bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long Noncoding RNA in Myeloid and Lymphoid Cell Differentiation, Polarization and Function
Authors: Ahmad Imran , Valverde Araceli , Ahmad Fayek , Naqvi Afsar Raza
Published: January 2020

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) are a class of endogenous, non-protein coding RNAs that are increasingly being associated with various cellular functions and diseases. Yet, despite their ubiquity and abundance, only a minute fraction of these molecules has an assigned function. LncRNAs show tissue-, cell-, and developmental stage-specific expression, and are differentially expressed under physiological or pathological conditions. The role of lncRNAs in the lineage commitment of immune cells and shaping immune responses is becoming evident. Myeloid cells and lymphoid cells are two major classes of immune systems that work in concert to initiate and amplify innate and adaptive immunity in vertebrates. In this review, we provide mechanistic roles of lncRNA through which these noncoding RNAs can directly participate in the differentiation, polarization, and activation of myeloid (monocyte, macrophage, and dendritic cells) and lymphoid cells (T cells, B cells, and NK cells). While our knowledge on the role of lncRNA in immune cell differentiation and function has improved in the past decade, further studies are required to unravel the biological role of lncRNAs and identify novel mechanisms of lncRNA functions in immune cells. Harnessing the regulatory potential of lncRNAs can provide novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets in treating immune cell related diseases.
Biological Functions and Analytical Strategies of Sialic Acids in Tumor
Authors: Zhou Xiaoman , Yang Ganglong , Guan Feng
Published: January 2020

Sialic acids, a subset of nine carbon acidic sugars, often exist as the terminal sugars of glycans on either glycoproteins or glycolipids on the cell surface. Sialic acids play important roles in many physiological and pathological processes via carbohydrate-protein interactions, including cell–cell communication, bacterial and viral infections. In particular, hypersialylation in tumors, as well as their roles in tumor growth and metastasis, have been widely described. Recent studies have indicated that the aberrant sialylation is a vital way for tumor cells to escape immune surveillance and keep malignance. In this article, we outline the present state of knowledge on the metabolic pathway of human sialic acids, the function of hypersialylation in tumors, as well as the recent labeling and analytical techniques for sialic acids. It is expected to offer a brief introduction of sialic acid metabolism and provide advanced analytical strategies in sialic acid studies.
Modulation of Cell–Cell Interactions in Drosophila Oocyte Development
Authors: Antel Matthew , Inaba Mayu
Published: January 2020

The Drosophila ovary offers a suitable model system to study the mechanisms that orchestrate diverse cellular processes. Oogenesis starts from asymmetric stem cell division, proper differentiation and the production of fully patterned oocytes equipped with all the maternal information required for embryogenesis. Spatial and temporal regulation of cell-cell interaction is particularly important to fulfill accurate biological outcomes at each step of oocyte development. Progress has been made in understanding diverse cell physiological regulation of signaling. Here we review the roles of specialized cellular machinery in cell-cell communication in different stages of oogenesis.
Norrin Protects Retinal Ganglion Cells from Excitotoxic Damage via the Induction of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor
Authors: Kassumeh Stefan , Leopold Stephanie , Fuchshofer Rudolf , Thomas Carina N. , Priglinger Siegfried G. , Tamm Ernst R. , Ohlmann Andreas
Published: January 2020

Purpose: To investigate whether and how leukemia inhibitory factor (Lif) is involved in mediating the neuroprotective effects of Norrin on retinal ganglion cells (RGC) following excitotoxic damage. Norrin is a secreted protein that protects RGC from N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-mediated excitotoxic damage, which is accompanied by increased expression of protective factors such as Lif, Edn2 and Fgf2. Methods: Lif-deficient mice were injected with NMDA in one eye and NMDA plus Norrin into the other eye. RGC damage was investigated and quantified by TUNEL labeling 24 h after injection. Retinal mRNA expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction following retinal treatment. Results: After intravitreal injection of NMDA and Norrin in wild-type mice approximately 50% less TUNEL positive cells were observed in the RGC layer when compared to NMDA-treated littermates, an effect which was lost in Lif-deficient mice. The mRNA expression for Gfap, a marker for Müller cell gliosis, as well as Edn2 and Fgf2 was induced in wild-type mice following NMDA/Norrin treatment but substantially blocked in Lif-deficient mice. Conclusions: Norrin mediates its protective properties on RGC via Lif, which is required to enhance Müller cell gliosis and to induce protective factors such as Edn2 or Fgf2.
The Role of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 (BMP-7) in Inflammation in Heart Diseases
Authors: Aluganti Narasimhulu Chandrakala , Singla Dinender K
Published: January 2020

