bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Spillover Effect and Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Transportation Infrastructure on Economic Growth: A Case of the Yangtze River Delta
Authors: Wang Jian , Yang Xuying , Qalati Sikandar Ali , Deng Yuzhou
Published: June 2022

As an important driving force for economic growth, transportation infrastructure can effectively integrate regional resources, deepen regional cooperation, and promote the rational utilization of resources. The cross-regional connectivity of transportation infrastructure makes its spatial spillover effect more prominent. In this article, the entropy weight method is used to construct a comprehensive index reflecting the traffic infrastructure of 41 prefecture-level cities in the Yangtze River Delta, and the spatial distribution characteristics are analyzed. Based on three spatial weight matrices, the spatial Durbin optimization model is used to investigate the spatial effect of transportation infrastructure on economic growth in the Yangtze River Delta. The results show that the regional transportation infrastructure and economic growth have significant spatial agglomeration characteristics and that the development of eastern cities is better. The transportation infrastructure of each city not only drives its own economic growth but also has a positive spatial spillover effect on the economic growth of adjacent areas. In order to achieve high-quality and integrated development in transportation, and to narrow the gap of transportation development in the Yangtze River Delta, we recommend that the spatial spillover effect of the transportation infrastructure on economic construction should be given full consideration.
Effect of Temperature on the Plasticity of Peripheral Hearing Sensitivity to Airborne Sound in the Male Red-Eared Slider Trachemys scripta elegans
Authors: Wang Tongliang , Li Handong , Chen Bo , Cui Jianguo , Shi Haitao , Wang Jichao
Published: June 2022

Chelonians are considered the least vocally active group of extant reptiles and known as “low-frequency specialists” with a hearing range of <1.0 kHz. As they are ectothermic organisms, most of their physiological and metabolic processes are affected by temperature, which may include the auditory system responses. To investigate the influence of temperature on turtle hearing,Trachemys scripta eleganswas chosen to measure the peripheral hearing sensitivity at 10, 20, 30, and 40°C (close to the upper limit of heat resistance) using the auditory brainstem response (ABR) test. An increase in temperature (from 10 to 30°C) resulted in improved hearing sensitivity (a wider hearing sensitivity bandwidth, lower threshold, and shorter latency) inT. scripta elegans. At 40°C, the hearing sensitivity bandwidth continued to increase and the latency further shortened, but the threshold sensitivity reduced in the intermediate frequency range (0.5–0.8 kHz), increased in the high-frequency range (1.0–1.3 kHz), and did not significantly change in the low-frequency range (0.2–0.4 kHz) compared to that at 30°C. Our results suggest that although the hearing range of turtles is confined to lower frequencies than that in other animal groups, turtle hearing showed exceptional thermal regulation ability, especially when the temperature was close to the upper limit of heat resistance. Temperature increases that are sensitive to high frequencies imply that the males turtles’ auditory system adapts to a high-frequency sound environment in the context of global warming. Our study is expected to spur further research on the high-temperature plasticity of hearing sensitivity in diverse taxa or in the same group with different temperature ranges. Moreover, it facilitates forecasting the adaptive evolution of the auditory system to global warming.
Warmer Ambient Temperatures Depress Detoxification and Food Intake by Marsupial Folivores
Authors: Beale Phillipa K. , Connors Patrice K. , Dearing M. Denise , Moore Ben D. , Krockenberger Andrew K. , Foley William J. , Marsh Karen J.
Published: June 2022

Ambient temperature is an underappreciated determinant of foraging behaviour in wild endotherms, and the requirement to thermoregulate likely influences food intake through multiple interacting mechanisms. We investigated relationships between ambient temperature and hepatic detoxification capacity in two herbivorous marsupials, the common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) and common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) that regularly feed on diets rich in plant toxins. As an indicator of hepatic detoxification capacity, we determined the functional clearance rate of an anaesthetic agent, Alfaxalone, after possums were acclimated to 10°C [below the thermoneutral zone (TNZ)], 18°C [approximately lower critical temperature (LCT)], and 26°C [approximately upper critical temperature (UCT)] for either 7 days or less than 24 h. We then measured intake of foods with high or low plant secondary metabolite (PSM) concentrations under the same temperature regimes. After 7 days of acclimation, we found a positive correlation between the functional clearance rate of Alfaxalone and ambient temperature, and a negative relationship between ambient temperature and intake of foods with high or low PSM concentrations for both species. The effect of ambient temperature on intake of diets rich in PSMs was absent or reduced when possums were kept at temperatures for less than 24 h. Our results underscore the effects of ambient temperature in hepatic metabolism particularly with respect intake of diets containing PSMs. Given that the planet is warming, it is vital that effects of ambient temperature on metabolism, nutrition and foraging by mammalian herbivores is taken into account to predict range changes of species and their impact on ecosystems.
New Genus and Species of Empheriidae (Insecta: Psocodea: Trogiomorpha) and Their Implication for the Phylogeny of Infraorder Atropetae
Authors: Li Sheng , Yoshizawa Kazunori , Wang Qiuzhu , Ren Dong , Bai Ming , Yao Yunzhi
Published: June 2022

