bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An efficient method for the preparation of magnetic Co3O4 nanoparticles and the study of their catalytic application
Authors: Ardeshirfard Hakimeh , Elhamifar Dawood
Published: May 2023

In this study, magnetic cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized through a new and green method using cobalt chloride hexahydrate (CoCl2.6H2O), pluronic P123 as a stabilizer, and sodium borohydride (NaBH4). The CO3O4 nanoparticles were characterized by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer.

The magnetic Co3O4 NPs were used as a catalyst with high activity and stability in the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran derivatives. This reaction was carried out in water, as it is an environmentally friendly solvent, using a low loading of Co3O4 NPs at room temperature. Various derivatives of aldehydes were used as substrates to obtain a high yield of the corresponding tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans in short times. In addition, the catalyst was recovered and reused several times with no notable decrease in its activity.
Sutureless vs. rapid-deployment valve: a systemic review and meta-analysis for a direct comparison of intraoperative performance and clinical outcomes
Authors: Wang Chenhao , Xie Yi , Zhang Hongwei , Yang Peng , Zhang Yu , Lu Chen , Liu Yu , Wang Haiyue , Xu Zhenyuan , Hu Jia
Published: May 2023

Background

Sutureless and rapid-deployment valves are bioprostheses anchoring within the aortic annulus with few sutures, and they act as a hybrid of conventional surgical and transcatheter valves under aortic valve replacement. Considering that the 3F Enable valve is now off-market, the only two sutureless and rapid-deployment valves available on the world marketplace are the Perceval and Intuity valves. However, a direct comparison of the function of these two valves eludes researchers.

Purpose

Against this background, we performed this systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the intraoperative performance and early clinical outcomes between the Perceval valve and the Intuity valve under sutureless and rapid-deployment aortic valve replacement.

Methods

We systematically searched electronic databases through PubMed/MEDLINE, OvidWeb, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (from the establishment of the database to November 17, 2022, without language restriction) for studies comparing the sutureless valve (the Perceval) and the rapid-deployment valve (the Intuity) under aortic valve replacement. Our primary outcomes were early mortality and postoperative transvalvular pressure gradients. The secondary outcomes were defined to include aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass time, paravalvular leak (any paravalvular leak, moderate-to-severe paravalvular leak) after aortic valve replacement, need for pacemaker implantation, postoperative neurological events (stroke), and intensive care unit stay.

Results

This meta-analysis included ten non-randomized trials with 3,526 patients enrolled (sutureless group = 1,772 and rapid-deployment group = 1,754). Quality assessments were performed, with the mean scores of the studies reading 6.90 (SD = 0.99) out of 9 according to the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Compared with rapid-deployment aortic valve replacement, sutureless aortic valve replacement was associated with higher mean and peak transvalvular pressure gradients postoperatively. In contrast, aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary time were needed less in sutureless aortic valve replacement vs. rapid-deployment aortic valve replacement. There was no evidence of significant publication bias observed by the funnel plot and Egger's test.

Conclusions

For postoperative hemodynamics, sutureless aortic valve replacement was associated with increased mean and peak transvalvular pressure gradients compared with rapid-deployment aortic valve replacement. In sharp contrast, sutureless aortic valve replacement significantly reduced the amount of time needed for fixing the aortic cross-clamp and the cardiopulmonary bypass procedure.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022343884.
Platelet-monocyte aggregates: molecular mediators of thromboinflammation
Authors: Rolling Christina C. , Barrett Tessa J. , Berger Jeffrey S.
Published: May 2023

Platelets, key facilitators of primary hemostasis and thrombosis, have emerged as crucial cellular mediators of innate immunity and inflammation. Exemplified by their ability to alter the phenotype and function of monocytes, activated platelets bind to circulating monocytes to form monocyte-platelet aggregates (MPA). The platelet-monocyte axis has emerged as a key mechanism connecting thrombosis and inflammation. MPA are elevated across the spectrum of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, including cardiovascular disease, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and COVID-19, and are positively associated with disease severity. These clinical disorders are all characterized by an increased risk of thromboembolic complications. Intriguingly, monocytes in contact with platelets become proinflammatory and procoagulant, highlighting that this interaction is a central element of thromboinflammation.
Effect of geogrid on dry-shrinkage cracking of loess
Authors: Guo Hong , Yang Kuibin , Wang Shaofei , Guo Chen , Nan Yalin , Tao Mingjiang
Published: May 2023

