bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
βIII-Tubulin Gene Regulation in Health and Disease
Authors: Duly Alastair M. P. , Kao Felicity C. L. , Teo Wee Siang , Kavallaris Maria
Published: April 2022

Microtubule proteins form a dynamic component of the cytoskeleton, and play key roles in cellular processes, such as vesicular transport, cell motility and mitosis. Expression of microtubule proteins are often dysregulated in cancer. In particular, the microtubule protein βIII-tubulin, encoded by theTUBB3gene, is aberrantly expressed in a range of epithelial tumours and is associated with drug resistance and aggressive disease. In normal cells,TUBB3expression is tightly restricted, and is found almost exclusively in neuronal and testicular tissues. Understanding the mechanisms that controlTUBB3expression, both in cancer, mature and developing tissues will help to unravel the basic biology of the protein, its role in cancer, and may ultimately lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches to target this protein. This review is devoted to the transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation ofTUBB3in normal and cancerous tissue.
Co-Expression of Runx1, Hoxa9, Hlf, and Hoxa7 Confers Multi-Lineage Potential on Hematopoietic Progenitors Derived From Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Yu Bo , Wu Bingyan , Hong Pingshan , Peng Huan , Zhang Mengyun , Zhang Qi , Liu Lijuan , Liu Xiaofei , Geng Yang , Wang Jinyong , Lan Yu
Published: April 2022

The intrinsic factors that determine the fundamental traits of engraftment ability and multi-lineage potential of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) remain elusive. The induction of bona fade HSCs from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) in dishes is urgently demanded but remains a great challenge in translational medicine. Runx1, Hoxa9, Hlf, and Hoxa7 are developmentally co-expressed during endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition and adult haematopoiesis. However, the expression of these factors fails to be turned on during in vitro hematopoietic induction from PSCs. Here, we established an inducible gene over-expression embryonic stem cell (ESC) line in which exogenous Runx1, Hoxa9, Hlf, and Hoxa7 genes were tandemly knocked in. A population of induced hematopoietic progenitor cells (iHPCs) expressing Kit and Sca1 surface markers were successfully obtained in vitro from the gene edited-ESC line. Upon transplantation of the Runx1-Hoxa9-Hlf-Hoxa7 ESC-derived iHPCs into irradiated immunodeficient mice, they can dominantly contribute to B cells, low proportions of T cells and myeloid cells. However, Runx1-Hoxa9-Hlf ESC-derived iHPCs only produced B lineage cells with extremely low contributions. Our study unveils that the coordination of Runx1, Hoxa9, Hlf, and Hoxa7 led to generation of the hematopoietic progenitors with the capacity of multi-lineage hematopoietic reconstitution in the immunodeficient recipient mice.
Reconstituting Microtubules: A Decades-Long Effort From Building Block Identification to the Generation of Recombinant α/β-Tubulin
Authors: Ti Shih-Chieh
Published: April 2022

Microtubules are cytoskeletal filaments underlying the morphology and functions of all eukaryotic cells. In higher eukaryotes, the basic building blocks of these non-covalent polymers, ɑ- and β-tubulins, are encoded by expanded tubulin family genes (i.e., isotypes) at distinct loci in the genome. While ɑ/β-tubulin heterodimers have been isolated and examined for more than 50 years, how tubulin isotypes contribute to the microtubule organization and functions that support diverse cellular architectures remains a fundamental question. To address this knowledge gap, in vitro reconstitution of microtubules with purified ɑ/β-tubulin proteins has been employed for biochemical and biophysical characterization. These in vitro assays have provided mechanistic insights into the regulation of microtubule dynamics, stability, and interactions with other associated proteins. Here we survey the evolving strategies of generating purified ɑ/β-tubulin heterodimers and highlight the advances in tubulin protein biochemistry that shed light on the roles of tubulin isotypes in determining microtubule structures and properties.
Refined Interpretation of the Pistillate Flower in Ceratophyllum Sheds Fresh Light on Gynoecium Evolution in Angiosperms
Authors: Sokoloff Dmitry D. , El Elena S. , Pechenyuk Elena V. , Carrive Laetitia , Nadot Sophie , Rudall Paula J. , Remizowa Margarita V.
Published: April 2022

