bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoscaled biphasic calcium phosphate modulates osteogenesis and attenuates LPS-induced inflammation
Authors: Su Yi-Chun , Phan Trinh T. T. , Wang Tzu-Wei , Chang Shao-Hsuan , Lin Feng-Huei , Hsu Tzu-Sheng , Lin Lih-Yuan
Published: November 2023

Micron-scale structure biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) materials have demonstrated promising clinical outcomes in the field of bone tissue repair. However, research on biphasic calcium phosphate materials at the nanoscale level remains limited. In this study, we synthesize granular-shaped biphasic calcium phosphate nanomaterials with multiple desirable characteristics, including negatively charged surfaces, non-cytotoxicity, and the capability to penetrate cells, using a nanogrinding dispersion process with a polymeric carboxylic acid as the dispersant. Our results reveal that treating human osteoblasts with 0.5 μg/mL biphasic calcium phosphate nanomaterials results in a marked increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the upregulation of osteogenesis-related genes. Furthermore, these biphasic calcium phosphate nanomaterials exhibit immunomodulatory properties. Treatment of THP-1-derived macrophages with BCP nanomaterials decreases the expression of various inflammatory genes. Biphasic calcium phosphate nanomaterials also mitigate the elevated inflammatory gene expression and protein production triggered by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure in THP-1-derived macrophages. Notably, we observe that biphasic calcium phosphate nanomaterials have the capacity to reverse the detrimental effects of LPS-stimulated macrophage-conditioned medium on osteoblastic activity and mineralization. These findings underscore the potential utility of biphasic calcium phosphate nanomaterials in clinical settings for the repair and regeneration of bone tissue. In conclusion, this study highlights the material properties and positive effects of biphasic calcium phosphate nanomaterials on osteogenesis and immune regulation, opening a promising avenue for further research on inflammatory osteolysis in patients undergoing clinical surgery.
N2O emission reduction in the biological nitrogen removal process for wastewater with low C/N ratios: mechanisms and strategies
Authors: Xie Yawen , Jiang Cancan , Kuai Benhai , Xu Shengjun , Zhuang Xuliang
Published: November 2023

Urban wastewater, as the main influent type of Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTPs), has the characteristic of low carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N). In the biological nitrogen removal (BNR) process, insufficient carbon source often affects the nitrogen removal efficiency and leads to more N2O emissions. We review recent researches on N2O emissions in the BNR process of wastewater with low C/N. The availability of carbon sources affects heterotrophic denitrification (HD) and autotrophic nitrification/denitrification processes, which are the main reasons for N2O emissions in BNR. For the sustainable development of BNR in WWTPs, we introduce strategies suitable for reducing N2O emissions in the BNR process of low C/N wastewater from two aspects: traditional process innovation and new process development. These strategies mainly include carbon source addition, adjustment of aeration strategy, optimization of oxidation ditch and biofilm facilities, and application of Anammox related processes. In the future, it is still necessary to further deepen this research direction through the normalization of N2O emission quantification standards, exploration of N2O metabolism mechanisms, assessment of environmental effects of emission reduction strategies, and practical application of new processes.
Evolutionary degeneration of septins into pseudoGTPases: impacts on a hetero-oligomeric assembly interface
Authors: Hussain Alya , Nguyen Vu T. , Reigan Philip , McMurray Michael
Published: November 2023

The septin family of eukaryotic proteins comprises distinct classes of sequence-related monomers that associate in a defined order into linear hetero-oligomers, which are capable of polymerizing into cytoskeletal filaments. Like actin and ⍺ and β tubulin, most septin monomers require binding of a nucleotide at a monomer-monomer interface (the septin “G” interface) for assembly into higher-order structures. Like ⍺ and β tubulin, where GTP is bound by both subunits but only the GTP at the ⍺–β interface is subject to hydrolysis, the capacity of certain septin monomers to hydrolyze their bound GTP has been lost during evolution. Thus, within septin hetero-oligomers and filaments, certain monomers remain permanently GTP-bound. Unlike tubulins, loss of septin GTPase activity–creating septin “pseudoGTPases”—occurred multiple times in independent evolutionary trajectories, accompanied in some cases by non-conservative substitutions in highly conserved residues in the nucleotide-binding pocket. Here, we used recent septin crystal structures, AlphaFold-generated models, phylogenetics and in silico nucleotide docking to investigate how in some organisms the septin G interface evolved to accommodate changes in nucleotide occupancy. Our analysis suggests that yeast septin monomers expressed only during meiosis and sporulation, when GTP is scarce, are evolving rapidly and might not bind GTP or GDP. Moreover, the G dimerization partners of these sporulation-specific septins appear to carry compensatory changes in residues that form contacts at the G interface to help retain stability despite the absence of bound GDP or GTP in the facing subunit. During septin evolution in nematodes, apparent loss of GTPase activity was also accompanied by changes in predicted G interface contacts. Overall, our observations support the conclusion that the primary function of nucleotide binding and hydrolysis by septins is to ensure formation of G interfaces that impose the proper subunit-subunit order within the hetero-oligomer.
Clinical screening of Nocardia in sputum smears based on neural networks
Authors: Sun Hong , Xie Xuanmeng , Wang Yaqi , Wang Juan , Deng Tongyang
Published: November 2023

Objective

Nocardia is clinically rare but highly pathogenic in clinical practice. Due to the lack of Nocardia screening methods, Nocardia is often missed in diagnosis, leading to worsening the condition. Therefore, this paper proposes a Nocardia screening method based on neural networks, aiming at quick Nocardia detection in sputum specimens with low costs and thereby reducing the missed diagnosis rate.

