bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic argumentation in teacher education: Making the case for justification, disconfirmation, and transparency
Authors: Bauer Elisabeth , Sailer Michael , Kiesewetter Jan , Fischer Martin R. , Fischer Frank
Published: November 2022

Research on diagnosing in teacher education has primarily emphasized the accuracy of diagnostic judgments and has explained it in terms of factors such as diagnostic knowledge. However, approaches to scientific argumentation and information processing suggest differentiating betweendiagnostic judgmentanddiagnostic argumentation: When making accurate diagnostic judgments, the underlying reasoning can remain intuitive, whereas diagnostic argumentation requires controlled and explicable reasoning about a diagnostic problem to explain the reasoning in a comprehensible and persuasive manner. We suggest three facets of argumentation for conceptualizing diagnostic argumentation, which are yet to be addressed in teacher education research:justificationof a diagnosis with evidence,disconfirmationof differential diagnoses, andtransparencyregarding the processes of evidence generation. Therefore, we explored whether preservice teachers’ diagnostic argumentation and diagnostic judgment might represent different diagnostic skills. We also explored whether justification, disconfirmation, and transparency should be considered distinct subskills of preservice teachers’ diagnostic argumentation. We reanalyzed data of 118 preservice teachers who learned about students’ learning difficulties with simulated cases. For each student case, the preservice teachers had to indicate a diagnostic judgment and provide a diagnostic argumentation. We found that preservice teachers’ diagnostic argumentation seldom involved all three facets, suggesting a need for more specific training. Moreover, the correlational results suggested that making accurate diagnostic judgments and formulating diagnostic argumentation may represent different diagnostic skills and that justification, disconfirmation, and transparency may be considered distinct subskills of diagnostic argumentation. The introduced concepts of justification, disconfirmation, and transparency may provide a starting point for developing standards in diagnostic argumentation in teacher education.
Resveratrol enhances A1 and hinders A2A adenosine receptors signaling in both HeLa and SH-SY5Y cells: Potential mechanism of its antitumoral action
Authors: Muñoz-López Sonia , Sánchez-Melgar Alejandro , Martín Mairena , Albasanz José Luis
Published: November 2022

Despite great efforts, effective treatment against cancer has not yet been found. However, natural compounds such as the polyphenol resveratrol have emerged as promising preventive agent in cancer therapy. The mode of action of resveratrol is still poorly understood, but it can modulate many signaling pathways related to the initiation and progression of cancer. Adenosinergic signaling may be involved in the antitumoral action of resveratrol since resveratrol binds to the orthosteric binding site of adenosine A2A receptors and acts as a non-selective agonist for adenosine receptors. In the present study, we measured the impact of resveratrol treatment on different adenosinergic pathway components (i.e. adenosine receptors levels, 5’-nucleotidase, adenosine deaminase, and adenylyl cyclase activities, protein kinase A levels, intracellular adenosine and other related metabolites levels) and cell viability and proliferation in HeLa and SH-SY5Y cell lines. Results revealed changes leading to turning off cAMP signaling such as decreased levels of A2A receptors and reduced adenylyl cyclase activation, increased levels of A1 receptors and increased adenylyl cyclase inhibition, and lower levels of PKA. All these changes could contribute to the antitumoral action of resveratrol. Interestingly, these effects were almost identical in HeLa and SH-SY5Y cells suggesting that resveratrol enhances A1 and hinders A2A adenosine receptors signaling as part of a potential mechanism of antitumoral action.
Iodine content of frequently used prenatal and adult multivitamins in Switzerland
Authors: Gfeller Mandy , Colque Gentiane , Kopp Peter A.
Published: November 2022

Background

Iodine is essential for the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones, which are crucial for intrauterine growth and fetal neurocognitive development. Iodine requirements increase during pregnancy and lactation. The World Health Organization and the Swiss Confederation recommend a total daily iodine intake of 250 µg of iodine during preconception, pregnancy and lactation. To assure this goal, several professional organizations recommend complementing the nutritional iodine intake with supplements containing 150 μg of iodine daily.

Methods

Prenatal and adult multivitamins widely available in Switzerland were compiled to determine their iodine content. Obstetricians verified that the list includes the most frequently prescribed supplements in Switzerland.

Results

A total of 44 adult multivitamin supplements were identified, 23 of which are specifically intended for women planning pregnancy, pregnant, or breastfeeding. Seven out of 23 (30.4%) prenatal multivitamins products, and 12/21 (57.1%) adult multivitamins contained no iodine. Among all the products, only 18/44 (40.9%) contain 150 µg of iodine or more.

