bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of key genes and mechanisms of epicardial adipose tissue in patients with diabetes through bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Yang Huiping , Xiong Bingquan , Xiong Tianhua , Wang Dinghui , Yu Wenlong , Liu Bin , She Qiang
Published: September 2022

Background

In recent years, peri-organ fat has emerged as a diagnostic and therapeutic target in metabolic diseases, including diabetes mellitus. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) transcriptome expression differences between diabetic and non-diabetic participants and explored the possible mechanisms using various bioinformatic tools.

Methods

RNA-seq datasets GSE108971 and GSE179455 for EAT between diabetic and non-diabetic patients were obtained from the public functional genomics database Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the R package DESeq2, then Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were analyzed. Next, a PPI (protein–protein interaction) network was constructed, and hub genes were mined using STRING and Cytoscape. Additionally, CIBERSORT was used to analyze the immune cell infiltration, and key transcription factors were predicted based on ChEA3.

Results

By comparing EAT samples between diabetic and non-diabetic patients, a total of 238 DEGs were identified, including 161 upregulated genes and 77 downregulated genes. A total of 10 genes (IL-1β, CD274, PDCD1, ITGAX, PRDM1, LAG3, TNFRSF18, CCL20, IL1RN, and SPP1) were selected as hub genes. GO and KEGG analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in the inflammatory response and cytokine activity. Immune cell infiltration analysis indicated that macrophage M2 and T cells CD4 memory resting accounted for the largest proportion of these immune cells. CSRNP1, RELB, NFKB2, SNAI1, and FOSB were detected as potential transcription factors.

Conclusion

Comprehensive bioinformatic analysis was used to compare the difference in EAT between diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Several hub genes, transcription factors, and immune cell infiltration were identified. Diabetic EAT is significantly different in the inflammatory response and cytokine activity. These findings may provide new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, as well as reduce potential cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients through EAT modification.
Staged revascularization vs. culprit-only percutaneous coronary intervention for multivessel disease in elderly patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Lang Jiachun , Wang Chen , Wang Le , Zhang Jingxia , Hu Yuecheng , Sun Huajun , Cong Hongliang , Liu Yin
Published: September 2022

Backgroundand objective

Studies have highlighted the significant role of staged percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for a multivessel disease (MVD) among patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the relative benefit of staged vs. culprit-only PCI for MVD in elderly patients with STEMI remains undetermined. Thus, the present study compared the clinical outcomes of staged and culprit-only PCI in this cohort.

Methods

From January 2014 to September 2019, 617 patients aged ≥65 years with STEMI and MVD who underwent primary PCI of the culprit vessels within 12 h of symptom onset were enrolled. They were then categorized into the staged and culprit-only PCI groups according to intervention strategy. Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to adjust for confounding factors between groups. The primary end point was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), a composite of all-cause death, cardiac death, recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and ischemia-driven revascularization.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 56 months, 209 patients experienced MACCE and 119 died. Staged revascularization was associated with a lower risk of MACCE, all-cause death, and cardiac death than culprit-only PCI in both overall patients and the PSM cohorts. In contrast, there was no significant difference in stroke or ischemia-driven revascularization. Moreover, on multivariate Cox regression analysis, staged PCI was a significant predictor of a lower incidence of MACCE and all-cause death.

Conclusion

In elderly patients with STEMI and MVD, staged PCI is superior to culprit-only PCI.
LINC00452 overexpression reverses oxLDL-induced injury of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) via regulating miR-194-5p/IGF1R axis
Authors: Yuan Liang , Wang Dajie , Zhou Zhaofeng
Published: September 2022

It has been reported that atherosclerosis (AS) is the basis of the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). In addition, a previous study demonstrated that long non-coding RNA LINC00452 was notably downregulated in the whole blood of patients with CAD. However, the role of LINC00452 in the progression of AS remains unclear. Therefore, to mimic AS in vitro, HUVECs were treated with 100 μg/ml oxLDL for 24 h. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was performed to detect the expression levels of LINC00452 and IGF1R in HUVECs. Additionally, the cell angiogenetic ability was assessed by tube formation assay, while dual-luciferase reporter assay was carried out to explore the association among LINC00452, miR-194-5p, and IGF1R. The results showed that LINC00452 was downregulated in oxLDL-treated HUVECs. In addition, HUVEC treatment with oxLDL significantly inhibited cell viability, proliferation, and angiogenesis. However, the above effects were all reversed by LINC00452 overexpression. Furthermore, LINC00452 overexpression in HUVECs remarkably inhibited oxLDL-induced cell apoptosis and endothelial to mesenchymal transition. In addition, LINC00452 overexpression could markedly reverse oxLDL-induced inhibition of angiogenesis in HUVEC. The results of dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that LINC00452 could bind with miR-194-5p. In addition, IGF1R was identified as a downstream target of miR-194-5p. And LINC00452 was able to regulate the miR-194-5p/IGF1R axis in HUVECs. Moreover, LINC00452 overexpression obviously reversed oxLDL-mediated growth inhibition of HUVEC via regulating the miR-194-5p/IGF1R axis. Overall, the current study demonstrated that LINC00452 overexpression reversed oxLDL-induced growth inhibition of HUVECs via regulating the miR-194-5p/IGF1R axis, thus providing a potential beneficial targets for AS.
The protective effects of Clerodendranthus spicatus (Thunb.) C. Y. Wu extract on oxidative stress induced by 2,2'-azo (2-methylpropamidine) dihydrochloride in HL-1 mouse cardiomyocytes
Authors: Li Ying , Wang Jia , Jiang Jiahui , Li Xiang , Wang Ming
Published: September 2022

