bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radix Puerarin Extract (Puerarin) Could Improve Meat Quality of Heat-Stressed Beef Cattle Through Changing Muscle Antioxidant Ability and Fiber Characteristics
Authors: Li Yanjiao , Shang Hanle , Zhao Xianghui , Qu Mingren , Peng Tao , Guo Beibei , Hu Yiqing , Song Xiaozhen
Published: January 2021

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Puerarin on meat quality, muscle antioxidant ability, and muscle fiber characteristics of beef cattle under a hot environment in summer. Thirty-two 15 ± 1.5-month-old Jinjiang bulls (291.65 ± 8.84 kg) were randomly divided into four groups with dietary Puerarin at 0 (control), 200 (Pue200), 400 (Pue400), and 800 (Pue800) mg/kg in the feed concentrate (n = 8). The feeding trial lasted for 60 days after a 10-day adaptation period (July 1–September 8); the average values of temperature, relative humidity and temperature, and humidity index were 30.68°C, 68.05%, and 81.81, respectively. The growth performance on day 40 of the experiment period was calculated. After 60 days' experimental period, four Jinjiang cattle per treatment from the control group, Pue400 group, and Pue800 group were slaughtered. Compared with the control group, the Pue400 and Pue800 groups improved the growth performance of beef cattle; the Pue800 group elevated the activities of superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and glutathione peroxidase in the M. longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle. In the control group, the cell membrane was incomplete, and most of the mitochondria were elongated and in a fission state, while in the Pue400 and Pue800 groups, the cell membrane was clear and complete, and the mitochondria presented with round and oval shapes. Compared with the control group, the Pue400 and Pue800 groups reduced the shear force of the LT muscle, and the Pue400 group decreased the muscle fiber diameter and the myosin heavy-chain (MyHC)-IIb gene expression. Furthermore, the Pue400 and Pue800 groups decreased the ratio of AMP/ATP, the Pue800 group reduced the AMP-activated protein kinase α2 mRNA expression, and the Pue400 group improved the nuclear respiratory factor 1 mRNA expression. These results indicated that dietary supplementation with Puerarin might be beneficial to the meat quality of heat-stressed beef cattle by improving muscle antioxidant ability and reducing the MyHC-IIb muscle fiber composition. Based on the results of this study, we recommended 400 mg/kg Puerarin in the feed concentrate of beef cattle (~300 kg) for mitigation of heat stress.
Asian Admixture in European Echinococcus multilocularis Populations: New Data From Poland Comparing EmsB Microsatellite Analyses and Mitochondrial Sequencing
Authors: Umhang Gérald , Knapp Jenny , Wassermann Marion , Bastid Vanessa , Peytavin de Garam Carine , Boué Franck , Cencek Tomasz , Romig Thomas , Karamon Jacek
Published: January 2021

The cestode Echinococcus multilocularis is the causative agent of a severe zoonotic disease: alveolar echinococcosis (AE). The parasite is distributed over a vast area in northern Eurasia and North America, but the impact of AE on human health is highly uneven between different regions. One hypothetical reason for this difference in virulence may be the genetic structure of E. multilocularis which—based on mitochondrial sequences and EmsB microsatellite profiles—forms four distinct clades. These clades correspond approximately to their continents of origin: Asia, Europe, and North America, with a fourth clade apparently restricted to Mongolia and neighboring regions, even though this clade has not yet been described by EmsB genotyping. However, there are various records of genetic variants from the “wrong” region, e.g., “European” haplotypes in Western Canada, which may be the result of introduction or natural migration of host animals. One such example, prompting this study, is the recent record of an “Asian” mitochondrial haplotype in worms from foxes in Poland. At the time, this could not be confirmed by EmsB microsatellite analysis, a method that has proven to possess greater discriminatory power with the E. multilocularis nuclear genome than sequencing of mitochondrial markers. Therefore, worms collected from foxes in Poland were examined both by EmsB analysis and sequencing of the full mitochondrial cox1 gene in order to allocate the samples to the European or Asian cluster. Based on EmsB analyses of 349 worms from 97 Polish red foxes, 92% of the worms clearly showed “European-type” EmsB profiles, but 27 worms (8%) from seven foxes showed profiles that clustered with samples of Asian origin. According to cox1 sequences, a total of 18 worms from 8 foxes belonged to the Asian cluster of haplotypes. The two methods did not fully agree: only 13 worms from three foxes belonged to Asian clusters by both EmsB and cox1, whereas 18 worms from nine foxes belonged to different clusters, according to each marker. Cross-fertilization between worms of Asian origin and those from the European Polish population may explain these conflicting results. The presence of clearly Asian elements in the Polish E. multilocularis population could be the result of introduction of E. multilocularis with host animals (e.g., domestic dogs), or the migration of foxes. In the absence of genetic data from eastern European countries, especially those bordering Poland, it cannot be concluded whether this Asian admixture is typical for a larger area toward central/eastern Europe, or the Polish parasite population is the western extreme of a gradient where both European and Asian elements mingle. Further studies are needed on this subject, preferably using both mitochondrial sequencing and EmsB microsatellite analysis.
High-Speed, Helical and Self-Coiled Dielectric Polymer Actuator
Authors: Mersch Johannes , Koenigsdorff Markus , Nocke Andreas , Cherif Chokri , Gerlach Gerald
Published: January 2021

