bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between Hypernatremia and Delirium After Cardiac Surgery: A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Hong Liang , Shen Xiao , Shi Qiankun , Song Xiaochun , Chen Lihai , Chen Wenxiu , Chen Shangyu , Xue Yingyin , Zhang Cui , Zhou Jifang
Published: March 2022

Background

The association between hypernatremia and delirium after cardiac surgery has rarely been investigated. This study aimed to determine whether hypernatremia increases the risk of delirium after exposure.

Materials and Methods

From April 2016 to June 2021, 7,831 consecutive patients receiving cardiac surgery were screened for potential enrollment. The primary outcome was postoperative delirium (POD). For the respective case of delirium, 10 controls were matched according to the index date within the nested case-control design. Hypernatremia exposure was defined as serum sodium > 145 mmol/L within 7 days before the index date. A generalized estimation equation was performed to assess excess risks for POD associated with hypernatremia, adjusted for demographics and clinical variables.

Results

About 7,277 patients were included in the final analyses. About 669 (9.2%) patients with POD were assigned to the case group, and 6,690 controls were identified from the whole population. About 66.5% of the cases and 36.3% of the controls had hypernatremia exposure. After being adjusted to certain well-recognized confounding factors, hypernatremia showed a significant correlation with increased risk of delirium after cardiac surgery (adjusted OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.41~2.12). An e-value analysis suggested the robustness to unmeasured confounding.

Conclusions

Hypernatremia was associated with an increased risk of delirium after cardiac surgery. This finding could have implications for risk stratification, early detection, and management of delirium in patients receiving cardiac surgery.
Triglyceride-Glucose Index and New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Ling Yang , Fu Cong , Fan Qun , Liu Jichun , Jiang Ling , Tang Shengxing
Published: March 2022

Background

New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is associated with worse prognostic outcomes in cases diagnosed with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, as a credible and convenient marker of insulin resistance, has been shown to be predictive of outcomes for STEMI patients following revascularization. The association between TyG index and NOAF among STEMI patients following PCI, however, has not been established to date.

Objective

To assess the utility of the TyG index as a predictor of NOAF incidence in STEMI patients following PCI, and to assess the relationship between NOAF and long-term all-cause mortality.

Methods

This retrospective cohort research enrolled 549 STEMI patients that had undergone PCI, with these patients being clustered into the NOAF group and sinus rhythm (SR) group. The predictive relevance of TyG index was evaluated through logistic regression analyses and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Kaplan-Meier curve was employed to explore differences in the long-term all-cause mortality between the NOAF and SR group.

Results

NOAF occurred in 7.7% of the enrolled STEMI patients after PCI. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, the TyG index was found to be an independent predictor of NOAF [odds ratio (OR): 8.884, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.570–50.265, P = 0.014], with ROC curve analyses further supporting the predictive value of this parameter, which exhibited an area under ROC curve of 0.758 (95% CI: 0.720–0.793, P < 0.001). All-cause mortality rates were greater for patients in the NOAF group in comparison with the SR group over a median 35-month follow-up period (log-rank P = 0.002).

Conclusions

The TyG index exhibits values as an independent predictor of NOAF during hospitalization, which indicated a poorer prognosis after a relatively long-term follow-up.
Noncoding RNA in Extracellular Vesicles Regulate Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Yan Chaoting , Yu Jinhua
Published: March 2022

To achieve the desired outcome in tissue engineering regeneration, mesenchymal stem cells need to undergo a series of biological processes, including differentiating into the ideal target cells. The extracellular vesicle (EV) in the microenvironment contributes toward determining the fate of the cells with epigenetic regulation, particularly from noncoding RNA (ncRNA), and exerts transportation and protective effects on ncRNAs. We focused on the components and functions of ncRNA (particularly microRNA) in the EVs. The EVs modified by the ncRNA favor tissue regeneration and pose a potential challenge.
Magma and Mineral Composition Response to Increasing Slab-Derived Fluid Flux: Nevado de Longaví Volcano, Southern Chilean Andes
Authors: Sellés Daniel , Dungan Michael , Langmuir Charles , Rodríguez Ana Carolina , Leeman William P.
Published: March 2022

