bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near Real-Time Petrologic Monitoring on Volcanic Glass to Infer Magmatic Processes During the February–April 2021 Paroxysms of the South-East Crater, Etna
Authors: Corsaro Rosa Anna , Miraglia Lucia
Published: February 2022

The South-East crater of Etna (SEC) is the most active summit crater over the last 20 years, producing lava fountains in 2000, 2007–08, and 2011–14. It has been monitored by the INGV Etna Observatory by instrumental networks, field surveys and petrologic monitoring. The syn-eruptive petrologic monitoring consists of an articulated work chain which is generally carried out within 24 h from the moment the sample was emplaced to detect possible changes of magma composition episode by episode, as well as over a longer period. The findings of petrologic monitoring are integrated with the results provided by geophysical networks and gas geochemistry to check the volcano’s behavior during the eruption and to communicate potentially dangerous variations in eruptive features to the local authorities. This paper presents the variation of volcanic glass compositions during the paroxysmal activity of the SEC, which began in December 2020 and climaxed with 17 episodes from 16 February to 1 April 2021. We infer pre-eruptive magmatic processes (e.g., fractional crystallization and mixing) based on temporal trends of some key compositional parameters (i.e., CaO/Al2O3; FeOtot/MgO). Correlation between magma dynamics and volcanological characteristics of the paroxysms requires future studies. We demonstrated that petrologic monitoring carried out during a volcanic crisis at Etna, as well as in other volcanoes worldwide, may be crucial to acquire preliminary insights into the structure of the plumbing system and the pre-eruptive processes governing the eruptive activity. Interestingly, this goal has been achieved also thanks to the collaboration with local citizens, who kindly contributed to collecting samples.
Two Distinct Back-Arc Closure Phases of the East Sea: Stratigraphic Evidence From the SW Ulleung Basin Margin
Authors: Lee Jae-Hyuk , Lee Jae-Ho , Yoon Seok-Hoon , Lee Hyun-Suk , Song Hoon-Young , Kim Gi-Bom
Published: February 2022

This study focuses on revisiting the tectostratigraphic framework of the Ulleung Basin and conceptualizing neotectonics around the western East Sea margin. Based on the analysis of 2D and 3D multi-channel seismic reflection data and offshore drill wells, we divided the entire sedimentary successions of the Ulleung Basin into four tectostratigraphic sequences, named TS1 (c. 23–16 Ma), TS2 (c. 16–9 Ma), TS3 (c. 9–4 Ma), and TS4 (c. 4 Ma–present), in ascending order. The results show that each sequence has been deformed once or multiple times in different periods by juxtaposing two major compressional structures named the Dolgorae Thrust-Fold Belt and the Gorae Anticline. Interpretation of the stratal deformation and termination patterns of the syn- and post-deformational sequences of each structures suggests that the thrusting and folding of the Dolgorae Thrust-Fold Belt was active from c. 16 Ma to c. 9 Ma under the NNW–SSE compressional stress regime (Stage-2), whereas the Gorae Anticline was active from 4 Ma to the present under the ENE–WSW compressional stress regime (Stage-4). Between these two compressional events, there was an intervening period of regional slow subsidence driven by thermal contraction of the back-arc lithosphere and isostatic sedimentary loading (Stage-3). Based on the stratigraphic and structural reconstruction, we propose a 4-stage tectonic model: Stage-1) back-arc opening stage associated with the southward drift of the Japanese islands (c. 23–16 Ma), Stage-2) tectonic-inversion stage in association with the reorganization of the Pacific and Philippine Sea plates and clockwise rotation of SW Japan (c. 16–9 Ma), Stage-3) post-inversion stage with regional thermal and isostatic subsidence (c. 9–4 Ma), and Stage-4) neotectonic stage in which embryonic subduction is nucleating on the East Sea margins under the E–W compressional stress regime (c. 4 Ma–present).
Physiological Roles of Serotonin in Bivalves: Possible Interference by Environmental Chemicals Resulting in Neuroendocrine Disruption
Authors: Canesi Laura , Miglioli Angelica , Balbi Teresa , Fabbri Elena
Published: February 2022

