bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Winter cereal species, cultivar, and harvest timing affect trade-offs between forage quality and yield
Authors: Liebert Jeffrey , Cherney Jerome H. , Ketterings Quirine M. , Mirsky Steven B. , Pelzer Christopher J. , Ryan Matthew R.
Published: March 2023

Volatile feed costs and extreme weather events are contributing to greater economic risk and precarity throughout much of the United States dairy industry. These challenges have prompted dairy farmers to seek ways to reduce feed imports without compromising milk production. For organic dairy farmers, the need to produce more homegrown forage is exacerbated by the high cost and limited supply of organic feed. Integrating winter cereals for forage as part of a double-cropping system is a potential solution, but increasing the amount of forage in dairy cow rations can reduce milk production if the forages are not managed for optimal quality. Organically managed field experiments in Maryland (MD) and New York (NY) were conducted to address two primary objectives: (1) determine the yield and quality of winter cereals—four cultivars each for barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), and triticale (× Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus.)—grown as forage and harvested at different crop growth stages, and (2) evaluate the trade-offs between yield and quality in relation to winter cereal phenology and harvest date. Mean yield at a commonly harvested growth stage, swollen boot (Zadoks 45), was 1.3, 2.2, and 2.2 Mg ha−1 in MD and 1.8, 2.5, and 2.9 Mg ha−1 in NY for barley, cereal rye, and triticale, respectively. Mean relative forage quality (RFQ) at the same growth stage was 180, 158, and 163 in MD and 179, 156, and 157 in NY for the three species. Overall, cereal rye reached swollen boot stage the earliest, barley produced the highest RFQ and retained high quality the longest, and cereal rye and triticale produced the highest yields. Based on these results, farmers should consider barley cultivars if quality is the priority and winter-hardiness is not a concern; cereal rye cultivars if an early harvest is most important; and triticale cultivars if greater harvest schedule flexibility would be most valuable. These findings can be used to better meet the needs of dairy farmers, enhance double-cropping system performance, and improve the synchronization of harvest timing with the specific needs of lactating dairy cows, dry cows, heifers, and calves.
Ovine gastrointestinal parasite burden and the impact of strategic anthelmintic treatment in community-based breeding sites in Ethiopia
Authors: Molla Wassie , Moliso Mesfin Mekonnen , Gizaw Solomon , Nane Tesfalem , Arke Asrat , Ayele Firdawok , Knight-Jones Theodore
Published: March 2023

Introduction

In Ethiopia, small ruminants contribute significantly to livelihoods and food security but productivity is low with high disease burden and essential endoparasite control not widely practiced. The current study assessed worm burden and its control in three districts in Ethiopia.

Methods

All sheep older than 3 months in nine villages were treated en-masse with albendazole and triclabendazole twice a year from 2018 to 2021. Treatments were administered under field conditions by animal health workers. Pre- and post-treatment data were assessed looking at fecal egg presence/absence and fecal egg per gram (EPG) count.

Results

A total of 1,928 and 735 sheep were examined before and after deworming, respectively. Before treatment worms were detected in 54.4% (95% CI: 52.2–56.6) of sheep. Strongylid (30.4%) and Fasciola (18.2%) were the most frequently identified parasites. Animals living in wet mid-highland environments were more than 23 times more likely to have strongylid eggs in their feces and 5 times more likely to have eggs from any gastrointestinal tract (GIT) parasites detected, as compared to animals living in moist highland agro-ecology. Over the course of the 2018–2021 community intervention there was total elimination of animals with a high worm burden (EPG > 1,500), and elimination of a third of those with moderate infections. Mild infections remained, largely accounted for by strongylid, which remains at low levels in healthy sheep. However, there were signs of emerging drug resistance.

Conclusion

Generally, sheep in smallholder systems in Ethiopia experience a needlessly large economic burden from GIT worms. Routine therapy reduces this burden but smart strategies are needed to limit the onset of drug resistance.
Advances and Challenges in Design of Connections in Steel-Braced Frame Systems with In-Plane Buckling Braces
Authors: Sahoo Dipti Ranjan , Patra Pratik , Jain Arvind Kumar
Published: March 2023

A new type of connection has been developed for steel-braced frame systems that allows the brace members to undergo compression buckling in the in-plane direction. In addition to the inherent benefits of in-plane buckling (IPB) braces that help in reducing the extent of damage to the non-structural components, the IPB brace system is also considered to be an efficient way of retrofitting existing seismically deficient structures. The use of the compact and thicker gusset plate prevents the distortion of the free edges and the additional torsional force demand on beams and columns. However, IPB braced frame systems are not frequently used in practice, primarily due to the absence of limit state design criteria. As a result, some prominent failure modes observed in IPB frame systems are out-of-plane brace buckling, yielding of gusset plates, interface weld failure, and fracturing of knife plates. Recent studies on the IPB braced system have resolved some of these problems, such as design criteria being developed to prevent OOPB (out-of-plane buckling) of the IPB braced system. Other challenges need to be studied to achieve reliable performance of the braced frame system. This study focuses on recent advances and potential areas of improvement to achieve an efficient IPB braced system in highly seismic areas.
Implicit Bias of Deep Learning in the Large Learning Rate Phase: A Data Separability Perspective
Authors: Liu Chunrui , Huang Wei , Xu Richard Yi Da
Published: March 2023

