bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic Composition Permits Precise Analysis of a Novel High-Yielding Wheat Cultivar Bainong 207 and its Sister Lines
Authors: Ma Chao , Wu Hao , Sehgal Sunish , Gill Harsimardeep , Tian Xiubin , Ou Xingqi , Chen Jianyong , Zhu Qidi , Li Huanhuan , Dong Zhenjie , Liu Wenxuan , Qi Zengjun
Published: December 2019

Development and deployment of wheat varieties with high yields, wide adaptability, good quality, multiple-resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses, and efficient response to fertilizers have greatly contributed to global wheat sustainable production. The genomic composition of key commercial wheat variety can help understand the genetic basis underlying the development of new variety and permit increased breeding efficiency. In this study, we report the chromosomal and genomic compositions of BN207, presently the leading wheat variety in the southern region of Huang-Huai River Valley, the most important wheat producing area in China through an integrated analysis using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and wheat 15 K SNP array. Our results showed that BN207 inherited 55.3% and 40.7% of its genome from its male parent BN64 and female parent ZM16, respectively, and generating 64 novel or recombined loci. Besides, we detected nine chromosomal variations in Bn207 and its parents and ten sister lines, and physically mapped two variations, the pericentric inversion of chromosome 6B, and large tandem repeat sequence block at the long arm of 5A, both had positive effects on agronomic traits, by integration of FISH and SNP loci recombination analyses. These results will provide a reference for breeding of high yield wheat varieties as BN207, and the application of founder parents BN64 and ZM16, which are being utilized frequently in wheat breeding programs in Henan Province and surrounding areas.
Quantification of the Energy Storage Contribution to Security of Supply through the F-Factor methodology
Authors: Giannelos Spyros , Djapic Predrag , Pudjianto Danny , Strbac Goran
Published: December 2019

The ongoing electrification of the heat and transport sectors is expected to lead to a substantial increase in peak electricity demand over the coming decades, which may drive significant investment in network reinforcement in order to maintain a secure supply of electricity to consumers. The traditional way of security provision has been based on conventional investments such as the upgrade of the capacity of electricity transmission or distribution lines. However, the energy storage technology can also provide security of supply, thereby constituting a cost-efficient alternative to expensive conventional reinforcements. In this context, the current paper presents a methodology for the economic quantification of the security contribution of energy storage. This methodology makes use of mathematical optimization for the calculation of the F-factor metric, which reflects the optimal amount of peak demand reduction as compared to the power capability of the energy storage asset. In this context, a case study is presented in which the security contribution of energy storage is analyzed as a function of its power capability, energy capacity and efficiency as well as of characteristics of load patterns.
Recent Advances on the Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidant properties of Red Grape Polyphenols: In Vitro and in Vivo Studies
Authors: Magrone Thea , Magrone Manrico , Russo Matteo Antonio , Jirillo Emilio
Published: December 2019

In this review, special emphasis will be placed on red grape polyphenols for their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, their capacity to inhibit major pathways responsible for activation of oxidative systems and expression and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines will be discussed. Furthermore, regulation of immune cells by polyphenols will be illustrated with special reference to the activation of T regulatory cells which support a tolerogenic pathway at intestinal level. Furthermore, the effects of red grape polyphenols will be analyzed in obesity, as a low grade systemic inflammation. Also, possible modifications of inflammatory bowel disease biomarkers and clinical course have been studied upon polyphenol administration, either in animal models or in clinical trials. Moreover, the ability of polyphenols to cross the blood-brain barrier has been exploited to investigate their neuroprotective properties. In cancer, polyphenols seem to exert several beneficial effects, even if conflicting data are reported about their influence on T regulatory cells. Finally, the effects of polyphenols have been evaluated in experimental models of allergy and autoimmune diseases. Conclusively, red grape polyphenols are endowed with a great anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potential but some issues, such as polyphenol bioavailability, activity of metabolites and interaction with microbiota, deserve deeper studies.
New Hosts for Lecanosticta acicola and Dothistroma septosporum in Spain
Authors: Mesanza Nebai , Raposo Rosa , Elvira-Recuenco Margarita , Hernández-Escribano Laura , Barnes Irene , van der Nest Ariska , Pascual Mª Teresa , Barrena Iskander , San Martín Unai , Cantero Alejandro , Iturritxa Eugenia
Published: December 2019

