bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli from Diarrhoeic Neonatal Calves in Spain
Authors: Prieto Alberto , López-Novo Cynthia , Díaz Pablo , Díaz-Cao José Manuel , López-Lorenzo Gonzalo , Antón Claudia , Remesar Susana , García-Dios David , López Ceferino , Panadero Rosario , Díez-Baños Pablo , Morrondo Patrocinio , Fernández Gonzalo
Published: January 2022

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is one of the major pathogens involved in neonatal calf diarrhoea (NCD) causing high economic losses in dairy farms. Antibiotic treatment is common in cases of systemic illness caused by NCD, but antimicrobial susceptibility tests (AST) are usually not performed. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize the antimicrobial susceptibility of ETEC strains obtained from calves with diarrhoea between 2018–2020. Faecal samples (n = 420) were analyzed to detect the typical ETEC virulence factors F5 and STa. Positive samples were cultured to identify and isolate ETEC strains (n = 41) and ASTs were performed. Our results are alarming since ETEC strains resistant to three or more families of antimicrobials were detected in all isolates. Only four antibiotics (ceftiofur, cefoperazone, cefquinome and gentamicin) presented efficacy against more than 90% of the ETEC strains, while the other ten antibiotics were effective against less than 40% of the strains. In addition, a high number of strains were resistant to most first-line antimicrobials used in veterinary practice. For this reason, when ETEC infection is suspected, an AST must always be performed to select the most appropriate antimicrobial in each case and to avoid the emergence of new resistance mechanisms.
Genomic Selection and Genome-Wide Association Analysis for Stress Response, Disease Resistance and Body Weight in European Seabass
Authors: Oikonomou Stavroula , Samaras Athanasios , Tekeoglou Maria , Loukovitis Dimitrios , Dimitroglou Arkadios , Kottaras Lefteris , Papanna Kantham , Papaharisis Leonidas , Tsigenopoulos Costas S. , Pavlidis Michail , Chatziplis Dimitrios
Published: January 2022

The majority of the genetic studies in aquaculture breeding programs focus on commercial traits such as body weight, morphology, and resistance against diseases. However, studying stress response in European seabass may contribute to the understanding of the genetic component of stress and its future use to select broodstock whose offspring may potentially be less affected by handling. A total of 865 European seabass offspring were used to measure body weight and stress response. Moreover, a disease challenge experiment with Vibrio anguillarum was conducted in a subset (332) of the above fish to study disease resistance. Fish were genotyped with a 57k SNP array, and a Genome-Wide Association study (GWAS) was performed. Five SNPs were found to be statistically significant, three of which affect stress indicators and body weight (in a subgroup of the population), and a putative SNP affects growth performance, while no SNP associated with resistance to Vibrio was found. A moderate to high genomic heritability regarding stress indicators and body weight was estimated using the Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) process. Finally, the accuracy, along with the correlation between Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) and Genomic Estimated Breeding Values (GEBVs), were calculated for all the traits.
Physicochemical Parameters of Raw Pet Food and Dehydrated Pet Treats Developed from Beef Processing Co-Products
Authors: Presume Marc R. , Soler Rigo F. , Chilenje Moses E. , Sandoval Jorge L. , Avila Luis P. , Garner Laura J. , Mason Robert P. , Altom Eric K. , Starkey Charles W.
Published: January 2022

Pet humanization and premiumization of pet foods have led to significant changes in the co-product market, as pet food companies are looking for more profitable protein sources for their products. Co-products such as beef liver (BL) and beef heart (BH) can be combined to generate restructured pet foods rich in vitamins and nutrients. Sodium alginate and encapsulated calcium lactate (ALGIN) can improve the acceptability of meat pieces by transforming them into a singular shape. The objective of this experiment was to assess the physiochemical parameters of co-products for utilization in raw pet foods and restructured pet treats generated from BL and BH by using ALGIN as a structure-forming agent. Results demonstrated increased cooking loss as ALGIN inclusion decreased, but cooking loss decreased as BL proportions increased (p = 0.0056). Expressible moisture of raw pet food decreased as ALGIN inclusion increased, but more moisture was released from treats when BL proportions increased (p < 0.0001). Increasing ALGIN and BH led to increased water activity of cooked treats (p < 0.0001). Thus, we suggest that BL and BH combinations with ALGIN inclusion produces a viable platform for higher inclusions of co-products in pet treats. Additionally, these ingredients improved the finished product quality characteristics of raw pet foods.
CFD-Based Analysis of Oil and Gas Two-Phase Flow Characteristics in Double-Row Tapered Roller Bearings with Different Rib Structures
Authors: Zhu Wenlin , Zhu Rupeng , Tang Xin , Lu Fengxia , Bai Xueqiang , Wu Xiaowei , Li Fajia
Published: January 2022

