bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adsorption Characteristics and Pore Structure of Organic-Rich Shale With Different Moisture Contents
Authors: Liu Yan , Cao Qian , Ye Xin , Dong Li
Published: May 2022

A moisture equilibration test has been designed to study the pore structure and adsorption capacity of organic-rich shale with different moisture contents. Five humidity environments were artificially controlled to obtain shale samples with different moisture contents. With the moisture equilibration test and N2 adsorption/desorption, the differences in pore structure of samples with different moisture contents were compared and analysed. The results showed that the diameter of 2–10 nm pores decreased with increasing humidity and that the moisture adsorption characteristics conformed to the GAB adsorption model. It is proposed that when moisture enters a sample, monolayer adsorption will first occur because moisture is preferentially adsorbed on the pore surface with strong hydrophilicity, filling in the relatively small pores. Mesopores and micropores play a major role in water adsorption. With increasing humidity, capillary condensation of moisture gradually occurs in pores. Based on the methane isothermal adsorption test of shale samples with different moisture contents, a quantitative linear relationship between the moisture content and methane adsorption capacity of shale samples has been established. It has been determined that the methane adsorption capacity of shale in underwater conditions is less than that of dry samples, and that the rate of decline in the adsorption capacity of different samples under dry and water balance conditions varies greatly. The distribution characteristics of clay minerals are the main controlling factor of the hydrophilicity of shale, which has a certain guiding significance for further accurate evaluation of shale adsorption gas reserves.
ChemoKnowings as Part of 21st Century Bildung and Subject Didaktik
Authors: Yavuzkaya Merve , Clucas Paul , Sjöström Jesper
Published: May 2022

In this article, we elaborate on the construct ChemoKnowings as subject-specific powerful knowings for chemical agency in the Anthropocene era. Related to constructs such as critical chemical literacy, ChemoCapabilities, and eco-reflexive chemical thinking, we unpack the construct as an example of Carlgren’s powerful knowings, which relates Young’s powerful knowledge to the idea and tradition of Bildung. It means powerful knowledge containing embodied and relational (or tacit) dimensions. ChemoKnowings can therefore be described as embodied and relational knowledge in and about chemistry – (critical) chemical knowledge that matters meaningfully to the student, connecting them to themselves and the world, and conferring an ethical compass. By situating the teaching of ChemoKnowings within a vision for chemistry teaching as a part of a world-centered vision for schooling in the Anthropocene, ChemoKnowings are viewed as having the capacity to mobilise an ethico-socio-political action, that is, chemical agency. By focusing on student transformation of content for ChemoKnowings and integrating elements of a theoretical didaktik model for eco-reflexive chemistry education, we develop a vision-oriented didaktik model for ChemoKnowings. More generally, we argue that didaktik models for supporting teachers’ consideration of student transformation of content for powerful subject-knowings are an important part of general subject didaktik. We present in the article vignettes that detail personal accounts for each of the three authors describing examples of chemistry-specific knowings that matter meaningfully to each of us, and which articulate our own embodied ethico-socio-political actions as students, teachers, researchers, and consumers. Inspired by Klafki’s didaktik analysis, we end the article by proposing four areas of questions that the teacher can use in guiding their preparation and transformation of the content they bring into the classroom for promoting students’ ChemoKnowings, and thus Bildung in the 21st century.
The Proliferation and Stemness of Peripheral Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Were Enhanced by Hypoxia
Authors: Wang Pengzhen , Zhu Pingping , Yu Chaosheng , Wu Jian
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to address the dilemma of low peripheral blood-derived mesenchymal stromal cell (PBMSC) activity and reduced phenotype in bone or cartilage tissue engineering. Rat PBMSCs (rPBMSCs) were obtained by density gradient centrifugation, and stromal cell characteristics were confirmed by flow cytometry (FCM) and multi-differentiation potential induction experiments. Cell growth curve, viability experiments, and clone formation experiments were performed by [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium] (MTS) and cell counting, and the cell cycle was confirmed by cell FCM. The proliferation signal pathway and stemness-related proteins were detected by molecular methods including Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction. CD73, CD90, and CD105 were highly expressed, and CD14, CD19, CD34, CD45, and HLA-DR were barely expressed in rPBMSCs. rPBMSCs possessed the potential to differentiate into chondrocytes, adipocytes, and osteoblasts under their respective induction conditions. Cell growth curve and viability experiments were performed under hypoxic conditions: 19% O2, 5% O2, and 1% O2. Specifically, 5% O2 accelerated the proliferation and expression of the stemness of PBMSCs. Cycle experiments proved that hypoxia promoted the cell transition from the G1 phase to the S phase. Molecular experiments confirmed that 5% O2 hypoxia significantly elevated the expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and β-catenin and simultaneously the expressions of cycle-related genes including CyclinE/CDK2 and stemness-related genes including Nanog and SOX2. The appropriate concentration of hypoxia (i.e., 5% O2) enhanced the proliferation and stemness of rPBMSCs and increased the multidirectional differentiation potential of stromal cells. The proposed culture method could improve the viability and maintain the phenotype of rPBMSCs in cartilage or bone tissue engineering.
Measurement and Discrimination of Asymmetric Non-uniform Strain Distribution Based on Spectrum Characterization of FBG Sensors
Authors: Fan Zhichun , Yan He , Huang Zhiyong , Liu Jing
Published: May 2022