To investigate the protective effects of Clerodendranthus spicatus (Thunb.) C. Y. Wu extract (CSTE) on oxidative stress injury in HL-1 mouse cardiomyocytes induced by 2,2'-azo (2-methylpropamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH, 1 mmol/L), HL-1 cells were co-cultured with different concentrations (10–100 μg/mL) of the CSTE for 24 h. A cell damage model was established by continuously culturing the cells in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium plus AAPH for 4 h. Cell survival rates were measured by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay, and by measuring intracellular malondialdehyde (MDA) content. MDA and total reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were determined by thiobarbituric acid colorimetry and the 2',7'-dihydrodichlorofluorescent sodium yellow diacetate probe, respectively. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. The intracellular catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione s-transferase (GST), γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS), and glutathione (GSH) contents were determined by colorimetric methods. CSTE content was determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The CSTE pretreatment improved survival rates in damaged HL-1 cells, reduced total intracellular ROS and MDA levels, and reduced apoptosis. The CSTE also increased the activities of the antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, GSH-Px, and GST), as well as the γ-GCS and GSH levels in damaged cells. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that the CSTE upregulated CAT, SOD1, and GSH-Px mRNA expression levels. Additionally, the CSTE reduced MDA and ROS levels in HL-1 cells by improving the endogenous antioxidant system; thus, alleviating the oxidative stress damage caused by AAPH. Our compositional analyses revealed that the CSTE contained caffeic acid, isoquercetin, rosmarinic acid, luteolin, and baicalin. The CSTE demonstrates antioxidant and protective effects in myocardial cells.
Lethal autonomous weapon systems and respect for human dignity
Authors: Kahn Leonard
Published: September 2022

Much of the literature concerning the ethics of lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS) has focused on the idea of human dignity. The lion's share of that literature has been devoted to arguing that the use of LAWS is inconsistent with human dignity, so their use should be prohibited. Call this position “Prohibitionism.” Prohibitionists face several major obstacles. First, the concept of human dignity is itself a source of contention and difficult to operationalize. Second, Prohibitionists have struggled to form a consensus about a property P such that (i) all and only instances of LAWS have P and (ii) P is always inconsistent with human dignity. Third, an absolute ban on the use of LAWS seems implausible when they can be used on a limited basis for a good cause. Nevertheless, my main purpose here is to outline an alternative to Prohibitionism and recognize some of its advantages. This alternative, which I will call “Restrictionism,” recognizes the basic intuition at the heart of Prohibitionism - namely, that the use of LAWS raises a concern about human dignity. Moreover, it understands this concern to be rooted in the idea that LAWS can make determinations without human involvement about whom to target for lethal action. However, Restrictionism differs from Prohibitionism in several ways. First, it stipulates a basic standard for respecting human dignity. This basic standard is met by an action in a just war if and only if the action conforms with the following requirements: (i) the action is militarily necessary, (ii) the action involves a distinction between combatants and non-combatants, (iii) noncombatants are not targeted for harm, and (iv) any and all incidental harm to non-combatants is minimized. In short, the use of LAWS meets the standard of basic respect for human dignity if and only if it acts in a way that is functionally isomorphic with how a responsible combatant would act. This approach leaves open the question of whether and under what conditions LAWS can meet the standard of basic respect for human dignity.
Hydrocarbon accumulation model influenced by “three elements (source-storage-preservation)” in lacustrine shale reservoir-A case study of Chang 7 shale in Yan’an area, Ordos Basin
Authors: Wang Xiangzeng , Liang Quansheng , Gao Chao , Xue Pei , Yin Jintao , Hao Shiyan
Published: September 2022

