bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neoplasia and Proliferative Lesions of New World Camelids: A Systematic Literature Review and Retrospective Study of Cases Submitted to Colorado State University From 1995 to 2020
Authors: Aboellail Tawfik A. , Waugh Max , Harvey Alexandra , Fisher Jade , Vilander Allison C.
Published: October 2021

Camelid pathology submissions to veterinary diagnostic laboratories are on the rise given the increasing popularity and population of llamas and alpacas especially in the western United States. When compared to other animals, the field of camelid neoplasia has a relative paucity of cases reported in the literature. The Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories (CSU-VDL) has had a steady increase in the numbers of camelid pathology submissions allowing for a robust review of diagnoses of neoplasia in new world camelids. Here we present a retrospective analysis of camelid neoplastic and proliferative lesions diagnosed at the CSU-VDL from 1995 to 2020, followed by an extensive literature review. Results show increasing incidence of camelid neoplasia reported in the literature, therefore becoming a common diagnosis in llamas and alpacas. Proliferative and neoplastic lesions were diagnosed in 8.8% of new world camelid submissions to CSU-VDL with the most common tumors being lymphomas, squamous cell carcinomas, fibromas, and adenocarcinomas. Risk factors are female sex and increased age except in the case of lymphoma, which tends to occur in younger camelids. Lymphomas, melanomas, and adenocarcinomas (especially of gastrointestinal tract) carry an increased risk of multiple-organ system involvement often with widespread metastases. Conditions described in camelids for the first time include osteosarcoma, cutaneous hemangiosarcoma, myxosarcoma, pilomatricoma, ovarian theca cell tumor, congenital nevus with malignant transformation, and various other neoplasia. This article will provide an operational guide for camelid neoplasia to further assist veterinary laboratory diagnosticians, researchers, and practicing veterinarians in the field of camelid medicine and pathology.
Comparison of Visual and Visual–Tactile Inspection of Aircraft Engine Blades
Authors: Aust Jonas , Mitrovic Antonija , Pons Dirk
Published: October 2021

Background—In aircraft engine maintenance, the majority of parts, including engine blades, are inspected visually for any damage to ensure a safe operation. While this process is called visual inspection, there are other human senses encompassed in this process such as tactile perception. Thus, there is a need to better understand the effect of the tactile component on visual inspection performance and whether this effect is consistent for different defect types and expertise groups. Method—This study comprised three experiments, each designed to test different levels of visual and tactile abilities. In each experiment, six industry practitioners of three expertise groups inspected the same sample of N = 26 blades. A two-week interval was allowed between the experiments. Inspection performance was measured in terms of inspection accuracy, inspection time, and defect classification accuracy. Results—The results showed that unrestrained vision and the addition of tactile perception led to higher inspection accuracies of 76.9% and 84.0%, respectively, compared to screen-based inspection with 70.5% accuracy. An improvement was also noted in classification accuracy, as 39.1%, 67.5%, and 79.4% of defects were correctly classified in screen-based, full vision and visual–tactile inspection, respectively. The shortest inspection time was measured for screen-based inspection (18.134 s) followed by visual–tactile (22.140 s) and full vision (25.064 s). Dents benefited the most from the tactile sense, while the false positive rate remained unchanged across all experiments. Nicks and dents were the most difficult to detect and classify and were often confused by operators. Conclusions—Visual inspection in combination with tactile perception led to better performance in inspecting engine blades than visual inspection alone. This has implications for industrial training programmes for fault detection.
Initial Evidence That Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata L.) Is a Host for Lymphocystis Disease Virus Genotype I
Authors: Shawky Mohamed , Taha Engy , Ahmed Basem , Mahmoud Mahmoud Aly , Abdelaziz Mohamed , Faisal Mohamed , Yousif Ausama
Published: October 2021

Marine and brackish water aquacultures are rapidly expanding in the Mediterranean basin. In this context, Egypt recently received a shipment of a 1.5 million juvenile gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) from European Mediterranean facility. Within a few weeks of their arrival, 95% of the imported fish developed nodules on their skin and fins that lasted for several months. This study was undertaken to describe the clinical disease course, to identify the causative agent, and to investigate its origin. Preliminary diagnosis based on gross lesions and postmortem examination suggested lymphocystis disease (LCD), caused by the lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV; genus Lymphocystivirus, family Iridoviridae). Histopathological and ultrastructural features were typical of LCDV infections. PCR followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of a 306-bp fragment of the major capsid protein (MCP) gene demonstrated the presence of LCDV genotype I, originally associated with LCD in Northern European countries, with 99.7% and 100% nucleotide and deduced amino acid identity values, respectively. LCDV genotype I has neither been reported in this species nor in the region. Regardless of the source of infection, findings of this study add to existing knowledge about the ecology of LCDV genotype I and its host range.
Long-Tailed Pygmy Rice Rats Modify Their Behavioural Response and Faecal Corticosterone Metabolites in Response to Culpeo Fox but Not to Lesser Grison
Authors: Hernández María del Carmen , Rubio André V. , Barja Isabel
Published: October 2021

