bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrocardiographic Imaging: A Comparison of Iterative Solvers
Authors: Borràs Marta , Chamorro-Servent Judit
Published: February 2021

Cardiac disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Currently, non-invasive techniques that can identify patients at risk and provide accurate diagnosis and ablation guidance therapy are under development. One of these is electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI). In ECGI, the first step is to formulate a forward problem that relates the unknown potential sources on the cardiac surface to the measured body surface potentials. Then, the unknown potential sources on the cardiac surface are reconstructed through the solution of an inverse problem. Unfortunately, ECGI still lacks accuracy due to the underlying inverse problem being ill-posed, and this consequently imposes limitations on the understanding and treatment of many cardiac diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the solution of the inverse problem. In this work, we transfer and adapt four inverse problem methods to the ECGI setting: algebraic reconstruction technique (ART), random ART, ART Split Bregman (ART-SB) and range restricted generalized minimal residual (RRGMRES) method. We test all these methods with data from the Experimental Data and Geometric Analysis Repository (EDGAR) and compare their solution with the recorded epicardial potentials provided by EDGAR and a generalized minimal residual (GMRES) iterative method computed solution. Activation maps are also computed and compared. The results show that ART achieved the most stable solutions and, for some datasets, returned the best reconstruction. Differences between the solutions derived from ART and random ART are almost negligible, and the accuracy of their solutions is followed by RRGMRES, ART-SB and finally the GMRES (which returned the worst reconstructions). The RRGMRES method provided the best reconstruction for some datasets but appeared to be less stable than ART when comparing different datasets. In conclusion, we show that the proposed methods (ART, random ART, and RRGMRES) improve the GMRES solution, which has been suggested as inverse problem solution for ECGI.
Downregulation of Soluble Guanylate Cyclase and Protein Kinase G With Upregulated ROCK2 in the Pulmonary Artery Leads to Thromboxane A2 Sensitization in Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Cho Suhan , Namgoong Hyun , Kim Hae Jin , Vorn Rany , Yoo Hae Young , Kim Sung Joon
Published: February 2021

Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) promotes various physiological responses including pulmonary artery (PA) contraction, and pathophysiological implications have been suggested in cardiovascular diseases including pulmonary hypertension. Here, we investigated the role of TXA2 receptor (TP)-mediated signaling in the pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The sensitivity of PA to the contractile agonist could be set by relaxing signals such as the nitric oxide (NO), soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), and cGMP-dependent kinase (PKG) pathways. Changes in the TP agonist (U46619)-induced PA contraction and its modulation by NO/cGMP signaling were analyzed in a monocrotaline-induced PAH rat model (PAH-MCT). In the myograph study, PA from PAH-MCT showed higher responsiveness to U46619, that is decreased EC50. Immunoblot analysis revealed a lower expression of eNOS, sGC, and PKG, while there was a higher expression of RhoA-dependent kinase 2 (ROCK2) in the PA from PAH-MCT than in the control. In PAH-MCT, the higher sensitivity to U46619 was reversed by 8-Br-cGMP, a membrane-permeable cGMP analog, but not by the NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP 30 μM). In contrast, in the control PA, inhibition of sGC by its inhibitor (1H− [1,2,4] oxadiazolo [4,3−a] quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), 10 μM) lowered the threshold of U46619-induced contraction. In the presence of ODQ, SNP treatment had no effect whereas the addition of 8-Br-cGMP lowered the sensitivity to U46619. The inhibition of ROCK by Y-27632 attenuated the sensitivity to U46619 in both control and PAH-MCT. The study suggests that the attenuation of NO/cGMP signaling and the upregulation of ROCK2 increase the sensitivity to TXA2 in the PAH animal, which might have pathophysiological implications in patients with PAH.
Bacillus subtilis SL18r Induces Tomato Resistance Against Botrytis cinerea, Involving Activation of Long Non-coding RNA, MSTRG18363, to Decoy miR1918
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Zhu Jingjing , Qian Nana , Guo Jiansheng , Yan Congsheng
Published: February 2021

Mounting evidence has indicated that beneficial rhizobacteria can suppress foliar pathogen invasion via elicitation of induced systemic resistance (ISR). However, it remains elusive whether long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the mediation of the rhizobacteria-primed ISR processes in plants. Herein, we demonstrated the ability of the rhizobacterial strain Bacillus subtilis SL18r to trigger ISR in tomato plants against the foliar pathogen Botrytis cinerea. Comparative transcriptome analysis was conducted to screen differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) between the non-inoculated and SL18r-inoculated plants. Among these DELs, four variants of MSTRG18363 possessed conserved binding sites for miR1918, which negatively regulates immune systems in tomato plants. The expression of MSTRG18363 in tomato leaves was significantly induced by SL18r inoculation. The transcription of MSTRG18363 was negatively correlated with the expression of miR1918, but displayed a positive correlation with the transcription of the RING-H2 finger gene SlATL20 (a target gene of miR1918). Moreover, MSTRG18363-overexpressing plants exhibited the enhanced disease resistance, reduction of miR1918 transcripts, and marked increases of SlATL20 expression. However, the SL18r-induced disease resistance was largely impaired in the MSTRG18363-silenced plants. VIGS-mediated SlATL20 silencing also greatly weakened the SL18r-induced disease resistance. Collectively, our results suggested that induction of MSTRG18363 expression in tomato plants by SL18r was conducive to promoting the decoy of miR1918 and regulating the expression of SlATL20, thereby provoking the ISR responses against foliar pathogen infection.
Ritual in Therapy for Prolonged Grief: A Scoping Review of Ritual Elements in Evidence-Informed Grief Interventions
Authors: Wojtkowiak Joanna , Lind Jonna , Smid Geert E.
Published: February 2021