In this study, two-row tapered roller bearings (TBR) with different rib structures were tested under the condition of loss of lubrication. It was found that the double-row TBR with outer ring rib structure worked normally after 40 min of the test, but the inner ring The bearing of the side structure has failed. In order to explain this phenomenon, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation models of two structural bearings were established, and the flow characteristics of the oil in the bearing cavity under the conditions of full lubrication and loss of lubrication were studied by the method of discrete inlet oil volume. The research results show that, in the fully lubricated state, the oil volume fraction of the double-row TBR outer ring wall of the outer ring rib structure is 11.296 times higher than that of the inner ring rib structure. Moreover, the volume fraction of oil on the roller surface is 2.07 times higher in the outer ring rib structure than the inner ring rib structure. The volume fraction of lubricating oil in the bearing cavity decreases as the speed increases; however, the double-row TBR with the outer ring rib structure still shows a better lubrication effect than the inner ring rib structure. In the final stage of the loss of lubrication, the volume fraction of the bearing flow field of the outer ring rib structure is twice that of the inner ring rib structure, making the outer ring rib structure double-row tapered roller bearing (TBR) more dry Operational ability.
Characterization of Gentisate 1,2-Dioxygenase from Pseudarthrobacter phenanthrenivorans Sphe3 and Its Stabilization by Immobilization on Nickel-Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Asimakoula Stamatia , Giannakopoulou Archontoula , Lappa Eirini , Tsagogiannis Epameinondas , Primikyri Alexandra , Stamatis Haralambos , Koukkou Anna-Irini
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study was the biochemical and kinetic characterization of the gentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (GDO) from Pseudarthrobacter phenanthrenivorans Sphe3 and the development of a nanobiocatalyst by its immobilization on Ni2+-functionalized Fe3O4-polydopamine magnetic nanoparticles (Ni2+-PDA-MNPs). This is the first GDO to be immobilized. The gene encoding the GDO was cloned with an N-terminal His-tag and overexpressed in E. coli. The nanoparticles showed a high purification efficiency of GDO from crude cell lysates with a maximum activity recovery of 97%. The immobilized enzyme was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The reaction product was identified by 1H NMR. Both free and immobilized GDO exhibited Michaelis–Menten kinetics with Km values of 25.9 ± 4.4 and 82.5 ± 14.2 μM and Vmax values of 1.2 ± 0.1 and 0.03 ± 0.002 mM·s−1, respectively. The thermal stability of the immobilized GDO was enhanced at 30 °C, 40 °C, and 50 °C, compared to the free GDO. Stored at −20 °C, immobilized GDO retained more than 60% of its initial activity after 30 d, while the free enzyme completely lost its activity after 10 d. Furthermore, the immobilized nanoparticle–enzyme conjugate retained more than 50% enzyme activity up to the fifth cycle.
Study of Planetary Boundary Layer, Air Pollution, Air Quality Models and Aerosol Transport Using Ceilometers in New South Wales (NSW), Australia
Authors: Duc Hiep Nguyen , Rahman Md Mahmudur , Trieu Toan , Azzi Merched , Riley Matthew , Koh Thomas , Liu Shaohua , Bandara Kasun , Krishnan Vishall , Yang Yujing , Silver Jeremy , Kirley Michael , White Stephen , Capnerhurst Jordan , Kirkwood John
Published: January 2022

The planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) is one of the key factors in influencing the dispersion of the air pollutants in the troposphere and, hence, the air pollutant concentration on ground level. For this reason, accurate air pollutant concentration depends on the performance of PBLH prediction. Recently, ceilometers, a lidar instrument to measure cloud base height, have been used by atmospheric scientists and air pollution control authorities to determine the mixing level height (MLH) in improving forecasting and understanding the evolution of aerosol layers above ground at a site. In this study, ceilometer data at an urban (Lidcombe) and a rural (Merriwa) location in New South Wales, Australia, were used to investigate the relationship of air pollutant surface concentrations and surface meteorological variables with MLH, to validate the PBLH prediction from two air quality models (CCAM-CTM and WRF-CMAQ), as well as to understand the aerosol transport from sources to the receptor point at Merriwa for the three case studies where high PM10 concentration was detected in each of the three days. The results showed that surface ozone and temperature had a positive correlation with MLH, while relative humidity had negative correlation. For other pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2), no clear results were obtained, and the correlation depended on the site and regional emission characteristics. The results also showed that the PBLH prediction by the two air quality models corresponded reasonably well with the observed ceilometer data and the cause and source of high PM10 concentration at Merriwa can be found by using ceilometer MLH data to corroborate back trajectory analysis of the transport of aerosols to the receptor point at Merriwa. Of the three case studies, one had aerosol sources from the north and north west of Merriwa in remote NSW, where windblown dust is the main source, and the other two had sources from the south and south east of Merriwa, where anthropogenic sources dominate.
Effective Label-Free Sorting of Multipotent Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Clinical Bone Marrow Samples
Authors: Zia Silvia , Cavallo Carola , Vigliotta Ilaria , Parisi Valentina , Grigolo Brunella , Buda Roberto , Marrazzo Pasquale , Alviano Francesco , Bonsi Laura , Zattoni Andrea , Reschiglian Pierluigi , Roda Barbara
Published: January 2022

