bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Satisfaction of patients with health care services in tertiary care facilities of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional approach
Authors: Aljarallah Nasser Ali , Almuqbil Mansour , Alshehri Sultan , Khormi Amro Mohammed Sawadi , AlReshaidan Reshaidan Mohammed , Alomran Fayez Hadi , Fawzan Alomar Nasser , Alshahrani Fayez Faleh , Alshammari Majed Sadun , Alsanie Walaa F. , Alhomrani Majid , Alamri Abdulhakeem S. , Asdaq Syed Mohammed Basheeruddin
Published: January 2023

As part of Saudi Vision 2030, the country's healthcare system is undergoing a significant makeover, with accessibility and effectiveness serving as the benchmarks for measuring patient care quality. This study's goal was to ascertain the degree of patient satisfaction with the medical care and services received in Riyadh's tertiary care facilities. The PSQ-18 (Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18), a standardized validated questionnaire including areas of “overall satisfaction,” “technical quality,” “interpersonal aspect,” “communication,” “financial aspect,” “time spent with the doctor,” and “accessibility and convenience,” was used in this cross-sectional study on 384 patients of two tertiary care facilities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, over a 6-month period. The degree to which sociodemographic characteristics and components of patient satisfaction are correlated was assessed using binary and multiple regression analysis. When the P-value was < 0.05, the results were considered significant and were presented as adjusted odds ratios (AOR). To ascertain how each PSQ-18 subscale affected other subscales, a Pearson Correlation analysis was conducted. The overall degree of satisfaction with all 18 items was 73.77%. The financial component received a rating of 81% compared to 77% for general satisfaction. Technical quality (75%) was followed by accessibility and convenience (73.5%), communication (73%), and interpersonal elements (72%). At 68%, the time spent in the doctor's domain received the lowest rating. The odds of satisfaction were increased by 3.87 times, 3.45 times, and 3.36 times among those who are employed, qualified by university education, and married compared to unemployed (P-value = 0.018), less qualified (P-value = 0.015) and singles (P-value = 0.026), respectively. The younger age group also made 1.78 times more of a difference in higher satisfaction ratings. The general satisfaction domain showed a positive association with other areas. Participants who were satisfied with the communication and accessibility and convenience domains of healthcare providers were the only ones who were typically satisfied with the domain of doctor time spent. The study's findings could act as a benchmark for Saudi Arabia's healthcare services as well as a starting point for quality assurance procedures.
Embracing sustainability in public-owned forest resources management: Lessons learned and perspectives
Authors: Boukherroub Tasseda , Ruiz Angel
Published: January 2023

The growing interest in sustainability has pushed governments to elaborate new legislations and orientations and, in turn, has led companies and organizations to consider sustainability goals in their strategies, operations management, and decision-making processes. This is the case in natural resources supply chains, and particularly in forest products supply chains, where the row resource is publicly owned but exploited by private companies. While public owners are responsible for the sustainable management of the resource according to the three sustainability pillars, industrials tend to focus on the use of the allocated resources to maximize their utility, mainly from an economic perspective. The key question is how to rethink the whole public owners/industrials relationship to ensure consensual and satisfactory solutions for all the stakeholders. In this context, this paper reviews and analyzes sustainable supply chain planning approaches proposed in the forestry planning literature and, based on the model observed in the forestry sector in the province of Quebec, Canada, proposes and analyzes a new, performance-based approach to overcome its challenges and facilitate sustainability integration in the forestry planning processes.
A coupled agent-based model to analyse human-drought feedbacks for agropastoralists in dryland regions
Authors: Streefkerk Ileen N. , de Bruijn Jens , Haer Toon , Van Loon Anne F. , Quichimbo Edisson A. , Wens Marthe , Hassaballah Khalid , Aerts Jeroen C. J. H.
Published: January 2023

Drought is a persistent hazard that impacts the environment, people's livelihoods, access to education and food security. Adaptation choices made by people can influence the propagation of this drought hazard. However, few drought models incorporate adaptive behavior and feedbacks between adaptations and drought. In this research, we present a dynamic drought adaptation modeling framework, ADOPT-AP, which combines socio-hydrological and agent-based modeling approaches. This approach is applied to agropastoral communities in dryland regions in Kenya. We couple the spatially explicit hydrological Dryland Water Partitioning (DRYP) model with a behavioral model capable of simulating different bounded rational behavioral theories (ADOPT). The results demonstrate that agropastoralists respond differently to drought due to differences in (perceptions of) their hydrological environment. Downstream communities are impacted more heavily and implement more short-term adaptation measures than upstream communities in the same catchment. Additional drivers of drought adaptation concern socio-economic factors such as wealth and distance to wells. We show that the uptake of drought adaptation influences soil moisture (positively through irrigation) and groundwater (negatively through abstraction) and, thus, the drought propagation through the hydrological cycle.
Conflict or coexistence? Synergies between nature conservation and traditional tea industry development in Wuyishan National Park, China
Authors: Wang Bojie , He Siyuan , Min Qingwen , Yang Xiao
Published: January 2023

