bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responses of Fungi Maggot (Bradysia impatiens Johannsen) to Allyl Isothiocyanate and High CO2
Authors: Gou Yu-Ping , Quandahor Peter , Mao Liang , Li Chun-Chun , Zhou Jing-Jiang , Liu Chang-Zhong
Published: May 2022

Botanical pesticide is highly recommended for integrated pest management (IPM), due to its merits such as environmental friendliness, safe to non-target organisms, operators, animals, and food consumers. The experiment was conducted to determine the lethal and sub-lethal effects of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) on eggs, third instar larvae, pupae, and females and males of Bradysia impatiens Johannsen (B. impatiens). Different concentrations of AITC under ambient CO2 by the conical flask sealed fumigation method were used for the experiment. The results showed that there was a significant linear relationship between different concentrations of AITC and the toxicity regression equation of B. impatiens. The sub-lethal concentrations of AITC had significant effects on the larval stage, pupal stage, pupation rate, pupal weight, adult emergence rate, and oviposition. The pupation rate, pupal weight, and adult emergency rate were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by AITC fumigation. The pupation rate was the lowest after fumigation treatment of AITC at LC50 (36.67%), followed by LC25 (41.94%), compared with the CK (81.39%). Female longevity was significantly (p < 0.05) shortened by fumigation at LC25 (1.75 d) and LC50 (1.64 d), compared with that of CK (2.94 d). Male longevity was shorter at LC25 (1.56 d) than at LC50 (1.25 d) and had no significant difference between these two treatments. The fumigation efficiency of AITC was significantly increased under high CO2 condition. Furthermore, detoxification enzyme activities and antioxidant enzyme activities were accumulated under high CO2 condition. The fumigation method in the application of AITC can be useful in areas where B. impatiens is a major concern.
Obesity Induces Disruption of Microvascular Endothelial Circadian Rhythm
Authors: Padgett Caleb A. , Butcher Joshua T. , Haigh Steven B. , Speese Andrew C. , Corley Zachary L. , Rosewater Cody L. , Sellers Hunter G. , Larion Sebastian , Mintz James D. , Fulton David J. R. , Stepp David W.
Published: May 2022

Obese individuals are at significantly elevated risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Additionally, obesity has been associated with disrupted circadian rhythm, manifesting in abnormal sleeping and feeding patterns. To date, the mechanisms linking obesity, circadian disruption, and CVD are incompletely understood, and insight into novel mechanistic pathways is desperately needed to improve therapeutic potential and decrease morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to investigate the roles of metabolic and circadian disruptions in obesity and assess their contributions in promoting vascular disease. Lean (db/+) and obese (db/db) mice were subjected to 12 weeks of constant darkness to differentiate diurnal and circadian rhythms, and were assessed for changes in metabolism, gene expression, and vascular function. Expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), an essential enzyme for vascular health, was blunted in obesity and correlated with the oscillatory loss of the novel regulator cezanne (OTUD7B). Lean mice subjected to constant darkness displayed marked reduction in vasodilatory capacity, while endothelial dysfunction of obese mice was not further compounded by diurnal insult. Endothelial gene expression of essential circadian clock components was altered in obesity, but imperfectly phenocopied in lean mice housed in constant darkness, suggesting overlapping but separate mechanisms driving endothelial dysfunction in obesity and circadian disruption. Taken together, these data provide insight into the nature of endothelial circadian rhythm in obesity and suggest a distinct mechanism by which obesity causes a unique circadian defect in the vasculature.
What Happened Next? The Experiences of Postsecondary Students With Disabilities as Colleges and Universities Reconvened During the Pandemic
Authors: Madaus Joseph W. , Faggella-Luby Michael N. , Dukes Lyman L. , Gelbar Nicholas W. , Langdon Shannon , Tarconish Emily J. , Taconet Ashely
Published: May 2022

COVID-19 caused nearly every college and university in the United States to rapidly shift to remote learning during the spring 2020 semester. While this impacted all students to different degrees, students with disabilities (SWD) faced new challenges related to their mental health, the accessibility of their instruction, the receipt of accommodations, and their interactions with faculty and student support personnel. Literature is emerging that describes the experiences of SWD during the spring 2020 semester and the swift change to remote learning. However, little is currently known about what followed for these students. The present study builds from a prior investigation of SWD during the spring 2020 semester and examines student experiences and perceptions during the 2020–2021 academic year. Eighty-eight SWD from colleges across the United States completed an instrument that contained a mix of demographic, yes/no, Likert scale and open-ended items. Responses revealed most items related to accessing services and instruction showed no improvement from the spring 2020 semester, and that items related to mental health, motivation to learn, and connections with peers were perceived as worse than in spring 2020. Open-ended responses revealed similar themes, with some students describing no improvements, and others noting that accessibility service offices and faculty provided enhanced methods of communication and support. Implications for practice and future research are presented.
Geomagnetic Response to Rapid Increases in Solar Wind Dynamic Pressure: Event Detection and Large Scale Response
Authors: Madelaire Michael , Laundal Karl M. , Reistad Jone P. , Hatch Spencer M. , Ohma Anders , Haaland Stein
Published: May 2022

