bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using the Mixed Culture of Fodder Mallow (Malva verticillata L.) and White Sweet Clover (Melilotus albus Medik.) for Methane Production
Authors: Kintl Antonín , Huňady Igor , Holátko Jiří , Vítěz Tomáš , Hammerschmiedt Tereza , Brtnický Martin , Ondrisková Vladěna , Elbl Jakub
Published: February 2022

The ever-growing number of biogas plants also leads to an increasing demand for suitable, alternative plant substrates. A currently dominant plant substrate is maize silage. However, intensive cultivation of maize (Zea mays L.) as an energy crop in monocultures poses risk to the environment (soil erosion, depletion of soil nutrient supplies, increased concentration of pests—Ostrinia nubilalis). In this study, results of experimental methane production from silages of alternative substrates, such as fodder mallow (Malva verticillata var. crispa L.; FM), white sweet clover (Melilotus albus Medik.; WSC) and their mixture, are presented. Based on the dry matter yield of a mixed culture of mallow and sweet clover, the value of the land equivalent ratio parameter (LER) was set as 1.05. The obtained LER (>1) value shows that the cultivation of the two tested crops in the mixed culture is more beneficial than their monocultures. Methane production from all three silage variants was fully comparable with results of methane production from the maize silage. Anaerobic fermentation of the mixture of FM and WSC did not result in higher methane yield than the average result of monosubstrates.
Biocontrol Potential of Novel Emerging Multiacting Bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NC6 against Brevicoryne brassicae in Brassica rapa ssp. Pekinensis
Authors: Javed Khadija , Humayun Talha , Humayun Ayesha , Wang Yong , Javed Humayun , Iqbal Mohsan
Published: February 2022

The emerging elicitor protein PeBA1, extracted from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NC6, was tested against the cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae) for its biocontrol potential. Its effects on the survival, lifespan, immature development, adult reproductive performance, and pest–pathogen interaction were assessed using electrical penetration graphs (EPGs) against B. brassicae. Furthermore, the direct effects of PeBA1 with temperature and climate change in Brassica rapa ssp. Pekinensis plants were investigated by the characterization of active compounds in B. amyloliquefaciens with multi-acting entomopathogenic effects. Compared with controls, PeBA1 treatments decreased (second- and third-generation) B. brassicae population growth rates. In a host selection test, control plants were colonized faster by B. brassicae than PeBA1-treated B. rapa plants. The B. brassicae nymphal development was extended by PeBA1 concentrations. Likewise, fecundity was reduced in PeBA1-treated seedlings compared with control, with fewer offspring produced. The trichomes and wax production on PeBA1-treated leaves resulted in a hostile environment for B. brassicae. PeBA1 altered the surface structure of the leaves, reducing B. brassicae reproduction and preventing colonization. Systemic defensive processes also included the activation of pathways (JA, SA, and ET). Based on these findings against B. brassicae, integrated pest management and bio control with PeBA1 in the agroecosystem appears to be suitable.
Physical and Chemical Characterisation of Conventional and Nano/Emulsions: Influence of Vegetable Oils from Different Origins
Authors: Kampa Jansuda , Frazier Richard , Rodriguez-Garcia Julia
Published: February 2022

The processes of oil production play an important role in defining the final physical and chemical properties of vegetable oils, which have an influence on the formation and characteristics of emulsions. The objective of this work was to investigate the correlations between oils’ physical and chemical properties with the stability of conventional emulsions (d > 200 nm) and nanoemulsions (d < 200 nm). Five vegetable oils obtained from different production processes and with high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids were studied. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), cold-pressed rapeseed oil (CPRO), refined olive oil (OO), refined rapeseed oil (RO) and refined sunflower oil (SO) were used in this study. The results showed that the physicochemical stability of emulsion was affected by fatty acid composition, the presence of antioxidants, free fatty acids and droplet size. There was a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) between the fraction of unsaturated fatty acids and emulsion oxidative stability, where SO, OO and EVOO showed a significantly higher lipid oxidative stability compared to RO and CPRO emulsions. Nanoemulsions with a smaller droplet size showed better physical stability than conventional emulsions. However, there was not a significant correlation between the oxidative stability of emulsions, droplet size and antioxidant capacity of oils.
Characterization and Effect of Refining on the Oil Extracted from Durum Wheat By-Products
Authors: Squeo Giacomo , Silletti Roccangelo , Napoletano Giulia , Greco Miani Marcello , Difonzo Graziana , Pasqualone Antonella , Caponio Francesco
Published: February 2022

