bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moderate Exercise Training Combined With a High-Fat and Sucrose Diet Protects Pancreatic Islet Function in Male C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Veras Katherine , Lucena Camila Ferraz , Goedcke Julia , Evangelista Fabiana S. , Carpinelli Angelo , Carvalho Carla Roberta de Oliveira
Published: May 2022

Obesity is mainly caused by excess energy intake and physical inactivity, and the number of overweight/obese individuals has been steadily increasing for decades. Previous studies showed that rodents fed westernized diets exhibit endocrine pancreas deterioration and a range of metabolic disorders. This study evaluated the effects of moderated aerobic treadmill exercise training on pancreatic islet cell viability and function in mice consuming a high-fat and sucrose diet. In the present study, 60-day-old male C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups: control (C), fed a standard diet AIN-93M (3.83 kcal/g; 70% carbohydrate (cornstarch and dextrinized starch were chosen as the major source of carbohydrate for the AIN-93 diet. In addition, a small amount of sucrose), 20% protein (casein), and 10% fat (soybean) with no training (i.e., sedentary); C + training (CTR, fed the standard diet with eight weeks of exercise; high-fat diet + sucrose (HFDS), fed a high fat and sucrose diet (5.2 kcal/g; 20% carbohydrate (cornstarch and dextrinized starch were chosen as the major source of carbohydrate), 20% protein (casein), 60% fat (Lard was chosen as the major source of fat and a small amount of soybean) + 20% sucrose diluted in drinking water with no training; and HFDS + training (HFDSTR). After eight weeks, the HFDS mice displayed increased body weight (P<0.001) and epididymal, inguinal and retroperitoneal adipose tissue mass (P<0.01). These mice also presented insulin resistance (P<0.01), glucose intolerance (P<0.001), impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and were less responsive to the physiological net ROS production induced by glucose stimulus. The HFDS group’s pancreatic islet cells were 38% less viable and 59% more apoptotic than those from the C group (P<0.05). The HFDSTR improved glucose tolerance, body mass, insulin sensitivity and GSIS (P<0.05). Furthermore, HFDSTR mice had 53% more viable isolated pancreatic islets cells and 29% fewer apoptotic cells than the HFDS group (P<0.01). Thus, exercise training may slow down and/or prevent adverse metabolic effects associated with consuming a westernized diet.
Level-Specific Volumetric BMD Threshold Values for the Prediction of Incident Vertebral Fractures Using Opportunistic QCT: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Dieckmeyer Michael , Löffler Maximilian Thomas , El Husseini Malek , Sekuboyina Anjany , Menze Bjoern , Sollmann Nico , Wostrack Maria , Zimmer Claus , Baum Thomas , Kirschke Jan Stefan
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To establish and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) threshold values at different spinal levels, derived from opportunistic quantitative computed tomography (QCT), for the prediction of incident vertebral fractures (VF).

Materials and Methods

In this case-control study, 35 incident VF cases (23 women, 12 men; mean age: 67 years) and 70 sex- and age-matched controls were included, based on routine multi detector CT (MDCT) scans of the thoracolumbar spine. Trabecular vBMD was measured from routine baseline CT scans of the thoracolumbar spine using an automated pipeline including vertebral segmentation, asynchronous calibration for HU-to-vBMD conversion, and correction of intravenous contrast medium (https://anduin.bonescreen.de). Threshold values at T1-L5 were calculated for the optimal operating point according to the Youden index and for fixed sensitivities (60 – 85%) in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

vBMD at each single level of the thoracolumbar spine was significantly associated with incident VFs (odds ratio per SD decrease [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI] at T1-T4: 3.28, 1.66–6.49; at T5-T8: 3.28, 1.72–6.26; at T9-T12: 3.37, 1.78–6.36; and at L1-L4: 3.98, 1.97–8.06), independent of adjustment for age, sex, and prevalent VF. AUC showed no significant difference between vertebral levels and was highest at the thoracolumbar junction (AUC = 0.75, 95%-CI = 0.63 - 0.85 for T11-L2). Optimal threshold values increased from lumbar (L1-L4: 52.0 mg/cm³) to upper thoracic spine (T1-T4: 69.3 mg/cm³). At T11-L2, T12-L3 and L1-L4, a threshold of 80.0 mg/cm³ showed sensitivities of 85 - 88%, and specificities of 41 - 49%. To achieve comparable sensitivity (85%) at more superior spinal levels, resulting thresholds were higher: 114.1 mg/cm³ (T1-T4), 92.0 mg/cm³ (T5-T8), 88.2 mg/cm³ (T9-T12).

Conclusions

At all levels of the thoracolumbar spine, lower vBMD was associated with incident VFs in an elderly, predominantly oncologic patient population. Automated opportunistic osteoporosis screening of vBMD along the entire thoracolumbar spine allows for risk assessment of imminent VFs. We propose level-specific vBMD threshold at the thoracolumbar spine to identify individuals at high fracture risk.
The Global Burden of Osteoporosis, Low Bone Mass, and Its Related Fracture in 204 Countries and Territories, 1990-2019
Authors: Shen Yuyan , Huang Xin , Wu Junyun , Lin Xiling , Zhou Xiao , Zhu Zhiang , Pan Xiaowen , Xu Jingya , Qiao Jie , Zhang Tianyue , Ye Linxia , Jiang Hongwei , Ren Yuezhong , Shan Peng-Fei
Published: May 2022

Background

Low bone mineral density (LBMD), including osteoporosis and low bone mass, has becoming a serious public health concern. We aimed to estimate the disease burden of LBMD and its related fractures in 204 countries and territories over the past 30 years.