Molecular phylogenetic analyses have revealed a superclade of mesangiosperms with five extant lineages: monocots, eudicots, magnoliids, Ceratophyllum and Chloranthaceae. Both Ceratophyllum and Chloranthaceae are ancient lineages with a long fossil record; their precise placement within mesangiosperms is uncertain. Morphological studies have suggested that they form a clade together with some Cretaceous fossils, including Canrightia, Montsechia and Pseudoasterophyllites. Apart from Canrightia, members of this clade share unilocular gynoecia commonly interpreted as monomerous with ascidiate carpels. Alternatively, the gynoecium of Ceratophyllum has also been interpreted as syncarpous with a single fertile carpel (pseudomonomerous). We investigate patterns of morphological, anatomical and developmental variation in gynoecia of three Ceratophyllum species to explore the controversial interpretation of its gynoecium as either monomerous or pseudomonomerous. We use an angiosperm-wide morphological data set and contrasting tree topologies to estimate the ancestral gynoecium type in both Ceratophyllum and mesangiosperms. Gynoecia of all three Ceratophyllum species possess a small (sometimes vestigial) glandular appendage on the abaxial side and an occasionally bifurcating apex. The ovary is usually unilocular with two procambium strands, but sometimes bilocular and/or with three strands in C. demersum. None of the possible phylogenetic placements strongly suggest apocarpy in the stem lineage of Ceratophyllum. Rescoring Ceratophyllum as having two united carpels affects broader-scale reconstructions of the ancestral gynoecium in mesangiosperms. Our interpretation of the glandular appendage as a tepal or staminode homologue makes the Ceratophyllum ovary inferior, thus resembling (semi)inferior ovaries of most Chloranthaceae and potentially related fossils Canrightia and Zlatkocarpus. The entire structure of the flower of Ceratophyllum suggests strong reduction following a long and complex evolutionary history. The widely accepted notion that apocarpy is ancestral in mesangiosperms (and angiosperms) lacks robust support, regardless of which modes of carpel fusion are considered. Our study highlights the crucial importance of incorporating fossils into large-scale analyses to understand character evolution.
Generation of an RCVRN-eGFP Reporter hiPSC Line by CRISPR/Cas9 to Monitor Photoreceptor Cell Development and Facilitate the Cell Enrichment for Transplantation
Authors: Guan Yuanyuan , Wang Yuan , Zheng Dandan , Xie Bingbing , Xu Ping , Gao Guanjie , Zhong Xiufeng
Published: April 2022

Stem cell-based cell therapies are considered to be promising treatments for retinal disorders with dysfunction or death of photoreceptors. However, the enrichment of human photoreceptors suitable for transplantation has been highly challenging so far. This study aimed to generate a photoreceptor-specific reporter human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) line using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, which harbored an enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) sequence at the endogenous locus of the pan photoreceptor marker recoverin (RCVRN). After confirmation of successful targeting and gene stability, three-dimensional retinal organoids were induced from this reporter line. The RCVRN-eGFP reporter faithfully replicated endogenous protein expression of recoverin and revealed the developmental characteristics of photoreceptors during retinal differentiation. The RCVRN-eGFP specifically and steadily labeled photoreceptor cells from photoreceptor precursors to mature rods and cones. Additionally, abundant eGFP-positive photoreceptors were enriched by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and their transcriptome signatures were revealed by RNA sequencing and data analysis. Moreover, potential clusters of differentiation (CD) biomarkers were extracted for the enrichment of photoreceptors for clinical applications, such as CD133 for the positive selection of photoreceptors. Altogether, the RCVRN-eGFP reporter hiPSC line was successfully established and the first global expression database of recoverin-positive photoreceptors was constructed. These achievements will provide a powerful tool for dynamically monitoring photoreceptor cell development and purification of human photoreceptors, thus facilitating photoreceptor cell therapy for advanced retinal disorders.
Pathophysiological Role of Vimentin Intermediate Filaments in Lung Diseases
Authors: Surolia Ranu , Antony Veena B.
Published: April 2022

Vimentin intermediate filaments, a type III intermediate filament, are among the most widely studied IFs and are found abundantly in mesenchymal cells. Vimentin intermediate filaments localize primarily in the cytoplasm but can also be found on the cell surface and extracellular space. The cytoplasmic vimentin is well-recognized for its role in providing mechanical strength and regulating cell migration, adhesion, and division. The post-translationally modified forms of Vimentin intermediate filaments have several implications in host-pathogen interactions, cancers, and non-malignant lung diseases. This review will analyze the role of vimentin beyond just the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker highlighting its role as a regulator of host-pathogen interactions and signaling pathways for the pathophysiology of various lung diseases. In addition, we will also examine the clinically relevant anti-vimentin compounds and antibodies that could potentially interfere with the pathogenic role of Vimentin intermediate filaments in lung disease.
The Tumor Suppressor Kinase LKB1: Metabolic Nexus
Authors: Bourouh Mohammed , Marignani Paola A.
Published: April 2022

Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) is a multitasking tumor suppressor kinase that is implicated in multiple malignancies such as lung, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and breast. LKB1 was first identified as the gene responsible for Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) characterized by hamartomatous polyps and oral mucotaneous pigmentation. LKB1 functions to activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) during energy stress to shift metabolic processes from active anabolic pathways to active catabolic pathways to generate ATP. Genetic loss or inactivation of LKB1 promotes metabolic reprogramming and metabolic adaptations of cancer cells that fuel increased growth and division rates. As a result, LKB1 loss is associated with increased aggressiveness and treatment options for patients with LKB1 mutant tumors are limited. Recently, there has been new insights into the role LKB1 has on metabolic regulation and the identification of potential vulnerabilities in LKB1 mutant tumors. In this review, we discuss the tumor suppressive role of LKB1 and the impact LKB1 loss has on metabolic reprograming in cancer cells, with a focus on lung cancer. We also discuss potential therapeutic avenues to treat malignancies associated with LKB1 loss by targeting aberrant metabolic pathways associated with LKB1 loss.
The Golgi Apparatus and its Next-Door Neighbors
Authors: Nakano Akihiko
Published: April 2022

