bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RNA Biogenesis Instructs Functional Inter-Chromosomal Genome Architecture
Authors: Bertero Alessandro
Published: March 2021

Three-dimensional (3D) genome organization has emerged as an important layer of gene regulation in development and disease. The functional properties of chromatin folding within individual chromosomes (i.e., intra-chromosomal or incis) have been studied extensively. On the other hand, interactions across different chromosomes (i.e., inter-chromosomal or intrans) have received less attention, being often regarded as background noise or technical artifacts. This viewpoint has been challenged by emerging evidence of functional relationships between specifictranschromatin interactions and epigenetic control, transcription, and splicing. Therefore, it is an intriguing possibility that the key processes involved in the biogenesis of RNAs may both shape and be in turn influenced by inter-chromosomal genome architecture. Here I present the rationale behind this hypothesis, and discuss a potential experimental framework aimed at its formal testing. I present a specific example in the cardiac myocyte, a well-studied post-mitotic cell whose development and response to stress are associated with marked rearrangements of chromatin topology both incisand intrans. I argue that RNA polymerase II clusters (i.e., transcription factories) and foci of the cardiac-specific splicing regulator RBM20 (i.e., splicing factories) exemplify the existence oftrans-interacting chromatin domains (TIDs) with important roles in cellular homeostasis. Overall, I propose that inter-molecular 3D proximity between co-regulated nucleic acids may be a pervasive functional mechanism in biology.
Thymic Epithelial Cell-Derived IL-15 and IL-15 Receptor α Chain Foster Local Environment for Type 1 Innate Like T Cell Development
Authors: Tao Huishan , Li Lei , Liao Nan-Shih , Schluns Kimberly S. , Luckhart Shirley , Sleasman John W. , Zhong Xiao-Ping
Published: March 2021

Expression of tissue-restricted antigens (TRAs) in thymic epithelial cells (TECs) ensures negative selection of highly self-reactive T cells to establish central tolerance. Whether some of these TRAs could exert their canonical biological functions to shape thymic environment to regulate T cell development is unclear. Analyses of publicly available databases have revealed expression of transcripts at various levels of many cytokines and cytokine receptors such as IL-15, IL-15Rα, IL-13, and IL-23a in both human and mouse TECs. Ablation of either IL-15 or IL-15Rα in TECs selectively impairs type 1 innate like T cell, such as iNKT1 and γδT1 cell, development in the thymus, indicating that TECs not only serve as an important source of IL-15 but also trans-present IL-15 to ensure type 1 innate like T cell development. Because type 1 innate like T cells are proinflammatory, our data suggest the possibility that TEC may intrinsically control thymic inflammatory innate like T cells to influence thymic environment.
The Impact of Neutrophil Recruitment to the Skin on the Pathology Induced by Leishmania Infection
Authors: Passelli Katiuska , Billion Oaklyne , Tacchini-Cottier Fabienne
Published: March 2021

Leishmania(L.) are obligate intracellular protozoan parasites that cause the leishmaniases, a spectrum of neglected infectious vector-borne diseases with a broad range of clinical manifestations ranging from local cutaneous, to visceral forms of the diseases. The parasites are deposited in the mammalian skin during the blood meal of an infected female phlebotomine sand fly. The skin is a complex organ acting as the first line of physical and immune defense against pathogens. Insults to skin integrity, such as that occurring during insect feeding, induces the local secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules generating the rapid recruitment of neutrophils. At the site of infection, skin keratinocytes play a first role in host defense contributing to the recruitment of inflammatory cells to the infected dermis, of which neutrophils are the first recruited cells. Although neutrophils efficiently kill various pathogens includingLeishmania, severalLeishmaniaspecies have developed mechanisms to survive in these cells. In addition, through their rapid release of cytokines, neutrophils modulate the skin microenvironment at the site of infection, a process shaping the subsequent development of the adaptive immune response. Neutrophils may also be recruited later on in unhealing forms of cutaneous leishmaniasis and to the spleen and liver in visceral forms of the disease. Here, we will review the mechanisms involved in neutrophil recruitment to the skin followingLeishmaniainfection focusing on the role of keratinocytes in this process. We will also discuss the distinct involvement of neutrophils in the outcome of leishmaniasis.
Artificial Intelligence for Ultrasound Informative Image Selection of Metacarpal Head Cartilage. A Pilot Study
Authors: Cipolletta Edoardo , Fiorentino Maria Chiara , Moccia Sara , Guidotti Irene , Grassi Walter , Filippucci Emilio , Frontoni Emanuele
Published: March 2021

Objectives:This study aims to develop an automatic deep-learning algorithm, which is based on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), for ultrasound informative-image selection of hyaline cartilage at metacarpal head level. The algorithm performance and that of three beginner sonographers were compared with an expert assessment, which was considered the gold standard.

