bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paving the Way for Gene Silencing in Lepidoptera: Integrated Sequencing Data Unveil the Rnai Core Machinery of Leucoptera Coffeella.
Authors: Martins Natalia , Nascimento Eliza , Vidal Leonardo , Lucena-Leandro Vivian , Junqueira Camila , Soares Fernanda , Viana Marcos , Nobrega Pollyana , Fontes Wagner , Luz Isabelle , Mehta Angela , Romano Eduardo , Clarindo Wellington , Dantas Juliana , Togawa Roberto , Albuquerque Erika
Published: August 2022

Background, Leucoptera coffeella (Guerin-Meneville, 1842) is a moth species (Lyonetiidae, Lepidoptera) pest that causes severe losses to coffee crops. Further information about its genomic data is required to allow molecular strategies for the development of sustainable pesticides and to gain in-depth knowledge on phylogenetics. However, the closest complete genome available is within the superfamily level (Yponomeutoidea). Here we report the generation of the first long-read genome, transcriptome and proteome results of L. coffeella and the in silico analysis performed in these molecular levels to investigate genes involved in the siRNA processing. Results, PACBio and paired-end Illumina combined DNA sequencing from pupae samples resulted in more than 436 Gb subreads and 31Mb reads with N50 read length of 15,512 nt, mean read length 13.8 Kb and max read length 420.7 Kb. Additionally, 20Gb data of short DNA sequencing was combined to produce 1,984 contigs comprising 397 Mb in total. The longest and shortest scaffold sizes are 10,809,567 nt and 15,247 nt, respectively (mean size 200,178 nt). The N50 scaffold was 275,598 nt and the GC content was 36.10%. Predicted coding DNA sequences counted 39.930 gene models. Searching of 5286 BUSCO groups revealed 91.7 percent of completeness (single and duplicated genes combined) compared to lepidoptera genomes (lepidoptera_odb10). Flow cytometry showed the 1C DNA content is approximately 295 Mb. RNA-Seq from seven development stages resulted in 28294 identified transcripts. Additionally, proteomics from immature stages resulted in 2045 proteins matching the gene models. Conclusions, This first nuclear genome of the Lyonetiidae family brings valuable molecular resources to study Lepidoptera genomes. Genome, transcriptome and proteome sequencing to raise genome annotation precision may resolve uncovered taxonomic issues. In addition, these combined approaches provide insights into plant-insect interaction players, as horizontally transferred genes (HGT) and endosymbionts. Put together, the generated data enables the development of molecular tools towards sustainable biotechnology solutions for lepidopteran pest control.
Analysis of the virulence and inflammatory markers elicited by Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli isolated from clinical and non-clinical sources in an experimental infection model, India
Authors: Modgil Vinay , Narayan ChanderDeo , Kaur Harpreet , Yadav Vivek kumar , Chaudhary Naveen , Kant Vishal , Mohan Balwinder , Bhatia Alka , Taneja Neelam
Published: August 2022

Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) are highly heterogeneous in virulence; we wanted to understand the pathogenic potential of EAEC isolated various clinical and non-clinical sources in an animal model. We infected male BALB/c mice in six mice/group with 50 EAEC isolates, isolated from clinical and non-clinical sources. We studied colonization, weight loss, stool shedding, inflammatory markers and its relationship with 21 virulence genes and phylogroups, EAEC organ burden and histopathological changes. We detected significantly more inflammatory changes and fecal lactoferrin and calprotectin levels in mice infected with EAEC isolated from symptomatic cases. In clinical EAEC isolates, the presence of chromosomal genes {(aap (46%), aaiC (23.3%), and SPATEs (pet (13.3%), sat (20%), sigA and pic (6.6%)}, adhesive variants {(agg4A (53.3%), aggA (53.3%), aafA (36.6%), agg3A (40%)} of EAEC, and master regulator gene aggR (66.6%) were associated with higher levels of lactoferrin and calprotectin. Also, 70% (9/13) of EAEC isolated from acute diarrheal cases bearing chuA (70%) in our study were assigned to group B2 (4 isolates) and D (5 isolates). Real-time PCR analysis revealed that colonization by EAEC strains from different clinical and non-clinical sources occurs up to 10-15 days of life. Even from non-diarrhoeal stools and non-clinical sources, had the potential to cause prolonged colonization, weight loss, and inflammation in the intestine though the degree varied. Moreover, better understanding of EAEC pathogenic pathways is desperately needed in different clinical scenarios.
MIMO Fuzzy Logic Controller for Accurate Sustainable Indoor-Lighting Design Using Simultaneous Dual Control to Adjust LEDs Lighting System and Roller Blinds’ Opening to Control the Daylight
Authors: M.A.S. Mahmoud Muhammad
Published: August 2022

This paper is an extension to previous work that introduced successful classical-control for indoor lighting system that simultaneously control LED system and roller curtain to achieve accurate light intensity for indoor lighting applications. In this paper, Multi Input Multi Output Fuzzy Logic Controller (MIMO FLC) is proposed to replace the classical-controller. Detailed method is provided to illustrate the steps to design the required MIMO FLC that has two fuzzy input, two fuzzy output and forty-five fuzzy rules with mamdani fuzzy engine. The proposed MIMO FLC is simulated in Matlab using Simulink tools. The results are illustrated, analyzed and compared with the classical-control. The response showed very close performance to the classical-controller. The maximum average error and the maximum error with respect to “Desired Lux” inside the room is -6% and -10% respectively.
Stamina Prediction of Cows and Goats to Exercise Changes by Measuring Body Temperature, Heart Rate, and Respiratory Rate
Authors: Prahesti Kusmandari Indah , Baco Sudirman , Malaka Ratmawati
Published: August 2022

