bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Nitrogen Isotopic Discrimination and the Proportion of Dietary Nitrogen Excreted in Urine by Sheep Offered Different Levels of Dietary Non-Protein Nitrogen
Authors: Khanaki Hassan , Dewhurst Richard J. , Leury Brian J. , Cantalapiedra-Hijar Gonzalo , Cheng Long
Published: July 2022

Urinary nitrogen (N) excretion (UN) as a proportion of N intake (NI; UN/NI) is a major determinant of N excretion from ruminants and could be predicted from the N isotopic discrimination occurring between dietary and animal proteins (Δ15N). This study investigated the usefulness of Δ15N and other plasma biomarkers to reflect changes in UN/NI from sheep offered different levels of dietary urea. Eighteen Merino rams (age, 1–2 years; live weight, 41 ± 3 kg) were allocated to three dietary N treatments for a N balance study. Treatments were control (C), control + 0.5% urea (C+0.5%), and control + 1.2% urea (C+1.2%) and designed to provide maintenance, maintenance plus an additional 15%, and maintenance plus an additional 33% NI, respectively. The urea effect term was used for one-way ANOVA and regression analysis. As NI increased, the UN and retained N (RN) increased linearly (p < 0.001), but UN/NI only increased in treatment C+1.2% compared with C (p < 0.05). Plasma Δ15N was positively and significantly correlated with UN and UN/NI (r = 0.52, p = 0.028; and r = 0.68, p = 0.002, respectively) and increased linearly (p < 0.001) with the highest values observed in C+1.2%. Urine δ15N changed linearly between C and C+1.2%, but plasma δ15N increased quadratically (p < 0.05). Plasma urea N increased in a linear way across dietary urea levels (p < 0.001). The N isotopic difference between plasma and urine (plasma δ15N–urine δ15N) of C did not vary from either of the other treatments; however, it differed between C+0.5% and C+1.2% (p < 0.05). The study confirmed the potential usefulness of plasma Δ15N to estimate UN/NI from sheep. Moreover, plasma δ15N–urine δ15N can be proposed as a new biomarker of N excretion from small ruminants. These approaches, however, need to be tested in various study conditions.
Predicting Multiple Types of Associations Between miRNAs and Diseases Based on Graph Regularized Weighted Tensor Decomposition
Authors: Ouyang Dong , Miao Rui , Wang Jianjun , Liu Xiaoying , Xie Shengli , Ai Ning , Dang Qi , Liang Yong
Published: July 2022

Many studies have indicated miRNAs lead to the occurrence and development of diseases through a variety of underlying mechanisms. Meanwhile, computational models can save time, minimize cost, and discover potential associations on a large scale. However, most existing computational models based on a matrix or tensor decomposition cannot recover positive samples well. Moreover, the high noise of biological similarity networks and how to preserve these similarity relationships in low-dimensional space are also challenges. To this end, we propose a novel computational framework, called WeightTDAIGN, to identify potential multiple types of miRNA–disease associations. WeightTDAIGN can recover positive samples well and improve prediction performance by weighting positive samples. WeightTDAIGN integrates more auxiliary information related to miRNAs and diseases into the tensor decomposition framework, focuses on learning low-rank tensor space, and constrains projection matrices by using the L2,1 norm to reduce the impact of redundant information on the model. In addition, WeightTDAIGN can preserve the local structure information in the biological similarity network by introducing graph Laplacian regularization. Our experimental results show that the sparser datasets, the more satisfactory performance of WeightTDAIGN can be obtained. Also, the results of case studies further illustrate that WeightTDAIGN can accurately predict the associations of miRNA–disease-type.
Biocompatibility and Efficacy of a Linearly Cross-Linked Sodium Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel as a Retinal Patch in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repairment
Authors: Zheng Chuanzhen , Xi Hongwei , Wen Dejia , Ke Yifeng , Zhang Xiaomin , Ren Xinjun , Li Xiaorong
Published: July 2022

To prevent the migration of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells into the vitreous cavity through retinal breaks after the pars plana vitrectomy for the repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), sealing retinal breaks with an appropriate material appears to be a logical approach. According to a review of ocular experiments or clinical trials, the procedure for covering retinal breaks with adhesives is complex. A commercially available cross-linked sodium hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel (Healaflow®) with the injectable property was demonstrated to be a perfect retinal patch in RRD clinical trials by our team. Based on the properties of Healaflow®, a linearly cross-linked sodium HA hydrogel (HA-engineered hydrogel) (Qisheng Biological Preparation Co. Ltd. Shanghai, China) with the injectable property was designed, whose cross-linker and cross-linking method was improved. The purpose of this study is to report the characteristics of an HA-engineered hydrogel using Healaflow® as a reference, and the biocompatibility and efficacy of the HA-engineered hydrogel as a retinal patch in the rabbit RRD model. The HA-engineered hydrogel exhibited similar dynamic viscosity and cohesiveness and G′ compared with Healaflow®. The G′ of the HA-engineered hydrogel varied from 80 to 160 Pa at 2% strain under 25°C, and remained constantly higher than G″ over the range of frequency from 0.1 to 10 Hz. In the animal experiment, clinical examinations, electroretinograms, and histology suggested no adverse effects of the HA-engineered hydrogel on retinal function and morphology, confirming its favorable biocompatibility. Simultaneously, our results demonstrated the efficacy of the HA-engineered hydrogel as a retinal patch in the RRD model of rabbit eyes, which can aid in the complete reattachment of the retina without the need for expansile gas or silicone oil endotamponade. The HA-engineered hydrogel could play the role of an ophthalmologic sealant due to its high viscosity and cohesiveness. This pilot study of a small series of RRD models with a short-term follow-up provides preliminary evidence to support the favorable biocompatibility and efficacy of the HA-engineered hydrogel as a promising retinal patch for sealing retinal breaks in retinal detachment repair. More cases and longer follow-up studies are needed to assess its safety and long-term effects.
Vanishing Point Detection Method Based on Constrained Classification for Checkpoints on Urban Roads
Authors: Gong Guoqiang , Liu Junqing , Li Zhengxiao
Published: July 2022