Contaminants of Emerging Concerns (CECs) are defined as chemicals not commonly monitored in aquatic ecosystems, but with the potential to cause adverse effects on biota. CECs include Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) and Neuro-Endocrine disruptors (NEDs) of vertebrates. However, most invertebrates only rely on neuroendocrine systems to maintain homeostatic processes. Although conserved neuroendocrine components have been characterized in ecologically relevant groups, limited knowledge on invertebrate neuroendocrinology makes it difficult to define EDCs and NEDs in most species. The monoamine serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) acts both as a neurotransmitter and as a peripheral hormone in mammals. In molluscs, 5-HT is involved in multiple physiological roles and molecular components of the serotonergic system have been identified. This review is focused on the effects of CECs on the serotonergic system of bivalve molluscs. Bivalves are widespread in all aquatic environments, estuarine and coastal areas in particular, where they are exposed to a variety of chemicals. In bivalves, 5-HT is involved in gametogenesis and spawning, oocyte maturation and sperm motility, regulates heart function, gill ciliary beating, mantle/siphon function, the ‘‘catch’’ state of smooth muscle and immune responses. Components of 5-HT transduction (receptors and signaling pathways) are being identified in several bivalve species. Different CECs have been shown to affect bivalve serotonergic system. This particularly applies to antidepressants, among the most commonly detected human pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment. In particular, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are frequently detected in seawater and in bivalve tissues. Information available on the effects and mechanisms of action of SSRIs on the serotonergic system of adult bivalves is summarized. Data are also reported on the effects of CECs on development of neuroendocrine pathways of early larval stages, in particular on the effects of model EDCs in the marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Overall, available data point at the serotonergic system as a sensitive target for neuroendocrine disruption in bivalves. The results contribute drawing Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) for model EDCs and SSRIs in larvae and adults. However, basic research on neuroendocrine signaling is still needed to evaluate the potential impact of neuroendocrine disruptors in key invertebrate groups of aquatic ecosystems.
Prevalence, Deaths and Disability-Adjusted-Life-Years (DALYs) Due to Type 2 Diabetes and Its Attributable Risk Factors in 204 Countries and Territories, 1990-2019: Results From the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Safiri Saeid , Karamzad Nahid , Kaufman Jay S. , Bell Arielle Wilder , Nejadghaderi Seyed Aria , Sullman Mark J. M. , Moradi-Lakeh Maziar , Collins Gary , Kolahi Ali-Asghar
Published: February 2022

Aim

To report the point prevalence, deaths and disability-adjusted-life-years (DALYs) due to type 2 diabetes and its attributable risk factors in 204 countries and territories during the period 1990-2019.

Methods

We used the data of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019 to report number and age-standardised rates per 100 000 population of type 2 diabetes. Estimates were reported with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs).

Results

In 2019, the global age-standardised point prevalence and death rates for type 2 diabetes were 5282.9 and 18.5 per 100 000, an increase of 49% and 10.8%, respectively, since 1990. Moreover, the global age-standardised DALY rate in 2019 was 801.5 per 100 000, an increase of 27.6% since 1990. In 2019, the global point prevalence of type 2 diabetes was slightly higher in males and increased with age up to the 75-79 age group, decreasing across the remaining age groups. American Samoa [19876.8] had the highest age-standardised point prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes in 2019. Generally, the burden of type 2 diabetes decreased with increasing SDI (Socio-demographic Index). Globally, high body mass index [51.9%], ambient particulate matter pollution [13.6%] and smoking [9.9%] had the three highest proportions of attributable DALYs.

Conclusion

Low and middle-income countries have the highest burden and greater investment in type 2 diabetes prevention is needed. In addition, accurate data on type 2 diabetes needs to be collected by the health systems of all countries to allow better monitoring and evaluation of population-level interventions.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Adolescents With Obesity: Monitoring of Glucose Profiles, Glycemic Excursions, and Adherence to Time Restricted Eating Programs
Authors: Naguib Monica N. , Hegedus Elizabeth , Raymond Jennifer K. , Goran Michael I. , Salvy Sarah-Jeanne , Wee Choo Phei , Durazo-Arvizu Ramon , Moss Lilith , Vidmar Alaina P.
Published: February 2022

Background

Randomized controlled trials of time restricted eating (TRE) in adults have demonstrated improvements in glucose variability as captured by continuous glucose monitors (CGM). However, little is known about the feasibility of CGM use in TRE interventions in adolescents, or the expected changes in glycemic profiles in response to changes in meal-timing. As part of a pilot trial of TRE in adolescents with obesity, this study aimed to 1) assess the feasibility of CGM use, 2) describe baseline glycemic profiles in adolescents with obesity, without diabetes, and 3) compare the difference between glycemic profiles in groups practicing TRE versus control.

Methods

This study leverages data from a 12-week pilot trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03954223) of late TRE in adolescents with obesity compared to a prolonged eating window. Feasibility of CGM use was assessed by monitoring 1) the percent wear time of the CGM and 2) responses to satisfaction questionnaires. A computation of summary measures of all glycemic data prior to randomization was done using EasyGV and R. Repeat measures analysis was conducted to assess the change in glycemic variability over time between groups. Review of CGM tracings during periods of 24-hour dietary recall was utilized to describe glycemic excursions.

Results

Fifty participants were enrolled in the study and 43 had CGM and dietary recall data available (16.4 + 1.3 years, 64% female, 64% Hispanic, 74% public insurance). There was high adherence to daily CGM wear (96.4%) without negative impacts on daily functioning. There was no significant change in the glycemic variability as measured by standard deviation, mean amplitude glycemic excursion, and glucose area under the curve over the study period between groups.

