bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Synthesis of Highly Concentrated and Stable Colloidal Dispersion of Core-Shell Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs-Shell) and their Antimicrobial and Ultra-high Catalytic Properties
Authors: Ali Azam , Sattar Mariyam , Treen Muhammad Humble Khalid , Militky Jiri , Hussain Fiaz , Noman Muhammad Tayyab
Published: April 2021

The versatile one-pot green synthesis of a highly concentrated and stable colloidal dispersion of AgNPs was carried out using the self-assembled tannic acid without using any other hazardous chemicals. Tannic acid (Plant-based polyphenol) was used as a reducing and stabilizing agent for silver nitrate in a mild alkaline condition. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized for their concentration, capping, size distribution, and shape. The experimental results confirmed the successful synthesis of nearly spherical and highly concentrated (2281 ppm) AgNPs, capped with poly-tannic acid (AgNPs-PTA). The average particle size of AgNPs-PTA was found 9.90 ± 1.60 nm. The colloidal dispersion of synthesized nanoparticles was observed stable for more than 15 months in the ambient environment (25 oC, 65 % relative humidity). The synthesized AgNPs-PTA showed an effective antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus Aureus Escherichia coli. Ag-PTA also exhibited enhanced catalytic properties. It reduces 4-nitrophenol into 4-aminophenol in the presence of NaBH4 with a normalized rate constant (Knor = K/m) of 615.04 mL·s-1·mg-1. Furthermore, AgNPs-PTA were stable for more than 15 months under ambient conditions. The unique core-shell structure and ease of synthesis render the synthesized nanoparticles superior to others, with potential for large-scale applications, especially in the field of catalysis and biomedical.
The Effect of Double Biofeedback on Functional Hemispheric Asymmetry and Activity: A Pilot Study
Authors: Demareva Valeriia , Mukhina Elena , Bobro Tatiana
Published: April 2021

In the current pilot study, we attempt to find out how double neurofeedback influences functional hemispheric asymmetry and activity. We examined 30 healthy participants (8 males; 22 females, mean age = 29; SD= 8). To measure functional hemispheric asymmetry and activity, we used computer laterometry in the ‘two-source’ lead-lag dichotic paradigm. Double biofeedback included 8 minutes of EEG oscillation recording with five minutes of basic mode. During the basic mode, the current amplitude of the EEG oscillator gets transformed into feedback sounds while the current amplitude of alpha EEG oscillator is used to modulate the intensity of light signals. Double neurofeedback did not directly influence the asymmetry itself but accelerated individual sound perception characteristics during dichotic listening in the preceding effect paradigm. Further research is needed to investigate the effect of double neurofeedback training on functional brain activity and asymmetry taking into account participants’ age, gender, and motivation.
Validation of Low-Cost Pavement Monitoring Inertial Sensor for Urban Road Network
Authors: Loprencipe Giuseppe , Filho Flavio Guilherme Vaz de Almeida , Oliveira Rafael Henrique de , Bruno Salvatore
Published: April 2021

Road networks are monitored to evaluate their decay level and the performances regarding ride comfort, vehicle rolling noise, fuel consumption, etc. In this study, an Inertial Measurement Unit is proposed by using a low-cost three-axis Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems accelerometer and a GPS instrument, which are connected to a Raspberry Pi Zero W board and embedded inside a vehicle to monitor indirectly the road condition. To assess the level of pavement decay, the comfort index awz defined by the ISO 2631 standard was considered. Considering 21 km of roads, with different levels of pavement decay, validation measures made using the proposed IMU, another pre-assembled IMU, and a Road Surface Profiler were performed. Therefore, comparisons between awz determined with accelerations measured on the two different IMU are made; in addition, also correlations between awz, International Roughness Index (IRI), and Ride Number (RN) were performed. The results were shown very good correlations between the awz calculated with the proposed IMU and ones in the other IMU. In addition, the correlations between awz and IRI and RN were showed promising results, considering the use and the costs of the proposed IMU as a reliable method to assess the pavements decay in road networks where the use of traditional systems is difficult and/or not cheap.
A Food Pyramid for Sub-Saharan Africa. Health Protection with Mushroom Nutraceuticals
Authors: Fernandes Tito , Garrine Carmen , Ferrão Jorge , Bell Victoria , Varzakas Theodoros
Published: April 2021

In Sub-Saharan Africa, despite poverty, chronic hunger and food insecurity, traditional eating has been related to positive health outcomes and sustainability. There is little health research on diet quality based on what African people consume. The defining characteristics of the traditional African cuisine are the richness in herbs and spices, fermented foods and beverages, and healthy and whole ingredients used. However, as countries in this region become more economically developed, there is a shift to “modern” occidental foods rich in saturated fats, sugar and sweeteners. As a result, there are increased incidences of previously unreported ailments due to unbalanced diet. The regular practice of infinite international aid to the region to curb food insecurity has been unsustainable, ineffective and with no end in sight. Local increase in production and productivity is imperative. Protein rich foods in dietary guidelines enhance only those of animal or plant sources while rich protein sources such of mushroom, has been absent in these charts. This article considers the valorisation of traditional African foods and the importance of establishing an African Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (AFBDGs), an unprecedented Food Pyramid, along with the added emphasis on the potential of African mushrooms, which may play a role in shielding Sub-Saharan Africans against the side-effects of a western stylish diet and promote health. It enhances the preventive role of mushrooms in viral diseases and other disorders.
Concentration of selenium and other minerals and their relationship in soils and fodder plants in Kosovo
Authors: Ademi Arsim , Singh Bal Ram , Bernhoft Aksel , Bytyqi Hysen
Published: April 2021

