bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Prognostic Value of the DNA Repair Gene Signature in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ming Ruijie , Wang Enhao , Wei Jiahui , Shen Jinxiong , Zong Shimin , Xiao Hongjun
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To construct a prognostic signature composed of DNA repair genes to effectively predict the prognosis of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

After downloading the transcriptome and clinical data of HNSCC from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), 499 patients with HNSCC were equally divided into training and testing sets. In the training set, 13 DNA repair genes were screened using univariate proportional hazard (Cox) regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis to construct a risk model, which was validated in the testing set.

Results

In the training and testing sets, there were significant differences in the clinical outcomes of patients in the high- and low-risk groups showed by Kaplan-Meier survival curves (P < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that the risk score had independent prognostic predictive ability (P < 0.001). At the same time, the immune cell infiltration, immune score, immune-related gene expression, and tumor mutation burden (TMB) of patients with HNSCC were also different between the high- and low-risk groups (P < 0.05). Finally, we screened several chemotherapeutics for HNSCC, which showed significant differences in drug sensitivity between the high- and low-risk groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study constructed a 13-DNA-repair-gene signature for the prognosis of HNSCC, which could accurately and independently predict the clinical outcome of the patient. We then revealed the immune landscape, TMB, and sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs in different risk groups, which might be used to guide clinical treatment decisions.
Brainstem Pain-Modulation Circuitry and Its Plasticity in Neuropathic Pain: Insights From Human Brain Imaging Investigations
Authors: Mills Emily P. , Keay Kevin A. , Henderson Luke A.
Published: July 2021

Acute pain serves as a protective mechanism that alerts us to potential tissue damage and drives a behavioural response that removes us from danger. The neural circuitry critical for mounting this behavioural response is situated within the brainstem and is also crucial for producing analgesic and hyperalgesic responses. In particular, the periaqueductal grey, rostral ventromedial medulla, locus coeruleus and subnucleus reticularis dorsalis are important structures that directly or indirectly modulate nociceptive transmission at the primary nociceptive synapse. Substantial evidence from experimental animal studies suggests that plasticity within this system contributes to the initiation and/or maintenance of chronic neuropathic pain, and may even predispose individuals to developing chronic pain. Indeed, overwhelming evidence indicates that plasticity within this circuitry favours pro-nociception at the primary synapse in neuropathic pain conditions, a process that ultimately contributes to a hyperalgesic state. Although experimental animal investigations have been crucial in our understanding of the anatomy and function of the brainstem pain-modulation circuitry, it is vital to understand this system in acute and chronic pain states in humans so that more effective treatments can be developed. Recent functional MRI studies have identified a key role of this system during various analgesic and hyperalgesic responses including placebo analgesia, offset analgesia, attentional analgesia, conditioned pain modulation, central sensitisation and temporal summation. Moreover, recent MRI investigations have begun to explore brainstem pain-modulation circuitry plasticity in chronic neuropathic pain conditions and have identified altered grey matter volumes and functioning throughout the circuitry. Considering the findings from animal investigations, it is likely that these changes reflect a shift towards pro-nociception that ultimately contributes to the maintenance of neuropathic pain. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the human brain imaging investigations that have improved our understanding of the pain-modulation system in acute pain states and in neuropathic conditions. Our interpretation of the findings from these studies is often guided by the existing body of experimental animal literature, in addition to evidence from psychophysical investigations. Overall, understanding the plasticity of this system in human neuropathic pain conditions alongside the existing experimental animal literature will ultimately improve treatment options.
Drug Design Strategies for the Treatment of Viral Disease. Plant Phenolic Compounds and Their Derivatives
Authors: Kowalczyk Monika , Golonko Aleksandra , Świsłocka Renata , Kalinowska Monika , Parcheta Monika , Swiergiel Artur , Lewandowski Włodzimierz
Published: July 2021

The coronavirus pandemic (SARS CoV-2) that has existed for over a year, constantly forces scientists to search for drugs against this virus. In silico research and selected experimental data have shown that compounds of natural origin such as phenolic acids and flavonoids have promising antiviral potential. Phenolic compounds inhibit multiplication of viruses at various stages of the viral life cycle, e.g., attachment (disturbance of the interaction between cellular and viral receptors), penetration (inhibition of viral pseudo-particle fusion to the host membrane), replication (inhibition of integrase and 3C-like protease), assembly and maturation (inhibition of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) activity hydrolysis) and release (inhibition of secretion of apolipoprotein B (apoB) from infected cells). Phenolic compounds also indirectly influence on the viral life cycle by affecting the host cell’s biochemical processes that viruses use for their own benefit. Phenolic compounds may inhibit the proteasomes and cellular deubiquitinating activity that causes an increase in the ubiquitinated proteins level in host cells. This, in turn, contributes to the lowering the available ubiquitin molecules that viruses could use for their own replication. One of the drug design strategy for the treatment of viral diseases may be an enhancement of the antiviral properties of phenolic compounds by metal complexation. Many studies have shown that the presence of a metal ion in the structure can significantly affect the affinity of the compound to key structural elements of the SARS CoV-2, such as Mpro protease, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and spike protein. We believe that in the era of coronavirus pandemic, it is necessary to reconsider the search for therapeutics among well-known compounds of plant origin and their metal complexes.
Nutraceutical Study on Maianthemum atropurpureum, a Wild Medicinal Food Plant in Northwest Yunnan, China
Authors: Xu Li , Wang Yizhou , Ji Yuanyuan , Li Ping , Cao Wujisiguleng , Wu Shibiao , Kennelly Edward , Long Chunlin
Published: July 2021

