bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Environmental DNA to Detect Grass Carp Spawning Events
Authors: Hayer Cari-Ann , Bayless Michael F. , George Amy , Thompson Nathan , Richter Catherine A. , Chapman Duane C.
Published: August 2020

The timing and location of spawning events are important data for managers seeking to control invasive grass carp populations. Ichthyoplankton tows for grass carp eggs and larvae can be used to detect spawning events; however, these samples can be highly debris-laden, and are expensive and laborious to process. An alternative method, environmental DNA (eDNA) technology, has proven effective in determining the presence of aquatic species. The objectives of this project were to assess the use of eDNA collections and quantitative eDNA analysis to assess the potential spawning of grass carp in five reservoir tributaries, and to compare those results to the more traditional method of ichthyoplankton tows. Grass carp eDNA was detected in 56% of sampling occasions and was detected in all five rivers. Concentrations of grass carp eDNA were orders of magnitude higher in June, corresponding to elevated discharge and egg presence. Grass carp environmental DNA flux (copies/h) was lower when no eggs were present and was higher when velocities and discharge increased and eggs were present. There was a positive relationship between grass carp eDNA flux and egg flux. Our results support the further development of eDNA analysis as a method to detect the spawning events of grass carp or other rheophilic spawners.
Optimising the Spray Drying of Avocado Wastewater and Use of the Powder as a Food Preservative for Preventing Lipid Peroxidation
Authors: Permal Rahul , Chang Wee Leong , Chen Tony , Seale Brent , Hamid Nazimah , Kam Rothman
Published: August 2020

Avocado wastewater (AWW) is the largest by-product of cold pressed avocado oil. The aim of this study was to valorise AWW by converting it into spray dried powder for use as a lipid peroxidation inhibiting food preservative. To increase the powder yield of AWW, addition of carriers and spray drying parameters (temperature and feed flow rate) were optimised. The highest AWW powder yield was 49%, and was obtained using 5% whey protein concentrate (WPC), with a feed flow rate of 5.8 g/min and an inlet drying temperature of 160 °C. The liquid chromatography mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS) analysis showed that AWW encapsulated with WPC had the highest retention of α-tocopherol (181.6 mg/kg powder). AWW with 5% WPC was tested as a preservative in pork fat cooked at 180 °C for 15 min. Thiobarbaturic acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay showed that the effectiveness of AWW powder was comparable to commercial additives such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), and sodium erythorbate (E316).
Influence of Resilience, Everyday Stress, Self-Efficacy, Self-Esteem, Emotional Intelligence, and Empathy on Attitudes toward Sexual and Gender Diversity Rights
Authors: Morales Rodríguez Francisco Manuel , Rodríguez Clares René , García Muñoz María Remedios
Published: August 2020

The present study forms part of the project “Cross-disciplinary education for sexual, body, and gender diversity” (Code 419). The aim of this study was to analyze the role played by the psychoeducational variables involved in burnout (resilience, self-efficacy, self-esteem, emotional intelligence, empathy, and everyday stress) on attitudes toward sexual and gender diversity rights. Participants comprised 170 university students undertaking a degree in primary education. Instruments were administered to assess the constructs analyzed, ensuring informed consent, voluntary participation, anonymity, and data confidentiality. An ex post facto design was employed to determine whether attitudes toward sexual and gender diversity rights are influenced by the possible relationships and role of these variables. We found statistically significant associations between students’ attitudes toward sexual and gender diversity at all three levels (sociocultural, relational, and personal) and the variable of burnout. Attitudes towards gender sexual orientation and gender identity rights influence burnout, and vice versa. As we ponder deeply about how these factors influence one another, we can shift our perspectives in a way that builds social harmony. It is important to learn how exactly these influences work, and this knowledge translates into making teaching strategies more effective to help raise awareness about guaranteeing rights for all. At the personal level of students’ attitudes toward sexual and gender diversity/equality, we found positive correlations between this level and the total score for the variable of resilience and with its factor of personal competence. The data obtained will be of use for future psychoeducational assessment and intervention programs related to an education in sexual orientation and gender identity rights that are aimed at developing socio-emotional competencies and attention to diversity with the ultimate goal of improving social harmony by dismantling stereotypes and raising awareness of the importance of the variables of resilience, self-efficacy, self-esteem, emotional intelligence, empathy, and everyday stress which highlights how “education is an instrument of social transformation”.
Resisting Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Therapy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Haibe Yolla , El Husseini Ziad , El Sayed Rola , Shamseddine Ali
Published: August 2020

The treatment landscape in oncology has witnessed a major revolution with the introduction of checkpoint inhibitors: anti-PD1, anti-PDL1 and anti-CTLA-4. These agents enhance the immune response towards cancer cells instead of targeting the tumor itself, contrary to standard chemotherapy. Although long-lasting durable responses have been observed with immune checkpoints inhibitors, the response rate remains relatively low in many cases. Some patients respond in the beginning but then eventually develop acquired resistance to treatment and progress. Other patients having primary resistance never respond. Multiple studies have been conducted to further elucidate these variations in response in different tumor types and different individuals. This paper provides an overview of the mechanisms of resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors and highlights the possible therapeutic approaches under investigation aiming to overcome such resistance in order to improve the clinical outcomes of cancer patients.
The Effect of Calcium and Halide Ions on the Gramicidin A Molecular State and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Carillo Kathleen D. , Lo Chi-Jen , Tzou Der-Lii M. , Lin Yi-Hung , Fang Shang-Ting , Huang Shu-Hsiang , Chen Yi-Cheng
Published: August 2020