The asymmetric deformation of glass-to-metal seals is an important defect that would lead to the failure of the pressure boundary in nuclear reactors. In this research, an efficient approach to measure the asymmetric deformation and prevent the potential failure was proposed based on the spectrum characterization of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. The asymmetric deformation was induced from small-size large-gradient nonuniform strain in sealing materials; as a result, it could be monitored through the spectra of embedded FBGs affected by strain variations. The theoretical analysis of the FBG spectrum was carried out using the transfer matrix model (TMM) to validate the measuring feasibility and reliability. Based on the theoretical results, the asymmetric deformation was measured by the distributed embedded FBG experimentally. By combining the reconstructed spectrum and the experimental results, the asymmetric deformation of glass-to-metal was proved to be monitored, and the defect was able to be prevented during the manufacturing process effectively via the proposed method.
A New Method for Solving the Mass and Heat Transfer Process in Steam Flooding
Authors: Wang Fei
Published: May 2022

Heavy oil is increasingly becoming an important part of future energy strategy. How to effectively simulate the flow process of steam flooding is the key to develop steam flooding. The purpose of this paper is to establish a mathematical model of steam flooding coupled with permeability and thermal field, and then use the meshless weighted least squares method to solve the mathematical model numerically. The effectiveness of this method is verified by establishing a one-dimensional conceptual model of steam flooding reservoir. It is found that the temperature distribution of the whole reservoir is basically the same except for the gas saturation distribution when calculated at 80, 90 and 100% steam dryness. Sensitivity analysis of porosity of the model is carried out in this paper. It is found that porosity has a direct effect on gas saturation and temperature front distribution. The calculated results are consistent with the perception results of objective facts, which verifies the accuracy and stability of the method.
Opportunities and Challenges for Establishing a Resource Nexus Community of Science and Practice
Authors: Mohtar Rabi H. , Sharma Virender K. , Daher Bassel , Laspidou Chrysi , Kim Hyunook , Pistikopoulos Efstratios N. , Nuwayhid Iman , Lawford Richard , Rhouma Ali , Najm Majdi Abou
Published: May 2022

The American Chemical Society’s Division of Environmental Chemistry symposium Toward Creating a Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus Community of Practice, brought together 25 cross-disciplinary speakers in five thematic areas: 1) state of the art models and approaches, 2) WEF Nexus initiatives and case studies, 3) WEF governance and stakeholder engagement, 4) chemical processes and WEF Nexus, 5) WEF education, community, and practice. Discussions included diverse perspectives from different areas of expertise and provided key take-home messages toward building a WEF community of practice. This paper summarizes those messages, drawing conclusions regarding the anticipated challenges and opportunities moving toward establishing a resource-nexus community of science and practice that includes the chemical societies. We define the community of science and practice as a bottom-up approach of formal and non-formal scientists, policy makers, practitioners, technology providers, and civil society members concerned with any aspect of water, energy, food, ecosystem resources allocation, management, governance, and financing. The roles of chemistry and chemical processes in understanding the interlinkages of nexus systems must not be overlooked. Chemistry plays an important role in the circularity of the food and agriculture system, and in providing cleaner energy, cleaner water, and more sustainable food production. The question is how to better engage the chemical society in the WEF nexus moving forward? The paper proposes the resource of health, highlighting major challenges and opportunities in the Water-Energy-Food-Health-Ecosystems (WEFH) Nexus, and highlights future steps for fostering dialogue among this broad, multidisciplinary, multi-stakeholder community toward establishing an inclusive community of science and practice.
Extreme Hydrological Events and Reservoir Methane Emissions
Authors: Sherman Bradford S. , Ford Phillip W.
Published: May 2022

Floating chamber measurements of CH4 emissions from Cotter Reservoir (Canberra, Australia) were performed on five occasions between October 2010 and April 2012. The timing of the measurements spanned the first major flood events that followed drought-breaking rains that ended the Millenium Drought in southeast Australia. The flood events were the largest in 26 years and followed the 3 lowest flow years on record. The floods warmed the hypolimnion of this normally monomictic reservoir by ∼8°C during the first summer and by ∼3°C during the second summer of the study compared to “normal” summer hypolimnion temperatures. In addition, the floods carried large amounts of vegetation and soil that had accumulated in the catchment during previous years. Average CH4 emissions prior to the flooding were low (4.3 mg-CH4 m−2 d−1) and relatively uniform across 8 measurement sites spaced along the long axis of the reservoir. Following the first floods, which occurred during spring and summer 2010–2011, the mean reservoir CH4 emission increased to 99 mg-CH4 m−2 d−1 with emissions at the upstream end of the reservoir approximately 100 times greater than emissions near the dam wall. The following year (2011–2012) average emissions were lower (30 mg-CH4 m−2 d−1) and the longitudinal gradient weakened. A major flood occurred in autumn 2012 and warmed the hypolimnion by ∼3 C, but emissions did not change much in response. We hypothesize that the changes in mean reservoir CH4 emission can be attributed to both thermal enhancement of sediment methanogenesis by a factor of 2–7, and to the supply of fresh organic matter from the catchment by a factor of 3.
The Nexus Between Fiscal Decentralization and Environmental Sustainability in Japan
Authors: Yuan Runsen , Li Chunling , Ahmed Memon Javed , Ali Minhaj , Nawaz Muhammad Atif
Published: May 2022

