bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recognition Method of New Address Elements in Chinese Address Matching Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Zhang Hongwei , Ren Fu , Li Huiting , Yang Renfei , Zhang Shuai , Du Qingyun
Published: December 2020

Location services based on address matching play an important role in people’s daily lives. However, with the rapid development of cities, new addresses are constantly emerging. Due to the untimely updating of word segmentation dictionaries and address databases, the accuracy of address segmentation and the certainty of address matching face severe challenges. Therefore, a new address element recognition method for address matching is proposed. The method first uses the bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) model to learn the contextual information and address model features. Second, the conditional random field (CRF) is used to model the constraint relationships among the tags. Finally, a new address element is recognized according to the tag, and the new address element is put into the word segmentation dictionary. The spatial information is assigned to it, and it is put into the address database. Different sequence tagging models and different vector representations of addresses are used for comparative evaluation. The experimental results show that the method introduced in this paper achieves the maximum generalization ability, its F1 score is 0.78, and the F1 score on the testing dataset also achieves a high value (0.95).
Effect of Sepatronium Bromide (YM-155) on DNA Double-Strand Breaks Repair in Cancer Cells
Authors: Majera Dusana , Mistrik Martin
Published: December 2020

Survivin, as an antiapoptotic protein often overexpressed in cancer cells, is a logical target for potential cancer treatment. By overexpressing survivin, cancer cells can avoid apoptotic cell death and often become resistant to treatments, representing a significant obstacle in modern oncology. A survivin suppressor, an imidazolium-based compound known as YM-155, is nowadays studied as an attractive anticancer agent. Although survivin suppression by YM-155 is evident, researchers started to report that YM-155 is also an inducer of DNA damage introducing yet another anticancer mechanism of this drug. Moreover, the concentrations of YM-155 for DNA damage induction seems to be far lower than those needed for survivin inhibition. Understanding the molecular mechanism of action of YM-155 is of vital importance for modern personalized medicine involving the selection of responsive patients and possible treatment combinations. This review focuses mainly on the documented effects of YM-155 on DNA damage signaling pathways. It summarizes up to date literature, and it outlines the molecular mechanism of YM-155 action in the context of the DNA damage field.
Notable Underlying Mechanism for Pancreatic β-Cell Dysfunction and Atherosclerosis: Pleiotropic Roles of Incretin and Insulin Signaling
Authors: Kaneto Hideaki , Obata Atsushi , Kimura Tomohiko , Shimoda Masashi , Sanada Junpei , Fushimi Yoshiro , Katakami Naoto , Matsuoka Takaaki , Kaku Kohei
Published: December 2020

Under healthy conditions, pancreatic β-cells produce and secrete the insulin hormone in response to blood glucose levels. Under diabetic conditions, however, β-cells are compelled to continuously secrete larger amounts of insulin to reduce blood glucose levels, and thereby, the β-cell function is debilitated in the long run. In the diabetic state, expression levels of insulin gene transcription factors and incretin receptors are downregulated, which we think is closely associated with β-cell failure. These data also suggest that it would be better to use incretin-based drugs at an early stage of diabetes when incretin receptor expression is preserved. Indeed, it was shown that incretin-based drugs exerted more protective effects on β-cells at an early stage. Furthermore, it was shown recently that endothelial cell dysfunction was also associated with pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. After ablation of insulin signaling in endothelial cells, the β-cell function and mass were substantially reduced, which was also accompanied by reduced expression of insulin gene transcription factors and incretin receptors in β-cells. On the other hand, it has been drawing much attention that incretin plays a protective role against the development of atherosclerosis. Many basic and clinical data have underscored the importance of incretin in arteries. Furthermore, it was shown recently that incretin receptor expression was downregulated in arteries under diabetic conditions, which likely diminishes the protective effects of incretin against atherosclerosis. Furthermore, a series of large-scale clinical trials (SPAED-A, SPIKE, LEADER, SUSTAIN-6, REWIND, PIONEER trials) have shown that various incretin-related drugs have beneficial effects against atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular events. These data strengthen the hypothesis that incretin plays an important role in the arteries of humans, as well as rodents.
Regulation of Autophagic Signaling by Mechanical Loading and Inflammation in Human PDL Fibroblasts
Authors: Blawat Kim , Mayr Alexandra , Hardt Miriam , Kirschneck Christian , Nokhbehsaim Marjan , Behl Christian , Deschner James , Jäger Andreas , Memmert Svenja
Published: December 2020

Autophagy (cellular self-consumption) is a crucial adaptation mechanism during cellular stress conditions. This study aimed to examine how this important process is regulated in human periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts by mechanical and inflammatory stress conditions and whether the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is involved. Autophagy was quantified by flow cytometry. Qualitative protein phosphorylation profiling of the mTOR pathway was carried out. Effects of mTOR regulation were assessed by quantification of important synthesis product collagen 1, cell proliferation and cell death with real-time PCR and flow cytometry. Autophagy as a response to mechanical or inflammatory treatment in PDL fibroblasts was dose and time dependent. In general, autophagy was induced by stress stimulation. Phosphorylation analysis of mTOR showed regulatory influences of mechanical and inflammatory stimulation on crucial target proteins. Regulation of mTOR was also detectable via changes in protein synthesis and cell proliferation. Physiological pressure had cell-protective effects (p = 0.025), whereas overload increased cell death (p = 0.003), which was also promoted in long-term inflammatory treatment (p < 0.001). Our data provide novel insights about autophagy regulation by mechanical and inflammatory stress conditions in human PDL fibroblasts. Our results suggest some involvement of the mTOR pathway in autophagy and cell fate regulation under the named conditions.
A Rational Insight into the Effect of Dimethyl Sulfoxide on TNF-α Activity
Authors: Javaid Nasir , Patra Mahesh Chandra , Seo Hana , Yasmeen Farzana , Choi Sangdun
Published: December 2020

