bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
17β-Estradiol Inhibits Proliferation and Oxidative Stress in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells by Upregulating BHLHE40 Expression
Authors: Feng Dan-dan , Zheng Bin , Yu Jing , Zhang Man-li , Ma Ying , Hao Xiao , Wen Jin-kun , Zhang Xin-hua
Published: December 2021

Background: Intimal hyperplasia is a major complication of restenosis after angioplasty. The abnormal proliferation and oxidative stress of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the basic pathological feature of neointimal hyperplasia. 17β-Estradiol can inhibit VSMCs proliferation and inflammation. However, it is still unclear whether and how 17β-Estradiol affects intimal hyperplasia.

Methods: The neointima hyperplasia was observed by hematoxylin/eosin staining. The expression of PCNA, cyclin D1, NOX1, NOX4 and p47phox in neointima hyperplasia tissues and VSMCs was determined by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. MTS assay, cell counting and EdU staining were performed to detect cells proliferation. The oxidative stress was assessed by ROS staining.

Results: 17β-Estradiol suppressed carotid artery ligation-induced intimal hyperplasia, which is accompanied by an increase of BHLHE40 level. Furthermore, loss- and gain-of-function experiments revealed that BHLHE40 knockdown promotes, whereas BHLHE40 overexpression inhibits TNF-α-induced VSMC proliferation and oxidative stress. 17β-Estradiol inhibited TNF-α-induced VSMC proliferation and oxidative stress by promoting BHLHE40 expression, thereby suppressing MAPK signaling pathways. In addition, enforcing the expression of BHLHE40 leads to amelioration of intimal hyperplasia.

Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that 17β-Estradiol inhibits proliferation and oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro by promotion of BHLHE40 expression.
New Insights Into the Role of Mitochondria Quality Control in Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Xin Yanguo , Zhang Xiaodong , Li Jingye , Gao Hui , Li Jiayu , Li Junli , Hu Wenyu , Li Hongwei
Published: December 2021

IHD is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. In the acute phase, it's demonstrated as myocardial infarction and ischemia-reperfusion injury, while in the chronic stage, the ischemic heart is mainly characterised by adverse myocardial remodelling. Although interventions such as thrombolysis and percutaneous coronary intervention could reduce the death risk of these patients, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms need more exploration. Mitochondria are crucial to maintain the physiological function of the heart. During IHD, mitochondrial dysfunction results in the pathogenesis of ischemic heart disease. Ischemia drives mitochondrial damage not only due to energy deprivation, but also to other aspects such as mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondria-related inflammation, etc. Given the critical roles of mitochondrial quality control in the pathological process of ischemic heart disease, in this review, we will summarise the efforts in targeting mitochondria (such as mitophagy, mtROS, and mitochondria-related inflammation) on IHD. In addition, we will briefly revisit the emerging therapeutic targets in this field.
Case Report: 3D Printing Guided Cardiac Autotransplantation for Treatment of a Giant Complex Primary Left Atrial Tumor
Authors: Zhou Yang-zhao , Tang Tao , Luo Cheng , Zhou Xin-min , Fu Xian-ming
Published: December 2021

Primary cardiac tumors are rare and complete surgical resection is the optimal treatment. However, it is a great challenge to resect some malignant or complex benign left-sided cardiac tumors situated on the posterior aspect of the heart using conventional surgical resection techniques. Previous studies reported that cardiac autotransplantation is a feasible and safe technique for resection of such cardiac tumors. We report a successful case of cardiac autotransplantation with 3-dimensional (3D) printing technique for complete resection of a giant complex primary left atrial tumor.
Management of COVID-19 Pandemic Data in India: Challenges Faced and Lessons Learnt
Authors: Kaur Jasmine , Kaur Jasleen , Dhama Ajay Singh , Kumar Vinit , Singh Harpreet
Published: December 2021

COVID-19 is an ongoing pandemic, which has already claimed millions of lives worldwide. In the absence of prior information on the pandemic, the governments can use generated testing data to drive policy decisions. Thus, a one-stop repository is essential to ensure sharing of clean, de-duplicated, and updated records to all the stakeholders. In India, the government initiated the testing through a network of VRDLs headed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Initially, the generated data were captured and shared in Excel sheets. As the number of cases increased, there was a need for a data management system to ensure reliable and up-to-date data to drive policy decisions. Thus, the data management team at ICMR initiated the development of a national COVID-19 testing data management tool that is currently maintaining all the data in a central hub. The first version of the tool was released in March 2020 and was subsequently modified with the changing testing guidelines and strategies. On completing one and a half years of managing the data and collecting approximately 550 million records, the team analyzed the challenges faced and the strategies used to ensure a seamless flow of data to the system and its real-time analysis. In this study, the entire duration of the pandemic has been divided into four different phases based on the resourcefulness of the country. Since the pandemic is currently ongoing, this study can be useful for countries in a different phase of pandemic facing similar challenges.
Bi-Fractal Characterization of the Pore Network of Tight Sandstone
Authors: Song Zezhang , Zhao Junyi , Zhang Yuanyin , Yang Dailin , Wang Yunlong , Hu Li , Li Chenghai , Liu Wenlei
Published: December 2021

