bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisão sistemática: Práticas interdisciplinares em Ciências Agrárias
Authors: Molinari Mayla Daiane Correa , Carrasco Leny Meire Correa Molinari , Fuganti-Pagliarini Renata , Oliveira Cláudia Chueire de
Published: February 2022

A interdisciplinaridade com sua linha de ação integradora viabiliza a transformação dos conteúdos em objetos de conhecimento palpáveis. Envolve teoria-prática-extensão e oportuniza reflexão e visão holística. Consiste na utilização dos conhecimentos de várias disciplinas e/ou áreas para resolver um problema ou compreender um determinado tema, sob diferentes pontos de vista e assim, integrar os conhecimentos e enriquecer a temática. Quando envolve a interculturalidade prática consiste em seu nível mais elevado, denominado transdisciplinar. Objetivo: identificar o que se tem publicado sobre práticas interdisciplinares no campo metodológico de ensino das Ciências Agrárias. Metodologia: foram selecionados materiais acadêmicos publicados entre os anos de 2016 e 2021. Resgatados a partir de abordagem sistemática dos bancos de dados Google Scholar e Dimensions. Os termos utilizados para busca foram: interdisciplinar* OR transdisciplinar* OR contextualiza* AND agro*. Resultados: 157 materiais foram elegíveis, dos quais 43 envolveram práticas interdisciplinares em cursos superiores das Ciências Agrárias. Destes, apenas 21 envolveram a interculturalidade prática. Além disso, observou-se que os materiais que aplicam a interdisciplinaridade diminuíram significativamente de 2018 a 2021. Conclusão: As práticas interdisciplinares são pouco conhecidas e aplicadas em Ciências Agrárias. Apropriar-se teoricamente sobre o tema pode contribuir para práticas pedagógicas mais coerentes, engajadas e significativas.
Teaching Assistants in International Schools: Perceptions and Perspectives
Authors:   Independent United States, Lehman Clayton
Published: February 2022

This research study occurred because of the many observations made by the researcher while working in international schools in East and Southeast Asia. Although multiple studies have investigated teaching assistants in public schools, there is little research dedicated to the study of teaching assistants in international schools. The purpose of this research study was to look at classroom practices, student language acquisition, professional development, and teaching assistant wellbeing in international schools through the lenses of locally-hired teaching assistants and to discover what they consider to be barriers in their positions as a teaching assistant. Further, comparisons were made between teaching assistants in English-only and multi-lingual schools and between teaching assistants in schools that are for-profit and non-profit. Data acquisition for this mixed-methods study occurred through a thirteen question survey that was completed by 135 teaching assistants working in international schools in East and Southeast Asia. The main findings of this research study were that many teaching assistants in international schools desire relevant professional development, fairer working environment, more equitable salary conditions, and more professional and career opportunities.
Cultural Contents in Two English Textbooks in Indonesia: Representations and Sources of Culture
Authors:   Filadelfia Christian School Surabaya Indonesia, Elshadelin Gisela , Yumarnamto Mateus ,   Widya Mandala Surabaya Catholic University Indonesia
Published: February 2022

This study explores the representations of the cultural contents in English textbooks used in Indonesian contexts. The textbooks as the sources of data are two textbooks for grade 12 that represent local and global textbook. The first one was Bahasa Inggris, a textbook published and endorsed by Indonesian government and the other one was Think, a global textbook published by Cambridge. This study aims at finding out how different cultural sources are represented in the two textbooks. The findings show that the two textbooks have different emphasis regarding the culture they present in texts and their accompanying visual illustrations. Bahasa Inggris puts the emphasis on global and local cultural sources. Other cultures that are not representative to the two main sources are very limited. On the other hand, Think provides a wide array of representations for global and other cultures but not local Indonesian culture. We end our discussion with a conceptual implication on cultural sources in English language teaching (ELT) materials.
Presence of invasive American bullfrogs may reduce infectious disease in a native frog species
Authors: Moreno-de-Lima PL , Lambertini C , Becker CG , Rebouças R , Toledo LF
Published: February 2022

Amphibians breeding in aquatic environments may encounter a myriad of threats during their life cycle. One species known to prey on native amphibians in aquatic habitats is the invasive North American bullfrog Lithobates catesbeianus, which, besides being a voracious predator and competitor, often acts as a pathogen carrier and disease superspreader because it tolerates high infection loads of the frog-killing fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Here, we hypothesized that the presence of the bullfrogs in microcosms should either (1) decrease Bd disease severity in native frog species by discouraging them from using the aquatic environment, or (2) increase the mortality of the native species. We tested these 2 mutually exclusive hypotheses by co-housing the snouted treefrog Scinax x-signatus (native to our study area) with L. catesbeianus in the laboratory, exposing them to Bd, and using qPCR analysis to quantify the resulting Bd infection loads in the native frogs. Our experiment had the following replicated treatments: (1) native-only treatment (3 individuals of S. x-signatus), (2) native-predominant treatment (2 S. x-signatus + 1 L. catesbeianus), and (3) exotic-predominant treatment (1 S. x-signatus + 2 L. catesbeianus). We found that Bd infection loads in the native S. x-signatus were highest in the native-only treatment, and lowest in the exotic-predominant treatment, indicating that bullfrogs may discourage native frogs from occupying the aquatic habitat, thus reducing encounter rates between native frogs and the waterborne pathogen. This effect could be driven by the bullfrogs’ predatory behavior and their high philopatry to aquatic habitats. Our results highlight that predation risk adds to the complexity of host-species interactions in Bd epidemiology.
First case of Coxiella burnetii infection in Palaemonetes sinensis cultured in Liaoning, China
Authors: Lu X , Ma H , Liu J , Sun N , Yu J , Yang Z , Guo S , Huang L , Ye S
Published: February 2022

