bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Dissection of the Powdery Mildew Resistance in Wheat Breeding Line LS5082 Using BSR-Seq
Authors: Wu Liru , Zhu Tong , He Huagang , Cao Xinyou , Li Haosheng , Xu Hongxing , Jia Mengshu , Zhang Lipei , Song Jiancheng , Mirzaghaderi Ghader , Liu Cheng , Ma Pengtao
Published: July 2021

Wheat powdery mildew is a destructive disease seriously threatening yield and quality. Comprehensive dissection of new resistance-related loci/genes is necessary to control this disease. LS5082 is a Chinese wheat breeding line with resistance to powdery mildew. Genetic analysis indicated that a single dominant gene, tentatively designated PmLS5082, conferred seedling resistance to different Bgt isolates. Bulked segregant RNA-seq (BSR-seq) was carried out to map the R gene PmLS5082 and profile differentially expressed genes associated with PmLS5082. PmLS5082 was mapped to chromosome arm 2BL and flanked by the markers WGGBH612-5 and YTU19-005 with genetic distances of 0.3 and 0.4 cM, respectively. The physical position was subsequently locked into the interval of 710.3-711.0 Mb. PmLS5082 differs from the catalogued Pm genes on chromosome arm 2BL in its resistant spectrum, physical position and origin, suggesting it is most likely a new Pm gene. Through COG and KEGG analysis, differentially expressed genes associated with PmLS5082 were profiled, and six genes in PmLS5082 interval were confirmed to be associated with PmLS5082 via RT-qPCR, using an additional set of wheat samples and time-course analysis post-inoculation with Bgt. In order to transfer PmLS082 to different genetic backgrounds using marker-assisted selection (MAS), closely linked markers, including Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers, were evaluated and nine markers were confirmed to be widely applicable for MAS in different genetic backgrounds.
Physical and Biogeochemical Characterization of a Tropical Karstic Marsh in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.
Authors: Cejudo Eduardo , Ortega-Camacho Daniela , García-Vargas Eduardo Arturo , Hernández-Alarcón Elizabeth
Published: July 2021

Karstic wetlands provide important ecosystem services such as maintenance of hydrological balance, flood regulation, drinking water supply and nutrients cycling. It is important to conserve and maintain karstic wetlands due to its interaction with groundwater systems and its socioeconomic relevance. The objective of this research was to generate base-line knowledge of the microtopography, hydroperiod and biogeochemical characteristics of poorly known tropical karstic marshes by testing two hypotheses, the phreatotrophic nature of tropical karstic marshes, and the alteration of its biogeochemistry by a highway dividing the marsh. The study site is located in the north of the state of Quintana Roo (Mexico), in pseudo-paludal depressions associated to fractures. The water level varied from few centimeters below the ground to more than 100 cm. We demonstrate that the wetland is groundwater-fed with differences among groundwater, interstitial and surface water in almost all parameters measured. The water is calcium bicarbonate type; the main processes occurring are recharge, evaporation and rock dissolution. Our results suggests active denitrification, low phosphates attributed to Ca- and Fe/Al-bound P, elevated alkalinity and sulfate reduction due to anaerobic conditions in water and soil. The soil reflect its sedimentary origin, the bulk density is low with very high water retention capacity. We do not have enough evidence of the highway modifying the biogeochemistry or hydrology of the marsh. These karstic wetlands provide important provisioning and supporting ecosystem services that should be studied, acknowledged and maintained.
A Novel Flexible Microstrip Patch Antenna with Different Conductive Materials For Telemedicine and Mobile Biomedical Imaging Systems
Authors: Aydın Emine Avşar
Published: July 2021

Telemedicine and mobile healthcare communication devices require compact antennas with superior performance and reduced size and weight. The design and development of such antennas for broadband applications are challenging for many researchers. In this study, a wearable rectangular microstrip antenna was designed and implemented to detect many tumors. The patch and ground part of the antenna, which can be used as both a transmitter and a receiver in microwave imaging systems, are made of copper tape, graphene, conductive paint, and the substrate is made of felt (Ɛr = 1.3). Antenna parameters were optimized using the CST Microwave Studio program. The conventional microstrip antennas have a narrow band and low gain. The antenna in this study is designed and implemented differently from the conventional microstrip antennas and can be easily used in applications requiring ultra-wideband. In addition, the radiation characteristic of the designed antenna is quite good, and the electric field change around it is at a level that will not cause any health problems. The variation of the conductivity values ​​of the organs in the human body is high in the 1 GHz-10 GHz frequency band. The antenna, which is designed based on the fact that the conductivity values ​​of healthy tissues and tumor/cancer tissues are different, can be used in microwave imaging systems to detect tumors in organs such as the lung, brain, liver, and kidney. Also, the designed antenna is in a wearable form, allowing continuous monitoring of patients with high cancer risk. In this article, a microstrip patch antenna with a flexible substrate with copper tape, conductive paint, and graphene-based conductor that can be used for imaging and telemedicine applications is proposed, and its performance is experimentally analyzed. A standard and low-cost 3D printer are used to produce the graphene-based conductive part. In addition, copper tape and conductive paint materials were used to produce the patch part with an easier and cheaper method without a special device. The performance, return loss, and gain of the produced antennas were analyzed both in simulation and experimentally.
Emerging Patterns and Current Trends of AIDS Defining and Non-AIDS Defining Malignancies in HIV Infected Individuals from a Tertiary Care Center in South India
Authors: Philipose Cheryl Sarah , Sundar Sruthi , Ramapuram John T , Rai Sharada , Mukerjee Ria
Published: July 2021

