bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auxin/Cytokinin Antagonistic Control of the Shoot/Root Growth Ratio and Its Relevance for Adaptation to Drought and Nutrient Deficiency Stresses
Authors: Kurepa Jasmina , Smalle Jan A.
Published: February 2022

The hormones auxin and cytokinin regulate numerous aspects of plant development and often act as an antagonistic hormone pair. One of the more striking examples of the auxin/cytokinin antagonism involves regulation of the shoot/root growth ratio in which cytokinin promotes shoot and inhibits root growth, whereas auxin does the opposite. Control of the shoot/root growth ratio is essential for the survival of terrestrial plants because it allows growth adaptations to water and mineral nutrient availability in the soil. Because a decrease in shoot growth combined with an increase in root growth leads to survival under drought stress and nutrient limiting conditions, it was not surprising to find that auxin promotes, while cytokinin reduces, drought stress tolerance and nutrient uptake. Recent data show that drought stress and nutrient availability also alter the cytokinin and auxin signaling and biosynthesis pathways and that this stress-induced regulation affects cytokinin and auxin in the opposite manner. These antagonistic effects of cytokinin and auxin suggested that each hormone directly and negatively regulates biosynthesis or signaling of the other. However, a growing body of evidence supports unidirectional regulation, with auxin emerging as the primary regulatory component. This master regulatory role of auxin may not come as a surprise when viewed from an evolutionary perspective.
Regulation of FGF-2, FGF-18 and Transcription Factor Activity by Perlecan in the Maturational Development of Transitional Rudiment and Growth Plate Cartilages and in the Maintenance of Permanent Cartilage Homeostasis
Authors: Hayes Anthony J. , Whitelock John , Melrose James
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to highlight the roles of perlecan in the regulation of the development of the rudiment developmental cartilages and growth plate cartilages, and also to show how perlecan maintains permanent articular cartilage homeostasis. Cartilage rudiments are transient developmental templates containing chondroprogenitor cells that undergo proliferation, matrix deposition, and hypertrophic differentiation. Growth plate cartilage also undergoes similar changes leading to endochondral bone formation, whereas permanent cartilage is maintained as an articular structure and does not undergo maturational changes. Pericellular and extracellular perlecan-HS chains interact with growth factors, morphogens, structural matrix glycoproteins, proteases, and inhibitors to promote matrix stabilization and cellular proliferation, ECM remodelling, and tissue expansion. Perlecan has mechanotransductive roles in cartilage that modulate chondrocyte responses in weight-bearing environments. Nuclear perlecan may modulate chromatin structure and transcription factor access to DNA and gene regulation. Snail-1, a mesenchymal marker and transcription factor, signals through FGFR-3 to promote chondrogenesis and maintain Acan and type II collagen levels in articular cartilage, but prevents further tissue expansion. Pre-hypertrophic growth plate chondrocytes also express high Snail-1 levels, leading to cessation of Acan and CoI2A1 synthesis and appearance of type X collagen. Perlecan differentially regulates FGF-2 and FGF-18 to maintain articular cartilage homeostasis, rudiment and growth plate cartilage growth, and maturational changes including mineralization, contributing to skeletal growth.
Development of a CAPS Marker and a LAMP Assay for Rapid Detection of Xylella fastidiosa Subsp. multiplex and Differentiation from X. fastidiosa Subsp. fastidiosa on Blueberry
Authors: Waliullah Sumyya , Di Genova Dario , Oliver Jonathan E. , Ali Md Emran
Published: February 2022

Bacterial leaf scorch (BLS), caused by Xylella fastidiosa (Xf), is a prevalent disease of blueberries in the southeastern United States. Initially, this disease was reported to be caused by X. fastidiosa subsp. multiplex (Xfm). However, a recent survey revealed the presence of another subspecies, X. fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa (Xff), within naturally infected blueberry plantings in Georgia. Since knowledge regarding the origins of isolates causing Xf outbreaks can impact management recommendations, a routine method for identifying the pathogen at the subspecies level can be beneficial. Several detection strategies are available to identify Xf infection at the subspecies level. However, none of these have been developed for the routine and rapid differentiation of the blueberry-infecting Xf subspecies. Here, we developed two separate straightforward and rapid detection techniques, a cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) marker, and a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay, targeting the RNA polymerase sigma-70 factor (rpoD) gene sequence of Xfm to discriminate between the two Xf subspecies infecting blueberry. With the CAPS marker, specific detection of Xfm isolates was possible from pure cultures, inoculated greenhouse-grown plant samples, and field infected blueberry samples by restriction digestion of the rpoD gene PCR product (amplified with primers RST31 and RST33) using the BtsI enzyme. The LAMP assay allowed for specific real-time amplification of a 204-bp portion of the XfmrpoD gene from both pure bacterial cultures and infected plant material using the Genie® III system, a result further affirmed by gel electrophoresis and SYBR™ Green I DNA staining for visual observation. These detection strategies have the potential to greatly aid existing diagnostic methods for determining the distribution and prevalence of these Xf subspecies causing bacterial leaf scorch (BLS) in blueberries in the southeastern United States.
Membrane Vesicles for Nanoencapsulated Sulforaphane Increased Their Anti-Inflammatory Role on an In Vitro Human Macrophage Model
Authors: Yepes-Molina Lucía , Pérez-Jiménez María Isabel , Martínez-Esparza María , Teruel José A. , Ruiz-Alcaraz Antonio J. , García-Peñarrubia Pilar , Carvajal Micaela
Published: February 2022