Novel actuator materials are necessary to advance the field of soft robotics. However, since current solutions are limited in terms of strain, strain rate, or robustness, a new actuator type was developed. In its basic configuration, this actuator consisted of four layers and self-coiled into a helix after pre-stretching. The actuator principle was a dielectric polymer actuator. Instead of an elastomer, a thin thermoplastic film, in this case polyethylene, was used as the dielectric and the typically low potential strain was amplified more than 40 times by the helical set-up. In a hot press, the thermoplastic film was joined together with layers of carbon black employed as electrodes and a highly elastic thermoplastic polyurethane film. Once the stack was laser cut into thin strips, they were then stretched over the polyethylene (PE) film’s limit of elasticity and released, thus forming a helix. The manufactured prototype showed a maximum strain of 2% while lifting six times its own weight at actuation frequencies of 3 Hz, which is equivalent to a strain rate of 12%/s. This shows the great potential of the newly developed actuator type. Nevertheless, materials, geometry as well as the manufacturing process are still subject to optimization.
Replacement of Fish Meal by Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal: Effects on Growth, Haematology, and Skin Mucus Immunity of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Tippayadara Nisarat , Dawood Mahmoud A. O. , Krutmuang Patcharin , Hoseinifar Seyed Hosseini , Doan Hien Van , Paolucci Marina
Published: January 2021

Fish meal (FM) is no longer a sustainable source for the increasing aquaculture industry. Animal proteins from insects may be used as a FM alternative source as long as they do not create adverse effects in fish. Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) was tested in a 12-week experiment on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Four hundred and twenty (14.77 ± 2.09 g) fish were divided into seven groups and were fed seven diets: control (0% BSFLM-100% FM), and FM replaced by BSFLM at rates of 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%. Growth indexes, feed utilization efficiency indices, feed intake, and survival rate were not significantly different (p > 0.05) between FM and BSFLM fed fish. Values of red blood cell, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume and hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell distribution width, and platelet values were not affected by BSFLM. Skin, mucus lysozyme, and peroxidase activities were improved in BSFLM fed fish. BSFLM can be used as a substitution for FM in the Nile tilapia (O. niloticus) diet at up to a 100% rate with no adverse effects.
Ruminal Lipopolysaccharides Analysis: Uncharted Waters with Promising Signs
Authors: Sarmikasoglou Efstathios , Faciola Antonio P.
Published: January 2021

The objective of this review is to present the need for the development of a comprehensive ruminal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) extraction, purification and analysis protocol and state hypotheses that could contribute to planning novel strategies against ruminal acidosis. Lipopolysaccharide is an immunostimulatory molecule of Gram-negative bacterial outer membranes and has been reported to contribute to ruminal acidosis in cattle. Bacterial death and lysis are normal processes, and thus LPS is normally present in ruminal fluid. However, ruminal LPS concentration is much greater during subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). Contrary to the widely known LPSs, ruminal LPS seems to be composed of a variety of LPS chemotypes that may interact with each other resulting in an LPS “mixture”. Hypotheses regarding the influence of each specific ruminal bacterial specie to innate immunity during SARA, and the representativeness of the exclusive use of the Escherichia coli LPS to rumen epithelial tissue challenges, could expand our knowledge regarding SARA. In addition, possible correlation between the monomeric Toll-like Receptor 4 (TRL4) and the antagonistic penta-acylated lipid A of LPS could contribute to novel strategies to tackle this nutrition disorder.
Anatomic Interactive Atlas of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) Head
Authors: Arencibia Alberto , Melián Aday , Orós Jorge
Published: January 2021

The head of the sea turtle is susceptible to congenital, developmental, traumatic, and infectious disorders. An accurate interpretation and thorough understanding of the anatomy of this region could be useful for veterinary practice on sea turtles. The purpose of this study was to develop an interactive two-dimensional (2D) atlas viewing software of the head of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) using images obtained via osteology, gross dissections, and computed tomography (CT). The atlas is composed of 10 osteology, 13 gross dissection, 10 sagittal multiplanar reconstructed CT (bone and soft tissue kernels), and 22 transverse CT (bone and soft tissue windows) images. All images were segmented and colored using ITK-SNAP software. The visualization and image assessment were performed using the Unity 3D platform to facilitate the development of interactive content in 2D. This atlas can be useful as an interactive anatomic resource for assessment of the head of loggerhead sea turtles.
Comparison of Growth Performance and Meat Quality Traits of Commercial Cross-Bred Pigs versus the Large Black Pig Breed
Authors: Wang Yongjie , Thakali Keshari , Morse Palika , Shelby Sarah , Chen Jinglong , Apple Jason , Huang Yan
Published: January 2021