Maianthemum atropurpureum (Franch) LaFrankie (Asparagaceae), called nibai in Tibetan or dongka in Drung or zhu-ye-cai in local Chinese, is a wild vegetable consumed by the Tibetan people and other ethnic groups in Northwest Yunnan, China. It is also a traditional medicinal plant used by different linguistic groups for antimicrobial purposes. However the nutritional and phytochemical compositions of this important medicinal food plant have not been well studied previously. In this study, the nutrient content for nibai was determined by the China National Standards (GB) methods, and the phytochemical analysis involved multiple chromatographic and spectral methods including LC-TOF-MS analysis. Dried nibai is a rich source of protein (ca. 24.6%), with 18 of the 21 common amino acids. The amino acid content of nibai can reach up to 17.9/100 g, with the essential amino acids as major contributors, corresponding to 42.3% of the total amino acids. Nibai contains rich mineral elements, dietary fiber, vitamins, β-carotene, carbohydrates, and lipids. The phytochemical content of nibai was examined by conventional isolation strategies, as well as HR-ESI-TOF-MS to detect and identify 16 compounds including nine steroid saponins and seven flavonoids. Among these compounds, uridine, adenosine, guanosine, and β-methyl-6-methyl-d-glucopyranoside were found from the genus Maianthemum for the first time. These results help to demonstrate that the local people’s practice of consuming Maianthemum atropurpureum is reasonable due to its high levels of vitamins, minerals, essential amino-acids, and phytochemicals. Nibai may be further developed in Tibet and surrounding regions, and beyond as a health food, nutraceutical, and/or dietary supplement product.
Long-Term Lime and Phosphogypsum Amended-Soils Alleviates the Field Drought Effects on Carbon and Antioxidative Metabolism of Maize by Improving Soil Fertility and Root Growth
Authors: Bossolani João William , Crusciol Carlos Alexandre Costa , Garcia Ariani , Moretti Luiz Gustavo , Portugal José Roberto , Rodrigues Vitor Alves , Fonseca Mariley de Cássia da , Calonego Juliano Carlos , Amado Telmo Jorge Carneiro , Reis André Rodrigues dos
Published: July 2021

Graphical Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9-Induced Loss-of-Function Mutation in the Barley Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 6 Gene Causes Abnormal Embryo Development Leading to Severely Reduced Grain Germination and Seedling Shootless Phenotype
Authors: Křenek Pavel , Chubar Elizaveta , Vadovič Pavol , Ohnoutková Ludmila , Vlčko Tomáš , Bergougnoux Véronique , Cápal Petr , Ovečka Miroslav , Šamaj Jozef
Published: July 2021

The diverse roles of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs, MPKs) in plant development could be efficiently revealed by reverse genetic studies. In Arabidopsis, mpk6 knockout mutants complete the life cycle; however, ~40% of their embryos show defects in the development leading to abnormal phenotypes of seeds and seedlings' roots. Contrary to the Arabidopsis MPK6, the rice MPK6 (OsMPK6) is an essential gene as transfer DNA (T-DNA) insertion and CRISPR/Cas9 induced loss-of-function mutations in the OsMPK6 cause early embryo arrest. In this study, we successfully developed a viable transgenic barley line with the CRISPR/Cas9-induced heterozygous single base pair cytosine-guanine (CG) deletion [wild type (WT)/−1C] in the third exon of the HvMPK6 gene, a barley ortholog of the Arabidopsis and rice MPK6. There were no obvious macroscopic phenotype differences between the WT/−1C plants and WT plants. All the grains collected from the WT/−1C plants were of similar size and appearance. However, seedling emergence percentage (SEP) from these grains was substantially decreased in the soil in the T2 and T3 generation. The mutation analysis of the 248 emerged T2 and T3 generation plants showed that none of them was a biallelic mutant in the HvMPK6 gene, suggesting lethality of the −1C/−1C homozygous knockout mutation. In the soil, the majority of the −1C/−1C grains did not germinate and the minority of them developed into abnormal seedlings with a shootless phenotype and a reduced root system. Some of the −1C/−1C seedlings also developed one or more small chlorotic leaf blade-like structure/structures. The −1C/−1C grains contained the late-stage developed abnormal embryos with the morphologically obvious scutellum and root part of the embryonic axis but with the missing or substantially reduced shoot part of the embryonic axis. The observed embryonic abnormalities correlated well with the shootless phenotype of the seedlings and suggested that the later-stage defect is predetermined already during the embryo development. In conclusion, our results indicate that barley MPK6 is essential for the embryologically predetermined shoot formation, but not for the most aspects of the embryo and early seedling development.
Toward Sustainable Professional Development: An Investigation of Informal Interactions Among Chinese Mathematics Teachers
Authors: Zhang Shu , Zhao Wenjun , Cao Yiming
Published: July 2021