Minerals play many important functions in plant and animal metabolism. Therefore, we investigated the concentration of Se and other minerals and their relationships in soils and fodder plants in Kosovo. Seventy-three samples of each soil and fodder plants (grass, maize, and wheat) from 30 farms were collected. Both soil and plant samples, after processing and digestion, were analyzed for mineral concentration by ICP-MS. Mineral concentrations in soil and fodder crops, and the best predicting/explanatory models for micro minerals concentration, achieved by stepwise linear regression, are presented. Results showed very low concentration of Se in most of the soil and all fodder samples. In addition, the concentration of Co, Zn and Fe was not sufficient to satisfy requirements for all categories of farm animals. Plant Se concentration showed a positive relationship with Se concentration in soils. Plant Zn, Mo, Mn, Fe and Pb, in general, showed no significant relationship with their concentration in soil, while plant Co and Cd showed positive relationship only in maize, and Cu in wheat grain. Among the soil properties, pH had the highest effect on the concentrations of Co, Mo, Mn, Cd and Pb in fodder crops.
Geometric State Sum Models from Quasicrystals
Authors: Amaral Marcelo , Fang Fang , Hammock Dugan , Irwin Klee
Published: April 2021

In light of the self-simulation hypothesis, a simple form implementation of the principle of efficient language is discussed in a self-referential geometric quasicrystalline state sum model in three dimensions. Emergence is discussed in context of geometric state sum models.
Body condition of female mink (Neovison vison) affects reproduction performance and behavior in pregnancy and nursing
Authors:   Department of Animal Anatomy and Zoology, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Klemensa Janickiego 33, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland, Poland, Felska-Błaszczyk Lidia , Seremak Beata ,   Department of Animal Reproduction Biotechnology and Environmental Hygiene, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland
Published: April 2021

The study was aimed to evaluate a possible effect of body condition of female farmed mink (Neovison vison) at the moment of conception on their prospective reproduction and behavior. 601 Perl mink females at age 1 and 2 years were assigned to one of five groups according to their body condition. The following parameters were analyzed: gestation and diapause lengths, litter size, live-born litter size, number of weaned per litter, female barrenness, and the incidence of fur-chewing. The effect of body condition was more pronounced in yearling females, where the largest litters, the highest number of live-born per litter, and the highest weaning success were found in the group with the ideal body condition. In both age groups, the shortest pregnancies and diapause periods were observed in the thinnest females. Fur-chewing was most often noticed in either the thinnest or the most obese animals; females of these groups also exhibited the highest rates of barrenness. Consequently, the lowest incidence of fur-chewing, female barrenness were found in females with ideal body condition.
Effect of diet supplemented with black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds on egg yolk fatty acid profile and egg yolk cholesterol level of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)
Authors:   Department of Monogastric Animal Sciences, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland, Szczerbińska Danuta , Sulik Marta ,   Department of Monogastric Animal Sciences, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland, Majewska Danuta ,   Department of Monogastric Animal Sciences, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland, Ligocki Marek ,   Department of Monogastric Animal Sciences, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland, Adaszyńska-Skwirzyńska Michalina ,   Department of Monogastric Animal Sciences, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 29, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland
Published: April 2021

The aim of the study was to determine whether a diet with an addition of black cumin seeds (BCS) can be used in functional egg production. At 8 weeks of age, a flock of 96 female quails was divided into 3 groups. The control group received their standard feed (0 BCS). The diet offered to the test groups was supplemented with BCS in the amount of 20 and 50 g · kg–1, respectively. Dietary BCS supplementation decreased feed intake and improved feed efficiency. Egg yolk of the quail groups treated with BCS in their diet had by a lower percentage of SFA and an increased level of UFA. A significantly increase was observed in the level of PUFA, especially in PUFA n-6. The health-promoting properties of the product were indicated by the fact of a considerable reduction in the yolk cholesterol level. Unfortunately, n-6/n-3 ratio increased in the groups offered the BCS-supplemented diet and under these circumstances eggs obtained from quails receiving BCS in the diet did not meet the requirements of functional food.
Morphometric traits of selected heart veins of standard and mutational colour variants of American mink (Neovison vison)
Authors:   Department of Animal Anatomy and Zoology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, Western Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, 71-270 Szczecin, ul. Klemensa Janickiego 33, Poland, Baranowski Piotr , Żuk Krzysztof ,   Department of Animal Anatomy and Zoology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, Western Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, 71-270 Szczecin, ul. Klemensa Janickiego 33, Poland
Published: April 2021