Environmental factors play an important role in livestock life. An unsuitable environment can cause disturbances to the growth of animal and cannot produce properly. The purpose of this study was to determine changes in respiratory frequency, heart rate and body temperature of cows and goats at rest, when given running training, and when a rest one hour after being rushed, to find out the stamina of the animals. The results showed that exercise treatment had a very significant effect on respiratory rate, body temperature, and heart rate. The respiratory rate after exercise was significantly different from the respiratory frequency before exercise and after resting for one hour, but quickly returned to normal after one hour rest which indicates that the stamina of these two animals is very good.
Dynamics and Population Structure of Bali Cattle Partnerships Maiwa Breeding Center (MBC) in Barru Regency
Authors: Hasman Hasman , Baco Sudirman , Zulkarnaim Zulkharnaim
Published: August 2022

This study aims to determine the population dynamics, population structure, and increase of Bali cattle population Maiwa Breeding Center partnerships in Barru Regency. This research was conducted from March to April 2020 in Barru Regency, South Sulawesi. The Reproductive Efficiency of Bali cattle was 91%. Population dynamics were only influenced by the calving, mortality, and sale of livestock, with the growth of 27% (2019) and 31% (2020). The population structure was dominated by cows, 31% (2018), 48% (2019), and 54% (2020). Natural Increase (NI) of livestock was 17% (2018), 28% (2019) and 20% (2020). The conclusion of this study is that the growth of the Bali cattle population of MBC partnerships was still low when according to calving and income because it does not reach 80% of cows based on population even shows a tendency to decrease calving.
Keywords: Population of dynamics, population of structure, Bali cattle, smallholder partnerships
The Evaluation of Using Bio Activators Based on Rumen Content of Dry Matter, Organic Matter, and Crude Protein on Oil Palm Fronds as Ruminant Feed
Authors: Astuti Tri , Akbar Syahro Ali , Afriani Delsi , Rofiq M. Nasir Rofiq , Basyirun Fajri
Published: August 2022

This study aims to examine the effect of using rumen content bioactivators with the addition of different energy sources on nutrient content, fiber fraction content, and energy estimation in palm leaves and midribs that will be used as feed ingredients for ruminants.  Factorial completely randomized design 2x4 with 4 replications for each treatment was used in this study. Factor A is the source of the rumen contents, where A1 = Cattle rumen, A2 = Buffalo rumen. Factor B is a microbial energy supply; B1 = Molasses, B2 = Molasses + palm frond extract, B3 = Molasses + palm leaf extract, B4 = Molasses + palm frond and leaf extract.  Parameters observed were dry matter content, organic matter, crude protein. The results of the variance analysis showed that there was no interaction (P> 0.05) between the source of rumen content and the type of microbial energy supply. The dry matter content of palm fronds is not affected by the source of the rumen content of cows or buffaloes. The source of the rumen content based on cattle or buffaloes have no effect on the dry matter content of palm fronds.
Keywords: Bioactivator, oil palm frond, ruminant.
The Feed ADF and NDF Digestibilityof Goat Fed Four Difference Diets
Authors: Ismartoyo Ismartoyo , Syahriani Syahriani , Sarwan Sarwan
Published: August 2022

Goats generally have the ability to utilize carbohydrate sources from forages in the form of cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin obtained from plant cell walls. Generally, forage contains relatively high crude fiber content which can be indicated by the contents of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of the forage. The aim of this study was to examine the level of the feed consumption and digestibility of NDF and ADF of 4 different local forages fed to goats. This study was designed based on the Latin Square Design which consisted of 4 dietary treatments with 4 replications in each dietary treatment. A total of 4 male goats, with relatively the same weight and age, were randomly assigned to an individual metabolic cage fed with 4 diets including Elephant grass (R1), Mini elephant (ME) grass (R2), Panicum maximum (PM) grass (R3) and Brachiaria decumbens (BD) grass (R4). Each diet added 20% of rice bran. The results indicated that a diet containing Mini elephant grass had relatively higher digestibility of ADF and NDF compared to that of the other 3diets. In contrast, a diet containing Panicum maximum grass had lower ADF and NDF digestibility than other diets. In conclusion, adding rice bran to the diet based on Mini elephant grass, Elephant grass, and BD grass resulted in higher ADF and NDF consumption and digestibility compared with a diet based on PM grass.
Keywords: Digestibility, NDF, ADF, local grasses, goat.
Combining Manure and Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF) and Its Effects on Livestock-Integrated Maize Farming Production (Zea Mays L)
Authors: Hatibie Sumitro , Kaimuddin Kaimuddin , Garantjang Syamsuddin
Published: August 2022

This study aims to analyze the reaction in the doses of cow manure and liquid organic fertilizer and their reaction to the increase of farmer's revenue in a livestock-integrated farming system in Gorontalo. This study was performed in Gorontalo from March to July 2021. The study employed a 2-factor factorial design based on the randomized block design (RBD). The first factor is the cow manure dose and the second factor is the liquid organic fertilizer dose. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and the Tukey Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test. The results of the study concluded that the most optimal cow manure dose was 10 tons ha-1 to produce maize at a rate of 5.70 tons ha-1. 20 cc/14 L liquid organic fertilizer was able to generate the most optimal production of 5,67 tons ha-1. Integrating 10 tons ha-1 cow manure with 20 cc/14 L liquid organic fertilizer can generate the most optimal production amounting to 6.83 tons ha-1.
ANALISIS KEMAMPUAN PENALARAN MATEMATIS SISWA PADA MATERI BARISAN DAN DERET ARITMATIKA
Authors: Luti Atrina , Setiawan Beni , Delila Pentaugus Tetrosa
Published: August 2022