The Golgi apparatus represents a central compartment of membrane traffic. Its apparent architecture, however, differs considerably among species, from unstacked and scattered cisternae in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to beautiful ministacks in plants and further to gigantic ribbon structures typically seen in mammals. Considering the well-conserved functions of the Golgi, its fundamental structure must have been optimized despite seemingly different architectures. In addition to the core layers of cisternae, the Golgi is usually accompanied by next-door compartments on its cis and trans sides. The trans-Golgi network (TGN) can be now considered as a compartment independent from the Golgi stack. On the cis side, the intermediate compartment between the ER and the Golgi (ERGIC) has been known in mammalian cells, and its functional equivalent is now suggested for yeast and plant cells. High-resolution live imaging is extremely powerful for elucidating the dynamics of these compartments and has revealed amazing similarities in their behaviors, indicating common mechanisms conserved along the long course of evolution. From these new findings, I would like to propose reconsideration of compartments and suggest a new concept to describe their roles comprehensively around the Golgi and in the post-Golgi trafficking.
3D Single Molecule Super-Resolution Microscopy of Whole Nuclear Lamina
Authors: Rozario Ashley M. , Morey Alison , Elliott Cade , Russ Brendan , Whelan Donna R. , Turner Stephen J. , Bell Toby D. M.
Published: April 2022

Single molecule (SM) super-resolution microscopies bypass the diffraction limit of conventional optical techniques and provide excellent spatial resolutions in the tens of nanometers without overly complex microscope hardware. SM imaging using optical astigmatism is an efficient strategy for visualizing subcellular features in 3D with a z-range of up to ∼1 µm per acquisition. This approach however, places high demands on fluorophore brightness and photoswitching resilience meaning that imaging entire cell volumes in 3D using SM super-resolution remains challenging. Here we employ SM astigmatism together with multiplane acquisition to visualize the whole nuclear lamina of COS-7 and T cells in 3D. Nuclear lamina provides structural support to the nuclear envelope and participates in vital nuclear functions including internuclear transport, chromatin organization and gene regulation. Its position at the periphery of the nucleus provides a visible reference of the nuclear boundary and can be used to quantify the spatial distribution of intranuclear components such as histone modifications and transcription factors. We found Alexa Fluor 647, a popular photoswitchable fluorophore, remained viable for over an hour of continuous high laser power exposure, and provided sufficient brightness detectable up to 8 µm deep into a cell, allowing us to capture the entire nuclear lamina in 3D. Our approach provides sufficient super-resolution detail of nuclear lamina morphology to enable quantification of overall nuclear dimensions and local membrane features.
Ensemble Learning-Based Approach for Gas Detection Using an Electronic Nose in Robotic Applications
Authors: Fan Han , Schaffernicht Erik , Lilienthal Achim J.
Published: April 2022

Detecting chemical compounds using electronic noses is important in many gas sensing related applications. A gas detection system is supposed to indicate a significant event, such as the presence of new chemical compounds or a noteworthy change of concentration levels. Existing gas detection methods typically rely on prior knowledge of target analytes to prepare a dedicated, supervised learning model. However, in some scenarios, such as emergency response, not all the analytes of concern are a priori known and their presence are unlikely to be controlled. In this paper, we take a step towards addressing this issue by proposing an ensemble learning based approach (ELBA) that integrates several one-class classifiers and learns online. The proposed approach is initialized by training several one-class models using clean air only. During the sampling process, the initialized system detects the presence of chemicals, allowing to learn another one-class model and update existing models with self-labelled data. We validated the proposed approach with real-world experiments, in which a mobile robot equipped with an e-nose was remotely controlled to interact with different chemical analytes in an uncontrolled environment. We demonstrated that the ELBA algorithm not only can detect gas exposures but also recognize baseline responses under a suspect short-term sensor drift condition. Depending on the problem setups in practical applications, the present work can be easily hybridized to integrate other supervised learning models when the prior knowledge of target analytes is partially available.
Hydrogenolysis of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-Dimethylfuran Over a Modified CoAl-Hydrotalcite Catalyst
Authors: Xia Jing , Gao De , Han Feng , Lv Ruifu , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Li Yan
Published: April 2022

The catalytic hydrogenolysis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) is a promising route towards sustainable liquid fuels with a high energy density. Herein, a novel CuCoNiAl-containing mixed metal oxide catalyst (CuCoNiAl-MMO) was prepared by calcination a layered double hydroxide (LDH) precursor in N2 at 500 °C, then applied for the catalytic hydrogenolysis of HMF to DMF. The effects of reaction time, reaction temperature and hydrogen pressure on DMF selectivity were investigated. Under relatively mild reaction conditions (180°C, 1.0 MPa H2, 6.0 h), CuCoNiAl-MMO showed both a high initial activity and selectivity for hydrogenolysis of HMF to DMF, with HMF conversion rate of 99.8% and DMF selectivity of 95.3%. Catalysts characterization studies using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed the presence of various metal oxides and metallic copper on the surface of the CuCoNiAl-MMO catalyst, with the presence of mixed metal-oxide-supported metallic Cu nanoparticles being responsible good hydrogenolysis activity of the catalyst for selective DMF synthesis.
The Significance of Symptoms in Predicting Coronary Artery Aneurysms of Kawasaki Disease, Especially in Female Patients
Authors: Yu Huan , Sun Weiyue , Wu Haoran , Zhang Shuchi , Xu Zhipeng , Wu Rongzhou , Rong Xing , Qiu Huixian , Zhu Jinshun , Zhang Chunxiang , Chu Maoping
Published: April 2022

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute febrile systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology that occurs during early childhood, commonly involving the coronary artery, and can lead to coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs).