Conclusion

Several widely used products contain no or insufficient amounts (<150 ug) of iodine. Providers need to be informed about the variability in iodine content of supplements and established recommendations, and manufacturers of prenatal supplements should assure that their products contain iodine in adequate amounts.
Applying the natural transform iterative technique for fractional high-dimension equations of acoustic waves
Authors: Zada Laiq , Ali Nasir , Nawaz Rashid , Jamshed Wasim , Eid Mohamed R. , Tag El Din El Sayed M. , Khalifa Hamiden Abd El- Wahed , ElSeabee Fayza Abdel Aziz
Published: November 2022

In the present study, the natural transform iterative method (NTIM) has been implemented for the solution of a fractional Zakharavo–Kuznetsov (FZK) equation. NTIM is a relatively new technique for handling non-linear fractional differential equations. The method is tested upon the two non-linear FZK equalities. The solution of the proposed technique has been compared with the existing perturbation–iteration algorithm (PIA) method and residual power series method (RPSM). From the numerical results, it is clear that the method handles non-linear differential equations very suitably and provides the results in very closed accord with the accurate solution. As a result, the NTIM approach is regarded as one of the finest analytical techniques for solving fractional-order linear and non-linear problems.
How top managers’ sport experience exploits environmental proactivity in state-owned enterprises.
Authors: Zhang Jing , Pan Pengyuan , Pan Jianhua , Feng Yuan
Published: November 2022

Combining the perspectives of upper echelon theory and institutional theory, we investigate how top managers’ sport experience exploits corporate environmental proactivity in China and embed this question into state ownership. With the sample of Chinese listing enterprises from 2008 to 2018, we find that both sport experience and state ownership positively promote corporate environmental proactivity, while state ownership crowds out the promotion of top managers’ sport experience. Further analyses show that position and financial experience of top manager as well as corporate investing efficiency and location matter in these processes. Thus, we extend the understanding of how top managers’ sport experience and state ownership interact and influence corporate environmental proactivity. We, therefore, provide new instruments to promote corporate environmental proactivity and, respectively, extend upper echelon theory from the perspective of top managers’ sport experience as well as institutional theory from the perspective of state ownership.
Fertile Island Effect by Three Typical Woody Plants on Wetlands of Ebinur Lake, northwestern China
Authors: Zhang Yabei , Wang Hengfang , Cai Yan , Yang Qi , Lv Guanghui
Published: November 2022

Desertification poses a permanent threat to the security of arid ecosystems. Perennial arid vegetation plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of arid ecosystems and slowing the process of desertification by forming “fertile islands” under the tree canopy. However, the process of formation and development of these fertile islands remains uncertain. Here, we explored how three typical woody plants (i.e., Populus euphratica, Haloxylon ammodendron, and Nitraria tangutorum) in the Ebinur Lake Basin of northwestern China differed in their soil nitrogen and phosphorus. 1) Significant differences of organic carbon and total and available nitrogen/phosphorus were observed in the soil among the three typical woody plant-dominated ecosystems. Populus euphratica had significant differences of N and P contents between the canopy and bare soils, except for ammonium nitrogen. 2) Our RDA analysis revealed that the major factors that influenced the soil nutrient differences among the three vegetations were plant crown width, soil water content, salinity, and pH. 3) The organic carbon content of bare soil was significantly correlated with N and P in all the three vegetations. This study contributes to our understanding of the factors that influence the fertile island effect in arid ecosystems, which may contribute to soil conservation in arid areas.
Predicting the occurrence of short-chain PFAS in groundwater using machine-learned Bayesian networks
Authors: Li Runwei , MacDonald Gibson Jacqueline
Published: November 2022

In the past two decades, global manufacturing of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has shifted from long-chain compounds to short-chain alternatives in response to evidence of the health hazards of long-chain formulations. However, accumulating data indicate that short-chain PFAS also pose health risks and are highly mobile and persistent in the environment. Because short-chain PFAS are relatively new chemicals, comprehensive knowledge needed to predict their environmental fate is lacking. This study evaluated the capacity of machine-learned Bayesian networks (BNs) to predict risks of exposure to short-chain PFAS in a Minnesota region affected by PFAS releases from the 3M Cottage Grove facility. Models were trained using long-term monitoring data provided by the Minnesota Department of Health (n = 12,406), which we coupled to a comprehensive dataset created by curating 88 other variables that describe potential PFAS sources, soil and hydrogeologic characteristics, and land use. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC), a common measure of the accuracy of machine-learned classification algorithms. In addition, exposure risks were visualized spatially by coupling model predictions to a geographic information system. We found that machine-learned BN models had robust predictive performance, with AUCs above 0.96 in cross-validation. Significant risk factors identified by the BNs include distance to the 3M factory, distance to a former landfill, and areal extent of wetlands and developed land. We also found that risks of exposure to and the areal extent of perfluorosulfonic acids were greater than for perfluorocarboxylic acids with the same carbon number. The results suggest that machine-learned BNs could provide a promising screening tool for assessing short-chain PFAS exposure risks in groundwater.
Moving the needle: Employing deep reinforcement learning to push the boundaries of coarse-grained vaccine models
Authors: Faris Jonathan G. , Orbidan Daniel , Wells Charles , Petersen Brenden K. , Sprenger Kayla G.
Published: November 2022

