bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Mechanical Circulatory Support for Giant Cell Myocarditis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Patel Preeyal M. , Saxena Abhiraj , Wood Chelsey T. , O’Malley Thomas J. , Maynes Elizabeth J. , Entwistle John W. C. , Massey H. Todd , Pirlamarla Preethi R. , Alvarez René J. , Cooper Leslie T. , Rame J. Eduardo , Tchantchaleishvili Vakhtang
Published: December 2020

Treatment of giant cell myocarditis (GCM) can require bridging to orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) or recovery with mechanical circulatory support (MCS). Since the roles of MCS and immunotherapy are not well-defined in GCM, we sought to analyze outcomes of patients with GCM who required MCS. A systematic search was performed in June 2019 to identify all studies of biopsy-proven GCM requiring MCS after 2009. We identified 27 studies with 43 patients. Patient-level data were extracted for analysis. Median patient age was 45 (interquartile range (IQR): 32–57) years. 42.1% (16/38) were female. 34.9% (15/43) presented in acute heart failure. 20.9% (9/43) presented in cardiogenic shock. Biventricular (BiVAD) MCS was required in 76.7% (33/43) of cases. Of the 62.8% (27/43) of patients who received immunotherapy, 81.5% (22/27) used steroids combined with at least one other immunosuppressant. Cyclosporine was the most common non-steroidal agent, used in 40.7% (11/27) of regimens. Immunosuppression was initiated before MCS in 59.3% (16/27) of cases, after MCS in 29.6% (8/27), and not specified in 11.1% (3/27). Immunosuppression started prior to MCS was associated with significantly better survival than MCS alone (p = 0.006); 60.5% (26/43) of patients received bridge-to-transplant MCS; 39.5% (17/43) received bridge-to-recovery MCS; 58.5% (24/41) underwent OHT a median of 104 (58–255) days from diagnosis. GCM recurrence after OHT was reported in 8.3% (2/24) of transplanted cases. BiVAD predominates in mechanically supported patients with GCM. Survival and bridge to recovery appear better in patients on immunosuppression, especially if initiated before MCS.
Effectiveness of Platelet Function Analysis-Guided Aspirin and/or Clopidogrel Therapy in Preventing Secondary Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yan Ann-Rong , Naunton Mark , Peterson Gregory M. , Fernandez-Cadenas Israel , Mortazavi Reza
Published: December 2020

Background: Antiplatelet medications such as aspirin and clopidogrel are used following thrombotic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) to prevent a recurrent stroke. However, the antiplatelet treatments fail frequently, and patients experience recurrent stroke. One approach to lower the rates of recurrence may be the individualized antiplatelet therapies (antiplatelet therapy modification (ATM)) based on the results of platelet function analysis (PFA). This review was undertaken to gather and analyze the evidence about the effectiveness of such approaches. Methods: We searched Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases up to 7 January 2020. Results: Two observational studies involving 1136 patients were included. The overall effects of PFA-based ATM on recurrent strokes (odds ratio (OR) 1.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69 to 1.58), any bleeding risk (OR 1.39; 95% CI 0.92 to 2.10) or death hazard from any cause (OR 1.19; 95% CI 0.62 to 2.29) were not significantly different from the standard antiplatelet therapy without ATM. Conclusions: The two studies showed opposite effects of PFA-guided ATM on the recurrent strokes in aspirin non-responders, leading to an insignificant difference in the subgroup meta-analysis (OR 1.59; 95% CI 0.07 to 33.77), while the rates of any bleeding events (OR 1.04; 95% CI 0.49 to 2.17) or death from any cause (OR 1.17; 95% CI 0.41 to 3.35) were not significantly different between aspirin non-responders with ATM and those without ATM. There is a need for large, randomized controlled trials which account for potential confounders such as ischemic stroke subtypes, technical variations in the testing protocols, patient adherence to therapy and pharmacogenetic differences.
Influence of the Selected Physical Modifier on the Dynamical Behavior of the Polymer Composites Used in the Aviation Industry
Authors: Kosicka Ewelina , Borowiec Marek , Kowalczuk Marcin , Krzyzak Aneta , Szczepaniak Robert
Published: December 2020

In this research, an analysis of polymer composite with the matrix of L285-cured hardener H286 and six reinforcement layers of carbon fabric GG 280 T was provided. It involved a comparison of the dynamical behavior responses for three cases of composite structures in the context of the presence of the mass share modifier. The samples with the addition of a physical modifier with varying mass percentages were investigated by being subjected to dynamic tests with specific parameters, i.e., constant excitation amplitude and vibration frequency in the vicinity of the base resonance zone. The analysis allowed for indicating the relationship between the composition of the prepared composites and their dynamic response via stiffness characteristics. In addition, the investigation resulted in determining the range of harmful dynamical operating conditions, which may contribute to damage to the composite structures.
Mechanical Properties of Flax Tape-Reinforced Thermoset Composites
Authors: Sarkar Forkan , Akonda Mahmudul , Shah Darshil U.
Published: December 2020