Direct inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) action is considered a promising way to prevent or treat TNF-α-associated diseases. The trimeric form of TNF-α binds to its receptor (TNFR) and activates the downstream signaling pathway. The interaction of TNF-α with molecular-grade dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in an equal volumetric ratio renders TNF-α inert, in this state, TNF-α fails to activate TNFR. Here, we aimed to examine the inhibition of TNF-α function by various concentrations of DMSO. Its higher concentration led to stronger attenuation of TNF-α-induced cytokine secretion by fibroblasts, and of their death. We found that this inhibition was mediated by a perturbation in the formation of the functional TNF-α trimer. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed a transient interaction between DMSO molecules and the central hydrophobic cavity of the TNF-α homodimer, indicating that a brief interaction of DMSO with the TNF-α homodimer may disrupt the formation of the functional homotrimer. We also found that the sensitizing effect of actinomycin D on TNF-α-induced cell death depends upon the timing of these treatments and on the cell type. This study will help to select an appropriate concentration of DMSO as a working solvent for the screening of water-insoluble TNF-α inhibitors.
Increased Stromal Infiltrating Lymphocytes Are Associated with the Risk of Disease Progression in Mesenchymal Circulating Tumor Cell-Positive Primary Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Smolkova Bozena , Cierna Zuzana , Kalavska Katarina , Miklikova Svetlana , Plava Jana , Minarik Gabriel , Sedlackova Tatiana , Cholujova Dana , Gronesova Paulina , Cihova Marina , Majerova Karolina , Karaba Marian , Benca Juraj , Pindak Daniel , Mardiak Jozef , Mego Michal
Published: December 2020

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and the immune infiltration of tumors are closely related to clinical outcomes. This study aimed to verify the influence of stromal lymphocyte infiltration and the immune context of tumor microenvironment on the hematogenous spread and prognosis of 282 chemotherapy naïve primary BC patients. To detect the presence of mesenchymal CTCs, RNA extracted from CD45-depleted peripheral blood was interrogated for the expression of mesenchymal gene transcripts. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were detected in the stromal areas by immunohistochemistry, using CD3, CD8, and CD45RO antibodies. The concentrations of 51 plasma cytokines were measured by multiplex bead arrays. TILs infiltration in mesenchymal CTC-positive patients significantly decreased their progression-free survival (HR = 4.88, 95% CI 2.30–10.37, p < 0.001 for CD3high; HR = 6.17, 95% CI 2.75–13.80, p < 0.001 for CD8high; HR = 6.93, 95% CI 2.86–16.81, p < 0.001 for CD45ROhigh). Moreover, the combination of elevated plasma concentrations of transforming growth factor beta-3 (cut-off 662 pg/mL), decreased monocyte chemotactic protein-3 (cut-off 52.5 pg/mL) and interleukin-15 (cut-off 17.1 pg/mL) significantly increased the risk of disease recurrence (HR = 4.838, 95% CI 2.048–11.427, p < 0.001). Our results suggest a strong impact of the immune tumor microenvironment on BC progression, especially through influencing the dissemination and survival of more aggressive, mesenchymal CTC subtypes.
Regulation of Secondary Metabolism in the Penicillium Genus
Authors: El Hajj Assaf Christelle , Zetina-Serrano Chrystian , Tahtah Nadia , Khoury André El , Atoui Ali , Oswald Isabelle P. , Puel Olivier , Lorber Sophie
Published: December 2020

Penicillium, one of the most common fungi occurring in a diverse range of habitats, has a worldwide distribution and a large economic impact on human health. Hundreds of the species belonging to this genus cause disastrous decay in food crops and are able to produce a varied range of secondary metabolites, from which we can distinguish harmful mycotoxins. Some Penicillium species are considered to be important producers of patulin and ochratoxin A, two well-known mycotoxins. The production of these mycotoxins and other secondary metabolites is controlled and regulated by different mechanisms. The aim of this review is to highlight the different levels of regulation of secondary metabolites in the Penicillium genus.
An Integrated Pharmacophore/Docking/3D-QSAR Approach to Screening a Large Library of Products in Search of Future Botulinum Neurotoxin A Inhibitors
Authors: Gentile Davide , Floresta Giuseppe , Patamia Vincenzo , Chiaramonte Rita , Mauro Giulia Letizia , Rescifina Antonio , Vecchio Michele
Published: December 2020

