bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exo- and Endo-cannabinoids in Depressive and Suicidal Behaviors
Authors: Mannekote Thippaiah Srinagesh , Iyengar Sloka S. , Vinod K. Yaragudri
Published: April 2021

Cannabis (marijuana) has been known to humans for thousands of years but its neurophysiological effects were sparsely understood until recently. Preclinical and clinical studies in the past two decades have indisputably supported the clinical proposition that the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in the etiopathogeneses of many neuropsychiatric disorders, including mood and addictive disorders. In this review, we discuss the existing knowledge of exo- and endo-cannabinoids, and role of the endocannabinoid system in depressive and suicidal behavior. A dysfunction in this system, located in brain regions such as prefrontal cortex and limbic structures is implicated in mood regulation, impulsivity and decision-making, may increase the risk of negative mood and cognition as well as suicidality. The literature discussed here also suggests that the endocannabinoid system may be a viable target for treatments of these neuropsychiatric conditions.
Pharmacotherapy of Patients Taking New Psychoactive Substances: A Systematic Review and Analysis of Case Reports
Authors: Ordak Michal , Zmysłowska Aleksandra , Bielski Miłosz , Rybak Daniel , Tomaszewska Maja , Wyszomierska Katarzyna , Kmiec Aleksandra , Garlicka Natalia , Zalewska Maria , Zalewski Michal , Nasierowski Tadeusz , Muszynska Elzbieta , Bujalska-Zadrozny Magdalena
Published: April 2021

Background: In recent years, an increase in the frequency of hospitalizations of patients taking newer and newer psychoactive substances has been observed around the world. Each year, authors publish case reports of patients who consumed previously unknown NPS. Most publications of this type concern the period between 2014 and 2016. However, no publication systematically reviews the pharmacotherapy used in these cases. This study aims to review the case reports of patients taking NPS published between 2010 and 2019, as well as analyzing the pharmacotherapy used.

Methods: We searched the Thomson (Web of Knowledge), PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. The search was performed using all possible combinations of the term “case report” describing the use of NPS, also referred to as designer medications, internet medications, research chemicals and herbal highs.

Results: We analyzed 51 case reports on the intake of various types of NPS. Most of them (p < 0.001) concerned the use of synthetic cannabinoids (41.2%) and cathinones (31.4%). The pharmacotherapy applied primarily (p < 0.001) consisted of administering benzodiazepines to patients (62.7%), most of whom took only this group of medications (25.5%), followed by groups receiving benzodiazepines combined with neuroleptics (15.7%) and muscle relaxants (11.8%). Opioids were administered primarily to patients taking synthetic opioids (p < 0.001). Of the 5 cases of deaths from NPS reported in the literature, three relate specifically to the synthetic opioid MT-45. The later the time period, the more medications patients were administered (p = 0.02).

Conclusion: In the pharmacotherapy for NPS poisoning, one should focus primarily on combating psychomotor agitation.
Signal-Based Self-Organization of a Chain of UAVs for Subterranean Exploration
Authors: Laclau Pierre , Tempez Vladislav , Ruffier Franck , Natalizio Enrico , Mouret Jean-Baptiste
Published: April 2021

Miniature multi-rotors are promising robots for navigating subterranean networks, but maintaining a radio connection underground is challenging. In this paper, we introduce a distributed algorithm, called U-Chain (for Underground-chain), that coordinates a chain of flying robots between an exploration drone and an operator. Our algorithm only uses the measurement of the signal quality between two successive robots and an estimate of the ground speed based on an optic flow sensor. It leverages a distributed policy for each UAV and a Kalman filter to get reliable estimates of the signal quality. We evaluate our approach formally and in simulation, and we describe experimental results with a chain of 3 real miniature quadrotors (12 by 12 cm) and a base station.
The Effects of VR Use on Pain Experienced During a Tattoo Procedure: A Pilot Study
Authors: Pimentel Daniel , Kalyanaraman Sri , Fillingim Roger , Halan Shiva
Published: April 2021

One of the most socially impactful applications of virtual reality (VR) is its use as a non-pharmacological remedy for both acute and chronic pain. Yet, despite robust findings establishing the analgesic effects of VR, use cases almost exclusively involve (a) patients with acute/chronic pain, which are often difficult to access and vary widely in terms of pain location/severity, or (b) experimentally induced pain, which can have low lab-to-life generalizability. One understudied pain context that may reconcile these limitations is body modification, specifically tattoo procedures. Examining the use of VR during a tattoo offers several benefits to VR and pain research. First, tattoo recipients as a participant pool are more accessible. Second, tattoo pain is presumably more standardized and uniform as it is administered by a machine at a consistent force. Thus, to test these assumptions and expand the scope of VR applications in this domain, we present a mixed-methods investigation testing the effects of VR on pain experienced during a tattoo. Leveraging qualitative interviews with tattoo artists and customers, a 3-month on-site field experiment at a tattoo parlor was conducted. Customers' self-reported pain ratings (N = 16) were collected during 1-h tattooing sessions and compared between a treatment (VR) and control group. As expected, VR significantly reduced pain ratings during the procedure, and increased pain resilience. By suggesting that the analgesic effects of VR extend to volitional pain during a tattoo, we argue that tattoo pain warrants attention by both VR content developers and researchers interested in studying how immersive content influences real-world pain perception. The study also yields specific guidelines to help designers create and deploy VR experiences for this context. Overall, the results suggest that tattoo sessions present a promising context worthy of further investigation across a variety of VR research programs.
El trabajo con películas en psicoterapia
Authors: García-Martínez Jesús , Moreno-Mora David
Published: April 2021

