bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparable efficacy and safety between intracardiac echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography for percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Yuan , Li Feng , Zhang Jie , Zhang Lei , Liu Huan-Huan , Zhao Ning , Yang Fan , Kong Qi , Zhou Yi-Ting , Qian Ling-Ling , Wang Ru-Xing
Published: May 2023

Background

Accumulated clinical studies utilized intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) to guide percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). However, its procedural success and safety compared to traditional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) remained elusive. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to compare efficacy and safety of ICE and TEE for LAAO.

Methods

We screened studies from four online databases (including the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science) from their inception to 1 December 2022. We used a random or fixed-effect model to synthesize the clinical outcomes and conducted a subgroup analysis to identify the potential confounding factors.

Results

A total of twenty eligible studies with 3,610 atrial fibrillation (AF) patients (1,564 patients for ICE and 2,046 patients for TEE) were enrolled. Compared with TEE group, there was no significant difference in procedural success rate [risk ratio (RR) = 1.01;P = 0.171], total procedural time [weighted mean difference (WMD) = −5.58;P = 0.292], contrast volume (WMD = −2.61;P = 0.595), fluoroscopic time (WMD = −0.34;P = 0.705;I2 = 82.80%), procedural complications (RR = 0.82;P = 0.261), and long-term adverse events (RR = 0.86;P = 0.329) in the ICE group. Subgroup analysis revealed that ICE group might be associated with the reduction of contrast use and fluoroscopic time in the hypertension proportion <90 subgroup, with lower total procedure time, contrast volume, and the fluoroscopic time in device type subgroup with multi-seal mechanism, and with the lower contrast use in paroxysmal AF (PAF) proportion ≤50 subgroup. Whereas, ICE group might increase the total procedure time in PAF proportion >50 subgroup and contrast use in multi-center subgroup, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that ICE may have comparable efficacy and safety compared to TEE for LAAO.
Drug discovery and development: introduction to the general public and patient groups
Authors: Singh Natesh , Vayer Philippe , Tanwar Shivalika , Poyet Jean-Luc , Tsaioun Katya , Villoutreix Bruno O.
Published: May 2023

Finding new drugs usually consists of five main stages: 1) a pre-discovery stage in which basic research is performed to try to understand the mechanisms leading to diseases and propose possible targets (e.g., proteins); 2) the drug discovery stage, during which scientists search for molecules (two main large families, small molecules and biologics) or other therapeutic strategies that interfere or cure the investigated disease or at least alleviate the symptoms; 3) the preclinical development stage that focuses on clarifying the mode of action of the drug candidates, investigates potential toxicity, validates efficacy on various in vitro and in vivo models, and starts evaluate formulation; 4) the clinical stage that investigates the drug candidate in humans; 5) the reviewing, approval and post-market monitoring stage during which the drug is approved or not. In practice, finding new treatments is very challenging. Despite advances in the understanding of biological systems and the development of cutting-edge technologies, the process is still long, costly with a high attrition rate. New approaches, such as artificial intelligence and novel in vitro technologies, are being used in an attempt to rationalize R&D and bring new drugs to patients faster, but several obstacles remain. Our hope is that one day, it becomes possible to rapidly design inexpensive, more specific, more effective, non-toxic, and personalized drugs. This is a goal towards which all authors of this article have devoted most of their careers.
Investigation of hot spring gas components and soil gas fluxes in Arxan Holocene volcanic field, Inner Mongolia, NE China
Authors: Pan Xiaodong , Gu Guohui , Han Di , Bao Baoxiao , Guan Sheng , Song Yujia
Published: May 2023

The latest research results show that there is a unified magma system and heating channel beneath the Arxan volcanic field, indicating a potential risk of eruption. The Arxan volcanic field features multiple gas emission sites (e.g., Jinjianggou hot springs and Yinjianggou hot springs) and exhibits strong hydrothermal activity. In this study, measurements of the hot spring gas composition and soil CO2 flux in the Arxan Holocene volcanic field were conducted, and the results were combined with previous research results to analyze the degassing characteristics of this region. The results show that the volcanic gases in the Arxan volcanic field are composed of 0.07%–1.09% CO2, 0.33–12 ppm CH4, 1.57–53 ppm H2, 800–30,241 ppm He, and 1.14%–1.86% Ar. The He content in this area is notably higher than that in other dormant volcanoes in China. This difference is possibly caused by U–Th decay in the Mesozoic granodiorite and acidic volcanic rocks in the study area, which can produce substantial radiogenic He. The soil gas concentrations near the Jinjianggou and Yinjianggou hot springs are higher than those of two Holocene volcanoes. The peak CO2 concentration in the soil near the Jinjianggou hot spring can reach 35,161 ppm. The single-site soil microseepage CO2 flux in the Arxan volcanic field is 4.66–107.18 g m−2 d−1, and the estimated annual CO2 emission flux from the volcanic field to the atmosphere is 0.63 × 105 t, which also demonstrates that soil CO2 flux of Arxan volcano is comparable to the soil CO2 emission level of the Iwojima volcano.
Human complement component C3 N-glycome changes in type 1 diabetes complications
Authors: Šoić Dinko , Štambuk Jerko , Tijardović Marko , Keser Toma , Lauc Gordan , Bulum Tomislav , Lovrenčić Marijana Vučić , Rebrina Sandra Vučković , Tomić Martina , Novokmet Mislav , Smirčić-Duvnjak Lea , Gornik Olga
Published: May 2023

