bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glycosylation of HDL-Associated Proteins and Its Implications in Cardiovascular Disease Diagnosis, Metabolism and Function
Authors: Romo Eduardo Z. , Zivkovic Angela M.
Published: May 2022

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles, long known for their critical role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), were recently identified to carry a wide array of glycosylated proteins, and the importance of this glycosylation in the structure, function and metabolism of HDL are starting to emerge. Early studies have demonstrated differential glycosylation of HDL-associated proteins in various pathological states, which may be key to understanding their etiological role in these diseases and may be important for diagnostic development. Given the vast array and specificity of glycosylation pathways, the study of HDL-associated glycosylation has the potential to uncover novel mechanisms and biomarkers of CVD. To date, no large studies examining the relationships between HDL glycosylation profiles and cardiovascular outcomes have been performed. However, small pilot studies provide promising preliminary evidence that such a relationship may exist. In this review article we discuss the current state of the evidence on the glycosylation of HDL-associated proteins, the potential for HDL glycosylation profiling in CVD diagnostics, how glycosylation affects HDL function, and the potential for modifying the glycosylation of HDL-associated proteins to confer therapeutic value.
Occurrence of Local Tsunamis Along the Eastern Coast of the Korean Peninsula Based on Numerical Modeling of Historical Earthquakes
Authors: Ha Taemin , Yoon Jae-Seon , Kyung Jai Bok , Yoon Seok-Hoon , Lee Dong-Woo , Kim Kwang-Hee
Published: May 2022

Korean historical literature records a major offshore earthquake with an associated tsunami in the East Sea of Korea in 1681. The event also generated strong ground motion and landslides over the Korean Peninsula. This study examined the occurrence and characteristics of the reported tsunami along the eastern coast of the peninsula using numerical modeling of tsunami propagation from submarine faults identified in a recently compiled marine fault map. Results from some scenarios indicated runup heights in good agreement with descriptions in historical records. We also examined the time required for tsunamis to travel from the causative faults to vulnerable areas along the eastern coast under various scenarios. Our results successfully hindcast the occurrence and effects of local tsunamis in the historical literature and have important implications for assessing tsunami hazard and risk for coastal areas of the Korean Peninsula.
An Online Tool Using Basal or Activated Ovarian Reserve Markers to Predict the Number of Oocytes Retrieved Following Controlled Ovarian Stimulation: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Han Yong , Xu Huiyu , Feng Guoshuang , Alpadi Kannan , Chen Lixue , Wang Haiyan , Li Rong
Published: May 2022

Background

Predicting the number of oocytes retrieved (NOR) following controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) is the only way to ensure effective and safe treatment in assisted reproductive technology (ART). To date, there have been limited studies about predicting specific NOR, which hinders the development of individualized treatment in ART.

Objective

To establish an online tool for predicting NOR.

Materials and Methods

In total, 621 prospective routine gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist COS cycles were studied. Independent variables included age, body mass index, antral follicle counts, basal FSH, basal and increment of anti-mullerian hormone, Luteinizing hormon, estradiol, testosterone, androstenedione, and inhibin B. The outcome variable was NOR. The independent variables underwent appropriate transformation to achieve a better fit for a linear relationship with NOR. Pruned forward selection with holdback validation was then used to establish predictive models. Corrected Akaike’s information criterion, Schwarz–Bayesian information criterion, scaled –log[likelihood], and the generalized coefficient of determination (R2) were used for model evaluation.

Results

A multiple negative binomial regression model was used for predicting NOR because it fitted a negative binomial distribution. We established Model 1, using basal ovarian reserve markers, and Model 2, using both basal and early dynamic markers for predicting NOR following COS. The generalized R2 values were 0.54 and 0.51 for Model 1 and 0.64 and 0.62 for Model 2 in the training and validation sets, respectively.

Conclusion

Models 1 and 2 could be applied to different scenarios. For directing the starting dose of recombinant follicle stimulation hormone (rFSH), Model 1 using basic predictors could be used prior to COS. Model 2 could be used for directing the adjustment of rFSH dosages during COS. An online tool (http://121.43.113.123:8002/) based on these two models is also developed. We anticipate that the clinical application of this tool could help the ART clinics to reduce iatrogenic ovarian under- or over-responses, and could reduce costs during COS for ART.
Emerging Role of Epitranscriptomics in Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complications
Authors: Geng Xinqian , Li Zheng , Yang Ying
Published: May 2022

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and its related complications are among the leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide. Substantial studies have explored epigenetic regulation that is involved in the modifications of DNA and proteins, but RNA modifications in diabetes are still poorly investigated. In recent years, posttranscriptional epigenetic modification of RNA (the so-called ‘epitranscriptome’) has emerged as an interesting field of research. Numerous modifications, mainly N6-methyladenosine (m6A), have been identified in nearly all types of RNAs and have been demonstrated to have an indispensable effect in a variety of human diseases, such as cancer, obesity, and diabetes. Therefore, it is particularly important to understand the molecular basis of RNA modifications, which might provide a new perspective for the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and the discovery of new therapeutic targets. In this review, we aim to summarize the recent progress in the epitranscriptomics involved in diabetes and diabetes-related complications. We hope to provide some insights for enriching the understanding of the epitranscriptomic regulatory mechanisms of this disease as well as the development of novel therapeutic targets for future clinical benefit.
Comparing CO2 and Variable-TDS Waste-Fluid Injection Into Deep Saline Geologic Formations
Authors: Ansari Esmail , Holubnyak Eugene , Hasiuk Franciszek , Raney Jennifer
Published: May 2022

