bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Causes and Modern Methods to Combat the Negative Effect of Mechanical Impurities on the Operation of Deep Pumping Equipment
Authors: Kvach I.
Published: June 2023

The article is devoted to one of the most urgent problems at present, the issues of complicated mining conditions. The paper focuses on the fact that in modern conditions of production intensification, mechanical impurities of various composition, origin and concentration are one of the most important factors negatively affecting the operation of deep-pumping equipment of the mechanized fund of oil wells. The article analyzes the main sources and causes of the appearance of impurities in borehole products and equipment, identifies external and internal causes. It is pointed out the importance of accurately determining the sources of the appearance of mechanical impurities for effective control of them. The paper also summarizes the main existing methods of combating their negative impact on the operation of the main equipment. General recommendations are given to combat the negative impact of mechanical impurities on the operation of equipment.
Gibson Paradox: Panel Data Analysis on ASEAN-T Countries
Authors: KABAK Seçkin , DALLI Tuğçe
Published: June 2023

The existence of a long-term positive relationship between the nominal interest rate and the general price level is called the Gibson paradox in the economics literature. In other words, according to this paradox, high prices are the result of high interest rates. Studies on this paradox in the literature gained momentum after the work of Gibson (1923). The main purpose of this study is to test whether Gibson paradox is valid for ASEAN-T countries with quarterly data of 1993:Q1-2019:Q4. In this context, short and long term interest rates and consumer price index variables were used in the study. In the study, in which panel data analysis was carried out, it was first analyzed whether there was a cross-section dependency. Because of the cross-section dependency in the series, the CADF unit root test, one of the second generation panel unit root tests, was used. Panel ARDL (Autoregressive Distributed Lag) bounds test was carried out due to the different stationarity levels of the series. According to the panel ARDL bounds test findings, there is a positive relationship between the long-term interest rate and the consumer price index in both the short and long run. Therefore, the Gibson paradox is valid in the ASEAN-T countries in the examined period.
Spatial distribution of tree and grassland fine roots in an alley cropping system
Authors: Sutterlütti Rahel , König Isabell , Swieter Anita , Jansen Martin
Published: June 2023

Alley cropping systems are known as more sustainable land use alternatives compared to monoculture cropland. In addition to the improvement of above-ground structures and creation of biotopes relevant to nature conservation, the improvement of resource development through various root systems plays a major role. We studied the interaction of the root systems in an alley cropping system combining permanent grassland and willows and at a reference grassland site. The system was established 12 years prior to our study on a site with a shallow groundwater table at 130 cm depth. We measured carbon stocks in the topsoil and determined the share of root-bound carbon relative to the total carbon pool and extracted soil cores up to a depth of 150 cm along a distance gradient to the trees and at a reference grassland site with no tree influence. The maximal rooting depth of the grassland roots increased with increasing distance to the tree lines and total root biomass was higher than under the grassland reference up to a distance of 2.5 m from the tree line. Tree roots extended up to a distance of 5.5 m from the trees and we could distinguish zones of tree root dominance very close to the trees, zones of grassland root dominance at distances ≥ 8.5 m and an interaction zone in between those two extremes. We conclude that alley cropping increases belowground biomass as compared to grassland and has therefore a higher potential to store carbon in the subsoil.
What do we know about blood-testis barrier? current understanding of its structure and physiology
Authors: Luaces J. P. , Toro-Urrego N. , Otero-Losada M. , Capani F.
Published: June 2023

Blood-testis barrier (BTB) creates a particular compartment in the seminiferous epithelium. Contacting Sertoli cell-Sertoli cell plasma membranes possess specialized junction proteins which present a complex dynamic of formation and dismantling. Thus, these specialized structures facilitate germ cell movement across the BTB. Junctions are constantly rearranged during spermatogenesis while the BTB preserves its barrier function. Imaging methods are essential to studying the dynamic of this sophisticated structure in order to understand its functional morphology. Isolated Sertoli cell cultures cannot represent the multiple interactions of the seminiferous epithelium and in situ studies became a fundamental approach to analyze BTB dynamics. In this review, we discuss the contributions of high-resolution microscopy studies to enlarge the body of morphofunctional data to understand the biology of the BTB as a dynamic structure. The first morphological evidence of the BTB was based on a fine structure of the junctions, which was resolved with Transmission Electron Microscopy. The use of conventional Fluorescent Light Microscopy to examine labelled molecules emerged as a fundamental technique for elucidating the precise protein localization at the BTB. Then laser-scanning confocal microscopy allowed the study of three-dimensional structures and complexes at the seminiferous epithelium. Several junction proteins, like the transmembrane, scaffold and signaling proteins, were identified in the testis using traditional animal models. BTB morphology was analyzed in different physiological conditions as the spermatocyte movement during meiosis, testis development, and seasonal spermatogenesis, but also structural elements, proteins, and BTB permeability were studied. Under pathological, pharmacological, or pollutant/toxic conditions, there are significant studies that provide high-resolution images which help to understand the dynamic of the BTB. Notwithstanding the advances, further research using new technologies is required to gain information on the BTB. Super-resolution light microscopy is needed to provide new research with high-quality images of targeted molecules at a nanometer-scale resolution. Finally, we highlight research areas that warrant future studies, pinpointing new microscopy approaches and helping to improve our ability to understand this barrier complexity.
Promising AAV.U7snRNAs vectors targeting DMPK improve DM1 hallmarks in patient-derived cell lines
Authors: Almeida Camila F. , Robriquet Florence , Vetter Tatyana A. , Huang Nianyuan , Neinast Reid , Hernandez-Rosario Lumariz , Rajakumar Dhanarajan , Arnold W. David , McBride Kim L. , Flanigan Kevin M. , Weiss Robert B. , Wein Nicolas
Published: June 2023