Aim

Changes in N-glycosylation have been described in numerous diseases and are being considered as biomarkers of ongoing pathological condition. Previous studies demonstrated the interrelation of N-glycosylation and type 1 diabetes (T1D), particularly linking serum N-glycan changes with complications accompanying the disease. Moreover, the role of complement component C3 in diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy has been implicated, and C3 N-glycome was found to be altered in young T1D patients. Therefore, we investigated associations between C3 N-glycan profiles and albuminuria and retinopathy accompanying T1D, as well as glycosylation connection with other known T1D complication risk factors.

Research design and methods

Complement component C3 N-glycosylation profiles have been analyzed from 189 serum samples of T1D patients (median age 46) recruited at a Croatian hospital centre. Using our recently developed high-throughput method, relative abundances of all six of the C3 glycopeptides have been determined. Assessment of C3 N-glycome interconnection with T1D complications, hypertension, smoking status, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), glycaemic control and duration of the disease was done using linear modelling.

Results

Significant changes of C3 N-glycome in severe albuminuria accompanying type 1 diabetes were observed, as well as in T1D subjects with hypertension. All except one of the C3 glycopeptides proved to be associated with measured HbA1c levels. One of the glycoforms was shown to be changed in non-proliferative T1D retinopathy. Smoking and eGFR showed no effect on C3 N-glycome. Furthermore, C3 N-glycosylation profile was shown to be independent of disease duration.

Conclusion

This study empowered the role of C3 N-glycosylation in T1D, showing value in distinguishing subjects with different diabetic complications. Being independent of the disease duration, these changes may be associated with the disease onset, making C3 N-glycome a potential novel marker of the disease progression and severity.
Effects of a novel rice-based diabetes-specific formula on postprandial glucose and gastrointestinal hormones: a double-blinded multi-arm randomized crossover trial
Authors: Chaiyakul Supat , Ketkham Narong , Chaichana Chartchai , Khumkhana Nanta , Deekum Wanjan , Wongshaya Pakwuan , Suwanmalai Thaniya , Hutchinson Carol , Pramyothin Pornpoj
Published: May 2023

Introduction

We developed a novel rice-based medical food for diabetes (MFDM) powder formula, using locally available ingredients in Thailand, which can potentially improve patient access to diabetes-specific formula (DSF) by reducing cost and improving availability.

Purpose

The goals of our studies were to 1) measure the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) of the MFDM powder formula in healthy individuals, and 2) assess postprandial glucose, insulin, satiety, hunger, and gastrointestinal (GI) hormone responses in adults with prediabetes or early type 2 diabetes after consuming MFDM in comparison with a commercially available standard formula (SF) and a DSF.

Methods

In Study 1, glycemic responses were assessed using the area under the curve (AUC), which was used to calculate GI and GL. Study 2 was a double-blinded multi-arm randomized crossover trial enrolling participants with either prediabetes or type 2 diabetes of ≤6 years. At each study visit, participants consumed either MFDM, SF, or DSF which contained 25 g of carbohydrates. Hunger and satiety were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). Glucose, insulin, and GI hormones were assessed using AUC.

Results

All participants tolerated the MFDM well with no adverse events. In Study 1, the measured GI was 39 ± 6 (low GI) and GL was 11 ± 2 (medium GL). In Study 2, glucose and insulin responses were significantly lower after MFDM compared with SF (p-value<0.01 for both), however, those responses were similar between MFDM and DSF. MFDM suppressed hunger, promoted satiety, stimulated active GLP-1, GIP, and PYY, and suppressed active ghrelin although these changes were similar to SF and DSF.

Conclusions

MFDM had a low GI and a low-to-medium GL. In people with prediabetes or early type 2 diabetes, MFDM elicited reduced glucose and insulin responses when compared with SF. Rice-based MFDM may be an option for patients who are at risk for postprandial hyperglycemia.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20210731001, identifier TCTR20210731001; https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20210730007, identifier TCTR20210730007.
Causal inference between aggressive extrathyroidal extension and survival in papillary thyroid cancer: a propensity score matching and weighting analysis
Authors: Xu Ming , Xi Zihan , Zhao Qiuyang , Yang Wen , Tan Jie , Yi Pengfei , Zhou Jun , Huang Tao
Published: May 2023

Background

Extrathyroidal extension is a major risk factor for poor prognosis in papillary thyroid cancer. However, the effect of different degrees of extrathyroidal extension on prognosis remains controversial. We performed a retrospective study to elucidate how the extent of extrathyroidal extension in papillary thyroid cancer affected the clinical prognosis of patients and its covariates.

Methods

The study included 108,426 patients with papillary thyroid cancer. We categorized the extent of extension into none, capsule, strap muscles, and other organs. Three causal inference methods for retrospective studies, namely, inverse probability of treatment weighting, standardized mortality ratio weighting, and propensity score matching analysis, were used to minimize potential selection bias. Kaplan–Meier analysis and univariate Cox regression analyses were applied to analyze the precise effect of ETE on survival in papillary thyroid cancer patients.

