bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sulfur Amino Acid Metabolism and the Role of Endogenous Cystathionine-γ-lyase/H2S in Holstein Cows with Clinical Mastitis
Authors: Zhang Bohao , Lin Ting , Bai Xu , An Xiaoxiao , Dai Lijun , Shi Jun , Zhang Yong , Zhao Xingxu , Zhang Quanwei
Published: June 2022

H2S plays an important role in various inflammatory diseases. However, the role of H2S and synthetic enzymes in Holstein cows with CM is unknown. The aim of this study was to identify DEPs associated with sulfide metabolism and further investigate their roles in dairy cows with CM. From 3739 DEPs generated by data-independent acquisition proteomics, we identified a total of 17 DEPs included in 44 GO terms and five KEGG pathways related to sulfide metabolism, including CTH and cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS). Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining results showed that CTH and CBS proteins were present mainly in the cytoplasm of mammary epithelial cells. Endogenous H2S production in the serum of the CM group was significantly lower than that of the healthy Holstein cows. CTH and CBS mRNA and protein levels in the mammary glands of the CM group were significantly downregulated compared to those of the healthy group. These results indicate that CTH and H2S were correlated with the occurrence and development of CM in Holstein cows, which provides important insights into the function and regulatory mechanism of CTH/H2S in Holstein cows.
Nose-Flap Devices Used for Two-Stage Weaning Produce Wounds in the Nostrils of Beef Calves: Case Report
Authors: Valente Tiago S. , Ruiz Lucas R. B. , Macitelli Fernanda , Paranhos da Costa Mateus J. R.
Published: June 2022

This case report aims to describe the occurrence of negative impacts of wearing nose-flap devices on beef calves subjected to the two-stage weaning method. Forty-one calves, twenty-one pure Nellore and twenty F1 Angus-Nellore, were weaned on average at 236 days of age. Commercial nose-flap devices were fitted in the nostrils of the calves (d0) to prevent suckling and removed five days later (d5). Individual body weights were assessed at d0 and d5, and average daily gain (ADG) was calculated. At d5, during nose-flap device removal, it was noted that 26.8% of the calves lost the nose-flap device; however, all of them had wounds in their nostrils (no injuries in the nostrils had been observed on d0). To assess the severity of these injuries, an impairment score was assigned to each calf, ranging from 1 = no lesions to 5 = injured with purulent discharge. A logistic regression model was fitted to evaluate the effect of sex and genetic group on nose-flap retention (kept or lost). The retention rate did not differ (p > 0.05) between sex and genetic groups. All calves showed at least open wounds of the nasal septum (score 2), including those that lost the nose-flaps before d5. Almost half of the calves showed weight loss during this period. We conclude that there is a considerable risk of the two-stage weaning method compromising the physical integrity of the nostrils of beef calves through the use of these devices, and due to this, it should not be referred to as a low-stress weaning practice for beef calves.
Individual Beef Cattle Identification Using Muzzle Images and Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Li Guoming , Erickson Galen E. , Xiong Yijie
Published: June 2022

Individual feedlot beef cattle identification represents a critical component in cattle traceability in the supply food chain. It also provides insights into tracking disease trajectories, ascertaining ownership, and managing cattle production and distribution. Animal biometric solutions, e.g., identifying cattle muzzle patterns (unique features comparable to human fingerprints), may offer noninvasive and unique methods for cattle identification and tracking, but need validation with advancement in machine learning modeling. The objectives of this research were to (1) collect and publish a high-quality dataset for beef cattle muzzle images, and (2) evaluate and benchmark the performance of recognizing individual beef cattle with a variety of deep learning models. A total of 4923 muzzle images for 268 US feedlot finishing cattle (>12 images per animal on average) were taken with a mirrorless digital camera and processed to form the dataset. A total of 59 deep learning image classification models were comparatively evaluated for identifying individual cattle. The best accuracy for identifying the 268 cattle was 98.7%, and the fastest processing speed was 28.3 ms/image. Weighted cross-entropy loss function and data augmentation can increase the identification accuracy of individual cattle with fewer muzzle images for model development. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the great potential of deep learning applications for individual cattle identification and is favorable for precision livestock management. Scholars are encouraged to utilize the published dataset to develop better models tailored for the beef cattle industry.
Post-Mortem Computed Tomography Pulmonary Findings in Harbor Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena)
Authors: Kuijpers Nienke W. , van Schalkwijk Linde , IJsseldijk Lonneke L. , Willems Dorien S. , Veraa Stefanie
Published: June 2022

The application of whole-body post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) in veterinary and wildlife post-mortem research programs is advancing. A high incidence of pulmonary pathology is reported in the harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). In this study, the value of PMCT focused on pulmonary assessment is evaluated. The objectives of this study were to describe pulmonary changes as well as autolytic features detected by PMCT examination and to compare those findings with conventional necropsy. Retrospective evaluation of whole-body PMCT images of 46 relatively fresh harbor porpoises and corresponding conventional necropsy reports was carried out, with a special focus on the respiratory tract. Common pulmonary PMCT findings included: moderate (24/46) to severe (19/46) increased pulmonary soft tissue attenuation, severe parasite burden (17/46), bronchial wall thickening (30/46), and mild autolysis (26/46). Compared to conventional necropsy, PMCT more frequently identified pneumothorax (5/46 vs. none), tracheal content (26/46 vs. 7/46), and macroscopic pulmonary mineralization (23/46 vs. 11/46), and provided more information of the distribution of pulmonary changes. These results indicate that PMCT adds information on pulmonary assessment and is a promising complementary technique for necropsy, despite the frequent presence of mild autolytic features.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Advancements in the Field of Animal Reproduction
Authors: Bazzano Marilena , Troisi Alessandro
Published: June 2022