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common form of muscular dystrophy in adults and affects mainly the skeletal muscle, heart, and brain. DM1 is caused by a CTG repeat expansion in the 3′UTR region of the DMPK gene that sequesters muscleblind-like proteins, blocking their splicing activity and forming nuclear RNA foci. Consequently, many genes have their splicing reversed to a fetal pattern. There is no treatment for DM1, but several approaches have been explored, including antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) aiming to knock down DMPK expression or bind to the CTGs expansion. ASOs were shown to reduce RNA foci and restore the splicing pattern. However, ASOs have several limitations and although being safe treated DM1 patients did not demonstrate improvement in a human clinical trial. AAV-based gene therapies have the potential to overcome such limitations, providing longer and more stable expression of antisense sequences. In the present study, we designed different antisense sequences targeting exons 5 or 8 of DMPK and the CTG repeat tract aiming to knock down DMPK expression or promote steric hindrance, respectively. The antisense sequences were inserted in U7snRNAs, which were then vectorized in AAV8 particles. Patient-derived myoblasts treated with AAV8. U7snRNAs showed a significant reduction in the number of RNA foci and re-localization of muscle-blind protein. RNA-seq analysis revealed a global splicing correction in different patient-cell lines, without alteration in DMPK expression.
The state and consideration for skin test of β-lactam antibiotics in pediatrics
Authors: Gao Chunhui , Ma Bowen , Liu Wei , Zhu Liqin
Published: June 2023

β-lactam antibiotics are the most frequently used drugs and the most common drugs that cause allergic reactions in pediatrics. The occurrence of some allergic reactions can be predicted by skin testing, especially severe adverse reactions such as anaphylactic shock. Thus, penicillin and cephalosporin skin tests are widely used to predict allergic reactions before medication in pediatrics. However, false-positive results from skin tests were more often encountered in pediatrics than in adults. In fact, many children labeled as allergic to β-lactam are not allergic to the antibiotic, leading to the use of alternative antibiotics, which are less effective and more toxic, and the increase of antibiotic resistance. There has been controversy over whether β-lactam antibiotics should be tested for skin allergies before application in children. Based on the great controversy in the implementation of β-lactam antibiotic skin tests, especially the controversial cephalosporin skin tests in pediatrics, the mechanism and reasons of anaphylaxis to β-lactam antibiotics, the significance of β-lactam antibiotic skin tests, the current state of β-lactam antibiotic skin tests at home and abroad, and the problems of domestic and international skin tests were analyzed to determine a unified standard of β-lactam antibiotic skin tests in pediatrics to prevent and decrease adverse drug reactions, avoid waste of drugs, and a large amount of manpower and material resource consumption.
Adoption of climate resilient agricultural practices among the Giriama community in South East Kenya: implications for conceptual frameworks
Authors: Ziro John Safari , Kichamu-Wachira Edith , Ross Helen , Palaniappan Gomathy
Published: June 2023

While quantitative studies are robust at assessing the extent of climate change adaptation, and statistical relationships among variables involved, qualitative studies are also essential to understand the social rationales underlying relationships among variables, and to identify the roles of variables that have been overlooked or are hard to measure. This study investigates factors that influence the adoption of climate resilient agricultural practices by resource-poor Giriama farmers in southeast Kenya, with a view to understanding why some smallholders from this cultural group adopt climate resilient practices, while others do not. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with 30 farmers, 15 of whom had adopted climate resilient farming practices recommended by agricultural experts, and 15 of whom had not adopted any of those practices. The adopters were market-oriented, and tended to have individual land tenure, higher levels of experience in farming, slightly larger farm sizes, middle to high school education levels, and be younger. They had access to agricultural extension, access to farm inputs, and their off-farm activities tended to be related to agricultural supply chains. Non-adopters farmed entirely for subsistence, on communal or leased land, had less formal education, and adhered strongly to cultural beliefs and practices. Their off-farm income was unrelated to agriculture. More of the adopters were males, while many of the non-adopters were female. Particular cultural practices and taboos inhibited the adoption of several of the climate resilient practices, such as planting hybrid maize, keeping dairy goats, using improved goats such as the Kenyan Alpine for breeding purposes and the use of water conservation structures for crop production. Further, the qualitative information explains how and why factors such as land ownership, gender, culture, and access to information are interrelated, in ways that are not necessarily obvious in statistical analysis. The study thus highlights issues that need to be considered in conceptual frameworks underpinning both quantitative and qualitative studies, and particularly how they interact, in order to provide the knowledge essential to policy and programs intended to enhance smallholder farmers' adaptive capacity.
Assessment of the impact of climate and non-climatic parameters on cocoa production: a contextual analysis for Cameroon
Authors: Bomdzele Eric , Molua Ernest L.
Published: June 2023