Two species of psocids discovered from the Mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber, Latempheria kachinensis Li, Yoshizawa, and Yao, gen. et sp. nov. and Burmempheria curvatavena Li, Yoshizawa, and Yao, sp. nov., are described and assigned to the Empheriidae (Trogiomorpha: Atropetae) family. A phylogenetic analysis of the infraorder Atropetae is conducted based on 38 morphological characters of three outgroups and fifteen ingroups, which supported the monophyly of Atropetae including fossil and extant taxa. In the phylogenetic result, all the genera of fossil families Empheriidae and Archaeatropidae form a monophyletic group, sister to the extant members of Atropetae. The two fossil families also share a lot of similarities in morphology, locality, and geological period. Recently discovered fossil species exhibited combined morphological characters of both families. Based on these observations and the results of the phylogenetic analysis, Archaeatropidae is treated here as a new junior synonym of Empheriidae.
Effects of Solar Radiation on the Cyanobacteria: Diversity, Molecular Phylogeny, and Metabolic Activity
Authors: Wang Zhikai , Li Guo , Huang Haiqing , Zhang Weizhen , Wang Jie , Huang Suzhen , Zheng Zheng
Published: June 2022

Cyanobacteria bloom is a global aquatic ecological problem that seriously threatens human health and social development. The outbreak of cyanobacteria bloom is affected by various environmental factors, among which light dose is an essential factor. In this study, the growth changes of cyanobacteria under different amounts of natural light were studied by simulating different depths of Taihu Lake, and we used 16S rRNA and non-targeted metabolomics for sequencing to reveal the effects of light on the diversity of cyanobacteria and coexisting microorganisms, and to analyze the changes of related genes, functional structures and internal metabolism involved in nitrogen cycling. The result shows that excessive and insufficient light could limit the growth, photosynthesis, and EPS secretion of cyanobacteria, resulting in an antioxidant stress response. At the same time, the amount of natural light affects the vertical distribution of cyanobacteria, and under the condition of 1/3 natural light, cyanobacteria first appeared to float. In addition, the amount of natural light affects the diversity, abundance, and metabolites of cyanobacteria and coexisting microorganisms, and the expression of nifH, nirK, and nirS, three nitrogen-fixing genes, is significantly different in different genera. This study provides valuable information on the molecular mechanism of the effects of the amount of natural light on cyanobacteria bloom.
Impacts of RNA Mobility Signals on Virus Induced Somatic and Germline Gene Editing
Authors: Beernink Bliss M. , Lappe Ryan R. , Bredow Melissa , Whitham Steven A.
Published: June 2022

Viral vectors are being engineered to deliver CRISPR/Cas9 components systemically in plants to induce somatic or heritable site-specific mutations. It is hypothesized that RNA mobility signals facilitate entry of viruses or single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) into the shoot apical meristem where germline mutations can occur. Our objective was to understand the impact of RNA mobility signals on virus-induced somatic and germline gene editing in Nicotiana benthamiana and Zea mays. Previously, we showed that foxtail mosaic virus (FoMV) expressing sgRNA induced somatic mutations in N. benthamiana and Z. mays expressing Cas9. Here, we fused RNA mobility signals to sgRNAs targeting the genes encoding either N. benthamiana phytoene desaturase (PDS) or Z. mays high affinity potassium transporter 1 (HKT1). Addition of Arabidopsis thaliana Flowering Locus T (AtFT) and A. thaliana tRNA-Isoleucine (AttRNAIle) did not improve FoMV-induced somatic editing, and neither were sufficient to facilitate germline mutations in N. benthamiana. Maize FT homologs, Centroradialus 16 (ZCN16) and ZCN19, as well as AttRNAIle were found to aid somatic editing in maize but did not enable sgRNAs delivered by FoMV to induce germline mutations. Additional viral guide RNA delivery systems were assessed for somatic and germline mutations in N. benthamiana with the intention of gaining a better understanding of the specificity of mobile signal-facilitated germline editing. Potato virus X (PVX), barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV), and tobacco rattle virus (TRV) were included in this comparative study, and all three of these viruses delivering sgRNA were able to induce somatic and germline mutations. Unexpectedly, PVX, a potexvirus closely related to FoMV, expressing sgRNA alone induced biallelic edited progeny, indicating that mobility signals are dispensable in virus-induced germline editing. These results show that PVX, BSMV, and TRV expressing sgRNA all have an innate ability to induce mutations in the germline. Our results indicate that mobility signals alone may not be sufficient to enable virus-based delivery of sgRNAs using the viruses, FoMV, PVX, BSMV, and TRV into cell types that result in germline mutations.
The Past, Present, and Future of Non-Viral CAR T Cells
Authors: Moretti Alex , Ponzo Marianna , Nicolette Charles A. , Tcherepanova Irina Y. , Biondi Andrea , Magnani Chiara F.
Published: June 2022