Previous literature on deep learning theory has focused on implicit bias with small learning rates. In this work, we explore the impact of data separability on the implicit bias of deep learning algorithms under the large learning rate. Using deep linear networks for binary classification with the logistic loss under the large learning rate regime, we characterize the implicit bias effect with data separability on training dynamics. From a data analytics perspective, we claim that depending on the separation conditions of data, the gradient descent iterates will converge to a flatter minimum in the large learning rate phase, which results in improved generalization. Our theory is rigorously proven under the assumption of degenerate data by overcoming the difficulty of the non-constant Hessian of logistic loss and confirmed by experiments on both experimental and non-degenerated datasets. Our results highlight the importance of data separability in training dynamics and the benefits of learning rate annealing schemes using an initial large learning rate.
Decadal Prediction of the Summer Extreme Precipitation over Southern China
Authors: Wang Huijie , Huang Yanyan , Zhang Dapeng , Wang Huijun
Published: March 2023

The decadal variability of the summer extreme precipitation over southern China (EPSC) is remarkable, especially for the significant decadal enhancement after the 1990s. The study documented that the summer sea surface temperature (SST) over the North Atlantic and spring sea ice concentration (SIC) over the East Siberian Sea can significantly affect the EPSC. The summer SST over the North Atlantic influences the low-pressure cyclone in the western Pacific by modulating the SST over the tropical Pacific, thus affecting EPSC. A decrease in the SIC of the East Siberian Sea induces a negative Arctic Oscillation, which induces the increased SST over northwest Pacific and the anomalous cyclone over there, in turn, affecting EPSC. Both predictors have a quasi-period of 10–14 years, which provides useful predictive signals for EPSC. The leading 7-year SST and the leading 5-year SIC are chosen to establish the prediction model based on the decadal increment method, which can well predict the EPSC, especially for the shift in the early 1990s. These results provide a clue to the limited predictability of decadal-scale extreme climate events.
The Role of Transthoracic Echocardiography for Assessment of Mortality in Patients with Carcinoid Heart Disease Undergoing Valve Replacement
Authors: Brooke Abigail , Porter-Bent Sasha , Hodson James , Ahmad Raheel , Oelofse Tessa , Singh Harjot , Shah Tahir , Ashoub Ahmed , Rooney Stephen , Steeds Richard P.
Published: March 2023

Patients with carcinoid heart disease (CHD) are referred for valve replacement if they have severe symptomatic disease or evidence of right ventricular (RV) failure and an anticipated survival of at least 12 months. Data are lacking, however, on the role of transthoracic echocardiography in predicting outcomes. We carried out a retrospective, single-centre cohort study of patients with a biopsy-confirmed neuroendocrine tumour (NET) and CHD undergoing valve replacement for severe valve disease and symptoms of right heart failure. The aim was to identify factors associated with postoperative mortality, both within one year of surgery and during long-term follow-up. Of 88 patients with NET, 49 were treated surgically (mean age: 64.4 ± 7.6 years; 55% male), of whom 48 had a bioprosthetic tricuspid valve replacement for severe tricuspid regurgitation; 39 patients had a pulmonary valve replacement. Over a median potential follow-up of 96 months (interquartile range: 56–125), there were 37 deaths, with 30-day and one-year mortality of 14% (n = 7) and 39% (n = 19), respectively. A significant relationship between RV size and one-year mortality was observed, with 57% of those with severe RV dilatation dying within a year of surgery, compared to 33% in those with normal RV size (p = 0.039). This difference remained significant in the time-to-event analysis of long-term survival (p = 0.008). RV size was found to reduce significantly with surgery (p < 0.001). Those with persisting RV dilatation (p = 0.007) or worse RV function (p = 0.001) on postoperative echocardiography had significantly shorter long-term survival. In this single-centre retrospective study of patients undergoing surgery for CHD, increasingly severe RV dilatation on preoperative echocardiography predicted adverse outcomes, yielding a doubling of the one-year mortality rate relative to normal RV size. These data support the possibility that early surgery might deliver greater long-term benefits in this patient cohort.
LncRNA HCP5-Encoded Protein Regulates Ferroptosis to Promote the Progression of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Tong Xiao , Yu Zhengling , Xing Jiani , Liu Haizhou , Zhou Shunheng , Huang Yu’e , Lin Jing , Jiang Wei , Wang Lihong
Published: March 2023

