bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients with obstructive sleep apnea can favor the predisposing factors of periodontitis by the presence of P. melaninogenica and C. albicans, increasing the severity of the periodontal disease
Authors: Téllez-Corral Mayra A. , Herrera-Daza Eddy , Cuervo-Jimenez Hayde K. , Arango-Jimenez Natalia , Morales-Vera Darena Z. , Velosa-Porras Juliana , Latorre-Uriza Catalina , Escobar-Arregoces Francina M. , Hidalgo-Martinez Patricia , Cortés Maria E. , Roa-Molina Nelly S. , Otero Liliana , Parra-Giraldo Claudia M.
Published: September 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze the cultivable oral microbiota of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its association with the periodontal condition.

Methods

The epidemiology profile of patients and their clinical oral characteristics were determined. The microbiota was collected from saliva, subgingival plaque, and gingival sulcus of 93 patients classified into four groups according to the periodontal and clinical diagnosis: Group 1 (n = 25), healthy patients; Group 2 (n = 17), patients with periodontitis and without OSA; Group 3 (n = 19), patients with OSA and without periodontitis; and Group 4 (n = 32), patients with periodontitis and OSA. Microbiological samples were cultured, classified, characterized macroscopically and microscopically, and identified by MALDI-TOF-MS. The distribution of complexes and categories of microorganisms and correlations were established for inter- and intra-group of patients and statistically evaluated using the Spearman r test (p-value <0.5) and a multidimensional grouping analysis.

Result

There was no evidence between the severity of OSA and periodontitis (p = 0.2813). However, there is a relationship between the stage of periodontitis and OSA (p = 0.0157), with stage III periodontitis being the one with the highest presence in patients with severe OSA (prevalence of 75%; p = 0.0157), with more cases in men. The greatest distribution of the complexes and categories was found in oral samples of patients with periodontitis and OSA (Group 4 P-OSA); even Candida spp. were more prevalent in these patients. Periodontitis and OSA are associated with comorbidities and oral conditions, and the microorganisms of the orange and red complexes participate in this association. The formation of the dysbiotic biofilm was mainly related to the presence of these complexes in association with Candida spp.

Conclusion

Periodontopathogenic bacteria of the orange complex, such as Prevotella melaninogenica, and the yeast Candida albicans, altered the cultivable oral microbiota of patients with periodontitis and OSA in terms of diversity, possibly increasing the severity of periodontal disease. The link between yeasts and periodontopathogenic bacteria could help explain why people with severe OSA have such a high risk of stage III periodontitis. Antimicrobial approaches for treating periodontitis in individuals with OSA could be investigated in vitro using polymicrobial biofilms, according to our findings.
The gut microbiota–bile acid axis: A potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis
Authors: Zhang Yu-Lin , Li Zhen-Jiao , Gou Hong-Zhong , Song Xiao-Jing , Zhang Lei
Published: September 2022

Liver fibrosis involves the proliferation and deposition of extracellular matrix on liver tissues owing to various etiologies (including viral, alcohol, immune, and metabolic factors), ultimately leading to structural and functional abnormalities in the liver. If not effectively treated, liver fibrosis, a pivotal stage in the path to chronic liver disease, can progress to cirrhosis and eventually liver cancer; unfortunately, no specific clinical treatment for liver fibrosis has been established to date. In liver fibrosis cases, both the gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism are disrupted. As metabolites of the gut microbiota, bile acids have been linked to the progression of liver fibrosis via various pathways, thus implying that the gut microbiota–bile acid axis might play a critical role in the progression of liver fibrosis and could be a target for its reversal. Therefore, in this review, we examined the involvement of the gut microbiota–bile acid axis in liver fibrosis progression to the end of discovering new targets for the prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of chronic liver diseases, including liver fibrosis.
How do participants collaborate during an online hackathon? An empirical, quantitative study of communication traces
Authors: Schulten Cleo , Nolte Alexander , Spikol Daniel , Chounta Irene-Angelica
Published: September 2022

Starting as niche programming events, hackathons have since become a popular form of collaboration. Events are organized in various domains across the globe, aiming to foster innovation and learning, create and expand communities and tackle civic and environmental issues. While research around such events has grown in recent years, most studies are based on observations of a few individuals during an event and on post-hoc interviews during which participants report their experiences. Such studies are helpful but somewhat limited in that they do not allow us to study how individuals communicate at scale using technology. To address this gap, we conducted an archival analysis of communication traces of teams during a 48-h event. Our findings indicate that teams scaffold their communication around the design of an event, influenced by milestones set by the organizers. The officially selected communication platform's main use was to organize the event and the teams and to facilitate contact between participants and hackathon officials. We further investigated the balance of intra-team communication on the given platform and the potential use of additional communication tools.
Intraindividual evaluation of effects of image filter function on image quality in coronary computed tomography angiography
Authors: Jin Liang , Gao Pan , Wang Kun , Li Jianying , Li Ming
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To evaluate whether applying image filters (smooth 3D+ and edge-2) improves image quality in coronary CT angiography (CCTA).