Durum wheat is one of the most important cereal grains worldwide, used mostly for pasta making and bakery products. The by-products derived for the milling process, although very abundant, have only limited use. The aim of this work was to characterize the oils extracted from the by-products of debranning (DP) and milling processes (MP) of durum wheat and to follow the changes due to the refining process on the minor components. The results showed that DP had significantly higher oil content than MP, but it was characterized by a significantly lower amount of tocols. Polyunsaturated fatty acids content was similar (around 62% of total fatty acids). Consequently, a mixture of DP/MP (60/40 w/w) was chosen as a basis for further studies concerning the refining process. During refining, carotenoids almost disappeared while tocols were reduced by 24% on average. Free fatty acids, peroxide value, and oxidized triacylglycerols were significantly reduced by refining, while triacylglycerol oligopolymers were significantly higher than the crude oil. Durum wheat oil had an outstanding content of phytosterols and policosanols. Overall, the edible oil obtained from durum wheat after refining could be considered a good source of phytochemicals and could represent a valuable strategy to valorize the by-products from durum wheat mills.
Objects That Object, Subjects That Subvert: Agency in Exeter Book Riddle 5
Authors: Wilcox Jonathan
Published: February 2022

A sequence of Old English riddles from the Exeter Book allow an implement to speak. This article focuses on one example, Riddle 5, generally solved as either a shield or a cutting board, to show how each interpretation gives voice not just to an inanimate object but also to a non-elite member of early medieval English society—either a foot-soldier or a kitchen hand. The two solutions come together because the two answers are captured in a single Old English word—“bord”—and also because the two interpretations resonate in parallel ways, creating sympathy for down-trodden members of society who rarely get so much attention in the surviving poetic record. This article argues that Old English riddles provide an enduring legacy of social critique crafted through humor.
Subsequent Ultrasonographic Non-Visualization of the Ovaries Is Hastened in Women with Only One Ovary Visualized Initially
Authors: Pavlik Edward J. , Fancher Hannah , Dietrich Charles S. , van Nagell John R.
Published: February 2022

Because the effects of age, menopausal status, weight and body mass index (BMI) on ovarian detectability by transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) have not been established, we determined their contributions to TVS visualization of the ovaries when one or both ovaries are visualized on the first ultrasound exam. A total of 29,877 women that had both ovaries visualized on their first exam were followed over 202,639 prospective TVS exams and 9703 women that had only one ovary visualized on their first exam were followed over 63,702 ultrasonography exams. All images were reviewed by a physician. While non-visualization of both ovaries increased with age in women selected on the basis of the visualization of only one ovary on their first ultrasound exam, one or both ovaries could be visualized in two out of every three women at 80 years of age and more than 50% of women over 80 years of age. At each age, more non-visualizations were associated with women that had only one ovary visualized on their first visit. Having only one ovary visualized on the first exam advanced non-visualizations by an average of ~10 years across all ages and by >20 years in women under 40 years of age. Conclusions: Having only one ovary visualized on an initial ultrasound exam considerably hastens complete non-visualization for this population; however, in these women, ovaries can still be visualized well past menopause, and body habitus is not limiting to TVS ovarian imaging, thus TVS should be considered capable of capturing an ovarian image in two out of every three women at 80 years of age.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Cancer Pain Management in Italy: Findings from a Nationwide SIAARTI Survey
Authors: Cascella Marco , Vittori Alessandro , Petrucci Emiliano , Marinangeli Franco , Giarratano Antonino , Cacciagrano Cristina , Tizi Emiliano Simone , Miceli Luca , Natoli Silvia , Cuomo Arturo
Published: February 2022

Objectives: Despite guidelines, a large percentage of cancer patients continue to suffer from ineffectively treated pain. The authors undertook this survey to assess the strengths and weaknesses of cancer pain management in Italy. Design: This was a prospectively administered survey. Participants: The participants were anesthesiologists of the Italian Society of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Resuscitation and Intensive Care (SIAARTI). Intervention: A 58-item questionnaire covered the demographics and features of cancer pain management in the Italian context. Results: The authors received responses from 611 pain therapists of 279 centers. Only 22% of physicians are exclusively pain therapists. Seventy-five percent are specialists in anesthesiology, intensive care, and pain medicine. Most pain centers are hospital or university facilities (78%). The strengths of cancer pain management in Italy are the careful opioid prescriptions, the use of strategies for the treatment of neuropathic pain, patient/healthcare provider partnerships, and breakthrough cancer pain management. Weaknesses to be addressed include poor adherence to guidelines, inadequate attention toward the patient’s quality of life, insufficient use of minimally invasive techniques, lack of teamwork approaches, inappropriate timing of pain specialist engagement, and poor telemedicine use. Conclusions: Despite several strengths, further efforts are needed to improve the care of patients suffering from cancer pain in Italy.
Research on Mixing Law of Liquid Fertilizer Injected into Irrigation Pipe
Authors: Zhang Zhiyang , Chen Chao , Li Hong , Tang Pan
Published: February 2022

The time and position that fertilizer takes to uniformly mix with water in an irrigation system significantly affects the development of a fertilization strategy. A pipe irrigation system was used to study the fertilizer–water mixing law in irrigation pipes using numerical simulation and experiments. The effect of the diameter of the water pipe and fertilizer pipe, water and fertilizer flow rates, concentration and viscosity of fertilizer, frequency of fertilizer injection on the mixing speed, and uniform mixing length indicated that the frequency of fertilizer injection did not affect the mixing process. The increase in the water pipe diameter and fertilizer flow rate or the decrease in fertilizer pipe and water flow rate diameter result in the increase of the speed of fertilizer solution mixing with water along the radial direction of the mixing pipe. The uniform mixing length was directly proportional to the fertilizer pipe diameter, water pipe diameter, water flow rate, and fertilizer viscosity, while it was inversely proportional to the flow rate and concentration of fertilizer. The relationship between the uniform mixing length and six influencing factors was fitted, the fitting was highly accurate, and the fitting equation can be used to predict the uniform mixing length under other conditions.
In Vitro Culture of Eremurus spectabilis (Liliaceae), a Rare Ornamental and Medicinal Plant, through Root Explants
Authors: Basiri Yeganeh , Etemadi Nematollah , Alizadeh Mahdi , Alizargar Javad
Published: February 2022

