bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endocrine disorders and fertility and pregnancy: An update
Authors: Bendarska-Czerwińska Anna , Zmarzły Nikola , Morawiec Emilia , Panfil Agata , Bryś Kamil , Czarniecka Justyna , Ostenda Aleksander , Dziobek Konrad , Sagan Dorota , Boroń Dariusz , Michalski Piotr , Pallazo-Michalska Veronica , Grabarek Beniamin Oskar
Published: January 2023

It is estimated that more and more couples suffer from fertility and pregnancy maintenance disorders. It is associated with impaired androgen secretion, which is influenced by many factors, ranging from genetic to environmental. It is also important to remember that fertility disorders can also result from abnormal anatomy of the reproductive male and female organ (congenital uterine anomalies – septate, unicornuate, bicornuate uterus; acquired defects of the uterus structure – fibroids, polyps, hypertrophy), disturbed hormonal cycle and obstruction of the fallopian tubes resulting from the presence of adhesions due to inflammation, endometriosis, and surgery, abnormal rhythm of menstrual bleeding, the abnormal concentration of hormones. There are many relationships between the endocrine organs, leading to a chain reaction when one of them fails to function properly. Conditions in which the immune system is involved, including infections and autoimmune diseases, also affect fertility. The form of treatment depends on infertility duration and the patient’s age. It includes ovulation stimulation with clomiphene citrate or gonadotropins, metformin use, and weight loss interventions. Since so many different factors affect fertility, it is important to correctly diagnose what is causing the problem and to modify the treatment regimen if necessary. This review describes disturbances in the hormone secretion of individual endocrine organs in the context of fertility and the maintenance of pregnancy.
Differences in gonadal tissue cryopreservation practices for differences of sex development across regions in the United States
Authors: Siebert Aisha L. , Gomez-Lobo Veronica , Johnson Emilie K. , Nahata Leena , Orwig Kyle E. , Pyle Louise C. , Witchel Selma F. , Finlayson Courtney , Laronda Monica M.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Some individuals with differences of sex development (DSD) conditions undergo medically indicated prophylactic gonadectomy. Gonads of individuals with DSD can contain germ cells and precursors and patients interested in future fertility preservation and hormonal restoration can participate in DSD-specific research protocols to cryopreserve this tissue. However, it is unclear how many providers or institutions offer gonadal tissue cryopreservation (GTC) and how widespread GTC for DSD is across the United States (US). The Pediatric Initiative Network (PIN) and Non-Oncologic Conditions committees of the Oncofertility Consortium sought to assess the current state of GTC for patients with DSD.

Methods

An electronic survey was sent to providers caring for patients with DSD via special interest groups of professional societies and research networks.

Results

The survey was administered between November 15, 2021 and March 14, 2022. A total of 155 providers responded to the survey, of which 132 respondents care for patients with DSD, and 78 work at facilities that offer medically indicated gonadectomy to patients with DSD diagnoses. They represented 55 US institutions including 47 pediatric hospitals, and 5 international sites (Canada, Denmark, Germany, Qatar). Of individual providers, 41% offer cryopreservation after prophylactic gonadectomy for patients with DSD (32/78). At an institutional level, GTC after medically indicated gonadectomy is available at 54.4% (24/46) of institutions. GTC is offered for a variety of DSD diagnoses, most commonly 45,X/46,XY DSD (i.e., Turner Syndrome with Y-chromosome material and mixed gonadal dysgenesis), ovotesticular DSD, complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), and complete gonadal dysgenesis. Responses demonstrate regional trends in GTC practices with 83.3% of institutions in the Midwest, 66.7% in the Northeast, 54.6% in the West, and 35.3% in the South providing GTC. All represented institutions (100%) send gonadal tissue for pathological evaluation, and 22.7% preserve tissue for research purposes.

Conclusions

GTC after gonadectomy is offered at half of the US institutions represented in our survey, though a minority are currently preserving tissue for research purposes. GTC is offered for several DSD conditions. Future research will focus on examining presence and quality of germ cells to support clinical decision making related to fertility preservation for patients with DSD.
Low-carbon economic dispatch of integrated energy system based on liquid carbon dioxide energy storage
Authors: Zhang Jie , Chen Jie , Ji Xiaoning , Sun Hanzhe , Liu Jing
Published: January 2023

To realize the integrated energy system (IES) low-carbon and economy dispatches and renewable energy utilization, the integrated energy system economic dispatch model introduces the liquid carbon dioxide energy storage (LCES) and carbon capture system (CCS). This paper proposes a low-carbon economic dispatch model for an integrated energy system that considers LCES and carbon capture system. The paper considers the impact of carbon trading mechanisms on systemic carbon emissions, aims to minimize the total operating cost of the system, and comparison of integrated energy system dispatch for two scenarios: integrated energy system equipped with LCES and integrated energy system equipped with battery energy storage. CPLEX simulation software simulates this comprehensive energy system. Analyzing the dispatching results from different perspectives, such as electric energy, thermal energy, and CO2 emissions. These results show that the proposed model effectively reduces carbon emissions, improves energy utilization, and achieves comprehensive low-carbon economic operation of the integrated energy system.
Can green credit policy under the concept of green economy curb corporate financialization to promote sustainable development?
Authors: Hu Gongjin , Strielkowski Wadim , Li Hui , Zenchenko Svetlana , Xu Junwei
Published: January 2023