Even though behavioural and physiological reactions to predation risk exhibited by prey species have received considerable attention in scientific journals, there are still many questions still unsolved. Our aim was to broaden the knowledge on one specific question: do long-tailed pygmy rice rats adapt their behavioural and physiological antipredator strategies depending on the predator species? For this question, we live-trapped in a temperate forest in Southern Chile long-tailed pygmy rice rats (Oligoryzomys longicaudatus), which were exposed to three predator odour phases (Phase 0: preliminary, no predator cues; Phase 1: one plot with culpeo fox faeces (Lycalopex culpaeus), one plot with lesser grison (Galictis cuja) faeces and one plot acting as a control with no odour; Phase 2: post treatment, no predator cues). We measured the behavioural response by the capture ratio. To assess the physiological stress response, we collected fresh faecal samples to quantify faecal corticosterone metabolites (FCM). Our results showed that O. longicaudatus increased both the capture ratio and FCM levels in the presence of culpeo cues. Culpeo foxes have higher densities in the study area than G. cuja and exhibit a higher activity pattern overlap with O. longicaudatus. Moreover, it has been also been reported in other regions that L. culpaeus consumption of O. longicaudatus is more frequent compared to G. cuja diet. The increase in capturability could be because traps can be regarded as a shelter in high-risk settings, but it can also be explained by the predator inspection behaviour. The increase in FCM concentrations during culpeo treatment can be linked to the adaptive mobilisation of energy to execute antipredator responses to increase survival chances.
Implementation of a Cellulitis Management Plan in Three Australian Regional Health Services to Address an Evidence–Practice Gap in Antibiotic Prescribing
Authors: Bishop Jaclyn , Jones Mark , Farquharson James , Summerhayes Kathrine , Tucker Roxanne , Smith Mary , Cowan Raquel , Friedman N. Deborah , Schulz Thomas , Kong David , Buising Kirsty
Published: October 2021

Despite the availability of evidence-based guidelines, antibiotics for cellulitis remain inappropriately prescribed. This evidence–practice gap is more evident in low-resource settings, such as rural hospitals. This implementation study developed and introduced a cellulitis management plan to improve antibiotic prescribing for cellulitis in three health services in regional Australia. Appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing for cellulitis at Day 1 was the primary outcome measure. Adults with ICD-10-AM codes for lower-limb cellulitis admitted as inpatients of the three health services between May and November 2019 (baseline, n = 165) and March and October 2020 (post-implementation, n = 127) were included in the assessment. The uptake of the cellulitis management plan was 29.1% (37/127). The appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing for cellulitis at Day 1 was similar at baseline (78.7%, 144/183) and in the intention-to-treat post-implementation group (81.8%, 126/154) [95% CI −5.6% to 11.3%, p = 0.50]. Commencement of the cellulitis management plan resulted in a non-statistically significant increase in antibiotic appropriateness at Day 1 compared to when a cellulitis management plan was not commenced (88.1% vs. 79.5%; 95% CI −5.6% to 19.8%; p = 0.20) Evaluation of more real-world strategies to address evidence–practice gaps, such as the appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing for cellulitis, is required.
Dietary Antioxidants and Brain Health: Focus on Cognitive and Affective Disorders
Authors: Godos Justyna , Grosso Giuseppe
Published: October 2021

Today’s society faces major global challenges, including the continuously increasing prevalence of mental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, with different risk factors contributing to the trend [...]
Organic Acids Improve Growth Performance with Potential Regulation of Redox Homeostasis, Immunity, and Microflora in Intestines of Weaned Piglets
Authors: Xiang Xin-Dong , Deng Zhang-Chao , Wang You-Wei , Sun Hua , Wang Li , Han Yan-Ming , Wu Yuan-Yuan , Liu Jian-Gao , Sun Lv-Hui
Published: October 2021

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of organic acids on piglet growth performance and health status. A total of 360 weanling pigs (5.3 ± 0.6 kg) were randomly allotted to 3 treatment groups with 12 replicates of 10 pigs/pen. Piglets were fed the same basal diet and given either water (control) or water plus 2.0 L/Ton organic acid (OA) blends, such as OA1 or OA2, respectively, for 7 weeks. Compared to the control, OA1 and OA2 improved growth performance and/or reduced the piglets’ diarrhea rate during the various periods and improved small intestinal morphology at days 14 and/or 49. OA1 and OA2 also increased serum CAT and SOD activities and/or T-AOC and, as expected, decreased MDA concentration. Moreover, at day 14 and/or day 49, OA1 and OA2 increased the jejunal mRNA levels of host defense peptides (PBD1, PBD2, NPG1, and NPG3) and tight junction genes (claudin-1) and decreased that of cytokines (IL-1β and IL-2). Additionally, the two acidifiers regulated the abundance of several cecum bacterial genera, including Blautia, Bulleidia, Coprococcus, Dorea, Eubacterium, Subdoligranulum, and YRC2. In conclusion, both of the organic acid blends improved piglet growth performance and health status, potentially by regulating intestinal redox homeostasis, immunity, and microflora.
Sustainability in the Design of an Itinerant Cultural Exhibition. Study of Two Alternatives
Authors: Muñoz-López Natalia , Biedermann Anna , Santolaya-Sáenz José Luis , Valero-Martín José Ignacio , Serrano-Tierz Ana
Published: October 2021

