bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LCOE-Based Pricing for DLT-Enabled Local Energy Trading Platforms
Authors: Dynge Marthe Fogstad , Halden Ugur , Klæboe Gro , Cali Umit
Published: July 2022

Support schemes like the Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) have for many years been an important driver for the deployment of distributed energy resources, and the transition from consumerism to prosumerism. This democratization and decarbonization of the energy system has led to both challenges and opportunities for the system operators, paving the way for emerging concepts like local energy markets. The FiT approach has often been assumed as the lower economic bound for a prosumer’s willingness to participate in such markets but is now being phased out in several countries. In this paper, a new pricing mechanism based on the Levelized Cost of Electricity is proposed, with the intention of securing profitability for the prosumers, as well as creating a transparent and fair price for all market participants. The mechanism is designed to function on a Distributed Ledger Technology-based platform and is further set up from a holistic perspective, defining the market framework as interactions in a Cyber-Physical-Social-System. Schemes based on both fixed and variable contracts with the wholesale supplier are analyzed and compared with both the conventional FiT and to its proposed replacement options. The results show a cost reduction for the consumers and a slight loss in revenue for the prosumers compared to the FiT scheme. Comparing it to the actual suggested replacements to the FiT, however, it is clear that the pricing mechanism proposed in this study provides a substantial increase of benefits for both prosumers and consumers.
Bi-Level Coordinated Planning of Sectionalizing Switches and Tie Lines Considering Operation Mode Adjustment
Authors: Luo Qiang , Li Wangjun , Gao Chong , Zhang Junxiao , Chen Peidong , Xu Zhiheng , Peng Xiangang , Lai Chun Sing , Lai Loi Lei
Published: July 2022

Distribution utilities can flexibly control distribution networks by allocating the automatic and remotely controlled sectionalizing switches (SSs), which work with tie lines (TLs) to speed up fault management and are alternative devices for distribution operation mode adjustment. Hence, the SSs and the TLs play an important role in distribution networks. In order to improve the reliability of power supply and achieve economic distribution network operation, this paper proposes a bi-level SSs and TLs planning model, which considers distribution operation mode adjustment to optimize the allocation of SSs and TLs. The upper level of the proposed model aims at minimizing the sum of the total investment cost, the customer interruption loss cost, and the line loss cost. The upper level identifies the number and location of the SSs and the TLs. With the planning scheme obtained from the upper level, the lower level of the model adjusts the distribution operation mode to minimize the distribution line loss. In addition, binary particle swarm optimization (BPSO) is used because it has stable convergence and effectively explores the search space. A second-order cone programming (SOCP) is employed to reduce the complexity of the model and improve the solving process by linearizing the reconstruction calculation of the distribution network. Finally, simulation studies were conducted on bus 2 and bus 4 of the RBTS standard test system to assess the feasibility of the proposed model. The stability and effectiveness of the model are verified through various comparisons.
Optimal Reconfiguration of Thermoelectric Generation System Under Heterogeneous Temperature Difference
Authors: Zheng You , Zhang Enyou , An Peng
Published: July 2022

In view of the low efficiency of thermoelectric generation systems in different regions, this paper designs an optimization and reconfiguration of thermoelectric power generation system under heterogeneous temperature difference (HTD) based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, so as to make full use of various thermal energy resources and obtain higher electrical output power, which realize multi-directional utilization of energy. In addition, PSO algorithm is a simple optimization strategy with a straightforward operation mechanism and fewer parameters to control during calculation. The research shows that when TEG array is in multiple HTD states, PSO algorithm has a stronger ability to get rid of local optimization, which can reduce power loss and improve energy conversion efficiency. On this basis, PSO algorithm is used to reconfigure the 15 × 15 symmetric TEG array. The experimental simulation analysis based on MATLAB platform is carried out to verify the feasibility of PSO algorithm.
Utilizing a Two-Dimensional Data-Driven Convolutional Neural Network for Long-Term Prediction of Dissolved Oxygen Content
Authors: Li Dashe , Zhang Xuan
Published: July 2022

It is significant to establish a precise dissolved oxygen (DO) model to obtain clear knowledge ablout the prospective changing conditions of the aquatic environment of marine ranches and to ensure the healthy growth of fisheries. However Do in marine ranches is affected by many factors. DO trends have complex nonlinear characteristics. Therefore, the accurate prediction of DO is challenging. On this basis, a two-dimensional data-driven convolutional neural network model (2DD-CNN) is proposed. In order to reduce the influence of missing values on experimental results, a novel sequence score matching-filling (SSMF) algorithm is first presented based on similar historical series matching to provide missing values. This paper extends the DO expression dimension and constructs a method that can convert a DO sequence into two-dimensional images and is also convenient for the 2D convolution kernel to further extract various pieces of information. In addition, a self-attention mechanism is applied to construct a CNN to capture the interdependent features of time series. Finally, DO samples from multiple marine ranches are validated and compared with those predicted by other models. The experimental results show that the proposed model is a suitable and effective method for predicting DO in multiple marine ranches. The MSE MAE, RMSE and MAPE of the 2DD-CNN prediction results are reduced by 51.63, 30.06, 32.53, and 30.75% on average, respectively, compared with those of other models, and the R2 is 2.68% higher on average than those of the other models. It is clear that the proposed 2DD-CNN model achieves a high forecast accuracy and exhibits good generalizability.
Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacteria From Coal Mine Enhance Sulfur Nutrition in Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.)
Authors: Malviya Deepti , Varma Ajit , Singh Udai B. , Singh Shailendra , Singh Harsh V. , Saxena Anil K.
Published: July 2022