Methods:The study was divided into two steps. In the first one, an automatic deep-learning algorithm for image selection was developed using 1,600 ultrasound (US) images of the metacarpal head cartilage (MHC) acquired in 40 healthy subjects using a very high-frequency probe (up to 22 MHz). The algorithm task was to identify US images defined informative as they show enough information to fulfill the Outcome Measure in Rheumatology US definition of healthy hyaline cartilage. The algorithm relied on VGG16 CNN, which was fine-tuned to classify US images in informative and non-informative ones. A repeated leave-four-subject out cross-validation was performed using the expert sonographer assessment as gold-standard. In the second step, the expert assessed the algorithm and the beginner sonographers' ability to obtain US informative images of the MHC.

Results:The VGG16 CNN showed excellent performance in the first step, with a mean area (AUC) under the receiver operating characteristic curve, computed among the 10 models obtained from cross-validation, of 0.99 ± 0.01. The model that reached the best AUC on the testing set, which we named “MHC identifier 1,” was then evaluated by the expert sonographer. The agreement between the algorithm, and the expert sonographer was almost perfect [Cohen's kappa: 0.84 (95% confidence interval: 0.71–0.98)], whereas the agreement between the expert and the beginner sonographers using conventional assessment was moderate [Cohen's kappa: 0.63 (95% confidence interval: 0.49–0.76)]. The conventional obtainment of US images by beginner sonographers required 6.0 ± 1.0 min, whereas US videoclip acquisition by a beginner sonographer lasted only 2.0 ± 0.8 min.

Conclusion:This study paves the way for the automatic identification of informative US images for assessing MHC. This may redefine the US reliability in the evaluation of MHC integrity, especially in terms of intrareader reliability and may support beginner sonographers during US training.
Assessment of Physician's Knowledge of Potential Drug-Drug Interactions: An Online Survey in China
Authors: Yuan Jing , Shen Chunying , Wang Chengnan , Shen Gang , Han Bing
Published: March 2021

Background: Drug interactions are the most common preventable cause of adverse drug reaction, which may result in drug toxicity or undesired therapeutic effect with harmful outcomes to patients. Given the rising use of combination therapies, the main objectives of this study were to estimate the degree to which physicians can identify potential drug-drug interactions (PDDIs) correctly and to describe the common source of information used by physicians when they need to check PDDIs.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey utilizing a self-administered online questionnaire was conducted among physicians in China. Participants were asked to classify 20 drug pairs as “no interaction,” “may be used together with monitoring,” “contraindication,” and “not sure.” We also collected data on the physician's source of information and altitude toward the PDDIs. An ordinary least square regression model was performed to investigate the potential predictors of PDDI knowledge.

Results: Eligible questionnaires were obtained from 618 physicians. The respondents classified correctly 6.7 out of 20 drug pairs, or 33.4% of the drug interactions investigated. The number of drug pairs recognized by respondents was ranged from 0 to 16. The percentage of physicians who recognized specific drug pairs ranged from 8.3% for no interactions between conjugated estrogens and raloxifene, to 64.0% for the interaction between dopamine and phenytoin. When the respondents want to check PDDI information, the most commonly used source of information was package inserts (n = 572, 92.6%), followed by the Internet or mobile Apps (n = 424, 68.6%), consultation with clinical pharmacists (n = 384, 62.1%), medical textbooks (n = 374, 60.5%), knowledge base in Chinese (n = 283, 45.8%), and other physicians (n = 366, 59.2%). In the multiple regression analysis, the significant predictors of a higher number of recognized drug pairs were years of practice and altitudes toward PDDIs.

Conclusion: In this online survey accessing physician's ability to detect PDDIs, less than half of the drug pairs were recognized, indicating unsatisfactory level of knowledge about the clinically significant drug interactions. Continuing education and accessible electronic database can help physicians detecting PDDIs and improve drug safety.
Highly Contaminated Marine Sediments Can Host Rare Bacterial Taxa Potentially Useful for Bioremediation
Authors: Dell’Anno Filippo , Rastelli Eugenio , Tangherlini Michael , Corinaldesi Cinzia , Sansone Clementina , Brunet Christophe , Balzano Sergio , Ianora Adrianna , Musco Luigi , Montereali Maria Rita , Dell’Anno Antonio
Published: March 2021

Coastal areas impacted by high anthropogenic pressures typically display sediment contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals (HMs). Microbial-based bioremediation represents a promising strategy for sediment reclamation, yet it frequently fails due to poor knowledge of the diversity and dynamics of the autochthonous microbial assemblages and to the inhibition of the target microbes in the contaminated matrix. In the present study, we used an integrated approach including a detailed environmental characterization, high-throughput sequencing and culturing to identify autochthonous bacteria with bioremediation potential in the sediments of Bagnoli-Coroglio (Gulf of Naples, Mediterranean Sea), a coastal area highly contaminated by PAHs, aliphatic hydrocarbons and HMs. The analysis of the benthic prokaryotic diversity showed that the distribution of the dominant taxon (Gammaproteobacteria) was mainly influenced by PAHs, As, and Cd concentrations. The other abundant taxa (including Alphaproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, NB1-j, Desulfobacterota, and Myxococcota) were mainly driven by sediment grain size and by Cu and Cr concentrations, while the rare taxa (i.e., each contributing <1%) by As and aliphatic hydrocarbons concentrations and by sediment redox potential. These results suggest a differential response of bacterial taxa to environmental features and chemical contamination and those different bacterial groups may be inhibited or promoted by different contaminants. This hypothesis was confirmed by culturing and isolating 80 bacterial strains using media highly enriched in PAHs, only nine of which were contextually resistant to high HM concentrations. Such resistant isolates represented novel Gammaproteobacteria strains affiliated toVibrio,Pseudoalteromonas, andAgarivorans, which were only scarcely represented in their original assemblages. These findings suggest that rare but culturable bacterial strains resistant/tolerant to high levels of mixed contaminants can be promising candidates useful for the reclamation by bioaugmentation strategies of marine sediments that are highly contaminated with PAHs and HMs.
Fusarium Head Blight From a Microbiome Perspective
Authors: Karlsson Ida , Persson Paula , Friberg Hanna
Published: March 2021