Eremurus spectabilis M. Bieb, a perennial herbaceous wild species, is commonly used in the horticultural, ornamental, and pharmaceutical markets. Studies on the tissue culture systems for this species would be beneficial for mass multiplication as well as for future breeding programs. An in vitro propagation technique was established here using tuberous root explants as unique and responsive starting materials for culture initiation. The proliferated calli were sub-cultured on shoot proliferation media and regenerated microshoots were assessed. The shoot proliferation rate, leaf number, leaf length, and chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were recorded. The highest callus induction per explant (76.67%), callus dry weight (10.25 mg), callus firmness ratio (3.97), and callus color intensity ratio (2.83) were observed in explants inoculated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 10.0 mgL−1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The highest shoot proliferation rates were obtained when calli were sub-cultured on MS or Schenk and Hildebrandt (SH) basal media supplemented with 2.0 mgL−1 BAP. The half-strength MS medium fortified with 4.0% sucrose + 2.0 mgL−1 indole butyric acid (IBA) + 200 mgL−1 activated charcoal was a superior combination for root emergence and rooting parameters. Regenerated plantlets were then successfully adapted to ex vitro conditions. The reported protocol can be exploited at a commercial scale following minor modification, or could be beneficial in the production of secondary metabolites in bioreactors where callus is required as fresh plant material.
Friends with Benefits: Chemokines, Glioblastoma-Associated Microglia/Macrophages, and Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Codrici Elena , Popescu Ionela-Daniela , Tanase Cristiana , Enciu Ana-Maria
Published: February 2022

Glioma is the most common primary intracranial tumor and has the greatest prevalence of all brain tumors. Treatment resistance and tumor recurrence in GBM are mostly explained by considerable alterations within the tumor microenvironment, as well as extraordinary cellular and molecular heterogeneity. Soluble factors, extracellular matrix components, tissue-resident cell types, resident or newly recruited immune cells together make up the GBM microenvironment. Regardless of many immune cells, a profound state of tumor immunosuppression is supported and developed, posing a considerable hurdle to cancer cells’ immune-mediated destruction. Several studies have suggested that various GBM subtypes present different modifications in their microenvironment, although the importance of the microenvironment in treatment response has yet to be determined. Understanding the microenvironment and how it changes after therapies is critical because it can influence the remaining invasive GSCs and lead to recurrence. This review article sheds light on the various components of the GBM microenvironment and their roles in tumoral development, as well as immune-related biological processes that support the interconnection/interrelationship between different cell types. Also, we summarize the current understanding of the modulation of soluble factors and highlight the dysregulated inflammatory chemokine/specific receptors cascades/networks and their significance in tumorigenesis, cancer-related inflammation, and metastasis.
Adenosine Kinase Isoforms in the Developing Rat Hippocampus after LiCl/Pilocarpine Status Epilepticus
Authors: Fábera Petr , Uttl Libor , Kubová Hana , Tsenov Grygoriy , Mareš Pavel
Published: February 2022

LiCl/pilocarpine status epilepticus (SE) induced in immature rats leads, after a latent period, to hippocampal hyperexcitability. The excitability may be influenced by adenosine, which exhibits anticonvulsant activity. The concentration of adenosine is regulated by adenosine kinase (ADK) present in two isoforms—ADK-L and ADK-S. The main goal of the study is to elucidate the changes in ADK isoform expression after LiCl/pilocarpine SE and whether potential changes, as well as inhibition of ADK by 5-iodotubercidin (5-ITU), may contribute to changes in hippocampal excitability during brain development. LiCl/pilocarpine SE was elicited in 12-day-old rats. Hippocampal excitability in immature rats was studied by the model of hippocampal afterdischarges (ADs), in which we demonstrated the potential inhibitory effect of 5-ITU. ADs demonstrated significantly decreased hippocampal excitability 3 days after SE induction, whereas significant hyperexcitability after 20 days compared to controls was shown. 5-ITU administration showed its inhibitory effect on the ADs in 32-day-old SE rats compared to SE rats without 5-ITU. Moreover, both ADK isoforms were examined in the immature rat hippocampus. The ADK-L isoform demonstrated significantly decreased expression in 12-day-old SE rats compared to the appropriate naïve rats, whereas increased ADK-S isoform expression was revealed. A decreasing ADK-L/-S ratio showed the declining dominance of ADK-L isoform during early brain development. LiCl/pilocarpine SE increased the excitability of the hippocampus 20 days after SE induction. The ADK inhibitor 5-ITU exhibited anticonvulsant activity at the same age. Age-related differences in hippocampal excitability after SE might correspond to the development of ADK isoform levels in the hippocampus.
The Endocrine Disruptor Compound Bisphenol-A (BPA) Regulates the Intra-Tumoral Immune Microenvironment and Increases Lung Metastasis in an Experimental Model of Breast Cancer
Authors: Palacios-Arreola Margarita Isabel , Moreno-Mendoza Norma Angelica , Nava-Castro Karen Elizabeth , Segovia-Mendoza Mariana , Perez-Torres Armando , Garay-Canales Claudia Angelica , Morales-Montor Jorge
Published: February 2022

