bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Chemical Solutes and Mineral Dust in Ice of the Ablation Area of a Glacier in Tien Shan Mountains, Central Asia
Authors: Chen Yunjie , Takeuchi Nozomu , Wang Feiteng , Li Zhongqin 
Published: June 2022

Diverse microbial communities live on glacial surfaces, with abundances and diversities dictated by the chemical and physical conditions of the supraglacial environment. Chemical solutes and mineral dust on glacial surfaces are generally derived from the atmosphere as aerosols, but they can also be supplied from glacial ice. In this study, a 56-m ice core from the ablation area of a mountain glacier in the Tien Shan Mountains of Central Asia was analyzed to characterize the chemical solutes and mineral dust in glacial ice. Soluble chemical ion and mineral dust analysis in the ice core showed that their concentrations varied with depth. The most dominant ion was Ca2+ (mean: 79.8 μEq L−1), followed by Cl−, SO42-, NH4+, and NO3−. The mean dust concentration in the glacial ice was 2.5 ×105 number ml−1. Chemical solute and mineral dust concentrations in the samples indicate that melting glacial ice could potentially affect supraglacial conditions. The annual fluxes of the major ions outcropping from glacial ice were estimated based on their concentrations and the observed melt rate of the ice surface. Consequently, they were comparable to or higher than those from the atmosphere. The mean mass flux of mineral dust from glacial ice was greater than that from the atmosphere. Our results showed that glacial ice supplies chemical solutes and mineral dust to the supraglacial environment and that changing melting rates of glacial ice would affect the chemical conditions on the glacier surface and the growth of photoautotrophs on the ablating ice surface.
Association of Obesity With COVID-19 Severity and Mortality: An Updated Systemic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression
Authors: Singh Romil , Rathore Sawai Singh , Khan Hira , Karale Smruti , Chawla Yogesh , Iqbal Kinza , Bhurwal Abhishek , Tekin Aysun , Jain Nirpeksh , Mehra Ishita , Anand Sohini , Reddy Sanjana , Sharma Nikhil , Sidhu Guneet Singh , Panagopoulos Anastasios , Pattan Vishwanath , Kashyap Rahul , Bansal Vikas 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundObesity affects the course of critical illnesses. We aimed to estimate the association of obesity with the severity and mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.Data SourcesA systematic search was conducted from the inception of the COVID-19 pandemic through to 13 October 2021, on databases including Medline (PubMed), Embase, Science Web, and Cochrane Central Controlled Trials Registry. Preprint servers such as BioRxiv, MedRxiv, ChemRxiv, and SSRN were also scanned.Study Selection and Data ExtractionFull-length articles focusing on the association of obesity and outcome in COVID-19 patients were included. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were used for study selection and data extraction. Our Population of interest were COVID-19 positive patients, obesity is our Intervention/Exposure point, Comparators are Non-obese vs obese patients The chief outcome of the study was the severity of the confirmed COVID-19 positive hospitalized patients in terms of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) or the requirement of invasive mechanical ventilation/intubation with obesity. All-cause mortality in COVID-19 positive hospitalized patients with obesity was the secondary outcome of the study.ResultsIn total, 3,140,413 patients from 167 studies were included in the study. Obesity was associated with an increased risk of severe disease (RR=1.52, 95% CI 1.41-1.63, p&lt;0.001, I2 = 97%). Similarly, high mortality was observed in obese patients (RR=1.09, 95% CI 1.02-1.16, p=0.006, I2 = 97%). In multivariate meta-regression on severity, the covariate of the female gender, pulmonary disease, diabetes, older age, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension was found to be significant and explained R2 = 40% of the between-study heterogeneity for severity. The aforementioned covariates were found to be significant for mortality as well, and these covariates collectively explained R2 = 50% of the between-study variability for mortality.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that obesity is significantly associated with increased severity and higher mortality among COVID-19 patients. Therefore, the inclusion of obesity or its surrogate body mass index in prognostic scores and improvement of guidelines for patient care management is recommended.