The fungal genus Fusarium causes several diseases in cereals, including Fusarium head blight (FHB). A number of Fusarium species are involved in disease development and mycotoxin contamination. Lately, the importance of interactions between plant pathogens and the plant microbiome has been increasingly recognized. In this review, we address the significance of the cereal microbiome for the development of Fusarium-related diseases. Fusarium fungi may interact with the host microbiome at multiple stages during their life cycles and in different plant organs including roots, stems, leaves, heads, and crop residues. There are interactions between Fusarium and other fungi and bacteria as well as among Fusarium species. Recent studies have provided a map of the cereal microbiome and revealed how different biotic and abiotic factors drive microbiome assembly. This review synthesizes the current understanding of the cereal microbiome and the implications for Fusarium infection, FHB development, disease control, and mycotoxin contamination. Although annual and regional variations in predominant species are significant, much research has focused on Fusarium graminearum. Surveying the total Fusarium community in environmental samples is now facilitated with novel metabarcoding methods. Further, infection with multiple Fusarium species has been shown to affect disease severity and mycotoxin contamination. A better mechanistic understanding of such multiple infections is necessary to be able to predict the outcome in terms of disease development and mycotoxin production. The knowledge on the composition of the cereal microbiome under different environmental and agricultural conditions is growing. Future studies are needed to clearly link microbiome structure to Fusarium suppression in order to develop novel disease management strategies for example based on conservation biological control approaches.
Locus Coeruleus Malfunction Is Linked to Psychopathology in Prodromal Dementia With Lewy Bodies
Authors: Hansen Niels
Published: March 2021

Background: The locus coeruleus (LC) is a nucleus in the human brainstem with a variety of noradrenaline-driven functions involved in cognition, emotions, and perception. Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) constitutes a neurodegenerative disease involving deposits of alpha-synuclein, first appearing in the brainstem. The goal of this narrative review is to delineate the relationship between the expression of psychiatric symptoms as an early-onset of DLB and the degeneration of the LC's noradrenaline system.

Methods: We searched in PubMed for relevant articles concerning LC degeneration and psychiatric symptoms in prodromal DLB in this narrative review. We rely on the McKeith criteria for prodromal psychiatric DLB.

Results: We found four studies that document neuronal loss, deposits of Lewy bodies and other hints for neurodegeneration in the LC in patients with DLB. Furthermore, we reviewed theories and studies on how the degenerated noradrenaline LC system contributes to psychiatric DLB's phenotype. We hypothesized how anxiety, hallucinations, delusions, and depressive symptoms might occur in DLB patients due to degenerated noradrenergic neurons entailing consecutive altered noradrenergic transmission in the LC's projection areas.

Conclusions: LC degeneration in prodromal DLB might cause psychiatric symptoms as the first and non-motor manifestation of DLB, as the LC is affected earlier by degeneration than are dopaminergic structures such as the substantia nigra, which are impaired later in the disease course.
Correlation Between Respiratory Accessory Muscles and Diaphragm Pillars MRI and Pulmonary Function Test in Late-Onset Pompe Disease Patients
Authors: Reyes-Leiva David , Alonso-Pérez Jorge , Mayos Mercedes , Nuñez-Peralta Claudia , Llauger Jaume , Belmonte Izaskun , Pedrosa-Hernández Irene , Segovia Sonia , Díaz-Manera Jordi
Published: March 2021

Objectives: Pompe disease is a rare genetic disease produced by mutations in the GAA gene leading to progressive skeletal and respiratory muscle weakness. T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging is useful to identify fatty replacement in skeletal muscles of late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) patients. Previous studies have shown that replacement by fat correlates with worse results of muscle function tests. Our aim was to investigate if fat replacement of muscles involved in the ventilation process correlated with results of the spirometry and predicted respiratory muscle impairment in LOPD patients over time.

Materials and Methods: We studied a cohort of 36 LOPD patients followed up annually in our center for a period of 4 years. We quantified muscle fat replacement using Mercuri score of the thoracic paraspinal and abdominal muscles and the pillars of the diaphragm. We correlated the combined Mercuri scores of these areas with spirometry results and the need of respiratory support.

Results: We found a statistically significant correlation (Spearman test, p < 0.05; coefficient of correlation > 0.6) between forced vital capacity seated and lying and fat fraction score of all muscle groups studied. The group of patients who needed respiratory support had higher fat fraction scores than patients not requiring ventilatory support. Higher fat replacement in these areas correlated with worse progression in spirometry values over time.