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) make up less than 1% of the bone marrow (BM). Several methods are used for their isolation such as gradient separation or centrifugation, but these methodologies are not direct and, thus, plastic adherence outgrowth or magnetic/fluorescent-activated sorting is required. To overcome this limitation, we investigated the use of a new separative technology to isolate MSCs from BM; it label-free separates cells based solely on their physical characteristics, preserving their native physical properties, and allows real-time visualization of cells. BM obtained from patients operated for osteochondral defects was directly concentrated in the operatory room and then analyzed using the new technology. Based on cell live-imaging and the sample profile, it was possible to highlight three fractions (F1, F2, F3), and the collected cells were evaluated in terms of their morphology, phenotype, CFU-F, and differentiation potential. Multipotent MSCs were found in F1: higher CFU-F activity and differentiation potential towards mesenchymal lineages compared to the other fractions. In addition, the technology depletes dead cells, removing unwanted red blood cells and non-progenitor stromal cells from the biological sample. This new technology provides an effective method to separate MSCs from fresh BM, maintaining their native characteristics and avoiding cell manipulation. This allows selective cell identification with a potential impact on regenerative medicine approaches in the orthopedic field and clinical applications.
Targeted NMDA Receptor Interventions for Autism: Developmentally Determined Expression of GluN2B and GluN2A-Containing Receptors and Balanced Allosteric Modulatory Approaches
Authors: Deutsch Stephen I. , Luyo Zachary N. M. , Burket Jessica A.
Published: January 2022

Various ASD risk alleles have been associated with impairment of NMDA receptor activation (i.e., NMDA Receptor Hypofunction) and/or disturbance of the careful balance between activation mediated by GluN2B-subtype and GluN2A-subtype-containing NMDA receptors. Importantly, although these various risk alleles affect NMDA receptor activation through different mechanisms, they share the pathogenic consequences of causing disturbance of highly regulated NMDA receptor activation. Disturbances of NMDA receptor activation due to sequence variants, protein termination variants and copy number variants are often cell-specific and regionally selective. Thus, translational therapeutic NMDA receptor agonist interventions, which may require chronic administration, must have specificity, selectivity and facilitate NMDA receptor activation in a manner that is physiologic (i.e., mimicking that of endogenously released glutamate and glycine/D-serine released in response to salient and relevant socio-cognitive provocations within discrete neural circuits). Importantly, knockout mice with absent expression and mice with haploinsufficient expression of the deleterious genes often serve as good models to test the potential efficacy of promising pharmacotherapeutic strategies. The Review considers diverse examples of “illness” genes, their pathogenic effects on NMDA receptor activation and, when available, results of studies of impaired sociability in mouse models, including “proof of principle/proof of concept” experiments exploring NMDA receptor agonist interventions and the development of promising positive allosteric modulators (PAMs), which serve as support and models for developing an inventory of PAMs and negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) for translational therapeutic intervention. Conceivably, selective PAMs and NAMs either alone or in combination will be administered to patients guided by their genotype in order to potentiate and/or restore disrupted balance between activation mediated by GluN2B-subtype and GluN2A-subtype containing NMDA receptors.
Quantitative Proteomics of Polarised Macrophages Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Murugesan Gavuthami , Davidson Lindsay , Jannetti Linda , Crocker Paul R. , Weigle Bernd
Published: January 2022

Macrophages (MΦ) are highly heterogenous and versatile innate immune cells involved in homeostatic and immune responses. Activated MΦ can exist in two extreme phenotypes: pro-inflammatory (M1) MΦ and anti-inflammatory (M2) MΦ. These phenotypes can be recapitulated in vitro by using ligands of toll-like receptors (TLRs) and cytokines such as IFNγ and IL-4. In recent years, human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived MΦ have gained major attention, as they are functionally similar to human monocyte-derived MΦ and are receptive to genome editing. In this study, we polarised iPSC-derived MΦ to M1 or M2 and analysed their proteome and secretome profiles using quantitative proteomics. These comprehensive proteomic data sets provide new insights into functions of polarised MΦ.
Three-Dimensional Analysis of Biomimetic Aerofoil in Transonic Flow
Authors: Marimuthu Siva , Al-Rabeei Samer , Boha Hithim Ahmed
Published: January 2022

Since the invention of the aircraft, there has been a need for better surface design to enhance performance. This thirst has driven many aerodynamicists to develop various types of aerofoils. Most researchers have strongly assumed that smooth surfaces would be more suitable for air transport vehicles. This ideology was shattered into pieces when biomimetics was introduced. Biomimetics emphasized the roughness of a surface instead of smoothness in a fluid flow regime. In this research, the most popular 0012 aerofoils of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) are considered to improve them, with the help of a surface pattern derived from the biological environment. Original and biomimetic aerofoils were designed in three dimensions with the help of Solidworks software and analyzed in the computational flow domain using the commercial code ANSYS Fluent. The implemented biomimetic rough surface pattern upgraded the NACA 0012 aerofoil design in the transonic flow regime. Lift and viscous forces of the aerofoil improved up to 5.41% and 9.98%, respectively. This research has proved that a surface with a little roughness is better than a smooth surface.
Molecular Modelling of Optical Biosensor Phosphorene-Thioguanine for Optimal Drug Delivery in Leukemia Treatment
Authors: Mian Shabeer Ahmad , Khan Shafqat Ullah , Hussain Akbar , Rauf Abdur , Ahmed Ejaz , Jang Joonkyung
Published: January 2022