The aim of the study was to estimate the values of metric traits of selected mink heart veins of standard and mutation colour variants. The study was conducted on 342 hearts of seven-month-old males and 405 hearts of seven-month-old females. Mink colour, resulting from mutation or from crossbreeding mutational colour variants with each other. Metric traits of the coronary sinus, great cardiac vein, middle cardiac vein, posterior vein, and small cardiac vein were determined by photographic recording of the sub-epicardial picture of these vessels after filling them with a water-dilutable dye for acrylic paints together with a 30% food gelatin solution. In addition, the number of the veins forming the great cardiac vein and that of the posterior veins of the left ventricle were determined. Based on the measurement of the width and length of the mink hearts, the heart shape was determined. Differences were found between the traits of the mink heart vessels of standard and mutational colour variants, but they did not allow to formulate clearly the thesis about the effect of mutations on these traits.
Assessment of disease management and biosecurity measures among poultry farmers in Adamawa State, Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Animal Science and Range Management, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State Nigeria, Hyelda John Abakura , Amurtiya Michael ,   Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State Nigeria, Polycarp Mark ,   Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State Nigeria, Balthiya Alfred ,   Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State Nigeria
Published: April 2021

The study assessed disease management and biosecurity measures among poultry farmers in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study identified the prevalent poultry diseases and parasites in the study area, assessed disease management and biosecurity measures, and also identified the constraints limiting poultry production among the farmers. Multistage sampling technique was used to collect primary data from 113 poultry farmers using a structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and a four-point Liker-scale. Findings of the study revealed that Salmonellosis, Coccidiosis, and Newcastle Disease were the most common diseases in the area. Similarly, regular change of litter, consistent washing of drinkers/feeders, and also cleaning of the surroundings of the poultry house were the common biosecurity measures among in the area. Foremost among these constraints affecting the farmers were; extreme weather conditions, high cost of feed and other inputs, and inadequate capital and/or credit. Key among the recommendations was the need for the employment of more agricultural extension agents in the area.
Unusual Osteoblastoma of the First Metatarsal Bone Treated by Total Resection and Fibular Autograft
Authors: Hammad Yazan , Alisi Mohammed , Elifranji Zuhdi , Mousa Khaled , Abuhassan Freih , Al-Mustafa Sahar
Published: April 2021

Case:

A 25-year-old man presented with progressive pain and swelling of the left foot for 4 years. The images showed a contrast-enhanced mixed lesion (osteolytic and blastic) of the first metatarsal bone with surrounding soft-tissue edema. The differential diagnoses favored chronic osteomyelitis or neoplasia, most likely benign. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of osteoblastoma as immature bone trabeculae rimmed by osteoblasts appeared. Then, the patient was successfully treated with wide surgical excision of the first metatarsal bone and reconstruction using a nonvascularized fibular autograft. After 3 years of follow-up, the graft was well incorporated and no recurrence was encountered.

Conclusion:

Osteoblastoma is rare in metatarsals; only 12 cases have been reported. It may have similar clinical and radiological picture to osteomyelitis. Wide surgical excision followed by fibular autograft reconstruction is an effective treatment option.
2021 Rural Symposium Program
Authors: Organizers Rural Symposium
Published: April 2021

The 2021 Rural Symposium Program provides an overview all presentations shared at the event. The program provides a brief abstract for each presentation.
The Transformation of Soil Advisory Services in Ontario
Authors: Martin Ezekiel
Published: April 2021

The past several decades has witnessed a marked transformation of Ontario’s agricultural extension services from being a provincial government run service to one that’s is marked by a diverse network of public and private information service providers. This presentation reports a preliminary analysis of the contemporarysoil advisory services, especially looking at how different actors are organised, methods used and emerging challenges. The data were collected using key informant interviews with a purposively selectedadvisor. The findings highlight a variety of service providers at play within the soil advisory services which comprised of numerous commodity marketing boards, producer organisations, input and equipmentsuppliers, OMAFRA and the University of Guelph. These actors are organised through various formal andinformal networks, although respondents expressed their concerns on coordination and communication within the network, with an attendant negative impact on network efficiency in advisory service provision. Although most respondents yearn for an individual approach, mainly represented by the public sector, the current service delivery is dominated by groups and mass methods. The findings also indicate a move fromadvisory roles as generalist knowledge brokers to specialist knowledge brokers. The advisory service isgoverned by a ‘hands off’ approach because of withdrawal of public service support that creates significant gaps for coordination and collaboration among different players. The gaps need to be filled in—eitherchampioned by public or private sector actors—but it is not possible without significant changes in existingpolicy and public supports.
The Impacts of On-farm Diversification to the Family Farm and the Intersection of Land Preservation through Public Planning in Ontario
Authors: Duesling Pamela
Published: April 2021

