bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triggering Growth via Growth Initiation Factors in Nature: A Putative Mechanism for in situ Cultivation of Previously Uncultivated Microorganisms
Authors: Jung Dawoon , Machida Koshi , Nakao Yoichi , Kindaichi Tomonori , Ohashi Akiyoshi , Aoi Yoshiteru
Published: May 2021

Most microorganisms resist cultivation under standard laboratory conditions. On the other hand, cultivating microbes in a membrane-bound device incubated in nature (in situ cultivation) can be an effective approach to overcome this limitation. In the present study, we applied in situ cultivation to isolate diverse previously uncultivated marine sponge-associated microbes and comparatively analyzed this method’s efficiencies with those of the conventional method. Then, we attempted to investigate the key and previously unidentified mechanism of growing uncultivated microorganisms by in situ cultivation focusing on growth triggering via growth initiation factor. Significantly more novel and diverse microbial types were isolated via in situ cultivation than by standard direct plating (SDP). We hypothesized that some of environmental microorganisms which resist cultivation are in a non-growing state and require growth initiation factors for the recovery and that these can be provided from the environment (in this study from marine sponge). According to the hypothesis, the effect of the sponge extract on recovery on agar medium was compared between strains derived from in situ and SDP cultivation. Adding small amounts of the sponge extracts to the medium elevated the colony-formation efficiencies of the in situ strains at the starvation recovery step, while it showed no positive effect on that of SDP strains. Conversely, specific growth rates or saturated cell densities of all tested strains were not positively affected. These results indicate that, (1) the sponge extract contains chemical compounds that facilitate recovery of non-growing microbes, (2) these substances worked on the in situ strains, and (3) growth initiation factor in the sponge extract did not continuously promote growth activity but worked as triggers for regrowth (resuscitation from non-growing state).
The Subcellular Proteome of a Planctomycetes Bacterium Shows That Newly Evolved Proteins Have Distinct Fractionation Patterns
Authors: Seeger Christian , Dyrhage Karl , Mahajan Mayank , Odelgard Anna , Lind Sara Bergström , Andersson Siv G. E.
Published: May 2021

The Planctomycetes bacteria have unique cell architectures with heavily invaginated membranes as confirmed by three-dimensional models reconstructed from FIB-SEM images of Tuwongella immobilis and Gemmata obscuriglobus. The subcellular proteome of T. immobilis was examined by differential solubilization followed by LC-MS/MS analysis, which identified 1569 proteins in total. The Tris-soluble fraction contained mostly cytoplasmic proteins, while inner and outer membrane proteins were found in the Triton X-100 and SDS-soluble fractions, respectively. For comparisons, the subcellular proteome of Escherichia coli was also examined using the same methodology. A notable difference in the overall fractionation pattern of the two species was a fivefold higher number of predicted cytoplasmic proteins in the SDS-soluble fraction in T. immobilis. One category of such proteins is represented by innovations in the Planctomycetes lineage, including unique sets of serine/threonine kinases and extracytoplasmic sigma factors with WD40 repeat domains for which no homologs are present in E. coli. Other such proteins are members of recently expanded protein families in which the newly evolved paralog with a new domain structure is recovered from the SDS-soluble fraction, while other paralogs may have similar domain structures and fractionation patterns as the single homolog in E. coli. The expanded protein families in T. immobilis include enzymes involved in replication-repair processes as well as in rRNA and tRNA modification and degradation. These results show that paralogization and domain shuffling have yielded new proteins with distinct fractionation characteristics. Understanding the molecular intricacies of these adaptive changes might aid in the development of a model for the evolution of cellular complexity.
The Value of NOTCH2NLC Gene Detection and Skin Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Neuronal Intranuclear Inclusion Disease
Authors: Pang Jie , Yang Jing , Yuan Yanpeng , Gao Yuan , Shi Changhe , Fan Shiheng , Xu Yuming
Published: May 2021

The clinical manifestations of neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) are heterogeneous, and the premortem diagnosis is mainly based on skin biopsy findings. Abnormal GGC repeat expansions in NOTCH2NLC was recently identified in familial and sporadic NIID. The comparison of diagnostic value between abnormal GGC repeat expansions of NOTCH2NLC and skin biopsy has not been conducted yet. In this study, skin biopsy was performed in 10 suspected adult NIID patients with clinical and imaging manifestations, and GGC repeat size in NOTCH2NLC was also screened by repeat primed-PCR and GC-rich PCR. We found that five cases had ubiquitin-immunolabelling intranuclear inclusion bodies by skin biopsy, and all of them were identified with abnormal GGC repeat expansions in NOTCH2NLC, among whom four patients showed typical linear hyperintensity at corticomedullary junction on DWI. Five (5/10) NIID patients were diagnosed by combination of NOTCH2NLC gene detection, skin biopsy or combination of NOTCH2NLC, and typical MRI findings. The diagnostic performance of NOTCH2NLC gene detection was highly consistent with that of skin biopsy (Kappa = 1). The unexplained headache was firstly reported as a new early phenotype of NIID. These findings indicate that NOTCH2NLC gene detection is needed to be a supplement in the diagnose flow of NIID and also may be used as an alternative method to skin biopsy especially in Asian population.
Intermuscular Coherence in the Presence of Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Norton Jonathan A.
Published: May 2021

