bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Assessment of Convolutional Neural Network Based Methods for Vitiligo Diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Li , Mishra Suraj , Zhang Tianyu , Zhang Yue , Zhang Duo , Lv Yalin , Lv Mingsong , Guan Nan , Hu Xiaobo Sharon , Chen Danny Ziyi , Han Xiuping
Published: October 2021

Background: Today's machine-learning based dermatologic research has largely focused on pigmented/non-pigmented lesions concerning skin cancers. However, studies on machine-learning-aided diagnosis of depigmented non-melanocytic lesions, which are more difficult to diagnose by unaided eye, are very few.

Objective: We aim to assess the performance of deep learning methods for diagnosing vitiligo by deploying Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and comparing their diagnosis accuracy with that of human raters with different levels of experience.

Methods: A Chinese in-house dataset (2,876 images) and a world-wide public dataset (1,341 images) containing vitiligo and other depigmented/hypopigmented lesions were constructed. Three CNN models were trained on close-up images in both datasets. The results by the CNNs were compared with those by 14 human raters from four groups: expert raters (>10 years of experience), intermediate raters (5–10 years), dermatology residents, and general practitioners. F1 score, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), specificity, and sensitivity metrics were used to compare the performance of the CNNs with that of the raters.

Results: For the in-house dataset, CNNs achieved a comparable F1 score (mean [standard deviation]) with expert raters (0.8864 [0.005] vs. 0.8933 [0.044]) and outperformed intermediate raters (0.7603 [0.029]), dermatology residents (0.6161 [0.068]) and general practitioners (0.4964 [0.139]). For the public dataset, CNNs achieved a higher F1 score (0.9684 [0.005]) compared to the diagnosis of expert raters (0.9221 [0.031]).

Conclusion: Properly designed and trained CNNs are able to diagnose vitiligo without the aid of Wood's lamp images and outperform human raters in an experimental setting.
Application of Machine Learning and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Algorithm to Explore the Hub Genes in the Aging Brain
Authors: Chai Keping , Liang Jiawei , Zhang Xiaolin , Cao Panlong , Chen Shufang , Gu Huaqian , Ye Weiping , Liu Rong , Hu Wenjun , Peng Caixia , Liu Gang Logan , Shen Daojiang
Published: October 2021

Aging is a major risk factor contributing to neurodegeneration and dementia. However, it remains unclarified how aging promotes these diseases. Here, we use machine learning and weighted gene co-expression network (WGCNA) to explore the relationship between aging and gene expression in the human frontal cortex and reveal potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets of neurodegeneration and dementia related to aging. The transcriptional profiling data of the human frontal cortex from individuals ranging from 26 to 106 years old was obtained from the GEO database in NCBI. Self-Organizing Feature Map (SOM) was conducted to find the clusters in which gene expressions downregulate with aging. For WGCNA analysis, first, co-expressed genes were clustered into different modules, and modules of interest were identified through calculating the correlation coefficient between the module and phenotypic trait (age). Next, the overlapping genes between differentially expressed genes (DEG, between young and aged group) and genes in the module of interest were discovered. Random Forest classifier was performed to obtain the most significant genes in the overlapping genes. The disclosed significant genes were further identified through network analysis. Through WGCNA analysis, the greenyellow module is found to be highly negatively correlated with age, and functions mainly in long-term potentiation and calcium signaling pathways. Through step-by-step filtering of the module genes by overlapping with downregulated DEGs in aged group and Random Forest classifier analysis, we found that MAPT, KLHDC3, RAP2A, RAP2B, ELAVL2, and SYN1 were co-expressed and highly correlated with aging.
Feasibility Study of an Automated Carbohydrate Estimation System Using Thai Food Images in Comparison With Estimation by Dietitians
Authors: Chotwanvirat Phawinpon , Hnoohom Narit , Rojroongwasinkul Nipa , Kriengsinyos Wantanee
Published: October 2021

Carbohydrate counting is essential for well-controlled blood glucose in people with type 1 diabetes, but to perform it precisely is challenging, especially for Thai foods. Consequently, we developed a deep learning-based system for automatic carbohydrate counting using Thai food images taken from smartphones. The newly constructed Thai food image dataset contained 256,178 ingredient objects with measured weight for 175 food categories among 75,232 images. These were used to train object detector and weight estimator algorithms. After training, the system had a Top-1 accuracy of 80.9% and a root mean square error (RMSE) for carbohydrate estimation of <10 g in the test dataset. Another set of 20 images, which contained 48 food items in total, was used to compare the accuracy of carbohydrate estimations between measured weight, system estimation, and eight experienced registered dietitians (RDs). System estimation error was 4%, while estimation errors from nearest, lowest, and highest carbohydrate among RDs were 0.7, 25.5, and 7.6%, respectively. The RMSE for carbohydrate estimations of the system and the lowest RD were 9.4 and 10.2, respectively. The system could perform with an estimation error of <10 g for 13/20 images, which placed it third behind only two of the best performing RDs: RD1 (15/20 images) and RD5 (14/20 images). Hence, the system was satisfactory in terms of accurately estimating carbohydrate content, with results being comparable with those of experienced dietitians.
Large Tunable 16-Tupled Millimeter Wave Generation Utilizing Optical Carrier Suppression With a Tunable Sideband Suppression Ratio
Authors: Asha  , Dahiya Sandeep
Published: October 2021

