bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Value and Underlying Mechanisms of Upregulated LINC00485 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Xinyu , Feng Yanlin , He Dingdong , Wang Zi , Huang Fangfang , Tu Jiancheng
Published: July 2021

Aims

This study aimed to reveal the functional role of LINC00485 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Materials & Methods

210 serum samples from Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University were employed to evaluate clinical value of LINC00485. Bioinformatics analysis was adopted to explore its potential mechanisms.

Results

LINC00485 was confirmed to be upregulated in HCC tissues and serum samples. Survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve revealed its prognostic and diagnostic roles. The combination of serum LINC00485 with AFP can remarkably improve diagnostic ability of HCC. Exploration of the underlying mechanism demonstrated that LINC00485 might exert pro-oncogenic activity by LINC00485—three miRNAs—four mRNAs network.

Conclusions

Our study unveiled that upregulated LINC00485 could act as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and provide a novel insight into the molecular mechanisms of LINC00485 in HCC pathogenesis.
Non-Coding RNAs in Invadopodia: New Insights Into Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Li Feiya , Yang Burton B.
Published: July 2021

Invadopodia are actin-rich structures and their formation is implicated in cancer invasion and metastasis. Growing evidence has shown that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play important roles in pathological conditions, including tumorigenesis and metastasis. Although this is still a new area of research, ncRNAs appear to be promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer metastasis. However, understanding the roles of ncRNAs in invadopodia is still in the early stages and far from clinical application. In this mini-review, we summarize the roles of ncRNAs in invadopodia functions and discuss them in a therapeutic context. The current challenges and gaps in this field are also raised, and we provide some open questions to facilitate new ideas in targeting invadopodia in anticancer therapy.
The Specific Connexin 43–Inhibiting Peptide Gap26 Improved Alveolar Development of Neonatal Rats With Hyperoxia Exposure
Authors: Qing Cai , Xinyi Zhao , Xuefei Yu , Xindong Xue , Jianhua Fu
Published: July 2021

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common devastating pulmonary complication in preterm infants. Alveolar maldevelopment is the crucial pathological change of BPD highly associated with oxidative stress–mediated excessive apoptosis. Cellular injury can be propagated and amplified by gap junction (GJ)–mediated intercellular communication. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the most ubiquitous and critical GJ protein. Gap26 is a specific Cx43 mimic peptide, playing as a Cx43-GJ inhibitor. We hypothesized that Cx43-GJ was involved in alveolar maldevelopment of BPD via amplifying oxidative stress signaling and inducing excessive apoptosis. Neonatal Sprague Dawley rats were kept in either normoxia (21% O2) or hyperoxia (85% O2) continuously from postnatal day (PN) 1 to 14 in the presence or absence of Gap26. Moreover, RLE-6TN cells (type II alveolar epithelial cells of rats) were cultured in vitro under normoxia (21% O2) or hyperoxia (85% O2). RLE-6TN cells were treated by N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) (a kind of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger) or Gap26. Morphological properties of lung tissue are detected. Markers associated with Cx43 expression, ROS production, the activity of the ASK1-JNK/p38 signaling pathway, and apoptotic level are detected in vivo and in vitro, respectively. In vitro, the ability of GJ-mediated intercellular communication was examined by dye-coupling assay. In vitro, our results demonstrated ROS increased Cx43 expression and GJ-mediated intercellular communication and Gap26 treatment decreased ROS production, inhibited ASK1-JNK/p38 signaling, and decreased apoptosis. In vivo, we found that hyperoxia exposure resulted in increased ROS production and Cx43 expression, activated ASK1-JNK/p38 signaling, and induced excessive apoptosis. However, Gap26 treatment reversed these changes, thus improving alveolar development in neonatal rats with hyperoxia exposure. In summary, oxidative stress increased Cx43 expression and Cx43-GJ–mediated intercellular communication. And Cx43-GJ–mediated intercellular communication amplified oxidative stress signaling, inducing excessive apoptosis via the ASK1-JNK/p38 signaling pathway. The specific connexin 43–inhibiting peptide Gap26 was a novel therapeutic strategy to improve the alveolar development of BPD.
Oridonin: A Review of Its Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics and Toxicity
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhang Chuan-Tao , Ma Wei , Xie Xin , Huang Qun
Published: July 2021

Oridonin, as a natural terpenoids found in traditional Chinese herbal medicine Isodon rubescens (Hemsl.) H.Hara, is widely present in numerous Chinese medicine preparations. The purpose of this review focuses on providing the latest and comprehensive information on the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicity of oridonin, to excavate the therapeutic potential and explore promising ways to balance toxicity and efficacy of this natural compound. Information concerning oridonin was systematically collected from the authoritative internet database of PubMed, Elsevier, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library and Europe PMC applying a combination of keywords involving “pharmacology,” “pharmacokinetics,” and “toxicology”. New evidence shows that oridonin possesses a wide range of pharmacological properties, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, hepatorenal activities as well as cardioprotective protective activities and so on. Although significant advancement has been witnessed in this field, some basic and intricate issues still exist such as the specific mechanism of oridonin against related diseases not being clear. Moreover, several lines of evidence indicated that oridonin may exhibit adverse effects, even toxicity under specific circumstances, which sparked intense debate and concern about security of oridonin. Based on the current progress, future research directions should emphasize on 1) investigating the interrelationship between concentration and pharmacological effects as well as toxicity, 2) reducing pharmacological toxicity, and 3) modifying the structure of oridonin—one of the pivotal approaches to strengthen pharmacological activity and bioavailability. We hope that this review can provide some inspiration for the research of oridonin in the future.
Genome-Wide Characterization of B-Box Gene Family and Its Roles in Responses to Light Quality and Cold Stress in Tomato
Authors: Bu Xin , Wang Xiujie , Yan Jiarong , Zhang Ying , Zhou Shunyuan , Sun Xin , Yang Youxin , Ahammed Golam Jalal , Liu Yufeng , Qi Mingfang , Wang Feng , Li Tianlai
Published: July 2021