Conclusions

CGM use appears to be a feasible and acceptable tool to monitor glycemic profiles in adolescents with obesity and may be a helpful strategy to confirm TRE dosage by capturing glycemic excursions compared to self-reported meal timing. There was no effect of TRE on glucose profiles in this study. Further research is needed to investigate how TRE impacts glycemic variability in this age group and to explore if timing of eating window effects these findings.
Overnight-Intraday Mispricing of Chinese Energy Stocks: A View from Financial Anomalies
Authors: Zhou Min , Liu Xiaoqun
Published: February 2022

We verify the existence of firm-level “intraday return vs. overnight return” pattern and overnight-intraday effect of nine financial anomalies of Chinese energy industry stocks of the Chinese stock market. Though energy finance has been an independent research area, we also take Chinese A-shares stocks as samples for empirical analysis to avoid the so-called sample selection bias. Specifically, it verifies that the overnight returns are strongly negative and intraday returns are positive for energy industry stocks, which is totally contrary to the American stock markets. In addition, alphas of the zero-cost strategies based on nine classic financial anomalies are almost earned at night for energy industry stocks. Finally, it is risk-related anomalies that occur overnight for energy industry stocks, while both four risk-related anomalies and two firm characteristics related anomalies occur at night for all A-shares stocks. Our empirical findings based on Chinese financial markets enrich the existing research on the mispricing of financial anomaly and shed a new sight on the asset pricing in energy finance.
Numerical Investigations of Injection Timing Effects on a GDI Engine Performance: Part B, In-Cylinder Emission Formation and Oxidation Process
Authors: Zhang Yu , Yang Ruomiao , Yan Yuchao , Li Ruijie , Fu Jiahong , Liu Zhentao
Published: February 2022

The emphasis on environmental protection and energy security has promoted automobile engine technology toward low emission and economy. While the traditional port fuel injection engine can hardly meet the latest regulations and requirements, the gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine becomes a hot research topic because of its potential to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Since injection timing has a determining effect on overall engine performance, this paper aimed to investigate the injection timing effects on mixture formation and emissions. A validated three-dimensional numerical simulation model of a 4-stroke GDI engine combustion chamber was adopted. In a previous work (Part A), the in-cylinder combustion process has been discussed. In this study, the simulation results demonstrate that with the injection timing advancing, the fuel–gas mixture was more uniformly distributed and combusted more completely; the CO, UHC, and soot had decreased sharply by 80.6, 99.2, and 97.5%; the NOx emission increased by 151.7%. The optimized injection timing for this case was 300 CA BTDC. Moreover, this paper studied the in-cylinder views of injection timing effects on mixture formation and emission, providing reference to optimize injection of GDI engine.
Re-Fracturing Wells Selection by Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process—Taking Mahu Oilfield as An Example
Authors: Xiong Qiyong , Ma Xinfang , Wu Baocheng , Ren Guangcong , Pan Jingjun , Yi Xingyu , Deng Weibing , Yi Yonggang
Published: February 2022

Re-fracturing treatments of horizontal wells are increasingly gaining popularity to address the issue of rapid production decline and low recovery ratio for the conglomerate reservoir of the Mahu Oilfield. How to effectively select the horizontal wells with potentiality for re-fracturing and conduct the re-fracturing operation to achieve the purpose is the key problem that needs to be investigated urgently. However, the conventional methods for vertical wells are not in our consideration, and some methods for horizontal wells have their limits for the Mahu reservoir. To cope with problems mentioned above, fourteen factors from geology parameters, engineering parameters, and production performance parameters are considered to establish a multi-level evaluation model to quantify the potentiality of each horizontal well for re-fracturing in the Mahu Oilfield. First, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to obtain the weights of various factors affecting the productivity of horizontal wells, and on this basis, the subordination degree and evaluation matrix are then calculated, and finally, the fuzzy synthetic determination is obtained to determine the candidate wells for re-fracturing. The results have shown that the weights corresponding to engineering parameters obtained by the AHP method are the largest, followed by geology parameters, and the weights of production performance parameters are the minimal relatively; the number of fractures and the sand quantity of single cluster are the main controlling factors in engineering factors, and the initial formation pressure is the main controlling factor in geological factors; there is obvious correlation between the cumulative oil production after 90 days of primary fracturing with final cumulative production. Wells M15, M13, and M7 rank top three among the candidate wells. Through re-fracturing treatment by temporary plugging, the daily oil production of well M15 has increased significantly and is even higher than that of the primary hydraulic fracturing stimulation, confirming the reliability of the proposed selection method.
Financial Development, Trade Openness, and Foreign Direct Investment: A Battle Between the Measures of Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Huo Weidong , Ullah Muhammad Rizwan , Zulfiqar Muhammad , Parveen Shahida , Kibria Umar
Published: February 2022

Deterioration in the environmental quality is a major threat to the sustainable development of an economy as it results in serious economic problems and the researchers are conscious about the environment sustainability. They have identified several factors including financial development, inflow of foreign aid, and openness of trade to promote environmental sustainability. Unfortunately, their findings remain inconclusive as they have imperfectly measured environmental sustainability. This study, thus, aims to contribute to the ongoing debate of environmental sustainability by testing the role of financial development, trade openness, and foreign direct investment (FDI) in promoting environmental sustainability by using adjusted net savings as a measure of environmental sustainability. To do this, the study collects data from 1996 to 2019. The study uses financial development, trade openness, and FDI as predictors and environmental sustainability as an outcome variable. The study applies Auto Regressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) methodology to analyze the impact. The findings show positive contributions of financial development, trade openness, and foreign direct investment in promoting environment sustainability. We suggest encouraging trade through lower-taxation programs and increasing competition in the financial markets through privatization and domestic and international liberalization to stimulate environmental sustainability. We also recommend imposing high taxes and penalties on such activities that damage the quality of the environment.
TIMP1 Indicates Poor Prognosis of Renal Cell Carcinoma and Accelerates Tumorigenesis via EMT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Shou Yi , Liu Yuenan , Xu Jiaju , Liu Jingchong , Xu Tianbo , Tong Junwei , Liu Lilong , Hou Yaxin , Liu Di , Yang Hongmei , Cheng Gong , Zhang Xiaoping
Published: February 2022

