bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of growth hormone on pediatric body composition: A systematic review
Authors: Ferruzzi Alessandro , Vrech Massimiliano , Pietrobelli Angelo , Cavarzere Paolo , Zerman Nicoletta , Guzzo Alessandra , Flodmark Carl-Erik , Piacentini Giorgio , Antoniazzi Franco
Published: February 2023

Background

Growth hormone (GH) affects metabolism and regulates growth in childhood. The most prominent feature of GH deficiency (GHD) in children is diminished height velocity that eventually leads to short stature. In adult-onset GHD, lean body mass (LBM) is reduced, and visceral fat mass (FM) increased. Beneficial effects of GH treatment on body composition in adults with GHD, including an increase in muscle mass and a decrease in FM, are well established. Relatively few studies have investigated the effects of GH treatment on the body composition of pediatric patients with idiopathic or hypothalamic-pituitary disease-associated GH deficiency. This systematic review aimed to summarize available evidence relating to the effects of GH treatment on body composition in children with GHD.

Methods

The PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane Trials, and Embase databases, were searched with keywords including “GH”, “body composition”, “children”, and “growth hormone” for English-language articles, published between January 1999 and March 2021. Two reviewers independently evaluated the search results and identified studies for inclusion based on the following criteria: participants had a confirmed diagnosis of GHD (as defined in each study); participants were pediatric patients who were receiving GH or had stopped GH treatment, regardless of whether they were pre- or post-pubertal; the intervention was recombinant human GH (rhGH; somatropin); and outcomes included changes in body composition during or after stopping GH therapy. Data extracted from each study included study quality, study sample characteristics, study interventions, and body composition. Data on fat-free mass and LBM were combined into a single category of LBM.

Results

Sixteen studies reporting changes in body composition (i.e., FM and LBM) associated with GH treatment in children with GHD were identified and included in the review. Collectively, these studies demonstrated that FM decreased, and LBM increased in response to GH replacement therapy.

Conclusion

Despite study limitations (i.e., potential effects of diet and physical activity were not considered), we concluded that a periodic body composition assessment is required to ensure that a satisfactory body composition is achieved during GH replacement therapy in children with GHD.
Rgp1 contributes to craniofacial cartilage development and Rab8a-mediated collagen II secretion
Authors: Ritter Dylan J. , Choudhary Dharmendra , Unlu Gokhan , Knapik Ela W.
Published: February 2023

Rgp1 was previously identified as a component of a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) complex to activate Rab6a-mediated trafficking events in and around the Golgi. While the role of Rgp1 in protein trafficking has been examined in vitro and in yeast, the role of Rgp1 during vertebrate embryogenesis and protein trafficking in vivo is unknown. Using genetic, CRISPR-induced zebrafish mutants for Rgp1 loss-of-function, we found that Rgp1 is required for craniofacial cartilage development. Within live rgp1-/- craniofacial chondrocytes, we observed altered movements of Rab6a+ vesicular compartments, consistent with a conserved mechanism described in vitro. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunofluorescence analyses, we show that Rgp1 plays a role in the secretion of collagen II, the most abundant protein in cartilage. Our overexpression experiments revealed that Rab8a is a part of the post-Golgi collagen II trafficking pathway. Following loss of Rgp1, chondrocytes activate an Arf4b-mediated stress response and subsequently respond with nuclear DNA fragmentation and cell death. We propose that an Rgp1-regulated Rab6a-Rab8a pathway directs secretion of ECM cargoes such as collagen II, a pathway that may also be utilized in other tissues where coordinated trafficking and secretion of collagens and other large cargoes is required for normal development and tissue function.
Circulating follistatin concentrations in adolescent PCOS: Divergent effects of randomized treatments
Authors: Díaz Marta , de Zegher Francis , Ibáñez Lourdes
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Follistatin is a glycoprotein that represses members of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily including activin. Higher follistatin levels have been associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes and with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In non-obese adolescent girls with PCOS, insulin sensitization results in a healthier endocrine-metabolic outcome than oral contraception (OC); we assessed whether those differences are underscored by changes in serum follistatin concentrations.

Methods

Circulating follistatin, endocrine-metabolic markers and hepato-visceral fat were measured longitudinally in 72 girls with PCOS [age, 16 years; body mass index (BMI), 23 Kg/m2] randomized to receive PioFluMet [pioglitazone (7.5 mg/d), metformin (850 mg/d) and flutamide (62.5 mg/d), n=17]; EE-CA [an OC containing 35 µg ethinylestradiol (EE) and 2 mg cyproterone acetate (CA), n=17]; SPIOMET [Spironolactone (50 mg/d), pioglitazone (7.5 mg/d) and metformin (850 mg/d), n=18], or EE-LNG [an OC containing 20 µg EE and 100 mg levonorgestrel (LNG), n=20]. Twenty-eight age- and BMI-matched healthy girls served as controls.