Nevado de Longaví volcano (NLV), in the Southern-Central Chilean Andes, has erupted during the Holocene magmas with compositions that are in several ways atypical for the region. These characteristics include elevated La/Yb ratios in evolved magmas, in an area of only moderately thick crust, coupled with low concentrations of K, Th, and other incompatible elements and elevated ratios of fluid-mobile (B, Cs, Li, Sb) to fluid-immobile elements. Samples have an unusual mafic mineralogy dominated by amphibole. The petrology of the Holocene products of NLV have been related to the influence of an oceanic transform fault (Mocha Fracture Zone; MFZ) that supplies the mantle wedge with unusually high amounts of fluids via dehydration of serpentinite bodies hosted by the subducted oceanic lithosphere. Because the trace of this transform fault is oblique to the convergence vector, its position along the arc has varied through time, as has the magnitude of its influence on the nature of the magmas erupted at NLV. The whole-rock and mineral chemistry of volcanic products from NLV, tied to a simplified stratigraphy, documents the secular changes in the magmatic system as the oceanic fault approached its current position. Magmas erupted ∼1–0.6 Ma are relatively low in water (as inferred from mineralogy and chemical proxies) and reduced (NNO-1 to NNO+0.5), and are similar to compositions found in neighboring volcanoes. From 0.25 Ma to the present, magmas are water-rich and oxidized (NNO-0.5 to NNO+1.7). In the intervening 0.6–0.25 Ma, mafic magmatism acquired a transient crustal component, which we identify as subducted sediment melts, on the basis of radiogenic isotopes and Pb, Th, and U abundances. Fluids released from serpentinite in the fracture zone were rich in Li, B, Sb, Cs and Ba, but not in K, Th, U and Sr. The fluid addition led to enhanced melting, particularly hydrous magmas that stabilized amphibole early during fractionation, higher oxygen fugacities, and distinctive chemical compositions.
How Effective Are School Professionals at Identifying Students Who Might Benefit From Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? Baseline Data From the Adaptive School-Based Implementation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Trial
Authors: Choi Seo Youn , Rusch Amy , Koschmann Elizabeth , Bilek Emily L. , Lane Annalise , Abelson James L. , Eisenberg Daniel , Himle Joseph A. , Fitzgerald Kate D. , Liebrecht Celeste , Kilbourne Amy M. , Smith Shawna N.
Published: March 2022

School professionals (SPs) are increasingly tasked with providing mental health treatment for students. Successful implementation of school-based mental health evidence-based practices (EBPs) can reduce students’ depression and anxiety, but requires identification of appropriate students to benefit from these interventions. We examined the ability of SPs to identify students appropriate for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), using baseline data collected from a large-scale implementation trial. One hundred sixty-nine SPs from 94 Michigan high schools were asked to identify up to 10 students whom they believed could benefit from CBT. Identified students were asked to complete a baseline survey. We examined the proportion of consented students who screened positive for depression or anxiety, based on the Patient Health Questionnaire modified for teens and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder questionnaire, overall and by key school- and SP-level factors. Of the 1,347 students identified by 149 SPs, 899 students completed the survey. Of those students, 87% exhibited any depression or anxiety symptoms (score of five or higher) and 66% showed moderate/severe symptoms (score of ten or higher). Per SP, the proportion of consented students who screened positive for any depression or anxiety symptoms was, on average, 0.88. The effectiveness of SPs’ student identification did not vary significantly by school-specific role, prior CBT training, or geography. Results suggest that SPs can effectively identify students appropriate for CBT given minimal training and resources, an important first step in increasing student access to school-based mental healthcare.
Writing Fictional Short Stories About the Anthropocene: Effects on Students’ Futures Thinking
Authors: Hervé Nicolas , Panissal Nathalie
Published: March 2022

This article deals with the identification of some general guidelines for teaching aimed at developing futures thinking about themes of the Anthropocene. For that, we estimate such teaching activities at the intersection of socioscientific issues, environmental education, and futures education. We describe two teaching contexts designed on this principle, and centered on pupils’ writing fictional narratives, and analyze the effects on their futures thinking. The results show that it is important to design teaching activities that make it possible to think about the temporalities of processes and phenomena, and to invest in relational responsibilities. In order for the pedagogical activity to take temporalities into account, we propose that the backgrounds of the futures on which the stories take place be built using the scenario method. Writing short stories can also allow for a deeper understanding of relational responsibilities, based more on the framework of capabilities. One perspective is to integrate fictional short stories writing into the repertoire of possible activities to be conducted in an inquiry-based pedagogy about the Anthropocene.
Projecting National-Level Prevalence of General Obesity and Abdominal Obesity Among Chinese Adults With Aging Effects
Authors: Tian Xu , Wang Hui
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To explore the impact of population aging on the projected prevalence of obesity among Chinese adults in 2030.

Methods

In total, 71450 observations were extracted from the China Health and Nutrition Survey between 1991 and 2015.Population was projected to 2030 using a Bayesian hierarchical modeling method. Two different approaches were adopted to estimate and project the national prevalence of overweight/obesity from 1991 to 2030. One method assumed a constant population at the base year, while the other allowed the age and gender distributions vary in each year.

Results

Our projection indicated that approximately two-thirds of Chinese adults would be affected by overweight/general obesity in 2030, and more than 60% of Chinese adults will suffer from abdominal obesity in 2030. Ignoring population aging led to an underestimation of overweight, general obesity and abdominal obesity for women by 3.81, 0.06, and 3.16 percentage points (pp), and overweight and abdominal obesity among men by 1.67 and 0.53 pp, respectively; but the prevalence of general obesity among men will be overestimated by 2.11 pp. Similar underestimations were detected in the estimation from 1991 to 2015.

Conclusions

Estimating and projecting the national prevalence of obesity using a constant population structure at the base line would cause significant underestimation if countries are undergoing rapid population aging.
Prognostic Impact of Inflammatory Markers PLR, LMR, PDW, MPV in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Li Canxiao , Zhang Han , Li Shijie , Zhang Daqi , Li Jingting , Dionigi Gianlorenzo , Liang Nan , Sun Hui
Published: March 2022

Background

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW) have been used as prognostic biomarkers in various cancers. We aim to investigate the relationship between the above inflammatory indices, clinicopathological features, and postoperative calcitonin (Ctn) progression in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

Methods

Sixty-eight patients diagnosed with MTC who underwent surgery at our institution between 2009 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) and logistic regression were applied to explore the potential risk factors.