Agriculture remains the mainstay of Cameroon's economy, with cocoa as one of its key export commodities. However, cocoa production may be affected by climate-related stressors. This study assesses the influence of climate and non-climate parameters on cocoa performance in Cameroon. We use time series data for temperature, rainfall, carbon dioxide emission, land use, labour hours, pesticide application, and cocoa output in Cameroon spanning 60 years (1961 to 2021). Trend analyses reveal a stochastic response of crop production under climate variation. Leveraging on the perennial crop supply response framework, a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) reveals short-term climate impacts on cocoa production. The econometric estimation shows that climate and non-climate parameters explain the variations in cocoa output. More specifically, the short-run results reveal that temperature, carbon dioxide emission, land use, and pesticide quantity significantly increase crop yield, whereas rainfall decreases it substantially. Furthermore, the long-run analysis indicates that temperature, rainfall, carbon dioxide emission, and land use are significant negative determinants of the yearly changes in cocoa output. We recommend government policy reforms which address access to land, subsidies/climate finance and improved production technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance farmers' adaptive capacities to climatic stressors.
Case report: Sudden unexpected death due to tuberculous myocarditis involving sinus node at autopsy
Authors: Zhang Le , Yan He , Wang Yufang , Huang Feijun
Published: June 2023

Tuberculous myocarditis (TM) is an extremely rare manifestation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) infection. Although TM is a critical cause of sudden cardiac death, only a few cases have been reported. We report the case of an older patient with pulmonary TB with a history of fever, chest tightness, paroxysmal palpitations, and electrocardiographic evidence of sinus node conduction abnormalities on admission. Although emergency physicians observed these unusual clinical manifestations, no timely differential diagnosis was made nor interventions were performed. A definitive diagnosis of TM and histopathological findings compatible with sinus node involvement were made based on autopsy outcomes. Herein, we describe the clinical presentation and pathological features of a rare form of Mycobacterium TB. In addition, we provide an overview of issues related to the diagnosis of myocardial TB.
Follow-up of CRT-D patients downgraded to CRT-P at the time of generator exchange
Authors: Frey Simon Martin , Brenner Roman , Theuns Dominic A. , Al-Shoaibi Naeem , Crawley Richard J. , Ammann Peter , Sticherling Christian , Kühne Michael , Osswald Stefan , Schaer Beat
Published: June 2023

Background

Some patients with cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) experience super-response (LVEF improvements to ≥50%). At generator exchange (GE), downgrading (DG) from CRT-defibrillator (CRT-D) to CRT-pacemaker (CRT-P) could be an option for these patients on primary prevention ICD indication and no required ICD therapies. Long-term data on arrhythmic events in super-responders is scarce.

Methods

CRT-D patients with LVEF improvement to ≥50% at GE were identified in four large centres for retrospective analysis. Mortality, significant ventricular tachyarrhythmia and appropriate ICD-therapy were determined, and patient analysis was split into two groups (downgraded to CRT-P or not).

Results

Sixty-six patients (53% male, 26% coronary artery disease) on primary prevention were followed for a median of 129 months [IQR: 101–155] after implantation. 27 (41%) patients were downgraded to CRT-P at GE after a median of 68 [IQR: 58–98] months (LVEF 54% ± 4%). The other 39 (59%) continued with CRT-D therapy (LVEF 52% ± 6%). No cardiac death or significant arrhythmia occurred in the CRT-P group (median follow-up (FU) 38 months [IQR: 29–53]). Three appropriate ICD-therapies occurred in the CRT-D group [median FU 70 months (IQR: 39–97)]. Annualized event-rates after DG/GE were 1.5%/year and 1.0%/year in the CRT-D group and the whole cohort, respectively.

Conclusions

No significant tachyarrhythmia were detected in the patients downgraded to CRT-P during follow-up. However, three events were observed in the CRT-D group. Whilst downgrading CRT-D patients is an option, a small residual risk for arrhythmic events remains and decisions regarding downgrade should be made on a case-by-case basis.
Teacher professional development for managing antisocial behaviors: a qualitative study to highlight status, limitations and challenges in educational institutions in the metropolis city of Pakistan
Authors: Siddiqui Sohni , Kazmi Anjum Bano , Kamran Mahwish
Published: June 2023

Introduction

A community cannot avoid the frustrating problem of antisocial behavior, which consists of actions that violate traditions or standards. To deal with the antisocial behavior and aggression in children, a variety of techniques and interventions have been proposed and applied throughout the world. Teachers can overcome antisocial behavior in educational institutions through professional development programs. In Pakistan, there are few studies that focus on teachers’ professional development in behavior management, which should be investigated.