The meat quality of different pig breeds is associated with their different muscle tissue physiological processes, which involves a large variety of genes related with muscle fat and energy metabolism. Understanding the differences of biological processes of muscle after slaughter is helpful to reveal the meat quality development of different breeds. Therefore, eight native Large Black pigs (BP), with high fat content in meat, and seven cross-bred commercial pigs (CP), which had a high feed efficiency with high lean meat, were used to investigate the differences in their meat quality and RNA transcriptomes. The average daily gain (ADG) and hot carcass weight (HCW) of CP were higher than BP, but the back-fat thickness of BP was higher than CP (p < 0.05). The CP had higher a* (redness) but lower h (hue angle) than BP (p < 0.05). The metmyoglobin (MMb) percentage of CP was higher (p < 0.05) than BP. The fat content and oxygen consumption of longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles in BP were higher (p < 0.05) than CP. BP had higher monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) content, but CP had higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content (p < 0.05). The RNA-seq data highlighted 201 genes differentially expressed between the two groups (corrected false discovery rate (FDR) p < 0.05), with 75 up-regulated and 126 down-regulated genes in BP compared with CP using the fold change (FC). The real-time PCR was used to validate the results of RNA-seq for eight genes, and the genes related to lipid and energy metabolism were highly expressed in BP (p < 0.05). Based on the results, BP had superior intramuscular fat content to CP, while the growth performance of CP was better, and the transcriptomic differences between these two groups of pigs may cause the meat quality and growth performance variance.
Phenolic Profiles, Antioxidant Activity and Phenotypic Characterization of Lonicera caerulea L. Berries, Cultivated in Lithuania
Authors: Raudonė Lina , Liaudanskas Mindaugas , Vilkickytė Gabrielė , Kviklys Darius , Žvikas Vaidotas , Viškelis Jonas , Viškelis Pranas
Published: January 2021

Lonicera caerulea L. is an early fruit-bearing plant that originates from harsh environments. Raw materials contain a body of different phenolic origin compounds that determine the multidirectional antioxidant and pharmacological activities. The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the phenolic composition, antioxidant capacities, vegetative, pomological, and sensory properties and their interrelations of selected L. caerulea cultivars, namely ‘Amphora’, ‘Wojtek’, ‘Iga’, ’Leningradskij Velikan’, ‘Nimfa’, ‘Indigo Gem’, ‘Tundra’, ‘Tola’, and fruit powders. Combined chromatographic systems were applied for the qualitative and quantitative profiling of 23 constituents belonging to the classes of anthocyanins, flavonols, flavones, proanthocyanidins, and phenolic acids. The determined markers of phytochemical profiles were cyanidin-3-glucoside, rutin, chlorogenic, and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid. Anthocyanins and the predominant compound, cyanidin-3-glucoside, were the determinants of antioxidant activity. Cultivars ‘Amphora’, ‘Indigo Gem’, and ‘Tundra’ contained the greatest total amounts of identified phenolic compounds. Phenotypic characterization revealed the superiority of cultivars ‘Wojtek’ and ’Tundra’ compared to other cultivars, although ’Wojtek’ had low phenolic content and antioxidant activity and ’Tundra’ got lower sensory evaluation scores. Coupling the results of phenotypic and phytochemical characterization, cultivar ‘Tundra’ could be suitable for commercial plantations.
Effect-Directed Profiling of Powdered Tea Extracts for Catechins, Theaflavins, Flavonols and Caffeine
Authors: Morlock Gertrud E. , Heil Julia , Inarejos-Garcia Antonio M. , Maeder Jens
Published: January 2021

The antioxidative activity of Camelia sinensis tea and especially powdered tea extracts on the market, among others used as added value in functional foods, can considerably vary due to not only natural variance, but also adulteration and falsification. Thus, an effect-directed profiling was developed to prove the functional effects or health-promoting claims. It took 3–12 min per sample, depending on the assay incubation time, for 21 separations in parallel. Used as a fast product quality control, it can detect known and unknown bioactive compounds. Twenty tea extracts and a reference mixture of 11-bioactive compounds were investigated in parallel under the same chromatographic conditions by a newly developed reversed phase high-performance thin-layer chromatographic method. In eight planar on-surface assays, effect-directed tea profiles were revealed. Catechins and theaflavins turned out to be not only highly active, but also multi-potent compounds, able to act in a broad range of metabolic pathways. The flavan-3-ols acted as radical scavengers (DPPH∙ assay), antibacterials against Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis bacteria, and inhibitors of tyrosinase, α-glucosidase, β-glucosidase, and acetylcholinesterase. Further effects against Gram-negative Aliivibrio fischeri bacteria and β-glucuronidase were assigned to other components in the powdered tea extracts. According to their specifications, the activity responses of the powdered tea extracts were higher than in mere leaf extracts of green, white and black tea. The multi-imaging and effect-directed profiling was not only able to identify known functional food ingredients, but also to detect unknown bioactive compounds (including bioactive contaminants, residues or adulterations).
Propagation of Mitochondria-Derived Reactive Oxygen Species within the Dipodascus magnusii Cells
Authors: Rogov Anton G. , Goleva Tatiana N. , Epremyan Khoren K. , Kireev Igor I. , Zvyagilskaya Renata A.
Published: January 2021