Methods

We collected detailed information and performed a secondary analysis for LBMD and its related fractures from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Numbers and age-standardized rates related to LBMD of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) and deaths in 204 countries and territories were compared by age, gender, socio-demographic index (SDI), and location.

Results

Global deaths and DALYs number attributable to LBMD increased from 207 367 and 8 588 936 in 1990 to 437 884 and 16 647 466 in 2019, with a raise of 111.16% and 93.82%, respectively. DALYs and deaths number of LBMD-related fractures increased 121.07% and 148.65% from 4 436 789 and 121248 in 1990 to 9 808 464 and 301 482 in 2019. In 2019, the five countries with the highest disease burden of DALYs number in LBMD-related fractures were India (2 510 288), China (1 839 375), United States of America (819 445), Japan (323 094), and Germany (297 944), accounting for 25.59%, 18.75%, 8.35%, 3.29%, and 3.04%. There was a quadratic correlation between socio-demographic index (SDI) and burden of LBMD-related fractures: DALYs rate was 179.985-420.435SDI+417.936SDI2(R2 = 0.188, p<0.001); Deaths rate was 7.879-13.416SDI+8.839 SDI2(R2 = 0.101, p<0.001).

Conclusions

The global burden of DALYs and deaths associated with LBMD and its related fractures has increased significantly since 1990. There were differences in disease burden between regions and countries. These estimations could be useful in priority setting, policy-making, and resource allocation in osteoporosis prevention and treatment.
Optimizing Chemical-Free Pretreatment for Maximizing Oil/Lipid Recovery From Transgenic Bioenergy Crops and Its Rapid Analysis Using Time Domain-NMR
Authors: Maitra Shraddha , Long Stephen P. , Singh Vijay
Published: May 2022

Graphical Abstract
Experimental and Numerical Study on the Gravitational Deposition and Coagulation of Aerosols
Authors: Yu Huiyu , Gu Haifeng , Sun Zhongning , Zhou Yanmin , Chen Junyan , Li Yingzhi
Published: May 2022

The gravitational deposition and coagulation of aerosols were studied experimentally based on the COSTTHES (Containment Source-Term and Thermal Hydraulics Experiment System) facility and numerically investigated based on a continuous general dynamic equation; the experimental and the numerical results were in good agreement. In the present study, the applicability of the zero-dimensional model for deposition and coagulation of aerosols was verified. A considerable distortion can occur due to the coagulation of the aerosol, which significantly influenced the removal rate of the aerosol with a diameter greater than 0.76 µm, and the dynamic shape factor value of the aerosol used in the present experiment was obtained as 4. In the experimental and numerical studies, it was found that the combined effect of the gravitational deposition and coagulation of the aerosol can increase the number density of the aerosol with specific diameters, and the concentration-increment size would increase as settling continued.
Can Low-Carbon Technological Innovation Reduce Haze Pollution?—Based on Spatial Econometric Analysis
Authors: Jin Shunlin , Wang Weidong , Qalati Sikandar Ali , Zhang Caijing , Lu Na , Zhu Guyu , Wu Jiahui
Published: May 2022

Exploring the co-benefits of low-carbon tech-innovation in response to climate change on haze pollution is an important foundation for China’s ecological construction, and also a key path to the common goal of carbon and haze reduction. Based on the STIRPAT model and EKC hypothesis, the dynamic spatial Durbin model (SDM) is constructed to empirically analyze the co-benefits and the mechanism of low-carbon tech-innovation on haze pollution in 30 Chinese provinces from 2006 to 2018. The results show that 1) haze pollution in different regions of China shows significant temporal and spatial correlation. 2) China’s low-carbon tech-innovation brings the co-benefits of haze pollution suppression and long-term positive externalities between regions. 3) Environmental policy and industrial structure play a moderating and mediating role, respectively, the former produces the “innovation offset” effect. 4) Both types of low-carbon tech-innovation can suppress haze pollution, but gray tech-innovation shows better haze control ability and cross-regional diffusion ability. Therefore, a long-term mechanism for haze control and joint prevention and control should be established to prevent the rebound and agglomeration of haze, and balance the development of different types of low-carbon technologies to achieve coordinated control of carbon emissions and haze.
Thermal Stress Has Minimal Effects on Bacterial Communities of Thermotolerant Symbiodinium Cultures
Authors: Díaz-Almeyda Erika M. , Ryba Tyrone , Ohdera Aki H. , Collins Shannon M. , Shafer Natali , Link Caroline , Prado-Zapata Marcela , Ruhnke Cara , Moore Meredith , González Angel A. M. , Pollock F. Joseph , Medina Monica
Published: May 2022