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common malignancies in the urinary system. The mortality of advanced RCC remains high despite advances in systemic therapy of RCC. Considering the misdiagnosis of early-stage RCC, the identification of effective biomarkers is of great importance. Tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1), which belongs to TIMP gene family, is a natural inhibitor of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In this study, we found TIMP1 was significantly up-regulated in cell lines and RCC tissues. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that high expression of TIMP1 indicated a poor prognosis. Multivariate analysis further indicated that TIMP1 overexpression was an independent prognostic factor of RCC patients. Furthermore, knockdown of TIMP1 in vitro suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of RCC cells, while upregulating TIMP1 accelerated the proliferation, migration, and invasion of RCC cells. In addition, we also found that TIMP1 prompted the progression of RCC via epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling pathway. In conclusion, the present results suggested that TIMP1 indicated poor prognosis of renal cell carcinoma and could serve as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for RCC.
Drug Discovery in Spinal Cord Injury With Ankylosing Spondylitis Identified by Text Mining and Biomedical Databases
Authors: Wang Chenfeng , Ma Hongdao , Wu Weiqing , Lu Xuhua
Published: February 2022

Spinal cord injury (SCI) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are common inflammatory diseases in spine surgery. However, it is a project where the relationship between the two diseases is ambiguous and the efficiency of drug discovery is limited. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate new drug therapies for SCI and AS. First, text mining was used to obtain the interacting genes related to SCI and AS, and then, the functional analysis was conducted. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed by STRING online and Cytoscape software to identify hub genes. Last, hub genes and potential drugs were performed after undergoing drug–gene interaction analysis, and MicroRNA and transcription factors regulatory networks were also analyzed. Two hundred five genes common to “SCI” and “AS” identified by text mining were enriched in inflammatory responses. PPI network analysis showed that 30 genes constructed two significant modules. Ultimately, nine (SST, VWF, IL1B, IL6, CXCR4, VEGFA, SERPINE1, FN1, and PROS1) out of 30 genes could be targetable by a total of 13 drugs. In conclusion, the novel core genes contribute to a novel insight for latent functional mechanisms and present potential prognostic indicators and therapeutic targets in SCI and AS.
A Pan-Cancer In Silico Analysis of the COVID-19 Internalization Protease: Transmembrane Proteaseserine-2
Authors: Meng Yiming , Sun Jing , Zhang Guirong , Yu Tao , Piao Haozhe
Published: February 2022

The new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is an emerging pathogen that can cause severe respiratory infections in humans. It is worth noting that many of the affected COVID-19 patients have malignant tumors. In addition, cancer has been identified as a personal risk factor for COVID-19. Transmembrane proteaseserine-2 (TMPRSS2) is a crucial host protease that mediates S protein activation and initially promotes virus entry into host cells. Moreover, it is abnormally expressed in a variety of tumors. However, the systematic analysis of TMPRSS2 aberrations in human cancer remains to be elucidated. Here, we analyzed the genetic changes, RNA expression, and DNA methylation of TMPRSS2 in more than 30 tumors. It has been reported that TMPRSS2 is overexpressed in tumors such as prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD), and in contrast, the expression of TMPRSS2 is decreased in tumors such as head and neck cancer (HNSC). In addition, TMPRSS2 low DNA methylation was also found in most of these TMPRSS2 high-expressing tumors in this study. Clinical studies have found that there is a significant correlation between the expression of TMPRSS2 and the prognosis of some tumor patients. The expression of TMPRSS2 is also related to the infiltration of cancer-related fibroblasts, and the potential pathways and functional mechanisms were analyzed through KEGG/GO enrichment. In the end, our study planned the genetic and epigenetic variation of TMPRSS2 in human malignant tumors for the first time and provided a relatively comprehensive understanding of the carcinogenic effects of TMPRSS2.
CD47 Blockade Accelerates Blood Clearance and Alleviates Early Brain Injury After Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Xu Chao-ran , Li Jian-ru , Jiang Shao-wei , Wan Liang , Zhang Xin , Xia Lei , Hua Xu-ming , Li Shi-ting , Chen Huai-jun , Fu Xiong-jie , Jing Chao-hui
Published: February 2022

Aims

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating stroke subtype. Following SAH, erythrocyte lysis contributes to cell death and brain injuries. Blockage of the anti-phagocytic receptor Cluster of Differentiation 47 (CD47) enhances phagocyte clearance of erythrocytes, though it has not been well-studied post-SAH. The current study aims to determine whether anti-CD47 treatment can enhance blood clearance after experimental SAH.