At present, there is a growing interest in finding new non-toxic anti-inflammatory drugs to treat inflammation, which is a key pathology in the development of several diseases with considerable mortality. Sulforaphane (SFN), a bioactive compound derived from Brassica plants, was shown to be promising due to its anti-inflammatory properties and great potential, though its actual clinical use is limited due to its poor stability and bioavailability. In this sense, the use of nanocarriers could solve stability-related problems. In the current study, sulforaphane loaded into membrane vesicles derived from broccoli plants was studied to determine the anti-inflammatory potential in a human-macrophage-like in vitro cell model under both normal and inflammatory conditions. On the one hand, the release of SFN from membrane vesicles was modeled in vitro, and two release phases were stabilized, one faster and the other slower due to the interaction between SFN and membrane proteins, such as aquaporins. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory action of sulforaphane-loaded membrane vesicles was demonstrated, as a decrease in interleukins crucial for the development of inflammation, such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, was observed. Furthermore, these results also showed that membrane vesicles by themselves had anti-inflammatory properties, opening the possibility of new lines of research to study these vesicles, not only as carriers but also as active compounds.
Loss of Detection of sgN Precedes Viral Abridged Replication in COVID-19-Affected Patients—A Target for SARS-CoV-2 Propagation
Authors: Ferrucci Veronica , de Antonellis Pasqualino , Quarantelli Fabrizio , Asadzadeh Fatemeh , Bibbò Francesca , Siciliano Roberto , Sorice Carmen , Pisano Ida , Izzo Barbara , Di Domenico Carmela , Boccia Angelo , Vargas Maria , Pierri Biancamaria , Viscardi Maurizio , Brandi Sergio , Fusco Giovanna , Cerino Pellegrino , De Pietro Livia , Furfaro Ciro , Napolitano Leonardo Antonio , Paolella Giovanni , Festa Lidia , Marzinotto Stefania , Conte Maria Concetta , Gentile Ivan , Servillo Giuseppe , Curcio Francesco , de Cristofaro Tiziana , Broccolo Francesco , Capoluongo Ettore , Zollo Massimo
Published: February 2022

The development of prophylactic agents against the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a public health priority in the search for new surrogate markers of active virus replication. Early detection markers are needed to follow disease progression and foresee patient negativization. Subgenomic RNA transcripts (with a focus on sgN) were evaluated in oro/nasopharyngeal swabs from COVID-19-affected patients with an analysis of 315 positive samples using qPCR technology. Cut-off Cq values for sgN (Cq < 33.15) and sgE (Cq < 34.06) showed correlations to high viral loads. The specific loss of sgN in home-isolated and hospitalized COVID-19-positive patients indicated negativization of patient condition, 3–7 days from the first swab, respectively. A new detection kit for sgN, gene E, gene ORF1ab, and gene RNAse P was developed recently. In addition, in vitro studies have shown that 2’-O-methyl antisense RNA (related to the sgN sequence) can impair SARS-CoV-2 N protein synthesis, viral replication, and syncytia formation in human cells (i.e., HEK-293T cells overexpressing ACE2) upon infection with VOC Alpha (B.1.1.7)-SARS-CoV-2 variant, defining the use that this procedure might have for future therapeutic actions against SARS-CoV-2.
Synergistic Effect of Toceranib and Nanohydroxyapatite as a Drug Delivery Platform—Physicochemical Properties and In Vitro Studies on Mastocytoma Cells
Authors: Sobierajska Paulina , Serwotka-Suszczak Anna , Targonska Sara , Szymanski Damian , Marycz Krzysztof , Wiglusz Rafal J.
Published: February 2022

A new combination of Toceranib (Toc; 5-[(5Z)-(5-Fluoro-2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-3H-indol-3-ylidene)methyl]-2,4-dimethyl-N-[2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxamide) with nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp) was proposed as an antineoplastic drug delivery system. Its physicochemical properties were determined as crystallinity, grain size, morphology, zeta potential and hydrodynamic diameter as well as Toceranib release. The crystalline nanorods of nHAp were synthesised by the co-precipitation method, while the amorphous Toceranib was obtained by its conversion from the crystalline form during nHAp–Toc preparation. The surface interaction between both compounds was confirmed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The nHAp–Toc showed a slower and prolonged release of Toceranib. The release behaviour was affected by hydrodynamic size, surface interaction and the medium used (pH). The effectiveness of the proposed platform was tested by comparing the cytotoxicity of the drug combined with nHAp against the drug itself. The compounds were tested on NI-1 mastocytoma cells using the Alamar blue colorimetric technique. The obtained results suggest that the proposed platform shows high efficiency (the calculated IC50 is 4.29 nM), while maintaining the specificity of the drug alone. Performed analyses confirmed that nanohydroxyapatite is a prospective drug carrier and, when Toceranib-loaded, may be an idea worth developing with further research into therapeutic application in the treatment of canine mast cell tumour.
Protective Immunity against Listeria monocytogenes in Rats, Provided by HCl- and NaOH-Induced Listeria monocytogenes Bacterial Ghosts (LMGs) as Vaccine Candidates
Authors: Ji Seongmi , Moon Eun Sun , Noh Han Byul , Park Hyun Jung , Kim Seongdae , Oh Sung , Vinod Nagarajan , Choi Chang Won , Kwak Kilhan
Published: February 2022