Under the concept of green economy, discovering how to utilize the Green Credit Guidelines in a way that guides enterprises to focus on their industries and to promote sustainable development has become an important and urgent objective. It is also conducive to the successful implementation of the “double-carbon target”. This paper uses Chinese A-share listed enterprises from 2007–2018 as its research object to explore whether green credit policy is conducive to reducing the financialization behavior of heavily polluting enterprises to curb their transformation from real to virtual. It is found that the financialization of heavily polluting enterprises has significantly decreased since the implementation of the Green Credit Guidelines in 2012, and these results remain unchanged after a series of robustness tests. A heterogeneity analysis shows that state-owned enterprises are subject to stronger policy effects than non-state-owned enterprises; furthermore, the studied policy effects are stronger in the eastern regions of China than in its central and western regions, and these effects are stronger in green provinces than in polluting provinces. A mechanism study finds that credit constraints and corporate innovation play a partially mediating role in the effect of green credit policy on corporate financialization. Further studies find that both the level of internal corporate governance and external monitoring contribute to the disincentivizing effect of green credit policy on financialization. Moreover, through an exploration of the possible economic consequences of the examined policy, it is found that the green credit policy reduces corporate financialization in favor of reducing inefficient corporate investment and major shareholders’ tunneling so that the level of corporate investor protection is improved. The findings validate the effectiveness of the Green Credit Guidelines and provide empirical evidence and empirical support for reducing corporate financialization to curb enterprises’ transformation from real to virtual and thus promoting the development of sustainability.
Soil carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus stoichiometry and its influencing factors in Chinese fir plantations across subtropical China
Authors: Tong Ran , Wu Tonggui , Jiang Bo , Wang Zhigao , Xie Binglou , Zhou Benzhi
Published: January 2023

The crucial roles of soil carbon (C) and nutrients and their stoichiometric characteristics in indicating the soil interior nutrient cycling and plant nutrient supply of forest ecosystems have been widely verified, whereas it has been less explored when considering the influencing factors regionally, especially for the widely cultivated plantation tree species. In the current study, the patterns of soil organic C (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) stoichiometry in Chinese fir [Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook] plantations across subtropical China were analyzed, and their influencing factors were also investigated. The results showed that the range of SOC: TN (C:N), SOC: TP (C:P), and TN: TP (N:P) ratios were 7.32–18.27, 20.15–230.48, and 2.11–15.05 with a mean value of 13.22, 83.50, and 6.05, respectively. Well-constrained correlations were found in SOC and TN, as well as in TN and TP. Soil TN and TP contents increased with increasing altitude, whereas soil C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios decreased. Soil TP content decreased, and the C:P ratio increased with increasing mean annual temperature (MAT) and annual total solar radiation (ATSR). Soil C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios increased with increased mean annual precipitation (MAP) and mean annual evaporation (MAE). Overall, our findings suggested that the soil nutrient supply is relatively adequate in Chinese fir plantations across subtropical China. Meanwhile, soil C, N, and P stoichiometric characteristics were affected by geographical and climatic variables to different degrees.
Case Report: Early diagnosis of lethal multiple pterygium syndrome with micrognathia: Two novel mutations in the CHRND gene
Authors: Chen Caiyuan , Han Jin , Xue Jiaxin , Li Ru , Chen Guilan , Yang Xin , Tang Jiajie , Li Fucheng , Li Dongzhi
Published: January 2023

Lethal multiple pterygium syndrome (LMPS) is a rare disease with genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity and is inherited in an autosomal recessive (AR) pattern. Here, we have presented clinically significant results describing two novel mutations of CHRND gene: NM_000751.2: c.1006C>T p.(Arg336Ter) and NM_000751.2:c.973_975delGTG p.(Val325del), and measurement of the facial angle for determining micrognathia by prenatal diagnosis in the first trimester of pregnancy for a Lethal multiple pterygium syndrome case. In conclusion, this report complements the spectrum of genetic variants and phenotype of Lethal multiple pterygium syndrome and provides reliable recommendation for the counseling of future pregnancies in families with the disease.
Enhanced glaucomatous damage accompanied by glial response in a new multifactorial mouse model
Authors: Reinehr Sabrina , Girbig Renée M. , Schulte Kim K. , Theile Janine , Asaad M. Ali , Fuchshofer Rudolf , Dick H. Burkhard , Joachim Stephanie C.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Glaucoma is a complex, multifactorial neurodegenerative disease, which can lead to blindness if left untreated. It seems that, among others, immune processes, elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), or a combination of these factors are responsible for glaucomatous damage. Here, we combined two glaucoma models to examine if a combination of risk factors (IOP and immune response) results in a more severe damage of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and the optic nerves as well as an additional glia activation.

