bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polydatin Ameliorates Osteoporosis via Suppression of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lin Ze , Xiong Yuan , Hu Yiqiang , Chen Lang , Panayi Adriana C. , Xue Hang , Zhou Wu , Yan Chenchen , Hu Liangcong , Xie Xudong , Sun Yun , Mi Bobin , Liu Guohui
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Polydatin (POL) is a natural active compound found in Polygonum multiflorum with reported anti-oxidant and antiviral effects. With the aging population there has been a stark increase in the prevalence of osteoporosis (OP), rendering it an imposing public health issue. The potential effect of POL as a therapy for OP remains unclear. Therefore, we sought to investigate the therapeutic effect of POL in OP and to elucidate the underlying signaling mechanisms in its regulatory process.

Methods: The POL-targeted genes interaction network was constructed using the Search Tool for Interacting Chemicals (STITCH) database, and the shared Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Pathways involved in OP and POL-targeted genes were identified. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to evaluate the osteogenic genes and the phosphorylation level in pre-osteoblastic cells. In addition, ALP and alizarin red staining was used to test the effect of POL on extracellular matrix mineralization.

Results: Twenty-seven KEGG pathways shared between POL-related genes and OP were identified. MAPK signaling was identified as a potential key mechanism. In vitro results highlighted a definitive anti-OP effect of POL. The phosphorylation levels of MAPK signaling, including p38α, ERK1/2, and JNK, were significantly decreased in this regulatory process.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that POL has a promising therapeutic effect in OP. MAPK signaling may be the underlying mechanism in this effect, providing a novel sight in discovering new drugs for OP.
Regeneration in Stentor coeruleus
Authors: Marshall Wallace F.
Published: September 2021

We often think about regeneration in terms of replacing missing structures, such as organs or tissues, with new structures generated via cell proliferation and differentiation. But at a smaller scale, single cells, themselves, are capable of regenerating when part of the cell has been removed. A classic model organism that facilitates the study of cellular regeneration in the giant ciliate Stentor coeruleus. These cells, which can grow to more than a millimeter in size, have the ability to survive after extensive wounding of their surface, and are able to regenerate missing structures. Even a small piece of a cell can regenerate a whole cell with normal geometry, in a matter of hours. Such regeneration requires cells to be able to trigger organelle biogenesis in response to loss of structures. But subcellular regeneration also relies on intracellular mechanisms to create and maintain global patterning within the cell. These mechanisms are not understood, but at a conceptual level they involve processes that resemble those seen in animal development and regeneration. Here we discuss single-celled regeneration in Stentor from the viewpoint of standard regeneration paradigms in animals. For example, there is evidence that regeneration of the oral apparatus in Stentor follows a sender-receiver model similar to crustacean eyestalk regeneration. By drawing these analogies, we find that many of the concepts already known from the study of animal-scale regeneration and development can be applied to the study of regeneration at the cellular level, such as the concepts of determination, induction, mosaic vs. regulative development, and epimorphosis vs. morphallaxis. We propose that the similarities may go beyond analogy, and that some aspects of animal development and regeneration may have evolved by exploiting pre-existing subcellular developmental strategies from unicellular ancestors.
Preparation of CdS@C Photocatalyst Using Phytoaccumulation Cd Recycled From Contaminated Wastewater
Authors: Li Jia-Xin , Zhang Rou-Lan , Pan Zi-Jian , Liao Yan , Xiong Chao-Bin , Chen Ming-Li , Huang Rong , Pan Xiao-Hong , Chen Zhi
Published: September 2021

Cadmium is one of the most toxic heavy metal contaminants in soils and water bodies and poses a serious threat to ecosystems and humans. However, cadmium is also an important resource widely used in many industries. The recovery of cadmium in the form of high-value products is considered as an ideal disposal strategy for Cd-contaminated environments. In this work, Pistia stratiotes was used to recycle cadmium from wastewaters through phytoaccumulation and then transformed into carbon-supported cadmium sulfide photocatalyst (CdS@C) through carbonization and hydrothermal reaction. The CdS@C photocatalyst contained a mixture of cubic and hexagonal CdS with lower band gap energy (2.14 eV) and high electron-hole separation efficiency, suggesting an excellent photoresponse ability and photocatalytic efficiency. The impressive stability and photocatalytic performance of CdS@C were demonstrated in efficient photodegradation of organic pollutants. •OH and O2•- were confirmed as the major active species for organic pollutants degradation during CdS@C photocatalysis. This work provides new insights into addressing Cd contaminated water bodies and upcycling in the form of photocatalyst.
Research Progress of Cut-Resistant Textile Materials
Authors: Zhai Yanru , Mao Lizhou , Shen Yue , Yan Xuefeng
Published: September 2021

This article describes the physical properties, application fields and modification technologies of several commonly used cut-resistant textile raw materials and coating materials, and summarizes and compares and analyzes the current commonly used cut-resistant textile materials evaluation standards: EN420, EN388, ASTM F-1790, ISO13997. Finally, it is pointed out that lightness, softness and comfort are the future research and development directions of cut-resistant textiles. The article provides a preliminary reference for the application and modification of high-performance fibers and coating materials in cut-resistant textiles.
Selective Hydrogenation of the Carbonyls in Furfural and 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural Catalyzed by PtNi Alloy Supported on SBA-15 in Aqueous Solution Under Mild Conditions
Authors: Gao Ge , Jiang Zhicheng , Hu Changwei
Published: September 2021