Breast cancer (BC) metastasis represents the main physiopathology leading to poor prognosis and death. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a pollutant, classified as an endocrine-disrupting chemical compound with estrogenic properties, their exposure in the early stages of neonatal life leads to an increase in the size and weight of breast tumors and induces cellular changes in the tumoral immune microenvironment where cytokines play a key role. Thus, we used female BALB/c mice exposed neonatally to a single dose of BPA. Once mice reached sexual maturity, a mammary tumor was induced, injecting 4T1 cells in situ. After 25 days of injection, we evaluated endocrine alterations, cytokine expression, tissue alterations denoted by macro or micro-metastasis in the lung, and cell infiltration induced by metastasis. We found that BPA neonatal treatment did not show significant endocrine alterations. Noteworthy, BPA led to an augmented rate of metastasis to the lung associated with higher intratumoral expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and VEGF. Our data suggest that cytokines are key players in the induction of BC metastasis and that BPA (an environmental pollutant) should be considered as a risk factor in the clinical history of patients as a possible inductor of BC metastasis.
Oxygen-Ozone Therapy for Reducing Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines Serum Levels in Musculoskeletal and Temporomandibular Disorders: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: de Sire Alessandro , Marotta Nicola , Ferrillo Martina , Agostini Francesco , Sconza Cristiano , Lippi Lorenzo , Respizzi Stefano , Giudice Amerigo , Invernizzi Marco , Ammendolia Antonio
Published: February 2022

To date, the application of oxygen-ozone (O2O3) therapy has significantly increased in the common clinical practice in several pathological conditions. However, beyond the favorable clinical effects, the biochemical effects of O2O3 are still far from being understood. This comprehensive review aimed at investigating the state of the art about the effects of O2O3 therapy on pro-inflammatory cytokines serum levels as a modulator of oxidative stress in patients with musculoskeletal and temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The efficacy of O2O3 therapy could be related to the moderate oxidative stress modulation produced by the interaction of ozone with biological components. More in detail, O2O3 therapy is widely used as an adjuvant therapeutic option in several pathological conditions characterized by chronic inflammatory processes and immune overactivation. In this context, most musculoskeletal and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) share these two pathophysiological processes. Despite the paucity of in vivo studies, this comprehensive review suggests that O2O3 therapy might reduce serum levels of interleukin 6 in patients with TMD, low back pain, knee osteoarthritis and rheumatic diseases with a concrete and measurable interaction with the inflammatory pathway. However, to date, further studies are needed to clarify the effects of this promising therapy on inflammatory mediators and their clinical implications.
Current Development, Obstacle and Futural Direction of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment in Degenerative Retinal Disease
Authors: Chiang Ming-Cheng , Chern Edward
Published: February 2022

Degenerative retinal disease is one of the major causes of vision loss around the world. The past several decades have witnessed emerging development of stem cell treatment for retinal disease. Nevertheless, sourcing stem cells remains controversial due to ethical concerns and their rarity. Furthermore, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are both isolated from patients’ mature tissues; thus, issues such as avoiding moral controversy and adverse events related to immunosuppression and obtaining a large number of cells have opened a new era in regenerative medicine. This review focuses on the current application and development, clinical trials, and latest research of stem cell therapy, as well as its limitations and future directions.
Spheroid-Based Tissue Engineering Strategies for Regeneration of the Intervertebral Disc
Authors: Kasamkattil Jesil , Gryadunova Anna , Martin Ivan , Barbero Andrea , Schären Stefan , Krupkova Olga , Mehrkens Arne
Published: February 2022

Degenerative disc disease, a painful pathology of the intervertebral disc (IVD), often causes disability and reduces quality of life. Although regenerative cell-based strategies have shown promise in clinical trials, none have been widely adopted clinically. Recent developments demonstrated that spheroid-based approaches might help overcome challenges associated with cell-based IVD therapies. Spheroids are three-dimensional multicellular aggregates with architecture that enables the cells to differentiate and synthesize endogenous ECM, promotes cell-ECM interactions, enhances adhesion, and protects cells from harsh conditions. Spheroids could be applied in the IVD both in scaffold-free and scaffold-based configurations, possibly providing advantages over cell suspensions. This review highlights areas of future research in spheroid-based regeneration of nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF). We also discuss cell sources and methods for spheroid fabrication and characterization, mechanisms related to spheroid fusion, as well as enhancement of spheroid performance in the context of the IVD microenvironment.
The R369 Myosin Residue within Loop 4 Is Critical for Actin Binding and Muscle Function in Drosophila
Authors: Trujillo Adriana S. , Hsu Karen H. , Viswanathan Meera C. , Cammarato Anthony , Bernstein Sanford I.
Published: February 2022