Mitochondria are considered to be the main source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cell. It was shown that in cardiac myocytes exposed to excessive oxidative stress, ROS-induced ROS release is triggered. However, cardiac myocytes have a network of densely packed organelles that do not move, which is not typical for the majority of eukaryotic cells. The purpose of this study was to trace the spatiotemporal development (propagation) of prooxidant-induced oxidative stress and its interplay with mitochondrial dynamics. We used Dipodascus magnusii yeast cells as a model, as they have advantages over other models, including a uniquely large size, mitochondria that are easy to visualize and freely moving, an ability to vigorously grow on well-defined low-cost substrates, and high responsibility. It was shown that prooxidant-induced oxidative stress was initiated in mitochondria, far preceding the appearance of generalized oxidative stress in the whole cell. For yeasts, these findings were obtained for the first time. Preincubation of yeast cells with SkQ1, a mitochondria-addressed antioxidant, substantially diminished production of mitochondrial ROS, while only slightly alleviating the generalized oxidative stress. This was expected, but had not yet been shown. Importantly, mitochondrial fragmentation was found to be primarily induced by mitochondrial ROS preceding the generalized oxidative stress development.
Uncertainty Handling in Structural Damage Detection via Non-Probabilistic Meta-Models and Interval Mathematics, a Data-Analytics Approach
Authors: Ghiasi Ramin , Noori Mohammad , Altabey Wael A. , Silik Ahmed , Wang Tianyu , Wu Zhishen
Published: January 2021

Recent advancements in sensor technology have resulted in the collection of massive amounts of measured data from the structures that are being monitored. However, these data include inherent measurement errors that often cause the assessment of quantitative damage to be ill-conditioned. Attempts to incorporate a probabilistic method into a model have provided promising solutions to this problem by considering the uncertainties as random variables, mostly modeled with Gaussian probability distribution. However, the success of probabilistic methods is limited due the lack of adequate information required to obtain an unbiased probabilistic distribution of uncertainties. Moreover, the probabilistic surrogate models involve complicated and expensive computations, especially when generating output data. In this study, a non-probabilistic surrogate model based on wavelet weighted least squares support vector machine (WWLS-SVM) is proposed to address the problem of uncertainty in vibration-based damage detection. The input data for WWLS-SVM consists of selected wavelet packet decomposition (WPD) features of the structural response signals, and the output is the Young’s modulus of structural elements. This method calculates the changes in the lower and upper boundaries of Young’s modulus based on an interval analysis method. Considering the uncertainties in the input parameters, the surrogate model is used to predict this interval-bound output. The proposed approach is applied to detect simulated damage in the four-story benchmark structure of the IASC-ASCE SHM group. The results show that the performance of the proposed method is superior to that of the direct finite element model in the uncertainty-based damage detection of structures and requires less computational effort.
Optimal Harmonic Mitigation in Distribution Systems with Inverter Based Distributed Generation
Authors: Abbas Ahmed S. , El-Sehiemy Ragab A. , Abou El-Ela Adel , Ali Eman Salah , Mahmoud Karar , Lehtonen Matti , Darwish Mohamed M. F.
Published: January 2021

In recent years, with the widespread use of non-linear loads power electronic devices associated with the penetration of various renewable energy sources, the distribution system is highly affected by harmonic distortion caused by these sources. Moreover, the inverter-based distributed generation units (DGs) (e.g., photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbine) that are integrated into the distribution systems, are considered as significant harmonic sources of severe harmful effects on the system power quality. To solve these issues, this paper proposes a harmonic mitigation method for improving the power quality problems in distribution systems. Specifically, the proposed optimal planning of the single tuned harmonic filters (STFs) in the presence of inverter-based DGs is developed by the recent Water Cycle Algorithm (WCA). The objectives of this planning problem aim to minimize the total harmonic distortion (THD), power loss, filter investment cost, and improvement of voltage profile considering different constraints to meet the IEEE 519 standard. Further, the impact of the inverter-based DGs on the system harmonics is studied. Two cases are considered to find the effect of the DGs harmonic spectrum on the system distortion and filter planning. The proposed method is tested on the IEEE 69-bus distribution system. The effectiveness of the proposed planning model is demonstrated where significant reductions in the harmonic distortion are accomplished.
Peroxidase-Like Metal-Based Nanozymes: Synthesis, Catalytic Properties, and Analytical Application
Authors: Demkiv Olha , Stasyuk Nataliya , Serkiz Roman , Gayda Galina , Nisnevitch Marina , Gonchar Mykhailo
Published: January 2021

Nanozymes (NZs) are nanostructured artificial enzymes that mimic catalytic properties of natural enzymes. The NZs have essential advantages over natural enzymes, namely low preparation costs, stability, high surface area, self-assembling capability, size and composition-dependent activities, broad possibility for modification, and biocompatibility. NZs have wide potential practical applications as catalysts in biosensorics, fuel-cell technology, environmental biotechnology, and medicine. Most known NZs are mimetics of oxidoreductases or hydrolases. The present work aimed to obtain effective artificial peroxidase (PO)-like NZs (nanoPOs), to characterize them, and to estimate the prospects of their analytical application. NanoPOs were synthesized using a number of nanoparticles (NPs) of transition and noble metals and were screened for their catalytic activity in solution and on electrodes. The most effective nanoPOs were chosen as NZs and characterized by their catalytic activity. Kinetic parameters, size, and structure of the best nanoPOs (Cu/CeS) were determined. Cu/CeS-based sensor for H2O2 determination showed high sensitivity (1890 A·M−1·m−2) and broad linear range (1.5–20,000 µM). The possibility to apply Cu/CeS-NZ as a selective layer in an amperometric sensor for hydrogen-peroxide analysis of commercial disinfectant samples was demonstrated.
Periodontal Condition and Subgingival Microbiota Characterization in Subjects with Down Syndrome
Authors: Cuenca Maigualida , Marín María José , Nóvoa Lourdes , O`Connor Ana , Sánchez María Carmen , Blanco Juan , Limeres Jacobo , Sanz Mariano , Diz Pedro , Herrera David
Published: January 2021