Discontinuities in the solar wind trigger a variety of processes in the magnetosphere-ionosphere system. A rapid increase in solar wind dynamic pressure causes compression of the magnetosphere. This manifests itself as a positive perturbation of the horizontal ground magnetic field at low/mid latitudes. In this study we present a method for detecting these discontinuities in situ solar wind data by using the random forest machine learning algorithm. Each detected event is propagated to Earth and its arrival time is aligned with a corresponding response in the low latitude ground magnetic field. A list of 3,867 events, detected between 1994 and 2019, is presented. We use the list in a superposed epoch analysis of the low/mid latitude response in the ground magnetic field at different local times, and of the high latitude response using the Polar Cap index. A dawn-dusk asymmetry is found at low/mid latitudes with weaker positive perturbations at dawn compared to any other local time sector. This suggests a stronger ring current contribution at dawn assuming the magnetopause contribution to be uniform. During northward IMF the initial response is asymmetric, but returns to symmetry after 30 min. During southward IMF the low/mid latitude response decays rapidly in all local sectors except dawn. After around 30 min the asymmetry has flipped such that the strongest positive perturbation is at dawn. This suggests an amplification of the partial ring current. In addition, a noon-midnight asymmetry is observed during southward IMF with the strongest positive perturbation on the night side suggesting a significant contribution from dipolarization of the geomagnetic field in the near tail. The complex geomagnetic response to rapid increases in solar wind dynamic pressure demonstrates a need for further statistical analyses. Event lists, such as the one presented here, are critical components in such studies.
Evaluation of Behavior and Affective State of Different-Parity Sows with Strong/Weak Pupil Light Reflex
Authors: Zhang Jinyue , Yu Langchao , Yin Guoan
Published: May 2022

The stall-housing system is commonly used in the modern swine industry in many countries; however, long-term space restrictions can cause affective and physiological abnormalities in sows. The pupil light reflex (PLR) can reflect the psychological and neurological changes in animals, and confined sows show higher pupillary rigidity. However, the PLR differs between same-parity sows, suggesting differences in behaviors and affective states between parity groups. We subjected confined Yorkshire × Landrace sows of parity 0, 2, and 5 to a PLR test and accordingly assigned them to the weak PLR (WR) group (n = 20) or the strong PLR (SR) group (n = 22). We then observed the sows’ behaviors and performed a sucrose/quinine response test and novel object test (NOT) to assess the differences in their affective states. The standing and lateral lying behaviors of the sows were less frequent in WR than in SR (p < 0.05), whereas ventral lying and sitting behaviors was more frequent in WR than in SR (p < 0.05). No changes in chewing behaviors and sucrose/quinine responses were observed (p > 0.05); however, the numbers and duration of novel object contact were lower and the novel object response latency time was longer in WR than in SR (p < 0.05). Regarding parity, standing and lateral lying behaviors were less frequent and ventral lying and sitting behaviors were more frequent at parity 5 than at parity 0 (p < 0.05). Bar-biting, rooting, trough-biting, and sucrose response score were lower at parity 5 than at parity 0 (p < 0.05), and vacuum chewing behavior and quinine response score were higher in sows of parity 5 than in those of parity 0 (p < 0.05). NOT showed that the number of contacts and contact duration in sows decreased with increasing parity (p < 0.05), and the response latency time was longer in sows of parity 5 than in those of lower parity (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the behavioral expression and responses of confined sows to novel objects differed between PLRs. The evaluation of the affective state of sows also revealed marked differences with increasing parity. Thus, confined sows with WR and high parity apparently suffer from more severe psychological problems, and PLR may be a potent indicator for evaluating the affective state of confined sows.
Impact of Subinhibitory Concentrations of Metronidazole on Morphology, Motility, Biofilm Formation and Colonization of Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Doan Tri-Hanh-Dung , Bernet-Camard Marie-Françoise , Hoÿs Sandra , Janoir Claire , Péchiné Séverine
Published: May 2022

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the primary cause of health-care-associated infectious diarrhea. Treatment requires mostly specific antibiotics such as metronidazole (MTZ), vancomycin or fidaxomicin. However, approximately 20% of treated patients experience recurrences. Treatment with MTZ is complicated by reduced susceptibility to this molecule, which could result in high failure and recurrence rates. However, the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the impact of subinhibitory concentrations of MTZ on morphology, motility, biofilm formation, bacterial adherence to the intestinal Caco-2/TC7 differentiated monolayers, and colonization in monoxenic and conventional mouse models of two C. difficile strains (VPI 10463 and CD17-146), showing different susceptibility profiles to MTZ. Our results revealed that in addition to the inhibition of motility and the downregulation of flagellar genes for both strains, sub-inhibitory concentrations of MTZ induced various in vitro phenotypes for the strain CD17-146 exhibiting a reduced susceptibility to this antibiotic: elongated morphology, enhanced biofilm production and increased adherence to Caco-2/TC7 cells. Weak doses of MTZ induced higher level of colonization in the conventional mouse model and a trend to thicker 3-D structures entrapping bacteria in monoxenic mouse model. Thus, sub-inhibitory concentrations of MTZ can have a wide range of physiological effects on bacteria, which may contribute to their persistence after treatment.
Neuroimaging Techniques as Descriptive and Diagnostic Tools for Infants at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ayoub Maria J. , Keegan Laura , Tager-Flusberg Helen , Gill Simone V.
Published: May 2022

