bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VirionFinder: Identification of Complete and Partial Prokaryote Virus Virion Protein From Virome Data Using the Sequence and Biochemical Properties of Amino Acids
Authors: Fang Zhencheng , Zhou Hongwei
Published: February 2021

Viruses are some of the most abundant biological entities on Earth, and prokaryote virus are the dominant members of the viral community. Because of the diversity of prokaryote virus, functional annotation cannot be performed on a large number of genes from newly discovered prokaryote virus by searching the current database; therefore, the development of an alignment-free algorithm for functional annotation of prokaryote virus proteins is important to understand the viral community. The identification of prokaryote virus virion proteins (PVVPs) is a critical step for many viral analyses, such as species classification, phylogenetic analysis and the exploration of how prokaryote virus interact with their hosts. Although a series of PVVP prediction tools have been developed, the performance of these tools is still not satisfactory. Moreover, viral metagenomic data contains fragmented sequences, leading to the existence of some incomplete genes. Therefore, a tool that can identify partial PVVPs is also needed. In this work, we present a novel algorithm, called VirionFinder, to identify the complete and partial PVVPs from non-prokaryote virus virion proteins (non-PVVPs). VirionFinder uses the sequence and biochemical properties of 20 amino acids as the mathematical model to encode the protein sequences and uses a deep learning technique to identify whether a given protein is a PVVP. Compared with the state-of-the-art tools using artificial benchmark datasets, the results show that under the same specificity (Sp), the sensitivity (Sn) of VirionFinder is approximately 10–34% much higher than the Sn of these tools on both complete and partial proteins. When evaluating related tools using real virome data, the recognition rate of PVVP-like sequences of VirionFinder is also much higher than that of the other tools. We expect that VirionFinder will be a powerful tool for identifying novel virion proteins from both complete prokaryote virus genomes and viral metagenomic data. VirionFinder is freely available at https://github.com/zhenchengfang/VirionFinder.
Whole Genome Analysis of Sugarcane Root-Associated Endophyte Pseudomonas aeruginosa B18—A Plant Growth-Promoting Bacterium With Antagonistic Potential Against Sporisorium scitamineum
Authors: Singh Pratiksha , Singh Rajesh Kumar , Guo Dao-Jun , Sharma Anjney , Singh Ram Nageena , Li Dong-Ping , Malviya Mukesh K. , Song Xiu-Peng , Lakshmanan Prakash , Yang Li-Tao , Li Yang-Rui
Published: February 2021

Sugarcane smut is a significant fungal disease that causes a major loss in sugar yield and quality. In this study, we isolated an endophytic strain B18 from a sugarcane root, which showed plant growth-promotion, hydrolytic enzyme production, antifungal activity against sugarcane pathogens (Sporisorium scitamineum, Ceratocystis paradoxa, Fusarium verticillioides), and the presence of nifH, acdS, and antibiotic genes (hcn, prn, and phCA) under in vitro conditions. BIOLOG(R) phenotypic profiling of B18 established its ability to use various carbon and nitrogen sources and tolerate a range of pH and osmotic and temperature stresses. Whole-genome analysis of B18, identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, showed that it consists of a single circular chromosome of 6,490,014 bp with 66.33% GC content. Genome annotation has identified 5,919 protein-coding genes, and 65 tRNA, and 12 rRNA genes. The P. aeruginosa B18 genome encodes genes related to ethylene, nitrogen (nifU, norBCDERQ, gltBDPS, and aatJMPQ), and phosphate (pstABCS and phoBDHRU) metabolism and produce indole-3-acetic acid and siderophores. This also includes genes encoding hydrolases and oxidoreductases, those associated with biocontrol mechanisms (hcnABC, phzA_B, phzDEFGMS, and pchA), colonization (minCDE and lysC), and biofilm formation (efp, hfq, flgBCDEFGHI, and motAB), and those associated with metabolism of secondary metabolites. Collectively, these results suggest a role for P. aeruginosa B18 in plant growth enhancement and biocontrol mechanisms. The P. aeruginosa B18 strain was found to be an efficient colonizer in sugarcane; it can improve growth through modulation of plant hormone production and enhanced host-plant resistance to smut pathogen S. scitamineum in a smut-susceptible sugarcane variety (Yacheng71-374). These biocontrol and plant growth promotion properties of P. aeruginosa B18 area are discussed in this report.
Tissue MicroRNA Expression as a Predictor of Response to Immunotherapy in NSCLC Patients
Authors: Grenda Anna , Krawczyk Paweł , Błach Justyna , Chmielewska Izabela , Kubiatowski Tomasz , Kieszko Stanisław , Wojas-Krawczyk Kamila , Kucharczyk Tomasz , Jarosz Bożena , Paśnik Iwona , Borowiec-Bar Małgorzata , Frąk Małgorzata , Kieszko Robert , Szczyrek Michał , Reszka Katarzyna , Krukowska Kinga , Kolak Agnieszka , Mańdziuk Sławomir , Kowalski Dariusz , Sawicki Marek , Świniuch Daria , Starosławska Elżbieta , Ramlau Rodryg , Szumiło Justyna , Krzakowski Maciej , Milanowski Janusz
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Expression of PD-L1 protein on tumor cells, which is so far the only validated predictive factor for immunotherapy, is regulated by epigenetic and genetic factors. Among the most important ones that regulate gene expression are microRNAs.

