bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of C Stocks in Afforested High Quality Agricultural Land
Authors: García-Campos Elena , Zorita Félix , Leirós M. Carmen , Gil-Sotres Fernando , Trasar-Cepeda Carmen
Published: December 2022

Afforestation of marginal land has been recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as a means of enhancing the capacity of soil to act as a carbon (C) sink. However, the success of this practice is variable and depends on many factors, including the type of land management used. In this study, we quantified and compared the C stocks in two highly productive agricultural soils afforested with poplar 10 years before the study and in adjacent soils still used for agricultural purposes. One of the agricultural soils was sown with grass and maize in a crop rotation system and the other was alternately sown with maize (6 months) and left fallow (6 months). In all soils, we estimated the C pools associated with the live biomass (including the C extracted by harvesting in the cropped soils in the 10 years since afforestation), dead biomass, amount of fertiliser added (quantifying all inputs of C added as fertiliser in the cropped soils since the start of afforestation) and the soil organic matter (0–100 cm), to enable estimation of the total C stocks in the ecosystem. Afforestation had different effects on the various C pools. Thus, although afforestation enhanced the C sink capacity of the ecosystem when carried out on agricultural land, the degree to which this occurred varied according to previous land use. The increase in C stocks that occurred from afforestation was lower in the plots employing maize-grass rotation, compared to those with maize-fallow rotation. The ecosystem C balance was quite similar in both afforested plots (247.4 and 233.0 Mg C ha−1), while it was quite different in the cultivated plots (182.3 Mg C ha−1 in Laraño; 73.9 Mg C ha−1 in A Barca). Although at both sites the C balance was higher in the afforested plot than in the cultivated plot, the differences were much smaller in Laraño (65.1 Mg C ha−1 higher in the forested plot than in the cultivated plot) than in A Barca (159.1 Mg C ha−1 higher in the forested plot than in the cultivated plot). Our results from highly productive agricultural land are similar to previous findings on marginal land.
Dynamic Evaluation of Coupling and Coordinating Development of Environments and Economic Development in Key State-Owned Forests in Heilongjiang Province, China
Authors: Liu Xiangyue , Arif Muhammad , Wan Zhifang , Zhu Zhenfeng
Published: December 2022

This study examines state-owned forest areas in Heilongjiang Province, China, and uses statistical data from 2011 to 2019 to evaluate the dynamic coupling and coordination relationship between the forest environment and economic development. The study aims to provide guidelines for the sustainable development of forest areas. The study concludes that: (1) There is a significant interaction between the environment and economic development, which manifests in coercion and restriction effects during the ecological construction and economic development processes. (2) The forest area environment in 2011–2019, within the coupling and coordination relationship with economic development, was generally of a high quality. (3) Forest environment construction achieved remarkable results in 2011–2019 and benefitted from China’s new position on ecological restoration in key state-owned forest areas. (4) The economic development of forest areas after 2015 showed a lag, which restricted the level and progress in the coordinated development of the environment and the economies of the forest areas. (5) During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–2025), the key state-owned forest areas still fully incorporated the strategic positioning of ecological protection and economic development coordination. This study provides countermeasures and suggestions to further improve the ecological and economic development of key state-owned forest areas.
Evaluating Incentive-Driven Policies to Reduce Social Losses Associated with Wildfire Risk Misinformation
Authors: Al Abri Ibtisam
Published: December 2022

Wildfires have caused significant ecological and social losses in terms of forest benefits, private dwellings, and suppression costs. Although great efforts have been made in wildfire policies and wildfire-mitigating strategies on private and public lands, devastating wildfires continue to occur. This implies there is a need for effective incentive-driven policies to encourage forest owners to undertake an increasing level of wildfire-mitigating actions. This study evaluates the effectiveness of alternative incentive-driven policies for the problem of two adjacent forest owners under various scenarios of misinformation about wildfire occurrence and spread using a stochastic dynamic model. The study also investigates how the implementation of these policies encourages wildfire-mitigating actions, yields larger reductions in social losses, and alleviates free-riding behavior. The outcomes of the analysis confirm that the effectiveness of incentive programs in reducing social losses and increasing forest value is influenced by the level of misinformation held by a forest owner when making wildfire prevention decisions. The results also revealed that fuel stock regulation is more effective at mitigating wildfire damages and associated costs than cost-share programs under all misinformation scenarios. It was also found that fuel stock regulation could correct free-riding behavior due to the restrictive nature of this policy. The findings provide additional motivation for educational programs that seek to improve forest owners’ knowledge about the private benefits of fuel removal and collaboration efforts between neighboring forest owners. Collaborative efforts could yield substantial savings for the government through eliminating cost-share programs and reducing suppression costs.
Evaluation of the Tensile Characteristics and Bond Behaviour of Steel Fibre-Reinforced Concrete: An Overview
Authors: Mujalli Mohammed A. , Dirar Samir , Mushtaha Emad , Hussien Aseel , Maksoud Aref
Published: December 2022

