Non-Random Pattern of Integration for Epstein-Barr Virus with Preference for Gene-Poor Genomic Chromosomal Regions into the Genome of Burkitt Lymphoma Cell Lines

Background: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an oncogenic virus found in about 95% of endemic Burkitt lymphoma (BL) cases. In latently infected cells, EBV DNA is mostly maintained in episomal form, but it can also be integrated into the host genome, or both forms can coexist in the infected cells. Methods: In this study, we mapped the chromosomal integration sites of EBV (EBV-IS) into the genome of 21 EBV+ BL cell lines (BL-CL) using metaphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The data were used to investigate the EBV-IS distribution pattern in BL-CL, its relation to the genome instability, and to assess its association to common fragile sites and episomes. Results: We detected a total of 459 EBV-IS integrated into multiple genome localizations with a preference for gene-poor chromosomes. We did not observe any preferential affinity of EBV to integrate into common and rare fragile sites or enrichment of EBV-IS at the chromosomal breakpoints of the BL-CL analyzed here, as other DNA viruses do. Conclusions: We identified a non-random integration pattern into 13 cytobands, of which eight overlap with the EBV-IS in EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines and with a preference for gene- and CpGs-poor G-positive cytobands. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that the episomal form of EBV interacts in a non-random manner with gene-poor and AT-rich regions in EBV+ cell lines, which may explain the observed affinity for G-positive cytobands in the EBV integration process. Our results provide new insights into the patterns of EBV integration in BL-CL at the chromosomal level, revealing an unexpected connection between the episomal and integrated forms of EBV.

Involvement of cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptors in the favorable effects of sumatriptan on the random-pattern skin flap survival in rats: a novel potential target

Introduction: Recent investigations have indicated the potential therapeutic role of cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptors in various inflammatory-related disorders. However, the role of these receptors has not been studied in skin flap models previously. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the possible involvement of CB2 receptors in the anti-inflammatory effects of sumatriptan and improvement of the random-pattern skin flap survival in rats. Methods: In a controlled experimental study, 36 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six study groups (n = 6 per group). Two doses of sumatriptan (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally (i.p) 30 minutes before harvesting the flap tissue. In a separate group, SR144528 (a selective CB2 receptor inverse agonist) was injected before the most effective dose of sumatriptan to determine the possible involvement of CB2 receptors in its action. Histopathological examinations, the expression level of CB2 receptors (by western blot analysis), and IL-1 and TNF-α concentrations (ELISA) were explored in the skin flap samples. Results: Sumatriptan 0.3 mg/kg remarkably enhanced the skin flap survival in all macroscopic and microscopic investigations compared to the control group (P <0.001). IL-1 and TNF-α levels were significantly attenuated (P <0.001), and the expression of CB2 receptors in skin cells was amplified in rats treated with sumatriptan 0.3 mg/kg (p <0.05) compared to the control group. However, the administration of SR144528 (2 mg/kg) nullified all the protective effects of sumatriptan (0.3 mg/kg). Conclusion: We discovered that CB2 receptors play a crucial role in the favorable effects of sumatriptan on skin flap survival as a novel mechanism of action. So, targeting these receptors seems to be a dependable method in skin flap surgeries to ensure its survival and prevent tissue necrosis. Further experimental and clinical investigations are needed to ensure the safe clinical application of this method.

Strategy Development and Feedback Processing During Complex Category Learning

In this study, 38 young adults participated in a probabilistic A/B prototype category learning task under observational and feedback-based conditions. The study compared learning success (testing accuracy) and strategy use (multi-cue vs. single feature vs. random pattern) between training conditions. The feedback-related negativity (FRN) and P3a event related potentials were measured to explore the relationships between feedback processing and strategy use under a probabilistic paradigm. A greater number of participants were found to utilize an optimal, multi-cue strategy following feedback-based training than observational training, adding to the body of research suggesting that feedback can influence learning approach. There was a significant interaction between training phase and strategy on FRN amplitude. Specifically, participants who used a strategy in which category membership was determined by a single feature (single feature strategy) exhibited a significant decrease in FRN amplitude from early training to late training, perhaps due to reduced utilization of feedback or reduced prediction error. There were no significant main or interaction effects between valence, training phase, or strategy on P3a amplitude. Findings are consistent with prior research suggesting that learners vary in their approach to learning and that training method influences learning. Findings also suggest that measures of feedback processing during probabilistic category learning may reflect changes in feedback utilization and may further illuminate differences among individual learners.

