bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Dose Supplementation of Folic Acid in Infertile Men Improves IVF-ICSI Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial (FOLFIV Trial)
Authors: Mathieu d’Argent Emmanuelle , Ravel Celia , Rousseau Alexandra , Morcel Karine , Massin Nathalie , Sussfeld Julie , Simon Tabassome , Antoine Jean-Marie , Mandelbaume Jacqueline , Daraï Emile , Kolanska Kamila
Published: April 2021

Dietary supplementation is commonly used in men with male infertility but its exact role is poorly understood. The aim of this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to evaluate the impact of high-dose folic acid supplementation on IVF-ICSI outcomes. 162 couples with male infertility and an indication for IVF-ICSI were included for one IVF-ICSI cycle. Male partners of couples wishing to conceive, aged 18–60 years old, with at least one abnormal spermatic criterion were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive daily supplements containing 15 mg of folic acid or a placebo for 3 months from Day 0 until semen collection for IVF-ICSI. Sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation before and after the treatment and the biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates after the fresh embryo transfer were analyzed. We observed an increase in the biochemical pregnancy rate and a trend for a higher clinical pregnancy rate in the folic acid group compared to placebo (44.1% versus 22.4%, p = 0.01 and 35.6% versus 20.4%, p = 0.082, respectively). Even if no changes in sperm characteristics were observed, a decrease in DNA fragmentation in the folic acid group was noted (8.5 ± 4.5 vs. 6.4 ± 4.6, p < 0.0001). High-dose folic acid supplementation in men requiring IVF-ICSI for male infertility improves IVF-ICSI outcomes.
In Vivo Imaging of Thyroid Cancer with 99mTc-TR1401 and 99mTc-TR1402: A Comparison Study in Dogs
Authors: Galli Filippo , Varani Michela , Lauri Chiara , Campagna Giuseppe , Balogh Lajos , Weintraub Bruce D. , Szkudlinski Mariusz W. , Bartolazzi Armando , Manni Isabella , Piaggio Giulia , Signore Alberto
Published: April 2021

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) cells may lose NIS expression and iodine uptake, but usually express TSH receptors (TSHR). Therefore, the aim of our study was to compare two radiolabeled superagonist TSH analogues for DTC imaging. These analogues (namely TR1401 and TR1402) have a higher TSHR binding affinity than recombinant human TSH (Thyrogen®). Radiolabeling was performed with technetium-99m using an indirect method via HYNIC conjugation and was followed by in vitro quality controls and binding assay on TSHR-positive cell lines (ML-1). An in vitro binding assay was also performed and compared with radiolabeled human recombinant TSH. In vivo imaging was performed in four dogs with spontaneous follicular thyroid carcinoma with solid poorly differentiated areas with 99mTc-TR1401 SPECT/CT, 99mTc-TR1402 SPECT/CT, and [18F]FDG PET/CT on different days within 2 weeks. TR1401 and TR1402 were labeled with high specific activity (8.3 ± 1.2 MBq/µg) and retention of their biological activity and structural integrity. Both agonists were able to efficiently bind TSHR receptors expressed by cell lines with dissociation constants (Kd) of 2.7 nM for 99mTc-TR1401 and 0.5 nM for 99mTc-TR1402 compared with 99mTc-Thyrogen (Kd = 8.4 nM). In tumor-targeting experiments, a focal uptake was observed in dogs with spontaneous intraglandular thyroid carcinoma, in which TSHR expression was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. 99mTc-TR1402 provided higher T/B than 99mTc-TR1401 and [18F]FDG (12.9 ± 1.3, 10.2 ± 0.7, and 3.8 ± 0.6, respectively; all p < 0.001). Given these results, 99mTc-TR1402 appears to be a useful tool for in vivo imaging of thyroid cancer.
Quality of Life and Sleep in Patients with Pituitary Adenoma in Relation to Tumor Type and Compression of the Optic Chiasm
Authors: Sagan Karol Piotr , Andrysiak-Mamos Elżbieta , Tyburski Ernest , Sagan Leszek Michał , Syrenicz Anhelli
Published: April 2021

Objective: To determine the effect of transsphenoidal surgery on quality of life and sleep in patients with pituitary adenomas depending on tumor type and compression of the optic chiasm. Methods: In this prospective study, patients with pituitary adenomas who were scheduled for transsphenoidal surgery completed the Short Form 36 Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale preoperatively and 7.5 (±1.5) months after surgery. Patients were analyzed based on tumor type and compression of the optic chiasm. Results: Significant improvements with large effect sizes were seen for patients with Cushing’s disease in general health (Z = −2.37; p = 0.018), vitality (Z = −2.05; p = 0.041), and mental health (Z = −2.06; p = 0.040). A significant deterioration with large effect size occurred in physical functioning (Z = −2.02; p = 0.043) in patients with acromegaly. A significant improvement with medium effect size was seen in subjective sleep quality, (Z = −2.24; p = 0.025), sleep duration (Z = −2.11; p = 0.035), and habitual sleep efficiency (Z = −2.26; p = 0.024) after decompression of the optic chiasm. Multiple significant correlations were observed between sleep parameters and Short Form 36 subscales before and after treatment. Conclusions: Changes in quality of life during the follow-up period depend on tumor type. Circadian rhythm disturbances may resolve promptly after decompression of the optic chiasm. Quality of life in pituitary adenoma patients is associated with quality of sleep in many dimensions, thus implying that developing strategies to improve sleep quality could increase overall well-being and everyday functioning in pituitary adenoma patients.
Daytime Neuromuscular Electrical Therapy of Tongue Muscles in Improving Snoring in Individuals with Primary Snoring and Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Baptista Peter M. , Martínez Ruiz de Apodaca Paula , Carrasco Marina , Fernandez Secundino , Wong Phui Yee , Zhang Henry , Hassaan Amro , Kotecha Bhik
Published: April 2021

