bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the best time for spawning of Pleurotus eryngii mushroom to standardize the cultivation technology in Rajasthan, India
Authors: Deora Akansha , Sharma S.S. , Shekhawat Abhitej Singh , Kumar Suresh , Kumari Poonam , Yadav Kalpana , Dahima Vinita , Yadav Poonam
Published: February 2022

The aim behind this experiment was to know the suitability of months that gives better Biological efficiency and its sustainability with respect to yield. This research work was accomplished at the project of AICRP on medicinal mushroom unit in Department of Plant Pathology, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur during the months of November to April in the natural climatic conditions, where the temperature and the relative humidity of cropping room ranged between 9-24°C and 60-80%, respectively. This work tells you about the best time for spawning to standardize the cultivation technology of Pleurotus eryngii in Zone IV a (Udaipur region) as well as in Rajasthan. Out of four different months (November, December, January and February) tested for spawning, the fastest mycelial run and pinhead initiation occurred in December and January months whereas, maximum B.E.% was observed in the month of December followed by November. Hence, it clearly indicates that the best suited time for cultivating King Oyster (Pleurotus eryngii) Mushroom is during winter months of the year.
SORBS2 As A Molecular Target For Atherosclerosis In Patients With Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Liu Ming-Ming , Peng Jia , Guo Yuan-Lin , Zhu Cheng-Gang , Wu Na-Qiong , Xu Rui-Xia , Dong Qian , Cui Chuan-Jue , Li Jian-Jun
Published: February 2022

Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a metabolic disease in which patients are prone to develop premature atherosclerosis (AS). Sorbin and SH3 Domain Containing 2 (SORBS2) is known to play a role in coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the mechanism underlying SORBS2 involvement in the development of hypercholesterolemia remains unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of SORBS2 on inflammation and foam cell formation and its underlying mechanisms. Methods: Using Bioinformatics analysis, we established that SORBS2 is upregulated in patients with FH. Circulating concentrations of SORBS2 were measured using ELISA kit (n=30). The association between circulating SORBS2 levels and inflammatory factors or lipid indexes were conducted using Spearman correlation analysis. We further conducted in vitro experiments that the expression of SORBS2 were analyzed, and SORBS2 siRNA were transfected into Ox-LDL-induced macrophages, followed by western blot and immunofluorescence.Results: Circulating SORBS2 levels were positively associated with inflammatory factors and lipid indexes. We also observed that high in vitro expression of SORBS2 in oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL)-induced macrophages. After SORBS2 silencing, Nod like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 protein(NLRP3)-Caspase1 activation and NF-κB activation were attenuated, and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-18) was decreased. Moreover, SORBS2 silencing blocked reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and lipid accumulation, and promoted cholesterol efflux through ABCG1-PPARγ pathway. Conclusions: SORBS2 regulates lipid-induced inflammation and foam cell formation, and is a potential therapeutic target for hypercholesterolemia.
Impact of Temperature Changes to the Adhesion Strength of Molar Tubes: an in Vitro Study
Authors: Palesik Benedikta , Šileikytė Kotryna , Griškevičius Julius , Stonkus Rimantas , Šidlauskas Antanas , Lopatienė Kristina
Published: February 2022

Background: The main purpose of this was to determine study adhesion strength of molar tubes bonding with a composite adhesive after exposure to a sudden change in temperature (thermal cycles).Methods: The study sample consisted of 40 recently extracted human first permanent molars, which were randomly divided into two groups of 20: group 1 was the experimental group (affected by thermal cycles), and group 2 was the control group. Molar tubes were bonded with a light-cure tube adhesive. The experimental group teeth were dipped 2,000 times in saline at 5oC and at 55oC. The control group were immersed in 37oC saline. Molar tubes for both groups were removed with an adapted Mecmesim Multitesters 2.5 - I, and the data were recorded with EMPEROR software. ANOVA was used to calculate and compare the results. Results: In the experimental group of the teeth, the maximum force was obtained at 94.2 N and the lowest force was 19.69 N. In the control group of the teeth, the maximum force was obtained at 159.1N and the lowest force was 28.1N. In the experimental group, the mean debonding force (59.12 N) was statically significantly smaller than in the control group (79.88N), p=0.0345. The forces in the control group were by 1.35 times greater than those in the experimental group.Conclusions: The forces of the adhesion of molar tubes to the tooth surface were reduced after exposure to a sudden change in temperature (thermal cycles). The results were significantly different between the experimental group and the control group.
Lamprey immune protein triggers the ferroptosis pathway during zebrafish embryonic development
Authors: Pang Yue , Du Zeyu , Zhang Duo , Li Jun , Li Qingwei
Published: February 2022