Valuable furfuryl alcohol (FFA) and 2,5-dihydroxymethylfuran (DHMF) could be produced by selective hydrogenation of biomass-derived furfural (FF) and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) with high atom economy. In this study, SBA-15 (a kind of mesoporous silica molecular sieve)-supported low metal loading (3 wt% total metal content) PtNi alloy catalyst (PtNi/SBA-15) was synthesized via two steps, including the generation of PtNi alloy by hydrothermal method, and the immobilization of PtNi alloy on SBA-15. PtNi/SBA-15 has ordered mesoporous structure with high surface area, and high dispersion of the PtNi alloy with the formation of Ptδ−-Niδ+ surface pairs on SBA-15, which benefit hydrogen activation and selective carbonyl hydrogenation. The selective hydrogenation of FF and HMF over PtNi/SBA-15 in water solvent at 303 K with 1.5 MPa H2 within 2 h, could respectively yield 64.6% FFA with 77.0% selectivity, and 68.2% DHMF with 81.9% selectivity. Besides, PtNi/SBA-15 exhibited a satisfactory water resistance and stability after recycling at least five runs.
In Vitro Evaluation of Lavandula angustifolia Essential Oil on Anti-Toxoplasma Activity
Authors: Yao Na , He Jia-Kang , Pan Ming , Hou Zhao-Feng , Xu Jin-Jun , Yang Yi , Tao Jian-Ping , Huang Si-Yang
Published: September 2021

The current methods of treating toxoplasmosis have a number of side effects, and these therapies are only effective against the acute stage of the disease. Thus, development of new low toxicity and efficient anti-Toxoplasma drugs is extremely important. Natural products are important sources for screening new drugs; among them, essential oils (EOs) have efficacy in anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-insect, and other aspects. In this study, 16 EOs were screened for their anti-T. gondii activity. Lavandula angustifolia essential oil (La EO)was found to have an anti-parasitic effect on T. gondii. The cytotoxicity of La EO was firstly evaluated using the MTT assay on human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells, and then the anti-T. gondii activity was evaluated by plaque assay. Finally, the invasion experiment and electron microscope observation were used to study the mechanism of La EO in anti-toxoplasma activity. The results indicated that the CC50 of La EO was 4.48 mg/ml and that La EO had activity against T. gondii and the inhibition was in a dose-dependent manner under safe concentrations. La EO was able to reduce T. gondii invasion, which may be due to its detrimental effect on changes of the morphology of tachyzoites. These findings indicated that La EO could be a potential drug for treating toxoplasmosis.
Respiratory Motion-Registered Isotropic Whole-Heart T2 Mapping in Patients With Acute Non-ischemic Myocardial Injury
Authors: Dorniak Karolina , Di Sopra Lorenzo , Sabisz Agnieszka , Glinska Anna , Roy Christopher W. , Gorczewski Kamil , Piccini Davide , Yerly Jérôme , Jankowska Hanna , Fijałkowska Jadwiga , Szurowska Edyta , Stuber Matthias , van Heeswijk Ruud B.
Published: September 2021

Background: T2 mapping is a magnetic resonance imaging technique that can be used to detect myocardial edema and inflammation. However, the focal nature of myocardial inflammation may render conventional 2D approaches suboptimal and make whole-heart isotropic 3D mapping desirable. While self-navigated 3D radial T2 mapping has been demonstrated to work well at a magnetic field strength of 3T, it results in too noisy maps at 1.5T. We therefore implemented a novel respiratory motion-resolved compressed-sensing reconstruction in order to improve the 3D T2 mapping precision and accuracy at 1.5T, and tested this in a heterogeneous patient cohort.

Materials and Methods: Nine healthy volunteers and 25 consecutive patients with suspected acute non-ischemic myocardial injury (sarcoidosis, n = 19; systemic sclerosis, n = 2; acute graft rejection, n = 2, and myocarditis, n = 2) were included. The free-breathing T2 maps were acquired as three ECG-triggered T2-prepared 3D radial volumes. A respiratory motion-resolved reconstruction was followed by image registration of the respiratory states and pixel-wise T2 mapping. The resulting 3D maps were compared to routine 2D T2 maps. The T2 values of segments with and without late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) were compared in patients.

Results: In the healthy volunteers, the myocardial T2 values obtained with the 2D and 3D techniques were similar (45.8 ± 1.8 vs. 46.8 ± 2.9 ms, respectively; P = 0.33). Conversely, in patients, T2 values did differ between 2D (46.7 ± 3.6 ms) and 3D techniques (50.1 ± 4.2 ms, P = 0.004). Moreover, with the 2D technique, T2 values of the LGE-positive segments were similar to those of the LGE-negative segments (T2LGE−= 46.2 ± 3.7 vs. T2LGE+ = 47.6 ± 4.1 ms; P = 0.49), whereas the 3D technique did show a significant difference (T2LGE− = 49.3 ± 6.7 vs. T2LGE+ = 52.6 ± 8.7 ms, P = 0.006).

