bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antagonistic potential of soil fungi against Colletotrichum gloeosporiodes (Penz.) Sacc., the causal agent of anthracnose of Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz
Authors: Yasmin Zuhra , Shamsi Shamim
Published: April 2020

Four antagonistic fungi Aspergillus flavus Link, A. fumigatus Fresenius, A. niger van Tiegh. and Trichoderma viride Pers. were isolated from field soil of Rauwolfia serpentina by serial dilution method and selected to evaluate their antagonistic potentiality against Colletotrichum gloeosporiodes (Penz.) Sacc, the causal agent of anthracnose of Rauwolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz following dual culture colony interaction, volatile and non-volatile metabolites. In dual culture method Trichoderma viride showed maximum (84.28%) inhibition of test fungi followed by Aspergillus niger (77.39%), A. fumigatus (43.71%) and A. flavus (29.32%). Volatile metabolites of T. viride showed higher (77.64%) inhibition of test fungi followed by A. flavus (75.58%), A. fumigatus (60.88%) and A. niger (58.23%). Non-volatile metabolites of antagonistic fungi showed that A. flavus showed (94.42%) inhibition of test fungus followed by T. viride (90.90%), A. niger (86.13%) and A. fumigatus (73.73%). Aspergillus flavus, A. niger and T. viride may be exploited commercially as a biocontrol agent against anthracnose disease of R. serpentina.

Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 28(2): 219-226, 2019 (July)
Effects of aluminium toxicity on some biochemical components of rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Samad Rifat , Rashid Parveen , Karmoker JL
Published: April 2020

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of aluminium (Al) toxicity on reducing and total sugar, proline, total amino acid and protein in rice seedlings grown in solution culture and phenolic compounds, chlorophyll and carotenoids in rice plants grown in sand culture. Exposure of rice seedlings to different concentrations of aluminium (10 - 150 μM) led to a stimulation of reducing and total sugar in the root and the shoot. Similarly, Al stress increased proline and total amino acid contents in different parts of rice seedlings. Aluminium toxicity caused a significant increase in phenolic compounds in rice plants. On the other hand, aluminium stress resulted in a reduction of chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b and carotenoid contents in the leaves of rice plants.

Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 29(1): 125-132, 2020 (January)
An Annotated Avifaunal Checklist of the Saint Martin’s Island of Bangladesh
Authors: Sultana Irin , Alam Shayer Mahmood Ibney , Das Delip K
Published: April 2020

Despite being an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) and a key attraction place for its uniqueness and unique bird fauna to the bird watchers and researchers, a method-based, scientific checklist on the avifauna of the Saint Martin’s Island is still lacking. This study was attempted to fill in this gap and produced an annotated bird checklist for the St. Martin’s island. A total of 112 species of birds belonging to 36 families under 15 orders was listed. Of these, 37 (33%) species were passerine and 75 (67%) species were nonpasserine. Eleven (9.82%) species were found to be very common, 12 (10.72%) species common, nine (8.04%) species uncommon and 80 (71.43%) species rare.

Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 44(2): 149-158, December 2018
PENGARUH VIDEO YOUTUBE â€œNUSSAâ€ TERHADAP EGOCENTRIC SPEECH (Penelitian Eksperimen Pada Anak Usia 4-5 Tahun di Ruang Publik Terpadu Ramah Anak Bahari Jakarta Selatan)
Authors: Mappapoleonro Andi Musda , Mansoer Zahrati , Syaikhu Ahmad , Sari Dea Tasya , Iriansyah Herinto Sidik
Published: April 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan agar dapat membuktikan pengaruh penggunaan YouTube terhadap kemampuan berbicara egosentris anak (egocentric speech). Penelitian ini dilaksanakan selama satu bulan tepatnya yaitu bulan Juli-Agustus 2019, dengan jumlah sampel sebanyak 12 orang anak, pemilihan sampel peneltian dilakukan secara incidental sampling. Berdasarkan perhitungan diperoleh data bahwa diperoleh data kelompok anak yang sebelum diberi perlakuan pemutaran video YouTube dengan perolehan skor tertingi 30; skor terendah 20; rata-rata (mean) 24; nilai median (Me) 22,5; nilai modus (Mo) 22, dan simpangan baku 3,89. Selanjutnya diperoleh data kelompok anak setelah diberi perlakuan video YouTube Nussa dengan perolehan skor tertingi 40; skor terendah 32; rata-rata (mean) 37,08; median (Me) 39,5; nilai modus (Mo) 36,5; dan simpangan baku 2,539. Hal ini berdasarkan perhitungan bahwa diperoleh nilai thitung (8,58) > ttabel (1,81) pada taraf signifikansi Î± = 0,05, maka H1 diterima dan H0 ditolak. Kesimpulan peneliltian ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan pengaruh video YouTube Nussa terhadap kemampuan berbicara egosentris anak di Ruang Publik Terpadu Ramah Anak Bahari Jakarta Selatan.
Feasibility Pump Algorithm for Sparse Representation under Gaussian Noise
Authors: Miertoiu Florin Ilarion , Dumitrescu Bogdan
Published: April 2020

