bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Dangerous Disappearance of Delta Dirt
Authors: Stern Dylan , Chapple Dylan , Copeland Cory
Published: March 2022

Across the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, spongy soil is sinking at a rapid rate! This issue, known as subsidence, happens in places with peat soils that have been drained. Peat soils are created over thousands of years by decaying wetland plants. Following European colonization of California, the Delta’s wetlands and their peat soils were drained, and levees were built to keep the land dry. Farms now thrive on this fertile landscape. However, as drained soils are exposed to oxygen, tiny microbes rapidly consume the peat soil, which makes the land sink. Now, many Delta islands look like giant salad bowls up to 9 m deep, with fragile levees holding the rivers back. This puts communities, farms, ecosystems, and water supplies at risk from floods. The microbes in the soil release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change. Scientists and land managers are creating new wetlands to combat subsidence in the Delta.
Lung Lichens Face Challenges From Climate Change
Authors: Giordani Paolo , Benesperi Renato , Nascimbene Juri
Published: March 2022

Lichens are a type of fungi that live in close relationships with algae or bacteria. Unfortunately, the future is not looking very bright for these organisms, because they have no protective structures and are sensitive to environmental change. The lung lichen is a large species that, in the upcoming years, will find itself in trouble. Climate change will reduce the amount of available water and increase air temperatures. Global warming is also expected to change the environments where the lung lichen lives. One of the main threats will be the expansion of some very competitive trees. Among them, the black locust has become invasive, forming dense woods that will replace the native tree species. Even though it seems like the situation is bad, there is still hope! Lichen scientists are trying to figure out how to prepare suitable shelters to save lung lichen from climate change.
Exploring the Influence of the Community-Based Sports Club Environment on the Support and Development of Volunteer Women Coaches in Ireland
Authors: Hogan Irene , Bowles Richard , Kitching Niamh
Published: March 2022

In Ireland, the majority of coaches at non-elite level are volunteers and within the female-only team sport of women's Gaelic football, most qualified coaches are women. Yet, little is known on the club specific experiences of volunteer women coaches in non-elite sport. To address this gap, 11 women coaches, from three Gaelic Football clubs, were interviewed to explore the influence of the community-based club environment on their support and development in the role. The participants were actively coaching and part of a Community of Practice (CoP) focusing on developing their club's coaching structures. A creative non-fiction approach combined the key themes from the 11 interviews into three coach profiles of a novice coach, experienced coach, and a player-coach. Retention and recruitment, support structures within the club, and club culture and norms were the key themes identified. This study recommends that clubs employ support structures that support and develop volunteer women coaches and address any behavior in the club that negatively impacts on their role.
Studies of IGF-I and Klotho Protein in Relation to Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid and Growth Hormone Administrations
Authors: Lehtihet Mikael , Stephanou Christina , Börjesson Annica , Bhuiyan Hasanuzzaman , Pohanka Anton , Ekström Lena
Published: March 2022

It has been suggested to longitudinally monitor Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) as a biomarker for the detection of recombinant growth hormone (GH). Subsequently, it is of interest to understand any confounders of endogenous IGF-I. Herein we have studied if serum IGF-I concentration is affected by the intake of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) and the potential connection between IGF-I and klotho protein. Moreover, the usefulness of klotho as a biomarker for recombinant GH intake was assessed in healthy male volunteers. An ongoing administration of AAS did not affect the levels of IGF-I. Klotho protein was ~30% higher in men with an ongoing AAS use compared to those with previous (>2 months ago) AAS use, and the serum klotho protein correlated negatively with luteinizing hormone (LH) (rs = −0.38, p = 0.04) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (rs = −0.35, p = 0.05) levels. Serum IGF-I and klotho concentrations showed no correlation in the AAS using population but showed a strong negative correlation in healthy volunteers (rs = −0.86, p = 0.006). The intake of recombinant GH did not affect the serum concentrations of the klotho levels. In conclusion, IGF-I was not affected by supra-physiological AAS doses in men. Interestingly, an association between AAS intake and serum klotho was seen. The usefulness of klotho as an androgen biomarker warrants further studies, whereas klotho can be discarded as a promising biomarker for GH doping.
Detection and Genetic Characterization of Canine Adenoviruses, Circoviruses, and Novel Cycloviruses From Wild Carnivores in Italy
Authors: Ndiana Linda A. , Lanave Gianvito , Vasinioti Violetta , Desario Costantina , Martino Camillo , Colaianni Maria Loredana , Pellegrini Francesco , Camarda Antonio , Berjaoui Shadia , Sgroi Giovanni , Elia Gabriella , Pratelli Annamaria , Buono Francesco , Martella Vito , Buonavoglia Canio , Decaro Nicola
Published: March 2022