The organic-rich shales of the Chang 7 Member in the Yan’an Formation of the Yan’an area, Ordos Basin is a hot spot for lacustrine shale gas exploration. In this paper, taking the Chang 7 Member shale in the Yan’an area as an example, the main controlling factors of lacustrine shale gas accumulation and the prediction of “sweet spots” are systematically carried out. The results show that the Yanchang Formation shale has the complete gas generating conditions. Shale gas accumulation requires three necessary accumulation elements, namely gas source, reservoir and good preservation conditions. The dynamic hydrocarbon generation process of the Chang 7 shale reservoirs is established according to the thermal simulation experiments of hydrocarbon generation, and the mechanism of catalytic degradation and gas generation in the Chang 7 Member under the background of low thermal evolution degree is revealed. The enriched authigenic pyrite can catalyze the hydrocarbon generation of organic matter with low activation energy, thereby increasing the hydrocarbon generation rates in the low-mature-mature stage. Different types of pores at different scales (2–100 nm) form a multi-scale complex pore network. Free gas and dissolved gas are enriched in laminar micro-scale pores, and adsorbed gas is enriched in nano-scale pores of thick shales, and silty laminates can improve the physical properties of the reservoir. This is because the laminar structure has better hydrocarbon generation conditions and is favorable for the migration of oil and gas molecules. The thickness of the lacustrine shale in the Chang 7 Member is between 40 and 120 m, which has exceeded the effective hydrocarbon expulsion thickness limit (8–12 m). At the end of the Early Cretaceous, the excess pressure of the Chang 7 shale was above 3 MPa. At present, horizontal wells with a daily gas production of more than 50,000 cubic meters are distributed in areas with high excess pressures during the maximum burial depth.
Geological evaluation and gas bearing analysis for shale reservoir in Ziyun-Luodian typical area of southern Guizhou province, China
Authors: Wang Keying , Cai Ningbo , Du Jiang , Gong Shuhua , Li Yan
Published: September 2022

The Ziyun-Luodian area of southern Guizhou province in China is chosen as the research area and the Dawuba formation in Carboniferous system is the target stratum in this paper. Combined with laboratory experiments and mathematical analyses, geological evaluations on organic geochemistry, physical property of the reservoir, and gas bearing feature are all studied, and geological controls on gas occurrence are then analyzed. The following conclusions are achieved. The organic type is mainly II2 or III. TOC is generally in a range of 1%–3%, and Ro,max ranges from 1.7% to 4.4%, with an average value of 2.4%. Mineral compositions are mainly clay and quartz, with a few calcite and dolomite. The Specific surface area ranges from 6.6 to 29.8 m2/g, with an average value of 15.2 m2/g, and the pore volume varies from 0.012 to 0.046 cm3/g, with an average value of about 0.02 cm3/g. There is a strongly and positively linear relationship between specific surface area and pore volume. The porosity is mostly in the range of 1%–3%, with an average value of 1.8%. Most of permeability is below 0.01 mD, with an average value of about 0.004 mD. There is an exponential and positive relationship between porosity and permeability. The gas content is generally below 2.0 m3/t. There are three obvious correlations for gas content versus buried depth ranges of 500–700 m, 700–1,000 m, and 2,700–3,000 m. TOC influences gas content in a linear mode, and Ro,max influences gas content positively. The gas content has a positive relationship with clay mineral and a negative relationship with sapropelic percentage. The porosity and permeability are both positively correlated with gas content. The pore volume has a positive trend with gas content, and the specific surface area has a positively and strongly linear relationship with gas content.
Migrating sandwaves riding on relict dunes of Taiwan shoal, northern South China Sea
Authors: Yang Yuping , Liu Meng , Xu Jingping , Xu Weikun
Published: September 2022

Sandwaves, a ubiquitous bedform commonly found in most coastal seas and sometimes in deep waters of continental slopes and submarine canyons, are often the subject of marine hazard studies because their frequent migration can pose potential threats to pipelines or other engineering structures in the ocean. Analyses of high-resolution bathymetric data collected along a 136-km multibeam bathymetric survey line demonstrate the co-existence of three different sizes of sandwaves: giant, primary dunes (∼10-15 m in height, up to 2,000 m in length); small, secondary sandwaves (∼1 m in height, ∼50 m in length) riding on the stoss side of the primary dunes; and mid-size dunes (∼5-10 m in height, ∼100-500 m in length) found in the trough of primary dunes. While the tidal current-driven, secondary sandwaves are migrating, the primary and mid-size dunes are immobile. Empirical model results suggest that the primary dunes are relict dunes that were most likely formed in geologic past when sea level was higher or the seabed elevation was lower, but water depth is probably not the only factor in limiting the formation of the primary dunes.
The atmospheric quasi-biweekly oscillation during the Jiangnan Meiyu onset period
Authors: Sun Tianle , Yao Suxiang , Huang Qian
Published: September 2022