Botulinum toxins are neurotoxins produced by Clostridium botulinum. This toxin can be lethal for humans as a cause of botulism; however, in small doses, the same toxin is used to treat different conditions. Even if the therapeutic doses are effective and safe, the adverse reactions could be local and could unmask a subclinical impairment of neuromuscular transmissions. There are not many cases of adverse events in the literature; however, it is possible that sometimes they do not occur as they are transient and, if they do occur, there is no possibility of a cure other than to wait for the pharmacological effect to end. Inhibition of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) effects is a strategy for treating botulism as it can provide an effective post-exposure remedy. In this paper, 13,592,287 compounds were screened through a pharmacophore filter, a 3D-QSAR model, and a virtual screening; then, the compounds with the best affinity were selected. Molecular dynamics simulation studies on the first four compounds predicted to be the most active were conducted to verify that the poses foreseen by the docking were stable. This approach allowed us to identify compounds with a calculated inhibitory activity in the range of 316–500 nM.
The Reprimo-Like Gene Is an Epigenetic-Mediated Tumor Suppressor and a Candidate Biomarker for the Non-Invasive Detection of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Alarcón María , Olivares Wilda , Córdova-Delgado Miguel , Muñoz-Medel Matías , de Mayo Tomas , Carrasco-Aviño Gonzalo , Wichmann Ignacio , Landeros Natalia , Amigo Julio , Norero Enrique , Villarroel-Espíndola Franz , Riquelme Arnoldo , Garrido Marcelo , Owen Gareth , Corvalán Alejandro
Published: December 2020

Reprimo-like (RPRML) is an uncharacterized member of the Reprimo gene family. Here, we evaluated the role of RPRML and whether its regulation by DNA methylation is a potential non-invasive biomarker of gastric cancer. RPRML expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 90 patients with gastric cancer and associated with clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes. The role of RPRML in cancer biology was investigated in vitro, through RPRML ectopic overexpression. Functional experiments included colony formation, soft agar, MTS, and Ki67 immunofluorescence assays. DNA methylation-mediated silencing was evaluated by the 5-azacytidine assay and direct bisulfite sequencing. Non-invasive detection of circulating methylated RPRML DNA was assessed in 25 gastric cancer cases and 25 age- and sex-balanced cancer-free controls by the MethyLight assay. Downregulation of RPRML protein expression was associated with poor overall survival in advanced gastric cancer. RPRML overexpression significantly inhibited clonogenic capacity, anchorage-independent growth, and proliferation in vitro. Circulating methylated RPRML DNA distinguished patients with gastric cancer from controls with an area under the curve of 0.726. The in vitro overexpression results and the poor patient survival associated with lower RPRML levels suggest that RPRML plays a tumor-suppressive role in the stomach. Circulating methylated RPRML DNA may serve as a biomarker for the non-invasive detection of gastric cancer.
Recombination and Pol ζ Rescue Defective DNA Replication upon Impaired CMG Helicase—Pol ε Interaction
Authors: Denkiewicz-Kruk Milena , Jedrychowska Malgorzata , Endo Shizuko , Araki Hiroyuki , Jonczyk Piotr , Dmowski Michal , Fijalkowska Iwona J.
Published: December 2020

The CMG complex (Cdc45, Mcm2–7, GINS (Psf1, 2, 3, and Sld5)) is crucial for both DNA replication initiation and fork progression. The CMG helicase interaction with the leading strand DNA polymerase epsilon (Pol ε) is essential for the preferential loading of Pol ε onto the leading strand, the stimulation of the polymerase, and the modulation of helicase activity. Here, we analyze the consequences of impaired interaction between Pol ε and GINS in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells with the psf1-100 mutation. This significantly affects DNA replication activity measured in vitro, while in vivo, the psf1-100 mutation reduces replication fidelity by increasing slippage of Pol ε, which manifests as an elevated number of frameshifts. It also increases the occurrence of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) gaps and the demand for homologous recombination. The psf1-100 mutant shows elevated recombination rates and synthetic lethality with rad52Δ. Additionally, we observe increased participation of DNA polymerase zeta (Pol ζ) in DNA synthesis. We conclude that the impaired interaction between GINS and Pol ε requires enhanced involvement of error-prone Pol ζ, and increased participation of recombination as a rescue mechanism for recovery of impaired replication forks.
Versatile Roles of Aquaporins in Plant Growth and Development
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhao Zhijie , Liu Fang , Sun Lirong , Hao Fushun
Published: December 2020

Aquaporins (AQPs) are universal membrane integrated water channel proteins that selectively and reversibly facilitate the movement of water, gases, metalloids, and other small neutral solutes across cellular membranes in living organisms. Compared with other organisms, plants have the largest number of AQP members with diverse characteristics, subcellular localizations and substrate permeabilities. AQPs play important roles in plant water relations, cell turgor pressure maintenance, the hydraulic regulation of roots and leaves, and in leaf transpiration, root water uptake, and plant responses to multiple biotic and abiotic stresses. They are also required for plant growth and development. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the expression and roles of diverse AQPs in the growth and development of various vegetative and reproductive organs in plants. The functions of AQPs in the intracellular translocation of hydrogen peroxide are also discussed.
Information Retrieval and Social Media Mining
Authors: Moreno-García María N.
Published: December 2020

