bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study in a Regional Hospital of a Mid-Sized Spanish City Indicates a Major Increase in Infection/Colonization by Carbapenem-Resistant Bacteria, Coinciding with the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Cano-Martín Estefanía , Portillo-Calderón Inés , Pérez-Palacios Patricia , Navarro-Marí José , Fernández-Sierra María , Gutiérrez-Fernández José
Published: September 2021

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics has proven difficult to control over the past few decades. The large group of multidrug-resistant bacteria includes carbapenemase-producing bacteria (CPB), for which limited therapeutic options and infection control measures are available. Furthermore, carbapenemases associate with high-risk clones that are defined by the sequence type (ST) to which each bacterium belongs. The objectives of this cross-sectional and retrospective study were to describe the CPB population isolated in a third-level hospital in Southern Spain between 2015 and 2020 and to establish the relationship between the ST and the epidemiological situation defined by the hospital. CPB were microbiologically studied in all rectal and pharyngeal swabs and clinical samples received between January 2015 and December 2020, characterizing isolates using MicroScan and mass spectrometry. Carbapenemases were detected by PCR and Sanger sequencing, and STs were assigned by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Isolates were genetically related by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis using Xbal, Spel, or Apal enzymes. The episodes in which each CPB was isolated were recorded and classified as involved or non-involved in an outbreak. There were 320 episodes with CPB during the study period: 18 with K. pneumoniae, 14 with Klebisella oxytoca, 9 with Citrobacter freundii, 11 with Escherichia coli, 46 with Enterobacter cloacae, 70 with Acinetobacter baumannii, and 52 with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The carbapenemase groups detected were OXA, VIM, KPC, and NDM with various subgroups. Synchronous relationships were notified between episodes of K. pneumoniae and outbreaks for ST15, ST258, ST307, and ST45, but not for the other CPB. There was a major increase in infections with CPB over the years, most notably during 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. This study highlights the usefulness of gene sequencing techniques to control the spread of these microorganisms, especially in healthcare centers. These techniques offer faster results, and a reduction in their cost may make their real-time application more feasible. The combination of epidemiological data with real-time molecular sequencing techniques can provide a major advance in the transmission control of these CPB and in the management of infected patients. Real-time sequencing is essential to increase precision and thereby control outbreaks and target infection prevention measures in a more effective manner.
Iriflophenone-3-C-β-d Glucopyranoside from Dryopteris ramosa (Hope) C. Chr. with Promising Future as Natural Antibiotic for Gastrointestinal Tract Infections
Authors: Ishaque Muhammad , Bibi Yamin , Ayoubi Samha , Masood Saadia , Nisa Sobia , Qayyum Abdul
Published: September 2021

Ethnopharmacological approaches provide clues for the search of bioactive compounds. Dryopteris ramosa (Hope) C. Chr. (plant family: Dryopteridaceae) is an ethnomedicinal plant of the Galliyat region of Pakistan. The aqueous fraction (AqF) of D. ramosa is being used by inhabitants of the Galliyat region of Pakistan to treat their gastrointestinal tract ailments, especially those caused by bacteria. The aims of the present study were as follows: (i) to justify the ethnomedicinal uses of the AqF of D. ramosa; (ii) to isolate a bioactive compound from the AqF of D. ramosa; and (iii) to evaluate the antibacterial and cytotoxic potential of the isolated compound. Column chromatography (CC) techniques were used for the isolation studies. Spectroscopic techniques (UV–Vis, MS, 1&2D NMR) were used for structural elucidation. The agar-well diffusion method was used to evaluate the antibacterial potential of “i3CβDGP” against five bacterial strains, and compare it with the known antibiotic “Cefixime”. The brine shrimp lethality test (BSLT) was used for cytotoxic studies. The AqF of D. ramosa afforded “iriflophenone-3-C-β-D glucopyranoside (i3CβDGP)” when subjected to LH20 Sephadex, followed by MPLC silica gel60, and purified by preparative TLC. The “i3CβDGP” showed a strong potential (MIC = 31.1 ± 7.2, 62.5 ± 7.2, and 62.5 ± 7.2 µg/mL) against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, respectively. On the other hand, the least antibacterial potential was shown by “i3CβDGP” (MIC = 125 ± 7.2 µg/mL), against Bacillus subtilis, in comparison to Cefixime (MIC = 62.5 ± 7.2 µg/mL). The cytotoxicity of “i3CβDGP” was significantly low (LD50 = 10.037 ± 2.8 µg/mL) against Artemia salina nauplii. This study not only justified the ethnomedicinal use of D. ramosa, but also highlighted the importance of ethnomedicinal knowledge. Further studies on AqF and other fractions of D. ramosa are in progress.
Management of Common Infections in German Primary Care: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Knowledge and Confidence among General Practitioners and Outpatient Pediatricians
Authors: Kurotschka Peter , Tiedemann Elena , Wolf Dominik , Thier Nicola , Forster Johannes , Liese Johannes , Gagyor Ildiko
Published: September 2021