Study Objectives: Evaluating daytime neuromuscular electrical training (NMES) of tongue muscles in individuals with Primary Snoring and Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Methods: A multicenter prospective study was undertaken in patients with primary snoring and mild sleep apnea where daytime NMES (eXciteOSA® Signifier Medical Technologies Ltd., London W6 0LG, UK) was used for 20 min once daily for 6 weeks. Change in percentage time spent snoring was analyzed using a two-night sleep study before and after therapy. Participants and their bed partners completed sleep quality questionnaires: Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the bed partners reported on the nighttime snoring using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results: Of 125 patients recruited, 115 patients completed the trial. Ninety percent of the study population had some reduction in objective snoring with the mean reduction in the study population of 41% (p < 0.001). Bed partner-reported snoring reduced significantly by 39% (p < 0.001). ESS and total PSQI scores reduced significantly (p < 0.001) as well as bed partner PSQI (p = 0.017). No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Daytime NMES (eXciteOSA®) is demonstrated to be effective at reducing objective and subjective snoring. It is associated with effective improvement in patient and bed partner sleep quality and patient daytime somnolence. Both objective and subjective measures demonstrated a consistent improvement. Daytime NMES was well tolerated and had minimal transient side effects.
Bluetooth Communication Leveraging Ultra-Low Power Radio Design
Authors: Abdelatty Omar , Chen Xing , Alghaihab Abdullah , Wentzloff David
Published: April 2021

Energy-efficient wireless connectivity plays an important role in scaling both battery-less and battery-powered Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. The power consumption in these devices is dominated by the wireless transceivers which limit the battery’s lifetime. Different strategies have been proposed to tackle these issues both in physical and network layers. The ultimate goal is to lower the power consumption without sacrificing other important metrics like latency, transmission range and robust operation under the presence of interference. Joint efforts in designing energy-efficient wireless protocols and low-power radio architectures result in achieving sub-100 μW operation. One technique to lower power is back-channel (BC) communication which allows ultra-low power (ULP) receivers to communicate efficiently with commonly used wireless standards like Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) while utilizing the already-deployed infrastructure. In this paper, we present a review of BLE back-channel communication and its forms. Additionally, a comprehensive survey of ULP radio design trends and techniques in both Bluetooth transmitters and receivers is presented.
Acceptability of Different Psychological Verbal Constructions by Heritage Spanish Speakers from California
Authors: Miglio Viola G. , Gries Stefan Th.
Published: April 2021

This study set out to investigate whether US Heritage Spanish features a more streamlined verbal paradigm in psych verb constructions compared to standard varieties of Spanish, where HS speakers find an invariable third-person singular form acceptable with both singular and plural grammatical subjects. In standard Spanish, the semantic subjects of psych verbs are typically pre-verbal experiencers cast as oblique arguments in inverse predicates such as in me encantan los buhos ‘I love owls’. The translation of this sentence shows that equivalent English predicates are typically direct constructions. The data were gathered using an acceptability judgement questionnaire that was distributed to participants that fit into one of three groups: early bilingual heritage speakers of Spanish from California, advanced Spanish as L2 speakers, and non-bilingual native speakers of Spanish who had learnt English as an L2 as adults. The Heritage Spanish speakers in this group often patterned differently from both other groups, who surprisingly patterned together. We argue that this is due to L2 speakers’ mode of acquisition (formal and subject to prescriptive grammar), in comparison with Heritage Spanish speakers’ naturalistic acquisition. Specifically, we find evidence for a streamlining of the Spanish verbal paradigm not immediately attributed to English interference, and that in psych verb constructions, Heritage Spanish speakers more readily accept a third-person singular invariable verbal form. This differentiation of the verbal paradigm from standard Spanish use should be considered a bona fide linguistic change, but not proof of either incomplete acquisition or language attrition. Since Heritage Spanish speakers are, after all, native speakers of Spanish, this study shows that Heritage Spanish should be considered and studied as any other dialect of Spanish, with its distinctive grammatical features, and subject to variability and change.
Processing of Flavor-Enhanced Oils: Optimization and Validation of Multiple Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction-Arrow to Quantify Pyrazines in the Oils
Authors: Xu Ziyan , Zhou Chuan , Shi Haiming , Zhang Hong , Bi Yanlan , Xu Xuebing
Published: April 2021

An efficient and effective multiple headspace-solid phase microextraction-arrow-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (MHS-SPME-arrow-GCMS) analytical protocol is established and used to quantify the flavor compounds in oils. SPME conditions, such as fiber coating, pre-incubation temperature, extraction temperature, and time were studied. The feasibility was compared between SPME-arrow and the traditional fiber by loading different sample amounts. It was found that the SPME-arrow was more suitable for the MHS-SPME. The limit of detection (LODs) and limit of quantitation (LOQs) of pyrazines were in the range of 2–60 ng and 6–180 ng/g oil, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of both intra- and inter-day were lower than 16%. The mean recoveries for spiked pyrazines in rapeseed oil were in the range of 91.6–109.2%. Furthermore, this newly established method of MHS-SPME-arrow was compared with stable isotopes dilution analysis (SIDA) by using [2H6]-2-methyl-pyrazine. The results are comparable and indicate this method can be used for edible oil flavor analysis.
Injectable Hydrogel for Cu2+ Controlled Release and Potent Tumor Therapy
Authors: Huang Chunyu , Chen Bei , Chen Mingzhu , Jiang Wei , Liu Wei
Published: April 2021