There is a renewed interest in carbon capture, utilization, and storage technology due to recently expanded US Internal Revenue Service 45Q credits as well as to reduce anthropogenic carbon emissions to the atmosphere. Deep carbonate reservoirs in western Kansas have the potential for CO2 storage because they have experienced low waste-fluid injection volumes to date. Waste-fluid injection in Kansas has not caused felt seismicity for more than seven decades. However, beginning in 2013, the state has experienced increased seismicity due to increased subsurface pressure associated with the injection of large volumes of variable-TDS (total dissolved solids) waste-fluid in US EPA Class I and Class II wells. This work compares CO2, low-TDS, and high-TDS injection practices and quantifies the induced spatial and temporal patterns in overpressure in the caprock, reservoir, and its hydraulically connected crystalline basement, where the majority of induced seismicity in Kansas has been observed. Our results show that pressure buildup is higher in the caprock and lower in the crystalline basement when injecting CO2 as compared to variable-TDS waste-fluid injection. The CO2 plume tends to expand at the top of the reservoir, primarily due to its lower density and viscosity than reservoir brines, creating an overpressure plume that moves the resident brine across the caprock. In contrast, waste-fluid injection moves more resident brine down into the basement, particularly when high-TDS waste-fluid is injected. This result is particularly valid for high-permeability carbonate reservoirs, in which gravity forces dominate over viscous forces and move the CO2 and overpressure plume toward the top of the reservoir. Our study may explain the lack of human-perceivable induced seismicity at operating CO2 injection projects globally.
The Chemokines Initiating and Maintaining Immune Hot Phenotype Are Prognostic in ICB of HNSCC
Authors: Huang Yuhong , Liu Han , Liu Xuena , Li Nan , Bai Han , Guo Chenyang , Xu Tian , Zhu Lei , Liu Chao , Xiao Jing
Published: May 2022

Background: The immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) with anti-programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1) on HNSCC is not as effective as on other tumors. In this study, we try to find out the key factors in the heterogeneous tumor-associated monocyte/macrophage (TAMM) that could regulate immune responses and predict the validity of ICB on HNSCC.

Experimental Design: To explore the correlation of the TAMM heterogeneity with the immune properties and prognosis of HNSCC, we established the differentiation trajectory of TAMM by analyzing the single-cell RNA-seq data of HNSCC, by which the HNSCC patients were divided into different sub-populations. Then, we exploited the topology of the network to screen out the genes critical for immune hot phenotype of HNSCC, as well as their roles in TAMM differentiation, tumor immune cycle, and progression. Finally, these key genes were used to construct a neural net model via deep-learning framework to predict the validity of treatment with anti-PD-1/PDL-1

Results: According to the differentiation trajectory, the genes involved in TAMM differentiation were categorized into early and later groups. Then, the early group genes divided the HNSCC patients into sub-populations with more detailed immune properties. Through network topology, CXCL9, 10, 11, and CLL5 related to TAMM differentiation in the TME were identified as the key genes initiating and maintaining the immune hot phenotype in HNSCC by remarkably strengthening immune responses and infiltration. Genome wide, CASP8 mutations were found to be key to triggering immune responses in the immune hot phenotype. On the other hand, in the immune cold phenotype, the evident changes in CNV resulted in immune evasion by disrupting immune balance. Finally, based on the framework of CXCL9-11, CLL5, CD8+, CD4+ T cells, and Macrophage M1, the neural network model could predict the validity of PD-1/PDL-1 therapy with 75% of AUC in the test cohort.

Conclusion: We concluded that the CXCL9, 10,11, and CCL5 mediated TAMM differentiation and constructed immune hot phenotype of HNSCC. Since they positively regulated immune cells and immune cycle in HNSCC, the CXCL9-11 and CCL5 could be used to predict the effects of anti-PD-1/PDL-1 therapy on HNSCC.
Forensic Efficiency Estimation of a Homemade Six-Color Fluorescence Multiplex Panel and In-Depth Anatomy of the Population Genetic Architecture in Two Tibetan Groups
Authors: Liu Yanfang , Cui Wei , Jin Xiaoye , Wang Kang , Mei Shuyan , Zheng Xingkai , Zhu Bofeng
Published: May 2022

