bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-Talk of Focal Adhesion-Related Gene Defines Prognosis and the Immune Microenvironment in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Mao Deli , Xu Rui , Chen Hengxing , Chen Xiancong , Li Dongsheng , Song Shenglei , He Yulong , Wei Zhewei , Zhang Changhua
Published: October 2021

Background: Focal adhesion, as the intermediary between tumor cells and extracellular matrix communication, plays a variety of roles in tumor invasion, migration, and drug resistance. However, the potential role of focal adhesion-related genes in the microenvironment, immune cell infiltration, and drug sensitivity of gastric cancer (GC) has not yet been revealed.

Methods: The genetic and transcriptional perspectives of focal adhesion-related genes were systematically analyzed. From a genetic perspective, the focal adhesion index (FAI) was constructed based on 18 prognosis-related focus adhesion-related genes to evaluate the immune microenvironment and drug sensitivity. Then three prognosis-related genes were used for consistent clustering to identify GC subtypes. Finally, use FLT1, EGF, COL5A2, and M2 macrophages to develop risk signatures, and establish a nomogram together with clinicopathological characteristics.

Results: Mutations in the focal adhesion-related gene affect the survival time and clinical characteristics of GC patients. FAI has been associated with a shorter survival time, immune signaling pathways, M2 macrophage infiltration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling, and diffuse type of GC. FAI recognizes ALK, cell cycle, and BMX signaling pathways inhibitors as sensitive agents for the treatment of GC. FLT1, EGF, and COL5A2 may distinguish GC subtypes. The established risk signature is of great significance to the prognostic evaluation of GC based on FLT1, EGF, and COL5A2 and M2 macrophage expression.

Conclusion: The focal adhesion-related gene is a potential biomarker for the evaluation of the immune microenvironment and prognosis. This work emphasizes the potential impact of the focal adhesion pathway in GC therapy and highlights its guiding role in prognostic evaluation.
Tunable Schottky Barrier and Interfacial Electronic Properties in Graphene/ZnSe Heterostructures
Authors: Xiao Wenjun , Liu Tianyun , Zhang Yuefei , Zhong Zhen , Zhang Xinwei , Luo Zijiang , Lv Bing , Zhou Xun , Zhang Zhaocai , Liu Xuefei
Published: October 2021

With a direct bandgap, two-dimensional (2D) ZnSe is a promising semiconductor material in photoelectric device fields. In this work, based on first-principles methods, we theoretically studied the modulation of the Schottky barrier height (SBH) by applying horizontal and vertical strains on graphene/ZnSe heterojunction. The results show that the inherent electronic properties of graphene and ZnSe monolayers are both well-conserved because of the weak van der Waals (vdW) forces between two sublayers. Under horizontal strain condition, the n(p)-type SBH decreases from 0.56 (1.62) eV to 0.21 (0.78) eV. By changing the interlayer distance in the range of 2.8 Å to 4.4 Å, the n(p)-type SBH decreases (increases) from 0.88 (0.98) eV to 0.21 (1.76) eV. These findings prove the SBH of the heterojunction to be tuned effectively, which is of great significance to optoelectronic devices, especially in graphene/ZnSe-based nano-electronic and optoelectronic devices.
XFinder: Detecting Unknown Anomalies in Distributed Machine Learning Scenario
Authors: Du Haizhou , Wang Shiwei , Huo Huan
Published: October 2021

In recent years, the emergence of distributed machine learning has enabled deep learning models to ensure data security and privacy while training efficiently. Anomaly detection for network traffic in distributed machine learning scenarios is of great significance for network security. Although deep neural networks have made remarkable achievements in anomaly detection for network traffic, they mainly focus on closed sets, that is, assuming that all anomalies are known. However, in a real network environment, unknown abnormalities are fatal risks faced by the system because they have no labels and occur before the known anomalies. In this study, we design and implement XFinder, a dynamic unknown traffic anomaly detection framework in distributed machine learning. XFinder adopts an online mode to detect unknown anomalies in real-time. XFinder detects unknown anomalies by the unknowns detector, transfers the unknown anomalies to the prior knowledge base by the network updater, and adopts the online mode to report new anomalies in real-time. The experimental results show that the average accuracy of the unknown anomaly detection of our model is increased by 27% and the average F1-Score is improved by 20%. Compared with the offline mode, XFinder’s detection time is reduced by an average of approximately 33% on three datasets, and can better meet the network requirement.
Endothelial Function and Arterial Stiffness Should Be Measured to Comprehensively Assess Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Clinical Practice
Authors: Luo Jinmei , Wang Xiaona , Guo Zijian , Xiao Yi , Cao Wenhao , Zhang Li , Su Linfan , Guo Junwei , Huang Rong
Published: October 2021

Objective: An effective clinical tool to assess endothelial function and arterial stiffness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is lacking. This study evaluated the clinical significance of subclinical markers for OSA management in males without serious complications.

Patients/Methods: Males without serious complications were consecutively recruited. Clinical data, biomarker tests, reactive hyperemia index (RHI), and augmentation index at 75 beats/min (AIx75) measured by peripheral arterial tonometry were collected. An apnea hypopnea index (AHI) cutoff of ≥15 events/h divided the patients into two groups.