Disulfiram (DSF) is an important drug for the treatment and management of alcohol dependency. This drug has been approved by US-FDA, and its activity against the tumor is dependent on copper ion (Cu2+). However, the copper toxicity (caused via external copper) and its intrinsic anfractuous distribution in the human body have adversely suppressed the mechanism of DSF in in vivo. In this study, we aimed to design an injectable hydrogel, as CRC (Cu2+ release controller) for the effective treatment of tumors. The hydrogels of agarose have been used for wrapping of CuCl2, and hierarchical microparticles (HMP) for the generation of CRC system. When the laser irradiations (808 nm) have been provided to the system, light energy is transferred into heat energy, which results in the hydrogel hydrolysis (reversible) due to the overheating effect. This is followed by a reaction with DSF (pre-injected) to suppress tumor progression. Hence, the CRC system brings innovative ideas for designing of a Cu2+ delivery system.
Proton Bridging in Catalysis by and Inhibition of Serine Proteases of the Blood Cascade System
Authors: Kovach Ildiko M
Published: April 2021

Inquiries into the participation of short hydrogen bonds in stabilizing transition states and intermediate states in the thrombin, factor Xa, plasmin and activated protein C–catalyzed reactions revealed that specific binding of effectors at Sn, n = 1–4 and S’n, n = 1–3 and at remote exosites elicit complex patterns of hydrogen bonding and involve water networks. The methods employed that yielded these discoveries include; (1) kinetics, especially partial or full kinetic deuterium solvent isotope effects with short cognate substrates and also with the natural substrates, (2) kinetic and structural probes, particularly low-field high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), of mechanism-based inhibitors and substrate-mimic peptide inhibitors. Short hydrogen bonds form at the transition states of the catalytic reactions at the active site of the enzymes as they do with mechanism-based covalent inhibitors of thrombin. The emergence of short hydrogen bonds at the binding interface of effectors and thrombin at remote exosites has recently gained recognition. Herein, I describe our contribution, a confirmation of this discovery, by low-field 1H NMR. The principal conclusion of this review is that proton sharing at distances below the sum of van der Waals radii of the hydrogen and both donor and acceptor atoms contribute to the remarkable catalytic prowess of serine proteases of the blood clotting system and other enzymes that employ acid-base catalysis. Proton bridges also play a role in tight binding in proteins and at exosites, i.e., allosteric sites, of enzymes.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a Medium-Mn Steel with 1.3 GPa-Strength and 40%-Ductility
Authors: Bai Shaobin , Xiao Wentao , Niu Weiqiang , Li Dazhao , Liang Wei
Published: April 2021

Steel designs with superior mechanical properties have been urgently needed in automotive industries to achieve energy conservation, increase safety, and decrease weight. In this study, the aging process is employed to enhance the yield strength (YS) by tailoring the distribution of V-rich precipitates and to improve ductility by producing high volume fractions of recrystallized ferrite in cold-rolled medium-Mn steel. A reliable method to acquire ultra-high strength (1.0–1.5 GPa), together with ductility (>40%), is proposed via utilizing non-recrystallized austenite and recrystallized ferrite. Similarly to conventional medium-Mn steels, the TRIP effect, along with the mild TWIP effect, is responsible for the main deformation mechanisms during tensile testing. However, the coupled influence of precipitation strengthening, grain refinement strengthening, and dislocation strengthening contributes to an increase in YS. The studied steel, aged at 650 °C for 5 h, demonstrates a YS of 1078 MPa, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 1438 MPa, and tensile elongation (TE) of 30%. The studied steel aged at 650 °C for 10 h shows a UTS of 1306 MPa and TE of 42%, resulting in the best product in terms of of UTS and TE, at 55 GPa·%. Such a value surpasses that of the previously reported medium-Mn steels containing equal mass fractions of various microalloying elements.
Backward Flux Re-Deposition Patterns during Multi-Spot Laser Ablation of Stainless Steel with Picosecond and Femtosecond Pulses in Air
Authors: Zhou Tong , Kraft Sebastian , Perrie Walter , Schille Jörg , Löschner Udo , Edwardson Stuart , Dearden Geoff
Published: April 2021

We report on novel observations of directed re-deposition of ablation debris during the ultrafast laser micro-structuring of stainless steel in the air with multi-beams in close proximity on the surface. This interesting phenomenon is observed with both 10 ps and 600 fs NIR laser pulses at 5 kHz repetition rate. Ablation spot geometries could be altered with the use of beam splitting optics or a phase-only Spatial Light modulator. At low fluence (F ~ 1.0 J cm−2) and pulse exposure of a few hundred pulses, the debris appears as concentrated narrow “filaments” connecting the ablation spots, while at higher fluence, (F ~ 5.0 J cm−2) energetic jets of material emanated symmetrically along the axes of symmetry, depositing debris well beyond the typical re-deposition radius with a single spot. Patterns of backward re-deposition of debris to the surface are likely connected with the colliding shock waves and plasma plumes with the ambient air causing stagnation when the spots are in close proximity. The 2D surface debris patterns are indicative of the complex 3D interactions involved over wide timescales during ablation from picoseconds to microseconds.
Modeling of Fundus Laser Exposure for Estimating Safe Laser Coagulation Parameters in the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Shirokanev Aleksandr , Ilyasova Nataly , Andriyanov Nikita , Zamytskiy Evgeniy , Zolotarev Andrey , Kirsh Dmitriy
Published: April 2021

