bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity of Root Nodule-Associated Bacteria of Diverse Legumes Along an Elevation Gradient in the Kunlun Mountains, China
Authors: Pang Jinfeng , Palmer Marike , Sun Henry J. , Seymour Cale O. , Zhang Ling , Hedlund Brian P. , Zeng Fanjiang
Published: February 2021

Bacteria in root nodules of legumes play important roles in promoting plant growth. In this study, we investigated root nodule-associated bacteria isolated from leguminous plants along an elevation gradient on the northern slope of the Kunlun Mountains, China, using a cultivation approach. In total, 300 isolates were obtained from seven legume species within six ecological zones. Isolates were identified based on 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis and potential rhizobia were further identified using a recA gene phylogeny. Among the isolates, Bacillales (particularly Bacillus) were the dominant isolates from all host legumes and all elevations (63.5%), followed by Rhizobiales (13%) and Pseudomonadales (11.7%). Less than 3% of the isolates belonged to Burkholderiales, Paenibacillales, Enterobacteriales, Actinomycetales, Sphingomonadales, Xanthomonadales, Chitinophagales, Brevibacillales, Staphylococcales, or Mycobacteriales. A few elevation-specific patterns emerged within the Bacillales and Pseudomonadales. For example, isolates related to the psychrotroph Bacillus psychrosaccharolyticus were only isolated from the highest elevation sites (>3,500 m) whereas those related to the mesophile Bacillus endophyticus were only isolated from lowest elevation sites (1,350 m), suggestive of a role of soil temperature in their distribution. Similarly, isolates related to Pseudomonas brassicacearum were the dominant Pseudomonadales isolates, but they were only isolated from middle and low elevations (<3,200 m). A total of 39 isolates belonged to the Rhizobiales, 36 of which were confirmed to the genus level using the recA gene. In all, Rhizobiales isolates were obtained from five different host legumes spanning the entire elevation gradient. Those from the low-elevation Qira Desert-Oasis Transition Zone (1,350–1,960 m) suggested some patterns of host preference. For example, most isolates from Albizia julibrissin formed a monophyletic group related to Rhizobium lemnae and most from Alhagi sparsifolia were closely related to Ensifer kummerowiae. In general, this study shows that most bacteria associated with root nodules of legumes are widely distributed in distinct ecological zones within a single geographic region but suggests that both climate and host interactions may influence their distributions.
ARC: An Open Web-Platform for Request/Supply Matching for a Prioritized and Controlled COVID-19 Response
Authors: Courcol Jean-Denis , Invernizzi Cédric F. , Landry Zachary C. , Minisini Mikhaél , Baumgartner Dieter A. , Bonhoeffer Sebastian , Chabriw Barbara , Clerc Estelle E. , Daniels Michael , Getta Pavlo , Girod Matthieu , Kazala Kinga , Markram Henry , Pasqualini Axel , Martínez-Pérez Clara , Peaudecerf François J. , Peaudecerf Margit S. , Pfreundt Ulrike , Roller Benjamin R. K. , Słomka Jonasz , Vasse Marie , Wheeler Jeanette D. , Metzger César M. J. A. , Stocker Roman , Schürmann Felix
Published: February 2021

In 2020 the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic putting entire governments and civil societies in crisis mode. Around the globe unprecedented shortages of equipment and qualified personnel were reported in hospitals and diagnostic laboratories. When a crisis is global, supply chains are strained worldwide and external help may not be readily available. In Switzerland, as part of the efforts of the Swiss National COVID-19 Science Task Force, we developed a tailor-made web-based tool where needs and offers for critical laboratory equipment and expertise can be brought together, coordinated, prioritized, and validated. This Academic Resources for COVID-19 (ARC) Platform presents the specialized needs of diagnostic laboratories to academic research groups at universities, allowing the sourcing of said needs from unconventional supply channels, while keeping the entities tasked with coordination of the crisis response in control of each part of the process. An instance of the ARC Platform is operated in Switzerland (arc.epfl.ch) catering to the diagnostic efforts in Switzerland and sourcing from the Swiss academic sector. The underlying technology has been released as open source so that others can adopt the customizable web-platform for need/supply match-making in their own relief efforts, during the COVID-19 pandemic or any future disaster.
Populism, “Anti” Ideologies, and Feminist Coalitions
Authors: Ackerly Brooke A.
Published: February 2021

By understanding populism as an “anti-” politics we can see two strands of populism: the anti-democratic strand which marginalizes certain groups of people and the anti-structural injustice strand coming from marginalized people. The potential of this anti-structural injustice activism encourages activists to expand their coalitional politics and government and philanthropic donors to see the import of funding and otherwise supporting work against structural injustice that explicitly takes on patriarchy and racism, among the full gamut of ideologies based on hierarchy and injustice.
Ultraviolet Transparency of Plastic Films Determines the Quality of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Grown in a Greenhouse
Authors: Quintero-Arias Deissy Giovanna , Acuña-Caita John Fabio , Asensio Carlos , Valenzuela Juan Luis
Published: February 2021