Traditional agricultural industries in protected areas (PAs) provide opportunities for both nature conservation and the wellbeing of local residents. However, knowledge about the synergies between nature conservation and traditional agricultural industries is still limited. This research takes the traditional tea industry in Wuyishan National Park as a case to identify and examine the synergistic mechanism between forest conservation and industrial development, why traditional agricultural industries are necessary to the regional economy, and how they secure local livelihoods as well as achieve conservation goals. We conducted literature research and semi-structured interviews with Wuyishan National Park Authority, local government administrations, enterprises and small-scale farmers. The results were obtained through a two-stage mixed method of grounded theory and system dynamics. The findings revealed that: (1) Traditional agricultural industries in PAs were resilient and adaptable in the face of external changes, in which traditional culture and ecological awareness played an important role. (2) Small-scale agri-industries were vulnerable to external shocks, but they also have advantages in terms of moderate agglomeration and standardization, risk perception and response, and market-based diversification of production. (3) The synergetic process of traditional agricultural industries and conservation is mainstreaming biodiversity by cooperation among the government, the park agency, and local people. Thus, we suggested that the local government should work together with the PA management agencies to re-evaluate the existence of traditional agricultural industries for their necessity in the regional economy and the feasibility of improving local livelihoods.
The role of CRYAB in tumor prognosis and immune infiltration: A Pan-cancer analysis
Authors: Cheng Lang , Zou Xiong , Wang Jiawei , Zhang Jiange , Mo Zengnan , Huang Houbao
Published: January 2023

Purpose

There is evidence that the Crystallin Alpha B (CRYAB) gene is involved in the regulation of the tumor microenvironment and influences tumor prognosis in some cancers. However, the role of CRYAB gene in prognosis and immunology in pan-cancer is still unclear.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed the transcriptional profiles and survival data of cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. CRYAB gene and its relationships with pan-cancer were analyzed using R packages, TIMER2.0, GEPIA2, Sangerbox, UALCAN, cBioPortal, ESTIMATE algorithm, and STRING. Besides, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was utilized to detect CRYAB expression in KIRC and a human KIRC cell line (Caki-1).

Results

We found that CRYAB expression was different in tumors and adjacent tumors in human cancers, affecting patients’ prognosis in 15 cancer types. Additionally, CRYAB expression significantly correlated with tumor microenvironment (TME), immune checkpoints (ICP), tumor mutational burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI) in human cancers. Besides, CRYAB expression was positively associated with the immune infiltration of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and endothelial cells in most human cancers. Based on enrichment analysis, the most prevalent CRYAB gene mechanism in malignant tumors may be through anti-apoptotic activity. Moreover, some FDA-approved drugs were found to be associated with CRYAB and might be potential cancer therapeutic candidates.

Conclusions

CRYAB is a crucial component of the TME and influences immune cell infiltration, making it a promising biomarker to assess immune infiltration and prognosis in many malignancies.
Efficacy of autologous mesenchymal stromal cell treatment for chronic degenerative musculoskeletal conditions in dogs: A retrospective study
Authors: Armitage Andrew J. , Miller Joanna M. , Sparks Tim H. , Georgiou Alex E. , Reid Jacqueline
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The objective of this study was to retrospectively analyze clinical data from a referral regenerative medicine practice, to investigate the efficacy of autologous mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) in 245 dogs deemed unresponsive to conventional treatment by their referring vet.

Methods

Diagnostic imaging [radiology and musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK-US)] identified musculoskeletal pathology holistically. MSCs, produced according to current guidelines, were initially administered with PRP by targeted injection to joints and/or tendons, with a second MSC monotherapy administered 12 weeks later to dogs with severe pathology and/or previous elbow arthroscopic interventions. Dogs with lumbosacral disease received epidural MSCs with additional intravenous MSCs administered to dogs with spondylosis of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. All dogs received laser therapy at 10 J/cm2at the time of treatment and for 5 sessions thereafter. Objective outcome measures (stance analysis, range of joint motion, pressure algometry) and validated subjective outcome measures (owner reported VetMetrica HRQL™ and veterinary pain and quality of life impact scores) were used to investigate short and long-term (6–104 weeks) efficacy. Outcome data were collected at predetermined time windows (0–6, 7–12, 13–18, 19–24, 25–48, 49–78, 79–104) weeks after initial treatment.

Results

There were statistically significant improvements in post compared with pre-treatment measures at all time windows in stance analysis, shoulder and hip range of motion, lumbosacral pressure algometry, and to 49–78 weeks in carpus and elbow range of motion. Improvements in 4 domains of quality of life as measured by VetMetricaTM were statistically significant, as were scores in vet-assessed pain and quality of life impact. In dogs receiving one initial treatment the mean time before a second treatment was required to maintain improvements in objective measures was 451 days. Diagnostic imaging confirmed the regenerative effects of MSCs in tendinopathies by demonstrating resolution of abnormal mineralization and restoration of normal fiber patterns.