The sustainability improvement of museums and exhibitions is a recent concern for multiple organisations. The application of sustainability criteria is one of the most important strategies of innovation in design activities, products, and service systems. This study analyses the sustainability of two alternatives to an itinerant cultural exhibition service. The exhibition travels to 12 destinations over 3 years and is within a space of 300 m2. In the first alternative, the contents are printed and exposed on a physical medium, and in the second, audiovisual media projects the contents on the walls. Life cycle sustainability assessment is applied to evaluate the impacts in the environmental dimension and the economic and social dimensions. The calculation of indicators, such as the greenhouse gas emissions, total costs, and working time, which are referred to each sustainability dimension, is conducted. A descriptive, comparative study was performed to identify the impact factors with a higher incidence. The results demonstrate that the audiovisual exhibition is more sustainable than the printed exhibition, with a difference of 8.7%, 7%, and 6.6% in GWP100, CE, and TW indicators, respectively.
Holographic 3D Display Using Depth Maps Generated by 2D-to-3D Rendering Approach
Authors: He Zehao , Sui Xiaomeng , Cao Liangcai
Published: October 2021

Holographic display has the potential to be utilized in many 3D application scenarios because it provides all the depth cues that human eyes can perceive. However, the shortage of 3D content has limited the application of holographic 3D displays. To enrich 3D content for holographic display, a 2D to 3D rendering approach is presented. In this method, 2D images are firstly classified into three categories, including distant view images, perspective view images and close-up images. For each category, the computer-generated depth map (CGDM) is calculated using a corresponding gradient model. The resulting CGDMs are applied in a layer-based holographic algorithm to obtain computer-generated holograms (CGHs). The correctly reconstructed region of the image changes with the reconstruction distance, providing a natural 3D display effect. The realistic 3D effect makes the proposed approach can be applied in many applications, such as education, navigation, and health sciences in the future.
Music, Migration, and Public Space: Syrian Street Music in the Political Context
Authors: Öğüt Evrim Hikmet
Published: October 2021

Due to the lack of social systems supporting the cultural productions of migrant societies in Turkey, the venues and opportunities to which migrant musicians have access for the maintenance of their musical practices are limited. Under the given circumstances, especially in the first years after their arrival, street musicianship emerged as a new musical practice for Syrian musicians in Istanbul, and Beyoğlu District, the city’s cultural and political center, has become the venue for street musicians’ performances. Despite undergoing a rapid neoliberal transformation, Beyoğlu district, with Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue, is a venue of interaction among locals, tourists, and various migrant groups from diverse social classes and identities. As such, it still possesses the potential to be the public sphere which can operate as the space of “a democratic ideal.” For migrant musicians, the street music practices, which fill the very heart of city with their voices and sounds, are means of claiming their existence in the city as potential actors of this public sphere. However, conducting the interaction with the other public space actors and the state officials through street music is not an easy task for Syrian musicians, and it requires the use of tactics from them. In this article, I summarize the given circumstances of Syrian street music performances and discuss the Beyoğlu district in the frame of being—or not being—a public space. I propose street music practice as political action, a “social non-movement”, as Asef Bayat calls it, and situate migrant musicians as political actors who are possible allies of other subaltern groups in Turkey.
Nanohydroxyapatite Electrodeposition onto Electrospun Nanofibers: Technique Overview and Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Stocco Thiago Domingues , Rodrigues Pedro José Gomes , de Almeida Filho Mauricio Augusto , Lobo Anderson Oliveira
Published: October 2021

Nanocomposite scaffolds based on the combination of polymeric nanofibers with nanohydroxyapatite are a promising approach within tissue engineering. With this strategy, it is possible to synthesize nanobiomaterials that combine the well-known benefits and advantages of polymer-based nanofibers with the osteointegrative, osteoinductive, and osteoconductive properties of nanohydroxyapatite, generating scaffolds with great potential for applications in regenerative medicine, especially as support for bone growth and regeneration. However, as efficiently incorporating nanohydroxyapatite into polymeric nanofibers is still a challenge, new methodologies have emerged for this purpose, such as electrodeposition, a fast, low-cost, adjustable, and reproducible technique capable of depositing coatings of nanohydroxyapatite on the outside of fibers, to improve scaffold bioactivity and cell–biomaterial interactions. In this short review paper, we provide an overview of the electrodeposition method, as well as a detailed discussion about the process of electrodepositing nanohydroxyapatite on the surface of polymer electrospun nanofibers. In addition, we present the main findings of the recent applications of polymeric micro/nanofibrous scaffolds coated with electrodeposited nanohydroxyapatite in tissue engineering. In conclusion, comments are provided about the future direction of nanohydroxyapatite electrodeposition onto polymeric nanofibers.
Ecogeographical Adaptation Revisited: Morphological Variations in the Plateau Brown Frog along an Elevation Gradient on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Leung Ka Wah , Yang Shengnan , Wang Xiaoyi , Tang Ke , Hu Junhua
Published: October 2021