The nervous system uses oscillations to convey information efficiently. Inter-muscular coherence in the 15–35 Hz range is thought to represent common cortical drive to muscles, but is also in the frequency band in which electrical stimulation is applied to restore movement following neurological disease or injury. We wished to determine if, when stimulation is applied at the peak frequency of the coherence spectra it was still possible to determine voluntary effort. Using healthy human subjects we stimulated muscles in the arms and legs, separate experiments, while recording EMG activity from pairs of muscles including the stimulated muscles. Offline coherence analysis was performed. When stimulation is greater than motor threshold, and applied at the peak of the coherence spectra a new peak appears in the spectra, presumably representing a new frequency of oscillation within the nervous system. This does not appear at lower stimulation levels, or with lower frequencies. The nervous system is capable of switching oscillatory frequencies to account for noise in the environment.
Osteosarcoma-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles Enhance Tumor Metastasis and Suppress Osteoclastogenesis by miR-146a-5p
Authors: Araki Yoshihiro , Aiba Hisaki , Yoshida Takeshi , Yamamoto Norio , Hayashi Katsuhiro , Takeuchi Akihiko , Miwa Shinji , Igarashi Kentaro , Nguyen Tuan D. , Ishii Kiyo-aki , Nojima Takayuki , Takahashi Satoru , Murakami Hideki , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki , Hanayama Rikinari
Published: May 2021

Osteosarcoma is the most frequent type of primary bone tumor in children and adolescents, thus care for patients with malignant osteosarcoma is strongly required. The roles of small extracellular vesicles (SEVs) in enhancing metastases have been demonstrated in multiple tumors, but they are still poorly understood in osteosarcoma. Hence, this study investigated the effects of SEVs on progression and the tumor microenvironment in mice and patients. In an orthotopic implantation study, we found that osteosarcoma-derived SEVs had the potential to enhance metastases and angiogenesis. In addition, osteosarcoma-derived SEVs decreased the number of mature osteoclasts in vivo. In vitro osteoclastogenesis studies revealed that the inhibition of osteoclast maturation by osteosarcoma-derived SEVs was mediated by suppressing the NF-κB signal pathway. MicroRNA analysis of SEVs from different malignant human osteosarcomas revealed that miR-146a-5p was involved in the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. In osteosarcoma patients, lower numbers of osteoclasts in biopsy specimens at the first visits were correlated with higher malignancy. These findings indicated that osteosarcoma-derived SEVs enhance distant metastasis of osteosarcomas by inhibiting osteoclast maturation, which may be a useful prognostic marker. This diagnostic method may enable to predict malignancy at early stage, and help to provide optimal care to patients with risk of high malignancy.
InGaN/Cu2O Heterostructure Core-Shell Nanowire Photoanode for Efficient Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Zhao Yingzhi , Xie Lingyun , Chen Hedong , Wang Xingyu , Chen Yongjie , Zhou Guofu , Nötzel Richard
Published: May 2021

The heterostructuring and doping concepts have proved to obtain a novel n-InGaN/p-Cu2O nanowire (NW) photoanode by strong enhancement of the photocurrent compared to a bare InGaN NW photoanode in solar water splitting. The large photocurrent is due to the maximized photocarrier separation and hole transfer to the surface in the depletion zone of the p–n heterojunction established by the p-Cu2O layer, forming a thin, uniform shell-layer around the n-InGaN NW core by electrodeposition. For sufficiently thin Cu2O layers, the upward energy band bending in the depletion zone extends up to the surface for optimized hole transport and surface reaction. Thick Cu2O layers on top of the InGaN NWs act as common photocathodes. The functional InGaN/Cu2O heterostructure core-shell NW photoanode is chemically self-stabilized at positive applied voltage by a thin CuO surface layer. Final deposition of the earth-abundant NiOOH co-catalyst boosts the photocurrent of the InGaN/Cu2O/NiOOH complete NW photoanode into the competitive mA/cm2 range.
Managing Teachers' Job Attitudes: The Potential Benefits of Being a Happy and Emotional Intelligent Teacher
Authors: Peláez-Fernández María Angeles , Mérida-López Sergio , Sánchez-Álvarez Nicolás , Extremera Natalio
Published: May 2021

According to the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions, the frequency of positive emotions is associated with the development of positive attitudes, cognitions, and behaviors in organizational contexts. However, positive and negative attitudes at work might also be influenced by different personal and job resources. While emotional intelligence has been significantly associated with positive job attitudes and personal well-being, no studies have yet examined the joint role of teacher happiness and emotional intelligence in key teacher job attitudes. The present study assesses whether emotional intelligence interacts with levels of teacher happiness to jointly explain important teacher job attitudes (i.e., job satisfaction and turnover intention). A total sample of 685 teaching professionals (431 female) filled out a battery of scales including subjective happiness, emotional intelligence, job satisfaction, and turnover intention. Our results revealed that subjective happiness was significantly associated with both higher job satisfaction and lower turnover intention. Likewise, emotional intelligence was positively related to happiness and job satisfaction, and negatively related to turnover intention. Finally, interaction analysis showed the main effects of happiness and emotional intelligence in explaining teacher job attitudes. Beyond the main effects, the interaction effects of happiness and emotional intelligence were significant in predicting all teachers' job attitude indicators, even controlling for the effects of their sociodemographic variables. This work expands our knowledge about the role of teachers' positive emotions in the development of positive work attitudes, and also supports the inclusion of emotional skills in future teacher preparation programs as resources to facilitate work-related well-being.
Strict Surgical Repair for Bile Leakage Following the Roux-en-Y Hepaticojejunostomy
Authors: Zhang Keying , Wu Linfeng , Gao Kai , Yan Chengwei , Zheng Chao , Guo Chunbao
Published: May 2021

Background: The optimal bile leakage management strategy in the pediatric population following the initial Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is still a matter of discussion today. Here, we assessed the roles of bile leakage management and surgical implementation on outcomes for patients with bile leakage.