The largest impact of needle diseases in the recorded history of Pinus radiata and Pinus nigra plantations in the North of Spain, was from 2018 to 2019. The severity of the disease has led to a serious reconsideration of forest management in the area. The main pathogens involved in this historical outbreak were Lecanosticta acicola and Dothistroma septosporum. Three arboreta were established under the European project REINFFORCE in the Basque Country in recently harvested P. radiata plantations. The plants for the arboreta were produced in nurseries located in the Alps of Upper Provence (France). These arboreta were surrounded by plantations seriously damaged by L. acicola and D. septosporum. The Pinus species which were sampled in the arboreta included P. brutia (4 provenances), P. elliottii (2 provenances), P. nigra (8 or 9 provenances), P. pinaster (7 provenances), P. pinea (6 provenances), P. ponderosa (3 provenances), P. sylvestris (8 provenances) and P. taeda (3 provenances). Lecanosticta acicola is reported for the first time infecting Pinus brutia (Provenance: Alexandropolis, Greece and var. eldarica, Crimea), a new host species for this pathogen. Pinus elliottii (Provenance: Georgia, USA) and P. ponderosa (Provenance: Central California, USA) are new host reports of L. acicola for Spain. Dothistroma septosporum was found for the first time on P. brutia (Provenance: Marmaris, Turkey) and P. ponderosa (Provenance: Oregon, USA) in Spain and was also detected infecting P. nigra (Provenance: Slogne Vayrières, France).
The Influence of Synthesis Parameters on Structural and Magnetic Properties of Iron Oxide Nanomaterials
Authors: Cursaru Laura-Madalina , Piticescu Roxana Mioara , Dragut Dumitru Valentin , Tudor Ioan Albert , Kuncser Victor , Iacob Nicusor , Stoiciu Florentin
Published: December 2019

Magnetic iron oxide particles are used for in vitro diagnostics for nearly 40 years. Due to their unique physical, chemical, thermal and mechanical properties, as well as biocompatibility and low toxicity in the human body, iron oxide nanoparticles have been used in many biomedical applications, such as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging, carriers for controlled drug delivery and immunoassays, but also in magnetic hyperthermia. Our aim is to investigate the effect of pressure and temperature on the structural, thermal and magnetic properties of iron oxide nanomaterials prepared by hydrothermal synthesis. Iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized at temperatures of 100-200°C and pressures of 20-1000 bar. It has been found that pressure influences the type of iron oxide crystalline phase. Thus, for lower pressure values (< 100 bar), iron oxide is predominantly formed as hematite, while at pressures > 100 bar, the major crystalline phase is goethite. The complex thermal analysis revealed the polymorphic changes of iron oxides at different temperatures. The existence of specific magnetite and hematite phases in all thermally treated samples are evidenced through the specific Verwey and Morin transitions highlighted by ZFC-FC (Zero Field Cooled-Field Cooled) measurements, whereas their relative content is precisely provided by Mössbauer spectroscopy.
Isolation of Naegleria spp. from a Brazilian Water Source
Authors: Bellini Natália Karla , da Fonseca Ana Letícia Moreira , Reyes-Batlle María , Lorenzo-Morales Jacob , Rocha Odete , Thiemann Otavio Henrique
Published: December 2019

The genus Naegleria, of free-living amoeba (FLA) group, has been investigated mainly due to its human health impact resulting in deadly infections and their worldwide distribution on freshwater systems. Naegleria fowleri, colloquially known as the “brain-eating amoeba”, is the most studied Naegleria species because it causes Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) of high lethality. The assessment of FLA biodiversity is fundamental to evaluate the presence of pathogenic species and the possibility of human contamination. However, the knowledge of FLA distribution in Brazil is unknown, and to rectify this situation we present a research on identifying Naegleria spp. in the Monjolinho River, as a model study. The river is a public Brazilian freshwater source that crosses the city of São Carlos. Five distinct sampling sites were examined through limnological features, trophozoites culturing and PCR against internal transcribed spacers (ITS) regions and 5.8S rRNA sequence. The results identified N. philippinensis, N. canariensisi, N. australiensis, N.gruberi, N. dobsoni sequences, as well as a Vahlkampfia sequence. The methodology delineated here represents the first Brazilian Naegleria spp. study on a freshwater system. Our result stresses the urgency of a large scale evaluation of the presence of free-living amoebas in Brazil.
Herpesviruses and the Unfolded Protein Response
Authors: Johnston Benjamin P. , McCormick Craig
Published: December 2019

Herpesviruses usurp cellular stress responses to avoid immune detection while simultaneously promoting viral replication and spread. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is an evolutionarily conserved stress response that is activated when the protein load in the ER saturates its chaperone folding capacity causing an accrual of misfolded proteins. Through translational and transcriptional reprogramming, the UPR aims to restore protein homeostasis; however, if this fails the cell undergoes apoptosis. It is commonly thought that many enveloped viruses, including herpesviruses, may activate the UPR due to saturation of the ER with nascent glycoproteins and thus these viruses may have evolved mechanisms to evade the potentially negative effects of UPR signaling. Over the past fifteen years there has been considerable effort to provide evidence that different viruses may reprogram the UPR to promote viral replication. Here we provide an overview of the molecular events of UPR activation, signaling and transcriptional outputs, and highlight key findings that demonstrate that the UPR is an important cellular stress response that herpesviruses have hijacked to facilitate persistent infection.
Lexical-semantic classification of euphemisms of the feminine gender in the Uzbek language
Authors: Kakhramonovna Gulnamova Shakhnoza , Mengliyev B.
Published: December 2019

