bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colletotrichum Species Complexes Associated with Crops in Northern South America: A Review
Authors: Guevara-Suarez Marcela , Cárdenas Martha , Jiménez Pedro , Afanador-Kafuri Lucía , Restrepo Silvia
Published: February 2022

Colletotrichum genus comprises a high number of plant pathogens causing anthracnose disease in different tropical and non-tropical crops. We aimed to review northern South American studies in the online SCOPUS database to: create a taxonomically updated list of the species complexes found in the region, describe their most important phytopathological characteristics, revise the methods used in the region to control disease, and discuss the role of fungus as a plant endophyte. A total of 19 Colletotrichum species within five complexes—acutatum, boninense, gigasporum, gloeosporioides, and orbiculare—have been reported in northern South America. Few studies have been conducted, particularly in Peru and Ecuador, despite the diversity of Colletotrichum hosts cultivated in the region. Important information can be extracted from our review: species do not appear to show host specificity, although some isolates show host preferences, certain plant species can host several Colletotrichum species, some studies show the importance of using plant extracts to control the disease, but biological control using microorganisms is certainly an open area of research in the region. In northern South America, only a few hosts have been reported to harbor Colletotrichum as endophyte, and the potential of these endophytes as biological control agents has not yet been explored.
Enhancing the Rural Landscape Character: The Low Frequency of Inter-Row Wildflower Meadow Harvest Positively Affects Biodiversity While Maintaining Grape Quantitative and Qualitative Traits in a ‘Sultanina’ Vineyard in Greece
Authors: Paraskevopoulou Angeliki T. , Pappous Euaggelos , Biniari Katerina , Bertsouklis Konstantinos F. , Daskalakis Ioannis , Perdikis Dionysios
Published: February 2022

The development of inter-row wildflower meadows in vineyards could restore and preserve biodiversity as well as enhance the local rural landscape character. Herein, the prospect of inter-row development of a wildflower meadow from spontaneous vegetation growing within a table grape ‘Sultanina’ vineyard was studied for two years through the effect of different intensities of harvest on the meadow composition, arthropod presence, and grape vine produce. Three harvest treatments (constant, periodic, and none) were examined. The growth (height and area of groundcover) and number of plants per species that composed the inter-row wildflower meadow as well as the insects found within it and on the grape vine plants were recorded. At maturity, the main quantitative (yield/vine) and qualitative characteristics (soluble solids, pH, and total titratable acidity) of the grapes were evaluated. Results showed that both the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the grape vines did not differ between treatments. The inter-row vineyard meadow composition that constituted of 21 herbaceous species did not differ between the periodic- and no-harvest treatments. Insect pests hosted within the meadow did not pose a threat to ‘Sultanina’ grapes, although thrips within the inter-row meadow showed a preference for Convolvulus arvensis. The overall results suggest the application of either a periodic- or no-harvest on the spontaneous vegetation of a Mediterranean ‘Sultanina’ vineyard over two years and constitutes the development of inter-row wildflower meadows from spontaneous vegetations as an appealing and promising sustainable vineyard floor management practice for permanent use that needs to be further researched.
Advantage of Multiple Pods and Compound Leaf in Kabuli Chickpea under Heat Stress Conditions
Authors: Eker Tuba , Sari Hatice , Sari Duygu , Canci Huseyin , Arslan Mehmet , Aydinoglu Bilal , Ozay Hilal , Toker Cengiz
Published: February 2022

Heat-related traits in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) play a crucial role in reducing the harmful effect of heat stress, as the increase in heat stress is predicted to occur in the coming years due to global warming as a result of climate change. The advantage of multiple pods per peduncle and compound (imparipinnate) leaf traits in kabuli chickpea has not been properly revealed under heat stress conditions. We, therefore, want (i) to provide insight into the advantage of multiple pods and compound leaf traits over single pod per node and simple (unifoliolate) leaf traits, and (ii) to determine the highest direct and indirect effects of agro-morphological traits on seed yield in chickpeas under rainfed conditions with prevailing heat stress. With a delayed sowing time, the plants were subjected to heat stress of more than 43 °C in flowering and pod setting stages under field conditions. According to the number of pods per node and leaf shape, plants were evaluated for yield and yield components, and were divided into six groups, namely (i) single-pod and compound leaf, (ii) single-pod and simple leaf, (iii) double-pods and compound leaf, (iv) double-pods and simple leaf, (v) multi-pods and compound leaf, and (vi) multi-pods and simple leaf. Plants with multi-pods and compound leaf traits had the highest seed yield, followed by plants with double-pods and compound leaf, while plants with single-pod and simple leaf had the lowest yield. The number of seeds and pods per plant, 100-seed weight, and leaf shape were the highest determinants of seed yield under heat stress conditions. It was concluded that multi-pods per peduncle and compound leaf traits had an obviously incontrovertible advantage in kabuli chickpeas under heat stress conditions. The plant shapes that nature has evolved for millions of years, which are mostly found in wild plants, have been proven by the current study to have a better fitness ability than plants shaped by human hands.
Feeding System Effects on Dairy Cow Rumen Function and Milk Production
Authors: McAuliffe Stephen , Mee John F. , Lewis Eva , Galvin Norann , Hennessy Deirdre
Published: February 2022

