bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Diversity of Hepatitis Virus Markers among Patients with Acute Febrile Jaundice in Chad
Authors: Yandai Fissou Henry , Traore Kuan Abdoulaye , Moussa Ali Mahamat , Ouoba Bruno Lalidia , Ouoba Jean Bienvenue , Bolti Mahamat Ali , Abakar Mahamat Fayiz , Hota Mathieu , Gamougam Kadidja , Nadlao Bessimbaye , Uwimbabazi Jean-Claude , Tao Nadji Emmanuel , Ngandolo Bongo Nare , Roques Pierre , Barro Nicolas
Published: November 2021

Only a minority of the patients with acute febrile jaundice evaluated through the Yellow Fever surveillance program were found positive for antibodies against Yellow Fever Virus (YFV). In order to characterize patients with acute febrile jaundice negative for YFV, we collected 255 sera between January to December 2019. We screened for HBV antigens, and antibodies against HCV and HEV. The seroprevalences observed were 10.6% (27/255) for HBV, 2% (5/255) for HCV, 17.3% (44/255) for HEV IgG, 4.3% (11/255) for HEV IgM, and 12.5% (32/255) for both IgG and IgM HEV. Prevalence of HEV was significantly higher in females than males (p < 0.01). HEV IgG prevalence was highest in those 20–29 years old, but the highest incidence rate (IgM positive) was in children 0–9 years old. Exposure to HEV was higher in the Sahelian zone (55.8%, 95% CI: 40.97–70.66) than in the Sudanese zone (30.2%, 95% CI: 24.01–36.37, p = 0.003). The high prevalence rates and hepatitis virus diversity underline the challenge of routine clinical diagnosis in Chad’s Yellow Fever surveillance program.
The Use of a Diode Laser for Removal of Microorganisms from the Surfaces of Zirconia and Porcelain Applied to Superstructure Dental Implants
Authors: Wawrzyk Anna , Łobacz Michał , Adamczuk Agnieszka , Sofińska-Chmiel Weronika , Wilczyński Sławomir , Rahnama Mansur
Published: November 2021

The aim of this paper was to study the effectiveness of a diode laser (LD) for removal of microorganisms isolated from porcelain and zirconia crown surfaces used in implantoprosthetics in order to minimize infections around dental implants. In order to optimize biocidal efficacy of the process (at the same time, avoiding increasing the surface roughness during decontamination) the effects of diode laser doses were investigated. The irradiation was performed with a diode laser at the wavelength of λ = 810 nm in three variants with a different number of repetitions (1 × 15 s, 2 × 15 s, 3 × 15 s). The quantitative microbial contamination of the surface of teeth, porcelain and zirconia crowns assessment was made using the culture-dependent method. The identification of microorganisms took place using the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods. The studies of the surface morphology and roughness were carried out by means of the optical profilometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy with the C1 confocal attachment. The most important conclusion from the research is the fact that the laser operation, regardless of the exposure time, effectively eliminates the microorganisms from the surfaces used for dental implant rebuilding and does not have a destructive effect on the tested material.
Application of Deep Learning in Petrographic Coal Images Segmentation
Authors: Iwaszenko Sebastian , Róg Leokadia
Published: November 2021

The study of the petrographic structure of medium- and high-rank coals is important from both a cognitive and a utilitarian point of view. The petrographic constituents and their individual characteristics and features are responsible for the properties of coal and the way it behaves in various technological processes. This paper considers the application of convolutional neural networks for coal petrographic images segmentation. The U-Net-based model for segmentation was proposed. The network was trained to segment inertinite, liptinite, and vitrinite. The segmentations prepared manually by a domain expert were used as the ground truth. The results show that inertinite and vitrinite can be successfully segmented with minimal difference from the ground truth. The liptinite turned out to be much more difficult to segment. After usage of transfer learning, moderate results were obtained. Nevertheless, the application of the U-Net-based network for petrographic image segmentation was successful. The results are good enough to consider the method as a supporting tool for domain experts in everyday work.
Mineralogy, Fluid Inclusions, and Isotopic Study of the Kargah Cu-Pb Polymetallic Vein-Type Deposit, Kohistan Island Arc, Northern Pakistan: Implication for Ore Genesis
Authors: Hussain Zahid , Tao Chunhui , Li Chun-Feng , Liao Shili , Alam Masroor , Farhan Muhammad , Zhang Huichao , Hussain Amjad
Published: November 2021