Reproductive physiology and breeding have fascinated scientist since ancient times, and it is not surprising that explorations in these fields are included among the oldest and most well-documented branches of veterinary medicine [...]
The Effects of Different Forms of Butyric Acid on the Performance of Turkeys, Carcass Quality, Incidence of Footpad Dermatitis and Economic Efficiency
Authors: Makowski Zbigniew , Lipiński Krzysztof , Mazur-Kuśnirek Magdalena
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of butyric acid glycerides (BAG), sodium butyrate (SB) and coated sodium butyrate (CSB) in turkey nutrition based on the growth performance of birds, carcass yield, meat quality, the dry matter (DM) content of faeces, the incidence of footpad dermatitis (FPD), and economic efficiency. A 105-day experiment was conducted on 400 BIG 6 female turkeys (4 treatments, 5 replications, 20 birds per replication). The addition of CSB and BAG to turkey diets improved the feed conversion ratio (FCR, p ≤ 0.05) and increased the values of the European Efficiency Index (EEI, p ≤ 0.01). The analysed forms of BA in turkey diets increased the concentration of DM in faeces (p ≤ 0.01) and decreased FPD incidence (p ≤ 0.01), which may suggest that all forms of butyrate improved litter quality and inhibit the risk for diarrhoea. The results of this study indicate that all forms of butyric acid can be valuable feed additives in turkey nutrition.
First Description of Serological Evidence for SARS-CoV-2 in Lactating Cows
Authors: Fiorito Filomena , Iovane Valentina , Pagnini Ugo , Cerracchio Claudia , Brandi Sergio , Levante Martina , Marati Luisa , Ferrara Gianmarco , Tammaro Virginio , De Carlo Esterina , Iovane Giuseppe , Fusco Giovanna
Published: June 2022

Following the COVID-19 epidemic outbreak in Ariano Irpino, Campania region (Italy), we tested lactating cows for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on a cattle farm at which, prior to the investigation, 13 of the 20 farmworkers showed COVID-19-like symptoms, and one of them died. Twenty-four lactating cows were sampled to detect SARS-CoV-2. All nasal and rectal swabs and milk samples were negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Of the 24 collected serum samples, 11 showed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein, 14 showed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, and 13 developed neutralising antibodies for SARS-COV-2; all samples were negative for Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV), another betacoronavirus. To our knowledge, this is the first report of natural serological evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in lactating cows. We hypothesise that this may be a case of reverse zoonosis. However, the role of cattle in SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission seems to be negligible.
High Incidence of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Treated with High-Dose Amoxicillin and Cloxacillin Combination Therapy
Authors: Ruch Yvon , Ursenbach Axel , Danion François , Reisz Fanny , Nai Thierry , Hoellinger Baptiste , Hansmann Yves , Lefebvre Nicolas , Martzloff Jonas
Published: June 2022

High-dose amoxicillin and cloxacillin combination therapy is recommended for the empiric treatment of selected patients with infective endocarditis despite a low level of evidence. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the renal tolerance of high-dose intravenous amoxicillin and cloxacillin combination. We studied 27 patients treated with amoxicillin and cloxacillin (≥100 mg/kg daily) for at least 48 h. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI). The median patient age was 68 ± 8 years, and 16 (59%) were male. The indication for this combination therapy was suspected or confirmed endocarditis with no bacterial identification in 22 (81%) patients. The primary endpoint occurred in 16 (59%) patients after initiating this combination therapy within an average of 4.4 ± 3.6 days. Among them, seven (26%) patients developed severe AKI, including four (15%) patients who required hemodialysis. Other risk factors for AKI were identified in all patients, including injection of iodinated contrast media in 21 (78%), acute heart failure in 18 (67%), cardiac surgery in 11 (41%), and aminoglycoside use in 9 (33%) patients. This study reports an incidence of 59% of AKI after initiating amoxicillin and cloxacillin combination therapy in a population at high renal risk.
Biofilm Formation of Staphylococcus aureus from Pets, Livestock, and Wild Animals: Relationship with Clonal Lineages and Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Silva Vanessa , Correia Elisete , Pereira José Eduardo , González-Machado Camino , Capita Rosa , Alonso-Calleja Carlos , Igrejas Gilberto , Poeta Patrícia
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to compare the biofilm formation ability of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from a wide range of animals and study the association between biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance and genetic lineages. A total of 214 S. aureus strains isolated from pets, livestock, and wild animals were evaluated regarding their ability to form biofilms by the microtiter biofilm assay and their structure via confocal scanning laser microscopy. Statistical analysis was used to find an association between biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance, multidrug resistance, sequence types (STs), spa and agr-types of the isolates. The antimicrobial susceptibility of 24 h-old biofilms was assessed against minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and 10× MIC of amikacin and tetracycline, and the biomass reduction was measured. The metabolic activity of biofilms after antimicrobial treatment was evaluated by the XTT assay. All isolates were had the ability to form biofilms. Yet, significant differences in biofilm biomass production were detected among animal species. Multidrug resistance had a positive association with biofilm formation as well as methicillin-resistance. Significant differences were also detected among the clonal lineages of the isolates. Both tetracycline and amikacin were able to significantly reduce the biofilm mass. However, none of the antimicrobials were able to eradicate the biofilm at the maximum concentration used. Our results provide important information on the biofilm-forming capacity of animal-adapted S. aureus isolates, which may have potential implications for the development of new biofilm-targeted therapeutics.
A Ku-Band Bi-Directional Transmit and Receive IC in 0.13 μm CMOS Technology
Authors: Kim Jeong-Geun , Baek Donghyun
Published: June 2022