The two sexes - men and women - are not only biologically diverse, but also have their differences in language use. This article presents a lexical-semantic classification of euphemisms of female sexuality in Uzbek, and analyzes each of the euphemic agents in each group.
Human errors is continuous risky in construction industry: is it because of negligence or lack of knowledge?
Authors: Zikriyoev Aziz
Published: December 2019

Why is human capital relevance in organizations?  It is because of relations are essential for hiring, managing, training and retaining talented and high performing employees. Human Capital plays an important role in the recruitment process in all sectors of the economy. Especially in construction it is obligatory obey all requested rules and regulations due to extreme risk of getting injured or fatal death. In some cases lack of attention and knowledge workers face various types’ accidents on site. In this paper work it is studied cause and effects of low safety regulation and working requirements during working hours. As for the world experiences in Uzbekistan also major problems in this concern. According to the survey analysis construction sector employees had been studied of safety enforcement. Main purpose of the current paper is examine risk level on site, evaluate human factor and preventing accident rate by reducing workers knowledge and experience for self-awareness.
Intensifications of the wooling mechanism with increasing electric conductivity of fibers
Authors: Khasanov Doston
Published: December 2019

The wide possibilities of modifying manufactured industrial fibers aimed at improving their physico-mechanical properties, structural and technological parameters. In connection with the above, it was of interest to study the effect of a number of water-soluble compositions based on a poly-quaternary salt of dimethyl-allyl-β - methacryloyloxyethylammonium bromide in combination with glycerin on the structural and physico-mechanical properties of protein fiber, and also to study the effect of the composition on wool spinning and the quality of wool yarn .
Optimal Tracking Control for Discrete-time Systems with Time-delay Based on the Preview Control Method
Authors: Xu Haishan , Liao Fucheng
Published: December 2019

In this paper, the optimal tracking control problem for discrete-time with state and input delays is studied based on the preview control method. First, a transformation is introduced. Thus, the system is transformed into a non-delayed system and the tracking problem of the time-delay system is transformed into the regulation problem of a non-delayed system via processing of the reference signal. Then, by applying the preview control theory, an augmented system for the non-delayed system is derived, and a controller with preview function is designed, assuming that the reference signal is previewable. Finally, the optimal control law of the augmented error system and the optimal control law of the original system are obtained by letting the preview length of the reference signal go to zero.
Playing-Related Injuries and Posture Among Saxophonists
Authors: Shanoff Chelsea , Kyurim Kang , Guptill Christine , Thaut Michael
Published: December 2019

AIMS: Playing-related injuries are common among musicians, but little is known about the nature of injuries and complaints in saxophone players. This research explored playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) and postures among saxophonists. The aims were to: 1) investigate
the prevalence of PRMDs among saxophonists; 2) determine the most problematic body parts; and 3) identify their main postural habits and determine whether these postural habits may be related to the prevalence of pain in specific body parts. METHODS: An online questionnaire was used to collect
data from professional and college-level saxophonists throughout North America. RESULTS: From 109 saxophonists who responded, 83 (76.15%) reported ever having a PRMD, 54 (50%) reported having a PRMD in the past year, 30 (27.52%) reported having a PRMD in the past month, and 23 (21.10%) reported
having a PRMD in the past week. Top rated areas of pain were the right wrist, neck, mouth/jaw, and left wrist. The most common self-reported postural habits were forward head position and rounded upper back. Postures that correlated with higher pain ratings were rounded upper back and backward
pelvic tilt. The rounded upper back, backward pelvic tilt, and excessive curve in low back postures were significantly correlated with the presence of PRMD problems in the right wrist. CONCLUSIONS: Saxophonists in this survey experienced a high prevalence of PRMDs, especially of the wrists,
neck, and mouth/jaw. Certain postural habits may contribute to higher pain ratings or PRMD locations within saxophonists.
Exploring the Use of Psychological Skills Training Interventions in a Music Domain: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ford Jessica , Arvinen-Barrow Monna
Published: December 2019

AIM: The aim of this paper was to systematically review existing empirical literature addressing the use of psychological skills training (PST) interventions commonly employed in sport applied to a music domain. Included PST studies must have an experimental or quasi-experimental design
and no clinical or pharmacological interventions and/or assessments. METHODS: The databases MEDLINE (EBSCO), PsychInfo, Psych Articles, CINAHL Plus with full text, Google Scholar, SportDiscus, and Music Index were searched using a combination of the terms. music*, performance psychology, performance
enhancement, music performance, intervention, psychological skills training, and music performance psychology. Due to the novelty of the existing literature, there were no limitation restrictions to publication year, the standard of musician (e.g., expert, novice, professional, amateur), participant
age, or type of intervention setting. RESULTS: The initial search revealed 323 published articles. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 articles were deemed sufficient for review. Four additional articles were found via pen-and-paper method by evaluating the reference sections
of the included articles. All reviewed studies demonstrated that aspects of PST interventions commonly employed in sport (except Alexander technique) are effective at subjectively enhancing performance in a music domain. The PST interventions varied vastly in duration, as well as the types
of (and a theoretical and empirical rationale for) psychological skills employed. CONCLUSIONS: Music performers may benefit from PST interventions typically used in sport; however, unique considerations of the music performance environment must be addressed in the design of such PST interventions.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus among antenatal clinic attendees in Gamawa Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Nigeria
Authors: MUSTAPHA GARBA UMAR , Ibrahim Abdulrasul , Balogun Muhammad Shakir , Umeokonkwo Chukwuma David , Mamman Aisha Indo
Published: December 2019