In this paper, an experimental approach is employed to investigate the reinforcing impact of geogrids on the dry-shrinkage cracking of loess. At various evaporation temperatures and for varying specimen thicknesses, the evolution of the surface fissures induced in the loess samples with and without geogrids was monitored and analyzed. According to the findings, the evaporation rate of the samples increased when the evaporation temperature was increased, and the thickness of the samples was reduced under the same conditions. At higher temperatures, geogrids had a substantial impact on reducing the evaporation rate and suppressing the dry-shrinkage cracks. The occurrence and development of the dry-shrinkage cracks of loess are divided into three stages: the formation stage, the acceleration stage, and the stabilization stage. The maximum crack width was reduced by 20%–34% for different sample thicknesses. The ratio of the number of cracks to the number of fracture nodes in the reinforced soil was lower than that of the unreinforced soil. This reduction ratio changed further from 5.6% to 24.4% with the increased thickness. The geogrids can effectively reduce the evaporation rate of water and the development rate of the dry-shrinkage cracks in loess. Consequently, the crack distribution in the loess samples is uniform and prevents the formation of large and long cracks. Using a 3D discrete element model, it is feasible to simulate the loess before and after the geogrid reinforcement.
Metabolic drivers of dysglycemia in pregnancy: ethnic-specific GWAS of 146 metabolites and 1-sample Mendelian randomization analyses in a UK multi-ethnic birth cohort
Authors: Fuller Harriett , Iles Mark M. , Moore J. Bernadette , Zulyniak Michael A.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common pregnancy complication worldwide and is associated with short- and long-term health implications for both mother and child. Prevalence of GDM varies between ethnicities, with South Asians (SAs) experiencing up to three times the risk compared to white Europeans (WEs). Recent evidence suggests that underlying metabolic difference contribute to this disparity, but an investigation of causality is required.

Methods

To address this, we paired metabolite and genomic data to evaluate the causal effect of 146 distinct metabolic characteristics on gestational dysglycemia in SAs and WEs. First, we performed 292 GWASs to identify ethnic-specific genetic variants associated with each metabolite (P ≤ 1 x 10-5) in the Born and Bradford cohort (3688 SA and 3354 WE women). Following this, a one-sample Mendelian Randomisation (MR) approach was applied for each metabolite against fasting glucose and 2-hr post glucose at 26-28 weeks gestation. Additional GWAS and MR on 22 composite measures of metabolite classes were also conducted.

Results

This study identified 15 novel genome-wide significant (GWS) SNPs associated with tyrosine in the FOXN and SLC13A2 genes and 1 novel GWS SNP (currently in no known gene) associated with acetate in SAs. Using MR approach, 14 metabolites were found to be associated with postprandial glucose in WEs, while in SAs a distinct panel of 11 metabolites were identified. Interestingly, in WEs, cholesterols were the dominant metabolite class driving with dysglycemia, while in SAs saturated fatty acids and total fatty acids were most commonly associated with dysglycemia.

Discussion

In summary, we confirm and demonstrate the presence of ethnic-specific causal relationships between metabolites and dysglycemia in mid-pregnancy in a UK population of SA and WE pregnant women. Future work will aim to investigate their biological mechanisms on dysglycemia and translating this work towards ethnically tailored GDM prevention strategies.
Small-signal modeling and wide-band oscillation analysis with the high proportion of renewable energy integrated through LCC-HVDC
Authors: Jiang Kezheng , Liu Dan , Cao Kan , Hu Pan , Xiong Ping , Wu Yingzi
Published: May 2023

With the high proportion of renewable energy through high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission into the grid and the application of high proportion of power electronic equipment, in the modern power system, the traditional electromagnetic conversion equipment represented by synchronous generators is gradually replaced by power electronic equipment, which in a high level has been affecting the dynamic behavior of the power system. In recent years, the wide-band oscillation problem of unknown mechanism continues to appear in power systems, which poses a major threat to the security, stability, and operation of power systems. Therefore, based on the typical oscillation event, this paper constructs a typical small-signal model of the new power system which is composed of synchronous generator, HVDC transmission equipment, and renewable energy generation equipment. The model is suitable for the analysis of wide-band oscillation problem of the new power system with renewable energy as the main body. The comparison of time-domain response with the detailed time-domain model shows that the proposed small-signal model can well reflect the dynamic behavior of the detailed time-domain model. Based on the model, the influence of access distance, access proportion, and operation and control modes of renewable energy integrated through LCC-HVDC on the wide-band oscillation characteristics of the system is analyzed, and the correctness of the analysis is verified by the detailed time-domain model.
Brief research report optimization of catalyst porosity arrangements for hydrogen production in microchannel reactors by methanol reforming
Authors: Chen Junjie , Yu Yehao
Published: May 2023

Optimization of catalyst porosity arrangements is carried out for hydrogen production through computational modeling of a thermally integrated microchannel reactor. The reactor has parallel flow channels for conducting simultaneous oxidation and reforming reactions. Numerical simulations are performed under a variety of velocity conditions to evaluate the effect of reforming catalyst porosity arrangement on the transport phenomena in the reactor system. The oxidation catalyst has a uniform porosity, and the porosity range of the reforming catalyst is from 30 to 70 percent. The porosity is uniform in each segmented region and the overall porosity is maintained 50 percent. The heat and mass transfer issues for the reactor system are highly complex. Performance comparisons are made in terms of methanol conversion, hydrogen yield, and heat of reaction between these porosity cases under different inlet velocity conditions. Dimensionless Nusselt and Sherwood number analyses are performed to understand the underlying cause for the performance difference. The dimensionless numbers in transport phenomena are principally analyzed to understand how important the transverse transport components are. The results indicate that optimization of catalyst porosity arrangements is required for thermal matching purposes. The optimum porosity arrangement depends upon the flow rates. The catalyst porosities must be configured to improve the kinetics in the upstream or downstream sections of the reactor so that the endothermic and exothermic processes are thermally matched. While advantages can be realized by using the two-segment design, the three-segment design yields no advantage. The processes of transverse transport are of great importance to the chemical reactions.
The efficacy of conservation practices in reducing floods and improving water quality
Authors: Srivastava Shivendra , Basche Andrea , Traylor Elbert , Roy Tirthankar
Published: May 2023