Gramicidin A (gA) forms several convertible conformations in different environments. In this study, we investigated the effect of calcium halides on the molecular state and antimicrobial activity of gramicidin A. The molecular state of gramicidin A is highly affected by the concentration of calcium salt and the type of halide anion. Gramicidin A can exist in two states that can be characterized by circular dichroism (CD), mass, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and fluorescence spectroscopy. In State 1, the main molecular state of gramicidin A is as a dimer, and the addition of calcium salt can convert a mixture of four species into a single species, which is possibly a left-handed parallel double helix. In State 2, the addition of calcium halides drives gramicidin A dissociation and denaturation from a structured dimer into a rapid equilibrium of structured/unstructured monomer. We found that the abilities of dissociation and denaturation were highly dependent on the type of halide anion. The dissociation ability of calcium halides may play a vital role in the antimicrobial activity, as the structured monomeric form had the highest antimicrobial activity. Herein, our study demonstrated that the molecular state was correlated with the antimicrobial activity.
Characteristics of Malignant Pleural Effusion Resident CD8+ T Cells from a Heterogeneous Collection of Tumors
Authors: Dhupar Rajeev , Okusanya Olugbenga T. , Eisenberg Seth H. , Monaco Sara E. , Ruffin Ayana T. , Liu Dongyan , Luketich James D. , Kammula Udai S. , Bruno Tullia C. , Lotze Michael T. , Soloff Adam C.
Published: August 2020

While T cell-based cancer immunotherapies have shown great promise, there remains a need to understand how individual metastatic tumor environments impart local T cell dysfunction. At advanced stages, cancers that metastasize to the pleural space can result in a malignant pleural effusion (MPE) that harbors abundant tumor and immune cells, often exceeding 108 leukocytes per liter. Unlike other metastatic sites, MPEs are readily and repeatedly accessible via indwelling catheters, providing an opportunity to study the interface between tumor dynamics and immunity. In the current study, we examined CD8+ T cells within MPEs collected from patients with heterogeneous primary tumors and at various stages in treatment to determine (1) if these cells possess anti-tumor activity following removal from the MPE, (2) factors in the MPE that may contribute to their dysfunction, and (3) the phenotypic changes in T cell populations that occur following ex vivo expansion. Co-cultures of CD8+ T cells with autologous CD45― tumor containing cells demonstrated cytotoxicity (p = 0.030) and IFNγ production (p = 0.003) that inversely correlated with percent of myeloid derived suppressor cells, lactate, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) within the MPE. Ex vivo expansion of CD8+ T cells resulted in progressive differentiation marked by distinct populations expressing decreased CD45RA, CCR7, CD127, and increased inhibitory receptors. These findings suggest that MPEs may be a source of tumor-reactive T cells and that the cellular and acellular components suppress optimal function.
Overexpression of MdARD4 Accelerates Fruit Ripening and Increases Cold Hardiness in Tomato
Authors: Guo Tianli , Zhang Xiuzhi , Li Yuxing , Liu Chenlu , Wang Na , Jiang Qi , Wu Junyao , Ma Fengwang , Liu Changhai
Published: August 2020

Ethylene plays an important role in stress adaptation and fruit ripening. Acireductone dioxygenase (ARD) is pivotal for ethylene biosynthesis. However, the response of ARD to fruit ripening or cold stress is still unclear. In this study, we identified three members of Malus ARD family, and expression profile analysis revealed that the transcript level of MdARD4 was induced during apple fruit ripening and after apple plants were being treated with cold stress. To investigate its function in cold tolerance and fruit ripening, MdARD4 was ectopically expressed in Solanum lycopersicum cultivar ‘Micro-Tom’, which has been considered as an excellent model plant for the study of fruit ripening. At the cellular level, the MdARD protein expressed throughout Nicotiana benthamiana epidermal cells. Overexpression of MdARD4 in tomato demonstrated that MdARD4 regulates the ethylene and carotenoid signaling pathway, increases ethylene and carotenoid concentrations, and accelerates fruit ripening. Furthermore, MdARD4 increased the antioxidative ability and cold hardiness in tomato. To conclude, MdARD4 may potentially be used in apple breeding to accelerate fruit ripening and increase cold hardiness.
Characterization of Two Novel Variants of the Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein Identified in a Girl with Classic Lipoid Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Katharopoulos Efstathios , Di Iorgi Natascia , Fernandez-Alvarez Paula , Pandey Amit V. , Groessl Michael , Dubey Shraddha , Camats Núria , Napoli Flavia , Patti Giuseppa , Lezzi Marilea , Maghnie Mohamad , Flück Christa E.
Published: August 2020