The Palaemonetes sinensis aquaculture industry in Panjin City, Liaoning Province, China, experienced heavy losses in October 2018. Morbidity of cultured shrimp reached 50% and was characterized by cloudiness of muscle and the gradual spread of disease within the population. When the infection was mild, histopathological examinations revealed that the muscle cells contained a considerable number of microorganisms. In extreme cases, the structure of the hepatopancreatic glandular and muscle fiber was obscured or even vanished. Electron microscope observations revealed the presence of granular cytoplasmic inclusions in cells from hepatopancreas and muscle tissues. The 16S rDNA sequence of the intracytoplasmic organism was 94.7% identity to that of Coxiella burnetii. This is the first report of infection by C. burnetii in P. sinensis.
Small-scale heterogeneity of fish diversity evaluated by environmental DNA analysis in eelgrass beds
Authors: Momota K , Hosokawa S , Komuro T
Published: February 2022

Seagrass beds are a target for conservation worldwide and are frequently the focus of bioassessment and biomonitoring surveys. However, these surveys often employ destructive methods and involve considerable effort and cost. Recently, environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques have been attracting attention as a low-impact alternative for evaluating species diversity. However, the relationship between the detection ability of eDNA metabarcoding and the ecology of the organisms from which eDNA is derived has not been explicitly investigated. In this study, we examined this relationship for fishes in 2 eelgrass Zostera marina beds in temperate Japan, with a focus on 2 ecological characteristics (swimming position and appearance frequency in seagrass beds). We used eDNA metabarcoding to identify fish DNA collected from seawater samples and compared species inventories between 2 sampling positions (within vs. above eelgrass meadows) and 2 survey methods (eDNA vs. sledge-net sampling). Our results show that eDNA metabarcoding is much more effective than sledge-net sampling in detecting fish species, and that the detection ability of eDNA metabarcoding differs with water-sampling position. In particular, the relationship between fish ecology and survey detection ability appears to differ between the 2 eelgrass beds. Our results indicate that prior consideration of the spatial structure and fish communities of eelgrass beds is necessary for a reliable estimation of fish diversity in vegetated marine habitats.
Depth and substrate type influence community structure and diversity of wood and whale-bone habitats on the deep NE Pacific margin
Authors: Young EL , Halanych KM , Amon DJ , Altamira I , Voight JR , Higgs ND , Smith CR
Published: February 2022

Whale bones and wood on the deep-sea floor provide resource pulses that support characteristic faunal assemblages in an otherwise food-poor environment. To isolate the role of bathymetric and geographical drivers of organic-fall diversity and community structure, the study of organic-rich substrates of similar sizes, qualities, and seafloor durations is necessary. We used a comparative experimental approach to examine the roles of depth, location, and substrate type in structuring organic-fall faunal assemblages. Four free-vehicle landers containing replicate wood, whale-bone, and inorganic hard (control) substrates were deployed for 15 mo at depths of ~1600 and ~2800 m, spaced at ~400 km along the Washington-Oregon (USA) margin. The landers collected a total of ~84890 macrofaunal individuals of 144 species. Wood, bone, and control substrates supported assemblages with different community structures on all landers. Community composition was significantly different between depths and between locations at similar depths, indicating variability on regional and bathymetric scales. Wood blocks at ~1600 m were heavily degraded by wood-boring xylophagaid bivalves. Xylophagaid colonisation was lower in deeper wood blocks, which we hypothesise results partly from lower propagule supply as wood falls decrease in abundance with distance from terrestrial sources of wood. Bone-eating Osedax colonised whale bones, but bone degradation was low compared to some NE Pacific whale falls of similar duration; nonetheless, bones exhibited reducing conditions and supported sulphophilic species. Our study demonstrates quantitatively that co-located wood falls and whale bones support highly distinct, species-rich assemblages and thus promote biodiversity on the deep-sea floor.
Genes Involved in Maintaining Mitochondrial Membrane Potential Upon Electron Transport Chain Disruption
Authors: Vasan Karthik , Clutter Matt , Fernandez Dunne Sara , George Mariam D. , Luan Chi-Hao , Chandel Navdeep S. , Martínez-Reyes Inmaculada
Published: February 2022