Three thermoset resin systems—bio-epoxy, epoxy, and polyester-with 30 v% flax fiber reinforcement have been studied to identify the optimal fiber–resin combination in a typical composite structure. Tensile, interface and interlaminar shear strength together with flexural and impact damage tolerance were compared in this study. The results revealed that mechanical and interfacial properties were not significantly affected by the different resin systems. Microscopy studies reveal that epoxy laminates predominantly fail by fibre linear breakage, polyester laminates by fiber pull-out, and bio-epoxy laminates by a combination of the two. The higher failure strains and pull-out mechanism may explain the better impact damage tolerance of polyester composites. Flow experiments were also conducted, revealing faster impregnation and lower void content with polyester resin, followed by bio-epoxy, due to their lower viscosities. Overall, bio-epoxy resin demonstrates comparable performance to epoxy and polyester resins for use in (semi-)structural bio-composites.
Regional Digital Economy: Assessment of Development Levels
Authors: Sidorov Anatoly , Senchenko Pavel
Published: December 2020

A model of a composite index of the development level digital economy of regions in various sizes is proposed. It is based on a functional network as a kind of directed graph, structured by levels based on the principles of hierarchy, modularity and balance, as well as the availability of data on the development of the digital economy. The scalar value of the required quantity was determined by means of additive convolution. The influence of the subjective factor was excluded by moving away from the expert determination of weighing measures of particular indicators (which are included in the composite index) and using a calculation based on the standard deviation. The proposed approach was tested in the framework of identifying the differentiation of the development level digital economy of regions in Russia, as well as comparing European and Russian practices.
A New Family of Extended Lindley Models: Properties, Estimation and Applications
Authors: Abouammoh Abdulrahman , Kayid Mohamed
Published: December 2020

There are many proposed life models in the literature, based on Lindley distribution. In this paper, a unified approach is used to derive a general form for these life models. The present generalization greatly simplifies the derivation of new life distributions and significantly increases the number of lifetime models available for testing and fitting life data sets for biological, engineering, and other fields of life. Several distributions based on the disparity of the underlying weights of Lindley are shown to be special cases of these forms. Some basic statistical properties and reliability functions are derived for the general forms. In addition, comparisons among various forms are investigated. Moreover, the power distribution of this generalization has also been considered. Maximum likelihood estimator for complete and right-censored data has been discussed and in simulation studies, the efficiency and behavior of it have been investigated. Finally, the proposed models have been fit to some data sets.
Duration of Prebiotic Intake Is a Key-Factor for Diet-Induced Modulation of Immunity and Fecal Fermentation Products in Dogs
Authors: Perini Mariana P. , Rentas Mariana F. , Pedreira Raquel , Amaral Andressa R. , Zafalon Rafael V. A. , Rodrigues Roberta B. A. , Henríquez Lucas B. F. , Zanini Lucca , Vendramini Thiago H. A. , Balieiro Júlio C. C. , Pontieri Cristiana F. F. , Brunetto Marcio A.
Published: December 2020

Prebiotics promote health benefits, however, there is no consensus on the minimal intake period required in order to obtain good results. This study evaluated the effect of the time of ingestion of prebiotics on fecal fermentation products and immunological features in dogs. Twenty-four adult dogs were randomly distributed in a block design with six groups and four treatments. Diet and intake period were variation factors. Diets were either a control diet without the addition of prebiotic (CO) or with the inclusion of 1% of a commercial product containing a minimum of 0.38% galactooligosaccharides (GOS), 0.5% (B1) or 1% (B2) of a prebiotic blend. Time variable was set at 30 and 60 days for evaluation of immunity and gut health. Results were analyzed in the Statistical Analysis System software (SAS), version 9.4, considering the repeated measures over time design, and means were compared by the Tukey test and p < 0.05 was significant. Propionic acid was the only variable that had an interaction effect, with reduction of this metabolite in treatment B2 in the period of 60 days. At T60, concentrations of immunoglobulin A, lactic acid, and pH in the feces increased (p < 0.05) in all treatments regardless of prebiotic inclusion or not. GOS increased fecal score and lactic acid concentrations. Therefore, a 60-day intake period of a prebiotic blend was not sufficient to modulate fecal and immune variables and higher concentrations of a single prebiotic would be more relevant for results.
Rose Hips, a Valuable Source of Antioxidants to Improve Gingerbread Characteristics
Authors: Ghendov-Mosanu Aliona , Cristea Elena , Patras Antoanela , Sturza Rodica , Niculaua Marius
Published: December 2020

The present study analyzes the complex of bioactive compounds from rose hips pulp powder (RHP) obtained after separating the seeds from Rosa canina L. in order to obtain the oil. The extract prepared from RHP was characterized in terms of the total content of polyphenols, flavonoids, cinnamic acids, flavonols, carotenoids, but also the content of individual polyphenols and carotenoids, antioxidant activity, and CIELab color parameters. The effects of some salts, potentially present in foods, and pH variations were examined to predict possible interactions that could occur when adding rosehip pulp as a food component. The results turned out to be a high content of polyphenols, carotenoids and antioxidant activity. The main phenolic components are procyanidin B1, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, procyanidin B2, gallic acid, salicylic acid, and catechin. The carotenoid complex includes all-trans-β-carotene, all-trans-lycopene, zeaxanthin, α-cryptoxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, rubixanthin, cis-β-carotene, cis-γ-carotene and cis-lycopene. The addition of CaCl2 and NaCl to the RHP extract reduced the antioxidant activity and the strong acidic environment (pH to 2.5) decreased the antioxidant activity by 29%. The addition of rose hip powder to gingerbread has improved its general characteristics, and increased its antioxidant activity and microbiological stability, the effects of 4% RHP being the most important.
Biophysical Characterization and Anticancer Activities of Photosensitive Phytoanthraquinones Represented by Hypericin and Its Model Compounds
Authors: Verebová Valéria , Beneš Jiří , Staničová Jana
Published: December 2020