Methods

Ninety patients (routine group) with suspected coronary artery diseases based on 16-cm wide coverage detector CT findings were retrospectively enrolled at a chest pain center from December 2019 to September 2021. Two image filters, smooth 3D+ and edge-2 available on the Advantage Workstation (AW) were subsequently applied to the images to generate the research group (SE group). Quantitative parameters, including CT value, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), image sharpness and image quality score, and diagnostic accuracy were compared between the two groups.

Results

A total of 900 segments from 270 coronary arteries in 90 patients were analyzed. SNR, CNR, and image sharpness for vessels and image quality scores in the SE group were significantly better than those in the routine group (all p < 0.001). The SE group showed a slightly higher negative predictive value (NPV) on the left anterior descending artery and right coronary artery (RCA) stenosis evaluations, as well as total NPV. The SE group also showed slightly higher sensitivity and accuracy than the routine group on RCA stenosis evaluation.

Conclusion

The use of an image filter combining smooth 3D+ and edge-2 on an AW could improve the image quality of CCTA and increase radiologists' diagnostic confidence.
Impact of Sacubitril/Valsartan on surfactant binding proteins, central sleep apneas, lung function tests and heart failure biomarkers: Hemodynamic or pleiotropism?
Authors: Mapelli Massimo , Mattavelli Irene , Salvioni Elisabetta , Banfi Cristina , Ghilardi Stefania , De Martino Fabiana , Gugliandolo Paola , Mantegazza Valentina , Volpato Valentina , Basile Christian , Branco Pires Maria Inês Fiuza , Sassi Valentina , Nusca Benedetta , Vignati Carlo , Contini Mauro , Sforza Chiarella , Biondi Maria Luisa , Perrone Filardi Pasquale , Agostoni Piergiuseppe
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Little is known about the mechanism underlying Sacubitril/Valsartan effects in patients with heart failure (HFrEF). Aim of the study is to assess hemodynamic vs. non-hemodynamic Sacubitril/Valsartan effects by analyzing several biological and functional parameters.

Methods

Seventy-nine patients (86% males, age 66 ± 10 years) were enrolled. At baseline and 6 months after reaching the maximum Sacubitril/Valsartan tolerated dose, we assessed biomarkers, transthoracic echocardiography, polysomnography, spirometry, and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity of the lung (DLCO).

Results

Mean follow-up was 8.7 ± 1.4 months with 83% of patients reaching Sacubitril/Valsartan maximum dose (97/103 mg b.i.d). Significant improvements were observed in cardiac performance and biomarkers: left ventricular ejection fraction increased (31 ± 5 vs. 37 ± 9 %; p < 0.001), end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes decreased; NT-proBNP decreased (1,196 [IQR 648–2891] vs. 958 [IQR 424-1,663] pg/ml; p < 0.001) in parallel with interleukin ST-2 (28.4 [IQR 19.4–36.6] vs. 20.4 [IQR 15.1–29.2] ng/ml; p < 0.001) and circulating surfactant binding proteins (proSP-B: 58.43 [IQR 40.42–84.23] vs. 50.36 [IQR 37.16–69.54] AU; p = 0.014 and SP-D: 102.17 [IQR 62.85–175.34] vs. 77.64 [IQR 53.55-144.70] AU; p < 0.001). Forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity improved. DLCO increased in the patients' subgroup (n = 39) with impaired baseline values (from 65.3 ± 10.8 to 70.3 ± 15.9 %predicted; p = 0.013). We also observed a significant reduction in central sleep apneas (CSA).

Conclusion

Sacubitril/Valsartan effects share a double pathway: hemodynamic and systemic. The first is evidenced by NT-proBNP, proSP-B, lung mechanics, and CSA improvement. The latter is confirmed by an amelioration of DLCO, ST-2, SP-D as well as by reverse remodeling echocardiographic parameters.
The effect of ionizing radiation through cardiac stereotactic body radiation therapy on myocardial tissue for refractory ventricular arrhythmias: A review
Authors: Whitaker John , Zei Paul C. , Ahmad Shahreen , Niederer Steven , O'Neill Mark , Rinaldi Christopher A.
Published: September 2022