Fluid seepage performance and accumulation in tight sandstone is a critical research topic for in-depth exploration and development, closely related to the heterogeneity of the pore network. The fractal characterization is one of the most compelling and direct ways for quantitative investigation of heterogeneity. However, only one kind of fractal is used in most studies, and the differences and relations between different fractal dimensions are rarely discussed. This paper chose one of the most representative tight sandstone formations in China, the second member of the Xujiahe Formation, as the research object. First, based on physical analysis and XRD analysis, we carried out a qualitative investigation on pore structure utilizing thin-section and scanning electron microscopy. Then, detailed pore structure parameters were obtained using high-pressure mercury intrusion (HPMI). Lastly, we combined two-dimensional fractal analysis on thin-section images and three-dimensional fractal analysis on HPMI data to characterize the pore network heterogeneity quantitatively. The Xu2 tight sandstone is mainly medium- to fine-grained lithic feldspathic sandstone or feldspathic lithic sandstone with low porosity and permeability. Also, the Xujiahe tight sandstone is mainly composed of quartz, feldspar, and clay. The pore types of Xu2 tight sandstones are primarily intergranular pores, micro-fractures, and intra- and intergranular dissolution pores. Moreover, most of the micro-fractures in gas-bearing formation are open-ended, while most are filled by clay minerals in the dry formation. The r50 (median pore radius) is the most sensitive parameter to seepage capability (permeability) and gas-bearing status. The 2D fractal dimension (Ds) of gas-bearing samples is significantly larger than that of dry samples, while the 3D fractal dimension (D1, D2) of gas-bearing samples is lower than that of dry samples. There is a strong negative correlation between D2 and gas-bearing status, permeability, quartz content, and r50, but a positive correlation between Ds and these parameters. D2 represents the heterogeneity of pore space, while the Ds indicates the development of the pore network. Tectonic movements that generate micro-fractures and clay cementation that blocks the seepage channels are the two main controlling factors on fractal dimensions. Combining 2D and 3D fractal analysis could give a more in-depth investigation of pore structure.
Imaging Complex Subsurface Structures for Geothermal Exploration at Pirouette Mountain and Eleven-Mile Canyon in Nevada
Authors: Huang Yunsong , Zhang Miao , Gao Kai , Sabin Andrew , Huang Lianjie
Published: December 2021

Accurate imaging of subsurface complex structures with faults is crucial for geothermal exploration because faults are generally the primary conduit of hydrothermal flow. It is very challenging to image geothermal exploration areas because of complex geologic structures with various faults and noisy surface seismic data with strong and coherent ground-roll noise. In addition, fracture zones and most geologic formations behave as anisotropic media for seismic-wave propagation. Properly suppressing ground-roll noise and accounting for subsurface anisotropic properties are essential for high-resolution imaging of subsurface structures and faults for geothermal exploration. We develop a novel wavenumber-adaptive bandpass filter to suppress the ground-roll noise without affecting useful seismic signals. This filter adaptively exploits both characteristics of the lower frequency and the smaller velocity of the ground-roll noise than those of the signals. Consequently, this filter can effectively differentiate the ground-roll noise from the signal. We use our novel filter to attenuate the ground-roll noise in seismic data along five survey lines acquired by the U.S. Navy Geothermal Program Office at Pirouette Mountain and Eleven-Mile Canyon in Nevada, United States. We then apply our novel anisotropic least-squares reverse-time migration algorithm to the resulting data for imaging subsurface structures at the Pirouette Mountain and Eleven-Mile Canyon geothermal exploration areas. The migration method employs an efficient implicit wavefield-separation scheme to reduce image artifacts and improve the image quality. Our results demonstrate that our wavenumber-adaptive bandpass filtering method successfully suppresses the strong and coherent ground-roll noise in the land seismic data, and our anisotropic least-squares reverse-time migration produces high-resolution subsurface images of Pirouette Mountain and Eleven-Mile Canyon, facilitating accurate fault interpretation for geothermal exploration.
Animals for Tools: The Origin and Development of Bone Technologies in China
Authors: Ma Shuwen , Doyon Luc
Published: December 2021

The origin and development of bone technologies in China are reviewed in the light of recent discoveries and compared to trends emerging from the European and African archaeological records. Three categories of osseous tools are targeted: 1) unmodified bone fragments bearing traces of use in technological activities; 2) bone fragments modified to a variable extent with techniques generally used in stone technologies; 3) osseous fragments entirely shaped with techniques fit for the manufacture of formal bone tools. Early evidence of bone technologies in China are sporadically found in contexts dated between 1.8 and 1.0 Ma. By the late MIS6–early MIS5, bone tools are well-integrated in the technological systems of Pleistocene populations and the rules guiding their use appear increasingly standardized. In addition, the first evidence for the use of osseous material in symbolic activities emerges in the archaeological record during this period. Finally, between 40 and 35 ka, new manufacturing techniques and products are introduced in Late Palaeolithic technological systems. It is first apparent in the manufacture of personal ornaments, and followed by the production and diversification of formal bone tools. By that time, population dynamics seem to become materialized in these items of material culture. Despite regional specificities, the cultural trajectories identified for the evolution of bone technologies in China seem entirely comparable to those observed in other regions of the world.
Perceptions of the European Space Sector: Youth Engagement With Space Education Events
Authors: Roche Joseph , Bell Laura , Hurley Mairéad , Jensen Aaron M. , Jensen Eric A. , Owens Brendan , D’Arcy Grace , González Jorge Rivero , Russo Pedro
Published: December 2021

