bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triglyceride-glucose index is associated with quantitative flow ratio in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Yu Bingyan , Mo Yuhao , Hu Xiangming , Wang Weimian , Liu Jieliang , Jin Junguo , Lun Ziheng , Luo Bu Ci Ren , Dong Haojian , Zhou Yingling
Published: September 2022

Background

The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a novel marker representing the degree of insulin resistance (IR) and is closely related to cardiovascular diseases. However, the association between the TyG index and vascular function in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unknown.

Materials and methods

This study was a post hoc analysis of a multicenter, prospective cohort study. In this study, patients with STEMI who underwent PCI were included, and coronary angiography data were analyzed by Quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and quantitative flow ratio (QFR). In addition, the TyG index was calculated as follows: Ln [fasting triglyceride (mg/dl) × fasting blood glucose (mg/dl) × 1/2]. According to the post-PCI QFR, patients were divided into two groups: post-PCI QFR ≤ 0.92 group and post-PCI QFR > 0.92 group. Construction of logistic regression model to explore the relationship between the TyG index and post-PCI QFR.

Results

A total of 241 STEMI patients were included in this study. Compared with patients in the post-PCI QFR > 0.92 group, the TyG index was higher in the post-PCI QFR ≤ 0.92 group. Logistic regression model showed that after adjusting for other confounding factors, the TyG index was positively correlated with the risk of post-PCI QFR ≤ 0.92 (OR = 1.697, 95% CI 1.171–2.460, P = 0.005). Restricted cubic splines showed the cutoff value of TyG index associated with post-PCI QFR ≤ 0.92 risk was 9.75.

Conclusion

The TyG index was associated with the risk of post-PCI QFR ≤ 0.92 in STEMI patients. The risk of post-PCI QFR ≤ 0.92 increased when the TyG index exceeded 9.75.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy increases systemic SDF-1, cardiac DAMPs Fibronectin-EDA, S100/Calgranulin, galectine-3, and NLRP3-MyD88-chemokine pathways
Authors: Quagliariello Vincenzo , Passariello Margherita , Di Mauro Annabella , Cipullo Ciro , Paccone Andrea , Barbieri Antonio , Palma Giuseppe , Luciano Antonio , Buccolo Simona , Bisceglia Irma , Canale Maria Laura , Gallucci Giuseppina , Inno Alessandro , De Lorenzo Claudia , Maurea Nicola
Published: September 2022

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have significantly changed the oncology clinic in recent years, improving survival expectations in cancer patients. ICI therapy have a broad spectrum of side effects from endocrinopathies to cardiovascular diseases. In this study, pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic effects of short-term ICIs therapy in preclinical models were analyzed.

Methods

Firstly, in a human in vitro model, human cardiomyocytes co-cultured with hPBMC were exposed to ICIs (with CTLA-4 or PD-1 blocking agents, at 200 nM) for 72 h. After treatment, production of DAMPs and 12 cytokines were analyzed in the supernatant through colorimetric and enzymatic assays. C57/Bl6 mice were treated with CTLA-4 or PD-1 blocking agents (15 mg/kg) for 10 days. Before (T0), after three days (T3) and after treatments (T10), ejection fraction, fractional shortening, radial and longitudinal strain were calculated by using bidimensional echocardiography (Vevo 2100, Fujfilm). Fibrosis, necrosis, hypertrophy and vascular NF-kB expression were analyzed through Immunohistochemistry. Myocardial expression of DAMPs (S100- Calgranulin, Fibronectin and Galectine-3), MyD88, NLRP3 and twelve cytokines have been analyzed. Systemic levels of SDF-1, IL-1β, and IL-6 were analyzed before, during and after ICIs therapy.

Results

Radial and longitudinal strain were decreased after 10 days of ICIs therapy. Histological analysis of NF-kB expression shows that short-term anti-CTLA-4 or anti-PD-1 treatment increased vascular and myocardial inflammation. No myocardial hypertrophy was seen with the exception of the pembrolizumab group. Myocardial fibrosis and expression of galectin-3, pro-collagen 1-α and MMP-9 were increased after treatment with all ICIs. Both anti-CTLA-4 or anti-PD-1 treatments increased the expression of DAMPs, NLRP3 inflammasome and MyD88 and induced both in vitro and in vivo the secretion of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6. Systemic levels of SDF-1, IL-1β and IL-6 were increased during and after treatment with ICIs.

Conclusions

Short therapy with PD-1 and CTLA-4 blocking agents increases vascular expression of NF-kB, systemic SDF-1, IL-1β, IL-6 levels and myocardial NLRP3, MyD88 and DAMPs expression in preclinical models. A pro-inflammatory cytokine storm was induced in myocardial tissues and in cultured cardiac cells after ICIs therapy. The overall picture of the study suggests new putative biomarkers of ICIs-mediated systemic and myocardial damages potentially useful in clinical cardioncology.
Association of endothelial glycocalyx shedding and coronary microcirculation assessed by an angiography-derived index of microcirculatory resistance in patients with suspected coronary artery disease
Authors: Liu Yang , Chen Si , Liu Shaoyan , Sun Guoqiang , Sun Zhijun , Liu Hongbin
Published: September 2022

Background

The endothelial glycocalyx (EG) is essential for maintaining microvascular homeostasis. However, the relationship between the EG and coronary microcirculation remains to be elucidated. One of the main components of EG is syndecan-1, and its shedding has been claimed to represent the state of the EG. In this study, we aimed to analyze the association between syndecan-1 and the coronary microcirculation.