Bone morphogenetic protein-7 is (BMP-7) is a potent anti-inflammatory growth factor belonging to the Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) superfamily. It plays an important role in various biological processes, including embryogenesis, hematopoiesis, neurogenesis and skeletal morphogenesis. BMP-7 stimulates the target cells by binding to specific membrane-bound receptor BMPR 2 and transduces signals through mothers against decapentaplegic (Smads) and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. To date, rhBMP-7 has been used clinically to induce the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells bordering the bone fracture site into chondrocytes, osteoclasts, the formation of new bone via calcium deposition and to stimulate the repair of bone fracture. However, its use in cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and diabetic cardiomyopathy is currently being explored. More importantly, these cardiovascular diseases are associated with inflammation and infiltrated monocytes where BMP-7 has been demonstrated to be a key player in the differentiation of pro-inflammatory monocytes, or M1 macrophages, into anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, which reduces developed cardiac dysfunction. Therefore, this review focuses on the molecular mechanisms of BMP-7 treatment in cardiovascular disease and its role as an anti-fibrotic, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory growth factor, which emphasizes its potential therapeutic significance in heart diseases.
Tannic Acid Promotes TRAIL-Induced Extrinsic Apoptosis by Regulating Mitochondrial ROS in Human Embryonic Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Sp Nipin , Kang Dong Young , Jo Eun Seong , Rugamba Alexis , Kim Wan Seop , Park Yeong-Min , Hwang Dae-Yong , Yoo Ji-Seung , Liu Qing , Jang Kyoung-Jin , Yang Young Mok
Published: January 2020

Human embryonic carcinoma (EC; NCCIT) cells have self-renewal ability and pluripotency. Cancer stem cell markers are highly expressed in NCCIT cells, imparting them with the pluripotent nature to differentiate into other cancer types, including breast cancer. As one of the main cancer stem cell pathways, Wnt/β-catenin is also overexpressed in NCCIT cells. Thus, inhibition of these pathways defines the ability of a drug to target cancer stem cells. Tannic acid (TA) is a natural polyphenol present in foods, fruits, and vegetables that has anti-cancer activity. Through Western blotting and PCR, we demonstrate that TA inhibits cancer stem cell markers and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in NCCIT cells and through a fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis we demonstrated that TA induces sub-G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The mechanism underlying this is the induction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) (mROS), which then induce the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-mediated extrinsic apoptosis pathway instead of intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Moreover, ribonucleic acid sequencing data with TA in NCCIT cells show an elevation in TRAIL-induced extrinsic apoptosis, which we confirm by Western blotting and real-time PCR. The induction of human TRAIL also proves that TA can induce extrinsic apoptosis in NCCIT cells by regulating mROS.
Impact of Melatonin on Skeletal Muscle and Exercise
Authors: Stacchiotti Alessandra , Favero Gaia , Rodella Luigi Fabrizio
Published: January 2020

Skeletal muscle disorders are dramatically increasing with human aging with enormous sanitary costs and impact on the quality of life. Preventive and therapeutic tools to limit onset and progression of muscle frailty include nutrition and physical training. Melatonin, the indole produced at nighttime in pineal and extra-pineal sites in mammalians, has recognized anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties. Mitochondria are the favorite target of melatonin, which maintains them efficiently, scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative damage. Here, we discuss the most recent evidence of dietary melatonin efficacy in age-related skeletal muscle disorders in cellular, preclinical, and clinical studies. Furthermore, we analyze the emerging impact of melatonin on physical activity. Finally, we consider the newest evidence of the gut–muscle axis and the influence of exercise and probably melatonin on the microbiota. In our opinion, this review reinforces the relevance of melatonin as a safe nutraceutical that limits skeletal muscle frailty and prolongs physical performance.
The Influence of Anodic Alumina Coating Nanostructure Produced on EN AW-5251 Alloy on Type of Tribological Wear Process
Authors: Niedźwiedź Mateusz , Skoneczny Władysław , Bara Marek
Published: January 2020

The article presents the influence of the anodic alumina coating nanostructure produced on aluminum alloy EN AW-5251 on the type of tribological wear process of the coating. Oxide coatings were produced electrochemically in a ternary electrolyte by the DC method. Analysis of the nanostructure of the coating was performed using ImageJ 1.50i software on micrographs taken with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Scratch tests of the coatings were carried out using a Micron-Gamma microhardness tester. The scratch marks were subjected to surface geometric structure studies with a Form TalySurf 2 50i contact profiler. Based on the studies, it was found that changes in the manufacturing process conditions (current density, electrolyte temperature) affect changes in the coating thickness and changes in the anodic alumina coating nanostructure (quantity and diameter of nanofibers), which in turn has a significant impact on the type of tribological wear. An increase in the density of the anodizing current from 1 to 4 A/dm2 causes an increase in the diameter of the nanofibers from 75.99 ± 7.7 to 124.59 ± 6.53 nm while reducing amount of fibers from 6.6 ± 0.61 to 3.8 ± 0.48 on length 1 × 103 nm. This affects on a change in the type of tribological wear from grooving to micro-cutting.
Genetic Structure and Phylogeography of Tuber magnatum Populations
Authors: Belfiori Beatrice , D’Angelo Valentina , Riccioni Claudia , Leonardi Marco , Paolocci Francesco , Pacioni Giovanni , Rubini Andrea
Published: January 2020