Cardiac stereotactic body radiation therapy (cSBRT) is a non-invasive treatment modality that has been recently reported as an effective treatment for ventricular arrhythmias refractory to medical therapy and catheter ablation. The approach leverages tools developed and refined in radiation oncology, where experience has been accumulated in the treatment of a wide variety of malignant conditions. However, important differences exist between rapidly dividing malignant tumor cells and fully differentiated myocytes in pathologically remodeled ventricular myocardium, which represent the respective radiation targets. Despite its initial success, little is known about the radiobiology of the anti-arrhythmic effect cSBRT. Pre-clinical data indicates a late fibrotic effect of that appears between 3 and 4 months following cSBRT, which may result in conduction slowing and block. However, there is clear clinical evidence of an anti-arrhythmic effect of cSBRT that precedes the appearance of radiation induced fibrosis for which the mechanism is unclear. In addition, the data to date suggests that even the late anti-arrhythmic effect of cSBRT is not fully attributable to radiation.-induced fibrosis. Pre-clinical data has identified upregulation of proteins expected to result in both increased cell-to-cell coupling and excitability in the early post cSBRT period and demonstrated an associated increase in myocardial conduction velocity. These observations indicate a complex response to radiotherapy and highlight the lack of clarity regarding the different stages of the anti-arrhythmic mechanism of cSBRT. It may be speculated that in the future cSBRT therapy could be planned to deliver both early and late radiation effects titrated to optimize the combined anti-arrhythmic efficacy of the treatment. In addition to these outstanding mechanistic questions, the optimal patient selection, radiation modality, radiation dose and treatment planning strategy are currently being investigated. In this review, we consider the structural and functional effect of radiation on myocardium and the possible anti-arrhythmic mechanisms of cSBRT. Review of the published data highlights the exciting prospects for the development of knowledge and understanding in this area in which so many outstanding questions exist.
Personalized decision-making for acute cholecystitis: Understanding surgeon judgment
Authors: Filiberto Amanda C. , Efron Philip A. , Frantz Amanda , Bihorac Azra , Upchurch Gilbert R. , Loftus Tyler J.
Published: September 2022

Background

There is sparse high-level evidence to guide treatment decisions for severe, acute cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder). Therefore, treatment decisions depend heavily on individual surgeon judgment, which is highly variable and potentially amenable to personalized, data-driven decision support. We test the hypothesis that surgeons' treatment recommendations misalign with perceived risks and benefits for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (surgical removal) vs. percutaneous cholecystostomy (image-guided drainage).

Methods

Surgery attendings, fellows, and residents applied individual judgement to standardized case scenarios in a live, web-based survey in estimating the quantitative risks and benefits of laparoscopic cholecystectomy vs. percutaneous cholecystostomy for both moderate and severe acute cholecystitis, as well as the likelihood that they would recommend cholecystectomy.

Results

Surgeons predicted similar 30-day morbidity rates for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and percutaneous cholecystostomy. However, a greater proportion of surgeons predicted low (<50%) likelihood of full recovery following percutaneous cholecystostomy compared with cholecystectomy for both moderate (30% vs. 2%, p < 0.001) and severe (62% vs. 38%, p < 0.001) cholecystitis. Ninety-eight percent of all surgeons were likely or very likely to recommend cholecystectomy for moderate cholecystitis; only 32% recommended cholecystectomy for severe cholecystitis (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in predicted postoperative morbidity when respondents were stratified by academic rank or self-reported ability to predict complications or make treatment recommendations.

Conclusions

Surgeon recommendations for severe cholecystitis were discordant with perceived risks and benefits of treatment options. Surgeons predicted greater functional recovery after cholecystectomy but less than one-third recommended cholecystectomy. These findings suggest opportunities to augment surgical decision-making with personalized, data-driven decision support.
Monitoring as a tool to evaluate preservation possibilities. Results from the CULTCOAST project
Authors: Martens Vibeke Vandrup , Krangnes Lars
Published: September 2022

The CULTCOAST research project has installed environmental monitoring equipment at two cultural heritage sites in northern Norway: one at the coal mine site of Hiorthhamn on Svalbard, one at the settlement mound site Sjåberget on Andøya in Nordland County. Both these coastal heritage sites are situated north of the Arctic circle, in the areas most impacted by climate change. Whereas the global temperature increase since 1970 is just above 1°C, in Svalbard the increase is now 4°C. This is the first example of using this specific type of sensors to monitor the ongoing changes and their possible impacts on preservation of heritage sites.
Spatial correlation of groundwater level with natural factors using geographically weighted regression model in the Choushui River Alluvial Fan, Taiwan
Authors: Yeh Hsin-Fu , Chang Jui-Chi , Huang Chia-Chi , Chen Hsin-Yu
Published: September 2022

The groundwater of the Choushui River alluvial fan in Central Taiwan has been overexploited for a long time. It is essential to understand the factors governing changes in groundwater level (GWL) for the use of water resources. In this study, we first conducted a Mann–Kendall test to identify significant trends in the regional GWL and obtained its spatial characteristics using the Moran’s I index in the Choushui River alluvial fan. Furthermore, we established a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model to explore the spatial correlation between natural factors and GWL in dry and wet seasons from 1999 to 2019. The long-term trend analysis shows that the GWL of the Choushui River alluvial fan decline significantly. The Moran’s I index shows that the spatial distribution of GWL had a positive correlation in both dry and wet seasons. GWR model indicate that the GWL are affected by drainage density (Dd), slope (S), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and precipitation (P) during the dry season, while Dd, S, NDVI, and wetness index (WI) have an effect on the GWL during the wet season. These results can not only describe the model applicability for exploring the relationship between natural factors and GWL but also be used as references for future regional water resource utilization and management.
Evaluation of post COVID-19 energy poverty and global trading impact on energy affordability
Authors: Schislyaeva Elena Rostislavovna , Saychenko Olga Anatolievna
Published: September 2022