Methods

We enrolled suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) patients who consecutively underwent coronary angiography (CAG) and angiography-based analysis of physiological indices in the left anterior descending artery (LAD). Serum syndecan-1 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The coronary microcirculation was evaluated by the presence of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) and an impaired microvascular vasodilatory capacity (IMVC), which were quantified by an angiography-derived index of microcirculatory resistance (IMRangio) in the maximum hyperemic state (H-IMRangio) induced by adenosine triphosphate and the ratio (RRRangio) of IMRangio in the non-hyperemic phase to H-IMRangio, respectively.

Results

A total of 528 patients were enrolled in this study. There was no difference in epicardial coronary complexity between patients with high syndecan-1 (HSG) and low syndecan-1 (LSG) levels grouped by the median concentration of syndecan-1 (SYNTAX: 7[3, 10] vs. 9[4, 12], P = 0.15). However, H-IMRangio and RRRangio were different between the LSG and HSG groups (H-IMRangio: 23.64 ± 6.28 vs. 27.67 ± 5.59, P < 0.01; RRRangio: 1.74[1.46, 2.08] vs. 1.55[1.34, 1.72], P < 0.01). Patients with CMD (H-IMRangio > 25) and patients with IMVC (RRRangio below the median value) both had higher syndecan-1 levels (CMD: 86.44 ± 54.15 vs. 55.2 ± 43.72, P < 0.01; IMVC: 83.86 ± 55.41 vs. 59.68 ± 45.06, P < 0.01). After adjustment for confounding factors, HSG remained associated with the presence of CMD and IMVC (CMD: odds ratio [OR]: 2.769, P < 0.01; IMVC: OR: 1.908, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

High levels of syndecan-1 are independently associated with the presence of CMD and IMVC among patients with suspected CAD.
Significance of transesophageal contrast echocardiography with the agitated saline test for diagnosing pulmonary arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Lim Kyung Hee , Kim Sung Mok , Park Sung-Ji , Kim Eun Kyoung , Chang Sung-A , Lee Sang-Chol , Park Seung Woo , Choe Yeon Hyeon
Published: September 2022

Objectives

This study evaluated the diagnostic value of transesophageal contrast echocardiography (TECE) with the agitated saline test for diagnosing pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) in comparison with chest CT or pulmonary angiography.

Background

Although transthoracic contrast echocardiography (TTCE) is the recommended screening test for diagnosing PAVMs, it has low specificity and positive predictive value. TECE is expected to offer improved sensitivity and specificity compared with TTCE, but no studies have reported the diagnostic accuracy and clinical significance of TECE in detecting PAVMs.

Methods and results

In total, 1,809 patients underwent TECE with the agitated saline test to evaluate symptoms of a suspected right to left shunt. Patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) were excluded. A total of 387 patients showed transpulmonary bubble passage, indicating a PAVM. Among them, 182 patients had additional chest CT or pulmonary angiography. Those patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of a PAVM in the radiologic imaging. A total of 18 patients (9.8%) were confirmed for the PAVM group. Only 13 patients required embolization for their PAVMs. The TECE with saline test results were divided into four grades according to the number of bubbles: grade 1 (n = 91), grade 2 (n = 47), grade 3 (n = 35), and grade 4 (n = 9). None of the patients in the PAVM group had grade 1 shunts in their TECE results. The positive predictive values for the presence of a PAVM according to the TECE grade scale were 10.6% for grade 2, 22.8% for grade 3, and 55.6% for grade 4.

Conclusion

TECE with a grade scale is a useful method for initially diagnosing PAVMs in non-HHT patients with a suspected right to left shunt. The findings of this study also suggest that patients with a small grade (<10 bubbles) shunt in their TECE findings should be spared unnecessary radiation exposure from CT scans or pulmonary angiography.
MetaOntology: Toward developing an ontology for the metaverse
Authors: Abu-Salih Bilal
Published: September 2022

Metaverse is now perceived as a celebrated future version of the internet. In this new anticipated virtual universe, interconnected digital platforms leveraged by augmented, extended, and virtual realities will elevate users' immersive experiences through multidimensional interactions. In particular, users will be offered a broad spectrum of digital activities within a newly immersive setting mediated by technology. This study aims to design a domain ontology (MetaOntology) for the metaverse to provide an explicit specification of relevant state-of-the-art technologies and infrastructure. A four-step methodological approach is followed to construct the designated ontology. Due to the immaturity of the metaverse, MetaOntology is not intended to furnish a complete outlook on the domain, rather it aims to establish a cornerstone so as to facilitate future efforts in building extant versions of this ontology considering the evolvement of relevant technologies.
Experimental study and a physical model on the geomorphic response mechanisms of meandering rivers under progressive sediment reduction
Authors: Zhao Zhanchao , Yao Shiming , Jiang Enhui , Qu Bo
Published: September 2022