Methods

The prechiasmatic blood injection model of SAH was used in mice. Mice were either treated with the CD47-blocking antibody or IgG as control. The effect of the anti-CD47 antibody on blood clearance and neurological function following SAH was determined. Neuroinflammation and neuronal injury were compared between the treatment and control samples on day 1 and day 7 after SAH using flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, Fluoro-Jade C, and Nissl staining, RT-PCR, and Western blot analysis.

Results

CD47-blocking antibody sped-up blood clearance after SAH, and resulted in less neuronal injury and neurological deficits than control samples. Microglia played a role in the anti-CD47 blockade. Following SAH Following SAH, CD47 antibody-treated mice had less neuroinflammation and lower levels of apoptosis compared to controls and both one and 7 days.

Conclusions

CD47 antibody treatment has a neuroprotective effect following SAH, by increasing blood clearance rate and reducing brain injury. These findings suggest CD47 antibody treatment may improve SAH patient outcomes.
Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury and Immunosuppressants Promote Polyomavirus Replication Through Common Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Chen Xu-Tao , Huang Yang , Wang Jing , Li Ge , Zhang Yu , He Li-Fang , Lian Yue-Xiao , Yang Shi-Cong , Zhao Guo-Dong , Zhang Hui , Qiu Jiang , Zhang Lei , Huang Gang
Published: February 2022

Background

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV)-associated nephropathy (BKPyVAN) causes renal allograft dysfunction and graft loss. However, the mechanism of BKPyV replication after kidney transplantation is unclear. Clinical studies have demonstrated that immunosuppressants and renal ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) are risk factors for BKPyV infection. Studying the pathogenic mechanism of BKPyV is limited by the inability of BKPyV to infect the animal. Mouse polyomavirus (MPyV) is a close homolog of BKPyV. We used a model of MPyV infection to investigate the core genes and underlying mechanism of IRI and immunosuppressants to promote polyomavirus replication.

Materials and Methods

One-day-old male C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with MPyV. At week 9 post-infection, all mice were randomly divided into IRI, immunosuppressant, and control groups and treated accordingly. IRI was established by clamping the left renal pedicle. Subsequently, kidney specimens were collected for detecting MPyV DNA, histopathological observation, and high-throughput RNA sequencing. Weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA), protein–protein interaction network analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were used to screen for core genes and common signaling pathways involved in promoting MPyV replication by IRI and immunosuppressants.

Results

After primary infection, MPyV established persistent infection in kidneys and subsequently was significantly increased by IRI or immunosuppressant treatment individually. In the IRI group, viral loads peaked on day 3 in the left kidney, which were significantly higher than those in the right kidney and the control group. In the immunosuppressant group, viral loads in the left kidney were significantly increased on day 3, which were significantly higher than those in the control group. Protein–protein interaction network analysis and WGCNA screened complement C3, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and FN1 as core genes. Pathway enrichment analysis based on the IRI- or immunosuppressant-related genes selected by WGCNA indicated that the NF-κB signaling pathway was the main pathway involved in promoting MPyV replication. The core genes were further confirmed using published datasets GSE47199 and GSE75693 in human polyomavirus-associated nephropathy.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that IRI and immunosuppressants promote polyomavirus replication through common molecular mechanisms. In future studies, knockdown or specific inhibition of C3, EGFR, FN1, and NF-κB signaling pathway will further validate their critical roles in promoting polyomavirus replication.
Properties, Genetics and Innate Immune Function of the Cuticle in Egg-Laying Species
Authors: Kulshreshtha Garima , D’Alba Liliana , Dunn Ian C. , Rehault-Godbert Sophie , Rodriguez-Navarro Alejandro B. , Hincke Maxwell T.
Published: February 2022

Cleidoic eggs possess very efficient and orchestrated systems to protect the embryo from external microbes until hatch. The cuticle is a proteinaceous layer on the shell surface in many bird and some reptile species. An intact cuticle forms a pore plug to occlude respiratory pores and is an effective physical and chemical barrier against microbial penetration. The interior of the egg is assumed to be normally sterile, while the outer eggshell cuticle hosts microbes. The diversity of the eggshell microbiome is derived from both maternal microbiota and those of the nesting environment. The surface characteristics of the egg, outer moisture layer and the presence of antimicrobial molecules composing the cuticle dictate constituents of the microbial communities on the eggshell surface. The avian cuticle affects eggshell wettability, water vapor conductance and regulates ultraviolet reflectance in various ground-nesting species; moreover, its composition, thickness and degree of coverage are dependent on species, hen age, and physiological stressors. Studies in domestic avian species have demonstrated that changes in the cuticle affect the food safety of eggs with respect to the risk of contamination by bacterial pathogens such asSalmonellaandEscherichia coli. Moreover, preventing contamination of internal egg components is crucial to optimize hatching success in bird species. In chickens there is moderate heritability (38%) of cuticle deposition with a potential for genetic improvement. However, much less is known about other bird or reptile cuticles. This review synthesizes current knowledge of eggshell cuticle and provides insight into its evolution in the clade reptilia. The origin, composition and regulation of the eggshell microbiome and the potential function of the cuticle as the first barrier of egg defense are discussed in detail. We evaluate how changes in the cuticle affect the food safety of table eggs and vertical transmission of pathogens in the production chain with respect to the risk of contamination. Thus, this review provides insight into the physiological and microbiological characteristics of eggshell cuticle in relation to its protective function (innate immunity) in egg-laying birds and reptiles.
A Dual Role of Heme Oxygenase-1 in Tuberculosis
Authors: Yang Sen , Ouyang Jing , Lu Yanqiu , Harypursat Vijay , Chen Yaokai
Published: February 2022