Mitochondria are biosynthetic, bioenergetic, and signaling organelles with a critical role in cellular physiology. Dysfunctional mitochondria are associated with aging and underlie the cause of a wide range of diseases, from neurodegeneration to cancer. Through signaling, mitochondria regulate diverse biological outcomes. The maintenance of the mitochondrial membrane potential, for instance, is essential for proliferation, the release of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, and oxygen sensing. The loss of mitochondrial membrane potential triggers pathways to clear damaged mitochondria and often results in cell death. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide positive selection CRISPR screen using a combination of mitochondrial inhibitors to uncover genes involved in sustaining a mitochondrial membrane potential, and therefore avoid cell death when the electron transport chain is impaired. Our screen identified genes involved in mitochondrial protein translation and ATP synthesis as essential for the induction of cell death when cells lose their mitochondrial membrane potential. This report intends to provide potential targets for the treatment of diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
Assessing the Local Biowaste Potential of Rural and Developed Areas Using GIS-Data and Clustering Techniques: Towards a Decision Support Tool
Authors: De Buck Viviane , Sbarciog Mihaela , Polanska Monika , Van Impe Jan F.M.
Published: February 2022

As the chemical and energy producing industries are steadily transitioning towards more sustainable processing practices, renewable biomass resources are becoming increasingly more valuable. Recently, following the realisation that renewable resources for the chemical and energy industry should not compete with food supplies, the use of plant-based biowaste has significantly gained in interest. Due to its inherently variable composition, diffuse distribution, and seasonality, it is of the utmost importance that (potential) biorefinery exploiters are well informed of the biowaste resources that are available in the vicinity of their (planned) biorefinery. Designing a biorefinery in such a way that it can tailor for the locally available biowaste resources, exhibits several compelling advantages. Apart from significantly reduced logistics costs, the usage of local biowaste can be a reciprocal advantage for both the involved community and the biorefinery. In this paper, a GIS-based (Geo-Information System) bio-inventory toolbox is presented. The toolbox is developed to aid the biorefinery designers and decision makers, e.g., governmental bodies, to get an adequate overview of the locally available plant-based biowaste resources and, linked to this, the expected periodical amounts, their composition, and their seasonality. The toolbox presented in this contribution is the first part of a decision support tool for the development of a locally embedded flexi-feed and small-scale biorefinery, additionally consisting out of a process modelling tool, and an optimisation tool. Both of these additional tools will employ the information obtained from the bio-inventory toolbox to simulate and optimise several suitable biorefinery designs. The eventual goal of the decision support tool is to provide users with several optimised biorefinery designs that are tailored for their local setting. The additional toolboxes are detailed elsewhere.
Arrestin-Coding Genes Regulate Endocytosis, Sporulation, Pathogenicity, and Stress Resistance in Arthrobotrys oligospora
Authors: Zhou Liang , Li Mengfei , Cui Peijie , Tian Mengqing , Xu Ya , Zheng Xi , Zhang Keqin , Li Guohong , Wang Xin
Published: February 2022

Arrestins are a family of scaffold proteins that play a crucial role in regulating numerous cellular processes, such as GPCR signaling. The Arthrobotrys oligospora arrestin family contains 12 members, which have highly conserved N-terminal and C-terminal domains. In the presence of ammonia, A. oligospora can change its lifestyle from saprotrophic to carnivorous. During this transition, the expression pattern of arrestin-coding (AoArc) genes was markedly upregulated. Therefore, we disrupted seven AoArc genes from A. oligospora to identify their functions. Although individual arrestin mutant strains display similar pathogenesis, phenotypes, and stress resistance, the fundamental data on the roles of AoArc genes in A. oligospora are obtained in this study. Membrane endocytosis in AoArc mutants was significantly reduced. Meanwhile, the capacity of trap device formation against nematodes and ammonia was impaired due to AoArc deletions. We also found that AoArc genes could regulate conidial phenotypes, cell nuclear distribution, pH response, and stress resistance. Results of qRT-PCR assays revealed that sporulation-regulated genes were affected after the deletion of AoArc genes. In particular, among the 12 arrestins, AoArc2 mediates pH signaling in the fungus A. oligospora. Notably, combined with the classical paradigm of arrestin–GPCR signal transduction, we suggest that arrestin-regulated trap formation in A. oligospora may be directly linked to the receptor endocytosis pathway.
Machine Learning-Predicted Progression to Permanent Atrial Fibrillation After Catheter Ablation
Authors: Park Je-Wook , Kwon Oh-Seok , Shim Jaemin , Hwang Inseok , Kim Yun Gi , Yu Hee Tae , Kim Tae-Hoon , Uhm Jae-Sun , Kim Jong-Youn , Choi Jong Il , Joung Boyoung , Lee Moon-Hyoung , Kim Young-Hoon , Pak Hui-Nam
Published: February 2022

Introduction

We developed a prediction model for atrial fibrillation (AF) progression and tested whether machine learning (ML) could reproduce the prediction power in an independent cohort using pre-procedural non-invasive variables alone.

Methods

Cohort 1 included 1,214 patients and cohort 2, 658, and all underwent AF catheter ablation (AFCA). AF progression to permanent AF was defined as sustained AF despite repeat AFCA or cardioversion under antiarrhythmic drugs. We developed a risk stratification model for AF progression (STAAR score) and stratified cohort 1 into three groups. We also developed an ML-prediction model to classify three STAAR risk groups without invasive parameters and validated the risk score in cohort 2.