Methods

A qualitative research study examined teacher professional development courses aimed at improving classroom management skills and controlling antisocial behaviors by collecting information from instructors. This approach was taken because this study aims to identify teacher educators’ experiences related to antisocial and aggression control training in the school setting. In addition, the limitations and challenges associated with such development programs are revealed through semi-structured interviews.

Results

Researchers reported major challenges related to such trainings include resistance and unwillingness of school authorities and teachers to participate in such trainings, as well as lack of resources and finances.

Discussion

To ensure that teacher training is effective and leads to the development of teacher skills and improvement of student behavior, researchers recommend implementing evidence-based intervention programs with ongoing monitoring by a trained teacher specialist. It is also recommended that curricula be standardized and in-service training results be empirically verified.
Multispectral remote sensing and DANet model improve the precision of urban park vegetation detection: an empirical study in Jinhai Park, Shanghai
Authors: Wei Weixuan , Cao Jingyi , Wang Nan , Qian Yuhui
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The precise detection of vegetation in urban parks is crucial for accurate carbon sink calculations and planting assessments, particularly in high-density cities. Unlike traditional methods designed for forest vegetation, the detection and classification of urban park vegetation face challenges such as unclear boundaries, multiple vegetation categories, low image resolution, labor-intensive manual calculations, and unreliable modeling results. However, by utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with high-resolution visible and multispectral (MS) remote sensing cameras, it becomes possible to label images with green normalized difference vegetation index (GNDVI) and full-spectral three-channel information.

Methods

By employing a dual attention convolutional neural network (DANet) model that incorporates image fusion, DANet, and feature decoding networks, the high-precision detection of urban park vegetation can be significantly improved.

Results

Empirical validation carried out in Jinhai Park since 2021 has provided evidence of the effectiveness of the DANet model when utilizing early fusion and feature fusion techniques. This model achieves an accurate detection rate of 88.6% for trees, 92.0% for shrubs, 92.6% for ground cover, and 91.8% for overall vegetation. These detection rates surpass those achieved using only visible images (88.7%) or GNDVI images (86.6%).

Discussion

The enhanced performance can be attributed to the intelligent capabilities of the double-in network. This high-precision detection model provides more precise scientific and technical support for subsequent park carbon sink calculations, assessments of existing vegetation for planting designs, and evaluations of urban ecological impacts.
Trees response to selective thinning and pruning in Sudanian woodland zone
Authors: Assèdé Eméline Sêssi Pélagie , Biaou Samadori Sorotori Honoré , Azihou Akomian Fortuné , Orou Hidirou , Geldenhuys Coert Johannes , Chirwa Paxie Wanangwa
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Managing the degradation and loss of Sudanian woodlands to ensure sustainable use for mainly firewood, poles, and timber is receiving increasing attention, and it requires tailored strategies to improve stand productivity. This study determined: (i) tree response (density, recruitment, and height growth) to selective stem thinning and branch pruning; and (ii) tree species that are most affected by selective stem thinning and branch pruning in the Sudanian woodland of Benin.

Methods

Three homogeneous vegetation units of 80 m × 80 m each were identified, representing the three stages of woodland development (WDS): early and young WDS of 3 and 3–5 years old, respectively, and the advanced to mature secondary WDS of 6–9 years old. Three random blocks of 20 m × 20 m each, subdivided into four 10 m × 10 m treatment plots, were delineated per vegetation unit. Each of these plots was randomly assigned a treatment (T): T1—no thinning and no pruning; T2—30% thinning; T3—60% thinning; T4—100% thinning. Branch pruning was applied to all remaining stems in T2 and T3. Tree species, stem abundance and height of individuals = 1 m were recorded every 6 months in 2015 and 2016.

Results and discussion

Thinning intensity significantly influence tree density both in WDS 2 and 3 with the 30% thinning showing the best tree density (3355.56 ± 250.19 stems/ha and 3255.56 ± 772.68 stems/ha, respectively). However, more stem recruitment was observed without thinning and pruning (883.33 ± 212.13 stems/ha), and 30% thinning and pruning (383.33 ± 164.99 stems/ha). There was a significant increase in tree height growth both in WDS 2 and 3 with an increasing thinning intensity. The two most affected tree species were Terminalia avicennioides and Pteleopsis suberosa with an average growth in height after 6 months of 105.5 ± 1.05 mm (for 30% thinning and pruning in stage 3), and 61.75 ± 0.67 mm (for 60% thinning and pruning in stage 3), respectively. Overall, moderate stem thinning (30%) at WDS 1 and more severe thinning at WDS 2 and 3 resulted in the best tree height growth and recruitment.
A method to quantify and account for the hygroscopic effect in stem diameter variations
Authors: Delapierre Fabien , Fonti Patrick , Lischke Heike , Moos Christine
Published: June 2023