Have you ever wondered what prompts Ontario family farmers to diversify, what land use planning policies allow for alternative uses on farms and how Ontario can continue to preserve agricultural lands as family farming continues to change? This primary research objective is to understand how on-farmdiversification impacts the family farm and what the intersection of on-farm diversification and land preservation is through public planning policy in Ontario. The 2016 OMAFRA Guidelines on PermittedUses in Ontario’s Prime Agricultural Areas was/is the first tool that provides family farmingentrepreneurs and municipal government planners opportunities to create on-farm diversified uses whilebalancing agricultural land preservation. This research will:

Endeavour to explore which rural municipalities are using this tool efficiently andeffectively; Discover if the Guidelines are assisting entrepreneurs and identifying bestpractices;

Identify if it is only prime agricultural lands that warrant these Guidelines for landpreservation; Acknowledge if the Guidelines are preserving prime agricultural lands; and

Propose changes to the Ontario planning policy framework regarding on-farm diversification andland preservation.

Overall, it is simply not enough to preserve agriculture land in Ontario, we must also preserve the family farmer Keywords: on-farm diversification; land preservation; family farm; Ontario planning policy
Assessing Land Use Planning Tools to Mitigate Odour and Lighting Nuisance Related to Cannabis Production
Authors: Pugliese Alessia , Scholten Jordan , Yeung Samantha
Published: April 2021

Cannabis production has expanded significantly across southern Ontario with the legalisation of theindustry. Much of this expansion has occurred within the rural countryside, through the utilisation of existinggreenhouse infrastructure. While the growth of this sector provides economic benefits to rural communities, complaints from adjacent residents related to lighting and odour issues are common and mitigation of such issues is complex. Land use planning policies have been established across southern Ontario to manage the development of cannabis greenhouses; however, policies vary by region and countyand the appropriateness of these policies have not been tested. This study seeks to analyse municipalplanning policies that regulate cannabis production and understand the impacts of these policies on sector,adjacent land owners and rural communities. Planning policies will be analysed at the municipal, regional orcounty level, with the creation of a database to highlight consistency and differences between communities. Case studies will be utilised to gain better insights into the challenges and opportunities related to cannabis production and planning mitigation. This presentation will provide a summary of current research findings, including highlights of a municipal scan of zoning by-law policies and informalinsights into policy appeals in southern Ontario.
The Ideal Approach for Treatment of cT1N+ and cT2Nany Esophageal Cancer.: A NCDB Analysis
Authors: Huang Binhao , Chan Ernest G. , Pennathur Arjun , Luketich James D. , Zhang Jie
Published: April 2021

Background Neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery is recommended for locally advanced esophageal cancer. With the inaccuracies of clinical staging particularly for cT1N+ and cT2Nany tumors, some have proposed consideration of surgery followed by adjuvant treatment. Our objective is to evaluate the efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy vs surgery followed by adjuvant therapy, and to identify the ideal sequence of treatment in patients with cT1N+ and cT2Nany tumors.Methods We performed an analysis utilizing the National Cancer Database (2006-2015) identifying all patients with cT1N+ and cT2Nany esophageal cancer undergoing esophagectomy and additional chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The treatment was stratified as: neoadjuvant therapy (NT), adjuvant therapy (AT) and combination therapy of neoadjuvant and adjuvant (CT) groups and outcomes were analyzed.Results We identified 2795 patients with 81.9% (n=2289) receiving NT, 10.2% (n=285) AT, and 7.9% (n=221) CT. There were no significant differences noted in survival among AT, NT, and CT group in cT1N+(P=0.376), cT2N-(P=0.436), cT2N+(P=0.261) esophageal cancer by multivariate analysis using Cox regression model. This relationship held true in both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Conclusion In clinical T1N+, T2Nany patients, there was no evident superiority of NT over AT. Surgery followed by adjuvant therapy can be considered to be an alternative option in these patients. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.
Five years surface ozone behaviour in a semi-rural location at Mohal-Kullu in the north-western Himalaya, India
Authors: Kuniyal Jagdish Chandra , Choudhary Sheetal , Sharma Priyanka
Published: April 2021

Surface ozone is one of the most important Green House Gases (GHGs). Five years (2011–2015) measurements of surface ozone (O3) and one of its precursors- oxides of nitrogen (NOx) were carried out at a semi-rural location, Mohal (77.12°E, 31.91°N, 1154 m amsl) in the north-western Indian Himalaya. The concentration of O3, NO, NO2 and NOx was measured maximum 74.6 ± 23.2 ppb in 2013, 27.5 ± 7.5 ppb in 2013, 51.8 ± 13.2 ppb in 2013, and 60.8 ± 13.2 ppb in 2012, respectively. Seasonally, O3 concentration was highest during summer while lowest in monsoon. The O3 concentration shows unimodal peak while its precursors show bimodal peaks. A reasonable decrease in percent change was found in terms of O3 (-13), NO2 (-6), and NOx (-3) due to imposing regulations imposed by local government in compliance with the order of Hon’ble National Green Tribunal (NGT) of the country in 2015. However, NO (9) is increasing due to vehicular activities in the nearby area which is one of the famous tourist spots. Washout effect due to increasing rainfall by 8% might have also affected O3 concentrations. Biomass burning for heating and cooking purposes and forest fire for tender livestock forage and transported gaseous pollutants from the Middle East countries and Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) could be major contributors of surface ozone and its precursors. HYSPLIT air-mass back trajectories drawn for external ozone sources showed the maximum air masses reached the study location either with the western desert countries or IGP polluted regions.
Hepatocyte-derived exosomal microRNAs orchestrate vascular inflammation and endothelial function: insights into molecular mechanisms of trimethylamine-N-Oxide in atherosclerosis
Authors: Liu Xiang , Shao Yijia , Tu Jiazichao , Sun Jiapan , Li Lifu , Tao Jun , Chen Jimei
Published: April 2021

