bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide: The potential mediating role of iron biomarkers
Authors: Khatami Farnaz , Muka Taulant , Groothof Dion , de Borst Martin H. , Buttia Chepkoech , van Hassel Gaston , Baumgartner Iris , Kremer Daan , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Bano Arjola , Eisenga Michele F.
Published: November 2022

Background

Levels of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), a marker of heart failure and cardiovascular risk, are generally higher in women than men. We explored whether iron biomarkers mediate sex differences in NT-proBNP levels.

Methods

We included 5,343 community-dwelling individuals from the Prevention of Renal and Vascular Endstage Disease study. With linear regression analyses, we investigated the association of sex and iron biomarkers with NT-proBNP levels, independent of adjustment for potential confounders. The assessed iron biomarkers included ferritin, transferrin saturation (TSAT), hepcidin, and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR). Next, we performed mediation analyses to investigate to which extent iron biomarkers influence the association between sex and NT-proBNP.

Results

Of the included 5,343 participants, the mean standard deviation age was 52.2 ± 11.6 years and 52% were females. After adjustment for potential confounders, women compared to men, had higher NT-proBNP (β = 0.31; 95%CI = 0.29, 0.34), but lower ferritin (β = –0.37; 95%CI = –0.39, –0.35), hepcidin (β = –0.22, 95%CI = –0.24, –0.20), and TSAT (β = –0.07, 95% CI = –0.08, –0.06). Lower ferritin (β = –0.05, 95%CI = –0.08, –0.02), lower hepcidin (β = –0.04, 95%CI = –0.07, –0.006), and higher TSAT (β = 0.07; 95%CI = 0.01, 0.13) were associated with higher NT-proBNP. In mediation analyses, ferritin and hepcidin explained 6.5 and 3.1% of the association between sex and NT-proBNP, respectively, while TSAT minimally suppressed (1.9%) this association.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that iron biomarkers marginally explain sex differences in levels of NT-proBNP. Future studies are needed to explore causality and potential mechanisms underlying these pathways.
Importance of cardiac imaging assessment of epicardial adipose tissue after a first episode of myocardial infarction
Authors: Islas Fabián , Gutiérrez Eva , Cachofeiro Victoria , Martínez-Martínez Ernesto , Marín Gema , Olmos Carmen , Carrión Irene , Gil Sandra , Mahía Patricia , Cobos Miguel Ángel , de Agustín Alberto , Luaces María
Published: November 2022

Background

Over the past years, information about the crosstalk between the epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and the cardiovascular system has emerged. Notably, in the context of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), EAT might have a potential role in the pathophysiology of ventricular structural changes and function, and the clinical evolution of patients. This study aims to assess the impact of EAT on morpho-functional changes in the left ventricle (LV) and the outcome of patients after an AMI.

Methods

We studied prospectively admitted patients to our hospital with a first episode of AMI. All patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during admission. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed within 24–48 h after PCI, as well as blood samples to assess levels of galectin-3 (Gal-3). Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was performed 5–7 days after PCI. Clinical follow-up was performed at 1 and 5 years after MI.

Results

Mean age of our cohort (n = 41) was 57.5 ± 10 years, and 38 (93%) were male. Nine patients had normal BMI, 15 had overweight (BMI 25–30), and 17 were obese (BMI > 30). Twenty three patients (56%) had ≥ 4 mm thickness of EAT measured with echo. In these patients, baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after AMI was significantly lower, as well as global longitudinal strain. EAT thickness ≥ 4 m patients presented larger infarct size, higher extracellular volume, and higher T1 times than patients with EAT < 4 mm. As for Gal-3, the median was 16.5 ng/mL [12.7–25.2]. At five-year follow-up 5 patients had major cardiac events, and all of them had EAT ≥ 4 mm.

Conclusions

Patients with EAT >4 mm have worse LVEF and GLS, larger infarct size and longer T1 values after a MI, and higher levels of Gal-3. EAT >4 mm was an independent predictor of MACE at 5-year follow-up. EAT thickness is a feasible, noninvasive, low-cost parameter that might provide important information regarding the chronic inflammatory process in the myocardium after an infarction.
A review: Machine learning for strain sensor-integrated soft robots
Authors: Yang Haitao , Wu Wenbo
Published: November 2022

Compliant and soft sensors that detect machinal deformations become prevalent in emerging soft robots for closed-loop feedback control. In contrast to conventional sensing applications, the stretchy body of the soft robot enables programmable actuating behaviors and automated manipulations across a wide strain range, which poses high requirements for the integrated sensors of customized sensor characteristics, high-throughput data processing, and timely decision-making. As various soft robotic sensors (strain, pressure, shear, etc.) meet similar challenges, in this perspective, we choose strain sensor as a representative example and summarize the latest advancement of strain sensor-integrated soft robotic design driven by machine learning techniques, including sensor materials optimization, sensor signal analyses, and in-sensor computing. These machine learning implementations greatly accelerate robot automation, reduce resource consumption, and expand the working scenarios of soft robots. We also discuss the prospects of fusing machine learning and soft sensing technology for creating next-generation intelligent soft robots.
Oocyte-specific disruption of adrenomedullin 2 gene enhances ovarian follicle growth after superovulation
Authors: Chang Chia Lin , Lo Wei-Che , Lee Ta-Hsien , Sung Jia-Yi , Sung Yen Ju
Published: November 2022