Materials and Methods: A revised protocol for bile leakage management with restricted surgical intervention was implemented at Chongqing Children’s Hospital on March 15, 2013 and Sanxia Hospital on April 20, 2013. We performed a retrospective, historical control analysis for the protocol implementation to compare the short- and long-term outcomes using the corresponding statistical methods.

Results: There was a total of 84 patients included in the analysis, including 46 patients in the pre-protocol group and 38 patients in the post-protocol group. No statistical differences for the demographic features were found between the two groups. There was a decrease in redo surgeries in the post-protocol cohort compared to those in the pre-protocol cohort (odds ratio [OR] = 4.48 [95% CI, 1.57–12.77]; p = 0.003). Furthermore, patients in the post-protocol group were less likely to be associated with intensive care unit (ICU) admission (OR = 3.72 [95% CI, 1.11–12.49]; p = 0.024) compared to patients in the pre-protocol group, respectively. There was no mortality between the two groups.

Conclusions: A restrictive surgical intervention strategy can effectively reduce the rate of redo surgery and exhibited promising outcomes for bile leakage in terms of postoperative recovery and hospitalization costs.
Sugar Beet Root Yield and Quality with Leaf Seasonal Dynamics in Relation to Planting Densities and Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Varga Ivana , Lončarić Zdenko , Kristek Suzana , Kulundžić Antonela Markulj , Rebekić Andrijana , Antunović Manda
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to analyze the seasonal dynamics of sugar beet leaf and root yield and quality in different plant populations and the nitrogen fertilization rate. The field trials were set as four different planting densities (60,000 to 140,000 plants ha−1) and three different spring nitrogen fertilization rates: no fertilization, pre-sowing (45 kg ha−1 N), and pre-sowing with top dressing (99 kg ha−1 N in 2014 and 85.5 kg ha−1 N in 2015. The changes of leaf growth were done measuring leaf area (LA), leaf area index (LAI), specific leaf area (SLA), and leaf area ratio (LAR). The highest LAI in 2014 was determined on 30 July at 140,000 plants ha−1 (9.35 m2 m−1) and in 2015 on 20 June at 100,000 plants ha−1 (4.83 m2 m−2). In both years, the SLA and LAR was highest at the end of May. In relation to plant density, higher plant densities had on average the highest root yield, sucrose content, and white sugar yield. In both years, pre-sowing with top dressing spring nitrogen fertilization resulted in the highest root (95.0 t ha−1) and white sugar yield (11.4 t ha−1), whereas the highest sucrose content was after pre-sowing fertilization (14.9%).
Vegetative and Reproductive Response to Fruit Load in Two Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) Cultivars
Authors: Perry Aviad , Tel-Zur Noemi , Dag Arnon
Published: May 2021

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) is a wax crop cultivated mainly in arid and semi-arid regions. This crop has been described as an alternate-bearing plant, meaning that it has a high-yield year (“on-year”) followed by a low-yield year (“off-year”). We investigated the effect of fruit load on jojoba’s vegetative and reproductive development. For two consecutive years, we experimented with two high-yielding cultivars—Benzioni and Hazerim—which had opposite fruit loads, i.e., one was under an on-year load, while the other was under an off-year load simultaneously. We found that removing the developing fruit from the shoot during an off-year promotes further vegetative growth in the same year, whereas in an on-year, this action has no effect. Moreover, after fruit removal in an on-year, there was a delay in vegetative growth renewal in the consecutive year, suggesting that the beginning of the growing period is dependent on the previous year’s yield load. We found that seed development in the 2018 season started a month earlier than in the 2017 season in both cultivars, regardless of fruit load. This early development was associated with higher wax content in the seeds. Hence, the wax accumulation rate, as a percentage of dry weight, was affected by year and not by fruit load. However, on-year seeds stopped growing earlier than off-year seeds, resulting in smaller seeds and an overall lower amount of wax per seed.
Foliar-Supplied Molybdenum Improves Phyto-Nutritional Composition of Leaves and Fruits of Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.)
Authors: Ali Muhammad Moaaz , Li Binqi , Zhi Cao , Yousef Ahmed Fathy , Chen Faxing
Published: May 2021