Conclusion: Respiratory motion-registered 3D radial imaging at 1.5T led to accurate isotropic 3D whole-heart T2 maps, both in the healthy volunteers and in a small patient cohort with suspected non-ischemic myocardial injury. Significantly higher T2 values were found in patients as compared to controls in 3D but not in 2D, suggestive of the technique's potential to increase the sensitivity of CMR at earlier stages of disease. Further study will be needed to demonstrate its accuracy.
Physical Activity and Risks of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zhuo Chengui , Zhao Jianqiang , Chen Miao , Lu Yunlong
Published: September 2021

Background: Although some observational studies have shown that physical activity may have a positive relationship with cardiovascular diseases, the causal effect remains uncertain. We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study to identify the potential causal effect between physical activity and cardiovascular diseases.

Methods: Summary statistics of genome-wide association studies on four physical activity phenotypes and cardiovascular diseases were utilized. MR analysis was performed using inverse-variance weighted (IVW) and multivariable MR. Multiple sensitivity analysis was further conducted to identify the robustness of our results.

Results: Genetically predicted self-reported vigorous physical activity (VPA) was significantly associated with lower risk of myocardial infarction (IVW OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.08–0.68, p-value: 0.007). Additionally, the causal effect of VPA with myocardial infarction was robust after adjusting for several cardiovascular risk factors through using the multivariable MR. There were no apparent causal associations between physical activity with other cardiovascular diseases. Results were consistent with the sensitivity analysis.

Conclusion: The present study supports a protective role of self-reported vigorous physical activity in the initiation of myocardial infarction and highlights the importance of activity levels of physical activity. Further studies are required to elucidate the potential biological pathways of physical activity with cardiovascular diseases.
Athlete's Heart in Asian Military Males: The CHIEF Heart Study
Authors: Liu Pang-Yen , Tsai Kun-Zhe , Lima Joao A. C. , Lavie Carl J. , Lin Gen-Min
Published: September 2021

Background: Elite athlete's heart is characterized by a greater left ventricular mass indexed by body surface area (LVMI) and diastolic function; however previous studies are mainly conducted in non-Asian athletes compared to sedentary controls.

Methods: This study included 1,388 male adults, aged 18–34 years, enrolled in the same unified 6-month physical training program in Taiwan. During the midterm exams of 2020, all trainees completed a 3-km run (endurance) test, and 577 were randomly selected to attend a 2-min push-up (muscular strength) test. Elite athletes were defined as the performance of each exercise falling one standard deviation above the mean (16%). Cardiac structure and function were measured by echocardiography and compared between elite and non-elite athletes. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of elite athlete status at each exercise modality.

Results: As compared to non-elite controls, elite endurance athletes had greater LVMI (84.4 ± 13.6 vs. 80.5 ± 12.9 g/m2, p < 0.001) and lateral mitral E'/A' ratio (2.37 ± 0.73 vs. 2.22 ± 0.76, p < 0.01) with lower late diastolic A' (7.77 ± 2.16 vs. 8.30 ± 3.69 cm/s, p = 0.03). Elite strength athletes had greater LVMI (81.8 ± 11.4 vs. 77.5 ± 12.1, p = 0.004) and lateral mitral E'/A' ratio (2.36 ± 0.70 vs. 2.11 ± 0.71, p < 0.01) with a greater early diastolic E' (19.30 ± 4.06 vs. 18.18 ± 4.05 cm/s, p = 0.02). Greater LVMI and lower heart rate were independent predictors of elite endurance athletes [odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals: 1.03 (1.02, 1.04) and 0.96 (0.95, 0.98), respectively]. Greater LVMI, lateral mitral E'/A' ratio and right ventricular systolic pressure were independent predictors of elite strength athletes [OR: 1.03 (1.01, 1.05), 1.50 (1.06, 2.12), and 1.12 (1.05, 1.19), respectively].

Conclusions: Cardiac structural and functional characteristics differ between endurance and strength elite athletes. While greater LVMI predicts elite status in both groups of Asian athletes, consistent with findings from Western elite athletes, greater diastolic function, and right ventricular systolic pressure characterize strength elite athletes, while lower heart rate at rest predicts endurance elite athletic status.
Deep Learning Exploration of Agent-Based Social Network Model Parameters
Authors: Murase Yohsuke , Jo Hang-Hyun , Török János , Kertész János , Kaski Kimmo
Published: September 2021