This paper adds to the existing body of knowledge by incorporating the role of fiscal decentralization (FD) in influencing CO2 emissions. Therefore, this study looked at the effect of FD on CO2 emissions in the presence of nonrenewable energy consumption (NRE), renewable energy consumption (REN), gross domestic product (GDP), and trade openness (TOP) for the period 1994–2018 in Japan. Thus, the current work intends to fill this knowledge gap by employing econometric techniques such as Bayer and Hanck cointegration, dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS), fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), and canonical cointegration regression (CCR). Additionally, the frequency domain causality analysis is used in the investigation to determine the causal impact of FD, NRE, REN, GDP, and TOP on CO2 emissions. The novelty of the frequency-domain approach is that it can differentiate between nonlinearity and causality levels and show causality among parameters with different frequencies. The DOLS, FMOLS, and CCR results reveal that NRE, GDP, and TOP augment CO2 emissions in Japan, whereas FD and REN increase the quality of the atmosphere. Furthermore, the frequency causality test results show that FD, REN, GDP, and TOP have implications for CO2 emissions in the long run, while NRE raises CO2 emissions in the medium run. As a policy direction, the current study suggests expanding renewable energy consumption in Japan by emphasizing more on Sustainable Development Goals (7, 8, and 13).
Policy Uncertainty, Financialization and Enterprise Technological Innovation: A Way Forward Towards Economic Development
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhuo Chengfeng , Deng Feng
Published: May 2022

Technological innovation is the core factor for enterprises to maintain competitiveness. This paper aims to investigate how policy uncertainty affect enterprises’ innovation. On the basis of theoretical analysis, this study selects data from 2008–2017- and a share of non-financial listed companies as the research sample. Using patent data of listed companies and China’s economic policy uncertainty (EPU) index, the study examines the impact of EPU on enterprise innovation. In addition, the regulatory effect of enterprise financialization has been investigated. The results show that the EPU can promote the quantity growth of enterprise innovation but inhibit the improvement of enterprise innovation quality. The impact of EPU on enterprise innovation will be affected by enterprise ownership, financing constraint level, life cycle, regional administrative level and regional economic level. Furthermore, enterprise financialization shows a negative regulatory effect in the process of EPU affecting enterprise innovation. This study provides policy enlightenment for reasonably formulating economic policies and promoting enterprise financialization, so as to effectively improve enterprise innovation ability and economic development.
Genomics in Egypt: Current Status and Future Aspects
Authors: El-Attar Eman Ahmed , Helmy Elkaffas Rasha Mohamed , Aglan Sarah Ahmed , Naga Iman S. , Nabil Amira , Abdallah Hoda Y.
Published: May 2022

Egypt is the third most densely inhabited African country. Due to the economic burden and healthcare costs of overpopulation, genomic and genetic testing is a huge challenge. However, in the era of precision medicine, Egypt is taking a shift in approach from “one-size-fits all” to more personalized healthcare via advancing the practice of medical genetics and genomics across the country. This shift necessitates concrete knowledge of the Egyptian genome and related diseases to direct effective preventive, diagnostic and counseling services of prevalent genetic diseases in Egypt. Understanding disease molecular mechanisms will enhance the capacity for personalized interventions. From this perspective, we highlight research efforts and available services for rare genetic diseases, communicable diseases including the coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID19), and cancer. The current state of genetic services in Egypt including availability and access to genetic services is described. Drivers for applying genomics in Egypt are illustrated with a SWOT analysis of the current genetic/genomic services. Barriers to genetic service development in Egypt, whether economic, geographic, cultural or educational are discussed as well. The sensitive topic of communicating genomic results and its ethical considerations is also tackled. To understand disease pathogenesis, much can be gained through the advancement and integration of genomic technologies via clinical applications and research efforts in Egypt. Three main pillars of multidisciplinary collaboration for advancing genomics in Egypt are envisaged: resources, infrastructure and training. Finally, we highlight the recent national plan to establish a genome center that will aim to prepare a map of the Egyptian human genome to discover and accurately determine the genetic characteristics of various diseases. The Reference Genome Project for Egyptians and Ancient Egyptians will initialize a new genomics era in Egypt. We propose a multidisciplinary governance system in Egypt to support genomic medicine research efforts and integrate into the healthcare system whilst ensuring ethical conduct of data.
Whole Genome Sequencing Provides New Insights Into the Genetic Diversity and Coat Color of Asiatic Wild Ass and Its Hybrids
Authors: Dong Hong , Dong Zheng , Wang Fuwen , Wang Gang , Luo Xiaoyu , Lei Chuzhao , Chen Jingbo
Published: May 2022