This study was conducted to analyze the effect of molybdenum (Mo) on the level of macronutrients (Mg, K, Ca), micronutrients (Na, Zn, B, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) and toxic elements (Cd, Sn, As, Cr, Hg, Pb) in leaves and fruit tissues (peel, pulp & seed) of loquat using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Fruits were obtained from a loquat orchard located in Fujian (Yun Xiao/Zhangzhou). Loquat leaves showed 3.99, 23.90, 57.68 and 9.79-fold increase in the concentrations of Mg, K, Ca and B as affected by exogenously applied Mo, while a significant (p ≤ 0.05) reduction was observed in Na, Mo, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Sn, As, Cr, Hg, and Pb contents. In fruit peel, Mo induced 1.05, 1.56, 2.26, 1.15, 1.39, 1.30 and 1.89-fold increase in Mg, K, Na, Zn, B, Co and Ni, respectively, and Mo, Mn, Fe, Cu, Cr, and Pb contents were reduced. Fruit pulp showed elevated contents of Na, B, Co, Ni, and Sn by 25.65, 26.57, 70.09, 12.33 and 0.99%, respectively, and decreased concentrations of Mg, K, Ca, Zn, Mo, Mn, Fe, Cu, Cd, and Cr. Similarly, in loquat seeds, under the influence of Mo application, levels of K, Na, Zn, Fe, and Cr were uplifted by 14.75, 41.54, 12.71, 536.47 and 656.27%, respectively, while Mg, Ca, Mn, Co, Cu, Sn, and Hg were reduced significantly (p ≤ 0.05). Overall, mineral concentrations detected in the leaves and fruit tissues of loquat were greatly influenced by the application of Mo. Although the concentration of Sn in fruit pulp was increased by the foliar application of Mo, the fruits were under safe limits for human consumption.
The Influence of Lime Material and Nitrogen Fertilization on Reed Canary Grass Productivity, Plant Quality and Environmental Impact of Using Biomass for Energy Purposes
Authors: Šiaudinis Gintaras , Jasinskas Algirdas , Šarauskis Egidijus , Skuodienė Regina , Repšienė Regina , Karčauskienė Danutė
Published: May 2021

A field experiment with reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) was carried out at LAMMC Vėžaičiai Branch (Western Lithuania) in 2010–2016 with the aim to evaluate the impact of liming and nitrogen on grass productivity, biomass chemical content and energetic parameters of the pellets. The site soil is the natural acidic loam Retisol (pH 4.2–4.6). Reed canary grass productivity was significantly affected by the year of growing and nitrogen fertilization. The average annual dry matter (DM) yield varied from 5442 to 11,114 t ha−1. The highest yields were obtained using the annual rate of 120 kg ha−1 N (nitrogen) fertilizers. Soil liming had a negligible effect on biomass productivity. Nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) varied greatly depending on the growing year and N fertilization rate. After analyzing the properties of reed canary grass and wood sawdust granules, it was found that the granules obtained a high density exceeding 1000 kg m−3 DM. The lowest calorific value of reed canary grass pellets was found to be quite high—17.4 MJ kg−1 DM. All harmful emissions did not exceed the permissible values. Summarizing the results, it can be stated that reed canary grass pellets may be recommended for burning in domestic boilers.
Gibberellins Target Shoot-Root Growth, Morpho-Physiological and Molecular Pathways to Induce Cadmium Tolerance in Vigna radiata L.
Authors: Hakla Haroon , Sharma Shubham , Urfan Mohammad , Yadav Narendra , Rajput Prakriti , Kotwal Dinesh , Abdel Latef Arafat , Pal Sikander
Published: May 2021

Cadmium (Cd) inhibits plant growth, perturbs nutrient uptake, and affects chloroplast ultrastructure. The role of Cd stress in affecting growth and physiology and ameliorative effects of gibberellins (GAs) in Cd-induced toxicity in mung bean are lesser-known. This study comprehensively investigated Cd stress (CdCl2, IC50—500 µM L−1) with or without GA3 on mung bean (Vigna radiata L. Var. SML-668). In our methodology, a total of 80 mung bean plants (15 days old of uniform height) were divided into four groups, and each group (n = 20) was subjected to four different treatments (Control, CdCl2, GA3, CdCl2+GA3) twice during the entire life cycle of mung bean plants (until harvest 85–90 days). Results revealed negative impacts of Cd stress on shoot morphometry (plant height, leaf surface area, stem diameter, shoot fresh weight, number of leaves, number of pods, length, and diameter of pods), root morphometry (root length, root surface area, root dry weight, nodule number and nodule diameter), photosynthetic pigments, and agronomic traits. GA3 application ameliorated Cd stress by modulating shoot and root growth, improving overall plant metabolism, photosynthetic pigments, and shoot and root morphometry and transcript abundance of VrPCS1, VrIRT1, VrIRT2 and VrCD29. Thus, we propose GA3 application for the effective management of Cd-induced phytotoxicity in mung bean plants.
RNA-Seq Transcriptome Analysis of Potato with Differential Tolerance to Bentazone Herbicide
Authors: Guo Jing , Song Xiuli , Sun Shiqi , Shao Baihui , Tao Bo , Zhang Lili
Published: May 2021

Potato (Solanum tuberosum), an important food crop worldwide, is threatened by broadleaf weeds. Bentazone is an effective herbicide for controlling weeds; however, as a photosynthesis inhibitor, it can also affect potato plants. Therefore, screening potato seedlings for bentazone resistance and determining the genes involved is essential. Herein, we selected potato varieties with tolerance and sensitivity to bentazone. The photosynthetic rate of sensitive plants was notably affected by bentazone application, whereas the tolerant plants showed a significantly higher photosynthetic rate. We observed 95.7% bentazone degradation within 24 d after application in the tolerant plants. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that the numbers of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the tolerant and sensitive potato seedlings were 2703 and 11,024 before and after bentazone application, respectively. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis revealed that the majority of DEGs were enriched in metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metals, carbon metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and photosynthesis. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO), flavonoid 3′,5′-methyltransferase-like (AOMT3), ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase small chain C (RBCS-C), and chalcone synthase 2 (CHS2) were identified as candidates contributing to bentazone tolerance. These results provide a theoretical basis for selecting potato stress-resistant resources in the future.
Random Forest Modelling of Milk Yield of Dairy Cows under Heat Stress Conditions
Authors: Bovo Marco , Agrusti Miki , Benni Stefano , Torreggiani Daniele , Tassinari Patrizia
Published: May 2021

Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) relies on several technological approaches to acquire, in the most efficient way, precise and real-time data concerning production and welfare of individual animals. In this regard, in the dairy sector, PLF devices are being increasingly adopted, automatic milking systems (AMSs) are becoming increasingly widespread, and monitoring systems for animals and environmental conditions are becoming common tools in herd management. As a consequence, a great amount of daily recorded data concerning individual animals are available for the farmers and they could be used effectively for the calibration of numerical models to be used for the prediction of future animal production trends. On the other hand, the machine learning approaches in PLF are nowadays considered an extremely promising solution in the research field of livestock farms and the application of these techniques in the dairy cattle farming would increase sustainability and efficiency of the sector. The study aims to define, train, and test a model developed through machine learning techniques, adopting a Random Forest algorithm, having the main goal to assess the trend in daily milk yield of a single cow in relation to environmental conditions. The model has been calibrated and tested on the data collected on 91 lactating cows of a dairy farm, located in northern Italy, and equipped with an AMS and thermo-hygrometric sensors during the years 2016–2017. In the statistical model, having seven predictor features, the daily milk yield is evaluated as a function of the position of the day in the lactation curve and the indoor barn conditions expressed in terms of daily average of the temperature-humidity index (THI) in the same day and its value in each of the five previous days. In this way, extreme hot conditions inducing heat stress effects can be considered in the yield predictions by the model. The average relative prediction error of the milk yield of each cow is about 18% of daily production, and only 2% of the total milk production.
‘Don’t Put the Cart before the Mule!’ Challenging Assumptions Regarding Health-Related Treatment Practices of Working Equid Owners in Northern India
Authors: Nye Caroline , Watson Tamlin , Kubasiewicz Laura M. , Raw Zoe , Burden Faith
Published: May 2021

This paper challenges assumptions that the health management of working equids among some of India’s poorest communities is mainly dependent upon income, economic influence, or access to veterinary services. Using a mixed-methods approach, hierarchies of treatment practices are revealed through an examination of the ‘lived experience’ of equid owners in brick kilns and construction sites in northern India. Semi-structured interviews with 37 equid owners and corresponding livelihood surveys, combined with data from two focus groups with professional animal health practitioners and the welfare data of 63 working equids collected using the Equid Assessment, Research, and Scoping (EARS) tool, contributed to the findings of the study. Four principal influencing factors were found to affect the decision-making practices of equid owners. Infrastructural factors, community characteristics and experience, owners’ characteristics and experience, and economic factors all impact the belief structures of equid owners. However, without verifying the validity of the treatment measures being employed, some animals are at risk from hazardous treatment behaviours. By understanding decision-making using the theory of planned behaviour, the findings of this study can provide a crucial contribution to informing future interventions involved in the health management and welfare of working equids.
Choosing New Therapies for Gonorrhoea: We Need to Consider the Impact on the Pan-Neisseria Genome. A Viewpoint
Authors: Kenyon Chris , Laumen Jolein , Manoharan-Basil Sheeba
Published: May 2021

The development of new gonorrhoea treatment guidelines typically considers the resistance-inducing effect of the treatment only on Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Antimicrobial resistance in N. gonorrhoeae has, however, frequently first emerged in commensal Neisseria species and then been passed on to N. gonorrhoeae via transformation. This creates the rationale for considering the effect of gonococcal therapies on resistance in commensal Neisseria. We illustrate the benefits of this pan-Neisseria strategy by evaluating three contemporary treatment options for N. gonorrhoeae—ceftriaxone plus azithromycin, monotherapy with ceftriaxone and zoliflodacin.
Native α-Synuclein, 3-Nitrotyrosine Proteins, and Patterns of Nitro-α-Synuclein-Immunoreactive Inclusions in Saliva and Submandibulary Gland in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Fernández-Espejo Emilio , Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando , Suárez Juan , Tolosa Eduardo , Vilas Dolores , Aldecoa Iban , Berenguer Joan , Damas-Hermoso Fátima
Published: May 2021