Results

In the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, only extrathyroidal extension into or beyond the strap muscles was statistically significant for both overall survival (OS) and thyroid cancer-specific survival (TCSS). In univariate Cox regression analyses before and after matching or weighting based on causal inference, extrathyroidal extension into soft tissues or other organs is a high-risk factor for both overall survival and thyroid cancer-specific survival. Sensitivity analysis revealed that lower overall survival was observed in patients with older age (≥55) and larger tumor size (>2 cm) of papillary thyroid cancer with extrathyroidal extension into or beyond the strap muscles.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that extrathyroidal extension into soft tissues or other organs is a high-risk factor in all papillary thyroid cancer. Even though invasion into the strap muscles did not seem to be a marker for poor prognosis, it still impaired the overall survival of patients with older age (≥55 years old) or larger tumor size (>2 cm). Further investigation is needed to confirm our results and to clarify further risk factors independent of extrathyroidal extension.
Circulating and extracellular vesicle-derived microRNAs as biomarkers in bone-related diseases
Authors: Huber Julika , Longaker Michael T. , Quarto Natalina
Published: May 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate posttranscriptional gene expression by repressing messengerRNA-targets. MiRNAs are abundant in many cell types and are secreted into extracellular fluids, protected from degradation by packaging in extracellular vesicles. These circulating miRNAs are easily accessible, disease-specific and sensitive to small changes, which makes them ideal biomarkers for diagnostic, prognostic, predictive or monitoring purposes. Specific miRNA signatures can be reflective of disease status and development or indicators of poor treatment response. This is especially important in malignant diseases, as the ease of accessibility of circulating miRNAs circumvents the need for invasive tissue biopsy. In osteogenesis, miRNAs can act either osteo-enhancing or osteo-repressing by targeting key transcription factors and signaling pathways. This review highlights the role of circulating and extracellular vesicle-derived miRNAs as biomarkers in bone-related diseases, with a specific focus on osteoporosis and osteosarcoma. To this end, a comprehensive literature search has been performed. The first part of the review discusses the history and biology of miRNAs, followed by a description of different types of biomarkers and an update of the current knowledge of miRNAs as biomarkers in bone related diseases. Finally, limitations of miRNAs biomarker research and future perspectives will be presented.
Perinatal and postnatal exposure to phthalates and early neurodevelopment at 6 months in healthy infants born at term
Authors: Lucaccioni Laura , Palandri Lucia , Passini Erica , Trevisani Viola , Calandra Buonaura Filippo , Bertoncelli Natascia , Talucci Giovanna , Ferrari Angela , Ferrari Eleonora , Predieri Barbara , Facchinetti Fabio , Iughetti Lorenzo , Righi Elena
Published: May 2023

Background

Phthalates are non-persistent chemicals largely used as plasticizers and considered ubiquitous pollutants with endocrine disrupting activity. The exposure during sensible temporal windows as pregnancy and early childhood, may influence physiological neurodevelopment.

Aims and Scope

The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between the urinary levels of phthalate metabolites in newborn and infants and the global development measured by the Griffiths Scales of Children Development (GSCD) at six months.

Methods

Longitudinal cohort study in healthy Italian term newborn and their mothers from birth to the first 6 months of life. Urine samples were collected at respectively 0 (T0), 3 (T3), 6 (T6) months, and around the delivery for mothers. Urine samples were analyzed for a total of 7 major phthalate metabolites of 5 of the most commonly used phthalates. At six months of age a global child development assessment using the third edition of the Griffith Scales of Child Development (GSCD III) was performed in 104 participants.

Results

In a total of 387 urine samples, the seven metabolites analyzed appeared widespread and were detected in most of the urine samples collected at any time of sampling (66-100%). At six months most of the Developmental Quotients (DQs) falls in average range, except for the subscale B, which presents a DQ median score of 87 (85-95). Adjusted linear regressions between DQs and urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations in mothers at T0 and in infants at T0, T3 and T6 identified several negative associations both for infants’ and mothers especially for DEHP and MBzP. Moreover, once stratified by children’s sex, negative associations were found in boys while positive in girls.

Conclusions

Phthalates exposure is widespread, especially for not regulated compounds. Urinary phthalate metabolites were found to be associated to GSCD III scores, showing inverse association with higher phthalate levels related to lower development scores. Our data suggested differences related to the child’s sex.
The effects of environmental regulation and environmental protection investment on green technology innovation of enterprises in heavily polluting industries—based on threshold and mediation effect models
Authors: Yang Bing , Zhao Qi
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Studying the influence and mechanism between environmental regulation, environmental protection investment, and enterprise green technology innovation is crucial to realize ecological civilization construction and sustainable economic growth.

Methods: Based on the green patent data and the corresponding enterprise data of A-share heavily polluting industry enterprises from 2010 to 2020, a comprehensive index of environmental regulation is constructed, and the system GMM estimation method, threshold effect test, and intermediary effect model are used. The impact and mechanism of environmental regulation on enterprise green technology innovation are studied, and the heterogeneity of property rights is analyzed.