Results

The STAAR score consisted of a stroke (2 points, p = 0.003), persistent AF (1 point, p = 0.049), left atrial (LA) dimension ≥43 mm (1 point, p = 0.010), LA voltage <1.109 mV (2 points, p = 0.004), and PR interval ≥196 ms (1 point, p = 0.001), based on multivariate Cox analyses, and it had a good discriminative power for progression to permanent AF [area under curve (AUC) 0.796, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.753–0.838]. The ML prediction model calculated the risk for AF progression without invasive variables and achieved excellent risk stratification: AUC 0.935 for low-risk groups (score = 0), AUC 0.855 for intermediate-risk groups (score 1–3), and AUC 0.965 for high-risk groups (score ≥ 4) in cohort 1. The ML model successfully predicted the high-risk group for AF progression in cohort 2 (log-rank p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The ML-prediction model successfully classified the high-risk patients who will progress to permanent AF after AFCA without invasive variables but has a limited discrimination power for the intermediate-risk group.
Trimethylamine N-Oxide in Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis of Prognostic Value
Authors: Li Xingxing , Fan Zongjing , Cui Jie , Li Dong , Lu Jinjin , Cui Xiaoyun , Xie Liandi , Wu Yang , Lin Qian , Li Yan
Published: February 2022

Objective

The present study aimed to explore the prognostic value of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in heart failure (HF).

Methods

PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang Database, SINOMED, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched up to June 1, 2021. Studies recording the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) or all-cause mortality in HF patients and their circulating TMAO concentrations were included. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 13.0.

Results

Ten articles (12 studies) involving 13,425 participants from 2014 to 2021 were considered. Compared to low-level TMAO, elevated TMAO was correlated with MACEs and all-cause mortality in HF (RR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.39, P < 0.0001, random-effects model and RR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.28, 1.42, P < 0.0001, random-effects model, respectively). Consistent results were obtained in all examined subgroups as well as in the sensitivity analysis.

Conclusion

Elevated TMAO may be an adverse prognostic indicator in patients with HF.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=267208
Use of Cardiac Contractility Modulation as Bridge to Transplant in an Obese Patient With Advanced Heart Failure: A Case Report
Authors: Masarone Daniele , Petraio Andrea , Fiorentino Antonio , Dellegrottaglie Santo , Valente Fabio , Ammendola Ernesto , Nigro Gerardo , Pacileo Giuseppe
Published: February 2022

Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) is a novel device-based therapy in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). In randomized clinical trials and real-life studies, CCM has been shown to improve exercise tolerance and quality of life, reverse left ventricular remodeling and reduce hospitalization in patients with HFrEF. In this case report, we describe for the first time the use of CCM as a “bridge to transplant” in a young obese patient with advanced heart failure due to non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. The patient had a poor quality of life and frequent heart failure-related hospitalizations despite the optimal medical therapy and, due to obesity, a suitable heart donor was unlikely to be identified in the short term and due to severe obesity risk of complications after implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) was very high.
Preliminary Evaluation of Automated Speech Recognition Apps for the Hearing Impaired and Deaf
Authors: Pragt Leontien , van Hengel Peter , Grob Dagmar , Wasmann Jan-Willem A.
Published: February 2022

Objective

Automated speech recognition (ASR) systems have become increasingly sophisticated, accurate, and deployable on many digital devices, including on a smartphone. This pilot study aims to examine the speech recognition performance of ASR apps using audiological speech tests. In addition, we compare ASR speech recognition performance to normal hearing and hearing impaired listeners and evaluate if standard clinical audiological tests are a meaningful and quick measure of the performance of ASR apps.

Methods

Four apps have been tested on a smartphone, respectively AVA, Earfy, Live Transcribe, and Speechy. The Dutch audiological speech tests performed were speech audiometry in quiet (Dutch CNC-test), Digits-in-Noise (DIN)-test with steady-state speech-shaped noise, sentences in quiet and in averaged long-term speech-shaped spectrum noise (Plomp-test). For comparison, the app's ability to transcribe a spoken dialogue (Dutch and English) was tested.

Results

All apps scored at least 50% phonemes correct on the Dutch CNC-test for a conversational speech intensity level (65 dB SPL) and achieved 90–100% phoneme recognition at higher intensity levels. On the DIN-test, AVA and Live Transcribe had the lowest (best) signal-to-noise ratio +8 dB. The lowest signal-to-noise measured with the Plomp-test was +8 to 9 dB for Earfy (Android) and Live Transcribe (Android). Overall, the word error rate for the dialogue in English (19–34%) was lower (better) than for the Dutch dialogue (25–66%).