El presente estudio refleja los avances que durante los últimos años ha experimentado el uso de películas como herramienta adjunta en psicoterapia, ya sea mediante películas completas o escenas localizadas de las mismas. Se presentan diversos aspectos tales como su utilidad para el establecimiento de la alianza terapéutica así como el poder de sus metáforas o su utilidad en terapia narrativa. También se ofrece una breve guía sobre como implementar esta técnica.
Soil and Irrigation Water Management: Farmer’s Practice, Insight, and Major Constraints in Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Asmamaw Desale Kidane , Janssens Pieter , Dessie Mekete , Tilahun Seifu A. , Adgo Enyew , Nyssen Jan , Walraevens Kristine , Fentie Derbew , Cornelis Wim M.
Published: April 2021

This study assessed farmers’ soil and irrigation water management practices, perceptions, and major constraints at Koga, a large-scale irrigation scheme in Ethiopia. Key informant interviews, structured and semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and field visits were used for data collection. Soil samples were collected for the assessment of soil properties and a comparison with the respondents’ perception of soil-related constraints. A total of 385 respondents were involved in the questionnaire. All of the respondents had a good perception of soil acidity and its management strategies. Respondents’ perception was in line with the mean soil pH, soil texture, infiltration rate, exchangeable acidity, and soil organic carbon obtained from lab analysis and field tests. Soil acidity, unwise use of water, water scarcity, and lack of market linkages hampered the performance of the Koga irrigation scheme. Yet, respondents had a low awareness of irrigation water management. Farmers never used irrigation scheduling, but apply the same amount of water regardless of the crop type. As a result, low yield and water use efficiency were reported. To reduce soil acidity, an adequate lime supply for farmers with hands-on training on how to apply it would be desirable. Farmers should be aware of how to design effective irrigation scheduling and adopt water-saving management strategies.
Detecting the Early Flowering Stage of Tea Chrysanthemum Using the F-YOLO Model
Authors: Qi Chao , Nyalala Innocent , Chen Kunjie
Published: April 2021

Detecting the flowering stage of tea chrysanthemum is a key mechanism of the selective chrysanthemum harvesting robot. However, under complex, unstructured scenarios, such as illumination variation, occlusion, and overlapping, detecting tea chrysanthemum at a specific flowering stage is a real challenge. This paper proposes a highly fused, lightweight detection model named the Fusion-YOLO (F-YOLO) model. First, cutout and mosaic input components are equipped, with which the fusion module can better understand the features of the chrysanthemum through slicing. In the backbone component, the Cross-Stage Partial DenseNet (CSPDenseNet) network is used as the main network, and feature fusion modules are added to maximize the gradient flow difference. Next, in the neck component, the Cross-Stage Partial ResNeXt (CSPResNeXt) network is taken as the main network to truncate the redundant gradient flow. Finally, in the head component, the multi-scale fusion network is adopted to aggregate the parameters of two different detection layers from different backbone layers. The results show that the F-YOLO model is superior to state-of-the-art technologies in terms of object detection, that this method can be deployed on a single mobile GPU, and that it will be one of key technologies to build a selective chrysanthemum harvesting robot system in the future.
Plasmids Expressing shRNAs Specific to the Nucleocapsid Gene Inhibit the Replication of Porcine Deltacoronavirus In Vivo
Authors: Gu Jun , Li Hao , Bi Zhen , Li Kai , Li Zhiquan , Song Deping , Ding Zhen , He Houjun , Wu Qiong , Huang Dongyan , Gan Ping , Ye Yu , Tang Yuxin
Published: April 2021

Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is a novel enteric coronavirus and is becoming one of the major causative agents of diarrhea in pig herds in recent years. To date, there are no commercial vaccines or antiviral pharmaceutical agents available to control PDCoV infection. Therefore, developing a reliable strategy against PDCoV is urgently needed. In this study, to observe the antiviral activity of RNA interference (RNAi), four short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) specific to the nucleocapsid (N) gene of PDCoV were designed and tested in vitro. Of these, a double-shRNA-expression vector, designated as pSil-double-shRNA-N1, was the most effectively expressed, and the inhibition of PDCoV replication was then further evaluated in neonatal piglets. Our preliminary results reveal that plasmid-based double-shRNA-expression targeting the N gene of PDCoV can significantly protect LLC-PK1 cells and piglets from pathological lesions induced by PDCoV. Our study could benefit the investigation of the specific functions of viral genes related to PDCoV infection and offer a possible methodology of RNAi-based therapeutics for PDCoV infection.
Strategies for Highly Efficient Rabbit Sperm Cryopreservation
Authors: Nishijima Kazutoshi , Kitajima Shuji , Matsuhisa Fumikazu , Niimi Manabu , Wang Chen-chi , Fan Jianglin
Published: April 2021