The Kargah Cu-Pb polymetallic deposit is a newly discovered ore deposit from the Gilgit-Baltistan region, located in the Kohistan Island Arc, northern Pakistan. However, this area is poorly researched on the ore genesis, and its origin and the evolution of its magmatic-hydrothermal system remain unclear. Three stages of mineralization were identified, including quartz-pyrite, quartz-sulfide, and carbonate representing early, middle, and late stages, respectively. The major ore minerals are pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, and zincian tetrahedrite with minor native silver, and native gold mainly distributed in pyrite. Here, we present a systematic study on ore geology, hydrothermal alterations, trace element composition of pyrite, fluid inclusions, and isotopes (S and Pb) characteristics to gain insights into the nature of the ore-forming fluids, types of unknown deposits, and hydrothermal fluid evolution. The high Co/Ni ratio (1.3–16.4) and Co content (average 1201 ppm), the low Mo/Ni ratio (0.43–0.94) and Mo contents (average 108 ppm) of both Py-I and Py-II suggest a mafic source for the mineralization. The Au-Ni plots, Co-As-Ni correlation, and the δ34S values range from −2.8 to 6.4‰ (average of 3.4‰) indicating the affiliation of the mineralization with a mantle-derived magmatic-hydrothermal provenance. The Pb isotope data showing the narrow variations in 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb values suggest a single lead source from crustal-derived materials. The microthermometry data suggest that the dominant mechanisms are fluid boiling and mixing for mineral precipitation at temperatures ranging between 155 and 555 °C, and represent an intrusion-related magmatic-hydrothermal environment for the Kargah Cu-Pb polymetallic deposit.
Experimental Modeling of Ankerite–Pyrite Interaction under Lithospheric Mantle P–T Parameters: Implications for Graphite Formation as a Result of Ankerite Sulfidation
Authors: Bataleva Yuliya V. , Novoselov Ivan D. , Borzdov Yuri M. , Furman Olga V. , Palyanov Yuri N.
Published: November 2021

Experimental modeling of ankerite–pyrite interaction was carried out on a multi-anvil high-pressure apparatus of a “split sphere” type (6.3 GPa, 1050–1550 °C, 20–60 h). At T ≤ 1250 °C, the formation of pyrrhotite, dolomite, magnesite, and metastable graphite was established. At higher temperatures, the generation of two immiscible melts (carbonate and sulfide ones), as well as graphite crystallization and diamond growth on seeds, occurred. It was established that the decrease in iron concentration in ankerite occurs by extraction of iron by sulfide and leads to the formation of pyrrhotite or sulfide melt, with corresponding ankerite breakdown into dolomite and magnesite. Further redox interaction of Ca,Mg,Fe carbonates with pyrrhotite (or between carbonate and sulfide melts) results in the carbonate reduction to C0 and metastable graphite formation (±diamond growth on seeds). It was established that the ankerite–pyrite interaction, which can occur in a downgoing slab, involves ankerite sulfidation that triggers further graphite-forming redox reactions and can be one of the scenarios of the elemental carbon formation under subduction settings.
Bioactivity of PEGylated Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles Combined with Near-Infrared Laser Irradiation Studied in Colorectal Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Krasteva Natalia , Staneva Dessislava , Vasileva Bela , Miloshev George , Georgieva Milena
Published: November 2021

Central focus in modern anticancer nanosystems is given to certain types of nanomaterials such as graphene oxide (GO). Its functionalization with polyethylene glycol (PEG) demonstrates high delivery efficiency and controllable release of proteins, bioimaging agents, chemotherapeutics and anticancer drugs. GO–PEG has a good biological safety profile, exhibits high NIR absorbance and capacity in photothermal treatment. To investigate the bioactivity of PEGylated GO NPs in combination with NIR irradiation on colorectal cancer cells we conducted experiments that aim to reveal the molecular mechanisms of action of this nanocarrier, combined with near-infrared light (NIR) on the high invasive Colon26 and the low invasive HT29 colon cancer cell lines. During reaching cancer cells the phototoxicity of GO–PEG is modulated by NIR laser irradiation. We observed that PEGylation of GO nanoparticles has well-pronounced biocompatibility toward colorectal carcinoma cells, besides their different malignant potential and treatment times. This biocompatibility is potentiated when GO–PEG treatment is combined with NIR irradiation, especially for cells cultured and treated for 24 h. The tested bioactivity of GO–PEG in combination with NIR irradiation induced little to no damages in DNA and did not influence the mitochondrial activity. Our findings demonstrate the potential of GO–PEG-based photoactivity as a nanosystem for colorectal cancer treatment.
Gold Nanorod-Decorated Metallic MoS2 Nanosheets for Synergistic Photothermal and Photodynamic Antibacterial Therapy
Authors: Yougbaré Sibidou , Mutalik Chinmaya , Chung Pei-Feng , Krisnawati Dyah Ika , Rinawati Fajar , Irawan Hengky , Kristanto Heny , Kuo Tsung-Rong
Published: November 2021

Light-responsive nanocomposites have become increasingly attractive in the biomedical field for antibacterial applications. Visible-light-activated metallic molybdenum disulfide nanosheets (1T-MoS2 NSs) and plasmonic gold nanorods (AuNRs) with absorption at a wavelength of 808 nm were synthesized. AuNR nanocomposites decorated onto 1T-MoS2 NSs (MoS2@AuNRs) were successfully prepared by electrostatic adsorption for phototherapy applications. Based on the photothermal effect, the solution temperature of the MoS2@AuNR nanocomposites increased from 25 to 66.7 °C after 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation for 10 min. For the photodynamic effect, the MoS2@AuNR nanocomposites generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) under visible light irradiation. Photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy of MoS2@AuNRs were confirmed against E. coli by agar plate counts. Most importantly, the combination of photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy from the MoS2@AuNR nanocomposites revealed higher antibacterial activity than photothermal or photodynamic therapy alone. The light-activated MoS2@AuNR nanocomposites exhibited a remarkable synergistic effect of photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy, which provides an alternative approach to fight bacterial infections.
The Effect of Ethanol on Abnormal Grain Growth in Copper Foils
Authors: Li Zhancheng , Zhang Yongna , Duan Yinwu , Huang Deping , Shi Haofei
Published: November 2021

