bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tcap Deficiency in Zebrafish Leads to ROS Production and Mitophagy, and Idebenone Improves its Phenotypes
Authors: Lv Xiaoqing , Zhang Rui , Xu Ling , Wang Guangyu , Yan Chuanzhu , Lin Pengfei
Published: March 2022

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2G (LGMD2G) is a subtype of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. However, the disease’s mechanisms are still not fully understood, and no established therapeutic targets have been found. Using a morpholino-based knockdown approach, we established an LGMD2G zebrafish model. In this study, we found that the ROS level increased in LGMD2G zebrafish. The expression of the mitophagy-related protein BNIP3L, LC3A-II/LC3A-I, and LAMP1 were increased in LGMD2G zebrafish. The oxygen consumption rate and citrate synthase expression was significantly decreased. Thus, mitophagy was presumed to be involved in the LGMD2G to reduce ROS levels. Then, we administered vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, idebenone, metformin, or dexamethasone to rescue LGMD2G in zebrafish. Idebenone reduced the curly tail phenotype and ROS level. Also, it reduced BNIP3L expression in LGMD2G zebrafish models and improved their motor function. In conclusion, mitophagy might be involved in the LGMD2G, and idebenone ameliorated LGMD2G by downregulating ROS level.
Functional Differentiation of BMP7 Genes in Zebrafish: bmp7a for Dorsal-Ventral Pattern and bmp7b for Melanin Synthesis and Eye Development
Authors: Dong Xiao-Ru , Wan Shi-Ming , Zhou Jia-Jia , Nie Chun-Hong , Chen Yu-Long , Diao Jing-Han , Gao Ze-Xia
Published: March 2022

Bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) belongs to the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family, which not only induces cartilage and bone formation, but also regulates eye development and melanoma tumorigenesis in mammals. In teleosts, BMP7 differentiates into two subtypes, bmp7a and bmp7b, which have clearly differentiated structures. To fully understand the functional differentiation of bmp7a and bmp7b in fish species, we successfully constructed bmp7a and bmp7b gene deletion mutants in zebrafish using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing technology. Our results showed that bmp7a mutation caused abnormal development of the embryo’s dorsal-ventral pattern that led to death; bmp7b mutation induced growth inhibition and increased melanin production in the skin and eye of mutants. Histological analysis revealed that melanin in the retina of the eyes in bmp7b mutants increased, and behavioral observation showed that the vision and sensitivity to food of the mutants were reduced. Transcriptome analysis of the skin and eye tissues showed that the expression changes of wnt7ba and gna14 in bmp7b mutants might promote the increase of melanin. Additionally, the eye transcriptome analysis indicated that changes in the structure of the eyes in bmp7b mutants led to defects in phototransduction, and seven DEGs (rgs9a, rgs9b, rcvrn2, guca1d, grk1b, opn1mw4, and gc2) were identified as key candidate genes that affected the photonic response of the eyes. The study revealed the functional differentiation of bmp7a and bmp7b in teleosts and the first report about the inhibitory effect of bmp7b on melanogenesis may provide useful information for the future research on human melanoma-related diseases.
Dynamic Mitochondrial Proteome Under Polyamines Treatment in Cardiac Aging
Authors: Zhang Hao , Yan Meng , Liu Ting , Wei Peiling , Chai Nannan , Li Lingxu , Wang Junying , Yu Xue , Lin Yan , Qiu Bintao , Zhao Yajun
Published: March 2022

Age-related alteration of mitochondria causes impaired cardiac function, along with cellular and molecular changes. Polyamines can extend the life span in mice. However, whether polyamines can affect the dynamic mitochondrial proteome, thereby preventing age-related changes in cardiac function and cardiac aging, remains unclear. In this study, we found that spermine (Spm) and spermidine (Spd) injection for 6 weeks could prevent 24-month-old rats heart dysfunction, improve mitochondrial function, and downregulate apoptosis. Using iTRAQ tools, we identify 75 mitochondrial proteins of statistically significant alteration in aging hearts, which mainly participate in important mitochondrial physiological activity, such as metabolism, translation, transport, apoptosis, and oxidative phosphorylation. Moreover, four proteins of differential expression, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK4), trifunctional enzyme subunit alpha (HADHA), nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT), and Annexin6, which were significantly associated with heart aging, were validated by Western blotting. In vitro, we further demonstrated polyamines could retard cardiomyocytes aging through downregulating the expression of PDK4 and thereby inhibiting cell apoptosis. In summary, the distinct mitochondrial proteins identified in this study suggested some candidates involved in the anti-aging of the heart after polyamines treatment, and PDK4 may provide molecular clues for polyamines to inhibit apoptosis and thus retard aging-induced cardiac dysfunction.
Photocatalytic Anaerobic Oxidation of Aromatic Alcohols Coupled With H2 Production Over CsPbBr3/GO-Pt Catalysts
Authors: Chen Taoran , Li Mengqing , Shen Lijuan , Roeffaers Maarten B. J. , Weng Bo , Zhu Haixia , Chen Zhihui , Yu Dan , Pan Xiaoyang , Yang Min-Quan , Qian Qingrong
Published: March 2022

