bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genotypic Variation in Plant Traits, Chemical Defenses, and Resistance Against Insect Herbivores in Avocado (Persea americana) Across a Domestication Gradient
Authors: Hernández-Cumplido Johnattan , Rodriguez-Saona Cesar , Ruíz-Rodríguez Claudia E. , Guevara-Fefer Patricia , Aguirre-Paleo Salvador , Miranda Trejo Serafín , Callejas-Chavero Alicia
Published: January 2021

Domestication promotes divergence between wild and cultivated plants. The “plant domestication-reduced defense” hypothesis proposes that cultivated plants have lower chemical defenses and resistance against herbivores than their wild counterparts. Yet, the effects of domestication on the interactions between perennial crops and insect herbivores have not been well-documented. In this study, we hypothesized that domesticated avocado (Persea americana) has lowered resistance against insect herbivores. To test this hypothesis, we measured variation in plant traits (fruit and seed size, seed germination, and plant growth), chemical defenses (total phenolics), and resistance against two leaf-chewing insect herbivores—a specialist (Copaxa multifenestrata) and a generalist (Spodoptera frugiperda)—among seven avocado genotypes across a domestication gradient: wild (ancestral) genotypes, five (intermediate) landraces (“Blanco,” “Lonjas,” “Vargas,” “Zarcoli,” and “Rodolfo”), and the cultivated (modern) “Hass.” Our results showed that seeds from “Hass” have a lower germination rate and slower growth and have shorter fruits and seeds than the landraces and wild genotypes. “Hass” leaves also had lower amounts of total phenolics than the landraces; however, no differences were found between “Hass” and the wild genotypes. There was no effect of genotype on larval mass gained for both herbivores. However, C. multifenestrata had longer larval longevity on “Hass” and the wild genotypes, whereas S. frugiperda larval longevity showed no differences among genotypes. Moreover, C. multifenestrata inflicted more damage on “Hass,” whereas S. frugiperda inflicted more damage on “Lonjas” than on the other genotypes. In general, bigger fruit and seeds were positively correlated with plant size and phenolic content, and total phenolics were positively correlated with S. frugiperda and negatively correlated with C. multifenestrata larval performance. However, despite the genotypic variation in plant traits, phenolic content, and resistance against two herbivores with different levels of specialization, there was no clear support for the “plant domestication-reduced defense” hypothesis in avocado.
Green Manure Species for Phytoremediation of Soil With Tebuthiuron and Vinasse
Authors: Ferreira Luziane Cristina , Moreira Bruno Rafael de Almeida , Montagnolli Renato Nallin , Prado Evandro Pereira , Viana Ronaldo da Silva , Tomaz Rafael Simões , Cruz Jaqueline Matos , Bidoia Ederio Dino , Frias Yanca Araujo , Lopes Paulo Renato Matos
Published: January 2021

Tebuthiuron is often used to control weed growth in sugarcane cultures. This herbicide is highly toxic and can persist in soil for up to 2 years according to its degradation half-life. Hence, its residual effect is highly hazardous for the environment and local habitants via leaching, surface runoff. Screening out of species of green manure as potential phytoremediators for tebuthiuron in soil, with and with no vinasse, accordingly is the scientific point of this study. Green manure species selected for the trial in greenhouse were jack bean [Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC.], pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L. Millsp.)], velvet bean [Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.)], and millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.], and Crotalaria juncea L. as bioindicator of this herbicide. The determination/quantification of height, stem diameter, and number of leaves in all plants were monitored, as well as other morphological traits for drafting any inference on biomass production. Moreover, ecotoxicity bioassays were performed from soil samples at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. Results showed preliminary evidence of effective phytoremediation capacity by M. pruriens and P. glaucum in soils with tebuthiuron, as the growth of C. juncea was sustained. Both Gompertz approach and principal component analysis predicted that these green manure species could grow healthier and for longer periods in soils containing tebuthiuron and vinasse and, thus, reduce physiological anomalies due to ecotoxicity. The implications of this study may aid in the implementation of cost-effective strategies targeting decontamination of tebuthiuron in sugarcane crops with vinasse application in fertigation.
Surfactant Monolayer Bending Elasticity in Lipase Containing Bicontinuous Microemulsions
Authors: Engelskirchen Sandra , Wellert Stefan , Holderer Olaf , Frielinghaus Henrich , Laupheimer Michaela , Richter Sven , Nestl Bettina , Nebel Bernd , Hauer Bernhard
Published: January 2021