The rabbit is a valuable animal for both the economy and biomedical sciences. Sperm cryopreservation is one of the most efficient ways to preserve rabbit strains because it is easy to collect ejaculate repeatedly from a single male and inseminate artificially into multiple females. During the cooling, freezing and thawing process of sperms, the plasma membrane, cytoplasm and genome structures could be damaged by osmotic stress, cold shock, intracellular ice crystal formation, and excessive production of reactive oxygen species. In this review, we will discuss the progress made during the past years regarding efforts to minimize the cell damage in rabbit sperms, including freezing extender, cryoprotectants, supplements, and procedures.
Consumer Perceptions of Precision Livestock Farming—A Qualitative Study in Three European Countries
Authors: Krampe Caspar , Serratosa Jordi , Niemi Jarkko K. , Ingenbleek Paul T. M.
Published: April 2021

Scholars in the fields of animal science and technology have investigated how precision livestock farming (PLF) can contribute to the quality and efficiency of animal husbandry and to the health and welfare of farm animals. Although the results of such studies provide promising avenues for the development of PLF technologies and their potential for the application in animal husbandry, the perspectives of consumers with regard to PLF technologies have yet to be the subject of much investigation. To address this research gap, the current study explores consumer perceptions of PLF technologies within the pork and dairy value chains. The investigation is based on results from six focus group discussions conducted in three European countries, each reflecting a different market environment: Finland, the Netherlands and Spain. The results indicate that consumers expect the implementation of different PLF technologies to enhance the health and welfare of farm animals, while generating environmental improvements and increasing the transparency of value-chain processes. The analysis further reveals three over-arching consumer concerns: (1) the fear that the integration of PLF technologies will introduce more industrialisation into livestock farming production; (2) the concern that PLF technologies and data are vulnerable to misuse and cyber-crime; and (3) the concern that PLF information is not communicated adequately to allow informed purchase decisions. The research findings provide directions for members of the animal-based food value chain to make informed decisions to improve their sustainability, social responsibility and credibility by endorsing the acceptance of PLF (technologies) amongst European consumers.
Dietary Starch Concentration Affects Dairy Sheep and Goat Performances Differently during Mid-Lactation
Authors: Lunesu Mondina Francesca , Decandia Mauro , Molle Giovanni , Atzori Alberto Stanislao , Bomboi Giovanni Cristoforo , Cannas Antonello
Published: April 2021

Evolution of milk production, body reserves and blood metabolites and their relationships with dietary carbohydrates were compared in 30 Sarda dairy ewes and 26 Saanen dairy goats in mid-lactation. From 92 to 152 ± 11 days in milk (DIM), each species was allocated to two dietary treatments: high-starch (HS: 20.0% starch, on DM basis) and low-starch (LS: 7.8% starch, on DM basis) diets. In mid-lactating goats, the HS diet increased fat-corrected milk yield (FCM (3.5%); 2.65 vs. 2.53 kg/d; p = 0.019) and daily milk net energy (NEL; p = 0.025), compared to the LS diet. The body condition score (BCS) was not affected. In mid-lactating ewes, the LS diet increased FCM (6.5%) (1.47 vs. 1.36 kg/d; p = 0.008), and NEL (p = 0.008), compared to the HS diet. In addition, BCS was greater in HS than in LS ewes (3.53 vs. 3.38; p = 0.008). Goats had a higher growth hormone (GH) and lower insulin concentration than ewes (GH: 2.62 vs. 1.37 ng/mL; p = 0.04; insulin: 0.14 vs. 0.38 µg/L; p < 0.001 in goats and ewes, respectively). In conclusion, in mid-lactation, the two species responded differently to dietary carbohydrates, probably due to differences in the concentration of GH and insulin. The HS diet favored milk yield in goats and body reserve accumulation in ewes. In ewes, the partial replacement of starch with highly digestible fiber increased energy partitioning in favor of milk production.
The Occurrence of Mycobacterium avium Subspecies paratuberculosis Positive Milk Antibody ELISA Results in Dairy Cattle under Varying Time Periods after Skin Testing for Bovine Tuberculosis
Authors: Bridges Nicole , van Winden Steven
Published: April 2021

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) are used to screen cows for Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infections, informing Johne’s disease (JD) management practices in dairy herds. The causative agent of bovine tuberculosis (bTB), Mycobacterium bovis, and MAP share multiple antigens. Moreover, Mycobacterium avium subspecies avium is used in the single intradermal cervical comparative tests (SICCT) that are routinely used in early detection of cows infected with bTB. Although these are different types of immune responses, potentially the SICCT may interfere with the levels of MAP antibodies. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the SICCT-MAP milk ELISA testing interval and apparent prevalence of JD risk statuses. Data from 51 herds were used, totalling 46,738 cow observations. The Poisson models showed that MAP milk ELISA testing at 14 day intervals post-SICCT statistically significantly increased the odds of detecting JD-positive cows compared to JD testing 85+ days post-SICCT. The odds ratio (OR) started at 2.5 in the first 14 day interval post-SICCT, increasing each two-week period to an OR of 4.0 at 57–70 days, to subsequently drop. Additionally, a herd history of bTB increased the odds of detecting JD-positive cows (OR = 1.2); this was relatively limited compared to the magnitude of the post-SICCT effect.
Animal Harms and Food Production: Informing Ethical Choices
Authors: Hampton Jordan O. , Hyndman Timothy H. , Allen Benjamin L. , Fischer Bob
Published: April 2021