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have been widely investigated for various photocatalytic applications. However, the dual-functional reaction system integrated selective organic oxidation with H2 production over MHPs is rarely reported. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the selective oxidation of aromatic alcohols to aldehydes integrated with hydrogen (H2) evolution over Pt-decorated CsPbBr3. Especially, the functionalization of CsPbBr3 with graphene oxide (GO) further improves the photoactivity of the perovskite catalyst. The optimal amount of CsPbBr3/GO-Pt exhibits an H2 evolution rate of 1,060 μmol g−1 h−1 along with high selectivity (>99%) for benzyl aldehyde generation (1,050 μmol g−1 h−1) under visible light (λ > 400 nm), which is about five times higher than the CsPbBr3-Pt sample. The enhanced activity has been ascribed to two effects induced by the introduction of GO: 1) GO displays a structure-directing role, decreasing the particle size of CsPbBr3 and 2) GO and Pt act as electron reservoirs, extracting the photogenerated electrons and prohibiting the recombination of the electron–hole pairs. This study opens new avenues to utilize metal halide perovskites as dual-functional photocatalysts to perform selective organic transformations and solar fuel production.
An Efficient Approach for the Design and Synthesis of Antimicrobial Peptide-Peptide Nucleic Acid Conjugates
Authors: Patil Nitin A. , Thombare Varsha J. , Li Rong , He Xiaoji , Lu Jing , Yu Heidi H. , Wickremasinghe Hasini , Pamulapati Kavya , Azad Mohammad A. K. , Velkov Tony , Roberts Kade D. , Li Jian
Published: March 2022

Peptide-Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) conjugates targeting essential bacterial genes have shown significant potential in developing novel antisense antimicrobials. The majority of efforts in this area are focused on identifying different PNA targets and the selection of peptides to deliver the peptide-PNA conjugates to Gram-negative bacteria. Notably, the selection of a linkage strategy to form peptide-PNA conjugate plays an important role in the effective delivery of PNAs. Recently, a unique Cysteine- 2-Cyanoisonicotinamide (Cys-CINA) click chemistry has been employed for the synthesis of cyclic peptides. Considering the high selectivity of this chemistry, we investigated the efficiency of Cys-CINA conjugation to synthesize novel antimicrobial peptide-PNA conjugates. The PNA targeting acyl carrier protein gene (acpP), when conjugated to the membrane-active antimicrobial peptides (polymyxin), showed improvement in antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative Acinetobacter baumannii. Thus, indicating that the Cys-CINA conjugation is an effective strategy to link the antisense oligonucleotides with antimicrobial peptides. Therefore, the Cys-CINA conjugation opens an exciting prospect for antimicrobial drug development.
1-Year Outcomes of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial of the Ankura II Thoracic Endoprosthesis for the Endovascular Treatment of Stanford Type B Aortic Dissections
Authors: Shu Chang , He Hao , Fu Weiguo , Guo Wei , Li Ming , Xi Erping , Guo Shuguang , Chen Xueming , Xiao Zhanxiang , Yu Shiqiang , Huang Jianhua , Dai Xiangchen , Wang Zhiwei , Li Wei , Zheng Qingshan , Li Quanming , Wang Lunchang , Li Xin , Wang Junwei , Gu Feng
Published: March 2022

Background

The Ankura II Thoracic Stent Graft System (Lifetech, Shenzhen, China) is an evolution of the Ankura stent graft. This study reports one-year outcomes of the Ankura II Thoracic Stent Graft System for endovascular treatment of Stanford type B aortic dissections.

Methods

The Ankura II Thoracic Aortic Endovascular Trial was a randomized, single-blinded, clinical trial conducted at 12 Chinese institutes. The enrolled patients diagnosed with Stanford type B aortic dissections (TBADs) were randomly assigned to the Ankura group or Ankura II group. Standard follow-up examinations were performed at 1, 6, and 12 months. Safety and efficacy data were analyzed.

Results

132 patients with TBADs were enrolled. The outcomes for the primary safety end points revealed that the Ankura II stent graft was statistically non-inferior compared to the Ankura stent graft. The 1-month device-related major adverse events (1.6 vs. 0%; p = 0.48), 1-month all-cause mortality (1.7 vs. 4.5%; p = 0.621), 12-month survival rate (95.2 ± 2.7% vs. 94.1 ± 2.9%; p = 0.769), and major adverse event (MAE) rate (5.1 vs. 4.7% at 1 month; p = 0.73 and 5.8 vs. 8.9% at 12 months; p = 0.718) of Ankura II group are all comparable to Ankura group. The two groups showed similar primary effectiveness and true lumen expansion effect, and false lumen remodeling was improved in Ankura II group (−100.0 vs. −48.5%; p = 0.08).

Conclusions

The one-year outcomes from this prospective, randomized, multicenter study demonstrate that Ankura II stent graft shows comparable results to Ankura for treating TBADs, resulting in low mortality rates, MAEs and reintervention rates.

Clinical Trial Registration

ChiCTR-TRC-12002844.
WiSE CRT Is Beneficial for Heart Failure Patients as a Rescue Therapy: Evidence From a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cang Jiehui , Liu Yaowu , Zhu Didi , Liu Shangshang , Shen Junxian , Miao Hongyu , Zhou Qianxing , Chen Long
Published: March 2022

Background

Leadless endocardial left ventricular (LV) pacing resynchronization therapy is a novel solution for patients with heart failure (HF) in whom conventional cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) failed.

Methods

PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant cohort studies. Clinical outcomes of interest such as ejection fraction (EF), QRS duration (QRSd), and left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) were extracted and analyzed.