The aim was to study the subgingival microbiota in subjects with Down syndrome (DS) with different periodontal health status, using cultural and molecular microbiological methods. In this cross-sectional study, DS subjects were selected among those attending educational or occupational therapy centers in Galicia (Spain). Medical histories, intraoral and periodontal examinations and microbiological sampling were performed. Samples were processed by means of culture and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Microbiological data were compared, by one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square or Fisher tests, according to their periodontal status. 124 subjects were included, 62 with a healthy periodontium, 34 with gingivitis and 28 with periodontitis. Patients with periodontitis were older (p < 0.01) and showed lower prevalence of hypothyroidism and levothyroxine intake (p = 0.01), presented significantly deeper pockets and more attachment loss (p ≤ 0.01). Both gingivitis and periodontitis subjects showed higher levels of bleeding and dental plaque. PCR counts of T. forsythia and culture counts of E. corrodens and total anaerobic counts were significantly higher in periodontitis patients. Relevant differences were observed in the subgingival microbiota of DS patients with periodontitis, showing higher levels of anaerobic bacteria, T. forsythia and E. corrodens, when compared with periodontally healthy and gingivitis subjects. Moreover, periodontitis subjects were older, had lower frequency of hypothyroidism and higher levels of dental plaque.
Optical Design for Laser Diode Scanner Headlamp with Efficiently Distributed Optical Power for Adaptive Driving Beam System of Automobiles
Authors: Choi Hyun , Lee Won-Sup , Harisha Bairi Sri , Kim Wan-Chin , Lim Jiseok
Published: January 2021

The illumination optical system using a laser diode has advantages such as small size and high efficiency compared to an optical system using a conventional light source. In particular, its advantages can be maximized in high-resolution spatial light modulation. Based on these advantages, research to apply laser diode scanning to high-resolution adaptive driving beam (ADB) is currently being actively conducted. To construct a high-resolution illumination optical system for an ADB system using a single laser diode as a light source, the configuration of an optical scanning system is essential. In the general high-speed scanning method, the optical power at the center is relatively smaller compared with that at the edge because of the faster scanning speed when the center is illuminated. This causes large losses in automotive lighting optical system where the optical power in the center should be higher. Herein, we propose an optical system that can change the light power distribution of the center and the edge by applying a prism. In addition, by producing a prototype of an optical scanning system, the effect of efficiently distributing optical power by the designed optical scanning system was experimentally verified.
Real-World Vehicle Emission Rate of Particle Size Distributions Based on Measurement of Tunnel Flow Coefficient
Authors: Park Chaehyeong , Song Myoungki , Park Gyutae , Kim Kyunghoon , Lee Taehyoung , Lee Sanguk , Lee Jongtae , Bae Min-Suk
Published: January 2021

This study aims to analyze the seasonal number concentrations corresponding to each particle size derived from the measurements of exhausts from approximately seven million vehicles on real-world using a pair of the scanning mobility particle sizer to determine the vehicle emission rate. The actual tunnel flow coefficient was investigated for car emission rate based on the measurements of individual physical parameters (i.e., cross section area and length of the tunnel, tunnel wind speed and traffic volume). The mode of particle diameter according to temperatures in respective seasons exhibited a high correlation together with rapid changes at temperature above the breakthrough point. The temperature acted as major cause of determination of final condensation diameter, which is also dependent on diverse environmental effects comprising particle number concentration. The traffic volume of ordinary cars increased by more than twice as much in the period of Asian New Year, the traffic volume of buses/RVs/trucks decreased by more than 25% during weekdays. As a result, the particle number concentration discharged from a unit vehicle was 6.96 × 1012 N/veh·km during weekdays, and the values of weekends appeared as 6.08 × 1012 N/veh·km. The overall averaged particle number concentration based on the actual seasonal road measurements shows 5.82 × 1012 N/veh·km.
Integrated Air Quality Monitoring and Alert System Based on Two Image Analysis Techniques for Reportable Fire Events
Authors: Liang Chen-Jui , Lu Sheng-Hua , Liang Jeng-Jong , Lin Feng-Cheng , Yu Pei-Rong
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a new monitoring alert system for air pollution emergencies is proposed. The proposed system can perform air quality monitoring to provide real-time alerts of an individual event. The system uses two image analysis techniques, namely pixel recognition and haze extraction, for video fire smoke detection. The image analysis process is divided into daytime and nighttime image analyses, which involve the analysis of red-green-blue (RGB) and gray scale images. The images analyzed in this study were captured by the video camera of an air quality monitoring station. Seven fire accidents around a selected industrial park and downtown area were analyzed in detail. Among these accidents, three occurred at daytime, one occurred over 7 days, and three occurred at nighttime. Alert models based on pixel recognition and haze extraction were established. These models incorporated the formulas of haze equivalent (HT(t)) and separated pixels (XT(t)), as well as the threshold equations of haze equivalent (∇H) and separated pixels (∇X). An alert signal is sent to the administrator when HT(t) > ∇H or XT(t) > ∇X. The obtained results indicate that a real-time observation and alert system based on two image analysis techniques can be designed for air quality monitoring without expensive hardware devices. This alert system can be used by administrators to understand the course of a reportable event, especially as evidence for the appraisal of fire accidents. It is recommended that this system be connected to the fire brigades in order to obtain early fire information.
Public Health Considerations for PM10 in a High-Pollution Megacity: Influences of Atmospheric Condition and Land Coverage
Authors: Zafra Carlos , Suárez Joaquín , Pachón Jorge E.
Published: January 2021

