bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on financial risk management and control of agricultural products supply chain—A case study of Jiangsu Province of China
Authors: Yang Jing , Tang Decai , Kong Haojia , Boamah Valentina
Published: October 2022

Agriculture has always been the focus of all countries, the rapid development of agriculture is inseparable from the strong support of finance. As a new financial model, agricultural product supply chain finance has attracted much attention. Through the analysis of the agricultural product supply chain finance model, we find that the core problem of agricultural supply chain finance is the management and control of supply chain financial risks. Based on the identification of financial risk categories of agricultural products supply chain, this paper constructs tan evaluation index system. Taking Jiangsu Province of China as the research object, this research collects relevant data of financial institutions, logistics enterprises, agricultural product production, and processing enterprises and farmers in southern and northern Jiangsu Province in 2021. The structural equation is used to establish the model. This statistical method can handle multiple potential variables at the same time, and allows observation variables and potential variables to contain measurement errors. The application of statistical methods that can handle multiple potential variables at the same time and allow observation variables and potential variables to contain measurement errors to build a model. By using the Amos calculation model, this research found that the factors affecting the financial risks of the agricultural product supply chain in Jiangsu Province from high to low are: the agricultural product pledge risks, the credit risks, the supply chain operation risks, the technical risks, the legal and policy risk. We hope this research can play a theoretical guiding role for the effective development of agricultural product supply chain finance business.
Strengthen or weaken? Research on the influence of internet use on agricultural green production efficiency
Authors: Yu Hao , Bai Xiuguang , Zhang Han
Published: October 2022

With the rise of “Internet + Agriculture”, existing related research has focused on the impact of Internet use on agricultural productivity. However, few studies have considered the impact on agricultural green production efficiency. This paper employed the SBM model to calculate the agricultural green production efficiency using the observation data of 459 farmers in Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Henan provinces. Further, the influencing factors, their nonlinear impact, and even the effect of using the internet on agricultural green production efficiency were analyzed. The results show that corn’s average agricultural green production efficiency is 0.44, with the main peak distributed in a low-level range. The impact of the Internet use on agricultural green production efficiency is positively moderated by rural infrastructure, household assets, and educational attainment. Age and arable land area significantly impact agricultural green production efficiency. The endogenous switching regression model (ESR) shows that the agricultural green production efficiency of farmers who do not use the internet will increase by 41.45% if they use the internet. Internet use has a “U-shaped” impact on agricultural green production efficiency, and the threshold value of the farmers’ expenditure to income ratio is 0.0886. The policy aimed at improving agricultural green production efficiency and popularizing Internet use should, therefore, focus on strengthening the emphasis on increasing agricultural green production, increasing investment in rural human capital, providing green production subsidies and green production skills training, improving infrastructure construction in rural areas, integrating and enriching agricultural-related information on the Internet.
Transport of montmorillonite colloid in unsaturated packed column: The combined effects of sand grain size, flow rate and colloid concentration
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Zhu Jun , Zhang Qiulan , Shao Jingli , Cui Yali , Zhang Aiming
Published: October 2022

The transport of colloid in unsaturated porous media affects the migration of contaminants and thus is closely related to groundwater resources protection. To figure out the combined effects of grain size, colloid concentration and injection flow rate on montmorillonite colloid transport characteristics in unsaturated quartz sand, a total of 27 sets of column experiments were conducted with three kinds of quartz sand (20, 40, 60 mesh), three flow rates (1.98, 3.96, 5.94 cm3/min) and three colloid concentrations (300, 600, 900 mg/L), using three packed columns with the inner diameter of 11 cm and the height of 40 cm. The experimental results showed that the transport of Na-montmorillonite colloid particles in the unsaturated quartz sand columnoccurred with significant retention. In the 20 mesh quartz sand column, the average peak values of the penetration curves for low and high concentration colloidal solutions of 300 and 900 mg/L increased by 44% and 27%, respectively, as the flow rate increased from 1.98 to 5.94 cm3/min. The average peak value of the colloidal solution with concentration 300 mg/L increased 17% more than that of the colloidal solution with 900 mg/L for increasing flow rate. When the injection flow rate of the colloidal solution was increased from 1.98 to 5.94 cm3/min, the effect of flow rate on colloidal transport was the most obvious, followed by the effect of media particle size, while the effect of colloidal solution concentration was the least. The calculation based on the total potential energy of Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) and collision efficiency further explained the retention of colloids in unsaturated porous media.
How to link people, government, and science in effective large-scale management of invasive trees
Authors: Sprague R. , Hulme P. E. , Nuñez M. A. , Peltzer D. A.
Published: October 2022

