bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Haemophilus parasuis (Glaesserella parasuis) as a Potential Driver of Molecular Mimicry and Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Di Sante Gabriele , Gremese Elisa , Tolusso Barbara , Cattani Paola , Di Mario Clara , Marchetti Simona , Alivernini Stefano , Tredicine Maria , Petricca Luca , Palucci Ivana , Camponeschi Chiara , Aragon Virginia , Gambotto Andrea , Ria Francesco , Ferraccioli Gianfranco
Published: August 2021

Background:Haemophilus parasuis (Hps; now Glaesserella parasuis) is an infectious agent that causes severe arthritis in swines and shares sequence similarity with residues 261–273 of collagen type 2 (Coll261−273), a possible autoantigen in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Objectives/methods: We tested the presence of Hps sequencing 16S ribosomal RNA in crevicular fluid, synovial fluids, and tissues in patients with arthritis (RA and other peripheral arthritides) and in healthy controls. Moreover, we examined the cross-recognition of Hps by Coll261−273-specific T cells in HLA-DRB1*04pos RA patients, by T-cell receptor (TCR) beta chain spectratyping and T-cell phenotyping.

Results:Hps DNA was present in 57.4% of the tooth crevicular fluids of RA patients and in 31.6% of controls. Anti-Hps IgM and IgG titers were detectable and correlated with disease duration and the age of the patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with Hps virulence-associated trimeric autotransporter peptide (VtaA10755−766), homologous to human Coll261−273 or co-cultured with live Hps. In both conditions, the expanded TCR repertoire overlapped with Coll261−273 and led to the production of IL-17.

Discussion: We show that the DNA of an infectious agent (Hps), not previously described as pathogen in humans, is present in most patients with RA and that an Hps peptide is able to activate T cells specific for Coll261−273, likely inducing or maintaining a molecular mimicry mechanism.

Conclusion: The cross-reactivity between VtaA10755−766 of a non-human infectious agent and human Coll261−273 suggests an involvement in the pathogenesis of RA. This mechanism appears emphasized in predisposed individuals, such as patients with shared epitope.
Proteomics of Vitreous Humor Reveals PPARA, RXR, and LXR Are Possible Upstream Regulators of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Li Siyan , Jin Enzhong , Shi Xuan , Cai Yi , Zhang Hui , Zhao Mingwei
Published: August 2021

Purpose: To investigate the key regulators of the disease by comparing the abundance of vitreous proteins between the patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and the controls with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM).

Methods: Vitreous humor (VH) samples were derived from patients with PDR or iERM through the pars plana vitrectomy. The VH proteins were identified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. MaxQuant software and Metascape were applied to explore the enrichment of differentially expressed proteins in biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. Enrichr online tool and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were performed to detect upstream transcriptional regulators of the highly expressed proteins.

Results: The present study collected 8 vitreous humor samples from 5 PDR eyes and 3 iERM eyes and identified 88 highly expressed proteins in PDR patients. We validated our highly expressed proteome was able to distinguish the PDR patients from the non-PDR patients by using the VH proteomics data from a previous study. The majority of highly expressed proteins were involved in complement and coagulation cascades, regulating exocytosis, and hemostasis. Using the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), we identified that transcription factors (TFs) PPAR-α, RXR, LXR regulate these proteins.

Conclusions: In this study, we identified a highly expressed proteome in VH of PDR patients. The role of the complement and coagulation system, regulating exocytosis, and hemostasis has been of great significance to PDR. Nuclear receptors PPARA, RXR, LXR were possible upstream regulators of disease progression and required further study.
Computational Studies on T2Rs Agonist-Based Anti–COVID-19 Drug Design
Authors: Dhanaraj Premnath , Muthiah Indiraleka , Rozbu Mahtabin Rodela , Nuzhat Samiha , Paulraj Mosae Selvakumar
Published: August 2021

The expeditious and world pandemic viral disease of new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has formed a prompt urgency to discover auspicious target-based ligand for the treatment of COVID-19. Symptoms of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) typically include dry cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Recent studies on many COVID-19 patients in Italy and the United Kingdom found increasing anosmia and ageusia among the COVID-19-infected patients. SARS-CoV-2 possibly infects neurons in the nasal passage and disrupts the senses of smell and taste, like other coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV that could target the central nervous system. Developing a drug based on the T2Rs might be of better understanding and worth finding better molecules to act against COVID-19. In this research, we have taken a taste receptor agonist molecule to find a better core molecule that may act as the best resource to design a drug or corresponding derivatives. Based on the computational docking studies, the antibiotic tobramycin showed the best interaction against 6LU7 COVID-19 main protease. Aromatic carbonyl functional groups of the molecule established intermolecular hydrogen bonding interaction with GLN189 amino acid and it showed the two strongest carbonyl interactions with receptor protein resulting in a glide score of −11.159. To conclude, depending on the molecular recognition of the GPCR proteins, the agonist molecule can be recognized to represent the cell secondary mechanism; thus, it provides enough confidence to design a suitable molecule based on the tobramycin drug.
Differentially Expressed Functional LncRNAs in Human Subjects With Metabolic Syndrome Reflect a Competing Endogenous RNA Network in Circulating Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Li Yongxin , Meng Yu , Liu Yuanhang , van Wijnen Andre J. , Eirin Alfonso , Lerman Lilach O.
Published: August 2021