Results

Five studies involving 175 HF patients for WiSE CRT were included, and patients were followed-up for 6 months. The implanted success rate ranged from 76.5 to 100%. WiSE CRT resulted in significantly narrower QRSd [mean difference (MD): −38.21 ms, 95% confidence interval (CI): −44.36 to −32.07, p < 0.001], improved left ventricular ejection fraction (MD: 6.07%, 95% CI: 4.43 to 7.71, I2 = 0%, p < 0.001), reduced left ventricular end-systolic volume (MD: −23.47 ml, 95% CI: −37.18 to −9.13, p < 0.001), and reduced left ventricular end-diastolic volume (MD: −24.02 ml, 95% CI: −37.01 to −11.03, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Evidence from current studies suggests that leadless endocardial LV pacing resynchronization is effective for HF patients who failed conventional CRT or needed a device upgrade, and it may be an interesting rescue therapy.
Optical Coherence Tomography to Assess Proximal Side Optimization Technique in Crush Stenting
Authors: Lavarra Francesco , Tarantini Giuseppe , Sala Davide , Sirbu Vasile
Published: March 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the potential intraprocedural benefits of the Proximal Side Optimization (PSO) technique by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).

Methods

A case series of 10 consecutive true bifurcation lesions, with severe long pathology of long side branch (SB), were randomly assigned to be treated by standard DK Crush procedure (non-PSO group) as compared to DK Crush in PSO modification (PSO group). The data from OCT investigation before crushing of the SB Drug-Eluting Stent (DES), after crushing, after first kissing balloon inflation (KBI), and after final angiography were compared between the two groups (Public trials registry ISRCTN23355755).

Results

All 10 cases were successfully treated by the assigned technique. The two groups were similar in terms of indications for the procedure, bifurcation angle, and stent dimensions. As compared to the non-PSO, the PSO group showed larger proximal SB stent areas (5.8 ± 1.8 vs. 4.5 ± 0.5 mm2; p = 0.02), the larger delta between distal and proximal stent areas before crush (1.5 ± 0.7 vs. 0.6 ± 0.5 mm2; p = 0.004), and the larger Space of Optimal Wiring (SOW) after Crush (5.3 ± 1.8 vs. 2.5 ± 1.1 mm2; p = 0.02). The gaps in scaffolding within the ostial segment of the Side Branch DES were found in two patients from the non-PSO group.

Conclusion

The DK Crush in PSO modification results in larger SB DES and SOW areas with better apposition to the vessel wall. As result, the SB DES acquires a funnel shape, which reduces the risk of passage outside the SB stent struts during re-wiring, thus, allowing predictable and secure results.
Climate Change, Human Health, and Health Informatics: A New View of Connected and Sustainable Digital Health
Authors: Gray Kathleen
Published: March 2022

The connection between human health and climate change has had a scientific basis for many decades. However, little attention has been directed to applying the science of health informatics to this aspect of health and healthcare until recently. This paper briefly reviews examples of recent international work on two fronts: to consider how health informatics can reduce the carbon footprint of healthcare, and to consider how it can integrate new kinds of data for insights into the human health impacts of climate change. Health informatics has two principles of fundamental relevance to this work - connectedness, in other words linking and integrating health data from multiple sources; and sustainability, in other words making healthcare overall more efficient and effective. Deepening its commitment to these principles will position health informatics as a discipline and a profession to support and guide technological advances that respond to the world's climate health challenges.
Deep Crustal Structure Beneath the Pamir–Tibetan Plateau: Insights From the Moho Depth and Vp/Vs Ratio Variation
Authors: Murodov Davlatkhudzha , Mi Wang , Murodov Amirkhamza , Oimuhmmadzoda Ilhomjon , Abdulov Sherzod , Xin Wang
Published: March 2022

The Cenozoic convergence between India and Asia has created Earth’s thickest crust in the Pamir–Tibetan plateau, leading to broadly distributed deformation and extensive crustal shortening; however, the crustal deformation of the high plateau is still poorly constrained. The variation of the Moho topography and crustal composition beneath the Pamir–Tibetan plateau has an important correlation with the major tectonic units. In this study, the results of the receiver functions have been reviewed and analyzed to observe variations in the Moho depth and crustal Vp/Vs ratio beneath the Pamir–Tibetan plateau. We found a notable SE–NW-oriented deep Moho interface that starts from the southeast of the Tibetan plateau and continues to the eastern Pamir with a northward dipping direction, which may indicate the northern frontier of the decoupled lower crust of northward underthrusting of the Indian plate. In contrast, the deepest Moho beneath the Pamir plateau has a southward dipping direction indicating the southward underthrusting Asian plate. In general, the average crustal Vp/Vs ratio is relatively low beneath the South-Central Pamir (∼1.70), while it is relatively higher (∼1.75) under the Himalaya–Lhasa terrane, suggesting more felsic to intermediate rock composition with locally high values indicating a low-velocity zone, possibly caused by partial melting. Elevated Vp/Vs ratios are observed beneath the northern Pamir (>1.77) and Qiangtang and Songpan–Ganze terranes (>1.80), which can be related to the high mafic rock content and upwelling hot materials from the upper mantle. The Vp/Vs ratio beneath the Pamir–Tibetan plateau presents complex north–south variations with a relatively low crustal Vp/Vs ratio in the south, while it gradually increases toward the north of the Pamir and central-northern Tibet, which is probably caused by the joint effects of the northward underthrusting Indian lower crust and southward subduction of the Asian plate, the low-velocity zones within the mid-upper crust, and substantial crustal shortening and thickening. The low to average crustal Vp/Vs ratio throughout the plateau (except the central Tibet) indicates a limited amount of hot materials to support the low crustal channel flow model, instead suggesting that crustal thickening and shortening is the main uplifting mechanism of the Pamir–Tibetan plateau.
Pore-Water Pressure Model for Carbonate Fault Materials Based on Cyclic Triaxial Tests
Authors: Zhu Ling , Yang Qingwen , Luo Luguang , Cui Shenghua
Published: March 2022