Background. Salivary α-synuclein (aSyn) and its nitrated form, or 3-nitrotyrosine-α-synuclein (3-NT-αSyn), hold promise as biomarkers for idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD). Nitrative stress that is characterized by an excess of 3-nitrotyrosine proteins (3-NT-proteins) has been proposed as a pathogenic mechanism in IPD. The objective is to study the pathological role of native αSyn, 3-NT-αSyn, and 3-NT-proteins in the saliva and submandibulary glands of patients with IPD. Methods. The salivary and serum αSyn and 3-NT-proteins concentration is evaluated with ELISA in patients and controls. Correlations of αSyn and 3-NT-proteins content with clinical features of the disease are examined. Immunohistochemical 3-NT-αSyn expression in submandibulary gland sections is analyzed. Results. (a) Salivary concentration and saliva/serum ratios of native αSyn and 3-NT-proteins are similar in patients and controls; (b) salivary αSyn and 3-NT-proteins do not correlate with any clinical feature; and (c) three patterns of 3-NT-αSyn-positive inclusions are observed on histological sections: rounded “Lewy-type” aggregates of 10–25 µm in diameter, coarse deposits with varied morphology, and spheroid inclusions or bodies of 3–5 µm in diameter. “Lewy-type” and coarse inclusions are observed in the interlobular connective tissue of the gland, and small-sized bodies are located within the cytoplasm of duct cells. “Lewy-type” inclusions are only observed in patients, and the remaining patterns of inclusions are observed in both the patients and controls. Conclusions. The patients’ saliva presents a similar concentration of native αSyn and 3-nitrotyrosine-proteins than that of the controls, and no correlations with clinical features are found. These findings preclude the utility of native αSyn in the saliva as a biomarker, and they indicate the absence of nitrative stress in the saliva and serum of patients. As regards nitrated αSyn, “Lewy-type” inclusions expressing 3-NT-αSyn are observed in the patients, not the controls—a novel finding that suggests that a biopsy of the submandibulary gland, if proven safe, could be a useful technique for diagnosing IPD. Finally, to our knowledge, this is also the first description of 3-NT-αSyn-immunoreactive intracytoplasmic bodies in cells that are located outside the nervous system. These intracytoplasmic bodies are present in duct cells of submandibulary gland sections from all subjects regardless of their pathology, and they can represent an aging or involutional change. Further immunostaining studies with different antibodies and larger samples are needed to validate the data.
Development of a Wearable Finger Exoskeleton for Rehabilitation
Authors: Hernández-Santos Carlos , Davizón Yasser A. , Said Alejandro R. , Soto Rogelio , Félix-Herrán L.C. , Vargas-Martínez Adriana
Published: May 2021

This research work shows a new architecture of a novel wearable finger exoskeleton for rehabilitation; the proposed design consists of a one degree of freedom mechanism that generates the flexion and extension movement for the proximal, medial and distal phalange of the fingers to assist patients during the rehabilitation process, after neurological trauma, such as a stroke. The anatomy and anthropometric measures for the hand were used to define the design of the mechanism. In the analytic part, the representative equations for the forward and inverse kinematic analysis of the fingers are obtained, also a dynamic analysis is presented. The position and displacement continued for the structural analysis, were developed by following a static analysis, to know the deformation that the structure links show when an external load is applied in the mechanism. As result, a prototype was manufactured with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) using an additive manufacturing machine.
The Effectiveness of Pump Techniques and Pompages: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vanti Carla , Golfari Matteo , Pellegrini Giacomo , Panizzolo Alice , Turone Luca , Giagio Silvia , Pillastrini Paolo
Published: May 2021

Background: Osteopathic manual procedures called pump techniques include thoracic, abdominal, and pedal pumps. Similar techniques, called pompages, are also addressed to joints and muscles. Despite their widespread use, no systematic review has been published on their effectiveness. (2) Methods: CINAHL, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, ISI Web of Science, PEDro, PubMed, and Scopus databases were searched until July 2020. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) on adults were included. Subjective (e.g., pain, physical function) and objective (e.g., pulmonary function, blood collection) outcomes were considered. The Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2) and the GRADE instrument were used to evaluate the quality of evidence. (3) Results: 25 RCTs were included: 20 concerning the pump techniques and five concerning pompages. Due to the extensive heterogeneity of such studies, it was not possible to perform a meta-analysis. The risk of bias resulted from moderate to high and the quality of the evidence was from very low to high. Singular studies suggested some effectiveness of pump techniques on pain and length of hospitalization. Pompage seems also to help improve walking distance and balance. (4) Conclusions: Although several studies have been published on manual pump techniques, the differences for population, modalities, dosage, and outcome measures do not allow definite conclusions of their effectiveness.
Analysis and Simulation of Epidemic COVID-19 Curves with the Verhulst Model Applied to Statistical Inhomogeneous Age Groups
Authors: Vandamme Lode K. J. , Rocha Paulo R. F.
Published: May 2021

Pandemic curves, such as COVID-19, often show multiple and unpredictable contamination peaks, often called second, third and fourth waves, which are separated by wide plateaus. Here, by considering the statistical inhomogeneity of age groups, we show a quantitative understanding of the different behaviour rules to flatten a pandemic COVID-19 curve and concomitant multi-peak recurrence. The simulations are based on the Verhulst model with analytical generalized logistic equations for the limited growth. From the log–lin plot, we observe an early exponential growth proportional to et/τgrow. The first peak is often τgrow ≅ 5 d. The exponential growth is followed by a recovery phase with an exponential decay proportional to e−t/τrecov. For the characteristic time holds: τgrow< τrecov. Even with isolation, outbreaks due to returning travellers can result in a recurrence of multi-peaks visible on log–lin scales. The exponential growth for the first wave is faster than for the succeeding waves, with characteristic times, τ of about 10 d. Our analysis ascertains that isolation is an efficient method in preventing contamination and enables an improved strategy for scientists, governments and the general public to timely balance between medical burdens, mental health, socio-economic and educational interests.
Efficacy of Indole Acetic Acid and Exopolysaccharides-Producing Bacillus safensis Strain FN13 for Inducing Cd-Stress Tolerance and Plant Growth Promotion in Brassica juncea (L.)
Authors: Nazli Farheen , Wang Xiukang , Ahmad Maqshoof , Hussain Azhar , Bushra  , Dar Abubakar , Nasim Muhammad , Jamil Moazzam , Panpluem Nalun , Mustafa Adnan
Published: May 2021