Background: People living with HIV/AIDS are at increased risk of developing malignancies- both AIDS defining and non-AIDS defining. The trends in incidence and severity of cancers among those with HIV/AIDS has greatly changed since the advent of ART. The aim of this study was to analyse the clinico-epidemiological profile of patients in South India with HIV/AIDS who subsequently developed malignancy. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of patients with HIV/AIDS who were diagnosed with cancer after seroconversion from January 2014 to December 2019 and presented to a tertiary medical centre. Results: Of the 627 cases of HIV presenting to the hospital during the study period, 50 (8%) developed cancer. Among the patients with cancer 14 (28%) had AIDS defining cancer while 36 (72%) had non- AIDS defining cancer. The mean CD4 cell count at the time of diagnosis with malignancy was 502.45/uL. Among the patients with AIDS defining malignancies, 10 patients (71.4%) had NHL, 3 patients (21.4%) had invasive cervical cancer and one patient (7.1%) was diagnosed with CNS lymphoma. Among the 36 cases of non-AIDS defining malignancies, there were 7 cases (19.4%) of malignancies of the upper airway (oral cavity, nasopharynx, larynx), 7 cases (19.4%) of malignancies of the female genital tract, 6 cases (16.7%) of haemato-lymphoid malignancies, 3 cases each (8.3%) of malignancies of the lung and GIT including anal canal. 2 cases each (5.6%) of breast carcinoma or carcinoma of the male genital tract. 1 case each (2.8%) of cancers of the eye, urinary tract and metastatic lesion with an unknown primary were also reported. Conclusion: Malignancies in HIV infected individuals in an emerging global health issue. In the present study, we report a prevalence of 8% of malignancies in HIV infected individuals and a higher incidence of non-AIDS defining malignancies.
Molecular Detection of Blueberry Stunt Phytoplasma in Eastern Canada: a Multi-year Study
Authors: Hammond Christine , Perez-Lopez Edel , Town Jennifer , Vincent Charles , Moreau Debra , Dumonceaux Tim
Published: July 2021

Blueberry stunt phytoplasma (BBSP; ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’) is an insect-vectored plant pathogen that causes severe yield losses in blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), which is the most valuable fruit crop in Canada. Rapid, field-based diagnostic assays are desirable tools for the control of BBSP, as part of an integrated, proactive approach to production management termed biovigilance. We designed and validated a chaperonin-60 (cpn60)-targeted LAMP assay for detection of BBSP, providing a rapid, low cost, field-deployable diagnostic option. Our validation demonstrates that the assay is reproducible, with high analytical specificity and improved sensitivity when compared with 16S rRNA nested PCR. We applied the validated LAMP assay to nearly 2000 blueberry samples from Québec and Nova Scotia over three growing seasons (2016–2018). Our surveys revealed that BBSP is present in most sites across both provinces, though detection of the pathogen in individual plants varied in different tissues across sampling dates and across years, and evidence of spread between plants was limited. To quantify pathogen load in select plants, we designed additional qPCR and ddPCR assays, also based on cpn60. We found that pathogen load fluctuates in a given plant within and between growing seasons. Finally, we designed an interactive map to visualize the results of our surveys. These results provide a validated diagnostic assay that can be used as part of a biovigilance strategy for detecting and controlling infections caused by BBSP.
Host Genetics Underlying Pathological Outcomes to Mycobacterium Avium Subsp. Paratuberculosis Infection is Governed by Distinct Genetic Variants
Authors: Canive Maria , Badia-Bringué Gerard , Vázquez Patricia , González-Recio Oscar , Fernandez Almudena , Garrido Joseba M. , Juste Ramón A. , Alonso-Hearn Marta
Published: July 2021

Bovine paratuberculosis (PTB), caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), is a chronic granulomatous enteritis that affects cattle worldwide. According to their severity and extension, PTB-associated histological lesions have been classified into the following groups; focal, multifocal, and diffuse. It is unknown whether these lesions represent sequential stages or divergent outcomes. In the current study, the associations between host genetics and pathology were explored by genotyping 813 Spanish Holstein cows with no visible lesions (N= 373) and with focal (N=371), multifocal (N=33), and diffuse (N=33) lesions in gut tissues and regional lymph nodes. DNA from peripheral blood samples of these animals was genotyped with the Bovine EuroG MD Bead Chip, and the corresponding genotypes were imputed to whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data using the 1,000 Bull genomes reference population. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using the WGS data and the presence or absence of each type of histological lesion in a case-control approach. No overlap was seen in the SNPs controlling the three PTB-associated lesions. A total of 192 and 92 SNPs defining 13 and 9 distinct quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were highly-associated (P ≤ 5 x 10-7) with the multifocal (heritability= 0.075) and the diffuse (heritability= 0.189) lesions, respectively. Some of the identified QTLs overlapped with QTLs previously associated with PTB, bovine tuberculosis, mastitis, and IgG levels. Pathway analysis with candidate genes overlapping the identified QTLs revealed a significant enrichment of the keratinization pathway and cholesterol metabolism in the animals with multifocal and diffuse lesions, respectively. While keratin variants may predispose cows to the development of multifocal lesions, cholesterol variants associate with the more severe lesions. Taken together, these findings suggest that the variation in MAP-associated pathological outcomes might be genetically determined and indicative of distinct host responses in genetically predisposed individuals.
Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Common Bean Landraces Varieties in South of Brazil
Authors: Santos Ana Claudia Schllemer dos , Alcântara Lucas Vinícius de Sousa , Terada Larissa Yuki , Nunes Isadora Bischoff , Domingues Lucas da Silva , Donazzolo Joel , Perseguini Juliana Morini Kupper Cardoso
Published: July 2021

