bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perspective: Wearable Internet of Medical Things for Remote Tracking of Symptoms, Prediction of Health Anomalies, Implementation of Preventative Measures, and Control of Virus Spread During the Era of COVID-19
Authors: Mehrdad Sarmad , Wang Yao , Atashzar S. Farokh
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has highly impacted the communities globally by reprioritizing the means through which various societal sectors operate. Among these sectors, healthcare providers and medical workers have been impacted prominently due to the massive increase in demand for medical services under unprecedented circumstances. Hence, any tool that can help the compliance with social guidelines for COVID-19 spread prevention will have a positive impact on managing and controlling the virus outbreak and reducing the excessive burden on the healthcare system. This perspective article disseminates the perspectives of the authors regarding the use of novel biosensors and intelligent algorithms embodied in wearable IoMT frameworks for tackling this issue. We discuss how with the use of smart IoMT wearables certain biomarkers can be tracked for detection of COVID-19 in exposed individuals. We enumerate several machine learning algorithms which can be used to process a wide range of collected biomarkers for detecting (a) multiple symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and (b) the dynamical likelihood of contracting the virus through interpersonal interaction. Eventually, we enunciate how a systematic use of smart wearable IoMT devices in various social sectors can intelligently help controlling the spread of COVID-19 in communities as they enter the reopening phase. We explain how this framework can benefit individuals and their medical correspondents by introducing Systems for Symptom Decoding (SSD), and how the use of this technology can be generalized on a societal level for the control of spread by introducing Systems for Spread Tracing (SST).
Robotics and AI for Teleoperation, Tele-Assessment, and Tele-Training for Surgery in the Era of COVID-19: Existing Challenges, and Future Vision
Authors: Feizi Navid , Tavakoli Mahdi , Patel Rajni V. , Atashzar S. Farokh
Published: April 2021

The unprecedented shock caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has severely influenced the delivery of regular healthcare services. Most non-urgent medical activities, including elective surgeries, have been paused to mitigate the risk of infection and to dedicate medical resources to managing the pandemic. In this regard, not only surgeries are substantially influenced, but also pre- and post-operative assessment of patients and training for surgical procedures have been significantly impacted due to the pandemic. Many countries are planning a phased reopening, which includes the resumption of some surgical procedures. However, it is not clear how the reopening safe-practice guidelines will impact the quality of healthcare delivery. This perspective article evaluates the use of robotics and AI in 1) robotics-assisted surgery, 2) tele-examination of patients for pre- and post-surgery, and 3) tele-training for surgical procedures. Surgeons interact with a large number of staff and patients on a daily basis. Thus, the risk of infection transmission between them raises concerns. In addition, pre- and post-operative assessment also raises concerns about increasing the risk of disease transmission, in particular, since many patients may have other underlying conditions, which can increase their chances of mortality due to the virus. The pandemic has also limited the time and access that trainee surgeons have for training in the OR and/or in the presence of an expert. In this article, we describe existing challenges and possible solutions and suggest future research directions that may be relevant for robotics and AI in addressing the three tasks mentioned above.
Efficacy of Biostimulants Formulated With Pseudomonas putida and Clay, Peat, Clay-Peat Binders on Maize Productivity in a Farming Environment in Southern Benin
Authors: Agbodjato Nadège Adoukè , Adoko Marcel Yévèdo , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti , Amogou Olaréwadjou , Badé Farid T. , Noumavo Pacôme A. , Adjanohoun Adolphe , Baba-Moussa Lamine
Published: April 2021

Maize plays a vital role in Benin's agricultural production systems. However, at the producer-level, yields are still low, although the production of this cereal is necessary for food security. The aims of this study were to assess the efficacy of solid biostimulants formulated from the rhizobacteria Pseudomonas putida and different binders on maize cultivation in the farming environment in three (03) study areas in South Benin. For this purpose, three (03) biostimulants were formulated based on Pseudomonas putida and the clay, peat and clay-peat combinations binders. The experimental design was a randomized block of four (04) treatments with 11 replicates per study area. Each replicate represented one producer. The trials were set up at 33 producers in the study areas of Adakplamè, Hayakpa and Zouzouvou in Southern Benin. The results obtained show that the best height, stem diameter, leaf area as obtained by applying biostimulants based on P. putida and half dose of NPK and Urea with respective increases of 15.75, 15.93, and 15.57% as compared to the full dose of NPK and Urea. Regarding maize yield, there was no significant difference between treatments and the different study areas. Taken together, the different biostimulants formulations were observed to be better than the farmers' practice in all the zones and for all the parameters evaluated, with the formulation involving Pseudomonas putida on the clay binder, and the half-dose of NPK and Urea showing the best result. The biostimulant formulated based on clay + Pseudomonas putida could be used in agriculture for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly maize production in Benin.
Endoscopic Procedures in the Treatment of Ureteroenteric Anastomotic Strictures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lu Xun , Wang Yiduo , Chen Qi , Xia Di , Zhang Hanyu , Chen Ming
Published: April 2021

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic procedures for ureteroenteric anastomotic strictures (UESs) after radical cystectomy and urinary diversion.

Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of relevant articles through March 2020 using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register to assess the efficacy of endoscopic procedures in UES according to the PRISMA and PICOS criteria. The main endpoints were success rate and complications, and we also compared the efficacy of different methods and stricture length and side in UES. Cochrane Collaboration's Revman version 5.3 and Stata version 15.1 software were used for statistical analysis.

Results: A total of 18 retrospective studies with 697 patients were included. The median follow-up ranges from 12 to 62.5 months. Patients treated with endoscopic procedures had an overall success rate of 46%. The pooled rate of Clavien–Dindo ≥ 3 complications was 3.8% among included studies. Laser vaporization and stent insertion (48 and 47%) had a relatively high success rate than balloon dilatation (35%). In subgroup analysis, the success rate of endoscopic procedures for ≤ 1-cm strictures was significantly higher than that for >1-cm ones [odds ratio (OR), 8.65; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.53–21.21; P < 0.00001]. In addition, the success rate in cases with strictures of the right side was relatively higher than that in cases with strictures of the left side (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.05–2.81; P = 0.03).

Conclusion: Our pooled studies showed that endoscopic operation is feasible and associated with a moderate success rate along with a relatively low incidence of perioperative complications in the treatment of UES, especially with length ≤ 1 cm and right side. Although there is still no consensus on endoscopic technique for UES regarding balloon dilatation, stent insertion, and laser vaporization, we believe that endoscopic management is a safety and available approach for UES with close follow-up.
A Survey of Smallholder Farms Regarding Demographics, Health Care, and Management Factors of Donkeys in Northeastern China
Authors: Deng Liang , Shi Shicheng , Li Jing , Tang Chi , Han Yuwei , Xie Peng
Published: April 2021

Essential information on the population dynamics and the health and welfare of Chinese donkeys is scarce. The objectives of this study were to describe the demographic characteristics, management and health care of a sample of donkeys under smallholder farm conditions of northeastern China. A cross-sectional survey of 731 randomly selected donkey owners on smallholder farms (1,658 donkeys) in 40 villages of northeastern China was conducted. Data on the composition and management of the donkeys and their routine health care were analyzed. The surveyed donkey population consisted of mostly (83.8%) jenny/filly donkeys with a mean age of 6.2 ± 5.0 years. Most (91.2%) of the farms kept 1–4 donkeys. The majority of donkeys were used for breeding and labor. Most (93.8%) of the farms did not have bedding, and their mean stable size was 17.7 ± 10.1 m2. All of the animals were turned out for at least part of the year. The mean size of the turnout areas on the farms was 17.8 m2. The condition of 12.5% of the donkeys was evaluated as “poor” with a body condition score of 1 on a scale of 5. More than one third (37.9%) of the donkeys had never been dewormed. Also, none of them were ever vaccinated or received dental care from a veterinarian. Their hoofs were trimmed once (45.9%) or twice (27.6%) a year. Forty percent of the donkeys were reported to suffer from at least one medical problem in the preceding year. The most common medical problems were colic, respiratory disorders and skin conditions. Owners seemed to underestimate some of the most prevalent diseases in donkeys, suggesting that their knowledge of the management of donkeys, including routine healthcare practices should be improved to ensure the health and welfare of donkeys in northeastern China.
The Dispensable Surplus Dairy Calf: Is This Issue a “Wicked Problem” and Where Do We Go From Here?
Authors: Bolton Sarah E. , von Keyserlingk Marina A. G.
Published: April 2021

Surplus dairy calves consist of all dairy bull calves and any heifer calves not needed as replacements for the milking herd. The fate of these surplus calves varies by region; for example, in Australia and New Zealand they are often sold as “bobby” calves and slaughtered within the first weeks of life; whereas, in North America they are normally sold within the first weeks of life but reared for 16–18 weeks as veal or longer as dairy beef. Regardless of region, demand for these calves is often very low, driving down prices and in some cases leaving farmers with no alternative options other than on-farm euthanasia. The notion that dairy cows must give birth to produce milk and that the calves are immediately separated from the dam, many of which will end up immediately being sold as surplus calves, has become a topic of public concern. These concerns have increased given the growing number of pictures and stories in the media of on-farm euthanasia, dairy calves being transported at very young ages and frequently receiving sub-standard levels of care. In this paper we describe the status quo of this complex, value-laden issue that without transformative change is at great risk for continued criticism from the public. Moreover, despite many attempts at refinement of the existing approach (i.e., the pursuit of technical improvements), little has changed in terms of how these surplus dairy calves are managed and so we predict that on its own, this approach will likely fail in the long run. We then set out how the current surplus calf management practices could be viewed to fit the definition of a “wicked problem.” We conclude by calling for new research using participatory methodologies that include the voice of all stakeholders including the public, as a first step in identifying sustainable solutions that resonate with both society and the livestock industry. We briefly discuss three participatory methodologies that have successfully been used to develop sustainable solutions for other complex problems. Adoption of these types of methodologies has the potential to help position the dairy industry as a leader in sustainable food production.
Case Report: Multiple Cavernous Pericardial Lymphangioma (Pericardial Lymphangiomatosis) in a Captive Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus brookei)
Authors: Espinosa José , Ferreras M. Carmen , García David , Vallejo Raquel , Pérez Valentín
Published: April 2021