A personalized medical approach can make diabetic retinopathy treatment more effective. To select effective methods of treatment, deep analysis and diagnostic data of a patient’s fundus are required. For this purpose, flat optical coherence tomography images are used to restore the three-dimensional structure of the fundus. Heat propagation through this structure is simulated via numerical methods. The article proposes algorithms for smooth segmentation of the retina for 3D model reconstruction and mathematical modeling of laser exposure while considering various parameters. The experiment was based on a two-fold improvement in the number of intervals and the calculation of the root mean square deviation between the modeled temperature values and the corresponding coordinates shown for the convergence of the integro-interpolation method (balance method). By doubling the number of intervals for a specific spatial or temporal coordinate, a decrease in the root mean square deviation takes place between the simulated temperature values by a factor of 1.7–5.9. This modeling allows us to estimate the basic parameters required for the actual practice of diabetic retinopathy treatment while optimizing for efficiency and safety. Mathematical modeling is used to estimate retina heating caused by the spread of heat from the vascular layer, where the temperature rose to 45 °C in 0.2 ms. It was identified that the formation of two coagulates is possible when they are located at least 180 μm from each other. Moreover, the distance can be reduced to 160 μm with a 15 ms delay between imaging.
Precise Trajectory Tracking Control of Ship Towing Systems via a Dynamical Tracking Target
Authors: Li Ouxue , Zhou Yusheng
Published: April 2021

This paper proposes a novel control strategy to address the precise trajectory tracking control problem of a ship towing system. At first, the kinematics and dynamics models of a ship towing system are established by introducing a passive steering angle and using its structure relationship. Then, by using the motion law derived from its nonholonomic constraints, the relative curvature of the target trajectory curve is applied to design a dynamical tracking target. By applying the sliding mode control and inverse dynamic adaptive control methods, two appropriate robust torque controllers are designed via the dynamical tracking target, so that both the tugboat and the towed ship are able to track the desired path precisely. As we show, the proposed strategy has excellent agreement with the numerical simulation results.
Rapid Detection of Escherichia coli Antibiotic Susceptibility Using Live/Dead Spectrometry for Lytic Agents
Authors: Robertson Julia , McGoverin Cushla , White Joni R. , Vanholsbeeck Frédérique , Swift Simon
Published: April 2021

Antibiotic resistance is a serious threat to public health. The empiric use of the wrong antibiotic occurs due to urgency in treatment combined with slow, culture-based diagnostic techniques. Inappropriate antibiotic choice can promote the development of antibiotic resistance. We investigated live/dead spectrometry using a fluorimeter (Optrode) as a rapid alternative to culture-based techniques through application of the LIVE/DEAD® BacLightTM Bacterial Viability Kit. Killing was detected by the Optrode in near real-time when Escherichia coli was treated with lytic antibiotics—ampicillin and polymyxin B—and stained with SYTO 9 and/or propidium iodide. Antibiotic concentration, bacterial growth phase, and treatment time used affected the efficacy of this detection method. Quantification methods of the lethal action and inhibitory action of the non-lytic antibiotics, ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol, respectively, remain to be elucidated.
Nationwide Surveillance on Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis Isolated from Healthy Food Animals in South Korea, 2010 to 2019
Authors: Kim Mi Hyun , Moon Dong Chan , Kim Su-Jeong , Mechesso Abraham Fikru , Song Hyun-Ju , Kang Hee Young , Choi Ji-Hyun , Yoon Soon-Seek , Lim Suk-Kyung
Published: April 2021

Intestinal commensal bacteria are considered good indicators for monitoring antimicrobial resistance. We investigated the antimicrobial resistance profiles and resistance trends of Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis isolated from food animals in Korea between 2010 and 2019. E. faecium and E. faecalis, isolated from chickens and pigs, respectively, presented a relatively high resistance rate to most of the tested antimicrobials. We observed high ciprofloxacin (67.9%), tetracycline (61.7%), erythromycin (59.5%), and tylosin (53.0%) resistance in E. faecium isolated from chickens. Similarly, more than half of the E. faecalis isolates from pigs and chickens were resistant to erythromycin, tetracycline and tylosin. Notably, we observed ampicillin, daptomycin, tigecycline and linezolid resistance in a relatively small proportion of enterococcal isolates. Additionally, the enterococcal strains exhibited an increasing but fluctuating resistance trend (p < 0.05) to some of the tested antimicrobials including daptomycin and/or linezolid. E. faecalis showed higher Multidrug resistance (MDR) rates than E. faecium in cattle (19.7% vs. 8.6%, respectively) and pigs (63.6% vs. 15.6%, respectively), whereas a comparable MDR rate (≈60.0%) was noted in E. faecium and E. faecalis isolated from chickens. Collectively, the presence of antimicrobial-resistant Enterococcus in food animals poses a potential risk to public health.
Live-Cell Analysis of Human Cytomegalovirus DNA Polymerase Holoenzyme Assembly by Resonance Energy Transfer Methods
Authors: Di Antonio Veronica , Palù Giorgio , Alvisi Gualtiero
Published: April 2021

