bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mercury immunotoxicity in the brown watersnake (Nerodia taxispilota): An in vitro study
Authors: Haskins David L. , Brown M. Kyle , Meichner Kristina , Tuberville Tracey D. , Gogal Robert M.
Published: May 2021

Mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal that enters the environment through natural and anthropogenic means. Once in the environment, Hg can biomagnify in food webs and is known to cause immunotoxic effects to wildlife. Compared with other vertebrates, knowledge of the reptilian immune system is lacking, especially in snakes. Further, even less is known about the impact of environmental contaminants on snake immunity. This gap in knowledge is largely due to an absence of established immune‐based assays or specific reagents for these species. In this study, brown watersnakes (Nerodia taxispilota; n = 23) were captured on the Savannah River (Augusta, Georgia, USA), weighed, measured, bled, and released. Peripheral blood leukocytes (24 h old) were enriched and evaluated with an established mammalian in vitro lymphocyte proliferation assay. Enriched leukocytes were then exposed to mercury chloride (HgCl2) at 3.75, 37.5, and 75 μM. Total mercury (THg) in whole blood was also quantified. Snake peripheral blood leukocyte enrichment yielded >90% lymphocytes with viabilities averaging >70%. Exposure to HgCl2 resulted in significant dose‐dependent suppression of proliferative responses relative to spontaneous proliferation at 37.5 and 75 μM (both p ≤ 0.01) but not 3.75 μM (p = 0.99). Mean ± 1 SE concentration of THg in whole blood was 0.127 ± 0.027 mg/kg (wet weight). Based on the in vitro findings with HgCl2, snakes in systems with heavy Hg pollution may be at risk of immunosuppression, but N. taxispilota at the site in this study appear to be at low risk.
Exogenous insulin antibody syndrome treated with plasma exchange after an incomplete response to immunosuppressive therapy
Authors: Zhuang Yuan , Wei Xudong , Yu Yang , Wang Deqing
Published: May 2021

A 43‐year‐old man with a 23‐year history of type II diabetes presented with uncontrolled hyperglycemia with frequent episodes of ketoacidosis. He was diagnosed with exogenous insulin antibody syndrome, and received high‐dose methylprednisolone to treat insulin resistance. Ketoacidosis relapsed 2 years later, and the patient showed an incomplete response to glucocorticoids. We decided to administer therapeutic plasma exchange, which resulted in rapid lowering of the daily insulin requirement and improved glycemic control.
Understanding the mechanism of interaction of candidate soil stabilizing prototypes by using microscopy and spectroscopy techniques
Authors: Ramdas Veshara Malapermal , Lalloo Rajesh , Lekha Prabashni , Mgangira Martin , Muniyasamy Sudhakar , Mukaratirwa Samson , Ramchuran Santosh
Published: May 2021

Globally, there is a high demand for bio‐based soil stabilizers required for improving the strength properties of weak in situ soil. Microbes and microbial components such as Bacillus spp. have gained interest as soil stabilizers due to their production of spores, bio‐enzymes, and bio‐polymers. However, the current approach for any microlevel assessment of bio‐additives and in situ soil improvement is limited. This paper provides data for microstructural evaluation of stabilized soil material for the postulation of the mode of action. In this study, the microbonding effect (i.e., bio‐based cementation, bio‐clogging, and soil particle bio‐coating) is successfully observed within the various stabilizing prototypes, obtained from a novel Bacillus spp. using advanced methods, namely field emission gun‐scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy. The results show that treated soil versus untreated soil properties are altered by the bio‐additive/s stabilizing effect. These indicator tests provide data for further bio‐stabilizer product prototype development and processes (i.e., improved products in terms of strength and moisture susceptibility). The use of microscopy and spectroscopy was sufficient for the preliminary selection of suitable candidates for soil stabilization.
Sustained IL-4 priming of macrophages enhances the inflammatory response to TLR7/8 ligand R848
Authors: Banete Andra , Gee Katrina , Basta Sameh
Published: May 2021

Macrophages (Mϕ) are highly plastic, and can acquire a variety of functional phenotypes depending on the presence of different stimuli in their local environment. Mφ stimulated by interleukin (IL)-4 induce an alternative activation state and function as anti-inflammatory cells and promote tissue repair. However, there is overwhelming evidence that IL-4 can play a role in promoting inflammation. In asthma and allergic inflammation, IL-4 mediates proinflammatory responses that lead to tissue damage. Thus the effect of IL-4 on the outcome of the immune responses is greatly influenced by other cofactors and cytokines present in the microenvironment. R848 (resiquimod), a TLR7/8 agonist is a novel vaccine adjuvant, triggering a strong Th1-skewed response but its efficacy as a vaccine adjuvant shows variable results. It is not currently known whether the presence of IL-4 can dampen or enhance immunity in response to TLR7 agonists. In the present study, we sought to investigate the impact of IL-4-induced Mφ polarization on the outcome of R848 stimulation. The activation marker expression and production of cytokines were measured in murine spleen-derived Mφ. Protein expression levels of innate recognition molecules and transcription factors involved, including retinoic-acid inducible gene I, mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein, stimulator of interferon genes (STING), and IFN regulatory factors were evaluated in activated Mφ. These play a crucial role in the control of viral replication and optimal CD8+ T cell priming. We report that sustained priming with IL-4 alone promotes an antiviral response in Mφ, and enhances proinflammatory responses to R848 treatment. This highlights the need for better understanding of IL-4 proinflammatory functions and its potential use as a broad-acting antiviral in combination with R848 may be used in combination with other therapies to target the innate arm of immunity against emerging infections.
Can Hybrid Arterial Spin Labeling‐Tagged Zero‐Echo‐Time Magnetic Resonance Angiography Be an Effective Candidate in the Evaluation of Intracranial Artery Diseases? A Clinical Feasibility Study
Authors: Shang Song'an , Wang Lijuan , Ye Jing , Luo Xianfu , Zhang Hongying , Dou Weiqiang , Wu Jingtao , Li Daixin
Published: May 2021