Wild carnivores are known to play a role in the epidemiology of several canine viruses, including canine adenoviruses types 1 (CAdV-1) and 2 (CAdV-2), canine circovirus (CanineCV) and canine distemper virus (CDV). In the present study, we report an epidemiological survey for these viruses in free ranging carnivores from Italy. A total of 262 wild carnivores, including red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), wolves (Canis lupus) and Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) were sampled. Viral nucleic acid was extracted and screened by real-time PCR assays (qPCR) for the presence of CAdVs and CanineCV DNA, as well as for CDV RNA. CAdV-1 DNA was detected only in red foxes (4/232, 1.7%) whilst the wolves (0/8, 0%) and Eurasian badgers (0/22, 0%) tested negative. CanineCV DNA was detected in 4 (18%) Eurasian badgers, 4 (50%) wolves and 0 (0%) red foxes. None of the animals tested positive for CDV or CAdV-2. By sequence and phylogenetic analyses, CAdV-1 and CanineCV sequences from wild carnivores were closely related to reference sequences from domestic dogs and wild carnivores. Surprisingly, two sequences from wolf intestines were identified as cycloviruses with one sequence (145.20-5432) displaying 68.6% nucleotide identity to a cyclovirus detected in a domestic cat, while the other (145.201329) was more closely related (79.4% nucleotide identity) to a cyclovirus sequence from bats. A continuous surveillance in wild carnivores should be carried out in order to monitor the circulation in wildlife of viruses pathogenic for domestic carnivores and endangered wild species.
The Effects of Social vs. Individual Housing of Zebrafish on Whole-Body Cortisol and Behavior in Two Tests of Anxiety
Authors: Onarheim Tuva , Janczak Andrew M. , Nordgreen Janicke
Published: March 2022

Two of the most used models of anxiety in zebrafish research, the novel tank-diving test (NTDT) and the black-white preference test (BWPT), are modifications of assays used in rodent research (open field test and light/dark test). There has been a thorough validation of these tests in rodents, but a similar level of knowledge is still missing in zebrafish. Adult zebrafish naturally live in shoals with conspecifics, and group housing is therefore assumed to be the optimal housing condition for zebrafish, as it allows for shoaling behavior. This study investigated how housing in social isolation affected whole-body cortisol and the behavioral responses in the NTDT and BWPT. We also examined the correlation between the behavioral responses in the two behavioral tests. We found that zebrafish housed in groups had significantly higher whole-body cortisol than individually housed zebrafish (F1, 85= 25.51,P< 0.0001). Regardless of treatment, all groups had a general preference for the lower compartment in the NTDT and the black compartment in the BWPT. Individually housed zebrafish had a higher total number of entries to the white compartment in BWPT compared to group housed zebrafish when their first test was BWPT (F1, 48= 5.79,P= 0.0201), but not when BWPT was their second behavioral test. Fish that had higher whole-body cortisol had a tendency toward fewer entries into the white compartment the first 3 min of the BWPT (F1, 48= 3.90,P= 0.0540). There was no effect of housing on the behaviors registered in the NTDT. There was a positive correlation (correlation coefficient 0.40;p= 0.003) between transitions from black to white compartment in BWPT and transitions from lower to upper compartment in NTDT, but we did not find any association between duration in white compartment in BWPT and upper compartment in NTDT. Considering this, we suggest that further model validation is needed.
Clinical Course of COVID-19 Disease in Children Treated With Neoplastic Diseases in Hungary
Authors: Müller Judit , Szűcs-Farkas Dóra , Szegedi István , Csóka Monika , Garami Miklós , Tiszlavicz Lilla Györgyi , Hauser Péter , Kriván Gergely , Csanádi Krisztina , Ottóffy Gábor , Nagy Béla , Kiss Csongor , Kovács Gábor
Published: March 2022

We report on children with cancer in Hungary suffering from COVID-19, surveying a 13-months-long period of time. We performed a retrospective clinical trial studying the medical documentation of children treated in seven centers of the Hungarian Pediatric Oncology-Hematology Group. About 10% of children admitted to tertiary hemato-oncological centers for anti-neoplastic treatment or diagnosis for de novo malignancies were positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nearly two-thirds of the infected patients were asymptomatic or had only mild symptoms but showed seropositivity by 1–4.5 months after positive PCR. One third of the SARS-CoV-2-positive children were hospitalized due to symptomatic COVID-19. Five children required antiviral treatment with remdesivir. One child was referred to the intensive care unit, requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. Delay in the scheduled anti-cancer treatment did not exceed 2 weeks in the majority (89%) of cases. There was only one patient requiring treatment deferral longer than a month. There was no COVID-19-related death in patients under 18 years of age, and nor was multisystem inflammatory syndrome diagnosed. In conclusion, SARS-CoV-2 infection did not represent an untoward risk factor among children with cancer in Hungary.
The Need for Multi-Sensor Data Fusion in Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Aircraft Structures
Authors: Broer Agnes A. R. , Benedictus Rinze , Zarouchas Dimitrios
Published: March 2022

With the increased use of composites in aircraft, many new successful contributions to the advancement of the structural health monitoring (SHM) field for composite aerospace structures have been achieved. Yet its application is still not often seen in operational conditions in the aircraft industry, mostly due to a gap between research focus and application, which constraints the shift towards improved aircraft maintenance strategies such as condition-based maintenance (CBM). In this work, we identify and highlight two key facets involved in the maturing of the SHM field for composite aircraft structures: (1) the aircraft maintenance engineer who requires a holistic damage assessment for the aircraft’s structural health management, and (2) the upscaling of the SHM application to realistic composite aircraft structures under in-service conditions. Multi-sensor data fusion concepts can aid in addressing these aspects and we formulate its benefits, opportunities, and challenges. Additionally, for demonstration purposes, we show a conceptual design study for a fusion-based SHM system for multi-level damage monitoring of a representative composite aircraft wing structure. In this manner, we present how multi-sensor data fusion concepts can be of benefit to the community in advancing the field of SHM for composite aircraft structures towards an operational CBM application in the aircraft industry.
Identification and Analysis of Emergency Behavior of Cage-Reared Laying Ducks Based on YoloV5
Authors: Gu Yue , Wang Shucai , Yan Yu , Tang Shijie , Zhao Shida
Published: March 2022