Lipase-catalyzed reactions offer many advantages among which a high degree of selectivity combined with the possibility to convert even non-natural substrates are of particular interest. A major drawback in the applicability of lipases in the conversion of synthetically interesting, non-natural substrates is the substantial insolubility of such substrates in water. The conversion of substrates, natural or non-natural, by lipases generally involves the presence of a water–oil interface. In the present paper, we exploit the fact that the presence of lipases, in particular the lipase from Candida antarctica B (CalB), changes the bending elastic properties of a surfactant monolayer in a bicontinuous microemulsion consisting of D2O/NaCl -n-(d)-octane-pentaethylene glycol monodecyl ether (C10E5) in a similar manner as previously observed for amphiphilic block-copolymers. To determine the bending elastic constant, we have used two approaches, small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and neutron spin echo (NSE) spectroscopy. The time-averaged structure from SANS showed a slight decrease in bending elasticity, while on nanosecond time scales as probed with NSE, a stiffening has been observed, which was attributed to adsorption/desorption mechanisms of CalB at the surfactant monolayer. The results allow to derive further information on the influence of CalB on the composition and bending elasticity of the surfactant monolayer itself as well as the underlying adsorption/desorption mechanism.
Do Ocular Fluids Represent a Transmission Route of SARS-CoV-2 Infection?
Authors: Petronio Petronio Giulio , Di Marco Roberto , Costagliola Ciro
Published: January 2021

The spread of the new SARS-CoV-2 is marked by a short timeline. In this scenario, explaining or excluding the possible transmission routes is mandatory to contain and manage the spread of the disease in the community. In the recent pandemic, it is still unclear how coronavirus can end up in ocular fluids. Nevertheless, eye redness and irritation in COVID-19 patients have been reported, suggesting that a possible ocular manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection may be conjunctivitis. On the basis of epidemiological data provided by previous SARS-Cove infection, numerous theories have been proposed: (1) conjunctiva as the site of direct inoculation by infected droplets; (2) the nasolacrimal duct as a migration route of the virus to the upper respiratory tract, or (3) haematogenic infection of the tear gland. The demand for further investigations to verify ocular involvement in COVID-19 infection came out from the results of recent meta-analysis studies, so the eye cannot be completely excluded as a transmission route of the infection. Thus, healthcare personnel and all the people that enter in contact with infected or suspected patients must always use the prescribed protective equipment.
Monosexual Cercariae of Schistosoma japonicum Infection Protects Against DSS-Induced Colitis by Shifting the Th1/Th2 Balance and Modulating the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Zhou Hongli , Zeng Xiaojing , Sun Dongchen , Chen Zhe , Chen Weixin , Fan Liwei , Limpanont Yanin , Dekumyoy Paron , Maleewong Wanchai , Lv Zhiyue
Published: January 2021

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-related inflammation is closely associated with the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer. IBD is generally treated with 5-aminosalicylic acid and immune-modulating medication, but side effects and limitations of these therapies are emerging. Thus, the development of novel preventative or therapeutic approaches is imperative. Here, we constructed a dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced IBD mouse model that was infected with monosexual Schistosoma japonicum cercariae (mSjci) at day 1 or administered dexamethasone (DXM) from days 3 to 5 as a positive control. The protective effect of mSjci on IBD mice was evaluated through their assessments of their clinical signs, histopathological lesions and intestinal permeability. To uncover the underlying mechanism, the Th1/Th2 balance and Treg cell population were also examined. Additionally, the alterations in the gut microbiota were assessed to investigate the interaction between the mSjci-modulated immune response and pathogenic microbiome. Mice treated with DSS and mSjci showed fewer IBD clinical signs and less impaired intestinal permeability than DSS-treated mice. Mechanistically, mSjci modulated the Th1/Th2 balance by repressing IFN-γ production, promoting IL-10 expression and enhancing the Treg subset population. Moreover, mSjci notably reshaped the structure, diversity and richness of the gut microbiota community and subsequently exerted immune-modulating effects. Our findings provide evidence showing that mSjci might serve as a novel and effective protective strategy and that the gut microbiota might be a new therapeutic target in IBD.
Case Report: A Child With Functional Chronic Duodenal Obstruction Caused by Megaduodenum
Authors: Qu Zhibo , Zheng Biao , Ju Chuncheng , Liu Jiaxu , Liu Bingyang , Zhang Haoran
Published: January 2021

Megaduodenum is a clinical syndrome which is characterized by the remarkable expansion of duodenum. Megaduodenum can be caused by mechanical or functional chronic duodenal obstruction. Functional chronic duodenal obstruction of megaduodenum in children is a clinical syndrome characterized by non-mechanical obstruction of the duodenum and marked expansion. It is an extremely rare congenital disease. Our paper report a 1-year-old girl with functional chronic duodenal obstruction caused by megaduodenum.
Related Factors of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Chang , Zhu Xingwang , Li Dinggang , Shi Yuan
Published: January 2021

Background: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a dramatically harmful disease in the neonatal period, in particular common in preterm infants, and our study was to determine related factors of PDA in preterm infants.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. The pooled odds ratio and standard mean difference were calculated to compare dichotomous and continuous variables, respectively. In addition, we also assessed the heterogeneity and publication bias and carried out sensitivity analysis for each related factor.

Results: We included 45 studies with 87,419 individuals. After the primary analysis and a series of adjustments, results showed chorioamnionitis, lower gestational age, lower birth weight, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, surfactant treatment, ventilation, and lower platelet count had a positive correlation with PDA, while small for gestational age decreased the incidence of PDA in preterm infants. Besides, premature rupture of membranes, preeclampsia, antenatal steroids, male gender, mean platelet volume, and platelet distribution width were found to have no statistically significant relationship with PDA.