Results

PDW was predictive of lymph node metastasis (LN) (AUC=0.645, P=0.044), PLR, PDW, and MPV were predictive of capsule invasion (AUC=0.771, P=0.045; AUC=0.857, P=0.008; and AUC =0.914, P=0.002, respectively), and MPV and LMR were predictive of postoperative Ctn progression (AUC=0.728, P=0.003; AUC=0.657, P=0.040). Multivariate analysis revealed that PDW ≤ 16.4 [(OR=7.8, 95% CI: 1.532-39.720, P=0.013)] and largest tumor size ≥1 cm (OR=4.833, 95% CI: 1.514-15.427, P=0.008) were potential independent risk factors for lateral LN metastasis. We also found that, MPV ≤ 8.2(OR=13.999, 95% CI: 2.842-68.965, P=0.001), LMR ≤ 4.7 (OR=4.790, 95% CI: 1.034-22.187, P=0.045), and N1 (OR=45.890, 95%CI:3.879-542.936, P=0.002) were potential independent risk factors for postoperative Ctn progression. In addition, compared with the single indicator, the appropriate combination of MPV and LMR could improve the specificity and sensitivity of predicting postoperative Ctn progression.

Conclusions

PLR, LMR, PDW, and MPV were associated with clinicopathological features and postoperative Ctn progression in MTC, suggesting that those inflammatory indices might be potential biomarkers of MTC.
A Robust Scheduling Methodology for Integrated Electric-Gas System Considering Dynamics of Natural Gas Pipeline and Blending Hydrogen
Authors: Yan Daobo , Wang Shu , Zhao Hongsheng , Zuo Lianyong , Yang Dongjun , Wang Shengshi , Yan Jiong
Published: March 2022

As smart grid develops and renewables advance, challenges caused by uncertainties of renewables have been seriously threatening the energy system’s safe operation. Nowadays, the integrated electric-gas system (IEGS) plays a significant role in promoting the flexibility of modern grid owing to its great characteristic in accommodating renewable energy and coping with fluctuation and uncertainty of the system. And hydrogen, as an emerging and clean energy carrier, can further enhance the energy coupling of the IEGS and promote carbon neutralization with the development of power-to-hydrogen (P2H) technology and technology of blending hydrogen in the natural gas system. Dealing with the uncertainty of renewables, a robust schedule optimization model for the integrated electric and gas systems with blending hydrogen (IEGSH) considering the dynamics of gas is proposed and the iterative solving method based on column-and-constraint generation (C&CG) algorithm is implemented to solve the problem. Case studies on the IEGSH consisting of IEEE 39-bus power system and 27-node natural gas system validate the effectiveness of the dynamic energy flow model in depicting the transient process of gas transmission. The effectiveness of the proposed robust day-ahead scheduling model in dealing with the intra-day uncertainty of wind power is also verified. Additionally, the carbon emission reduction resulting from the blending of hydrogen is evaluated.
Bird Communities in Coastal Areas. Effects of Anthropogenic Influences and Distance From the Coast
Authors: Graells Giorgia , Celis-Diez Juan L. , Corcoran Derek , Gelcich Stefan
Published: March 2022

Urbanization effects have been studied all over the world, documenting impact in species richness, abundances and changes in species communities. Birds have been broadly used as study models. In general, urbanization affects birds, reducing species richness, especially in the urban core, and increasing species richness in areas with intermediate levels of disturbance, such as suburbs. Urbanization also changes species assemblages depending on urban characteristics and resources available, creating habitats for different species. Even when more than half of the cities in the world are on the coast, the effects of urbanization on habitat use of terrestrial and marine birds in coastal urban environments has received little attention. We hypothesized that coastal cities would present different bird diversity in modified marine areas and modified inland areas as terrestrial and marine ecosystems coexist. We predict that modified marine areas will have higher species richness than modified inland areas and natural marine areas. For bird assemblages, we expect to find similar species compositions between sites with similar habitat characteristics more than closeness. We compare habitat use of marine and terrestrial avifauna in the human-modified coastal city of Valparaiso, Chile, characterized by a range of urban developments within city boundaries. We specifically compare corrected bird abundance in six different possible habitats for birds, according to distance to the coast, and human influence. Bird counts (50 m fixed radius) were conducted in winter and spring of 2019. Bird species richness and abundances, corrected by the probability of detection, were estimated. Additionally, species composition and occupancy of bird species in those habitats were calculated. Results show that coastal urban cities can provide different habitats for bird species. Modified inland habitats differ from semi-natural inland habitats and from the modified beaches in species richness and species composition. Environmental heterogeneity in coastal cities seems to allow the coexistence of marine and terrestrial bird species, showing differences in species richness and bird assemblages for marine-inland environments and natural- modified habitats. Results highlight the need to consider these factors for urban planning in order to conserve bird diversity in coastal urban areas.
Climate and Species Traits Drive Changes in Holocene Forest Composition Along an Elevation Gradient in Pacific Canada
Authors: Lacourse Terri , Adeleye Matthew A.
Published: March 2022