Conservation practices such as crop rotation, filter strips, and constructed wetlands are nature-based approaches intended to safeguard natural resources in agricultural landscapes. In this study, we reviewed the literature on how conservation practices, both at watershed and field scales, have been proven to subdue flood peaks, surface runoff, soil erosion, sediment transport, and nutrient loss. We classified different conservation practices based on the mode of their application (i.e., in-field, edge-of-field, and structural practices) and described what prior research efforts have concluded about the efficacy of different practices. At the field scale, practices such as reduced or no-till farming, grassed waterways, and creation of wetlands significantly reduced the peak flow. Similarly, water quality was improved with implementation of conservation practices such as using cover crops, filter strips, and managing residue and tillage. The assessment of conservation practices across the literature was found to be challenging as different conservation practices showed a similar response, thus making it complex to assess the individual effect. A wide range of challenges related to the data, modeling/analysis, and management aspects of conservation practices were identified, and recommendations were provided to overcome these challenges.
The distribution law and coupling factors of debris flows in the G318 Linzhi–Lhasa section of the Sichuan–Tibet traffic corridor
Authors: He Na , Song Yabing , Hu Guisheng , Yang Zhiquan , Fu Qixuan , Gurkalo Filip
Published: May 2023

In recent years, debris flow disasters have occurred frequently along the highway, causing river blockages and road interruptions, which seriously threaten the safety of people's lives and property. Highway G318 is an important throat project linking Sichuan and Tibet; at the same time, it is an important channel for the economic development of Sichuan and Tibet and the transportation of national defense materials. Taking the Linzhi–Lhasa Section of Highway G318 as an example, this study analyses the distribution law and characteristics of coupling factors of debris flows in the study area (under its topographical, hydrometeorological, geological, and structural conditions) using remote sensing interpretation, field surveys, and mathematical statistics. The research shows that: (1) The types and quantity of debris flows in the region show statistical laws under the factors of the slope, slope aspect, drainage area, and gradient of the gully. The vegetation coverage in the upper reaches of the Nyang River valley gradually decreases, and the average debris flow disaster density is 0.529/km, which is the most densely distributed area of debris flow. (2) The distribution density of regional debris flows in narrow valleys is greater than that in wide valleys, and those in the Nyang River basin are greater than those in the Lhasa River basin. (3) By comparing the tectonic geological map and the debris flow distribution map, it was found that the debris flow distribution is controlled by faults, and 71% of the debris flow basins have faults. (4) There is a significant positive correlation between the gradient of the material source area and the gradient of the debris flow gully, as well as a close positive correlation between the rainfall and the fault density, and a close negative correlation between the average gradient and the drainage area. Due to the unique topography and geomorphology of different regions, a difference in meteorology and hydrology occurred. This further affected the topography, geomorphology, and distribution of debris flow disasters. Based on the study of the distribution law of regional debris flow and geological environmental factors, this study provides strong support for regional debris flow prevention and related research.
Net diversification rates of the woody plant genus Petalidium (Acanthaceae) are highest in the ancient and arid Namib Desert
Authors: Loiseau Oriane , Manzitto-Tripp Erin A. , Swanepoel Wessel , Dexter Kyle G.
Published: May 2023

At present, tropical arid biomes house less woody plant species diversity than tropical moist biomes, which could be due to lower rates of evolutionary diversification in the recent or distant past. Here, we study the evolutionary diversification of Petalidium (Acanthaceae), a genus of 36 species of woody shrubs found in the Namib Desert of southwest Africa, and surrounding areas. We generated a new, nearly fully sampled and temporally calibrated phylogeny for Petalidium using RADseq SNP data and secondary calibrations. We then investigated variation in net diversification rate across the phylogeny, the ancestral climatic niche of lineages and the link between the two. We find that arid climatic conditions are linked with increased rates of net species diversification in the genus. Despite its great age, the Namib Desert clearly hosts young plant radiations. This apparent contradiction can be explained by a scenario of high evolutionary turnover, in this case potentially caused by alternating hyper-arid and relatively mesic phases. Hyper-arid phases could result in high plant mortality and extinction of species, leading to ecological opportunity and diversification during mesic phases. Taken together, our results contribute to a growing body of literature that shows evidence for elevated rates of plant diversification in the Quaternary in arid biomes across the globe.
Cx3cr1 controls kidney resident macrophage heterogeneity
Authors: Yashchenko Alex , Bland Sarah J. , Song Cheng J. , Ahmed Ummey Khalecha Bintha , Sharp Rachel , Darby Isabella G. , Cordova Audrey M. , Smith Morgan E. , Lever Jeremie M. , Li Zhang , Aloria Ernald J. , Khan Shuja , Maryam Bibi , Liu Shanrun , Crowley Michael R. , Jones Kenneth L. , Zenewicz Lauren A. , George James F. , Mrug Michal , Crossman David K. , Hopp Katharina , Stavrakis Stavros , Humphrey Mary B. , Ginhoux Florent , Zimmerman Kurt A.
Published: May 2023