The quality of red lettuce is based on the content of anthocyanin pigments, and the content of these pigments increases when the plant receives ultraviolet radiation. Lettuce crops are increasingly being grown in greenhouses to provide better quality fresh lettuce; however, both quality and productivity are affected by the type of cover used. The effects of UV-transparent and UV-blocking plastic films on the growth and quality of three lettuce cultivars (‘Casabella’ and ‘Vera’, which are both green leaf, and ‘Lollo Rosso’, which is red leaf) were investigated. The crop was cultivated at an altitude of 2576 m a.s.l. to naturally expose it to high ultraviolet radiation. The height and diameter of plants, fresh and dry weight, leaf area index, chlorophyll fluorescence, and leaf colour were determined throughout the crop cycle. Growth characteristics were not significantly influenced by the plastic film in all cultivars, probably due to the high altitude and the high solar radiation received. The UV-transparent film could increase the red colour in ‘Lollo Rosso’, and a higher commercial quality was achieved. No effect of the plastic film on the yield component was observed in the ‘Casabella’ and ‘Vera’ cultivars. The findings of this study provide guidance on what cultivar and plastic film must be used in high-altitude areas where the solar and UV radiation is high.
Milk Composition of Free-Ranging Impala (Aepyceros melampus) and Tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus lunatus), and Comparison with Other African Bovidae
Authors: Osthoff Gernot , Hugo Arnold , Madende Moses , Schmidt Lauren , Kobeni Sibusiso , Deacon Francois
Published: February 2021

The major nutrient and fatty acid composition of the milk of impala and tsessebe is reported and compared with other Bovidae and species. The proximate composition of impala milk was 5.56 ± 1.96% fat, 6.60 ± 0.51% protein, and 4.36 ± 0.94% lactose, and that of tsessebe milk was 8.44 ± 3.19%, 5.15 ± 0.49%, and 6.10 ± 3.85%, respectively. The high protein content of impala milk accounted for 42% of gross energy, which is typical for African Bovids that use a “hider” postnatal care system, compared to the 25% of the tsessebe, a “follower”. Electrophoresis showed that the molecular size and surface charge of the tsessebe caseins resembled that of other Alcelaphinae members, while that of the impala resembled that of Hippotraginae. The milk composition of these two species was compared by statistical methods with 13 other species representing eight suborders, families, or subfamilies of African Artiodactyla. This showed that the tsessebe milk resembled that of four other species of the Alcelaphinae sub-family and that the milk of this sub-family differs from other Artiodactyla by its specific margins of nutrient contents and milk fat with a high content of medium-length fatty acids (C8–C12) above 17% of the total fatty acids.
Mapping of Genomic Vulnerabilities in the Post-Translational Ubiquitination, SUMOylation and Neddylation Machinery in Breast Cancer
Authors: Fuentes-Antrás Jesús , Alcaraz-Sanabria Ana Lucía , Morafraile Esther Cabañas , Noblejas-López María del Mar , Galán-Moya Eva María , Baliu-Pique Mariona , López-Cade Igor , García-Barberán Vanesa , Pérez-Segura Pedro , Manzano Aránzazu , Pandiella Atanasio , Győrffy Balázs , Ocaña Alberto
Published: February 2021

The dysregulation of post-translational modifications (PTM) transversally impacts cancer hallmarks and constitutes an appealing vulnerability for drug development. In breast cancer there is growing preclinical evidence of the role of ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like SUMO and Nedd8 peptide conjugation to the proteome in tumorigenesis and drug resistance, particularly through their interplay with estrogen receptor signaling and DNA repair. Herein we explored genomic alterations in these processes using RNA-seq and mutation data from TCGA and METABRIC datasets, and analyzed them using a bioinformatic pipeline in search of those with prognostic and predictive capability which could qualify as subjects of drug research. Amplification of UBE2T, UBE2C, and BIRC5 conferred a worse prognosis in luminal A/B and basal-like tumors, luminal A/B tumors, and luminal A tumors, respectively. Higher UBE2T expression levels were predictive of a lower rate of pathological complete response in triple negative breast cancer patients following neoadjuvant chemotherapy, whereas UBE2C and BIRC5 expression was higher in luminal A patients with tumor relapse within 5 years of endocrine therapy or chemotherapy. The transcriptomic signatures of USP9X and USP7 gene mutations also conferred worse prognosis in luminal A, HER2-enriched, and basal-like tumors, and in luminal A tumors, respectively. In conclusion, we identified and characterized the clinical value of a group of genomic alterations in ubiquitination, SUMOylation, and neddylation enzymes, with potential for drug development in breast cancer.
Intensification of Chemical Looping Processes by Catalyst Assistance and Combination
Authors: Poelman Hilde , Galvita Vladimir V.
Published: February 2021

Chemical looping can be considered a technology platform, which refers to one common basic concept that can be used for various applications. Compared with a traditional catalytic process, the chemical looping concept allows fuels’ conversion and products’ separation without extra processes. In addition, the chemical looping technology has another major advantage: combinability, which enables the integration of different reactions into one process, leading to intensification. This review collects various important state-of-the-art examples, such as integration of chemical looping and catalytic processes. Hereby, we demonstrate that chemical looping can in principle be implemented for any catalytic reaction or at least assist in existing processes, provided that the targeted functional group is transferrable by means of suitable carriers.
Microzooplankton Communities in a Changing Ocean: A Risk Assessment
Authors: López-Abbate M. Celeste
Published: February 2021