In this paper, the Feasibility Pump is adapted for the problem of sparse representations of signals affected by Gaussian noise. This adaptation is tested and then compared to Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP) and the Fast Iterative Shrinkage-Thresholding Algorithm (FISTA). The feasibility pump recovers the true support much better than the other two algorithms and, as the SNR decreases and the support size increases, it has a smaller recovery and representation error when compared with its competitors. It is observed that, in order for the algorithm to be efficient, a regularization parameter and a weight term for the error are needed.
Chemical and Spectroscopic Investigation of Different Soil Fractions as Affected by Soil Management
Authors: De Mastro Francesco , Cocozza Claudio , Brunetti Gennaro , Traversa Andreina
Published: April 2020

The interaction of organic matter with the finest soil fractions (<20 μm) represents a good way for its stabilization. This study investigates the effects of conventional (CT), minimum (MT), and no (NT) tillage, fertilization, and non-fertilization, and soil depth (0–30, 30–60, and 60–90 cm) on the amount of organic carbon (OC) in four soil fractions. Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFT) was performed to obtain information about the OC quality and the mineralogical composition of these fractions. The CT shows the highest amount of the finest fraction while the fertilization enhances the microbial community with the increase of soil micro-aggregates (250–53 μm). The coarse fraction (>250 μm) is highest in the upper soil layer, while the finest fraction is in the deepest one. The greatest OC content is observed in the topsoil layer and in the finest soil fraction. DRIFT analysis suggests that organic components are more present in the finest fraction, calcite is mainly localized in the coarse fraction, quartz is in micro-aggregates and 53–20 μm fraction, and clay minerals are in the finest fraction.
Added Value of Aerosol-Cloud Interactions for Representing Aerosol Optical Depth in an Online Coupled Climate-Chemistry Model over Europe
Authors: Palacios-Peña Laura , Montávez Juan P. , López-Romero José M. , Jerez Sonia , Gómez-Navarro Juan J. , Lorente-Plazas Raquel , Ruiz Jesús , Jiménez-Guerrero Pedro
Published: April 2020

Aerosol-cloud interactions (ACI) represent one of the most important sources of uncertainties in climate modelling. In this sense, realistic simulations of ACI are needed for a better understanding of the complex interactions between air pollution and the climate system. This work quantifies the added value of including ACI in an online coupled climate/chemistry model (WRF-Chem, 0.44 ∘ horizontal resolution, years 2003 to 2010) in order to assess whether there is an improvement in the representation of aerosol optical depth (AOD). Modelling results for each species have been evaluated against the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) reanalysis, and AOD at 675 nm has been compared to AERONET data. Results indicate that the improvements of the monthly biases are around 8% for total AOD550 when including ACI, reaching 20% for the monthly bias in AOD550 coming from dust. Moreover, the temporal representation of AOD550 largely improves (increase in the Pearson time correlation coefficients), ranging from 6% to 20% depending on the chemical species considered. The benefits from this improvement overcome the problems derived from the high computational time required in ACI simulations (eight times higher with respect to simulations not including aerosol-cloud interactions).
Multi-Sensor Observation of a Saharan Dust Outbreak over Transylvania, Romania in April 2019
Authors: Ajtai Nicolae , Ștefănie Horațiu , Mereuță Alexandru , Radovici Andrei , Botezan Camelia
Published: April 2020

Mineral aerosols are considered to be the second largest source of natural aerosol, the Saharan desert being the main source of dust at global scale. Under certain meteorological conditions, Saharan dust can be transported over large parts of Europe, including Romania. The aim of this paper is to provide a complex analysis of a Saharan dust outbreak over the Transylvania region of Romania, based on the synergy of multiple ground-based and satellite sensors in order to detect the dust intrusion with a higher degree of certainty. The measurements were performed during the peak of the outbreak on April the 24th 2019, with instruments such as a Cimel sun-photometer and a multi-wavelength Raman depolarization lidar, together with an in-situ particle counter measuring at ground level. Remote sensing data from MODIS sensors on Terra and Aqua were also analyzed. Results show the presence of dust aerosol layers identified by the multi-wavelength Raman and depolarization lidar at altitudes of 2500–4000 m, and 7000 m, respectively. The measured optical and microphysical properties, together with the HYSPLIT back-trajectories, NMMB/BSC dust model, and synoptic analysis, confirm the presence of lofted Saharan dust layers over Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The NMMB/BSC dust model predicted dust load values between 1 and 1.5 g/m2 over Cluj-Napoca at 12:00 UTC for April the 24th 2019. Collocated in-situ PM monitoring showed that dry deposition was low, with PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations similar to the seasonal averages for Cluj-Napoca.
A Novel Approach for Quantifying Cancer Cells Showing Hybrid Epithelial/Mesenchymal States in Large Series of Tissue Samples: Towards a New Prognostic Marker
Authors: Godin Louis , Balsat Cédric , Van Eycke Yves-Rémi , Allard Justine , Royer Claire , Remmelink Myriam , Pastushenko Ievgenia , D’Haene Nicky , Blanpain Cédric , Salmon Isabelle , Rorive Sandrine , Decaestecker Christine
Published: April 2020