The behavior of cage-reared ducks is an important index to judge the health status of laying ducks. For the automatic recognition task of cage-reared duck behavior based on machine vision, by comparing the detection performance of YoloV4 (you only look once), YoloV5, and Faster-RCNN, this work selected the YoloV5 target detection network with the best performance to identify the three behaviors related to avoidance after a cage-reared duck emergency. The recognition average precision was 98.2% (neck extension), 98.5% (trample), and 98.6% (spreading wings), respectively, and the detection speed was 20.7 FPS. Based on this model, in this work, 10 duck cages were randomly selected, and each duck cage recorded video for 3 min when there were breeders walking in the duck house and no one was walking for more than 20 min. By identifying the generation time and frequency of neck extension out of the cage, trample, and wing spread, it was concluded that the neck extension, trampling, and wing spread behaviors of laying ducks increase significantly when they feel panic and fear. The research provides an efficient, intelligent monitoring method for the behavior analysis of cage-rearing of ducks and provides a basis for the health status judgment and behavior analysis of unmonitored laying ducks in the future.
The Use of Long-Read Sequencing to Study the Phylogenetic Diversity of the Potato Varieties Plastome of the Ural Selection
Authors: Lihodeevskiy Georgiy A. , Shanina Elena P.
Published: March 2022

Plastid DNA holds a substantial amount of plant genetic information, including maternal ancestry information. It helps to uncover interrelations between a wide variety of tuberous species of the genus Solanum to search for promising sources of high-yielding potato varieties resistant to bio- and abiotic stressors. This paper demonstrated the opportunities of de novo assembly of potato plastid DNA and its phylogenetic and genome type identification based only on Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) long reads. According to our results, of 28 potato varieties developed at the Ural Research Institute of Agriculture, 16 varieties had one of the most primitive W-type plastomes. Ten varieties’ plastomes belonged to the T-type of cultivated Solanum tuberosum subsp. tuberosum. The varieties Legenda and 15-27-1 were the closest to the wild species Solanum chacoense plastome. Using long-sequencing reads, we confirmed the presence of two isoforms of the plastid genome differing in the orientation of SSC region. We should note that irrespective of sequencing depth and improvements in software for working with ONT reads, a correct de novo plastome assembly and its annotation using only long-reads is impossible. The most problematic regions are homopolymers longer than 5 bp—they account for all detected indels, leading to a change in the reading frame or the deletion of entire genes.
Comparative Analysis of Mitochondrial Genomes between the B-Type Cytoplasmic Male Sterility Line and Its Maintainer Line in Wheat
Authors: Li Ying , Song Qilu , Guo Jialin , Song Yulong , Chen Xinhong , Zhang Gaisheng
Published: March 2022

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a complex phenomenon in plants, rendering them unable to produce functional pollen. In general, this is caused by an abnormal or dysfunctional mitochondrial genome. In wheat, however, the systematic structural characteristics of the mitochondrial genome from the CMS line, vis-à-vis its maintainer line, are rarely reported. Here, we identified the morphological characteristics, sequenced, assembled, and characterized the complete mitogenomes of the wheat B-type CMS line (B) and its maintainer line (YS9). The morphological results indicated that the B likely undergoes binucleate microspore abortion. The B and YS9 genomes were assembled into a typical circular molecule 452,794 and 452,453 bp in length, respectively, comprising 34 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 3 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and 16 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs). The codon usage analysis revealed leucine (Leu) and serine (Ser) as the most frequently used amino acid residues in the B and YS9 mitochondrial proteins. In particular, we uncovered a specific ORF2718, whose length of 501 bp was more 30 bp than that of the atp8 gene in the B genome, which perhaps could affect normal function of ATP8. Further, the existence of SNPs at the atp6 gene is probably associated with the CMS mechanism. This study suggests that sequencing and comparing the genomic features of the B and YS9 mitogenomes provides not only an important opportunity to conduct further genomic breeding studies, but also valuable information for future evolutionary and molecular studies of CMS in wheat.
Morphological and Yield Parameters, Dry Matter Distribution, Nutrients Uptake, and Distribution in Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. ‘Elsanta’ as Influenced by Spent Mushroom Substrates and Planting Seasons
Authors: Prasad Raghavendra , Lisiecka Jolanta , Kleiber Tomasz
Published: March 2022