This work aimed to perform the morphological and molecular characterization of 31 land races varieties and 9 cultivars of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Morphological characters were evaluated during seedling, flowering, physiological maturation and post-harvest maturation stages. Ten microsatellite markers were used for molecular screening. The markers were analyzed according to the number of alleles per locus, the allele frequency per locus and the polymorphism in content (PIC). Genetic distances and cluster analysis were performed using the Bayesian inference and the UPGMA method. All black beans evaluated have anthocyanin in the cotyledons, hypocotyls and stem, and their flowers are purple. For the growth habit, 50% of the evaluated genotypes belong to the type III and there is a predominance of yellow color in the pods (85%) at the physiological maturation stage. Through the genetic dissimilarity it was possible to discriminate three groups for the Likelihood reason and six groups through the UPGMA method, these results indicate a wide genetic diversity among the evaluated genotypes.
Barriers of Neonatal Pain Management in the Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Neshat Hanieh , hassankhani Hadi , Jabraeili Mahnaz , Negarandeh Reza , Hosseini Mohammad Bagher , Mahallei Majid
Published: July 2021

Background: Recognizing and managing neonates' pain in the intensive care unit is challenging. Evidence shows that guidelines available in this area are not utilized effectively in practice. Purpose: To explore barriers to neonatal pain management in a neonatal intensive care unit.Methods: This was a qualitative study. Thirty-one nurses and physicians participated in the study. Data was collected through individual and focus group interviews. Data analysis was performed using conventional content analysis.Results: The barriers consisted of lack of holistic views towards neonates (exclusive concentration on treating the diseases, the neonate's inability to demand and protest verbally), subjective and arbitrary working (unorganized teamwork, lack of unified approach in pain-relieving, limited supervision for pain management), work overload (workload, physical and psychological strain on the caregivers), insufficient professional knowledge (Insufficient expertise in using pain assessment tools, Low importance of controlling environmental stimuli, Insufficient knowledge about pain management medication, and Considering patient's pain as expected).Conclusion: According to the professionals, the barriers to effective management of pain in neonates admitted to the intensive care unit in a developing country, are comprised of the individual, interpersonal, and organizational factors.Practice Implications: Investigation the barriers of optimal pain management in NICU can help to take the proper steps to improve the quality of service provided. Education of care providers, designing and implementation of a unified neonatal-based pain management program, and proper organizational supervision could improve neonatal pain management. Also, physical and emotional support of care workers is essential for more quality performance.
New Phase in Fluid Hydrogen at Room Temperature
Authors: Nakayama Atsuko , Isurugi Yuya , Serizawa Yuya , Nakano Satoshi , Ohmura Ayako , Ishikawa Fumihiro
Published: July 2021

The presence of phase-transition in hydrogen (H2) at around 560 megapascal (MPa) and room temperature was clarified by Raman and x-ray diffraction studies on both pure H2 and graphite-H2 mixture. H2 is intercalated into the nano-space of graphite, which lowers the transition pressure and temporally expands the size of the honeycomb lattice of graphite under pressure up to 600 MPa. It is supposed that is caused by a gas-liquid phase-transition. According to the peak analysis for Q1(J) mode, the ortho-para conversion of H2 gradually begins to appear after the phase-transition pressure even at room temperature, while peak separation is difficult to achieve under pressure above 1.6 gigapascal (GPa) because of significant overlapping of the peak intensities. Because we have missed the ortho-para conversion which could be observed in only such a small pressure range, the fluid phase at room temperature was full of mystery.
Degradation of Internal Fixation Materials Based on Antibacterial and Absorbable Silk Containing Different Gentamicin Concentrations
Authors: Shi Chenglong , Liao Xuqiang , Pu Xiaobing , Li Xiushi , Wu Ruihui , Deng Donghai , Zhou Yunfei , Huang Xingqiu
Published: July 2021

Adding gentamicin to silk fibroin enhances both the antibacterial performance and degradation rate of silk-based materials. The increased material degradation rate can affect the strength of early internal fixation, resulting in internal fixation failure. This study sought to adjust the gentamicin concentration to control the material degradation rate, thereby better meeting clinical application requirements. The in vitro degradation, water absorption rate, and expansion rate of silk-based materials containing different gentamicin concentrations were studied. A gentamicin-loaded silk-based screw (GSS) was implanted into the femurs of New Zealand rabbits. Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) was used to measure the screw diameter, which was then used to calculate the degradation rate. The in vitro results revealed increasing material degradation rates with increasing gentamicin concentration but no significant differences in water absorption rates with different gentamicin concentrations. The degradation rates of gentamicin-loaded (4 mg/g) silk-based rod-like materials were approximately 11.08% at three months in vitro and 9.4% in the animal experiment. The time for complete degradation was predicted from the fitting curve to be approximately 16 months. The degradation of material containing 4 mg/g gentamicin meets clinical application requirements, and previous experimental results demonstrate good antibacterial performance is retained by materials containing this gentamicin concentration.
Generating a New Chaotic System Using Two Chaotic Rossler-Chua Coupling Systems
Authors: Abdulaali Ryam Salam , Jamal Raied K. , Mousa Salam K.
Published: July 2021