Methods

Six-week-old wildtype (WT+ONA) and βB1-Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) mice (CTGF+ONA) were immunized with 1 mg ONA (optic nerve antigen). A WT and a CTGF control group (CTGF) received sodium chloride instead. IOP was measured before and every two weeks after immunization. After six weeks, electroretinogram (ERG) measurements were performed. Then, retinae and optic nerves were processed for (immuno-) histology. Further, mRNA levels of corresponding genes in optic nerve and retina were analyzed via RT-qPCR.

Results

Six weeks after immunization, the IOP in CTGF and CTGF+ONA mice was increased. The optic nerve of CTGF+ONA animals displayed the most severe cell inflammation, demyelination, and macroglia activation. Fewer numbers of oligodendrocytes were only observed in WT+ONA optic nerves, while more apoptotic cells triggered by the extrinsic pathway could be revealed in all three glaucoma groups. The number of microglia/macrophages was not altered within the optic nerves of all groups. The loss of neuronal cells, especially RGCs was most pronounced in CTGF+ONA retinae in the central part and this was accompanied by an enhanced activation of microglia/macrophages. Also, Müller cell activation could be noted in CTGF and CTGF+ONA retinae.

Discussion

In this new model, an additive degeneration could be noted in optic nerves as well as in the number of RGCs. These results suggest a potential additive role of high IOP and immune factors in glaucoma development, which will aid for understanding this multifactorial disease more precisely in the future.
Identification and validation of a novel ferroptosis-related gene signature for prognosis and potential therapeutic target prediction in cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Sae-fung Apiwit , Mutirangura Apiwat , Jitkaew Siriporn
Published: January 2023

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly heterogeneous and aggressive malignancy of the bile ducts with a poor prognosis and high mortality rate. Effective targeted therapy and accurate prognostic biomarkers are still lacking. Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death implicated in cancer progression and has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in various cancers. However, a comprehensive analysis of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) for predicting CCA prognosis and therapeutic targets and determining the role of ferroptosis in CCA remain to be performed. Here, we developed a prognostic FRG signature using a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression analysis in a training cohort. We then validated it using four independent public datasets. The six-FRG signature was developed to predict CCA patient survival, stratifying them into low-risk and high-risk groups based on survival time. Significantly, the high-risk CCA patients had shorter overall survival. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis further confirmed the prognostic FRG signature’s strong predictive ability, indicating that it was an independent prognostic indicator for CCA patients. Furthermore, the high-risk group was associated with fluke infection and high clinical stages. Cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) score and CAF markers were significantly higher in the high-risk group than the low-risk group. Moreover, our FRG signature could predict immune checkpoint markers for immunotherapy and drug sensitivity. The mRNA expression levels of the six-FRG signature was validated in 10 CCA cell lines and dividing them into low-risk and high-risk groups using the FRG signature. We further showed that high-risk CCA cell lines were more resistant to ferroptosis inducers, including erastin and RSL3, than the low-risk CCA cell lines. Our study constructed a novel FRG signature model to predict CCA prognoses which might provide prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for CCA patients. Ferroptosis sensitivity in high-risk and low-risk CCA cell lines suggests that ferroptosis resistance is associated with high-risk group CCA. Therefore, ferroptosis could be a promising therapeutic target for precision therapy in CCA patients.
PFKFB3 overexpression in monocytes of patients with colon but not rectal cancer programs pro-tumor macrophages and is indicative for higher risk of tumor relapse
Authors: Larionova Irina , Patysheva Marina , Iamshchikov Pavel , Kazakova Elena , Kazakova Anna , Rakina Militsa , Grigoryeva Evgeniya , Tarasova Anna , Afanasiev Sergei , Bezgodova Natalia , Kiselev Artem , Dobrodeev Alexey , Kostromitskiy Dmitriy , Cherdyntseva Nadezhda , Kzhyshkowska Julia
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Circulating monocytes are main source for tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) that control tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis and therapy resistance. We raised the questions how monocyte programming is affected by growing tumors localized in colon and rectal sections, and how treatment onsets affect monocyte programming in the circulation.

Methods

Patients with rectal cancer and colon cancer were enrolled in the study. Peripheral blood monocytes were characterized by phenotypic analysis using flow cytometry, by transcriptomic analysis using RNA sequencing and by gene expression analysis using real-time RT-PCR. Phenotypic analysis was performed with IF/confocal microscopy. Spatial transcriptomic analysis was applied using GeoMX DSP-NGS.

Results

In patients with rectal cancer, increased amount of CCR2+ monocytes was indicative for the absence of both lymphatic and hematogenous metastasis. In contrast, in patients with colon cancer CD163+ monocytes were indicative for LN metastasis. NGS analysis identified tumor-specific transcriptional programming of monocytes in all CRC patients compared to healthy individuals. The key transcriptional difference between monocytes of patients with colon and rectal cancer was increased expression of PFKFB3, activator of glycolysis that is currently considered as therapy target for major solid cancers. PFKFB3-expressing monocyte-derived macrophages massively infiltrated tumor in colon. Nanostring technology identified correlation of PFKFB3 with amount and tumor-promoting properties of TAMs in colon but not in rectal cancer. PFKFB3 was indicative for tumor relapse specifically in colon cancer.