Adoptive transfer of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T lymphocytes is a powerful technology that has revolutionized the way we conceive immunotherapy. The impressive clinical results of complete and prolonged response in refractory and relapsed diseases have shifted the landscape of treatment for hematological malignancies, particularly those of lymphoid origin, and opens up new possibilities for the treatment of solid neoplasms. However, the widening use of cell therapy is hampered by the accessibility to viral vectors that are commonly used for T cell transfection. In the era of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines and CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat–CRISPR-associated) precise genome editing, novel and virus-free methods for T cell engineering are emerging as a more versatile, flexible, and sustainable alternative for next-generation CAR T cell manufacturing. Here, we discuss how the use of non-viral vectors can address some of the limitations of the viral methods of gene transfer and allow us to deliver genetic information in a stable, effective and straightforward manner. In particular, we address the main transposon systems such as Sleeping Beauty (SB) and piggyBac (PB), the utilization of mRNA, and innovative approaches of nanotechnology like Lipid-based and Polymer-based DNA nanocarriers and nanovectors. We also describe the most relevant preclinical data that have recently led to the use of non-viral gene therapy in emerging clinical trials, and the related safety and efficacy aspects. We will also provide practical considerations for future trials to enable successful and safe cell therapy with non-viral methods for CAR T cell generation.
Case Report: Coexistence of Multiple Myeloma and Auricular Chondritis in VEXAS Syndrome
Authors: Matsumoto Haruki , Fujita Yuya , Fukatsu Masahiko , Ikezoe Takayuki , Yokose Kohei , Asano Tomoyuki , Tsuchida Naomi , Maeda Ayaka , Yoshida Shuhei , Hashimoto Honami , Temmoku Jumpei , Matsuoka Naoki , Yashiro-Furuya Makiko , Sato Shuzo , Murakami Mai , Sato Hidenori , Sakuma Chiharu , Kawashima Kazumasa , Shakespear Norshalena , Uchiyama Yuri , Watanabe Hiroshi , Kirino Yohei , Matsumoto Naomichi , Migita Kiyoshi
Published: June 2022

Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic (VEXAS) syndrome is an inflammatory disorder caused by somatic UBA1 variants, which are sometimes associated with hematological disorders, including myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). VEXAS syndrome often overlaps with rheumatic diseases, including relapsing polychondritis. Here, we describe a case of VEXAS syndrome with auricular chondritis and exceptional multiple myeloma (MM). An 83-year-old man was diagnosed with MM, which was treated once by lenalidomide hydrate obtaining a partial response, but the patient did not desire further aggressive therapy. Although the treatment was effective, progressive macrocytic anemia and inflammation of both the ears emerged over the following 2 months. The histological examination of the auricle skin revealed that the perichondrial area was infiltrated by inflammatory cells, leading to the diagnosis of auricular chondritis. He was treated with oral prednisolone 40 mg/day, and his symptoms rapidly resolved. The re-evaluation of the histopathological bone marrow findings revealed vacuoles in the myeloid precursor cells without myelodysplasia-related changes. Sanger sequencing of UBA1 was performed using genomic DNA from peripheral blood leukocytes and revealed a somatic variant (c.122T>C:p.Met41Thr) consistent with VEXAS syndrome. This demonstrates that patients with chondritis can have complications with MM despite the absence of underlying MDS. A strong association exists between UBA1 variants and the risk of MDS; however, it remains elusive whether somatic UBA1 variants contribute to the development of plasma cell dyscrasia without MDS. Hence, we discuss the possible relationship between auricular chondritis and MM on a background of VEXAS syndrome.
Lymphotoxins Serve as a Novel Orchestrator in T1D Pathogenesis
Authors: Liu Shi-Wei , Sun Fei , Rong Shan-Jie , Wang Ting , Wang Cong-Yi
Published: June 2022

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) stems from pancreatic β cell destruction by islet reactive immune cells. Similar as other autoimmune disorders, there is no curative remedy for T1D thus far. Chronic insulitis is the hallmark of T1D, which creates a local inflammatory microenvironment that impairs β cell function and ultimately leads to β cell death. Immune regulation shows promise in T1D treatment by providing a time window for β cell recovery. However, due to the complex nature of T1D pathogenesis, the therapeutic effect of immune regulation is often short-lasting and unsatisfying in monotherapies. Lymphotoxins (LTs) were first identified in 1960s as the lymphocyte-producing cytokine that can kill other cell types. As a biological cousin of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), LTs play unique roles in T1D development. Herein in this review, we summarized the advancements of LTs in T1D pathogenesis. We particularly highlighted their effect on the formation of peri-islet tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs), and discussed their synergistic effect with other cytokines on β cell toxicity and autoimmune progression. Given the complex and dynamic crosstalk between immune cells and β cells in T1D setting, blockade of lymphotoxin signaling applied to the existing therapies could be an efficient approach to delay or even reverse the established T1D.
Resolved and Redeemed: A New Fleck to the Evolutionary Divergence in the Genus Scomberomorus Lacepède, 1801 (Scombridae) With Cryptic Speciation
Authors: Jeena N. S. , Rahuman Summaya , Roul Subal Kumar , Azeez P. Abdul , Vinothkumar R. , Manas H. M. , Nesnas E. A. , Rathinam A. Margaret Muthu , Surya S. , Rohit Prathibha , Abdussamad E. M. , Gopalakrishnan A.
Published: June 2022