Energy poverty become a serious global problem after COVID-19 among the developing and developed countries that must have to be addressed to meet United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Moreover, the factors contributes to energy poverty have given little attention. The study aims to overlooked on the energy affordability and accessibility among the Europeans living in Energy poverty. Therefore, study mainly concerning on the effecting factors such as bilateral commerce, globalization, and the quality of bureaucracy that possibly affect energy poverty. The influence of bilateral commerce on energy poverty was investigated using many robust panel data approaches, including cross-sectional autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL), common correlated effects generalized method of moments (CCE-GMM), and instrumental variable regression. Annual data utilizes from European nations (from 2000 to 2019). According to the econometric findings, bilateral commerce enhances energy accessibility while raising energy prices. Economic globalization was meant to raise energy costs and restrict fuel access for Europe’s poorest citizens. Study suggested that bilateral trade should be assessed to ensure energy demand and supply conditions meet to keep the energy pricing in the afforadbale range especially among the low income families in the Europen countries. Across models, these results are consistent, allowing us to propose fresh energy accessibility and affordability conclusions in line with the SDGs.
Game evolution and simulation analysis of power battery recycling in China under conflicting supply and demand of critical metals
Authors: Guo Shaobo , Liu Guwang , Guo Xiaoqian , Wang Yue
Published: September 2022

A great demand for lithium, cobalt, nickel, and other critical metals by power batteries has been increasing with the explosive development of the new energy industry, which further exacerbated the contradiction between the supply and demand of critical metals. In addition, two key factors, including an imbalance of government reward and punishment and a low degree of cooperation between manufacturers and recycling enterprises, have hindered the recovery and utilization of critical metals in power battery with the expansion of the power battery recycling market. A three-party evolutionary game model, including power battery manufacturers, third-party recycling enterprises, and the government, was constructed in this study to analyze the evolutionary stability of the strategy selection of each participant. Also, the influence of each factor on the three-party strategy selection and verifying the reliability of the results through simulation were also discussed. The results show that 1) both government incentives and punishments are beneficial for promoting cooperation between power battery manufacturers and recycling enterprises. The cost of cooperation will be the key factor affecting power battery recycling. 2) Increasing the probability of cooperation is an effective way to ensure the increase in income of both parties after cooperation. Further suggestions, including the establishment of a dynamic reward and punishment mechanism by the government and strengthening the cooperation to cope with the continued tight supply of critical metals by the manufacturers and recyclers, were also put forward in this research.
Tracing of lithium supply and demand bottleneck in China’s new energy vehicle industry—Based on the chart of lithium flow
Authors: Zheng Linchang , Chen Ge , Liu Litao , Hu Yuqi
Published: September 2022

With the rapid development of China’s new energy vehicle industry, the supply security of lithium resources is crucial. To ensure the healthy development of the new energy vehicle industry and the security of supply of key mineral resources, it is necessary to accurately determine the supply and demand pressure of lithium resources and their sources. This study analyzes the lithium stock and flow at the end of the new energy vehicle chain by constructing a material flow analysis framework for the new energy vehicle industry and compiling a lithium resource flow table for the new energy vehicle industry, and the results show that 1) the supply and demand pressure on lithium resources in China is increasing year by year, and the external dependence of lithium resources has reached 75% in 2019; 2) China’s domestic lithium battery production and consumption accounted for nearly 70% of the lithium consumption in various industries, of which 60% of the lithium batteries were assembled on new energy vehicles, and the net outflow of lithium exceeded more than the lithium consumption of new energy vehicles in 2019. The lithium consumption of new energy vehicles was more than five times that of the previous year. Insufficient supply of domestic lithium ore, lithium inventory, and import and export are the key reasons for the pressure on lithium supply and demand in the new energy vehicle industry; 3) By the end of 2019, the cumulative scrap lithium batteries in new energy vehicles contain about 10,000 tons. The lithium accumulated in new energy vehicles has 26,500 tons. These results provide a theoretical basis for policy recommendations to ensure the healthy development of the new energy vehicle industry and to promote international cooperation in the development, utilization, and recycling of lithium resources.
Numerical research on lithium-ion battery thermal management utilizing a novel cobweb-like channel cooling plate exchanger
Authors: Zhao Qian , Wu Huawei , Wang Zhaohui , Fan Yiwei , Cheng Wei
Published: September 2022