This paper presents a Ku-band transmit and receive IC in 0.13 µm CMOS technology for mobile satellite communication beamforming systems. A Ku-band transmit and receive IC is composed of a bi-directional amplifier, a 6-bit phase shifter, and a 6-bit digital step attenuator. The precise trimming bits are implemented in the phase shifter (2.8°) and digital step attenuator (0.5 and 1 dB) for the amplitude and phase error correction. The phase variation range of the phase shifter is 360° with a phase resolution of 5.625°. The attenuation range of 31.5 dB with an amplitude resolution of 0.5 dB is achieved. The gain of 2~5 dB and the input/output return losses of >10 dB are achieved from 12 to 16 GHz. The chip size is 2.5 × 1.5 mm2 including bonding pads. The DC power consumption is 216 mW.
Early Warning of the Construction Safety Risk of a Subway Station Based on the LSSVM Optimized by QPSO
Authors: Zhang Leian , Wang Junwu , Wu Han , Wu Mengwei , Guo Jingyi , Wang Shengmin
Published: June 2022

Subway station projects are characterized by complex construction technology, complex site conditions, and being easily influenced by the surrounding environment; thus, construction safety accidents occur frequently. In order to improve the computing performance of the early risk warning system in subway station construction, a novel model based on least-squares support vector machines (LSSVM) optimized by quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization (QPSO) was proposed. First, early warning factors from five aspects (man, machine, management, material, and the environment) were selected based on accident causation theory and literature research. The data acquisition method of each risk factor was provided in detail. Then, the LSSVM with strong small sample analysis and nonlinear analysis abilities was chosen to give the early warning. To further ameliorate the early warning accuracy of the LSSVM, QPSO with a strong global retrieval ability was used to find the optimal calculation parameters of the LSSVM. Seventeen subway stations of Chengdu Metro Line 11 in China were picked as the empirical objects. The results demonstrated that the best regularization parameter was 1.742, and the best width parameter was 14.167. The number of misjudged samples of the proposed model was 1, and the early warning error rate was only 4.41%, which met the needs of engineering practice. Compared with the classic and latest methods, the proposed model was found to have a faster prediction speed and higher prediction accuracy.
Skin Cancer Disease Detection Using Transfer Learning Technique
Authors: Rashid Javed , Ishfaq Maryam , Ali Ghulam , Saeed Muhammad R. , Hussain Mubasher , Alkhalifah Tamim , Alturise Fahad , Samand Noor
Published: June 2022

Melanoma is a fatal type of skin cancer; the fury spread results in a high fatality rate when the malignancy is not treated at an initial stage. The patients’ lives can be saved by accurately detecting skin cancer at an initial stage. A quick and precise diagnosis might help increase the patient’s survival rate. It necessitates the development of a computer-assisted diagnostic support system. This research proposes a novel deep transfer learning model for melanoma classification using MobileNetV2. The MobileNetV2 is a deep convolutional neural network that classifies the sample skin lesions as malignant or benign. The performance of the proposed deep learning model is evaluated using the ISIC 2020 dataset. The dataset contains less than 2% malignant samples, raising the class imbalance. Various data augmentation techniques were applied to tackle the class imbalance issue and add diversity to the dataset. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed deep learning technique outperforms state-of-the-art deep learning techniques in terms of accuracy and computational cost.
One-Dimensional Detection Using Interference Estimation by Multilayered Two-Dimensional General Partial Response Targets for Bit-Patterned Media Recording Systems
Authors: Nguyen Thien An , Lee Jaejin
Published: June 2022

In bit-patterned media recording (BPMR) systems, two-dimensional (2D) interference, which includes intersymbol and intertrack interference from down- and across-track directions, respectively, increases when the distance between the islands is reduced with increasing areal density. In recent studies, a general partial response (GPR) target was often deployed with the equalizer to estimate and reduce interference. With this combination, the BPMR system becomes a promising candidate for high-density storage systems and achieves high bit error rate (BER) performance. Therefore, in this study, we investigate the detection capability while varying the form of the GPR target and implement a multilayered 2D GPR target and a detection method for improving the accuracy in estimating the interference. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed model improves by a gain of ~1 dB compared to the previous studies.
An Open Relation Extraction System for Web Text Information
Authors: Li Huagang , Liu Bo
Published: June 2022