Single-crystal Cu not only has high electrical and thermal conductivity, but can also be used as a promising platform for the epitaxial growth of two-dimensional materials. Preparing large-area single-crystal Cu foils from polycrystalline foils has emerged as the most promising technique in terms of its simplicity and effectiveness. However, the studies on transforming polycrystalline foil into large-area single-crystal foil mainly focus on the influence of annealing temperature and strain energy on the recrystallization process of copper foil, while studies on the effect of annealing atmosphere on abnormal grain growth behavior are relatively rare. It is necessary to carry out more studies on the effect of annealing atmosphere on grain growth behavior to understand the recrystallization mechanism of metal. Here, we found that introduction of ethanol in pure argon annealing atmosphere will cause the abnormal grain growth of copper foil. Moreover, the number of abnormally grown grains can be controlled by the concentration of ethanol in the annealing atmosphere. Using this technology, the number of abnormally grown grains on the copper foil can be controlled to single one. This abnormally grown grain will grow rapidly to decimeter-size by consuming the surrounding small grains. This work provides a new perspective for the understanding of the recrystallization of metals, and a new method for the preparation of large-area single-crystal copper foils.
Synthesis and Characterization of MgO Thin Films Obtained by Spray Technique for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Tlili Maher , Nefzi Chayma , Alhalaili Badriyah , Bouzidi Chaker , Ajili Lassaad , Jebbari Neila , Vidu Ruxandra , Turki Kamoun Najoua
Published: November 2021

Magnesium oxide (MgO) thin films with different magnesium concentrations ([Mg2+] = 0.05, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2 mol·L−1) in a spray solution have been successfully grown using a spray pyrolysis technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Maud software, FTIR spectroscopy, a confocal microscope, Wien2k software, spectrophotometry and a Photoluminescence spectrometer were used to investigate the structural, morphological and optical properties. XRD analysis revealed a better crystalline quality of the MgO thin layer synthesized with [Mg2+] = 0.15 mol·L−1, which crystallized into a face-centered cubic structure along the preferred orientation (200) lattice plan. The enhancement of the crystalline quality for the MgO thin film ([Mg2+] = 0.15 mol·L−1) was obtained, which was accompanied by an increment of 94.3 nm of the crystallite size. No secondary phase was detected and the purity phase of the MgO thin film was confirmed using Maud software. From the transmission spectra results, high transparent and antireflective properties of the MgO thin film were observed, with an average transmission value of about 91.48% in the visible range, which can be used as an optical window or buffer layer in solar cell applications. The films also have a high reflectance value in the IR range, which indicates that the highly reflective surface will prevent an increase in surface temperature under solar irradiation, which could be beneficial in solar cell applications. A direct band gap type was estimated using the Tauc relation which is close to the experimental value of 4.0 eV for optimal growth. The MgO material was tested for the degradation of methylene blue (MB), which reached a high photodegradation rate of about 83% after 180 min under sunlight illumination. These experimental trends open a new door for promising the removal of water contaminants for photocatalysis application.
Obesity-Related Indices Are Associated with Longitudinal Changes in Lung Function: A Large Taiwanese Population Follow-Up Study
Authors: Hsu Yu-En , Chen Szu-Chia , Geng Jiun-Hung , Wu Da-Wei , Wu Pei-Yu , Huang Jiun-Chi
Published: November 2021

The global pandemic of obesity and the increasing incidence of chronic respiratory diseases are growing health concerns. The association between obesity and pulmonary function is uncertain. Therefore, this study aimed to explore associations between changes in lung function and obesity-related indices in a large longitudinal study. A total of 9059 participants with no personal histories of asthma, smoking, bronchitis, or emphysema were enrolled from the Taiwan Biobank and followed for 4 years. Lung function was assessed using spirometry measurements including forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). Changes in FEV1/FVC (∆FEV1/FVC) between baseline and follow-up were calculated. The following obesity-related indices were studied: lipid accumulation product (LAP), body roundness index (BRI), conicity index (CI), body adiposity index (BAI), abdominal volume index (AVI), body mass index (BMI), waist–hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). In multivariable analysis, the subjects with high BMI (p < 0.001), WHR (p < 0.001), WHtR (p < 0.001), LAP (p = 0.002), BRI (p < 0.001), CI (p = 0.005), BAI (p < 0.001), and AVI (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with a high baseline FEV1/FVC. After 4 years of follow-up, the subjects with high BMI (p < 0.001), WHR (p < 0.001), WHtR (p < 0.001), LAP (p = 0.001), BRI (p < 0.001), CI (p = 0.002), BAI (p < 0.001), and AVI (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with a low △FEV1/FVC. High obesity-related index values were associated with better baseline lung function and a rapid decrease in lung function at follow-up.
The Prognostic Role of Glutathione and Its Related Antioxidant Enzymes in the Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Hsiao Yung-Fang , Cheng Shao-Bin , Lai Chia-Yu , Liu Hsiao-Tien , Huang Shih-Chien , Huang Yi-Chia
Published: November 2021