Background: Hepatitis B virus disease is a potentially life-threatening liver infection and a major global health problem. It causes chronic infection and puts people at high risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer. WHO estimated 257 million people are living with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and in 2015 alone HBV resulted in to 887,000 deaths globally. We determined the prevalence and associated factors of hepatitis B virus infection among Antenatal Care (ANC) attendees in Gamawa Local Government Area, Bauchi State.
Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional, health facility-based study between March and April 2018. We used systematic random sampling technique to recruit 210 pregnant women aged 15-49 years. With a structured questionnaire, we interviewed the respondents and collected blood sample to test for hepatitis B surface antigen. We calculated frequencies, means, proportions, and tested for associations using Epi Info 7.2 and Microsoft Excel.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 24.5 ± 6.0 years; 112 (53%) of whom were younger than 25 years. All were married, 183 (87%) had no formal education and up to 190 (90%) were employed. Overall, 14 (6.7%) tested positive for HBsAg; women aged ≥35 years had the highest prevalence (10%). None with tertiary education tested positive and women married before 18 years had 13 (6.2%) prevalence.
Conclusions: The prevalence of HBsAg among pregnant women in Gamawa LGA was 6.7% which is quite lower than the national prevalence reported. We recommended improved surveillance of HBV infection and screening of women attending ANC.
Keywords: Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis B Surface antigen, Prevalence, Pregnancy, Health facilities, Hepatitis B
Analysis of MADS-box genes revealed modified flowering gene network and diurnal expression in pineapple
Authors: Zhang Xiaodan , Fatima Mahpara , Zhou Ping , Ma Qing , Ming Ray
Published: December 2019

Background Pineapple is the most important crop with CAM photosynthesis, but its molecular biology is underexplored. MADS-box genes are crucial transcription factors involving in plant development and several biological processes. However, there is no systematic analysis of MADS-box family genes in pineapple (Ananas comosus). Results Forty-eight MADS-box genes were identified in the pineapple genome. Based on the phylogenetic studies, pineapple MADS-box genes can be divided into type I and type II MADS-box genes. Thirty-four pineapple genes were classified as type II MADS-box genes including 32 MIKC-type and 2 Mδ-type, while 14 type I MADS-box genes were further divided into Mα, Mβ and Mγ subgroups. A majority of pineapple MADS-box genes were randomly distributed across 19 chromosomes. RNA-seq expression patterns of MADS-box genes in four different tissues revealed that more genes were highly expressed in flowers, which was confirmed by our quantitative RT-PCR results. There is no FLC and CO orthologs in pineapple. The loss of FLC and CO orthologs in pineapple indicated that modified flowering genes network in this tropical plant compared with Arabidopsis. The expression patterns of MADS-box genes in photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic leaf tissues indicated the potential roles of some MADS-box genes in pineapple CAM photosynthesis. The 23% of pineapple MADS-box genes showed diurnal rhythm, indicating that these MADS-box genes are regulated by circadian clock. Conclusions MADS-box genes identified in pineapple are closely related to flowering development. Some MADS-box genes are involved in CAM photosynthesis and regulated by the circadian clock. These findings will facilitate research on the development of unusual spiral inflorescences on pineapple fruit and CAM photosynthesis.
Detection and application of genome-wide variations in peach for association and genetic relationship analysis
Authors: Guan Liping , Cao ke , Li yong , guo jian , xu qiang , Wang Lirong
Published: December 2019

Background: Peach (Prunus persica L.) is a diploid species and model plant of the Rosaceae family. In the past decade, significant progress has been made in peach genetic research via DNA markers, but the number of these markers remains limited. Results: In this study, we performed a genome-wide DNA markers detection based on sequencing data of six distantly related peach accessions. A total of 650,693~1,053,547 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 114,227~178,968 small insertion/deletions (InDels), 8,386~12,298 structure variants (SVs), 2,111~2,581 copy number variants (CNVs) and 229,357~346,940 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were detected and annotated. To demonstrate the application of DNA markers, 944 SNPs were filtered for association study of fruit ripening time and 15 highly polymorphic SSRs were selected to analyze the genetic relationship among 221 accessions. Conclusions: The results showed that the use of high-throughput sequencing to develop DNA markers is fast and effective. Comprehensive identification of DNA markers, including SVs and SSRs, would be of benefit to genetic diversity evaluation, genetic mapping, and molecular breeding of peach.
The roles of metabolic pathways in maintaining primary dormancy of Pinus koraiensis seeds
Authors: Song Yuan , Zhu Jiaojun
Published: December 2019