Background: Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) has been proved to be a new proatherogenic compound for promoting vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Hepatocyte-derived exosomes played an important role in the regulation of vascular inflammation and endothelial function. Since TMAO is produced in the liver, hepatocytes may be the first potential target of TMAO. However, it is not clear whether TMAO can directly stimulate normal hepatocytes to produce exosomes so as to mediate the motivating effects of TMAO on inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.Methods: The hepatocytes were cultured and treated with TMAO at a physiological concentration for 24 hours (TMAO-Exos). The untreated group served as the control (Control-Exos). The exosomes were isolated from the culture supernatant and then added to the human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) for 48 hours. The mRNA expressions of inflammatory cytokines and caspase-3 were determined by qPCR and cell apoptosis was evaluated by using the Hoechst 33342 staining solution. The miRNA profile in the exosomes were detected using an RNA-sequencing strategy. The miRNA-mRNA network was predicted, and the biological functions of the target genes were annotated by using bioinformatics methods.Results: TMAO-Exos were able to promote the expressions of inflammatory cytokines and HAECs apoptosis. Moreover, miRNAs carried by the TMAO-Exos were quite different from that in the Control-Exos, including miR-92a-3p, miR-103-3p and miR-122-5p, etc. Further analysis showed that these differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted to target genes such as Mapk8, Casp9, Mapk10, Bcl2l11, Ikbkg and Akt1, which were supposed to be involved in the signal pathways related to vascular inflammation and endothelial function.Conclusions: These novel results provided evidence that TMAO could indirectly talk to vascular endothelial via promoting hepatocytes to secreting exosomes that carried important genetic information, which may give a new insight into the interactions between liver and vasculature in the atherogenesis caused by TMAO. New intervention targeting this cellular crosstalk may be feasible and effective in the prevention and treatment of TMAO-induced atherogenesis.
Cigarette smoke or motor vehicle exhaust exposure induces PD-L1 upregulation in lung epithelial cells in COPD model rats.
Authors: Chen Rui , Li Defu , Wang Lingling , Dong Jiahui , Xiong Richeng , Guo Zhenhui , Huang Wenjie
Published: April 2021

Cigarette smoking and ambient air pollution are common risk factors for COPD and lung cancer. However, the underlying mechanism between COPD prevalence and lung cancer is remained elusive. In this study, we established rat COPD model through exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) or motor vehicle exhaust (MVE). The model rats developed COPD-like phenotypes, manifested as lung functions decline, lung inflammation and airway remodeling. The Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), a factor contributing to immune escape of tumor cells, was overexpressed in lungs from COPD model rats. The inflammatory responses and PD-L1 upregulations were also observed in cultured human bronchial epithelial cells BEAS-2B upon treatment with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) or diesel related particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5, SEM1650b). Furthermore, both CS/CSE and MVE/PM2.5 induced ERK1/2 activation, a kinase mediating PD-L1 upregulation in premalignant bronchial cells or NSCLC cells, in COPD rats’ lungs or in BEAS-2B cells. Activations of STAT1/3, which was reportedly associated with PD-L1 expression in lung tumors, were detected in lungs from CS- or MVE-induced COPD model rats. However, CSE preferred to activate STAT3 and PM2.5 inclined to activate STAT1 in BEAS-2B cells. Therefore, we proposed that cigarette smoke and ambient air pollution elevate the risk of lung cancer in COPD patients by increasing PD-L1 expression in lung epithelial cells, suggesting the effects of immunesuppressive microenvironment on promoting tumorigenesis in COPD patient’s lung.
Sevoflurane post-conditioning alleviated hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in neonatal rats by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated autophagy via IRE1 signalings
Authors: Niu Jiayuan , Wu Ziyi , Xue Hang , Zhang Yahan , Gao Qiushi , Li Chang , Zhao Ping
Published: April 2021