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), a collective cluster of disease risk factors that include dyslipidemia, obesity, inflammation, hypertension, and insulin resistance, affects numerous people worldwide. Accumulating studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) serve as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to play essential roles in regulating gene expression in various diseases. To explore the role of lncRNAs as ceRNAs in MetS, we examined a MetS-associated network in circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) collected from the systemic blood of MetS and control patients (n = 5 each). In total, 191 differentially expressed lncRNAs, 1,389 mRNAs, and 138 miRNAs were selected for further analysis. Biological processes and pathway functional enrichment analysis were performed based on the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). The lncRNA/mRNA/miRNA ceRNA network was constructed by Cytoscape v3.8 based on the DE-RNAs and included 13 lncRNAs, 8 miRNAs, and 64 mRNAs. MetS patients showed elevated body weight, glucose, blood pressure, insulin, liver injury, and inflammatory marker levels. We found that lncRNAs reflect a ceRNA network that may regulate central cellular processes and complications of MetS, including cancer. These findings suggest that MetS alters the interactions among the ceRNA network components in circulating EVs and that this cargo of circulating EVs may have potential translational ramifications for MetS.
Transcriptomic Analyses Reveal B-Cell Translocation Gene 2 as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Wang Jia , Li Haonan , Wang Liang , Zhang Jing , Li Man , Qiao Liang , Zhang Jun , Liu Likun , Zhang Cuili , Gao Jingchun , Li Weiling
Published: August 2021

Ovarian cancer is the most common and aggressive type of tumor of the female reproductive system. Two factors account for this detrimental clinical presentation: (i) the lack of early detection methods and (ii) the inherently aggressive nature of this malignancy. Currently, transcriptomic analyses have become important tools to identify new targets in different cancer types. In this study, by measuring expression levels in ovarian cancer samples and stem cell samples, we identified 24 tumor suppressor genes consistently associated with poor prognosis. Combined results further revealed a potential therapeutic candidate, BTG2, which belongs to the antiproliferative gene family. Our results showed that BTG2 expression regulated ovarian cancer cell proliferation via G1/S phase cell cycle arrest by regulating Cyclin D1, CDK4, p-AKT, and p-ERK expression. BTG2 also inhibited cell migration by modulating MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. Furthermore, xenograft models confirmed a growth inhibitory effect of BTG2 in ovarian cancer in vivo. BTG2 was significantly associated with ovarian cancer FIGO stage and grade in the clinic. Our findings indicated that BTG2 exerts a suppressive impact on ovarian cancer and could be a potential biomarker.
circCDYL2, Overexpressed in Highly Migratory Colorectal Cancer Cells, Promotes Migration by Binding to Ezrin
Authors: Li Xiaomin , Wang Jianjun , Long Huaicheng , Lin Weihao , Wang Haowei , Chen Yujia , Yuan Qinzi , Li Xuenong
Published: August 2021

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies with high mortality worldwide, particularly due to metastasis. However, there are no clinically available strategies for treating CRC metastasis. Exploring the mechanisms underlying CRC metastasis is the key to improve the treatment of CRC with metastasis.

Methods

In this study, we generated the highly migratory CRC cell subline H-RKO using a repeated transwell migration assay to identify circRNAs involved in CRC migration by high-throughput RNA sequencing. Upregulated circRNAs were validated by RT-qPCR to identify the most elevated circRNA. The expression of this circRNA (circCDYL2) was evaluated in 40 pairs of CRC tissues and four CRC cell lines by RT-qPCR. Transwell migration and wound healing assays were performed to verify the function of circCDYL2 in cell migration. The cellular distribution of circCDYL2 was confirmed using PCR. RNA pulldown and RNA immunoprecipitation were used to confirm the interaction between circCDYL2 and Ezrin. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and rescue experiments were used to determine the role of circCDYL2 in regulating Ezrin protein expression and AKT phosphorylation.

Results

Among the candidate circRNAs, circCDYL2 was the highest overexpressed circRNA in H-RKO compared to parental N-RKO cells. Furthermore, circCDYL2 expression was elevated in CRC tissues and cell lines. Gain- and loss-of-function assays indicated that circCDYL2 enhanced the migration of CRC cells. circCDYL2 was located in the cytoplasm of CRC cells and interacted with Ezrin to upregulate its protein levels, resulting in AKT phosphorylation. Ezrin knockdown abrogated the CRC cell migration induced by circCDYL2 overexpression.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated for the first time that circCDYL2 promotes CRC migration by binding Ezrin and activating the AKT pathway. CircCDYL2 represents a potential therapeutic target for preventing CRC metastasis.
The Haplotype-Based Analysis of Aegilops tauschii Introgression Into Hard Red Winter Wheat and Its Impact on Productivity Traits
Authors: Nyine Moses , Adhikari Elina , Clinesmith Marshall , Aiken Robert , Betzen Bliss , Wang Wei , Davidson Dwight , Yu Zitong , Guo Yuanwen , He Fei , Akhunova Alina , Jordan Katherine W. , Fritz Allan K. , Akhunov Eduard
Published: August 2021