Methods

Firstly, sputum specimens were collected from patients who were infected with Nocardia, and a part of the specimens were mixed with new sputum specimens from patients without Nocardia infection to enhance the data diversity. Secondly, the specimens were converted into smears with Gram staining. Images were captured under a microscope and subsequently annotated by experts, creating two datasets. Thirdly, each dataset was divided into three subsets: the training set, the validation set and the test set. The training and validation sets were used for training networks, while the test set was used for evaluating the effeteness of the trained networks. Finally, a neural network model was trained on this dataset, with an image of Gram-stained sputum smear as input, this model determines the presence and locations of Nocardia instances within the image.

Results

After training, the detection network was evaluated on two datasets, resulting in classification accuracies of 97.3% and 98.3%, respectively. This network can identify Nocardia instances in about 24 milliseconds per image on a personal computer. The detection metrics of mAP50 on both datasets were 0.780 and 0.841, respectively.

Conclusion

The Nocardia screening method can accurately and efficiently determine whether Nocardia exists in the images of Gram-stained sputum smears. Additionally, it can precisely locate the Nocardia instances, assisting doctors in confirming the presence of Nocardia.
Calprotectin blockade inhibits long-term vascular pathology following peritoneal dialysis-associated bacterial infection
Authors: Cetin Esra , Mazzarino Morgane , González-Mateo Guadalupe T. , Kopytina Valeria , Meran Soma , Fraser Donald , López-Cabrera Manuel , Labéta Mario O. , Raby Anne-Catherine
Published: November 2023

Bacterial infections and the concurrent inflammation have been associated with increased long-term cardiovascular (CV) risk. In patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD), bacterial peritonitis is a common occurrence, and each episode further increases late CV mortality risk. However, the underlying mechanism(s) remains to be elucidated before safe and efficient anti-inflammatory interventions can be developed. Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) have been shown to contribute to the acute inflammatory response to infections, but a potential role for DAMPs in mediating long-term vascular inflammation and CV risk following infection resolution in PD, has not been investigated. We found that bacterial peritonitis in mice that resolved within 24h led to CV disease-promoting systemic and vascular immune-mediated inflammatory responses that were maintained up to 28 days. These included higher blood proportions of inflammatory leukocytes displaying increased adhesion molecule expression, higher plasma cytokines levels, and increased aortic inflammatory and atherosclerosis-associated gene expression. These effects were also observed in infected nephropathic mice and amplified in mice routinely exposed to PD fluids. A peritonitis episode resulted in elevated plasma levels of the DAMP Calprotectin, both in PD patients and mice, here the increase was maintained up to 28 days. In vitro, the ability of culture supernatants from infected cells to promote key inflammatory and atherosclerosis-associated cellular responses, such as monocyte chemotaxis, and foam cell formation, was Calprotectin-dependent. In vivo, Calprotectin blockade robustly inhibited the short and long-term peripheral and vascular consequences of peritonitis, thereby demonstrating that targeting of the DAMP Calprotectin is a promising therapeutic strategy to reduce the long-lasting vascular inflammatory aftermath of an infection, notably PD-associated peritonitis, ultimately lowering CV risk.
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells contribute to vascular endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Alluri K. , Srinivas B. , Belmadani S. , Matrougui K.
Published: November 2023

Objective

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to macro- and microvascular dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the potential involvement of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) in T2D-related vascular dysfunction.

Approach and results

pDCs were isolated from db/db and control mice. It was found that pDCs from db/db mice impaired endothelial cell eNOS phosphorylation in response to ATP and decreased vascular endothelium-dependent relaxation compared to pDCs from control mice. Moreover, isolated CD4+ cells from control mice, when stimulated overnight with high glucose and lipids, and isolated pDCs from db/db mice, display elevated levels of ER stress, inflammation, and apoptosis markers. Flow cytometry revealed that pDC frequency was higher in db/db mice than in controls. In vivo, the reduction of pDCs using anti-PDCA-1 antibodies in male and female db/db mice for 4 weeks significantly improved vascular endothelial function and eNOS phosphorylation.

