bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Participatory GIS-Based Approach for the Demarcation of Village Boundaries and Their Utility: A Case Study of the Eastern Boundary of Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka
Authors: Hettiarachchi Chamara J. , Priyankara Prabath , Morimoto Takehiro , Murayama Yuji
Published: December 2021

This study examines spatial knowledge of the local community and the participatory resource mapping (PRM) approach to demarcate land boundaries in the eastern boundary of Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has four types of major administrative boundaries, namely, provinces, districts, divisional secretariat divisions (DSD), and Grama Niladari (GN) divisions. The smallest community segments are clustered inside each GN division. The lack of proper demarcation of these smallest community segments, called ‘villages’, has been identified as a significant issue when implementing community development plans and applications in government and non-government projects. Thus, the deliverables of community-based projects become less effective. The objective of this study was to explore means of demarcating land boundaries, to separately identify small community segments using participatory GIS (PGIS) techniques. The study was conducted covering 12 GN divisions adjoining the eastern border of Wilpattu National Park (WNP). The methods used included PGIS interviews and group discussions with PRM steps. Overall, around 100 selected community members, spread across 12 GN divisions, were chosen to participate in the study. Community society meetings were conducted in each village, and essential topographic information in the area was collected with the knowledge of local society members and GIS tools. Later, this was digitized and verified to improve the presentation and accuracy of the results. As a result, the study could identify villages in each GN division, while generating more precise digital maps. Through this study, it can be confirmed that PGIS has remarkable potential in land use planning applications. The study further shows the potential of the application of PGIS in community-based projects and their deliverables to the community, and in enhancing community education on spatial thinking and planning, while facilitating community empowerment and innovation.
Semantic Segmentation of High-Resolution Airborne Images with Dual-Stream DeepLabV3+
Authors: Akcay Ozgun , Kinaci Ahmet Cumhur , Avsar Emin Ozgur , Aydar Umut
Published: December 2021

In geospatial applications such as urban planning and land use management, automatic detection and classification of earth objects are essential and primary subjects. When the significant semantic segmentation algorithms are considered, DeepLabV3+ stands out as a state-of-the-art CNN. Although the DeepLabV3+ model is capable of extracting multi-scale contextual information, there is still a need for multi-stream architectural approaches and different training approaches of the model that can leverage multi-modal geographic datasets. In this study, a new end-to-end dual-stream architecture that considers geospatial imagery was developed based on the DeepLabV3+ architecture. As a result, the spectral datasets other than RGB provided increments in semantic segmentation accuracies when they were used as additional channels to height information. Furthermore, both the given data augmentation and Tversky loss function which is sensitive to imbalanced data accomplished better overall accuracies. Also, it has been shown that the new dual-stream architecture using Potsdam and Vaihingen datasets produced 88.87% and 87.39% overall semantic segmentation accuracies, respectively. Eventually, it was seen that enhancement of the traditional significant semantic segmentation networks has a great potential to provide higher model performances, whereas the contribution of geospatial data as the second stream to RGB to segmentation was explicitly shown.
GIS Mapping of Short-Term Noisy Event of Diwali Night in Lucknow City
Authors: Dubey Rakesh , Bharadwaj Shruti , Zafar Md Iltaf , Mahajan Vanshu , Srivastava Anubhava , Biswas Susham
Published: December 2021

Noise is a universal problem that is particularly prominent in developing nations like India. Short-term noise-sensitive events like New Year’s Eve, derby matches, DJ night, Diwali night (celebration with firecracker) in India, etc. create lots of noise in a short period. There is a need to come up with a system that can predict the noise level for an area for a short period indicating its detailed variations. GIS (Geographic Information System)-based google maps for terrain data and crowd-sourced or indirect collection of noise data can overcome this challenge to a great extent. Authors have tried to map the highly noisy Diwali night for Lucknow, a northern city of India. The mapping was done by collecting the data from 100 points using the noise capture app (30% were close to the source and 70% were away from the source (receiver). Noise data were predicted for 750 data points using the modeling interpolation technique. A noise map is generated for this Diwali night using the crowd-sourcing technique for Diwali night. The results were also varied with 50 test points and are found to be within ±4.4 dB. Further, a noise map is also developed for the same site using indirect data of noise produced from the air pollution open-sourced data. The produced noise map is also verified with 50 test points and found to be ±6.2 dB. The results are also corroborated with the health assessment survey report of the residents of nearby areas.
Development of Building Inventory Data in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia for Seismic Loss Estimation
Authors: Tumurbaatar Zorigt , Miura Hiroyuki , Tsamba Tsoggerel
Published: December 2021

During the last two decades, the rapid urbanization movement has increased the concentration of population and buildings in Ulaanbaatar city (UB), Mongolia. There are several active faults around UB. The estimated maximum magnitude of 7 in the Emeelt fault has been expected to significantly impact the UB region because the fault is only 20 km from the city. To consider the disaster mitigation planning for such large earthquakes, assessments of ground shaking intensities and building damage for the scenarios are crucial. In this study, we develop the building inventory data in UB, including structural types, construction year, height, and construction cost in order to assess the buildings’ vulnerability (repair cost) due to a scenario earthquake. The construction costs are estimated based on the procedure of the Mongolian construction code from the coefficients of cost per floor area for each structural type, and coefficients for heating system, floor areas, and buildings’ locations. Finally, the scenario’s economic loss of the damaged buildings is evaluated using the developed building inventory, global vulnerability curves of GAR-13, and estimated spectral accelerations.
The Role of Inflammation in Retinal Neurodegeneration and Degenerative Diseases
Authors: Kaur Geetika , Singh Nikhlesh K.
Published: December 2021