Coping up with the rising bandwidth demands for 5G ultra-high speed applications, utilizing millimeter (MM) wave spectrum for data transmission over the radio over a fiber-based system is the ideal approach. In this study, a highly conversant and spectrally pure photonic generation of a 16-tupled MM wave signal using a series-connected DD-MZM with a lower modulation index, a splitting ratio, and a wider tunable range is presented. A 160-GHz MM wave is generated through a double sideband optical carrier suppression technique having an optical sideband suppression ratio (OSSR) of 69 dB and a radio frequency sideband suppression ratio (RSSR) of 40 dB. However, the OSSR and the RSSR are tunable with values greater than 15 dB when the modulation index (M.I.) varies from 2.778 to 2.873, ±8° phase drift, and a 15-dB enhancement in the OSSR with a wider nonideal parameter variation range giving acceptable performance can be seen in the model as compared with previous research works.
Comorbid Anxiety and Depression and Related Factors Among Pregnant and Postpartum Chinese Women During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic
Authors: Luo Zheng , Xue Luyao , Ma Li , Liu Zhengkui
Published: October 2021

Objective: To identify the prevalence of comorbid anxiety and depression (CAD) and analyze the relationship between CAD and sociodemographic and obstetric-related variables in pregnant and postpartum Chinese women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Participants were 2,237 pregnant and postpartum women (aged 19–47 years) who visited various medical institutions in China between February 28, 2020, and April 26, 2020. They were asked to complete an online survey assessing the anxiety and depression, obstetric characteristics, and sociodemographic variables. The women were grouped into the following categories in accordance with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9): (a) CAD, (b) “anxiety only,” (c) “depression only,” and (d) “no depression or anxiety.” After estimating the prevalence of CAD, “anxiety only,” and “depression only,” we carried out chi-squared tests and multiple logistic regression analysis to examine the related factors between these groups of pregnant and postpartum Chinese women.

Results: Comorbid anxiety and depression, “anxiety only,” and “depression only,” occurred in 6.3, 5.8, and 3.9% of participants, respectively. The prevalence rates of CAD during the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy and the postpartum period were found to be 7.4, 6.5, 5.7, and 8.2%, respectively. The factors that differed among the groups were age (p < 0.05), marital status (p < 0.001), level of education (p < 0.05), family support (p < 0.001), and total live births (p < 0.001). “Poor family support” (odds ratio (OR): 1.90; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.30–2.78; p = 0.0009) and “no birth” (OR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.32–2.75; p = 0.0006) remained significant factors for the CAD group, while “poor family support” (OR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.34–3.47; p = 0.0015) remained a significant factor for the “depression only” group when their results were compared to those of the “no depression or anxiety” group in the multiple logistic regression analysis.

Conclusion: Pregnant and postpartum Chinese women with poor family support and primipara are at high risk for CAD during the COVID-19 pandemic. These results support the need for targeted perinatal programs to address CAD in pregnant and postpartum women during the pandemic period.
Cough in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Mann Jennifer , Goh Nicole S. L. , Holland Anne E. , Khor Yet Hong
Published: October 2021

Chronic cough is experienced by most patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). It is often the first symptom and is associated with reduced quality of life, increased rates of depression and anxiety, more severe physiological impairment, and disease progression. Although not fully understood, recent gains in understanding the pathophysiology of chronic cough in IPF have been made. The pathophysiology is likely multifactorial and includes alterations in mucous production and clearance, architectural distortion, and increased cough reflex sensitivity, suggesting a role for targeted therapies and multidisciplinary treatment. Modifiable comorbidities can also induce cough in patients with IPF. There is a renewed emphasis on measuring cough in IPF, with clinical trials of novel and repurposed therapies for chronic cough emerging in this population. This review provides an update on the clinical characteristics, pathophysiology, and measurement of chronic cough in patients with IPF and summarizes recent developments in non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapies.
Emociones y construcción del significado: implicaciones terapéuticas de la concepción constructivista de los procesos emocionales.
Authors: Botella Luis
Published: October 2021

En este artículo se revisa la concepción constructivista de la emoción como parte del proceso de atribución de significado a la experiencia. Se discuten los principales enfoques contemporáneos de la emoción, y en especial el de la Psicología de los Constructos Personales (PCP). Por último, se elaboran algunas de las implicaciones de lo antedicho para la psicoterapia.
Reseña bibliografica
Authors: Feixas Guillen
Published: October 2021

Comentario de Guillem Feixas sobre la obra Fundamentos de un modelo Integrativo del autor Héctor Fernández Álvarez
Terapia grupo analitica de familia con adolescentes.
Authors: Menarini Raffaele , Pontalti Corrado
Published: October 2021

En este artículo se desarrolla una modalidad de terapia grupo-analítica aplicada al ámbito familiar con especial referencia a la problemática adolescencial. Para ello se elaboran los conceptos de matriz familiar antropológica y grupal y sus repercusiones en el proceso de constitución de la identidad personal y su posible fracaso psicopatológico. Se extraen indicaciones para el diagnóstico y la terapia. Se desarrolla su aplicación a través del análisis de un caso clínico.
Development of a Control System and Functional Validation of a Parallel Robot for Lower Limb Rehabilitation
Authors: Pisla Doina , Nadas Iuliu , Tucan Paul , Albert Stefan , Carbone Giuseppe , Antal Tiberiu , Banica Alexandru , Gherman Bogdan
Published: October 2021