Web texts typically undergo the open-ended growth of new relations. Traditional relation extraction methods lack automatic annotation and perform poorly on new relation extraction tasks. We propose an open-domain relation extraction system (ORES) based on distant supervision and few-shot learning to solve this problem. More specifically, we utilize tBERT to design instance selector 1, implementing automatic labeling in the data mining component. Meanwhile, we design example selector 2 based on K-BERT in the new relation extraction component. The real-time data management component outputs new relational data. Experiments show that ORES can filter out higher quality and diverse instances for better new relation learning. It achieves significant improvement compared to Neural Snowball with fewer seed sentences.
Dynamic Response of a Heavy-Haul Railway Tunnel’s Bottom Structures in Hard Rock
Authors: Liu Cong , Tang Qianlong , Wu Bo , Wan Qiang , Ye Yisheng
Published: June 2022

A train–tunnel–surrounding rock numerical model was established by using ABAQUS to analyze the dynamic response of a heavy-haul railway tunnel in hard rock, quantify the influence of the train axle load on the tunnel dynamic response and determine its potential vulnerable position. The results suggested that: Under the 30 t train load and surrounding rock pressure coupling, the maximum principal stress caused by rock pressure was 1.27 MPa, located at the bottom of the structure below the side drain; the maximum dynamic response of the tunnel structure and base rock was located directly below the rail. The lower part of the side drain and rail was the vulnerable position in the tunnel bottom structure, and the probability of base disease under the rail may be higher than that in soft-rock tunnels, for it has a greater dynamic response and thinner structure compared to a soft-rock tunnel. The maximum principal stress amplitude of the tunnel structure and base rock were 129.3 kPa and 43.0 kPa, respectively. When the axle load increased by 1 t, the dynamic amplitude of the structure’s maximum principal stress increased by about 4.14 kPa, and the base rock’s maximum principal stress increased by about 1.33 kPa. The rock pressure was not negligible in the dynamic analysis of the railway tunnel, and the dynamic response of the tunnel bottom structure and base rock will decrease, obviously, when the rock pressure is ignored.
Records of Organic Carbon Isotopic Composition and Its Paleoenvironmental Implications in Shengshan Island Loess Deposition in the East China Sea during the Last Glacial Period
Authors: Ren Shaofang , Song Yiqing , Long Hao , Wu Chao , Wang Zhigang , Yi Chengxin , Wang Hui , Zhou Limin , Zheng Xiangmin
Published: June 2022

Organic carbon isotopic composition (δ13Corg) in loess deposits is an important indicator of terrestrial paleovegetation, and it has been widely used for paleoenvironmental reconstruction in aeolian sediments around the world. However, little research has been done on the variation and paleoenvironmental implication of δ13Corg from loess deposits on Shengshan Island, East China Sea, during the last glacial period (LG). In this research, we present optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages, total organic carbon (TOC) data and δ13Corg records of the loess section at Chenqianshan (CQS) on Shengshan Island. Additionally, to study the effectiveness of δ13Corg in documenting paleoenvironmental changes, magnetic susceptibilities and diffuse reflectance spectra were surveyed. TOC concentration for the CQS loess section ranged from 0.11% to 0.47%, and the δ13Corg composition of the CQS loess section varied between −20.80‰ and −24.56‰ during the LG. The average value of C4 abundance was 21.31%. TOC, δ13Corg, χfd, and Hm/(Hm + Gt) curves for the CQS loess section showed similar patterns. The results of our study indicated that the vegetation of the CQS loess deposit was mainly C3/C4 mixed vegetation, and C3 vegetation was the most important vegetation. The comparison between the δ13Corg curve for the CQS section and other existing δ13Corg records of the loess sections from central and northern China showed similar trends and their vegetation succession exhibited synchronous change during the LG. Based on a comparison of the δ13Corg record, C4 abundance and χfd of the CQS section and other global geological records, it was concluded that the mutual effects of precipitation and temperature caused the change of paleovegetation in loess deposits on islands in the East China Sea during the LG.
Applications of Digital Twin across Industries: A Review
Authors: Singh Maulshree , Srivastava Rupal , Fuenmayor Evert , Kuts Vladimir , Qiao Yuansong , Murray Niall , Devine Declan
Published: June 2022

One of the most promising technologies that is driving digitalization in several industries is Digital Twin (DT). DT refers to the digital replica or model of any physical object (physical twin). What differentiates DT from simulation and other digital or CAD models is the automatic bidirectional exchange of data between digital and physical twins in real-time. The benefits of implementing DT in any sector include reduced operational costs and time, increased productivity, better decision making, improved predictive/preventive maintenance, etc. As a result, its implementation is expected to grow exponentially in the coming decades as, with the advent of Industry 4.0, products and systems have become more intelligent, relaying on collection and storing incremental amounts of data. Connecting that data effectively to DTs can open up many new opportunities and this paper explores different industrial sectors where the implementation of DT is taking advantage of these opportunities and how these opportunities are taking the industry forward. The paper covers the applications of DT in 13 different industries including the manufacturing, agriculture, education, construction, medicine, and retail, along with the industrial use case in these industries.
Terahertz-Wave Absorption Gas Sensing for Dimethyl Sulfoxide
Authors: Passarelli Alec , Rice Timothy , Chowdhury M. , Powers Megan , Mansha Muhammad , Wilke Ingrid , Hella Mona , Oehlschlaeger Matthew
Published: June 2022