The imbalance of high oxidative stress and low antioxidant capacities is thought to be a significant cause of the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the impact of oxidative stress, glutathione (GSH), and its related antioxidant enzymes on the recurrence of HCC has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to compare the changes to oxidative stress and GSH-related antioxidant capacities before and after tumor resection in patients with HCC recurrence and non-recurrence. We also evaluated the prognostic significance of GSH and its related enzymes in HCC recurrence. This was a cross-sectional and follow-up study. Ninety-two HCC patients who were going to receive tumor resection were recruited. We followed patients’ recurrence and survival status until the end of the study, and then assigned patients into the recurrent or the non-recurrent group. The tumor recurrence rate was 52.2% during the median follow-up period of 3.0 years. Patients had significantly lower plasma malondialdehyde level, but significantly or slightly higher levels of GSH, glutathione disulfide, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities after tumor resection compared to the respective levels before tumor resection in both recurrent and non-recurrent groups. GSH level in HCC tissue was significantly higher than that in adjacent normal tissue in both recurrent and non-recurrent patients. Decreased plasma GPx (HR = 0.995, p = 0.01) and GR (HR = 0.98, p = 0.04) activities before tumor resection, and the increased change of GPx (post—pre-resection) (HR = 1.004, p = 0.03) activity were significantly associated with the recurrence of HCC. These findings suggest there might be a possible application of GPx or GR as therapeutic targets for reducing HCC recurrence.
Comparison of Preoperative Nutritional Indexes for Outcomes after Primary Esophageal Surgery for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yoon Jung-Pil , Nam Jae-Sik , Abidin Mohd Fitry Bin Zainal , Kim Seon-Ok , Lee Eun-Ho , Choi In-Cheol , Chin Ji-Hyun
Published: November 2021

Background: This study aimed to compare the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) for predicting postoperative outcomes in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma undergoing esophagectomy. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 1265 consecutive patients who underwent elective esophageal surgery. The patients were classified into no risk, low-risk, moderate-risk, and high-risk groups based on nutritional scores. Results: The moderate-risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24–1.92, p < 0.001 in CONUT; HR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.22–2.12, p = 0.001 in GNRI; HR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.20–2.26, p = 0.002 in PNI) and high-risk groups (HR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.47–2.48, p < 0.001 in CONUT; HR: 2.54, 95% CI: 1.64–3.93, p < 0.001 in GNRI; HR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.77–3.06, p < 0.001 in PNI) exhibited significantly worse 5-year overall survival (OS) compared with the no-risk group. As the nutritional status worsened, the trend in the OS rates decreased (p for trend in all indexes < 0.05). Conclusions: Malnutrition, evaluated by any of three nutritional indexes, was an independent prognostic factor for postoperative survival.
Facing the Forecaster’s Dilemma: Reflexivity in Ocean System Forecasting
Authors: Record Nicholas R. , Pershing Andrew J.
Published: November 2021

Unlike atmospheric weather forecasting, ocean forecasting is often reflexive; for many applications, the forecast and its dissemination can change the outcome, and is in this way, a part of the system. Reflexivity has implications for several ocean forecasting applications, such as fisheries management, endangered species management, toxic and invasive species management, and community science. The field of ocean system forecasting is experiencing rapid growth, and there is an opportunity to add the reflexivity dynamic to the conventional approach taken from weather forecasting. Social science has grappled with reflexivity for decades and can offer a valuable perspective. Ocean forecasting is often iterative, thus it can also offer opportunities to advance the general understanding of reflexive prediction. In this paper, we present a basic theoretical skeleton for considering iterative reflexivity in an ocean forecasting context. It is possible to explore the reflexive dynamics because the prediction is iterative. The central problem amounts to a tension between providing a reliably accurate forecast and affecting a desired outcome via the forecast. These two objectives are not always compatible. We map a review of the literature onto relevant ecological scales that contextualize the role of reflexivity across a range of applications, from biogeochemical (e.g., hypoxia and harmful algal blooms) to endangered species management. Formulating reflexivity mathematically provides one explicit mechanism for integrating natural and social sciences. In the context of the Anthropocene ocean, reflexivity helps us understand whether forecasts are meant to mitigate and control environmental changes, or to adapt and respond within a changing system. By thinking about reflexivity as part of the foundation of ocean system forecasting, we hope to avoid some of the unintended consequences that can derail forecasting programs.
Nervous Necrosis Virus-like Particle (VLP) Vaccine Stimulates European Sea Bass Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses and Induces Long-Term Protection against Disease
Authors: Barsøe Sofie , Skovgaard Kerstin , Sepúlveda Dagoberto , Stratmann Ansgar , Vendramin Niccolò , Lorenzen Niels
Published: November 2021

The rapidly increasing Mediterranean aquaculture production of European sea bass is compromised by outbreaks of viral nervous necrosis, which can be recurrent and detrimental. In this study, we evaluated the duration of protection and immune response in sea bass given a single dose of a virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccine. Examinations included experimental challenge with nervous necrosis virus (NNV), serological assays for NNV-specific antibody reactivity, and immune gene expression analysis. VLP-vaccinated fish showed high and superior survival in challenge both 3 and 7.5 months (1800 and 4500 dd) post-vaccination (RPS 87 and 88, OR (surviving) = 16.5 and 31.5, respectively, p < 0.01). Although not providing sterile immunity, VLP vaccination seemed to control the viral infection, as indicated by low prevalence of virus in the VLP-vaccinated survivors. High titers of neutralizing and specific antibodies were produced in VLP-vaccinated fish and persisted for at least ~9 months post-vaccination as well as after challenge. However, failure of immune sera to protect recipient fish in a passive immunization trial suggested that other immune mechanisms were important for protection. Accordingly, gene expression analysis revealed that VLP-vaccination induced a mechanistically broad immune response including upregulation of both innate and adaptive humoral and cellular components (mx, isg12, mhc I, mhc II, igm, and igt). No clinical side effects of the VLP vaccination at either tissue or performance levels were observed. The results altogether suggested the VLP-based vaccine to be suitable for clinical testing under farming conditions.
Galleria mellonella as a Good Model to Study Acinetobacter baumannii Pathogenesis
Authors: Tao Ye , Duma Luminita , Rossez Yannick
Published: November 2021