The myosin molecular motor interacts with actin filaments in an ATP-dependent manner to yield muscle contraction. Myosin heavy chain residue R369 is located within loop 4 at the actin-tropomyosin interface of myosin’s upper 50 kDa subdomain. To probe the importance of R369, we introduced a histidine mutation of that residue into Drosophila myosin and implemented an integrative approach to determine effects at the biochemical, cellular, and whole organism levels. Substituting the similarly charged but bulkier histidine residue reduces maximal actin binding in vitro without affecting myosin ATPase activity. R369H mutants exhibit impaired flight ability that is dominant in heterozygotes and progressive with age in homozygotes. Indirect flight muscle ultrastructure is normal in mutant homozygotes, suggesting that assembly defects or structural deterioration of myofibrils are not causative of reduced flight. Jump ability is also reduced in homozygotes. In contrast to these skeletal muscle defects, R369H mutants show normal heart ultrastructure and function, suggesting that this residue is differentially sensitive to perturbation in different myosin isoforms or muscle types. Overall, our findings indicate that R369 is an actin binding residue that is critical for myosin function in skeletal muscles, and suggest that more severe perturbations at this residue may cause human myopathies through a similar mechanism.
Methyl Donors Reduce Cell Proliferation by Diminishing Erk-Signaling and NFkB Levels, While Increasing E-Cadherin Expression in Panc-1 Cell Line
Authors: Kiss Eva , Forika Gertrud , Dank Magdolna , Krenacs Tibor , Nemeth Zsuzsanna
Published: February 2022

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignancy with high metastatic potential. There are several lifestyle-related determinants in its etiology, including diet. Methyl donors are dietary micronutrients which play an important role in fueling vital metabolic pathways, and as bioactive food components provide methyl groups as substrates and cofactors. The imbalanced nutritional status of methyl donors has recently been linked to pathological conditions. Therefore, we hypothesized that dietary methyl donors may improve the physiology of cancer patients, including those with pancreatic cancer, and could be used for intervention therapy. In this study, methyl-donor treatment (L-methionine, choline chloride, folic acid and vitamin B12) of an aggressive pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line (Panc-1) resulted in significantly increased p21WAF1/Cip1 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor levels, along with apoptotic SubG1 fractions. At the same time, phospho-Erk1/2 levels and proliferation rate were significantly reduced. Though methyl-donor treatments also increased the pro-apoptotic protein Bak, Puma and Caspase-9, it failed to elevate cleaved Caspase-3 levels. In addition, the treatment significantly reduced the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17a and the transcription factor NFkB. Similarly, a significant decrease in VEGF and SDF-1a levels were detected, which may indicate reduced metastatic potential. As expected, E-cadherin expression was inversely associated with these changes, showing elevated expression after methyl-donor treatment. In summary, we found that methyl donors may have the potential to reduce aggressive and proliferative phenotype of Panc-1 cells. This suggests a promising role of dietary methyl donors for complementing relevant cancer therapies, even in treatment-resistant pancreatic adenocarcinomas.
Behavioral Effects of Exposure to Phthalates in Female Rodents: Evidence for Endocrine Disruption?
Authors: Adam Nolwenn , Mhaouty-Kodja Sakina
Published: February 2022

Phthalates have been widely studied for their reprotoxic effects in male rodents and in particular on testosterone production, for which reference doses were established. The female rodent brain can also represent a target for exposure to these environmental endocrine disruptors. Indeed, a large range of behaviors including reproductive behaviors, mood-related behaviors, and learning and memory are regulated by sex steroid hormones. Here we review the experimental studies addressing the effects and mechanisms of phthalate exposure on these behaviors in female rodents, paying particular attention to the experimental conditions (period of exposure, doses, estrous stage of analyses etc.). The objective of this review is to provide a clear picture of the consistent effects that can occur in female rodents and the gaps that still need to be filled in terms of effects and mode(s) of action for a better risk assessment for human health.
Reorienting Mechanism of Harderoheme in Coproheme Decarboxylase—A Computational Study
Authors: Liu Wei , Pang Yunjie , Song Yutian , Li Xichen , Tan Hongwei , Chen Guangju
Published: February 2022