Conclusion

pDCs may contribute to vascular dysfunction in T2D by impairing endothelial cell function. Targeting pDCs with anti-PDCA-1 antibodies may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for improving vascular endothelial function in T2D patients. This study provides new insights into the pathogenesis of T2D-related vascular dysfunction and highlights the potential of immunomodulatory therapies for treating this complication. Further studies are warranted to explore the clinical potential of this approach.
Enhancing decellularized vascular scaffolds with PVDF and PCL reinforcement: a fused deposition modeling approach
Authors: Klyshnikov Kirill Yu. , Rezvova Maria A. , Belikov Nikita V. , Glushkova Tatiana V. , Ovcharenko Evgeny A.
Published: November 2023

Background

Decellularized xenogenic scaffolds represent a promising substrate for tissue-engineered vascular prostheses, particularly those with smaller diameters (<6 mm). Despite their benefits, a notable limitation presents itself during decellularization, namely, the diminished mechanical strength that introduces the risk of aneurysmal dilations in the early post-implantation period. This study introduces a strategy for modification the mechanical properties of these biological scaffolds through the forming of an external polymeric reinforcement via thermal extrusion.

Methods

The study utilized scaffolds fabricated from bovine internal mammary arteries through decellularization and preservation. The scaffolds were divided into subgroups and reinforced with polymeric helices made of Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and Polycaprolactone (PCL), n = 5 for each. An experimental setup for external reinforcement coating was designed. Computed microtomography was employed to obtain accurate 3D models of the scaffolds. Mechanical properties were evaluated through in vitro uniaxial tension tests (Z50, Zwick/Roell, Germany), compliance evaluation and numerical simulations (Abaqus/CAE, Dassault Systemes, France) to investigate the effect of external reinforcement on aneurysm growth.

Results

Using a double-layer helix for the reinforcement significantly enhanced the radial tensile strength of the scaffolds, increasing it up to 2.26 times. Yet, the comparison of vessel's compliance between two reinforced and the Control scaffolds within the physiological pressures range did not reveal any significant differences. Numerical simulation of aneurysm growth showed that thin-walled regions of the Control scaffold developed aneurysmal-type protrusions, bulging up to 0.7 mm, with a substantial degradation of mechanical properties. In contrast, both PVDF and PCL reinforced scaffolds did not exhibit significant property degradation, with deformations ranging 0.1–0.13 mm depending on the model, and a maximum decrease in the modulus of elasticity of 23%.

Conclusion

The results of the study demonstrated that the external polymer helical reinforcement of decellularized scaffolds via thermal extrusion enables a controlled modification of mechanical properties, notably enhancing radial strength while maintaining sufficient compliance within the physiological pressure range. A series of in vitro tests demonstrated the consistency and potential of this approach for decellularized xenogenic scaffolds, a concept that had not been explored before.
Aging exacerbates cardiac dysfunction and mortality in sepsis through enhancing TLR2 activity
Authors: Zhai Yufeng , Yao Qingzhou , The Erlinda , Ao Lihua , Fullerton David A. , Meng Xianzhong
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Sepsis is prevalent in the elderly population with increased incidence and mortality. Currently, the mechanism by which aging increases the susceptibility to sepsis and worsens outcome is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that aging exacerbates cardiac dysfunction in sepsis through a Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)-dependent mechanism.

Methods

Male young adult (4–6 months) and old (18–20 months) wild type (WT) and TLR2 knockout (KO) mice were subject to moderate sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture. Additional groups of young adult and old WT mice were treated with TLR2 agonist Pam3CSK4. Left ventricle (LV) performance was evaluated with a pressure-volume microcatheter. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in the myocardium and plasma were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Sepsis reduced LV ejection fraction and cardiac output in both young adult and old WT mice. However, identical CLP caused more severe cardiac dysfunction and high mortality in old WT mice that were accompanied by greater levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and MCP-1 in the myocardium and plasma. TLR2 KO diminished aging-related difference in myocardial and systemic inflammatory response, resulting in improved cardiac function and decreased mortality in old septic mice. In addition, higher myocardial TLR2 levels in old WT mice resulted in greater myocardial inflammatory response and worse cardiac dysfunction following administration of TLR2 agonist.

Conclusion

Moderate sepsis results in greater cardiac dysfunction and significant mortality in old mice. Aging elevates TLR2 level/activity to exacerbate the inflammatory response to sepsis, leading to worse cardiac dysfunction and mortality.
Extending morphometric scaling relationships: the role of bankfull width in unifying subaquatic channel morphologies
Authors: Hasenhündl Martin , Bauernberger Lena Sophie , Böhm Christoph
Published: November 2023

Subaquatic channels, situated in lakes, fjords, submarine canyons and on deep-sea fan systems, exhibit diverse morphometric characteristics controlled by sediment transport processes, particularly turbidity currents. These processes play a significant role in transporting sediment, organic carbon, nutrients, and pollutants and pose hazards to critical infrastructure. This study examines a balanced set of subaquatic channels across various settings, sizes, and locations, employing novel data harmonization techniques to address biases toward larger channels. The analysis reveals consistent scaling relationships, particularly the dominant role of bankfull width, influencing bankfull depth, cross-sectional area, wavelength, and amplitude. The aspect ratio (width-to-depth) emerges as a significant parameter, reflecting a necessary channel compactness to maintain turbidity currents. Meandering development reveals relations between width, wavelength, and amplitude, with a preference for specific ratios. Meandering is most pronounced at channel beginnings, transitioning to straighter forms downstream, potentially influenced by flow dynamics and flow confinement. The study broadens the understanding of subaquatic channel evolution, emphasizing the importance of bankfull width and providing insights applicable across settings and scales.
Family history of malignant or benign thyroid tumors: implications for surgical procedure management and disease-free survival
Authors: Jiang Yu-jia , Han Zhuo-jun , Hu Yi-xuan , Zhang Ning , Huang Tao
Published: November 2023