Background

Adrenomedullin 2 (ADM2), adrenomedullin (ADM), and calcitonin gene-related peptides (α- and β-CGRPs) signal through heterodimeric calcitonin receptor-like receptor/receptor activity-modifying protein 1, 2 and 3 (CLR/RAMP1, 2 and 3) complexes. These peptides are important regulators of neurotransmission, vasotone, cardiovascular development, and metabolic homeostasis. In rodents, ADM is essential for regulating embryo implantation, fetal–placental development, and hemodynamic adaptation during pregnancy. On the other hand, ADM2 was shown to affect vascular lumen enlargement, and cumulus cell-oocyte complex (COC) communication in rodent and bovine ovarian follicles. To investigate whether oocyte-derived ADM2 plays a physiological role in regulating ovarian folliculogenesis, we generated mice with oocyte-specific disruption of the Adm2 gene using a LoxP-flanked Adm2 transgene (Adm2 loxP/loxP) and crossed them with Zp3-Cre mice which carry a zona pellucida 3 (Zp3) promoter-Cre recombinase transgene.

Results

While heterozygous Adm2 +/-/Zp3-Cre and homozygous Adm2 -/-/Zp3-Cre mice were fertile, Adm2 disruption in oocytes significantly increased the number of ovulated oocytes following a superovulation treatment. Oocyte-specific Adm2 disruption also significantly impaired the developmental capacity of fertilized eggs and decreased the size of the corpus luteum following superovulation, perhaps due to a reduction of ovarian cyclin D2-associated signaling.

Conclusions

The disruption of intrafollicular ADM2 signaling leads to follicular dysfunction. These data suggested that oocyte-derived ADM2 plays a facilitative role in the regulation of hormonal response and follicle growth independent of the closely related ADM and CGRP peptides, albeit in a subtle manner.
Synergistic impact of diabetes and cognitive impairment on all-cause and cause-specific mortality in Chinese older adults: A prospective population-based cohort study
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Wang Shengshu , Liu Shaohua , Gong Xinran , Wang Yanding , Wu Di , Yang Meitao , Li Rongrong , Li Haowei , Li Xuehang , Chen Shimin , Jia Ruizhong , Guo Jinpeng , Wang Jianhua , Liu Miao , He Yao , Wang Yong
Published: November 2022

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) or cognitive impairment (CI) is known to be strongly associated with mortality. DM commonly coexists with CI and proportionally increases with age. However, little is known about the combined effect of cognitive function and diabetes on mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of DM and CI on all-cause and cause-specific mortality in Chinese older adults.

Methods

This prospective population-based cohort study was based on the Beijing Elderly Comprehensive Health Cohort Study. A total of 4,499 older adults were included. Cox’s proportional hazard models were utilized to calculate the effect of DM and CI on all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and cancer mortality, and a multiplicative term was introduced to study a potential interaction between DM and CI on outcomes.

Results

During a median follow-up of 6.8 years (ranging from 6.6 to 11.7 years), 667 (14.8%) participants died from all causes, 292 from CVD, and 215 from cancer. In the fully adjusted model, participants with coexisting DM and CI had the highest risk of all-cause mortality [hazard ratios (HRs), 3.08; 95% confidence intervals (CIs), 2.30,4.11] and CVD mortality (HRs, 3.85; 95% CIs, 2.60,5.71) compared with individuals with normal cognition and non-DM. We also found a multiplicative interaction between DM and CI in respect to all-cause (HRs, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.87,3.22) and CVD mortality (HRs, 3.15 95% CI, 2.19,4.55). In the diabetic population, CI was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (HRs, 2.09; 95% CIs, 1.51,2.89) and CVD mortality (HRs, 3.16; 95% CIs, 2.02,5.05) compared with the normal cognition group. Restricted cubic spline revealed a linear inverse association between Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score and all-cause, CVD mortality in the total sample and participants without diabetes. However, a nearly reverse J association was observed between MMSE and mortality from all causes and CVD in the diabetes group.

Conclusion

The findings highlighted that cognitive impairment concomitant with diabetes further increases the risk of mortality. In addition to strengthening routine screening of cognitive functioning in older adults with early-stage diabetes, more extensive assessment of prognostic risks has high clinical value for developing comprehensive treatment plans.
Synthesis and evaluation of delayed anti-high temperature gel plugging agent
Authors: Bai Yang , Wu Lingfeng , Luo Pingya , Li Daoxiong
Published: November 2022

