bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Immune Infiltration Profiles in Cervical Cancer and Identifies KRT23 as an Immunotherapeutic Target
Authors: Li Xia , Cheng Yan , Cheng Yanmei , Shi Huirong
Published: June 2022

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common malignancies in women worldwide. Dismal prognosis rates have been associated with conventional therapeutic approaches, emphasizing the need for new strategies. Recently, immunotherapy has been used to treat various types of solid tumors, and different subtypes of the tumor microenvironment (TME) are associated with diverse responses to immunotherapy. Accordingly, understanding the complexity of the TME is pivotal for immunotherapy. Herein, we used two methods, “ssGSEA” and “xCell,” to identify the immune profiles in CC and comprehensively assess the relationship between immune cell infiltration and genomic alterations. We found that more adaptive immune cells were found infiltrated in tumor tissues than in normal tissues, whereas the opposite was true for innate cells. Consensus clustering of CC samples based on the number of immune cells identified four clusters with different survival and immune statuses. Then, we subdivided the above four clusters into “hot” and “cold” tumors, where hot tumors exhibited higher immune infiltration and longer survival time. Enrichment analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed that the number of activated immune signaling pathways was higher in hot tumors than that in cold tumors. Keratin, type I cytoskeletal 23 (KRT23), was upregulated in cold tumors and negatively correlated with immune cell infiltration. In vitro experiments, real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, cytometric bead arrays, and ELISA revealed that knockdown of KRT23 expression could promote the secretion of C-C motif chemokine ligand-5 and promote the recruitment of CD8+ T cells. We also constructed a model based on DEGs that exhibited a high predictive power for the survival of CC patients. Overall, our study provides deep insights into the immune cell infiltration patterns of CC. Moreover, KRT23 has huge prospects for application as an immunotherapeutic target. Finally, our model demonstrated a good predictive power for the prognosis of CC patients and may guide clinicians during immunotherapy.
Peritumoral Imaging Manifestations on Gd-EOB-DTPA-Enhanced MRI for Preoperative Prediction of Microvascular Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wu Ying , Zhu Meilin , Liu Yiming , Cao Xinyue , Zhang Guojin , Yin Longlin
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The aim was to investigate the association between microvascular invasion (MVI) and the peritumoral imaging features of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl DTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Up until Feb 24, 2022, the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were carefully searched for relevant material. The software packages utilized for this meta-analysis were Review Manager 5.4.1, Meta-DiSc 1.4, and Stata16.0. Summary results are presented as sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), diagnostic odds ratios (DORs), area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and 95% confidence interval (CI). The sources of heterogeneity were investigated using subgroup analysis.

Results

An aggregate of nineteen articles were remembered for this meta-analysis: peritumoral enhancement on the arterial phase (AP) was described in 13 of these studies and peritumoral hypointensity on the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) in all 19 studies. The SEN, SPE, DOR, and AUC of the 13 investigations on peritumoral enhancement on AP were 0.59 (95% CI, 0.41−0.58), 0.80 (95% CI, 0.75−0.85), 4 (95% CI, 3−6), and 0.73 (95% CI, 0.69−0.77), respectively. The SEN, SPE, DOR, and AUC of 19 studies on peritumoral hypointensity on HBP were 0.55 (95% CI, 0.45−0.64), 0.87 (95% CI, 0.81−0.91), 8 (95% CI, 5−12), and 0.80 (95% CI, 0.76−0.83), respectively. The subgroup analysis of two imaging features identified ten and seven potential factors for heterogeneity, respectively.

Conclusion

The results of peritumoral enhancement on the AP and peritumoral hypointensity on HBP showed high SPE but low SEN. This indicates that the peritumoral imaging features on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI can be used as a noninvasive, excluded diagnosis for predicting hepatic MVI in HCC preoperatively. Moreover, the results of this analysis should be updated when additional data become available. Additionally, in the future, how to improve its SEN will be a new research direction.
Population Pharmacokinetic Model of AST-001, L-Isomer of Serine, Combining Endogenous Production and Exogenous Administration in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Lee Soyoung , Hwang Su-Kyeong , Nam Hee-Sook , Cho Jung-Sook , Chung Jae-Yong
Published: June 2022

AST-001 is an L-isomer of serine that has protective effects on neurological disorders. This study aimed to establish a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model of AST-001 in healthy Korean to further propose a fixed-dose regimen in pediatrics. The model was constructed using 648 plasma concentrations from 24 healthy subjects, including baseline endogenous levels during 24 h and concentrations after a single dose of 10, 20, and 30 g of AST-001. For the simulation, an empirical allometric power model was applied to the apparent clearance and volume of distribution with body weight. The PK characteristics of AST-001 after oral administration were well described by a two-compartment model with zero-order absorption and linear elimination. The endogenous production of AST-001 was well explained by continuous zero-order production at a rate of 0.287 g/h. The simulation results suggested that 2 g, 4 g, 7 g, 10 g, and 14 g twice-daily regimens for the respective groups of 10–14 kg, 15–24 kg, 25–37 kg, 38–51 kg, 52–60 kg were adequate to achieve sufficient exposure to AST-001. The current population PK model well described both observed endogenous production and exogenous administration of AST-001 in healthy subjects. Using the allometric scaling approach, we suggested an optimal fixed-dose regimen with five weight ranges in pediatrics for the upcoming phase 2 trial.
Immunomodulatory Effect of Ginsenoside Rb2 Against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression in Mice
Authors: Zheng Siwen , Zheng Housheng , Zhang Rui , Piao Xiangmin , Hu Junnan , Zhu Yanzhu , Wang Yingping
Published: June 2022