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) genome replication is a complex and still not completely understood process mediated by the highly coordinated interaction of host and viral products. Among the latter, six different proteins form the viral replication complex: a single-stranded DNA binding protein, a trimeric primase/helicase complex and a two subunit DNA polymerase holoenzyme, which in turn contains a catalytic subunit, pUL54, and a dimeric processivity factor ppUL44. Being absolutely required for viral replication and representing potential therapeutic targets, both the ppUL44–pUL54 interaction and ppUL44 homodimerization have been largely characterized from structural, functional and biochemical points of view. We applied fluorescence and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (FRET and BRET) assays to investigate such processes in living cells. Both interactions occur with similar affinities and can take place both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. Importantly, single amino acid substitutions in different ppUL44 domains selectively affect its dimerization or ability to interact with pUL54. Intriguingly, substitutions preventing DNA binding of ppUL44 influence the BRETmax of protein–protein interactions, implying that binding to dsDNA induces conformational changes both in the ppUL44 homodimer and in the DNA polymerase holoenzyme. We also compared transiently and stably ppUL44-expressing cells in BRET inhibition assays. Transient expression of the BRET donor allowed inhibition of both ppUL44 dimerization and formation of the DNA polymerase holoenzyme, upon overexpression of FLAG-tagged ppUL44 as a competitor. Our approach could be useful both to monitor the dynamics of assembly of the HCMV DNA polymerase holoenzyme and for antiviral drug discovery.
The Role of Lung Colonization in Connective Tissue Disease-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Ricci Alberto , Pagliuca Alessandra , Vermi Morgana , Pizzirusso Dario , Innammorato Marta , Sglavo Raffaele , Scarso Francesco , Salemi Simonetta , Laganà Bruno , Di Rosa Roberta , D’Ascanio Michela
Published: April 2021

Connective tissue diseases (CTDs) may frequently manifest with interstitial lung disease (ILD), which may severely impair quality and expectation of life. CTD-ILD generally has a chronic clinical course, with possible acute exacerbations. Although several lines of evidence indicate a relevant role of infections in the acute exacerbations of CTD-ILD, little information is available regarding the prevalence of infections in chronic CTD-ILD and their possible role in the clinical course. The aim of the present retrospective study was the identification of lung microbial colonization in broncho-alveolar lavage from patients affected by stable CTD-ILD with radiologically defined lung involvement. We demonstrated that 22.7% of patients with CTD-ILD display microbial colonization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzae, and non-tuberculous mycobacteria. Moreover, these patients display a major radiologic lung involvement, with higher impairment in lung function tests confirmed in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Overall, the present study provides new information on lung colonization during CTD-ILD and its possible relationship with lung disease progression and severity.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Virulence Factors Support Voriconazole Effects on Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Sass Gabriele , Shrestha Pallabi , Stevens David A.
Published: April 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus are pathogens that are associated with deterioration of lung function, e.g., in persons with cystic fibrosis (CF). There is evidence that co-infections with these pathogens cause airway inflammation and aggravate pathology in CF lungs. Intermicrobial competition of P. aeruginosa and A. fumigatus has been described, but it is unknown how anti-fungal therapy is affected. The anti-fungal azole voriconazole (VCZ), supernatants of P. aeruginosa laboratory isolates PA14 or PAO1, or clinical isolate Pa10 independently inhibited biofilm metabolism of A. fumigatus isolates 10AF and AF13073. When VCZ and supernatants were combined at their IC50s, synergistic effects on A. fumigatus were found. Synergistic effects were no longer observed when P. aeruginosa supernatants were prepared in the presence of iron, or when P. aeruginosa mutants were lacking the ability to produce pyoverdine and pyochelin. Combination of pure P. aeruginosa products pyoverdine, pyochelin, and pyocyanin with VCZ showed synergistic anti-fungal effects. Combining VCZ with P. aeruginosa supernatants also improved its MIC and MFC against planktonic A. fumigatus. In summary, in the case of P. aeruginosa–A. fumigatus co-infections, it appeared that the P. aeruginosa co-infection facilitated therapy of the Aspergillus; lower concentrations of VCZ might be sufficient to control fungal growth.
Efficacy of a Dietary Polyherbal Formula on the Performance and Gut Health in Broiler Chicks after Experimental Infection with Eimeria spp.
Authors: Tsiouris Vasilios , Giannenas Ilias , Bonos Eleftherios , Papadopoulos Elias , Stylianaki Ioanna , Sidiropoulou Erasmia , Lazari Diamanto , Tzora Athina , Ganguly Bhaskar , Georgopoulou Ioanna
Published: April 2021