The present investigation was carried out to isolate, identify, and characterize sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) from coal mines and to evaluate the efficient strains for their ability to influence plant growth and S uptake in pigeonpea. Thirteen bacterial isolates belonging toStenotrophomonas maltophilia(2),Stenotrophomonas pavanii(2),Rhizobium pusense(5),Bacillus velezensis(2), andPaenibacillus massiliensis(2) were obtained. Among these, seven strains that could reduce the pH of thiosulfate broth were further characterized for sulfur oxidation, plant growth-promoting (PGP) attributes, andin plantastudies. Among the seven strains characterized, maximum sulfate ion was recorded forS.maltophiliaDRC-18-7A (311.43 mg L−1) closely followed byS.pavaniiDRC-18-7B (273.44 mg L−1) andS.maltophiliaDRC-18-10 (265.75 mg L−1) after 21 days of inoculation. Among the PGP attributes quantified, maximum P solubilization was recorded in case ofS.maltophiliaDRC-18-7A (24.39 μg ml−1), while highest siderophore production and IAA production were recorded inS.maltophiliaDRC-18-10 (14.25%) andR.pusenseDRC-18-25 (15.21 μg ml−1), respectively.S.maltophiliaDRC-18-7A closely followed byS.pavaniiDRC-18-7B outperformed others in enhancing seed germination (%) and vigour indices. Results clearly indicated that microbial inoculants colonized the plant roots and developed biofilm on the root surface. It was further observed that plants treated with microbial inoculants induce an early formation of secondary and tertiary roots in the pigeonpea compared to the untreated control which was further confirmed by assessing the root architecture using the root scanner. Inoculation of these two strains to pigeonpea significantly enhanced plant growth parameters, the activity of reactive oxygen scavenging (ROS) enzymes, and accumulation of flavonoids, carotenoids, and proline both under sterilized and non-sterilized growth medium (sand and soil in 1:3 ratio). The application of microbial inoculants significantly increased the uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur in plant shoots. Further, transcript level of phosphate, potassium, and sulfur transporter genes significantly increases upon microbial inoculation leading to increased uptake and translocation of P, K, and S in the pigeonpea. The results indicate thatS.maltophiliaDRC-18-7A andS.pavaniiDRC-18-7B could be recommended as inoculants for pigeonpea to improve its growth and sulfur nutrition.
Impacts of Industrial Agglomeration and Energy Intensity on Industrial Eco-Efficiency-Analysis Based on Spatial Correlation and Mediating Effect
Authors: Zhong Cheng , Hamzah Hanny Zurina , Yin Jin , Wu Desheng , Cao Jianhong , Mao Xiaoming , Zhuang Qianda
Published: July 2022

As a measuring tool of industrial sustainable development, industrial eco-efficiency works as a link between economic benefit and environmental pressure. Industrial agglomeration and energy have always been considered an important influence factor on industrial eco-efficiency. The Chinese government is facing the challenge of reaching a Carbon Peak by the 2060s, within this context, it is critically important to explore the relationship between industrial agglomeration and industrial eco-efficiency, moreover, energy intensity may play a key role between them, which should not be ignored. Therefore, based on the STIRPAT model, this paper constructs a spatial autocorrelation model (SAC model) to analyze the provincial panel dataset from 2009 to 2018, and it is found that: First, the industrial agglomeration has an inverted N-shaped relationship with industrial eco-efficiency, and industrial eco-efficiency indeed have a positive spatial spillover effect. Second, energy intensity plays a mediating role, industrial agglomeration would affect industrial eco-efficiency through energy intensity. Therefore, it is suggested that the government should introduce differentiated industrial agglomeration policies as well as energy-saving policies. In addition, this paper suggests that policymakers should adhere to consistent industrial sustainable development policies.
Diversity and Relative Abundance of Insect Pollinators in Moroccan Agroecosystems
Authors: El Abdouni Insafe , Lhomme Patrick , Christmann Stefanie , Dorchin Achik , Sentil Ahlam , Pauly Alain , Hamroud Laila , Ihsane Oumayma , Reverté Sara , Patiny Sebastien , Wood Thomas J. , Bencharki Youssef , Rasmont Pierre , Michez Denis
Published: July 2022