The invertebrate model, Galleria mellonella, has been widely used to study host–pathogen interactions due to its cheapness, ease of handling, and similar mammalian innate immune system. G. mellonella larvae have been proven to be useful and a reliable model for analyzing pathogenesis mechanisms of multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, an opportunistic pathogen difficult to kill. This review describes the detailed experimental design of G. mellonella/A. baumannii models, and provides a comprehensive comparison of various virulence factors and therapy strategies using the G. mellonella host. These investigations highlight the importance of this host–pathogen model for in vivo pathogen virulence studies. On the long term, further development of the G. mellonella/A. baumannii model will offer promising insights for clinical treatments of A. baumannii infection.
Knowledge of Brucellosis, Health-Seeking Behaviour, and Risk Factors for Brucella Infection amongst Workers on Cattle Farms in Gauteng, South Africa
Authors: Govindasamy Krpasha , Etter Eric M. C. , Harris Bernice N. , Rossouw Jennifer , Abernethy Darrell A. , Thompson Peter N.
Published: November 2021

Brucellosis in humans is under-detected and underreported in sub-Saharan Africa. Risk factors associated with Brucella infection and health seeking behaviour in response to brucellosis-like symptoms, amongst cattle farm workers and veterinary officials in South Africa, are unknown. Farm workers and veterinary officials (N = 230) were screened for brucellosis using commercial Rose Bengal Test (RBT®), IgM Enzyme-linked Immunoassay (ELISA)®, IgG ELISA® and the BrucellaCapt® test. Knowledge of brucellosis and risk factors for exposure to Brucella were also investigated. Seroprevalence varied according to test used: 10.1% (RBT®), 20.9% (IgG ELISA®) and 6.5% (BrucellaCapt®). Only 22.2% (6/27) of veterinary officials opt to visit a clinic, doctor, or hospital in response to self-experienced brucellosis-like symptoms, compared to 74.9% (152/203) of farm workers (p < 0.001). Of the BrucellaCapt® seropositive participants, 53% (7/15) did not visit a clinic in response to brucellosis-like symptoms. Weak evidence of an association between the handling of afterbirth or placenta and infection of a short evolution (RBT®, IgM ELISA® and IgG ELISA® seropositive) was found (OR = 8.9, 95% CI: 1.0–81.1, p = 0.052), and strong evidence of an association between this outcome and the slaughter of cattle (OR = 5.3, 95% CI: 1.4–19.6, p = 0.013). There was strong evidence of a positive association between inactive/resolved infection and veterinary officials vs. farm workers exposed to seropositive herds (OR = 7.0, 95% CI: 2.4–20.2, p < 0.001), with a simultaneous negative association with the handling of afterbirth or placenta (OR = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.3–11.3, p = 0.012). Findings suggest a proportion of undetected clinical cases of brucellosis amongst workers on cattle farms in Gauteng.
Interaction between M. tuberculosis Lineage and Human Genetic Variants Reveals Novel Pathway Associations with Severity of TB
Authors: McHenry Michael L. , Wampande Eddie M. , Joloba Moses L. , Malone LaShaunda L. , Mayanja-Kizza Harriet , Bush William S. , Boom W. Henry , Williams Scott M. , Stein Catherine M.
Published: November 2021

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health threat globally, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Both human and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTBC) genetic variation affect TB outcomes, but few studies have examined if and how the two genomes interact to affect disease. We hypothesize that long-term coexistence between human genomes and MTBC lineages modulates disease to affect its severity. We examined this hypothesis in our TB household contact study in Kampala, Uganda, in which we identified three MTBC lineages, of which one, L4.6-Uganda, is clearly derived and hence recent. We quantified TB severity using the Bandim TBscore and examined the interaction between MTBC lineage and human single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genome-wide, in two independent cohorts of TB cases (n = 149 and n = 127). We found a significant interaction between an SNP in PPIAP2 and the Uganda lineage (combined p = 4 × 10−8). PPIAP2 is a pseudogene that is highly expressed in immune cells. Pathway and eQTL analyses indicated potential roles between coevolving SNPs and cellular replication and metabolism as well as platelet aggregation and coagulation. This finding provides further evidence that host–pathogen interactions affect clinical presentation differently than host and pathogen genetic variation independently, and that human–MTBC coevolution is likely to explain patterns of disease severity.
Short- and Long-Term Immunological Responses in Chronic HCV/HIV Co-Infected Compared to HCV Mono-Infected Patients after DAA Therapy
Authors: Farcomeni Stefania , Moretti Sonia , Fimiani Caterina , Sulekova Lucia Fontanelli , Vescio Fenicia , Sernicola Leonardo , Maggiorella Maria T. , Remoli Anna Lisa , Picconi Orietta , Mosca Luciana , Esvan Rozenn , Biliotti Elisa , Ciccozzi Massimo , Sgarbanti Marco , Taliani Gloria , Borsetti Alessandra
Published: November 2021