Microzooplankton communities are fundamental components of marine food webs and have the potential to impact the functioning of carbon pumps. The identification of common responses of microzooplankton to global change has been challenging due to their plasticity and complex community-level interactions. However, accumulating research is providing new insights on the vulnerability of this group to different climate and other human-related hazards. Here, the current and future risk levels of microzooplankton associated with global change are assessed by identifying prevailing hazards, exposure, sensitivity, natural adaptability, and observed impacts based on available evidence. Most documented hazards for the survival and yield of microzooplankton are ocean warming, acidification, deoxygenation, and coastal eutrophication. Overall, heterotrophic protists are expected to respond and adapt rapidly to global trends. Fast growing, mixotrophy, wide internal stoichiometry, and their capacity to track optimal environmental conditions by changing species’ range distribution are among the most important traits that shape their high adaptability to global change. Community-level responses to warming, however, are predicted to be amplified in polar and subpolar regions. At the individual level, the highest risk is associated with the sensitivity to deoxygenation since microzooplankton, especially ciliates, are known to reduce metabolic rates under hypoxic episodes; however, vulnerable species can be readily replaced by specialized taxa from a similar functional type. Microzooplankton seem to act as functional buffers of environmental threats, thus conferring stability, in terms of community connectedness to marine food webs and ecosystems against external disturbances.
Variations in Soil Properties and CO2 Emissions of a Temperate Forest Gully Soil along a Topographical Gradient
Authors: Walkiewicz Anna , Bulak Piotr , Brzezińska Małgorzata , Khalil Mohammad I. , Osborne Bruce
Published: February 2021

Although forest soils play an important role in the carbon cycle, the influence of topography has received little attention. Since the topographical gradient may affect CO2 emissions and C sequestration, the aims of the study were: (1) to identify the basic physicochemical and microbial parameters of the top, mid-slope, and bottom of a forest gully; (2) to carry out a quantitative assessment of CO2 emission from these soils incubated at different moisture conditions (9% and 12% v/v) and controlled temperature (25 °C); and (3) to evaluate the interdependence between the examined parameters. We analyzed the physicochemical (content of total N, organic C, pH, clay, silt, and sand) and microbial (enzymatic activity, basal respiration, and soil microbial biomass) parameters of the gully upper, mid-slope, and bottom soil. The Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) method was used to measure CO2 emitted from soils. The position in the forest gully had a significant effect on all soil variables with the gully bottom having the highest pH, C, N concentration, microbial biomass, catalase activity, and CO2 emissions. The sand content decreased as follows: top > bottom > mid-slope and the upper area had significantly lower clay content. Dehydrogenase activity was the lowest in the mid-slope, probably due to the lower pH values. All samples showed higher CO2 emissions at higher moisture conditions, and this decreased as follows: bottom > top > mid-slope. There was a positive correlation between soil CO2 emissions and soil microbial biomass, pH, C, and N concentration, and a positive relationship with catalase activity, suggesting that the activity of aerobic microorganisms was the main driver of soil respiration. Whilst the general applicability of these results to other gully systems is uncertain, the identification of the slope-related movement of water and inorganic/organic materials as a significant driver of location-dependent differences in soil respiration, may result in some commonality in the changes observed across different gully systems.
Diversity of Phytophthora Species Detected in Disturbed and Undisturbed British Soils Using High-Throughput Sequencing Targeting ITS rRNA and COI mtDNA Regions
Authors: Landa Blanca B. , Arias-Giraldo Luis F. , Henricot Béatrice , Montes-Borrego Miguel , Shuttleworth Lucas A. , Pérez-Sierra Ana
Published: February 2021

Disease outbreaks caused by introduced Phytophthora species have been increasing in British forests and woodlands in recent years. A better knowledge of the Phytophthora communities already present in the UK is of great importance when developing management and mitigation strategies for these diseases. To do this, soils were sampled in “disturbed” sites, meaning sites frequently visited by the public, with recent and new plantings or soil disturbances versus more “natural” forest and woodland sites with little disturbance or management. Phytophthora diversity was assessed using high-throughput Illumina sequencing targeting the widely accepted barcoding Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1) region of rRNA and comparing it with the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene. Isolation of Phytophthora was run in parallel. Nothophytophthora spp. and Phytophthora spp. were detected in 79 and 41 of the 132 locations of the 14 studied sites when using ITS or COI, respectively. A total of 20 Phytophthora amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were assigned to known Phytophthora species from eight clades (1a, 2, 2b, 3a, 5, 6b, 7a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 10a, and 10b) and 12 ASVs from six clades (1a, 2c, 3a, 3b, 6b, 7a, 8b, 8c, and 8d) when using ITS or COI, respectively. Only at two locations were the results in agreement for ITS, COI, and isolation. Additionally, 21 and 17 unknown Phytophthora phylotypes were detected using the ITS and COI, respectively. Several Phytophthora spp. within clades 7 and 8, including very important forest pathogens such as P. austrocedri and P. ramorum, were identified and found more frequently at “disturbed” sites. Additionally, eight ASVs identified as Nothophytophthora spp. were detected representing the first report of species within this new genus in Britain. Only three species not known to be present in Britain (P. castaneae, P. capsici, and P. fallax) were detected with the ITS primers and not with COI. To confirm the presence of these or any potential new Phytophthora species, sites should be re-sampled for confirmation. Additionally, there is a need to confirm if these species are a threat to British trees and try to establish any eradication measures required to mitigate Phytophthora spread in Britain.
Donation or Discount: Effect of Promotion Mode on Green Consumption Behavior
Authors: Zou Jun , Tang Yifan , Qing Ping , Li Han , Razzaq Amar
Published: February 2021