Background: Korean pine seeds have primary dormancy following dispersal, leading to poor seed germination and seedling establishment. Metabolic homeostasis determines whether the seeds are dormant or non-dormant. However, the specific metabolic pathways that maintain the primary dormancy of pine seeds are poorly understood. Results: Metabolic analysis was employed on the embryos of PDRS (seeds released from primary dormancy) and PDS (primary dormant seeds) on days 0, 5 and 11 after incubation under a germination-inductive temperature. A larger metabolic switch occurred in PDRS embryos from days 0 to 11. The contents of ninety metabolites were significantly changed from days 0 to 5, 83% of which (including most sugars, organic acids and amino acids) increased, reflecting that biosynthetic metabolism processes are initiated. The contents of ninety-two metabolites showed distinct variations from days 5 to 11, 71% of which (including most organic acids and almost all amino acids) reduced substantially. Fructose 6-phosphate, inositol-3-phosphate, 3-phosphoglyceric and D-glucose-6-phosphate contents showed the most decrease with decreasing 409-, 75-, 58- and 41-fold, indicating that the glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle strongly slowed down. The contents of the most metabolites in PDS embryos also displayed a relatively larger alteration only from days 0 to 5. Although 64% of metabolites increased from days 0 to 5, their levels were still lower compared with PDRS embryos. Furthermore, most metabolites were not further accumulated from days 5 to 11. Unlike PDRS embryos, almost all amino acids in PDS embryos did not exhibit a substantial decrease from days 5 to 11. Also, there was not a major decrease in the levels of metabolites involved mainly in glycolysis and TCA cycle, while some intermediates even increased. Conclusions: The attenuated biosynthetic metabolism processes, the lower utilization rate of amino acids and the higher operation rate of glycolysis and TCA in embryos maintain primary dormancy.
Transcriptomic and proteomic analysis reveals mechanisms of low pollen-pistil compatibility during water lily cross breeding
Authors: Sun Chun-Qing , Chen Fa-Di , Teng Nian-Jun , Yao Yue-Mei , Shan Xi , dai zhongliang
Published: December 2019

Background: In water lily (Nymphaea) hybrid breeding, breeders often encounter non-viable seeds, which make it difficult to transfer desired or targeted genes of different Nymphaea germplasm. We found that pre-fertilization barriers were the main factor in the failure of the hybridization of Nymphaea. The mechanism of low compatibility between the pollen and stigma remains unclear; therefore, we studied the differences of stigma transcripts and proteomes at 0, 2, and 6 hours after pollination (HAP). Moreover, some regulatory genes and functional proteins that may cause low pollen-pistil compatibility in Nymphaea were identified. Results: RNA-seq was performed for three comparisons (2 vs 0 HAP, 6 vs 2 HAP, 6 vs 0 HAP), and the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was 8,789 (4,680 were up-regulated), 6,401 (3,020 were up-regulated), and 11,284 (6,148 were up-regulated), respectively. Using label-free analysis, 75 (2 vs 0 HAP) proteins (43 increased and 32 decreased), nine (6 vs 2 HAP) proteins (three increased and six decreased), and 90 (6 vs 0 HAP) proteins (52 increased and 38 decreased) were defined as differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses revealed that the DEGs and DEPs were mainly involved in cell wall organization or biogenesis, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) metabolism , hydrogen peroxide decomposition and metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, secondary metabolism, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Conclusions: Our transcriptomic and proteomic analysis highlighted specific genes, incuding those in ROS metabolism, biosynthesis of flavonoids, SAM metabolism, cell wall organization or biogenesis and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis that warrant further study in investigations of the pollen-stigma interaction of water lily. This study strengthens our understanding of the mechanism of low pollen-pistil compatibility in Nymphaea at the molecular level, and provides a theoretical basis for overcoming the pre-fertilization barriers in Nymphaea in the future.
Development of a computer-based quantification method for immunohistochemically-stained tissues and its application to study mast cells in equine wound healing (proof of concept)
Authors: Dubuc Valerie , Laverty Sheila , Richard Hélène , Doré Monique , Theoret Christine
Published: December 2019