Pore-water pressure generation in the saturated carbonate fault zone plays a key role in the initiation of the Daguangbao landslide, which is the largest landslide triggered by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China. This paper examines the pore-water pressure behavior and the influence of cyclic stress and initial stress state, and establishes a pore-water pressure model of carbonate fault materials. A series of cyclic triaxial tests of saturated carbonate fault materials were carried out, covering a broad range of frequencies, cyclic shear stress ratios and confining pressures. The test results show that the pore-water pressure in the materials increases rapidly under cyclic loading, revealing a significant liquefaction potential. The generation of pore-water pressure is barely affected by frequency. The higher cyclic shear stress ratio accelerates the generation of the pore-water pressure, while the higher confining pressure increases liquefaction resistance. Furthermore, an energy method is proposed to evaluate the development behavior of the pore-water pressure. An energy-based pore-water pressure model that accounts for the effects of frequency, cyclic shear stress ratio and confining pressure is established. The generation of the pore-water pressure is attributed to the grain crushing in the special fault materials with low-strength calcareous cementation. This work provides a novel model and some innovative observations for better understanding the pore-water pressure behavior of carbonate fault materials under seismic loading.
In Obese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes, Mast Cells in Omental Adipose Tissue Decrease the Surface Expression of CD45, CD117, CD203c, and FcϵRI
Authors: Lopez-Perez David , Redruello-Romero Anaïs , Garcia-Rubio Jesús , Arana Carlos , Garcia-Escudero Luis A. , Tamayo Francisco , Salmeron Javier , Galvez Julio , Leon Josefa , Carazo Ángel
Published: March 2022

The paradigm of mast cells in type 2 diabetes is changing. Although they were first considered deleterious inflammatory cells, now they seem to be important players driving adipose tissue homeostasis. Here we have employed a flow cytometry-based approach for measuring the surface expression of 4 proteins (CD45, CD117, CD203c, and FcϵRI) on mast cells of omental (o-WAT) and subcutaneous white adipose tissue (s-WAT) in a cohort of 96 patients with morbid obesity. The cohort was split into three groups: non-T2D, pre-T2D, and T2D. Noteworthy, patients with T2D have a mild condition (HbA1c <7%). In o-WAT, mast cells of patients with T2D have a decrease in the surface expression of CD45 (p=0.0013), CD117 (p=0.0066), CD203c (p=0.0025), and FcϵRI (p=0.043). Besides, in s-WAT, the decrease was seen only in CD117 (p=0.046). These results indicate that T2D affects more to mast cells in o-WAT than in s-WAT. The decrease in these four proteins has serious effects on mast cell function. CD117 is critical for mast cell survival, while CD45 and FcϵRI are important for mast cell activation. Additionally, CD203c is only present on the cell surface after granule release. Taking together these observations, we suggest that mast cells in o-WAT of patients with T2D have a decreased survival, activation capacity, and secretory function.
Pituitary Gonadotropin Gene Expression During Induced Onset of Postsmolt Maturation in Male Atlantic Salmon: In Vivo and Tissue Culture Studies
Authors: Crespo Diego , Skaftnesmo Kai Ove , Kjærner-Semb Erik , Yilmaz Ozlem , Norberg Birgitta , Olausson Sara , Vogelsang Petra , Bogerd Jan , Kleppe Lene , Edvardsen Rolf B. , Andersson Eva , Wargelius Anna , Hansen Tom J. , Fjelldal Per Gunnar , Schulz Rüdiger W.
Published: March 2022

Precocious male maturation causes reduced welfare and increased production costs in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) aquaculture. The pituitary produces and releases follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh), the gonadotropin triggering puberty in male salmonids. However, little is known about how Fsh production is regulated in Atlantic salmon. We examined, in vivo and ex vivo, transcriptional changes of gonadotropin-related genes accompanying the initial steps of testis maturation, in pituitaries of males exposed to photoperiod and temperature conditions promoting maturation (constant light and 16°C). Pituitary fshb, lhb and gnrhr2bba transcripts increased in vivo in maturing males (gonado-somatic index > 0.1%). RNA sequencing (RNAseq) analysis using pituitaries from genetically similar males carrying the same genetic predisposition to mature, but differing by responding or not responding to stimulatory environmental conditions, revealed 144 differentially expressed genes, ~2/3rds being up-regulated in responders, including fshb and other pituitary hormones, steroid-related and other puberty-associated transcripts. Functional enrichment analyses confirmed gene involvement in hormone/steroid production and gonad development. In ex vivo studies, whole pituitaries were exposed to a selection of hormones and growth factors. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gnrh), 17β-estradiol (E2) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) up-regulated gnrhr2bba and lhb, while fshb was up-regulated by Gnrh but down-regulated by 11-KT in pituitaries from immature males. Also pituitaries from maturing males responded to Gnrh and sex steroids by increased gnrhr2bba and lhb transcript levels, but fshb expression remained unchanged. Growth factors (inhibin A, activin A and insulin-like growth factor 1) did not change gnrhr2bba, lhb or fshb transcript levels in pituitaries either from immature or maturing males. Additional pituitary ex vivo studies on candidates identified by RNAseq showed that these transcripts were preferentially regulated by Gnrh and sex steroids, but not by growth factors, and that Gnrh/sex steroids were less effective when incubating pituitaries from maturing males. Our results suggest that a yet to be characterized mechanism up-regulating fshb expression in the salmon pituitary is activated in response to stimulatory environmental conditions prior to morphological signs of testis maturation, and that the transcriptional program associated with this mechanism becomes unresponsive or less responsive to most stimulators ex vivo once males had entered pubertal developmental in vivo.
Prenatal Environment and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Doi Miyuki , Usui Noriyoshi , Shimada Shoichi
Published: March 2022