The genetic information of the Chinese Tibetan group has been a long-standing research hotspot among population geneticists and archaeologists. Herein, 309 unrelated individuals from two Tibetan groups living in Qinghai Province, China (CTQ), and Tibet Autonomous Region, China (CTT), were successfully genotyped using a new homemade six-color fluorescence multiplex panel, which contained 59 autosomal deletion/insertion polymorphisms (au-DIPs), two mini short tandem repeats (miniSTRs), two Y-chromosomal DIPs, and one Amelogenin. The cumulative probability of matching and combined power of exclusion values for this new panel in CTQ and CTT groups were 1.9253E-27 and 0.99999729, as well as 1.5061E-26 and 0.99999895, respectively. Subsequently, comprehensive population genetic analyses of Tibetan groups and reference populations were carried out based on the 59 au-DIPs. The multitudinous statistical analysis results supported that Tibetan groups have close genetic affinities with East Asian populations. These findings showed that this homemade system would be a powerful tool for forensic individual identification and paternity testing in Chinese Tibetan groups and give us an important insight for further perfecting the genetic landscape of Tibetan groups.
Aftiphilin Regulation of Myosin Light Chain Kinase Activity Promotes Actin Dynamics and Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Function
Authors: Law Ivy Ka Man , Fang Kai , Pothoulakis Charalabos , Rankin Carl Robert
Published: May 2022

The expression levels of aftiphilin (AFTPH) are significantly lower in inflamed colonic tissues from patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and mice with experimental colitis. During colonic inflammation, the selective permeability of the colonic epithelium is compromised largely due to dysregulation of proteins associated with either the tight junction (TJ) complex and actomyosin contraction rings. Here, we hypothesized that inflammation-associated reduction in AFTPH levels might cause an increase in the selective permeability of the colonic epithelium. In this study, we measured the transepithelial electric resistance (TEER), sodium (Na+) ion flux and dextran permeability in polarized colonic epithelial cells after manipulation of AFTPH. Silencing of AFTPH reduced TEER, increased Na+ ion flow and dextran permeability. Examination of mRNA and protein levels of multiple TJ proteins and Na+ ion transporters suggested that AFTPH deficiency did not significantly change expression of most of these transmembrane proteins. While the gross structure of the TJs in AFTPH gene-silenced cells appeared normal, elevated levels of junctional Occludin were observed. Most notably we observed that AFTPH co-localized with myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and attenuated cellular MLCK activity as observed by phospho- myosin light chain 2 (pMLC2) western blots. Importantly, inhibition of MLCK activity reversed the reduction of TEER in AFTPH-deficient monolayers. Lastly, examination of microvilli by transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence imaging of actin filament arrangement demonstrated that AFTPH deficiency also affected filament arrangement in colonic epithelial cells. Taken together, these results suggest that AFTPH regulates intestinal epithelial permeability and actin polymerization in colonic epithelium through interfering with MLCK/MLC interactions.
Investigating Influenza Virus Polymerase Activity in Feline Cells Based on the Influenza Virus Minigenome Replication System Driven by the Feline RNA Polymerase I Promoter
Authors: Lu Gang , Zheng Feiyan , Ou Jiajun , Yin Xin , Li Shoujun
Published: May 2022

Emerging influenza virus poses a health threat to humans and animals. Domestic cats have recently been identified as a potential source of zoonotic influenza virus. The influenza virus minigenome replication system based on the ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerase I (PolI) promoter is the most widely used tool for investigating polymerase activity. It could help determine host factors or viral proteins influencing influenza virus polymerase activity in vitro. However, influenza virus polymerase activity has never been studied in feline cells thus far. In the present study, the feline RNA PolI promoter was identified in the intergenic spacer regions between adjacent upstream 28S and downstream 18S rRNA genes in the cat (Felis catus) genome using bioinformatics strategies. The transcription initiation site of the feline RNA PolI promoter was predicted. The feline RNA PolI promoter was cloned from CRFK cells, and a promoter size of 250 bp contained a sequence with sufficient PolI promoter activity by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The influenza virus minigenome replication system based on the feline RNA PolI promoter was then established. Using this system, the feline RNA PolI promoter was determined to have significantly higher transcriptional activity than the human and chicken RNA PolI promoters in feline cells, and equine (H3N8) influenza virus presented higher polymerase activity than human (H1N1) and canine (H3N2) influenza viruses. In addition, feline myxovirus resistance protein 1 (Mx1) and baloxavir were observed to inhibit influenza virus polymerase activity in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Our study will help further investigations on the molecular mechanism of host adaptation and cross-species transmission of influenza virus in cats.
Conventional Type 1 Dendritic Cells in Intestinal Immune Homeostasis
Authors: Sasaki Izumi , Kato Takashi , Hemmi Hiroaki , Fukuda-Ohta Yuri , Wakaki-Nishiyama Naoko , Yamamoto Asumi , Kaisho Tsuneyasu
Published: May 2022

Dendritic cells (DC) play critical roles in linking innate and adaptive immunity. DC are heterogenous and there are subsets with various distinct functions. One DC subset, conventional type 1 DC (cDC1), can be defined by expression of CD8α/CD103 in mice and CD141 in humans, or by expression of a chemokine receptor, XCR1, which is a conserved marker in both mice and human. cDC1 are characterized by high ability to ingest dying cells and to cross-present antigens for generating cytotoxic CD8 T cell responses. Through these activities, cDC1 play crucial roles in immune responses against infectious pathogens or tumors. Meanwhile, cDC1 involvement in homeostatic situations is not fully understood. Analyses by using mutant mice, in which cDC1 are ablated in vivo, revealed that cDC1 are critical for maintaining intestinal immune homeostasis. Here, we review the homeostatic roles of cDC1, focusing upon intestinal immunity.
Autoimmune Cytopenias Post Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Pediatric Patients With Osteopetrosis and Other Nonmalignant Diseases
Authors: Even-Or Ehud , Schejter Yael Dinur , NaserEddin Adeeb , Zaidman Irina , Shadur Bella , Stepensky Polina
Published: May 2022