To solve the problems of computational complexity and inaccuracy in classical vanishing point detection algorithms, such as the cascaded Hough transform, a vanishing point detection method based on constrained classification is proposed. First, the short line data are filtered to avoid interference in straight line detection, and then, the line segment is screened and classified by hierarchical clustering according to the image characteristics of the line segment and the variation pattern of angle similarity. Subsequently, Three types of straight line segments with the most significant angle differences are acquired. To prevent the optimization algorithm from getting stuck in the “wrong” local optimum neighborhood or failing to locate the global optimum, a set of constraints are set to further restrict the search. Afterward, the classified line segments are projected into a finite rhombic space, which are then quantified. The point with the maximum vote is eventually identified as the vanishing point. Experimental results show that the proposed method not only greatly reduces the computational complexity of vanishing points but also largely improves the accuracy of vanishing point detection.
Probabilistic Identification of Multi-DOF Structures Subjected to Ground Motion Using Manifold-Constrained Gaussian Processes
Authors: Hao Shuo , Ni Yi-Qing , Wang Su-Mei
Published: July 2022

Bayesian uncertainty quantification has a pivotal role in structural identification, yet the posterior distribution estimation of unknown parameters and system responses is still a challenging task. This study explores a novel method, named manifold-constrained Gaussian processes (GPs), for the probabilistic identification of multi-DOF structural dynamical systems, taking shear-type frames subjected to ground motion as a demonstrative paradigm. The key idea of the method is to restrict the GPs (priorly defined over system responses) on a manifold that satisfies the equation of motion of the structural system. In contrast to widely used Bayesian probabilistic model updating methods, the manifold-constrained GPs avoid the numerical integration when formulating the joint probability density function of unknown parameters and system responses, hence achieving an accurate and computationally efficient inference for the posterior distributions. An eight-storey shear-type frame is analyzed as a case study to demonstrate the effectiveness of the manifold-constrained GPs. The results indicate the posterior distributions of system responses, and unknown parameters can be successfully identified, and reliable probabilistic model updating can be achieved.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Properties of Exosomes in Cardiac Fibrosis
Authors: Fan Jiwen , Ren Meng , He Yuquan
Published: July 2022

Cardiac fibrosis results from both the differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts and excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to myocardial stiffness and reduced compliance of the ventricular wall. The conversion of cardiac fibroblasts to myofibroblasts is the most important initiating step in the process of this pathological cardiac remodeling. It occurs during the progression of many cardiovascular diseases, adversely influencing both the clinical course and outcome of the disease. The pathogenesis is complex and there is no effective treatment. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that mediate intercellular communication through delivering specific cargoes of functional nucleic acids and proteins derived from particular cell types. Recent studies have found that exosomes play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac fibrosis, and is a potential biotherapeutics and drug delivery vectors for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis. The present review aimed to summarize the current knowledge of exosome-related mechanisms underlying cardiac fibrosis and to suggest potential therapy that could be used to treat the condition.
Post-Transcriptional Dynamics is Involved in Rapid Adaptation to Hypergravity in Jurkat T Cells
Authors: Vahlensieck Christian , Thiel Cora S. , Pöschl Daniel , Bradley Timothy , Krammer Sonja , Lauber Beatrice , Polzer Jennifer , Ullrich Oliver
Published: July 2022

The transcriptome of human immune cells rapidly reacts to altered gravity in a highly dynamic way. We could show in previous experiments that transcriptional patterns show profound adaption after seconds to minutes of altered gravity. To gain further insight into these transcriptional alteration and adaption dynamics, we conducted a highly standardized RNA-Seq experiment with human Jurkat T cells exposed to 9xg hypergravity for 3 and 15 min, respectively. We investigated the frequency with which individual exons were used during transcription and discovered that differential exon usage broadly appeared after 3 min and became less pronounced after 15 min. Additionally, we observed a shift in the transcript pool from coding towards non-coding transcripts. Thus, adaption of gravity-sensitive differentially expressed genes followed a dynamic transcriptional rebound effect. The general dynamics were compatible with previous studies on the transcriptional effects of short hypergravity on human immune cells and suggest that initial up-regulatory changes mostly result from increased elongation rates. The shift correlated with a general downregulation of the affected genes. All chromosome bands carried homogenous numbers of gravity-sensitive genes but showed a specific tendency towards up- or downregulation. Altered gravity affected transcriptional regulation throughout the entire genome, whereby the direction of differential expression was strongly dependent on the structural location in the genome. A correlation analysis with potential mediators of the early transcriptional response identified a link between initially upregulated genes with certain transcription factors. Based on these findings, we have been able to further develop our model of the transcriptional response to altered gravity.
Eicosanoid-Activated PPARα Inhibits NFκB-Dependent Bacterial Clearance During Post-Influenza Superinfection
Authors: Lucarelli Ronald , Gorrochotegui-Escalante Norma , Taddeo Jessica , Buttaro Bettina , Beld Joris , Tam Vincent
Published: July 2022