Projected changes in climate are expected to shift the ranges of many tree species poleward and to higher elevations. Here, we examine past changes in forest composition in Pacific Canada using a paleoecological approach and investigate the role of past changes in climate and differences in species traits in changing forest compositions. We present a new pollen record from a mid-elevation fen on central Vancouver Island, British Columbia that shows (1)Pinus contorta-dominated communities starting 14,000 cal yr BP, (2) an abrupt transition toPseudotsuga menziesiiandTsuga heterophyllaforests by 10,600 cal yr BP, and (3) a gradual transition toTsuga heterophylla-dominated forests in the mid-Holocene. We combine this mid-elevation record with nearby pollen records along a 1,400-m elevation gradient to assess sorting of dominant woody plant taxa and their life history and stress tolerance traits over the last 14,000 years. Multivariate time series confirm elevational sorting of woody plant taxa through time with the modern elevational zonation of tree taxa established by 6,000 cal yr BP. Some taxa have consistently occupied low and middle elevations (P. menziesii,Alnus rubra) or high elevations (Tsuga mertensiana), whereas other taxa (P. contorta,T. heterophylla) have occurred at a wider range of elevations. Three-table statistical techniques reveal significant relationships among forest composition, independent paleoclimate records, and species traits. Tree species with similar traits tend to be most abundant at similar times and those that are functionally dissimilar are separated in time. For example, species with “fast” life history strategies (e.g.,P. contorta,Alnus viridis) are most abundant in late-glacial plant communities, while those with “slow” life history strategies (e.g.,T. heterophylla,T. mertensiana) are most abundant in mid-late Holocene forests. This research highlights that woody plant taxa and their functional traits are sorted on long timescales in association with environmental change. Turnover in forest composition is driven primarily by changes in climate, which acts as a filter on species traits to direct changes in forest dynamics.
A Lightweight Anchor-Free Subsidence Basin Detection Model With Adaptive Sample Assignment in Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferogram
Authors: Yu Yaran , Wang Zhiyong , Li Zhenjin , Ye Kaile , Li Hao , Wang Zihao
Published: March 2022

The excessive exploitation of coal resources has caused serious land subsidence, which seriously threatens the lives of the residents and the ecological environment in coal mining areas. Therefore, it is of great significance to precisely monitor and analyze the land subsidence in the mining area. To automatically detect the subsidence basins in the mining area from the interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) interferograms with wide swath, a lightweight model for detecting the subsidence basins with an anchor-free and adaptive sample assignment based on the YOLO V5 network, named Light YOLO-Basin model, is proposed in this paper. First, the depth and width scaling of the convolution layers and the depthwise separable convolution are used to make the model lightweight to reduce the memory consumption of the CSPDarknet53 backbone network. Furthermore, the anchor-free detection box encoding method is used to deal with the inapplicability of the anchor box parameters, and an optimal transport assignment (OTA) adaptive sample assignment method is introduced to solve the difficulty of optimizing the model caused by abandoning the anchor box. To verify the accuracy and reliability of the proposed model, we acquired 62 Sentinel-1A images over Jining and Huaibei coalfield (China) for the training model and experimental verification. In contrast with the original YOLO V5 model, the mean average precision (mAP) value of the Light YOLO-Basin model increases from 45.92 to 55.12%. The lightweight modules of the model sped up the calculation with the one billion floating-point operations (GFLOPs) from 32.81 to 10.07 and reduced the parameters from 207.10 to 40.39 MB. The Light YOLO-Basin model proposed in this paper can effectively recognize and detect the subsidence basins in the mining areas from the InSAR interferograms.
Identification and Validation of a Ferroptosis-Related Long Non-Coding RNA (FRlncRNA) Signature to Predict Survival Outcomes and the Immune Microenvironment in Patients With Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Zhongbao , Yang Zhenpeng , Cui Yuanshan , Lu Shuai , Huang Yongjin , Che Xuanyan , Yang Liqing , Zhang Yong
Published: March 2022

Background: The incidence of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is increasing worldwide, contributing to 70–85% of kidney cancer cases. Ferroptosis is a novel type of programmed cell death and could predict prognoses in cancers. Here, we developed a ferroptosis-related long non-coding RNA (FRlncRNA) signature to improve the prognostic prediction of ccRCC.

Methods: The transcriptome profiles of FRlncRNAs and clinical data of ccRCC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas and ICGC databases. Patients were randomly assigned to training cohorts, testing cohorts, and overall cohorts. The FRlncRNA signature was constructed by Lasso regression and Cox regression analysis, and Kaplan–Meier (K-M) analysis was used to access the prognosis of each group. The accuracy of this signature was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The visualization of functional enrichment was carried out by the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Internal and external datasets were performed to verify the FRlncRNA signature.