The aim of this article of to analyze ritual in evidence-informed treatments for prolonged and traumatic grief. A scoping review is conducted in order to give an overview of existing literature on ritual and symbolic interventions in grief therapies for prolonged grief and the type of evidence supporting these interventions. The 22 studies reported in this review reveal a variety of ritual elements ranging from symbolic expression and interaction, writing assignments, dialogue with the deceased or an imaginary person, to farewell ceremonies at the end of the treatment. The interventions are studied within different populations (e.g., bereaved spouses, perinatal loss, grief after violent death, and genocide). Almost all studies show significant effects of the grief treatment, trauma and related symptoms. However, the effects are mostly measured for the entire treatment and not separately for the ritual intervention. In the discussion we focus on the role of ritual and culture in prolonged grief treatment.
Agriculture's Contribution to Climate Change and Role in Mitigation Is Distinct From Predominantly Fossil CO2-Emitting Sectors
Authors: Lynch John , Cain Michelle , Frame David , Pierrehumbert Raymond
Published: February 2021

Agriculture is a significant contributor to anthropogenic global warming, and reducing agricultural emissions—largely methane and nitrous oxide—could play a significant role in climate change mitigation. However, there are important differences between carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a stock pollutant, and methane (CH4), which is predominantly a flow pollutant. These dynamics mean that conventional reporting of aggregated CO2-equivalent emission rates is highly ambiguous and does not straightforwardly reflect historical or anticipated contributions to global temperature change. As a result, the roles and responsibilities of different sectors emitting different gases are similarly obscured by the common means of communicating emission reduction scenarios using CO2-equivalence. We argue for a shift in how we report agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and think about their mitigation to better reflect the distinct roles of different greenhouse gases. Policy-makers, stakeholders, and society at large should also be reminded that the role of agriculture in climate mitigation is a much broader topic than climate science alone can inform, including considerations of economic and technical feasibility, preferences for food supply and land-use, and notions of fairness and justice. A more nuanced perspective on the impacts of different emissions could aid these conversations.
Food Security and the Dynamics of Wheat and Maize Value Chains in Africa and Asia
Authors: Grote Ulrike , Fasse Anja , Nguyen Trung Thanh , Erenstein Olaf
Published: February 2021

There is an ongoing debate about how best to feed the growing world population in the long run and associated implications for research and development. Some call for a new Green Revolution to secure the supply of staple foods, whereas others emphasize the importance of diversifying and improving people's diets. We aim to contribute to this debate by reviewing the case of wheat and maize value chains and their contribution to food security in Africa and Asia. We first identify drivers transforming food systems. We then apply these to the cereal value chains and disentangle their effects on food security. We thereby add to the three strands in the literature around production, consumption, and food system transformation and point to different research needs and recommendations for the future. The review highlights: (1) Wheat and maize production will be increasingly impaired by ecological drivers such as land degradation, water scarcity and climate change. (2) There are promising innovations to increase and maintain productivity, but constraints in adopting these innovations have to be overcome (i.e., access to seeds, finance, and education/training). (3) The drivers affect all four dimensions of food security, but first and foremost they determine the availability and stability of maize and wheat. This indirectly also influences the economic and physical access of people to maize and wheat. (4) Research tends to focus on improving the productivity and sustainability of wheat and maize farming which is largely interlinked with the availability dimension of food security. (5) The stability and utilization dimension of food security merits continued yet increased support. First, to address climate change and implications for biotic and abiotic stresses. Second, to promote healthier diets and enable the equitable transformation of food systems.
Molecular Response in Intestinal and Immune Tissues to in Ovo Administration of Inulin and the Combination of Inulin and Lactobacillus lactis Subsp. cremoris
Authors: Dunislawska Aleksandra , Herosimczyk Agnieszka , Lepczynski Adam , Slama Petr , Slawinska Anna , Bednarczyk Marek , Siwek Maria
Published: February 2021