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has traditionally been evaluated and diagnosed via behavioral assessments. However, increasing research suggests that neuroimaging as early as infancy can reliably identify structural and functional differences between autistic and non-autistic brains. The current review provides a systematic overview of imaging approaches used to identify differences between infants at familial risk and without risk and predictive biomarkers. Two primary themes emerged after reviewing the literature: (1) neuroimaging methods can be used to describe structural and functional differences between infants at risk and infants not at risk for ASD (descriptive), and (2) neuroimaging approaches can be used to predict ASD diagnosis among high-risk infants and developmental outcomes beyond infancy (predicting later diagnosis). Combined, the articles highlighted that several neuroimaging studies have identified a variety of neuroanatomical and neurological differences between infants at high and low risk for ASD, and among those who later receive an ASD diagnosis. Incorporating neuroimaging into ASD evaluations alongside traditional behavioral assessments can provide individuals with earlier diagnosis and earlier access to supportive resources.
The Role of the Sensorimotor System in Cognitive Functions
Authors: Craighero Laila
Published: May 2022

The discovery of neurons with sensory properties in frontal motor circuits, and the discovery that these circuits send modulatory signals to the sensory parietal areas, strongly challenged the classical idea of a motor system as a mere executor of commands, and suggested that the sensorimotor system may contribute to the cognitive processes necessary for interaction with the world [...]
English-Learning Motivation among Chinese Mature Learners: A Comparative Study of English and Non-English Majors
Authors: Sun Yu , Teo Timothy , Wang Tzu-Hua
Published: May 2022

This study examined the motivation of Chinese mature students toward learning English. The participants in the study were ten Chinese mature learners, of whom four were English majors and six were non-English majors. Each underwent a semi-structured interview. Their responses were then coded and analyzed based on Matsuzaka-Carreira’s motivation framework. Furthermore, the Keyword Extraction and Link Terms techniques of PolyAnalystTM were used for further analysis. The results showed that English majors tended to be goal-oriented, and non-English majors were more likely to be means-oriented. English majors were identified as having additional integrative motivation. The factors influencing the motivation of English majors were more diverse than those influencing their non-English major counterparts. The obvious distinction between the two groups was their attitude towards the target language and culture. These findings suggest that instruction for adults should be aligned with mature learners’ practical needs and individual characteristics.
A Bibliometric-Statistical Review of Organic Residues as Cementitious Building Materials
Authors: Yanez Sergio , Márquez Constanza , Valenzuela Benjamín , Villamar-Ayala Cristina Alejandra
Published: May 2022

Climate deterioration and environmental pollution has been widely studied by a wide scientific community. The effects of the ecosystem deterioration impacts directly to human activities. In this scenario, the building industry has increased the pressure on proposing new materials to replace the cementicious component and natural resources (water, sand, gravel, and limestone) on mortar and concrete to reverse this trend. To this end, organic residues can offer opportunities as an available alternative for construction applications. Therefore, this paper aims to broaden the scope of research in this field by investigating the potential use of organic residues as cementicious building material based on bibliometric-statistical analysis using scientific information. A preliminary bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer was carried out to define the keywords co-ocurrence from Scopus database. Type of organic material, constructive use, and its properties (physicochemical, mechanical, and thermal) were extracted from scientific publications. Then, a systematic analysis criteria was defined to limit the scope of the study. Finally, statistical variance analysis and multiple correlation for identifying constructive application were applied. From the co-ocurrence analysis of keywords, we determined that 54% of the selected scientific publications were closely related to the scope of this study. State-of-the-art study established that related researches grew exponentially at a rate of about 30%/year. Moreover, scientific publications reported the use of a wide variety of organic residues, such as wheat, paper, hemp, rice, wood, molluscs, olive, coconut, among others. Mainly, agricultural residues (82%) with building applications related to structural concrete, mortar, bricks, and blocks, had been evaluated. Physicochemical properties from organic residues (extractives content, lignin content, and density) were correlated to mechanical (compressive, flexural and tensile strength) and thermal properties (thermal conductivity). The identification of the physicochemical properties of the organic residues allow us to predict the mechanical and thermal behavior of the material with residues. In summary, agricultural residues are the most promising organic building material due to their abundance and lignin content, exhibiting better mechanic and thermal properties than any other organic residues.
Fracture Toughness of Reactive Powder Fibrous Concrete Composites under Pure and Mixed Modes (I/III)
Authors: Sreenath Sreekumaran , Mohan Kaliyaperumal Saravana Raja , Murali Gunasekaran
Published: May 2022