Alterations of Gut Microbiome and Metabolite Profiles Associated With Anabatic Lipid Dysmetabolism in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Lu Ganghua , Yu Xiaqing , Jiang Wen , Luo Qiong , Tong Junyu , Fan Suyun , Chai Li , Gao Dingwei , Qiao Tingting , Wang Ru , Deng Chengwen , Lv Zhongwei , Li Dan 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundCurrently, the high morbidity of individuals with thyroid cancer (TC) is an increasing health care burden worldwide. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship among the gut microbiota community, metabolites, and the development of differentiated thyroid cancer.Methods16S rRNA gene sequencing and an integrated LC–MS-based metabolomics approach were performed to obtain the components and characteristics of fecal microbiota and metabolites from 50 patients with TC and 58 healthy controls (HCs).ResultsThe diversity and richness of the gut microbiota in the TC patients were markedly decreased. The composition of the gut microbiota was significantly altered, and the Bacteroides enterotype was the dominant enterotype in TC patients. Additionally, the diagnostic validity of the combined model (three genera and eight metabolites) and the metabolite model (six metabolites) were markedly higher than that of the microbial model (seven genera) for distinguishing TC patients from HCs. LEfSe analysis demonstrated that genera (g_Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, g_Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group) and metabolites [27-hydroxycholesterol (27HC), cholesterol] closely related to lipid metabolism were greatly reduced in the TC group. In addition, a clinical serum indicator (total cholesterol) and metabolites (27HC and cholesterol) had the strongest influence on the sample distribution. Furthermore, functional pathways related to steroid biosynthesis and lipid digestion were inhibited in the TC group. In the microbiota-metabolite network, 27HC was significantly related to metabolism-related microorganisms (g_Christensenellaceae_R-7_group).ConclusionsOur research explored the characteristics of the gut microecology of patients with TC. The findings of this study will help to discover risk factors that affect the occurrence and development of TC in the intestinal microecology.
Observed Changes in Extreme Temperature and Precipitation Indices on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, 1960–2016
Authors: Gong Xiangwen , Wang Xuyang , Li Yuqiang , Ma Lei , Li Manyi , Si Hongtao 
Published: June 2022

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), also known as the Earth’s “third pole,” is sensitive to climate change due to its extensive areas at high elevation, which are presently dominated by snow and ice. Based on daily observations from 1960 to 2016 at 94 meteorological stations, we quantified and compared changes in climate extremes on China’s QTP using 16 extreme temperature indices and 11 extreme precipitation indices, which calculated using colder (1961–1990) and warmer (1988–2016) base periods, respectively. The study showed that when a warmer base period is used, the trend magnitude of the cold temperature indices is amplified, while the trend magnitude of the warm temperature indices and the percentile-based precipitation indices are diminished. The regionally averaged temperature index trends were consistent with global warming, namely warmth indices such as the number of warm days, warm nights, summer days, and tropical nights all showed significant increases. However, the cold indices, such as the number of cool days, cool nights, ice days, and frost days, decreased significantly. The number of frost days and ice days decreased the fastest (3.9 and 2.9 days/decade, respectively), while the length of the growing season increased the fastest (2.9 days/decade). The warming trend strengthened with increasing latitude, and the occurrences of daytime extreme temperature events increased with increasing longitude. In addition, cold temperature events increased in frequency and intensity at high elevations, while warm temperature events decreased. We also found that average monthly maximum 1-day precipitation and maximum consecutive 5-day precipitation increased by 0.1 and 0.3 mm per decade, respectively. Extreme precipitation occurrences were more common in places with low latitudes and high longitudes. The strengthening Subtropical High Area (SHA) and Subtropical High Intensity (SHI), Westward movement of Subtropical High Western Ridge Point (SHW) have contributed to the changes in climate extremes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The study’s findings will provide a more comprehensive reference for predicting the occurrence of extreme events and improving the region’s disaster prevention capability.