Latar belakang dari penelitian ini adalah kesalahan siswa dalam penalaran matematis  pada materi barisan dan deret aritmatika di kelas XI IIS Sma Joseph Khatulistiwa. Dari hasil yang sudah diamati oleh peneliti salah satu penyebabnya kesalahan siswa dalam mengerjakan soal tes uraian yaitu kurangnya penalaran matematis siswa. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis penalaran matematis siswa dalam mengerjakan soal matematika, untuk menjelaskan hambatan-hambatan penalaran matematis siswa dan untuk mengatasi faktor penghambat penalaran matematis siswa. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif dengan pendekatan kualitatif. Subjek penelitian ini yaitu 9 siswa Sma Joseph Khatulistiwa. Insterumen yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini menggunakan soal tes uraian sebanyak 3 soal siswa SMA kelas XI IPS. Ada 3 cara uuntuk menganalisis data yaitu dengan mengumpulkan hasil tes uraian. Pengumpulan data dengan cara menghubungkan pengerjaan soal tes penalaran matematis siswa. Untuk mengetahui kesalahan siswa menggunakan materi barisan dan deret aritmatika. Hasil tes penelitian ini akan menggunakan indikator dari penalaran matematis yaitu: (a) menarik sebuah kesimpulan, (b) menentukan pola. Dari hasil tes  menunjukan tidak ada siswa yang dapat menjawab denga tepat. Dengan menggunakan indikator pedoman kesalahan Newman,  hal ini siswa belum dapat memahami dari suatu soal dan belum dapat berpikir secara logis
PENINGKATAN KETUNTASAN BELAJAR SISWA DENGAN PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN KOOPERATIF TIPE STAD PADA MATA PELAJARAN PRAKTIKUM AKUNTANSI PERUSAHAAN JASA, DAGANG, DAN MANUFAKTUR DENGAN MATERI PENERIMAAN KAS PADA TINGKAT XII AKL I PROGRAM KEAHLIAN KEUANGAN P
Authors: Asmawati
Published: August 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hasil belajar akuntansi terhadap pelaksanaan model pembelajaran kooperatif tipe Student Teams Achievement Divisions (STAD) di SMK Negeri 1 Sumenep. Adapun yang menjadi subjek penelitian adalah siswa kelas XII Akuntansi 2 SMK Negeri 1 Sumenep yang berjumlah 35 siswa. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa model pembelajaran Student Teams Achievement Divisions (STAD) dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa, pada siklus I terdapat 12 siswa (34,3%) dari 35 siswa masih belum mampu mencapai KKM, dan sebanyak 23 (65,7%) siswa kelas XII Akuntansi 2 telah mencapai KKM. Pada siklus II, hasil tes formatif siswa yang kompeten sejumlah 33 (94,3%) dan 2 siswa (5,7%) belum kompeten. Apabila dibandingkan, minat dan perhatian pada pelaksanaan pembelajaran dengan model pembelajaran STAD dari siklus I ke siklus II mengalami kenaikan sebesar 60%. Siswa memberikan respon positif terhadap pelaksanaan pembelajaran kooperatif tipe Student Teams Achievement Divisions (STAD).
Analisis Kemampuan Disposisi Matematis Siswa MAN 1 Sintang Melalui Pendekatan Metaphorical Thinking
Authors: Ananda Devia , Afifah Fajar Nur , Afifah Fajar Nur , Sopia Nurapni
Published: August 2022

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi pentingnya kemampuan disposisi matematis pada materi barisan dan deret aritmstika yang ditinjau dari kemampuan matematika. Dimana tujuan dari pembelajaran matematika memuat aspek kognitif yang dilihat dari kemampuan pemecahan masalah dan aspek afektif dapat dilihat dari disposisi matematis. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan kemampuan disposisi matematis untuk materi barisan dan deret aritmatika ditinjau dari aspek kemampuan matematika. Tempat pelaksanaan dalam penelitian ini di MAN 1 Sintang dengan subjek penelitian kelas XI.Adapun Pendekatan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini memakai pendekatan kualitatif.Pengambilan data dilaksanakan dengan langkah memberikan soal tes kemampuan pemecahan masalah, memberikan angket disposisi matematis, dan melakukan wawancara berdasarkan hasil dari soal tes kemampuan pemecahan masalah oleh masing-masing subjek. Kesimpulan dari hasil penelitian ini adalah Disposisi matematis siswa secara umum berada pada kriteria baik
An ATP-free packaging of T4 DNA
Authors: Hara Seiko , Koike Isao
Published: August 2022