The malignant leakage of complex formations seriously restricts the drilling time and has become a major drilling technical problem that needs to be solved urgently at this stage. In particular, the malignant leakage of large fractures and fractured formations is difficult to construct, and the success rate of plugging is low. In this paper, according to the above formation conditions, by analyzing the leakage mechanism of the malignant leakage formation, the method of plugging the large fractures and broken fractured formations is summarized. The adiabatic copolymerization co-hydrolysis method was used as the gel synthesis method, 2-methacrylic acid amide and acrylamide (AM) were used as the main raw materials, and the redox initiation system composed of sodium sulfate and sodium bisulfite was used as the initiator. Using its redox initiation characteristics, high-strength bonding between organic polymer covalent bonds was achieved by a self-made cross-linking agent; using the thermoplasticity of hot-melt adhesive, the initiator is wrapped in hot-melt adhesive particles to achieve high-temperature slow-release initiation, and finally, a gel plugging agent with good compatibility with drilling fluid, controllable gel formation time, stable gel formation, and good gel breaking performance was synthesized, which is suitable for severe lost circulation under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions. A compatibility study of gel and common drilling fluid systems, the effect of temperature on gel formation, gel rheological properties under high temperature and high pressure, gel start-up pressure, and gel breakability tests were evaluated under laboratory conditions. The experimental results show that the gel has good compatibility with common drilling fluid systems; with the increase of temperature, the gel time of the gel plugging agent gradually decreases, and the gel time can be adjusted from 1 to 3 h at a high temperature of 150°C; when the concentration of the gel in the experimental slurry exceeds 2%, its rheological properties change abruptly; under certain conditions, the starting pressure of the gel can reach up to 6.5 MPa; and under the condition of 150°C, the gel breaking rate was over 98% after 24 h. Various experiments show that the gel’s performance meets the requirements for plugging malignant leakage formations, and the effect is good. Compared with traditional gel materials, the gel plugging agent synthesized in this paper has the characteristics of a simple configuration process and superior performance with drilling fluid, which provides a new idea for malignant leakage plugging.
A review on synergy of cavitation and sediment erosion in hydraulic machinery
Authors: Wang Changchang , Tan Lei , Chen Mendi , Fan Honggang , Liu Demin
Published: November 2022

The synergy of cavitation and sediment erosion is the most severe destruction in hydraulic machinery in sediment-laden rivers, and currently the physics and mechanism are still lack of understanding. The synergy effects of cavitation and sediment erosion not only reduce the efficiency and life of hydraulic machinery but also cause costs in operation and maintenance. With the rapid development of renewable clean energy and the transformation of water resources, an increasing number of new hydropower stations and water diversion projects are currently planned or under construction, where most of them are in sediment-laden rivers. In the present paper, the research work, including theory, experiment, and simulation, in this field carried out by various investigators are presented and discussed. Physical mechanisms involved in the synergy of cavitation and sediment erosion which is responsible for material damage as investigated by researchers have also been discussed, and would help to identify gaps for future studies.
Adaptive graph convolutional imputation network for environmental sensor data recovery
Authors: Chen Fanglan , Wang Dongjie , Lei Shuo , He Jianfeng , Fu Yanjie , Lu Chang-Tien
Published: November 2022

Environmental sensors are essential for tracking weather conditions and changing trends, thus preventing adverse effects on species and environment. Missing values are inevitable in sensor recordings due to equipment malfunctions and measurement errors. Recent representation learning methods attempt to reconstruct missing values by capturing the temporal dependencies of sensor signals as handling time series data. However, existing approaches fall short of simultaneously capturing spatio-temporal dependencies in the network and fail to explicitly model sensor relations in a data-driven manner. In this work, we propose a novel Adaptive Graph Convolutional Imputation Network for missing value imputation in environmental sensor networks. A bidirectional graph convolutional gated recurrent unit module is introduced to extract spatio-temporal features which takes full advantage of the available observations from the target sensor and its neighboring sensors to recover the missing values. In addition, we design an adaptive graph learning layer that learns a sensor network topology in an end-to-end framework, in which no prior network information is needed for capturing spatial dependencies. Extensive experiments on three real-world environmental sensor datasets (solar radiation, air quality, relative humidity) in both in-sample and out-of-sample settings demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed framework for completing missing values in the environmental sensor network, which could potentially support environmental monitoring and assessment.
Assessing the role of financial development and financial inclusion to enhance environmental sustainability: Do financial inclusion and eco-innovation promote sustainable development?
Authors: Wang Yaping , Fahad Shah , Wei Liqian , Luo Bowen , Luo Jianchao
Published: November 2022