In cancer biology, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is associated with tumorigenesis, stemness, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. Evidence of co-expression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers suggests that EMT should be a stepwise process with distinct intermediate states rather than a binary switch. In the present study, we propose a morphological approach that enables the detection and quantification of cancer cells with hybrid E/M states, i.e., which combine partially epithelial (E) and partially mesenchymal (M) states. This approach is based on a sequential immunohistochemistry technique performed on the same tissue section, the digitization of whole slides, and image processing. The aim is to extract quantitative indicators able to quantify the presence of hybrid E/M states in large series of human cancer samples and to analyze their relationship with cancer aggressiveness. As a proof of concept, we applied our methodology to a series of about a hundred urothelial carcinomas and demonstrated that the presence of cancer cells with hybrid E/M phenotypes at the time of diagnosis is strongly associated with a poor prognostic value, independently of standard clinicopathological features. Although validation on a larger case series and other cancer types is required, our data support the hybrid E/M score as a promising prognostic biomarker for carcinoma patients.
Analysis of BRCA1 and RAD51C Promoter Methylation in Italian Families at High-Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Tabano Silvia , Azzollini Jacopo , Pesenti Chiara , Lovati Sara , Costanza Jole , Fontana Laura , Peissel Bernard , Miozzo Monica , Manoukian Siranoush
Published: April 2020

Previous studies on breast and ovarian carcinoma (BC and OC) revealed constitutional BRCA1 and RAD51C promoter hypermethylation as epigenetic alterations leading to tumor predisposition. Nevertheless, the impact of epimutations at these genes is still debated. One hundred and eight women affected by BC, OC, or both and considered at very high risk of carrying BRCA1 germline mutations were studied. All samples were negative for pathogenic variants or variants of uncertain significance at BRCA testing. Quantitative BRCA1 and RAD51C promoter methylation analyses were performed by Epityper mass spectrometry on peripheral blood samples and results were compared with those in controls. All the 108 analyzed cases showed methylation levels at the BRCA1/RAD51C promoter comparable with controls. Mean methylation levels (± stdev) at the BRCA1 promoter were 4.3% (± 1.4%) and 4.4% (± 1.4%) in controls and patients, respectively (p > 0.05; t-test); mean methylation levels (± stdev) at the RAD51C promoter were 4.3% (± 0.9%) and 3.7% (± 0.9%) in controls and patients, respectively (p > 0.05; t-test). Based on these observations; the analysis of constitutional methylation at promoters of these genes does not seem to substantially improve the definition of cancer risks in patients. These data support the idea that epimutations represent a very rare event in high-risk BC/OC populations.
Potent Anticancer Effect of the Natural Steroidal Saponin Gracillin Is Produced by Inhibiting Glycolysis and Oxidative Phosphorylation-Mediated Bioenergetics
Authors: Min Hye-Young , Pei Honglan , Hyun Seung Yeob , Boo Hye-Jin , Jang Hyun-Ji , Cho Jaebeom , Kim Ji Hye , Son Jaekyoung , Lee Ho-Young
Published: April 2020

Metabolic rewiring to utilize aerobic glycolysis is a hallmark of cancer. However, recent findings suggest the role of mitochondria in energy generation in cancer cells and the metabolic switch to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in response to the blockade of glycolysis. We previously demonstrated that the antitumor effect of gracillin occurs through the inhibition of mitochondrial complex II-mediated energy production. Here, we investigated the potential of gracillin as an anticancer agent targeting both glycolysis and OXPHOS in breast and lung cancer cells. Along with the reduction in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, gracillin markedly suppresses the production of several glycolysis-associated metabolites. A docking analysis and enzyme assay suggested phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) is a potential target for the antiglycolytic effect of gracillin. Gracillin reduced the viability and colony formation ability of breast cancer cells by inducing apoptosis. Gracillin displayed efficacious antitumor effects in mice bearing breast cancer cell line or breast cancer patient-derived tumor xenografts with no overt changes in body weight. An analysis of publicly available datasets further suggested that PGK1 expression is associated with metastasis status and poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer. These results suggest that gracillin is a natural anticancer agent that inhibits both glycolysis and mitochondria-mediated bioenergetics.
Trends in Treatment and Survival of Gallbladder Cancer in the Netherlands; Identifying Gaps and Opportunities from a Nation-Wide Cohort
Authors: de Savornin Lohman Elise , de Bitter Tessa , Verhoeven Rob , van der Geest Lydia , Hagendoorn Jeroen , Haj Mohammad Nadia , Daams Freek , Klümpen Heinz-Josef , van Gulik Thomas , Erdmann Joris , de Boer Marieke , Hoogwater Frederik , Koerkamp Bas Groot , Braat Andries , Verheij Joanne , Nagtegaal Iris , van Laarhoven Cornelis , van den Boezem Peter , van der Post Rachel , de Reuver Philip
Published: April 2020