Conclusion: Preterm infants with more immature characteristics generally have a higher likelihood to develop PDA. The prevention, diagnosis, and management of PDA may depend on these results, and effective measures can be taken accordingly.
Spectral Composition of Light Affects Sensitivity to UV-B and Photoinhibition in Cucumber
Authors: Palma Carolina Falcato Fialho , Castro-Alves Victor , Morales Luis Orlando , Rosenqvist Eva , Ottosen Carl-Otto , Strid Åke
Published: January 2021

Ultraviolet B (UV-B) (280–315 nm) and ultraviolet A (UV-A) (315–400 nm) radiation comprise small portions of the solar radiation but regulate many aspects of plant development, physiology and metabolism. Until now, how plants respond to UV-B in the presence of different light qualities is poorly understood. This study aimed to assess the effects of a low UV-B dose (0.912 ± 0.074 kJ m–2 day–1, at a 6 h daily UV exposure) in combination with four light treatments (blue, green, red and broadband white at 210 μmol m–2 s–1 Photosynthetically active radiation [PAR]) on morphological and physiological responses of cucumber (Cucumis sativus cv. “Lausanna RZ F1”). We explored the effects of light quality backgrounds on plant morphology, leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, epidermal pigment accumulation, and on acclimation ability to saturating light intensity. Our results showed that supplementary UV-B significantly decreased biomass accumulation in the presence of broad band white, blue and green light, but not under red light. UV-B also reduced the photosynthetic efficiency of CO2 fixation (α) when combined with blue light. These plants, despite showing high accumulation of anthocyanins, were unable to cope with saturating light conditions. No significant effects of UV-B in combination with green light were observed for gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, but supplementary UV-B significantly increased chlorophyll and flavonol contents in the leaf epidermis. Plants grown under red light and UV-B significantly increased maximum photosynthetic rate and dark respiration compared to pure red light. Additionally, red and UV-B treated plants exposed to saturating light intensity showed higher quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII), fraction of open PSII centres and electron transport rate and showed no effect on the apparent maximum quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm) or non-photochemical quenching, in contrast to solely red-light conditions. These findings provide new insights into how plants respond to UV-B radiation in the presence of different light spectra.
Deep Learning for Predicting Complex Traits in Spring Wheat Breeding Program
Authors: Sandhu Karansher S. , Lozada Dennis N. , Zhang Zhiwu , Pumphrey Michael O. , Carter Arron H.
Published: January 2021

Genomic selection (GS) is transforming the field of plant breeding and implementing models that improve prediction accuracy for complex traits is needed. Analytical methods for complex datasets traditionally used in other disciplines represent an opportunity for improving prediction accuracy in GS. Deep learning (DL) is a branch of machine learning (ML) which focuses on densely connected networks using artificial neural networks for training the models. The objective of this research was to evaluate the potential of DL models in the Washington State University spring wheat breeding program. We compared the performance of two DL algorithms, namely multilayer perceptron (MLP) and convolutional neural network (CNN), with ridge regression best linear unbiased predictor (rrBLUP), a commonly used GS model. The dataset consisted of 650 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a spring wheat nested association mapping (NAM) population planted from 2014–2016 growing seasons. We predicted five different quantitative traits with varying genetic architecture using cross-validations (CVs), independent validations, and different sets of SNP markers. Hyperparameters were optimized for DL models by lowering the root mean square in the training set, avoiding model overfitting using dropout and regularization. DL models gave 0 to 5% higher prediction accuracy than rrBLUP model under both cross and independent validations for all five traits used in this study. Furthermore, MLP produces 5% higher prediction accuracy than CNN for grain yield and grain protein content. Altogether, DL approaches obtained better prediction accuracy for each trait, and should be incorporated into a plant breeder’s toolkit for use in large scale breeding programs.
Political Support in Times of Personalized Politics. A Qualitative Inquiry of French Citizens' Representations About Political Actors and the Political Regime
Authors: Dolez Charlotte
Published: January 2021

This article investigates how citizens speak about representative democracy and questions their perceptions of representation and of the democratic regime they live in, by mobilizing the distinction between diffuse and specific support, in a context of personalized politics. It shows that political actors and their performances are at the core of citizens' perceptions. I investigate citizens' representations of the political field through an original qualitative fieldwork, composed of couple interviews with French citizens, under the Sarkozy presidency. Studies about the political support of citizens often mobilize quantitative surveys to measure the degree of support and satisfaction. I rather choose the qualitative approach to grasp perceptions of political field through discussions about political and societal issues. Couple interviews offer an adequate framework to observe political opinions that are built in daily life. Representations of the political field are mainly dominated by the role of political actors. Political parties and institutions are rarely mentioned. Politicians are systematically held accountable, and are often criticized in citizens' discussions. The existing literature has often distinguished specific and diffuse support. My analysis tends to show that the weakness of the former through personalization can undermine the support for the regime. However, alternatives to representative democracy remain underexplored and even not considered. Overall, these representations depend on sociopolitical factors, such as political convictions or social backgrounds.
The Protective Influence of Bilingualism on the Recovery of Phonological Input Processing in Aphasia After Stroke
Authors: De Letter Miet , Cocquyt Elissa-Marie , Cromheecke Oona , Criel Yana , De Cock Elien , De Herdt Veerle , Szmalec Arnaud , Duyck Wouter
Published: January 2021