Thioguanine is an anti-cancer drug used for the treatment of leukemia. However, thioguanine has weak aqueous solubility and low biocompatibility, which limits its performance in the treatment of cancer. In the present work, these inadequacies were targeted using density functional theory-based simulations. Three stable configurations were obtained for the adsorption of thioguanine molecules on the phosphorene surface, with adsorption energies in the range of −76.99 to −38.69 kJ/mol, indicating physisorption of the drug on the phosphorene surface. The calculated bandgap energies of the individual and combined geometries of phosphorene and thioguanine were 0.97 eV, 2.81 eV and 0.91 eV, respectively. Owing to the physisorption of the drug molecule on the phosphorene surface, the bandgap energy of the material had a direct impact on optical conductivity, which was significantly altered. All parameters that determine the potential ability for drug delivery were calculated, such as the dipole moment, chemical hardness, chemical softness, chemical potential, and electrophilicity index. The higher dipole moment (1.74 D) of the phosphorene–thioguanine complex reflects its higher biodegradability, with no adverse physiological effects.
Immunotherapy for Esophageal Cancer: State-of-the Art in 2021
Authors: Teixeira Farinha Hugo , Digklia Antonia , Schizas Dimitrios , Demartines Nicolas , Schäfer Markus , Mantziari Styliani
Published: January 2022

The management of esophageal cancer (EC) has experienced manifold changes during the last decades. Centralization of EC treatment has been introduced in many countries, subsequently allowing the development of specialized high-volume centers. Minimal invasive surgery has replaced open surgery in many centers, whereas more potent systemic treatments have been introduced in clinical practice. Newer chemotherapy regimens increase long-term survival. Nevertheless, the overall survival of EC patients remains dismal for advanced tumor stages. In this direction, a wide range of targeted biologic agents (immunotherapy) is currently under assessment. Anti- Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2 (HER-2) monoclonal antibodies are used in HER2 (+) tumors, predominantly well-differentiated adenocarcinomas, and are currently assessed in the neoadjuvant setting (TRAP, INNOVATION trials). Immune checkpoint inhibitors Nivolumab (ATTRACTION-03) and pembrolizumab (KEYNOTE-181), have demonstrated a survival benefit compared with conventional chemotherapy in heavily pre-treated progressive disease. More recently, CheckMate-577 showed very promising results for nivolumab in a curative adjuvant setting, improving disease-free survival mainly for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Several ongoing trials are investigating novel targeted agents in the preoperative setting of locally advanced EC. In addition, other immunomodulatory approaches such as peptide vaccines and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are currently under development and should be increasingly integrated into clinical practice.
Impaired Glucose Metabolism, Anti-Diabetes Medications, and Risk of Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Kushchayeva Yevgeniya , Kushchayev Sergiy , Jensen Kirk , Brown Rebecca J.
Published: January 2022

The prevalence of obesity is progressively increasing along with the potential high risk for insulin resistance and development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Obesity is associated with increased risk of many malignancies, and hyperinsulinemia has been proposed to be a link between obesity and cancer development. The incidence of thyroid cancer is also increasing, making this cancer the most common endocrine malignancy. There is some evidence of associations between obesity, insulin resistance and/or diabetes with thyroid proliferative disorders, including thyroid cancer. However, the etiology of such an association has not been fully elucidated. The goal of the present work is to review the current knowledge on crosstalk between thyroid and glucose metabolic pathways and the effects of obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and anti-hyperglycemic medications on the risk of thyroid cancer development.
Review of Regional Therapies for Gastric Cancer with Peritoneal Metastases
Authors: Sun Beatrice J. , Lee Byrne
Published: January 2022

Gastric cancer carries a poor prognosis and is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Patients with gastric cancer who develop peritoneal metastases have an even more dismal prognosis, with median survival time measured in months. Since studies have demonstrated that systemic chemotherapy has poor penetration into the peritoneum, multimodal treatment with intraperitoneal chemotherapy has been proposed for the treatment of peritoneal metastases and has become the foundation for newer therapeutic techniques and clinical trials. These include heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with cytoreductive surgery (CRS), which involves the application of heated chemotherapy into the abdomen with or without tumor debulking surgery; normothermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (NIPEC), in which non-heated chemotherapy can be delivered into the abdomen via a peritoneal port allowing for repeat dosing; and pressurized intraperitoneal aerosolized chemotherapy (PIPAC), a newer technique of pressurized and aerosolized chemotherapy delivered into the abdomen during laparoscopy. Early results with intraperitoneal chemotherapy have shown promise in increasing disease-free and overall survival in select patients. Additionally, there may be a palliative effect of these regional therapies. In this review, we explore and summarize these different intraperitoneal chemotherapy treatment regimens for gastric cancer with peritoneal metastases.
Strategies for Improving the Efficacy of CAR T Cells in Solid Cancers
Authors: Kyte Jon Amund
Published: January 2022

