bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Monkeypox- and Vaccinia virus-neutralizing antibodies in human serum samples after vaccination and natural infection
Authors: Manenti Alessandro , Solfanelli Niccolò , Cantaloni Paolo , Mazzini Livia , Leonardi Margherita , Benincasa Linda , Piccini Giulia , Marchi Serena , Boncioli Martina , Spertilli Raffaelli Chiara , Tacconi Danilo , Mattiuzzo Giada , Kistner Otfried , Montomoli Emanuele , Trombetta Claudia Maria
Published: June 2023

Introduction

In early to mid-2022, an unexpected outbreak of Monkeypox virus infections occurred outside the African endemic regions. Vaccines originally developed in the past to protect against smallpox are one of the available countermeasures to prevent and protect against Orthopoxvirus infections. To date, there are few studies on the cross-reactivity of neutralizing antibodies elicited by previous vaccinia virus-based vaccination and/or Monkeypox virus infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate a possible approach to performing Monkeypox and vaccinia live-virus microneutralization assays in which the read-out is based on the production of cytopathic effect in the cell monolayer.

Methods

Given the complexity of Orthopoxviruses, the microneutralization assay was performed in such a way as to uncover a potential role of complement, with and without the addition of an external source of Baby Rabbit Complement. A set of human serum samples from individuals who had been naturally infected with Monkeypox virus and individuals who may have and not have undergone vaccinia virus vaccinations, was used to evaluate the performance, sensitivity, and specificity of the assay.

Results and conclusions

The results of the present study confirm the presence and cross-reactivity of antibodies elicited by vaccinia-based vaccines, which proved able to neutralize the Monkeypox virus in the presence of an external source of complement.
The relevance of the number of categories in the hedonic scale to the Ghanaian consumer in acceptance testing
Authors: Addo-Preko Emmanuel , Amissah Joris Gerald Niilante , Adjei Maame Yaakwaah Blay
Published: June 2023

The 9-point hedonic scale is the most widely used scale for consumer acceptance testing globally. The scale has nine categories with verbal anchors which are converted to a numerical scale with numbers assigned at equal intervals so that the psychological distance between successive scale points is equal. The verbal cues and number of categories assigned to them may not be relevant for Ghanaian consumers based on cultural differences. Using bread as an example, we used a 3 × 4 factorial design for bread types and scaling categories, to determine the number of categories in a hedonic scale that would be appropriate for Ghanaian consumers to use in a consumer acceptance test. Three commonly consumed breads in Ghana, tea bread, butter bread, and sugar bread were used. The number of categories in the scales we tested were the traditional 9-point, and three truncations of it; 7-point, 5-point, and 3- point scales. Each scale had verbal cues and numbers based on the traditional 9-point scale. Assessors rated their degree of overall liking followed by the degree of liking for appearance, flavor and texture of each bread sample. They further ranked the breads for preference. Simple t-tests, Analysis of variance and ranked order analyses were used to determine differences in liking scores for the breads across the different scales used. Regardless of the number of categories in the scales used, the order for product liking and preference rank order were the same; sugar bread > butter bread > tea bread. Attentiveness to the task of scoring the degree of liking was an important factor that impacted how the different scale lengths were used. When assessors are attentive to changes in scale length, they adjust their scores to fit the scale length and thus the number of categories in the scale length does not affect the acceptance score. The choice of scale length to use should be considered carefully in a consumer acceptance test.
Adolescents' mutual acculturation attitudes and their association with national self-identification in three Swiss cantons
Authors: Sidler Petra
Published: June 2023

Acculturation is a mutual process, meaning that members of minority as well as majority groups acculturate and thus experience cultural and psychological changes when having intercultural contact. This study assessed mutual acculturation attitudes in the school context through a four-dimensional measurement examining attitudes toward (1) migration background students' heritage culture maintenance and their (2) dominant culture adoption, (3) majority students' intercultural knowledge acquisition, and (4) schools' intercultural contact endorsement. Acculturation attitudes are commonly analyzed through minority and majority perspectives; however, the ways in which researchers categorize group members can differ significantly from how those members self-identify. This matters particularly for adolescents because they explore group identities and belongings. So far, adolescents'mutual acculturation attitudeshave not been studied in relation to national self-identification measures. The current study addressed this research gap by analyzing mutual acculturation attitudes in relation to how strongly adolescents self-identify as (1) being Swiss, (2) having a migration background, and (3) the interaction of the two. The sample consisted of 319 adolescents in public secondary schools in three German-speaking cantons in Switzerland (45% female,Mage= 13.60 years, range 12–16). Latent profile analyses resulted in three distinct mutual acculturation profiles. The first is amutual integration profile(n= 147, 46%), where minority and majority adolescents and schools are expected to integrate. The second is amulticulturalismprofile (n= 137, 43%), with slightly lower expectations in all dimensions. The third is acultural distancingprofile (n= 33, 10%), which places particularly low expectations on majority adolescents and schools. Through an analysis of variance and a multiple logistic regression, those in thecultural distancingprofile were found to identify significantly stronger as not having a migration background compared to those in themutual integrationprofile. Thus, students having separation expectations toward minority students and non-involvement expectations toward schools and majority students are more likely to self-identify as not having a migration background than students having mutual integration expectations.
Wearable technology may assist in reducing jockeys' injuries if integrated into their safety vests: a qualitative study
Authors: Giusti Gestri Lisa
Published: June 2023