It is difficult for teachers to achieve sustainable professional development without support from other teachers. Many researchers have stated that teachers regard informal interactions in daily practice as crucial to learning from one another. In this paper, we present a study in which we investigated informal interactions between Chinese middle school mathematics teachers. Three dimensions of their interactions were identified through an analysis of semi-structured interviews. The data revealed how teachers initiate informal interactions based on shared goals, how they meet expectations of the dual roles of teaching and educational research, and how they perceive the effects of informal interactions on their teaching practices. These results contribute to a better understanding of the process of informal interactions from individual teacher perspectives. In this paper, we also discuss further implications for enhancing sustainable professional teacher development with daily practices.
Cognitive Effect Following a Blended (Face to Face and Videoconference-Delivered) Format Mindfulness Training
Authors: Wang Grace Y. , Taylor Tamasin , Sumich Alexander , Krägeloh Chris , Lee Carol Qinglian , Siegert Richard J.
Published: July 2021

While evidence supports the feasibility of online mindfulness training (MT), the effect of this approach on cognition remains unclear. The present study investigated changes in cognition following a newly developed 6-week videoconference-delivered MT program on cognitive function in two groups. The first group (n = 17) had two baseline assessments prior to MT [3 weeks after group two (n = 15)] to allow for evaluation of practice and learning effects. Four participants from each group were excluded from the final analysis due to missing data. Following MT, there was an improvement in switching of attention, working memory, executive function, and social cognition, but some of these effects were not easily accounted for by learning or practice effects. No significant changes were found on tasks measuring sustained attention, cognitive flexibility and inhibition, information processing, and sensory-motor function. Our findings suggest that domain-specific cognition might be enhanced by a brief videoconference-delivered MT, and larger, controlled studies to delineate the effects of online MT on subdomains of cognition are needed.
Global Oral Health Policies and Guidelines: Using Silver Diamine Fluoride for Caries Control
Authors: Gao Sherry Shiqian , Amarquaye Gwendolyn , Arrow Peter , Bansal Kalpana , Bedi Raman , Campus Guglielmo , Chen Kitty Jieyi , Chibinski Ana Cláudia Rodrigues , Chinzorig Tselmuun , Crystal Yasmi O. , Duangthip Duangporn , Ferri María Laura , Folayan Morenike Oluwatoyin , Garidkhuu Ariuntuul , Hamama Hamdi H. , Jirarattanasopha Varangkanar , Kemoli Arthur , Leal Soraya C. , Leelataweewud Pattarawadee , Mathur Vijay Prakash , Mfolo Tshepiso , Momoi Yasuko , Potgieter Nicoline , Tezvergil-Mutluay Arzu , Lo Edward Chin Man , Chu Chun Hung
Published: July 2021

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) was developed in Japan in the 1960s. It is a clear solution containing silver and fluoride ions. Because of its anti-bacterial and remineralizing effect, silver diamine fluoride has been used in managing dental caries for decades worldwide. This paper aims to summarize and discuss the global policies, guidelines, and relevant information on utilizing SDF for caries management. SDF can be used for treating dental caries in most countries. However, it is not permitted to be used in mainland China. Several manufacturers, mainly in Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, and the United States, produce SDF at different concentrations that are commercially available around the world. The prices differ between contents and brands. Different government organizations and dental associations have developed guidelines for clinical use of SDF. Dental professionals can refer to the specific guidelines in their own countries or territories. Training for using SDF is part of undergraduate and/or postgraduate curriculums in almost all countries. However, real utilization of SDF of dentists, especially in the private sector, remains unclear in most places because little research has been conducted. There are at least two ongoing regional-wide large-scale oral health programs, using SDF as one of the components to manage dental caries in young children (one in Hong Kong and one in Mongolia). Because SDF treatment does not require caries removal, and it is simple, non-invasive, and inexpensive, SDF is a valuable strategy for caries management in young children, elderly people, and patients with special needs. In addition, to reduce the risk of bacteria or virus transmission in dental settings, using SDF as a non-aerosol producing procedure should be emphasized under the COVID-19 outbreak.
Selenium and Natural Zeolite Clinoptilolite Supplementation Increases Antioxidative Status and Immune Response in Growing Pigs
Authors: Šperanda Tomislav , Pavić Valentina , Lončarić Zdenko , Šperanda Marcela , Popović Maja , Gantner Vesna , Ðidara Mislav
Published: July 2021

