bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil Quality Characteristics as Affected by Continuous Rice Cultivation and Changes in Cropping Systems in South China
Authors: Ren Xiangning , Chen Feixiang , Ma Tao , Hu Yueming
Published: September 2020

This study was conducted to elucidate how changes in critical soil quality characteristics relate to continuous rice cultivation and changes in cropping systems and fertilization in South China over the time span 1980 to 2017. Soil pH, soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP) and potassium (AK) were determined for the samples taken in 2017 and compared to results from the paired samples collected in 1980 by grouping all samples into four cropping systems: continuous paddy fields, new paddy fields developed from uplands, continuous uplands, and new uplands developed from paddy soils. The results show a significant increase in soil pH, AP and AK in all cropping systems, which was, however, coupled with low fertilizer use efficiency. Additionally, a significant increase in SOM came with new paddy soils, whereas a little SOM accumulation and a significantly weakened correlation of TN to SOM occurred in continuous paddy soils. Both low fertilizer use efficiency and deteriorated soil C sequestration function imply a sub-health status of continuous paddy soils. The changes in cropping systems and fertilization, which essentially resulted from expeditious economic growth, should be responsible for the dynamics of C and N and the consequences to soil quality. More experimental studies on balanced fertilization vs. local commonly used fertilization are suggested to probe the mechanisms underlying the C and N dynamics in paddy soils.
Indexes of Radicle are Sensitive and Effective for Assessing Copper and Zinc Tolerance in Germinating Seeds of Suaeda salsa
Authors: Zhang Hao , Jiang Li , Tanveer Mohsin , Ma Jinbiao , Zhao Zhenyong , Wang Lei
Published: September 2020

Euhalophytes, such as Suaeda salsa, are ideal candidates to remediate heavy metal-polluted saline soils. However, the metal tolerance ability of dimorphic seeds and subsequent seedlings is largely unknown. This study investigated the tolerance of S. salsa seeds to different concentrations of Cu2+ (0–300 mM) and Zn2+ (0–300 mM) during germination and seedling growth stages. Results showed that dimorphic seeds of S. salsa had high metal tolerance during germination, and even germinated under 300 mM Cu and Zn treatments. However, seedling growth was more sensitive to metal solutions and radicle growth was almost completely inhibited by Cu at 10 mM, and by Zn at 50 mM. Germinating seeds and seedlings of S. salsa had a higher metal toxicity threshold of Zn than that of Cu. In all indexes, indexes of radicle were the most sensitive and effective indicator of metal tolerance. Seeds of S. salsa germinated successfully and seedlings survived under high Zn and Cu stress. The results suggest that S. salsa could be sown directly in heavy metal-contaminated soils for phytoremediation.
In-Soil Application of NP Mineral Fertilizer as a Method of Improving Nitrogen Yielding Efficiency
Authors: Szulc Piotr , Barłóg Przemysław , Ambroży-Deręgowska Katarzyna , Mejza Iwona , Kobus-Cisowska Joanna
Published: September 2020

This study presents the results of a four-year field experiment assessing the effectiveness of phosphorus application in maize cultivation according to the depth of two-component fertilizer (NP) placement in the soil layer, type of nitrogen fertilizer and date of application. Nitrogen utilization from mineral fertilizer was low—on average, 37.1% during the four years of research. The nitrogen metabolism index, measuring the agricultural and physiological efficiency of nitrogen use, confirmed the significant impact of NP fertilizer placement at 10 and 5 cm as optimal in maize fertilization. The use of nitrogen in maize cultivation before sowing, compared to the application of this component at the phase of 5-6 leaves BBCH 15/16 stage (stage of leaf development with five–six leaves unfolded), significantly increased the agricultural and physiological effectiveness of nitrogen applied in mineral fertilizer. Ammonium nitrate application before sowing the maize, compared to top dressing at the BBCH 15/16 stage, significantly increased nitrogen uptake and utilization from mineral fertilizer. Date of urea fertilizer application to the soil did not have a significant impact on these indicators in maize cultivation.
Should Dairy Cattle Be Trained to a Virtual Fence System as Individuals or in Groups?
Authors: Colusso Patricia I. , Clark Cameron E. F. , Lomax Sabrina
Published: September 2020

Pre-commercial virtual fence (VF) neckbands (eShepherd®, Agersens, Melbourne, Vic, Australia) can contain cows within a designated area without the need for physical fencing, through associative learning of a paired audio tone and electrical pulse. Cattle are gregarious, so there may be an impact of herd mates on the learning process. To evaluate this, a VF was set 30 m down one of three test paddocks with a feed attractant 70 m past the VF. Twenty-three Holstein-Friesian cows were all fitted with VF neckbands and trained as individuals or in groups (5–6) for four 10 min tests; then, cows were crossed over to the alternate context for two more 10 min tests. The number of cows breaking through the VF and the number of paired stimuli reduced across time (from 82% to 26% and 45% to 14%, respectively, p < 0.01). Cows trained in a group (88%) were more likely to interact with the VF in the crossover compared to those trained as individuals (36%) (p < 0.01), indicating an influence of group members on individual cow response. Individual training is impractical, therefore, future research should evaluate group training protocols ensuring all cows learn the VF to avoid any adverse impacts on animal welfare.
Production Significance of Bovine Respiratory Disease Lesions in Slaughtered Beef Cattle
Authors: Fernández Miguel , Ferreras María del Carmen , Giráldez Francisco Javier , Benavides Julio , Pérez Valentín
Published: September 2020