Agroecosystems are often impoverished ecosystems, but they can host diverse communities of insects which provide ecosystem services. Specifically, crops may benefit from insect pollinators that increase their quantity and quality of yields. Basic knowledge is still needed regarding the identity, diversity, abundance, and ecology of insect pollinators in many parts of the world, especially in low and middle-income countries. In this study we investigate the potential of agroecosystems and crops in Morocco to host a high diversity of insect pollinators. We sampled insects in four eco-climatic regions encompassing a total of 22 crops for 2 years (2018–2019). After describing the general pattern of diversity and abundance of insect pollinators, we focused our comparative analyses on bees as they are known to be the most efficient and abundant group of insect pollinators. We recorded a total of 53,361 insect pollinators in all agroecosystems among which 37,091 were visiting crop flowers. Bees were by far the most abundant group visiting crops. Honeybees represented 49% of crop visitors followed by wild bees representing 33% of relative abundance. Three genera (Lasioglossum, Andrena, and Xylocopa) represented 53% of the total abundance of wild bees visiting crops. We identified a total of 213 species visiting crops (22% of national wild bee species richness). A comparison of the abundance, species richness, and community composition of wild bees visiting the same crops showed significant inter-regional differences for zucchini, faba bean, and eggplant. This study highlights the high diversity of pollinators in Moroccan agroecosystems and represents an important step toward exploring the Moroccan pollinator fauna. It provides basic information for future studies on pollinator conservation and pollination services.
Susceptibility Genes and HLA for Cold Medicine-Related SJS/TEN with SOC
Authors: Ueta Mayumi
Published: July 2022

We investigated the genetic predisposition for the pathogenesis of Stevens–Johnson syndrome/epidermal necrolysis with severe ocular complications (SJS/TEN with SOC). Cold medicines (CMs) including multi-ingredient cold-medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were implicated in the development of SJS/TEN with SOC. Studies on the association between HLA genotypes and CM-related SJS/TEN with SOC (CM-SJS/TEN with SOC) revealed an association with HLA-A*02:06 in the Japanese; it may be a marker in Koreans. HLA-B*44:03 was associated with the Japanese, Thais, and Indians; in Brazilians of European ancestry, it may be a positive marker. PTGER3 is a susceptibility gene; HLA-A*02:06 and PTGER3 polymorphisms exerted additive effects in Japanese and Korean patients. A genome-wide association study showed that IKZF1 was associated with the Japanese. A meta-analysis including Japanese, Koreans, Indians, and Brazilians also revealed an association between CM-SJS/TEN with SOC and IKZF1. The upregulation of hsa-miR-628-3p in the plasma of SJS/TEN with SOC patients may suppress the expression of TLR3 and innate immune-related genes. Not only CMs but also the interaction of TLR3, PTGER3, IKZF1, and HLA and maybe some microbial infections are necessary for the onset of SJS/TEN with SOC.
SoxC is Required for Ecdysteroid Induction of Neuropeptide Genes During Insect Eclosion
Authors: Luo Guang-Hua , Chen Xi-En , Jiao Yao-Yu , Zhu Guan-Heng , Zhang Ru , Dhandapani Ramesh Kumar , Fang Ji-Chao , Palli Subba Reddy
Published: July 2022

In insects, the shedding of the old exoskeleton is accomplished through ecdysis which is typically followed by the expansion and tanning of the new cuticle. Four neuropeptides, eclosion hormone (EH), ecdysis triggering hormone (ETH), crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP) and bursicon (Bur) are known to control ecdysis. However, the regulation of these neuropeptide genes is still poorly understood. Here, we report that in the red flour beetle (RFB) Tribolium castaneum and the fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda, knockdown or knockout of the SoxC gene caused eclosion defects. The expansion and tanning of wings were not complete. In both RFB and FAW, the knockdown or knockout of SoxC resulted in a decrease in the expression of EH gene. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that the SfSoxC protein directly binds to a motif present in the promoter of SfEH. The luciferase reporter assays in Sf9 cells confirmed these results. These data suggest that transcription factor SoxC plays a key role in ecdysteroid induction of genes coding for neuropeptides such as EH involved in the regulation of insect eclosion.
Equine Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Serum (ECIG) Binds to Mutated RBDs and N Proteins of Variants of Concern and Inhibits the Binding of RBDs to ACE-2 Receptor
Authors: Andrade Sonia Aparecida , Batalha-Carvalho João Victor , Curi Rui , Wen Fan Hui , Covas Dimas Tadeu , Chudzinski-Tavassi Ana Marisa , Moro Ana Maria
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the severe acute syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been around since November 2019. As of early June 2022, more than 527 million cases were diagnosed, with more than 6.0 million deaths due to this disease. Coronaviruses accumulate mutations and generate greater diversity through recombination when variants with different mutations infect the same host. Consequently, this virus is predisposed to constant and diverse mutations. The SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern/interest (VOCs/VOIs) such as Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (B.1.1.28/P.1), Delta (B.1.617.2), and Omicron (B.1.1.529) have quickly spread across the world. These VOCs and VOIs have accumulated mutations within the spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) which interacts with the angiotensin-2 converting enzyme (ACE-2) receptor, increasing cell entry and infection. The RBD region is the main target for neutralizing antibodies; however, other notable mutations have been reported to enhance COVID-19 infectivity and lethality. Considering the urgent need for alternative therapies against this virus, an anti-SARS-CoV-2 equine immunoglobulin F(ab’)2, called ECIG, was developed by the Butantan Institute using the whole gamma-irradiated SARS-CoV-2 virus. Surface plasmon resonance experiments revealed that ECIG binds to wild-type and mutated RBD, S1+S2 domains, and nucleocapsid proteins of known VOCs, including Alpha, Gamma, Beta, Delta, Delta Plus, and Omicron. Additionally, it was observed that ECIG attenuates the binding of RBD (wild-type, Beta, and Omicron) to human ACE-2, suggesting that it could prevent viral entry into the host cell. Furthermore, the ability to concomitantly bind to the wild-type and mutated nucleocapsid protein likely enhances its neutralizing activity of SARS-CoV-2. We postulate that ECIG benefits COVID-19 patients by reducing the infectivity of the original virus and existing variants and may be effective against future ones. Impacting the course of the disease, mainly in the more vulnerable, reduces infection time and limits the appearance of new variants by new recombination.
JMJD8 Is an M2 Macrophage Biomarker, and It Associates With DNA Damage Repair to Facilitate Stemness Maintenance, Chemoresistance, and Immunosuppression in Pan-Cancer
Authors: Liang Xisong , Zhang Hao , Wang Zeyu , Zhang Xun , Dai Ziyu , Zhang Jian , Luo Peng , Zhang Longbo , Hu Jason , Liu Zaoqu , Bi Changlong , Cheng Quan
Published: July 2022