Conventional concrete is a common building material that is often ridden with cracks due to its low tensile strength. Moreover, it has relatively low shear strength and, unless reinforced, undergoes brittle failure under tension and shear. Thus, concrete must be adequately reinforced to prevent brittle tensile and shear failures. Steel fibres are commonly used for this purpose, which can partially or fully replace traditional steel reinforcement. The strength properties and bond characteristics between reinforcing steel fibres and the concrete matrix are crucial in ensuring the effective performance of the composite material. In particular, the quality of the bond has a significant impact on crack development, crack spacing, and crack width, among other parameters. Hence, the proper application of steel fibre-reinforced concrete (SFRC) requires a thorough understanding of the factors influencing its bond behaviour and strength properties. This paper offers a comprehensive review of the main factors controlling the bond behaviour between concrete and steel fibres in SFRC. In particular, we focus on the effects of the physical and mechanical properties of steel fibres (e.g., geometry, inclination angle, embedded length, diameter, and tensile strength) on the bond behaviour. We find that the addition of up to 2% of steel fibres into concrete mixtures can significantly enhance the compressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength of concrete components (by about 20%, 143%, and 167%, respectively). Furthermore, a significant enhancement in the pull-out performance of the concrete is observed with the addition of steel fibres at various dosages and geometries.
Separation and Detection of Abamectin, Ivermectin, Albendazole and Three Metabolites in Eggs Using Reversed-Phase HPLC Coupled with a Photo Diode Array Detector
Authors: Guo Yawen , He Zhaoyuan , Zhu Yali , Liu Shuyu , Gao Pengfei , Xie Kaizhou , Zhang Tao , Dong Yuhao
Published: December 2022

An innovative and sensitive approach using high-performance liquid chromatography-photo diode array detection (HPLC-PDAD) was developed and optimized for the simultaneous determination of abamectin (ABM), ivermectin (IVM), albendazole (ABZ) and three metabolites in eggs. The samples were extracted with acetonitrile (MeCN)/water (90:10, v/v), and the extracts containing the targets were cleaned up and concentrated by a series of liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) steps. A reversed-phase C18 column and a mobile phase consisting of 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) aqueous solution and methanol (MeOH) were utilized to perform optimal chromatographic separation. The developed method was validated on the basis of international guidelines. The limits of detection (LODs) and quantitation (LOQs) were 2.1–10.5 µg/kg and 7.8–28.4 µg/kg, respectively. Satisfactory linear relationships were observed for the targets in their corresponding concentration ranges. The mean recoveries ranged from 85.7% to 97.21% at 4 addition levels, with intraday and interday relative standard deviations (RSDs) in the ranges of 1.68–4.77% and 1.74–5.31%, respectively. The presented protocol was demonstrated to be applicable and reliable by being applied for the detection of target residues in locally sourced egg samples.
Analysis of Volatile Compounds in Jinhua ham Using Three Extraction Methods Combined with Gas Chromatography–Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Liu Dengyong , Yang Cong , Bai Lu , Feng Xi , Chen Yanping , Zhang Yin , Liu Yuan
Published: December 2022

The volatile compounds in Jinhua ham samples after different aging times were characterized using solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE), solid-phase microextraction (SPME), and needle trap (NT) extraction methods combined with gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC–TOF/MS). Hundreds of aroma compounds were identified, including aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, furans, esters, acids, pyrazines, and sulfides. The results showed that NT extracted the greatest number of volatile compounds, whereas the extraction efficiency of SPME headspace adsorption was highest among the three sample preparation methods. Principal component analysis of SPME effectively distinguished the variation in the aroma of the Jinhua hams specific to aging time. Butyrolactone, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, phenylacetaldehyde, and acetic acid were considered as the main volatile compounds in the Jinhua ham samples at three years of aging. The results showed that SPME–GC–TOF/MS effectively discriminated among samples by age. By comparing the three extraction methods, this study provides a theoretical basis for the selection of extraction methods of volatile aroma compounds in Jinhua ham.
Nutritional Status, Dietary Habits, and Physical Activity in Older Adults from Manta, Manabí
Authors: Ricardo Arencibia Moreno , Damaris Hernández Gallardo , Daniel Linares Girela , Marta Linares Manrique
Published: December 2022