Autoimmune cytopenia (AIC) is a rare complication post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), with a higher incidence in nonmalignant diseases. The etiology of post-HSCT AIC is poorly understood, and in many cases, the cytopenia is prolonged and refractory to treatment. Diagnosis of post-HSCT AIC may be challenging, and there is no consensus for a standard of care. In this retrospective study, we summarize our experience over the past five years with post-HSCT AIC in pediatric patients with osteopetrosis and other nonmalignant diseases. All pediatric patients who underwent HSCT for nonmalignant diseases at Hadassah Medical Center over the past five years were screened for post-HSCT AIC, and data were collected from the patient’s medical records. From January 2017 through December 2021, 140 pediatric patients underwent HSCT for osteopetrosis (n=40), and a variety of other nonmalignant diseases. Thirteen patients (9.3%) presented with post-HSCT AIC. Of these, 7 had osteopetrosis (17.5%), and 6 had other underlying nonmalignant diseases. Factors associated with developing AIC included unrelated or non-sibling family donors (n=10), mixed chimerism (n=6), and chronic GvHD (n=5). Treatment modalities included steroids, IVIG, rituximab, bortezomib, daratumumab, eltrombopag, plasmapheresis, and repeated HSCT. Response to treatment was variable; Seven patients (54%) recovered completely, and three patients (23%) recovered partially, still suffering from mild-moderate thrombocytopenia. Three patients died (23%), two following progressive lung disease and one from sepsis and multi-organ failure after a 3rd HSCT. In our experience, post-HSCT AICs in pediatric patients with nonmalignant diseases may pose a challenging post-transplant complication with a variable presentation and a wide spectrum of severity. A relatively high prevalence is seen in patients with osteopetrosis, possibly due to difficult engraftment and high rates of mixed chimerism. There is a dire need for novel treatment modalities for better management of the more severe and refractory cases.
Autoimmune Skin Disease Exacerbations Following COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Sprow Grant , Afarideh Mohsen , Dan Joshua , Feng Rui , Keyes Emily , Grinnell Madison , Concha Josef , Werth Victoria P.
Published: May 2022

Background

Vaccination against COVID-19 reduces the risk of severe COVID-19 disease and death. However, few studies have examined the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine in patients with autoimmune skin disease.

Objectives

We sought to determine the incidence of disease exacerbation in this population following COVID-19 vaccination as well as the associated factors.

Methods

We performed a chart review of all patients seen in the autoimmune skin disease clinic of the principal investigator during the study period. All patients included for analysis were systematically and prospectively asked about COVID-19 vaccination status, manufacturers, vaccine dates, autoimmune symptoms after the vaccine, and timing of symptom onset using a standardized template as part of their visit. Demographics and autoimmune disease diagnosis were also collected. Analysis used Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests.

Results

402 subjects were included for analysis. 85.6% of patients were fully vaccinated, with 12.9% unvaccinated and 1.5% partially vaccinated. 14.8% of fully vaccinated patients reported worsening autoimmune signs and symptoms after the vaccine. Fully vaccinated dermatomyositis patients were more likely to report worsening autoimmune signs and symptoms after the vaccine (22.7%) than fully vaccinated lupus erythematosus patients (8.6%) (p=0.009). Patients fully vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine trended towards an increased likelihood of reporting worsening autoimmune signs and symptoms after the vaccine (19.1%) than those with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (12.0%) (p=0.076). Of the patients who had autoimmune symptoms after vaccination, 20% had symptoms after the 1st dose, 82% after the 2nd dose, and 4% after the 3rd dose with median onset (95% confidence interval) of 7 (2,14), 14 (14,21), and 18 (7,28) days later, respectively.

Conclusions

More fully vaccinated dermatomyositis patients had exacerbation of autoimmune signs and symptoms after the vaccine than fully vaccinated lupus erythematosus patients. However, given the risks of COVID-19, clinicians should still promote vaccination in most patients with autoimmune skin disease.
Single-Cell Sequencing of Immune Cell Heterogeneity in IgG4-Related Disease
Authors: Wu Xunyao , Peng Yu , Li Jieqiong , Zhang Panpan , Liu Zheng , Lu Hui , Peng Linyi , Zhou Jiaxin , Fei Yunyun , Zeng Xiaofeng , Zhao Yan , Zhang Wen
Published: May 2022

Background

The IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an immune-mediated disorder with fibrotic manifestations. However, the transcriptional profiles of immune cell subsets at single-cell level are unknown. Herein, single-cell sequencing was used to assess the specific cell subpopulations and pathways in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of IgG4-RD.

Methods

Single-cell sequencing was performed using the PBMCs from four patients with IgG4-RD and three healthy controls (HCs). Functional enrichment and cell analysis were performed through re-clustering of PBMCs to assess functional pathways and intercellular communication networks in IgG4-RD. Western blot and flow cytometry were used to verify sequencing and functional enrichment results.