The genus Scomberomorus, with 18 nominal species, sustains a significant heterogeneous fishery throughout its range. The sole molecular systematic study of this genus concerned the species group S. regalis, which contains the new world taxa. The species diversity of Scomberomorus in the northern Indian Ocean has not been studied at the molecular level, often leading to misidentifications. Here, novel genetic data are provided that reconfigure species boundaries from the region. We used single and multilocus data (eight mitochondrial and three nuclear genes) to infer phylogenetic relationships, species delimitation, and the resurrection of a time-calibrated phylogenetic tree. Our aim was also to verify the hypothesis of geographical races in S. guttatus predicated on variable vertebral counts. Interestingly, all species delimitation analyses have recovered another highly cryptic species in the nominal S. guttatus previously believed to have an Indo-Pacific distribution. Scomberomorus guttatus (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) in the sensu stricto, is redeemed from its type locality based on genetic data and preliminary morphomeristic investigations and has a restricted distribution in the Bay of Bengal. The cryptic species Scomberomorus aff. guttatus which exhibits >10% genetic divergence from S. guttatus is resurrected here from the synonymy of the latter as Scomberomorus leopardus (Shaw, 1803). Widespread in the Indo-Pacific, this species contains two major molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) with a divergence threshold of over 2% between them. Our analysis suggests that vertebral counts must be coupled with other features to identify the species/lineages in the nominal S. guttatus. The heterogeneity in the S. guttatus species group is discussed in relation to the ecological diversity of the region which facilitates larval recruitment and niche specialization. The results also revealed two allopatric putative species in S. commerson, found primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. This study added genetic data from S. lineolatus and S. koreanus, not previously represented in the sequence repositories. Estimation of divergence time indicated that the Indo-West Pacific species group undergoes multiple diversification events besides the recent splits detected within S. leopardus.
Fast Detection of Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning Toxins in Mussels Using NIR Spectroscopy and Improved Twin Support Vector Machines
Authors: Liu Yao , Qiao Fu , Xu Lele , Wang Runtao , Jiang Wei , Xu Zhen
Published: June 2022

Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) toxins are potent marine biotoxins. It can cause a severe gastrointestinal illness by the consumption of mussels contaminated by DSP toxins. New methods for effectively and rapidly detecting DSP toxins-contaminated mussels are required. In this study, we used near-infrared (NIR) reflection spectroscopy combined with pattern recognition methods to detect DSP toxins. In the range of 950-1700 nm, the spectral data of healthy mussels and DSP toxins-contaminated mussels were acquired. To select optimal waveband subsets, a waveband selection algorithm with a Gaussian membership function based on fuzzy rough set theory was applied. Considering that detecting DSP toxins-contaminated mussels from healthy mussels was an imbalanced classification problem, an improved approach of twin support vector machines (TWSVM) was explored, which is based on a centered kernel alignment. The influences of parameters of the waveband selection algorithm and regularization hyperparameters of the improved TWSVM (ITWSVM) on the performance of models were analyzed. Compared to conventional SVM, TWSVM, and other state-of-the-art algorithms (such as multi-layer perceptron, extreme gradient boosting and adaptive boosting), our proposed model exhibited better performance in detecting DSP toxins and was little affected by the imbalance ratio. For the proposed model, the F-measure reached 0.9886, and detection accuracy reached 98.83%. We explored the physical basis for the detection model by analyzing the relationship between the occurrence of overtone and combination bands and selected wavebands. This study supports NIR spectroscopy as an innovative, rapid, and convenient analytical method to detect DSP toxins in mussels.
Wind-Driven Mechanisms for the Variations of the Pacific Equatorial Undercurrent Based on Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Wang Jin , Liu Chuanyu , Wang Xiaowei , Köhl Armin , Lyu Yilong , Li Yuanlong , Wang Fan
Published: June 2022

The maintenance and variation of the Pacific Equatorial Undercurrent (EUC) are thought to be controlled by the zonal pressure gradient force (ZPGF). However, a recent study found that a large-scale circulation associated with Rossby waves can also lead to EUC variation, implying that the structures and timing of the influential winds and the underlying wind-driven mechanisms need to be revisited. Here, we use the adjoint-sensitivity method to obtain the crucial winds that can most efficiently influence EUC variations. The obtained adjoint sensitivities (denoting the sensitive winds) are confined to 15°S–15°N and exhibit a funnel-shaped pattern with high symmetry about the equator. The remote winds, which occur 4 to 11 months prior, can lead to EUC variations at the basin scale; in contrast, the near-term winds (occurring not earlier than 4 months) lead only to local EUC variations. Accordingly, we find that wind-initiated equatorial Kelvin waves, equatorial Rossby waves, and the reflected waves at both the western and eastern boundaries superimpose onto each other to result in EUC variations. Specifically, when the travel time is longer than 4 months, the waves can form a negative-positive-negative sea surface height anomaly (SSHA) pattern between 15°S and 15°N in the central-eastern tropical Pacific, indicating the joint effect of both types of waves; they also form a positive SSHA in the western equatorial Pacific, indicating the dominance of the Kelvin wave therein. These mechanisms are complementary to the canonical ZPGF mechanism, which provide a clear theoretical basis for EUC variation studies.
Evaluation and Temporal-Spatial Deconstruction for High-Quality Development of Regional Marine Economy: A Case Study of China
Authors: An Dong , Shen Chunlei , Yang Lin
Published: June 2022