The ectomycorrhizal fungus Tuber magnatum produces the white truffle appreciated worldwide for its unique aroma. With respect to other Tuber spp. of economic interest, T. magnatum presents a narrower geographical range. This species has, in fact, long been considered endemic to Italy. However, over the last few decades several reports have documented the presence of white truffles in different Mediterranean countries and in particular in various areas of south-east Europe. In this study, samples from several Pannonian and Balkan countries such as Hungary, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria and Greece have been collected and genotyped with microsatellite markers and the data merged with those available for Italian populations. Our objectives were to test whether Italian and south-east European populations are differentiated and to evaluate the genetic diversity of T. magnatum all over its distributional range. We show the genetic structure of T. magnatum populations with the differentiation of four main groups: northern Italy, central-northern Italy, southern Italy and the Balkan/Pannonian region. The present study allowed us to refine the evolutionary history of T. magnatum and track the possible post-glacial expansion route of this species. The assessment of T. magnatum’s genetic structure is not only of scientific relevance, but it is also important for the conservation and market traceability of this prestigious fungus.
Conserving the Diversity of Ecological Interactions: The Role of Two Threatened Macaw Species as Legitimate Dispersers of “Megafaunal” Fruits
Authors: Tella José L. , Hiraldo Fernando , Pacífico Erica , Díaz-Luque José A. , Dénes Francisco V. , Fontoura Fernanda M. , Guedes Neiva , Blanco Guillermo
Published: January 2020

The extinction of ecological functions is increasingly considered a major component of biodiversity loss, given its pervasive effects on ecosystems, and it may precede the disappearance of the species engaged. Dispersal of many large-fruited (>4 cm diameter) plants is thought to have been handicapped after the extinction of megafauna in the Late Pleistocene and the recent defaunation of large mammals. We recorded the seed dispersal behavior of two macaws (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus and Anodorhynchus leari) in three Neotropical biomes, totaling >1700 dispersal events from 18 plant species, 98% corresponding to six large-fruited palm species. Dispersal rates varied among palm species (5%–100%). Fruits were moved to perches at varying distances (means: 17–450 m, maximum 1620 m). Macaws also moved nuts after regurgitation by livestock, in an unusual case of tertiary dispersal, to distant perches. A high proportion (11%–75%) of dispersed nuts was found undamaged under perches, and palm recruitment was confirmed under 6%–73% of the perches. Our results showed that these macaws were legitimate, long-distance dispersers, and challenge the prevailing view that dispersal of large-fruited plants was compromised after megafauna extinction. The large range contraction of these threatened macaws, however, meant that these mutualistic interactions are functionally extinct over large areas at a continental scale.
Coronary Atherosclerosis Imaging
Authors: Henein Michael Y. , Vancheri Sergio , Bajraktari Gani , Vancheri Federico
Published: January 2020

Identifying patients at increased risk of coronary artery disease, before the atherosclerotic complications become clinically evident, is the aim of cardiovascular prevention. Imaging techniques provide direct assessment of coronary atherosclerotic burden and pathological characteristics of atherosclerotic lesions which may predict the progression of disease. Atherosclerosis imaging has been traditionally based on the evaluation of coronary luminal narrowing and stenosis. However, the degree of arterial obstruction is a poor predictor of subsequent acute events. More recent techniques focus on the high-resolution visualization of the arterial wall and the coronary plaques. Most acute coronary events are triggered by plaque rupture or erosion. Hence, atherosclerotic plaque imaging has generally focused on the detection of vulnerable plaque prone to rupture. However, atherosclerosis is a dynamic process and the plaque morphology and composition may change over time. Most vulnerable plaques undergo progressive transformation from high-risk to more stable and heavily calcified lesions, while others undergo subclinical rupture and healing. Although extensive plaque calcification is often associated with stable atherosclerosis, the extent of coronary artery calcification strongly correlates with the degree of atherosclerosis and with the rate of future cardiac events. Inflammation has a central role in atherogenesis, from plaque formation to rupture, hence in the development of acute coronary events. Morphologic plaque assessment, both invasive and non-invasive, gives limited information as to the current activity of the atherosclerotic disease. The addition of nuclear imaging, based on radioactive tracers targeted to the inflammatory components of the plaques, provides a highly sensitive assessment of coronary disease activity, thus distinguishing those patients who have stable disease from those with active plaque inflammation.
Quantifying Total Influence between Variables with Information Theoretic and Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Murari Andrea , Rossi Riccardo , Lungaroni Michele , Gaudio Pasquale , Gelfusa Michela
Published: January 2020

The increasingly sophisticated investigations of complex systems require more robust estimates of the correlations between the measured quantities. The traditional Pearson correlation coefficient is easy to calculate but sensitive only to linear correlations. The total influence between quantities is, therefore, often expressed in terms of the mutual information, which also takes into account the nonlinear effects but is not normalized. To compare data from different experiments, the information quality ratio is, therefore, in many cases, of easier interpretation. On the other hand, both mutual information and information quality ratio are always positive and, therefore, cannot provide information about the sign of the influence between quantities. Moreover, they require an accurate determination of the probability distribution functions of the variables involved. As the quality and amount of data available are not always sufficient to grant an accurate estimation of the probability distribution functions, it has been investigated whether neural computational tools can help and complement the aforementioned indicators. Specific encoders and autoencoders have been developed for the task of determining the total correlation between quantities related by a functional dependence, including information about the sign of their mutual influence. Both their accuracy and computational efficiencies have been addressed in detail, with extensive numerical tests using synthetic data. A careful analysis of the robustness against noise has also been performed. The neural computational tools typically outperform the traditional indicators in practically every respect.
Structure and Phase Composition of a W-Ta-Mo-Nb-V-Cr-Zr-Ti Alloy Obtained by Ball Milling and Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Ditenberg Ivan A. , Smirnov Ivan V. , Korchagin Michail A. , Grinyaev Konstantin V. , Melnikov Vladlen V. , Pinzhin Yuriy P. , Gavrilov Alexander I. , Esikov Maksim A. , Mali Vyacheslav I. , Dudina Dina V.
Published: January 2020