One-hundred and fifty, one-day-old Ross-308 female chicks were randomly allocated to five equal treatments: NCONTR negative control—not challenged; PCONTR positive control—challenged; PHERB1 and PHERB2 diets were supplemented with phytogenic formula (1 and 2 g/kg feed, respectively)—challenged; PSALIN diet was supplemented with salinomycin (60 mg/kg feed)—challenged. Challenge was made by oral inoculation with 3.5 × 104 E. acervulina, 7.0 × 103 E. maxima and 5.0 × 103 E. tenella oocysts, at 14 days of age. One week post inoculation, bloody diarrhea, oocysts numbers, and intestinal lesions were evaluated, along with intestinal microbiota, viscosity, and pH of digesta, and histopathology. PHERB2 had a comparable (p ≤ 0.001) growth performance and feed conversion ratio to PSALIN. PHERB1 and PHERB2 had similar (p ≤ 0.001) oocyst counts to PSALIN and lower than PCONTROL. PHERB2 and PSALIN had lower (p ≤ 0.001) jejunal, ileal, and cecal lesion scores compared to PCONTR. PHERB1 and PHERB2 had higher (p ≤ 0.001) jejunal and cecal lactobacilli and lower (p ≤ 0.001) coliform counts compared to other treatments. PCONTR had lower (p ≤ 0.001) jejunum villus height, height to crypt ratio, and villus goblet cells. Breast and thigh meat resistance to oxidation was improved (p ≤ 0.001) in PHERB1 and PHERB2 compared to the PCONTR. The polyherbal formula exerted a substantial improvement on growth performance and intestinal health of the Eimeria-challenged birds.
Velocity Gradient Separation Reveals a New Extracellular Vesicle Population Enriched in miR-155 and Mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Vaillancourt Myriam , Hubert Audrey , Subra Caroline , Boucher Julien , Bazié Wilfried Wenceslas , Vitry Julien , Berrazouane Sofiane , Routy Jean-Pierre , Trottier Sylvie , Tremblay Cécile , Jenabian Mohammad-Ali , Benmoussa Abderrahim , Provost Patrick , Tessier Philippe A. , Gilbert Caroline
Published: April 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their contents (proteins, lipids, messenger RNA, microRNA, and DNA) are viewed as intercellular signals, cell-transforming agents, and shelters for viruses that allow both diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. EVs circulating in the blood of individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) may provide insights into pathogenesis, inflammation, and disease progression. However, distinguishing plasma membrane EVs from exosomes, exomeres, apoptotic bodies, virions, and contaminating proteins remains challenging. We aimed at comparing sucrose and iodixanol density and velocity gradients along with commercial kits as a means of separating EVs from HIV particles and contaminating protein like calprotectin; and thereby evaluating the suitability of current plasma EVs analysis techniques for identifying new biomarkers of HIV-1 immune activation. Multiple analysis have been performed on HIV-1 infected cell lines, plasma from HIV-1 patients, or plasma from HIV-negative individuals spiked with HIV-1. Commercial kits, the differential centrifugation and density or velocity gradients to precipitate and separate HIV, EVs, and proteins such as calprotectin, have been used. EVs, virions, and contaminating proteins were characterized using Western blot, ELISA, RT-PCR, hydrodynamic size measurement, and enzymatic assay. Conversely to iodixanol density or velocity gradient, protein and virions co-sedimented in the same fractions of the sucrose density gradient than AChE-positive EVs. Iodixanol velocity gradient provided the optimal separation of EVs from viruses and free proteins in culture supernatants and plasma samples from a person living with HIV (PLWH) or a control and revealed a new population of large EVs enriched in microRNA miR-155 and mitochondrial DNA. Although EVs and their contents provide helpful information about several key events in HIV-1 pathogenesis, their purification and extensive characterization by velocity gradient must be investigated thoroughly before further use as biomarkers. By revealing a new population of EVs enriched in miR-155 and mitochondrial DNA, this study paves a way to increase our understanding of HIV-1 pathogenesis.
Argonaute 2 Controls Antiviral Activity against Sweet Potato Mild Mottle Virus in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Kenesi Erzsébet , Lopez-Moya Juan-Jose , Orosz László , Burgyán József , Lakatos Lóránt
Published: April 2021

RNA silencing is a sequence specific post-transcriptional mechanism regulating important biological processes including antiviral defense in plants. Argonaute (AGO) proteins, the catalytic subunits of the silencing complexes, are loaded with small RNAs to execute the sequence specific RNA cleavage or translational inhibition. Plants encode several AGO proteins and a few of them, especially AGO1 and AGO2, have been shown to be required for antiviral silencing. Previously, we have shown that the P1 protein of the sweet potato mild mottle virus (SPMMV) suppresses the primary RNA silencing response by inhibiting AGO1. To analyze the role of AGO2 in antiviral defense against the SPMMV, we performed a comparative study using a wild type and ago2−/− mutant Nicotiana benthamiana. Here we show that the AGO2 of N. benthamiana attenuates the symptoms of SPMMV infection. Upon SPMMV infection the levels of AGO2 mRNA and protein are greatly increased. Moreover, we found that AGO2 proteins are loaded with SPMMV derived viral small RNAs as well as with miRNAs. Our results indicate that AGO2 protein takes over the place of AGO1 to confer antiviral silencing. Finally, we provide a plausible explanation for the AGO2 mediated recovery of an SPMMV-infected sweet potato.
The Genus Plagiothecium Schimp. (Plagiotheciaceae, Bryophyta) in Eurasia: An Annotated Checklist with Distribution and Ecological Data
Authors: Wolski Grzegorz J. , Nour-El-Deen Samar , Cienkowska Alicja , Bożyk Daniel , El-Saadawi Wagieh
Published: April 2021