Selenium (Se), an essential trace element for human and animal health, is covalently incorporated into amino acids, acts as a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes, and is involved in the maintenance of the immune system. The main goal of this investigation was to show the effect of Se supplementation, at levels slightly higher than the recommended values, combined with natural zeolite clinoptilolite on Se deposition in tissues (muscle and liver) and on the immune and antioxidative status of supplemented growing pigs. The experiment was carried out during a 98 d period on 60 pigs. Pigs were fed a standard feed mixture based on corn and soybean and were divided into four groups, according to the level of dietary selenium supplementation as follows: C-0.3 mg/kg DM organic Se, E1-0.5 mg/kg DM sodium selenite, E2-0.5 mg/kg DM organic selenium; E3-0.5 mg/kg DM organic Se+0.2% zeolite. Higher (P < 0.05) selenium concentrations were determined in the muscle and liver in growing pigs fed with higher organic Se in combination with zeolite compared to the lower organic Se concentration. Addition of organic Se increased (P < 0.05) Se deposition in muscle and liver compared to the equal amount of inorganic Se (E2 vs. E1). Higher organic Se in combination with natural zeolite addition increases (P < 0.05) proportion of pigs' cluster of differentiation (CD)45+ compared to the same amount of inorganic Se and lower organic Se addition. The proportion of CD45+ and CD4+ lymphocytes was higher (P < 0.05) in E3 group compared to the other groups. Higher (P < 0.05) proportion of CD21+ lymphocytes were measured in the E2 and E3 groups compared with the other groups. The highest (P < 0.01) activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in pig erythrocytes was observed in the E3 group, while higher (P < 0.05) activity of glutathione reductase (GR) was in all experimental groups related to the control one. A dietary addition of 0.5 mg/kg DM of organic Se in combination with zeolite (0.2% DM) has increased (P < 0.05) Se deposition in liver, muscle, and blood, compared to the dietary addition of 0.3 mg/kg DM of the organic Se.
El proceso interpretativo en terapia psicoanalítica
Authors: Mitjavila Mercé
Published: July 2021

La interpretación es crucial en la teoría y la práctica del psicoanálisis. A pesar de este hecho, la construcción activa de hipótesis y su posterior utilización en terapia rara vez se trata explícitamente. El presente artículo aborda la cuestión de cuál debe ser la distancia óptima entre el paciente y las especulaciones teóricas del psicoanalista, defendiendo el uso de la teoría como puente que debe servir como lugar de encuentro entre terapeuta y paciente, y no como punto. de contención que da lugar a resistencias.
El problema de la unidad de estudio en la investigación del discurso y proceso psicoterapéuticos
Authors: Russell Robert , Staszewski Carol
Published: July 2021

La revisión empírica y metodológica de los estudios sobre el discurso psicoterapéutico indica que la selección de unidades de estudio pocas veces se lleva a cabo sobre bases establecidas. Para poner remedio a esta situación, se presentan y explican siete dimensiones descriptivas con las que definir explícitamente las unidades de puntuación. Además, se identifican cuatro dilemas críticos que los investigadores sobre el proceso tendrán que afrontar al proporcionar razones para su particular selección de unidades. Se recomiendan cambios curriculares y nuevas directrices para los informes de investigación como medio para facilitar una mayor sofisticación y mesurabilidad de la investigación sobre el proceso.La psiquiatría clásica ha destacado frecuentemente las características lingüísticas de la psicopatología, particularmente en relación a la esquizofrenia; sin embargo no las ha entendido como modalidades discursivas específicas, sino como patologías del pensamiento que se reflejaban en el lenguaje. El artículo examina las vicisitudes experimentadas desde mediados del siglo XIX por el tema del lenguaje de la esquizofrenia, que ha dado lugar a un discurso sobre la enfermedad mental, caracterizado por la confusión. Para salir de ella se proponen otras formas de acercamiento al fenómeno del lenguaje de la psicopatología, entendiéndolo como una modalidad discursiva específica y diferenciada, tal como se muestra por ejemplo en el caso de la esquizofrenia y de la obsesión.
El discurso sobre el discurso de la enfermedad mental
Authors: Laguna Encarna
Published: July 2021

La psiquiatría clásica ha destacado frecuentemente las características lingüísticas de la psicopatología, particularmente en relación a la esquizofrenia; sin embargo no las ha entendido como modalidades discursivas específicas, sino como patologías del pensamiento que se reflejaban en el lenguaje. El artículo examina las vicisitudes experimentadas desde mediados del siglo XIX por el tema del lenguaje de la esquizofrenia, que ha dado lugar a un discurso sobre la enfermedad mental, caracterizado por la confusión. Para salir de ella se proponen otras formas de acercamiento al fenómeno del lenguaje de la psicopatología, entendiéndolo como una modalidad discursiva específica y diferenciada, tal como se muestra por ejemplo en el caso de la esquizofrenia y de la obsesión.
¿Prevalece el caos? Reflexiones sobre el eclecticismo técnico y la integración asimilativa
Authors: Lazarus Arnold , Messer Stanley B.
Published: July 2021