Materials and Methods

The study included 60 patients with NSCLC who underwent first or second line immunotherapy with pembrolizumab or nivolumab. FFPE materials were collected before the start of immunotherapy. We examined relative expression of microRNAs (miR-141, miR-200a, miR-200b, miR-200c, miR-429, miR-508-3p, miR-1184, miR-1255a) and PD-L1 mRNA expression. Copy number variation (CNV) of PD-L1 gene by qPCR and FISH methods were assessed. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in promoter region of PD-L1 gene (rs822335 and rs822336) were examined. Expression of PD-L1 protein on tumor cells was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The response rate to immunotherapy and progression free survival (PFS) measured in weeks and overall survival (OS) measured in months from the start of immunotherapy were evaluated.

Results

Response to immunotherapy was observed in nine patients (15%, including one complete response), disease stabilization in 22 patients (36.7%), and progression in 29 patients (48.3%). Significantly higher (p=0.015) expression of miR-200b and significantly lower (p=0.043) expression of miR-429 were observed in responders compared to patients who did not respond to immunotherapy. The median PFS in the whole group of patients was 16 weeks, and the median OS was 10.5 month. In univariate analysis, the median PFS was significantly higher in patients with high miR-200b expression (HR=0.4253, 95%CI: 0.1737–1.0417, p=0.05) and high miR-508 expression (HR=0.4401, 95%CI: 0.1903–1.0178, p=0.05) and with low expression of miR-429 (HR=0.1288, 95%CI: 0.01727–0.9606, p=0.0456) compared to patients with low and high expression of these molecules, respectively. The median OS was higher in patients with low expression of miR-429 (HR=0,6288, 95%CI: 0,3053–1,2949, p=0.06) compared with patients with high expression of this microRNA. In multivariate analysis, we found that patients with PD-L1 expression on ≥1% of tumor cells compared to patients without PD-L1 expression on cancer cells had a significantly lower risk of progression (HR=0.3857, 95%CI: 0.1612–0.9226, p=0.0323) and death (HR=0.377, 95%CI: 0.1636–0.8688, p=0.022).

Conclusion

The miR-200b and miR-429 molecules in tumor cells seem to have greatest impact on the effectiveness of immunotherapy in NSCLC patients.
Prospective Exploratory Study of the Clinical Significance of Circulating Tumor Cells in Patients With Small Cell Lung Cancer Exposed to Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation
Authors: Deng Lei , Zhang Ye , Zhang Wen , Feng Lin , Zhang Kaitai , Wang Wenqing , Zhou Zongmei , Wang Luhua , Hui Zhouguang
Published: February 2021

Objective

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can predict the efficacy of anti-cancer treatments and indicate prognosis. Here we investigate the significance of CTCs in relation to the prediction of treatment efficacy and prognosis in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) who have received prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI).

Methods

CTCs were detected in 20 patients with SCLC before and after PCI using the oHSV1-hTERT-GFP method. The primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

Eleven patients had limited-stage SCLC, and nine had extensive-stage SCLC. All patients completed chemo-radiotherapy and received PCI. The median baseline CTC count before PCI was 12. After PCI, the median CTC count was 4. The median follow-up time for all enrolled patients was 39.2 months. The median PFS and OS were significantly reduced in patients with ≥4 CTCs after PCI compared to those with <4 CTCs (PFS, 28.1 months vs. not reached, p = 0.001; OS, not reached vs. not reached, p = 0.029). Seven of the 10 patients with ≥4 CTCs after PCI failed after treatment, whereas the10 patients with <4 CTCs after PCI remained alive without tumors. The median PFS and OS were significantly improved in patients who exhibited a rate of CTC decline of ≥58% after PCI compared with patients who exhibited a decline rate of <58% (PFS, 26.4 months vs. not reached, p = 0.006; OS, not reached vs. not reached, p = 0.029).

Conclusion

In SCLC patients who receive PCI, the CTC count and rate of CTC decline after PCI significantly correlate with prognosis.
mTOR Inhibitors as Radiosensitizers in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Authors: Exner Samantha , Arrey Gerard , Prasad Vikas , Grötzinger Carsten
Published: February 2021

Peptide receptor radioligand therapy (PRRT) has evolved as an important second-line treatment option in the management of inoperable and metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN). Though high radiation doses can be delivered to the tumors, complete remission is still rare. Radiosensitization prior to PRRT is therefore considered to be a promising strategy to improve the treatment effect. In this study, effect and mechanism of mTOR inhibitors were investigated in a comprehensive panel of five NEN cell lines (BON, QGP-1, LCC-18, H727, UMC-11), employing assays for cellular proliferation, clonogenic survival, cell cycle modification and signaling. mTOR inhibition lead to growth arrest with a biphasic concentration-response pattern: a partial response at approximately 1 nM and full response at micromolar concentrations (8–48 µM). All cell lines demonstrated elevated p70S6K phosphorylation yet also increased phosphorylation of counterregulatory Akt. The pulmonary NEN cell line UMC-11 showed the lowest induction of phospho-Akt and strongest growth arrest by mTOR inhibitors. Radiation sensitivity of the cells (50% reduction versus control) was found to range between 4 and 8 Gy. Further, mTOR inhibition was employed together with irradiation to evaluate radiosensitizing effects of this combination treatment. mTOR inhibition was found to radiosensitize all five NEN cells in an additive manner with a moderate overall effect. The radiation-induced G2/M arrest was diminished under combination treatment, leading to an increased G1 arrest. Further investigation involving a suitable animal model as well as radioligand application such as177Lu-DOTATATE or177Lu-DOTATOC will have to demonstrate the full potential of this strategy for radiosensitization in NEN.
Autophagy Gene Panel-Based Prognostic Model in Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Authors: Wang Ming-Jing , Liu Wei-Yi , Wang Xue-Ying , Li Yu-Meng , Xiao Hai-Yan , Quan Ri-Cheng , Huang Gang , Hu Xiao-Mei
Published: February 2021