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) consists of several autosomal recessive disorders that inhibit steroid biosynthesis. We describe a case report diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency due to low adrenal steroids and adrenocorticotropic hormone excess due to lack of cortisol negative feedback signaling to the pituary gland. Genetic work up revealed two missense variants, p.Thr204Arg and p.Leu260Arg in the STAR gene, inherited by both parents (non-consanguineous). The StAR protein supports CYP11A1 enzyme to cleave the side chain of cholesterol and synthesize pregnenolone which is metabolized to all steroid hormones. We used bioinformatics to predict the impact of the variants on StAR activity and then we performed functional tests to characterize the two novel variants. In a cell system we tested the ability of variants to support cholesterol conversion to pregnenolone and measured their mRNA and protein expression. For both variants, we observed loss of StAR function, reduced protein expression and categorized them as pathogenic variants according to guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology. These results fit the phenotype of the girl during diagnosis. This study characterizes two novel variants and expands the list of missense variants that cause CAH.
Using All-Atom Potentials to Refine RNA Structure Predictions of SARS-CoV-2 Stem Loops
Authors: Bergonzo Christina , Szakal Andrea L.
Published: August 2020

A considerable amount of rapid-paced research is underway to combat the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In this work, we assess the 3D structure of the 5′ untranslated region of its RNA, in the hopes that stable secondary structures can be targeted, interrupted, or otherwise measured. To this end, we have combined molecular dynamics simulations with previous Nuclear Magnetic Resonance measurements for stem loop 2 of SARS-CoV-1 to refine 3D structure predictions of that stem loop. We find that relatively short sampling times allow for loop rearrangement from predicted structures determined in absence of water or ions, to structures better aligned with experimental data. We then use molecular dynamics to predict the refined structure of the transcription regulatory leader sequence (TRS-L) region which includes stem loop 3, and show that arrangement of the loop around exchangeable monovalent potassium can interpret the conformational equilibrium determined by in-cell dimethyl sulfate (DMS) data.
Ternary Cu(II) Complex with GHK Peptide and Cis-Urocanic Acid as a Potential Physiologically Functional Copper Chelate
Authors: Bossak-Ahmad Karolina , Wiśniewska Marta D. , Bal Wojciech , Drew Simon C. , Frączyk Tomasz
Published: August 2020

The tripeptide NH2–Gly–His–Lys–COOH (GHK), cis-urocanic acid (cis-UCA) and Cu(II) ions are physiological constituents of the human body and they co-occur (e.g., in the skin and the plasma). While GHK is known as Cu(II)-binding molecule, we found that urocanic acid also coordinates Cu(II) ions. Furthermore, both ligands create ternary Cu(II) complex being probably physiologically functional species. Regarding the natural concentrations of the studied molecules in some human tissues, together with the affinities reported here, we conclude that the ternary complex [GHK][Cu(II)][cis-urocanic acid] may be partly responsible for biological effects of GHK and urocanic acid described in the literature.
Specific Receptors for the Chemokines CXCR2 and CXCR4 in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Litman-Zawadzka Ala , Łukaszewicz-Zając Marta , Gryko Mariusz , Kulczyńska-Przybik Agnieszka , Kędra Bogusław , Mroczko Barbara
Published: August 2020

Background: The mortality rate of pancreatic cancer (PC) is equal to its incidence and the majority of PC patients die within a few months of diagnosis. Therefore, a search for new biomarkers useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of PC is ongoing. Objectives: The aim of our study was to compare the utility of CXCR2 and CXCR4 in the diagnosis and prediction of PC with classical tumor marker (carcinoembryonic antigen, CEA) and marker of inflammation–C-reactive protein (CRP). Patients and Methods: The study comprised 64 subjects — 32 PC patients and 32 healthy volunteers. Serum concentrations of tested proteins were analysed using immunological methods. Results: Serum CXCR2 and CXCR4 concentrations, similarly to those of CEA and CRP, were significantly elevated in PC patients compared to healthy controls. Moreover, concentrations of CXCR4 were significantly correlated with CXCR2 and CRP levels, while CRP concentrations were correlated with CXCR2 and CEA levels. The diagnostic sensitivity and the predictive value for negative (PV−ve) results for CXCR4 were similar to those of CEA and higher than those of CXCR2 and CRP, while the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for CXCR4 was the highest among all tested proteins (CXCR2, CEA, CRP). Moreover, serum CXCR2 was found to be a significant predictor of PC risk. Conclusions: CXCR4 is a better candidate for a tumor marker than CXCR2 in the diagnosis of PC, while serum CXCR2 is a significant predictor of PC risk.
Cell Therapies under Clinical Trials and Polarized Cell Therapies in Pre-Clinical Studies to Treat Ischemic Stroke and Neurological Diseases: A Literature Review
Authors: Hatakeyama Masahiro , Ninomiya Itaru , Otsu Yutaka , Omae Kaoru , Kimura Yasuko , Onodera Osamu , Fukushima Masanori , Shimohata Takayoshi , Kanazawa Masato
Published: August 2020