Results: The following conclusions are drawn: 1) Environmental regulation presents a “U”-shaped relationship of first suppressing and then promoting enterprise green technology innovation, and there is only a single threshold effect, and the “inflection point” is 2.756. 2) There is an intermediary effect of environmental investment in the impact of environmental regulation on enterprise green technology creation; that is, environmental regulation affects enterprise green technology innovation by affecting the environmental protection investment behavior of enterprises. 3) State-owned enterprises are more sensitive to environmental regulation, and environmental regulation has a greater impact on enterprise green technology innovation.

Discussion: These conclusions play an important role in the formulation of environmental policies by governments and in the green development of enterprises.
Response of soil organic carbon and its fractions to natural vegetation restoration in a tropical karst area, southwest China
Authors: Zhang Bei , Xu Chaohao , Zhang Zhonghua , Hu Cong , He Yeyong , Huang Kuaikuai , Pang Qingling , Hu Gang
Published: May 2023

The dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) and its fractions are important for evaluating the vegetation restoration effect and carbon cycle of the ecosystem. Here, SOC fractions, including light fraction organic carbon (LFOC), heavy fraction organic carbon (HFOC), and labile organic carbon (LOC) fractions (including water-soluble organic carbon, WSOC, readily oxidizable organic carbon, ROC, particulate organic carbon, POC, and microbial biomass carbon, MBC), were investigated at four soil depths under five restoration stages in a tropical karst area in southwest China. This study showed that the content of SOC and its fractions significantly increased with vegetation restoration and decreased with increasing soil depth at each restoration stage (p < 0.05). Additionally, LFOC was more sensitive to vegetation restoration, whereas HFOC was the main storage form of SOC. The LOC fractions in the surface soil layer were significantly higher than those in the lower, and the percentages of some LOC fractions (POC/SOC and MBC/SOC) significantly decreased with increasing soil depth, indicating that SOC was more stable in the lower layer than in the surface layer. Correlation analysis showed that SOC was significantly and positively correlated with its fractions. Moreover, SOC and its fraction were positively correlated with soil chemical factors (TN, TP, AP, AK, ECa, EMg, NH4+-N, and NO3–-N) and negatively correlated with bulk density (BD) at a significant level (p < 0.05). Moreover, redundancy analysis showed that the 12 soil physicochemical factors explained 70.99% of the variation in SOC and its fractions, with AK, NH4+-N, and BD being the main factors, explaining 19.38, 17.24, and 10.52% of the variation, respectively. The structural equation mode analysis showed that soil properties, above-ground biomass, and litterfall explained most of the variation in SOC (59%), LFOC (79%), HFOC (81%), and LOC (61%). Soil properties and above-ground biomass significantly affected SOC, LFOC, and HFOC content mainly through indirect effects, while the total phosphorus content of the litterfall could directly and significantly affect SOC, LFOC, and HFOC content. NH4+-N and AK of soil factors had direct effects on LFOC and LOC accumulation, respectively. This study provides a valuable perspective for estimating carbon sink potential and constructing carbon sink models in karst areas.
Fecal microbiota transplantation confirmed that 919 Syrup reduced the ratio of erucamide to 5-AVAB in hippocampus to alleviate postpartum depression by regulating gut microbes
Authors: Zheng Qiaoqi , Wang Shusheng , Tian Xinyun , Liu Wen , Gao Pengfei
Published: May 2023

Background

Postpartum depression has a crucial impact on the physical and psychological comfort and the work of postnatal women, the growth and development of infants and mental health in adulthood. Finding a safe and effective anti-postnatal depression drug is currently an important research goal in this field.

Methods

In this study, the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) were used to evaluated the depressive behaviors of mice, and the changes of metabolites and intestinal microflora in mice with postpartum depression were examined through non-target metabolomics and 16S RNA sequencing respectively.

Results

We found that traditional Chinese medicine compound 919 Syrup could alleviate postpartum depression in mice and inhibit the elevated erucamide level in depressive hippocampus. However, mice treated with antibiotics were not sensitive to the anti-postnatal depression effect of 919 Syrup, and the level of 5-aminovaleric acid betaine (5-AVAB) in their hippocampus was significantly decreased. Transplanting fecal microflora treated with 919 Syrup could effectively improve the depressive behaviors of mice, upregulate the level of gut-derived 5-AVAB in the hippocampus, and downregulate the level of erucamide. Erucamide was significantly negatively correlated with increased Bacteroides in intestine after 919 Syrup treatment or fecal transplantation, and significantly positively correlated with Ruminococcaceae UCG-014 which was increased in feces of mice with postpartum depression. The increase of Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, and Ruminiclostridium in intestine after fecal transplantation had a clearly positive correlation with 5-AVAB.

Conclusion

In brief, 919 Syrup may downregulate the ratio of hippocampal metabolites erucamide to 5-AVAB by regulating intestinal flora to alleviate postpartum depression, laying a scientific foundation for future pathological research and development of therapeutic drugs for postpartum depression.
Alterations in macrophage polarization in the craniofacial and extracranial skeleton after zoledronate application and surgical interventions – an in vivo experiment
Authors: Struckmeier Ann-Kristin , Wehrhan Falk , Preidl Raimund , Mike Melanie , Mönch Tina , Eilers Lea , Ries Jutta , Trumet Leah , Lutz Rainer , Geppert Carol , Kesting Marco , Weber Manuel
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Medication-related osteonecrosis occurs exclusively in the jaw bones. However, the exact pathogenesis of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) and the unique predisposition of the jaw bones have not been elucidated, making its treatment a challenge. Recent evidence indicates that macrophages might play a pivotal role in MRONJ pathogenesis. The aim of the present study was to compare the macrophage populations between the craniofacial and extracranial skeleton and to investigate the changes induced by zoledronate (Zol) application and surgical interventions.