Background: Previously, a novel lamprey immune protein (LIP) was identified, which plays an important role in immunity and in the regulation of growth and development in lampreys. However, the mechanism through which LIP regulates growth and development remains unclear. Methods: Here, a zebrafish model of LIP overexpression was established through the delivery of a transgenic plasmid to the fertilized egg. The biological function of LIP was explored in vivo through phenotypic characteristics, comparative transcriptome sequencing, and physiological and biochemical analyses. Results: LIP caused developmental toxicity in zebrafish, increasing embryo mortality and exhibiting strong teratogenic, lethal, and developmental inhibitory effects. Comparative transcriptome analysis showed that LIP-induced large-scale cell death by triggering the ferroptosis pathway. Furthermore, LIP-induced lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis trigger pericardial edema. Direct inhibition of acsl4a and tfr1a, or silencing of acsl4a and tfr1a with specific siRNA suppressed ferroptosis and pericardial edema. Conclusions: Taken together, we confirmed that LIP can participate in growth and development via the regulation of lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. This lays the foundation for future studies on the function of LIP in lampreys.
Impact of Omitting Fluorouracil From FOLFIRI Plus Bevacizumab as Second-line Chemotherapy for Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Matsubara Yuki , Masuishi Toshiki , Ogata Takatsugu , Nakazawa Taiko , Kato Kyoko , Nozawa Kazuki , Narita Yukiya , Honda Kazunori , Bando Hideaki , Taniguchi Hiroya , Kadowaki Shigenori , Ando Masashi , Tajika Masahiro , Muro Kei
Published: February 2022

PurposeFluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) plus bevacizumab is the standard second-line chemotherapy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who are refractory or intolerant to fluoropyrimidines and oxaliplatin. However, the benefits of incorporating fluoropyrimidines into second-line chemotherapy for patients with mCRC who are refractory to fluoropyrimidines in first-line chemotherapy are unknown.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated patients with mCRC who were administered irinotecan plus bevacizumab or FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab as second-line chemotherapy at a single institution from January 2010 to April 2020. We compared the efficacy and safety of irinotecan plus bevacizumab (IRI group) with those of FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab (FOLFIRI group).ResultsOf the 255 enrolled patients, 107 (IRI/FOLFIRI group, 31/76 patients) were eligible for analysis. After a median follow-up of 13.1 months (range, 1.2–48.4) and 14.3 months (range, 0.9–46.5) for the IRI and FOLFIRI groups, respectively, the median progression-free survival was 6.4 months and 5.8 months [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 0.82; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.50–1.34, p=0.44] and the median overall survival was 16.6 months and 16.5 months (aHR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.59–1.69; p=0.97) in the IRI and FOLFIRI groups, respectively. All grade nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, stomatitis, hand-foot syndrome, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, increased creatinine, Grade 3/4 neutropenia, and febrile neutropenia occurred more frequently in the FOLFIRI group than in the IRI group.ConclusionOmitting fluorouracil from FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab as second-line chemotherapy may reduce adverse events without affecting antitumor activity in patients with mCRC who are refractory to fluoropyrimidines.
An incidental finding of metastatic gastric cancer to the appendix during diagnostic laparoscopy. A case report and review of the literature.
Authors: Lovell Janaka , Cox Aram , Harris Helen , Whitcher Simon
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Gastric cancer is the 6th most common cancer and is a leading cause of death worldwide. Metastases to the appendix is a rare clinical entity of gastric cancer and only 10 cases are reported in the literature to date. Methods / Results: We present a case of a 74 year-old female who underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy prior to a planned gastric cancer resection for a gastric adenocarcinoma. The appendix was incidentally noted to be macroscopically abnormal during the procedure and was subsequently resected. This was found to contain a metastatic deposit of gastric adenocarcinoma. This resulted in an upstaging of the patient’s cancer and, systemic treatment became the management of choice. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of diagnostic laparoscopy as part of staging in gastric cancer and underscores the need for a thorough examination, as appendiceal metastasis can be easily missed if not specifically assessed for or not found on work-up imaging.
Upregulation of Ferroptosis-Related Fanconi Anemia Group D2 is a Poor Prognostic Factor and Indicator of Tumor Immune Cell Infiltration in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Jingtao , Wang Dongli , Chen Xiubao , Yu Minmin , Guo Minghao , Zhang Dexin , Chen Weida , Xu Fei
Published: February 2022

Background: Fanconi anemia (FA) group D2 (FANCD2) is a ferroptosis-related gene crucial for DNA damage repair and negatively regulates ferroptosis. Our study aimed to evaluate its prognostic value as well as its association with ferroptosis and immune infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods: Transcriptome sequencing data and clinical information, three independent cohorts, as well as immunohistochemistry, were collected from the TCGA, GEO, and HPA databases, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the correlations between FANCD2 expression and overall survival or clinicopathological parameters. cBioPortal was utilized to investigate the FANCD2 alteration status. Gene and protein networks based on FANCD2 interactions were generated using GeneMANIA and STRING, respectively. Based on the CancerSEA database, the function of FANCD2 was explored at the single-cell level. The relationships between FANCD2 expression levels and tumor-infiltrating immune cells and their equivalent gene signatures were analyzed by TIMER, GEPIA, TISIDB, and ssGSEA databases. CIBERSORT was used to analyze the relevance of the infiltration of 24 types of immune cells. Results: The results revealed that FANCD2 expression was significantly upregulated in LUAD and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) tissues than in normal tissues. Further, the overexpression of FANCD2 was closely associated with poor survival for LUAD patients but not for LUSC patients. FANCD2 expression levels were related to tumor-infiltrating immune cells and their matching gene signatures, including CD8+ T cells, NK cells, DC cells, and Th2 cells in cases of LUAD. Conclusion: FANCD2 was identified as a crucial molecule underlying the synergistic effects of ferroptosis and immunotherapy for LUAD patients.
ACL reconstruction with femoral and tibial adjustable- versus fixed-loop suspensory fixation: A retrospective cohort study.
Authors: Schützenberger Sebastian , Keller Florian , Grabner Sebastian , Kontic Danijel , Schallmayer Daniel , Komjati Micha , Fialka Christian
Published: February 2022