A 12-year-old female peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus brookei) from a private raptor breeding facility that presented a good body condition, died suddenly without showing previous symptoms. At necropsy, in the coelomic cavity, multiple cystic structures demarcated by a thin transparent wall and filled with a serous content were observed. They were firmly adhered to the cranial part of the epicardium and adjacent tissues and occupied the entire thoracic area of the coelomic cavity. Microscopically, emerging simultaneously from several areas the epicardium, multiple irregular channels and cystic spaces, lined by a single endothelial cell layer and separated by fibrovascular septa containing smooth muscle tissue, were observed. Immunohistochemical examination revealed that the neoplastic endothelial cells positively immunolabelled for the pan-endothelial marker factor VIII-related antigen but immunostained negative for cytokeratins (PCK26) while strong positivity for sarcomeric α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was detected in the cystic walls. Based on the morphological and immunohistochemical findings, lesions were determined as consistent with a multiple cavernous pericardial lymphangioma, or pericardial lymphangiomatosis, a rare vascular neoplasm. The animal also showed a diffuse chronic perihepatitis, a necrotic area in the liver and foci of cartilaginous metaplasia and calcification in the aorta and vena cava. Literature review, particularly on the epidemiology of lymphangioma, demonstrated the rarity of this tumor in the different animal species and in this location, particularly in birds, being the first report of this type of tumor in a peregrine falcon.
Brief Research Report Regional Difference in TRAF2 and TRAF3 Gene Mutations in Colon Cancers
Authors: Moon Seong Won , Son Hyun Ji , Choi Eun Ji , Yoo Nam Jin , Lee Sug Hyung
Published: April 2021

TRAF2 and TRAF3 genes of tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R)-associated factor (TRAF) family are involved in diverse cell signaling, and function as both tumor suppressor gene and oncogene. Alterations of TRAF2 and TRAF3 in colon cancer (CC) along with their regional difference and microsatellite instability (MSI) are largely unknown. In the present study, we analyzed TRAF2 and TRAF3 frameshift mutations in 168 sporadic CCs (100 high MSI (MSI-H) and 68 microsatellite-stable (MSS) CCs). We identified TRAF2 and TRAF3 frameshift mutations in 4 (4%) and 3 CCs (3%) with MSI-H, respectively, but none in 68 cases of MSS CCs. Of the 168 CCs, we analyzed the mutations in multi-regions for 39 CCs (16 MSI-H and 23 MSS CCs), and discovered that 12.5% (2/16) and 6.3% (1/16) of MSI-H CCs exhibited regional difference in TRAF2 and TRAF3 mutations, respectively. In the multi-region samples of 23 MSS CCs, neither TRAF2 nor TRAF3 frameshift mutation was found. In 40% of CCs, both TRAF2 and TRAF3 expressions were increased compared to normal colon cells. Our data indicate that TRAF2 and TRAF3 frameshift mutations and their regional difference as well as altered expressions are present in MSI-H CCs, which could contribute to MSI-H cancer development.
Hyperoside Protects HK-2 Cells Against High Glucose-Induced Apoptosis and Inflammation via the miR-499a-5p/NRIP1 Pathway
Authors: Zhou Jingbo , Zhang Shu , Sun Xinyi , Lou Yan , Yu Jiangyi
Published: April 2021

Hyperoside, a flavonol glycoside, is derived from plants of the genera Hypericum and Crataegus. Recent studies have indicated the anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory roles of hyperoside. The present study was designed to measure the effects of hyperoside on high glucose (HG)-treated HK-2 cells. HK-2 is a human papillomavirus 16 transformed cell line and can be used as a model for normal tubular cell. Cell apoptosis was examined by TUNEL assays and flow cytometry analysis. Inflammatory response was detected by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kits. Western blotting was applied to detect protein levels of apoptosis-related genes and inflammatory cytokines. Mechanistical assays including luciferase reporter and RNA pull down assays were applied to detect the binding relationship between molecules. We identified that hyperoside protected HK-2 cells against HG-induced apoptosis and inflammation. Moreover, miR-499a-5p was upregulated by hyperoside in a dose dependent manner. MiR-499a-5p inhibition rescued the suppressive effects of hyperoside on apoptosis and inflammation of HG-treated HK-2 cells. Furthermore, miR-499a-5p targeted NRIP1 to inhibit its mRNA expression, and further suppressed its translation. NRIP1 was downregulated by hyperoside in a dose dependent manner. Finally, rescue assays indicated that miR-499a-5p inhibition rescued the protective effects of hyperoside on apoptosis and inflammatory response of HK-2 cells by NRIP1. In conclusion, our findings revealed that hyperoside alleviates HG-induced apoptosis and inflammatory response of HK-2 cells by the miR-499a-5p/NRIP1 axis.
Radiation Risks in Cis-Lunar Space for a Solar Particle Event Similar to the February 1956 Event
Authors: Zaman Fahad A. , Townsend Lawrence W.
Published: April 2021