Intestinal microbiota are a key factor in maintaining good health and production results in chickens. They play an important role in the stimulation of immune responses, as well as in metabolic processes and nutrient digestion. Bioactive substances such as prebiotics, probiotics, or a combination of the two (synbiotic) can effectively stimulate intestinal microbiota and therefore replace antibiotic growth promoters. Intestinal microbiota might be stimulated at the early stage of embryo development in ovo. The aim of the study was to analyze the expression of genes related to energy metabolism and immune response after the administration of inulin and a synbiotic, in which lactic acid bacteria were combined with inulin in the intestines and immune tissues of chicken broilers. The experiment was performed on male broiler chickens. Eggs were incubated for 21 days in a commercial hatchery. On day 12 of egg incubation, inulin as a prebiotic and inulin with Lactobacillus lactis subsp. cremoris as a synbiotic were delivered to the egg chamber. The control group was injected with physiological saline. On day 35 post-hatching, birds from each group were randomly selected and sacrificed. Tissues (spleen, cecal tonsils, and large intestine) were collected and intended for RNA isolation. The gene panel (ABCG8, HNF4A, ACOX2, APBB1IP, BRSK2, APOA1, and IRS2) was selected based on the microarray dataset and biological functions of genes related to the energy metabolism and immune responses. Isolated RNA was analyzed using the RT-qPCR method, and the relative gene expression was calculated. In our experiment, distinct effects of prebiotics and synbiotics following in ovo delivery were manifested in all analyzed tissues, with the lowest number of genes with altered expression shown in the large intestines of broilers. The results demonstrated that prebiotics or synbiotics provide a potent stimulation of gene expression in the spleen and cecal tonsils of broiler chickens. The overall number of gene expression levels and the magnitude of their changes in the spleen and cecal tonsils were higher in the group of synbiotic chickens compared to the prebiotic group.
Towards End-to-End Deep Learning Performance Analysis of Electric Motors
Authors: Gabdullin Nikita , Madanzadeh Sadjad , Vilkin Alexey
Published: February 2021

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Deep Learning (DL) revolutionized numerous research fields including robotics, natural language processing, self-driving cars, healthcare, and others. However, DL is still relatively under-researched in physics and engineering. Recent works on DL-assisted analysis showed enormous potential of CNN applications in electrical engineering. This paper explores the possibility of developing an end-to-end DL analysis method to match or even surpass conventional analysis techniques such as finite element analysis (FEA) based on the ability of CNNs to predict the performance characteristics of electric machines. The required depth in CNN architecture is studied by comparing a simplistic CNN with three ResNet architectures. Studied CNNs show over 90% accuracy for an analysis conducted under a minute, whereas a FEA of comparable accuracy required 200 h. It is also shown that training CNNs to predict multidimensional outputs can improve CNN performance. Multidimensional output prediction with data-driven methods is further discussed in context of multiphysics analysis showing potential for developing analysis methods that might surpass FEA capabilities.
Neoplasia-Associated Wasting Diseases with Economic Relevance in the Sheep Industry
Authors: De las Heras Marcelo , Borobia Marta , Ortín Aurora
Published: February 2021

We review three neoplastic wasting diseases affecting sheep generally recorded under common production cycles and with epidemiological and economic relevance in sheep-rearing countries: small intestinal adenocarcinoma (SIA), ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) and enzootic nasal adenocarcinoma (ENA). SIA is prevalent in Australia and New Zealand but present elsewhere in the world. This neoplasia is a tubular or signet-ring adenocarcinoma mainly located in the middle or distal term of the small intestine. Predisposing factors and aetiology are not known, but genetic factors or environmental carcinogens may be involved. OPA is a contagious lung cancer caused by jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) and has been reported in most sheep-rearing countries, resulting in significant economic losses. The disease is clinically characterized by a chronic respiratory process as a consequence of the development of lung adenocarcinoma. Diagnosis is based on the detection of JSRV in the tumour lesion by immunohistochemistry and PCR. In vivo diagnosis may be difficult, mainly in preclinical cases. ENA is a neoplasia of glands of the nasal mucosa and is associated with enzootic nasal tumour virus 1 (ENTV-1), which is similar to JSRV. ENA enzootically occurs in many countries of the world with the exception of Australia and New Zealand. The pathology associated with this neoplasia corresponds with a space occupying lesion histologically characterized as a low-grade adenocarcinoma. The combination of PCR and immunohistochemistry for diagnosis is advised.
Activity-Integrated Hidden Markov Model to Predict Calving Time
Authors: Sumi Kosuke , Maw Swe Zar , Zin Thi Thi , Tin Pyke , Kobayashi Ikuo , Horii Yoichiro
Published: February 2021

Accurately predicting when calving will occur can provide great value in managing a dairy farm since it provides personnel with the ability to determine whether assistance is necessary. Not providing such assistance when necessary could prolong the calving process, negatively affecting the health of both mother cow and calf. Such prolongation could lead to multiple illnesses. Calving is one of the most critical situations for cows during the production cycle. A precise video-monitoring system for cows can provide early detection of difficulties or health problems, and facilitates timely and appropriate human intervention. In this paper, we propose an integrated approach for predicting when calving will occur by combining behavioral activities extracted from recorded video sequences with a Hidden Markov Model. Specifically, two sub-systems comprise our proposed system: (i) Behaviors extraction such as lying, standing, number of changing positions between lying down and standing up, and other significant activities, such as holding up the tail, and turning the head to the side; and, (ii) using an integrated Hidden Markov Model to predict when calving will occur. The experiments using our proposed system were conducted at a large dairy farm in Oita Prefecture in Japan. Experimental results show that the proposed method has promise in practical applications. In particular, we found that the high frequency of posture changes has played a central role in accurately predicting the time of calving.
The Spectrum of Antimicrobial Activity of Cyadox against Pathogens Collected from Pigs, Chicken, and Fish in China
Authors: Maan Muhammad Kashif , Weng Zhifei , Dai Menghong , Liu Zhenli , Hao Haihong , Cheng Guyue , Wang Yulian , Wang Xu , Huang Lingli
Published: February 2021