Dendrometers recording stem diameter variations (SDV) at high-resolution are useful to assess trees' water relation since water reserves are stored in the elastic tissue of the bark. These tissues typically shrink during the day as they release water when evaporative demand is high and swell during the night as they are replenished when evaporative demand is low, generating the typical SDV profile known as the diel SDV cycle. However, similar SDV cycles have been observed on dead trees due to the hygroscopic shrinking and swelling of the dead bark tissues. In order to remove this hygroscopic effect of the bark, dendrometers are applied as close as possible to the living bark tissues by removing the outer dead layer, however with questionable success. In this study, we used SDV time series from 40 point dendrometers applied on dead-bark-removed mature trees to assess and quantify the remaining hygroscopic effect on individual trees. To do so, we checked SDV behavior in the cold season and explored the relation between the diel SDV cycle and changes in relative humidity (RH). Our results showed that (a) the hygroscopic effect in SDV can be well-detected based on the amplitude of the diel SDV cycle (diel SDVampl) and the correlation between SDV and RH during both the cold and the warm season; (b) the level of the hygroscopic effect varies strongly among individuals; (c) diel SDVampl is proportional to both changes in RH and transpiration so that the hygroscopic effect on the diel SDV cycle can be quantified using a linear model where (diel SDVampl) is a function of RH changes and transpiration. These results allow the use of the model to correct the amplitude of the diel SDV cycles and suggest that this method can be applied to other ecological relevant water-related SDV variables such as tree water deficit.
Strong latitudinal gradient in temperature-growth coupling near the treeline of the Canadian subarctic forest
Authors: Chagnon Catherine , Moreau Guillaume , D’Orangeville Loïc , Caspersen John , Labrecque-Foy Julie-Pascale , Achim Alexis
Published: June 2023

Boreal forests are experiencing severe climatic changes that vary widely across the broad geographic distribution of the biome. The changes are greatest near the subarctic treeline where trees often exhibit high climatic sensitivity because climatic conditions approach the limits of their physiological tolerance. Despite the importance of subarctic boreal forests, the lack of field-acquired growth data remains a critical issue that limits the generalization of forest productivity models across the entire boreal biome. Using tree-ring chronologies from remote stands distributed along three latitudinal gradients ranging from 65 to 102°W, we investigated recent trends in black spruce growth and their relationships with recent climate warming near the subarctic treeline in eastern Canada. Our results show a generally positive effect of temperature and a negative effect of precipitation, both indicating that black spruce growth is temperature-limited near its northern range limit. However, we observed a strong gradient in temperature-growth coupling within a small latitudinal gradient (about one degree of latitude), where strong temperature constraints appear limited to the northernmost, coldest stands. Moreover, the positive growth response to temperature decreased from wetter to dryer sites and climate-growth coupling declined over the study period in the driest sites. These results suggest that the growth increase associated with warmer temperature may be limited by reduced precipitation and potential moisture limitation. Lastly, our results suggest that acute climatic events have the potential to induce abrupt shifts in tree climate-growth relationships. Such results indicate that the expected beneficial effect of warming on high latitude tree growth may be less generalized and more complex than previously thought in northeastern Canada, perhaps due to factors other than temperature, which might confound the climate-growth coupling southwards. Thus, our results highlight the need for a better understanding of additional growth drivers in these poorly studied regions and for physiologically informed definitions of acute climatic events, in order to refine broad-scale forest productivity modeling.
Maintaining the protective function of mountain forests under climate change by the concept of naturalness in tree species composition
Authors: Scherrer Daniel , Allgaier Leuch Barbara , Fischer Christoph , Frehner Monika , Wohlgemuth Thomas
Published: June 2023

In Swiss mountain areas, the protective function of forests is the predominant ecosystem service having high cultural and economic significance. It is assumed that natural forests or close-to-natural forests, i.e., forests being in the equilibrium with environmental conditions are the most resilient and resistant in regard to disturbances and hence best protecting people and assets on the long run. Here, we estimated the naturalness of the tree species composition by comparing Swiss National Forest Inventory (NFI) data with current and future potential Natural forest Site Types (NST). Based on this analysis, we identified species that are under or over-represented in protective mountain forests and derived the subsequent potential for management interventions. The urgency of management interventions is expected be small if all predominant tree species of the idealized potential natural forests are present and only their relative portions in the stand need adjustment. In contrast, interventions are advisable, if predominant tree species of the current and future potential natural forests are absent. Based on NFI data, the tree species composition of 47% of the protective mountain forests were classified as “natural” or “close-to-natural,” while the remaining 53% were classified as “not natural” or “partly natural.” Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.] and European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) were the two most over-represented species under current and even more so under predicted future climatic conditions. To date, silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) were the two species most frequently absent in protective mountain forests, in which they should prevail. Apart from European beech, the most prominent increase in prevalence is predicted for oak (sessile oak and pubescent oak; Quercus petrea Liebl., Q. pubescens Willd.) and small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.). These species were currently missing from more than 75% of the stands, in which they are expected to be dominant under future conditions. Our analysis indicates the need to transform tree species compositions of protective mountain forests to optimize fitness under future climates. Some of these transformations will take place naturally, incited by disturbances, others—the majority of them—will need active management interventions.
Insights into morphological and physio-biochemical adaptive responses in mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) under heat stress
Authors: Bhardwaj Ragini , Lone Jafar K. , Pandey Renu , Mondal Nupur , Dhandapani R. , Meena Surendra Kumar , Khan Suphiya , Gayacharan
Published: June 2023

Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) is an important food legume crop which contributes significantly to nutritional and food security of South and Southeast Asia. The crop thrives in hot and humid weather conditions, with an optimal temperature range of 28°–35°C, and is mainly cultivated under rainfed environments. However, the rising global temperature has posed a serious threat to mungbean cultivation. Optimal temperature is a vital factor in cellular processes, and every crop species has evolved with its specific temperature tolerance ability. Moreover, variation within a crop species is inevitable, given the diverse environmental conditions under which it has evolved. For instance, various mungbean germplasm can grow and produce seeds in extreme ambient temperatures as low as 20°C or as high as 45°C. This range of variation in mungbean germplasm for heat tolerance plays a crucial role in developing heat tolerant and high yielding mungbean cultivars. However, heat tolerance is a complex mechanism which is extensively discussed in this manuscript; and at the same time individual genotypes have evolved with various ways of heat stress tolerance. Therefore, to enhance understanding towards such variability in mungbean germplasm, we studied morphological, anatomical, physiological, and biochemical traits which are responsive to heat stress in plants with more relevance to mungbean. Understanding heat stress tolerance attributing traits will help in identification of corresponding regulatory networks and associated genes, which will further help in devising suitable strategies to enhance heat tolerance in mungbean. The major pathways responsible for heat stress tolerance in plants are also discussed.
Identification and validation of a novel mitochondrion-related gene signature for diagnosis and immune infiltration in sepsis
Authors: Hao Shuai , Huang Miao , Xu Xiaofan , Wang Xulin , Song Yuqing , Jiang Wendi , Huo Liqun , Gu Jun
Published: June 2023

Background

Owing to the complex pathophysiological features and heterogeneity of sepsis, current diagnostic methods are not sufficiently precise or timely, causing a delay in treatment. It has been suggested that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a critical role in sepsis. However, the role and mechanism of mitochondria-related genes in the diagnostic and immune microenvironment of sepsis have not been sufficiently investigated.

Methods

Mitochondria-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between human sepsis and normal samples from GSE65682 dataset. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and the Support Vector Machine (SVM) analyses were carried out to locate potential diagnostic biomarkers. Gene ontology and gene set enrichment analyses were conducted to identify the key signaling pathways associated with these biomarker genes. Furthermore, correlation of these genes with the proportion of infiltrating immune cells was estimated using CIBERSORT. The expression and diagnostic value of the diagnostic genes were evaluated using GSE9960 and GSE134347 datasets and septic patients. Furthermore, we established an in vitro sepsis model using lipopolysaccharide (1 µg/mL)-stimulated CP-M191 cells. Mitochondrial morphology and function were evaluated in PBMCs from septic patients and CP-M191 cells, respectively.

Results

In this study, 647 mitochondrion-related DEGs were obtained. Machine learning confirmed six critical mitochondrion-related DEGs, including PID1, CS, CYP1B1, FLVCR1, IFIT2, and MAPK14. We then developed a diagnostic model using the six genes, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves indicated that the novel diagnostic model based on the above six critical genes screened sepsis samples from normal samples with area under the curve (AUC) = 1.000, which was further demonstrated in the GSE9960 and GSE134347 datasets and our cohort. Importantly, we also found that the expression of these genes was associated with different kinds of immune cells. In addition, mitochondrial dysfunction was mainly manifested by the promotion of mitochondrial fragmentation (p<0.05), impaired mitochondrial respiration (p<0.05), decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (p<0.05), and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation (p<0.05) in human sepsis and LPS-simulated in vitro sepsis models.

Conclusion

We constructed a novel diagnostic model containing six MRGs, which has the potential to be an innovative tool for the early diagnosis of sepsis.
An early warning model for starfish disaster based on multi-sensor fusion
Authors: Li Longyu , Liu Tao , Huang Hui , Song Hong , He Shuangyan , Li Peiliang , Gu Yanzhen , Chen Jiawang
Published: June 2023