While the term “safety vests” has been used to capture these products to reduce the potential for harm in jockeys under the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) umbrella, much of the research in this area has focused on factors typically echoing health, well-being, physiological and cognitive function, and performance of horse riders with very little work about examining how its design may reduce the severity of jockeys' injuries. Due to the recent advances in technology and wearable sensors, the author considered a qualitative study focusing on the analysis of a real-life example involving end and co-dependent users in the design development of jockeys' safety vests. This little article offers an overview of the most popular jockeys' injuries, why there is a need for better protection, and also describes how data were collected and present a summary of the key findings to encourage future research in this field, aiming to create a new prototype. High-impact sports may potentially create severe injuries or deaths to athletes: thus, there is a strong faith in the application of wearable sensor data and data science to also enhance jockeys' safety vest performance.
Current data and modeling bottlenecks for predicting crop yields in the United Kingdom
Authors: Corcoran Evangeline , Afshar Mehdi , Curceac Stelian , Lashkari Azam , Raza Muhammad Mohsin , Ahnert Sebastian , Mead Andrew , Morris Richard
Published: June 2023

Identifying and implementing management actions that can mitigate the impacts of climate change on domestically grown crops is crucial to maintaining future food security for the United Kingdom (UK). Crop models serve as critical tools for assessing the potential impacts of climate change and making decisions regarding crop management. However, there is often a gap between yields predicted by current modeling methods and observed yields. This has been linked to a sparsity of models that investigate crop yield beyond field scale or that include data on crop management or crop protection factors. It remains unclear whether the lack of available data imposes these limitations or if the currently available data presents untapped opportunities to extend models to better capture the complex ecosystem of factors affecting crop yield. In this paper, we synthesize available data on plant physiology, management, and protection practices for agricultural crops in the UK, as well as associated data on climate and soil conditions. We then compare the available data to the variables used to predict crop yield using current modeling methods. We find there is a lack of openly accessible crop management and crop plant physiology data, particularly for crops other than wheat, which could limit improvements in current crop models. Conversely, data that was found to be available at large scales on climate and soil conditions could be used to explore upscaling of current approaches beyond the field level, and available data on crop protection factors could be integrated into existing models to better account for how disease, insect pest and weed pressures may impact crop yield under different climate scenarios. We conclude that while a lack of available data on crop management, protection, physiology, at scales other than field level, and for species other than wheat currently hampers advancement of modeling methods for UK crops, future investment into data collection and management across a broader range of factors affecting crops, at larger scales and for a broader range of crop species could improve predictions of crop plant development and yield.
CIRS-LAS – a novel approach to increase transparency in laboratory animal science for improving animal welfare by reducing laboratory animal distress
Authors: Enkelmann Astrid , Bischoff Sabine J.
Published: June 2023

The 3Rs principle is highly topical in animal-based research. These include, above all, new scientific methods for conducting experiments without an animal model, by using non-animal models (Replace), reducing the number of laboratory animals (Reduction) or taking measures to keep the stress on the laboratory animal as low as possible (Refinement). Despite numerous modern alternative approaches, the complete replacement of animal experiments is not yet possible.

The exchange in the team about the daily work with laboratory animals, about open questions and problems, contributes to a reflection of one’s own work and to a better understanding of the work of the others. CIRS-LAS (Critical Incident Reporting System in Laboratory Animal Science) represents a reporting system for incidents in laboratory animal science. It is urgently needed because the lack of transparency about incidents leads to the repetition of failed experiments. Negative experiences from animal-based experiments are often not mentioned in publications, and the fear of hostility is still very high. Therefore, a constructive approach to errors is not a matter of course. To overcome this barrier, CIRS-LAS was created as a web-based database. It addresses the areas of reduction and refinement of the 3Rs principle by providing a platform to collect and analyze incidents. CIRS-LAS is open to all individuals working with laboratory animals worldwide and currently exists with 303 registered members, 52 reports, and an average of 71 visitors per month.

The development of CIRS-LAS shows, that an open and constructive error culture is difficult to establish. Nevertheless, the upload of a case report or the search in the database leads to an active reflection of critical occurrences. Thus, it is an important step towards more transparency in laboratory animal science. As expected, the collected events in the database concern different categories and animal species and are primarily reported by persons involved in an experiment. However, reliable conclusions about observed effects require further analysis and continuous collection of case reports. Looking at the development of CIRS-LAS, its high potential is shown in considering the 3Rs principle in daily scientific work.
Estimation of genetic parameters of pig reproductive traits
Authors: Yang Yiting , Gan Mailin , Yang Xidi , Zhu Peng , Luo Yi , Liu Bin , Zhu Kangping , Cheng Wenqiang , Chen Lei , Zhao Ye , Niu Lili , Wang Yan , Zhang Hui , Wang Jingyong , Shen Linyuan , Zhu Li
Published: June 2023

Introduction

In this study, we aimed to estimate the genetic parameters of the reproductive traits in three popular commercial pig breeds: Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire. Additionally, we evaluated the factors that influence these traits.