Conclusion

The performance of the apps was limited on audiological tests that provide little linguistic context or use low signal to noise levels. For Dutch audiological speech tests in quiet, ASR apps performed similarly to a person with a moderate hearing loss. In noise, the ASR apps performed more poorly than most profoundly deaf people using a hearing aid or cochlear implant. Adding new performance metrics including the semantic difference as a function of SNR and reverberation time could help to monitor and further improve ASR performance.
Research on Deformation and Fracture Characteristics of the Fractured Rock Mass Under Coupling of Heavy Rainfall Infiltration and Mining Unloading
Authors: Wang Menglai , Li Xiaoshuang , Yang Shun , Teng Lin , Chen Qiusong , Jiang Song
Published: February 2022

The present study used PFC numerical software to examine the mechanical properties and fracture propagation characteristics of the fractured rock mass under coupling of heavy rainfall infiltration and mining unloading. Based on the engineering background of the Dexing mine, the pore water pressure is set to 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mpa, the true triaxial lateral unloading rate is 0.3 mpa/level and 0.6 mpa/level, and the water content state of rock is dry, natural, and saturated. Then, the true triaxial compression numerical simulation test is carried out, and the results showed that with the increase of the water content, the rock compaction stage increases, the elastic stage shortens, and the yield stage becomes more obvious. The faster the unloading rate is, the greater the influence on the rock strain is. After unloading, the stress jump point appears and the strain increase rate becomes larger, the volume of the rock increases and occurs as large s in the unloading direction, and finally it leads to severe brittle failure of the rock. With the increase of rock pore water pressure, the compressive strength and the peak strain of the rock decrease, and the pore water pressure accelerates the process of rock failure.
Spectrally Consistent Mean Dynamic Topography by Combining Mean Sea Surface and Global Geopotential Model Through a Least Squares-Based Approach
Authors: Shi Hongkai , He Xiufeng , Wu Yihao , Andersen Ole Baltazar , Knudsen Per , Liu Yanxiong , Zhang Zhetao
Published: February 2022

The filtering procedure is usually mandatory for modeling mean dynamic topography (MDT) when a geodetic approach based on the Mean Sea Surface (MSS) and the Global Geopotential Model (GGM) is used. This is due to the inconsistent spectral contents between MSS and GGM. However, traditional isotropic filtering algorithms (e.g., Gaussian filter) consider neither the MDT locations nor their azimuth when smoothing the signal within the filtering radius. Hence, the isotropic filtering will attenuate the MDT signal near the current and filter the current signal into the surrounding ocean, which may lead to signal contamination and distortion. In this study, we set up a least squares-based (LS) approach to model MDT signal from the altimeter-derived MSS and geoid height using spherical harmonics from GGMs, where MDT is parameterized by Lagrange Basis Functions (LBFs). The design matrix is segmentally established, considering the error information of GGM in various spectral bands. Numerical experiments in the Gulf Stream show that applications of full error variance-covariance matrix or only diagonal error variance of GGM may have marginal effects on the MDT modeling. The MDT computed from this LS-based approach using the latest releases of Gravity Field and Steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) geoid models, i.e., GO_CONS_GCF_2_DIR_R6 and Gravity Observation Combination 06s model (GOCO06s), have the best agreement with the comparison data, especially near the current region. Deduced geostrophic velocities based on the MDT solutions show that the LS-based approach recovers the current signal better than the Gaussian filtering by 1.8 cm/s. Estimated error map illustrates that errors are more concentrated near the coastal region.
The Accuracy of Simple and Adjusted Aldosterone Indices for Assessing Selectivity and Lateralization of Adrenal Vein Sampling in the Diagnosis of Primary Aldosteronism Subtypes
Authors: Parasiliti-Caprino Mirko , Bioletto Fabio , Ceccato Filippo , Lopez Chiara , Bollati Martina , Di Carlo Maria Chiara , Voltan Giacomo , Rossato Denis , Giraudo Giuseppe , Scaroni Carla , Ghigo Ezio , Maccario Mauro
Published: February 2022

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of simple and corrected aldosterone indices for assessing the selectivity and lateralization of adrenal vein sampling (AVS) in patients with primary aldosteronism.

Methods

Data of all consecutive patients with primary aldosteronism who underwent AVS for subtype diagnosis, followed at two Italian referral centers, were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

AVS achieved bilateral selectivity in 112/144 patients. Unilateral disease was diagnosed in 60 cases (53.6%) and idiopathic hyperaldosteronism in 52 individuals (46.4%). The aldosterone index (aldosterone ratio between an adrenal vein and the inferior vena cava) showed a high accuracy in predicting selectivity, compared to a cortisol selectivity index of 1.1, and a moderate accuracy, compared to cortisol cut-offs of 2 and 3. The simple aldosterone index showed a moderate accuracy in predicting ipsi/contralateral aldosterone hypersecretion, while lesion side- and hypokalemia-corrected aldosterone index revealed a significant improvement in predicting ipsi/contralateral disease. Moreover, the comparative aldosterone index (aldosterone ratio in the dominant vs the non-dominant adrenal vein) revealed a high accuracy in predicting unilateral primary aldosteronism. For an immediate clinical application of our results, the adjusted cut-offs were calculated, according to the Youden’s criterion and to a pre-established specificity of 90%, for all possible combinations of lesion side at imaging and presence/absence of hypokalemia.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the diagnostic accuracy of simple and clinical-/imaging-corrected aldosterone indices for adrenal vein sampling in subtype diagnosis of primary aldosteronism and suggests the potential application of these tools to select patients for adrenalectomy when standard indices cannot be performed.
Predictors of Malignancy in Thyroid Nodules Classified as Bethesda Category III
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Wang Jingjing , Du Wei , Dai Liyuan , Fang Qigen
Published: February 2022

Objective

To determine predictors of malignancy in surgically treated Bethesda category III nodules.