This paper is focused on the development of a control system, implemented on a parallel robot designed for the lower limb rehabilitation of bedridden stroke survivors. The paper presents the RECOVER robotic system kinematics, further implemented into the control system, which is described in terms of architecture and functionality. Through a battery of experimental tests, achieved in laboratory conditions using eight healthy subjects, the feasibility and functionality of the proposed robotic system have been validated, and the overall performance of the control system has been studied. The range of motion of each targeted joint has been recorded using a commercially available external sensor system. The kinematic parameters, namely the patient’s joints velocities and accelerations have been recorded and compared to the ones obtained using the virtual model, yielding a very small difference between them, which provides a validation of the RECOVER initial design, both in terms of mechanical construction and control system.
Military Experience in Civilian Government Organizations: An Exploratory Study of Its Effects on a Range of Work Attitudes and Behaviors
Authors: Bright Leonard
Published: October 2021

There is a large body of research that has comparatively explored the relationship that military experience has with the attitudes and behaviors of employees who work in military organizations. However, very few studies have extended this line of research in civilian organizations. This study seeks to add to this body of research by exploring whether there are meaningful attitude and behavioral differences between veterans and non-veterans who work in a government civilian organization. Using a sample of 500 federal employees in the United States, the findings of this study revealed that prior military experience had no meaningful relationship to the work satisfaction, performance, person-organization fit, public service motivation, work stress, nor turnover intentions of public employees. The most important predictors of the work attitudes of employees were their age, education level, full-time status, and years of work experience. The implications this study has for the field of public management are discussed.
Design of Robust Control System of Magnetic Suspension and Balance System through Harmonic Excitation Simulation
Authors: Lee Dong-Kyu
Published: October 2021

The magnetic suspension and balance system (MSBS) uses magnetic force and moment to precisely control the movement of the test object located at the center of the test section without mechanical contact, and at the same time measure the external force acting on the test object. If such an MSBS is installed around the test section of the wind tunnel so that the position and attitude angle of the test object follow the harmonic function, various vibration tests can be performed on structures subjected to aerodynamic loads without the influence of the mechanical support. Because the control force and moment in the MSBS is generated by a number of electromagnets located around the test section, it is necessary to apply the adaptive control algorithm to the position and attitude control system so that the experiment can be carried out stably despite the sudden performance change of each electromagnet and electric power supply. In this study, a fault-tolerant position and attitude angle control system was designed through an adaptive control algorithm, and the effectiveness was verified through simulation under the condition that the electric power supply of MSBS failed.
Nitrous Oxide Emission and Crop Yield in Arable Soil Amended with Bottom Ash
Authors: Hur Do-Yeong , Kim Sung-Un , Park Hyeon-Cheol , Kim Keun-Ki , Son Hong-Ju , Lee Kwang-Min , Kim Yu-Jin , Hong Chang-Oh
Published: October 2021

Bottom ash (BA), a byproduct of coal combustion from electric power plants with a porous surface texture and high pH, may influence the physical and chemical properties of upland arable soil associated with nitrous oxide (N2O) emission from upland soil. This study evaluated the use of BA in mitigating N2O emissions from upland arable soil and increasing the crop yield. In a field experiment, N2O emitted from the soil was monitored weekly in a closed chamber over a 2-year period (2018–2019). BA was applied to upland soil at the rates of 0, 200, and 400 Mg·ha−1. Cumulative N2O emission significantly decreased with increasing BA application rate; it decreased by 55% with a BA application rate of 400 Mg·ha−1 compared with the control. Yield-scaled N2O emission decreased with increasing BA application rates of up to 200 Mg·ha−1. Water-filled pore spaces (WFPS) were 70.2%, 52.9%, and 45.3% at the rates of 0, 200, and 400 Mg·ha−1, respectively, during the growing season. For economic viability and environmental conservation, we suggest that BA application at a rate of 200 Mg·ha−1 reduces N2O emissions per unit of crop production.
Sources of Resistance to Powdery Mildew in Barley Landraces from Turkey
Authors: Czembor Jerzy H. , Czembor Elżbieta
Published: October 2021

Powdery mildew on barley, caused by the pathogen Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei, occurs worldwide and can result in severe yield loss. Germplasm of barley, including landraces, commercial cultivars, wild relatives and breeding lines are stored in more than 200 institutions. There is a need for characterization of this germplasm in terms of resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. This is necessary in order to use specific accessions in breeding programs. In the present study, 129 barley landraces originated from Turkey and provided by the ICARDA genebank were tested for resistance to powdery mildew. Seedling resistance tests after inoculation with 19 differentiated isolates of B. graminis f. sp. hordei were used to postulate the presence of resistance genes. From the 129 landraces studied, plants of 19 (14.7%) of them showed resistance to infection with powdery mildew. Based on preliminary tests from these 19 landraces, 25 resistant single plant lines were selected for testing with differential powdery mildew isolates. Seven lines were resistant to all 19 isolates used. However, only one line (5583-1-4) showed resistance scores of zero against all isolates used. It is likely that this line possesses unknown, but highly effective genes for resistance. In five resistant lines it was not possible to postulate the presence of specific resistance genes. In 19 lines the presence of the genes Mlp, Mlk, Mlh, Mlg, Ml(CP), Mlat, Mla3, Mla6, Mla7 and Mla22 were postulated. These new sources of highly effective powdery mildew resistance in barley landraces from Turkey could be successfully used in breeding programs.
Differential Interferometry over Sentinel-1 TopSAR Images as a Tool for Water and Tillage Soil Erosion Analysis
Authors: Sánchez-Crespo Francisco A. , Marques da Silva José Rafael , Gómez-Villarino Maria T. , Gallego Eutiquio , Fuentes José M. , García Ana I. , Ayuga Francisco
Published: October 2021