The performance of autumn and spring-planted strawberry cv. ‘Elsanta’ in peat and peat supplemented with fresh spent mushroom substrate (SMS) of Agaricus bisporus, Lentinus edodes, and Pleurotus ostreatus in 15% and 25% was evaluated. The morphological and yield parameters, dry matter distribution, uptake, and partitioning of macro- and micronutrients were studied. The experiment was carried out during 2020–2021 in an unheated tunnel and was laid out in a randomised complete block design in five replicates. The study aimed to deliver greater insight into utilising fresh SMS as a sustainable substitute to peat. The shoot and root length, leaf number, crown diameter, plant dry weight, and marketable yields were superior in SMS-based substrates in autumn planting. The nutrient uptake varied among substrates and planting seasons, where higher plant nutrient uptake was noticed in SMS-based substrates. Nutrient partitioning among leaves, crowns, and roots was dynamic. The N, P, K, and Mn were mainly recovered in leaves. While Mg was almost equally partitioned among plant organs. The higher amounts of Na, Zn, and Cu were found in crowns. The greater accumulation of Ca and Fe in roots was evident. Correlation indicated that plant macro- and micronutrients had both positive and negative interactions. Overall, the superior morphological and yield performances of cv. ‘Elsanta’ were more noticeable in SMSs than in peat in autumn-planted strawberries.
Rumen and Liver Fluke Infections in Sheep and Goats in Northern and Southern Germany
Authors: Alstedt Uta , Voigt Katja , Jäger Miriam Carmen , Knubben-Schweizer Gabriela , Zablotski Yury , Strube Christina , Wenzel Christoph
Published: March 2022

Paramphistomidosis has recently been identified as an emerging parasitosis in Europe. This study estimated the prevalence of rumen flukes, Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum, in small ruminants in Germany and identified occurring rumen fluke species and potential predictors for fluke infections. Pooled fecal samples from 223 sheep farms and 143 goat farms in northern and southern Germany were examined by the sedimentation technique, and molecular species identification was performed on rumen-fluke-positive samples. In sheep, a flock prevalence of 2.2% was detected for rumen flukes. Calicophoron daubneyi was identified on four of five positive farms, while species identification failed in one flock. No rumen fluke eggs were detected in the examined goat herds. F. hepatica eggs were detected in 2.7% of the sheep flocks, while the herd prevalence was 5.6% in goats. Higher prevalence values of 21.1% (sheep) and 7.0% (goats) were observed for D. dendriticum. Mixed grazing with other ruminants and previously identified infections with rumen flukes and/or F. hepatica were identified as predictors for paramphistomidosis. The distribution of the three trematode species followed a geographical pattern associated with conditions favoring the relevant intermediate hosts. C. daubneyi is an established parasite in German sheep at a currently low prevalence.
Impacts of NaHCO3 on β-Lactam Binding to PBP2a Protein Variants Associated with the NaHCO3-Responsive versus NaHCO3-Non-Responsive Phenotypes
Authors: Ersoy Selvi C. , Chan Liana C. , Yeaman Michael R. , Chambers Henry F. , Proctor Richard A. , Ludwig Kevin C. , Schneider Tanja , Manna Adhar C. , Cheung Ambrose , Bayer Arnold S.
Published: March 2022

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) regulates resistance to β-lactams via preferential production of an alternative penicillin-binding protein (PBP), PBP2a. PBP2a binds many β-lactam antibiotics with less affinity than PBPs which are predominant in methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) strains. A novel, rather frequent in vitro phenotype was recently identified among clinical MRSA bloodstream isolates, termed “NaHCO3-responsiveness”. This phenotype features β-lactam susceptibility of certain MRSA strains only in the presence of NaHCO3. Two distinct PBP2a variants, 246G and 246E, have been linked to the NaHCO3-responsive and NaHCO3-non-responsive MRSA phenotypes, respectively. To determine the mechanistic impact of PBP2a variants on β-lactam susceptibility, binding profiles of a fluorescent penicillin probe (Bocillin-FL) to each purified PBP2a variant were assessed and compared to whole-cell binding profiles characterized by flow cytometry in the presence vs. absence of NaHCO3. These investigations revealed that NaHCO3 differentially influenced the binding of the fluorescent penicillin, Bocillin-FL, to the PBP2a variants, with binding intensity and rate of binding significantly enhanced in the 246G compared to the 246E variant. Of note, the NaHCO3-β-lactam (oxacillin)-responsive JE2 strain, which natively harbors the 246G variant, had enhanced Bocillin-FL whole-cell binding following exposure to NaHCO3. This NaHCO3-mediated increase in whole-cell Bocillin-FL binding was not observed in the NaHCO3-non-responsive parental strain, COL, which contains the 246E PBP2a variant. Surprisingly, genetic swaps of the mecA coding sites between JE2 and COL did not alter the NaHCO3-enhanced binding seen in JE2 vs. COL. These data suggest that the non-coding regions of mecA may be involved in NaHCO3-responsiveness. This investigation also provides strong evidence that the NaHCO3-responsive phenotype in MRSA may involve NaHCO3-mediated increases in both initial cell surface β-lactam binding, as well as ultimate PBP2a binding of β-lactams.
Antioxidative, Antidiabetic, and Hypolipidemic Properties of Probiotic-Enriched Fermented Camel Milk Combined with Salvia officinalis Leaves Hydroalcoholic Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Rats
Authors: Alharbi Yousef M. , Sakr Sally S. , Albarrak Saleh M. , Almundarij Tariq I. , Barakat Hassan , Hassan Mohamed F. Y.
Published: March 2022