Retinal neurodegeneration is predominantly reported as the apoptosis or impaired function of the photoreceptors. Retinal degeneration is a major causative factor of irreversible vision loss leading to blindness. In recent years, retinal degenerative diseases have been investigated and many genes and genetic defects have been elucidated by many of the causative factors. An enormous amount of research has been performed to determine the pathogenesis of retinal degenerative conditions and to formulate the treatment modalities that are the critical requirements in this current scenario. Encouraging results have been obtained using gene therapy. We provide a narrative review of the various studies performed to date on the role of inflammation in human retinal degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, inherited retinal dystrophies, retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt macular dystrophy, and Leber congenital amaurosis. In addition, we have highlighted the pivotal role of various inflammatory mechanisms in the progress of retinal degeneration. This review also offers an assessment of various therapeutic approaches, including gene-therapies and stem-cell-based therapies, for degenerative retinal diseases.
B Lineage Cells in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Merino-Vico Ana , van Hamburg Jan Piet , Tas Sander W.
Published: December 2021

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects small sized blood vessels and can lead to serious complications in the lungs and kidneys. The prominent presence of ANCA autoantibodies in this disease implicates B cells in its pathogenesis, as these are the precursors of the ANCA-producing plasma cells (PCs). Further evidence supporting the potential role of B lineage cells in vasculitis are the increased B cell cytokine levels and the dysregulated B cell populations in patients. Confirmation of the contribution of B cells to pathology arose from the beneficial effect of anti-CD20 therapy (i.e., rituximab) in AAV patients. These anti-CD20 antibodies deplete circulating B cells, which results in amelioration of disease. However, not all patients respond completely, and this treatment does not target PCs, which can maintain ANCA production. Hence, it is important to develop more specific therapies for AAV patients. Intracellular signalling pathways may be potential therapeutic targets as they can show (disease-specific) alterations in certain B lineage cells, including pathogenic B cells, and contribute to differentiation and survival of PCs. Preliminary data on the inhibition of certain signalling molecules downstream of receptors specific for B lineage cells show promising therapeutic effects. In this narrative review, B cell specific receptors and their downstream signalling molecules that may contribute to pathology in AAV are discussed, including the potential to therapeutically target these pathways.
Potential Therapeutic Application of Regulatory T Cells in Diabetes Mellitus Type 1
Authors: Ben-Skowronek Iwona , Sieniawska Joanna , Pach Emilia , Wrobel Wiktoria , Skowronek Anna , Tomczyk Zaklina , Rosolowska Iga
Published: December 2021

The autoimmune reaction against the beta cells of the pancreatic islets in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients is active in prediabetes and during the development of the clinical manifestation of T1DM, but it decreases within a few years of the clinical manifestation of this disease. A key role in the pathogenesis of T1DM is played by regulatory T cell (Treg) deficiency or dysfunction. Immune interventions, such as potential therapeutic applications or the induction of the Treg-cell population in T1DM, will be important in the development of new types of treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate innovative immune interventions as treatments for T1DM. After an evaluation of full-length papers from the PubMed database from 2010 to 2021, 20 trials were included for the final analysis. The analysis led to the following conclusions: Treg cells play an important role in the limitation of the development of T1DM, the activation or application of Tregs may be more effective in the early stages of T1DM development, and the therapeutic use of Treg cells in T1DM is promising but requires long-term observation in a large group of patients.
Searching for the Best Transthyretin Aggregation Protocol to Study Amyloid Fibril Disruption
Authors: Ferreira Elisabete , Almeida Zaida L. , Cruz Pedro F. , Silva e Sousa Marta , Veríssimo Paula , Brito Rui M. M.
Published: December 2021

Several degenerative amyloid diseases, with no fully effective treatment, affect millions of people worldwide. These pathologies—amyloidoses—are known to be associated with the formation of ordered protein aggregates and highly stable and insoluble amyloid fibrils, which are deposited in multiple tissues and organs. The disruption of preformed amyloid aggregates and fibrils is one possible therapeutic strategy against amyloidosis; however, only a few compounds have been identified as possible fibril disruptors in vivo to date. To properly identify chemical compounds as potential fibril disruptors, a reliable, fast, and economic screening protocol must be developed. For this purpose, three amyloid fibril formation protocols using transthyretin (TTR), a plasma protein involved in several amyloidoses, were studied using thioflavin-T fluorescence assays, circular dichroism (CD), turbidity, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), in order to characterize and select the most appropriate fibril formation protocol. Saturation transfer difference nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (STD NMR) was successfully used to study the interaction of doxycycline, a known amyloid fibril disruptor, with preformed wild-type TTR (TTRwt) aggregates and fibrils. DLS and TEM were also used to characterize the effect of doxycycline on TTRwt amyloid species disaggregation. A comparison of the TTR amyloid morphology formed in different experimental conditions is also presented.
Transport and Toxicity of Methylmercury-Cysteine in Cultured BeWo Cells
Authors: Ganapathy Srividya , Farrell Elisa R. , Vaghela Simran , Joshee Lucy , Ford Earl G. , Uchakina Olga , McKallip Robert J. , Barkin Jennifer L. , Bridges Christy C.
Published: December 2021