Erosion is a major problem on agricultural lands in Europe. Erosion measurement tools have traditionally been focused on delocalized quantification but without mapping the real places inside the basin where the erosion took effect. In this article, we use new space missions, such as Sentinel-1, and the opportunity they offer to obtain SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) images with high frequency, resolution, range, and, above all, availability to enable the application of techniques, like differential interferometry, in new fields. We propose to measure ground deformation caused by water and tillage erosion in small agricultural basins using TopSAR (Terrain Observation with Progressive Scans SAR, Synthetic Aperture Radar) images acquired by the Sentinel-1 mission, after previously verifying the accuracy of these measurements through comparison with measurements from a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) system. The results of this work confirm the potential of monitoring erosion in agricultural basins with differential interferometry over Sentinel-1 TopSAR images. Its capabilities have been successfully tested in different conditions related to agricultural tasks without precipitation or storm events. This technique makes it possible to study both water and tillage erosion and sedimentation processes and even to test the efficiency of anti-erosion measures in the field or to verify the results of different management practices over time.
Defensive Impact of Foliar Applied Potassium Nitrate on Growth Linked with Improved Physiological and Antioxidative Activities in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Hybrids Grown under Salinity Stress
Authors: Aslam Anisa , Khan Shahbaz , Ibrar Danish , Irshad Sohail , Bakhsh Ali , Gardezi Syed Tahir Raza , Ali Madad , Hasnain Zuhair , Al-Hashimi Abdulrahman , Noor Mehmood Ali , Brestic Marian , Skalicky Milan , Zuan Ali Tan Kee
Published: October 2021

Salt stress is recognized to negatively influence the fundamental processes in plants regarding growth and yield. The sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is considered an important industrial crop because of the good quality of oil it produces that can be used for cooking purposes. The exogenous application of potassium (K) has been reported to enhance abiotic resistance and increase yield in crops. Here, we explored the impact of foliar-applied K at 500 ppm on the physiological and biochemical traits, antioxidant activities, and growth attributes of sunflower grown under salt stress (140 mM NaCl). The findings indicated that salinity stress adversely affected photosynthesis and various gas exchange characteristics. Foliar applied K markedly improved the stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, water use efficiency, CO2 assimilation rate, total soluble proteins, chlorophyll pigments, and upregulated antioxidant system, which are responsible for the healthy growth of sunflower hybrids grown under salinity stress. The shoot and root lengths, plant fresh and dry weights, and achene weight were significantly increased by K application. Overall, foliar applied K significantly improved all of the aforementioned attributes and can attenuate the deleterious influences of salinity stress in sunflower.
Estimation of Daily Reference Evapotranspiration from NASA POWER Reanalysis Products in a Hot Summer Mediterranean Climate
Authors: Rodrigues Gonçalo C. , Braga Ricardo P.
Published: October 2021

This study aims at assessing the accuracy of estimating daily reference evapotranspiration (ETo) computed with NASA POWER reanalysis products. Daily ETo estimated from local observations of weather variables in 14 weather stations distributed across Alentejo Region, Southern Portugal were compared with ETo derived from NASA POWER weather data, using raw and bias-corrected datasets. Three different methods were used to compute ETo: (a) FAO Penman-Monteith (PM); (b) Hargreaves-Samani (HS); and (c) MaxTET. Results show that, when using raw NASA POWER datasets, a good accuracy between the observed ETo and reanalysis ETo was observed in most locations (R2 > 0.70). PM shows a tendency to over-estimating ETo with an RMSE as high as 1.41 mm d−1, while using a temperature-based ET estimation method, an RMSE lower than 0.92 mm d−1 is obtained. If a local bias correction is adopted, the temperature-based methods show a small over or underestimation of ETo (–0.40 mm d−1 ≤ MBE < 0.40 mm d−1). As for PM, ETo is still underestimated for 13 locations (MBE < 0 mm d−1) but with an RMSE never higher than 0.77 mm d−1. When NASA POWER raw data is used to estimate ETo, HS_Rs proved the most accurate method, providing the lowest RMSE for half the locations. However, if a data regional bias correction is used, PM leads to the most accurate ETo estimation for half the locations; also, when a local bias correction is performed, PM proved the be the most accurate ETo estimation method for most locations. Nonetheless, MaxTET proved to be an accurate method; its simplicity may prove to be successful not only when only maximum temperature data is available but also due to the low data required for ETo estimation.
Detection of Crop Hail Damage with a Machine Learning Algorithm Using Time Series of Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Sosa Leandro , Justel Ana , Molina Íñigo
Published: October 2021