Antioxidative, antidiabetic, and hypolipidemic properties of probiotic-enriched fermented camel milk (FCM) combined with Salvia officinalis L. leaves hydroalcoholic extract (SOHE) in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats were investigated. Phytochemicals analysis and antioxidant capacity indicated that S. officinalis contained high phenolics with super antioxidant activity. Subsequently, HPLC analysis demonstrated 13 phenolic acids and 14 flavonoids in considerable amounts with ferulic acid and resveratrol as predominant, respectively. The antidiabetic and hypolipidemic properties of FCM and SOHE were examined in a designed animal model consisting of seven treated groups for four weeks. There was a negative group (G1); the positive group (G2) received a single dose (50 mg kg−1) of streptozotocin (STZ) by intraperitoneal injection (i.p.); in G3, diabetic rats (DRs) orally received 5 mL FCM kg−1 daily; in G4, DRs orally received 50 mg GAE SOHE kg−1 daily; in G5, DRs orally received 5 mL FCM contains 25 mg GAE SOHE kg−1 daily; in G6, DRs orally received 5 mL FCM contains 50 mg GAE SOHE kg−1 daily; in G7, DRs orally received 50 mg metformin kg−1 daily. Combining FCM with SOHE at 25 or 50 mg kg−1 exhibited a synergistic effect in significantly lowering random blood glucose (RBG), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and improved weight gain recovery %. The hypolipidemic effect of FCM + 50 mg GAE SOHE kg−1 was significantly higher than using FCM or SOHE individually, and attenuation in triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (CHO), and high- and low-density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL), and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) was remarked. Combining FCM with SOHE at 25 or 50 mg kg−1 ameliorated liver and kidney functions better than individual uses of FCM, SOHE, or metformin. Interestingly, FCM with 50 mg SOHE kg−1 presented significant improvement in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and a substantial reduction in malonaldehyde (MDA) levels with 53.75%, 89.93%, 63.06%, and 58.69% when compared to the STZ group (G2), respectively. Histopathologically, administrating FCM + 25, 50 mg SOHE kg−1 or 50 mg kg−1 metformin showed a normal histological structure of both islets of Langerhans cells and acini. In conclusion, combining FCM with SOHE presented synergistic and therapeutical efficacy. It could be beneficial and profitable for controlling diabetes mellitus complications and protecting against oxidative stress.
Protective Effect of Chrysanthemum boreale Flower Extracts against A2E-Induced Retinal Damage in ARPE-19 Cell
Authors: Kim Min Jung , Kim Dong Hee , Kwak Han Sub , Yu In-Sun , Um Min Young
Published: March 2022

In age-related macular degeneration, N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E) accumulates in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and generates oxidative stress, which further induces cell death. Polyphenols are well known for their antioxidant and beneficial effects on vision. Chrysanthemum boreale Makino (CB) flowers, which contain flavonoids, have antioxidant activity. We hypothesized that polyphenols in ethanolic extracts of CB (CBE) and its fractions suppressed A2E-mediated ARPE-19 cell damage, a human RPE cell line. CBE is rich in polyphenols, shows antioxidant activity, and suppresses intracellular accumulation of A2E and cell death induced by A2E. Among the five fractions, the polyphenol content and antioxidant effect were in the order of the ethyl acetate fraction (EtOAc) > butanol fraction (BuOH) > hexane fraction (Hex) > dichloromethane fraction (CH2Cl2) > water fraction (H2O). In contrast, the inhibitory ability of A2E accumulation and A2E-induced cell death was highest in H2O, followed by BuOH. In the correlation analysis, polyphenols in the H2O and BuOH fractions had a significant positive correlation with antioxidant effects, but no significant correlation with cell damage caused by A2E. Our findings suggest that substances other than polyphenols present in CBE can suppress the effects of A2E, and further research is needed.
Liposomal Glutathione Helps to Mitigate Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection in the Lungs
Authors: Kachour Nala , Beever Abrianna , Owens James , Cao Ruoqiong , Kolloli Afsal , Kumar Ranjeet , Sasaninia Kayvan , Vaughn Charles , Singh Mohkam , Truong Edward , Khatchadourian Christopher , Sisliyan Christina , Zakery Klara , Khamas Wael , Subbian Selvakumar , Venketaraman Vishwanath
Published: March 2022

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), is responsible for causing significant morbidity and mortality, especially among individuals with compromised immune systems. We have previously shown that the supplementation of liposomal glutathione (L-GSH) reduces M. tb viability and enhances a Th-1 cytokine response, promoting granuloma formation in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro. However, the effects of L-GSH supplementation in modulating the immune responses in the lungs during an active M. tb infection have yet to be explored. In this article, we report the effects of L-GSH supplementation during an active M. tb infection in a mouse model of pulmonary infection. We determine the total GSH levels, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, cytokine profiles, granuloma formation, and M. tb burden in untreated and L-GSH-treated mice over time. In 40 mM L-GSH-supplemented mice, an increase in the total GSH levels was observed in the lungs. When compared to untreated mice, the treatment of M. tb-infected mice with 40 mM and 80 mM L-GSH resulted in a reduction in MDA levels in the lungs. L-GSH treatment also resulted in a significant increase in the levels of IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-17, and TNF-α in the lungs, while down-regulating the production of IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-β in the lungs. A reduction in M. tb survival along with a decrease in granuloma size in the lungs of M. tb-infected mice was observed after L-GSH treatment. Our results show that the supplementation of mice with L-GSH led to increased levels of total GSH, which is associated with reduced oxidative stress, increased levels of granuloma-promoting cytokines, and decreased M. tb burden in the lung. These results illustrate how GSH can help mitigate M. tb infection and provide an insight into future therapeutic interventions.
Pectolinarigenin Induces Antioxidant Enzymes through Nrf2/ARE Pathway in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Shiraiwa Mariko , Kitakaze Tomoya , Yamashita Yoko , Ukawa Yuichi , Mukai Katsuyuki , Ashida Hitoshi
Published: March 2022

