeping red fescue (F. rubra L. ssp. rubra Gaudin) > slender creeping red fescue [F. rubra ssp. littoralis (G. Mey.) Auquier] ≥ Chewings fescue (F. rubra ssp. commutata Gaudin) ≥ hard fescue (F. brevipila Tracey). A minimal effect on sod strength and handling at multiple sod harvests (9–12 MAP) was observed from increasing N fertilizer levels during first 8 wk of establishment or from clover inclusion.
Extruded monoliths for gas separation processes: Height equivalent to a theoretical plate and pressure drop correlations
Authors: Mennitto Roberto , Sharma Ishan , Brandani Stefano
Published: February 2022

Extruded monoliths are generally adopted in the chemical industry for the advantage of reduced pressure drops at high throughput, but a systematic procedure to evaluate their performance is not readily available. Key performance indicators for a monolith are the height equivalent to a theoretical plate (HETP) and the pressure drop of its channels. This contribution presents for the first time a systematic approach to the analysis of several extruded monoliths of industrial relevance. A procedure to derive the HETP correlation for an arbitrary extruded monolith is presented, and pressure drop correlations from literature are reviewed. The HETP correlations have been validated against three dimensional (3D) numerical simulations. A reduced‐order model is derived from the HETP and is shown to capture the overall dynamics of the 3D simulations with high accuracy without adjustable parameters. Finally, a comparison between the extruded monoliths and packed beds is reported and includes pressure drops.
Did prioritizing essential workers help to achieve racial/ethnic equity in early COVID‐19 vaccine distribution? The LA pandemic surveillance cohort study
Authors: Nicholas Will , Sood Neeraj , Lam Chun Nok , Kotha Rani , Hu Howard , Simon Paul
Published: February 2022

Background

Most US states and counties prioritized essential workers for early access to COVID‐19 vaccines due to their heightened occupational risk. Racial/ethnic groups most impacted by COVID‐19 are overrepresented among essential workers. This study estimates the effects of prioritizing essential workers on racial/ethnic equity in COVID‐19 vaccination.

Methods

Survey data were collected from 5500 Los Angeles County adult residents in March and April 2021. Multivariate regression models were used to assess marginal changes in probabilities of vaccination attributable to essential worker status by race/ethnicity. These probabilities were multiplied by population proportions of essential workers in each racial/ethnic group to estimate the effects of prioritizing essential workers on vaccine equity in the population.

Results

While Latinos (24.9%), Blacks (22.4%), and Asians (21.4%) were more likely to be prioritized essential workers than Whites (14.3%), their marginal gains in vaccine uptake due to their essential worker status did not significantly differ from that of Whites. At the population‐level, prioritizing vaccines for essential workers increased the probabilities of vaccination by small and similar amounts among Asians (5.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.3%, 7.5%), Blacks (4.0%; 95% CI: 1.7%, 6.5%), Latinos (3.7%; 95% CI: 2.3%, 5.1%), and Whites (2.9%; 95% CI :1.9%, 3.9%).

Conclusions

Prioritizing essential workers did not provide proportionally greater early vaccine uptake benefits to racial/ethnic groups that were disproportionately affected by COVID‐19. Early prioritization of essential workers during vaccine campaigns is an important but insufficient strategy for reducing racial/ethnic disparities in early vaccine uptake. Additional strategies addressing access and trust are needed to achieve greater equity in vaccine distribution.
Poor pulmonary function is associated with mild cognitive impairment, its progression to dementia, and brain pathologies: A community‐based cohort study
Authors: Wang Jiao , Dove Abigail , Song Ruixue , Qi Xiuying , Ma Jun , Bennett David A. , Xu Weili
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The relationship between pulmonary function (PF) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia, and brain pathologies remains unclear.

Methods

A total of 1312 dementia‐free participants, including a cognitively intact group (n = 985) and an MCI group (n = 327), were followed for up to 21 years to detect incident MCI and dementia. PF was assessed at baseline with a composite score and tertiled. Over follow‐up, 540 participants underwent autopsies for neuropathological assessment.