Results

Pre-treatment follistatin levels were similar in PCOS and controls. OCs raised serum follistatin after 6 months (6.8-fold vs 2.5-fold for EE-CA and EE-LNG, respectively). Neither SPIOMET nor PioFluMet changed follistatin levels. Follistatin correlated negatively with high-molecular weight adiponectin and positively with mean serum insulin concentrations during an oral glucose tolerance test at baseline, and with liver fat after 6 months.

Conclusion

In girls with PCOS, follistatin levels rise significantly after 6 months on OCs and this increase associates to a worsening of markers of insulin resistance and to changes in liver fat.
The fatty infiltration into cervical paraspinal muscle as a predictor of postoperative outcomes: A controlled study based on hybrid surgery
Authors: He Junbo , Wu Tingkui , Ding Chen , Wang Beiyu , Hong Ying , Liu Hao
Published: February 2023

Background

The cervical paraspinal muscle (CPM) has an essential role in positioning, stabilizing and directing the cervical spine. However, information is lacking regarding the influence of CPM on outcomes following anterior cervical surgery. This study aims to evaluate the association of fatty infiltration (FI) of CPM with postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing hybrid surgery (HS) and analyze the relationship between FI and cross-sectional area (CSA) of CPM.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 110 consecutive patients undergoing continuous 2-level HS. According to Goutallier classification of multifidus FI, the patients were divided into normal, moderate, and severe groups. Image J software was employed to outline and analyze CPM. Clinical outcomes and radiographic parameters were collected and evaluated for relevant comparisons.

Results

Visible FI was identified in 69.1% of patients (76/110), with a propensity in elderly patients (p = 0.053). No statistically significant differences were presented among the three groups regarding pre- and postoperative clinical evaluation scores. The cervical lordosis was significantly higher in the normal group before surgery (p = 0.029). Likewise, the sagittal vertical axis (SVA) was significantly higher in the severe group than the normal group at the final follow-up (p = 0.046). The function spine unit angle and disc angle of arthroplasty levels were significantly lower in the severe group than the normal group at follow-ups. Moreover, after correction according to vertebral body area, no statistically significant relationship existed between CSA ratio and FI grade.

Conclusion

CPM degeneration is common and age-related in patients with cervical disc degenerative disease. More importantly, there was a significant positive correlation between severe FI of CPM and postoperative sagittal balance disorder, particularly in C2-7 SVA and segmental alignment of arthroplasty level. Meanwhile, FI of CPM appears to have no impact on clinical outcomes and reveals small correlations to CSA.
Conversion of algal biomass into renewable fuel: A mini review of chemical and biochemical processes
Authors: Rony Zahidul Islam , Mofijur M. , Hasan M. M. , Ahmed Shams Forruque , Badruddin Irfan Anjum , Khan T. M. Yunus
Published: February 2023

Microalgae are a vital resource for the coming years to address the concern of decrease in oil reserves and the negative impacts of fossil fuels on the environment. Their utilization is crucial for a wide range of industrial applications. Depending on the strain, microalgae contain a variety of chemical components and can be treated biochemically or thermochemically. This review thus focuses on the biochemical mechanisms that are used to convert algal biomass into sustainable fuel, including the challenges and potential of those processes. Microalgae have been shown to be a viable third-generation alternative to conventional biofuel feedstocks. The optimum production of biofuel depends on the proper selection of microalgae species based on their lipid, carbohydrate, and protein content in order to produce high-quality, sustainable biofuel. Nannochloropsis gaditana can contribute to a maximum biodiesel yield of 96.47%, whereas Nannochloropsis oculata can produce the least (25%) through the biochemical process of transesterification. Higher yields of microalgae-derived gaseous, solid and liquid fuels can be achieved by pre-treating microalgal biomass and then employing bioconversion processes such as photo-fermentation and hydrothermal carbonization.
Using mercury stable isotope fractionation to identify the contribution of historical mercury mining sources present in downstream water, sediment and fish
Authors: Eckley Chris S. , Eagles-Smith Collin , Luxton Todd P. , Hoffman Joel , Janssen Sarah
Published: February 2023

Ecosystems downstream of mercury (Hg) contaminated sites can be impacted by both localized releases as well as Hg deposited to the watershed from atmospheric transport. Identifying the source of Hg in water, sediment, and fish downstream of contaminated sites is important for determining the effectiveness of source-control remediation actions. This study uses measurements of Hg stable isotopes in soil, sediment, water, and fish to differentiate between Hg from an abandoned Hg mine from non-mine-related sources. The study site is located within the Willamette River watershed (Oregon, United States), which includes free-flowing river segments and a reservoir downstream of the mine. The concentrations of total-Hg (THg) in the reservoir fish were 4-fold higher than those further downstream (>90 km) from the mine site in free-flowing sections of the river. Mercury stable isotope fractionation analysis showed that the mine tailings (δ202Hg: −0.36‰ ± 0.03‰) had a distinctive isotopic composition compared to background soils (δ202Hg: −2.30‰ ± 0.25‰). Similar differences in isotopic composition were observed between stream water that flowed through the tailings (particulate bound δ202Hg: −0.58‰; dissolved: −0.91‰) versus a background stream (particle-bound δ202Hg: −2.36‰; dissolved: −2.09‰). Within the reservoir sediment, the Hg isotopic composition indicated that the proportion of the Hg related to mine-release increased with THg concentrations. However, in the fish samples the opposite trend was observed—the degree of mine-related Hg was lower in fish with the higher THg concentrations. While sediment concentrations clearly show the influence of the mine, the relationship in fish is more complicated due to differences in methylmercury (MeHg) formation and the foraging behavior of different fish species. The fish tissue δ13C and Δ199Hg values indicate that there is a higher influence of mine-sourced Hg in fish feeding in a more sediment-based food web and less so in planktonic and littoral-based food webs. Identifying the relative proportion of Hg from local contaminated site can help inform remediation decisions, especially when the relationship between total Hg concentrations and sources do not show similar covariation between abiotic and biotic media.
Agronomic approach to evaluate the nitrogen use efficiency of liquid, solid, and composted swine manures in corn–soybean rotation
Authors: Niu Junjie , Zhang Tiequan , Wen Guang , Zheng Zhiming , Jia Yu , Tan Chin S. , Welackey Tom
Published: February 2023