Photosensitive compounds found in herbs have been reported in recent years as having a variety of interesting medicinal and biological activities. In this review, we focus on photosensitizers such as hypericin and its model compounds emodin, quinizarin, and danthron, which have antiviral, antifungal, antineoplastic, and antitumor effects. They can be utilized as potential agents in photodynamic therapy, especially in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer. We aimed to give a comprehensive summary of the physical and chemical properties of these interesting molecules, emphasizing their mechanism of action in relation to their different interactions with biomacromolecules, specifically with DNA.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Trisiloxane Surfactant Adsorption and Aggregation Processes
Authors: Karasiewicz Joanna , Krawczyk Joanna
Published: December 2020

The trisiloxane polyether surfactant (3-[3-(hydroxy)(polyethoxy)propyl]-1,1,1,3,5,5,5 -heptamethyltrisiloxane) (TS-EO12) was successfully synthesized by a hydrosilylation reaction in the presence of Karstedt catalyst. The structural analysis of the surfactant was done by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, 29Si-NMR and FT-IR analysis. In addition the thermal stability of TS-EO12 was studied by the thermogravimetric measurements. On the one hand the surface properties of TS-EO12 at the water-air interface were investigated by surfactant aqueous solutions surface tension measurements carried out at 293 K, 303 K and 313 K, and on the other the aggregation properties were analyzed based on the solubilization properties of TS-EO12 aggregates at different temperatures. On the basis of the obtained thermodynamic parameters of adsorption and micellization of studied surfactant the temperature impact on its surface and volume properties were deduced. It was proved that the tendency of the studied surfactant molecules to adsorb at the water-air interface and to form micelles weakens with decreasing temperature. It was also concluded that the structure of the adsorption layer changes with temperature. Optical microscopy measurements were used for the TS-EO12 micelle morphology determination.
The Antioxidant Capacities of Natural Products 2019
Authors: Cardoso Susana , Fazio Alessia
Published: December 2020

The search for new natural antioxidants is a growing area of research due to the broad spectrum of their biological properties, which are associated with the prevention of chronic diseases that originate in oxidative stress [...]
Do Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid Have the Potential to Compete against Each Other?
Authors: Pal Anandita , Metherel Adam H. , Fiabane Lauren , Buddenbaum Nicole , Bazinet Richard P. , Shaikh Saame Raza
Published: December 2020

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) consumed in low abundance in the Western diet. Increased consumption of n-3 PUFAs may have beneficial effects for a wide range of physiological outcomes including chronic inflammation. However, considerable mechanistic gaps in knowledge exist about EPA versus DHA, which are often studied as a mixture. We suggest the novel hypothesis that EPA and DHA may compete against each other through overlapping mechanisms. First, EPA and DHA may compete for residency in membrane phospholipids and thereby differentially displace n-6 PUFAs, which are highly prevalent in the Western diet. This would influence biosynthesis of downstream metabolites of inflammation initiation and resolution. Second, EPA and DHA exert different effects on plasma membrane biophysical structure, creating an additional layer of competition between the fatty acids in controlling signaling. Third, DHA regulates membrane EPA levels by lowering its rate of conversion to EPA’s elongation product n-3 docosapentaenoic acid. Collectively, we propose the critical need to investigate molecular competition between EPA and DHA in health and disease, which would ultimately impact dietary recommendations and precision nutrition trials.
Investigation of Virulence Genes Detected in Antimicrobial-Resistance Pathogens Isolates for Five Countries across the World
Authors: Cui Kevin , Gong Iris , Dong Alvin , Yan Jacob , Wang Max , Huang Zuyi
Published: December 2020

A large portion of annual deaths worldwide are due to infections caused by disease-causing pathogens. These pathogens contain virulence genes, which encode mechanisms that facilitate infection and microbial survival in hosts. More recently, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, also found in these pathogens, have become an increasingly large issue. While the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Pathogen Detection Isolates Browser (NPDIB) database has been compiling genes involved in microbial virulence and antimicrobial resistance through isolate samples, few studies have identified the genes primarily responsible for virulence and compared them to those responsible for AMR. This study performed the first multivariate statistical analysis of the multidimensional NPDIB data to identify the major virulence genes from historical pathogen isolates for Australia, China, South Africa, UK, and US—the largely populated countries from five of the six major continents. The important virulence genes were then compared with the AMR genes to study whether there is correlation between their occurrences. Among the significant genes and pathogens associated with virulence, it was found that the genes fdeC, iha, iss, iutA, lpfA, sslE, ybtP, and ybtQ are shared amongst all five countries. The pathogens E. coli and Shigella, Salmonella enterica, and Klebsiella pneumoniae mostly contained these genes and were common among four of the five studied countries. Additionally, the trend of virulence was investigated by plotting historical occurrences of gene and pathogen frequency in the annual samples. These plots showed that the trends of E. coli and Shigella and Salmonella enterica were similar to the trends of certain virulence genes, confirming the two pathogens do indeed carry important virulence genes. While the virulence genes in the five countries are not significantly different, the US and the UK share the largest amount of important virulence genes. The plots from principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering show that the important virulence and AMR genes were not significantly correlated, with only few genes from both types of genes clustered into the same groups.
The Demonization of Islam through Social Media: A Case Study of #Stopislam in Instagram
Authors: Civila Sabina , Romero-Rodríguez Luis M. , Civila Amparo
Published: December 2020