Language-related potentials are increasingly used to objectify (mal)adaptive neuroplasticity in stroke-related aphasia recovery. Using preattentive [mismatch negativity (MMN)] and attentive (P300) phonologically related paradigms, neuroplasticity in sensory memory and cognitive functioning underlying phonological processing can be investigated. In aphasic patients, MMN amplitudes are generally reduced for speech sounds with a topographic source distribution in the right hemisphere. For P300 amplitudes and latencies, both normal and abnormal results have been reported. The current study investigates the preattentive and attentive phonological discrimination ability in 17 aphasic patients (6 monolinguals and 11 bilinguals, aged 41–71 years) at two timepoints during aphasia recovery. Between the two timepoints, a significant improvement of behavioral language performance in both languages is observed in all patients with the MMN latency at timepoint 1 as a predictive factor for aphasia recovery. In contrast to monolinguals, bilingual aphasic patients have a higher probability to improve their processing speed during rehabilitation, resulting in a shortening of the MMN latency over time, which sometimes progresses toward the normative values.
A Dynamic Clause Specific Initial Weight Assignment for Solving Satisfiability Problems Using Local Search
Authors: Ishtaiwi Abdelraouf , Alshahwan Feda , Jamal Naser , Hadi Wael , AbuArqoub Muhammad
Published: January 2021

For decades, the use of weights has proven its superior ability to improve dynamic local search weighting algorithms’ overall performance. This paper proposes a new mechanism where the initial clause’s weights are dynamically allocated based on the problem’s structure. The new mechanism starts by examining each clause in terms of its size and the extent of its link, and its proximity to other clauses. Based on our examination, we categorized the clauses into four categories: (1) clauses small in size and linked with a small neighborhood, (2) clauses small in size and linked with a large neighborhood, (3) clauses large in size and linked with a small neighborhood, and (4) clauses large in size and linked with a large neighborhood. Then, the initial weights are dynamically allocated according to each clause category. To examine the efficacy of the dynamic initial weight assignment, we conducted an extensive study of our new technique on many problems. The study concluded that the dynamic allocation of initial weights contributes significantly to improving the search process’s performance and quality. To further investigate the new mechanism’s effect, we compared the new mechanism with the state-of-the-art algorithms belonging to the same family in terms of using weights, and it was clear that the new mechanism outperformed the state-of-the-art clause weighting algorithms. We also show that the new mechanism could be generalized with minor changes to be utilized within the general-purpose stochastic local search state-of-the-art weighting algorithms.
On-Farm Assessment of Maize Storage and Conservation Technologies in the Central and Northern Republic of Benin
Authors: Sissinto Gbenou Evelyne , Patrice Adégbola Ygué , Manhoussi Hessavi Pélagie , Zossou Segla Roch Cedrique , Biaou Gauthier
Published: January 2021

The loss rates and financial profitability of maize storage and conservation technologies were assessed in the central and northern regions of the Republic of Benin. The experimentations were conducted specifically in the villages of Boukoumbé and Savalou and were randomly sampled. A total of four storage technologies were offered to 137 producers: the polypropylene bag, the Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage (PICS) bag, the metal silo, and the improved and closed earthen attic (with or without stock processing). The method by Pantenius was used to determine the loss rates, and the economic method of Gittinger was used to evaluate the profitability of technologies. The results showed that the technologies that recorded fewer losses in the two communes during storage were the PICS bag with grain treatment by chemical conservation measures in Savalou (9.42 ± 4.64%) and Boukoumbé (2.69 ± 0.77%), the PICS bag without grain treatment in Savalou (11.71 ± 2.78%), the metal silo with grain treatment in Boukoumbé (4.92 ± 1.36%) and the polypropylene bag with grain treatment in Savalou (10.56 ± 2.80%) and Boukoumbé (4.02 ± 1.23%). Therefore, the financial analysis results indicated that the most profitable storage technologies were the PICS bag with treatment in the center of Benin and the polypropylene bag without treatment in northern Benin.
Sustainable Biosynthesis of Antioxidants from Koji Rice Fermented with Aspergillus flavus Using Microwave-Assisted Extraction
Authors: Al Rubaiy Hassan Hadi Mehdi , Altemimi Ammar , Al Rikabi Ali Khudair Jaber , Lakhssassi Naoufal , Pratap-Singh Anubhav
Published: January 2021