The large amount of digital content available through web sites, social networks, streaming services, and other distribution media, allows more and more people to access virtually unlimited sources of information, products, and services [...]
Soil Surface-Trapping of Tomato Leaf-Miner Flies Emerging from Underground Pupae with a Simple Electrostatic Cover of Seedbeds in a Greenhouse
Authors: Nonomura Teruo , Toyoda Hideyoshi
Published: December 2020

In the present study, an electrostatic apparatus for trapping adult tomato leaf miner flies (Liriomyza sativae) emerging from underground pupae at the surface of a seedbed in an organic greenhouse was developed. The apparatus consisted of insulated iron rods arranged in parallel at set intervals and linked to a voltage generator, which supplied a negative charge to the rods, as well as non-insulated grounded iron rods with the same configuration. The two layers of insulated and non-insulated iron rods were arrayed in parallel to form a static electric field between the layers. The electric field created a strong attractive force capable of capturing flies that entered the field. In a greenhouse assay, the apparatus was placed horizontally above a seedbed in a greenhouse and surveyed for its ability to capture adult flies emerging from pupae that were introduced onto the seedbed beneath the apparatus. The results revealed that the apparatus effectively trapped all adult flies that emerged from the pupae and that it functioned stably while continuously operated during the entire period of the experiment. Thus, our novel apparatus is a promising tool for the physical control of adult tomato leaf miners in the insecticide-independent cultivation of greenhouse tomatoes.
Manual Sampling and Video Observations: An Integrated Approach to Studying Flower-Visiting Arthropods in High-Mountain Environments
Authors: Bonelli Marco , Melotto Andrea , Minici Alessio , Eustacchio Elena , Gianfranceschi Luca , Gobbi Mauro , Casartelli Morena , Caccianiga Marco
Published: December 2020

Despite the rising interest in biotic interactions in mountain ecosystems, little is known about high-altitude flower-visiting arthropods. In particular, since the research in these environment can be limited or undermined by harsh conditions and logistical difficulties, it is mandatory to develop effective approaches that maximize possibilities to gather high-quality data. Here we compared two different methods, manual sampling and video observations, to investigate the interactions between the high-mountain arthropod community and flowers of Androsace brevis (Primulaceae), a vulnerable endemic alpine species with a short flowering period occurring in early season. We manually sampled flower-visiting arthropods according to the timed-observations method and recorded their activity on video. We assessed differences and effectiveness of the two approaches to estimate flower-visiting arthropod diversity and to identify potential taxa involved in A. brevis pollination. Both methods proved to be effective and comparable in describing the diversity of flower visitors at a high taxonomic level. However, with manual sampling we were able to obtain a fine taxonomic resolution for sampled arthropods and to evaluate which taxa actually carry A. brevis pollen, while video observations were less invasive and allowed us to assess arthropod behavior and to spot rare taxa. By combining the data obtained with these two approaches we could accurately identify flower-visiting arthropods, characterize their behavior, and hypothesize a role of Hymenoptera Apoidea and Diptera Brachycera in A. brevis pollination. Therefore, we propose integrating the two approaches as a powerful instrument to unravel interactions between flowering plants and associated fauna that can provide crucial information for the conservation of vulnerable environments such as high-mountain ecosystems.
Long Term Monitoring in Switzerland Reveals That Adalia bipunctata Strongly Declines in Response to Harmonia axyridis Invasion
Authors: Kenis Marc , Nacambo Saidou , Van Vlaenderen Johan , Zindel Renate , Eschen René
Published: December 2020

A long-term monitoring was conducted at 40 sites in four different habitats in north-western Switzerland to observe changes in populations of native ladybirds, following the invasion of the Asian harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis. From 2006 to 2017, the same trees and meadows were sampled at least seven times per year using standard protocols. On 15 broadleaved hedges, H. axyridis quickly became the dominant species, representing 60 to 80% of adult ladybirds collected. It was second in abundance at five pine (Pinus sylvestris) stands and was a minor component of the ladybird complex at five spruce (Picea abies) stands and in 15 meadows. This survey revealed the severe decline of Adalia bipunctata, which was the most abundant native ladybird on broadleaved trees in 2006–2009 and has almost disappeared since 2010. So far, other native ladybirds do not seem to decline significantly, including species occupying the same ecological niches as H. axyridis. The total number of aphidophagous ladybirds did not decline either, suggesting that the biological control function of ladybirds on aphids living in these habitats has not been affected by the arrival of H. axyridis. Recommendations are given to further assess the impact of H. axyridis on native ladybirds and aphids.
The Expression Patterns of BECN1, LAMP2, and PINK1 Genes in Colorectal Cancer Are Potentially Regulated by Micrornas and CpG Islands: An In Silico Study
Authors: Bednarczyk Martyna , Fatyga Edyta , Dzięgielewska-Gęsiak Sylwia , Waniczek Dariusz , Grabarek Beniamin , Zmarzły Nikola , Janikowska Grażyna , Muc-Wierzgoń Małgorzata
Published: December 2020