This article studies the process of demonization, its consequences, and how social media contribute to the formalization of its axiology. The demonization of societies aims to create social subjects that fit into the idea of the “other” by exposing them to compulsory invisibility. This research’s main objective was to examine how demonization is used as a weapon of oppression to devalue specific individuals through the hashtag #StopIslam and Instagram’s role in this process. The methodology used for this purpose has consisted of an empirical and quantitative analysis of the most recent (1 January 2020–31 July 2020) posts on Instagram with #StopIslam, analyzing the images and the content. The study has determined how, through social media manipulation, erroneous ideas are transmitted that prevent the Islamic collective’s integration, especially in European countries. The conclusions will reflect hate speech and how the Islamic world’s demonization results in the Muslim community’s stigmatization, racism, and Islamophobia. Although there are different articles related to demonization and hate speech, there are not many scientific resources that explain these variables on Instagram and how it affects the inclusion of the Muslim community in Europe, significantly when the time spent on the Internet is growing.
Ionospheric Phase Compensation for InSAR Measurements Based on the Faraday Rotation Inversion Method
Authors: Li Bing , Wang Zemin , An Jiachun , Zhang Baojun , Geng Hong , Ma Yuanyuan , Li Mingci , Qian Yide
Published: December 2020

The ionospheric error can significantly affect the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) signals, particularly in the case of L band and lower frequency SAR systems. The ionospheric distortions are mixed with terrain and ground deformation signals, lowering the precision of the interferometric measurements. Moreover, it is often difficult to detect the small-scale ionospheric structure due to its rapid changes and may have more influence on ionospheric phase compensation for InSAR measurements. In this paper, we present a Faraday rotation (FR) inversion method and corresponding procedure to compensate the ionospheric error for SAR interferograms and to detect the variations of small-scale ionospheric disturbances. This method retrieves the absolute total electron content (TEC) based on the FR estimation and corrects the ionospheric error for synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) measurements by transforming the differential TEC into the ionospheric phase. In two selected study cases, located in high latitude and equatorial regions where ionospheric disturbances occur frequently, we test the method using the Phased Array L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) full-polarimetric SAR images. Our results show that the proposed procedure can effectively compensate the ionospheric phase. In order to validate the results, we present the results of ionospheric phase compensation based on the split-spectrum method as a comparison to the proposed method. To analyze the ability of our proposed method in detecting small-scale ionospheric disturbances, TEC derived from FR estimation are also compared with those derived from the global ionosphere maps (GIM). Our research provides a robust choice for the correction of ionospheric error in SAR interferograms. It also provides a powerful tool to measure small-scale ionospheric structure.
Transient Electrical and Optical Characteristics of Electron and Proton Irradiated SiGe Detectors
Authors: Ceponis Tomas , Deveikis Laimonas , Lastovskii Stanislau , Makarenko Leonid , Pavlov Jevgenij , Pukas Kornelijus , Rumbauskas Vytautas , Gaubas Eugenijus
Published: December 2020

The particle detector degradation mainly appears through decrease of carrier recombination lifetime and manifestation of carrier trapping effects related to introduction of carrier capture and emission centers. In this work, the carrier trap spectroscopy in Si1−xGex structures, containing either 1 or 5% of Ge, has been performed by combining the microwave probed photoconductivity, pulsed barrier capacitance transients and spectra of steady-state photo-ionization. These characteristics were examined in pristine, 5.5 MeV electron and 1.6 MeV proton irradiated Si and SiGe diodes with n+p structure.
Monitoring of Corroded and Loosened Bolts in Steel Structures via Deep Learning and Hough Transforms
Authors: Ta Quoc-Bao , Kim Jeong-Tae
Published: December 2020

In this study, a regional convolutional neural network (RCNN)-based deep learning and Hough line transform (HLT) algorithm are applied to monitor corroded and loosened bolts in steel structures. The monitoring goals are to detect rusted bolts distinguished from non-corroded ones and also to estimate bolt-loosening angles of the identified bolts. The following approaches are performed to achieve the goals. Firstly, a RCNN-based autonomous bolt detection scheme is designed to identify corroded and clean bolts in a captured image. Secondly, a HLT-based image processing algorithm is designed to estimate rotational angles (i.e., bolt-loosening) of cropped bolts. Finally, the accuracy of the proposed framework is experimentally evaluated under various capture distances, perspective distortions, and light intensities. The lab-scale monitoring results indicate that the suggested method accurately acquires rusted bolts for images captured under perspective distortion angles less than 15° and light intensities larger than 63 lux.
Solar Photocatalysis for Emerging Micro-Pollutants Abatement and Water Disinfection: A Mini-Review
Authors: Venieri Danae , Mantzavinos Dionissios , Binas Vassilios
Published: December 2020