Defining the nutritional status and physical activity level of older adults makes it possible to guide them toward healthy lifestyles. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate dietary habits, nutritional status, and physical activity engagement in older adults living in the city of Manta, Manabí. Methods: An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study of 130 older adults was conducted to determine nutritional status via anthropometry, self-reported frequency of the consumption of foodstuffs, calculation of the healthy eating index (IAS), and physical activity patterns. Results: Average age was 71.62 ± 4.34 years, whilst 83.07% of participants were at nutritional risk due to being overweight or obese. Dietary habits in males were characterized by the consumption of three meals a day, as well as greater intake of cereals, roots, tubers, and milk and its derivatives, whilst females consumed more fruits and vegetables. Meat was widely consumed, although females consumed more fish and seafood than males. Eggs were hugely popular foods, in contrast to legumes. Pasta was a dietary staple in females. Visible fats and luncheon meats were consumed little. IAS values reflected the “need to change”, whilst physical activity engagement was found to be low. Conclusions: The nutritional status of the present study population was characterized by a tendency toward increasing overweight, particularly amongst females, with the predominance of class 1 obesity, low physical activity, and a healthy eating index requiring change toward more healthy habits.
Quality of Poultry Roast Enriched with Hemp Seeds, Hemp Oil, and Hemp Flour
Authors: Augustyńska-Prejsnar Anna , Topczewska Jadwiga , Ormian Małgorzata , Sokołowicz Zofia
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to add natural hemp components to poultry roast recipes, to enhance their quality (physical, chemical, and sensory qualities of the product). Two variants of poultry roast (group P1 and P2) with a 10.2% addition of hemp components and a traditional equivalent with the participation of animal fat (group K) were tested. In the roast of group P1, the share of hemp seeds was 8%, hemp flour 0.2%, and hemp oil 2%; while in group P2, the proportions were 4%, 0.2%, and 6%, respectively. Roasts with hemp components were found to be characterized by a darker color; lower cooking losses; higher fiber content, and lower cholesterol and fat content; a favorable fatty acid ratio PUFA; n-3 and n-6; and acceptable sensory characteristics compared to the control group. Products with a higher (8%) share of hemp seeds contained more protein and fiber and were characterized by a higher degree of yellow saturation (b*), lower cooking losses after heat treatment, and a higher desirability of taste and better binding. Products in group P2, with a higher (6%) hemp oil content, had a lower cholesterol content and a lower proportion of SFA fatty acids and a higher proportion of omega-3 fatty acids, but were assessed as rated lower in terms of taste and binding.
Microbiological Quality and Safety of Traditional Raw Milk Cheeses Manufactured on a Small Scale by Polish Dairy Farms
Authors: Stefanou Constantine-Richard , Bartodziejska Beata , Gajewska Magdalena , Szosland-Fałtyn Anna
Published: December 2022

Polish raw milk artisanal cheese may pose a threat to consumer safety due to pathogen presence. The aim of this study was to assess the microbiological safety, quality and physicochemical composition of cow’s and goat’s milk fresh cheeses produced by farmers on a small scale. A total of 62 samples of six cheese types were analyzed for Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., lactic acid bacteria and coliform presence and concentration levels. The physicochemical analysis estimated energy, water, protein, fat, carbohydrate, ash and salt content. The cheeses were also tested for heavy metal contamination. Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. were not detected in any of the samples. Coliforms were present in all the goat’s milk cheeses and only in two of the cow’s milk cheeses. Low levels of cadmium, below 0.008 ppm, were detected in three of the cows’ milk samples. The raw milk cheeses studied were free of the pathogens examined and were of high nutritional value.
Passengers’ Perceptions and Satisfaction with Digital Technology Adopted by Airlines during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Shiwakoti Nirajan , Hu Qiming , Pang Ming Kin , Cheung Tsz Mei , Xu Zhengkai , Jiang Hongwei
Published: December 2022

Airlines’ major adoption of digital technology during the COVID-19 crisis may have changed how customers experience the services and may affect passengers’ perceptions compared to the past. However, there is a lack of studies systematically examining the adoption of new technology in the airline industry from a passenger satisfaction-centric perspective. This study investigates passengers’ perceptions and satisfaction with digital technology adoption by airlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online questionnaire survey was conducted to examine Chinese passengers’ perceptions and satisfaction with 11 digital technology-based services offered by airlines. A total of 365 valid responses were analyzed using ANOVA tests and stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. The analysis indicates that most passengers have a positive attitude towards airlines’ new technology adoption. In the final selected regression model, six technologies offered by the airlines are statistically significant and have impacted passenger satisfaction. They are artificial intelligence (AI) customer service, e-luggage tag, cleaning robot, ultraviolet light and antimicrobial cabin cleaning, an app-controlled in-flight entertainment system, and e-library. The facial recognition service, digital documentation and AI Customer service are the least favorable among the 11 technologies offered by the airlines. There is an opportunity for airlines to improve these services further to gain the trust of the passengers.
Acceptance of Automated Shuttles—Application and Extension of the UTAUT-2 Model to Wizard-of-Oz Automated Driving in Real-Life Traffic
Authors: Rybizki Anne , Ihme Klas , Nguyen Hoai Phuong , Onnasch Linda , Bosch Esther
Published: December 2022

Automated shuttles can make public transport more attractive and sustainable. Still, their successful implementation requires a high level of acceptance among users. This study investigates the impact of the predictors performance expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, and perceived risk of The Unified Theory of Acceptance (UTAUT)-2 on the behavioral intention to use automated shuttles. In earlier work, UTAUT-2 has already been successfully applied to study the acceptance of autonomous public transport. Here, we employed the UTAUT-2 to assess acceptance of a Wizard-of-Oz automated shuttle in real-life traffic, in a study with 35 participants, before and after a first ride and after a second ride on which two incidents occurred. The results show that behavioral intention to use automated shuttles is high even before the first ride and remains high after experiencing automated driving. Performance expectancy was the only significant predictor of behavioral intention for all measurement time points. The explanatory power of the model almost doubles from pre-ride to post-ride. The results indicate a crucial role of performance expectancy for the acceptance of automated shuttles at the current stage of implementation and provide guidance for a successful development and implementation of autonomous public transport.
An Insight on Pharmacological and Mechanical Preventive Measures of Post-ERCP PANCREATITIS (PEP)—A Review
Authors: Zhang Yinqiu , Liang Yan , Feng Yadong
Published: December 2022