Meiyu is a typical rainy season during the East Asian Summer Monsoon whose early or late onset is closely related to an abnormal amount of rainfall. Based on the ERA-interim daily reanalysis data from 1979 to 2019 and the Meiyu index dataset provided by the CMA (the China Meteorological Administration), the characteristics of the intraseasonal oscillation (ISO) in different latitudes during the Jiangnan Meiyu onset period were examined. During the Meiyu onset period, the analysis of 500 hPa geopotential height shows that the key regions of circulation anomaly include the Ural Mountains in mid-high latitudes and the Northwest Pacific in low latitudes. Moreover, the geopotential height anomaly of the two regions shows significant quasi-biweekly scale (10–30 days) characteristics. The diagnosis of quasi-biweekly geopotential tendency shows that height variation in the mid-high latitude key region mainly depends on the influence of temperature advection, while the variation in the low-latitude key region relies on vorticity advection. Over the mid-high latitudes, the height anomaly of the Ural Mountains gradually increases before the day of Meiyu onset, and the contribution of quasi-biweekly oscillation (QBWO) to the total anomaly is approximately 55.9%. The fluctuations from Europe and the Aleutians spread toward the key region, and the abnormal warm advection lies over the key region, contributing to formation of the Ural-blocking pattern. Meanwhile, in the key region located over the Western Pacific, the contribution of the quasi-biweekly component reaches 51.2%. The oscillations over the Western Pacific propagate southwestward along the East Asian coast, while fluctuations over the East Asian continent migrate southward. Throughout this period, the negative vorticity advection occupies the key region, which is conducive to both the positive geopotential height variation and maintenance of the Western Pacific Subtropical High. Thus, the migration of QBWO in different latitudes could be an extended-range signal of the Jiangnan Meiyu prediction.
Impasses in the wild: Autonomy support in naturalistic, parent-child outdoor play
Authors: Baker Justin , DeLiema David , Hufnagle Ashley S. , Carlson Stephanie M. , Sharratt Anna , Ridge Sheila Williams
Published: September 2022

Moments where children encounter problems in their chosen activities represent potentially generative sites for learning, particularly when supportive adults are present to scaffold the learning process. Scholars of autonomy support study these dyadic problem-solving processes in defined tasks, and describe specific types of parental support that have implications for children’s future competence as independent learners. In two exploratory case studies, we expand on the study of autonomy support by examining dyadic problem solving in naturalistic, outdoor family play. We apply a situated method of interaction analysis to perform a detailed, micro-longitudinal decomposition of two extended problem-solving arcs, identifying the specific contributions of parents and children. In doing so, we apply additional lenses of problem-solving, debugging, play-based learning, and intergenerational learning to develop a more comprehensive understanding of endogenous, dyadic problem solving. Our findings suggest the presence of inherent tradeoffs between various potential goals and time horizons for children’s learning and raise actionable considerations for both future research and practice in collaborative learning spaces.
The effects of a mindfulness-based program on higher education students
Authors: Serrão Carla , Rodrigues Ana Rita , Ferreira Tiago
Published: September 2022

Background

Entering higher education is a process with multiple challenges that requires the mobilization of personal, social and instrumental resources. As a result, students tend to experience grater stress, anxiety, and depression. In this regard, mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can serve as a useful tool to help students deal with these demands.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a Mindfulness in Education program in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms among students.

Methods

Forty-four students of higher education from four degrees in the fields of Social and Cultural Sciences participated and finished surveys before and after the 12-weeks intervention, measuring stress, depression, anxiety, mindfulness, and self-compassion. Twenty-three students (82.61% female; Mage = 20.35 DPage = 3.24) participated in Mindfulness in Education. These participants were paired with 21 students (90.48% female; Mage = 18.67, DPage = 0.73), which constituted the control condition.

Results

The results showed a session × condition interaction that was statistically significant for depression (p < 0.012) and stress (p < 0.026). In the follow-up exploration, the experimental condition revealed a statistically significant and moderate change in the severity of the symptoms of depression [t(14) = –2.315, p = 0.036, ξ = 0.304, 95% CI (–0.023, –0.499)] but not at the stress level [t(14) = –1.443, p = 0.171, ξ = 0.223, 95% CI (–0.006, –0.364)].

Conclusion

Outcomes were promising, adding to evidence that MBIs can play an important role in helping students manage stress and depression. However, it is still necessary to investigate the mechanisms underlying this type of interventions.
Monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio and systemic inflammation response index are associated with the risk of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases in general rural population
Authors: Wang Pengbo , Guo Xiaofan , Zhou Ying , Li Zhao , Yu Shasha , Sun Yingxian , Hua Yu
Published: September 2022

Background

The present study aimed to clarify the effects of four inflammatory indicators (monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio [MHR], neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [NLR], systematic immune-inflammation index [SII], and systemic inflammation response index [SIRI]) in evaluating the risk of metabolic diseases and cardiovascular disease (CVD), filling the gap of inflammation-metabolism system research in epidemiology.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study and multivariable logistic regression analysis to elucidate the association between inflammatory indicators and metabolic diseases and CVD risk. Metabolic diseases were defined as metabolic disorders (MetDs) or their components, such as metabolic syndrome (MetS), dyslipidemia, and central obesity. We calculated the Framingham risk score (FRS) to evaluate 10-year CVD risk.

Results

Odds ratios for the third vs. the first tertile of MHR were 2.653 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.142–3.286) for MetD, 2.091 (95% CI, 1.620–2.698) for MetS, 1.547 (95% CI, 1.287–1.859) for dyslipidemia, and 1.515 (95% CI, 1.389–1.652) for central obesity. Odds ratios for the third vs. the first tertile of SIRI were 2.092 (95% CI, 1.622–2.699) for MetD, 3.441 (95% CI, 2.917–4.058) for MetS, 1.417 (95% CI, 1.218–1.649) for dyslipidemia, and 2.080 (95% CI, 1.613–2.683) for central obesity. The odds ratio of a 10-year CVD risk of >30% for the third vs. the first tertile of MHR was 4.607 (95% CI, 2.648–8.017) and 3.397 (95% CI, 1.958–5.849) for SIRI.