Method

We collected data from a large number of litters, including 1,887 Duroc, 21,787 Landrace, and 74,796 Yorkshire litters. Using the ASReml-R software to analyze 11 traits, which included: total number of pigs born (TNB); number of piglets born alive (NBA); number of piglets born healthy (NBH); number of piglets born weak (NBW); number of new stillborn piglets (NS); number of old stillborn piglets (OS); number of piglets born with malformation (NBM); number of mummified piglets (NM); total litter birthweight (LBW); litter average weight (LAW); duration of gestational period (GP). We investigated the effects of 4 fixed factors on the genetic parameters of these traits.

Results

Among the 11 reproductive-related traits, the gestational period belonged to the medium heritability traits (0.251–0.430), while remaining traits showed low heritability, ranging from 0.005 to 0.159. TNB, NBA, NBH, LBW had positive genetic correlation (0.737 ~ 0.981) and phenotype correlation (0.711 ~ 0.951). There was a negative genetic correlation between NBW and LAW (−0.452 ~ −0.978) and phenotypic correlation (−0.380 ~ −0.873). LBW was considered one of the most reasonable reproductive traits that could be used for breeding improvement. Repeatability of the three varieties was within the range of 0.000–0.097. In addition, the fixed effect selected in this study had a significant effect on Landrace and Yorkshire (p < 0.05).

Discussion

We found a positive correlation between LBW and TNB, NBA, and NBH, suggesting the potential for multi-trait association breeding. Factors such as farm, farrowing year, breeding season, and parity should be taken into consideration in practical production, as they may impact the reproductive performance of breeding pigs.
Grade Group accuracy is improved by extensive prostate biopsy sampling, but unrelated to prostatectomy specimen sampling or use of immunohistochemistry
Authors: Korpás Kristóf Levente , Beke Lívia , Varga Dániel , Bidiga László , Méhes Gábor , Molnár Sarolta
Published: June 2023

Assessing the accurate Grade Group of a prostate needle biopsy specimen is essential for choosing the adequate therapeutic modality for prostate cancer patients. However, it is well-known that biopsy Grade Group tends to up- or downgrade significantly at radical prostatectomy. We aimed to investigate the correlation between accuracy and biopsy core number, performed immunohistochemical staining (IHC) or prostatectomy specimen sampling, with the latest also being correlated with higher detection rates of adverse pathological features, e.g., positive surgical margins, higher pathological stage or presence of perineural invasion (PnI status). The study cohort consisted of 315 consecutive patients diagnosed with prostate adenocarcinoma via transrectal ultrasound-guided needle biopsy who later underwent radical prostatectomy. We grouped and compared patients based on Grade Group accuracy, presence of IHC on biopsy, margin status, pathological stage, and PnI status. Inter-observer reproducibility was also calculated. Statistical analyzes included ANOVA, Tukey’s multiple comparisons post hoc test, Chi-squared test, and Fleiss kappa statistics. Undergraded cases harboured a significantly lower number of biopsy cores (p < 0.05), than accurately graded cases. Using IHC did not affect grading accuracy significantly, nor did the number of slides from prostatectomy specimens. The mean number of slides was virtually identical when margin status, pathological stage and PnI status of prostatectomy specimens were compared. Inter-observer reproducibility at our institute was calculated as fair (overall kappa = 0.29). Grade Group accuracy is significantly improved by obtaining more cores at biopsy but is unrelated to performed IHC. The extent of sampling prostatectomy specimens, however, did not affect accuracy and failed to significantly improve detection of adverse pathological features.
Probability Density Estimation through Nonparametric Adaptive Partitioning and Stitching
Authors: Merino Zach D. , Farmer Jenny , Jacobs Donald J.
Published: June 2023

We present a novel nonparametric adaptive partitioning and stitching (NAPS) algorithm to estimate a probability density function (PDF) of a single variable. Sampled data is partitioned into blocks using a branching tree algorithm that minimizes deviations from a uniform density within blocks of various sample sizes arranged in a staggered format. The block sizes are constructed to balance the load in parallel computing as the PDF for each block is independently estimated using the nonparametric maximum entropy method (NMEM) previously developed for automated high throughput analysis. Once all block PDFs are calculated, they are stitched together to provide a smooth estimate throughout the sample range. Each stitch is an averaging process over weight factors based on the estimated cumulative distribution function (CDF) and a complementary CDF that characterize how data from flanking blocks overlap. Benchmarks on synthetic data show that our PDF estimates are fast and accurate for sample sizes ranging from 29 to 227, across a diverse set of distributions that account for single and multi-modal distributions with heavy tails or singularities. We also generate estimates by replacing NMEM with kernel density estimation (KDE) within blocks. Our results indicate that NAPS(NMEM) is the best-performing method overall, while NAPS(KDE) improves estimates near boundaries compared to standard KDE.
Combined Experimental and Numerical Investigation of a Hypersonic Turbulent Boundary Layer by Means of FLDI and Large-Eddy Simulations
Authors: Camillo Giannino Ponchio , Wagner Alexander , Toki Takahiko , Scalo Carlo
Published: June 2023