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) bacterial ghosts (LMGs) were produced by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of HCl, H2SO4, and NaOH. Acid and alkali effects on the LMGs were compared by in vitro and in vivo analyses. Scanning electron microscope showed that all chemicals form lysis pores on the Lm cell envelopes. Real-time qPCR revealed a complete absence of genomic DNA in HCl- and H2SO4-induced LMGs but not in NaOH-induced LMGs. HCl-, H2SO4- and NaOH-induced LMGs showed weaker or missing protein bands on SDS-PAGE gel when compared to wild-type Lm. Murine macrophages exposed to the HCl-induced LMGs showed higher cell viability than those exposed to NaOH-induced LMGs or wild-type Lm. The maximum level of cytokine expression (TNF-α, iNOS, IFN-γ, and IL-10 mRNA) was observed in the macrophages exposed to NaOH-induced LMGs, while that of IL-1β mRNA was observed in the macrophages exposed to HCl-induced LMGs. To investigate LMGs as a vaccine candidate, mice were divided into PBS buffer-injected, HCl- and NaOH-induced LMGs immunized groups. Mice vaccinated with HCl- and NOH-induced LMGs, respectively, significantly increased in specific IgG antibodies, bactericidal activities of serum, and CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell population. Antigenic Lm proteins reacted with antisera against HCl- and NOH-induced LMGs, respectively. Bacterial loads in HCl- and NaOH-induced LMGs immunized mice were significantly lower than PBS-injected mice after virulent Lm challenges. It suggested that vaccination with LMGs induces both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses and protects against virulent challenges.
Mutation in the CX3C Motif of G Protein Disrupts Its Interaction with Heparan Sulfate: A Calorimetric, Spectroscopic, and Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Hamza Abu , Samad Abdus , Parray Zahoor Ahmad , Ara Sajda , Ahmed Anwar , Almajhdi Fahad N. , Hussain Tajamul , Islam Asimul , Parveen Shama
Published: February 2022

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection in children and infants. To date, there is no effective vaccine available against RSV. Heparan sulfate is a type of glycosaminoglycan that aids in the attachment of the RSV to the host cell membrane via the G protein. In the present study, the effect of amino acid substitution on the structure and stability of the ectodomain G protein was studied. Further, it was investigated whether mutation (K117A) in the CX3C motif of G protein alters the binding with heparan sulfate. The point mutation significantly affects the conformational stability of the G protein. The mutant protein showed a low binding affinity with heparan sulfate as compared to the wild-type G protein, as determined by fluorescence quenching, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and molecular docking studies. The low binding affinity and decreased stability suggested that this mutation may play an important role in prevention of attachment of virion to the host cell receptors. Collectively, this investigation suggests that mutation in the CX3C motif of G protein may likely improve the efficacy and safety of the RSV vaccine.
Takotsubo Syndrome: Translational Implications and Pathomechanisms
Authors: Fan Xuehui , Yang Guoqiang , Kowitz Jacqueline , Akin Ibrahim , Zhou Xiaobo , El-Battrawy Ibrahim
Published: February 2022

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is identified as an acute severe ventricular systolic dysfunction, which is usually characterized by reversible and transient akinesia of walls of the ventricle in the absence of a significant obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients present with chest pain, ST-segment elevation or ischemia signs on ECG and increased troponin, similar to myocardial infarction. Currently, the known mechanisms associated with the development of TTS include elevated levels of circulating plasma catecholamines and their metabolites, coronary microvascular dysfunction, sympathetic hyperexcitability, inflammation, estrogen deficiency, spasm of the epicardial coronary vessels, genetic predisposition and thyroidal dysfunction. However, the real etiologic link remains unclear and seems to be multifactorial. Currently, the elusive pathogenesis of TTS and the lack of optimal treatment leads to the necessity of the application of experimental models or platforms for studying TTS. Excessive catecholamines can cause weakened ventricular wall motion at the apex and increased basal motion due to the apicobasal adrenoceptor gradient. The use of beta-blockers does not seem to impact the outcome of TTS patients, suggesting that signaling other than the beta-adrenoceptor-associated pathway is also involved and that the pathogenesis may be more complex than it was expected. Herein, we review the pathophysiological mechanisms related to TTS; preclinical TTS models and platforms such as animal models, human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte (hiPSC-CM) models and their usefulness for TTS studies, including exploring and improving the understanding of the pathomechanism of the disease. This might be helpful to provide novel insights on the exact pathophysiological mechanisms and may offer more information for experimental and clinical research on TTS.
Risk for Surgery in Patients with Polyposis Syndrome after Therapy by Device-Assisted Enteroscopy (DAE): Long-Term Follow Up
Authors: Marmo Clelia , Tortora Annalisa , Costamagna Guido , Nicolò Rebecca , Riccioni Maria Elena
Published: February 2022