The present study proposes microwave-assisted extraction as a sustainable technique for the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds from rice fermented with Aspergillus flavus (koji). First, fermentation conditions (i.e., pH from 3–12, five temperatures from 20–40 °C, and four culture-fermentation media viz. wheat, wheat bran, malt and rice) were optimized for producing microbial bioactive compounds. Microwave extraction was performed at 2450 MHz and 500 W for 20, 30, and 40 s with seven solvents (distilled water, ethyl acetate, hexane, ethanol, chloroform, diethyl ether, and methanol). The obtained results revealed that ethyl acetate is the most appropriate solvent for extraction. Effects of this ethyl acetate extract were compared with a commercial synthetic antioxidant. Antioxidant properties were enhanced by preventing the oxidation of the linoleic acid (C18H32O2) with an inhibition rate (antioxidant efficacy) of 73.13%. Notably, the ferrous ion binding ability was marginally lower when compared to the disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Additionally, the obtained total content of phenolic compounds in the ethyl acetate extract of fermented rice (koji) by Aspergillus flavus was 232.11 mg based on gallic acid/mL. Antioxidant compounds in the ethyl acetate extract of fermented rice showed stability under neutral conditions, as well as at high temperatures reaching 185 °C during 2 h, but were unstable under acidic and alkaline conditions. The results demonstrate the efficacy of novel microwave-assisted extraction technique for accelerating antioxidant production during rice fermentation.
Comparing Innovative Versus Conventional Ham Processes via Environmental Life Cycle Assessment Supplemented with the Assessment of Nitrite Impacts on Human Health
Authors: Petit Gaëlle , Villamonte Gina , de Lamballerie Marie , Jury Vanessa
Published: January 2021

Global sustainability indicators, particularly in human health, are necessary to describe agrifood products footprint. Nitrosamines are toxic molecules that are often encountered in cured and processed meats. As they are frequently consumed, meat-based products need to be assessed to evaluate their potential impact on human health. This article provides a methodological framework based on life cycle assessment for comparing meat product processing scenarios. The respective contributions of each step of the product life cycle are extended with a new human health indicator, nitrosamine toxicity, which has not been previously included in life cycle assessment (LCA) studies and tools (software and databases). This inclusion allows for the comparison of conventional versus innovative processes. Nitrosamines toxicity was estimated to be 2.20x10−6 disability-adjusted life years (DALY) for 1 kg of consumed conventional cooked ham while 4.54x10−7 DALY for 1 kg of consumed innovative cooked ham. The potential carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic effects of nitrosamines from meat products on human health are taken into account. Human health indicators are an important step forward in the comprehensive application of LCA methodology to improve the global sustainability of food systems.
The Cardiovascular Therapeutic Potential of Propolis—A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Silva Henrique , Francisco Rafaela , Saraiva Ariana , Francisco Simone , Carrascosa Conrado , Raposo António
Published: January 2021

Owing to its chemical richness, propolis has a myriad of therapeutic properties. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review paper on propolis to focus exclusively on its major effects for cardiovascular health. The propolis compound varieties with the most promising therapeutic benefits and their respective physiological mechanisms will be discussed. Propolis displays an anti-atherosclerotic activity, attained through modulation of the plasma lipid profile and through stabilization of the fatty plaque by inhibiting macrophage apoptosis, vascular smooth muscle proliferation and metalloproteinase activity. The antihypertensive effects of propolis probably arise through the combination of several mechanisms, including the suppression of catecholamine synthesis, stimulation of endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation and vascular anti-inflammatory activity. The anti-hemostatic activity of propolis is attributed to the inhibition of platelet plug formation and antifibrinolytic activity. By inhibiting the secretion of proangiogenic factors, propolis suppresses endothelial cell migration and tubulogenesis, exerting antiangiogenic activity. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities are responsible for protection against vascular endothelial and cardiomyocyte dysfunction, mostly by the prevention of oxidative stress. Among the reviewed propolis varieties, the Brazilian green and red varieties show the largest number of beneficial activities. Further research, especially preclinical, should be conducted to assess the cardiovascular benefits of the given varieties with different compositions.
Identification of Small Molecules Blocking the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Type III Secretion System Protein PcrV
Authors: Sundin Charlotta , Saleeb Michael , Spjut Sara , Qin Liena , Elofsson Mikael
Published: January 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen that employs its type III secretion system (T3SS) during the acute phase of infection to translocate cytotoxins into the host cell cytoplasm to evade the immune system. The PcrV protein is located at the tip of the T3SS, facilitates the integration of pore-forming proteins into the eukaryotic cell membrane, and is required for translocation of cytotoxins into the host cell. In this study, we used surface plasmon resonance screening to identify small molecule binders of PcrV. A follow-up structure-activity relationship analysis resulted in PcrV binders that protect macrophages in a P. aeruginosa cell-based infection assay. Treatment of P. aeruginosa infections is challenging due to acquired, intrinsic, and adaptive resistance in addition to a broad arsenal of virulence systems such as the T3SS. Virulence blocking molecules targeting PcrV constitute valuable starting points for development of next generation antibacterials to treat infections caused by P. aeruginosa.
Functional Signatures in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Sex-Based Differences in Transcriptomic Studies
Authors: Pérez-Díez Irene , Hidalgo Marta R. , Malmierca-Merlo Pablo , Andreu Zoraida , Romera-Giner Sergio , Farràs Rosa , de la Iglesia-Vayá María , Provencio Mariano , Romero Atocha , García-García Francisco
Published: January 2021