Cyadox has potential use as an antimicrobial agent in animals. However, its pharmacodynamic properties have not been systematically studied yet. In this study, the in vitro antibacterial activities of cyadox were assayed, and the antibacterial efficacy of cyadox against facultative anaerobes was also determined under anaerobic conditions. It was shown that Clostridium perfringens and Pasteurella multocida (MIC = 0.25 and 1 μg/mL) from pigs, Campylobacter jejuni and Pasteurella multocida from poultry, E. coli, Streptococcus spp., and Flavobacterium columnare from fish were highly susceptible to cyadox (MIC= 1 and 8 μg/mL). However, F. columnare has no killing effect for drug tolerance. Under in vitro anaerobic conditions, the antibacterial activity of cyadox against most facultative anaerobes was considerably enhanced Under anaerobic conditions for the facultative anaerobes, susceptible bacteria were P. multocida, Aeromonas spp. (including A. hydrophila, A. veronii, A. jandaei, A. caviae, and A. sobria, excluding A. punctata), E. coli, Salmonella spp. (including S. choleraesui, S. typhimurium, and S. pullorum), Proteus mirabilis, Vibrio fluvialis, Yersinia ruckeri, Erysipelothrix, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Streptococcus agalactiae (MICs were 0.25~8 μg/mL, MBCs were 1–64 μg/mL). Intermediate bacteria were Enterococcus spp. (including E. faecalis and E. faecium), Yersinia enterocolitica, and Streptococcus spp. (MICs mainly were 8~32 μg/mL, MBCs were 16~128 μg/mL). This study firstly showed that cyadox had strong antibacterial activity and had the potential to be used as a single drug in the treatment of bacterial infectious diseases.
Crustacean Waste-Derived Chitosan: Antioxidant Properties and Future Perspective
Authors: Muthu Manikandan , Gopal Judy , Chun Sechul , Devadoss Anna Jacintha Prameela , Hasan Nazim , Sivanesan Iyyakkannu
Published: February 2021

Chitosan is obtained from chitin that in turn is recovered from marine crustacean wastes. The recovery methods and their varying types and the advantages of the recovery methods are briefly discussed. The bioactive properties of chitosan, which emphasize the unequivocal deliverables contained by this biopolymer, have been concisely presented. The variations of chitosan and its derivatives and their unique properties are discussed. The antioxidant properties of chitosan have been presented and the need for more work targeted towards harnessing the antioxidant property of chitosan has been emphasized. Some portions of the crustacean waste are being converted to chitosan; the possibility that all of the waste can be used for harnessing this versatile multifaceted product chitosan is projected in this review. The future of chitosan recovery from marine crustacean wastes and the need to improve in this area of research, through the inclusion of nanotechnological inputs have been listed under future perspective.
Power Failure of Mitochondria and Oxidative Stress in Neurodegeneration and Its Computational Models
Authors: Woo JunHyuk , Cho Hyesun , Seol YunHee , Kim Soon Ho , Park Chanhyeok , Yousefian-Jazi Ali , Hyeon Seung Jae , Lee Junghee , Ryu Hoon
Published: February 2021

The brain needs more energy than other organs in the body. Mitochondria are the generator of vital power in the living organism. Not only do mitochondria sense signals from the outside of a cell, but they also orchestrate the cascade of subcellular events by supplying adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP), the biochemical energy. It is known that impaired mitochondrial function and oxidative stress contribute or lead to neuronal damage and degeneration of the brain. This mini-review focuses on addressing how mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. In addition, we discuss state-of-the-art computational models of mitochondrial functions in relation to oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. Together, a better understanding of brain disease-specific mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress can pave the way to developing antioxidant therapeutic strategies to ameliorate neuronal activity and prevent neurodegeneration.
Superoxide Dismutase Multigene Family from a Primitive Chondrostean Sturgeon, Acipenser baerii: Molecular Characterization, Evolution, and Antioxidant Defense during Development and Pathogen Infection
Authors: Kim Chan-Hee , Kim Eun Jeong , Nam Yoon Kwon
Published: February 2021

Three distinct superoxide dismutases (SODs)—copper/zinc-SOD (SOD1), manganese-SOD (SOD2), and extracellular copper/zinc-SOD (SOD3)—were identified from a primitive chondrostean fish, Acipenser baerii, enabling the comparison of their transcriptional regulation patterns during development, prelarval ontogeny, and immune stimulation. Each A. baerii SOD isoform (AbSOD) shared conserved structural features with its vertebrate orthologs; however, phylogenetic analyses hypothesized a different evolutionary history for AbSOD3 relative to AbSOD1 and AbSOD2 in the vertebrate lineage. The AbSOD isoforms showed different tissue distribution patterns; AbSOD1 was predominantly expressed in most tissues. The expression of the AbSOD isoforms showed isoform-dependent dynamic modulation according to embryonic development and prelarval ontogenic behaviors. Prelarval microinjections revealed that lipopolysaccharide only induced AbSOD3 expression, while Aeromonas hydrophila induced the expression of AbSOD2 and AbSOD3. In fingerlings, the transcriptional response of each AbSOD isoform to bacterial infection was highly tissue-specific, and the three isoforms exhibited different response patterns within a given tissue type; AbSOD3 was induced the most sensitively, and its induction was the most pronounced in the kidneys and skin. Collectively, these findings suggest isoform-dependent roles for the multigene SOD family in antioxidant defenses against the oxidative stress associated with development and immune responses in these endangered sturgeon fish.
Application of Artificial Neural Network to Somatotype Determination
Authors: Drywień Małgorzata , Górnicki Krzysztof , Górnicka Magdalena
Published: February 2021