Starfish have a wide range of feeding habits, including starfish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, corals, abalones, scallops, and many other marine organisms with economic or ecological value. The starfish outbreak in coastal areas will lead to severe economic losses in aquaculture and damage the ecological environment. However, the current monitoring methods are still artificial, time-consuming, and laborious. This study used an underwater observation platform with multiple sensors to observe the starfish outbreak in Weihai, Shandong Province. The platform could collect the temperature, salinity, depth, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, other water quality data, and underwater video data. Based on these data, the paper proposed an early warning model for starfish prevalence (EWSP) based on multi-sensor fusion. A deep learning-based object detection method extracts time-series information on the number of starfish from underwater video data. For the extracted starfish quantity information, the model uses the k-means clustering algorithm to divide the starfish prevalence level into four levels: no prevalence, mild prevalence, medium prevalence, and high prevalence. Correlation analysis concluded that the water quality factors most closely related to the starfish prevalence level are temperature and salinity. Therefore, the selected water quality factor and the number of historical starfish are inputted. The future starfish prevalence level of the starfish outbreak is used as an output to train the BP (back propagation) neural network to build EWSP based on multi-sensor fusion. Experiments show that the accuracy rate of this model is 97.26%, whose precision meets the needs of early warning for starfish outbreaks and has specific application feasibility.
Development of flax/basalt/PA11 bio-composites: optimal formulation and modelling of the quasi-static behaviour
Authors: Guerfala Wassim , Rozycki Patrick , Binetruy Christophe
Published: June 2023

Environmental impact is becoming increasingly important in the automotive industry, with car manufacturers looking to reduce CO2 emissions through cleaner engines and structural weight reduction. Composite materials offer an excellent alternative to standard steels with significant weight reduction and the ability to produce functional parts (Rangappa et al., Polymer Composites, 2022,43, 645–691), (Jeyaguru et al., Polymer Composites, 2022, 43, 3902–3914), (Sanjay et al., Journal of Cleaner Production, 2018, 172, 566–581). The main objective of this study is to investigate the potential of a new and unique hybrid bio-composite material combining flax and basalt fibers and PA11 polymer. This material design is studied with the idea of reducing the moisture sensitivity, variabilities, and uncertainties of vegetal fibers by the presence of basalt fibers. The first step consists of developing a new hybrid composite material and studying its quasi-static mechanical behaviour when subjected to different humidity levels. Then, a multi-scale non-linear homogenization approach is proposed to support the interpretation of the characterization test results. The experimental results show the benefits of the hybridization. In fact, the hybrid composite is 20% stiffer than the flax/PA11 composite, 8% lighter than the basalt/PA11 composite and has a reduced dispersion of its mechanical properties, 52% lower than the flax/ PA11 composite. Considering the promising properties of the hybrid composite, we have investigated the possibility of developing the front hood of a sports car using this material. The first results highlight a potential mass gain of 18% at iso-performance with the original front hood. The following steps will be devoted to the numerical and experimental validation.
Potential biomarkers uncovered by bioinformatics analysis in sotorasib resistant-pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ramalingam Prasanna Srinivasan , Priyadharshini Annadurai , Emerson Isaac Arnold , Arumugam Sivakumar
Published: June 2023

Background

Mutant KRAS-induced tumorigenesis is prevalent in lung, colon, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. For the past 3 decades, KRAS mutants seem undruggable due to their high-affinity GTP-binding pocket and smooth surface. Structure-based drug design helped in the design and development of first-in-class KRAS G12C inhibitor sotorasib (AMG 510) which was then approved by the FDA. Recent reports state that AMG 510 is becoming resistant in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and lung adenocarcinoma patients, and the crucial drivers involved in this resistance mechanism are unknown.

Methods

In recent years, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data analysis has become a functional tool for profiling gene expression. The present study was designed to find the crucial biomarkers involved in the sotorasib (AMG 510) resistance in KRAS G12C-mutant MIA-PaCa2 cell pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells. Initially, the GSE dataset was retrieved from NCBI GEO, pre-processed, and then subjected to differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis using the limma package. Then the identified DEGs were subjected to protein–protein interaction (PPI) using the STRING database, followed by cluster analysis and hub gene analysis, which resulted in the identification of probable markers.

Results

Furthermore, the enrichment and survival analysis revealed that the small unit ribosomal protein (RP) RPS3 is the crucial biomarker of the AMG 510 resistance in KRAS G12C-mutant MIA-PaCa2 cell pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells.

Conclusion

Finally, we conclude that RPS3 is a crucial biomarker in sotorasib resistance which evades apoptosis by MDM2/4 interaction. We also suggest that the combinatorial treatment of sotorasib and RNA polymerase I machinery inhibitors could be a possible strategy to overcome resistance and should be studied in in vitro and in vivo settings in near future.
Gene expression of S100a8/a9 predicts Staphylococcus aureus-induced septic arthritis in mice
Authors: Deshmukh Meghshree , Subhash Santhilal , Hu Zhicheng , Mohammad Majd , Jarneborn Anders , Pullerits Rille , Jin Tao , Kopparapu Pradeep Kumar
Published: June 2023