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is rare in Western populations and data about treatment and outcomes are scarce. This study aims to analyze survival and identify opportunities for improvement using population-based data from a low-incidence country. GBC patients diagnosed between 2005 and 2016 with GBC were identified from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Patients were grouped according to time period (2005–2009/2010–2016) and disease stage. Trends in treatment and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. In total 1834 patients were included: 661 (36%) patients with resected, 278 (15%) with non-resected non-metastatic, and 895 (49%) with metastatic GBC. Use of radical versus simple cholecystectomy (12% vs. 26%, p < 0.001) in early (pT1b/T2) GBC increased. More patients with metastatic GBC received chemotherapy (11% vs. 29%, p < 0.001). OS improved from 4.8 months (2005–2009) to 6.1 months (2010–2016) (p = 0.012). Median OS increased over time (2005–2009 vs. 2010–2016) in resected (19.4 to 26.8 months, p = 0.038) and metastatic (2.3 vs. 3.4 months, p = 0.001) GBC but not in unresected, non-metastatic GBC. In early GBC, patients with radical cholecystectomy had a median OS of 76.7 compared to 18.4 months for simple cholecystectomy (p < 0.001). Palliative chemotherapy showed superior (p < 0.001) survival in metastatic (7.3 versus 2.1 months) and non-resected non-metastatic (7.7 versus 3.5 months) GBC. In conclusion, survival of GBC remains poor. Radical surgery and palliative chemotherapy appear to improve prognosis but remain under-utilized.
Tumor Biomarkers for the Prediction of Distant Metastasis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Alfieri Salvatore , Carenzo Andrea , Platini Francesca , Serafini Mara S. , Perrone Federica , Galbiati Donata , Sponghini Andrea P. , Depenni Roberta , Vingiani Andrea , Quattrone Pasquale , Marchesi Edoardo , Iannó Maria F. , Micali Arianna , Mancinelli Elisa , Orlandi Ester , Marceglia Sara , Locati Laura D. , Licitra Lisa , Bossi Paolo , De Cecco Loris
Published: April 2020

Distant metastases (DM) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain a challenge as treatment options are limited. To identify biomarkers predictive of DM in primary tumors (PT), gene expression profiling was performed in PT from patients who did, or did not develop DM (T-with and T-without, n = 25 and 24, respectively), and in matched DM. A total of 185 and 42 differentially expressed genes were identified in the T-with vs. T-without and the T-with vs. DM comparisons, respectively. The intersection between these two comparisons identified COX7A1 and TBX5 as common genes. In three independent datasets, both genes were able to significantly distinguish patients according to their DM-free survival. By functional biological analyses, the T-without group showed enrichment in immune-response pathways, whereas the T-with group showed an enrichment in B-plasma cells and Tregs. Increased enrichment of proliferation-related pathways was observed in the T-with group compared with that in the DM group. Further comparisons with/without DM are needed to confirm these data in order to improve clinical management of HNSCC.
Natural Killer Cell Responses in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Implications for Novel Immunotherapeutic Approaches
Authors: Mantovani Stefania , Oliviero Barbara , Varchetta Stefania , Mele Dalila , Mondelli Mario U.
Published: April 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still represents a significant complication of chronic liver disease, particularly when cirrhosis ensues. Current treatment options include surgery, loco-regional procedures and chemotherapy, according to specific clinical practice guidelines. Immunotherapy with check-point inhibitors, aimed at rescuing T-cells from exhaustion, has been applied as second-line therapy with limited and variable success. Natural killer (NK) cells are an essential component of innate immunity against cancer and changes in phenotype and function have been described in patients with HCC, who also show perturbations of NK activating receptor/ligand axes. Here we discuss the current status of NK cell treatment of HCC on the basis of existing evidence and ongoing clinical trials on adoptive transfer of autologous or allogeneic NK cells ex vivo or after activation with cytokines such as IL-15 and use of antibodies to target cell-expressed molecules to promote antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). To this end, bi-, tri- and tetra-specific killer cell engagers are being devised to improve NK cell recognition of tumor cells, circumventing tumor immune escape and efficiently targeting NK cells to tumors. Moreover, the exciting technique of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered NK cells offers unique opportunities to create CAR-NK with multiple specificities along the experience gained with CAR-T cells with potentially less adverse effects.
Population Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics of Dabrafenib Plus Trametinib in Patients with BRAF-Mutated Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Balakirouchenane David , Guégan Sarah , Csajka Chantal , Jouinot Anne , Heidelberger Valentine , Puszkiel Alicja , Zehou Ouidad , Khoudour Nihel , Courlet Perrine , Kramkimel Nora , Lheure Coralie , Franck Nathalie , Huillard Olivier , Arrondeau Jennifer , Vidal Michel , Goldwasser Francois , Maubec Eve , Dupin Nicolas , Aractingi Selim , Guidi Monia , Blanchet Benoit
Published: April 2020

Patients treated with dabrafenib/trametinib (DAB/TRA) exhibit a large interindividual variability in clinical outcomes. The aims of this study were to characterize the pharmacokinetics of DAB, hydroxy-dabrafenib (OHD), and TRA in BRAF-mutated patients and to investigate the exposure–response relationship for toxicity and efficacy in metastatic melanoma (MM) patients. Univariate Fisher and Wilcoxon models including drug systemic exposure (area under the plasma concentration curve, AUC) were used to identify prognostic factors for the onset of dose-limiting toxicities (DLT), and Cox models for overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Seventy-three BRAF-mutated patients were included in pharmacokinetic (n = 424, NONMEM) and 52 in pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analyses. Age and sex were identified as determinants of DAB and OHD clearances (p < 0.01). MM patients experiencing DLT were overexposed to DAB compared to patients without DLT (AUC: 9624 vs. 7485 ng∙h/mL, respectively, p < 0.01). Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) ≥ 2 and plasma ratio AUCOHD/AUCDAB ≥ 1 were independently associated with shorter OS (HR: 6.58 (1.29–33.56); p = 0.023 and 10.61 (2.34–48.15), p = 0.022, respectively). A number of metastatic sites ≥3 and cerebral metastases were associated with shorter PFS (HR = 3.25 (1.11–9.50); p = 0.032 and HR = 1.23 (1.35–10.39), p = 0.011; respectively). TRA plasma exposure was neither associated with toxicity nor efficacy. Our results suggest that early drug monitoring could be helpful to prevent the onset of DLT in MM patients, especially in fragile patients such as the elderly. Regarding efficacy, the clinical benefit to monitor plasma ratio AUCOHD/AUCDAB deserves more investigation in a larger cohort of MM patients.
Intensified Management of Coffee Forest in Southwest Ethiopia Detected by Landsat Imagery
Authors: Hwang Byongjun , Hundera Kitessa , Mekuria Bizuneh , Wood Adrian , Asfaw Andinet
Published: April 2020