Interactions between humans give rise to complex social networks that are characterized by heterogeneous degree distribution, weight-topology relation, overlapping community structure, and dynamics of links. Understanding these characteristics of social networks is the primary goal of their research as they constitute scaffolds for various emergent social phenomena from disease spreading to political movements. An appropriate tool for studying them is agent-based modeling, in which nodes, representing individuals, make decisions about creating and deleting links, thus yielding various macroscopic behavioral patterns. Here we focus on studying a generalization of the weighted social network model, being one of the most fundamental agent-based models for describing the formation of social ties and social networks. This generalized weighted social network (GWSN) model incorporates triadic closure, homophilic interactions, and various link termination mechanisms, which have been studied separately in the previous works. Accordingly, the GWSN model has an increased number of input parameters and the model behavior gets excessively complex, making it challenging to clarify the model behavior. We have executed massive simulations with a supercomputer and used the results as the training data for deep neural networks to conduct regression analysis for predicting the properties of the generated networks from the input parameters. The obtained regression model was also used for global sensitivity analysis to identify which parameters are influential or insignificant. We believe that this methodology is applicable for a large class of complex network models, thus opening the way for more realistic quantitative agent-based modeling.
A Multi-Disciplinary Review on the Aerobiology of COVID-19 in Dental Settings
Authors: Dabiri Darya , Conti Samuel Richard , Sadoughi Pour Niloufar , Chong Andrew , Dadjoo Shaahin , Dabiri Donya , Wiese Carol , Badal Joyce , Hoogland Margaret Arleen , Conti Heather Raquel , Taylor Travis Roger , Choueiri George , Amili Omid
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic pushed dental health officials around the world to reassess and adjust their existing healthcare practices. As studies on controlled COVID-19 transmission remain challenging, this review focuses on particles that can carry the virus and relevant approaches to mitigate the risk of pathogen transmission in dental offices. This review gives an overview of particles generated in clinical settings and how size influences their distribution, concentration, and generation route. A wide array of pertinent particle characterization and counting methods are reviewed, along with their working range, reliability, and limitations. This is followed by a focus on the effectiveness of personal protective equipment (PPE) and face shields in protecting patients and dentists from aerosols. Direct studies on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are still limited, but the literature supports the use of masks as an important and effective non-pharmaceutical preventive measure that could reduce the risk of contracting a respiratory infection by up to 20%. In addition to discussing about PPE used by most dental care professionals, this review describes other ways by which dental offices can protect patients and dental office personnel, which includes modification of the existing room design, dental equipment, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. More affordable modifications include positioning a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) unit within proximity of the patient's chair or using ultraviolet germicidal irradiation in conjunction with ventilation. Additionally, portable fans could be used to direct airflow in one direction, first through the staff working areas and then through the patient treatment areas, which could decrease the number of airborne particles in dental offices. This review concludes that there is a need for greater awareness amongst dental practitioners about the relationship between particle dynamics and clinical dentistry, and additional research is needed to fill the broad gaps of knowledge in this field.
Changes in and Modelling of Hydrological Process for a Semi-Arid Catchment in the Context of Human Disturbance
Authors: Liu Yue , Zhang Jianyun , Yang Qinli , Zhou Xiong , Wang Guoqing
Published: September 2021

Hydrological modelling is of critical importance to flood control. However, flood forecasting in semi-arid region is a great challenge to hydrologists, particularly in a changing environment. Taking the Zhulong River catchment located in north China as a case, the performance of GR4J model for hydrological modelling was investigated based on the analysis for changes in hydrological process of three periods defined as natural period (1967–1979), moderate human impact period (1980–1996) and intensive human impact period (1997–2015). Results show that 1) the annual precipitation and temperature of the catchment both presented upward trends, while the annual observed runoff exhibited a significant downward trend in the time span from 1967 to 2015; 2) the correlations between runoff and precipitation were comparatively higher on both monthly and annual scales in natural period than those in human disturbed periods; 3) both annual runoff and daily peak discharge in human disturbed periods decreased relative to those in natural period due to the environmental changes; 4) the GR4J model performed well for runoff simulations in natural period but gradually lost its applicability with the intensification of human activities. It is essential to improve the accuracy of hydrological modelling under a changing environment in further studies.
Hair Cortisol Concentration, Weight Loss Maintenance and Body Weight Variability: A Prospective Study Based on Data From the European NoHoW Trial
Authors: Larsen Sofus C. , Turicchi Jake , Christensen Gitte L. , Larsen Charlotte S. , Jørgensen Niklas R. , Mikkelsen Marie-Louise K. , Horgan Graham , O’Driscoll Ruairi , Michalowska Joanna , Duarte Cristiana , Scott Sarah E. , Santos Inês , Encantado Jorge , Palmeira Antonio L. , Stubbs R. James , Heitmann Berit L.
Published: September 2021

Several cross-sectional studies have shown hair cortisol concentration to be associated with adiposity, but the relationship between hair cortisol concentration and longitudinal changes in measures of adiposity are largely unknown. We included 786 adults from the NoHoW trial, who had achieved a successful weight loss of ≥5% and had a body mass index of ≥25 kg/m2 prior to losing weight. Hair cortisol concentration (pg/mg hair) was measured at baseline and after 12 months. Body weight and body fat percentage were measured at baseline, 6-month, 12-month and 18-month visits. Participants weighed themselves at home ≥2 weekly using a Wi-Fi scale for the 18-month study duration, from which body weight variability was estimated using linear and non-linear approaches. Regression models were conducted to examine log hair cortisol concentration and change in log hair cortisol concentration as predictors of changes in body weight, change in body fat percentage and body weight variability. After adjustment for lifestyle and demographic factors, no associations between baseline log hair cortisol concentration and outcome measures were observed. Similar results were seen when analysing the association between 12-month concurrent development in log hair cortisol concentration and outcomes. However, an initial 12-month increase in log hair cortisol concentration was associated with a higher subsequent body weight variability between month 12 and 18, based on deviations from a nonlinear trend (β: 0.02% per unit increase in log hair cortisol concentration [95% CI: 0.00, 0.04]; P=0.016). Our data suggest that an association between hair cortisol concentration and subsequent change in body weight or body fat percentage is absent or marginal, but that an increase in hair cortisol concentration during a 12-month weight loss maintenance effort may predict a slightly higher subsequent 6-months body weight variability.