This work investigates a hypersonic turbulent boundary layer over a 7° half angle cone at a wall-to-total temperature ratio of 0.1, M∞=7.4 and Re∞m=4.2×106 m−1, in terms of density fluctuations and the convection velocity of density disturbances. Experimental shock tunnel data are collected using a multi-foci Focused Laser Differential Interferometer (FLDI) to probe the boundary layer at several heights. In addition, a high-fidelity, time-resolved Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) of the conical flowfield under the experimentally observed free stream conditions is conducted. The experimentally measured convection velocity of density disturbances is found to follow literature data of pressure disturbances. The spectral distributions evidence the presence of regions with well-defined power laws that are present in pressure spectra. A framework to combine numerical and experimental observations without requiring complex FLDI post-processing strategies is explored using a computational FLDI (cFLDI) on the numerical solution for direct comparisons. Frequency bounds of 160 kHz <f<1 MHz are evaluated in consideration of the constraining conditions of both experimental and numerical data. Within these limits, the direct comparisons yield good agreement. Furthermore, it is verified that in the present case, the cFLDI algorithm may be replaced with a simple line integral on the numerical solution.
The Accuracy and Computational Efficiency of the Loewner Framework for the System Identification of Mechanical Systems
Authors: Dessena Gabriele , Civera Marco , Ignatyev Dmitry I. , Whidborne James F. , Zanotti Fragonara Luca , Chiaia Bernardino
Published: June 2023

The Loewner framework has recently been proposed for the system identification of mechanical systems, mitigating the limitations of current frequency domain fitting processes for the extraction of modal parameters. In this work, the Loewner framework computational performance, in terms of the elapsed time till identification, is assessed. This is investigated on a hybrid, numerical and experimental dataset against two well-established system identification methods (least-squares complex exponential, LSCE, and subspace state space system identification, N4SID). Good results are achieved, in terms of better accuracy than LSCE and better computational performance than N4SID.
Design of a Teat Cup Attachment Robot for Automatic Milking Systems
Authors: Wang Chengjun , Ding Fan , Ling Liuyi , Li Shaoqiang
Published: June 2023

Automatic milking systems (AMSs) for medium and large dairy farms in China require manual assistance to attach the teat cup, which greatly affects the milking efficiency and labor costs. In this regard, it is necessary to realize the automatic completion of cow teat attachment work. To address this issue, the authors developed a teat cup attachment robot for an AMS based on the theory of the solution of inventive problems (TRIZ). Specifically, we developed an enhanced algorithm for teat detection and designed a six-degree-of-freedom manipulator with integrated drive control. The design parameters were simulated and analyzed to validate their efficacy, while the rationality of the manipulator’s movement during teat cup attachment was verified. The maximum displacement and angle error of the cup was 1.625 mm and 1.216 mm, respectively, as verified by the teat cup attachment error test. A dynamic response test showed that the manipulator could follow the teat of the cow in real time. The attachment time for teat cups was 21 s per cow, with a success rate of 98%. The performance of the teat cup attachment robot was capable of meeting the automatic attachment teat cup needs for medium and large dairy farms during milking.
Reducing Deep Percolation Losses Using a Geotextile Layer at Different Soil Depths and Irrigation Levels for Lettuce Crop (Lactuca sativa L. var. capitata) (Limor)
Authors: Abdelbaset Marwa M. , Dewedar Osama M. , Youssef Ebtessam A. , Molina-Martinez José Miguel , El-Shafie Ahmed F.
Published: June 2023