Algae in the dinoflagellate family Symbiodiniaceae are endocellular photosymbionts of corals and other cnidarians. This close relationship is disrupted when seawater temperature increases, causing coral bleaching eventually affecting entire coral reefs. Although the relationship between animal host and photosymbiont has been well-studied, little is known about the bacterial community associated with Symbiodiniaceae in culture. We compared the microbial communities of three isolates from different species of the genus Symbiodinium (formerly known as Symbiodinium clade A) with different ecophysiology, levels of interaction with the animal host, and thermal adaptations. Two species, Symbiodinium microadriaticum and Symbiodinium necroappettens, exhibit intermediate thermotolerance, with a decrease of both growth rate and photochemical efficiency with increased temperature. The third species, Symbiodinium pilosum, has high thermotolerance with no difference in growth rate or photochemical efficiency at 32°C. Microbial communities were characterized after 27 days of growth under control (26°C) and high temperature (32°C). Data shows stronger grouping of bacterial assemblages based on Symbiodinium species than temperature. Microbial communities did not group phylogenetically. We found a shared set of fifteen ASVs belonging to four genera and three families that remained in all three Symbiodiniaceae species. These included Labrenzia, Phycisphaeraceae (SM1A02), Roseovarius, and Muricauda, which are all commonly associated with corals and Symbiodiniaceae cultures. Few ASVs differed significantly by temperature within species. S. pilosum displayed significantly lower levels of microbial diversity and greater individual variability in community composition at 32°C compared to 26°C. These results suggest that bacteria associated or co-cultured with thermotolerant Symbiodinium might play an important role in thermotolerance. Further research on the functional metabolic pathways of these bacteria might hold the key to understanding Symbiodinium’s ability to tolerate thermal stress.
Self-Domestication Underground? Testing for Social and Morphological Correlates of Animal Personality in Cooperatively-Breeding Ansell’s Mole-Rats (Fukomys anselli)
Authors: Begall Sabine , Bottermann Lea , Caspar Kai Robert
Published: May 2022

Ansell’s mole-rats (Fukomys anselli) are sexually dimorphic subterranean rodents that live in families consisting of a single breeding pair and their late-dispersing non-breeding offspring. Most individuals exhibit a conspicuous white head patch, which results from integumental depigmentation. Alongside other morphological, physiological, and social characteristics, skin depigmentation in these social rodents mirrors traits that presumably evolved as byproducts from selection against aggression in domestic animals, making them a potential candidate species for a self-domesticated wild mammal. Here we explored whether the expression of the white head patch, sexual dimorphism, and reproductive division of labor are reflected by different personalities in Ansell’s mole-rats. We tested locomotory activity and risk-taking as well as aggression and affiliative behavior in 51 individuals originating from nine captive families in various experimental set-ups. In line with the concept of animal personality, we recovered consistent individual responses over time. While sex had no influence on any tested variable, reproductive status was found to affect risk-taking behavior but not other personality dimensions. Discriminant function analysis revealed that family members clustered more closely together than expected by chance, suggesting that group affiliation rather than sex or social status determines behavioral profiles in this species. Finally, we failed to recover any consistent correlation between head patch expression and behavior, which conflicts with predictions of the self-domestication hypothesis. We argue that many domestication-like traits in Ansell’s mole-rat and its congeners evolved in the framework of subterranean adaptation and call for a cautious application of the self-domestication concept to wild mammals.
Remote Sensing of Floral Resources for Pollinators – New Horizons From Satellites to Drones
Authors: Gonzales Dunia , Hempel de Ibarra Natalie , Anderson Karen
Published: May 2022

Insect pollinators are affected by the spatio-temporal distribution of floral resources, which are dynamic across time and space, and also influenced heavily by anthropogenic activities. There is a need for spatial data describing the time-varying spatial distribution of flowers, which can be used within behavioral and ecological studies. However, this information is challenging to obtain. Traditional field techniques for mapping flowers are often laborious and limited to relatively small areas, making it difficult to assess how floral resources are perceived by pollinators to guide their behaviors. Conversely, remote sensing of plant traits is a relatively mature technique now, and such technologies have delivered valuable data for identifying and measuring non-floral dynamics in plant systems, particularly leaves, stems and woody biomass in a wide range of ecosystems from local to global scales. However, monitoring the spatial and temporal dynamics of plant floral resources has been notably scarce in remote sensing studies. Recently, lightweight drone technology has been adopted by the ecological community, offering a capability for flexible deployment in the field, and delivery of centimetric resolution data, providing a clear opportunity for capturing fine-grained information on floral resources at key times of the flowering season. In this review, we answer three key questions of relevance to pollination science – can remote sensing deliver information on (a) how isolated are floral resources? (b) What resources are available within a flower patch? And (c) how do floral patches change over time? We explain how such information has potential to deepen ecological understanding of the distribution of floral resources that feed pollinators and the parameters that determine their navigational and foraging choices based on the sensory information they extract at different spatial scales. We provide examples of how such data can be used to generate new insights into pollinator behaviors in distinct landscape types and their resilience to environmental change.
Longevity in Cave Animals
Authors: Lunghi Enrico , Bilandžija Helena
Published: May 2022

An extraordinary longevity has been observed in some cave species, and this raised the hypothesis that a longer lifespan may be considered one of the characteristic traits of these animals. However, only a few cave species have been studied thus far, and a firm conclusion remains to be drawn. Here we review the available knowledge on the longevity of subterranean species, point out the limitations of previous studies, and provide suggestions for future studies to answer important questions regarding the longevity in cave animals, its adaptive value and the related promoting factors. We also argue that studying the longevity in cave animals will contribute to the field of aging, especially to understanding the evolution of this phenomenon.
Case Report: Brachydactyly Type A1 Induced by a Novel Variant of in-Frame Insertion in the IHH Gene
Authors: Zeng Feier , Liu Huan , Xia Xuyang , Shu Yang , Cheng Wei , Xu Heng , Yin Geng , Xie Qibing
Published: May 2022