Methods

Patients with surgically treated thyroid nodules classified as Bethesda category III were retrospectively enrolled. The association between clinical/sonographic features and postoperative pathology was evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

A total of 188 nodules from 184 patients were included. The overall malignancy rate was 54.3%. In univariate analysis, male sex, aspect ratio >1, microcalcification, unclear boundary, BRAFV600E mutation, and nuclear atypia were significantly associated with malignant disease in Bethesda category III nodules. Multivariate analysis confirmed that male sex, aspect ratio >1, microcalcification, and BRAFV600E mutation were independent predictors of malignant disease.

Conclusions

Malignant disease was common in Bethesda category III nodules, and surgical treatment was strongly indicated in the presence of male sex, aspect ratio>1, microcalcification, and BRAFV600E mutation.
Age-Dependent Metabolomic Profile of the Follicular Fluids From Women Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology Treatment
Authors: Huang Yun , Tu Mixue , Qian Yuli , Ma Junyan , Chen Lifen , Liu Yifeng , Wu Yiqing , Chen Kai , Liu Juan , Ying Yanyun , Chen Yao , Ye Yinghui , Xing Lanfeng , Zhang Fang , Hu Yanjun , Zhang Runjv , Ruan Ye Chun , Zhang Dan
Published: February 2022

Female fertility declines with age, and this natural variation culminates in reproductive senescence. Human follicular fluids are rich in low-molecular weight metabolites which are responsible for the maturation of oocytes. The metabolomic approaches are powerful tools to study biochemical markers of oocyte quality in the follicular fluids. It is necessary to identify and quantify the reliable metabolites in follicular fluids reflecting oocyte developmental potential. The goal of this study is to conduct a metabolomic analysis of the follicular fluids in women of different ages and study the metabolomic profile of the follicular fluids in relationship with oocyte quality in assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. A total of 30 women seeking for ART treatment at the Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from October 2014 to April 2015 were recruited for the present study. Fifteen women aged from 39 to 47 were grouped as advanced maternal age, and the other 15 women aged from 27 to 34, as young controls. Ovarian stimulation and oocyte retrieval were conducted using a regular protocol involving mid-luteal pituitary down-regulation and controlled ovarian stimulation. Follicular fluids from mature follicles were collected and centrifuged for analyses. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) were used to perform the quantitative metabolomic analysis. The follicular fluid levels of 311 metabolites and the metabolic significance were assessed. 70 metabolites showed significant differences between women with young and advanced ages. Follicular fluids from women with advanced age showed significantly higher levels of creatine, histidine, methionine, trans-4-hydroxyproline, choline, mevalonate, N2,N2-dimethylguanosine and gamma-glutamylvaline, as compared to those from the young age group. 8 metabolites were found significantly correlated with maternal age positively. Moreover, 3 metabolites were correlated with the number of oocytes retrieved, and 5 metabolites were correlated with cleaved embryo numbers, both negatively. The follicular fluids from women undergoing ART treatment exhibited age-dependent metabolomic profile. Metabolites associated with oocyte quality were identified, suggesting them as potential biomarkers for oocyte maturation and ART outcomes.
Visualizing Connectivity for Wildlife in a World Without Roads
Authors: de Rivera C. E. , Bliss-Ketchum L. L. , Lafrenz M. D. , Hanson A. V. , McKinney-Wise L. E. , Rodriguez A. H. , Schultz J. , Simmons A. L. , Taylor Rodriguez D. , Temple A. H. , Wheat R. E.
Published: February 2022

Roads are not the only determining factor for wildlife movement across the landscape, but due to the extensive distribution of the road network their impact can be dramatic. Although it has been well documented that roads decrease habitat connectivity for wildlife due to animal-vehicle collisions, habitat fragmentation, and avoidance behavior, approaches for identifying connectivity across the landscape often do not fully examine the barrier effect of roads. Here, we explored the extent of the impact of roadways on wildlife connectivity by using Omniscape to model connectivity including and without the barrier effect of roads, then evaluating the difference between these two models. We created these connectivity models for three organisms that represent different taxa, movement types, and habitat requirements: northern red-legged frog, Pacific-slope flycatcher, and Columbian black-tailed deer. We found that roads had a strong impact on connectivity for all three species. Change in flow was most pronounced on the roads, especially where they ran through permeable habitat for a species. Roads also influenced connectivity well beyond the footprint of the roadway, affecting flows intersecting the roads and diffusely around them. The extent and nature of this impact depended on the species, road density, and surrounding habitat. The different effects across species highlight the importance of considering different taxa simultaneously while planning. Moreover, the ability to assess modeled wildlife habitat connectivity in the absence of existing widespread linear infrastructure allows for critical evaluation of where mitigation activities, such as wildlife crossing structures and fencing, may be most beneficial. Hence, this novel approach has practical application for increasing connectivity for wildlife across roads.
Variation in Hematological Indices, Oxidative Stress, and Immune Function Among Male Song Sparrows From Rural and Low-Density Urban Habitats
Authors: Goodchild Christopher G. , VanDiest Isaac , Lane Samuel J. , Beck Michelle , Ewbank Hallum , Sewall Kendra B.
Published: February 2022