Due to rising food demand and the limitation of water resources, achieving water security is essential. The lettuce crop is affected when grown under limited water supplies as it produces small heads, especially during the late growing stage. For this reason, it is important to maximize water use efficiency and crop productivity. Two successive experiments were conducted during 2021 and 2022 to reduce losses via deep percolation using a geotextile layer at different soil depths under different irrigation levels of the lettuce crop (Lactuca sativa L. var. capitata). This study aims to reduce water losses due to deep percolation and improve crop growth and yield parameters for iceberg lettuce under subsurface drip irrigation in sandy loam soil conditions. In order to achieve these aims, different amounts of irrigation (100, 80, and 60% of crop evapotranspiration “ETc”) and a geotextile layer at different soil depths (20, 30, and 40 cm from the soil surface) were used. The results revealed that the use of a geotextile layer with 20 and 30 cm depths significantly improved irrigation application efficiency and noticeably increased soil water content in the root zone. The observed results during both seasons showed that geotextile layers at 20, 30, and 40 cm depths under irrigation of 100% ETc significantly increased vegetative growth characteristics (plant height, head diameter, head circumference, head volume, plant fresh weight, and leaf area) and crop productivity compared to the control (without geotextile). In particular, the geotextile layer at a 30 cm depth under irrigation of 100% of ETc was the most statistically effective treatment in this study, with yield values of 69.3 and 67.5 t ha−1 in the two seasons, respectively. However, the treatments of geotextile layers at 20 and 30 cm depths under irrigation of 80% of ETc also recorded statistically effective results for crop growth parameters and yield in this study. In general, geotextiles can be used at different depths as an irrigation management practice to reduce deep percolation in the field.
Ecological Interaction in the Proliferation of Phytoparasitic Nematodes in Coffee var. Typica
Authors: Morales-Aranibar Luis , Yucra Francisca Elena Yucra , Estrada Nivia Marisol Pilares , Salcedo Eliseo Pumacallahui , Morales-Aranibar Carlos , Gutiérrez Nataniel Linares , Aguilar Oscar Mamani , Chura Richar Marlon Mollinedo , Contreras Wilberth Caviedes , Aguilera Jorge González , Zuffo Alan Mario , Bernardo Janaina Tauil
Published: June 2023

Phytoparasitic nematodes are a common problem in coffee production worldwide. In Peru, the proliferation of phytoparasitic nematodes in Coffea arabica L. var. Typica has negative impacts on coffee production and huge economic losses. The objective of this study was to determine the ecological interactions that influence the proliferation of phytoparasitic nematodes in C. arabica var. Typica in Quillabamba, Cusco, Peru. The density of phytoparasitic nematodes in the soil and root was evaluated using the modified Baermann channel method. Identification of genera and species of phytoparasitic nematodes was carried out in the different samples, based on descriptions and taxonomic keys. Physical and chemical parameters of the soil were evaluated. Principal component analysis (PCA) and a correlation network were employed to distribute the different species of nematodes. The variables soil texture, organic matter, pH, altitude, temperature and humidity were used. During the sampling, several genera of plant-parasitic nematodes were identified in addition to various categories of nematodes. Meloidogyne exigua, Pratylenchus coffeae, Allotrichodorus longispiculis and Helicotylenchus longicaudatus are among the specific species of nematodes identified. The genus with the highest incidence was Meloidogyne spp. with 77.3% in soil and 96% in roots, reaching an average density of 340 nematodes in 100 g of soil and 368 nematodes in 1 g of roots. The PCA results show that 63.7% of the variability of the data is retained in the first two components. PCA shows that the sampled areas were differentiated and grouped with the evaluated characteristics, while the nematodes overlap in the representation of the analysis, thus making it difficult to select them. Pearson’s correlation showed a negative correlation between altitude and soil nematode density (−0.22), suggesting that conditions at higher altitudes may be more unfavorable for nematode growth. In addition, a positive correlation was found between soil pH and organic matter (0.93, p < 0.001) and may influence nematode density. The factors that influence the density of nematodes in the soil and plant roots are multiple and complex, and their understanding is essential for the success of coffee production. The finding of the current study may be useful in the development of sustainable strategies for managing nematodes in coffee network production.
Effect of Phosphorus, Iron, Zinc, and Their Combined Deficiencies on Photosynthetic Characteristics of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Seedlings
Authors: Gao Dapeng , Ran Cheng , Dang Kun , Wang Xiaolei , Zhang Yunhe , Geng Yanqiu , Liu Shuying , Guan Zhengwen , Guo Liying , Shao Xiwen
Published: June 2023

Combined elemental deficiencies are more complex and insidious physiological metabolic responses than single elemental stresses. To determine the effects of phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and their deficient combinations on photosynthetic characteristics of rice seedlings, we investigated their effects on dry weight, chlorophyll (Chl) content, rapid photosynthetic carbon assimilation CO2 responses, and Chl fluorescence in four-week-old rice (CB9 and BJ1 cultivars) seedlings. The results showed that the dry matter, maximum carboxylation efficiency (Vc,max), and maximum electron transfer efficiency (Jmax) of seedlings were all reduced to different degrees under the element deficiency treatments. JIP-test analysis showed that the decrease in the concentration of active PSII reaction centers (RC/ABS) under -Zn treatment was the main reason for the inhibition of performance index PIABS. The -P treatment reduced RC/ABS and inhibited electron transfer (ψEo). Primary photochemical reactions (φPo) of -P-Zn treated seedlings were also inhibited compared to the -P treatment. The -Fe and -Fe-Zn treatments inhibited photosynthesis most severely, which not only reduced RC/ABS but also severely inhibited φPo and ψEo. Notably, the -P-Fe and -P-Fe-Zn treatments of the CB9 improved the RC/ABS, alleviating the limitation of Fe deficiency. These results help enhance the understanding of the complex relationship between nutrient balance and photosynthesis, especially for P, Fe, Zn, and their combined deficiency.
The Effect of Carbamazepine on Performance, Carcass Value, Hematological and Biochemical Blood Parameters, and Detection of Carbamazepine and Its Metabolites in Tissues, Internal Organs, and Body Fluids in Growing Rabbits
Authors: Zita Lukáš , Kurhan Sebnem , Krunt Ondřej , Chmelíková Eva , Kraus Adam , Čítek Jaroslav , Klouček Pavel , Stupka Roman
Published: June 2023