Results

Four major cell types and 21 subtypes were identified. Further subclustering demonstrated that plasma B-cell proportions increased with increasing glycolysis/gluconeogenesis activity in IgG4-RD. Re-clustering of myeloid cells showed that EGR1 and CD36 expressions were significantly increased in CD14+ monocytes of IgG4-RD, as validated by Western blot analysis. Moreover, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production pathways were positively regulated in CD14+ monocytes of IgG4-RD. In vitro stimulation showed that CD14+ monocytes of IgG4-RD could secrete higher levels of TNF-α . Notably, the proportions of CD8 central memory T (TCM) and TIGIT+ CD8 cytotoxic T (CTL) increased in patients with IgG4-RD compared with HCs. Further interaction analysis showed that B cell activation factor (BAFF) signaling pathways were enriched from myeloid cells subsets to B cells.

Conclusion

This study enhances the understanding of the cellular heterogeneity and transcriptional features involved in the pathogenesis of IgG4-RD, providing key clinical implications.
Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Avatrombopag Combined With MSCs for the Treatment of Thrombocytopenia After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Zhu Lidan , Liu Jia , Kong Peiyan , Gao Shichun , Wang Lu , Liu Huanfeng , Zhang Cheng , Gao Li , Feng Yimei , Chen Ting , Gao Lei , Zhang Xi
Published: May 2022

Platelet graft failure (PGF) is a frequent and serious complication after Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and lacks effective treatment strategies, which could affect the prognosis of patients and even cause death. The exact underlying mechanism of PGF remains unclear, and lacks standard treatment. Here, we conduct a retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of avatrombopag combined with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in 16 patients with thrombocytopenia after allo-HSCT. Patients were administered the following treatment regimen: 20 mg/d avatrombopag; if the PLT count was less than 50×10^9/L for at least 2 weeks, the dose was increased to 40 mg/d; if the PLT count was 200-400×10^9/L, the dose was reduced; and if the PLT count was greater than 400×10^9/L, avatrombopag was terminated. Umbilical cord MSCs (1×10^6 cells/kg) infusion was performed every week for 4-6 weeks. Among the 16 patients, 13 patients (81.3%) achieved a complete response (CR), 2 patients (12.5%) got a partial response (PR), and 1 patient (6.3%) had no response (NR). The median time to obtain CR was 32 (7-426) days after treatment with avatrombopag combined with umbilical cord MSCs. The time to reach 20×10^9/L≤ PLT <50×10^9/L in the 2 patients with PR was 52 and 230 days after treatment, respectively. One patient had a severe pulmonary infection and died of cytomegalovirus pneumonia. Overall, our results indicated that combination of avatrombopag with MSCs can promote platelet recovery after transplantation, thereby improving the survival rate of patients and improving the quality of life of patients after transplantation, and providing a new method and strategy for the treatment of thrombocytopenia after allo-HSCT.
Investigation of the Light Intensity Effect on Growth, Molting, Hemolymph Lipid, and Antioxidant Capacity of Juvenile Swimming Crab Portunus trituberculatus
Authors: Xu Hanying , Dou Juan , Wu Qingyang , Ye Yangfang , Song Changbin , Mu Changkao , Wang Chunlin , Ren Zhiming , Shi Ce
Published: May 2022

An eight-week experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of eight light intensities (0, 0.83, 1.61, 8.17, 15.89, 31.38, 63.69, and 124.31 μmol m-2 s-1) on the survival, growth, antioxidant, molting-related and apoptosis-related gene expression of juvenile swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus. The results showed that the survival rate of crabs was the highest under the light intensities of 8.17 and 15.89 μmol m-2 s-1. Under this light intensity, the crabs had the lowest hemolymph glucose (GLU) but the highest triglyceride (TG) content. The crabs in these treatments also had the highest total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities, and the lowest malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The growth performance (including weight gain and specific growth rate) and molting frequency of crabs increased with increasing light intensity. The improved growth performance and molting of 8.17 and 15.89 μmol m-2 s-1 groups were also accompanied by up-regulated of the retinoid-X receptor (rxr), ecdysone receptor (ecr), nuclear receptor E75 (e75) gene expression, and down-regulated molt-inhibiting hormone (mih) gene expression. In addition, suboptimal light intensity (0, 0.83, 63.69, and 124.31 μmol m-2 s-1) significantly up-regulated the expression of apoptosis-related genes including c-Jun N-terminal kinase (jnk), tumor suppressor p53 (p53), and B-cell lymphoma-2 (bcl-2). Taken together, the suitable light intensity for the juvenile P. trituberculatus was estimated to be 9.96 μmol m-2 s-1.
Development and Prospects of Triboelectric Nanogenerators in Sports and Physical State Monitoring
Authors: Zhang Jingshui , Yang Zhou , Liang Xin
Published: May 2022