Pancreatitis is the most common complication following endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP). With the progress of research in many drugs and technologies, promising efficacy has been achieved in preventing post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). Recently, combined prevention has received more attention in order to further reduce the incidence of PEP. However, there is no review about the combined prevention of PEP. This review summarizes the medication and ERCP techniques that are used to prevent PEP and emphasizes that appropriate combination prevention approaches should be based on risk stratification.
Comparative Study of Physicochemical Properties of Alginate Composite Hydrogels Prepared by the Physical Blending and Electrostatic Assembly Methods
Authors: Wen Yanshi , Chen Xiuqiong , Yan Huiqiong , Lin Qiang
Published: December 2022

Alginate hydrogel commonly suffers from defects, such as weak mechanical properties, the shortage of long-term stability in physiological medium and the lack of mammalian cell adhesivity due to its strong hydrophilicity in biomedical application. For this reason, the homogeneous alginate hydrogels (Alg Gel) were successfully prepared by the D-glucono-δ-lactone/hydroxyapatite (HAP/GDL) cross-linking system, and then, the physical blending and alternating electrostatic assembly technology were proposed to fabricate alginate composite hydrogels (Alg-GT, Alg-CS-GT and ALG/GT-CS). The feasibility of the design methods was verified through the comparative analysis of their physicochemical properties and biological activity. In particular, the effects of physical blending and alternating electrostatic assembly technology on the pore structure, mechanical properties, swelling, degradation, cell adhesion and proliferation of composite hydrogels were also investigated. Experimental results showed that the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes by electrostatic assembly between biological macromolecules and the covalent cross-linking of EDC/NHS to GT improved the vulnerability of ion cross-linking, enhanced the mechanical properties and swelling stability of the composite hydrogels, and regulated their pore structure and in vitro biodegradability properties. Furthermore, MC3T3-E1 cells could exhibit good cell adhesion, cell viability and cell proliferation on the alginate composite hydrogels. Among them, Alg-CS-GT showed the best cell proliferation ability and differentiation effect due to its good cell adhesion. In view of the excellent physicochemical properties and biological activity of Alg-CS-GT, it exhibited great potential in biomedical application for tissue engineering.
Unlocking Horse Y Chromosome Diversity
Authors: Cardinali Irene , Giontella Andrea , Tommasi Anna , Silvestrelli Maurizio , Lancioni Hovirag
Published: December 2022

The present equine genetic variation mirrors the deep influence of intensive breeding programs during the last 200 years. Here, we provide a comprehensive current state of knowledge on the trends and prospects on the variation in the equine male-specific region of the Y chromosome (MSY), which was assembled for the first time in 2018. In comparison with the other 12 mammalian species, horses are now the most represented, with 56 documented MSY genes. However, in contrast to the high variability in mitochondrial DNA observed in many horse breeds from different geographic areas, modern horse populations demonstrate extremely low genetic Y-chromosome diversity. The selective pressures employed by breeders using pedigree data (which are not always error-free) as a predictive tool represent the main cause of this lack of variation in the Y-chromosome. Nevertheless, the detailed phylogenies obtained by recent fine-scaled Y-chromosomal genotyping in many horse breeds worldwide have contributed to addressing the genealogical, forensic, and population questions leading to the reappraisal of the Y-chromosome as a powerful genetic marker to avoid the loss of biodiversity as a result of selective breeding practices, and to better understand the historical development of horse breeds.
Comparing the Efficiency of Single-Locus Species Delimitation Methods within Trochoidea (Gastropoda: Vetigastropoda)
Authors: Guo Bingyu , Kong Lingfeng
Published: December 2022

In the context of diminishing global biodiversity, the validity and practicality of species delimitation methods for the identification of many neglected and undescribed biodiverse species have been paid increasing attention. DNA sequence-based species delimitation methods are mainly classified into two categories, namely, distance-based and tree-based methods, and have been widely adopted in many studies. In the present study, we performed three distance-based (ad hoc threshold, ABGD, and ASAP) and four tree-based (sGMYC, mGMYC, PTP, and mPTP) analyses based on Trochoidea COI data and analyzed the discordance between them. Moreover, we also observed the performance of these methods at different taxonomic ranks (the genus, subfamily, and family ranks). The results suggested that the distance-based approach is generally superior to the tree-based approach, with the ASAP method being the most efficient. In terms of phylogenetic methods, the single threshold version performed better than the multiple threshold version of GMYC, and PTP showed higher efficiency than mPTP in delimiting species. Additionally, GMYC was found to be significantly influenced by taxonomic rank, showing poorer efficiency in datasets at the genus level than at higher levels. Finally, our results highlighted that cryptic diversity within Trochoidea (Mollusca: Vetigastropoda) might be underestimated, which provides quantitative evidence for excavating the cryptic lineages of these species.
New Insights into the Identity of the DFNA58 Gene
Authors: Nascimento Larissa Reis do , Vieira-Silva Gleiciele Alice , Kitajima João Paulo Fumio Whitaker , Batissoco Ana Carla , Lezirovitz Karina
Published: December 2022