This mini-review article discusses the critical factors that are likely to affect the performance of solar photocatalysis for environmental applications and, in particular, for the simultaneous degradation of emerging micro-pollutants and the inactivation of microbial pathogens in aqueous matrices. Special emphasis is placed on the control of specific operating factors like the type and the form of catalysts used throughout those processes, the intriguing role of the water matrix, and the composition of the microbial load of the sample in each case. The interplay among the visible responsive catalyst, the target pollutants/pathogens, including various types of microorganisms and the non-target water matrix species, dictates performance in an unpredictable and case-specific way. Case studies referring to lab and pilot-scale applications are presented to highlight such peculiarities. Moreover, current trends regarding the elimination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes by means of solar photocatalysis are discussed. The antibiotic resistance dispersion into the aquatic environment and how advanced photocatalytic processes can eliminate antibiotic resistance genes in microbial populations are documented, with a view to investigate the prospect of using those purification methods for the control-resistant microbial populations found in the environment. Understanding the interactions of the various water components (both inherent and target species) is key to the successful operation of a treatment process and its scaling up.
Comparative Study of Cationic Dye Adsorption Using Industrial Latex Sludge with Sulfonate and Pyrolysis Treatment
Authors: Wei Heng , Sun Jiankun , Zhang Bin , Liu Rongzhan
Published: December 2020

Industrial latex sludge as raw material was made into sulfonated latex sludge (SLS) and latex sludge active carbon (LSC) adsorbents by sulfonate and pyrolysis treatment to remove textile dye cationic blue X-GRRL from aqueous solution. The adsorption properties of SLS and LSC for X-GRRL were studied and compared by investigating the experimental parameters such as adsorbents dosage, pH, contact time and initial concentration. The kinetics of adsorption on SLS and LSC followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model well. The adsorption isotherm and thermodynamic studies were further used to evaluate and compare the adsorption process of X-GRRL on SLS and LSC. The maximum adsorption capacities were 1219.6 mg/g for SLS and 476.2 mg/g for LSC according to the Langmuir model, respectively. These findings not only provide a sustainable strategy to turn industrial solid waste latex sludge into useful material for environment remediation, but also develop an efficient adsorbent for the treatment of dye wastewater.
Multiple Solutions for a Class of Nonlinear Fourth-Order Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Lin Longfei , Liu Yansheng , Zhao Daliang
Published: December 2020

This paper is concerned with multiple solutions for a class of nonlinear fourth-order boundary value problems with parameters. By constructing a special cone and applying fixed point index theory, the multiple solutions for the considered systems are obtained under some suitable assumptions. The main feature of obtained solutions (u(t),v(t)) is that the solution u(t) is positive, and the other solution v(t) may change sign. Finally, two examples with continuous function f1 being positive and f2 being semipositone are worked out to illustrate the main results.
The Potentials and Pitfalls of a Human Cervical Organoid Model Including Langerhans Cells
Authors: Jackson Robert , Lukacs Jordan D. , Zehbe Ingeborg
Published: December 2020

Three-dimensional cell culturing to capture a life-like experimental environment has become a versatile tool for basic and clinical research. Mucosal and skin tissues can be grown as “organoids” in a petri dish and serve a wide variety of research questions. Here, we report our experience with human cervical organoids which could also include an immune component, e.g., Langerhans cells. We employ commercially available human cervical keratinocytes and fibroblasts as well as a myeloid cell line matured and purified into langerin-positive Langerhans cells. These are then seeded on a layer of keratinocytes with underlying dermal equivalent. Using about 10-fold more than the reported number in healthy cervical tissue (1–3%), we obtain differentiated cervical epithelium after 14 days with ~1% being Langerhans cells. We provide a detailed protocol for interested researchers to apply the described “aseptic” organoid model for all sorts of investigations—with or without Langerhans cells.
Deletion in the S1 Region of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Reduces the Virulence and Influences the Virus-Neutralizing Activity of the Antibody Induced
Authors: Tsai Kuo-Jung , Deng Ming-Chung , Wang Fun-In , Tsai Shu-Hui , Chang Chieh , Chang Chia-Yi , Huang Yu-Liang
Published: December 2020

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes severe diarrhea and a high rate of mortality in suckling pigs. The epidemic of PEDV that occurred after 2013 was caused by non-insertion and deletion of S gene (S-INDEL) PEDV strains. During this epidemic, a variant of the non-S-INDEL PEDV strain with a large deletion of 205 amino acids on the spike gene (5-17-V) was also found to co-exist with a non-S-INDEL PEDV without deletion (5-17-O). Herein, we describe the differences in the complete genome, distribution, virulence, and antigenicity between strain 5-17-O and variant strain 5-17-V. The deletion of 205 amino acids was primarily located in the S1O domain and was associated with milder clinical signs and lower mortality in suckling pigs than those of the 5-17-O strain. The 5-17-V strain-induced antibody did not completely cross-neutralize the 5-17-O strain. In conclusion, the deletion in the S1 region reduces the virulence of PEDV and influences the virus-neutralizing activities of the antibody it induces.
Host Cell Restriction Factors of Paramyxoviruses and Pneumoviruses
Authors: Farrukee Rubaiyea , Ait-Goughoulte Malika , Saunders Philippa M. , Londrigan Sarah L. , Reading Patrick C.
Published: December 2020