Pectolinarigenin (PG) and its glycoside pectolinarin (PN) were reported to have various health beneficial functions such as anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic activities. It has also been reported that PG and PN have radical scavenging ability as direct antioxidant activity. However, the indirect antioxidant activity of PG and PN by inducing antioxidant enzymes in hepatocytes is not fully understood yet. In this study, we investigated whether PG and PN increase expression of antioxidant enzymes through the nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated pathway in human hepatoma HepG2 cells and the liver of male ICR mice. PG, but not PN, induced antioxidant enzymes, namely heme oxigenase-1, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1, and aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10, in HepG2 cells. As for the induction mechanism of these enzymes, PG-induced nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 increased antioxidant response element (ARE)-mediated transcriptional activity and suppressed degradation of Nrf2 through modification of Kelch-like EXH-associated protein 1. Oral administration of PG also induced nuclear accumulation Nrf2 and expression of antioxidant enzymes in the liver of mice. Therefore, PG, but not PN, exhibits the indirect antioxidant activity by inducing antioxidant enzymes through the Nrf2/ARE pathway and may protect liver from oxidative stress.
Valorization of Juglans regia Leaves as Cosmeceutical Ingredients: Bioactivity Evaluation and Final Formulation Development
Authors: Besrour Nermine , Oludemi Taofiq , Mandim Filipa , Pereira Carla , Dias Maria Inês , Soković Marina , Stojković Dejan , Ferreira Olga , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R. , Barros Lillian
Published: March 2022

The cosmetic industry is constantly searching for bioactive ingredients, namely, those obtained from natural sources with environmentally friendly connotations and less toxic effects. A previous study of our research group optimized the extraction of phenolic compounds from Juglans regia by heat-assisted extraction. Due to its richness in different phenolic compounds, the present work aimed to develop a formulation containing J. regia leaf extract. The extract’s antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, cytotoxicity, and photostability properties were evaluated. The extract was then incorporated into an O/W base cream, followed by characterization of the final formulation in terms of its antioxidant properties, phenolic composition, and stability over time and at different storage conditions. The most abundant compounds in the hydroethanolic extract were 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid (18.30 ± 0.04 mg/g), quercetin-O-pentoside (9.64 ± 0.06 mg/g), and quercetin 3-O-glucoside (6.70 ± 0.19 mg/g). Besides those, the extract presented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound closure, and antibacterial effects against several skin pathogens. In addition, HaCaT cell viability was maintained up to 98% at 400 µg/mL. Within Proteus vulgaris-infected HaCaT cells, the extract also presented an over 40% bacterial mortality rate at its nontoxic concentration (200 µg/mL). After incorporating the extract, the obtained formulation presented a good physicochemical profile over time and at different storage conditions while also maintaining its antioxidant effect; as such, it can be considered stable for topical application. Future work to evaluate its performance in terms of skin permeation and detailed toxicological studies with a focus on regulatory requirements, involving skin irritation, eye irritation, genotoxicity, photo-irritation, and dermal absorption, should be conducted, as the prepared formulation demonstrated relevant properties that deserve to be further explored.
Black Ginseng Extract Suppresses Airway Inflammation Induced by Cigarette Smoke and Lipopolysaccharides In Vivo
Authors: Kim Mun-Ock , Lee Jae-Won , Lee Jae Kyoung , Song Yu Na , Oh Eun Sol , Ro Hyunju , Yoon Dahye , Jeong Yun-Hwa , Park Ji-Yoon , Hong Sung-Tae , Ryu Hyung Won , Lee Su Ui , Lee Dae Young
Published: March 2022

Cigarette smoke (CS) is a risk factor that can induce airway enlargement, airway obstruction, and airway mucus hypersecretion. Although studies have shown that Korean black ginseng extract (BGE) has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, the CS-induced inflammatory responses and molecular mechanisms are yet to be examined. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of BGE on the airway inflammatory response and its molecular mechanisms, using CS/lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-exposed animals and PMA-stimulated human airway epithelial NCI-H292 cells. The results show that BGE inhibited the recruitment of immune cells and the release of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, elastase, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the airways of CS/LPS-exposed animals. BGE inhibited mucus secretion and the expression of Mucin 5AC (MUC5AC). Furthermore, BGE exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect by downregulating a signaling pathway mediated by transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase (TAK) 1, an important protein that accelerates inflammation by cigarette smoke (CS). Overall, the findings show that BGE inhibits lung inflammation and mucus secretion by decreasing the activation of TAK1 both in human epithelial cells and in CS/LPS-exposed animals, and could be a potential adjuvant in the treatment and prevention of airway inflammatory diseases caused by airway irritants such as CS.
Supplementation with the Symbiotic Formulation Prodefen® Increases Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase and Decreases Oxidative Stress in Superior Mesenteric Artery from Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Méndez-Albiñana Pablo , Martínez-González Ángel , Camacho-Rodríguez Laura , Ferreira-Lazarte Álvaro , Villamiel Mar , Rodrigues-Díez Raquel , Balfagón Gloria , García-Redondo Ana B. , Prieto-Nieto Mª Isabel , Blanco-Rivero Javier
Published: March 2022