Solar particle events (SPEs) can pose serious threats for future crewed missions to the Moon. Historically, there have been several extreme SPEs that could have been dangerous for astronauts, and thus analyzing their potential risk on humans is an important step towards space exploration. In this work, we study the effects of a well-known SPE that occurred on 23 February 1956 on a mission in cis-Lunar space. Estimates of the proton fluence spectra of the February 1956 event were obtained from three different parameterized models published within the past 12 years. The studied geometry consists of a female phantom in the center of spherical spacecraft shielded by aluminum area densities ranging from 0.4 to 40 g cm−2. The effective dose, along with lens, skin, blood forming organs, heart, and central nervous system doses, were tallied using the On Line Tool for the Assessment of Radiation In Space (OLTARIS), which utilizes the High Z and Energy TRansport code (HZETRN), a deterministic radiation transport code. Based on the parameterized models, the results herein show that thicknesses comparable to a spacesuit might not protect against severe health consequences from a February 1956 category event. They also show that a minimum aluminum shielding of around 20 g cm−2 is sufficient to keep the effective dose and critical organ doses below NASA’s permissible limits for such event. In addition, except for very thin shielding, the input models produced results that were within good agreement, where the doses obtained from the three proton fluence spectra tended to converge with slight differences as the shielding thickness increases.
Sol–Gel Waveguide-Based Sensor for Structural Health Monitoring on Large Surfaces in Aerospace Domain
Authors: Royon Maxime , Jamon Damien , Blanchet Thomas , Royer François , Vocanson Francis , Marin Emmanuel , Morana Adriana , Boukenter Aziz , Ouerdane Youcef , Jourlin Yves , Evenblij Rolf , Van Leest Thijs , de Smet Marie-Anne , Girard Sylvain
Published: April 2021

The potential of sol–gel-based optical sensors is investigated for applications in the aerospace domain. To this aim, a low-cost and non-intrusive sol–gel sensor based on waveguides, arranged as a 2D matrix structure, is fabricated by UV photolithography for delamination and damage detection. Two different organic–inorganic sol–gels were selected to fabricate the photonic device: TiO2–SiO2 and ZrO2–SiO2, acting as the waveguide core and the cladding, respectively. A systematic study was performed to determine the manufacturing parameters controlling their properties. The results show that large surfaces can be functionalized via sol–gel methods using the direct laser-writing approach. The structures are characterized in terms of refractive index, and the guiding properties were investigated through simulations and experiments, indicating an excellent behavior regarding the light guidance in a straight waveguide or in the 2D matrix structure grid. Additionally, preliminary tests show that the presence of impact can be easily detected after damage through the induced optical losses on large surfaces. This proof of concept sensor is a promising tool for structural health monitoring. To achieve the ultimate goal, the integration of this photonic sensor will be later performed on aircraft wings.
Special Issue “10th EASN International Conference on Innovation in Aviation & Space to the Satisfaction of the European Citizens”
Authors: Guadagno Liberata , Pantelakis Spiros , Strohmayer Andreas
Published: April 2021

This Special Issue contains selected papers from works presented at the 10th EASN International Conference on Innovation in Aviation & Space to the Satisfaction of the European Citizens, which was held successfully from the 2nd until the 4th of September, 2020 [...]
The Role of the Start-Up Aid for Young Farmers in the Adoption of Innovative Agricultural Activities: The Case of Aloe Vera
Authors: Liontakis Angelos , Sintori Alexandra , Tzouramani Irene
Published: April 2021

The poor generational renewal has been identified as a key issue for the EU policy that undermines the restructuring of the agricultural sector and the revitalisation of rural areas. The start-up aid for young farmers is one of the main EU-driven policy measures that try to mitigate this trend, by facilitating the initial investment of young newcomers in agriculture. At the same time, innovative crops with appealing characteristics are proposed as promising alternatives with high socioeconomic and low environmental impacts. Recently, a draft new call of the start-up aid for young farmers measure has been set under public consultation in Greece, which significantly alters the requirements and the level of support of the beneficiaries, compared to the previous one. The aim of this study is to explore the consequences of this change to the desirability to invest in the organic aloe vera crop, one of the leading innovating crops in Greece. In this study, taking into consideration the embedded risk and uncertainty, we utilise a stochastic version of the Net Present Value (NPV) analysis, a common discount cash flows method to detect the desirability of an investment. Results indicate that the potential alteration of the start-up aid for young farmers deteriorates the desirability of this investment and thus prevents farmers from its adoption. The analysis provides useful insights by highlighting risk factors and the possible impacts of policy measures on the desirability of innovative crops; thus, it can be useful both for investors and policymakers.
Physiology of Nitrogen and Calcium Nutrition in Blueberry (Vaccinium sp.)
Authors: Doyle John W. , Nambeesan Savithri U. , Malladi Anish
Published: April 2021

Sustaining the fourfold increase in blueberry (Vaccinium sp.) production witnessed during the previous two decades requires better understanding of its mineral nutrient physiology. The primary goals of this review are to evaluate our current understanding of the physiology of nitrogen (N) and calcium (Ca) nutrition in blueberry. Nitrogen concentration in blueberry ranges from 0.4% to >2% across organs. Blueberry uses N in various forms (organic and inorganic), but it appears to display preference for ammonium (NH4+) over nitrate (NO3−). The roles of N acquisition, translocation and assimilation in determining N-source preference in blueberry are evaluated. Calcium plays important roles in determining fruit quality owing to its function in maintaining cell wall and membrane integrity. It is unique in its translocation characteristics being transported primarily via the xylem. Fruit [Ca2+] typically declines from around 0.2% during early development to <0.05% at ripening. Modes of Ca acquisition and transport to the fruit, and various approaches to improve fruit [Ca2+] are discussed. Areas where further research is warranted to improve our understanding of N and Ca physiology in blueberry are identified. Such knowledge is essential for sustainable nutrient management, improving productivity, and enhancing fruit quality in blueberry.
Long Non-Coding RNAs in Insects
Authors: Choudhary Chhavi , Sharma Shivasmi , Meghwanshi Keshav Kumar , Patel Smit , Mehta Prachi , Shukla Nidhi , Do Duy Ngoc , Rajpurohit Subhash , Suravajhala Prashanth , Shukla Jayendra Nath
Published: April 2021