Materials and methods

An in vivo experiment was performed. 120 wistar rats were randomized to 4 groups (G1, G2, G3, G4). G1 served as an untreated control group. G2 and G4 received Zol injections for 8 weeks. Afterwards, the right lower molar of the animals from G3 and G4 was extracted and the right tibia osteotomized followed by osteosynthesis. Tissue samples were taken from the extraction socket and the tibia fracture at fixed time points. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to determine the labeling indexes of CD68+ and CD163+ macrophages.

Results

Comparing the mandible and the tibia, we observed a significantly higher number of macrophages and a heightened pro-inflammatory environment in the mandible compared to the tibia. Tooth extraction caused an increase of the overall number of macrophages and a shift toward a more pro-inflammatory microenvironment in the mandible. Zol application amplified this effect.

Conclusion

Our results indicate fundamental immunological differences between the jaw bone and the tibia, which might be a reason for the unique predisposition for MRONJ in the jaw bones. The more pro-inflammatory environment after Zol application and tooth extraction might contribute to the pathogenesis of MRONJ. Targeting macrophages might represent an attractive strategy to prevent MRONJ and improve therapy. In addition, our results support the hypothesis of an anti-tumoral and anti-metastatic effect induced by BPs. However, further studies are needed to delineate the mechanisms and specify the contributions of the various macrophage phenotypes.
Vision-based underwater target real-time detection for autonomous underwater vehicle subsea exploration
Authors: Xu Gaofei , Zhou Daoxian , Yuan Libiao , Guo Wei , Huang Zepeng , Zhang Yinlong
Published: May 2023

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) equipped with online visual inspection systems can detect underwater targets during underwater operations, which is of great significance to subsea exploration. However, the undersea scene has some instinctive challenging problems, such as poor lighting conditions, sediment burial, and marine biofouling mimicry, which makes it difficult for traditional target detection algorithms to achieve online, reliable, and accurate detection of underwater targets. To solve the above issues, this paper proposes a real-time object detection algorithm for underwater targets based on a lightweight convolutional neural network model. To improve the imaging quality of underwater images, contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization with the fused multicolor space (FCLAHE) model is designed to enhance the image quality of underwater targets. Afterwards, a spindle-shaped backbone network is designed. The inverted residual block and group convolutions are used to extract depth features to ensure the target detection accuracy on one hand and to reduce the model parameter volume on the other hand under complex scenarios. Through extensive experiments, the precision, recall, and mAP of the proposed algorithm reached 91.2%, 90.1%, and 88.3%, respectively. It is also noticeable that the proposed method has been integrated into the embedded GPU platform and deployed in the AUV system in the practical scenarios. The average computational time is 0.053s, which satisfies the requirements of real-time object detection.
Monitoring holopelagic Sargassum spp. along the Mexican Caribbean coast: understanding and addressing user requirements for satellite remote sensing
Authors: de la Barreda-Bautista Betsabé , Metcalfe Sarah E. , Smith Geoff , Sjögersten Sofie , Boyd Doreen S. , Cerdeira-Estrada Sergio , López-Ramírez Pablo , Magaldi Adolfo , Ressl Rainer , Perera-Valderrama Susana , Caballero-Aragón Hansel , Siordia Oscar S. , Couldridge Jonathan , Gray Paul , Silva Rodolfo , Van Tussenbroek Brigitta I. , Escalante‐Mancera Edgar , Foody Giles
Published: May 2023

Massive influxes of holopelagic Sargassum spp. (Sargassum natans and S. fluitans) have been causing major economic, environmental and ecological problems along the Caribbean coast of Mexico. Predicting the arrival of the sargassum as an aid to addressing these problems is a priority for the government, coastal communities and the society; both mitigating the impacts and providing opportunities for its use. Lack of data concerning precise locations and times of sargassum beachings means that public and private funds are being spent inefficiently and most actions are reactive. The dynamic nature of sargassum beachings/influxes render conventional ground-based monitoring insufficient. Earth observation and cloud-based processing services offer tools to track, quantify and understand sargassum beaching remotely in a frequent, systematic and reliable manner with the temporal and spatial resolutions required for its management. In order to find the right solutions to address this problem, in this paper the needs and requirements of stakeholders are taken into consideration for the development of an Earth observation-based service to monitor sargassum along the Mexican Caribbean coast. Routine monitoring of sargassum over a large area will be cost effective and help mitigate the negative effects of sargassum influxes. The combination of imagery from Planet, specifically their SuperDove systems that provide daily data at 3 m spatial resolutions, with the freely available EU Copernicus data would be useful for many different stakeholders and potential users. A prototype of the service is presented, based on the main user requirements. The system would enable public and private organizations to allocate resources appropriately in affected areas quickly and efficiently, thereby minimizing economic, social and environmental impacts and enhancing the resilience of local communities. It would also assist the sargassum industry in the collection of fresh algae for onward processing. The system could easily be implemented for similar types of environmental monitoring in the Greater Caribbean and beyond.
Identification and characterization of IgNAR and VNAR repertoire from the ocellate spot skate (Okamejei kenojei)
Authors: Wen Jianqing , Gong Jinyu , Li Pengwei , Deng Penghui , Sun Mengsi , Wu Yujie , Tian Chenxi , Wang Hao , Bi Yunchen
Published: May 2023