Stroke remains a major cause of serious disability because the brain has a limited capacity to regenerate. In the last two decades, therapies for stroke have dramatically changed. However, half of the patients cannot achieve functional independence after treatment. Presently, cell-based therapies are being investigated to improve functional outcomes. This review aims to describe conventional cell therapies under clinical trial and outline the novel concept of polarized cell therapies based on protective cell phenotypes, which are currently in pre-clinical studies, to facilitate functional recovery after post-reperfusion treatment in patients with ischemic stroke. In particular, non-neuronal stem cells, such as bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells and mononuclear cells, confer no risk of tumorigenesis and are safe because they do not induce rejection and allergy; they also pose no ethical issues. Therefore, recent studies have focused on them as a cell source for cell therapies. Some clinical trials have shown beneficial therapeutic effects of bone marrow-derived cells in this regard, whereas others have shown no such effects. Therefore, more clinical trials must be performed to reach a conclusion. Polarized microglia or peripheral blood mononuclear cells might provide promising therapeutic strategies after stroke because they have pleiotropic effects. In traumatic injuries and neurodegenerative diseases, astrocytes, neutrophils, and T cells were polarized to the protective phenotype in pre-clinical studies. As such, they might be useful therapeutic targets. Polarized cell therapies are gaining attention in the treatment of stroke and neurological diseases.
Focal Accumulation of ROS Can Block Pyricularia oryzae Effector BAS4-Expression and Prevent Infection in Rice
Authors: Chen Yafei , Dangol Sarmina , Wang Juan , Jwa Nam-Soo
Published: August 2020

The reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst is the most common plant immunity mechanism to prevent pathogen infection, although the exact role of ROS in plant immunity has not been fully elucidated. We investigated the expression and translocation of Oryza sativa respiratory burst oxidase homologue B (OsRBOHB) during compatible and incompatible interactions between rice epidermal cells and the pathogenic fungus Pyricularia oryzae (syn. Magnaporthe oryzae). We characterized the functional role of ROS focal accumulation around invading hyphae during P. oryzae infection process using the OsRBOHB inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) and the actin filament polymerization inhibitor cytochalasin (Cyt) A. OsRBOHB was strongly induced during incompatible rice–P. oryzae interactions, and newly synthesized OsRBOHB was focally distributed at infection sites. High concentrations of ROS focally accumulated at the infection sites and suppressed effector biotrophy-associated secreted (BAS) proteins BAS4 expression and invasive hyphal growth. DPI and Cyt A abolished ROS focal accumulation and restored P. oryzae effector BAS4 expression. These results suggest that ROS focal accumulation is able to function as an effective immune mechanism that blocks some effectors including BAS4-expression during P. oryzae infection. Disruption of ROS focal accumulation around invading hyphae enables successful P. oryzae colonization of rice cells and disease development.
Gut Microbiota and Colon Cancer: A Role for Bacterial Protein Toxins?
Authors: Fiorentini Carla , Carlini Francesca , Germinario Elena Angela Pia , Maroccia Zaira , Travaglione Sara , Fabbri Alessia
Published: August 2020

Accumulating evidence indicates that the human intestinal microbiota can contribute to the etiology of colorectal cancer. Triggering factors, including inflammation and bacterial infections, may favor the shift of the gut microbiota from a mutualistic to a pro-carcinogenic configuration. In this context, certain bacterial pathogens can exert a pro-tumoral activity by producing enzymatically-active protein toxins that either directly induce host cell DNA damage or interfere with essential host cell signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation. This review is focused on those toxins that, by mimicking carcinogens and cancer promoters, could represent a paradigm for bacterially induced carcinogenesis.
Involvement of Fusobacterium Species in Oral Cancer Progression: A Literature Review Including Other Types of Cancer
Authors: Fujiwara Natsumi , Kitamura Naoya , Yoshida Kaya , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Ozaki Kazumi , Kudo Yasusei
Published: August 2020

Chronic inflammation caused by infections has been suggested to be one of the most important cause of cancers. It has recently been shown that there is correlation between intestinal bacteria and cancer development including metastasis. As over 700 bacterial species exist in an oral cavity, it has been concerning that bacterial infection may cause oral cancer. However, the role of bacteria regarding tumorigenesis of oral cancer remains unclear. Several papers have shown that Fusobacterium species deriving the oral cavities, especially, play a crucial role for the development of colorectal and esophageal cancer. F. nucleatum is a well-known oral bacterium involved in formation of typical dental plaque on human teeth and causing periodontal diseases. The greatest characteristic of F. nucleatum is its ability to adhere to various bacteria and host cells. Interestingly, F. nucleatum is frequently detected in oral cancer tissues. Moreover, detection of F. nucleatum is correlated with the clinical stage of oral cancer. Although the detailed mechanism is still unclear, Fusobacterium species have been suggested to be associated with cell adhesion, tumorigenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, inflammasomes, cell cycle, etc. in oral cancer. In this review, we introduce the reports focused on the association of Fusobacterium species with cancer development and progression including oral, esophageal, and colon cancers.
CAH Newborn Screening in India: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Dabas Aashima , Bothra Meenakshi , Kapoor Seema
Published: August 2020

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a common treatable disorder which is associated with life-threatening adrenal crisis, sexual ambiguity, and/or abnormal growth if undiagnosed. Newborn screening is a cost-effective tool to detect affected babies early after birth to optimize their treatment and follow-up. Newborn screening however is in its nascent stage in India where it is not yet introduced universally for all babies. The following review briefly highlights the challenges (e.g., lack of universal screening, healthcare resources) and opportunities (e.g., reduction in morbidity and early correct gender assignment in females) associated with newborn screening for CAH in a large Indian birth cohort.
Early Virulence Predictors during the Candida Species–Galleria mellonella Interaction
Authors: García-Carnero Laura C. , Clavijo-Giraldo Diana M. , Gómez-Gaviria Manuela , Lozoya-Pérez Nancy E. , Tamez-Castrellón Alma K. , López-Ramírez Luz A. , Mora-Montes Héctor M.
Published: August 2020