Abnormal autophagy is related to the pathogenesis and clinical symptoms of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). However, the effect of autophagy-related genes (ARGs) on the prognosis of MDS remains unclear. Here, we examined the expression profile of 108 patients with MDS from the GSE58831 dataset, and identified 22 genes that were significantly associated with overall survival. Among them, seven ARGs were screened and APIs were calculated for all samples based on the expression of the seven ARGs, and then, MDS patients were categorized into high- and low-risk groups based on the median APIs. The overall survival of patients with high-risk scores based on these seven ARGs was shorter than patients with low-risk scores in both the training cohort (P = 2.851e-06) and the validation cohort (P = 9.265e-03). Additionally, API showed an independent prognostic indicator for survival in the training samples [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.322, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.158–1.51; P < 0.001] and the validation cohort (HR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1–1.1; P < 0.01). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of API and IPSS were 43.0137 and 66.0274 in the training cohorts and the AUC of the validation cohorts were 41.5361 and 72.0219. Our data indicate these seven ARGs can predict prognosis in patients with MDS and could guide individualized treatment.
TP53 Mutations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Still a Daunting Challenge?
Authors: Molica Matteo , Mazzone Carla , Niscola Pasquale , de Fabritiis Paolo
Published: February 2021

TP53is a key tumor suppressor gene with protean functions associated with preservation of genomic balance, including regulation of cellular senescence, apoptotic pathways, metabolism functions, and DNA repair. The vast majority ofde novoacute myeloid leukemia (AML) present unalteredTP53alleles. However,TP53mutations are frequently detected in AML related to an increased genomic instability, such as therapy‐related (t-AML) or AML with myelodysplasia-related changes. Of note,TP53mutations are associated with complex cytogenetic abnormalities, advanced age, chemoresistance, and poor outcomes. Recent breakthroughs in AML research and the development of targeted drugs directed at specific mutations have led to an explosion of novel treatments with different mechanisms. However, optimal treatment strategy for patients harboringTP53mutations remains a critical area of unmet need. In this review, we focus on the incidence and clinical significance ofTP53mutations inde novoand t-AML. The influence of these alterations on response and clinical outcomes as well as the current and future therapeutic perspectives for this hardly treatable setting are discussed.
Screening and Identification of Four Prognostic Genes Related to Immune Infiltration and G-Protein Coupled Receptors Pathway in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Yan , Qiu Liwei , Chen Yu , Zhang Xia , Yang Peng , Xu Feng
Published: February 2021

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a common malignant tumor with the highest morbidity and mortality worldwide. The degree of tumor immune infiltration and clinical prognosis depend on immune-related genes, but their interaction with the tumor immune microenvironment, the specific mechanism driving immune infiltration and their prognostic value are still not very clear. Therefore, the aim of this work was focused on the elucidation of these unclear aspects.

Methods

TCGA LUAD samples were divided into three immune infiltration subtypes according to the single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), in which the associated gene modules and hub genes were screened by weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). Four key genes related to immune infiltration were found and screened by differential expression analysis, univariate prognostic analysis, and Lasso-COX regression, and their PPI network was constructed. Finally, a Nomogram model based on the four genes and tumor stages was constructed and confirmed in two GEO data sets.

Results

Among the three subtypes—high, medium, and low immune infiltration subtype—the survival rate of the patients in the high one was higher than the rate in the other two subtypes. The four key genes related to LUAD immune infiltration subtypes were CD69, KLRB1, PLCB2, and P2RY13. The PPI network revealed that the downstream genes of the G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) pathway were activated by these four genes through the S1PR1. The risk score signature based on these four genes could distinguish high and low-risk LUAD patients with different prognosis. The Nomogram constructed by risk score and clinical tumor stage showed a good ability to predict the survival rate of LUAD patients. The universality and robustness of the Nomogram was confirmed by two GEO datasets.

Conclusions

The prognosis of LUAD patients could be predicted by the constructed risk score signature based on the four genes, making this score a potential independent biomarker. The screening, identification, and analysis of these four genes could contribute to the understanding of GPCRs and LUAD immune infiltration, thus guiding the formulation of more effective immunotherapeutic strategies.
Identifying Drug Response by Combining Measurements of the Membrane Potential, the Cytosolic Calcium Concentration, and the Extracellular Potential in Microphysiological Systems
Authors: Jæger Karoline Horgmo , Charwat Verena , Wall Samuel , Healy Kevin E. , Tveito Aslak
Published: February 2021

Cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-CMs) offer a new means to study and understand the human cardiac action potential, and can give key insight into how compounds may interact with important molecular pathways to destabilize the electrical function of the heart. Important features of the action potential can be readily measured using standard experimental techniques, such as the use of voltage sensitive dyes and fluorescent genetic reporters to estimate transmembrane potentials and cytosolic calcium concentrations. Using previously introduced computational procedures, such measurements can be used to estimate the current density of major ion channels present in hiPSC-CMs, and how compounds may alter their behavior. However, due to the limitations of optical recordings, resolving the sodium current remains difficult from these data. Here we show that if these optical measurements are complemented with observations of the extracellular potential using multi electrode arrays (MEAs), we can accurately estimate the current density of the sodium channels. This inversion of the sodium current relies on observation of the conduction velocity which turns out to be straightforwardly computed using measurements of extracellular waves across the electrodes. The combined data including the membrane potential, the cytosolic calcium concentration and the extracellular potential further opens up for the possibility of accurately estimating the effect of novel drugs applied to hiPSC-CMs.
Neobavaisoflavone Induces Bilirubin Metabolizing Enzyme UGT1A1 via PPARα and PPARγ
Authors: Zhu Ya-Di , Guan Xiao-Qing , Chen Jing , Peng Sheng , Finel Moshe , Zhao Ying-Yuan , Wang Rui-Min , Bi Hui-Chang , Lei Ming , Wang Dan-Dan , Ge Guang-Bo
Published: February 2021

UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) is an essential enzyme in mammals that is responsible for detoxification and metabolic clearance of the endogenous toxin bilirubin and a variety of xenobiotics, including some crucial therapeutic drugs. Discovery of potent and safe UGT1A1 inducers will provide an alternative therapy for ameliorating hyperbilirubinaemia and drug-induced hepatoxicity. This study aims to find efficacious UGT1A1 inducer(s) from natural flavonoids, and to reveal the mechanism involved in up-regulating of this key conjugative enzyme by the flavonoid(s) with strong UGT1A1 induction activity. Among all the tested flavonoids, neobavaisoflavone (NBIF) displayed the most potent UGT1A1 induction activity, while its inductive effects were confirmed by both western blot and glucuronidation activity assays. A panel of nuclear receptor reporter assays demonstrated that NBIF activated PPARα and PPARγ in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, we also found that NBIF could up-regulate the expression of PPARα and PPARγ in hepatic cells, suggesting that the induction of UGT1A1 by NBIF was mainly mediated by PPARs. In silico simulations showed that NBIF could stably bind on pocket II of PPARα and PPARγ. Collectively, our results demonstrated that NBIF is a natural inducer of UGT1A1, while this agent induced UGT1A1 mainly via activating and up-regulating PPARα and PPARγ. These findings suggested that NBIF can be used as a promising lead compound for the development of more efficacious UGT1A1 inducers to treat hyperbilirubinaemia and UGT1A1-associated drug toxicities.
Catalpol Protects Against Spinal Cord Injury in Mice Through Regulating MicroRNA-142-Mediated HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Xia Hougang , Wang Dandan , Guo Xiaohui , Wu Kaidi , Huang Fuwei , Feng Yanjiang
Published: February 2021

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that leads to paralysis, disability and even death in severe cases. Inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress in neurons are key pathogenic processes in SCI. Catalpol (CTP), an iridoid glycoside extracted from Rehmannia glutinosa, has many pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic properties.

Purpose: Here, we investigated whether CTP could exert neuroprotective effects against SCI, and explored the underlying mechanism involved.

Methods: SCI was induced by a weight-drop device and treated with CTP (10 mg and 60 mg/kg). Then the locomotor function of SCI mice was evaluated by the BBB scores, spinal cord edema was measured by the wet/dry weight method, oxidative stress markers and inflammatory factors were detected by commercial kits and neuronal death was measured by TUNEL staining. Moreover, the microRNA expression profile in spinal cords from mice following SCI was analyzed using miRNA microarray. In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, inflammatory response and cell apoptosis were detected in murine microglia BV2 cells under oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and CTPtreatment.

Results: Our data showed that CTP treatment could improve the functional recovery, as well as suppress the apoptosis, alleviate inflammatory and oxidative response in SCI mice. In addition, CTP was found to be up-regulated miR-142 and the protective effects of CTP on apoptosis, inflammatory and oxidative response may relate to its regulation of HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway through miR-142.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that CTP may protect the spinal cord from SCI by suppression of apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammatory response via miR-142/HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway.
Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis Identifies Crucial Genes Mediating Progression of Carotid Plaque
Authors: Chen Mengyin , Chen Siliang , Yang Dan , Zhou Jiawei , Liu Bao , Chen Yuexin , Ye Wei , Zhang Hui , Ji Lei , Zheng Yuehong
Published: February 2021

Background

Surface rupture of carotid plaque can cause severe cerebrovascular disease, including transient ischemic attack and stroke. The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular mechanism governing carotid plaque progression and to provide candidate treatment targets for carotid atherosclerosis.

Methods

The microarray dataset GSE28829 and the RNA-seq dataset GSE104140, which contain advanced plaque and early plaque samples, were utilized in our analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened using the “limma” R package. Gene modules for both early and advanced plaques were identified based on co-expression networks constructed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes Genomes (KEGG) analyses were employed in each module. In addition, hub genes for each module were identified. Crucial genes were identified by molecular complex detection (MCODE) based on the DEG co-expression network and were validated by the GSE43292 dataset. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) for crucial genes was performed. Sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the robustness of the networks that we constructed.