Coproheme decarboxylase (ChdC) is an important enzyme in the coproporphyrin-dependent pathway (CPD) of Gram-positive bacteria that decarboxylates coproheme on two propionates at position 2 and position 4 sequentially to generate heme b by using H2O2 as an oxidant. This work focused on the ChdC from Geobacillus stearothermophilus (GsChdC) to elucidate the mechanism of its sequential two-step decarboxylation of coproheme. The models of GsChdC in a complex with substrate and reaction intermediate were built to investigate the reorienting mechanism of harderoheme. Targeted molecular dynamics simulations on these models validated that harderoheme is able to rotate in the active site of GsChdC with a 19.06-kcal·mol−1 energy barrier after the first step of decarboxylation to bring the propionate at position 4 in proximity of Tyr145 to continue the second decarboxylation step. The harderoheme rotation mechanism is confirmed to be much easier than the release–rebinding mechanism. In the active site of GsChdC, Trp157 and Trp198 comprise a “gate” construction to regulate the clockwise rotation of the harderoheme. Lys149 plays a critical role in the rotation mechanism, which not only keeps the Trp157–Trp198 “gate” from being closed but also guides the propionate at position 4 through the gap between Trp157 and Trp198 through a salt bridge interaction.
Protein Expression of AEBP1, MCM4, and FABP4 Differentiate Osteogenic, Adipogenic, and Mesenchymal Stromal Stem Cells
Authors: Sauer Thorben , Facchinetti Giulia , Kohl Michael , Kowal Justyna M. , Rozanova Svitlana , Horn Julia , Schmal Hagen , Kwee Ivo , Schulz Arndt-Peter , Hartwig Sonja , Kassem Moustapha , Habermann Jens K. , Gemoll Timo
Published: February 2022

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) gain an increasing focus in the field of regenerative medicine due to their differentiation abilities into chondrocytes, adipocytes, and osteoblastic cells. However, it is apparent that the transformation processes are extremely complex and cause cellular heterogeneity. The study aimed to characterize differences between MSCs and cells after adipogenic (AD) or osteoblastic (OB) differentiation at the proteome level. Comparative proteomic profiling was performed using tandem mass spectrometry in data-independent acquisition mode. Proteins were quantified by deep neural networks in library-free mode and correlated to the Molecular Signature Database (MSigDB) hallmark gene set collections for functional annotation. We analyzed 4108 proteins across all samples, which revealed a distinct clustering between MSCs and cell differentiation states. Protein expression profiling identified activation of the Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) signaling pathway after AD. In addition, two distinct protein marker panels could be defined for osteoblastic and adipocytic cell lineages. Hereby, overexpression of AEBP1 and MCM4 for OB as well as of FABP4 for AD was detected as the most promising molecular markers. Combination of deep neural network and machine-learning algorithms with data-independent mass spectrometry distinguish MSCs and cell lineages after adipogenic or osteoblastic differentiation. We identified specific proteins as the molecular basis for bone formation, which could be used for regenerative medicine in the future.
Design Demand Trend Acquisition Method Based on Short Text Mining of User Comments in Shopping Websites
Authors: Xiong Zhiyong , Yan Zhaoxiong , Yao Huanan , Liang Shangsong
Published: February 2022

In order to facilitate designers to explore the market demand trend of laptops and to establish a better “network users-market feedback mechanism”, we propose a design and research method of a short text mining tool based on the K-means clustering algorithm and Kano mode. An improved short text clustering algorithm is used to extract the design elements of laptops. Based on the traditional questionnaire, we extract the user’s attention factors, score the emotional tendency, and analyze the user’s needs based on the Kano model. Then, we select 10 laptops, process them by the improved algorithm, cluster the evaluation words and quantify the emotional orientation matching. Based on the obtained data, we design a visual interaction logic and usability test. These prove that the proposed method is feasible and effective.
Changes in the Deceased-Donor Trend in Korea: Establishment of Regional Trauma Centers and KODA
Authors: Lee Jeong-Moo
Published: February 2022

South Korea utilizes living-donor liver transplantation to overcome a shortage of deceased donors. After the Korea Organ Donation Agency (KODA) was established, many hospitals were selected to be donor-managing hospital. A nationwide regional trauma center project was carried out separately in 2015. This study aims to analyze how the trend of deceased-donor recruitment and donation has changed based on policy factors such as independent organ-procurement organization (IOPO) activities and establishing regional trauma centers. KONOS data from 2010–2019 were used to analyze the impacts of these policy changes. The results showed that 62 centers had 4395 deceased donors, and 3863 recipients underwent deceased-donor liver transplantation. The two most common causes of donor death are cerebrovascular events and head trauma. When the rate of deceased donors was analyzed by the early period (2010–2014) and the late period (2015–2019), 53 non-trauma centers went from an average of 29.3 cases to 31.0 cases (6.2% increase) annually. Nine regional trauma centers showed a statistically significant increase from an average of 39.8 cases to 70.3 cases (75.9% increase) annually. Based on these policies, he locations where deceased donors are identified are changing. It is necessary to communicate with regional trauma center staff to recruit more deceased donors.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Moula Amalia Ioanna , Parrini Iris , Tetta Cecilia , Lucà Fabiana , Parise Gianmarco , Rao Carmelo Massimiliano , Mauro Emanuela , Parise Orlando , Matteucci Francesco , Gulizia Michele Massimo , La Meir Mark , Gelsomino Sandro
Published: February 2022