Background: Cortical suspensory fixation (CSF) devices gain more and more popularity as a reliable alternative to interference screws for graft fixation in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Adjustable-loop fixation may be associated with increased anterior laxity and inferior clinical outcome. The purpose of the study was to compare anterior laxity and clinical outcome after minimally invasive all-inside ACL reconstruction using an adjustable-loop (AL) to a standard technique with a fixed-loop (FL) CSF device.Methods: Patients who underwent primary single-bundle ACL reconstruction with a quadrupled hamstring autograft at a single institution between 2012 and 2016 were reviewed. In the AL group minimally invasive popliteal tendon harvesting was performed with an all-inside approach (femoral and tibial sockets). In the FL group a traditional anteromedial approach was used for tendon harvesting and a femoral socket and full tibial tunnel were drilled. An objective clinical assessment was performed with Telos x-rays and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Objective Score. Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) included the IKDC Subjective Score, the Lysholm Knee Score, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Score (KOOS) and the Tegner Activity Scale.Results: A total of 67 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study with a mean follow-up of 4 (± 1.5) years. The groups were homogenous at baseline regarding age, gender, and the time to surgery. At follow-up, no statistically significant differences were found regarding anterior laxity (AL: 2.3 ± 3 mm vs. FL: 2.3 ± 2.6 mm, p=0.981). PRO scores were comparable between the AL and FL groups (IKDC score, 84.8 vs 88.8, p=0.185; Lysholm 87.3 vs 89.9, p=0.380; KOOS 90.7 vs 91.4, p=0.720; Tegner 5.5 vs 6.2, p=0.085). The rate of saphenous nerve lesions was significantly lower in the AL group with popliteal harvesting of the tendon (8.3% vs 35.5%, p=0.014).Conclusion: The use of an adjustable-loop device on the femoral and tibial side led to similar stability and clinical results compared to a fixed-loop device.
Maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a retrospective observational study
Authors: gorosabel Carmen lopez , Maria Soto-Sanchez Eva , Belen Ibañez-Santamaria Ana , Beatriz Sanchez Estevez , Jose Hernandez-Aguado Juan
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The aim of our study is to present the impact on maternal and perinatal outcomes of the COVID pandemic in our patients.
Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all pregnant women from March to December 2020 in Infanta Leonor Universitary Hospital, in Madrid. Infected women during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy or at delivery time with SARS-CoV2 diagnosis composed infected group, and non-infected women with SARS-CoV2 composed non-infected group. The infection status was determined via RT-PCR of nasopharyngeal swab specimen.
Results

1262 non-infected pregnant women and 86 SARS-CoV2 positive pregnant women were admitted to our clinic during the study period. Within the group of infected pregnant women, they were 49 cases (56.98%) symptomatic and 37 cases (43.02%) asymptomatic. In the group of symptomatic infected women, the majority were mild cases (80.23%). In the group of uninfected pregnant women, the main complication was gestational diabetes 14 (1.09%) We did not find any complications during pregnancy in case group. Cesarean section was performed in 16.67% of the infected pregnant women and in 21.71% of the control group. Mean neonatal birth weight was 3.240 g in case group and 3.210 g in non-infected group. Neonatal admission to NICU was 9.52% in cases while in the control group was 1.19%.
Conclusion

Infection does not worsen the prognosis of pregnancy in terms of low birth weight of the newborn, but is associated with a greater increase in neonatal admission in NICU.
On-site evaluation of pancreatic lessions according to Papanicolaou Society of Pancreatobiliary Cytology, how can it contribute to diagnostic accuracy?
Authors: Guvendir Irem , Zemheri Itir Ebru , Ozdil Kamil
Published: February 2022