Discussion

Our findings provide essential argument towards CRC definition to cover two clinically distinct cancers – colon cancer and rectal cancer, that differentially interact with innate immunity.
Exosomes as smart drug delivery vehicles for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Huan , Wang Simiao , Sun Man , Cui Yaxin , Xing Jianming , Teng Lesheng , Xi Zhifang , Yang Zhaogang
Published: January 2023

Exosomes (Exos) as drug delivery vehicles have been widely used for cancer immunotherapy owing to their good biocompatibility, low toxicity, and low immunogenicity. Some Exos-based cancer immunotherapy strategies such as tuning of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, immune checkpoint blockades, and cancer vaccines have also been investigated in recent years, which all showed excellent therapeutic effects for malignant tumor. Furthermore, some Exos-based drug delivery systems (DDSs) for cancer immunotherapy have also undergone clinic trails, indicating that Exos are a promising drug delivery carrier. In this review, in order to promote the development of Exos-based DDSs in cancer immunotherapy, the biogenesis and composition of Exos, and Exos as drug delivery vehicles for cancer immunotherapy are summarized. Meanwhile, their clinical translation and challenges are also discussed. We hope this review will provide a good guidance for Exos as drug delivery vehicles for cancer immunotherapy.
Natural killer cells suppress cancer metastasis by eliminating circulating cancer cells
Authors: Vyas Maulik , Requesens Marta , Nguyen Thao H. , Peigney Domitille , Azin Marjan , Demehri Shadmehr
Published: January 2023

Despite significant advances in cancer treatment, the metastatic spread of malignant cells to distant organs remains a major cause of cancer-related deaths. Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in controlling tumor metastasis; however, the dynamics of NK cell-mediated clearance of metastatic tumors are not entirely understood. Herein, we demonstrate the cooperative role of NK and T cells in the surveillance of melanoma metastasis. We found that NK cells effectively limited the pulmonary seeding of B16 melanoma cells, while T cells played a primary role in restricting metastatic foci growth in the lungs. Although the metastatic foci in the lungs at the endpoint were largely devoid of NK cells, they played a prominent role in promoting T cell recruitment into the metastatic foci. Our data suggested that the most productive interaction between NK cells and metastatic cancer cells occurred when cancer cells were in circulation. Modifying the route of administration so that intravenously injected melanoma cells bypass the first liver passage resulted in significantly more melanoma metastasis to the lung. This finding indicated the liver as a prominent site where NK cells cleared melanoma cells to regulate their seeding in the lungs. Consistent with this notion, the liver and the lungs of the tumor-bearing mice showed dominance of NK and T cell activation, respectively. Thus, NK cells and T cells control pulmonary metastasis of melanoma cells by distinct mechanisms where NK cells play a critical function in shaping T cell-mediated in situ control of lung-seeded cancer cells. A precise understanding of the cooperative role of NK and T cells in controlling tumor metastasis will enable the development of the next generation of cancer immunotherapies.
A single vaccination of nucleoside-modified Rabies mRNA vaccine induces prolonged highly protective immune responses in mice
Authors: Bai Shimeng , Yang Tianhan , Zhu Cuisong , Feng Meiqi , Zhang Li , Zhang Ziling , Wang Xiang , Yu Rui , Pan Xinghao , Zhao Chen , Xu Jianqing , Zhang Xiaoyan
Published: January 2023

Background

Rabies is a lethal zoonotic disease that kills approximately 60,000 people each year. Although inactivated rabies vaccines are available, multiple-dose regimensare recommended for pre-exposure prophylaxis or post-exposure prophylaxis,which cuts down the cost- and time-effectiveness, especially in low- and middle incomecountries.

Methods

We developed a nucleoside-modified Rabies mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccine (RABV-G mRNA-LNP) encoding codon-optimized viral glycoprotein and assessed the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of this vaccine in mice comparing to a commercially available inactivated vaccine.

Results

We first showed that, when evaluated in mice, a single vaccination of RABV-G mRNA with a moderate or high dose induces more potent humoral and T-cell immune responses than that elicited by three inoculations of the inactivated vaccine. Importantly, mice receiving a single immunization of RABV-G mRNA, even at low doses, showed full protection against the lethal rabies challenge. We further demonstrated that the humoral immune response induced by single RABV-G mRNA vaccination in mice could last for at least 25 weeks, while a two-dose strategy could extend the duration of the highly protective response to one year or even longer. In contrast, the three-dose regimen of inactivated vaccine failed to do so.

Conclusion

Our study confirmed that it is worth developing a single-dose nucleoside-modified Rabies mRNA-LNP vaccine, which could confer much prolonged and more effective protection.
Exploring the pathogenesis and immune infiltration in dilated cardiomyopathy complicated with atrial fibrillation by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Gan Ting , Hu Jing , Aledan Anwer Khalid Okab , Liu Wenhu , Li Cui , Lu Shuai , Wang Ya , Xu Qian , Wang Yan , Wang Zhaohui
Published: January 2023

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a serious complication of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which increases the risk of thromboembolic events and sudden death in DCM patients. However, the common mechanism of DCM combined with AF remains unclear. This study aims to explore the molecular mechanism and analyze immune infiltration in DCM complicated with AF through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis.