Discussion

This represents the first study using “real-world” data to show that cell-based therapies, injected into multiple areas of musculoskeletal pathology in a targeted holistic approach, resulted in rapid and profound positive effects on the patient's pain state and quality of life which was maintained with repeat treatment for up to 2 years.
Diversity of RNA viruses of three dominant tick species in North China
Authors: Qin Tong , Shi Mingjie , Zhang Meina , Liu Zhitong , Feng Hao , Sun Yi
Published: January 2023

Background

A wide range of bacterial pathogens have been identified in ticks, yet the diversity of viruses in ticks is largely unexplored.

Methods

Here, we used metagenomic sequencing to characterize the diverse viromes in three principal tick species associated with pathogens, Haemaphysalis concinna, Dermacentor silvarum, and Ixodes persulcatus, in North China.

Results

A total of 28 RNA viruses were identified and belonged to more than 12 viral families, including single-stranded positive-sense RNA viruses (Flaviviridae, Picornaviridae, Luteoviridae, Solemoviridae, and Tetraviridae), negative-sense RNA viruses (Mononegavirales, Bunyavirales, and others) and double-stranded RNA viruses (Totiviridae and Partitiviridae). Of these, Dermacentor pestivirus-likevirus, Chimay-like rhabdovirus, taiga tick nigecruvirus, and Mukawa virus are presented as novel viral species, while Nuomin virus, Scapularis ixovirus, Sara tick-borne phlebovirus, Tacheng uukuvirus, and Beiji orthonairovirus had been established as human pathogens with undetermined natural circulation and pathogenicity. Other viruses include Norway mononegavirus 1, Jilin partitivirus, tick-borne tetravirus, Pico-like virus, Luteo-like virus 2, Luteo-likevirus 3, Vovk virus, Levivirus, Toti-like virus, and Solemo-like virus as well as others with unknown pathogenicity to humans and wild animals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, extensive virus diversity frequently occurs in Mononegavirales and Bunyavirales among the three tick species. Comparatively, I. persulcatus ticks had been demonstrated as such a kind of host with a significantly higher diversity of viral species than those of H. concinna and D. silvarum ticks. Our analysis supported that ticks are reservoirs for a wide range of viruses and suggested that the discovery and characterization of tick-borne viruses would have implications for viral taxonomy and provide insights into tick-transmitted viral zoonotic diseases.
Impact of sedation, body position change and continuous positive airway pressure on distribution of ventilation in healthy foals
Authors: Sacks Muriel , Raidal Sharanne , Catanchin Chee Sum Melanie , Hosgood Giselle , Mosing Martina
Published: January 2023

Background

This study aimed to compare the distribution of ventilation measured by electrical impedance tomography (EIT), in foals under varying clinical conditions of sedation, postural changes, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). To support the interpretation of EIT variables, specific spirometry data and F-shunt calculation were also assessed.

Materials and methods

Six healthy Thoroughbred foals were recruited for this sequential experimental study. EIT and spirometry data was recorded: (1) before and after diazepam-sedation, (2) after moving from standing to right lateral recumbency, (3) in dorsal recumbency during no CPAP (CPAP0) and increasing levels of CPAP of 4, 7, and 10 cmH2O (CPAP4, 7, 10, respectively). Ventral to dorsal (COVVD) and right to left (COVRL) center of ventilation, silent spaces, tidal impedance variation, regional ventilation distribution variables and right to left lung ventilation ratio (R:L) were extracted. Minute ventilation was calculated from tidal volume (VT) and respiratory rate. F-Shunt was calculated from results of arterial blood gas analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using linear mixed effects models (significance determined at p < 0.05).

Results

(1) Respiratory rate was lower after sedation (p = 0.0004). (2) In right lateral recumbency (compared to standing), the COVVD (p = 0.0012), COVRL (p = 0.0057), left centro-dorsal (p = 0.0071) and dorsal (p < 0.0001) regional ventilation were higher, while the right ventral (p = 0.0016) and dorsal (p = 0.0145) regional ventilation, and R:L (p = 0.0017) were lower. (3) Data of two foals for CPAP10 was excluded from statistical analysis due to prolonged apnea. Stepwise increase of CPAP led to increases of COVVD (p = 0.0028) and VT (p = 0.0011). A reduction of respiratory rate was detected with increasing CPAP levels (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

(1) In healthy foals, diazepam administration did not alter distribution of ventilation or minute ventilation, (2) lateral recumbency results in collapse of dependent areas of the lung, and (3) the use of CPAP in dorsal recumbency at increasing pressures improves ventilation in dependent regions, suggesting improvement of ventilation-perfusion mismatch.
Antimicrobial mechanism of semi-bionic extracts of three traditional medicinal plants—Rheum palmatum L., Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, and Houttuynia cordata Thunb—That can be used as antibiotic alternatives
Authors: Jiang Hong , Bai Zixia , Xu Ziheng , Sun Jian , Françoise Hatungimana , Luan Zuxiang , Wang Hongjun
Published: January 2023