In the context of increasing uncertainty in the international economic environment and changes in the labor market, it is imperative to pay proper attention to the environmental quality and sustainability. This paper theoretically analyzes the impact of financial development and financial inclusion on the environmental sustainability. Based on the survey data of 2093 households in Xunyi and Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China, the 2SLS model, and the instrumental variable quantile regression model are constructed to test the association of variables. The results show that the development of financial inclusion and financial development have an inverted “U” shaped nonlinear effect on the environmental quality and efficiency; Only after the development of financial inclusion reaches a certain degree can the environmental quality and sustainability be effectively improved. The results of the quantile regression of instrumental variables show that financial inclusion significantly improves the environmental quality with medium and high degrees but does not have a significant effect on the environmental quality and sustainability with low degrees. After considering the endogeneity and robustness test, the above conclusion still holds. Further research shows that inclusive financial development improves environmental quality and results in sustainable development. Improving the convenience and depth of use of financial services is the key to effectively reducing rural household economic vulnerability and improve the environmental quality. The heterogeneity analysis shows that financial inclusion development has a stronger effect on improving the environmental quality. This study provides empirical evidence and policy implications to better promote financial inclusion to improve the economic vulnerability of rural households, improve environmental quality and achieve the sustainable development. These findings provide policy support to better promote financial inclusion to improve the economic vulnerability of rural households, improve environmental quality and achieve the sustainable development, which can ameliorate environmental degradation, and create a safe, healthy and sustainable environment for achieving sustainable development goals.
A high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of Pelteobagrus vachelli provides insights into its environmental adaptation and population history
Authors: Li Jie , Wang Tao , Liu Wei , Yin Danqing , Lai Zhengqing , Zhang Guosong , Zhang Kai , Ji Jie , Yin Shaowu
Published: November 2022

Pelteobagrus vachelli is a freshwater fish with high economic value, but the lack of genome resources has severely restricted its industrial development and population conservation. Here, we constructed the first chromosome-level genome assembly of P. vachelli with a total length of approximately 662.13 Mb and a contig N50 was 14.02 Mb, and scaffolds covering 99.79% of the assembly were anchored to 26 chromosomes. Combining the comparative genome results and transcriptome data under environmental stress (high temperature, hypoxia and Edwardsiella. ictaluri infection), the MAPK signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and apelin signaling pathway play an important role in environmental adaptation of P. vachelli, and these pathways were interconnected by the ErbB family and involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Population evolution analysis showed that artificial interventions have affected wild populations of P. vachelli. This study provides a useful genomic information for the genetic breeding of P. vachelli, as well as references for further studies on fish biology and evolution.
Case report: Unilateral panuveitis as a manifestation of Alport syndrome in a Chinese pediatric patient
Authors: Tian Yu , Wu Xiaochuan , Li Yongzhen , He Wenbin , Liu Zibin , Myers Frank L. , Zhou Liang
Published: November 2022

Purpose: The study aimed to report a rare case of a patient with Alport syndrome, which was manifested as unilateral non-infectious uveitis after bilateral cataract surgery.

Methods: A case report.

Results: A 2-year-old boy was diagnosed with unilateral panuveitis based on the clinical and multimodal imaging findings. Intraocular fluid samples for metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and microbial culture were negative. However, urine tests found proteinuria and microscopic hematuria. Pathologic findings of the kidney revealed a thickened membrane, and a diagnosis of Alport syndrome was considered. Gene analysis found deletions in exon 1 of COL4A5 and exons 1 and 2 of COL4A6. The uveitis resolved gradually, following the administration of oral steroids.

Conclusion: Uveitis may be an ocular manifestation of Alport syndrome.
Comparative study of subcutaneous, intramuscular, and oral administration of bovine pathogenic Escherichia coli bacterial ghost vaccine in mice
Authors: Mu Jing , Lei Lei , Zheng Yingce , Li Ding , Li Jie , Fu Yunwei , Wang Guanbo , Liu Yun
Published: November 2022

Escherichia coli is one of the most common bacterial pathogens in cattle. Prophylactic vaccines are considered promising strategies with the potential to reduce the incidence of colibacillosis. Some studies suggested that bacterial ghosts may serve as a novel approach for preventing bacterial infections. However, the roles of administration route on vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy have not been investigated. In this study, the efficacy of vaccination via different immune routes in generating humoral and cellular immune response was compared through subcutaneous (SC), intramuscular (IM), and oral (O) administration in female BALB/c mice with bacterial ghosts prepared using wild type Escherichia coli isolates CE9, while phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and inactivated vaccines containing aluminum adjuvants (Killed) were used as control. Our results showed that the plasmid pBV220-E-aa-SNA containing E. coli was efficiently cleaved at 42°C with 94.8% positive ratio as assessed by colony counts. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed bacteria retained intact surface structure while devoid of cytoplasmic component. We found that total IgG titers in killed, IM and SC groups showed significant increase on 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post-immunization. The IgA level of the IM group was higher than that of all other groups on the 28th day. Meanwhile, four experimental groups showed a significant difference in IgA levels compared with PBS control. In the IM group, an increase in the relative percentages of CD3+CD4+ T cells was accompanied by an increase in the relative percentages of splenic CD3+CD8+ T cells. In comparison with the inactivated vaccine, intramuscular CE9 ghosts immunization elicited higher levels of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-12. Subcutaneous and intramuscular immunizations were significantly associated with improved survival in comparison with oral route, traditional vaccine and the control. Pathologic assessment revealed that less severe tissue damage and inflammation were found in lung, kidney, and intestine of IM group compared with other groups. The results above demonstrate that immunization of Escherichia coli CE9 ghosts via intramuscular injection elicits a more robust antigen-specific immune response in mice to prevent the Escherichia coli infection.
Autoantibodies as biomarkers for breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis
Authors: Yang Ruozhu , Han Yi , Yi Wenjun , Long Qian
Published: November 2022