In this paper, the structural characteristics of a W-Ta-Mo-Nb-V-Cr-Zr-Ti non-equiatomic refractory metal alloy obtained by spark plasma sintering (SPS) of a high-energy ball-milled powder mixture are reported. High-energy ball milling resulted in the formation of particle agglomerates ranging from several tens to several hundreds of micrometers. These agglomerates were composed of micrometer and submicrometer particles. It was found that, during ball milling, a solid solution of A2 structure formed. The grains of the sintered material ranged from fractions of a micrometer to several micrometers. During SPS, the phase transformations in the alloy led to the formation of a Laves phase of C15 structure and ZrO and ZrO2 nanoparticles. The microhardness of the ball-milled alloy and sintered material was found to be 9.28 GPa ± 1.31 GPa and 8.95 GPa ± 0.42 GPa, respectively. The influence of the processing conditions on the structure, phase composition, and microhardness of the alloy is discussed.
Adaptive Semantic Segmentation for Unmanned Surface Vehicle Navigation
Authors: Zhan Wenqiang , Xiao Changshi , Wen Yuanqiao , Zhou Chunhui , Yuan Haiwen , Xiu Supu , Zou Xiong , Xie Cheng , Li Qiliang
Published: January 2020

The intelligentization of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) has recently attracted intensive interest. Visual perception of the water scenes is critical for the autonomous navigation of USVs. In this paper, an adaptive semantic segmentation method is proposed to recognize the water scenes. A semantic segmentation network model is designed to classify each pixel of an image into water, land or sky. The segmentation result is refined by the conditional random field (CRF) method. It is further improved accordingly by referring to the superpixel map. A weight map is generated based on the prediction confidence. The network trains itself with the refined pseudo label and the weight map. A set of experiments were designed to evaluate the proposed method. The experimental results show that the proposed method exhibits excellent performance with few-shot learning and is quite adaptable to a new environment, very efficient for limited manual labeled data utilization.
A Blockchain-Based Hybrid Incentive Model for Crowdsensing
Authors: Wei Lijun , Wu Jing , Long Chengnian
Published: January 2020

Crowdsensing is an emerging paradigm of data aggregation, which has a pivotal role in data-driven applications. By leveraging the recruitment, a crowdsensing system collects a large amount of data from mobile devices at a low cost. The critical issues in the development of crowdsensing are platform security, privacy protection, and incentive. However, the existing centralized, platform-based approaches suffer from the single point of failure which may result in data leakage. Besides, few previous studies have addressed the considerations of both the economic incentive and data quality. In this paper, we propose a decentralized crowdsensing architecture based on blockchain technology which will help improve the attack resistance. Furthermore, we present a hybrid incentive mechanism, which integrates the data quality, reputation, and monetary factors to encourage participants to contribute their sensing data while discouraging malicious behaviors. The effectiveness our of proposed incentive model is verified through a combination of the theory of mechanism design. The performance analysis and simulation results illustrate that the proposed hybrid incentive model is a reliable and efficient mean to promote data security and incentivizing positive conduct on the crowdsensing application.
Stochastic 3D Carbon Cloth GDL Reconstruction and Transport Prediction
Authors: Gao Yuan , Jin Teng , Wu Xiaoyan
Published: January 2020

This paper presents the 3D carbon cloth gas diffusion layer (GDL) to predict transport behaviors of anisotropic structure properties. A statistical characterization and stochastic reconstruction method is established to construct the 3D micro-structure using the data from the true materials. Statistics of the many microstructure characteristics, such as porosity, pore size distribution, and shape of the void, are all quantified by image-based characterization. Furthermore, the stochastic reconstruction algorithm is proposed to generate random and anisotropic 3D microstructure models. The proposed method is demonstrated by some classical simulation prediction and to give the evaluation of the transport properties. Various reconstructed GDLs are also generated to demonstrate the capability of the proposed method. In the end, the adapted structure properties are offered to optimize the carbon cloth GDLs.
Wood in the Construction of Forest Roads on Poor-bearing Road Subgrades
Authors: Kozakiewicz Paweł , Trzciński Grzegorz
Published: January 2020

The use of wood for road construction in biologically valuable areas seems to be a good alternative to solutions based on less ecologically-friendly materials. The key issue is the durability of the wood in specific conditions of use, i.e., in the substrate of the actual road. Among other issues, this study analyzes the existing road surfaces constructed on timber log foundations and the selected properties of the wood taken from designated road sections—to measure the properties of durability, such as density, modulus of elasticity and compression strength parallel to the grain. Based on the analysis of the aforementioned properties, we confirmed the highest durability for oak heartwood as the most predisposed in building forest road substrates. Next in order were the resinous conifers of pine and spruce, and the least durable was alder. Maintaining the wood in a good condition is mainly influenced by the conditions of its use. Using wooden substrates for forest roads is best suited in marshy areas.
Metabolic Profiling-Based Evaluation of the Fermentative Behavior of Aspergillus oryzae and Bacillus subtilis for Soybean Residues Treated at Different Temperatures
Authors: Hyeon Hyejin , Min Cheol , Moon Keumok , Cha Jaeho , Gupta Ravi , Park Sang , Kim Sun , Kim Jae
Published: January 2020