Hailstorms usually result in total crop loss. After a hailstorm, the affected field is inspected by an insurance claims adjuster to assess yield loss. Assessment accuracy depends largely on in situ detection of homogeneous damage sectors within the field, using visual techniques. This paper presents an algorithm for the automatic detection of homogeneous hail damage through the application of unsupervised machine learning techniques to vegetation indices calculated from remote sensing data. Five microwave and five spectral indices were evaluated before and after a hailstorm in zones with different degrees of damage. Dual Polarization SAR Vegetation Index and Normalized Pigment Chlorophyll Ratio Index were the most sensitive to hail-induced changes. The time series and rates of change of these indices were used as input variables in the K-means method for clustering pixels into homogeneous damage zones. Validation of the algorithm with data from 91 soybean, wheat, and corn plots showed that in 87.01% of cases there was significant evidence of differences in average damage between zones determined by the algorithm within the plot. Thus, the algorithm presented in this paper allowed efficient detection of homogeneous hail damage zones, which is expected to improve accuracy and transparency in the characterization of hailstorm events.
Mathematical Models for the Skin to Lumbosacral Epidural Distance in Dogs: A Cadaveric Computed-Tomography Study
Authors: Sun Tsim Christopher , Schier Mara , Lau Michelle Pui Yan , Martinez-Taboada Fernando
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to validate previously published computed tomography (CT) derived mathematical equations with the true skin to lumbosacral epidural distance (SLED) in dog cadavers. Phase 1: The lumbar region of 11 dog cadavers were scanned in sternal recumbency to determine the effect of cranial, neutral, and caudal pelvic limb positioning on the CT derived lumbosacral epidural distance (CLED). Phase 2: The epidural space was determined using contrast epidurography, and the SLED was analysed against the mathematical equations using a body condition score (BCS) and either the cadaveric occipital-coccygeal length (OCL) (Equation (1): = 7.3 + 0.05*OCL + 16.45*BCS) or the ilium wing distance (IWD) (Equation (2): = 3.5 + 0.56*IWD + 16.6*BCS). There were no differences detected between the pelvic limb positions and the CLED. Both equations demonstrated strong correlations (Equation (1): r = 0.7196; Equation (2): r = 0.7590) with the SLED. The level of agreement was greater for Equation (1) than with Equation (2) (concordance coefficient 0.6061 and 0.3752, respectively). Equation (1) also demonstrated a closer fit to the concordance line compared with Equation (2) (bias correction factor 0.8422 and 0.4960, respectively). Further studies in live anaesthetised dogs will help to determine the usefulness of the pre-procedural knowledge when performing lumbosacral epidurals.
Revealing Pathways Associated with Feed Efficiency and Meat Quality Traits in Slow-Growing Chickens
Authors: Poompramun Chotima , Hennequet-Antier Christelle , Thumanu Kanjana , Sinpru Panpradub , Pengsanthia Saknarin , Molee Wittawat , Molee Amonrat , Le Bihan-Duval Elisabeth , Juanchich Amélie
Published: October 2021

Here, molecular pathways and genes involved in the feed efficiency (FE) and thigh-meat quality of slow-growing Korat chickens were investigated. Individual feed intake values and body weights were collected weekly to the calculate feed conversion ratios (FCR) and residual feed intake. The biochemical composition and meat quality parameters were also measured. On the basis of extreme FCR values at 10 weeks of age, 9 and 12 birds from the high and the low FCR groups, respectively, were selected, and their transcriptomes were investigated using the 8 × 60 K Agilent chicken microarray. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed to determine the correlations between co-expressed gene modules and FE, thigh-meat quality, or both. Groups of birds with different FE values also had different nucleotide, lipid, and protein contents in their thigh muscles. In total, 38 modules of co-expressed genes were identified, and 12 were correlated with FE and some meat quality traits. A functional analysis highlighted several enriched functions, such as biological processes, metabolic processes, nucleotide metabolism, and immune responses. Several molecular factors were involved in the interactions between FE and meat quality, including the assembly competence domain, baculoviral IAP repeat containing 5, cytochrome c oxidase assembly factor 3, and myosin light chain 9 genes.
Long-Term and Carryover Effects of Supplementation with Whole Oilseeds on Methane Emission, Milk Production and Milk Fatty Acid Profile of Grazing Dairy Cows
Authors: Muñoz Camila , Villalobos Rodrigo , Peralta Alejandra María Teresa , Morales Rodrigo , Urrutia Natalie Louise , Ungerfeld Emilio Mauricio
Published: October 2021

