bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A game development environment to make 2D games
Authors: Marín-Lora Carlos , Chover Miguel , Rebollo Cristina , Remolar Inmaculada
Published: December 2020

The creation of video games involves multidisciplinary processes that are not accessible to the general public. Currently, the development environments are very powerful tools, but they also require an advanced technical level to even start using them. This article presents a 2D game development environment to propose an alternative model to reduce the technical complexity existing in these systems, presenting a data model and a game editor that allows fulfilling this goal. In order to test its capabilities, several games have been successfully implemented in the proposed environment. With this achievement, it can be stated that it is possible to create video games simply and affordably for the general public without giving up its potential and remarking that there is still a long way to go to reach democratization in the creation of video games and the need to continue working in this field.
Isolation and molecular identification of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) virus from infected cattle in Bangladesh
Authors: Giasuddin M , Yousuf MA , Hasan M , Rahman MH , Hassan MZ , Ali MZ
Published: December 2020

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a new disease of cattle in Bangladesh. It is endemic in Africa but through the last few years disease beings to spread to other countries of the world. The disease was widely spreaded in the many other countries in Asia and some parts of Europe. In Bangladesh, the disease was first time detected in April 2019, in southern part and then continued to spread all over the country.The disease caused enormous economic losses causing cutaneous and internal lesions, affecting milk production, hide quality and in some cases death of infected animal. LSD suspected samples were collected from different areas of the country during the period from July 2019 to January 2020. In this study, a total of 36 clinically suspected LSD samples of skin crustnodules, pus and ocular discharge were collected. Samples were examined by the published PCR protocol for LSD virus, GPV and SPV. Around 78% samples were found positive for LSD virus in PCR test. LSD virus was also identified from pus and ocular discharge of infected cattle. The virus can grow in the lamb testicular cell and clinically the disease is characterized by distinctive nodular lesions mostly on the skin of the affected animals.The results indicated that the LSD virus is circulating in the outbreak are as and is an emerging transboundary cattle disease in Bangladesh.

Bang. J. Livs. Res. Vol. 26 (1&2), 2019: P. 15-20
A case study on year round fodder production scheme for smallholder dairy producers in Bangladesh
Authors: Sarker NR , Yeasmin F Tabassum D , Habib MA , Amin MR
Published: December 2020

This study was undertaken to develop a year round fodder production model for small scale dairy farmers. Five pregnant dairy cows of Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC) genotype were selected. For rearing five cows, 66 decimal of land was selected from existing fodder plots under Pachutia Research Farm at Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), Savar, Dhaka. The selected land was divided into two parts (33 decimal in each). One part was brought under perennial (Napier-4 and Splendida) and the 2nd part of land for seasonal (Maize & Matikalai) fodder production. Data on live weight and live weight gain of cows, birth weight of calves, feed intake, milk production, actual biomass yield for both perennial and seasonal fodder, yearly manure production were recorded and calculated. Napier-4 grass, splendida, maize, straw, silage were supplied to the experimental cows according to the seasonal availability in different months. Concentrate mixture were also supplied consisting of wheat bran, kheshari (red gram), soybean meal, maize crushed, til oil cake, DCP and common salt. Economics of the model revealed that considering the sale of milk, calves and manure and cost included only feed and land leased, a farm/family rearing 5 indigenous dairy cows with his/her family labours, he/she could earn around BDT 98 thousand in a year (1$ = 85 BDT) and the benefit cost ratio of the model on total variable cost and total cost were 1.86 and 1.66, respectively. Therefore, it may be recommended that a farmer having 5 adult dairy cows with 66 decimal land under fodder cultivation may earn substantial share of his/her family income as small-scale rural dairying.

Bang. J. Livs. Res. Vol. 26 (1&2), 2019: P. 89-102
Karakteristik Tepung Ampas Tahu yang Difermentasi dengan Lactobacillus plantarum terhadap kandungan Daidzein, Glycitein, dan Genistein
Authors: Fitasari Eka , Santosa Budi
Published: December 2020

Animal feed should ideally be inexpensive and not competing with humans. Ampas know is a waste of the manufacture of tofu that contains protein and high energy. Its use has problems due to the existence of antinutrient and cannot be kept long. Lactobacillus Plantarum is a lactic acid (Gram-positive) bacteria used in the fermentation process to improve the quality of feed. The goal of fermentation is to remove the anti-nutrients that exist in the tofu pulp and increase the content of Isoflavone (Daidzin, Glycitein, and Genistein) and Isoflavone is a source of antioxidants important to growth. The study uses a Completely Randomized Design with 5 treatment of microbial culture concentrations of 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% (V/w), respectively repeated 3 times. The result of analyzes in the pulp of tofu fermentation suggests that fermentation by Lactobacillus Plantarum can increase the content of Daidzein, Glycitein, and genistein with the highest value resulting from the use of L. Plantarum 20% respectively 191.21 + 24.9 μg/g, 85.96 μg/g, and 120.82 μg/g. It can be concluded that the higher the use of the concentration of L. Plantarum in tofu pulp can increase the levels of isoflavone, so it is advisable to conduct research with the concentration of L. Plantarum higher in tofu pulp
IMPLEMENTASI METODE LEAN THINKING UNTUK MENGURANGI NON VALUE ADDING ACTIVITY DAN MENINGKATKAN KINERJA PT. XK
Authors: Nur Taqwa
Published: December 2020