Results

A total of 436 DEGs were screened, of which 335 were up-regulated and 81 were down-regulated. The pathways related to inflammation and immune response were determined to be concentrated in the black module of the advanced plaques. The hub gene of the black module was ARHGAP18 (Rho GTPase activating protein 18). NCF2 (neutrophil cytosolic factor 2), IQGAP2 (IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein 2) and CD86 (CD86 molecule) had the highest connectivity among the crucial genes. All crucial genes were validated successfully, and sensitivity analysis demonstrated that our results were reliable.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to combine DEGs and WGCNA to establish a DEG co-expression network in carotid plaques, and it proposes potential therapeutic targets for carotid atherosclerosis.
Development of KASP Markers and Identification of a QTL Underlying Powdery Mildew Resistance in Melon (Cucumis melo L.) by Bulked Segregant Analysis and RNA-Seq
Authors: Cao Yanyan , Diao Qiannan , Chen Youyuan , Jin Haijun , Zhang Yongping , Zhang Hongmei
Published: February 2021

Powdery mildew (PM), caused byPodosphaera xanthii(Px), is one of the most devastating fungal diseases of melon worldwide. The use of resistant cultivars is considered to be the best and most effective approach to control this disease. In this study, an F2segregating population derived from a cross between a resistant (wm-6) and a susceptible cultivar (12D-1) of melon was used to map major powdery mildew resistance genes using bulked segregant analysis (BSA), in combination with next-generation sequencing (NGS). A novel quantitative trait locus (QTL) namedqCmPMR-12for resistance to PM on chromosome 12 was identified, which ranged from 22.0 Mb to 22.9 Mb. RNA-Seq analysis indicated that theMELO3C002434gene encoding an ankyrin repeat-containing protein was considered to be the most likely candidate gene that was associated with resistance to PM. Moreover, 15 polymorphic SNPs around the target area were successfully converted to Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers (P< 0.0001). The novel QTL and candidate gene identified from this study provide insights into the genetic mechanism of PM resistance in melon, and the tightly linked KASP markers developed in this research can be used for marker-assisted selection (MAS) to improve powdery mildew resistance in melon breeding programs.
Adapting Wine Grape Ripening to Global Change Requires a Multi-Trait Approach
Authors: Suter Bruno , Destrac Irvine Agnes , Gowdy Mark , Dai Zhanwu , van Leeuwen Cornelis
Published: February 2021

In winegrowing regions around the world increasing temperature associated with climate change is responsible for earlier harvests and is implicated in undesirably high sugar concentrations at harvest. Determining the suitability of grapevine varieties in existing or new winegrowing areas has often been based on temperature, without considering other factors. The purpose of this study was to quantify key berry sugar accumulation traits and characterize their plasticity in response to several climate variables. Data was collected from 36 different cultivars over 7 years (2012–2018) from an experimental vineyard in Bordeaux, France. Sugar amounts were obtained through weekly berry sampling starting at mid-veraison and continuing until after technological maturity. The variation in sugar accumulation traits for all cultivars, when considered together, were well explained by cultivar, year, and their interaction, highlighting the relative roles of genetic variation and phenotypic plasticity. Sugar accumulation traits were affected by antecedent and concurrent climate factors such as photosynthetically active radiation, temperature, and vine water status, whether before, or after mid-veraison. In addition, other traits such as berry weight at mid-veraison and date of mid-veraison had an important influence on sugar accumulation traits. More notably, the relative importance of these factors varied significantly by cultivar. The specific physiological mechanisms driving the plasticity of these traits remain to be identified. Adaptation to climate change cannot be based on temperature alone and crop responses cannot be generalized across genotypes, even within species.
Effects of Self-Expressive Brand and Susceptibility to Interpersonal Influence on Brand Addiction: Mediating Role of Brand Passion
Authors: Bai Shizhen , Yin Yue , Yu Yubing , Wei Sheng , Wu Rong
Published: February 2021

Although the concept of the consumer–brand relationship has undergone rapid change over the past two decades, the issue of brand addiction is still generally neglected in the literature. Based on social identity theory, the research develops a conceptual model of the influence of self-expressive brands (SEBs) and susceptibility to interpersonal influence (SUSCEP) on brand addiction. The results of this research demonstrate both separate and joint effects of SEBs and SUSCEP on brand addiction. In addition, harmonious brand passion and obsessive brand passion positively mediate the relationships among SEB, SUSCEP, and brand addiction. The research explores the formation mechanism of brand addiction from a new perspective and has important practical implications for brand marketers concerned with finding the most effective means to enhance the consumer–brand relationship.
The Effect of Coach Gender on Competitive Weightlifting Performance for Men and Women Weightlifters
Authors: Mire Abigail , Heintz Elizabeth C. , Foreman Jeremy J.
Published: February 2021

Gender of coaches relative to their athletes has recently garnered substantial attention in the public, the media, and academia. Relative to sports engulfed in controversy pertaining to men athletes being coached by women, such as professional baseball, basketball, and football, it is more common to see women coach men in competitive weightlifting, though only a small percent of men weightlifters are coached by women. In competitive weightlifting, coaches are responsible for both physically and mentally training athletes, and with the social barriers faced by women in a sport traditionally perceived as masculine, there may be mental training or communication benefits to training with a coach of a certain gender. Examining the gender of competitive weightlifters and their coaches, total weight lifted in the snatch and clean and jerk events are analyzed using OLS regression. Results indicate that men weightlifters perform better with men coaches. Women weightlifters perform better with men coaches until the age of 43, then they perform better with women coaches. The difference in performance may be due to several factors including historical bias against women in the sport.
Adapting Summer Education Programs for Navajo Students: Resilient Teamwork
Authors: Kahn Carmella B. , Dreifuss Heather , Teufel-Shone Nicolette I. , Tutt Marissa , McCue Kelly , Wilson Jamie , Waters Amber-Rose , Belin Kalvina L. , Bauer Mark C.
Published: February 2021