A common limitation for the effective management of widespread non-native species is translating and implementing the latest scientific knowledge for practitioners. Non-native tree invasions are no exception to this problem. We illustrate how the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme in New Zealand has worked to overcome these limitations through a partnership approach, ensuring affected communities are connected to on-the-ground responses, and facilitating the transfer of new scientific knowledge to practitioners. By ensuring the overarching management strategy was developed collaboratively with clear, mutually-agreed goals, the programme has helped to unite diverse stakeholders with a common purpose. Although coordinated by a central government body, the governance structure is sufficiently flexible to address the specific management needs of each affected community. The programme takes an adaptive management approach that enables multiple lines of research and management to be developed together; this is essential to improve management across different regions and stages of invasion. A co-developed strategy, partnership structure, and adaptive management were each critical components of the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme. However, there are ongoing challenges to overcome, such as securing long-term funding and reducing risks of re-invasion, to meet the ultimate goal of containing conifer invasions nationally. We suggest that lessons from this programme provide general insights into how linking people, government, and science could be used to improve the effectiveness of large-scale invasive non-native species management elsewhere.
Alternative evolutionary strategies and tactics used by polyphagous insect to inhabit agricultural environment: Ostrinia nubialis as a case
Authors: Zhukovskaya Marianna I. , Frolov Andrey N.
Published: October 2022

Substantial differentiation was found between Ostrinia populations, adapted to feed on dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous host plants, which results not only in oviposition and larval survival differences but also in formation of ethological premating sex isolation mechanisms. Two strategies are surmised in warmer and colder areas, correspondingly: wide range of host plant species in combination with strict developmental stages of the plant, and alternatively, few host plant are infested during almost all the stages of their development, Inside these strategies, tactics are plastic. They are activated by the sensory stimuli, such as temperature, humidity and odorants. The tactic of dispersal flight before mating could be beneficial when the host plant is abundant, but mating before the flight is a better choice under the situation of sparse cornfields. There are still multiple questions to address for clear understanding of Ostrinia behavior and evolution.
Risks, benefits, and knowledge gaps of non-native tree species in Europe
Authors: Dimitrova Anastazija , Csilléry Katalin , Klisz Marcin , Lévesque Mathieu , Heinrichs Steffi , Cailleret Maxime , Andivia Enrique , Madsen Palle , Böhenius Henrik , Cvjetkovic Branislav , De Cuyper Bart , de Dato Giovanbattista , Ferus Peter , Heinze Berthold , Ivetić Vladan , Köbölkuti Zoltan , Lazarević Jelena , Lazdina Dagnija , Maaten Tiit , Makovskis Kristaps , Milovanović Jelena , Monteiro Antonio T. , Nonić Marina , Place Simon , Puchalka Radoslaw , Montagnoli Antonio
Published: October 2022

Changing ecosystem conditions and diverse socio-economical events have contributed to an ingrained presence of non-native tree species (NNTs) in the natural and cultural European landscapes. Recent research endeavors have focused on different aspects of NNTs such as legislation, benefits, and risks for forestry, emphasizing that large knowledge gaps remain. As an attempt to fulfill part of these gaps, within the PEN-CAFoRR COST Action (CA19128) network, we established an open-access questionnaire that allows both academic experts and practitioners to provide information regarding NNTs from 20 European countries. Then, we integrated the data originating from the questionnaire, related to the country-based assessment of both peer-reviewed and grey literature, with information from available datasets (EUFORGEN and EU-Forest), which gave the main structure to the study and led to a mixed approach review. Finally, our study provided important insights into the current state of knowledge regarding NNTs. In particular, we highlighted NNTs that have shown to be less commonly addressed in research, raising caution about those characterized by an invasive behavior and used for specific purposes (e.g., wood production, soil recultivation, afforestation, and reforestation). NNTs were especially explored in the context of resilient and adaptive forest management. Moreover, we emphasized the assisted and natural northward migration of NNTs as another underscored pressing issue, which needs to be addressed by joint efforts, especially in the context of the hybridization potential. This study represents an additional effort toward the knowledge enhancement of the NNTs situation in Europe, aiming for a continuously active common source deriving from interprofessional collaboration.
Improving drought tolerance in maize: Tools and techniques
Authors: McMillen Michael S. , Mahama Anthony A. , Sibiya Julia , Lübberstedt Thomas , Suza Walter P.
Published: October 2022

Drought is an important constraint to agricultural productivity worldwide and is expected to worsen with climate change. To assist farmers, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), to adapt to climate change, continuous generation of stress-tolerant and farmer-preferred crop varieties, and their adoption by farmers, is critical to curb food insecurity. Maize is the most widely grown staple crop in SSA and plays a significant role in food security. The aim of this review is to present an overview of a broad range of tools and techniques used to improve drought tolerance in maize. We also present a summary of progress in breeding for maize drought tolerance, while incorporating research findings from disciplines such as physiology, molecular biology, and systems modeling. The review is expected to complement existing knowledge about breeding maize for climate resilience. Collaborative maize drought tolerance breeding projects in SSA emphasize the value of public-private partnerships in increasing access to genomic techniques and useful transgenes. To sustain the impact of maize drought tolerance projects in SSA, there must be complementary efforts to train the next generation of plant breeders and crop scientists.
Computational recognition of LncRNA signatures in tumor-associated neutrophils could have implications for immunotherapy and prognostic outcome of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Tang Zhuoran , Wang Qi , Chen Peixin , Guo Haoyue , Shi Jinpeng , Pan Yingying , Li Chunyu , Zhou Caicun
Published: October 2022