The internal and external environment of the mother during the developmental stages of the fetus affects the offspring’s health. According to the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) theory, environmental factors influence the offspring and also affect health in adulthood. Recently, studies based on this theory have gained attracted attention because of their clinical utility in identifying the risk groups for various diseases. Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be caused by exposure to certain prenatal environments during pregnancy. This review describes the latest findings on the effect of prenatal environment on the onset mechanism of NDDs based on the DOHaD theory. Unravelling the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of NDDs is important, because there are no therapeutic drugs for these disorders. Furthermore, elucidating the relationship between the DOHaD theory and NDDs will contribute to the popularization of preventive medicine.
Identifying Euglena Gracilis Metabolic and Transcriptomic Adaptations in Response to Mercury Stress
Authors: Mangal Vaughn , Donaldson Michael E. , Lewis Ainsely , Saville Barry J. , Guéguen Céline
Published: March 2022

Mercury contamination in aquatic systems poses a serious environmental stress to phototrophic plankton. We used Euglena gracilis to gain an understanding of the physiochemical changes resulting from mercury stress across the transcriptome and metabolome. Using a combination of Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) and RNA-sequencing, we identified metabolomic and transcriptomic changes both within and outside cellular space after mercury exposure. Metabolic profiles of E. gracilis were less diverse after mercury exposure, highlighting an overall refinement of metabolites produced. Significant fold changes in cysteine, glutathione, and amino acid-based metabolites were significantly higher (p < 0.05) within the mercury exposed cells and in extracellular space than in untreated cultures. Using integrated omics analyses, a significant upregulation of transcripts and metabolites involved in amino acid synthesis, cellular responses to chemical stress, reactive oxygen species detoxification, and electron transport were identified. Together the enrichment of these pathways highlights mechanisms that E. gracilis harness to mitigate oxidative stress at sublethal concentrations of mercury exposure and give rise to new biomarkers of environmental stress in the widely distributed E. gracilis.
Variability of Aerosols and Clouds Over North Indian and Myanmar During the COVID-19 Lockdown Period
Authors: Lawand Divyaja , Bhakare Sudheer , Fadnavis Suvarna , Bhawar Rohini L. , Rahul P. R. C. , Pallath Pradeep Kumar , Lolli Simone
Published: March 2022

The implementation of a nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19 disease has reduced the loading of anthropogenic aerosols. However, AOD distribution over South Asia during the lockdown period shows a dipole pattern: reduction over North Indian and enhancement over the Myanmar region. This dipole pattern is evident in some datasets (MODIS, MERRA, and CALIPSO). MODIS fire counts collocated with CALIPSO smoke aerosols show enhancement over Myanmar indicating the contribution from fires. However, over the North India region number of fires during the lockdown period are less compared to climatology. Thus, the observed reduction in AOD is due to fires and anthropogenic sources. Our analysis shows that aerosols originating from biomass burning forms a layer (900–600 hPa) over the Myanmar region that produces atmospheric heating (0–2.8 K/day) that eventually leads to cloud dissipation/burning (negative in-atmospheric cloud radiative forcing ∼ −13 W/m2) and precipitation reduction (−1 to −4 mm) over Myanmar. In contrast, the aerosol reduction over North India favors cloud formation, that is, increase in cloud cover and reduction in specific cloud liquid water content leading to precipitation enhancement, indicating the anti-Twomey effect.
Globalization, Green Economy and Environmental Challenges: State of the Art Review for Practical Implications
Authors: Zhang Lin , Xu Meng , Chen Huangxin , Li Yuexinyi , Chen Shuiguang
Published: March 2022

Globalization has significantly influenced the economy, ecology, and society during the previous decade. Meanwhile, the green economy has emerged as a critical policy framework for growth and development in developed and developing countries. The current study is an attempt to provide a detailed review on globalization, green economy, and climate challenges to draw some implications. There are disagreements between competing green economic discourses and a variety of definitions, all of which have problems. Recognizing the environmental effects of natural resource depletion and the economic benefits of environmental management are common examples of green economy operationalization. The new study also examines climate change’s impact on the green economy and infrastructure development. The study further considers the role of economic structure to mitigate environmental issues, increase production efficiency, enhance green economy and environmentally friendly technologies. The present study concluded that working toward a green economy helps reduce poverty in the four ways indicated in this study. It also shed a brief light to improves poor people’s access to a healthy and safe environment while increasing human security by preventing or resolving conflicts over land, food, water, and other natural resources.
Comparative Ecological Perspectives of Two Ancient Lineages of Gray Wolves: Woolly Wolf (Canis lupus chanco) and Indian Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes)
Authors: Khan Shaheer , Shrotriya Shivam , Sadhukhan Sougata , Lyngdoh Salvador , Goyal Surendra P. , Habib Bilal
Published: March 2022