Background: The use of ROSE in EUS-FNA pancreatic lesions is still controversial in many centers. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the diagnostic accuracy of ROSE and its contribution to the diagnostic accuracy, as well as its assistance to the pathologist/cytopathologist.Methods: 162 EUS-FNA biopsies were included in the study. EUS-FNA cytology results were reported according to the six-tiered system of Papanicolaou Cytopathology Society and compared to their final diagnosis with histopathology and/or clinical follow-ups regarding malignancy. In ROSE and non-ROSE patients, diagnostic ability , the difference in diagnostic accuracy, and its contribution to providing the pathologist with sufficient amount of tissue acquisition (number of slides and cell blocks) for later examination were compared.Results: In the non-ROSE group, the diagnostic accuracy according to the final diagnoses was 96% and the sensitivity was 94.44%, specificity 100%, PPV 100%, NPV 87.50%; while diagnostic accuracy was 97.09%, sensitivity 97.47%, specificity 95.83%, PPV 98.77%, NPV 92% in patients with ROSE. There was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between those with and without ROSE (p:0.078). In diagnostic cases, the number of passes, slides and cell blocks were significantly higher in patients with ROSE than those without ROSE (p:0.003, p:0.007, p:0.012, respectively). ROSE was independently associated with diagnostic ability when evaluated by number of passes, slides, cell blocks in regression analysis (p:0.001, OR:5.07, confidence interval: 1.89-13.5). If the lesion is solid or contains a solid component, cytological corcordance with final diagnosis is higher than cystic ones (p<0.001).Conclusion: ROSE may increase the acquisition of sufficient tissue, but it does not have an advantage in diagnostic accuracy. ROSE may raise the number of required slides, which may benefit the pathologist in making the diagnosis. If the lesion is solid and/or contains a solid component, the success of obtaining a diagnostic ability is higher in patients with ROSE than in those without. Therefore, ROSE still maintains its applicability in terms of making the final diagnosis to the patient and increasing the diagnostic efficiency.
Data Augmentation and Deep Learning Techniques to Improve Interface Noise Tolerance of Myoelectric Pattern Recognition Controllers
Authors: Teh Yuni , Hargrove Levi J.
Published: February 2022

Background: Clinically available myoelectric PR controllers deteriorate under conditions that generate interface noise, such as electrode liftoff or wire failure. Previous solutions relied on additional processing steps like signal denoising and controller adaptation to mitigate these negative effects. However, there are no clinically practical controllers that are inherently robust to interface noise. This paper investigated the use of data-driven methods to build clinically practical, noise tolerant PR control strategies for transradial prostheses.Methods: We developed a data augmentation protocol to increase training data variability and two deep neural networks (MLP and CNN) to compress redundancies across a six-channel EMG array to a latent space that is robust to noise. Using data from fourteen intact limb subjects and seven below-elbow amputee subjects, we evaluated five control strategies: an LDA classifier (LDA), an existing adaptive LDA classifier that recalibrates after discarding noisy EMG channels (LDA-), an LDA classifier trained with an augmented data set (LDA+), an LDA classifier trained with MLP-aligned latent variables of an augmented data set (MLP-LDA), and an LDA classifier trained with CNN-aligned latent variables of an augmented data set (CNN-LDA). We computed the classification accuracies on clean signals and signals that had interface noise in up to four channels.Results: Compared to the baseline LDA method, LDA+ and MLP-LDA significantly increased classification accuracy on noisy data but decreased accuracy on clean data. On the other hand, LDA- and CNN-LDA improved noise tolerance while maintaining high performance with clean data. Conclusion: The CNN-LDA control strategy is robust to multichannel interface noise and can improve the reliability and usability of PR-based upper limb prostheses.
Prognostic factors for the successful conservative management of nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia
Authors: Toda Yoko , Komatsu Shunichiro , Fukami Yasuyuki , Saito Takuya , Matsumura Tatsuki , Osawa Takaaki , Kurahashi Shintaro , Uchino Tairin , Kato Shoko , Yasui Kohe , Hanazawa Takaaki , Kaneko Kenitiro , Sano Tsuyoshi
Published: February 2022

Background: The criteria for deciding upon non-operative management for nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) are poorly defined. The aim of this study is to determine the prognostic factors for survival in conservative treatment of NOMI.Methods: Patients with bowel ischemia were identified by searching for “ICD-10 code K550” in the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database between June 2015 and May 2020. A total of 457 patients were extracted and their medical records, including the clinical factors, imaging findings and outcomes, were analyzed retrospectively. Diagnosis of NOMI was confirmed by the presence of specific findings in contrast-enhanced multidetector-row CT. Twenty six patients with conservative therapy for NOMI, including four cases of explorative laparotomy or laparoscopy, were enrolled.Results: Among the 26 cases without surgical intervention, eight patients (31%) survived to discharge. The level of albumin was significantly higher and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase, total bilirubin, C-reactive protein, and lactate were significantly lower in the survivors than the non-survivors. Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was significantly lower in the survivors than the non-survivors. The most reliable predictor of survival for NOMI was SOFA score (cutoff value =<3 points), which had the highest AUC value (0.899) with odds ratio of 0.075 (CI: 0.0096-0.58).Conclusions: The SOFA score and several biological markers are promising predictors to determine a treatment plan for NOMI and to avoid unnecessary laparotomy.
Poly(ADP) ribose polymerase promotes DNA polymerase theta-mediated end joining by activation of end resection
Authors: Luedeman Megan , Stroik Susanna , Feng Wanjuan , Luthman Adam , Gupta Gaorav , Ramsden Dale
Published: February 2022