Methods

The demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of KD patients without coronary artery lesions (N-CAL) and with CAA were collected during 2005–2020 at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. The patients were divided into the development cohort and the validation cohort. First, we compared the general information, symptoms, and laboratory data of N-CAL and CAA patients in the development cohort and the total cohort and screened out the different indices by logistic regression analysis. Then, we established three models and compared the area under the curve (AUC) values of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to identify meaningful models for CAA, which were further verified by decision curve analysis (DCA). Second, taking into account previous reports on the importance of gender to CAA, gender stratification was conducted.

Results

The analysis of clinical and blood indices revealed the following novel features: (i) Many factors were found to be related to CAA, including IVIG resistance and the symptoms of rash, oral changes, and cervical lymphadenopathy. (ii) The development cohort was analyzed by logistic regression, and three models were established. The ROC curves showed that Model 2, composed of IVIG resistance, rash, oral changes, and cervical lymphadenopathy, had a better AUC value and easily to evaluate in the prediction of CAA. (iii) The selected model for predicting CAA in the development cohort was further confirmed in the validation cohort through DCAs. (iv)We further compared the items enrolled in the three models above between the N-CAL and CAA groups by sex, and the results indicated that female KD patients without rash, oral changes, and cervical lymphadenopathy were more likely to develop CAA.

Conclusion

The absence of rash, oral changes, and cervical lymphadenopathy are risk factors for CAA, especially in female KD patients. Accurately recognizing symptoms, early diagnosis, and standard treatment for KD are key to reducing the incidence of CAA.
Renal Denervation Attenuates Adverse Remodeling and Intramyocardial Inflammation in Acute Myocardial Infarction With Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Wang Kun , Qi Yu , Gu Rong , Dai Qing , Shan Anqi , Li Zhu , Gong Chenyi , Chang Lei , Hao Han , Duan Junfeng , Xu Jiamin , Hu Jiaxin , Mu Dan , Zhang Ning , Lu Jianrong , Wang Lian , Wu Han , Li Lixin , Kang Lina , Xu Biao
Published: April 2022

Background

Inhibition of sympathetic activity and renin–angiotensin system with renal denervation (RDN) was proved to be effective in managing refractory hypertension, and improving left ventricular (LV) performance in chronic heart failure. The inhibition of sustained sympathetic activation prevents or delays the development of cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction that occurs after myocardial infarction and ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury. The translational efficiency of RDN remains to be defined in preclinical animal studies.

Objectives

This study investigated the therapeutic role of RDN in adverse remodeling and intramyocardial inflammation in myocardial ischemia–reperfusion (MI/R) injury.

Methods

Herein, 15 minipigs were subjected to 90-min percutaneous occlusion of the left anterior descending artery followed by reperfusion. Eight animals received simultaneous RDN using catheter-based radiofrequency ablation (MI/R-RDN). Cardiac function and infarct volume were measured in vivo, followed by histological and biochemical analyses.

Results

The infarct volume in I/R-RDN pigs reduced at 30 days postreperfusion, compared to I/R-Sham animals. The levels of catecholamine and cytokines in the serum, kidney cortex, the border, and infarcted regions of the heart were significantly reduced in I/R-RDN group. Moreover, the gene expression of collagen and the protein expression of adrenergic receptor beta 1 in heart were also decreased in I/R-RDN mice. Additionally, RDN therapy alleviated myocardial oxidative stress.

Conclusion

RDN is an effective therapeutic strategy for counteracting postreperfusion myocardial injury and dysfunction, and the application of RDN holds promising prospects in clinical practice.
The Protective Effect of Sevoflurane Conditionings Against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Preclinical Trials in in-vivo Models
Authors: Hu Bin , Tian Tian , Hao Pei-Pei , Liu Wei-Chao , Chen Ying-Gui , Jiang Tian-Yu , Xue Fu-Shan
Published: April 2022

Objective

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common and serious complication in clinical practice. Sevoflurane conditionings have been identified to provide a protection against myocardial IRI in animal experiments, but their true clinical benefits remain controversial. Here, we aimed to analyze the preclinical evidences obtained in animal models of myocardial IRI and explore the possible reasons for controversial clinical benefits.

Methods

Our primary outcome was the difference in mean infarct size between the sevoflurane and control groups in animal models of myocardial IRI. After searching the databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, a systematic review retrieved 37 eligible studies, from which 28 studies controlled comparisons of sevoflurane preconditioning (SPreC) and 40 studies controlled comparisons of sevoflurane postconditioning (SPostC) that were made in a pooled random-effects meta-analysis. In total, this analysis included data from 313 control animals and 536 animals subject to sevoflurane conditionings.