Hearing loss is the most common sensory deficit, affecting 466 million people worldwide. The vast and diverse genes involved reflect the complexity of auditory physiology, which requires the use of animal models in order to gain a fuller understanding. Among the loci with a yet-to-be validated gene is the DFNA58, in which ~200 Kb genomic duplication, including three protein-coding genes (PLEK, CNRIP1, and PPP3R1′s exon1), was found to segregate with autosomal dominant hearing loss. Through whole genome sequencing, the duplication was found to be in tandem and inserted in an intergenic region, without the disruption of the topological domains. Reanalysis of transcriptomes data studies (zebrafish and mouse), and RT-qPCR analysis of adult zebrafish target organs, in order to access their orthologues expression, highlighted promising results with Cnrip1a, corroborated by zebrafish in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence. Mouse data also suggested Cnrip1 as the best candidate for a relevant role in auditory physiology, and its importance in hearing seems to have remained conserved but the cell type exerting its function might have changed, from hair cells to spiral ganglion neurons.
Single-Cell Sequencing of Malignant Ascites Reveals Transcriptomic Remodeling of the Tumor Microenvironment during the Progression of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Li Yiqun , Wang Wenjie , Wang Danyun , Zhang Liuchao , Wang Xizhi , He Jia , Cao Lei , Li Kang , Xie Hongyu
Published: December 2022

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the main cause of mortality among gynecological malignancies worldwide. Although patients with EOC undergo aggregate treatment, the prognosis is often poor. Peritoneal malignant ascites is a distinguishable clinical feature in EOC patients and plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and recurrence. The mechanisms of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in ascites in the regulation of tumor progression need to be explored. We comprehensively analyzed the transcriptomes of 4680 single cells from five EOC patients (three diagnostic samples and two recurrent samples) derived from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Batch effects between different samples were removed using an unsupervised deep embedding single-cell cluster algorithm. Subcluster analysis identified the different phenotypes of cells. The transition of a malignant cell state was confirmed using pseudotime analysis. The landscape of TME in malignant ascites was profiled during EOC progression. The transformation of epithelial cancer cells into mesenchymal cells was observed to lead to the emergence of related anti-chemotherapy and immune escape phenotypes. We found the activation of multiple biological pathways with the transition of tumor-associated macrophages and fibroblasts, and we identified the infiltration of CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells in recurrent samples. The cell adhesion molecules mediated by integrin might be associated with the formation of the tumorsphere. Our study provides novel insights into the remodeling of the TME heterogeneity in malignant ascites during EOC progression, which provides evidence for identifying novel therapeutic targets and promotes the development of ovarian cancer treatment.
A Multi-Trait Gaussian Kernel Genomic Prediction Model under Three Tunning Strategies
Authors: Kismiantini  , Montesinos-López Abelardo , Cano-Páez Bernabe , Montesinos-López J. Cricelio , Chavira-Flores Moisés , Montesinos-López Osval A. , Crossa José
Published: December 2022

While genomic selection (GS) began revolutionizing plant breeding when it was proposed around 20 years ago, its practical implementation is still challenging as many factors affect its accuracy. One such factor is the choice of the statistical machine learning method. For this reason, we explore the tuning process under a multi-trait framework using the Gaussian kernel with a multi-trait Bayesian Best Linear Unbiased Predictor (GBLUP) model. We explored three methods of tuning (manual, grid search and Bayesian optimization) using 5 real datasets of breeding programs. We found that using grid search and Bayesian optimization improve between 1.9 and 6.8% the prediction accuracy regarding of using manual tuning. While the improvement in prediction accuracy in some cases can be marginal, it is very important to carry out the tuning process carefully to improve the accuracy of the GS methodology, even though this entails greater computational resources.
A Novel Defined Pyroptosis-Related Gene Signature for the Prognosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Huang Kecheng , Xie Linka , Wang Fan
Published: December 2022

Pyroptosis is an inflammatory form of programmed necrotic cell death, but its potential prognostic value in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unclear. On the basis of available AML data from TCGA and TARGET databases, a 10-gene signature model was constructed to effectively predict AML prognosis by performing LASSO Cox regression analysis, which showed that patients with a low-risk score had a significantly better prognosis than that of the high-risk group, and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis achieved superior performance in the prognostic model. The model was further well-verified in an external GEO cohort. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that, in addition to age, the risk score was an independent poor survival factor for AML patients, and a nomogram model was constructed with high accuracy. Moreover, the high-risk group generally had higher cytolytic activity and increased levels of infiltrating immune cells, including tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs), which could be related to the expression of immune checkpoint genes. Additionally, low-risk AML patients may have a better response from traditional chemotherapeutic drugs. In conclusion, a pyroptosis-related gene signature can independently predict the prognosis of AML patients with sufficient predictive power, and pyroptosis plays an important role in the immune microenvironment of AML, which may be used to develop a new effective therapeutic method for AML in the future.
In Vitro Analysis of Biological Activity of Circulating Cell-Free DNA Isolated from Blood Plasma of Schizophrenic Patients and Healthy Controls—Part 2: Adaptive Response
Authors: Kostyuk Svetlana V. , Ershova Elizaveta S. , Martynov Andrey V. , Artyushin Andrey V. , Porokhovnik Lev N. , Malinovskaya Elena M. , Jestkova Elizaveta M. , Zakharova Natalia V. , Kostyuk George P. , Izhevskaia Vera L. , Kutsev Sergey I. , Veiko Natalia N.
Published: December 2022