Iron metabolism is vital for the survival of both humans and microorganisms. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is an essential stress-response enzyme highly expressed in the lungs, and catabolizes heme into ferrous iron, carbon monoxide (CO), and biliverdin (BV)/bilirubin (BR), especially in pathological conditions which cause oxidative stress and inflammation. Ferrous iron (Fe2+) is an important raw material for the synthesis of hemoglobin in red blood cells, and patients with iron deficiency are often associated with decreased cellular immunity. CO and BR can inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation. Thus, HO-1 is regarded as a cytoprotective molecule during the infection process. However, recent study has unveiled new information regarding HO-1. Being a highly infectious pathogenic bacterium,Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) infection causes acute oxidative stress, and increases the expression of HO-1, which may in turn facilitate MTB survival and growth due to increased iron availability. Moreover, in severe cases of MTB infection, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free iron (Fe2+) due to high levels of HO-1 can lead to lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis, which may promote further MTB dissemination from cells undergoing ferroptosis. Therefore, it is important to understand and illustrate the dual role of HO-1 in tuberculosis. Herein, we critically review the interplay among HO-1, tuberculosis, and the host, thus paving the way for development of potential strategies for modulating HO-1 and iron metabolism.
RhoG’s Role in T Cell Activation and Function
Authors: Ahmad Mokhtar Ana Masara , Salikin Nor Hawani , Haron Aminah Suhaila , Amin-Nordin Syafinaz , Hashim Ilie Fadzilah , Mohd Zaini Makhtar Muaz , Zulfigar Siti Balqis , Ismail Nurul Izza
Published: February 2022

The role of RhoG in T cell development is redundant with other Racs subfamily members, and this redundancy may be attributed to redundant signal transduction pathways. However, the absence of RhoG increases TCR signalling and proliferation, implying that RhoG activity is critical during late T cell activation following antigen–receptor interaction. Moreover, RhoG is required to halt signal transduction and prevent hyper-activated T cells. Despite increase in TCR signalling, cell proliferation is inhibited, implying that RhoG induces T cell anergy by promoting the activities of transcription factors, including nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT)/AP-1. The role of NFAT plays in T cell anergy is inducing the transcription of anergy-associated genes, such as IL-2, IL-5, and IFN-γ. Although information about RhoG in T cell-related diseases is limited, mutant forms of RhoG, Ala151Ser and Glu171Lys have been observed in thymoma and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), respectively. Current information only focuses on these two diseases, and thus the role of RhoG in normal and pathological circumstances should be further investigated. This approach is necessary because RhoG and its associated proteins represent prospective targets for attack particularly in the therapy of cancer and immune-mediated illnesses.
The Clinical Prediction Value of the Ubiquitination Model Reflecting the Immune Traits in LUAD
Authors: Che Yinggang , Jiang Dongbo , Xu Leidi , Sun Yuanjie , Wu Yingtong , Liu Yang , Chang Ning , Fan Jiangjiang , Xi Hangtian , Qiu Dan , Ju Qing , Pan Jingyu , Zhang Yong , Yang Kun , Zhang Jian
Published: February 2022

Background

Increasing evidence shows that the ubiquitin–proteasome system has a crucial impact on lung adenocarcinoma. However, reliable prognostic signatures based on ubiquitination and immune traits have not yet been established.

Methods

Bioinformatics was performed to analyze the characteristic of ubiquitination in lung adenocarcinoma. Principal component analysis was employed to identify the difference between lung adenocarcinoma and adjacent tissue. The ubiquitin prognostic risk model was constructed by multivariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression based on the public database The Cancer Genome Atlas, with evaluation of the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve. A variety of algorithms was used to analyze the immune traits of model stratification. Meanwhile, the drug response sensitivity for subgroups was predicted by the “pRRophetic” package based on the database of the Cancer Genome Project.

Results

The expression of ubiquitin genes was different in the tumor and in the adjacent tissue. The ubiquitin model was superior to the clinical indexes, and four validation datasets verified the prognostic effect. Additionally, the stratification of the model reflected distinct immune landscapes and mutation traits. The low-risk group was infiltrating plenty of immune cells and highly expressed major histocompatibility complex and immune genes, which illustrated that these patients could benefit from immune treatment. The high-risk group showed higher mutation and tumor mutation burden. Integrating the tumor mutation burden and the immune score revealed the patient’s discrepancy between survival and drug response. Finally, we discovered that the drug targeting ubiquitin and proteasome would be a beneficial prospective treatment for lung adenocarcinoma.