The diversity of livestock coat color results from human positive selection and is an indispensable part of breed registration. As an important biodiversity resource, Asiatic wild ass has many special characteristics, including the most visualized feature, its yellowish-brown coat color, and excellent adaptation. To explore the genetic mechanisms of phenotypic characteristics in Asiatic wild ass and its hybrids, we resequenced the whole genome of one Mongolian Kulan (a subspecies of Asiatic wild ass) and 29 Kulan hybrids (Mongolian Kulan ♂×Xinjiang♀), and the ancestor composition indicated the true lineage of the hybrids. XP-EHH (Cross Population Extended Haplotype Homozygosity), θπ-ratio (Nucleotide Diversity Ratio), CLR (Composite Likelihood Ratio) and θπ (Nucleotide Diversity) methods were used to detect the candidate regions of positive selection in Asiatic wild ass and its hybrids. Several immune genes (DEFA1, DEFA5, DEFA7, GIMAP4, GIMAP1, IGLC1, IGLL5, GZMB and HLA) were observed by the CLR and θπ methods. XP-EHH and θπ-ratio revealed that these genes are potentially responsible for coat color (KITLG) and meat quality traits (PDE1B and MYLK2). Furthermore, the heatmap was able to show the clear difference in the haplotype of the KITLG gene between the Kulan hybrids and Asiatic wild ass group and the Guanzhong black donkey group, which is a powerful demonstration of the key role of KITLG in donkey color. Therefore, our study may provide new insights into the genetic basis of coat color, meat quality traits and immunity of Asiatic wild ass and its hybrids.
Placental DNA Methylation Abnormalities in Prenatal Conotruncal Heart Defects
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Wu Yuduo , Sun Hairui , Liu Xiaowei , Gu Xiaoyan , Zhao Ying , Zhang Ye , Han Jiancheng , He Yihua
Published: May 2022

Objective: This study aims to characterize the abnormal changes in placental DNA methylation associated with conotruncal heart defects (CTDs) and the level of methylation as epigenetic biomarkers for CTDs detection.

Methods: This was a prospective study involving 28 fetuses diagnosed with CTDs in the second trimester at Beijing Anzhen Hospital between September 2020 and June 2021. These cases were classified into four groups based on their subtypes. 12 normal fetuses were used as controls. Placental tissue was obtained after inducing labor in fetuses. To identify differential methylation sites (DMSs) and regions (DMRs) in cases vs. controls, an Infinium Human Methylation 850 k bead chip was used. Differential methylation was assessed by comparing the β-values for individual CpG loci. Based on the p-value (<0.05), the most discriminating CpG sites were identified. The area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve (AUC) was used to determine the predictive accuracy of CpG loci with significant methylation changes for CTDs. The function of genes was assessed through KEGG enrichment analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, and KEGG pathway analysis.

Results: In comparison to the control group, the DNA methylation of the placental tissue is significantly different in fetuses with CTDs. We identified the most significantly different methylated loci and they demonstrated excellent individual predictive accuracy for CTDs detection with AUC >0.9 in cases compared with controls. HOXD9, CNN1, NOTCH1, and ECE1 were identified as CTDs-detection candidate genes.

Conclusion Our study established the abnormal changes in placental methylation associated with CTDs and potential epigenetic biomarkers for CTDs detection.
Identification of Immunological Characteristics and Immune Subtypes Based on Single-Sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis Algorithm in Lower-Grade Glioma
Authors: Zhu Yunyang , Feng Songwei , Song Zhaoming , Wang Zhong , Chen Gang
Published: May 2022

Few breakthroughs have been achieved in the treatment of lower-grade glioma (LGG) in recent decades. Apart from the conventional pathological and histological classifications, subtypes based on immunogenomics would provide reference for individualized treatment and prognosis prediction. Our study identified four immunotypes of lower-grade glioma (clusters A, B, C, and D) by bioinformatics methods in TCGA-LGG and two CGGA datasets. Cluster A was an “immune-cold” phenotype with the lowest immune infiltration and longest survival expectation, whereas cluster D was an “immune-rich” subtype with the highest immune infiltration and poor survival expectation. The expression of immune checkpoints increased along with immune infiltration degrees among the clusters. It was notable that immune clusters correlated with a variety of clinical and immunogenomic factors such as age, WHO grades, IDH1/2 mutation, PTEN, EGFR, ATRX, and TP53 status. In addition, LGGs in cluster D were sensitive to cisplatin, gemcitabine, and immune checkpoint PD-1 inhibitors. RTK-RAS and TP53 pathways were affected in cluster D. Functional pathways such as cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, antigen processing and presentation, cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), and ECM–receptor interaction were also enriched in cluster D. Hub genes were selected by the Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) algorithm in the blue module of a gene co-expression network. Our studies might provide an immunogenomics subtyping reference for immunotherapy in LGG.
Stem Cells From Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth Alleviate Liver Cirrhosis via Inhibition of Gasdermin D-Executed Hepatocyte Pyroptosis
Authors: Chen Peng , Zhou Yi-kun , Han Chun-shan , Chen Liu-jing , Wang Yi-ming , Zhuang Zi-meng , Lin Shuai , Zhou Yan-heng , Jiang Jiu-hui , Yang Rui-li
Published: May 2022