As influenced by human activities, including high dam construction, soil and water conservation, and sand mining in the upper reaches of rivers, the amount of sediment entering the lower reaches of the river decreases significantly. Human activities disturb the natural balance between river evolution and water as well as sediment movement and induce new characteristics of river evolution. After the construction and operation of the Danjiangkou Reservoir and the Three Gorges Reservoir of the Yangtze River (China), different degrees of bend bypassing and shoal cutting in the bends downstream of the dams are observed. The reason for this interrelation has not been explained sufficiently. Based on the analysis of prototype observation data and physical model experiments, we have investigated the evolution mechanism of different topographic types of meandering rivers under the condition of decreasing sediment inflow. The data generated by our model experiment document that the sediment concentration of the convex bank flow with a large degree of curvature of the bend is lower than that of the concave bank flow for a reduction of the sediment concentration from 100% to 0%. Moreover, the convex bank of the bend gradually collapses and retreats, whereas the main channel of the river gradually swings, with a swing range of 0–800 m, toward the convex bank. This phenomenon becomes more significant with progressive reduction of the sediment inflow. Combined with theoretical analysis, we interpret that the drastic reduction in the amount of sand that has destroyed the relative natural balance of sediment transport in the riverbanks and river channels in the meandering river section is the main reason for the occurrence of bypassing and shoal cutting in the meandering river section of plain alluvial rivers. Especially during the mid-to high-water period, the capacity of sediment transport in the mainstream belt exceeds the sediment concentration in the water body significantly and is coupled with the change of the runoff process caused by the regulation of the reservoir operation. As a consequence, the river beach is constantly scouring and developing. The evolution is generally characterized by bend bypassing and shoal cutting. The results of our study can be transposed to other alluvial plain rivers and may constitute valuable reference data.
Week-ahead shallow landslide displacement prediction using chaotic models and robust LSTM
Authors: Xiao Yang , Ju Nengpan , He Chaoyang , Xiao Zhilin , Ma Zhigang
Published: September 2022

Time-series monitoring of landslide displacement is crucial for controlling the geo-risk associated with sudden landslide occurrence and slope failure. Accurate prediction is valuable for geohazard mitigation in advance of short-term displacement. In this research, a novel chaotic modeling framework is proposed to predict landslide displacement using a robust long short-term memory (LSTM) network. To facilitate the prediction framework, daily instant displacement is measured in three dimensions at 19 monitoring locations. Then, the chaotic characteristics are computed for data reconstruction purposes, and the reconstructed data are selected as inputs in the prediction model. Next, LSTM is applied as the prediction algorithm and is trained using reconstructed field data. A generic LSTM is often trained to minimize the mean square error (MSE) loss, which can be oversensitive to a few outliers. In this research, the pseudo-Huber loss is adopted as the loss function and is integrated with LSTM as an improvement over the MSE loss. The effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed framework have been validated by the benchmark LSTM and other machine learning algorithms. The computational results show that the proposed approach performed better than conventional LSTM and other machine learning algorithms. This framework may be valuable for engineers for practical landslide hazard estimation or rapid preliminary screening of slope stability.
The effect of individual and classroom moral disengagement on antisocial behaviors in Colombian adolescents: A multilevel model
Authors: Gomez Plata Maryluz , Laghi Fiorenzo , Pastorelli Concetta , Paba Barbosa Carmelina , Uribe Tirado Liliana , Luengo Kanacri Bernadette P. , Zuffiano Antonio , Cirimele Flavia , Ruiz García Marcela , Tamayo Giraldo Gonzalo , Narváez Marín Mariela , Gerbino Maria G.
Published: September 2022

The present study examined the predictive effect of moral disengagement (within and between classrooms) on antisocial behaviors in Colombian adolescents, as well as the interaction of moral disengagement with classroom composition by age, socioeconomic status (SES), and perceived teacher–student relationship quality. Multilevel modeling was used to identify individual, compositional, and contextual effects on antisocial behaviors. The predictive variables were: (a) classroom mean score (i.e., between-classroom analysis), and (b) student deviation from the classroom mean score (i.e., within-classroom analysis). The sample included 879 students nested in 24 seventh-grade classrooms in three Colombian cities. The results showed that age, SES, and moral disengagement at the within-classroom level predicted antisocial behaviors. At the between-classroom level, antisocial behaviors were predicted by higher moral disengagement and lower aggregate SES. In addition, significant interactions were found between moral disengagement at the within-classroom level and SES at the between-classroom level. The findings expand our knowledge of the interdependence between individual and classroom contexts in the exercise of moral agency during adolescence.
Unlearning school attendance and its problems: Moving from historical categories to postmodern dimensions
Authors: Kearney Christopher A. , Gonzálvez Carolina
Published: September 2022