Outpatient antibiotic use is closely related to antimicrobial resistance and in Germany, almost 70% of antibiotic prescriptions in human health are issued by primary care physicians (PCPs). The aim of this study was to explore PCPs, namely General Practitioners’ (GPs) and outpatient pediatricians’ (PDs) knowledge of guideline recommendations on rational antimicrobial treatment, the determinants of confidence in treatment decisions and the perceived need for training in this topic in a large sample of PCPs from southern Germany. Out of 3753 reachable PCPs, 1311 completed the survey (overall response rate = 34.9%). Knowledge of guideline recommendations and perceived confidence in making treatment decisions were high in both GPs and PDs. The two highest rated influencing factors on prescribing decisions were reported to be guideline recommendations and own clinical experiences, hence patients’ demands and expectations were judged as not influencing treatment decisions. The majority of physicians declared to have attended at least one specific training course on antibiotic use, yet almost all the participating PCPs declared to need more training on this topic. More studies are needed to explore how consultation-related and context-specific factors could influence antibiotic prescriptions in general and pediatric primary care in Germany beyond knowledge. Moreover, efforts should be undertaken to explore the training needs of PCPs in Germany, as this would serve the development of evidence-based educational interventions targeted to the improvement of antibiotic prescribing decisions rather than being focused solely on knowledge of guidelines.
Modelling of Evenness of Runways as an Element of Sustainable Airport Maintenance
Authors: Sever Drago , Doler Damjan , Kovačič Boštjan
Published: September 2021

The elevation of airport runways is specified in the operations manuals and in globally accepted design guidelines. Airport runways are constantly exposed to various physical and weather factors. However, these factors can deteriorate the condition of the runway to the point where it becomes unusable. Monitoring and the continuous inspection of runway evenness is an important element of a sustainable airport maintenance system. An important element of a sustainable airport maintenance system is a runway evenness detection and modelling system. The investigation of the use of various available methods for modelling runway evenness was conducted based on measurements of the actual condition of the existing runway at Edvard Rusjan Airport in Maribor, Slovenia. During the measurements of the runway condition, our own measurement equipment was used, which ensures the geodetic accuracy of the measurements. The novelty of the article is a comparison between five different approaches to modelling runway evenness: approximation with regression plane, inverse distance weighted interpolation (IWD) with a weighting factor of 1, 2, and 10, and interpolation based on a triangulated irregular network (TIN)–linear and cubic. In the methodology section, the advantages and disadvantages of the mentioned methods were described. The selected models were evaluated by required processor time, by the file size resulting from the modelling, and by the values of the descriptive statistics of the model deviation at the average uniform slope. It was found that the modelling method using linear triangular irregular network interpolation provided the most useful results. The results of the conducted analysis can be easily used in any runway management models at airport thet allow for professionally based actions aimed at ensuring the safety and efficiency of runway operations, especially at smaller, regional airports.
Effect of Selected Trichoderma Strains and Metabolites on Olive Drupes
Authors: Dini Irene , Pascale Marica , Staropoli Alessia , Marra Roberta , Vinale Francesco
Published: September 2021

Beneficial fungal strains of the genus Trichoderma are used as biofungicides and plant growth promoters. Trichoderma strains promote the activation of plant defense mechanisms of action, including the production of phenolic metabolites. In this work, we analyzed the effects of selected Trichoderma strains (T. asperellum KV906, T. virens GV41, and T. harzianum strains TH1, M10, and T22) and their metabolites (harzianic acid and 6-pentyl-α-pyrone) on drupes of young olive trees (4-year-old) cv. Carolea. This study used the untargeted analysis of drupe metabolome, carried out by LC–MS Q-TOF, to evaluate the phenolics profiles and target metabolomics approach to detect oleuropein and luteolin. The untargeted approach showed significant differences in the number and type of phenolic compounds in olive drupes after Trichoderma applications (by root dipping and drench soil irrigation method) compared to control. The levels of oleuropein (secoiridoid) and luteolin (flavonoid) varied according to the strain or metabolite applied, and in some cases, were less abundant in treated plants than in the control. In general, flavonoids’ levels were influenced more than secoiridoid production. The dissimilar aptitudes of the biological treatments could depend on the selective competence to cooperate with the enzymes involved in producing the secondary metabolites to defend plants by environmental stresses. Our results suggest that using selected fungi of the genus Trichoderma and their metabolites could contribute to selecting the nutraceutical properties of the olive drupe. The use of the metabolites would bring further advantages linked to the dosage in culture and storage.
Skin Characterizations by Using Contact Capacitive Imaging and High-Resolution Ultrasound Imaging with Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Chirikhina Elena , Chirikhin Andrey , Dewsbury-Ennis Sabina , Bianconi Francesco , Xiao Perry
Published: September 2021