The Chinese traditional medicinal plants Rheum palmatum L., Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, and Houttuynia cordata Thunb in a ratio of 108:65:27 form a compound named Dahuang Qinyu San (DQS), which inhibits and kills Escherichia coli and Salmonella to a certain extent in fish and shrimp aquaculture environments. The active ingredients quercetin, emodin, baicalin, and aloe-emodin are obtained from the semi-biomimetic extract of DQS (SEDQS). However, the antibacterial mechanism of SEDQS against Salmonella is still unclear. This study used the microwell-plate method to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of SEDQS against Salmonella enteritidis (S. enteritidis) isolated from geese. In addition, the effect of SEDQS on the growth curve, respiratory metabolic system, cell wall, soluble protein, and nucleic acid in bacterial liquid of S. enteritidis was detected by spectrophotometer and reagent kit. The effects of SEDQS on S. enteritidis DNA, binding gel blocking, virulence gene expression, and pathogenicity-related proteins were determined by gel electrophoresis, SDS–PAGE, and fluorescence quantitative PCR. The study found that a concentration of 1/4 MIC−2 MIC (2.27–18.2 mg/ml) SEDQS can significantly inhibit the normal growth of S. enteritidis, destroy the cell membrane structure of bacteria resulting in the leak of nucleic acid, protein, and other contents (P < 0.01). It also significantly inhibited the activities of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH; P < 0.01) in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of SEDQS was 1/2 MIC to 2 MIC (4.55–18.2 mg/ml), the expression levels of gyrB, fimA, filC, spvR, Hcp, and vgrG virulence genes (P < 0.01) all decreased by more than 31, 11, 18, 30, 34, and 21% respectively compared with the control group. SEDQS could significantly inhibit the expression of six virulence genes and play an important role in the pathogenicity of the S. enteritidis infected host. The SEDQS could exert antibacterial pharmacological effects by inhibiting the growth and metabolism of S. enteritidis and inhibiting the expression of major virulence factors. It has potential application value as an antibiotic alternative.
Set-Point Control of a Spatially Distributed Buck Converter
Authors: Röbenack Klaus , Palis Stefan
Published: January 2023

The classical buck converter is a very common DC–DC converter, which reduces an higher input supply voltage to a lower output load voltage. Replacing the inductor and the capacitor by a transmission line, we obtain a distributed buck converter, which can be described by partial differential equations. Therefore, we obtain a completely new class of model. This new topology can be used if the load is operated at some spatial distance from the power supply, where the power supply line is directly used as a reactive network element of the converter. In addition to the analysis and simulation we will also investigate the control of such a converter. In this contribution, we employ a discrepancy-based control technique. Approximating the theoretically derived feedback law yields an easy to implement sliding mode control scheme. The controller design is based on an ideal circuit model and verified by numerical simulation.
Effects of Organic Fertilizer Replacement Nitrogen Fertilizer on Nitrogen Utilization and Growth of Mung Bean: Evidence from 15N-Tracing Technology
Authors: Zheng Ennan , Zhu Yinhao , Qin Mengting , Chen Peng , Liu Ming , Qi Zhijuan
Published: January 2023

To optimize a suitable fertilization method needed for high nitrogen utilization and growth of mung bean in the black soil of Northeast China, a field experiment was carried out with 10 treatments based on isotope-tracing technology. The nitrogen fertilizer utilization, residual, loss and dry-matter transportation, leaf area, photosynthetic potential, and wet-basis moisture content of mung bean were discussed. The results showed that the total utilization rate of nitrogen fertilizer under different treatments was 34.75~47.71%, while in the 0~15 cm soil layer, the total residual rate was 11.36~33.69%, and the loss rate was 21.03~53.89%. The T1 treatment had the lowest total nitrogen fertilizer utilization rate and the greatest loss rate. The leaf area and photosynthetic potential at the seedling stage in the T9 treatment, the branching stage in the T2 treatment, and the flowering stage in the T4 and T9 treatments were 5.11~31.82% higher than those in the CK treatment, and the values at the drumming and maturing stages were significantly lower than those in the CK treatment (p < 0.05). The total wet-basis water content of the root, stem, leaf, and pod in the whole stages compared with the CK treatment increased by 3.35~7.41% in T4, T5, T7, and T8. In the T6 and T9 treatments, the output rate of stem-sheath storage matter and the transformation rate were significantly higher than those in the T1 treatment (p < 0.05). The dry-matter accumulation in the T1 and T9 treatments was significantly different from that in the CK treatment, which increased by 27.72% and 5.10%, respectively. Thus, organic fertilizer coupled with nitrogen fertilizer can improve the nitrogen fertilizer utilization rate and the growth of mung beans.
GEM Project-Derived Maize Lines Crossed with Temperate Elite Tester Lines Make for High-Quality, High-Yielding and Stable Silage Hybrids
Authors: Perisic Milica , Perkins Alden , Lima Dayane Cristina , de Leon Natalia , Mitrovic Bojan , Stanisavljevic Dusan
Published: January 2023