Background: Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) treatment, although highly efficacious for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, may not completely reconstitute the HCV-mediated dysregulated immune system, especially in patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HCV. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the impact of HCV eradication following DAA therapy on the immune system and liver disease improvement through comparative monitoring of 10 HCV mono-infected and 10 HCV/HIV co-infected patients under combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). Early and late longitudinal phenotypic changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) subsets, T-cell activation, differentiation and exhaustion, as well as inflammatory biomarkers, indoleamine 2-3 dioxygenase (IDO) activity, and liver stiffness, APRI and FIB-4 scores were assessed. Materials and Methods: Samples were obtained at baseline (T0), week 1 (T1), week 2 (T2), week 12 (T3, end of treatment, EOT), and month 9 (T4, end of follow-up, 36 weeks post EOT). Results: All patients achieved a sustained virological response (SVR 12) after DAA treatment. Overall, changes of the T-cell immune phenotypes were greater in HCV/HIV co-infected than in HCV mono-infected, due to an increase in CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell percentages and of CD8+ T-cell activation and memory markers, in particular at the end of follow-up. On the other end, HCV mono-infected showed changes in the activation profile and in the memory CD4+ T-cell compartment. In HCV/HIV co-infected, a decrease in the IDO activity by DAA treatment was observed; conversely, in HCV mono-infected, it resulted unmodified. Regarding inflammatory mediators, viral suppression was associated with a reduction in IP-10 levels, while interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-7, interferon (IFN)-β, and interferon (IFN)-γ levels were downregulated during therapy and increased post therapy. A decrease in liver stiffness, APRI, and FIB-4 scores was also observed. Conclusions: Our study suggests that, although patients achieved HCV eradication, the immune activation state in both HCV mono-infected and HCV/HIV co-infected patients remains elevated for a long time after the end of DAA therapy, despite an improvement of liver-specific outcomes, meanwhile highlighting the distinct immunophenotypic and inflammatory biomarker profile between the groups of patients.
Friends or Foes? Rapid Determination of Dissimilar Colistin and Ciprofloxacin Antagonism of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Phages
Authors: Danis-Wlodarczyk Katarzyna M. , Cai Alice , Chen Anna , Gittrich Marissa R. , Sullivan Matthew B. , Wozniak Daniel J. , Abedon Stephen T.
Published: November 2021

Phage therapy is a century-old technique employing viruses (phages) to treat bacterial infections, and in the clinic it is often used in combination with antibiotics. Antibiotics, however, interfere with critical bacterial metabolic activities that can be required by phages. Explicit testing of antibiotic antagonism of phage infection activities, though, is not a common feature of phage therapy studies. Here we use optical density-based ‘lysis-profile’ assays to assess the impact of two antibiotics, colistin and ciprofloxacin, on the bactericidal, bacteriolytic, and new-virion-production activities of three Pseudomonas aeruginosa phages. Though phages and antibiotics in combination are more potent in killing P. aeruginosa than either acting alone, colistin nevertheless substantially interferes with phage bacteriolytic and virion-production activities even at its minimum inhibitory concentration (1× MIC). Ciprofloxacin, by contrast, has little anti-phage impact at 1× or 3× MIC. We corroborate these results with more traditional measures, particularly colony-forming units, plaque-forming units, and one-step growth experiments. Our results suggest that ciprofloxacin could be useful as a concurrent phage therapy co-treatment especially when phage replication is required for treatment success. Lysis-profile assays also appear to be useful, fast, and high-throughput means of assessing antibiotic antagonism of phage infection activities.
Red Seaweed-Derived Compounds as a Potential New Approach for Acne Vulgaris Care
Authors: Januário Adriana P. , Félix Rafael , Félix Carina , Reboleira João , Valentão Patrícia , Lemos Marco F. L.
Published: November 2021

Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic skin disease of the pilosebaceous unit affecting both adolescents and adults. Its pathophysiology includes processes of inflammation, increased keratinization, sebum production, hormonal dysregulation, and bacterial Cutibacterium acnes proliferation. Common AV has been treated with antibiotics since the 1960s, but strain resistance has emerged and is of paramount concern. Macroalgae are known producers of substances with bioactive properties, including anti-viral, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, among several others. In particular, red algae are rich in bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, lipids, sterols, alkaloids, and terpenoids, conferring them antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities, among others. Thus, the exploration of compounds from marine resources can be an appealing approach to discover new treatment options against AV. The aim of this work is to provide an overview of the current knowledge of the potentialities of red macroalgae in the treatment of AV by reviewing the main therapeutic targets of this disease, and then the existence of compounds or extracts with bioactive properties against them.
Selective Targeting and Tissue Penetration to the Retina by a Systemically Administered Vascular Homing Peptide in Oxygen Induced Retinopathy (OIR)
Authors: Vähätupa Maria , Salonen Niklas , Uusitalo-Järvinen Hannele , Järvinen Tero A. H.
Published: November 2021