Ethical food choices have become an important societal theme in post-industrial countries. Many consumers are particularly interested in the animal welfare implications of the various foods they may choose to consume. However, concepts in animal welfare are rapidly evolving towards consideration of all animals (including wildlife) in contemporary approaches such as “One Welfare”. This approach requires recognition that negative impacts (harms) may be intentional and obvious (e.g., slaughter of livestock) but also include the under-appreciated indirect or unintentional harms that often impact wildlife (e.g., land clearing). This is especially true in the Anthropocene, where impacts on non-human life are almost ubiquitous across all human activities. We applied the “harms” model of animal welfare assessment to several common food production systems and provide a framework for assessing the breadth (not intensity) of harms imposed. We considered all harms caused to wild as well as domestic animals, both direct effects and indirect effects. We described 21 forms of harm and considered how they applied to 16 forms of food production. Our analysis suggests that all food production systems harm animals to some degree and that the majority of these harms affect wildlife, not livestock. We conclude that the food production systems likely to impose the greatest overall breadth of harms to animals are intensive animal agriculture industries (e.g., dairy) that rely on a secondary food production system (e.g., cropping), while harvesting of locally available wild plants, mushrooms or seaweed is likely to impose the least harms. We present this conceptual analysis as a resource for those who want to begin considering the complex animal welfare trade-offs involved in their food choices.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Isavuconazole: Serum Concentration Variability and Success Rates for Reaching Target in Comparison with Voriconazole
Authors: Risum Malene , Vestergaard Mai-Britt , Weinreich Ulla Møller , Helleberg Marie , Vissing Nadja Hawwa , Jørgensen René
Published: April 2021

Isavuconazole (ISZ) is used in the treatment of aspergillosis and mucormycosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of ISZ samples from a clinical setting performed at Statens Serum Institut. Materials/methods: Isavuconazole serum concentrations were determined by fluorescent detection on a UHPLC. Serum-ISZ (s-ISZ) results were included and compared to those of serum-voriconazole (s-VRZ) in a 33 month period from March 2017. Clinical data were obtained for patients receiving ISZ. The therapeutic range was initially 2–10 mg/L, but was adjusted to 2–5 mg/L during the study period except for selected patients with Mucorales infections who received off-label doses of ISZ. Results: A total of 273 s-ISZ and 1242 s-VRZ measurements from 35 and 283 patients, respectively, were included. Seventeen patients had received both ISZ and VRZ with TDM within the study period. The median s-ISZ was 4.3 mg/L (0.5–15.4 mg/L) with 83% of measurements within the therapeutic index. The median s-VRZ was 2.6 mg/L (0.2–21.9 mg/L) with 67% of measurements within the therapeutic index. The median intra-/interindividual coefficient of variation (CV) was 43.4%/54.8% for ISZ compared to 53.2%/83.3% for VRZ. For patients receiving ISZ, the adverse events were mostly gastroenteric and few drug–drug interactions were observed. Furthermore, immediate change from ISZ to VRZ treatment seemed to lead to prolonged metabolism of ISZ with detection up to 35 days after discontinuation. Conclusions: The majority of patients achieved s-ISZ levels well within the therapeutic range with less intra/interindividual CV than patients receiving VRZ.
Antioxidant Therapy in Pancreatitis
Authors: Swentek Lourdes , Chung Dean , Ichii Hirohito
Published: April 2021

Pancreatitis is pathologic inflammation of the pancreas characterized by acinar cell destruction and oxidative stress. Repeated pancreatic insults can result in the development of chronic pancreatitis, characterized by irreversible fibrosis of the pancreas and many secondary sequelae, ultimately leading to the loss of this important organ. We review acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, and pancreatitis-related complications. We take a close look at the pathophysiology with a focus on oxidative stress and how it contributes to the complications of the disease. We also take a deep dive into the evolution and current status of advanced therapies for management including dietary modification, antioxidant supplementation, and nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(Nrf2-keap1) pathway activation. In addition, we discuss the surgeries aimed at managing pain and preventing further endocrine dysfunction, such as total pancreatectomy with islet auto-transplantation.
Magnetic Energy Landscape of Dimolybdenum Tetraacetate on a Bulk Insulator Surface
Authors: Cococcioni Matteo , Floris Andrea
Published: April 2021