Results

Pooled estimates for primary outcome demonstrated that sevoflurane could significantly reduce the infarct size after myocardial IRI whether preconditioning [weighted mean difference (WMD): −18.56, 95% CI: −23.27 to −13.85, P < 0.01; I2 = 94.1%, P < 0.01] or postconditioning (WMD: −18.35, 95% CI: −20.88 to −15.83, P < 0.01; I2 = 90.5%, P < 0.01) was performed. Interestingly, there was significant heterogeneity in effect size that could not be explained by any of the prespecified variables by meta-regression and stratified analysis. However, sensitivity analysis still identified the cardioprotective benefits of sevoflurane conditionings with robust results.

Conclusion

Sevoflurane conditionings can significantly reduce infarct size in in-vivo models of myocardial IRI. Given the fact that there is a lack of consistency in the quality and design of included studies, more well-performed in-vivo studies with the detailed characterization of sevoflurane protocols, especially studies in larger animals regarding cardioprotection effects of sevoflurane, are still required.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Endothelial Function in Aging Healthy Subjects and Patients With Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Königstein Karsten , Wagner Jonathan , Infanger Denis , Knaier Raphael , Nève Gilles , Klenk Christopher , Carrard Justin , Hinrichs Timo , Schmidt-Trucksäss Arno
Published: April 2022

Background

Individuals with a higher lifelong cardiorespiratory fitness show better vascular health with aging. Studies on fitness-related effects on endothelial function either analyzed samples with a narrow age-range or incompletely assessed endothelial responsiveness. This study aims to assess the impact of cardiorespiratory fitness on the association of brachial-arterial flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and low flow-mediated vasoconstriction (L-FMC) with age in healthy adults and patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Methods

FMD, L-FMC and V.O2peak were prospectively measured in a population-based sample including 360 healthy adults and 99 patients with cardiovascular disease of European descend. Non-linear models were applied to assess V.O2peak-associated variations in age-related differences of endothelial function independent of classical cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

FMD was negatively associated with age in healthy adults (adjusted R2 = 0.27, partial R2 = 0.07, p < 0.001) and in cardiovascular patients (adjusted R2 = 0.29, partial R2 = 0.05, p = 002). L-FMC showed no association with age. In models predicting the change of FMD with higher age, V.O2peak accounted for 2.8% of variation in FMD (χ2(5) = 5.37, p = 0.372, s = 1.43). Thereby, V.O2peak-stratified changes of FMD started to fan out at around 30 years of age in women and 50 years of age in men, with 7–12% lower values at old age with V.O2peak ≤3rd percentile compared to V.O2peak ≥97th percentile) in both, the healthy sample and in cardiovascular patients.

Conclusion

The statistical effect of cardiorespiratory fitness on the association of FMD with age independent of classical cardiovascular risk factors was small in both, healthy aging adults as well as patients with cardiovascular diseases. Its clinical significance should be assessed further.
Sutureless Technique for Primary Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection Repair: An Updated Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhao Lu , Pan Zhengxia , Wu Chun , Shen Lianju , Wu Yuhao
Published: April 2022

Background

An updated meta-analysis was performed to explore the clinical outcomes following the sutureless repair in patients with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) and compare outcomes between the sutureless technique and conventional surgery.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, Ovid-Embase, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) for relevant published studies that reported the clinical outcomes of the sutureless technique in children with TAPVC was performed in February 2022. The publication language was restricted to English.

Results

Eleven studies were included involving 771 patients in total. Following the sutureless technique, the incidences of postoperative pulmonary venous obstruction (PVO) and reoperations due to PVO were 3.3% [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.3–5.3%] and 1.8% (95% CI, 0.3–3.3%), respectively. The early and late mortality rates were 3.2% (95% CI, 1.0–5.3%) and 2.5% (95% CI, 0.7–4.3%), respectively. Compared with conventional surgery, the sutureless technique significantly reduced the incidences of postoperative PVO [odds ratio (OR), 0.16; 95% CI, 0.08–0.33; P < 0.00001], reoperations due to PVO (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.10–0.63; P = 0.003), and early mortality (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.21–0.79; P = 0.008). However, no significant difference was found between conventional surgery and the sutureless technique concerning late mortality (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.13–3.00; P = 0.58).

Conclusion

The sutureless technique is superior to conventional surgery for the primary repair of TAPVC concerning postoperative PVO, reoperations due to PVO, and early mortality. However, the level of evidence is of low quality. Prospective cohort studies or randomized control trials (RCTs) should be performed to evaluate the effectiveness of sutureless techniques for primary TAPVC repair.
Pumice Raft Detection Using Machine-Learning on Multispectral Satellite Imagery
Authors: Zheng Maggie , Mittal Tushar , Fauria Kristen E. , Subramaniam Ajit , Jutzeler Martin
Published: April 2022