Lazarus sostiene que los esfuerzos de integración de las psicoterapias a nivel teórico han fomentado una desafortunada proliferación de enfoques que rivalizan entre ellos, similar a la que ya existía entre las escuelas de psicoterapia no-integradoras tradicionales. Messer considera que este florecimiento de teorías integradoras es inevitable, e incluso deseable, y es consistente con una visión construccionista social de la realidad. Lazarus aboga por el eclecticismo técnico, regido más por observaciones que por teorías, como alternativa a la integración teórica. Este autor considera útil aprovechar técnicas validadas en distintos marcos de referencia. Messer argumenta que las observaciones están cargadas necesariamente de contenido teórico, y que las técnicas importadas de otras escuelas de terapia son asimiladas y modificadas por el nuevo contexto clínico y teórico en que son empleadas, por lo que debieran ser validadas de nuevo.
Changes in Dairy Cow Behavior with and without Assistance at Calving
Authors: Cavendish Bethan , McDonagh John , Tzimiropoulos Georgios , Slinger Kimberley R. , Huggett Zoë J. , Bell Matt J.
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to characterize calving behavior of dairy cows and to compare the duration and frequency of behaviors for assisted and unassisted dairy cows at calving. Behavioral data from nine hours prior to calving were collected for 35 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows. Cows were continuously monitored under 24 h video surveillance. The behaviors of standing, lying, walking, shuffle, eating, drinking and contractions were recorded for each cow until birth. A generalized linear mixed model was used to assess differences in the duration and frequency of behaviors prior to calving for assisted and unassisted cows. The nine hours prior to calving was assessed in three-hour time periods. The study found that the cows spent a large proportion of their time either lying (0.49) or standing (0.35), with a higher frequency of standing (0.36) and shuffle (0.26) bouts than other behaviors during the study. There were no differences in behavior between assisted and unassisted cows. During the three-hours prior to calving, the duration and bouts of lying, including contractions, were higher than during other time periods. While changes in behavior failed to identify an association with calving assistance, the monitoring of behavioral patterns could be used as an alert to the progress of parturition.
The Economic Results of Investing in Precision Agriculture in Durum Wheat Production: A Case Study in Central Italy
Authors: Finco Adele , Bucci Giorgia , Belletti Matteo , Bentivoglio Deborah
Published: July 2021

Today, precision agriculture technologies (PATs) can be considered a tool for the management of the farm which allows the agricultural entrepreneur to optimise inputs, reduce costs, and offer the best quantitative and qualitative agricultural products. In Italy, the number of digital farmers is still low; therefore, it is not yet possible to assess with certainty the actual economic benefits that technologies bring to the farm. To bridge this gap, the paper proposes, through the analysis of a case study, an assessment of the economic efficiency of an Italian cereal farm that has invested in precision agriculture. The results reveal that, unlike what is reported in the literature, after the technological adoption, the farm keeps both the yield and variable costs stable. However, the major benefit is recorded in the decrease in labour costs (−20%) and in the reduction of pesticides (−53%). The increase in the quantity of nitrogen (+11%) and of seed distributed in the field (+5%) indicates that, in the face of a significant increase in total costs due to the capital invested in technology, the farm aims to intensify production rather than reduce agricultural inputs.
Impact of Organic Amendment with Alternate Wetting and Drying Irrigation on Rice Yield, Water Use Efficiency and Physicochemical Properties of Soil
Authors: Haque Ahmad Numery Ashfaqul , Uddin Md Kamal , Sulaiman Muhammad Firdaus , Amin Adibah Mohd , Hossain Mahmud , Aziz Azharuddin Abd , Mosharrof Mehnaz
Published: July 2021

A pot experiment was executed to investigate the impact of biochar and compost with water-saving irrigation on the rice yield, water use efficiency, and physicochemical properties of soil. Two irrigation regimes—namely alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and continuous flooding (CF)—and four types of organic amendments (OA)—namely rice husk biochar (RHB), oil palm empty fruit bunch biochar (EFBB), compost and a control—were applied to evaluate their effects. Under the AWD irrigation regime, the maximum grain was produced by RHB (241.12 g), whereas under the same organic amendments, both AWD and CF produced a similar grain yield. Under the same organic amendment, a significantly higher water use efficiency (WUE) was observed from the AWD irrigation with RHB (6.30 g L−1) and EFBB (5.80 g L−1). Within the same irrigation regime, soil pH, cation exchange capacity, total carbon, total nitrogen and available phosphorus were enhanced due to the incorporation of biochar and compost, while higher soil exchangeable potassium was observed under CF irrigation for all treatments. RHB and EFBB significantly reduced the soil bulk density (up to 20.70%) and increased porosity (up to 16.70%) under both irrigation regimes. The results imply that the use of biochar with AWD irrigation could enhance the nutrient uptake and physicochemical properties of soil and allow rice to produce a greater yield with less water consumption.
Effect of Paclobutrazol on the Physiology and Biochemistry of Ophiopogon japonicus
Authors: Zhang Zezhou , Li Ruixing , Chen Deyong , Chen Jieyin , Xiao Ouli , Kong Zhiqiang , Dai Xiaofeng
Published: July 2021

Ophiopogon japonicus is a commonly used Chinese medicine with multiple pharmacological effects. To increase the yield of O. japonicus, paclobutrazol is widely used during the cultivation, and residues of paclobutrazol cause undesired side effects of O. japonicus. In this study, the effect of different concentrations of paclobutrazol on O. japonicus was investigated, and the final residual amount of paclobutrazol in the plant sample was determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS); cell morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The inhibitory effect of paclobutrazol on plant height and the stimulatory effect on root elongation were concentration-dependent from 0.6 to 11.3 g/L, reaching a maximum of about 28% and 67%, respectively. However, when the concentration was 22.5 g/L, these effects were significantly weakened, and the same trend was observed for the tuber root weight. Paclobutrazol caused the cell wall of O. japonicus to thicken, making the cells smaller and more densely arranged. Paclobutrazol also inhibited bacterial growth, irrespective of the concentration. Considering the residual concentration after application and the effects on growth, the application of 1.3 g/L or 2.8 g/L paclobutrazol can increase the accumulation of effective ingredients while promoting production, reducing application costs, and maximizing farmers’ profit.
Clinical Applications and Factors Involved in Validating Thermal Windows Used in Infrared Thermography in Cattle and River Buffalo to Assess Health and Productivity
Authors: Mota-Rojas Daniel , Pereira Alfredo M. F. , Wang Dehua , Martínez-Burnes Julio , Ghezzi Marcelo , Hernández-Avalos Ismael , Lendez Pamela , Mora-Medina Patricia , Casas Alejandro , Olmos-Hernández Adriana , Domínguez Adriana , Bertoni Aldo , Geraldo Ana de Mira
Published: July 2021