In May 2020, the Navajo Native American Research Center for Health Partnership (Navajo NARCH) was scheduled to launch two summer programs: a 10 weeks-long Summer Research Enhancement Program (SREP) for undergraduate students to learn and practice health research methods and participate in a practicum experience, and a week-long Indigenous Summer Enhancement Program (ISEP) for high school students that introduces a range of health professions and develops leadership qualities. Students accepted into the programs are predominantly Navajo and live within Navajo Nation (NN) during the summer. Due to NN restrictions and CDC guidelines for physically distancing in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Navajo NARCH team organized to offer both programs entirely online via Zoom™. This paper explores the instructional teams’ adaptation process to maintain a commitment to preserve the programs’ supportive environment for exploring and developing strong multicultural approaches in public health and health research. In preparation for online instruction, the team developed and offered workshops for staff and instructors to address anticipated challenges. The team identified the following challenges: technological difficulties, social disconnectedness, consistent student engagement, and facilitation of a practicum research experience. Results showed that program adaptations were successful as the team applied collaborative and holistic approaches, and established social connections remotely with students to offer meaningful research and practicum experiences.
Investigating the Origin of the First Ionization Potential Effect With a Shell Turbulence Model
Authors: Réville Victor , Rouillard Alexis P. , Velli Marco , Verdini Andrea , Buchlin Éric , Lavarra Michael , Poirier Nicolas
Published: February 2021

The enrichment of coronal loops and the slow solar wind with elements that have low First Ionization Potential, known as the FIP effect, has often been interpreted as the tracer of a common origin. A current explanation for this FIP fractionation rests on the influence of ponderomotive forces and turbulent mixing acting at the top of the chromosphere. The implied wave transport and turbulence mechanisms are also key to wave-driven coronal heating and solar wind acceleration models. This work makes use of a shell turbulence model run on open and closed magnetic field lines of the solar corona to investigate with a unified approach the influence of magnetic topology, turbulence amplitude and dissipation on the FIP fractionation. We try in particular to assess whether there is a clear distinction between the FIP effect on closed and open field regions.
Contenido de los programas de postgrado de la Universidad del Zulia con base en los criterios de calidad educativa
Authors: Mármol María Carolina
Published: February 2021

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar con base en criterios de calidad educativa el contenido de los programas de postgrado propuestos desde el año 2013 por las diferentes facultades y núcleos en la Universidad del Zulia y que a la fecha no han sido aprobados por el Consejo Nacional de Universidades. La investigación fue de tipo analítica con un diseño de fuente documental y según la perspectiva temporal, transeccional contemporánea, con una amplitud de foco unieventual. Para determinar la confiabilidad se aplicó la técnica de coeficiente Alfa de Crombach con un resultado de 1, lo cual significa una muy alta confiabilidad. La unidad de estudio la conformaron once (11) proyectos de creación de programas de postgrado de la Universidad del Zulia. Se concluye que es necesario que en las instancias de diseño y evaluación curricular de la Universidad del Zulia se manejen los mismos criterios de calidad educativa en función de mejorar la calidad de los programas y agilizar los procesos para su aprobación.
O filósofo dentro e fora do ordinário: Hume, Stanley Cavell e a instabilidade das conclusões céticas
Authors: Cachel Andrea
Published: February 2021

O objetivo deste artigo é discutir o que representa a instabilidade das reflexões filosóficas, segundo a leitura que dela faz a filosofia de Stanley Cavell, em diálogo com Hume, filósofo que teria abordado esse problema em sua maior amplitude. Nesse sentido, em primeiro lugar o texto apresenta as linhas gerais da análise humeana, realizada especialmente no Tratado da Natureza Humana, sobre a alternatividade entre a razão e a imaginação na questão do ceticismo sobre o mundo exterior e concernente à identidade pessoal. Partindo dessa síntese da questão, investiga em que sentido, para Cavell, a instabilidade do ceticismo reflete sua natureza dicotômica face ao ordinário; a naturalidade e a antinaturalidade da filosofia. A intenção é mostrar, com base nesse percurso, que, dado o fato de que as noções filosóficas não são descobertas sobre as crenças comuns e que estas não conseguem evitar por completo as tendências da razão humana, a ideia de uma filosofia imersa no mundo ordinário só pode ser compreendida como uma apropriação subjetiva dos nossos acordos comuns.     

 

Palavras-chave: ceticismo; filosofia; crenças naturais; linguagem ordinária.
EVALUACIÓN DE LA ACTIVIDAD ANTIOXIDANTE DE LOS EXTRACTOS ACUOSO Y METANÓLICO DE SEMILLAS DE PERSEA AMERICANA MILL, VARIEDAD HASS, PROVENIENTES DEL ESTADO ARAGUA EN VENEZUELA
Authors:   School of Health Sciences, Department of Basic Sciences, Laboratory of Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis, Laboratory of Heavy Metals and Organic Solvents, Agro-Industrial Biotechnology Section of the ", Pacheco-Coello Franklin ,   Dr. Francisco J. Triana Alonso",   Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED-UC) University of Carabobo, Postal Code 2103, phone +2446004000, Ruiz Pineda Street, La Morita II, Santa Rita Sector, Aragua State, Venezuela., e Seijas-Perdomo Desirée ,   School of Health Sciences, Department of Basic Sciences, Laboratory of Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis, Laboratory of Heavy Metals and Organic Solvents, Agro-Industrial Biotechnology Section of the "Dr. Francisco J. Triana Alonso" Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED-UC) University of Carabobo, Postal Code 2103, phone +2446004000, Ruiz Pineda Street, La Morita II, Santa Rita Sector, Aragua State, Venezuela.
Published: February 2021