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia, increasing with age and comorbidities. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic sleep disorder more common in older men. It has been shown that OSA is linked to AF. Nonetheless, the prevalence of OSA in patients with AF remains unknown because OSA is significantly underdiagnosed. This review, including 54,271 patients, carried out a meta-analysis to investigate the association between OSA and AF. We also performed a meta-regression to explore cofactors influencing this correlation. A strong link was found between these two disorders. The incidence of AF is 88% higher in patients with OSA. Age and hypertension independently strengthened this association, indicating that OSA treatment could help reduce AF recurrence. Further research is needed to confirm these findings. Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia, increasing with age and comorbidities. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a regulatory respiratory disorder of partial or complete collapse of the upper airways during sleep leading to recurrent pauses in breathing. OSA is more common in older men. Evidence exists that OSA is linked to AF. Nonetheless, the prevalence of OSA in patients with AF remains unknown because OSA is underdiagnosed. In order to investigate the incidence of AF in OSA patients, we carried out a meta-analysis including 20 scientific studies with a total of 54,271 subjects. AF was present in 4801 patients of whom 2203 (45.9%) had OSA and 2598 (54.1%) did not. Of a total of 21,074 patients with OSA, 2203 (10.5%) had AF and 18,871 (89.5%) did not. The incidence of AF was 88% higher in patients with OSA. We performed a meta-regression to explore interacting factors potentially influencing the occurrence of AF in OSA. Older age and hypertension independently strengthened this association. The clinical significance of our results is that patients with OSA should be referred early to the cardiologist. Further research is needed for the definition of the mechanisms of association between AF and OSA.
Cryptocurrencies, Diversification and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Allen David E.
Published: February 2022

This paper features an analysis of cryptocurrencies and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their effectiveness as a portfolio diversification tool and explores the correlations between the continuously compounded returns on Bitcoin, Ethereum and the S&P500 Index using a variety of parametric and non-parametric techniques. These methods include linear standard metrics such as the application of ordinary least squares regression (OLS) and the Pearson, Spearman and Kendall’s tau measures of association. In addition, non-linear, non-parametric measures such as the Generalised Measure of Correlation (GMC) and non-parametric copula estimates are applied. The results across this range of measures are consistent. The metrics suggest that, whilst the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic does not appear to have increased the correlations between the cryptocurrency series, it appears to have increased the correlations between the returns on cryptocurrencies and those on the S&P500 Index. This suggests that investments in cryptocurrencies are not likely to offer key diversification strategies in times of crisis, on the basis of evidence provided by this crisis.
Assessment of Critical Diffusion Factors of Public–Private Partnership and Social Policy: Evidence from Mainland Prefecture-Level Cities in China
Authors: Li Xiaohan , Lv Yang , Sarker Md Nazirul Islam , Zeng Xun
Published: February 2022

Cooperation between government and social capital is an important starting point in the supply-side reform of public services. It is also an effective practice in public governance innovation. Based on policy diffusion theory and event history analysis (EHA), this study analyzes panel data from 282 mainland prefecture-level cities in China from 2004–2020 to explore public–private partnerships’ critical diffusion factors. The study reveals that motivation factors, resource/obstacle factors, and external factors affect government and social capital cooperation policies to different extents. The main driving forces for local governments to adopt these policies are population size, level of economic development, government financial resources, the learning mechanism, and the imitation mechanism. This study proposes the following arguments: firstly, that the ultimate goal of policy innovation is to solve social contradictions and meet public demand; secondly, that economic resources can help to adopt policy innovation and proper diffusion; thirdly, that the public–private partnership (PPP) model has been continuously developed by using experience from other projects or cities through a learning mechanism; and finally, that policy publicity and public opinion expressed via the mainstream media are not only an inducement for policy innovation and diffusion, but also a powerful guarantee. The experience of local governments in China can help to verify whether the “positive factors” that are traditionally considered to be conducive to the cooperation between the government and social capital are effective, and to reveal the internal logic of the innovation diffusion of public policies of local governments in China from a more multidimensional perspective.
Microstructure Evolution and Performance Improvement of Silicon Carbide Ceramics via Impregnation Method
Authors: Li Wei , Guo Conghui , Cui Congcong , Bao Jianxun , Zhang Ge , Zhang Yubei , Li Shan , Wang Gong
Published: February 2022

The high topological silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics can be prepared by stereolithography (SLA) combined with liquid silicon infiltration (LSI) techniques. This paper aims to enhance the performance of SiC ceramics prepared by SLA and LSI techniques via the cyclic impregnation/carbonization of the precursor of carbon source solution before LSI. The effects of impregnation/carbonization cycles on the microstructure and properties of C/SiC preform and sintered body were analyzed in detail. The results show that, with the increase of impregnation/carbonization cycles, the porosity in the C/SiC preform decreases obviously and the content of secondary SiC in the sintered body increases effectively. Especially, when the impregnation/carbonization cycle was performed twice, the sintered body had the optimal mechanical properties. The value of flexural strength, bulk density and elastic modulus were 258.63 ± 8.33 MPa, 2.95 ± 0.02 g/cm3 and 425.16 ± 14.15 GPa, respectively. In addition, the thermal dimensional stability of sintered body was also improved by this method. This method proves that SiC ceramics prepared by SLA combined with LSI have the potential of applications in space optical mirrors.
DFM-GCN: A Multi-Task Learning Recommendation Based on a Deep Graph Neural Network
Authors: Xiao Yan , Li Congdong , Liu Vincenzo
Published: February 2022