While studies have established the existence of differences in the epidemiological and clinical patterns of lung adenocarcinoma between male and female patients, we know relatively little regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying such sex-based differences. In this study, we explore said differences through a meta-analysis of transcriptomic data. We performed a meta-analysis of the functional profiling of nine public datasets that included 1366 samples from Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases. Meta-analysis results from data merged, normalized, and corrected for batch effect show an enrichment for Gene Ontology terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways related to the immune response, nucleic acid metabolism, and purinergic signaling. We discovered the overrepresentation of terms associated with the immune response, particularly with the acute inflammatory response, and purinergic signaling in female lung adenocarcinoma patients, which could influence reported clinical differences. Further evaluations of the identified differential biological processes and pathways could lead to the discovery of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Our findings also emphasize the relevance of sex-specific analyses in biomedicine, which represents a crucial aspect influencing biological variability in disease.
Molecular Changes in Retinoblastoma beyond RB1: Findings from Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Francis Jasmine H. , Richards Allison L. , Mandelker Diana L. , Berger Michael F. , Walsh Michael F. , Dunkel Ira J. , Donoghue Mark T. A. , Abramson David H.
Published: January 2021

This investigation uses hybridization capture-based next-generation sequencing to deepen our understanding of genetics that underlie retinoblastoma. Eighty-three enucleated retinoblastoma specimens were evaluated using a MSK-IMPACT clinical next-generation sequencing panel to evaluate both somatic and germline alterations. Somatic copy number variations (CNVs) were also identified. Genetic profiles were correlated to clinicopathologic characteristics. RB1 inactivation was found in 79 (97.5%) patients. All specimens had additional molecular alterations. The most common non-RB1 gene alteration was BCOR in 19 (22.9%). Five (11.0%) had pathogenic germline mutations in other non-RB1 cancer predisposition genes. Significant clinicopathologic correlations included: vitreous seeds associated with 1q gains and 16q loss of heterozygosity (BH-corrected p-value = 0.008, 0.004; OR = 12.6, 26.7, respectively). BCOR mutations were associated with poor prognosis, specifically metastases-free survival (MFS) (nominal p-value 0.03). Furthermore, retinoblastoma patients can have non-RB1 germline mutations in other cancer-associated genes. No two specimens had the identical genetic profile, emphasizing the individuality of tumors with the same clinical diagnosis.
Rab6A as a Pan-Astrocytic Marker in Mouse and Human Brain, and Comparison with Other Glial Markers (GFAP, GS, Aldh1L1, SOX9)
Authors: Melzer Linda , Freiman Thomas M. , Derouiche Amin
Published: January 2021

Astrocytes contribute to many higher brain functions. A key mechanism in glia-to-neuron signalling is vesicular exocytosis; however, the identity of exocytosis organelles remains a matter of debate. Since vesicles derived from the trans-Golgi network (TGN) are not considered in this context, we studied the astrocyte TGN by immunocytochemistry applying anti-Rab6A. In mouse brain, Rab6A immunostaining is found to be unexpectedly massive, diffuse in all regions, and is detected preferentially and abundantly in the peripheral astrocyte processes, which is hardly evident without glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) co-staining. All cells positive for the astrocytic markers glutamine synthetase (GS), GFAP, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member L1 (Aldh1L1), or SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 9 (SOX9) were Rab6A+. Rab6A is excluded from microglia, oligodendrocytes, and NG2 cells using cell type-specific markers. In human cortex, Rab6A labelling is very similar and associated with GFAP+ astrocytes. The mouse data also confirm the specific astrocytic labelling by Aldh1L1 or SOX9; the astrocyte-specific labelling by GS sometimes debated is replicated again. In mouse and human brain, individual astrocytes display high variability in Rab6A+ structures, suggesting dynamic regulation of the glial TGN. In summary, Rab6A expression is an additional, global descriptor of astrocyte identity. Rab6A might constitute an organelle system with a potential role of Rab6A in neuropathological and physiological processes.
Tear ATG5 as a Potential Novel Biomarker in the Diagnosis of Sjögren Syndrome
Authors: Byun Yong-Soo , Lee Hyun Jung , Shin Soojung , Choi Moon Young , Kim Hyung-Seung , Chung So-Hyang
Published: January 2021