We present our latest research on skin characterizations by using Contact Capacitive Imaging and High-Resolution Ultrasound Imaging with Machine Learning algorithms. Contact Capacitive Imaging is a novel imaging technology based on the dielectric constant measurement principle, with which we have studied the skin water content of different skin sites and performed image classification by using pre-trained Deep Learning Neural Networks through Transfer Learning. The results show lips and nose have the lowest water content, whilst cheek, eye corner and under-eye have the highest water content. The classification yields up to 83.8% accuracy. High-Resolution Ultrasound Imaging is a state-of-the-art ultrasound technology, and can produce high-resolution images of the skin and superficial soft tissue to a vertical resolution of about 40 microns, with which we have studied the thickness of different skin layers, such as stratum corneum, epidermis and dermis, around different locations on the face and around different body parts. The results show the chin has the highest stratum corneum thickness, and the arm has the lowest stratum corneum thickness. We have also developed two feature-based image classification methods which yield promising results. The outcomes of this study could provide valuable guidelines for cosmetic/medical research, and methods developed in this study can also be extended for studying damaged skin or skin diseases. The combination of Contact Capacitive Imaging and High-Resolution Ultrasound Imaging could be a powerful tool for skin studies.
Evaluating the Seismic Capacity of Dry-Joint Masonry Arch Structures via the Combined Finite-Discrete Element Method
Authors: Li Wangpeng , Chen Xudong , Wang Hongfan , Chan Andrew H. C. , Cheng Yingyao
Published: September 2021

The behaviour of dry-joint masonry arch structures is highly nonlinear and discontinuous since they are composed of individual discrete blocks. These structures are vulnerable to seismic excitations. It is difficult for traditional methods like the standard finite element method (FEM) to simulate masonry failure due to their intrinsic limitations. An advanced computational approach, i.e., the combined finite-discrete element method (FDEM), was employed in this study to examine the first-order seismic capacity of masonry arches and buttressed arches with different shapes subjected to gravity and constant horizontal acceleration. Within the framework of the FDEM, masonry blocks are discretised into discrete elements. A finite element formulation is implemented into each discrete element, providing accurate predictions of the deformation of each block and contact interactions between blocks. Numerical examples are presented and validated with results from the existing literature, demonstrating that the FDEM is capable of capturing the seismic capacities and hinge locations of masonry arch structures. Further simulations on geometric parameters and friction coefficient of masonry buttressed arches were conducted, and their influences on the seismic capacities are revealed.
Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Network Routing Technology for Data Recovery in Exa-Scale Cloud Distributed Clustering Systems
Authors: Shin Dong-Jin , Kim Jeong-Joon
Published: September 2021

Research has been conducted to efficiently transfer blocks and reduce network costs when decoding and recovering data from an erasure coding-based distributed file system. Technologies using software-defined network (SDN) controllers can collect and more efficiently manage network data. However, the bandwidth depends dynamically on the number of data transmitted on the network, and the data transfer time is inefficient owing to the longer latency of existing routing paths when nodes and switches fail. We propose deep Q-network erasure coding (DQN-EC) to solve routing problems by converging erasure coding with DQN to learn dynamically changing network elements. Using the SDN controller, DQN-EC collects the status, number, and block size of nodes possessing stored blocks during erasure coding. The fat-tree network topology used for experimental evaluation collects elements of typical network packets, the bandwidth of the nodes and switches, and other information. The data collected undergo deep reinforcement learning to avoid node and switch failures and provide optimized routing paths by selecting switches that efficiently conduct block transfers. DQN-EC achieves a 2.5-times-faster block transmission time and 0.4-times-higher network throughput than open shortest path first (OSPF) routing algorithms. The bottleneck bandwidth and transmission link cost can be reduced, improving the recovery time approximately twofold.
Experimental Study of the Compressive Strengths of Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Concrete after Various High-Temperature Treatments and Cooling in Open Air and Water
Authors: An Huaming , Song Yushan , Liu Lei , Meng Xiang
Published: September 2021

The rapid development of modern society has increased the demand for high-performance geo-materials. As an advanced cementitious composite, fiber-reinforced concrete has attracted much attention and has been widely applied to various buildings and civil infrastructure. A basalt fiber-reinforced concrete is proposed as an advanced geo-material and the mechanical and thermal properties were investigated in this study. The basalt fiber-reinforced concrete was compared with ordinary concrete to confirm its superiority by determination of the physical parameters, static compressive test, and dynamic compressive test. The static compressive test was performed using the YAW-2000C constant stress pressure experimental machine under different heating temperatures and cooling methods, while the dynamic compressive test was performed using the 75-mm split-Hopkinson pressure bar under different loading rates, heating temperatures, and cooling methods. For the basic physical parameters, it was found that the mass loss and wave velocity of concrete decrease with the increase of the temperature. In the static compressive test, the static compressive strength for both the ordinary concrete and the fiber-reinforced concrete decreased with the increase of the temperature, and greater strength was observed with the air-cooled compared to the water-cooled method. It was found that the strength of basalt fiber-reinforced concrete is greater than that of ordinary concrete. In the dynamic compressive test, the strength increased with an increasing loading rate and descended with an increasing temperature, while for the same heating temperature and loading rate, water cooling produced more irregular and smaller fragments than air cooling. The dynamic compressive strength of basalt fiber-reinforced concrete was bigger than that of ordinary concrete.
Effects of Heat Treatment Processes: Health Benefits and Risks to the Consumer
Authors: Cascais Miguel , Monteiro Pedro , Pacheco Diana , Cotas João , Pereira Leonel , Marques João Carlos , Gonçalves Ana M. M.
Published: September 2021

