bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of non-heating methods for disinfecting vegetable raw materials in the production of food
Authors: Naumenko N. V. , Potoroko I. Y. , Popova N. V. , Kalinina I. V. , Satbaev B. K.
Published: March 2020

Possible risks associated with the accumulation and migration of mycotoxins during germination of crops are presented. The presence of an acceptable level of surface microflora of grain can, during germination, intensify the accumulation of mycotoxins, which later migrate into the finished product, making it dangerous for the consumer. It is noted that the process of germination of grain crops cannot be carried out without the stage of disinfection. Promising methods of grain disinfection using non-thermal effects of exposure and the results of our own research are given. It is noted that the concept of food safety in world practice today is aimed at preserving the main food ingredients and their properties. Thermal effects lead to an effective reduction in the development of microorganisms, but at the same time cause significant losses of thermolabile compounds and adversely affect the organoleptic, physicochemical and functional properties of the final product. Ultrasonic exposure, nanosecond electromagnetic pulses and exposure to cold plasma are proposed as disinfecting methods. The methods presented today are widely used in world practice. They allow not only to deactivate molds, but also to destroy the already formed aflatoxins in food products (use of cold plasma). Based on the foregoing, it can be said that the danger of pathogenic microflora ingress and aflatoxin accumulation in food products (especially whole grains) is still present, since even a minimal amount of them can cause global harm to public health, therefore, the search and development of new disinfection methods is an urgent problem modern production.
The effect of apple powder on the consumption of crispbread
Authors: Kovaleva A. E. , Pyanikova E. A. , Bykovskaya E. I. , Ovchinnikova E. V.
Published: March 2020

The results of the influence of a dry powder obtained from Antonovka apples growing in the Kursk region on the consumer properties of crispbreads in which whole wheat and rye flour were partially replaced with apple powder in the amount of 10, 15 and 20% are presented. The optimal content of dried apple powder in baked samples of crispbread was determined during the experiment by the results of a study of organoleptic and physico-chemical quality indicators of samples. To assess the quality of the developed samples of crispbreads, an expert method was used to determine the weighting factors of product quality indicators. In the course of the calculations for experts, the most significant indicator was taste; the second by weight - appearance; the third is smell; fourth is form; fifth – color; the sixth is a view in kink. During the study of organoleptic indicators using a point scale, the largest amount of points (28.8 points) was gained by a sample of bread with the addition of 20% apple powder (it replaced 10% whole wheat and rye flour, respectively). This sample had an appearance interspersed with flavors and the presence of minor bubbles; pleasant taste and smell characteristic of apples; uniform color; rectangular shape; layered, with uniform porosity, without swelling, hardening, traces of an unbreakable appearance in a kink. The study of physical and chemical parameters made it possible to establish that with an increase in the amount of the additive (Antonovka apple powder), the mass fraction of moisture and acidity increase due to dietary fiber and acids that make up the apple powder.
Kinetics of the drying process of fermented wheat raw materials in a vibratory boiling layer
Authors: Antipov S. T. , Toroptsev V. V. , Martekha A. N. , Berestovoy A. A. , Yurova I. S.
Published: March 2020

The analysis of the influence of the main factors on the kinetics of the drying process of fermented wheat raw materials in a vibro-boiling layer is presented. The purpose of the study is to study the influence of the main technological parameters on the kinetics of the drying process of fermented wheat raw materials in a vibrating boiling overflowing layer at atmospheric pressure. The main factors affecting the drying process were selected: the temperature of the drying agent supplied to the dryer, the speed of the drying agent, the vibration amplitude of the gas distribution shelves, the vibration frequency of the gas distribution shelves. The influence of temperature and air velocity on the drying process of raw materials, the influence of the amplitude and frequency of oscillations of the gas distribution grid on the kinetics of the drying process of the fermented product, as well as the influence of the specific load of the product on the process of moisture removal are shown An analysis of the curves shows that with an increase in the amplitude of the oscillation, it reduces the drying time, and an increase in the frequency of oscillation of the shelves contributes to a decrease in the drying time. In this case, a uniform increase in the drying intensity is observed over the entire range of the amplitudes considered. An increase in the oscillation frequency of the gas distribution grid also helps to reduce the duration of the drying process of fermented wheat raw materials. It should be noted that the amplitude of the oscillations more strongly affects the decrease in the drying time of the raw material than the frequency Thus, we concluded that in the intervals under study the changes in the amplitude and frequency of vibrations of perforated shelves on the drying process of fermented wheat raw materials are more strongly affected by the amplitude of vibrations. In addition, when choosing vibration parameters, the specific load of the material on the grate and its initial humidity should be taken into account..
The effect of the compositional curing activator formation on the properties of elastomers
Authors: Karmanova O. V. , Fatneva A. Y. , Tikhomirov S. G. , Popova L. V.
Published: March 2020