Background: Autophagy plays a dual role of tumor suppression and tumor promotion in colorectal cancer. The study aimed to find those microRNAs (miRNAs) important in BECN1, LAMP2, and PINK1 regulation and to determine the possible role of the epigenetic changes in examined colorectal cancer using an in silico approach. Methods: A total of 44 pairs of surgically removed tumors at clinical stages I‒IV and healthy samples (marginal tissues) from patients’ guts were analyzed. Analysis of the obtained results was conducted using the PL-Grid Infrastructure and Statistica 12.0 program. The miRNAs and CpG islands were estimated using the microrna.org database and MethPrimer program. Results: The autophagy-related genes were shown to be able to be regulated by miRNAs (BECN1—49 mRNA, LAMP2—62 mRNA, PINK1—6 mRNA). It was observed that promotion regions containing at least one CpG region were present in the sequence of each gene. Conclusions: The in silico analysis performed allowed us to determine the possible role of epigenetic mechanisms of regulation gene expression, which may be an interesting therapeutic target in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Hydroceles of the Canal of Nuck in Adults—Diagnostic, Treatment and Results of a Rare Condition in Females
Authors: Fikatas Panagiotis , Megas Ioannis-Fivos , Mantouvalou Kiriaki , Alkatout Ibrahim , Chopra Sascha S. , Biebl Matthias , Pratschke Johann , Raakow Jonas
Published: December 2020

Nuck’s hydroceles, which develop in a protruding part of the parietal peritoneum into the female inguinal canal, are rare abnormalities and a cause of inguinal swelling, mostly resulting in pain. They appear when this evagination of the parietal peritoneum into the inguinal canal fails to obliterate. Our review of the literature on this topic included several case reports and two case series that presented cases of Nuck hydroceles which underwent surgical therapy. We present six consecutive cases of symptomatic hydroceles of Nuck’s canal from September 2016 to January 2020 at the Department of Surgery of Charité Berlin. Several of these patients had a long history of pain and consecutive consultations to outpatient clinics without diagnosis. These patients underwent laparoscopic or conventional excision and if needed simultaneous hernioplasty in our institution. Ultrasonography and/or Magnetic Resonance Imaging were used to display the cystic lesion in the inguinal area, providing the diagnosis of Nuck’s hydrocele. This finding was confirmed intraoperatively and by histopathological review. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) captures, intraoperative pictures and video of minimal invasive treatment are provided. Nuck’s hydroceles should be included in the differential diagnosis of an inguinal swelling. We recommend an open approach to external Type 1 Nuck´s hydroceles and a laparoscopic approach to intra-abdominal Type 2 Nuck hydroceles. Complex hydroceles like Type 3 have to be evaluated individually, as they are challenging and the surgical outcome is dependent on the surgeon’s skills. If inguinal channel has been widened by the presence of a Nuck’s hydrocele, a mesh plasty, as performed in hernia surgery, should be considered.
The Environmental Impact of a Complex Hydrogeological System on Hydrocarbon-Pollutants’ Natural Attenuation: The Case of the Coastal Aquifers in Eleusis, West Attica, Greece
Authors: Makri Panayota , Stathopoulou Eleni , Hermides Demetrios , Kontakiotis George , Zarkogiannis Stergios D. , Skilodimou Hariklia D. , Bathrellos George D. , Antonarakou Assimina , Scoullos Michael
Published: December 2020

The study area is the Thriassion Plain, an important area, in antiquity, surrounding the famous ancient town of Eleusis, 20 km west of Athens. The modern town and port and the entire area were heavily industrialized (1965–1995) coupled with unregulated urban and agricultural development. The presence of two crude oil refineries and other oil-related industries have strongly impacted the entire environment, including soils, waters and sediments of the broader area. The purpose of this work is to better understand how a multi-layered groundwater system affects the potential underground spread of certain fuel volatile compounds, namely the BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and total xylenes) as well as their attenuation after their direct or indirect release into the aquifer system. The spatial distribution of BTEX in groundwaters show that they were concentrated mainly in four rather restricted locations. Three of them were spotted, as expected, in the close vicinity of known pollution sources (a military airfield and two crude oil refineries). The other one corresponds to an abandoned site with no outstanding pollution sources where wells exist, eventually used for illegal dumping of oily wastes. It is important that the concentrations decrease significantly from autumn to spring. This decline could be characterized as natural attenuation, related to natural dilution phenomena and a flushing out of pollutants discharging through underwater springs to the sea during the rainy period (October to April). This, in turn, could be associated to the specific geological conditions affecting the hydrology, such as the unconsolidated non-permeable deposits and the multi layered formations of the area’s aquifers.
Cellular and Molecular Response of Macrophages THP-1 during Co-Culture with Inactive Trichophyton rubrum Conidia
Authors: Gonzalez Segura Gabriela , Cantelli Bruna Aline , Peronni Kamila , Rodrigo Sanches Pablo , Komoto Tatiana Takahasi , Rizzi Elen , Beleboni Rene Oliveira , da Silva Junior Wilson Araújo , Martinez-Rossi Nilce Maria , Marins Mozart , Fachin Ana Lúcia
Published: December 2020