Kidney macrophages are comprised of both monocyte-derived and tissue resident populations; however, the heterogeneity of kidney macrophages and factors that regulate their heterogeneity are poorly understood. Herein, we performed single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq), fate mapping, and parabiosis to define the cellular heterogeneity of kidney macrophages in healthy mice. Our data indicate that healthy mouse kidneys contain four major subsets of monocytes and two major subsets of kidney resident macrophages (KRM) including a population with enriched Ccr2 expression, suggesting monocyte origin. Surprisingly, fate mapping data using the newly developed Ms4a3Cre Rosa Stopf/f TdT model indicate that less than 50% of Ccr2+ KRM are derived from Ly6chi monocytes. Instead, we find that Ccr2 expression in KRM reflects their spatial distribution as this cell population is almost exclusively found in the kidney cortex. We also identified Cx3cr1 as a gene that governs cortex specific accumulation of Ccr2+ KRM and show that loss of Ccr2+ KRM reduces the severity of cystic kidney disease in a mouse model where cysts are mainly localized to the kidney cortex. Collectively, our data indicate that Cx3cr1 regulates KRM heterogeneity and niche-specific disease progression.
Ras family signaling pathway in immunopathogenesis of inflammatory rheumatic diseases
Authors: Sadeghi Shaker Mina , Rokni Mohsen , Mahmoudi Mahdi , Farhadi Elham
Published: May 2023

The Ras (rat sarcoma virus) is a GTP-binding protein that is considered one of the important members of the Ras-GTPase superfamily. The Ras involves several pathways in the cell that include proliferation, migration, survival, differentiation, and fibrosis. Abnormalities in the expression level and activation of the Ras family signaling pathway and its downstream kinases such as Raf/MEK/ERK1-2 contribute to the pathogenic mechanisms of rheumatic diseases including immune system dysregulation, inflammation, and fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc); destruction and inflammation of synovial tissue in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); and autoantibody production and immune complexes formation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); and enhance osteoblast differentiation and ossification during skeletal formation in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). In this review, the basic biology, signaling of Ras, and abnormalities in this pathway in rheumatic diseases including SSc, RA, AS, and SLE will be discussed.
B cell activation via immunometabolism in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Iwata Shigeru , Hajime Sumikawa Maiko , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: May 2023

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease involving multiple organs in which B cells perform important functions such as antibody and cytokine production and antigen presentation. B cells are activated and differentiated by the primary B cell receptor, co-stimulatory molecule signals—such as CD40/CD40L—, the Toll-like receptors 7,9, and various cytokine signals. The importance of immunometabolism in the activation, differentiation, and exerting functions of B cells and other immune cells has been widely reported in recent years. However, the regulatory mechanism of immunometabolism in B cells and its involvement in SLE pathogenesis remain elusive. Similarly, the importance of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway, glycolytic system, and oxidative phosphorylation has been demonstrated in the mechanisms of B cell immunometabolic activation, mainly in mouse studies. However, the activation of the mTOR pathway in B cells in patients with SLE, the induction of plasmablast differentiation through metabolic and transcription factor regulation by mTOR, and the involvement of this phenomenon in SLE pathogenesis are unclear. In our studies using activated B cells derived from healthy donors and from patients with SLE, we observed that methionine, an essential amino acid, is important for mTORC1 activation. Further, we observed that splenic tyrosine kinase and mTORC1 activation synergistically induce EZH2 expression and plasmablasts by suppressing BACH2 expression through epigenomic modification. Additionally, we identified another mechanism by which the glutaminolysis-induced enhancement of mitochondrial function promotes plasmablast differentiation in SLE. In this review, we focused on the SLE exacerbation mechanisms related to the activation of immune cells—especially B cells—and immunometabolism and reported the latest findings in the field.
Omicron (B.1.1.529) BA.1 or BA.2-related effects on immune responses in previously naïve versus imprinted individuals: immune imprinting as an advantage in the humoral immune response against novel variants
Authors: Sonnleitner Sissy Therese , Walder Samira , Knabl Ludwig , Poernbacher Roswitha , Tschurtschenthaler Thomas , Hinterbichler Eva , Sonnleitner Stefanie , Muehlmann Viktoria , Posch Wilfried , Walder Gernot
Published: May 2023

Background

Immune imprinting is a phenomenon in which a person's immune system develops a specific immunological memory of the pathogen or vaccine due to a previous exposure. This memory basically leads to a faster and stronger immune response in a subsequent contact to the same pathogen or vaccine. However, what happens if the pathogen has changed considerably in the meantime due to mutations in the main target region of antibodies, as in the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 from the ancestral strain to B.1.1.529 (Omicron)? In this case, does immune imprinting also confer an advantage in repeated contact and does it lead to a stronger immune response?