The properties of rubber compounds and vulcanizates made using a compositional curing activator with a low content of zinc oxide were studied in this work. Technological modes of obtaining new curing activator activators in the form of an alloy of zinc oxide with a mixture of fatty acids have been developed. To give a convenient outlet shape, finely dispersed fillers of various types were introduced into the experimental products: silicon dioxide, carbon black, microcellulose, bentonite, shungite. The physicochemical properties of compositional curing activator were studied and it was established that, according to the values of acid and iodine numbers, the experimental products satisfy the regulatory requirements for stearic acid. A comparative analysis of the properties of elastomers of experimental products with widely used as curing activator activators of zinc oxide and stearic acid is carried out. It was found that the use of experimental products improves the processability of the compositions due to their better dispersion in an elastomeric medium. The ratios of the compositional curing activator components are determined, which ensure the optimal complex of vulcanization and physical and mechanical properties of elastomers made on their basis. The effectiveness of the action of composite vulcanization activator in the manufacture of elastomeric products is shown - a reduction in the mixing cycle of experimental compositions by an average of 10% is noted compared to the standard rubber compound. The analysis of the research results confirmed the improvement of technological and vulcanization properties of rubber compounds, resistance to scorching. It is shown that the use of compositional curing activators provides the required level of physical and mechanical properties of rubbers even with a decrease in the content of zinc oxide in the experimental product to 20 wt%, and also improves the dispersion of the components of the rubber compound, having a positive effect on the technological and vulcanization properties of rubber compounds.
Improvement of rubber recipe for massive tires by addition of non-traditional fillers
Authors: Litvinova I. A. , Veselov I. V. , Gamlitskiy Y. A.
Published: March 2020

We investigated the effect of new fillers on the properties of rubbers for solid tires. Modified by fullerenes and unmodified iron oxide fillers were used as new fillers. Fatigue characteristics were determined by two methods: multiple tension on the UR-500 device in accordance with GOST 261-79; alternating bending with rotation on the device SZPI in accordance with GOST 10952-75. The main tasks of constructing fatigue curves were to assess the compliance of the results of strength tests (tension at a constant speed to break) with fatigue in terms of fatigue life, fatigue strength, and fatigue energy density of fracture. In addition, the task was to verify the possibility of plotting on one Weller curve points obtained on different devices - UR 500 and ZPI. The ranking of rubbers in static does not coincide with each other. Since the fatigue loading conditions are closer to the actual operating conditions than the static ones, in order to predict the behavior of rubber goods in operation, one should focus on the results of fatigue tests. Combining the results of fatigue tests with repeated tension and with alternating bending with rotation showed that this procedure is valid, but only in cases where the temperature of self-heating on the ZPI device does not exceed a certain critical value when thermal decomposition begins. The results of fatigue tests showed that the use of the studied fillers with small degrees of filling (up to 30 mass parts) can be justified. An example is Ferrocolor fraction 0–20 ?m with a mass fraction of 5 m.h. In this case, the fatigue properties practically do not deteriorate in comparison with industrial rubber for solid tires, in which new fillers are not added.
Features of motivation of regional economy subjects to innovative activity
Authors: Serebryakova N. A. , Dorokhova N. V. , Knyazeva I. Y.
Published: March 2020

An important scientific and practical problem is investigated - the identification of the peculiarities of the motivation of regional economic entities to innovative activities. The presence of a pronounced correlation between the innovative activity of stakeholders and the degree of their motivation is established. It is proved that for the intensification of innovative processes it is important to consider and diagnose the internal motivation of stakeholder groups. The study substantiates the need to create conditions for the realization of group interests of stakeholders with their participation in innovation. It is concluded that it is necessary to develop systems for motivating stackers to innovative activities that fully take into account their group interests. It has been proved that effective innovation in the region is impossible without creating a system of methods and techniques of motivation that is adequate to the interests of stakeholder groups. Such a motivation system should be an integral element of the strategy of innovative transformations at the regional level. The study conducted by the authors allowed us to conclude that it is necessary to develop and put into practice methods and techniques for motivating stakeholder groups to innovative activities. The expediency of applying such methods as institutional, economic and organizational as part of the motivation system is proved, and the most promising methods of motivation are highlighted. It is important that the choice of a specific method and the method of motivation depends largely on the specifics of the group interests of stakeholders. The more fully they will be able to realize their interests in the process of innovative activity, the higher will be the degree of their innovative activity. The correspondence of the proposed methods of motivation of the possibility of achieving the group interests of stakeholders is analyzed.
The main trends in the development of information and telecommunication technologies when creating high-tech products
Authors: Kazmina I. V.
Published: March 2020