Perceiving incoming environmental information is critical for optimizing plant growth and development. Multiple B-box proteins (BBXs) play essential roles in light-dependent developmental processes in plants. However, whether BBXs function as a signal integrator between light and temperature in tomato plants remains elusive. In this study, 31 SlBBX genes were identified from the newly released tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) genome sequences and were clustered into five subgroups. Gene structure and protein motif analyses showed relatively high conservation of closely clustered SlBBX genes within each subgroup; however, genome mapping analysis indicated the uneven distribution of the SlBBX genes on tomato chromosomes. Promoter cis-regulatory elements prediction and gene expression indicated that SlBBX genes were highly responsive to light, hormones, and stress conditions. Reverse genetic approaches revealed that disruption of SlBBX7, SlBBX9, and SlBBX20 largely suppressed the cold tolerance of tomato plants. Furthermore, the impairment of SlBBX7, SlBBX9, and SlBBX20 suppressed the photosynthetic response immediately after cold stress. Due to the impairment of non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), the excess photon energy and electron flow excited by low temperature were not consumed in SlBBX7-, SlBBX9-, and SlBBX20- silenced plants, leading to the over reduction of electron carriers and damage of the photosystem. Our study emphasized the positive roles of light signaling transcription factors SlBBXs in cold tolerance in tomato plants, which may improve the current understanding of how plants integrate light and temperature signals to adapt to adverse environments.
LEAFY, a Pioneer Transcription Factor in Plants: A Mini-Review
Authors: Yamaguchi Nobutoshi
Published: July 2021

A subset of eukaryotic transcription factors (TFs) possess the ability to reprogram one cell type into another. Genes important for cellular reprograming are typically located in closed chromatin, which is covered by nucleosomes. Pioneer factors are a special class of TFs that can initially engage their target sites in closed chromatin prior to the engagement with, opening of, or modification of the sites by other factors. Although many pioneer factors are known in animals, a few have been characterized in plants. The TF LEAFY (LFY) acts as a pioneer factor specifying floral fate in Arabidopsis. In response to endogenous and environmental cues, plants produce appropriate floral inducers (florigens). During the vegetative phase, LFY is repressed by the TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (TFL1)–FD complex, which functions as a floral inhibitor, or anti-florigen. The florigen FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) competes with TFL1 to prevent the binding of the FD TF to the LFY locus. The resulting FT–FD complex functions as a transient stimulus to activate its targets. Once LFY has been transcribed in the appropriate spatiotemporal manner, LFY binds to nucleosomes in closed chromatin regions. Subsequently, LFY opens the chromatin by displacing H1 linker histones and recruiting the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex. Such local changes permit the binding of other TFs, leading to the expression of the floral meristem identity gene APETALA1. This mini-review describes the latest advances in our understanding of the pioneer TF LFY, providing insight into the establishment of gene expression competence through the shaping of the plant epigenetic landscape.
The Oxytocinergic System as a Mediator of Anti-stress and Instorative Effects Induced by Nature: The Calm and Connection Theory
Authors: Grahn Patrik , Ottosson Johan , Uvnäs-Moberg Kerstin
Published: July 2021

Ever more research results demonstrate that human health and wellbeing are positively affected by stays in and/or exposure to natural areas, which leads, among other things, to a reduction in high stress levels. However, according to the studies, these natural areas must meet certain qualities. The qualities that are considered to be most health promoting are those that humans perceive in a positive way. Theories about how natural areas can reduce people’s stress levels and improve their coping skills have mainly focused on how certain natural areas that are perceived as safe reduce the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and consequent reduction of cortisol levels. This article discusses studies containing descriptions of how participants in rehabilitation perceive and react to natural phenomena. The common core variable in the analyzed studies was the experience of calm and connection, and this experience was associated with a reduction in stress levels and with being able to develop health and coping skills. We suggest that this experience provides a possible role for the oxytocinergic system to act as a physiological mediator for the positive and health-promoting effects in humans caused by nature. The theory is mainly based on analogies framed by theories and data from the fields of environmental psychology, horticulture, landscape architecture, medicine, and neuroscience. Oxytocin promotes different kinds of social interaction and bonding and exerts stress-reducing and healing effects. We propose that oxytocin is released by certain natural phenomena experienced as positive to decrease the levels of fear and stress, increase levels of trust and wellbeing, and possibly develop attachment or bonding to nature. By these effects, oxytocin will induce health-promoting effects. In situations characterized by low levels of fear and stress in response to release of oxytocin, the capacity for “growth” or psychological development might also be promoted. Such an instorative effect of nature, i.e., the capacity of nature to promote reorientation and the creation of new coping strategies, might hence represent an additional aspect of the oxytocin-linked effect profile, triggered in connection with certain nature phenomena. We conclude by proposing that the stress-relieving, health-promoting, restorative, and instorative effects of nature may involve activation of the oxytocinergic system.
Positive and Negative Emotional Eating Are Not the Same—The Spanish Version of the Positive-Negative Emotional Eating Scale (PNEES)
Authors: Manchón Javier , Quiles María José , Quiles Yolanda , López-Roig Sofía
Published: July 2021