Highly mutable infectious disease pathogens (hm-IDPs) such as HIV and influenza evolve faster than the human immune system can contain them, allowing them to circumvent traditional vaccination approaches and causing over one million deaths annually. Agent-based models can be used to simulate the complex interactions that occur between immune cells and hm-IDP-like proteins (antigens) during affinity maturation—the process by which antibodies evolve. Compared to existing experimental approaches, agent-based models offer a safe, low-cost, and rapid route to study the immune response to vaccines spanning a wide range of design variables. However, the highly stochastic nature of affinity maturation and vast sequence space of hm-IDPs render brute force searches intractable for exploring all pertinent vaccine design variables and the subset of immunization protocols encompassed therein. To address this challenge, we employed deep reinforcement learning to drive a recently developed agent-based model of affinity maturation to focus sampling on immunization protocols with greater potential to improve the chosen metrics of protection, namely the broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) titers or fraction of bnAbs produced. Using this approach, we were able to coarse-grain a wide range of vaccine design variables and explore the relevant design space. Our work offers new testable insights into how vaccines should be formulated to maximize protective immune responses to hm-IDPs and how they can be minimally tailored to account for major sources of heterogeneity in human immune responses and various socioeconomic factors. Our results indicate that the first 3 to 5 immunizations, depending on the metric of protection, should be specially tailored to achieve a robust protective immune response, but that beyond this point further immunizations require only subtle changes in formulation to sustain a durable bnAb response.
Oncolytic virus driven T-cell-based combination immunotherapy platform for colorectal cancer
Authors: Crupi Mathieu J. F. , Taha Zaid , Janssen Thijs J. A. , Petryk Julia , Boulton Stephen , Alluqmani Nouf , Jirovec Anna , Kassas Omar , Khan Sarwat T. , Vallati Sydney , Lee Emily , Huang Ben Zhen , Huh Michael , Pikor Larissa , He Xiaohong , Marius Ricardo , Austin Bradley , Duong Jessie , Pelin Adrian , Neault Serge , Azad Taha , Breitbach Caroline J. , Stojdl David F. , Burgess Michael F. , McComb Scott , Auer Rebecca , Diallo Jean-Simon , Ilkow Carolina S. , Bell John Cameron
Published: November 2022

Colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, highlighting an urgent need for new therapeutic options and combination strategies for patients. The orchestration of potent T cell responses against human cancers is necessary for effective antitumour immunity. However, regression of a limited number of cancers has been induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors, T cell engagers (TCEs) and/or oncolytic viruses. Although one TCE has been FDA-approved for the treatment of hematological malignancies, many challenges exist for the treatment of solid cancers. Here, we show that TCEs targeting CEACAM5 and CD3 stimulate robust activation of CD4 and CD8-positive T cells in in vitro co-culture models with colorectal cancer cells, but in vivo efficacy is hindered by a lack of TCE retention in the tumour microenvironment and short TCE half-life, as demonstrated by HiBiT bioluminescent TCE-tagging technology. To overcome these limitations, we engineered Bispecific Engager Viruses, or BEVirs, a novel tumour-targeted vaccinia virus platform for intra-tumour delivery of these immunomodulatory molecules. We characterized virus-mediated TCE-secretion, TCE specificity and functionality from infected colorectal cancer cells and patient tumour samples, as well as TCE cytotoxicity in spheroid models, in the presence and absence of T cells. Importantly, we show regression of colorectal tumours in both syngeneic and xenograft mouse models. Our data suggest that a different profile of cytokines may contribute to the pro-inflammatory and immune effects driven by T cells in the tumour microenvironment to provide long-lasting immunity and abscopal effects. We establish combination regimens with immune checkpoint inhibitors for aggressive colorectal peritoneal metastases. We also observe a significant reduction in lung metastases of colorectal tumours through intravenous delivery of our oncolytic virus driven T-cell based combination immunotherapy to target colorectal tumours and FAP-positive stromal cells or CTLA4-positive Treg cells in the tumour microenvironment. In summary, we devised a novel combination strategy for the treatment of colorectal cancers using oncolytic vaccinia virus to enhance immune-payload delivery and boost T cell responses within tumours.
Anti-inflammatory mechanisms and pharmacological actions of phycocyanobilin in a mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: A therapeutic promise for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Marín-Prida Javier , Pavón-Fuentes Nancy , Lagumersindez-Denis Nielsen , Camacho-Rodríguez Hanlet , García-Soca Ana Margarita , Sarduy-Chávez Rocío de la Caridad , Vieira Érica Leandro Marciano , Carvalho-Tavares Juliana , Falcón-Cama Viviana , Fernández-Massó Julio Raúl , Hernández-González Ignacio , Martínez-Donato Gillian , Guillén-Nieto Gerardo , Pentón-Arias Eduardo , Teixeira Mauro Martins , Pentón-Rol Giselle
Published: November 2022

Cytokines, demyelination and neuroaxonal degeneration in the central nervous system are pivotal elements implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and its nonclinical model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Phycocyanobilin (PCB), a chromophore of the biliprotein C-Phycocyanin (C-PC) from Spirulina platensis, has antioxidant, immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory effects in this disease, and it could complement the effect of other Disease Modifying Treatments (DMT), such as Interferon-β (IFN-β). Here, our main goal was to evaluate the potential PCB benefits and its mechanisms of action to counteract the chronic EAE in mice. MOG35-55-induced EAE was implemented in C57BL/6 female mice. Clinical signs, pro-inflammatory cytokines levels by ELISA, qPCR in the brain and immunohistochemistry using precursor/mature oligodendrocytes cells antibodies in the spinal cord, were assessed. PCB enhanced the neurological condition, and waned the brain concentrations of IL-17A and IL-6, pro-inflammatory cytokines, in a dose-dependent manner. A down- or up-regulating activity of PCB at 1 mg/kg was identified in the brain on three (LINGO1, NOTCH1, and TNF-α), and five genes (MAL, CXCL12, MOG, OLIG1, and NKX2-2), respectively. Interestingly, a reduction of demyelination, active microglia/macrophages density, and axonal damage was detected along with an increase in oligodendrocyte precursor cells and mature oligodendrocytes, when assessed the spinal cords of EAE mice that took up PCB. The studies in vitro in rodent encephalitogenic T cells and in vivo in the EAE mouse model with the PCB/IFN-β combination, showed an enhanced positive effect of this combined therapy. Overall, these results demonstrate the anti-inflammatory activity and the protective properties of PCB on the myelin and support its use with IFN-β as an improved DMT combination for MS.
Immune niches orchestrated by intestinal mesenchymal stromal cells lining the crypt-villus
Authors: Sun Hongxiang , Tan Jianmei , Chen Hongqian , Wu Ningbo , Su Bing
Published: November 2022