As a key component of a pure electric vehicle, the battery in an overheated state will have a direct impact on battery life and vehicle safety. To promote battery heat dissipation, a novel cobweb-like type (C-type) channel cooling plate with asymmetric inlet and outlet is designed. The C-type channel cooling plate is numerically simulated in two coolant flow directions (Ifd and IIfd), using the computational fluid dynamics software STAR-CCM+, and compared to the conventional serpentine type (S-type) channel. Meanwhile, the effects of three structural parameters (channel diameter, spacing, and cooling plate thickness) on maximum temperature and temperature difference of the C-type cooling plate, and pressure drop are investigated. Based on this, the C-type channel is optimized by orthogonal test. The results show that the C-type with IIfd coolant flow direction has a better heat dissipation effect on the battery module than the C-type with Ifd and S-type under the same conditions, and the maximum temperature and temperature difference are respectively reduced by 0.2% and 17.8%, while the pressure drop is increased by 17.3%. In addition, increasing channel diameter can obtain good battery temperature distribution and smaller pressure drop, while the increase of cooling plate thickness and channel spacing has a greater effect on the battery temperature difference compared to the change of maximum temperature. Finally, the results of the orthogonal tests show that the cooling effect is best when the diameter of the cobweb-like channel cooling plate is 7 mm, the thickness of the cooling plate is 12 mm, and the channel spacing is 16 mm, and the maximum temperature and temperature difference are reduced by 0.7% and 6.8%, respectively, and the pressure drop is reduced by 37.6% compared to the initial cobweb-like channel scheme. This offers a fresh perspective on cooling plate channel design in liquid-cooled battery thermal management.
The impact of transport energy consumption and foreign direct investment on CO2 emissions in ASEAN countries
Authors: Shabir Mohsin , Gill Abid Rashid , Ali Minhaj
Published: September 2022

This study assesses the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) and the energy consumption of the transport sector on CO2 emissions in five ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries for the period 1980–2019. The study employs the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC), and uses a nonlinear autoregressive distributive lag model (NARDL) to analyze the data. The results suggest that carbon emissions and their determinants have a long-run equilibrium cointegrated relationship. Findings reveal that the EKC relation between income and CO2 emissions holds only for Singapore, whereas for Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand, income growth impacts CO2 emissions positively. Foreign direct investment and energy consumption in the transport sector also significantly impact CO2 emissions in the selected countries, except for Singapore. Transport energy consumption contributes more to CO2 emissions than FDI. Moreover, results suggest that FDI and energy consumption-led growth models are appropriate for ASEAN economies. The study recommends cautious growth policies, clean FDI inflows, and an emphasis on energy-efficient transport systems.
The temporal and spatial pattern evolution of land-use carbon emissions in China coastal regions and its response to green economic development
Authors: Pan Lin , Yu Jing , Lin Lu
Published: September 2022

Carbon emissions based on land use change have attracted extensive attention from scholars, but the current land use carbon emission accounting model is still relatively rough. Despite the continuous promotion of China’s ecological civilization strategy, whether green economic development promotes carbon emission reduction remains to be studied. This study uses the Exploratory Spatial-temporal Data Analysis (ESTDA) framework system to revise the land-use carbon emission accounting model; it integrates the NDVI adjustment index and systematically analyzes the spatial and temporal patterns and evolutionary path characteristics of carbon emissions from 2000 to 2020 for 130 prefecture-level cities in the eastern coastal region of China, a high carbon emission region. The spatial econometric model is further used to explore the impact of green economy development on carbon emissions. The results show that the spatial distribution of carbon sources and sinks in the eastern coastal cities demonstrates a year-on-year increase during the study period. The spatial distribution of carbon sources is higher in the north than in the south, and the economically developed regions are more elevated than less developed economic areas. Net carbon emissions show prominent spatial clustering characteristics. The south has a more stable internal spatial structure than the north, and the inland has a more stable internal spatial structure than the coast. Green economic development can significantly reduce carbon emission intensity and has a significant spatial spillover effect. The findings imply that policy-makers need to consider the spatial and temporal distribution and spatial correlation of carbon emissions among cities; they can achieve carbon emission reduction by formulating a more reasonable green economy development approach and implementing regional linkages.
A century of anthropogenic river alterations in a highly diverse river coastal basin: Effects on fish assemblages
Authors: Moraga Diego , Vivancos Aurélien , Ruiz Víctor H. , Rojas Octavio , Díaz Gustavo , Manosalva Aliro , Vega Paulina , Habit Evelyn
Published: September 2022

The global increase in human population is driving a continuous conversion of land to anthropogenic uses. This is a major threat to lotic ecosystems worldwide, as it compromises the biotic integrity and health of rivers and streams. Studies in the northern hemisphere have shown that the effects of urbanization on fish assemblages include decrease and/or loss of diversity and abundance of native species, and a proliferation of tolerant exotic species. Such effects have not been widely studied in developing countries like Chile, where urbanization has impacted several river ecosystems. Over decades, the lower zone of the Andalién River in Central Chile has gone over intense non-planned urbanization stemming from the city of Concepción, leading to several physical alterations. The native fish and lamprey fauna of this coastal river basin has been reported as very diverse, with a total of 16 native species. However, this fauna has been affected by multiple effects of different land uses and direct alterations in the riverbed. To study how these fish and lamprey assemblages have changed, this paper compiles records from 1919 to 2018 and analyzes them in relation to the direct and indirect anthropogenic alterations in the basin. The results show a significant reduction in richness and abundance of native species, with only nine species currently. The two migratory lampreys, one of them endemic (Mordacia lapicida), have been extirpated from the Andalién River basin. Conversely, the richness and distribution of introduced species has increased throughout the river basin. The invasive species Gambusia holbrooki, first registered in 1999, is currently the most abundant in the urban zone of the river. Although the more substantial direct alterations of the riverbed occurred in the lower areas, a steeper reduction in native species richness occurred in the middle areas subjected to a long history of agricultural and forestry land use. We suggest the loss of resilience of the river ecosystem, and that the collapse of biodiversity in this river system demonstrates the lack of urban planning and the inefficiency of environmental regulations in protecting native species and ecosystems with high conservation value in Chile.
Global premature mortality by dust and pollution PM2.5 estimated from aerosol reanalysis of the modern-era retrospective analysis for research and applications, version 2
Authors: Yang Alexander , Tan Qian , Rajapakshe Chamara , Chin Mian , Yu Hongbin
Published: September 2022