The high forests in southwest Ethiopia, some of the last remaining Afromontane forests in the country, are home to significant forest coffee production. While considered as beneficial in maintaining forests, there have been growing concerns about the degradation caused by intensive management for coffee production in these forests. However, no suitable methods have been developed to map the coffee forests. In this study, we developed a tie-point approach to consistently estimate the degree of degradation caused by intensive management by combining use of Landsat imagery with in-situ canopy cover and tree survey data. Our results demonstrate a clear distinction between undisturbed natural forest and heavily managed coffee forest due to changes in forest structure and canopy cover caused by intensive management in the coffee forest. Temporal analysis of 32 years of Landsat imagery reveals a progressive and significant transition in the level of degradation in the coffee forest over this period. This is the first time to our knowledge, that this progressive intensification of coffee forest has been measured. There is a major intensification in the mid-1990s, which follows the introduction of new liberal economic policies by the Federal government established in 1991, rising coffee prices, and changes in state control over access to the forest. The question remains as to how these 20 years of intensive management in coffee forest have affected forest biodiversity and, more importantly, how canopy trees in this forest can be regenerated in the future. This study provides potential satellite-based mapping and ground-based photography and tree survey methods to help investigate the impacts of intensive management within coffee forest on biodiversity and regeneration.
Comparison of Allometric Equation and Destructive Measurement of Carbon Storage of Naturally Regenerated Understory in a Pinus rigida Plantation in South Korea
Authors: Han Si Ho , Park Byung Bae
Published: April 2020

The forest understory plays an important role in the carbon and nutrient cycling and forest stability, but cost-efficient quantification of its biomass remains challenging. Most of the existing biomass allometric equations have been developed and designed only for mature forest trees (i.e., Diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 10 cm), and those for trees with DBH less than 10 cm are not readily available. In this study, we compared the biomass by plant component (i.e., foliage, branch, and stem) measured by a destructive method with those estimated by the existing biomass allometric equations for understory trees with DBH less than 10 cm in a Pinus rigida plantation. We also developed an allometric biomass equation for the identified understory tree species, namely, Quercus variabilis, Quercus acutissima, Quercus mongolica, Quercus serrata, and Carpinus laxiflora. The estimated biomass using allometric equations for foliage, branch, and stem was lower than the values obtained using the destructive method by 64%, 41%, and 18%, respectively. The biomass allometric equations developed in this study showed high coefficients of determination (mean R2 = 0.970) but varied depending on species and tree part (range: 0.824–0.984 for foliage, 0.825–0.952 for branch, and 0.884–0.999 for the stem, respectively). The computed biomass of the understory vegetation was 22.9 Mg ha−1, representing 12.0% of the total biomass of the P. rigida plantation. The present study demonstrates that understory trees with DBH less than 10 cm account for a considerable portion of carbon stock in forest ecosystems, and therefore suggests that more biomass allometric equations should be optimized for small-DBH trees to improve forest carbon stock estimation.
Distance from the Forest Edge Influences Soil Fungal Communities Colonizing a Reclaimed Soil Borrow Site in Boreal Mixedwood Forest
Authors: Ramsfield Tod , Shay Philip-Edouard , Trofymow Tony , Myrholm Colin , Tomm Bradley , Gagné Patrick , Bérubé Jean
Published: April 2020

Soil fungi are important components of boreal forest ecosystems; for example, saprotrophic fungi regulate nutrient cycling, and mycorrhizal species facilitate nutrient uptake by plants. This study aimed to assess soil fungal communities in a reclaimed area and an adjacent natural mixedwood forest and to identify the distribution of taxa available for seedling colonization. Soil fungal microbiomes were assessed along three transects (from 10 m inside the interior of the undisturbed forest to 40 m inside the reclaimed area) and in the roots of small aspen within the natural forest. Using high-throughput deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing of internal transcribed spacer amplicons, a total of 2796 unique fungal taxa were detected across fine roots, forest floor, and mineral soils collected along the transects, whereas 166 taxa were detected in the aspen roots from the natural forest. Within the interior of the forest, ectomycorrhizal fungi were more common, whereas in the reclaimed areas, arbuscular mycorrhizae and saprophytes were more common. This survey showed that natural areas of adjacent undisturbed forest can act as a source of ectomycorrhizal fungi for dispersal into reclaimed areas. Notably, soil fungal taxa colonizing the root systems of small aspen included species that are specifically associated with soils from the undisturbed forest (primarily ectomycorrhizae) or the reclaimed clearing (saprotrophs and plant pathogens).
“Lucky Little Guy”: Unpacking Mixed-Family Privilege and Marginality through Critical Narrative
Authors: Cortes Carlos
Published: April 2020