Mercury is a heavy metal toxicant that is prevalent throughout the environment. Organic forms of mercury, such as methylmercury (MeHg), can cross the placenta and can lead to lasting detrimental effects in the fetus. The toxicological effects of MeHg on the placenta itself have not been clearly defined. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to assess the transport of MeHg into placental syncytiotrophoblasts and to characterize the mechanisms by which MeHg exerts its toxic effects. Cultured placental syncytiotrophoblasts (BeWo) were used for these studies. The transport of radioactive MeHg was measured to identify potential mechanisms involved in the uptake of this compound. The toxicological effects of MeHg on BeWo cells were determined by assessing visible pathological change, autophagy, mitochondrial viability, and oxidative stress. The findings of this study suggest that MeHg compounds are transported into BeWo cells primarily by sodium-independent amino acid carriers and organic anion transporters. The MeHg altered mitochondrial function and viability, decreased mitophagy and autophagy, and increased oxidative stress. Exposure to higher concentrations of MeHg inhibited the ability of cells to protect against MeHg-induced injury. The findings show that MeHg is directly toxic to syncytiotrophoblasts and may lead to disruptions in the fetal/maternal transfer of nutrients and wastes.
Entrectinib Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits the Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Gastric Cancer with NTRK Overexpression
Authors: Sohn Sung-Hwa , Sul Hee Jung , Kim Bum Jun , Kim Hyeong Su , Zang Dae Young
Published: December 2021

Tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) and receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK class VII) expression are important in many human diseases, especially cancers, including colorectal, lung, and gastric cancer. Using RNA sequencing analysis, we evaluated the mRNA expression and mutation profiles of gastric cancer patients with neurotropic tropomyosin receptor kinase (NTRK) 1-3 overexpression (defined as a ≥2.0-fold change). Furthermore, we screened eight TRK inhibitors in NCI-N87, SNU16, MKN28, MKN7, and AGS cells. Among these inhibitors, entrectinib showed the highest inhibitory activity; therefore, this drug was selected for analysis of its therapeutic mechanisms in gastric cancer. Entrectinib treatment induced apoptosis in NTRK1-3-expressing and VEGFR2-expressing NCI-N87 and AGS cells, but it had no effect on NTRK1-3-, VEGFR2-, TGFBR1-, and CD274-expressing MKN7 cells. SNU16 and MKN28 cells with low NTRK1-3 expression were not affected by entrectinib. Therefore, a mechanistic study was conducted in NCI-N87 (high expression of NTRK1-3 but mutation of NTRK3), AGS (high expression of NTRK1-3) and MKN28 (low expression of NTRK1-3) gastric cancer cell lines. Entrectinib treatment significantly reduced expression levels of phosphorylated NFκB, AKT, ERK, and β-catenin in NCI-N87 and AGS cells, whereas it upregulated the expression levels of ECAD in NCI-N87 cells. Together, these results suggest that entrectinib has anti-cancer activity not only in GC cells overexpressing pan NTRK but also in VEGFR2 GC cells via the inhibition of the pan NTRK and VEGFR signaling pathways.
Metformin Repurposing for Parkinson Disease Therapy: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Agostini Francesco , Masato Anna , Bubacco Luigi , Bisaglia Marco
Published: December 2021

Parkinson disease (PD) is a severe neurodegenerative disorder that affects around 2% of the population over 65 years old. It is characterized by the progressive loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, resulting in motor disabilities of the patients. At present, only symptomatic cures are available, without suppressing disease progression. In this frame, the anti-diabetic drug metformin has been investigated as a potential disease modifier for PD, being a low-cost and generally well-tolerated medication, which has been successfully used for decades in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Despite the precise mechanisms of action of metformin being not fully elucidated, the drug has been known to influence many cellular pathways that are associated with PD pathology. In this review, we present the evidence in the literature supporting the neuroprotective role of metformin, i.e., autophagy upregulation, degradation of pathological α-synuclein species, and regulation of mitochondrial functions. The epidemiological studies conducted in diabetic patients under metformin therapy aimed at evaluating the correlation between long-term metformin consumption and the risk of developing PD are also discussed. Finally, we provide an interpretation for the controversial results obtained both in experimental models and in clinical studies, thus providing a possible rationale for future investigations for the repositioning of metformin for PD therapy.
Genomics Associated Interventions for Heat Stress Tolerance in Cool Season Adapted Grain Legumes
Authors: Kumar Jitendra , Mir Reyazul Rouf , Shafi Safoora , Sen Gupta Debjyoti , Djalovic Ivica , Miladinovic Jegor , Kumar Rahul , Kumar Sachin , Kumar Rajeev
Published: December 2021