Several anurans have broad elevational and latitudinal distribution ranges; distinct species and populations may face various environmental and selection stresses. Due to their environmental sensitivity, adaptation is critical for the long-term persistence of anurans. Previous studies have tried to identify the ecogeographical pattern and its mechanism in anurans, suggesting different patterns, but the related explanatory mechanisms are yet to be generally supported and are suggested to be complicated. To explore the elusive mechanisms, we studied the morphological variation of the plateau brown frog (Rana kukunoris) along an elevational gradient on the eastern margin of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. Using body size, extremity length, and the ratio between them (extremities/body size) as testing indicators, we examined potential ecogeographical adaptations and investigated how environmental and biological factors could shape the morphological development in R. kukunoris. We found that males and females showed different variations in body size and extremities along the elevational gradient, whereas both of them showed a decreasing extremities/body size ratio along elevation. Together with the strong correlations between environmental and biological factors and the morphometrics, we identified ecogeographical adaptation and a sexual difference in the selective pressures on the extremities and body size of the plateau brown frog. Our results imply that geographic variations in anuran morphological traits should be understood as an outcome of environmental and biological factors. Furthermore, ecogeographical adaptation in anurans can manifest as an interactive change between body size and extremities.
Aspirin-Based Organoiron Dendrimers as Promising Anti-Inflammatory, Anticancer, and Antimicrobial Drugs
Authors: Abd-El-Aziz Alaa S. , Benaaisha Maysun R. , Abdelghani Amani A. , Bissessur Rabin , Abdel-Rahman Laila H. , Fayez Ahmed M. , El-ezz Doaa Abou
Published: October 2021

Designing nanocarriers with actions directed at a specific organ or tissue is a very promising strategy since it can significantly reduce the toxicity of a bioactive drug. In this study, an organometallic dendrimer was used to synthesize a biocompatible drug delivery system by attaching aspirin to the periphery of the dendrimer. Our goal is to enhance the bioavailability and anticancer activity of aspirin and reduce its toxicity through successive generations of organoiron dendrimers. The biological activity of aspirin-based dendrimer complexes was evaluated. The result of antimicrobial activity of the synthesized dendrimers also demonstrated an increase in their antimicrobial activity with increased generation of the dendrimers for most types of microorganisms. This study reveals for the first time that organoiron dendrimers linked with aspirin exhibit an excellent Gram-negative activity comparable to the reference drug Gentamicin. All synthesized dendrimers were tested for their anticancer activity against breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7), hepatocellular cell lines (Hep-G2), and a non-cancer cell line, Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK293), using the MTT cell viability assay and compared against a standard anticancer drug, Doxorubicin. Compounds G3-D9-Asp and G4-D12-Asp exhibited noticeable activity against both cell lines, both of which were more effective than aspirin itself. In addition, the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity and histopathology of swollen paws showed that the designed aspirin-based dendrimers displayed significant anti-inflammatory activity; however, G2-D6-Asp showed the best anti-inflammatory activity, which was more potent than the reference drug aspirin during the same period. Moreover, the coupling of aspirin to the periphery of organoiron dendrimers showed a significant reduction in the toxicity of aspirin on the stomach.
Photographs of Actions: What Makes Them Special Cues to Social Perception
Authors: Kislinger Leopold
Published: October 2021

I have reviewed studies on neural responses to pictured actions in the action observation network (AON) and the cognitive functions of these responses. Based on this review, I have analyzed the specific representational characteristics of action photographs. There has been consensus that AON responses provide viewers with knowledge of observed or pictured actions, but there has been controversy about the properties of this knowledge. Is this knowledge causally provided by AON activities or is it dependent on conceptual processing? What elements of actions does it refer to, and how generalized or specific is it? The answers to these questions have come from studies that used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to stimulate motor or somatosensory cortices. In conjunction with electromyography (EMG), TMS allows researchers to examine changes of the excitability in the corticospinal tract and muscles of people viewing pictured actions. The timing of these changes and muscle specificity enable inferences to be drawn about the cognitive products of processing pictured actions in the AON. Based on a review of studies using TMS and other neuroscience methods, I have proposed a novel hypothetical account that describes the characteristics of action photographs that make them effective cues to social perception. This account includes predictions that can be tested experimentally.
Embracing the Complexity of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Roccella Michele , Vetri Luigi
Published: October 2021

Neurodevelopmental disorders are a group of neuropsychiatric diseases that affect the developing brain due to a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors [...]
Iron Metabolism as a Potential Mechanism for Inducing TRAIL-Mediated Extrinsic Apoptosis Using Methylsulfonylmethane in Embryonic Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Sp Nipin , Kang Dong Young , Jo Eun Seong , Lee Jin-Moo , Jang Kyoung-Jin
Published: October 2021