Results

Compared to the highest PF, the hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) of the lowest PF were 1.95 (1.43‐2.66) for MCI in the cognitively intact group and 1.55 (1.03‐2.33) for dementia in the MCI group. Low PF was further related to Alzheimer's disease pathology (odds ratio [OR] 1.32, 95% CI 1.19‐1.47) and vascular pathology (OR 3.05, 95% CI 1.49‐6.25).

Discussion

Low PF increases MCI risk and accelerates MCI progression to dementia. Both neurodegenerative and vascular mechanisms may underlie the PF‐dementia association.
Does fish growth respond to fishing restrictions within Marine Protected Areas? A case study of the striped red mullet in the south‐west Adriatic Sea (central Mediterranean)
Authors: Carbonara Pierluigi , Ciccolella Alessandro , De Franco Francesco , Palmisano Michele , Bellodi Andrea , Lembo Giuseppe , Neglia Cosmidano , Spedicato Maria Teresa , Zupa Walter , Guidetti Paolo
Published: February 2022

Some of the factors that influence fish growth are intrinsic (e.g. genetic and physiological), while others are environmentally driven (e.g. temperature, food availability). Growth, therefore, has biological but also ecological implications, as it is influenced by the environment in terms of energy flow.

In this study, the growth patterns of the striped red mullet, Mullus surmuletus, inside the buffer zone of the Marine Protected Area (MPA) of Torre Guaceto and in two locations (Monopoli and Molfetta) outside the MPA were investigated in the south Adriatic Sea (central Mediterranean).

The growth parameters for the female population fraction were estimated using the otolith back‐calculation technique: predicted asymptotic length (infinity) (TL∞) = 313.781 mm, growth coefficient (K) = 0.236 year−1 and prenatal length (t0) = −1.255 year for Molfetta; TL∞ = 342.988 mm, K = 0.173 year−1 and t0 = −1.828 year for Monopoli; TL∞ = 404.394 mm, K = 0.199 year−1 and t0 = −1.037 year for Torre Guaceto MPA. The results showed a significantly higher growth rate of female specimens of M. surmuletus, particularly 2 years and older, obtained from inside the MPA compared to those taken at the two outside locations.

These findings suggest that fishing restrictions in the buffer zone of the MPA (where fish are more abundant and bigger) could be a more powerful driver for boosting individual fish growth than the mere ‘density effect’, which would have suggested lower growth rates associated with higher population densities.
Comparing the uncomparable? An investigation of car manufacturers' climate performance
Authors: Boiral Olivier , Brotherton Marie‐Christine , Rivaud Léo , Talbot David
Published: February 2022

The objective of this study is to investigate the interfirm comparability of climate performance disclosed in the sustainability reports produced by car manufacturers that have been criticized over the past few years. The in‐depth content analysis of the data disclosed by 17 car manufacturers over the period of 2014 to 2017, covering the five main climate indicators from the Global Reporting Initiative standard, shows that it is impossible to make meaningful comparisons between companies' performance, regardless of the intrinsic reliability of the data disclosed. A detailed examination of the data obtained highlights the four main difficulties that prevent a rigorous and credible ranking of the climate performance disclosed in the sustainability reports: the fuzzy and eclectic measurement methods employed, the unclear and heterogeneous scope of measurement, the noncompliance and lack of standardization of the reported data, and the inconsistencies in and inappropriate contextualization of disclosed information. The use of three complementary theoretical lenses—functionalist, critical, and postmodern—allows for a better understanding of the reasons underlying these problems. Contributions to the literature are set out, particularly on the measurability and comparability of sustainability performance. The practical implications of the study and avenues for future research are also explained.
Bubble dynamics in 2‐D gas–solid fluidized bed with Geldart A or Geldart B particles by image processing method
Authors: Han Bowen , Sun Zeneng , Zhu Jesse , Fu Zhijie , Kong Xiangwei , Barghi Shahzad
Published: February 2022