The literature points to the importance of distinguishing between positive and negative emotional eating in relation to overeating and binge eating. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Spanish version of the Positive-Negative Emotional Eating Scale (PNEES) in a Spanish community sample. The sample consisted of 628 participants. The mean age was 27.5 (SD = 12.7) and 70.1% of them were women. The participants completed the PNEES, and measures of anxiety and depression (HADS), and eating disorder-related scales (TFEQ-R18, BULIT-R, and EAT-26) that were selected to examine convergent validity. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted, replicating the original two-factor solution, consisting of Negative Emotional Eating (PNEES-N) and Positive Emotional Eating (PNEES-P). The results showed an acceptable fit of the model (CFI = 0.986; TLI = 0.984, RMSEA = 0.055). Internal consistency ranged from ω = 0.92 to ω = 0.96 for both subscales and the total score. PNEES-P correlations with other variables were lower with respect to the PNEES-N, showing that they are different constructs. A mediation analysis was conducted, in which PNEES-P significantly predicted binge eating and PNEES-N was a partially mediator variable. The results showed that the adaptation process was successful.
The Ethic of Access: An AIDS Activist Won Public Access to Experimental Therapies, and This Must Now Extend to Psychedelics for Mental Illness
Authors: Campbell Morgan , Williams Monnica T.
Published: July 2021

If patients with mental illnesses are to be treated fairly in comparison with other categories of patients, they must be given access to promising experimental therapies, including psychedelics. The right of early access to promising therapies was advanced as an ethical principle by activist Larry Kramer during the AIDS pandemic, and has now largely been adopted by the medical establishment. Patients are regularly granted access to experimental drugs for many illness categories, such as cancer and infectious diseases. The need for expanded access is especially relevant during evolving crises like the AIDS and the coronavirus pandemics. In contrast to non-psychiatric branches of medicine, psychiatry has failed to expedite access to promising drugs in the face of public health emergencies, psychological crises, the wishes of many patients, and the needs of the community. Psychiatry must catch up to the rest of medicine and allow the preferences of patients for access to guide policy and law regarding unapproved medications like psychedelics.
Novel Reflections on the Autonomy and Responsibility of Science
Authors: Hempel Fabian
Published: July 2021

This paper explores how cultural understandings of the autonomy and responsibility of science in modern society are manifested in two contemporary science novels about research misconduct in biomedical research. In doing so, it looks at several facets of the societal impact of and on public and private biomedical research, especially with respect to changing authority relations and their epistemic and institutional consequences. The analysis focuses on the multi-layered ways in which social and epistemic interests are treated in Allegra Goodman’sIntuitionand Jennifer Rohn’sThe Honest Look. Goodman’s novel demonstrates how, intensified by the economization of science, internal cultural and institutional aspects of the scientific field enable social configurations that, among others, encourage scientific malpractice and lead to the delay of research projects epistemically and socially worth pursuing. In contrast, Rohn’s novel exemplifies the corrosion of the ideal scientific ethos by profit-driven practices in private-sector biomedical sciences. The concluding discussion juxtaposes these findings with pertinent contemporary phenomena in modern science systems to provide a more substantial understanding of the interpenetration between science and other social spheres.
Effects of Crop Rotation on Spring Wheat Yield and Pest Occurrence in Different Tillage Systems: A Multi-Year Experiment in Finnish Growing Conditions
Authors: Jalli Marja , Huusela Erja , Jalli Heikki , Kauppi Katja , Niemi Mari , Himanen Sari , Jauhiainen Lauri
Published: July 2021