The DNA polymerase theta (Polθ)-dependent end joining (TMEJ) pathway for repair of chromosomal double strand breaks (DSBs) is essential in cells deficient in other DSB repair pathways, including hereditary breast cancers defective in homologous recombination. Strand-break activated poly(ADP) ribose polymerase 1 (PARP1) has been implicated in TMEJ, but the modest specificity of existing TMEJ assays means the extent of effect and the mechanism behind it remain unclear. We describe here a series of TMEJ assays with improved specificity and show ablation of PARP activity reduces TMEJ activity 2-4-fold. The reduction in TMEJ is attributable to a reduction in the 5’ to 3’ resection of DSB ends that is essential for engagement of this pathway and is compensated by increased repair by the nonhomologous-end joining pathway. This limited role for PARP activity in TMEJ helps better rationalize the combined employment of inhibitors of PARP and Polθ in cancer therapy.
Brain Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas in the Covid-19 era: a warning and rationale for association
Authors: Garcia-Garcia Sergio , Cepeda Santiago , Arrese Iñaki , Sarabia Rosario
Published: February 2022

Background
Brain dural arteriovenous fistulas(bDAVFs) are anomalous connections between dural arteries and cerebral veins or sinuses. Cerebral venous thrombosis(CVT) often precedes or coincides with bDAVFs and is considered a risk factor for these vascular malformations. Recently, vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia causing CVTs has been associated with COVID-19 vaccines. Concurrently with the start of massive vaccination in our region, we have observed a fivefold increase in the average incidence of bDAVFs.
Objective
To raise awareness of the potential involvement of COVID-19 vaccines in the pathogenesis of bDAVF.
Methods
A retrospective review of demographic, clinical, radiological, COVID-19 infection and vaccination data of patients diagnosed with bDAVFs between 2011-2021 was conducted. Patients were divided into two cohorts according to their belonging to pre- or post-COVID-19 vaccination times. Cohorts were compared for bDAVFs incidences and demographic and clinical features.
Results
Twenty-one bDAVFs were diagnosed between 2011- 2021, 7 of which were diagnosed in 2021. The mean age was 57.7 years, and 62% were males. All cases except one were treated; of them, 85% were exclusively managed with surgery. All treated cases were successfully occluded. The incidence in 2021 was significantly higher than that in the prevaccination period (1.72 vs 0.35/100,000/year;p=0.036; 95%Confidence Interval=0.09-2.66). Cohorts were not different in age, sex, hemorrhagic presentation, dural sinus thrombosis or presence of prothrombotic or cardiovascular risk factors.
Conclusion
The significant increase in the incidence of bDAVF following general vaccination policies against COVID-19 observed in our region suggests a potential correlation between these two facts. Our findings need confirmation from larger cohorts and further pathogenic research.
Excitatory drive of cortical fast-spiking GABAergic interneurons is set by D-serine acting on NMDA receptors
Authors: Lecouflet Pierre , Maldera Steeve , Potier Brigitte , Pollegioni Loredano , Mothet Jean-Pierre
Published: February 2022

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) populate GABAergic interneurons, where they play a critical role in shaping circuit motifs and memory. However, we are largely ignoring whether and how NMDARs at GABAergic interneurons are gated by signals released in their surrounding microenvironment. Here we explore the dynamics of the co-agonist site occupancy by D-serine and glycine at glutamatergic synapses onto parvalbumin positive GABAergic interneurons in the adolescent prefrontal cortex, an area central to complex cognitive operation. We discovered that D-serine but not glycine is required for maintaining the activity of NMDAR at the GABAergic interneurons and that the identity of the co-agonist is not determined by the synaptic regime. Our study extends the physiological implications of D-serine in brain physiopathology by uncovering its control of inhibitory synaptic networks through NMDARs.
The molluscs’ periodic table: Elemental analysis reveals distinct mineralization patterns in radular teeth
Authors: Krings Wencke , Brütt Jan-Ole , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: February 2022

The molluscan phylum is the second specious animal group inhabiting various habitats and feeding on a variety of food sources. The latter is enabled by the radula, a small chitinous membrane with embedded teeth, one important molluscan autapomorphy. Between species, radulae can vary in their morphology, mechanical, and chemical properties. With regard to radular chemical composition, some taxa (Polyplacophora and Patellogastropoda) were studied extensively in the past decades, due to their specificity to incorporate high proportions of iron, calcium, and silicon. There is, however, a huge lack of knowledge about radular chemical composition in other molluscan taxa. The work presented here aims at shedding light on the radular chemistry by performing energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses on overall 24 molluscan species, thereof two Polyplacophora, two Cephalopoda, and 20 Gastropoda. The elements, which are not part of chitin, and their proportions were documented for overall 1448 individual, mature teeth and hypotheses about potential biomineralizations types were proposed. The here presented work additionally comprises a detailed record on past studies about the chemical composition of molluscan teeth, which is an important basis for further investigation of the radular chemistry. The found disparity in elements detected, in their distribution and proportions highlights the diversity of evolutionary solutions, as it depicts multiple biomineralization types present within Mollusca.
Gravitational cells and gravitational strings. Obtaining new physical formulas and calculating the gravitational constant, the mass of the hydrogen atom, the mass of the electron, the graviton energy, the length and frequency of gravitational waves, the distance of action of gravitational forces, etc.
Authors: Chernov Andrey
Published: February 2022