Background

Flow related artifacts in continuous arterial spin labeling (cASL) zero‐echo‐time (ZTE) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) could influence the vasculature visualization.

Purpose

To investigate the clinical feasibility for the intracranial artery diseases assessment by utilizing hybrid ASL‐ZTE‐MRA (hASL‐ZTE‐MRA).

Study Type

Prospective, technical development.

Population

Sixty‐seven subjects with known/suspected cerebrovascular diseases.

Field Strength/Sequence

Gradient echo based cASL‐/hASL‐ ZTE‐MRA at 3.0 T.

Assessment

Subjective/objective evaluation for sound‐levels. Image quality (IQ), signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) were analyzed within artery segments. Stenotic grading, aneurysm measurement, and signal intensity of lesions were further analyzed.

Statistical Tests

Kolmogorov–Smirnov test for data normality check. Between two MRAs: Wilcoxon signed‐rank test for sound experience/IQ ratings analysis; Pairedttest for SNR/CNR comparison. One‐way analysis of variance for sound intensity comparison. For stenosis grading/aneurysm measurement: Kendall'sWtest/intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for interobserver agreement test within each modality, weighted kappa statistics/ICC for intermodality agreement test between each MRA and computed tomography angiography.

Results

Sound‐level perception/intensity was similar (P = 0.86,P = 0.55) between MRAs. The mean IQ score for hASL‐ZTE‐MRA was on diagnostic scale and slightly higher (P < 0.05) than that of cASL‐ZTE‐MRA. hASL‐ZTE‐MRA provided higher (P < 0.05) SNR/CNR than that of cASL‐ZTE‐MRA. Signal uniformity was improved on hASL‐ZTE‐MRA, particularly among the anterior circulation (P < 0.05). Comparing to cASL‐ZTE‐MRA, on hASL‐ZTE‐MRA, stenotic lesions were accurately assessed; flow in the stent or aneurysm remnant was better depicted (P < 0.05); AVM nidus was preferred with increased SNR (P < 0.05). No significant differences for the aneurysm measurement were found between MRAs (P = 0.95), in addition to the slightly higher SNR (P < 0.05) on hASL‐ZTE‐MRA.

Data Conclusion

Comparing to cASL‐ZTE‐MRA, hASL‐ZTE‐MRA is robust and feasible for the evaluation of intracranial artery diseases with diagnostic IQ, improved vessel contrast, and better signal heterogeneity.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

2
Comparison of six risk scores for the prediction of atrial fibrillation recurrence after cryoballoon‐based ablation and development of a simplified method, the 0‐1‐2 PL score
Authors: Jastrzębski Marek , Kiełbasa Grzegorz , Fijorek Kamil , Bednarski Adam , Kusiak Aleksander , Sondej Tomasz , Bednarek Agnieszka , Wojciechowska Wiktoria , Rajzer Marek
Published: May 2021

Introduction

There are several prognostic scores for the assessment of risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence post ablation procedure. However, the use of these complex scores is difficult and the validation on different populations brought divergent results. Our goal was to compare the performance of these risk scores as the basis for the development of a new, simplified score based only on few universally predictive variables.

Methods

All cryoballoon‐based AF ablations performed in a single‐center over a 10‐year period were prospectively analyzed with regard to AF recurrence. This served to analyze the performance of APPLE, CAAP‐AF, SCALE‐CryoAF, MB‐LATER, CHADS2, and CHA2DS2‐VASc risk scores.

Results

A total of 597 patients, mostly (78.1%) with paroxysmal AF were studied. Analyzed risk scores performed poorer than in the original publications because some risk factors were not predictive of AF recurrence. A simplified score named 0‐1‐2 PL, composed of just two universally predictive variables, AF type (1 point for Persistent AF) and LA dimension (1 point for LA size >45 mm) was developed. The 0‐1‐2 PL score stratified patients into low risk (0 points), intermediate risk (1 point), and high risk categories (2 points) which were related to a 2‐year risk of AF recurrence of 21%, 37%, and 55%, respectively. This score had C‐statistics (0.620) higher/comparable to other investigated much more complex scores.