Secondary bacterial infection (superinfection) post influenza is a serious clinical complication often leading to pneumonia and death. Eicosanoids are bioactive lipid mediators that play critical roles in the induction and resolution of inflammation. CYP450 lipid metabolites are anti-inflammatory lipid mediators that are produced at an excessive level during superinfection potentiating the vulnerability to secondary bacterial infection. Using Nanostring nCounter technology, we have defined the targeted transcriptional response where CYP450 metabolites dampen the Toll-like receptor signaling in macrophages. CYP450 metabolites are endogenous ligands for the nuclear receptor and transcription factor, PPARα. Activation of PPARα hinders NFκB p65 activities by altering its phosphorylation and nuclear translocation during TLR stimulation. Additionally, activation of PPARα inhibited anti-bacterial activities and enhanced macrophage polarization to an anti-inflammatory subtype (M2b). Lastly, Ppara–/– mice, which are partially protected in superinfection compared to C57BL/6 mice, have increased lipidomic responses and decreased M2-like macrophages during superinfection.
Prophylactic and Therapeutic HPV Vaccines: Current Scenario and Perspectives
Authors: Mo Yicheng , Ma Jiabing , Zhang Hongtao , Shen Junjie , Chen Jun , Hong Juan , Xu Yanmin , Qian Cheng
Published: July 2022

Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is recognized as the main cause of cervical cancer and other malignant cancers. Although early detection and treatment can be achieved by effective HPV screening methods and surgical procedures, the disease load has not been adequately mitigated yet, especially in the underdeveloped areas. Vaccine, being regarded as a more effective solution, is expected to prevent virus infection and the consequent diseases in the phases of both prevention and treatment. Currently, there are three licensed prophylactic vaccines for L1-VLPs, namely bivalent, quadrivalent and nonavalent vaccine. About 90% of HPV infections have been effectively prevented with the implementation of vaccines worldwide. However, no significant therapeutic effect has been observed on the already existed infections and lesions. Therapeutic vaccine designed for oncoprotein E6/E7 activates cellular immunity rather than focuses on neutralizing antibodies, which is considered as an ideal immune method to eliminate infection. In this review, we elaborate on the classification, mechanism, and clinical effects of HPV vaccines for disease prevention and treatment, in order to make improvements to the current situation of HPV vaccines by provoking new ideas.
Sex-Related Differences in Long-Term Outcomes After Early-Onset Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ardissino Maddalena , Nelson Adam J. , Maglietta Giuseppe , Malagoli Tagliazucchi Guidantonio , Disisto Caterina , Celli Patrizia , Ferrario Maurizio , Canosi Umberto , Cernetti Carlo , Negri Francesco , Merlini Piera Angelica , Tubaro Marco , Berzuini Carlo , Manzalini Chiara , Ignone Gianfranco , Campana Carlo , Moschini Luigi , Ponte Elisabetta , Pozzi Roberto , Fetiveau Raffaela , Buratti Silvia , Paraboschi Elvezia Maria , Asselta Rosanna , Botti Andrea , Tuttolomondo Domenico , Barocelli Federico , Bricoli Serena , Biagi Andrea , Bonura Rosario , Moccetti Tiziano , Crocamo Antonio , Benatti Giorgio , Paoli Giorgia , Solinas Emilia , Notarangelo Maria Francesca , Moscarella Elisabetta , Calabrò Paolo , Duga Stefano , Magnani Giulia , Ardissino Diego
Published: July 2022

Importance

There is growing awareness of sex-related differences in cardiovascular risk profiles, but less is known about whether these extend to pre-menopausal females experiencing an early-onset myocardial infarction (MI), who may benefit from the protective effects of estrogen exposure.

Methods

A nationwide study involving 125 Italian Coronary Care Units recruited 2,000 patients between 1998 and 2002 hospitalized for a type I myocardial infarction before the age of 45 years (male, n = 1,778 (88.9%). Patients were followed up for a median of 19.9 years (IQR 18.1–22.6). The primary composite endpoint was the occurrence of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial re-infarction or non-fatal stroke, and the secondary endpoint of hospitalization for revascularisation by means of a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).

Results

ST-elevation MI was the most frequent presentation among both men and women (85.1 vs. 87.4%, p = ns), but the men had a greater baseline coronary atherosclerotic burden (median Duke Coronary Artery Disease Index: 48 vs. 23; median Syntax score 9 vs. 7; both p < 0.001). The primary composite endpoint occurred less frequently among women (25.7% vs. 37.0%; adjusted hazard ratio: 0.69, 95% CI 0.52–0.91; p = 0.01) despite being less likely to receive treatment with most secondary prevention medications during follow up.