Results: A FRlncRNA signature comprising eight lncRNAs (AL590094.1, LINC00460, LINC00944, AC024060.1, HOXB-AS4, LINC01615, EPB41L4A-DT, and LINC01550) was identified. Patients were divided into low- and high-risk groups according to the median risk score, in which the high-risk group owned a dramatical shorter survival time than that of the low-risk group. Through ROC analysis, it was found that this signature had a greater predictive capability than traditional evaluation methods. The risk score was an independent risk factor for overall survival suggested by multivariate Cox analysis (HR = 1.065, 95%CI = 1.036–1.095, and p < 0.001). We constructed a clinically predictive nomogram based on this signature and its clinical features, which is of accurate prediction about the survival rate of patients. The GSEA showed that primary pathways were the P53 signaling pathway and tumor necrosis factor–mediated signaling pathway. The major FRlncRNAs (LINC00460, LINC00944, LINC01550, and EPB41L4A-DT) were verified with the prognosis of ccRCC in the GEPIA and K-M Plotter databases. Their major target genes (BNIP3, RRM2, and GOT1) were closely related to the stage, grade, and survival outcomes of ccRCC by the validation of multiple databases. Additionally, we found two groups had a significant distinct pattern of immune function, immune checkpoint, and immune infiltration, which may lead to different survival benefits.

Conclusions: The FRlncRNA signature was accurate and act as reliable tools for predicting clinical outcomes and the immune microenvironment of patients with ccRCC, which may be molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Reduced NK Cell Cytotoxicity by Papillomatosis-Derived TGF-β Contributing to Low-Risk HPV Persistence in JORRP Patients
Authors: Wu Xunyao , Xiao Yang , Guo Dan , Zhang Zixin , Liu Meiyu
Published: March 2022

The role of natural killer (NK) cells in juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JORRP) patients remains elusive. In this study, we find increased NK cell percentage, particularly CD11b-CD27- (DN) subsets in peripheral blood of JORRP patients and associated with disease activity. RNA sequencing shows a downregulated “natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity” feature in JORRP tumors. We also find impaired cytotoxic capacity and lower expression of NK cell-activating receptors including NKp30 and NKp46. Higher transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) is found both in plasma and tumor tissues of JORRP, and anti-TGF-β1 antibody could restore NK cell cytolytic activity and upregulate NKp30 and NKG2D expression. Also, we find a significantly higher Chemokine receptor type 6 (CXCR6) on NK cells in tumors compared with that in peripheral blood. Finally, RT-PCR analysis show that both HPV6-E6-E7 and HPV11-E6-E7 overexpression leads to higher TGFB1 expression compared with control SNU-1076 cell line, and higher CXCR6 expression is detected on NK coculture with HPV11-E6-E7-overexpressing cells. In conclusion, we demonstrate that TGF-β1 by papillomatosis leads to decreased NK cell cytotoxicity through downregulating NK cell-activating receptors in JORRP patients.
Towards a Fleet of Robots for Orientation, Imaging, and Morphometric Analyses of Planktonic Foraminifera
Authors: Knappertsbusch Michael , Eisenecker Jean
Published: March 2022

Morphometric shell measurements help to quantify the evolutionary patterns of planktonic foraminifera (marine, calcite-secreting, and floating protists). The study of shell variations of these organisms requires observations at high stratigraphic resolution, which entails morphometric measurements from thousands of specimens. The collection of such data is time-consuming because specimens need to be oriented prior to imaging. In our studies about menardiform, globorotalids through time automatic devices were developed to orientate and image specimens under incident light. A first prototype—Automated Measurement system for shell mORphology (AMOR)—was realized in 2009 and was proven to be advantageous for gathering morphometric data. AMOR consists of a motorized universal tilting stage enabling an automatic orientation of specimens in a multicellular slide under a motorized binocular microscope. After the collection of images from the oriented specimens, shell parameters can be extracted and analyzed using separate digital imaging and morphometric software. AMOR was strongly tuned to Globorotalia menardii, a species with a quasi-symmetrical biconvex geometry in a keel view and often with a non-circular periphery in an equatorial view. Improvements of the software driving AMOR now allow the orientation of spiro- and umbilico-convex profiles and with circular forms in an equatorial view such as in phylogenetically related species like Globorotalia miocenica and Globorotalia multicamerata. Program AMOR v. 3.28 was given more flexibility using a scripting language for automatic control of the Windows graphical user interface. This approach was used to allow combinations of fix orienting functions in AMOR, which released us from reprogramming of the sophisticated LabView code. Scripting of core functions enables developing “portfolios” of adapted recipes for processing the morphologies that are beyond the menardiform morphogroup. To further expand on this concept, a follow-up robot—System AMOR 2—was completed in March 2020. It integrates the modified hardware, a newer digital camera, the updated software (AMOR v. 4.2), and improved functions. The present contribution describes the development from old AMOR to its newer twin, with the perspective of building a fleet of robots for the imaging of the oriented foraminifera in parallel.
Utilization of Different Carbon Sources by Nordic Microalgae Grown Under Mixotrophic Conditions
Authors: Plöhn Martin , Scherer Kim , Stagge Stefan , Jönsson Leif J. , Funk Christiane
Published: March 2022