Results: Of the 75 subjects, 42 had an AHI ≥15 events/h. Patients with an AHI ≥15 events/h had higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor, and AIx75 values than the control group but no statistical difference in RHI was observed. After controlling for confounders, TNF-α was negatively correlated with the average oxygen saturation (r = −0.258, P = 0.043). RHI was correlated with the rapid eye movement (REM) stage percentage (r = 0.306, P = 0.016) but not with AHI (P > 0.05). AIx75 was positively correlated with the arousal index (r = 0.289, P = 0.023) but not with AHI (r = 0.248, P = 0.052).

Conclusions: In males with OSA without severe complications, TNF-α and AIx75 are independently related to OSA. The role of RHI in OSA management requires further elucidation. These markers combined can comprehensively evaluate OSA patients to provide more evidence for the primary prevention of coronary heart disease and treatment response assessment.
Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Assessment of High-Risk Plaques in Predicting Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Lu Guanyu , Ye Weitao , Ou Jiehao , Li Xinyun , Tan Zekun , Li Tingyu , Liu Hui
Published: October 2021

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a comprehensive, non-invasive and cost-effective imaging assessment approach, which can provide the ability to identify the characteristics and morphology of high-risk atherosclerotic plaques associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The development of CCTA and latest advances in emerging technologies, such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), have made it possible not only to identify the morphological characteristics of high-risk plaques non-invasively, but also to assess the hemodynamic parameters, the environment surrounding coronaries and so on, which may help to predict the risk of ACS. In this review, we present how CCTA was used to characterize the composition and morphology of high-risk plaques prone to ACS and the current role of CCTA, including emerging CCTA technologies, advanced analysis, and characterization techniques in prognosticating the occurrence of ACS.
Assessing Genomic Diversity and Productivity Signatures in Dianzhong Cattle by Whole-Genome Scanning
Authors: Zhang Xianfu , Qu Kaixing , Jia Peng , Zhang Jicai , Liu Jianyong , Lei Chuzhao , Huang Bizhi
Published: October 2021

Dianzhong cattle is a classic Chinese indigenous cattle breed with historical records dating back to 200 BC. But with its genomic differences having not been clearly elucidated, the quest for genomic characterization will be an essential step towards understanding the genomic basis of productivity and adaptation to survival under Chinese farming systems. Here we compared 10 Dianzhong cattle (four newly sequenced and six downloaded) with 29 published genomes of three underlying ancestral populations (Chinese zebu, Indian zebu, and Yanbian cattle) to characterize the genomic variations of Dianzhong cattle. Dianzhong cattle has a high nucleotide diversity (0.0034), second only to Chinese zebu. Together with analyses of linkage disequilibrium decay and runs of homozygosity, Dianzhong cattle displayed higher genomic diversity and weaker artificial selection compared with Yanbian cattle. From a selective sweep analysis by four methods (Fst, π-ratio, XP-CLR, and XP-EHH), the positive selective signals were mainly manifested in candidate genes and pathways related to heat resistance, growth and development, fat deposition, and male reproduction. Missense mutations were detected in candidate genes, SDS (c.944C > A and p.Ala315Glu), PDGFD (c.473A > G and p.Lys158Arg), and DDX4 (rs460251486, rs722912933, and rs517668236), which related to heat resistance, fat deposition, and spermatogenesis, respectively. Our findings unravel, at the genome-wide level, the unique diversity of Dianzhong cattle while emphasizing the opportunities for improvement of livestock productivity in further breeding programs.
STING Signaling and Sterile Inflammation
Authors: Couillin Isabelle , Riteau Nicolas
Published: October 2021

Innate immunity is regulated by a broad set of evolutionary conserved receptors to finely probe the local environment and maintain host integrity. Besides pathogen recognition through conserved motifs, several of these receptors also sense aberrant or misplaced self-molecules as a sign of perturbed homeostasis. Among them, self-nucleic acid sensing by the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway alerts on the presence of both exogenous and endogenous DNA in the cytoplasm. We review recent literature demonstrating that self-nucleic acid detection through the STING pathway is central to numerous processes, from cell physiology to sterile injury, auto-immunity and cancer. We address the role of STING in autoimmune diseases linked to dysfunctional DNAse or related to mutations in DNA sensing pathways. We expose the role of the cGAS/STING pathway in inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative conditions and cancer. Connections between STING in various cell processes including autophagy and cell death are developed. Finally, we review proposed mechanisms to explain the sources of cytoplasmic DNA.
Genetic and Morphological Evidence to Split the Coris julis Species Complex (Teleostei: Labridae) Into Two Sibling Species: Resurrection of Coris melanura (Lowe, 1839) Redescription of Coris julis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Ramírez-Amaro Sergio , Ordines Francesc , Fricke Ronald , Ruiz-Jarabo Ignacio , Bolado Ignacio , Massutí Enric
Published: October 2021