This study introduces scientific concepts such as gravitational cells and gravitational strings. This innovation made it possible to move from general ideas about gravitational interaction to a deeper and more detailed understanding of this physical process, as well as to obtain significant scientific results. These results include: obtaining the formula for the gravitational constant, determining the fixed graviton energy, obtaining the length and frequency of gravitational waves, obtaining the formula for the mass of an electron and the formula for the mass of a hydrogen atom through fundamental physical constants, obtaining formulas for the minimum and maximum distance of action of gravitational forces, obtaining a new relativistic formula the speed of a body in a gravitational field, etc. The calculations made according to the new formulas completely coincided with the known scientific and experimental data. In this work, Planck's constant was successfully applied to the gravitational field (with its help, the minimum distance of action of gravitational forces was determined, the mass of the hydrogen atom was calculated with an accuracy of 10−7, the frequency and length of gravitational waves were determined, etc.). Through the synthesis of the theory of gravitational cells and the relativistic formula of Einstein's total energy, a new formula for the velocity of a body in a gravitational field was obtained, which is conveniently used for calculations. A distinctive feature of this study is the fact that only fundamental physical constants are present in the new formulas.
Ecogenomics Sheds Light on Diverse Lifestyle Strategies in Freshwater CPR
Authors: Chiriac Maria-Cecilia , Bulzu Paul-Adrian , Andrei Adrian-Stefan , Okazaki Yusuke , Nakano Shin-ichi , Haber Markus , Kavagutti Vinicius Silva , Layoun Paul , Ghai Rohit , Salcher Michaela M.
Published: February 2022

Background. The increased use of metagenomics and single-cell genomics led to the discovery of organisms from phyla with no cultivated representatives and proposed new microbial lineages such as the candidate phyla radiation (CPR, or Patescibacteria). These bacteria have peculiar ribosomal structures, reduced metabolic capacities, small genome and cell sizes, and a general host-associated lifestyle was proposed for the radiation. So far, most CPR genomes were obtained from groundwaters, however, their diversity, abundance, and role in surface freshwaters is largely unexplored. Here we attempt to close these knowledge gaps by deep metagenomic sequencing of 119 samples of 17 different freshwater lakes located in Europe and Asia. Moreover, we applied Fluorescence in situ Hybridization followed by Catalyzed Reporter Deposition (CARD-FISH) for a first visualization of distinct CPR lineages in freshwater samples.Results. A total of 174 dereplicated metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of diverse CPR lineages were recovered from the investigated lakes, with a higher prevalence from hypolimnion samples (162 MAGs). They have reduced genomes (median size 1 Mbp) and were generally found in low abundances (0.02 – 14.36 coverage/Gb) and with estimated slow replication rates. The analysis of genomic traits and CARD-FISH results showed that the radiation is an eclectic group in terms of metabolic capabilities and potential lifestyles, ranging from what appear to be free-living lineages to host- or particle-associated groups. Although some complexes of the electron transport chain were present in the CPR MAGs, together with ion-pumping rhodopsins and heliorhodopsins, we believe that they most probably adopt a fermentative metabolism. Terminal oxidases might function in O2 scavenging, while heliorhodopsins could be involved in mitigation against oxidative stress. Conclusions. A high diversity of CPR MAGs was recovered, and distinct CPR lineages did not seem to be limited to lakes with specific trophic states. Their reduced metabolic capacities resemble the ones described for genomes in groundwater and animal-associated samples, apart from Gracilibacteria that possesses more complete metabolic pathways. Even though this radiation is mostly host-associated, we also observed organisms from different clades (ABY1, Paceibacteria, Saccharimonadia) that appear to be unattached to any other organisms or were associated with ‘lake snow’ particles (ABY1, Gracilibacteria), suggesting a broad range of potential life-strategies in this phylum.
Origin, Use and Meaning of the Innovation Diamond
Authors: Ojeda Castro Fernando Alonso
Published: February 2022

This document seeks to present the instrument known as the DIAMOND OF INNOVATION and its “green version”, reveals the genesis from the results shown with the generation of the collection of books called: ASIAN FIRMS. Using these eight books makes it possible to discover the business model of the central countries (PR China, Republic of India) and Southeast Asia (Japan, South Korea, R. China-Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam), focusing on continuous Innovation. This process, which tested and perfected the instrument, is accompanied by companies from the industrial and Colombian primary sectors. The tool shows its ability to establish a diagnosis in a city, country, company in terms of Innovation and establish a strategy based on the eight points of the Diamond and accompany it with a hierarchy or strategic priority. To this end, the use of secondary tools is established, such as the STRATEGIC MOTHER MATRIX. It detects the behavior of the leading countries for each of the Diamond points, becoming “good practices”, and determines the backwardness or practices to improve, prioritizing each strategy to be developed, seeking to advance on the subject of Innovation. With the advancement of research, sponsored from the beginning by the Universidad Piloto de Colombia and its Business Administration program and research partners such as Grupo SASA and some farms in the Ubaté valley (Department of Cundinamarca), dedicated to the main production focused on In dairy, the “green” version of the Innovation Diamond is tested and launched, its reason for being: to prevent Innovation in a country, city, company, from being accepted simply for being Innovation, without considering its impact in the environment.
Liquid Organic Fertilizer Effects on Growth and Biomass of Lettuce Grown in a Soilless Production System
Authors: Shaik Azeezahmed , Singh Hardeep , Singh Sukhbir , Montague Thayne , Sanchez Jacobo
Published: February 2022