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of RNA molecules that are longer than 200 nucleotides and were initially believed to lack encoding capability. However, recent research has found open reading frames (ORFs) within lncRNAs, suggesting that they may have coding capacity. Despite this discovery, the mechanisms by which lncRNA-encoded products are involved in cancer are not well understood. The current study aims to investigate whether lncRNA HCP5-encoded products promote triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by regulating ferroptosis. Methods: We used bioinformatics to predict the coding capacity of lncRNA HCP5 and conducted molecular biology experiments and a xenograft assay in nude mice to investigate the mechanism of its encoded products. We also evaluated the expression of the HCP5-encoded products in a breast cancer tissue microarray. Results: Our analysis revealed that the ORF in lncRNA HCP5 can encode a protein with 132-amino acid (aa), which we named HCP5-132aa. Further experiments showed that HCP5-132aa promotes TNBC growth by regulating GPX4 expression and lipid ROS level through the ferroptosis pathway. Additionally, we found that the breast cancer patients with high levels of HCP5-132aa have poorer prognosis. Conclusions: Our study suggests that overexpression of lncRNA HCP5-encoded protein is a critical oncogenic event in TNBC, as it regulates ferroptosis. These findings could provide new therapeutic targets for the treatment of TNBC.
Simultaneous Inhibition of Ceramide Hydrolysis and Glycosylation Synergizes to Corrupt Mitochondrial Respiration and Signal Caspase Driven Cell Death in Drug-Resistant Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Fisher-Wellman Kelsey H. , Kassai Miki , Hagen James T. , Neufer P. Darrell , Kester Mark , Loughran Thomas P. , Chalfant Charles E. , Feith David J. , Tan Su-Fern , Fox Todd E. , Ung Johnson , Fabrias Gemma , Abad Jose’ Luis , Sharma Arati , Golla Upendarrao , Claxton David F. , Shaw Jeremy J. P. , Bhowmick Debajit , Cabot Myles C.
Published: March 2023

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), the most prevalent acute and aggressive leukemia diagnosed in adults, often recurs as a difficult-to-treat, chemotherapy-resistant disease. Because chemotherapy resistance is a major obstacle to successful treatment, novel therapeutic intervention is needed. Upregulated ceramide clearance via accelerated hydrolysis and glycosylation has been shown to be an element in chemotherapy-resistant AML, a problem considering the crucial role ceramide plays in eliciting apoptosis. Herein we employed agents that block ceramide clearance to determine if such a “reset” would be of therapeutic benefit. SACLAC was utilized to limit ceramide hydrolysis, and D-threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (D-threo-PDMP) was used to block the glycosylation route. The SACLAC D-threo-PDMP inhibitor combination was synergistically cytotoxic in drug-resistant, P-glycoprotein-expressing (P-gp) AML but not in wt, P-gp-poor cells. Interestingly, P-gp antagonists that can limit ceramide glycosylation via depression of glucosylceramide transit also synergized with SACLAC, suggesting a paradoxical role for P-gp in the implementation of cell death. Mechanistically, cell death was accompanied by a complete drop in ceramide glycosylation, concomitant, striking increases in all molecular species of ceramide, diminished sphingosine 1-phosphate levels, resounding declines in mitochondrial respiratory kinetics, altered Akt, pGSK-3β, and Mcl-1 expression, and caspase activation. Although ceramide was generated in wt cells upon inhibitor exposure, mitochondrial respiration was not corrupted, suggestive of mitochondrial vulnerability in the drug-resistant phenotype, a potential therapeutic avenue. The inhibitor regimen showed efficacy in an in vivo model and in primary AML cells from patients. These results support the implementation of SL enzyme targeting to limit ceramide clearance as a therapeutic strategy in chemotherapy-resistant AML, inclusive of a novel indication for the use of P-gp antagonists.
Port-of-Entry Simulation Model for Potential Wait Time Reduction and Air Quality Improvement: A Case Study at the Gateway International Bridge in Brownsville, Texas, USA
Authors: Stewart Benjamin , Moya Hiram , Raysoni Amit U. , Mendez Esmeralda , Vechione Matthew
Published: March 2023

The mathematical study known as queueing theory has recently become a major point of interest for many government agencies and private companies for increasing efficiency. One such application is vehicle queueing at an international port-of-entry (POE). When queueing, fumes from idling vehicles negatively affect the overall health and well-being of the community, especially the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents that work at the POEs. As such, there is a need to analyze and optimize the border crossing queuing operations to minimize wait times and number of vehicles in the queue and, thus, reduce the vehicle emissions. For this research, the U.S.–Mexico POE located at The Gateway International Bridge in Brownsville, Texas, is used as a case study. Due to data privacy concerns, the hourly wait times for vehicles arriving at the border had to be extracted manually each day using a live wait time tracker online. The data extraction was performed for the month of March 2022. Using these wait times, a queueing simulation software, SIMIO, was used to develop an interactive simulation model and calibrate the service rates. The output from the SIMIO model was then used to develop an artificial neural network (ANN) to predict hourly particulate matter content with an R2 of 0.402. From the ANN, a predictive equation has been developed, which may be used by CBP to make operational decisions and improve the overall efficiency of this POE. Thus, lowering the average wait times and the emissions from idling vehicles in the queue.
CXCL1 and CXCL6 Are Potential Predictors for HCC Response to TACE
Authors: Kinzler Maximilian N. , Bankov Katrin , Bein Julia , Döring Claudia , Schulze Falko , Reis Henning , Mahmoudi Scherwin , Koch Vitali , Grünewald Leon D. , Stehle Angelika , Walter Dirk , Finkelmeier Fabian , Zeuzem Stefan , Wild Peter J. , Vogl Thomas J. , Bernatz Simon
Published: March 2023