Reactive Powder Concretes (RPC) are well known for their exceptional strength properties and durability properties. The use of Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCM) is the best way to enhance the strength and durability characteristics of RPCs further. Among various SCMs, the potential of Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag (GGBS) is proven by many researchers. However, the effect of GGBS on the fracture toughness of RPCs, especially under the tearing mode, is not explored. This study investigates the effect of partial replacement of OPC with GGBS in non-fibrous and fibrous RPCs, on its mode I (pure opening), mode III (pure tearing), and mixed-mode I/III fracture behaviour. A significant improvement in mode I, mode III, and mixed-mode I/III fracture toughness was observed due to incorporating GGBS and fibres in RPCs. The fibrous mix with 30% OPC, replaced with GGBS, exhibited the highest values of mode I and mode III fracture toughnesses, which were 2.35 MPa·m0.5 and 0.98 MPa·m0.5, respectively, and significantly high compared to the control non-fibrous and fibrous RPC mixes. The study reveals the ability of GGBS as an SCM to improve the fracture toughness of RPC mixes, thereby delaying the failure of the process of structural components.
Modified MgH2 Hydrogen Storage Properties Based on Grapefruit Peel-Derived Biochar
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Hou Quanhui , Guo Xintao , Yang Xinglin
Published: May 2022

Carbon materials play an important role in the development of solid hydrogen storage materials. The main purpose of this work is to study the low-cost synthesis of biomass carbon (BC) and its positive effect on the hydrogen storage behavior of magnesium hydride (MgH2). Herein, it is proven that when biomass carbon (BC) is used together with magnesium hydride (MgH2), biomass carbon can be used as an adsorption and desorption channel for hydrogen. The initial dehydrogenation temperature of MgH2 + 10 wt% BC composite is 250 °C, which is 110 °C lower than that of pure MgH2. In addition, the MgH2 + 10 wt% BC composite system can complete all dehydrogenation processes within 10 min at 350 °C. Meanwhile, 5.1 wt% H2 can also be dehydrogenated within 1 h at 300 °C. Under the same conditions, MgH2 hardly starts to release hydrogen. After complete dehydrogenation, the composite can start to absorb hydrogen at 110 °C. Under the conditions of 225 °C and 3 MPa, 6.13 wt% H2 can be absorbed within 1 h, basically reaching the theoretical dehydrogenation limit. Cycling experiments show that the MgH2 + 10 wt% BC composite has a good stability. After 10 cycles, the hydrogen storage capacity shows almost no obvious decline. It is believed that this study can help in the research and development of efficient carbon-based multifunctional catalysts.
Intraovarian, Isoform-Specific Transcriptional Roles of Progesterone Receptor in Ovulation
Authors: Smith Kirsten M. , Dinh Doan T. , Akison Lisa K. , Nicholls Matilda , Dunning Kylie R. , Morimoto Atsushi , Lydon John P. , Russell Darryl L. , Robker Rebecca L.
Published: May 2022

Progesterone receptor (PGR) activity is obligatory for mammalian ovulation; however, there is no established direct functional pathway explaining how progesterone receptor completely and specifically regulates oocyte release. This study examined the overarching cell- and isoform-specific effects of the PGR within each cellular compartment of the ovary, using mice null for the PGR (PRKO), as well as isoform-specific null mice. The PGR was expressed in ovarian granulosa and stromal cells and although PRKO ovaries showed no visible histological changes in preovulatory ovarian morphology, follicle rupture did not occur. Reciprocal ovarian transplant experiments established the necessity of ovarian PGR expression for ovulation. Cumulus–oocyte complexes of PRKO mice exhibited normal morphology but showed some altered gene expression. The examination of mitochondrial activity showed subtle differences in PRKO oocytes but no differences in granulosa cell respiration, glycolysis or β-oxidation. Concurrently, RNA-seq identified novel functional pathways through which the PGR may regulate ovulation. PGR-A was the predominant transcriptionally active isoform in granulosa cells and 154 key PGR-dependent genes were identified, including a secondary network of transcription factors. In addition, the PGR regulated unique gene networks in the ovarian stroma. Collectively, we establish the effector pathways activated by the PGR across the ovarian cell types and conclude that PGR coordinates gene expression in the cumulus, granulosa and stromal cells at ovulation. Identifying these networks linking the PGR to ovulation provides novel targets for fertility therapeutics and nonhormonal contraceptive development.
Using a Weekly Patient-Reported Outcome Questionnaire to Track Acute Toxicity in Patients Undergoing Pelvic Radiotherapy for Gynecologic Cancers
Authors: Chan Matthew , Olson Robert , Lapointe Vincent , Hamm Jeremy , Bachand Francois , Holloway Caroline , Parsons Christina , Lim Peter
Published: May 2022

There are limited patient-reported outcome (PRO) data tracking changes in toxicity in patients actively undergoing radiotherapy. Between 2015–2019, acute toxicity was prospectively measured in 698 patients undergoing a 5-week course of pelvic radiotherapy for gynecologic cancers using a weekly PRO questionnaire. Our questionnaire was able detect a pattern of onset and resolution of acute gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicity in 27 out of 32 questions. Logistic regression analysis showed that increasing GI and GU toxicity at week 2 could predict for severe toxicity at week 5. However, due to a low number of severe events, univariate results could not be productively added to a multivariate model. We observed a >70% response rate for all sections of the questionnaire, except for questions on sexual and vaginal health, which had a 13% average response rate. By demonstrating that PRO data can be used to track acute toxicity during radiotherapy, there is a need to further examine how this tool may be implemented in the clinic to provide complex, adaptive care, such as early side effect management, and modifying radiation delivery in real-time.
Understanding the Experience of Canadian Women Living with Ovarian Cancer through the Every Woman StudyTM
Authors: Tone Alicia , Boghosian Talin , Ross Alison , Baugh Elisabeth , Altman Alon D. , Dawson Lesa , Reid Frances , Crawford Cailey
Published: May 2022