Geographical isolation can often lead to speciation, and two disconnected populations of the same species living in drastically different bioclimatic regions provide an opportunity to understand the process of speciation. The Woolly wolf is found in the cold-arid, Trans-Himalayan landscape, while the Indian wolf inhabits the semi-arid grasslands of Central India. Both the lineages of wolves from India have generated scientific debate on their taxonomic status in recent years. In this study, we collected data and reviewed published literature to document the ecological and behavioral differences between the Woolly wolf and the Indian wolf. Most studies have used genetic data; hence we discuss variation in spatial ecology, habitat preferences, vocalization, diet diversity and cranial measurements of these two subspecies. The spatial ecology of two lineages was compared from the data on three Woolly and ten Indian wolves tagged with GPS collars. The telemetry data shows that there has been no difference in the day-night movement of Woolly wolves, whereas Indian wolves show significant high displacement during the night. The BBMM method indicated that Woolly wolf home ranges were three times larger than the Indian wolf. The Woolly wolf diet is comprised of 20 different types of food items, whereas the Indian wolf diet consists of 17 types. The Woolly and Indian wolf largely depend upon domestic prey base, i.e., 48.44 and 40.34%, respectively. We found no differences in the howling parameters of these subspecies. Moreover, the Woolly wolf skull was significantly longer and broader than the Indian wolf. Wolves of India are ancient and diverged from the main clade about 200,000–1,000,000 years ago. Their genetic and ecological evolution in different bioclimatic zones has resulted in considerable differences as distinct subspecies. The present study is a step in understanding ecological differences between two important, genetically unique subspecies of wolves.
Can Reptiles Use Nest Site Choice Behavior to Counter Global Warming Effects on Developing Embryos? Potential Climate Responses in a Turtle
Authors: Sullivan Sean , Heinrich George L. , Mattheus Nichole M. , Cassill Deby , Doody J. Sean
Published: March 2022

Climate warming is forecasted to cause extinctions, but populations could theoretically avoid extinction in a rapidly changing environmentviaadaptive evolution (i.e., evolutionary rescue), precluding the need for intervention. Although strong links between a changing climate and the physiology of an organism are expected, climate effects can be buffered by behavior. Nest site choice behavior, for example, can reduce environmental variation that would be experienced by embryos placed randomly with respect to environmental temperatures. We tested four provisions of this prediction by quantifying nest sites and “potential” nest sites in the Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox). First, turtles chose nest sites with mean canopy openness values (32–47%) that were intermediate between the shadiest (14–17%) and the sunniest potential nest sites (36–57%) available. Second, canopy openness, incident radiation intensity, and nest temperatures were generally, positively related to one another, indicating definitive thermal consequences of nest site choice. Third, our study revealed ample, cooler nest sites available to turtle mothers within close proximity to nest sites utilized; by nesting in the most shaded sites, softshell turtle mothers could depress mean nest temperatures by ∼2°C. Fourth, the growth of vegetative cover throughout incubation had negligible effects on canopy openness, incident radiation intensity, and nest temperatures, supporting the potential for mothers to “predict” developmental temperatures using temperature cues during nest site choice. Finally, our data revealed considerable variation in canopy openness chosen by nesting mothers; such behavior could thus, be subject to natural selectionviaembryonic mortality under future warming. Collectively, our study suggests that Florida softshell turtles, and probably other turtle species nesting in relatively open areas, may be able to counter climate change effects on developing embryos by nesting in more shaded microhabitats, assuming nest site choice behavior is heritable and can evolve at a sufficient rate to keep pace with climate warming. The evolutionary and behavioral mechanisms (e.g., assessing substrate temperatures directly vs. indirect choice of canopy cover) in the repertoire of nesting mother turtles for responding to climate warming remain elusive and are required for a more complete understanding of climate responses.
Linking Socioeconomics to Biodiversity in the City: The Case of a Migrant Keystone Bird Species
Authors: Villaseñor Nélida R. , Escobar Martín A. H.
Published: March 2022

Billions of wild animals migrate every year between breeding and non-breeding sites, facing new environmental conditions due to anthropogenic change. Although cities engender profound environmental changes, they provide habitat for some migratory birds contributing to conserving biodiversity and restoring human-nature connections. A common issue in Neotropical cities is their socio-environmental segregation, that might result in wealthier people having access to greater biodiversity in their neighborhoods. Although growing evidence shows a relationship between wealth and biodiversity in cities, it remains poorly investigated in relation to animals, particularly migratory birds. We present the first study on the effects of socioeconomic status on a Neotropical austral migrant considered a keystone species. We tested whether neighborhood socioeconomic category and habitat variables relate to the occurrence of the Green-backed Firecrown hummingbird in its overwintering habitat in urban areas. We hypothesized that higher socioeconomic status of neighborhoods would positively influence hummingbird occurrence through mediating effects of woody plant cover. We found that hummingbird occurrence increased with socioeconomic level of neighborhoods and woody cover. Specifically, we found that socioeconomic level influenced hummingbird occurrence indirectly through woody and shrub cover. We also found a direct effect of socioeconomic level on hummingbird occurrence suggesting the need for further research. Our findings show that wealthier neighborhoods exhibit greater woody cover and higher hummingbird occurrence than poorer neighborhoods, providing dissimilar opportunities to experience nature close to home. In neighborhoods where people of lower socioeconomic status live, strategies aiming to increase tree and shrub cover will promote a more environmentally just city.
Identification of Genetic Loci Affecting Flag Leaf Chlorophyll in Wheat Grown under Different Water Regimes
Authors: Yang Bin , Wen Xiaojie , Wen Hongwei , Feng Yanru , Zhao Jiajia , Wu Bangbang , Zheng Xingwei , Yang Chenkang , Yang Sanwei , Qiao Ling , Zheng Jun
Published: March 2022