This paper examines the role of narrative as an avenue for critically unpacking family history. In this case, the narrative grows out of the preparation and performance of a one-person play, “A Conversation with Alana: One Boy’s Multicultural Rite of Passage.” Through continuously rethinking family history during the rehearsal and performance process, the intersection of marginality and privilege within a single life trajectory is analyzed.
BrEXLB1, a Brassica rapa Expansin-Like B1 Gene Is Associated with Root Development, Drought Stress Response, and Seed Germination
Authors: Muthusamy Muthusamy , Kim Joo Yeol , Yoon Eun Kyung , Kim Jin A. , Lee Soo In
Published: April 2020

Expansins are structural proteins prevalent in cell walls, participate in cell growth and stress responses by interacting with internal and external signals perceived by the genetic networks of plants. Herein, we investigated the Brassica rapa expansin-like B1 (BrEXLB1) interaction with phytohormones (IAA, ABA, Ethephon, CK, GA3, SA, and JA), genes (Bra001852, Bra001958, and Bra003006), biotic (Turnip mosaic Virus (TuMV), Pectobacterium carotovorum, clubroot disease), and abiotic stress (salt, oxidative, osmotic, and drought) conditions by either cDNA microarray or qRT-PCR assays. In addition, we also unraveled the potential role of BrEXLB1 in root growth, drought stress response, and seed germination in transgenic Arabidopsis and B. rapa lines. The qRT-PCR results displayed that BrEXLB1 expression was differentially influenced by hormones, and biotic and abiotic stress conditions; upregulated by IAA, ABA, SA, ethylene, drought, salt, osmotic, and oxidative conditions; and downregulated by clubroot disease, P. carotovorum, and TuMV infections. Among the tissues, prominent expression was observed in roots indicating the possible role in root growth. The root phenotyping followed by confocal imaging of root tips in Arabidopsis lines showed that BrEXLB1 overexpression increases the size of the root elongation zone and induce primary root growth. Conversely, it reduced the seed germination rate. Further analyses with transgenic B. rapa lines overexpressing BrEXLB1 sense (OX) and antisense transcripts (OX-AS) confirmed that BrEXLB1 overexpression is positively associated with drought tolerance and photosynthesis during vegetative growth phases of B. rapa plants. Moreover, the altered expression of BrEXLB1 in transgenic lines differentially influenced the expression of predicted BrEXLB1 interacting genes like Bra001852 and Bra003006. Collectively, this study revealed that BrEXLB1 is associated with root development, drought tolerance, photosynthesis, and seed germination.
Comparative Genomics of Two New HF1-like Haloviruses
Authors: Dyall-Smith Mike , Tang Sen-Lin , Russ Brendan , Chiang Pei-Wen , Pfeiffer Friedhelm
Published: April 2020

Few genomes of the HF1-group of viruses are currently available, and further examples would enhance the understanding of their evolution, improve their gene annotation, and assist in understanding gene function and regulation. Two novel HF1-group haloviruses, Serpecor1 and Hardycor2, were recovered from widely separated hypersaline lakes in Australia. Both are myoviruses with linear dsDNA genomes and infect the haloarchaeon Halorubrum coriense. Both genomes possess long, terminal direct repeat (TDR) sequences (320 bp for Serpecor1 and 306 bp for Hardycor2). The Serpecor1 genome is 74,196 bp in length, 57.0% G+C, and has 126 annotated coding sequences (CDS). Hardycor2 has a genome of 77,342 bp, 55.6% G+C, and 125 annotated CDS. They show high nucleotide sequence similarity to each other (78%) and with HF1 (>75%), and carry similar intergenic repeat (IR) sequences to those originally described in HF1 and HF2. Hardycor2 carries a DNA methyltransferase gene in the same genomic neighborhood as the methyltransferase genes of HF1, HF2 and HRTV-5, but is in the opposite orientation, and the inferred proteins are only distantly related. Comparative genomics allowed us to identify the candidate genes mediating cell attachment. The genomes of Serpecor1 and Hardycor2 encode numerous small proteins carrying one or more CxxC motifs, a signature feature of zinc-finger domain proteins that are known to participate in diverse biomolecular interactions.
Status of Brain Imaging in Gastroparesis
Authors: Gonzalez Zorisadday , McCallum Richard W.
Published: April 2020

The pathophysiology of nausea and vomiting in gastroparesis is complicated and multifaceted involving the collaboration of both the peripheral and central nervous systems. Most treatment strategies and studies performed in gastroparesis have focused largely on the peripheral effects of this disease, while our understanding of the central nervous system mechanisms of nausea in this entity is still evolving. The ability to view the brain with different neuroimaging techniques has enabled significant advances in our understanding of the central emetic reflex response. However, not enough studies have been performed to further explore the brain–gut mechanisms involved in nausea and vomiting in patients with gastroparesis. The purpose of this review article is to assess the current status of brain imaging and summarize the theories about our present understanding on the central mechanisms involved in nausea and vomiting (N/V) in patients with gastroparesis. Gaining a better understanding of the complex brain circuits involved in the pathogenesis of gastroparesis will allow for the development of better antiemetic prophylactic and treatment strategies.
The Role of Nationality in Ultra-Endurance Sports: The Paradigm of Cross-Country Skiing and Long-Distance Running
Authors: Knechtle Beat , Rosemann Thomas , Nikolaidis Pantelis Theo
Published: April 2020