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is still a serious concern in feedlots, where it exerts a negative effect on farm productivity. There is a shortage of studies focused on the evaluation of BRD-associated lesions at the slaughterhouse in clinically healthy animals. The objective of this work was to investigate the prevalence and type of subclinical pneumonic lesions in slaughtered beef cattle, according to the age range and management system, and its impact on carcass weight. A total of 1101 beef cattle intended for human consumption were examined at slaughter. Information on age, sex, management system and carcass weight was recorded. The presence and type of pneumonia were evaluated according to gross and microscopic findings and etiological agents by PCR. Lung pneumonic lesions appeared in 17.9% of animals and were predominant among veal calves. According to the type, chronic catarrhal pneumonia prevailed in the majority of animals, and mixed and extensively reared cattle were more likely to suffer acute fibrinous pneumonia. The presence of pneumonic lesions was associated with a significant decrease in carcass weight that had more of an impact in veal male calves coming from intensive systems. Bacterial infections were the predominant infectious agent and the only cause of acute fibrinous pneumonia, while viruses were infrequent and only found in lesions with chronic catarrhal pneumonia. This study shows the importance of BRD in beef feedlots upon production values and points out the feasibility of slaughterhouse assessment of pneumonia as a method for the evaluation of BRD significance.
Aptamer-Based Detection of Ampicillin in Urine Samples
Authors: Simmons Matthew D. , Miller Lisa M. , Sundström Malin O. , Johnson Steven
Published: September 2020

The misuse of antibiotics in health care has led to increasing levels of drug resistant infections (DRI’s) occurring in the general population. Most technologies developed for the detection of DRI’s typically focus on phenotyping or genotyping bacterial resistance rather than on the underlying cause and spread of DRI’s; namely the misuse of antibiotics. An aptameric based assay has been developed for the monitoring of ampicillin in urine samples, for use in determining optimal antibiotic dosage and monitoring patient compliance with treatment. The fluorescently labelled aptamers were shown to perform optimally at pH 7, ideal for buffered clinical urine samples, with limits of detection as low as 20.6 nM, allowing for determination of ampicillin in urine in the clinically relevant range of concentrations (100 nM to 100 µM). As the assay requires incubation for only 1 h with a small sample volume, 50 to 150 µL, the test would fit within current healthcare pathways, simplifying the adoption of the technology.
Synergistic Therapies as a Promising Option for the Treatment of Antibiotic-Resistant Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Krzyżek Paweł , Paluch Emil , Gościniak Grażyna
Published: September 2020

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative bacterium responsible for the development of gastric diseases. The issue of spreading antibiotic resistance of H. pylori and its limited therapeutic options is an important topic in modern gastroenterology. This phenomenon is greatly associated with a very narrow range of antibiotics used in standard therapies and, as a consequence, an alarmingly high detection of multidrug-resistant H. pylori strains. For this reason, scientists are increasingly focused on the search for new substances that will not only exhibit antibacterial effect against H. pylori, but also potentiate the activity of antibiotics. The aim of the current review is to present scientific reports showing newly discovered or repurposed compounds with an ability to enhance the antimicrobial activity of classically used antibiotics against H. pylori. To gain a broader context in their future application in therapies of H. pylori infections, their antimicrobial properties, such as minimal inhibitory concentrations and minimal bactericidal concentrations, dose- and time-dependent mode of action, and, if characterized, anti-biofilm and/or in vivo activity are further described. The authors of this review hope that this article will encourage the scientific community to expand research on the important issue of synergistic therapies in the context of combating H. pylori infections.
MeJA Elicitation of Chicory Hairy Roots Promotes Efficient Increase of 3,5-diCQA Accumulation, a Potent Antioxidant and Antibacterial Molecule
Authors: Bernard Guillaume , Alves Dos Santos Harmony Alves Dos , Etienne Audrey , Samaillie Jennifer , Neut Christel , Sahpaz Sevser , Hilbert Jean-Louis , Gagneul David , Jullian Nathalie , Tahrioui Ali , Chevalier Sylvie , Rivière Céline , Rambaud Caroline
Published: September 2020

Cichorium intybus L. (Asteraceae) is an important industrial crop, as well as a medicinal plant which produces some bioactive compounds implicated in various biological effects with potential applications in human health. Particularly, roots produce hydroxycinnamic acids like 5-caffeoyquinic acid and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (di-CQA). The present investigation relates to the use of methyl jasmonate for enhancing phenolic compounds accumulation and production in hairy root cultures of C. intybus. Elicitated hairy root growth rate increased 13.3 times compared with the initial inoculum in a period of 14 days and di-CQA production represented about 12% of DW. The elicitation has also promoted the production of tricaffeoylquinic acid never described in the chicory roots and identified as 3,4,5-tricaffeoyquinic acid by means of nuclear magnetic resonance. Our study confirmed the strong anti-oxidant effect of di-CQA. Our results also confirmed globally a selectivity of action of di-CQA against Gram-positive bacteria, in particular against some strains of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. However, a non-negligible antibacterial activity of di-CQA against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was also underlined (MIC = 0.156 mg.mL−1 against some P. aeruginosa strains). The influence of di-CQA has been explored to evaluate its impact on the physiology of P. aeruginosa. Di-CQA showed no effect on the biofilm formation and the production of extracellular pyocyanin. However, it demonstrated an effect on virulence through the production of pyoverdine with a dose-dependent manner by more than 7-fold when treated at a concentration of 128 µg·mL−1, thus suggesting a link between di-CQA and iron sequestration. This study shows that elicitated hairy root cultures of chicory can be developed for the production of di-CQA, a secondary metabolite with high antibacterial potential.
MRU-NET: A U-Shaped Network for Retinal Vessel Segmentation
Authors: Ding Hongwei , Cui Xiaohui , Chen Leiyang , Zhao Kun
Published: September 2020