Trichophyton rubrum is causing an increasing number of invasive infections, especially in immunocompromised and diabetic patients. The fungal invasive infectious process is complex and has not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms during the interaction of macrophages and T. rubrum. For this purpose, we used a co-culture of previously germinated and heat-inactivated T. rubrum conidia placed in contact with human macrophages cell line THP-1 for 24 h. This interaction led to a higher level of release of interleukins IL-6, IL-2, nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) and an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, demonstrating the cellular defense by macrophages against dead fungal elements. Cell viability assays showed that 70% of macrophages remained viable during co-culture. Human microRNA expression is involved in fungal infection and may modulate the immune response. Thus, the macrophage expression profile of microRNAs during co-culture revealed the modulation of 83 microRNAs, with repression of 33 microRNAs and induction of 50 microRNAs. These data were analyzed using bioinformatics analysis programs and the modulation of the expression of some microRNAs was validated by qRT-PCR. In silico analysis showed that the target genes of these microRNAs are related to the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, apoptosis, drug resistance, and cell proliferation.
Precision Medicine for the Management of Therapy Refractory Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Taghizadeh Hossein , Mader Robert M. , Müllauer Leonhard , Erhart Friedrich , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra , Prager Gerald W.
Published: December 2020

In this analysis, we examined the efficacy, feasibility, and limitations of molecular-based targeted therapies in heavily pretreated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients after failure of all standard treatments. In this single-center, real-world retrospective analysis of our platform for precision medicine, we mapped the molecular profiles of 60 mCRC patients. Tumor samples of the patients were analyzed using next-generation sequencing panels of mutation hotspots, microsatellite instability testing, and immunohistochemistry. All profiles were reviewed by a multidisciplinary team to provide a targeted treatment recommendation after consensus discussion. In total, we detected 166 mutations in 53 patients. The five most frequently found mutations were TP53, KRAS, APC, PIK3CA, and PTEN. In 28 cases (47% of all patients), a molecularly targeted therapy could be recommended. Eventually, 12 patients (20%) received the recommended therapy. Six patients (10%) had a clinical benefit. The median time to treatment failure was 3.1 months. Our study demonstrates the feasibility and applicability of using targeted therapies in daily clinical practice for heavily pretreated mCRC patients. This could be used as a targeted treatment option in half of the patients.
Does Minimum Tillage Improve Smallholder Farmers’ Welfare? Evidence from Southern Tanzania
Authors: Osewe Maurice , Miyinzi Mwungu Chris , Liu Aijun
Published: December 2020

Conservation agriculture continues to be promoted in developing nations as a sustainable and suitable agricultural practice to enhance smallholder productivity. A look at the literature indicates that this practice is successful in non-African countries. Thus, this research sought to test whether minimum tillage (MT), a subset of conservation agriculture, could lead to a significant impact on smallholder households’ welfare in Southern Tanzania. Using cross-sectional data from 608 randomly selected smallholder households, we applied propensity score matching to determine the effects of adopting minimum tillage on smallholder households’ per capita net crop income and labor demand. Our results indicated that minimum tillage adoption has positive impacts on smallholder households’ per capita net crop income. Further, it reduces the total household labor demands, allowing households to engage in other income-generating activities. However, the adoption rate of minimum tillage is in the early majority stage (21.38%). Thus, we propose the government to support household credit access and extension-specific information to improve the probability of adopting minimum tillage.
Chaos in Motion: Measuring Visual Pollution with Tangential View Landscape Metrics
Authors: Chmielewski Szymon
Published: December 2020

Visual pollution (VP) in the form of outdoor advertisements (OA) is a threat to landscape physiognomy. Despite their proven usefulness in landscape aesthetic studies, landscape metrics have not yet been applied to address the phenomenon of VP. To fill this knowledge gap, a methodological framework for the measurement of VP using tangential view landscape metrics is proposed, which is accompanied by statistically significant proofs. Raster products derived from aerial laser scanning data were used to characterize two study areas with different topographic conditions in the city of Lublin, East Poland. The visibility of the cityscape in motion was simulated through viewshed measurements taken at equal intervals in the forwards and backwards directions along pedestrian walkways. The scrutinized tangential view landscape metrics (visible area, maximum visible distance, skyline, Shannon depth, view depth line) was the object of a two-fold interpretation wherein the spatial occurrence of VP as well as its impacts on the visual landscape character (VLC) were examined. The visible area metrics were found to be highly sensitive VP indicators. The maximum visible distance metrics provided evidence for the destructive effect of OA on view corridors. The Shannon depth and depth line metrics were not found to be statistically significant indicators of VP. Results from directional viewshed modelling indicate that distortion in the analyzed cityscape physiognomy depends on the view direction. The findings allow for particular recommendations with practical implementations in land use planning, which are discussed along with limitations to our proposed methods.
Carbon Nanotubes Dispersion Assessment in Nanocomposites by Means of a Pulsed Thermographic Approach
Authors: Montinaro Nicola , Fustaino Mario , Pantano Antonio
Published: December 2020

The extensive production of polymer composites reinforced by carbon nanotube is limited by the absence of non-destructive evaluation (NDE) methods capable of assessing product quality to guarantee compliance with specifications. It is well known that the level of dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the polymer matrix is the parameter that, much more than others, can influence their enhancement capabilities. Here an active Infrared Thermography Non Destructive Testing(IR-NDT) inspection, joined with pulsed phase thermography (PPT), were applied for the first time to epoxy-CNT composites to evaluate the level of dispersion of the nanoparticles. The PPT approach was tested on three groups of epoxy nanocomposite samples with different levels of dispersion of the nanoparticles. The phasegrams obtained with the presented technique clearly show clusters, or bundles, of CNTs when present, so a comparison with the reference sample is not necessary to evaluate the quality of the dispersion. Therefore, the new NDE approach can be applied to verify that the expected dispersion levels are met in products made from epoxy and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs). The mechanisms underlying the effects of the dispersion of carbon nanotube on the thermal response of polymer composites have been identified.
Impact Toughness of FRTP Composites Produced by 3D Printing
Authors: Vaško Milan , Sága Milan , Majko Jaroslav , Vaško Alan , Handrik Marián
Published: December 2020