Methods

To clarify these questions, we investigated the effects of immune imprinting in the context of SARS-CoV-2 by comparing a group of previously infection-naïve versus imprinted study participants and determined differences in humoral and cellular immune responses during and after infection with strain SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 BA.1 and BA.2, respectively. We used a commercial CLIA, immunoblots, IFN-γ ELISpots and a plaque-reduction neutralization test to generate a clear and comparable picture of the humoral and cellular immune response in the two study groups.

Results

Imprinted participants developed significantly higher antibody titers and showed significantly stronger neutralization capacity against the ancestral strain, BA.1 and BA.5. The immune response of naïve study participants was narrower and related mainly to the receptor-binding domain, which resulted in a lower neutralization capacity against other strains including BA.5. Naïve study participants showed a significantly higher cellular immune response than the imprinted study group, indicating a higher antigenic challenge. The cellular immune response was directed against general structures of SARS-CoV-2 and not specifically against the receptor-binding domain.

Conclusion

Viral variant infection elicits variant-specific antibodies and prior mRNA vaccination or infection with a previous SARS-CoV-2 variant imprints serological responses toward the ancestral strain rather than variant antigens. On the other hand, our study shows that the initially higher specific antibody titers due to former imprinting via vaccination or prior infection significantly increased the humoral immune response, and therefore outperformed the humoral immune response of naïve study participants.
Indeterminate results of interferon gamma release assays in the screening of latent tuberculosis infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Guozhong , Luo Qingyi , Luo Shiqi , Chen Hongbo , Cai Shunli , Guo Xin , He Jian , Xia Yuan , Li Hanse , Zhou Yingchen , Zhang Yazhou , Song Chao
Published: May 2023

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the indeterminate rate of interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) in the detection of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI).

Methods

On 15 November 2022, we searched the PubMed® (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA), Embase® (Elsevier, Amsterdam, the Netherlands), and Cochrane Library databases in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Two investigators independently extracted the study data and assessed their quality using a modified quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (i.e., QUADAS-2) tool. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled results.

Results

We included 403 studies involving 486,886 individuals and found that the pooled indeterminate rate was 3.9% (95% CI 3.5%–4.2%). The pooled indeterminate rate for QuantiFERON®-TB (QFT) was similar to that for T-SPOT®.TB (T-SPOT) [odds ratio (OR) = 0.88, 95% CI 0.59–1.32]; however, the indeterminate rate for a new generation of QFT (QFT-plus) was lower than that of T-SPOT (OR = 0.24, 95% CI 0.16–0.35). The indeterminate rate in the immunocompromised population was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (OR = 3.51, 95% CI 2.11–5.82), and it increased with the reduction of CD4+ cell count in HIV-positive patients. Children’s pooled indeterminate rates (OR = 2.56, 95% CI 1.79–3.57) were significantly higher than those of adults, and the rates increased as the children’s age decreased.

Conclusion

On average, 1 in 26 tests yields indeterminate IGRA results in LTBI screening. The use of advanced versions of the QuantiFERON-TB assay (QFT-plus), may potentially reduce the occurrence of an indeterminate result. Our study emphasizes the high risk of immunosuppression and young age in relation to indeterminate IGRA, which should receive more attention in the management of LTBI.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020211363, CRD42020211363.
Human cytomegalovirus and Epstein–Barr virus infections occurring early after transplantation are risk factors for antibody-mediated rejection in heart transplant recipients
Authors: Saldan Alda , Mengoli Carlo , Sgarabotto Dino , Fedrigo Marny , Angelini Annalisa , Feltrin Giuseppe , Gambino Antonio , Gerosa Gino , Barzon Luisa , Abate Davide
Published: May 2023

Background

Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is a serious complication affecting the survival of patients receiving transplantation. Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) are common viral infections that occur after transplantation, frequently emerging as viral reactivation in donor grafts or transplant recipients. The present study aimed to investigate the association between CMV and EBV infections and early-onset AMR.

Materials and methods

This study was conducted at the Heart Transplantation Center of Padova General Hospital and included a cohort of 47 heart transplant recipients (HTxs), including 24 HTxs diagnosed with AMR and 23 control HTxs with no episodes of AMR. Only early cases of CMV and/or EBV infections (1–90 days after transplantation) were considered. Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression analysis were used to statistically analyze the correlation and association between AMR and CMV or EBV infection.

Results

We observed a positive statistical association between CMV and EBV infections (two-sided Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.0136) and between EBV infection and AMR (two-sided Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.0034). Logistic regression analysis revealed a direct statistical association between CMV and EBV infections and AMR risk (p = 0.037 and 0.006 and odds ratio = 1.72 and 2.19, respectively). AMR occurrence was associated with increased viral loads of both CMV and EBV early after transplantation.