Fundus blood vessel image segmentation plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and is the basis of computer-aided diagnosis. Feature information from the retinal blood vessel image is relatively complicated, and the existing algorithms are sometimes difficult to perform effective segmentation with. Aiming at the problems of low accuracy and low sensitivity of the existing segmentation methods, an improved U-shaped neural network (MRU-NET) segmentation method for retinal vessels was proposed. Firstly, the image enhancement algorithm and random segmentation method are used to solve the problems of low contrast and insufficient image data of the original image. Moreover, smaller image blocks after random segmentation are helpful to reduce the complexity of the U-shaped neural network model; secondly, the residual learning is introduced into the encoder and decoder to improve the efficiency of feature use and to reduce information loss, and a feature fusion module is introduced between the encoder and decoder to extract image features with different granularities; and finally, a feature balancing module is added to the skip connections to resolve the semantic gap between low-dimensional features in the encoder and high-dimensional features in decoder. Experimental results show that our method has better accuracy and sensitivity on the DRIVE and STARE datasets (accuracy (ACC) = 0.9611, sensitivity (SE) = 0.8613; STARE: ACC = 0.9662, SE = 0.7887) than some of the state-of-the-art methods.
Towards Management of Residual Limb Volume: Monitoring the Prosthetic Interface Pressure to Detect Volume Fluctuations—A Feasibility Study
Authors: Ahmadizadeh Chakaveh , Pousett Brittany , Menon Carlo
Published: September 2020

(1) Motivation: Variations in the volume of the residual limb negatively impact various aspects of prosthesis use including the prosthetic socket fit. Although volume adjustment systems mitigate corresponding fit problems to some extent, some users still find the management of these systems challenging. With the ultimate goal of creating a feedback system that assists users with the management of their volume adjustment systems, this study demonstrates the feasibility of detecting variations in the volume of the residual limb. (2) Methods: Measurements of the interface force at the bottom of the prosthetic socket were used as indicators of variations in the volume of the residual limb. Force sensitive resistors (FSRs) were placed at the bottom of participants’ prosthetic sockets to monitor the interface limb–socket force as participants walked on a flat surface. Two phases of experiments were carried out: The first phase considered variations simulated by three prosthetic sock plies, established the feasibility of detecting variations in the volume of the limb based on the interface force, and further determined the locations at which the interface force could be used to detect variations in the limb’s volume. Having validated the effectiveness of the proposed method in the first phase, the second phase was carried out to determine the smallest detectable variation of the limb’s volume using the proposed method. In this phase, variations simulated by one and two prosthetic sock plies were considered. Four and three volunteers with transtibial amputations participated in the first and the second phases, respectively. (3) Results: Results of the first phase showed that an increase in the volume of the limb resulted in a decrease in the force measured at the distal location of the prosthetic sockets of all participants; however, the smallest detected variation could not be statistically confirmed.
Compositional Analysis of Chalcopyrite Using Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Authors: Ahmad Altaf , Hafeez Muhammad , Abbasi Shahab Ahmed , Khan Taj Muhammad , Faruque Mohammad Rashed Iqbal , Khandaker Mayeen Uddin , Ahmad Pervaiz , Rafique Muhammad , Haleem Noor
Published: September 2020

This article presents elemental analysis of an economically important mineral (chalcopyrite) of local origin. Calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) methodology based on the assumption of optically thin plasma and local thermodynamic equilibrium was employed for quantitative analysis. Plasma on the surface of the chalcopyrite target was generated by an Nd:YAG laser beam of wavelength 532 nm, pulse width 5 ns, and operated at repetition rate of 10 Hz. A LIBS2000+ detection system, comprised of five spectrometers, covering the spectral range from 200–720 nm, was used to record the signal of the optical emission from the chalcopyrite plasma. Recorded optical spectrum revealed the presence of Cu and Fe as the major elements while Ca and Na were recognized as the minor elements in the target sample. Quantitative analysis has shown that the relative concentrations of Cu, Fe, and Ca in the sample under study were 58.9%, 40.2%, and 0.9% by weight respectively. However, Na was not quantified due to the unavailability of suitable spectral lines, required for CF-LIBS analysis. Results obtained by CF-LIBS were validated by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, which showed the presence of five compositional elements viz. Cu, Fe, Si, Se and Ag with weight percentages of 58.1%, 35.4%, 5.7%, 0.7%, and 0.1% respectively. These results endorse the effectiveness of the CF-LIBS technique for quantitative analysis of major elements, however, its usefulness in case of minor and trace elements needs further improvement.
A Comprehensive Study on Deep Learning-Based 3D Hand Pose Estimation Methods
Authors: Chatzis Theocharis , Stergioulas Andreas , Konstantinidis Dimitrios , Dimitropoulos Kosmas , Daras Petros
Published: September 2020