This study quantifies global premature deaths attributable to long-term exposure of ambient PM2.5, or PM2.5-attributable mortality, by dust and pollution sources. We used NASA’s Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA-2) aerosol reanalysis product for PM2.5 and the cause-specific relative risk (RR) from the integrated exposure-response (IER) model to estimate global PM2.5-attributable mortality for five causes of deaths, namely ischaemic heart disease (IHD), cerebrovascular disease (CEV) or stroke, lung cancer (LC), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI). The estimated yearly global PM2.5-attributable mortality in 2019 amounts to 2.89 (1.38–4.48) millions, which is composed of 1.19 (0.73–1.84) million from IHD, 1.01 (0.35–1.55) million from CEV, 0.29 (0.11–0.48) million from COPD, 0.23 (0.14–0.33) million from ALRI, and 0.17 (0.04–0.28) million from LC (the numbers in parentheses represent the estimated mortality range due corresponding to RR spread at the 95% confidence interval). The mortality counts vary with geopolitical regions substantially, with the highest number of deaths occurring in Asia. China and India account for 40% and 23% of the global PM2.5-attributable deaths, respectively. In terms of sources of PM2.5, about 22% of the global all-cause PM2.5-attributable deaths are caused by desert dust. The largest dust attribution is 37% for ALRI. The relative contributions of dust and pollution sources vary with the causes of deaths and geographical regions. Enforcing air pollution regulations to transfer areas from PM2.5 nonattainment to PM2.5 attainment can have great health benefits. Being attainable with the United States air quality standard (AQS) of 15 μg/m3 globally would have avoided nearly 40% or 1.2 million premature deaths. The most recent update of PM2.5 guideline from 10 to 5 μg/m3 by the World Health Organization (WHO) would potentially save additional one million lives. Our study highlights the importance of distinguishing aerodynamic size from geometric size in accurately assessing the global health burden of PM2.5 and particularly for dust. A use of geometric size in diagnosing dust PM2.5 from the model simulation, a common approach in current health burden assessment, could overestimate the PM2.5 level in the dust belt by 40–170%, leading to an overestimate of global all-cause mortality by 1 million or 32%.
Heavy metal pollution decreases the stability of microbial co-occurrence networks in the rhizosphere of native plants
Authors: Sun Caili , Wu Pan , Wang Guanghao , Kong Xingjie
Published: September 2022

Soil microorganisms play an important role in maintaining soil quality and function, although the response of soil microbial biodiversity to heavy metals has been extensively investigated, the microbe-microbe associations under the influence of both native plant species and extremely high heavy metal contamination are not well documented. We examined the diversity and composition of microbial communities and the physicochemical properties in the rhizosphere of three native plant species, Carex breviculmis, Buddleja davidii, and Artemisia annua growing on and around a Pb-Zn waste heap with a nearly 100-year history of natural recovery. Both plant species and heavy metals influence soil microbial diversity and composition. C. breviculmis and A. annua showed a prominent advantage in increasing rhizosphere microbial diversity and richness as well as network complexity compared with plant Buddleja davidii at severely contaminated soil, which was mainly related to the accumulation of soil nutrients such as soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen ammonium nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen rather than a reduction in heavy metal concentrations. Moreover, the heavy metal concentration and soil nutrient levels significantly affected the microbial groups affiliated with Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota, in which those affiliated with Chloroflexi and Ascomycota were positively associated with heavy metals. Soil microbial network on the Pb-Zn waste heap exhibited higher average degree and a higher proportion of positive links than those around the waste heap, and thus soil microbial structure became more complexity and unstable with increasing heavy metal pollution.
Projection of future climate change in the Poyang Lake Basin of China under the global warming of 1.5–3°C
Authors: Zhang Meng , Xu Wanling , Hu Zengyun , Merz Christoph , Ma Miaomiao , Wei Jianhui , Guan Xiaojun , Jiang Lizhi , Bao Ruijuan , Wei Yingying , Gao Lu
Published: September 2022