Fungal infections are a serious and increasing threat for human health, and one of the most frequent etiological agents for systemic mycoses is Candida spp. The gold standard to assess Candida virulence is the mouse model of systemic candidiasis, a restrictive, expensive, and time-consuming approach; therefore, invertebrate models have been proposed as alternatives. Galleria mellonella larvae have several traits that make them good candidates to study the fungal virulence. Here, we showed that a reduction in circulating hemocytes, increased melanin production, phenoloxidase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities were observed at 12 and 24 h postinoculation of highly virulent Candidatropicalis strains, while minimal changes in these parameters were observed in low-virulent strains. Similarly, the most virulent species Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida auris, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida orthopsilosis have led to significant changes in those parameters; while the low virulent species Candida guilliermondii, Candida krusei, and Candida metapsilosis induced modest variations in these immunological and cytotoxicity parameters. Since changes in circulating hemocytes, melanin production, phenoloxidase and lactate dehydrogenase activities showed a correlation with the larval median survival rates at 12 and 24 h postinoculation, we proposed them as candidates for early virulence predictors in G. mellonella.
Patient General Condition at Diagnosis: A Systematic Evaluation for Adults Diagnosed with Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Ramos Fernando , González-Carmona Paola , Porras-Guerra María Isabel , Jiménez-Mola Sonia , Martínez-Peláez Ana María , Blanco-Cabielles Agustín , Conde Saray , Ahmadi Abdolah , Castellanos Marta , Cerdá Seila , de las Heras Natalia , Menéndez Elisa , Escalante Fernando , Fernández-Ferrero Silvia , Lado Tamara , Martínez-Robles Violeta , Rondón Filomeno , Padilla Irene , Vidal María Jesús , Villalobos María Lavinia , Yacoubi Saad , Idoate-Gil Francisco Javier , Rodríguez-García José Antonio
Published: August 2020

Several societies have published recommendations for evaluating older adults with cancer in standard conditions. It is vital to assure a proper systematic patient condition evaluation, not only in the oldest (geriatric assessment) but in all adult patients. We have investigated the feasibility of a systematic evaluation of the general condition of all patients diagnosed with hematologic malignancies, and the degree of acceptance by the clinical team, in a prospective cohort of 182 consecutive adults, by using the ECOG performance status scale (ECOG, age 18 and over, 18+), Lee Index for Older Adults (LEE, 50+), Geriatric Assessment in Hematology (GAH, 65+), and the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA, 75+). Clinical team acceptance was analyzed with a visual analogue scale, and the objective feasibility was calculated as the proportion of patients that could be finally evaluated with each tool. Acceptance was high, but the objective feasibility was progressively lower as the complexity of the different tools increased (ECOG 100%, LEE 99.4%, GAH 93.2%, and CGA 67.9%). LEE and GAH categories showed a weak concordance (Cohen’s Kappa 0.24) that was slight between LEE and CGA (Kappa 0.18). Unexpectedly, we found no significant association between the GAH and CGA categories (p = 0.16). We confirm that a systematic evaluation of all adult patients diagnosed with hematologic malignancies is feasible in daily practice by using an age-adapted approach. Direct comparisons among the different predictive tools in regard to patients’ tolerance to treatments of different intensities must be a priority research subject in the coming years.
Highlighting the Sustainability Implications of Urbanisation: A Comparative Analysis of Two Urban Areas in Ghana
Authors: Anarfi Kwasi , Hill Ross A. , Shiel Chris
Published: August 2020

Ghana is urbanising rapidly, and over half of the country’s population have lived in urban areas since 2010. Although research has proliferated to explore Ghana’s urbanisation, there is a dearth of research that holistically explores the wider sustainability implications of urbanisation, offers comparative perspectives in the context of large and smaller urban areas, and provides a perspective of local level urbanisation in the context of resource extraction (mining). This study comparatively assesses two urban areas in Ghana (Kumasi and Obuasi), by conducting a spatio-temporal analysis of land cover change through remote sensing and by analysing demographic change through a synthesis of published population data, in order to highlight the sustainability implications of urbanisation. The results show that urbanisation has been rapid, and has resulted in changes in land cover and demography in Kumasi and Obuasi. The sustainability implications of urbanisation are identified to include limited economic opportunities, socio-spatial segregation, and destruction of natural vegetation. The evidence in this study provides insights into urbanisation in Ghana, and suggests that the positive sustainability impacts of urbanisation may be eroded by how factors such as market forces and land tenure interact at the local level.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Tungsten Inert Gas Weld Joints of Sprayed and Cast Aluminium–Lithium Alloy
Authors: Luo Chuanguang , Li Huan , Zhang Yuhui , Li Jianguo , Wen Yuanhua , Yang Lijun
Published: August 2020