Gas sensing for dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) based on rotational absorption spectroscopy is demonstrated in the 220–330 GHz frequency range using a robust electronic THz-wave spectrometer. DMSO is a flammable liquid commonly used as a solvent in the food and pharmaceutical industries, materials synthesis, and manufacturing. DMSO is a hazard to human health and the work environment; hence, remote gas sensing for DMSO environmental and process monitoring is desired. Absorption measurements were carried out for pure DMSO at 297 K and 0.4 Torr (53 Pa). DMSO was shown to have a unique rotational fingerprint with a series of repeating absorption bands. The frequencies of transitions observed in the present study were found to be in good agreement with spectral simulations carried out based on rotational parameters derived in prior work. Newly, intensities of the rotational absorption lines were experimentally observed and reported for DMSO in this study. Measured intensities for major absorption lines were found in very good agreement with relative line intensities estimated by quantum mechanical calculations. The sensor developed here exhibited a detection limit of 1.3 × 1015–2.6 × 1015 DMSO molecules/cm3 per meter of absorption path length, with the potential for greater sensitivity with signal-to-noise improvements. The study illustrates the potential of all electronic THz-wave systems for miniaturized remote gas sensors.
Numerical Simulation of Aspergillus Niger Spore Deposition in Nasal Cavities of a Population in Northwest China
Authors: Wang Yusheng , Dong Jingliang , Chen Xiaole , Lou Miao , Ma Ruiping , Hu Zhenzhen , Gong Minjie , Wang Botao , Tong Zhenbo , Ren Hongxian , Li Chaofan , Zheng Guoxi , Zhang Ya
Published: June 2022

Background: As common pathogens in the human respiratory tract, fungal-spore-related health risks have been challenging to evaluate properly. This paper presents numerical simulations of particle deposition of Aspergillus niger spores in human nasal cavities. Methods: 30 healthy adults (including 60 nasal chambers) who lived in northwest China were recruited to conduct a nasal cavity numerical simulation using computational fluid dynamics–discrete phase model (CFD-DPM). The deposition rate in each anatomic area and its influencing variables, such as body position and respiratory flow rate, were analyzed. Results: (1) Under a resting condition, only about 5.57% ± 1.51% Aspergillus niger spores were deposited in the nasal cavity, while most of them escaped from the nasopharynx, and 0.31% ± 0.20% spores entered the maxillary sinus; (2) under an exercising condition, spores deposited in the nasal cavity were about 2.09 times as many as that in the resting state; (3) in a lying position, the A. niger spores deposited evenly on the lateral wall of the nasal cavity and the sinus when compared with a standing position. However, the deposition rate in each anatomic area did not change significantly.
Large Amounts of Water Vapor Were Injected into the Stratosphere by the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai Volcano Eruption
Authors: Xu Jingyuan , Li Dan , Bai Zhixuan , Tao Mengchu , Bian Jianchun
Published: June 2022

The Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai (Tonga) injected only small amount of SO2 into the stratosphere, while our analyses of the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) measurements show that a massive amount of water vapor was directly injected into the stratosphere by the Tonga eruption, which is probably due to its submarine volcanic activity. The Tonga eruption injected a total amount of 139 ± 8 Tg of water vapor into the stratosphere and resulted in an increase of 8.9 ± 0.5% in the global stratospheric water vapor. Analyses also show that the uppermost altitude impacted by Tonga reached the 1 hPa level (~47.6 km). Additionally, the maximum hydration region for increased water vapor is at 38–17 hPa (~22.2–27 km), where the water vapor mixing ratio increased by 6–8 ppmv during the three months after the Tonga eruption. The enhanced stratospheric water vapor has great potential to influence the global radiation budget as well as ozone loss.
Contribution of Tumor-Derived Extracellular Vesicles to Malignant Transformation of Normal Cells
Authors: Chulpanova Daria S. , Pukhalskaia Tamara V. , Rizvanov Albert A. , Solovyeva Valeriya V.
Published: June 2022

Tumor-cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are known to carry biologically active molecules of parental cells, which can actively modulate the tumor microenvironment. EVs produced by tumor cells play significant roles in the development and maintenance of tumor growth, metastasis, immune escape, and other important processes. However, the ability of EVs to induce the transformation of normal cells has hardly been investigated. This review discusses studies that describe the ability of tumor-cell-derived EVs to alter the metabolism and morphology of normal cells, causing changes associated with malignant transformation. Additionally, the horizontal transfer of oncogenes through EVs of tumor cells and the induction of epigenetic changes in normal cells, which leads to genomic instability and subsequent oncogenic transformation of normal cells, are also discussed.
Understanding Sex-Based Kinematic and Kinetic Differences of Chasse-Step in Elite Table Tennis Athletes
Authors: Yang Xiaoyi , Mei Qichang , Shao Shirui , Gu Wenjing , He Yuqi , Zhu Ruizhe , Gu Yaodong
Published: June 2022