The introgression from wild relatives have a great potential to broaden the availability of beneficial allelic diversity for crop improvement in breeding programs. Here, we assessed the impact of the introgression from 21 diverse accessions of Aegilops tauschii, the diploid ancestor of the wheat D genome, into 6 hard red winter wheat cultivars on yield and yield component traits. We used 5.2 million imputed D genome SNPs identified by the whole-genome sequencing of parental lines and the sequence-based genotyping of introgression population, including 351 BC1F3:5 lines. Phenotyping data collected from the irrigated and non-irrigated field trials revealed that up to 23% of the introgression lines (ILs) produce more grain than the parents and check cultivars. Based on 16 yield stability statistics, the yield of 12 ILs (3.4%) was stable across treatments, years, and locations; 5 of these lines were also high yielding lines, producing 9.8% more grain than the average yield of check cultivars. The most significant SNP- and haplotype-trait associations were identified on chromosome arms 2DS and 6DL for the spikelet number per spike (SNS), on chromosome arms 2DS, 3DS, 5DS, and 7DS for grain length (GL) and on chromosome arms 1DL, 2DS, 6DL, and 7DS for grain width (GW). The introgression of haplotypes from A. tauschii parents was associated with an increase in SNS, which was positively correlated with a heading date (HD), whereas the haplotypes from hexaploid wheat parents were associated with an increase in GW. We show that the haplotypes on 2DS associated with an increase in the spikelet number and HD are linked with multiple introgressed alleles of Ppd-D1 identified by the whole-genome sequencing of A. tauschii parents. Meanwhile, some introgressed haplotypes exhibited significant pleiotropic effects with the direction of effects on the yield component traits being largely consistent with the previously reported trade-offs, there were haplotype combinations associated with the positive trends in yield. The characterized repertoire of the introgressed haplotypes derived from A. tauschii accessions with the combined positive effects on yield and yield component traits in elite germplasm provides a valuable source of alleles for improving the productivity of winter wheat by optimizing the contribution of component traits to yield.
Prevalence of Behavioral Addictions and Their Relationship With Stress and Anxiety Among Medical Students in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hakami Alqassem Y. , Ahmad Rami Ghazi , Alsharif Abdullah , Ashqar Alaa , AlHarbi Fahad A. , Sayes Mohammed , Bafail Anas , Alqrni Ali , Khan Mohammed A.
Published: August 2021

Behavioral addiction is identified as any compulsive, repeated, and persistent behavior that leads to significant and functionally impairing harm or distress. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of internet, video-gaming, and pornography addictions among medical students in Western region. In addition, we intend to investigate the relationship between these behavioral addictions with stress and anxiety. Our study was a cross-sectional study with a sample size of 225. The study participants were medical students in their 3rd, 4th, and 5th academic years from five different medical colleges in Western region. The questionnaire included demographics and adapted five different pre-validated scales: Young's Internet Addiction Test – Short Version (IAT-SV), Internet Gaming Disorder Scale 9 – Short Form (IGDS9-SF), (PPC scale), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7). The IAT-SV scale showed: 71 (31.6%) of the participants had normal internet usage, 51 (22.7%) participants showed problematic usage, and 103 (45.8%) used the internet pathologically. The IGDS9-SF scale had observed the following values: 220 participants (97.8%) were non-disordered, and 5 participants (2.2%) were found to be disordered. Statistical analysis showed a highly significant association between stress and problematic pornography consumption (P < 0.01), and internet addiction (P <0.001). Moreover, there was a significant association between anxiety and internet gaming disorder (P < 0.01). This study showed high prevalence of internet addiction and low prevalence of internet gaming disorder. Also, it gave more understanding to a possible association between these behavioral addictions with stress and anxiety.
Deep Brain Stimulation of the Habenula: Systematic Review of the Literature and Clinical Trial Registries
Authors: Germann Jürgen , Mameli Manuel , Elias Gavin J. B. , Loh Aaron , Taha Alaa , Gouveia Flavia Venetucci , Boutet Alexandre , Lozano Andres M.
Published: August 2021

The habenula is a small bilateral epithalamic structure that plays a key role in the regulation of the main monoaminergic systems. It is implicated in many aspects of behavior such as reward processing, motivational behavior, behavioral adaptation, and sensory integration. A role of the habenula has been indicated in the pathophysiology of a number of neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, addiction, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder. Neuromodulation of the habenula using deep brain stimulation (DBS) as potential treatment has been proposed and a first successful case of habenula DBS was reported a decade ago. To provide an overview of the current state of habenula DBS in human subjects for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders we conducted a systematic review of both the published literature using PUBMED and current and past registered clinical trials using ClinicalTrials.gov as well as the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Using PRISMA guidelines five articles and five registered clinical trials were identified. The published articles detailed the results of habenula DBS for the treatment of schizophrenia, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder. Four are single case studies; one reports findings in two patients and positive clinical outcome is described in five of the six patients. Of the five registered clinical trials identified, four investigate habenula DBS for the treatment of depression and one for obsessive-compulsive disorder. One trial is listed as terminated, one is recruiting, two are not yet recruiting and the status of the fifth is unknown. The planned enrollment varies between 2 to 13 subjects and four of the five are open label trials. While the published studies suggest a potential role of habenula DBS for a number of indications, future trials and studies are necessary. The outcomes of the ongoing clinical trials will provide further valuable insights. Establishing habenula DBS, however, will depend on successful randomized clinical trials to confirm application and clinical benefit of this promising intervention.
Development and Psychometric Validation of the Brief Nurses' Practice Environment Scale and Its Relation to Burnout Syndrome and Job Satisfaction: A Study in Spanish Nurses
Authors: Sansó Noemí , Vidal-Blanco Gabriel , Galiana Laura , Oliver Amparo
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Nursing environment is a vast concept that traditionally has included a wide range of job characteristics and has been related to burnout and job satisfaction. For its measurement, the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (PESNWI) stands out. However, shorter instruments are needed. The purpose of the study is to develop and test the Brief Nurses' Practice Environment (BNPE) Scale.