The mammalian intestine is an organ that can be spatially defined by two axes: longitudinal and vertical. Such anatomical structure ensures the maintenance of a relatively immuno-quiescent and proliferation-promoting crypt for intestinal stem cell differentiation while actively warding off the invading intestinal microbes at the villus tip during digestion and nutrient absorption. Such behavior is achieved by the fine coordination among intestinal epithelial cells, intestinal mesenchymal stromal cells and tissue-resident immune cells like myeloid cells and lymphocytes. Among these cell types resided in the colon, intestinal mesenchymal stromal cells are considered to be the essential link between epithelium, vasculature, neuronal system, and hematopoietic compartment. Recent advancement of single cell and spatial transcriptomics has enabled us to characterize the spatial and functional heterogeneity of intestinal mesenchymal stromal cells. These studies reveal distinctive intestinal mesenchymal stromal cells localized in different regions of the intestine with diverse functions including but not limited to providing cytokines and growth factors essential for different immune cells and epithelial cells which predict niche formation for immune function from the villus tip to the crypt bottom. In this review, we aim to provide an overall view of the heterogeneity of intestinal mesenchymal stromal cells, the spatial distribution of these cells along with their interaction with immune cells and the potential regulatory cytokine profile of these cell types. Summarization of such information may enrich our current understanding of the immuno-regulatory functions of the newly identified mesenchymal stromal cell subsets beyond their epithelial regulatory function.
Autoimmunity: Are we asking the right question?
Authors: Matzinger Polly
Published: November 2022

For decades, the main question immunologists have asked about autoimmunity is “what causes a break in self-tolerance?” We have not found good answers to that question, and I believe we are still so ignorant because it’s the wrong question. Rather than a break in self-tolerance, I suggest that many autoimmune diseases might be due to defects in normal tissue physiology.
Low dose versus standard dose rituximab for the treatment of antiphospholipid syndrome: A pilot study from a tertiary medical center
Authors: Gan Yuzhou , Zhong Xue , Zhao Yawei , Li Gongming , Ye Hua , Li Chun
Published: November 2022

Background

To investigate the therapeutic effects and safety of low-dose and standard-dose rituximab (RTX) in the treatment of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

Methods

In this real-world study, we included 22 consecutive patients with APS who received RTX. Standard dose (SD) was defined as an overall dosage of RTX ≥ 1000mg in the induction period, and low dose (LD) was defined as an overall dosage of RTX <1000mg.

Results

Of included patients, 1 patients died, 2 patients withdrew and 19 patients completed 6-month follow-up. Nine patients received SD-RTX and 13 patients received LD-RTX, and elder patients [LD-RTX vs. SD-RTX: (49.1 ± 15.5) vs. (35.8 ± 12.3) years, p = 0.044] and patients with later-onset [LD-RTX vs. SD-RTX: (46.8 ± 16.3) vs. (31.3 ± 13.6) years, p = 0.029] were more frequently included in LD-RTX than SD-RTX. Following 6 month RTX treatment, 8 patients (42.1%) achieved complete remission, 8 patients (42.1%) achieved partial remission and 3 patients (15.8%) showed no remission. The titers of anticardiolipin antibodies [baseline vs. 6 months: 30.8 (10.7, 90) vs. 19.5 (2.45, 69.10) U/L, p = 0.023] and the levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate [baseline vs. 6 months: 29 (6, 63) vs. '6 (3, 14) mm/h, p = 0.021] exhibited a significantly decrease in all APS patients. Remission rate and titers of anti-β2-glycoprotein I and lupus anticoagulant did not differ significantly between two groups.

Conclusion

RTX might be a safe and effective option for patients with APS, and low dose confers equal efficacy as standard dose. Further cohort studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Bacterial polyphosphates induce CXCL4 and synergize with complement anaphylatoxin C5a in lung injury
Authors: Roewe Julian , Walachowski Sarah , Sharma Arjun , Berthiaume Kayleigh A. , Reinhardt Christoph , Bosmann Markus
Published: November 2022

Polyphosphates are linear polymers of inorganic phosphates that exist in all living cells and serve pleiotropic functions. Bacteria produce long-chain polyphosphates, which can interfere with host defense to infection. In contrast, short-chain polyphosphates are released from platelet dense granules and bind to the chemokine CXCL4.