PT. XK merupakan perusahaan jasa transportasi yang menggunakan truk jenis trailer. Dalam operasional bisnisnya melibatkan beberapa pihak seperti pelanggan, depo kontainer, instantasi pemerintah, jasa transportasi, jasa pelabuhan dengan lokasi saling berjauhan. Operasi ini memerlukan komunikasi, interaksi dan koordinasi yang sangat tinggi sehingga order pelanggan bisa terpenuhi sesuai harapannya dan kinerja PT. XK tercapai. Kinerja yang diukur adalah jumlah komplain pengiriman terlambat, jumlah truk mengalami kerusakan saat beroperasi. Dari performa diperoleh rata-rata waktu pengerjaan 1 order membutuhkan waktu yang lama yaitu sekitar 1.182 menit. Perbaikan dilakukan dengan menerapkan Metode Lean Thinking untuk mengidentifikasi Non Value Adding Activity, Necessary but Non Value Adding Activity dan Value adding Activity. Tahapan dilakukan dengan melakukan kuisioner, brainstorming sehingga alat bantu yang digunakan adalah Value Stream Analysis dengan fokus utama perbaikan pada Process Activity Mapping. Pemborosan terbesar yaitu waiting time, unappropriate process, excess motion dan underutilized employee. Dari brainstorming ditemukan akar permasalahannya dan usulan perbaikannya. Hasil perbaikan diperoleh waktu pengerjaan 1 order mengalami penurunan sebesar 52,81% dengan waktu delaynya berkurang atau Non Value Adding Activity dari 609,28 menit menjadi 65,55 menit sehingga berdampak pada peningkatan kinerjanya yaitu komplain pengiriman terlambat mengalami penurunan dan kejadian truk yang rusak saat beroperasi menurun.
Percepção e satisfação no uso do aplicativo edpuzzle utilizando análise fatorial exploratória
Authors: Silva Breno Gabriel da , Moraes Talita Evelin Nabarrete Tristão de , Costa Ana Carolina da , Vieira Afrânio Márcio Corrêa
Published: December 2020

O grau de percepção e satisfação do usuário de uma aplicação educacional é um construto latente que, apesar de ser claramente real e relevante, não é mensurável diretamente, exigindo um método que estabeleça uma métrica. Dentre os métodos disponíveis na literatura, destaca-se a Análise Fatorial Exploratória (AFE), em que dentre suas finalidades, enfatiza-se a possibilidade de realizar a divisão de um questionário em fatores e a identificação das questões mais representativas do instrumento utilizado. Este artigo tem como objetivo extrair e compreender os fatores relevantes que caracterizam os alunos de Ciências Contábeis de uma universidade pública brasileira, no que diz respeito à percepção e satisfação com o uso do aplicativo Edpuzzle. Dentre os resultados, constatou-se que a mediana da maioria dos itens respondidos pelos alunos apresentaram níveis elevados quanto ao grau de satisfação e percepção. Quanto às premissas para a realização da AFE, estas foram satisfatórias. Por fim, notou-se que itens relacionados à percepção de aprendizagem, aos benefícios e recursos que a ferramenta Edpuzzle proporcionou aos alunos, bem como ao nível de satisfação dos alunos com o uso da ferramenta, apresentaram cargas fatoriais rotativas relevantes, promovendo uma interpretação melhor e concisa do traço latente.
Efeitos da mobilização do tipo volante pélvico na lombalgia inespecífica
Authors: Santos Emanuelle Milayne Araújo dos , Moura Amanda Lopes , Arruda Lucas Queiroz de , Barros Marina de Lima Neves , Carvalho Valéria Conceição Passos de , Uchôa Érica Patrícia Borba Lira
Published: December 2020

Introdução: A lombalgia inespecífica pode ser ocasionada por diversos fatores, como alterações posturais, fatores ergonômicos e através das disfunções biomecânicas nas articulações sacroilíacas e lombar. Objetivo: Verificar os efeitos que a mobilização do tipo volante pélvico traz sobre a coluna lombar em pacientes que apresentem lombalgia inespecífica. Métodos: O estudo é quasi experimental do tipo antes e depois, descritivo analítico de corte transversal e de caráter quantitativo, composto por 21 mulheres com lombalgia inespecífica, na faixa etária entre 18 a 28 anos de idade. O estudo foi dividido em quatro etapas: a primeira foi através da aplicação de um questionário socio-clínico, escala de EVA e do questionário para lombalgia, que quantifica a intensidade da dor lombar. Na segunda etapa foi aplicado o teste do polegar ascendente, avaliando a posição dos ilíacos. A terceira etapa teve como método interventivo a mobilização do tipo volante pélvico, através de três series de 60 repetições. Na quarta etapa foi realizada a reavaliação. Resultados: Houve uma redução da dor lombar constatada através da escala de EVA indo de 7,286 ± 1,309 para 1,81± 1,25, o questionário para lombalgia tendo como média inicial 2,64 ± 0,44 e final de 1,96 ± 0,54; quanto ao teste do polegar ascendente, houve predominância de anterioridade ilíaca a direita e após a aplicação da mobilização houve 85,71% de nivelamento pélvico. Conclusão: A mobilização do tipo volante pélvico obteve repercussões quanto a redução da dor lombar e a correção das disfunções sacroilíacas.
Soil Profile Studies of Organic and Conventional farms growing Chilli, Capsicum annuum
Authors: Choudhary Kavita , Dayanand Dayanand , Mishra Preeti
Published: December 2020