The paramyxo- and pneumovirus family includes a wide range of viruses that can cause respiratory and/or systemic infections in humans and animals. The significant disease burden of these viruses is further exacerbated by the limited therapeutics that are currently available. Host cellular proteins that can antagonize or limit virus replication are therefore a promising area of research to identify candidate molecules with the potential for host-targeted therapies. Host proteins known as host cell restriction factors are constitutively expressed and/or induced in response to virus infection and include proteins from interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Many ISG proteins have been identified but relatively few have been characterized in detail and most studies have focused on studying their antiviral activities against particular viruses, such as influenza A viruses and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1. This review summarizes current literature regarding host cell restriction factors against paramyxo- and pneumoviruses, on which there is more limited data. Alongside discussion of known restriction factors, this review also considers viral countermeasures in overcoming host restriction, the strengths and limitations in different experimental approaches in studies reported to date, and the challenges in reconciling differences between in vitro and in vivo data. Furthermore, this review provides an outlook regarding the landscape of emerging technologies and tools available to study host cell restriction factors, as well as the suitability of these proteins as targets for broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics.
p38γ Activation and BGP (Biliary Glycoprotein) Induction in Primates at Risk for Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colorectal Cancer—A Comparative Study with Humans
Authors: Talwar Harvinder , McVicker Benita , Tobi Martin
Published: December 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common cause of cancer-related deaths largely due to CRC liver metastasis (CRLM). Identification of targetable mechanisms continues and includes investigations into the role of inflammatory pathways. Of interest, MAPK is aberrantly expressed in CRC patients, yet the activation status is not defined. The present study assessed p38γ activation in CRC patients, cancer cells, and tissues of cotton top tamarin (CTT) and common marmoset (CM). The primate world is an overlooked resource as colitis-CRC-prone CTT are usually inure to liver metastasis while CM develop colitis but not CRC. The results demonstrate that p38γ protein and phosphorylation levels are significantly increased in CRC patients compared to normal subjects and CTT. Furthermore, p38γ phosphorylation is significantly elevated in human CRC cells and hepatoblastoma cells but not in CM colon. Additionally, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and biliary glycoprotein (BGP) are induced in the CRC patients that showed p38γ phosphorylation. Inhibition of p38 MAPK in CRC cells showed a significant decline in cell growth with no effect on apoptosis or BGP level. Overall, p38γ is activated in CRC tumorigenesis and likely involves CEA antigens during CRLM in humans but not in the CTT or CM, that rarely develop CRLM.
Nanoparticles (PLGA and Chitosan)-Entrapped ADP-Ribosylation Factor 1 of Haemonchus contortus Enhances the Immune Responses in ICR Mice
Authors: Hasan Muhammad Waqqas , Haseeb Muhammad , Ehsan Muhammad , Gadahi Javaid Ali , Naqvi Muhammad Ali-ul-Husnain , Wang Qiang Qiang , Liu Xinchao , Lakho Shakeel Ahmed , Yan Ruofeng , Xu Lixin , Song Xiaokai , Li Xiangrui
Published: December 2020

ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (HcARF1) is one of the Haemonchus contortus (H. contortus) excretory/secretory proteins involved in modulating the immune response of goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Here, we evaluated the immunogenic potential of recombinant HcARF1 (rHcARF1) against H. contortus infection in Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice. Briefly, rHcARF1 was entrapped in poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (NP) and injected into mice as a vaccine. Fifty-six ICR mice were assigned randomly into seven groups, with eight animals in each group, and they were vaccinated subcutaneously. At the end of the experiment (14th day), the blood and the spleen were collected from euthanized mice to detect lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine analysis, and the production of antigen-specific antibodies. Scanning electron microscope was used to determine the size, morphology, and zeta potential of nanoparticles. Flow cytometry was performed, which presented the increase percentages of CD4+ T cells (CD3e+CD4+), CD8+ T cells (CD3e+CD8+) and dendritic cells (CD11c+CD83+, CD11c+CD86+) in mice vaccinated with rHcARF1+PLGA NP. Immunoassay analysis show raised humoral (Immunoglobulin (Ig)G1, IgG2a, IgM) and cell-mediated immune response (Interleukin (IL)-4, IL-12, and IL-17, and Interferon (IFN)-γ) induced by rHcARF1+PLGA NP. Experimental groups that were treated with the antigen-loaded NP yield higher lymphocyte proliferation than the control groups. Based on these results, we could propose that the rHcARF1 encapsulated in NP could stimulate a strong immune response in mice rather than administering alone against the infection of H. contortus.
Hydrochemical Evolution of Groundwater in Dehui, China
Authors: Wei Hongyang , Liang Xiujuan , Liu Shuhui , Liu Mingjun , Xiao Changlai
Published: December 2020