Crop rotation and soil tillage are among key factors impacting cropping system productivity, pest management and soil health. To assess their role in northern cropping systems, we quantified the effects of crop rotation on spring wheat yield in different tillage systems based on a long-term (2005–2017) field experiment in southwestern Finland. In addition, effects of crop rotation on weeds, plant pathogens, and pest insects were assessed. Three types of crop rotation were compared: monoculture (spring wheat), 2-year rotation (spring wheat—turnip rape—spring wheat—barley) and 4-year rotation (spring wheat—turnip rape—barley—pea) under no-tillage and plowing. A diversified crop rotation improved spring wheat yield by up to 30% in no-tillage and by 13% under plowing compared with monoculture. Overall, the yield quantity and quality differences between crop rotations were higher in no-tillage plots than in plowed plots. The occurrence of weed species in spring wheat before herbicide control was highest in the four-year crop rotation and lowest in the wheat monoculture. For plant diseases, wheat leaf blotch disease severity, mainly caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, was lowest in the most diverse crop rotation. On average, wheat leaf blotch disease severity was 20% less when wheat was grown every fourth year compared with wheat monoculture. The effect of crop rotation on stem and root diseases became apparent after 6 years of rotation and the disease index was lowest in the most diverse crop rotation. Neither rotation nor tillage affected the control need of wheat midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana). Based on our results, diverse crop rotations including cereals, oilseed crops, and legumes increase yield and reduce plant disease severity of spring wheat in Finland, with the magnitude being larger in no-tillage systems.
Revision Hip Arthroscopy in the Native Hip: A Review of Contemporary Evaluation and Treatment Options
Authors: Kunze Kyle N. , Olsen Reena J. , Sullivan Spencer W. , Nwachukwu Benedict U.
Published: July 2021

Hip arthroscopy is a reproducible and efficacious procedure for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). Despite this efficacy, clinical failures are observed, clinical entities are challenging to treat, and revision hip arthroscopy may be required. The most common cause of symptom recurrence after a hip arthroscopy that leads to a revision arthroscopy is residual cam morphology as a result of inadequate femoral osteochondroplasty and restoration of head–neck offset, though several other revision etiologies including progressive chondral and labral pathologies also exist. In these cases, it is imperative to perform a comprehensive examination to identify the cause of a failed primary arthroscopy as to assess whether or not a revision hip arthroscopy procedure is indicated. When a secondary procedure is indicated, approaches may consist of revision labral repair, complete labral reconstruction, or labral augmentation depending on labral integrity. Gross instability or imaging-based evidence of microinstability may necessitate capsular augmentation or plication. If residual cam or pincer morphology is present, additional resection of the osseous abnormalities may be warranted. This review article discusses indications, the evaluation of patients with residual symptoms after primary hip arthroscopy, and the evaluation of outcomes following revision hip arthroscopy through an evidence-based discussion. We also present a case example of a revision hip arthroscopy procedure to highlight necessary intraoperative techniques during a revision hip arthroscopy.
Impact of Shade and Fogging on High Tunnel Production and Mineral Content of Organically Grown Lettuce, Basil, and Arugula in Georgia
Authors: Laur Savanah , da Silva Andre Luiz Biscaia Ribeiro , Díaz-Pérez Juan Carlos , Coolong Timothy
Published: July 2021

This study evaluated the impact of shade cloth and fogging systems on the microclimate at the plant canopy level and yield of basil (Oscimum basilicum L.), arugula (Eruca vesicaria subsp. Sativa L.), and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) planted in mid-September and early October in high tunnels. Fogging systems were installed at canopy level in plots within shaded (30%) and non-shaded high tunnels. Average air temperatures in the shaded high tunnels were 0.9 °C lower than non-shaded high tunnels during the day. Shade cloth significantly reduced soil temperatures during the day and night periods by 1.5 °C and 1.3 °C, respectively, compared to non-shaded treatments. Fogging systems did not have an impact on air temperature, soil temperature, or relative humidity, but did increase canopy leaf wetness. Shade and fogging did not impact the yield of any of the crops grown. Yield was impacted by planting date, with earlier planting result in higher yields of lettuce and basil. Yields for arugula were greater during the second planting date than the first. Planting date and shade cloth interacted to affect the concentrations of macronutrients.
Revisiting Sulphur—The Once Neglected Nutrient: It’s Roles in Plant Growth, Metabolism, Stress Tolerance and Crop Production
Authors: Zenda Tinashe , Liu Songtao , Dong Anyi , Duan Huijun
Published: July 2021

Sulphur plays crucial roles in plant growth and development, with its functions ranging from being a structural constituent of macro-biomolecules to modulating several physiological processes and tolerance to abiotic stresses. In spite of these numerous sulphur roles being well acknowledged, agriculture has paid scant regard for sulphur nutrition, until only recently. Serious problems related to soil sulphur deficiencies have emerged and the intensification of food, fiber, and animal production is escalating to feed the ever-increasing human population. In the wake of huge demand for high quality cereal and vegetable diets, sulphur can play a key role in augmenting the production, productivity, and quality of crops. Additionally, in light of the emerging problems of soil fertility exhaustion and climate change-exacerbated environmental stresses, sulphur assumes special importance in crop production, particularly under intensively cropped areas. Here, citing several relevant examples, we highlight, in addition to its plant biological and metabolism functions, how sulphur can significantly enhance crop productivity and quality, as well as acclimation to abiotic stresses. By this appraisal, we also aim to stimulate readers interests in crop sulphur research by providing priorities for future pursuance, including bettering our understanding of the molecular processes and dynamics of sulphur availability and utilization in plants, dissecting the role of soil rhizospherical microbes in plant sulphur transformations, enhancing plant phenotyping and diagnosis for nutrient deficiencies, and matching site-specific crop sulphur demands with fertilizer amendments in order to reduce nutrient use inefficiencies in both crop and livestock production systems. This will facilitate the proper utilization of sulphur in crop production and eventually enhance sustainable and environmentally friend food production.
Reliability and Validity of Seven Feline Behavior and Personality Traits
Authors: Mikkola Salla , Salonen Milla , Hakanen Emma , Sulkama Sini , Lohi Hannes
Published: July 2021