Background

Current guidelines lack a standardized management for patients with family history of thyroid carcinoma (fTC),particularly benign thyroid neoplasm (fBTN). Our objective was to investigate the influence of various family histories on the selection of surgical approaches and disease-free survival (DFS).

Methods

A cohort study was conducted involving 2261 patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid carcinoma including those with fTC (n=224), fBTN (n=122), and individuals without a family history of thyroid carcinoma (nfTC; n=1915). Clinicopathological characteristics were collected. DFS was estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and factors affecting DFS were identified using Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

Compared to nfTC, small tumor size, clinically lymph node-positive, extrathyroidal extension, vascular invasion, Hashimoto’s disease and nodular goiter were more common in fTC and fBTN groups. They had lower T stage and a lower rate of good response to TSH suppression therapy but received more radioiodine therapy. It is worth noting that fTC is associated with male, bilateral and multifocal tumors, as well as central lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis. Both fTC (aHR = 2.45, 95% CI=1.11-5.38; P = 0.03) and fBTN (aHR = 3.43, 95% CI=1.27-9.29; P = 0.02) were independent predictors of DFS in patients who underwent lobectomy, but not total thyroidectomy. For 1-4 cm thyroid carcinomas with clinically node-negative, fTC was identified as an independent predictor, whereas fBTN was not.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that a family history, particularly of malignancy, is associated with a more aggressive disease. Family history does not affect the prognosis of patients who undergo total thyroidectomy, but it may increase the risk of postoperative malignant events in those who have a lobectomy. Additionally, it may be necessary to monitor individuals with a family history of benign thyroid neoplasms.
A decision framework for orderly power utilization based on a computationally enhanced algorithm
Authors: Xu Peng , Wang Beibei
Published: November 2023

In 2022, China faced unusually high temperatures, leading to a lack of hydropower in the southwest and increased power demand in the east. This incongruity exerted substantial strain on the power system. To tackle this, a structured method called orderly power utilization (OPU) is suggested as an effective approach to manage short-term power shortages and prevent recurring blackouts. However, typical OPU strategies tend to overlook the principles of fairness, openness, and justice (OEJ), potentially causing problems for various users, especially major industries. Herein, we introduce a comprehensive OPU framework. According to the demand difference in OPU plans in different periods, the optimization cycle is divided into several intervals to achieve computational enhancement. Furthermore, in the interest of judiciously managing the manifold OPU resources characterized by heterogeneous parameters, we introduce an aggregated operational model underpinned by the formalism of zonotopic sets. Numerical simulation results indicate the great potential of the proposed method to solve power shortage problems while upholding the imperatives of OEJ.
Analysis of the correlation between the pavement structure combinations and pavement performance using experimental sections
Authors: Xiaoyan Ding , Guihong Guo , Bori Cong , Zheng Chen , Longting Ding
Published: November 2023

The new generation of pavement technology with the goal of longevity is an important supporting technology that can promote the achievement of sustainable development of high-speed roadways. To further investigate the evolution trend of long-life pavement performance, this paper paved experimental sections to explore the correlations between pavement structure combinations and pavement performances. This paper presented four experimental sections with different pavement structures, asphalt concrete layer thicknesses, and pavement materials. Then, this paper analyzed the effects of the seasonal factors, pavement structure, and lanes on the deflection value and rut depth from three dimensions by the Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC). Finally, this paper used the analysis of variance (ANOVA) to analyze the relationships between the layer thickness of various materials in the pavement structure and the pavement performances, including the deflection value, international roughness index (IRI), texture depth (TD), British Pendulum Number (BPN), sideway force coefficient (SFC), rut depth, and disease area. The results showed that the seasonal factors significantly affected the deflection values of pavement structures with PCCs of 0.61, 0.72, 0.53, and 0.78. The high temperatures increased the average deflection values by 22.85%, 72.88%, 77.61%, and 88.13%, respectively. Under the influence of high temperature in summer and traffic loads, the increased ranges of average rut depth were −0.2%, 4.89%, 9.56%, and 7.31%, respectively. The results of ANOVA showed that the pavement structure type and thickness of each structural layer significantly affected the deflection value, and there also was a strong correlation between the pavement structure type, thickness, BPN, and SFC with p-values less than 0.05. Increasing the thickness of the asphalt surface was beneficial for reducing the area of defects, while laying the semi-rigid base layer was beneficial for maintaining the deflection value and rut depth at a lower level.
Study on low-heat synergistic chemical profile control and flooding technology in Bohai Oilfield
Authors: Dan Liang , Jian Zhang , Wensheng Zhou , Zhao Hua , Qichen Zhang , Liqi Wang
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Through the combination of hot water and chemical agent, the low-heat synergistic chemical profile control and flooding technology can not only reduce the risks of sand production and string damage caused by high-temperature thermal recovery technology, but also further improve the recovery factor on the basis of hot water flooding.