Maize silage is fundamental for high milk production in dairy farming. The incorporation of new genetic diversity into temperate maize germplasm has the potential to improve adapted cultivars, and it could be especially useful for improving the nutrition of silage varieties. The goal of this study is to assess the potential for lines from the Germplasm Enhancement of Maize (GEM) project to compete with commercial silage hybrids when crossed with elite temperate-adapted testers. We examined 35 GEM-derived hybrids along with five commercial checks in seven environments across three years in trials that were arranged in randomized complete block designs. Hybrids were compared based on their potential for conversion into animal productivity units: milk yield per hectare (Milk ha−1) and milk yield per ton of silage (Milk t−1). Broad phenotypic variation was observed for both traits, and the broad-sense heritability of Milk ha−1 and Milk t−1 were 0.24 and 0.31, respectively. Five out of six hybrids in the top 15%, based on a multi-trait stability index, were GEM-derived hybrids. The large proportions of phenotypic variance attributed to genotype by environment interactions (GEI) for quality traits suggests that local adaptation should be leveraged for silage breeding that make use of GEM-derived materials.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of AI in 2022
Authors:   AI Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Observer Sensitivity for Detection of Pulmonary Nodules in Ultra-Low Dose Computed Tomography Protocols Using a Third-Generation Dual-Source CT with Ultra-High Pitch—A Phantom Study
Authors: Leitzig Natascha , Janssen Sonja , Kayed Hany , Schönberg Stefan O. , Scheffel Hans
Published: January 2023

This study evaluates ultra-low-dose computed tomography (ULDCT) protocols concerning the detectability of pulmonary nodules. The influence of tube current settings, kernels, strength levels of third-generation iterative reconstruction algorithms, and pitch was investigated. A chest phantom with artificial spherical nodules of different densities and diameters was examined with a third-generation dual-source CT. Scanning and post-processing protocols, tube current levels, and ultra-high and non-high pitch modes were applied. Images were reconstructed with filtered back-projection (FBP) or advanced model-based iterative reconstruction (ADMIRE) algorithms. Sharp (Bl57) or medium-soft (Br36) convolution kernels were applied. The reading was performed by an experienced and an inexperienced reader. The highest observer sensitivity was found using a non-high pitch protocol at tube currents of 120 mAs and 90 mAs with the sharp kernel and iterative reconstruction level of 5. Non-high pitch protocols showed better detectability of solid nodules. Combinations with the medium-soft kernel achieved slightly higher observer sensitivity than with the sharp kernel. False positives (FP) occurred more often for subsolid nodules, at a tube current level of 120 mAs, and with the sharp kernel. A tube current level of 90 mAs combined with the highest iterative reconstruction level achieved the highest accuracy in lung nodule detection regardless of size, density, and reader experience.
Influence of the Level of Sex Hormones in the Blood of Gilts on Slaughter Characteristics and Meat Quality
Authors: Tereszkiewicz Krzysztof , Kulig Łukasz , Antos Piotr , Kowalczyk Karolina
Published: January 2023

The aim of the conducted research was to determine the impact of factors such as sex hormone levels, which vary during gilts’ reproductive cycle, on the quality of the obtained meat and slaughter characteristics of the processed gilts. The research material included a population of 60 gilts slaughtered in one of the slaughterhouses located in south-eastern Poland. After the slaughtering operations were completed, the carcasses were weighed at the classification stand. The results of the statistical evaluation of the haematological and biochemical blood parameters of the examined gilts showed that, in the tested blood samples, the concentration of progesterone had a statistically significant impact only on the level of total protein, which was higher in the blood samples of gilts with a low concentration of progesterone. It was found that carcasses of gilts with higher levels of the LH hormone were characterized by a lower meat content index by nearly 3%. It was shown that the concentration of LH affected the post-slaughter temperature of the sirloin and ham muscles. The interpretation of the obtained data was difficult since there seems to be a gap in the literature concerning the dependencies of sex hormone levels in gilts and meat quality.
The Importance of Developing and Standardizing Gamete, Embryo and Larvae Handling in Aquatic Animals
Authors: Paredes Estefanía , Gallego Victor
Published: January 2023

Artificial reproduction in aquatic animals usually involves the collection and handling of gametes both from males and females in a way that secures their quality and optimizes the fertilization event [...]
The Raccoon (Procyon lotor) as a Neozoon in Europe
Authors: Stope Matthias Bernhard
Published: January 2023

The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a North American half-bear that is present in much of Europe and Asia as a result of both accidental and planned releases. In Europe, raccoons were introduced primarily as a source of fur for the fur industry. In the 1930s, raccoons were released into the wild in Central Europe. At the same time, animals from fur farms and private holdings continued to enter the wild. In the following decades, the raccoon spread over large parts of Europe. In addition to the invasive spread of the Central European initial population, individual releases of raccoons occurred frequently, mainly in Southern Europe. The high adaptability of the raccoon favors its expansion into new habitats. It has a high reproductive rate, is very mobile, and encounters few predators in Europe. Raccoons have recently become a topic of interest when large raccoon populations have colonized suburban and urban areas. Despite the proximity of raccoons and humans, however, there have been hardly any conflicts to date, unlike in North America. A significant negative impact on the native fauna has been suspected but not proven. Raccoons have been identified as vectors of zoonotic diseases. Nevertheless, monitoring of the increasing numbers of raccoons in Europe seems advisable.
The Different Fate of the Pyrenean Desman (Galemys pyrenaicus) and the Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) under Climate and Land Use Changes
Authors: Russo Luca Francesco , Fernández-González Ángel , Penteriani Vincenzo , Delgado María del Mar , Palazón Santiago , Loy Anna , Di Febbraro Mirko
Published: January 2023