Embryonic cancer stem cells (CSCs) can differentiate into any cancer type. Targeting CSC using natural compounds is a good approach as it suppresses cancer recurrence with fewer adverse effects, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a sulfur-containing compound with well-known anticancer activities. This study determined the mechanistic aspects of the anticancer activity of MSM. We used Western blotting and real-time qPCR for molecular signaling studies and conducted flow cytometry for analyzing the processes in cells. Our results suggested an inhibition in the expression of CSC markers and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. MSM induced TRAIL-mediated extrinsic apoptosis in NCCIT and NTERA-2 cells rather than an intrinsic pathway. Inhibition of iron metabolism-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation takes part in TRAIL-mediated apoptosis induction by MSM. Suppressing iron metabolism by MSM also regulated p38/p53/ERK signaling and microRNA expressions, such as upregulating miR-130a and downregulating miR-221 and miR-222, which resulted in TRAIL induction and thereby extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Hence, MSM could be a good candidate for neoadjuvant therapy by targeting CSCs by inhibiting iron metabolism.
RNA Targeting in Inherited Neuromuscular Disorders: Novel Therapeutic Strategies to Counteract Mis-Splicing
Authors: Verdile Veronica , Guizzo Gloria , Ferrante Gabriele , Paronetto Maria Paola
Published: October 2021

Neuromuscular disorders represent multifaceted abnormal conditions, with little or no cure, leading to patient deaths from complete muscle wasting and atrophy. Despite strong efforts in the past decades, development of effective treatments is still urgently needed. Advent of next-generation sequencing technologies has allowed identification of novel genes and mutations associated with neuromuscular pathologies, highlighting splicing defects as essential players. Deciphering the significance and relative contributions of defective RNA metabolism will be instrumental to address and counteract these malignancies. We review here recent progress on the role played by alternative splicing in ensuring functional neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), and its involvement in the pathogenesis of NMJ-related neuromuscular disorders, with particular emphasis on congenital myasthenic syndromes and muscular dystrophies. We will also discuss novel strategies based on oligonucleotides designed to bind their cognate sequences in the RNA or targeting intermediary of mRNA metabolism. These efforts resulted in several chemical classes of RNA molecules that have recently proven to be clinically effective, more potent and better tolerated than previous strategies.
Wiedemann–Steiner Syndrome with a Pathogenic Variant in KMT2A from Taiwan
Authors: Lee Chung-Lin , Chuang Chih-Kuang , Chiu Huei-Ching , Tu Ru-Yi , Lo Yun-Ting , Chang Ya-Hui , Lin Hsiang-Yu , Lin Shuan-Pei
Published: October 2021

Wiedemann–Steiner syndrome (WSS) is a rare genetic disorder. Patients with WSS have characteristics of growth retardation, facial dysmorphism, hypertrichosis cubiti (HC), and neurodevelopmental delays. WSS is in an autosomal dominant inherited pattern caused by a mutation of the KMT2A gene (NM_001197104.2). In this article, we discuss a 5-year-old boy who has mild intellectual disability (ID), hypotonia, HC, hypertrichosis on the back, dysmorphic facies, psychomotor retardation, and growth delay. Trio-based whole-exome sequencing (trio-WES) was carried out on this patient and his parents, confirming the variants with Sanger sequencing. Trio-WES showed a de novo mutation of the KMT2A gene (NM_001197104.2: c.4696G>A, p.Gly1566Arg). On the basis of the clinical features and the results of the WES, WSS was diagnosed. Therefore, medical professionals should consider a diagnosis of WSS if patients have growth retardation and development delay as well as hirsutism, particularly HC.
Effect of Humic Acid Binder on Oxidation Roasting of Vanadium–Titanium Magnetite Pellets via Straight-Grate Process
Authors: Yi Yihui , Li Guanghui , Cao Pengxu , Zhang Xin , Zhang Yongkang , Zhang Jin , Huang Jiahao
Published: October 2021

The oxidation roasting of vanadium–titanium magnetite (VTM) pellets with a new composite binder was investigated using a pilot-scale straight-grate. The evolution of the chemical and phase composition, the compressive strength, and the metallurgical properties of the fired VTM pellets were investigated. Under a preheating temperature of 950 ∘C, a preheating time of 18 min, a firing temperature of 1300 ∘C, and a firing time of 10 min, the compressive strength of the fired pellets was as high as 2344 N per pellet. The fired pellets mainly consisted of hematite, pseudobrookite, spinel and olivine. The total iron content of the fired pellets was 0.97% higher using 0.75 wt% humic acid (HA) binder instead of 1.5 wt% bentonite binder. These properties are beneficial for the production efficiency and energy efficiency of their subsequent use in blast furnaces. Moreover, both the softening interval and the softening melting interval of the HA binder pellets were narrower than those of the bentonite binder pellets, conducive to the smooth and successful smelting of the VTM pellets in a blast furnace.
Identifying Early Stages of Freshwater Fish with DNA Barcodes in Several Sinkholes and Lagoons from the East of Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Authors: Uh-Navarrete Adrián Emmanuel , Villegas-Sánchez Carmen Amelia , Cohuo-Colli José Angel , Ortíz-Moreno Ángel Omar , Valdez-Moreno Martha
Published: October 2021