Conclusion

The ubiquitin trait could reflect the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma, and it might shed light on the development of novel ubiquitin biomarkers and targeted therapy for lung adenocarcinoma.
Crosstalk Between the Oxidative Stress and Glia Cells After Stroke: From Mechanism to Therapies
Authors: Zhu Ganggui , Wang Xiaoyu , Chen Luxi , Lenahan Cameron , Fu Zaixiang , Fang Yuanjian , Yu Wenhua
Published: February 2022

Stroke is the second leading cause of global death and is characterized by high rates of mortality and disability. Oxidative stress is accompanied by other pathological processes that together lead to secondary brain damage in stroke. As the major component of the brain, glial cells play an important role in normal brain development and pathological injury processes. Multiple connections exist in the pathophysiological changes of reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism and glia cell activation. Astrocytes and microglia are rapidly activated after stroke, generating large amounts of ROS via mitochondrial and NADPH oxidase pathways, causing oxidative damage to the glial cells themselves and neurons. Meanwhile, ROS cause alterations in glial cell morphology and function, and mediate their role in pathological processes, such as neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, and blood-brain barrier damage. In contrast, glial cells protect the Central Nervous System (CNS) from oxidative damage by synthesizing antioxidants and regulating the Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, among others. Although numerous previous studies have focused on the immune function of glial cells, little attention has been paid to the role of glial cells in oxidative stress. In this paper, we discuss the adverse consequences of ROS production and oxidative-antioxidant imbalance after stroke. In addition, we further describe the biological role of glial cells in oxidative stress after stroke, and we describe potential therapeutic tools based on glia cells.
Functional Roles and Ecological Importance of Small Cetaceans in Aquatic Ecosystems
Authors: Kiszka Jeremy J. , Woodstock Matthew S. , Heithaus Michael R.
Published: February 2022

Small cetaceans (dolphins, porpoises, and small toothed whales) occur from the poles to the tropics, and from freshwater habitats to the open ocean. Most ecological research has focused on the influence of abiotic factors on the abundance, distribution, and behavior of these species. The ecological impacts of small cetaceans on communities and ecosystems remain poorly quantified. Their movement patterns, often high local and regional abundances across a range of ecosystems, and high metabolic rates suggest that small cetaceans could have large effects on ecosystem structure, dynamics, and function through a variety of mechanisms. These include top-down (e.g., direct predation and risk effects) and bottom-up effects (e.g., translocation of nutrients within and across ecosystems), but also behavior-mediated processes where these predators can facilitate access to resources to other predators or modify the physical properties of habitat (e.g., bioturbation). Most small cetaceans can be consumed by other marine predators, particularly killer whales (Orcinus orca) and large sharks. Although consumption rates of small cetaceans can be high, there is a paucity of information on their effects on population sizes or behaviors of their prey. Mass-balance ecosystem models suggest that small cetaceans may impact the populations of short-lived prey species (particularly fish and cephalopods), but other factors (e.g., eutrophication and fisheries) also affect ecosystem functioning and population trends. Delphinids can also mediate the translocation and recycling of limiting nutrients between spatially distinct ecosystems on a diel basis. Despite intriguing possibilities, large gaps remain in our understanding of the roles and importance of small cetaceans in aquatic ecosystems, both marine and freshwater.
Mesophotic Depth Biogenic Accumulations (“Biogenic Mounds”) Offshore the Maltese Islands, Central Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Bialik Or M. , Varzi Andrea Giulia , Durán Ruth , Le Bas Timothy , Gauci Adam , Savini Alessandra , Micallef Aaron
Published: February 2022

The mesophotic domain is a poorly explored part of the oceans, notably in the Mediterranean Sea. Benthic communities in these depths are not well documented and as such are under higher risk from anthropogenic impacts. Hard substrate habitats in this depth window are not common and are a key ecotope. The Malta Plateau in the central Mediterranean, which is characterized by low sedimentation rates, offers a potentially unexplored domain for these features. Bathymetric and backscatter data offshore of the eastern coast of the island of Malta were used to identify > 1,700 small structures in mesophotic depths. These structures were verified to be biogenic mounds by dives. The mounds extend from several meters to tens of meters in diameter and occur in two main depth windows −40 to 83 meters below present sea level (mbpsl) and 83–120 mbpsl—each formed probably in a different stage during the last glacial cycle. The mounds are composed of interlocking bioconstruction by encrusting organisms and are colonized by sponges and various cold water corals (most of which are protected; e.g., Madrepora oculata). This unique and important habitat is currently under grave threat by human activity, most immediately by trawling and anchoring activity.
From Phenotypes to Genotypes and Back: Toward an Integrated Evaluation of Biodiversity in Calanoid Copepods
Authors: Di Capua Iole , D’Angiolo Rosa , Piredda Roberta , Minucci Carmen , Boero Ferdinando , Uttieri Marco , Carotenuto Ylenia
Published: February 2022