The features of the application of information and telecommunication technologies in high-tech enterprises are examined in order to increase the efficiency of production activities. It is determined that the basis of telecommunication technologies is the procedure for information exchange and data transfer. Telecommunication technologies provide remote transmission of all forms of information, including data, voice, video, between computers via various types of communication lines. Analysis of the results of the classification of information technologies and areas for improving information support in the production of high-tech products allowed us to identify trends in the development of modern information technologies. These trends are due to the dynamics of the development of industrial enterprises and the external environment, which leads to functional changes in the management system of a high-tech enterprise and provides significant economic growth in developed countries. The main promising means for data transmission are the Internet, wireless mobile radio networks, laser and fiber-optic communication lines. The most important task of telecommunication technologies in the field of economics is electronic exchange. This indicates the importance of the telecommunications aspect in the functioning of the information system. Telecommunication technologies that provide data transfer, make it possible to implement a continuous exchange of information through global networks. Modern telecommunication technologies are widely used in creating network options for information technology. It was determined that a significant achievement of telecommunication technologies was the possibility of real-time control of financial, banking, trading and other operations regardless of the territorial location of their participants. Telecommunication technologies are becoming the elements that informally unite the vast territory of Russia.
Modeling Potential C, N, H Content in Aboveground Biomass with Spectral Data from Sentinel 2a
Authors: Reyes-Zurita Neftalí , Rincón-Ramírez Joaquín A. , Rodríguez-Ortiz Gerardo , Enríquez-del Valle José R. , Velasco-Velasco Vicente A. , Castañeda-Hidalgo Ernesto
Published: March 2020

Nutrient estimation in forest ecosystems through satellite images allows us to obtain accurate data, starting with data transformation from forest stands and the existing relationship with the spectral information of the image through modeling. The objective of the study was to quantify and validate the content of C, N, H in aboveground tree biomass in managed stands using spatial modeling and satellite images. This study was conducted during 2017-2018 in managed forest stands in San Juan Lachao, Oaxaca, Mexico. Fifteen 400 m2 experimental sites were selectively established, using a completely randomized experimental design of five silvicultural treatments with three replications. As part of data preprocessing, normality and homogeneity of variances assumptions were checked using the Shapiro-Wilk and Bartlett tests, respectively. From the pixels, data of the average of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) that surrounded the sampling sites were contrasted against the data obtained from forest inventory and the regression models to estimate C, N, H and biomass were generated. Models were validated by NDVI. With the models we estimated 0.95 t ha-1 biomass, which contains between 0.61 and 0.63 of C, 0.44-0.46 of N and 0.24 of H. The models generated had coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.85 to 0.87, which are significant parameters (p ≤ 0.0001). These results confirm that the use of Sentinel satellite images in the estimation of these elements in forest ecosystems based on the relationship between data inventory and the NDVI is highly reliable.
Potential Inhibitor of COVID-19 Main Protease (Mpro) From Several Medicinal Plant Compounds by Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Khaerunnisa Siti , Kurniawan Hendra , Awaluddin Rizki , Suhartati Suhartati , Soetjipto Soetjipto
Published: March 2020

COVID-19, a new strain of coronavirus (CoV), was identified in Wuhan, China, in 2019. No specific therapies are available and investigations regarding COVID-19 treatment are lacking. Liu et al. (2020) successfully crystallised the COVID-19 main protease (Mpro), which is a potential drug target. The present study aimed to assess bioactive compounds found in medicinal plants as potential COVID-19 Mpro inhibitors, using a molecular docking study. Molecular docking was performed using Autodock 4.2, with the Lamarckian Genetic Algorithm, to analyse the probability of docking. COVID-19 Mpro was docked with several compounds, and docking was analysed by Autodock 4.2, Pymol version 1.7.4.5 Edu, and Biovia Discovery Studio 4.5. Nelfinavir and lopinavir were used as standards for comparison. The binding energies obtained from the docking of 6LU7 with native ligand, nelfinavir, lopinavir, kaempferol, quercetin, luteolin-7-glucoside, demethoxycurcumin, naringenin, apigenin-7-glucoside, oleuropein, curcumin, catechin, epicatechin-gallate, zingerol, gingerol, and allicin were -8.37, -10.72, -9.41, -8.58, -8.47, -8.17, -7.99, -7.89, -7.83, -7.31, -7.05, -7.24, -6.67, -5.40, -5.38, and -4.03 kcal/mol, respectively. Therefore, nelfinavir and lopinavir may represent potential treatment options, and kaempferol, quercetin, luteolin-7-glucoside, demethoxycurcumin, naringenin, apigenin-7-glucoside, oleuropein, curcumin, catechin, and epicatechin-gallate appeared to have the best potential to act as COVID-19 Mpro inhibitors. However, further research is necessary to investigate their potential medicinal use.
One Observer Universe: A Geometric Interpretation of Speed of Light and Mass
Authors: Farag Ali Ahmed
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we investigate how Rindler observer measures the universe in the ADM formalism. We compute his measurements in each slice of the space-time in terms of gravitational red-shift which is a property of general covariance. In this way, we found special relativity preferred frames to match with the general relativity Rindler frame in ADM formalism. This may resolve the widely known incompatibility between special relativity and general relativity on how each theory sees the red-shift. We found a geometric interpretation of the speed of light and mass.
An Emerging Approach for Combination Therapy of Cancer: The Role of Immunogenic Cell Death
Authors: Asadzadeh Zahra , Safarzadeh Elham , Safaei Sahar , Baradaran Ali , Mohammadi Ali , Haji‐Asgarzadeh Khalil , Derakhshani Afshin , Argentiero Antonella , Silvestris Nicola , Baradaran Behzad
Published: March 2020