Background: There is a growing interest in the scientific community to use computer-based software programs for the quantification of cells during physiological and pathophysiological processes. Drawbacks of current computer-based methods used to quantify immunohistochemical staining are the complexity of use, expense of software and overly-simplified description of protocol thereby limiting reproducibility. The precise role of mast cells in equine cutaneous wound healing is unknown. Given the contribution of mast cells to the chronic inflammation observed in human keloid, a pathology similar to exuberant granulation tissue (EGT) in horses, mast cells might be present in high numbers in equine limb wounds predisposed to EGT. The main goal of this study was to develop a reliable and reproducible quantification method for immunostained tissues using a computer software that is widely available, at no cost, to the scientific community. At secondary goal was to conduct a proof of concept using the newly-established method to quantify mast cells during wound healing at different anatomical sites (body and limb) in horses to see if a different pattern is observed in limb wounds.Results: A good intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC, 0.67 p < 0.05) was found between the computer-based ImageJ method and manual counting. An excellent intra-operator ICC of 0.90 (p < 0.01) was found for the ImageJ quantification method while a good interoperator ICC of 0.69 (p < 0.01) was measured. Mast cells were localized below the epidermis, around cutaneous appendages and blood vessels. Mast cell numbers did not differ significantly in relation to anatomical location or time of healing.Conclusions: The computer-based quantification method developed is reliable, reproducible, available, cost-free and could be used to study different physiological and pathological processes using immunohistochemistry.
Social acceptance of alcohol use in Uganda.
Authors: Ssebunnya Joshua , Kituyi Caroline , Nabanoba Justine , Nakku Juliet , Bhana Arvin , Kigozi Fred
Published: December 2019

Background: Alcohol use is part of many cultural, religious and social practices, and provides perceived pleasure to many users. In many societies, alcoholic beverages are a routine part of the social landscape for many in the population. Relatively low rates were reported for Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) in a community based survey and facility detection survey conducted in the study site contrary to findings in earlier formative studies where alcohol use was reported to be a major health problem. The aim of this study was to understand reasons for under-reporting and the low detection rate for AUDs, exploring the societal perceptions of alcohol use in the study district. Methods: The study was conducted in Kamuli District (implementation site for the PRIME project). Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with purposively selected participants that included local and religious leaders, lay people, health workers as well as heavy alcohol drinkers and their spouses. Interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The analysis followed 4 thematic areas, which include the extent and acceptability of alcohol use, patterns of alcohol use, perceived health problems associated with alcohol use and help-seeking behavior for persons with alcohol related problems. Results: The findings indicate that alcohol consumption in the study site was common and widely acceptable across all categories of people, with minimal restrictions. Society tends to overlook problems associated with alcohol use except when it is life-threatening. Help-seeking for such problems was therefore reported to be relatively rare. Conclusion: Alcohol was readily available in the community and its consumption widely acceptable with minimal restrictions to the minors. There is low recognition of alcohol use related health problems, resulting in poor help-seeking behavior. Key words: Alcohol, Kamuli, Alcohol Use Disorder, PRIME acceptability
First referral to an Integrated Onco-Palliative Care program: a retrospective analysis of its timing
Authors: Barth Claire , Colombet Isabelle , Montheil Vincent , Huillard Olivier , Boudou-Rouquette Pascaline , Tlemsani Camille , Alexandre Jérôme , Goldwasser François , Vinant Pascale
Published: December 2019

Background: Palliative care (PC) referral is recommended early in the course of advanced cancer. This study aims to describe, in an integrated onco-palliative care program (IOPC), patient’s profile when first referred to this program, timing of this referral and its impact on the trajectory of care at end-of-life.Patients and Methods: The IOPC combined the weekly onco-palliative meeting (OPM) dedicated to patients with incurable cancer, and/or the clinical evaluation by the PC team. Oncologists can refer to the multidisciplinary board of the OPM the patients for whom goals and organization of care need to be discussed. We analyzed all patients first referred at OPM in 2011-2013. We defined the index of precocity (IP), as the ratio of the time from first referral to death by the time from diagnosis of incurability to death, ranging from 0 (late referral) to 1 (early referral).Results: Of the 416 patients included, 57% presented with lung, urothelial cancers, or sarcoma. At first referral to IOPC, 76% were receiving antitumoral treatment, 63% were outpatients, 56% had a performance status ≤2 and 46% had a serum albumin level >35g/l. The median [1st-3rd quartile] IP was 0.39 [0.16-0.72], ranging between 0.53 [0.20-0.79] (earliest, for lung cancer) to 0.16 [0.07-0.56] (latest relatively to length of metastatic disease, for prostate cancer). Among 367 decedents, 42 (13%) received antitumoral treatment within 14 days before death, and 157 (43%) died in PC units.Conclusions: The IOPC is an effective organization to enable early integration of PC and decrease aggressiveness of care near the end-of life. The IP is a useful tool to model the timing of referral to IOPC, while taking into account each cancer types and therapeutic advances.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Italy: a comprehensive evaluation of all the ICD comorbidities and gender-related differences
Authors: Ferretti Fabio , Pozza Andrea , Bossini Letizia , Desantis Serena , Olivola Miriam , Matto Laura Del , Gualtieri Giacomo , Gusinu Roberto , Bezzini Daiana , Fagiolini Andrea , Coluccia Anna
Published: December 2019