Brachydactyly type A1 (BDA1) is an autosomal dominant inherited disease characterized by the shortness/absence of the middle phalanges, which can be induced by mutations in the Indian hedgehog gene (IHH). Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by joint destruction, synovitis, and the presence of autoantibodies. In this study, the proband was diagnosed with both BDA1 and RA. We performed whole-exome sequencing in a four-generation Chinese family to investigate their inherited causal mutation to BDA1. A novel in-frame insertion variant in IHH: NM_002,181.4: c.383_415dup/p.(R128_H138dup) was identified in the BDA1 pedigree. This insertion of 11 amino acids was located in the highly conserved amino-terminal signaling domain of IHH and co-segregated with the disease status. This adds one to the total number of different IHH mutations found to cause BDA1. Moreover, we found a potential causal germline variant in CRY1 for a molecular biomarker of RA (i.e., a high level of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide). Collectively, we identified novel variants in IHH for inherited BDA1, which highlights the important role of this gene in phalange development.
MicroRNA Expression in Circulating Leukocytes and Bioinformatic Analysis of Patients With Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Kang Kaijiang , Shen Yuan , Zhang Qian , Lu Jingjing , Ju Yi , Ji Ruijun , Li Na , Wu Jianwei , Yang Bo , Lin Jinxi , Liang Xianhong , Zhang Dong , Zhao Xingquan
Published: May 2022

Objective: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in exosomes had been implicated differentially expressed in patient with moyamoya disease (MMD), but the miRNAs expression in circulating leukocytes remains unclear. This study was investigated on the differential expression of miRNAs in peripheral leukocytes between MMD patients and healthy adults, and among patients with subtypes of MMD.

Materials and methods: A total of 30 patients with MMD and 10 healthy adults were enrolled in a stroke center from October 2017 to December 2018. The gene microarray was used to detect the differential expression profiles of miRNA in leukocytes between MMD patients and controls, and the differentially expressed miRNAs were verified by the method of real-time PCR. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were used to explore the key signaling pathways and possible pathogenesis of MMD.

Results: The microarray results showed 12 differentially expressed miRNAs in leukocytes of MMD patients compared with controls (fold change >2.0, p < 0.05 and FDR <0.05), of which 8 miRNAs were upregulated (miRNA-142-5p, miRNA-29b-3p, miRNA-424-5p, MiRNA-582-5p, miRNA-6807-5p, miRNA-142-3p, miRNA-340-5p, miRNA-4270), and 4 miRNAs were downregulated (miRNA-144-3p, miRNA-451a, miRNA-486-5p, miRNA-363-3p). The real-time PCR confirmed seven differentially expressed miRNAs (p < 0.05), of which 4 miRNAs (miRNA-29b-3p, miRNA-142-3p, miRNA-340-5p, miRNA-582-5p) were upregulated, and 3 miRNAs (miRNA-363-3p, miRNA-451a and miRNA-486-5p) were downregulated. Both GO and KEGG analysis suggested that the Wnt signaling pathway may be involved in the pathogenesis of MMD. In addition, miRNAs were also differentially expressed among patients with subtypes of MMD.

Conclusion: This study indicated that miRNAs are differentially expressed in peripheral leukocytes between MMD patients and healthy adults, and among patients with subtypes of MMD. The Wnt signaling pathway is probably involved in the pathogenesis of MMD.
The Genetic Spectrum of Familial Hypertriglyceridemia in Oman
Authors: Al-Waili Khalid , Al-Rasadi Khalid , Al-Bulushi Muna , Habais Mohammed , Al-Mujaini Abdullah , Al-Yaarubi Saif , Rimbert Antoine , Zadjali Razan , Khaniabadi Pegah Moradi , Al-Barwani Hamida , Hasary Sana , Al-Dahmani Zayana M. , Al-Badi Hala , Al-Maawali Almundher , Zadjali Fahad
Published: May 2022

Familial hypertriglyceridemia (F-HTG) is an autosomal disorder that causes severe elevation of serum triglyceride levels. It is caused by genetic alterations in LPL, APOC2, APOA5, LMF1, and GPIHBP1 genes. The mutation spectrum of F-HTG in Arabic populations is limited. Here, we report the genetic spectrum of six families of F-HTG of Arab ancestry in Oman. Methods: six Omani families affected with triglyceride levels >11.2 mmol/L were included in this study. Ampli-Seq sequencing of the selected gene panels was performed. Whole-exome sequencing and copy number variant analysis were also performed in cases with negative exome results. Three novel pathogenic missense variants in the LPL gene were identified, p.M328T, p.H229L, and p.S286G, along with a novel splice variant c.1322+15T > G. The LPL p.H229L variant existed in double heterozygous mutation with the APOA5 gene p.V153M variant. One family had a homozygous mutation in the LMF1 gene (c.G107A; p.G36D) and a heterozygous mutation in the LPL gene (c.G106A; p.D36N). All affected subjects did not have a serum deficiency of LPL protein. Genetic analysis in one family did not show any pathogenic variants even after whole-exome sequencing. These novel LPL and APOA5 mutations are not reported in other ethnic groups. This suggests that patients with F-HTG in Oman have a founder effect and are genetically unique. This warrants further analysis of patients of F-HTG in the Middle East for preventative and counseling purposes to limit the spread of the disease in a population of high consanguinity.
Chickpea Biofortification for Cytokinin Dehydrogenase via Genome Editing to Enhance Abiotic-Biotic Stress Tolerance and Food Security
Authors: Mahto Rohit Kumar , Ambika  , Singh Charul , Chandana B S. , Singh Rajesh Kumar , Verma Shruti , Gahlaut Vijay , Manohar Murli , Yadav Neelam , Kumar Rajendra
Published: May 2022