Most of Earth’s volcanic eruptions occur underwater, and these submarine eruptions can significantly impact large-scale Earth systems (e.g., enhancing local primary production by phytoplankton). However, detecting submarine eruptions is challenging due to their remote locations, short eruption durations, lack of sea surface signature (if eruptions do not breach the surface), and the transient nature of the surface manifestations of an eruption (e.g., floating pumice clasts, hydrothermal fluids). We can utilize global satellite imagery of 10–30 m resolution (e.g., Landsat 8, Sentinel-2) to detect new eruptions; however, the large data volumes make it challenging to systematically analyze satellite imagery globally. In this study, we address these challenges by developing a new semi-automated analysis framework to detect submarine eruptions through supervised classification of satellite images on Google Earth Engine. We train our algorithm using images from rafts produced by the August 2019 eruption of Volcano F in the Tofua Arc and present a case study using our methodology on satellite imagery from the Rabaul caldera region in Papua New Guinea. We potentially find a large number of new unreported pumice rafts (in ∼16% of images from 2017–present). After analysis of the spatial pattern of raft sightings and ancillary geophysical and visual observations, we interpret that these rafts are not the result of a new eruption. Instead, we posit that the observed rafts represent remobilization of pumice clasts from previous historical eruptions. This novel process of raft remobilization may be common at near-shore/partially submarine caldera systems (e.g., Rabaul, Krakatau) and may have significant implications for new submarine eruption detection and volcanic stratigraphy.
The Emergence of Rice and Millet Farming in the Zang-Yi Corridor of Southwest China Dates Back to 5000 Years Ago
Authors: Huan Xiujia , Deng Zhenhua , Zhou Zhiqing , Yan Xue , Hao Xiaoxiao , Bu Qi , Lu Houyuan
Published: April 2022

The Zang-Yi Corridor is of pivotal significance for the interactions between northwest China, southwest China, and mainland Southeast Asia. It has been hypothesized that the formation of mixed farming in this region and its surrounding areas was based on multiple waves of crop dispersal, with foxtail millet and broomcorn millet arriving first from northwest China around 5,300 cal. BP and rice from middle Yangtze valley after 4,700 cal. BP. Based on the systematic sampling and direct dating conducted at the Guijiabao site, Sichuan Province, this study demonstrates that by no later than 5,000 cal. BP, mixed farming had already emerged in the south part of Zang-Yi corridor, which was much earlier than expected before. With this new evidence, it is argued that the transformation into farming in Southwest China was based on the dispersal of a crop package comprising foxtail millet, broomcorn millet, and rice instead of different waves of introduction. A further comparison of all archaeobotanical data in this region revealed that crop patterns varied significantly between different sites because of their diverse environmental conditions.
Influence of the Xianshuihe Fault Zone on In-Situ Stress Field of a Deep Tunnel and its Engineering Effect
Authors: Yuan Dong , Zhang Lanbin , Liu Xiaoling , Feng Tao , Zhang Guangze , Xu Zhengxuan , Wang Zhewei , Yi Xiaojuan , Lin Zhiheng , Ren Yang , Zhang Ru , Ren Li
Published: April 2022

The in-situ stress distribution near a fault zone is affected by factors such as tectonic movement and rock mass property deterioration, and it often shows unique characteristics and further affects the mechanical response of the rock mass and the safety of underground engineering construction. The Xianshuihe fault zone is one of the most active fault zones in the world. To understand the impact of the Xianshuihe fault zone on a tunnel under construction in southwestern China, the in-situ stress measured near the tunnel site at different distances from the faults of the Xianshuihe fault zone is obtained. Furthermore, the characteristics of the in-situ stress at the tunnel site and its engineering influence effect are analyzed. The results indicate the following: 1) Around the Xianshuihe fault zone, the fault mainly affects the maximum horizontal principal stress and the minimum horizontal principal stress in the shallow strata, and the in-situ stress closer to the fault is more greatly affected. 2) In the shallow area near the Selaha-Kangding fault, the maximum horizontal principal stress, minimum horizontal principal stress and lateral pressure coefficient at a borehole increase with increasing distance from the fault. Greater than 600 m from the fault, the horizontal stress plays a dominant role. In the deeper strata, the maximum horizontal principal stress, the minimum horizontal principal stress and the lateral pressure coefficient exhibit no obvious change with distance from the fault. 3) According to the inversion of the in-situ stress field and the stress in the tunnel site, the in-situ stress in the tunnel barrel is affected by the depth and the fault. The in-situ stress is higher at greater depths. The in-situ stress is partially released at the fault so that the in-situ stress is relatively low, and the degree of stress decline at different faults is different. 4) Tunnel rockbursts tend to occur in surrounding rock sections with high stress, which are usually located in the middle of a rock mass between two faults. Large deformation mainly occurs in the fault and its influence zone.
Implication of Alkane Carbon and Hydrogen Isotopes for Genesis and Accumulation of Over-Mature Shale Gas: A Case Study of Longmaxi Formation Shale Gas in Upper Yangtze Area
Authors: Chen Zhipeng , Liao Yun , Liu Li , Chen Lei , Wang Pengtao , Zuo Yinhui , Ren Zhanli , Jia Lianqi , Dang Wei
Published: April 2022