Demand for locally produced, organically grown leafy greens is increasing throughout the United States. However, due to lack of efficient organic fertilizers (OFs) for soilless substrates, organic greenhouse production of leafy greens may be challenging. Therefore, a greenhouse study was conducted to analyze the effects of six liquid OFs on growth and development of lettuce in a soilless system. Two experiments were conducted using a randomized block design, and treatments included six fish- or plant-based OFs: OF1 (5N–1P–1K), OF2 (2N–5P–1K), OF3 (3N–1P–1K), OF4 (2N–2P–2K), OF5 (4N–1P–1K), and OF6 (3N–3P–2K); one inorganic fertilizer treatment (IF, 24N–8P–16K); and one unfertilized control treatment. Fertilizer solutions were prepared at 2 dS⋅m–1 and applied at 100 mL/plant. In Expt. 1, fresh biomass for IF-treated plants was 12% to 38% greater than OF treatments, whereas this difference ranged from 25% to 57% in Expt. 2. Similarly, leaf area values of IF-treated plants were 5% to 40% greater than OF treatments in Expt. 1, and the difference ranged from 28% to 90% in Expt. 2. A possible explanation could be greater availability of nutrients in the IF treatment compared with OF treatments. There was no significant difference among fertilized treatments for number of leaves and stem diameter. Based on the index-based ranking, fish-based (OF1) and fish- and plant-based (OF2 and OF6) performed well among different liquid OFs used in the study. Although the yield under OFs was less compared with that under IF, there is potential to reduce this yield gap by optimized fertility management of these fertilizers. Future research is needed to investigate the impact of optimized rate, timing, different placement, and additional nitrogen (N) sources of OFs on the soilless production of lettuce.
Item parameter recovery via traditional 2PL, Testlet and Bi-factor models for Testlet-Based tests
Authors: SOYSAL Sümeyra , YILMAZ KOĞAR Esin
Published: February 2022

The testlet comprises a set of items based on a common stimulus. When the testlet is used in the tests, there may violate the local independence assumption, and in this case, it would not be appropriate to use traditional item response theory models in the tests in which the testlet is included. When the testlet is discussed, one of the most frequently used models is the testlet response theory (TRT) model. In addition, the bi-factor model and traditional 2PL models are also used for testlet-based tests. This study aims to examine the item parameters estimated by these three calibration models of the data properties produced under different conditions and to compare the performances of the models. For this purpose, data were generated under three conditions: sample size (500, 1000, and 2000), testlet variance (.25, .50, and 1), and testlet size (4 and 10). For each simulation condition, the number of items in the test was fixed at i = 40 and 100 replications were made under each condition. Among these models, it was concluded that the TRT model gave less biased results than the other two models, but the results of the bi-factor model and the TRT were more similar as the sample size increased. Among the examined conditions, it was determined that the most effective variable in parameter recovery was the sample size.
Juegos tecnológicos para la resolución de problemas matemáticos en el aula inclusiva
Authors: Valbuena Duarte Sonia , García Cruz Johanna Patricia
Published: February 2022

El cambio disruptivo que se gestó en los entornos educativos como consecuencia de la pandemia de Covid-19 en nuestro país y el mundo, permeó fuertemente el quehacer educativo; gestándose una nueva dinámica que trasladó las aulas de clases y la práctica docente a grupos de WhatsApp, clases por Meet o Zoom, Classroom, entre otras plataformas digitales, lo que generó la necesidad de plantear otras alternativas dirigidas a la enseñanza en línea. Por tal motivo, el objetivo principal que orientó esta investigación educativa fue el fomentar pensamiento matemático con la creación de una estrategia formativa desde la matemática y el juego para estudiantes con discapacidad, con el propósito de impactar la práctica pedagógica inclusiva y motivar un aprendizaje orientado hacia experiencias significativas en entornos virtuales. El proyecto se llevó a cabo bajo un enfoque de tipo cualitativo que motivará una práctica recursiva, secuencial e interactiva desde la investigación-acción participativa. La prueba de la idoneidad de esta estrategia contó con dos profesores y siete estudiantes de grado quinto.
WebQuest como escenario para el aprendizaje colaborativo y el desarrollo de competencias digitales
Authors: Katayama Cruz Elena , Rojas Montero John Alexander
Published: February 2022

Los tiempos por los que transcurre la humanidad han provocado la implementación acelerada de la educación remota a través de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC), generándose la necesidad de desarrollar habilidades digitales por parte de los docentes y los estudiantes. En este tipo de procesos se tiene la WebQuest como e-actividad que posibilita el desarrollo de estrategias para el logro de aprendizajes; es por ello que se realiza una exploración en la literatura acerca de este tipo de actividades en el campo educativo desde los procedimientos implementados para su creación, las experiencias de aprendizaje que propicia en los estudiantes, la identificación de su estructura y las ventajas de su aplicación, adecuación o innovación en el desarrollo y promoción del aprendizaje colaborativo. En conclusión, la WebQuest propone varias acciones secuenciales y sistemáticas orientadas al desarrollo del pensamiento crítico, creativo y el trabajo en equipo, para aprender de manera reflexiva.
Evidencia de validez de la Escala Multidimensional de Apoyo Social Percibido (EMASP) en población adulta Argentina
Authors: Matrangolo Gisela , Simkin Hugo , Azzollini Susana Celeste
Published: February 2022