The high-quality development of the marine economy has become a realistic choice to stimulate the vitality of regional economic growth and achieve the goal of building a powerful nation in the marine economy. This study constructs an evaluation index system from efficiency, coordination, innovation, sustainability, openness, and shareability to analyze the high-quality development level and temporal-spatial heterogeneity of China’s regional marine economy from 2010 to 2018. Methods used in this paper are entropy, kernel density estimation, and partial spatial autocorrelation analysis. The results are shown as follows: (1) The high-quality development level of China’s regional marine economy shows a slow fluctuating and upward trend, coordination, sustainability, and innovation are the primary driving forces. The ranking of the three marine economic circles in the development quality of the marine economy is Eastern> Southern>Northern, the ranking of coastal provinces is Guangdong> Shanghai> Shandong> Zhejiang> Fujian> Tianjin> Jiangsu> Liaoning> Hainan> Hebei> Guangxi. The primary driving forces for Guangdong, Shanghai, Shandong, and Zhejiang leading other coastal areas are openness, efficiency, innovation, and sustainability respectively; (2) the temporal differentiation of China’s regional marine economy shows a dynamic evolution process that is obvious in the early stages, alleviating in the middle stage, and balance in the later stage; (3) the spatial zoning types and high-quality development paths of 11 coastal provinces are determined based on spatial differentiation: Shanghai and Zhejiang are high-value congregate types and named as demonstration regions, which should build global marine center cities with deepening regional cooperation and high-standard opening-up; Shandong and Guangdong are high-value discrete types and named as key engine regions, which should enhance the international competitiveness of the marine industry with scientific and technological innovation; Tianjin, Hebei, and Liaoning are low-value congregate types and named as potential zooming regions, which should improve the efficiency of marine resources utilization with regional cooperation; Jiangsu, Fujian, Hainan, and Guangxi are low-value discrete types and named as land-sea coordination regions, which should build a modern and characteristic marine industrial system coordinated with land and sea.
Effects of Dietary Nano-Curcumin Supplementation on Growth Performance, Glucose Metabolism, and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Juvenile Largemouth Bass, Micropterus salmoides
Authors: Bao Xiaoxue , Chen Mingshi , Yue Yuhua , Liu Hua , Yang Ying , Yu Hui , Yu Yingying , Duan Ning
Published: June 2022

This study evaluated the effects of nano-curcumin on growth performance, mucosal immunity, antioxidant response, glucose metabolism, and endoplasmic reticulum stress in largemouth bass. Three groups (three replicates/group) of 270 fish with the mean body weight of 7.00 ± 0.02 g were fed with diets containing 0% (control), 0.1%, and 0.2% nano-curcumin for 60 days. The results showed that dietary supplementation of nano-curcumin had no significant effects on the growth performance, body composition, lysozyme (LYZ), and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) in skin mucus, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity in serum of largemouth bass. However, dietary supplementation with 0.2% nano-curcumin significantly increased peroxidase (POD) activity in skin mucus and decreased the serum MDA activity compared with the control group. Moreover, dietary supplementation of 0.2% nano-curcumin significantly decreased the levels of serum glucose and liver glycogen, which may be mainly related to the increased gene expression of glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), glucokinase (GK), phosphofructokinase (PFK), and pyruvate kinase (PK). At the same time, the hepatic gene expression of glucose-regulated protein78 (GRP78), activating transcription factor6 (ATF6), inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE), and eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) in the 0.2% nano-curcumin group were rapidly suppressed, indicating that adding 0.2% nano-curcumin to the diet can alleviate endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in fish. In conclusion, diets supplemented with 0.2% nano-curcumin effectively improved mucosal immunity, antioxidant properties, and glucose metabolism and alleviated ERS induced by long-term carbohydrate intake in largemouth bass.
Uveal Effusion Syndrome: Clinical Characteristics, Outcome of Surgical Treatment, and Histopathological Examination of the Sclera
Authors: Zhou Nan , Yang Lihong , Xu Xiaolin , Wei Wenbin
Published: June 2022

Purpose

In this study, we aimed to investigate clinical characteristics and histopathology and evaluate surgical outcomes of quadrantic lamellar-sclerectomy with sclerostomy for uveal effusion syndrome (UES).

Design

Retrospective, cohort study.

Participants

Overall, 106 eyes of 66 patients diagnosed with UES were treated at the Beijing Tongren Hospital between January 1, 2001 and June 26, 2021.

Methods

Patients were examined by routine ophthalmologic examinations, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography (FFA/ICGA); axial length determination; color Doppler ultrasound (CDU); ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and optical coherence tomographic angiography (SD/SS-OCTA). Quadrantic lamellar-sclerectomy with sclerostomy was performed at the equator in all patients and histopathological examination of the excised sclera was analyzed in all samples.

Main Outcome Measures

The reattachment of the choroid and retina with resolution of the serous fluid, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), choroidal thickness, and recurrence of ciliochoroidal detachment were the main outcome measures.