Conclusion

The assessment of risk of AF recurrence at the pre‐ablation stage can be simplified without compromising accuracy. This could help to popularize risk assessment and standardization of AF management.
In‐situ biochar production associated with paddies: Direct involvement of farmers in greenhouse gases reduction policies besides increasing nutrients availability and rice production
Authors: Ghorbani Mohammad , Amirahmadi Elnaz , Zamanian Kazem
Published: May 2021

Treating soils with pyrolyzed biomass, that is biochar, is proposed as a conditioner and a carbon geoengineering measure. Rice is known as a strategic crop and rice husk is a cheap and available feedstock material for biochar in particular in Asia. We conducted a field experiment with laboratory biochar (LB) and locally produced [in‐situ biochar (IB)] applied at rates of 10 and 20 t ha−1 using a randomized block design in three replicates to examine the efficiency of IB for improving soil condition for rice production, and to propose a cheap and in‐farm applicable measure to decrease greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions from the agricultural sector. Grain yield significantly increased following biochar addition by 52.2%, 53.2%, 65.4%, and 67.2% in LB10, IB10, LB20, and IB20, respectively. Total biomass in all biochar treatments had a significant difference (p < 0.05) compared with our control and the highest biomass belonged to LB20 and IB20 with 12.2 and 15.7 t ha1, respectively. The highest grain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium was in IB20. Compared to the control, IB20 significantly decreased emissions of CH4 by 72.3%, N2O by 85.8%, and CO2 by 32.9%. IB is as effective as LB. IB production and application provide a sustainable management approach for dealing with crop residues, improves soil conditions (aeration and nutrients availability) for crop growth, and directly and in a practical way involves farmers in GHGs reduction policies.
Optimal pricing and quality of academic journals and the ambiguous welfare effects of forced open access: A two‐sided model
Authors: Mueller‐Langer Frank , Watt Richard
Published: May 2021

We analyze optimal pricing and quality of a monopolistic journal and the optimality of open access in a two‐sided model. The predominant aspect of the model that determines the quality levels at which open access is optimal is the nature of the relationship between readers and authors in a journal. In contrast to the previous literature, we firstly show that there exist scenarios in which open access is a feature of high‐quality journals. Second, we find that the removal of copyright (and thus forced open access) will likely increase both readership and authorship, will decrease journal profits, and may increase social welfare.
Diallyl Trisulfide Prevents Obesity and Decreases miRNA‐335 Expression in Adipose Tissue in a Diet‐Induced Obesity Rat Model
Authors: Miura Atsushi , Ikeda Ayana , Abe Marina , Seo Kiki , Watanabe Takahiro , Ozaki‐Masuzawa Yori , Hosono Takashi , Seki Taiichiro
Published: May 2021

Scope

Diallyl trisulfide (DATS), an organosulfur compound generates in crushed garlic, has various beneficial health effects. A growing body of evidence indicates that miRNAs are involved in the pathology of lifestyle diseases including obesity. The anti‐obesogenic effect of garlic is previously reported; however, the effects of DATS on obesity, and the relationship between garlic compounds and the involvement of miRNA remains unclear. Here, the anti‐obesogenic activity of DATS and the potential role of miRNA in a diet‐induced obesity rat model are investigated.

Methods and Results

Oral administration of DATS suppressed body and white adipose tissue (WAT) weight gain in rats fed a high‐fat diet compared with vehicle‐administered rats. DATS lowered the plasma and liver triglyceride levels in obese rats, and decreased lipogenic mRNA levels including those of Srebp1c, Fasn, and Scd1 in the liver. DATS also suppressed de novo lipogenesis in the liver. Transcriptomic analyses of miRNA and mRNA in the epididymal WAT of obese rats using microarrays revealed that DATS decreased miRNA‐335 expression and normalized the obesity‐related mRNA transcriptomic signatures in epididymal WAT.

Conclusion

The potent anti‐obesogenic effects of DATS and its possible mechanism of action was clearly demonstrated in this study.
Highly electro‐responsive composite gel based on functionally tuned graphene filled polyvinyl chloride
Authors: Ali Imdad , Ali Ahsan , Ali Ahmed , Ramzan Muhammad , Hussain Khalid , Xudong Li , Jin Zhan , Titton Dias Otavio Augusto , Weimin Yang , Haoyi Li , Liyan Zhang , Sain Mohini
Published: May 2021

Electroresponsive devices have attended significant interest for actuators and artificial muscles in recent days but are susceptible to low deformation at applied voltages. To address this problem, herein, we have prepared novel flexible composite gel based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC), dibutyl adipate (DBA), and functionalized reduced graphene oxide (f‐rGO) via solution casting technique. The structural, morphological, optical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the composite PVC/f‐rGO gel were characterized by using various techniques. In order to test the usefulness of PVC/f‐rGO, we fabricated the new planar PVC/f‐rGO‐based gel actuator, by holding the gel between two electrodes. Stimuli‐responsive deformation of ~2.7 mm was measured at a voltage of 1200 V for an optimized gel in the designed device. The loading of silane‐f‐rGO greatly enhanced the stimulation, response time and flexibility of the PVC gel. The highest elongation at break of about 433% was achieved for f‐rGO‐loaded PVC gel owing to strong dipole–diploe interactions between alpha hydrogen of PVC and ‐NH2 of f‐rGO. We believe that highly electro‐stimulated, soft and, flexible PVC/f‐rGO gels could open a new avenue for the fabrication of advanced artificial muscles and tunable soft actuators for number of applications.
Enhanced through‐plane thermal conductivity of polypropylene composite using boron nitride/SiO2/glass fiber
Authors: Lee Soo Haeng , Kwon Young Joon , Ryu Sung Hun
Published: May 2021