The additive manufacturing represents a new production method of composites reinforced with a continuous fibre. In recent times, the material produced by this new manufacturing method constituted a replacement for conventional materials—e.g., steel in many technical areas. As the research on FRTP composites is currently under way, the purpose of this article is to add information to the mosaic of studies in this research area. The scientific articles published until now have focused especially on mechanical testing, such as tensile and bending mechanical testing and their assessment. Therefore, the authors decided to carry out and assess the impact test of the FRTP composites produced by 3D printing because this area offers a large extent of research activities. We observed the influence of the reinforcement in the form of the micro-fibre carbon in the thermoplastic (Onyx) or a continuous reinforcement fibre in the lamina on the specimen’s behaviour during the impact load processes. The results of the experimental measurements show that the presence of a continuous fibre in the structure significantly affects the strength of the printed specimens; however, the design process of the printed object has to take into account the importance of selecting a suitable fibre type. The selection of a suitable strategy for arranging the fibre in the lamina and the direction of the impact load against the position of the fibre seem to be very important parameters.
Changes in the Composition and Surface Properties of Torrefied Conifer Cones
Authors: Aniszewska Monika , Gendek Arkadiusz , Hýsek Štěpán , Malaťák Jan , Velebil Jan , Tamelová Barbora
Published: December 2020

The paper investigated the torrefaction of cones from three tree species: Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Norway spruce (Picea abies L.), and European larch (Larix decidua Mill.). The objective was to determine the effects of torrefaction temperature on the properties of cones with a view to their further use as a renewable energy source. Torrefaction was conducted at 200, 235, 275, and 320 °C for 60 min under an inert gas atmosphere. Elemental composition, ash content, and lower heating value (LHV) were measured for the original and torrefied samples. Torrefaction performance was evaluated using formulas for solid yield, higher heating value (HHV), HHV enhancement factor, as well as energy yield. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to assess elemental composition and structural changes at the surface of the torrefied material. For all the studied conifer species, the higher the torrefaction temperature, the greater the carbon and ash content and the higher the LHV (a maximum of 27.6 MJ·kg−1 was recorded for spruce and larch cones torrefied at 320 °C). SEM images showed that an increase in process temperature from 200 to 320 °C led to partial decomposition of the scale surface as a result of lignin degradation. Cone scales from all tree species revealed C, O, N, Mg, K, and Si at the surface (except for pine scales, which did not contain Si). Furthermore, the higher the temperature, the higher the enhancement factor and the lower the energy yield of the torrefied biomass. Under the experimental conditions, spruce cones were characterized by the lowest weight loss, the highest HHV, and the highest energy yield, and so they are deemed the best raw material for torrefaction among the studied species.
Modification of Structural Properties Using Process Parameters and Surface Treatment of Monolithic and Thin-Walled Parts Obtained by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Grzelak Krzysztof , Kluczyński Janusz , Szachogłuchowicz Ireneusz , Łuszczek Jakub , Śnieżek Lucjan , Torzewski Janusz
Published: December 2020

Additive manufacturing is one of the most popular technological processes and is being considered in many research works, a lot of which are related to thin-walled parts analysis. There are many cases where different part geometries were manufactured using the same process parameters. That kind of approach often causes different porosity and surface roughness values in the geometry of each produced part. In this work, the porosity of thin-walled and monolithic parts was compared. To analyze additively manufactured samples, porosity and microstructural analyses were done. Additionally, to check the influence of process parameter modification on the manufactured parts’ properties, hardness and roughness measurements were made. Surface roughness and the influence of surface treatment were also taken into account. Porosity reduction of thin-walled parts with energy density growth was observed. Additionally, a positive influence of slight energy density growth on the surface roughness of produced parts was registered. Comparing two extreme-parameter groups, it was observed that a 56% energy density increase caused an almost 85% decrease in porosity and a 45% increase in surface roughness. Additional surface treatment of the material allowed for a 70–90% roughness reduction.
Chemical Removal of Lead Corrosion Products
Authors: Švadlena Jan , Prošek Tomáš , Strachotová Kristýna Charlotte , Kouřil Milan
Published: December 2020

Restoration treatment, specimen preparation or mass loss measurements on coupons made of lead require a reliable process of dissolution of corrosion products. In this study, several types of model corrosion products with compositions representative of those found on real objects were prepared and characterized. Ten solutions were then thoroughly tested in interval cleaning experiments, regarding the efficiency of removal of the corrosion products, corrosivity towards bare lead, and remnants left on the surface. The solution recommended in the current version of the ISO 8470 standard was found to be improper for the cleaning of both historical artefacts and corrosion coupons due to its inability to remove sulfide corrosion products and the risk of surface contamination and staining. A solution of 20% hydrochloric acid is the best choice for the preparation of lead coupons before exposure or for evaluation of mass loss of exposed samples because its somewhat higher corrosivity towards metallic lead is tolerable for these applications. Rochelle salt solution was found to be optimal for the cleaning of historical artefacts free of sulfide corrosion products due to the lowest corrosivity. None of these alternative solutions leave remnants on the surface and they are efficient at laboratory temperature.
Thermal Insulation and Sound Absorption Properties of Open-Cell Polyurethane Foams Modified with Bio-Polyol Based on Used Cooking Oil
Authors: Kurańska Maria , Barczewski Roman , Barczewski Mateusz , Prociak Aleksander , Polaczek Krzysztof
Published: December 2020