With the progress and innovation of table tennis technology, individualized training programs may deserve special attention. This study aimed to analyze elite table tennis athletes in chasse-step, with a particular focus on sex-based biomechanical differences. A total of 36 (18 males and 18 females) elite table tennis athletes performed topspin forehand of chasse-step. Angles and moments of hip, knee, and ankle joints were calculated using OpenSim (v4.2) with marker trajectories and ground reaction forces were measured via Vicon motion capture system and AMTI in-ground force platform. Males had greater hip and knee flexion angles during the entire motion phase and greater internal rotation angles of the hip during the forward swing phase. The joint stiffness of knee in males was greater than females in the frontal plane. Females in the forward swing phase showed greater hip flexion, adduction, and internal rotation moments than males. It was suggested that the difference may be due to the limitation of anatomical structures in sexes. Male table tennis athletes should strengthen lower extremity muscle groups to improve performance, while female table tennis athletes should focus on hip joint groups to avoid injury. The sex differences presented in this study could help coaches and athletes to develop individualized training programs for table tennis.
Gaidropsarus gallaeciae (Gadiformes: Gaidropsaridae), a New Northeast Atlantic Rockling Fish, with Commentary on the Taxonomy of the Genus
Authors: Bañón Rafael , Baldó Francisco , Serrano Alberto , Barros-García David , de Carlos Alejandro
Published: June 2022

A new species of rockling fish genus Gaidropsarus is described based on six specimens collected in Galicia and Porcupine Banks, in Atlantic European waters. An analysis of morphological characters has confirmed the specific status of specimens of a previously described clade by comparison of DNA sequences. Gaidropsarus gallaeciae sp. nov. it is distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: 43–44 vertebrae; 54–60 third dorsal fin rays; 44–52 anal fin rays; 21–23 pectoral fin rays; head length 21.1–25.2% of standard length (SL); length of the pelvic fin 16.2–19% SL; length of the first dorsal fin ray 15.8–27% of head length (%HL); eye diameter 15.8–20.5% HL; and interorbital space 21.7–28% HL. Using the nucleotide sequence of the 5’ end of the mitochondrial COI gene as a molecular marker, the genetic p-distance between the new species and its congeners far exceeds the usual 2%, granting the former the status of an independent taxon, which is in accordance with the morphological identification. A comparison with the other 12 valid species of the genus is presented. The study also highlights the morphological diversity resulting from the meristic and biometric variability of Gaidropsarus species and lays the groundwork for future taxonomic studies on this genus.
Salicylic Acid in Plant Symbioses: Beyond Plant Pathogen Interactions
Authors: Benjamin Goodluck , Pandharikar Gaurav , Frendo Pierre
Published: June 2022

Plants form beneficial symbioses with a wide variety of microorganisms. Among these, endophytes, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and nitrogen-fixing rhizobia are some of the most studied and well understood symbiotic interactions. These symbiotic microorganisms promote plant nutrition and growth. In exchange, they receive the carbon and metabolites necessary for their development and multiplication. In addition to their role in plant growth and development, these microorganisms enhance host plant tolerance to a wide range of environmental stress. Multiple studies have shown that these microorganisms modulate the phytohormone metabolism in the host plant. Among the phytohormones involved in the plant defense response against biotic environment, salicylic acid (SA) plays an important role in activating plant defense. However, in addition to being a major actor in plant defense signaling against pathogens, SA has also been shown to be involved in plant–microbe symbiotic interactions. In this review, we summarize the impact of SA on the symbiotic interactions. In addition, we give an overview of the impact of the endophytes, AMF, and rhizobacteria on SA-mediated defense response against pathogens.
Gene Editing-Based Technologies for Beta-hemoglobinopathies Treatment
Authors: Rahimmanesh Ilnaz , Boshtam Maryam , Kouhpayeh Shirin , Khanahmad Hossein , Dabiri Arezou , Ahangarzadeh Shahrzad , Esmaeili Yasaman , Bidram Elham , Vaseghi Golnaz , Haghjooy Javanmard Shaghayegh , Shariati Laleh , Zarrabi Ali , Varma Rajender S.
Published: June 2022

Beta (β)-thalassemia is a group of human inherited abnormalities caused by various molecular defects, which involves a decrease or cessation in the balanced synthesis of the β-globin chains in hemoglobin structure. Traditional treatment for β-thalassemia major is allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from a completely matched donor. The limited number of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched donors, long-term use of immunosuppressive regimen and higher risk of immunological complications have limited the application of this therapeutic approach. Furthermore, despite improvements in transfusion practices and chelation treatment, many lingering challenges have encouraged researchers to develop newer therapeutic strategies such as nanomedicine and gene editing. One of the most powerful arms of genetic manipulation is gene editing tools, including transcription activator-like effector nucleases, zinc-finger nucleases, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat–Cas-associated nucleases. These tools have concentrated on γ- or β-globin addition, regulating the transcription factors involved in expression of endogenous γ-globin such as KLF1, silencing of γ-globin inhibitors including BCL11A, SOX6, and LRF/ZBTB7A, and gene repair strategies. In this review article, we present a systematic overview of the appliances of gene editing tools for β-thalassemia treatment and paving the way for patients’ therapy.
Filterability of Erythrocytes in Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Prudinnik Dmitry S. , Sinauridze Elena I. , Shakhidzhanov Soslan S. , Bovt Elizaveta A. , Protsenko Denis N. , Rumyantsev Alexander G. , Ataullakhanov Fazoil I.
Published: June 2022