Methods

The gene expression datasets of DCM (GSE141910) and AF (GSE41177 and GSE79768) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Gene enrichment analyses were performed after screening the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of DCM and AF. Protein-protein interaction network was constructed in the STRING database and visualized in Cytoscape software, which helped to further screen the central functional modules of DEGs and hub genes. In addition, ImmuCellAI algorithm was performed to estimate immune infiltration patterns, and Spearman correlation was conducted to investigate the correlation between the abundance of multiple immune cells and the expression levels of hub immune-related genes after obtaining hub immune-related genes from the ImmPort database. The hub immune-related genes expression and immune infiltration patterns were additionally verified in the validation datasets (GSE57338, GSE115574, and GSE31821). The diagnostic effectiveness of hub immune-related genes was evaluated through Receiver Operator Characteristic Curve analysis.

Results

A total of 184 common DEGs in DCM and AF were identified for subsequent analyses. The functions of hub genes were significantly associated with immune responses. We identified 7 hub immune-related genes (HLA-DRA, LCK, ITK, CD48, CD247, CD3D, and IL2RG) and a spectrum of immune cell subsets including Monocyte, Neutrophil, and follicular helper T (Tfh) cells were found to be concurrently dysregulated in both DCM and AF. 7 hub immune-related genes were predominantly favorably correlated with Tfh cells and were primarily negatively correlated with Neutrophil infiltrations in DCM and AF. CD48+CD3D were verified to diagnose DCM and AF with excellent sensitivity and specificity, showing favorable diagnostic value.

Conclusions

Our study reveals that immune cells (Tfh cells) disorders caused by hub immune-related genes (CD48 and CD3D) may be the common pathogenesis of DCM combined with AF, which lays a foundation for further immune mechanism research.
Safety and feasibility of toripalimab plus lenvatinib with or without radiotherapy in advanced BTC
Authors: Wang Yunchao , Zhang Nan , Xue Jingnan , Zhu Chengpei , Wang Yanyu , Zhang Longhao , Yang Xu , Wang Hao , Wang Shanshan , Chao Jiashuo , Yang Xiaobo , Zhao Haitao
Published: January 2023

Background

Toripalimab shows antitumor efficacy in cholangiocarcinoma. Radiotherapy (RT) may enhance systemic responses of PD-1 inhibitors and lenvatinib. This study was designed to assess the safety and feasibility of toripalimab plus lenvatinib with or without RT in advanced BTC.

Methods

This study involved 88 patients with advanced BTC receiving toripalimab plus lenvatinib with or without RT from the clinical trials (NCT03892577). Propensity score matching (PSM) (1:1) analysis was used to balance potential bias. The overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated.

Results

After PSM, the final analysis included 40 patients: 20 receiving toripalimab plus lenvatinib without RT (NRT); 20 receiving toripalimab plus lenvatinib with RT. The AEs were more frequent in the RT group than in the NRT group without treatment-associated mortality. The addition of RT did not cause specific AEs. The median PFS was significantly longer with RT (10.8 versus 4.6 months, p<0.001). The median OS was 13.7 months with RT versus 9.2 months in the NRT group (p=0.008). The ORR was 35% (95% CI: 12.1-57.9) in the RT group versus 20% (95% CI: 0.8-39.2) in the NRT group.

Conclusions

The addition of RT may enhance the efficacy of toripalimab plus lenvatinib. Toripalimab plus lenvatinib with RT have a good safety profile without an increase in specific toxicities in advanced BTC patients.
The scale insects: Its status, biology, ecology and management in tea plantations
Authors: Kakoti Beauti , Deka Bhabesh , Roy Somnath , Babu Azariah
Published: January 2023

The scale insects reduce plant photosynthetic ability by sucking sap from leaves and causing significant damage to the tea crop in most tea-producing countries. They suck the sap from stems and tea leaves, which not only prevents further growth but also reduces the nutritional quality of the leaves by promoting the growth of sooty molds. However, due to the widespread use of organosynthetic pesticides in recent decades, most insect pests have developed high levels of pesticide resistance, reducing the effectiveness of insecticide application. Bio-control agents are environmentally safe and produce long-term results while reducing the use of chemicals and other pesticides without disrupting the natural equilibrium. The review includes a list of coccidicides discovered on tea in major tea-growing countries as potential tea pests. The scope of future studies and the plans for better management of this serious sucking pest of the tea plant are also discussed in this review.
Characterization and genome analysis of Vibrio phage vB_VhaP_PG11, representing a new viral genus
Authors: Jing Yajun , Guo Ruizhe , Wang Hongmin , Liang Yantao , Liu Yundan , Feng Yifei , Ma Qin , Shao Hongbing , Sung Yeong Yik , Mok Wen Jye , Wong Li Lian , Zhang Yu-Zhong , McMinn Andrew , Wang Min , Xing Jinyan
Published: January 2023