The genus Coris contains 28 valid species, most of them with an Indo-Pacific distribution and only two species recognized from the eastern Atlantic: Coris atlantica and C. julis. This last species has a large variability in its coloration, which caused that during the first half of XIX century the sexes were considered as different species. Two liveries have been described for C. julis: (i) primary or “giofredi,” which corresponds to females and primary-phase males and is considered common for Atlantic and Mediterranean populations; and (ii) the secondary or “julis” which corresponds to secondary-phase males, which is different for Atlantic and Mediterranean populations. In this study we demonstrate the existence of two sibling species within the C. julis species complex. Morphological and molecular analyses showed that this species complex is composed of two species: (i) C. julis, distributed mainly in the Mediterranean, from which the species was originally described; and (ii) C. melanura, a species described by Lowe in 1839 which is resurrected here, mainly distributed in the eastern Atlantic and western Mediterranean. We also discuss the possible speciation event to understand the contemporary distribution patterns of Coris species in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean.
The Concept of α-Synuclein Strains and How Different Conformations May Explain Distinct Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Malfertheiner Katja , Stefanova Nadia , Heras-Garvin Antonio
Published: October 2021

In the past few years, an increasing amount of studies primarily based on experimental models have investigated the existence of distinct α-synuclein strains and their different pathological effects. This novel concept could shed light on the heterogeneous nature of α-synucleinopathies, a group of disorders that includes Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy, which share as their key-molecular hallmark the abnormal aggregation of α-synuclein, a process that seems pivotal in disease pathogenesis according to experimental observations. However, the etiology of α-synucleinopathies and the initial events leading to the formation of α-synuclein aggregates remains elusive. Hence, the hypothesis that structurally distinct fibrillary assemblies of α-synuclein could have a causative role in the different disease phenotypes and explain, at least to some extent, their specific neurodegenerative, disease progression, and clinical presentation patterns is very appealing. Moreover, the presence of different α-synuclein strains might represent a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of these neurodegenerative disorders. In this regard, the recent use of super resolution techniques and protein aggregation assays has offered the possibility, on the one hand, to elucidate the conformation of α-synuclein pathogenic strains and, on the other hand, to cyclically amplify to detectable levels low amounts of α-synuclein strains in blood, cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral tissue from patients. Thus, the inclusion of these techniques could facilitate the differentiation between α-synucleinopathies, even at early stages, which is crucial for successful therapeutic intervention. This mini-review summarizes the current knowledge on α-synuclein strains and discusses its possible applications and potential benefits.
Locating Organizations and Their Methods in Registrations of Clinical Migraine Trials: Analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Do Thien Phu
Published: October 2021

Background and Objective:ClinicalTrials.gov is a centralized venue for monitoring clinical research and allows access to information on publicly and privately funded studies. To better recognize influential institutions in the field of headache, we identified major organizations conducting clinical trials in migraine research. Furthermore, we examined the frequency of different study designs.

Methods: Utilizing the ClinicalTrials.gov application programming interface, we extracted studies including individuals with migraine from February 29, 2000, to July 28, 2020, for the following: (1) host organization, (2) study type, (3) primary purpose, (4) intervention model, and (5) allocation.

Results: We included 921 entries encompassing 423 organizations. Thirty-two organizations produced ≥5 entries each and 40.0% of all entries. Most, 86%, were interventional studies while 13.6% were observational studies. The most common study design had a randomized allocation of participants. The most frequent primary purpose was treatment (62.4%) followed by prevention (13.0%). There were 56.9% parallel assignment models, 15.2% single group assignment models, and 12.4% crossover assignment models.

Conclusion: A minority of organizations contribute to a significant number of registrations of clinical migraine trials, suggesting that clinical research in migraine is oligarchic. The most common study is interventional and randomized, with parallel assignment of participants with treatment as the primary purpose. This likely reflects the need to evaluate novel putative pharmacological medications.
Label-Based Alignment Multi-Source Domain Adaptation for Cross-Subject EEG Fatigue Mental State Evaluation
Authors: Zhao Yue , Dai Guojun , Borghini Gianluca , Zhang Jiaming , Li Xiufeng , Zhang Zhenyan , Aricò Pietro , Di Flumeri Gianluca , Babiloni Fabio , Zeng Hong
Published: October 2021

Accurate detection of driving fatigue is helpful in significantly reducing the rate of road traffic accidents. Electroencephalogram (EEG) based methods are proven to be efficient to evaluate mental fatigue. Due to its high non-linearity, as well as significant individual differences, how to perform EEG fatigue mental state evaluation across different subjects still keeps challenging. In this study, we propose a Label-based Alignment Multi-Source Domain Adaptation (LA-MSDA) for cross-subject EEG fatigue mental state evaluation. Specifically, LA-MSDA considers the local feature distributions of relevant labels between different domains, which efficiently eliminates the negative impact of significant individual differences by aligning label-based feature distributions. In addition, the strategy of global optimization is introduced to address the classifier confusion decision boundary issues and improve the generalization ability of LA-MSDA. Experimental results show LA-MSDA can achieve remarkable results on EEG-based fatigue mental state evaluation across subjects, which is expected to have wide application prospects in practical brain-computer interaction (BCI), such as online monitoring of driver fatigue, or assisting in the development of on-board safety systems.
Coral-Derived Endophytic Fungal Product, Butyrolactone-I, Alleviates Lps Induced Intestinal Epithelial Cell Inflammatory Response Through TLR4/NF-κB and MAPK Signaling Pathways: An in vitro and in vivo Studies
Authors: Chen Shengwei , Zhang Yi , Niu Xueting , Mohyuddin Sahar Ghulam , Wen Jiayin , Bao Minglong , Yu Tianyue , Wu Lianyun , Hu Canyin , Yong Yanhong , Liu Xiaoxi , Abd El-Aty A. M. , Ju Xianghong
Published: October 2021