Cool season grain legumes occupy an important place among the agricultural crops and essentially provide multiple benefits including food supply, nutrition security, soil fertility improvement and revenue for farmers all over the world. However, owing to climate change, the average temperature is steadily rising, which negatively affects crop performance and limits their yield. Terminal heat stress that mainly occurred during grain development phases severely harms grain quality and weight in legumes adapted to the cool season, such as lentils, faba beans, chickpeas, field peas, etc. Although, traditional breeding approaches with advanced screening procedures have been employed to identify heat tolerant legume cultivars. Unfortunately, traditional breeding pipelines alone are no longer enough to meet global demands. Genomics-assisted interventions including new-generation sequencing technologies and genotyping platforms have facilitated the development of high-resolution molecular maps, QTL/gene discovery and marker-assisted introgression, thereby improving the efficiency in legumes breeding to develop stress-resilient varieties. Based on the current scenario, we attempted to review the intervention of genomics to decipher different components of tolerance to heat stress and future possibilities of using newly developed genomics-based interventions in cool season adapted grain legumes.
Two Novel Dimorphism-Related Virulence Factors of Zymoseptoria tritici Identified Using Agrobacterium-Mediated Insertional Mutagenesis
Authors: Yemelin Alexander , Brauchler Annamaria , Jacob Stefan , Foster Andrew J. , Laufer Julian , Heck Larissa , Antelo Luis , Andresen Karsten , Thines Eckhard
Published: December 2021

Diseases caused by dimorphic phytopathogenic and systemic dimorphic fungi have markedly increased in prevalence in the last decades, and understanding the morphogenic transition to the virulent state might yield novel means of controlling dimorphic fungi. The dimorphic fungus Z. tritici causes significant economic impact on wheat production, and yet the regulation of the dimorphic switch, a key first step in successful plant colonization, is still largely unexplored in this fungus. The fungus is amenable to suppression by fungicides at this switch point, and the identification of the factors controlling the dimorphic switch provides a potential source of novel targets to control Septoria tritici blotch (STB). Inhibition of the dimorphic switch can potentially prevent penetration and avoid any damage to the host plant. The aim of the current work was to unveil genetic determinants of the dimorphic transition in Z. tritici by using a forward genetics strategy. Using this approach, we unveiled two novel factors involved in the switch to the pathogenic state and used reverse genetics and complementation to confirm the role of the novel virulence factors and further gained insight into the role of these genes, using transcriptome analysis via RNA-Seq. The transcriptomes generated potentially contain key determinants of the dimorphic transition.
Bacteriophages as Solid Tumor Theragnostic Agents
Authors: Veeranarayanan Srivani , Azam Aa Haeruman , Kiga Kotaro , Watanabe Shinya , Cui Longzhu
Published: December 2021

Cancer, especially the solid tumor sub-set, poses considerable challenges to modern medicine owing to the unique physiological characteristics and substantial variations in each tumor’s microenvironmental niche fingerprints. Though there are many treatment methods available to treat solid tumors, still a considerable loss of life happens, due to the limitation of treatment options and the outcomes of ineffective treatments. Cancer cells evolve with chemo- or radiation-treatment strategies and later show adaptive behavior, leading to failed treatment. These challenges demand tailored and individually apt personalized treatment methods. Bacteriophages (or phages) and phage-based theragnostic vectors are gaining attention in the field of modern cancer medicine, beyond their bactericidal ability. With the invention of the latest techniques to fine-tune phages, such as in the field of genetic engineering, synthetic assembly methods, phage display, and chemical modifications, noteworthy progress in phage vector research for safe cancer application has been realized, including use in pre-clinical studies. Herein, we discuss the distinct fingerprints of solid tumor physiology and the potential for bacteriophage vectors to exploit specific tumor features for improvised tumor theragnostic applications.
Curcumin as an Epigenetic Therapeutic Agent in Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
Authors: Xie Xiaoqing , Frank Daria , Patnana Pradeep Kumar , Schütte Judith , Al-Matary Yahya , Liu Longlong , Wei Lanying , Dugas Martin , Varghese Julian , Nimmagadda Subbaiah Chary , Khandanpour Cyrus
Published: December 2021

Growth Factor Independence 1 (GFI1) is a transcription factor with an important role in the regulation of development of myeloid and lymphoid cell lineages and was implicated in the development of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Reduced expression of GFI1 or presence of the GFI1-36N (serine replaced with asparagine) variant leads to epigenetic changes in human and murine AML blasts and accelerated the development of leukaemia in a murine model of human MDS and AML. We and other groups previously showed that the GFI1-36N allele or reduced expression of GFI1 in human AML blasts is associated with an inferior prognosis. Using GFI1-36S, -36N -KD, NUP98-HOXD13-tg mice and curcumin (a natural histone acetyltransferase inhibitor (HATi)), we now demonstrate that expansion of GFI1-36N or –KD, NUP98-HODXD13 leukaemic cells can be delayed. Curcumin treatment significantly reduced AML progression in GFI1-36N or -KD mice and prolonged AML-free survival. Of note, curcumin treatment had no effect in GFI1-36S, NUP98-HODXD13 expressing mice. On a molecular level, curcumin treatment negatively affected open chromatin structure in the GFI1-36N or -KD haematopoietic cells but not GFI1-36S cells. Taken together, our study thus identified a therapeutic role for curcumin treatment in the treatment of AML patients (homo or heterozygous for GFI1-36N or reduced GFI1 expression) and possibly improved therapy outcome.
Cytokine Signature and Involvement in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Carsuzaa Florent , Béquignon Émilie , Dufour Xavier , de Bonnecaze Guillaume , Lecron Jean-Claude , Favot Laure
Published: December 2021