Environmental issues are still challenging and of global concern. To improve the environmental consumption behavior of consumers, this study investigates whether the match between the promotion mode and product type can improve the conceptual fluency of consumers, so as to increase their purchase intention for green products. The results of three experiments reveal that the interaction between promotion mode and product type has a certain impact on the conceptual fluency of consumers, which can, in turn, promote their purchase intention. This research theoretically contributes to the research on green consumption by introducing promotion mode and revealing the mediation effect of conceptual fluency, it also provides some practical implications for alleviating environmental problems.
Asymmetry of Muscle Mass Distribution and Grip Strength in Professional Handball Players
Authors: Lijewski Marcin , Burdukiewicz Anna , Pietraszewska Jadwiga , Andrzejewska Justyna , Stachoń Aleksandra
Published: February 2021

Handball is among the disciplines that impose a significant degree of asymmetry on the body movement. The aim of the study is to assess the influence of physical effort on the occurrence of asymmetry in body musculature and in isometric strength of handball players. The study examined 36 professional handball players. Players’ height and body mass were measured as to calculate their body mass indexes (BMIs). Segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis (SBIA) was used to assess: the percentage of fat mass, total muscle mass (MM), musculature of the right and left side of the body, and body segments (trunk, upper and lower limbs). Moreover, grip strength was also measured. The assessment confirmed the existence of discrepancies in the right and left sides of players’ bodies for the majority of the parameters. Cross-asymmetry and significant bilateral discrepancies in trunk musculature were also observed. Morphological asymmetry may impact performance in sports since it can cause unfavorable functional changes, which in turn increase the risk of injury and conditions caused by overexertion. Therefore, we believe it is important to emphasize the importance of individualized symmetrization during sports practice and consistent monitoring of the asymmetries occurring in different body parts; this should both improve one’s sports results and minimize the risk of injury.
An Experience of Public Dental Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Reflection and Analysis
Authors: Nemeth Orsolya , Orsos Mercedesz , Simon Fanni , Gaal Peter
Published: February 2021

Since its emergence in China, the COVID-19 pandemic has become the number 1 health challenge in the world with all affected countries trying to learn from each other’s experiences. When it comes to health services, dental care does not seem to be a priority area, despite the fact that it is among the highest risk medical specialisations in terms of spreading the infection. Using the Department of Community Dentistry of Semmelweis University as a case study, the objective of this paper is to introduce and analyze the system and organizational level measures, which have been implemented in dental care in Hungary during the first months of the COVID-19 outbreak. The system level measures to promote social distancing, to reduce the use of health services and to protect high risk health professionals, together with the deployment of protective equipment and the reorganization of patient pathways at the organizational level proved to be effective in keeping the outbreak in control. There are two, less frequently mentioned ingredients of successful coping with the COVID-19 challenge. First, mental health support is at least as important as physical protection. Second, most of the interventions do not require big financial investments, but behavioural change, which in turn requires leadership and change management skills.
Is Cycling Practice Related to Men’s Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions? A Hypothesis-Generating Observational Study
Authors: Molina-Torres Guadalupe , Ochandorena-Acha Mirari , Echazarreta-Aparicio Yune , Sánchez-Labraca Nuria , González-Sánchez Manuel , Terradas-Monllor Marc , Varela-Vásquez Luz A. , Merchán-Baeza Jose Antonio , Minobes-Molina Eduard
Published: February 2021

Background: There is a lack of consensus with regards to the consequences of cycling practice on urogenital and sexual problems in men. The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between intensity of cycling practice and urinary tract symptoms, erectile dysfunction, and urinary incontinence. Methods: Observational hypothesis-generating design. Cyclists, men, between 25 and 70 years who had been cycling for more than one year were included. During the statistical analysis, a multiple linear regression model, partial correlation and Spearman’s correlation were carried out. Results: Fifty-eight men participated in the study. Results showed that there is a correlation between years of cycling and prostate symptoms (p = 0.041), and between age and erectile dysfunction (p = 0.001). The multiple linear regression model and the partial correlation analysis showed a correlation between the years of cycling and prostate symptoms (p = 0.007 and p = 0.018). Conclusions: The results have shown that there is a slight correlation between the years of cycling and the presence of lower urinary tract symptoms, independently of the man’s age. Therefore, the results display that high-intensity cycling practice might impact negatively in some men’s pelvic floor functions. Further research is needed to analyse the impact of cycling on urogenital problems in this population group.
Daily Work-Family Conflict and Burnout to Explain the Leaving Intentions and Vitality Levels of Healthcare Workers: Interactive Effects Using an Experience-Sampling Method
Authors: Blanco-Donoso Luis Manuel , Moreno-Jiménez Jennifer , Hernández-Hurtado Mercedes , Cifri-Gavela José Luis , Jacobs Stephen , Garrosa Eva
Published: February 2021