It is proposed in this paper that a new chaotic system may be formed by combining two distinct chaotic systems, such as the Rossler system and the Chua system, in which the x dynamic of the Rossler system is linked with the z dynamic of the Chua system, results in a new chaotic system. Some of the basic dynamic behavior is explored and examined for new system by using the Matlab program. They noticed that it was a difference in the time series of the Chua system and this in turn led to a difference in the attractor, as the attractor of the Chua system changed from double scroll to single scroll and this led to change of the bandwidth of the Chua system, meaning that the Rӧssler system affected the Chua system, which led to an increase in the possibility of using this system in secret communications.
Cross Species/Genera Transferability of SSR Markers, Genetic Diversity and Population Structure Analysis in Gladiolus (Gladiolus × grandiflorus L.) Genotypes
Authors: Hiremath Varun , Singh Kanwar Pal , Jain Neelu , Swaroop Kishan , Jain Pradeep Kumar , Panwar Sapna , Sinha Nivedita
Published: July 2021

Genetic diversity and structure analysis using molecular markers is necessary for efficient utilization and sustainable management of gladiolus germplasm. Genetic analysis of gladiolus germplasm using SSR markers is largely missing due to scarce genomic information. In the present investigation, we report 66.66% cross transferability of Gladiolus palustris SSRs whereas 48% of Iris EST-SSRs were cross transferable across the gladiolus genotypes used in the study. A total of 17 highly polymorphic SSRs revealed a total 58 polymorphic loci ranging from two to six in each locus with an average of 3.41 alleles per marker. PIC values ranged from 0.11 to 0.71 with an average value of 0.48. Four SSRs were selectively neutral based on Ewens-Watterson test. Analysis of genetic structure of 84 gladiolus genotypes divided whole germplasm into two subpopulations. 35 genotypes were assigned to subpopulation 1 whereas 37 to subpopulation 2 and rest of the genotypes recorded as admixture. Analysis of molecular variance indicated maximum variance (53.59%) among individuals within subpopulations whereas 36.55% of variation observed among individuals within total population. Least variation (9.86%) was noticed between two subpopulations. Moderate (FST = 0.10) genetic differentiation of two subpopulations was observed. Grouping pattern of population structure was consistent with UPGMA dendrogram based on simple matching dissimilarity coefficient (ranged from 01.6 to 0.89) and PCoA. Genetic relationships assessed among the genotypes of respective clusters assist the breeders in selecting desirable parents for crossing. SSR markers from present study can be utilized for cultivar identification, conservation and sustainable utilization of gladiolus genotypes for crop improvement.
Screening and Identification of Potential iNOS Inhibitors to Curtail Cervical Cancer Progression: An in-Silico Drug Repurposing Approach
Authors: POLEBOYINA PAVAN KUMAR , PAWAR SMITA C , PASHA AKBAR , DONETI RAVINDER , POLEBOYINA SNEHA MALLESWARI , BANOTHU SHIVAJI , pasumarthi Deepthi , SD Annapurna , Divya Kumbhakar
Published: July 2021

Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide and remains the main reason of mortality amongst women of reproductive age in developing countries. Nitric oxide is involved in several physiological functions inclusive of inflammatory and immune responses. However, the function of NO in tumor biology is debatable. The inducibleNOS (iNOS/NOS2) isoform is the oneresponsible to maintain the levels of NO and it exhibits pleotropic effects in various cancer with concentration-dependent pro- and anti-tumor effects.NOS2 triggers angiogenesis and endothelial cell migration in tumors by regulating the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In drug discovery, drug repurposing involves investigations of approved drug candidates to treat various other diseases. In this study, we used FDA-approved anti-cancer drugs and small molecules to target iNOS and identify a potential selective iNOS inhibitor. The structures of ligands were geometrically optimized, and energy minimized using Hyperchem software. Molecular docking was performed using Molegro virtual docker and ligands were selected based on MolDock score,Rerank score, and H-bonding energy. In the study showed 4 compounds, Degarelix, Goserelin, Triptorelin pamoate, and venetoclax demonstrated excellent binding affinity to NOS2 protein. These compounds exhibited the lowest MolDock score, Rerank score, with better H-bonding energy to NOS2. Based on the results theses ligands project to be promising potential NOS2 inhibitors to curtail cervical cancer progression
Calcium Binding Protein S100A16 Expedites Proliferation, Invasion and EMT Process in Gastric Cancer
Authors: You Xiaoying , Li Min , Cai Hongwei , Zhang Wenwen , Hong Ye , Gao Wenjie , Liu Yun , Liang Xiubin , WU TIJUN , Chen Fang , Su Dongming
Published: July 2021