Somatotype characteristics are important for the selection of sporting activities, as well as and the prevalence of several chronic diseases. Nowadays the most common method of somatotyping is the Heath–Carter method, which calculates the somatotype base on 10 anthropometric parameters. Another possibility for evaluation of somatotype gives commonly used bioelectrical impedance analysis), but the accuracy of the proposed formulas is questioned. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the possibility of applying an artificial neural network to achieve the formulas, which allow us to determine the endomorphy and mesomorphy using data on body height and weight and raw bioelectrical impedance analysis data in young women. The endomorphy (Endo), ectomorphy (Ecto), and mesomorphy (Meso) ratings were determined using artificial neural networks and the Heath–Carter method. To identify critical parameters and their degree of impact on the artificial neural network outputs, a sensitivity analysis was performed. The multi-layer perceptron MLP 4-4-1 (input: body mass index (BMI), reactance, resistance, and resting metabolic rate) for the Endo somatotype was proposed (root mean squared error (RMSE) = 0.66, χ2 = 0.66). The MLP 4-4-1 (input: BMI, fat-free mass, resistance, and total body water) for the Meso somatotype was proposed (RMSE = 0.76, χ2 = 0.87). All somatotypes (Endo, Meso and Ecto) can be calculated using MLP 2-4-3 (input: BMI and resistance) with accuracy RMSE = 0.67 and χ2 = 0.51. The bioelectrical impedance analysis and Heath–Carter method compliance was evaluated with the statistical algorithm proposed by Bland and Altman. The artificial neural network-based formulas allow us to determine the endomorphy and mesomorphy in young women’s ratings with high accuracy and agreement with the Heath–Carter method. The results of our study indicate the successful application of artificial neural network-based model in predicting the somatotype of young women. The artificial neural network model can be practically used in bioelectrical impedance analysis devices in the future.
Piston Rod Coating Material Study of Reciprocating Sealing Experiment Based on Sterling Seal
Authors: Zhang Miaotian , Li Decai , Suo Shuangfu , Shi Jianwen
Published: February 2021

Sterling seal is a commonly used reciprocating seal, in which the PTFE ring of the seal and the surface material of the piston rod play an important role in the reciprocating sealing process. In this paper, a reciprocating sealing test bench was built, four sets of carbon fiber PTFE sealing rings were used to perform reciprocating sealing bench experiments with Cr-coated piston rods and DLC-coated piston rods. After the experiment, the used four sets of seals were taken as experimental samples, and a new, unused carbon fiber PTFE seal was taken as a reference sample. The surface topography, surface wear, and wear surface elements of the test specimens were measured by three-dimensional white light interference surface topography instrument, field emission environment scanning electron microscope, and field emission scanning electron microscope. Through experimental determination, it is found that the coating material is detached to form abrasive grains, which causes the surface of the sealing ring to wear. This paper also proposes optimization suggestions for the processing method of the sealing ring and the selection of the material of the piston rod coating.
Ceftriaxone Degradation in the Presence of Sodium Halides Investigated by Electrochemical Methods Assisted by UV-Vis Spectrophotometry
Authors: Tutunaru Bogdan , Samide Adriana , Iordache Simona , Tigae Cristian , Simionescu Andreea , Popescu Alexandru
Published: February 2021

The electrochemical stability of ceftriaxone (CFTX), belonging to the third generation of cephalosporin antibiotics, was studied by electrochemical measurements recorded on a platinum electrode (Pt) in aqueous solutions containing sodium halides. The electrochemical behavior of ceftriaxone was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and constant current density electrolysis assisted by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Cyclic voltammetry highlighted that the addition of CFTX in sodium halide solutions leads to significant changes in the hysteresis characteristics due to specific interactions with active species from electrolytes, as well as with the platinum electrode surface. After CV, when an exterior electric stimulus in short time (40 s) was applied, the UV-Vis spectra illustrated that CFTX is stable in the presence of F− ions, it is electro(degraded/transformed) in the presence of Cl− and Br− ions and interacts instantly with I− species. Electrolysis at constant current density confirms the results obtained from cyclic voltammetry, showing that (i) in the presence of fluoride ions CFTX gradually decomposes, but not completely, in about 60 min, without identifying a reaction product; (ii) chloride and bromide ions determine the almost complete CFTX electro(degradation/transformation) in 10 and 5 min, respectively, with completion of the electro-transformation reaction after 60 and 30 min, respectively; (iii) instantaneous interactions between CFTX and the iodide ions occurred.
Large-Scale Landslide Displacement Rate Prediction Based on Multi-Factor Support Vector Regression Machine
Authors: Li Xiuzhen , Li Shengwei
Published: February 2021