Vibrio is a kind of common gram-negative bacteria, which is widely distributed in marine and estuarine environments. In the study, a novel marine phage vB_VhaP_PG11, infecting Vibrio hangzhouensis, was isolated from the offshore waters of Qingdao, China. vB_VhaP_PG11 is a double-stranded DNA phage. The whole genome proteomic tree shows that vB_VhaP_PG11 phage is related to two Vibrio phages, Vibrio phage 1.238.A._10N.261.52.F10 and Vibrio phage 1.245.O._10N.261.54.C7, but with low homology. Their amino acids identity with vB_VhaP_PG11 is 42.77 and 41.49% respectively. The prediction results of genome-blast distance phylogeny (GBDP) and the analysis gene-sharing network indicate that vB_VhaP_PG11 belongs to a new genus in Schitoviridae, named Qingschitovirus. The study of Vibrio phage vB_VhaP_PG11 provides basic information contributing to a better understanding of interactions between Vibrio phages and their hosts and helps analyze unknown viral sequences in the metagenomic database.
Distinct patterns of fasting plasma glucose and lipid profile levels over time in adults tested positive for HIV on HAART in Shanghai, China, revealed using growth mixture models
Authors: Lang Jingjing , Xin Xin , Chen Panpan , Ning Zhen , Xiao Shaotan
Published: January 2023

Objectives

This study sought to identify potential change patterns and predictors of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and lipid levels after initiating highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 1,572 patients tested positive for HIV who initiated HAART between January 2010 and October 2020 in Shanghai, China. The growth mixture models (GMM) were used for capturing subgroups of FPG trajectories as well as triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) dual-trajectories. Multinomial logistic regression models identified correlates of given trajectories.

Results

The median follow-up time was 2.0 years (IQR 1.0–4.7). Three FPG trajectory subgroups were identified as FPG low-stable (62.3%), medium-stable (30.5%), and high-increasing (7.2%). Furthermore, three subgroups of TG and TC dual-trajectories were identified as TG and TC high-slight increasing (13.7%), low-rapid increasing (27.6%), and a subgroup of medium-stable TC and slight-decreasing TG (58.7%). Older age, high TG, FPG, BMI, CD4 count of <200 at baseline, and initial use of zidovudine (AZT) and protease inhibitors (PIs) helped to identify the class with increasing glucose or lipid metabolism trajectories.

Conclusion

The change patterns of plasma glucose and lipid in patients tested positive for HIV were heterogeneous and tailored interventions should be considered in specific subgroups.
Post-COVID-19 interstitial lung disease: Insights from a machine learning radiographic model
Authors: Karampitsakos Theodoros , Sotiropoulou Vasilina , Katsaras Matthaios , Tsiri Panagiota , Georgakopoulou Vasiliki E. , Papanikolaou Ilias C. , Bibaki Eleni , Tomos Ioannis , Lambiri Irini , Papaioannou Ourania , Zarkadi Eirini , Antonakis Emmanouil , Pandi Aggeliki , Malakounidou Elli , Sampsonas Fotios , Makrodimitri Sotiria , Chrysikos Serafeim , Hillas Georgios , Dimakou Katerina , Tzanakis Nikolaos , Sipsas Nikolaos V. , Antoniou Katerina , Tzouvelekis Argyris
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 seem to be an emerging global crisis. Machine learning radiographic models have great potential for meticulous evaluation of post-COVID-19 interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Methods

In this multicenter, retrospective study, we included consecutive patients that had been evaluated 3 months following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection between 01/02/2021 and 12/5/2022. High-resolution computed tomography was evaluated through Imbio Lung Texture Analysis 2.1.

Results

Two hundred thirty-two (n = 232) patients were analyzed. FVC% predicted was ≥80, between 60 and 79 and <60 in 74.2% (n = 172), 21.1% (n = 49), and 4.7% (n = 11) of the cohort, respectively. DLCO% predicted was ≥80, between 60 and 79 and <60 in 69.4% (n = 161), 15.5% (n = 36), and 15.1% (n = 35), respectively. Extent of ground glass opacities was ≥30% in 4.3% of patients (n = 10), between 5 and 29% in 48.7% of patients (n = 113) and <5% in 47.0% of patients (n = 109). The extent of reticulation was ≥30%, 5–29% and <5% in 1.3% (n = 3), 24.1% (n = 56), and 74.6% (n = 173) of the cohort, respectively. Patients (n = 13, 5.6%) with fibrotic lung disease and persistent functional impairment at the 6-month follow-up received antifibrotics and presented with an absolute change of +10.3 (p = 0.01) and +14.6 (p = 0.01) in FVC% predicted at 3 and 6 months after the initiation of antifibrotic.

Conclusion

Post-COVID-19-ILD represents an emerging entity. A substantial minority of patients presents with fibrotic lung disease and might experience benefit from antifibrotic initiation at the time point that fibrotic-like changes are “immature.” Machine learning radiographic models could be of major significance for accurate radiographic evaluation and subsequently for the guidance of therapeutic approaches.
NF-YB family transcription factors in Arabidopsis: Structure, phylogeny, and expression analysis in biotic and abiotic stresses
Authors: Bhattacharjee Bipasha , Hallan Vipin
Published: January 2023