Septic arthritis is the most aggressive joint disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. The interplay of the host immune system with the invading pathogens impacts the pathophysiology of septic arthritis. Early antibiotic treatment is crucial for a better prognosis to save the patients from severe bone damage and later joint dysfunction. To date, there are no specific predictive biomarkers for septic arthritis. Transcriptome sequencing analysis identified S100a8/a9 genes to be highly expressed in septic arthritis compared to non-septic arthritis at the early course of infection in an Staphylococcus aureus septic arthritis mouse model. Importantly, downregulation of S100a8/a9 mRNA expression at the early course of infection was noticed in mice infected with the S. aureus Sortase A/B mutant strain totally lacking arthritogenic capacity compared with the mice infected with parental S. aureus arthritogenic strain. The mice infected intra-articularly with the S. aureus arthritogenic strain significantly increased S100a8/a9 protein expression levels in joints over time. Intriguingly, the synthetic bacterial lipopeptide Pam2CSK4 was more potent than Pam3CSK4 in inducing S100a8/a9 release upon intra-articular injection of these lipopeptides into the mouse knee joints. Such an effect was dependent on the presence of monocytes/macrophages. In conclusion, S100a8/a9 gene expression may serve as a potential biomarker to predict septic arthritis, enabling the development of more effective treatment strategies.
Identification of a novel type II-C Cas9 from the fish pathogen Flavobacterium psychrophilum
Authors: Chen Fuguang , Wang Di , Lu Tongyan , Li Shaowu
Published: June 2023

Flavobacterium psychrophilum is the causative agent of rainbow trout fry syndrome and bacterial cold-water disease in salmonid fish worldwide. As an important fish pathogen, F. psychrophilum is frequently exposed to multiple invading genetic elements in natural environments. Endonuclease Cas9 provides bacteria with adaptive interference against invading genetic elements. Previous studies revealed that several F. psychrophilum strains harbored a type II-C Cas9 called Fp1Cas9, but little is known about the potential role of this endonuclease against invading genetic elements. In this work, we identified a gene encoding a novel type II-C Cas9 called Fp2Cas9 from F. psychrophilum strain CN46. Through bacterial RNA sequencing, we demonstrated active transcription of both Fp2Cas9 and pre-crRNAs in strain CN46. Bioinformatics analysis further revealed that the transcription of Fp2Cas9 and pre-crRNAs was driven by a newly integrated promoter sequence and a promoter element embedded within each CRISPR repeat, respectively. To formally demonstrate that Fp2Cas9 and associated crRNAs yielded functional interference in strain CN46, a plasmid interference assay was performed, resulting in adaptive immunity to target DNA sequences in Flavobacterium bacteriophages. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that Fp2Cas9 was present only in several F. psychrophilum isolates. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that this novel endonuclease was probably acquired through horizontal gene transfer from the CRISPR-Cas9 system in an unidentified Flavobacterium species. Comparative genomics analysis further showed that the Fp2Cas9 was integrated into the type II-C CRISPR-Cas locus in strain CN38 instead of the original Fp1Cas9. Taken together, our results shed light on the origin and evolution of Fp2Cas9 gene and demonstrated that this novel endonuclease provided adaptive interference against bacteriophage infections.
The genetic variability and evolution of red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus quasispecies can be associated with its virulence
Authors: Ortega-del Campo Sergio , Díaz-Martínez Luis , Moreno Patricia , García-Rosado Esther , Alonso M. Carmen , Béjar Julia , Grande-Pérez Ana
Published: June 2023

Nervous necrosis virus, NNV, is a neurotropic virus that causes viral nervous necrosis disease in a wide range of fish species, including European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). NNV has a bisegmented (+) ssRNA genome consisting of RNA1, which encodes the RNA polymerase, and RNA2, encoding the capsid protein. The most prevalent NNV species in sea bass is red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV), causing high mortality in larvae and juveniles. Reverse genetics studies have associated amino acid 270 of the RGNNV capsid protein with RGNNV virulence in sea bass. NNV infection generates quasispecies and reassortants able to adapt to various selective pressures, such as host immune response or switching between host species. To better understand the variability of RGNNV populations and their association with RGNNV virulence, sea bass specimens were infected with two RGNNV recombinant viruses, a wild-type, rDl956, highly virulent to sea bass, and a single-mutant virus, Mut270Dl965, less virulent to this host. Both viral genome segments were quantified in brain by RT-qPCR, and genetic variability of whole-genome quasispecies was studied by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Copies of RNA1 and RNA2 in brains of fish infected with the low virulent virus were 1,000-fold lower than those in brains of fish infected with the virulent virus. In addition, differences between the two experimental groups in the Ts/Tv ratio, recombination frequency and genetic heterogeneity of the mutant spectra in the RNA2 segment were found. These results show that the entire quasispecies of a bisegmented RNA virus changes as a consequence of a single point mutation in the consensus sequence of one of its segments. Sea bream (Sparus aurata) is an asymptomatic carrier for RGNNV, thus rDl965 is considered a low-virulence isolate in this species. To assess whether the quasispecies characteristics of rDl965 were conserved in another host showing different susceptibility, juvenile sea bream were infected with rDl965 and analyzed as above described. Interestingly, both viral load and genetic variability of rDl965 in seabream were similar to those of Mut270Dl965 in sea bass. This result suggests that the genetic variability and evolution of RGNNV mutant spectra may be associated with its virulence.