The experiments were conducted to determine effects of farming practises on soil quality of fields. Comparative analyses of soil samples from organic and conventional farms were carried out for soil organic matter nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, salinity, and soil pH. Applications of organic manures increase the availability of organic elements in soil naturally and improve the Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE) of crops. Standard chemical analytical methods were used to determine organic matter, EC, pH, in soil. Special attention was paid to phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium. Soil profile analysis showed that organic farming gradually enhances soil quality naturally. Results indicated increasing levels of organic carbon, total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, CEC, pH of soil from farms practising organic farming.
Morphometric study of certain inland water copepods from Nashik, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Tidame Savita , Pawar Priyanka , Gangurde Jyoti , Tidame Arati
Published: December 2020

The morphometric study of selected copepods was carried out during year 2018 from Godavari river of Nashik region. In the present study, a total of four copepod genera were selected for carrying out their morphometric measurements in terms of micron. These are Mesocyclops sps, Macrocyclops fuscus, Tropocyclops prasinus and Eucyclops agilis. The morphometry of various body parts like cephalosome, metasome, urosome, antennae, caudal rami, fural rami and total body length were measured by using ocular micrometer scale. On the basis of measurement obtained in the present study, it can be concluded
that Eucyclops is the largest of all, Macrocyclops and Tropocyclops are intermediate in size whereas, Mesocyclops is the smallest of all studied specimens.
Evaluation of intestinal microflora composition in patients with burdened allergic history after surgery and its impact on risk of developing antibiotic-associated diarrhea
Authors: Turchina M. S. , Annenkova J. E. , Bukreeva M. V. , Koroleva L. Yu. , Morozov Yu. M. , Obolenskaya T. I.
Published: December 2020

Currently, patients quite often and often uncontrollably take antibacterial drugs, which leads to the development of various complications from many organs and systems. One of the most common adverse reactions to taking antibiotics is antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Moreover, such a pathological condition is due to both the direct effect of the drug, and a change in the composition of the intestinal microflora. Despite the frequent occurrence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, this problem raises many questions among practitioners, since the risk factors for its development and methods of prevention have not been fully studied. This is especially important in patients who have undergone surgical interventions, since the combination in this contingent of the appointment of broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs and altered body reactivity in most cases leads to the development of adverse effects.
Transfer of MicroRNA-216a-5p From Exosomes Secreted by Human Urine-Derived Stem Cells Reduces Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Zhang Yinmei , Wang Junxiong , Yang Boxin , Qiao Rui , Li Aiwei , Guo Han , Ding Jie , Li Hui , Ye Hong , Wu Di , Cui Liyan , Yang Shuo
Published: December 2020

Human urine-derived stem cells (USCs) protect rats against kidney ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Here we investigated the role of USCs exosomes (USCs-Exos) in protecting tubular endothelial cells and miRNA transfer in the kidney. Human USCs and USCs-Exos were isolated and verified by morphology and specific biomarkers. USC-Exos played a protective role in human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). USCs-Exos were rich in miR-216a-5p, which targeted phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and regulated cell apoptosis through the Akt pathway. In HK-2 cells exposed to H/R, incubation with USC-Exos increased miR-216-5p, decreased PTEN levels, and stimulated Akt phosphorylation. Exposure of hypoxic HK-2 cells to USCs-Exos pretreated with anti-miR-216a-5p can prevent the increase of miR-216-5p and Akt phosphorylation levels, restore PTEN expression, and promote apoptosis. The dual-luciferase reported gene assay in HK-2 cells confirmed that miR-216a-5p targeted PTEN. In rats with I/R injury, intravenous infusion of USCs-Exos can effectively induce apoptosis suppression and functional protection, which is associated with decreased PTEN. Infusion of exosomes from anti-miR-216a-5p-transfected USCs weakened the protective effect in the I/R model. Therefore, USCs-Exos can reduce renal I/R injury by transferring miR-216a-5p targeting PTEN. Potentially, USCs-Exos rich in miR-216a-5p can serve as a promising therapeutic option for AKI.
The Techno-Economic Benefit of Sorption Enhancement: Evaluation of Sorption-Enhanced Dimethyl Ether Synthesis for CO2 Utilization
Authors: Skorikova Galina , Saric Marija , Sluijter Soraya Nicole , van Kampen Jasper , Sánchez-Martínez Carlos , Boon Jurriaan
Published: December 2020