Autophagy has been suggested to have an important role in the pathogenesis of Sjögren syndrome (SS). We previously identified that autophagy related 5 (ATG5) was elevated in the tear and conjunctival epithelial cells of SS dry eyes (DE) compared to non-SS DE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of tear ATG5 as a potential biomarker in the diagnosis of SS. To confirm this hypothesis, we evaluated the tear ATG5 concentration, and other ocular tests (Schirmer I, tear breakup time (TBUT), ocular surface staining (OSS) score, ocular surface disease index (OSDI)) in SS and non-DE, and compared their diagnostic performance to discriminate SS from non-SS DE. Tear ATG5 showed the greatest area under the curve (AUC = 0.984; 95% CI, 0.930 to 0.999) among the tests, and a 94.6% sensitivity and 93.6% specificity at a cutoff value of >4.0 ng/mL/μg. Our data demonstrated that tear ATG5 may be helpful as an ocular biomarker to diagnose and assess SS. In the future, the diagnostic power of tear ATG for SS should be validated.
Reliability and Economic Efficiency Analysis of 4-Leg Inverter Compared with 3-Leg Inverters
Authors: Kwak Yun-gi , Heo Dae-ho , Kim Sun-Pil , Song Sung-Geun , Park Sung-Jun , Kang Feel-soon
Published: January 2021

The 4-leg inverter can adjust the load current or output voltage even under unbalanced load conditions, but it is known that the additional switch arm to the 3-leg inverter can increase the overall cost and the failure rate. This paper aims to analyze the failure rate and mean time between failures (MTBF) of 3-leg inverters and 4-leg inverters using part count failure analysis (PCA) and fault-tree analysis (FTA), and to compare the price of the inverters. The FTA can analyze the failure rate, including the type, number and connection status of the circuit components, and moreover the redundancy effect of the 4-leg inverter. For more accurate failure-rate prediction, the failure rate and MTBF of the 4-leg inverter according to the lifecycle of the controller are analyzed. Finally, by comparing the price of 3-leg inverters and 4-leg inverters using the cost model of major parts, the degree of reliability improvement against price increase is quantitatively analyzed.
Improving Object Detection Quality by Incorporating Global Contexts via Self-Attention
Authors: Lee Donghyeon , Kim Joonyoung , Jung Kyomin
Published: January 2021

Fully convolutional structures provide feature maps acquiring local contexts of an image by only stacking numerous convolutional layers. These structures are known to be effective in modern state-of-the-art object detectors such as Faster R-CNN and SSD to find objects from local contexts. However, the quality of object detectors can be further improved by incorporating global contexts when some ambiguous objects should be identified by surrounding objects or background. In this paper, we introduce a self-attention module for object detectors to incorporate global contexts. More specifically, our self-attention module allows the feature extractor to compute feature maps with global contexts by the self-attention mechanism. Our self-attention module computes relationships among all elements in the feature maps, and then blends the feature maps considering the computed relationships. Therefore, this module can capture long-range relationships among objects or backgrounds, which is difficult for fully convolutional structures. Furthermore, our proposed module is not limited to any specific object detectors, and it can be applied to any CNN-based model for any computer vision task. In the experimental results on the object detection task, our method shows remarkable gains in average precision (AP) compared to popular models that have fully convolutional structures. In particular, compared to Faster R-CNN with the ResNet-50 backbone, our module applied to the same backbone achieved +4.0 AP gains without the bells and whistles. In image semantic segmentation and panoptic segmentation tasks, our module improved the performance in all metrics used for each task.
Evaluation of Digital Piracy by Youths
Authors: Tomczyk Łukasz
Published: January 2021

This paper sets out to explain how adolescents interpret piracy. Digital piracy is one of the most important risk behaviours mediated by new media to be found among adolescents. It is global, and changes dynamically due to the continued development of the information society. To explore the phenomena related to piracy among adolescent Internet users we need to apply qualitative research methods. The sample contained 1320 Polish respondents. The research used the technique of qualitative research. Data was collected using a form containing an open question. Adolescents will answer in the form how they interpret digital piracy. The categories characterize how piracy is perceived, and includes downloading various files—whether video or music files or even software (also games)—from unauthorized sources (P2P—Peer-to-peer ‘warez’ servers—websites which serve as repositories of illegal files). The qualitative data analysis allowed the identification of the following constructs in the perception of digital piracy by adolescents: ethical (giving value to the phenomenon), economical (showing profits and losses), legal (connected with punitive consequences and criminal liability), praxeological (facilitating daily life), technical (referring to the hardware necessary), social (the scale of the phenomenon and interpersonal relations), and personal benefits. The results fit into the discussion on the standard and hidden factors connected with piracy. The presented seven categories of the perception of piracy help us better understand the phenomenon of the infringement of intellectual property law and will help to develop appropriate preventive measures. Qualitative research makes it possible to understand the phenomenon of piracy from a deeper perspective, which can be translated into the design of effective educational measures. Preventive guidance on minimising risky behaviour is part of the development of one of the key competences, namely digital knowledge and skills. The research allowed us to enrich the theoretical knowledge on risky behaviours in cyberspace among adolescents (theoretical aim), to understand how to interpret risky behaviours in cyberspace (understanding of micro-worlds—cognitive aim), and to gather new knowledge that will be useful for prevention (practical aim).
Predictors of Short Latency Period Exceeding 48 h after Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes
Authors: Rouzaire Marion , Corvaisier Marion , Roumeau Virginie , Mulliez Aurélien , Sendy Feras , Delabaere Amélie , Gallot Denis
Published: January 2021