Good rumen function, which is largely influenced by the diet of the cow, is essential to optimise animal performance. This study, conducted over the course of a full lactation in a spring-calving milk production system, compared the rumen function and milk production of cows offered one of three dietary treatments: (1) Cows grazing grass-only swards receiving 250 kg nitrogen (N)/ha/year (Grass), (2) Cows grazing grass-white clover swards receiving 250 kg N/ha/year (Grass-Clover), and (3) Cows offered a total mixed ration diet and housed indoors (TMR). Treatment significantly affected milk production; milk yield and milk solids yield were generally highest on the TMR treatment. There was no effect of treatment on rumen pH. However, treatment significantly altered the rumen volatile fatty acid (VFA), and ammonia and lactic acid profiles. Clover inclusion in the sward led to higher (p < 0.05) total VFA and ammonia concentrations compared to the Grass and TMR treatments. The increased rumen ammonia concentration was associated with a significantly greater milk urea nitrogen (MUN) content in the milk from cows fed on Grass-Clover, indicating a greater excess of dietary protein in that treatment. It was concluded that a clover-based dairy cow feeding system could significantly alter rumen function, milk composition and milk yield.
The Role of Aquaporin 7 in the Movement of Water and Cryoprotectants in Bovine In Vitro Matured Oocytes
Authors: García-Martínez Tania , Martínez-Rodero Iris , Roncero-Carol Joan , Vendrell-Flotats Meritxell , Gardela Jaume , Gutiérrez-Adán Alfonso , Ramos-Ibeas Priscila , Higgins Adam Z. , Mogas Teresa
Published: February 2022

Aquaglyceroporins are known as channel proteins, and are able to transport water and small neutral solutes. In this study, we evaluate the effect of exposure of in vitro matured bovine oocytes to hyperosmotic solutions containing ethylene glycol (EG), dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO) or sucrose on the expression levels of AQP3, AQP7 and AQP9. Moreover, we studied whether artificial protein expression of AQP7 in bovine oocytes increases their permeability to water and cryoprotectants. Exposure to hyperosmotic solutions stimulated AQP3 and AQP7 but not AQP9 expression. Oocytes exposed to hyperosmotic Me2SO solution exhibited upregulated AQP3 expression, while AQP7 expression was upregulated by EG hyperosmotic exposure. Microinjection of oocytes at the germinal vesicle stage with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) or EGFP+AQP7 cRNAs resulted in the expression of the corresponding proteins in ≈86% of the metaphase-II stage oocytes. AQP7 facilitated water diffusion when bovine MII oocytes were in presence of Me2SO solution but not EG or sucrose solution. However, the overexpression of this aquaporin did not increase membrane permeability to Me2SO or EG. In summary, cryoprotectant-induced increase of AQP3 and AQP7 expression could be one of the mechanisms underlying oocyte tolerance to hyperosmotic stress. Water diffusion appears to be improved when AQP7 overexpressed oocytes are exposed to Me2SO, shortening the time required for oocytes to achieve osmotic balance with cryoprotectant solutions.
Behavioral and Physiological Response to Routine Thermal Disbudding in Dairy Calves Treated with Transdermal Flunixin Meglumine
Authors: Gaab Tara , Wright Mary , Pierdon Meghann
Published: February 2022

Transdermal flunixin meglumine was approved in 2018 to treat pain related to foot-rot in cattle, leading to the question of whether it would be effective as part of a comprehensive pain management strategy for disbudding. To investigate, calves were assigned to three treatment groups: 2% lidocaine cornual nerve block only (L), lidocaine nerve block +0.45 mg/lb (1 mg/kg) oral meloxicam (M), or lidocaine nerve block +1.5 mg/lb (3.3 mg/kg) transdermal flunixin meglumine (F) (n = 61). Ear flicking (p = 0.001), head shaking (p < 0.001), tail flicking (p < 0.001), interaction with the environment (p < 0.001), grooming (p < 0.01), posture changes (p < 0.05), and standing (p < 0.001) were impacted by the time relative to the procedure. Cortisol levels rose post procedure (p < 0.001). There was no difference in rates of behaviors or cortisol between treatments. These results indicate that calves showed alterations in behavior and cortisol in response to disbudding but not between treatments. We conclude that the pain management protocol for disbudding, which included transdermal flunixin meglumine with a lidocaine cornual nerve block, did not show significant differences from protocols using meloxicam with a lidocaine block, or a lidocaine block alone.
Defining Wound Healing Progression in Cetacean Skin: Characteristics of Full-Thickness Wound Healing in Fraser’s Dolphins (Lagenodelphis hosei)
Authors: Su Chen-Yi , Hughes Michael W. , Liu Tzu-Yu , Chuong Cheng-Ming , Wang Hao-Ven , Yang Wei-Cheng
Published: February 2022