Objectives: The association between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and physical comorbidities is controversial since most studies focused on specific comorbidity and victim types. In Italy, data on this issue are scarce. A comprehensive evaluation of all the ICD categories co-occurring in PTSD may orient assessment and treatment during clinical and forensic practice. This is the first study evaluating all the ICD physical comorbidities and gender-related differences in Italian PTSD patients. Eighty-four PTSD patients (36 females, 48 males) were included. The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and Davidson Trauma Scale were administered. Results: Most patients had a PTSD consequent to an accident and half of them presented extreme severity. No gender differences emerged on symptom severity/duration and age at the event. Metabolic (39.29%), circulatory (20.24%) and musculoskeletal diseases (17.86%) were the most frequent comorbidities. Metabolic/circulatory diseases were more frequent among males ( p =0.019 and p = 0.027, respectively) while females more frequently showed neoplasms ( p =0.039). Physical comorbidities represent a serious complication in PTSD patients and are more prevalent than in general population. While gender is not associated with symptom presentation, it seems to play a key role in specific comorbidities including metabolic, circulatory and neoplastic diseases.
Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the molecular regulation underlying the adaptive mechanism of cherry (Cerasus pseudocerasus Lindl.) to shelter covering
Authors: Tian Tian , Qiao Guang , Wen Zhuang , Deng Bin , Qiu Zhilang , Hong Yi , Wen Xiaopeng
Published: December 2019

Background: Rain-shelter covering is widely applied during cherry fruit development in subtropical monsoon climates with the aim of decreasing the dropping and cracking of fruit caused by excessive rainfall. Under rain-shelter covering, the characteristics of the leaves and fruit of the cherry plant may adapt to the changes in the microclimate. However, the molecular mechanism underlying such adaptation remains unclear, although clarifying it may be helpful for improving the yield and quality of cherry under rain-shelter covering.
Results: To better understand the regulation and adaptive mechanism of cherry under rain-shelter covering, 38,621 and 3,584 differentially expressed genes were identified with a combination of Illumina HiSeq and single-molecule real-time sequencing in leaves and fruits, respectively, at three developmental stages. Among these, key genes, such as those encoding photosynthetic-antenna proteins (Lhca and Lhcb) and photosynthetic electron transporters (PsbP, PsbR, PsbY, and PetF), were up-regulated following the application of rain-shelter covering, leading to increased efficiency of light utilization. The mRNA levels of genes involved in carbon fixation, namely, rbcL and rbcS, were clearly increased compared with those under shelter-free conditions, resulting in improved CO2 utilization. Furthermore, the transcription levels of genes involved in chlorophyll (hemA, hemN, and chlH) and carotenoid synthesis (crtB, PDS, crtISO, and lcyB) in the sheltered leaves peaked earlier than those in the unsheltered leaves, thereby promoting organic matter accumulation in leaves. Remarkably, the expression levels of key genes involved in the metabolic pathways of phenylpropanoid (PAL, C4H, and 4CL) and flavonoid (CHS, CHI, F3’H, DFR, and ANS) in the sheltered fruits were also up-regulated earlier than of those in the unsheltered fruits, conducive to an increase in anthocyanin content in the fruits.
Conclusions: According to the physiological indicators and transcriptional expression levels of the related genes, the adaptive regulation mechanism of cherry plants was systematically revealed. These findings can help understand the effect of rain-shelter covering on Chinese cherry cultivation in rainy regions.
Effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy on systemic inflammation and metabolic markers in patients undergoing haemodialysis and/or peritoneal dialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Author) Hui Yue(Former Corresponding , Xu Xinxin , Liu Qin , Li Xiaozhi , Xiao Yiting , Author) Bo Hu(New Corresponding
Published: December 2019

Background: This systematic review aimed to investigate whether non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) can reduce systemic inflammatory levels and improve metabolism in patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD) and/or peritoneal dialysis (PD). Methods: Electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, NCKI, and WFPD) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) performed through July 2019. The risk of bias within studies was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk assessment tool. The systemic inflammatory and metabolic outcomes included the highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-a), the albumin (Alb), and lipid metabolite levels. Meta-analyses (MAs) were performed to calculate the overall effect size where appropriate. Results: Five RCTs were included in this study. Compared with untreated periodontitis groups, the dialysis patients after NSPT significantly showed decreased hs-CRP levels at less than or equal to 2- (standardized mean difference (SMD) -1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) -2.95 to -0.11), 3- (-0.27, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.07), and 6 months (-0.36, 95% CI -0.55 to -0.17), respectively. No significant difference was found in IL-6 and Alb levels following NSPT at either the 3- or 6- month of follow-ups. No MAs could be performed on TNF-a level and the lipid metabolic markers. No adverse effects were observed in any of the studies. Conclusions: NSPT can moderately reduce serum hs-CRP levels in HD and/or PD patients, but did not significantly change IL-6 or Alb levels. For TNF-a and lipid metabolism markers, no sufficient evidence supports that these levels are changed after NSPT. Additional scientific research is necessary to assess the effects of NSPT on systemic inflammation and metabolic parameters in dialysis patients.
Molecular characterization and expression analysis of pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) HpLRR genes in response to Neoscytalidium dimidiatuminfection
Authors: Xu Min , Liu Cheng-Li , Fu Yu , Liao Zhi-Wen , Guo Pan-Yang , Xiong Rui , Cheng Yu , Wei Shuang-Shuang , Huang Jia-Quan , Tang Hua
Published: December 2019