Post-conditioning with sevoflurane, a volatile anesthetic, has been proved to be neuroprotective against hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI). Our previous research showed that autophagy is over-activated in a neonatal HIBI rat model, and inhibition of autophagy confers neuroprotection. There is increasing recognition that autophagy can be stimulated by activating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Herein, we purposed to explore: i) the association of ER stress with autophagy in the setting of neonatal HIBI; and ii) the possible roles of ER stress-triggered autophagy, as well as IRE1 signaling in the neuroprotection of sevoflurane post-conditioning against neonatal HIBI. Seven-day-old rats underwent ligation of the left common artery, and a subsequent 2 hour hypoxia (8% O2 / 92% N2). The association of ER stress with autophagy was examined by ER stress inducer (tunicamycin), 4-PBA (ER stress inhibitor), or 3-MA (autophagy inhibitor). Rats in the sevoflurane post-conditioning groups were treated with 2.4% sevoflurane for 30 minutes after HIBI stimulation. The roles of ER stress-mediated autophagy, as well as the IRE1-JNK-beclin1 signaling cascade in the neuroprotection afforded by sevoflurane were explored by ER stress inducer (tunicamycin) and the IRE1 inhibitor (STF-083010). HIBI over‑activated ER stress and autophagy in neonatal rats. HIBI-induced autophagy was significantly aggravated by tunicamycin but blocked by 4-PBA; however, HIBI-induced ER stress was not affected by 3-MA. Sevoflurane post-conditioning significantly alleviated ER stress, autophagy, cell apoptosis, and cognitive impairments, which were remarkably abolished by tunicamycin. Also, tunicamycin blocked sevoflurane-induced downregulation of IRE1-JNK-beclin1 signaling pathway. Whereas, IRE1 inhibitor could reverse the effects of tunicamycin. ER stress contributes to autophagy induced by HIBI. Furthermore, sevoflurane post-conditioning significantly protects against HIBI in neonatal rats by inhibiting ER stress-mediated autophagy via IRE1-JNK-beclin1 signaling cascade.
Cloning and identification of a new repressor of 3,17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase of Comamonas testosteroni
Authors: Xie Weiqi , Xia Qin , Chen Ling , Xiong Guangming , Gao Yuwei , Yu Yuanhua , He Xiuxia
Published: April 2021

3,17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3,17β-HSD) is a key enzyme that can degrade steroid compounds in Comamonas testosteroni. Tetracycline repressor (TetR) family, repressors existing in most microorganisms, may play key roles in regulating the expression of 3,17β-HSD. Previous reports showed that three TetR genes were located in the contig58 of C. testosteroni ATCC 11996 (GenBank: AHIL01000049.1), among which the first TetR gene encoded a potential repressor of 3,17β-HSD by sensing environmental signals. However, whether the other proposed TetR genes acts as repressors of 3,17β-HSD is still unknown. In the present study, we cloned the second TetR gene and analyzed the regulation mechanism of the protein on 3,17β-HSD using electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)-based assay, and loss-of-function analysis. The results showed that the second TetR gene was 660-bp, encoding a 26 kD protein, which could regulate the expression of 3,17β-HSD gene via binding to the conserved consensus sequences located 1100-bp upstream of the 3,17β-HSD gene. Furthermore, the mutant strain of C. testosteroni with the second TetR gene knockout has good biological genetic stability, and the expression of 3,17β-HSD in the mutant strain is slightly higher than that in the wild type under testosterone induction, suggesting the mutant can efficiently degrade steroids as carbon sources. The mutant generated in this study can be used to treat environmental pollution caused by steroid hormones.
The land carrying capacity and environmental risk assessment of livestock and poultry breeding considering crop planting
Authors: Yang Nian , Chen Lei , Wang Wenzhuo , Shen Zhenyao
Published: April 2021

At present, the contradiction between survival and ecology necessitates the integration of crop planting, chemical fertilizer application and livestock and poultry breeding. Reasonably integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLSs) have become an important part of regional ecological and agricultural development. In this study, the relationship between manure nutrient demands for crops and manure nutrient supply from livestock is considered based on the balance of ICLSs in Jiangxi Province, China. The land carrying capacity index and potential of livestock breeding under uncoordinated systems are further discussed. The study also addresses water environmental risk due to surplus nutrients by integrating a traditional land carrying capacity framework and hydrological model. The results show that phosphorus absorption in land areas is the main limiting factor for the development of the livestock and poultry industries. In addition, manure nutrient demand exceeded supply in most districts, while the unbalanced regions with nutrient pollution are located in the upper and middle reaches of the Ganjiang basin. In addition, expanding the crop demand for manure or increasing the manure collection rate will help reduce environmental harm; however, attention should be paid to the risk of excessive manure returns. Additional livestock manure can be transferred to regions with developed crop planting systems. This study supports more harmonious and common ICLSs construction.
Genotypic differences of Cd concentration and nutrition traits of 23 main celery cultivars of China in a Cd contaminated greenhouse
Authors: Zhou Qiyao , Wang Qiong , Huang Lukuan , Ma Luyao , Wu Yingjie , Jiang Yugen , Feng Ying
Published: April 2021