Results

Two subgroups were identified: (1) type 1 (nanophthalmic eye), wherein the eyeball was small (average axial length 15.83 ± 1.45 mm) with high hypermetropia (average 12.6 diopters) and (2) type 2 (non-nanophthalmic eye), wherein the eyeball size was normal (average axial length 23.45 ± 1.68 mm) with or without refractive error, combined with or without systemic symptoms. Histopathologically, types 1 and 2 demonstrated similarly abnormal sclera with the disorganization of collagen fiber bundles and deposits of proteoglycans in the matrix. Quadrantic lamellar-sclerectomy with sclerostomy was effective in both types 1 and 2, inducing post-operative resolution of the subretinal fluid accumulation and increasing the useful BCVA. The choroidal thickness was significantly different before and after surgery (P < 0.05). Approximately 98.1% of cases attained permanent reattachment within 6 months after one operation through this procedure. The single operation success rate was 96.2%, and success with one or two operations was 100%.

Conclusions

UES is caused by abnormalities of the sclera and increased resistance to transscleral fluid outflow, combined with increased choroidal thickness. Quadrantic lamellar-sclerectomy with sclerostomy is an effective treatment for UES that can rescue correct the useful visual acuity.
Predictive Factors of the Burnout Syndrome Occurrence in the Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Grigorescu Simona , Cazan Ana-Maria , Rogozea Liliana , Grigorescu Dan Ovidiu
Published: June 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is probably the most critical epidemiological situation that human civilization has faced in the last few decades. In this context, of all the professional categories involved in the management of patients with COVID-19 are the most likely to develop burnout syndrome. The main objective of this study is to analyze specific predictive factors of the occurrence and development of the burnout syndrome in the healthcare workers involved in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with COVID-19. The study focused on determining factors of the occurrence, development and maintaining the specific burnout syndrome related to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic infection. The study was conducted on a sample of 959 participants, medical personnel from all the public medical entities in Romania(including 5 hospitals): 122 male and 755 female (82 participants did not declare their gender), with a mean age of 42.29 years (SD = 9.97). The sample included 219 doctors, 477 nurses, 214 auxiliary medical personnel and 49 other types of hospital workers. A cross-sectional design was used. Three predictors of the burnout syndrome were identified: Work conditions, Fear of the consequences (including death) determined by the COVID-19 and Need for emotional support. Meaning of work had a moderating role. Several moderated mediation models were tested. The indirect relationship of Work conditions with burnout via Fear of infection was statistically significant; in addition, the indirect effect of Work conditions on burnout through both fear of infection and need for support was statistically significant. The moderation analysis showed that Meaning of work buffer the relationship between Work conditions and Fear of infection. The variance explained by the model including the moderator (30%) was higher than the variance explained by Model 1 (27%), showing that adding the moderating effect of Meaning of work to the relationship of Work conditions with burnout was relevant. The results could be used to design specific interventions to reduce the occurrence of the burnout syndrome in healthcare workers, the implementation of a strategy to motivate employees by highlighting and recognizing the high significance of the work of those in the frontline of the fight against COVID-19.
The Therapeutic Role of ADSC-EVs in Skin Regeneration
Authors: Wang Yixi , Cheng Lihui , Zhao Hanxing , Li Zhengyong , Chen Junjie , Cen Ying , Zhang Zhenyu
Published: June 2022

Large skin defects caused by burns, unhealing chronic wounds, and trauma, are still an intractable problem for clinicians and researchers. Ideal skin regeneration includes several intricate and dynamic stages of wound repair and regeneration of skin physiological function. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), a type of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with abundant resources and micro-invasive extraction protocols, have been reported to participate in each stage of promoting skin regeneration via paracrine effects. As essential products secreted by ADSCs, extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from ADSCs (ADSC-EVs) inherit such therapeutic potential. However, ADSC-EVs showed much more clinical superiorities than parental cells. ADSC-EVs carry various mRNAs, non-coding RNAs, proteins, and lipids to regulate the activities of recipient cells and eventually accelerate skin regeneration. The beneficial role of ADSCs in wound repair has been widely accepted, while a deep comprehension of the mechanisms of ADSC-EVs in skin regeneration remains unclear. In this review, we provided a basic profile of ADSC-EVs. Moreover, we summarized the latest mechanisms of ADSC-EVs on skin regeneration from the aspects of inflammation, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, autophagy, and oxidative stress. Hair follicle regeneration and skin barrier repair stimulated by ADSC-EVs were also reviewed. The challenges and prospects of ADSC-EVs-based therapies were discussed at the end of this review.
A Novel Clinical Score for Differential Diagnosis Between Acute Myocarditis and Acute Coronary Syndrome – The SAlzburg MYocarditis (SAMY) Score
Authors: Mirna Moritz , Schmutzler Lukas , Topf Albert , Sipos Brigitte , Hehenwarter Lukas , Hoppe Uta C. , Lichtenauer Michael
Published: June 2022

Background

Acute myocarditis and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are important differential diagnoses in patients with new-onset chest pain. To date, no clinical score exists to support the differentiation between these two diseases. The aim of this study was to develop such a score to aid the physician in scenarios where discrimination between myocarditis and ACS appears difficult.

Materials and Methods

Patients with ACS (n = 233) and acute myocarditis (n = 123) were retrospectively enrolled. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was conducted to identify parameters associated with the highest or least probability for acute myocarditis. Logistic regression was conducted using the identified parameters and score points for each level of the predictors were calculated. Cutoffs for the prediction of myocarditis were calculated. Validation was conducted in a separate cohort of 90 patients.