Methods: The BNPE Scale was developed and tested in a sample of 210 Spanish nurses (data collection 2018).

Results: Cronbach's alpha was 0.702. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), with an excellent fit, offered evidence of internal validity. Regarding validity, the BNPE Scale predicted both burnout and job satisfaction. Finally, evidence pointed out a cutoff score of <12 for low levels of practice environment and a cutoff score of >15 for higher levels in practice environment.

Conclusions: The BNPE Scale is a short, easy-to-use measure that could be employed in major batteries assessing the quality of healthcare institutions.
Effects of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation on Neurotransmitters in the Brain
Authors: Hu Cuicui , Zuo Hongyan , Li Yang
Published: August 2021

With the rapid development of electronic information in the past 30 years, technical achievements based on electromagnetism have been widely used in various fields pertaining to human production and life. Consequently, electromagnetic radiation (EMR) has become a substantial new pollution source in modern civilization. The biological effects of EMR have attracted considerable attention worldwide. The possible interaction of EMR with human organs, especially the brain, is currently where the most attention is focused. Many studies have shown that the nervous system is an important target organ system sensitive to EMR. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have focused on the neurobiological effects of EMR, including the metabolism and transport of neurotransmitters. As messengers of synaptic transmission, neurotransmitters play critical roles in cognitive and emotional behavior. Here, the effects of EMR on the metabolism and receptors of neurotransmitters in the brain are summarized.
Impact of Healthcare Non-Take-Up on Adherence to Long-Term Positive Airway Pressure Therapy
Authors: Daabek Najeh , Tamisier Renaud , Foote Alison , Revil Hélèna , Joyeux-Jaure Marie , Pépin Jean-Louis , Bailly Sébastien , Borel Jean-Christian
Published: August 2021

Background: The effectiveness of positive airway pressure therapies (PAP) is contingent on treatment adherence. We hypothesized that forgoing healthcare may be a determinant of adherence to PAP therapy.

Research Question: The objectives were: (i) to assess the impact of forgoing healthcare on adherence to PAP in patients with Chronic Respiratory Failure (CRF) and patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS); (ii) to compare forgoing healthcare patterns in these two chronic conditions.

Study design and methods: Prospective cohort of patients with OSAS or CRF, treated with PAP therapies at home for at least 12 months. At inclusion, patients were asked to fill-in questionnaires investigating (i) healthcare forgone, (ii) deprivation (EPICES score), (iii) socio-professional and familial status. Characteristics at inclusion were extracted from medical records. PAP adherence was collected from the device's built-in time counters. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between healthcare forgone and the risk of being non-adherent to CPAP treatment.

Results: Among 298 patients included (294 analyzed); 33.7% reported forgoing healthcare. Deprivation (EPICES score > 30) was independently associated with the risk of non-adherence (OR = 3.57, 95%CI [1.12; 11.37]). Forgoing healthcare had an additional effect on the risk of non-adherence among deprived patients (OR = 7.74, 95%CI [2.59; 23.12]). OSAS patients mainly forwent healthcare for financial reasons (49% vs. 12.5% in CRF group), whereas CRF patients forwent healthcare due to lack of mobility (25%, vs. 5.9 % in OSAS group).

Interpretation: Forgoing healthcare contributes to the risk of PAP non-adherence particularly among deprived patients. Measures tailored to tackle forgoing healthcare may improve the overall quality of care in PAP therapies.

Clinical Trial Registration: The study protocol was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT03591250.
Construct Validity and Clinical Utility of World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 in Older Patients Discharged From Emergency Departments
Authors: Nielsen Louise Moeldrup , Oestergaard Lisa Gregersen , Kirkegaard Hans , Maribo Thomas
Published: August 2021

Introduction: The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) is designed to measure functioning and disability in six domains. It is included in the International Classification of Diseases 11th revision (ICD-11). The objective of the study was to examine the construct validity of WHODAS 2.0 and describe its clinical utility for the assessment of functioning and disability among older patients discharged from emergency departments (EDs).

Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study is based on data from 129 older patients. Patients completed the 36-item version of WHODAS 2.0 together with the Barthel-20, the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and the 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30 s-CST). Construct validity was examined through hypothesis testing by correlating the WHODAS with the other instruments and specifically the mobility domain in WHODAS 2.0 with the TUG and 30 s-CST tests. The clinical utility of WHODAS 2.0 was explored through floor/ceiling effect and missing item responses.