Hexagonal boron nitride/SiO2/glass fiber mixtures were calcined at 650 and 850°C and the resulting materials were used to improve the through‐plane thermal conductivity of a polypropylene (PP) composite. The mixtures were characterized using Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. At 850°C, the glass fiber surface was largely covered by hexagonal boron nitride. A significant improvement of through‐plane thermal conductivity of PP composite was observed after the addition of hexagonal boron nitride/SiO2/glass fiber calcined at 850°C. Calcination temperature and the presence of glass fiber strongly affected the through‐plane thermal conductivity of the composite.
Modulation of vascular contraction via soluble guanylate cyclase signaling in a novel ex vivo method using rat precision‐cut liver slices
Authors: Oldenburger Anouk , Birk Gerald , Schlepütz Marco , Broermann Andre , Stierstorfer Birgit , Pullen Steven S. , Rippmann Jörg F.
Published: May 2021

Fibrotic processes in the liver of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients cause microcirculatory dysfunction in the organ which increases blood vessel resistance and causes portal hypertension. Assessing blood vessel function in the liver is challenging, necessitating the development of novel methods in normal and fibrotic tissue that allow for drug screening and translation toward pre‐clinical settings. Cultures of precision cut liver slices (PCLS) from normal and fibrotic rat livers were used for blood vessel function analysis. Live recording of vessel diameter was used to assess the response to endothelin‐1, serotonin and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) activation. A cascade of contraction and relaxation events in response to serotonin, endothelin‐1, Ketanserin and sGC activity could be established using vessel diameter analysis of rat PCLS. Both the sGC activator BI 703704 and the sGC stimulator Riociguat prevented serotonin‐induced contraction in PCLS from naive rats. By contrast, PCLS cultures from the rat CCl4 NASH model were only responsive to the sGC activator, thus establishing that the sGC enzyme is rendered non‐responsive to nitric oxide under oxidative stress found in fibrotic livers. The role of the sGC pathway for vessel relaxation of fibrotic liver tissue was identified in our model. The obtained data shows that the inhibitory capacities on vessel contraction of sGC compounds can be translated to published preclinical data. Altogether, this novel ex vivo PCLS method allows for the differentiation of drug candidates and the translation of therapeutic approaches towards the clinical use.
Stabilization for a class of continuous‐time nonlinear Markov jump systems via the approximate discrete‐time model
Authors: Yu Peilong , Zhu Jin , Kang Yu , Zhang Niankun
Published: May 2021

In this paper, a stabilization scheme for a class of continuous‐time nonlinear Markov jump systems is investigated by sampled‐data control mechanism. This stabilization scheme is given in the form of a discrete‐time state feedback controller which is designed based on the approximate discrete‐time model (ADTM) of the original continuous‐time system via the discrete‐time design method. During the process of controller design, an appropriate iteration step size is selected for the ADTM to restore the missing intersampling data due to the sampling characteristics, and this provides the iteration solutions of ADTM to the controller. The introduction of the iteration step size achieves a perfect tradeoff between calculation precision and control cost which not only guarantees the calculation precision of the ADTM, but also reduces sampling frequency effectively. Subsequently, we analyze the consistency condition between the continuous‐time nonlinear Markov jump systems and its ADTM, and give the criterion of the mean‐square exponential stability of the system. Based on this criterion, we prove the mean‐square exponential stability of the closed‐loop sampled‐data system with the designed discrete‐time state feedback controller. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of this scheme are clearly verified by a numerical example.
The infinite limit of separable permutations
Authors: Pinsky Ross G.
Published: May 2021

Let denote the uniform probability measure on the set of separable permutations in Sn. Let with an appropriate metric and denote by the compact metric space consisting of functions from to which are injections when restricted to ; that is, if , i ≠ j, then . Extending permutations
by defining , for j > n, we have . We show that converges weakly on to a limiting distribution of regenerative type, which we calculate explicitly.
Spatial Heterodyne Offset Raman Spectroscopy Enabling Rapid, High Sensitivity Characterization of Materials’ Interfaces
Authors: Cui Han , Glidle Andrew , Cooper Jonathan M.
Published: May 2021

Spatially offset Raman spectroscopy is integrated with a fiber‐coupled spatial heterodyne spectrometer to collect Raman spectra from deep within opaque or scattering materials. The method, named spatial heterodyne offset Raman spectroscopy generates a wavenumber‐dependent spatial phase shift of the optical signal as a “spectral” image on a charge‐coupled device detector. The image can be readily processed from the spatial domain using a single, simple, and “on‐the‐fly” Fourier transform to generate Raman spectra, in the frequency domain. By collecting all of the spatially offset Raman scattered photons that pass through the microscope's collection objective lens, the methodology gives an improvement in the Raman sensitivity by an order of magnitude. The instrumentation is both mechanically robust and “movement‐free,” which when coupled with the associated advantages of highly efficient signal collection and ease of data processing, enables rapid interfacial analysis of complex constructs based on established biomaterials models.
All‐Graphitic Multilaminate Mesoporous Membranes by Interlayer‐Confined Molecular Assembly
Authors: Cai Qingfu , Wang Jing , Jiao Yucong , Li Tongtao , Xia Yan , Li Mingzhong , Yang Yuchi , Wu Guanhong , Zou Jinxiang , Hu Jianhua , Dong Angang , Yang Dong
Published: May 2021