Although Dehui City has excellent agricultural conditions, long-term large-scale over-cultivation and human activities in recent years have caused significant changes in the local groundwater chemical characteristics. This study analyzes the causes, evolution, and prediction of groundwater chemistry via multi-disciplinary theoretical cross-cutting methods, such as groundwater ion composition-ratio analysis and groundwater influencing factor analysis, and artificial neural networks. The lithological characteristics of the groundwater aquifer were combined with ion composition-ratio mapping to explore the cause of groundwater chemistry composition in the study area. Piper three-line diagrams and Gibbs diagrams were used to analyze the evolution characteristics and influencing factors of groundwater chemistry in the study area. Based on these data, time series predictions were made for hydrochemical data. The results demonstrate that the chemical origins of groundwater in the study area are mainly background stratum and cation exchange, influenced by human activities. The main factors of groundwater chemical characteristics have changed from rock weathering to evaporation/precipitation in the past two decades. The hydrochemical characteristics changed from secondary alkalinity to secondary salinity. The predicted data from long short-term memory neural networks indicated that groundwater would continue salinization without the changes in the conditions, leading to land degradation in the study area.
INFLUENCE OF THE PATTERN OF DIVIDING SILKWORM COCOONS BY CALIBER AND MASS WHEN SELECTING THEM FOR A TRIBE
Authors:   Research Institute of Sericulture of the Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the Development of Sericulture and Karakul Breeding, Mirzakhodzhaev A.M. , Mirzakhodzhaev B.A. ,   Research Institute of Sericulture of the Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the Development of Sericulture and Karakul Breeding, Kasimova D.Kh. ,   Research Institute of Sericulture of the Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the Development of Sericulture and Karakul Breeding, Radzhabov I.B. ,   Research Institute of Sericulture of the Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the Development of Sericulture and Karakul Breeding
Published: December 2020

All industrial sericulture is based on the feeding of industrial hybrids. The grain (silkworm eggs) for them is prepared at the breeding enterprises. In the production of high-quality hybrid grain, it is very important to select the most homogeneous fraction from the mixture of breeding cocoons and divide this part by sex with high accuracy, so that the females of one breed are crossed with the males of another and vice versa. It is known that the cocoons of the average fraction (caliber and mass) in the breeding party are the most productive. The purpose of this work was to identify the most informative criteria for selecting the qualitative fraction of breeding cocoons; study the main patterns of variation of cocoons by diameter, quantitative ratios divided into fractions by the caliber of cocoons, and the separability of a mixture of cocoons into components by caliber and weight; based on the revealed regularities, develop some new devices designed for sorting cocoons by caliber and dividing them by mass (sex) in the process of preparing hybrid silkworm grain. By the method of mathematical statistics, the regularities of division of the mixture of breeding cocoons by caliber and weight are revealed. The normalized proportion of the average cocoons fraction of 58–70 % and its range of caliber – 2 mm was determined. The possibility of maximum separation of defective components with small and large fractions from the batch in two stages when sorting cocoons by caliber and mass on the developed devices was revealed. According to the results of production feedings, more cocoon yield was obtained (on average, by 10 kg per box (29 g) of grain). Moreover, there were more uniform and varietal cocoons (22 % and 13 % more than in the control variant, respectively). According to the results of unwinding, the total and continuously unwinding length of the cocoon thread in the experimental cocoons is, respectively, 20 and 27 % higher than in the control ones.
FATTY-ACID COMPOSITION OF WINTER CAMELINA DEPENDING ON THE REGION OF CULTIVATION
Authors:   Federal Research Center of Fibre Crops, Prakhova T.Ya. , Turina E.L. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Prakhov V.A. ,   Federal Research Center of Fibre Crops
Published: December 2020

Camelina sylvestris (L.) Crantz. is a valuable oilseed known due to the vegetable oil used in human nutrition and industrial production. The current research is aimed to assess the content of fatty acids in Camelina sylvestris oilseeds depending on the hydrothermal cultivation conditions. Seeds of winter camelina variety ‘Penzyak’ grown in the Penza region and steppe Crimea in 2017–2019 served as the object of the research. In 2017, arid conditions were recorded in the Crimea, Selyaninov Hydrothermal Coefficient (HTC) = 0.61. In the Penza region, on the contrary, the level of moisture in 2017 was moderate, HTC = 1.10. Weather conditions in 2019 were characterized as arid in both regions; HTC was 0.63 and 0.60. In 2018, in the Crimea and Penza, HTC was 0.23 and 0.45, respectively. The soils of the experimental plots – chernozems leached (Penza) and southern low-humic (Crimea). Fatty acid methyl esters were isolated and analyzed according to GOST R 51 486–99. The concentration of oleic and linoleic acids increased in seeds grown in the Crimea and amounted to 15.50–18.56 % and 18.08–19.58 %. In the colder region (Penza), the content of these acids decreased to 11.90–14.82 and 16.12–17.10 %, respectively. The highest content of linolenic acid was in oilseeds from the Penza region and amounted to 36.80–38.50 %, which was 4.94–6.40 % higher than the content of linolenic acid in oilseeds from the Crimea. The content of erucic acid in the Camelina sylvestris (L.) Crantz. from both regions was 2.81–2.94 %. The coefficient of variation of this acid was 1.59 %. Linolenic and oleic acids are the most susceptible to changes in cultivation conditions, coefficient of variation – 10.08 and 16.32 %, respectively. The total content of polyunsaturated fatty acids was high and averaged 52.4–54.6 %. The highest concentration was noted in oilseeds from Penza, which exceeded that of from the Crimea by 2.2 %. The content of ω-9 fatty acids ranged from 33.7 % (Penza) to 35.9 % (Crimea) and was characterized by a low coefficient of variation – 4.14 %. The range of variation of ω-3 and ω-6 acid, on average, was 6.32–7.81 %. Their content was 31.5 and 20.9 % in oilseeds from the Crimea and 35.5 and 19.1 % in oilseeds from Penza. The ratio between omega-6 and omega-3 acids is 1.8:1.
YIELD AND QUALITY OF WINTER WHEAT GRAIN ON THE BACKGROUND OF FERTILIZERS AND DIRECT SOWING ON ORDINARY CHERNOZEM UNDER STAVROPOL CONDITIONS
Authors:   North Caucasus Federal Agricultural Research Centre (North Caucasus FARC), Shapovalova N.N. , Voropaeva A.A. ,   North Caucasus Federal Agricultural Research Centre (North Caucasus FARC), Galushko N.A. ,   North Caucasus Federal Agricultural Research Centre (North Caucasus FARC), Menkina E.A. ,   North Caucasus Federal Agricultural Research Centre (North Caucasus FARC), Akhmedshina D.A. ,   North Caucasus Federal Agricultural Research Centre (North Caucasus FARC)
Published: December 2020