Climate and land use change can affect biodiversity in different ways, e.g., determining habitat loss, altering reproduction periods or disrupting biotic interactions. Here, we investigate the effects of climate and land use change on the spatial distribution of two semi-aquatic mammals, the Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus) and the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). We first modeled the current potential distribution of the desman and the otter in the Iberian Peninsula, considering topographic, climatic and land use variables. Second, we predicted their potential distribution in 2050 under climate and land use change scenarios. We calculated the percentage of range gain/loss and shift predicted for the two species under such scenarios and quantified the present and future spatial overlap between the two species distribution. Irrespective of the scenario, desman models show loss of suitable habitat, whereas the otter will undergo an opposite trend. Aside from a preponderant habitat loss, the desman is predicted to increase its spatial overlap with otter range under the optimistic scenarios, potentially meaning it will face an exacerbated predation by otters. The potential increase of both habitat loss and otters’ predation might represent a major threat for the desman, which may affect the long-term persistence of this endemic species in the Iberian Peninsula.
3Rs Principle and Legislative Decrees to Achieve High Standard of Animal Research
Authors: Verderio Paolo , Lecchi Mara , Ciniselli Chiara Maura , Shishmani Bjorn , Apolone Giovanni , Manenti Giacomo
Published: January 2023

Animal experimentation is a vast ecosystem that tries to make different issues such as legislative, ethical and scientific coexist. Research in animal experimentation has made many strides thanks to the 3Rs principle and the attached legislative decrees, but for this very reason, it needs to be evenly implemented both among the countries that have adhered to the decrees and among the team members who design and execute the experimental practice. In this article, we emphasize the importance of the 3Rs principle’s application, with a particular focus on the concept of Reduction and related key aspects that can best be handled with the contribution of experts from different fields.
Marina Observation of Sea Turtles: Establishing a Database of Intracoastal Waterway Green Sea Turtles in Northeast Florida
Authors: McGinley Edward , Cogley Avery , Palmer Leslie , McCaul Patricia , Longo Lilli , Silvennoinen Jasmine , Martin Angela , Gomez Josalyn , Bachmaier Sydney , Mackey Michaela , Kao Chris , Eastman Scott , Eastman Catherine
Published: January 2023

As conservation efforts regarding green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas, continue, it is imperative to document behaviors and foraging habits/habitats of understudied populations. We have conducted an 18-month study dedicated to photographing the local population feeding alongside floating docks within the Guana Tolomato Matanzas estuary to determine the capability of matching head scale patterns efficiently through a pattern matching program: HotSpotter. To date, 195 unique sea turtles have been identified between two different marinas located in St. Augustine, FL. Of these, 98 were spotted more than once, with 39 of them being “tracked” for longer than a year. Temperature trends were also monitored in conjunction, showing that more individuals appeared during the warmer months of the year. The evidence, overall, indicates that these locations host a resident population of green sea turtles, leading to the need for a discussion on potential threats originating from the usage of these marinas by humans.
Antibacterial Effect of 16 Essential Oils and Modulation of mex Efflux Pumps Gene Expression on Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Isolates: Is Cinnamon a Good Fighter?
Authors: Coșeriu Răzvan Lucian , Vintilă Camelia , Pribac Mirela , Mare Anca Delia , Ciurea Cristina Nicoleta , Togănel Radu Ovidiu , Cighir Anca , Simion Anastasia , Man Adrian
Published: January 2023

The purpose of the study was to describe the antimicrobial activity of 16 common essential oils (EOs) on multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates, including the determination of the effects on mex efflux pumps gene expression. Seventy-two clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa collected between 2020–2022 were screened for susceptibility to EOs using Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion to identify potential candidates for future alternative therapies. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was further determined for the EO that proved antibacterial activity following the disk diffusion screening. Positive and negative controls were also used for method validation. Since cinnamon EO exhibited the best antimicrobial activity, it was further used to evaluate its influence on mex A, B, C, E, and X efflux pumps gene expression using real-time RT-PCR. Cinnamon EO inhibited all P. aeruginosa strains, followed by thyme EO (37.5%, n = 27) and lavender EO (12.5%, n = 9). The other EOs were less efficient. The MIC detection showed that cinnamon at a concentration of 0.05% v/v inhibited all MDR P. aeruginosa isolates. Thyme, turmeric, peppermint, basil, clove, and lavender EOs presented various results, most of them having activity at concentrations higher than 12.5% v/v. By studying the activity of cinnamon EO on mex efflux pumps, it was found that mexA and mexB (66.5%) were generally under-expressed. The remarkable results produced using the very low concentrations of cinnamon EO, with 100% antimicrobial activity against multi-, extended-, and pan- drug-resistant (MDR, XDR, PDR) P. aeruginosa clinical isolates, completed with the severe alteration of the RNA messaging system, supports its potential to be used as adjuvant treatment, with impact on therapeutic results.
First and Second-Line Anti-Tuberculosis Drug-Resistance Patterns in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Zambia
Authors: Monde Ngula , Munyeme Musso , Chongwe Gershom , Wensman Jonas Johansson , Zulu Mildred , Siziya Seter , Tembo Rabecca , Siame Kabengele K. , Shambaba Obi , Malama Sydney
Published: January 2023