Our work shows the efficacy of DNA barcoding for recognizing the early stages of freshwater fish. We collected 3195 larvae and juveniles. Of them, we identified 43 different morphotypes. After DNA barcodes of 350 specimens, we ascertained 7 orders, 12 families, 19 genera, 20 species, and 20 Barcode Index Numbers, corresponding to putative species. For the first time, we reported the presence of the brackish species, Gobiosoma yucatanum in Lake Bacalar. Specimens of the genus Atherinella sp. and Anchoa sp. are possibly new species. Using both methods, morphology, and DNA barcodes, we identified 95% of the total larvae collected (2953 to species, and 78 to genus), and all of them were native. From them, the order Gobiiformes represented 87%. The most abundant species were Lophogobius cyprinoides and Dormitator maculatus, followed by Gobiosoma yucatanum and Ctenobius fasciatus. The Muyil and Chuyanché lagoons have the highest number of species. We present for the first time a short description of Cyprinodon artifrons and Floridichthys polyommus. This information conforms an indispensable baseline for ecological monitoring, to evaluate impacts, and developing management and conservation plans of biodiversity, principally in areas under human pressure such as Sian Ka’an, and Lake Bacalar, where tourism is high and growing in disorder.
Additions to Occultibambusaceae (Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes): Unrevealing Palmicolous Fungi in China
Authors: Yu Xian-Dong , Zhang Sheng-Nan , Cheewangkoon Ratchadawan , Liu Jian-Kui
Published: October 2021

During a survey of microfungi associated with palms from karst formations, three novel ascomycetes were found from decaying petioles of Trachycarpus fortunei (Arecaceae) in Guizhou, China. Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses based on a combined SSU, ITS, LSU, RPB2 and TEF1α sequence data showed that these collections were affiliated to Brunneofusispora and Neooccultibambusa in the family Occultibambusaceae. A new species Brunneofusispora inclinatiostiola is introduced. It is phylogenetically close to B. clematidis but represents a distinct lineage. Morphologically, it differs from the latter in having immersed ascomata with eccentric, periphysate ostiole and smaller ascospores. Morpho-phylogenetic evidence also revealed two new Neooccultibambusa species, N.kaiyangensis and N. trachycarpi. Together with the generic type N. chiangraiensis, they formed a distinct lineage within the genus Neooccultibambusa. Three novel palmicolous fungi of Occultibambusaceae are described, illustrated and notes on their identification are provided. The ecological significance of the new taxa and the phylogenetic relationship of genera in Occultibambusaceae is discussed.
High-Resolution Computed Tomography: Lights and Shadows in Improving Care for SSc-ILD Patients
Authors: Ruaro Barbara , Baratella Elisa , Confalonieri Paola , Wade Barbara , Marrocchio Cristina , Geri Pietro , Busca Annalisa , Pozzan Riccardo , Andrisano Alessia Giovanna , Cova Maria Assunta , Confalonieri Marco , Salton Francesco
Published: October 2021

The diagnosis and classification of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) is essential to improve the prognosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. The risk-stratification of disease severity and follow-up requires a multidisciplinary approach, integrating high-resolution computed tomography (HRTC) of the lung, pulmonary function tests (PFT), along with clinical and symptomatic evaluations. The use of HRCT in detecting SSc-ILD is not so much based on a definitive validation, but rather reflects the widespread clinician recognition of dissatisfaction with other modalities. However, due to the heterogeneity of SSc-ILD and the potential absence of symptoms in early or mild disease, it is prudent to consider as many parameters as possible in the assessment and monitoring of newly diagnosed patients. An early diagnosis meets the primary goal, i.e., the prevention of disease progression. The current first line treatment regimens are mainly centered on immunosuppressive therapy. This review assesses the role HRCT plays in optimizing care and improving clinical outcomes in SSc-ILD patients.
Automated COVID-19 and Heart Failure Detection Using DNA Pattern Technique with Cough Sounds
Authors: Kobat Mehmet Ali , Kivrak Tarik , Barua Prabal Datta , Tuncer Turker , Dogan Sengul , Tan Ru-San , Ciaccio Edward J. , Acharya U. Rajendra
Published: October 2021

COVID-19 and heart failure (HF) are common disorders and although they share some similar symptoms, they require different treatments. Accurate diagnosis of these disorders is crucial for disease management, including patient isolation to curb infection spread of COVID-19. In this work, we aim to develop a computer-aided diagnostic system that can accurately differentiate these three classes (normal, COVID-19 and HF) using cough sounds. A novel handcrafted model was used to classify COVID-19 vs. healthy (Case 1), HF vs. healthy (Case 2) and COVID-19 vs. HF vs. healthy (Case 3) automatically using deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) patterns. The model was developed using the cough sounds collected from 241 COVID-19 patients, 244 HF patients, and 247 healthy subjects using a hand phone. To the best our knowledge, this is the first work to automatically classify healthy subjects, HF and COVID-19 patients using cough sounds signals. Our proposed model comprises a graph-based local feature generator (DNA pattern), an iterative maximum relevance minimum redundancy (ImRMR) iterative feature selector, with classification using the k-nearest neighbor classifier. Our proposed model attained an accuracy of 100.0%, 99.38%, and 99.49% for Case 1, Case 2, and Case 3, respectively. The developed system is completely automated and economical, and can be utilized to accurately detect COVID-19 versus HF using cough sounds.
Automatic Segmentation of Pelvic Cancers Using Deep Learning: State-of-the-Art Approaches and Challenges
Authors: Kalantar Reza , Lin Gigin , Winfield Jessica M. , Messiou Christina , Lalondrelle Susan , Blackledge Matthew D. , Koh Dow-Mu
Published: October 2021