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide and is a substantial public health problem. Screening for breast cancer mainly relies on mammography, which leads to false positives and missed diagnoses and is especially non-sensitive for patients with small tumors and dense breasts. The prognosis of breast cancer is mainly classified by tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM) staging, but this method does not consider the molecular characteristics of the tumor. As the product of the immune response to tumor-associated antigens, autoantibodies can be detected in peripheral blood and can be used as noninvasive, presymptomatic, and low-cost biomarkers. Therefore, autoantibodies can provide a possible supplementary method for breast cancer screening and prognosis classification. This article introduces the methods used to detect peripheral blood autoantibodies and the research progress in the screening and prognosis of breast cancer made in recent years to provide a potential direction for the examination and treatment of breast cancer.
Increased peripheral inflammatory responses in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein associated disease and aquaporin-4 antibody positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Bauer Angelika , Rudzki Dagmar , Berek Klaus , Dinoto Alessandro , Lechner Christian , Wendel Eva-Maria , Hegen Harald , Deisenhammer Florian , Berger Thomas , Höftberger Romana , Rostasy Kevin , Mariotto Sara , Reindl Markus
Published: November 2022

Autoantibody-associated demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system such as myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-antibody associated disease (MOGAD) and aquaporin 4-antibody positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (AQP4+ NMOSD) are rare diseases but can cause severe disability. In both diseases, associated neuroinflammation is accompanied by blood and cerebrospinal fluid cytokine and chemokine signatures, which were shown to be distinct from those observed in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we aimed to confirm and extend these findings by analyzing a larger number of serum cytokines, chemokines and related molecules in patients with MOGAD or AQP4+ NMOSD in comparison to MS, to better understand the pathophysiology and to identify biomarkers potentially useful in clinical practice for diagnostic and treatment purposes. A total of 65 serum cytokines, chemokines and related molecules like growth factors and soluble receptors were measured by Procartaplex multiplex immunoassays in 40 MOGAD, 40 AQP4+ NMOSD and 54 MS patients at baseline. Furthermore, follow-up samples of 25 AQP4+ NMOSD and 40 MOGAD patients were measured after 6-12 months. Selected analytes were validated in a subgroup of samples using other bead-based assays and ELISA. At baseline, 36 analytes in MOGAD and 30 in AQP4+ NMOSD were significantly increased compared to MS. K-means cluster analysis of all significantly altered molecules revealed three distinct groups: Cluster I, including 12 MOGAD, 2 AQP4+ NMOSD and 3 MS patients, had a specific association with 11 IL-6/IL-17A associated cytokines. In this cluster, 9/17 (53%) patients were children. Cluster II with 13 MOGAD, 24 AQP4+ NMOSD and 1 MS patient was associated with 31 upregulated analytes. Cluster III contained 15 MOGAD, 14 AQP4+ NMOSD and 50 MS patients. In cluster II and III the majority were adults (82% and 92%). Most measured analytes remained stable over time. Validation of selected cytokines and chemokines using other analytical methods revealed moderate to high correlation coefficients, but absolute values differed between assays. In conclusion, these results obtained by bead-based multiplex assays highlight a significant association of biomarkers of peripheral inflammation in patients with antibody-associated demyelinating diseases in comparison with MS.
Platelet in thrombo-inflammation: Unraveling new therapeutic targets
Authors: Sharma Swati , Tyagi Tarun , Antoniak Silvio
Published: November 2022

In the broad range of human diseases, thrombo-inflammation appears as a clinical manifestation. Clinically, it is well characterized in context of superficial thrombophlebitis that is recognized as thrombosis and inflammation of superficial veins. However, it is more hazardous when developed in the microvasculature of injured/inflamed/infected tissues and organs. Several diseases like sepsis and ischemia-reperfusion can cause formation of microvascular thrombosis subsequently leading to thrombo-inflammation. Thrombo-inflammation can also occur in cases of antiphospholipid syndrome, preeclampsia, sickle cell disease, bacterial and viral infection. One of the major contributors to thrombo-inflammation is the loss of normal anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory potential of the endothelial cells of vasculature. This manifest itself in the form of dysregulation of the coagulation pathway and complement system, pathologic platelet activation, and increased recruitment of leukocyte within the microvasculature. The role of platelets in hemostasis and formation of thrombi under pathologic and non-pathologic conditions is well established. Platelets are anucleate cells known for their essential role in primary hemostasis and the coagulation pathway. In recent years, studies provide strong evidence for the critical involvement of platelets in inflammatory processes like acute ischemic stroke, and viral infections like Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This has encouraged the researchers to investigate the contribution of platelets in the pathology of various thrombo-inflammatory diseases. The inhibition of platelet surface receptors or their intracellular signaling which mediate initial platelet activation and adhesion might prove to be suitable targets in thrombo-inflammatory disorders. Thus, the present review summarizes the concept and mechanism of platelet signaling and briefly discuss their role in sterile and non-sterile thrombo-inflammation, with the emphasis on role of platelets in COVID-19 induced thrombo-inflammation. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent developments in deciphering the role of the platelets in thrombo-inflammation and discuss their potential as pharmaceutical targets.
Application of multi-criteria decision making to sustainable deep-sea mining vertical transport plans
Authors: Ma Wenbin , Du Yanlian , Zhang Kairui , Shen Yijun
Published: November 2022