Evaluating the nitrogen (N) use efficiency of animal manure is essential to optimize its application for profitable crop production without impairing the environment. A four-year field study was conducted under corn (Zea maysL.)–soybean (Glycine maxL.) rotation in a Brookston clay loam soil using the yield control approach. Treatments included inorganic fertilizer (IN), and liquid (LM), solid (SM), and composted (CM) swine manure applied at the rate equivalent to an available N of 200 kg ha−1and a non-fertilization control (CT). Seven N use indices were employed to evaluate N use efficiency. LM obtained comparable corn yields relative to IN. Corn yield in SM was inconsistent from one year to another, and CM had minimal agronomical value in our study. Soybeans with IN posed the highest grain yields of 3,468 and 3,761 kg ha−1in 2005 and 2007, respectively. In contrast to grain yield and total N uptake, the gain N removal of either corn or soybeans was comparable between the two alternative years. The distinctions between N supply dynamics of manures and their influences on yield, grain N removal, and total above-ground plant N uptake of corn were well discriminated by N use efficiency (NUE), N uptake efficiency (NUpE), N utilization efficiency (NUtE), N agronomic efficiency (NAE), and N recovery efficiency (NRE), but not by N physiological efficiency (NPE) and N harvest index (NHI). Legacy effects on soybean yield from the preceding corn were detected by NAE and NRE. Based on grain yield in conjunction with N use efficiency parameters, the IN performed the best, followed by LM. The NUE, NUpE, NUtE, NAE, and NRE parameters used to evaluate chemical fertilizer N were also applicable to evaluate manure N efficiency.
A comprehensive model of basin ecological compensation funds—A case study of the Yellow River Basin in China
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zou Jinwen , Zhang Kaiyi
Published: February 2023

The key issue in the ecological compensation mechanism in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) is the allocation of ecological compensation funds, which need to be optimized to maximize the comprehensive benefits of compensation. In this study, a comprehensive allocation model for ecological compensation funds in the YRB was constructed using the “doughnut” framework. A pre-allocation model was used to enhance the ecological benefits and quantifies the ecological value created by the compensated subjects. A pre-allocation scheme was then determined using the pre-allocation model. The optimal allocation model focuses on benefit sharing and sets a socioeconomic discrimination index system to optimize the pre-allocation scheme. Then, an empirical analysis was conducted using data from 28 regions in the upstream YRB from 2016 to 2020. The results showed that in the pre-allocation scheme, the proportion of funds was low in the west and high in the east. Each region received compensation funds based on the ecological benefits they provide. In the optimal allocation scheme, the proportion of funds received by the central and western regions in the upstream YRB should be higher, while the proportion of funds received by provincial capitals and economically strong cities should be lower, which is in line with the actual development situation in the upstream YRB. The final scheme can effectively meet the objectives of basin-wide sustainable development, ecological benefits enhancement, and benefit sharing in the YRB. This can help achieve basin-wide sustainable development and provide a reference for determining ecological compensation fund allocation schemes in other basins.
Spatial variation patterns of vegetation and soil physicochemical properties of a typical inland riverscape on the Mongolian plateau
Authors: Ma Linqian , Fu Ruiying , Liu Huamin , Zhang Rui , Xu Zhichao , Cao Xiaoai , Liu Xuhua , Wen Lu , Zhuo Yi , Wang Lixin
Published: February 2023