To clarify the implication of alkane carbon and hydrogen isotopes for the genesis and accumulation of over-mature shale gas, we carried out a comparative study on Longmaxi shale gases from eight blocks in the Upper Yangtze area. The results show that the δ13CCH4, δ13CC2H6, and δ13CC3H8 of Longmaxi shale gas are all positively correlated with Ro. According to the distribution model of δ13C with thermal maturity, the Longmaxi shale gas lies in the reversal stage. Shale gas is a mixture of the kerogen cracking gas and secondary cracking gas, and the mixing ratio of the two cracking gas can be estimated by isotopic fractionation experiments of thermogenic gas. The proportion of secondary cracking gas in the shale gas of the Longmaxi Formation ranges from 33 to 72%. The increase of secondary cracking gas with lower δ13C would reduce the carbon isotope of the shale gas. The δ13CC2H6 and δ13CC3H8 have acute sensitivity to the occurrence of secondary cracking gas, hence they can be used as potential indicators of shale gas content. The decline of gas generation capacity, the reduction of micropores, and the destruction of tectonic movement are the considerable factors leading to the decrease of gas content in high-maturity shale.
Factors Affecting the Quality of Online Learning During COVID-19: Evidence From a Developing Economy
Authors: Saleem Farida , AlNasrallah Wafa , Malik Muhammad Imran , Rehman Shafiq Ur
Published: April 2022

This descriptive study was conducted to evaluate the factors affecting the quality of online learning of Pakistani students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Developing economies such as Pakistan present a unique context to online education as there is limited access to technology, ITC services, and the internet for the general public. This paper integrates the factors affecting the online learning process of students while taking the situational factors as a boundary condition (moderating variable). Data were collected through aAppendix Questionnaireadministered to students studying in different universities in Pakistan. Stepwise linear regression and PROCESS Macro byHayes (2013)was used for data analysis. Results revealed that university support, instructors’ support, and motivational factors predicted the quality of online learning. The situational factors negatively influenced the relationship of instructors’ support and motivational factors and the quality of online learning. University support and the quality of online learning relationships were not moderated by situational factors.
Proteomic Analysis of the Intestinal Resistance to Thyroid Hormone Mouse Model With Thyroid Hormone Receptor Alpha Mutations
Authors: Xi Yue , Zhang Dan , Liang Yue , Shan Zhongyan , Teng Xiaochun , Teng Weiping
Published: April 2022

Thyroid hormone is critical during the development of vertebrates and affects the function of many organs and tissues, especially the intestine. Triiodothyronine (T3) is the active form and can bind to thyroid hormone nuclear receptors (TRs) to play a vital role in the development of vertebrates. The resistance to thyroid hormone α, as seen in patients, has been mimicked by the ThraE403X mutation. To investigate the mechanisms underlying the effect of TRα1 on intestinal development, the present study employed proteomic analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the distal ileum between homozygous ThraE403X/E403X and wild-type Thra+/+ mice. A total of 1,189 DEPs were identified, including 603 upregulated and 586 downregulated proteins. Proteomic analysis revealed that the DEPs were highly enriched in the metabolic process, the developmental process, the transporter of the nutrients, and the intestinal immune system-related pathway. Of these DEPs, 20 proteins were validated by parallel reaction monitoring analysis. Our intestinal proteomic results provide promising candidates for future studies, as they suggest novel mechanisms by which TRα1 may influence intestinal development, such as the transport of intestinal nutrients and the establishment of innate and adaptive immune barriers of the intestine.
Global Deletion of ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A2 Genes Does Not Affect Viability but Blocks Spermatogenesis
Authors: Topping Traci , Griswold Michael D.
Published: April 2022

The transition of undifferentiated A spermatogonia to differentiated spermatogonia requires the action of retinoic acid (RA). The synthesis of retinoic acid from retinal in the seminiferous epithelium is a result of the action of aldehyde dehydrogenases termed ALDH1A1, ALDH1A2, and ALDH1A3. We used a mouse with a global deletion of the Aldh1a1 gene that is phenotypically normal and the CRE-loxP approach to eliminate Aldh1a2 genes globally and from Sertoli cells and germ cells. The results show that global elimination of Aldh1a1 and Aldh1a2 genes blocks spermatogenesis but does not appear to affect viability. The cell specific elimination of Aldh1a2 gene showed that retinoic acid synthesis by Sertoli cells is required for the initial round of spermatogonial differentiation but that there is no requirement for retinoic acid synthesis by germ cells. In both the global gene deletion and the cell specific gene deletions the maintenance of Aldh1a3 activity could not compensate.
Cognitive Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes Is Not a One-Way Process: Evidence From a Longitudinal Brain Connectivity Study
Authors: Fang Fang , Gong Yu-Jia , Luo Qian , Ge Ren-Bin , Kang Mei , Ma Ming-Ming , Zhang Lei , Mu Di , Yin Da-Zhi , Wang Yu-Fan
Published: April 2022

Background

Cognitive dysfunction is an important comorbidity of diabetes characterized by brain functional hypo-connectivity. However, our recent study demonstrated an adaptive hyper-connectivity in young type 2 diabetes with cognitive decrements. This longitudinal study aimed to further explore the changes in functional connectivity and cognitive outcomes after regular glycemic control.

Methods

At 18 months after recruitment, participants underwent a second cognitive assessment and magnetic resonance imaging. Three enhanced functional connectivities previously identified at baseline were followed up. Linear mixed-effects models were performed to compare the longitudinal changes of cognition and functional connectivity in patients with type 2 diabetes and non-diabetic controls. A linear regression model was used to investigate the association between changes in functional connectivity and changes in cognitive performance.