Conclusions

MHR and SIRI had a significant association with MetD and its components, in which a higher level of MHR or SIRI tended to accompany a higher risk of metabolic diseases. Furthermore, they also correlated with CVD, and the increment of these indicators caused a gradually evaluated risk of 10-year CVD risk.
Fasting and stimulated glucagon-like peptide-1 exhibit a compensatory adaptive response in diabetes and pre-diabetes states: A multi-ethnic comparative study
Authors: Chong Shiau Chin , Sukor Norlela , Robert Sarah Anne , Ng Kim Fong , Kamaruddin Nor Azmi
Published: September 2022

Background

Impaired secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) among Caucasians contributes to reduced incretin effect in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. However, studies emanating from East Asia suggested preserved GLP-1 levels in pre-diabetes (pre-DM) and T2DM. We aimed to resolve these conflicting findings by investigating GLP-1 levels during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) among Malay, Chinese, and Indian ethnicities with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), pre-DM, and T2DM. The association between total GLP-1 levels, insulin resistance, and insulin sensitivity, and GLP-1 predictors were also analyzed.

Methods

A total of 174 subjects were divided into NGT (n=58), pre-DM (n=54), and T2DM (n=62). Plasma total GLP-1 concentrations were measured at 0, 30, and 120 min during a 75-g OGTT. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), HOMA of insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IS), and triglyceride–glucose index (TyG) were calculated.

Results

Total GLP-1 levels at fasting and 30 min were significantly higher in T2DM compared with pre-DM and NGT (27.18 ± 11.56 pmol/L vs. 21.99 ± 10.16 pmol/L vs. 16.24 ± 7.79 pmol/L, p=0.001; and 50.22 ± 18.03 pmol/L vs. 41.05 ± 17.68 pmol/L vs. 31.44 ± 22.59 pmol/L, p<0.001; respectively). Ethnicity was a significant determinant of AUCGLP-1, with the Indians exhibiting higher GLP-1 responses than Chinese and Malays. Indians were the most insulin resistant, whereas Chinese were the most insulin sensitive. The GLP-1 levels were positively correlated with HOMA-IR and TyG but negatively correlated with HOMA-IS. This relationship was evident among Indians who exhibited augmented GLP-1 responses proportionately to their high insulin-resistant states.

Conclusion

This is the first study that showed GLP-1 responses are augmented as IR states increase. Fasting and post-OGTT GLP-1 levels are raised in T2DM and pre-DM compared to that in NGT. This raises a possibility of an adaptive compensatory response that has not been reported before. Among the three ethnic groups, the Indians has the highest IR and GLP-1 levels supporting the notion of an adaptive compensatory secretion of GLP-1.
Hepatic overexpression of protein targeting to glycogen attenuates obesity and improves hyperglycemia in db/db mice
Authors: López-Soldado Iliana , Guinovart Joan J. , Duran Jordi
Published: September 2022

Increased liver glycogen content has been shown to reduce food intake, attenuate obesity, and improve glucose tolerance in a mouse model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. Here we studied the contribution of liver glycogen to the regulation of obesity and glucose metabolism in a model of type 2 diabetes and obesity, namely the db/db mouse. To this end, we crossed db/db mice with animals overexpressing protein targeting to glycogen (PTG) in the liver to generate db/db mice with increased liver glycogen content (db/db-PTG). Hepatic PTG overexpression reduced food intake and fat weight and attenuated obesity and hyperglycemia in db/db mice. Db/db-PTG mice showed similar energy expenditure and physical activity to db/db mice. PTG overexpression reduced liver phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) protein levels and repressed hepatic glucose production in db/db mice. Moreover, increased liver glycogen elevated hepatic ATP content in these animals. However, lipid metabolism was not modified by PTG overexpression. In conclusion, increased liver glycogen content ameliorates the diabetic and obesity phenotype in db/db mice.
Prolactin and vasoinhibin are endogenous players in diabetic retinopathy revisited
Authors: Triebel Jakob , Bertsch Thomas , Clapp Carmen
Published: September 2022

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) are major causes for visual loss in adults. Nearly half of the world’s population with diabetes has some degree of DR, and DME is a major cause of visual impairment in these patients. Severe vision loss occurs because of tractional retinal detachment due to retinal neovascularization, but the most common cause of moderate vision loss occurs in DME where excessive vascular permeability leads to the exudation and accumulation of extracellular fluid and proteins in the macula. Metabolic control stands as an effective mean for controlling retinal vascular alterations in some but not all patients with diabetes, and the search of other modifiable factors affecting the risk for diabetic microvascular complications is warranted. Prolactin (PRL) and its proteolytic fragment, vasoinhibin, have emerged as endogenous regulators of retinal blood vessels. PRL acquires antiangiogenic and anti-vasopermeability properties after undergoing proteolytic cleavage to vasoinhibin, which helps restrict the vascularization of ocular organs and, upon disruption, promotes retinal vascular alterations characteristic of DR and DME. Evidence is linking PRL (and other pituitary hormones) and vasoinhibin to DR and recent preclinical and clinical evidence supports their translation into novel therapeutic approaches.
On marine wind power expressiveness: Not just an issue of visual impact
Authors: Paolinelli Gabriele , Fortuna Lorenza , Marinaro Ludovica , Valentini Antonella
Published: September 2022