School attendance and its problems have been a focus of myriad stakeholders for over a century, which has led both to important advancements in this area as well as compartmentalized categorical approaches to explain at least part of the vast ecology of these issues. Recent seismic events and changes, however, have provided a unique opportunity to unlearn calcified notions of school attendance and its problems and to consider more inclusive paradigms. This article focuses on several categorical approaches that have been historically a focus of research, health-based clinical work, and educational and social policy in this area: defining school attendance problems, demarcating school attendance problems, subtyping school attendance problems, risk and protective factors for school attendance/problems, interventions for school attendance problems, and school completion. For each area, alternative dimensional approaches are discussed that are emerging from different disciplines and that may provide additional flexibility and comprehensiveness for avenues of endeavor relevant to a postmodern era. The article concludes with a call to abandon historical, discipline-specific, categorical silos in favor of a spectrum of postmodern, multidisciplinary systemic-analytic collaborations and shared alliances to better conceptualize and manage the full ecology of school attendance and its problems.
Semiquantitative assessment of 99mTc-MIBI uptake in parathyroids of secondary hyperparathyroidism patients with chronic renal failure
Authors: Yu Dafu , Zou Lin , Jin Yao , Wei Mingxiang , Wu Xiaoqun , Zuo Lingjing , Wu Mingkang , Jiang Yong
Published: September 2022

Objective

To explore the valuably influential factors and improve the diagnostic accuracy and efficiency of 99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) uptake in parathyroids of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) patients with chronic renal failure (CRF).

Methods

The correlation analysis was performed between clinical indices related to CRF and 99mTc-MIBI uptake intensity TBR (the gray value mean ratio between the parathyroid target and the bilateral neck background, semiquantitatively calculated with ImageJ software). All clinical indices and TBRs were compared by a three- or two-level grouping method of MIBI uptake, which was visually qualitatively assessed. The three-level grouping method comprised slight, medium, and high groups with little, faint, and distinct MIBI concentration in parathyroids, respectively. The two-level grouping method comprised insignificant and significant groups with TBR greater than or less than 0.49–0.71, respectively.

Results

MIBI uptake was significantly positively related to patient age, CRF course, hemodialysis vintage, serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) but was significantly negatively related to serum uric acid (UA). MIBI washout was significantly positively related to patient age but was significantly negatively related to serum phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) × P. Oral administration of calcitriol and calcium could significantly reduce the MIBI uptake. MIBI uptake tendency might alter. Such seven indices, namely the MIBI uptake, CRF course, hemodialysis vintage, serum AKP, calcium, cysteine proteinase inhibitor C, and PTH, were comparable between the slight and medium groups but were significantly different between the slight and high groups or between the medium and high groups. The above seven indices plus blood urea nitrogen/creatinine were all significantly different between the insignificant and significant groups. All above significances were with P < 0.05.

Conclusions

Patient age, CRF course, hemodialysis vintage, serum PTH, AKP, UA, phosphorus, Ca × P, oral administration of calcitriol and calcium, and parathyroids themselves can significantly influence MIBI uptake in parathyroids of SHPT patients with CRF. The two-level grouping method of MIBI intensity should be adopted to qualitatively diagnose the MIBI uptake.
Diagnostic performance of C-TIRADS in malignancy risk stratification of thyroid nodules: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hu Yan , Xu Shangyan , Zhan Weiwei
Published: September 2022

Background

Chinese thyroid imaging reports and data systems (C-TIRADS) is a novel malignancy risk stratification used for thyroid nodule diagnosis and guiding thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA). In this review, we aim to assess the performance of C-TIRADS in malignancy risk stratification of thyroid nodules.

Methods

PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were searched until 1 April 2022. Original articles reporting data about C-TIRADS and setting FNA or histology as reference standards were included. C-TIRADS 4A, 4B, and 4C were set as thresholds, respectively, to obtain pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR+), negative likelihood ratio (LR-), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and the area under the curve (AUC). Integrated nested Laplace approximation was used for Bayesian bivariate meta-analysis of diagnostic tests.

Results

Sixteen studies were included, evaluating 11,506 thyroid nodules. The rate of malignancy in each risk classification is comparable with that in C-TIRADS. C-TIRADS 4B appeared to have better diagnostic performance than C-TIRADS 4A and 4C. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, LR+, LR-, and DOR of C-TI-RADS 4B were 0.94 (95% CI: 0.89–0.97), 0.70 (95% CI: 0.60–0.79), 3.20 (95% CI: 2.28–4.39), 0.09 (95% CI: 0.05–0.15), and 33.71 (95% CI: 25.51–42.40), respectively. The area under the summary ROC curve was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.90-0.96).

Conclusion

C-TIRADS performed well in malignancy risk stratification of thyroid nodules. C-TIRADS 4B showed strong evidence of detecting malignancy.
Towards an era of precise diagnosis and treatment: Role of novel molecular modification-based imaging and therapy for dedifferentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Yingjie , Sun Fenghao , Xing Ligang , Sun Xiaorong
Published: September 2022