Untreated wastewater used for irrigating crops is the major source of toxic heavy metals and other pollutants in soils. These heavy metals affect plant growth and deteriorate the quality of edible parts of growing plants. Phytohormone (IAA) and exopolysaccharides (EPS) producing plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria can reduce the toxicity of metals by stabilizing them in soil. The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the IAA and EPS-producing rhizobacterial strains for improving growth, physiology, and antioxidant activity of Brassica juncea (L.) under Cd-stress. Results showed that Cd-stress significantly decreased the growth and physiological parameters of mustard plants. Inoculation with Cd-tolerant, IAA and EPS-producing rhizobacterial strains, however, significantly retrieved the inhibitory effects of Cd-stress on mustard growth, and physiology by up regulating antioxidant enzyme activities. Higher Cd accumulation and proline content was observed in the roots and shoot tissues upon Cd-stress in mustard plants while reduced proline and Cd accumulation was recorded upon rhizobacterial strains inoculation. Maximum decrease in proline contents (12.4%) and Cd concentration in root (26.9%) and shoot (29%) in comparison to control plants was observed due to inoculation with Bacillus safensis strain FN13. The activity of antioxidant enzymes was increased due to Cd-stress; however, the inoculation with Cd-tolerant, IAA-producing rhizobacterial strains showed a non-significant impact in the case of the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX) and catalase (CAT) in Brassica juncea (L.) plants under Cd-stress. Overall, Bacillus safensis strain FN13 was the most effective strain in improving the Brassica juncea (L.) growth and physiology under Cd-stress. It can be concluded, as the strain FN13 is a potential phytostabilizing biofertilizer for heavy metal contaminated soils, that it can be recommended to induce Cd-stress tolerance in crop plants.
The Relationship between Clinical Tests, Ultrasound Findings and Selected Field-Based Wheelchair Skills Tests in a Cohort of Quadriplegic Wheelchair Rugby Athletes: A Pilot Study
Authors: Tognolo Lucrezia , Musumeci Alfredo , Pignataro Andrea , Petrone Nicola , Benazzato Michael , Bettella Francesco , Marcolin Giuseppe , Paoli Antonio , Masiero Stefano
Published: May 2021

Manual wheelchair use may determine shoulder joint overload and rotator cuff injury. Chronic shoulder pathologies can also influence the propulsion ability of wheelchair athletes with spinal cord injury (SCI) during sport activities. However, the relationship between shoulder pathology and wheelchair performances has never been explored. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the correlation between shoulder pathologic findings with clinical tests and ultrasonography evaluation and the results of wheelchair performance tests. Nineteen quadriplegic wheelchair rugby players were evaluated to investigate the association between clinical and ultrasound shoulder pathologic findings and their correlation with the performance of field-based selected wheelchair skills tests (WSTs). The outcome measures were the International Wheelchair Rugby Classification Score, dominant and non-dominant Physical Examination Shoulder Score, and dominant and non-dominant Ultrasound Shoulder Pathology Rating Scale (USPRS). The WST was measured at the beginning and at one-year follow-up. A statistically significant correlation was found between the time since SCI and dominant USPRS (p < 0.005). The non-dominant USPRS was strongly related to WST at the beginning (p < 0.005) and the end of the study (p < 0.05). Data suggest that the severity of the non-dominant shoulder pathology detected on the ultrasound is related to lower performance on the WST. Chronic manual wheelchair use could be responsible for dominant SCI shoulder joint and rotator cuff muscle damage, while non-dominant USPRS could be related to performance on the WST.
Comparative Proteomics Analysis of Phosphine-Resistant and Phosphine-Susceptible Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Koo Hyun-Na , Seok Seung Ju , Kim Hyun Kyung , Kim Gil-Hah , Yang Jeong Oh
Published: May 2021

A proteomic method combining two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF) was used to compare the protein expression profiles of phosphine-resistant (PH3-R) and -susceptible (PH3-S) strains of Sitophilus oryzae. Thirty-nine differentially expressed protein spots were identified between the PH3-R and PH3-S strains; 20 protein spots were upregulated, and 19 protein spots were downregulated in the PH3-R strain compared with their expression in the PH3-S strain. In particular, cytochrome oxidase subunit I showed 15-fold higher expression in the PH3-R strain than in the PH3-S strain. Additionally, citrate synthase 2, delta-1-pyrolline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase, and triose-phosphate isomerase were highly expressed in the PH3-R strain. In summary, our study has improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms of phosphine resistance in the rice weevil.
Multi-Criteria Optimization of an Innovative Suspension System for Race Cars
Authors: Țoțu Vlad , Alexandru Cătălin
Published: May 2021