Conclusions: Fat replacement of paraspinal, abdominal, and trunk muscles correlates with results of spirometry and is able to predict worsening in respiratory muscle function tests that could lead to an emerging ventilatory dysfunction. Therefore, the identification of fat replacement in these muscle groups should lead to a closer monitorization of patients. Radiologic evaluation of diaphragm pillars in T1-weighted imaging axial sequences could also be helpful to predict respiratory insufficiency.
Association of Leisure Activities With Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Older Adults in Colombia: A SABE-Based Study
Authors: Guerrero Barragán Alejandra , Lucumí Diego , Lawlor Brian
Published: March 2021

Observational and interventional studies suggest that participation in leisure activities may help protect against cognitive decline in older people. This study aimed to examine the association between participation in leisure activities and cognitive impairment in older adults in Colombia. Data for this study were derived from the Colombian National Survey of Aging (SABE 2015), a cross-sectional survey with a sample size of 23,694 older adults representing the total population (mean age, 70.8 years; 57.3% females). Cognitive impairment was classified as cognitive impairment without dementia (CIWD) and dementia, according to the revised version of the Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination and the Lawton and Brody functional scale. Leisure activities were evaluated using six items of a questionnaire. Sex-stratified multinomial regression models were used to analyze the association of leisure activities with CIWD and dementia after adjusting for educational attainment, literacy, and other potential confounders. In adjusted models for men, leisure activities in later life were associated with a decreased risk of CIWD (odds ratio [OR], 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68–0.78) and dementia (OR, 0,52; 95% CI, 0.48–0.58). For women, leisure activities in later life were associated with a decreased risk of CIWD (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.66–0.78) and dementia (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.43–0.53). The findings suggest that greater participation in leisure activities in later life may act as a protective factor against CIWD and dementia among older adults in Colombia, independent of educational attainment and literacy.
Post-stroke Cognition at 1 and 3 Years Is Influenced by the Location of White Matter Hyperintensities in Patients With Lacunar Stroke
Authors: Valdés Hernández Maria del C. , Grimsley-Moore Tara , Chappell Francesca M. , Thrippleton Michael J. , Armitage Paul A. , Sakka Eleni , Makin Stephen , Wardlaw Joanna M.
Published: March 2021

Lacunar strokes are a common type of ischemic stroke. They are known to have long-term cognitive deficits, but the influencing factors are still largely unknown. We investigated if the location of the index lacunar stroke or regional WMH and their change at 1 year could predict the cognitive performance at 1 and 3 years post-stroke in lacunar stroke patients. We used lacunar lesion location and WMH-segmented data from 118 patients, mean age 64.9 who had a brain MRI scan soon after presenting with symptoms, of which 88 had a repeated scan 12 months later. Premorbid intelligence (National Adult Reading Test) and current intelligence [Addenbrooke's Cognitive Exam-Revised (ACE-R)] were measured at 1, 12, and 36 months after the stroke. ANCOVA analyses adjusting for baseline cognition/premorbid intelligence, vascular risk factors, age, sex and total baseline WMH volume found that the recent small subcortical infarcts (RSSI) in the internal/external capsule/lentiform nucleus and centrum semiovale did not predict cognitive scores at 12 and 36 months. However, RSSI location moderated voxel-based associations of WMH change from baseline to 1 year with cognitive scores at 1 and 3 years. WMH increase in the external capsule, intersection between the anterior limb of the internal and external capsules, and optical radiation, was associated with worsening of ACE-R scores 1 and 3 years post-stroke after accounting for the location of the index infarct, age and baseline cognition.
Dopamine in Fear Extinction
Authors: Salinas-Hernández Ximena I. , Duvarci Sevil
Published: March 2021

The ability to extinguish fear memories when threats are no longer present is critical for adaptive behavior. Fear extinction represents a new learning process that eventually leads to the formation of extinction memories. Understanding the neural basis of fear extinction has considerable clinical significance as deficits in extinction learning are the hallmark of human anxiety disorders. In recent years, the dopamine (DA) system has emerged as one of the key regulators of fear extinction. In this review article, we highlight recent advances that have demonstrated the crucial role DA plays in mediating different phases of fear extinction. Emerging concepts and outstanding questions for future research are also discussed.
Best Supportive Care Versus Whole-Brain Irradiation, Chemotherapy Alone, or WBRT Plus Chemotherapy in Patients With Brain Metastases From Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Case-Controlled Analysis
Authors: Li Hongwei , Xue Ruiqi , Yang Xiaotang , Han Songye , Yang Weihua , Song Xin , Zhang Xiaqin , Cao Jianzhong , Jia Sufang , Wang Weili , Lian Jianhong
Published: March 2021

Background

WBRT and systemic chemotherapy are the mainstay treatments for small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) brain metastases (BM). However, current recommendations are mainly based on evidence from retrospective analyses. A recent randomized trial found no benefits from WBRT compared with best supportive care (BSC) in patients with more than three BM from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, we aimed to evaluate the roles of WBRT and chemotherapy further in the management of BM from SCLC.