Methods: Based on laboratory testing, the synergism mechanism of thermal energy and chemical agent is studied.

Results: The research results showed that in the near wellbore zone of the injection well, crude oil viscosity reduction mainly relies on thermal energy, and chemical agents assist in improving the water oil mobility ratio and reducing the risk of cross flow. After entering the deep formation, due to the decrease in temperature, the thermal energy effect is weakened, but the chemical agents still aggregate at the oil-water interface and continue to act on heavy oil to reduce viscosity. The higher the temperature, the greater the role of heat energy, and the weaker the role of chemical agents. The higher the injection concentration of chemical agent, the more obvious the leading role of chemistry. Based on the comprehensive evaluation index, the optimized temperature is 80°C and the injection concentration is 1500 mg/L. The scheme study of Bohai L Oilfield shows that compared with cold water flooding, hot water flooding can only improve oil recovery by 1.2 percentage points, and low heat collaborative chemical profile control flooding technology can further improve oil recovery by 4.7 percentage points on the basis of hot water flooding, with obvious oil increase effect.

Conclusion: It is suggested that Bohai L Oilfield should apply low-heat coordinated chemical profile control and flooding technology to improve the development effect of the oilfield, and provide new technical ideas for safe and economic development of offshore heavy oil.
A multivariate statistical method for risk parameter scenario generation and renewable energy bidding in electricity markets
Authors: Feng Yingchun , Fan Jie , Gao Bo , Jiang Yu , Chen Jianrun , Zhang Rui , Chen Min
Published: November 2023

To maximize the expected profits and manage the risks of renewable energy system under electricity market environment, scenario-based- stochastic optimization model can be established to generate energy bidding strategies, in which the probabilistic scenarios of risk parameters are usually obtained by using statistical or machine learning methods. This paper proposes a practical multivariate statistical method for risk parameter scenario generation, which is used by a wind energy system faced with uncertain electricity prices and wind power productions, and it considers the correlation between dependent risk parameters by using historical data directly. The probabilities of scenarios containing correlated risk parameters are calculated by using multivariate histograms, in which the asymmetric correlation between different parameters existing in the historical data are preserved. Additionally, in order to make the stochastic optimization problem with large numbers of scenarios tractable, a multivariate scenario reduction method is used to trim down the scenario number. By solving the stochastic optimization problem, optimal day-ahead bidding curves for the wind energy system are generated, and Douglas–Peucker algorithm is used to fit the bidding curves according to market requirements. Case studies based on real world data in electricity markets are performed to prove the effectiveness of the proposed risk parameter scenario generation method and energy bidding strategies. Finally, conclusions and practical suggestions on future research works are provided.
Estimation of grassland aboveground biomass and its response to climate changes based on remote sensing inversion in Three-River-Source National Park, Tibet Plateau, China
Authors: He Hui , Yu Hui , Rong Ziwei , Yang Yan , Li Pengshang
Published: November 2023

Three-River-Source (TRS) National Park stands as one of China’s earliest established national parks, dedicated to significant ecological responsibilities that include conserving soil and water resources in the Tibetan Plateau region. Research on climate change’s influence on the TRS region’s grasslands is of great significance in our efforts to comprehend and conserve the grassland ecosystem. The most effective random forest (RF) model was chosen to invert the aboveground biomass (AGB) of grassland in the previous 6 years (2015−2020) and predict the grassland AGB in the following 20 years (2021−2040) by comparing linear regression and multivariate nonlinear regression models such as RF, support vector machine, decision tree, and artificial neural network. A Theil–Sen median trend analysis and a Mann–Kendal test were then used to examine the trends of grassland AGB. The results showed that (1) RF outperformed other models in estimating grassland AGB, with a test set decision coefficient of multiple determination (R2) of 0.722, a root mean square error of 42.596 g/m2, and a mean absolute error of 35.619 g/m2; (2) over 6 years, the grassland AGB in TRS National Park had a spatial trend of a steady rise from the northwest to the southeast. The average annual grassland AGB was 247.333 g/m2, with averages of 44.836 g/m2, 92.601 g/m2, and 120.217 g/m2 in the Yangtze River, Yellow River, and Lancang River source parks respectively. The trend of the grassland AGB was primarily stabilized and slightly recovered, with a small portion of the slightly deteriorated areas; (3) climate change significantly affected grassland AGB, and when temperature and precipitation conditions were adequate, grassland AGB values increased with temperature and precipitation. In the scenarios of ssp119, ssp245, and ssp585, grassland AGB is projected to exhibit a dynamic upward trend over the next 20 years. Global warming is expected to boost grassland AGB. Comprehensive measures are essential to maintain grassland health and ensure a positive impact on global carbon and ecological balance. The study’s findings hold great importance for the ecological security of the TRS region and contribute to our global understanding of sustainable grassland development.
Exploring Psilocybe spp. mycelium and fruiting body chemistry for potential therapeutic compounds
Authors: Waldbillig Adam , Baranova Maria , Neumann Sarah , Andrade Jonathan , Sidhu Sharan
Published: November 2023