El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo adaptar y validar la Escala Multidimensional de Apoyo Social Percibido (EMASP) para adultos argentinos. La EMASP cuenta con 12 items que permiten indagar acerca del apoyo social en tres fuentes: Familia, Amigos y Otros significativos. Para este trabajo, se ha escogido un diseño instrumental. La muestra fue de tipo intencional, compuesta por 1278 adultos nacidos en Argentina con edades que oscilan entre los 18 y 83 años y de ambos sexos. En el contexto local, la EMASP muestra propiedades psicométricas adecuadas para cada uno de los factores. La validez cruzada por sexo indica que la Escala presenta índices de ajuste adecuados tanto para hombres como para mujeres. El análisis de la validez externa dio cuenta de las relaciones indirectas entre las distintas dimensiones de la ESMAP con el cuestionario Patient Health Questionnaire (PQH9), que evalúa trastorno depresivo mayor. Se concluye que la EMASP presenta propiedades psicométricas adecuadas para su uso en población argentina.
Does aquatic products trade waste or save water resources? An analysis of virtual water trade
Authors: Xu Xuan , Yang Zhengyong
Published: February 2022

China is the largest producer and exporter of aquatic products. While earning foreign exchange, its implied water resources output could not be denied. Against the background of promoting water resources and food security, whether aquatic products trade can also achieve the purpose of water-saving has become a topic worthy of attention. Based on the idea of the quality and energy conservation law, this study uses the physical value input–output table and the fish growth model, and calculates the output and input of China's aquatic products virtual water trade indirectly by fishery water coefficient and virtual water of feed crops. The results show that while China's aquatic products trade is water-saving in general, it is water-wasting in some parts, and its environmental function needs to be improved. In particular, the aquatic products trade with South Asia, Central Asia, Northern Europe, North America, South America and Oceania is virtual water net import, while that with other regions is virtual water net export. The trade of shellfish and marine fish is water-saving, while that of mollusk, crustacean and freshwater fish is water-wasting. China, as a globally responsible power, should try to dynamically optimize the trade structure of aquatic products.
Analysis of the variation of costs for sewage sludge transport, recovery and disposal in Northern Italy: a recent survey (2015–2021)
Authors: Domini M. , Abbà A. , Bertanza G.
Published: February 2022

The cost for the recovery/disposal of residues produced by wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) represents a relevant aspect in the economics of WWTP management. We elaborated and applied a desk-based methodology to analyze tender processes and to investigate quantitatively and qualitatively the variability of unit costs for sewage sludge (EWC 190805) management in Northern Italy from 2015 to 2021. We conducted a qualitative survey for operators of the sector. Unit costs for sludge management increased over time. The unit cost was mostly affected by the type of sludge recovery/disposal being the cost for recovery in agriculture (direct or by composting) lower than incineration and landfilling. Other variables influencing the cost were the distance and discount offered by the contractor. Regulatory and judiciary events determined a sudden increase of sludge disposal costs in Italy between 2017 and 2019. Recovery in agriculture, when practicable, remains the preferable option. Results can orient and support the optimization of sludge management costs and be of interest for future studies at national or European level.
PARQUE FAUNO
Authors: Garcia Donoso Veronica , Paulus Covaleski Joani , Machado Bartmann Caroline , Henrique Marin Taschetto Pedro
Published: February 2022

Este artigo apresenta exercício de projeto paisagístico desenvolvido na disciplina “Projeto Urbano e da Paisagem I” do curso de Arquitetura e Urbanismo da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, campus Cachoeira do Sul, no segundo semestre de 2020. O trabalho explora conceitos de excêntrico e do não usual para desenvolver projeto do parque urbano, buscando, também, maior compreensão da paisagem, história e vegetação do Rio Grande do Sul. O resultado foi um projeto de parque urbano atento às especificidades locais e com definição espacial e compositiva complexa e singular, rompendo alguns formalismos e permitindo à poética grande papel na definição do pensamento da paisagem. O projeto abraça a criatividade e o diferente para criar um universo rico em cenários não convencionalmente explorados no paisagismo, ao mesmo tempo em que permite aos espaços serem multifuncionais e livres para diferentes formas de apropriação. Além disso, explorou composições vegetais unicamente com espécies nativas dos pampas, para maior visibilidade das possibilidades da paisagem sulista e espécies nativas no projeto paisagístico. Espera-se que a divulgação deste trabalho estimule maior sensibilidade no projeto paisagístico, buscando especialmente valorizar a metodologia do conceito e da composição com espécies vegetais para a definição dos espaços e experiências sensoriais promovidas e permitidas pela paisagem.