Herein, we assessed the anti-inflammatory and intestinal barrier protective effects of butyrolactone-I (BTL-1), derived from the coral-derived endophytic fungus (Aspergillus terreus), using the LPS-induced IPEC-J2 inflammation model and the DSS-induced IBD model in mice. In IPEC-J2 cells, pretreatment with BTL-I significantly inhibited TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and JNK phosphorylation, resulting in the decrease of IL-1β and IL-6 expression. Interestingly, BTL-1 pretreatment activated the phosphorylation of ERK and P38, which significantly enhanced the expression of TNF-α. Meanwhile, BTL-1 pretreatment upregulated tight junction protein expression (ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1) and maintained intestinal barrier and intestinal permeability integrity. In mice, BTL-1 significantly alleviated the intestinal inflammatory response induced by DSS, inhibited TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway, thus reducing the production of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α. Further, the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1) was upregulated in BTL-1 administrated mice. Therefore, it has been suggested that butyrolactone-I alleviates inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated IPEC-J2 and DSS-induced murine colitis by TLR4/NF-κB and MAPK signal pathway. Thereby, BTL-1 might potentially be used as an ocean drug to prevent intestinal bowel disease.
Biliary Rhabdomyosarcoma in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Individual Patient Data
Authors: Fuchs Juri , Murtha-Lemekhova Anastasia , Kessler Markus , Günther Patrick , Fichtner Alexander , Pfeiffenberger Jan , Probst Pascal , Hoffmann Katrin
Published: October 2021

Background

The biliary tree is a rare location of pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma. Due to the low incidence, there is a lack of evidence concerning therapeutic guidelines for this tumor location. In particular, the impact of surgery is discussed controversially.

Purpose

Objective is to generate evidence-based treatment guidelines for pediatric biliary rhabdomyosarcoma (BRMS). All available published data on therapeutic regimens and important prognostic factors are investigated with a focus on the role of surgery.

Methods

A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Web of Science, and CENTRAL was performed. Patient data were entered individually. Data was pooled and qualitative and quantitative analyses of demographic data, therapy, postoperative/interventional outcomes, relapse, and survival were conducted. In an individual patient data analysis, cox regression was applied to identify key factors predicting the outcome of patients with BRMS.

Results

65 studies met the inclusion criteria, providing data on 176 patients with BRMS. Individual patient data analysis showed a 5-year overall survival and progression-free survival of 51% and 50% for the total study population. For patients treated after 2000, 5-year OS and PFS was 65% and 59%, respectively. Absence of surgical tumor resection was an independent risk factor for death (Hazard ratio 8.9, 95%-CI 1.8-43.6, p = 0.007) and significantly associated with recurrent disease and disease-related death.

Conclusion

This analysis provides comprehensive information on the largest number of patients hitherto reported in the literature. BRMS is still associated with high morbidity and mortality. Surgical tumor resection is essential for appropriate oncological treatment of BRMS. International cooperation studies are needed to enhance evidence and improve the outcome of this orphan disease.

Protocol Registration

PROSPERO (CRD42021228911) https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021228911.
Suppression of Dendritic Cell Maturation by Kefir Peptides Alleviates Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice
Authors: Chen Chien-Fu , Li Hsin-Pei , Chao Ya-Hsuan , Tu Min-Yu , Yen Chih-Ching , Lan Ying-Wei , Yang Shang-Hsun , Chong Kowit-Yu , Lin Chi‐Chien , Chen Chuan-Mu
Published: October 2021

Arthritis is a disorder that is characterized by joint inflammation and other symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease, is one of the most common arthritis in worldwide. Inflammation of the synovium is the main factor that triggers bone erosion in the joints in RA, but the pathogenesis of RA is not clearly understood. Kefir grain-fermented products have been demonstrated to enhance immune function and exhibit immune-modulating bioactivities. This study aims to explore the role of kefir peptides (KPs) on the regulation of dendritic cell, which are found in RA synovial fluid, and the protection effects of KPs on mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Immature mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) were treated with KPs (2.2 and 4.4 mg/ml) and then exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to study the immune regulation function of KPs in dendritic cells. Mice with CIA (n = 5 per group) were orally administrated KPs (3.75 and 7.5 mg/day/kg) for 21 days and therapeutic effect of KPs on mice with arthritis were assessed. In this study, we found that KPs could inhibit surface molecule expression, reduce inflammatory cytokine release, and repress NF-κB and MAPK signaling in LPS-stimulated mouse BMDCs. In addition, a high dose of KPs (7.5 mg/kg) significantly alleviated arthritis symptoms, decreased inflammatory cytokine expression, suppressed splenic DC maturation and decrease the percentage of Th1 and Th17 in the spleens on mice with CIA. Our findings demonstrated that KPs ameliorate CIA in mice through the mechanism of suppressing DC maturation and inflammatory cytokine releases.
The Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Oxidative Stress in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ye Yu , Lin Huiying , Wan Mingyue , Qiu Pingting , Xia Rui , He Jianquan , Tao Jing , Chen Lidian , Zheng Guohua
Published: October 2021

Background: Oxidative stress (OS) plays an important role in the progression of many aging-related diseases. Exercises can delay this kind of progress, but aerobic exercise is the most commonly used type of training among older adults; therefore, its influence needs to be further verified.