Discussion

These findings suggest the role of CMV and EBV infections as relevant risk factors for AMR in HTxs for the first time.
ATM and ATR, two central players of the DNA damage response, are involved in the induction of systemic acquired resistance by extracellular DNA, but not the plant wound response
Authors: Vega-Muñoz Isaac , Herrera-Estrella Alfredo , Martínez-de la Vega Octavio , Heil Martin
Published: May 2023

Background

The plant immune response to DNA is highly self/nonself-specific. Self-DNA triggered stronger responses by early immune signals such as H2O2 formation than nonself-DNA from closely related plant species. Plants lack known DNA receptors. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether a differential sensing of self-versus nonself DNA fragments as damage- versus pathogen-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs/PAMPs) or an activation of the DNA-damage response (DDR) represents the more promising framework to understand this phenomenon.

Results

We treated Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0 plants with sonicated self-DNA from other individuals of the same ecotype, nonself-DNA from another A. thaliana ecotype, or nonself-DNA from broccoli. We observed a highly self/nonself-DNA-specific induction of H2O2 formation and of jasmonic acid (JA, the hormone controlling the wound response to chewing herbivores) and salicylic acid (SA, the hormone controlling systemic acquired resistance, SAR, to biotrophic pathogens). Mutant lines lacking Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) or ATM AND RAD3-RELATED (ATR) – the two DDR master kinases – retained the differential induction of JA in response to DNA treatments but completely failed to induce H2O2 or SA. Moreover, we observed H2O2 formation in response to in situ-damaged self-DNA from plants that had been treated with bleomycin or SA or infected with virulent bacteria Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 or pv. glycinea carrying effector avrRpt2, but not to DNA from H2O2-treated plants or challenged with non-virulent P. syringae pv. glycinea lacking avrRpt2.

Conclusion

We conclude that both ATM and ATR are required for the complete activation of the plant immune response to extracellular DNA whereas an as-yet unknown mechanism allows for the self/nonself-differential activation of the JA-dependent wound response.
Mast cell marker gene signature: prognosis and immunotherapy response prediction in lung adenocarcinoma through integrated scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq
Authors: Zhang Pengpeng , Liu Jianlan , Pei Shengbin , Wu Dan , Xie Jiaheng , Liu Jinhui , Li Jun
Published: May 2023

Background

Mast cells, comprising a crucial component of the tumor immune milieu, modulate neoplastic progression by secreting an array of pro- and antitumorigenic factors. Numerous extant studies have produced conflicting conclusions regarding the impact of mast cells on the prognosis of patients afflicted with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

Employing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis, mast cell-specific marker genes in LUAD were ascertained. Subsequently, a mast cell-related genes (MRGs) signature was devised to stratify LUAD patients into high- and low-risk cohorts based on the median risk value. Further investigations were conducted to assess the influence of distinct risk categories on the tumor microenvironment. The prognostic import and capacity to prognosticate immunotherapy benefits of the MRGs signature were corroborated using four external cohorts. Ultimately, the functional roles of SYAP1 were validated through in vitro experimentation.

Results

After scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq data analysis, we established a prognostic signature consisting of nine MRGs. This profile effectively distinguished favorable survival outcomes in both the training and validation cohorts. In addition, we identified the low-risk group as a population more effective for immunotherapy. In cellular experiments, we found that silencing SYAP1 significantly reduced the proliferation, invasion and migratory capacity of LUAD cells while increasing apoptosis.

Conclusion

Our MRGs signature offers valuable insights into the involvement of mast cells in determining the prognosis of LUAD and may prove instrumental as a navigational aid for immunotherapy selection, as well as a predictor of immunotherapy response in LUAD patients.
Introduction of a mobile application platform as a decision support tool to enhance antimicrobial stewardship: an experience from the United Arab Emirates
Authors: O’Sullivan Siobhán , Shamseddine Jinan , Sadeq Ahmed , Ali Rizwan , Yousuf Khadija , Naqbi Aisha Al , Alakhras Abdullah , Foroodi Farindokht , Jabeen Fouzia , Nsutebu Emmanuel , Hantouche Mireille , Everett Dean , Babiker Zahir Osman Eltahir ,   the Antimicrobial Stewardship Study Group
Published: May 2023

Antimicrobial resistance, mainly driven by inappropriate antibiotic use, is a global threat to health, requiring strategies to optimize antimicrobial usage. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs in hospitals promote the appropriate use of antibiotics to treat infections effectively, protect patients from the harmful side effects associated with unnecessary exposure, and reduce the risks of antimicrobial resistance emergence. Educating clinicians through antimicrobial guidelines has been a key function of AMS programs. However, monitoring access and utilization of printed booklets or intranet-hosted guidelines is complex and may not provide helpful feedback to the AMS leadership regarding their uptake by clinicians. Sheik Shakhbout Medical City, in partnership with Mayo Clinic, is the first hospital in the United Arab Emirates to adopt a mobile application platform for antimicrobial guidance and clinical decision support, including tailored antimicrobial choices based on local and national antibiograms and formulary. We describe the journey for adopting a mobile application platform, its content development, migration, and roll-out, and provide early insights on its impact through a descriptive analysis of user statistics.
Estimating stocking weights for Atlantic salmon to grow to market size at novel aquaculture sites with extreme temperatures
Authors: Dempsey Danielle P. , Reid Gregor K. , Lewis-McCrea Leah , Balch Toby , Cusack Roland , Dumas André , Rensel Jack
Published: May 2023