An annotated checklist of the pleurocarpous moss genus Plagiothecium in Eurasia is presented for the first time based on a thorough review of the literature. Data have been compiled from previous relevant works conducted on the genus over more than 70 years and published up to the end of June 2020 for 107 Eurasian countries (and islands). Sectional classification is based on molecular phylogeny of the genus published recently. A total of 41 taxa are reported, including 29 species and 12 infraspecific taxa (nine varieties and three forms) belonging to eight sections. The highest numbers of taxa were found in China (20 taxa), the Russian Federation (20 taxa) and Japan (18 taxa), while the smallest numbers of taxa were recorded in the Middle East, Central Asia and the islands area. Not a single species of Plagiothecium was recorded in 26 regions, whereas P. denticulatum, P. nemorale and P. cavifolium turned out to be the most widespread species in the entire study area. They were recorded in most of the surveyed countries and islands. For each accepted taxon, information on relevant literature, synonyms, distribution within Eurasia and globally are provided. Comments on each taxon, ecological preferences, and notes on doubtful records are also included. Additionally, distribution maps for each recognised taxon are supplied. This checklist can enlighten and foster a better understanding of the distribution, diversity, and ecology of Plagiothecium in Eurasia and provides an incentive for future research on the genus.
Potential Role of Rhizobacteria Isolated from Citrus Rhizosphere for Biological Control of Citrus Dry Root Rot
Authors: Ezrari Said , Mhidra Oumayma , Radouane Nabil , Tahiri Abdessalem , Polizzi Giancarlo , Lazraq Abderrahim , Lahlali Rachid
Published: April 2021

Citrus trees face threats from several diseases that affect its production, in particular dry root rot (DRR). DRR is a multifactorial disease mainly attributed to Neocosmospora (Fusarium) solani and other several species of Neocosmospora and Fusarium spp. Nowadays, biological control holds a promising control strategy that showed its great potential as a reliable eco-friendly method for managing DRR disease. In the present study, antagonist rhizobacteria isolates were screened based on in vitro dual culture bioassay with N. solani. Out of 210 bacterial isolates collected from citrus rhizosphere, twenty isolates were selected and identified to the species level based on the 16S rRNA gene. Molecular identification based on 16S rRNA gene revealed nine species belonging to Bacillus, Stenotrophomonas, and Sphingobacterium genus. In addition, their possible mechanisms involved in biocontrol and plant growth promoting traits were also investigated. Results showed that pectinase, cellulose, and chitinase were produced by eighteen, sixteen, and eight bacterial isolates, respectively. All twenty isolates were able to produce amylase and protease, only four isolates produced hydrogen cyanide, fourteen isolates have solubilized tricalcium phosphate, and ten had the ability to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Surprisingly, antagonist bacteria differed substantially in their ability to produce antimicrobial substances such as bacillomycin (five isolates), iturin (ten isolates), fengycin (six isolates), surfactin (fourteen isolates), and bacteriocin (subtilosin A (six isolates)). Regarding the PGPR capabilities, an increase in the growth of the bacterial treated canola plants, used as a model plant, was observed. Interestingly, both bacterial isolates Bacillus subtilis K4-4 and GH3-8 appear to be more promising as biocontrol agents, since they completely suppressed the disease in greenhouse trials. Moreover, these antagonist bacteria could be used as bio-fertilizer for sustainable agriculture.
Evaluation and Selection of Interspecific Lines of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) for Resistance to Leaf Spot Disease and for Yield Improvement
Authors: Denwar Nicholas N. , Simpson Charles E. , Starr James L. , Wheeler Terry A. , Burow Mark D.
Published: April 2021

Early and late leaf spot are two devastating diseases of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) worldwide. The development of a fertile, cross-compatible synthetic amphidiploid, TxAG-6 ([A. batizocoi × (A. cardenasii × A. diogoi)]4x), opened novel opportunities for the introgression of wild alleles for disease and pest resistance into commercial cultivars. Twenty-seven interspecific lines selected from prior evaluation of an advanced backcross population were evaluated for resistance to early and late leaf spot, and for yield in two locations in Ghana in 2006 and 2007. Several interspecific lines had early leaf spot scores significantly lower than the susceptible parent, indicating that resistance to leaf spot had been successfully introgressed and retained after three cycles of backcrossing. Time to appearance of early leaf spot symptoms was less in the introgression lines than in susceptible check cultivars, but the opposite was true for late leaf spot. Selected lines from families 43-08, 43-09, 50-04, and 60-02 had significantly reduced leaf spot scores, while lines from families 43-09, 44-10, and 63-06 had high pod yields. One line combined both resistance to leaf spot and high pod yield, and several other useful lines were also identified. Results suggest that it is possible to break linkage drag for low yield that accompanies resistance. However, results also suggest that resistance was diluted in many of the breeding lines, likely a result of the multigenic nature of resistance. Future QTL analysis may be useful to identify alleles for resistance and allow recombination and pyramiding of resistance alleles while reducing linkage drag.
Multivariate Analysis of Morpho-Physiological Traits Reveals Differential Drought Tolerance Potential of Bread Wheat Genotypes at the Seedling Stage
Authors: Mohi-Ud-Din Mohammed , Hossain Md. Alamgir , Rohman Md. Motiar , Uddin Md. Nesar , Haque Md. Sabibul , Ahmed Jalal Uddin , Hossain Akbar , Hassan Mohamed M. , Mostofa Mohammad Golam
Published: April 2021