Cetaceans are tight-skinned mammals that exhibit an extraordinary capacity to heal deep soft tissue injuries. However, essential information of large full-thickness wound healing in cetaceans is still lacking. Here, the stages of full-thickness wound healing were characterized in Fraser’s dolphins (Lagenodelphis hosei). The skin samples were collected from normal skin and full-thickness cookiecutter shark (Isistius brasiliensis)-bite wounds of stranded carcasses. We defined five stages of wound healing according to macroscopic and histopathological examinations. Wounds in Stage 1 and 2 were characterized by intercellular and intracellular edema in the epidermal cells near the wound edge, mixed inflammatory cell infiltration, and degradation of collagen fibers. In Stage 3 wounds, melanocytes, melanin granules, rete and dermal ridges were noticed in the neo-epidermis, and the adipose tissue in adjacent blubber was replaced by cells and fibers. Wounds in Stage 4 and 5 were characterized by gradual restoration of the normal skin architecture including rete and dermal ridges, collagen bundles, and adipose tissue. These phenomena were quite different from previous studies in terrestrial tight-skinned mammals, and therefore, further in-depth research into the mechanisms of dolphin wound healing would be needed to gain new insights into veterinary and human regenerative medicine.
Beliefs and Attitudes of British Residents about the Welfare of Fur-Farmed Species and the Import and Sale of Fur Products in the UK
Authors: Halliday Carly , McCulloch Steven P.
Published: February 2022

Around 100 million animals are killed annually for the global fur trade, with 85% reared on fur farms and 15% trapped in the wild. Fur farming is banned across the United Kingdom (UK) under the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Act 2000 in England and Wales and parallel legislation in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Despite the farming bans, the import and sale of fur products to the UK have continued, largely due to European Union (EU) membership. The UK left the EU in 2020 and the British government is exploring a potential ban on the import and sale of fur post-Brexit. This paper reviews public surveys on attitudes to fur farming in the UK from 1997 to 2021. It then reports the results of an online questionnaire to investigate in greater depth the beliefs of UK residents (n = 326) about the welfare of animals used in fur production, knowledge of the legal context of the fur trade and attitudes toward a ban on the import and sale of fur in the UK. A large majority (86%) of respondents believed that fur-farmed animals do not experience a good life. Over four-fifths (83%) disagreed that it is morally acceptable for the UK government to ban fur farming and yet continue to import and sell fur from producers overseas, with over three-quarters (78%) supporting a legal ban on the import and sale of fur in the UK.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Body Conformation Traits by Whole Genome Sequencing in Dazu Black Goats
Authors: Gu Bowen , Sun Ruifan , Fang Xingqiang , Zhang Jipan , Zhao Zhongquan , Huang Deli , Zhao Yuanping , Zhao Yongju
Published: February 2022

Identifying associations between genetic markers and economic traits has practical benefits for the meat goat industry. To better understand the genomic regions and biological pathways contributing to body conformation traits of meat goats, a genome-wide association study was performed using Dazu black goats (DBGs), a Chinese indigenous goat breed. In particular, 150 DBGs were genotyped by whole-genome sequencing, and six body conformation traits, including body height (BH), body length (BL), cannon circumference (CC), chest depth (CD), chest width (CW), and heart girth (HG), were examined. In total, 53 potential SNPs were associated with these body conformation traits. A bioinformatics analysis was performed to evaluate the genes located close to the significant SNPs. Finally, 42 candidate genes (e.g., PSTPIP2, C7orf57, CCL19, FGF9, SGCG, FIGN, and SIPA1L) were identified as components of the genetic architecture underlying body conformation traits. Our results provide useful biological information for the improvement of growth performance and have practical applications for genomic selection in goats.
Occurrence of Microplastics in Harbour Seals (Phoca vitulina) and Grey Seals (Halichoerus grypus) from German Waters
Authors: Philipp Carolin , Unger Bianca , Siebert Ursula
Published: February 2022

The level of knowledge on microplastic exposure in marine mammals is limited by the access to dead and alive individuals. Focusing on the Northeast Atlantic area, some studies already confirmed the microplastic presence in free-ranging marine mammals, such as harbour porpoises or harbour seals inhabiting the North Sea (NS). In contrast, knowledge on the exposure to grey seals and particularly on specimen inhabiting the Baltic Sea (BS) are scarce. This study examined 63 gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) of harbour seals and grey seals originating from German waters (NS and BS) found between 2014 and 2019. Besides the documentation of microplastic findings, this study is dealing with life history and health parameters, attempting to identify correlations with microplastic presence. This study confirmed beside the presence, the egestion of microplastics (>100 µm; MPs) in the examined seals, without correlations in parasite infestations or inflammation responses. 540 suspected MPs were identified in 62 intestinal samples (42% fibres, 58% fragments), and 228 MPs in seven stomachs (28% fibres, 72% fragments). In accordance, first evidence of the retainment of fragments in the GIT were given. However, no significant difference in MP occurrence was indicated for different sex or age groups.
Why Are Enrichment Practices in Zoos Difficult to Implement Effectively?
Authors: Tuite Eileen K. , Moss Simon A. , Phillips Clive J. , Ward Samantha J.
Published: February 2022