Conclusions

There are significant sex-related differences in baseline risk factors and outcomes among patients with early-onset MI: women present with a lower atherosclerotic disease burden and, although they are less frequently prescribed secondary prevention measures, experience better long-term outcomes.

Trial Registration

4272/98 Ospedale Niguarda, Ca' Granda 03/09/1998.
Copeptin as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Mu Danni , Cheng Jin , Qiu Ling , Cheng Xinqi
Published: July 2022

Copeptin is the carboxyl-terminus of the arginine vasopressin (AVP) precursor peptide. The main physiological functions of AVP are fluid and osmotic balance, cardiovascular homeostasis, and regulation of endocrine stress response. Copeptin, which is released in an equimolar mode with AVP from the neurohypophysis, has emerged as a stable and simple-to-measure surrogate marker of AVP and has displayed enormous potential in clinical practice. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is currently recognized as a primary threat to the health of the population worldwide, and thus, rapid and effective approaches to identify individuals that are at high risk of, or have already developed CVD are required. Copeptin is a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in CVD, including the rapid rule-out of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), mortality prediction in heart failure (HF), and stroke. This review summarizes and discusses the value of copeptin in the diagnosis, discrimination, and prognosis of CVD (AMI, HF, and stroke), as well as the caveats and prospects for the application of this potential biomarker.
Protective Potential of Maresins in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Liu Min , He Huixiang , Chen Lihong
Published: July 2022

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of global mortality. Growing evidence suggests that unresolved inflammation contributes to the chronicity, progression and morbidity of many cardiovascular diseases, thus emphasizing the urgent need to illuminate the mechanisms controlling inflammation and its resolution, for the sake of new effective therapeutic options. Macrophage mediators in resolving inflammation (Maresins) are a family of specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) derived from the ω-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Studies have indicated that Maresins play critical role in initiating the pro-resolving functions of phagocytes, decreasing the magnitude of the overall inflammatory response, and thereby protecting against inflammation-related disorders. In this review, we summarize the detailed actions and the therapeutic potential of Maresins, with a particular emphasis on Maresin-1 (MaR1), in cardiovascular diseases. We hope this review will lead to new avenues to Maresins-based therapies for inflammation-associated cardiovascular diseases.
Landslide Displacement Prediction With Gated Recurrent Unit and Spatial-Temporal Correlation
Authors: Ma Wenli , Dong Jianhui , Wei Zhanxi , Peng Liang , Wu Qihong , Chen Chunxia , Wu Yuanzao , Xie Feihong
Published: July 2022

Landslides are geohazards of major concern that can cause casualties and property damage. Short-term landslide displacement prediction is one of the most critical and challenging tasks in landslide deformation analysis, and is beneficial for future hazard mitigation. In this research, a novel short-term displacement prediction approach using spatial-temporal correlation and a gated recurrent unit (GRU) is proposed. The proposed approach is a unified framework that integrates time-series instant displacements collected from multiple monitoring points on a failing slope. First, a spatial-temporal correlation matrix, including the pairwise Pearson’s correlation coefficients, was studied based on the temporal instant displacement data. Then, the extracted spatial features were integrated into the time-series prediction model using GRU. This approach combines both spatial and temporal features simultaneously and provides enhanced prediction performance. In the last step, a comparative analysis against other benchmark algorithms is performed in two case studies including the conventional time-series modeling approach and the spatial-temporal modeling approach. The computational results show that the proposed model performs best in terms of performance evaluation metrics.
Bringing science communication skills into the university classroom and back out again: What do palaeoscience educators think?
Authors: Barbolini Natasha
Published: July 2022

University-level pedagogy and public science communication both have the same broad goal: to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and understanding from a specialist or expert, to a non-specialist group. Recent research has emphasised the need for there to be a two-way transfer or dialogue of ideas between these fields, but collaboration thus far is rare, particularly at the tertiary education level. Performing science outreach is mostly a voluntary service for academics, and institutions provide little in the way of support, training or recognition. Here I explore the potential for a positive feedback loop between science communication and higher-education pedagogy in the palaeosciences. A synthesis of best practises in science outreach is drawn from the literature and related to pedagogical concepts and findings. The resulting congruences suggest enormous potential for ‘cross-pollination' of ideas between the fields. However, in-depth one-on-one interviews and focus groups with palaeoscience educators, as well as an online survey, indicate that this potential remains largely untapped in the palaeosciences community. While respondents could identify certain skills as being integral to success in science communication, they did not appear to realise that the same skills, when applied in the classroom, could contribute towards key challenges in higher education today, including the stimulation of student engagement and motivation, the accommodation of an increasingly diverse student body, the anticipation of common student misconceptions in science, and the improvement of pedagogical models of delivery. Another emergent theme was that being a good science communicator was “much simpler” than being a good teacher, conflicting with evidence-based pedagogical and outreach research. While many palaeoscientists did express strong commitments to science communication, they had previous experience of time constraints and conflicts with other academic responsibilities. Therefore, both palaeoscientists and their institutions would benefit from viewing science communication as a valuable and formally rewardable activity within the scholarship of sharing knowledge, which also contributes to other aspects of a successful academic career.
Feminine Ideology, Body Appreciation, and Indirect Aggression in Girls
Authors: Buzgon Julie , Crothers Laura M. , Schreiber James B. , Schmitt Ara J. , Kolbert Jered B. , Wadsworth Jacob , Fidazzo Angela , Barron Mordechai , Steeves Taylor
Published: July 2022