Layered mesostructured graphene, which combines the intrinsic advantages of planar graphene and mesoporous materials, has become interestingly important for energy storage and conversion applications. Here, an interlayer‐confined molecular assembly method is presented for constructing all‐graphitic multilaminate membranes (MMG⊂rGO), which are composed of monolayer mesoporous graphene (MMG) sandwiched between reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets. Hybrid assembly of iron‐oleate complexes and organically modified GO sheets enables the preferential assembly of iron‐oleate precursors at the interlayer space of densely stacked GO, driven by the like‐pair molecular van der Waals interactions. Confined pyrolysis of iron‐oleate complexes at GO interlayers leads to close‐packed, carbon‐coated Fe3O4 nanocrystal arrays, which serve as intermediates to template the subsequent formation of MMG⊂rGO membranes. To demonstrate their application potentials, MMG⊂rGO membranes are exploited as dual‐functional interlayers to boost the performance of Li–S batteries by concurrently suppressing the shuttle of polysulfides and the growth of Li dendrites. This work showcases the capability of molecular‐based hybrid assembly for synthesizing multilayer mesostructured graphene with high packing density and its use in electrochemical energy applications.
Subcell Operation and Long‐Term Stability Analysis of Perovskite‐Based Tandem Solar Cells Using a Bichromatic Light Emitting Diode Light Source
Authors: Jošt Marko , Matič Gašper , Köhnen Eike , Li Bor , Glažar Boštjan , Jankovec Marko , Albrecht Steve , Topič Marko
Published: May 2021

In monolithic tandem solar cells, current−voltage (J−V) characteristics of subcells provide invaluable information about their quality and tandem operation. However, accessing the subcell J−Vs is challenging and requires sophisticated spectral methods. Herein, a customized, bichromatic light emitting diode setup (BCLED) for in‐depth analysis of tandem solar cells, suitable for subcell operation analysis, and long‐term stability testing is presented. For this, two spectrally independent LED arrays are used to selectively bias the two subcells. The power of the developed setup is demonstrated by successfully disentangling the tandem J−V curve into subcell J−V curves. The method is based on a one‐diode model for each subcell and is validated by electrical simulations. Afterward, it is used on a fabricated 27.6% efficient perovskite/silicon tandem device, resulting in great agreement with the measured J−V curve. Therefore, the BCLED setup is a versatile tool, suitable for subcell characteristics and long‐term stability analysis of tandem solar cells.
Anti‐inflammatory effect and bone induction ability of hainosankyuto in the human osteosarcoma cell line Saos‐2
Authors: Wang Pao‐Li , Makita Yoshimasa , Masuno Kazuya , Okusa Nobutaka , Fujiwara Shin‐ichi , Imamura Yasuhiro
Published: May 2021

Aim

Hainosankyuto is a traditional Japanese medicine known as Kampo. It is mainly used to treat skin pain and mucosal suppurative diseases. Hainosankyuto also alleviates pain resulting from local reddening and swelling and promotes pus discharge. Our previous cell culture and animal experiments demonstrated the anti‐inflammatory effect of hainosankyuto on periodontal disease (Kampo Med. 45, 601–607, 2018). Periodontal disease affects periodontal tissues, such as the gingiva and alveolar bone, due to inflammation. Our study aimed to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory effects of hainosankyuto on osteoblasts and assess whether this medicine affects their bone‐forming ability.

Methods

We examined the effect of hainosankyuto on the proliferation of the human osteosarcoma cell line Saos‐2 in vitro using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and DNA synthesis assays. We also evaluated its effect on interleukin (IL)‐8, type 1 collagen, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in these cells using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays and ALP assay.

Results

Hainosankyuto (1000 μg/mL) significantly induced Saos‐2 cell proliferation, suppressed IL‐8 production, and enhanced type 1 collagen production and ALP activity.

Conclusion

These results indicate that hainosankyuto regulates inflammation and metabolism in osteoblasts, resulting in the activity of early bone‐related biomarkers.
Identification of reliable reference genes for expression studies in the magnum of laying hens housed in cage and cage‐free systems
Authors: Rodríguez‐Hernández Roy , Oviedo‐Rondón Edgar O. , Rondón‐Barragán Iang S.
Published: May 2021

Stress factors during poultry production can evoke changes in gene transcription and protein synthesis in the hen oviduct and could affect the internal and external egg quality. Studies of relative gene expression require the identification of the most stable reference genes for the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to investigate the reproductive tissues' response in laying hens kept in different production systems. The objective of this study was to determine the most stable reference genes of the magnum tissues of laying hens housed in two different production systems. Hy‐Line Brown hens were reared under the same sanitary conditions until 15 weeks of age. Later on, they were transferred into two different production systems, conventional cage (CC) and cage free (CF), up to 82 weeks of age. At 50 and 60 weeks, a total of six hens from each production system were euthanized, and magnum samples were collected. The qPCR was used to determine the RNA transcription level of five reference genes, ACTB, 18S, GAPDH, MSX2 and HMBS. These genes were evaluated for transcript expression in magnum tissues by NormFinder, BestKeeper, geNorm and RefFinder software. The results indicated that the most stable gene in the CF housing system was HMBS in three of the algorithms and in the CC housing system was the 18S, and the best combination of reference genes was HMBS/GAPDH in CF and 18S/HMBS in CC. In conclusion, HMBS, 18S and GAPDH genes could be used together as reference genes for the normalization of the magnum tissues transcript expression of hens in CF and CC housing systems.
An investigation on the relevance of prolactin, insulin‐like growth factor‐1 and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3(25‐OHD3) in canine benign prostatic hyperplasia in a predisposed breed model
Authors: Werhahn Beining Franziska , Schmicke Marion , Wilkens Mirja , Wolf Karola , Rohn Karl , Günzel‐Apel Anne‐Rose
Published: May 2021