The Every Woman StudyTM: Canadian Edition is the most comprehensive study to date exploring patient-reported experiences of ovarian cancer (OC) on a national scale. An online survey conducted in Fall 2020 included individuals diagnosed with OC in Canada, reporting responses from 557 women from 11 Canadian provinces/territories. Median age at diagnosis was 54 (11–80), 61% were diagnosed between 2016–2020, 59% were stage III/IV and all subtypes of OC were represented. Overall, 23% had a family history of OC, 75% had genetic testing and 19% reported having a BRCA1/2 mutation. Most (87%) had symptoms prior to diagnosis. A timely diagnosis of OC (≤3 months from first presentation with symptoms) was predicted by age (>50) or abdominal pain/persistent bloating as the primary symptom. Predictors of an acute diagnosis (<1 month) included region, ER/urgent care doctor as first healthcare provider or stage III/IV disease. Regional differences in genetic testing, treatments and clinical trial participation were also noted. Respondents cited substantial physical, emotional, practical and financial impacts of an OC diagnosis. Our national survey has revealed differences in the pathway to diagnosis and post-diagnostic care among Canadian women with OC, with region, initial healthcare provider, specific symptoms and age playing key roles. We have identified many opportunities to improve both clinical and supportive care of OC patients across the country.
End-to-End Deep Learning Approach for Perfusion Data: A Proof-of-Concept Study to Classify Core Volume in Stroke CT
Authors: Mittermeier Andreas , Reidler Paul , Fabritius Matthias P. , Schachtner Balthasar , Wesp Philipp , Ertl-Wagner Birgit , Dietrich Olaf , Ricke Jens , Kellert Lars , Tiedt Steffen , Kunz Wolfgang G. , Ingrisch Michael
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: CT perfusion (CTP) is used to quantify cerebral hypoperfusion in acute ischemic stroke. Conventional attenuation curve analysis is not standardized and might require input from expert users, hampering clinical application. This study aims to bypass conventional tracer-kinetic analysis with an end-to-end deep learning model to directly categorize patients by stroke core volume from raw, slice-reduced CTP data. (2) Methods: In this retrospective analysis, we included patients with acute ischemic stroke due to proximal occlusion of the anterior circulation who underwent CTP imaging. A novel convolutional neural network was implemented to extract spatial and temporal features from time-resolved imaging data. In a classification task, the network categorized patients into small or large core. In ten-fold cross-validation, the network was repeatedly trained, evaluated, and tested, using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC). A final model was created in an ensemble approach and independently validated on an external dataset. (3) Results: 217 patients were included in the training cohort and 23 patients in the independent test cohort. Median core volume was 32.4 mL and was used as threshold value for the binary classification task. Model performance yielded a mean (SD) ROC-AUC of 0.72 (0.10) for the test folds. External independent validation resulted in an ensembled mean ROC-AUC of 0.61. (4) Conclusions: In this proof-of-concept study, the proposed end-to-end deep learning approach bypasses conventional perfusion analysis and allows to predict dichotomized infarction core volume solely from slice-reduced CTP images without underlying tracer kinetic assumptions. Further studies can easily extend to additional clinically relevant endpoints.
Micropulse Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation for Glaucoma after Penetrating Keratoplasty
Authors: Zemba Mihail , Dumitrescu Otilia-Maria , Stamate Alina-Cristina , Barac Ileana Ramona , Tataru Calin Petru , Branisteanu Daniel Constantin
Published: May 2022

The main objective of the article was to assess the surgical outcome of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in patients presenting with glaucoma after penetrating keratoplasty. We conducted a retrospective study that included 26 eyes of 26 patients who presented with glaucoma after penetrating keratoplasty, and who were treated using micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation between January 2017 and December 2020. The surgeries were performed using the Iridex Cyclo G6 MicroPulse P3 Probe. The intraocular pressure, mean number of antiglaucoma medications, visual acuity, corneal status, and postoperative complications were analyzed. The minimum follow-up period was 12 months. The success rate after 12 months was 76.9%. The baseline median intraocular pressure was 29 mm Hg and decreased to 18 mm Hg after 12 months. The median number of antiglaucoma medications was also reduced from three preoperatively to one after one year. In seven cases (29.92%), the visual acuity decreased and, in four cases (15.38%), the corneal graft was not transparent. We concluded that micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation is an effective and safe method for the treatment of glaucoma after penetrating keratoplasty.
Correction: Abdi et al. Visual Evaluation of Image Quality of a Low Dose 2D/3D Slot Scanner Imaging System Compared to Two Conventional Digital Radiography X-ray Imaging Systems. Diagnostics 2021, 11, 1932
Authors: Abdi Ahmed Jibril , Mussmann Bo , Mackenzie Alistair , Gerke Oke , Jørgensen Gitte Maria , Bechsgaard Thor Eriksen , Jensen Janni , Olsen Lone Brunshøj , Andersen Poul Erik
Published: May 2022