Dimethyl ether (DME) is an important platform chemical and fuel that can be synthesized from CO2 and H2 directly. In particular, sorption-enhanced DME synthesis (SEDMES) is a novel process that uses the in situ removal of H2O with an adsorbent to ensure high conversion efficiency in a single unit operation. The in situ removal of steam has been shown to enhance catalyst lifetime and boost process efficiency. In addition, the hydrogen may be supplied through water electrolysis using renewable energy, making it a promising example of the (indirect) power-to-X technology. Recently, major advances have been made in SEDMES, both experimentally and in terms of modeling and cycle design. The current work presents a techno-economic evaluation of SEDMES using H2 produced by a PEM electrolyzer. A conceptual process design has been made for the conversion of CO2 and green H2 to DME, including the purification section to meet ISO fuel standards. By means of a previously developed dynamic cycle model for the SEDMES reactors, a DME yield per pass of 72.4 % and a carbon selectivity of 84.7% were achieved for the studied process design after optimization of the recycle streams. The production costs for DME by the power-to-X technology SEDMES process at 23 kt/year scale are determined at ∼€1.3 per kg. These costs are higher than the current market price but lower than the cost of conventional DME synthesis from CO2. Factors with the highest impact on the business cases are the electricity and CO2 cost price as well as the CAPEX of the electrolyzer, which is considered an important component for technology development. Furthermore, as the H2 cost constitutes the largest part of the DME production cost, SEDMES is demonstrated to be a powerful technology for efficient conversion of green H2 into DME.
Geological Carbon Sequestration by Reactive Infiltration Instability
Authors: Sun Yizhuo , Payton Ryan L. , Hier-Majumder Saswata , Kingdon Andrew
Published: December 2020

We study carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) over time scales of 2000 years by implementing a numerical model of reactive infiltration instability caused by reactive porous flow. Our model focuses on the mineralization of CO2 dissolved in the pore water—the geological carbon sequestration phase of a CCS operation—starting 10–100 years after the injection of CO2 in the subsurface. We test the influence of three parameters: porosity, mass fraction of the Ca-rich feldspar mineral anorthite in the solid, and the chemical reaction rate, on the mode of fluid flow and efficiency of CaCO3 precipitation during geological carbon sequestration. We demonstrate that the mode of porous flow switches from propagation of a planar front at low porosities to propagation of channels at porosities exceeding 10%. The channels develop earlier for more porous aquifers. Both high anorthite mass fraction in the solid phase and high reaction rates aid greater amounts of carbonate precipitation, with the reaction rate exerting the stronger influence of the two. Our calculations indicate that an aquifer with dimensions 500 m × 2 km × 2 km can sequester over 350 Mt solid CaCO3 after 2000 years. To precipitate 50 Mt CaCO3 after 2000 years in this aquifer, we suggest selecting a target aquifer with more than 10 wt% of reactive minerals. We recommend that the aquifer porosity, abundance of reactive aluminosilicate minerals such as anorthite, and reaction rates are taken into consideration while selecting future CCS sites.
Parkinson’s Disease in Teneurin Transmembrane Protein 4 (TENM4) Mutation Carriers
Authors: Pu Jia-Li , Gao Ting , Si Xiao-Li , Zheng Ran , Jin Chong-Yao , Ruan Yang , Fang Yi , Chen Ying , Song Zhe , Yin Xin-Zhen , Yan Ya-Ping , Tian Jun , Zhang Bao-Rong
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Mutations in the teneurin transmembrane protein 4 (TENM4) gene, known to be involved in neuropsychiatric disorders, have been identified in three pedigree of essential tremor (ET) from Spain. ET has overlapping clinical manifestations and epidemiological symptoms with Parkinson’s disease (PD), suggesting these two disorders may reflect common genetic risk factors. In this study, we investigated clinical and genetic manifestations in four unrelated pedigrees with both ET and PD in which TENM4 variants were identified.

Methods

We subsequently explored whether TENM4 variants contributed to the risk of developing PD. The frequency of TENM4 variants was evaluated from four PD pedigrees and other 407 subjects.

Results

The results revealed 12 different novel heterozygous variants, all at low frequency. A clear general enrichment of TENM4 variants was detected in early onset PD patients (p < 0.001, OR = 5.264, 95% CI = 1.957–14.158).

Conclusion

The results indicate that rare TENM4 variants may be associated with an increased risk of PD.
Identification of a Ubiquitination-Related Gene Risk Model for Predicting Survival in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Zuo Hao , Chen Luojun , Li Na , Song Qibin
Published: December 2020

Pancreatic cancer is known as “the king of cancer,” and ubiquitination/deubiquitination-related genes are key contributors to its development. Our study aimed to identify ubiquitination/deubiquitination-related genes associated with the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients by the bioinformatics method and then construct a risk model. In this study, the gene expression profiles and clinical data of pancreatic cancer patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the Genotype-tissue Expression (GTEx) database. Ubiquitination/deubiquitination-related genes were obtained from the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Univariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify differentially expressed ubiquitination-related genes selected from GSEA which were associated with the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. Using multivariate Cox regression analysis, we detected eight optimal ubiquitination-related genes (RNF7, NPEPPS, NCCRP1, BRCA1, TRIM37, RNF25, CDC27, and UBE2H) and then used them to construct a risk model to predict the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. Finally, the eight risk genes were validated by the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database, the results showed that the protein expression level of the eight genes was generally consistent with those at the transcriptional level. Our findings suggest the risk model constructed from these eight ubiquitination-related genes can accurately and reliably predict the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. These eight genes have the potential to be further studied as new biomarkers or therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer.
Brucella-Induced Downregulation of lncRNA Gm28309 Triggers Macrophages Inflammatory Response Through the miR-3068-5p/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Deng Xingmei , Guo Jia , Sun Zhihua , Liu Laizhen , Zhao Tianyi , Li Jia , Tang Guochao , Zhang Hai , Wang Wenjing , Cao Shuzhu , Zhu Dexin , Tao Tingting , Cao Gang , Baryshnikov P. I. , Chen Chuangfu , Zhao Zongsheng , Chen Lihua , Zhang Hui
Published: December 2020

Objectives

The underlying mechanism of the inflammatory response against Brucellosis caused by Brucella remains poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in regulating of inflammatory and anti-Brucella responses.