Serum concentrations of prolactin (PRL), insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and 25 hydroxyvitamin D3(25‐OHD3) were analysed to investigate their possible involvement in the pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). For this, dogs of the Rhodesian Ridgeback (RR) breed were used because of a verified breed disposition for the development of BPH. Labrador Retrievers (LR) served as controls. The prostate gland status was characterised by the prostate gland volume, clinical signs of BPH (haemospermia and sonographic findings) and the plasma concentration of canine prostate‐specific arginine esterase (CPSE). Breed specificity in the RR was expressed by a correlation of PRL with breed (p < 0.05). Similar relationships existed in the dogs with normal CPSE (CPSEn) with respect to the IGF‐1 concentrations (LR:p < 0.05). The latter were negatively correlated with prostatic volume and age (bothp < 0.05). Concentrations of 25‐OHD3were tendentially (p = 0.18) lower in the RR with increased CPSE (CPSEi) compared with the CPSEn LR and RR showing clinical signs of BPH. A negative correlation between serum 25‐OHD3and age (p < 0.05) existed in the CPSEi RR. Proof of 25‐OHD3in prostatic secretion proved to be a breed specific feature in the RR (p < 0.0001). For all RR dogs showing clinical signs of BPH, a close to significant (p = 0.06) positive correlation with prostate gland volume was found. The results of the present study reveal no clear hints towards the significance of PRL and IGF‐1 in the pathogenesis of canine BPH. In the RR breed there were indications of a causal relationship with age‐dependent changes in the vitamin D metabolism. The data suggest the possibility of preventing or treating canine BPH by administering vitamin D or substances involved in the intraprostatic vitamin D metabolism.
Pollutant removal from dairy wastewater using live Azolla filiculoides in batch and continuous bioreactors
Authors: Khodadad Hosseini Ensieh , Derakhshi Pirouz , Rabbani Mohammad , Mooraki Nargess
Published: May 2021

Fast and proper treatment of dairy wastewater is necessary before discharging it to the environment. In this study, healthy Azolla filiculoides was used to remove pollutants, including phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and total dissolved solids (TDS) of dairy effluent in batch, continuous system, as well as continuous with the slow stirring system. These systems were handmade. The maximum removal efficiency was related to the P, which obtained 66.25% after 12 h in the batch bioreactor system. The highest removal of 13.69% after 21 h was obtained for Na using continuous with a slow stirring method. The highest removal related to the COD and BOD was 33.53% and 29.93% after 18 h, respectively, in continuous with the slow stirring system. TDS removal was achieved 31.44% after 24 h using the batch system. The results of these three systems were compared with each other using a one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA). There was no significant difference between them. Azolla filiculoides is an abundant plant in northern nature that a biosystem was used for optimum usage. It can be used as an efficient, inexpensive, and affordable bioadsorbent for dairy wastewater treatment.

Practitioner points

Live Azolla filiculoides was used to remove pollutants.

P, Na, BOD, COD, and TDS were removed from dairy wastewater.

Batch, continuous, and continuous with the slow stirring systems were used.

Live Azolla was an efficient, inexpensive, and affordable bio‐adsorbent for dairy wastewater treatment.
SAREV: A review on statistical analytics of single‐cell RNA sequencing data
Authors: Ellis Dorothy , Wu Dongyuan , Datta Susmita
Published: May 2021

Due to the development of next‐generation RNA sequencing technologies, there has been tremendous progress in research involving determining the role of genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics in complex biological systems. However, scientists have realized that information obtained using earlier technology, frequently called “bulk RNA‐seq” data, provides information averaged across all the cells present in a tissue. Relatively newly developed single‐cell (single‐cell RNA sequencing [scRNA‐seq]) technology allows us to provide transcriptomic information at a single‐cell resolution. Nevertheless, these high‐resolution data have their own complex natures and demand novel statistical data analysis methods to provide effective and highly accurate results on complex biological systems. In this review, we cover many such recently developed statistical methods for researchers wanting to pursue scRNA‐seq statistical and computational research as well as scientific research about these existing methods and free software tools available for their generated data. This review is certainly not exhaustive due to page limitations. We have tried to cover the popular methods starting from quality control to the downstream analysis of finding differentially expressed genes and concluding with a brief description of network analysis.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Analysis of High Dimensional Data

Statistical Models > Generalized Linear Models

Software for Computational Statistics > Software/Statistical Software
Constraints to Farmers’ Choice of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in Ondo State of Nigeria
Authors: Ige George Olanrewaju , Akinnagbe Oluwole Matthew , Odefadehan Olalekan Olamigoke , Ogunbusuyi Opeyemi Peter
Published: May 2021