Here, we report that long-chain polyphosphates induced the release of CXCL4 from mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages and peritoneal macrophages in a dose-/time-dependent fashion resulting from an induction of CXCL4 mRNA. This polyphosphate effect was lost after pre-incubation with recombinant exopolyphosphatase (PPX) Fc fusion protein, demonstrating the potency of long chains over monophosphates and ambient cations. In detail, polyphosphate chains >70 inorganic phosphate residues were required to reliably induce CXCL4. Polyphosphates acted independently of the purinergic P2Y1 receptor and the MyD88/TRIF adaptors of Toll-like receptors. On the other hand, polyphosphates augmented LPS/MyD88-induced CXCL4 release, which was explained by intracellular signaling convergence on PI3K/Akt. Polyphosphates induced Akt phosphorylation at threonine-308. Pharmacologic blockade of PI3K (wortmannin, LY294002) antagonized polyphosphate-induced CXCL4 release from macrophages. Intratracheal polyphosphate administration to C57BL/6J mice caused histologic signs of lung injury, disruption of the endothelial-epithelial barrier, influx of Ly6G+ polymorphonuclear neutrophils, depletion of CD11c+SiglecF+ alveolar macrophages, and release of CXCL4. Long-chain polyphosphates synergized with the complement anaphylatoxin, C5a, which was partly explained by upregulation of C5aR1 on myeloid cells. C5aR1-/- mice were protected from polyphosphate-induced lung injury. C5a generation occurred in the lungs and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of polyphosphate-treated C57BL/6J mice. In conclusion, we demonstrate that polyphosphates govern immunomodulation in macrophages and promote acute lung injury.
Helicoverpa genus on the edge of the continental U.S.: Flight phenology, analysis of hybrid presence, and insecticide performance in high-input field crops in Puerto Rico
Authors: Flores-Rivera Xiomara L. , Paula-Moraes Silvana V. , Johnson James W. , Jack Cameron J. , Perera Omaththage P.
Published: November 2022

The genus Helicoverpa includes several agricultural pests globally. Helicoverpa armigera was reported in several countries in South America in 2013, and in Puerto Rico, in 2014. This territory is considered an agricultural hub, with a high-input system of seed production in the southern region of the island, and also at the edge of the continental U.S. Possible natural dispersion of populations of H. armigera from the Caribbean or other Central American regions poses a continuing risk to the U.S. This study was performed during the post-detection scenario of H. armigera in Puerto Rico, from 2018 to 2021. A year-round pheromone trapping program of adult males indicated an increase in the population from October to March and differences in the occurrence of Helicoverpa spp. between the municipalities Juan Diaz and Salinas. The proportion of H. armigera/H. zea and detection of congeneric hybrids between these species were assessed based on genital morphology and DNA analysis. Interestingly, neither H. armigera nor expected hybrids were detected in the present study. The susceptibility of H. zea populations to the insecticides Spinetoram, Emamectin benzoate, Chlorantraniliprole, and Esfenvalerate was assessed, and an overall significant effect of insecticide susceptibility was detected. Chlorantraniliprole and Emamectin benzoate had the highest efficacy. These results contribute to the Integrated Pest Management and Insect resistance management programs to Helicoverpa spp. in Puerto Rico. In addition, provide validated information to be considered in mitigation plans, in the scenario of an invasion of H. armigera in the continental U.S.
Factors governing seawater carbonate dynamics in a macroalgal habitat
Authors: Kim Ja-Myung , Lee Kitack , Han In-Seong , Kim Miok , Kim Ju-Hyoung , Kim Tae-Hoon , Kim HyunKyum , Jeon Byung Hee , Shin Kyoungsoon
Published: November 2022

Photosynthetic organisms shift the dynamics of surface pCO2 driven by the sea surface temperature change (thermodynamic driver) by assimilating inorganic C from seawater. Here we measured net C uptake in a macroalgal habitat of coastal Korea for two years (2019-2020) and found that the macroalgal habitat contributed 5.8 g C m−2 month−1 of the net C uptake during the growing period (the cooling period, September−May). This massive C uptake changed the thermodynamics-driven seasonal dynamics such that the air−sea equilibrium of pCO2 was pushed into disequilibrium. The surface pCO2 dynamics during the cooling period was mostly influenced by the seasonal decrease in temperature and the proliferation of macroalgae, while the dynamics during the warming period (the stagnant period, June−August) closely followed that predicted based solely on the change in sea surface temperature (thermodynamic driver). In contrast to the phytoplankton-dominated off-shore waters (where phytoplankton populations are large in spring and summer), the impact of coastal macroalgae on surface pCO2 dynamics was most pronounced during the cooling period, when the magnitude of pCO2 change was as much as twice that resulting from temperature change. Our study shows that the distinctive features of the macroalgal habitat—in particular the seasonal temperature extremes (~18°C difference), the active macroalgal metabolism, and anthropogenic nutrient inputs—collectively influenced the seasonal decoupling of seawater and air pCO2 dynamics.
Retroperitoneal alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma intruding into spinal canal: A case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Yongbai , Huang Wenpeng , Li Liming , Qiu Yongkang , Jiao Hao , Chen Zhao , Yang Qi , Song Lele , Kang Lei
Published: November 2022

Background

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most frequent soft sarcoma in children and adolescents. Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) is a relatively rare subtype that is characterized by aggressive behavior and an unsatisfactory prognosis. An ARMS can arise anywhere but most commonly occurs at extremity sites with a very small fraction in the retroperitoneum. The utility of 2-Deoxy-2-[fluorine-18]-fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT) remains to be established in ARMS.