This study was an investigation of the possible relations and interactions between traditional feminine ideology, and social and relational aggression within a sample of female children and adolescents. Participants included 45 female students (8-19 years of age) who completed measures assessing beliefs about and behaviors feminine ideology, body image (including body objectification), relational and social aggression, and interpersonal maturity. Analyzes revealed that participants who rated themselves as having a weaker internalization of the objectification of one’s body (a subtype of traditional feminine ideology) rated themselves as less likely to use socially-aggressive tactics than those with higher levels of body objectification. No other significant findings were noted. Implications for these findings and directions for future research are discussed.
Evaluation of the Effects of Harmine on β-cell Function and Proliferation in Standardized Human Islets Using 3D High-Content Confocal Imaging and Automated Analysis
Authors: Title Alexandra C. , Karsai Maria , Mir-Coll Joan , Grining Özlem Yavas , Rufer Chantal , Sonntag Sebastian , Forschler Felix , Jawurek Sayro , Klein Thomas , Yesildag Burcak
Published: July 2022

Restoration of β-cell mass through the induction of proliferation represents an attractive therapeutic approach for the treatment of diabetes. However, intact and dispersed primary islets suffer from rapidly deteriorating viability and function ex vivo, posing a significant challenge for their experimental use in proliferation studies. Here, we describe a novel method for the assessment of compound effects on β-cell proliferation and count using reaggregated primary human islets, or islet microtissues (MTs), which display homogeneous size and tissue architecture as well as robust and stable functionality and viability for 4 weeks in culture. We utilized this platform to evaluate the dose-dependent short- and long-term effects of harmine on β-cell proliferation and function. Following compound treatment and EdU incorporation, islet MTs were stained and confocal-imaged for DAPI (nuclear marker), NKX6.1 (β-cell marker), and EdU (proliferation marker), allowing automated 3D-analysis of number of total cells, β-cells, and proliferating β- and non-β-cells per islet MT. In parallel, insulin secretion, intracellular insulin and ATP contents, and Caspase 3/7 activity were analyzed to obtain a comprehensive overview of islet MT function and viability. We observed that 4-day harmine treatment increased β- and non-β-cell proliferation, NKX6.1 expression, and basal and stimulated insulin secretion in a dose-dependent manner, while fold-stimulation of secretion peaked at intermediate harmine doses. Interestingly, 15-day harmine treatment led to a general reduction in harmine’s proliferative effects as well as altered dose-dependent trends. The described methodology provides a unique tool for in vitro high-throughput evaluation of short- and long-term changes in human β-cell proliferation, count and fraction along with a variety of functional parameters, in a representative 3D human islet model.
Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Turbine Design and Arrangement Optimization
Authors: Li Zhenya , Bian Wenjie , Jiang Li , Liu Chuanliang , Shi Jinyuan , Hao Ning
Published: July 2022

To achieve a supercritical CO2 cycle power generation system, a 25 MW supercritical CO2 turbine rotor and cylinder were designed. Then, two compact arrangement schemes were proposed in this paper for the optimization of a supercritical CO2 turbine rotor. In Scheme 1, the balance piston was arranged in the cooling gas section, which was more conducive to the arrangement of the dry gas seal. In Scheme II, the oil bearing was replaced by the gas bearing, and the dry gas seals at both ends of the turbine were installed outside the gas bearing, which was combined with the cooling gas section. The results suggest that the length of the rotor is reduced by 9% and 17% based on the above two schemes. The compact arrangement of the supercritical CO2 turbine can well reduce the shaft length of the turbine, which is beneficial to the structural design and operation of the supercritical CO2 turbine.
Role of Impoundments Created by Low-Head Dams in Affecting Fish Assemblages in Subtropical Headwater Streams in China
Authors: Li Qiang , Li Xiang , Fu Haixia , Tan Kai , Ge Yihao , Chu Ling , Zhang Chen , Yan Yunzhi
Published: July 2022

Low-head dams are ubiquitous human disturbances that degrade aquatic ecosystem function worldwide. The localized effects of low-head dams have been relatively well documented; however, most previous studies have ignored the concealed process caused by native-invasive species. Based on fish assemblage data from the first-order streams of four basins in the Wannan Mountains, we used a quantitative approach to assess the effects of low-head dams on fish assemblages by distinguishing between native and native-invasive species using occurrence- and abundance-based data, respectively. Low-head dams significantly decreased native fish alpha diversity while favoring native-invasive fish. The opposite pattern between the two fish types partly masked changes in the whole fish assemblage. Meanwhile, the establishment of widespread native-invasive species and the loss of native species driven by low-head dams influenced the interaction network structure. The degree to which local fish assemblages were altered by low-head dams, i.e., beta diversity (β-diversity) was significantly higher for abundance-based approaches than for occurrence-based ones, suggesting that the latter underestimated the effects of low-head dams. Furthermore, the species contribution to β-diversity of native species was significantly higher than that of native-invasive species in both impoundments and free-flowing segments for abundance-based data. In communities or regions where native fish species are predominant, our results suggest that understanding which species contribute to β-diversity will offer new insights into the development of effective conservation strategies by taking the identities of native and native-invasive species into account.
What Makes You Hold on to That Old Car? Joint Insights From Machine Learning and Multinomial Logit on Vehicle-Level Transaction Decisions
Authors: Jin Ling , Lazar Alina , Brown Caitlin , Sun Bingrong , Garikapati Venu , Ravulaparthy Srinath , Chen Qianmiao , Sim Alexander , Wu Kesheng , Ho Tin , Wenzel Thomas , Spurlock C. Anna
Published: July 2022