Due to the increasing concerns of heavy metal contamination in greenhouse field, safety production of vegetables especially leafy vegetables was largely limited. In this study, the cadmium (Cd) concentration and major nutrition qualities of 23 main celery cultivars of China were compared in a greenhouse experiment. Great genotypic differences in biomass, cadmium accumulation and nutrition traits were observed. The biomass of cultivars HQ, JZ, JH and SQ were significantly higher than those of the others. And Cd concentration in edible part ranged from 0.53 to 2.56 mg·kg− 1 DW, of which SQ exhibited the lowest Cd concentration. In addition, SQ has the lowest Cd transport factor (TF) and bio-concentration factor (BCF), followed by another genotype LF. Simultaneously, they have relatively higher chlorophyll content and vitamin C concentration, lower cellulose content. Therefore, the two genotypes SQ and LF were selected as promising candidates to grow on a mid Cd-contaminated greenhouse field to achieve safety production. Further correlation analysis showed that Cd concentration in edible part is positively correlated with cellulose content, but negatively correlated with vitamin C concentration. The results of celery variety screening provide a safe production strategy of moderately polluted greenhouse vegetable fields.
Role of cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in protecting sepsis-induced acute lung injury through regulation of the dendritic cells
Authors: Li Ruiting , Hu Xuemei , Chen Huibin , Yuan Yin , Guo Huiling , Gao Xuehui , Huang Haiyan , Zou Xiaojing , Qi Hong , Liu Hong
Published: April 2021

Background

The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) connects the immune response system and the nervous system via the vagus nerve. The key regulatory receptor is the α7-subtype of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), which is localized on the surface of the cells of immune system. CAP has been proved to be effective in suppressing the inflammation responses in acute lung injury (ALI). Dendritic cells (DCs), the important antigen-presenting cells (APCs), also express the α7nAChR. They not only play an important role in immune response priming but also in participating in the pathological process of ALI. Past studies have indicated that reducing the quantity of mature conventional DCs (cDCs) and inhibiting the maturation of pulmonary DCs may prove effective for the treatment of ALI. However, the effects of CAP on maturation, function and quantity of DCs and cDCs in ALI remain unclear.
Objective

It was hypothesized that the activation of CAP may inhibit the inflammatory response of ALI by regulating maturation, phenotype, and quantity of DCs and cDCs. This can be considered as an important intervention strategy for treating ALI.
Methods

GTS-21 (GTS-21 dihydrochloride), an α7nAchR agonist was administered in sepsis-induced ALI mice model and LPS-primed bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). The effects of GTS-21 were observed with respect to maturation, phenotype, and quantity of DCs, cDCs, and cDCs2 (type 2 cDCs), and the release of DC-related pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-6, TNF-α, IL-18 IL-1β, IL-12p40, and HMGB1) in vivo and in vitro conditions.
Results

The results of the present study revealed that, GTS-21 treatment regulated the maturation of DCs and the production of DC-related pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in sepsis-induced ALI mice model, it reduced the quantity of CD11c+MHCII+ cDCs and CD11c+CD11b+ cDCs2 in vivo experiment.
Conclusions

The activation of CAP contributes to the reduction in the inflammatory response in ALI by regulating maturation, phenotype, and quantity of DCs, cDCs, and cDCs2.
Rice husk and saw dust reinforced hybridized blends of bio-benzoxazine/epoxy based composites: Thermal, Mechanical, and Acoustic Absorption Properties
Authors: Arumugam Hariharan , Krishnasamy Balaji , Dilip Anto , MI Abdul Aleem , Muthukaruppan Alagar
Published: April 2021

The prime objective of the present work is to develop bio-wastes (rice husk and saw dust) reinforced composites with varying weight percentages composition of hybridized blend made from bio-based cardanol-melamine, cardanol-aniline benzoxazine and epoxy resin (bio-benzoxazine : epoxy resin 0:100 and 50:50 wt%)for acoustic proof applications. The breakthrough achieved in the present work is the cardanol benzoxazine is made in the form of hybrid matrix with epoxy resin, which cures significantly at lower temperature of 1050C in the absence of any curatives and also cures at room temperature in the presence of isophorone diamine curative,whereas the cardanol-melamine and cardanol-aniline based benzoxazines cure at very high temperature of 221˚C and 275 ˚C respectively. The low temperature cure behaviour achieved in the present work facilitates the amenable fabrication of bio-composites using both low heat resistant bio-based reinforcements and high temperature cure bio-benzoxazines for making cost competitive green building materials. Cardanol-melamine (C-m) and cardanol-aniline (C-a) based benzoxazines were synthesised using cardanol separately with melamine (m) and aniline (a) in the presence of paraformaldehyde under suitable experimental conditions. The benzoxazine (C-m and C-a) obtained was blended with varying weight percentages of bisphenol-A epoxy (DGEBA) resin separately followed by reinforcing with rice husk and saw dust and then cured at room temperature with stoichiometric quantity of isophorone diamine to obtain corresponding hybrid bio-composites. Mechanical properties (tensile strength, modulus, percentage elongation and hardness), thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, and sound absorption coefficient were studied as per standard methods. Results obtained from different studies infer that hybrid blended cardanol benzoxazine composite panels reinforced with rice husk and saw dust possess appreciable thermal, mechanical and acoustic properties. Data obtained from acoustic studies, it was observed that the highest value of sound absorption coefficient of 6400 Hz was noticed for composite specimens developed using both rice husk and saw dust reinforced with hybridized blend of bio-benzoxazine (50wt%) and epoxy resin (50wt%) and these hybrid composite panels can be used as sound absorption material in the ceiling and wall construction applications.
A case of occult colon cancer with sepsis as the primary manifestation guided by bone marrow puncture
Authors: wang hua jun , ZHOU chenjie , Wang jianhua
Published: April 2021