Globally more than two billion people suffer from micronutrient malnutrition (also known as “hidden hunger”). Further, the pregnant women and children in developing nations are mainly affected by micronutrient deficiencies. One of the most important factors is food insecurity which can be mitigated by improving the nutritional values through biofortification using selective breeding and genetic enhancement techniques. Chickpea is the second most important legume with numerous economic and nutraceutical properties. Therefore, chickpea production needs to be increased from the current level. However, various kind of biotic and abiotic stresses hamper global chickpea production. The emerging popular targets for biofortification in agronomic crops include targeting cytokinin dehydrogenase (CKX). TheCKXsplay essential roles in both physiological and developmental processes and directly impact several agronomic parameters i.e., growth, development, and yield. Manipulation ofCKXgenes using genome editing tools in several crop plants reveal thatCKXsare involved in regulation yield, shoot and root growth, and minerals nutrition. Therefore,CKXshave become popular targets for yield improvement, their overexpression and mutants can be directly correlated with the increased yield and tolerance to various stresses. Here, we provide detailed information on the different roles ofCKXgenes in chickpea. In the end, we discuss the utilization of genome editing tool clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) to engineerCKXgenes that can facilitate trait improvement. Overall, recent advancements inCKXand their role in plant growth, stresses and nutrient accumulation are highlighted, which could be used for chickpea improvement.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Molecular Underpinnings of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Under Hypoxia Stress
Authors: Suo Ning , Zhou Zhi-Xiong , Xu Jian , Cao Ding-Chen , Wu Bi-Yin , Zhang Han-Yuan , Xu Peng , Zhao Zi-Xia
Published: May 2022

As an essential environmental factor that affects the economic benefits of aquaculture, hypoxia is one of the urgent problems to be solved in the aquaculture fish breeding industry. Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a critical economic fish in China, and at present, there are many breeding strains of common carp with different character advantages in China, including Hebao red carp (C. carpio var wuyuanesis) and Songpu mirror carp (C. carpio var specularis). Even if the environmental adaptation of common carp is generally strong, the genetic background of hypoxia tolerance in different strains of common carp is unclear yet. This study tested the hypoxia tolerance of Songpu minor carp, Hebao red carp, and their hybrid F1 population by an acute hypoxia treatment. Muscle and liver tissues were used for transcriptome sequencing analysis to identify the key factors for hypoxia tolerance and explore the potential genetic mechanism for breeding high hypoxia tolerance in common carp. The comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed abundant hypoxia response-related genes and their differential regulation mechanism in these two tissues of different common carp strains under acute hypoxia, including immune response, cellular stress response, HIFs (hypoxia-inducible factors), MAP kinase, iron ion binding, and heme binding. Our findings will facilitate future investigation on the hypoxia response mechanism and provide a solid theoretical basis for breeding projects in common carp.
Perceptions of Weight Change Among Romantic Partners: Considering Body Image, Relationship Experiences, Gender, and Sexual Orientation
Authors: Markey Charlotte H. , August Kristin J. , Kelly Kristin , Dunaev Jamie Price
Published: May 2022

Romantic relationship experiences have been found to be relevant to body image and weight in adulthood. In this study, we investigated predictors of heterosexual, lesbian, and gay romantic partners' (N = 500, Mage = 29.3) perceptions of their own and their partners' weight at the beginning of their relationship and 4.8 years later, on average. Perceived changes in participants' own weight status was associated with greater body dissastisfaction and longer relationship length. Perceived changes in partners' weight status was associated with their partners' BMI, as well as relationship quality. We also found that gender was important in understanding some of these associations. Implications of weight perceptions for individuals' and their partners' health and well-being and the critical role of relationship quality are discussed in the context of the health regulation model.
Malondialdehyde Acetaldehyde-Adduction Changes Surfactant Protein D Structure and Function
Authors: Nissen Claire G. , Mosley Deanna D. , Kharbanda Kusum K. , Katafiasz Dawn M. , Bailey Kristina L. , Wyatt Todd A.
Published: May 2022

Alcohol consumption with concurrent cigarette smoking produces malondialdehyde acetaldehyde (MAA)-adducted lung proteins. Lung surfactant protein D (SPD) supports innate immunity via bacterial aggregation and lysis, as well as by enhancing macrophage-binding and phagocytosis. MAA-adducted SPD (SPD-MAA) has negative effects on lung cilia beating, macrophage function, and epithelial cell injury repair. Because changes in SPD multimer structure are known to impact SPD function, we hypothesized that MAA-adduction changes both SPD structure and function. Purified human SPD and SPD-MAA (1 mg/mL) were resolved by gel filtration using Sephadex G-200 and protein concentration of each fraction determined by Bradford assay. Fractions were immobilized onto nitrocellulose by slot blot and assayed by Western blot using antibodies to SPD and to MAA. Binding of SPD and SPD-MAA was determined fluorometrically using GFP-labeled Streptococcus pneumoniae (GFP-SP). Anti-bacterial aggregation of GFP-SP and macrophage bacterial phagocytosis were assayed by microscopy and permeability determined by bacterial phosphatase release. Viral injury was measured as LDH release in RSV-treated airway epithelial cells. Three sizes of SPD were resolved by gel chromatography as monomeric, trimeric, and multimeric forms. SPD multimer was the most prevalent, while the majority of SPD-MAA eluted as trimer and monomer. SPD dose-dependently bound to GFP-SP, but SPD-MAA binding to bacteria was significantly reduced. SPD enhanced, but MAA adduction of SPD prevented, both aggregation and macrophage phagocytosis of GFP-SP. Likewise, SPD increased bacterial permeability while SPD-MAA did not. In the presence of RSV, BEAS-2B cell viability was enhanced by SPD, but not protected by SPD-MAA. Our results demonstrate that MAA adduction changes the quaternary structure of SPD from multimer to trimer and monomer leading to a decrease in the native anti-microbial function of SPD. These findings suggest one mechanism for increased pneumonia observed in alcohol use disorders.
An Eimeria maxima Antigen: Its Functions on Stimulating Th1 Cytokines and Protective Efficacy Against Coccidiosis
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhang Yue , Liu Jianhua , Wang Mingyue , Lu Mingmin , Xu Lixin , Yan Ruofeng , Li Xiangrui , Song Xiaokai
Published: May 2022