Results

A score for prediction of acute myocarditis was calculated using six parameters [age, previous infection, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, C-reactive protein (CRP), and leukocyte count]. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between total score points and the presence of myocarditis (B = 0.9078, p < 0.0001). Cutoff #1 for the prediction of myocarditis was calculated at ≥ 4 (Sens.: 90.3%, Spec.: 93.1%; 46.3% predicted probability for acute myocarditis), cutoff #2 was calculated at ≥ 7 (Sens.: 73.1%, Spec.: > 99.9%; 92.9% pred. prob.). Validation showed good discrimination [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.935] and calibration of the score.

Conclusion

Our clinical score showed good discrimination and calibration for differentiating patients with acute myocarditis and ACS. Thus, it could support the differential diagnosis between these two disease entities and could facilitate clinical decisions in affected patients.
Case Report: A Case of Cystoid Macular Edema in Retinitis Pigmentosa With Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Wang Da-Hu , Gu Cao , Yuan Yuan-Zhi
Published: June 2022

Significance

Cystoid macular edema (CME) is a common complication of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). However, CME in RP with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is rare. Prompt administration of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medication can achieve a satisfactory prognosis.

Purpose

This report describes a case of using anti-VEGF medication to treat CME secondary to RP with impending or mild CRVO.

Case Report

A 26-year-old female presented for blurred vision in both eyes. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/50 in the right eye and finger-counting in the left eye. According to ophthalmic examinations, CME secondary to RP in the right eye and CME secondary to RP with impending or mild CRVO in her left eye can be diagnosed. Central macular thickness (CMT) was 554 μ m in the right eye and 831 μm in the left eye. Only the left eye was treated with a single intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF medication. One month later, BCVA increased to 20/200 and CMT decreased to 162 μm in the left eye. Interestingly, BCVA in the right eye also had an improvement (20/40) and intraretinal fluid decreased significantly. However, 3 months after injection, these improvements of both eyes were not maintained.

Conclusion

This is the second case of RP with CRVO. Intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF medication for addressing CME secondary to RP with CRVO is an effective treatment, but it needs to be reinjected.
Bioprospection and Selection of Peptides by Phage Display as Novel Epitope-Based Diagnostic Probes for Serological Detection of HTLV-1 and Use in Future Vaccines
Authors: Machado Luiz Fernando Almeida , Filho Luiz Ricardo Goulart , Santos Fabiana Almeida Araújo , Siravenha Leonardo Quintão , Silva Andrea Nazaré Monteiro Rangel , Queiroz Maria Alice Freitas , Vallinoto Antonio Carlos Rosário , Ishak Marluísa Oliveira Guimarães , Ishak Ricardo
Published: June 2022

Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) is endemic worldwide and the infection results in severe diseases, including Adult T-cell Leukemia (ATL) and HTLV-1 associated myelopathy (HAM). There are some limitations of employing the present commercial serological assays for both diagnostic and epidemiological purposes in different geographical areas of the Brazil, such as the Amazon Region. Currently, methods for diagnosis are usually expensive to adapt for routine use. The aim of this work was to identify and characterize specific ligands to IgG that mimic HTLV-1 epitopes through the Phage Display technique, which could be used for diagnosis and as future vaccine candidates. Initially, IgG from 10 patients with HTLV-1 and 20 negative controls were covalently coupled to protein G-magnetic beads. After biopanning, genetic sequencing, bioinformatics analysis and Phage-ELISA were performed. The technique allowed the identification of 4 clones with HTLV-1 mimetic peptides, three aligned with gp46, A6 (SPYW), B6 (SQLP) and D7 (PLIL), and one with the protease and Tax, A8 (SPPR). Clones A6 and B6 showed higher values of accessibility, antigenicity and hydrophilicity. The reactivity of the clones evaluated by the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve showed that the B6 clone had the highest Area Under Curve (0.83) and sensitivity and specificity values (both were 77.27 %;p< 0.001). The study showed that the Phage Display technique is effective for the identification of HTLV-1-related peptides. Clone B6 indicated to be a good marker for bioprospecting diagnostic test for HTLV-1 infection and could be used as a possible vaccine candidate for future studies.
Albumin to Total Cholesterol Ratio and Mortality in Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Wu Xianfeng , Meng Jiao , Zhou Lei , Zhan Xiaojiang , Wen Yueqiang , Wang Xiaoyang , Feng Xiaoran , Wang Niansong , Peng Fenfen , Wu Junnan
Published: June 2022

Background

Serum albumin and total cholesterol are associated with mortality. In clinical practice, evaluating the association of combining album and total cholesterol with mortality may be more reasonable. Thus, we examined the association between serum albumin to total cholesterol ratio and mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 3447 incident continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients from five PD centers in China from 1 January 2005 and 31 May 2020. The association between albumin to total cholesterol ratio and mortality was evaluated.

Results

With a median follow-up of 39.3 months, 762 (22.1%) all-cause deaths occurred, including 382 (11.1%) cardiovascular deaths. As compared with a serum albumin to total cholesterol ratio of 0.77–0.82 (reference range), a higher ratio (>0.82) was associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality[hazards ratio (HR), 1.54; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.16–2.05, E-value = 2.45] and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.35–3.29, E-value = 3.62). A lower ratio (<0.77) was also associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality (HR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.10–1.94, E-value = 2.28) and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.14–2.78, E-value = 2.96) compared with the reference. No interaction was observed in subgroup analyses of age, sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, prior cardiovascular disease, and hyperlipidemia, and malnutrition (serum albumin <3.6 g/dL).