Cell death resistance is a key feature of tumor cells. One of the main anti-cancer therapies is increasing the susceptibility of cells to death. Cancer cells have developed a capability of tumor immune escape. Hence, restoring the immunogenicity of cancer cells can be suggested as an effective approach against cancer. Accumulating evidence proposes that several anticancer agents provoke the release of danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that are determinants of immunogenicity and stimulate immunogenic cell death (ICD). It has been suggested that ICD inducers are two different types according to their various activities. Here, we review the well-characterized DAMPs and focus on the different types of ICD inducers and recent combination therapies that can augment the immunogenicity of cancer cells.
Evaluation of Left Ventricular Assist Device Electrical Current as a Predictor of Left Ventricular Recovery
Authors: Telyshev Dmitry , Pugovkin Alexander , Ephimov Ivan , Markov Aleksandr , Leonhardt Steffen , Walter Marian , Karimov Jamshid , Selishchev Sergey
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we aim to assess the electric current parameters and report the analysis of the associated degree of ventricular recovery during left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. An assumption was made there is a linear relationship between ventricular recovery degree and the pump electric current pulsatility index (PI). The experimental study was carried out using the ViVitro Pulse Duplicator System with Sputnik 1 LVAD connected. Cardiac output (CO) and cardiac power output (CPO) were used as a measure of ventricular recovery degree. Different heart rates (HR) (59, 73, 86 bpm) and pump speeds (7600–8400 rpm in 200 rpm steps) were investigated. Ventricular stroke volumes in the range of 30–80 ml for each heart rate at certain pump speed were used. The obtained relationships of CO and CPO vs. PI was linear as the coefficients of determination for each regression curve were more than 0.8. CO vs. PI: R2=0.9218; 0.9271; 0.9172 and CPO vs. PI: R2=0.8517; 0.841; 0.8244 for HR=59 bpm; 73 bpm; 86 bpm, respectively. Study findings suggest that adequate interpretation of parameters could potentially serve as a valuable clinical tool to assess ventricular recovery based on LVAD infrastructure without requiring any special hemodynamic assessment.
Self-Analysis of Repeat Proteins Reveals Evolutionarily Conserved Patterns
Authors: Merski Matthew , Młynarczyk Krzysztof , Ludwiczak Jan , Skrzeczkowski Jakub , Dunin-Horkawicz Stanisław , Górna Maria W.
Published: March 2020

Background

Protein repeats can confound sequence analyses because the repetitiveness of their amino acid sequences lead to difficulties in identifying whether similar repeats are due to convergent or divergent evolution. We noted that the patterns derived from traditional “dot plot” protein sequence self-similarity analysis tended to be conserved in sets of related repeat proteins and this conservation could be quantitated using a Jaccard metric.

Results

Comparison of these dot plots obviated the issues due to sequence similarity for analysis of repeat proteins. A high Jaccard similarity score was suggestive of a conserved relationship between closely related repeat proteins. The dot plot patterns decayed quickly in the absence of selective pressure with an expected loss of 50% of Jaccard similarity due to a loss of 8.2 % sequence identity. To perform method testing, we assembled a standard set of 79 repeat proteins representing all the subgroups in RepeatsDB. Comparison of known repeat and non-repeat proteins from the PDB suggested that the information content in dot plots could be used to identify repeat proteins from pure sequence with no requirement for structural information. Analysis of the UniRef90 database suggested that 16.9% of all known proteins could be classified as repeat proteins. These 13.3 million putative repeat protein chains were clustered and a significant amount (82.9%) of clusters containing between 5 and 200 members were of a single functional type.

Conclusions

Dot plot analysis of repeat proteins attempts to obviate issues that arise due to the sequence degeneracy of repeat proteins. These results show that this kind of analysis can efficiently be applied to analyze repeat proteins on a large scale.
The loss of photosynthesis pathway and genomic locations of the lost plastid genes in a holoparasitic plant Aeginetia indica
Authors: Chen Jingfang , Yu Runxian , Dai Jinhong , Liu Ying , Zhou Renchao
Published: March 2020

Background: With three origins of holoparasitism, Orobanchaceae provides an ideal system to study the evolution of holoparasitic lifestyle in plants. The evolution of holoparasitism can be revealed by plastid genome degradation and coordinated changes in the nuclear genome, since holoparasitic plants lost the capability of photosynthesis. Among the three clades with holoparasitic plants in Orobanchaceae, only Clade VI has no available plastid genome sequences for holoparasitic plants. In this study, we sequenced the plastome and transcriptome of Aeginetia indica, a holoparasitic plant in Clade VI of Orobanchaceae, to study its plastome evolution and the corresponding changes in the nuclear genome as a response of the loss of photosynthetic function. Results: The plastome of A. indica is reduced to 86,212 bp in size, and almost all photosynthesis-related genes were lost. Massive fragments of the lost plastid genes were transferred into the mitochondrial or nuclear genomes. These fragments could not be detected in its transcriptomes, suggesting that they were non-functional. Most protein coding genes in the plastome showed the signal of relaxation of purifying selection. Plastome and transcriptome analyses indicated that the photosynthesis pathway is completely lost, and that the porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism pathways are partially retained, although chlorophyll synthesis is not possible.Conclusions: Our study suggests the loss of photosynthesis-related functions in A. indica in both the nuclear and plastid genomes. The lost plastid genes are transferred into its nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, and exist in very small fragments with no expression and are thus non-functional. The Aeginetia indica plastome also provides a resource for comparative studies on the repeated evolution of holoparasitism in Orobanchaceae.
Impact of dietary Mannan-oligosaccharide and β-Glucan supplementation on growth, histopathology, E-coli colonization and hepatic transcripts of TNF-α and NF- ϰB of broiler challenged with E. coli O78
Authors: Fadl Sabreen Ezzat , El-Gammal Ghada Ahmed , Sakr Osama Atia , Salah Aly A.B.S. , Atia Ayman Ali , Prince Abdelbary Mohammed , Hegazy Abdelhaleem Mohamed
Published: March 2020