Only a small subset of all the transcribed RNAs are used as a template for protein translation, whereas RNA molecules that are not translated play a very important role as regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Besides traditionally known RNAs (ribosomal and transfer RNAs), ncRNAs also include small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The lncRNAs, which were initially thought to be junk, have gained a great deal attention because of their regulatory roles in diverse biological processes in animals and plants. Insects are the most abundant and diverse group of animals on this planet. Recent studies have demonstrated the role of lncRNAs in almost all aspects of insect development, reproduction, and genetic plasticity. In this review, we describe the function and molecular mechanisms of the mode of action of different insect lncRNAs discovered up to date.
A Retrospective Case Study into the Effect of Hoof Lesions on the Lying Behaviour of Holstein–Friesian in a Loose-Housed System
Authors: Ji Karen Jiewei , Booth Richard E. , Blackie Nicola
Published: April 2021

The association between hoof lesions and lying behaviour was assessed on a Holstein–Friesian dairy farm in England. Twenty-nine cows were included in the study. Cows with claw horn disruption lesions (CHDL, n = 8), soft tissue lesions (STL, n = 6), and no lesions (NL, n = 15) were assessed. Data were collected on parity, days in milk (DIM), and mobility scores. Cows were trimmed and treated, and lesions were recorded by a professional foot trimmer. Lying behaviour was assessed before and after claw trimming. The milking herd (n = 96) prevalence of lameness was 32.3%. Mobility was scored using the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) Mobility Scoring system. Mobility scores were significantly different across lesions groups (p = 0.022). CHDL cows had a mean mobility score of 2.0 ± 0.9 (mean ± SD), STL were scored 1.2 ± 1.3, and NL cows were 0.9 ± 0.7. CHDL were associated with longer lying times (15.00 ± 1.04 h/d; p = 0.0006) and shorter standing times (9.68 ± 2.38 h/d; p = 0.0351) compared with NL lying times (11.77 ± 1.67 h/d) and standing times (12.21 ± 1.67 h/d). STL cows spent significantly less time lying (11.30 ± 2.44; p = 0.0013) than CHDL but not NL cows. No significant differences were found with any of the other lying behaviours. After trimming, CHDL cows spent significantly less time lying down than before trimming (13.66 ± 0.98; p = 0.0125). Cows with NL spent significantly more time lying down (12.57 ± 1.90; p = 0.0398) and had a shorter minimum lying bout duration (0.17 ± 0.09; p = 0.0236) after trimming. In conclusion, lying behaviour in dairy cattle was impacted by type of hoof lesions and hoof trimming.
Effect of Intrauterine Infusion of Equine Fresh Platelets-Rich Plasma (PRP) or Lyophilized PRP (L-GFequina) on Ovarian Activity and Pregnancy Rate in Repeat Breeder Purebred Arabian Mares
Authors: Dawod Ahmed , Miro Jordi , Elbaz Hamed T. , Fahmy Hossam , Abdoon Ahmed S.
Published: April 2021

This study was designed to examine the effect of the intrauterine infusion of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or equine lyophilized growth factor (L-GFequina) on the follicular growth, endometrial thickness, estrus cycle length, and pregnancy rate in purebred Arabian mares. A total of 73 purebred Arabian mares who experienced repeat breeding for three successive cycles were randomly divided into the following three groups: control group, without treatment; second Group (PRP group), in which mares were intrauterine infused with 20 mL of fresh PRP on the second day after the end of physic estrus phase; and the third group (L-GFequina Group), consisting of mares that were intrauterine infused with 20 mL of reconstituted lyophilized horse platelets growth factors (L-GFequina) on the second day after the estrus phase. The results showed no significant difference between control and treated groups in the diameter of the preovulatory follicles during the post treatment cycle. The endometrium thickness increased significantly in the L-GFequina and PRP groups ahead of the non-treated group. Intrauterine L-GFequina or PRP administration shortened the estrus cycle length. A higher pregnancy rate was recorded in the L-GFequina and PRP treated mares. In conclusion, the intrauterine infusion of L-GFequina or PRP increased the endometrial thickness and pregnancy rate and could be used to improve fertility in Arabian purebred mares who experienced from repeat breeding.
Melatonin Targets Metabolism in Head and Neck Cancer Cells by Regulating Mitochondrial Structure and Function
Authors: Guerra-Librero Ana , Fernandez-Gil Beatriz I. , Florido Javier , Martinez-Ruiz Laura , Rodríguez-Santana César , Shen Ying-Qiang , García-Verdugo José M. , López-Rodríguez Alba , Rusanova Iryna , Quiñones-Hinojosa Alfredo , Acuña-Castroviejo Darío , Marruecos Jordi , De Haro Tomás , Escames Germaine
Published: April 2021