In recent years, gut dysbiosis has been related to some peripheral vascular alterations linked to hypertension. In this work, we explore whether gut dysbiosis is related to vascular innervation dysfunction and altered nitric oxide (NO) production in the superior mesenteric artery, one of the main vascular beds involved in peripheral vascular resistance. For this purpose, we used spontaneously hypertensive rats, either treated or not with the commercial synbiotic formulation Prodefen® (108 colony forming units/day, 4 weeks). Prodefen® diminished systolic blood pressure and serum endotoxin, as well as the vasoconstriction elicited by electrical field stimulation (EFS), and enhanced acetic and butyric acid in fecal samples, and the vasodilation induced by the exogenous NO donor DEA-NO. Unspecific nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-NAME increased EFS-induced vasoconstriction more markedly in rats supplemented with Prodefen®. Both neuronal NO release and neuronal NOS activity were enhanced by Prodefen®, through a hyperactivation of protein kinase (PK)A, PKC and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase-AKT signaling pathways. The superoxide anion scavenger tempol increased both NO release and DEA-NO vasodilation only in control animals. Prodefen® caused an increase in both nuclear erythroid related factor 2 and superoxide dismutase activities, consequently reducing both superoxide anion and peroxynitrite releases. In summary, Prodefen® could be an interesting non-pharmacological approach to ameliorate hypertension.
Analysis of Shear Constitutive Models of the Slip Zone Soil Based on Various Statistical Damage Distributions
Authors: Luo Yinfeng , Zou Zongxing , Li Changdong , Duan Haojie , Thaw Nang Mon Mon , Zhang Bocheng , Ding Bingdong , Zhang Junrong
Published: March 2022

The shear constitutive model of the slip zone soil can be used to quantitatively describe the relationship between shear stress and shear displacement, which is of great significance for the analysis of deformation mechanism and stability evaluation of landslides. The conventional shear constitutive models were usually proposed based on statistical damage theory with the Weibull distribution function, which is widely used in the field of rock material. However, there are great differences in the structure and mechanical properties of soil and rock; therefore, the suitability of the damage distribution functions for the slip zone soil needs to be further investigated. In this study, eight distribution functions are introduced to describe the damage evolution process of the slip zone soil and applied to two groups of shear stress–shear displacement curves (named shear curves) with different softening characteristics, i.e., strong softening type and weak softening type. The results show that: (1) the applicability of the various damage distribution functions to the two softening types of shear curves is obviously different; (2) the commonly used Weibull distribution is only suitable for the weak softening shear curves; (3) the shear constitutive models based on Gamma, Exponential, and Logistic distributions are the best three models for the strong softening curve; the shear constitutive models based on Gamma, Weibull, and Exponential distributions are the best three models for the weak softening curve; (4) Gamma distribution function is the optimal model in both strong softening and weak softening types of shear curves, and the parameters of the function have clear physical meaning in the shear constitutive model. In general, the Gamma distribution function can more objectively reflect the whole shear damage evolution process of the slip zone soil than other distribution functions.
An Investigation of Wood Baseball Bat Durability as a Function of Bat Profile and Slope of Grain Using Finite Element Modeling and Statistical Analysis
Authors: Campshure Blake , Drane Patrick , Sherwood James A.
Published: March 2022

To counter a perceived increase in multi-piece fracturing of wood baseball bats, Major League Baseball implemented standards to regulate the quality of wood used in the making of professional-grade baseball bats. These specifications included a minimum density as a function of wood species and a standard related to slope of grain (SoG). Following the implementation of these specifications in 2008, there was a 65% reduction in the multi-piece failure rate. It is hypothesized that a further reduction in the breakage rate can be realized through the implementation of regulations on allowable bat profiles. In the current work, a parametric study was conducted to develop a quantitative understanding of the relationship between bat durability (i.e., resistance to breaking), SoG, and bat profile, thereby obtaining data to support or refute the hypothesis. Finite element models of the bat/ball impact of four different popular bat profiles were created using LS-DYNA software. Similarities and differences between bat profiles impacted at two relatively vulnerable axial locations are presented and discussed. Lastly, the respective bat durabilities for all of the profiles were compared using a probability analysis that considers the SoG, impact location, impact velocity, and it predicts an in-service bat durability.
Application of a Trajectory Tracking Algorithm for Underactuated Underwater Vehicles Using Quasi-Velocities
Authors: Herman Przemyslaw
Published: March 2022

In this work, an application of the trajectory tracking algorithm proposed in the literature for underactuated marine vehicles is presented. The main difference relies on that here the dynamics of the vehicle are expressed in terms of some quasi-velocities (QV). This fact has a double meaning. First of all, it is shown that using the QV, it is possible to control a vehicle in the absence of one variable because the works related to marine vehicles have only concerned fully actuated systems. In addition, a controller using QV provides information that gives some insight into vehicle dynamics and that is not available in classical equations of motion. The simulations done on two 3-DOF models of different underwater vehicles and using two desired trajectories show performance of the considered control strategy. A discussion of the presented control scheme and selected control approaches from recent years was also conducted, and the benefits of the proposed approach were pointed out.
Analysis on the Isostatic Bipod Mounts for the HERA Mission LIDAR
Authors: Dias Nicole G. , Gordo Paulo , Onderwater Hugo , Melicio Rui , Amorim António
Published: March 2022

The Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) is a time-of-flight altimeter instrument being developed for the HERA mission, designated as Planetary ALTimeter (PALT). PALT is positioned in the center of the top face of the HERA probe, and therefore, it cannot use radiators to stabilize its internal temperature. The contribution of this paper is the design of isostatic bipod mounts for the LIDAR primary mirror. The performance of PALT must be maintained over a wide operational range, from −60 °C to 80 °C. These temperature requirements imply that a careful isostatic mount structure design is critical to maintaining performance in all operational scenarios. The purpose of the instrument is to perform range measurements from 500 m to 14 km. The instrument will contribute to the detailed characterization of the asteroid’s topography, assist the probe navigation in operations such as fly-bys (including on the dark side of the asteroid) or landing. PALT has an emitter system that generates 2 ns, 100 µJ, 1535 nm laser pulses and a receiver system that collects the backscattered signal from the asteroid. The receiver system is composed of a 70 mm diameter Cassegrain telescope and a refractive system that focuses the signal on the sensor.
Exploring the Effect of the Number of Hydrogen Atoms on the Properties of Lanthanide Hydrides by DMFT
Authors: Wei Yao , Chachkarova Elena , Plekhanov Evgeny , Bonini Nicola , Weber Cedric
Published: March 2022

Lanthanide hydrogen-rich materials have long been considered as one of the candidates with high-temperature superconducting properties in condensed matter physics, and have been a popular topic of research. Attempts to investigate the effects of different compositions of lanthanide hydrogen-rich materials are ongoing, with predictions and experimental studies in recent years showing that substances such as LaH10, CeH9, and LaH16 exhibit extremely high superconducting temperatures between 150–250 GPa. In particular, researchers have noted that, in those materials, a rise in the f orbit character at the Fermi level combined with the presence of hydrogen vibration modes at the same low energy scale will lead to an increase in the superconducting transition temperature. Here, we further elaborate on the effect of the ratios of lanthanide to hydrogen in these substances with the aim of bringing more clarity to the study of superhydrides in these extreme cases by comparing a variety of lanthanide hydrogen-rich materials with different ratios using the dynamical mean-field theory (DMFT) method, and provide ideas for later structural predictions and material property studies.
Analysis of the Seismic Behavior of a Wall Pier of a Covered Bridge Based on the Multi-Layer Shell Element
Authors: Qiu Wenhua , Wang Kehai , Yin Weitao
Published: March 2022

To investigate the seismic behavior of the wall pier of a covered bridge, the multi-layer shell element in OpenSEES was used to carry out the numerical analysis under a horizontal low cyclic loading in the weak axis direction. The effects of the mesh divisions of the wall pier models were evaluated and the hysteretic curves, skeleton curves, bearing and energy dissipation capacity, stiffness degradation and displacement ductility of the wall pier with different lateral loading modes were mainly researched. The results demonstrate that the discretization of layers along the thickness direction of the multi-layer shell element model has a very limited effect on the hysteretic and skeleton curves. The mesh division of the horizontal direction depends on that of the vertical, and the vertical mesh spacing shall be longer than the plastic hinge with a length of 0.5744 m. The arrangement of the loading points is critical for the seismic behavior of the wall pier. The pier suffering the force from the five points presents a relatively strong energy dissipation and larger ductility, but this layout may cause a more concentrated force at the local position. When the loading points are evenly distributed, the capacity and displacement changes sharply and the ductility diminishes. Successively, the seismic performance indexes at the local position of the wall pier tend to be more consistent with the increasing loading points. The deformation and energy dissipation capacity of the nearby position with the denser side loading points becomes larger, but this has a minor impact on the seismic performance of the position far from the points. The wall pier without the bent cap and with three bearings set is supposed to be more reasonable for the covered bridge through the overall analysis of seismic performance.
Research on Compressive Strength of Manufactured Sand Concrete Based on Response Surface Methodology (RSM)
Authors: Ma Hui , Sun Zhenjiao , Ma Guanguo
Published: March 2022

Traditional natural river sand is used as a fine aggregate for concrete, but due to the severe environmental situation in recent years, many places have asked for a ban or restriction on the extraction of river sand. This has resulted in an increasing demand for concrete using machine-made sand instead of natural sand. The estimation and prediction of the compressive strength of concrete is very important in civil engineering applications. In this investigation, a Box–Behnken test model was established to analyze the effect of stone powder (SP), pulverized fuel ash (PFA), and silica fume (SF) contents on the compressive strength of manufactured sand concrete using response surface methodology (RSM). A prediction model for the compressive strength of manufactured sand concrete was developed using multiple regression analysis with SP, PFA, and SF content as factors and compressive strength as the response value. In addition, the interaction of stone powder (SP), pulverized fuel ash (PFA), and silica fume (SF) content was analyzed according to the response surface and contour. The investigation showed that for single factors, SP had the greatest effect on the compressive strength of the manufactured sand concrete, with PFA having the second greatest effect, and SF the least; for the interactions, SP and PFA had the most significant effect, and the interaction between SP and SF and PFA and SF had the same effect on the compressive strength.