Sports and physical fitness play important roles in people’s daily life. By sticking to exercise we can better enjoy a healthy life. Scientific and accurate monitoring of sports training and individual physical condition is important. However, many challenges still need to be solved, such as the complex design of measurement devices, the external power supplies, inaccurate measurement data, and unscientific measurement methods. Recently, the TENG-based self-powered real-time measurement sensors have attracted much more attention due to their unique advantages such as wearable features, simple construction, a wide choice of materials, and operation without external power supply. They can measure a wide range of real-time data such as haptics, velocity, pressure, and dynamic movement. In addition, they can also be made into a human–machine interactive device to provide athletes with a scientific approach to training. In this review, the working principle of TENGs is summarized and clarified. Moreover, the applications of the TENG in the areas of tactical strategy in sports, individual sports training, and physical state monitoring are also reviewed. Finally, the challenges and development opportunities faced by the TENG are also discussed and summarized.
Gut Microbiota and Metabolite Changes in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis and Clostridioides difficile Infection
Authors: Wan Jian , Zhang Yujie , He Wenfang , Tian Zuhong , Lin Junchao , Liu Zhenzhen , Li Yani , Chen Min , Han Shuang , Liang Jie , Shi Yongquan , Wang Xuan , Zhou Lei , Cao Ying , Liu Jiayun , Wu Kaichun
Published: May 2022

Background

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are at an increased risk of developing Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), which in turn leads to poor outcomes. The gut microbial structure and metabolites in patients with UC and CDI have been scarcely studied. We hypothesized that CDI changes the gut microbiota and metabolites of patients with UC.

Materials and Methods

This study included 89 patients: 30 healthy controls (HC group), 29 with UC alone (UCN group), and 30 with UC and CDI (UCP group). None of the participants has been exposed to antibiotic treatments during the 3 months before stool collection. Stool samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the V3–V4 region and gas chromatography tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Results

The UCN group displayed lower diversity and richness in gut microbiota and a higher relative abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria than the HC group. There were no significant differences between the UCN and UCP groups in the α-diversity indices. The UCP group contained a higher relative abundance of the genera Clostridium sensu stricto, Clostridium XI, Aggregatibacter, and Haemophilus, and a lower relative abundance of genera Clostridium XIVb and Citrobacter than the UCN group. In the UCP group, the increased metabolites included putrescine, maltose, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxybutyrate, and aminomalonic acid. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed that these increased metabolites negatively correlated with Clostridium XlVb and positively correlated with the four enriched genera. However, the correlations between hemoglobin and metabolites were contrary to the correlations between erythrocyte sedimentation rate and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and metabolites.

Conclusion

Our study identified 11 differential genera and 16 perturbed metabolites in patients with UC and CDI compared to those with UC alone. These findings may guide the design of research on potential mechanisms and specific treatments for CDI in patients with UC.
Proteinaceous Effector Discovery and Characterization in Plant Pathogenic Colletotrichum Fungi
Authors: Lu Xinyu , Miao Jinlu , Shen Danyu , Dou Daolong
Published: May 2022

Anthracnose caused by plant pathogenic Colletotrichum fungi results in large economic losses in field crop production worldwide. To aid the establishment of plant host infection, Colletotrichum pathogens secrete numerous effector proteins either in apoplastic space or inside of host cells for effective colonization. Understanding these effector repertoires is critical for developing new strategies for resistance breeding and disease management. With the advance of genomics and bioinformatics tools, a large repertoire of putative effectors has been identified in Colletotrichum genomes, and the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of some studied effectors have been summarized. Here, we review recent advances in genomic identification, understanding of evolutional characteristics, transcriptional profiling, and functional characterization of Colletotrichum effectors. We also offer a perspective on future research.
Sustainability of Diets in Mexico: Diet Quality, Environmental Footprint, Diet Cost, and Sociodemographic Factors
Authors: Curi-Quinto Katherine , Unar-Munguía Mishel , Rodríguez-Ramírez Sonia , Rivera Juan A. , Fanzo Jessica , Willett Walter , Röös Elin
Published: May 2022

Background

Little is known about the current intake of sustainable diets globally and specifically in middle-income countries, considering nutritional, environmental and economic factors.

Objective

To assess and characterize the sustainability of Mexican diets and their association with sociodemographic factors.

Design

Dietary data of 2,438 adults within the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012 by integrating diet quality measured by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015), diet cost, and four environmental indicators were analyzed: land use (LU), biodiversity loss (BDL), carbon footprint (CFP), and blue water footprint (BWFP). We defined healthier more sustainable diets (MSD) as those with HEI-2015 above the overall median, and diet cost and environmental indicators below the median. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of sociodemographic factors with MSD.

Results

MSD were consumed by 10.2% of adults (4% of urban and 22% of rural), who had lower intake of animal-source foods, unhealthy foods (refined grains, added sugar and fats, mixed processed dishes and sweetened beverages), fruits, and vegetables, and higher intake of whole grains than non-MSD subjects. Characteristics of MSD vs. non-MSD (urban; rural) were: HEI-2015 (62.6 vs. 51.9; 66.8 vs. 57.6), diet-cost (1.9 vs. 2.8; 1.9 vs. 2.5 USD), LU (3.3 vs. 6.6; 3.2 vs. 5.9 m2), BDL (105 vs. 780; 87 vs. 586 species × 10−10), BWFP (244 vs. 403; 244 vs. 391 L), and CFP (1.6 vs. 4.4; 1.6 vs. 3.7 kg CO2eq). Adults from rural vs. urban (OR 2.7; 95% CI: 1.7, 4.1), or from the South (OR 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.9), Center (OR 2.3; 95% CI: 1.3, 4.4) vs. the North were more likely to consume MSD, while adults with high vs. low socioeconomic status were less likely (OR 0.17; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.3).