The spatial distribution and heterogeneity of soil and vegetation, as the root of the maintenance of ecosystem services in the riparian zone, play a decisive role in the ecological functions of the riverscape. In this study, a field survey of wetland plant communities and soil sampling were conducted in both longitudinal and lateral dimensions from the perspective of the riverscape of the Ulgai River, a typical inland river on the Mongolian Plateau. The diversity of wetland plant communities, soil physicochemical properties, and the correlations between them were systematically analyzed. The results showed that a total of 87 species belonging to 65 genera and 24 families of plants were present, with Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Cyperaceae as the main families. The plant composition and species diversity in the riparian zone at different dimensions showed obvious spatial patterns of succession. Although the correlation coefficient and significance of the physicochemical properties of river length and river width in the study area were different, most correlations remained consistent, among which soil moisture, soil pH, and total carbon were correlated with many physicochemical factors. The soil ammonium and nitrate nitrogen along the river length direction and electrical conductivity and organic carbon content along the river width direction were the main limiting factors affecting the diversity and distribution of plant species in the riparian zone based on the redundancy analysis. This study provides a theoretical basis for the continuous improvement of the current soil quality and the restoration of the degraded wetland ecosystems of inland rivers in arid and semi-arid regions, as well as a new perspective for the study of riverscape ecology.
Current and paleoclimate models for an Atlantic Forest kissing bug indicate broader distribution outside biome delimitations
Authors: Corrêa-do-Nascimento Guilherme Sanches , Leite Gustavo Rocha
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Rhodnius domesticus is a kissing bug with known occurrence around the Atlantic coast of South America and is considered to be the only endemic species of the Atlantic Forest for the Rhodniini tribe. In this study, we aimed to indicate the species trends in possible distribution in the current and paleoclimate scenarios from the last glacial maximum (LGM).

Methods

We revised R. domesticus distribution information and created ecological niche models (ENMs) between the current time and Pleistocene end scenarios for the study regions. Models were built and validated using Maxent, KUENM, and ENMeval packages in R and ArcMap. We considered the models' uncertainty when calculating the average model variance and using mobility-oriented parity (MOP) analyses to indicate extrapolation risk areas in transfer scenarios.

Results

We found 44 different geographical species records, and our current time models indicate suitable areas in coastal regions of the Atlantic and surrounding locations in higher and lower latitudes. Paleoclimate models indicate general suitability in coastal regions and change in suitability in the interior region through time.

Discussion

Our revision and ENMs indicate two main points: Despite the fact that R. domesticus records are spatial and time concentrated in some coastal regions of the Atlantic Forest, species could have a broader distribution area, including regions outside the biome delimitations in northeast and southwest areas of South America. Paleodistribution models indicate species broader distribution in Atlantic Forest-related areas in LGM and northern interior regions of South America from late Pleistocene to the current times. In glaciation scenarios, continental shelf distribution was relevant and species' different connectivity routes with other biomes may be developed after LGM.
Wound healing and regeneration in the reef building coral Acropora millepora
Authors: Xu Jane , Mead Oliver , Moya Aurelie , Caglar Cüneyt , Miller David J. , Adamski Marcin , Adamska Maja
Published: February 2023

Branching scleractinian corals are niche-constructing organisms, providing continuously-growing, structural foundation for spectacularly biodiverse coral reef ecosystems. A large part of their success lies in the ability to quickly regenerate following mechanical damage. Even now, when the corals undergo great decline due to anthropogenic weather and storm extremes, it is surprising how little is known about molecular mechanisms governing regeneration in these iconic organisms. In this study, we used RNA-seq to identify genes involved in the regeneration of Acropora millepora, starting with the initial wound closure up to complete rebuilding of lost structures. Many of the differentially expressed genes we found in the wound healing steps are homologues of genes known to be involved in wound healing and regeneration of bilaterian and other cnidarian species, prominently including multiple components of FGF and Wnt signalling pathways. Comparison between genes involved in wound healing and continuous growth of the colony demonstrates both similarity and distinctiveness of the genetic programmes controlling these processes. A striking example is specific expression of c-Fos, a transcription factor with conserved role in early injury response, during the earliest stages of wound healing of A. millepora. By comparing results obtained in diverse experimental conditions including a closed-loop, recirculating aquarium and a flow-through system of marine station, we have demonstrated feasibility of using zooxanthellate scleractinian corals as experimental models in fundamental biology research, including studies of regeneration.
Spatial and temporal variations of grassland vegetation on the Mongolian Plateau and its response to climate change
Authors: Li Guangshuai , Yu Lingxue , Liu Tingxiang , Bao Yulong , Yu Jiaxin , Xin Bingxia , Bao Lun , Li Xuan , Chang Xinyue , Zhang Shuwen
Published: February 2023