Ever since the concept of deep-sea mining was first described, the prospect of deep-sea mining testing and monitoring has proved to be a subject of great interest. Despite the considerable research and commercial attention given to developing deep-sea mining strategies, no previous study has looked explicitly at the sustainability of deep-sea mining transport plans. The objective of this paper, therefore, is to evaluate the sustainability of deep-sea mining vertical transport plans, using the methodology of fuzzy analytic network process. Major criteria for evaluating deep-sea mining vertical transport plans can be divided into technological, economic, environmental, and social components, each containing both qualitative and quantitative attributes. Weights for each criterion are determined through a questionnaire survey, completed by experts in the fields of environmental impact, policy making, marine mining, project sustainability consultancy and project economic profitability research. The research presented in this paper could be used directly in the sustainability assessment of upcoming deep-sea mining projects, furtherly contributing to the industrialization of the entire deep-sea mining industry.
Steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed probiotic during the earliest developmental stages have enhanced growth rates and intestinal microbiome bacterial diversity
Authors: Hines Ian S. , Santiago-Morales Kevin D. , Ferguson Clay S. , Clarington Jireh , Thompson Meaghan , Rauschenbach Meghann , Levine Uri , Drahos David , Aylward Frank O. , Smith Stephen A. , Kuhn David D. , Stevens Ann M.
Published: November 2022

Sustainable aquaculture practices can help meet the increasing human demand for seafood, while easing pressures on natural fish populations. Studies aimed at increasing fish production in aquaculture have included supplementary dietary probiotics that often promote general health and enhanced growth rates by altering the microbiome of the host. Steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is anadromous, like salmon, and it is a subspecies of rainbow trout capable of rapid growth, making it an attractive fish to the aquaculture industry. In this study, the impact of feeding a Bacillus subtilis probiotic on the bacterial microbiome of steelhead trout was examined temporally across several stages of animal development, from eggs (day -19) through 184 days after hatching, in relation to physiological measures. Diets included: commercial feed only as a control (A), continually-fed probiotic top-coated on commercial feed (B), commercial then switch to probiotic feed (C), or probiotic then switch to commercial feed (D). Validation of probiotic concentrations on feed and in fish tissues was performed using CFU/g and qPCR, respectively. Fish growth was measured and samples for intestinal microbiome analyses were collected at multiple timepoints during fish development. Fish fed diet D yielded higher weights than the other three diets, with little impact on other biometric parameters. However, bacterial microbiome analysis indicated an increasing trend of overall alpha diversity from the egg stage to day 29 for fish fed the various diets with diet D having the highest diversity. Fish fed diets A and D maintained a high alpha diversity beyond day 29 in contrast to a decreased trend for fish still being fed probiotics in diets B and C. The fish fed diets B and C harbored a significantly higher relative abundance of Bacillus sp. in their total microbiomes (feces + mucosa). Interestingly, the mucosal-only microbiome indicated little variation between the four groups of fish. Feeding the probiotic earlier in development, during the hatchery phase, to influence bacterial microbiome composition in the intestine (rather than later after the microbiome has been established) appears to be a more effective aquaculture practice by enhancing microbiome diversity while enabling higher fish yields.
Influences of molecular weight fractionated humic acids on polyamide 66 microplastic stability and toxicity in red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Zheng Lixing , Ding Jiannan , Xu Hui , Tian Wenqing , Xu Jianyun , Zou Hua , Zhu Wenbin
Published: November 2022

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is likely to coexist with microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments. However, little is known about the effects of different DOM fractions on the stability and aquatic toxicity of MPs. In this study, we separated humic acid (HA) into three molecular weight (MW) fractions (> 30, 3–30, and < 3 k Da) and examined their effects on the toxicity of polyamide 66 (PA66)-MPs to red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Generally, addition of HA enhanced the stability and thus the exposure of tilapia to MPs, leading to the increased accumulation of MPs in the gut, liver, and brain. However, compared with MPs alone, the accumulation of MPs in the gills of tilapia was reduced. Compared with the presence of high-MW HA, the accumulation of MPs in the fish liver was significantly enhanced by 1.1 times in the presence of medium-MW HA (m-HA) after a 10-day exposure. The protein peroxidation on the liver induced by MPs was alleviated by adding all HA fractions. However, compared with MPs alone, the presence of m-HA resulted in a more severe lipid peroxidation, while the presence of low-MW HA alleviate the lipid peroxidation caused by MPs. In addition, the Integrated Biological Responses version 2 (IBRv2) results suggested that the oxidative stress in the liver tilapia caused by MPs could be alleviated by the presence of all HA fractions, which was largely related to the reduced damage caused by lipid peroxidation and/or protein peroxidation. Collectively, our results suggest that the presence of different MW HA fractions could induce complex changes in the MP toxicity on aquatic organisms.
Increased risk of incident gout in young men with metabolic syndrome: A nationwide population-based cohort study of 3.5 million men
Authors: Eun Yeonghee , Han Kyungdo , Lee Seung Woo , Kim Kyunga , Kang Seonyoung , Lee Seulkee , Cha Hoon-Suk , Koh Eun-Mi , Kim Hyungjin , Lee Jaejoon
Published: November 2022

Background

To date, few studies have focused on risk factors for gout in young people, and large-scale studies on the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and gout are lacking. We aimed to investigate the association between gout and MetS in a large nationwide population-based cohort of young men who participated in national health examination.