Forecasting the development of large-scale landslides is a contentious and complicated issue. In this study, we put forward the use of multi-factor support vector regression machines (SVRMs) for predicting the displacement rate of a large-scale landslide. The relative relationships between the main monitoring factors were analyzed based on the long-term monitoring data of the landslide and the grey correlation analysis theory. We found that the average correlation between landslide displacement and rainfall is 0.894, and the correlation between landslide displacement and reservoir water level is 0.338. Finally, based on an in-depth analysis of the basic characteristics, influencing factors, and development of landslides, three main factors (i.e., the displacement rate, reservoir water level, and rainfall) were selected to build single-factor, two-factor, and three-factor SVRM models. The key parameters of the models were determined using a grid-search method, and the models showed high accuracies. Moreover, the accuracy of the two-factor SVRM model (displacement rate and rainfall) is the highest with the smallest standard error (RMSE) of 0.00614; it is followed by the three-factor and single-factor SVRM models, the latter of which has the lowest prediction accuracy, with the largest RMSE of 0.01644.
Analysis on the Characteristics of Air Pollution in China during the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Dong Li , Chen Bin , Huang Yue , Song Zhihao , Yang Tingting
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic poses a serious global threat to human health. In China, the government immediately implemented lockdown measures to curb the spread of this virus. These measures severely affected transportation and industrial production across the country, resulting in a significant change in the concentration of air pollutants. In this study, the Euclidean distance method was used to select the most similar meteorological field during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Changes in the concentration of air pollutants in China were analyzed under similar meteorological background conditions. Results indicate that, compared with data from 2015–2019, air quality in China significantly improved; with the exception of ozone (O3), the concentration of major air pollutants declined. Compared with baseline conditions, the reduction of air pollutants in China from 25 January to 22 February 2020 (Period 2) was the most significant. In particular, NO2 decreased by 41.7% in the Yangtze River Delta. In Period 2, the reduction of air pollutants in areas other than Hubei gradually decreased, but the reduction of NO2 in Wuhan reached 61.92%, and the reduction of air pollutants in various regions after February 23 was significantly reduced. By excluding the influence of meteorological factors and calculating the contribution of human activities to atmospheric pollutants by linear fitting, in Period 2 the effect of artificial controls on NO2 in Wuhan attained 30.66%, and reached 48.17% from 23 February to 23 March (Period 3). Results from this investigation provides effective theoretical support for pollution prevention and control in China.
Investigation of DNA Damage and Cell-Cycle Distribution in Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes under Exposure to High Doses of Proton Radiotherapy
Authors: Miszczyk Justyna
Published: February 2021

This study systematically investigates how a single high-dose therapeutic proton beam versus X-rays influences cell-cycle phase distribution and DNA damage in human peripheral blood lymphocytes (HPBLs). Blood samples from ten volunteers (both male and female) were irradiated with doses of 8.00, 13.64, 15.00, and 20.00 Gy of 250 kV X-rays or 60 MeV protons. The dose–effect relations were calculated and distributed by plotting the frequencies of DNA damage of excess Premature Chromosome Condensation (PCC) fragments and rings in the G2/M phase, obtained via chemical induction with calyculin A. The Papworth’s u test was used to evaluate the distribution of DNA damage. The study shows that high doses of protons induce HPBL DNA damage in the G2/M phase differently than X-rays do. The results indicate a different distribution of DNA damage following high doses of irradiation with protons versus photons between donors, types of radiation, and doses. The proliferation index confirms the impact of high doses of mitosis and the influence of radiotherapy type on the different HPBL response. The results illuminate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie differences in the distribution of DNA damage and cell-cycle phases; these findings may yield an improvement in the efficacy of the radiotherapies used.
Role of Small GTPase RhoA in DNA Damage Response
Authors: Cheng Chibin , Seen Daniel , Zheng Chunwen , Zeng Ruijie , Li Enmin
Published: February 2021

Accumulating evidence has suggested a role of the small GTPase Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) in DNA damage response (DDR) in addition to its traditional function of regulating cell morphology. In DDR, 2 key components of DNA repair, ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) and flap structure-specific endonuclease 1 (FEN1), along with intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to regulate RhoA activation. In addition, Rho-specific guanine exchange factors (GEFs), neuroepithelial transforming gene 1 (Net1) and epithelial cell transforming sequence 2 (Ect2), have specific functions in DDR, and they also participate in Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1)/RhoA interaction, a process which is largely unappreciated yet possibly of significance in DDR. Downstream of RhoA, current evidence has highlighted its role in mediating cell cycle arrest, which is an important step in DNA repair. Unraveling the mechanism by which RhoA modulates DDR may provide more insight into DDR itself and may aid in the future development of cancer therapies.
The Quality of Emulsions with New Synthetized Lipids Stabilized by Xanthan Gum
Authors: Kowalska Małgorzata , Turek Paweł , Żbikowska Anna , Babut Monika , Szakiel Jerzy
Published: February 2021