A central theme in the field of ecology is understanding how environmental variables influence a species’ distribution. In the last 20 years, there has been particular attention given to understanding adaptive physiological traits that allow some species to persist in urban environments. However, there is no clear consensus on how urbanization influences physiology, and it is unclear whether physiological differences in urban birds are directly linked to adverse outcomes or are representative of urban birds adaptively responding to novel environmental variables. Moreover, though low-density suburban development is the fastest advancing form of urbanization, most studies have focused on animals inhabiting high intensity urban habitats. In this study, we measured a suite of physiological variables that reflect condition and immune function in male song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) from rural and suburban habitats. Specifically, we measured hematological indices [packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)], circulating glutathione (total, reduced, and oxidized), oxidative damage (d-ROM concentration), antioxidant capacity, and components of the innate immune system [bacteria killing ability (BKA), white blood cell counts]. We also measured whole-animal indices of health, including body condition (scaled mass index length) and furcular fat. Song sparrows inhabiting suburban environments exhibited lower hemoglobin and MCHC, but higher body condition and furcular fat scores. Additionally, suburban birds had higher heterophil counts and lower lymphocyte counts, but there were no differences in heterophil:lymphocyte ratio or BKA between suburban and rural birds. PCV, glutathione concentrations, and oxidative damage did not differ between suburban and rural sparrows. Overall, suburban birds did not exhibit physiological responses suggestive of adverse outcomes. Rather, there is some evidence that sparrows from rural and suburban habitats exhibit phenotypic differences in energy storage and metabolic demand, which may be related to behavioral differences previously observed in sparrows from these populations. Furthermore, this study highlights the need for measuring multiple markers of physiology across different types of urban development to accurately assess the effects of urbanization on wildlife.
Dendroarchaeology in Europe
Authors: Tegel Willy , Muigg Bernhard , Skiadaresis Georgios , Vanmoerkerke Jan , Seim Andrea
Published: February 2022

Human evolution was strongly related to environmental factors. Woodlands and their products played a key role in the production of tools and weapons, and provided unique resources for constructions and fuel. Therefore wooden finds are essential in gaining insights into climatic and land use changes but also societal development during the Holocene. Dendroarchaeological investigations, based on tree rings, wood anatomy and techno-morphological characteristics are of great importance for a better understanding of past chronological processes as well as human-environment-interactions. Here we present an overview of the sources, methods, and concepts of this interdisciplinary field of dendroarchaeology focusing on Europe, where several tree-ring chronologies span most of the Holocene. We describe research examples from different periods of human history and discuss the current state of field. The long settlement history in Europe provides a myriad of wooden archeological samples not only for dating but also offer exciting new findings at the interface of natural and social sciences and the humanities.
An Epigenetic Alphabet of Crop Adaptation to Climate Change
Authors: Guarino Francesco , Cicatelli Angela , Castiglione Stefano , Agius Dolores R. , Orhun Gul Ebru , Fragkostefanakis Sotirios , Leclercq Julie , Dobránszki Judit , Kaiserli Eirini , Lieberman-Lazarovich Michal , Sõmera Merike , Sarmiento Cecilia , Vettori Cristina , Paffetti Donatella , Poma Anna M. G. , Moschou Panagiotis N. , Gašparović Mateo , Yousefi Sanaz , Vergata Chiara , Berger Margot M. J. , Gallusci Philippe , Miladinović Dragana , Martinelli Federico
Published: February 2022

Crop adaptation to climate change is in a part attributed to epigenetic mechanisms which are related to response to abiotic and biotic stresses. Although recent studies increased our knowledge on the nature of these mechanisms, epigenetics remains under-investigated and still poorly understood in many, especially non-model, plants, Epigenetic modifications are traditionally divided into two main groups, DNA methylation and histone modifications that lead to chromatin remodeling and the regulation of genome functioning. In this review, we outline the most recent and interesting findings on crop epigenetic responses to the environmental cues that are most relevant to climate change. In addition, we discuss a speculative point of view, in which we try to decipher the “epigenetic alphabet” that underlies crop adaptation mechanisms to climate change. The understanding of these mechanisms will pave the way to new strategies to design and implement the next generation of cultivars with a broad range of tolerance/resistance to stresses as well as balanced agronomic traits, with a limited loss of (epi)genetic variability.
Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Targeting Protects Against Ischemic Damage After Fibrin-Rich Thrombotic Stroke Despite Non-Reperfusion
Authors: Peña-Martínez Carolina , Durán-Laforet Violeta , García-Culebras Alicia , Cuartero María Isabel , Moro María Ángeles , Lizasoain Ignacio
Published: February 2022