Infrared thermography (IRT) is a non-ionizing, non-invasive technique that permits evaluating the comfort levels of animals, a topic of concern due to the growing interest in determining the state of health and welfare of production animals. The operating principle of IRT is detecting the heat irradiated in anatomical regions characterized by a high density of near-surface blood vessels that can regulate temperature gain or loss from/to the environment by modifying blood flow. This is essential for understanding the various vascular thermoregulation mechanisms of different species, such as rodents and ruminants’ tails. The usefulness of ocular, nasal, and vulvar thermal windows in the orbital (regio orbitalis), nasal (regio nasalis), and urogenital (regio urogenitalis) regions, respectively, has been demonstrated in cattle. However, recent evidence for the river buffalo has detected discrepancies in the data gathered from distinct thermal regions in these large ruminants, suggesting a limited sensitivity and specificity when used with this species due to various factors: the presence of hair, ambient temperature, and anatomical features, such as skin thickness and variations in blood supplies to different regions. In this review, a literature search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and PubMed, using keyword combinations that included “infrared thermography”, “water buffalo”, “river buffalo” “thermoregulation”, “microvascular changes”, “lacrimal caruncle”, “udder”, “mastitis”, and “nostril”. We discuss recent findings on four thermal windows—the orbital and nasal regions, mammary gland in the udder region (regio uberis), and vulvar in the urogenital region (regio urogenitalis)—to elucidate the factors that modulate and intervene in validating thermal windows and interpreting the information they provide, as it relates to the clinical usefulness of IRT for cattle (Bos) and the river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).
Detecting Welfare in a Non-Verbal Species: Social/Cultural Biases and Difficulties in Horse Welfare Assessment
Authors: Hausberger Martine , Lesimple Clémence , Henry Séverine
Published: July 2021

Horses were domesticated for more than 5000 years and have been one of the most emblematic species living alongside humans. This long-shared history would suggest that horses are well known and well understood, but scientific data raise many concerns about the welfare state of most domestic horses suggesting that many aspects have been largely misunderstood. In the present review, we will examine some of the possible human factors that may explain the huge prevalence of welfare problems, despite horses being of special importance to humans. First of all, as horses are non-verbal, current management practices rely upon what one thinks is good for them, which opens the way to subjective interpretations and projections, based on one’s own subjective experience but probably still more on cultural/social norms and influences, traditions and beliefs. The lack of recognition, identification, or even the misinterpretation of signals are other potential reasons for welfare issues. Lastly, the over-exposure to animals with expressions of compromised welfare may lead to lower sensitivity of owners/professionals. That is why we lastly suggest that instead of simply providing information on what to do, we should promote validated visible indicators that leave less room for personal interpretation.
Current Status on Canine Foetal Fluid and Adnexa Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Iacono Eleonora , Marcoccia Romina , Merlo Barbara
Published: July 2021

Effective standards of care treatment guidelines have been developed for many canine diseases. However, a subpopulation of patients is partially or completely refractory to these protocols, so their owners seek novel therapies such as treatments with MSCs. Although in dogs, as with human medicine, the most studied MSCs sources have been bone marrow and adipose tissue, in recent years, many researchers have drawn attention towards alternative sources, such as foetal adnexa and fluid, since they possess many advantages over bone marrow and adipose tissue. Foetal adnexa and fluid could be considered as discarded material; therefore, sampling is non-invasive, inexpensive and free from ethical considerations. Furthermore, MSCs derived from foetal adnexa and fluid preserve some of the characteristics of the primitive embryonic layers from which they originate and seem to present immune-modulatory properties that make them a good candidate for allo- and xenotransplantation. The aim of the present review is to offer an update on the state of the art on canine MSCs derived from foetal adnexa and fluid focusing on the findings in their clinical setting.
Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies Candidate Genes Associated with Feet and Leg Conformation Traits in Chinese Holstein Cattle
Authors: Abdalla Ismail Mohamed , Lu Xubin , Nazar Mudasir , Arbab Abdelaziz Adam Idriss , Xu Tianle , Yousif Mohammed Husien , Mao Yongjiang , Yang Zhangping
Published: July 2021