Antiepileptic drugs (e.g., carbamazepine; CBZ) are widely prescribed for various conditions beyond epilepsy, including neurologic and psychiatric disorders. These medications can have both favorable and unfavorable impacts on mood, anxiety, depression, and psychosis. CBZ has been found at low concentrations (in the unit of nanograms per liter) in rivers, surface water, and even drinking water. As a result, when reclaimed wastewater is used for irrigation in agricultural ecosystems, CBZ can be reintroduced into the environment. That is why we tested different doses of CBZ in rabbits’ feed as the meat is consumed in every community, has no religious barriers, and the potential risk of consuming meat which has been exposed to CBZ treatment is not known. Also, the evidence of the effect of CBZ on rabbits is missing. Mainly, the CBZ doses affected the count of leukocytes and other blood traits, meaning the higher the dose, the higher the reduction. Moreover, there were only low amounts of CBZ in rabbits’ meat or tissues when they were exposed to the treatment.
Male Reproductive Organ Weight: Criteria for Detection of Androstenone-Positive Carcasses in Immunocastrated and Entire Male Pigs
Authors: Fazarinc Gregor , Batorek-Lukač Nina , Škrlep Martin , Poklukar Klavdija , Van den Broeke Alice , Kress Kevin , Labussière Etienne , Stefanski Volker , Vrecl Milka , Čandek-Potokar Marjeta
Published: June 2023

Immunocastration and rearing of entire males (EMs) are sustainable alternatives to surgical castration. However, these animal carcasses have variable risk of boar taint and should be identified at the slaughter line. We aimed to identify a simple and reliable indicator of androstenone-related boar taint by evaluating pelvic urogenital tract weight as a marker of boar-taint animals at the slaughter line. The pelvic urogenital tract, testes, and accessory sex glands of EMs and immunocastrates (ICs) were collected, dissected, and weighed, before colorimetric measurements of testicular tissue. Additionally, GnRH antibody titers and testosterone, androstenone, and skatole levels were determined. Our results showed that 81.8% of EMs had androstenone levels above the risk threshold (>0.5 µg/g fat; EM/Ahigh subgroup), whereas in ICs, the C/Ahigh subgroup with androstenone >0.5 µg/g fat accounted for only 4.3%. Androstenone levels correlated negatively with GnRH antibody titers and positively with testosterone levels and reproductive organ weights. Identification of ICs with androstenone levels above the threshold (IC/Ahigh subgroup) may be achieved via testes or pelvic urogenital tract weight measurements. However, in EMs, the latter is a more reliable parameter. A principal component analysis based on these variables and hierarchical clustering also distinguished the Ahigh from the Alow subgroup, irrespective of IC/EM. The findings highlight the possible use of pelvic urogenital tract weight along with testes weight as a simple, reliable, and efficient morphometric indicator for identifying androstenone-positive carcasses of different sex categories.
The Use of Phage Cocktail and Various Antibacterial Agents in Combination to Prevent the Emergence of Phage Resistance
Authors: Duc Hoang Minh , Zhang Yu , Hoang Son Minh , Masuda Yoshimitsu , Honjoh Ken-Ichi , Miyamoto Takahisa
Published: June 2023

Bacterial food poisoning cases due to Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 have been linked with the consumption of a variety of food products, threatening public health around the world. This study describes the combined effects of a phage cocktail (STG2, SEG5, and PS5), EDTA, nisin, and polylysine against the bacterial cocktail consisting of S. typhimurium, S. enteritidis, and E. coli O157:H7. Overall, phage cocktail (alone or in combination with nisin or/and polylysine) not only showed great antibacterial effects against bacterial cocktail at different temperatures (4 °C, 24 °C, and 37 °C), but also totally inhibited the emergence of phage resistance during the incubation period. These results suggest that the combination of phages with nisin or/and polylysine has great potential to simultaneously control S. typhimurium, S. enteritidis, and E. coli O157:H7.
Whey Improves In Vitro Endothelial Mitochondrial Function and Metabolic Redox Status in Diabetic State
Authors: Martino Elisa , Luce Amalia , Balestrieri Anna , Mele Luigi , Anastasio Camilla , D’Onofrio Nunzia , Balestrieri Maria Luisa , Campanile Giuseppe
Published: June 2023