Background and aim of the study: Polyposis syndromes such as Peutz–Jeghers (PJ) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are associated with the growth of small bowel polyps; the risk is approximately 60–90% for PJ and 40–70% for FAP. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) in the detection and treatment of small bowel polyps to reduce the risk of surgery. The secondary objective was to study complications and mortality. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study by analyzing a structured database. Between September 2006 and October 2019, we observed and followed 42 consecutive patients with polyposis syndromes; they underwent device-assisted enteroscopy and three were excluded from elective surgery after the exam. The endoscopic exams were performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Results: Thirty-nine patients were evaluated with a mean follow up of 6.7 years (±SD 2.7), 79.5% were female with a mean age of 43.8 years (±SD 15.02), and 68 enteroscopies were performed with the removal of 64 polypoid lesions. One bleeding episode occurred after operative enteroscopy, and the need for subsequent surgery occurred in six patients with PJ and in five patients with FAP. The surgical indications in PJ patients were the presence of large polyps (three patients) and three cases of intussusception, one of which was a patient with a polyp in the proximal ileum, not reachable with the scope. One patient with PJ died from pancreatic cancer during follow up. The surgical indications in patients with FAP were the presence of four large polyps with high-grade dysplasia and one ampullary neoplasia recurrence. Conclusions: In PJ patients, the endoscopic treatment of small bowel polyps was safe. During the follow-up period, the patients with successful endoscopic treatment did not need surgery. In FAP patients treated with DAE, none developed cancer.
Cigarette Smoking Associated with Colorectal Cancer Survival: A Nationwide, Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Huang Yu-Min , Wei Po-Li , Ho Chung-Han , Yeh Chih-Ching
Published: February 2022

We investigate whether cigarette smoking is associated with survival in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) through a nationwide population-based cohort study in Taiwan. The Taiwan Cancer Registry and National Health Insurance Research Database were used to identify data from patients with CRC from 2011 to 2017. Tobacco use was evaluated based on the smoking status, intensity, and duration before cancer diagnosis. A total of 18,816 patients was included. A Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated smoking to be significantly associated with the CRC mortality risk (log-rank p = 0.0001). A multivariable Cox model indicated that smoking patients had a 1.11-fold higher mortality risk (HR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.05–1.19) than nonsmoking patients did. This increased risk was also present in patients with CRC who smoked 11–20 cigarettes per day (HR = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.07–1.26) or smoked for >30 years (HR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.04–1.25). Stratified analyses of sex and cancer subsites indicated that the effects of smoking were higher in male patients and in those with colon cancer. Our results indicate that cigarette smoking is significantly associated with poor survival in patients with CRC. An integrated smoking cessation campaign is warranted to prevent CRC mortality.
A Comparative Study of the Fatty Acids and Monosaccharides of Wild and Cultivated Ulva sp.
Authors: García-Poza Sara , Morais Tiago , Leandro Adriana , Cotas João , Marques João Carlos , Pereira Leonel , Gonçalves Ana M. M.
Published: February 2022

There is a need to find new possible raw food sources with interesting nutritional values. One of the most unexploited sources are seaweeds. Thus, Ulva sp. is a green edible seaweed that shows a high growth rate in nature and can support drastic abiotic changes, such as temperature and salinity. This work aims to determine the main nutritional compounds, fatty acids (FAs) and monosaccharides profiles of Ulva sp. (collected from Mondego estuary, Portugal), to identify the potential of this seaweed as a food source. The present study also highlights the potential of controlled and semi-controlled cultivation systems in Ulva sp. profiles. The results showed that the controlled cultivation systems had higher essential FA and monosaccharide content than the semi-controlled cultivation systems. However, they are in some cases identical to wild individuals of Ulva sp., supporting that cultivation of Ulva sp. can be a key for food safety. It is crucial to control the associated risks of contamination that can occur in wild specimens.
Establishment of High-Efficiency Screening System for Gene Deletion in Fusarium venenatum TB01
Authors: Tong Sheng , An Kexin , Zhou Wenyuan , Chen Wuxi , Sun Yuanxia , Wang Qinhong , Li Demao
Published: February 2022

Genetic engineering is one of the most effective methods to obtain fungus strains with desirable traits. However, in some filamentous fungi, targeted gene deletion transformant screening on primary transformation plates is time-consuming and laborious due to a relatively low rate of homologous recombination. A strategy that compensates for the low recombination rate by improving screening efficiency was performed in F. venenatum TB01. In this study, the visualized gene deletion system that could easily distinguish the fluorescent randomly inserted and nonfluorescent putative deletion transformants using green fluorescence protein (GFP) as the marker and a hand-held lamp as the tool was developed. Compared to direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening, the screening efficiency of gene deletion transformants in this system was increased approximately fourfold. The visualized gene deletion system developed here provides a viable method with convenience, high efficiency, and low cost for reaping gene deletion transformants from species with low recombination rates.
Redefining the Cut-Off Ranges for TSH Based on the Clinical Picture, Results of Neuroimaging and Laboratory Tests in Unsupervised Cluster Analysis as Individualized Diagnosis of Early Schizophrenia
Authors: Śmierciak Natalia , Szwajca Marta , Popiela Tadeusz J. , Bryll Amira , Karcz Paulina , Donicz Paulina , Turek Aleksander , Krzyściak Wirginia , Pilecki Maciej
Published: February 2022