In the original publication [...]
Development of “Mathematical Technology for Cytopathology,” an Image Analysis Algorithm for Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Yamada Reiko , Nakane Kazuaki , Kadoya Noriyuki , Matsuda Chise , Imai Hiroshi , Tsuboi Junya , Hamada Yasuhiko , Tanaka Kyosuke , Tawara Isao , Nakagawa Hayato
Published: May 2022

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The accuracy of a PDAC diagnosis based on endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology can be strengthened by performing a rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE). However, ROSE can only be performed in a limited number of facilities, due to a relative lack of available resources or cytologists with sufficient training. Therefore, we developed the Mathematical Technology for Cytopathology (MTC) algorithm, which does not require teaching data or large-scale computing. We applied the MTC algorithm to support the cytological diagnosis of pancreatic cancer tissues, by converting medical images into structured data, which rendered them suitable for artificial intelligence (AI) analysis. Using this approach, we successfully clarified ambiguous cell boundaries by solving a reaction–diffusion system and quantitating the cell nucleus status. A diffusion coefficient (D) of 150 showed the highest accuracy (i.e., 74%), based on a univariate analysis. A multivariate analysis was performed using 120 combinations of evaluation indices, and the highest accuracies for each D value studied (50, 100, and 150) were all ≥70%. Thus, our findings indicate that MTC can help distinguish between adenocarcinoma and benign pancreatic tissues, and imply its potential for facilitating rapid progress in clinical diagnostic applications.
Endometriosis Associated-miRNome Analysis of Blood Samples: A Prospective Study
Authors: Bendifallah Sofiane , Dabi Yohann , Suisse Stéphane , Delbos Léa , Poilblanc Mathieu , Descamps Philippe , Golfier Francois , Jornea Ludmila , Bouteiller Delphine , Touboul Cyril , Puchar Anne , Daraï Emile
Published: May 2022

The aim of our study was to describe the bioinformatics approach to analyze miRNome with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) of 200 plasma samples from patients with and without endometriosis. Patients were prospectively included in the ENDO-miRNA study that selected patients with pelvic pain suggestive of endometriosis. miRNA sequencing was performed using an Novaseq6000 sequencer (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). Small RNA-seq of 200 plasma samples yielded ~4228 M raw sequencing reads. A total of 2633 miRNAs were found differentially expressed. Among them, 8.6% (n = 229) were up- or downregulated. For these 229 miRNAs, the F1-score, sensitivity, specificity, and AUC ranged from 0–88.2%, 0–99.4%, 4.3–100%, and 41.5–68%, respectively. Utilizing the combined bioinformatic and NGS approach, a specific and broad panel of miRNAs was detected as being potentially suitable for building a blood signature of endometriosis.
The Jujube TCP Transcription Factor ZjTCP16 Regulates Plant Growth and Cell Size by Affecting the Expression of Genes Involved in Plant Morphogenesis
Authors: Yang Qiqi , Li Qicheng , Gu Liyuan , Chen Peng , Zhang Yu , Li Yonghua , Chen Yun , Ye Xia , Tan Bin , Zheng Xianbo , Li Jidong , Feng Jiancan
Published: May 2022

Jujube production is threatened by jujube witches’ broom (JWB) disease, which is caused by JWB phytoplasma. The jujube TCP transcription factor (TF) ZjTCP16 may be involved in the interaction of jujube plants with JWB phytoplasma. In this study, qRT-PCR proved that the expression pattern of ZjTCP16 was altered by JWB phytoplasma. The gene functions of ZjTCP16 were analyzed by its overexpression in Arabidopsis and jujube, as well as knock-down in. The overexpression of ZjTCP16 in Arabidopsis and jujube resulted in dwarfism and small leaves, while the zjtcp16 CRISPR mutants were higher than the WT. Microscopic observation of paraffin sections of jujube stems showed that ZjTCP16 affected the size of cells. The interactions of ZjTCP16 with ZjAS2 and ZjLOB in both the cytoplasm and nucleus were demonstrated by yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays. Yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assays and qRT-PCR further confirmed that ZjTCP16 affected the expression of genes involved in leaf morphogenesis and cell proliferation (ZjAS1, ZjKNAT1, ZjKNAT2 and ZjKNAT6) at the mRNA level through the ZjAS2 and ZjLOB pathways. In conclusion, ZjTCP16 regulates plant growth and cell size by altering the expression pattern of morphogenesis-related genes in jujube.
Long-Term Productivity of Monospecific and Mixed Oak (Quercus petraea [Matt.] Liebl. and Quercus robur L.) Stands in Germany: Growth Dynamics and the Effect of Stand Structure
Authors: Stimm Kilian , Heym Michael , Nagel Ralf-Volker , Uhl Enno , Pretzsch Hans
Published: May 2022