Gas bubbles in a two‐dimensional gas–solid fluidized bed were identified using an image processing method to characterize the bubble dynamics in a binary fluidization system. The magnetite, sand (two types), and fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst particles belonging to Geldart groups A and B were used as the particulate materials. Image processing and MATLAB were applied for bubble size and velocity measurements. Bubble properties and bed expansion in fluidized beds of those four types of particles were studied. Bubble size and bubble rise velocity were found to increase with the distance above the gas distributor and excess gas velocity. Geldart A particles have a higher bed expansion than Geldart B particles due to the large number of small bubbles in the bed. A new empirical correlation for estimating bubble diameter along the bed height was proposed, giving good agreement with the experimental data.
Regulation of Epstein–Barr virus‐induced molecule 2 in immune responses
Authors: Liu Fangming , Zou Dongxiu , Spada Claudio , Wang Xiangdong
Published: February 2022

Epstein–Barr virus‐induced molecule 2 (EBI2) is well known as a chemotactic receptor for B cells, T cells, dendritic cells (DCs) and other various cell populations. With the deepening of research, it is thought that EBI2 may also play a key role in functional responses, such as immune regulation, differentiation and tissue homeostasis. An abnormal expression of EBI2 has been considered to be associated with diseases, including inflammation and chronic diseases. In this review, we expounded the molecular mechanism of activation of EBI2 stimulated by its most effective agonist, 7α, 25‐OHC, and discussed typical research findings on EBI2 in immune control in recent decades. In addition, diseases caused by unusual EBI2 regulation have also been discussed, especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In conclusion, EBI2 has been potentially regarded as a therapeutic target for chronic inflammation.
Ferroptosis‐associated cholesterol metabolism regulated by p85α in human bronchial epithelial cells with smoking
Authors: Li Liyang , Wang Xiangdong
Published: February 2022

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by inflammation, airflow obstruction, and lung damage resulting from multiple causes, in particular the exposure to cigarette smoke. Growing evidence supports an important role for lipid metabolism in the development of COPD, where ferroptosis plays a critical role in lipid metabolism and cholesterol homeostasis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) in the induction and formation of ferroptosis and its potential relation with intracellular cholesterol accumulation.

Methods

Filipin III staining and cholesterol content assay kit were used to detect intracellular cholesterol level. BODIPY C11 581/591 and malondialdehyde (MDA) assay kit were used to detect lipid perioxidation. Quantitative RT‐PCR was used to detect the mRNA level of ferroptosis‐related and cholesterol‐related genes. The protein expression of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway and related proteins were analyzed by Western blot.

Results

We found that CSE and exogenous cholesterol induced ferroptosis, while the ferroptosis agonist increased intracellular cholesterol levels. The inhibition of ferroptosis activated the cholesterol efflux and synthesis. We also found regulatory roles of PI3K/AKT pathway, especially the role of p85α, in the development of ferroptosis.

Conclusions

CSE‐induced ferroptosis in human bronchial epithelia changed intracellular cholesterol homeostasis. The interaction between cholesterol metabolism and ferroptosis may play an important role in the development of COPD.
The CTCF/LncRNA‐PACERR complex recruits E1A binding protein p300 to induce pro‐tumour macrophages in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma via directly regulating PTGS2 expression
Authors: Liu Yihao , Wang Xuelong , Zhu Youwei , Cao Yizhi , Wang Liwen , Li Fanlu , Zhang Yu , Li Ying , Zhang Zhiqiang , Luo Jiaxin , Deng Xiaxing , Peng Chenghong , Wei Gang , Chen Hao , Shen Baiyong
Published: February 2022

Background

Tumour‐associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in promoting the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Here, we aimed to study the epigenetic mechanisms in regulating pro‐tumour M2‐polarised TAMs in the PDAC tumour microenvironment.

Methods

This study was conducted based on ex vivo TAMs isolated from PDAC tissues and in vitro THP1‐derived TAM model. RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq), assay for transposase‐accessible chromatin with sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing were performed to investigate gene expression, chromatin accessibility, transcription factor binding sites and histone modifications. Gene knockdown in THP1‐derived TAMs was performed with lentivirus, and the impact of THP1‐derived TAMs on invasion and metastasis ability of PDAC cells were investigated with in vitro and in vivo functional assays. RNA‐chromatin interaction was analysed by chromatin isolation through RNA purification with sequencing. RNA‐protein interaction was studied by RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull‐down.