Results

Improvements in multiple cognitive domains were observed in diabetes; however, the enhanced functional connectivity at baseline decreased significantly. Moreover, the decrease in hippocampal connectivity was correlated with an increase in the accuracy of Stroop task and the decrease in posterior cingulate cortex connectivity was correlated with an increase in Montreal Cognitive Assessment in diabetes.

Conclusion

This study suggests diabetes-related cognitive dysfunction is not a one-way process and the early-stage enhancement of brain connectivity was a potential “window period” for cognitive reversal.
Flow Characteristic Analysis of the Self-Priming Pump Based on the Population Balance Model
Authors: Chang Hao , Hong Shiming , Yu Dehui , Peng Guangjie , Du Jialin , Yuan Shouqi
Published: April 2022

Self-priming pumps, as important two-phase fluid machinery, are widely used in disaster relief and emergency fields. The flow characteristics of the air–liquid two-phase fluid play an essential role in the self-priming pump performance. However, the traditional simulation employed the single-diameter bubbles for analysis, which cannot reflect the internal flow field characteristics. Therefore, in this article, the Population Balance Model (PBM) is employed, which divides the bubble into different diameter groups, and the collision and coalescence between the bubble are considered in the calculation to investigate the influence of different air voids and flow conditions on the performance self-priming centrifugal pumps. The result shows that the frequency of bubble coalescence at the shroud is higher, which is conducive to the formation of large-sized bubbles. Meanwhile, the increment of flow conditions has a significant effect on reducing the pressure pulsation of the gas–liquid two-phase flow, while the improvement of the air voids not only destroys the instability and asymmetry of the internal flow of the two-phase flow but also aggravates the amplitude of pressure pulsation, increasing the surface loading of the blade and radial force. Therefore, this article can provide a certain theoretical reference for the study of air–liquid two-phase flow characteristics of self-priming centrifugal pumps.
Antimicrobials and Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Water Bodies: Pollution, Risk, and Control
Authors: Singh Ashish Kumar , Kaur Rajinder , Verma Shashikala , Singh Samer
Published: April 2022

The manuscript endeavors to provide a perspective on the role of water bodies in the spread of antimicrobial (antibiotic) resistance (AMR), antimicrobial resistant bacteria (ARB), and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) among pathogens, animals, and humans. We briefly indicate how the AMR problem is globally affecting public health, along with strategies and mechanisms to combat the dissemination of ARB and ARGs. A brief systematic survey of the literature (2015-onwards) for the presence of antimicrobial residues and the occurrence of ARGs and antimicrobial resistant microorganisms in different water bodies/sources indicates the gravity of the situation and suggests their important role in the occurrence and spread of AMR, ARB, and ARGs. The prevalent water treatment methods which tend to reduce ARB and ARGs from water resources are unable to remove them completely, allowing the problem of AMR to continue and spread to organisms of concern. In this opinion article, we attempt to underline the key role of controlling the release/discharge of antimicrobial contaminants in water bodies and their buildup in checking the development and spread of AMR. The reduction in the release of antibiotic residues in the environment, especially water bodies, combined with the development of improved surveillance means and efficacious treatment/removal/decomposition methods could help curb the menace of AMR effectively. We suggest the expansion of the ambit of ‘One Health Approach to AMR crises proposed by the World Bank, 2021 to include the ‘reduction of antimicrobial contamination of the environment’ as the ‘seventh domain’ of activity to effectively achieve its objective.
Merging and Downscaling Soil Moisture Data From CMIP6 Projections Using Deep Learning Method
Authors: Feng Donghan , Wang Guojie , Wei Xikun , Amankwah Solomon Obiri Yeboah , Hu Yifan , Luo Zicong , Hagan Daniel Fiifi Tawia , Ullah Waheed
Published: April 2022

Soil moisture (SM) is an important variable in mediating the land-atmosphere interactions. Earth System Models (ESMs) are the key tools for predicting the response of SM to future climate change. Many ESMs provide outputs for SM; however, the estimated SM accuracy from different ESMs varies geographically as each ESM has its advantages and limitations. This study aimed to develop a merged SM product with improved accuracy and spatial resolution in China for 2015-2100 through data fusion of 25 ESMs with a deep-learning (DL) method. A DL model that can simultaneously perform data fusion and spatial downscaling was used to analyze SM’s future trend in China. Through the model, monthly SM data in four future scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, SSP5-8.5) from 2015 to 2100, with a high resolution at 0.25°, was obtained. The evaluation metrics include mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square difference (RMSD), unbiased root mean square difference (ubRMSD), and coefficient of correlation (r). The evaluation results showed that our merged SM product is significantly better than each of the ESMs and the ensemble mean of all ESMs in terms of accuracy and spatial distribution. In the temporal dimension, the merged product is equivalent to the original data after deviation correction and equivalent to reconstructing the fluctuation of the whole series in a high error area. By further analyzing the spatiotemporal patterns of SM with the merged product in China, we found that northeast China will become wetter whereas South China will become drier. Northwest China and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau would change from wetting to drying under a medium emission scenario. From the temporal scale of the results, the rate of SM variations is accelerated with time in the future under different scenarios. This study demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed procedure for simultaneous data fusion and spatial downscaling to generate improved SM data. The merged data have great practical and scientific implications.