The weld joints of sprayed 2195-T6 and cast 2195-T8 aluminium–lithium alloy were created using tungsten inert gas with filler wire. The microstructures and mechanical properties of the weld joints were examined. The results of the microstructure analysis showed that the width of the equiaxed grain zone (EQZ) and the amount of the second phase θ’(Al2Cu) was greater in the weld joint of the cast 2195-T8 Al–Li alloy than that of the sprayed 2195-T6 Al–Li alloy. Tensile testing indicated that failures occurred in the EQZ and partially melted zone (PMZ) for both weld joints. The tensile strength and elongation of the weld joints of the sprayed 2195-T6 and cast 2195-T8 Al–Li alloys were about 68.2%, 89.7%, and 50.7% and 28.3% those of the base metal in the joint, respectively. The cast 2195-T8 Al–Li alloy joint had more pores and cracks, resulting in lower tensile strength and elongation than those in the sprayed alloy. Further, the tensile fracture surface morphology indicated that the fracture mode of the sprayed 2195-T6 Al–Li alloy was a mixed fracture mode dominated by plastic fracture and that of the cast 2195-T8 Al–Li alloy joints was a mixed fracture mode dominated by brittle fracture.
A Discussion on p-Geraghty Contraction on mw-Quasi-Metric Spaces
Authors: Alegre Carmen , Fulga Andreea , Karapinar Erdal , Tirado Pedro
Published: August 2020

In this paper we consider a kind of Geraghty contractions by using mw-distances in the setting of complete quasi-metric spaces. We provide fixed point theorems for this type of mappings and illustrate with some examples the results obtained.
Stock Price Forecasting with Deep Learning: A Comparative Study
Authors: Shahi Tej Bahadur , Shrestha Ashish , Neupane Arjun , Guo William
Published: August 2020

The long short-term memory (LSTM) and gated recurrent unit (GRU) models are popular deep-learning architectures for stock market forecasting. Various studies have speculated that incorporating financial news sentiment in forecasting could produce a better performance than using stock features alone. This study carried a normalized comparison on the performances of LSTM and GRU for stock market forecasting under the same conditions and objectively assessed the significance of incorporating the financial news sentiments in stock market forecasting. This comparative study is conducted on the cooperative deep-learning architecture proposed by us. Our experiments show that: (1) both LSTM and GRU are circumstantial in stock forecasting if only the stock market features are used; (2) the performance of LSTM and GRU for stock price forecasting can be significantly improved by incorporating the financial news sentiments with the stock features as the input; (3) both the LSTM-News and GRU-News models are able to produce better forecasting in stock price equally; (4) the cooperative deep-learning architecture proposed in this study could be modified as an expert system incorporating both the LSTM-News and GRU-News models to recommend the best possible forecasting whichever model can produce dynamically.
Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography for Screening and Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: McGillen Kathryn L. , Zaidi Syeda , Ahmed Amer , Harter Shantell , Yee Nelson S.
Published: August 2020

Background: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a safe and noninvasive imaging technique that can characterize and evaluate liver lesions, and has been approved for this use in the Unites States since 2016. CEUS has been shown to be similar in accuracy to computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for noninvasive diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and offers several advantages in certain patient populations who have contraindications for CT or MRI. However, CEUS has inherent limitations and has not been widely employed for evaluation of HCC. Methods: We present three retrospective cases of liver lesions in patients with cirrhosis, who underwent screening for HCC using concurrent, well-timed CT and CEUS. Results: In these cases, the liver lesions were better visualized and then diagnosed as malignancy via CEUS, whereas the lesions were best appreciated on CT only in retrospect. Conclusions: In some cirrhotic patients, a focal lesion may be more easily identifiable via CEUS than on CT and thus accurately characterized, suggesting an important and complementary role of CEUS with CT or MRI. Further studies are indicated to support the use of CEUS for the diagnosis and characterization of liver lesions in screening patients at risk for developing HCC.
Effects of Lonicera japonica Flower Bud Extract on Citrobacter rodentium-Induced Digestive Tract Infection
Authors: Minami Masaaki , Makino Toshiaki
Published: August 2020

Background: Although antibiotic therapy is currently a gold standard for bacterial infections, it is not used for severe diseases like enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, in which the Shiga toxin is overproduced by antibiotic action. The Lonicera japonica flower bud (LJF) is an herbal component used against purulent diseases in traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine. We investigated the effects of LJF extract (LJFE) on Citrobacter rodentium-induced digestive tract infection in a mouse model. Methods:Citrobacter rodentium and LJFE were orally administered to C57BL/6 mice. The survival rate and bacterial colonization in the large intestine, mesenteric lymph node, and blood of mice were evaluated. Cytokines secreted from intraperitoneal macrophages of LJFE-treated mice were measured using ELISA. Moreover, the phagocytic activity of intraperitoneal macrophages against Citrobacter rodentium was compared between LJFE- or chlorogenic acid (CGA)-treated mice. Results: LJFE significantly increased the survival rate and decreased Citrobacter rodentium colonization in mice. Moreover, the values of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interferon-γ secreted from macrophages were increased following LJFE treatment. While macrophages of LJFE-treated mice showed a significant phagocytic activity, macrophages of CGA-treated mice only showed a phagocytic tendency. Conclusions: LJF may be useful for treating Citrobacter rodentium-induced digestive tract infection.
Hot in Cold: Microbial Life in the Hottest Springs in Permafrost
Authors: Kochetkova Tatiana V. , Toshchakov Stepan V. , Zayulina Kseniya S. , Elcheninov Alexander G. , Zavarzina Daria G. , Lavrushin Vasiliy Yu. , Bonch-Osmolovskaya Elizaveta A. , Kublanov Ilya V.
Published: August 2020