Assessment of the Effect of Six Methods of Analysis and Different Sample Sizes for Biomass Estimation in Grasslands of the State of Puebla, Mexico

In the assessment of natural resources, such as forests or grasslands, it is common to apply a two-stage cluster sampling design, the application of which in the field determines the following situations: (a) difficulty in locating secondary sampling units (SSUs) precisely as planned, so that a random pattern of SSUs can be identified; and (b) the possibility that some primary sampling units (PSUs) have fewer SSUs than planned, leading to PSUs of different sizes. In addition, when considering the estimated variance of the various potential estimators for two-stage cluster sampling, the part corresponding to the variation between SSUs tends to be small for large populations, so the estimator’s variance may depend only on the divergence between PSUs. Research on these aspects is incipient in grassland assessment, so this study generated an artificial population of 759 PSUs and examined the effect of six estimation methods, using 15 PSU sample sizes, on unbiased and relative sampling errors when estimating aboveground, belowground, and total biomass of halophytic grassland. The results indicated that methods 1, 2, 4, and 5 achieved unbiased biomass estimates regardless of sample size, while methods 3 and 6 led to slightly biased estimates. Methods 4 and 5 had relative sampling errors of less than 5% with a sample size of 140 when estimating total biomass.

Paeoniflorin Suppresses TBHP-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells via the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway and Improves Skin Flap Survival

Random-pattern skin flap is a vital technique frequently applied in reconstruction surgeries for its convenience and effectiveness in solving skin defects. However, ischemic necrosis, especially in the distal areas of the flap, still needs extra attention after surgery. Earlier evidence has suggested that paeoniflorin (PF) could stimulate angiogenesis and suppress ischemic cardiovascular disease. However, few studies have focused on the role of PF in flap survival. In this study, we have demonstrated that the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with PF can alleviate tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-stimulated cellular dysfunction and apoptosis. To better evaluate, HUVECs’ physiology, cell tube formation, migration, and adhesion were assessed. Mechanistically, PF protects HUVECs against apoptosis via stimulating the nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) pathway. PF also downregulates mitochondrial ROS production to reduce excessive intracellular ROS production induced by TBHP and restore TBHP-induced mitochondrial depolarization. As a result, silencing Nrf2 partially abolishes the protective effect of PF exposure on HUVECs. In in vivo experiments, the oral administration of PF was shown to have enhanced the vascularization of regenerated tissues and promote flap survival. However, the PF-mediated protection was partially lost after co-treatment with ML385, a selective Nrf2 inhibitor, suggesting that PF is a crucial modulator regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. In summary, our data have provided a new insight into PF as a potential therapy for enhancing random-pattern flap viability.

Measurement and Analysis of Ocean Current using High- Frequency (HF) Radar Observation in the Bali Strait

High-Frequency (HF) Radar is an instrument using radio waves to measure ocean currents and waves remotely. This technology has many advantages, including has unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution, can operate in any weather condition, and is not dangerous for the environment. However, HF Radar's research is still limited in Indonesia. This research aimed to analyze the tidal and residual current in the Bali Strait in July 2020. Radial velocity from two HF Radar sites is combined to obtain the total currents. Current data from HF Radar were compared with Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) data to investigate its accuracy. Surface current data were analyzed using harmonic analysis to separate tidal and residual currents. Comparison between HF Radar and ADCP data are in good agreement for meridional current with a very high correlation of 0.813 and a small RMSE value of 0.22 m/s. Harmonic analysis shows that the dominant currents are tidal currents. The current direction was northward (southward) at flood (ebb), with maximum northward (southward) velocities are 2.17 m/s (2.97 m/s), respectively. The residual current has a random pattern, slightly faster northward than southward, and has similar spectral with the wind.