Research is ongoing to find nutritional methane (CH4) mitigation strategies with persistent effects that can be applied to grazing ruminants. Lipid addition to dairy cow diets has shown potential as means to decrease CH4 emissions. This study evaluated the effects of oilseeds on CH4 emission and production performance of grazing lactating dairy cows. Sixty Holstein Friesian cows grazing pasture were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 treatments (n = 15): supplemented with concentrate without oilseeds (CON), with whole cottonseed (CTS), rapeseed (RPS) or linseed (LNS). Oilseeds were supplemented during weeks 1–16 (spring period) and 17–22 (summer period), and the autumn period (wk 23–27) was used to evaluate treatment carryover effects. Cows fed CTS decreased CH4 yield by 14% compared to CON in spring, but these effects did not persist after 19 weeks of supplementation (summer). Compared to CON, RPS decreased milk yield and CTS increased milk fat concentration in both spring and summer. In summer, CTS also increased milk protein concentration but decreased milk yield, compared to CON. In spring, compared to CON, CTS decreased most milk medium-chain fatty acids (FA; 8:0, 12:0, 14:0 and 15:0) and increased stearic, linoleic and rumenic FA, and LNS increased CLA FA. There were no carry-over effects into the autumn period. In conclusion, supplementation of grazing dairy cows with whole oilseeds resulted in mild effects on methane emissions and animal performance. In particular, supplementing with CTS can decrease CH4 yield without affecting milk production, albeit with a mild and transient CH4 decrease effect. Long term studies conducted under grazing conditions are important to provide a comprehensive overview of how proposed nutritional CH4 mitigation strategies affect productivity, sustainability and consumer health aspects.
Challenges and Solutions Surrounding Environmental Enrichment for Dogs and Cats in a Scientific Environment
Authors: Desforges Emma
Published: October 2021

Dogs and cats housed in research-, kennel- and cattery-type settings are reliant on caregivers to optimise their day-to-day experiences and welfare. The goal is to provide enriching environments for physical, social and environmental control; behavioural choice and opportunities to live as varied a life as possible. However, there are numerous challenges in these environments such as lack of appropriate enrichment for group housing, budget for equipment/training, study controls, time and space to make improvements. In addition, research settings are required to comply with legislation for care, husbandry and housing, and as standards differ between regions, conditions will vary between settings. Sharing knowledge in this field can only help drive a wider culture of care by helping improve the lives and welfare of animals cared for. This article presents some of the environmental enrichment strategies effective at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, UK.
Changes in Body Surface Temperature Associated with High-Speed Treadmill Exercise in Beagle Dogs Measured by Infrared Thermography
Authors: Soroko Maria , Górniak Wanda , Howell Kevin , Zielińska Paulina , Dudek Krzysztof , Eberhardt Maria , Kalak Patrycja , Korczyński Mariusz
Published: October 2021

Evaluation of body surface temperature change in response to exercise is important for monitoring physiological status. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of high-speed treadmill exercise on body surface temperature using infrared thermography (IRT) in selected body regions of healthy Beagle dogs, taking into account gait and recovery time. Thermographic images of the dogs were taken before exercise (BE), after walk (AW), after trot (AT), after canter (AC), just after second walk (JAE), 5 min after exercise (5 AE), 15 min after exercise (15 AE), 30 min after exercise (30 AE), 45 min after exercise (45 AE), and 120 min after exercise (120 AE). Body surface temperature was measured at the neck, shoulder, upper forearm, back, chest, croup, and thigh. Statistical analysis indicated the highest temperature at the upper forearm, shoulder, and thigh, and the lowest on the croup, back, and neck. The peak values of surface temperature in all ROIs were at AC and JAE and the lowest at 120 AE. The study demonstrated that body surface temperature was influenced by high-speed physical exercise on a treadmill and IRT was a viable imaging modality that provided temperature data from specific body regions. The proximal forelimb and hindlimb were the most influenced by exercise.
Microbial Quality of Liquid Feed for Pigs and Its Impact on the Porcine Gut Microbiome
Authors: Cullen James T. , Lawlor Peadar G. , Cormican Paul , Gardiner Gillian E.
Published: October 2021

There is evidence that spontaneous fermentation frequently occurs in liquid pig feed that is intended to be delivered as fresh liquid feed, often with a resultant deterioration in the microbial and nutritional quality of the feed, which can negatively affect pig health and growth. Strategies including controlled fermentation with microbial inoculants, pre-fermentation or soaking of the cereal fraction of the diet, enzyme supplementation and dietary acidification have been employed to inhibit pathogens and prevent deterioration of feed nutritional quality, with promising results obtained in many cases. This review evaluates the impact of these strategies on the microbial quality of liquid feed and discusses how they can be further improved. It also investigates if/how these strategies impact the pig gut microbiota and growth performance of liquid-fed pigs. Finally, we review liquid feed system sanitisation practices, which are highly variable from farm to farm and discuss the impact of these practices and whether they are beneficial or detrimental to liquid feed microbial quality. Overall, we provide a comprehensive review of the current state of knowledge on liquid feed for pigs, focusing on factors affecting microbial quality and strategies for its optimisation, as well as its impact on the pig gut microbiome.
Clinical Validation of the Greek Version of the Acute Cystitis Symptom Score (ACSS)—Part II
Authors: Stamatiou Konstantinos , Samara Evangelia , Alidjanov Jakhongir F. , Pilatz Adrian M. E. , Naber Kurt G. , Wagenlehner Florian M. E.
Published: October 2021