Dedifferentiated thyroid cancer is the major cause of mortality in thyroid cancer and is difficult to treat. Hence, the essential molecular mechanisms involved in dedifferentiation should be thoroughly investigated. Several studies have explored the biomolecular modifications of dedifferentiated thyroid cancer such as DNA methylation, protein phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, and glycosylation and the new targets for radiological imaging and therapy in recent years. Novel radionuclide tracers and drugs have shown attractive potential in the early diagnosis and treatment of dedifferentiated thyroid cancer. We summarized the updated molecular mechanisms of dedifferentiation combined with early detection by molecular modification-based imaging to provide more accurate diagnosis and novel therapeutics in the management of dedifferentiated thyroid cancer.
Research on oscillation characteristics of wind farm sending system based on participation factor
Authors: Peng Qiu , Jingen Song , Qian Chen , Wei Zhou , Bingyu Xiong , Aihong Tang
Published: September 2022

The MMC-HVDC transmission system of wind farms has a very broad application prospect, but there is gradually growing major concern that the system is prone to broadband oscillation. And the mechanism of oscillation also remains to be clarified. In this article, based on the basic principle of eigenvalue analysis, the theoretical calculation equation of the quantitative evaluation index of the participation factor is deduced. The small-signal model of the MMC-HVDC transmission system for a wind farm is established. Combining with the case of 200 wind turbines connected to the grid, the eigenvalue analysis method is used to obtain the dominant oscillation mode of the system. The participation factors of 11 oscillation modes of the system are calculated to further analyze the relationship between the oscillation modes and the state variables in the MMC-HVDC transmission system of the wind farms. And the correlation between the participation factors of each oscillation mode, wind farm, and the MMC system is investigated, which laid a foundation for the formulation of broadband oscillation suppression strategies.
Integrated application of macrophytes and zooplankton for wastewater treatment
Authors: Prakash Diwakar , Kumar Ram , Rajan Kumar , Patel Abhishek , Yadav Devesh Kumar , Dhanker Raunak , Khudsar Faiyaz A.
Published: September 2022

The increasing amount of sewage has become a serious concern globally, demanding sustainable solutions. The constructed wetland system (CWS) can be installed at the wastewater discharge site and properly screened bio-purifiers can be used for efficient wastewater treatment. Filter-feeding zooplankton have the potential to graze on bacteria and reduce biological oxygen demand. However, higher suspended particles choke the zooplankton filtering appendages. An integrated application of zooplankton and macrophytes can solve the problems by reducing contaminants and providing the surface area for zooplankton to take refuge. Using three different approaches: (a) screening of natural bio-purifiers through time series study, (b) assessment of sewage treatment potential of screened bio-purifiers in the CWS and, (c) evaluation of the growth potential of screened bio-purifiers in untreated wastewater, this study explored the combined use of macrophyte and zooplankton in the CWS. The 3-year time series study in the vicinity of the wastewater discharge area recorded the zooplankton, Brachionus angularis and Moina macrocopa as highly indicative zooplankton. The top two highly indicative macrophytes are Typha and Phragmites. Under laboratory conditions, the population growth rates of B. angularis and M. macrocopa were significantly higher in wastewater without any external nutrient source than those in control with algae as a food source. The integrated application of zooplankton (B. angularis and M. macrocopa) macrophytes (Typha and Phragmites) in CWS yielded upto 56% reduction in the total bacterial count and upto 92% reduction in BOD along with substantial increase in the DO level. The present results strongly suggested the use of CWS planted with macrophytes and inoculated by zooplankton. The usefulness of this system is further supported by the natural occurrence of selected species, as it is easy to maintain, has low installation cost, and excellent efficiency in treating wastewater. As both the zooplankton species are preferred live feed for rearing of fish larvae, the present results suggested the use of zooplankton and macrophytes for treatment of wastewater, reduction of sludge, and harvest of live feeds for the aquaculture industry to augment circularity and promote decentralized wastewater treatment.
Soil-geomorphological mapping of Samoylov Island based on UAV imaging
Authors: Polyakov Vyacheslav , Kartoziia Andrei , Nizamutdinov Timur , Wang Wenjuan , Abakumov Evgeny
Published: September 2022

Soil-geomorphological mapping is a reliable tool for analyzing the patterns of soil distribution in various parts of Earth’s surface. Cryogenic and watershed areas are the most dynamic landscapes with relatively rapid transformation under the influence of climate change and river activity. The soil-geomorphological map obtained by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imaging, classical soil sections, geomorphological observation, and determination of the main chemical parameters of soils are presented. Mapping of the spatial distribution was performed using QGIS 3.22, SAGA GIS 7.9.1, and ArcGIS 10.6 software. The investigation of soil cover was performed according to WRB soil classification. From the obtained data, four types of soils were identified due to their position in the relief and chemical parameters. The dominant soil type is Folic Cryosol (Siltic) (41.1%) which is formed on the periglacial landscape of wet polygons on Samoylov Island. The application of high-resolution UAV imaging to construct soil-geomorphological maps is the most relevant method for analyzing soils formed in cryogenic, watershed, and mountainous landscapes. Based on SOC distribution, it was found that the highest SOC content corresponds to Holocene terrace (Cryosol and Histosol soil types), in areas that are not subject to the flooding process. According to the analysis of the chemical composition of soils, it was found that the main elements accumulating in the soil are SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, and K2O, which have a river origin. The soil-geomorphological maps can be used to analyze the reserves and contents of organic and inorganic components with high accuracy.
A global synthesis of patterns in soil organic matter and temperature sensitivity along the altitudinal gradient
Authors: Li Chao , Xiao Chunwang , Li Mingxu , Xu Li , He Nianpeng
Published: September 2022