Materials and methods

Microarray analysis was performed to detect differentially expressed lncRNAs in THP-1 cells infected with an S2308 Brucella strain. The candidate lncRNAs were screened using bioinformatic analysis and siRNAs; bioinformatic prediction and luciferase reporter assay were also conducted, while inflammatory responses was assessed using RT‐qPCR, western blot, immunofluorescence, ELISA, HE, and immunohistochemistry.

Results

The lncRNA Gm28309 was identified to be involved in regulating inflammation induced by Brucella. Gm28309, localized in the cytoplasm, was down-expressed in RAW264.7 cells infected with S2308. Overexpression of Gm28309 or inhibition of miR-3068-5p repressed p65 phosphorylation and reduced NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β and IL-18 secretion. Mechanistically, Gm28309 acted as a ceRNA of miR-3068-5p to activate NF-κB pathway by targeting κB-Ras2, an inhibitor of NF-κB signaling. Moreover, the number of intracellular Brucella was higher when Gm28309 was overexpressed or when miR-3068-5p or p65 was inhibited. However, these effects were reversed by the miR-3068-5p mimic.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates, for the first time, that LncRNAs are involved in regulating immune responses during Brucella infection, and Gm28309, an lncRNA, plays a crucial role in activating NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Enhances the Function of MDSCs in Experimental Sjögren Syndrome
Authors: Tian Jie , Hong Yue , Zhu Qiugang , Zhou Huimin , Zhang Yidan , Shen Ziwei , Guo Hongye , Zhang Yue , Ai Xiangyan , Zhao Futao , Rui Ke , Xu Huaxi , Wang Shengjun
Published: December 2020

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a progressive systemic autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltrates in exocrine glands, leading to the injury of salivary and lachrymal glands. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been demonstrated to exert great potential in the treatment of various autoimmune diseases. Although MSCs have provide an effective therapeutic approach for SS treatment, the underlying mechanisms are still elusive. Our previous study has shown the reduced suppressive capacity of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) advanced the progression of experimental Sjögren’s syndrome (ESS). In this study, we found that BM-MSCs significantly enhanced the suppressive function of MDSCs with high levels of Arginase and NO, decreased the levels of CD40, CD80, CD86, and MHC-II expression on MDSCs, thus attenuating the disease progression in ESS mice. Furthermore, the enhanced suppressive function of MDSCs was mediated by BM-MSC-secreted TGF-β, and the therapeutic effect of BM-MSCs in inhibiting ESS was almost abolished after silencing TGF-β in BM-MSCs. Taken together, our results demonstrated that BM-MSCs alleviated the ESS progression by up-regulating the immunosuppressive effect of MDSCs through TGF-β/Smad pathway, offering a novel mechanism for MSCs in the treatment of pSS.
Antibiotic Treatment for Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Prescription Patterns and Associations With Patient Outcome and the Sinus Microbiota
Authors: Lux Christian A. , Wagner Mackenzie Brett , Johnston James , Zoing Melissa , Biswas Kristi , Taylor Michael W. , Douglas Richard G.
Published: December 2020

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common and debilitating inflammatory condition of the sinuses, afflicting 5% of the general population. Although antibiotics are frequently prescribed for the medical management of CRS, there is surprisingly little evidence to support their efficacy. In this study, we aimed to establish associations between medication usage, the sinus microbiota and patients’ clinical outcomes.

Methods

Antibiotic prescription patterns for the year before sample collection of 156 CRS patients, 45 disease control patients (mostly requiring septoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction) and 35 healthy control subjects were examined and analyzed together with previously published bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicon data from our group.

Results

The highest antibiotic usage was observed among the two CRS patient categories. Despite heavy antibiotic usage, CRS patients’ clinical outcomes as indicated by patient questionnaires and radiologic scores were similar to those patients that did not receive any antibiotics. The sinus microbiota was dominated by members of the bacterial genera Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus in all three cohorts. Bacterial community dispersion as measured by principal coordinate analysis was significantly higher in CRS patients compared to healthy control subjects, but not disease control patients. Pairwise comparisons within cohorts revealed differences in the relative 16S rRNA gene sequence abundances of the genera Staphylococcus and Lawsonella between antibiotic users and non-users. However, overall antibiotic effects were minimal and unpredictable.