Spatial Mapping of Aedes Sp. Densities and Endemicity Level of Dengue in Three Villages in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

The study aim to analyze the spatial map of the density of Aedes sp., several measurement methods, and the relationship between environmental factors with mosquito density in Makassar City, Maros and Gowa Cities. The research method used an ecological study design. In this study, surveys of larvae, ovitrap and Lighttrap were be used to measure the density of Aedes sp. Data processing using SPSS version 22 and Arview GIS 10.5. The results that spatial analysis showed a random pattern or spread of density of larvae, ovitrap and adult mosquitoes. the Larva and Ovitrap survey methods were specific measured the density of Dengue vectors (larvae, eggs and adult mosquitoes Aedes aegypti) while the Light Trap method was not specific. There was a significant relationship between temperature, humidity and egg density and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in three DHF endemic sub-districts; except humidity and mosquito density was not significant in Bontoa Village of Maros Regency (p> 0.05). There was no significant relationship between the wire netted ventilation factor and the density of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in the three DHF endemic sub-districts except for the mosquito density there was a significant relationship in Bontoa Village, Maros Regency.

Determining the Spatial Pattern of Blackleg Diseased Potato Plants in the Field and Simulated Post-Harvest Tuber Infections in Potato Crates

Experiments were carried out in 2012 and 2013 to answer two basic questions in the testing of potato blackleg causing agents before and after harvest. Firstly, what is the spatial distribution of symptomatic plants in the field. Secondly, what is the distribution of infected tubers over the crates and the resulting detection probability using the standard method of collecting 200 tubers from the top crates in storage. In both years, ten farmers were equipped with a global positioning system (Garmin GPSMAP 62) and asked to register the position of blackleg diseased plants every time they scouted their potato lot for diseases. To answer the second question, potatoes marked with four nails (only visible internally after harvest) and potatoes with a different skin colour were added to one-hectare (ha) fields of seed potatoes in different patterns of aggregation ranging from random, to aggregated distribution, up to one big hotspot prior to harvest. The invisibly marked tubers were used for the unbiased collection of twenty 200-tuber samples from the storage crates, while the coloured skin tubers were used to ascertain, when the potatoes were graded, the distribution of ‘infected’ potatoes over the storage crates. The experiment was carried out with 0.05 and 0.1% disease incidence, in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Twenty two out of 26 fields proved to have a random pattern of diseased plants at harvest, which indicates that the blackleg diseased plants came into the field as infected seed potatoes. Two of the four aggregated patterns detected, started out as random distributions but became aggregated later in time, indicating spread in the field. A random spatial pattern in the field at harvest proved to result in a uniform distribution of infected tubers in the crates and, consequently, sampling of only the top crates for the 200-tuber sample does not introduce any bias. Fifty percent of the infected farmer lots were detected by the Nederlandse Algemene Keuringsdienst inspectors performing their official field surveys, which was a better performance than the 18% detection obtained by the standard 200-tuber sampling method. Only 6 out of 80 samples from the ‘infected’ lots with 0.05% disease incidence level, and 22 out of 80 samples at the 0.1% disease incidence level were detected by the latter method. It was concluded that intensifying the field survey would be cheaper and more successful than enlarging the tuber sample size to increase the probability for detection of infected seed lots.

The Pattern of Settlement Distribution in Disaster Prone Areas of Semarang City

The increase in population in Semarang City affects the trends in land use. Limited availability of land in contrast to the increasing demand for land has prompted residents to choose a place to live in a location not following its designation. Several settlements in Semarang City have developed in disaster-prone locations. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of settlements in disaster-prone areas, including aspects of land use, levels of vulnerability to natural hazards, and settlement distribution patterns. The research is a descriptive quantitative study with a spatial approach and utilizes images from remote sensing and Geographic Information systems (GIS). The results show that the settlements covering an area of 5,577 hectares or 33.5% of the total settlement area of Semarang City are in disaster-prone areas. Most disaster-prone areas have a moderate level of vulnerability. There are three patterns of settlement distribution in the study area, namely clustered, random, and dispersed patterns. Most districts in Semarang City have a random pattern of disaster-prone settlements. The settlement distribution pattern reflects the characteristics of each disaster-prone area.