Domestic cats are popular pets, and they have personalities, with stable behavior differences between individuals. Lately, feline behavior and personality have been studied with different approaches, for example, with owner-completed questionnaires. The majority of these studies, however, lack a sufficient validation and reliability assessment of the questionnaires used. We designed an online feline behavior and personality questionnaire to collect cat behavior data from their owners. Then, we ran a factor analysis to study the structure of personality and behavior in a dataset of over 4300 cats. For validation, we studied the internal consistency, test–retest reliability, inter-rater reliability, convergent validity and discriminant validity of this questionnaire and extracted factors. In addition, we briefly examined breed differences in the seven discovered factors: fearfulness, activity/playfulness, aggression toward humans, sociability toward humans, sociability toward cats, excessive grooming and litterbox issues. Most of the rank ordering of breeds within each trait paralleled what has been found in previous studies. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire and factors were good, strengthening owner-completed questionnaires as a method to collect behavioral data from pet animals. Breed differences suggest a genetic background for personality. However, these differences should be studied further with multidimensional models, including environmental and biological variables.
Gut Health in Veterinary Medicine: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Literature
Authors: Colombino Elena , Prieto-Botella Daniel , Capucchio Maria Teresa
Published: July 2021

Gut health is a recent relevant research topic in veterinary medicine and it has been shown to be associated with better zootechnical performances and animal welfare. A bibliometric analysis was performed to explore publication trends, dynamics and possible knowledge gaps in this field in the last twenty years (2000–2020). The database Web of Science was searched and the results were analyzed by the R package Bibliometrix. A total of 1696 documents were retrieved in the evaluated period, showing a constant annual growth in the number of publications of 22.4%. These articles focused mainly on pigs (34.8%), poultry (chicken, duck, turkey and quail—33.9%) and aquaculture (fishes, crustaceans and frog—15.0%) while a scarce number was found on felines, cows, horses, rodents, goats and sheep. China was the most productive country (24.7%) followed by the USA (17.2%) and Canada (5.7%). Keyword’s analysis showed that the main research lines aimed to explore animal nutrition, prevention of inflammatory diseases and microbiota composition. This study shows a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the evolution of veterinary gut health research that will help to drive future investigations on this topic.
Development of Calibration Models to Predict Mean Fibre Diameter in Llama (Lama glama) Fleeces with Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Amorena José Ignacio , Álvarez Dolores María Eugenia , Fernández-Ahumada Elvira
Published: July 2021

Llama fibre has the potential to become the most valuable textile resource in the Puna region of Argentina. In this study near infrared reflectance spectroscopy was evaluated to predict the mean fibre diameter in llama fleeces. Analyses between sets of carded and non-carded samples in combination with spectral preprocessing techniques were carried out and a total of 169 spectral signatures of llama samples in Vis and NIR ranges (400–2500 nm) were obtained. Spectral preprocessing consisted in wavelength selection (Vis–NIR, NIR and discrete ranges) and multiplicative and derivative pretreatments; spectra without pretreatments were also included, while modified partial least squares (M-PLS) regression was used to develop prediction models. Predictability was evaluated through R2: standard cross validation error (SECV), external validation error (SEV) and residual predictive value (RPD). A total of 54 calibration models were developed in which the best model (R2 = 0.67; SECV = 1.965; SEV = 2.235 and RPD = 1.91) was obtained in the Vis–NIR range applying the first derivative pretreatment. ANOVA analysis showed differences between carded and non-carded sets and the models obtained could be used in screening programs and contribute to valorisation of llama fibre and sustainable development of textile industry in the Puna territory of Catamarca. The data presented in this paper are a contribution to enhance the scarce information on this subject.
Use of Hydrolyzed Chinese Gallnut Tannic Acid in Weaned Piglets as an Alternative to Zinc Oxide: Overview on the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Sun Junying , Wang Kaijun , Xu Baichang , Peng Xiaomin , Chai Beibei , Nong Siwei , Li Zheng , Shen Shuibao , Si Hongbin
Published: July 2021

The effects of dietary hydrolyzed Chinese gallnut tannic acid(GCT) as a replacement for ZnO were investigated on weaned piglets. A total of 72 weaned piglets at 31 ± 1 day (six replicate pens per treatment with six piglets per pen) were selected and divided randomly into two groups: a control group, with a basal diet of + 1600 mg/kg ZnO; and a treated group, with a basal diet of + 1899.5 mg/kg GCT. Data analysis showed that the significance of average daily gain and average daily feed intake between the two groups was p = 0.731 and p = 0.799, respectively. Compared with the control group, the diarrhea rate of piglets in the treated group underwent no noticeable change on days 0–7 (p = 0.383) and 7–14 (p = 0.263), but decreased significantly on days 14–21 (p < 0.05). Additionally, we found GCT can reduce the crypt depth of the ileum and improve its antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05). High throughput sequencing showed that GCT increased the richness of the bacteria Lachnospiraceae (p = 0.005), Prevotella_2 (p = 0.046) and Lactobacillus amylovorus (p = 0.081), which are associated with the degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose. The study indicated that 1899.5 mg/kg GCT could be an alternative for 1600 mg/kg ZnO in the diet of piglets.
Enhanced Hippocampus-Nidopallium Caudolaterale Connectivity during Route Formation in Goal-Directed Spatial Learning of Pigeons
Authors: Li Meng-Meng , Fan Jian-Tao , Cheng Shu-Guan , Yang Li-Fang , Yang Long , Wang Liao-Feng , Shang Zhi-Gang , Wan Hong
Published: July 2021