This study projected the future climate changes in the Poyang Lake Basin (PLB) of China under various global warming targets (1.5–3°C), based on the latest Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) and 4 statistical downscaling methods, including Quantile Mapping (QM), Daily Translation (DT), Delta, and Local Intensity Scaling (LOCI). The RMSE, R2 and KGE indicators were used to evaluate the competency of the aforementioned methods applied to daily precipitation (Pre), daily mean temperature (Tas), daily maximum temperature (Tasmax), and daily minimum temperature (Tasmin). The global warming of 1.5, 2 and 3°C will occur around 2040, from 2045 to 2080 and around 2075, respectively, for the emission scenarios of SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5. The results demonstrated that under the 1.5, 2 and 3°C global warming targets, the projected annual precipitation declined by 14.82, 11.92 and 8.91% relative to the reference period (1986–2005), respectively. The Tas increased significantly by 0.43, 0.94 and 1.92°C and the Tasmax increased by 0.58, 1.11 and 2.09°C. The Tasmin decreased by 0.29°C under the 1.5°C warming target, while it increased by 0.19 and 1.18°C under the 2 and 3°C warming targets. The spatial distributions of future annual precipitation in the PLB were relative consistent. However, the regional variability was significant, which the southern and eastern regions experienced more precipitation than the northern and western regions. The south-central part of the Ganjiang basin was the high-value area while the northeastern part was the low-value area. The Tas, Tasmax and Tasmin had a consistent spatial variation characteristic that the high latitude areas were warmer than the low latitude areas, and the western regions were warmer than the central and eastern regions while the northeastern regions were cooler than the remaining regions.
Phytotoxicity, uptake, and translocation of two halogenated flame retardants and cadmium in two rice varieties
Authors: Liu Ruiyuan , Xie Hui , Xu Yuxin , Sun Fengxia
Published: September 2022

Dechlorane Plus (DP) and Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) are the halogenated flame retardant with the highest production volume, cadmium (Cd) is regarded as one of the hazardous heavy metals due to its bio toxicity and bioaccumulation in the environment, and it will cause environmental pollution and affect human health, so a pot experiment was conducted to investigate the phytotoxicity on seed germination and seedling of two rice varieties. The results showed that with the increasing of DP, TBBPA and Cd concentrations in soil, the germination rate, germination index and vigor index of two rice varieties decreased, and the germination of Number 7 rice was affected more than Number 1 rice. Halogenated flame retardants and Cd in soil significantly promoted root activity and proline, and significantly inhibited protein and soluble sugar contents of two rice varieties. In addition, the responses of the two rice varieties seedlings to different pollutants were obviously different. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in two kinds of rice was improved, and a large amount of malonyldialdehyde (MDA) was induced. But the activity of catalase (CAT) in Number 7 rice was increased under the action of DP and TBBPA, while the activity of Number 1 rice was increased under the action of DP and inhibited under the pollution of TBBPA. Bioaccumulation factors of DP and Cd were 0.025–0.042 and 6.59–14.20, bio transport coefficients were 0.39–0.48 and 0.034–0.087. There was no significant difference in the bioaccumulation of DP in the two rice varieties, but TBBPA and Cd were more easily bio accumulated in the Number 1 rice. These findings would provide some essential information for interpreting the ecological risks of two halogenated flame-retardants and Cd in plants.
Diverging olfactory sensitivities to yeast volatiles reflect resource partitioning of tephritids and drosophilids
Authors: Biasazin Tibebe Dejene , Herrera Sebastian Larsson , Kimbokota Fikira , Dekker Teun
Published: September 2022

As pests of fruits and vegetables, ovipositing tephritid fruit flies are infamous for their frugivory. Yet, adult tephritids have remained saprophytic in their feeding behavior, as they require decomposing, protein rich media for sexual maturation and oogenesis. Drosophilid fruit flies, in contrast, are saprophytic both during oviposition and feeding. Here we compared the sensory and behavioral responses of two tephritid (Bactrocera dorsalisandCeratitis capitata) and two drosophilid species (Drosophila melanogasterandDrosophila suzukii) to differentially aged cultures of the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae. We assessed convergence and divergence in the detection of and behavioral response to these attractive substrates, and how these might be linked to the roles of the substrates for the different taxa. The headspace shifted substantially as broth cultures transitioned from active (1-day) to inactive (8- and 15-days). Interestingly,Drosophilaflies were significantly attracted to actively fermenting 1-day old yeast cultures, whereas the preference shifted to older cultures for the tephritids.Bactrocera dorsalisflies preferred inactive, lysing cultures (8- and 15-days old). We identified compounds from the 1- to 8-days old broth cultures that elicited antennal responses in each species. Synthetic blends composed of antennally active compounds evoked similar behavioral responses as broth cultures. Similarly, the attractiveness of less attractive broth cultures (1- and 8-days old for drosophilids and tephritids, respectively) could be augmented by adding volatiles of the more attractive cultures. The results show that the volatile profiles of fermenting substrates evolve quantitatively and qualitatively, and that fly species key into volatile blends that indicate suitability of the substrates for their purposes. For drosophilids early arrival at fermenting substrates confers a competitive advantage to offspring. In contrast, for tephritid the concentration and availability of protein is facilitated by older, lysed yeast cultures. The data from this comparative study are also instrumental in the development of novel lures for these pests.
Risk model of hepatocellular carcinoma based on cuproptosis-related genes
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Qi Yong , Wang Haibo , Zhang Qikun , Wu Zhengsheng , Wu Wenyong
Published: September 2022

Background: Owing to the heterogeneity displayed by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the complexity of tumor microenvironment (TME), it is noted that the long-term effectiveness of the cancer therapy poses a severe clinical challenge. Hence, it is essential to categorize and alter the treatment intervention decisions for these tumors.