For the first time, the influence of COVID-19 on blood microrheology was studied. For this, the method of filtering erythrocytes through filters with pores of 3.5 μm was used. Filterability was shown to significantly decrease with the increasing severity of the patient’s condition, as well as with a decrease in the ratio of hemoglobin oxygen saturation to the oxygen fraction in the inhaled air (SpO2/FiO2). The filterability of ≤ 0.65, or its fast decrease during treatment, were indicators of a poor prognosis. Filterability increased significantly with an increase in erythrocyte count, hematocrit and blood concentrations of hemoglobin, albumin, and total protein. The effect of these parameters on the erythrocyte filterability is directly opposite to their effect on blood macrorheology, where they all increase blood viscosity, worsening the erythrocyte deformability. The erythrocyte filterability decreased with increasing oxygen supply rate, especially in patients on mechanical ventilation, apparently not due to the oxygen supplied, but to the deterioration of the patients’ condition. Filterability significantly correlates with the C-reactive protein, which indicates that inflammation affects the blood microrheology in the capillaries. Thus, the filterability of erythrocytes is a good tool for studying the severity of the patient’s condition and his prognosis in COVID-19.
Nano-Based Approved Pharmaceuticals for Cancer Treatment: Present and Future Challenges
Authors: Rodríguez Francisco , Caruana Pablo , De la Fuente Noa , Español Pía , Gámez María , Balart Josep , Llurba Elisa , Rovira Ramón , Ruiz Raúl , Martín-Lorente Cristina , Corchero José Luis , Céspedes María Virtudes
Published: June 2022

Cancer is one of the main causes of death worldwide. To date, and despite the advances in conventional treatment options, therapy in cancer is still far from optimal due to the non-specific systemic biodistribution of antitumor agents. The inadequate drug concentrations at the tumor site led to an increased incidence of multiple drug resistance and the appearance of many severe undesirable side effects. Nanotechnology, through the development of nanoscale-based pharmaceuticals, has emerged to provide new and innovative drugs to overcome these limitations. In this review, we provide an overview of the approved nanomedicine for cancer treatment and the rationale behind their designs and applications. We also highlight the new approaches that are currently under investigation and the perspectives and challenges for nanopharmaceuticals, focusing on the tumor microenvironment and tumor disseminate cells as the most attractive and effective strategies for cancer treatments.
Zinc in Regulating Protein Kinases and Phosphatases in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Zhang Hui-Liang , Wang Xiao-Chuan , Liu Rong
Published: June 2022

Zinc is essential for human growth and development. As a trace nutrient, zinc plays important roles in numerous signal transduction pathways involved in distinct physiologic or pathologic processes. Protein phosphorylation is a posttranslational modification which regulates protein activity, degradation, and interaction with other molecules. Protein kinases (PKs) and phosphatases (PPs), with their effects of adding phosphate to or removing phosphate from certain substrates, are master regulators in controlling the phosphorylation of proteins. In this review, we summarize the disturbance of zinc homeostasis and role of zinc disturbance in regulating protein kinases and protein phosphatases in neurodegenerative diseases, with the focus of that in Alzheimer’s disease, providing a new perspective for understanding the mechanisms of these neurologic diseases.
TRAP1 Chaperones the Metabolic Switch in Cancer
Authors: Wengert Laura A. , Backe Sarah J. , Bourboulia Dimitra , Mollapour Mehdi , Woodford Mark R.
Published: June 2022

Mitochondrial function is dependent on molecular chaperones, primarily due to their necessity in the formation of respiratory complexes and clearance of misfolded proteins. Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are a subset of molecular chaperones that function in all subcellular compartments, both constitutively and in response to stress. The Hsp90 chaperone TNF-receptor-associated protein-1 (TRAP1) is primarily localized to the mitochondria and controls both cellular metabolic reprogramming and mitochondrial apoptosis. TRAP1 upregulation facilitates the growth and progression of many cancers by promoting glycolytic metabolism and antagonizing the mitochondrial permeability transition that precedes multiple cell death pathways. TRAP1 attenuation induces apoptosis in cellular models of cancer, identifying TRAP1 as a potential therapeutic target in cancer. Similar to cytosolic Hsp90 proteins, TRAP1 is also subject to post-translational modifications (PTM) that regulate its function and mediate its impact on downstream effectors, or ‘clients’. However, few effectors have been identified to date. Here, we will discuss the consequence of TRAP1 deregulation in cancer and the impact of post-translational modification on the known functions of TRAP1.
OzTracs: Optical Osmolality Reporters Engineered from Mechanosensitive Ion Channels
Authors: Kleist Thomas J. , Lin I Winnie , Xu Sophia , Maksaev Grigory , Sadoine Mayuri , Haswell Elizabeth S. , Frommer Wolf B. , Wudick Michael M.
Published: June 2022