Soybean processing, e.g., by soaking, heating, and fermentation, typically results in diverse metabolic changes. Herein, multivariate analysis-based metabolic profiling was employed to investigate the effects of fermentation by Aspergillus oryzae or Bacillus subtilis on soybean substrates extracted at 4, 25, or 55 °C. As metabolic changes for both A. oryzae and B. subtilis were most pronounced for substrates extracted at 55 °C, this temperature was selected to compare the two microbial fermentation strategies, which were shown to be markedly different. Specifically, fermentation by A. oryzae increased the levels of most organic acids, γ-aminobutyric acid, and glutamine, which were ascribed to carbohydrate metabolism and conversion of glutamic acid into GABA and glutamine. In contrast, fermentation by B. subtilis increased the levels of most amino acids and isoflavones, which indicated the high activity of proteases and β-glucosidase. Overall, the obtained results were concluded to be useful for the optimization of processing steps in terms of nutritional preferences.
Postharvest Fungicide for Avocado Fruits: Antifungal Efficacy and Peel to Pulp Distribution Kinetics
Authors: Shimshoni Jakob A. , Bommuraj Vijayakumar , Chen Yaira , Sperling Roy , Barel Shimon , Feygenberg Oleg , Maurer Dalia , Alkan Noam
Published: January 2020

Postharvest application of fungicides is commonly applied in order to reduce food loss. Prochloraz is currently the only postharvest fungicide registered in Israel and Europe in avocado fruits. Due to its unfavorable toxicological properties, prochloraz will be banned from the end of 2020 for future postharvest usage and therefore a substitute candidate is urgently warranted. Fludioxonil, a relatively safe, wide spectrum fungicide, is approved in Europe and Israel for postharvest use in various fruits, but not avocado. Hence, fludioxonil has been evaluated in the present study as a potential substitute for prochloraz in avocado. The objectives of the present study were to determine fludioxonil efficacy against common fungal infestations in avocado and distribution kinetics between peel and pulp in comparison to prochloraz. At the same concentration range (75–300 µg/L), fludioxonil was as effective as prochloraz in inhibiting postharvest decay, while in the early season cultivars, suffering mainly from stem-end rot, it exhibited a better decay control than prochloraz. Fludioxonil and prochloraz displayed negligible and undetected pulp levels, respectively, due to low peel penetrability. Taken altogether, fludioxonil was found to be a suitable candidate for replacing prochloraz as a postharvest fungicide in avocado.
A Mixed Method Approach for the Investigation of Consumer Responses to Sheepmeat and Beef
Authors: Hastie Melindee , Ashman Hollis , Torrico Damir , Ha Minh , Warner Robyn
Published: January 2020

Coupling qualitative and quantitative consumer research methodologies enables the development of more holistic and comprehensive perspectives of consumer responses. In this study, consumer responses to beef and sheepmeat were investigated using a mixed method approach combining perceptual mapping (qualitative), and sensory (quantitative) methodologies. Qualitative insights indicated Australian and Asian consumers differ in perception of familiarity and ‘premiumness’ of meat products. Specific findings included: Australians consume grilled or roasted meat as a centre of the plate ‘hero’ ingredient, while Asians prefer stovetop cooking methods where meat is one ingredient in a complex dish. Labelling meat as ‘Australian’ was important for Australian consumers but not for Asian consumers. Quantitative data demonstrated that older consumers (31–70 years) scored sheepmeat higher than younger consumers (18–30 years) for healthiness (p = 0.004), juiciness (p = 0.029), odour liking (p = 0.005) and tenderness (p = 0.042). Older consumers also had a lower willingness to pay than younger consumers for “premium” quality meat; 30–40 vs. 40–50 AUD (Australian dollar) per kg respectively for sheepmeat, and 40–50 vs. 50–60 AUD per kg respectively for beef. In conclusion, the approach used effectively integrated consumer attitudes, usage information and sensory assessments with socio-demographic factors to generate insights for the refinement of market strategies and product offerings.
Influence of Acid Adaptation on the Probability of Germination of Clostridium sporogenes Spores Against pH, NaCl and Time
Authors: Valero Antonio , Olague Elena , Medina-Pradas Eduardo , Garrido-Fernández Antonio , Romero-Gil Verónica , Cantalejo María Jesús , García-Gimeno Rosa María , Pérez-Rodríguez Fernando , Posada-Izquierdo Guiomar Denisse , Arroyo-López Francisco Noé
Published: January 2020