Methods: A literature search was conducted in eight electronic databases, including Cochrane, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Wanfang Date, and SinoMed from their inception to April 2020. Methodological quality was assessed using Cochrane RoB tool v2.0 for individual studies, and RevMan 5.3 software was used to perform the meta-analysis.

Results: The meta-analysis included 20 studies, involving 1,170 older adults. The results showed that regular aerobic exercise could reduce blood oxidant markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA; SMD=−1.80, 95% CI −2.46 to −1.14, p<0.001) and lipid peroxide (LPO; SMD=−1.12, 95% CI −2.03 to −0.22, p=0.02), and increase the levels of antioxidant factors, such as nitric oxide (NO; SMD=0.89, 95% CI 0.37–1.41, p<0.001), superoxide dismutase (SOD; SMD=0.63, 95% CI 0.25–1.01, p=0.001), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC; SMD=1.22, 95% CI 0.45–1.98, p=0.002), with clear statistical significance. It may also improve the levels of other OS markers, such as 8-OHdG, 8-isoPGF2, VE, and reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG).

Conclusion: Regular aerobic exercise may have a positive effect on the OS levels of older adults by reducing some oxidant markers and increasing antioxidant marker levels.
Exogenous Application of Non-mature miRNA-Encoded miPEP164c Inhibits Proanthocyanidin Synthesis and Stimulates Anthocyanin Accumulation in Grape Berry Cells
Authors: Vale Mariana , Rodrigues Jéssica , Badim Hélder , Gerós Hernâni , Conde Artur
Published: October 2021

Secondary metabolic pathways in grape berries are tightly regulated by an array of molecular mechanisms, including microRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation. As recently discovered, before being processed into mature microRNAs (miRNAs), the primary transcripts of miRNAs (pri-miRNAs) can encode for small miRNA-encoded peptides (micropeptides – miPEPs) that ultimately lead to an accentuated downregulation of the respective miRNA-targeted genes. Although few studies about miPEPs are available, the discovery of miPEPs reveals a new layer of gene regulation at the post-transcriptional level that opens the possibility to regulate plant metabolism without resorting to gene manipulation. Here, we identified a miPEP encoded in non-maturemiR164cputatively targeting grapevine transcription factor VvMYBPA1 (miPEP164c/miPEP-MYBPA1), a positive regulator of key genes in the proanthocyanidin (PA)-biosynthetic pathway, a pathway that competes directly for substrate with the anthocyanin-biosynthetic pathway. Thus, the objective of this work was to test the hypothesis that the exogenous application of miPEP164c (miPEP-MYBPA1) can modulate the secondary metabolism of grape berry cells by inhibiting PA biosynthetic pathway while simultaneously stimulating anthocyanin synthesis. The exogenous application of miPEP164c to suspension-cultured cells from grape berry (cv. Gamay) enhanced the transcription of its corresponding non-maturemiR164c, with a maximum effect at 1 μM and after a period of 10 days, thus leading to a more pronounced post-transcriptional silencing of its target VvMYBPA1. This led to a significant inhibition of the PA pathway, mostlyviainhibition of leucoanthocyanidin reductase (LAR) and anthocyanidin reductase (ANR) enzymatic activities andVvLAR1downregulation. In parallel, the anthocyanin-biosynthetic route was stimulated. Anthocyanin content was 31% higher in miPEP164c-treated cells, in agreement with the observed upregulation ofVvUFGT1transcripts and UFGT enzyme activity levels.
Concurrent Disruption of Genetic Interference and Increase of Genetic Recombination Frequency in Hybrid Rice Using CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Liu Chaolei , Cao Yiwei , Hua Yufeng , Du Guijie , Liu Qing , Wei Xin , Sun Tingting , Lin Jianrong , Wu Mingguo , Cheng Zhukuan , Wang Kejian
Published: October 2021

Manipulation of the distribution and frequency of meiotic recombination events to increase genetic diversity and disrupting genetic interference are long-standing goals in crop breeding. However, attenuation of genetic interference is usually accompanied by a reduction in recombination frequency and subsequent loss of plant fertility. In the present study, we generated null mutants of the ZEP1 gene, which encodes the central component of the meiotic synaptonemal complex (SC), in a hybrid rice using CRISPR/Cas9. The null mutants exhibited absolute male sterility but maintained nearly unaffected female fertility. By pollinating the zep1 null mutants with pollen from indica rice variety 93-11, we successfully conducted genetic analysis and found that genetic recombination frequency was greatly increased and genetic interference was completely eliminated in the absence of ZEP1. The findings provided direct evidence to support the controversial hypothesis that SC is involved in mediating interference. Additionally, the remained female fertility of the null mutants makes it possible to break linkage drag. Our study provides a potential approach to increase genetic diversity and fully eliminate genetic interference in rice breeding.
How Can We Train The Brain To Help Stroke Patients?
Authors: Guger Christoph , Sebastián-Romagosa Marc , Cho Woosang , Oertzen Tim Von , Kamada Kyousuke , Allison Brendan Z. , Ortner Rupert
Published: October 2021