Materials and methods

Cohort included men aged 20–39 years who participated in a health check-up in 2009–2012. A total of 3,569,104 subjects was included in the study, excluding those who had a previous diagnosis of gout or had renal impairment. The outcome was the occurrence of gout, which was defined using the diagnosis code of gout in the claims database. Cox proportional hazard model was used to evaluate the association between MetS and incident gout.

Results

Mean follow-up duration was 7.35 ± 1.24 years and the incidence rate of gout was 3.36 per 1,000 person-years. The risk of gout in subjects with MetS was 2.4-fold higher than subjects without MetS. Among the components of MetS, hypertriglyceridemia and abdominal obesity showed the greatest association with gout. As the number of MetS components increased, the risk of gout increased. The association between gout and MetS was more pronounced in relatively young subjects and in low- or normal-weight subjects.

Conclusion

Metabolic syndrome is an important risk factor for the gout in young men. In particular, the association between MetS and gout was greater in young and non-obese men. Management of MetS in young men will be important for future gout prevention.
Safety and durability of AGT103-T autologous T cell therapy for HIV infection in a Phase 1 trial
Authors: Muvarak Nidal , Li Haishan , Lahusen Tyler , Galvin Jeffrey A. , Kumar Princy N. , Pauza C. David , Bordon José
Published: November 2022

The cell and gene therapy product AGT103-T was designed to restore the Gag-specific CD4+ T cell response in persons with chronic HIV disease who are receiving antiretroviral therapy. This autologous, genetically engineered cell product is under investigation in a Phase 1 clinical trial (NCT03215004). Trial participants were conditioned with cyclophosphamide approximately 1 week before receiving a one-time low (< 109 genetically modified CD4+ T cells) or high (≥109 genetically modified CD4+ T cells) dose of AGT103-T, delivering between 2 and 21 million genetically modified cells per kilogram (kg) body weight. There were no serious adverse events (SAEs) and all adverse events (AEs) were mild. Genetically modified AGT103-T cells were detected in most of the participant blood samples collected 6 months after infusion, which was the last scheduled monitoring visit. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) collected after cell product infusion were tested to determine the abundance of Gag-specific T cells as a measure of objective responses to therapy. Gag-specific CD4+ T cells were detected in all treated individuals and were substantially increased by 9 to 300-fold compared to baseline, by 14 days after cell product infusion. Gag-specific CD8+ T cells were increased by 1.7 to 10-fold relative to baseline, by 28 days after cell product infusion. Levels of Gag-specific CD4+ T cells remained high (~2 to 70-fold higher relative to baseline) throughout 3–6 months after infusion. AGT103-T at low or high doses was safe and effective for improving host T cell immunity to HIV. Further studies, including antiretroviral treatment interruption, are warranted to evaluate the product's efficacy in HIV disease.

Clinical trial registration

www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT03215004.
Lack of direct association between viral hepatitis and sleep disturbances
Authors: Lin Sheng-Jie , Tang Shang-Ching Joy , Lee Yu-Chia , Liu Ting-Yu , Huang Ting-Chun , Yu Rwei-Ling , Tan Chun-Hsiang
Published: November 2022

Background

Individuals with chronic viral hepatitis are at increased risk of experiencing poor sleep quality and sleep disturbances. However, it remains unclear whether the sleep disorders associated with viral hepatitis are secondary to the comorbidities related to viral hepatitis or the direct effect of hepatitis viruses on sleep. This study investigated the direct impact of viral hepatitis B and C on sleep quality.

Methods

Individuals with viral hepatitis B or C and their healthy counterparts were recruited for the present study, and they were evaluated with the Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale-2, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index in the absence of common comorbidities associated with viral hepatitis.

Results

Neither hepatitis B nor hepatitis C was found to cause significant differences in insomnia symptoms or excessive daytime sleepiness. However, individuals with hepatitis C, but not hepatitis B, tended to be less likely to experience restlessness of the legs or arms at night.