Macroalgae are a biological group that has mainly been used in Asian countries; however, the interest shown by Western society is recent, its application in the industrial sector having increased in the last few decades. Seaweeds are filled with properties which are beneficial to our health. To use them as food and enhance these properties, heat has been used on them. This process alters the bioactive compounds. If we study the levels of moisture, they can vary according to the drying methods used. High values of moisture can lead to a short shelf life due to oxidation, microbial or enzyme activity, so controlling these values is highly recommended. Heat causes enzymatic activity as well as oxidation, which leads to degradation of phenolic compounds in comparison with freeze-drying, which causes fewer losses of these components. Due to the same occurrences, lipid content can also vary, modifying the bioactive compounds and their benefits. Pigments are some of the components most affected by heat, since, through this process, seaweeds or seaweed products can suffer a change in color. Iodine in macroalgae can decrease drastically; on the other hand, protein yield can be greatly enhanced. Some studies showed that the amount of arsenic in raw seaweeds was higher than when they were heat processed, and that arsenic values varied when different heat treatments were applied. Additionally, another study showed that heat can alter protein yield in specific species and have a different effect on other species.
Data Science for Finance: Best-Suited Methods and Enterprise Architectures
Authors: Pisoni Galena , Molnár Bálint , Tarcsi Ádám
Published: September 2021

We live in an era of big data. Large volumes of complex and difficult-to-analyze data exist in a variety of industries, including the financial sector. In this paper, we investigate the role of big data in enterprise and technology architectures for financial services. We followed a two-step qualitative process for this. First, using a qualitative literature review and desk research, we analyzed and present the data science tools and methods financial companies use; second, we used case studies to showcase the de facto standard enterprise architecture for financial companies and examined how the data lakes and data warehouses play a central role in a data-driven financial company. We additionally discuss the role of knowledge management and the customer in the implementation of such an enterprise architecture in a financial company. The emerging technological approaches offer opportunities for finance companies to plan and develop additional services as presented in this paper.
Effect of Flushing Milk and Acidic Whey on pH and Nitrogen Loss of Cattle Manure Slurry
Authors: Sepperer Thomas , Petutschnigg Alexander , Steiner Konrad
Published: September 2021

With the increasing demand for food worldwide, the use of fertilizers in the agricultural industry has grown. Natural fertilizers derived from the use of animal manure slurry, especially cattle and cow, are responsible for 40% of the agricultural ammonia emission. The EU defined the goal to reduce NH3 emission drastically until 2030, yet until today an overall increase has been observed, making it more difficult to reach the target. In this study, we used two by-products from the dairy industry, namely flushing milk and acidic whey, to lower the pH of cattle manure slurry and therefore mitigate the loss of nitrogen in the form of ammonia into the atmosphere, making it available in the soil. Measurements of pH, ammonium nitrogen, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, and lactic acid bacteria colonies were conducted in a lab-scale experiment to test the hypothesis. Afterwards, pH measurements were conducted on bigger samples. We found that whey effectively reduced the pH of manure below 5, therefore moving the ammonia/ammonium equilibrium strongly towards ammonium. Flushing milk on the other hand lowered the pH to a smaller extent, yet allowed for faster hydrolysis of urea into ammonium. The findings in this study present a suitable and environmentally friendly approach to help reach the climate goals set by the EU by using by-products from the same industry branch, therefore being a suitable example of circular economy.
Potential of Chamomile recutita Plant Material to Inhibit Urease Activity and Reduce NH3 Volatilization in Two Agricultural Soils
Authors: Li Jie , Wang Shuai , Luo Jiafa , Lindsey Stuart , Wang Lingli , Zhang Lei , Shi Yuanliang
Published: September 2021