Chukotka is an arctic region located in the continuous permafrost zone, but thermal springs are abundant there. In this study, for the first time, the microbial communities of the Chukotka hot springs (CHS) biofilms and sediments with temperatures 54–94 °C were investigated and analyzed by NGS sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. In microbial mats (54–75 °C), phototrophic bacteria of genus Chloroflexus dominated (up to 89% of all prokaryotes), while Aquificae were the most numerous at higher temperatures in Fe-rich sediments and filamentous “streamers” (up to 92%). The electron donors typical for Aquificae, such as H2S and H2, are absent or present only in trace amounts, and the prevalence of Aquificae might be connected with their ability to oxidize the ferrous iron present in CHS sediments. Armatimonadetes, Proteobacteria, Deinococcus-Thermus, Dictyoglomi, and Thermotogae, as well as uncultured bacteria (candidate divisions Oct-Spa1-106, GAL15, and OPB56), were numerous, and Cyanobacteria were present in low numbers. Archaea (less than 8% of the total community of each tested spring) belonged to Bathyarchaeota, Aigarchaeota, and Thaumarchaeota. The geographical location and the predominantly autotrophic microbial community, built on mechanisms other than the sulfur cycle-based ones, make CHS a special and unique terrestrial geothermal ecosystem.
Interaction between Immunotherapy and Antiangiogenic Therapy for Cancer
Authors: Furukawa Koichi , Nagano Tatsuya , Tachihara Motoko , Yamamoto Masatsugu , Nishimura Yoshihiro
Published: August 2020

Although immunotherapy has led to durable responses in diverse cancers, unfortunately, there has been limited efficacy and clinical response rates due to primary or acquired resistance to immunotherapy. To maximize the potential of immunotherapy, combination therapy with antiangiogenic drugs seems to be promising. Some phase III trials showed superiority for survival with the combination of immunotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy. In this study, we describe a synergistic mechanism of immunotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy and summarize current clinical trials of these combinations.
Review of Constituents and Biological Activities of Triterpene Saponins from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Its Solubilization Characteristics
Authors: Li Feifei , Liu Bin , Li Tong , Wu Qianwen , Xu Zhiyong , Gu Yuhao , Li Wen , Wang Penglong , Ma Tao , Lei Haimin
Published: August 2020

Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is regarded as one of the most popular and commonly used herbal medicines and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions for over 2000 years. Pentacyclic triterpene saponins are common secondary metabolites in these plants, which are synthesized via the isoprenoid pathway to produce a hydrophobic triterpenoid aglycone containing a hydrophilic sugar chain. This paper systematically summarizes the chemical structures of triterpene saponins in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and reviews and updates their main biological activities studies. Furthermore, the solubilization characteristics, influences, and mechanisms of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma are elaborated. Solubilization of the triterpene saponins from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma occurs because they contain the nonpolar sapogenin and water-soluble sidechain. The possible factors affecting the solubilization of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma are mainly other crude drugs and the pH of the decoction. Triterpene saponins represented by glycyrrhizin from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma characteristically form micelles due to amphiphilicity, which makes solubilization possible. This overview provides guidance regarding a better understanding of GlycyrrhizaeRadix et Rhizoma and its TCM compatibility, alongside a theoretical basis for the further development and utilization of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma.
Isoliquiritigenin Derivatives Inhibit RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis by Regulating p38 and NF-κB Activation in RAW 264.7 Cells
Authors: Jeong Seongtae , Lee Seahyoung , Kim Kundo , Lee Yunmi , Lee Jiyun , Oh Sena , Choi Jung-Won , Kim Sang Woo , Hwang Ki-Chul , Lim Soyeon
Published: August 2020

Bone diseases may not be imminently life-threatening or a leading cause of death such as heart diseases or cancers. However, as aging population grows in almost every part of the world, they surely impose significant socioeconomic burden on the society, not to mention the patients and their families. Osteoporosis is the most common type of bone disease, which frequently develops in seniors, especially in postmenopausal women. Although currently several anti-osteoclastic drugs designed to suppress excessive osteoclast activation, a major cause of osteoporosis, are commercially available, accompanying adverse effects ranging from mild to severe have been reported as well. Natural products have become increasingly popular because of their effectiveness with fewer side effects. Isoliquiritigenin (ILG), a natural flavonoid from licorice, has been reported to suppress osteoclast differentiation and activation. In the present study, newly synthesized ILG derivatives were screened for their anti-osteoporotic activity as more potent substitute candidates to ILG. Out of the 12 ILG derivatives tested, two compounds demonstrated significantly improved bone loss in vitro by inhibiting both osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activity. The results of the present study indicate that these compounds may serve as a potential drug for osteoporosis and warrant further studies to evaluate their in vivo efficacy.
Supercritical CO2 Processing of a Functional Beverage Containing Apple Juice and Aqueous Extract of Pfaffia glomerata Roots: Fructooligosaccharides Chemical Stability after Non-Thermal and Thermal Treatments
Authors: Silva Eric Keven , Bargas Matheus A. , Arruda Henrique S. , Vardanega Renata , Pastore Glaucia M. , Meireles M. Angela A.
Published: August 2020