Pathological angiogenesis is the hallmark of ischemic retinal diseases among them retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) is a pure hypoxia-driven angiogenesis model and a widely used model for ischemic retinopathies. We explored whether the vascular homing peptide CAR (CARSKNKDC) which recognizes angiogenic blood vessels can be used to target the retina in OIR. We were able to demonstrate that the systemically administered CAR vascular homing peptide homed selectively to the preretinal neovessels in OIR. As a cell and tissue-penetrating peptide, CAR also penetrated into the retina. Hyperoxia used to induce OIR in the retina also causes bronchopulmonary dysplasia in the lungs. We showed that the CAR peptide is not targeted to the lungs in normal mice but is targeted to the lungs after hyperoxia-/hypoxia-treatment of the animals. The site-specific delivery of the CAR peptide to the pathologic retinal vasculature and the penetration of the retinal tissue may offer new opportunities for treating retinopathies more selectively and with less side effects.
The Epigenetic Mechanisms Underlying Thermomorphogenesis and Heat Stress Responses in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zioutopoulou Anna , Patitaki Eirini , Xu Tianyuan , Kaiserli Eirini
Published: November 2021

Integration of temperature cues is crucial for plant survival and adaptation. Global warming is a prevalent issue, especially in modern agriculture, since the global rise in average temperature is expected to impact crop productivity worldwide. Hence, better understanding of the mechanisms by which plants respond to warmer temperatures is very important. This review focuses on the epigenetic mechanisms implicated in plant responses to high temperature and distinguishes the different epigenetic events that occur at warmer average temperatures, leading to thermomorphogenic responses, or subjected to extreme warm temperatures, leading to heat stress.
Silicon Fertilization: A Step towards Cadmium-Free Fragrant Rice
Authors: Zaman Qamar uz , Rashid Muhammad , Nawaz Rab , Hussain Afzal , Ashraf Kamran , Latif Maria , Heile Abdihakim Osman , Mehmood Faisal , Salahuddin Sughra , Chen Yinglong
Published: November 2021

Soil contamination with toxic cadmium (Cd) is becoming a serious global problem and poses a key hazard to environments and the health of human beings worldwide. The present study investigated the effects of foliar applications of three forms of silicate chemicals (calcium silicate, sodium silicate, and potassium silicate) at four rates (0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.0%) at tillering stage on rice growth and the accumulation of Cd under Cd stress (30 mg kg−1). The results showed that Cd stress reduced the yield-related traits and enlarged Cd contents in different rice organs. The leaf gas exchange attributes and yield traits were enhanced, and the Cd accumulation and bioaccumulation factor in rice organs were reduced, especially in grains, through silicon application. In shoots, roots, and grains, foliar spray of Si reduced Cd contents by 40.3%, 50.7%, and 47.9%, respectively. The effectiveness of silicate compounds in reducing Cd toxicity varied with the kind of chemicals and doses of foliar applications. Foliar application of potassium silicate, at a rate of 0.5%, at tillering stage, showed the best effectiveness in improving grain yield, while mitigating Cd accumulation in rice grains. The outcome of this study provides a promising practicable approach in alleviating Cd toxicity in rice and preventing the entrance of Cd into the food chain.
Photosynthetic Characteristics of Three Cohabitated Macroalgae in the Daya Bay, and Their Responses to Temperature Rises
Authors: Shi Xiaohan , Zou Dinghui , Hu Shanshan , Mai Guangming , Ma Zengling , Li Gang
Published: November 2021

Biochemical compositions and photosynthetic characteristics of three naturally cohabitated macroalgae, Ulva fasciata, Sargassum hemiphyllum and Grateloupia livida, were comparably explored in the field conditions in Daya Bay, northern South China Sea, as well as their responses to temperature rise. Chlorophyll a (Chl a) and carotenoids contents of U. fasciata were 1.00 ± 0.15 and 0.57 ± 0.08 mg g−1 in fresh weight (FW), being about one- and two-fold higher than that of S. hemiphyllum and G. livida; and the carbohydrate content was 20.3 ± 0.07 mg g−1 FW, being about three- and one-fold higher, respectively. Throughout the day, the maximal photochemical quantum yield (FV/FM) of Photosystem II (PS II) of these three macroalgae species decreased from morning to noon, then increased to dusk and kept steady at nighttime. Consistently, the rapid light curve-derived light utilization efficiency (α) and maximum relative electron transfer rate (rETRmax) were lower at noon than that at morning- or night-time. The FV/FM of U. fasciata (varying from 0.78 to 0.32) was 38% higher than that of G. livida throughout the day, and that of S. hemiphyllum was intermediate. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in U. fasciata were lower than that in S. hemiphyllum and G. livida. Moreover, the rises in temperature species-specifically mediated the damage (k) caused by stressful high light and the corresponding repair (r) to photosynthetic apparatus, making the r/k ratio increase with the rising temperature in U. fasciata, unchanged in S. hemiphyllum but decreased in G. livida. Our results indicate that U. fasciata may compete with S. hemiphyllum or G. livida and dominate the macroalgae community under aggravatedly warming future in the Daya Bay.
The Variability for the Biochemical Indicators at the Winter Wheat Assortment and Identifying the Sources with a High Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Paunescu Ramona Aida , Bonciu Elena , Rosculete Elena , Paunescu Gabriela , Rosculete Catalin Aurelian , Babeanu Cristina
Published: November 2021