Psilocybe mushrooms, otherwise known as “magic” mushrooms, owe their psychedelic effect to psilocin, a serotonin subtype 2A (5-HT2A) receptor agonist and metabolite of psilocybin, the primary indole alkaloid found in Psilocybe species. Metabolomics is an advanced fingerprinting tool that can be utilized to identify the differences among fungal life stages that may otherwise be unaccounted for. In this study, by using targeted and untargeted (metabolomic) multivariate analysis, we demonstrate that the chemical composition of Psilocybe differs among mycelia, grain mycelia, and fruiting bodies. The preferential accumulation of psilocybin, baeocystin, tryptophan, ergothioneine, and phenylethylamine in fruiting bodies differentiated them from mycelia; however, the levels of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine (α-GPC), N-acetylglucosamine, and trimethylglycine were found to be proportionally higher in mycelia than in fruiting bodies based on Pareto-scaled data. Considering the wealth of compounds with therapeutic potential that have been isolated from various fungal genera, it would be pertinent to study the compounds found in Psilocybe mycelia as potential naturally derived therapeutic targets.
Identification of dendritic cell precursor from the CD11c+ cells expressing high levels of MHC class II molecules in the culture of bone marrow with FLT3 ligand
Authors: In Hyunju , Park Ji Soo , Shin Hyun Soo , Ryu Seul Hye , Sohn Moah , Choi Wanho , Park Sejung , Hwang Soomin , Park Jeyun , Che Lihua , Kim Tae-Gyun , Chu Min Kyung , Na Hye Young , Park Chae Gyu
Published: November 2023

Dendritic cells (DCs) are readily generated from the culture of mouse bone marrow (BM) treated with either granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) or FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L). CD11c+MHCII+ or CD11c+MHCIIhi cells are routinely isolated from those BM cultures and generally used as in vitro-generated DCs for a variety of experiments and therapies. Here, we examined CD11c+ cells in the BM culture with GM-CSF or FLT3L by staining with a monoclonal antibody 2A1 that is known to recognize mature or activated DCs. Most of the cells within the CD11c+MHCIIhi DC gate were 2A1+ in the BM culture with GM-CSF (GM-BM culture). In the BM culture with FLT3L (FL-BM culture), almost of all the CD11c+MHCIIhi cells were within the classical DC2 (cDC2) gate. The analysis of FL-BM culture revealed that a majority of cDC2-gated CD11c+MHCIIhi cells exhibited a 2A1-CD83-CD115+CX3CR1+ phenotype, and the others consisted of 2A1+CD83+CD115-CX3CR1- and 2A1-CD83-CD115-CX3CR1- cells. According to the antigen uptake and presentation, morphologies, and gene expression profiles, 2A1-CD83-CD115-CX3CR1- cells were immature cDC2s and 2A1+CD83+CD115-CX3CR1- cells were mature cDC2s. Unexpectedly, however, 2A1-CD83-CD115+CX3CR1+ cells, the most abundant cDC2-gated MHCIIhi cell subset in FL-BM culture, were non-DCs. Adoptive cell transfer experiments in the FL-BM culture confirmed that the cDC2-gated MHCIIhi non-DCs were precursors to cDC2s, i.e., MHCIIhi pre-cDC2s. MHCIIhi pre-cDC2s also expressed the higher level of DC-specific transcription factor Zbtb46 as similarly as immature cDC2s. Besides, MHCIIhi pre-cDC2s were generated only from pre-cDCs and common DC progenitor (CDP) cells but not from monocytes and common monocyte progenitor (cMoP) cells, verifying that MHCIIhi pre-cDC2s are close lineage to cDCs. All in all, our study identified and characterized a new cDC precursor, exhibiting a CD11c+MHCIIhiCD115+CX3CR1+ phenotype, in FL-BM culture.
Mass cytometric analysis unveils a disease-specific immune cell network in the bone marrow in acquired aplastic anemia
Authors: Pool Emma S. , Kooy-Winkelaar Yvonne , van Unen Vincent , Falkenburg J.H. Frederik , Koning Frits , Heemskerk Mirjam H. M. , Tjon Jennifer M-L.
Published: November 2023