The field of 3D hand pose estimation has been gaining a lot of attention recently, due to its significance in several applications that require human-computer interaction (HCI). The utilization of technological advances, such as cost-efficient depth cameras coupled with the explosive progress of Deep Neural Networks (DNNs), has led to a significant boost in the development of robust markerless 3D hand pose estimation methods. Nonetheless, finger occlusions and rapid motions still pose significant challenges to the accuracy of such methods. In this survey, we provide a comprehensive study of the most representative deep learning-based methods in literature and propose a new taxonomy heavily based on the input data modality, being RGB, depth, or multimodal information. Finally, we demonstrate results on the most popular RGB and depth-based datasets and discuss potential research directions in this rapidly growing field.
A Study on Conversion Fraction and Carbonation of Pozzolan Blended Concrete through 29Si MAS NMR Analysis
Authors: Kim Jung J. , Youm Kwang-Soo , Moon Jiho
Published: September 2020

The object of this paper is to investigate the carbonation resistance of concretes containing different pozzolanic materials. Three concrete mixtures that included fly ash, silica fume, and nanosilica were prepared, and the mixtures were designed to have similar mechanical properties to exclude the effect of mechanical properties on the carbonation. These pozzolanic materials in concretes have different silicate contents and grain size distributions. Rapid carbonation tests were conducted to investigate the durability of pozzolan blended concretes for carbonation, and the carbonation depth was measured at one, two, four, and eight weeks after 28-day water curing. 29Si NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) experiments were performed, and the conversion fractions for each pozzolan blended concrete were extracted. The degree of carbonation was also assessed based on the Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) results.
SETNDS: A SET-Based Non-Dominated Sorting Algorithm for Multi-Objective Optimization Problems
Authors: Xue Lingling , Zeng Peng , Yu Haibin
Published: September 2020

Non-dominated sorting, used to find pareto solutions or assign solutions to different fronts, is a key but time-consuming process in multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs). The best-case and worst-case time complexity of non-dominated sorting algorithms currently known are O(MNlogN) and O(MN2); M and N represent the number of objectives and the population size, respectively. In this paper, a more efficient SET-based non-dominated sorting algorithm, shorted to SETNDS, is proposed. The proposed algorithm can greatly reduce the number of comparisons on the promise of ensuring a shorter running time. In SETNDS, the rank of a solution to be sorted is determined by only comparing with the one with the highest rank degree in its dominant set. This algorithm is compared with six generally existing non-dominated sorting algorithms—fast non-dominated sorting, the arena’s principle sort, the deductive sort, the corner sort, the efficient non-dominated sort and the best order sort on several kinds of datasets. The compared results show that the proposed algorithm is feasible and effective and its computational efficiency outperforms other existing algorithms.
Myoglobin-Based Classification of Minced Meat Using Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Ayaz Hamail , Ahmad Muhammad , Sohaib Ahmed , Yasir Muhammad Naveed , Zaidan Martha A. , Ali Mohsin , Khan Muhammad Hussain , Saleem Zainab
Published: September 2020

Minced meat substitution is one of the most common frauds which not only affects consumer health but impacts their lifestyles and religious customs as well. A number of methods have been proposed to overcome these frauds; however, these mostly rely on laboratory measures and are often subject to human error. Therefore, this study proposes novel hyperspectral imaging (400–1000 nm) based non-destructive isos-bestic myoglobin (Mb) spectral features for minced meat classification. A total of 60 minced meat spectral cubes were pre-processed using true-color image formulation to extract regions of interest, which were further normalized using the Savitzky–Golay filtering technique. The proposed pipeline outperformed several state-of-the-art methods by achieving an average accuracy of 88.88%.
Experimental Investigation of the Multi-Physical Properties of an Energy Efficient Translucent Concrete Panel for a Building Envelope
Authors: Huang Baofeng , Lu Wensheng
Published: September 2020

The multi-physical properties of the building envelope play a major role in the energy efficiency of buildings. Translucent concrete panels (TCPs) with various volumetric ratios of optical fibers (OFs) were cast. To understand the multi-physical properties of the TCP for the building envelope, compressive strength, thermal and light transmittance tests were carried out. The compressive strength test showed that TCP with light-weight mortar (LWM) has higher strength compared to that with normal-weight mortar (NWM), but it did not exhibit an apparent ductile behavior. The U-values of the plain panel were 4.25 and 5.45 W/(m2 K) for TCPs with the LWM and NWM, respectively. The existence of the OFs improved the thermal insulation property. The K-values of the LWM TCP were smaller than that of the common façade, which proved its excellent energy-efficient performance. The solar heat gain coefficients (G-values) of the two tested TCP types—LWM and NWM—were 0.198 and 0.242, respectively. The visible light transmission test showed that the light transmitted by the TCP was proportional to the density of the OFs in a matrix of concrete. The experimental light acceptance angle of the OF was close to the computational value (35 °C). Therefore, all the experimental results demonstrated that TCPs can improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
Improving the Technological and Nutritive Properties of Gluten-Free Bread by Fresh Curd Cheese Enrichment
Authors: Graça Carla , Raymundo Anabela , Sousa Isabel
Published: September 2020