Therapy with T cells equipped with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) shows strong efficacy against leukaemia and lymphoma, but not yet against solid cancers. This has been attributed to insufficient T cell persistence, tumour heterogeneity and an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment. The present article provides an overview of key strategies that are currently investigated to overcome these hurdles. Basic aspects of CAR design are revisited, relevant for tuning the stimulatory signal to the requirements of solid tumours. Novel approaches for enhancing T cell persistence are highlighted, based on epigenetic or post-translational modifications. Further, the article describes CAR T strategies that are being developed for overcoming tumour heterogeneity and the escape of cancer stem cells, as well as for countering prevalent mechanisms of immune suppression in solid cancers. In general, personalised medicine is faced with a lack of drugs matching the patient’s profile. The advances and flexibility of modern gene engineering may allow for the filling of some of these gaps with tailored CAR T approaches addressing mechanisms identified as important in the individual patient. At this point, however, CAR T cell therapy remains unproved in solid cancers. The further progress of the field will depend on bringing novel strategies into clinical evaluation, while maintaining safety.
Utility of Telomerase Gene Mutation Testing in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in Routine Practice
Authors: Šelb Julij , Osolnik Katarina , Kern Izidor , Korošec Peter , Rijavec Matija
Published: January 2022

Recent studies have suggested that causative variants in telomerase complex genes (TCGs) are present in around 10% of individuals with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) regardless of family history of the disease. However, the studies used a case-control rare variant enrichment study design which is not directly translatable to routine practice. To validate the prevalence results and to establish the individual level, routine clinical practice, and utility of those results we performed next generation sequencing of TCGs on a cohort of well-characterized consecutive individuals with IPF (diagnosis established according to ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT guidelines). Of 27 IPF patients, three had a family history of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (familial IPF) and 24 did not (sporadic IPF). Pathogenic/likely-pathogenic variants (according to American College of Medical Genetics criteria) in TCG were found in three individuals (11.1%) of the whole cohort; specifically, they were present in 2 out of 24 (8.3%) of the sporadic and in 1 out of 3 (33.3%) of the patients with familial IPF. Our results, which were established on an individual-patient level study design and in routine clinical practice (as opposed to the case-control study design), are roughly in line with the around 10% prevalence of causative TCG variants in patients with IPF.
Discriminating Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition Phenotypes in Circulating Tumor Cells Isolated from Advanced Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients
Authors: Carneiro Adriana , Piairo Paulina , Teixeira Alexandra , Ferreira Dylan , Cotton Sofia , Rodrigues Carolina , Chícharo Alexandre , Abalde-Cela Sara , Santos Lúcio Lara , Lima Luís , Diéguez Lorena
Published: January 2022

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers constitute a group of highest morbidity worldwide, with colorectal cancer (CRC) and gastric cancer being among the most frequently diagnosed. The majority of gastrointestinal cancer patients already present metastasis by the time of diagnosis, which is widely associated with cancer-related death. Accumulating evidence suggests that epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer promotes circulating tumor cell (CTCs) formation, which ultimately drives metastasis development. These cells have emerged as a fundamental tool for cancer diagnosis and monitoring, as they reflect tumor heterogeneity and the clonal evolution of cancer in real-time. In particular, EMT phenotypes are commonly associated with therapy resistance. Thus, capturing these CTCs is expected to reveal important clinical information. However, currently available CTC isolation approaches are suboptimal and are often targeted to capture epithelial CTCs, leading to the loss of EMT or mesenchymal CTCs. Here, we describe size-based CTCs isolation using the RUBYchip™, a label-free microfluidic device, aiming to detect EMT biomarkers in CTCs from whole blood samples of GI cancer patients. We found that, for most cases, the mesenchymal phenotype was predominant, and in fact a considerable fraction of isolated CTCs did not express epithelial markers. The RUBYchip™ can overcome the limitations of label-dependent technologies and improve the identification of CTC subpopulations that may be related to different clinical outcomes.
Method for Isolation of Myxozoan Proliferative Stages from Fish at High Yield and Purity: An Essential Prerequisite for In Vitro, In Vivo and Genomics-Based Research Developments
Authors: Born-Torrijos Ana , Kosakyan Anush , Patra Sneha , Pimentel-Santos Joana , Panicucci Brian , Chan Justin Tze Ho , Korytář Tomáš , Holzer Astrid S.
Published: January 2022

Myxozoans are a diverse group of microscopic cnidarian parasites and some representatives are associated with important diseases in fish, in both marine and freshwater aquaculture systems. Research on myxozoans has been largely hampered by the inability to isolate myxozoan parasites from their host tissues. In this study, we developed and optimized a method to isolate the myxozoan proliferative stages of different size and cellularity from fish blood, using DEAE-cellulose ion exchange chromatography. We optimized several parameters and obtained 99–100% parasite purity, as well as high survival and infectivity. Using polyclonal pan-carp blood cell-specific antibodies, we further developed a rapid cytometric assay for quantification of the proliferative stages, not only in highly concentrated DEAE-C isolates but also in dilute conditions in full blood. Early developmental stages of myxozoans are key to parasite proliferation, establishment, and pathology in their hosts. The isolation of these stages not only opens new possibilities for in vivo and in vitro studies, but also for obtaining purified DNA and protein extracts for downstream analyses. Hence, we provide a long-desired tool that will advance the functional research into the mechanisms of host exploitation and immune stimulation/evasion in this group, which could contribute greatly to the development of therapeutic strategies against myxozoans.
The Influence of Gut Microbiota on Neurogenesis: Evidence and Hopes
Authors: Sarubbo Fiorella , Cavallucci Virve , Pani Giovambattista
Published: January 2022