Packaging of viral DNA into a capsid with the liquid crystalline density is a crucial step in viral reproduction. The DNA packaging with the ATP fueled molecular motor is an established viral DNA packaging system. However, the velocity and the efficiency are not well matched with in vivo processes. On the other hand, DNA compacts with the conformational change by multivalent cations exclusively of the valences higher than three. The conformational change of DNA was not considered as the vehicle of DNA packaging of viruses. Here, T4 DNA, ejected from a capsid in the ambient concentration of phosphate corresponding to the intra-cell concentration, is packaged into the capsid when the phosphate concentration decreases to the extra-cell concentration in the coexistence with divalent cations, Ca2+ and Mg2+. The compaction and packaging process coincide with the conformational change of DNA. Divalent cations can compact T4 DNA when the counter anion is phosphate. The DNA-packaged and re-generated virions showed equivalent infective ability with the original populations. Fluorescent microscopy distinguished the conformational changes of DNA between compact forms and coil forms. Packaged- or unpackaged-DNA were confirmed enzymatically. Pfu was used as the measure of infectious ability of virions. The concentration of ATP was measured by the luminometric method. The packaging is proceeded in pM or lower concentration of ATP. This is a new packaging process of viral DNA practically free from ATP into which conformational change of DNA is incorporated. The results may provide new interpretations of the life cycle of T4.
Data analysis and research reveal the reasons why China still adheres to its “dynamic zero-COVID policy”
Authors: Dai Yeyu Freddie , Dai Bingxi Gabriel
Published: August 2022

China has been attacked by its largest outbreaks of COVID-19 since March. Pervasive arguments about prevention policy arose among people in China and around the world. Complete and accurate statistical analyzes of cases of contraction with SARS-CoV-2 in China are given under the conditions of strict mandatory quarantine and isolation, and of a high rate of full vaccination. This study reveals the essential reasons why China has been and will be adhering to its “dynamic zero-COVID policy” which stands in contrast to a global trend towards easing restrictions and attempting to co-exist with the circulating virus, including choice uniqueness, difference of case symptomatic rates, unpredictability of transmission, worries of burden to medical system, successful reducing to zero the number of each active chain of transmission, and outstanding economy achievements, etc. This study may bring new thoughts for correction of present epidemiological theory and mathematical models, as well as new theoretical supports for the prevention policy making. It may also give other countries time to be better prepared for the coming 6th wave driven by Omicron variant.
Time series to imaging based deep learning model for detecting abnormal fluctuation in agriculture product price
Authors: Wentao Jiang , Zhang Dabin , Ling Liwen , Cai Guotao , Zeng Liling
Published: August 2022

In the analysis of agricultural product price time series, the detection of abnormal fluctuation is the primary task. Accurately judging the abnormal fluctuation of agricultural product prices will give the policy support to the government and also assist farmers increase production and income. A deep convolutional neural network model based on time series image(TSI) is introduced to identify the abnormal fluctuation of agricultural prices under the improved standard deviation-Slope judgment. Markov Transfer Field(MTF) method is used to transform the pre-processed sparse one-dimensional time series of agricultural prices into two-dimensional dense images, and a deep convolutional neural network(CNN) model is used for automatic feature extraction and classification of time series images containing abnormal fluctuations. The empirical evaluation of China's corn and wheat price datasets are performed in our paper, and compared with other abnormal fluctuation judgment methods, the accuracy of the proposed algorithm is about 20% higher on average, which confirms the applicability of the standard deviation-slope time series Image-Resnet-34 (SDS-TSI-Resnet34) model in practical scenarios. Finally, some feasible suggestions for the efficient development of agricultural economy are proposed based on the abnormal fluctuation judgment method proposed in this paper.
Harm reduction behaviors are associated with carrying naloxone among patients on methadone treatment
Authors: Kozak Zofia , Ciccarone Daniel , Thrul Johannes , Cole Thomas , Pappas Alexander , Greenblatt Aaron D. , Welsh Christopher , Yoon Mark , Gann Donald , Artigiani Erin , Wish Eric , Belcher Annabelle M.
Published: August 2022

Background: Despite the widespread availability of naloxone, U.S. opioid overdose rates continue to rise. The “Cascade of Care” (CoC) is a public health approach that identifies steps in achieving specific outcomes and has been used to identify gaps in naloxone carry among individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). We sought to apply this framework to a treatment-seeking population with OUD that may be more inclined to engage in harm reduction behaviors.Methods: Patients were recruited from an urban methadone program to complete a survey. We assessed naloxone familiarity, availability, obtainability, training, and possession, as well as naloxone carry rates, demographics, and harm reduction behaviors. A multivariable logistic regression examined associations between naloxone carry and individual-level factors.Results: Participants (n=97) were majority male (59%), with a mean age of 48 (SD=12), 27% had college education or higher, 64% indicated injection drug use, and 84% reported past naloxone training. All participants endorsed familiarity with naloxone, but only 42% regularly carried naloxone. The following variables were associated with carrying naloxone: white race (aOR=4.00, 95% CI 1.25-12.78), lower education (aOR=0.33, 95% CI 0.12-0.95), history of naloxone training (aOR=5.16, 95% CI 1.08-24.74), and total number of self-reported harm reduction behaviors (aOR=1.55, 95% CI 1.05-2.30).Conclusion: We found low rates of naloxone carry among methadone-treated patients. Methadone programs provide opportunities for naloxone interventions and should target racial/ethnic minorities, individuals with lower education, and those who have not received naloxone training. The spectrum of harm reduction behaviors should be encouraged among these populations to enhance naloxone carry.
Deep learning-derived cardiovascular age shares a genetic basis with other cardiac phenotypes
Authors: Libiseller-Egger Julian , Phelan Jody , Attia Zachi , Benavente Ernest Diez , Campino Susana , Friedman Paul , Lopez-Jimenez Francisco , Leon David , Clark Taane
Published: August 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI)-based approaches can now use electrocardiograms (ECGs) to provide expert-level performance in detecting heart abnormalities and diagnosing disease. Additionally, patient age predicted from ECGs by AI models has shown great potential as a biomarker for cardiovascular age as recent work has found differences from chronological age ("delta age") to be associated with mortality and co-morbidities. However, the genetic underpinning of delta age is unknown, but crucial for understanding underlying individual risk. By performing a genome-wide association study using UK Biobank data (n=34,432), we identified eight loci associated with delta age (p ≤ 5 × 10−8 ), including genes linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) (e.g. SCN5A) and (heart) muscle development (e.g. TTN). Our results indicate that the genetic basis of cardiovascular ageing is predominantly determined by genes directly involved with the cardiovascular system rather than those connected to more general mechanisms of ageing. Our insights inform the epidemiology of CVD, with implications for preventative and precision medicine.
Cancer stem-like cells of nasopharyngeal carcinoma express CXCR4 and display highly invasive activity
Authors: Zhu Zhenwei , Li Jingyu , Liu Jingxian , He Yuan , Xue Yan , Hong Xiangchan , Jiang Zeying , Luo Dangu , Guo Pei , Yao Kaitai , Chen Lin
Published: August 2022