Replacing wheat flour in the breadmaking process is a technology challenge since the elimination of gluten has a strong influence on bread quality. Proteins addition are often used to form a protein network capable of mimicking gluten-like structure, giving to dough a foaming support. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of denatured whey proteins coming from fresh curd cheese addition, to strengthening gluten-free dough structure, enhancing the breadmaking performance. Curd cheese additions were tested (5% up to 20%, weight/weight) and the effect on dough rheology behavior and bread quality was evaluated. Findings obtained revealed that the technology and nutritional properties of the bread can be enhanced by curd cheese addition, and such effects should be related to the composition and functionality of denatured whey proteins. Considering higher levels of curd cheese (20%) tested, improvements on bread quality was observed, leading to a considerable increase in bread volume (73%), softness (65%), with a significant reduction on staling kinetics (70%), comparing with control bread. Additionally, an improvement in nutritional value in terms of proteins (80%) and minerals content (P—50.0%, Mg—6.0%, and Ca—360.3%) was obtained, which can give an additional contribution to the nutritional daily requirements of celiac patients. Linear correlations between dough rheology properties and bread quality attributes were found, supporting the good breadmaking performance obtained.
Spin-Polarized Photoelectron Fluxes from Fullerene Anions
Authors: Dolmatov Valeriy K.
Published: September 2020

Initial insights into spin-polarized photoelectron fluxes from fullerene anions are presented here. Both the angle-dependent and angle-integrated degrees of spin polarization of said photoelectron fluxes are discussed. Empty C60−(2p) and endohedral H@C60−(2p) and He@C60−(2p) anions, where the attached electron resides in a 2p state, are chosen as case studies. We uncover the characteristics of the phenomenon in the framework of a semi-empirical methodology where the C60 cage is modeled by a spherical annular potential, rather than aiming at a rigorous study. It is found that the spin-polarization degree of photoelectron fluxes from fullerene anions can reach large values, including a nearly complete polarization, at/in specific values/domains of the photoelectron momentum. This is shown to correlate with an inherent feature of photoionization of fullerenes, the abundance of resonances, known as confinement resonances, in their photodetachment spectra owing to a large empty space inside fullerenes. Moreover, the results obtained can serve as a touchstone for future studies of the phenomenon by more rigorous theories and/or experiments to reveal the significance of interactions omitted in the present study.
Confirmation of Connexin45 Underlying Weak Gap Junctional Intercellular Coupling in HeLa Cells
Authors: Choi Eun Ju , Palacios-Prado Nicolás , Sáez Juan C. , Lee Jinu
Published: September 2020

Gap junctions (GJs) are intercellular channels that connect adjacent cells electrically and metabolically. The iodide-yellow fluorescent protein (I-YFP) gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) assay is a recently developed method with high sensitivity. HeLa cells have been widely used as GJ-deficient cells for GJ-related research. Herein, we present evidence showing that HeLa cells have functional GJs comprising connexin (Cx) 45 using the I-YFP GJ assay and CRISPR/Cas9 system. We conducted the I-YFP GJIC assay in HeLa cells, which revealed a weak level of GJIC that could not be detected by the Lucifer yellow scrape-loading assay. The mRNA expression of GJB5 (Cx31.1), GJA1 (Cx43), and GJC1 (Cx45) was detected in HeLa cells by RT-PCR analysis. Knocking out GJC1 (Cx45) abolished GJIC, as analyzed by the I-YFP assay and dual whole-cell patch-clamp assay. These results suggest that HeLa cells express Cx45-based GJs and that the I-YFP GJIC assay can be used for cells with weak GJIC, such as Cx45-expressing HeLa cells. Further, GJC1 (Cx45)-knockout HeLa cells are more suitable as a GJ-null cell model for transfection experiments than wild-type HeLa cells. This experimental design was successfully applied to knock out Cx43 expression and GJIC in A549 lung cancer cells and can thus be used to identify major Cxs in other cell types and to establish GJ assay systems for different Cxs.
The Role of Stress Proteins in Haloarchaea and Their Adaptive Response to Environmental Shifts
Authors: Matarredona Laura , Camacho Mónica , Zafrilla Basilio , Bonete María-José , Esclapez Julia
Published: September 2020

Over the years, in order to survive in their natural environment, microbial communities have acquired adaptations to nonoptimal growth conditions. These shifts are usually related to stress conditions such as low/high solar radiation, extreme temperatures, oxidative stress, pH variations, changes in salinity, or a high concentration of heavy metals. In addition, climate change is resulting in these stress conditions becoming more significant due to the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The most relevant damaging effect of these stressors is protein denaturation. To cope with this effect, organisms have developed different mechanisms, wherein the stress genes play an important role in deciding which of them survive. Each organism has different responses that involve the activation of many genes and molecules as well as downregulation of other genes and pathways. Focused on salinity stress, the archaeal domain encompasses the most significant extremophiles living in high-salinity environments. To have the capacity to withstand this high salinity without losing protein structure and function, the microorganisms have distinct adaptations. The haloarchaeal stress response protects cells against abiotic stressors through the synthesis of stress proteins. This includes other heat shock stress proteins (Hsp), thermoprotectants, survival proteins, universal stress proteins, and multicellular structures. Gene and family stress proteins are highly conserved among members of the halophilic archaea and their study should continue in order to develop means to improve for biotechnological purposes. In this review, all the mechanisms to cope with stress response by haloarchaea are discussed from a global perspective, specifically focusing on the role played by universal stress proteins.
Relationships between Dream and Previous Wake Emotions Assessed through the Italian Modified Differential Emotions Scale
Authors: Conte Francesca , Cellini Nicola , De Rosa Oreste , Caputo Antonietta , Malloggi Serena , Coppola Alessia , Albinni Benedetta , Cerasuolo Mariangela , Giganti Fiorenza , Marcone Roberto , Ficca Gianluca
Published: September 2020