The Mongolian Plateau is an arid and semi-arid region with grassland as its main vegetation. It has a fragile ecosystem and is a sensitive area for global warming. The study is based on MODIS NDVI data and growth season meteorological data from 2000 to 2018, this study examined the spatial and temporal variation characteristics of grassland vegetation on the Mongolian Plateau during the growing season using trend analysis, partial correlation analysis, and residual analysis, and it explores the dual response of NDVI changes to climate and human activities. The study’s findings demonstrated that the growing season average NDVI of grassland vegetation on the plateau gradually increased from southwest to northeast during the growing season; the growing season average NDVI demonstrated a significant overall increase of 0.023/10a (p < 0.05) from 2000 to 2018, with an increase rate of 0.030/10a in Inner Mongolia and 0.019/10a in Mongolia; the area showing a significant increase in NDVI during the growing season accounted for 91.36% of the entire study area. In Mongolian Plateau grasslands during the growing season of 2000–2018, precipitation and downward surface shortwave radiation grew significantly at rates of 34.83mm/10a and 0.57 W/m2/10a, respectively, while average air temperature decreased slightly at a rate of −0.018°C/10a. Changes in meteorological factors of grassland vegetation varied by region as well, with Inner Mongolia seeing higher rates of precipitation, lower rates of average air temperature, and lower rates of downward surface shortwave radiation than Mongolia. On the Mongolian Plateau, the NDVI of grassland vegetation in the growing season showed a significant positive correlation with precipitation (0.31) and a significant negative correlation with average air temperature (−0.09) and downward surface shortwave radiation (−0.19), indicating that increased in NDVI was driven by an increase in precipitation paired with a decrease in air temperature and a decrease in surface shortwave radiation. The overall increase in NDVI caused by human activity in the grasslands of the Mongolian Plateau was primarily positive, with around 18.37% of the region being beneficial. Climate change and human activity both affect NDVI variations in Mongolian Plateau grasslands, which are spatially heterogeneous. Moderate ecological engineering and agricultural production activities are crucial for vegetation recovery. This work is crucial to further understanding surface–atmosphere interactions in arid and semi-arid regions in the context of global climate change.
Precipitation preferences alter the relative importance of herbaceous plant diversity for multifunctionality in the drylands of China
Authors: Guo Hao , Zhou Xiaobing , Tao Ye , Yin Jinfei , Zhang Lan , Guo Xing , Liu Chaohong , Lin Yajun , Zhang Yuanming
Published: February 2023

Background

Multiple components of biodiversity are excellent predictors of precipitation-induced changes in ecosystem function. However, the importance of differing scales (alpha versus beta) is usually overlooked in biodiversity–ecosystem multifunctionality studies. Consequently, little is known about how precipitation regulates the relationship between multifunctionality and multiple components of alpha and beta diversity.

Aims

We investigated geographic patterns of herbaceous plant diversity and ecosystem multifunctionality along a precipitation gradient spanning more than 2010 km in Northwest China.

Methods

We assessed the effects of herbaceous species, phylogenetic, and functional components at different scales on multifunctionality in drylands.

Results

The alpha diversity of species and functional beta diversity were key components explaining the variation in multifunctionality. As the main environmental factor, MAP (mean annual precipitation) affected multifunctionality by changing the mediating variables (i.e., species alpha and functional beta diversity). More importantly, a certain precipitation threshold was detected for the relationship of multifunctionality to species alpha and functional beta diversity. MAPs of approximately 158 mm and 140 mm modulated this relationship (shifting it from uncorrelated to significantly correlated).

Conclusions

Our findings provide insights into previously neglected mechanisms by which diversity in herbaceous layers at different scales affects ecosystem multifunctionality. It is highlighted that MAP regulates the relationship between diversity and multifunctionality in dryland ecosystems at different scales. Further, diversity may have substantial consequences for multifunctionality where MAP is higher. These empirical results provide a comprehensive understanding of the biodiversity–multifunctionality relationship in the context of precipitation, ultimately contributing to conservation and restoration programs for multifunctionality in drylands.
Coastal shipping during the pandemic: Spatial assessment of the demand for passenger maritime transport
Authors: Boile Maria , Theofanis Sotirios , Perra Vasiliki-Maria , Kitsios Xenophon
Published: February 2023

Coastal shipping plays a key role in insular regions, ensuring economic, territorial and societal cohesion at national and regional level and supporting the transport of passengers, vehicles and goods. For Greece, passenger maritime transport is essential, considering its lengthy coastline (about 15,000 km) and its numerous islands, scattered within its territorial waters. This paper investigates demand for passenger maritime transport of the Greek coastal shipping before and during the pandemic through a spatial assessment based mainly on primary data provided by the responsible National Authority, thus highlighting issues to be addressed through policy and decision making. Considering that Covid-19 led to significant disruption of transport services, especially in ferry operations, demand for passenger maritime transport was almost halved during 2020. However, the supply services provided are mostly determined by the terms of the public service obligations (PSOs) that are announced by the responsible National Authority and which had to be further enhanced during the pandemic for sufficiently covering the corresponding demand. As such, the paper aims to support policy and decision making, and the implementation of relevant strategies and measures so as to maintain the proper level of services provided in the sector during emergencies.
Case report: Functional characterization of a novel CHD7 intronic variant in patients with CHARGE syndrome
Authors: Rossi Cesare , Ramadan Sherin , Evangelisti Cecilia , Ferrari Simona , Accadia Maria , Toydemir Reha M. , Panza Emanuele
Published: February 2023

Background: Because CHARGE syndrome is characterized by high clinical variability, molecular confirmation of the clinical diagnosis is of pivotal importance. Most patients have a pathogenic variant in the CHD7 gene; however, variants are distributed throughout the gene and most cases are due to de novo mutations. Often, assessing the pathogenetic effect of a variant can be challenging, requiring the design of a unique assay for each specific case.