Cancer immune function and tumor microenvironment are governed by long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Nevertheless, it has yet to be established whether lncRNAs play a role in tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs). Here, a computing framework based on machine learning was used to identify neutrophil-specific lncRNA with prognostic significance in squamous cell carcinoma and lung adenocarcinoma using univariate Cox regression to comprehensively analyze immune, lncRNA, and clinical characteristics. The risk score was determined using LASSO Cox regression analysis. Meanwhile, we named this risk score as “TANlncSig.” TANlncSig was able to distinguish between better and worse survival outcomes in various patient datasets independently of other clinical variables. Functional assessment of TANlncSig showed it is a marker of myeloid cell infiltration into tumor infiltration and myeloid cells directly or indirectly inhibit the anti-tumor immune response by secreting cytokines, expressing immunosuppressive receptors, and altering metabolic processes. Our findings highlighted the value of TANlncSig in TME as a marker of immune cell infiltration and showed the values of lncRNAs as indicators of immunotherapy.
Circular RNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for gastric cancer: A comprehensive update from emerging functions to clinical significances
Authors: Xu Chun-Yi , Zeng Xi-Xi , Xu Li-Feng , Liu Ming , Zhang Feng
Published: October 2022

The incidence and mortality of gastric cancer ranks as a fouth leading cause of cancer death worldwide, especially in East Asia. Due to the lack of specific early-stage symptoms, the majority of patients in most developing nations are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Therefore, it is urgent to find more sensitive and reliable biomarkers for gastric cancer screening and diagnosis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a novel type of RNAs with covalently closed loops, are becoming a latest hot spot in the field of. In recent years, a great deal of research has demonstrated that abnormal expression of circRNAs was associated with the development of gastric cancer, and suggested that circRNA might serve as a potential biomarker for gastric cancer diagnosis. In this review, we summarize the structural characteristics, formation mechanism and biological function of circRNAs, and elucidate research progress and existing problems in early screening of gastric cancer.
Ultrasound Analysis of Respiration-Related Muscles in Rats
Authors: Zhan Shubei , Zheng Bin , Li Mengyi , Xu Lin , Chen Chengchun , Huang Peizhen
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound techniques in the analysis of respiratory-related muscles in rats. Respiratory parameters, including diaphragm end-expiratory thickness, mean rectus abdominis (RA) thickness, and RA area, were measured by ultrasound and compared with histological findings. Spearman’s correlation and Logistic regression analysis were used to detect the differences in the correlation between ultrasound results and histological examinations, and Student’s t test was used to compare the differences between ultrasound results and histological examination data. The results showed that there was no significant difference between the end-expiratory thickness of the diaphragm, the average thickness of RA, and the area of RA in the right RA and histological values under ultrasound detection (p > 0.05), but there was a significant positive correlation between ultrasound, and histological values (p < 0.05).); in addition, tidal volume was significantly positively correlated with total RA area, rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) was significantly negatively correlated with total RA area, and mean diaphragm TF was significantly positively correlated with tidal volume. In conclusion, ultrasound imaging has a high degree of accuracy and reproducibility and can be used to assess the structure and function of the rat diaphragm and RA.
Modulation of immune cell function, IDO expression and kynurenine production by the quorum sensor 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4-quinolone (PQS)
Authors: Ogbechi Joy , Huang Yi-Shu , Clanchy Felix I. L. , Pantazi Eirini , Topping Louise M. , Darlington L. Gail , Williams Richard O. , Stone Trevor W.
Published: October 2022

Many invasive micro-organisms produce ‘quorum sensor’ molecules which regulate colony expansion and may modulate host immune responses. We have examined the ability of Pseudomonas Quorum Sensor (PQS) to influence cytokine expression under conditions of inflammatory stress. The administration of PQS in vivo to mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) increased the severity of disease. Blood and inflamed paws from treated mice had fewer regulatory T cells (Tregs) but normal numbers of Th17 cells. However, PQS (1μM) treatment of antigen-stimulated lymph node cells from collagen-immunised mice in vitro inhibited the differentiation of CD4+IFNγ+ cells, with less effect on CD4+IL-17+ cells and no change in CD4+FoxP3+Tregs. PQS also inhibited T cell activation by anti-CD3/anti-CD28 antibodies. PQS reduced murine macrophage polarisation and inhibited expression of IL1B and IL6 genes in murine macrophages and human THP-1 cells. In human monocyte-derived macrophages, IDO1 gene, protein and enzyme activity were all inhibited by exposure to PQS. TNF gene expression was inhibited in THP-1 cells but not murine macrophages, while LPS-induced TNF protein release was increased by high PQS concentrations. PQS is known to have iron scavenging activity and its suppression of cytokine release was abrogated by iron supplementation. Unexpectedly, PQS decreased the expression of indoleamine-2, 3-dioxygenase genes (IDO1 and IDO2), IDO1 protein expression and enzyme activity in mouse and human macrophages. This is consistent with evidence that IDO1 inhibition or deletion exacerbates arthritis, while kynurenine reduces its severity. It is suggested that the inhibition of IDO1 and cytokine expression may contribute to the quorum sensor and invasive actions of PQS.
Antitumor effects of polysaccharides from Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg via regulation of intestinal flora and enhancing immunomodulatory effects in vivo
Authors: Zhou Fangmei , Lu Yan , Sun Tong , Sun Ling , Wang Bixu , Lu Jingjing , Li Zhimin , Zhu Bingqi , Huang Shigao , Ding Zhishan
Published: October 2022