Many people who have had a stroke have trouble moving, even after therapy with the best experts and methods. New ways to make stroke therapy more effective could help people recover more effectively. Some research groups have developed brain-computer interface (BCI) systems that can measure when a stroke patient imagines hand movement by recording brain waves. We developed a BCI that used each patient’s brain activity to control a muscle stimulator and a monitor during therapy. The patients got rewarding feedback during therapy when they imagined a movement correctly. We tested 51 patients, some of whom had a stroke many years ago. Forty nine patients improved after the therapy, based on the results of standardized tests. Therefore, BCI-based therapy could help some stroke patients. We think there will be further advances in the next several years that will lead to more effective therapies using BCIs.
The Use of Botulinum Toxin in Complex Hernia Surgery: Achieving a Sense of Closure
Authors: Whitehead-Clarke Thomas , Windsor Alastair
Published: October 2021

Abdominal wall surgeons have developed a host of tools to help facilitate fascial closure. Botulinum toxin A is one of the most recently identified treatments and has grown in popularity over recent years; showing great promise in a number of case series and cohort studies. The toxin paralyses lateral abdominal wall muscles in order to increase laxity of the tissues—facilitating medialisation of the rectus muscles. Several research groups around the world are developing expertise with its use-uncovering its potential. We present a review of the relevant literature over the last two decades, summarising the key evidence behind its indications, dosing and effects.
Identification of Parental Genome Construction and Inherited Morphological Characteristics in Triploid and AneuploidIntergeneric Hybrids from a Diploid−Diploid Cross between Citrus and Fortunella
Authors: Yasuda Kiichi , Yahata Masaki , Sato Mai , Sudo Miki , Tominaga Akiyoshi , Kunitake Hisato
Published: October 2021

We previously obtained two intergeneric hybrids with different ploidies, i.e., aneuploid (2n = 28) and eutriploid, from diploid−diploid crosses between ‘Kiyomi’ tangor (Citrus unshiu Marcow. × C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck) and Meiwa kumquat (Fortunella crassifolia Swingle) as novel breeding materials for a seedless kumquat. In this study, we attempted to clarify the construction of the parental genomes of these hybrids by SSR genotyping and genomic in situ hybridization (GISH)−chromomycin A3 (CMA) analysis. SSR genotyping in NSX43 (LG5) and CiBE2227 (LG8) loci revealed that both hybrids inherited one allele from ‘Kiyomi’ tangor and two heterozygous alleles from Meiwa kumquat. The GISH analysis failed due to the high genomic homology between Citrus and Fortunella. At the same time, the CMA karyotype compositions of the two intergeneric hybrids (H15-701: 2A + 1B + 3C + 13D + 7E + 1F + 1Dst; H15-702: 3A + 1B + 2C + 15D + 4E +1F + 1Dst) and both parents (‘Kiyomi’ tangor: 1A + 2B + 2C + 6D + 7E; Meiwa kumquat: 2A + 2C + 12D + 1F + 1Dst) were completely revealed. We identified the parental genome construction and polyploidization processes in both intergeneric hybrids on the basis of these SSR genotypes and CMA karyotype compositions according to the following theory: the SSR genotypes and chromosome compositions were the same as those of the somatic chromosome and two-fold after the first division (even number) in unreduced gametes caused by first-division restitution (FDR) and second-division restitution (SDR), respectively. Consequently, we determined that both intergeneric hybrids may have had two genomes derived from the 2n male unreduced gamete as a result of the FDR of the Meiwa kumquat. In addition, most horticultural traits of the leaves, flowers, and fruits of both hybrids showed intermediate traits of the parents, but the fruit sizes and flowering habits were more like those of the two inherited genomes of Meiwa kumquat.
Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Photosynthetic Characteristics, Biomass, and Yield of Wheat under Different Shading Conditions
Authors: Zhang Hongzhi , Zhao Qi , Wang Zhong , Wang Lihong , Li Xiaorong , Fan Zheru , Zhang Yueqiang , Li Jianfeng , Gao Xin , Shi Jia , Chen Fu
Published: October 2021