Distinct immune patterns of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may have prognostic implications in the response to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Thus, we aimed to exploratively analyze tumor tissue of HCC patients who do or do not respond to TACE, and to identify novel prognostic biomarkers predictive of response to TACE. We retrospectively included 15 HCC patients who had three consecutive TACE between January 2019 and November 2019. Eight patients had a response while seven patients had no response to TACE. All patients had measurable disease according to mRECIST. Corresponding tumor tissue samples were processed for differential expression profiling using NanoString nCounter® PanCancer immune profiling panel. Immune-related pathways were broadly upregulated in TACE responders. The top differentially regulated genes were the upregulated CXCL1 (log2fc 4.98, Benjamini–Hochberg (BH)-p < 0.001), CXCL6 (log2fc 4.43, BH-p = 0.016) and the downregulated MME (log2fc −4.33, BH-p 0.001). CD8/T-regs was highly increased in responders, whereas the relative number of T-regs to tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) was highly decreased. We preliminary identified CXCL1 and CXCL6 as candidate genes that might have the potential to serve as therapeutically relevant biomarkers in HCC patients. This might pave the way to improve patient selection for TACE in HCC patients beyond expert consensus.
Implementation of a Web-Based Communication System for Primary Care Providers and Cancer Specialists
Authors: Petrovic Bojana , Bender Jacqueline L. , Liddy Clare , Afkham Amir , McGee Sharon F. , Morgan Scott C. , Segal Roanne , O’Brien Mary Ann , Julian Jim A. , Sussman Jonathan , Urquhart Robin , Fitch Margaret , Schneider Nancy D. , Grunfeld Eva
Published: March 2023

Healthcare providers have reported challenges with coordinating care for patients with cancer. Digital technology tools have brought new possibilities for improving care coordination. A web- and text-based asynchronous system (eOncoNote) was implemented in Ottawa, Canada for cancer specialists and primary care providers (PCPs). This study aimed to examine PCPs’ experiences of implementing eOncoNote and how access to the system influenced communication between PCPs and cancer specialists. As part of a larger study, we collected and analyzed system usage data and administered an end-of-discussion survey to understand the perceived value of using eOncoNote. eOncoNote data were analyzed for 76 shared patients (33 patients receiving treatment and 43 patients in the survivorship phase). Thirty-nine percent of the PCPs responded to the cancer specialist’s initial eOncoNote message and nearly all of those sent only one message. Forty-five percent of the PCPs completed the survey. Most PCPs reported no additional benefits of using eOncoNote and emphasized the need for electronic medical record (EMR) integration. Over half of the PCPs indicated that eOncoNote could be a helpful service if they had questions about a patient. Future research should examine opportunities for EMR integration and whether additional interventions could support communication between PCPs and cancer specialists.
Quantum Coding via Quasi-Cyclic Block Matrix
Authors: Li Yuan , Li Jin-Yang
Published: March 2023

An effective construction method for long-length quantum code has important applications in the field based on large-scale data. With the rapid development of quantum computing, how to construct this class of quantum coding has become one of the key research fields in quantum information theory. Motivated by the block jacket matrix and its circulant permutation, we proposed a construction method for quantum quasi-cyclic (QC) codes with two classical codes. This simplifies the coding process for long-length quantum error-correction code (QECC) using number decomposition. The obtained code length N can achieve O(n2) if an appropriate prime number n is taken. Furthermore, with a suitable parameter in the construction method, the obtained codes have four cycles in their generator matrices and show good performance for low density codes.
Application of Multispectral Images from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Analyze Operations of a Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Szeląg Bartosz , Sobura Szymon , Stoińska Renata
Published: March 2023

The main task of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is to reduce pollutants that adversely affect the receiving environment in which the effluent is discharged. The operation of a WWTP is a complex task due to the number of different processes that take place in its process facilities. In order to maintain the high efficiency of a WWTP, it is necessary to control the quality of the effluent at the outlet and monitor the processes taking place there. The main objective of the research presented in this study was to evaluate the possibility of using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology and multispectral images acquired with a Micasense Red-Edge MX camera to analyse the performance of an activated sludge bioreactor using the example of a municipal WWTP in Poland. Remote sensing analyses were carried out to check the relationships between the calculated spectral indices and the quality parameters in the bioreactor. The spectral indices assessed were the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI), green normalised difference vegetation index (GNDVI), optimised soil adjusted vegetation index (OSAVI), and their derived indices, after substitution of the red or near-infrared channel with the red edge channel. In this study, the sensitivity of the NDVI and GNDVIRED-EDGE indexes to changes in the nutrient content (NUC) of the bioreactor was observed. The presented research may find application in the design of a new soft sensor for monitoring the operating conditions of wastewater treatment plants.
Diesel Spray Liquid Length Imaging at High Pressure
Authors: Sphicas Panos , Pesyridis Apostolos
Published: March 2023