Materials and Methods

There were 698 patients with BM from SCLC included. Of these, 580 received anti cancer treatment (Group 1), including 178 who received WBRT only (Group 1a), 129 who received chemotherapy only (Group 1b), and 273 who received WBRT plus chemotherapy (Group 1c). The other 118 received BSC (Group 2). Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to compare Group 2 with each of the other groups.

Results

After PSM, compared with Group 2 (n = 118), patients in Group 1 (n = 440) had a prolonged overall survival (OS) in both univariate and multivariate tests, with a median survival time of 10 months (95% CI = 9−11) in Group 1 and 3.5 months (95% CI = 2−7) in Group 2 (p < 0.001). In subgroup analyses, patients who received WBRT plus chemotherapy were more likely to benefit from treatment (p < 0.001). Chemotherapy alone or WBRT alone did not show survival benefits.

Conclusion

WBRT plus chemotherapy improved OS in patients with BM from SCLC as compared to BSC. Chemotherapy alone and WBRT alone did not show survival benefits. This retrospective study suggests that SCLC patients with BM who receive WBRT combined with chemotherapy have a better outcome than those receiving BSC alone.
Shen-Yuan-Dan Capsule Attenuates Verapamil-Induced Zebrafish Heart Failure and Exerts Antiapoptotic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects via Reactive Oxygen Species–Induced NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Li Sinai , Liu Hongxu , Li Yue , Qin Xiaomei , Li Mengjie , Shang Juju , Xing Wenlong , Gong Yanbing , Liu Weihong , Zhou Mingxue
Published: March 2021

Background:Heart failure (HF) is the end stage of ischemic cardiovascular diseases; nonetheless, safe and effective therapeutic agents for HF are still lacking, and their discovery remains challenging. Our previous studies demonstrated that Shen-Yuan-Dan Capsule (SYDC), a hospital preparation of traditional Chinese herbal, effectively protected ischemic injury in cardiovascular diseases. However, its therapeutic effects and possible mechanisms on HF remain unclear.

Methods: A zebrafish HF model treated with verapamil was developed to assess the therapeutic effect of SYDC on HF zebrafish. Zebrafish were administered with SYDC and digoxin (positive control) by direct soaking. After drug treatment, zebrafish were randomly assigned to the visual observation and image acquisition using a Zebralab Blood Flow System. The reactive oxygen species (ROS), MDA, and SOD levels were determined by fluorescence signal detection, TBA, and WST-8 methods. RT-PCR determined the mRNA expressions of Caspase-3, Caspase-1, Bcl-2, Bax, IL-1β, NF-κB, and TNF-α.

Results:SYDC significantly inhibited the levels of heart dilatation and venous congestion and markedly increased the levels of cardiac output, blood flow dynamics, and heart rates in HF zebrafish (p< 0.05,p< 0.01, andp< 0.001). Moreover, SYDC also significantly decreased the levels of MDA and ROS and increased the level of SOD in HF zebrafish. The RT-PCR results revealed that SYDC decreased the expression of Caspase-1, Caspase-3, Bax, IL-1β, NF-κB, and TNF-α but increased the expression of Bcl-2 in HF zebrafish (p< 0.05,p< 0.01, andp< 0.001).

Conclusions:SYDC improved the heart function in verapamil-induced HF zebrafish and alleviated inflammation and apoptosis by inhibiting the ROS-mediated NF-κB pathway.
Rock Burst Evaluation Using the CRITIC Algorithm-Based Cloud Model
Authors: Wang Jiachuang , Huang Mingjian , Guo Jiang
Published: March 2021

Under high-stress conditions, rock burst disasters can significantly impact underground civil engineering construction. For underground metal mines, rock burst evaluations and prevention during mining have become major research topics, and the prediction and prevention of rock burst must be based on the study of rocks and rock burst tendencies. To further prevent the risk of geological disasters and provide timely warnings, a finite-interval cloud model based on the CRITIC algorithm is proposed in this paper to address the uncertainty of rock burst evaluation, the complexity under multi-factor interactions, and the correlations between factors, and it then realizes a preliminary qualitative judgment of rock burst disasters. This paper selects the uniaxial compressive strength σc (I1), ratio of the uniaxial compressive strength to the tensile strength σc/σt (brittleness coefficient, I2), elastic deformation energy index Wet (I3), ratio of the maximum tangential stress to the uniaxial compressive strength σθ /σc (stress coefficient, I4) of the rock, depth of the roadway H (I5), and integrity coefficient of the rock mass Kv (I6) as indicators for rock burst propensity predictions. The CRITIC algorithm is used to consider the relationships between the evaluation indicators, and it is combined with an improved cloud model to verify 20 groups of learning samples. The calculation results obtained by the prediction method are basically consistent with the actual situation. The validity of the model is tested, and then the model is applied to the Dongguashan Copper Mine in Tongling, Anhui Province, China, for rock burst evaluation.
Platelet Activation Is Not Always Associated With Platelet-Related Plasma microRNA Abundance – Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial of Periodontal Patients
Authors: Heber Stefan , Laky Markus , Anscheringer Isabella , Wolschner Lukas , Mussbacher Marion , Krammer Teresa , Haririan Hady , Schrottmaier Waltraud C. , Volf Ivo , Hackl Matthias , Moritz Andreas , Assinger Alice
Published: March 2021