Although it is important to determine how the global carbon (C) cycle is responding to climate change in our three-dimensional Earth, variation in the soil organic matter (SOM) and temperature sensitivity (Q10) of soil respiration along the altitudinal gradient remains unclear globally. This study explored spatial variability in SOM and Q10 and its regulatory mechanisms from a three-dimensional perspective. We collected SOM and Q10 datasets from published studies for 0–10 cm soil depth along elevational gradients of mountain ranges globally. We found that the SOM content in most mountains changed significantly with increasing altitude; unexpectedly, these changes with altitude significantly differed across different climate zones. Specifically, the SOM content increased with increasing altitude in tropical and subtropical regions, while it decreased with increasing altitude in temperate and plateau regions. Climate factors (mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation) and soil properties (total N content, C/N ratio, and pH) together accounted for 83% of spatial variation in SOM with altitude. Q10 values, under both laboratory incubation and in situ studies, did not significantly correlate with altitude, and no apparent global patterns were detected (mean: 2.07); however, Q10 was regulated by variation in soil substrate quality along altitudinal gradients, to some extent. In the context of global climate change, this new information on SOM and Q10 in relation to the altitude at a global scale might enhance our understanding of soil C−climate feedbacks.
Production–living–ecological space transition and its eco-environmental effects based on an improved area-weighted method: A case study of Gangcheng District, a typical industrial base in China
Authors: Wei Yanan , Zhang Yong , Chen Longfei , Chen Hongyan , Zhang Xueqiang , Liu Peng
Published: September 2022

In the context of rapid social and economic development, it is important to clarify the evolution process of production–living–ecological space (PLES) and its eco-environmental effects on the sustainable utilization of land resources on industrial bases. Based on existing research, it is difficult to accurately measure the differences in eco-environment quality caused by conversions between land-use types in different years. This paper puts forward an improved area-weighted calculation method of the eco-environmental quality index (EQI), combining the land-use transfer matrix and ecological contribution rate to analyze eco-environmental effects on typical industrial bases. The results show that PLES transitions in Gangcheng District from 2009 to 2020 have been mainly from agricultural production and grassland ecology to forest ecology space, from urban living to industrial production space, and from grassland ecology to agricultural production space. This improved method can capture the environmental changes caused by conversions between land-use types in different years. The EQI of agricultural production space increased from 0.373 to 0.388, while the EQI of forest ecology space decreased from 0.810 to 0.739, and the comprehensive EQI increased from 0.441 to 0.470, showing that the eco-environment quality of the study area was improved overall. The conversions of agricultural production and grassland ecology space to forest ecology space were the main factors in improving eco-environment quality, and the conversions of grassland and forest ecology to agricultural production and of agricultural production to industrial production space were the main reasons for the deterioration of eco-environment quality. This paper may contribute to the scientific planning of land-use direction, support the coordination of regional economic and ecological development, and provide case references for similar regions.
Exploring the trophic niche characteristics of four carnivorous Cultrinae fish species in Lihu Lake, Taihu Basin, China
Authors: Wang Yuan , Ren Long , Xu Dong-po , Fang Di-an
Published: September 2022

This study found significant differences between the standard length distributions of humpback and redfin culter and between Mongolian culter and topmouth culter. A stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) was used to investigate the interspecies differences between the feeding habits and trophic niches of four carnivorous species of Cultrinae fish. The results showed that the δ13C and δ15N values were significantly correlated with the standard length and species. However, the δ13C values of humpback and redfin culter were not significantly different, suggesting that these two fish species had similar food sources. The δ15N values of Mongolian culter and topmouth culter were the highest, suggesting that they occupied a higher trophic level and that animal prey was more important in their diets. Moreover, variations in δ13C and δ15N indicated considerable niche overlap and interspecific competition among the four species. We also evaluated trophic niches, diversity, redundancy, and evenness utilizing isotopic niche metrics, and we estimated asymmetrical niche overlaps. The analysis revealed that four carnivorous species of Cultrinae displayed similar trophic niche sizes and trophic diversity. The trophic traits of topmouth culter clearly defined them as a trophic generalist in terms of the inter-individual variability in their isotopic niches. A significant finding was that the average niche overlap between them was as high as 64.02%; topmouth culter had the greatest trophic overlap with redfin culter (95.52%) and humpback (90.38%), followed by Mongolian culter onto redfin culter (85.32%), indicating that topmouth culter and Mongolian culter benefit the most from the food supply in the habitat, or they are more competitive in the presence of limited resources.
Concepts and considerations for enhancing RNAi efficiency in phytopathogenic fungi for RNAi-based crop protection using nanocarrier-mediated dsRNA delivery systems
Authors: Ray Poonam , Sahu Debashish , Aminedi Raghavendra , Chandran Divya
Published: September 2022