A consensus is that the Th1 immune response plays a predominant role against avian coccidiosis. Therefore, an antigen with the ability to induce Th1 cytokine responses is an ideal candidate for the development of coccidiosis vaccines. In our previous study, EmARM-β, a Th1 cytokines-stimulating antigen, was screened from the cDNA expression library of Eimeria maxima (E. maxima). Herein, we verified its stimulative effects on Th1 cytokine productions and evaluated its protective efficacy against E. maxima infection. Recombinant EmARM-β protein was expressed, and eukaryotic expression plasmid pVAX1-EmARM-β was also constructed for the immunization of birds. An immunofluorescence assay was performed to detect the native form of EmARM-β protein in the stage of sporozoites. Expressions of specific transcription factors and cytokines in immunized chickens were measured using qPCR and ELISA to verify its stimulating function on Th1 cytokines. Specific IgG antibody levels and T lymphocyte subpopulation in the immunized chickens were detected using ELISA and indirect flow cytometry to determine induced immune responses. The results showed that EmARM-β native protein is massively expressed in the sporozoites stage of E. maxima. Effective stimulation from the EmARM-β antigen to T-bet and Th1 cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-γ) was observed in vivo. After being immunized with rEmARM-β or pVAX1-EmARM-β, significant promotion to the proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and the level of antigen-specific IgG antibodies in immunized chickens was also observed. Furthermore, vaccination with rEmARM-β antigen or pVAX1-EmARM-β resulted in alleviated weight loss and enteric lesion, reduced oocyst output, and higher anticoccidial index (ACI) in challenged birds. These results indicate that EmARM-β antigen can effectively stimulate the expression of Th1 cytokines and initiate host immune responses, providing moderate protective efficacy against E. maxima. Notably, EmARM-β protein is a promising candidate for developing a novel anticoccidial vaccine.
Natural Killer Cells in Antibody Independent and Antibody Dependent HIV Control
Authors: Bernard Nicole F. , Kant Sanket , Kiani Zahra , Tremblay Cécile , Dupuy Franck P.
Published: May 2022

Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), when left untreated, typically leads to disease progression towards acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Some people living with HIV (PLWH) control their virus to levels below the limit of detection of standard viral load assays, without treatment. As such, they represent examples of a functional HIV cure. These individuals, called Elite Controllers (ECs), are rare, making up <1% of PLWH. Genome wide association studies mapped genes in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I region as important in HIV control. ECs have potent virus specific CD8+T cell responses often restricted by protective MHC class I antigens. Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells whose activation state depends on the integration of activating and inhibitory signals arising from cell surface receptors interacting with their ligands on neighboring cells. Inhibitory NK cell receptors also use a subset of MHC class I antigens as ligands. This interaction educates NK cells, priming them to respond to HIV infected cell with reduced MHC class I antigen expression levels. NK cells can also be activated through the crosslinking of the activating NK cell receptor, CD16, which binds the fragment crystallizable portion of immunoglobulin G. This mode of activation confers NK cells with specificity to HIV infected cells when the antigen binding portion of CD16 bound immunoglobulin G recognizes HIV Envelope on infected cells. Here, we review the role of NK cells in antibody independent and antibody dependent HIV control.
Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Modified T Cell Immunotherapy for Relapsed and Refractory Adult Burkitt Lymphoma
Authors: Wu Jiaying , Cao Yang , Zhang Qi , Liu Wanying , Zhou Xiaoxi , Ming Xi , Meng Fankai , Zhang Yicheng , Li Chunrui , Huang Liang , Wei Jia , Zheng Miao , Zhang Shangkun , Zhang Tongcun , Zhu Xiaojian , Wang Na , Wang Jue , Wang Gaoxiang , Zhou Jianfeng , Liu Bo , Xiao Yi
Published: May 2022