Among the inherent problems in recommendation systems are data sparseness and cold starts; the solutions to which lie in the introduction of knowledge graphs to improve the performance of the recommendation systems. The results in previous research, however, suffer from problems such as data compression, information damage, and insufficient learning. Therefore, a DeepFM Graph Convolutional Network (DFM-GCN) model was proposed to alleviate the above issues. The prediction of the click-through rate (CTR) is critical in recommendation systems where the task is to estimate the probability that a user will click on a recommended item. In many recommendation systems, the goal is to maximize the number of clicks so the items returned to a user can be ranked by an estimated CTR. The DFM-GCN model consists of three parts: the left part DeepFM is used to capture the interactive information between the users and items; the deep neural network is used in the middle to model the left and right parts; and the right one obtains a better item representation vector by the GCN. In an effort to verify the validity and precision of the model built in this research, and based on the public datasets ml1m-kg20m and ml1m-kg1m, a performance comparison experiment was designed. It used multiple comparison models and the MKR and FM_MKR algorithms as well as the DFM-GCN algorithm constructed in this paper. Having achieved a state-of-the-art performance, the experimental results of the AUC and f1 values verified by the CTR as well as the accuracy, recall, and f1 values of the top-k showed that the proposed approach was excellent and more effective when compared with different recommendation algorithms.
-2548G>A LEP Polymorphism Is Positively Associated with Increased Leptin and Glucose Levels in Obese Saudi Patients Irrespective of Blood Pressure Status
Authors: Sabi Essa M. , Bin Dahman Lotfi S. , Mohammed Abdul Khader , Sumaily Khalid M. , Al-Daghri Nasser M.
Published: February 2022

Background and Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate the link between common -2548G>A (rs7799039) promoter variant of the human leptin gene (LEP) with leptin and serum glucose leptin levels in obese Saudi patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 206 Saudi adults (80 obese normotensive nondiabetics, 76 obese hypertensive with Type 2 Diabetes and 50 normotensive nondiabetic controls) were genotyped for -2548G>A LEP polymorphism using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-length polymorphism technique. Results: Participants with minor AA genotype had significantly higher blood glucose levels (6.8 ± 0.55 mmol/L vs. 5.8 ± 0.30 mmol/L; p < 0.04) and HOMA-IR (4.1 ± 0.84 vs. 2.6 ± 0.67; p = 0.03) against those carrying major GG genotype. Participants with heterozygous GA genotype had significantly higher serum leptin levels against those carrying major GG genotype (40.0 ± 2.6 ng/mL vs. 29.6 ± 2.6 ng/mL; p = 0.04). Further investigation showed that individuals with AA, GA, GA + AA genotypes are at greater risk of developing hyperglycemia compared to those with GG genotype [OR 3.7(1.6–8.4), p = 0.001; 3.2 (1.2–8.6), p = 0.03; 3.5 (1.6–7.7), p = 0.001, respectively]. Additionally, the -2548AA allele was shown to be a risk factor for hyperglycemia [OR 1.9 (1.2–3.0), p = 0.006]. Our data revealed no relationship between this variant of the LEP gene with systolic and diastolic BP, signifying that this genetic variant is not a significant marker of obesity and hypertension in the Saudi population. Conclusions: AA and GA genotypes and LEP gene -2548AA alleles may signify potent risk factors predisposing healthy individuals to develop T2DM regardless of blood-pressure profile.
Synergy of Cellulase Systems between Acetivibrio thermocellus and Thermoclostridium stercorarium in Consolidated-Bioprocessing for Cellulosic Ethanol
Authors: Wang Na , Yan Zhihua , Liu Na , Zhang Xiaorong , Xu Chenggang
Published: February 2022

Anaerobes harbor some of the most efficient biological machinery for cellulose degradation, especially thermophilic bacteria, such as Acetivibrio thermocellus and Thermoclostridium stercorarium, which play a fundamental role in transferring lignocellulose into ethanol through consolidated bioprocessing (CBP). In this study, we compared activities of two cellulase systems under varying kinds of hemicellulose and cellulose. A. thermocellus was identified to contribute specifically to cellulose hydrolysis, whereas T. stercorarium contributes to hemicellulose hydrolysis. The two systems were assayed in various combinations to assess their synergistic effects using cellulose and corn stover as the substrates. Their maximum synergy degrees on cellulose and corn stover were, respectively, 1.26 and 1.87 at the ratio of 3:2. Furthermore, co-culture of these anaerobes on the mixture of cellulose and xylan increased ethanol concentration from 21.0 to 40.4 mM with a high cellulose/xylan-to-ethanol conversion rate of up to 20.7%, while the conversion rates of T. stercorarium and A. thermocellus monocultures were 19.3% and 15.2%. The reason is that A. thermocellus had the ability to rapidly degrade cellulose while T. stercorarium co-utilized both pentose and hexose, the metabolites of cellulose degradation, to produce ethanol. The synergistic effect of cellulase systems and metabolic pathways in A. thermocellus and T. stercorarium provides a novel strategy for the design, selection, and optimization of ethanol production from cellulosic biomass through CBP.