Nuclear factor-Y (NF-Y) transcription factors (TFs) are conserved heterotrimeric complexes present and widespread across eukaryotes. Three main subunits make up the structural and functional aspect of the NF-Y TFs: NF-YA, NF-YB and NF-YC, which bind to the conserved CCAAT- box of the promoter region of specific genes, while also interacting with each other, thereby forming myriad combinations. The NF-YBs are expressed differentially in various tissues and plant development stages, likely impacting many of the cellular processes constitutively and under stress conditions. In this study, ten members of NF-YB family from Arabidopsis thaliana were identified and expression profiles were mined from microarray data under different biotic and abiotic conditions, revealing key insights into the involvement of this class of proteins in the cellular and biological processes in Arabidopsis. Analysis of cis-acting regulatory elements (CAREs) indicated the presence of abiotic and biotic stress-related transcription factor binding sites (TFBs), shedding light on the multifaceted roles of these TFs. Microarray data analysis inferred distinct patterns of expression in various tissues under differing treatments such as drought, cold and heat stress as well as bacterial, fungal, and viral stress, indicating their likelihood of having an expansive range of regulatory functions under native and stressed conditions; while quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) based expression analysis revealed that these TFs get real-time-modulated in a stress dependent manner. This study, overall, provides an understanding of the AtNF-YB family of TFs in their regulation and participation in various morphogenetic and defense- related pathways and can provide insights for development of transgenic plants for trait dependent studies.
Amyloid beta accumulations and enhanced neuronal differentiation in cerebral organoids of Dutch-type cerebral amyloid angiopathy patients
Authors: Daoutsali Elena , Pepers Barry A. , Stamatakis Stavros , van der Graaf Linda M. , Terwindt Gisela M. , Parfitt David A. , Buijsen Ronald A. M. , van Roon-Mom Willeke M. C.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

ADutch-type cerebral amyloid angiopathy (D-CAA) is a hereditary brain disorder caused by a point mutation in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene. The mutation is located within the amyloid beta (Aβ) domain of APP and leads to Aβ peptide accumulation in and around the cerebral vasculature. There lack of disease models to study the cellular and molecular pathological mechanisms of D-CAA together with the absence of a disease phenotype in vitro in overexpression cell models, as well as the limited availability of D-CAA animal models indicates the need for a D-CAA patient-derived model.

Methods

We generated cerebral organoids from four D-CAA patients and four controls, cultured them up to 110 days and performed immunofluorescent and targeted gene expression analyses at two time points (D52 and D110).

Results

D-CAA cerebral organoids exhibited Aβ accumulations, showed enhanced neuronal and astrocytic gene expression and TGFβ pathway de-regulation.

Conclusions

These results illustrate the potential of cerebral organoids as in vitro disease model of D-CAA that can be used to understand disease mechanisms of D-CAA and can serve as therapeutic intervention platform for various Aβ-related disorders.
Bringing to light the physiological and pathological firing patterns of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons using optical recordings
Authors: Alich Therese C. , Röderer Pascal , Szalontai Balint , Golcuk Kurt , Tariq Shahan , Peitz Michael , Brüstle Oliver , Mody Istvan
Published: January 2023

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are a promising approach to study neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. Most methods to record the activity of these cells have major drawbacks as they are invasive or they do not allow single cell resolution. Genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) open the path to high throughput visualization of undisturbed neuronal activity. However, conventional GEVIs perturb membrane integrity through inserting multiple copies of transmembrane domains into the plasma membrane. To circumvent large add-ons to the plasma membrane, we used a minimally invasive novel hybrid dark quencher GEVI to record the physiological and pathological firing patterns of hiPSCs-derived sensory neurons from patients with inherited erythromelalgia, a chronic pain condition associated with recurrent attacks of redness and swelling in the distal extremities. We observed considerable differences in action potential firing patterns between patient and control neurons that were previously overlooked with other recording methods. Our system also performed well in hiPSC-derived forebrain neurons where it detected spontaneous synchronous bursting behavior, thus opening the path to future applications in other cell types and disease models including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and schizophrenia, conditions associated with disturbances of neuronal activity and synchrony.
What does the French REIN registry tell us about Stage 4-5 CKD care in older adults?
Authors: Moranne Olivier , Hamroun Aghilès , Couchoud Cécile
Published: January 2023

The aim of this paper is to illustrate all the clinical epidemiology searches made within the French network REIN to improve CKD stage 4-5 care in older adults. We summarize various studies describing clinical practice, care organization, prognosis and health economics evaluation in order to develop personalized care plans and decision-making tools. In France, for 20 years now, various databases have been mobilized including the national REIN registry which includes all patients receiving dialysis or transplantation. REIN data are indirectly linked to the French administrative healthcare database. They are also pooled with data from the PSPA cohort, a multicenter prospective cohort study of patients aged 75 or over with advanced CKD, monitored for 5 years, and the CKD-REIN clinical-based prospective cohort which included 3033 patients with CKD stage 3-4 from 2013 to 2016. During our various research work, we identified heterogeneous trajectories specific to this growing older population, raising ethical, organizational and economic issues. Renal registries will help clinicians, health providers and policy-makers if suitable decision- making tools are developed and validated.
Context matters: How do task demands modulate the recruitment of sensorimotor information during language processing?
Authors: Muraki Emiko J. , Doyle Alison , Protzner Andrea B. , Pexman Penny M.
Published: January 2023