Clinical Trial Registration

ISRCTN registry, identifier ISRCTN88405328.
Molecular Profile of a Pituitary Rhabdomyosarcoma Arising From a Pituitary Macroadenoma: A Case Report
Authors: Lu Jinci , Chen Liam
Published: September 2021

Pituitary sarcoma arising in association with pituitary adenoma is an uncommon finding. Most cases of secondary sarcoma have been noted to arise with a median interval of 10.5 years post radiation. In this case report, we describe a 77-year-old man with an incidental discovery of a pituitary macroadenoma on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and underwent radiotherapy. Three years after radiation treatment, there was an acute change in clinical symptoms and increase in tumor size and mass effect on the optic chiasm which prompted surgical resection. A pituitary adenoma along with a separate spindle-cell sarcomatous component was identified in histology. Immunohistochemical stain for muscle markers confirmed a development of pituitary rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). Molecular profiling of the tumor identified mutations in TP53, ATRX, LZTR1, and NF1. Despite its rarity, characterization of pituitary RMS with immunohistochemistry and molecular studies may provide an insight to its pathophysiological relationship with pituitary adenoma.
Stability Analysis of the World Energy Trade Structure by Multiscale Embedding
Authors: Xue Leyang , Chen Feier , Fu Guiyuan , Xia Qiliang , Du Luhui
Published: September 2021

This study investigates the dynamic trading network structure of the international crude oil and gas market from year 2012 to 2017. We employed the dynamical similarity analysis at different time scales by inducing a multiscale embedding for dimensionality reduction. This analysis quantifies the effect of a global event on the dependencies and correlation stability at both the country and world level, which covers the top 53 countries. The response of China’s trading structure toward events after the unexpected 2014 price drop is compared with other major traders. China, as the world’s largest importing country, lacks strong stability under global events and could be greatly affected by a supply shortage, especially in the gas market. The trend of multi-polarization on the market share gives a chance for China to construct closer relationships with more stable exporters and join in the trade loop of major countries to improve its position in the energy trading networks. The hidden features of trade correlation may provide a deeper understanding of the robustness of relationship and risk resistance.
Exploring the Thermodynamic Limits of Enhanced H2 Recovery With Inherent Carbon Removal From Low Value Aqueous Biomass Oxygenate Precursors
Authors: Ochonma Prince , Blaudeau Claire , Krasnoff Rosalie , Gadikota Greeshma
Published: September 2021

Rational integration of chemical pathways at the molecular scale to direct thermodynamically favorable enhanced H2 production with inherent carbon removal from low-value substrates can be guided by exploring the thermodynamic limits of feasibility. The substrates of interest are biomass oxygenates that are water-soluble and uneconomical for separation from water. In this study, we investigate the thermodynamic feasibility of recovering H2 with inherent carbon removal from biomass oxygenates such as ethanol, methanol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, acetone, and acetic acid. The influence of biomass oxygenate-to-water ratios, reaction temperature of 150°C–325°C, and CaO or Ca(OH)2 as the alkalinity source on the yields of H2, CH4, CO2, and Ca-carbonate are investigated. By maintaining the fluids in the aqueous phase under pressure, energy needs associated with vaporization are circumvented. The hypothesis that enhanced alkalinity favors the preferential formation of CO (precursor for CO2 formation) over CH4 and aids the formation of calcium carbonate is investigated. The findings from these studies inform the feasibility, design of experiments, and the tuning of reaction conditions for enhanced H2 recovery with inherent carbon removal from biomass oxygenate sources.
High Carbon Load in Food Processing Industrial Wastewater is a Driver for Metabolic Competition in Aerobic Granular Sludge
Authors: Paulo Ana M. S. , Amorim Catarina L. , Costa Joana , Mesquita Daniela P. , Ferreira Eugénio C. , Castro Paula M. L.
Published: September 2021

Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) processes are among the most robust wastewater treatments. One of their greatest advantages is related to the granules multi-layered structure, which creates a protective barrier against organic shock loads and variable wastewater composition, particularly attractive for the treatment of industrial wastewater. However, when treating a wastewater with variable and complex composition, the difficulty in identifying factors that most affect a specific biological process increases. In this study, the effect of organic loading rate (OLR), namely carbon content, on nitrification in an AGS process treating fish canning wastewater was investigated. Besides process performance, also biomass structural changes, and microbial community composition were analysed. Reactor operation lasted for 107 days and was divided in three phases during which different OLR and C/N ratios were applied. A higher OLR was applied during the first two phases (ca. 1.1 and 1.5 kg COD m−3 day−1, respectively) compared to the third phase (between 0.12 and 0.78 kg COD m−3 day−1) and the C/N ratios also varied (ca. 4.4, 7.8, and 2.9, respectively). Throughout the operation, COD concentration in the outlet was lower than 100 mg O2 L−1. Nitrification was inhibited during the second phase and recovered afterwards. Principal component analysis (PCA) of quantitative image analysis (QIA) and performance data allowed to distinguish process changes over the three operational phases. During the first two phases, the decrease in the biomass robustness occurred, but recovered during the last phase, indicating that the high content of organic matter had possibly an effect on the aerobic granules structural characteristics. The composition of the AGS microbiome did not change substantially after the end of the higher OLR periods. The main microbial diversity shifts were mostly associated to adaptation to higher or lower carbon availability. Bacteria and inferred enzymes associated to nitrogen and phosphorous removal were identified. Chryseobacterium, a bacterium with high metabolic versatility, was able to adapt to the organic shock load, becoming dominant over operation. Despite the variable composition of the fish canning wastewater, carbon was identified as the main driver for nitrification inhibition, while promoting changes in the physical characteristics and on the microbial community of granules.
Coexistence of “Cream Skimmer” and “Crumb Picker” Phenotypes in Nature and in Cancer
Authors: Huntly Nancy , Freischel Audrey R. , Miller Anna K. , Lloyd Mark C. , Basanta David , Brown Joel S.
Published: September 2021

Over 40 years ago, seminal papers by Armstrong and McGehee and by Levins showed that temporal fluctuations in resource availability could permit coexistence of two species on a single resource. Such coexistence results from non-linearities or non-additivities in the way resource supply translates into fitness. These reflect trade-offs where one species benefits more than the other during good periods and suffers more (or does less well) than the other during less good periods, be the periods stochastic, unstable population dynamics, or seasonal. Since, coexistence based on fluctuating conditions has been explored under the guises of “grazers” and “diggers,” variance partitioning, relative non-linearity, “opportunists” and “gleaners,” and as the storage effect. Here we focus on two phenotypes, “cream skimmers” and “crumb pickers,” the former having the advantage in richer times and the latter in less rich times. In nature, richer and poorer times, with regular or stochastic appearances, are the norm and occur on many time scales. Fluctuations among richer and poorer times also appear to be the norm in cancer ecosystems. Within tumors, nutrient availability, oxygen, and pH can fluctuate stochastically or periodically, with swings occurring over seconds to minutes to hours. Despite interest in tumor heterogeneity and how it promotes the coexistence of different cancer cell types, the effects of fluctuating resource availability have not been explored for cancer. Here, in the context of pulsed resources, we (1) develop models of foraging consumers who experience pulsed resources to examine four types of trade-offs that can promote coexistence of phenotypes that do relatively better in richer versus in poorer times, (2) establish that conditions in tumors are conducive for this mechanism, (3) propose and empirically explore biomarkers indicative of the two phenotypes (HIF-1, GLUT-1, CA IX, CA XII), and (4) and compare cream skimmer and crumb picker biology and ecology in nature and cancer to provide cross-disciplinary insights into this interesting, and, we argue, likely very common, mechanism of coexistence.
Chronic Disturbance in a Tropical Dry Forest: Disentangling Direct and Indirect Pathways Behind the Loss of Plant Richness
Authors: Jara-Guerrero Andrea , González-Sánchez Diego , Escudero Adrián , Espinosa Carlos I.
Published: September 2021

Chronic disturbance is widely recognized as one of main triggers of diversity loss in seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTFs). However, the pathways through which diffuse disturbance is acting on the forest are little understood. This information is especially demanded in the case of vanishing Neotropical seasonally dry forests such as the Tumbesian ones. We proposed a conceptual model to analyze the factors behind the loss of woody species richness along a forest disturbance gradient, explicitly considering the existence of direct and indirect causal pathways of biodiversity loss. We hypothesized that the chronic disturbance can act on the woody species richness directly, either by selective extraction of resources or by browsing of palatable species for livestock, or indirectly, by modifying characteristics of the forest structure and productivity. To test our model, we sampled forest remnants in a very extensive area submitted to long standing chronic pressure. Our forests cells (200 × 200 m) were characterized both in terms of woody species composition, structure, and human pressure. Our structural equation models (SEMs) showed that chronic disturbance is driving a loss of species richness. This was done mainly by indirect effects through the reduction of large trees density. We assume that changes in tree density modify the environmental conditions, thus increasing the stress and finally filtering some specific species. The analysis of both, direct and indirect, allows us to gain a better understanding of the processes behind plant species loss in this SDTF.
A Founder Pathogenic Variant of PPIB Unique to Chinese Population Causes Osteogenesis Imperfecta IX
Authors: Zhu Wenting , Yan Kai , Chen Xijing , Zhao Wei , Wu Yiqing , Tang Huanna , Chen Ming , Wu Jian , Wang Pengpeng , Zhang Runju , Shen Yiping , Zhang Dan
Published: September 2021

Background: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heterogeneous genetic disorder characterized by bone fragility. PPIB pathogenic variants cause a perinatal lethal form of OI type IX. A limited number of pathogenic variants have been reported so far worldwide.

Methods: We identified a rare pedigree whose phenotype was highly consistent with OI-IX. Exome sequencing was performed to uncover the causal variants. The variant pathogenicity was classified following the ACMG/AMP guidelines. The founder effect and the age of the variant were assessed.