Conclusions

The MSD is a realistic diet pattern mainly found in disadvantaged populations, but diet quality is still sub-optimal. Increased consumption of legumes, fruits, and vegetables, and a reduction in unhealthy foods, is required to improve nutritional quality of diets while ensuring their environmental sustainability.
Survival Is Worse in Patients Completing Immunotherapy Prior to SBRT/SRS Compared to Those Receiving It Concurrently or After
Authors: Woody Susan , Hegde Aparna , Arastu Hyder , Peach M. Sean , Sharma Nitika , Walker Paul , Ju Andrew W.
Published: May 2022

Purpose/Objectives

The abscopal effect could theoretically be potentiated when combined with immunomodulating drugs through increased antigen production. The optimal dosing and schedule of radiotherapy with immunotherapy are unknown, although they are actively investigated in laboratory and clinical models. Clinical data in patients treated for metastatic disease with both modalities may guide future studies.

Materials and Methods

This is a single-institution retrospective review of all patients treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT)/stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and immunomodulating therapy within 6 months before or after SBRT/SRS for metastatic cancer. Clinical and tumor characteristics were recorded, as well as SBRT/SRS details, immunotherapy details, and survival. Log-rank tests on Kaplan–Meier curves for overall survival (OS) that were calculated from the end of SBRT/SRS were used in univariate analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression for multivariate analysis.

Results

A total of 125 patients were identified who met the inclusion criteria; 70 received SBRT, and 57 received SRS. Eighty-three patients were treated for non-small cell lung cancer, 7 patients for small cell lung cancer, and 35 patients for other cancers, with the most common one being melanoma. Fifty-three percent of patients received nivolumab, 29% pembrolizumab, 13% atezolizumab, 5% other. Twenty percent received immunotherapy before SBRT/SRS, 39% during SBRT/SRS, 41% after. Eighty-six patients had died by the time of the analysis; the median OS for the whole cohort was 9.7 months. Patients who had completed immunotherapy prior to SBRT/SRS had worse OS than those who received concurrent therapy or immunotherapy after SBRT/SRS, with a difference in median OS of 3.6 months vs. 13.0 months (p = 0.010) that was retained on multivariate analysis (p = 0.011). There was no significant difference in OS between patients receiving SRS vs. SBRT (p = 0.20), sex (p = 0.53), age >62 years (p = 0.76), or lung primary vs. others (p = 0.73) on univariate or multivariate analysis. When comparing before/concurrent to after/concurrent administration, there is a difference in survival with after/concurrent survival of 8.181 months and before survival of 13.010 months, but this was not significant (p = 0.25).

Conclusions

OS appears to be worse in patients who complete immunotherapy prior to SBRT/SRS compared to those receiving it concurrently or after. The design of this retrospective review may be prone to lead time bias, although the difference in median survival is longer than the 6-month window before SBRT/SRS and could only account for part of this difference. Further analysis into causes of death and toxicity and prospective studies are needed to confirm the results of this analysis.
Epirubicin Enhances the Anti-Cancer Effects of Radioactive 125I Seeds in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Downregulation of the JAK/STAT1 Pathway
Authors: Guo Lei , Sun Jiali , Wang Changjun , Wang Yang , Wang Ya , Li Dong , Li Yuliang
Published: May 2022

The application and promotion of 125I seed implantation technology have increased the safety and effectiveness of the clinical treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Epirubicin (EPI) is a traditional anthracycline chemotherapy agent that has minimal side effects and has been widely used in the clinical treatment of HCC. We hypothesized that EPI would enhance the anti-cancer effects of 125I seeds via the JAK/STAT1 signaling pathway. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether EPI could enhance the radiosensitivity of HCC cells to 125I and determine the underlying molecular mechanism. This basic study was conducted in an animal laboratory at Shandong University. BALB/C male nude mice were used, and all animals were fed and treated according to the standards of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Shandong University. Both in vitro and in vivo models of 125I irradiation of HCC cells were created. The anti-cancer effects of 125I and the role of EPI in promoting these effects were evaluated using flow cytometry for apoptosis and cell cycle, CCK-8 assay for EPI drug cytotoxicity, and transwell assays for migration and invasion. The potential mediating effect of the JAK/STAT1 pathway was assessed using an isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins after 125I treatment. Transfection of HCC cells with STAT1-RNAi were performed to determine the effect of STAT1 downregulation on 125I and EPI treatment effects. The radiosensitivity concentration of EPI promoted 125I-induced anti-cancer effects, including apoptosis, anti-proliferation, and inhibition of migration and invasion. These effects were mediated via the JAK/STAT1 pathway. Downregulation of STAT1 compromised measured anti-cancer effects, which were both confirmed in the in vivo and in vitro models. EPI can promote 125I-induced anti-cancer effects in HCC. The JAK/STAT1 pathway may be a potential target for 125I seed implantation in the treatment of HCC.
“Elastic Stretch Cavity Building” System in Endoscopic Thyroidectomy of Giant Thyroid Tumors
Authors: Chen Gaoxiang , Zhang Hai , Li Cheng , Wen Limu , Zhang Jianan , Wu Minhua , Teng Weifeng , Ji Xiaochun , Luo Yong , Wu Weizhu
Published: May 2022

Objective

To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with large thyroid tumors underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy using the “elastic stretch cavity builder” system.