What makes you hold on to that old car? While the vast majority of household vehicles are still powered by conventional internal combustion engines, the progress of adopting emerging vehicle technologies will critically depend on how soon the existing vehicles are transacted out of the household fleet. Leveraging a nationally representative longitudinal data set, the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, this study examines how household decisions to dispose of or replace a given vehicle are: 1) influenced by the vehicle’s attributes, 2) mediated by households’ concurrent socio-demographic and economic attributes, and 3) triggered by key life cycle events. Coupled with a newly developed machine learning interpretation tool, TreeExplainer, we demonstrate an innovative use of machine learning models to augment traditional logit modeling to both generate behavioral insights and improve model performance. We find the two gradient-boosting-based methods, CatBoost and LightGBM, are the best performing machine learning models for this problem. The multinomial logistic model can achieve similar performance levels after its model specification is informed by TreeExplainer. Both machine learning and multinomial logit models suggest that while older vehicles are more likely to be disposed of or replaced than newer ones, such probability decreases as the vehicles serve the family longer. Pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles are less likely to be disposed of or replaced than cars, and leased vehicles are more likely to be transacted than owned vehicles. We find that married families, families with higher education levels, homeowners, and older families tend to keep their vehicles longer. Life events such as childbirth, residential relocation, and change of household composition and income are found to increase vehicle disposal and/or replacement. We provide additional insights on the timing of vehicle replacement or disposal, in particular, the presence of children and childbirth events are more strongly associated with vehicle replacement among younger parents.
SARS-CoV-2 Spike- and Nucleoprotein-Specific Antibodies Induced After Vaccination or Infection Promote Classical Complement Activation
Authors: Lamerton Rachel E. , Marcial-Juarez Edith , Faustini Sian E. , Perez-Toledo Marisol , Goodall Margaret , Jossi Siân E. , Newby Maddy L. , Chapple Iain , Dietrich Thomas , Veenith Tonny , Shields Adrian M. , Harper Lorraine , Henderson Ian R. , Rayes Julie , Wraith David C. , Watson Steve P. , Crispin Max , Drayson Mark T. , Richter Alex G. , Cunningham Adam F.
Published: July 2022

Antibodies specific for the spike glycoprotein (S) and nucleocapsid (N) SARS-CoV-2 proteins are typically present during severe COVID-19, and induced to S after vaccination. The binding of viral antigens by antibody can initiate the classical complement pathway. Since complement could play pathological or protective roles at distinct times during SARS-CoV-2 infection we determined levels of antibody-dependent complement activation along the complement cascade. Here, we used an ELISA assay to assess complement protein binding (C1q) and the deposition of C4b, C3b, and C5b to S and N antigens in the presence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 from different test groups: non-infected, single and double vaccinees, non-hospitalised convalescent (NHC) COVID-19 patients and convalescent hospitalised (ITU-CONV) COVID-19 patients. C1q binding correlates strongly with antibody responses, especially IgG1 levels. However, detection of downstream complement components, C4b, C3b and C5b shows some variability associated with the subject group from whom the sera were obtained. In the ITU-CONV, detection of C3b-C5b to S was observed consistently, but this was not the case in the NHC group. This is in contrast to responses to N, where median levels of complement deposition did not differ between the NHC and ITU-CONV groups. Moreover, for S but not N, downstream complement components were only detected in sera with higher IgG1 levels. Therefore, the classical pathway is activated by antibodies to multiple SARS-CoV-2 antigens, but the downstream effects of this activation may differ depending the disease status of the subject and on the specific antigen targeted.
Savior Siblings Might Rescue Fetal Lethality But Not Adult Lymphoma in Irf2bp2-Null Mice
Authors: Vilmundarson Ragnar O. , Heydarikhorneh Niloufar , Duong An , Ho Tiffany , Keyhanian Kianoosh , Soheili Fariborz , Chen Hsiao-Huei , Stewart Alexandre F. R.
Published: July 2022