Results: We identified a homozygous missense variant c.509G > A/p.G170D in PPIB in an affected fetus. This variant is a Chinese-specific allele and can now be classified as pathogenic. We estimated the allele frequency (AF) of this variant to be 0.0000427 in a Chinese cohort involving 128,781 individuals. All patients and carriers shared a common haplotype, indicative of a founder effect. The estimated age of variant was 65,160 years. We further identified pathogenic variants of PPIB in gnomAD and ClinVar databases, the conserved estimation of OI type IX incidence to be 1/1,000,000 in Chinese population.

Conclusion: We reported a founder pathogenic variant in PPIB specific to the Chinese population. We further provided our initial estimation of OI-IX disease incidence in China.
Five SNPs Within the FGF5 Gene Significantly Affect Both Wool Traits and Growth Performance in Fine-Wool Sheep (Ovis aries)
Authors: Zhao Haiyu , Hu Ruixue , Li Fadi , Yue Xiangpeng
Published: September 2021

Fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) gene, a member of fibroblast growth factor superfamily, plays significant roles in the regulation of the hair growth cycle during the development of mammalian hair follicles as well as the skeletal muscle development. In this study, DNA sequencing was used to scan the putative SNPs within the full-length of FGF5 gene, and SNPscan high-throughput technique was applied in the individual genotyping of 604 crossbred sheep. 10 SNPs were identified within FGF5 gene while five of them located in intron 1 could be genotyped, namely SNP1 (g. 105914953 G > A), SNP2 (g. 105922232 T > C), SNP3 (g. 105922244 A > G), SNP4 (g. 105922334 A > T) and SNP5 (g. 105922340 G > T). All these SNPs were in accord with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05), and displayed the moderate polymorphism with PIC values ranging from 0.302 to 0.374. Thereafter, the correlation analysis between each SNP locus and economic traits including wool length, greasy wool weight and growth performance of sheep was systematically implemented. In our results, SNP1, SNP3, SNP4 and SNP5 were significantly associated with wool length, greasy wool weight and growth traits of SG sheep (P < 0.05); SNP1, SNP2, SNP3, and SNP4 were significantly correlated with wool length and growth traits of SSG sheep (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, our study revealed a strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) relationship among these SNPs (r2 > 0.33), except for SNP3 and SNP4 sites (r2 = 0.30). Combination genotype analysis showed that combination genotypes were significantly associated with mean fiber diameter of SG (P < 0.05), and body weight trait of SSG (P < 0.01). The above findings suggested that these SNP loci might affect economic traits synergistically and could be regarded as potential molecular markers for improving both wool production and growth performance of fine-wool sheep, which lay a molecular foundation for the breeding of fine dual-purpose sheep thereby accelerating the pace of sheep breeding.
RNA Editing and Its Roles in Plant Organelles
Authors: Hao Wei , Liu Guoxiang , Wang Weipeng , Shen Wei , Zhao Yuping , Sun Jialiang , Yang Qiuyue , Zhang Yaxin , Fan Wenjia , Pei Shuaishuai , Chen Zhuanqing , Xu Dongbei , Qin Tengfei
Published: September 2021

RNA editing, a vital supplement to the central dogma, yields genetic information on RNA products that are different from their DNA templates. The conversion of C-to-U in mitochondria and plastids is the main kind of RNA editing in plants. Various factors have been demonstrated to be involved in RNA editing. In this minireview, we summarized the factors and mechanisms involved in RNA editing in plant organelles. Recently, the rapid development of deep sequencing has revealed many RNA editing events in plant organelles, and we further reviewed these events identified through deep sequencing data. Numerous studies have shown that RNA editing plays essential roles in diverse processes, such as the biogenesis of chloroplasts and mitochondria, seed development, and stress and hormone responses. Finally, we discussed the functions of RNA editing in plant organelles.
Theoretical Analysis of S, M and N Structural Proteins by the Protein–RNA Recognition Code Leads to Genes/proteins that Are Relevant to the SARS-CoV-2 Life Cycle and Pathogenesis
Authors: Nahalka Jozef
Published: September 2021

In this conceptual review, based on the protein–RNA recognition code, some theoretical sequences were detected in the spike (S), membrane (M) and capsid (N) proteins that may post-transcriptionally regulate the host genes/proteins in immune homeostasis, pulmonary epithelial tissue homeostasis, and lipid homeostasis. According to the review of literature, the spectrum of identified genes/proteins shows that the virus promotes IL1α/β–IL1R1 signaling (type 1 immunity) and immunity defense against helminths and venoms (type 2 immunity). In the alteration of homeostasis in the pulmonary epithelial tissue, the virus blocks the function of cilia and the molecular programs that are involved in wound healing (EMT and MET). Additionally, the protein–RNA recognition method described here identifies compatible sequences in the S1A-domain for the post-transcriptional promotion of PIKFYVE, which is one of the critical factors for SARS-CoV-2 entry to the host cell, and for the post-transcriptional repression of xylulokinase XYLB. A decrease in XYLB product (Xu5P) in plasma was proposed as one of the potential metabolomics biomarkers of COVID-19. In summary, the protein–RNA recognition code leads to protein genes relevant to the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle and pathogenesis.
HSC70 Inhibits Spring Viremia of Carp Virus Replication by Inducing MARCH8-Mediated Lysosomal Degradation of G Protein
Authors: Li Chen , Shi Lin , Gao Yan , Lu Yuanan , Ye Jing , Liu Xueqin
Published: September 2021