Microalgae are promising candidates for sustainable wastewater treatment coupled to the production of biofuel, bioplastic and/or bio-fertilizers. In Nordic countries, however, light is a limiting factor for photosynthesis and biomass production during the winter season. Compared to municipal wastewater, industrial wastewater streams from the pulp and paper industry contain lower amounts of nitrogen, but high concentrations of carbon sources, which could be utilized by microalgae to enhance biomass production in limiting light. This study focused on the utilization of methanol, glycerol and xylose by five different Nordic microalgae [Chlorella vulgaris (13–1), Coelastrella sp. (3–4), Desmodesmus sp. (2–6), Chlorococcum sp. (MC1) and Scotiellopsis reticulata (UFA-2)] grown under mixotrophic conditions. Two of these strains, i.e., Chlorococcum sp. (MC1) and Scotiellopsis reticulata (UFA-2) were able to grow in the presence of xylose or methanol at concentrations of 6 g L–1, or 3%, respectively, in a 12/12 h day/night cycle. HPLC analysis confirmed the consumption of those substrates. Glycerol (2.3 g L–1) was tolerated by all strains and increased growth for Chlorella vulgaris (13–1), while higher concentrations (20 g L–1) were only tolerated by Chlorococcum sp. (MC-1). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, performed after growth in presence of the dedicated carbon source, indicated an increase in the fingerprint region of the carbohydrate fraction. This was particularly the case for Chlorococcum sp. (MC1), when grown in presence of glycerol, and Scotiellopsis reticulata (UFA-2), when grown in presence of xylose. Therefore, these strains could be potential candidates for the production of biofuels, e.g., bioethanol or biogas. We could show that Nordic microalgae are able to grow on various carbon sources; the actual uptake rates are low during a 12/12 h day/night cycle requesting additional optimization of the cultivation conditions. Nonetheless, their potential to use pulp and paper waste-streams for cheap and sustainable biomass production is high and will support the development of new technologies, turning waste-streams into resources in a circular economy concept.
Potential of Ascidians as Extractive Species and Their Added Value in Marine Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture Systems–From Pests to Valuable Blue Bioresources
Authors: Marques Luisa , Calado Ricardo , Lillebø Ana Isabel
Published: March 2022

Ascidians are considered as filter-feeder biofouling pests that negatively affect aquaculture facilities. However, they can also be recognized as a potential co-cultured/extractive species for integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) with potential added value as bioresources. A systematic review aiming to understand the ecological importance of ascidians as efficient filter-feeders [What?]; their potential contribution as extractive species [How?]; and to set the benchmark for their nutritional value and potential added value to the aquaculture industry [For what?] is a timely contribution to advance the state of the art on these largely overlooked bioresources. In the last two decades, there has been an overall increase in publications addressing ascidians in aquaculture, namely, their negative impacts through biofouling, as well as their role in IMTA, environmental status, and microbiology. While Ciona intestinalis, a solitary ascidian, has been the most studied species, overall, most ascidians present high filtration and fast-growth rates. As ascidians perform well under IMTA, competition for resources and space with other filter-feeders might occur, which may require additional management actions to optimize production. Studies addressing their bioactive products show that ascidians hold great potential as premium ingredients for aquafeed formulations, as well as dietary supplements (e.g., amino acids, fatty acids). Further research on the potential use of ascidians in IMTA frameworks should focus on systems carrying capacity.
Developments and Applications of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Cement-Based Composites as Functional Building Materials
Authors: Cui Kai , Chang Jun , Feo Luciano , Chow Cheuk Lun , Lau Denvid
Published: March 2022

Carbon nanotube (CNT) is a promising nanomaterial with excellent mechanical, electrical, thermal, and chemical stability. It has received extensive attention due to its unique multifunctional properties in engineering materials. Researchers have explored the preparation and characterization of CNT reinforced cement-based materials. Studies have shown that adding CNT will significantly improve the performance of cement-based materials. This article introduces the techniques for the dispersion characterization of CNT and summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques. The functionalized applications of CNT in cement-based materials are reviewed, including sensing performance, structural health monitoring of concrete, electromagnetic shielding, and other applications. In addition, the application and development prospects of CNT in 3D printing concrete have been prospected. Finally, we discussed the existing problems and challenges in developing and applying CNT in cement-based materials and suggested future research.
Admixture Mapping of Sepsis in European Individuals With African Ancestries
Authors: Hernandez-Beeftink Tamara , Marcelino-Rodríguez Itahisa , Guillen-Guio Beatriz , Rodríguez-Pérez Héctor , Lorenzo-Salazar Jose M. , Corrales Almudena , Díaz-de Usera Ana , González-Montelongo Rafaela , Domínguez David , Espinosa Elena , Villar Jesús , Flores Carlos
Published: March 2022