Engine efficiency and emissions depend on the fuel atomization and dispersion. The fuel atomization and dispersion depend heavily on the ambient pressure and temperature. In this work, to study Diesel sprays in engine conditions, an electrically heated, constant-volume, pressurized vessel was designed and manufactured. The controlling electronics and software were developed and tested to ensure safe and precise operation. A commercial Bosch six-hole automotive Diesel injector was used. The spray spatial and temporal development were studied. In the literature, spray liquid length and cone angle are extensively used to quantify fuel dispersion. In this work, these parameters were quantified using a high-speed shadowgraph technique. Models were derived to describe the temporal evolution of the liquid core. Such models can be used to predict the Diesel spray behaviour and the engine performance.
A Novel ZVS/ZCS Push-Pull LC Resonant DC-DC Converter for Energy Sources
Authors: Tai You-Kun , Hwu Kuo-Ing
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a novel soft switching push-pull LC resonant DC-DC converter for energy sources is presented. In a high step-up converter, the input of primary side possesses low voltage and high current, so the losses caused by the current account for most of the total power loss. At the same time, the high-voltage stress of the high-voltage output components on the secondary side is also a major problem. Therefore, a high-gain isolated push-pull converter with a secondary-side resonant circuit is proposed, so that the primary-side switches have zero voltage switching (ZVS) and the secondary-side diodes have zero current switching (ZCS). The push-pull structure can reduce the number of active switches, so that the total power loss on the primary side can be reduced. The converter has a resonant tank circuit arranged between the secondary side of isolation transformer and the high-voltage output rectification module. The high-voltage output rectifier module adopts a full-bridge architecture suitable for high-voltage coupling connection. The low-side power switching module adopts a push-pull architecture suitable for low-voltage and high-current applications. The resonant tank circuit uses an inductor–capacitor (LC) structure to improve the resonant tank circuit, which achieves soft switching during power transfer, increasing the efficiency of the converter and improving the electromagnetic compatibility. The main advantage of this technology is that the secondary-side leakage inductance of transformer and the resonant capacitance are connected in series to achieve ZVS for switches and ZCS for diodes. Finally, a prototype of a high-gain push-pull resonant converter was established. The converter was operated at a fixed switching frequency of 135 kHz and a duty cycle of approximately 0.5. The efficiency of the converter can reach 97.1% under experimental tests at an output voltage of 400 V and a rated output power of 500 W.
Fruit Beer with the Bisucciu Sardinian Apricot Cultivar (Prunus armeniaca L.): A Technological and Analytical Approach
Authors: Valentoni Antonio , Melis Riccardo , Sanna Manuela , Porcu Maria Cristina , Rodolfi Margherita , Braca Angela , Bianco Angela , Zara Giacomo , Budroni Marilena , Anedda Roberto , Piras Daniela , Pretti Luca
Published: March 2023

The aim of this work was to test native microbial strains and fruits for brewing, with a multidisciplinary approach for a sustainable production linked to the territory. Pediococcus acidilactici B5 and Hanseniaspora uvarum L2 strains were isolated from apricot Bisucciu fruits, a Sardinian local variety (Prunus armeniaca L.), and P. acidilactici B5 was used to ferment a sterile apricot Bisucciu puree, which was then added to a malt wort. The H. uvarum L2 strain and the industrial yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae US-05 were used sequentially to ferment a portion of this wort (M2); a control was carried out with an industrial yeast, S. cerevisiae T-58 (T58). Beer standard quality parameters were studied and a sensorial analysis performed in the beers obtained from the two fermentations. Intermediate and end molecular products were characterized by proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) for glucidic, organic acids and amino acids and by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (SPME/GC/MS) for volatile profiles. M2 and T58 samples showed differences in color, foam stability and in the carbohydrates, acids and amino acids profiles. The highest concentrations of ethyl acetate were found in M2, whereas a high concentration of 3-methylbutan-1-ol characterized T58. Sensory analysis highlighted differences in flavor, astringency and balance between the two beers studied.
Current Approaches to and the Application of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) for Avian Genome Editing
Authors: Mizushima Shusei , Sasanami Tomohiro , Ono Tamao , Kuroiwa Asato
Published: March 2023

Poultry are one of the most valuable resources for human society. They are also recognized as a powerful experimental animal for basic research on embryogenesis. Demands for the supply of low-allergen eggs and bioreactors have increased with the development of programmable genome editing technology. The CRISPR/Cas9 system has recently been used to produce transgenic animals and various animals in the agricultural industry and has also been successfully adopted for the modification of chicken and quail genomes. In this review, we describe the successful establishment of genome-edited lines combined with germline chimera production systems mediated by primordial germ cells and by viral infection in poultry. The avian intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) system that we previously established and recent advances in ICSI for genome editing are also summarized.
A Population Genetic Perspective on Subsistence Systems in the Sahel/Savannah Belt of Africa and the Historical Role of Pastoralism
Authors: Černý Viktor , Priehodová Edita , Fortes-Lima Cesar
Published: March 2023