Liver cirrhosis represents a type of end-stage liver disease with few effective therapies, which was characterized by damaged functional liver tissue due to long-term inflammation. Gasdermin D (GSDMD)-executed programmed necrosis is reported to be involved in inflammation. However, the role of GSDMD in liver cirrhosis remains unclear. In this study, we used a CCl4-induced cirrhosis model and found stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) infusion showed profound therapeutic effects for liver cirrhosis. Mechanistically, NLRP3 inflammasome-activated GSDMD and its pyroptosis were upregulated in liver cirrhosis, while SHED infusion could suppress the expression of GSDMD and Caspase-1, resulting in reduced hepatocyte pyroptosis and inflammatory cytokine IL-1β release. Consistently, SHED could inhibit the elevated expression of NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 induced by CCl4 treatment in vitro co-culture system, which was mediated by decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Moreover, the pyroptosis inhibitor disulfiram showed similar therapeutic effects for liver cirrhosis as SHED. In conclusion, SHED alleviates CCl4-induced liver cirrhosis via inhibition of hepatocytes pyroptosis. Our findings could provide a potential treatment strategy and novel target for liver cirrhosis.
Helix-Loop-Helix Proteins in Adaptive Immune Development
Authors: Aubrey Megan , Warburg Zachary J. , Murre Cornelis
Published: May 2022

The E/ID protein axis is instrumental for defining the developmental progression and functions of hematopoietic cells. The E proteins are dimeric transcription factors that activate gene expression programs and coordinate changes in chromatin organization. Id proteins are antagonists of E protein activity. Relative levels of E/Id proteins are modulated throughout hematopoietic development to enable the progression of hematopoietic stem cells into multiple adaptive and innate immune lineages including natural killer cells, B cells and T cells. In early progenitors, the E proteins promote commitment to the T and B cell lineages by orchestrating lineage specific programs of gene expression and regulating VDJ recombination of antigen receptor loci. In mature B cells, the E/Id protein axis functions to promote class switch recombination and somatic hypermutation. E protein activity further regulates differentiation into distinct CD4+ and CD8+ T cells subsets and instructs mature T cell immune responses. In this review, we discuss how the E/Id proteins define the adaptive immune system lineages, focusing on their role in directing developmental gene programs.
VEGF Receptor 1 Promotes Hypoxia-Induced Hematopoietic Progenitor Proliferation and Differentiation
Authors: Florentin Jonathan , O’Neil Scott P. , Ohayon Lee L. , Uddin Afaz , Vasamsetti Sathish Babu , Arunkumar Anagha , Ghosh Samit , Boatz Jennifer C. , Sui Justin , Kliment Corrine R. , Chan Stephen Y. , Dutta Partha
Published: May 2022

Although it is well known that hypoxia incites unleashed cellular inflammation, the mechanisms of exaggerated cellular inflammation in hypoxic conditions are not known. We observed augmented proliferation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC), precursors of inflammatory leukocytes, in mice under hypoxia. Consistently, a transcriptomic analysis of human HSPC exposed to hypoxic conditions revealed elevated expression of genes involved in progenitor proliferation and differentiation. Additionally, bone marrow cells in mice expressed high amount of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and HSPC elevated VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFr1) and its target genes in hypoxic conditions. In line with this, VEGFr1 blockade in vivo and in vitro decreased HSPC proliferation and attenuated inflammation. In silico and ChIP experiments demonstrated that HIF-1α binds to the promoter region of VEGFR1. Correspondingly, HIF1a silencing decreased VEGFr1 expression in HSPC and diminished their proliferation. These results indicate that VEGF signaling in HSPC is an important mediator of their proliferation and differentiation in hypoxia-induced inflammation and represents a potential therapeutic target to prevent aberrant inflammation in hypoxia-associated diseases.
Diversity of Dinoflagellate Symbionts in Scyphozoan Hosts From Shallow Environments: The Mediterranean Sea and Cabo Frio (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Authors: Dall’Olio Lucija Raspor , Beran Alfred , Flander-Putrle Vesna , Malej Alenka , Ramšak Andreja
Published: May 2022