The large amount of ammonia released during agricultural application of urea fertilizer can result in a partial loss of applied nitrogen, having a detrimental effect on air quality. Although Chamomile recutita has nitrogen transformation inhibitory properties, providing potential agricultural and environmental benefits, the full extent of the effects of the major constituents of this plant on urease activity and NH3 volatilization in soils is currently unknown. Soil incubation experiments were established using 2-Cyclopenten-1-one and Eugenol, two major constituents of C. recutita, to evaluate their effects on inorganic soil nitrogen pools, urease activity, and NH3 volatilization in grey desert soil and red soil. An application rate of 0.25 g N kg−1 soil fertilizer was applied as urea with and without additives. An unfertilized treatment was also included as a control. In order to compare results, N(butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT), a common synthetic urease inhibitor, was also used. NBPT, 2-Cyclopenten-1-one and Eugenol were applied at a rate of 0.00125 g kg−1 soil (equivalent to 0.5% N). The results indicated that the rate of urea hydrolysis was higher in grey desert soil compared to red soil. Soil in the urea-only treatments recorded urea hydrolysis to be almost complete within seven days of application. The rate of hydrolysis was inhibited by the two natural compounds, and higher concentrations of urea were maintained for more than two weeks. Soil amended with the two materials exhibited strong soil urease inhibition in both soil treatments (75.1% in the alkaline grey desert soil and 72.8% in the acidic red soil). The strongest inhibitory effect occurred one to three days after incubation in the Eugenol treatment. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of Cyclopenten-1-one and Eugenol were superior to that of NBPT in the two soils. Cyclopenten-1-one and Eugenol also significantly reduced soil NH3 emissions by 14.2 to 45.3%, especially in the acidic red soil. Molecular docking studies confirmed inhibition mechanisms, highlighting that natural compounds interacted with the amino acid residues of the urease active center. This action resulted in the urease active pocket being blocked, thereby inhibiting enzyme activity. Overall, our findings suggest that 2-Cyclopenten-1-one and Eugenol are both capable of hindering urease activity and reducing the risk of N loss in the two tested soils. Results highlight their applicability as urease inhibitors and their effect in delaying the release of ammonia nitrogen, thereby increasing fertilizer N use efficiency. However, in order to fully assess N use efficiency and the N balance due to the presence of Chamomile extract in soil-crop systems, further field scale investigations are required.
A Climatological Study of the Mechanisms Controlling the Seasonal Meridional Migration of the Atlantic Warm Pool in an OGCM
Authors: Wane Dahirou , Lazar Alban , Wade Malick , Gaye Amadou Thierno
Published: September 2021

The tropical Atlantic Warm Pool is one of the main drivers of the marine intertropical convergence zone and the associated coastal Northeast Brazilian and West-African monsoons. Its meridional displacement is driven by the solar cycle, modulated by the atmosphere and ocean interactions, whose nature and respective proportions are still poorly understood. This paper presents a climatological study of the upper ocean and lower atmosphere contributions to the warm pool seasonal migration, using an Ocean General Circulation Model (OGCM). First, we provide quantitative, albeit simple, pieces of evidence on how the large amplitude of migration in the west, compared to the east, is mainly due to the strong east–west contrast of the background meridional SST gradient intensities, which is maintained by equatorial and eastern tropical upwellings. Our main results consist first in identifying a diagnostic equation for the migration speed of the two meridional boundary isotherms of the Warm Pool, expressed in terms of the various mixed-layer heat fluxes. We then evidence and quantify how, in general, the migration is forced by air–sea fluxes, and damped by ocean circulation. However, remarkable controls by the ocean are identified in some specific regions. In particular, in the northwestern part of the Warm Pool, characterized by a large temperature inversion area, the boreal spring northward movement speed depends on the restitution of the solar heating by the thermocline. Additionally, over the southern part of the Warm Pool, our study quantifies the key role of the equatorial upwelling, which, depending on the longitude, significantly accelerates or slows down the summer poleward migration.
Tropospheric Delay in the Neapolitan and Vesuvius Areas (Italy) by Means of a Dense GPS Array: A Contribution for Weather Forecasting and Climate Monitoring
Authors: Riccardi Umberto , Tammaro Umberto , Capuano Paolo
Published: September 2021

Studying the spatiotemporal distribution and motion of water vapour (WV), the most variable greenhouse gas in the troposphere, is pivotal, not only for meteorology and climatology, but for geodesy, too. In fact, WV variability degrades, in an unpredictable way, almost all geodetic observation based on the propagation of electromagnetic signal through the atmosphere. We use data collected on a dense GPS network, designed for the purposes of monitoring the active Neapolitan (Italy) volcanoes, to retrieve the tropospheric delay parameters and precipitable water vapour (PWV). This study has two main targets: (a) the analysis of long datasets (11 years) to extract trends of climatological meaning for the region; (b) studying the main features of the time evolution of the PWV during heavy raining events to gain knowledge on the preparatory stages of highly impacting thunderstorms. For the latter target, both differential and precise point positioning (PPP) techniques are used, and the results are compared and critically discussed. An increasing trend, amounting to about 2 mm/decades, has been recognized in the PWV time series, which is in agreement with the results achieved in previous studies for the Mediterranean area. A clear topographic effect is detected for the Vesuvius volcano sector of the network and a linear relationship between PWV and altitude is quantitatively assessed. This signature must be taken into account in any modelling for the atmospheric correction of geodetic and remote-sensing data (e.g., InSAR). Characteristic temporal evolutions were recognized in the PWV in the targeted thunderstorms (which occurred in 2019 and 2020), i.e., a sharp increase a few hours before the main rain event, followed by a rapid decrease when the thunderstorm vanished. Accounting for such a peculiar trend in the PWV could be useful for setting up possible early warning systems for those areas prone to flash flooding, thus potentially providing a tool for disaster risk reduction.
Impacts of the Wave Train along the Asian Jet on the South China Sea Summer Monsoon Onset
Authors: Xu Li , Li Zi-Liang
Published: September 2021