Oxidized in vitro genomic DNA (gDNA) is known to launch an adaptive response in human cell cultures. The cfDNA extracted from the plasma of schizophrenic patients (sz-cfDNA) and healthy controls (hc-cfDNA) contains increased amounts of 8-oxodG, a DNA-oxidation marker. The aim of the research was answering a question: can the human cfDNA isolated from blood plasma stimulate the adaptive response in human cells? In vitro responses of ten human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) and four peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) lines after 1–24 h of incubation with sz-cfDNA, gDNA and hc-cfDNA containing different amounts of 8-oxodG were examined. Expressions of RNA of eight genes (NOX4, NFE2L2, SOD1, HIF1A, BRCA1, BRCA2, BAX and BCL2), six proteins (NOX4, NRF2, SOD1, HIF1A, γH2AX and BRCA1) and DNA-oxidation marker 8-oxodG were analyzed by RT-qPCR and flow cytometry (when analyzing the data, a subpopulation of lymphocytes (PBL) was identified). Adding hc-cfDNA or sz-cfDNA to HSFs or PBMC media in equal amounts (50 ng/mL, 1–3 h) stimulated transient synthesis of free radicals (ROS), which correlated with an increase in the expressions of NOX4 and SOD1 genes and with an increase in the levels of the markers of DNA damage γH2AX and 8-oxodG. ROS and DNA damage induced an antioxidant response (expression of NFE2L2 and HIF1A), DNA damage response (BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene expression) and anti-apoptotic response (changes in BAX and BCL2 genes expression). Heterogeneity of cells of the same HSFs or PBL population was found with respect to the type of response to (sz,hc)-cfDNA. Most cells responded to oxidative stress with an increase in the amount of NRF2 and BRCA1 proteins along with a moderate increase in the amount of NOX4 protein and a low amount of 8-oxodG oxidation marker. However, upon the exposure to (sz,hc)-cfDNA, the size of the subpopulation with apoptosis signs (high DNA damage degree, high NOX4 and low NRF2 and BRCA1 levels) also increased. No significant difference between the responses to sz-cfDNA and hc-cfDNA was observed. Sz-cfDNA and hc-cfDNA showed similarly high bioactivity towards fibroblasts and lymphocytes. Conclusion: In cultured human cells, hc-cfDNA and sz-cfDNA equally stimulated an adaptive response aimed at launching the antioxidant, repair, and anti-apoptotic processes. The mediator of the development of the adaptive response are ROS produced by, among others, NOX4 and SOD1 enzymes.
Rare CNVs and Known Genes Linked to Macrocephaly: Review of Genomic Loci and Promising Candidate Genes
Authors: Bastos Giovanna Civitate , Tolezano Giovanna Cantini , Krepischi Ana Cristina Victorino
Published: December 2022

Macrocephaly frequently occurs in single-gene disorders affecting the PI3K-AKT-MTOR pathway; however, epigenetic mutations, mosaicism, and copy number variations (CNVs) are emerging relevant causative factors, revealing a higher genetic heterogeneity than previously expected. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of rare CNVs in patients with macrocephaly and review genomic loci and known genes. We retrieved from the DECIPHER database de novo <500 kb CNVs reported on patients with macrocephaly; in four cases, a candidate gene for macrocephaly could be pinpointed: a known microcephaly gene–TRAPPC9, and three genes based on their functional roles–RALGAPB, RBMS3, and ZDHHC14. From the literature review, 28 pathogenic CNV genomic loci and over 300 known genes linked to macrocephaly were gathered. Among the genomic regions, 17 CNV loci (~61%) exhibited mirror phenotypes, that is, deletions and duplications having opposite effects on head size. Identifying structural variants affecting head size can be a preeminent source of information about pathways underlying brain development. In this study, we reviewed these genes and recurrent CNV loci associated with macrocephaly, as well as suggested novel potential candidate genes deserving further studies to endorse their involvement with this phenotype.
ON-1 and BA-IX Are the Dominant Sub-Genotypes of Human Orthopneumovirus A&B in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alzayed Rasha , Aziz Ibrahim , Alsaleh Asma , Dudin Gani , Ahmed Anwar , Hussain Tajamul , Alshememry Abdullah , Somily Ali , Alsaadi Muslim , Almajhdi Fahad
Published: December 2022