Adult neurogenesis (i.e., the life-long generation of new neurons from undifferentiated neuronal precursors in the adult brain) may contribute to brain repair after damage, and participates in plasticity-related processes including memory, cognition, mood and sensory functions. Among the many intrinsic (oxidative stress, inflammation, and ageing), and extrinsic (environmental pollution, lifestyle, and diet) factors deemed to impact neurogenesis, significant attention has been recently attracted by the myriad of saprophytic microorganismal communities inhabiting the intestinal ecosystem and collectively referred to as the gut microbiota. A growing body of evidence, mainly from animal studies, reveal the influence of microbiota and its disease-associated imbalances on neural stem cell proliferative and differentiative activities in brain neurogenic niches. On the other hand, the long-claimed pro-neurogenic activity of natural dietary compounds endowed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties (such as polyphenols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, or pro/prebiotics) may be mediated, at least in part, by their action on the intestinal microflora. The purpose of this review is to summarise the available information regarding the influence of the gut microbiota on neurogenesis, analyse the possible underlying mechanisms, and discuss the potential implications of this emerging knowledge for the fight against neurodegeneration and brain ageing.
Relationship between Dental Occlusion and Maximum Tongue Pressure in Preschool Children Aged 4–6 Years
Authors: Sasaki Yumi , Otsugu Masatoshi , Sasaki Hidekazu , Fujikawa Naho , Okawa Rena , Kato Takafumi , Nakano Kazuhiko
Published: January 2022

Tongue function is regarded as a primary factor in the etiology of malocclusion, but details of the relationship remain unknown. The purpose of the present study was to investigate maximum tongue pressure, in preschool children to examine its relationship with dental occlusion. A total of 477 healthy children (248 boys, 229 girls, aged 4–6 years) were recruited. Dental occlusion was assessed visually to record sagittal, vertical, and transverse malocclusion, and space discrepancies. Maximum tongue pressure was measured using a balloon-based tongue pressure measurement device. Additionally, 72 children (37 boys, 35 girls, aged 4–5 years) were recruited for a 1-year follow-up study. Approximately half of the children (53.5%) showed some type of malocclusion in the present study. Maximum tongue pressure was highest in the 6-year-old children. The results of a two-way ANCOVA show that the effect of age was significant (p < 0.001); however, the effects of sex and dental occlusion, or the interactions among these variables, did not reach significance. Additionally, maximum tongue pressure increased significantly in the 1-year follow-up study (p < 0.001), especially in the normal occlusion group. Maximum tongue pressure increases markedly with growth in the preschool years and can be associated with some types of malocclusion in preschool children.
Teachers and Parents’ Perceptions of Care for Students with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Their Needs in the School Setting
Authors: Armas Junco Laura , Fernández-Hawrylak María
Published: January 2022

The high incidence of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM1) increases the likelihood of teachers having students with this illness in their classrooms. The objective of this study is to investigate the needs of students with DM1 during the school day from the perspective of both teachers and parents. A mixed methods study was designed and a questionnaire was administered to practicing teachers in Pre-primary Education, Primary Education, Compulsory Secondary Education, and Further Education, as well as Vocational Education within both the province and the city of Burgos (Castile and Leon, Spain) who may have students with DM1. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with mothers and fathers, members of the Burgos Diabetics Association (ASDIBUR). In the questionnaires administered to the teaching staff, 54.8% affirmed that they knew of students with DM1 at their centers. Of those questioned, 51.2% affirmed that they knew of the existence of action protocols on DM, and 45.2% declared that they had received specialized information on the illness; 92.8% believed that there was no discrimination at their center towards students with DM, and 82.8% thought that the educational center raised no objections to students with DM departing on trips during the school year. In their interviews, both family and teachers assessed the material and human resources as insufficient and called for the presence of school nurses at the educational centers. It is important to raise the awareness of the educational community about the needs of students with DM1 and to provide guidelines on emergency situations to teachers and staff at the centers.
Resveratrol Downregulates Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor-Induced Oncostatin M Production through Blocking of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Signal Cascade in Neutrophil-like Differentiated HL-60 Cells
Authors: Han Na-Ra , Park Hi-Joon , Moon Phil-Dong
Published: January 2022

Oncostatin M (OSM) is essential in a wide range of inflammatory responses, and most OSM is produced by neutrophils in respiratory diseases. While resveratrol (RES) is regarded as an anti-inflammatory agent in a variety of conditions, the mechanism of OSM inhibition by RES in neutrophils remains to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated whether RES could inhibit OSM production in neutrophil-like differentiated (d)HL-60 cells. The effects of RES were measured by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting. Increases in production and mRNA expression of OSM resulted from the addition of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in neutrophil-like dHL-60 cells; however, these increases were downregulated by RES treatment. Exposure to GM-CSF led to elevations of phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, and nuclear factor (NF)-kB. Treatment with RES induced downregulation of the phosphorylated levels of PI3K, Akt, and NF-κB in neutrophil-like dHL-60 cells. These results suggest that RES could be applicable to prevent and/or treat inflammatory disorders through blockade of OSM.
Evolution in Wear and High-Temperature Oxidation Resistance of Laser-Clad AlxMoNbTa Refractory High-Entropy Alloys Coatings with Al Addition Content
Authors: Hong Sichun , Li Jun , Zhao Peng , Xu Yinsi , Li Wanggen
Published: January 2022