Background:Canker disease caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatumis a devastating disease resulting in a major loss to the pitaya industry. However, resistance proteins in plants play crucial roles to against pathogen infection. Among resistance proteins, the leucine-rich repeat (LRR) protein is a major family that plays crucial roles in plant growth, development, and biotic and abiotic stress responses, especially in disease defense.
Results: In the present study, a transcriptomics analysis identified a total of 272 LRR genes, 233 of which had coding sequences (CDSs), in the plant pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) in response to fungal Neoscytalidium dimidiatuminfection. These genes were divided into various subgroups based on specific domains and phylogenetic analysis. Molecular characterization, functional annotation of proteins, and an expression analysis of the LRR genes were conducted. Additionally, four LRR genes (CL445.Contig4_All, Unigene28_All, CL28.Contig2_All, and Unigene2712_All, which were selected because they had the four longest CDSs were further assessed using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) at different fungal infection stages in different pitaya species (Hylocereus polyrhizus and Hylocereus undatus), in different pitaya tissues, and after treatment with salicylic acid (SA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and abscisic acid(ABA) hormones. The associated protein functions and roles in signaling pathways were identified.
Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive overview of the HpLRR family genes at transcriptional level in pitaya in response toN. dimidiatuminfection, it will be helpful to understand the molecular mechanism of pitaya canker disease, and lay a strong foundation for further research.
Low red/far-red ratio as a signal promotes carbon assimilation of soybean seedlings by increasing the photosynthetic capacity
Authors: Yang Feng , Liu Qinlin , Cheng Yajiao , Feng Lingyang , Wu Xiaoling , Fan Yuanfang , Raza Muhammad Ali , Wang Xiaochun , Yong Taiwen , Liu Weiguo , Liu Jiang , Du Junbo , Shu Kai , Yang Wenyu
Published: December 2019

Background: Shading includes low light intensity and varying quality. However, a low red/far-red (R/Fr) ratio of light is a signal that affects plant growth in intercropping and close- planting systems. Thus, the low R/Fr ratio uncoupling from shading conditions was assessed to identify the effect of light quality on photosynthesis and CO2 assimilation. Soybean plants were grown in a growth chamber with natural solar radiation under four treatments, that is, normal (N, sunlight), N+Fr, Low (L) +Fr, and L light.

Results: Low R/Fr ratio significantly increased the total biomass, leaf area, starch and sucrose contents, chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, and quantum efficiency of the photosystem II compared with normal R/Fr ratio under the same light level (P < 0.05). Proteomic analysis of soybean leaves under different treatments was performed to quantify the changes in photosynthesis and CO2 assimilation in the chloroplast. Among the 7834 proteins quantified, 12 showed a > 1.3-fold change in abundance, of which 1 was related to porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism, 2 were involved in photosystem I (PS I), 4 were associated with PS II, 3 proteins participated in photosynthetic electron transport, and 2 were involved in starch and sucrose metabolism. The dynamic change in these proteins indicates that photosynthesis and CO2 assimilation were maintained in the L treatment by up-regulating the component protein levels compared with those in N treatment. Although low R/Fr ratio increased the photosynthetic CO2 assimilation parameters, the differences in most protein expression levels in N+Fr and L+Fr treatments compared with those in N treatment were insignificant. Similar trends were found in gene expression through quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction excluding the gene expression of sucrose synthase possible because light environment is one of the factors affecting carbon assimilation.
Conclusions: Low R/Fr ratio (high Fr light) can increase the photosynthetic CO2 assimilation in the same light intensity by improving the photosynthetic efficiency of the photosystems.
A prospective study of erectile dysfunction in men after pelvic surgical procedures and its association with non - modifiable risk factors
Authors: Artemi Sofia , Vassiliu Panteleimon , Arkadopoulos Nikolaos , Smyrnioti Maria - Eleni , Sarafis Pavlos , Smyrniotis Vasileios
Published: December 2019

Objective: A pelvic surgery can cause erectile dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate erectile function at various times after pelvic surgery in male patients; to search the non-modifiable risk factors associated with the presence and intensity of sexuality in these patients. This prospective study used the erectile dysfunction IIEF scale.
Results: The study population comprised of 106 male patients who had undergone minor pelvic surgery at least 9 months before and during the 2010–2016 period in the 4th Surgical Clinic. A control group of healthy males (N=106) who underwent no pelvic surgery matched for age was also used for reference values. The main age of the participants was 66.16 ±13.07 years old. A history of colectomy was present in 36.8%, 18.9% had undergone sigmoidectomy, and 33% inguinal hernia repair. The percentage of severe erectile function increased from 38.7% before surgery to 48.1% (25% increase) after surgery, at the end of the follow-up period (p<0.05). In the multivariate analysis model, age emerged as an independent predictor of erectile function (p<0.001). Age was the most important determinant of the IIEF score, which was aggravated by 25% from the first to the last assessment of patients.