Human orthopneumovirus (HOPV) is the major viral pathogen responsible for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in infants and young children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Yet, predominant HOPV subtypes circulating in this region and their molecular and epidemiological characteristics are not fully ascertained. A total of 300 clinical samples involving nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs), throat swabs, and sputum were collected during winter seasons of 2019/2020 and 2021/2022 for HOPV subtyping and genotyping. Of the 300 samples, HOPV was identified in 55 samples (18.3%) with a distinct predominance of type A viruses (81.8%) compared to type B viruses (18.2%). Importantly, the ON1 strain of HOPV-A and BA-IX strain of HOPV-B groups were found to be responsible for all the infections. Sequence analysis revealed a duplication region within 2nd HVR of G protein gene of ON1 and BA-IX strains. This nucleotide duplication exerted a profound effect on protein length and affinity towards cell receptors. Further, these modifications may aid the HOPV in immune evasion and recurrent infections. Data from this study showed that ON-1 genotype of HOPV-A and BA-IX genotype of HOPV-B were dominant in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Further, a duplication of sequence within 2nd HVR of G protein gene was found.
Genomic Analysis of Pseudomonas asiatica JP233: An Efficient Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacterium
Authors: Wang Linlin , Zhou Fangyuan , Zhou Jianbo , Harvey Paul R. , Yu Haiyang , Zhang Guangzhi , Zhang Xinjian
Published: December 2022

The bacterium Pseudomonas sp. strain JP233 has been reported to efficiently solubilize sparingly soluble inorganic phosphate, promote plant growth and significantly reduce phosphorus (P) leaching loss from soil. The production of 2-keto gluconic acid (2KGA) by strain JP233 was identified as the main active metabolite responsible for phosphate solubilization. However, the genetic basis of phosphate solubilization and plant-growth promotion remained unclear. As a result, the genome of JP233 was sequenced and analyzed in this study. The JP233 genome consists of a circular chromosome with a size of 5,617,746 bp and a GC content of 62.86%. No plasmids were detected in the genome. There were 5097 protein-coding sequences (CDSs) predicted in the genome. Phylogenetic analyses based on genomes of related Pseudomonas spp. identified strain JP233 as Pseudomonas asiatica. Comparative pangenomic analysis among 9 P. asiatica strains identified 4080 core gene clusters and 111 singleton genes present only in JP233. Genes associated with 2KGA production detected in strain JP233, included those encoding glucose dehydrogenase, pyrroloquinoline quinone and gluoconate dehydrogenase. Genes associated with mechanisms of plant-growth promotion and nutrient acquisition detected in JP233 included those involved in IAA biosynthesis, ethylene catabolism and siderophore production. Numerous genes associated with other properties beneficial to plant growth were also detected in JP233, included those involved in production of acetoin, 2,3-butanediol, trehalose, and resistance to heavy metals. This study provides the genetic basis to elucidate the plant-growth promoting and bio-remediation properties of strain JP233 and its potential applications in agriculture and industry.
Genetic Variants at the Nebulette Locus Are Associated with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease Severity in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Authors: Mead Sophie E. , Beijerink Niek J. , O’Brien Mitchell , Wade Claire M.
Published: December 2022

The most common cardiovascular disease in domestic dogs is myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), accounting for 75% of all cardiac disease. An increase in age is generally associated with increased incidence of the disease, but Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) exhibit an unusually high prevalence of early-onset MMVD, and thus, potentially greater cardiac morbidity and mortality compared to other breeds. Previous research has suggested that selected candidate risk alleles for MMVD are fixed in CKCSs, including six locations within the Nebulette (NEBL) gene on CFA2. The current study analysed genotypes of 180 Australian CKCSs at the identified risk loci. Of these, 178 were phenotyped for severity of disease by echocardiographic measurements of left atrium to aortic root ratio (LA:Ao) and weight normalised left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVIDdN). Genotyping array markers correctly predicted the genotype at the risk-variant loci in the CKCS population, and the NEBL1, NEBL2 and NEBL3 variants were observed to be in perfect linkage disequilibrium in this cohort. The CKCS cohort included 6/178 dogs being heterozygous for the protective/wild-type alleles at the NEBL locus. The mean LA:Ao and LVIDdN scores of these dogs heterozygous at NEBL1-3 variants were significantly smaller, and with significantly lower variance compared to age-matched CKCSs that were homozygous for risk alleles. The lower cardiac measurements in the heterozygous dogs indicate a significantly reduced risk of severe MMVD disease. Our analysis suggests that despite relative fixation of the NEBL risk alleles, healthy reference alleles at NEBL1-3 exist in low frequency in the CKCS breed and can be used to reduce MMVD severity and mortality.
Near-Surface Geophysical Characterization of Lithologies in Corfu and Lefkada Towns (Ionian Islands, Greece)
Authors: Alexopoulos John D. , Voulgaris Nicholas , Dilalos Spyridon , Gkosios Vasileios , Giannopoulos Ioannis-Konstantinos , Mitsika Georgia S. , Vassilakis Emmanuel , Sakkas Vassilis , Kaviris George
Published: December 2022