Although the variation of performance by nationality in endurance sports such as marathon has been well studied, little information exists so far on the role of nationality on performance in ultra-endurance sports. The aim of the present study was to review the role of nationality on cross-country skiing and ultra-endurance running. Scopus and PubMed were searched using the syntax “nationality AND (ultra-endurance OR ultra-marathon OR cross-country skiing) in 1/4/2020. This search identified 17 articles, whose references were further examined for relevant literature. It was observed that Russian athletes dominated ultra-endurance running and cross-country skiing races. It was shown that these races were in other countries, where it was assumed that only the best Russians competed. Potential explanations could be misuse of performance enhancing substances, historical, climate-geographical and psychophysiological (e.g., combination of genetic and social factors). In summary, recent studies found a dominance of Russian athletes in specific races (i.e., ‘Comrades Marathon’, ‘Vasaloppet’, and ‘Engadin Ski Marathon’) and disciplines (i.e., ultra-marathon running, cross-country skiing) over a period of several decades. Future studies are need to investigate other events and other sport disciplines to confirm this Russian dominance.
Nutritional Value and Contaminant Risk Assessment of Some Commercially Important Fishes and Crawfish of Lake Trasimeno, Italy
Authors: Branciari Raffaella , Franceschini Raffaella , Roila Rossana , Valiani Andrea , Pecorelli Ivan , Piersanti Arianna , Haouet Naceur , Framboas Marisa , Ranucci David
Published: April 2020

The aim of our study was to describe the balance between health benefits and risks associated with the consumption of crawfish and nine fish species from lake Trasimeno. We thus determined both fatty acid profiles (particularly, eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids) and chemical pollutants (some polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides, and heavy metals) in fish muscle tissues. The contents of all fatty acids varied significantly among species. Sand smelt, carp, and tench, which have a high fat content, contained considerable amounts of EPA and DHA; lean fish, like perch, pike, and largemouth bass, which have relatively high percentages of the predominant n-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, showed lower amounts of these fatty acids because of their low lipid contents. Some species contributed strongly to the Dietary Reference Intake (RDI) of EPA and DHA. The contribution of lean fish to the RDI of EPA and DHA was more limited. The concentrations of all contaminants in fish muscle tissues were lower than the regulatory limits, demonstrating the safety of the environmental conditions of the lake. The contribution to health-based reference values and benefit–risk quotients indicated that the health benefits of consumption of fish from lake Trasimeno outweigh the potential risks.
Long-Term Mortality and Medical Burden of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with and without Subsequent Stroke Episodes
Authors: Yen Yu-Shu , Harnod Dorji , Lin Cheng-Li , Harnod Tomor , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: April 2020

Background: We used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) to determine the differences in mortality and medical burden between patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with and without stroke. Methods: We enrolled participants aged ≥20 years and defined four subgroups in this study, namely patients with COPD (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9 CM): 491, 492, 494, and 496), patients with COPD with stroke (ICD-9 CM: 430–438), with COPD without stroke, and comparison subgroups. We calculated the hazard ratios and 95% CIs for all-cause mortality risk, average duration of hospitalization, and frequency of medical visits in these subgroups after adjustments were made for age, sex, and comorbidities. All participants were followed until the date of death, the date they were censored, the date they withdrew from the NHIRD, or 31 December, 2013. Results: In total, 9.70% (men vs. women, 11.19% vs. 8.28%) of patients with COPD developed subsequent stroke during the 14 year follow-up. After a stroke, the risk of mortality exhibited a 2.66- to 5.05-fold increase, especially in the younger ones. COPD with stroke was also a leading factor in the increase in the average number of hospitalization days and frequency of medical visits. Conclusion: The mortality risk of patients with COPD is considerably increased by stroke independent of the other effects of COPD. Moreover, the average number of hospitalization days and frequency of medical visits dramatically increased in patients with COPD after stroke.
Safety Assessment of Casting Workshop by Cloud Model and Cause and Effect–LOPA to Protect Employee Health
Authors: Xu Qingwei , Xu Kaili , Zhou Fang
Published: April 2020

Safety assessment of a casting workshop will provide a clearer understanding of the important safety level required for a foundry. The main purpose of this study was to construct a composite safety assessment method to protect employee health using the cloud model and cause and effect–Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA). In this study, the weights of evaluation indicators were determined using the subjective analytic hierarchy process and objective entropy weight method respectively. Then, to obtain the preference coefficient of the integrated weight more precisely, a new algorithm was proposed based on the least square method. Next, the safety level of the casting workshop was presented based on the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the cloud model, which realized the uncertainty conversion between qualitative concepts and their corresponding quantitative values, as well as taking the fuzziness and randomness into account; the validity of cloud model evaluation was validated by grey relational analysis. In addition, cause and effect was used to proactively identify factors that may lead to accidents. LOPA was used to correlate corresponding safety measures to the identified risk factors. 6 causes and 19 sub-causes that may contribute to accidents were identified, and 18 potential remedies, or independent protection layers (IPLs), were described as ways to protect employee health in foundry operations. A mechanical manufacturing business in Hunan, China was considered as a case study to demonstrate the applicability and benefits of the proposed safety assessment approach.
The Relationship between Dog Ownership, Psychopathological Symptoms and Health-Benefitting Factors in Occupations at Risk for Traumatization
Authors: Lass-Hennemann Johanna , Schäfer Sarah K. , Sopp M. Roxanne , Michael Tanja
Published: April 2020