Results: WHODAS 2.0 correlated fair with Barthel-20 (r = −0.49), AMPS process skills (r = −0.26) and TUG (r=0.30) and correlated moderate with AMPS motor skills (r = −0.58) and 30s-CST (r = −0.52). The WHODAS 2.0 mobility domain correlated fair with TUG (r = 0.33) and moderate with 30s-CST (r = −0.60). Four domains demonstrated floor effect: D1 “Cognition,” D3 “Self-care,” D4 “Getting along,” and D5 “Household.” Ceiling effect was not identified. The highest proportion of missing item responses were present for Item 3.4 (Staying by yourself for a few days), Item 4.4 (Making new friends), and Item 4.5 (Sexual activities).

Conclusion: WHODAS 2.0 had fair-to-moderate correlations with Barthel-20, AMPS, TUG, and 30s-CST and provides additional aspects of disability compared with commonly used instruments. However, the clinical utility of WHODAS 2.0 applied to older patients discharged from EDs poses some challenges due to floor effect and missing item responses. Accordingly, patient and health professional perspectives need further investigation.
An Investigation of the Long and Short Term Behavioral Effects of General Anesthesia on Pediatric Dental Patients With Autism
Authors: Tran Janine , Chen Jung-Wei , Trapp Larry , McCormack Laura
Published: August 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of short and long term adverse behavioral effects of general anesthesia (GA) in healthy vs. moderate to severe autistic (ASD) children.

Methods: Forty healthy and 37 ASD children, aged 3–17 years, undergoing GA for dental surgery participated in this study. Their anesthesia records were reviewed, and their parents answered telephone surveys to assess activity level, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal disturbances, central nervous system effects, and respiratory depression. Three follow-up surveys were taken 8 h, 24 h, and 3 months post-surgery.

Results: Four hundred fifty-five incidences of adverse behavioral effects occurred within 8 h post-surgery. Significantly more ASD patients had difficulty walking (P = 0.016) and nausea (P = 0.030), while more healthy children snored in the car ride home (P = 0.036) and talked about the dental surgery (P = 0.027). Three months post-discharge, sixASD patients acted in a way that concerned caregivers compared to 0 healthy patients, (P = 0.008). Incidence of adverse behavioral effects significantly decreased from 8 to 24 h overall.

Conclusions: Most behavioral effects occur within 8 h post-surgery. There are potential long term adverse behavioral effects in ASD children from GA, but the chance is low and generally not long lasting.
Effect of Scattering Angle on Earth Reflectance
Authors: Marshak Alexander , Delgado-Bonal Alfonso , Knyazikhin Yuri
Published: August 2021

After March 2020 the range of scattering angle for DSCOVR EPIC and NISTAR has been substantially increased with its upper bound reaching 178°. This provides a unique opportunity to observe bi-directional effects of reflectance near backscattering directions. The dependence of the top-of-atmosphere (TOA) reflectance on scattering angle is shown separately for ocean and land areas, for cloudy and clear pixels, while cloudy pixels are also separated into liquid and ice clouds. A strong increase of TOA reflectance towards backscattering direction is reported for all components (except cloudless areas over ocean). The observed increase of reflectance is confirmed by cloud and vegetation models. The strongest correlation between TOA reflectance and scattering angle was found near IR where contribution from vegetation dominates. Surface Bidirectional Reflectance Factor (BRF) acquired by DSCOVR EPIC and Terra MISR sensors over the Amazon basin is used to demonstrate the bi-directional effects of solar zenith and scattering angles on variation of reflected radiation from rainforest.
Case Report: A Case Series Using Natural Anatomical Gaps—Posterior Cervical Approach to Skull Base and Upper Craniocervical Meningiomas Without Bone Removal
Authors: Lilla Nadine , Kessler Almuth F. , Weiland Judith , Ernestus Ralf-Ingo , Westermaier Thomas
Published: August 2021

Background: Removal of anteriorly located tumors of the upper cervical spine and craniovertebral junction (CVJ) is a particular surgical challenge. Extensive approaches are associated with pain, restricted mobility of neck and head and, in case of foramen magnum and clivus tumors, with retraction of brainstem and cerebellum.

Methods: Four symptomatic patients underwent resection of anteriorly located upper cervical and lower clivus meningiomas without laminotomy or craniotomy using a minimally invasive posterior approach. Distances of natural gaps between C0/C1, C1/C2, and C2/C3 were measured using preoperative CT scans and intraoperative lateral x-rays.

Results: In all patients, safe and complete resection was conducted by the opening of the dura between C0/C1, C1/C2, and C2/C3, respectively. There were no surgical complications. Local pain was reported as very moderate by all patients and postoperative recovery was extremely fast. All tumors had a rather soft consistency, allowing mass reduction prior to removal of the tumor capsule and were well separable from lower cranial nerves and vascular structures.