Platelets are involved in a variety of diseases, making their adequate functional assessment is essential. However, due to their easily activatable nature this has some methodological pitfalls. Therefore, the availability of stable, easily measurable surrogate markers would be beneficial. In this regard, some evidence suggests that certain microRNAs (miRNAs) circulating in plasma might be useful. We aimed to corroborate their suitability by analyzing plasma samples obtained in a randomized controlled trial, which assessed the effects of periodontal treatment on platelet function. We hypothesized that miRNA levels mirror changes of platelet activation and -function. Both platelet function and miRNA abundance were quantified using state-of-the-art flow cytometry and qPCR methods. The following miRNAs were quantified: 223-3p, 150-5p, 197-3p, 23a-3p, 126-3p, 24-3p, 21-5p, 27b-3p, 33a-5p, 320a, 191-5p, 28-3p, 451a, 29b-3p, and 1-3p. However, periodontal treatment did not affect the abundance of any investigated miRNAs to a relevant extent. Platelet activation and reactivity indices did neither correlate with any tested miRNA at baseline, nor after the treatment period. In addition, there was no evidence that investigated miRNAs were released by platelets, as suggested previously. In conclusion, our data suggest that in patients suffering from periodontal disease the investigated miRNAs are unlikely to be suitable biomarkers for platelet function. Our data aim to raise awareness that previously determined platelet activation dependent circulating miRNAs are not suitable as platelet biomarkers in all cohorts.
Targeting Nitrogen Metabolism and Transport Processes to Improve Plant Nitrogen Use Efficiency
Authors: The Samantha Vivia , Snyder Rachel , Tegeder Mechthild
Published: March 2021

In agricultural cropping systems, relatively large amounts of nitrogen (N) are applied for plant growth and development, and to achieve high yields. However, with increasing N application, plant N use efficiency generally decreases, which results in losses of N into the environment and subsequently detrimental consequences for both ecosystems and human health. A strategy for reducing N input and environmental losses while maintaining or increasing plant performance is the development of crops that effectively obtain, distribute, and utilize the available N. Generally, N is acquired from the soil in the inorganic forms of nitrate or ammonium and assimilated in roots or leaves as amino acids. The amino acids may be used within the source organs, but they are also the principal N compounds transported from source to sink in support of metabolism and growth. N uptake, synthesis of amino acids, and their partitioning within sources and toward sinks, as well as N utilization within sinks represent potential bottlenecks in the effective use of N for vegetative and reproductive growth. This review addresses recent discoveries in N metabolism and transport and their relevance for improving N use efficiency under high and low N conditions.
An Examination of Factors Contributing to the Acceptance of Online Health Misinformation
Authors: Pan Wenjing , Liu Diyi , Fang Jie
Published: March 2021

This study examined factors including health-related anxiety, preexisting misinformation beliefs, and repeated exposure contributing to individuals’ acceptance of health misinformation. Through a large-scale online survey, this study found that health-related anxiety was positively associated with health misinformation acceptance. Preexisting misinformation beliefs, as well as repeated exposure to health misinformation, were both positively associated with health misinformation acceptance. The results also showed that demographic variables were significantly associated with health misinformation acceptance. In general, females accepted more health misinformation compared to males. Participants’ age was negatively associated with health misinformation acceptance. Participants’ education level and income were both negatively associated with their acceptance of health misinformation.
Why Are Acquired Search-Guiding Context Memories Resistant to Updating?
Authors: Geyer Thomas , Seitz Werner , Zinchenko Artyom , Müller Hermann J. , Conci Markus
Published: March 2021

Looking for goal-relevant objects in our various environments is one of the most ubiquitous tasks the human visual system has to accomplish (Wolfe, 1998). Visual search is guided by a number of separable selective-attention mechanisms that can be categorized as bottom-up driven – guidance by salient physical properties of the current stimuli – or top-down controlled – guidance by observers' “online” knowledge of search-critical object properties (e.g., Liesefeld and Müller, 2019). In addition, observers' expectations based on past experience also play also a significant role in goal-directed visual selection. Because sensory environments are typically stable, it is beneficial for the visual system to extract and learn the environmental regularities that are predictive of (the location of) the target stimulus. This perspective article is concerned with one of these predictive mechanisms: statistical context learning of consistent spatial patterns of target and distractor items in visual search. We review recent studies on context learning and its adaptability to incorporate consistent changes, with the aim to provide new directions to the study of processes involved in the acquisition of search-guiding context memories and their adaptation to consistent contextual changes – from a three-pronged, psychological, computational, and neurobiological perspective.
Inhibition of Fibroblast Activation in Uterine Leiomyoma by Components of Rhizoma Curcumae and Rhizoma Sparganii
Authors: Feng Yewen , Zhao Yumin , Li Yao , Peng Teng , Kuang Yu , Shi Xingming , Wang Gang , Peng Fu , Yu Chenghao
Published: March 2021

Background: The herbs Rhizoma Curcumae and Rhizoma Sparganii (RCRS) are often used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of uterine leiomyoma (UL). The effectiveness of RCRS for the treatment of UL has been confirmed in our previous studies.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism by which RCRS inhibits the activation of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and prevents UL in rats.