Fruit-wheat intercropping is an important way to resolve the land competition between fruit and grain and ensure food security. However, there is little research on the mechanism of wheat yield formation and its response to nitrogen fertilizer under long-term shading. From 2016 to 2017, wheat variety “Xindong 20” was selected, and four shading treatments were set: shading at jointing stage 10%-shading at heading stage 25% (S1), 20%–50% (S2), 30%–75% (S3), normal light (S0) and four nitrogen fertilizer (N0: 0 kg ha−1, N1: 103.5 kg ha−1, N2: 138 kg ha−1, N3: 172.5 kg ha−1). The results show that compared with S0, wheat leaf area index (LAI), chlorophyll a, b and a + b content under S1 increase by 14.9–57.4%, 2.9–24.5%, 16.5–28.9%, 7.8–25.5%, respectively, and they decrease significantly under S2 and S3. With the increase in the shading range, the net photosynthesis rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (gs), and non-photochemical quentum coefficient (NPQ) decrease significantly, while the actual photochemical efficiency (ΦPSII) and the photochemical quenching coefficient (qP) increase significantly. Under S1, S2, and S3, the total dry matter accumulation (TDA), the dry matter accumulation of reproductive organs (DAR), and the yield decrease with the increase in shading range. Under the S0 and S1 conditions, compared with other nitrogen treatments, LAI, chlorophyll content, Pn, ΦPSII, qP, TDA, DAR, and yield of wheat under N2 treatment increase by 4.1–366.9%, 5.7–56.3%, 3.0–131.7%, 6.7–87.5%, 3.7–96.9%, 7.1–340.8%, 0.3–323.0%, 1.5–231.2%. Therefore, under jujube-wheat intercropping, and apricot-wheat and walnut-wheat with light shade in the early stage, photosynthetic capacity of wheat leaves and dry matter accumulation and transfer to grains can be regulated by proper nitrogen application, which is beneficial to compensate for the negative effects of insufficient light on wheat yield; under moderate or excessive shading conditions (apricot-wheat and walnut-wheat in full fruit period), the regulating effect of nitrogen application on wheat is reduced, and the nitrogen application should be moderately reduced.
Elemental and Molecular Composition of Humic Acids Isolated from Soils of Tallgrass Temperate Rainforests (Chernevaya taiga) by 1H-13C HECTCOR NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Polyakov Vyacheslav , Loiko Sergey , Istigechev Georgiy , Lapidus Alla , Abakumov Evgeny
Published: October 2021

The soils of Chernevaya taiga (tallgrass fir-aspen hemiboreal rainforest) have high fertility in comparison with oligotrophic analogs formed in boreal taiga. We have studied humic acids isolated from the soils of Chernevaya and oligotrophic taiga in the Novosibirsk, Tomsk, Kemerovo and the Altai regions of Russia and for the first time the structural and molecular composition of humic acids was determined using 13C CP/MAS and 1H-13C HETCOR NMR spectroscopy. According to data obtained in this study, up to 48% of aromatic compounds accumulate in the soils of Chernevaya taiga, which is higher than in the oligotrophic taiga and comparable with this rate of steppe Chernozems. In the course of active processes of transformation of organic matter, a significant number of aromatic fragments accumulates in the middle horizons of soil profiles. Using 13C CP/MAS spectroscopy, it was possible to identify the main structural fragments (aliphatic and aromatic) that formed in humic acids of the Chernevaya taiga. The HETCOR experiment made it possible to accurately determine the boundaries of chemical shifts of the main groups of structural fragments of humic acids. Our results demonstrate that the stabilization of organic compounds occurs in the soil of the Chernevaya taiga, which leads to the resistance of organic matter to biodegradation that is not typical for benchmark soils of boreal environments.
Effect of Essential Oils on the Inhibition of Biofilm and Quorum Sensing in Salmonella enteritidis 13076 and Salmonella typhimurium 14028
Authors: Guillín Yuliany , Cáceres Marlon , Torres Rodrigo , Stashenko Elena , Ortiz Claudia
Published: October 2021

The emergence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms represents a global challenge that has led to a search for new antimicrobial compounds. Essential oils (EOs) from medicinal aromatic plants are a potential alternative for conventional antibiotics. In this study, the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm potential of 15 EOs was evaluated on planktonic and biofilm-associated cells of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis ATCC 13076 (S. enteritidis) and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium ATCC 14028 (S. typhimurium). In total, 4 out of 15 EOs showed antimicrobial activity and 6 EOs showed anti-biofilm activity against both strains. The EO from the Lippia origanoides chemotype thymol-carvacrol II (LTC II) presented the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50 = 0.37 mg mL−1) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC = 0.75 mg mL−1) values. This EO also presented the highest percentage of biofilm inhibition (>65%) on both microorganisms, which could be confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Transcriptional analysis showed significant changes in the expression of the genes related to quorum sensing and the formation of the biofilm. EOs could inhibit the expression of genes involved in the quorum sensing mechanism (luxR, luxS, qseB, sdiA) and biofilm formation (csgA, csgB, csgD, flhD, fliZ, and motB), indicating their potential use as anti-biofilm antimicrobial agents. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the action mechanisms of essential oils on the bacterial cells under study.
Monitoring of Energy Data with Seamless Temporal Accuracy Based on the Time-Sensitive Networking Standard and Enhanced µPMUs
Authors: Pallarés-López Víctor , Real-Calvo Rafael Jesús , del Rio Jiménez Silvia , González-Redondo Miguel , Moreno-García Isabel , Santiago Isabel
Published: October 2021