Land-based hatcheries are now capable of growing large Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) post-smolts (approximately 150 – 1000 g), which means that marine net-pens can be stocked with substantially larger fish compared to traditional stocking sizes (< 150 g). This stocking strategy typically aims to reduce the time required for fish to grow to market size in the marine environment and limit risks (e.g., exposure to pathogens and diseases, opportunities for escapes). This study investigates another potential application of this strategy: the use of novel sites in areas previously considered unsuitable for aquaculture due to seasonally cold temperatures. The thermal-unit growth coefficient (TGC) model was applied to estimate the stocking weight needed to reach a harvest size of 5.5 kg, based on observed degree days for three sites. High resolution, depth-partitioned temperature time series from coastal locations in Atlantic Canada were used to represent a short, medium, and long growing season, as constrained by seasonal temperature extremes. Growing days for model inputs were defined as temperatures > 4 °C and trending up for stocking, < 18 °C to account for heat stress, and > -0.7 °C to avoid superchill conditions. Different TGC values were applied to simulate remedial, average, and elite growth performance. There was a range of model stocking weight estimates for each site (1.5 – 2.5 kg, 0.94 – 2.8 kg, and < 0.1 – 0.52 kg, for the short, medium, and long season sites, respectively). Results were sensitive to the number of degree days, heat stress threshold, and TGC value. At the two sites where season length was constrained by superchill, fish with a stocking weight of approximately 1.5 kg could grow to market size in shallow water depths (< 15 m), assuming elite growth performance. This investigation suggests that with appropriate growth performance assumptions and high-resolution temperature data, large post-smolt stocking strategies could enable the use of novel sites in coastal areas previously considered unsuitable for aquaculture.
Deriving pre-eutrophic conditions from an ensemble model approach for the North-West European seas
Authors: van Leeuwen Sonja M. , Lenhart Hermann-J. , Prins Theo C. , Blauw Anouk , Desmit Xavier , Fernand Liam , Friedland Rene , Kerimoglu Onur , Lacroix Genevieve , van der Linden Annelotte , Lefebvre Alain , van der Molen Johan , Plus Martin , Ruvalcaba Baroni Itzel , Silva Tiago , Stegert Christoph , Troost Tineke A. , Vilmin Lauriane
Published: May 2023

The pre-eutrophic state of marine waters is generally not well known, complicating target setting for management measures to combat eutrophication. We present results from an OSPAR ICG-EMO model assessment to simulate the pre-eutrophic state of North-East Atlantic marine waters. Using an ecosystem model ensemble combined with an observation-based weighting method we derive sophisticated estimates for key eutrophication indicators. Eight modelling centres applied the same riverine nutrient loads, atmospheric nutrient deposition rates and boundary conditions to their specific model set-up to ensure comparability. The pre-eutrophic state was defined as a historic scenario of estimated nutrient inputs (riverine, atmospheric) at around the year 1900, before the invention and widespread use of industrial fertilizers. The period 2009-2014 was used by all participants to simulate both the current state of eutrophication and the pre-eutrophic scenario, to ensure that differences are solely due to the changes in nutrient inputs between the scenarios. Mean values were reported for winter dissolved inorganic nutrients and total nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) and the nitrogen to phosphorus ratio, and for growing season chlorophyll, chlorophyll 90th percentile, near-bed oxygen minimum and net phytoplankton production on the level of the OSPAR assessment areas. Results showed distinctly lower nutrient concentrations and nitrogen to phosphorus ratio’s in coastal areas under pre-eutrophic conditions compared to current conditions (except in the Meuse Plume and Seine Plume areas). Chlorophyll concentrations were estimated to be as much as ~40% lower in some areas, as were dissolved inorganic phosphorus levels. Dissolved inorganic nitrogen levels were found to be up to 60% lower in certain assessment areas. The weighted average approach reduced model disparities, and delivered pre-eutrophic concentrations in each assessment area. Our results open the possibility to establish reference values for indicators of eutrophication across marine regions. The use of the new assessment areas ensures local ecosystem functioning is better represented while political boundaries are largely ignored. As such, the reference values are less associated to member states boundaries than to ecosystem boundaries.
Clinical application of intubation-free anesthesia in radical resection of lung cancer
Authors: Liu Zhenhai , Ren Shengjie , Liu Ning , Luo Yanhua
Published: May 2023

Background

In recent years, video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has become increasingly widespread. However, the implementation of VATS requires the assistance with lung isolation techniques. Spontaneous breathing with laryngeal masks is also increasingly used in VATS. However, evidence on the characteristics of intubated anesthesia is insufficient.

Objective

This study aimed to explore whether intubation-free anesthesia has more advantages than other intubation methods in the clinical setting.