Space education not only plays a key role in helping young people understand the natural world and their impact on the planet but is also vital in ensuring that future generations can make meaningful contributions to the space sector at all levels. Positive perceptions of the space sector can lead young people to take roles where they can contribute to new knowledge, develop new technologies, and tackle societal challenges. As the relationship between science and society is tested by global events—such as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic—scientific trust and accountability have become topics of frequent and public debate. The way in which young people engage with space education and perceive their potential involvement with the space sector is of greater importance now than ever before. This paper describes a two-year European space education project that was carried out before and during the COVID-19 global pandemic. An evaluation of the project activities showed that young people are generally enthusiastic about space, but their perceptions of the European space sector—and their connections to it—are less positive. Recommendations are made on the challenges facing the space sector and how it needs to adapt to better support the development of a more inclusive space education community.
Deciphering the Irregular Risk of Stroke Increased by Obesity Classes: A Stratified Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zou Xuelun , Wang Leiyun , Xiao Linxiao , Xu Zihao , Yao Tianxing , Shen Minxue , Zeng Yi , Zhang Le
Published: December 2021

Background

To investigate the relationship between different classes of obesity and stroke, we conducted a stratified Mendelian randomization (MR) study.

Methods

The body mass index (BMI) data of 263,407 Europeans with three classes of obesity (obesity class I, 30 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 35 kg/m2; obesity class II, 35 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 40 kg/m2; obesity class III, 40 kg/m2 ≤ BMI) were extracted from the Genetic Investigation of ANthropometric Traits (GIANT) consortium. Summary-level data of stroke and its subtypes [ischemic stroke (IS) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)] were obtained from the genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis, which was performed by the MEGASTROKE consortium. MR methods were used to identify the causal relationships.

Results

The MR analysis revealed that both obesity class I [odds ratio (OR) = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.05–1.12, p = 1.0 × 10-5] and obesity class II (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03–1.09, p = 1 × 10-4) were significantly positively related to IS, while obesity class III was not (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.96–1.06, p = 0.65). In contrast to IS, there was no class of obesity associated with ICH risk. Further examination of the relationship between obesity classification and IS subtypes revealed that certain degrees of obesity were related to large artery stroke (LAS) (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.04–1.24, p = 2.8 × 10-3 for class I; OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01–1.16, p = 0.002 for class II) and cardioembolic stroke (CES) (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02–1.20, p = 0.02 for class I; OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02–1.15, p = 0.007 for class II).

Conclusions

A higher risk of IS, but not ICH, could be linked to obesity classes I and II. A strong association between LAS and CES and obesity was observed among all IS subtypes in the obese population.
Higher Triglyceride–Glucose Index Is Associated With Increased Likelihood of Kidney Stones
Authors: Qin Zheng , Zhao Junjie , Geng Jiwen , Chang Kaixi , Liao Ruoxi , Su Baihai
Published: December 2021

Aims

We aimed to assess the association between triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index and kidney stones in US adults.

Methods

Data were obtained from the 2007–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Participants aged ≥18 years who were not pregnant and provided complete data about TyG index and kidney stones were included in the analysis. Weighted multivariable regression analysis and subgroup analysis were preformed to estimate the independent relationship between TyG index and nephrolithiasis and recurrence.

Results

A total of 20,972 participants were included with the mean TyG index of 8.71 ± 0.72. The prevalence rates of nephrolithiasis and recurrence were 9.30% and 3.17% overall and increased with the higher TyG index tertiles (Nephrolithiasis: Tertile 1, 6.98%; Tertile 2, 9.15%; Tertile 3, 11.98%, p < 0.01; Recurrence: Tertile 1, 1.84%; Tertile 2, 3.27%; Tertile 3, 4.50%, p < 0.01). Each unit increase in TyG index was associated with 12% and 26% higher odds of nephrolithiasis [odds ratio (OR) = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.02–1.22; p = 0.02] and recurrence (OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.08–1.46; p < 0.01). Interaction tests indicated no significant effect of gender, age, body mass index, hypertension, and diabetes on this association between TyG index and kidney stones.

Conclusions

Higher TyG index was associated with an increased likelihood of nephrolithiasis and recurrence. Considering TyG index is a reliable indicator of insulin resistance (IR). Treatment and management of IR at a younger age may improve or alleviate the occurrence and recurrence of kidney stones.
Genetic Correlation and Bidirectional Causal Association Between Type 2 Diabetes and Pulmonary Function
Authors: Zhu Jiahao , Zhao Huanling , Chen Dingwan , Tse Lap Ah , Kinra Sanjay , Li Yingjun
Published: December 2021

Background

Observational studies have shown possible bidirectional association between type 2 diabetes (T2D) and pulmonary function, but the causality is not well defined. The purpose of this study is to investigate genetic correlation and causal relationship of T2D and glycemic traits with pulmonary function.