Interferon regulatory factor 2 binding protein 2 (Irf2bp2), a co-repressor of Irf2, is required for fetal hepatic erythropoiesis through the expansion of erythromyeloid progenitors. Mice with germline ablation of the entire Irf2bp2 transcript produced no viable Irf2bp2-null pups in first litters. In subsequent litters, fewer than 1/3 of the expected Irf2bp2-null pups were born and half survived to adulthood. As in humans with somatic mutations in IRF2BP2, adult Irf2bp2-null mice developed lymphoma. Transcriptome profiling of liver, heart, and skeletal muscle from Irf2bp2-null adult mice revealed a predominant upregulation of interferon-responsive genes. Of interest, hematopoietic stem cell-enriched transcription factors (Etv6, Fli1, Ikzf1, and Runx1) were also elevated in Irf2bp2-null livers. Intriguingly, Irf2bp2-positive myeloid (but not lymphoid) cells were detected in the livers of adult Irf2bp2-null mice. In female Irf2bp2-null mice, these cells carried a Y chromosome while in male Irf2bp2-null livers, no cells with Barr bodies (inactivated X chromosomes) were detected, indicating that Irf2bp2-positive erythromyeloid cells might be acquired only from male siblings of prior litters by transmaternal microchimerism. These cells likely rescue the deficit in fetal erythropoiesis, but not adult-onset lymphomagenesis, caused by Irfb2p2 ablation.
TLR7 Activation Accelerates Cardiovascular Pathology in a Mouse Model of Lupus
Authors: Elshikha Ahmed S. , Teng Xiang Yu , Kanda Nathalie , Li Wei , Choi Seung-Chul , Abboud Georges , Terrell Morgan , Fredenburg Kristianna , Morel Laurence
Published: July 2022

We report a novel model of lupus-associated cardiovascular pathology accelerated by the TLR7 agonist R848 in lupus-prone B6.Sle1.Sle2.Sle3 (TC) mice. R848-treated TC mice but not non-autoimmune C57BL/6 (B6) controls developed microvascular inflammation and myocytolysis with intracellular vacuolization. This histopathology was similar to antibody-mediated rejection after heart transplant, although it did not involve complement. The TC or B6 recipients of serum or splenocytes from R848-treated TC mice developed a reactive cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, which also presents spontaneously in old TC mice as well as in TC.Rag-/- mice that lack B and T cells. Each of these cardiovascular lesions correspond to abnormalities that have been reported in lupus patients. Lymphoid and non-lymphoid immune cells as well as soluble factors contribute to lupus-associated cardiovascular lesions in TC mice, which can now be dissected using this model with and without R848 treatment.
The Flare of Rheumatic Disease After SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination: A Review
Authors: Xie Yan , Liu Yang , Liu Yi
Published: July 2022

As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues worldwide, vaccination has been considered an effective measure to protect people from the COVID-19 and end the pandemic. However, for patients with rheumatic diseases (RD), concern for the induction of RD flare may combat the enthusiasm for vaccination. In general, current evidence doesn’t support the increased risk of disease flare after COVID-19 vaccination. However, the disease flare of RDs may be triggered by COVID-19 vaccinations, especially for patients with high disease activity. Most of these flares after vaccination are mild and need no treatment escalation. Considering the benefits and risks, RD patients are recommended to receive the COVID-19 vaccination but should be vaccinated when the RDs are in stable states.
Role of Host and Bacterial Lipids in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Respiratory Infections
Authors: Constantino-Teles Pamella , Jouault Albane , Touqui Lhousseine , Saliba Alessandra Mattos
Published: July 2022

The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common agents of respiratory infections and has been associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. The ability of P. aeruginosa to cause severe respiratory infections results from the coordinated action of a variety of virulence factors that promote bacterial persistence in the lungs. Several of these P. aeruginosa virulence mechanisms are mediated by bacterial lipids, mainly lipopolysaccharide, rhamnolipid, and outer membrane vesicles. Other mechanisms arise from the activity of P. aeruginosa enzymes, particularly ExoU, phospholipase C, and lipoxygenase A, which modulate host lipid signaling pathways. Moreover, host phospholipases, such as cPLA2α and sPLA2, are also activated during the infectious process and play important roles in P. aeruginosa pathogenesis. These mechanisms affect key points of the P. aeruginosa-host interaction, such as: i) biofilm formation that contributes to bacterial colonization and survival, ii) invasion of tissue barriers that allows bacterial dissemination, iii) modulation of inflammatory responses, and iv) escape from host defenses. In this mini-review, we present the lipid-based mechanism that interferes with the establishment of P. aeruginosa in the lungs and discuss how bacterial and host lipids can impact the outcome of P. aeruginosa respiratory infections.
Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Therapy in Severe COVID-19: Preliminary Results of a Phase I/II Clinical Trial
Authors: Grégoire Céline , Layios Nathalie , Lambermont Bernard , Lechanteur Chantal , Briquet Alexandra , Bettonville Virginie , Baudoux Etienne , Thys Marie , Dardenne Nadia , Misset Benoît , Beguin Yves
Published: July 2022

Background

Treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) associated with COronaVIrus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) currently relies on dexamethasone and supportive mechanical ventilation, and remains associated with high mortality. Given their ability to limit inflammation, induce immune cells into a regulatory phenotype and stimulate tissue repair, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) represent a promising therapy for severe and critical COVID-19 disease, which is associated with an uncontrolled immune-mediated inflammatory response.

Methods

In this phase I-II trial, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 3 intravenous infusions of bone marrow (BM)-derived MSCs at 3-day intervals in patients with severe COVID-19. All patients also received dexamethasone and standard supportive therapy. Between June 2020 and September 2021, 8 intensive care unit patients requiring supplemental oxygen (high-flow nasal oxygen in 7 patients, invasive mechanical ventilation in 1 patient) were treated with BM-MSCs. We retrospectively compared the outcomes of these MSC-treated patients with those of 24 matched control patients. Groups were compared by paired statistical tests.