Cytokines are well known to play a central role in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), particularly in maintenance of the inflammatory response and the recruitment of eosinophils. The pathophysiological concepts concerning the involvement of inflammatory cytokines in CRSwNP have gradually evolved. Although the Th2 cytokines environment associated with an eosinophilic infiltration has retained a central role in the genesis of polyps, the role of other cytokine subpopulations has also and more recently been detailed, leading to a specific and complex signature in CRSwNP. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current state of knowledge about the cytokine signature in CRSwNP, the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of this disease and in the intercellular dialog between epithelial cells, fibroblasts and inflammatory cells. Knowledge of this precise cytokine signature in CRSwNP is fundamental in the perspective of potential targeting biotherapies.
Energy Resilience Impact of Supply Chain Network Disruption to Military Microgrids
Authors: Anuat Edward , Van Bossuyt Douglas L. , Pollman Anthony
Published: December 2021

The ability to provide uninterrupted power to military installations is paramount in executing a country’s national defense strategy. Microgrid architectures increase installation energy resilience through redundant local generation sources and the capability for grid independence. However, deliberate attacks from near-peer competitors can disrupt the associated supply chain network, thereby affecting mission critical loads. Utilizing an integrated discrete-time Markov chain and dynamic Bayesian network approach, we investigate disruption propagation throughout a supply chain network and quantify its mission impact on an islanded microgrid. We propose a novel methodology and an associated metric we term “energy resilience impact” to identify and address supply chain disruption risks to energy security. The proposed methodology addresses a gap in the literature and practice where it is assumed supply chains will not be disrupted during incidents involving microgrids. A case study of a fictional military installation is presented to demonstrate how installation energy managers can adopt this methodology for the design and improvement of military microgrids. The fictional case study shows how supply chain disruptions can impact the ability of a microgrid to successfully supply electricity to critical loads throughout an islanding event.
The Fungus Metarhizium sp. BCC 4849 Is an Effective and Safe Mycoinsecticide for the Management of Spider Mites and Other Insect Pests
Authors: Wasuwan Rudsamee , Phosrithong Natnapha , Promdonkoy Boonhiang , Sangsrakru Duangjai , Sonthirod Chutima , Tangphatsornruang Sithichoke , Likhitrattanapisal Somsak , Ingsriswang Supawadee , Srisuksam Chettida , Klamchao Kewarin , Suksangpanomrung Malinee , Hleepongpanich Thipmanee , Reungpatthanaphong Sareeya , Tanticharoen Morakot , Amnuaykanjanasin Alongkorn
Published: December 2021

Five isolates of Metarhizium sp. were evaluated for their pathogenicity against the spider mite (Tetranychus truncatus Ehara) (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Metarhizium sp. BCC 4849 resulted in the highest mortality (82%) on the 5th day post-inoculation (DPI). Subsequent insect bioassay data indicated similar high virulence against five other insects: African red mites (Eutetranychus africanus Tucker) (Acari: Tetranychidae), bean aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), cassava mealybug (Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicarius Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Brentidae), and oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), at mortalities of 92–99%, on 3rd–6th DPI, and in laboratory conditions. The pathogenicity assay against E. africanus in hemp plants under greenhouse conditions indicated 85–100% insect mortality on 10th DPI using the fungus alone or in combination with synthetic acaricide. Genome sequencing of Metarhizium sp. BCC 4849 revealed the high abundance of proteins associated with zinc-, heme-, and iron-binding; oxidation-reduction; and transmembrane transport, implicating its versatile mode of interaction with the environment and adaptation to various ion homeostasis. The light and scanning electron microscopy indicated that at 24 h post inoculation (PI), adhesion and appressorial formation occurred, notably near the setae. Most infected mites had stopped moving and started dying by 48–72 h PI. Elongated hyphal bodies and oval blastospores were detected in the legs. At 96–120 h PI or longer, dense mycelia and conidial mass had colonized the interior and exterior of dead mites, primarily at the bottom than the upper part. The shelf-life study also indicated that conidial formulation combined with an oxygen-moisture absorber markedly enhanced the viability and germination after storage at 35 °C for four months. The fungus was tested as safe for humans and animals, according to our toxicological assays.
Effect of Prehospital Epinephrine Use on Survival from Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest and on Emergency Medical Services
Authors: Park Song Yi , Lim Daesung , Kim Seong Chun , Ryu Ji Ho , Kim Yong Hwan , Choi Byungho , Kim Sun Hyu
Published: December 2021