The main goal of this work was to evaluate the thermal insulation and sound absorption properties of open-cell rigid polyurethane foams synthesized with different contents of cooking oil-based polyol. The content of the applied bio-polyol as well as flame retardant (triethyl phosphate) in the foam formulation had a significant influence on the cellular structures of the materials. The open-cell polyurethane foams were characterized by apparent densities in the range 16–30 kg/m3. The sound absorption coefficients of the polyurethanes with various contents of bio-polyol were determined using the standing wave method (Kundt’s tube) in the frequency range of 100–6300 Hz. The effect of the content of the bio-polyol and flame retardant on the coefficient of thermal conductivity (at average temperatures of 0, 10 and 20 °C) as well as the compressive strength (at 20 and −10 °C) was analyzed. Different trends were observed in terms of the thermal insulation properties and sound absorption ability of the open-cell polyurethanes due to the addition of bio-polyol. In conclusion, it is necessary to use systems containing both petrochemical and bio-based raw materials.
Molecular and Polymer Ln2M2 (Ln = Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy; M = Zn, Cd) Complexes with Pentafluorobenzoate Anions: The Role of Temperature and Stacking Effects in the Structure; Magnetic and Luminescent Properties
Authors: Shmelev Maxim A. , Kiskin Mikhail A. , Voronina Julia K. , Babeshkin Konstantin A. , Efimov Nikolay N. , Varaksina Evgenia A. , Korshunov Vladislav M. , Taydakov Ilya V. , Gogoleva Natalia V. , Sidorov Alexey A. , Eremenko Igor L.
Published: December 2020

Varying the temperature of the reaction of [{Cd(pfb)(H2O)4}+n·n(pfb)−], [Ln2(pfb)6(H2O)8]·H2O (Hpfb = pentafluorobenzoic acid), and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) in MeCN followed by crystallization resulted in the isolation of two type of products: 1D-polymers [LnCd(pfb)5(phen)]n·1.5nMeCN (Ln = Eu (I), Gd (II), Tb (III), Dy (IV)) which were isolated at 25 °C, and molecular compounds [Tb2Cd2(pfb)10(phen)2] (V) formed at 75 °C. The transition from a molecular to a polymer structure becomes possible because of intra- and intermolecular interactions between the aromatic cycles of phen and pfb from neighboring tetranuclear Ln2Cd2 fragments. Replacement of cadmium with zinc in the reaction resulted in molecular compounds Ln2Zn2 [Ln2Zn2(pfb)10(phen)2]·4MeCN (Ln = Eu (VI), Tb (VIII), Dy (IX)) and [Gd2Zn2(pfb)10(H2O)2(phen)2]·4MeCN (VII). A new molecular EuCd complex [Eu2Cd2(pfb)10(phen)4]·4MeCN (X)] was isolated from a mixture of cadmium, zinc, and europium pentafluorobenzoates (Cd:Zn:Ln = 1:1:2). Complexes II-IV, VII and IX exhibit magnetic relaxation at liquid helium temperatures in nonzero magnetic fields. Luminescent studies revealed a bright luminescence of complexes with europium(III) and terbium(III) ions.
Identification and Characterization of a New Type III Polyketide Synthase from a Marine Yeast, Naganishia uzbekistanensis
Authors: Martinelli Laure , Redou Vanessa , Cochereau Bastien , Delage Ludovic , Hymery Nolwenn , Poirier Elisabeth , Le Meur Christophe , Le Foch Gaetan , Cladiere Lionel , Mehiri Mohamed , Demont-Caulet Nathalie , Meslet-Cladiere Laurence
Published: December 2020

A putative Type III Polyketide synthase (PKSIII) encoding gene was identified from a marine yeast, Naganishia uzbekistanensis strain Mo29 (UBOCC-A-208024) (formerly named as Cryptococcus sp.) isolated from deep-sea hydrothermal vents. This gene is part of a distinct phylogenetic branch compared to all known terrestrial fungal sequences. This new gene encodes a C-terminus extension of 74 amino acids compared to other known PKSIII proteins like Neurospora crassa. Full-length and reduced versions of this PKSIII were successfully cloned and overexpressed in a bacterial host, Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Both proteins showed the same activity, suggesting that additional amino acid residues at the C-terminus are probably not required for biochemical functions. We demonstrated by LC-ESI-MS/MS that these two recombinant PKSIII proteins could only produce tri- and tetraketide pyrones and alkylresorcinols using only long fatty acid chain from C8 to C16 acyl-CoAs as starter units, in presence of malonyl-CoA. In addition, we showed that some of these molecules exhibit cytotoxic activities against several cancer cell lines.