Conclusion

An albumin to total cholesterol ratio before the start of PD between 0.77 and 0.82 was associated with a lower risk of death than a higher or lower ratio, resulting in a U-curve association. Therefore, serum albumin to total cholesterol ratio, as an inexpensive and readily available biochemical biomarker, may further improve the stratification risk of mortality in PD patients.
Maternal Low Volume Circulation Relates to Normotensive and Preeclamptic Fetal Growth Restriction
Authors: Gyselaers Wilfried , Lees Christoph
Published: June 2022

This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the association between maternal low volume circulation and poor fetal growth. Though much work has been devoted to the study of cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance, a low intravascular volume may explain why high vascular resistance causes hypertension in women with preeclampsia (PE) that is associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR) and, at the same time, presents with normotension in FGR itself. Normotensive women with small for gestational age babies show normal gestational blood volume expansion superimposed upon a constitutionally low intravascular volume. Early onset preeclampsia (EPE; occurring before 32 weeks) is commonly associated with FGR, and poor plasma volume expandability may already be present before conception, thus preceding gestational volume expansion. Experimentally induced low plasma volume in rodents predisposes to poor fetal growth and interventions that enhance plasma volume expansion in FGR have shown beneficial effects on intrauterine fetal condition, prolongation of gestation and birth weight. This review makes the case for elevating the maternal intravascular volume with physical exercise with or without Nitric Oxide Donors in FGR and EPE, and evaluating its role as a potential target for prevention and/or management of these conditions.
Clinical Prediction of Inadequate Vault in Eyes With Thick Lens After Implantable Collamer Lens Implantation Using Iris Morphology
Authors: Yang Zhikun , Meng Lihui , Zhao Xinyu , Chen Youxin , Luo Yan
Published: June 2022

Background

Obtaining an ideal vault is crucial in the implantable collamer lens (ICL) surgery. Prediction of the vault value is difficult since it requires the integration of multiple factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the iris shape and vault value in eyes with thick lens.

Methods

The study was conducted in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Patients who received ICL V4c between 2017 and 2021 were screened. Eyes with thick lens (>4.0 mm) and abnormal iris shape (concave or convex) were included. The preoperative biometric parameters and postoperative vault value were compared between eyes with concave shape group and convex shape group. The relationship between various factors and vault was assessed by spearman rank analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. Representative cases our strategies to deal with the abnormal vault were demonstrated.

Results

Twenty eight eyes of 14 patients with thick lens and concave or convex shape iris were eventually included, with 14 eyes of 7 patients in group 1 (concave shape iris) and the other 14 eyes of 7 patients in group 2 (convex shape iris). The mean vault of group 1 was (0.16 ± 0.07) mm, which was significantly lower than (0.88 ± 0.13) mm in group 2. Multiple linear regression analysis showed iris shape (P < 0.001) was only the explanatory variables associated with the postoperative vault. In group1, 4 eyes showed extremely large ACA, requiring a secondary surgical intervention. So all of them underwent ICL exchange for a larger ICL. In group2, the ICL was implanted in a vertical or oblique position to avoid or rescue an extremely large vault.

Conclusion

Concave shape iris had a higher risk of low vault and convex shape iris were more likely to demonstrate high vault in eyes with thick lens. Exchanging ICL for the larger size and adjusting ICL to the vertical or oblique orientation are good option to rescue the low or high vault, respectively.
Hydrographic Feature Variation Caused Pronounced Differences in Planktonic Ciliate Community in the Pacific Arctic Region in the Summer of 2016 and 2019
Authors: Wang Chaofeng , Yang Mengyao , He Yan , Xu Zhiqiang , Zhao Yuan , Zhang Wuchang , Xiao Tian
Published: June 2022

Planktonic ciliates are an important component of microzooplankton, but there is limited understanding of their responses to changing environmental conditions in the Pacific Arctic Region. We investigated the variations of ciliate community structure and their relationships with environmental features in the Pacific Arctic Region in the summer of 2016 and 2019. The Pacific water was warmer and more saline in 2019 than in 2016. The abundance and biomass of total ciliate and aloricate ciliate were significantly higher in 2019 than those in 2016, while those of tintinnid were significantly lower. The dominant aloricate ciliate changed from large size-fraction (> 30 μm) in 2016 to small size-fraction (10–20 μm) in 2019. More tintinnid species belonging to cosmopolitan genera were found in 2019 than in 2016, and the distribution of tintinnid species (Codonellopsis frigida, Ptychocylis obtusa, and Salpingella sp.1) in 2019 expanded by 5.9, 5.2, and 8.8 degrees further north of where they occurred in 2016. The environmental variables that best-matched tintinnid distributions were temperature and salinity, while the best match for aloricate ciliate distributions was temperature. Therefore, the temperature might play a key role in ciliate distribution. These results provide basic data on the response of the planktonic ciliate community to hydrographic variations and implicate the potential response of microzooplankton to Pacification as rapid warming progresses in the Pacific Arctic Region.