Ginsenoside Rb2 (Rb2), a fundamental saponin produced and isolated from ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer), has a wide range of biological actions. The objective of this investigation was to see if ginsenoside Rb2 has any immunomodulatory properties against cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppression. For the positive control group, levamisole hydrochloride (LD) was used. We discovered that intraperitoneal injection of Rb2 (5, 10, 20 mg/kg) could relieve CTX-induced immunosuppression by enhanced immune organ index, reduced the pathological characteristics of immunosuppression, promoted natural killer (NK) cells viability, improved cell-mediated immune response, boosted the IFN-γ (Interferon-gamma), TNF-α (Tumor necrosis factor-alpha), IL-2 (Interleukin-2), and IgG (Immunoglobulin G), as well as macrophage activity like carbon clearance and phagocytic index. Rb2 significantly elevated the mRNA expression of IL-4 (Interleukin-4), SYK (Tyrosine-protein kinase-SYK), IL-2, TNF-α, and IL-6 (Interleukin-6) in the spleen of CTX-injected animals. Molecular docking results showed that Rb2 had excellent binding properties with IL-4, SYK, IL-2, TNF, and IL-6, indicating the target protein might be strongly correlated with the immunomodulatory effect of Rb2. Taken together, ginsenoside Rb2 can improve the immune function that is declined in CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice, the efficacy maybe due to the regulation of related cytokine and mRNA expression.
Solar Irradiance Variability Monitor for the Galileo Solar Space Telescope Mission: Concept and Challenges
Authors: Carlesso Franciele , Rodríguez Gómez‬ Jenny Marcela , Barbosa Adriany Rodrigues , Antunes Vieira Luis Eduardo , Dal Lago Alisson
Published: June 2022

Long and reliable total solar irradiance (TSI) time series is one of the essential parameters for understanding solar contributions to climate change. The minor fluctuations of TSI in long timescales could impact the energy balance. Despite the improvement of accurate measurements provided by the instruments, at the time, long-term TSI variability and its effects had not been established. The space-borne radiometer era provided observations in short timescales from minutes to years. Therefore, this study presents an overview of irradiance observations, highlighting the importance of following its variability in different time scales. In this context, the Galileo Solar Space Telescope that has been developed by the Institute for Space Research (INPE), Brazil, includes the Irradiance Monitor Module with a radiometer cavity like the classical design and a next-generation compact radiometer.
Discriminative Long-Distance Transport of Selenate and Selenite Triggers Glutathione Oxidation in Specific Subcellular Compartments of Root and Shoot Cells in Arabidopsis
Authors: Khan Muhammad Sayyar , Soyk Anna , Wolf Ingo , Peter Miriam , Meyer Andreas J. , Rausch Thomas , Wirtz Markus , Hell Rüdiger
Published: June 2022

Selenium is an essential trace element required for seleno-protein synthesis in many eukaryotic cells excluding higher plants. However, a substantial fraction of organically bound selenide in human nutrition is directly or indirectly derived from plants, which assimilate inorganic selenium into organic seleno-compounds. In humans, selenium deficiency is associated with several health disorders Despite its importance for human health, selenium assimilation and metabolism is barely understood in plants. Here, we analyzed the impact of the two dominant forms of soil-available selenium, selenite and selenate, on plant development and selenium partitioning in plants. We found that the reference plant Arabidopsis thaliana discriminated between selenate and selenite application. In contrast to selenite, selenate was predominantly deposited in leaves. This explicit deposition of selenate caused chlorosis and impaired plant morphology, which was not observed upon selenite application. However, only selenate triggered the accumulation of the macronutrient sulfur, the sister element of selenium in the oxygen group. To understand the oxidation state-specific toxicity mechanisms for selenium in plants, we quantified the impact of selenate and selenite on the redox environment in the plastids and the cytosol in a time-resolved manner. Surprisingly, we found that selenite first caused the oxidation of the plastid-localized glutathione pool and had a marginal impact on the redox state of the cytosolic glutathione pool, specifically in roots. In contrast, selenate application caused more vigorous oxidation of the cytosolic glutathione pool but also impaired the plastidic redox environment. In agreement with the predominant deposition in leaves, the selenate-induced oxidation of both glutathione pools was more pronounced in leaves than in roots. Our results demonstrate that Se-species dependent differences in Se partitioning substantially contribute to whole plant Se toxicity and that these Se species have subcellular compartment-specific impacts on the glutathione redox buffer that correlate with toxicity symptoms.
Knockdown of PagSAP11 Confers Drought Resistance and Promotes Lateral Shoot Growth in Hybrid Poplar (Populus alba × Populus tremula var. glandulosa)
Authors: Park Su Jin , Bae Eun-Kyung , Choi Hyunmo , Yoon Seo-Kyung , Jang Hyun-A , Choi Young-Im , Lee Hyoshin
Published: June 2022