Goal-directed spatial learning is crucial for the survival of animals, in which the formation of the route from the current location to the goal is one of the central problems. A distributed brain network comprising the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex has been shown to support such capacity, yet it is not fully understood how the most similar brain regions in birds, the hippocampus (Hp) and nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL), cooperate during route formation in goal-directed spatial learning. Hence, we examined neural activity in the Hp-NCL network of pigeons and explored the connectivity dynamics during route formation in a goal-directed spatial task. We found that behavioral changes in spatial learning during route formation are accompanied by modifications in neural patterns in the Hp-NCL network. Specifically, as pigeons learned to solve the task, the spectral power in both regions gradually decreased. Meanwhile, elevated hippocampal theta (5 to 12 Hz) connectivity and depressed connectivity in NCL were also observed. Lastly, the interregional functional connectivity was found to increase with learning, specifically in the theta frequency band during route formation. These results provide insight into the dynamics of the Hp-NCL network during spatial learning, serving to reveal the potential mechanism of avian spatial navigation.
Exploration of Clinical Breakpoint of Danofloxacin for Glaesserella parasuis in Plasma and in PELF
Authors: Xu Zihui , Huang Anxiong , Luo Xun , Zhang Peng , Huang Lingli , Wang Xu , Mi Kun , Fang Shiwei , Huang Xiao , Li Jun , Yuan Zonghui , Hao Haihong
Published: July 2021

Background: In order to establish the clinical breakpoint (CBP) of danofloxacin against G. parasuis, three cutoff values, including epidemiological cutoff value (ECV), pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) cutoff value (COPD) and clinical cutoff value (COCL), were obtained in the present study. Methods: The ECV was calculated using ECOFFinder base on the MIC distribution of danfloxacin against 347 G. parasuis collected from disease pigs. The COPD was established based on in vivo and ex vivo PK-PD modeling of danofloxacin both in plasma and pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (PELF) using Hill formula and Monte Carlo analysis. The COCL was established based on the relationship between the possibility of cure (POC) and MIC in the clinical trials using the “WindoW” approach, nonlinear regression and CART analysis. Results: The MIC50 and MIC90 of danofloxacin against 347 G. parasuis were 2 μg/mL and 8 μg/mL, respectively. The ECV value was set to 8 μg/mL using ECOFFinder. Concentration-time curves of danofloxacin were fitted with a two-compartment PK model. The PK parameters of the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under concentration-time curves (AUC) in PELF were 3.67 ± 0.25 μg/mL and 24.28 ± 2.70 h·μg/mL, higher than those in plasma (0.67 ± 0.01 μg/mL and 4.47 ± 0.51 h·μg/mL). The peak time (Tmax) in plasma was 0.23 ± 0.07 h, shorter than that in PELF (1.61 ± 0.15 h). The COPD in plasma and PELF were 0.125 μg/mL and 0.5 μg/mL, respectively. The COCL calculated by WindoW approach, nonlinear regression and CART analysis were 0.125–4 μg/mL, 0.428 μg/mL and 0.56 μg/mL, respectively. The 0.5 μg/mL was selected as eligible COCL. The ECV is much higher than the COPD and COCL, and the clinical breakpoint based on data in plasma was largely different from that of PELF. Conclusions: Our study firstly established three cutoff values of danofloxacin against G. parasuis. It suggested that non-wild-type danofloxacin-resistant G. parasuis may lead to ineffective treatment by danofloxacin.
Bioguided Isolation of Antibiofilm and Antibacterial Pregnane Glycosides from Caralluma quadrangula: Disarming Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens
Authors: El-Shiekh Riham A. , Hassan Mariam , Hashem Rasha A. , Abdel-Sattar Essam
Published: July 2021

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB) present a serious challenge because of their capability to cause biofilm resistance to commonly used antibiotics producing chronic infections and hindering the process of wound healing. In the current study, we investigated the antibacterial activity of Caralluma quadrangula extracts (MeOH, and its fractions CH2Cl2 and n-butanol) against multidrug-resistant MRSA USA300 and A. baumannii AB5057. In vitro, the MeOH extract and both fractions of C. quadrangula significantly inhibited biofilm formation and disrupted previously established biofilm by MRSA and MDRAB at all the tested concentrations (0.625, 0.313, and 0.156 mg/mL). In vivo, C. quadrangula extracts successfully decreased bacterial loads in MRSA-infected skin lesions in mice. Four pregnane glycosides and one flavone glycoside were isolated from the bioactive n-butanol fraction. The isolated compounds (Rus A–E) were tested for their biofilm inhibition and biofilm detachment activities. The results revealed that Rus C was the most active compound (IC50 = 0.139 mmole), while Rus E was the least active (IC50 = 0.818 mmole). These results support the potential use of C. quadrangula extracts or their isolated compounds for hindering the biofilm attachment and the virulence of MRSA and MDRAB and their application as a topical antimicrobial preparation for MRSA skin infections.
Clindamycin as an Alternative Option in Optimizing Periodontal Therapy
Authors: Luchian Ionut , Goriuc Ancuta , Martu Maria Alexandra , Covasa Mihai
Published: July 2021