Background

JMJD8 has recently been identified as a cancer-related gene, but current studies provide limited information. We aimed to clarify its roles and the potential mechanisms in pan-cancer.

Methods

Pan-cancer bulk sequencing data and online web tools were applied to analyze JMJD8’s correlations with prognosis, genome instability, cancer stemness, DNA repair, and immune infiltration. Moreover, single-cell datasets, SpatialDB database, and multiple fluorescence staining were used to validate the association between JMJD8 expression and M2 macrophages. Further, we utilized ROCplotter and cMap web tool to analyze the therapeutic responses and screened JMJD8-targeted compounds, respectively, and we used AlphaFold2 and Discovery Studio to conduct JMJD8 homology modeling and molecular docking.

Results

We first noticed that JMJD8 was an oncogene in many cancer types. High JMJD8 was associated with lower genome stability. We then found that high JMJD8 correlated with high expression of mismatch repair genes, stemness, homologous repair gene signature in more than 9 cancers. ESTIMATE and cytokine analyses results presented JMJD8’s association with immunosuppression. Also, immune checkpoint CD276 was positively relevant to JMJD8. Subsequently, we validated JMJD8 as the M2 macrophage marker and showed its connection with other immunosuppressive cells and CD8+ T-cell depression. Finally, potential JMJD8-targeted drugs were screened out and docked to JMJD8 protein.

Conclusion

We found that JMJD8 was a novel oncogene, and it correlated with immunosuppression and DNA repair. JMJD8 was highly associated with immune checkpoint CD276 and was an M2 macrophage biomarker in many cancers. This study will reveal JMJD8’s roles in pan-cancer and its potential as a novel therapeutic target.
Adenosine Deaminase 2 Deficiency (DADA2): A Crosstalk Between Innate and Adaptive Immunity
Authors: Signa Sara , Bertoni Arinna , Penco Federica , Caorsi Roberta , Cafaro Alessia , Cangemi Giuliana , Volpi Stefano , Gattorno Marco , Schena Francesca
Published: July 2022

Deficiency of Adenosine deaminase 2 (DADA2) is a monogenic autoinflammatory disorder presenting with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, including immunodeficiency, vasculopathy and hematologic disease. Biallelic mutations in ADA2 gene have been associated with a decreased ADA2 activity, leading to reduction in deamination of adenosine and deoxyadenosine into inosine and deoxyinosine and subsequent accumulation of extracellular adenosine. In the early reports, the pivotal role of innate immunity in DADA2 pathogenic mechanism has been underlined, showing a skewed polarization from the M2 macrophage subtype to the proinflammatory M1 subtype, with an increased production of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α. Subsequently, a dysregulation of NETosis, triggered by the excess of extracellular Adenosine, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of DADA2. In the last few years, evidence is piling up that adaptive immunity is profoundly altered in DADA2 patients, encompassing both T and B branches, with a disrupted homeostasis in T-cell subsets and a B-cell skewing defect. Type I/type II IFN pathway upregulation has been proposed as a possible core signature in DADA2 T cells and monocytes but also an increased IFN-β secretion directly from endothelial cells has been described. So far, a unifying clear pathophysiological explanation for the coexistence of systemic inflammation, immunedysregulation and hematological defects is lacking. In this review, we will explore thoroughly the latest understanding regarding DADA2 pathophysiological process, with a particular focus on dysregulation of both innate and adaptive immunity and their interacting role in the development of the disease.
Immunoprotective Effects of Two Histone H2A Variants in the Grass Carp Against Flavobacterium columnare Infection
Authors: Yang Yuan Yuan , Zheng Si Yao , Fang Hong , Wu Xiao Man , Zhang Jie , Chang Ming Xian
Published: July 2022