This review focuses on the Sahel/Savannah belt, a large region of Africa where two alternative subsistence systems (pastoralism and agriculture), nowadays, interact. It is a long-standing question whether the pastoralists became isolated here from other populations after cattle began to spread into Africa (~8 thousand years ago, kya) or, rather, began to merge with other populations, such as agropastoralists, after the domestication of sorghum and pearl millet (~5 kya) and with the subsequent spread of agriculture. If we look at lactase persistence, a trait closely associated with pastoral lifestyle, we see that its variants in current pastoralists distinguish them from their farmer neighbours. Most other (mostly neutral) genetic polymorphisms do not, however, indicate such clear differentiation between these groups; they suggest a common origin and/or an extensive gene flow. Genetic affinity and ecological symbiosis between the two subsistence systems can help us better understand the population history of this African region. In this review, we show that genomic datasets of modern Sahel/Savannah belt populations properly collected in local populations can complement the still insufficient archaeological research of this region, especially when dealing with the prehistory of mobile populations with perishable material culture and therefore precarious archaeological visibility.
Correction: Noguchi et al. PCR-Based Screening of Spinal Muscular Atrophy for Newborn Infants in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Genes 2022, 13, 2110
Authors: Noguchi Yoriko , Bo Ryosuke , Nishio Hisahide , Matsumoto Hisayuki , Matsui Keiji , Yano Yoshihiko , Sugawara Masami , Ueda Go , Wijaya Yogik Onky Silvana , Niba Emma Tabe Eko , Shinohara Masakazu , Bouike Yoshihiro , Takeuchi Atsuko , Okamoto Kentaro , Saito Toshio , Shimomura Hideki , Lee Tomoko , Takeshima Yasuhiro , Iijima Kazumoto , Nozu Kandai , Awano Hiroyuki
Published: March 2023

The authors wish to make the following correction to this paper [...]
Influence of Mindfulness on Levels of Impulsiveness, Moods and Pre-Competition Anxiety in Athletes of Different Sports
Authors: Sánchez-Sánchez Laura C. , Franco Clemente , Amutio Alberto , García-Silva Jaqueline , González-Hernández Juan
Published: March 2023

Training in emotional regulation skills is one of the most important resources for the adaptation of athletes to contexts of sports pressure, especially during competitions. This study explored the effects of a mindfulness programme (Flow Meditation) on levels of impulsivity, mood and pre-competition anxiety-state in a sample of athletes (N = 41, 22.83 ± 5.62 years). Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (N = 21; 14 males and 7 females) which received the intervention over 10 weeks (a weekly session) and a control group (wait-list; N = 20; 13 males and 7 females). The variables under study were assessed through different questionnaires at pre- and post-test (T1–T2) in both groups. The mindfulness intervention was effective in reducing impulsivity (cognitive (t = −4.48, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.40), both motor (t = −4.03, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.20) and unplanned (t = −5.32, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.66)), mood (tension (t = −4.40, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.37), depression (t = −4.56, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.42), anger (t = −7.80, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen’s d = 2.47), somatic anxiety (t = −5.28, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.65), and cognitive anxiety (t = −6.62, p ≤ 0.001, Cohen’s d = 2.07) in the intervention group compared to the control group and with large to very large effect sizes. Mindfulness is a factor that enhances athletes’ ability to cope with high sport pressure and the healthy management of competition (e.g., fear of failure), or with their daily life.
Face Mask Use and Social Distancing Attitude of Healthcare Students: A Multi-Disciplinary Study
Authors: Cruz Jonas Preposi , Balay-Odao Ejercito Mangawa , Bajet Junel Bryan , Mesde Jennifer , Alotaibi Khalaf , Almogairi Ahmed , Alquwez Nahed , Alqahtani Mohammed , Almansour Ahmed Mansour , Alasiry Sharifa , Alotaibi Jazi Shaydied
Published: March 2023

This multi-disciplinary, cross-sectional, and descriptive study investigated health care students’ face mask use knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) and social distancing attitudes. The study was carried out from October to December 2021 and surveyed 543 health care students selected via convenience sampling from the three Shaqra University campuses in Saudi Arabia. Standard multiple linear regressions were conducted on face mask use KAP and social distancing attitude to identify their significant associated factors. The students in this study had poor knowledge and a neutral attitude towards and modest use practices of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being female, being a nursing student, and having greater self-reported COVID-19-prevention knowledge were related to higher levels of face mask use knowledge. Having higher face mask use knowledge was linked to better attitude and practice. Knowledge of COVID-19 and its prevention and decreased COVID-19 risk perception were associated with better face mask use practices. The students had more positive than negative attitudes toward social distancing. Having known someone who was infected by the virus, lower risk perception, and better face mask use practices were associated with more positive social distancing attitudes. The findings imply the need to ensure that future health care practitioners are knowledgeable, have a positive attitude and good practices concerning face mask use, and have positive attitudes toward social distancing. The study implications are relevant for health care education in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere.
Usability Evaluation with Eye Tracking: The Case of a Mobile Augmented Reality Application with Historical Images for Urban Cultural Heritage
Authors: Szekely Diana , Vert Silviu , Rotaru Oana , Andone Diana
Published: March 2023