Method: Here we describe a new CHD7 intronic variant, c.5607+17A>G, identified in two unrelated patients. In order to characterize the molecular effect of the variant, minigenes were constructed using exon trapping vectors.

Results: The experimental approach pinpoints the pathogenetic effect of the variant on CHD7 gene splicing, subsequently confirmed using cDNA synthetized from RNA extracted from patient lymphocytes. Our results were further corroborated by the introduction of other substitutions at the same nucleotide position, showing that c.5607+17A>G specifically alters splicing possibly due to the generation of a recognition motif for the recruitment of a splicing effector.

Conclusion: Here we identify a novel pathogenetic variant affecting splicing, and we provide a detailed molecular characterization and possible functional explanation.
Mapping knowledge structure and research of the biologic treatment of asthma: A bibliometric study
Authors: Sun Jiamin , Bai Shiyao , Zhao Jieyu , Li Danling , Ma Xueqing , Ma Lin , Su Xinming
Published: February 2023

Background

Bronchial asthma (asthma) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, involving a variety of cells and cellular components, that manifests clinically as recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, with or without chest tightness or cough, airway hyperresponsiveness, and variable airflow limitation. The number of people with asthma has reached 358 million worldwide and asthma causes huge economic loss. However, there is a subset of patients who are not sensitive to existing drugs and the existing drugs have many adverse effects. Therefore, it’s important to find new drugs for asthma patients.

Methods

Publications related to biologics in asthma published from 2000 to 2022 were retrieved from Web of Science Core Collection. The search strategies were as follows: topic: TS=(biologic* OR “biologic* product*” OR “biologic* therap*” OR biotherapy* OR “biologic* agent*” OR Benralizumab OR “MEDI-563” OR Fasenra OR “BIW-8405” OR Dupilumab OR SAR231893 OR “SAR-231893” OR Dupixent OR REGN668 OR “REGN-668” OR Mepolizumab OR Bosatria OR “SB-240563” OR SB240563 OR Nucala OR Omalizumab OR Xolair OR Reslizumab OR “SCH-55700” OR SCH55700 OR “CEP-38072” OR CEP38072 OR Cinqair OR “DCP-835” OR DCP835 OR Tezspire OR “tezepelumab-ekko” OR “AMG-157” OR tezspire OR “MEDI-9929” OR “MEDI-19929” OR MEDI9929 OR Itepekimab OR “REGN-3500”OR REGN3500 OR “SAR-440340”OR SAR440340 OR Tralokinumab OR “CAT-354” OR Anrukinzumab OR “IMA-638” OR Lebrikizumab OR “RO-5490255”OR “RG-3637”OR “TNX-650”OR “MILR1444A”OR “MILR-1444A”OR”PRO301444”OR “PRO-301444”OR Pitrakinra OR altrakincept OR “AMG-317”OR”AMG317” OR Etokimab OR Pascolizumab OR “IMA-026”OR Enokizumab OR “MEDI-528”OR “7F3COM-2H2” OR 7F3COM2H2 OR Brodalumab OR “KHK-4827” OR “KHK4827”OR “AMG-827”OR Siliq OR Ligelizumab OR “QGE-031” OR QGE031 OR Quilizumab OR Talizumab OR “TNX-901” OR TNX901 OR Infliximab OR Etanercept OR “PRS-060”) AND TS=asthma*. The document type was set to articles and review articles and the language restriction was set to English. Three different analysis tools including one online platform, VOS viewer1.6.18, and CiteSpace V 6.1.R1 software were used to conduct this bibliometric study.

Results

This bibliometric study included 1,267 English papers published in 244 journals from 2,012 institutions in 69 countries/regions. Omalizumab, benralizumab, mepolizumab, and tezepelumab in relation to asthma were the research hotspots in the field.

Conclusion

This study systematically uncovers a holistic picture of existing literature related to the biologic treatment of asthma over the past 20 years. We consulted scholars in order to understand key information in this field from the perspective of bibliometrics, which we believe may greatly facilitate future research in this field.
The role of macrophages-mediated communications among cell compositions of tumor microenvironment in cancer progression
Authors: Li Mengyuan , Jiang Ping , Wei Shuhua , Wang Junjie , Li Chunxiao
Published: February 2023

Recent studies have revealed that tumor-associated macrophages are the most abundant stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment and play an important role in tumor initiation and progression. Furthermore, the proportion of macrophages in the tumor microenvironment is associated with the prognosis of patients with cancer. Tumor-associated macrophages can polarize into anti-tumorigenic phenotype (M1) and pro-tumorigenic phenotype (M2) by the stimulation of T-helper 1 and T-helper 2 cells respectively, and then exert opposite effects on tumor progression. Besides, there also is wide communication between tumor-associated macrophages and other immune compositions, such as cytotoxic T cells, regulatory T cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, neutrophils and so on. Furthermore, the crosstalk between tumor-associated macrophages and other immune cells greatly influences tumor development and treatment outcomes. Notably, many functional molecules and signaling pathways have been found to participate in the interactions between tumor-associated macrophages and other immune cells and can be targeted to regulate tumor progression. Therefore, regulating these interactions and CAR-M therapy are considered to be novel immunotherapeutic pathways for the treatment of malignant tumors. In this review, we summarized the interactions between tumor-associated macrophages and other immune compositions in the tumor microenvironment and the underlying molecular mechanisms and analyzed the possibility to block or eradicate cancer by regulating tumor-associated macrophage-related tumor immune microenvironment.
Pterostilbene, an active constituent of blueberries, enhances innate immune activation and restricts enterovirus D68 infection
Authors: Yang Qingran , Li Huili , Li Zhaoxue , Yang Jiaxin , Zhang Zhe , Zhang Lili , Guo Haoran , Wei Wei
Published: February 2023