The good intentions of zoos to introduce enrichment practices that stimulate animals mentally and physically are not always achievable. Changes to the policies and procedures in organisations are difficult to fulfil for a range of reasons frequently investigated in change management literature. The implementation of these changes can be the source of ineffective attempts to generate positive interventions in organisations. In this study, we investigate whether interventions to improve animal management in zoos through enrichment are subject to implementation impediments. Qualitative data gathered from interviews with 23 keepers working with big cats across 12 zoos globally provided valuable insights into the barriers and enablers to the implementation of enrichment. Keepers participated voluntarily and worked in accredited zoos across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, south-east Asia, South Africa, and the United States of America. Thematic analysis of the data revealed five key themes that described some of the challenges zoos and keepers experience when implementing enrichment for big cats, in their words: “let’s just be cautious”, “purely surviving”, “struggle to understand the goal”, “can’t always provide what you should”, and “judge the effectiveness”. These themes provide additional insights into potential areas for improvement, including greater attention to the benefits of enrichment for animal mental health and increased transparency around enrichment objectives in zoos.
Surgical Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Abdominal Surgery for Neonates and Paediatrics: A RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method Consensus Study
Authors: Bianchini Sonia , Rigotti Erika , Monaco Sara , Nicoletti Laura , Auriti Cinzia , Castagnola Elio , Conti Giorgio , Galli Luisa , Giuffrè Mario , La Grutta Stefania , Lancella Laura , Lo Vecchio Andrea , Maglietta Giuseppe , Petrosillo Nicola , Pietrasanta Carlo , Principi Nicola , Tesoro Simonetta , Venturini Elisabetta , Piacentini Giorgio , Lima Mario , Staiano Annamaria , Esposito Susanna ,   the Peri-Operative Prophylaxis in Neonatal and Paediatric Age (POP-NeoPed) Study Group
Published: February 2022

Surgical site infections (SSIs), i.e., surgery-related infections that occur within 30 days after surgery without an implant and within one year if an implant is placed, complicate surgical procedures in up to 10% of cases, but an underestimation of the data is possible since about 50% of SSIs occur after the hospital discharge. Gastrointestinal surgical procedures are among the surgical procedures with the highest risk of SSIs, especially when colon surgery is considered. Data that were collected from children seem to indicate that the risk of SSIs can be higher than in adults. This consensus document describes the use of preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in neonates and children that are undergoing abdominal surgery and has the purpose of providing guidance to healthcare professionals who take care of children to avoid unnecessary and dangerous use of antibiotics in these patients. The following surgical procedures were analyzed: (1) gastrointestinal endoscopy; (2) abdominal surgery with a laparoscopic or laparotomy approach; (3) small bowel surgery; (4) appendectomy; (5) abdominal wall defect correction interventions; (6) ileo-colic perforation; (7) colorectal procedures; (8) biliary tract procedures; and (9) surgery on the liver or pancreas. Thanks to the multidisciplinary contribution of experts belonging to the most important Italian scientific societies that take care of neonates and children, this document presents an invaluable reference tool for perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in the paediatric and neonatal populations.
PK-PD Modeling and Optimal Dosing Regimen of Acetylkitasamycin against Streptococcus suis in Piglets
Authors: Huang Anxiong , Mao Feng , Huang Lingli , Xie Shuyu , Pan Yuanhu , Qu Wei , Cheng Guyue , Liu Zhenli , Yuan Zonghui , Peng Dapeng , Hao Haihong
Published: February 2022

Streptococcus suis (S. suis) causes severe respiratory diseases in pigs and is also an important pathogen causing hidden dangers to public health and safety. Acetylkitasamycin is a new macrolide agent that has shown good activity to Gram-positive cocci such as Streptococcus. The purpose of this study was to perform pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) modeling to formulate a dosing regimen of acetylkitasamycin for treatment of S. suis and to decrease the emergence of acetylkitasamycin-resistant S. suis. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 110 S. suis isolates was determined by broth micro dilution method. The MIC50 of the 55 sensitive S. suis isolates was 1.21 μg/mL. The strain HB1607 with MIC close to MIC50 and high pathogenicity was used for the PK-PD experiments. The MIC and MBC of HB1607 in both MH broth and pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (PELF) was 1 and 2 μg/mL, respectively. The liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was used to determine the concentration change of acetylkitasamycin in piglet plasma and PELF after intragastric administration of a single dose of 50 mg/kg b.w. acetylkitasamycin. The PK parameters were calculated by WinNolin software. The PK data showed that the maximum concentration (Cmax), peak time (Tmax), and area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) were 9.84 ± 0.39 μg/mL, 4.27 ± 0.19 h and 248.58 ± 21.17 h·μg/mL, respectively. Integration of the in vivo PK data and ex vivo PD data, an inhibition sigmoid Emax equation was established. The dosing regimen of acetylkitasamycin for the treatment S. suis infection established as 33.12 mg/kg b.w. every 12 h for 3 days. This study provided a reasonable dosing regimen for a new drug used in clinical treatment, which can effectively be used to treat S. suis infection and slow down the generation of drug resistance.
Early and Late Onset Neonatal Sepsis: Epidemiology and Effectiveness of Empirical Antibacterial Therapy in a III Level Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Mariani Marcello , Parodi Alessandro , Minghetti Diego , Ramenghi Luca A. , Palmero Candida , Ugolotti Elisabetta , Medici Chiara , Saffioti Carolina , Castagnola Elio
Published: February 2022