In teleost fish, the nucleotide polymorphisms of histone H2A significantly affect the resistance or susceptibility of zebrafish to Edwardsiella piscicida infection. Whether histone H2A variants can enhance the resistance of grass carp to Flavobacterium columnare infection remains unclear. Here, the effects of 7 previously obtained variants (gcH2A-1~gcH2A-7) and 5 novel histone H2A variants (gcH2A-11, gcH2A-13~gcH2A-16) in response to F. columnare infection were investigated. It was found that these histone H2A variants could be divided into type I and II. Among them, 5 histone H2A variants had no any effects on the F. columnare infection, however 7 histone H2A variants had antibacterial activity against F. columnare infection. The gcH2A-4 and gcH2A-11, whose antibacterial activity was the strongest in type I and II histone H2A variants respectively, were picked out for yeast expression. Transcriptome data for the samples from the intestines of grass carp immunized with the engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing PYD1, gcH2A-4 or gcH2A-11 revealed that 5 and 12 immune-related signaling pathways were significantly enriched by gcH2A-4 or gcH2A-11, respectively. For the engineered S. cerevisiae expressing gcH2A-4, NOD-like receptor and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways were enriched for up-regulated DEGs. Besides NOD-like receptor and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways, the engineered S. cerevisiae expressing gcH2A-11 also activated Cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway, RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway and C-type lectin receptor signaling pathway. Furthermore, grass carp were immunized with the engineered S. cerevisiae expressing PYD1, gcH2A-4 or gcH2A-11 for 1 month and challenged with F. columnare. These grass carp immunized with gcH2A-4 or gcH2A-11 showed lower mortality and fewer numbers of F. columnare than did the control group. All these results suggest that gcH2A-4 and gcH2A-11 play important roles in evoking the innate immune responses and enhancing disease resistance of grass carp against F. columnare infection.
Analysis and Experimental Validation of Rheumatoid Arthritis Innate Immunity Gene CYFIP2 and Pan-Cancer
Authors: Zhao ZhenYu , He ShaoJie , Yu XinCheng , Lai XiaoFeng , Tang Sheng , Mariya M. El Akkawi , Wang MoHan , Yan Hai , Huang XingQi , Zeng Shan , Zha DingSheng
Published: July 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, heterogeneous autoimmune disease. Its high disability rate has a serious impact on society and individuals, but there is still a lack of effective and reliable diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for RA. In this study, we integrated RA patient information from three GEO databases for differential gene expression analysis. Additionally, we also obtained pan-cancer-related genes from the TCGA and GTEx databases. For RA-related differential genes, we performed functional enrichment analysis and constructed a weighted gene co-expression network (WGCNA). Then, we obtained 490 key genes by intersecting the significant module genes selected by WGCNA and the differential genes. After using the RanddomForest, SVM-REF, and LASSO three algorithms to analyze these key genes and take the intersection, based on the four core genes (BTN3A2, CYFIP2, ST8SIA1, and TYMS) that we found, we constructed an RA diagnosis. The nomogram model showed good reliability and validity after evaluation, and the ROC curves of the four genes showed that these four genes played an important role in the pathogenesis of RA. After further gene correlation analysis, immune infiltration analysis, and mouse gene expression validation, we finally selected CYFIP2 as the cut-in gene for pan-cancer analysis. The results of the pan-cancer analysis showed that CYFIP2 was closely related to the prognosis of patients with various tumors, the degree of immune cell infiltration, as well as TMB, MSI, and other indicators, suggesting that this gene may be a potential intervention target for human diseases including RA and tumors.
Influence of Water Temperature and Flow Velocity on Locomotion Behavior in Tropical Commercially Important Sea Cucumber Stichopus monotuberculatus
Authors: Chen Mengling , Sun Shuo , Xu Qiang , Gao Fei , Wang Haiqing , Wang Aimin
Published: July 2022

Sea cucumber Stichopus monotuberculatus is one species of tropical sea cucumbers with high recognition and economic value. While advances have been made in the nursery rearing of the sea cucumber, influence of environmental factors on its locomotion behavior remains less understood, which restricts the establishment of mariculture technologies. In the present study, locomotion behavior of S. monotuberculatus under different temperatures and flow velocities were examined through controlled simulation experiments. Results showed that the creeping activities were obviously affected by temperature, and the most active movement and feeding behavior were recorded at relatively high temperatures. Diurnal variation of locomotion and feeding activities indicated that S. monotuberculatus displayed an evident nocturnal activity pattern, being the most active at night, exhibiting intermediate activity at dusk, and minimal activity during the daytime. The movement velocity decreased with the increasing flow speed and was only 1.65 ± 1.35cm·min-1 in the highest flow rate group (20.8 ± 3.4cm/s). Moreover, the sea cucumber S. monotuberculatus displayed positive rheotaxis behavior of moving downstream at all flow velocities. Overall, the sea cucumber S. monotuberculatus exhibited high locomotor and feeding activities at night of relatively high temperature, and its favoured flow regime was downstream and low water velocity area. These findings may assist the sea ranching and aquaculture development of the tropical commercial sea cucumber species.
HA/β-TCP Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Ceramics Derived From Butterfish Bones Loaded With Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Osteogenesis
Authors: Deng Kehan , Liu Zhixiao , Dou Wenxufe , Cai Qi , Ma Wei , Wang Shaohai
Published: July 2022

Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) containing hydroxyapatite (HA) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) is considered the gold standard for bone repair. However, the complex synthesis of BCP restricts the wide application of BCP. In the preliminary work, we proved that the HA/β-TCP BCP ceramic material extracted from fishery waste had a good prospect as a bone replacement graft material for filling bone defects. This study aimed to explore the osteogenesis effect of BCP material derived from butterfish bones in vivo and in vitro. After loading human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) with materials, we used scanning electron microscopy to observe cell adhesion and survival. Western blot analysis was used to detect osteogenic expression in vitro. Micro-computed tomography and hematoxylin–eosin staining were used to detect bone regeneration and material degradation rate in the rat femoral defect model. The results showed that hBMSCs grew well and adhered closely to the material. In vitro, the expression levels of bone formation–related markers ALP and Runx-2 of butterfish bones calcined at 900°C were generally higher than those in the other groups. Notably, in vivo, the osteogenesis ability of butterfish bones calcined at 900°C was almost comparable to that of the most commonly used Bio-Oss in clinical practice and was significantly better than that in the other groups. In summary, the BCP ceramic material derived from butterfish bones had good biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, and osteoinductivity, and had a good application prospect in the field of bone graft substitutes.
Strength Properties and Prediction Model of Cement-Solidified Clay Considering Organic Matter and Curing Temperature
Authors: Cao Yupeng , Zhang Jing , Xu Guizhong , Li Mingdong , Bian Xia
Published: July 2022

Cement-solidified clay (CSC) is an important filler material in land reclamation projects. Its strength is greatly affected by its organic matter content and curing temperature. This work reports an experimental study of the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of CSC with respect to its initial water content w, cement incorporation ratio Aw, organic matter content Co, curing temperature T, and curing duration. A model (UCSOT) for predicting the UCS of CSC is established considering the influence of organic matter and curing temperature. A procedure to implement the model is proposed, and the accuracy of the model is verified. The results show that for a given curing duration, UCS decreases with increases in Co and w, and increases with increases in T and Aw. The influence of organic matter on the UCS is greatly affected by Aw, with a threshold of Aw = 15%. High-temperature curing increases the early and ultimate strengths of CSC, and organic matter increases this temperature sensitivity. Multiple regression characterization using cement content, w, and Co as independent control parameters accurately reflects the UCS at the reference temperature. On this basis, the UCSOT model established here considering the influence of organic matter and curing temperature has universal applicability.
Muscle Ultrasound as Imaging Domain of Frailty
Authors: Bencivenga Leonardo , Picaro Francesco , Ferrante Lorenzo , Komici Klara , Ruggiero Federico , Sepe Immacolata , Gambino Giuseppina , Femminella Grazia Daniela , Vitale Dino Franco , Ferrara Nicola , Rengo Carlo , Rengo Giuseppe
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome, a clinical state of vulnerability for developing dependency and/or death. Due to its multidimensional nature, Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) constitutes the best strategy to evaluate frailty in older patients. Accumulation of deficits model synthesizes the global assessment of geriatric domains in the Frailty Index (FI) score. Muscle Ultrasound (MUS) has been employed to evaluate muscle mass wasting as tool to assess sarcopenia in late life. The present study aims to evaluate the association between CGA-based FI and MUS measures in a population of hospitalized older adults.

Methods

Patients aged ≥65 years underwent CGA for the evaluation of the domains of health and functional status, psycho-cognition, nutritional status, socio-environmental condition. Following standard procedure, a CGA-based FI was elaborated, taking into account 38 multidimensional items. Muscle thicknesses (MT) of rectus femoris plus vastus intermedius were measured through MUS axial cross-section. Multivariable regression analysis was employed to determine factors associated with FI.

Results

The study population consisted of 136 older patients, 87 men (63.9%), with median age of 74 (70–81) years, FI of 0.3 (0.21–0.46), and MT of rectus femoris plus vastus intermedius 29.27 (23.08–35.7) mm. At multivariable regression analysis, FI resulted significantly and independently associated with age and MT.

Conclusion

Muscle thicknesses of rectus femoris plus vastus intermedius, measured through MUS, resulted to be significantly related to FI in a population of hospitalized older patients. In the CGA-based assessment of frailty, MUS may constitute an additional imaging domain.
Unexpected Detection of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Before the Declaration of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mahallawi Waleed , Ibrahim Nadir
Published: July 2022

Background:

Limited information is currently available regarding the global incidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections prior to the declaration of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which may result in improper conclusions regarding the timing of viral transmission.

Methods

We investigated the presence of specific antibodies against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 in archived serum samples that were collected from 478 healthy blood donors and patients in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, between October 2019 and January 2020. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies. In addition, rheumatoid factor (RF) and urea dissociation tests were performed in all samples, which showed seropositivity for the SARS-CoV-2 IgM antibody. Additionally, Chemiluminescence immunoassays (CLIA) targeting the RBD of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein were performed to confirm the seropositivity of the samples.