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients with distant metastasis have a poor response to conventional first-line chemoradiotherapy and a poor prognosis. Growing evidence suggests that a subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) with certain markers is essential for cancer metastasis. However, the unique subset of CSCs that drives NPC metastasis is still unclear. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the expression characteristics, distribution and relationship of CXCR4 with clinical parameters in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The expression characteristics of CD133 and CXCR4 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tumorspheres were analyzed by flow cytometry. Through a magnetic activated cell sorting system, CXCR4-positive and CXCR4-negative tumorsphere cells were obtained, and then, the differences in invasion (in vitro and in vivo), metastatic tumor formation, stemness and EMT characteristics of the two cell types were compared. SDF-1 and its inhibitor were used to explore the roles of stromal-cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) in the metastatic process. Results: In 71 cases of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma, CXCR4 expression was correlated with T stage and N stage. The CXCR4-positive rate of the tumor cells in the T3-4 group was higher than that in the T1-2 group (60.6% vs 28.9%, P =0.009), and that in the N2-3 group was higher than that in the N0-1 group (76.5% vs 13.5%, P=0.000). The CXCR4 expression level was higher in cells with high metastasis or low differentiation. The culture of tumor spheres enriched CD133-positive and CXCR4-positive cells, and most CD133-positive cells also expressed CXCR4 in NPC. The secondary tumorsphere-forming rate of the CXCR4-positive tumorsphere cells was higher than that of the CXCR4-negative tumorsphere cells, and most of the CXCR4-positive tumorsphere cells had a spindle morphology. The CXCR4-positive tumorsphere cells had stronger migration and invasion ability in vitro and metastatic tumor formation ability in mice, which depends on the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis, than the CXCR4-negative tumorsphere cells.Compared with those of the CXCR4-negative tumorsphere cells, the mRNA expression levels of Oct4, Nanog, Sox2, Snail, Twist, Vimentin and N-cadherin in the CXCR4-positive tumor tumorsphere cells were increased, while E-cadherin decreased, and the protein expression levels of Vimentin and N-cadherin increased, while that of E-cadherin decreased. Conclusion: Therefore, CXCR4 may be a marker of nasopharyngeal metastatic tumor stem cells, and CXCR4 may be involved in tumor stem cell migration and invasion by regulating the EMT process. These results suggest that targeting the SDF1/CXCR4 axis may interfere with nasopharyngeal carcinoma tumor stem cell migration and invasion and provide new treatment strategies.
Do Executive Functions Predict Physical Activity Behavior? – A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gürdere Ceren , Strobach Tilo , Pastore Massimiliano , Pfeffer Ines
Published: August 2022

Background: Executive functions (EFs) are important determinants of health behaviors. In the present study, a meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between EFs and physical activity (PA) behavior. Methods: Systematic searches were carried out and prospective studies which reported the relationship between baseline EFs and later PA behavior were selected. Eight studies were found eligible. Results: Results of the multilevel meta-analysis revealed a significant total effect size for EFs on PA behavior. High heterogeneity was observed among studies. When potential moderators were tested, residual heterogeneity remained significant and the effects of the moderators were not significant. The effect size dropped when accounted for publication bias. Conclusions: Despite limitations, the study provided evidence for EFs’ determinant role on PA behavior. More research is however encouraged to inform PA promotion programs that are well-prepared for individual differences in EFs.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) perturbs trophoblast differentiation and invasion program through a ROS-mediated pathway
Authors: Mukherjee Indrani , Singh Sunil , Biswas Subhrajit , Talukdar Joyeeta , Alqahtani Mohammed S. , Abbas Mohamed , Nag Tapas Chandra , Mridha Asit , Gupta Surabhi , Sharma Jai Bhagwan , Kumari Supriya , Dhar Ruby , Karmakar Subhradip
Published: August 2022