Results

Our data showed that the transcription factor CTCF (CCCTC‐binding factor) was highly expressed in TAMs and predicted to be significantly enriched in hyper‐accessible chromatin regions when compared to monocytes. High infiltration of CTCF+ TAMs was significantly associated with poor prognosis in PDAC patients. Knockdown of CTCF in THP1‐derived TAMs led to the down‐regulation of specific markers for M2‐polarised TAMs, including CD206 and CD163. When THP1‐derived TAMs with CTCF knockdown, they showed a decreased ability of invasion and metastasis. Further integrative analysis of multi‐omics data revealed that prostaglandin‐endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and PTGS2 antisense NF‐κB1 complex‐mediated expression regulator RNA (PACERR) were critical downstream targets of CTCF and positively correlated with each other, which are closely situated on a chromosome. Knockdown of PACERR exhibited a similar phenotype as observed in CTCF knockdown THP1‐derived TAMs. Moreover, PACERR could directly bind to CTCF and recruit histone acetyltransferase E1A binding protein p300 to the promoter regions of PACERR and PTGS2, thereby enhancing histone acetylation and gene transcription, promoting the M2 polarization of TAMs in PDAC.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated a novel epigenetic regulation mechanism of promoting pro‐tumour M2‐polarised TAMs in the PDAC tumour microenvironment.
ACSS3 in brown fat drives propionate catabolism and its deficiency leads to autophagy and systemic metabolic dysfunction
Authors: Jia Zhihao , Chen Xiyue , Chen Jingjuan , Zhang Lijia , Oprescu Stephanie N. , Luo Nanjian , Xiong Yan , Yue Feng , Kuang Shihuan
Published: February 2022

Propionate is a gut microbial metabolite that has been reported to have controversial effects on metabolic health. Here we show that propionate is activated by acyl‐CoA synthetase short‐chain family member 3 (ACSS3), located on the mitochondrial inner membrane in brown adipocytes. Knockout of Acss3 gene (Acss3–/–) in mice reduces brown adipose tissue (BAT) mass but increases white adipose tissue (WAT) mass, leading to glucose intolerance and insulin resistance that are exacerbated by high‐fat diet (HFD). Intriguingly, Acss3–/– or HFD feeding significantly elevates propionate levels in BAT and serum, and propionate supplementation induces autophagy in cultured brown and white adipocytes. The elevated levels of propionate in Acss3–/– mice similarly drive adipocyte autophagy, and pharmacological inhibition of autophagy using hydroxychloroquine ameliorates obesity, hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance of the Acss3–/– mice. These results establish ACSS3 as the key enzyme for propionate metabolism and demonstrate that accumulation of propionate promotes obesity and Type 2 diabetes through triggering adipocyte autophagy.
PRKAR2A‐derived circular RNAs promote the malignant transformation of colitis and distinguish patients with colitis‐associated colorectal cancer
Authors: Wan Daiwei , Wang Sentai , Xu Zhihua , Zan Xinquan , Liu Fei , Han Ye , Jiang Min , Wu Airong , Zhi Qiaoming
Published: February 2022

Background

Emerging studies have proved that colonic inflammation caused by refractory inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can initiate the colitis‐associated cancer (CAC), but the transition from inflammation to carcinoma is still largely unknown.

Methods

In this study, mouse colitis and CAC models were established, and the RNA‐seq by circRNA microarray was employed to identify the differentially expressed circRNAs and mRNAs in different comparisons (DSS vs. NC and AOM/DSS vs. DSS). The bioinformatics analyses were used to search the common characteristics in mouse colitis and CAC.