This paper analyzes the PM10 concentrations and influences of atmospheric condition (AC) and land coverage (LC) on a high-pollution megacity (Bogota, Colombia) from a public health viewpoint. Information of monitoring stations equipped with measuring devices for PM10/temperature/solar-radiation/wind-speed were used. The research period lasted eight years (2007–2014). AC and LC were determined after comparing daily PM10 concentrations (DPM10) to reference limits published by the World Health Organization (WHO). ARIMA models for DPM10 were also developed. The results indicated that urban sectors with lower atmospheric instability (AI) had a 2.85% increase in daily mortality (DM) in relation to sectors with greater AI. In these sectors of lower AI, impervious LC predominated, instead of vegetated LC. An ARIMA analysis revealed that a greater extent of impervious LC around a station led to a greater effect on previous days’ DPM10 concentrations. Extreme PM10 episodes persisted for up to two days. Extreme pollution episodes were probably also preceded by low mixing-layer heights (between 722–1085 m). The findings showed a 13.0% increase in WHO standard excesses (PE) for each 10 µg/m3 increase in DPM10, and a 0.313% increase in DM for each 10% increase in PE. The observed average reduction of 14.8% in DPM10 (−0.79% in DM) was probably due to 40% restriction of the traffic at peak hours.
Brewing with Unmalted Cereal Adjuncts: Sensory and Analytical Impacts on Beer Quality
Authors: Yorke Joanna , Cook David , Ford Rebecca
Published: January 2021

Brewing with unmalted cereal adjuncts can reduce the requirement for malting, thereby lowering costs and improving the overall sustainability of the brewing chain. However, substantial adjunct usage has technological challenges and the sensory characteristics of beers produced using high adjunct rates are still not fully understood. This study examined the impacts of brewing with unmalted barley, wheat, rice and maize at relatively high concentrations (0, 30% and 60% of grist) on the sensorial and analytical profiles of lager beer. Adjunct based beers and a 100% malt control were brewed at 25 L scale. A trained sensory panel (n = 8) developed a lexicon and determined the sensorial profile of beers. At 30% adjunct incorporation there was insignificant variation in the expected beer flavour profile. At 60% adjunct incorporation, there were some significant sensory differences between beers which were specific to particular adjunct materials. Furthermore, 60% adjunct inclusion (with correspondingly low wort FAN) impacted the fermentation volatile profile of the final beers which corresponded with findings observed in the sensory analysis. Developing an understanding of adjunct-induced flavour differences and determining strategies to minimise these differences will facilitate the implementation of cost-efficient and sustainable grist solutions.
Physiology: An Important Tool to Assess the Welfare of Aquatic Animals
Authors: Jerez-Cepa Ismael , Ruiz-Jarabo Ignacio
Published: January 2021

The assessment of welfare in aquatic animals is currently under debate, especially concerning those kept by humans. The classic concept of animal welfare includes three elements: The emotional state of the organism (including the absence of negative experiences), the possibility of expressing normal behaviors, and the proper functioning of the organism. While methods for evaluating their emotions (such as fear, pain, and anguish) are currently being developed for aquatic species and understanding the natural behavior of all aquatic taxa that interact with humans is a task that requires more time, the evaluation of internal responses in the organisms can be carried out using analytical tools. This review aims to show the potential of the physiology of crustaceans, cephalopods, elasmobranchs, teleosts, and dipnoans to serve as indicators of their wellbeing. Since the classical methods of assessing welfare are laborious and time-consuming by evaluation of fear, pain, and anguish, the assessment may be complemented by physiological approaches. This involves the study of stress responses, including the release of hormones and their effects. Therefore, physiology may be of help in improving animal welfare.
Chemopreventive Effect of 5-Flurouracil Polymeric Hybrid PLGA-Lecithin Nanoparticles against Colon Dysplasia Model in Mice and Impact on p53 Apoptosis
Authors: A. Attia Mohammed , Enan Eman T. , Hashish Abdullah A. , M. H. El-kannishy Sherif , Gardouh Ahmed R. , K. Tawfik Mona , Faisal Salwa , El-Mistekawy Amr , Salama Ayman , Alomar Suliman Y. , H. Eltrawy Amira , Yagub Aloyouni Sheka , Zaitone Sawsan A.
Published: January 2021