Thyroid abnormalities, including mild forms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, are reported as risk factors for the development of a number of neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. The diagnostic process still takes into account the extreme ranges of the accepted reference values for serum TSH since the concentration of free thyroxine in the serum does not change by definition. TSH mU/L cut-off values in psychiatric patients are currently clinically considered in the case of extremely high serum TSH levels (>4.0 mU/L). The results obtained in this study suggest that the clinically significant value has a lower TSH cut-off point with an upper limit of 2–2.5 mU/L. The criteria for the differential diagnosis of patients with schizophrenia, however, mainly take into account statutory reference ranges without a background related to the history of thyroid diseases in the family. The results indicate the need to lower the upper cut-off values for TSH among patients with early psychosis, which is related to the potential clinical significance of the obtained values both in the field of clinical evaluation and neuroimaging and laboratory evaluation parameters. The cut-off points obtained with the prior available knowledge coincided with the values established in the unsupervised clustering method, which further confirms the legitimacy of their use in the individualized diagnosis strategy of schizophrenia.
Clays and the Origin of Life: The Experiments
Authors: Kloprogge Jacob Teunis (Theo) , Hartman Hyman
Published: February 2022

There are three groups of scientists dominating the search for the origin of life: the organic chemists (the Soup), the molecular biologists (RNA world), and the inorganic chemists (metabolism and transient-state metal ions), all of which have experimental adjuncts. It is time for Clays and the Origin of Life to have its experimental adjunct. The clay data coming from Mars and carbonaceous chondrites have necessitated a review of the role that clays played in the origin of life on Earth. The data from Mars have suggested that Fe-clays such as nontronite, ferrous saponites, and several other clays were formed on early Mars when it had sufficient water. This raised the question of the possible role that these clays may have played in the origin of life on Mars. This has put clays front and center in the studies on the origin of life not only on Mars but also here on Earth. One of the major questions is: What was the catalytic role of Fe-clays in the origin and development of metabolism here on Earth? First, there is the recent finding of a chiral amino acid (isovaline) that formed on the surface of a clay mineral on several carbonaceous chondrites. This points to the formation of amino acids on the surface of clay minerals on carbonaceous chondrites from simpler molecules, e.g., CO2, NH3, and HCN. Additionally, there is the catalytic role of small organic molecules, such as dicarboxylic acids and amino acids found on carbonaceous chondrites, in the formation of Fe-clays themselves. Amino acids and nucleotides adsorb on clay surfaces on Earth and subsequently polymerize. All of these observations and more must be subjected to strict experimental analysis. This review provides an overview of what has happened and is now happening in the experimental clay world related to the origin of life. The emphasis is on smectite-group clay minerals, such as montmorillonite and nontronite.
Occupational Risk Factors for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Hospital Health Care Workers: A Prospective Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Dusefante Alex , Negro Corrado , D’Agaro Pierlanfranco , Segat Ludovica , Purpuri Antonio , Cegolon Luca , Larese Filon Francesca
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Health Care Workers (HCWs) are at a particular high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to direct and indirect exposure to COVID-19 patients and Aerosol-Generating Procedures (AGPs). The aim of the study was to assess the risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCWs exposed to COVID-19 patients, to evaluate the adherence and effectiveness of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures, to describe the clinical presentation for SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCWs and to determine serological responses in HCWs. Methods: HCWs exposed to COVID-19 patients during the previous 14 days with a confirmed case status were recruited as cases; HCWs exposed to COVID-19 patients during the previous 14 days in the same ward without a suspected/probable/confirmed case status were recruited as controls. Serum samples were collected as soon as possible and after 21–28 days from all participants. Data were collected with a WHO standardized questionnaire as soon as possible and after 21–28 days. Results: All social, occupational and personal variables considered were not associated with an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusions: Our study showed a high knowledge of IPC measures and very high PPE use among HCWs.
Weight Loss, Thermodynamics, SEM, and Electrochemical Studies on N-2-Methylbenzylidene-4-antipyrineamine as an Inhibitor for Mild Steel Corrosion in Hydrochloric Acid
Authors: Aziz Israa Abd Alkadir , Abdulkareem Makarim H. , Annon Iman Adnan , Hanoon Mahdi M. , Al-Kaabi Mohammed H. H. , Shaker Lina M. , Alamiery Ahmed A. , Isahak Wan Nor Roslam Wan , Takriff Mohd S.
Published: February 2022

The use of N-2-methylbenzylidene-4-antipyrineamine as an acid corrosion inhibitor for mild steel surfaces in hydrochloric acid is discussed in this article by means of weight loss, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. The experimental findings exhibited that N-2-methylbenzylidene-4-antipyrineamine is a significant corrosion inhibitor for the mild steel in 1.0 M HCl solution and that its protection efficiency touches the peak at 5 × 10–4 M, exhibiting 91.8% for N-2-methylbenzylidene-4-antipyrineamine. The inhibitory efficiency increases as the inhibitor concentration rises and reduces as the temperature rises. Temperature has a significant impact on corrosion and blocking activities, which is extensively examined and explained. According to the gravimetric results, the examined inhibitor inhibits mild steel surface corrosion by providing a barrier at the metal–hydrochloric acid medium interface. Thermodynamic characteristics were combined with a quantum chemistry investigation using density functional theory to provide more insight into the inhibitory effect mechanism. The tested inhibitor adsorbs on the mild steel surface based on Langmuir’s adsorption isotherm method.
Crystal Structure of a Chiral Sec-Amine, 4-Chloro-N-(1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)aniline
Authors: Adeleke Adesola A. , Omondi Bernard
Published: February 2022