Background: Drug-resistant tuberculosis has continued to be a serious global health threat defined by complexity as well as higher morbidity and mortality wherever it occurs, Zambia included. However, the paucity of information on drug-susceptibility patterns of both first-line and second-line anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) drugs, including the new and repurposed drugs used in the management of drug-resistant tuberculosis in Zambia, was the major thrust for conducting this study. Methods: A total of 132 bacteriologically confirmed TB isolates were collected from patients with pulmonary TB during the period from April 2020 to December 2021 in Southern and Eastern Provinces of Zambia. Drug-resistance profiles were determined according to four first-line and five second-line anti-TB drugs. Standard mycobacteriological methods were used to isolate and determine phenotypic drug susceptibility. Data on the participants’ social–demographic characteristics were obtained using a pre-test checklist. Results: Overall, the prevalence of resistance to one or more anti-TB drugs was 23.5% (31/132, 95% CI: 16.5–31.6%). A total of 9.8% (13/132, 95% CI: 5.3–16.2%) of the patients had multidrug-resistant TB and 1.2% were new cases, while 25.5% had a history of being previously treated for TB. Among those with mono-resistant TB strains, isoniazid (INH) resistance was the highest at 9.8% (13/132, 95% CI: 5.3–16.2%). Two (2/31) (6.5%) XDR-TB and one (1/31) (3.2%) pre-XDR-TB cases were identified among the MDR-TB patients. Previously treated patients were 40 times more likely (OR; 40.3, 95% CI: 11.1–146.5%) to have drug-resistant TB than those who had no history of being treated for TB. Conclusion: This study has established a high rate of multidrug-resistant TB and has further identified both pre-XDR- and XDR-TB. There is a need to intensify surveillance of MDR- and XDR-TB to inform future guidelines for effective treatment and monitoring.
Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Conjugated with Tannic Acid Prevent UVB-Induced Oxidative Stress in Fibroblasts: Evidence of a Promising Anti-Photodamage Agent
Authors: Daré Regina G. , Kolanthai Elayaraja , Neal Craig J. , Fu Yifei , Seal Sudipta , Nakamura Celso V. , Lautenschlager Sueli O. S.
Published: January 2023

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation induces photodamage towards cellular macromolecules that can progress to photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. The topical administration of compounds that maintain the redox balance in cells presents an alternative approach to combat skin oxidative damage. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) can act as antioxidants due to their enzyme-like activity. In addition, a recent study from our group has demonstrated the photoprotective potential of tannic acid (TA). Therefore, this work aimed to synthesize CNPs associated with TA (CNP-TA) and investigate its photoprotective activity in L929 fibroblasts exposed to UVB radiation. CNP conjugation with TA was confirmed by UV–Vis spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Bare CNPs and CNP-TA exhibited particle sizes of ~5 and ~10 nm, superoxide dismutase activity of 3724 and 2021 unit/mg, and a zeta potential of 23 and −19 mV, respectively. CNP-TA showed lower cytotoxicity than free TA and the capacity to reduce the oxidative stress caused by UVB; supported by the scavenging of reactive oxygen species, the prevention of endogenous antioxidant system depletion, and the reduction in oxidative damage in lipids and DNA. Additionally, CNP-TA improved cell proliferation and decreased TGF-β, metalloproteinase-1, and cyclooxygenase-2. Based on these results, CNP-TA shows therapeutic potential for protection against photodamage, decreasing molecular markers of photoaging and UVB-induced inflammation.
The Interaction between Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Gut Microbiota in the Antioxidant Effects of Extracts from Sonchus brachyotus DC. in Oxazolone-Induced Intestinal Oxidative Stress in Adult Zebrafish
Authors: Yang Juan , Zhou Wei-Wei , Shi Dong-Dong , Pan Fang-Fang , Sun Wen-Wen , Yang Pei-Long , Li Xiu-Mei
Published: January 2023