The use of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) is associated with multifaceted challenges and poor pharmacokinetics. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-lipid hybrid nanoparticles (PLNs)-based therapy has received attention as efficient carriers for a diversity of drugs. This study evaluated the in vivo chemotherapeutic and anti-proliferative efficacy of 5FU-loaded PLNs against 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (Di-MH) prompted colon dysplasia in mice compared to free 5FU. 5FU PLNs were prepared. Male Swiss albino mice were distributed to six experimental groups. Group 1: Saline group. All the other groups were injected weekly with Di-MH [20 mg/kg, s.c.]. Group 2: Di-MH induced colon dysplasia control group. Groups 3 and 4: Di-MH + free 5FU treated group [2.5 and 5 mg/kg]. Groups 5 and 6: Di-MH + 5FU-PLNs treated group [2.5 and 5 mg/kg]. Free 5FU and 5FU-PLNs doses were administered orally, twice weekly. Treatment with 5FU-PLNs induced a higher cytoprotective effect compared to free 5FU as indicated by lower mucosal histopathologic score and reduction in number of Ki-67 immunpositive proliferating nuclei. Additionally, there was significant upregulation of p53 and caspase 3 genes in colon specimens. Our results support the validity of utilizing the PLNs technique to improve the chemopreventive action of 5FU in treating colon cancer.
Incorporation of Chitosan Nanoparticles into a Cold-Cure Orthodontic Acrylic Resin: Effects on Mechanical Properties
Authors: Shahabi Mostafa , Movahedi Fazel Sorour , Rangrazi Abdolrasoul
Published: January 2021

Improvement of the antibacterial properties of acrylic resins, used in the construction of removable orthodontic appliances, is an important strategy to reduce the incidence of caries and oral diseases in orthodontic treatments. The addition of antimicrobial agents to acrylic resins is one of the effective methods to enhance the antimicrobial properties of these materials. However, one main concern is that modification of acrylic resin has negative effects on its mechanical properties. Recently, chitosan nanoparticles (NPs), as biocompatible and biodegradable polysaccharides with remarkable antimicrobial properties, have been used in different areas of dentistry and medicine. This study aimed to investigate the effects of adding chitosan NPs on the mechanical properties of a cold-cure orthodontic acrylic resin. The chitosan NPs were added to the acrylic resin in various weight percentages: 0% (control), 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 4%. The flexural strength, compressive strength, Vickers microhardness, and impact strength measurements were performed for all five groups. The results showed that adding up to 1% (w/w) chitosan NPs to an acrylic resin had no significant negative effects on its flexural strength and compressive strength, while it decreased these parameters at weight percentages of 2% and 4% (w/w). The results also revealed that modification of acrylic resin with chitosan NPs up to 4% had no significant negative effects on the microhardness and impact strength of acrylic resin. In conclusion, the addition of chitosan NPs up to 1% (w/w) had no significant negative effects on the mechanical properties of cold-cure acrylic resin.
Evaluation of Nociception Using Quantitative Pupillometry and Skin Conductance in Critically Ill Unconscious Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Fratino Sara , Peluso Lorenzo , Talamonti Marta , Menozzi Marco , Costa Hirai Lucas , Lobo Francisco , Prezioso Chiara , Creteur Jacques , Payen Jean-François , Taccone Fabio
Published: January 2021

Background: Pain assessment is a challenge in critically ill patients, in particular those who are unable to express movements in reaction to noxious stimuli. The purpose of the study was to compare the pupillary response and skin conductance to pain stimulation in critically ill unconscious patients. Methods: This observational study included adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with acute brain injury (Glasgow Coma Scale < 9 with a motor response < 5) and/or requirements for deep level of sedation. Automated pupillometry (Algiscan, ID-MED, Marseille, France) was used to determine pupillary reflex dilation during tetanic stimulation. The maximum intensity of the stimulation value allowed the determination of a pupillary pain index score ranging from 1 (no nociception) to 9 (high nociception): a pupillary pain index (PPI) score of ≤4 was used to reflect adequate pain control. For skin conductance (SC), the number of SC peaks per second (NSCF) was collected concomitantly to tetanic stimulation. An NSCF of ≤0.07 peak/second was used to reflect adequate pain control. Results: Of the 51 included patients, there were 32 with brain injury and 19 receiving deep sedation. Mean PPI score was 5 (Interquartile Range= 2–7); a total of 28 (55%) patients showed inadequate control of the nociceptive stimulation according to the PPI assessment. Only 15 (29%) patients showed a detectable skin conductance, with NSCF values from 0.07 to 0.47/s. No correlation was found between skin conductance algesimeter (SCA)-derived variables and PPI score or pupillary dilation to pain. Conclusions: Detection of inadequate pain control might vary according to the method used to assess nociception in ICU patients. A poor agreement between quantitative pupillometry and skin conductance was observed.
Main Concept, Sequencing, and Story Grammar Analyses of Cinderella Narratives in a Large Sample of Persons with Aphasia
Authors: Richardson Jessica D. , Dalton Sarah Grace , Greenslade Kathryn J. , Jacks Adam , Haley Katarina L. , Adams Janet
Published: January 2021