Case Report

A 3-year-old female child was accidentally found with a large left upper abdominal mass for a day. CT examination indicated a huge soft tissue mass in the left retroperitoneum extending superiorly to the level of the left hilus renalis and inferiorly to the left acetabulum in the pelvic cavity, with intrusion into the lumbar foramens. 18F-FDG PET/CT found a mass in the left retroperitoneum from the level of T12 to the left acetabulum, with the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of about 7.0, and a CT value of about 39 HU, invading the left L3-5 intervertebral foramina and protruding into the spinal canal, with unclear boundary with the spinal cord. Retroperitoneal tumor resection and the repair operation of vascular exploration were performed. An ARMS was confirmed by postoperative biopsy, immunohistochemical staining, and genetic detection with the rupture of the fork head in rhabdomyosarcoma (FKHR). The patient received chemotherapy and was in a good condition with no recurrence and obvious complications.

Conclusion

Retroperitoneal ARMS is rare and indicates a poor outcome with the potential to involve vital organs and intrude into the spinal canal. Accurate diagnosis and staging using PET/CT would contribute to better risk stratifications and appropriate treatment individually.
Fecal microbiota transplantation in irritable bowel syndrome: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Samuthpongtorn Chatpol , Kantagowit Piyawat , Pittayanon Rapat , Patcharatrakul Tanisa , Gonlachanvit Sutep
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been proposed as a potential treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); however, the consensus regarding its efficacy and safety is limited.

Materials and Methods

We performed a systematic search of the literature using PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE, and Cochrane. Meta-analyses were conducted in relative risk (RR) or standard mean difference (SMD) using 95% confidence intervals (CI). Cochrane risk-of-bias 2 tool (RoB2) was employed to evaluate the study quality.

Result

Of 2,589 potential records, 7 studies with 9 cohorts involving 505 participants were included. Meta-analyses showed no significant difference in the short-term (12 weeks) and long-term (12 months) global improvement of IBS symptoms of FMT vs. placebo (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.39–1.00 and RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.53–1.45, respectively). There were statistically significant differences of short-term IBS-SSS improvement (SMD –0.58, 95% CI –1.09 to –0.88) and short-term IBS-QoL improvement (SMD 0.67, 95% CI 0.43–0.91). Eight from 9 studies (88.9%) had a low risk of bias. The subgroup analysis revealed the short-term global symptoms improvement in studies with low-risk of bias (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.35–0.81), studies with well-defined donors (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.14–0.72), and studies with FMT using colonoscopy (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.47–0.92). Major FMT adverse events are transient and rapidly self-limiting.

Conclusion

FMT significantly improved IBS-SSS and IBS-QoL in the short-term period in IBS patients. However, global symptom improvement showed no significance. Well-defined donors and appropriate fecal administration routes appear to be important factors for the successful outcomes of FMT in IBS.

Systematic review registration

[www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero], identifier [CRD42021246101].
Effect of Yijinjing combined with elastic band exercise on muscle mass and function in middle-aged and elderly patients with prediabetes: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Huang Yunda , Han Junhua , Gu Qing , Cai Yanwei , Li Jingyuan , Wang Shasha , Wang Suijun , Wang Ru , Liu Xiangyun
Published: November 2022

Introduction

This study investigated the effect of Yijinjing combined with elastic band exercise on muscle mass and muscle function in patients with prediabetes.

Methods

This study was a randomized controlled trial designed in parallel (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2000039049). Participants with prediabetes (n = 47) were randomly divided into control (n = 21, 63.5 ± 4.7 years,16 females) and exercise (n = 26, 62.0 ± 5.0 years, 20 females) groups. The former maintained their original lifestyle, and the latter received Yijinjing combined with elastic band exercise five times a week for 6 months. All the outcome measures were assessed immediately at baseline, after 3- and 6-month intervention.

Results

After 6-month of the exercise, the body weight, body mass index, leg fat mass, gynoid fat mass, and total body fat mass in exercise group were significantly decreased compared with those at baseline (p < 0.05). Compared with those at baseline, total lean mass decreased at 3 and 6 months in both groups. The total muscle mass loss in the exercise group was always less than that in control group at all time periods, but the difference was not statistically significant. Handgrip strength, gait speed, reaction time, leg power, eye-closed and single-legged standing, and sit-and-reach were significantly improved for the exercise group at 3 and 6 months (p < 0.05). Gait speed and reaction time between both groups at 3 and 6 months were significant different (p < 0.05), and leg power at 6 months (p < 0.05). Compared with baseline, the reaction time of control group at six months was significantly improved (p < 0.05), and no other significant changes were observed. Compared with those at baseline, fasting plasma glucose, 2-h post-meal plasma glucose, fasting insulin, total cholesterol, and insulin resistance index in exercise group gradually decreased, and growth hormone was gradually increased with significance at 6 months (p < 0.05). 25-hydroxyvitamin D gradually and significantly increased in both groups at 3 and 6 months (p < 0.05). But two groups’ testosterone levels weren’t significant change.