Despite the increasing interest in sleep and dream-related processes of emotion regulation, their reflection into wake and dream emotional experience remains unclear. Here, we aimed to assess dream emotions and their relationships with wake emotions through the modified Differential Emotions Scale (Fredrickson, 2003), which includes a broad array of both positive and negative emotions. The scale has been first validated on 212 healthy Italian participants, in two versions: a WAKE-2wks form, assessing the frequency of 22 emotions over the past 2 weeks, and a WAKE-24hr form, assessing their intensity over the past 24 h. Fifty volunteers from the wider sample completed the WAKE-24hr mDES for several days until a dream was recalled, and dream emotions were self-reported using the same scale. A bifactorial structure was confirmed for both mDES forms, which also showed good validity and reliability. Though Positive and Negative Affect (average intensity of positive and negative items, PA, and NA, respectively) were balanced in dreams, specific negative emotions prevailed; rmANOVA showed a different pattern (prevalence of PA and positive emotions) in wake (both WAKE-2wks and WAKE-24hr), with a decrease of PA and an increase of NA in the dream compared to previous wake. No significant regression model emerged between waking and dream affect, and exploratory analyses revealed a stable proportion of PA and NA (with prevailing PA) over the 3 days preceding the dream. Our findings highlight a discontinuity between wake and dream affect and suggest that positive and negative emotions experienced during wake may undertake distinct sleep-related regulation pathways.
Distinct Effects of Acute Aerobic Exercise on Declarative Memory and Procedural Memory Formation
Authors: Wang Xuru , Zhu Rui , Zhou Chenglin , Chen Yifan
Published: September 2020

Objective: To investigate the different effects of acute aerobic exercise on the formation of long-term declarative memory (DM) and procedural memory (PM). Methods: Twenty-two young men completed DM and PM tasks under three experimental conditions: pre-acquisition exercise, post-acquisition exercise, and no exercise (control). The DM task encompassed word learning, free recall tests both immediately and 1 h later, and a recognition test conducted 24 h after word learning. A serial reaction time task (SRTT) was utilized to assess exercise effects on PM. The SRTT included a sequence learning phase followed by sequence tests 1 h and 24 h later. The exercise program consisted of 30 min of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. Results: In the DM task, compared to the control condition, pre-acquisition exercise, but not post-acquisition exercise, enhanced free recall performance significantly 1 h and 24 h later. The target word recognition rate and discriminative index (d′) of the recognition test were significantly enhanced in both exercise conditions compared to the control condition. In the PM task, we observed significantly reduced (improved) reaction times at the 24-h test in the post-acquisition exercise condition compared to in the control condition. Conclusion: Acute aerobic exercise may enhance long-term DM and PM via effects on different processing periods. For DM, exercise had a pronounced effect during the encoding period, whereas for PM, exercise was found to have an enhancing effect during the consolidation period.
Effects of Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation and Levodopa on Balance in People with Parkinson’s Disease: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: May David S. , van Dillen Linda R. , Earhart Gammon M. , Rawson Kerri S. , Perlmutter Joel S. , Duncan Ryan P.
Published: September 2020

Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) and levodopa are common treatment strategies for Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the specific effects of these treatment strategies on balance and its components remain unclear. This cross-sectional study of people with PD and STN-DBS compared balance in the treated state (ON-medication/ON-stimulation) and untreated state (OFF-medication/OFF-stimulation) using the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest). Total BESTest scores from the treated and untreated states were compared to assess overall balance. Scores for the six sections of the BESTest were further compared to assess differences in specific components of balance between treatment conditions. Twenty-nine participants were included (Male: 21, Female: 8, Mean Age ± SD: 65.0 ± 6.9). Total BESTest scores showed improved balance in the treated state compared to the untreated state (Treated: 67.56 ± 10.92; Untreated: 59.23 ± 16.51, p < 0.001). Four sections (Stability Limits/Verticality, Anticipatory Postural Reactions, Sensory Orientation, Stability in Gait) of the BESTest significantly improved in the treated state relative to the untreated state, after correcting for multiple comparisons (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate that STN-DBS and levodopa improve overall balance and provide a first step toward understanding the effects of these treatment strategies on specific components of balance.
Investigating Radiotherapy Response in a Novel Syngeneic Model of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Haughey Charles M. , Mukherjee Debayan , Steele Rebecca E. , Popple Amy , Dura-Perez Lara , Pickard Adam , Patel Mehjabin , Jain Suneil , Mullan Paul B. , Williams Rich , Oliveira Pedro , Buckley Niamh E. , Honeychurch Jamie , S. McDade Simon , Illidge Timothy , Mills Ian G. , Eddie Sharon L.
Published: September 2020