Methods

By leveraging summary statistics from large-scale genome-wide association studies, linkage disequilibrium score regression was first implemented to quantify genetic correlations between T2D, glycemic traits, and several spirometry indices. Then both univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization analyses along with multiple pleiotropy-robust methods were performed in two directions to assess the causal nature of these relationships.

Results

Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) showed significant genetic correlations with T2D and fasting insulin levels and suggestive genetic correlations with fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c. In Mendelian randomization analyses, genetically predicted higher FEV1 (OR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.63, 0.94) and FVC (OR = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.68, 0.99) were significantly associated with lower risk of T2D. Conversely, genetic predisposition to higher risk of T2D exhibited strong association with reduced FEV1 (beta = −0.062; 95% CI = −0.100, −0.024) and FEV1 (beta = −0.088; 95% CI = −0.126, −0.050) and increased FEV1/FVC ratio (beta = 0.045; 95% CI = 0.012, 0.078). We also found a suggestive causal effect of fasting glucose on pulmonary function and of pulmonary function on fasting insulin and proinsulin.

Conclusions

The present study provided supportive evidence for genetic correlation and bidirectional causal association between T2D and pulmonary function. Further studies are warranted to clarify possible mechanisms related to lung dysfunction and T2D, thus offering a new strategy for the management of the two comorbid diseases.
Quick Evaluation Method for Defect Exceeding the Allowable Flaw Size in Pressure Vessel of Nuclear Reactor for Power Plant and Space Heating
Authors: Liu Pan , Li Yuebing , Jin Ting , Wang Dasheng
Published: December 2021

Nuclear power can be used for power generation, space heating, and other fields, producing a limited level of greenhouse gases and no atmospheric pollutants. However, the safety of nuclear reactors is always a public concern. The reactor pressure vessels (RPVs) play an important role in the safe operation of a nuclear power plant. When a defect is inspected in the RPV, complex analytical evaluation procedures, including fatigue analysis and fracture assessment, are necessary to ensure the structural integrity of the defective component. Based on the RSE-M, a quick evaluation approach for RPVs with defects exceeding acceptance standards is proposed in this work to reduce the computational complexity and analysis time. The flaw evaluation is simplified by adjusting the inspection period based on the analysis of fatigue crack growth. The new method was applied to the RPVs with embedded defects and underclad semi-elliptical defects, respectively. The proposed evaluation approach was verified by the case of a typical RPV cylinder containing an embedded crack, where all possible transients during the operation of nuclear power plants are considered. During the allowable residual life obtained of 5-years, failure would not occur in the defective component via the conventional method, which gives confidence to the availability of the new approach. Consequently, the proposed method can be a valid reference for the structural integrity assessment of nuclear reactor components with defects exceeding acceptance standards.
Can Compulsory Ecological Compensation for Land Damaged by Mining Activities Mitigate CO2 Emissions in China?
Authors: Wang Siyao , Balta-Ozkan Nazmiye , Yildirim Julide , Chen Fu , Wang Yinghong
Published: December 2021

Chinese government has proposed a national contribution plan that involves achieving the peak CO2 emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. To explore the pathway of achieving carbon neutrality, we tried to use resources taxes and land reclamation deposits as compulsory ecological compensation (CEC). In order to test if CEC can affect CO2 emissions, energy intensity was selected as the intermediate variable. We found that the CO2 emissions trend in China is consistent with environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis and proved that CEC displayed a spillover effect on energy intensity. Likely, energy intensity presented a spillover effect on CO2 emissions. Therefore, CEC will spatially affect CO2 emissions. The generalized spatial two-stage least-squares estimate model was used to identify the impact mechanism of coal production on energy intensity with CEC as the instrumental variable. The results indicated that reducing coal production in neighboring regions may cause the mitigation of local CO2 emissions. Finally, regression analyses carried out by region suggested regional cooperation should be carried out in the process of carbon mitigation.
Trade-Offs Between Growth Rate and Other Fungal Traits
Authors: Lovero Karissa G. , Treseder Kathleen K.
Published: December 2021

If we better understand how fungal responses to global change are governed by their traits, we can improve predictions of fungal community composition and ecosystem function. Specifically, we can examine trade-offs among traits, in which the allocation of finite resources toward one trait reduces the investment in others. We hypothesized that trade-offs among fungal traits relating to rapid growth, resource capture, and stress tolerance sort fungal species into discrete life history strategies. We used the Biolog Filamentous Fungi database to calculate maximum growth rates of 37 fungal species and then compared them to their functional traits from the funfun database. In partial support of our hypothesis, maximum growth rate displayed a negative relationship with traits related to resource capture. Moreover, maximum growth rate displayed a positive relationship with amino acid permease, forming a putative Fast Growth life history strategy. A second putative life history strategy is characterized by a positive relationship between extracellular enzymes, including cellobiohydrolase 6, cellobiohydrolase 7, crystalline cellulase AA9, and lignin peroxidase. These extracellular enzymes were negatively related to chitosanase 8, an enzyme that can break down a derivative of chitin. Chitosanase 8 displayed a positive relationship with many traits that were hypothesized to cluster separately, forming a putative Blended life history strategy characterized by certain resource capture, fast growth, and stress tolerance traits. These trait relationships complement previously explored microbial trait frameworks, such as the Competitor-Stress Tolerator-Ruderal and the Yield-Resource Acquisition-Stress Tolerance schemes.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Quinoa Reveals a Group of Germin-Like Proteins Induced by Trichoderma
Authors: Rollano-Peñaloza Oscar M. , Mollinedo Patricia A. , Widell Susanne , Rasmusson Allan G.
Published: December 2021