The recent rise of deep learning (DL) and its promising capabilities in capturing non-explicit detail from large datasets have attracted substantial research attention in the field of medical image processing. DL provides grounds for technological development of computer-aided diagnosis and segmentation in radiology and radiation oncology. Amongst the anatomical locations where recent auto-segmentation algorithms have been employed, the pelvis remains one of the most challenging due to large intra- and inter-patient soft-tissue variabilities. This review provides a comprehensive, non-systematic and clinically-oriented overview of 74 DL-based segmentation studies, published between January 2016 and December 2020, for bladder, prostate, cervical and rectal cancers on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), highlighting the key findings, challenges and limitations.
The Interplay of Likeability and Fear in Willingness to Pay for Bat Conservation
Authors: Liordos Vasilios , Kontsiotis Vasileios J. , Koutoulas Orestis , Parapouras Aristarchos
Published: October 2021

Bats populations and their habitats are currently threatened globally, but particular declines have been seen across Europe. The contingent valuation method is commonly used to assign an economic value to species conservation through a willingness to pay (WTP) surveys. We carried out face-to-face interviews of a representative to the Greek population sample (n = 1131) and used a multiple-bounded discrete choice approach to estimate WTP for bat conservation. More than half of the Greek population was supportive of bat conservation (54.6%). Mean WTP was estimated at €21.71, and the total amount that could be collected was €105.6 million, after considering the number of taxpayers and the proportion of supportive people. There was an interplay between emotions, with likeability being the most important positive predictor of support, and fear the most important negative predictor of WTP for bat conservation. Among sociodemographics, older participants, with higher education, farmers, and pet owners showed the highest support, while those with higher education, farmers, and consumptive recreationists offered the highest bid for bat conservation. Participants drew information about bats mostly from informal sources, such as friends, movies, novels, and comics. Our study allowed for the estimation of public support and necessary funds for bat conservation, which are valuable for successful conservation management. Findings will also be critical for the design and implementation of effective education and outreach programs, aimed at increasing knowledge about bats and ultimately support for bat conservation actions.
Climatic and Biological Factors Related with Goat Grazing Management in the Arid Grassland of the Coquimbo Region (Northern Chile)
Authors: Patón Daniel
Published: October 2021

(1) Background: Desertification is one of the most important environmental impacts around the world. In the semiarid grassland of North of Chile, overgrazing has deep effects on arid lands and consequently on its economy and social development. It is necessary to conduct very detailed studies to determine how the climate, the botanical composition and the grazing system affects this process; (2) Methods: In this paper, we have determined the effect on arid grasslands of three goat managements: exclusions, continuous and deferred grazing on forage biomass, richness, Berger–Parker’s dominance and Shannon’s diversity. This study was developed in Las Cardas Range Station (CEALC) of the University of Chile in the Coquimbo region. The effect of annual and seasonal rainfall on biomass, diversity, richness and dominance parameters was determined; (3) Results: Allochthonous, endemic and native species showed significant changes both for seasonal and annual precipitation. In contrast, the grazing system only affected dominance and biomass of native and endemic species. Deferred grazing was the only management system that increased overall biomass productivity, especially on the best forage plant species. Exclusions showed a positive influence on more endangered species, which were the most vulnerable to goat overgrazing; (4) Conclusions: In consequence, we proposed a network of areas under deferred grazing combined with exclusions. This strategy can increase simultaneously forage productivity, grassland conservation and preservation of associated resources as hunting and wildlife tourism. Moreover, this strategy of range management will allow the sustainability of community of farmers in one of the poorest and most desertified areas in South America.
Performance Analysis of a Dynamic Virtual Machine Management Method Based on the Power-Aware Integral Estimation
Authors: Zharikov Eduard , Telenyk Sergii
Published: October 2021

The latest cloud resource management research has revealed that virtual machine (VM) consolidation allows for effectively managing the physical resources of cloud data centers. However, a tremendous waste of power and physical resources has been pointed as one of the research challenges related to the development of new methods for VM management in a cloud data center in order to deliver a wide range of IT services to clients effectively. This paper investigates a problem of power-aware VM consolidation under dynamic workloads, uncertainty, and a changing number of VMs. For this purpose, the authors propose a dynamic VM management method based on a beam search that takes into account four types of resources (CPU, memory, network throughput, and storage throughput) and six quality metrics. Optimal beam search algorithm parameters for the defined problem are determined using a new power-aware integral estimation method. The SLA violation minimization allows significant improvement of SLA quality metrics, accompanied by the decreased number of VM migrations and slight deterioration in the power consumption. The proposed method is evaluated using common widespread hardware configurations and Bitbrains workload traces. The experiments show that the proposed approach can ensure the efficient use of cloud resources in terms of SLA violation and the number of VM migrations.
A Flexible and Stretchable Self-Powered Nanogenerator in Basketball Passing Technology Monitoring
Authors: Jia Changjun , Zhu Yongsheng , Sun Fengxin , Zhao Tianming , Xing Rongda , Mao Yupeng , Zhao Chongle
Published: October 2021