This study was to identify the effect of epinephrine on the survival of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients and changes in prehospital emergency medical services (EMSs) after the introduction of prehospital epinephrine use by EMS providers. This was a retrospective observational study comparing two groups (epinephrine group and norepinephrine group). We used propensity score matching of the two groups and identified the association between outcome variables regarding survival and epinephrine use, controlling for confounding factors. The epinephrine group was 339 patients of a total 1943 study population. The survival-to-discharge rate and OR (95% CI) of the epinephrine group were 5.0% (p = 0.215) and 0.72 (0.43–1.21) in the total patient population and 4.7% (p = 0.699) and 1.15 (0.55–2.43) in the 1:1 propensity-matched population. The epinephrine group received more mechanical chest compression and had longer EMS response times and scene times than the norepinephrine group. Mechanical chest compression was a negative prognostic factor for survival to discharge and favorable neurological outcomes in the epinephrine group. The introduction of prehospital epinephrine use in OHCA patients yielded no evidence of improvement in survival to discharge and favorable neurological outcomes and adversely affected the practice of EMS providers, exacerbating the factors negatively associated with survival from OHCA.
Brain Signaling of Indispensable Amino Acid Deficiency
Authors: Gietzen Dorothy W.
Published: December 2021

Our health requires continual protein synthesis for maintaining and repairing tissues. For protein synthesis to function, all the essential (indispensable) amino acids (IAAs) must be available in the diet, along with those AAs that the cells can synthesize (the dispensable amino acids). Here we review studies that have shown the location of the detector for IAA deficiency in the brain, specifically for recognition of IAA deficient diets (IAAD diets) in the anterior piriform cortex (APC), with subsequent responses in downstream brain areas. The APC is highly excitable, which makes is uniquely suited to serve as an alarm for reductions in IAAs. With a balanced diet, these neurons are kept from over-excitation by GABAergic inhibitory neurons. Because several transporters and receptors on the GABAergic neurons have rapid turnover times, they rely on intact protein synthesis to function. When an IAA is missing, its unique tRNA cannot be charged. This activates the enzyme General Control Nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) that is important in the initiation phase of protein synthesis. Without the inhibitory control supplied by GABAergic neurons, excitation in the circuitry is free to signal an urgent alarm. Studies in rodents have shown rapid recognition of IAA deficiency by quick rejection of the IAAD diet.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus—Report 2: Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Alé-Chilet Aníbal , Bernal-Morales Carolina , Barraso Marina , Hernández Teresa , Oliva Cristian , Vinagre Irene , Ortega Emilio , Figueras-Roca Marc , Sala-Puigdollers Anna , Esquinas Cristina , Gimenez Marga , Esmatjes Enric , Adán Alfredo , Zarranz-Ventura Javier
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this study is to investigate potential associations between optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) parameters and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) categories in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients and controls. A complete ocular and systemic examination, including OCTA imaging tests and bloods, was performed. OCTA parameters included vessel density (VD), perfusion density (PD), foveal avascular zone area (FAZa), perimeter (FAZp) and circularity (FAZc) in the superficial vascular plexus, and DKD categories were defined according to glomerular filtration rate (GFR), albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) and KDIGO prognosis risk classifications. A total of 425 individuals (1 eye/1 patient) were included. Reduced VD and FAZc were associated with greater categories of GFR (p = 0.002, p = 0.04), ACR (p = 0.003, p = 0.005) and KDIGO risk prognosis classifications (p = 0.002, p = 0.005). FAZc was significantly reduced in greater KDIGO prognosis risk categories (low risk vs. moderate risk, 0.65 ± 0.09 vs. 0.60 ± 0.07, p < 0.05). VD and FAZc presented the best diagnostic performance in ROCs. In conclusion, OCTA parameters, such as VD and FAZc, are able to detect different GFR, ACR, and KDIGO categories in T1DM patients and controls in a non-invasive, objective quantitative way. FAZc is able to discriminate within T1DM patients those with greater DKD categories and greater risk of DKD progression.
Triage Strategies Based on C-Reactive Protein Levels and SARS-CoV-2 Tests among Individuals Referred with Suspected COVID-19: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Boyesen Erika Olivia , Balsby Ida Maria , Henriksen Marius , Christensen Robin , Rasmussen Jens Henning , Nielsen Finn Erland , Nygaard Hanne , Friis-Hansen Lennart Jan , Nielsen Susanne Dam , Thudium Rebekka Faber , Porsberg Celeste , Kristensen Lars Erik , Bliddal Henning
Published: December 2021

C-reactive protein (CRP) has prognostic value in hospitalized patients with COVID-19; the importance of CRP in pre-hospitalized patients remains to be tested. Methods: Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 had a SARS-CoV-2 PCR oropharyngeal swab test, and a measurement of CRP was performed at baseline, with an upper reference range of 10 mg/L. After 28 days, information about possible admissions, oxygen treatments, transfers to the ICU, or deaths was obtained from the patient files. Using logistic regression, the prognostic value of the CRP and SARS-CoV-2 test results was evaluated. Results: Among the 1006 patients included, the SARS-CoV-2 PCR test was positive in 59, and the CRP level was elevated (>10 mg/L) in 131. In total, 59 patients were hospitalized, only 3 of whom were SARS-CoV-2 positive, with elevated CRP (n = 2) and normal CRP (n = 1). The probability of being hospitalized with elevated CRP was 4.21 (95%CI 2.38–7.43, p < 0.0001), while the probability of being hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 positivity alone was 0.85 (95%CI 0.26–2.81, p = 0.79). Conclusions: CRP is not a reliable predictor for the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pre-hospitalized patients. CRP, while not a SARS-CoV-2 positive test, had prognostic value in the total population of patients presenting with COVID-19-related symptoms.
Evolution of Salvage Radical Prostatectomy from Open to Robotic and Further to Retzius Sparing Surgery
Authors: Schuetz Viktoria , Reimold Philipp , Goertz Magdalena , Hofer Luisa , Dieffenbacher Svenja , Nyarangi-Dix Joanne , Duensing Stefan , Hohenfellner Markus , Hatiboglu Gencay
Published: December 2021