The purpose of the present work was to design, optimize, and test an innovative suspension system for race cars. The study was based on a comprehensive approach that involved conceptual design, modeling, simulation and optimization, and development and testing of the experimental model of the proposed suspension system. The optimization process was approached through multi-objective optimal design techniques, based on design of experiments (DOE) investigation strategies and regression models. At the same time, a synthesis method based on the least squares approach was developed and integrated in the optimal design algorithm. The design in the virtual environment was achieved by using the multi-body systems (MBS) software package ADAMS, more precisely ADAMS/View—for modeling and simulation, and ADAMS/Insight—for multi-objective optimization. The physical prototype of proposed suspension system was implemented and tested with the help of BlueStreamline, the Formula Student race car of the Transilvania University of Brașov. The dynamic behavior of the prototype was evaluated by specific experimental tests, similar to those the single seater would have to pass through in the competitions. Both the virtual and experimental results proved the performance of the proposed suspension system, as well as the usefulness of the design algorithm by which the novel suspension was developed.
Service Restoring Reconfiguration for Distribution Networks Considering Uncertainty in Available Information
Authors: Takano Hirotaka , Murata Junichi , Morishita Kazuki , Asano Hiroshi
Published: May 2021

The recent growth in the penetration of photovoltaic generation systems (PVs) has brought new difficulties in the operating and planning of electric power distribution networks. This is because operators of the distribution networks normally cannot monitor or control the output of the PVs, which introduces additional uncertainty into the available information that operations must rely on. This paper focuses on the service restoration of the distribution networks, and the authors propose a problem framework and its solution method that finds the optimal restoration configuration under extensive PV installation. The service restoration problems have been formulated as combinatorial optimization problems. They do, however, require accurate information on load sections, which is impractical in distribution networks with extensively installed PVs. A combined framework of robust optimization and two-stage stochastic programming adopted in the proposed problem formulation enables us to deal with the PV-originated uncertainty using readily available information only. In addition, this problem framework can be treated by a traditional solution method with slight extensions. The validity of the authors’ proposal is verified through numerical simulations on a real-scale distribution network model and a discussion of their results.
Applied Nanotechnologies in Anticoagulant Therapy: From Anticoagulants to Coagulation Test Performance of Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Patriota Yuri B. G. , Chaves Luíse L. , Gocke Evren H. , Severino Patricia , Soares Mônica F. R. , Soares-Sobrinho José L. , Souto Eliana B.
Published: May 2021

Heparin-based delivery systems have been explored to improve their therapeutic efficacy and to reduce toxicity for different administration routes. Regardless of the applied drug delivery system (DDS), the evaluation of anticoagulant performance is instrumental for the development of a suitable DDS. The understanding of the range of anticoagulant assays, together with their key applications and limitations, is essential both within the context of scientific research and for clinical usage. This review provides an overview of the current anticoagulant therapy and discusses the advantages and limitations of currently available anticoagulant assays. We also discuss studies involving low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH)-based nanocarriers with emphasis on their anticoagulation performance. Conventional anticoagulants have been used for decades for the treatment of many diseases. Direct oral anticoagulants have overcome some limitations of heparins and vitamin K antagonists. However, the lack of an accurate laboratory assessment, as well as the lack of a factor “xaban” (Xa) inhibitor reversal agent, remains a major problem associated with these anticoagulants. LMWHs represent anticoagulant agents with noteworthy efficacy and safety, and they have been explored to improve their outcomes with various nanocarriers through several administration routes. The main problems related to LMWHs have been surmounted, and improved efficiency may be achieved through the use of DDSs.
Mitigation of Odor and Gaseous Emissions from Swine Barn with UV-A and UV-C Photocatalysis
Authors: Lee Myeongseong , Koziel Jacek A. , Murphy Wyatt , Jenks William S. , Chen Baitong , Li Peiyang , Banik Chumki
Published: May 2021

UV-A (ca. 365 nm wavelength, a.k.a. ‘black light’) photocatalysis has been investigated to comprehensively mitigate odor and selected air pollutants in the livestock environment. This study was conducted to confirm the performance of UV-A photocatalysis on the swine farm. The objectives of this research were to (1) scale-up of the UV-A photocatalysis treatment, (2) evaluate the mitigation of odorous gases from swine slurry pit, (3) test different UV sources, (4) evaluate the effect of particulate matter (PM) and (5) conduct preliminary economic analyses. We tested UV-A photocatalysis at a mobile laboratory-scale capable of treating ~0.2–0.8 m3·s−1 of barn exhaust air. The targeted gaseous emissions of barn exhaust air were significantly mitigated (p < 0.05) up to 40% reduction of measured odor; 63%, 44%, 32%, 40%, 66% and 49% reduction of dimethyl disulfide, isobutyric acid, butanoic acid, p-cresol, indole and skatole, respectively; 40% reduction of H2S; 100% reduction of O3; and 13% reduction of N2O. The PM mitigation effect was not significant. Formaldehyde levels did not change, and a 21% generation of CO2 was observed. The percent reduction of targeted gases decreased as the airborne PM increased. Simultaneous chemical and sensory analysis confirmed that UV-A treatment changed the overall nuisance odor character of swine barn emissions into weaker manure odor with ‘toothpaste and ‘mint’ notes. The smell of benzoic acid generated in UV-A treatment was likely one of the compounds responsible for the less-offensive overall odor character of the UV-treated emissions. Results are needed to inform the design of a farm-scale trial, where the interior barn walls can be treated with the photocatalyst.