In the energy sector, distributed synchronism and a high degree of stability are necessary for all real-time monitoring and control systems. Instantaneous response to critical situations is essential for the integration of renewable energies. The most widely used standards for clock synchronisation, such as Network Time Protocol (NTP) and Precision Time Protocol (PTP), do not allow for achieving synchronised simultaneous sampling in distributed systems. In this work, a novel distributed synchronism system based on the Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) standard has been validated for its integration in an architecture oriented towards the high-resolution digitisation of photovoltaic (PV) generation systems. This method guarantees a time stamping with an optimal resolution that allows for the analysis of the influence of fast-evolving atmospheric fluctuations in several plants located in the same geographical area. This paper proposes an enhanced micro-phasor measurement unit (µPMU) that acts as a phasor meter and TSN master controlling the monitoring system synchronism. With this technique, the synchronism would be extended to the remaining measurement systems that would be involved in the installation at distances greater than 100 m. Several analyses were carried out with an on-line topology of four acquisition systems capturing simultaneously. The influence of the Ethernet network and the transducers involved in the acquisition process were studied. Tests were performed with Ethernet cable lengths of 2, 10, 50, and 75 m. The results were validated with 24-bit Sigma-Delta converters and high-precision resistor networks specialised in high-voltage monitoring. It was observed that with an appropriate choice of sensors and TSN synchronism, phase errors of less than ±1 µs can be guaranteed by performing distributed captures up to 50 kS/s. Statistical analysis showed that uncertainties of less than ±100 ns were achieved with 16-bit Successive Approximation Register (SAR) converters at a moderate cost. Finally, the requirements of the IEEE C37.118.1-2011 standard for phasor measurement units (PMU) were also satisfied. This standard establishes an uncertainty of ±3.1 μs for 50 Hz systems. These results demonstrate the feasibility of implementing a simultaneous sampling system for distributed acquisition systems coordinated by a µPMU.
Increased Expression of TGF-β1 by 4-hexylresorcinol Is Mediated by Endoplasmic Reticulum and Mitochondrial Stress in Human Umbilical Endothelial Vein Cells
Authors: Kim Jwa-Young , Kim Dae-Won , Lee Suk Keun , Choi Je-Yong , Che Xiangguo , Kim Seong-Gon , Garagiola Umberto
Published: October 2021

In our previous study, 4-hexylresorcinol (4HR) increased the expression level of vascular endothelial growth factor in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) via the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-mediated pathway. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondrial stress is a positive regulator of cellular differentiation. As TGF-β1 is a master regulator for cellular differentiation, 4HR treatment may increase TGF-β1 expression via ER stress. In this study, HUVECs were treated using 4HR (1–100 μM) for 24 h. The 4HR treatment increased ER stress-associated markers and mitochondrial stress. Increased TGF-β1 expression by 4HR administration was alleviated by tauroursodeoxycholate (ER stress inhibitor) treatment. Combining these activities with the elevated acetylation level of histone 3 (H3) by 4HR treatment, TGF-β1 expression was increased in HUVECs. Overall, 4HR increased TGF-β1 expression through upregulation of the stress response of ER as well as H3 acetylation in HUVECs.
Integral-Type Edge-Event- and Edge-Self-Triggered Synchronization to Multi-Agent Systems with Lur’e Nonlinear Dynamics
Authors: Dai Mingzhe , Liu Jie , Wu Jin , Zhang Chengxi , Zhao Dangjun
Published: October 2021

This paper proposes event- and self-triggered control strategies to achieve distributed synchronization for multiple Lur’e systems with unknown static nonlinearities. Firstly, the integral-type edge-event-triggered function is designed here without Zeno behaviors. Compared to the traditional event-triggered schemes, the considered algorithm has the advantages of reducing controller update frequency and sensor energy consumption. Then, the integral-type self-triggered is further investigated, which implements discontinuous monitoring and discontinuous agent listening. Finally, numerical simulations verified the effectiveness and superiority of our policies.
ETAS Space–Time Modeling of Chile Triggered Seismicity Using Covariates: Some Preliminary Results
Authors: Chiodi Marcello , Nicolis Orietta , Adelfio Giada , D’Angelo Nicoletta , Gonzàlez Alex
Published: October 2021

Chilean seismic activity is one of the strongest in the world. As already shown in previous papers, seismic activity can be usefully described by a space–time branching process, such as the ETAS (Epidemic Type Aftershock Sequences) model, which is a semiparametric model with a large time-scale component for the background seismicity and a small time-scale component for the triggered seismicity. The use of covariates can improve the description of triggered seismicity in the ETAS model, so in this paper, we study the Chilean seismicity separately for the North and South area, using some GPS-related data observed together with ordinary catalog data. Our results show evidence that the use of some covariates can improve the fitting of the ETAS model.
Publish and Subscribe-Based Formation and Containment Control of Heterogeneous Robotic System with Actuator Time Delay
Authors: Elkhider Siddig M. , Al-Buraiki Omar , El-Ferik Sami
Published: October 2021

This paper addresses the problem of controlling a heterogeneous system composed of multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) for formation and containment maintenance. The proposed approach considers actuator time delay and, in addition to formation and containment, considers obstacle avoidance, and offers a robust navigation algorithm and uses a reliable middleware for data transmission and exchange. The methodology followed uses both flocking technique and modified L1 adaptive control to ensure the proper navigation and coordination while avoiding obstacles. The data exchange between all the agents is provided through the data distribution services (DDS) middleware, which solves the interoperability issue when dealing with heterogeneous multiagent systems. The modified L1 controller is a local controller for stabilizing the dynamic model of each UAV and AUV, and the flocking approach is used to coordinate the followers around the leader or within the space delimited by their leaders. Potential Field (PF) allows obstacle avoidance during the agents’ movement. The performance of the proposed approach under the considerations mentioned above are verified and demonstrated using simulations.