Symbiotic scyphozoan jellyfish are poorly understood in terms of their symbionts and traits, as well as the ecological significance of this association. Dinoflagellate symbionts of the medusae Cotylorhiza tuberculata, Phyllorhiza punctata, and Cassiopea xamachana collected in the Mediterranean Sea and Cabo Frio (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) were phylogenetically identified based on 28S rDNA and ITS2 haplotypes. The studied medusae harbour only one phylotype of symbionts in a time, but scyphozoan jellyfishes can associate with several types of symbionts. This study confirmed that the main symbionts of investigated scyphozoans belong to the genera Symbiodinium, Philozoon, and Breviolum. The associations between dinoflagellate symbionts and Cotylorhiza tuberculata changed from year to year, hosting Philozoon one year and Breviolum another. Invasive species in the Mediterranean Sea Phyllorhiza punctata harboured dinoflagellate symbionts of genus Symbiodinium as in the native areal. Pigment analysis of two shallow-water symbiont species Breviolum sp. and Philozoon medusarum revealed characteristic profiles for each genus.
Disentangling Obstacles to Knowledge Co-Production for Early-Career Researchers in the Marine Sciences
Authors: Rölfer Lena , Elias Ilosvay Xochitl E. , Ferse Sebastian C.A. , Jung Julia , Karcher Denis B. , Kriegl Michael , Nijamdeen TWGF Mafaziya , Riechers Maraja , Walker Elizabeth Zoe
Published: May 2022

Knowledge co-production involving researchers and non-academic actors is becoming increasingly important for tackling sustainability issues. Coastal and marine social-ecological systems are one example where knowledge co-production is important, yet also particularly challenging due to their unique characteristics. Early-Career Researchers (ECRs) often face specific obstacles when engaging in the process of knowledge co-production. In this perspective paper, we shed light on the particular characteristics of knowledge co-production in marine social-ecological systems and the obstacles ECRs in the marine sciences face. Based on these obstacles, we discuss actions that can be taken at various organizational levels (institutional, community, supervisor, and individual) in order to leverage change towards a more inclusive environment for ECRs engaging in knowledge co-production. We conclude that both bottom-up (individual to institutions) and top-down (institutions to individual) actions are required. However, we emphasize the responsibilities of institutions to create conditions in which the needs of ECRs are met. This will be necessary to adequately support ECRs engaging in knowledge co-production and thus contribute to tackling sustainability challenges in coastal and marine social-ecological systems.
Lessons From COVID-19: Physical Exercise Can Improve and Optimize Health Status
Authors: Cerasola Dario , Argano Christiano , Corrao Salvatore
Published: May 2022

The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused increasing challenges for healthcare systems globally. The disease spread rapidly from Wuhan to the rest of the world, involving more than 400 million individuals and including more than 5 million deaths. In dealing with the pandemic, China and other countries took protective measures such as promoting social distancing, canceling public gatherings, closing schools, quarantining, and imposing lockdowns. All these measures lead to physical inactivity. Being physically inactive has significant repercussions on the status of physical and mental wellbeing, and it is associated with anxiety, stress, increased chronic disease risk, and worsening of chronic conditions. In this sense, the relevance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through physical exercise has been outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO). The aim of this mini review is to discuss the importance of physical activity in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the benefits of physical activity and exercise that could be potentially effective treatment strategies for comorbid chronic conditions, long covid syndrome (LCS), and symptoms such as depression and anxiety.
Corneal Perforation Caused by Eyelid Margin Trichilemmal Carcinoma: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Zhang Liying , Lin Zhirong , Wu Huping , Ou Shangkun
Published: May 2022

Background

Trichilemmal carcinoma (TLC) is a rare malignant adnexal tumor most commonly found in the elderly, usually affecting the scalp, eyelids, neck and face. Here, we first reported a rare case of corneal perforation caused by eyelid margin TLC.

Case Presentation

A 68-year-old female presented with 2 months history of unprovoked redness, pain and blurred vision in the left eye. On slit-lamp examination, a 1 × 2 mm sized aseptic corneal perforation embedded by iris prolapsed was noted. Upon detailed case investigation, we speculated that the severe meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and subsequent Blepharokeratoconjunctivitis (BKC) could have led to corneal perforation. The patient underwent penetrating keratoplasty to prevent ulcer enlargement and infection. However, several tiny nodules gradually developed on the eyelid margin postoperatively, accompaniedby with bleeding, burst and madarosis postoperatiely. Subsequently, biopsy revealed the growth of TLC on the eyelid margin, and lesionectomy was immediately conducted During the 1-year follow-up period, no local recurrence or metastasis was observed.

Conclusions

To date, there has not been any report of corneal perforation caused by eyelid margin TLC. Consideration of the clinical presentation, feature and histopathologist will be benefit for the dignoses and treatment of TLC. Ensuring a smooth eyelid margin by total excision of TLC and consistent followup of patient will avoid recurrence.
Transcription Profiling of Rice Panicle in Response to Crude Toxin Extract of Ustilaginoidea virens
Authors: Fu Rongtao , Chen Cheng , Wang Jian , Liu Yao , Zhao Liyu , Lu Daihua
Published: May 2022