Methods

This retrospective case series study included thyroid tumor patients admitted to the Ningbo Medical Center Li Hui li Hospital between September 2017 and November 2021. The self-developed “elastic stretch cavity builder” was used to elastically lift the anterior cervical flap, combined with low-pressure (3 mmHg) high-flow CO2 inflation, and create a working cavity for endoscopic thyroidectomy.

Results

This study included 13 patients for analysis. The endoscopic thyroidectomy duration was 92-170 min (mean, 123 ± 24min). The maximum transverse plane diameter of the glands was 5.0-6.2 cm (mean, 5.3 ± 0.3 cm). The maximum sagittal plane diameter was 6.8-10.0 cm (mean, 7.6 ± 0.9 cm). After the “elastic stretch cavity builder” lifted the cervical flap, the height of the subcutaneous region was increased by 1.3 ± 0.2cm without affecting cervical activity. There was no residual scar in the anterior cervical skin puncture hole. All patients were satisfied with the cosmetic with the cosmetic satisfaction score was 3.4 ± 0.5.

Conclusion

The novel mixed cavity building model established by the “elastic stretch cavity builder” might provide the surgeon with additional longitudinal cervical operating space while improving the stability of the space and saving human effort.
Concordance of MRI-Guided Fusion and Systematic 12-Core Prostate Biopsy for the Detection of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Parsons Matthew , Sandhu Zoya , Foy Bridget , Chan Ernest , Crawford Bryan , Petersen Libby , Romney Benjamin , Sommers Daniel , Bishoff Jay , Lynch Steven , Mclean Logan , Gill David
Published: May 2022

Background

MRI-guided fusion biopsy is increasingly utilized over systematic 12-core biopsy for men with MRI-visible prostate lesions.

Patients and Methods

Patients with MRI visible lesions who underwent MRI-guided fusion and systematic 12-core biopsy from 2016-2020 in the Intermountain Healthcare (IHC) system were consecutively analyzed. This was in the setting of a continuous quality assurance initiative among the reading radiologists. Primary outcome was prostate cancer (PCa) detection defined by Gleason grade group (GGG) 1 or higher. Clinically significant cancer (CSC) was defined as GGG 2 or higher. Patients were stratified by biopsy date, 2016-2017 and 2018-2021, and lesions were stratified by PI-RADS v2 category.

Results

A total of 184 patients with 324 MRI-detectable lesions underwent both biopsy modalities in the IHC system from 2016 to 2021. CSC was detected in 23.5% of MRI-guided fusion biopsies. Comparing PI-RAD v2 categories 1-3 to categories 4-5, rate of CSC was 10% and 42% respectively. MRI-guided fusion and systematic 12-core biopsies were concordant for PCa in 77% of men and CSC in 83%. MRI-guided fusion biopsy detected PCa in 26/103 and CSC in 20/131 men in whom systematic 12-core biopsy was negative. Systematic 12-core biopsy detected PCa in 17/94 and CSC in 11/122 men in whom MRI-guided fusion was negative.

Conclusions

Omitting MRI-guided fusion or systematic 12-core biopsy would have resulted in underdiagnosis of CSC in 11% or 6% of patients respectively. Combining biopsies increased detection rate of CSC. This was in the setting of a continuous quality assurance program at a large community-based hospital.
Integration of Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Reveals the Antitumor Mechanism Underlying Tadalafil in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhao Pan , Shen Yao , Li Mengyang , Dan Hanjun , Zhao Zhiming , Zhang Jian
Published: May 2022

The potential role of tadalafil, a PDE5 inhibitor, in anticancer activity and prolonged survival has been proposed. However, the systematic effects of tadalafil in colorectal cancer were not fully understood. In this study, we assessed the anti-tumor activity of tadalafil in human colorectal cancer cells. A systematic perspective of the tadalafil-induced anti-tumor mechanism was provided by the integration of transcriptomics and metabolomics. We found that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly involved in microRNAs in cancer, purine metabolism, glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, arginine biosynthesis, and amino acid metabolism. Amino acid metabolism, especially alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism was the most of the differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) through the analysis of metabolomics. The conjoint analysis of DEGs and DAMs presented that they were also mainly involved in alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism. Amino acid metabolism-related genes, GPT, GGT5, and TAT, were significantly decreased after tadalafil treatment. In particular, the disturbance of alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism may be the explanation for the major mechanism resulting from tadalafil anti-tumor activity.
Synthesis and Characterization of Poly (β-amino Ester) and Applied PEGylated and Non-PEGylated Poly (β-amino ester)/Plasmid DNA Nanoparticles for Efficient Gene Delivery
Authors: Iqbal Sajid , Martins Alessandro F. , Sohail Muhammad , Zhao Jingjing , Deng Qi , Li Muhan , Zhao Zhongxi
Published: May 2022

Graphical Abstract