The Clostridium sp. is a large group of spore-forming, facultative or strictly anaerobic, Gram-positive bacteria that can produce food poisoning. The table olive industry is demanding alternative formulations to respond to market demand for the reduction of acidity and salt contents in final products. while maintaining the appearance of freshness of fruits. In this work, logistic regression models for non-adapted and acid-adapted Clostridium sp. strains were developed in laboratory medium to study the influence of pH, NaCl (%) and time on the probability of germination of their spores. A Clostridium sporogenes cocktail was not able to germinate at pH < 5.0, although the adaptation of the strains produced an increase in the probability of germination at 5.0–5.5 pH levels and 6% NaCl concentration. At acidic pH values (5.0), the adapted strains germinated after 10 days of incubation, while those which were non-adapted required 15 days. At pH 5.75 and with 4% NaCl, germination of the adapted strains took place before 7 days, while several replicates of the non-adapted strains did not germinate after 42 days of storage. The model was validated in natural green olive brines with good results (>81.7% correct prediction cases). The information will be useful for the industry and administration to assess the safety risk in the formulation of new processing conditions in table olives and other fermented vegetables.
Use of a Taguchi Design in Hibiscus sabdariffa Extracts Encapsulated by Spray-Drying
Authors: Navidad-Murrieta Migdalia Sarahy , Pérez-Larios Alejandro , Sanchéz-Burgos Jorge Alberto , Ragazzo-Sánchez Juan Arturo , Luna-Bárcenas Gabriel , Sáyago-Ayerdi Sonia G.
Published: January 2020

Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa were spray-dried using maltodextrin (MD) and gum arabic (GA) as carrier agents. A Taguchi L8 experimental design with seven variables was implemented. Physicochemical properties in the encapsulates were evaluated by Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis,) X-ray Diffraction (XRD), spectroscopy and gravimetric techniques. Treatments with aqueous extracts showed the highest concentration of total soluble polyphenols (TSP) 32.12–21.23 mg equivalent gallic acid (EAG)/g dry weight (DW), and antioxidant capacity (AOX) in the 2,2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzotiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assay. The best treatment for TSP and AOX was T4: 2.5% Hibiscus w/w, aqueous extract, decoction, extract-to-carrier ratio 1:1 (w/w), proportion to carriers (MD:GA) 80:20 (w/w), 10,000 rpm, 150 °C. The Taguchi L8 design is a tool that allows the use of multiple variables with a low number of treatments that indicate the drying conditions that give the best parameters, focusing mainly on TSP and AOX, also, it is a good alternative for the preservation and stability of the phenolic compoudns in Hibiscus.
Father Involvement, Care, and Breadwinning: Genealogies of Concepts and Revisioned Conceptual Narratives
Authors: Doucet Andrea
Published: January 2020

This paper addresses an enduring puzzle in fathering research: Why are care and breadwinning largely configured as binary oppositions rather than as relational and intra-acting concepts and practices, as is often the case in research on mothering? Guided by Margaret Somers’ historical sociology of concept formation, I conduct a Foucauldian-inspired genealogy of the concept of “father involvement” as a cultural and historical object embedded in specific histories, conceptual networks, and social and conceptual narratives. With the aim of un-thinking and re-thinking conceptual possibilities that might expand knowledges about fathering, care, and breadwinning, I look to researchers in other sites who have drawn attention to the relationalities of care and earning. Specifically, I explore two conceptual pathways: First the concept of “material indirect care”, from fatherhood research pioneer Joseph Pleck, which envisages breadwinning as connected to care, and, in some contexts, as a form of care; and second, the concept of “provisioning” from the work of feminist economists, which highlights broad, interwoven patterns of care work and paid work. I argue that an approach to concepts that connect or entangle caring and breadwinning recognizes that people are care providers, care receivers, financial providers, and financial receivers in varied and multiple ways across time. This move is underpinned by, and can shift, our understandings of human subjectivity as relational and intra-dependent, with inevitable periods of dependency and vulnerability across the life course. Such a view also acknowledges the critical role of resources, services, and policies for supporting and sustaining the provisioning and caring activities of all parents, including fathers. Finally, I note the theoretical and political risks of this conceptual exercise, and the need for caution when making an argument about fathers’ breadwinning and caregiving entanglements.
Inguinal Ring RNA Sequencing Reveals Downregulation of Muscular Genes Related to Scrotal Hernia in Pigs
Authors: Romano Gabrieli de Souza , Ibelli Adriana Mercia Guaratini , Lorenzetti William Raphael , Weber Tomás , Peixoto Jane de Oliveira , Cantão Mauricio Egídio , Mores Marcos Antônio Zanella , Morés Nelson , Pedrosa Victor Breno , Coutinho Luiz Lehmann , Ledur Mônica Corrêa
Published: January 2020