DNA Damage Response Evaluation Provides Novel Insights for Personalized Immunotherapy in Glioma
Authors: Chen Mu , Huang Bingsong , Zhu Lei , Wang Qi , Pang Ying , Cheng Meng , Lian Hao , Liu Min , Zhao Kaijun , Xu Siyi , Zhang Jing , Zhong Chunlong 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundDNA damage response (DDR) proficiency is the principal mechanism of temozolomide (TMZ) resistance in glioma. Accumulating evidence has also suggested the determining role of DDR in anticancer immunity. We propose that a comprehensive investigation of the DDR landscape can optimize glioma treatment.MethodsWe identified the pronounced enrichment of DDR in TMZ-resistant glioma cells by RNA sequencing. Nine differentially expressed genes between TMZ-sensitive/resistant glioma cells were selected to construct the DDR score through lasso regression analysis. Two glioma cohorts from TCGA and CGGA were interrogated to evaluate the predictive ability of DDR score. Multiple algorithms were applied to estimate the immunotherapeutic responses of two DDR phenotypes. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the protein levels of PD-L1 and TGFβ in glioma specimens. The oncoPredict package was employed to predict the candidate chemotherapy agents.ResultsDDR score exhibited a robust prognostic capability in TCGA and CGGA cohorts and served as an independent predictive biomarker in glioma patients. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that high and low DDR score groups were characterized by distinct immune activity and metabolic processes. Elevated levels of infiltrating immune cells (including CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and dendritic cells) were observed in the high DDR score glioma. Further, high DDR scores correlated with increased mutation burden, up-regulated immune checkpoints, and tumor immunity activation, indicating a profound interplay between DDR score and glioma immunogenicity. In addition, PD-L1 and TGFβ were overexpressed in recurrent glioma specimens compared with primary ones. Finally, we estimated that PI3K inhibitors may serve as latent regimens for high DDR score patients.ConclusionOur study highlighted the promising prognostic role of DDR score in glioma. Individual assessment of DDR status for patients with glioma may provide new clues for developing immunotherapeutic strategies.
Estrogen May Enhance Toll-Like Receptor 4-Induced Inflammatory Pathways in People With HIV: Implications for Transgender Women on Hormone Therapy
Authors: Kettelhut Aaren , Bowman Emily , Gabriel Janelle , Hand Brittany , Liyanage Namal P. M. , Kulkarni Manjusha , Avila-Soto Frances , Lake Jordan E. , Funderburg Nicholas T. 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundTransgender women (TW) are at increased risk for both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Antiretroviral therapy-treated HIV has been associated with a two-fold increased risk of CVD, potentially due to dysregulated Toll-like receptor (TLR)-induced immune activation. Use of estrogens in feminizing hormone therapy (FHT) may enhance inflammatory responses and the risk of cardiovascular mortality in TW. Despite this, the immunomodulatory effects of estrogen use in TW with HIV have been inadequately explored.MethodsAs an in vitro model for FHT, cryopreserved PBMCs (cryoPBMCs) from HIV negative (HIV-), HIV+ ART-suppressed (HIV+SP), and HIV+ ART-unsuppressed (HIV+USP) cisgender men were cultured overnight in the presence of 17-β estradiol or 17-α ethinylestradiol with and without the TLR4 agonist LPS or the TLR8 agonist ssPolyU. Monocyte activation (CD69, HLA-DR, CD38) was assessed by flow cytometry. Cytokine levels (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10) were measured in cell culture supernatants by Legendplex. Levels of phosphorylated TLR signaling molecules (JNK, MAPK p38) were assessed by Phosflow. Plasma levels of immune activation biomarkers (LPS-binding protein, monocyte activation markers sCD14 and sCD163, and inflammatory molecules IL-6 and TNF-α receptor I) were measured by ELISA.ResultsPBMCs from people with HIV (PWH) produced greater levels of inflammatory cytokines following exposure to LPS or ssPolyU compared to levels from cells of HIV- individuals. While estrogen exposure alone induced mild changes in immune activation, LPS-induced TLR4 activation was elevated with estrogen in cisgender men (CM) with HIV, increasing monocyte activation and inflammatory cytokine production (IL-6, TNF-α). Interestingly, testosterone inhibited LPS-induced cytokine production in CM regardless of HIV status. Plasma markers of immune activation and microbial translocation (e.g., sCD14, sCD163, LPS-binding protein) were generally higher in PWH compared to HIV- CM, and these markers were positively associated with in vitro responsiveness to estrogen and LPS in CM with HIV.ConclusionsOur in vitro data suggest that estrogen exposure may enhance innate immune activation in PWH. Further examination is needed to fully understand the complex interactions of FHT, HIV, and CVD in TW, and determine optimal FHT regimens or supplementary treatments aimed at reducing excess immune activation.