AlxMoNbTa (x = 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5) refractory high-entropy alloy (RHEAs) coatings were produced on Ti6Al4V by laser cladding. Ti2AlNb as the second phase and the solid solutions with the body center cubic structure (BCC) as the matrix were synthesized in the coatings. The average microhardness of the coatings was increased with the increase in x, along with which the fracture toughness was decreased. Wear resistance of the coatings was investigated by the dry-sliding reciprocating wear tests at room temperature in air (Si3N4 as the counterparts, the 10 N load for 30 min, and the 3 mm/s sliding speed). The wear rate of the coatings was decreased with x enhanced from 0.5 (6.34 × 10−5 mm3/N·m) to 1.0 (5.90 × 10−5 mm3/N·m), then slightly increased with x enhanced to 1.5 (6.18 × 10−5 mm3/N·m). Oxidation resistance was evaluated by the high-temperature oxidation tests at 1000 °C in air for 120 h. The whole mass gain of the coatings showed a slight downward tendency (61.8 mg/cm2 for x = 0.5, 57.8 mg/cm2 for x = 1.0 and 56.3 mg/cm2 for x = 1.5). The change in wear and oxidation mechanism with x was revealed in detail.
Sustainability Analysis of Interior Coatings for the Prevention of Fungal Development
Authors: Jerónimo Alexandre , Bragança Luís , Aguiar Barroso
Published: January 2022

The construction sector is currently challenged by environmental concerns, reducing energy consumption, and optimising the use of raw materials, hence the need to use new technologies and materials that have a better lifecycle performance. Recycling end-of-life materials or using industrial by-products is a solution in which resources are used efficiently. The considerable contribution of the production of hydraulic lime mortars to the environment, especially in relation to carbon dioxide emissions, is noteworthy. The study and use of nanotechnology and by-products, such as microgranulated corks, are solutions for more sustainable options, as they are more durable, and their properties are similar to conventional mortars. In this study, we explored the environmental benefits of mortars; to this end, we added different percentages of nano-TiO2 and microgranulated cork that can be used in the production of mortars based on hydraulic lime but with antifungal properties. With the analysed results, we verified that these two additives, besides presenting benefits regarding antifungal properties, are viable alternatives to chemical biocides and sustainable options for the mortar industry to improve its environmental performance. The best environmental performance is obtained with mortar with 2% microgranulated cork.
Assessment of Android Network Positioning as an Alternative Source of Navigation for Drone Operations
Authors: Lee Dong-Kyeong , Nedelkov Filip , Akos Dennis M.
Published: January 2022

Applications of drones have increased significantly in the past decade for both indoor and outdoor operations. In order to assist autonomous drone navigation, there are numerous sensors installed onboard the vehicles. These include Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) chipsets, inertial sensors, barometer, lidar, radar and vision sensors. The two sensors used most often by drone autopilot controllers for absolute positioning are the GNSS chipsets and barometer. Although, for most outdoor operations, these sensors provide accurate and reliable position information, their accuracy, availability, and integrity deteriorate for indoor applications and in the presence of radio frequency interference (RFI), such as GNSS spoofing and jamming. Therefore, it is possible to derive network-based locations from Wi-Fi and cellular transmission. Although there have been many theoretical studies on network positioning, limited resources are available for the expected quantitative performance of these positioning methodologies. In this paper, the authors investigate both the horizontal and vertical accuracy of the Android network location engines under rural, suburban, and urban environments. The paper determines the horizontal location accuracy to be approximately 1637 m, 38 m, and 32 m in terms of 68% circular error probable (CEP) for rural, suburban, and urban environments, respectively, and the vertical accuracy to be 1.2 m and 4.6 m in terms of 68% CEP for suburban and urban environments, respectively. In addition, the availability and latency of the location engines are explored. Furthermore, the paper assesses the accuracy of the Android network location accuracy indicator for various drone operation environments. The assessed accuracies of the network locations provide a deeper insight into their potential for drone navigation.
Multi-Sensor Vibration Signal Based Three-Stage Fault Prediction for Rotating Mechanical Equipment
Authors: Peng Huaqing , Li Heng , Zhang Yu , Wang Siyuan , Gu Kai , Ren Mifeng
Published: January 2022