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive system, which has been the second cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The distant metastasis is one of the main reasons for the high recurrence and mortality rate of GC patients. Hence, it is necessary to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying gastric carcinogenesis and progression, especially the key genes and signaling pathways that promote GC cells proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Methods: Using bioinformatics and clinicopathological analysis, in vivo tumor formation assays, mass spectrometry and so on, we characterized the role and molecular mechanism of S100 Calcium Binding Protein A16 (S100A16) in promoting GC tumor growth, migration, invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and investigated how Zonula Occludens-2 (ZO-2) inhibition mediates S100A16-induced metastasis and progression in GC.Results: We analyzed S100A16 expression with the GEPIA database and the UALCAN cancer database, and the prognostic analysis was performed using 100 clinical GC samples. We found that S100A16 is significantly upregulated in GC tissues and closely correlated with poor prognosis in GC patients. Functional studies reveal that S100A16 overexpression triggers GC cells proliferation and migration both in vivo and in vitro; by contrast, S100A16 knockdown restricts the speed of GC cells growth and mobility. Proteomic analysis results reveal a large S100A16 interactome, which includes ZO-2, a master regulator of cell-to-cell tight junctions. Mechanistic assay results indicate that excessive S100A16 instigates GC cell invasion, migration and EMT via ZO-2 inhibition, which arose from S100A16-mediated ZO-2 ubiquitination and degradation. Conclusions: Our results not only reveal that S100A16 is a promising candidate biomarker in GC early diagnosis and prediction of metastasis, but also establish the therapeutic importance of targeting S100A16 in order to prevent ZO-2 loss and suppress GC metastasis and progression.
Co-inoculation With Tropical Strains of Azospirillum and Bacillus Is More Efficient Than Single Inoculation for Improving Plant Growth and Nutrient Uptake in Maize.
Authors: Ribeiro Vitoria Palhares , Gomes Eliane Aparecida , de Sousa Sylvia Morais , Lana Ubiraci Gomes de Paula , Coelho Antonio Marcos , Marriel Ivanildo Evódio , Paiva Christiane Abreu
Published: July 2021

Usage of Bacillus and Azospirillum as new eco-friendly microbial consortium inoculants is a strategy to increase plant growth and crop yield by improving nutrient availability in agricultural systems. In this study, we designed a multispecies inoculum containing B. thuringiensis (strain B116), B. subtillis (strain B2084) and Azospirillum brasilense (strains A1626 and A2142) to investigate their individual or co-inoculated ability to solubilize and mineralize phosphate, produce indole acetic acid (IAA) and their effect on maize growth promotion in hydroponics and in a non-sterile soil. All strains showed significant IAA production, P mineralization (sodium phytate) and Ca-P, Fe-P (tricalcium phosphate and iron phosphate, respectively) solubilization. In hydroponics, co-inoculation with A1626 x A2142, B2084 x A2142, B2084 x A1626 resulted in higher root total length, total surface area, and surface area of roots with diameter between 0 and 1 mm than other treatments with single inoculant, except B2084. In a greenhouse experiment, maize inoculated with the two Azospirillum strains exhibited enhanced shoot dry weight, shoot P and K content, root dry weight, root N and K content and acid and alkaline phosphatase activities than the other treatments. There was a significant correlation between soil P and P shoot, alkaline phosphatase and P shoot and between acid phosphatase and root dry weight. It may be concluded that co-inoculations are most effective than single inoculants strains, mainly between two selected Azospirillum strains. Thus, they could have synergistic interactions during maize growth, and be useful in the formulation of inoculants to improve the cropping systems sustainable.
The Geometry of Colors in Van Gogh’s Sunflowers
Authors: Liao Shuting , Koehl Patrice , Schultens Jennifer , Hsieh Fushing
Published: July 2021

“Paintings fade like flowers”: van Gogh’s prediction on the impact of age on paintings came true for most of his paintings. We have studied the consequences of this aging on the Sunflowers in a vase with a yellow background series, namely its original, F454, and two replicates, F457 and F458, at the van Gogh’s museum in Amsterdam, which van Gogh painted using the original as a model. The background and flower renditions in those paintings have faded and turned brown, making them less vibrant that van Gogh had most likely intended. We have attempted to restore van Gogh’s intent using a computational approach based on data science. After identifications of regions of interest (ROI) within the three paintings F454, F457, and F458 that capture the flowers, stems of the flowers, and background, respectively, we studied the geometry of the color space (in RGB representation) occupied by those ROIs. By comparing those color spaces with those occupied by similar ROIs in photographs of real sunflowers, we identified shifts in all three color coordinates, R, G, and B, with the positive shift in the blue coordinate being the more salient. We have proposed two algorithms, PCR-1 and PCR-2, for correcting that shift in blue and generate representations of the paintings that aim to restore their original conditions. The reduction of the blue component in the yellow hues has lead to more vibrant and less brownish digital rendition of the three Sunflowers in a vase with a yellow background.
Thymosin β4 is an Endogenous Iron Chelator and Molecular Switcher of Ferroptosis
Authors: Lachowicz Joanna I. , Pichiri Giusi , Piludu Marco , Fais Sara , Orrù Germano , Congiu Terenzio , Piras Monica , Faa Gavino , Fanni Daniela , Torre Gabriele dalla , Lopez Xabier , Chandra Kousik , Szczepski Kacper , Jaremko Lukasz , Ghosh Mitra , Emwas Abdul-Hamid , Massimo Castagnola , Jaremko Mariusz , Hannappel Ewald , Coni Pierpaolo
Published: July 2021

Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) was extracted forty years ago 1 from calf thymus. Since then, it has been identified as a G-actin binding protein involved in blood clothing, tissue regeneration, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory processes. Tβ4 has also been implicated in tumor metastasis and neurodegeneration. However, the precise roles and mechanism(s) of action of Tβ4 in these processes remain largely unknown, with the binding of the G-actin protein being insufficient to explain these multi-actions. Here we identify for the first time the important part of Tβ4 mechanism in ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death, which leads to neurodegeneration and somehow protects cancer cells against cell death. Specifically, we demonstrate four iron2+and iron3+ binding regions along the peptide and show that the presence of Tβ4 in cell growing medium inhibits erastin and glutamate-induced ferroptosis in macrophage cell line. Moreover, Tβ4 increases the expression of oxidative stress-related genes, namely BAX, hem oxygenase-1, Heat shock protein 70 and Thioredoxin reductase 1, which are downregulated during ferroptosis. We state the hypothesis that Tβ4 is an endogenous iron chelator and take part of iron homeostasis in ferroptosis process. We discuss the literature data of parallel involvement of Tβ4 and ferroptosis in different human pathologies, mainly cancer and neurodegeneration. Our findings confronted with literature data shows that controlled Tβ4 release could command on/off switching of ferroptosis, and may provide novel therapeutic opportunities in pathologies of cancer and tissue degeneration.
Influence of Air Supply on Coal Spontaneous Combustion During Support Withdrawal in Fully Mechanized Coal Mining and its Prevention
Authors: Zhang Xiaowen , Zhou Xihua , Bai Gang , Wang Cheng
Published: July 2021

It is important to study the oxidation characteristics of coal samples under different air supply rates to prevent spontaneous combustion of coal, particularly when the air supply rate at the working face needs to be changed during support withdrawal. In this work a self-designed temperature-programmed experimental device was used to study the change laws of various index gases released during the spontaneous combustion of coal under various air supply conditions. The study focused on the analysis of the low-temperature (30–200 ℃) oxidation stage, the increase in air supply, and the concentration change process of four hydrocarbon gases (C2H6, C3H8, C2H4, and C2H2) generated by the coal sample. The change law of the CO generation rate under the combined effect of temperature and air supply was analyzed, and surface fitting was performed to determine the characteristics of phased changes. Based on the working face parameters of the Yangchangwan Coal Mine, this study predicted the CO concentration at the upper corner of the working face at the characteristic temperature of coal spontaneous combustion during the withdrawal period. The paper summarizes comprehensive safety measures that can help prevent spontaneous combustion during the withdrawal period.
Detecting SARS-CoV-2 lineages and mutational load in municipal wastewater; a use-case in the metropolitan area of Thessaloniki, Greece
Authors: Pechlivanis Nikolaos , Tsagiopoulou Maria , Maniou Maria , Togkousidis Anastasis , Mouchtaropoulou Evangelia , Chassalevris Taxiarchis , Chaintoutis Serafeim , Petala Maria , Kostoglou Margaritis , Karapantsios Thodoris , Laidou Stamatia , Vlachonikola Elisavet , Chatzidimitriou Anastasia , Papadopoulos Agis , Papaioannou Nikolaos , Dovas Chrysostomos , Argiriou Anagnostis , Psomopoulos Fotis
Published: July 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic represents an unprecedented global crisis necessitating novel approaches for, amongst others, early detection of emerging variants relating to the evolution and spread of the virus. Recently, the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater has emerged as a useful tool to monitor the prevalence of the virus in the community. Here, we propose a novel methodology, called lineagespot, for the monitoring of variants and the detection of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in wastewater samples using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Our proposed method was tested and evaluated using NGS data produced by the sequencing of fourteen wastewater samples from the municipality of Thessaloniki, Greece, covering a six month period. The results showed a clear identification of trends in the presence of SARS-CoV-2 mutations in wastewater data. Lineagespot was able to record the evolution and rapid domination of the B.1.1.7 lineage in the community, and allowed for a robust inference between the variants evident through our approach and the variants observed in patients from the same area time periods. Lineagespot is an open-source tool, implemented in R, and is freely available on GitHub.
Comparative Study of Endogenous Ileal Amino Acid Flow and Digestive Physiology to Nitrogen-Free Diets with Differing Ratios of Dextrose to Corn Starch in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Zhou Huajin , Wu Wei , Mahmood Tahir , Chen Yanhong , Xu Yanwei , Wang Youli , Yuan Jianmin
Published: July 2021