Recently, a multilevel analytic approach called Main Concept, Sequencing, and Story Grammar (MSSG) was presented along with preliminary normative information. MSSG analyses leverage the strong psychometrics and rich procedural knowledge of both main concept analysis and story grammar component coding, complementing it with easy-to-obtain sequencing information for a rich understanding of discourse informativeness and macrostructure. This study is the next critical step for demonstrating the clinical usefulness of MSSG’s six variables (main concept composite, sequencing, main concept+sequencing, essential story grammar components, total episodic components, and episodic complexity) for persons with aphasia (PWAs). We present descriptive statistical information for MSSG variables for a large sample of PWAs and compare their performance to a large sample of persons not brain injured (PNBIs). We observed significant differences between PWAs and PNBIs for all MSSG variables. These differences occurred at the omnibus group level and for each aphasia subtype, even for PWAs with very mild impairment that is not detected with standardized aphasia assessment. Differences between PWAs and PNBIs were also practically significant, with medium to large effect sizes observed for nearly all aphasia subtypes and MSSG variables. This work deepens our understanding of discourse informativeness and macrostructure in PWAs and further develops an efficient tool for research and clinical use. Future research should investigate ways to expand MSSG analyses and to improve sensitivity and specificity.
Immune Therapies for Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Olnes Matthew J.
Published: January 2021

The era of immunotherapy for hematologic malignancies began with the first allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) study published by E [...]
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Clinical Management Perspectives and Potential Consequences of Infection
Authors: Brown Justin M. , Wasson Marie-Claire D. , Marcato Paola
Published: January 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the need for prioritization strategies for breast cancer treatment, where patients with aggressive disease, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are a high priority for clinical intervention. In this review, we summarize how COVID-19 has thus far impacted the management of TNBC and highlighted where more information is needed to hone shifting guidelines. Due to the immunocompromised state of most TNBC patients receiving treatment, TNBC management during the pandemic presents challenges beyond the constraints of overburdened healthcare systems. We conducted a literature search of treatment recommendations for both primary and targeted TNBC therapeutic strategies during the COVID-19 outbreak and noted changes to treatment timing and drugs of choice. Further, given that SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory virus, which has systemic consequences, management of TNBC patients with metastatic versus localized disease has additional considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Published dataset gene expression analysis of critical SARS-CoV-2 cell entry proteins in TNBCs suggests that the virus could in theory infect metastasized TNBC cells it contacts. This may have unforeseen consequences in terms of both the dynamics of the resulting acute viral infection and the progression of the chronic metastatic disease. Undoubtedly, the results thus far suggest that more research is required to attain a full understanding of the direct and indirect clinical impacts of COVID-19 on TNBC patients.
Image-Guided Robotic Radiosurgery for the Management of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Metastases—A Multicenter Experience
Authors: Ehret Felix , Senger Carolin , Kufeld Markus , Fürweger Christoph , Kord Melina , Haidenberger Alfred , Windisch Paul , Rueß Daniel , Kaul David , Ruge Maximilian , Schichor Christian , Tonn Jörg-Christian , Muacevic Alexander
Published: January 2021

Background: Intramedullary metastases are rare and bear a dismal prognosis. Limited data are available on the treatment of such lesions. As surgery may be the mainstay of treatment for patients with resectable and localized metastatic spread, previous case reports and case series suggest radiosurgery to be another viable treatment modality. This multicenter study analyzes the efficacy and safety of robotic radiosurgery (RRS) for intramedullary metastases. Methods: Patients who received RRS for the treatment of at least one intramedullary metastasis were included. Results: Thirty-three patients with 46 intramedullary metastases were treated with a median dose of 16 Gy prescribed to a median isodose of 70%. The local control was 79% after a median follow-up of 8.5 months. The median overall survival (OS) was 11.7 months, with a 12- and 24-month OS of 47 and 31%. The 12-month progression-free survival was 42% and at 24 months 25%. In addition, 57% of patients showed either an improved or stable neurological function after treatment delivery. Systemic disease progression was the main cause of death. No significant treatment-related toxicities were observed. Conclusions: RRS appears to be a safe, time-saving and effective treatment modality for intramedullary metastases, especially for patients with unresectable lesions and high burden of disease.
Soluble and Exosome-Bound α-Galactosylceramide Mediate Preferential Proliferation of Educated NK Cells with Increased Anti-Tumor Capacity
Authors: Wagner Arnika K. , Gehrmann Ulf , Hiltbrunner Stefanie , Carannante Valentina , Luu Thuy T. , Näslund Tanja I. , Brauner Hanna , Kadri Nadir , Kärre Klas , Gabrielsson Susanne
Published: January 2021

Natural killer (NK) cells can kill target cells via the recognition of stress molecules and down-regulation of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I). Some NK cells are educated to recognize and kill cells that have lost their MHC-I expression, e.g., tumor or virus-infected cells. A desired property of cancer immunotherapy is, therefore, to activate educated NK cells during anti-tumor responses in vivo. We here analyze NK cell responses to α-galactosylceramide (αGC), a potent activator of invariant NKT (iNKT) cells, or to exosomes loaded with αGC. In mouse strains which express different MHC-I alleles using an extended NK cell flow cytometry panel, we show that αGC induces a biased NK cell proliferation of educated NK cells. Importantly, iNKT cell-induced activation of NK cells selectively increased in vivo missing self-responses, leading to more effective rejection of tumor cells. Exosomes from antigen-presenting cells are attractive anti-cancer therapy tools as they may induce both innate and adaptive immune responses, thereby addressing the hurdle of tumor heterogeneity. Adding αGC to antigen-loaded dendritic-cell-derived exosomes also led to an increase in missing self-responses in addition to boosted T and B cell responses. This study manifests αGC as an attractive adjuvant in cancer immunotherapy, as it increases the functional capacity of educated NK cells and enhances the innate, missing self-based antitumor response.