Idiopathic acquired aplastic anemia (AA) is considered an immune-mediated syndrome of bone marrow failure since approximately 70% of patients respond to immunosuppressive therapy (IST) consisting of a course of anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) followed by long-term use of ciclosporin. However, the immune response that underlies the pathogenesis of AA remains poorly understood. In this study, we applied high-dimensional mass cytometry on bone marrow aspirates of AA patients pre-ATG, AA patients post-ATG and healthy donors to decipher which immune cells may be implicated in the pathogenesis of AA. We show that the bone marrow of AA patients features an immune cell composition distinct from healthy donors, with significant differences in the myeloid, B-cell, CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells lineages. Specifically, we discovered that AA pre-ATG is characterized by a disease-specific immune cell network with high frequencies of CD16+ myeloid cells, CCR6++ B-cells, Th17-like CCR6+ memory CD4+ T-cells, CD45RA+CCR7+CD38+ CD8+ T-cells and KLRG1+ terminally differentiated effector memory (EMRA) CD8+ T-cells, compatible with a state of chronic inflammation. Successful treatment with IST strongly reduced the levels of CD16+ myeloid cells and showed a trend toward normalization of the frequencies of CCR6++ B-cells, CCR6+ memory CD4+ T-cells and KLRG1+EMRA CD8+ T-cells. Altogether, our study provides a unique overview of the immune landscape in bone marrow in AA at a single-cell level and proposes CCR6 as a potential new therapeutic target in AA.
Immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory impact of Fragaria ananassa methanol extract in a rat model of cadmium chloride-induced pulmonary toxicity
Authors: Nofal Amany E. , AboShabaan Hind S. , Fayyad Reda M. , Ereba Rafik E. , Omar Nassar A. , Elsharkawy Sherin M. , Elberri Aya I.
Published: November 2023

Cadmium is an extremely dangerous heavy metal that can lead to disastrous consequences in all organisms. Several natural remedies reduce the toxicities of experimentally generated metals in animals. Strawberry Fragaria ananassa contains several bioactive compounds that may mitigate heavy-metal toxicity. The study aim was to evaluate the ability of a strawberry fruit methanol extract (SE) to reduce Cd toxicity and to identify and quantify the active constituents of SE. Forty Wistar rats were classified into four groups: the control group– 1 ml saline IP; SE group– 100 mg of SE/kg rats orally; cadmium (Cd) group–2 mg CdCl2/kg body weight/IP daily; and treated group– SE given 1 hour before Cd administration. Administration of Cd induced several histopathological and immunohistochemical alterations in lung sections. Biochemical analysis of lung homogenates and mRNA levels of antioxidants and inflammatory cytokines indicated significant changes to the risk profile. SE administration significantly decreased the oxidative stress, inflammation, tissue damage, the mean area percentage of collagen fibers, and positive immuno-expressions of TNF-α and NF-κB induced by CdCl2. Moreover, the MDA, TNF-α, GM-CSF, and IL-1β levels in Cd-exposed rat lung tissue were significantly lower in the SE-treated group than in the Cd-group. SE significantly augmented lung GSH, SOD, HO‐1, GPx-2, and Nrf2 levels in Cd-exposed rats. SE mitigated Cd-caused oxidative stress and lung inflammation. Therefore, regularly consuming a strawberry-rich diet could benefit general health and help prevent and treat diseases.
Microglia dynamic response and phenotype heterogeneity in neural regeneration following hypoxic-ischemic brain injury
Authors: Quan Hongxin , Zhang Runrui
Published: November 2023

Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury poses a significant threat to the neural niche within the central nervous system. In response to this pathological process, microglia, as innate immune cells in the central nervous system, undergo rapid morphological, molecular and functional changes. Here, we comprehensively review these dynamic changes in microglial response to hypoxic-ischemic brain injury under pathological conditions, including stroke, chronic intermittent hypoxia and neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. We focus on the regulation of signaling pathways under hypoxic-ischemic brain injury and further describe the process of microenvironment remodeling and neural tissue regeneration mediated by microglia after hypoxic-ischemic injury.
Zooplankton size composition and production just after drastic ice coverage changes in the northern Bering Sea assessed via ZooScan
Authors: Kumagai Shino , Matsuno Kohei , Yamaguchi Atsushi
Published: November 2023

Drastic environmental changes were noted in the northern Bering Sea in 2018. A reduction in sea ice affected several trophic levels within the ecosystem; this resulted in delayed phytoplankton blooms, the northward shifting of fish stocks, and a decrease in the number of seabirds. Changes in the community composition of zooplankton were reported in 2022, but changes in zooplankton interactions and production have not been reported to date. Therefore, this study examined predator-prey interaction, secondary production, and prey availability for fish to understand the effect of early sea ice melt. Zooplankton size data were estimated from the size spectra obtained using ZooScan based on samples collected in 2017 and 2018. A cluster analysis based on biovolume showed that the zooplankton community could be divided into three groups (Y2017N, Y2017S, Y2018). Y2017N, characterized by low abundance, biomass, and production, Y2017S, characterized by high biovolume and production, which contributed with Calanus spp., and Y2018, characterized by low biovolume but high production, contributed with small copepods, and Bivalvia. In 2017, the highest biovolume group was observed south of St. Lawrence Island, and it was dominated by Calanus spp. and Chaetognatha. Normalized size spectra of this group showed the highest secondary production with present predator-prey interactions, suggesting that the area provides high prey availability for fish larvae and juveniles. In contrast, small copepods and bivalve larvae were dominant in this area in 2018, which contain less carbons and energy, suggesting the prevalence of low-nutrient foods in this year in relation to early sea ice melt.
Analysis of the variation of in situ seafloor sediments acoustic characteristics with porosity based EDFM
Authors: Zou Dapeng , Xie Jin , Meng Xiangmei , Sun Han , Feng Jingchun , Kan Guangming
Published: November 2023