Conclusions

This study suggests that hepatitis viruses B and C may not cause a significant impact on sleep quality and related disorders directly. Sleep disturbances in individuals with chronic viral hepatitis may instead be attributable to hepatic decompensation or the comorbid factors associated with viral hepatitis.
Female rats have a different healing phenotype than males after anterior cruciate ligament rupture with no intervention
Authors: Morris Jodie L. , Letson Hayley L. , Biros Erik , McEwen Peter C. , Dobson Geoffrey P.
Published: November 2022

Little is known on the sex-specific healing responses after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. To address this, we compared male and female Sprague-Dawley rats following non-surgical ACL rupture. Hematology, inflammation, joint swelling, range of motion, and pain-sensitivity were analyzed at various times over 31-days. Healing was assessed by histopathology and gene expression changes in the ACL remnant and adjacent joint tissues. In the first few days, males and females showed similar functional responses after rupture, despite contrasting hematology and systemic inflammatory profiles. Sex-specific differences were found in inflammatory, immune and angiogenic potential in the synovial fluid. Histopathology and increased collagen and fibronectin gene expression revealed significant tissue remodeling in both sexes. In the ACL remnant, however, Acta2 gene expression (α-SMA production) was 4-fold higher in males, with no change in females, indicating increased fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition with higher contractile elements (stiffness) in males. Females had 80% lower Pparg expression, which further suggests reduced cellular differentiation potential in females than males. Sex differences were also apparent in the infrapatellar fat pad and articular cartilage. We conclude females and males showed different patterns of healing post-ACL rupture over 31-days, which may impact timing of reconstruction surgery, and possibly clinical outcome.
Cutaneous dysbiosis may amplify barrier dysfunction in patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Hammond Margaret , Gamal Ahmed , Mukherjee Pranab K. , Damiani Giovanni , McCormick Thomas S. , Ghannoum Mahmoud A. , Nedorost Susan
Published: November 2022

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with cutaneous dysbiosis, barrier defects, and immune dysregulation, but the interplay between these factors needs further study. Early-onset barrier dysfunction may facilitate an innate immune response to commensal organisms and, consequently, the development of allergic sensitization. We aimed to compare the cutaneous microbiome in patients with active dermatitis with and without a history of childhood flexural dermatitis (atopic dermatitis). Next-gen Ion-Torrent deep-sequencing identified AD-associated changes in the skin bacterial microbiome (“bacteriome”) and fungal microbiome (“mycobiome”) of affected skin in swabs from areas of skin affected by dermatitis. Data were analyzed for diversity, abundance, and inter-kingdom correlations. Microbial interactions were assessed in biofilms using metabolic activity (XTT) assay and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while host-pathogen interactions were determined in cultured primary keratinocytes exposed to biofilms. Increased richness and abundance of Staphylococcus, Lactococcus, and Alternaria were found in atopics. Staphylococcus and Alternaria formed robust mixed-species biofilms (based on XTT and SEM) that were resistant to antifungals/antimicrobials. Furthermore, their biofilm supernatant was capable of influencing keratinocytes biology (pro-inflammatory cytokines and structural proteins), suggesting an additive effect on AD-associated host response. In conclusion, microbial inter-kingdom and host-microbiome interactions may play a critical role in the modulation of atopic dermatitis to a greater extent than in non-atopic adults with allergic contact dermatitis.
Low seroprevalence of hepatitis delta virus co-infection in hepatitis B virus-infected blood donors in China: A multicenter study
Authors: Chang Le , Yan Ying , Ji Huimin , Sun Huizhen , Jiang Xinyi , Lu Zhuoqun , Wang Lunan , Group HBV-Infected Blood Donors Study
Published: November 2022

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) coinfected with HBV causes severe viral hepatitis, however, the number of HDV infection may be underestimated. In the present study, we enrolled 1,141,331 blood donations, routinely tested for HBsAg and/or HBV DNA, from 21 blood establishments in China. 2,690 donors were HBsAg and/or HBV DNA positive after screening tests. After verification of HBsAg and HBV DNA, 1,490 samples were HBsAg confirmed-positive, including 1,459 HBV DNA-positive samples, and 825 samples were seronegative but HBV DNA positive. We first analyzed demographic characteristics of involved 2,690 donors with different HBV infection status and found the proportions of males, the older donors, workers and farmers were higher in HBsAg-/HBV DNA+ group. Then we evaluated specificity of HDV IgG and IgM antibody assays with 375 HBsAg and HBV DNA confirmed-negative samples, and 374 were tested negative using the two assays, respectively, suggesting a specificity of 99.73% for both assays (374/375, 95% Cl: 98.51–99.95%). Subsequently, we tested for HDV IgG and IgM of 2,315 HBsAg and/or HBV DNA confirmed-positive samples, and nine showed reactivity for IgG, while two were reactive for IgM. All these 11 reactive samples were tested again with another HDV pan-Ig and IgM testing assays and HDV RNA, and only one donor was identified as HDV IgG positive and HDV RNA negative, showing an HDV seroprevalence of 0.067% (95%CI: 0.012–0.38%) among HBsAg-positive blood donors in China. The positive donor was followed up for 2 years after the donation date, and decreased antibody titer of HDV IgG and HBsAg conversion were observed, and the infection status of the donor was HDV infection with recovery and occult hepatitis B virus infection with genotype C2. These results indicated a low seroprevalence of HDV infection among blood donors and a low risk of HDV transmission through blood transfusion in China.