El alto contenido de compuestos bioactivos en la semilla de Persea americana, ha originado un gran interés a nivel mundial por sus diversas potencialidades, en la que destaca su capacidad antioxidante. El estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la actividad antioxidante de los extractos acuoso y metanólico de semillas de Persea americana Mill, variedad Hass, comercializadas en supermercados de la ciudad de Maracay, Venezuela. Se determinó el contenido de fenoles totales del extracto a través del método Folin-Ciocalteau para luego evaluar la actividad antioxidante por tres métodos químicos (DPPH, FRAP y ABTS). Se obtuvo una mayor concentración de compuestos fenólicos totales en el extracto metanólico, con diferencia estadística respecto al extracto acuoso. La actividad antioxidante fue superior en el extracto metanólico en los tres métodos empleados (p<0.05). Estos resultados muestran el alto poder antioxidante de la semilla de aguacate, considerada como producto de desecho, lo que permite proponer estrategias que permitan su uso con fines medicinales.
EVALUACIÓN DE LA CALIDAD MICROBIOLÓGICA MEDIANTE INDICADORES CROMOFÓRICOS SELECTIVOS Y EXTRACTO DE MALTA DE BEBIDAS DE FRUTAS AMAZÓNICAS COMERCIALIZADAS EN COBIJA, BOLIVIA
Authors:   Laboratorio de Aguas y Alimentos, Área de Ciencias Biológicas y Naturales, Universidad Amazónica de Pando, Cobija, Pando, Bolivia., Surco Almendras Juan Carlos , Alvarado Kirigin Juan Antonio ,   Centro de Estudios e Investigaciones en Química de Alimentos, Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas IIQ, Chemical Sciences Department, Facultad de Ciencias Puras y Naturales FCPN, Universidad Mayor de San Andres UMSA, P.O. Box 303, Calle Andrés Bello s/n, Ciudad Universitaria Cota Cota, La Paz, Bolivia.
Published: February 2021

Los refrescos elaborados artesanalmente a base de frutas amazónicas y comercializados en Cobija, Bolivia son consumidos por la mayoría de la población, por su sabor y acción refrescante natural, además son de bajo costo. Es importante conocer la calidad de este alimento por no ser pasteurizado, lo cual nos motivó a realizar esta investigación. Se realizó la evaluación de las condiciones higiénicas del personal y de los establecimientos de expendio, mediante el uso de un cuestionario de observación. Según los resultados obtenidos, el 69% de los establecimientos no cumple con las Buenas Prácticas de Higiene de Elaboración y Manipulación. Se realizaron muestreos de cada uno de los establecimientos de expendio durante 3 semanas, completándose un total de 78 muestras de aguas y refrescos de frutas. Posteriormente, se determinó el pH de cada muestra. Se observó que los aguas de frutas presentan valores que están por debajo de los límites que establece la Norma Boliviana NB 512 (6,5 a 9,5). Los refrescos de frutas presentan valores que están dentro del límite permitido por la Norma Técnica Peruana NTP 203.110-111, que establece que el pH debe ser inferior a 4,50. La presencia de microorganismos indicadores de contaminación en aguas y refrescos de frutas se determinó mediante el método de la Membrana Filtrante (UFC) NB 31003. Los resultados obtenidos en muestras de aguas y refrescos de frutas, indicaron que estaban contaminadas con la presencia en un 92% de coliformes totales, 69% de Escherichia coli y 81% de Hongos y levaduras excediendo los límites permitidos por la NB 512 y NTP 203.110-111.
EVALUACIÓN DE LA PRESENCIA DE METALES PESADOS, COMO PARA UN INVENTARIO EN AJO, CEBOLLA Y SUELOS SEMIURBANOS DE AREQUIPA, PERÚ
Authors:   Escuela Profesional de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Formales FCNF, Universidad Nacional San Agustín de Arequipa UNSA, Av. Venezuela s/n, Arequipa, Perú., Paredes de Gómez Betty , Huanca Z. Paul K. ,   Escuela Profesional de Ingeniería de Materiales, Facultad de Ingeniería de Procesos FIP, Universidad Nacional San Agustín de Arequipa UNSA, Av. Independencia s/n-Pab. Ing. Materiales, Arequipa, Perú., Salas-Arias Erika ,   Universidad Catolica San Pablo, Urb. Campiña Paisalista s/n Quinta Vivanco – Barrio de San Lázaro, Arequipa, Perú., PérezMontaño H. Saúl ,   Universidad Catolica San Pablo, Urb. Campiña Paisalista s/n Quinta Vivanco – Barrio de San Lázaro, Arequipa, Perú., del Carpio Graciano ,   Escuela Profesional de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas FCB, Universidad Nacional San Agustín de Arequipa UNSA, Av. Daniel Alcides Carreon s/n-Pab. Biología, Arequipa, Perú.
Published: February 2021

El objetivo de este estudio es la evaluación de la acumulación de elementos pesados, Pb, Cr, Cd, Tl, Cu, Co en ajo, cebolla y suelo de suelos semirurales y su efecto potencial en la salud de la población de la ciudad de Arequipa. Los resultados mostraron concentraciones por debajo de los límites permisibles para todos ellos en ajo, cebolla y suelos de acuerdo con los estándares internacionales demostrando que la acumulación de metales pesados en el suelo no supera los límites según los estándares internacionales.
Effects of acute exercise on directed forgetting
Authors: Loprinzi Paul D. , Harper Jacob , Olinyk Tatjana , Richards Jessica
Published: February 2021