As a fierce pathogen, spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) can cause high mortality in the common carp, and its glycoprotein (G protein) is a component of the viral structure on the surface of virion, which is crucial in viral life cycle. This report adopted tandem affinity purification (TAP), mass spectrometry analysis (LC-MS/MS), immunoprecipitation, and confocal microscopy assays to identify Heat shock cognate protein 70 (HSC70) as an interaction partner of SVCV G protein. It was found that HSC70 overexpression dramatically inhibited SVCV replication, whereas its loss of functions elicited opposing effects on SVCV replication. Mechanistic studies indicate that HSC70 induces lysosomal degradation of ubiquitinated-SVCV G protein. This study further demonstrates that Membrane-associated RING-CH 8 (MARCH8), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is critical for SVCV G protein ubiquitylation and leads to its lysosomal degradation. Furthermore, the MARCH8 mediated ubiquitylation of SVCV G protein required the participation of HSC70 through forming a multicomponent complex. Taken together, these results demonstrate that HSC70 serves as a scaffold for MARCH8 and SVCV G, which leads to the ubiquitylation and degradation of SVCV G protein and thus inhibits viral replication. These findings have established a novel host defense mechanism against SVCV.
CD4+ T Cell Dependent B Cell Recovery and Function After Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Heck Clarissa , Steiner Sophie , Kaebisch Eva M. , Frentsch Marco , Wittenbecher Friedrich , Scheibenbogen Carmen , Hanitsch Leif G. , Nogai Axel , le Coutre Philipp , Bullinger Lars , Blau Igor-Wolfgang , Na Il-Kang
Published: September 2021

Introduction

High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) represents a standard treatment regime for multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Common and potentially fatal side effects after auto-HSCT are infections due to a severely compromised immune system with hampered humoral and cellular immunity. This study delineates in depth the quantitative and functional B cell defects and investigates underlying extrinsic or intrinsic drivers.

Methods

Peripheral blood of MM patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy and auto-HSCT (before high-dose chemotherapy and in early reconstitution after HSCT) was studied. Absolute numbers and distribution of B cell subsets were analyzedex vivousing flow cytometry. Additionally, B cell function was assessed with T cell dependent (TD) and T cell independent (TI) stimulation assays, analyzing proliferation and differentiation of B cells by flow cytometry and numbers of immunoglobulin secreting cells in ELISpots.

Results

Quantitative B cell defects including a shift in the B cell subset distribution occurred after auto-HSCT. Functionally, these patients showed an impaired TD as well as TI B cell immune response. Individual functional responses correlated with quantitative alterations of CD19+, CD4+, memory B cells and marginal zone-like B cells. The TD B cell function could be partially restored upon stimulation with CD40L/IL-21, successfully inducing B cell proliferation and differentiation into plasmablasts and immunoglobulin secreting cells.

Conclusion

Quantitative and functional B cell defects contribute to the compromised immune defense in MM patients undergoing auto-HSCT. Functional recovery upon TD stimulation and correlation with CD4+ T cell numbers, indicate these as extrinsic drivers of the functional B cell defect. Observed correlations of CD4+, CD19+, memory B and MZ-like B cell numbers with the B cell function suggest that these markers should be tested as potential biomarkers in prospective studies.
Sanguisorbae Radix Suppresses Colorectal Tumor Growth Through PD-1/PD-L1 Blockade and Synergistic Effect With Pembrolizumab in a Humanized PD-L1-Expressing Colorectal Cancer Mouse Model
Authors: Lee Eun-Ji , Kim Ji Hye , Kim Tae In , Kim Yeon-Ji , Pak Malk Eun , Jeon Chang Hyun , Park Yeo Jin , Li Wei , Kim Young Soo , Choi Jang-Gi , Chung Hwan-Suck
Published: September 2021

Immune checkpoints such as programmed death-1 (PD-1) have been proven as antitumor targets by enhancing cytotoxic T cell activity. All immune checkpoint blockades are antibody therapeutics that have large size and high affinity, as well as known immune-related side effects and low responses. To overcome the limitation of antibody therapeutics, we have explored PD-1/PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1) blockades in traditional oriental medicine, which has a long history but has not yet studied PD-1/PD-L1 blockades. Sanguisorbae Radix extract (SRE) blocked PD-1 and PD-L1 binding in competitive ELISA. SRE effectively inhibited the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction, thereby improving T cell receptor (TCR) signaling and the NFAT-mediated luciferase activity of T cells. SRE treatment reduced tumor growth in the humanized PD-L1 MC38 cell allograft humanized PD-1 mouse model. Additionally, the combination of SRE and pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1 antibody) suppressed tumor growth and increased infiltrated cytotoxic T cells to a greater extent did either agent alone. This study showed that SRE alone has anticancer effects via PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and that the combination therapy of SRE and pembrolizumab has enhanced immuno-oncologic effects.