Bloodstream infections play an important role in neonatal morbidity and mortality. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed etiology and antibiotic resistance profiles of bacteria isolated from blood or Cerebro Spinal Fluid (CSF) cultures to evaluate the appropriateness of initial empirical therapy of neonatal sepsis. Methods: microbiological data from patients admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), from January 2005 to October 2018, were anonymously extracted from the Laboratory of Microbiology database. According to the neonatal sepsis definition for patients admitted to NICU, positive cultures obtained within the first 72 h of life were labeled as Early Onset Sepsis (EOS); and Late Onset Sepsis (LOS) for those obtained later. Results: 859 bacterial strains, 846 from blood and 13 from CSF, were detected in 611 neonates. In EOS, 75 blood cultures were found: 61 yielded Gram-positives and 14 Gram-negatives. Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS) represented the majority (52% n = 39). Streptococcus agalactiae and Escherichia coli were both isolated in 8% (n = 6) of cases. 784 strains were isolated in LOS: 686 (87%) Gram-positives and 98 (13%) Gram-negatives. CoNS represented most pathogens (n = 560, 71.4%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (n = 57, 7.3%) and Enterococcus faecalis (n = 33, 4.2%). Ampicillin/gentamicin therapy resulted effective in 15/20 (75%) of EOS isolates. Internal protocol for LOS initial empirical therapy, calling for piperacillin/tazobactam and vancomycin resulted effective in 98.5% (734/745) of LOS strains. Conclusions: knowledge of local epidemiology of resistant pathogens, both in EOS and LOS, is fundamental to set up an effective empirical therapy in NICU. Aminoglycosides were fundamental in EOS. On the other side, LOS empirical therapy with vancomycin is sustained by the observation of 38% of methicillin resistance among S. aureus and about 95% in CoNS.
Categorisation of Antimicrobial Use in Fijian Livestock Production Systems
Authors: Khan Xavier , Rymer Caroline , Ray Partha , Lim Rosemary
Published: February 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global threat to human and animal health. The use of antimicrobials in the livestock sector is considered to contribute to AMR. Therefore, a reduction in and prudent use of antimicrobials in livestock production systems have been advocated. This cross-sectional survey aimed to investigate the extent of imprudent antimicrobial use (AMU) and to determine whether the AMU practice was affected by either the farming system or species of farmed livestock in the largest island (Viti Levu) of Fiji. A total of 276 livestock enterprises were surveyed and antimicrobials were used on 309 occasions over 90 days. Overall, in 298 of 309 (96%) incidents, antimicrobials were used imprudently, comprising antibiotics, 160 of 170 (94%) and anthelmintics, 138 of 139 (99%). Prudent use of antibiotics was associated with commercial farming systems (X2 = 13, p = 0.001), but no association was observed with anthelmintic use (p > 0.05). Imprudent antibiotic use was associated with dairy (OR = 7.6, CI = 1.41, 41.57, p = 0.018) followed by layer and beef (p > 0.05) compared to broiler enterprises. Imprudent AMU was more common in the backyard and semi-commercial enterprises compared to commercial broiler enterprises. Policies promoting the prudent use of antimicrobials in Fiji should focus on smaller livestock production systems and enterprises.
Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Urologic Procedures in Paediatric Patients: A RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method Consensus Study in Italy
Authors: Esposito Susanna , Rigotti Erika , Argentiero Alberto , Caminiti Caterina , Castagnola Elio , Lancella Laura , Venturini Elisabetta , De Luca Maia , La Grutta Stefania , Lima Mario , Tesoro Simonetta , Ciccia Matilde , Staiano Annamaria , Autore Giovanni , Piacentini Giorgio , Principi Nicola ,   The Peri-Operative Prophylaxis in Neonatal and Paediatric Age (POP-NeoPed) Study Group
Published: February 2022

The main aim of surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP) in urologic procedures is to prevent bacteraemia, surgical site infections (SSIs), and postoperative urinary tract infections (ppUTIs). Guidelines for SAP in paediatric urology are lacking. Only some aspects of this complex topic have been studied, and the use of antibiotic prophylaxis prior to surgical procedures seems to be more often linked to institutional schools of thought or experts’ opinions than to rules dictated by studies demonstrating the most correct and preferred management. Therefore, the aim of this Consensus document realized using the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method is to provide clinicians with a series of recommendations on SAP for the prevention of bacteraemia, SSIs, and ppUTIs after urologic imaging and surgical procedures in paediatric patients. Despite the few available studies, experts agree on some basilar concepts related to SAP for urologic procedures in paediatric patients. Before any urological procedure is conducted, UTI must be excluded. Clean procedures do not require SAP, with the exception of prosthetic device implantation and groin and perineal incisions where the SSI risk may be increased. In contrast, SAP is needed in clean-contaminated procedures. Studies have also suggested the safety of eliminating SAP in paediatric hernia repair and orchiopexy. To limit the emergence of resistance, every effort to reduce and rationalize antibiotic consumption for SAP must be made. Increased use of antibiotic stewardship can be greatly effective in this regard.
Vasoactive Properties of a Cocoa Shell Extract: Mechanism of Action and Effect on Endothelial Dysfunction in Aged Rats
Authors: Rodríguez-Rodríguez Pilar , Ragusky Kendal , Phuthong Sophida , Ruvira Santiago , Ramiro-Cortijo David , Cañas Silvia , Rebollo-Hernanz Miguel , Morales María Dolores , López de Pablo Ángel L. , Martín-Cabrejas María A. , Arribas Silvia M.
Published: February 2022