The magnetic states and the magnetic anisotropy barrier of a transition metal molecular complex, dimolybdenum tetraacetate, are investigated via density functional theory (DFT). Calculations are performed in the gas phase and on a calcite (10.4) bulk insulating surface, using the Generalized-Gradient Approximation (GGA)-PBE and the Hubbard-corrected DFT + U and DFT + U + V functionals. The molecular complex (denoted MoMo) contains two central metallic molybdenum atoms, embedded in a square cage of acetate groups. Recently, MoMo was observed to form locally regular networks of immobile molecules on calcite (10.4), at room conditions. As this is the first example of a metal-coordinated molecule strongly anchored to an insulator surface at room temperature, we explore here its magnetic properties with the aim to understand whether the system could be assigned features of a single molecule magnet (SMM) and could represent the basis to realize stable magnetic networks on insulators. After an introductory review on SMMs, we show that, while the uncorrected GGA-PBE functional stabilizes MoMo in a nonmagnetic state, the DFT + U and DFT + U + V approaches stabilize an antiferromagnetic ground state and several meta-stable ferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic states. Importantly, the energy landscape of magnetic states remains almost unaltered on the insulating surface. Finally, via a noncollinear magnetic formalism and a newly introduced algorithm, we calculate the magnetic anisotropy barrier, whose value indicates the stability of the molecule’s magnetic moment.
Development of Candelilla Wax Oleogels as a Medium of Controlled Release of Phosphorus in an In Vitro Model
Authors: Olmos-Oropeza Genaro , Aguilar-Zárate Mayra , Saavedra-Leos María Zenaida , Martínez-Juárez Luis Gerardo , Toro-Vazquez Jorge Fernando , Sánchez-Macías Armando , López-Martínez Laura Araceli
Published: April 2021

Candelilla wax (CW) oleogels were developed as an alternative bolus material for delivering phosphorus into the rumen of goats. The systems were studied at three CW concentrations (10%, 15% and 20%) in vegetable oil. Each oleogel was added with a specific amount of calcium orthophosphate as a phosphorus source. The thermomechanical properties of the oleogels were characterized by DSC and rheology, and the viability of phosphorus delivery was evaluated using a laboratory model in two mediums (one aqueous and another with ruminal fluid). The results showed that the oleogels had a higher melting point (~52.8 °C) than the temperature of the ruminal environment and greater G′ values (1.6 × 106 Pa in 20% CW oleogel with phosphorus). Such characteristics guaranteed the integrity of the materials during the process in the model systems studied. It was demonstrated that when using the 20% CW oleogel, the phosphorus was slowly released for 84 h, completing a maximum of 83.3–98% of the total amount of phosphorus added to the bolus (in the aqueous and ruminal fluid models, respectively). These results enable us to propose this material as a delivery system for phosphorus supplementation in goats. Its effectivity in goats will be evaluated in future in vivo investigations.
Acoustic Identification of the Voicing Boundary during Intervocalic Offsets and Onsets Based on Vocal Fold Vibratory Measures
Authors: Vojtech Jennifer M. , Cilento Dante D. , Luong Austin T. , Noordzij Jacob P. , Diaz-Cadiz Manuel , Groll Matti D. , Buckley Daniel P. , McKenna Victoria S. , Noordzij J. Pieter , Stepp Cara E.
Published: April 2021

Methods for automating relative fundamental frequency (RFF)—an acoustic estimate of laryngeal tension—rely on manual identification of voiced/unvoiced boundaries from acoustic signals. This study determined the effect of incorporating features derived from vocal fold vibratory transitions for acoustic boundary detection. Simultaneous microphone and flexible nasendoscope recordings were collected from adults with typical voices (N = 69) and with voices characterized by excessive laryngeal tension (N = 53) producing voiced–unvoiced–voiced utterances. Acoustic features that coincided with vocal fold vibratory transitions were identified and incorporated into an automated RFF algorithm (“aRFF-APH”). Voiced/unvoiced boundary detection accuracy was compared between the aRFF-APH algorithm, a recently published version of the automated RFF algorithm (“aRFF-AP”), and gold-standard, manual RFF estimation. Chi-square tests were performed to characterize differences in boundary cycle identification accuracy among the three RFF estimation methods. Voiced/unvoiced boundary detection accuracy significantly differed by RFF estimation method for voicing offsets and onsets. Of 7721 productions, 76.0% of boundaries were accurately identified via the aRFF-APH algorithm, compared to 70.3% with the aRFF-AP algorithm and 20.4% with manual estimation. Incorporating acoustic features that corresponded with voiced/unvoiced boundaries led to improvements in boundary detection accuracy that surpassed the gold-standard method for calculating RFF.
Life Cycle Assessment of an Innovative Hybrid Energy Storage System for Residential Buildings in Continental Climates
Authors: Llantoy Noelia , Zsembinszki Gabriel , Palomba Valeria , Frazzica Andrea , Dallapiccola Mattia , Trentin Federico , Cabeza Luisa F.
Published: April 2021

With the aim of contributing to achieving the decarbonization of the energy sector, the environmental impact of an innovative system to produce heating and domestic hot water for heating demand-dominated climates is assessed is evaluated. The evaluation is conducted using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology and the ReCiPe and IPCC GWP indicators for the manufacturing and operation stages, and comparing the system to a reference one. Results show that the innovative system has a lower overall impact than the reference one. Moreover, a parametric study to evaluate the impact of the refrigerant is carried out, showing that the impact of the overall systems is not affected if the amount of refrigerant or the impact of refrigerant is increased.
Finite Element Analysis of Mandibular Anterior Teeth with Healthy, but Reduced Periodontium
Authors: Sioustis Ioana-Andreea , Axinte Mihai , Prelipceanu Marius , Martu Alexandra , Kappenberg-Nitescu Diana-Cristala , Teslaru Silvia , Luchian Ionut , Solomon Sorina Mihaela , Cimpoesu Nicanor , Martu Silvia
Published: April 2021