Conclusion: If tumor consistency is appropriate for careful mass reduction before removal of the tumor capsule and if tumor margins are not firmly attached to crucial structures, then upper cervical, foramen magnum, and lower clivus meningiomas can be safely and completely removed through natural gaps in the CVJ region. Both prerequisites usually become clear early during surgery. Thus, this tumor entity may be planned using this minimally invasive approach and may be extended if tumor consistency turns out to be less unfavorable for resection or if crucial structures cannot be easily separated from the tumor.
Advances in the Study of the Tick Cattle Microbiota and the Influence on Vectorial Capacity
Authors: Aguilar-Díaz Hugo , Quiroz-Castañeda Rosa Estela , Cobaxin-Cárdenas Mayra , Salinas-Estrella Elizabeth , Amaro-Estrada Itzel
Published: August 2021

The information from the tick cattle microbiota suggests that the microbial populations may modulate a successful infection process of the tick-borne pathogens. Therefore, there is a need to know the microbial population and their interactions. In this mini-review, we present several examples of how microbiota regulates the survival of pathogens inside the tick and contributes to fitness, adaptation, and tick immunity, among others. The communication between the tick microbiota and the host microbiota is vital to understanding the pathogen transmission process. As part of the tick microbiota, the pathogen interacts with different microbial populations, including the microorganisms of the host microbiota. These interactions comprise a microsystem that regulates the vectorial capacity involved in tick-borne diseases. The knowledge we have about the vectorial capacity contributes to a better understanding of tick-borne pathogens. Additionally, using approaches based on multi-omics strategies applied to studying the microbiota and its microbiome allows the development of strategies to control ticks. The results derived from those studies reveal the dynamics of the microbiota and potential targets for anti-tick vaccine development. In this context, the anti-microbiota vaccines have emerged as an alternative with a good prognosis. Some strategies developed to control other arthropods vectors, such as paratransgenesis, could control ticks and tick-borne diseases.
Interspecies Evolution and Networks Investigation of the Auxin Response Protein (AUX/IAA) Family Reveals the Adaptation Mechanisms of Halophytes Crops in Nitrogen Starvation Agroecological Environments
Authors: Yu Haomiao , Yuan Yuan , Wang Sijiao , Wu Guoming , Xu Haishen , Wei Jianglan , Ju Le , Huang Yulin , Chen Hui
Published: August 2021

The maintenance of adaptability to the exposure to agroecological extreme environments is generally a feature after the long-term domestication of crops. Auxin influences plant growth in all environments. At present, the research on the auxin response factors (ARFs) has been very in-depth. However, there is still a large gap in the research on the origin, evolution, and regulatory networks of the Auxin-responsive protein (AUX/IAA) family. Here, we identified 495 AUX/IAAs from 19 representative species covering aquatic algae to angiosperms and found that they originated from early bryophytes and mainly expanded by polyploidy in angiosperms. In the domesticated crop quinoa, the evolutionary model of the IAA family is relatively independent and forms a robust regulatory network with auxin signals and energy metabolism pathways. In the nitrogen-deficient environment, CqIAAs (Chenopodium quinoa AUX/IAAs), auxin signals, and TCA pathway genes induced expression in young roots to promote root elongation and could regulate the balance of carbon and nitrogen metabolism to maintain the adaptation of early seedlings in poor environments. Furthermore, a rapidly evolving CqIAA (AUR62011942) not only has different expression levels in two quinoa seeds but also has a significant stress response when seedlings face nitrogen deficiency stress, which may be a key factor in the adaptive regulation of the barren environment. Our research provides valuable clues for understanding the origin, evolution, and functional innovation of auxin signaling and also provides a reference for future agricultural breeding in the context of global environmental changes.
Improvement of Soil Health and System Productivity through Crop Diversification and Residue Incorporation under Jute-Based Different Cropping Systems
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Mitra Sabyasachi , Mazumdar Sonali Paul , Majumdar Bijan , Saha Amit Ranjan , Singh Shiv Ram , Pramanick Biswajit , Gaber Ahmed , Alsanie Walaa F. , Hossain Akbar
Published: August 2021

Crop diversity through residue incorporation is the most important method for sustaining soil health. A field study was conducted over five consecutive years (2012–2017) to see the impact of residue incorporartions in Inceptisol of eastern India. The main plot treatments had five cropping systems (CS), namely, fallow−rice−rice (FRR), jute−rice−wheat (JRW), jute−rice−baby corn (JRBc), jute−rice−vegetable pea (JRGp), jute−rice−mustard−mungbean/green gram (JRMMu), which cinsisted of four sub-plots with varied nutrient and crop residue management (NCRM) levels, namely crops with no residue +75% of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) (F1R0), crops with the residue of the previous crops +75% RDF (F1R1), crops with no resiude +100% RDF (F2R0), and crops with residue +100% RDF (F2R1). The highest system productivity was obtained for JRBc (15.3 Mg·ha−1), followed by JRGp (8.81 Mg·ha−1) and JRMMu (7.61 Mg·ha−1); however, the highest sustainability index was found with the JRGp cropping system (0.88), followed by JRMMu (0.82). Among the NCRMs, the highest productivity (8.78 Mg·ha−1) and sustainability index (0.83) were recorded in F2R1. Five soil parameters, namely, bulk density, available K, urease activity, dehydrogenase activity, and soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), were used in the minimum data-set (MDS) for the calculation of the soil quality index (SQI). The best attainment of SQI was found in the JRGp system (0.63), closely followed by the JRMMu (0.61) cropping system.
Identification of QTLs and Candidate Genes Related to Flower Traits and Bolting Time in Radish (Raphanus sativus L.)
Authors: Ma Yinbo , Chhapekar Sushil Satish , Rameneni Jana Jeevan , Kim Seungho , Gan Tae Hyoung , Choi Su Ryun , Lim Yong Pyo
Published: August 2021