Determination of ileal endogenous amino acids (IEAAs) is necessary for the calculation of standardized ileal amino acid digestibility. This experiment was conducted to compare the response of amino acids composition of IEAAs of broilers, and digestive physiology fed the nitrogen-free diet (NFD) formulated with different ratios of dextrose to corn starch (D/CS). 28d-old broiler chickens (n = 210) with similar body weight were allocated to 5 treatment groups, including a control group (CT, basal diet, normal level of protein) and four NFD groups for a 3-days trial, designated as A (D/CS = 1.00), B (D/CS = 0.60), C (D/CS = 0.33), and D (D/CS = 0.14). The results showed that NFD significantly reduced serum IGF-1, albumin and uric acid levels when compared with the control (P < 0.05). A higher ratio of D/CS (1.00 and 0.60) increased Asp, Thr, Ser, Glu, Gly, Ala, Val, Ile, Leu, His, Tyr, Arg, and Pro contents of IEAAs when compared with the ratio of 0.33 and 0.14 (P < 0.05). Moreover, ileal DM digestibility and digestive enzyme increased with an increasing ratio of dextrose to corn starch (P < 0.001). The number of ileal goblet cells and the gene expression of Mucin 2 were higher in group A (D/CS=1.00) than in group C (D/CS = 0.33) and the control (P < 0.05). It was further observed that NFD indeed reshaped the gut microbiota, characterized by lower Bacteroidetes, a significantly increased proportion of Proteobacteria, and decreased microbial diversity (P < 0.05).Our results indicate that the chicken fed NFD were accompanied by huge digestive physiological alterations, presenting with malnutrition and accumulation of Proteobacteria in the gut. Different proportions of dextrose and starch directly affect the basal IEAAs of broiler chickens. A higher proportion of dextrose (D/CS = 1 and 0.6) in NFD increase IEAAs by promoting secretion of digestive enzyme and mucin. But the excessive proportion of starch is unsuitable for the chicken to digest NFD (D/CS = 0.14). Therefore, we suggest the ratio of dextrose to corn starch in NFD at 0.33 might be more appropriate to detect IEAAs of broiler chickens.
Spatial Variations and Determinants of Acute Malnutrition among Under-Five Children in Ethiopia: Evidence from 2019 Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey
Authors: Seboka Binyam Tariku , Alene Tilahun Dessie , Ngusie Habtamu Setegn , Hailegebreal Samuel , Yehualashet Delelegn Emwodew , Gilano Girma , Ahmed Mohammedjud Hassen , Kabthymer Robel Hussen , Kanno Girum Gebremeskel , Tesfa Getanew Aschalew
Published: July 2021

Background: Childhood acute malnutrition, in the form of wasting defined by a severe weight loss as a result of acute food shortage and/or illness. It is a critical public health problem that needs urgent attention in developing countries, like Ethiopia. Despite its variation between localities, the risk factors and its geospatial variation were not addressed enough across the various corner of the country. Therefore, the current study was undertaken to assess spatial variation and factors associated with acute malnutrition among under-five children in Ethiopia.Methods: A total weighted sample of 4,955 under-five children were included from the 2019 Demographic and Health Survey. Getis-Ord spatial statistical tool used to identify the hot and cold spot areas of severe and acute malnutrition. A multilevel multivariable logistic regression model using was used to examine predictors of acute malnutrition. In the multivariable multilevel analysis, Adjusted Odds Ratio with 95% CI was used to declare significant determinants of acute malnutrition among children.Result: Among 4,955 under-five children, 7% of them were wasted and 1% of them were severely wasted in Ethiopia during the 2019 national demographic survey. The distribution was followed some spatial geo-locations where most parts of Somali were severely affected (RR=1.46, P37 value < 0.001), and the distribution affected few areas of Afar, Gambella, and Benishangul Gumz regions. Factors that significantly associated with childhood wasting were: gender(male)1.9(1.3-2.7), age (above 36 months) 0.5 (0.2-0.9), wealth index(richest) 0.5(0.2-0.8), and water source(unimproved source) 1.5(1.0-2.3).Conclusion and Recommendation: Our finding implies, the distribution of childhood wasting was not random. Regions like Afar, Somali, and pocket areas in Gambella and SNNP should be considered as priority areas nutritional interventions for reducing acute malnutrition. The established socio-demographic and economic characteristics can be also used to develop strategies.
Deep Learning Model Enables the Discovery of a Novel Immunotherapeutic Agent Regulating the Kynurenine Pathway
Authors: Kim Jeong Hun , Lee Won Suk , Lee Hye Jin , Yang Hannah , Lee Seung Joon , Kong So Jung , Je Soyeon , Yang Hyun-Jin , Jung Jongsun , Cheon Jae Kyung , Kang Beodeul , Chon Hong Jae , Kim Chan
Published: July 2021

Background: Kynurenine (Kyn) is a key inducer of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Although indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO)-selective inhibitors have been developed to suppress the Kyn pathway, the results were not satisfactory due to the presence of various opposing mechanisms. Here, we employed an orally administered novel Kyn pathway regulator to overcome the limitation of anti-tumor immune response.Methods: We identified a lead compound through the development of a deep learning model to predict compound-target interaction. Inhibitory activity of the lead compound against both IDO and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) was evaluated using enzyme- and cell-based assays. CT26 colon cancer-bearing mice were treated with the lead compound and/or immune checkpoint inhibitors. Tumor samples were analyzed using histological, flow cytometry, and immune profiling assays.Results: We identified a novel core structure that inhibited both IDO and TDO. An orally available lead compound, STB-C017 (designated hereafter as STB), was then selected via validation of structural modification and in vitro assays. STB effectively inhibited the enzymatic and cellular activity of IDO and TDO in vitro. Moreover, it potently suppressed Kyn levels in both the plasma and tumor in vivo. The dose and schedule of STB administration were optimized based on the immunotherapeutic efficacy and toxicity. STB monotherapy increased the infiltration of CD8+ T cells into TME. In addition, it elicited an anti-cancer immune response with a strong activation of T cell immunity. STB reprogrammed the TME with widespread changes in immune-mediated gene signatures. Notably, STB-based combination immunotherapy elicited the most potent anti-tumor efficacy through concurrent treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ɑPD-1 and/or ɑCTLA-4), leading to complete tumor regression and long-term overall survival.Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that a novel Kyn pathway regulator derived using deep learning technology can activate T cell immunity and potentiate immune checkpoint blockade by overcoming an immunosuppressive TME.
Novel Methodology for Delivering Putrescine into the Apple Explants Using Hormone Anchored Nanotube
Authors: Abdolalipour Maryam , Eftekhari-Sis Bagher , Motallebi-Azar Alireza , Dadpour Mohammadreza
Published: July 2021