Stroke is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide caused primarily by a thrombotic vascular occlusion that leads to cell death. To date, t-PA (tissue-type plasminogen activator) is the only thrombolytic therapy approved which targets fibrin as the main component of ischemic stroke thrombi. However, due to its highly restrictive criteria, t-PA is only administrated to less than 10% of all stroke patients. Furthermore, the research in neuroprotective agents has been extensive with no translational results from medical research to clinical practice up to now. Since we first described the key role of NETs (Neutrophil Extracellular Traps) in platelet-rich thrombosis, we asked, first, whether NETs participate in fibrin-rich thrombosis and, second, if NETs modulation could prevent neurological damage after stroke. To this goal, we have used the thromboembolic in situ stroke model which produces fibrin-rich thrombotic occlusion, and the permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery by ligature. Our results demonstrate that NETs do not have a predominant role in fibrin-rich thrombosis and, therefore, DNase-I lacks lytic effects on fibrin-rich thrombosis. Importantly, we have also found that NETs exert a deleterious effect in the acute phase of stroke in a platelet-TLR4 dependent manner and, subsequently, that its pharmacological modulation has a neuroprotective effect. Therefore, our data strongly support that the pharmacological modulation of NETs in the acute phase of stroke, could be a promising strategy to repair the brain damage in ischemic disease, independently of the type of thrombosis involved.
Increased Expression of Tim-3 Is Associated With Depletion of NKT Cells In SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Yang Jingzhi , Chang Teding , Tang Liangsheng , Deng Hai , Chen Deng , Luo Jialiu , Wu Han , Tang TingXuan , Zhang Cong , Li Zhenwen , Dong Liming , Yang Xiang-Ping , Tang Zhao-Hui
Published: February 2022

In the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), natural killer T (NKT) cells act as primary initiators of immune responses. However, a decrease of circulating NKT cells has been observed in COVID-19 different stages, of which the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Here, by performing single-cell RNA sequencing analysis in three large cohorts of COVID-19 patients, we found that increased expression of Tim-3 promotes depletion of NKT cells during the progression stage of COVID-19, which is associated with disease severity and outcome of patients with COVID-19. Tim-3+ NKT cells also expressed high levels of CD147 and CD26, which are potential SARS-CoV-2 spike binding receptors. In the study, Tim-3+ NKT cells showed high enrichment of apoptosis, higher expression levels of mitochondrial genes and caspase genes, with a larger pseudo time value. In addition, Tim-3+ NKT cells in COVID-19 presented a stronger capacity to secrete IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10 compared with healthy individuals, they also demonstrated high expression of co-inhibitory receptors such as PD-1, CTLA-4, and LAG-3. Moreover, we found that IL-12 secreted by dendritic cells (DCs) was positively correlated with up-regulated expression of Tim-3 in NKT cells in COVID-19 patients. Overall, this study describes a novel mechanism by which up-regulated Tim-3 expression induced the depletion and dysfunction of NKT cells in COVID-19 patients. These findings not only have possible implications for the prediction of severity and prognosis in COVID-19 but also provide a link between NKT cells and future new therapeutic strategies in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
The Pre-Transplant Non-HLA Antibody Burden Associates With the Development of Histology of Antibody-Mediated Rejection After Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Senev Aleksandar , Ray Bryan , Lerut Evelyne , Hariharan Jayasree , Heylen Christine , Kuypers Dirk , Sprangers Ben , Emonds Marie-Paule , Naesens Maarten
Published: February 2022

Background

Many kidney allografts fail due to the occurrence of antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR), related to donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies (HLA-DSA). However, the histology of ABMR can also be observed in patients without HLA-DSA. While some non-HLA antibodies have been related to the histology of ABMR, it is not well known to what extent they contribute to kidney allograft injury. Here we aimed to investigate the role of 82 different non-HLA antibodies in the occurrence of histology of ABMR after kidney transplantation.

Methods

We included all patients who underwent kidney transplantation between 2004-2013 in a single center and had biobanked serum. Pre- and post-transplant sera (n=2870) were retrospectively tested for the presence of 82 different non-HLA antibodies using a prototype bead assay on Luminex (Immucor, Inc). A ratio was calculated between the measured MFI value and the cut-off MFI defined by the vendor for each non-HLA target.

Results

874 patients had available pretransplant sera and were included in this analysis. Of them, 133 (15.2%) received a repeat kidney allograft, and 100 (11.4%) had pretransplant HLA-DSA. In total, 204 (23.3%) patients developed histology of ABMR after kidney transplantation. In 79 patients (38.7%) the histology of ABMR was explained by pretransplant or de novo HLA-DSA. The multivariable Cox analysis revealed that only the broadly non-HLA sensitized (number of positive non-HLA antibodies) patients and those with the highest total strength of the non-HLA antibodies (total ratios of the positive non-HLA antibodies) were independently associated with increased rates of histology of ABMR after transplantation. Additionally, independent associations were found for antibodies against TUBB (HR=2.40; 95% CI 1.37 – 4.21, p=0.002), Collagen III (HR=1.67; 95% CI 1.08 – 2.58, p=0.02), VCL (HR=2.04; 95% CI 1.12 – 3.71, p=0.02) and STAT6 (HR=1.47; 95% CI 1.01 – 2.15, p=0.04). The overall posttransplant non-HLA autoreactivity was not associated with increased rates of ABMRh.

Conclusions

This study shows that patients highly and broadly sensitized against non-HLA targets are associated with an increased risk of ABMR histology after kidney transplantations in the absence of HLA-DSA. Also, some pretransplant non‐HLA autoantibodies are individually associated with increased rates of ABMR histology. However, whether these associations are clinically relevant and represent causality, warrants further studies.