Background: Using probiotics have become popular. They are considered an alternative to Antibiotic Growth Promoters (AGP). Probiotics are supplemented into animal feed for improving growth performance along with preventing and controlling enteric pathogens. The aim of this work was to study the impact of dietary supplementation of Mannan-oligosaccharide and β-Glucan (Agrimos®) on broiler challenged with Escherichia coli O78 (E. coli O78 - marked with an antibiotic (320 μg ciprofloxacin/ml broth) on growth performance, serum biochemistry, immune organs-histopathology, E-coli colonization, and hepatic transcripts of Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-ϰB).Methods: A total of 125 one-day-old chicks were used for conducting the experiment. Five one-day-old chicks were slaughtered for measuring the initial weight of lymphoid tissue. The remaining chicks (120) were allotted into four groups according to Mannan-oligosaccharide and β-Glucan supplementation and E. coli infection. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.Results: Results indicated significant alteration of growth performance, serum biochemistry, selected liver gene expression with pathological lesions especially in lymphoid organs due to E. coli infection. These alterations were mitigated by Mannan-oligosaccharide and β-Glucan supplementation.Conclusion: It could be concluded Mannan-oligosaccharide and β-Glucan supplementation in broiler's diet improved the immune response of broilers and mitigated pathological lesion resulted from E. coli infection.
NMNAT3 improves mitochondrial function and enhances BMSCs anti-oxidative stress through the NAD+-Sirt3 pathway
Authors: Wang Tao , Peng Wuxun , Zhang Fei , Wang Lei , Zhang Jian , Dong Wentao , Ye Chuan , Tian Xiaobin , Li Yanlin , Gong Yuekun
Published: March 2020

Background To investigate the effects of NMNAT3 on mitochondrial function and anti-oxidative stress in rabbit BMSCs and its underlying mechanisms. Methods Stable strains of NMNAT3 overexpressing rabbit BMSCs were obtained by lentivirus transfection; the Oxidative stress model in rabbit BMSCs was imitated by treating with H 2 O 2 ; Observe the changes in mitochondrial ultrastructure and mitochondrial function-related indicators (mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP and mitochondrial protein PGC-1α, NRF1 synthesis), to study the effect of NMNAT3 on improving mitochondrial function under oxidative stress; detect ROS and lipids Peroxidation products (MDA content), antioxidant enzymes (CAT and GPx) activity, SA-β-Gal activity and apoptosis in rabbit BMSCs, to study the changes of the anti-oxidative stress ability of BMSCs modified by NMNAT3;Then, the selective Sirt3 inhibitor (3-TYP) was used to analyze the mechanism of NMNAT3 improve mitochondrial function and antioxidant stress ability of BMSCs by regulating mitochondrial NAD + levels, and whether it affects the acetylation levels of mitochondrial target proteins (Idh2 and FOXO3a) and the expression and activation of effect proteins (GSH, ATP synthase and Mn-SOD) through Sirt3 pathway. Results Overexpression of NMNAT3 can improve the mitochondrial ultrastructural damage of rabbit BMSCs under oxidative stress; increase the mitochondrial membrane potential, increase the synthesis of ATP and mitochondrial protein PGC-1α and NRF1,significantly improve the function of mitochondria.It also can significantly enhance the antioxidant stress ability of rabbit BMSCs by reducing ROS level and MDA content, increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes CAT and GPx, and decreasing cell senescence and apoptosis under stress.Rabbit BMSCs overexpressed by NMNAT3 significantly increased the activity of Sirt3, significantly decreased the acetylation levels of Idh2 and FOXO3a under oxidative stress, and increased the level of GSH and the activities of ATP synthase and Mn-SOD.However, the addition of 3-TYP basically blocked the protective effect of NMNAT3, indicating that Sirt3 is an important pathway for NMNAT3 to regulate mitochondrial function and antioxidant stress in BMSCs under oxidative stress. Conclusion NMNAT3 can effectively improve the mitochondrial function of rabbit BMSCs under oxidative stress through NAD + -Sirt3 pathway, and play a role in enhancing its antioxidant stress injury.
Down-regulated FOXO1 in refractory/relapse childhood B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: ZHANG HUI , Jiang Chuang , Liu Haiyan , Hao Wenge , Wang Pengfei , Qian Maoxiang , Huang Haiying , Li Ziping , Qian Jiabi , Zheng Qingqing
Published: March 2020