Periodontal disease is an oral infectious and inflammatory disease caused by microorganisms that determine the host-mediated destruction of soft and hard periodontal tissues, which ultimately leads to tooth loss. Periodontitis affects a large part of the population, with various degrees of severity. Treatment consists of etiologic therapy: the removal of biofilm through mechanical debridement plus microbial elimination by supplementary measures. Antibiotic administration, either systemically or through local delivery, has been shown to improve clinical outcomes after mechanical periodontal treatment. Clindamycin is a lincosamide with a broad spectrum, being active against aerobic, anaerobic, and β-lactamase-producing bacteria. This antibiotic offers several advantages and some disadvantages and has been used in periodontal treatment both systemically and locally with various degrees of success. Among the properties that recommend it for periodontal treatment is the bacteriostatic effect, the inhibition of bacterial proteins synthesis, the enhancement of neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis and the oxidative burst–oxidative stress storm. Furthermore, it is easily absorbed at the level of oral tissues in a considerable amount. This substantial tissue penetration, especially inside the bone, is synergistic with a stimulating effect on the host immune system. The aim of this review is to explore the applicability of this antibiotic agent and to evaluate its antimicrobial potential and limitations at the level of the oral biofilm associated with periodontal disease.
Blood Pressure-Lowering Effect of Wine Lees Phenolic Compounds Is Mediated by Endothelial-Derived Factors: Role of Sirtuin 1
Authors: López-Fernández-Sobrino Raúl , Soliz-Rueda Jorge R. , Ávila-Román Javier , Arola-Arnal Anna , Suárez Manuel , Muguerza Begoña , Bravo Francisca Isabel
Published: July 2021

The antihypertensive effect of wine lees powder (WLPW) from a Cabernet grape variety was related to its high content in flavanols and anthocyanins compounds. This study investigates the involvement of endothelial-derived factors and SIRT1 in its bioactivity. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were orally administered water or WLPW (125 mg/kg bw). Posteriorly, both groups were intraperitoneally administered saline, Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a nitric oxide (NO) synthesis inhibitor, indomethacin, a prostacyclin synthesis inhibitor, or sirtinol, an inhibitor of sirtuins. Blood pressure (BP) was recorded before and 6 h after WLPW administration. In an additional experiment, SHR were administered water or WLPW and endothelial expressions of eNos, Sirt1, Nox4, and Et1 were determined. The BP-lowering properties of WLPW were abolished by L-NAME and partially reduced by indomethacin, demonstrating that WLPW antihypertensive effect was mediated by changes in NO availability, although prostacyclin also contributed to this activity. Moreover, BP-lowering effect was reduced by sirtinol, indicating that WLPW decreased BP in a SIRT1-dependent manner. Furthermore, WLPW upregulated eNos and Sirt1 and downregulated Nox4 and Et1 endothelial gene expression. These results evidence the vasoprotective effect of WLPW and show that its antihypertensive effect in SHR is endothelium dependent and mediated by SIRT1.
VBM-Based Alzheimer’s Disease Detection from the Region of Interest of T1 MRI with Supportive Gaussian Smoothing and a Bayesian Regularized Neural Network
Authors: Khagi Bijen , Lee Kun Ho , Choi Kyu Yeong , Lee Jang Jae , Kwon Goo-Rak , Yang Hee-Deok
Published: July 2021

This paper presents an efficient computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) approach for the automatic detection of Alzheimer’s disease in patients’ T1 MRI scans using the voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis of the region of interest (ROI) in the brain. The idea is to generate a normal distribution of feature vectors from ROIs then later use for classification via Bayesian regularized neural network (BR-NN). The first dataset consists of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 74 Alzheimer’s disease (AD), 42 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 74 control normal (CN) from the ADNI1 dataset. The other dataset consists of the MRI of 42 Alzheimer’s disease dementia (ADD), 42 normal controls (NCs), and 39 MCI due to AD (mAD) from our GARD2 database. We aim to create a generalized network to distinguish normal individuals (CN/NC) from dementia patients AD/ADD and MCI/mAD. Our performance relies on our feature extraction process and data smoothing process. Here the key process is to generate a Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) t-map image from VBM analysis and obtain the region of interest (ROI) that shows the optimistic result after two-sample t-tests for a smaller value of p < 0.001(AD vs. CN). The result was overwhelming for the distinction between AD/ADD and CN/NC, thus validating our idea for discriminative MRI features. Further, we compared our performance with other recent state-of-the-art methods, and it is comparatively better in many cases. We have experimented with two datasets to validate the process. To validate the network generalization, BR-NN is trained from 70% of the ADNI dataset and tested on 30% of the ADNI, 100% of the GARD dataset, and vice versa. Additionally, we identified the brain anatomical ROIs that may be relatively responsible for brain atrophy during the AD diagnosis.
Transferred Cold Atmospheric Plasma Treatment on Melanoma Skin Cancer Cells with/without Catalase Enzyme In Vitro
Authors: Chen Yun-Hsuan , Hsieh Jang-Hsing , Wang I-Te , Jheng Pei-Ru , Yeh Yi-Yen , Lee Jyh-Wei , Bolouki Nima , Chuang Er-Yuan
Published: July 2021