Patients with Burkitt lymphoma who are refractory to initial therapy or who relapse after undergoing intensive chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) usually have a poor prognosis. While there has been considerable progress in the use of chimeric antigen receptor-modified (CAR) T cell immunotherapy for the treatment of relapsed and refractory (r/r) malignancies, explicit data on adult patients with r/r Burkitt lymphoma are limited. We conducted two single-arm clinical trials to evaluate the clinical efficacy and toxicity of CD19/CD22 CAR T cell immunotherapy both alone (trial A) and in combination with ASCT (trial B) in adult patients with r/r Burkitt lymphoma. In total, 28 adult patients with r/r Burkitt lymphoma were enrolled [trial A (n = 15) and trial B (n = 13)]. The median doses of CD22 and CD19 CAR T cell infusions were 4.1 × 106/kg and 4.0 × 106/kg, respectively. Subsequently, after CAR T cell infusion, overall and complete responses were observed in 19 (67.9%) and 16 (57.1%) patients, respectively. The cumulative incidence rates of grade 2–4 cytokine release syndrome and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome were 39.3% (11/28) and 10.7% (3/28), respectively. After a median follow-up duration of 12.5 months, 16 patients (5 in trial A and 11 in trial B) survived. Both the estimated 1-year progression-free and overall survival rates were 55.6%. Our preliminary results indicated that salvage therapy with CD19/CD22 CAR T cell infusion alone and that in combination with ASCT are effective in treating some adult patients with r/r Burkitt lymphoma.
Advances in Vaccine Development of the Emerging Novel Genotype Fowl Adenovirus 4
Authors: Liu Aijing , Zhang Yu , Cui Hongyu , Wang Xiaomei , Gao Yulong , Pan Qing
Published: May 2022

Fowl adenovirus (FAdV) was first reported in Angara Goth, Pakistan, in 1987. For this reason, it is also known as “Angara disease.” It was later reported in China, Japan, South Korea, India, the United States, Canada, and other countries and regions, causing huge economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide. Notably, since June 2015, a natural outbreak of severe hydropericardium hepatitis syndrome (HHS), associated with a hypervirulent novel genotype FAdV-4 infection, has emerged in most provinces of China. The novel virus FAdV-4 spread rapidly and induced a 30-100% mortality rate, causing huge economic losses and threatening the green and healthy poultry breeding industry. Vaccines against FAdV-4, especially the emerging novel genotype, play a critical role and will be the most efficient tool for preventing and controlling HHS. Various types of FAdV-4 vaccines have been developed and evaluated, such as inactivated, live-attenuated, subunit, and combined vaccines. They have made great contributions to the control of HHS, but the details of cross-protection within FAdVs and the immunogenicity of different vaccines require further investigation. This review highlights the recent advances in developing the FAdV-4 vaccine and promising new vaccines for future research.
Unprecedented Coral Mortality on Southwestern Atlantic Coral Reefs Following Major Thermal Stress
Authors: Pereira Pedro H. C. , Lima Gislaine V. , Pontes Antônio V. F. , Côrtes Luis G. F. , Gomes Erandy , Sampaio Cláudio L. S. , Pinto Taciana Kramer , Miranda Ricardo J. , Cardoso Andrei Tiego Cunha , Araujo Julia Caon , Seoane José Carlos Sícoli
Published: May 2022

Thermal stress is now considered the major recent cause of coral reef degradation; yet few studies have been conducted describing those effects on Southwestern Atlantic (SWA) reefs. The SWA represents a coral endemism hotspot with low-functional redundancy and therefore high extinction risk. Recent research has suggested a “thermal refuge” potential for SWA; however, evidence could suggest a different trend. We report herein an unprecedented coral mortality on the largest coastal Brazilian Marine Protected Area (MPA) following the worst thermal stress event since 1985. Degree Heating Week (DHW) values over 4.0 were observed for 107 days, averaging 8.70 for the period, with a maximum of 12.1. Average live coral cover was reduced by 18.1% while average turf algae cover increase by 19.3%. Mortality was highest for three coral species, with a mean mortality of 50.8% per transect for Millepora braziliensis, 32.6% for Mussismilia harttii and 16.6% for Millepora alcicornis. Our unique data for SWA indicates that the populations of two Brazilian endemic species (Millepora braziliensis and Mussismilia harttii) are under severe threat from global warming and that overall coral cover has been dramatically reduced. Hence, the idea of a possible “thermal” refugia within the SWA must be taken with caution for this coral endemism hotspot.
Severe Deoxygenation Event Caused by the 2011 Eruption of the Submarine Volcano Tagoro (El Hierro, Canary Islands)
Authors: González-Vega Alba , Callery Izar , Arrieta Jesús M. , Santana-Casiano J. Magdalena , Domínguez-Yanes J. Francisco , Fraile-Nuez Eugenio
Published: May 2022

The shallow, near-shore submarine volcano Tagoro erupted in October 2011 at the Mar de las Calmas marine reserve, south of El Hierro island. The injection of lava into the ocean had its strongest episode during November 2011 and lasted until March 2012. During this time, in situ measurements of dissolved oxygen were carried out, using a continuous oxygen sensor constantly calibrated with water samples. A severe deoxygenation was observed in the area, particularly during October-November 2011, which was one of the main causes of the high mortality observed among the local marine ecosystem. The measured O2 concentrations were as low as 7.71 µmol kg-1, which represents a -96% decrease with respect to unaffected waters. The oxygen depletion was found in the first 250 m of the water column, with peaks between 70-120 m depth. The deoxygenated plume covered an area of at least 464 km2, distributed particularly south and south-west of the volcano, with occasional patches found north of the island. The oxygen levels were also monitored through the following years, during the degassing stage of the volcano, when oxygen depletion was no longer observed. Additionally, during the eruption, an island-generated anticyclonic eddy interacted with the volcanic plume and transported it for at least 80 km, where the O2 measurements still showed a -8% decrease after mixing and dilution. This feature draws attention to the permanence and transport of volcanic plumes far away from their source and long after the emission.
Neocalanus cristatus (Copepoda) From a Deep Sediment-Trap: Abundance and Implications for Ecological and Biogeochemical Studies
Authors: Ikenoue Takahito , Otosaka Shigeyoshi , Honda Makio C. , Kitamura Minoru , Mino Yoshihisa , Narita Hisashi , Kobayashi Takuya
Published: May 2022