There is an intensification of work in global health systems, a phenomenon that could increase work-family conflict, exhaustion, and intentions to leave among healthcare workers. The main objective of this study is to analyze if daily work-family conflict and burnout could explain the daily leaving intentions and vitality of healthcare workers. This is a diary study, which employs an experience-sampling methodology (ESM). A total of 56 physicians, nurses, and nursing aides from intensive care and nephrology units filled out various quantitative scales during 5 working days (56 × 5 = 280 observations). Multilevel hierarchical analysis showed that daily work-family conflict and burnout were significantly associated with higher daily intentions of leaving the profession, and with lower levels of daily vitality. In addition, those workers who experienced more work-family conflict and depersonalization on a daily basis were those who showed more intentions to leave and less daily vitality, showing an interactive effect. The results highlight the importance of examining the psychosocial risks experienced by healthcare workers by employing experience-sampling methodologies, which could help us to deepen our understanding of the proximal antecedents of their intentions to leave and their psychological well-being.
Ym155 Induces Oxidative Stress-Mediated DNA Damage and Cell Cycle Arrest, and Causes Programmed Cell Death in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Cells
Authors: Xu Qinqin , Mackay Ryan P. , Xiao Adam Y. , Copland John A. , Weinberger Paul M.
Published: February 2021

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is one of the most lethal malignancies with a median survival time of about 4 months. Currently, there is no effective treatment, and the development of new therapies is an important and urgent issue for ATC patients. YM155 is a small molecule that was identified as the top candidate in a high-throughput screen of small molecule inhibitors performed against a panel of ATC cell lines by the National Cancer Institute. However, there were no follow-up studies investigating YM155 in ATC. Here, we determined the effects of YM155 on ATC and human primary benign thyroid cell (PBTC) survival with alamarBlue assay. Our data show that YM155 inhibited proliferation of ATC cell lines while sparing normal thyroid cells, suggesting a high therapeutic window. YM155-induced DNA damage was detected by measuring phosphorylation of γ-H2AX as a marker for DNA double-strand breaks. The formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase (FPG)-modified alkaline comet assay in conjunction with reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay and glutathione (GSH)/glutathione (GSSG) assay suggests that YM155-mediated oxidative stress contributes to DNA damage. In addition, we provide evidence that YM155 causes cell cycle arrest in S phase and in the G2/M transition and causes apoptosis, as seen with flow cytometry. In this study, we show for the first time the multiple effects of YM155 in ATC cells, furthering a potential therapeutic approach for ATC.
The MHC Class-I Transactivator NLRC5: Implications to Cancer Immunology and Potential Applications to Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Shukla Akhil , Cloutier Maryse , Appiya Santharam Madanraj , Ramanathan Sheela , Ilangumaran Subburaj
Published: February 2021

The immune system constantly monitors the emergence of cancerous cells and eliminates them. CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), which kill tumor cells and provide antitumor immunity, select their targets by recognizing tumor antigenic peptides presented by MHC class-I (MHC-I) molecules. Cancer cells circumvent immune surveillance using diverse strategies. A key mechanism of cancer immune evasion is downregulation of MHC-I and key proteins of the antigen processing and presentation machinery (APM). Even though impaired MHC-I expression in cancers is well-known, reversing the MHC-I defects remains the least advanced area of tumor immunology. The discoveries that NLRC5 is the key transcriptional activator of MHC-I and APM genes, and genetic lesions and epigenetic modifications of NLRC5 are the most common cause of MHC-I defects in cancers, have raised the hopes for restoring MHC-I expression. Here, we provide an overview of cancer immunity mediated by CD8+ T cells and the functions of NLRC5 in MHC-I antigen presentation pathways. We describe the impressive advances made in understanding the regulation of NLRC5 expression, the data supporting the antitumor functions of NLRC5 and a few reports that argue for a pro-tumorigenic role. Finally, we explore the possible avenues of exploiting NLRC5 for cancer immunotherapy.
Western Corn Rootworm, Plant and Microbe Interactions: A Review and Prospects for New Management Tools
Authors: Paddock Kyle , Robert Christelle , Erb Matthias , Hibbard Bruce
Published: February 2021

The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, is resistant to four separate classes of traditional insecticides, all Bacillius thuringiensis (Bt) toxins currently registered for commercial use, crop rotation, innate plant resistance factors, and even double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting essential genes via environmental RNA interference (RNAi), which has not been sold commercially to date. Clearly, additional tools are needed as management options. In this review, we discuss the state-of-the-art knowledge about biotic factors influencing herbivore success, including host location and recognition, plant defensive traits, plant-microbe interactions, and herbivore-pathogens/predator interactions. We then translate this knowledge into potential new management tools and improved biological control.
Roles of Ceramides in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Hajduch Eric , Lachkar Floriane , Ferré Pascal , Foufelle Fabienne
Published: February 2021