Fasciola hepatica Fatty Acid Binding Protein 1 Modulates T cell Polarization by Promoting Dendritic Cell Thrombospondin-1 Secretion Without Affecting Metabolic Homeostasis in Obese Mice
Authors: Zawistowska-Deniziak Anna , Lambooij Joost M. , Kalinowska Alicja , Patente Thiago A. , Łapiński Maciej , van der Zande Hendrik J. P. , Basałaj Katarzyna , de Korne Clarize M. , Chayé Mathilde A. M. , Gasan Thomas A. , Norbury Luke J. , Giera Martin , Zaldumbide Arnaud , Smits Hermelijn H. , Guigas Bruno 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundThe parasitic trematode Fasciola hepatica evades host immune defenses through secretion of various immunomodulatory molecules. Fatty Acid Binding Proteins (fhFABPs) are among the main excreted/secreted proteins and have been shown to display anti-inflammatory properties. However, little is currently known regarding their impact on dendritic cells (DCs) and their subsequent capacity to prime specific CD4+ T cell subsets.Methodology/Principal FindingsThe immunomodulatory effects of both native F. hepatica extracts and recombinant fhFABPs were assessed on monocyte-derived human DCs (moDCs) and the underlying mechanism was next investigated using various approaches, including DC-allogenic T cell co-culture and DC phenotyping through transcriptomic, proteomic and FACS analyses. We mainly showed that fhFABP1 induced a tolerogenic-like phenotype in LPS-stimulated moDCs characterized by a dose-dependent increase in the cell-surface tolerogenic marker CD103 and IL-10 secretion, while DC co-stimulatory markers were not affected. A significant decrease in secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-12p70 and IL-6 was also observed. In addition, these effects were associated with an increase in both Th2-on-Th1 ratio and IL-10 secretion by CD4+ T cells following DC-T cell co-culture. RNA sequencing and targeted proteomic analyses identified thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) as a non-canonical factor highly expressed and secreted by fhFABP1-primed moDCs. The effect of fhFABP1 on T cell skewing was abolished when using a TSP-1 blocking antibody during DC-T cell co-culture. Immunomodulation by helminth molecules has been linked to improved metabolic homeostasis during obesity. Although fhFABP1 injection in high-fat diet-fed obese mice induced a potent Th2 immune response in adipose tissue, it did not improved insulin sensitivity or glucose homeostasis.Conclusions/SignificanceWe show that fhFABP1 modulates T cell polarization, notably by promoting DC TSP-1 secretion in vitro, without affecting metabolic homeostasis in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes.
Survival Strategies of Mangrove (Ceriops tagal (perr.) C. B. Rob) and the Inspired Corrosion Inhibitor
Authors: Cui Miaomiao , Wang Zuankai , Wang Bin 
Published: June 2022

Corrosion is ubiquitous, inevitable, and very common in our daily lives; it has been one of the most significant challenges and needs to be addressed for the development of modern society. Corrosion-resisting strategies found in nature have been promising for many halophytes surviving in marine tidal zones facing high salinity and humidity. Among the halophytes, mangroves have developed a lot of functions to deal with such extreme conditions that could provide novel inspirations for the fabrication of engineering materials, especially for materials resisting corrosion. In this study, we first investigated two survival strategies of mangroves, namely, functional salt-secreting and mangrove tannin composite. Salt-secreting realized by mangrove salt glands could make mangroves excrete excessive salt and avoid harmful effects. On the other hand, mangrove tannins existing in large quantities in mangrove bark could help the mangroves survive some marine bacteria. Inspired by the functional mangrove tannins, we developed a corrosion inhibitor to protect Q235 carbon steel in acid 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. Furthermore, we found that the mangrove-inspired corrosion inhibitor could be adsorbed at the metal–solution interface, functioning as a cathodic inhibitor with 60.51% anti-corrosion efficiency.