Elasmobranchs are crucial for comparative studies of evolution, as they belong to the most ancient vertebrate lineages that survived numerous extinction events and persist until today. The immunoglobulin new antigen receptor (IgNAR) found in sharks and heavy-chain-only antibody (HCAb) found in camelidae are products of convergent evolution. Although it was previously believed that IgNAR emerged 220 million years ago, before the divergence of sharks and skates, there is limited evidence to support this. In this study, we provide data supporting the existence of IgNAR in the ocellate spot skate (Okamejei kenojei) mononuclear cell transcriptome and peripheral blood serum. Additionally, we characterize the germline gene configuration of the ocellate spot skate IgNAR V domain. The ocellate spot skate IgNAR structure prediction and VNAR crystal structure exhibit high similarity to their shark counterparts. These data strongly suggest that IgNAR in both sharks and skates share a common ancestor. Sequencing of the ocellate spot skate VNAR repertoire provided crucial data for further understanding of the IgNAR generation. Notably, we discovered that approximately 99% of the ocellate spot skate VNARs belonged to type IV. This represents an exceptionally high proportion of type IV within the VNAR repertoire, which has not been documented in previously studied elasmobranchs. This unique characteristic of the ocellate spot skate VNAR adds essential structural diversity to the naïve VNAR library from elasmobranchs and could potentially benefit the development of pharmaceutical drugs.
Assessment of austral autumn air–sea CO2 exchange in the Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean and dominant controlling factors
Authors: Mo Ahra , Park Keyhong , Park Jisoo , Hahm Doshik , Kim Kitae , Ko Young Ho , Iriarte José Luis , Choi Jung-Ok , Kim Tae-Wook
Published: May 2023

The factors that control the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) in the Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean were investigated in April 2018, onboard the icebreaker, ARAON. The mean (± 1σ) of the sea surface pCO2 was estimated to be 431 ± 6 μatm in the north of the Ross Sea (NRS), 403 ± 18 μatm in the Amundsen–Bellingshausen Sea (ABS), and 426 ± 16 μatm in the western Antarctic Peninsula and Weddell Sea (WAP/WS). The controlling factors for pCO2 in the NRS appeared to be meridionally different based on the southern boundary of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (SB; ~62.5°S in the Ross Sea). The sea surface pCO2 exhibited a strong correlation with salinity and the difference between the O2/Ar (ΔO2/Ar) values of the sample and air-saturated water in the north and south of the SB, respectively. The pCO2 in the ABS and western WAP/WS displayed a strong correlation with salinity. Furthermore, ΔO2/Ar and sea ice formation appear to be the dominant factors that control pCO2 in the Confluence Zone (CZ) and northern parts of WAP/WS. The estimated air–sea CO2 fluxes (positive and negative values indicate the source and sink for atmospheric CO2, respectively) range from 3.1 to 18.8 mmol m−2 d−1 in the NRS, −12.7 to 17.3 mmol m−2 d−1 in the ABS, and −59.4 to 140.8 mmol m−2 d−1 in the WAP/WS. In addition, biology-driven large variations in the air–sea CO2 flux were observed in the CZ. Our results are the most recent observation data acquired in austral autumn in the Southern Ocean.
A glycometabolic gene signature associating with immune infiltration and chemosensitivity and predicting the prognosis of patients with osteosarcoma
Authors: Wang Fengyan , Yang Kun , Pan Runsang , Xiang Yang , Xiong Zhilin , Li Pinhao , Li Ke , Sun Hong
Published: May 2023

Background

Accumulating evidence has suggested that glycometabolism plays an important role in the pathogenesis of tumorigenesis. However, few studies have investigated the prognostic values of glycometabolic genes in patients with osteosarcoma (OS). This study aimed to recognize and establish a glycometabolic gene signature to forecast the prognosis, and provide therapeutic options for patients with OS.

Methods

Univariate and multivariate Cox regression, LASSO Cox regression, overall survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve, and nomogram were adopted to develop the glycometabolic gene signature, and further evaluate the prognostic values of this signature. Functional analyses including Gene Ontology (GO), kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analyses (KEGG), gene set enrichment analysis, single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, were used to explore the molecular mechanisms of OS and the correlation between immune infiltration and gene signature. Moreover, these prognostic genes were further validated by immunohistochemical staining.

Results

A total of four genes including PRKACB, SEPHS2, GPX7, and PFKFB3 were identified for constructing a glycometabolic gene signature which had a favorable performance in predicting the prognosis of patients with OS. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that the risk score was an independent prognostic factor. Functional analyses indicated that multiple immune associated biological processes and pathways were enriched in the low-risk group, while 26 immunocytes were down-regulated in the high-risk group. The patients in high-risk group showed elevated sensitivity to doxorubicin. Furthermore, these prognostic genes could directly or indirectly interact with other 50 genes. A ceRNA regulatory network based on these prognostic genes was also constructed. The results of immunohistochemical staining showed that SEPHS2, GPX7, and PFKFB3 were differentially expressed between OS tissues and adjacent normal tissues.