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor-enhancing food additive widely used in Asian cuisine. It is one of the common ingredients used in curry and other tinned food that is believed to bring out the "umami" meat flavor and enhance the savory taste of the food. It is the sodium salt of the naturally occurring amino acid Glutamate. Due to its massive consumption as part of fast-food culture along with concerns about its possible effect on health in general and pregnancy in particular, we undertook this study to address its impact on placental trophoblast cells. We investigated the effect of MSG on placental trophoblast cells. Our studies confirmed that short and long-term exposure to MSG has a profound influence on trophoblast invasion and differentiation, two of the most critical and dispensable functions during placentation. Our results showed an acute short-term MSG-treatment enhanced trophoblast invasion and cell motility along with an increased expression in trophoblast cell differentiation markers. However, long-term chronic MSG stimulation in these cell types showed the opposite effect with both reduced invasion and differentiation. Further, MSG-treated placental explants displayed signs of elevated oxidative stress. These effect of MSG on trophoblast cells along with an increased ROS production indicates that long-term usage of MSG as part of food additive might have adverse health consequences on the developing embryo by compromising the trophoblast and placental function.
Association of preterm outcome with maternal systemic lupus erythematosus: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Xiafang , Di Wen , Ye Lili , Hu Yabin , Jiang Meng , Wu Jiayue , Bu Jun , Sun Jianhua , Bei Fei
Published: August 2022

Background
Maternal systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is at greater risk of pregnancy complications and is associated with increased risk of preterm delivery. However hardly any study has looked at the influence of SLE on the outcomes of preterm infants. This study aimed to explore the influence of SLE on the outcomes of preterm infants.
Methods
In this retrospective cohort study, preterm infants born to mothers with SLE from Shanghai Children's Medical Center during 2012 to 2021 were enrolled. Infants were excluded if they were died during hospitalization or has major congenital anomalies and neonatal lupus. Exposure was defined as mother diagnosed SLE before or during pregnancy. Maternal SLE group was matched with Non-SLE group by gestational age, birth weight and gender. Clinical data has been extracted from patients’ records and registered. Major morbidities of premature and biochemical parameters in the two groups were compared using multiple logistic regression༎
Results
One hundred preterm infants born to 95 mothers with SLE were finally enrolled. The mean (standard deviation) of gestational age and birth weight were 33.09 (7.28) weeks and 1768.50 (423.56) g respectively. There was no significant difference in major morbidities between SLE group and non-SLE group. Compared with non-SLE group, SLE off-spring had significantly lower leukocytes, neutrophiles after birth, neutrophils and platlet in one week (mean difference: -2.825, -2.001, -0.842, -45.469, respectively). Among SLE group, lower birth weight and smaller gestational age were observed in SLE mothers with disease active during pregnancy, kidney involved, blood system involved and not taking Aspirin during pregnancy. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that taking aspirin during pregnancy was associated with very preterm birth and survive without major morbidities.
Conclusion
Born to mothers with SLE may not increase the risk of major premature morbidities, but the hematologic profile of SLE preterm infants may be different from preterm infants born to women without SLE. The outcome of SLE preterm infants is associated with maternal SLE status and may benefit from maternal aspirin administration.
EHTT2022-Prediction of grinding force by an electroplated grinding wheel with orderly-micro-grooves
Authors: Mao Cong , Wang Jiali , Zhang Mingjun , Wang Xincheng , Luo Yuanqiang , Tang Weidong , Tang Kun , Bi Z.M. , Hu Yongle , Lin Zhenheng
Published: August 2022

The ability of predicting a grinding force is important to control, monitor, and optimize grinding process. Few theoretical models were developed to predict grinding forces when a structured wheel was used in a grinding process. This paper aimed to establish a single grit grinding force model to predict the ploughing, friction and cutting forces in a grinding process. It took into the consideration of actual topography of the grinding wheel, a theoretical grinding force model of the grinding wheel with orderly-micro-grooves was proposed. The model was innovative in sense that it represented the random thickness of undeformed chips by a probabilistic expression, and it reflected the microstructure characteristics of the structured wheel explicitly. Note that the microstructure depended on the randomness of the protruding heights and distribution density of the grits over wheel. The proposed force prediction model was validated by surface grinding experiments, and the results showed (1) a good agreement of the predicted and measured forces and (2) a good agreement of the changes of the grinding forces along with the changes of grinding parameters in the prediction model and experiments. The proposed model was proven its accuracy, reliability and effectiveness in predicting grinding forces by an orderly-micro-grooved grinding wheel.
Regional variation of coda Q in Northwest Caucasus
Authors: Zvereva Anastasia S. , Havskov Jens , Gabsatarova Irina P.
Published: August 2022

Coda Q has been studied in the North-West Caucasus region using 267 earthquakes and 17 stations from the network of the Geophysical Survey, Russian Academy of Sciences. This is the first Qc study for the region using such a large dataset. The average frequency-dependent coda Q relationship is Qc=90±21∙f1.02±0.11. This value compares closely to other similar tectonic areas in the world where the same processing parameter had been used. Three specific zones, two in the Greater Caucasus tectonic area and one east of the Ciscaucasian trough area, were studied separately. There was a clear difference in Qc between the zones, particularly for the Ciscaucasian trough area which shows a higher Qc than the 2 other zones. However, the difference between the zones became smaller when using long lapse times tending to give a constant Qc as a function of lapse time. For longer lapse time it is assumed that a large part of the coda waves passes the mantle. The 2 zones in Greater Caucasus now had a similar Qc while the East zone in the Ciscaucasian trough still gave the highest values. We contribute this difference to differences in attenuation in the mantle under the two tectonic areas. In our area, there is then a clear difference in Qc for the 3 study areas in the crust but in the mantle the difference is mainly between the two tectonic zones.
Fabrication of Silver Nanoparticles-deposited Fabrics as A Potential Candidate for The Development of Reusable Facemask and Evaluation of Their Performance
Authors: Abazari Morteza , Badeleh Safa Momeni , Khaleghi Fatemeh , Saeedi Majid , Haghi Fakhri
Published: August 2022