Scrotal hernias (SH) are common congenital defects in commercial pigs, characterized by the presence of abdominal contents in the scrotal sac, leading to considerable production and animal welfare losses. Since the etiology of SH remains obscure, we aimed to identify the biological and genetic mechanisms involved in its occurrence through the whole transcriptome analysis of SH affected and unaffected pigs’ inguinal rings. From the 22,452 genes annotated in the pig reference genome, 13,498 were expressed in the inguinal canal tissue. Of those, 703 genes were differentially expressed (DE, FDR < 0.05) between the two groups analyzed being, respectively, 209 genes upregulated and 494 downregulated in the SH-affected group. Thirty-seven significantly overrepresented GO terms related to SH were enriched, and the most relevant biological processes were muscular system, cell differentiation, sarcome reorganization, and myofibril assembly. The calcium signaling, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, and cardiac muscle contraction were the major pathways possibly involved in the occurrence of the scrotal hernias. The expression profile of the DE genes was associated with the reduction of smooth muscle differentiation, followed by low calcium content in the cell, which could lead to a decreased apoptosis ratio and diminished muscle contraction of the inguinal canal region. We have demonstrated that genes involved with musculature are closely linked to the physiological imbalance predisposing to scrotal hernia. According to our study, the genes MYBPC1, BOK, SLC25A4, SLC8A3, DES, TPM2, MAP1CL3C, and FGF1 were considered strong candidates for future evaluation.
Eag1 Gene and Protein Expression in Human Retinoblastoma Tumors and its Regulation by pRb in HeLa Cells
Authors: Chávez-López María de Guadalupe , Zúñiga-García Violeta , Castro-Magdonel Blanca Elena , Vera Eunice , Garrido Efraín , Sánchez-Ramos Janet , Ponce-Castañeda M. Verónica , Cabrera-Muñoz M. de Lourdes , Escobar Yesenia , Ortiz Cindy Sharon , Hernández-Gallegos Elisabeth , Avalos-Fuentes Arturo , Camacho Javier
Published: January 2020

Retinoblastoma is the most common pediatric intraocular malignant tumor. Unfortunately, low cure rates and low life expectancy are observed in low-income countries. Thus, alternative therapies are needed for patients who do not respond to current treatments or those with advanced cases of the disease. Ether à-go-go-1 (Eag1) is a voltage-gated potassium channel involved in cancer. Eag1 expression is upregulated by the human papilloma virus (HPV) oncogene E7, suggesting that retinoblastoma protein (pRb) may regulate Eag1. Astemizole is an antihistamine that is suggested to be repurposed for cancer treatment; it targets proteins implicated in cancer, including histamine receptors, ATP binding cassette transporters, and Eag channels. Here, we investigated Eag1 regulation using pRb and Eag1 expression in human retinoblastoma. The effect of astemizole on the cell proliferation of primary human retinoblastoma cultures was also studied. HeLa cervical cancer cells (HPV-positive and expressing Eag1) were transfected with RB1. Eag1 mRNA expression was studied using qPCR, and protein expression was assessed using western blotting and immunochemistry. Cell proliferation was evaluated with an MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. RB1 transfection down-regulated Eag1 mRNA and protein expression. The human retinoblastoma samples displayed heterogeneous Eag1 mRNA and protein expression. Astemizole decreased cell proliferation in primary retinoblastoma cultures. Our results suggest that Eag1 mRNA and protein expression was regulated by pRb in vitro, and that human retinoblastoma tissues had heterogeneous Eag1 mRNA and protein expression. Furthermore, our results propose that the multitarget drug astemizole may have clinical relevance in patients with retinoblastoma, for instance, in those who do not respond to current treatments.
Suppression of Notch Signaling Stimulates Progesterone Synthesis by Enhancing the Expression of NR5A2 and NR2F2 in Porcine Granulosa Cells
Authors: Guo Rihong , Chen Fang , Shi Zhendan
Published: January 2020

The conserved Notch pathway is reported to be involved in progesterone synthesis and secretion; however, the exact effects remain controversial. To determine the role and potential mechanisms of the Notch signaling pathway in progesterone biosynthesis in porcine granulosa cells (pGCs), we first used a pharmacological γ-secretase inhibitor, N-(N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl-l-alanyl))-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT), to block the Notch pathway in cultured pGCs and then evaluated the expression of genes in the progesterone biosynthesis pathway and key transcription factors (TFs) regulating steroidogenesis. We found that DAPT dose- and time-dependently increased progesterone secretion. The expression of steroidogenic proteins NPC1 and StAR and two TFs, NR5A2 and NR2F2, was significantly upregulated, while the expression of HSD3B was significantly downregulated. Furthermore, knockdown of both NR5A2 and NR2F2 with specific siRNAs blocked the upregulatory effects of DAPT on progesterone secretion and reversed the effects of DAPT on the expression of NPC1, StAR, and HSD3B. Moreover, knockdown of NR5A2 and NR2F2 stimulated the expression of Notch3. In conclusion, the inhibition of Notch signaling stimulated progesterone secretion by enhancing the expression of NPC1 and StAR, and the two TFs NR5A2 and NR2F2 acted as downstream TFs of Notch signaling in regulating progesterone synthesis.
Identification of Caprine KRTAP28-1 and Its Effect on Cashmere Fiber Diameter
Authors: Wang Jiqing , Zhou Huitong , Hickford Jon G. H. , Zhao Mengli , Gong Hua , Hao Zhiyun , Shen Jiyuan , Hu Jiang , Liu Xiu , Li Shaobin , Luo Yuzhu
Published: January 2020