Cocoa has cardiovascular beneficial effects related to its content of antioxidant phytochemicals. Cocoa manufacturing produces large amounts of waste, but some by-products may be used as ingredients with health-promoting potential. We aimed to investigate the vasoactive actions of an extract from cocoa shell (CSE), a by-product containing theobromine (TH), caffeine (CAF) and protocatechuic acid (PCA) as major phytochemicals. In carotid and iliac arteries from 5-month and 15-month-old rats, we investigated CSE vasoactive properties, mechanism of action, and the capacity of CSE, TH, CAF and PCA to improve age-induced endothelial dysfunction. Vascular function was evaluated using isometric tension recording and superoxide anion production by dihydroethidium (DHE) staining and confocal microscopy. CSE caused endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, blocked by L-NAME, but not indomethacin, regardless of sex, age, or vessel type. CSE maximal responses and EC50 were significantly lower compared to acetylcholine (ACh). Arterial preincubation with CSE, TH, CAF or PCA, significantly reduced the number of vascular DHE-positive cells. Compared to adult males, iliac arteries from aged males exhibited reduced ACh concentration-dependent vasodilatation but larger CSE responses. In iliac arteries from aged male and female rats, preincubation with 10−4 M CSE and PCA, but not TH or CAF, improved ACh-relaxations. In conclusion, CSE has vasodilatory properties associated with increased nitric oxide bioavailability, related to its antioxidant phytochemicals, being particularly relevant PCA. Therefore, CSE is a potential food ingredient for diseases related to endothelial dysfunction.
Phenolic Compounds, Vitamins C and E and Antioxidant Activity of Edible Honeysuckle Berries (Lonicera caerulea L. var. kamtschatica Pojark) in Relation to Their Origin
Authors: Orsavová Jana , Sytařová Irena , Mlček Jiří , Mišurcová Ladislava
Published: February 2022

Honeysuckles are frost tolerant plants providing early-ripening fruits with health-promoting properties which have been used in traditional medicine in China. This study evaluates the impact of the climatic conditions of two areas on the chemical composition and antioxidant activity (AOA; by DPPH—2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and photochemiluminescence assays) of eight cultivars of honeysuckle berries (Lonicera caerulea L. var. kamtschatica Pojark) of various ripening times. Expectedly, chemical composition and AOA values varied depending on the cultivars, locality and selected methods. Berries from Lednice (the area with more sunshine) showed higher average contents of total monomeric anthocyanins (TMAC; pH differential absorbance method), vitamins C and E and total phenolics (high-performance liquid chromatography). In contrast, berries from Žabčice (the area with more rain) performed higher average contents of total phenolics and flavonoids (UV/VIS spectroscopic analyses). Interestingly, fundamental amounts of chlorogenic acid were determined irrespective of the locality. Regarding TMAC and vitamin C content, early ripening Amphora from both areas has been assessed as the best cultivar; concerning the content of phenolic compounds, Fialka from both areas and Amphora from Lednice is considered as the most valuable. The obtained results may facilitate the selection of the most valuable cultivars for both producers and consumers.
Midpalatal Suture Density as a Function of Sex and Growth-Pattern-Related Variability via CBCT Evaluations of 392 Adolescents Treated with a Rapid Maxillary Expander Appliance
Authors: Macrì Monica , Toniato Elena , Murmura Giovanna , Varvara Giuseppe , Festa Felice
Published: February 2022

Background and objectives. This paper aimed to evaluate the changes in mean bone density values of the midpalatal suture (MPS) in 392 young patients treated with a rapid palatal expander (RPE) appliance, depending on sex and vertical and sagittal skeletal patterns. Materials and Methods. Evaluations were performed using a low-dose protocol for cone beam computed tomography scans at T0 (preoperative) and T1 (1 year after the beginning of the therapy). The region of interest was used to calculate bone density in Hounsfield units (HU) for the area between the maxillary incisors. Results. CBCT scan data of 196 females and 196 males (mean age of 11.7 years) showed homogeneous and similar density values of the MPS at T0 (550.17–563.70 HU) and T1 (541.92–553.85 HU). Class III skeletal individuals showed significantly higher BD than the Class II group at T0, but not at T1. Females showed significant and substantially higher BD than males at T0 and T1. No significant differences were found between the other groups and between the two time points in terms of the bone density values of the MPS. Conclusions. Females and the Class III group showed significantly higher bone density values than males and Class II, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found from T0 to T1 in any groups, suggesting that a similar rate of suture reorganization occurs after the use of an RPE, causing reorganization and bone deposition along the MPS.
Toward ZEB: A Mathematical Programing-, Simulation-, and AHP-Based Comprehensive Framework for Building Retrofitting
Authors: Mejjaouli Sobhi
Published: February 2022

Because of their significant energy consumption and its economic and environmental impacts, existing buildings offer decision makers opportunities and challenges at the same time. In fact, there is a worldwide effort to improve the energy performance of the existing buildings as well as the new ones to achieve zero-energy buildings. In this paper, a framework for retrofitting existing buildings to help achieve the goal of zero-energy buildings is presented. The framework details the different steps required to develop and implement a successful retrofitting plan for both residential and commercial buildings. This includes data collection, life cycle cost calculation, building simulation, and multi-criteria decision making using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). At the end of the paper, a case study is detailed to show the different steps necessary to select a successful retrofitting plan that reflects the decision maker’s objectives. The case study resulted in a retrofitting plan that offers a yearly energy savings of 30% and a payback period of 2.2 years.
Some Practical Acoustic Design and Typical Control Strategies for Multichannel Active Noise Control
Authors: Chu Yijing , Wu Ming , Sun Hongling , Yang Jun , Chen Mingyang
Published: February 2022