Technological research for the exploitation of marine energy has produced significant advances which promise to expedite the process of transitioning to renewable resources. However, many issues hinder the effective exploitation of marine energy: among these are cultural concerns regarding the visual impacts of these technologies used. Assuming that “protecting” means preserving without banning evolutive changes, seascape protection and ecological transition are not alternatives because both converge toward sustainability. Even so, scientific concepts, technical practices, social perceptions, and the decisions and actions associated with them raise contradictions and conflicts. Within the complex challenge of ecological transition, clean energy availability arises as a necessary and imperative condition. This article proposes a critical landscape design perspective which focuses on the importance of understanding and expressing contemporaneity through the changes it brings to habitats and life. A focus on the visual impact of marine wind turbine is proposed as an example for a general discussion on technical and social perceptions in a context of both cultural and spatial transition. Site-specific critical visions have to be imagined and discussed to produce not business as usual transformations. This article aims to show that decisions predominantly influenced by issues of visual impact do not adequately express the cultural dimension of ecological transition.
Deep learning–based turbidity compensation for ultraviolet-visible spectrum correction in monitoring water parameters
Authors: Zhang Hongming , Zhou Xiang , Tao Zui , Lv Tingting , Wang Jin
Published: September 2022

Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy is an effective tool for reagent-free qualitative analysis and quantitative detection of water parameters. Suspended particles in water cause turbidity that interferes with the ultraviolet-visible spectrum and ultimately affects the accuracy of water parameter calculations. This paper proposes a deep learning method to compensate for turbidity interference and obtain water parameters using a partial least squares regression approach. Compared with orthogonal signal correction and extended multiplicative signal correction methods, the deep learning method specifically utilizes an accurate one-dimensional U-shape neural network (1D U-Net) and represents the first method enabling turbidity compensation in sampling real river water of agricultural catchments. After turbidity compensation, the R2 between the predicted and true values increased from 0.918 to 0.965, and the RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) value decreased from 0.526 to 0.343 mg. Experimental analyses showed that the 1D U-Net is suitable for turbidity compensation and provides accurate results.
Evaluating civil aviation airport competitiveness in the Yangtze River Economic Belt of China: A lens of spatial-temporal evolution
Authors: Zhang Yang , Jin Xue , Li Meng , Liu Rongtian , Jing Ying
Published: September 2022

The civil aviation industry plays an important role in advancing interregional socio-economic development. Investigating the competitiveness of civil aviation airports (CAAs) from the tempo-spatial change perspective aids in the optimization of airport layout towards balanced and coordinated regional development. This research assesses the overall competitiveness of 86 CAAs in 11 provinces or provincial-level municipalities of the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) from 2009 to 2019 by the entropy weight approach, then characterizes their spatial-temporal evolution via Moran index of spatial auto-correlation analysis, and finally explores their dynamic changing tendency of the spatial variability based on Theil index measurement and decomposition. The findings are concluded: 1) From 2009 to 2019, the overall competitiveness of civil aviation airports is dramatically improved and an evidently hierarchical system is formed at the provincial level, with the spatial pattern of “strong in the east and west, weak in the middle”. 2) The global Moran indexes of civil aviation airport competitiveness in 2009, 2014, and 2019 are negative, indicating that superior and inferior airports are likely to be spatially clustered. 3) The local Moran Indexes show that the spatial agglomerations of civil aviation airports tend to be more evident in the recent decade. The high-high competitiveness clusters lie in the Yangtze River Delta Economic Zone for the long run, transforming from “Shanghai-Hangzhou” high-competitiveness pole to “Shanghai-Hangzhou-Nanjing” and further extending to central Jiangsu. Civil aviation airports in provincial capitals and secondary cities have formed clusters of high-low competitiveness. Moreover, clusters of low-low competitiveness stretch from the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau to cities in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. 4) The interprovincial Theil indexes of civil aviation airport competitiveness fluctuate, with the discrepancy increasing and then decreasing.
Historical and current distribution and movement patterns of large herbivores in the Limpopo National Park, Mozambique
Authors: Roque Dionísio Virgílio , Macandza Valério António , Zeller Ulrich , Starik Nicole , Göttert Thomas
Published: September 2022