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with high medicinal value, and antitumor, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biological activities. However, while several studies have focused on flavonoids in Tetrastigma hemsleyanum tubers, there are few studies on the enhanced immune effect of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum polysaccharides (THP). In this study, we evaluated the antitumor effect of THP in a lung tumor model and explored the mechanism of antitumor activity through intestinal flora. In addition, a cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppression model was used to declare the immunomodulatory effect of THP in the immunosuppressive state induced by antitumor drugs. The results showed that THP increased the content of ileum secreted immunoglobulin A (SIgA) and cecum short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and improved microbial community diversity, regulating the relative abundance of dominant microbiota flora from the phylum level to the genus level, and recovering the intestinal microflora disorder caused by tumors. Additionally, THP can increase the organ indices and improve immune organ atrophy. THP can upregulate routine blood counts and stimulate the production of the serum cytokines. THP also promoted the macrophage phagocytic index, NK-cell activation, and complement and immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, IgM) levels. The detection of Splenic lymphocyte proliferation and T lymphocyte subsets also sideways reflects that THP can restore CTX-induced immune inhibition in mice. In conclusion, this study suggests that THP can effectively achieve the enhanced antitumor effects, regulate gut microbiota and improve the immunosuppression induced by antitumor drugs. Therefore, THP can enhance the immune capacity and provide novel immunomodulatory and antineoplastic adjuvant agents.
Type 1 regulatory T cell-mediated tolerance in health and disease
Authors: Freeborn Robert A. , Strubbe Steven , Roncarolo Maria Grazia
Published: October 2022

Type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells, in addition to other regulatory cells, contribute to immunological tolerance to prevent autoimmunity and excessive inflammation. Tr1 cells arise in the periphery upon antigen stimulation in the presence of tolerogenic antigen presenting cells and secrete large amounts of the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10. The protective role of Tr1 cells in autoimmune diseases and inflammatory bowel disease has been well established, and this led to the exploration of this population as a potential cell therapy. On the other hand, the role of Tr1 cells in infectious disease is not well characterized, thus raising concern that these tolerogenic cells may cause general immune suppression which would prevent pathogen clearance. In this review, we summarize current literature surrounding Tr1-mediated tolerance and its role in health and disease settings including autoimmunity, inflammatory bowel disease, and infectious diseases.
Next generations of CAR-T cells - new therapeutic opportunities in hematology?
Authors: Tomasik Jaromir , Jasiński Marcin , Basak Grzegorz W.
Published: October 2022

In recent years, the introduction of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies into clinics has been a breakthrough in treating relapsed or refractory malignancies in hematology and oncology. To date, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved six CAR-T therapies for specific non-Hodgkin lymphomas, B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and multiple myeloma. All registered treatments and most clinical trials are based on so-called 2nd generation CARs, which consist of an extracellular antigen-binding region, one costimulatory domain, and a CD3z signaling domain. Unfortunately, despite remarkable overall treatment outcomes, a relatively high percentage of patients do not benefit from CAR-T therapy (overall response rate varies between 50 and 100%, with following relapse rates as high as 66% due to limited durability of the response). Moreover, it is associated with adverse effects such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity. Advances in immunology and molecular engineering have facilitated the construction of the next generation of CAR-T cells equipped with various molecular mechanisms. These include additional costimulatory domains (3rd generation), safety switches, immune-checkpoint modulation, cytokine expression, or knockout of therapy-interfering molecules, to name just a few. Implementation of next-generation CAR T-cells may allow overcoming current limitations of CAR-T therapies, decreasing unwanted side effects, and targeting other hematological malignancies. Accordingly, some clinical trials are currently evaluating the safety and efficacy of novel CAR-T therapies. This review describes the CAR-T cell constructs concerning the clinical application, summarizes completed and ongoing clinical trials of next-generation CAR-T therapies, and presents future perspectives.
Knowledge mapping of the links between the microbiota and allergic diseases: A bibliometric analysis (2002–2021)
Authors: Lv Hao , Wang Yunfei , Gao Ziang , Liu Peiqiang , Qin Danxue , Hua Qingquan , Xu Yu
Published: October 2022

Background

In recent decades, dramatic changes in modern environmental exposures and lifestyles have resulted in a steep rise in the prevalence of allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis and food allergies. Evidence is mounting that the microbiota plays a crucial role in allergic disorder development and evolution. Therefore, a better understanding of allergic diseases within the context of the microbiota is urgently needed. This work aimed to comprehensively outline general characteristics, research hotspots, evolution routes, and emerging trends in this area.