Ustilaginoidea virens infects rice, causing rice false smut disease and reduced yields. During its growth, U. virens can also produce some toxins but less is known about the response mechanisms of the plant to U. virens toxins. U. virens toxins can inhibit the accumulation of total sugar in rice panicles. We used RNA sequencing to analyze the differential expression profile induced by infiltrating crude toxins into early growth-stage rice panicles. We compared the transcriptomes of the control and crude toxin-treated rice panicles and determined variable transcriptional responses under the action of the crude toxins. A total of 6,127 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Among these genes, 3,150 were upregulated and 2,977 were downregulated. Gene Ontology (GO) and metabolic pathway enrichment analyses indicated that U. virens toxins mainly influenced glycometabolism, amino acid metabolism, and secondary metabolism of rice panicles. DEG analysis showed that the gene expression levels of 10 transcription factor families were significantly changed. Genes involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, sugar transporters, and starch synthesis-related were significantly downregulated, including cytochrome P450, beta-glucosidase, CHS1, sucrose transporters, SWEETs, starch-branching enzymes, and UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase. However, genes involved in programmed cell death (PCD) were significantly upregulated and contained cytochrome c, metacaspase, and protein kinase genes. The results indicate that U. virens toxins may act as the pathogenic factors to reduce stress resistance, disrupt total sugar accumulation and starch formation, and induce PCD.
New Developments and Opportunities of Microbiota in Treating Breast Cancers
Authors: Meng Zihui , Ye Zixuan , Zhu Pengrong , Zhu Jianguo , Fang Shuguang , Qiu Tianzhu , Li Yanan , Meng Lijuan
Published: May 2022

Despite the prevalence of breast cancer (BC), over half of BC cases are unrelated to known risk factors, which highlights the importance of uncovering more cancer-related factors. Currently, the microbiota has been proven to be a potent modulator of the tumor environment in BC, which regulates the immune balance in tumor-related networks. Through a large amount of data accumulation, the microbiota has shown many possibilities to reveal more insights into the development or control of BC. To expand the potential benefits of patients with BC, this study discusses the distribution profile and the effect mechanism of BC-related microbiota on tumors and further discusses its impact on different tumor therapies. Finally, we summarize the possibility of targeting microbiological therapies to improve BC treatment or in combination with other therapies.
Multiple Proteins of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG Are Involved in the Protection of Keratinocytes From the Toxic Effects of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: El-Chami Cecile , Choudhury Rawshan , Mohammedsaeed Walaa , McBain Andrew J. , Kainulainen Veera , Lebeer Sarah , Satokari Reetta , O’Neill Catherine A.
Published: May 2022

We have previously shown that lysates of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG confer protection to human keratinocytes against Staphylococcus aureus. L. rhamnosus GG inhibits the growth of S. aureus as well as competitively excludes and displaces the pathogen from keratinocytes. In this study, we have specifically investigated the anti-adhesive action. We have tested the hypothesis that this activity is due to quenching of S. aureus binding sites on keratinocytes by molecules within the Lacticaseibacillus lysate. Trypsinisation or heat treatment removed the protective effect of the lysate suggesting the involvement of proteins as effector molecules. Column separation of the lysate and analysis of discrete fractions in adhesion assays identified a fraction of moderate hydrophobicity that possessed all anti-adhesive functions. Immunoblotting demonstrated that this fraction contained the pilus protein, SpaC. Recombinant SpaC inhibited staphylococcal adhesion to keratinocytes in a dose-dependent manner and improved keratinocyte viability following challenge with viable S. aureus. However, SpaC did not confer the full anti-adhesive effects of the LGG lysate and excluded but did not displace S. aureus from keratinocytes. Further purification produced four protein-containing peaks (F1–F4). Of these, F4, which had the greatest column retention time, was the most efficacious in anti-staphylococcal adhesion and keratinocyte viability assays. Identification of proteins by mass spectrometry showed F4 to contain several known “moonlighting proteins”—i.e., with additional activities to the canonical function, including enolase, Triosephosphate isomerase (TPI), Glyceraldehyde 3 phosphate dehydrogenase (G3P) and Elongation factor TU (EF-Tu). Of these, only enolase and TPI inhibited S. aureus adhesion and protected keratinocytes viability in a dose-dependent manner. These data suggest that inhibition of staphylococcal binding by the L. rhamnosus GG lysate is mediated by SpaC and specific moonlight proteins.
Immune-Related RNA-Binding Protein-Based Signature With Predictive and Prognostic Implications in Patients With Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xu Lei , Li Wanru , Yang Ting , Hu Siqi , Zou Qiong , Jiao Ju , Jiang Ningyi , Zhang Yong
Published: May 2022

Background: Dysregulation of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in cancers is associated with immune and cancer development. Here, we aimed to profile immune-related RBPs in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and construct an immune-related RBP signature (IRBPS) to predict the survival and response to immunotherapy.

Methods: A correlation analysis was performed to establish a co-expression network of RBPs and immune-related genes (IRGs) to characterize immune-related RBPs in the TCGA–LUAD cohort (n = 497 cases). Then, a combination of the Random survival forest (RSF) and Cox regression analysis was performed to screen the RBPs and establish IRBPS. This was followed by independent validation of IRBPS in GSE72094 (n = 398 cases), GSE31210, (n = 226 cases), and GSE26939 (n = 114 cases). Differences between the low- and high-risk groups were compared in terms of gene mutations, tumor mutation burden, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and biomarkers responsive to immunotherapy.