Sepsis is a severe systemic inflammatory response to infections that is accompanied by organ dysfunction. Although the ancestral genetic background is a relevant factor for sepsis susceptibility, there is a lack of studies using the genetic singularities of a recently admixed population to identify loci involved in sepsis susceptibility. Here we aimed to discover new sepsis loci by completing the first admixture mapping study of sepsis in Canary Islanders, leveraging their distinctive genetic makeup as a mixture of Europeans and African ancestries. We used a case-control approach and inferred local ancestry blocks from genome-wide data from 113,414 polymorphisms genotyped in 343 patients with sepsis and 410 unrelated controls, all ascertained for grandparental origin in the Canary Islands (Spain). Deviations in local ancestries between cases and controls were tested using logistic regressions, followed by fine-mapping analyses based on imputed genotypes, in silico functional assessments, and gene expression analysis centered on the region of interest. The admixture mapping analysis detected that local European ancestry in a locus spanning 1.2 megabases of chromosome 8p23.1 was associated with sepsis (lowest p = 1.37 × 10−4; Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.51; 95%CI = 0.40–0.66). Fine-mapping studies prioritized the variant rs13249564 within intron 1 of MFHAS1 gene associated with sepsis (p = 9.94 × 10−4; OR = 0.65; 95%CI = 0.50–0.84). Functional and gene expression analyses focused on 8p23.1 allowed us to identify alternative genes with possible biological plausibility such as defensins, which are well-known effector molecules of innate immunity. By completing the first admixture mapping study of sepsis, our results revealed a new genetic locus (8p23.1) harboring a number of genes with plausible implications in sepsis susceptibility.
Case Report: Gastric-Type Endocervical Adenocarcinoma Mimicking Submucosal Myoma Under Hysteroscopy
Authors: Wang Jiao , Yang Qing , Wang Dandan , Li Mengyuan , Zhang Ningning
Published: March 2022

Gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma (GAS) is considered a distinct and clinically important entity because it is unrelated to human papillomavirus infection and has aggressive behavior and worse clinical outcomes than the usual type of endocervical adenocarcinoma (ECA). The preoperative diagnosis of GAS is often difficult because of its nonspecific clinical manifestations and special lesion location. We report the case of a 50-year-old Chinese woman who presented with intermittent left lower abdominal pain for 1 year. Preoperative images showed left hydrosalpinx and a lesion that was mainly located in the lower part of the uterine cavity. We considered the lesion to be a polyp before surgery. During hysteroscopic surgery, we suspected that it may be a submucosal myoma. However, pathology revealed that it was a GAS. GAS may be located in the upper endocervix or even reach the uterine cavity. The appearance is occasionally similar to that of submucosal myoma, resulting in difficult preoperative diagnosis and even misdiagnosis.
In vitro Evaluation of Antiviral Efficacy of a Standardized Hydroalcoholic Extract of Poplar Type Propolis Against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Sberna Giuseppe , Biagi Marco , Marafini Giovanni , Nardacci Roberta , Biava Mirella , Colavita Francesca , Piselli Pierluca , Miraldi Elisabetta , D’Offizi Gianpiero , Capobianchi Maria Rosaria , Amendola Alessandra
Published: March 2022

Except for specific vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, effective prophylactic or post-exposure therapeutic treatments are currently limited for COVID-19. Propolis, a honeybee’s product, has been suggested as a potential candidate for treatment of COVID-19 for its immunomodulatory properties and for its powerful activity against various types of viruses, including common coronaviruses. However, direct evidence regarding the antiviral activities of this product still remains poorly documented. VERO E6 and CALU3 cell lines were infected with SARS-CoV-2 and cultured in the presence of 12.5 or 25 μg/ml of a standardized Hydroalcoholic Extract acronym (sHEP) of Eurasian poplar type propolis and analyzed for viral RNA transcription, for cell damage by optical and electron microscopy, and for virus infectivity by viral titration at 2, 24, 48, and 72 h post-infection. The three main components of sHEP, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, galangin, and pinocembrin, were tested for the antiviral power, either alone or in combination. On both cell lines, sHEP showed significant effects mainly on CALU3 up to 48 h, i.e., some protection from cytopathic effects and consistent reduction of infected cell number, fewer viral particles inside cellular vesicles, reduction of viral titration in supernatants, dramatic drop of N gene negative sense RNA synthesis, and lower concentration of E gene RNA in cell extracts. Interestingly, pre-treatment of cells with sHEP before virus inoculation induced these same effects described previously and was not able to block virus entry. When used in combination, the three main constituents of sHEP showed antiviral activity at the same levels of sHEP. sHEP has a remarkable ability to hinder the replication of SARS-CoV-2, to limit new cycles of infection, and to protect host cells against the cytopathic effect, albeit with rather variable results. However, sHEP do not block the virus entry into the cells. The antiviral activity observed with the three main components of sHEP used in combination highlights that the mechanism underlying the antiviral activity of sHEP is probably the result of a synergistic effect. These data add further emphasis on the possible therapeutic role of this special honeybee’s product as an adjuvant to official treatments of COVID-19 patients for its direct antiviral activity.
An Increase of Seawater Temperature Upregulates the Expression of Vibrio parahaemolyticus Virulence Factors Implicated in Adhesion and Biofilm Formation
Authors: Billaud Mélanie , Seneca François , Tambutté Eric , Czerucka Dorota
Published: March 2022