Numerous factors influence the acoustic characteristics of seafloor sediments, necessitating a comprehensive study that combines theoretical analysis, laboratory measurements and in situ measurements to support acoustic prediction and inversion. In this study, a porosity-based effective density fluid model (P-EDFM) is established to analyze the variation of acoustic properties with the porosity of seafloor sediments. On the biases of P-EDFM, the attribute of measured sound velocity and acoustic attenuation coefficient of seafloor sediment in Series 9B of the SAX99 was well interpreted within the frequency range of 25-100 kHz. The in situ measured sound velocity ratio was well predicated by the P-EDFM in the East China Sea and Yellow Sea. It reveals that the in situ sound velocity ratio decreases with increasing bulk porosity and with decreasing bulk density. The scattering and differences in the acoustic attenuation coefficient measured in situ in seafloor sediments are found to be greater than those observed for sound velocity. After considering the influence of temperature in the P-EDFM, the prediction of in situ sound velocity aligns well with the measured dataset. While, the acoustic attenuation coefficient exhibits an inflection point, increasing initially and then decreasing with changes in porosity, similar to the observed pattern in Hamilton’s observation and estimation. By incorporating temperature and frequency influences, the in situ measurements of sound velocity of seafloor sediments are corrected into laboratory sound velocities by using the P-EDFM. The result reveals the sediment samples’ sampling and transmitting process has a much greater impact on the sound velocity of sandy sediment in the East China Sea compared to muddy sediment. Overall, P-EDFM can predict the in situ sound velocity and sound attenuation coefficient under different temperatures and frequencies, with a lower prediction error for sound velocity compared to sound attenuation coefficient.
Barrier membranes for periodontal guided bone regeneration: a potential therapeutic strategy
Authors: Wang Dongxue , Zhou Xuchang , Cao Hong , Zhang Huawei , Wang Daping , Guo Jianming , Wang Jifeng
Published: November 2023

Periodontal disease is one of the most common oral diseases with the highest incidence world-wide. In particular, the treatment of periodontal bone defects caused by periodontitis has attracted extensive attention. Guided bone regeneration (GBR) has been recognized as advanced treatment techniques for periodontal bone defects. GBR technique relies on the application of barrier membranes to protect the bone defects. The commonly used GBR membranes are resorbable and non-resorbable. Resorbable GBR membranes are divided into natural polymer resorbable membranes and synthetic polymer resorbable membranes. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. The current research focuses on exploring and improving its preparation and application. This review summarizes the recent literature on the application of GBR membranes to promote the regeneration of periodontal bone defects, elaborates on GBR development strategies, specific applications, and the progress of inducing periodontal bone regeneration to provide a theoretical basis and ideas for the future application of GBR membranes to promote the repair of periodontal bone defects.
Rapid detection of H5 subtype avian influenza virus using CRISPR Cas13a based-lateral flow dipstick
Authors: Li Yang , Shang Jiajing , Luo Juan , Zhang Fuyou , Meng Ge , Feng Yingjie , Jiang Wenming , Yu Xiaohui , Deng Chunran , Liu Guanhui , Liu Hualei
Published: November 2023

Due to its high mortality rate, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), a notifiable animal illness designated by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), has caused enormous financial losses to the poultry sector. The H5 subtype of avian influenza virus (H5-AIV) is regarded as the most common highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) that threatens public health and safety. Virus isolation and reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) are usually used to detect H5-AIV and are important for the timely diagnosis and control of H5-AIV. However, these methods are time-consuming and require a significant amount of effort. In this study, we established a recombinase-aided amplification (RAA) combined with CRISPR-Cas13a and lateral flow dipstick (LFD) assay for the detection of H5-AIV. The results showed that the process can be completed within 40 min at 37°C. The method had a detection limit of 0.1 copy/μL, which was comparable to the RT-qPCR. There was no cross-reactivity with H3-AIV, H7-AIV, H9-AIV, H10-AIV, IBV, NDV, RVA and DAstV. The kappa value of RT-RAA-Cas13a-LFD and RT-qPCR in 380 clinical samples was 0.89 (κ>0.75). In conclusion, we established a convenient, efficient and accurate method to detect H5-AIV, and the results can be visualized and interpreted using LFD, which can be adapted to the needs of grassroots laboratories and field-deployable assays. This approach provides a new perspective for clinical H5-AIV diagnosis and has great potential for application in clinical quarantine of the poultry farming.