Conclusion

The unpredictable effects of antibiotic treatment on the sinus microbiota found in this study, together with the lack of differences in patients’ symptom scores between cohorts, do not support preoperative antibiotic treatment for CRS patients.
Functional Changes of the Community of Microbes With Ni-Dependent Enzyme Genes Accompany Adaptation of the Ruminal Microbiome to Urea-Supplemented Diets
Authors: Lu Zhongyan , Xu Zhihui , Kong Lingmeng , Shen Hong , Aschenbach Jörg R.
Published: December 2020

Urea is an inexpensive non-protein nitrogen source commonly supplemented to the diets of ruminants. It is cleaved to ammonia by bacterial ureases, which require Ni as a catalyst for ureolysis. The key event in the changes of the ruminal microbiome after urea supplementation remains unknown. We have therefore investigated changes in the ruminal microbiome and its community with Ni-dependent enzyme genes following urea supplementation and analyzed the associations of rumen environmental factors, including fermentation variables and Ni concentrations, with the compositional and functional changes of these communities. We found that urea supplementation increased urease activity and the concentrations of ammonia and Ni, and tended to increase concentrations of short chain fatty acids and acetate, whereas it decreased rumen pH and the L-/D-lactate ratio. With standards for genome completeness >60% and strain heterogeneity <10%, 20 bacterial species containing five Ni-dependent enzyme genes were detected in the metagenome sequences. For the five Ni-dependent enzyme genes, urea supplementation increased the relative abundances of genes of urease and acetyl-CoA synthase, whereas it decreased the relative abundances of genes of glyoxalase I, [NiFe]-hydrogenase, and lactate racemase. For the 20 microbes with Ni-dependent enzyme genes, urea supplementation increased the relative abundances of five bacteria exhibiting high capacities for the utilization of hemicellulose and pectin for butyrate and fatty acid biosynthesis. For the ruminal microbiome, urea supplementation increased the metagenomic capacities for hemicellulose and pectin degradation, butyrate generation, fatty acid biosynthesis, and carbon fixation, whereas it decreased the metagenomic capacities for starch degradation, propionate generation, and sulfur and nitrogen metabolism. Constrained correspondence analysis identified rumen ammonia and Ni concentrations as likely driving factors in the reshaping of the ruminal microbiome and, together with pH, of the community of microbes with Ni-dependent enzyme genes. Thus, the functional change of the latter community is probably an important event in the adaptation of the ruminal microbiome to urea-supplemented diets. This result provides a new perspective for the understanding of the effects of urea supplementation on rumen fermentation.
Plasmid Dynamics of mcr-1-Positive Salmonella spp. in a General Hospital in China
Authors: Fan Jianzhong , Zhang Linghong , He Jintao , Zhao Maoying , Loh Belinda , Leptihn Sebastian , Yu Yunsong , Hua Xiaoting
Published: December 2020

Salmonella is an important food pathogen that can cause severe gastroenteritis with more than 600,000 deaths globally every year. Colistin (COL), a last-resort antibiotic, is ineffective in bacteria that carry a functional mcr-1 gene, which is often spread by conjugative plasmids. Our work aimed to understand the prevalence of the mcr-1 gene in clinical isolates of Salmonella, as the frequency of occurrence of the mcr-1 gene is increasing globally. Therefore, we analyzed 689 clinical strains, that were isolated between 2009 and late 2018. The mcr-1 gene was found in six strains, which we analyzed in detail by whole genome sequencing and antibiotic susceptibility testing, while we also provide the clinical information on the patients suffering from an infection. The genomic analysis revealed that five strains had plasmid-encoded mcr-1 gene located in four IncHI2 plasmids and one IncI2 plasmid, while one strain had the chromosomal mcr-1 gene originated from plasmid. Surprisingly, in two strains the mcr-1 genes were inactive due to disruption by insertion sequences (ISs): ISApl1 and ISVsa5. A detailed analysis of the plasmids revealed a multitude of ISs, most commonly IS26. The IS contained genes that meditate broad resistance toward most antibiotics underlining their importance of the mobile elements, also with respect to the spread of the mcr-1 gene. Our study revealed potential reservoirs for the transmission of COL resistance and offers insights into the evolution of the mcr-1 gene in Salmonella.
Pseudonocardia Symbionts of Fungus-Growing Ants and the Evolution of Defensive Secondary Metabolism
Authors: Goldstein Sarah L. , Klassen Jonathan L.
Published: December 2020

Actinobacteria belonging to the genus Pseudonocardia have evolved a close relationship with multiple species of fungus-growing ants, where these bacteria produce diverse secondary metabolites that protect the ants and their fungal mutualists from disease. Recent research has charted the phylogenetic diversity of this symbiosis, revealing multiple instances where the ants and Pseudonocardia have formed stable relationships in which these bacteria are housed on specific regions of the ant’s cuticle. Parallel chemical and genomic analyses have also revealed that symbiotic Pseudonocardia produce diverse secondary metabolites with antifungal and antibacterial bioactivities, and highlighted the importance of plasmid recombination and horizontal gene transfer for maintaining these symbiotic traits. Here, we propose a multi-level model for the evolution of Pseudonocardia and their secondary metabolites that includes symbiont transmission within and between ant colonies, and the potentially independent movement and diversification of their secondary metabolite biosynthetic genes. Because of their well-studied ecology and experimental tractability, Pseudonocardia symbionts of fungus-growing ants are an especially useful model system to understand the evolution of secondary metabolites, and also comprise a significant source of novel antibiotic and antifungal agents.
Case Report: Association of a Variant of Unknown Significance in the FIG4 Gene With Frontotemporal Dementia and Slowly Progressing Motoneuron Disease: A Case Report Depicting Common Challenges in Clinical and Genetic Diagnostics of Rare Neuropsychiatric and Neurologic Disorders
Authors: Bergner Caroline Gertrud , Neuhofer Christiane Michaela , Funke Claudia , Biskup Saskia , von Gottberg Philipp , Bartels Claudia , Koch Jan Christoph , Radenbach Katrin
Published: December 2020

Background

Modern genetics have in many ways revolutionized clinical routine and have, for instance, shown that formerly distinct disease entities relate to common pathogenic mutations. One such example is the connection between dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a continuous disease spectrum affirmed by the discovery of shared mutations.