Finite element analysis studies have been of interest in the field of orthodontics and this is due to the ability to study the stress in the bone, periodontal ligament (PDL), teeth and the displacement in the bone by using this method. Our study aimed to present a method that determines the effect of applying orthodontic forces in bodily direction on a healthy and reduced periodontium and to demonstrate the utility of finite element analysis. Using the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) of a patient with a healthy and reduced periodontium, we modeled the geometric construction of the contour of the elements necessary for the study. Afterwards, we applied a force of 1 N and a force of 0.8 N in order to achieve bodily movement and to analyze the stress in the bone, in the periodontal ligament and the absolute displacement. The analysis of the applied forces showed that a minimal ligament thickness is correlated with the highest value of the maximum stress in the PDL and a decreased displacement. This confirms the results obtained in previous clinical practice, confirming the validity of the simulation. During orthodontic tooth movement, the morphology of the teeth and of the periodontium should be taken into account. The effect of orthodontic forces on a particular anatomy could be studied using FEA, a method that provides real data. This is necessary for proper treatment planning and its particularization depends on the patient’s particular situation.
Dynamic Analysis of the Rod-Fastened Rotor Considering the Characteristics of Circumferential Tie Rods
Authors: Xu Haoliang , Yang Lihua , Xu Tengfei
Published: April 2021

The research on the dynamic performance of the rod-fastened rotor (RFR) has always been a hotspot. However, the structural complexity of RFR has brought significant challenges to the dynamic study of the RFR. The tie rods provide preload for the rotor shaft segment, while the coordinate deformation of the tie rods will occur during the process of vibration. In addition, the tie rods and the rotor shaft segments are structurally connected in parallel. These factors all will influence the dynamic performance of the RFR. In this paper, for a RFR system, the vibration equation of the RFR considering all factors of the tie rods is deduced in detail. The influence of various factors on the dynamic performance of the rotor is investigated. Results show that the preload directly affects the dynamic performance of the RFR system. When the preload is small, the tie rod has a larger influence on the natural frequencies of the rotor. However, when the preload force reaches a certain value, the influence of the tie rod on the natural frequencies of the rotor is almost negligible. The research results provide a theoretical reference for the understanding of and further research on RFR.
Theoretical and Experimental Analysis for Cleaning Ice Cores from EstisolTM 140 Drill Liquid
Authors: Enrichi Francesco , Dahl-Jensen Dorthe , Steffensen Jørgen Peder , Barbante Carlo
Published: April 2021

To reconstruct climate history of the past 1.5 Million years, the project: Beyond EPICA Oldest Ice (BEOI) will drill about 2700 m of ice core in East Antarctica (2021–2025). As drilling fluid, an aliphatic ester fluid, EstisolTM 140, will be used. Newly drilled ice cores will be retrieved from the drill soaked in fluid, and this fluid should be removed from the cores. Most of it will be vacuum-cleaned off in a Fluid Extraction Device and wiped off with paper towels. Based on our experiences in Greenland deep ice coring, most of the residual fluid can be removed by storing the cores openly on shelves in a ventilated room. After a week of “drying”, the cores have a dry feel, handling them do not give “wet” gloves and they can easily be marked with lead pencils. This paper presents a theoretical investigation and some simple testing on the “drying” process. The rates of sublimation of ice and evaporation of fluid have been calculated at different temperatures. The calculations show that sublimation of the ice core should not occur, and that evaporation of fluid should be almost negligible. Our test results support these calculations, but also revealed significant fluid run-off and dripping, resulting in the removal of most of the fluid in a couple of days, independent of temperature and ventilation conditions. Finally, we discuss crucial factors that ensure optimal long-term ice core preservation in storage, such as temperature stability, defrosting cycles of freezers and open core storage versus storage of cores in insulated crates.
Optimization Design of Step Stress Accelerated Degradation Test for Motorized Spindle Based on Ds-Optimality
Authors: Zhao Hongxun , Yang Zhaojun , Chen Chuanhai , Tian Hailong , Li Xiaoxu , Li Shizheng
Published: April 2021

In the accelerated degradation test (ADT) of motorized spindles, it is necessary to apply a variety of stresses to simulate real working conditions. However, the traditional accelerated test scheme optimization method does not consider the weight of various stresses in the test, resulting in the evaluation accuracy of important stress parameters in the model being too low. In order to solve this problem, an optimal design method of the step stress accelerated degradation test (SSADT) scheme for motorized spindles is proposed based on Ds-optimality. Firstly, the fault tree analysis (FTA) method is used to analyze the collected fault data of motorized spindles and screen the main stress. Then, the accelerated degradation model is established by using drift Brownian motion. Based on the Ds-optimality, the optimization variables and constraints in the test are determined, and the optimization model is established with the objective of minimizing the estimated variance of the main stress parameters in the acceleration model; additionally, the optimization steps are given. Finally, an example is given to verify the effectiveness of the method. Sensitivity analysis of the optimization results shows that the method has good robustness.
Investigation on Sex Hormone-Disruption Effects of Two Novel Brominated Flame Retardants (DBDPE and BTBPE) in Male Zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Two Human Cell Lines (H295R and MVLN)
Authors: Choi Jiwon , Lee Gowoon , Kim Sunmi , Choi Kyungho
Published: April 2021

Decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) and 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromo-phenoxy) ethane (BTBPE) are novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) and have been detected in variety of environment and biota. Although sex endocrine-disrupting potential has been suggested in experimental studies, their adverse effects on sex steroid hormones and underlying mechanisms are largely unclear. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the sex hormone-disrupting effects of two NBFRs using in vivo and in vitro models together. For this, male zebrafish (Danio rerio) along with human adrenocortical carcinoma (H295R) and breast carcinoma (MVLN) cell lines were employed. In male zebrafish, 14-day exposure to DBDPE significantly increased 17β-estradiol (E2) concentrations. Disruption of sex hormone regulation was also suggested after exposure to BTBPE, i.e., the increasing trend of E2 levels, E2/11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) ratio, and estrogen receptor-alpha (erα) and erβ gene expression levels. In H295R cells, an E2/T ratio showed an increasing trend by DBDPE exposure, but transcriptions of major genes in steroidogenesis pathway were not affected. Taken together, our observation implies that two NBFRs could cause the sex hormone disruption potential in male zebrafish and H295R cells but probably not through alteration of steroidogenesis pathway.
Low P66shc with High SerpinB3 Levels Favors Necroptosis and Better Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Fasolato Silvano , Ruvoletto Mariagrazia , Nardo Giorgia , Rasola Andrea , Sciacovelli Marco , Zanus Giacomo , Turato Cristian , Quarta Santina , Terrin Liliana , Fadini Gian Paolo , Ceolotto Giulio , Guido Maria , Cillo Umberto , Indraccolo Stefano , Bernardi Paolo , Pontisso Patrizia
Published: April 2021

Cell proliferation and escape from apoptosis are important pathological features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the tumors with the highest mortality rate worldwide. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of the pro-apoptotic p66shc and the anti-apoptotic SerpinB3 in HCCs in relation to clinical outcome, cell fate and tumor growth. p66shc and SerpinB3 were evaluated in 67 HCC specimens and the results were correlated with overall survival. Proliferation and cell death markers were analyzed in hepatoma cells overexpressing SerpinB3, under different stress conditions. p66shc−/− mice and xenograft models were also used to assess the effects of p66shc and SerpinB3 on tumor growth. In patients with HCC, the best survival was observed in the subgroup with p66shc levels below median values and SerpinB3 levels above median values. Mice p66shc−/− showed high levels of SerpinB3, while in HepG2 cells overexpressing SerpinB3, p66shc expression was trivial. HepG2 overexpressing SerpinB3 cells were more prone to die after oxidizing treatments, such as diamide or high concentration H2O2. These cells injected in nude mice developed tumors five times smaller than those from control HepG2 cells. Tumors originating from HepG2 overexpressing SerpinB3 cells showed decreased activated Caspase-8, with concomitant increase of RIP3K and decreased levels of cleaved RIP3K, typical features of necroptosis. In conclusion, in patients affected by HCC, the pattern characterized by p66shc downregulation and elevated SerpinB3 levels was associated with markedly better survival. This pattern favored necroptosis in experimental high-stress conditions.
A Hybrid Modeling Technique of Epidemic Outbreaks with Application to COVID-19 Dynamics in West Africa
Authors: Tovissodé Chénangnon Frédéric , Doumatè Jonas Têlé , Glèlè Kakaï Romain
Published: April 2021

The widely used logistic model for epidemic case reporting data may be either restrictive or unrealistic in presence of containment measures when implemented after an epidemic outbreak. For flexibility in epidemic case reporting data modeling, we combined an exponential growth curve for the early epidemic phase with a flexible growth curve to account for the potential change in growth pattern after implementation of containment measures. We also fitted logistic regression models to recoveries and deaths from the confirmed positive cases. In addition, the growth curves were integrated into a SIQR (Susceptible, Infective, Quarantined, Recovered) model framework to provide an overview on the modeled epidemic wave. We focused on the estimation of: (1) the delay between the appearance of the first infectious case in the population and the outbreak (“epidemic latency period”); (2) the duration of the exponential growth phase; (3) the basic and the time-varying reproduction numbers; and (4) the peaks (time and size) in confirmed positive cases, active cases and new infections. The application of this approach to COVID-19 data from West Africa allowed discussion on the effectiveness of some containment measures implemented across the region.
Computational Approaches for the Discovery and Development of Pharmacologically Active Natural Products
Authors: Medina-Franco José L.
Published: April 2021

Natural products continue to be a significant source of active compounds [...]
A Review on Health-Promoting, Biological, and Functional Aspects of Bioactive Peptides in Food Applications
Authors: Peighambardoust Seyed Hadi , Karami Zohreh , Pateiro Mirian , Lorenzo José M.
Published: April 2021