Interactions between physical forces and membrane proteins underpin many forms of environmental sensation and acclimation. Microbes survive osmotic stresses with the help of mechanically gated ion channels and osmolyte transporters. Plant mechanosensitive ion channels have been shown to function in defense signaling. Here, we engineered genetically encoded osmolality sensors (OzTracs) by fusing fluorescent protein spectral variants to the mechanosensitive ion channels MscL from E. coli or MSL10 from A. thaliana. When expressed in yeast cells, the OzTrac sensors reported osmolality changes as a proportional change in the emission ratio of the two fluorescent protein domains. Live-cell imaging revealed an accumulation of fluorescent sensors in internal aggregates, presumably derived from the endomembrane system. Thus, OzTrac sensors serve as osmolality-dependent reporters through an indirect mechanism, such as effects on molecular crowding or fluorophore solvation.
Effects of the PARP Inhibitor Olaparib on the Response of Human Peripheral Blood Leukocytes to Bacterial Challenge or Oxidative Stress
Authors: Santos Sidneia Sousa , Brunialti Milena Karina Coló , Rodrigues Larissa de Oliveira Cavalcanti Peres , Liberatore Ana Maria Alvim , Koh Ivan Hong Jun , Martins Vanessa , Soriano Francisco Garcia , Szabo Csaba , Salomão Reinaldo
Published: June 2022

Prior studies demonstrate the activation of poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) in various pathophysiological conditions, including sepsis. We have assessed the effect of olaparib, a clinically used PARP1 inhibitor, on the responses of human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBMCs) obtained from healthy volunteers in response to challenging with live bacteria, bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide, H2O2). The viability of PBMCs exposed to olaparib or to the earlier generation PARP inhibitor PJ-34 (0.1–1000 µM) was monitored using Annexin V and 7-aminoactinomycin D. To evaluate the effects of olaparib on the expression of PARP1 and its effects on protein PARylation, PBMCs were stimulated with Staphylococcus aureus with or without olaparib (1–10 μM). Changes in cellular levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), as well as changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), were measured in PBMCs exposed to H2O2. Bacterial killing was evaluated in PBMCs and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) incubated with S. aureus. Cytokine production was measured in supernatants using a cytometric bead array. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO) production, and phagocytic activity of monocytes and neutrophils were measured in whole blood. For ROS and NO production, samples were incubated with heat-killed S. aureus; phagocytic activity was assessed using killed Escherichia coli conjugated to FITC. Olaparib (0.1–100 µM) did not adversely affect lymphocyte viability. Olaparib also did not interfere with PARP1 expression but inhibits S. aureus-induced protein PARylation. In cells challenged with H2O2, olaparib prevented NAD+ and ATP depletion and attenuated mitochondrial membrane depolarization. LPS-induced production of TNF-α, MIP-1α, and IL-10 by PBMCs was also reduced by olaparib. Monocytes and neutrophils displayed significant increases in the production of ROS and NO after stimulation with S. aureus and phagocytic (E. coli) and microbicidal activity, and these responses were not suppressed by olaparib. We conclude that, at clinically relevant concentrations, olaparib exerts cytoprotective effects and modulates inflammatory cytokine production without exerting adverse effects on the cells’ ability to phagocytose or eradicate pathogens. The current data support the concept of repurposing olaparib as a potential experimental therapy for septic shock.
The Haemodynamic and Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Calcific Aortic Valve Disease
Authors: Hanna Lydia , Armour Chlöe , Xu Xiao Yun , Gibbs Richard
Published: June 2022

The aortic valve (AoV) is the outflow valve for the left heart [...]
Inhibitory Effectiveness in Delayed-Rectifier Potassium Current Caused by Vortioxetine, Known to Be a Novel Antidepressant
Authors: Hsiao Hung-Tsung , Wang Jeffrey Chi-Fei , Wu Sheng-Nan
Published: June 2022

Vortioxetine (VOR) is recognized to exert antidepressant actions. However, whether this drug modifies ionic currents in excitable cells remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the electrophysiological effects of VOR and other related compounds in pituitary GH3 cells and in Neuro-2a cells. VOR suppressed the delayed-rectifier K+ current (IK(DR)) in a concentration-, time-, and state-dependent manner. Effective IC50 values needed to inhibit peak and sustained IK(DR) were computed to be 31.2 and 8.5 μM, respectively, while the KD value estimated from minimal binding scheme was 7.9 μM. Cell exposure to serotonin (10 μM) alone failed to alter IK(DR), while fluoxetine (10 μM), a compound structurally similar to VOR, mildly suppressed current amplitude. In continued presence of VOR, neither further addition of propranolol nor risperidone reversed VOR-mediated inhibition of IK(DR). Increasing VOR concentration not only depressed IK(DR) conductance but also shifted toward the hyperpolarized potential. As the VOR concentration was raised, the recovery of IK(DR) block became slowed. The IK(DR) activated by a downsloping ramp was suppressed by its presence. The inhibition of IK(DR) by a train pulse was enhanced during exposure to VOR. In Neuro-2a cells, this drug decreased IK(DR). Overall, inhibitory effects of VOR on ionic currents might constitute another underlying mechanism of its actions.