Symbiotic strains of fungi in the genus Trichoderma affect growth and pathogen resistance of many plant species, but the interaction is not known in molecular detail. Here we describe the transcriptomic response of two cultivars of the crop Chenopodium quinoa to axenic co-cultivation with Trichoderma harzianum BOL-12 and Trichoderma afroharzianum T22. The response of C. quinoa roots to BOL-12 and T22 in the early phases of interaction was studied by RNA sequencing and RT-qPCR verification. Interaction with the two fungal strains induced partially overlapping gene expression responses. Comparing the two plant genotypes, a broad spectrum of putative quinoa defense genes were found activated in the cultivar Kurmi but not in the Real cultivar. In cultivar Kurmi, relatively small effects were observed for classical pathogen response pathways but instead a C. quinoa-specific clade of germin-like genes were activated. Germin-like genes were found to be more rapidly induced in cultivar Kurmi as compared to Real. The same germin-like genes were found to also be upregulated systemically in the leaves. No strong correlation was observed between any of the known hormone-mediated defense response pathways and any of the quinoa-Trichoderma interactions. The differences in responses are relevant for the capabilities of applying Trichoderma agents for crop protection of different cultivars of C. quinoa.
Aspirin Alleviates Particulate Matter Induced Asymptomatic Orchitis of Mice via Suppression of cGAS-STING Signaling
Authors: Zhu Tengyu , Chen Xue , Qiu Huan , Liu Yang , Mwangi James , Zhao Ling , Ding Wenjun , Lai Ren , Jin Lin
Published: December 2021

As an important source of air pollutant, airborne particulate matter (PM) has become a major threat to public health. Orchitis is characterized by acute or chronic testicular inflammation and is a primary cause of male infertility. Although accumulating evidence indicates that PM exposure is associated with increased male infertility rates, the mechanism by which PM is involved is not well understood. Here, we found that short-term PM exposure activated NF-κB signaling in mouse Leydig cells and testes and leading to asymptomatic orchitis. Analyzing the mitochondrial abundance and cGAMP levels in PM exposed mouse Leydig cells, we found that PM exposure induced mitochondrial injury and mtDNA release, leading to inflammation via the cGAS-STING axis. We also found that aspirin-induced acetylation of cGAS inhibited the inflammation in mice after PM exposure, especially in the testes. Moreover, aspirin pretreatment rescued offspring growth in PM-exposed mice. In summary, our study not only provides evidence that PM-induced asymptomatic orchitis in mice may be amenable to aspirin pre-treatment by acetylating cGAS, but also provides a potential explanation for male infertility caused by air pollutants.
Secretome Profiling of Atlantic Salmon Head Kidney Leukocytes Highlights the Role of Phagocytes in the Immune Response to Soluble β-Glucan
Authors: Iliev Dimitar B. , Strandskog Guro , Sobhkhez Mehrdad , Bruun Jack A. , Jørgensen Jorunn B.
Published: December 2021

β‐Glucans (BG) are glucose polymers which are produced in bacteria and fungi but not in vertebrate organisms. Being recognized by phagocytic leukocytes including macrophages and neutrophils through receptors such as dectin-1 and Complement receptor 3 (CR3), the BG are perceived by the innate immune system of vertebrates as foreign substances known as Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs). The yeast-derived BG has been recognized for its potent biological activity and it is used as an immunomodulator in human and veterinary medicine. The goal of the current study was to characterize the immunostimulatory activity of soluble yeast BG in primary cultures of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) head kidney leukocytes (HKLs) in which phagocytic cell types including neutrophils and mononuclear phagocytes predominate. The effect of BG on the secretome of HKL cultures, including secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and soluble protein55s was characterized through western blotting and mass spectrometry. The results demonstrate that, along with upregulation of proinflammatory genes, BG induces secretion of ubiquitinated proteins (UbP), MHCII-containing EVs from professional antigen presenting cells as well as proteins derived from granules of polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMN). Among the most abundant proteins identified in BG-induced EVs were beta-2 integrin subunits, including CD18 and CD11 homologs, which highlights the role of salmon granulocytes and mononuclear phagocytes in the response to soluble BG. Overall, the current work advances the knowledge about the immunostimulatory activity of yeast BG on the salmon immune system by shedding light on the effect of this PAMP on the secretome of salmon leukocytes.
Early Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells (eMDSCs) Are Associated With High Donor Myeloid Chimerism Following Haploidentical HSCT for Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Bhat Deepali K. , Olkhanud Purevdorj B. , Gangaplara Arunakumar , Seifuddin Fayaz , Pirooznia Mehdi , Biancotto Angélique , Fantoni Giovanna , Pittman Corinne , Francis Berline , Dagur Pradeep K. , Saxena Ankit , McCoy J. Philip , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Fitzhugh Courtney D.
Published: December 2021

Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) is a widely available curative option for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Our original non-myeloablative haplo-HSCT trial employing post-transplant (PT) cyclophosphamide had a low incidence of GVHD but had high rejection rates. Here, we aimed to evaluate immune reconstitution following haplo-HSCT and identify cytokines and cells associated with graft rejection/engraftment. 50 cytokines and 10 immune cell subsets were screened using multiplex-ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively, at baseline and PT-Days 30, 60, 100, and 180. We observed the most significant differences in cytokine levels between the engrafted and rejected groups at PT-Day 60, corresponding with clinical findings of secondary graft rejection. Of the 44 cytokines evaluated, plasma concentrations of 19 cytokines were different between the two groups at PT-Day 60. Factor analysis suggested two independent factors. The first factor (IL-17A, IL-10, IL-7, G-CSF, IL-2, MIP-1a, VEGF, and TGFb1 contributed significantly) was strongly associated with engraftment with OR = 2.7 (95%CI of 1.4 to 5.4), whereas the second factor (GROa and IL-18 contributed significantly) was not significantly associated with engraftment. Sufficient donor myeloid chimerism (DMC) is critical for the success of HSCT; here, we evaluated immune cells among high (H) DMC (DMC≥20%) and low (L) DMC (DMC<20%) groups along with engrafted and rejected groups. We found that early myeloid-derived suppressor cell (eMDSC) frequencies were elevated in engrafted patients and patients with HDMC at PT-Day 30 (P< 0.04 & P< 0.003, respectively). 9 of 20 patients were evaluated for the source of eMDSCs. The HDMC group had high mixed chimeric eMDSCs as compared to the LDMC group (P< 0.00001). We found a positive correlation between the frequencies of eMDSCs and Tregs at PT-Day 100 (r=0.72, P <0.0007); eMDSCs at BSL and Tregs at PT-Day 100 (r=0.63, P <0.004). Of 10 immune regulatory cells and 50 cytokines, we observed mixed chimeric eMDSCs and IL-17A, IL-10, IL-7, G-CSF, IL-2, MIP-1a, VEGF, TGFb1 as potential hits which could serve as prognostic markers in predicting allograft outcome towards engraftment following haploidentical HSCT employing post-transplant cyclophosphamide. The current findings need to be replicated and further explored in a larger cohort.
NLRP3 Inflammasome Contributes to Host Defense Against Talaromyces marneffei Infection
Authors: Ma Haiyan , Chan Jasper F. W. , Tan Yen Pei , Kui Lin , Tsang Chi-Ching , Pei Steven L. C. , Lau Yu-Lung , Woo Patrick C. Y. , Lee Pamela P.
Published: December 2021

Talaromyce marneffei is an important thermally dimorphic pathogen causing disseminated mycoses in immunocompromised individuals in southeast Asia. Previous studies have suggested that NLRP3 inflammasome plays a critical role in antifungal immunity. However, the mechanism underlying the role of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in host defense against T. marneffei remains unclear. We show that T. marneffei yeasts but not conidia induce potent IL-1β production. The IL-1β response to T. marneffei yeasts is differently regulated in different cell types; T. marneffei yeasts alone are able to induce IL-1β production in human PBMCs and monocytes, whereas LPS priming is essential for IL-1β response to yeasts. We also find that Dectin-1/Syk signaling pathway mediates pro-IL-1β production, and NLRP3-ASC-caspase-1 inflammasome is assembled to trigger the processing of pro-IL-1β into IL-1β. In vivo, mice deficient in NLRP3 or caspase-1 exhibit higher mortality rate and fungal load compared to wild-type mice after systemic T. marneffei infection, which correlates with the diminished recruitment of CD4 T cells into granulomas in knockout mice. Thus, our study first demonstrates that NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to host defense against T. marneffei infection.
The Impact of HBV Quasispecies Features on Immune Status in HBsAg+/HBsAb+ Patients With HBV Genotype C Using Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Wang Ying , Xiao Xiao , Chen Shipeng , Huang Chenjun , Zhou Jun , Dai Erhei , Li Ya , Liu Lijuan , Huang Xianzhang , Gao Zhiyuan , Wu Chuanyong , Fang Meng , Gao Chunfang
Published: December 2021

Background

This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of the coexistence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) serological pattern via intensive characterization of HBV s gene in both chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

Method

A total of 73 HBsAg+/HBsAb+ patients (CHB = 36, HCC = 37) and 96 HBsAg+/HBsAb− patients (CHB = 47, HCC = 49) were enrolled from 13 medical centers in China. The sequence features were elaborated based on the combination of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and multidimensional bioinformatics analysis.