Nigeria being dependent on rain-fed agriculture and with low level of socioeconomic development is highly affected and vulnerable to climate change. It is crucial for farmers to adapt to the never ending climate change. However, there are constraints to adaptation strategies used by the farmers. This study therefore identified some of the constraints to the farmers’ choice of climate change adaptation strategies in Ondo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used in selecting one hundred and sixty respondents for the study. Data collected with a well-structured interview schedule were analyzed using frequency, percentage, and mean statistic, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to test hypothesis. Crops competing for nutrient, inadequate access to climate information, inadequate finance, scarcity of labor, and inadequate farm input supplies were among the major constraints to choice of climate change adaptation strategies used by the respondents. The study recommended that weather forecast information should be published and made available to the farmers through agricultural extension agents. Training on how to improve mixed cropping technique and avoid vulnerability should be pursued.
Smallholders Use of Weather Information as Smart Adaptation Strategy in the Savannah Area of Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Alliagbor Rasheedat , Awolala David Olufemi , Ajibefun Igbekele Amos
Published: May 2021

Weather information is needed for smart decisions because uncertainties in weather phenomena are beyond capacity of smallholders for autonomous responses. The study analyzed determinants of farmers’ use of weather information as smart adaptation strategy. Arable crop farmers were sampled in the derived savannah agro-ecology area of Ondo State, Nigeria. Heckman probit model estimates show that gender and agricultural extension services were significant positive drivers of farmers’ access to weather information. Should weather information becomes an alternative adaptation strategy, access to credit was found as the major driver of farmers’ propensity to use weather information before taking climate smart agricultural decisions. Further results reveal that increasing knowledge of onset date, large farm size, and access to agricultural extension services significantly reduced farmers’ propensity to use improved weather information for smart decisions in the dry savannah area.
Barriers to the Adoption of Improved Cooking Stoves for Rural Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Kenya
Authors: Nzengya Daniel M. , Maina Mwari Paul , Njeru Chrocosiscus
Published: May 2021

Majority of Kenya’s citizens reside in the rural areas where wood fuel is still the primary source of energy for cooking. Continuing reliance on wood fuel against the backdrop of burgeoning population poses huge threats to the country’s forest cover, undermining capacity for climate change mitigation and adaptation. This study conducted in Machakos and Laikipia counties explored; (i) women’s perceptions of the health risks associated with dependence of firewood for cooking, (ii) women’s attitudes and perceptions towards improved cooking charcoal stoves (ICS) as cleaner alternatives to traditional firewood stoves for cooking, and (iii) women’s perceptions of barriers to adoption of improved cooking stoves. Study findings revealed that women were aware of the health risks associated with the use of firewood for cooking. However, despite these perceptions, upward trends in demands for firewood as a source of energy for cooking in the rural areas may persist in the next coming decades. Barriers to adoption of improved cooking stoves vary by sociocultural contexts. The study concludes that innovations that involve stakeholders especially participatory designs, monitoring, and evaluation of ICS might improve adoption levels. Moreover, innovations to increase adoption need to leverage on the opportunities provided by Sustainable development goal number 7 to accelerate adoption of ICS among other forms of cleaner, affordable, and sustainable sources of energy for cooking.
Improving Food Security by Adapting and Mitigating Climate Change-Induced Crop Pest: The Novelty of Plant-Organic Sludge in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Nwaogu Chukwudi
Published: May 2021

Climate change is a global issue threatening food security, environmental safety, and human health in tropical and developing countries where people depend mainly on agriculture for their livelihood. Nigeria ranks among the top in the global yam production. It has the largest population in Africa and has been able to secure food for its growing population through food crops especially yam. Unfortunately, the recent increase in termites’ colonies due to climate change threatens yam yield. Besides harming man and environment, pesticides are expensive and not easily accessible to control the pests. This prompted a study which aimed at applying a biotrado-cultural approach in controlling the termites, as well as improving soil chemical properties and yam production. The study hypothesized thatChromolaena odorataandElaeis guineensissludge improved soil nutrient and yam yield and consequently decreased termites’ outbreak. In a randomized design experiment of five blocks and five replicates, five different treatments including unmanaged (UM),Vernonia amygdalina(VA),Chromolaena odorata(CO),Elaeis guineensis(EG) liquid sludge, and fipronil (FP) were applied in termites-infested agricultural soil. Data were collected and measured on the responses of soil chemical properties, termites, and yam yield to treatments using one-way ANOVA, regression, and multivariate analyses. The result showed thatChromolaena odorata(CO) and EG treatments were the best treatments for controlling termites and increase yam production. Termites were successfully controlled in VA and FP treatments, but the control was not commensurate with yam production. The experiment needs to be extended to other locations in the study region. It also requires an intensive and long-term investigation in order to thoroughly understand (i) the influence of climate change on the termites’ outbreak, (ii) the extent of termite damage to the crops, (iii) the impacts of climate change and variability on yam yields, (iii) the agricultural and economic benefits of the applied treatments, and (iv) the ecological and human health safety of the treatments.
Differential Impact of Land Use Types on Soil Productivity Components in Two Agro-ecological Zones of Southern Ghana
Authors: Owoade Folasade Mary , Adiku Samuel Godfried Kwasi , Atkinson Christopher John , MacCarthy Dilys Sefakor
Published: May 2021