Background: Bone marrow metastasis is common in liver cancer and lung cancer, but there are few reports on bone marrow metastasis of colon cancer. So far, there are no research reports from mainland China; especially reports of bone marrow metastasis combined with septic shock as the main manifestation are even rarer. Case presentation: A 71-year-old elderly woman with sepsis as the first symptom, mainly manifested as high fever, low blood pressure, high inflammation indicators, etc. CT examination revealed mild inflammation of the lungs and no obvious abnormalities in the abdomen. Blood culture culture suggested Escherichia coli and Aeromonas hydrophila/caviae. After anti-infective treatment, the patient's sepsis symptoms improved significantly, but after repeated platelet transfusion, he still could not correct hypothrombosis. Finally, a large number of malignant cells were found through a bone marrow puncture smear, and further PET-CT examination confirmed that the ascending colon malignant tumor was accompanied by multiple metastases such as the liver and bones. The patient was eventually unable to tolerate surgery due to bone marrow failure and liver failure and died 3 weeks after admission.Conclusions: We hope that this case report can raise people’s awareness of the insidiousness of colon cancer and the possibility of metastasis to the bone marrow, especially for patients with progressive thrombocytopenia that is difficult to correct. Thrombocytopenia needs to be treated differently from sepsis.
A model and predictions for COVID-19 considering population behavior and vaccination
Authors: Usherwood Thomas , LaJoie Zachary , Srivast Vikas
Published: April 2021

The effect of vaccination coupled with the behavioral response of the population is not well understood. Our model incorporates two important dynamically varying population behaviors: level of caution and sense of safety. Level of caution increases with infectious cases, while an increasing sense of safety with increased vaccination lowers precautions. Our model accurately reproduces the complete time history of COVID-19 infections for various regions of the United States. We propose a parameter d_I as a direct measure of a population’s caution against an infectious disease that can be obtained from the infectious cases. The model provides quantitative measures of highest disease transmission rate, effective transmission rate, and cautionary behavior. We predict future COVID-19 trends in the United States accounting for vaccine rollout and behavior. Although a high rate of vaccination is critical to quickly ending the pandemic, a return towards pre-pandemic social behavior due to increased sense of safety during vaccine deployment can cause an alarming surge in infections. Our results predict that at the current rate of vaccination, the new infection cases for COVID-19 in the United States will approach zero by August 2021. This model can be used for other regions and for future epidemics and pandemics.
Linking qualitative scenarios with quantitative energy models. Knowledge integration in different methodological designs.
Authors: Prehofer Sigrid , Kosow Hannah , Naegler Tobias , Pregger Thomas , Vögele Stefan , Weimer-Jehle Wolfgang
Published: April 2021

BackgroundLinking qualitative scenarios with quantitative models is a common approach to integrate assumptions on possible future societal contexts into modeling. But reflection on how and to what degree knowledge is effectively integrated during this endeavor does not generally take place. In this paper, we reflect on the performance of a specific hybrid scenario approach (qualitative Cross-Impact Balance analysis linked with quantitative energy models) concerning knowledge integration through eleven different process steps. In order to guide the scenario community in applying this approach, we reflect on general methodological features as well as different design options. We conceptualize different forms of interdisciplinary knowledge integration (compiling, combining and synthesizing) and analyze how and to what degree knowledge about society and uncertainty are integrated into scenario process and products. In addition, we discuss trade-offs regarding design choices and forms of knowledge integration.ResultsOn the basis of three case studies we identify two general designs of linking which build on each other (basic and extended design) and which differ in essence regarding the balance of power between the CIB and the energy modeling. Ex-post assessment of the form of interdisciplinary knowledge integration in each step revealed that specific method properties of CIB as well as the interaction with additional quantitative as well as specific qualitative methods foster distinct forms of knowledge integration. The specific roles assigned to CIB in the hybrid scenario process can also influence the form of knowledge integration. ConclusionsIn this study, we use a joint process scheme linking qualitative context scenarios with energy modeling. By applying our conceptualization of different forms of knowledge integration we analyze the designs´ respective potential for and respective effects on knowledge integration. Consequently, our findings can give guidance to those who are designing their own hybrid scenario processes. As this is an explorative study, many roads for further empirical research are indicated. Finally, we note that at some points in the process a more precise differentiation of knowledge integration forms would have been useful and propose to further differentiate and detail the three forms of interdisciplinary knowledge integration in future research.