Background Refractory/relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (RR-ALL) remains to be a leading cause of treatment failure and subsequent death. Forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) belongs to the forkhead family of transcription factors, its specific role in RR-ALL has not yet been determined in B-cell ALL (B-ALL). The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression and prognostic value in ALL. Methods RNA sequencing was applied to an ALL case with induction failure to identify the causal events. The transcription activity was examined with luciferase reporter assay. FOXO1 mRNA expression level was examined using real-time quantitative PCR. Association analysis was performed to correlate FOXO1 transcription with childhood B-ALL prognosis and relapse. Results In this ALL case with induction failure, we successfully identified a novel MEIS1-FOXO1 fusion gene. The transcription activity of MEIS1-FOXO1 was significantly abolished as compared to wild-type FOXO1. Low FOXO1 expression level was strongly associate with unfavorable subtype, MRD positivity and relapse. Conclusions FOXO1 loss of function associates with ALL high-risk stratification and relapse, which might be due to drug resistance.
Thinking about the misdiagnosis: A case report of intra-abdominal desmoid-type fibromatosis and literature review
Authors: He XuChang , An Wenhui , Zeng Qingbin , Long Kui , Dong Wenzhi , Mo Xiaohua
Published: March 2020

Background Desmoid-type fibromatosis is a low grade soft tissue sarcoma that derives from mesenchymal progenitor cells. Without characteristics of imaging, desmoid-type fibromatosis often confused with stromal tumors clinically. The disease characterized by local invasiveness and local recurrence but rare do metastasize. It can occur anywhere in the body. Most common location is the abdominal wall, nearly 30%~50% in all cases. It can also occur in the abdominal cavity, with a low incidence. At present, all types of desmoid-type fibromatosis follow the treatment consensus of extra-abdominal type. However, because of the difficulty in preoperative diagnosis, sometimes it is hard to choose the appropriate treatment. Case presentation We describe the case of a 22-years-old woman, who was diagnosed with an abdominal mass . She was a healthy individual who was incidentally diagnosed with abdominal mass. The mass was under the suspicion of gastrointestinal stromal tumors in a local hospital, according to the result of MRI scan. A CT scan of her abdomen showed a huge hypoechoic mass in the hepatic. Under misdiagnosis as hemangioma of liver in our hospital, she underwent a laparoscopic resection of the tumor . Postoperatively, the tumor was confirmed to be a desmoid-type fibromatosis by patholgical and immunohistochemical findings. Conclusions In conclusion, due to the high risk of recurrence, the diagnosis before treatment is the most important part in the management of desmoid-type fibromatosis. Even if it is rare, DF should also be included in the differential diagnosis. Treatment needs to be evaluated according to the location of the lesion. For lesions on the body surface, pathologic examination will be safer and more useful. Surgery is still one of the best choice for intra-abdominal desmoid-type fibromatosis patients. Meanwhile, in order to change the operation in time, the clinicals should keep a rigorous attitude in surgery, if preoperative diagnosis is difficult.
Temporal summation of repetitive mechanical stimulation in patients with painful temporomandibular joints and healthy controls
Authors: Xi Xiaojing , Zhou Weina , Zhang Jinglu , Yu Linfeng , Wang Kelun , Svensson Peter
Published: March 2020

Aim: This study was conducted to test segmental and extra-segmental temporal summation (TS) effects of repetitive mechanical stimulation in patients with painful temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and healthy individuals. Methods: Twenty patients with unilateral pain in the TMJ and 20 gender- and age-matched healthy controls were included. A modified Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) protocol was performed including pressure pain thresholds (PPT), mechanical pain thresholds (MPT), and numerical rating scale (NRS) scores of TS effects of 10 repeated 0.5 kg, 1.0 kg pressure stimuli and pinprick stimuli were determined as wind-up ratios (WUR) on the glabrous skin of the dominant hand (extra-segmental) and bilaterally in the TMJ region. Kruskal-Wallis test was used for data analysis. Results: The PPT and MPT were significantly lower on painful TMJs compared to non-painful TMJs (P=0.001) and control TMJs (P=0.001). WUR of repetitive mechanical stimulation on painful TMJs was higher compared to control TMJs (P ≤ 0.012). Non-painful TMJs also had significantly higher WUR of pinprick stimuli compared to control TMJs (P=0.008). Except the WUR of repetitive mechanical stimulation (P=0.030) no significant differences were detected at the hand for any of the test parameters between the two groups (P ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with unilateral TMJ pain have segmentally, but not extra-segmentally, increased sensitivity to mechanical stimuli including facilitated temporal summation mechanisms at segmental as well at extra-segmental sites.
Comprehensive identification and characterization of abiotic stress and hormone responsive glycosyl hydrolase family 1 genes in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Yang Junfeng , Ma Lin , Jiang Wenbo , Yao Yu , Tang Yuhong , Pang Yongzhen
Published: March 2020