The Acute Cystitis Symptom Score (ACSS) is a patient self-reporting questionnaire for the clinical diagnosis and patient-reported outcome (PRO) in women with acute uncomplicated cystitis (AC). The aim of the current study (part II) is the clinical validation of the Greek ACSS questionnaire. After linguistic validation according to internationally accepted guidelines and cognitive assessment (part I), the clinical validation was performed by using the Greek ACSS study version in 92 evaluable female participants including 53 patients with symptoms suspicious of AC and 39 controls. The clinical outcome using the ACSS questionnaire at different points in time after the start of treatment was demonstrated as well. The age (mean ± SD) of the 53 patients (44.7 ± 17.0 years) and 39 controls (49.3 ± 15.9 years) and their additional conditions at baseline visits, such as menstruation, premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy, menopause, diabetes mellitus, were comparable. There was, however, a significant difference (p < 0.001) between patients and controls at baseline visit regarding sum score of the ACSS domains, such as typical symptoms and quality of life. The clinical outcome of up to 7 days showed a fast reduction of the symptom scores and improvement of quality of life. The optimal thresholds for the patient-reported outcome of successful therapy could be established. The linguistically and clinically validated Greek ACSS questionnaire can now be used for clinical or epidemiological studies and also for patients’ self-diagnosis of AC and as a PRO measure tool.
The Utility of Bedside Assessment Tools and Associated Factors to Avoid Antibiotic Overuse in an Urban PICU of a Diarrheal Disease Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Afroze Farzana , Faruk Md. Tanveer , Kamal Mehnaz , Kabir Farhad , Sarmin Monira , Sharifuzzaman  , Chakraborty Mithun , Hossain Md. Rezaul , Shikha Shamima Sharmin , Chowdhury Visnu Pritom , Islam Md. Zahidul , Ahmed Tahmeed , Chisti Mohammod Jobayer
Published: October 2021

Background: Antibiotic exposure in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is very high, although 50% of all antibiotics may be unnecessary. We aimed to determine the utility of simple bedside screening tools and predicting factors to avoid antibiotic overuse in the ICU among children with diarrhea and critical illness. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, single-center, case-control study that included children aged 2–59 months who were admitted to PICU with diarrhea and critical illness between 2017 and 2020. Results: We compared young children who did not receive antibiotics (cases, n = 164) during ICU stay to those treated with antibiotics (controls, n = 346). For predicting the ‘no antibiotic approach’, the sensitivity of a negative quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) was similar to quick Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction-2 (qPELOD-2) and higher than Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS). A negative qSOFA or qPELOD-2 score calculated during PICU admission is superior to SIRS to avoid antibiotic overuse in under-five children. The logistic regression analysis revealed that cases were more often older and independently associated with hypernatremia. Cases less often had severe underweight, altered mentation, age-specific fast breathing, lower chest wall in-drawing, adventitious sound on lung auscultation, abdominal distension, developmental delay, hyponatremia, hypocalcemia, and microscopic evidence of invasive diarrhea (for all, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Antibiotic overuse could be evaded in PICU using simple bedside screening tools and clinical characteristics, particularly in poor resource settings among children with diarrhea.
Effect of Subinhibitory Concentrations of Antibiotics and Disinfectants on ISAba-Mediated Inactivation of Lipooligosaccharide Biosynthesis Genes in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Olmeda-López Héctor , Corral-Lugo Andrés , McConnell Michael J.
Published: October 2021

Inactivation of the lipooligosaccharide (LOS) biosynthesis genes lpxA, lpxC and lpxD by ISAba insertion elements results in high-level resistance to colistin in A. baumannii. In the present study, we quantify the rate of spontaneous insertional inactivation of LOS biosynthesis genes by ISAba elements in the ATCC 19606-type strain and two multidrug clinical isolates. Using insertional inactivation of lpxC by ISAba11 in the ATCC 19606 strain as a model, we determine the effect of several subinhibitory concentrations of the antibiotics, namely tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, meropenem, kanamycin and rifampicin, as well as the disinfectants ethanol and chlorhexidine on ISAba11 insertion frequencies. Notably, subinhibitory concentrations of tetracycline significantly increased ISAba11 insertion, and rifampicin completely inhibited the emergence of colistin resistance due to ISAba11 inactivation of lpxC. Sequencing of ISAba11 insertion sites within the lpxC gene demonstrated that insertions clustered between nucleotides 382 and 618 (58.3% of unique insertions detected), indicating that this may be a hotspot for ISAba11 insertion. The alignment of insertion sites revealed a semi-conserved AT-rich consensus sequence upstream of the ISAba11 insertion site, suggesting that ISAba11 insertion sites may be sequence-dependent. This study explores previously uncharacterized aspects regarding the acquisition of colistin resistance through insertional activation in LOS biosynthesis genes in A. baumannii.
Efficacy of the Endolysin-Based Antibacterial Gel for Treatment of Anaerobic Infection Caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum
Authors: Vasina Daria V. , Antonova Nataliia P. , Vorobev Aleksei M. , Laishevtsev Aleksei I. , Kapustin Andrei V. , Zulkarneev Eldar R. , Bochkareva Svetlana S. , Kiseleva Irina A. , Anurova Mariia N. , Aleshkin Andrei V. , Tkachuk Artem P. , Gushchin Vladimir A.
Published: October 2021