In this communication, we present the crystal structure of a secondary amine: 4-chloro-N-(1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)aniline (Lb) obtained from a stepwise reduction of an imine, (E)-N-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethan-1-imine (La) with sodium borohydride. The structure was characterized by FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR, Mass Spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction.
Off-Centered Pb Interstitials in PbTe
Authors: Park Sungjin , Ryu Byungki , Park SuDong
Published: February 2022

Previous calculations have demonstrated that Te vacancies are energetically the major defects in PbTe. However, the Pb interstitials are also important because experiments have shown that the volume of Pb-rich PbTe increases at a higher Pb content. In this study, density functional theory calculations were used to investigate the defect properties of low-symmetry Pb interstitials in PbTe. By breaking the higher symmetry imposed on the on-centered interstitial defects, the lowest ground state of Pb interstitial defects is off-centered along the [1¯1¯1¯] direction. Because of the four multi-stable structures with low defect-formation energies, the defect density of Pb interstitials is expected to be approximately six times higher than previous predictions for PbTe synthesized at 900 K. In contrast to the on-centered Pb interstitials, the off-centered Pb interstitials in PbTe can exhibit long-range lattice relaxation in the [111] direction beyond a distance of 1 nm, indicating the potential formation of weak local dipoles. This result provides an alternative explanation for the emphanitic anharmonicity of PbTe in the high-temperature regime.
The Effect of Steel Beam Elastic Restraint on the Critical Moment of Lateral Torsional Buckling
Authors: Piotrowski Rafał , Szychowski Andrzej
Published: February 2022

This paper reports the results of the next stage of the authors’ investigations into the effect of the elastic action of support nodes on the lateral torsional buckling of steel beams with a bisymmetric I-section. The analysis took into account beam elastic restraint against warping and against rotation in the bending plane. Such beams are found in building frames or frame structures. Taking into account the support conditions mentioned above allows for more effective design of such elements, compared with the boundary conditions of fork support, commonly adopted by designers. The entire range of variation in node rigidity was considered in the study, namely from complete freedom of warping to complete restraint, and from complete freedom of rotation relative to the stronger axis of the cross section (free support) to complete blockage (full fixity). The beams were conservatively assumed to be freely supported against lateral rotation, i.e., rotation in the lateral torsional buckling plane. Calculations were performed for various values of the indexes of fixity against warping and against rotation in the beam bending plane. In the study, formulas for the critical moment of bilaterally fixed beams were developed. Also, approximate formulas were devised for elastic restraint in the support nodes. The formulas concerned the most frequent loading variants applied to single-span beams. The critical moments determined in the study were compared, with values obtained using LTBeamN software (FEM). Good compliance of results was observed. The derived formulas are useful for the engineering design of this type of structures. The designs are based on a more accurate calculation model, which, at the same time offers simplicity of calculation.
Seismic Performance Evaluation According to HSS and CFST Columns of 3D Frame Buildings with Rubber Friction Bearing (RFB)
Authors: Kim Young-chan , Shahriyer Hasan , Hu Jong-wan
Published: February 2022

This study has been conducted to observe nonlinear time history analysis of a 3D-office building frame where performance has been examined in the presence of base isolation and a bracing system. This steel structure has an underground story surrounded by stiff well-graded sand and is assumed to be located in an intense seismic area. The static and dynamic experimental performance of a Rubber Friction Bearing (RFB) has been considered, and an equivalent numerical model has been used in finite element software, which provides a satisfactory relationship between experimental and numerical prediction. The results show that the story drift and post-earthquake damage of the frame reduced significantly due to the presence of RFB devices. These isolators are most effective in moderate earthquakes. The presence of a minimum number of Steel Buckling Restrained Braces (BRBs) systems improve structural performance under moderate and strong ground motions by reducing story drift and residual damage. Hollow Steel Section (HSS) and Concrete-Filled Steel Tube (CFST) sections have been used in the simulation process, and it was found that the HSS system is susceptible to damage even if both seismic protection systems have been considered. The findings provide important conclusions to select suitable seismic protection for this type of structure, which is limited by simulation study due to the absence of experimental observation.
Materials and Technology Selection for Construction Projects Supported with the Use of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Rosłon Jerzy
Published: February 2022

The choice of material solutions and the appropriate technology for the execution of works have a significant impact on the success of construction projects. The earlier in the investment cycle of a project, the greater the possibility of improving the project’s success indicators. The currently used planning methods assume late integration of schedules with material and technological solutions. This limits the possibility of optimizing construction projects. The author proposed a new approach. The new method is based on the value engineering principles. The article presents a computational model supported by a case study—construction of an office building. Thanks to the use of artificial intelligence and metaheuristic algorithms, the economic results of construction projects have improved. This new method can help construction managers select materials and technologies in a way that will improve project parameters.
Effects of Chromium Carbide Coatings on Microstructure and Thermal Conductivity of Mg/Diamond Composites Prepared by Squeeze Casting
Authors: Li Jianwei , Peng Ren , Ru Jinming , Wu Jianhua , Zhou Kaixiang , Yan Yongxin , Xu Xiaojing , Zhou Yuhua
Published: February 2022