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a promising tool to overcome certain cancerous and precancerous conditions in dermatology. A scheme of transferred CAP was first developed to treat melanoma (B16F10) skin cancer cells as well as non-malignant (L929) cells in vitro. CAP was transferred using a silicone tube with a jet system that was developed and was assessed as to whether it could generate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) at near-room temperature. The transferred CAP was characterized electrically and spectroscopically. Biological data showed that the transferred CAP killed cancer cells but not non-malignant (L929) cells. Plasma treatment was effective with a time duration of 30 s, whereas non-malignant (L929) cells were less damaged during plasma treatment. In addition, catalase (CAT) enzyme was applied to neutralize and detoxify the RONS generated by the transferred CAP. These findings suggest that transferred CAP can be considered a melanoma cancer therapy.
A Study on the Design and Application of Fictional Storytelling in Online Learning of Computer Security
Authors: Arnedo-Moreno Joan , Garcia-Font Victor
Published: July 2021

Computer security is an important part of the computer science (CS) curriculum in all kinds of universities. Although the educational approach tends to be highly technical and practical, it cannot be avoided that some understanding and memorizing of the core concepts is necessary beforehand. One method that has been found to work in favor of human psychology, and of special interest in the case of online learning, where student motivation is at a higher stake, would be to present such content as memorable and relatable situations to the reader, using some form of fictional storytelling. However, this approach must always serve its educational purpose first, following a set of sound design principles. This paper presents a study including 111 participants to evaluate the convenience of using a digital book called the “novelette”, which relies on storytelling, to teach computer security concepts in the CS degree of Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), a 100% online university. The study involved two questionnaires to gather quantitative and qualitative information about the format, content and students’ perception. This study shows that the validity and usefulness of this approach is on par with traditional ones, but also has a higher impact on student motivation and self-perception of the acquired knowledge.
Numerical Quantification of Controllability in the Null Space for Redundant Manipulators
Authors: Kim Seonwoo , Yun Seongseop , Shin Dongjun
Published: July 2021

Redundant motion, which is possible when robotic manipulators are over-actuated, can be used to control robot arms for a wide range of tasks. One of the best known methods for controlling redundancy is the null space projection, which assigns a priority while executing desired tasks. However, when the manipulator is projected into null space, its motion would be limited, since the motion is only permitted in the direction that does not interfere with the primary task. In this study, we have analyzed the null space projector matrix to derive the appropriate direction of the redundant motion by quantifying the allowed motion in each direction. As a result, we have found an ellipsoidal boundary, in which the redundant motion is permitted to move. We have named this ellipsoidal boundary as ’null space quality’ in directions. The proposed null space quality shows similar aspects with that of the robot manipulability, but it reveals a decisively different value when the manipulator operates within the null space. The experimental results showed that the robotic manipulator tracked the sinusoidal input trajectory with reduced root mean square (RMS) error by 33.84%. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the obstacle avoidance of a robotic arm utilizing the null space projector while considering the null space quality.
Alteration of the Occlusal Vertical Dimension for Prosthetic Restoration Using a Target Tracking System
Authors: Lee Hwa-Jung , Shim June-Sung , Moon Hong-Seok , Kim Jong-Eun
Published: July 2021

Clinicians and researchers have used various methods to reproduce the maxillomandibular relationship and mandibular movement of individual patients using an articulator, with efforts being made to reduce errors associated with the conventional technique. When a change to a vertical dimension is required during the conventional prosthesis construction process, the maxillary and mandibular casts are mounted on the mechanical articulator using a facebow and bite registration and the elevation of the anterior guide pin of the articulator is used. However, this can inevitably cause errors due to differences between the articulator hinge movement and the actual trajectory of the patient. There has recently been increasing interest in tracking the trajectory of jaw motion of a patient, and this paper presents a new technique for altering the vertical dimension based on the measured trajectory. Target materials for performing tracking are attached to the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth to record opening and closing movements of the patient’s mouth in real time and align the patient’s scanned intraoral data or cast data. The movements of the targets are replaced with the movement of the patient’s oral scan data. Additionally, then the occlusal vertical dimension is set to a new position based on the obtained trajectory. After determining the optimal vertical dimension with consideration of the space required for restoration, maxillary and mandibular STL files are exported and the designed cast is created using a 3D printer. The printed cast is mounted on an articulator for subsequent procedures. This approach maintains the patient’s actual maxillomandibular relationship at various vertical heights and can also reduce the chair time required when adjusting for errors.