Abscess formation is a common complication of severe life-threatening infections caused by obligate anaerobes. Fusobacterium necrophorum is among the frequently detected anaerobic pathogens from clinical specimens associated with liver abscesses, skin and soft tissue infections, or oral abscesses. The antimicrobial therapy for this kind of infection needs to be optimized. Here, we examined the possibility of treating F. necrophorum-induced abscess wound infections with candidate therapeutics based on three endolysins with activity against a broad spectrum of aerobe Gram-negative pathogens. Antibacterial gel containing three Gram-negative bacteria-targeting endolysins, LysAm24, LysAp22, and LysECD7, was formulated for topical use. Abscess formation was induced in rabbits with F. necrophorum and caused systemic infection. The survival and lifespan of the animals, general parameters, and biochemical and hematological blood tests were analyzed to assess the effectiveness of the gel treatment for the wound infection. The administration of the investigated gel twice per day for 5 days resulted in less acute inflammation, with decreased leukocytes and segmented neutrophils in the blood, retardation of infection progression, and an almost two-fold increase in the lifespan of the animals compared to the placebo group. The results indicate that endolysin-based therapy is an effective approach to treat anaerobic bacterial infections. The use of endolysins as independent pharmaceuticals, or their combination with antibiotics, could significantly reduce the development of complications in infectious diseases caused by sensitive bacterial species.
Modeling the Structure of Crystalline Alamethicin and Its NMR Chemical Shift Tensors
Authors: Czernek Jiří , Brus Jiří
Published: October 2021

Alamethicin (ALM) is an antimicrobial peptide that is frequently employed in studies of the mechanism of action of pore-forming molecules. Advanced techniques of solid-state NMR spectroscopy (SSNMR) are important in these studies, as they are capable of describing the alignment of helical peptides, such as ALM, in lipid bilayers. Here, it is demonstrated how an analysis of the SSNMR measurements can benefit from fully periodic calculations, which employ the plane-wave density-functional theory (PW DFT) of the solid-phase geometry and related spectral parameters of ALM. The PW DFT calculations are used to obtain the structure of desolvated crystalline ALM and predict the NMR chemical shift tensors (CSTs) of its nuclei. A variation in the CSTs of the amidic nitrogens and carbonyl carbons along the ALM backbone is evaluated and included in simulations of the orientation-dependent anisotropic 15N and 13C chemical shift components. In this way, the influence of the site-specific structural effects on the experimentally determined orientation of ALM is shown in models of cell membranes.
Screening of the Potential Bioactivities of Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.) Essential Oil
Authors: Luís Ângelo , Domingues Fernanda
Published: October 2021

Increasing resistance of pathogens towards conventional antibiotics presents a major threat to public health because it reduces the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment. Mentha pulegium L., also known as pennyroyal, is an aromatic herb that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. Its essential oil has been traditionally used in medicine, aromatherapy, and cosmetics. The purpose of this work was to study the chemical composition of a pennyroyal essential oil and to evaluate their bioactivities, specifically, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-quorum sensing, and anti-inflammatory. A special focus was given to the antibacterial activity of the essential oil against Acinetobacter baumannii. The chemical composition of the essential oil was studied by GC-MS/GC-FID. The DPPH free radical scavenging assay and the β-carotene/linoleic acid system were used to evaluate the antioxidant properties. The antimicrobial and anti-quorum sensing activities were evaluated by disk diffusion assays and complemented with optical microscopy observations. The results showed that pulegone was the major compound (88.64%) of the pennyroyal essential oil. Regarding the antimicrobial activity, the action against Acinetobacter baumannii stands out, which, together with the capacity of the essential oil to inhibit the quorum sensing mechanisms, may suggest the use of the pennyroyal essential oil to further develop surface disinfectants for hospitals.
Histochrome Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Ferroptosis-Induced Cardiomyocyte Death
Authors: Hwang Ji-Won , Park Jae-Hyun , Park Bong-Woo , Kim Hyeok , Kim Jin-Ju , Sim Woo-Sup , Mishchenko Natalia P. , Fedoreyev Sergey A. , Vasileva Elena A. , Ban Kiwon , Park Hun-Jun , Baek Sang-Hong
Published: October 2021

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular iron levels are critical modulators of lipid peroxidation that trigger iron-dependent non-apoptotic ferroptosis in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Histochrome (HC), with a potent antioxidant moiety and iron-chelating capacity, is now available in clinical practice. However, limited data are available about the protective effects of HC on ferroptotic cell death in myocardial I/R injury. In this study, we investigated whether the intravenous administration of HC (1 mg/kg) prior to reperfusion could decrease myocardial damage by reducing ferroptosis. Rats undergoing 60 min of ischemia and reperfusion were randomly divided into three groups as follows: (1) Sham, (2) I/R control, and (3) I/R + HC. Serial echocardiography up to four weeks after I/R injury showed that intravenous injection of HC significantly improved cardiac function compared to the I/R controls. In addition, the hearts of rats who received intravenous injection of HC exhibited significantly lower cardiac fibrosis and higher capillary density. HC treatment decreased intracellular and mitochondrial ROS levels by upregulating the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) and its downstream genes. HC also inhibited erastin- and RSL3-induced ferroptosis in rat neonatal cardiomyocytes by maintaining the intracellular glutathione level and through upregulated activity of glutathione peroxidase 4. These findings suggest that early intervention with HC before reperfusion rescued myocardium from I/R injury by preventing ferroptotic cell death. Therefore, HC is a promising therapeutic option to provide secondary cardioprotection in patients who undergo coronary reperfusion therapy.