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is one of the most common chronic liver diseases, ranging from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Its prevalence is rapidly increasing and presently affects around 25% of the general population of Western countries, due to the obesity epidemic. Liver fat accumulation induces the synthesis of specific lipid species and particularly ceramides, a sphingolipid. In turn, ceramides have deleterious effects on hepatic metabolism, a phenomenon called lipotoxicity. We review here the evidence showing the role of ceramides in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and the mechanisms underlying their effects.
Modifiable Psychological Factors Affecting Functioning in Fibromyalgia
Authors: Paschali Myrella , Lazaridou Asimina , Paschalis Theodoros , Napadow Vitaly , Edwards Robert R.
Published: February 2021

Objective: To examine the role of several interrelated, potentially modifiable psychological factors (i.e., mindfulness and catastrophizing) in influencing patient-reported functioning. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 107 patients with fibromyalgia completed self-report assessments of pain severity, functioning and impact of symptoms, mindfulness, and pain catastrophizing. Linear regression and bootstrapping mediation analyses were performed to assess the relationships between these factors. Results: Pain intensity was significantly and positively associated with pain catastrophizing and impact of fibromyalgia on functioning. Linear regression analyses indicated that pain intensity, catastrophizing, and mindfulness affect functioning in fibromyalgia. Follow-up mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect effect of pain catastrophizing on the relationship between pain intensity and fibromyalgia functioning. Conclusion: Individuals with fibromyalgia who have higher levels of pain and catastrophizing, and lower levels of mindfulness, are more likely to experience impaired functioning. Our findings suggest that pain catastrophizing appears to be an especially important variable contributing to reduced functioning in women with fibromyalgia. Therefore, catastrophizing-reducing treatments (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy) are likely to have direct, beneficial impacts on functioning.
Relapsed Rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Heske Christine M. , Mascarenhas Leo
Published: February 2021

Relapsed rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) represents a significant therapeutic challenge. Nearly one-third of patients diagnosed with localized RMS and over two-thirds of patients with metastatic RMS will experience disease recurrence following primary treatment, generally within three years. Clinical features at diagnosis, including primary site, tumor invasiveness, size, stage, and histology impact likelihood of relapse and prognosis post-relapse. Aspects of initial treatment, including extent of surgical resection, use of radiotherapy, and chemotherapy regimen, are also associated with post-relapse outcomes, as are features of the relapse itself, including time to relapse and extent of disease involvement. Although there is no standard treatment for patients with relapsed RMS, several general principles, including tissue biopsy confirmation of diagnosis, assessment of post-relapse prognosis, determination of the feasibility of additional local control measures, and discussion of patient goals, should all be part of the approach to care. Patients with features suggestive of a favorable prognosis, which include those with botryoid RMS or stage 1 or group I embryonal RMS (ERMS) who have had no prior treatment with cyclophosphamide, have the highest chance of achieving long-term cure when treated with a multiagent chemotherapy regimen at relapse. Unfortunately, patients who do not meet these criteria represent the majority and have poor outcomes when treated with such regimens. For this group, strong consideration should be given for enrollment on a clinical trial.
Acceptability of a Patient Portal (Opal) in HIV Clinical Care: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Chu Dominic , Schuster Tibor , Lessard David , Mate Kedar , Engler Kim , Ma Yuanchao , Abulkhir Ayoub , Arora Anish , Long Stephanie , de Pokomandy Alexandra , Lacombe Karine , Rougier Hayette , Cox Joseph , Kronfli Nadine , Hijal Tarek , Kildea John , Routy Jean-Pierre , Asselah Jamil , Lebouché Bertrand
Published: February 2021

Opal (opalmedapps.com), a patient portal in use at the Cedars Cancer Centre of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) (Montreal, Canada), gives cancer patients access to their medical records, collects information on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and has demonstrated patient satisfaction with care. This feasibility study aims to evaluate Opal’s potential acceptability in the context of HIV care. People living with HIV (PLWH) and their healthcare providers (HCPs) completed cross-sectional surveys from August 2019 to February 2020 at large HIV centers, including the Chronic Viral Illness Service of the MUHC, and other HIV clinical sites in Montreal and Paris, France. This study comprised 114 PLWH (mean age 48 years old, SD = 12.4), including 74% men, 24% women, and 2% transgender or other; and 31 HCPs (mean age 46.5 years old, SD = 11.4), including 32% men, 65% women, and 3% other. Ownership of smartphones and tablets was high (93% PLWH, 96% HCPs), and participants were willing to use Opal (74% PLWH, 68% HCPs). Participants were interested in most Opal functions and PROMs, particularly PROMs capturing quality of life (89% PLWH, 77% HCPs), experience of healthcare (86% PLWH, 97% HCPs), and HIV self-management (92% PLWH, 97% HCPs). This study suggests Opal has high acceptability and potential usefulness as perceived by PLWH and HCPs.
High Martensitic Steel after Welding with Micro-Jet Cooling in Microstructural and Mechanical Investigations
Authors: Szczucka-Lasota Bożena , Węgrzyn Tomasz , Szymczak Tadeusz , Jurek Adam
Published: February 2021