Background: Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is a complication responsible for a third of preterm births. Clinical management is initially hospital based, but homecare management is possible if patients are clinically stable 48 h after PPROM. This study set out to determine factors that are predictive of short latency (delivery ≤ 7 days) exceeding 48 h after PPROM, enabling estimation of the prevalence of maternal and neonatal complications and comparison of maternal and fetal outcomes between inpatient and outpatient management. Method: This was a monocentric retrospective study conducted between 1 January 2010 and 28 February 2017 on all patients experiencing PPROM at 24 to 34 weeks + 6 days and who gave birth after 48 h. Maternal, obstetric, fetal, and neonatal variables were included in the data collected. The primary endpoint was latency, defined as the number of days between rupture of membranes and delivery. Results: 170 consecutive patients were analyzed. Short latency could be predicted by the need for tocolysis, a cervical length less than 25 mm at admission and the existence of anamnios. Outpatient follow-up was not found to lead to increased maternal morbidity or neonatal mortality. Conclusion: Our study highlights predictive factors of short latency exceeding 48 h after PPROM. Knowledge of these factors may provide justification for outpatient monitoring of patients presenting with a long cervix, absence of need for tocolysis and persistence of amniotic fluid and, thus, no risk factors after 48 h of admission.
Denosumab Discontinuation and the Rebound Phenomenon: A Narrative Review
Authors: Anastasilakis Athanasios D. , Makras Polyzois , Yavropoulou Maria P. , Tabacco Gaia , Naciu Anda Mihaela , Palermo Andrea
Published: January 2021

Denosumab is a potent antiresorptive agent that substantially increases bone mineral density and reduces fracture rates at all skeletal sites for as long as it is administered. However, its favorable skeletal effects reverse quickly upon its discontinuation, because of a vast increase of osteoclast number and activity, which leads to a subsequent profound increase of bone turnover above pre-treatment values, a phenomenon commonly described as “rebound phenomenon”. More importantly, most patients experience rapid, profound bone loss due to this burst of bone resorption that may lead in a minority of these patients to occurrence of fractures, especially multiple vertebral fractures. Therefore, subsequent antiresorptive treatment is mandatory, although the optimal regimen is yet to be clarified. In the present review, we outline what is currently known regarding the negative effects of denosumab discontinuation on different aspects of bone status, the factors that may affect them, and strategies to prevent them.
Risk of Cancer Following the Use of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) Contaminated Ranitidine Products: A Nationwide Cohort Study in South Korea
Authors: Yoon Hong Jin , Kim Jie-Hyun , Seo Gi Hyeon , Park Hyojin
Published: January 2021

N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a known carcinogenic agent, was recently detected in some products of ranitidine. Several studies have investigated the detectability of NDMA, in drugs and their risks. However, only a few epidemiological studies have evaluated cancer risk from the use of such individual drugs. This study investigates the risk of cancer in ranitidine users. We conducted an observational population-based cohort study using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment databases, which contain information about the use of medicines in South Korea. The primary study cohort consisted of ranitidine users (n = 88,416). For controls, we enrolled users of famotidine, another H2-receptor antagonist in which no NDMA has been detected. A 4:1 matched cohort was constructed to compare cancer outcomes of the two groups. Our matched cohort comprised of 40,488 ranitidine users and 10,122 famotidine users. There was no statistical difference in the overall cancer risk between the ranitidine and famotidine groups (7.45% vs. 7.56%, HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.91–1.07, p = 0.716). Additionally, no significant differences were observed in the analysis of 11 single cancer outcomes. We found no evidence that exposure to NDMA through ranitidine increases the risk of cancer.
Health-Related Quality of Life Trajectories across 10 Years after Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in Norway
Authors: Forslund Marit V. , Perrin Paul B. , Sigurdardottir Solrun , Howe Emilie I. , van Walsem Marleen R. , Arango-Lasprilla Juan Carlos , Lu Juan , Aza Alba , Jerstad Tone , Røe Cecilie , Andelic Nada
Published: January 2021

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has a long-lasting impact on participation and health-related quality of life (HRQL). We aimed to describe the physical and mental health trajectories and to identify their predictors across the first 10 years after TBI. A prospective longitudinal cohort of 97 individuals with moderate to severe TBI (age 16–55 years) in Norway were followed up at 1, 2, 5, and 10 years post-injury. Their socio-demographic and injury characteristics were recorded at baseline; their responses to the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were collected at each follow-up. The Physical (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores were used as the outcome measures of physical and mental health. The predictors of the trajectories were described and examined using hierarchical linear modelling. The subscale scores showed a stable or increasing trend, but only the Role Physical and Role Emotional subscales showed clinically relevant positive changes from 1 to 10 years post-injury. Longer time, male gender, employment pre-injury, and shorter length of post-traumatic amnesia were significant predictors of better physical health trajectories; longer time, male gender, and employment pre-injury were significant predictors of better mental health trajectories. At-risk individuals may be targeted to receive rehabilitation interventions to improve their long-term quality of life outcomes.