Eye-tracking technologies have matured significantly in recent years and have become more affordable and easier to use. We investigated how eye-tracking technology can be applied to evaluate the usability of mobile augmented reality applications with historical images for urban cultural heritage. The experiment involved a series of complex user evaluation sessions, combining semi-structured interviews, observations, think-aloud protocol, SUS questionnaire, and product reaction cards, complemented by eye tracking, to gather insights on the Spotlight Timisoara AR mobile application, part of a digital storytelling multiplatform for the city of Timisoara (Romania), soon to be European Capital of Culture in 2023. The results indicate strong and weak aspects of the application, both as expressed by the participants and as derived from analyzing the eye-tracking data. The paper also lists the main challenges we identified in using eye-tracking equipment to evaluate the usability of such mobile augmented reality applications for urban outdoor heritage.
Unlocking the Potential of the Antimicrobial Peptide Gomesin: From Discovery and Structure–Activity Relationships to Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Liu Xiaorong , Henriques Sónia T. , Craik David J. , Chan Lai Yue
Published: March 2023

Gomesin is a cationic antimicrobial peptide which is isolated from the haemocytes of the Brazilian tarantula Acanthoscurria gomesiana and can be produced chemically by Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis. Gomesin exhibits a range of biological activities, as demonstrated by its toxicity against therapeutically relevant pathogens such as Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, cancer cells, and parasites. In recent years, a cyclic version of gomesin has been used for drug design and development as it is more stable than native gomesin in human serum and can penetrate and enter cancer cells. It can therefore interact with intracellular targets and has the potential to be developed as a drug lead for to treat cancer, infectious diseases, and other human diseases. This review provides a perspective on the discovery, structure–activity relationships, mechanism of action, biological activity, and potential clinical applications of gomesin.
DNA Damage Response−Related Proteins Are Prognostic for Outcome in Both Adult and Pediatric Acute Myelogenous Leukemia Patients: Samples from Adults and from Children Enrolled in a Children’s Oncology Group Study
Authors: Hubner Stefan E. , de Camargo Magalhães Eduardo S. , Hoff Fieke W. , Brown Brandon D. , Qiu Yihua , Horton Terzah M. , Kornblau Steven M.
Published: March 2023

The survival of malignant leukemic cells is dependent on DNA damage repair (DDR) signaling. Reverse Phase Protein Array (RPPA) data sets were assembled using diagnostic samples from 810 adult and 500 pediatric acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) patients and were probed with 412 and 296 strictly validated antibodies, respectively, including those detecting the expression of proteins directly involved in DDR. Unbiased hierarchical clustering identified strong recurrent DDR protein expression patterns in both adult and pediatric AML. Globally, DDR expression was associated with gene mutational statuses and was prognostic for outcomes including overall survival (OS), relapse rate, and remission duration (RD). In adult patients, seven DDR proteins were individually prognostic for either RD or OS. When DDR proteins were analyzed together with DDR−related proteins operating in diverse cellular signaling pathways, these expanded groupings were also highly prognostic for OS. Analysis of patients treated with either conventional chemotherapy or venetoclax combined with a hypomethylating agent revealed protein clusters that differentially predicted favorable from unfavorable prognoses within each therapy cohort. Collectively, this investigation provides insight into variable DDR pathway activation in AML and may help direct future individualized DDR−targeted therapies in AML patients.
Genome-Wide Identification of Expansin Gene Family and Their Response under Hormone Exposure in Ginkgo biloba L.
Authors: Guo Fangyun , Guo Jing , El-Kassaby Yousry A. , Wang Guibin
Published: March 2023

Expansins are pH-dependent enzymatic proteins that irreversibly and continuously facilitate cell-wall loosening and extension. The identification and comprehensive analysis of Ginkgo biloba expansins (GbEXPs) are still lacking. Here, we identified and investigated 46 GbEXPs in Ginkgo biloba. All GbEXPs were grouped into four subgroups based on phylogeny. GbEXPA31 was cloned and subjected to a subcellular localization assay to verify our identification. The conserved motifs, gene organization, cis-elements, and Gene Ontology (GO) annotation were predicted to better understand the functional characteristics of GbEXPs. The collinearity test indicated segmental duplication dominated the expansion of the GbEXPA subgroup, and seven paralogous pairs underwent strong positive selection during expansion. A majority of GbEXPAs were mainly expressed in developing Ginkgo kernels or fruits in transcriptome and real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Furthermore, GbEXLA4, GbEXLA5, GbEXPA5, GbEXPA6, GbEXPA8, and GbEXPA24 were inhibited under the exposure of abiotic stresses (UV-B and drought) and plant hormones (ABA, SA, and BR). In general, this study expanded our understanding for expansins in Ginkgo tissues’ growth and development and provided a new basis for studying GbEXPs in response to exogenous phytohormones.
Co-Expression Network Analysis Identifies Molecular Determinants of Loneliness Associated with Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Santiago Jose A. , Quinn James P. , Potashkin Judith A.
Published: March 2023