Using the Health Belief Model to Predict Vaccination Intention Among COVID-19 Unvaccinated People in Thai Communities
Authors: Seangpraw Katekaew , Pothisa Tharadon , Boonyathee Sorawit , Ong-Artborirak Parichat , Tonchoy Prakasit , Kantow Supakan , Auttama Nisarat , Choowanthanapakorn Monchanok 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become one of the biggest challenges to individual health and the public health system worldwide. COVID-19 morbidity and mortality are increasing, impacting almost every country including Thailand. This study used the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a framework to examine the intention of unvaccinated people living in northern Thailand to receive COVID-19 vaccines.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted during October and November 2021. A total of 1,024 participants who are currently living in four northern provinces of Thailand, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, and Phayao, were recruited to participate in the study. The questionnaire was developed using an HBM structure to obtain information about the perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, perceived benefits and barriers, cues to action, and preventive behaviors relating to COVID-19 vaccination and the decision to become vaccinated. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the data.ResultsThe unvaccinated participants were an average of 44.45 ± 16.63 years of age and more than half were women (54.5%). The COVID-19 preventive behavior score used perceived severity (B = 0.26), self-efficacy (B = 0.51), perceived benefits and barriers (B = 0.11), and cues to action (B = 0.18) after adjusting for age, underlying disease, and body mass index (R2 = 42.5%). The COVID-19 vaccination decision score was positively correlated with perceived severity (B = 0.13), perceived susceptibility (B = 0.25), perceived benefits and barriers (B = 0.21), and cues to action (B = 0.27) after adjusting for underlying disease (R2 = 38.7%).DiscussionThe results demonstrated the usefulness of using the HBM structure to understand individual intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Communities should consider a COVID-19 health campaign and programs that use the HBM model as a framework for altering perceptions and beliefs about the COVID-19 vaccine and improving vaccination rates among unvaccinated people in rural northern Thailand.
Acute and Protracted Prenatal Stress Produce Mood Disorder-Like and Ethanol Drinking Behaviors in Male and Female Adult Offspring
Authors: Dong Erbo , Zhang Huaibo , Chu Alison , Pandey Subhash C. 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundAlcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex and chronic relapsing brain disease, which is often co-morbid with psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression. AUD phenotypes differ in men and women. Although genetic factors play an important role in its pathophysiology, epidemiologic evidence suggests that during prenatal development, individuals are more vulnerable to the negative effects of environmental factors that may predispose them to AUD later in life. We explored the effects of prenatal stress on the development of AUD phenotypes as well as anxiety- and depression-like behaviors using rat model.MethodsIn this study, timed-pregnant Sprague Dawley dams were used. Dams in the control group were left undisturbed throughout gestation, whereas dams in stress groups were either subjected to protracted or acute restraint stress under bright light. At adulthood, the anxiety-like, ethanol drinking, and sucrose drinking behaviors were measured using the Light/Dark Box test and two-bottle free-choice procedure.ResultsCompared to the control group, both the male and female offspring in the stress groups exhibited anxiety-like behavior and consumed significantly higher amounts of ethanol in which the acute stress group demonstrated the higher ethanol preference. Moreover, male but not female offspring from the stress groups had decreased sucrose preferences.ConclusionThese findings suggest that protracted and acute prenatal stress in late pregnancy can induce in anxiety-, depressive-like behaviors, and excessive ethanol intake in adult offspring.