Salvage radical prostatectomy (sRP) has evolved from open to minimally invasive approaches. sRP can be offered to patients with local recurrence to improve biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free and overall survival. We evaluate oncological outcome and continence after retropubic (RRP), conventional (cRARP), and Retzius-sparing robotic (rsRARP) surgery. Materials/methods: A total of 53 patients undergoing sRP between 2010 and 2020 were included. Follow-up included oncological outcome and continence. Results: sRP was done as RRP (n = 25), cRARP (n = 7), or rsRARP (n = 21). Median blood loss was 900 mL, 500 mL, and 300 mL for RRP, cRARP, and rsRARP, respectively. At 12 months, 5 (20%), 0, and 4 (19%) patients were continent, 9 (36%), 3 (43%), and 7 (33%) had grade 1 incontinence, 5 (20%), 2 (29%), and 3 (14%) had grade 2 incontinence, and 3 (12%), 2 (29%), and 4 (19%) had grade 3 incontinence for RRP, cRARP, or rsRARP, respectively. During a mean follow-up of 52.6 months, 16 (64%), 4 (57%), and 3 (14%) developed BCR in the RRP-, cRARP-, and rsRARP-group, respectively. Conclusions: Over the years, sRP has shifted from open to laparoscopic/robotic surgery. RARP shows good oncological and functional outcome. rsRARP ensures direct vision on the rectum during preparation and can therefore increase safety and surgeon’s confidence, especially in the salvage setting.
Advances in Management of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Racioppi Marco
Published: December 2021

Bladder cancer (BC) is a complex disease with the following presentations, which are completely different from one another: non-muscle-infiltrating bladder cancer (NMIBC) and muscle-infiltrating bladder cancer (MIBC) [...]
Mesoscale Dynamics and Eddy Heat Transport in the Japan/East Sea from 1990 to 2010: A Model-Based Analysis
Authors: Stepanov Dmitry , Fomin Vladimir , Gusev Anatoly , Diansky Nikolay
Published: December 2021

The driving mechanisms of mesoscale processes and associated heat transport in the Japan/East Sea (JES) from 1990 to 2010 were examined using eddy-resolving ocean model simulations. The simulated circulation showed correctly reproduced JES major basin-scale currents and mesoscale dynamics features. We show that mesoscale eddies can deepen isotherms/isohalines up to several hundred meters and transport warm and low salinity waters along the western and eastern JES boundaries. The analysis of eddy kinetic energy (EKE) showed that the mesoscale dynamics reaches a maximum intensity in the upper 300 m layer. Throughout the year, the EKE maximum is observed in the southeastern JES, and a pronounced seasonal variability is observed in the southwestern and northwestern JES. The comparison of the EKE budget components confirmed that various mechanisms can be responsible for the generation of mesoscale dynamics during the year. From winter to spring, the baroclinic instability of basin-scale currents is the leading mechanism of the JES mesoscale dynamics’ generation. In summer, the leading role in the generation of the mesoscale dynamics is played by the barotropic instability of basin-scale currents, which are responsible for the emergence of mesoscale eddies, and in autumn, the leading role is played by instabilities and the eddy wind work. We show that the meridional heat transport (MHT) is mainly polewards. Furthermore, we reveal two paths of eddy heat transport across the Subpolar Front: along the western and eastern (along 138∘ E) JES boundaries. Near the Tsugaru Strait, we describe the detected intensive westward eddy heat transport reaching its maximum in the first half of the year and decreasing to the minimum by summer.
Genomic and Metabolomic Analyses of the Marine Fungus Emericellopsis cladophorae: Insights into Saltwater Adaptability Mechanisms and Its Biosynthetic Potential
Authors: Gonçalves Micael F. M. , Hilário Sandra , Van de Peer Yves , Esteves Ana C. , Alves Artur
Published: December 2021