Endothelial dysfunction plays a critical role in the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), leading to cardiovascular complications. Current preventive antioxidant strategies to reduce oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial function in T2DM highlight dietary interventions as a promising approach, stimulating the deepening of knowledge of food sources rich in bioactive components. Whey (WH), a dairy by-product with a considerable content of bioactive compounds (betaines and acylcarnitines), modulates cancer cell metabolism by acting on mitochondrial energy metabolism. Here, we aimed at covering the lack of knowledge on the possible effect of WH on the mitochondrial function in T2DM. The results showed that WH improved human endothelial cell (TeloHAEC) function during the in vitro diabetic condition mimicked by treating cells with palmitic acid (PA) (0.1 mM) and high glucose (HG) (30 mM). Of note, WH protected endothelial cells from PA+HG-induced cytotoxicity (p < 0.01) and prevented cell cycle arrest, apoptotic cell death, redox imbalance, and metabolic alteration (p < 0.01). Moreover, WH counteracted mitochondrial injury and restored SIRT3 levels (p < 0.01). The SiRNA-mediated suppression of SIRT3 abolished the protective effects exerted by WH on the mitochondrial and metabolic impairment caused by PA+HG. These in vitro results reveal the efficacy of whey as a redox and metabolic modulator in the diabetic state and pave the way for future studies to consider whey as the source of dietary bioactive molecules with health benefits in preventive strategies against chronic diseases.
Lactobacillus sp. Facilitate the Repair of DNA Damage Caused by Bile-Induced Reactive Oxygen Species in Experimental Models of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Bernard Joshua N. , Chinnaiyan Vikram , Almeda Jasmine , Catala-Valentin Alma , Andl Claudia D.
Published: June 2023

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) leads to the accumulation of bile-induced reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress in esophageal tissues, causing inflammation and DNA damage. The progression sequence from healthy esophagus to GERD and eventually cancer is associated with a microbiome shift. Lactobacillus species are commensal organisms known for their probiotic and antioxidant characteristics in the healthy esophagus. This prompted us to investigate how Lactobacilli survive in a bile-rich environment during GERD, and to identify their interaction with the bile-injured esophageal cells. To model human reflux conditions, we exposed three Lactobacillus species (L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, and L. fermentum) to bile. All species were tolerant to bile possibly enabling them to colonize the esophageal epithelium under GERD conditions. Next, we assessed the antioxidant potential of Lactobacilli and role in bile injury repair: we measured bile-induced DNA damage using the ROS marker 8-oxo guanine and COMET assay. Lactobacillus addition after bile injury accelerated repair of bile-induced DNA damage through recruitment of pH2AX/RAD51 and reduced NFκB-associated inflammation in esophageal cells. This study demonstrated anti-genotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects of Lactobacilli, making them of significant interest in the prevention of Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma in patients with GERD.
Temperature-Controlled Hyperthermia with Non-Invasive Temperature Monitoring through Speed of Sound Imaging
Authors: Wang Haoyang , Sun Yuchen , Wang Yuxin , Chen Ying , Ge Yun , Yuan Jie , Carson Paul
Published: June 2023

Hyperthermia therapy (HT) is used to treat diseases through heating of high temperature usually in conjunction with some other medical therapeutics such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In this study, we propose a promising temperature-controlled hyperthermia method that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for clinical tumor treatment combined with diagnostic ultrasound image guidance and non-invasive temperature monitoring through speed of sound (SOS) imaging. HIFU heating is realized by a ring ultrasound transducer array with 256 elements. In this study, tumors in the human thigh were set as heating targets. The inner structure information of thigh tissue is obtained by B-mode ultrasound imaging. Since the relationship between temperature and SOS in different human tissue is available, the temperature detection is converted to the SOS detection obtained by the full-wave inversion (FWI) method. Simulation results show that our model can achieve expected hyperthermia of constant temperature on tumor target with 0.2 °C maximum temperature fluctuation for 5 h. Through simulation, our proposed thermal therapy model achieves accurate temperature control of ±0.2 °C in human thigh tumors, which verifies the feasibility of the proposed temperature-controlled hyperthermia model. Furthermore, the temperature measurement can share the same ring ultrasound transducer array for HIFU heating and B-mode ultrasound imaging, which provides a guiding significance for clinical application.
Kinetic and Kinematic Analysis of Gait Termination: A Comparison between Planned and Unplanned Conditions
Authors: Kwon Chae-Won , Yun Seong-Ho , Koo Dong-Kyun , Kwon Jung-Won
Published: June 2023