Climate change driven seawater temperature (SWT) increases results in greater abundance and geographical expansion of marine pathogens, among which Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp) causes serious economic and health issues. In addition, plastic pollution in the ocean constitutes a vector for harmful pathogens dissemination. We investigate the effect of elevated SWT on the expression of genes implicated in adhesion and biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces in the clinical Vp strain RIMD2210633, which expresses hemolysins. Among the genes studied, the multivalent adhesion molecule-7 and the GlcNAc-binding protein A were involved in the adhesion of Vp to abiotic and biotic surfaces, whereas the type IV pili, the mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin, and the chitin-regulated pilins facilitate attachment and biofilm formation. Data presented here show that at 21°C, Vp is still viable but does not either proliferate or express the virulence factors studied. Interestingly, at 27°C and as early as 1 h of incubation, all factors are transiently expressed in free-living bacteria only and even more upregulated at 31°C. These results clearly show that increased SWT has an important impact on the adhesion properties of free-living Vp to plastic support and thus emphasize the role of climate change in the spread of this pathogenic bacteria.
Applications of Coarse-Grained Models in Metabolic Engineering
Authors: Doan Dieu Thi , Hoang Manh Dat , Heins Anna-Lena , Kremling Andreas
Published: March 2022

Mathematical modeling is a promising tool for better understanding of cellular processes. In recent years, the development of coarse-grained models has gained attraction since these simple models are able to capture and describe a broad range of growth conditions. Coarse-grained models often comprise only two cellular components, a low molecular component as representative for central metabolism and energy generation and a macromolecular component, representing the entire proteome. A framework is presented that presents a strict mass conservative model for bacterial growth during a biotechnological production process. After providing interesting properties for the steady-state solution, applications are presented 1) for a production process of an amino acid and 2) production of a metabolite from central metabolism.
Networks and Graphs Discovery in Metabolomics Data Analysis and Interpretation
Authors: Amara Adam , Frainay Clément , Jourdan Fabien , Naake Thomas , Neumann Steffen , Novoa-del-Toro Elva María , Salek Reza M , Salzer Liesa , Scharfenberg Sarah , Witting Michael
Published: March 2022

Both targeted and untargeted mass spectrometry-based metabolomics approaches are used to understand the metabolic processes taking place in various organisms, from prokaryotes, plants, fungi to animals and humans. Untargeted approaches allow to detect as many metabolites as possible at once, identify unexpected metabolic changes, and characterize novel metabolites in biological samples. However, the identification of metabolites and the biological interpretation of such large and complex datasets remain challenging. One approach to address these challenges is considering that metabolites are connected through informative relationships. Such relationships can be formalized as networks, where the nodes correspond to the metabolites or features (when there is no or only partial identification), and edges connect nodes if the corresponding metabolites are related. Several networks can be built from a single dataset (or a list of metabolites), where each network represents different relationships, such as statistical (correlated metabolites), biochemical (known or putative substrates and products of reactions), or chemical (structural similarities, ontological relations). Once these networks are built, they can subsequently be mined using algorithms from network (or graph) theory to gain insights into metabolism. For instance, we can connect metabolites based on prior knowledge on enzymatic reactions, then provide suggestions for potential metabolite identifications, or detect clusters of co-regulated metabolites. In this review, we first aim at settling a nomenclature and formalism to avoid confusion when referring to different networks used in the field of metabolomics. Then, we present the state of the art of network-based methods for mass spectrometry-based metabolomics data analysis, as well as future developments expected in this area. We cover the use of networks applications using biochemical reactions, mass spectrometry features, chemical structural similarities, and correlations between metabolites. We also describe the application of knowledge networks such as metabolic reaction networks. Finally, we discuss the possibility of combining different networks to analyze and interpret them simultaneously.
Cytoarchitectonic Maps of the Human Metathalamus in 3D Space
Authors: Kiwitz Kai , Brandstetter Andrea , Schiffer Christian , Bludau Sebastian , Mohlberg Hartmut , Omidyeganeh Mona , Massicotte Philippe , Amunts Katrin
Published: March 2022

The human metathalamus plays an important role in processing visual and auditory information. Understanding its layers and subdivisions is important to gain insights in its function as a subcortical relay station and involvement in various pathologies. Yet, detailed histological references of the microanatomy in 3D space are still missing. We therefore aim at providing cytoarchitectonic maps of the medial geniculate body (MGB) and its subdivisions in the BigBrain – a high-resolution 3D-reconstructed histological model of the human brain, as well as probabilistic cytoarchitectonic maps of the MGB and lateral geniculate body (LGB). Therefore, histological sections of ten postmortem brains were studied. Three MGB subdivisions (MGBv, MGBd, MGBm) were identified on every 5th BigBrain section, and a deep-learning based tool was applied to map them on every remaining section. The maps were 3D-reconstructed to show the shape and extent of the MGB and its subdivisions with cellular precision. The LGB and MGB were additionally identified in nine other postmortem brains. Probabilistic cytoarchitectonic maps in the MNI “Colin27” and MNI ICBM152 reference spaces were computed which reveal an overall low interindividual variability in topography and extent. The probabilistic maps were included into the Julich-Brain atlas, and are freely available. They can be linked to other 3D data of human brain organization and serve as an anatomical reference for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic neuroimaging studies of healthy brains and patients. Furthermore, the high-resolution MGB BigBrain maps provide a basis for data integration, brain modeling and simulation to bridge the larger scale involvement of thalamocortical and local subcortical circuits.