Active noise control (ANC) systems usually involve a large number of loudspeakers and error microphones in order to achieve noise reduction over an extended region of space. Although fundamentals of ANC theory and principles of ANC methods have been well-established over the past 40 years, applications of this technology are facing new challenges. A larger quiet zone with better noise reduction performance is always desirable in a variety of real-life scenarios. This paper presents several important factors that affect the performance of multichannel ANC systems in some popular applications such as windows with natural ventilation and quiet-zone around heads. The factors affecting acoustic design include the reflection of a baffle plate, arrangement of error sensors in open areas, and so on. In addition, different control strategies are compared and analyzed, including centralized, decentralized, and distributed strategies. All these strategies are discussed from the signal processing side, which should be considered after a proper acoustic design. One of the important aims of this paper is to provide practical guidance for acoustic design and discuss several typical control strategies for multichannel ANC systems.
Securing Remote State Estimation against Sequential Logic Attack of Sensor Data
Authors: Wang Jing , Feng Tao
Published: February 2022

The SCADA system, which is widely used in the continuous monitoring and control of the physical process of modern critical infrastructure, relies on the feedback control loop. The remote state estimation system triggers the control algorithm or control condition of the controller according to the monitoring data returned by the sensor. The controller sends the control command to the actuator, and the actuator executes the command to control the physical process. Since SCADA system monitoring and control data are usually transmitted through unprotected wireless communication networks, attackers can use false sensor data to trigger control algorithms to make wrong decisions, disrupt the physical processing of the SCADA system, and cause huge economic losses, even casualties. We found an attack strategy based on the sequential logic of sensor data. This kind of attack changes the time logic or sequence logic of the response data, so that the false data detector can be successfully deceived. This would cause the remote state estimation system to trigger wrong control algorithms or control conditions, and eventually disrupt or destroy the physical process. This paper proposes a sequential signature scheme based on the one-time signature to secure the sequential logic and transmission of sensor data. The security analysis proves that the proposed scheme can effectively resist counterfeiting, forgery, denial, replay attacks, and selective forwarding attacks.
Participatory Ergonomic Interventions for Improving Agricultural Work Environment: A Case Study in a Farming Organization of Korea
Authors: Kee Dohyung
Published: February 2022

Farmers are often exposed to risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders through lifting, carrying heavy loads, and sustained or repeated full-body bending. Several relevant studies on ergonomic interventions have been conducted for specific agricultural tasks, such as harvesting and pruning, by experts without involving farmers. This study introduces ergonomic interventions to mitigate risk factors in a farming organization that cultivates peaches as the main crop based on ergonomic analysis of the entire peach farming cycle; subjective and objective evaluations of the proposed interventions are also performed. The ergonomic analysis and interventions were established based on consultations provided by an ergonomist, the government, and the organization members. Engineering controls were introduced for powered carts, sorters, and stools to reduce load carrying and awkward postures; moreover, thermal or cooling vests, winter shoes and gloves, and farmer hats were provided to alleviate cold or heat stresses. Administrative controls such as education/training and adjusting work–rest cycles were also recommended after considering the characteristics of the risk factors identified. The scores of the questionnaire survey from the organization members were high (>4.1 out of 5 for five questions), and postural loads for unstable postures by RULA were significantly reduced so as to avoid fast or immediate changes for the postures or working methods assessed. The study results are expected to help promote farmers’ health and enhance farming efficiency.
The Clinical Role of SRSF1 Expression in Cancer: A Review of the Current Literature
Authors: Lo Giudice Arturo , Asmundo Maria Giovanna , Broggi Giuseppe , Cimino Sebastiano , Morgia Giuseppe , Di Trapani Ettore , Luzzago Stefano , Musi Gennaro , Ferro Matteo , de Cobelli Ottavio , Russo Giorgio I.
Published: February 2022

Background: SFRS1 is a member of the splicing factor protein family. Through a specific sequence of alteration, SRSF1 can move from the cytoplasm to the nucleus where it can work autonomously as a splicing activator, or as a silencer when interacting with other regulators. Alternative splicing (AS) is a fundamental biological process that ensures protein diversity. In fact, different proteins, produced by alternative splicing, can gain different and even antagonistic biological functions. Methods: Our review is based on English articles published in the MEDLINE/PubMed medical library between 2000 and 2021. We retrieved articles that were specifically related to SRSF1 and cancers, and we excluded other reviews and meta-analyses. We included in vitro studies, animal studies and clinical studies, evaluated using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale-Education (NOSE). Result: SRSF1 is related to various genes and plays a role in cell cycle, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, nucleotide excision repair, p53 pathway, apoptosis, DNA replication and RNA degradation. In most cases, SRSF1 carries out its cancer-related function via abnormal alternative splicing (AS). However, according to the most recent literature, SRSF1 may also be involved in mRNA translation and cancer chemoresistance or radio-sensitivity. Conclusion: Our results showed that SRSF1 plays a key clinical role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression in several types of cancer (such as Prostate, Lung, Breast, Colon, Glioblastoma), through various mechanisms of action and different cellular pathways. This review could be a starting point for several studies regarding the biology of and therapies for cancer.
Cerebrovascular Segmentation Model Based on Spatial Attention-Guided 3D Inception U-Net with Multi-Directional MIPs
Authors: Liu Yongwei , Kwak Hyo-Sung , Oh Il-Seok
Published: February 2022