Results

Overall, 20 (4.18%) serum samples were detected by ELISA to have SARS-CoV-2 IgG or IgM antibodies. Of these, 12 (2.51%) samples were positive for IgM antibody, and 8 (1.67%) were positive for IgG antibody. The 12 samples positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgM antibody were subjected to RF and urea dissociation tests, and all samples were RF-negative. The ELISA results were negative for 7 (58.33%) samples when subjected to urea dissociation prior to ELISA, whereas the other 5 (41.67%) samples remained positive. These 5 samples remained positive for the anti-S RBD IgG antibody in the CLIA. In addition, 3 of the 8 samples with IgG positivity according to the ELISA remained positive in the CLIA. After reviewing their data, we discovered that the 8 CLIA-confirmed positive samples were obtained from returned travellers who had visited China during the 4-week period immediately preceding blood donation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we found evidence to support the early circulation of SARS-CoV-2 among persons who visited China a few months prior to the pandemic declaration. These results can be used to better define the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections before the COVID-19 pandemic declaration. The detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in individuals before the pandemic was declared in China could rewrite the pre-pandemic timeline.
Genome-Wide Analysis and Molecular Characterization of Orf Virus Strain UPM/HSN-20 Isolated From Goat in Malaysia
Authors: Mangga Hassana Kyari , Bala Jamilu Abubakar , Balakrishnan Krishnan Nair , Bukar Alhaji Modu , Lawan Zaharaddeen , Gambo Auwal , Jesse Faez Firdaus Abdullah , Noordin Mustapha M. , Mohd-Azmi Mohd-Lila
Published: July 2022

Contagious ecthyma commonly known as Orf is a globally important, highly contagious zoonotic, transboundary disease that affects domestic and wild ruminants. The disease is of great economic significance causing an immense impact on animal health, welfare, productivity, and trade. Detailed analysis of the viral genome is crucial to further elucidate the molecular mechanism of Orf virus (ORFV) pathogenesis. In the present study, a confluent monolayer of lamb testicle cells was infected with the processed scab sample obtained from an infected goat. The presence of the virus was confirmed using polymerase chain reaction and electron microscopy, while its genome was sequenced using next-generation sequencing technology. The genome sequence of Malaysian ORFV strain UPM/HSN-20 was found to contain 132,124 bp with a G + C content of 63.7%. The homology analysis indicates that UPM/HSN-20 has a high level of identity 97.3–99.0% with the other reference ORFV strain. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that ORFV strain UPM/HSN-20 is genetically more closely related to ORFV strain XY and NP from China. The availability of the genome-wide analysis of ORFV UPM/HSN-20 strain from Malaysia will serve as a good platform for further understanding of genetic diversity, ORFV infection, and strategic development for control measures.
Mechanistic Insights and Potential Use of Siderophores Producing Microbes in Rhizosphere for Mitigation of Stress in Plants Grown in Degraded Land
Authors: Singh Pratiksha , Chauhan Prabhat K. , Upadhyay Sudhir K. , Singh Rajesh Kumar , Dwivedi Padmanabh , Wang Jing , Jain Devendra , Jiang Mingguo
Published: July 2022

Plant growth performance under a stressful environment, notably in the agriculture field, is directly correlated with the rapid growth of the human population, which triggers the pressure on crop productivity. Plants perceived many stresses owing to degraded land, which induces low plant productivity and, therefore, becomes a foremost concern for the future to face a situation of food scarcity. Land degradation is a very notable environmental issue at the local, regional, and global levels for agriculture. Land degradation generates global problems such as drought desertification, heavy metal contamination, and soil salinity, which pose challenges to achieving many UN Sustainable Development goals. The plant itself has a varied algorithm for the mitigation of stresses arising due to degraded land; the rhizospheric system of the plant has diverse modes and efficient mechanisms to cope with stress by numerous root-associated microbes. The suitable root-associated microbes and components of root exudate interplay against stress and build adaptation against stress-mediated mechanisms. The problem of iron-deficient soil is rising owing to increasing degraded land across the globe, which hampers plant growth productivity. Therefore, in the context to tackle these issues, the present review aims to identify plant-stress status owing to iron-deficient soil and its probable eco-friendly solution. Siderophores are well-recognized iron-chelating agents produced by numerous microbes and are associated with the rhizosphere. These siderophore-producing microbes are eco-friendly and sustainable agents, which may be managing plant stresses in the degraded land. The review also focuses on the molecular mechanisms of siderophores and their chemistry, cross-talk between plant root and siderophores-producing microbes to combat plant stress, and the utilization of siderophores in plant growth on degraded land.
Investigations on the Fusants From Wide Cross Between White-Rot Fungi and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Reveal Unknown Lignin Degradation Mechanism
Authors: Shao Qi , Li Xin , Chen Ying , Zhang Zhijun , Cui Yong , Fan Huan , Wei Dongsheng
Published: July 2022

The degradation of lignocellulose by fungi, especially white-rot fungi, contributes a lot to carbon cycle, bio-fuel production, and many other bio-based applications. However, the existing enzymatic and non-enzymatic degradation mechanisms cannot be unequivocally supported by in vitro simulation experiment, meaning that additional mechanisms might exist. Right now, it is still very difficult to discover new mechanisms with traditional forward genetic approaches. To disclose novel lignin degradation mechanisms in white-rot fungi, a series of fusants from wide cross by protoplast fusion between Pleurotus ostreatus, a well-known lignin-degrading fungus, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a well-known model organism unable to degrade lignocellulose, was investigated regarding their abilities to degrade lignin. By analyzing the activity of traditional lignin-degrading enzyme, the ability to utilize pure lignin compounds and degrade corn stalk, a fusant D1-P was screened out and proved not to contain well-recognized lignin-degrading enzyme genes by whole-genome sequencing. Further investigation with two-dimension nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) shows that D1-P was found to be able to degrade the main lignin structure β-O-4 linkage, leading to reduced level of this structure like that of the wild-type strain P. ostreatus after a 30-day semi-solid fermentation. It was also found that D1-P shows a degradation preference to β-O-4 linkage in Aβ(S)-threo. Therefore, wide cross between white-rot fungi and S. cerevisiae provides a powerful tool to uncover novel lignocellulose degradation mechanism that will contribute to green utilization of lignocellulose to produce bio-fuel and related bio-based refinery.
Postbiotic Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid and Camel Milk Intervention as Innovative Trends Against Hyperglycemia and Hyperlipidemia in Streptozotocin-Induced C57BL/6J Diabetic Mice
Authors: Abdelazez Amro , Alshehry Garsa , Algarni Eman , Al Jumayi Huda , Abdel-Motaal Heba , Meng Xiang-Chen
Published: July 2022

Diabetes is a serious disease that threatens human health worldwide. The study hypothesis is to investigate the novel trends that may aid in the prevention of diabetic complications. Camel milk was presented as traditional functional food, and Lactobacillus brevis KLDS1.0727 and KLDS1.0373 strains were shown to synthesize postbiotic Gamma-aminobutyric acid as a potential food additive, which can therapeutically intervene against hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in streptozotocin-induced C57BL/6J mice. During a four-week timeframe, body weight and postprandial blood glucose levels were monitored. Post-euthanasia, blood plasma was obtained to investigate hyperlipidemia, insulin concentrations, liver, and renal functions. The liver, pancreas, kidney, and spleen underwent histopathological examinations. The results demonstrated that KLDS1.0727 and KLDS1.0373 (LACS1, LACS2) and camel milk treatments all had a significant influence on hypoglycemic activity, as evidenced by reduced postprandial blood glucose levels. LACS1, LACS2, and camel milk therapy significantly reduced blood hypolipidemic, and some liver enzymes such as (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase) levels. Therefore, we recommend consuming camel milk regularly and expanding its use with fermented foods containing L. brevis, one of the probiotics capable of producing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as future food additives that can improve human health and reduce the prevalence of several diseases disorders.
PASSer2.0: Accurate Prediction of Protein Allosteric Sites Through Automated Machine Learning
Authors: Xiao Sian , Tian Hao , Tao Peng
Published: July 2022

Allostery is a fundamental process in regulating protein activities. The discovery, design, and development of allosteric drugs demand better identification of allosteric sites. Several computational methods have been developed previously to predict allosteric sites using static pocket features and protein dynamics. Here, we define a baseline model for allosteric site prediction and present a computational model using automated machine learning. Our model, PASSer2.0, advanced the previous results and performed well across multiple indicators with 82.7% of allosteric pockets appearing among the top three positions. The trained machine learning model has been integrated with the Protein Allosteric Sites Server (PASSer) to facilitate allosteric drug discovery.
Case Report: A 72-Year-Old Woman With Progressive Motor Weakness, Dry Eyes and High Levels of Serum Neurofilament Light Chain
Authors: Wendebourg Maria Janina , Kuhle Jens , Hardmeier Martin
Published: July 2022

Background

Diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is challenging as initial presentations are various and diagnostic biomarkers are lacking. The diagnosis relies on the presence of both upper and lower motor neuron signs and thorough exclusion of differential diagnoses, particularly as receiving an ALS diagnosis has major implications for the patient. Sjögren's syndrome may mimic peripheral ALS phenotypes and should be considered in the work-up.

Case

A 72-year-old female presented with a mono-neuropathy of the right leg and a complaint of dry eyes and mouth. Initial diagnostic work-up confirmed a regional sensorimotor neuropathy and a Sjögren's syndrome; a causal relationship was assumed. However, motor symptoms spread progressively despite immunosuppressive treatment, eventually including both legs, both arms and the diaphragm. Clinically, unequivocal central signs were lacking, but further along in the disease course, the atrophy pattern followed a split phenotype and deep tendon reflexes were preserved. Nerve biopsy did not show vasculitic infiltration; however, serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) concentrations were and remained persistently highly elevated despite immunosuppressive treatment. Electrodiagnostic re-evaluation confirmed denervation in 3 regions. A diagnosis of familial ALS was finally confirmed by a C9orf 72 repeat expansion. Stationary sensory symptoms were best explained by a neuropathy associated with concomitant Sjögren's syndrome

Discussion

Our instructive case shows the difficulties of diagnosing ALS in the setting of a peripheral symptom onset and a concurrent but unrelated condition also causing neuropathy. Such cases require high clinical vigilance and readiness to reappraise diagnostic findings if the disease course deviates from expectation. Recently proposed simplified diagnostic criteria, genetic testing and body fluid biomarkers such as sNfL may facilitate the diagnostic process and lead to an earlier diagnosis of ALS.