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Cell-to-cell and organ-to-organ crosstalk in the pathogenesis of alcohol-associated liver disease
(BMJ, 2024) Gao, Hui; Jiang, Yanchao; Zeng, Ge; Huda, Nazmul; Thoudam, Themis; Yang, Zhihong; Liangpunsakul, Suthat; Ma, Jing; Medicine, School of Medicine
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a growing global health concern and its prevalence and severity are increasing steadily. While bacterial endotoxin translocation into the portal circulation is a well-established key factor, recent evidence highlights the critical role of sterile inflammation, triggered by diverse stimuli, in alcohol-induced liver injury. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex interactions within the hepatic microenvironment in ALD. It examines the contributions of both parenchymal cells, like hepatocytes, and non-parenchymal cells, such as hepatic stellate cells, Kupffer cells, neutrophils, and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, in driving the progression of the disease. Additionally, we explored the involvement of key mediators, including cytokines, chemokines and inflammasomes, which regulate inflammatory responses and promote liver injury and fibrosis. A particular focus has been placed on extracellular vesicles (EVs) as essential mediators of intercellular communication both within and beyond the liver. These vesicles facilitate the transfer of signalling molecules, such as microRNAs and proteins, which modulate immune responses, fibrogenesis and lipid metabolism, thereby influencing disease progression. Moreover, we underscore the importance of organ-to-organ crosstalk, particularly in the gut-liver axis, where dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability lead to microbial translocation, exacerbating hepatic inflammation. The adipose-liver axis is also highlighted, particularly the impact of adipokines and free fatty acids from adipose tissue on hepatic steatosis and inflammation in the context of alcohol consumption.
Distinct epiphyte responses to drought in tropical mountain cloud forests
(Wiley, 2023-10) Tsai, Yi-Chen; Wang, Lixin; Wang, Chiao-Ping; Lin, Teng-Chiu; Earth and Environmental Sciences, School of Science
Epiphytes are often considered to be significantly impacted by precipitation changes because their lack of direct access to soil water. However, few in situ studies have examined how reduction in water availability may affect epiphyte growth. Using a unique stemflow collection and diversion device, we examined the effects of stemflow reduction of 25% and 50% on the growth and leaf traits of two common but distinct epiphyte species in a subtropical forest. One species (Asplenium nidus) has a large substrate, and another (Haplopteris zosterifolia) without known water storage structure. The 25% stemflow reduction had limited effects on the growth and leaf traits of the two epiphytes, indicating that 25% stemflow reduction did not reach the water stress threshold for the two epiphytes. It is also possible that the actual reduction in water availability was less than 25% since epiphytes do not use all available stemflow and there could be other sources of water such as fog and throughfall. The 50% stemflow reduction reduced leaf number and leaf area of H. zosterifolia, but not A. nidus, likely because water stored in the large substrate of A. nidus mitigated the impact of stemflow reduction. The thinner leaves, smaller leaf dry matter content, and lower δ13C of A. nidus than H. zosterifolia support the role of water storage of the substrate of A. nidus on mitigating water stress. The 50% stemflow reduction increased leaf thickness, leaf dry matter content of H. zosterifolia, and thickness of abaxial cuticle layer of both epiphytes but had no effect on δ13C. Stemflow reduction had no effects on nutrient concentration and nutrient ratios of both epiphytes suggesting that the epiphytes were able to maintain stoichiometry. Our results indicate that the epiphytes minimized nonstomatal water loss when environmental dryness increased but maintained stomata conductance, which could be important in minimizing the impacts of drought on plant growth and quickly resuming growth once drought ends. Our study highlights that not all epiphytes are similarly vulnerable to drought and precipitation reduction may change the relative abundance of epiphytes with and without water storage structure.
Müllerian anomalies and endometriosis: associations and phenotypic variations
(Springer Nature, 2024-12-19) Bhamidipaty-Pelosi, Surya; Kyei-Barffour, Isaac; Volpert, Marianna; O’Neill, Nora; Grimshaw, Alyssa; Eriksson, Lars; Vash-Margita, Alla; Pelosi, Emanuele; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine
Müllerian anomalies are congenital conditions characterized by the incomplete development of the female reproductive tract. Women affected by Müllerian anomalies often display additional malformations of the renal, skeletal, and cardiovascular system, and are at a higher risk for infertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Several Müllerian anomalies have been reported in association with endometriosis, but it is unclear if all classes or anatomical variations are associated with the disease. Most importantly, both Müllerian anomalies and endometriosis can manifest with a wide degree of variability, adding further complexity to their poorly defined relationship. Retrograde menstruation occurring in obstructive Müllerian anomalies is a well-accepted mechanism for the development of endometriosis. However, endometriosis can occur following surgical correction of the anomaly or in the absence of obstruction. This suggests that other mechanisms may be involved, although the specific pathogenesis remains elusive. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the current state of clinical research on endometriosis in Müllerian anomalies. This review also highlights research and knowledge gaps, informing the development of future experimental designs to address current limitations including heterogeneity of phenotypes, variable comorbidities, and lack of genetic information.
Feasibility of Utilizing Electronic Dental Record Data and Periodontitis Case Definition to Automate Diagnosis
(IOS, 2024) Patel, Jay; Shin, Daniel; Willis, Lisa; Zai, Ahad; Thyvalikakath, Thankam; Dental Public Health and Dental Informatics, School of Dentistry
Periodontitis is an irreversible disease leading to tooth loss, and 42% U.S. population suffers from periodontitis. Hence, diagnosing, monitoring, and determining its prevalence is critical to develop preventive strategies. However, a nationwide epidemiological study estimating the prevalence reported a concern about the discontinuation of such studies due to cost and ethical reasons. Therefore, this study determined the feasibility of utilizing electronic dental record (EDR) data and periodontitis case definition to automate periodontitis diagnosis. We utilized EDR data from the Indiana University School of Dentistry of 28,908 unique patients. We developed and tested a computer algorithm to diagnose periodontitis using the case definition. We found 44%, 22%, and 1% of patients with moderate, severe, and mild periodontitis, respectively. The algorithm worked with 100% sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy because of the excellent quality of the EDR data. We concluded the feasibility of providing automated periodontitis diagnosis from EDR data to conduct epidemiological studies across the US.
Fire in the Earth System: Introduction to the Special Collection
(Wiley, 2023-04) East, Amy; AghaKouchak, Amir; Caprarelli, Graziella; Filippelli, Gabriel; Florindo, Fabio; Luce, Charles; Rajaram, Harihar; Russell, Lynn; Santin, Cristina; Santos, Isaac; Earth and Environmental Sciences, School of Science
Fire has always been an important component of many ecosystems, but anthropogenic global climate change is now altering fire regimes over much of Earth's land surface, spurring a more urgent need to understand the physical, biological, and chemical processes associated with fire as well as its effects on human societies. In 2020, AGU launched a Special Collection that spanned 10 journals, soliciting papers under the theme “Fire in the Earth System” to encourage state-of-the-art publications in fire-related science. The completed Special Collection comprises more than 100 papers. Here, we summarize the articles published in this collection, considering them to be grouped into seven themes: paleofire and its ties to climate; evolution of fire patterns in the recent past and the future, including the effects of ongoing climate change; physical (atmospheric) and chemical processes associated with fire; ecosystem effects, including on biogeochemical cycles; physical landscape change after fire and its associated hazards; fire effects on water quality, air quality, and human health; and new methods and technologies applied to fire research.