Metabolic reprogramming, which is characteristic of cancer cells that rapidly adapt to the hypoxic microenvironment and is crucial for tumor growth and metastasis, is recognized as one of the major mechanisms underlying therapeutic resistance. Mitochondria, which are directly involved in metabolic reprogramming, are used to design novel mitochondria-targeted anticancer agents. Despite being targeted by melatonin, the functional role of mitochondria in melatonin’s oncostatic activity remains unclear. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of melatonin in mitochondrial metabolism and its functional consequences in head and neck cancer. We analyzed the effects of melatonin on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines (Cal-27 and SCC-9), which were treated with 100, 500, and 1500 µM of melatonin for 1, 3, and 5 days, and found a connection between a change of metabolism following melatonin treatment and its effects on mitochondria. Our results demonstrate that melatonin induces a shift to an aerobic mitochondrial metabolism that is associated with changes in mitochondrial morphology, function, fusion, and fission in HNSCC. We found that melatonin increases oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and inhibits glycolysis in HNSCC, resulting in increased ROS production, apoptosis, and mitophagy, and decreased cell proliferation. Our findings highlight new molecular pathways involved in melatonin’s oncostatic activity, suggesting that it could act as an adjuvant agent in a potential therapy for cancer patients. We also found that high doses of melatonin, such as those used in this study for its cytotoxic impact on HNSCC cells, might lead to additional effects through melatonin receptors.
Learning-Based Dissimilarity for Clustering Categorical Data
Authors: Rivera Rios Edgar Jacob , Medina-Pérez Miguel Angel , Lazo-Cortés Manuel S. , Monroy Raúl
Published: April 2021

Comparing data objects is at the heart of machine learning. For continuous data, object dissimilarity is usually taken to be object distance; however, for categorical data, there is no universal agreement, for categories can be ordered in several different ways. Most existing category dissimilarity measures characterize the distance among the values an attribute may take using precisely the number of different values the attribute takes (the attribute space) and the frequency at which they occur. These kinds of measures overlook attribute interdependence, which may provide valuable information when capturing per-attribute object dissimilarity. In this paper, we introduce a novel object dissimilarity measure that we call Learning-Based Dissimilarity, for comparing categorical data. Our measure characterizes the distance between two categorical values of a given attribute in terms of how likely it is that such values are confused or not when all the dataset objects with the remaining attributes are used to predict them. To that end, we provide an algorithm that, given a target attribute, first learns a classification model in order to compute a confusion matrix for the attribute. Then, our method transforms the confusion matrix into a per-attribute dissimilarity measure. We have successfully tested our measure against 55 datasets gathered from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) Machine Learning Repository. Our results show that it surpasses, in terms of various performance indicators for data clustering, the most prominent distance relations put forward in the literature.
Sensorless Posture Detection of Reluctance Spherical Motor Based on Mutual Inductance Voltage
Authors: Xu Jiazi , Wang Qunjing , Li Guoli , Zhou Rui , Wen Yan , Ju Lufeng , Zhou Sili
Published: April 2021

In this paper, a sensorless rotor posture detection method based on the mutual inductance voltage of the stator coil is proposed to simplify the position detection element of a reluctance spherical motor. Firstly, the numerical relationship between the stator/rotor pole misalignment angle and the mutual inductance voltage of the stator coil is analyzed, which is used as the basis for judging the spatial position of the rotor. Secondly, an experimental platform is designed to verify the consistency between the calculated value and the experimental value of the mutual inductance voltage and to determine the appropriate excitation signal. Thirdly, based on the real-time voltages generated by the stator coil mutual inductance, an intelligent algorithm is used to invert the 3-DoF (degree-of-freedom) position angle of the spherical rotor combined with the motor structure constraints. The experimental results show that the detection method has a good on-line detection effect, and the population standard deviation is within 1.8° Therefore, the developed technique can be used for replacing the position detection method with sensors.
Evolution of Situated and Abstract Communication in Leader Selection and Borderline Identification Swarm Robotics Problems
Authors: Sendra-Arranz Rafael , Gutiérrez Álvaro
Published: April 2021

The design of robust yet simple communication mechanisms, that allow the cooperation through direct interaction among robots, is an important aspect of swarm robotics systems. In this paper, we analyze how an identical continuous-time recurrent neural network (CTRNN) controller can lead to the emergence of different kinds of communications within the swarm, either abstract or situated, depending on the problem to be faced. More precisely, we address two swarm robotics tasks that require, at some extent, communication to be solved: leader selection and borderline identification. The parameters of the CTRNN are evolved using separable natural evolution strategies. It is shown that, using the same starting conditions and robots’ controllers, the evolution process leads to the emergence of utterly diverging communications. Firstly, an abstract communication, in which the message carries all the information, results from evolution in the leader selection task. Alternatively, a purely situated communication, meaning that only the context is communicative, emerges when dealing with the borderline identification problem. Nonetheless, scalability and robustness properties are successfully validated.
Empirical Modeling of 2-Degree-of-Freedom Azimuth Underwater Thruster Using a Signal Compression Method
Authors: Jeong Cheol-Su , Kim Gunwoo , Lee Inwon , Jin Sangrok
Published: April 2021