The effects of supercritical CO2 processing on the chemical stability of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and other functional and nutritional compounds were evaluated employing non-thermal and thermal approaches. Apple juice was enriched with Pfaffia glomerata roots aqueous extract due to its high content of short-chain FOS and then subjected to different levels of temperature (40 and 60 °C), pressure (8 and 21 MPa), and CO2 volume ratio (20 and 50%). The percentage of CO2 volume was evaluated concerning the total volume of the high-pressure reactor. Also, the functional beverage was thermally treated at 105 °C for 10 min. Physicochemical properties (pH and soluble solid content), beta-ecdysone, sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose), and FOS (1-kestose, nystose, and fructofuranosylnystose) content were determined. The pH and soluble solid content did not modify after all treatments. The pressure and CO2 volume ratio did not influence the FOS content and their chemical profile, however, the temperature increase from 40 to 60 °C increased the nystose and fructofuranosylnystose content. High-temperature thermal processing favored the hydrolysis of 1-kestose and reduced the sucrose content. Regarding beta-ecdysone, its content remained constant after all stabilization treatments demonstrating thus its high chemical stability. Our results demonstrated that supercritical CO2 technology is a promising technique for the stabilization of FOS-rich beverages since the molecular structures of these fructans were preserved, thus maintaining their prebiotic functionality.
Strong Positive Correlation between TSH and Ghrelin in Euthyroid Non-Growth Hormone-Deficient Children with Short Stature
Authors: Adamczewska Katarzyna , Adamczewski Zbigniew , Łupińska Anna , Lewiński Andrzej , Stawerska Renata
Published: August 2020

The growth processes in children depend on the proper functioning of some hormones and growth factors. Recently, a positive correlation between ghrelin and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) in patients with hyper- and hypothyroidism was proved. Moreover, in hypothyroid rats with high ghrelin concentration, growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) secretion was suppressed. We analyzed these relationships in euthyroid prepubertal children with idiopathic short stature (ISS). The analysis comprised concentration of ghrelin, GH in stimulating tests and during the night, as well as IGF-I, TSH, free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) in 85 children with ISS (36 girls, 49 boys) aged 9.65 ± 3.02 years (mean ± SD). A strong positive correlation between ghrelin and TSH was confirmed (r = +0.44, p < 0.05). A higher ghrelin but lower nocturnal GH and lower IGF-I were observed in children with higher normal TSH concentration than those in children with lower normal TSH. Interestingly, alterations of TSH level were without any impact on FT4 and FT3 concentrations. Summing up, in ISS prepubertal euthyroid children, ghrelin and TSH secretion are closely related. On the other hand, the higher the TSH, the lower the nocturnal GH and IGF-I levels. The contribution of the above findings in deterioration of growth processes requires further studies.
Immunoinformatic-Based Prediction of Candidate Epitopes for the Diagnosis and Control of Paratuberculosis (Johne’s Disease)
Authors: Tilocca Bruno , Soggiu Alessio , Greco Viviana , Piras Cristian , Arrigoni Norma , Ricchi Matteo , Britti Domenico , Urbani Andrea , Roncada Paola
Published: August 2020

Paratuberculosis is an infectious disease of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). MAP is an intracellular pathogen with a possible zoonotic potential since it has been successfully isolated from the intestine and blood of Crohn’s disease patients.Since no cure is available, after the detection of the disease, animal culling is the sole applicable containment strategy. However, the difficult detection of the disease in its subclinical form, facilitates its spread raising the need for the development of effective diagnosis and vaccination strategies. The prompt identification and isolation of the infected animals in the subclinical stage would prevent the spread of the infection.In the present study, an immunoinformatic approach has been used to investigate the immunogenic properties of 10 MAP proteins. These proteins were chosen according to a previously published immunoproteomics approach. For each previously-described immunoreactive protein, we predicted the epitopes capable of eliciting an immune response by binding both B-cells and/or class I MHC antigens. The retrieved peptide sequences were analyzed for their specificity and cross-reactivity. The final aim is to employ the discovered peptides sequences as a filtered library useful for early-stage diagnosis and/or to be used in novel multi-subunit or recombinant vaccine formulations.
Concentrations of Acute-Phase Proteins in Milk from Cows with Clinical Mastitis Caused by Different Pathogens
Authors: Dalanezi Felipe M. , Schmidt Elizabeth M. S. , Joaquim Sâmea F. , Guimarães Felipe F. , Guerra Simoni T. , Lopes Bruna C. , Cerri Ronaldo L. A. , Chadwick Christopher , Langoni Hélio
Published: August 2020

Among the new diagnostic methods for mastitis detection under development, milk acute-phase proteins (APPs) are receiving special attention. The study aimed to compare the profile of milk APPs from cows with natural clinical mastitis caused by distinct pathogens. The concentrations of haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured by Spatial Proximity Analyte Reagent Capture Luminescence (SPARCL). Each APP was compared across the pathogens causing mastitis. The APPs differed statistically (p < 0.05) among the pathogens causing udder infection. There were significant and positive correlations among the concentration profile, for each pathogen, in three of four APPs studied. It can be concluded that the pathogen causing mastitis could modify the profile of release of the APPs in milk. The profile of Hp, AGP, and CRP demonstrated significant correlation, indicating that the three APPs are suggested as biomarkers, in milk, for bovine mastitis.