Study Design and Methods: A Sprague Dawley (SD) rat model of UL was established via estrogen and progesterone load combined with external stimulation. Histological analyses, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and western blotting were performed to evaluate the effect of RCRS on UL and elucidate its mechanism of action.

Results: Our data showed that the treatment of SD rats with RCRS significantly reduced the expression of extracellular matrix component collagen, FAP, and transforming growth factor beta (a FAP-activating factor) and the phosphorylation of the cell proliferation pathway-related signaling factors AKT/MEK/ERK.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that RCRS is effective in the prevention and treatment of UL in rats, and RCRS may exert its functions by inhibiting the activation of tumor-associated fibroblasts and cell proliferation and by improving the tumor extracellular matrix.
Tomato Seed Coat Permeability: Optimal Seed Treatment Chemical Properties for Targeting the Embryo with Implications for Internal Seed-Borne Pathogen Control
Authors: Mayton Hilary , Amirkhani Masoume , Yang Daibin , Donovan Stephen , Taylor Alan G.
Published: March 2021

Seed treatments are frequently applied for the management of early-season pests, including seed-borne pathogens. However, to be effective against internal pathogens, the active ingredient must be able to penetrate the seed coat. Tomato seeds were the focus of this study, and the objectives were to (1) evaluate three coumarin fluorescent tracers in terms of uptake and (2) quantify seed coat permeability in relation to lipophilicity to better elucidate chemical movement in seed tissue. Uptake in seeds treated with coumarin 1, 120, and 151 was assessed by fluorescence microscopy. For quantitative studies, a series of 11 n-alkyl piperonyl amides with log Kow in the range of 0.02–5.66 were applied, and two portions, namely, the embryo, and the endosperm + seed coat, were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Coumarin 120 with the lowest log Kow of 1.3 displayed greater seed uptake than coumarin 1 with a log Kow of 2.9. In contrast, the optimal log Kow for embryo uptake ranged from 2.9 to 3.3 derived from the amide series. Therefore, heterogeneous coumarin tracers were not suitable to determine optimal log Kow for uptake. Three tomato varieties were investigated with the amide series, and the maximum percent recovered in the embryonic tissue ranged from only 1.2% to 5%. These data suggest that the application of active ingredients as seed treatments could result in suboptimal concentrations in the embryo being efficacious.
Effects of Development Stage and Sodium Salts on the Antioxidant Properties of White Cabbage Microgreens
Authors: Patras Antoanela
Published: March 2021

Microgreens, considered “superfood”, are easy to cultivate and very rich in health-promoting compounds, as antioxidants. White cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) microgreens contain high quantities of phenolics, which contribute together with other bioactive compounds to their important antioxidant properties. The present study analyses the effects of development stage (5-, 7- and 9-days) and two sodium salts, NaCl and Na2SO4, in two concentrations (0.01 M and 0.1 M), on the antioxidant properties of white cabbage microgreens. Among the three development levels, the 5-day microgreens revealed the highest total phenolic content, DPPH radical scavenging and total reducing capacities. Concerning the effects of sodium salts, 0.01 M NaCl and 0.1 M Na2SO4 determined higher total reducing capacity. Additionally, 0.01 M NaCl induced the highest DPPH radical scavenging capacity, while the most important total phenolics and anthocyanins contents were obtained in case of 0.1 M Na2SO4. In conclusion, from the developmental point of view, the 5-day old microgreens present, globally, the best characteristics. Considering the elicitor effects of sodium salts, 0.01 M NaCl and 0.1 M Na2SO4 generally determined the strongest antioxidant properties. The results could be used to develop new production technologies for antioxidant-enriched microgreens.
Effect of Salinity and Nitrogen Form in Irrigation Water on Growth, Antioxidants and Fatty Acids Profiles in Halophytes Salsola australis, Suaeda maritima, and Enchylaena tomentosa for a Perspective of Biosaline Agriculture
Authors: Certain Cassandre , Della Patrona Luc , Gunkel-Grillon Peggy , Léopold Audrey , Soudant Philippe , Le Grand Fabienne
Published: March 2021

Cultivation of salt-tolerant crops help to face to irreversible global salinization of freshwater and soils. In New-Caledonia, three halophytes are candidates for saline crops, Salsola australis R.Br., Suaeda maritima (L.) Dumort and Enchylaena tomentosa R.Br. Their success and quality depend yet on availabilities of salinity and essential nutrients in agrosystems. So, we investigated effects of three salinities, i.e., control moderate and high, and five nitrogen ratios, i.e., 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 or 0:100 NO3−-N:NH4+-N ratio on their growth and functional value for fatty acids and antioxidants. Results show that the leaf fatty acid and antioxidant profiles of species, emphasize their good potential to become functional crop products, based on comparison with other functional plants, dietetic recommendation, or functional indices. However, their total phenolic compounds (TPC) content can be influenced by N-ratio (Suaeda maritima and Enchylaena tomentosa) and their antioxidant activity index (AAI) can be influenced by salinity (Suaeda maritima), N-ratio (Salsola australis) or both (Enchylaenatomentosa). Their quantitative and/or qualitative fatty acid profiles can also be influenced by salinity (Enchylaena tomentosa), N-ratio (Suaeda maritima), or both (Salsola australis). Regarding these variations, involving salt tolerance and nitrogen nutrition mechanisms, we recommend suitable treatments to maintain or optimize the growth and the functional quality of leaves in the three species.
Aeschynomene spp. Identification and Weed Management in Rice Fields in Southern Brazil
Authors: Martins Matheus B. , Agostinetto Dirceu , Fogliatto Silvia , Vidotto Francesco , Andres André
Published: March 2021