Plants have evolved defense mechanisms to overcome unfavorable climatic conditions. The growth and development of plants are regulated in response to environmental stress. In this study, we investigated the molecular and physiological characteristics of a novel gene PagSAP11 in hybrid poplar (Populus alba × Populus tremula var. glandulosa) under drought stress. PagSAP11, a stress-associated protein (SAP) family gene, encodes a putative protein containing an A20 and AN1 zinc-finger domain at its N- and C-termini, respectively. Knockdown of PagSAP11 transgenic poplars (SAP11-Ri) enhanced their tolerance to drought stress compared with wild type plants. Moreover, the RNAi lines showed increased branching of lateral shoots that led to a gain in fresh weight, even when grown in the living modified organism (LMO) field. In SAP11-Ri transgenic plants, the expression levels of genes involved in axillary bud outgrowth and cell proliferation such as DML10, CYP707A and RAX were increased while the DRM gene which involved in bud dormancy was down-regulated. Taken together, these results indicate that PagSAP11 represents a promising candidate gene for engineering trees with improved stress tolerance and growth during unfavorable conditions.
How Does Personality Trait Affect Online Financial Service Use of College Students in China?
Authors: Gong Xiuyuan , Zheng Xiaofeng , Li Qinqin
Published: June 2022

Online financial service is an essential part of consumption services provided by companies in modern society. It is vital to figure out the underlying mechanisms that influence online financial service use of college students in China, which is seldom explored. Drawing on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study explores the effect of personality traits (i.e., materialism) and its joint effect with attitude on online financial service use of college students. Moreover, we examined the interaction effects of key variables in TPB in the context of online financial services. The results indicated that the materialism value of Chinese college students has no direct effect on their intention to use online financial services but exerts an indirect effect through their attitude toward online financial services. College students' attitudes and perceived behavioral control are associated with their subjective norms, and in turn, affect their use intention of online financial services. In addition, perceived risk and perceived usefulness of online financial services also affect use intention through attitude and perceived behavioral control. The discussion of key findings, implications, and conclusions are provided.
“There Is Nothing I Cannot Achieve”: Empowering Latin American Women Through Agricultural Education
Authors: Gibbons Judith L. , Eguigure-Fonseca Zelenia , Maier-Acosta Ana , Menjivar-Flores Gladys Elizabeth , Vejarano-Moreno Ivanna , Alemán-Sierra Alexandra
Published: June 2022

Higher education, a key driver of women’s empowerment, is still segregated by gender across the world. Agricultural higher education is a field that is male-dominated, even though internationally women play a large role in agricultural production. The purpose of this study was to understand the experience, including challenges and coping strategies, of women from 10 Latin American countries attending an agricultural university in Latin America. The participants were 28 women students with a mean age of 20.9 ± 1.8 years. Following informed consent and assurance of confidentiality, four focus group sessions (one for each year of study with a mean duration of 81 min) were conducted in Spanish. The central question was, “what has been your experience at the university?” Sessions were recorded and transcribed. Thematic coding was performed independently by two teams of researchers (from Latin America and North America), with the resulting schemas combined through mutual discussion. Member checking, auditing, and reflexivity contributed to trustworthiness of the process. Students reported that the personal qualities needed for success included determination, persistence, and self-efficacy. Many described an empowerment process, including increased discipline and self-efficacy from the first to fourth year of study. University life encompassed six themes: university structure and discipline (part of the exosystem), two supportive microsystems (friends and classmates and institutional support) as well as three challenges (academics, peers, and machismo). Cultural influences instantiated in students’ daily experiences included familism, machismo, and religious faith. Students anticipated futures involving further education and contributions to society. We conclude that higher education in agriculture can serve as an effective means of empowering women to feed the world.
Analysis and Strategies of Internet + Taxation Risk Management of Listed Companies in the Big Data Era From the Organizational Psychology Perspective
Authors: Zhao Xuan
Published: June 2022

The massive amount of information brought about by the era of big data has enormous potential value. In-depth discussion and analysis of solving the information asymmetry between tax collection and taxpayers are keys. This paper provides an in-depth study and analysis of the fiscal and tax intelligent risk management strategies of listed companies in the big data environment. The tax risk management of listed companies is optimized. Tax authorities should follow the development trend of big data, apply big data thinking, comprehensively excavate and utilize tax-related information, and improve the tax risk management model. At the same time, they should make full use of information technology to solve the problem of information asymmetry between tax collection and taxpayers and improve the quality and efficiency of tax risk management. The work discusses the problems of the current tax collection and management model in terms of management thinking, information collection, data analysis, legal system, and talent technology, and analyses the challenges brought by big data technology to the tax collection and management model as well as tax source management and tax informatization.
Exploring the Factors That Influence the Intention to Co-create Open Educational Resources: A Social Exchange Theory Perspective
Authors: Wang Xiaochen , Han Ruisha , Yang Harrison Hao
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Based on social exchange theory, this study aimed to investigate, from the cost-benefits perspective, the intention to co-create open educational resources (OER).

Design/Methodology/Approach

Participants in the study included 311 undergraduate students selected from those enrolled in a course on the China University MOOC platform. Regression analysis was conducted to examine cost and benefits factors that influenced participants’ intentions to co-create OER.

Findings

(1) From the perspective of benefits, expected reciprocity, increase in knowledge self-efficacy, and creative self-efficacy were found to significantly and positively impact the intention to co-create OER, while increase in internet self-efficacy was not. (2) From the perspective of cost, perceived effort and perceived privacy were found to significantly and negatively impact the intention to co-create OER, while perceived intellectual property risks were not significant.

Originality/Value

Three strategies are recommended to promote the intention to co-create OER based on the findings of this study: (1) focusing on OER communities and developing reciprocity norms; (2) popularizing and promoting knowledge and use of Creative Commons copyright licenses; (3) providing easy-to-use online resource editing tools for use with OER repositories.

Research Limitations/Implications

Future research should explore other ages, cultural backgrounds, and types of online learning experience to help broaden the universality of the results.
Do Embedded and Peripheral Corporate Social Responsibility Activities Lower Employees’ Turnover Intentions?
Authors: Liu Yumin , Ijlal Kamran , Hanif Muhammad Shehzad , Khurshid Aitzaz , Ahmed Zeeshan
Published: June 2022

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) remains a topic of interest for both theory and practice due to its multifaceted avenues and potential for growth. We have chosen embedded CSR and peripheral CSR measures to evaluate how these activities affect the employee turnover intentions via a mediation mechanism of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). In doing so, this study addresses important stakeholder concerns and provides meaningful managerial contributions for the employers to encourage more employee participation (through lowering turnover intention) toward sustainable corporate performance. This study incorporates four hypotheses that are tested in a structural equation modeling framework by employing Warp-PLS software. Data were collected from 297 employees working in firms that are renowned for their CSR initiatives. We found support for our key hypotheses leading to strong theoretical contributions to the stakeholder theory. We have addressed the main issues of stakeholders’ response to the CSR tradeoffs and have tried to develop a deeper understanding of managers in initiating peripheral and embedded CSR activities for their firms.
Outcome and Clinical Characteristics of Nosocomial Infection in Adult Patients Undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Xiyuan , Wang Liangshan , Wang Hong , Hou Xiaotong
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study conducts a meta-analysis of clinical outcomes of nosocomial infection in adult patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and systematically evaluates clinical epidemiological characteristics.

Methods

Document retrieval strategies were determined, and all adult patients treated by ECMO were included. The prevalence, incidence, mortality, ECMO use time, intensive care unit (ICU) stay time, hospital stay time, and risk factors of nosocomial infection were systematically evaluated. Subsequently, a meta-analysis of the impact of nosocomial infection on risk of in-hospital mortality was conducted.

Results

A total of 25 retrospective studies were included, and 19 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of nosocomial infection was 8.8–64.0%, incidence was 1.7–85.4‰ (per 1,000 ECMO days), and in-hospital mortality was 31.5–75.4%. The duration of ECMO usage and length of ICU stay were longer for infected patients. Compared with non-infected patients, the meta-analysis revealed that nosocomial infection increased the relative risk of death of adult patients receiving ECMO by 32%. The risk factors included the duration of ECMO usage and disease severity score.

Conclusions

Adult patients treated by ECMO have high prevalence of nosocomial infection. In addition, their ECMO use time and ICU stays are longer. Nosocomial infection significantly increases the relative risk of in-hospital mortality.
Interventions to Improve Uptake of Direct-Acting Antivirals for Hepatitis C Virus in Priority Populations: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ortiz-Paredes David , Amoako Afia , Ekmekjian Taline , Engler Kim , Lebouché Bertrand , Klein Marina B.
Published: June 2022

Background & Objective

Access to Hepatitis C (HCV) care remains suboptimal. This systematic review sought to identify existing interventions designed to improve direct-acting antiviral (DAA) uptake among HCV infected women, people who inject drugs (PWID), men who have sex with men (MSM), and Indigenous peoples.

Methods

Studies published in high- and middle-income countries were retrieved from eight electronic databases and gray literature (e.g., articles, research reports, theses, abstracts) were screened by two independent reviewers. Identified interventions were summarized using textual narrative synthesis.

Results

After screening 3,139 records, 39 studies were included (11 controlled comparative studies; 36 from high-income countries). Three groups of interventions were identified: interventions involving patients; providers; or the healthcare system. Interventions directed to patients included care co-ordination, accelerated DAA initiation, and patient education. Interventions involving providers included provider education, telemedicine, multidisciplinary teams, and general practitioner-led care. System-based interventions comprised DAA universal access policies and offering HCV services in four settings (primary care, secondary care, tertiary care, and community settings). Most studies (30/39) described complex interventions, i.e., those with two or more strategies combined. Most interventions (37/39) were tailored to, or studied among, PWID. Only one study described an intervention that was aimed at women.

Conclusions

Combining multiple interventions is a common approach for supporting DAA initiation. Three main research gaps were identified, specifically, a lack of: (1) controlled trials estimating the individual or combined effects of interventions on DAA uptake; (2) studies in middle-income countries; and (3) interventions tailored to women, MSM, and Indigenous people.
A Study on the Transnational Spillover Effects of Bank Risk and Sovereign Risk–From the Perspective of COVID-19 Epidemic Situation
Authors: Hu Liqin , Wang Zimeng , Hu Shuiqing , Shi Wanqing , Wang Si , Wang Yi
Published: June 2022

In recent years, the world economy and the global financial system have closely intertwined, deepened economic and financial integration via cross-border investments, financings, imports, and exports. Since banks serve as the core of a country's financial system, the risk status of banks directly affects the country's national credit and financial security. The current complexities of the international and domestic environments are increasing geopolitical risks. Moreover, there is increasing uncertainty recognition in the financial and economic development of all countries, more systemic banking risks, and sovereign risk transfer elements. In this scenario, resisting external risk input is essential to enhance risk prevention ability. Therefore, this paper adopted the VAR-based time domain and frequency model for a multi-dimensional analysis of the two perspectives of banking and sovereign risk spillover effects. The empirical results indicate that the entire sample under the static overflow effect always shows that most of the absorption is the banking sector risk, and sovereign risk is the leading risk spillover. In the frequency domain perspective, the short-term spillover effects between bank and sovereign risk are dominant. Moreover, in relation to the outbreak and continuous spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the spillover effects are often dominated by adverse, long-term scenarios.
Eight Years of TIGRE Robotic Spectroscopy: Operational Experience and Selected Scientific Results
Authors: González-Pérez José Nicolás , Mittag Marco , Schmitt Jürgen H. M. M. , Schröder Klaus-Peter , Jack Dennis , Rauw Gregor , Nazé Yaël
Published: June 2022

TIGRE (Telescopio Internacional de Guanajuato Robótico Espectroscópico) has been operating in fully robotic mode in the La Luz Observatory (Guanajuato, Mexico) since the end of 2013. With its sole instrument, HEROS, an échelle spectrograph with a spectral resolution R ∼20,000, TIGRE has collected more than 48,000 spectra of 1,151 different sources with a total exposure time of more than 11,000 h in these 8 years. Here we briefly describe the system and the upgrades performed during the last years. We present the statistics of the weather conditions at the La Luz Observatory, emphasizing the characteristics that affect the astronomical observations. We evaluate the performance and efficiency of TIGRE, both optical and operational, and describe the improvements of the system implemented to optimize the telescope’s performance and meet the requirements of the astronomer in terms of timing constraints for the observations and the quality of the spectra. We describe the actions taken to slow down the optical efficiency loss due to the aging of the optical surfaces as well as the upgrades of the scheduler and the observing procedures to minimize the time lost due to interrupted observations or observations that do not reach the required quality. Finally, we highlight a few of the main scientific results obtained with TIGRE data.
The First Genomic Analysis of Visna/Maedi Virus Isolates in China
Authors: Wu Jian-Yong , Mi Xiao-Yun , Yang Xue-Yun , Wei Jie , Meng Xiao-Xiao , Bolati Hongduzi , Wei Yu-Rong
Published: June 2022

Visna/Maedi virus (VMV) is a neglected pathogen that damages sheep and goats' nervous and respiratory systems. The virus was discovered 80 years ago and has been endemic in China for nearly four decades; nevertheless, there is little information regarding Chinese isolates' genotypes and genomic characteristics. In this study, the proviral DNA of strains isolated in 1985 and 1994 were extracted, and the proviral DNA was subjected to Illumina sequencing combined with Sanger sequencing of poor coverage regions. The results showed that the two isolates were clustered with genotype A2 and shared 78.3%−89.1% similarity to reference VMV genome sequences, with the highest similarity (88.7%−89.1%) to the USA strain USMARC-200212120-r (accession no. MT993908.1) and lowest similarity (78.3%−78.5%) to the Italian strain SRLV009 (accession no. MG554409.1). A maximum-likelihood tree showed that the Chinese VMV strains and the USA strain 1150 (accession no. MH916859.1) comprise a monophyletic group with a short tree branch. Our data filled the gap in genomic analysis and viral evolution in Chinese VMV strains, and would be benefit China's source-tracing and eradication program development in China.
Secretion of IFN-γ by Transgenic Mammary Epithelial Cells in vitro Reduced Mastitis Infection Risk in Goats
Authors: Liu Ying , Zhang Hongyan , Dong Shasha , Li Boyu , Ma Weiming , Ge Lijiang , Hu Zhiyong , Su Feng
Published: June 2022

Mastitis results in great economic loss to the dairy goat industry. Many approaches have attempted to decrease the morbidity associated with this disease, and among these, transgenic strategy have been recognized as a potential approach. A previous mammalian study reports that interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) has potential anti-bacterial bioactivity against infection in vitro; however, its capacity in vivo is ambiguous. In this study, we initially constructed targeting and homologous recombination vectors (containing the IFN-γ gene) and then transferred the vectors into goat mammary gland epithelial cells (GMECs). Enzyme digestion and sequencing analysis indicated that the vectors used in this study were built correctly. Subsequently, monoclonal cells were selected using puromycin and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test indicated that IFN-γ was correctly inserted downstream of the casein promoter. Monoclonal cells were then assessed for reducible expression, and reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot tests confirmed that monoclonal cells could express IFN-γ. Finally, anti-bacterial capacity was evaluated using bacterial counts and flow cytometry analysis. Decreased bacterial counts and cell apoptosis rates in transgenic GMECs demonstrated that the secretion of IFN-γ could inhibit bacterial proliferation. Therefore, IFN-γ gene transfection in goat mammary epithelial cells could inhibit bacterial proliferation and reduce the risk of mammary gland infection in goats.
Kidneys for Sale: Empirical Evidence From Iran
Authors: Moeindarbari Tannaz , Feizi Mehdi
Published: June 2022

The kidney market in Iran is the only legal market of this sort globally. Yet, it has not been empirically studied based on real data. For the first time, we obtained data on donors and recipients from the Kidney Foundation in Mashhad, April 2011 up to March 2018, and assessed which individualistic characteristics contribute to a kidney’s price. Our findings indicate that each year of education for both donors and recipients increases the kidney price. Moreover, old patients are willing to make a higher payment to young vendors. We have also provided some policy implications to improve the efficiency of kidney allocations.
Peculiar Physics of Heavy-Fermion Metals: Theory versus Experiment
Authors: Shaginyan Vasily R. , Msezane Alfred Z. , Japaridze George S.
Published: June 2022

This review considers the topological fermion condensation quantum phase transition (FCQPT) that leads to flat bands and allows the elucidation of the special behavior of heavy-fermion (HF) metals that is not exhibited by common metals described within the framework of the Landau Fermi liquid (LFL) theory. We bring together theoretical consideration within the framework of the fermion condensation theory based on the FCQPT with experimental data collected on HF metals. We show that very different HF metals demonstrate universal behavior induced by the FCQPT and demonstrate that Fermi systems near the FCQPT are controlled by the Fermi quasiparticles with the effective mass M* strongly depending on temperature T, magnetic field B, pressure P, etc. Within the framework of our analysis, the experimental data regarding the thermodynamic, transport and relaxation properties of HF metal are naturally described. Based on the theory, we explain a number of experimental data and show that the considered HF metals exhibit peculiar properties such as: (1) the universal T/B scaling behavior; (2) the linear dependence of the resistivity on T, ρ(T)∝A1T (with A1 is a temperature-independent coefficient), and the negative magnetoresistance; (3) asymmetrical dependence of the tunneling differential conductivity (resistivity) on the bias voltage; (4) in the case of a flat band, the superconducting critical temperature Tc∝g with g being the coupling constant, while the M* becomes finite; (5) we show that the so called Planckian limit exhibited by HF metals with ρ(T)∝T is defined by the presence of flat bands.
Association between Advanced Glycation End-Products and Sarcopenia in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Molinari Paolo , Caldiroli Lara , Dozio Elena , Rigolini Roberta , Giubbilini Paola , Corsi Romanelli Massimiliano M. , Castellano Giuseppe , Vettoretti Simone
Published: June 2022

Background: In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), there is an overproduction and accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Since AGEs may have detrimental effects on muscular trophism and performance, we evaluated whether they may contribute to the onset of sarcopenia in CKD patients. Methods: We enrolled 117 patients. The AGEs were quantified by fluorescence intensity using a fluorescence spectrophotometer and soluble receptor for AGE (sRAGE) isoforms by ELISA. As for the sarcopenia definition, we used the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) criteria. Results: The average age was 80 ± 11 years, 70% were males, and the mean eGFR was 25 + 11 mL/min/1.73 m2. Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 26 patients (with a prevalence of 22%). The sarcopenic patients had higher levels of circulating AGEs (3405 ± 951 vs. 2912 ± 722 A.U., p = 0.005). AGEs were higher in subjects with a lower midarm muscle circumference (MAMC) (3322 ± 919 vs. 2883 ± 700 A.U., respectively; p = 0.005) and were directly correlated with the gait test time (r = 0.180, p = 0.049). The total sRAGE and its different isoforms (esRAGE and cRAGE) did not differ in patients with or without sarcopenia. Conclusions: In older CKD patients, AGEs, but not sRAGE, are associated with the presence of sarcopenia. Therefore, AGEs may contribute to the complex pathophysiology leading to the development of sarcopenia in CKD patients.
Modeling Merchantable Wood Volume Using Airborne LiDAR Metrics and Historical Forest Inventory Plots at a Provincial Scale
Authors: Leboeuf Antoine , Riopel Martin , Munger Dave , Fradette Marie-Soleil , Bégin Jean
Published: June 2022

So far, large-scale projects aiming to map forest attributes using aerial LiDAR data have been developed using ground sample plots acquired synchronously with LiDAR. No large projects have been developed using aerial LiDAR acquired independent of ground sample plot datasets. The goal of this study was to develop and validate large-scale parametric merchantable wood volume estimation models using existing historical ground sample plots. The models can be applied to large LiDAR datasets to map merchantable wood volume as a 10 × 10 m raster. The study demonstrated that a relative density index (RDI) based on a self-thinning equation and dominant height were suitable variables that can be calculated both for ground sample plots and LiDAR datasets. The resulting volume raster showed sound accuracy rates when compared to validation zones: R², 82.25%; RMSE, 13.7 m3/ha; and bias, −4.09 m3/ha. The results show that ground sample plot datasets acquired synchronously with LiDAR can be used to calculate the RDI and dominant height. These variables can consequently be used to map forest attributes over a large area with a high level of accuracy, thus not requiring the implementation of new costly sample plots.
Research on Damage Properties of Apples Based on Static Compression Combined with the Finite Element Method
Authors: Liu Xiaopeng , Cao Zhentao , Yang Liu , Chen Huan , Zhang Yonglin
Published: June 2022

Apples are easily damaged during transportation due to extrusion and collision, resulting in structural damage and deterioration. To better understand apples’ mechanical–structural damage behavior, a texture analyzer platform combined with in situ observation was established. The effects of extrusion distance, speed, working temperature, and typical kinds of apple were considered for damage mechanisms. Apple damage was analyzed via the finite element method (FEM). The results indicated that the apple extrusion behavior can be divided into elastic interaction and plastic damage. Compression displacement effects were obviously significant in terms of structural damage, and apple samples were in an elastic stage with displacement of less than 2.3 mm, and no structural damage. The peak force energy-displacement mathematical model was established, showing an “s” shape and upward parabolic shape. The critical compression energy was around 100N·mm during elastic interaction. The damaged area was positively correlated with the compression energy. The FEM simulation results were consistent with the damage distribution of apples. The effects of speed on the three apple types were different. Red Fuji apples with a bruised area were not sensitive to pressure speed. The effect on the crack forming of Ralls apples was significant. Golden Delicious apples with a bruised area and crack formation showed an intermediate effect. The peak force–temperature fitting curve showed a downward parabolic shape and an R2 determination factor of 0.99982. Apple squeeze damage mechanisms provide theoretical guidance for apple damage control.
Sensitive Detection of Staphylococcus aureus by a Colorimetric Biosensor Based on Magnetic Separation and Rolling Circle Amplification
Authors: Wang Yutong , Wang Zhengzheng , Zhan Zhongxu , Yan Leina , Wang Lijun , Xu Hengyi
Published: June 2022

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a common foodborne pathogen that causes fever, vomiting, and other intestinal symptoms, and seriously affects human health and social safety. As a result, a reliable and sensitive detection technique for S. aureus must be developed. In this work, we proposed a sandwich assay on vancomycin functionalized magnetic beads (Van-MNPs) for S. aureus detection based on the specific binding between IgG and targets. The Van-MNPs were used as a tool for the separation of target bacteria. The biotin-modified IgG mediates binding between DNA nanoflowers (DNFs) and the target bacteria via interacting with streptavidin. The DNFs prepared by rolling circle amplification (RCA) were employed as a nano-container to enhance the capacity of biotins, and the streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase (SA-HRP) was loaded onto DNFs to catalyze the color change of TMB. Therefore, a colorimetric biosensor based on magnetic separation and rolling circle amplification was developed. The proposed methods for S. aureus detection showed a limit of detection (LOD) of 3.3 × 103 CFU/mL and excellent specificity. The biosensor has a certain reference value for the detection of S. aureus in juice.
Investigations on Functional and Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Gluten Free Cereal and Pseudocereal Flours
Authors: Banu Iuliana , Aprodu Iuliana
Published: June 2022

Seven commercial gluten-free (rice, oat, sorghum, foxtail millet, amaranth, quinoa, and buckwheat) flours were investigated in this study from the point of view of thermo-mechanical properties and solvent retention capacity (SRC). Each flour was used to prepare doughs with specific water absorption (WA) to get a consistency of 1.1 Nm (WA1) and doughs with WA2 levels higher than 85% to ensure a sufficient amount of water in the system for allowing the hydration of all components of the flours. Different correlations were established between proteins, ash, pentosans, damaged starch, and amylose contents on the one hand, and the capacity of the flour samples to retain different solvents such as sucrose, sodium carbonate and CaCl2 on the other hand. Although no significant correlation was found between the protein content of the flours and lactic acid-SRC, the mechanical weakening of the protein was significantly correlated with lactic acid-SRC for both tested WA levels. The doughs with WA1 had higher starch gelatinization and hot gel stability values compared to the corresponding dough systems with a higher water amount. Moreover, lower starch retrogradation and setback torques were obtained in the case of the dough prepared with higher amounts of water.
Encapsulation of Caffeic Acid in Carob Bean Flour and Whey Protein-Based Nanofibers via Electrospinning
Authors: Zeren Sema , Sahin Serpil , Sumnu Gulum
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to introduce caffeic acid (CA) into electrospun nanofibers made of carob flour, whey protein concentrate (WPC), and polyethylene oxide (PEO). The effects of WPC concentration (1% and 3%) and CA additions (1% and 10%) on the characteristics of solutions and nanofibers were investigated. The viscosity and electrical conductivity of the solutions were examined to determine characteristics of solutions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), water vapor permeability (WVP), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis were used to characterize the nanofibers. According to the SEM results, the inclusion of CA into nanofibers resulted in thinner nanofibers. All nanofibers exhibited uniform morphology. CA was efficiently loaded into nanofibers. When CA concentrations were 1% and 10%, loading efficiencies were 76.4% and 94%, respectively. Nanofibers containing 10% CA demonstrated 92.95% antioxidant activity. The results indicate that encapsulating CA into carob flour–WPC-based nanofibers via electrospinning is a suitable method for active packaging applications.
Asymptotic and Finite-Time Synchronization of Fractional-Order Memristor-Based Inertial Neural Networks with Time-Varying Delay
Authors: Sun Yeguo , Liu Yihong , Liu Lei
Published: June 2022

This paper emphasized on studying the asymptotic synchronization and finite synchronization of fractional-order memristor-based inertial neural networks with time-varying latency. The fractional-order memristor-based inertial neural network model is offered as a more general and flexible alternative to the integer-order inertial neural network. By utilizing the properties of fractional calculus, two lemmas on asymptotic stability and finite-time stability are provided. Based on the two lemmas and the constructed Lyapunov functionals, some updated and valid criteria have been developed to achieve asymptotic and finite-time synchronization of the addressed systems. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by a number of examples and simulations.
Measurable Residual Disease Assessment in Multiple Myeloma: How Deep Is Enough?
Authors: Caetano Joana , Barahona Filipa , Lúcio Paulo , João Cristina
Published: June 2022

The introduction of new and more effective therapeutic options for Multiple Myeloma (MM) has significantly deepened and prolonged patients’ remission. As currently used treatment protocols induce high rates of complete responses, Measurable Residual Disease (MRD) assessment has become essential to enhance the evaluation of treatment efficacy. Detection of MRD has improved with the development of highly sensitive and standardized techniques such as Next Generation Flow or Next Generation Sequencing, complemented by functional imaging techniques. These advances offer a valuable opportunity to further optimize criteria of response to treatment. Currently, extensive data demonstrate that MRD status is a valuable prognostic factor of survival. Since MRD represents a real measurement of disease burden, its incorporation in clinical trials to guide treatment decisions will certainly translate into clinical benefits. Sustained MRD negativity can be used to consider optimal candidates for treatment discontinuation, whereas MRD positive high-risk patients may have access to novel immunotherapeutic strategies such as bispecific drugs or CAR T cell therapy. In this review, we describe the available techniques to detect MRD, address the current data regarding MRD as a surrogate endpoint within clinical trials, examine how MRD can be introduced into the clinical management of MM patients, and discuss the future of MRD monitoring.
Augmented Reality to Engage Visitors of Science Museums through Interactive Experiences
Authors: Spadoni Elena , Porro Sara , Bordegoni Monica , Arosio Ilaria , Barbalini Laura , Carulli Marina
Published: June 2022

In the last years, interactive exhibitions based on digital technologies have become widely common, thanks to their flexibility and effectiveness in engaging visitors and creating memorable experiences. One of the topics in which digital technologies can be particularly effective is the communication of abstract concepts that are difficult for the human mind to imagine. An emblematic example is the astronomy discipline, which requires us to imagine and understand phenomena far away from our everyday life. In this paper, the authors present a research project, MARSS, in which digital technologies are used effectively to enhance the Users’ Experience of the Museo Astronomico di Brera located in Milan. Specifically, the MARSS project aims at designing and developing a new digital journey inside the museum to allow different categories of visitors to enjoy the exhibition in an engaging and interactive way. The paper presents the design and development phases of the experience and its evaluation with users. The results of the evaluation indicate that the digital interactive experience is appreciated by users and is successful in translating the content of high scientific value into more engaging and easily understandable elements.