Recently, wearing facemasks in public has been raised due to the coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic worldwide. However, the performance and effectiveness of many existing products have raised significant concerns among people and professionals. In this respect, doping or impregnating facemask fabrics with metallic substances or nanoparticles like silver nanoparticles has been proposed. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to sonochemically deposit silver nanoparticles on the non-woven Spunbond substrates at different sonication times and concentrations to develop reusable antibacterial and antiviral facemask for protection against coronavirus. The coated substrates were characterized in terms of morphological, mechanical, and functional characteristics. The results confirmed high and uniform deposition of silver nanoparticles on Spunbond fabrics with desirable stability and mechanical properties. Evaluation of functional characteristics of the resultant fabrics showed suitable particle filtration efficiency, pressure drop, and electrical conductivity, which are essential elements for a desired facemask with enhanced protection and support of normal breath. The prepared fabrics also showed high antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria without any significant cytotoxicity effect toward HEK 293 cells and brine shrimp.
Prognostic impact of tumor-associated macrophage-related markers in patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung
Authors: Shikanai Shunsuke , Yamada Noriyuki , Yanagawa Naoki , Sugai Mayu , Osakabe Mitsumasa , Saito Hajime , Maemondo Makoto , Sugai Tamotsu
Published: August 2022

Macrophage polarization is an important pathogenetic factor in neoplastic diseases and is regulated by transcription factors, i.e., phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (phospho-STAT1) for the M1 phenotype and c-Maf for the M2 phenotype. However, the role of macrophage phenotype in lung adenocarcinoma (LAD) remains unclear. Here, we examined whether the density of M1 and M2 macrophages was associated with prognosis in patients with LAD using double-labeling immunohistochemistry for the detection of macrophage markers. Additionally, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was investigated. Immune cells co-expressing CD68 and phospho-STAT1 were considered M1 macrophages, whereas those co-expressing CD68 and c-Maf were recognized as M2 macrophages. Three hundred seven patients with LAD were divided into two cohorts (N = 100 and 207 cases, respectively) to evaluate the associations of M1 and M2 phenotypes with prognosis in patients with LAD. We determined the cut-off values of CD68/phospho-STAT1-positive cells (5 or less) and CD68/c-Maf-positive cells (more than 11) to assess correlations with survival using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis in the first cohort. According to the cut-off values, high expression of CD68/c-Maf was identified as an independent prognostic marker, whereas CD68/Phospho-STAT1 expression was inversely correlated with patient outcomes. Moreover, the M1/M2 ratio (0.19 or less) was a poor prognostic factor for LAD. However, PD-L1 expression was not correlated with patient outcomes. Overall, these findings suggested that double staining of markers identifying M1 and M2 macrophages, including phospho-STAT1 and c-Maf, can be used as prognostic indicators for patients with LAD.
Application of computed tomography-guided hook-wire localization technique in thoracoscopic surgery for small pulmonary nodules (≤10 mm)
Authors: Yang Yuan , Qin Chenhui , Ma Yue , Lu Zhongting , Zhang Yun , Li Tao
Published: August 2022

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of the computed tomography (CT)-guided hook-wire localization technique in thoracoscopic surgery for small pulmonary nodules (≤10 mm) and to identify the risk factors for localization-related complications.Methods: The medical records of 150 patients with small pulmonary nodules treated from January 2018 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. According to preoperative hook-wire positioning status, they were divided into the localization group (50 cases) or the control group (100 cases). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and conversion rate to thoracotomy were recorded and compared between groups. Uni- and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for localization-related complications.Results: A total of 58 nodules were localized in 50 patients in the localization group, and the localization success rate was 98.3% (57/58). In one case, the positioning pin fell off before wedge resection was performed. The mean nodule diameter was 7.05 mm (range, 2.8–10.0 mm), while the mean depth from the pleura was 22.40 mm (range, 5.47–79.47 mm). There were 8 cases (16%) of asymptomatic pneumothorax, 2 (4%) of intrapulmonary hemorrhage, and 1 (2%) of pleural reaction. The mean operation time of the localization group (103.88 ± 41.74 min) was significantly shorter than that of the control group (133.30 ± 45.42 min) (P < 0.05). The mean intraoperative blood loss of the localization group (44.20 ± 34.17 mL) was significantly lower than that of the control group (112.30 ± 219.90 mL) (P < 0.05). The mean hospital stay of the localization group (7.96 ± 2.34 days) was significantly shorter than that of the control group (9.21 ± 3.25 days).Multivariate binary logistic analysis showed that the localization number of small pulmonary nodules in the localization group was an independent risk factor for localization-related pneumothorax.Conclusions: Our results suggest that the CT-guided hook-wire localization technique is beneficial for localizing small pulmonary nodules. Specifically, it is helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of early lung cancer because it can accurately remove lesions, decrease intraoperative blood loss, shorten operation time and hospitalization stay, and reduce thoracotomy conversion rate. Simultaneous positioning of multiple nodules can easily lead to positioning-related pneumothorax.
Stable soil moisture altered the rhizosphere microbial community structure via affecting their host plant
Authors: Liu Dichuan , Wang Zhuan , Zhu Guolong , Zhang Renlian , Bryant Ray , Drohan Patrick J. , Long Huaiyu , Xu Aiguo
Published: August 2022