Radish flower color, bolting time, and flowering time are important traits for attracting certain pollinators and affect fleshy root quality. In this study, an analysis of the anthocyanidins in radish flowers by high-performance liquid chromatography revealed that differences in the cyanidin content are likely to be associated with the variability in radish flower colors (i.e., purple and white petals). A quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis identified nine QTLs on three Raphanus sativus linkage groups. Three QTLs—qRFC1, qRBT1, and qRFT1—which were consistently detected and explained a high proportion of the observed variation (10.30% to 34.57%), were considered as the major QTLs responsible for flower color, bolting time, and flowering time, respectively. A total of 16 and 11 candidate genes within the major QTL regions for flower color and bolting/flowering times, respectively, were preliminarily annotated. Six genes (Rs018140, Rs018950, Rs019220, Rs020080, Rs020590, and Rs021450) related to flower color were differentially expressed in the parental lines. On the basis of nucleotide and amino acid sequence diversity between the parental lines, Rs314940, Rs315000, Rs315310, and Rs315960 were identified as candidate genes mediating the radish bolting and flowering times. This study revealed the genetic complexity of the radish flower color, bolting time, and flowering time traits. The identified candidate genes in the QTL regions may be useful for radish breeding programs and also for functional characterization in radish.
Enhancement in Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Plants with Application of Roholtiella sp. (Nostocales) under Soilless Cultivation
Authors: Bello Adewale Suraj , Saadaoui Imen , Ahmed Talaat , Hamdi Helmi , Cherif Maroua , Dalgamouni Tasneem , Al Ghazal Ghamza , Ben-Hamadou Radhouane
Published: August 2021

Cyanobacteria are found to be renewable and sustainable additives for growth improvement in crops. Extracts and biomass of three nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria namely, Roholtiella sp. (QUCCCM97), Nostoc ellipsosporum (QUCCCM99), and Desmonostoc danxiaense (QUCCCM112) isolated from Qatar desert environment were tested for their ability to enhance the growth of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seedlings. Soilless cultivation experiments were carried out by applying the biomass and the aqueous extract of the three cyanobacteria separately. Seedlings were transplanted to Hoagland’s solution under regulated conditions. In total, 2, 4, and 6 mL L−1 of the three microalgae extract as well as 1 and 2 mg L−1 of the three microalgae biomasses (as biofertilizer) were added to the Hoagland solution. An assessment of seedling growth parameters such as shoot length, root length, fresh weight, dry weight, spad index, number of leaves per plant, and growth rate was performed. However, among the different doses and concentrations of investigated QUCCCM97, 99, and 112, our findings revealed that shoot length (cm), root length (cm), fresh weight (g), the number of leaves per plant, and growth rate were positively affected and significantly increased at maximum dose/concentration compared to control plants. With QUCCCM97, shoot length, root length, fresh weight, the number of leaves, and the growth rate increased by 17.5%, 40.3%, 26.0%, 21.6%, and 22.8%, respectively, compared to the control. Additionally, with QUCCCM99, the same parameters increased by 12.3%, 25.3%, 15.1%, 9.3%, 51.8%, respectively. While in presence of QUCCCM112, they increased by 8.7%, 30.1%, 15.6%, 5.4%, 48.6%, respectively. Our results demonstrated that extracts and biomass of cyanobacteria strains investigated here, and particularly Roholtiella sp. (Nostocales), have an enhancement potential of the seedling growth and could be used in modern agriculture to enhance productivity under the soilless system and ensure sustainability.
Water Purification by Potassium Humate–C.I. Basic Blue 3 Adsorption-Based Interactions
Authors: Roulia Maria , Vassiliadis Alexandros A.
Published: August 2021

Interactions of C.I. Basic Blue 3 with potassium humate in aqueous systems were investigated. Both the humic content and dye removal are of crucial significance in relation to water of a desired quality. Dye retention experiments demonstrated that potassium humate is an exceptionally efficient adsorbent. The effect of both the pH and temperature on the adsorption process was investigated. The temperature proved to only slightly influence the extent of dye sorption; contrarily, under mildly acidic conditions (pH = 4.0), the quantity of dye adsorbed was doubled on standing. At this pH value, interactions between the positively charged dye and the dissociated carboxyl groups of humic substances are encountered. This was also supported by the obedience of the experimental data to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Three adsorption models, i.e., Langmuir, Freundlich and BET, were fitted to the experimental data; the equilibrium adsorption conformed to the Langmuir and BET isotherm equations on the basis of electrostatic dye–humics interactions, while the fitting of the Freundlich model referred to the heterogeneities of humic substances attributed to their colloidal behavior. Thermodynamic quantities, i.e., enthalpy, entropy and free energy change in the adsorption, were calculated. The low ΔHadsθ values verify the negligible effect of the temperature on the adsorption; ΔSadsθ denotes a thermodynamically favorable reaction, and ΔGadsθ denotes a spontaneous process.
LED Light Pre-Treatment Improves Pre-Basic Seed Potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Golden King) Production in the Aeroponic System
Authors: Rahman Md. Hafizur , Islam Md. Jahirul , Azad Md. Obyedul Kalam , Rana Md. Soyel , Ryu Byeong Ryeol , Lim Young-Seok
Published: August 2021