The genus Emericellopsis is found in terrestrial, but mainly in marine, environments with a worldwide distribution. Although Emericellopsis has been recognized as an important source of bioactive compounds, the range of metabolites expressed by the species of this genus, as well as the genes involved in their production are still poorly known. Untargeted metabolomics, using UPLC- QToF–MS/MS, and genome sequencing (Illumina HiSeq) was performed to unlock E. cladophorae MUM 19.33 chemical diversity. The genome of E. cladophorae is 26.9 Mb and encodes 8572 genes. A large set of genes encoding carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), secreted proteins, transporters, and secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters were identified. Our analysis also revealed genomic signatures that may reflect a certain fungal adaptability to the marine environment, such as genes encoding for (1) the high-osmolarity glycerol pathway; (2) osmolytes’ biosynthetic processes; (3) ion transport systems, and (4) CAZymes classes allowing the utilization of marine polysaccharides. The fungal crude extract library constructed revealed a promising source of antifungal (e.g., 9,12,13-Trihydroxyoctadec-10-enoic acid, hymeglusin), antibacterial (e.g., NovobiocinA), anticancer (e.g., daunomycinone, isoreserpin, flavopiridol), and anti-inflammatory (e.g., 2’-O-Galloylhyperin) metabolites. We also detected unknown compounds with no structural match in the databases used. The metabolites’ profiles of E. cladophorae MUM 19.33 fermentations were salt dependent. The results of this study contribute to unravel aspects of the biology and ecology of this marine fungus. The genome and metabolome data are relevant for future biotechnological exploitation of the species.
Glucose and Serum Deprivation Led to Altered Proliferation, Differentiation Potential and AMPK Activation in Stem Cells from Human Deciduous Tooth
Authors: Pawar Madhura , Pawar Vivek , Renugalakshmi Apathsakayan , Albrakati Ashraf , Uthman Uthman S. , Dewan Harisha , Mugri Maryam , Sayed Mohammed , Bhandi Shilpa , Patil Vikrant R. , Reda Rodolfo , Testarelli Luca , Patil Shankargouda
Published: December 2021

Stem cell therapy is an evolving treatment strategy in regenerative medicine. Recent studies report stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth could complement the traditional mesenchymal stem cell sources. Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth exhibit mesenchymal characteristics with multilineage differentiation potential. Mesenchymal stem cells are widely investigated for cell therapy and disease modeling. Although many research are being conducted to address the challenges of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in clinics, most of the studies are still in infancy. Host cell microenvironment is one of the major factors affecting the homing of transplanted stem cell and understanding the factors affecting the fate of stem cells of prime important. In this study we aimed to understand the effects of serum deprivation in stem cells derived from human deciduous tooth. Our study aimed to understand the morphological, transcriptional, cell cycle and stemness based changes of stem cells in nutrient deprived medium. Our results suggest that stem cells in nutrient deprived media undergo low proliferation, high apoptosis and changed the differentiation potential of the stem cells. Serum deprived mesenchymal stem cells exhibited enhanced chondrogenic differentiation potential and reduced osteogenic differentiation potential. Moreover, the activation of key metabolic sensor AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) leads to activation of transcription factors such as FOXO3, which leads to an S phase quiescence. Serum deprivation also enhanced the expression of stemness related genes Sox2 and c-Myc.
E-Skin Development and Prototyping via Soft Tooling and Composites with Silicone Rubber and Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: García-Ávila Josué , Rodríguez Ciro A. , Vargas-Martínez Adriana , Ramírez-Cedillo Erick , Martínez-López J. Israel
Published: December 2021

The strategy of embedding conductive materials on polymeric matrices has produced functional and wearable artificial electronic skin prototypes capable of transduction signals, such as pressure, force, humidity, or temperature. However, these prototypes are expensive and cover small areas. This study proposes a more affordable manufacturing strategy for manufacturing conductive layers with 6 × 6 matrix micropatterns of RTV-2 silicone rubber and Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNT). A novel mold with two cavities and two different micropatterns was designed and tested as a proof-of-concept using Low-Force Stereolithography-based additive manufacturing (AM). The effect SWCNT concentrations (3 wt.%, 4 wt.%, and 5 wt.%) on the mechanical properties were characterized by quasi-static axial deformation tests, which allowed them to stretch up to ~160%. The elastomeric soft material’s hysteresis energy (Mullin’s effect) was fitted using the Ogden–Roxburgh model and the Nelder–Mead algorithm. The assessment showed that the resulting multilayer material exhibits high flexibility and high conductivity (surface resistivity ~7.97 × 104 Ω/sq) and that robust soft tooling can be used for other devices.
Quantitative Analysis of Surface Attached Mortar for Recycled Coarse Aggregate
Authors: Liu Guoying , Li Qiuyi , Song Jialin , Wang Liang , Liu Haibao , Guo Yuanxin , Yue Gongbing
Published: December 2021

Due to the large amount of old hardened cement mortar attached to the surface of aggregate and the internal micro-cracks formed by the crushing process, the water absorption, apparent density, and crushing index of recycled coarse aggregate are still far behind those of natural coarse aggregate. Based on the performance requirements of different qualities of recycled coarse aggregate, the performance differences of recycled coarse aggregate before and after physical strengthening were observed. The results showed that the physical strengthening technique can remove old hardened mortar and micro powder attached to the surface of recycled coarse aggregate by mechanical action, which can effectively improve the quality of recycled coarse aggregate. The optimum calcination temperature of the recycled coarse aggregate was 400 °C and the grinding time was 20 min. The contents of the attached mortar in recycled coarse aggregates of Class I, II, and III were 7.9%, 22.8%, and 39.7%, respectively. The quality of recycled coarse aggregate was closely related to the amount of mortar attached to the surface. The higher the mortar content, the higher the water absorption, lower apparent density, and higher crushing index of the recycled coarse aggregate.