Many theories of semantic representation propose that simulations of sensorimotor experience contribute to language processing. This can be seen in the body-object interaction effect (BOI; how easily the human body can interact with a word’s referent). Words with high BOI ratings (e.g., ball) are processed more quickly than words with low BOI ratings (e.g., cloud) in various language tasks. This effect can be modulated by task demands. Previous research established that when asked to decide if a word is an object (entity condition), a BOI effect is observed, but when asked to decide if a word is an action (action condition), there is no BOI effect. It is unclear whether the null behavioral effect in the action condition reflects top-down modulation of task-relevant sensorimotor information or the absence of bottom-up activation of sensorimotor simulations. We investigated this question using EEG. In Experiment 1 we replicated the previous behavioral findings. In Experiment 2, 50 participants were assigned to either the entity or action conditions and responded to the same word stimuli. In both conditions we observed differences in ERP components related to the BOI effect. In the entity condition the P2 mean amplitude was significantly more positive for high compared to low BOI words. In the action condition the N400 peak latency was significantly later for high compared to low BOI words. Our findings suggest that BOI information is generated bottom-up regardless of task demands and modulated by top-down processes that recruit sensorimotor information relevant to the task decision.
The more, the better? Learning rate and self-pacing in neurofeedback enhance cognitive performance in healthy adults
Authors: Uslu Sinan , Vögele Claus
Published: January 2023

Real time electroencephalogram (EEG) based neurofeedback has been shown to be effective in regulating brain activity, thereby modifying cognitive performance and behavior. Nevertheless, individual variations in neurofeedback learning rates limit the overall efficacy of EEG based neurofeedback. In the present study we investigated the effects of learning rate and control over training realized by self-pacing on cognitive performance and electrocortical activity. Using a double-blind design, we randomly allocated 60 participants to either individual upper alpha (IUA) or sham neurofeedback and subsequently to self- or externally paced training. Participants receiving IUA neurofeedback improved their IUA activity more than participants receiving sham neurofeedback. Furthermore, the learning rate predicted enhancements in resting-state activity and mental rotation ability. The direction of this linear relationship depended on the neurofeedback condition being positive for IUA and negative for sham neurofeedback. Finally, self-paced training increased higher-level cognitive skills more than externally paced training. These results underpin the important role of learning rate in enhancing both resting-state activity and cognitive performance. Our design allowed us to differentiate the effect of learning rate between neurofeedback conditions, and to demonstrate the positive effect of self-paced training on cognitive performance in IUA neurofeedback.
Adolescent brain maturation and the neuropathological effects of binge drinking: A critical review
Authors: Tetteh-Quarshie Samuel , Risher Mary-Louise
Published: January 2023

Adolescence is a transitional stage marked by continued brain development. This period is accompanied by physical and neurochemical modifications in the shape and function of the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and other limbic system structures. Brain maturation during adolescence, which is typically governed by intrinsic factors, can be dramatically altered by environmental influences such as drugs and alcohol. Unlike many other addictive substances, binge drinking is very common and normative among teenagers and young adults. This repeated pattern of excessive alcohol consumption in adolescents has been shown to cause behavioral changes and neurocognitive impairments that include increased anxiety, risky decision-making, and learning deficits, which could lead to the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD). This manuscript highlights factors that lead to adolescent binge drinking, discusses maturational changes that occur in an adolescent’s brain, and then evaluates the effect of adolescent alcohol consumption on brain structure, function, and neurocognitive abilities in both human studies and animal models. The impact of gender/sex and COVID-19 are briefly discussed. Understanding the factors that promote the onset of adolescent binge drinking and its undesirable consequences could serve as a catalyst for developing therapeutic agents that would decrease or eradicate the damaging effects of alcohol on an adolescent brain.
Ubiquitin-binding site 1 of pathogenic ataxin-3 regulates its toxicity in Drosophila models of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3
Authors: Prifti Matthew V. , Libohova Kozeta , Harris Autumn L. , Tsou Wei-Ling , Todi Sokol V.
Published: January 2023

Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 (SCA3) is a member of the family of polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases that are caused by anomalous CAG triplet repeat expansions in several genes. SCA3 results from abnormal polyQ expansion in the deubiquitinase (DUB), ataxin-3 (Atxn3). To understand the role of the different domains of mutant Atxn3 on its pathogenicity, with the hope that they can be explored for therapeutic interventions, we have systematically studied their individual and collective effects on its toxicity. One such domain is ubiquitin-binding site 1 (UbS1) on the catalytic domain of Atxn3; UbS1 is necessary for the enzymatic activity of Atxn3. Here, we investigated the importance of UbS1 on the toxicity of pathogenic Atxn3. We generated transgenic Drosophila melanogaster lines that express polyQ-expanded Atxn3 with and without a functional UbS1. We found that mutating UbS1 markedly exacerbates the toxicity of pathogenic Atxn3. Additional studies indicated that UbS1 regulates the toxicity of Atxn3 not by affecting its aggregation or sub-cellular localization, but by impacting its role in ubiquitin processing. Our findings provide additional insights into the role of Atxn3’s domains in the pathogenicity of SCA3.