Methods

Relevant publications from January 2002 to December 2021 were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection on 5 August 2022. Bibliometric and visual analyses were performed using CiteSpace; VOSviewer; an online bibliometric platform; and Microsoft Excel 2019.

Results

In total, 2535 documents met the requirements. The annual number of publications has shown rapid growth in the last two decades. The USA, University of California System, and Isolauri E of the University of Turku were the most productive and influential country, institution, and author, respectively. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology was the most prolific and most cocited journal. High-frequency keywords included “gut microbiota”, “asthma”, “atopic dermatitis”, “children”, and “probiotics”. Recent studies have focused on “atopic dermatitis”, “skin”, “asthma”, and “probiotics”, according to the cocitation analysis of references. Burst detection analysis of keywords showed that “community”, “skin microbiome”, “microbiome”, “Staphylococcus aureus”, and “chain fatty acid” were emerging research frontiers, which currently have ongoing bursts.

Conclusion

In the last 20 years, studies of the microbiota in allergic diseases have been flourishing, and the themes have been increasing in depth. These findings provide valuable references on the current research hotspots and gaps and development trends in the link between the microbiota and allergic diseases.
Assessing the water quality of the Seine land-to-sea continuum for three agro-food system scenarios
Authors: Romero Estela , Garnier Josette , Billen Gilles , Ramarson Antsiva , Riou Philippe , Le Gendre Romain
Published: October 2022

Three scenarios for the future of the French agro-food system were specified for the territory draining into the Seine Bight, comprising Paris megacity and the Seine watershed. The first scenario assumes the pursuit of the current trend of opening and specialization of agriculture, as well as of concentration of population within the Paris agglomeration. The second scenario assesses the generalization of agro-ecological practices and a healthier human diet. A third, hybrid, scenario was elaborated assuming that agro-ecological practices were implemented in some protected areas (namely Regional Natural Parks and drinking water protection areas, making up about one-third of the total watershed area), while the rest of the territory will follow the trends of the first scenario. We use a unique modelling chain (GRAFS-Riverstrahler-ECOMARS3D) that couples the biogeochemical functioning of the river basin, the estuary and the adjacent bay. It allows exploring the implications of changes in terrestrial activities throughout the aquatic continuum in a consistent way and assessing to what extent changes in population, agricultural practices, food consumption, and sanitation may sustain the current trend of recovery in the Seine River or either increase stress on the system. Results show that only the full agro-ecological scenario would be able to restore good water quality everywhere in the river network, as well as decrease significantly the risks of toxic algal blooms in the coastal zone. Intermediate situations, such as the protection of specific areas, however attractive as a solution, are not enough to offset the impacts of intensive human activities unless the protected areas dedicated to compensating for damage are sufficiently large.
Assessment of the effects of integrated coastal zone management based on synthetic control method
Authors: Qing Yiting , Nie Xin , Wang Han , Wei Zhuxia , Pang Hui
Published: October 2022

As a policy tool to promote sustainable development of coastal zone cities, Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) was introduced to China for experimentation in the 1990s. Among them, the Xiamen government took ICZM as an opportunity to conduct a large number of policy pilots, making the evaluation of the policy effects worth studying. This paper takes Xiamen city as the research object based on 180,000 samples from 188 Chinese municipalities from 1980-2017. Based on the theoretical framework of the Social-Economic-Natural Complex Ecosystem (SENCE), we use the synthetic control method (SCM) to conduct its two rounds of policy pilots. The study found that the first round of experiments focused on environmental pollution prevention and control, and the economic development gap between Xiamen and similar coastal zone cities was narrowed despite the economic lag effect. Finally, based on robustness tests, policy recommendations are made for coastal zone cities.
Effects of the reduced air-sea drag coefficient in high winds on the rapid intensification of tropical cyclones and bimodality of the lifetime maximum intensity
Authors: Kim Sung-Hun , Kang Hyoun-Woo , Moon Il-Ju , Kang Sok Kuh , Chu Pao-Shin
Published: October 2022

The air-sea drag coefficient (Cd) is closely related to tropical cyclone (TC) intensification. Several recent studies suggested that the Cd decreases in winds greater than 33 m s−1. The effects of Cd reduction in high winds on TC intensity, especially rapid intensification (RI) and the lifetime maximum intensity (LMI) distribution, were investigated by analyzing the wind-dependent Cd-based ocean vertical mixing and the energy budget. In addition, to consider the uncertainty of the Cd in extreme winds (above 50 m s−1), three types of Cd fitting that decrease after 33 m s−1, which show different trends after 50 m s−1 (increase, flat, and decrease), were adopted. The results were then compared with those for the control fitting (saturated after 33 m s−1) and show that the reduced Cd in high winds drives an increase in net energy by reducing frictional dissipation and suppressing sea surface cooling. This extra energy prevents the TC from achieving a steady-state, causing the bimodality of simulated maximum potential intensity. The observed steady-state probability (intensification rate and RI probability) in the Cd reduced wind range were significantly lower (higher) than in the others. These results suggest that Cd reduction might potentially induce the RI and LMI bimodality.
Spatial and temporal distribution of macrobenthos communities and their relationship with secondary front in Hangzhou Bay
Authors: Jia Kangning , Tang Yanbin , Liu Qinghe , Zhang Rongliang , Liao Yibo , Shou Lu , Zeng Jiangning , Chen Quanzhen , Chen Jianfang
Published: October 2022