This paper presents an empirical modeling of a 2-Degree-of-Freedom (DoF) azimuth thruster using the signal compression method. The thruster has a gimbal mechanism with two servo motors and generates thrust in arbitrary directions. This mechanism can reduce the number of thrusters in an underwater robot and contribute to compact design. When an underwater robot is controlled with azimuth thrusters, the influence from the rotational motion of the thruster has to be considered, and a dynamic model of the azimuth thruster is needed. It is difficult to derive an analytical model because the system model depends on complicated fluid dynamics. In this study, empirical models of force and moment for rotational motion were derived for practical use through frequency analysis. A signal compression method can effectively extract the system model in the frequency domain from just the mechanically constrained frequency response. Experiments were carried out using a force/torque sensor that was connected to a cantilever in a water tank. The system model was analyzed with Bode plots, and the model coefficients were derived through curve fitting. The derived model was verified by a validation experiment.
Energym: A Building Model Library for Controller Benchmarking
Authors: Scharnhorst Paul , Schubnel Baptiste , Fernández Bandera Carlos , Salom Jaume , Taddeo Paolo , Boegli Max , Gorecki Tomasz , Stauffer Yves , Peppas Antonis , Politi Chrysa
Published: April 2021

We introduce the Python-based open-source library Energym, a building model library to test and benchmark building controllers. The incorporated building models are presented with a brief explanation of their function, location and technical equipment. Furthermore, the library structure is described, highlighting the necessary features to provide the benchmarking and control capabilities, i.e., standardized evaluation scenarios, key performance indicators (KPIs) and forecasts of uncertain variables. We go on to characterize the evaluation scenarios for each of the models and give formal definitions of the KPIs. We describe the calibration methodologies used for constructing the models and illustrate their usage through examples.
MicroRNAs Regulating Tumor and Immune Cell Interactions in the Prediction of Relapse in Early Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Papadaki Chara , Thomopoulou Konstantina , Monastirioti Alexia , Koronakis George , Papadaki Maria A. , Rounis Konstantinos , Vamvakas Lambros , Nikolaou Christoforos , Mavroudis Dimitrios , Agelaki Sofia
Published: April 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the regulation of immune response and hold an important role in tumor immune escape. We investigated the differential expression of the immunomodulatory miR-10b, miR-19a, miR-20a, miR-126, and miR-155 in the plasma of healthy women and patients with early stage breast cancer and interrogated their role in the prediction of patients’ relapse. Blood samples were obtained from healthy women (n = 20) and patients with early stage breast cancer (n = 140) before adjuvant chemotherapy. Plasma miRNA expression levels were assessed by RT-qPCR. Relapse predicting models were developed using binary logistic regression and receiver operating curves (ROC) were constructed to determine miRNA sensitivity and specificity. Only miR-155 expression was lower in patients compared with healthy women (p = 0.023), whereas miR-155 and miR-10b were lower in patients who relapsed compared with healthy women (p = 0.039 and p = 0.002, respectively). MiR-155 expression combined with axillary lymph node infiltration and tumor grade demonstrated increased capability in distinguishing relapsed from non-relapsed patients [(area under the curve, (AUC = 0.861; p < 0.001)]. Combined miR-19a and miR-20a expression had the highest performance in discriminating patients with early relapse (AUC = 0.816; p < 0.001). Finally, miR-10b in combination with lymph node status and grade had the highest accuracy to discriminate patients with late relapse (AUC = 0.971; p < 0.001). The robustness of the relapse predicting models was further confirmed in a 10-fold cross validation. Deregulation of circulating miRNAs involved in tumor-immune interactions may predict relapse in early stage breast cancer. Their successful clinical integration could potentially address the significance challenge of treatment escalation or de-escalation according to the risk of recurrence.
Post-Ischemic Treatment of Recombinant Human Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor (rhSLPI) Reduced Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Mongkolpathumrat Podsawee , Kijtawornrat Anusak , Prompunt Eakkapote , Panya Aussara , Chattipakorn Nipon , Barrère-Lemaire Stephanie , Kumphune Sarawut
Published: April 2021

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Among factors contributing to I/R injury, proteolytic enzymes could also cause cellular injury, expand the injured area and induce inflammation, which then lead to cardiac dysfunction. Therefore, protease inhibition seems to provide therapeutic benefits. Previous studies showed the cardioprotective effect of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) against myocardial I/R injury. However, the effect of a post-ischemic treatment with SLPI in an in vivo I/R model has never been investigated. In the present study, recombinant human (rh) SLPI (rhSLPI) was systemically injected during coronary artery occlusion or at the onset of reperfusion. The results show that post-ischemic treatment with rhSLPI could significantly reduce infarct size, Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) activity, inflammatory cytokines and protein carbonyl levels, as well as improving cardiac function. The cardioprotective effect of rhSLPI is associated with the attenuation of p38 MAPK phosphorylation, Bax, caspase-3 and -8 protein levels and enhancement of pro-survival kinase Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In summary, this is the first report showing the cardioprotective effects against myocardial I/R injury of post-ischemic treatments with rhSLPI in vivo. Thus, these results suggest that SLPI could be used as a novel therapeutic strategy to reduce myocardial I/R injury.
Potential Mucosal Irritation Discrimination of Surface Disinfectants Employed against SARS-CoV-2 by Limacus flavus Slug Mucosal Irritation Assay
Authors: Cutuli Marco Alfio , Guarnieri Antonio , Pietrangelo Laura , Magnifico Irene , Venditti Noemi , Recchia Laura , Mangano Katia , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Di Marco Roberto , Petronio Petronio Giulio
Published: April 2021