Wood production is one of the most important ecosystem service that forests provide to society. However, under changing climatic conditions, this appears to be subject to increasing uncertainties. In the present study we analyzed how long-term productivity of oak (Quercus petraea [Matt.] Liebl. and Quercus robur L.) stands has developed, how oak behaved on tree and stand level depending on the stand structure and which trade-offs can be observed. For the analyses, data from 147 long-term monospecific and mixed stands were investigated, which have been regularly recorded since 1898. Firstly, long-term stand productivity has increased up to 21% until 2020 as compared to 1960. This trend was observed for both, monospecific as well as mixed oak stands. Secondly, stand productivity was on average 19% higher in mixed compared to monospecific oak stands. This superiority can be explained by higher stand densities, a vigorous understory and the admixture of beech in particular. With increasing age, the observed positive effect of stand density was higher. Thirdly, individual oak productivity slowed down under interspecific competition, especially in young to mid-aged stands. In this context, the productivity of individual oaks depended strongly on their social position within the stand. Fourthly, in terms of growth partitioning larger trees contributed most in young oak stands, regardless of mixture. In order to preserve oak as a productive component of future mixed forests, the results suggest a silvicultural promotion of oak. Consistent management of dominant and vital oaks can achieve high productive trees while maintaining the positive characteristics of highly structured and mixed forests. A vigorous secondary stand can increase overall stand productivity at lower densities and allows silvicultural flexibility at the stand level. Creating vertical stand structure to reduce competition has only a limited positive effect on productivity of individual oaks that is highly related to its social status. Special attention should still be paid to beech as admixed tree species, which can continue to crowd oak even at higher stand ages.
Global DNA Methylation and mRNA-miRNA Variations Activated by Heat Shock Boost Early Microspore Embryogenesis in Cabbage (Brassica oleracea)
Authors: Kong Congcong , Su Henan , Deng Siping , Ji Jialei , Wang Yong , Zhang Yangyong , Yang Limei , Fang Zhiyuan , Lv Honghao
Published: May 2022

Microspore culture, a type of haploid breeding, is extensively used in the cultivation of cruciferous crops such as cabbage. Heat shock (HS) treatment is essential to improve the embryo rate during the culture process; however, its molecular role in boosting early microspore embryogenesis (ME) remains unknown. Here we combined DNA methylation levels, miRNAs, and transcriptome profiles in isolated microspores of cabbage ‘01-88’ under HS (32 °C for 24 h) and normal temperature (25 °C for 24 h) to investigate the regulatory roles of DNA methylation and miRNA in early ME. Global methylation levels were significantly different in the two pre-treatments, and 508 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified; 59.92% of DMRs were correlated with transcripts, and 39.43% of miRNA locus were associated with methylation levels. Significantly, the association analysis revealed that 31 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were targeted by methylation and miRNA and were mainly involved in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) response and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, indicating that HS induced DNA methylation, and miRNA might affect ME by influencing ROS and ABA. This study revealed that DNA methylation and miRNA interfered with ME by modulating key genes and pathways, which could broaden our understanding of the molecular regulation of ME induced by HS pre-treatment.
Reverse Column Flotation of Ultrafine Magnetite Mixture with Fine Glass Beads Enhanced by Fine Bubbles
Authors: Rulyov N. N. , Filippov L. O. , Sadovskyi D. Y. , Lukianova V. V. , Filippova I. V.
Published: May 2022

Magnetite ores are among the most important sources of iron, which is in high demand in the global economy. Metallurgical properties of the magnetite concentrate significantly depend on impurities of silicon- and aluminum-bearing minerals. These impurities have to be separated from ore by magnetic separation and flotation techniques. Reverse column flotation is one of the methods applied for reducing the content of impurities in magnetite concentrate. This method allows recovering impurities from ore in the froth product (flotation tailings). However, the efficiency of this method significantly decreases with the decrease in particle size. As previously demonstrated, the effectiveness of fine particle column flotation can be increased if, before feeding the pulp into a column, fine bubbles are introduced into the pulp and the pulp is then passed through a tubular reactor. The major purpose of this study was to define the effectiveness of the reverse column flotation performance of ultrafine magnetite from the mixture with fine glass beads (ballotini) when, before the pulp is fed into the flotation column, it is mixed with fine air-in-water dispersion, and the mixture is then passed through a tubular flotation reactor (TFR). The obtained experimental findings allowed the definition of the optimal conditions of the mixture treatment in TFR that ensured high concentrate grade and iron recovery for the initial iron content in the mixture of 63.76%. These conditions were defined as follows: treatment time of the mixture in the TFR—7.5 s; average flow shear rate inside the TFR—1000 s−1; volume dosage of fine bubbles per solid mass unit—0.032 or 0.21 mL/g. At the fine bubble dosage of 0.032 mL/g, the iron recovery and the concentrate grade were, respectively, 88.1% and 68.3% Fe, and at the dosage of 0.21 mL/g, the iron recovery reached 89.4% for the concentrate grade of 68.7% Fe.
Crises around Concepts of Hospitality in the Mountainous Region of Svaneti in the North of Georgia
Authors: Applis Stefan
Published: May 2022

This study revolves around the village community of Ushguli, located in the Upper Svaneti region in the North of Georgia, which attained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1996. Since around 2010, Ushguli has seen a step-by-step rise in tourism. Until now, it has found itself relatively unprepared to meet visitors’ interests and needs and cope with the diverse aspects of modern lifestyles. The encounter and, in many instances, clash of interests between villagers and tourists, occurring in a context in which the economic objectives of the former group are encouragingly continuously growing visitor numbers, is correspondingly difficult to channel and manage. Ushguli represents a region with ideal conditions for exploring tourism as a strategy for overcoming economic and social crises and its effects on spatial, economic, environmental and social structures against a backdrop of change in material and immaterial objects driven by all stakeholders involved. This paper provides an overview of the specific focus of a multi-year study, which began in 2017. The research approach is critical findings related to impacts on regional values and life organization. In a nutshell, it can be concluded that tourists’ online communicated expectations and reviews have a profound impact on local communities and create intense competitive pressure on the local people.
Póster
Authors: Autores Varios
Published: May 2022

Durante los días miércoles 25 y jueves 26 de agosto del 2021, se realizó la décimo cuarta versión del Encuentro Departamental de Semilleros de Investigación de la Red Regional de Semilleros de Investigación -RREDSI, Nodo Quindío.