Water quality in Hangzhou Bay is inferior (grade 5) because of discharged from Yangtze River and Qiantang River, and from factories around the bay. This study analyzed relationships between the environment and macrobenthic communities at 44 stations throughout Hangzhou Bay, based on samples collected in 2006, from 2016–2018, and in 2021. Long-term spatial and temporal changed in macrobenthos, and the influence of secondary water fronts on community composition, were discussed. Macrobenthos in Qiantang River Estuary was numerically, primarily dominated by crustaceans, and elsewhere by polychaetes. Species that differ most in abundance between four identified regions in the bay were the amphipod Corophium sinensis, clam Potamocorbula laevis, and polychaete Amaeana occidentalis. The abundance and biomass of macrobenthos in different regions differs significantly. Taxa were allocated to six feeding guilds: filter feeders and omnivores predominate in Qiantang River Estuary and south of Hangzhou Bay, while surface and subsurface deposit feeders predominate in sediments north of Hangzhou Bay and in the bay mouth area. Negative correlations were apparent between the abundances of polychaetes Nephtys polybranchia, Magelona japonica, Heterospio sinica, Sabella sp. and A. occidentalis and salinity and pH, while positive correlations were apparent between those of Sternaspis chinensis and Capitellidae indet. Fine-grained fraction (silt and clay) and mid-salinity were more suitable for macrobenthos. The numbers and biomasses of macrobenthic species in the Hangzhou Bay frontal area increased significantly relative to values in adjacent areas. The difference of each area near the front was more than 94%, and the main difference species were polychaetes and mollusks. Our baseline data for this region might ultimately contribute towards improved conservation of regional macrobenthos, and a better understanding of ecosystem health in this highly polluted bay.
Ocean acidification does not overlook sex: Review of understudied effects and implications of low pH on marine invertebrate sexual reproduction
Authors: Padilla-Gamiño Jacqueline L. , Alma Lindsay , Spencer Laura H. , Venkataraman Yaamini R. , Wessler Leah
Published: October 2022

Sexual reproduction is a fundamental process essential for species persistence, evolution, and diversity. However, unprecedented oceanographic shifts due to climate change can impact physiological processes, with important implications for sexual reproduction. Identifying bottlenecks and vulnerable stages in reproductive cycles will enable better prediction of the organism, population, community, and global-level consequences of ocean change. This article reviews how ocean acidification impacts sexual reproductive processes in marine invertebrates and highlights current research gaps. We focus on five economically and ecologically important taxonomic groups: cnidarians, crustaceans, echinoderms, molluscs and ascidians. We discuss the spatial and temporal variability of experimental designs, identify trends of performance in acidified conditions in the context of early reproductive traits (gametogenesis, fertilization, and reproductive resource allocation), and provide a quantitative meta-analysis of the published literature to assess the effects of low pH on fertilization rates across taxa. A total of 129 published studies investigated the effects of ocean acidification on 122 species in selected taxa. The impact of ocean acidification is dependent on taxa, the specific reproductive process examined, and study location. Our meta-analysis reveals that fertilization rate decreases as pH decreases, but effects are taxa-specific. Echinoderm fertilization appears more sensitive than molluscs to pH changes, and while data are limited, fertilization in cnidarians may be the most sensitive. Studies with echinoderms and bivalve molluscs are prevalent, while crustaceans and cephalopods are among the least studied species even though they constitute some of the largest fisheries worldwide. This lack of information has important implications for commercial aquaculture, wild fisheries, and conservation and restoration of wild populations. We recommend that studies expose organisms to different ocean acidification levels during the entire gametogenic cycle, and not only during the final stages before gametes or larvae are released. We argue for increased focus on fundamental reproductive processes and associated molecular mechanisms that may be vulnerable to shifts in ocean chemistry. Our recommendations for future research will allow for a better understanding of how reproduction in invertebrates will be affected in the context of a rapidly changing environment.
Sound transmission through baffled multilayered curved shells using a transfer matrix method
Authors: Parrinello A. , Belgacem W. , Ghinet S. , Atalla N.
Published: October 2022