Existing, emerging, and reemerging strains of phytopathogenic fungi pose a significant threat to agricultural productivity globally. This risk is further exacerbated by the lack of resistance source(s) in plants or a breakdown of resistance by pathogens through co-evolution. In recent years, attenuation of essential pathogen gene(s) via double-stranded (ds) RNA-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) in host plants, a phenomenon known as host-induced gene silencing, has gained significant attention as a way to combat pathogen attack. Yet, due to biosafety concerns regarding transgenics, country-specific GMO legislation has limited the practical application of desirable attributes in plants. The topical application of dsRNA/siRNA targeting essential fungal gene(s) through spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) on host plants has opened up a transgene-free avenue for crop protection. However, several factors influence the outcome of RNAi, including but not limited to RNAi mechanism in plant/fungi, dsRNA/siRNA uptake efficiency, dsRNA/siRNA design parameters, dsRNA stability and delivery strategy, off-target effects, etc. This review emphasizes the significance of these factors and suggests appropriate measures to consider while designing in silico and in vitro experiments for successful RNAi in open-field conditions. We also highlight prospective nanoparticles as smart delivery vehicles for deploying RNAi molecules in plant systems for long-term crop protection and ecosystem compatibility. Lastly, we provide specific directions for future investigations that focus on blending nanotechnology and RNAi-based fungal control for practical applications.
Extreme intraspecific divergence in mitochondrial haplotypes makes the threespine stickleback fish an emerging evolutionary mutant model for mito-nuclear interactions
Authors: Beck Emily A. , Bassham Susan , Cresko William A.
Published: September 2022

Mitochondrial DNA is primarily maternally inherited in most animals and evolves about 10 times faster than biparentally inherited nuclear DNA. Mitochondrial dysfunction (mt-dys) arises when interactions between the co-evolving mitochondrial and nuclear genomes are perturbed in essential processes like oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Over time mt-dys can lead to mitochondrial diseases (mt-diseases), which are surprisingly prevalent and include common diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and diabetes. Unfortunately, the strong impact that intraspecific mitochondrial and nuclear genetic variation has on mt-disease complicates its study and the development of effective treatments. Animal models have advanced our understanding of mt-disease but their relevance to human conditions is often limited by their relatively low nuclear genetic diversity. Many traditional laboratory models also typically have a single mitochondrial haplotype (mitotype), in stark contrast to over 5,000 mitotypes in humans worldwide. The threespine stickleback fish has an evolutionary history that has made it a favorable evolutionary mutant model (EMM) for studying mito-nuclear interactions and possibly mt-diseases. EMMs are species with naturally evolved states that mimic maladaptive human diseases. In threespine stickleback, a period of isolation followed by introgression of the mitochondrial genome from a sister species resulted in the maintenance of two distinct mitochondrial haplotypes which continue to segregate within many populations of wild stickleback. The existence of two mitogenomes segregating in numerous genetically diverse populations provides a unique system for exploring complex mito-nuclear dynamics. Here we provide the first complete coding region analysis of the two threespine stickleback mitotypes, whose mitogenomic divergence exceeds that of other mammalian models for mitochondrial disease and even that between ancient and modern humans. We find that divergence is not uniform across the mitogenome, but primarily impacts protein coding genes, and significantly impacts proteins in Complex I of OXPHOS. The full characterization of these highly divergent intraspecific mitotypes provides a foundation for the development of threespine stickleback as an EMM for mito-nuclear interactions.
LNC-ZNF33B-2:1 gene rs579501 polymorphism is associated with organ dysfunction and death risk in pediatric sepsis
Authors: Lu Zhaoliang , Yu Hongyan , Xu Yufen , Chen Kaining , Lin Yueling , Lin Kun , Wang Yishuai , Xu Kaixiong , Fu Lanyan , Li Weizhan , Zhou Huazhong , Wei Bing , Pi Lei , Che Di , Gu Xiaoqiong
Published: September 2022

Background: Sepsis is a severe systemic reaction disease induced by bacteria and virus invading the bloodstream and subsequently causing multiple systemic organ dysfunctions. For example, the kidney may stop producing urine, or the lungs may stop taking in oxygen. Recent studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are related to the dysfunction of organs in sepsis. This study aims to screen and validate the sepsis-associated lncRNAs and their functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Result: Unconditional multiple logistic regression based on the recessive model (adjusted odds ratio = 2.026, 95% CI = 1.156–3.551, p = 0.0136) showed that patients with the CC genotype of rs579501 had increased risk of sepsis. Stratification analysis by age and gender indicated that patients with the rs579501 CC genotype had higher risk of sepsis among children aged <12 months (adjusted odds ratio = 2.638, 95% CI = 1.167–5.960, p = 0.0197) and in male patients (adjusted odds ratio = 2.232, 95% CI = 1.127–4.421, p = 0.0213). We also found a significant relationship between rs579501 and severe sepsis risk (CC versus AA/AC: adjusted odds ratio = 2.466, 95% CI = 1.346–4.517, p = 0.0035). Stratification analysis for prognosis and number of organ dysfunctions demonstrated that the rs579501 CC genotype increased non-survivors’ risk (adjusted odds ratio = 2.827, 95% CI = 1.159–6.898, p = 0.0224) and one to two organs with dysfunction risk (adjusted odds ratio = 2.253, 95% CI = 1.011–5.926, p = 0.0472).