Zooplankton molecular analyses allow for accurate species identification with a proper molecular signature, complementing classic phenotypic-based taxonomy (α taxonomy). For the first time in the Mediterranean Sea, cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene sequences of calanoid copepods were associated with morphological identification, HD and SEM images, using a fully integrated approach to assess taxonomic diversity. Such method was applied to selected species, generating consensus sequences from the Gulf of Naples (Central Tyrrhenian Sea, Western Mediterranean Sea) also including reference barcodes of three target species (Nannocalanus minor, Pleuromamma gracilis and the non-indigenous species (NIS) Pseudodiaptomus marinus) that are new for the Mediterranean area. The new barcodes were selected including: dominant and rare species; species that were originally described in the study area as type locality, but lacking a molecular description; emergent NIS and potential species complex. The integration between morphological and molecular identification by tree placement, using species-specific highly conserved oligonucleotides, also provided new and high-quality references of the most common and abundant copepod genera and species in the Mediterranean Sea. Our regional reference library was then integrated and analyzed with global data reference available on BOLD database to explore the presence of potential cryptic species and biogeographic patterns and links among geographically distant populations of copepods. Overall, this study provides valuable insight into the actual copepod taxonomic diversity and contributes to building baseline knowledge to monitor coastal biodiversity in neritic areas worldwide, where copepods are of paramount ecological importance, paving the way for future metabarcoding studies.
Effects of Dietary Poly-β-Hydroxybutyrate Supplementation on the Growth, Non-specific Immunity, and Intestinal Microbiota of the Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus
Authors: Liu Longzhen , Wang Mingyang , Wei Cong , Liu Yang , Pan Miaojun , Wang Shishuang , Cui Liang , Tian Xiangli
Published: February 2022

The present study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) on the growth performance, non-specific immunity, immune-related gene expression in the Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, and intestinal microbiota of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. During a 63-day feeding trial, the sea cucumber was fed with basal diet (control, C treatment) and treatment diets supplemented at different doses of PHB, i.e., 0.5% (P treatment), 1% (OP treatment), and 3% PHB (TP treatment) (w/w) followed by a stimulation test of inactivated Vibrio splendidus for 7 days. All PHB treatments significantly promoted the specific growth rate and weight gain rate of the sea cucumber (P < 0.05). The 1% PHB significantly enhanced phagocytic, respiratory burst, superoxide dismutase, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, catalase, and lysozyme activities in the coelomocytes of A. japonicus (P < 0.05). However, no elevated activities of catalase and lysozyme were observed in the P treatment (P < 0.05), and only increased catalase activity appeared in the TP treatment (P < 0.05). Quantitative real-time PCR revealed significantly higher expression levels of Aj-p105, Aj-p50, and Aj-rel in the mid-intestine tissue of the sea cucumber in the PHB treatments (P < 0.05), and the relative expression level Aj-lys gene was significantly higher in the OP treatment (P < 0.05) than that in the control. After injection of inactivated V. splendidus, the relative expression level of four immune-related genes in the OP treatment was significantly up-regulated at 24 h (P < 0.05). The richness of intestinal microbiota in PHB treatments significantly increased, while diversity in TP treatment significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The relative abundances of Rhodobacteraceae in the PHB treatments were significantly higher than that in the control (P < 0.05). Network analysis revealed that 0.5 and 1% PHB supplement enhanced the stability of the intestinal microbial ecosystem. Functional prediction revealed that the PHB diet significantly increased some potential functions of intestinal microbiota, involving amino acid, lipid, and nucleotide metabolisms. In summary, dietary supplementation with a suitable dose of PHB had shown multiple beneficial effects on A. japonicus. Considering collectively the above, the optimum dose of 1% PHB addition to the diet of A. japonicus is recommended.
A Worldwide Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis in Publications of Research About Hydrogel in Cartilage Repair
Authors: Lai Jieyu , Yu Dengjie , Ni Changkai , Zhang Aohan , Xiao Wenfeng , Li Yusheng
Published: February 2022

Background: Cartilage defect is a common joint disease. Hydrogels are widely used in the area of cartilage tissue engineering because of their ability to repair the defect cartilage. This study aimed to analyze published research on hydrogels in cartilage repair by using both bibliometric and visualized analysis.

Methods: The related articles about hydrogel in cartilage repair was extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection database. SPSS was used for the data analysis. Bibliographic coupling analysis, co-citation analysis, co-authorship analysis and co-occurrence analysis were conducted using VOSviewer. Burst detection conducted with CiteSpace helped to indicate the change of keywords.

Results: A total of 1,245 articles related to hydrogels in cartilage repair from 1997 to 2020 were identified and analyzed. Publication numbers grew steadily and reached 187 papers in 2020. The United States contributed the most to the research with the highest number of times cited, average citations and H-index. Over the studied period, Acta Biomaterialia published the most articles about hydrogels in cartilage repair, numbering 77. Johns Hopkins University was the institution that had the highest average citations per item, and Sichuan University, Harvard University, and Kyoto University were tied for the first by the H-index. Ranking first in the world were the National Institutes of Health, specifically the National Institute of Arthritis Musculoskeletal Skin Diseases, the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Engineering and the National Institute of Dental Craniofacial Research, which jointly sponsored 383 articles.

Conclusions: We provided the research trend of hydrogel in cartilage repair information for global researchers to better understand the facts and future development of research on hydrogels in cartilage repair. The number of publications on hydrogels in cartilage repair will probably still increase in the coming years according to the current trend.