The present work describes the use of a transfer matrix method to define the acoustic behavior of multilayered and periodic baffled curved shells consisting of a generic arrangement of homogeneous and heterogeneous periodic layers of various nature (fluid, solid, and poroelastic). The dynamic stiffness matrix of a unit cell is manipulated in order to derive the through-radius transfer matrix of a cylindrical periodic layer. Thus, the acoustic radiation or transmission of multilayered shells can be assessed. The blocked pressure field due to an incident plane wave is defined by taking into account the infinite rigid baffle by means of a two-dimensional boundary element model. Analytical expressions for the cylindrical acoustic impedances are utilized to define the coupling with the bounding fluid media. Furthermore, a one-dimensional windowing technique is adopted to account for the finite length of the shells. The proposed approach is validated by systematic comparison with a full finite-boundary element method.
Case report: Findings of automated perimetry during a migraine episode in a patient with glaucoma
Authors: Nakakura Shunsuke , Oogi Satomi , Tanoue Asaya , Miyoshi Teruyuki
Published: October 2022

Comorbidities like glaucoma and migraine are often observed among middle-aged individuals, especially women. Herein, we report a rare case of a patient who underwent automated perimetry during a migraine attack. A 52-year-old woman with a 1-year history of blurred vision in the nasal field of her right eye visited Miyoshi Eye Clinic. The intraocular pressures of the right and left eyes were 22 and 24 mm Hg, respectively. Retinal imaging revealed a retinal nerve fiber defect in the temporal superior macula with corresponding thinning of the superior ganglion cell complex in the right eye. The left eye appeared normal. Primary open-angle glaucoma was suspected, and the patient underwent a visual field examination on the same day. Perimetry showed that the mean deviations in the right and left eyes were −5.00 and −7.68 dB, respectively. A visual field defect in the inferior nasal aspect of the right eye corresponded to the retinal nerve fiber defect. However, right-sided homonymous hemianopia–like visual field defects were observed in both eyes. After the examination, the patient stated that a migraine attack had started 5 min before the examination and continued till after its end (attack duration was ∼20 min). In the follow-up examinations without migraine, homonymous hemianopia-like visual field defects disappeared, and only a glaucomatous visual field defect in the right eye was observed. Hence, the initial visual field examination findings reflected the effects of a migraine attack alongside glaucoma. Detailed interviews with patients may be beneficial for understanding visual field findings and preventing their untimely examination.
Overcoming variant mutation-related impacts on viral sequencing and detection methodologies
Authors: Bei Yanxia , Pinet Kaylinnette , Vrtis Kyle B. , Borgaro Janine G. , Sun Luo , Campbell Matthew , Apone Lynne , Langhorst Bradley W. , Nichols Nicole M.
Published: October 2022

Prompt and accurate pathogen identification, by diagnostics and sequencing, is an effective tool for tracking and potentially curbing pathogen spread. Targeted detection and amplification of viral genomes depends on annealing complementary oligonucleotides to genomic DNA or cDNA. However, genomic mutations that occur during viral evolution may perturb annealing, which can result in incomplete sequence coverage of the genome and/or false negative diagnostic test results. Herein, we demonstrate how to assess, test, and optimize sequencing and detection methodologies to attenuate the negative impact of mutations on genome targeting efficiency. This evaluation was conducted using in vitro-transcribed (IVT) RNA as well as RNA extracted from clinical SARS-CoV-2 variant samples, including the heavily mutated Omicron variant. Using SARS-CoV-2 as a current example, these results demonstrate how to maintain reliable targeted pathogen sequencing and how to evaluate detection methodologies as new variants emerge.
The observation of anterior segment in children with an R124L mutation corneal dystrophy by anterior segment optical coherence tomography and in vivo confocal microscopy
Authors: Fu Mengjun , Zhao Jing , Zhang Haorun , Wang Rui , Zhou Xingtao
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the anterior segment in children with an R124L mutation corneal dystrophy (CD) using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM).

Methods

We investigated a family with prevalent CD and an R124L mutation; 59 individuals (14 patients; 6 male and 8 female, aged 2–69 years, 6 children, 2:4 male: female ratio) from four generations were included. We observed corneal lesions through ophthalmologic examinations, AS-OCT, and IVCM. The mean follow-up was 4.60 ± 3.91 years.

Results

The mean age for childhood CD onset was 0.90 ± 0.61 years. An Avelino DNA test revealed a heterozygous R124L mutation. Clinical manifestations included recurrent photophobia, tearing, and a foreign body sensation. Recurrence frequency decreased with age. Slit lamp microscopy revealed a rough corneal epithelium. The anterior matrix under the corneal epithelium and the anterior elastic layer were scattered with gray and white opacity. From onset to follow-up, the children’s visual acuity decreased from 0.34 ± 0.12 to 0.55 ± 0.17 LogMAR units. AS-OCT showed uneven corneal epithelial thickness. The Bowman’s layer was replaced by abnormal substances in the anterior segment. Corneal deposits became increasingly thicker; the average thickness at the last follow-up was 102.78 ± 10.13 μm. IVCM revealed uneven and reflective signals in the corneal upper cortex and subepithelium, with unclear boundaries and a loss of normal cell morphology.