Results

The K‐means clustering algorithm packaged these differential expressed circRNAs into subgroup analysis, and the data strongly implied that mmu_circ_0001109 closely correlated to the pro‐inflammatory signals, while mmu_circ_0001845 was significantly associated with the Wnt signalling pathway. Our subsequent data in vivo and in vitro confirmed that mmu_circ_0001109 could exacerbate the colitis by up‐regulating the Jak‐STAT3 and NF‐kappa B signalling pathways, and mmu_circ_0001845 promoted the CAC transformation through the Wnt signalling pathway. By RNA blasting between mice and humans, the human RTEL1‐ and PRKAR2A‐derived circRNAs, which might be considered as homeotic circRNAs of mmu_circ_0001109 and mmu_circ_0001845, respectively, were identified. The clinical data revealed that RTEL1‐derived circRNAs had no clinical significance in human IBD and CAC. However, three PRKAR2A‐derived circRNAs, which had the high RNA similarities to mmu_circ_0001845, were remarkably up‐regulated in CAC tissue samples and promoted the transition from colitis to CAC.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that these human PRKAR2A‐derived circRNAs could be novel candidates for distinguishing CAC patients and predicted the prognosis of CAC.
Splicing factor arginine/serine‐rich 8 promotes multiple myeloma malignancy and bone lesion through alternative splicing of CACYBP and exosome‐based cellular communication
Authors: Zhang Yuanjiao , Yu Xichao , Sun Rongze , Min Jie , Tang Xiaozhu , Lin Zigen , Xie Siyuan , Li Xinying , Lu Shengfeng , Tian Zhidan , Gu Chunyan , Teng Lesheng , Yang Ye
Published: February 2022

Background

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a distinctive malignancy of plasma cell within the bone marrow (BM), of which alternative splicing factors play vital roles in the progression. Splicing factor arginine/serine‐rich 8 (SFRS8) is the exclusive factor associated with MM prognosis, however its role in MM remains undefined.

Methods

The analyses of 3‐(4,5)‐dimethylthiahiazo (‐z‐y1)‐3,5‐di‐ phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and xenograft model were performed to examine cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis in SFRS8 overexpression or knockdown MM cells in vitro and in vivo. The SFRS8‐regulated alternative splicing events were identified by RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (RIP‐seq) and validated by RIP‐qPCR and Co‐IP methods. Exosomes were extracted from the supernatant of myeloma cells by ultracentrifugation. Bone lesion was evaluated by TRAP staining in vitro and SCID/NOD‐TIBIA mouse model. A neon electroporation system was utilised to deliver siRNA through exosomes. The effect of siRNA‐loaded exosomes in vivo was evaluated by using a patient‐derived tumor xenograft (PDX) model and SCID/NOD‐TIBIA mouse model.

Results

SFRS8 was significantly upregulated in MM samples and positively associated with poor overall survival (OS) in MM patients. SFRS8 promoted MM cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, calcyclin binding protein (CACYBP) was identified as the downstream target of SFRS8. Particularly, SFRS8 could reduce CACYBP isoform1 (NM_014412.3) and increase CACYBP isoform2 (NM_001007214.1) by mediating the alternative splicing of CACYBP, thereby altering the ubiquitination degradation of β‐catenin to promote MM progression. In addition, SFRS8 promoted osteoclast differentiation through exosomes in vitro and in vivo. More importantly, exosomal siRNA targeting CACYBP isoform2 inhibited tumour growth in PDX and SCID/NOD‐TIBIA mouse models.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that targeting the SFRS8/CACYBP/β‐catenin axis may be a promising strategy for MM diagnosis and treatment.
The central role of Sphingosine kinase 1 in the development of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC): A new targeted therapy of NEPC
Authors: Lee Cheng‐Fan , Chen Yu‐An , Hernandez Elizabeth , Pong Rey‐Chen , Ma Shihong , Hofstad Mia , Kapur Payal , Zhau Haiyen , Chung Leland WK , Lai Chih‐Ho , Lin Ho , Lee Ming‐Shyue , Raj Ganesh V , Hsieh Jer‐Tsong
Published: February 2022

Background

Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is often diagnosed as a sub‐type from the castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) recurred from the second generation of anti‐androgen treatment and is a rapidly progressive fatal disease. The molecular mechanisms underlying the trans‐differentiation from CRPC to NEPC are not fully characterized, which hampers the development of effective targeted therapy.