The South China Sea (SCS) summer monsoon (SCSSM) onset signifies the commencement of large-scale summer monsoon over East Asia and the western North Pacific (WNP). Previous studies on the influencing factors of the SCSSM onset mainly focus on the tropical systems, such as El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This study reveals that the wave train along the Asian jet could act as an extratropical factor to modulate the SCSSM onset, and it is largely independent of ENSO. The SCSSM onset tends to be earlier during the positive phase of the wave train (featured by northerly anomalies over Central Iran plateau and eastern China, southerly anomalies over Arabian Peninsula, eastern Indian subcontinent, and eastern Bonin islands). The wave train affects the SCSSM onset mainly via modulating the WNP subtropical high. The wave train during the positive phase can induce negative geopotential height anomalies in the mid-troposphere and anomalous cyclones in the lower-troposphere over the SCS and the Philippine Sea, leading to the weakening of the WNP subtropical high. Specifically, the anomalous ascending motions associated with the low-level cyclone are favorable for the increased rainfall over the SCS, and the anomalous westerly on the south of the anomalous cyclone is conducive to the transition of the zonal wind (from easterly to westerly). The above circulation anomalies associated with the positive phase of the wave train provide a favorable environment for the advanced SCSSM onset.
Alterations in Mycelial Morphology and Flow Cytometry Assessment of Membrane Integrity of Ganoderma boninense Stressed by Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Ganapathy Daarshini , Siddiqui Yasmeen , Ahmad Khairulmazmi , Adzmi Fariz , Ling Kong Lih
Published: September 2021

Global increase in demand for palm oil has caused an intensification in oil palm plantation; however, production is greatly hindered by Basal Stem Rot (BSR) disease caused by Ganoderma boninense. There are many approaches to controlling BSR, although, there is no accurate, sustainable and effective method to suppress G. boninense completely. Hence, four phenolic compounds [Gallic acid (GA), Thymol (THY), Propolis (PRO) and Carvacrol (CARV)] were selected to evaluate their antifungal effect, ability to alter the mycelium morphology, and fungal cell integrity against G. boninense. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed and 94% of inhibition was exerted by GA on G. boninense growth. Scanning Electron Microscopy and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy observations revealed that GA and THY treatment caused severe damage to the mycelium and recorded the highest amount of sugar and electrolyte leakage. The study of cell integrity and morphological disruption has elucidated the reduction of G. boninense cell viability. Generally, our findings confirm the fungistatic effects of GA and THY. The evolution of phenolic compounds during the phytopathology studies indicated their coherence in eradicating the G. boninense. It is proposed that GA and THY had the potential to be developed further as a natural antifungal treatment to suppress G. boninense.
Artificial Intelligence Meets Marine Ecotoxicology: Applying Deep Learning to Bio-Optical Data from Marine Diatoms Exposed to Legacy and Emerging Contaminants
Authors: Rodrigues Nuno M. , Batista João E. , Mariano Pedro , Fonseca Vanessa , Duarte Bernardo , Silva Sara
Published: September 2021

Over recent decades, the world has experienced the adverse consequences of uncontrolled development of multiple human activities. In recent years, the total production of chemicals has been composed of environmentally harmful compounds, the majority of which have significant environmental impacts. These emerging contaminants (ECs) include a wide range of man-made chemicals (such as pesticides, cosmetics, personal and household care products, pharmaceuticals), which are of worldwide use. Among these, several ECs raised concerns regarding their ecotoxicological effects and how to assess them efficiently. This is of particular interest if marine diatoms are considered as potential target species, due to their widespread distribution, being the most abundant phytoplankton group in the oceans, and also being responsible for key ecological roles. Bio-optical ecotoxicity methods appear as reliable, fast, and high-throughput screening (HTS) techniques, providing large datasets with biological relevance on the mode of action of these ECs in phototrophic organisms, such as diatoms. However, from the large datasets produced, only a small amount of data are normally extracted for physiological evaluation, leaving out a large amount of information on the ECs exposure. In the present paper, we use all the available information and evaluate the application of several machine learning and deep learning algorithms to predict the exposure of model organisms to different ECs under different doses, using a model marine diatom (Phaeodactylum tricornutum) as a test organism. The results show that 2D convolutional neural networks are the best method to predict the type of EC to which the cultures were exposed, achieving a median accuracy of 97.65%, while Rocket is the best at predicting which concentration the cultures were subjected to, achieving a median accuracy of 100%.
Diversity and Evolution of pogo and Tc1/mariner Transposons in the Apoidea Genomes
Authors: Liu Yibing , Zong Wencheng , Diaby Mohamed , Lin Zheguang , Wang Saisai , Gao Bo , Ji Ting , Song Chengyi
Published: September 2021