Feet and leg conformation traits are considered one of the most important economical traits in dairy cattle and have a great impact on the profitability of milk production. Therefore, identifying the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), genes and pathways analysis associated with these traits might contribute to the genomic selection and long-term plan selection for dairy cattle. We conducted genome-wide association studies (GWASs) using the fixed and random model circulating probability unification (FarmCPU) method to identify SNPs associated with bone quality, heel depth, rear leg side view and rear leg rear view of Chinese Holstein cows. Phenotypic measurements were collected from 1000 individuals of Chinese Holstein cattle and the GeneSeek Genomic Profiler Bovine 100 K SNP chip was utilized for individual genotyping. After quality control, 984 individual cows and 84,906 SNPs remained for GWAS work; as a result, we identified 20 significant SNPs after Bonferroni correction. Several candidate genes were identified within distances of 200 kb upstream or downstream to the significant SNPs, including ADIPOR2, INPP4A, DNMT3A, ALDH1A2, PCDH7, XKR4 and CADPS. Further bioinformatics analyses showed 34 gene ontology terms and two signaling pathways were significantly enriched (p ≤ 0.05). Many terms and pathways are related to biological quality, metabolism and development processes; these identified SNPs and genes could provide useful information about the genetic architecture of feet and leg traits, thus improving the longevity and productivity of Chinese Holstein dairy cattle.
Garcinia cambogia Ameliorates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress-Mediated Steatosis and Apoptosis through NRF2-ARE Activation
Authors: Han Joo-Hui , Park Min-Ho , Myung Chang-Seon
Published: July 2021

Excessive free fatty acids (FFAs) causes reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development. Garcinia cambogia (G. cambogia) is used as an anti-obesity supplement, and its protective potential against NAFLD has been investigated. This study aims to present the therapeutic effects of G. cambogia on NAFLD and reveal underlying mechanisms. High-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice were administered G. cambogia for eight weeks, and steatosis, apoptosis, and biochemical parameters were examined in vivo. FFA-induced HepG2 cells were treated with G. cambogia, and lipid accumulation, apoptosis, ROS level, and signal alterations were examined. The results showed that G. cambogia inhibited HFD-induced steatosis and apoptosis and abrogated abnormalities in serum chemistry. G. cambogia increased in NRF2 nuclear expression and activated antioxidant responsive element (ARE), causing induction of antioxidant gene expression. NRF2 activation inhibited FFA-induced ROS production, which suppressed lipogenic transcription factors, C/EBPα and PPARγ. Moreover, the ability of G. cambogia to inhibit ROS production suppressed apoptosis by normalizing the Bcl-2/BAX ratio and PARP cleavage. Lastly, these therapeutic effects of G. cambogia were due to hydroxycitric acid (HCA). These findings provide new insight into the mechanism by which G. cambogia regulates NAFLD progression.
Effect of Roasting Degree on the Antioxidant Properties of Espresso and Drip Coffee Extracted from Coffea arabica cv. Java
Authors: Jung Sunyoon , Gu Sunyoung , Lee Seung-Hun , Jeong Yoonhwa
Published: July 2021

Coffee roasting is the process of applying heat to green coffee beans to bring out flavors through chemical changes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of roasting degree on the antioxidant capacities of espresso and drip coffee extracted from Coffea arabica cv. Java in Laos. Green coffee beans were roasted under four conditions (Light-medium, Medium, Moderately dark, and Very dark), and espresso and drip coffee were extracted. The contents of total phenolics (TP), total flavonoids (TF), and chlorogenic acids (CGA) decreased as the roasting degree increased, whereas the caffeine content increased. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity was lower in the Medium, Moderately dark, and Very dark compared to the Light-medium. The ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was lower in the Very dark than the Light-medium, Medium, and Moderately dark. Principal component analysis showed that TP, TF, CGA, caffeine, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and FRAP distinguish coffee extracts with various roasting degrees. Therefore, it is concluded that roasting degree is a modifiable factor for the use of coffee as an antioxidant material in the food industry, and TF, TP, CGA, and caffeine contents, DPPH radical scavenging activity and FRAP are good indicators for determining the antioxidant capacity of coffee.
Geochemical Characterization of Intraplate Magmatism from Quaternary Alkaline Volcanic Rocks on Jeju Island, South Korea
Authors: Kim Cheolhong , Khant Naing Aung , Jeon Yongmun , Kim Heejung , Lim Chungwan
Published: July 2021

The major and trace elements of Quaternary alkaline volcanic rocks on Jeju Island were analyzed to determine their origin and formation mechanism. The samples included tephrite, trachybasalts, basaltic trachyandesites, tephriphonolites, trachytes, and mantle xenoliths in the host basalt. Although the samples exhibited diversity in SiO2 contents, the relations of Zr vs. Nb and La vs. Nb indicated that the rocks were formed from the fractional crystallization of a single parent magma with slight continental crustal contamination (r: 0–0.3 by AFC modeling), rather than by the mixing of different magma sources. The volcanic rocks had an enriched-mantle-2-like ocean island basalt signature and the basalt was formed by partial melting of the upper mantle, represented by the xenolith samples of our study. The upper mantle of Jeju was affected by arc magmatism, associated with the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate. Therefore, we inferred that two separate magmatic events occurred on Jeju Island: one associated with the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate (represented by xenoliths), and another associated with a divergent setting when intraplate magmatism occurred (represented by the host rocks). With AFC modeling, it can be proposed that the Jeju volcanic rocks were formed by the fractional crystallization of the upper mantle combined with assimilation of the continental crust. The xenoliths in this study had different geochemical patterns from previously reported xenoliths, warranting further investigations.
Restoring Raindrops Using Attentive Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Goo Suhan , Yang Hee-Deok
Published: July 2021