Individuals working in high-risk occupations (e.g., emergency staff) are exposed to high levels of occupational stress including traumatic events. Correspondingly, several studies report high rates of mental health problems among these occupations. Pet ownership has been associated with better mental health. However, to date a study on the association between pet ownership and indicators of mental health in these occupations is missing. The present cross-sectional survey (N = 580) investigated pet ownership, attachment to pets, health-benefitting factors (i.e., sense of coherence, trait-resilience, locus of control) and psychopathological symptoms (i.e., general mental health problems, posttraumatic stress, burnout) in medical staff, police officers, and firefighters. Dog owners and non-dog owners showed comparable levels of psychopathological distress and health-benefitting factors. Compared to cat owners, dog owners demonstrated stronger emotional attachment to their pet. Moreover, a stronger attachment was also linked to higher levels of psychopathological symptoms and lower levels of health-benefitting factors. However, the relationship between attachment to pets and health-benefitting factors could be explained by their overlap with psychopathological symptom levels. Overall, our findings are not in line with the notion that pet ownership generally has a health-benefitting effect. Future studies need to investigate circumstances that modulate positive effects of pet ownership.
Effects of Exergames on Physical Fitness in Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Taiwan
Authors: Yu Tzu-Cheng , Chiang Che-Hsien , Wu Pei-Tzu , Wu Wen-Lan , Chu I-Hua
Published: April 2020

Using exergaming for exercise training was found to improve physical fitness. Yet, few studies have used the “Xbox Kinect” to examine its effects on physical fitness in healthy middle-aged and older adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 10-weeks of Xbox Kinect training on physical fitness in healthy middle-aged and older adults. Forty participants (average 64.00 ± 4.44 years old, eight males and 32 females) were randomized to either intervention (n = 20) or control group (n = 20). The intervention group played Xbox Kinect three times per week, for an average of 50 min per session for 10 weeks. The control group was instructed to maintain their levels of physical activity. All the participants completed assessments of body composition, muscle strength, flexibility, balance and cardiopulmonary endurance at baseline and after 10-week intervention. After 10 weeks of training, the intervention group showed significant improvements in cardiopulmonary endurance and leg muscle strength. Moreover, there were significant differences between the intervention and control group in changes in aerobic fitness and leg muscle strength. The exergame program effectively improved cardiopulmonary endurance and leg muscle strength in healthy middle-aged and older adults. It could be an alternative to conventional exercise.
Efficacy and Acceptability of My Care Hub Mobile App to Support Self-Management in Australians with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Adu Mary D. , Malabu Usman H. , Malau-Aduli Aduli E. O. , Drovandi Aaron , Malau-Aduli Bunmi S.
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the preliminary efficacy and user acceptance of My Care Hub (MCH) mobile app—developed to provide evidenced-based support and education on diabetes self-management (DSM). Using a mixed-methods design, the efficacy and acceptability of MCH were measured among people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes after three weeks of intervention. The primary outcome measure was level of involvement with DSM, while the mediating factors were skills and self-efficacy for DSM. Telephone interviews were conducted to elucidate information on perceptions of the app’s impact on participants’ DSM and interest in future use. Statistically significant improvements were observed between pre- and post-intervention measures: DSM activities (4.55 ± 1.14 vs. 5.35 ± 0.84; p = 0.001); skills (7.10 ± 1.99 vs. 7.90 ± 1.67; p = 0.04); and self-efficacy (7.33 ±1.83 vs. 8.07 ± 1.54; p = 0.03). Multivariate analysis showed that self-efficacy had the strongest, though not significant influence on DSM. Interview findings revealed that the app reinforced knowledge and provided motivation to participate in DSM activities. The study suggested a positive impact of MCH on DSM and acceptability by patients. To confirm these promising results, further large scale and long-term studies are required.
The Antecedents of Poor Doctor-Patient Relationship in Mobile Consultation: A Perspective from Computer-Mediated Communication
Authors: Yan Mengling , Tan Hongying , Jia Luxue , Akram Umair
Published: April 2020

This study aims to understand the underlying reasons for poor doctor-patient relationships (DPR). While extant studies on antecedents of poor DPR mainly focus on the offline context and often adopt the patients’ perspective, this work focuses on the mobile context and take both doctors’ and mobile consultation users’ perspectives into consideration. To fulfill this purpose, we first construct a theoretical framework based on the Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) literature. Then we coded 592 doctor-user communication records to validate and elaborate the proposed theoretical model. This work reveals that characteristics of mobile technologies pose potential challenges on both doctors’ and patients’ information providing, informative interpreting, and relationship maintaining behaviors, resulting in 10 and 6 types of inappropriate behaviors of doctors and users, respectively, that trigger poor DPR in the mobile context. The findings enrich the research on online DPR and provide insights for improving DPR in the mobile context.