Chlorophyll content of the flag leaf is an important trait for drought resistance in wheat under drought stress. Understanding the regulatory mechanism of flag leaf chlorophyll content could accelerate breeding for drought resistance. In this study, we constructed a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population from a cross of drought-sensitive variety DH118 and drought-resistant variety Jinmai 919, and analyzed the chlorophyll contents of flag leaves in six experimental locations/years using the Wheat90K single-nucleotide polymorphism array. A total of 29 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling flag leaf chlorophyll were detected with contributions to phenotypic variation ranging from 4.67 to 23.25%. Twelve QTLs were detected under irrigated conditions and 18 were detected under dryland (drought) conditions. Most of the QTLs detected under the different water regimes were different. Four major QTLs (Qchl.saw-3B.2, Qchl.saw-5A.2, Qchl.saw-5A.3, and Qchl.saw-5B.2) were detected in the RIL population. Qchl.saw-3B.2, possibly more suitable for marker-assisted selection of genotypes adapted to irrigated conditions, was validated by a tightly linked kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) marker in a doubled haploid population derived from a different cross. Qchl.saw-5A.3, a novel stably expressed QTL, was detected in the dryland environments and explained up to 23.25% of the phenotypic variation, and has potential for marker-assisted breeding of genotypes adapted to dryland conditions. The stable and major QTLs identified here add valuable information for understanding the genetic mechanism underlying chlorophyll content and provide a basis for molecular marker–assisted breeding.
Insight Into the Long Noncoding RNA and mRNA Coexpression Profile in the Human Blood Transcriptome Upon Leishmania infantum Infection
Authors: Maruyama Sandra Regina , Fuzo Carlos Alessandro , Oliveira Antonio Edson R. , Rogerio Luana Aparecida , Takamiya Nayore Tamie , Pessenda Gabriela , de Melo Enaldo Vieira , da Silva Angela Maria , Jesus Amélia Ribeiro , Carregaro Vanessa , Nakaya Helder I. , Almeida Roque Pacheco , da Silva João Santana
Published: March 2022

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a vector-borne infectious disease that can be potentially fatal if left untreated. In Brazil, it is caused by Leishmania infantum parasites. Blood transcriptomics allows us to assess the molecular mechanisms involved in the immunopathological processes of several clinical conditions, namely, parasitic diseases. Here, we performed mRNA sequencing of peripheral blood from patients with visceral leishmaniasis during the active phase of the disease and six months after successful treatment, when the patients were considered clinically cured. To strengthen the study, the RNA-seq data analysis included two other non-diseased groups composed of healthy uninfected volunteers and asymptomatic individuals. We identified thousands of differentially expressed genes between VL patients and non-diseased groups. Overall, pathway analysis corroborated the importance of signaling involving interferons, chemokines, Toll-like receptors and the neutrophil response. Cellular deconvolution of gene expression profiles was able to discriminate cellular subtypes, highlighting the contribution of plasma cells and NK cells in the course of the disease. Beyond the biological processes involved in the immunopathology of VL revealed by the expression of protein coding genes (PCGs), we observed a significant participation of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in our blood transcriptome dataset. Genome-wide analysis of lncRNAs expression in VL has never been performed. lncRNAs have been considered key regulators of disease progression, mainly in cancers; however, their pattern regulation may also help to understand the complexity and heterogeneity of host immune responses elicited by L. infantum infections in humans. Among our findings, we identified lncRNAs such as IL21-AS1, MIR4435-2HG and LINC01501 and coexpressed lncRNA/mRNA pairs such as CA3-AS1/CA1, GASAL1/IFNG and LINC01127/IL1R1-IL1R2. Thus, for the first time, we present an integrated analysis of PCGs and lncRNAs by exploring the lncRNA–mRNA coexpression profile of VL to provide insights into the regulatory gene network involved in the development of this inflammatory and infectious disease.
Venous Air Embolism Activates Complement C3 Without Corresponding C5 Activation and Trigger Thromboinflammation in Pigs
Authors: Storm Benjamin S. , Ludviksen Judith K. , Christiansen Dorte , Fure Hilde , Pettersen Kristin , Landsem Anne , Nilsen Bent Aksel , Dybwik Knut , Braaten Tonje , Nielsen Erik W. , Mollnes Tom E.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Air embolism may complicate invasive medical procedures. Bubbles trigger complement C3-mediated cytokine release, coagulation, and platelet activationin vitroin human whole blood. Since these findings have not been verifiedin vivo, we aimed to examine the effects of air embolism in pigs on thromboinflammation.

Methods

Forty-five landrace pigs, average 17 kg (range 8.5-30), underwent intravenous air infusion for 300 or 360 minutes (n=29) or served as sham (n=14). Fourteen pigs were excluded due to e.g. infections or persistent foramen ovale. Blood was analyzed for white blood cells (WBC), complement activation (C3a and terminal C5b-9 complement complex [TCC]), cytokines, and hemostatic parameters including thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) using immunoassays and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM). Lung tissue was analyzed for complement and cytokines using qPCR and immunoassays. Results are presented as medians with interquartile range.