The study investigated the quality of emulsions containing rabbit fat modified with vegetable oil. The modification of the fat and introducing it as a fatty base into the emulsion was dictated by consumer preferences. Emulsion systems containing various fatty bases and viscosity modifier contents were evaluated in the terms of their stability (by means of Turbiscan test), texture properties, color, and viscosity. Moreover, the emulsions were assessed by a sensory panel in the context of the intensity of the following parameters: color, fragrance, consistency, greasiness, and hydration. The same characteristics were also subject to consumer evaluation. The results of the sensory assessment showed the sensory panel attributed higher scores to consistency and skin hydration to the emulsions formed with modified fats; these systems were more appreciated by consumers as well. The results confirmed a major role of sensory determinations in the development of new emulsion products. They also provide knowledge on modifications to product characteristics that would lead to the best possible quality and consumer acceptance. This research has also reaffirmed that looking for new fats among waste fats is becoming a solution to finding new fatty bases for emulsions. The natural origin of these components, and thus their agreeability with the human body, appear noteworthy as well. Enrichment with unsaturated fatty acids is an added advantage of the enzymatic modification of rabbit fat with pumpkin seed oil and can be applied not only for food but also for skin applications.
Enhanced Production of Photosynthetic Pigments and Various Metabolites and Lipids in the Cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp. PCC 7338 Culture in the Presence of Exogenous Glucose
Authors: Noh YuJin , Lee Hwanhui , Kim Myeongsun , Hong Seong-Joo , Lee Hookeun , Kim Dong-Myung , Cho Byung-Kwan , Lee Choul-Gyun , Choi Hyung-Kyoon
Published: February 2021

Synechocystis strains are cyanobacteria that can produce useful biomaterials for biofuel and pharmaceutical resources. In this study, the effects of exogenous glucose (5-mM) on cell growth, photosynthetic pigments, metabolites, and lipids in Synechocystis sp. PCC 7338 (referred to as Synechocystis 7338) were investigated. Exogenous glucose increased cell growth on days 9 and 18. The highest production (mg/L) of chlorophyll a (34.66), phycocyanin (84.94), allophycocyanin (34.28), and phycoerythrin (6.90) was observed on day 18 in Synechocystis 7338 culture under 5-mM glucose. Alterations in metabolic and lipidomic profiles under 5-mM glucose were investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS) and nanoelectrospray ionization-MS. The highest production (relative intensity/L) of aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycerol-3-phosphate, linolenic acid, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) 16:0/18:1, MGDG 16:0/20:2, MGDG 18:1/18:2, neophytadiene, oleic acid, phosphatidylglycerol (PG) 16:0/16:0, and PG 16:0/17:2 was achieved on day 9. The highest production of pyroglutamic acid and sucrose was observed on day 18. We suggest that the addition of exogenous glucose to Synechocystis 7338 culture could be an efficient strategy for improving growth of cells and production of photosynthetic pigments, metabolites, and intact lipid species for industrial applications.
Dietary Rice Bran-Modified Human Gut Microbial Consortia Confers Protection against Colon Carcinogenesis Following Fecal Transfaunation
Authors: Parker Kristopher D. , Maurya Akhilendra K. , Ibrahim Hend , Rao Sangeeta , Hove Petronella R. , Kumar Dileep , Kant Rama , Raina Bupinder , Agarwal Rajesh , Kuhn Kristine A. , Raina Komal , Ryan Elizabeth P.
Published: February 2021

Rice bran, removed from whole grain rice for white rice milling, has demonstrated efficacy for the control and suppression of colitis and colon cancer in multiple animal models. Dietary rice bran intake was shown to modify human stool metabolites as a result of modifications to metabolism by gut microbiota. In this study, human stool microbiota from colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors that consumed rice bran daily was examined by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for protection from azoxymethane and dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS) induced colon carcinogenesis in germ-free mice. Mice transfaunated with rice bran-modified microbiota communities (RMC) harbored fewer neoplastic lesions in the colon and displayed distinct enrichment of Flavonifractor and Oscillibacter associated with colon health, and the depletion of Parabacteroides distasonis correlated with increased tumor burden. Two anti-cancer metabolites, myristoylcarnitine and palmitoylcarnitine were increased in the colon of RMC transplanted mice. Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and tartarate that are implicated in CRC development were reduced in murine colon tissue after FMT with rice bran-modified human microbiota. Findings from this study show that rice bran modified gut microbiota from humans confers protection from colon carcinogenesis in mice and suggests integrated dietary-FMT intervention strategies should be tested for colorectal cancer control, treatment, and prevention.
Unraveling Molecular Pathways Altered in MeCP2-Related Syndromes, in the Search for New Potential Avenues for Therapy
Authors: Castells Alba-Aina , Balada Rafel , Tristán-Noguero Alba , O’Callaghan Mar , Cortès-Saladelafont Elisenda , Pascual-Alonso Ainhoa , Garcia-Cazorla Àngels , Armstrong Judith , Alcántara Soledad
Published: February 2021

Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is an X-linked epigenetic modulator whose dosage is critical for neural development and function. Loss-of-function mutations in MECP2 cause Rett Syndrome (RTT, OMIM #312750) while duplications in the Xq28 locus containing MECP2 and Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) cause MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS, OMIM #300260). Both are rare neurodevelopmental disorders that share clinical symptoms, including intellectual disability, loss of speech, hand stereotypies, vasomotor deficits and seizures. The main objective of this exploratory study is to identify novel signaling pathways and potential quantitative biomarkers that could aid early diagnosis and/or the monitoring of disease progression in clinical trials. We analyzed by RT-PCR gene expression in whole blood and microRNA (miRNA) expression in plasma, in a cohort of 20 females with Rett syndrome, 2 males with MECP2 duplication syndrome and 28 healthy controls, and correlated RNA expression with disease and clinical parameters. We have identified a set of potential biomarker panels for RTT diagnostic and disease stratification of patients with microcephaly and vasomotor deficits. Our study sets the basis for larger studies leading to the identification of specific miRNA signatures for early RTT detection, stratification, disease progression and segregation from other neurodevelopmental disorders. Nevertheless, these data will require verification and validation in further studies with larger sample size including a whole range of ages.
The Release Kinetics of Eosinophil Peroxidase and Mitochondrial DNA Is Different in Association with Eosinophil Extracellular Trap Formation
Authors: Germic Nina , Fettrelet Timothée , Stojkov Darko , Hosseini Aref , Horn Michael P. , Karaulov Alexander , Simon Dagmar , Yousefi Shida , Simon Hans-Uwe
Published: February 2021

Eosinophils are a subset of granulocytes characterized by a high abundance of specific granules in their cytoplasm. To act as effector cells, eosinophils degranulate and form eosinophil extracellular traps (EETs), which contain double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) co-localized with granule proteins. The exact molecular mechanism of EET formation remains unknown. Although the term “EET release” has been used in scientific reports, it is unclear whether EETs are pre-formed in eosinophils and subsequently released. Moreover, although eosinophil degranulation has been extensively studied, a precise time-course of granule protein release has not been reported until now. In this study, we investigated the time-dependent release of eosinophil peroxidase (EPX) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) following activation of both human and mouse eosinophils. Unexpectedly, maximal degranulation was already observed within 1 min with no further change upon complement factor 5 (C5a) stimulation of interleukin-5 (IL-5) or granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-primed eosinophils. In contrast, bulk mtDNA release in the same eosinophil populations occurred much slower and reached maximal levels between 30 and 60 min. Although no single-cell analyses have been performed, these data suggest that the molecular pathways leading to degranulation and mtDNA release are at least partially different. Moreover, based on these data, it is likely that the association between the mtDNA scaffold and granule proteins in the process of EET formation occurs in the extracellular space.
Organization of Neuropeptide Y-Immunoreactive Cells in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) Visual Cortex
Authors: Lee Myung-Jun , Lee Won-Tae , Jeon Chang-Jin
Published: February 2021

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is found throughout the central nervous system where it appears to be involved in the regulation of a wide range of physiological effects. The Mongolian gerbil, a member of the rodent family Muridae, is a diurnal animal and has been widely used in various aspects of biomedical research. This study was conducted to investigate the organization of NPY-immunoreactive (IR) neurons in the gerbil visual cortex using NPY immunocytochemistry. The highest density of NPY-IR neurons was located in layer V (50.58%). The major type of NPY-IR neuron was a multipolar round/oval cell type (44.57%). Double-color immunofluorescence revealed that 89.55% and 89.95% of NPY-IR neurons contained gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or somatostatin, respectively. Several processes of the NPY-IR neurons surrounded GABAergic interneurons. Although 30.81% of the NPY-IR neurons contained calretinin, NPY and calbindin-D28K-IR neurons were co-expressed rarely (3.75%) and NPY did not co-express parvalbumin. Triple-color immunofluorescence with anti-GluR2 or CaMKII antibodies suggested that some non-GABAergic NPY-IR neurons may make excitatory synaptic contacts. This study indicates that NPY-IR neurons have a notable architecture and are unique subpopulations of the interneurons of the gerbil visual cortex, which could provide additional valuable data for elucidating the role of NPY in the visual process in diurnal animals.
Assessment of Subclinical Renal Glomerular and Tubular Dysfunction in Children with Beta Thalassemia Major
Authors: Mahmoud Asmaa A. , Elian Doaa M. , Abd El Hady Nahla MS. , Abdallah Heba M. , Abdelsattar Shimaa , Khalil Fatma O. , Abd El Naby Sameh A.
Published: February 2021

Background: A good survival rate among patients with beta thalassemia major (beta-TM) has led to the appearance of an unrecognized renal disease. Therefore, we aimed to assess the role of serum cystatin-C as a promising marker for the detection of renal glomerular dysfunction and N-acetyl beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) as potential markers for the detection of renal tubular injury in beta-TM children. Methods: This case-control study was implemented on 100 beta-TM children receiving regular blood transfusions and undergoing iron chelation therapy and 100 healthy children as a control group. Detailed histories of complete physical and clinical examinations were recorded. All subjected children underwent blood and urinary investigations. Results: There was a significant increase in serum cystatin-C (p < 0.001) and a significant decrease in eGFR in patients with beta-TM compared with controls (p = 0.01). There was a significant increase in urinary NAG, KIM-1, UNAG/Cr, and UKIM-1/Cr (p < 0.001) among thalassemic children, with a significant positive correlation between serum cystatin-C, NAG and KIM-1 as regards serum ferritin, creatinine, and urea among thalassemic patients. A negative correlation between serum cystatin-C and urinary markers with eGFR was noted. Conclusion: Serum cystatin-C is a good marker for detection of glomerular dysfunction. NAG and KIM-1 may have a predictive role in the detection of kidney injury in beta-TM children.