The rapid development of the fifth generation technology poses more challenges in the human motion inspection field. In this study, a nanogenerator, made by PVDF, ionic hydrogel, and PDMS, is used. Furthermore, a transparent, stretchable, and biocompatible PENG (TSB-PENG) is presented, which can be used as a self-powered sensor attached to the athlete’s joints, which helps to monitor the training and improve the subject’s performance. This device shows the ability to maintain a relatively stable output, under various external environments (e.g., inorganic salt, organic matter and temperature). Additionally, TSB-PENG can supply power to small-scale electronic equipment, such as Bluetooth transmitting motion data in real time. This study can provide a new approach to designing lossless, real-time, portable, and durable self-powered sensors in the sports motoring field.
A Colorimetric Strategy Based on Aptamer-Catalyzed Hairpin Assembly for the On-Site Detection of Salmonella typhimurium in Milk
Authors: Chen Sihan , Zong Xinran , Zheng Jiapeng , Zhang Jiaxin , Zhou Mengyao , Chen Qing , Man Chaoxin , Jiang Yujun
Published: October 2021

Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) is a foodborne pathogen that has caused numerous outbreaks worldwide, necessitating the development of on-site strategy to prevent early contamination. Here, we set up an enzyme-free strategy for aptamer-catalyzed hairpin assembly in which salt-induced aggregation of unmodified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) served as a colorimetric signal output, allowing on-site detection of S. typhimurium in milk. The aptamer-functionalized magnetic beads were used as a vehicle of specifically enriching target bacteria which conjugated with target aptamer to trigger the “Y” shape catalytic hairpin assembly (Y-CHA) circuit. Due to the hairpins desorbing from the surface of AuNPs to the formation of a large amount of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), AuNPs turned from dispersion to aggregation in the presence of S. typhimurium, resulting in a change of the colorimetric signal from red to blue-gray. The signal output showed a linear relationship for S. typhimurium over a concentration range of 102 to 106 CFU/mL, with a sensitivity of 2.4 × 102 CFU/mL under optimal conditions. The visual protocol has excellent selectivity even in the presence of other competitive bacteria and has been validated in real milk samples with a sensitivity of 2.8 × 103 CFU/mL.
Synergistic Effects of Limosilactobacillus fermentum ASBT-2 with Oxyresveratrol Isolated from Coconut Shell Waste
Authors: Prakash Vidhya , Krishnan Akshaya S , Ramesh Reshma , Bose Chinchu , Pillai Girinath G. , Nair Bipin G. , Pal Sanjay
Published: October 2021

Value-added phytochemicals from food by-products and waste materials have gained much interest and among them, dietary polyphenolic compounds with potential biological properties extend a promising sustainable approach. Oxyresveratrol (Oxy), a stilbenoid polyphenol, possesses great therapeutic potential, though its pharmacokinetic issues need attention. A good source of oxyresveratrol was found in underutilized coconut shells and the synbiotic applications of the compound in combination with a potential probiotic isolate Limosilactobacillus fermentum ASBT-2 was investigated. The compound showed lower inhibitory effects on the strain with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1000 µg/mL. Oxyresveratrol at sub-MIC concentrations (500 µg/mL and 250 µg/mL) enhanced the probiotic properties without exerting any inhibitory effects on the strain. The combination at sub- MIC concentration of the compound inhibited Salmonella enterica and in silico approaches were employed to elucidate the possible mode of action of oxy on the pathogen. Thus, the combination could target pathogens in the gut without exerting negative impacts on growth of beneficial strains. This approach could be a novel perspective to address the poor pharmacokinetic properties of the compound.
Albumin Microspheres as “Trans-Ferry-Beads” for Easy Cell Passaging in Cell Culture Technology
Authors: Favella Patrizia , Sihler Susanne , Raber Heinz , Kissmann Ann-Kathrin , Krämer Markus , Amann Valerie , Kubiczek Dennis , Baatz Jennifer , Lang Fabian , Port Fabian , Gottschalk Kay-Eberhard , Mayer Daniel , Spellerberg Barbara , Stenger Steffen , Müller Ingrid , Weil Tanja , Ziener Ulrich , Rosenau Frank
Published: October 2021

Protein hydrogels represent ideal materials for advanced cell culture applications, including 3D-cultivation of even fastidious cells. Key properties of fully functional and, at the same time, economically successful cell culture materials are excellent biocompatibility and advanced fabrication processes allowing their easy production even on a large scale based on affordable compounds. Chemical crosslinking of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N’-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) in a water-in-oil emulsion with isoparaffinic oil as the continuous phase and sorbitan monooleate as surfactant generates micro-meter-scale spherical particles. They allow a significant simplification of an indispensable and laborious step in traditional cell culture workflows. This cell passaging (or splitting) to fresh culture vessels/flasks conventionally requires harsh trypsinization, which can be omitted by using the “trans-ferry-beads” presented here. When added to different pre-cultivated adherent cell lines, the beads are efficiently boarded by cells as passengers and can be easily transferred afterward for the embarkment of novel flasks. After this procedure, cells are perfectly viable and show normal growth behavior. Thus, the trans-ferry-beads not only may become extremely affordable as a final product but also may generally replace trypsinization in conventional cell culture, thereby opening new routes for the establishment of optimized and resource-efficient workflows in biological and medical cell culture laboratories.