Conclusion

The preset study constructed and validated a novel glycometabolic gene signature which could predict the prognosis of patients with OS, identify the degree of immune infiltration in tumor microenvironment, and provide guidance for the selection of chemotherapeutic drugs. These findings may shed new light on the investigation of molecular mechanisms and comprehensive treatments for OS.
Medium to long term follow up study of the efficacy of cessation of eye-rubbing to halt progression of keratoconus
Authors: Mazharian Adrien , Flamant Roxane , Elahi Sina , Panthier Christophe , Rampat Radhika , Gatinel Damien
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To study the progression of keratoconus after cessation of eye rubbing with a minimum follow up of three-years.

Design

Retrospective, monocentric, longitudinal cohort study of keratoconus patients with a minimum of 3 years follow-up.

Participants

One hundred fifty three eyes of seventy-seven consecutive patients with keratoconus were included.

Methods

Initial examination consisted of anterior and posterior segment evaluation using slit-lamp biomicroscopy. At the initial visit, patients were thoroughly informed of their pathology and instructed to stop rubbing their eyes. Eye rubbing cessation was assessed at all the follow-up visits at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and yearly afterward. Corneal topography using the Pentacam® (Oculus®, Wetzlar, Germany) was used to obtain maximum and average anterior keratometry readings (Kmax and Kmean), as well as thinnest pachymetry (Pachymin, μm) in both eyes.

Main outcome measures

The main outcomes measured were maximum keratometry (Kmax), mean keratometry (Kmean), and thinnest pachymetry (Pachymin) values at various time points to assess for keratoconus progression. Keratoconus progression was defined as a significant augmentation of Kmax (>1D), Kmean (>1D), or significant diminution of Pachymin (>5%) throughout the total follow-up duration.

Results

One hundred fifty three eyes of seventy-seven patients (75.3% males) aged 26.4 years old, were followed for an average of 53 months. Over the course of the follow-up, there was no statistically significant variation of ∆Kmax (+0.04 ± 0.87; p = 0.34), ∆ Kmean (+0.30 ± 0.67; p = 0.27) nor ∆Pachymin (−4.36 ± 11.88; p = 0.64). Among the 26 of the 153 eyes which had at least one criterion of KC progression, 25 admitted continuing eye rubbing, or other at-risk behaviors.

Conclusion

This study suggests that a significant proportion of keratoconus patients are likely to remain stable if close monitoring and strict ARB cessation are achieved, without the need for further intervention.
The diagnostic accuracy of an initial point-of-care lactate at the emergency department as a predictor of in-hospital mortality among adult patients with sepsis and septic shock
Authors: Gicheru Brenda , Shah Jasmit , Wachira Benjamin , Omuse Geoffrey , Maina Daniel
Published: May 2023

Background

In patients with sepsis, elevated lactate has been shown to be a strong predictor of in-hospital mortality. However, the optimal cutoff for rapidly stratifying patients presenting to the emergency department at risk for increased in-hospital mortality has not been well defined. This study aimed to establish the optimal point-of-care (POC) lactate cutoff that best predicted in-hospital mortality in adult patients presenting to the emergency department.

Methods

This was a retrospective study. All adult patients who presented to the emergency department at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, between 1 January 2018 and 31 August 2020 with suspected sepsis or septic shock and were admitted to the hospital were included in the study. Initial POC lactate results (GEM 3500® blood gas analyzer) and demographic and outcome data were collected. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for initial POC lactate values was plotted to determine the area under the curve (AUC). An optimal initial lactate cutoff was then determined using the Youden Index. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to determine the hazard ratio (HR) for the identified lactate cutoff.

Results

A total of 123 patients were included in the study. They had a median age of 61 years [interquartile range (IQR) 41.0–77.0]. Initial lactate independently predicted in-hospital mortality [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.41 95% confidence interval (CI 1.06, 1.87) p = 0.018]. Initial lactate was found to have an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.752 (95% CI, 0.643 to 0.86). Additionally, a cutoff of 3.5 mmol/L was found to best predict in-hospital mortality (sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 71.4%, PPV 70%, NPV 68.2%). Mortality was 42.1% (16/38) in patients with an initial lactate of ≥ 3.5 mmol/L and 12.7% (8/63) in patients with an initial lactate of <3.5 mmol/L (HR, 3.388; 95% CI, 1.432–8.018; p < 0.005).