Modern means of transport will play a significant role in the smart city. In the automotive industry, high-strength steels such as Docol are employed more often. This kind of material is relatively not very well weldable. The main reason is related to the Heat Affect Zone, the region in which cracks occur. Another disadvantage is connected with differences in values of ultimate strength of parent and weld material. The differences can be diminished using the correct welding process, which employs nickel and molybdenum electrode wires at much lower sulfur content. The weld metal deposit contains mainly martensite and bainite with coarse ferrite, while the parent material contains mainly martensite and rather fine ferrite. New technology, micro-jet cooling after the joining process enables to obtain the microstructure of weld metal deposit at acceptable parameters. Welding with micro-jet cooling could be treated as a very promising welding Docol steels process with high industrial application. Results of non-destructive inspections on macro samples corresponded with further destructive test results (tensile strength, hardness, fatigue, metallographic structure analyses). This article aims to verify fatigue behavior of Docol 1200 M steel after welding supported by the cooling using the micro-jet technique. For the first time, micro-jet cooling was used to weld this kind of steel to check the mechanical properties of the joint, especially to determine the fatigue limit. This study is formulated as follows: investigating fatigue resistance of the Docol 1200 M weld manufactured at the cooling process with micro-jets. The joints were produced in the MAG (Metal Active Gas) technology modified by micro-jet cooling. The results collected in the fatigue test were processed in the form of the Wöhler’s S–N diagram following the fatigue limit of the weld examined. All data have indicated the possibility of obtaining a new method of welded joints with high fatigue limit minimum of 480 MPa. It could be important to achieve a tensile strength of 700 MPa while maintaining the best relative elongation at the level of the base material.
Secondary Caries Adjacent to Bulk or Incrementally Filled Composites Placed after Selective Excavation In Vitro
Authors: Askar Haitham , Al-Abdi Allam , Blunck Uwe , Göstemeyer Gerd , Paris Sebastian , Schwendicke Falk
Published: February 2021

Objectives: selective caries excavation (SE) is recommended for deep carious lesions. Bulk fill composites (BF) may be considered to restore SE-cavities. We compared the susceptibility for secondary caries adjacent to BF versus incrementally filled composites (IF) in SE and non-selectively excavated teeth (NS) in vitro. Methods: in 72 extracted human premolars, artificial caries lesions were induced on pulpo-axial walls of standardized cavities. The lesions were left (SE) or removed (NS), and teeth were restored using two BF, GrandioSO x-tra/Voco (BF-Gra) and SDR/Dentsply (BF-SDR), and an IF, GrandioSO/Voco (IF-Gra) (n = 12/group for SE and NS). After thermo-mechanical cycling (5–55 °C, 8 days), teeth were submitted to a continuous-culture Lactobacillus rhamnosus biofilm model with cyclic loading for 10 days. Mineral loss (ΔZ) of enamel surface lesions (ESL), dentin surface lesions (DSL), and dentin wall lesions (DWL) was analyzed using transversal microradiography. Results: ΔZ was the highest in DSL, followed by ESL, and it was significantly lower in DWL. There were no significant differences in ΔZ between groups in DSL, ESL, and DWL (p > 0.05). Regardless of lesion location, ΔZ did not differ between SE and NS (p > 0.05). Conclusions: BF and IF both showed low risks for DWL (i.e., true secondary caries) after SE in vitro, and surface lesion risk was also not significantly different between materials. SE did not increase secondary caries risk as compared with NS. Clinical Significance: the risk of secondary caries was low after selective excavation in this study, regardless of whether bulk or incrementally filled composites were used
The Development of Equipment to Measure Mesh Erosion of Soft Tissue
Authors: Schmidt Amanda , O’Brien Gordon , Taylor David
Published: February 2021

Mesh erosion is a phenomenon whereby soft tissue becomes damaged as a result of contact with implants made from surgical mesh, a fabric-like material consisting of fibers of polypropylene or other polymers. This paper describes the design and construction of a testing machine to generate mesh erosion in vitro. A sample of mesh in the form of a 10 mm wide tape is pressed against soft tissue (porcine muscle) with a given force, and a given reciprocating movement is applied between the mesh and the tissue. To demonstrate the capabilities of the equipment, we measured erosion using the same mesh and tissue type, varying the applied force and the reciprocating stroke length, including zero strokes (i.e., static loading). For comparison, we also tested four other samples of polypropylene with different edge characteristics. Analysis of the results suggests the existence of three different erosion mechanisms: cutting, wear and creep. It is concluded that the equipment provides a useful and realistic simulation of mesh erosion, a phenomenon that is of great clinical significance and merits further study.
Comparative Evaluation of Four Extraction Methods of Antioxidant Compounds from Decatropis bicolor in Aqueous Medium Applying Response Surface Design
Authors: Jaimez-Ordaz Judith , Contreras-López Elizabeth , Hernández-Sánchez Tania , González-Olivares Luis Guillermo , Añorve-Morga Javier , Ramírez-Godínez Juan
Published: February 2021