Production of plants under artificial light conditions is an innovative and smart concept to grow food year-round in any location. However, pre-basic seed potato production in the greenhouse from LED pre-treated seedlings under an aeroponic system is a new and creative idea. Therefore, the objective of the study was to optimize the effect of LED pre-treatment and determine the best LED spectral composition on growth performance and tuberization of potato plants. Potato variety ‘Golden King’ was treated under 9 LED light spectra for 30 days—L1 (natural light), L2, (R:B), L3 (R:B:G), L4 (R:B:FR), L5 (R:B:G:FR), L6 (R:B:G:FR:UV), L7 (R:B:FR:UV), L8 (R:B:W:FR), and L9 (R:B:W:FR:UV) under 300 µmol m−2 s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), 23/15 °C (day/night) temperature, and 70% relative humidity. The study revealed that growth characteristics and tuber number for plants were increased most by the light spectrum L4 (R:B:FR). Furthermore, photosynthetic pigments increased in L4, L7, and L8, while TSC and sucrose accumulated more in L1 treatment. In contrast, higher seed tuber fresh weight was recorded in L8, L9, L4, and L7. Overall, it can be concluded that potato seedlings pre-treated with the L4 (R:B:FR) LED spectral composition performed best for growth, establishment, and tuberization.
Response of Oil Production and Quality to Hedgerow Design in Super-High-Density Olive cv. Arbequina Orchards
Authors: Trentacoste Eduardo R. , Connor David J. , Gómez-del-Campo María
Published: August 2021

An analysis is presented of the response of olive oil production and quality parameters, viz. fatty acids (palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids), phenolic compounds and oxidative stability to hedgerow spacing and orientation in 1-m wide super-high-density orchards of cv. Arbequina. Data reveal strong linear relationships between concentrations of fatty acids and internal irradiance within hedgerows, positive for palmitic and linoleic but negative for oleic acid. The result is a significant vertical trend in oil composition within hedgerows, but small to negligible differences in oil harvested from them in totality. The explanation is found in the small ranges and strongly correlated responses of individual fatty acids that together comprise 98% of oil mass. Phenolic compounds respond more widely and to higher levels of irradiance than fatty acids and did show increases in NS hedgerows grown at wide row spacing. Oxidative stability shows a similar trend in phenolic compounds. A simulation study that extended the known responses to 2-m wide hedgerows showed that the linkage between fatty acid profiles was maintained with no resultant differences in the oil composition of the total simulated oil harvest. Based on the current understanding of internal irradiance within olive hedgerows, there seems to be little opportunity to manage oil quality by orchard structure.
Physiological, Biochemical, and Biometrical Response of Cultivated Strawberry and Wild Strawberry in Greenhouse Gutter Cultivation in the Autumn-Winter Season in Poland—Preliminary Study
Authors: Lema-Rumińska Justyna , Kulus Dariusz , Tymoszuk Alicja , Miler Natalia , Woźny Anita , Wenda-Piesik Anna
Published: August 2021

Strawberry and wild strawberry are among the most popular horticultural crops. Due to the development of soilless cultivation systems, the whole-year production of these economically important fruit crops is achievable even in countries with temperate climate. However, the responses of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) and wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) to microclimate conditions in greenhouse gutter cultivation in the autumn–winter season in Poland have not been yet determined. The aim of this study was to analyze the physiological, biochemical, and biometrical responses of two cultivars of strawberry ‘Ostara’ and ‘San Andreas’ and two cultivars of wild strawberry ‘Baron von Solemacher’ and ‘Regina’ grown for 20 weeks, starting from September 17th, in controlled greenhouse conditions on coconut mats in gutters in the autumn–winter season and irradiated with sodium lamps. Strawberry ‘San Andreas’ produced 30% larger leaves and almost three-fold higher fresh and dry weight of biomass than ‘Ostara’. The strawberry plants ‘San Andreas’ had a higher content (20%) of chlorophyll a and 30% of chlorophyll b than ‘Ostara’ plants. Generally, ‘San Andreas’ displayed an overall higher concentration of intercellular CO2 (about 14%) than ‘Ostara’ plants providing higher gas exchange processes. Photosynthetic rate amounted to 13.0 μmol·m−2·s−1 for ‘San Andreas’ that was almost two-fold higher than for ‘Ostara’. ‘San Andreas’ flower and fruit productions were uniform and the six-fold higher individual fruit yield proved the excellent attributes of this cultivar to the greenhouse cultivation. Even though the productivity of the two studied wild strawberry cultivars was similar, ‘Regina’ showed higher values of some parameters than ‘Baron von Solemacher’ (40% larger leaves, 25% higher photosynthetic rate, 10% higher concentration of intercellular CO2). A high nutritional value of fruits is maintained compared to traditional open-air cultivation.