The maintenance of soil productivity is important for sustained crop yield in low-input systems in the tropics. This study investigated the impact of four different land use types, namely, maize and cassava cropping, woodlot/plantations, and natural forests on soil productivity components, especially soil carbon accretion, at six sites within two agro-ecological zones of southern Ghana. Soil properties were significantly different between sites and ecological zones. The coastal savanna zones, which is a low rainfall zone had relatively lower soil carbon storage than the high rainfall forest-savanna transition zone. Soil productivity conditions in the later zone were much more favorable for cropping than the former. Land use types significantly affected the soil carbon (SOC) storage within the two ecological zones. In the low rainfall zone, soil carbon accretion by maize cropping, cassava cropping, and plantations were 48%, 54%, and 60%, respectively, of the forest carbon stock (47,617 kg/ha). In the transition zone, the soil carbon accretion was over 90% of the forest value (48,216 kg/ha) for all land use types. In effect use of land use types in maintaining soil productivity must consider the conditions in a given ecological zone.
Precipitation Variability in West Africa in the Context of Global Warming and Adaptation Recommendations
Authors: Quenum Gandome Mayeul L. D. , Klutse Nana A. B. , Alamou Eric A. , Lawin Emmanuel A. , Oguntunde Philip G.
Published: May 2021

It is commonly accepted that the Earth’s climate is changing and will continue to change in the future. Rising temperatures are one of the direct indicators of global climate change. To investigate how the rising global temperature will affect the spatial pattern of rainfall in West Africa, the precipitation and potential evapotranspiration variables from ten Global Climate Models (GCMs) under the RCP8.5 scenario were driven by the Rossby Centre regional atmospheric model (RCA4) from the COordinated Regional Climate Downscaling EXperiment (CORDEX) and analyzed at four specific global warming levels (GWLs) (i.e., 1.5 °C, 2.0 °C, 2.5 °C, and 3.0 °C) above the preindustrial level. This study utilized three indices, the precipitation concentration index (PCI), the precipitation concentration degree (PCD), and the precipitation concentration period (PCP) over West Africa to explore the spatiotemporal variations in the characteristics of precipitation concentrations. Besides, the analysis of the effect of the specified GWLs on the Consecutive Dry Days (CDD), Consecutive Wet Days (CWD), and frequency of the intense rainfall events allowed to a better understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns of extreme precipitation in West Africa. Results reveal that, for the projections simulations and at each GWL, the rainfall onset starts one month earlier in the Gulf of Guinea in response to the control period. To encourage adaptation to the various changes in climate in general, and particularly in respect of rainfall, this study proposes several adaptation methods that can be implemented at the local (country) level, as well as some mitigation and adaptation strategies at the regional (West African) level.
Farmers’ Adaptive Capacity to Climate Change in Africa: Small-Scale Farmers in Cameroon
Authors: Awazi Nyong Princely , Tchamba Martin Ngankam , Temgoua Lucie Felicite , Tientcheu-Avana Marie-Louise
Published: May 2021

Small-scale farmers’ limited adaptive capacity confronted with the adversities of climate change is a major call for concern considering that small-scale farms feed over half of the world’s population. In this light, small-scale farmers’ adaptive choices and adaptive capacity to climate change were assessed. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources using a mixed research approach. Findings revealed that extreme weather events have been recurrent and small-scale farmers perceived access to land, household income, and the planting of trees/shrubs on farms (agroforestry) as the main factors influencing their capacity to adapt to climate change. Agroforestry and monoculture practices were the main adaptive choices of small-scale farmers confronted with climate change. T-test and chi-square test statistics revealed a strong non-cause-effect relationship (p < 0.001) between small-scale farmers’ capacity to adapt to climate change and different socio-economic, institutional, and environmental variables. Parameter estimates of the binomial logistic regression model indicated the existence of a strong direct cause-effect relationship (p < 0.05) between small-scale farmers’ capacity to adapt to climate change and access to credit, household income, number of farms, access to information, and access to land, indicating that these variables enhance small-scale farmers’ capacity to adapt to climate change. It is recommended that policy makers examine the adaptive choices and determinants of farmers’ adaptive capacity unearthed in this chapter when formulating policies geared towards enhancing small-scale farmers’ capacity to adapt to climate change.
Glutamine Metabolism in Cancer
Authors: Li Ting , Copeland Christopher , Le Anne
Published: May 2021

Metabolism is a fundamental process for all cellular functions. For decades, there has been growing evidence of a relationship between metabolism and malignant cell proliferation. Unlike normal differentiated cells, cancer cells have reprogrammed metabolism in order to fulfill their energy requirements. These cells display crucial modifications in many metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis and glutaminolysis, which include the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, the electron transport chain (ETC), and the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) [1]. Since the discovery of the Warburg effect, it has been shown that the metabolism of cancer cells plays a critical role in cancer survival and growth. More recent research suggests that the involvement of glutamine in cancer metabolism is more significant than previously thought. Glutamine, a nonessential amino acid with both amine and amide functional groups, is the most abundant amino acid circulating in the bloodstream [2]. This chapter discusses the characteristic features of glutamine metabolism in cancers and the therapeutic options to target glutamine metabolism for cancer treatment.