The prostate cancer (PCa) field lacks clinically relevant, syngeneic mouse models which retain the tumour microenvironment observed in PCa patients. This study establishes a cell line from prostate tumour tissue derived from the Pten−/−/trp53−/− mouse, termed DVL3 which when subcutaneously implanted in immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice, forms tumours with distinct glandular morphology, strong cytokeratin 8 and androgen receptor expression, recapitulating high-risk localised human PCa. Compared to the commonly used TRAMP C1 model, generated with SV40 large T-antigen, DVL3 tumours are immunologically cold, with a lower proportion of CD8+ T-cells, and high proportion of immunosuppressive myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), thus resembling high-risk PCa. Furthermore, DVL3 tumours are responsive to fractionated RT, a standard treatment for localised and metastatic PCa, compared to the TRAMP C1 model. RNA-sequencing of irradiated DVL3 tumours identified upregulation of type-1 interferon and STING pathways, as well as transcripts associated with MDSCs. Upregulation of STING expression in tumour epithelium and the recruitment of MDSCs following irradiation was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The DVL3 syngeneic model represents substantial progress in preclinical PCa modelling, displaying pathological, micro-environmental and treatment responses observed in molecular high-risk disease. Our study supports using this model for development and validation of treatments targeting PCa, especially novel immune therapeutic agents.
Hospitalizations and Clinical Outcome in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer During Regorafenib or TAS-102 Therapy
Authors: Huemer Florian , Piringer Gudrun , Schlintl Verena , Hackl Hubert , Rinnerthaler Gabriel , Thaler Josef , Greil Richard , Weiss Lukas
Published: September 2020

Current National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) guidelines recommend regorafenib or trifluridine/tipiracil (TAS-102) for the third-line therapy of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). In this analysis, we evaluated hospitalizations during regorafenib or TAS-102 treatment and the impact of hospitalizations on overall survival (OS). This retrospective analysis was based on unselected, consecutive mCRC patients treated with regorafenib and/or TAS-102 at the tertiary cancer centers in Salzburg and Wels-Grieskirchen, Austria. Between January 2013 and May 2019, 93 patients started third- or fourth-line therapy with regorafenib or TAS-102. Tumor therapy (regorafenib versus TAS-102, HR: 1.95 [95% CI: 1.07–3.54], p = 0.03) and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (2–3 versus 0–1, HR: 4.04 [95% CI: 2.11–7.71], p < 0.001) showed a statistically significant association with hospitalization risk in multivariate analysis. The corresponding hospitalization probability from initiation of third- or fourth-line was 30% with regorafenib versus 18% with TAS-102 at five weeks and 41% versus 28% at ten weeks, respectively. Hospitalizations irrespective of cause during regorafenib or TAS-102 therapy did neither impact median survival in patients undergoing only third-line therapy (never-hospitalized: 5.7 months [95% CI: 3.9–10.5] versus hospitalized: 5.4 months [95% CI: 2.8–9.6], p = 0.45), nor in patients receiving third- and fourth-line therapy (12.2 months [95% CI: 10.6–28.8] versus 18.6 months [95% CI: 6.3-not reached], p = 0.90). In conclusion, apart from poor ECOG performance status, regorafenib therapy was associated with an increased hospitalization probability during palliative systemic third- and fourth-line therapy in mCRC. However, hospitalizations during regorafenib or TAS-102 therapy did not impact OS beyond second-line therapy.
Does Fungal Biliary Contamination after Preoperative Biliary Drainage Increase Postoperative Complications after Pancreaticoduodenectomy?
Authors: Tortajada Pauline , Sauvanet Alain , Truant Stephanie , Regenet Nicolas , Souche Régis , Benoist Stéphane , Muscari Fabrice , Regimbeau Jean , Gaujoux Sebastien , Cunha Antonio , Schwarz Lillian ,   FRENCH-ACHBT Working Group
Published: September 2020

(1) Background: preoperative biliary drainage before pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is associated with bacterial biliary contamination (>85%) and a significant increase in global and infectious complications. In view of the lack of published data, the aim of our study was to investigate the impact of fungal biliary contamination after biliary drainage on the complication rate after PD. (2) Methods: a multicentric retrospective study that included 224 patients who underwent PD after biliary drainage with intraoperative biliary culture. (3) Results: the global rate of positive intraoperative biliary sample was 92%. Respectively, the global rate of biliary bacterial contamination and the rate of fungal contamination were 75% and 25%, making it possible to identify two subgroups: bacterial contamination only (B+, n = 154), and bacterial and fungal contamination (BF+, n = 52). An extended duration of preoperative drainage (62 vs. 49 days; p = 0.08) increased the risk of fungal contamination. The overall and infectious complication rates were not different between the two groups. In the event of postoperative infectious or surgical complications, the infectious samples taken did not reveal more fungal infections in the BF+ group. (4) Conclusions: fungal biliary contamination, although frequent, does not seem to increase the rate of global and infectious complications after PD, preceded by preoperative biliary drainage.
The Warburg Effect 97 Years after Its Discovery
Authors: Pascale Rosa Maria , Calvisi Diego Francesco , Simile Maria Maddalena , Feo Claudio Francesco , Feo Francesco
Published: September 2020