Magnesium matrix composites are considered a desired solution for lightweight applications. As an attractive thermal management material, diamond particle-reinforced Mg matrix (Mg/diamond) composites generally exhibit thermal conductivities lower than expected. To exploit the potential of heat conduction, a combination of Cr coating on diamond particles and squeeze casting was used to prepare Mg/diamond (Cr) composites. The thickness of the Cr coating under different coating processes (950 °C/30 min, 950 °C/60 min, 950 °C/90 min, 1000 °C/30 min, and 1050 °C/30 min) was measured by FIB-SEM to be 1.09–2.95 μm. The thermal conductivity (TC) of the Mg/diamond composites firstly increased and then decreased, while the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of Mg/diamond (Cr) composite firstly decreased and then increased with the increase in Cr coating thickness. The composite exhibited the maximum TC of 202.42 W/(m·K) with a 1.20 μm Cr coating layer, while a minimum CTE of 5.82 × 10−6/K was recorded with a coating thickness of 2.50 μm. The results clearly manifest the effect of Cr layer thickness on the TC and CTE of Mg/diamond composites.
The Formation Process and Strengthening Mechanism of SiC Nanowires in a Carbon-Coated Porous BN/Si3N4 Ceramic Joint
Authors: Zhuang Yanli , Lin Tiesong , He Peng , Lin Panpan , Dong Limin , Liu Ziwei , Wang Leiming , Tian Shuo , Jin Xinxin
Published: February 2022

Porous BN/Si3N4 ceramics carbon-coated by carbon coating were joined with SiCo38 (wt. %) filler. The formation process and strengthening mechanism of silicon carbide nanowires to the joint were analyzed in detail. The outcome manifests that there is no distinct phase change in the porous BN/Si3N4 ceramic without carbon-coated joint. The highest joint strength was obtained at 1320 °C (~38 MPa). However, a larger number of silicon carbide nanowires were generated in the carbon-coated joints. The highest joint strength of the carbon-coated joint was ~89 MPa at 1340 °C. Specifically, silicon carbide nanowires were formed by the reaction of the carbon coated on the porous BN/Si3N4 ceramic with the SiCo38 filler via the Vapor-Liquid-Solid (VLS) method and established a bridge in the joint. It grows on the β-SiC (111) crystal plane and the interplanar spacing is 0.254 nm. It has a bamboo-like shape with a resemblance to alloy balls on the ends, and its surface is coated with SiO2. The improved carbon-coated porous BN/Si3N4 joint strength is possibly ascribed to the bridging of nanowires in the joint.
Dynamics and Diversity of Microbial Contamination in Poultry Bedding Materials Containing Parts of Medicinal Plants
Authors: Gontar Łukasz , Sitarek-Andrzejczyk Monika , Kochański Maksymilian , Buła Maria , Drutowska Andżelika , Zych Dariusz , Markiewicz Justyna
Published: February 2022

Microorganisms thriving in poultry bedding materials during their exploitation are involved in the development of several diseases and disfunctions of animals. They can also contaminate food products and pose risks to the environment and human health. This study provides an analysis of dynamics and diversity in microbiological contamination observed during the exploitation of poultry bedding materials containing parts of medicinal plants: Satureja hortensis, Origanum vulgare, Melissa officinalis, Salvia officinalis, and Thymus vulgaris, compared with standard types of beddings: straw chaff and straw pellets. The research was carried out in two 42-day experimental cycles involving in total 2400 broiler chickens. Each week, the total count of mesophilic bacteria, fungi and yeasts, the presumptive presence and count of Staphylococcus sp., Escherichia sp., Listeria sp., Salmonella sp., and Candida sp. were determined by culturing on selective media, along with pH and moisture measurements. After 35 days of the experiment, a reduction of the total count of mesophilic bacteria above 1 log compared to the control (11.86 vs. 13.02 log CFU/g) was observed. As the count of yeasts decreased after 21 days, an increase in the total count of bacteria was reported, which indicates a strong competition between microorganisms. The results improve our understanding of the temporal effects of using materials containing parts of medicinal plants on the microbial contamination in poultry litter.
Integrated Genomic and Metabolomic Analysis Illuminates Key Secreted Metabolites Produced by the Novel Endophyte Bacillus halotolerans Cal.l.30 Involved in Diverse Biological Control Activities
Authors: Tsalgatidou Polina C. , Thomloudi Eirini-Evangelia , Baira Eirini , Papadimitriou Konstantinos , Skagia Aggeliki , Venieraki Anastasia , Katinakis Panagiotis
Published: February 2022