This study presents the variability of some biochemical indicators in the winter wheat assortments tested in south-western Oltenia (Romania) and identification of the sources showing a high antioxidant activity. The peroxidase activity has intensified as the stress induced by treatment with PEG of different concentrations and in different doses increased. Regarding the peroxidase content, among the varieties treated with PEG 10,000 25%, the majority of the Romanian varieties tested showed higher values of the PEG/control treatment ratio, which suggests tolerance to drought. In reverse, the activity of ascorbate peroxidase is lower in tolerant varieties. The varieties with a subunit report have been noted. Among them are the Izvor variety, known as the drought-tolerant variety, as well as other Romanian varieties: Alex, Delabrad, Lovrin 34, etc. An increased activity of catalase was present in most varieties, so there is the possibility of drought tolerance. Among the varieties highlighted are Romanian varieties (Dropia, Trivale, Nikifor, etc.) but also foreign varieties (Kristina, GH Hattyu, Karlygash, etc.). However, the correlation between yield index in the limited assortment and the antioxidant enzyme content ratios between PEG and control treatments does not exist, suggesting that none of these biochemical indicators are a selective indicator for drought tolerance under the experimental condition.
In Vitro Anti-Epstein Barr Virus Activity of Olea europaea L. Leaf Extracts
Authors: Ben-Amor Ichrak , Gargouri Bochra , Attia Hamadi , Tlili Khaoula , Kallel Imen , Musarra-Pizzo Maria , Sciortino Maria Teresa , Pennisi Rosamaria
Published: November 2021

Olea europaea L. var. sativa (OESA) preparations are widely used in traditional medicine in the Mediterranean region to prevent and treat different diseases. In this research, olive extracts derived from the leaves of the OESA tree have been screened for antioxidant activity by two methods: the DPPH free radical scavenging assay (DPPH) and the Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The DPPH assay showed that OESA possesses a stronger antioxidant activity (84%) at 1 mg/mL while the FRAP method showed a strong metal ion chelating activity (90%) at 1 mg/mL. The low IC50 values, obtained by two different methods, implies that OESA has a noticeable effect on scavenging free radicals comparable to standards. During EBV infection, the free radicals increased triggering lipid oxidation. Therefore, the monitoring of the secondary lipid peroxidation products was done by measuring malonaldehyde (MDA) and conjugated dienes (DC). The simultaneous treatment of Raji cells with OESA and TPA, as an inductorof the lytic cycle, generated a significant decrease in MDA levels and DC (p < 0.05). Besides, Raji cells simultaneously exposed to TPA and OESA exhibited a percentage of EBV-positive fluorescence cells lower than TPA treated cells (**** p < 0.0001). This suggests that OESA treatment has a protective effect against EBV lytic cycle induction.
Nano Zinc Oxide Green-Synthesized from Plumbago auriculata Lam. Alcoholic Extract
Authors: Melk Mina Michael , El-Hawary Seham S. , Melek Farouk Rasmy , Saleh Dalia Osama , Ali Omar M. , El Raey Mohamed A. , Selim Nabil Mohamed
Published: November 2021

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized by using an alcoholic extract of the flowering aerial parts of Plumbago auriculata Lam. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) revealed that the average size of synthesized ZnO NPs was 10.58 ± 3.350 nm and the zeta potential was −19.6 mV. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the particle size was in the range from 5.08 to 6.56 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis verified the existence of pure hexagonal shaped crystals of ZnO nanoparticles with an average size of 35.34 nm in the sample, which is similar to the particle size analysis acquired by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (38.29 ± 6.88 nm). HPLC analysis of the phenolic ingredients present in the plant extract showed that gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and catechin were found as major compounds at concentrations of 1720.26, 1600.42, and 840.20 µg/g, respectively. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of ZnO NPs and the plant extract against avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) subtype B were also investigated. This assessment revealed that the uncalcinated form of Nano-ZnO mediated by P. auriculata Lam. extract possessed a significant antiviral activity with 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) and 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) of 52.48 ± 1.57 and 42.67 ± 4.08 µg/mL, respectively, while the inhibition percentage (IP) was 99% and the selectivity index (SI) was 1.23.
Unexpected Discovery of Thelypteris palustris (Thelypteridaceae) in Sicily (Italy): Morphological, Ecological Analysis and Habitat Characterization
Authors: Sciandrello Saverio , Cambria Salvatore , del Galdo Gianpietro Giusso , Tavilla Gianmarco , Minissale Pietro
Published: November 2021

Thelypteris palustris Schott (Thelypteridaceae), known as “marsh fern”, is infrequent in the Mediterranean area. The occurrence of this species is known for almost all the Italian regions (except for Sardinia and Sicily), but with rare and declining populations. During floristic fieldwork on the Sicilian wetlands, a new unknown population was found. The aim of this paper is to analyze the morphological traits of the species, as well as its ecological features and the floristic composition of the plant communities where it lives. According to IUCN guidelines, here we provide the regional assessment (Sicily) of T. palustris. To analyze its morphological features, many living plants were examined, with particular attention to the spore structure. A total of 179 plots (110 species) and 34 pools were sampled. Our results highlight the relic character of the species which is at the southernmost border of its distribution range. The micro-morphological investigations on the spores show that the Sicilian population belongs to the subsp. palustris. The floristic analysis confirms the clear dominance of perennial temperate-cold zones Eurasian taxa. Finally, a new association, Thelypterido palustris-Caricetum paniculatae, within the Caricion gracilis alliance (Phragmito-Magnocaricetea class) is described.