Purpose: Gait termination (GT) is the transition from steady-state walking to a complete stop, occurring under planned gait termination (PGT) or unplanned gait termination (UGT) conditions. This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical differences between PGT and UGT, which could help develop therapeutic interventions for individuals experiencing difficulty with GT. Methods: Twenty healthy adults performed three walking trials, followed by PGT and UGT trials. Gait termination was analyzed in three phases as follows: Phase 1 (pre-stopping), Phase 2 (initial stopping phase), and Phase 3 (terminal stopping phase). Spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic data during each phase were compared between conditions. Results: The GT time and GT step length were significantly different between the PGT and UGT trials. Ankle range of motion (ROM) demonstrated significant differences in Phase 1, with the PGT having a slightly lower ankle ROM than the UGT. In Phase 2, the hip, knee, and ankle ROM exhibited significant differences between the conditions. Finally, in Phase 3, UGT showed reduced hip ROM but increased knee ROM and kinetic parameters compared to PGT. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the ankle joint primarily contributes to deceleration during the initial preparation for generating braking force during PGT. Conversely, UGT reveals disrupted kinesthetic control due to instability, leading to a preference for a hip and knee strategy to absorb force and control the center of mass for a safe and rapid GT in response to unexpected stimuli. These findings provide valuable insights into the biomechanical mechanisms underlying body stability during GT and may contribute to the development of effective rehabilitation strategies for individuals with gait impairment.
Noncovalent Adsorption of Single-Stranded and Double-Stranded DNA on the Surface of Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Gorbunova Ekaterina A. , Epanchintseva Anna V. , Pyshnyi Dmitrii V. , Pyshnaya Inna A.
Published: June 2023

Understanding the patterns of noncovalent adsorption of double-stranded nucleic acids (dsDNA) on gold nanoparticles (GNPs) was the aim of this study. It was found that the high-affinity motifs in DNA can and do act as an “anchor” for the fixation of the whole molecule on the GNP (up to 98 ± 2 single-stranded (ss)DNA molecules per particle with diameter of 13 ± 2 nm). At the same time, the involvement of an “anchor” in the intramolecular DNA interaction can negatively affect the efficiency of the formation of ss(ds)DNA–GNP structures. It has been shown that the interaction of GNP with DNA duplexes is accompanied by their dissociation and competitive adsorption of ssDNAs on GNP, wherein the crucial factor of DNA adsorption efficiency is the intrinsic affinity of ssDNA to GNP. We propose a detailed scheme for the interaction of dsDNA with GNPs, which should be taken into account in studies of this type. Researchers focused on this field should accept the complicated nature of such objects and take into account the many competing processes, including the processes of adsorption and desorption of DNA on gold as well as the formation of secondary structures by individual DNA strands.
Aerodynamic Characteristics Analysis of Rectifier Drum of High-Speed Train Environmental Monitoring Devices
Authors: Li Baowang , Wang Xiaobing , Wu Junqiang , Tao Yang , Xiong Neng
Published: June 2023

To study the aerodynamic characteristics of the convex structure of a surface-monitoring device on a high-speed train and to evaluate its impact on the aerodynamic performance of the high-speed train, numerical simulation research was conducted on three different layouts of the monitoring device. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method was used for the simulation study, and the unsteady compressible NS equation was used as the control equation. Hexagonal grid technology was used to reduce the demand for the grid quantity. The rationality of the grid size and layout was verified through grid independence research. To increase the accuracy of the numerical simulation, the γ-Reθ transition model and improved delayed detached eddy simulation (IDDES) method were coupled for the simulation research. The aerodynamic characteristics of the different operation directions and configurations were compared and analyzed. The research results showed that the windward side of the single pantograph detection device experienced positive pressure, and the sideline and leeward sides experienced negative pressure. Increasing the fillet radius of the sideline could appropriately reduce the aerodynamic resistance. When the speed was about 110 m/s, the drag force coefficient of the detection device was 210~410 N, and the lateral force was small, which means that it had little impact on the overall aerodynamic force of the train. According to the results of the unsteady analysis of the layout with a large space, the resistance during forward travel was greater than that during negative travel. The streamlined upwind surface was conducive to reducing the scope of the leeward separation zone and the amplitude of the pressure fluctuation in the leeward zone, and it thus reduced the resistance. For the running trains, a vortex was formed on their leeward surface. The pressure monitoring results showed that the separated airflow had no dominant frequency or energy peak. The possibility of the following train top and other components experiencing resonance damage is low.
Machine Learning Algorithms for Raw and Unbalanced Intrusion Detection Data in a Multi-Class Classification Problem
Authors: Bacevicius Mantas , Paulauskaite-Taraseviciene Agne
Published: June 2023

Various machine learning algorithms have been applied to network intrusion classification problems, including both binary and multi-class classifications. Despite the existence of numerous studies involving unbalanced network intrusion datasets, such as CIC-IDS2017, a prevalent approach is to address the issue by either merging the classes to optimize their numbers or retaining only the most dominant ones. However, there is no consistent trend showing that accuracy always decreases as the number of classes increases. Furthermore, it is essential for cybersecurity practitioners to recognize the specific type of attack and comprehend the causal factors that contribute to the resulting outcomes. This study focuses on tackling the challenges associated with evaluating the performance of multi-class classification for network intrusions using highly imbalanced raw data that encompasses the CIC-IDS2017 and CSE-CIC-IDS2018 datasets. The research concentrates on investigating diverse machine learning (ML) models, including Logistic Regression, Random Forest, Decision Trees, CNNs, and Artificial Neural Networks. Additionally, it explores the utilization of explainable AI (XAI) methods to interpret the obtained results. The results obtained indicated that decision trees using the CART algorithm performed best on the 28-class classification task, with an average macro F1-score of 0.96878.