In order to reduce maintenance costs and avoid safety accidents, it is of great significance to carry out fault prediction to reasonably arrange maintenance plans for rotating mechanical equipment. At present, the relevant research mainly focuses on fault diagnosis and remaining useful life (RUL) predictions, which cannot provide information on the specific health condition and fault types of rotating mechanical equipment in advance. In this paper, a novel three-stage fault prediction method is presented to realize the identification of the degradation period and the type of failure simultaneously. Firstly, based on the vibration signals from multiple sensors, a convolutional neural network (CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM) network are combined to extract the spatiotemporal features of the degradation period and fault type by means of the cross-entropy loss function. Then, to predict the degradation trend and the type of failure, the attention-bidirectional (Bi)-LSTM network is used as the regression model to predict the future trend of features. Furthermore, the predicted features are given to the support vector classification (SVC) model to identify the specific degradation period and fault type, which can eventually realize a comprehensive fault prediction. Finally, the NSF I/UCR Center for Intelligent Maintenance Systems (IMS) dataset is used to verify the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed fault prediction method.
High Performance Single and Double Loop Digital and Hybrid PID-Type Control for DC/AC Voltage Source Inverters
Authors: Blachuta Marian , Bieda Robert , Grygiel Rafal
Published: January 2022

The concept of hybrid control has been introduced, in which the analog implementation of the control algorithm is combined with a digital algorithm for determining the PWM duty cycle. Single-loop PD and PID control systems are compared to a double-loop architecture with additional capacitor current sensing for both digital and hybrid controller realizations. The performance is measured as the THD value under resistor-capacitor rectifier load. It has been shown that a properly constructed continuous-time model of a digital controller with a PWM power converter behaves like the actual discrete-time system, which allows for a simple controller analysis and design. The role of a PWM type for capacitor current feedback is emphasized. The simulation models of a real inverter are presented, which are used to tune the controllers and to evaluate the control performance for both rectifier and abruptly changing resistive load. The obtained solutions achieve the THD values comparable to the VSI without load. The results are contrasted with the control methods based on resonant filters.
Performance Assessment of a nZEB Carbon Neutral Living/Office Space and Its Integration into a District Energy-Hub
Authors: Florio Pietro , Tendon Xavier , Fleury Jérémy , Costantini Carlotta , Schueler Andreas , Scartezzini Jean-Louis
Published: January 2022

The integrated performance assessment of buildings can orient their design in the early stages. Despite the wide availability of physics simulation-based, data-driven, and hybrid techniques, it is often difficult to rely on a single, appropriate technique to obtain reliable results. A set of methods, each featuring advantages and limitations, help to refine the performance assessment in an iterative comparative process until a comprehensive picture of the building is achieved. The approach was implemented on a nearly zero-energy building, recently built-up as a combined living and office space (e.g., the SolAce unit) on the NEST infrastructure in Dübendorf (Switzerland). The proposed approach showed that the unit reaches high energy performance accordingly requiring optimal cooling management, involving the control of the opening of blinds and windows. A sound convergence between the computer simulations and data-driven analysis were observed, attesting to the overall energy consumption, of around 26 kWh/m2year, in continuous decrease, aiming at an annual energy-positive balance. The unit was ranked first according to the dynamic energy exchange scheme of the energy trading hub within the NEST facility, which features high-level building modules as a testbed of future building technologies. Embodied energy is estimated at 39 kWh/m2year, which is below the commended limits of Swiss eco-building standards. By considering the carbon sequestration of the wood products during their lifespan, the unit is very close to carbon neutrality with the CO2 emitted annually by the unit over its lifetime being compensated by those stored within wood products during the same period. Highlights: An innovative combined living/office space is connected to an ‘Energy-hub’. The unit includes novel bioclimatic developments of the building industry. Energy performance is assessed in the concept phase, construction, and operation. Used and compared simulation vs data monitoring for energy and comfort assessment. High energy performance and neutral CO2 emission; plus-energy exported to the hub.
Modeling of the Off-Grid PV-Wind-Battery System Regarding Value of Loss of Load Probability
Authors: Raff Rebeka , Golub Velimir , Knežević Goran , Topić Danijel
Published: January 2022

The paper presents an optimized off-grid photovoltaic (PV)-wind battery model that considers the value of loss of load probability (LOLP). The optimum combination of all model components: wind turbines, PV panels, batteries and electrical load for the City of Osijek using MATLAB software is defined. The examined data are based on measured load values for the residential home. For values of LOLP in the range from 0.00 to 0.10 in steps of 0.01, optimal size of the presented system has been determined. In order to determine the optimal model, investment costs were taken into account in comparison with various LOLP values.
Research on Steering Vibration Analysis of Wheel Loader and Cushion Valve Design
Authors: Wang Tongjian , Wang Yichuan , Zhu Lihui , Zhi Zhenling , Liu Zongjian , Li Rencheng
Published: January 2022

At present, the wheel loaders on the market have steering vibration problems, which can be summarized as follows: the front frame and the cab vibrate violently at the beginning and at the end of steering. This paper analyzed the steering vibration mechanism by collecting the pressure at different positions of the hydraulic steering system and AMESim simulation. A cushion valve was designed to solve the problem of steering vibration. Finally, the prototype test was carried out and it was concluded that the cushion valve reduced the steering pressure starting shock by 50%, the stop vibration was reduced by 75%, and the suction problem no longer occurred. Further, the analysis provides theoretical and experimental basis for research on the steering system of loaders, and also provides new ideas for the design and optimization of vehicle steering systems.