In 2002, a survey carried out in rice paddies in the Rio Grande do Sul (RS) state reported the occurrence of nine species of jointvetch (Aeschynomene). Due to their semi-aquatic habit, some species adapted to irrigated rice fields, which led to their being considered the worst broadleaf weed in RS. Although farmers have successfully implemented weed management practices, Aeschynomene plants have reportedly escaped chemical control. This study aims to identify the species of Aeschynomene that occur in rice fields in RS and to evaluate the reasons why escapes are occurring. A survey was carried out by collecting mature seeds from individual adult plants. A questionnaire on the management practices employed in each field was administered to 54 farmers and 18 extension agents, each of whom was responsible for one of the surveyed rice fields. This survey found four species of Aeschynomene are present in rice fields in RS: A. denticulata, A. indica, A. rudis, and A. sensitiva. The results suggest that the explanation for escapes may lie in the management practices adopted by farmers, which are focused on the control of weedy grasses. Escapes are also associated with problems such as the lack of irrigation uniformity and out-of-stage, late herbicide applications.
Could Entomophagy Be an Effective Mitigation Measure in Desert Locust Management?
Authors: Samejo Ahmed Ali , Sultana Riffat , Kumar Santosh , Soomro Samiullah
Published: March 2021

The desert locust has been a notorious pest since ancient times. A population upsurge hit Pakistan in 2019 and caused tremendous damage to agriculture and livelihoods. To take advantage of this ongoing upsurge, we conducted a field study to verify whether locust collection could be an interesting control method to protect crops in the event of an invasion, as well as an accepted food resource for poor rural communities. A village in the Thar desertic region was selected as a type-locality. An awareness campaign was launched to promote the collection and consumption of locusts as well as to alert people of their nutritional value. Two large swarms arrived near the village and several other swarms affected places nearby. Around 3033 kg of locusts were collected through handpicking at night. Most of the locusts were eaten and, as a result, hoppers of the next generation did not emerge in the type-locality; however, hopper bands appeared in areas where entomophagy was not practiced. The study area had less locust activity because swarms could not lay eggs due to entomophagy by the villagers. The consumption of desert locusts could be an effective practice to prevent malnutrition and protein deficiency and, to a certain extent, an efficient mitigation measure to help local populations to better protect themselves and their crops against locust outbreaks. Collection and consumption of locusts should be encouraged while remaining realistic about its real impact on locust control. This should also be done in concert with local authorities to take into account the risks to human health and to avoid the consumption of insects treated with pesticides.
Coccidia Vaccine Challenge and Exogenous Enzyme Supplementation in Broiler Chicken 1. Effect on Digesta Viscosity, Diet Energy Utilization, and Apparent Metabolizable Energy Value of Wheat
Authors: Dunaway Andrew , Adedokun Sunday A.
Published: March 2021

This study examined the effect of exogenous mixed-enzyme supplementation (xylanase, β-glucanase, and pectinase) to a corn-SBM (CS) and a wheat-CS-based (WCS) diet in birds challenged with coccidia vaccine (Coccivac B-52™). The WCS-based diet was produced by replacing 30% of the energy-yielding portions of the CS-based diet with wheat. On day 14, 448 (n = 7) Cobb by-product breeder male broilers were assigned to a 2 (diet types) × 2 (with or without enzyme supplementation) × 2 (0 or 20 × coccidia vaccine challenge; CVC) factorial arrangement of treatments in a completely randomized design for the determination of the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) value of wheat. Treatment effects on jejunum digesta viscosity and AME corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) of the diets were evaluated within each diet type as a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, 7- and 14-day post-challenge. Seven-day post-challenge (day 21), dry matter (DM) and energy utilization, AME, and AMEn of the CS- and WCS-based diets decreased (p < 0.05) with CVC. Both AME and AMEn of wheat decreased (p < 0.05) by about a 20% in CVC-birds 7-day post-challenge. Enzyme and CVC resulted in a decrease (p < 0.05) in jejunal digesta viscosity in birds fed the CS-based diets, while there was an interaction (p < 0.05) between CVC and enzyme, with enzyme lowering (p < 0.05) the viscosity of digesta 7-day post-challenge. Results from this study showed that CVC resulted in a 20% decrease in AMEn 7-day post-challenge, while the interaction between exogenous enzyme supplementation and CVC resulted in an improvement in nitrogen utilization (~6%) in CVC birds fed the corn-SBM-based diet 7-days post challenge.