Multi wall carbon nanotubes have been successfully exploited as growth regulator for manipulation of plant development. Also, nanoparticles are gradually involved in target delivery systems as the carrier of hormones. Polyamines and their derivations play crucial roles in plant growth and development. Take the mentioned subjects into consideration, putrescine anchored carbon nanotube which had been labeled with fluorescein was synthetized in this study. A set of physiological and morphological parameters were assessed in an attempt to examine the usage potential of de novo synthetized nanotube in terms of plant in-vitro culture. For this purpose, the nanotube was applied onto the in-vitro plantlets of Malus niedzwetzkyana in three concentrations (0, 50 and 100 mg/l). Localization of the nanotube in the plantlets was accomplished using fluorescence microscopy. Bio-imaging of tissues indicated the existence of nanotube in nearly all studied organs. Application of the nanotube at both concentrations (50 and 100 mg/l) increased the rate of leaf formation and speeding up the plastochron. Also, proliferation of the plantlets was enhanced using the nanotube. The levels of the photosynthetic pigments, including chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids increased following application of the nanotube. Glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly affected by the nanotube. However, polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase were not influenced by the nanotube. Stomatal density was increased by treatment of the plantlets with the nanotube. Representing geometrical transformation of shape as a thin plate spline revealed that the nanotube effectively increased longitudinally of stomata and changes their aspect ratio.
Cr(III) and Ni(II) Complexes of Isatin-hydrazone Ligand: Preparation, Characterization, Dft Studies, Biological Activity, and Ion-Flotation Separation of Ni(II)
Authors: Youssef Hany , Abdulhamed Yasir , Yousef Tarek , El-Reash Gaber Abu
Published: July 2021

In the current work, a ligand N'1-((E)-2-hydroxy-3H-indol-3-ylidene)-N'3-((E)-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)malonohydrazide (H4MDI) and its Cr(III) and Ni(II) complexes have been synthesized and characterized by various conventional methods. For evaluating the optimal ligand structure and its complexes, calculations of DFT were applied. Magnetic measurements inherent to their electronic spectra show that both Cr(III) and Ni(II) chelates have octahedron coordination frameworks. On the other hand, the IR spectral data revealed that the ligand behaves as a binegtive hexadentate in [Cr2(H2MDI)(H2O)2Cl4] and as a tetranegative hexadentate in [Ni2(MDI)(H2O)6].4H2O. In addition, the behavior of thermal decomposition for prepared complexes was discussed. Two comparable methods (Coats-Redfern and Horowitz-Metzger) were used to calculate the kinetic parameters of the resulted thermal decomposition stages. Furthermore, the ion-flotation process was used for the separation of Ni(II) from aqueous media via the prepared ligand as a chelating agent and oleic acid as a surfactant. Moreover, the antimicrobial behavior of the synthesized moieties was investigated against various bacterial and fungal strains. H4MDI has the most activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.78 µg/mL for both E. coli, and C. Albicans, while Ni(II) complex shows the activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. Albicans with MIC of 2.34, 4.68, and 1.17 µg/mL, respectively. Finally, the in-vitro cytotoxic activity of the prepared compounds against hepatocellular carcinoma human tumor cells (HePG-2) has been examined, and revealed that H4MDI and its Ni(II) complex show very strong activity against HePG-2 with IC50 of 9.7 and 7.7 µmol/L, respectively.
Research on the Influence of Non-Stationary and Non-Gaussian Random Excitation on Structural Response Kurtosis
Authors: Zeng Xin , Jiang Yu , Lei Wuyang , Fan Zhengwei
Published: July 2021

The stationary gaussian hypothesis is usually used to estimate the vibration fatigue life of structures. However, in actual engineering, the dynamic response of the structure usually exhibits non-stationary and non-gaussian, especially under harsh working condition or changing environment. The structural vibration fatigue life is closely related to the dynamic response characteristics, especially with respect to the structural response kurtosis used to characterize the non-Gaussian characteristics. In this paper, the influence of non-stationary and non-Gaussian random excitation on structural response kurtosis was studied by means of simulation and experiment. Firstly, by the means of simulating, the transmission law of excitation-response kurtosis was studied from three aspects, including system damping ratio, excitation frequency bandwidth, and excitation non-stationary characteristics. Then, the response kurtosis law was verified by the test results of cantilever vibration stress response. The results show that when the excitation is a stationary gaussian random load, the damping ratio and the excitation frequency bandwidth have no effect on the response kurtosis, and the response is approximately Gaussian distribution. When the excitation is stationary non-gaussian and non-stationary non-gaussian random load, if the damping ratio of the system is large, the response kurtosis is mainly affected by the damping ratio; If the damping ratio of the system is small, the frequency bandwidth and non-stationarity of the excitation have significant effects on the response kurtosis. The research results can provide support for predicting the vibration response and fatigue life of engineering structures under complex non-stationary non-gaussian random loads.