Bees (Apoidea), the largest and most crucial radiation of pollinators, play a vital role in the ecosystem balance. Transposons are widely distributed in nature and are important drivers of species diversity. However, transposons are rarely reported in important pollinators such as bees. Here, we surveyed 37 bee genomesin Apoidea, annotated the pogo and Tc1/mariner transposons in the genome of each species, and performed a phylogenetic analysis and determined their overall distribution. The pogo and Tc1/mariner families showed high diversity and low abundance in the 37 species, and their proportion was significantly higher in solitary bees than in social bees. DD34D/mariner was found to be distributed in almost all species and was found in Apis mellifera, Apis mellifera carnica, Apis mellifera caucasia, and Apis mellifera mellifera, and Euglossa dilemma may still be active. Using horizontal transfer analysis, we found that DD29-30D/Tigger may have experienced horizontal transfer (HT) events. The current study displayed the evolution profiles (including diversity, activity, and abundance) of the pogo and Tc1/mariner transposons across 37 species of Apoidea. Our data revealed their contributions to the genomic variations across these species and facilitated in understanding of the genome evolution of this lineage.
The Effects of Fibrinogen’s Interactions with Its Neuronal Receptors, Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 and Cellular Prion Protein
Authors: Sulimai Nurul , Brown Jason , Lominadze David
Published: September 2021

Neuroinflammatory diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), are associated with the extravascular deposition of the fibrinogen (Fg) derivative fibrin and are accompanied with memory impairment. We found that during the hyperfibrinogenemia that typically occurs during AD and TBI, extravasated Fg was associated with amyloid beta and astrocytic cellular prion protein (PrPC). These effects coincided with short-term memory (STM) reduction and neurodegeneration. However, the mechanisms of a direct Fg–neuron interaction and its functional role in neurodegeneration are still unclear. Cultured mouse brain neurons were treated with Fg in the presence or absence of function-blockers of its receptors, PrPC or intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Associations of Fg with neuronal PrPC and ICAM-1 were characterized. The expression of proinflammatory marker interleukin 6 (IL-6) and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial superoxide, and nitrite in neurons were assessed. Fg-induced neuronal death was also evaluated. A strong association of Fg with neuronal PrPC and ICAM-1, accompanied with overexpression of IL-6 and enhanced generation of ROS, mitochondrial superoxide, and nitrite as well as the resulting neuronal death, was found. These effects were reduced by blocking the function of neuronal PrPC and ICAM-1, suggesting that the direct interaction of Fg with its neuronal receptors can induce overexpression of IL-6 and increase the generation of ROS, nitrite, and mitochondrial superoxide, ultimately leading to neuronal death. These effects can be a mechanism of neurodegeneration and the resultant memory reduction seen during TBI and AD.
Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 Signaling Links Hypoxia to Increased IGFBP-1 Phosphorylation in Primary Human Decidualized Endometrial Stromal Cells
Authors: Nandi Pinki , Jang Chloe E. , Biggar Kyle , Halari Chidambra D. , Jansson Thomas , Gupta Madhulika B.
Published: September 2021

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) bioavailability in pregnancy is governed by IGF binding protein (IGFBP-1) and its phosphorylation, which enhances the affinity of IGFBP-1 for the growth factor. The decidua is the predominant source of maternal IGFBP-1; however, the mechanisms regulating decidual IGFBP-1 secretion/phosphorylation are poorly understood. Using decidualized primary human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) from first-trimester placenta, we tested the hypothesis that mTORC1 signaling mechanistically links hypoxia to decidual IGFBP-1 secretion/phosphorylation. Hypoxia inhibited mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTORC1) (p-P70-S6K/Thr389, −47%, p = 0.038; p-4E-BP1/Thr70, −55%, p = 0.012) and increased IGFBP-1 (total, +35%, p = 0.005; phosphorylated, Ser101/+82%, p = 0.018; Ser119/+88%, p = 0.039; Ser 169/+157%, p = 0.019). Targeted parallel reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry (PRM-MS) additionally demonstrated markedly increased dual IGFBP-1 phosphorylation (pSer98+Ser101; pSer169+Ser174) in hypoxia. IGFBP-1 hyperphosphorylation inhibited IGF-1 receptor autophosphorylation/ Tyr1135 (−29%, p = 0.002). Furthermore, silencing of tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2) activated mTORC1 (p-P70-S6K/Thr389, +68%, p = 0.038; p-4E-BP1/Thr70, +30%, p = 0.002) and reduced total/site-specific IGFBP-1 phosphorylation. Importantly, TSC2 siRNA prevented inhibition of mTORC1 and the increase in secretion/site-specific IGFBP-1 phosphorylation in hypoxia. PRM-MS indicated concomitant changes in protein kinase autophosphorylation (CK2/Tyr182; PKC/Thr497; PKC/Ser657). Overall, mTORC1 signaling mechanistically links hypoxia to IGFBP-1 secretion/phosphorylation in primary HESC, implicating decidual mTORC1 inhibition as a novel mechanism linking uteroplacental hypoxia to fetal growth restriction.
The Role and Clinical Interest of Extracellular Vesicles in Pregnancy and Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Kazemi Nazanin Yeganeh , Gendrot Benoìt , Berishvili Ekaterine , Markovic Svetomir N. , Cohen Marie
Published: September 2021