Results

The 16 high-frequency missense mutations, changes of stop codon mutation, clustering, and random forest models based on quasispecies features demonstrated the significant discrepancy power between HBsAg+/HBsAb+ and HBsAg+/HBsAb− in CHB and HCC, respectively. The immunogenicity for cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitope Se and antigenicity for the major hydrophilic region (MHR) were both reduced in HBsAg+/HBsAb+ patients (CTL Se: p < 0.0001; MHR: p = 0.0216). Different mutation patterns were observed between HBsAg+/HBsAb+ patients with CHB and with HCC. Especially, mutations in antigenic epitopes, such as I126S in CHB and I126T in HCC, could impact the conformational structure and alter the antigenicity/immunogenicity of HBsAg.

Conclusion

Based on NGS and bioinformatics analysis, this study indicates for the first time that point mutations and quasispecies diversities of HBV s gene could alter the MHR antigenicity and CTL Se immunogenicity and could contribute to the concurrent HBsAg+/HBsAb+ with different features in HCC and CHB. Our findings might renew the understanding of this special serological profile and benefit the clinical management in HBV-related diseases.
Stock Assessment of Small Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) Off the Coast of China Using Per-Recruit Analysis Based on Bayesian Inference
Authors: Zhu Lixin , Ge Changzi , Jiang Zhaoyang , Liu Chunli , Hou Gang , Liang Zhenlin
Published: December 2021

This paper presents a framework for quantifying uncertainty in per-recruit analysis for small yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) fisheries in China, in which credible estimates of life history parameters from Bayesian inference were used to generate the distribution for a quantity of interest. Small yellow croakers were divided into five spatial groups. The status of each group was examined using a yield-per-recruit (YPR) model and a spawning stock biomass-per-recruit (SSBPR) model. The optimal length at first capture (Lcopt) was proposed to recover the biomass. The maximum observed age in the current stocks (3 years) and the maximum recorded age (≥20 years) were adopted in per-recruit analysis. Our results suggest that the framework can quantify uncertainty well in the output of per-recruit analysis for small yellow croaker. It is suited to other fish species. The SSBPR at FMSY (SSBPRMSY) is a better benchmark than the spawning potential ratio (SPR) at FMSY because SSBPRMSY had a unimodal distribution. The SSBPR analysis can lead to a more conservative Lcopt than the YPR analysis. The key factor influencing the assessment conclusions may be the growth parameters rather than the natural mortality rate for a stock with a younger maximum age. Overfishing likely occurred for all groups and recruitment overfishing may not occur if the maximum age is maintained at 3 years. Increasing lengths at first capture to the recommended values can help this population recover. However, Fcur is too high for small yellow croakers to attain the maximum recorded age. Both reducing fishing mortality rate and increasing length at first capture are needed to attain the maximum recorded age.
Translating SSF Guidelines Into Practice With the Small-Scale Fisheries Academy
Authors: Nauen Cornelia E. , Arraes Treffner Maria Fernanda
Published: December 2021

The Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) have been adopted by FAO’s Committee of Fisheries in 2014. In this short research report, we present action research with self-selected men and women in small-scale fisheries in Senegal, a country with a large and dynamic SSF, which suffers, however, from diminishing profitability as a result of multiple pressures. We report ongoing work on the principles and approaches of the Small-Scale Fisheries Academy as a way to support the implementation of these Guidelines. The first phase of developing the SSF Academy focuses on testing learning methods aimed at developing critical thinking, planning and action. Respectful dialogue in the secure space of the Academy made academy learners, particularly women and younger participants, gradually more confident, articulate, and active. They started harvesting the results of enacted planning. We cautiously argue that it would be useful to expand these tests combining dialogue, the art of hosting communication and visual thinking to different places in Senegal and elsewhere. They provide an opportunity to address sensitive social issues like gender equity and intra-household violence and open perspectives on other societal challenges that hamper the implementation of the Guidelines. Despite the difficult conditions of the pandemic and given the rather limited work during the pilot phase before, the Academy’s participatory and inclusive learning and empowerment approach had an impact on the individual learners and the group and thus contributed to the implementation of the SSF Guidelines.
Novel Mitochondrial DNA Markers for Scleractinian Corals and Generic-Level Environmental DNA Metabarcoding
Authors: Shinzato Chuya , Narisoko Haruhi , Nishitsuji Koki , Nagata Tomofumi , Satoh Noriyuki , Inoue Jun
Published: December 2021

Coral reefs, the most biodiverse habitats in the ocean, are formed by anthozoan cnidarians, the scleractinian corals. Recently, however, ongoing climate change has imperiled scleractinian corals and coral reef environments are changing drastically. Thus, convenient, high-density monitoring of scleractinian corals is essential to understand changes in coral reef communities. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding is potentially one of the most effective means of achieving it. Using publicly available scleractinian mitochondrial genomes, we developed high-specificity primers to amplify mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA (12S) and cytochrome oxidase-1 (CO1) genes of diverse scleractinian corals, which could be used for genus-level metabarcoding analyses, using next-generation sequencing technologies. To confirm the effectiveness of these primers, PCR amplicon sequencing was performed using eDNA isolated along the seashore of Okinawa, Japan. We successfully amplified all eDNA samples using PCR. Approximately 93 and 72% of PCR amplicon sequences of 12S and CO1 primers originated from scleractinian 12S and CO1 genes, respectively, confirming higher specificities for coral mitochondrial genes than primers previously used for coral eDNA metabarcoding. We also found that hierarchical clustering, based on the percentage of mapped reads to each scleractinian genus, discriminates between sampling locations, suggesting that eDNA surveys are sufficiently powerful to reveal differences between coral communities separated by <1 km. We conclude that the method reported here is a powerful tool for conducting efficient eDNA surveys targeting scleractinian corals.
Comparison in Growth, Feeding, and Metabolism Between a Fast-Growing Selective Strain and a Cultured Population of Pearl Oyster (Pinctada fucata martensii)
Authors: Zhang Xingzhi , Ye Bingcong , Gu Zhifeng , Li Meng , Yang Shouguo , Wang Aimin , Liu Chunsheng
Published: December 2021

Pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata martensii) is the main species cultured for marine pearls in the world. A breeding program was carried out for desirable production traits, including high growth rate, and a fast-growing selective strain of pearl oysters was established. In the current study, we compared the growth characteristics between a selective strain and a cultured population of P. f. martensii in Beihai, Guangxi Province, China. Large size (SL) and small size (SS) individuals of the selective strain were selected, and the differences of physiological and metabolic indexes, such as feeding, respiration, excretion, and enzyme activities between SL and SS and cultured population (CL), were also compared. The results showed that at the age of 6 months, pearl oysters of the selective strain were 14.61% larger than CL, and the proportion of SL (30–40 mm) was 59%, which was two times higher than CL (28%). SL with a rapid growth rate had a high clearance rate (CR), and the CR of SL was about 1.8 times higher than that of CL and 5 times higher than that of SS. In addition, the activities of digestive enzymes (amylase, pepsin, and lipase) and growth-related carbonic anhydrase enzymes in SL were higher than those in the other two groups (p < 0.05). SS with a slow growth rate had higher oxygen consumption (OCR) and ammonia excretion (AER) rates than SL and CL (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that the rapid growth of the selective strain P. f. martensii can be attributed to increased energy intake and reduced energy consumption.
Behavioural Stress Propagation in Benthic Invertebrates Caused by Acute pH Drop-Induced Metabolites
Authors: Feugere Lauric , Angell Lauren , Fagents James , Nightingale Rebecca , Rowland Kirsty , Skinner Saffiyah , Hardege Jőrg , Bartels-Hardege Helga , Wollenberg Valero Katharina C.
Published: December 2021

Studies on pH stress in marine animals typically focus on direct or species-specific aspects. We here test the hypothesis that a drop to pH = 7.6 indirectly affects the intra- and interspecific interactions of benthic invertebrates by means of chemical communication. We recorded fitness-relevant behaviours of small hermit crabs Diogenes pugilator, green shore crabs Carcinus maenas, and harbour ragworms Hediste diversicolor in response to short-term pH drop, and to putative stress metabolites released by conspecifics or gilt-head sea bream Sparus aurata during 30 min of acute pH drop. Not only did acute pH drop itself impair time to find a food cue in small hermit crabs and burrowing in harbour ragworms, but similar effects were observed under exposure to pH drop-induced stress metabolites. Stress metabolites from S. aurata, but not its regular control metabolites, also induced avoidance responses in all recipient species. Here, we confirm that a short-term abrupt pH drop, an abiotic stressor, has the capacity to trigger the release of metabolites which induce behavioural responses in conspecific and heterospecific individuals, which can be interpreted as a behavioural cost. Our findings that stress responses can be indirectly propagated through means of chemical communication warrant further research to confirm the effect size of the behavioural impairments caused by stress metabolites and to characterise their chemical nature.
Revealing Sea Turtle Behavior in Relation to Fishing Gear Using Color-Coded Spatiotemporal Motion Patterns With Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Reavis Janie L. , Demir H. Seckin , Witherington Blair E. , Bresette Michael J. , Blain Christen Jennifer , Senko Jesse F. , Ozev Sule
Published: December 2021

Incidental capture, or bycatch, of marine species is a global conservation concern. Interactions with fishing gear can cause mortality in air-breathing marine megafauna, including sea turtles. Despite this, interactions between sea turtles and fishing gear—from a behavior standpoint—are not sufficiently documented or described in the literature. Understanding sea turtle behavior in relation to fishing gear is key to discovering how they become entangled or entrapped in gear. This information can also be used to reduce fisheries interactions. However, recording and analyzing these behaviors is difficult and time intensive. In this study, we present a machine learning-based sea turtle behavior recognition scheme. The proposed method utilizes visual object tracking and orientation estimation tasks to extract important features that are used for recognizing behaviors of interest with green turtles (Chelonia mydas) as the study subject. Then, these features are combined in a color-coded feature image that represents the turtle behaviors occurring in a limited time frame. These spatiotemporal feature images are used along a deep convolutional neural network model to recognize the desired behaviors, specifically evasive behaviors which we have labeled “reversal” and “U-turn.” Experimental results show that the proposed method achieves an average F1 score of 85% in recognizing the target behavior patterns. This method is intended to be a tool for discovering why sea turtles become entangled in gillnet fishing gear.