Methods

Patients with lung tumors who underwent VATS in our hospital between June 2022 and October 2022 were included in the study. Perioperative data of patients, including basic information, intraoperative hemodynamic changes, postoperative inflammatory indicators, and adverse reactions were obtained through the electronic medical record system. According to the protocol of airway management during anesthesia, participants were divided into the following groups: laryngeal mask with spontaneous breathing group (LMSB group), laryngeal mask combined with bronchial blocker group (LM + BB group), double-lumen tube group (DLT group), and tracheal tube combined with bronchial blocker group (TT + BB group). All data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 software.

Results

At baseline, patients in the LMSB and LM + BB groups had a lower body weight (P = 0.024). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were significantly higher in the DLT group than in the non-intubated group during surgery (SBP: T1 P = 0.048, T4 P = 0.021, T5 P ≤ 0.001, T6 P ≤ 0.001, T7 P = 0.004; DBP: T5 P ≤ 0.001, T6 P ≤ 0.001, T7 P ≤ 0.001; HR: T1 P = 0.021, T6 P ≤ 0.001, T7 P = 0.007, T8 P ≤ 0.001). The input fluid (P = 0.009), urine output (P = 0.010), surgery duration (P = 0.035), and procalcitonin levels (P = 0.024) of the DLT group were also significantly higher than those of the other groups. The recovery duration of the LMSB group was significantly longer (P = 0.003) and the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions, mainly atelectasis, was higher (P = 0.012) than those of the other groups.

Conclusion

Although the intubation-free anesthesia has less stimulation during operation and less postoperative inflammatory response, it has obvious adverse reactions after operation, which may be not the best anesthesia scheme for radical resection of lung cancer in VATS.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=182767, identifier ChiCTR2200066180.
Establishment of sheep nasal mucosa explant model and its application in antiviral research
Authors: Zheng Jian , Lin Jian , Ma Yichao , Yang Chengjie , Zhong Qiu , Li Yuchen , Yang Qian
Published: May 2023

The nasal mucosa is the first barrier to pathogen invasion through the respiratory tract. Few studies have focused on nasal resistance to invasion by respiratory pathogens due to the lack of models related to the nasal mucosa. Hence, it is necessary to construct a nasal mucosal model to study host-pathogen interactions. We established a long-term in vitro sheep nasal mucosa explant model (NMEM), which exhibited typical epithelial cilia and epithelial proliferation ability within 11 days. Moreover, to evaluate whether the NMEM was suited for in vitro pathogenic study, we used pseudorabies virus (PRV) and showed that it successfully infected and produced severe lesions in the NMEM, particularly interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene product 15 (ISG15). IFN decreased significantly after the PRV infection. Similarly, we used this NMEM model to screen several antiviral substances, such as probiotics and drugs. A previous study showed that nasal commensal bacteria, particularly Bacillus subtilis, had high antiviral activity. Then, we used the NMEM to evaluate six sheep-derived B. subtilis strains and demonstrated that it significantly induced the production of IFN and expression of ISG15. The sheep-derived B. subtilis was pretreated with the sheep NMEM before the PRV infection to evaluate the antiviral effect. The results showed that NSV2 significantly inhibited infection by PRV and reduced the viral load (p < 0.05). Furthermore, NSV2 may inhibit PRV replication by enhancing ISGylation of cells. In conclusion, we established a reliable in vitro culture model of sheep NMEM, and applied it in antiviral research.
Degradation of crude oil in a co-culture system of Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Wu Bo , Xiu Jianlong , Yu Li , Huang Lixin , Yi Lina , Ma Yuandong
Published: May 2023

Microbial remediation has been regarded as one of the most promising decontamination techniques for crude oil pollution. However, there are few studies on the interaction of bacteria in the microbial community during bioremediation. The aim of this work was to research the promotion of defined co-culture of Bacillus subtilis SL and Pseudomonas aeruginosa WJ-1 for biodegradation of crude oil. After 7 days of incubation, the analysis of residual oil, saturated and aromatic fraction in the samples showed that the degradation efficiency of them was significantly improved. The degradation efficiency of crude oil was enhanced from 32.61% and 54.35% in individual culture to 63.05% by the defined co-culture of strains SL and WJ-1. Furthermore, it was found that the defined co-culture system represented relatively excellent performance in bacterial growth, cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) and emulsification activity. These results indicated that the combination of Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa can effectively promote the degradation and utilization of crude oil, which may provide a new idea for the improvement of bioremediation strategies.
Research progress on the E protein of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus
Authors: Chen Xiuqiao , Pan JingHua , Huang Liangzong , Zhao Mengmeng
Published: May 2023

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is an economically important disease impacting the global pig industry, and it is characterized by reproductive disorder in sows and respiratory disorder in pigs of all ages. The PRRSV E protein is a nonglycosylated structural protein encoded by the ORF2b gene. The E protein is not necessary for the assembly of virus particles, but deletion of the E protein leads to transmissible virus particles not being produced. To better understand the structure and function of the E protein, we reviewed its genetic and evolutionary analysis, characteristics, subcellular localization and topology, ion channel activity, cellular immune response, additional biological functions, interactions with host proteins, interactions with PRRSV proteins, roles in infection, pathogenicity, and drugs. Therefore, this review can provide a theoretical basis for gaining an in-depth understanding of the E protein of PRRSV-2.