Temporal variation of soil moisture is one of the influencing factors affecting crop water use efficiency (WUE). Compared with fluctuating soil moisture (FSM), stable soil moisture (SSM) with weaker temporal variance has the potential to improve the WUE of crops. However, response of crop rhizosphere microbiome to soil moisture temporal variation remains unclear. In this study, we performed pot experiments on romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia) to compare the effects of different soil moisture temporal variation on plant growth, yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and rhizosphere bacterial and fungal community structures, via manual irrigation and negative pressure irrigation to create FSM and SSM conditions, respectively. The results indicate that SSM improved the growth and WUE of romaine lettuce. Moreover, the rhizosphere microbial community composition of romaine lettuce differed under SSM and FSM conditions. Under SSM, bacterial Bacillus, fungal Aspergillus and Chaetomium were enriched in the romaine lettuce rhizosphere, whereas some taxa such as bacterial Devosia, Lysobacter, Blastococus and Bacillus, fungal Alternaria were reduced; these taxa could therefore be biomarkers in future research. Partial least squares path model (PLS-PM) analysis revealed that rhizosphere microbial communities were indirectly affected by the soil moisture temporal variation, as evidenced by the improvement in plant growth. Our results suggest that the rhizosphere microbial communities of romaine lettuce primarily respond to changes in the soil moisture temporal variation through the plant-microbiome interaction but are not directly affected by soil moisture.
Total phosphorus removal in multi-soil-layering nature-based technology: Evaluation of influencing factors and prediction using data-driven methods
Authors: Sbahi Sofyan , Mandi Laila , Ouazzani Naaila , Hejjaj Abdessamed , Lahrouni Abderrahman
Published: August 2022

Excess phosphorus (P) in wastewater can produce eutrophication, posing a serious risk to the safety of water resources and ecosystems. Therefore, effective pollutant removal including P from wastewater is the key strategy to save the environment and public health. Multi-soil-layering (MSL) is a promising nature-based technology that mainly relies on a soil mixture containing iron to remove P-pollution from wastewater. In the MSL influent, fourteen water quality indicators were measured, including pH, dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids, electrical conductivity, organic matter, nutrients, and coliform bacteria, to determine which ones have the strongest relationship with total phosphorus (TP) removal. The influence of hydraulic loading rate (HLR) and climatic variables (air temperature, rainfall, and evaporation) on the removal of TP was investigated. Four data-driven methods including multiple linear regression (MLR), k-nearest neighbors (KNN), random forest (RF), and neural network (NN) were conducted to predict TP removal at the MSL system outlet. In contrast to climatic variables, the results reveal that the HLR has a significant impact (p < 0.05) on TP removal (47% − 90%) in the MSL system. Furthermore, using a feature selection technique, the HLR, pH, PO43− and TP were suggested as the relevant input variables affecting TP removal in the MSL system, while an examination of accuracy shows that the RF model achieves good prediction accuracy (R2 = 0.93) and can help to understand MSL behavior for pollutants.
Role of acyl-coenzyme A: cholesterol transferase 1 (ACAT1) during retinal neovascularization in ischemic retinopathies
Authors: Zaidi Syed , Lemtalsi Tahira , Xu Zhimin , Santana Isabella , Sandow Porsche , Labazi Leila , Caldwell Robert W. , Caldwell Ruth B. , Rojas Modesto A.
Published: August 2022

Background: We have investigated the efficacy of a new strategy to limit pathological retinal neovascularization (RNV) during ischemic retinopathy. Our previous studies in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) showed that blockade of a receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM1) significantly inhibited RNV and reduced expansion of the avascular area (AVA). Here we investigated the role of the cholesterol metabolizing enzyme acyl-coenzyme A: cholesterol transferase 1 (ACAT1) in this process.Methods: In vivo studies used the mouse model of OIR using LDLR-/- mice and wild-type mice treated with a specific inhibitor of ACAT1 (10 mg/Kg, i.p) or vehicle (PBS). In vitro studies used human THP1 macrophages maintained in hypoxia (1% O2) or normoxia (21% O2) for 16 hrs and treated with the ACAT1 inhibitor (10μg/ml) or PBS.Results: Analysis of OIR retinas showed that increased expression of inflammatory mediators and pathological RNV were associated with significant increases in expression of the LDL receptor (LDLR), increased accumulation of neutral lipids, and formation of toxic levels of cholesterol ester (CE). Deletion of the LDLR completely blocked OIR-induced RNV and significantly reduced the AVA. The OIR-induced increase in CE formation was accompanied by significant increases in expression of ACAT1, VEGF and inflammatory factors (TREM1 and MCSF) (p<0.05). ACAT1 was co-localized with TREM1, MCSF, and macrophage/microglia makers (F4/80 and Iba1) in areas of RNV. Treatment with K604 prevented retinal accumulation of neutral lipids and CE formation, inhibited RNV, and decreased the AVA as compared to controls (p<0.05). The treatment also blocked upregulation of LDLR, ACAT1, TREM1, MCSF, and inflammatory cytokines but did not alter VEGF expression. K604 treatment of THP1 macrophages also blocked the effects of hypoxia in increasing expression of ACAT1, TREM1, and MCSF without altering VEGF expression. Conclusions: OIR-induced RNV is closely associated with increases in lipid accumulation and CE formation along with increased expression of LDLR, ACAT1, TREM1, and MCSF. Inhibiting ACAT1 blocked these effects and limited RNV independently of alterations in VEGF expression. This pathway offers a novel strategy to limit vascular injury during ischemic retinopathy.