Preventive measures have proven to be the most effective strategy to counteract the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Among these, disinfection is strongly suggested by international health organizations’ official guidelines. As a consequence, the increase of disinfectants handling is going to expose people to the risk of eyes, mouth, nose, and mucous membranes accidental irritation. To assess mucosal irritation, previous studies employed the snail Arion lusitanicus as the mucosal model in Slug Mucosal Irritation (SMI) assay. The obtained results confirmed snails as a suitable experimental model for their anatomical characteristics superimposable to the human mucosae and the different easily observed readouts. Another terrestrial gastropod, Limacus flavus, also known as “ Yellow slug “, due to its larger size and greater longevity, has already been proposed as an SMI assay alternative model. In this study, for the first time, in addition to the standard parameters recorded in the SMI test, the production of yellow pigment in response to irritants, unique to the snail L. flavus, was evaluated. Our results showed that this species would be a promising model for mucosal irritation studies. The study conducted testing among all those chemical solutions most commonly recommended against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Inhibition of AKT/GSK3β/CREB Pathway Improves the Responsiveness to AMPA Receptor Antagonists by Regulating GRIA1 Surface Expression in Chronic Epilepsy Rats
Authors: Kim Ji-Eun , Lee Duk-Shin , Park Hana , Kim Tae-Hyun , Kang Tae-Cheon
Published: April 2021

α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid receptor (AMPAR) has been reported as one of the targets for treatment of epilepsy. Although maladaptive regulation of surface expression of glutamate ionotropic receptor AMPA type subunit 1 (GRIA1) subunit is relevant to the responsiveness to AMPAR antagonists (perampanel and GYKI 52466) in LiCl-pilocarpine-induced chronic epilepsy rats, the underlying mechanisms of refractory seizures to AMPAR antagonists have yet been unclear. In the present study, we found that both AMPAR antagonists restored the up-regulations of GRIA1 surface expression and Src family-mediated glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β)-Ca2+/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylations to control levels in responders (whose seizure activities were responsive to AMPAR) but not non-responders (whose seizure activities were uncontrolled by AMPAR antagonists). In addition, 3-chloroacetyl indole (3CAI, an AKT inhibitor) co-treatment attenuated spontaneous seizure activities in non-responders, accompanied by reductions in AKT/GSK3β/CREB phosphorylations and GRIA1 surface expression. Although AMPAR antagonists reduced GRIA2 tyrosine (Y) phosphorylations in responders, they did not affect GRIA2 surface expression and protein interacting with C kinase 1 (PICK1) protein level in both responders and non-responders. Therefore, our findings suggest that dysregulation of AKT/GSK3β/CREB-mediated GRIA1 surface expression may be responsible for refractory seizures in non-responders, and that this pathway may be a potential target to improve the responsiveness to AMPAR antagonists.
Membrane Carriers and Transporters in Kidney Physiology and Disease
Authors: Drozdzik Marek , Drozdzik Maria , Oswald Stefan
Published: April 2021

The growing information suggests that chronic kidney disease may affect expression and function of membrane carriers and transporters in the kidney. The dysfunction of carriers and transporters entails deficient elimination of uremic solutes as well as xenobiotics (drugs and toxins) with subsequent clinical consequences. The renal carriers and transporters are also targets of drugs used in clinical practice, and intentional drug–drug interactions in the kidney are produced to increase therapeutic efficacy. The understanding of membrane carriers and transporters function in chronic kidney disease is important not only to better characterize drug pharmacokinetics, drug actions in the kidney, or drug–drug interactions but also to define the organ pathophysiology.
Genetic Analysis Reveals Rare Variants in T-Cell Response Gene MR1 Associated with Poor Overall Survival after Urothelial Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Bang Lisa , Shivakumar Manu , Garg Tullika , Kim Dokyoon
Published: April 2021

Urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UC) is the fifth most common cancer in the United States. Germline variants, especially rare germline variants, may account for a portion of the disparity seen among patients in terms of UC incidence, presentation, and outcomes. The objectives of this study were to identify rare germline variant associations in UC incidence and to determine its association with clinical outcomes. Using exome sequencing data from the DiscovEHR UC cohort (n = 446), a European-ancestry, North American population, the complex influence of germline variants on known clinical phenotypes were analyzed using dispersion and burden metrics with regression tests. Outcomes measured were derived from the electronic health record (EHR) and included UC incidence, age at diagnosis, and overall survival (OS). Consequently, key rare variant association genes were implicated in MR1 and ADGRL2. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis reveals that individuals with MR1 germline variants had significantly worse OS than those without any (log-rank p-value = 3.46 × 10−7). Those with ADGRL2 variants were found to be slightly more likely to have UC compared to a matched control cohort (FDR q-value = 0.116). These associations highlight several candidate genes that have the potential to explain clinical disparities in UC and predict UC outcomes.