Lefkada and Corfu old towns are located in the western part of Greece, in the Ionian Sea. Their proximity to the Hellenic subduction zone (HSZ) is the reason for their intense seismicity. The main goal of this study was the estimation of the geotechnical characteristics of the subsurface, with the contribution of applied geophysical techniques. Therefore, seismic refraction tomography (SRT) and multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) were applied. A total of thirty-three (33) seismic and geoelectrical profiles were performed in both towns in order to evaluate the geotechnical characteristics of the subsurface formations. Additionally, subsurface resistivity distributions were investigated with the application of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). Some important elastic moduli were calculated through the combination of estimated seismic wave velocities and laboratory density measurements. The horizontal distribution of seismic velocities and mechanical properties (σ, E, K, G) of Corfu town was illustrated in maps, for the depth of 5 m. The geophysical interpretation also revealed that Lefkada’s subsurface consists of only one compact geological formation, with little or no variation of its geophysical-geotechnical characteristics. Beyond that, the ground type classifications for the two towns were determined according to the European Committee for Standardization Eurocode 8, based on VS30 values.
Extending the Range of Milankovic Cycles and Resulting Global Temperature Variations to Shorter Periods (1–100 Year Range)
Authors: Lopes Fernando , Courtillot Vincent , Gibert Dominique , Le Mouël Jean-Louis
Published: December 2022

The Earth’s revolution is modified by changes in inclination of its rotation axis. Its trajectory is not closed and the equinoxes drift. Changes in polar motion and revolution are coupled through the Liouville–Euler equations. Milanković (1920) argued that the shortest precession period of solstices is 20,700 years: the summer solstice in one hemisphere takes place alternately every 11,000 year at perihelion and at aphelion. Milanković assumed that the planetary distances to the Sun and the solar ephemerids are constant. There are now observations that allow one to drop these assumptions. We have submitted the time series for the Earth’s pole of rotation, global mean surface temperature and ephemeris to iterative Singular Spectrum Analysis. iSSA extracts from each a trend a 1 year and a 60 year component. Both the apparent drift of solstices of Earth around the Sun and the global mean temperature exhibit a strong 60 year oscillation. We monitor the precession of the Earth’s elliptical orbit using the positions of the solstices as a function of Sun–Earth distance. The “fixed dates” of solstices actually drift. Comparing the time evolution of the winter and summer solstices positions of the rotation pole and the first iSSA component (trend) of the temperature allows one to recognize some common features. A basic equation from Milankovic links the derivative of heat received at a given location on Earth to solar insolation, known functions of the location coordinates, solar declination and hour angle, with an inverse square dependence on the Sun–Earth distance. We have translated the drift of solstices as a function of distance to the Sun into the geometrical insolation theory of Milanković. Shifting the inverse square of the 60 year iSSA drift of solstices by 15 years with respect to the first derivative of the 60 year iSSA trend of temperature, that is exactly a quadrature in time, puts the two curves in quasi-exact superimposition. The probability of a chance coincidence appears very low. Correlation does not imply causality when there is no accompanying model. Here, Milankovic’s equation can be considered as a model that is widely accepted. This paper identifies a case of agreement between observations and a mathematical formulation, a case in which an element of global surface temperature could be caused by changes in the Earth’s rotation axis. It extends the range of Milankovic cycles and resulting global temperature variations to shorter periods (1–100 year range), with a major role for the 60-year oscillation).
Prescription Opioid Use among Patients with Chronic Noncancer Pain before and after the COVID-19 Outbreak in Taiwan: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Chen Jia-Lin , Ho Shung-Tai , Sun Wei-Zen , Tsai Yu-Chuan , Cheng Kuang-I , Liu Yen-Chin , Hsieh Yi-Jer , Wen Yeong-Ray , Wang Po-Kai , Sung Chun-Sung , Yeh Chun-Chang , Lin Tso-Chou
Published: December 2022

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak disrupted medical access for patients receiving chronic opioid therapy. This study investigated their prescription opioid dosages before and after the 2020 outbreak in Taiwan. Methods: A prospective questionnaire survey was conducted among registered outpatients receiving long-term opioids before July 2019 in Taiwan. The questionnaire included items from the Taiwanese Brief Pain Inventory and quality of life assessment. Follow-up surveys in outpatient departments through October 2020 were conducted to collect opioid prescription data. Results: After a mean of 531 days, the questionnaire responses of 103 of the initial 117 respondents were reviewed. Daily opioid doses decreased for 31 respondents (30.1%), remained roughly equivalent (defined as ±2.5%) for 27 (26.2%), and increased for 45 (43.7%) after the first wave of the pandemic. The use of strong opioids and nonopioid medications did not significantly differ among the three groups, but less fentanyl patch use was noted in the decreased-dose group after the outbreak. More than 70% of the patients received daily high-dose opioids (≥90 morphine milligram equivalents); moreover, 60% reported constipation. No deaths due to opioid overdose occurred during the study period. Conclusions: The COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 did not interrupt access to long-term opioid prescriptions for most registered patients with chronic pain in Taiwan. Less fentanyl patch use was observed in participants whose opioid dose was tapering.