Case Report

We describe a new variant in the FIG4 gene in a patient with slowly progressing frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and probable primary lateral sclerosis (PLS). The patient initially showed depressive symptoms and global cognitive deficits. Severe difficulties with language and hallucinations became clearer as the disease progressed. Nuclear medicine imaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers were not specific for defined categories of dementia, but neuropsychological testing and clinical features finally led to an allocation of the syndrome to the non-fluent variant of primary progressive aphasia (nfv PPA). Because of increasing limb weakness and bulbar symptoms, motoneuron disease in the form of PLS was diagnosed, strongly supported by elevated CSF neurofilament and electrophysiologic assessments. The detected variant in the FIG4 gene is described as pathogenic or likely pathogenic in common databases and reported once in the literature. While the phenotype of our patient fits the description of FIG4-associated disease in literature, we consider the present variant as VUS in this case.

Conclusion

We describe a variant in the FIG4 gene in a patient with slowly progressing FTD and PLS. Mutations in the FIG4 gene have been associated with ALS and PLS; however, this exact mutation was not reported in ALS or PLS patients before. The case illustrates generic diagnostic challenges in patients presenting with genetic variants that offer an explanation for otherwise uncommon symptom combinations but yet are of unknown significance.
Compositional Variation in Trans-Ferulic, p-coumaric, and Diferulic Acids Levels Among Kernels of Modern and Traditional Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids
Authors: Zavala-López Mariana , Flint-García Sherry , García-Lara Silverio
Published: December 2020

Maize is one of the most heterogenous cereals worldwide in terms of yield, physical characteristics, and biochemical composition due to its natural diversity. Nowadays the use of maize hybrids is extensive, while the use of landraces is mostly local. Both have become an important genetic resource useful to identify or generate varieties with desirable characteristics to overcome challenges of agronomic performance, nutritional quality, and functionality. In terms of functionality, one of the most studied families of compounds are phenolic acids. These compounds have been associated with the improvement of human health because of their antioxidant capacity. To evaluate the diversity of phenolic compounds in maize, two collections, the Nested Association Mapping (NAM) founders and 24 landraces, were crossed with B73. Phenolic compounds were extracted and quantified by HPLC-PDA. Soluble and cell wall phenolic acids were identified and significant differences between and within the NAM and Landrace collections were assessed. Soluble p-coumaric acid quantification of B73 × NAM hybrids presented high variation as the range went from 14.45 to 132.34 μg/ g dw. In the case of B73 × Landrace hybrids, wide variation was also found, ranging 25.77–120.80 μg/g dw. For trans-ferulic acid, significant variation was found in both hybrid groups: B73 × NAM presented an average of 157.44 μg/g dw (61.02–411.13 μg/g dw) whereas the B73 × Landrace hybrids average was 138.02 μg/g dw (49.32–476.28 μg/g dw). In cell wall p-coumaric acid, a range from 30.93 to 83.69 μg/g dw and 45.06 to 94.98 μg/g dw was found for landrace and NAM hybrids, respectively. For cell wall trans-ferulic acid, a range from 1,641.47 to 2,737.38 μg/g dw and 826.07 to 2,536.40 μg/g dw was observed for landrace and NAM hybrids, respectively. Significant differences between hybrid groups were found in p-coumaric acid, for both soluble and cell wall-bounded. Therefore, maize hybrids produced by conventional techniques using both modern and traditional varieties showed a high diversity in terms of phenolic compounds, denoting the role of these compounds in the maize ability to endure different environment conditions. This study provides a platform of comparison through the unveiling of maize phenolic compounds for future breeding efforts.
Long-Term Safety of Rapid Daratumumab Infusions in Multiple Myeloma Patients
Authors: Gozzetti Alessandro , Bacchiarri Francesca , Sammartano Vincenzo , Defina Marzia , Sicuranza Anna , Mecacci Bianca , Zappone Elisabetta , Cencini Emanuele , Fabbri Alberto , Raspadori Donatella , Bocchia Monica
Published: December 2020

Multiple myeloma survival has significantly improved in recent years, due to novel agents that are available for treatment. The anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody Daratumumab is particularly efficient for patients with relapse/refractory disease, and many studies have shown its unprecedented efficacy also as a first treatment. However, to avoid the incidence of infusion reactions, long infusion schedules of 8 h at first dose and 4 h in the following doses are required, which can reduce the compliance of patients and health care professionals. A reduced infusion time of 90 min has been reported previously, but data are missing on the prolonged safety of this over time as well as the efficacy of this approach. In this work, we investigate the safety of 484 rapid Daratumumab infusions given early after the second dose over a 22 months period in 39 myeloma patients.
Genome-Wide Identification of Populus Malectin/Malectin-Like Domain-Containing Proteins and Expression Analyses Reveal Novel Candidates for Signaling and Regulation of Wood Development
Authors: Kumar Vikash , Donev Evgeniy N. , Barbut Félix R. , Kushwah Sunita , Mannapperuma Chanaka , Urbancsok János , Mellerowicz Ewa J.
Published: December 2020