Conclusion

Yijinjing combined with elastic band exercise can substantially reduce the body weight and body fat content of middle-aged and elderly patients with Prediabetes, improve muscle function and growth hormone secretion, and delay muscle mass reduction and diabetes development.

Clinical trial registration

[http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=62753], identifier [ChiCTR2000039049].
Development of an imaging system for visualization of Ebola virus glycoprotein throughout the viral lifecycle
Authors: Furuyama Wakako , Sakaguchi Miako , Yamada Kento , Nanbo Asuka
Published: November 2022

Ebola virus (EBOV) causes severe EBOV disease (EVD) in humans and non-human primates. Currently, limited countermeasures are available, and the virus must be studied in biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) laboratories. EBOV glycoprotein (GP) is a single transmembrane protein responsible for entry into host cells and is the target of multiple approved drugs. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the intracellular dynamics of GP during EBOV lifecycle are poorly understood. In this study, we developed a novel GP monitoring system using transcription- and replication-competent virus-like particles (trVLPs) that enables the modeling of the EBOV lifecycle under BSL-2 conditions. We constructed plasmids to generate trVLPs containing the coding sequence of EBOV GP, in which the mucin-like domain (MLD) was replaced with fluorescent proteins. The generated trVLP efficiently replicated over multiple generations was similar to the wild type trVLP. Furthermore, we confirmed that the novel trVLP system enabled real-time visualization of GP throughout the trVLP replication cycle and exhibited intracellular localization similar to that of wild type GP. In summary, this novel monitoring system for GP will enable the characterization of the molecular mechanism of the EBOV lifecycle and can be applied for the development of therapeutics against EVD.
Antimicrobial potency, prevention ability, and killing efficacy of daptomycin-loaded versus vancomycin-loaded β-tricalcium phosphate/calcium sulfate for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms
Authors: Zhang Xin , Chen Peng , Wan Hao-yang , Zhu Run-jiu , Zhou Yue , Song Ming-rui , Jiang Nan , Yu Bin
Published: November 2022

Growing evidence has shown that the efficacy of systemic administration of daptomycin for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-related infections is satisfactory. However, the clinical efficacy of the local administration of daptomycin for the management of osteoarticular infections remains unclear. This in vitro study compared the efficacy of daptomycin and vancomycin against MRSA biofilms. The elution kinetics of daptomycin and vancomycin, combined with gentamicin and loaded with either β-tricalcium phosphate/calcium sulfate or calcium sulfate, in the presence of MRSA infection, was assessed. Their efficacy in preventing biofilm formation and killing pre-formed biofilms was assessed using colony-forming unit count and confocal laser scanning microscopy. In addition, the efficacy of daptomycin, vancomycin, and gentamicin in prophylaxis and eradication of MRSA biofilms was also evaluated. Daptomycin + gentamicin and vancomycin + gentamicin displayed similar antimicrobial potency against MRSA, by either β-tricalcium phosphate/calcium sulfate or calcium sulfate. In the prevention assays, both daptomycin + gentamicin and vancomycin + gentamicin showed similar efficacy in preventing bacterial colony formation, with approximately 6 logs lower colony-forming units than those in the control group at both 1 and 3  days. The killing effect on pre-formed biofilms showed significant decreases of approximately 4 logs at 1 and 3  days following treatment with daptomycin + gentamicin and vancomycin + gentamicin. In addition, the confocal laser scanning microscopy results support the colony-forming unit data. Moreover, single use of vancomycin and gentamicin showed similar efficacies in preventing and killing MRSA biofilms, both of which were better than that of gentamicin. Our study demonstrated that vancomycin + gentamicin and daptomycin + gentamicin loaded with β-tricalcium phosphate/calcium sulfate or calcium sulfate showed similar prophylactic and killing effects on MRSA biofilms, implying a potential indication of local administration daptomycin for the treatment of MRSA-associated osteoarticular infections, especially if vancomycin administration presents limitations.
Soil properties rather than plant diversity mediate the response of soil bacterial community to N and P additions in an alpine meadow
Authors: Lin Zhenrong , Shi Lina , Wei Xiaoting , Han Bing , Peng Cuoji , Yao Zeying , Xiao Qing , Lu Xinmin , Deng Yanfang , Zhou Huakun , Liu Kesi , Shao Xinqing
Published: November 2022

The alpine meadow on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, which is susceptible to global climate change and human activities, is subject to nutrient addition such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) to enhance soil available nutrients and ecosystem productivity. Soil bacterial community partly drivers the effects of nutrient additions on ecosystem processes, whereas the factors influencing N and P additions on bacterial community in alpine meadows are not well documented. We conducted a N and P addition experiment in an alpine meadow ecosystem on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau with four treatments: untreated control (CK), N addition (N), P addition (P), and NP addition (NP). We employed a high-throughput Illumina Miseq sequencing technology to investigate the response of soil bacterial community to short-term N and P additions. N and P additions decreased soil bacterial richness (OTU numbers and Chao 1 index), and P addition decreased soil bacterial diversity (Shannon and Simpson indices). N addition directly induced the change of soil NH4+−N, and decreased plant diversity. The N and P additions reduced soil bacterial community diversity, whose response was independent with plant diversity. Additionally, nutrient additions altered soil bacterial community composition, which were highly correlated with soil properties (i.e. pH, NH4+−N, and TP) as shown by RDA. Consistently, structural equation modeling results revealed that N addition indirectly acted on soil bacterial community through altering soil available nutrients and pH, while P addition indirectly affected bacterial community by increasing soil P availability. These findings imply that more attention should be paid to soil properties in regulating belowground biodiversity process in alpine meadows under future environmental change scenario.
Isolation and characterization of novel Fusobacterium nucleatum bacteriophages
Authors: Wang Yue , Liu Zhitong , Chen Qian , Yi Liqi , Xu Zihao , Cai Mufeng , Qin Jinhong , Zhang Yan , Du Guanhuan , Hong Jie , Guo Xiaokui , Liu Chang
Published: November 2022