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is a globally re-emerging respiratory pathogen implicated in outbreaks of severe respiratory illnesses and associated with acute flaccid myelitis. However, effective vaccines or treatments for EV-D68 infections remain scarce. We demonstrated that the active constituent of blueberries, pterostilbene (Pte), and its major metabolite, pinostilbene (Pin), facilitated innate immune responses in EV-D68-infected human respiratory cells. Pte and Pin treatment clearly relieved EV-D68-triggered cytopathic effects. Importantly, both Pte and Pin disrupted viral RNA replication (EC50 rank from 1.336 to 4.997 µM) and infectious virion production in a dose-dependent manner, without cytotoxicity at virucidal concentrations. Pte- or Pin-treated respiratory cells did not show any influences on EV-D68 entry but showed substantially decreased viral RNA replication and protein synthesis. Finally, we showed that Pte and Pin broadly suppressed the replication capacity of circulating EV-D68 strains isolated from recent pandemics. In summary, our results suggest that Pte and its derivative, Pin, enhance host immune recognition of EV-D68 and suppress EV-D68 replication, which represents a promising strategy for antiviral drug development.
Chrysanthemum sporopollenin: A novel vaccine delivery system for nasal mucosal immunity
Authors: Liu Jun , Yan Xiao-Dan , Li Xian-Qiang , Du Yu-Hao , Zhu Li-Li , Ye Tian-Tian , Cao Ze-Ying , Dong Zhe-Wen , Li Shu-Tao , Xu Xue , Bai Wei , Li Dan , Zhang Ji-Wen , Wang Shu-Jun , Li Shan-Hu , Sun Jin , Yin Xian-Zhen
Published: February 2023

Objective

Mucosal immunization was an effective defender against pathogens. Nasal vaccines could activate both systemic and mucosal immunity to trigger protective immune responses. However, due to the weak immunogenicity of nasal vaccines and the lack of appropriate antigen carriers, very few nasal vaccines have been clinically approved for human use, which was a major barrier to the development of nasal vaccines. Plant-derived adjuvants are promising candidates for vaccine delivery systems due to their relatively safe immunogenic properties. In particular, the distinctive structure of pollen was beneficial to the stability and retention of antigen in the nasal mucosa.

Methods

Herein, a novel wild-type chrysanthemum sporopollenin vaccine delivery system loaded with a w/o/w emulsion containing squalane and protein antigen was fabricated. The unique internal cavities and the rigid external walls within the sporopollenin skeleton construction could preserve and stabilize the inner proteins. The external morphological characteristics were suitable for nasal mucosal administration with high adhesion and retention.

Results

Secretory IgA antibodies in the nasal mucosa can be induced by the w/o/w emulsion with the chrysanthemum sporopollenin vaccine delivery system. Moreover, the nasal adjuvants produce a stronger humoral response (IgA and IgG) compared to squalene emulsion adjuvant. Mucosal adjuvant benefited primarily from prolongation of antigens in the nasal cavity, improvement of antigen penetration in the submucosa and promotion of CD8+ T cells in spleen.

Disccusion

Based on effective delivering both the adjuvant and the antigen, the increase of protein antigen stability and the realization of mucosal retention, the chrysanthemum sporopollenin vaccine delivery system has the potential to be a promising adjuvant platform. This work provide a novel idea for the fabrication of protein-mucosal delivery vaccine.
Associational protection of urban ash trees treated with systemic insecticides against emerald ash borer
Authors: Mwangola Dorah M. , Kees Aubree M. , Grosman Donald M. , Norris Kari E. , Maddox Mitchell P. , Aukema Brian H.
Published: February 2023

Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus plannipenis Fairmaire, is an invasive insect accidentally introduced to North America from Asia that attacks and kills ash trees (Fraxinus spp.). A common control strategy in urban centers has been the injection of systemic insecticides into mature trees, which can be costly at large scales. This study investigated whether treating a subset of a susceptible urban ash population could confer associational protection to untreated trees; i.e. improving or maintaining crown health of the latter. We selected approximately 100 mature ash trees along city streets in each of 12 sites in central and southeastern Minnesota in 2017. Each site had low but growing infestations of EAB such that canopy decline was not yet widespread. We treated 50% of trees with emamectin benzoate in eight sites and 50% of trees in four sites with azadirachtin in site-wide spatial gradients, such that the remaining 50% of trees at all sites were left untreated. Crown health of all trees was monitored for five years (2017 to 2021). Across all sites, we noted an overall maintenance or increase in crown health of both treated and untreated trees, while groups of untreated reference trees approximately three km distant from each site to monitor general tree health and EAB pressure declined quickly. These results suggested that protective benefits were conferred by treated trees to untreated trees within sites. Quantifying the spatial scale of canopy preservation of untreated trees within sites proved challenging due to the lack of variation in crown condition between treated and untreated trees. In two of the twelve sites treated with emamectin benzoate, we noted statistical evidence of improvements in crown condition of untreated trees when located within 100m of treated trees. Treating a subset of a susceptible ash population may aid in preserving untreated trees and provides a basis for developing a more cost-effective and environmentally favorable treatment regimen against EAB.
Community structure of benthic molluscs shaped by environmental and ecological variables in the coastal waters of Changle, Fujian Province, China
Authors: Liu Cai-lian , Xu Qing , Wang Zhi , Jiang Xiao-bin , Ding Guang-mao , Ren Qing-qiang , Song Jia-hao , Liu Min
Published: February 2023

To understand the community structure of benthic molluscs and their relationship under varying environmental and ecological conditions, monthly samplings in April−September 2019 were conducted at 27 stations in an approximate sea area of 20,600 ha (Changle District, Fujian Province, China). Forty-five species were identified, most as food; six dominant species, all bivalves and commercially important, were determined by the index of relative importance > 500. The average abundance and biomass were 308.32 × 103 ± 1,156.24 × 103 ind./km2 and 1,423.71 ± 2,272.37 kg/km2, respectively. Three spatial community groups were identified, named Min River Estuary, Nearshore, and Offshore, with significant differences in species composition and abundance (ANOSIM, p < 0.01). Results of the canonical correlation analysis indicated that the community structure of benthic molluscs was significantly related to water depth, pH, salinity, temperature, phytoplankton abundance and zooplankton abundance (p < 0.1). As the important habitat for benthic molluscs, long-term monitoring in the coastal waters of Changle is needed for sustainable harvest.
Comparing serum ferritin levels during COVID-19 infection and recovery period in pediatric patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia, a single-center study
Authors: Marhaeni Wulandewi , Felicia Fabiola Vania , Sumadi Jap Arvin Leonard , Hartoyo Edi , Andayani Pudji
Published: February 2023

Background

Ferritin has been recognized as a predictor of severity among Coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) patients. Studies have shown higher levels of ferritin in patients with COVID-19 than in healthy children. Patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) basically have high ferritin level due to iron overload. It is uncertain whether serum ferritin level in these patients is associated with COVID-19 infection.

Objective

To evaluate ferritin levels in TDT with COVID-19 before, during, and after the course of infection.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled all TDT children with COVID-19 infection that were hospitalized in Ulin General Hospital Banjarmasin during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 to June 2022). Data were collected from medical records.

Results

There were 14 patients included in this study, 5 patients had mild symptoms and 9 patients were asymptomatic. The mean of hemoglobin level upon admission was 8.1 ± 3 g/dL and serum ferritin level were 5148.5 ± 2651.8 ng/mL. The average serum ferritin level during COVID-19 infection was 2373.2 ng/mL higher than before infection and then decreased by 952.4 ng/mL after infection. We found no association of increasing serum ferritin with patients’ symptoms (p= 0.27). The severity of anemia also was not correlated with the presentation of COVID-19 infection (p= 0.902).

Conclusion

Serum ferritin levels in TDT children may not reflect disease severity or predict poor outcomes during COVID-19 infection. However, the presence of other co-morbid conditions/confounders warrants cautious interpretation.
Development and validation of a questionnaire about hidden curriculum in medical institutes: A pilot study
Authors: Rauf Ayesha , Fatima Fozia , Gilani Rehama , Shabnam Nadia
Published: February 2023

The goal of the current study was to develop and validate a questionnaire that would reveal characteristics of medical hidden curricula. It is an extension of the qualitative research that was done by researchers on hidden curriculum, and a second part of the qualitative was the creation of a questionnaire by a panel of experts. Using both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the quantitative portion, the questionnaire was verified. The sample size was 301, and the participants, who were from medical institutes, were both genders and between the ages of 18 and 25. First, a thematic analysis of the qualitative portion was used to create a 90-item questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire’s content was certified by the expert panel. A 39-item questionnaire was subsequently created after the items that overlapped and the items that did not represent the particular theme were eliminated. After that, we validated the survey. A total of 39 high-loading components made up the six variables of EFA, which explained 62% of the variance. The 33-item questionnaire, from which six items were deleted, was found to have satisfactory psychometric qualities. As a result, the accountability of faculty and students in curricula and extracurricular activities combined with equal opportunity is one factor, communication and relationships with stakeholders combined with evidence-based reforms and implementations are the second factors, and student-centeredness and empowerment as the third main factor of the hidden curriculum are all considered to be important factors. All these three main constructs were collectively used to measure hidden curricula in medical institutes.