Methods

Bioinformatic analyses were conducted to determine the clinical correlation of sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) in CRPC progression. To investigate the transcriptional regulation SphK1 and neuroendocrine (NE) transcription factor genes, both chromosome immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter gene assays were performed. To demonstrate the role of SphK1 in NEPC development, neurosphere assay was carried out along with several biomarkers determined by quantitative PCR and western blot. Furthermore, in vivo NEPC xenograft models and patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) model were employed to determine the effect of SphK1 inhibitors and target validation.

Results

Significant prevalence of SphK1 in NEPC development is observed from clinical datasets. SphK1 is transcriptionally repressed by androgen receptor‐RE1‐silencing transcription factor (REST) complex. Furthermore, sphingosine 1‐phosphate produced by SphK1 can modulate REST protein turnover via MAPK signaling pathway. Also, decreased REST protein levels enhance the expression of NE markers in CRPC, enabling the transition to NEPC. Finally, specific SphK1 inhibitors can effectively inhibit the growth of NEPC tumors and block the REST protein degradation in PDX.

Conclusions

SphK1 plays a central role in NEPC development, which offers a new target for this lethal cancer using clinically approved SphK1 inhibitors.
Persistent high glucose induced EPB41L4A‐AS1 inhibits glucose uptake via GCN5 mediating crotonylation and acetylation of histones and non‐histones
Authors: Liao Weijie , Xu Naihan , Zhang Haowei , Liao Weifang , Wang Yanzhi , Wang Songmao , Zhang Shikuan , Jiang Yuyang , Xie Weidong , Zhang Yaou
Published: February 2022

Background

Persistent hyperglycemia decreases the sensitivity of insulin‐sensitive organs to insulin, owing to which cells fail to take up and utilize glucose, which exacerbates the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). lncRNAs' abnormal expression is reported to be associated with the progression of diabetes and plays a significant role in glucose metabolism. Herein, we study the detailed mechanism underlying the functions of lncRNA EPB41L4A‐AS1in T2DM.

Methods

Data from GEO datasets were used to analyze the expression of EPB41L4A‐AS1 between insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes patients and the healthy people. Gene expression was evaluated by qRT‐PCR and western blotting. Glucose uptake was measured by Glucose Uptake Fluorometric Assay Kit. Glucose tolerance of mice was detected by Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests. Cell viability was assessed by CCK‐8 assay. The interaction between EPB41L4A‐AS1 and GCN5 was explored by RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull‐down and RNA‐FISH combined immunofluorescence. Oxygen consumption rate was tested by Seahorse XF Mito Stress Test.

Results

EPB41L4A‐AS1 was abnormally increased in the liver of patients with T2DM and upregulated in the muscle cells of patients with insulin resistance and in T2DM cell models. The upregulation was associated with increased TP53 expression and reduced glucose uptake. Mechanistically, through interaction with GCN5, EPB41L4A‐AS1 regulated histone H3K27 crotonylation in the GLUT4 promoter region and nonhistone PGC1β acetylation, which inhibited GLUT4 transcription and suppressed glucose uptake by muscle cells. In contrast, EPB41L4A‐AS1 binding to GCN5 enhanced H3K27 and H3K14 acetylation in the TXNIP promoter region, which activated transcription by promoting the recruitment of the transcriptional activator MLXIP. This enhanced GLUT4/2 endocytosis and further suppressed glucose uptake.

Conclusion

Our study first showed that the EPB41L4A‐AS1/GCN5 complex repressed glucose uptake via targeting GLUT4/2 and TXNIP by regulating histone and nonhistone acetylation or crotonylation. Since a weaker glucose uptake ability is one of the major clinical features of T2DM, the inhibition of EPB41L4A‐AS1 expression seems to be a potentially effective strategy for drug development in T2DM treatment.