Results

MSC infusions were well tolerated, and no adverse effect related to MSC infusions were reported (one patient had an ischemic stroke related to aortic endocarditis). Overall, 3 patients required invasive mechanical ventilation, including one who required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, but all patients ultimately had a favorable outcome. Survival was significantly higher in the MSC group, both at 28 and 60 days (100% vs 79.2%, p = 0.025 and 100% vs 70.8%, p = 0.0082, respectively), while no significant difference was observed in the need for mechanical ventilation nor in the number of invasive ventilation-free days, high flow nasal oxygenation-free days, oxygen support-free days and ICU-free days. MSC-treated patients also had a significantly lower day-7 D-dimer value compared to control patients (median 821.0 µg/L [IQR 362.0-1305.0] vs 3553 µg/L [IQR 1155.0-6433.5], p = 0.0085).

Conclusions

BM-MSC therapy is safe and shows very promising efficacy in severe COVID-19, with a higher survival in our MSC cohort compared to matched control patients. These observations need to be confirmed in a randomized controlled trial designed to demonstrate the efficacy of BM-MSCs in COVID-19 ARDS.

Clinical Trial Registration

(www.ClinicalTrials.gov), identifier NCT04445454
The Hepatoprotective and Hepatotoxic Roles of Sex and Sex-Related Hormones
Authors: Xu Linlin , Yuan Yuan , Che Zhaodi , Tan Xiaozhi , Wu Bin , Wang Cunchuan , Xu Chengfang , Xiao Jia
Published: July 2022

Most liver diseases, including acute liver injury, drug-induced liver injury, viral hepatitis, metabolic liver diseases, and end-stage liver diseases, are strongly linked with hormonal influences. Thus, delineating the clinical manifestation and underlying mechanisms of the “sexual dimorphism” is critical for providing hints for the prevention, management, and treatment of those diseases. Whether the sex hormones (androgen, estrogen, and progesterone) and sex-related hormones (gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin) play protective or toxic roles in the liver depends on the biological sex, disease stage, precipitating factor, and even the psychiatric status. Lifestyle factors, such as obesity, alcohol drinking, and smoking, also drastically affect the involving mechanisms of those hormones in liver diseases. Hormones deliver their hepatic regulatory signals primarily via classical and non-classical receptors in different liver cell types. Exogenous sex/sex-related hormone therapy may serve as a novel strategy for metabolic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. However, the undesired hormone-induced liver injury should be carefully studied in pre-clinical models and monitored in clinical applications. This issue is particularly important for menopause females with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and transgender populations who want to receive gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). In conclusion, basic and clinical studies are warranted to depict the detailed hepatoprotective and hepatotoxic mechanisms of sex/sex-related hormones in liver disease. Prolactin holds a promising perspective in treating metabolic and advanced liver diseases.
Beneficial Changes in Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Immune Response, Hepatic Health, and Flesh Quality of Trachinotus ovatus Fed With Oedocladium carolinianum
Authors: Zhao Wei , Cui Xin , Wang Zi-Qiao , Yao Rong , Xie Shi-Hua , Gao Bao-Yan , Zhang Cheng-Wu , Niu Jin
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of astaxanthin-rich Oedocladium carolinianum as an immunostimulant in the diet for Trachinotus ovatus. Three experimental diets containing 0% (OC0), 1% (OC1), and 5% (OC5) O. carolinianum powder were formulated for 6-week feeding trials. The results indicated that the OC5 diet boosted the growth performance through decreasing the feed conversion ratio and increasing digestive enzyme activities and intestinal villus length. Meanwhile, fish fed with the OC5 diet promoted antioxidant ability via stimulating the Nrf2-ARE signal pathway and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities. Furthermore, the OC5 diet exerted hepatoprotective effects by suppressing the lipid deposition and inflammation response and enhancing the transport capacity of cholesterol. Besides, the OC5 diet improved the non-specific immunity by activating the lysozyme and complement system and increasing the nitric oxide content and total nitric oxide synthase activity. Dietary O. carolinianum supplementation promoted the deposition of astaxanthin in the whole body. Therefore, a diet supplemented with 5% O. carolinianum is recommended to boost the growth, antioxidant capacity, immune response, and flesh quality of T. ovatus.
Reciprocal Interactions Between Regulatory T Cells and Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Jiang Zhiqiang , Wu Chuan
Published: July 2022

It has been well established that Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells) play a crucial role for immune repression and tolerance, protecting the body from autoimmunity and inflammation. Previous studies indicate that intestinal Treg cells are one specialized population of Treg cells, distinct from those in other organ compartments, both functionally and phenotypically. Specific external and internal signals, particularly the presence of microbiota, shape these Treg cells to better cooperate with the gut ecosystem, controlling intestinal physiology. The integrity of intestinal epithelial barrier represents a key feature of gut immune tolerance, which can be regulated by multiple factors. Emerging evidence suggests that bidirectional interactions between gut epithelium and resident T cells significantly contribute to intestinal barrier function. Understanding how Treg cells regulate intestinal barrier integrity provides insights into immune tolerance-mediated mucosal homeostasis, which can further illuminate potential therapeutic strategies for treating inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer.