bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alterações em Argissolo sob vinhedo no sul do Brasil
Authors: Chaves Estéfane , Santos Caroline Valverde dos , Bertolazi Vanessa Thoma , Inda Junior Alberto Vasconcellos , Levien Renato
Published: February 2021

Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a evolução mineralógica e alterações provocadas no solo e na fração argila após 15 anos de cultivo com videiras. Foi realizada amostragem nos horizontes A2 e Bt1 (até 60 cm de profundidade) de um Argissolo Vermelho Distrófico típico, para a realização de analises físicas, químicas e mineralógicas. As áreas deste estudo são compostas por um vinhedo comercial manejado por 4, 9 e 16 anos com a cultivar Pinot noir (Vitis Vinifera), enxertada em 1103 Paulsen, e uma área sob campo nativo, localizada próximo ao vinhedo para ser utilizada com referência. Verificou-se uma alteração na fertilidade do solo, em todas as profundidades amostradas e a partir de 4 anos de plantio. O argilomineral predominante no solo foi a caulinita (Ct), contendo ainda, mica (Mc), Feldspato potássico (Ft) e quartzo (Qz). De modo geral, o vinhedo apresentou alterações nos atributos químicos do solo ao longo dos anos, com maior destaque nas áreas manejadas por 9 e 16 anos, onde o solo sofreu maior aporte de adubos químicos e corretivos agrícolas. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que no vinhedo cultivado ha 4 anos houve indícios de Ilitização, resultante da adubação potássica intensa nos primeiros anos de cultivo, que promoveu a neoformação de Ilitas e argilominerais interestratificados.
Produção de corante natural extraído de jambolão (Syzygium cumini)
Authors: Freita Bruna Ferreira Dias , Magalhães Gabriela Leite , Soares Júnior Manoel Soares , Caliari Márcio
Published: February 2021

Dentre inúmeras frutas existentes no Brasil, o jambolão tem se destacado por ser rico em vários constituintes benéficos à saúde, como compostos fenólicos, e por apresentar propriedades antioxidantes e antimicrobianas. Ainda considerando os aspectos de relacionados à saúde, existe uma tendência dos consumidores para a utilização de corantes naturais em substituição os artificiais. Portanto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo a avaliação química, física e propriedades tecnológicas da polpa de jambolão liofilizada e do corante natural proveniente do jambolão. Para obtenção do material liofilizado, a polpa foi seca em liofilizador industrial. Em seguida, o corante foi obtido por meio de extração utilizando como solvente água /etanol (proporção de 50:50), e posterior fixação utilizando como veículo farinha de arroz, seguido de secagem a 30°C. A caracterização da polpa de jambolão liofilizada e corante natural em pó de jambolão foi realizada por meio da determinação das propriedades físico-químicas, composição proximal, compostos bioativos, índices de absorção de água (IAA), índice de solubilidade em água (ISA), índice de absorção de óleo (IAO), propriedade de pasta (RVA), estudo calorimétrico (DSC) e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os resultados demonstraram que o processo de extração e fixação do corante aumentaram a porcentagem de sequestro de radical livre de antioxidante (6,4) e temperatura de pasta (95,1 ºC), tratando-se de um corante termicamente estável quando comparado com a polpa liofilizada. Conclui-se que é possível a utilização polpa de jambolão liofilizada para produção de corante natural à base de jambolão e aplicação em alimentos.
Neonatal complications of newborns children born of immigrant mothers in comparison with local mothers: A view of a growing immigration to Ecuador
Authors: Ponce-Castillo Jorge , Gonzalez-Andrade Fabricio
Published: February 2021

Background: In the last years, there has been a great migratory flow to Ecuador. Purpose: To determine if there are differences in the morbidity of children born of immigrant mothers or local mothers. Methods: epidemiological, observational, cross-sectional study, with two cohorts of patients, newborns from immigrant mothers, and local mothers. 220 individuals were analyzed. Results: 90.45% of the mothers were between 18 and 35 years old; 49.09% had a free-union marital status, 32.27% were single, 18.18% married, and 0.45 divorced, homemakers in the 75.91%, with temporarily leased housing, 89.09% live with close relatives. In 54.55%, the income was between 61 to 400 USD, 66.36% eat three meals in a day, and 70.46% of mothers had five or more prenatal controls. In 71.90% of cases, it performed prenatal controls in the facilities of the Ministry of Health in Ecuador, and it made 18.10% in their country of origin, Colombia, or Venezuela. The most common maternal risk factor was UTIs in 60.57% of mothers, followed by preeclampsia and syphilis. Conclusion: Children born from immigrant mothers have a higher number of neonatal complications. Most immigrant mothers arrive in conditions of poverty and get occasional and temporary jobs that allow them to earn an income of between 30 to 400 USD per month. This low income has a direct effect on the nutritional status of the mother and the fetus. Additionally, these mothers have a lower number of prenatal controls, of low quality, and more connate infections. The circle of immigrant poverty has direct health complications.
O Laboratório de Educação Matemática e as suas potencialidades lúdico-pedagógicas: algumas experiências itinerantes
Authors: Silva Américo Junior Nunes da , Souza Ilvanete dos Santos de , Fonseca Simone Silva da
Published: February 2021

Este texto propõe-se a discutir a implantação do Laboratório Itinerante para o Ensino e Aprendizagem de Matemática (LIEAM), vinculado ao Departamento de Ciências Humanas da Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Campus IX, e as suas implicações para os movimentos de ensino e aprendizagem da Matemática. O objetivo do LIEAM é despertar a curiosidade e o interesse dos estudantes do Ensino Fundamental pela Matemática, a partir do uso de jogos, enigmas e outros dispositivos potencialmente lúdicos; além de promover, por meio da relação entre universidade e escola, um ambiente de estudo, ensino, pesquisa e extensão mediatizado pelas ações itinerantes. As análises possibilitam observar que espaços de experimento como este tem relevante papel na formação do professor que ensina Matemática, uma vez que a condução desse espaço pauta-se na (re)significação de sua prática pedagógica. Por outro lado, no que tange aos movimentos de ensino e aprendizagem dessa ciência, fica perceptível uma aproximação dos estudantes envolvidos com a Matemática, o que contribui para uma desmistificação da imagem dessa ciência como difícil e pouco acessível.
DESAIN SISTEM INFORMASI AKUNTANSI TERINTEGRASI LIMA SIKLUS PADA USAHA JASA LAUNDRY
Authors: Susilowati Meme , Satria Nanndyto
Published: February 2021

Quickly Laundry merupakan salah satu penyedia jasa laundry yang masih melakukan pencatatan keuangan secara manual untuk membuat laporan laba dan rugi. Tidak ada perhitungan rinci yang memungkinkan manajer dan supervisor untuk mengetahui nilai aset perusahaan secara menyeluruh. Tanpa adanya laporan akuntansi, manajer dan supervisor tidak dapat memantau posisi keuangan perusahaan yang sangat berguna untuk mengetahui perkembangan perusahaan dan menentukan kebijakan di masa yang akan datang. Oleh karena itu Quickly Laundry memerlukan sistem informasi akuntansi yang dapat mengintegrasikan laporan keuangan akuntansi berdasarkan data transaksi yang ada. Penelitian ini menghasilkan desain sistem informasi akuntansi yang mengintegrasikan lima siklusnya. Desain lengkap sesuai proses bisnis akuntasi mulai dari jurnal umum, buku besar, neraca saldo, jurnal penyesuaian, neraca saldo setelah penyesuaian hingga tiga laporan keuangan yaitu laporan rugi laba, laporan perubahan modal dan neraca akhir dan jurnal penutup. Untuk mencapai tujuan tersebut makan penelitian dilakukan dengan metode analisis dan desain berorientasi objek sehinggan menghasilkan Diagram Use case, diagram aktivitas, diagram kelas. Desain juga dilengkapi dengan table kebutuhan user, sitemap dan user interface untuk memudahkan implementasi pemrograman.
Biosurfactants and Their Applications in the Oil and Gas Industry: Current State of Knowledge and Future Perspectives
Authors: Nikolova Christina , Gutierrez Tony
Published: February 2021

Surfactants are a group of amphiphilic chemical compounds (i.e., having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic domains) that form an indispensable component in almost every sector of modern industry. Their significance is evidenced from the enormous volumes that are used and wide diversity of applications they are used in, ranging from food and beverage, agriculture, public health, healthcare/medicine, textiles, and bioremediation. A major drive in recent decades has been toward the discovery of surfactants from biological/natural sources—namely bio-surfactants—as most surfactants that are used today for industrial applications are synthetically-manufactured via organo-chemical synthesis using petrochemicals as precursors. This is problematic, not only because they are derived from non-renewable resources, but also because of their environmental incompatibility and potential toxicological effects to humans and other organisms. This is timely as one of today's key challenges is to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels (oil, coal, gas) and to move toward using renewable and sustainable sources. Considering the enormous genetic diversity that microorganisms possess, they offer considerable promise in producing novel types of biosurfactants for replacing those that are produced from organo-chemical synthesis, and the marine environment offers enormous potential in this respect. In this review, we begin with an overview of the different types of microbial-produced biosurfactants and their applications. The remainder of this review discusses the current state of knowledge and trends in the usage of biosurfactants by the Oil and Gas industry for enhancing oil recovery from exhausted oil fields and as dispersants for combatting oil spills.
Intermolecular Chirality Modulation of Binaphthalene-Bridged Bisporphyrins With Chiral Diamines
Authors: Lu Wenxin , Gong Lei , Su Chaorui , Wang Qibao , Ling Qing , Wang Peng , Qi Dongdong , Bian Yongzhong
Published: February 2021

A new pair of 2,2ʹ-diamino-1,1ʹ-binaphthyl linked porphyrin dimers, (R)-/(S)-H, were synthesized to study their supramolecular interactions with a pair of chiral diamines ((R)-/(S)-PPDA) by using UV-Vis absorption, fluorescence and NMR titrations. The spectroscopic titrations indicated that sandwich-type 1:1 complexes were formed at low guest concentration and then transformed to 1:2 open complexes at high guest concentration. The supramolecular interactions afforded sensitive circular dichroism responses, and the CD signs of the 1:1 complexes are decided by the stereostructure of chiral diamine guests. Moreover, due to the shortened linking units, (R)-/(S)-H show more sensitive and predicable CD response than the previously reported hosts (R)-/(S)-H1 and this can be reasonably explained by DFT molecular modeling. The present results suggest (R)-/(S)-H are promising for chiral optical sensing.
Nasopharyngeal Microbiome Signature in COVID-19 Positive Patients: Can We Definitively Get a Role to Fusobacterium periodonticum?
Authors: Nardelli Carmela , Gentile Ivan , Setaro Mario , Di Domenico Carmela , Pinchera Biagio , Buonomo Antonio Riccardo , Zappulo Emanuela , Scotto Riccardo , Scaglione Giovanni Luca , Castaldo Giuseppe , Capoluongo Ettore
Published: February 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the pandemic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This virus is highly transmissible among individuals through both droplets and aerosol leading to determine severe pneumonia. Among the various factors that can influence both the onset of disease and the severity of its complications, the microbiome composition has also been investigated. Recent evidence showed the possible relationship between gut, lung, nasopharyngeal, or oral microbiome and COVID-19, but very little is known about it. Therefore, we aimed to verify the relationships between nasopharyngeal microbiome and the development of either COVID-19 or the severity of symptoms. To this purpose, we analyzed, by next generation sequencing, the hypervariable V1-V2-V3 regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA in nasopharyngeal swabs from SARS-CoV-2 infected patients (n=18) and control (CO) individuals (n=12) using Microbiota solution A (Arrow Diagnostics). We found a significant lower abundance of Proteobacteria and Fusobacteria in COVID-19 patients in respect to CO (p=0.003 and p<0.0001, respectively) from the phylum up to the genus (p<0.001). The Fusobacterium periodonticum (FP) resulted as the most significantly reduced species in COVID-19 patients respect to CO. FP is reported as being able to perform the surface sialylation. Noteworthy, some sialic acids residues on the cell surface could work as additional S protein of SARS-CoV-2 receptors. Consequently, SARS-CoV-2 could use sialic acids as receptors to bind to the epithelium of the respiratory tract, promoting its clustering and the disease development. We can therefore speculate that the significant reduction of FP in COVID-19 patients could be directly or indirectly linked to the modulation of sialic acid metabolism. Finally, viral or environmental factors capable of interfering with sialic metabolism could determine a fall in the individual protection from SARS-CoV-2. Further studies are necessary to clarify the precise role of FP in COVID-19.
HPV Vaccination Champions: Evaluating a Technology-Mediated Intervention for Parents
Authors: Sundstrom Beth , Cartmell Kathleen B. , White Ashley A. , Russo Nicole , Well Henry , Pierce Jennifer Young , Brandt Heather M. , Roberts James R. , Ford Marvella E.
Published: February 2021

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination prevents 6 HPV-related cancers in men and women. Yet, rates of HPV vaccination among adolescents in the United States lag behind other developed nations, revealing a significant public health issue. This feasibility study tested a collaborative online learning environment to cultivate HPV vaccination champions. A 3-month training program recruited parents to serve as proponents and social media influencers to identify solutions to overcome barriers to HPV vaccination. A mixed methods study design included a pretest survey, three online asynchronous focus groups, a posttest survey, as well as a longitudinal follow-up survey at 6 months. Participants included 22 parents who self-identified as female (95.4%) and white (90.9%). Overall, there was a statistically significant difference in knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccination between pretest and posttest (p = 0.0042). This technology-mediated intervention increased parents' confidence and motivated them to speak more freely about HPV vaccination in-person and online with others in their social networks. Participants identified prevalent misinformation about HPV vaccination and learned how to effectively craft messages to address concerns related to safety and side effects, gender, understanding of risk, and sexual activity. Objective measures and qualitative open-ended assessment showed high intervention engagement and treatment satisfaction. All participants (100%) indicated that they enjoyed participating in the intervention. The effectiveness of this feasibility study suggests that social media is an appropriate platform to empower parents to counter vaccine hesitancy and misinformation through HPV vaccination information that is simple and shareable in-person and online.
Integrative Analysis of Proteomics and DNA Methylation in Orbital Fibroblasts From Graves’ Ophthalmopathy
Authors: Virakul Sita , Somparn Poorichaya , Pisitkun Trairak , van der Spek Peter J. , Dalm Virgil A. S. H. , Paridaens Dion , van Hagen P. Martin , Hirankarn Nattiya , Palaga Tanapat , Dik Willem A.
Published: February 2021

Background

Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) is a frequent extrathyroidal complication of Graves’ hyperthyroidism. Orbital fibroblasts contribute to both orbital tissue inflammation and remodeling in GO, and as such are crucial cellular elements in active GO and inactive GO. However, so far it is largely unknown whether GO disease progression is associated with functional reprogramming of the orbital fibroblast effector function. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare both the proteome and global DNA methylation patterns between orbital fibroblasts isolated from active GO, inactive GO and healthy controls.

Methods

Orbital fibroblasts from inactive GO (n=5), active GO (n=4) and controls (n=5) were cultured and total protein and DNA was isolated. Labelled and fractionated proteins were analyzed with a liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS). Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD022257. Furthermore, bisulphite-treated DNA was analyzed for methylation pattern with the Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 450K beadchip. In addition, RNA was isolated from the orbital fibroblasts for real-time quantitative (RQ)-PCR. Network and pathway analyses were performed.

Results

Orbital fibroblasts from active GO displayed overexpression of proteins that are typically involved in inflammation, cellular proliferation, hyaluronan synthesis and adipogenesis, while various proteins associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) biology and fibrotic disease, were typically overexpressed in orbital fibroblasts from inactive GO. Moreover, orbital fibroblasts from active GO displayed hypermethylation of genes that linked to inflammation and hypomethylated genes that linked to adipogenesis and autoimmunity. Further analysis revealed networks that contained molecules to which both hypermethylated and hypomethylated genes were linked, including NF-κB, ERK1/2, Alp, RNA polymerase II, Akt and IFNα. In addition, NF-κB, Akt and IFNα were also identified in networks that were derived from the differentially expressed proteins. Generally, poor correlation between protein expression, DNA methylation and mRNA expression was observed.

Conclusions

Both the proteomics and DNA methylation data support that orbital fibroblasts from active GO are involved in inflammation, adipogenesis, and glycosaminoglycan production, while orbital fibroblasts from inactive disease are more skewed towards an active role in extracellular matrix remodeling. This switch in orbital fibroblast effector function may have therapeutic implications and further studies into the underlying mechanism are thus warranted.
Identification of LncRNA Prognostic Markers for Ovarian Cancer by Integration of Co-expression and CeRNA Network
Authors: Liang Huisheng , Bai Yuquan , Wang Hailong , Yang Xiangjun
Published: February 2021

Background

Ovarian cancer (OC), one of the most prevalent gynecological malignancies, is characterized by late detection and dismal prognosis. Recent studies show that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks influence immune infiltration and cancer prognosis. However, the function of lncRNA in OC immune infiltration and prognosis remains unclear.

Methods

Transcriptomes of 378 OC samples and clinical data were retrieved from the TCGA repository. Modules related to immune cells were identified using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Functional enrichment analysis and survival analysis were then performed for the identification of immune-related lncRNAs in the brown module using Cox regression model. Finally, a ceRNA network was constructed by using the lncRNAs and mRNAs from the brown module.

Results

We found lncRNAs and mRNAs in the brown module to be significantly associated with immune cells in OC and identified 4 lncRNAs as potential OC prognostic markers. We further established that lncRNAs in the ceRNA network influence OC immune infiltration and prognosis by regulating miRNA, ultimately modulating mRNA levels.

Conclusion

We have identified 4 lncRNAs as independent immune prognostic factors for OC. Furthermore, our findings offer novel insight into lncRNAs as OC immune and prognostic biomarkers.
Simulation of the Flowability of Fresh Concrete by Discrete Element Method
Authors: Li Yue , Hao Ji , Jin Caiyun , Wang Zigeng , Liu Jianglin
Published: February 2021

The discrete element method (DEM) was used to establish the slump model and J-Ring model of concrete to describe the flow behavior in the slump test and J-Ring test. Then, the contact parameters of particle-particle and particle-geometry for the concrete DEM model, including restitution coefficient, rolling friction coefficient, static friction coefficient, and surface energy, were measured. In order to avoid the influence of the shape and size of the aggregate, this paper used high-precision glass spheres as the aggregate of the concrete for meso-calibration test, slump test, and J-Ring test. Comparing the simulation results of DEM model with slump test result, a very high agreement between the initial stage, the rapid flow stage, and the slow flow stage of the slump flow–time curve can be found as well as the final slump and slump flow. Moreover, similar to the slump DEM model, the DEM models of J-Ring test, V-funnel test, and U-channel test were established to study the passing ability and filling ability of concrete with outstanding accuracy. Therefore, the concrete DEM model with contact parameters and JKR model can be adopted to study the flow behavior of the fresh concrete.
Roles for the Dorsal Striatum in Aversive Behavior
Authors: Stanley Adrien T. , Lippiello Pellegrino , Sulzer David , Miniaci Maria Concetta
Published: February 2021

The ability to identify and avoid environmental stimuli that signal danger is essential to survival. Our understanding of how the brain encodes aversive behaviors has been primarily focused on roles for the amygdala, hippocampus (HIPP), prefrontal cortex, ventral midbrain, and ventral striatum. Relatively little attention has been paid to contributions from the dorsal striatum (DS) to aversive learning, despite its well-established role in stimulus-response learning. Here, we review studies exploring the role of DS in aversive learning, including different roles for the dorsomedial and dorsolateral striatum in Pavlovian fear conditioning as well as innate and inhibitory avoidance (IA) behaviors. We outline how future investigation might determine specific contributions from DS subregions, cell types, and connections that contribute to aversive behavior.
Risk Assessment by Pre-surgical Tractography in Left Hemisphere Low-Grade Gliomas
Authors: Ius Tamara , Somma Teresa , Baiano Cinzia , Guarracino Ilaria , Pauletto Giada , Nilo Annacarmen , Maieron Marta , Palese Francesca , Skrap Miran , Tomasino Barbara
Published: February 2021

Background: Tracking the white matter principal tracts is routinely typically included during the pre-surgery planning examinations and has revealed to limit functional resection of low-grade gliomas (LGGs) in eloquent areas.

Objective: We examined the integrity of the Superior Longitudinal Fasciculus (SLF) and Inferior Fronto-Occipital Fasciculus (IFOF), both known to be part of the language-related network in patients with LGGs involving the temporo-insular cortex. In a comparative approach, we contrasted the main quantitative fiber tracking values in the tumoral (T) and healthy (H) hemispheres to test whether or not this ratio could discriminate amongst patients with different post-operative outcomes.

Methods: Twenty-six patients with LGGs were included. We obtained quantitative fiber tracking values in the tumoral and healthy hemispheres and calculated the ratio (HIFOF–TIFOF)/HIFOF and the ratio (HSLF–TSLF)/HSLF on the number of streamlines. We analyzed how these values varied between patients with and without post-operative neurological outcomes and between patients with different post-operative Engel classes.

Results: The ratio for both IFOF and SLF significantly differed between patient with and without post-operative neurological language deficits. No associations were found between white matter structural changes and post-operative seizure outcomes.

Conclusions: Calculating the ratio on the number of streamlines and fractional anisotropy between the tumoral and the healthy hemispheres resulted to be a useful approach, which can prove to be useful during the pre-operative planning examination, as it gives a glimpse on the potential clinical outcomes in patients with LGGs involving the left temporo-insular cortex.
Real World Experience of Daratumumab: Evaluating Lymphopenia and Adverse Events in Multiple Myeloma Patients
Authors: Cottini Francesca , Huang Ying , Williams Nita , Bumma Naresh , Khan Abdullah M. , Chaudhry Maria , Devarakonda Srinivas , Efebera Yvonne A. , Benson Don M. , Rosko Ashley E.
Published: February 2021

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable disease with a limited life expectancy of five years from diagnosis. Uncontrolled disease or infections are the main causes of mortality. Daratumumab, a monoclonal antibody against CD38, is approved to treat patients with MM. Its target, CD38, is expressed not only on MM cells but also on common lymphoid precursors and subsets of normal lymphocytes. Daratumumab-induced lymphopenia is common, but its clinical significance is understudied. In this study, we report the baseline characteristics, rates of severe lymphopenia, infections, and clinical trajectory of multiple myeloma patients (n = 100) treated with daratumumab-based regimens at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. We discover high rates of infections, hospital utilization, and severe lymphopenia and identify risks factors for severe lymphopenia, such as low pretreatment absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) values. Severe lymphopenia persists in 23% of patients, resulting in worst survival outcomes. Our data underline the importance of monitoring ALC and consider future use of prophylactic measures or alternative regimens in subsets of MM patients.
D-4F Ameliorates Contrast Media–Induced Oxidative Injuries in Endothelial Cells via the AMPK/PKC Pathway
Authors: Guo Yansong , Li Wei , Qian Mingming , Jiang Ting , Guo Ping , Du Qian , Lin Na , Xie Xianwei , Wu Zhiyong , Lin Donghai , Liu Donghui
Published: February 2021

Endothelial dysfunction is involved in the pathophysiological processes of contrast media (CM)–induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) after vascular angiography or intervention. Previous study found that apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) mimetic peptide, D-4F, alleviates endothelial impairments via upregulating heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression and scavenging excessively generated reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, whether D-4F could ameliorate oxidative injuries in endothelial cells through suppressing ROS production remains unclear. In this study, a representative nonionic iodinated CM, iodixanol, was chosen for the in vitro and in vivo studies. Endothelial cell viability was assayed using micrographs, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). Apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry analysis and caspase-3 activation. Endothelial inflammation was tested using monocyte adhesion assay and adhesion molecule expression. ROS production was detected by measuring the formation of lipid peroxidation malondialdehyde (MDA) through the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) assay. Peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻) formation was tested using the 3-nitrotyrosine ELISA kit. Iodixanol impaired cell viability, promoted vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression, and induced cell apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). However, D-4F mitigated these injuries. Furthermore, iodixanol induced the phosphorylation of protein kinase C (PKC) beta II, p47, Rac1, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) at Thr495, which elicited ROS release and ONOO⁻ generation. D-4F inhibited NADPH oxidase (NOX) activation, ROS production, and ONOO⁻ formation via the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/PKC pathway. Additionally, after an intravascular injection of iodixanol in Sprague Dawley rats, iodixanol induced a remarkable inflammatory response in arterial endothelial cells, although significant apoptosis and morphological changes were not observed. D-4F alleviated the vessel inflammation resulting from iodixanol in vivo. Collectively, besides scavenging ROS, D-4F could also suppress ROS production and ONOO⁻ formation through the AMPK/PKC pathway, which ameliorated oxidative injuries in endothelial cells. Hence, D-4F might serve as a potential agent in preventing CI-AKI.
An Integrative Pharmacology-Based Pattern to Uncover the Pharmacological Mechanism of Ginsenoside H Dripping Pills in the Treatment of Depression
Authors: Zhao Libin , Guo Rui , Cao Ningning , Lin Yingxian , Yang Wenjing , Pei Shuai , Ma Xiaowei , Zhang Yu , Li Yingpeng , Song Zhaohui , Du Wuxun , Xiao Xuefeng , Liu Changxiao
Published: February 2021

Objectives: To evaluate the pharmacodynamical effects and pharmacological mechanism of Ginsenoside H dripping pills (GH) in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model rats.

Methods: First, the CUMS-induced rat model was established to assess the anti-depressant effects of GH (28, 56, and 112 mg/kg) by the changes of the behavioral indexes (sucrose preference, crossing score, rearing score) and biochemical indexes (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine) in Hippocampus. Then, the components of GH were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-iron trap-time of flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC/IT-TOF MS). After network pharmacology analysis, the active ingredients of GH were further screened out based on OB and DL, and the PPI network of putative targets of active ingredients of GH and depression candidate targets was established based on STRING database. The PPI network was analyzed topologically to obtain key targets, so as to predict the potential pharmacological mechanism of GH acting on depression. Finally, some major target proteins involved in the predictive signaling pathway were validated experimentally.

Results: The establishment of CUMS depression model was successful and GH has antidepressant effects, and the middle dose of GH (56 mg/kg) showed the best inhibitory effects on rats with depressant-like behavior induced by CUMS. Twenty-eight chemical components of GH were identified by UPLC/IT-TOF MS. Subsequently, 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 was selected as active ingredient and the PPI network of the 43 putative targets of 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 containing in GH and the 230 depression candidate targets, was established based on STRING database, and 47 major targets were extracted. Further network pharmacological analysis indicated that the cAMP signaling pathway may be potential pharmacological mechanism regulated by GH acting on depression. Among the cAMP signaling pathway, the major target proteins, namely, cAMP, PKA, CREB, p-CREB, BDNF, were used to verify in the CUMS model rats. The results showed that GH could activate the cAMP-PKA-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway to exert antidepressant effects.

Conclusions: An integrative pharmacology-based pattern was used to uncover that GH could increase the contents of DA, NE and 5-HT, activate cAMP-PKA-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway exert antidepressant effects.
Review of the Efficacy and Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicines as a Therapeutic Option for Ionizing Radiation Induced Damage
Authors: Zhang Xiaomeng , Chen Xiaoying , Wang Lei , He Changhao , Shi Zhongyu , Fu Qian , Xu Wenhui , Zhang Shujing , Hu Sumin
Published: February 2021

Ionizing radiation damage refers to acute, delayed, or chronic tissue damage associated with ionizing radiation. Specific or effective therapeutic options for systemic injuries induced by ionizing radiation have not been developed. Studies have shown that Chinese herbal Medicine or Chinese Herbal Prescription exhibit preventive properties against radiation damage. These medicines inhibit tissue injuries and promote repair with very minimal side effects. This study reviews traditional Chinese herbal medicines and prescriptions with radiation protective effects as well as their mechanisms of action. The information obtained will guide the development of alternative radioprotectants.
Design of Driving Waveform Based on Overdriving Voltage for Shortening Response Time in Electrowetting Displays
Authors: Zeng Wenjun , Yi Zichuan , Zhao Yiming , Zeng Weibo , Ma Simin , Zhou Xichen , Feng Haoqiang , Liu Liming , Shui Lingling , Zhang Chongfu , Yang Jianjun , Zhou Guofu
Published: February 2021

A fast response speed of a pixel is important for electrowetting displays (EWDs). However, traditional driving waveforms of EWDs have the disadvantage of long response time. So, a driving waveform, which based on overdriving voltages and charge trapping theory, was proposed in this paper to shorten the response time of EWDs. The driving waveform was composed of an overdriving stage and a driving stage. Firstly, a simplified physical model was introduced to analyze the influence of driving voltages on the response time. Then, an overdriving voltage was applied in the overdriving stage to increase the respond speed of oil, and a target voltage was applied in the driving stage to obtain a target luminance. In addition, the effect of different overdriving voltages and overdriving time values on the response time was analyzed by charge trapping theory to achieve an optimal performance. Finally, the driving waveform was imported into an EWD for performance testing. Experimental results showed that the response time of the EWD can be shortened by 29.27% compared with a PWM driving waveform.
Combining Multi-Dimensional Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) With Visualization Method for Detection of Aphis gossypii Glover Infection in Cotton Leaves Using Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Yan Tianying , Xu Wei , Lin Jiao , Duan Long , Gao Pan , Zhang Chu , Lv Xin
Published: February 2021

Cotton is a significant economic crop. It is vulnerable to aphids (Aphis gossypii Glovers) during the growth period. Rapid and early detection has become an important means to deal with aphids in cotton. In this study, the visible/near-infrared (Vis/NIR) hyperspectral imaging system (376–1044 nm) and machine learning methods were used to identify aphid infection in cotton leaves. Both tall and short cotton plants (Lumianyan 24) were inoculated with aphids, and the corresponding plants without aphids were used as control. The hyperspectral images (HSIs) were acquired five times at an interval of 5 days. The healthy and infected leaves were used to establish the datasets, with each leaf as a sample. The spectra and RGB images of each cotton leaf were extracted from the hyperspectral images for one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) analysis. The hyperspectral images of each leaf were used for three-dimensional (3D) analysis. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) were used for identification and compared with conventional machine learning methods. For the extracted spectra, 1D CNN had a fine classification performance, and the classification accuracy could reach 98%. For RGB images, 2D CNN had a better classification performance. For HSIs, 3D CNN performed moderately and performed better than 2D CNN. On the whole, CNN performed relatively better than conventional machine learning methods. In the process of 1D, 2D, and 3D CNN visualization, the important wavelength ranges were analyzed in 1D and 3D CNN visualization, and the importance of wavelength ranges and spatial regions were analyzed in 2D and 3D CNN visualization. The overall results in this study illustrated the feasibility of using hyperspectral imaging combined with multi-dimensional CNN to detect aphid infection in cotton leaves, providing a new alternative for pest infection detection in plants.
DetectaWeb-Distress Scale: A Global and Multidimensional Web-Based Screener for Emotional Disorder Symptoms in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Piqueras Jose A. , Garcia-Olcina Mariola , Rivera-Riquelme Maria , Martinez-Gonzalez Agustin E. , Cuijpers Pim
Published: February 2021

Emotional disorder symptoms are highly prevalent and a common cause of disability among children and adolescents. Screening and early detection are needed to identify those who need help and to improve treatment outcomes. Nowadays, especially with the arrival of the COVID-19 outbreak, assessment is increasingly conducted online, resulting in the need for brief online screening measures. The aim of the current study was to examine the reliability and different sources of validity evidence of a new web-based screening questionnaire for emotional disorder symptoms, the DetectaWeb-Distress Scale, which assesses mood (major depression and dysthymic disorder), anxiety (separation anxiety, generalized anxiety, social phobia, panic disorder/agoraphobia, and specific phobia), obsessive–compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidality (suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts), and global distress. A total of 1,499 participants (aged 8–18) completed the DetectaWeb-Distress Scale and specific questionnaires for emotional disorder symptoms, suicidal behaviors, and well-being through a web-based survey. Results indicated that a structural model of 10 correlated factors fits reasonably better in comparison to the remaining models; measurement invariance for age and gender; good internal consistency (McDonald's ω ranging from 0.65 to 0.94); and significant positive correlation with other measures of anxiety, depression, PTSD, or distress, and negative correlation with well-being measures, displaying support for convergent-discriminant validity. We also found that girls scored higher than boys on most of the subscales, and children had higher scores for social anxiety, specific phobia, panic disorder, and obsessive–compulsive symptoms, whereas adolescents scored higher on depressive symptoms, suicidality, and generalized anxiety, but the effect sizes were small to medium for all comparisons. The DetectaWeb-Distress Scale is a valid, innovative, and useful online tool for the screening and evaluation of preventive programs for mental health in children and adolescents.
A Chlorophyll-a Algorithm for Landsat-8 Based on Mixture Density Networks
Authors: Smith Brandon , Pahlevan Nima , Schalles John , Ruberg Steve , Errera Reagan , Ma Ronghua , Giardino Claudia , Bresciani Mariano , Barbosa Claudio , Moore Tim , Fernandez Virginia , Alikas Krista , Kangro Kersti
Published: February 2021

Retrieval of aquatic biogeochemical variables, such as the near-surface concentration of chlorophyll-a (Chla) in inland and coastal waters via remote observations, has long been regarded as a challenging task. This manuscript applies Mixture Density Networks (MDN) that use the visible spectral bands available by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) aboard Landsat-8 to estimate Chla. We utilize a database of co-located in situ radiometric and Chla measurements (N = 4,354), referred to as Type A data, to train and test an MDN model (MDNA). This algorithm’s performance, having been proven for other satellite missions, is further evaluated against other widely used machine learning models (e.g., support vector machines), as well as other domain-specific solutions (OC3), and shown to offer significant advancements in the field. Our performance assessment using a held-out test data set suggests that a 49% (median) accuracy with near-zero bias can be achieved via the MDNA model, offering improvements of 20 to 100% in retrievals with respect to other models. The sensitivity of the MDNA model and benchmarking methods to uncertainties from atmospheric correction (AC) methods, is further quantified through a semi-global matchup dataset (N = 3,337), referred to as Type B data. To tackle the increased uncertainties, alternative MDN models (MDNB) are developed through various features of the Type B data (e.g., Rayleigh-corrected reflectance spectra ρs). Using held-out data, along with spatial and temporal analyses, we demonstrate that these alternative models show promise in enhancing the retrieval accuracy adversely influenced by the AC process. Results lend support for the adoption of MDNB models for regional and potentially global processing of OLI imagery, until a more robust AC method is developed. Index Terms—Chlorophyll-a, coastal water, inland water, Landsat-8, machine learning, ocean color, aquatic remote sensing.
Validation of a Commercial Glanders ELISA as an Alternative to the CFT in International Trade of Equidae
Authors: Elschner Mandy Carolina , Melzer Falk , Singha Harisankar , Muhammad Saqib , Gardner Ian , Neubauer Heinrich
Published: February 2021

Glanders, caused byBurkholderia(B.)malleiis a notifiable zoonotic disease in equidae. For international trade and movement of equids, certificates of negative serological test results for antibodies againstB. malleiare required. To date, the complement fixation test (CFT) is the mandatory test to issue these health certificates. The CFT is difficult to standardize and, due to its poor specificity, often leads to false-positive reactions resulting in trade restrictions with considerable financial consequences. In the present study, the new ID Screen Glanders Double Antigen Multispecies ELISA (GLANDA- ELISA) (IDvet, Grabels, France) was evaluated using 400 negative and 370 glanders positive field samples of equidae. The GLANDA-ELISA was significantly more specific (99.8%) than the CFT (97.0%). Considering the comparable sensitivities of CFT (96.5%) and ELISA (98.1%), this new GLANDA-ELISA test appears a suitable confirmatory test and a realistic alternative for serological testing of horses for trade or movement.
Comparison of Host Cytokine Response in Piglets Infected With Toxigenic and Non-toxigenic Staphylococcus hyicus
Authors: Li Yan , Gou Hongchao , Chu Pinpin , Zhang Kunli , Jiang Zhiyong , Cai Rujian , Song Shuai , Bian Zhibiao , Li Chunling
Published: February 2021

Staphylococcus hyicus is the most common causative agent of exudative epidermitis (EE) in piglets. Staphylococcus hyicus can be grouped into toxigenic and non-toxigenic strains based on its ability to cause EE in pigs. However, the inflammatory response of piglets infected with toxigenic and non-toxigenic S. hyicus has not been elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the serum cytokine profile in piglets inoculated with toxigenic and non-toxigenic S. hyicus strains and recorded the clinical signs in piglets. Fifteen piglets were divided into three groups (n = 5) and inoculated with a toxigenic strain (ZC-4), a non-toxigenic strain (CF-1), and PBS (control), respectively. The changes in serum levels of cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interferon-γ, transforming growth factor-β1, and tumor necrosis factor-α) were evaluated using a cytokine array at 6, 24, 48, and 72 h post inoculation. The results showed that piglets infected with the toxigenic strain exhibited more severe clinical signs and higher mortality than those infected with the non-toxigenic strain. The serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β were significantly increased in toxigenic-and non-toxigenic-strain-infected piglets compared to those in the control group (p < 0.05), while the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was significantly up-regulated only in toxigenic group than in control group (p < 0.05). These results indicated that piglets infected with toxigenic and non-toxigenic S. hyicus showed differential infection status and inflammatory responses. Both toxigenic- and non-toxigenic- S. hyicus infection could induce a pro-inflammatory reaction in piglets. In addition, the toxigenic strain induced a strong anti-inflammatory response in piglets as indicated by the increased serum level of IL-10, which may be associated with the severe clinical signs and increased mortality and may be the key cytokine response responsible for pathogenic mechanisms of S. hyicus.
Richness of Rhizosphere Organisms Affects Plant P Nutrition According to P Source and Mobility
Authors: Trap Jean , Ranoarisoa Patricia Mahafaka , Irshad Usman , Plassard Claude
Published: February 2021

Plants evolve complex interactions with diverse soil mutualist organisms to enhance P mobilization from the soil. These strategies are particularly important when P is poorly available. It is still unclear how the soil P source (e.g., mineral P versus recalcitrant organic P) and its mobility in the soil (high or low) affect soil mutualist biological (ectomycorrhizal fungi, bacteria and bacterial-feeding nematodes) richness—plant P acquisition relationships. Using a set of six microcosm experiments conducted in growth chamber across contrasting P situations, we tested the hypothesis that the relationship between the increasing addition of soil mutualist organisms in the rhizosphere of the plant and plant P acquisition depends on P source and mobility. The highest correlation (R2 = 0.70) between plant P acquisition with soil rhizosphere biological richness was found in a high P-sorbing soil amended with an organic P source. In the five other situations, the relationships became significant either in soil conditions, with or without mineral P addition, or when the P source was supplied as organic P in the absence of soil, although with a low correlation coefficient (0.09 < R2 < 0.15). We thus encourage the systematic and careful consideration of the form and mobility of P in the experimental trials that aim to assess the role of biological complexity on plant P nutrition.
Influence of the Water Source on the Carbon Footprint of Irrigated Agriculture: A Regional Study in South-Eastern Spain
Authors: Martin-Gorriz Bernardo , Martínez-Alvarez Victoriano , Maestre-Valero José Francisco , Gallego-Elvira Belén
Published: February 2021

Curbing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to combat climate change is a major global challenge. Although irrigated agriculture consumes considerable energy that generates GHG emissions, the biomass produced also represents an important CO2 sink, which can counterbalance the emissions. The source of the water supply considerably influences the irrigation energy consumption and, consequently, the resulting carbon footprint. This study evaluates the potential impact on the carbon footprint of partially and fully replacing the conventional supply from Tagus–Segura water transfer (TSWT) with desalinated seawater (DSW) in the irrigation districts of the Segura River basin (south-eastern Spain). The results provide evidence that the crop GHG emissions depend largely on the water source and, consequently, its carbon footprint. In this sense, in the hypothetical scenario of the TSWT being completely replaced with DSW, GHG emissions may increase by up to 50% and the carbon balance could be reduced by 41%. However, even in this unfavourable situation, irrigated agriculture in the study area could still act as a CO2 sink with a negative total and specific carbon balance of −707,276 t CO2/year and −8.10 t CO2/ha-year, respectively. This study provides significant policy implications for understanding the water–energy–food nexus in water-scarce regions.