Background: β-glucosidases (BGLUs) hydrolyze the β-D-glycosidic bond with retention of anomeric configuration. BGLUs were associated with many aspects of plant physiological processes, in particular biotic and abiotic stresses through the activation of phytohormones and defense compounds. However, no comprehensive and systematic investigation on the stress- or hormone-responsive BGLU proteins had ever been reported in plant.Results: In this study, total 51 BGLU genes of the glycoside hydrolase family 1 were identified in one of the model legume plant Medicago truncatula genome, and they were classified into five distinct clusters. Sequence alignments revealed several conserved and characteristic motifs among these MtBGLU proteins. Analyses of their putative signal peptides and N-glycosylation site suggested that the majority of MtBGLU members have dual targeting to the vacuole/chloroplast. Many regulatory elements possibly related with phytohormones and/or abiotic stresses were identified in MtBGLU genes. Moreover, Microarray and qPCR analyses showed that these MtBGLU genes exhibited distinct expression patterns in various tissues, and in response to different abiotic stress and hormonal treatments. Notably, MtBGLU21, MtBGLU22, MtBGLU28, and MtBGLU30 in cluster I were dramatically activated by NaCl, PEG, IAA, ABA, SA and GA3 treatments.Conclusion: Collectively, our genome-wide characterization, evolutionary analysis, and expression pattern analysis of MtBGLU genes suggested that BGLU proteins play crucial roles in response to various abiotic stresses and hormonal cues in M. truncatula. This systematic analysis provided valuable information for the functional characterization and utilization of these MtBGLU genes in improving stress tolerance in M. truncatula and/or other plant species.
TGF-β-induced α-SMA expression is mediated by C/EBPβ acetylation in human alveolar epithelial cells in vitro
Authors: Ding Hui , Chen Jinjun , Qin Jingping , Chen Ruhua , Yi Zili
Published: March 2020

Background This study sought to determine whether binding of acetylated C/EBPβ to α-SMA promoter could affect its activity and was essential for EMT and extracellular matrix deposition in IPF using in vitro model. Methods Through western blotting, the expression of EMT and C/EBPβ were detected in A549 cells with TGF-β as pulmonary fibrotic model in vitro. Moreover, the expression of C/EBPβ mRNA via Real Time-PCR and Collagen-I expression using ELISA were performed. The luciferase activity assay was used to examine the activity of C/EBPβ. The knockdown expression of C/EBPβ gene was prepared in A549 cells with C/EBPβ siRNA. We also investigated the effect of deacetylation of C/EBPβ on EMT using SIRT1. The binding ability of C/EBPβ with the α-SMA promoter was affirmed via ChIP and EMSA. Furthermore, the relationship between α-SMA and acetylated C/EBPβ was investigated using the co-immunoprecipitation. Results SiRNA-mediated knockdown of C/EBPβ in A549 cells attenuated TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation and ECM deposition. The extent of association between acetylated C/EBPβ and the α-SMA promoter was dynamically monitored. Furthermore, it was confirmed that deacetylation of C/EBPβ in A549 cells successfully ameliorated TGF-β1-induced EMT, as shown by reduction in α-SMA expression and excessive collagen-I accumulation. Conclusions Collectively, our data suggested that the EMT and fibrotic effect of TGF-β1 could be dependent on acetylated C/EBPβ-mediated regulation of α-SMA gene activity. This thus suggests that C/EBPβ acetylation may play a central role in pulmonary fibrosis.
Identification of Y chromosome markers in the eastern three-lined skink (Bassiana duperreyi) using in-silico whole genome subtraction.
Authors: Dissanayake Duminda S.B. , Holleley Clare , Hill Laura , O’Meally D. , Deakin J. , Georges Arthur
Published: March 2020

Background: Homologous sex chromosomes can differentiate over time because recombination is suppressed in the region of the sex determining locus, leading to the accumulation of repeats, progressive loss of genes that lack differential influence on the sexes and sequence divergence on the heterozygous homolog. Divergence in the non-recombining regions leads to the accumulation of Y or W specific sequence useful for developing sex-linked markers. Here we use in-silico whole-genome subtraction to identify putative sex-linked sequences in the scincid lizard Bassiana duperreyi which has heteromorphic XY sex chromosomes. Results: We generated 96.7 x 109 150bp paired-end genomic sequence reads from a XY male and 81.4 x 109 paired-end reads from an XX female for in-silico whole genome subtraction to yield Y enriched contigs. We identified 7 reliable markers which were validated as XY male-specific by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) against a panel of 20 males and 20 females. Conclusions: The sex of B. duperreyi can be reversed by low temperatures (XX genotype reversed to a male phenotype). We have developed sex-specific markers to identify the underlying genotypic sex and its concordance or discordance with phenotypic sex in wild populations of B. duperreyi. Our pipeline can be applied to isolate Y or W chromosome-specific sequences of any organism and is not restricted to sequence residing within single-copy genes. This study greatly improves our knowledge of the Y chromosome in B. duperreyi and will enhance future studies of reptile sex determination and sex chromosome evolution.
Elevated peripheral blood levels of CXCL10 are associated with the presence of diabetic polyneuropathy in subjects with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ascaso Pilar , Palanca Ana , Martinez-Hervas Sergio , Sanz María Jesús , Ascaso Juan F , Piqueras Laura , Real Jose T
Published: March 2020