The objective of this paper is to compare conventional, ultrasound, microwave, and French press methods for the extraction of antioxidant compounds from Decatropis bicolor in an aqueous medium. This plant is widely used in Mexican traditional medicine for breast cancer treatment. Despite that, there are few studies on D. bicolor. Two response surface designs were applied to establish the best conditions of the liberation of antioxidants from D. bicolor, which were determined by DPPH• and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) techniques. The total phenolic content was evaluated by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The results showed that D. bicolor is a source of antioxidants (669–2128 mg ET/100 g and 553–1920 mg EFe2+/100 g, respectively) and phenolic compounds (2232–9929 mg EGA/100 g). Among the physical factors that were analyzed, the temperature was the determinant factor to liberate the compounds of interest by using low concentrations of the sample and short times of extraction. The French press was the most efficient method, obtaining values of antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds even higher than those reported by using extraction methods with solvents such as methanol.
Defects in Graphene/h-BN Planar Heterostructures: Insights into the Interfacial Thermal Transport Properties
Authors: Yao Wenjuan , Fan Lei
Published: February 2021

In this work, the defects (local stress generated) induce the formation of graphene/h-BN planar heterostructure (Gr-hBN-PH) to form "unsteady structure". Then, the coupling effects of external field (heat flow direction, strain and temperature field) and internal field (defect number, geometry shape and interfacial configuration) on the interface thermal conductivity (ITC) of Gr-hBN-PH were studied. The results show phonon transmission is less affected by compression deformation under the action of force-heat-defect coupling, while phonon transmission of heterostructure is more affected by tensile deformation. The non-harmonic interaction of the atoms in the composite system is strengthened, causing the softening of high-frequency phonons. The greater reduction of thermal transport at the interface of heterostructures will be. The interface bonding morphology plays a significant role on the ITC of the Gr-hBN-PH. The relationship between structure and properties in the low dimension is analyzed from the perspective of defect energy. It is helpful for us to understand the physical mechanism of low-dimensional structure, realize multiple structural forms, and even explore new uses.
Grafting TRAIL through Either Amino or Carboxylic Groups onto Maghemite Nanoparticles: Influence on Pro-Apoptotic Efficiency
Authors: Belkahla Hanene , Constantinescu Andrei Alexandru , Gharbi Tijani , Barbault Florent , Chevillot-Biraud Alexandre , Decorse Philippe , Micheau Olivier , Hémadi Miryana , Ammar Souad
Published: February 2021

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a member of the TNF cytokine superfamily. TRAIL is able to induce apoptosis through engagement of its death receptors DR4 and DR5 in a wide variety of tumor cells while sparing vital normal cells. This makes it a promising agent for cancer therapy. Here, we present two different ways of covalently grafting TRAIL onto maghemite nanoparticles (NPs): (a) by using carboxylic acid groups of the protein to graft it onto maghemite NPs previously functionalized with amino groups, and (b) by using the amino functions of the protein to graft it onto NPs functionalized with carboxylic acid groups. The two resulting nanovectors, NH-TRAIL@NPs-CO and CO-TRAIL@NPs-NH, were thoroughly characterized. Biological studies performed on human breast and lung carcinoma cells (MDA-MB-231 and H1703 cell lines) established these nanovectors are potential agents for cancer therapy. The pro-apoptotic effect is somewhat greater for CO-TRAIL@NPs-NH than NH-TRAIL@NPs-CO, as evidenced by viability studies and apoptosis analysis. A computational study indicated that regardless of whether TRAIL is attached to NPs through an acid or an amino group, DR4 recognition is not affected in either case.
Resistant Starch Type 2 from Wheat Reduces Postprandial Glycemic Response with Concurrent Alterations in Gut Microbiota Composition
Authors: Hughes Riley L. , Horn William H. , Finnegan Peter , Newman John W. , Marco Maria L. , Keim Nancy L. , Kable Mary E.
Published: February 2021

The majority of research on the physiological effects of dietary resistant starch type 2 (RS2) has focused on sources derived from high-amylose maize. In this study, we conduct a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial investigating the effects of RS2 from wheat on glycemic response, an important indicator of metabolic health, and the gut microbiota. Overall, consumption of RS2-enriched wheat rolls for one week resulted in reduced postprandial glucose and insulin responses relative to conventional wheat when participants were provided with a standard breakfast meal containing the respective treatment rolls (RS2-enriched or conventional wheat). This was accompanied by an increase in the proportions of bacterial taxa Ruminococcus and Gemmiger in the fecal contents, reflecting the composition in the distal intestine. Additionally, fasting breath hydrogen and methane were increased during RS2-enriched wheat consumption. However, although changes in fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations were not significant between control and RS-enriched wheat roll consumption, butyrate and total SCFAs were positively correlated with relative abundance of Faecalibacterium, Ruminoccocus, Roseburia, and Barnesiellaceae. These effects show that RS2-enriched wheat consumption results in a reduction in postprandial glycemia, altered gut microbial composition, and increased fermentation activity relative to wild-type wheat.