En esta nueva versión, la Universidad del Quindío lideró la organización de este tradicional encuentro departamental, el cual acogió, de manera virtual, a estudiantes de todas las instituciones de educación del Departamento, entre las que se encuentran las universidades Remington, La Gran Colombia Armenia, Alexander Von Humboldt, Corporación Universitaria Unificada Nacional de Educación Superior, Antonio Nariño, Institución Universitaria EAM y el SENA.

Un total de 60 trabajos de investigación socializados en la modalidad de póster, los cuales fueron resultado de la interacción con comunidades y el sector productivo a partir de sus proyectos de semilleros de investigación.
OPINION: Focus and Performance in Managing Post-border Security in New Zealand
Authors: Craw Jack
Published: May 2022

The New Zealand public, its industries and the conservation sector, are greatly concerned about the state of national biosecurity protection, awareness and system performance – and rightly so. Scarcely a day goes by without a new story in the media about a biosecurity breach, a pest, a threat or a related impact on the economy, biodiversity, human health or lifestyles. The vast majority of this public focus is on issues at the national border. Yet the greatest number and cost of biosecurity programmes in New Zealand, and the greatest impact on citizens’ wallets, are the many pest management programmes developed and implemented by regional and unitary councils.These programmes tend to be largely ignored by the national media, possibly because they are implemented by 17 disparate regional and unitary councils (hereafter referred to as councils), and possibly because most of the programmes are unspectacular, business-as-usual, necessary activities that help to keep farming profitable, the environment liveable and conservation achievable.
(Bio)etičko-medicinsko
tematiziranje One Health paradigme.
izazovi
i perspektive u doba sveopće ekološke i zdravstvene krize
Authors: Singbo Odilon-Gbènoukpo , Gložinić Terezija
Published: May 2022

Ekološka kriza kojom je pogođen svijet doživjela je dodatno pogoršanje zbog zdravstvene krize uzrokovane COVID-om19. U toj dvostrukoj krizi teško je odvojiti jednu krizu od druge. Svijest o povezanosti naizgled različitih kriza, ali i svih bića na Zemlji još je u 19. stoljeću iznjedrila pokušaje zajedničkih odgovora različitih znanstvenih disciplina. Ti pokušaji su kasnije dobili svoje pravo ime pod nazivom ‘One Health’ – jedno zdravlje. Riječ je o paradigmi koja nastoji raskrinkavati interakciju između čovjeka, životinja i biljaka te utjecaj jednih na druge. Ovaj članak pruža uvid u ključne karakteristike te paradigme, a pomoću biblijske teologije stvaranja i enciklike pape Franje ‘Laudato sì’, proširuje njezine vizije na područje teološko-bioetičkog promišljanja sa svrhom što cjelovitijeg interdisciplinarnog pristupa pitanju zajedničkog zdravlja u zajedničkom domu.
Teološki, sociološki i medijski kontekst osoba s invaliditetom
Authors: Vrbaslija Dario , Dabo Krešimir , Karaman Patricija
Published: May 2022

Cilj ovoga rada je iznijeti mogućnosti tumačenja i razumijevanja kršćanskog pogleda na invaliditet, ponuditi mogućnosti duhovne perspektive vezane uz osobe s invaliditetom i iznijeti teološke pretpostavke za poimanje takvog stanja. Rad donosi pogled Isusa Krista, zatim stav Crkve na invaliditet kao pojavu te konačno promišljanja o mogućnostima i načinima prihvaćanja takvog zdravstvenog stanja iz religijskog rakursa, uzimajući pri tomu u obzir širi društveni i medijski kontekst. Namjera je rada otvoriti prostor za kreiranje adekvatnijih načina duhovne utjehe i prihvaćanja invaliditeta kroz razumijevanje tog stanja iz različtih pozicija. Polazeći iz točke suosjećanja i brige za pojedinca, nužno je razmotriti viziju, ideje i temeljne vrijednosti Katoličke Crkve prema ovim pitanjima, kao i medija i društva u cjelini, i to ne samo kako bi se takvim ljudima pružila duhovna potpora, već kako bi i njihova okolina bolje shvaćala teološke aspekete tumačenja života osoba s invaliditetom. U cilju izgradnje kvalitetnijeg života za sve, pri tome stvarajući i kreirajući tolerantnije društvo te adekvatniji socijalni i medijski model, neophodno je približiti se Božjoj perspektivi o invaliditetu i razumijeti kakve nam mogućnosti osobnog razvoja donosi život s osobama s invaliditetom. Ovaj rad stoga upravo donosi pregled literature, dosadašnjih istraživanja, ali i različitih pogleda te mogućnosti promišljanja o ovome problemu.