Fusobacterium nucleatum is a strictly anaerobic, Gram-negative bacterial species that is a member of the commensal flora in the oral cavity and gut. Recent studies suggested that the increase of abundance is associated with the development of various diseases, among which colorectal cancer is of the biggest concerns. Phage therapy is regarded as a potential approach to control the number of F. nucleatum, which may contribute to the prevention and treatment of related diseases. In this study, we isolated five isolates of bacteriophage targeting F. nucleatum. The morphological, biological, genomic and functional characteristics of five bacteriophages were investigated. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that JD-Fnp1 ~ JD-Fnp5 are all myoviruses. The size of the JD-Fnp1 ~ JD-Fnp5 genomes was 180,066 bp (JD-Fnp1), 41,329 bp (JD-Fnp2), 38,962 bp (JD-Fnp3), 180,231 bp (JD-Fnp4), and 41,353 bp (JD-Fnp5) respectively. The biological features including pH and heat stability, host range, growth characteristics of JD-Fnp1 ~ JD-Fnp5 displayed different patterns. Among them, JD-Fnp4 is considered to have the greatest clinical application value. The identification and characterization of JD-Fnp1 ~ JD-Fnp5 provides a basis for subsequent therapeutic strategy exploration of F. nucleatum-related diseases.
Transcription factor MAFB controls type I and II interferon response-mediated host immunity in Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected macrophages
Authors: Hikichi Haruka , Seto Shintaro , Wakabayashi Keiko , Hijikata Minako , Keicho Naoto
Published: November 2022

MAFB, v-maf avian musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog B, has been identified as a candidate gene for early tuberculosis (TB) onset in Thai and Japanese populations. Here, we investigated the genome-wide transcriptional profiles of MAFB-knockdown (KD) macrophages infected withMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) to highlight the potential role of MAFB in host immunity against TB. Gene expression analysis revealed impaired type I and type II interferon (IFN) responses and enhanced oxidative phosphorylation in MAFB-KD macrophages infected withMtb. The expression of inflammatory chemokines, including IFN-γ-inducible genes, was confirmed to be significantly reduced by knockdown of MAFB duringMtbinfection. A similar effect of MAFB knockdown on type I and type II IFN responses and oxidative phosphorylation was also observed whenMtb-infected macrophages were activated by IFN-γ. Taken together, our results demonstrate that MAFB is involved in the immune response and metabolism inMtb-infected macrophages, providing new insight into MAFB as a candidate gene to guide further study to control TB.
The relationship between pelvic floor functions and vaginal microbiota in 6–8 weeks postpartum women
Authors: Zhang Yakun , Yang He , Lin Li , Yang Wenlan , Xiong Guangwu , Gao Guolan
Published: November 2022

The impairment of pelvic floor muscle functions and Lactobacillus-deficient vaginal microbiota is common in postpartum women. However, few studies have explored the correlation between pelvic floor muscle functions and vaginal microbiota. Given this research gap, our study aims to investigate any potential association between these two conditions of postpartum women (6–8 weeks after childbirth). A total of 230 women who required postpartum pelvic floor function examination at Peking University International Hospital from December 2021 to April 2022 were enrolled in this study. The collected questionnaire information included progestational weight, body mass index (BMI), weight gain during pregnancy, neonatal weight, delivery type, multiparity, postpartum time, and urinary incontinence (UI). A total of 187 samples of vaginal secretions were collected, and the vaginal microbiota was detected by 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Finally, 183 samples were analyzed in the trial. All individuals were divided into two groups according to the results of pelvic floor muscle assessment to explore the difference between the incidence of postpartum urinary incontinence and vaginal microbiota. We found that the prevalence of UI was higher in the group with weakened pelvic floor muscles. Vaginal delivery, overweight, age, neonatal weight, and weight gain during pregnancy were all risk factors for postpartum urinary incontinence. The vaginal microbiome was no longer Lactobacillus dominant of most postpartum women (91.8%), while the diversity of microbiota increased. The Lactobacillus-deficient community, commonly labeled as community state type (CST) IV, was sub-divided into four communities. The abundance of vaginal Lactobacillus decreased in the group with compromised pelvic muscle functions, while the species richness and diversity increased significantly. In conclusion, the decreased pelvic floor muscle functions of postpartum women 6–8 weeks after delivery may disrupt the balance of vaginal microbiota, and the restoration of pelvic floor functions may contribute to a healthy and balanced vaginal microbiota.