Ovarian cancer and pregnancy are two states in which the host immune system is exposed to novel antigens. Indeed, both the tumor and placenta must invade tissues, remodel vasculature to establish a robust blood supply, and evade detection by the immune system. Interestingly, tumor and placenta tissue use similar mechanisms to induce these necessary changes. One mediator is emerging as a key player in invasion, vascular remodeling, and immune evasion: extracellular vesicles (EVs). Many studies have identified EVs as a key mediator of cell-to-cell communication. Specifically, the cargo carried by EVs, which includes proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, can interact with cells to induce changes in the target cell ranging from gene expression to migration and metabolism. EVs can promote cell division and tissue invasion, immunosuppression, and angiogenesis which are essential for both cancer and pregnancy. In this review, we examine the role of EVs in ovarian cancer metastasis, chemoresistance, and immune modulation. We then focus on the role of EVs in pregnancy with special attention on the vascular remodeling and regulation of the maternal immune system. Lastly, we discuss the clinical utility of EVs as markers and therapeutics for ovarian cancer and pre-eclampsia.
Multi-Modal Biological Destruction by Cold Atmospheric Plasma: Capability and Mechanism
Authors: Yan Dayun , Malyavko Alisa , Wang Qihui , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , Sherman Jonathan H. , Keidar Michael
Published: September 2021

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a near-room-temperature, partially ionized gas composed of reactive neutral and charged species. CAP also generates physical factors, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation and thermal and electromagnetic (EM) effects. Studies over the past decade demonstrated that CAP could effectively induce death in a wide range of cell types, from mammalian to bacterial cells. Viruses can also be inactivated by a CAP treatment. The CAP-triggered cell-death types mainly include apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy-associated cell death. Cell death and virus inactivation triggered by CAP are the foundation of the emerging medical applications of CAP, including cancer therapy, sterilization, and wound healing. Here, we systematically analyze the entire picture of multi-modal biological destruction by CAP treatment and their underlying mechanisms based on the latest discoveries particularly the physical effects on cancer cells.
Tumor Necrosis Receptor Superfamily Interact with Fusion and Fission of Mitochondria of Adipose Tissue in Obese Patients without Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Shunkina (Skuratovskaia) Daria , Komar Alexandra , Vulf Maria , Quang Hung Vu , Shunkin Egor , Kirienkova Elena , Dakchnevich Anastasiia , Malkov Danil , Zatolokin Pavel , Litvinova Larisa
Published: September 2021

Interactions between receptors and ligands of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF) provide costimulatory signals that control the survival, proliferation, differentiation, and effector function of immune cells. All components of the TNF superfamily are associated with NF-kB functions that are not limited to cell death and may promote survival in the face of adipose tissue inflammation in obesity. Inflammation dysfunction of mitochondria is a key factor associated with insulin resistance in obesity. The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship of soluble forms of receptors and ligands of the TNF superfamily in blood plasma with mitochondrial dynamics in adipose tissue (greater omentum (GO) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (Sat)) of obese patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Increased plasma sTNF-R1, sTNF-R2, sTNFRSF8 receptors, and ligands TNFSF12, TNFSF13, TNFSF13B are characteristic of obese patients without T2DM. The TNF-a levels in blood plasma were associated with a decrease in MFN2 gene expression in GO and IL-10 in blood plasma. The TNFSF12 levels contributed to a decrease in glucose levels, a decrease in BMI, and an increase in IL-10 levels by influencing the MFN2 gene expression in GO, which supports mitochondrial fusion.
Complex Electromagnetic Fields Reduce Candida albicans Planktonic Growth and Its Adhesion to Titanium Surfaces
Authors: D’Ercole Simonetta , Di Lodovico Silvia , Iezzi Giovanna , Pierfelice Tania Vanessa , D’Amico Emira , Cipollina Alessandro , Piattelli Adriano , Cellini Luigina , Petrini Morena
Published: September 2021

This study evaluates the effects of different programs of complex electromagnetic fields (C.M.F.s) on Candida albicans, in planktonic and sessile phase and on human gingival fibroblasts (HGF cells). In vitro cultures of C. albicans ATCC 10231 and HGF cells were exposed to different cycles of C.M.F.s defined as: oxidative stress, oxidative stress/antibacterial, antibacterial, antibacterial/oxidative stress. Colony forming units (CFUs), metabolic activity, cells viability (live/dead), cell morphology, filamentation analysis, and cytotoxicity assay were performed. The broth cultures, exposed to the different C.M.F.s, were grown on titanium discs for 48 h. The quantity comparisons of adhered C. albicans on surfaces were determined by CFUs and scanning electron microscopy. The C. albicans growth could be readily controlled with C.M.F.s reducing the number of cultivable planktonic cells vs. controls, independently by the treatment applied. In particular, the antibacterial program was associated with lower levels of CFUs. The quantification of the metabolic activity was significantly lower by using the oxidative stress program. Live/dead images showed that C.M.F.s significantly decreased the viability of C. albicans. C.M.F.s inhibited C. albicans virulence traits reducing hyphal morphogenesis, adhesion, and biofilm formation on titanium discs. The MTS assay showed no negative effects on the viability of HGF. Independent of the adopted protocol, C.M.F.s exert antifungal and anti-virulence action against C. albicans, no cytotoxicity effects on HGF and can be useful in the prevention and treatment of yeast biofilm infections.