Results

In 24 pigs receiving air infusion, WBC increased from 17×109/L (10-24) to 28 (16-42) (p<0.001). C3a increased from 21 ng/mL (15-46) to 67 (39-84) (p<0.001), whereas TCC increased only modestly (p=0.02). TAT increased from 35 µg/mL (28-42) to 51 (38-89) (p=0.002). ROTEM changed during first 120 minutes: Clotting time decreased from 613 seconds (531-677) to 538 (399-620) (p=0.006), clot formation time decreased from 161 seconds (122-195) to 124 (83-162) (p=0.02) and α-angle increased from 62 degrees (57-68) to 68 (62-74) (p=0.02). In lungs from pigs receiving air compared to sham animals, C3a was 34 ng/mL (14-50) versus 4.1 (2.4-5.7) (p<0.001), whereas TCC was 0.3 CAU/mL (0.2-0.3) versus 0.2 (0.1-0.2) (p=0.02). Lung cytokines in pigs receiving air compared to sham animals were: IL-1β 302 pg/mL (190-437) versus 107 (66-120), IL-6 644 pg/mL (358-1094) versus 25 (23-30), IL-8 203 pg/mL (81-377) versus 21 (20-35), and TNF 113 pg/mL (96-147) versus 16 (13-22) (all p<0.001). Cytokine mRNA in lung tissue from pigs receiving air compared to sham animals increased 12-fold for IL-1β, 121-fold for IL-6, and 17-fold for IL-8 (all p<0.001).

Conclusion

Venous air embolism in pigs activated C3 without a corresponding C5 activation and triggered thromboinflammation, consistent with a C3-dependent mechanism. C3-inhibition might represent a therapeutic approach to attenuate this response.
The Small GTPase RHOA Links SLP65 Activation to PTEN Function in Pre B Cells and Is Essential for the Generation and Survival of Normal and Malignant B Cells
Authors: Vadakumchery Anila , Faraidun Hemin , Ayoubi Omar El , Outaleb Issame , Schmid Vera , Abdelrasoul Hend , Amendt Timm , Khadour Ahmad , Setz Corinna , Göhring Katharina , Lodd Karoline , Hitzing Christoffer , Alkhatib Alabbas , Bilal Mayas , Benckendorff Julian , Al Shugri Abdul Kader , Brakebusch Cord Herbert , Engels Niklas , Datta Moumita , Hobeika Elias , Alsadeq Ameera , Jumaa Hassan
Published: March 2022

The generation, differentiation, survival and activation of B cells are coordinated by signals emerging from the B cell antigen receptor (BCR) or its precursor, the pre-BCR. The adaptor protein SLP65 (also known as BLNK) is an important signaling factor that controls pre-B cell differentiation by down-regulation of PI3K signaling. Here, we investigated the mechanism by which SLP65 interferes with PI3K signaling. We found that SLP65 induces the activity of the small GTPase RHOA, which activates PTEN, a negative regulator of PI3K signaling, by enabling its translocation to the plasma membrane. The essential role of RHOA is confirmed by the complete block in early B cell development in conditionalRhoA-deficient mice. TheRhoA-deficient progenitor B cells showed defects in activation of immunoglobulin gene rearrangement and fail to survive bothin vitroandin vivo. Reconstituting theRhoA-deficient cells withRhoAorFoxo1, a transcription factor repressed by PI3K signaling and activated by PTEN, completely restores the survival defect. However, the defect in differentiation can only be restored byRhoAsuggesting a unique role for RHOA in B cell generation and selection. In full agreement, conditional RhoA-deficient mice develop increased amounts of autoreactive antibodies with age. RHOA function is also required at later stage, as inactivation ofRhoAin peripheral B cells or in a transformed mature B cell line resulted in cell loss. Together, these data show that RHOA is the key signaling factor for B cell development and function by providing a crucial SLP65-activated link between BCR signaling and activation of PTEN. Moreover, the identified essential role of RHOA for the survival of transformed B cells offers the opportunity for targeting B cell malignancies by blocking RHOA function.
Coastal Wetland Surface Elevation Change Is Dynamically Related to Accommodation Space and Influenced by Sedimentation and Sea-Level Rise Over Decadal Timescales
Authors: Rogers Kerrylee , Zawadzki Atun , Mogensen Laura A. , Saintilan Neil
Published: March 2022

The fate of mangroves and saltmarshes under conditions of accelerating sea-level rise is dependent upon sedimentation and surface elevation gain that is sufficient to maintain substrate positions within a shifting tidal frame. This study focuses on coastal wetlands fringing Westernport Bay, a large tidal embayment of southeastern Australia where mangroves occupy lower tidal positions than saltmarshes. Estimates of vertical accretion, surface elevation change, and autocompaction derived from a 20-year record of observations were integrated with estimates of sedimentation at the decadal to century time-scale derived from 210Pb chronology to model the relationship between surface elevation gain and accommodation space at timescales relevant to management and decision-making. This model was validated against records of shoreline changes extracted from time-series aerial photography. Sedimentation and surface elevation gain vary spatially on the basis of available accommodation space and sediment supply, which are influenced by hydrodynamic conditions within the bay. Since sea-level rise increases available accommodation space, these relationships provided the means to project the outcome of accelerating sea-level rise on equilibrium accommodation space of mangroves and saltmarshes. Sea-level rise will generally deepen substrate positions within the tidal frame, creating conditions favorable for mangrove forests. Where sediment supply is high, maintenance (and some progradation) of mangrove shorelines may occur under projected low rates of sea-level rise; these conditions are limited to shorelines near sedimentary basins and where there is considerable lateral accommodation space. The same fate is not likely under a high sea-level rise scenario where shoreline retreat is projected in all settings. Given the limited accommodation space within saltmarshes at Westernport Bay, sedimentation will not be sufficient to maintain tidal positions and landward retreat will be critical for maintenance of saltmarsh biodiversity. This will require planning decisions to facilitate tidal incursions and conserve retreat pathways.