The problem of reducing crop yields during the transition from classical technology of cultivation to the technology without tillage (no-till) can be solved by the most effective use of fertilizers. The purpose of the research was to study the influence of mineral fertilizers on the yield and quality of winter wheat grain under direct sowing in the Stavropol Territory. Studies were carried out in 2015-2019 on the experimental field of the North Caucasus Federal Agricultural Research Centre. Winter wheat was sown using two cultivation techniques for growing crops with and without disturbing the soil through tillage. Preceding crops – pea and sunflower. Fertilizers were added to the rows simultaneously with the Triticum vulgare L. sowing; topsoil dressing was carried out using N52 according to the method of splitting dividers. Options (amount of fertilizers added to the rows): 1. Without fertilizers; 2. N6Р26; 3. N12Р52; 4. N24Р104; 5. N52Р52; 6. N52Р52К52; 7. N52; 8. N104Р52К52. In the third year of direct sowing (2017–2019), winter wheat showed high responsiveness to the addition of all doses of fertilizers in rows. The yield increase in case of pea being preceding crop varied between 0.76-3.06 t/ha; sunflower – 0.51–2.75 t/ha. N104P52K5 contributed to the highest and most stable yield – 6.89 t/ha and 5.92 t/ha after pea and sunflower, respectively. The increase from 1 kg of the active substance of the fertilizer was 14.7 and 13.2 kg of grain. The use of this dose of fertilizer minimized crop losses compared to the first year of wheat cultivation using no-till farming and classical agricultural technique. At the same time, the 3rd and 4th class grain was formed. Higher content of raw gluten compared to other doses of fertilizers was noted likewise: 1.6–9.8 % (preceding crop – pea) and 1.1–11.5 % (preceding crop – sunflower) more. Nitrogen fertilization played a significant role in increasing yields only after sunflower (the average increase was 0.21–0.86 t/ha).
Kekuatan Desain Motif Batik Cirebon sebagai Ruang Identitas Indikasi Geografis Indonesia
Authors: Kudiya Komarudin , Atik Saftiyaningsih Ken
Published: December 2020

Dalam sejarah batik di Indonesia, sering kali kita mendengar bahwa batik diidentikan dengan budaya masyarakat Jawa. Selain itu penggunaan kain batik pada awalnya terbatas hanya pada golongan ningrat keraton dengan berbagai aturan yang melingkupinya. Namun pada perkembangannya, batik bukan lagi dimiliki oleh masyarakat Jawa, kini produk batik tradisional telah menjadi busana Indonesia yang dipakai oleh bangsa Indonesia di seluruh Nusantara dalam berbagai kesempatan. Di Jawa Barat batik telah tumbuh dan berkembang di 27 kabupaten/kota yang tersebar dari belahan timur kabupaten Cirebon hingga di ujung sebelah barat Jawa Barat yaitu kotamadya Depok. Pada tiap-tiap daerah di Jawa Barat yang menghasilkan batik terdapat potensi karakteristik dan keunggulan teknik produksi, corak dan motif yang tidak terdapat di daerah lainnya. Keunikan dan karakteristik batik Cirebon merupakan bagian dari ruang identitas bagi masyarakat Cirebon serta layak mendapatkan Indikasi Geografis guna memberikan nilai-nilai ekonomi yang berdampak pada pelestarian tradisi batik Indonesia pada umumnya. Perlindungan Indikasi Geografis (IG) merupakan hal yang sangat penting mengingat aneka desain motif batik di Jawa Barat memiliki potensi yang sangat besar yang dapat dilindungi sebagai bagian dari Indikasi Geografis (IG) yang dapat digunakan sebagai alat pemasaran dalam dunia transaksi perdagangan, dalam kancah regional, nasional bahkan internasional.