Results: DDX56, CTSL, ZC3H12D, and PSMC5 were selected and used to construct IRBPS. The high-risk scores of patients had a significantly worse prognosis in both training and testing cohorts (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05, respectively), and they tended to be older and have an advanced TNM stage. Furthermore, IRBPS was a prognostic factor independent of age, gender, smoking history, TNM stage, and EGFR mutation status (p = 0.002). In addition, high-risk scores of IRBPS were significantly correlated with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (p < 0.05). They also had a high level of PD-L1 protein expression (p < 0.01), number of neoantigens (p < 0.001), and TMB (p < 0.001), implying the possible prediction of IRBPS in the immunotherapy of LUAD.

Conclusion: The currently established IRBPS encompassing immune-related RBPs might serve as a promising tool to predict survival, reflect the immune microenvironment, and predict the efficacy of immunotherapy among LUAD patients.
Application of Neurotoxin-Induced Animal Models in the Study of Parkinson’s Disease-Related Depression: Profile and Proposal
Authors: Mou Ya-Kui , Guan Li-Na , Yao Xiao-Yan , Wang Jia-Hui , Song Xiao-Yu , Ji Yong-Qiang , Ren Chao , Wei Shi-Zhuang
Published: May 2022

Depression can be a non-motor symptom, a risk factor, and even a co-morbidity of Parkinson’s disease (PD). In either case, depression seriously affects the quality of life of PD patients. Unfortunately, at present, a large number of clinical and basic studies focused on the pathophysiological mechanism of PD and the prevention and treatment of motor symptoms. Although there has been increasing attention to PD-related depression, it is difficult to achieve early detection and early intervention, because the clinical guidelines mostly refer to depression developed after or accompanied by motor impairments. Why is there such a dilemma? This is because there has been no suitable preclinical animal model for studying the relationship between depression and PD, and the assessment of depressive behavior in PD preclinical models is as well a very challenging task since it is not free from the confounding from the motor impairment. As a common method to simulate PD symptoms, neurotoxin-induced PD models have been widely used. Studies have found that neurotoxin-induced PD model animals could exhibit depression-like behaviors, which sometimes manifested earlier than motor impairments. Therefore, there have been attempts to establish the PD-related depression model by neurotoxin induction. However, due to a lack of unified protocol, the reported results were diverse. For the purpose of further promoting the improvement and optimization of the animal models and the study of PD-related depression, we reviewed the establishment and evaluation strategies of the current animal models of PD-related depression based on both the existing literature and our own research experience, and discussed the possible mechanism and interventions, in order to provide a reference for future research in this area.
Social Interaction With an Anonymous Opponent Requires Increased Involvement of the Theory of Mind Neural System: An fMRI Study
Authors: Zheltyakova Maya , Korotkov Alexander , Masharipov Ruslan , Myznikov Artem , Didur Michael , Cherednichenko Denis , Wagels Lisa , Habel Ute , Kireev Maxim , Votinov Mikhail
Published: May 2022

An anonymous interaction might facilitate provoking behavior and modify the engagement of theory of mind (TOM) brain mechanisms. However, the effect of anonymity when processing unfair behavior of an opponent remains largely unknown. The current functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study applied the Taylor aggression paradigm, introducing an anonymous opponent to this task. Thirty-nine healthy right-handed subjects were included in the statistical analysis (13 males/26 females, mean age 24.5 ± 3.6 years). A player winning the reaction-time game could subtract money from the opponent during the task. Participants behaved similarly to both introduced and anonymous opponents. However, when an anonymous opponent (when compared to the introduced opponent) subtracted money, the right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) demonstrated an increased BOLD signal and increased functional connectivity with the left IFG. Further, increased functional connectivity between the right IFG, the right temporal parietal junction and precuneus was observed during the perception of high provocation (subtracting a large amount of money) from the anonymous compared to the introduced opponent. We speculate that the neural changes may underlie different inferences about the opponents’ mental states. The idea that this reorganization of the TOM network reflects the attempt to understand the opponent by “completing” socially relevant details requires further investigation.
Real-Time Occlusion-Robust Deformable Linear Object Tracking With Model-Based Gaussian Mixture Model
Authors: Wang Taohan , Yamakawa Yuji
Published: May 2022

Tracking and manipulating deformable linear objects (DLOs) has great potential in the industrial world. However, estimating the object's state is crucial and challenging, especially when dealing with heavy occlusion situations and physical properties of different objects. To address these problems, we introduce a novel tracking algorithm to observe and estimate the states of DLO. The proposed tracking algorithm is based on the Coherent Point Drift (CPD), which registers the observed point cloud, and the finite element method (FEM) model encodes physical properties. The Gaussian mixture model with CPD regularization generates constraints to deform a given FEM model into desired shapes. The FEM model encodes the local structure, the global topology, and the material property to better approximate the deformation process in the real world without using simulation software. A series of simulations and real data tracking experiments have been conducted on deformable objects, such as rope and iron wire, to demonstrate the robustness and accuracy of our method in the presence of occlusion.