This study provides a first attempt to describe the historical distribution and movement patterns of selected large herbivore (LH) species in Limpopo National Park (LNP), an area in Mozambique today connected to a network of transboundary conservation areas. Between 1976 and the early 2000s, most LH species were absent in this area following the civil war in Mozambique followed by intense poaching due to weak law enforcement capacity. Through the reconstruction of the historical and current distribution and movement patterns of seven LH species in five periods, we investigate possible changes in distribution and movement patterns over time. Data collection is based on a systematic literature search, censuses reports, online databases, dung count transects, and camera trap surveys. We mapped all LH observations and movements using ArcGIS 10.1. Our results reveal a dramatic collapse of LH populations between the peak of the colonial period and the post-colonial/civil war period (1800–2001), followed by a slight recovery from the post-proclamation of Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park to the current period (2002–2021). While LH population decline applied to all seven species, there are species-specific differences in the process of restoration: African elephant (Loxodonta africana), African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), and plains zebra (Equus quagga) appear to recover to a greater extent than giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), eland (Tragelaphus oryx), blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), and white rhino (Ceratotherium simum). We found evidence of the functioning of proposed wildlife corridors in the LNP. The results give reason to assume that restoration of populations of LH is still in a very early and vulnerable state and that further efforts are necessary to strengthen the slowly increasing populations of LH. Our results highlight the importance of combining past and current data as a guide for the restoration of threatened species in African savannas impacted by human activities.
Distribution of black carbon in sediments from mangrove wetlands in China
Authors: Wang Min , Sun Yuxin , Zeng Huixian , Wu Wenkun , Deng Lifang , Tu Panfeng
Published: September 2022

Black carbon (BC) is a carbonaceous residue generated by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and biomass. It forms an important component of the mangrove carbon pool. Although coastal and marine sediments have long been recognized as important sinks for BC, there are few reports on its distribution in mangrove sediments. This study investigated BC distribution and the associated environmental implications in sediments of various size fractions. Mangrove sediments were collected from 44 sites in the Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and Fujian Provinces of China. Sediments from the Hainan Province were found to have much higher organic carbon (OC) and BC content than those from other provinces. Sediment OC and the BC content showed a significant positive relationship. Sediments from the Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces showed significant BC accumulation with an enrichment factor > 1, especially in the size fractions 0.053–0.25 mm and 0.25–2 mm. Sediments from different sampling sites did not show significantly different BC distribution between the various size fractions. A higher mass loading of BC was observed among fine particles in samples from the Fujian Province, and among the larger particles in samples from the Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces. Among all the samples, the BC/OC ratio ranged from 0.21 to 0.29, indicating that BC originates from a combination of biomass and mineral combustion. The average δ13C values in the sediments varied between the sampling plots. The highest δ13C values were recorded in the Fujian province, which indicates the proportion of BC from biomass combustion in mangroves in Fujian Province is higher than that in other Provinces.
Comparison of effectiveness and safety of camrelizumab between HBV-related and non-B, non-C hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective study in China
Authors: Liu Haonan , Qin Xiaobing , Xu Zhiyuan , Wu Meng , Lu Tong , Zhou Shuang , Yao Nan , Liu Suya , Shao Yong , Han Zhengxiang
Published: September 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of camrelizumab in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV–HCC) patients and non-HBV, non-HCV hepatocellular carcinoma (NBNC–HCC) patients in China.

Materials and methods: A total of 54 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who received camrelizumab were included in this retrospective study from January 2019 to December 2021. The patients were assigned to the HBV–HCC group (n = 28) and the NBNC–HCC group (n = 26). The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoints were the objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and adverse events (AEs). Multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazard regression was used to identify independent prognostic factors. A nomogram model was subsequently established based on independent prognostic factors.

Results: The mean duration of follow-up was 12.7 ± 3.6 months. The median OS was not determined. The median PFS in the HBV–HCC group was significantly longer than that in the NBNC–HCC group (9.2 vs. 6.7 months, p = 0.003). The ORR and DCR in the HBV–HCC group were significantly higher than those in the NBNC–HCC group (ORR, 28.6% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.048; DCR, 71.4% vs. 42.3%, p = 0.031). No significant differences in the total incidence of AEs were found between the HBV–HCC group and the NBNC–HCC group (75.0% vs. 69.2%, p = 0.224). Multivariate regression analysis identified etiology, AFP level, and vascular invasion as independent prognostic factors (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that camrelizumab is more effective in HBV–HCC patients than in NBNC–HCC patients, with manageable safety.
High temperature increased lignin contents of poplar (Populus spp) stem via inducing the synthesis caffeate and coniferaldehyde
Authors: Zhao Xianyan , Li Panpan , Liu Xingwang , Xu Tianyu , Zhang Yuqing , Meng Haifeng , Xia Tao
Published: September 2022