Conclusion

We report an early age of onset in a family with prevalent CD due to R124L mutations. AS-OCT is a convenient, quick, and non-contact tool for screening and monitoring the pathological process of CD.
Systematic assessment of clinical and bacteriological markers for tuberculosis reveals discordance and inaccuracy of symptom-based diagnosis for treatment response monitoring
Authors: Mtafya Bariki , Sabi Issa , John Joseph , Sichone Emanuel , Olomi Wilyhelmina , Gillespie Stephen H. , Ntinginya Nyanda E. , Sabiiti Wilber
Published: October 2022

Background

Clinical symptoms are the benchmark of tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and monitoring of treatment response but are not clear how they relate to TB bacteriology, particularly the novel tuberculosis-molecular bacterial load assay (TB-MBLA).

Methods

Presumptive cases were bacteriologically confirmed for TB and assessed for symptoms and bacteriological resolution using smear microscopy (SM), culture, and TB-MBLA over 6-month treatment course. Kaplan–Meier and Kappa statistics were used to test the relationship between symptoms and bacteriological positivity.

Results

A cohort of 46 bacteriologically confirmed TB cases were analyzed for treatment response over a 6-month treatment course. Pre-treatment symptoms and bacteriological positivity concurred in over 70% of the cases. This agreement was lost in over 50% of cases whose chest pain, night sweat, and loss of appetite had resolved by week 2 of treatment. Cough resolved at a 3.2% rate weekly and was 0.3% slower than the combined bacteriological (average of MGIT and TB-MBLA positivity) resolution rate, 3.5% per week. A decrease in TB-MBLA positivity reflected a fall in bacillary load, 5.7 ± 1.3- at baseline to 0.30 ± 1.0- log10 eCFU/ml at month 6, and closer to cough resolution than other bacteriological measures, accounting for the only one bacteriologically positive case out of seven still coughing at month 6. Low baseline bacillary load patients were more likely to be bacteriologically negative, HR 5.6, p = 0.003 and HR 3.2, p = 0.014 by months 2 and 6 of treatment, respectively.

Conclusion

The probability of clinical symptoms reflecting bacteriological positivity weakens as the patient progresses on anti-TB therapy, making the symptom-based diagnosis a less reliable marker of treatment response.
The effect of Baduanjin on the balancing ability of older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Linxuan , Liu Zhihao , Yuan Wenxue
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To systematically evaluate the effect of Baduanjin on the balancing ability of older adults.

Methods

The systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Six electronic databases were searched for eligible studies. Data synthesis and statistical analysis using a random effects model were performed with Review Manager 5.4. Random-effects weights were used to pool the effect sizes. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plot.

Results

A total of 17 RCTs involving 1,267 patients were identified. The meta-analysis showed that the Baduanjin group was significantly superior to the control group in balancing performance measured by Berg balance scale [mean difference (MD) 4.82; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.40 to 6.24, P < 0.00001], Timed Up and Go (MD −2.21, 95% CI −2.69 to −1.74, P < 0.00001) and Eye Closed One Leg Standing Balance (MD 2.01, 95% CI 0.79 to 3.23, P < 0.00001) tests.

Conclusion

Baduanjin can effectively affect the balancing ability of older adults. More high-quality evidence-based studies are required to confirm these findings.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=293183], identifier [CRD42021293183].
Genome analysis of Erwinia persicina reveals implications for soft rot pathogenicity in plants
Authors: Wasendorf Chloe , Schmitz-Esser Stephan , Eischeid Carter J. , Leyhe Martin J. , Nelson Erika N. , Rahic-Seggerman Faith M. , Sullivan Kasey E. , Peters Nick T.
Published: October 2022

Soft rot disease causes devastating losses to crop plants all over the world, with up to 90% loss in tropical climates. To better understand this economically important disease, we isolated four soft rot-causing Erwinia persicina strains from rotted vegetables. Notably, E. persicina has only recently been identified as a soft rot pathogen and a comprehensive genomic analysis and comparison has yet to be conducted. Here, we provide the first genomic analysis of E. persicina, compared to Pectobacterium carotovorum, P. carotovorum, and associated Erwinia plant pathogens. We found that E. persicina shares common genomic features with other Erwinia species and P. carotovorum, while having its own unique characteristics as well. The E. persicina strains examined here lack Type II and Type III secretion systems, commonly used to secrete pectolytic enzymes and evade the host immune response, respectively. E. persicina contains fewer putative pectolytic enzymes than P. carotovorum and lacks the Out cluster of the Type II secretion system while harboring a siderophore that causes a unique pink pigmentation during soft rot infections. Interestingly, a putative phenolic acid decarboxylase is present in the E. persicina strains and some soft rot pathogens, but absent in other Erwinia species, thus potentially providing an important factor for soft rot. All four E. persicina isolates obtained here and many other E. persicina genomes contain plasmids larger than 100 kbp that encode proteins likely important for adaptation to plant hosts. This research provides new insights into the possible mechanisms of soft rot disease by E. persicina and potential targets for diagnostic tools and control measures.