Loneliness and social isolation are detrimental to mental health and may lead to cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration. Although several molecular signatures of loneliness have been identified, the molecular mechanisms by which loneliness impacts the brain remain elusive. Here, we performed a bioinformatics approach to untangle the molecular underpinnings associated with loneliness. Co-expression network analysis identified molecular ‘switches’ responsible for dramatic transcriptional changes in the nucleus accumbens of individuals with known loneliness. Loneliness-related switch genes were enriched in cell cycle, cancer, TGF-β, FOXO, and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways. Analysis stratified by sex identified switch genes in males with chronic loneliness. Male-specific switch genes were enriched in infection, innate immunity, and cancer-related pathways. Correlation analysis revealed that loneliness-related switch genes significantly overlapped with 82% and 68% of human studies on Alzheimer’s (AD) and Parkinson’s diseases (PD), respectively, in gene expression databases. Loneliness-related switch genes, BCAM, NECTIN2, NPAS3, RBM38, PELI1, DPP10, and ASGR2, have been identified as genetic risk factors for AD. Likewise, switch genes HLA-DRB5, ALDOA, and GPNMB are known genetic loci in PD. Similarly, loneliness-related switch genes overlapped in 70% and 64% of human studies on major depressive disorder and schizophrenia, respectively. Nine switch genes, HLA-DRB5, ARHGAP15, COL4A1, RBM38, DMD, LGALS3BP, WSCD2, CYTH4, and CNTRL, overlapped with known genetic variants in depression. Seven switch genes, NPAS3, ARHGAP15, LGALS3BP, DPP10, SMYD3, CPXCR1, and HLA-DRB5 were associated with known risk factors for schizophrenia. Collectively, we identified molecular determinants of loneliness and dysregulated pathways in the brain of non-demented adults. The association of switch genes with known risk factors for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases provides a molecular explanation for the observed prevalence of these diseases among lonely individuals.
Metabolite and Proteomic Profiling of Serum Reveals the Differences in Molecular Immunity between Min and Large White Pig Breeds
Authors: Yang Liyu , Liu Xin , Huang Xiaoyu , Zhang Longchao , Yan Hua , Hou Xinhua , Wang Lixian , Wang Ligang
Published: March 2023

Pig diseases seriously threaten the health of pigs and the benefits of pig production. Previous research has indicated that Chinese native pigs, such as the Min (M) pig, has a better disease resistance ability than Large White (LW) pigs. However, the molecular mechanism of this resistance is still unclear. In our study, we used serum untargeted metabolomics and proteomics, interrogated to characterize differences in the molecular immunities between six resistant and six susceptible pigs raised in the same environment. A total of 62 metabolites were identified as being significantly exhibited in M and LW pigs. Ensemble feature selection (EFS) machine learning methods were used to predict biomarkers of metabolites and proteins, and the top 30 were selected and retained. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) confirmed that four key metabolites, PC (18:1 (11 Z)/20:0), PC (14:0/P-18: 0), PC (18:3 (6 Z, 9 Z, 12 Z)/16:0), and PC (16:1 (9 Z)/22:2 (13 Z, 16 Z)), were significantly associated with phenotypes, such as cytokines, and different pig breeds. Correlation network analysis showed that 15 proteins were significantly correlated with the expression of both cytokines and unsaturated fatty acid metabolites. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) co-location analysis results showed that 13 of 15 proteins co-localized with immune or polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-related QTL. Moreover, seven of them co-localized with both immune and PUFA QTLs, including proteasome 20S subunit beta 8 (PSMB8), mannose binding lectin 1 (MBL1), and interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein (IL1RAP). These proteins may play important roles in regulating the production or metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids and immune factors. Most of the proteins could be validated with parallel reaction monitoring, which suggests that these proteins may play an essential role in producing or regulating unsaturated fatty acids and immune factors to cope with the adaptive immunity of different pig breeds. Our study provides a basis for further clarifying the disease resistance mechanism of pigs.
Long-Lasting Therapeutic Response following Treatment with Pembrolizumab in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Real-World Experience
Authors: Shalata Walid , Zolnoorian Jeremy , Migliozzi Gabrielle , Jama Ashraf Abu , Dudnik Yulia , Cohen Ahron Yehonatan , Meirovitz Amichay , Yakobson Alexander
Published: March 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), pembrolizumab in particular, have been shown to be vastly more efficacious than traditional cytotoxic or platinum-based chemotherapies in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While there are plenty of data showing their efficacy and safety profiles, very little exists about the long-term effects of pembrolizumab. We compiled all patients with NSCLC who were treated with pembrolizumab at our institution and had progression-free survival (PFS) of at least 2 years during or after the treatment period. Within this group, we examined the long-term rates of PFS and overall survival (OS), side effect profiles, treatment, and overall disease course up to 60 months after starting treatment. This study included 36 patients with median (range) follow up times from treatment initiation in months as follows: 36 (28–65) overall; 39.5 (28–65) for adenocarcinoma; and 36 (30–58) for squamous cell carcinoma. The median (range) of OS and PFS (months) was comparable for adenocarcinoma, 36 (23–55); and squamous cell carcinoma, 35.5 (28–65). Overall, pembrolizumab shows remarkable long-term safety and efficacy in NSCLC patients. In patients who show an initially strong response and can make it to 24 months of PFS, disease progression after this period seems increasingly unlikely.