The deregulation of the oxidative metabolism in cancer, as shown by the increased aerobic glycolysis and impaired oxidative phosphorylation (Warburg effect), is coordinated by genetic changes leading to the activation of oncogenes and the loss of oncosuppressor genes. The understanding of the metabolic deregulation of cancer cells is necessary to prevent and cure cancer. In this review, we illustrate and comment the principal metabolic and molecular variations of cancer cells, involved in their anomalous behavior, that include modifications of oxidative metabolism, the activation of oncogenes that promote glycolysis and a decrease of oxygen consumption in cancer cells, the genetic susceptibility to cancer, the molecular correlations involved in the metabolic deregulation in cancer, the defective cancer mitochondria, the relationships between the Warburg effect and tumor therapy, and recent studies that reevaluate the Warburg effect. Taken together, these observations indicate that the Warburg effect is an epiphenomenon of the transformation process essential for the development of malignancy.
Advanced Fusion Imaging and Contrast-Enhanced Imaging (CT/MRI–CEUS) in Oncology
Authors: Schwarze Vincent , Rübenthaler Johannes , Marschner Constantin , Fabritius Matthias Philipp , Rueckel Johannes , Fink Nicola , Puhr-Westerheide Daniel , Gresser Eva , Froelich Matthias Frank , Schnitzer Moritz Ludwig , Große Hokamp Nils , Afat Saif , Staehler Michael , Geyer Thomas , Clevert Dirk-André
Published: September 2020

Fusion imaging depicts an innovative technique that facilitates combining assets and reducing restrictions of advanced ultrasound and cross-sectional imaging. The purpose of the present retrospective study was to evaluate the role of fusion imaging for assessing hepatic and renal lesions. Between 02/2011–08/2020, 92 patients in total were included in the study, of which 32 patients had hepatic lesions, 60 patients had renal lesions. Fusion imaging was technically successful in all patients. No adverse side effects upon intravenous (i.v.) application of SonoVue® (Bracco, Milan, Italy) were registered. Fusion imaging could clarify all 11 (100%) initially as indeterminate described hepatic lesions by computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI). Moreover, 5/14 (36%) initially suspicious hepatic lesions could be validated by fusion imaging, whereas in 8/14 (57%), malignant morphology was disproved. Moreover, fusion imaging allowed for the clarification of 29/30 (97%) renal lesions initially characterized as suspicious by CT/MRI, of which 19/30 (63%) underwent renal surgery, histopathology revealed malignancy in 16/19 (84%), and benignity in 3/19 (16%). Indeterminate findings could be elucidated by fusion imaging in 20/20 (100%) renal lesions. Its accessibility and repeatability, even during pregnancy and in childhood, its cost-effectiveness, and its excellent safety profile, make fusion imaging a promising instrument for the thorough evaluation of hepatic and renal lesions in the future.
The Additional Value of Ultrafast DCE-MRI to DWI-MRI and 18F-FDG-PET to Detect Occult Primary Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Martens Roland M. , Stappen Ruud van der , Koopman Thomas , Noij Daniel P. , Comans Emile F. , Zwezerijnen Gerben J. , Vergeer Marije R. , Leemans C. René , de Bree Remco , Boellaard Ronald , Castelijns Jonas A. , de Graaf Pim
Published: September 2020

To evaluate diagnostic accuracy of qualitative analysis and interobserver agreement of single ultrafast-DCE, DWI or 18F-FDG-PET and the combination of modalities for the detection of unknown primary tumor (UPT) in patients presenting with cervical lymph node metastasis from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Between 2014–2019, patients with histologically proven cervical lymph node metastasis of UPT SCC were prospectively included and underwent DWI, ultrafast-DCE, and 18F-FDG-PET/CT. Qualitative assessment was performed by two observers per modality. Interobserver agreement was calculated using the proportion specific agreement. Diagnostic accuracy of combined use of DWI, ultrafast-DCE and 18F-FDG-PET/CT was assessed. Twenty-nine patients were included (20 males. [68%], median age 60 years). Nine (31%) primary tumors remained occult. Ultrafast-DCE added reader confidence for suspicious locations (one additional true positive (5%), 2 decisive true malignant (10%). The per-location analysis showed highest specific positive agreement for ultrafast-DCE (77.6%). The per-location rating showed highest sensitivity (95%, 95%CI = 75.1–99.9, YI = 0.814) when either one of all modalities was scored positive, and 97.4% (95%CI = 93.5–99.3, YI = 0.774) specificity when co-detected on all. The per-patient analysis showed highest sensitivity (100%) for 18F-FDG-PET/CT (YI = 0.222) and either DWI or PET (YI = 0.111). Despite highest trends, no significant differences were found. The per-patient analysis showed highest specific positive agreement when co-detected on all modalities (55.6%, 95%CI = 21.2–86.3, YI = 0.456). Ultrafast-DCE showed potential to improve detection of unknown primary tumors in addition to DWI and 18F-FDG-PET/CT in patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma lymph node metastasis. The combined use of ultrafast-DCE, DWI and 18F-FDG-PET/CT yielded highest sensitivity.