Conclusion: Our findings showed that the lnc-ZNF33B-2:1 rs579501 CC genotype increases the susceptibility to sepsis. From the medical perspective, the lnc-ZNF33B-2:1 rs579501 CC genotype could be serving as a biochemical marker for sepsis.
Identification of an immune-related gene prognostic index for predicting survival and immunotherapy efficacy in papillary renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Dongshan , Zhang Chen , Zang Yuanwei , Wang Wei , Zhang Jiandong
Published: September 2022

Despite considerable progress has been made in the understanding of the genetics and molecular biology of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), therapeutic options of patients with papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) are limited. Immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has become a hot point in researching new drug for tumor and been tested in a number of human clinical trials. In this study, an immune-related gene prognostic index (IRGPI) was developed and provided a comprehensive and systematic analysis of distinct phenotypic and molecular portraits in the recognition, surveillance, and prognosis of PRCC. The reliability of the IRGPI was evaluated using independent datasets from GEO database and the expression levels of the genes in the IRGPI detected by real-time PCR. Collectively, the currently established IRGPI could be used as a potential biomarker to evaluate the response and efficacy of immunotherapy in PRCC.
Gut microbiota and rheumatoid arthritis: From pathogenesis to novel therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Zhao Ting , Wei Yuanyuan , Zhu Youyang , Xie Zhaohu , Hai Qingshan , Li Zhaofu , Qin Dongdong
Published: September 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints. Microbial infection is considered a crucial inducer of RA. Alterations in the composition of intestinal bacteria in individuals with preclinical and established RA suggest a vital role of the gut microbiota in immune dysfunction characteristic of RA. However, the mechanisms by which gut dysbiosis contributes to RA are not fully understood. Furthermore, multiple therapies commonly used to treat RA may alter gut microbiota diversity, suggesting that modulating the gut microbiota may help prevent or treat RA. Hence, a better understanding of the changes in the gut microbiota that accompany RA should aid the development of novel therapeutic approaches. This mini-review discusses the impact of gut dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of RA, the selection of gut microbiota-related biomarkers for diagnosing RA, and provides examples of cross-modulation between the gut microbiota and some drugs commonly used to treat RA. Some suggestions and outlooks are also raised, which may help guide future research efforts.
Role of B cells as antigen presenting cells
Authors: Rastogi Ichwaku , Jeon Donghwan , Moseman Jena E. , Muralidhar Anusha , Potluri Hemanth K. , McNeel Douglas G.
Published: September 2022

B cells have been long studied for their role and function in the humoral immune system. Apart from generating antibodies and an antibody-mediated memory response against pathogens, B cells are also capable of generating cell-mediated immunity. It has been demonstrated by several groups that B cells can activate antigen-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells, and can have regulatory and cytotoxic effects. The function of B cells as professional antigen presenting cells (APCs) to activate T cells has been largely understudied. This, however, requires attention as several recent reports have demonstrated the importance of B cells within the tumor microenvironment, and B cells are increasingly being evaluated as cellular therapies. Antigen presentation through B cells can be through antigen-specific (B cell receptor (BCR) dependent) or antigen non-specific (BCR independent) mechanisms and can be modulated by a variety of intrinsic and external factors. This review will discuss the pathways and mechanisms by which B cells present antigens, and how B cells differ from other professional APCs.
Recombinant COVID-19 vaccine based on recombinant RBD/Nucleoprotein and saponin adjuvant induces long-lasting neutralizing antibodies and cellular immunity
Authors: Ghaemi Amir , Roshani Asl Parisa , Zargaran Hedieh , Ahmadi Delaram , Hashimi Asim Ali , Abdolalipour Elahe , Bathaeian Sahar , Miri Seyed Mohammad
Published: September 2022

SARS-CoV-2 has caused a global pandemic, infecting millions of people. An effective preventive vaccine against this virus is urgently needed. Here, we designed and developed a novel formulated recombinant receptor-binding domain (RBD) nucleocapsid (N) recombinant vaccine candidates. The RBD and N were separately expressed in E. coli and purified using column chromatography. The female Balb/c mice were immunized subcutaneously with the combination of purified RBD and N alone or formulated with saponin adjuvant in a two-week interval in three doses. Neutralization antibody (Nabs) titers against the SARS-CoV-2 were detected by a Surrogate Virus Neutralization (sVNT) Test. Also, total IgG and IgG1, and IgG2a isotypes and the balance of cytokines in the spleen (IFN-γ, Granzyme B, IL-4, and IL-12) were measured by ELISA. The percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were quantified by flow cytometry. The lymphoproliferative activity of restimulated spleen cells was also determined. The findings showed that the combination of RBD and N proteins formulated with saponin significantly promoted specific total IgG and neutralization antibodies, elicited robust specific lymphoproliferative and T cell response responses. Moreover, marked increase in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were observed in the adjuvanted RBD and N vaccine group compared with other groups. The results suggest that the formulations are able to elicit a specific long-lasting mixed Th1/Th2 balanced immune response. Our data indicate the significance of the saponin-adjuvanted RBD/N vaccine in the design of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and provide a rationale for the development of a protective long-lasting and strong vaccine.