The keratin-associated proteins (KAPs) are constituents of cashmere fibers and variation in many KAP genes (KRTAPs) has been found to be associated with fiber traits. The gene encoding the high-sulphur KAP28-1 has been described in sheep, but it has not been identified in the goat genome. In this study, a 255-bp open reading frame on goat chromosome 1 was identified using a search of similar sequence to ovine KRTAP28-1, and that would if transcribed and translated encode a high sulphur KAP. Based on the analysis of polymerase chain reaction amplicons for the goat nucleotide sequences in 385 Longdong cashmere goats in China, five unique banding patterns were detected using single strand conformation polymorphism analysis. These represented five DNA sequences (named variants A to E) and they had the highest resemblance to KRTAP28-1 sequences from sheep, suggesting A–E are variants of caprine KRTAP28-1. DNA sequencing revealed a 2 or 4-bp deletion and eleven nucleotide sequence differences, including four non-synonymous substitutions. Of the four common variants (A, B, C and D) found in these goats, the presence of variant A was associated with decreased mean fiber diameter and this effect appeared to be additive. These results indicate that caprine KRTAP28-1 variation might have value as a molecular marker for reducing cashmere mean fiber diameter.
Identification of ADPKD-Related Genes and Pathways in Cells Overexpressing PKD2
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Dang Yanna , Wang Zizengceng , Wang Huanan , Pan Yuchun , He Jin
Published: January 2020

Consistent with the gene dosage effect hypothesis, renal cysts can arise in transgenic murine models overexpressing either PKD1 or PKD2, which are causal genes for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). To determine whether PKD gene overexpression is a universal mechanism driving cystogenesis or is merely restricted to rodents, other animal models are required. Previously, we failed to observe any renal cysts in a transgenic porcine model of PKD2 overexpression partially due to epigenetic silencing of the transgene. Thus, to explore the feasibility of porcine models and identify potential genes/pathways affected in ADPKD, LLC-PK1 cells with high PKD2 expression were generated. mRNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed, and MYC, IER3, and ADM were found to be upregulated genes common to the different PKD2 overexpression cell models. MYC is a well-characterized factor contributing to cystogenesis, and ADM is a biomarker for chronic kidney disease. Thus, these genes might be indicators of disease progression. Additionally, some ADPKD-associated pathways, e.g., the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, were enriched in the cells. Moreover, gene ontology (GO) analysis demonstrated that proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle regulation, which are hallmarks of ADPKD, were altered. Therefore, our experiment identified some biomarkers or indicators of ADPKD, indicating that high PKD2 expression would likely drive cystogenesis in future porcine models.
Plateau Grass and Greenhouse Flower? Distinct Genetic Basis of Closely Related Toad Tadpoles Respectively Adapted to High Altitude and Karst Caves
Authors: Chang Liming , Zhu Wei , Shi Shengchao , Zhang Meihua , Jiang Jianping , Li Cheng , Xie Feng , Wang Bin
Published: January 2020

Genetic adaptation to extremes is a fascinating topic. Nevertheless, few studies have explored the genetic adaptation of closely related species respectively inhabiting distinct extremes. With deep transcriptome sequencing, we attempt to detect the genetic architectures of tadpoles of five closely related toad species adapted to the Tibetan Plateau, middle-altitude mountains and karst caves. Molecular evolution analyses indicated that not only the number of fast evolving genes (FEGs), but also the functioning coverage of FEGs, increased with elevation. Enrichment analyses correspondingly revealed that the highland species had most of the FEGs involved in high-elevation adaptation, for example, amino acid substitutions of XRCC6 in its binding domains might improve the capacity of DNA repair of the toad. Yet, few FEGs and positively selected genes (PSGs) involved in high-elevation adaptation were identified in the cave species, and none of which potentially contributed to cave adaptation. Accordingly, it is speculated that in the closely related toad tadpoles, genetic selection pressures increased with elevation, and cave adaptation was most likely derived from other factors (e.g., gene loss, pseudogenization or deletion), which could not be detected by our analyses. The findings supply a foundation for understanding the genetic adaptations of amphibians inhabiting extremes.
Pulmonary Hypertension Remodels the Genomic Fabrics of Major Functional Pathways
Authors: Mathew Rajamma , Huang Jing , Iacobas Sanda , Iacobas Dumitru A.
Published: January 2020

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious disorder with high morbidity and mortality rate. We analyzed the right-ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), right-ventricular hypertrophy (RVH), lung histology, and transcriptomes of six-week-old male rats with PH induced by (1) hypoxia (HO), (2) administration of monocrotaline (CM), or (3) administration of monocrotaline and exposure to hypoxia (HM). The results in PH rats were compared to those in control rats (CO). After four weeks exposure, increased RVSP and RVH, pulmonary arterial wall thickening, and alteration of the lung transcriptome were observed in all PH groups. The HM group exhibited the largest alterations, as well as neointimal lesions and obliteration of the lumen in small arteries. We found that PH increased the expression of caveolin1, matrix metallopeptidase 2, and numerous inflammatory and cell proliferation genes. The cell cycle, vascular smooth muscle contraction, and oxidative phosphorylation pathways, as well as their interplay, were largely perturbed. Our results also suggest that the upregulated Rhoa (Ras homolog family member A) mediates its action through expression coordination with several ATPases. The upregulation of antioxidant genes and the extensive mitochondrial damage observed, especially in the HM group, indicate metabolic shift toward aerobic glycolysis.