Malectin domain (MD) is a ligand-binding protein motif of pro- and eukaryotes. It is particularly abundant in Viridiplantae, where it occurs as either a single (MD, PF11721) or tandemly duplicated domain (PF12819) called malectin-like domain (MLD). In herbaceous plants, MD- or MLD-containing proteins (MD proteins) are known to regulate development, reproduction, and resistance to various stresses. However, their functions in woody plants have not yet been studied. To unravel their potential role in wood development, we carried out genome-wide identification of MD proteins in the model tree species black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa), and analyzed their expression and co-expression networks. P. trichocarpa had 146 MD genes assigned to 14 different clades, two of which were specific to the genus Populus. 87% of these genes were located on chromosomes, the rest being associated with scaffolds. Based on their protein domain organization, and in agreement with the exon-intron structures, the MD genes identified here could be classified into five superclades having the following domains: leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-MD-protein kinase (PK), MLD-LRR-PK, MLD-PK (CrRLK1L), MLD-LRR, and MD-Kinesin. Whereas the majority of MD genes were highly expressed in leaves, particularly under stress conditions, eighteen showed a peak of expression during secondary wall formation in the xylem and their co-expression networks suggested signaling functions in cell wall integrity, pathogen-associated molecular patterns, calcium, ROS, and hormone pathways. Thus, P. trichocarpa MD genes having different domain organizations comprise many genes with putative foliar defense functions, some of which could be specific to Populus and related species, as well as genes with potential involvement in signaling pathways in other tissues including developing wood.
The Role of FLOWERING LOCUS C Relatives in Cereals
Authors: Kennedy Alice , Geuten Koen
Published: December 2020

FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) is one of the best characterized genes in plant research and is integral to vernalization-dependent flowering time regulation. Yet, despite the abundance of information on this gene and its relatives in Arabidopsis thaliana, the role FLC genes play in other species, in particular cereal crops and temperate grasses, remains elusive. This has been due in part to the comparative reduced availability of bioinformatic and mutant resources in cereals but also on the dominant effect in cereals of the VERNALIZATION (VRN) genes on the developmental process most associated with FLC in Arabidopsis. The strong effect of the VRN genes has led researchers to believe that the entire process of vernalization must have evolved separately in Arabidopsis and cereals. Yet, since the confirmation of the existence of FLC-like genes in monocots, new light has been shed on the roles these genes play in both vernalization and other mechanisms to fine tune development in response to specific environmental conditions. Comparisons of FLC gene function and their genetic and epigenetic regulation can now be made between Arabidopsis and cereals and how they overlap and diversify is coming into focus. With the advancement of genome editing techniques, further study on these genes is becoming increasingly easier, enabling us to investigate just how essential FLC-like genes are to modulating flowering time behavior in cereals.
Suicidal Ideation Mediates the Relationship Between Affect and Suicide Attempt in Adolescents
Authors: Rubio Andrés , Oyanedel Juan Carlos , Bilbao Marian , Mendiburo-Seguel Andrés , López Verónica , Páez Dario
Published: December 2020

Suicide, as one of the leading causes of death for the adolescent population, both in Chile and globally, remains a complex and elusive phenomenon. This research studies the association between positive and negative affect in relation with suicidal ideation and suicidal attempt, given that affectivity is a fundamental basis on which people make evaluations on their satisfaction with life. First, it examines the reliability, structure, and validity of Watson’s positive and negative affect scale (PANAS) scale in a representative random sample of Chilean high school students (N= 4,568). The scale evidences strong reliability coefficients and a confirmatory factor analysis, excluding one positive (excited) and one negative (nervous) item. The scale shows a satisfactory goodness of fit. Secondly, it investigates the association of PANAS positive and negative affect scores with suicidal ideation as well as reported attempt in adolescents, controlling for the potential effect of age and sex (N= 420 high school students). Low positive and high negative affect, but not sex and age, show a significant association with suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation totally mediates the association of affect with suicide attempt, as expected. Results are discussed regarding prevention and it considers how positive and negative affect can be relevant as indicators for prevention and treatment using widely available technology.
Understanding Unemployment Normalization: Individual Differences in an Alternative Experience With Unemployment
Authors: Houssemand Claude , Thill Steve , Pignault Anne
Published: December 2020

Unemployment is a major concern of societies and people around the world. In addressing this phenomenon, the literature has suggested a change in unemployed people’s perceptions of this transition period. In this paper, we apply a differential approach to explore the concept of unemployment normalization, an individual emotional regulation process. The results show how the global socioeconomic context and some individual and psychological variables influence the normalization of unemployment. Thus, the age of the person but also work involvement, coping strategies, locus of control, and level of self-esteem have indirect differential effects, mediated by unemployment normalization dimensions, on unemployed people’s perceived health. Only neuroticism has a direct link to subjective well-being. These results offer a new understanding of the perception of unemployment and are also discussed in the area of career and vocational counseling.