The segmentation algorithm of cerebrovascular magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) images based on deep learning plays an essential role in medical study. Traditional segmentation algorithms face poor segmentation results and poor connectivity when the cerebrovascular vessels are thinner. An improved segmentation algorithm based on deep convolutional networks is proposed in this research. The proposed segmentation network combines the original 3D U-Net with the maximum intensity projection (MIP), which was transformed from the corresponding patch of a 3D MRA image. The MRA dataset provided by Jeonbuk National University Hospital was used to evaluate the experimental results in comparison with traditional 3D cerebrovascular segmentation methods and other state–of–the–art deep learning methods. The experimental results showed that our method achieved the best test performance among the compared methods in terms of the Dice score when Inception blocks and attention modules were placed in the proposed dual-path networks.
A Comprehensive Approach of Exploring Usability Problems in Enterprise Resource Planning Systems
Authors: Asif Amna , AlFrraj Deemah , Alshamari Majed A.
Published: February 2022

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a frequently used system among organizations to automate their workflows, and companies’ performances are highly dependent on the ERP system. The usability issues of ERP systems may cause performance degradation, resulting in the company’s loss in terms of cost. Previously, several studies reported many usability problems of ERP systems. It can be helpful for the developers and designers of ERP systems to use design recommendations as a quick reference to avoid recurrent usability problems of ERP systems. Currently, this area lacks effective consolidation of the previously reported usability problems data. This paper presents a unique approach to developing a precise checklist of ERP usability problems using the topic modeling technique. Our analysis found six different usability problem-related topics that can be generalized for various ERP systems. We have successfully validated our checklist in three different usability studies of ERP systems. The most found usability problems are “difficulty searching and finding desired item/information in interface and error handling” and “missing data and information”. The outcome of our paper is the provision of recommendations to avoid the usability problems of ERP systems and help organizations efficiently prevent frequent issues during the development and maintenance of ERP systems.
Multi-Robot Leader Grouping Consistent Formation Control Method Research with Low Convergence Time Based on Nonholonomic Constraints
Authors: Zhuang Hongchao , Dong Kailun , Wang Ning , Dong Lei
Published: February 2022

Aiming at the formation and maintenance of the multiple formations of nonholonomic constrained multi-robots, a leader-follower formation control method under the grouping consistency is proposed on the trajectory tracking of a nonholonomic constrained mobile robots with the low convergence time. The distributed control structure in the leader-follower formation is adopted. The multi-robot cooperative formation is realized by using the consistency algorithm of graph theory. According to the graph theory, the communication topology matrixes are designed by the consistency algorithm. The mathematical model of nonholonomic constrained robot is established with the wheeled structure as the mobile structure under the nonholonomic constraints. Then the navigation following model is transformed into the error model of a local coordinate system through the global coordinate transformation. The formation control law of multi-robot cooperative motion is put forward based on the leader-follower model. Its convergence is proved by the Lyapunov function. By setting the reasonable communication protocol parameters, the MATLAB software (Natick, MA, USA, R2016b) is employed on the simulation verification and result comparison. Through the comparison of the two leader formation control methods, the convergence time of the algorithm in this article can be 25% less than that of PFC. The effectiveness and feasibility of the formation control law are verified under the leader-follower method. The proposed control method lays a foundation for reducing the convergence time to improve the multi-robot cooperative motion under nonholonomic constraints.
Insights into the Potential of Buckwheat Flour Fractions in Wheat Bread Dough
Authors: Coţovanu Ionica , Mironeasa Costel , Mironeasa Silvia
Published: February 2022

Buckwheat flour fractions with different particle sizes (PS), comprising various concentrations of valuable nutritional components, represent an opportunity to enhance refined wheat bakery products. The aim of this research was to assess the potential of buckwheat flour (BF) fractions (large, L > 300 μm, medium, 180 μm < M < 300 μm and small, S < 180 μm) to substitute refined wheat flour at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% in wheat bread dough and to establish the optimal amount for each fraction. The results revealed significant changes during different bread-making stages and on the finished product. A decrease in falling number index, water absorption, starch gelatinization, elastic modulus, and bread hardness with increasing PS was observed. The increase of BF amount led to an increase in dough development time, speed of protein weakening, gel starch stability, alveograph ratio, rheofermentation properties, maximum creep-recovery compliance, and bread hardness. The optimal values for falling number, mixing–heating–cooling dough parameters, dough biaxial extension, rheofermentation, storage and loss moduli, creep-recovery compliance, loaf volume, and bread hardness were obtained depending on PS based on the generation of predictive models. It was established that the best formulations, with respect to dough rheology and bread characteristics, included BF at 9.13% for large, 10.57% for medium, and 10.25% for small PS.