Discussion

An initial POC lactate of ≥ 3.5 mmol/L best predicted in-hospital mortality in patients presenting with suspected sepsis and septic shock to the emergency department. A review of the sepsis and septic shock protocols will help in the early identification and management of these patients to reduce their in-hospital mortality.
Clinical chorioamnionitis: where do we stand now?
Authors: Lukanović David , Batkoska Marija , Kavšek Gorazd , Druškovič Mirjam
Published: May 2023

Intraamniotic infection is an infection resulting in the inflammation of any combination of the amniotic fluid, the placenta, the fetus itself, the fetal membranes, umbilical cord, or the decidua. In the past, an infection of the amnion and chorion or both was dubbed chorioamnionitis. In 2015, a proposal was made by an expert panel that, instead of clinical chorioamnionitis, the name intrauterine inflammation or infection or both be used, abbreviated as Triple I or simply IAI. However, the abbreviation IAI did not gain popularity, and this article uses the term chorioamnionitis. Chorioamnionitis may arise prior to, during, or following labor. It can present as a chronic, subacute, or acute infection. Its clinical presentation is generally referred to as acute chorioamnionitis. The treatment of chorioamnionitis varies widely across the world due to different bacterial causes and the absence of sufficient evidence to support a specific treatment regimen. There are limited randomized controlled trials that have evaluated the superiority of antibiotic regimens for treating amniotic infections during labor. This lack of evidence-based treatment suggests that the current choice of antibiotics is based on limitations in existing research, rather than absolute science. Chorioamnionitis cannot be cured by antibiotic therapy alone without delivery, and therefore it is necessary to make a decision according to the guidelines for induction of labor or acceleration of delivery. When a diagnosis is suspected or established, it is therefore necessary to apply broad-spectrum antibiotics according to the protocol used by each country, and to continue with them until delivery. A commonly recommended first-line treatment for chorioamnionitis is a simple regimen consisting of amoxicillin or ampicillin and once-daily gentamicin. Available information is not sufficient to indicate the best antimicrobial regimen to treat this obstetric condition. However, the evidence that is currently available suggests that patients with clinical chorioamnionitis, primarily women with a gestational age of 34 weeks or more and those in labor, should receive treatment with this regime. However, antibiotic preferences may vary based on local policy, clinician experience and knowledge, bacterial reasons for the infection, antimicrobial resistance patterns, maternal allergies, and drug availability.
Identification of AKI signatures and classification patterns in ccRCC based on machine learning
Authors: Wang Li , Peng Fei , Li Zhen Hua , Deng Yu Fei , Ruan Meng Na , Mao Zhi Guo , Li Lin
Published: May 2023

Background

Acute kidney injury can be mitigated if detected early. There are limited biomarkers for predicting acute kidney injury (AKI). In this study, we used public databases with machine learning algorithms to identify novel biomarkers to predict AKI. In addition, the interaction between AKI and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remain elusive.

Methods

Four public AKI datasets (GSE126805, GSE139061, GSE30718, and GSE90861) treated as discovery datasets and one (GSE43974) treated as a validation dataset were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between AKI and normal kidney tissues were identified using the R package limma. Four machine learning algorithms were used to identify the novel AKI biomarkers. The correlations between the seven biomarkers and immune cells or their components were calculated using the R package ggcor. Furthermore, two distinct ccRCC subtypes with different prognoses and immune characteristics were identified and verified using seven novel biomarkers.

Results

Seven robust AKI signatures were identified using the four machine learning methods. The immune infiltration analysis revealed that the numbers of activated CD4 T cells, CD56dim natural killer cells, eosinophils, mast cells, memory B cells, natural killer T cells, neutrophils, T follicular helper cells, and type 1 T helper cells were significantly higher in the AKI cluster. The nomogram for prediction of AKI risk demonstrated satisfactory discrimination with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.919 in the training set and 0.945 in the testing set. In addition, the calibration plot demonstrated few errors between the predicted and actual values. In a separate analysis, the immune components and cellular differences between the two ccRCC subtypes based on their AKI signatures were compared. Patients in the CS1 had better overall survival, progression-free survival, drug sensitivity, and survival probability.

Conclusion

Our study identified seven distinct AKI-related biomarkers based on four machine learning methods and proposed a nomogram for stratified AKI risk prediction. We also confirmed that AKI signatures were valuable for predicting ccRCC prognosis. The current work not only sheds light on the early prediction of AKI, but also provides new insights into the correlation between AKI and ccRCC.
Genome mining reveals the prevalence and extensive diversity of toxin–antitoxin systems in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Xu Jie , Wang Ying , Liu Fang , Duan Guangcai , Yang Haiyan
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a highly pathogenic and adaptable Gram-positive bacterium that exhibits persistence in various environments. The toxin-antitoxin (TA) system plays a crucial role in the defense mechanism of bacterial pathogens, allowing them to survive in stressful conditions. While TA systems in clinical pathogens have been extensively studied, there is limited knowledge regarding the diversity and evolutionary complexities of TA systems in S. aureus.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive in silico survey using 621 publicly available S. aureus isolates. We employed bioinformatic search and prediction tools, including SLING, TADB2.0, and TASmania, to identify TA systems within the genomes of S. aureus.

Results

Our analysis revealed a median of seven TA systems per genome, with three type II TA groups (HD, HD_3, and YoeB) being present in over 80% of the strains. Additionally, we observed that TA genes were predominantly encoded in the chromosomal DNA, with some TA systems also found within the Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosomal mec (SCCmec) genomic islands.

Discussion

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the diversity and prevalence of TA systems in S. aureus. The findings enhance our understanding of these putative TA genes and their potential implications in S. aureus ecology and disease management. Moreover, this knowledge could guide the development of novel antimicrobial strategies.