Artificial intelligence technologies and vision systems are used in various devices, such as automotive navigation systems, object-tracking systems, and intelligent closed-circuit televisions. In particular, outdoor vision systems have been applied across numerous fields of analysis. Despite their widespread use, current systems work well under good weather conditions. They cannot account for inclement conditions, such as rain, fog, mist, and snow. Images captured under inclement conditions degrade the performance of vision systems. Vision systems need to detect, recognize, and remove noise because of rain, snow, and mist to boost the performance of the algorithms employed in image processing. Several studies have targeted the removal of noise resulting from inclement conditions. We focused on eliminating the effects of raindrops on images captured with outdoor vision systems in which the camera was exposed to rain. An attentive generative adversarial network (ATTGAN) was used to remove raindrops from the images. This network was composed of two parts: an attentive-recurrent network and a contextual autoencoder. The ATTGAN generated an attention map to detect rain droplets. A de-rained image was generated by increasing the number of attentive-recurrent network layers. We increased the number of visual attentive-recurrent network layers in order to prevent gradient sparsity so that the entire generation was more stable against the network without preventing the network from converging. The experimental results confirmed that the extended ATTGAN could effectively remove various types of raindrops from images.
Design and Switching Characteristics of Flip-Chip GaN Half-Bridge Modules Integrated with Drivers
Authors: Wang Lin , Cheng Zhe , Yu Zhi-Guo , Lin De-Feng , Liu Zhe , Jia Li-Fang , Zhang Yun
Published: July 2021

Half-bridge modules with integrated GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) and driver dies were designed and fabricated in this research. Our design uses flip-chip technology for fabrication, instead of more generally applied wire bonding, to reduce parasitic inductance in both the driver-gate and drain-source loops. Modules were prepared using both methods and the double-pulse test was applied to evaluate and compare their switching characteristics. The gate voltage (Vgs) waveform of the flip-chip module showed no overshoot during the turn-on period, and a small oscillation during the turn-off period. The probabilities of gate damage and false turn-on were greatly reduced. The inductance in the drain-source loop of the module was measured to be 3.4 nH. The rise and fall times of the drain voltage (Vds) were 12.9 and 5.8 ns, respectively, with an overshoot of only 4.8 V during the turn-off period under Vdc = 100 V. These results indicate that the use of flip-chip technology along with the integration of GaN HEMTs with driver dies can effectively reduce the parasitic inductance and improve the switching performance of GaN half-bridge modules compared to wire bonding.
Assessment of Human Pharmaceuticals in Drinking Water Catchments, Tap and Drinking Fountain Waters
Authors: Pereira André , Silva Liliana , Laranjeiro Célia , Pena Angelina
Published: July 2021

The occurrence of pharmaceuticals in water catchments and drinking waters raises potential risks to public health. Therefore, after addressing the major aquatic contamination pathway, the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), and, subsequently, surface waters, 18 human pharmaceuticals from 6 therapeutic groups (antibiotics, lipid regulators, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hormones) were analyzed in drinking water catchments, tap and drinking fountain waters. This was performed by solid phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass detection (LC-MS/MS). The 97 samples analyzed were collected from 31 different sites in the center of Portugal. All samples presented concentrations below the method detection limits (MDLs) that ranged between 1.13 to 5.45 ng L−1. The achieved results contributed to a better knowledge on the Portuguese and European context of drinking water, since there is a knowledge gap regarding this matrix. Comparing our data with other studies, published worldwide, we can observe that median concentrations of pharmaceuticals were reported in the low ng L−1 levels, values close to our MDLs. Consequently, it is unlikely that, in light of the current knowledge, the presence of pharmaceuticals in drinking water presents a threat to human health.
Numerical Investigation on Dynamic Response Characteristics and Deformation Mechanism of a Bedded Rock Mass Slope Subject to Earthquake Excitation
Authors: Song Danqing , Chen Zhuo , Dong Lihu , Zhu Wencheng
Published: July 2021

In order to systematically reveal the dynamic response characteristics of rock mass slopes subject to seismic excitation, time-domain and frequency-domain analyses are used to investigate the dynamic response of a bedded rock slope from multiple perspectives, using the two-dimensional numerical dynamic analyses. Based on the numerical simulation results, the influence of the weak bedded structural planes on the propagation characteristics of seismic waves in the slope is analyzed. The time-domain analysis suggests that the topographic and geological conditions have an influence on the dynamic response of the slope. The effects of ground motion direction on the dynamic response characteristics of the slope are identified. In addition, according to the frequency-domain analysis, the impacts of slope surface, elevation, and structural plane on the seismic response characteristics of the slope are also clarified. The intrinsic characteristics of the slope are investigated by using Fourier spectral analysis and modal analysis, and the deformation response characteristics of the slope are clarified. The relationship between different natural frequencies of the slope, the predominant frequency of the seismic wave, and the dynamic response characteristics of the slope is discussed. Moreover, the dynamic failure mechanism of the slope is analyzed. This work provides a reference for the seismic analysis of this type of slope.