Food-derived bioactive peptides are being used as important functional ingredients for health-promoting foods and nutraceuticals in recent times in order to prevent and manage several diseases thanks to their biological activities. Bioactive peptides are specific protein fractions, which show broad applications in cosmetics, food additives, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antithrombotic, and angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory ingredients. These peptides can preserve consumer health by retarding chronic diseases owing to modulation or improvement of the physiological functions of human body. They can also affect functional characteristics of different foods such as dairy products, fermented beverages, and plant and marine proteins. This manuscript reviews different aspects of bioactive peptides concerning their biological (antihypertensive, antioxidative, antiobesity, and hypocholesterolemic) and functional (water holding capacity, solubility, emulsifying, and foaming) properties. Moreover, the properties of several bioactive peptides extracted from different foods as potential ingredients to formulate health promoting foods are described. Thus, multifunctional properties of bioactive peptides provide the possibility to formulate or develop novel healthy food products.
Ectopic FOXP3 Expression in Combination with TGF-β1 and IL-2 Stimulation Generates Limited Suppressive Function in Human Primary Activated Thymocytes Ex Vivo
Authors: Gallego-Valle Jorge , Gil-Manso Sergio , Pita Ana , Bernaldo-de-Quirós Esther , López-Esteban Rocío , Martínez-Bonet Marta , Pérez-Fernández Verónica Astrid , Pérez-Caballero Ramón , Pardo Carlos , Gil-Jaurena Juan-Miguel , Correa-Rocha Rafael , Pion Marjorie
Published: April 2021

Regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are characterized by the expression of the transcription factor forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), are the main immune cells that induce tolerance and are regulators of immune homeostasis. Natural Treg cells (nTregs), described as CD4+CD25+FOXP3+, are generated in the thymus via activation and cytokine signaling. Transforming growth factor beta type 1 (TGF-β1) is pivotal to the generation of the nTreg lineage, its maintenance in the thymus, and to generating induced Treg cells (iTregs) in the periphery or in vitro arising from conventional T cells (Tconvs). Here, we tested whether TGF-β1 treatment, associated with interleukin-2 (IL-2) and CD3/CD28 stimulation, could generate functional Treg-like cells from human thymocytes in vitro, as it does from Tconvs. Additionally, we genetically manipulated the cells for ectopic FOXP3 expression, along with the TGF-β1 treatment. We demonstrated that TGF-β1 and ectopic FOXP3, combined with IL-2 and through CD3/CD28 activation, transformed human thymocytes into cells that expressed high levels of Treg-associated markers. However, these cells also presented a lack of homogeneous suppressive function and an unstable proinflammatory cytokine profile. Therefore, thymocyte-derived cells, activated with the same stimuli as Tconvs, were not an appropriate alternative for inducing cells with a Treg-like phenotype and function.
Degeneration of Aortic Valves in a Bioreactor System with Pulsatile Flow
Authors: Niazy Naima , Barth Mareike , Selig Jessica I. , Feichtner Sabine , Shakiba Babak , Candan Asya , Albert Alexander , Preuß Karlheinz , Lichtenberg Artur , Akhyari Payam
Published: April 2021

Calcific aortic valve disease is the most common valvular heart disease in industrialized countries. Pulsatile pressure, sheer and bending stress promote initiation and progression of aortic valve degeneration. The aim of this work is to establish an ex vivo model to study the therein involved processes. Ovine aortic roots bearing aortic valve leaflets were cultivated in an elaborated bioreactor system with pulsatile flow, physiological temperature, and controlled pressure and pH values. Standard and pro-degenerative treatment were studied regarding the impact on morphology, calcification, and gene expression. In particular, differentiation, matrix remodeling, and degeneration were also compared to a static cultivation model. Bioreactor cultivation led to shrinking and thickening of the valve leaflets compared to native leaflets while gross morphology and the presence of valvular interstitial cells were preserved. Degenerative conditions induced considerable leaflet calcification. In comparison to static cultivation, collagen gene expression was stable under bioreactor cultivation, whereas expression of hypoxia-related markers was increased. Osteopontin gene expression was differentially altered compared to protein expression, indicating an enhanced protein turnover. The present ex vivo model is an adequate and effective system to analyze aortic valve degeneration under controlled physiological conditions without the need of additional growth factors.
Targeting Cancer Stem Cells with Differentiation Agents as an Alternative to Genotoxic Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Malignant Testicular Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Loehr Amanda R. , Pierpont Timothy M. , Gelsleichter Eric , Galang Anabella Maria D. , Fernandez Irma R. , Moore Elizabeth S. , Guo Matthew Z. , Miller Andrew D. , Weiss Robert S.
Published: April 2021

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are exceptionally sensitive to genotoxic chemotherapy, resulting in a high cure rate for the young men presenting with these malignancies. However, this treatment is associated with significant toxicity, and a subset of malignant TGCTs demonstrate chemoresistance. Mixed nonseminomas often contain pluripotent embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells, the cancer stem cells (CSCs) of these tumors. We hypothesized that differentiation therapy, a treatment strategy which aims to induce differentiation of tumor-propagating CSCs to slow tumor growth, could effectively treat mixed nonseminomas without significant toxicity. The FDA-approved antipsychotic thioridazine and the agricultural antibiotic salinomycin are two drugs previously found to selectively target CSCs, and here we report that these agents differentiate EC cells in vitro and greatly reduce their tumorigenic potential in vivo. Using a novel transformed induced pluripotent stem cell allograft model and a human xenograft model, we show that thioridazine extends the survival of tumor-bearing mice and can reduce the number of pluripotent EC cells within tumors. These results suggest that thioridazine could be repurposed as an alternative TGCT treatment that avoids the toxicity of conventional chemotherapeutics.