Background : Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) has high morbidity and mortality. Major risk factors of DPN include metabolic changes, duration of diabetes, nerve ischemia, and derangements in regeneration and nerve repair programs. The implication of chemokines in the pathogenesis of various neuropathies and neuropathic pain processes has been studied previously. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the association between plasma levels of chemokines CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 with the presence of DPN in a cohort of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. Methods : We have studied a total of 73 T2D patients (36 patients with DPN, and 37 without DPN). DPN was established through the Semmes-Weinstein test (SW). Plasma levels of circulating chemokines CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 were determined using Duoset ELISA kits (Abingdon, UK). Results: In T2D patients with similar gender distribution, duration of the disease, peripheral macroangiopathy, and metabolic control, we detected significantly higher serum levels of chemokine CXCL10 among patients with DPN than among patients without DPN (57.6 ± 38.3 vs. 38.1 ± 33.4 pg/mL, respectively; p = 0.034). Serum levels of chemokine CXCL9 were also higher among patients with DPN (188.1 ± 72.7 and 150.4 ± 83.6 pg/mL, respectively, p = 0.06). Conclusions : DPN in T2D patients was associated with a significant increase in CXCL10 circulating levels, suggesting a role for this chemokine in the DPN. Novel inflammatory markers that allow for early detection and therapeutic strategies in order to reverse and prevent the DPN should be investigated.
Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells improved core symptoms of genetically modified mice model of autism Shank3B
Authors: Perets Nisim , Oron Oded , Herman Shay , Elliott Evan , Offen Daniel
Published: March 2020

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with main core symptoms including deficits in social-communication abilities and repetitive behaviors/restricted interests. ASD affects 1 of 88 children worldwide and currently there is no sufficiently effective treatment that alleviates its core deficits. In our previous studies, we have shown that both MSC and MSC-exo can ameliorate core ASD-like symptoms of the BTBR multifactorial mouse model of autism. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that the MSC-exo migrate to distinct neuropathological areas in several mouse models, including the frontal cortex and cerebellum in BTBR mice. In contrast to BTBR mice, which is a multifactorial model of autism, the Shank3B KO mouse is used to study ASD which develops due to a specific genetic mutation. Here we demonstrate that intranasal treatment with MSC-exo improves the social behavior deficit in multiple paradigms, increases vocalization and reduces repetitive behaviors. We also observed an increase of GABRB1 in the prefrontal cortex. Taken together, our data indicate that intranasal treatment with MSC-exo improves the core ASD-like deficits of in this mouse model autism and therefore has the potential to treat ASD patients carrying the Shank3 mutation.
Comparison of Active and Passive Surveillance of Dengue in Machala, Ecuador
Authors: Vitale Melissa , Lupone Christina , Kenneson-Adams Aileen , Ochoa Robinson Jaramillo , Ordoñez Tania , Beltran-Ayala Efráin , Endy Timothy P. , Rosenbaum Paula F. , Stewart-Ibarra Anna M.
Published: March 2020

Dengue is a major emerging infectious disease, endemic throughout the tropics and subtropics, with approximately 2.5 billion people at risk globally. Active (AS) and passive surveillance (PS), when combined, can improve our understanding of dengue’s complex disease dynamics to guide effective, targeted public health interventions. The objective of this study was to compare findings from the Ministry of Health (MoH) PS to a prospective AS arbovirus research study in Machala, Ecuador from 2014-2015. Dengue cases in the PS system were compared to laboratory confirmed acute dengue illness cases that entered the AS study during the study period. Variables of interest included age, class, and sex. Outbreak detection curves by epidemiologic week, overall cumulative incidence and age-specific incidence proportions were calculated. Descriptive statistics were tabulated for all variables of interest. Chi-square tests were performed to compare demographic characteristics between the AS and PS data sets in 2014 and 2015. 177 and 245 cases were identified from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015 by PS and AS, respectively; nine cases appeared in both systems. AS identified a greater number of laboratory-confirmed cases in 2014, accounting for more than 60% of dengue illness cases in the study area. In 2015, the opposite trend was observed with PS identifying 60% of the dengue illness cases in the region. Younger patients were more frequently identified by PS, while older patients were identified more frequently by AS. The cumulative incidence proportion for laboratory confirmed dengue illness reported via PS to the MoH was 4.12 cases per 10,000 Machala residents in 2014, and 2.21 cases per 10,000 Machala residents in 2015. Each surveillance system captured different demographic subgroups within the Machala population, possibly due to differences in healthcare seeking behaviors, access to care, emerging threats of other viruses transmitted by the same mosquito vector and/or differences in clinical presentation due to changes in the predominant dengue serotype in circulation. Integrating AS with pre-existing PS can aid in identifying additional cases in previously under diagnosed subpopulations, improving our understanding of disease dynamics, and facilitating the implementation of public health interventions to reduce the burden of disease.