We studied seasonal variations of the mesozooplankton swimmer community collected by a sediment trap moored at 873 m in the Kuroshio–Oyashio Transition region off the east coast of Japan from 5 August 2011 to 23 June 2013, with sampling bottles rotating at 26-day intervals. The total flux of mesozooplankton swimmers varied between 0 and 11.1 individuals m–2 d–1, with a mean of 3.1 individuals m–2 d–1 during the sampling period. In total, 89 taxa were found in the trap material, of which copepods comprised 87.1% of all swimmers on average. Among the Copepoda, Neocalanus cristatus was the most dominant taxon (76.2% of copepods on average during the sampling period), and all of them were stage C5 copepodite to adult. The species composition of the swimmers closely reflected the mesopelagic mesozooplankton of the Oyashio region. Because all N. cristatus observed in the trap were stage C5 to adult, its flux represents a time series of variations in life history and response to environmental changes at the depth of the sediment trap. The fluxes of Neocalanus species (N. cristatus, N. flemingeri, and N. plumchrus) reflected ontogenetic vertical migration, but may have been overestimates of active fluxes if they included dormant individuals that accidentally entered the sediment trap. The apparent active carbon flux of Neocalanus species ranged from 0 to 22.3 mg C m–2 d–1 during the sampling period, with a mean value of 4.9 mg C m–2 d–1.
Application of the Abaqus *Fabric Model to Approximate the Draping Behavior of UD Prepregs Based on Suited Mechanical Characterization
Authors: Osterberger Joachim , Maier Franz , Hinterhölzl Roland M.
Published: May 2022

The increasing demand for automated manufacturing processes for carbon fiber-reinforced polymers necessitates accurate forming simulations. For that purpose, the multi-purpose finite element solver Abaqus provides the phenomenological *Fabric material model. While it is designed for woven materials, both structural directions and shear properties can be independently adjusted. We aim to quantify its applicability to model forming of UD semi-finished prepregs in a diaphragm forming station. We describe the material characterization and modeling and compare the simulation results to experiments using accurate laser scans of manufactured parts. Various simulation aspects are methodically altered to better gauge their impact on the simulated forming result. An accurate calibration of the bending behavior was found to be most important for the forming results. This is realized in the *Fabric material model by softening the compressive stiffness and the limitations of this workaround must be investigated in more detail. Other aspects, like rate-dependent modeling of the transverse direction and anisotropic properties for friction should be considered. Overall, a good agreement with experimental results including regions with fiber bridging or the formation of folds and the contour of the part could be achieved.
Reconfigurable Metasurface Hologram of Dynamic Distance via Deep Learning
Authors: Zou Yijun , Zhu Rongrong , Shen Lian , Zheng Bin
Published: May 2022

Reconfigurable metasurfaces have been regarded as an emerging subfield of metasurfaces that can manipulate electromagnetic wave information in a smart manner. They stimulate a gradual transition in metasurface holography from passive to active elements. To date, intelligent dynamic holographic imaging schemes typically rely on iterative or data-driven methods to obtain holograms at a fixed imaging distance, which significantly hinders the development of intelligent dynamic holographic imaging in practical scenarios involving high demands for dynamic imaging distances. Herein, a computer-generated hologram algorithm with a dynamic imaging distance and a reconfigurable metasurface are proposed, which is referred to as a generator and physical diffractive network. Simulation results of time–distance division for three-dimensional imaging are provided to demonstrate the reliability and high efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
The Impact of Telemedicine on Rheumatology Care
Authors: Tang Wei , Inzerillo Sean , Weiner Julia , Khalili Leila , Barasch Julia , Gartshteyn Yevgeniya , Dall'Era Maria , Aranow Cynthia , Mackay Meggan , Askanase Anca
Published: May 2022

Background

The pandemic disrupted the care of patients with rheumatic diseases; difficulties in access to care and its psychological impact affected quality of life. Telemedicine as an alternative to traditional face-to-face office visits has the potential to mitigate this impact.

Objective

To evaluate patient and provider experience with telemedicine and its effect on care.

Methods

We surveyed patients with rheumatic diseases and their rheumatology providers. The surveys were conducted in 2020 and repeated in 2021. We assessed data on quality of care and health-related quality of life.

Results

Hundred patients and 17 providers responded to the survey. Patients reported higher satisfaction with telemedicine in 2021 compared to 2020 (94 vs. 84%), felt more comfortable with (96 vs. 86%), expressed a stronger preference for (22 vs. 16%), and higher intention to use telemedicine in the future (83 vs. 77%); patients thought physicians were able to address their concerns. While providers' satisfaction with telemedicine increased (18–76%), 14/17 providers believed that telemedicine visits were worse than in-person visits. There were no differences in annualized office visits and admissions. Mean EQ-5D score was 0.74, lower than general population (0.87) but equivalent to a subset of patients with SLE (0.74).

Conclusion

Our data showed a high level of satisfaction with telemedicine. The lower rheumatology provider satisfaction raises concern if telemedicine constitutes an acceptable alternative to in-person care. The stable number of office visits, admissions, and the similar quality of life to pre-pandemic level suggest effective management of rheumatic diseases using telemedicine/in-person hybrid care.