The endophytic strain Cal.l.30, isolated from the medicinal plant Calendula officinalis, was selected among seven Bacillus strains with plant growth promoting activity and strong biological potential against the postharvest fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea. Treatment by inoculating Cal.l.30 bacterial cell culture or cell free supernatant on harvested grapes and cherry tomato fruits, significantly reduced gray mold disease severity index and disease incidence. Based on 16S rRNA sequence analysis and whole genome phylogeny, Cal.l.30 was identified as Bacillus halotolerans. Genome mining revealed that B. halotolerans Cal.l.30 is endowed with a diverse arsenal of secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (SM-BGCs) responsible for metabolite production with antimicrobial properties. A sub-set of the identified SM-BGCs (mojavensin A, ‘bacillunoic acid’) appears to be the result of recent horizontal gene transfer events. Its genome was also mined for CAZymes associated with antifungal activity. Further UHPLC-HRMS analysis indicated that Cal.l.30 synthesizes and secretes secondary metabolites with antimicrobial activity, including the lipopeptides, fengycin, surfactin and mojavensin A, bacillaene isoforms, L-dihydroanticapsin and bacillibactin. Other compounds with known antimicrobial activity were also detected, such as azelaic acid, 15- hydroxypentadecanoid acid and 2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid. The genomic and metabolomic features of the B. halotolerans Cal.l.30 provided new perspectives on the exploitation of novel Bacillus sp. as a biocontrol agent.
Dynamics of Pathogenic Fungi in Field Hedges: Vegetation Cover Is Differentially Impacted by Weather
Authors: Dentika Pauline , Ozier-Lafontaine Harry , Penet Laurent
Published: February 2022

Landscape effects might impede or increase spore dispersal and disease risk for crops, as trees and hedges buffer winds and can behave as spore traps, therefore limiting diffusion of fungi, or, on the contrary, behave as disease relay once vegetation is infected and become inoculum sources. In this study, we investigated weekly prevalence of the pathogenic fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides on guava tree leaves, differentiating impacts of leaf height on tree, age, and location within leaf. We first estimated differences in prevalence for each covariate, and then related infection rates to weather effects during the year. Our results highlighted a great variance of prevalence among individual trees, and a lower contamination of tree tops, as well as a tendency for greater odds of infection in tips of young leaves compared to older ones. Last, we show evidence that individual tree contaminations are associated with different disease dynamics: early and dispersal-based, late and growth-based, as well as with intermediate dynamic ranges. Pathogen infection dynamics will thus be greatly impacted by cover characteristics at local scale, and tree cover should not be perceived as homogeneously driving disease levels.
Harnessing Intronic microRNA Structures to Improve Tolerance and Expression of shRNAs in Animal Cells
Authors: Challagulla Arjun , Tizard Mark L. , Doran Timothy J. , Cahill David M. , Jenkins Kristie A.
Published: February 2022

Exogenous RNA polymerase III (pol III) promoters are commonly used to express short hairpin RNA (shRNA). Previous studies have indicated that expression of shRNAs using standard pol III promoters can cause toxicity in vivo due to saturation of the native miRNA pathway. A potential way of mitigating shRNA-associated toxicity is by utilising native miRNA processing enzymes to attain tolerable shRNA expression levels. Here, we examined parallel processing of exogenous shRNAs by harnessing the natural miRNA processing enzymes and positioning a shRNA adjacent to microRNA107 (miR107), located in the intron 5 of the Pantothenate Kinase 1 (PANK1) gene. We developed a vector encoding the PANK1 intron containing miR107 and examined the expression of a single shRNA or multiple shRNAs. Using qRT-PCR analysis and luciferase assay-based knockdown assay, we confirmed that miR30-structured shRNAs have resulted in the highest expression and subsequent transcript knockdown. Next, we injected Hamburger and Hamilton stage 14–15 chicken embryos with a vector encoding multiple shRNAs and confirmed that the parallel processing was not toxic. Taken together, this data provides a novel strategy to harness the native miRNA processing pathways for shRNA expression. This enables new opportunities for RNAi based applications in animal species such as chickens.
Clinical and Genetic Analysis of a Patient with CMT4J
Authors: Peddareddygari Leema Reddy , Grewal Raji P.
Published: February 2022

We report the clinical and genetic analysis of a patient with a rare form of an autosomal recessive genetic neuropathy, Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) disease type 4J. She presented at age 62 years with signs and symptoms consistent with a mild neuropathy. The onset of symptoms began approximately ten years earlier. Electrophysiological testing confirmed a demyelinating neuropathy and a comprehensive neuropathy screening for common causes of neuropathy was unrevealing. She underwent commercial whole exome sequencing, analyzing more than eighty genes known to cause neuropathy. Two mutations were detected, c.122T > C, p.Ile41Thr and c.2247dupC, p.Ser750GlnX10 in the FIG4 gene. The p.Ile41Thr mutation, which is paternally inherited, is a recurrent mutation reported in a number of unrelated families of European descent. The patient’s father, also of European descent, provides further evidence supporting a founder effect for this mutation. In most patients carrying the p.Ile41Thr mutation, the neuropathy, unlike our patient, is often severe with early onset. The second mutation, c.2247dupC, p.Ser750GlnX10 is maternally inherited and not previously reported. Furthermore, based upon our protein modeling analysis, c.2247dupC is disease producing, representing a novel pathogenic mutation. Our study of this patient expands the clinical and genetic spectrum of patients with CMT 4J.