Lignin contributes to plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses and is dominantly regulated by enzymes which catalyze the generation of metabolites intermediates in lignin synthesis. However, the response of lignin and its key regulatory factors to high temperature stress are poorly understood. Here, this finding revealed that the content of lignin in poplar (Populus spp) stem increased after 3 days of high temperature stress treatment. In fourteen metabolic intermediates of lignin biosynthetic pathway with targeted metabolomics analysis, caffeate and coniferaldehyde increased evidently upon heat stress. C3’H (p-Coumaroylshikimate 3-hydroxylase) and CCR (Cinnamoyl-CoA reductase) are recognized to catalyze the formation of caffeate and coniferaldehyde, respectively. Transcriptome data and RT-qPCR (reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction) analysis uncovered the high transcriptional level of PtrMYBs (PtrMYB021, PtrMYB074, PtrMYB85, PtrMYB46), PtrC3’H1 (Potri.006G033300) and PtrCCR2 (Potri.003G181400), suggesting that they played the vital role in the increase of lignin and its metabolic intermediates were induced by high temperature. The discovery of key regulators and metabolic intermediates in lignin pathway that respond to high temperature provides a theoretical basis for quality improvement of lignin and the application of forest resources.
COL11A1 serves as a biomarker for poor prognosis and correlates with immune infiltration in breast cancer
Authors: Luo Qi , Li Jinsui , Su Xiaohan , Tan Qiao , Zhou Fangfang , Xie Shaoli
Published: September 2022

Breast cancer is the malignant tumor with the highest incidence rate at present, and its incidence rate ranks first in the female population. COL11A1 is an important component of collagen XI and is considered to play an important role in a variety of connective tissue diseases. Recent studies have shown that COL11A1 is associated with the occurrence and development of many kinds of malignant tumors. However, its prognostic value in breast cancer and its correlation with immune cell infiltration in tumor tissue are not clear. In this paper, we reveal the prognostic value of COL11A1 in breast cancer and its tumor immune-related function through in-depth bioinformatics analysis. The expression of COL11A1 is abnormally upregulated in breast cancer and is significantly related to the poor prognosis of breast cancer. In the analysis of the clinical characteristics of the patients, we found that the expression level of COLL11A1 was closely related to lymph node metastasis, PAM50 (Prediction Analysis of Microarray 50) expression, clinical stage and so on. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) all suggest that COL11A1 is related to tumor immunity. Further study found that the COL11A1 expression was significantly correlated with the degree of immune infiltration and the expression of a variety of immune cell markers in tumor tissue. More importantly, COL11A1 can affect the prognosis of breast cancer patients by participating in the regulation of tumor immune infiltration. Therefore, we believe that COL11A1 is a very potential target for diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Activation of CCL21-GPR174/CCR7 on cardiac fibroblasts underlies myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Meng Xiao-Wen , Zhang Mian , Hu Jun-Kai , Chen Xin-Yu , Long Yu-Qin , Liu Hong , Feng Xiao-Mei , Ji Fu-Hai , Peng Ke
Published: September 2022

Background: The mechanisms underlying myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury are not fully understood. This study aims to explore key candidate genes and potential therapeutic targets for treatment of myocardial I/R injury.

Methods: The transcriptional profiles of ventricular myocardium during cardiac arrest, ischemia, and reperfusion were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Based on the transcriptional data of GSE6381, functional pathway and process enrichment analyses, protein–protein interaction network, and gene set enrichment analyses were conducted. In the animal experiments, we established the myocardial I/R injury model in mice. We validated the mRNA and protein expression of the key genes using the qPCR and western blots. We further assessed the expression and localization of CCL21 and its receptors using immunofluorescence staining experiments.

Results: The microarray analyses identified five key genes (CCL21, XCR1, CXCL13, EDN1, and CASR). Myocardial I/R process in mice resulted in significant myocardial infraction, histological damage, and myocardial apoptosis. The results of qPCR and western blots showed that the expression of CCL21 and CXCL13 were increased following myocardial I/R injury in mice. Furthermore, the immunofluorescence staining results revealed that the expression of GPR174/CCR7 (CCL21 receptors), but not CXCR5 (CXCL13 receptor), was elevated following myocardial I/R injury. Moreover, the activated CCL21-GPR174/CCR7 signaling was located on the cardiac fibroblasts of the myocardium with I/R injury.

Conclusion: This study revealed several key factors underlying myocardial I/R injury. Of these, the activation of CCL21-GPR174/CCR7 signaling on cardiac fibroblasts was highlighted, which provides potential therapeutic targets for cardioprotection.
Identification of cuproptosis-associated IncRNAs signature and establishment of a novel nomogram for prognosis of stomach adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yu Wei , Huo Hongqi , You Zhixin , Lu Rong , Yao Tianci , Huang Jing
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) is one of the common cancers globally. Cuproptosis is a newly identified cell death pattern. The role of cuproptosis-associated lncRNAs in STAD is unknown.

Methods: STAD patient data from TCGA were used to identify prognostic lncRNAs by Cox regression and LASSO. A nomogram was constructed to predict patient survival. The biological profiles were evaluated through GO and KEGG.

Results: We identified 298 cuproptosis-related lncRNAs and 13 survival-related lncRNAs. Patients could be categorized into either high risk group or low risk group with 9-lncRNA risk model with significantly different survival time (p < 0.001). ROC curve and nomogram confirmed the 9-lncRNA risk mode had good prediction capability. Patients in the lower risk score had high gene mutation burden. We also found that patients in the two groups might respond differently to immune checkpoint inhibitors and some anti-tumor compounds.

Conclusion: The nomogram with 9-lncRNA may help guide treatment of STAD. Future clinical studies are necessary to verify the nomogram.