Drought is one of the foremost environmental stresses that can severely limit crop growth and productivity by disrupting various physiological processes. In this study, the drought tolerance potential of 127 diverse bread wheat genotypes was evaluated by imposing polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced drought followed by multivariate analysis of several growth-related attributes. Results showed significant variations in the mean values of different morpho-physiological traits due to PEG-induced drought effects. Correlation analysis revealed that most of the studied traits were significantly correlated among them. The robust hierarchical co-clustering indicated that all the genotypes were clustered into four major groups, with cluster 4 (26 genotypes) being, in general, drought-tolerant followed by cluster 1 (19 genotypes) whereas, cluster 2 (55 genotypes) and 3 (27 genotypes) being drought-sensitive. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) confirmed that around 90% of the genotypes were correctly assigned to clusters. Squared distance (D2) analysis indicated that the clusters differed significantly from each other. Principal component analysis (PCA) and genotype by trait biplot analysis showed that the first three components accounted for 71.6% of the total variation, with principal component (PC) 1 accounting for 35.4%, PC2 for 24.6% and PC3 for 11.6% of the total variation. Both PCA and LDA revealed that dry weights, tissue water content, cell membrane stability, leaf relative water content, root-shoot weight ratio and seedling vigor index played the most important discriminatory roles in explaining drought tolerance variations among 127 wheat genotypes. Our results conclude that the drought-tolerant and -sensitive wheat genotypes identified in this study would offer valuable genetic tools for further improvement of wheat productivity in arid and semi-arid regions during this time of unpredictable climate change.
Transport Proteins Enabling Plant Photorespiratory Metabolism
Authors: Kuhnert Franziska , Schlüter Urte , Linka Nicole , Eisenhut Marion
Published: April 2021

Photorespiration (PR) is a metabolic repair pathway that acts in oxygenic photosynthetic organisms to degrade a toxic product of oxygen fixation generated by the enzyme ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase. Within the metabolic pathway, energy is consumed and carbon dioxide released. Consequently, PR is seen as a wasteful process making it a promising target for engineering to enhance plant productivity. Transport and channel proteins connect the organelles accomplishing the PR pathway—chloroplast, peroxisome, and mitochondrion—and thus enable efficient flux of PR metabolites. Although the pathway and the enzymes catalyzing the biochemical reactions have been the focus of research for the last several decades, the knowledge about transport proteins involved in PR is still limited. This review presents a timely state of knowledge with regard to metabolite channeling in PR and the participating proteins. The significance of transporters for implementation of synthetic bypasses to PR is highlighted. As an excursion, the physiological contribution of transport proteins that are involved in C4 metabolism is discussed.
Effects of Several Preharvest Canopy Applications on Yield and Quality of Table Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) Cv. Crimson Seedless
Authors: Petoumenou Despoina G. , Patris Vasileios-Emmanouil
Published: April 2021

Modern viticultural areas are being confronted with the negative impacts of global warming on yield and fruit composition, with especially adverse effects on anthocyanin synthesis. Novel and sustainable tools, such as biostimulants, may represent a viable alternative to traditional cultural practices, thus promoting eco-friendly strategies to enhance the yield, fruit quality and abiotic stress tolerance of grapevines. ‘Crimson Seedless’ is a late-season red table grape variety, and due to climatic warming, its berries are frequently failing to acquire the commercially acceptable red color. Canopy applications of different biostimulants, namely, Kelpak®, Sunred®, Cytolan®, LalVigne™ Mature as well as Ethrel® Top, were tested on grapevine cv. Crimson Seedless grown under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions in order to evaluate their effects on yield and fruit quality. Some of the products were sprayed in canopies at labeled doses, and some were applied at doses reported in other studies. For the control treatment, canopies were sprayed with water. Sampling started at veraison and was repeated at 10-day intervals to measure the evolution of berry weight, length and diameter, as well as the total soluble solids and titratable acidity of the juice. The grapes were harvested when the berries of one of the treatments attained the commercially acceptable color. The greatest improvements in the red berry color were achieved with Sunred® (at a dose of 4 L ha−1) and Ethrel® Top (250 ppm plus glycerol at 1%), each applied at veraison and 10 days later. The different applications had varying effects on productivity and qualitative parameters. Only Sunred® improved the accumulation of anthocyanin and the overall acceptability of table grapes by consumers. The obtained results clearly demonstrate that applying Sunred® can improve the yield and qualitative parameters of the red table grape variety ‘Crimson Seedless’, indicating that this biostimulant could be a viable alternative to the most widely used plant growth regulator, ethephon.
High-Frequency Acoustic Imaging Using Adhesive-Free Polymer Transducer
Authors: Ranjan Abhishek , Peng Chengxiang , Wagle Sanat , Melandsø Frank , Habib Anowarul
Published: April 2021

The piezoelectric polymer PVDF and its copolymers have a long history as transducer materials for medical and biological applications. An efficient use of these polymers can potentially both lower the production cost and offer an environment-friendly alternative for medical transducers which today is dominated by piezoelectric ceramics containing lead. The main goal of the current work has been to compare the image quality of a low-cost in-house transducers made from the copolymer P(VDF-TrFE) to a commercial PVDF transducer. Several test objects were explored with the transducers used in a scanning acoustic microscope, including a human articular cartilage sample, a coin surface, and an etched metal film with fine line structures. To evaluate the image quality, C- and B-scan images were obtained from the recorded time series, and compared in terms of resolution, SNR, point-spread function, and depth imaging capability. The investigation is believed to provide useful information about both the strengths and limitations of low-cost polymer transducers.