Materials and methods: “ConsensusClusterPlus” tool was used for developing a secure molecular classification system that was based on the cuproptosis-linked gene expression. Furthermore, all clinical properties, pathway characteristics, genomic changes, and immune characteristics of different cell types involved in the immune pathways were also assessed. Univariate Cox regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) analyses were used for designing the prognostic risk model associated with cuproptosis.

Results: Three cuproptosis-linked subtypes (clust1, clust2, and clust3) were detected. Out of these, Clust3 showed the worst prognosis, followed by clust2, while Clust1 showed the best prognosis. Three subtypes had significantly different enrichment in pathways related to Tricarboxylic Acid (TCA) cycle, cell cycle, and cell senescence (p < 0.01). The clust3 subtype with poor prognosis had a low “ImmuneScore” and low immune cell infiltration, and the three subtypes had significant differences in the antigen processing and presentation pathway of the macrophages. Clust1 had a low TIDE score and was sensitive to immunotherapy. Then, according to the prognosis-related genes of cuproptosis, a prognosis risk model related to cuproptosis was constructed, containing seven genes (KIF2C, PTTG1, CENPM, CDC20, CYP2C9, SFN, and CFHR3). “High” group had a higher TIDE score compared to the TIDE score value shown by the “Low” group, which benefited less from immunotherapy, whereas the “High” group patients were more sensitive to the conventional drugs. Finally, the prognosis risk model related to cuproptosis was combined with clinical pathological characteristics to further improve the prognostic model and survival prediction.

Conclusion: Three new molecular subgroups based on cuproptosis-linked genes were revealed, and a cuproptosis-related prognostic risk model comprising seven genes was established in this study, which could assist in predicting the prognosis and identifying the patients benefit from immunotherapy.
Case report: Rare persistent complete donor chimerism and GVHD following micro-transplantation from HLA haplotype homozygous donors
Authors: Liu Lingling , Cui Qingya , Li Mengyun , Li Zheng , Chen Sifan , Ma Yunju , He Jun , Wu Depei , Tang Xiaowen
Published: September 2022

HLA-mismatched hematopoietic stem cell micro-transplantation (MST) is an effective treatment for older patients (≥60 years) with acute myeloid leukemia. Donor selection for MST is broad, ranging from HLA fully mismatched unrelated donors to HLA partially matched related donors. However, the influence of HLA haplotype homozygous donors such donors on MST has not been studied. Such donors has been reported to be associated with a higher risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in transfusion and cord blood transplantation (CBT). Additionally, sustained complete donor chimerism is rare in MST and usually accompanied by severe acute GVHD and death. Herein, we report the first case of MST using an HLA haplotype homozygous donor. The patient developed persistent complete donor chimerism (donor cells>95%) for 7 months and prolonged isolated thrombocytopenia (PT) for 3 months, after receiving MST from his HLA homozygous son. Grade I acute GVHD presented on day 12 post-MST and it was controlled by timely immunosuppressive treatment. Then he maintained complete molecular remission, complete donor chimerism and mild GVHD for 5 months. However, moderate overlapping GVHD with skin, oral, eyes, and intestinal involvement developed after he self-discontinued Tacrolimus treatment. Fortunately, the GVHD was controlled after intensive anti-rejection therapy and Tacrolimus is now being continued for prophylaxis. This case underscores that HLA haplotype homozygous donors might not be a good choice for MST and GVHD prophylactic should be administrated if such donors have to be selected.
Case Report: Treatment for steroid-refractory immune-related myocarditis with tofacitinib
Authors: Xing Qian , Zhang Zhongwei , Zhu Biao , Lin Qionghua , Shen Lihua , Li Fangfang , Xia Zhili , Zhao Zhiyong
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Immune therapy has ushered in a new era of tumor treatment, at the expense of immune-related adverse events, including rare but fatal adverse cardiovascular events, such as myocarditis. Steroids remain the cornerstone of therapy for immune-related myocarditis, with no clear consensus on additional immunosuppressive treatment for steroid-refractory cases yet.

Case report

Here, we report a patient with stage IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma who developed immune-related myocarditis in the fourth course of therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The patient presented with precordial discomfort with elevation of cardiac enzymes and interleukin-6, atypical electrocardiographic abnormalities, and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Coronary computed tomography angiography excluded the possibility of acute coronary syndrome. The therapy with tofacitinib targeting the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription signal pathway was successfully conducted, since there was no significant improvement in troponin under high-dose steroid and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment. The patient recovered without major adverse cardiac events during hospitalization.

Discussion

The safety and efficacy of tofacitinib in a patient with steroid-refractory immune-related myocarditis were investigated, hoping to provide a basis for prospective therapeutic strategies. Tofacitinib led to remarkable remissions in primary autoimmune disease by blocking the inflammatory cascade, indicating its potential therapeutic use in immune-related adverse events.