Background: The directed forgetting paradigm involves individuals encoding a list of words(List 1; L1) and then, prior to encoding a second list of words (List 2; L2), they are given specific instructions to either remember all the words from L1 or to try and forget these words. In this paradigm, after encoding L1, those who are given the directed forgetting (DF) instructions tend tore call more words for L2 when compared to those who were given the remember (R) instructions(DF benefit effect). Similarly, those given the DF instructions tend to recall fewer words from L1(DF cost effect). This DF phenomenon may, in part, occur via attentional inhibitory mechanisms, or mental context-change mechanisms, which may be influenced via acute exercise. Methods: The present experiment investigates if acute exercise can facilitate DF when exercise occurs after L1 forgetting instructions. Participants (N = 97; Mage = 21 years) were randomly assigned into either acute exercise (15-min high-intensity aerobic exercise) plus DF (EX + DF),2) DF (directed forgetting) only (DF) or 3) R (remember) only (R). A standard two list (L1 and L2)DF paradigm was employed. Results: We observed evidence of a DF cost effect, but not a DF benefit effect. For L1, although both EX + DF and DF differed from R, there was no difference between EX + DF and DF. Further, although for L2, EX + DF was different than DF, neither of these groups differed when compared to R. Conclusion: We reserve caution in suggesting that exercise had a DF effect.
Quality of Life of Filipino Caregivers of Children in Need of Special Protection: Correlations with their Role Overload and Role Distress
Authors: Rocha Ian Christopher Naungayan , Arcinas Myla Marcellana
Published: February 2021

Introduction: The quality of life (QOL) of the caregivers who attend to children in need of special protection (CNSP) influences their effectiveness in rendering care to their care recipients. This study aimed to determine the QOL of caregivers with their levels of role overload (RO) and role distress (RD). Methods: A total of 130 caregivers, identified through a convenience sampling technique, from 17 child-caring institutions from the Philippines’ National Capital Region (NCR) participated in this descriptive correlational study. The survey method was used to gather the data using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Data were processed and analyzed using Statistica 13.0 and Spearman’s rho test. Results: The study found a significant inverse moderate correlation between the level of QOL of the caregivers and their level of RO. A significant inverse strong correlation was also found between the level of their QOL and their level of RD. Conclusion: The findings confirm that as the levels of RO and RD of the caregivers decrease, their level of QOL increases. Conversely, their level of QOL decreases as their levels of RO and RD increase. Recommendations were provided to improve the QOL of the caregivers of CNSP in the Philippines.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic iodopovidone pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusions in moderate to high-risk Colombian patients
Authors: Garzón Juan Carlos , Edward Vinck Eric , Carolina Cárdenas Diana , Jaime Téllez Luis
Published: February 2021

Introduction: In developing countries where talc may not be readily available, video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) iodopovidone pleurodesis offers an excellent alternative for the treatment of malignant pleural effusions (MPEs). Methods: This study analyzes a retrospective experience using VATS iodopovidone pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusions at a single cardiothoracic center in the capital of Colombia evaluating success according to LENT (Lactate, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-ECOG, Neutrophil-Lymphocyte ratio, Tumor type) scores. A total of 75 records of patients taken to VATS iodopovidone pleurodesis for MPEs were retrieved from our institutional database during a 5-year period from 2014-2019. Of these, 45 had complete clinical history data necessary to analyze both LENT scores and post-op follow-up imaging. Results: Of the 45 patients evaluated, 93.3% (42 patients) had either complete resolution of pleural effusions or partial resolution with an asymptomatic recovery within the first month post op. Chest pain was the most common postoperative complaint, which was present in 20% of patients. The mean postoperative ECOG score was 2±1.7. Patients with moderate to high-risk LENT scores had success rates of 96.7% and 92.3% respectively. Conclusion: Video-assisted thoracoscopic pleurodesis using Iodopovidone-iodine is an effective approach for MPEs. In developing countries where Iodopovidone iodine is readily available and affordable, patients may benefit from this agent with excellent results and minimal complications.
Kuliah Kerja Mahasiswa Guna Meningkatkan Kualitas Sumber Daya Manusia Pada Desa Sukabares Kecamatan Ciomas
Authors: Antarnusa Ganesa , Ristantiya Siva
Published: February 2021

Berdasarkan UU No.12 Tahun 2012 tentang pendidikan tinggi mendefinisikan mengenai jenjang pendidikan setelah pendidikan menengah dari program diploma sampai program spesialis yang diselenggarakan oleh perguruan tinggi berdasarkan kebudayaan bangsa indonesia. Didukung oleh konsep dasar KKM(Kuliah Kerja Mahasiswa) oleh ristekdikti, mahasiswa wajib memiliki 3 tridharma yakni pendidikan, penelitian, dan pengabdian agar menjadi pribadi mahasiswa yang cerdas berbudi luhur secara komprehensif, berintegritas dan kredibel. KKM sendiri merupakan wadah tepat untuk pengembangan multidisciplinary applied researches, yang sangat akan sangat berguna bagi masyarakat dan juga meringankan beban pemerintah pusat atau daerah. Serta peduli dan menjawab permasalahan yang ada dalam permasalahan global tak lupa memberikan nama baik untuk perguruan tinggi. KKM meningkatkan empati, kepedulian, kerjasama secara multidisipliner, kepribadian, kontribusi daya saing daerah/nasional, dan mendorong learning community/society