Oxidative stress is a phenomenon caused by an imbalance between the production and accumulation of reactive oxygen species in cells and tissues that eventually leads to the production of various diseases. Here, we investigated the antioxidant effects of the extract from Sonchus brachyotus DC. (SBE) based on the 0.2% oxazolone-induced intestinal oxidative stress model of zebrafish. Compared to the model group, the treatment group alleviated oxazolone-induced intestinal tissue damage and reduced the contents of malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species, IL-1β, and TNF-α and then increased the contents of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and IL-10. The 16s rDNA gene sequencing findings demonstrated that SBE could increase the relative abundance of Fusobacteriota, Actinobacteriota, and Firmicutes and decrease the relative abundance of Proteobacteria. Based on the correlation analysis between the oxidative stress biomarkers and intestinal flora, we found that the trends of oxidative stress biomarkers were significantly correlated with intestinal microorganisms, especially at the genus level. The correlations of MDA, IL-1β, and TNF-α were significantly negative with Shewanella, while SOD, GSH-Px, and IL-10 were significantly positive with Cetobacterium, Gemmobacter, and Flavobacterium. Consequently, we concluded that the antioxidant effect of SBE was realized through the interaction between oxidative stress biomarkers and gut microbiota.
Development of Dietary Thiol Antioxidant via Reductive Modification of Whey Protein and Its Application in the Treatment of Ischemic Kidney Injury
Authors: Sui Yang , Jiang Rui , Niimi Manabu , Hong Jingru , Yan Qiaojing , Shi Zhuheng , Yao Jian
Published: January 2023

Thiol antioxidants play important roles in cell and body defense against oxidative stress. In body fluid, albumin is the richest source of thiol antioxidants. One recent study showed that the reductive modification of thiol residues in albumin potentiated its antioxidative activity. Given that whey protein (WP) contains albumin and other thiol-active proteins, this property of WP could be exploited to develop novel thiol antioxidants. The aim of this study was to address this possibility. WP was reductively modified with dithiothreitol (DTT). The modified protein exhibited significantly elevated free sulfhydryl groups (-SH) and thiol antioxidative activity. It detoxified H2O2 and prevented H2O2-initiated protein oxidation and cell death in a -SH group-dependent way in vitro. In addition, it reacted with GSH/GSSG and altered the GSH/GSSG ratio via thiol–disulfide exchange. In vivo, oral administration of the reductively modified WP prevented oxidative stress and renal damage in a mouse model of renal injury caused by ischemia reperfusion. It significantly improved renal function, oxidation, inflammation, and cell injury. These protective effects were not observed in the WP control and were lost after blocking the -SH groups with maleimide. Furthermore, albumin, one of the ingredients of WP, also exhibited similar protective effects when reductively modified. In conclusion, the reductive modification of thiol residues in WP transformed it into a potent thiol antioxidant that protected kidneys from ischemia reperfusion injury. Given that oxidative stress underlies many life-threatening diseases, the reductively modified dietary protein could be used for the prevention and treatment of many oxidative-stress-related conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and aging.
The Role of Beetroot Ingredients in the Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Szymański Julian , Szwajgier Dominik , Baranowska-Wójcik Ewa
Published: January 2023

Beets (Beta vulgaris L.) are a source of numerous bioactive compounds, including betalain pigments, phenols, and saponins. The bioactive compounds show neuroprotective properties due to their antioxidant activity (they protect cells against oxidative stress caused by the overaccumulation of reactive oxygen species), anti-inflammatory effects, and the ability to lower the activity of acetylcholinesterase. The most common pigment present in beetroot is betanin. Scientists have repeatedly demonstrated the antioxidant activity of this compound, which is capable of protecting the cell membrane of neurons against peroxidation. The phenolic compounds present in the root showed the same effect. Phenolic acids are the most prevalent group of such compounds, including gallic, ferulic, and vanillic acids. It has been shown that neurodegenerative diseases induced artificially (e.g., with sodium fluoride or trimethyltin chloride) are reversed by the administration of betanin. A similar protective effect has been demonstrated in streptozotocin-induced disease models. For example, the administration of vanillic acid improved spatial learning ability. Hence, processed beetroot (juices, jams, etc.) can offer viable benefits in preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The following review presents a detailed summary of the current state of knowledge regarding the most important bioactive compounds present in beetroots and their applicability in AD prevention and support therapy.
Segmentation and Classification of Zn-Al-Mg-Sn SEM BSE Microstructure
Authors: Kuchar Daniel , Gogola Peter , Gabalcova Zuzana , Nemethova Andrea , Nemeth Martin
Published: January 2023

The microstructure of materials is shaped not only by their chemical composition, but also by the thermomechanical processes used during the processing of a specific piece. The correct interpretation of the microstructure gives a rich source of information. This consists of several related steps, such as segmentation. Successful segmentation enables the qualitative as well as quantitative analysis of the individual microstructure components. The current paper deals with the segmentation and classification of four basic microstructure components of the Zn-Al-Mg-Sn alloy system. This is attempted with the help of several image processing techniques, where thresholding is the main one used. The investigated samples are the cast and annealed Zn-Al-Mg-Sn alloy bulks. The input data for this analysis are the SEM BSE images. These were taken for all alloys with a varying Sn content, covering a significant area of each investigated sample at different zoom levels. A semiautomatic algorithm running under Matlab is introduced. It addresses several tasks, such as preprocessing, noise filtering and decision methods. For the individual procedures, the time requirements for their execution are also indicated.
The Influence of Chamfered and Rounded Corners on Vortex-Induced Vibration of Super-Tall Buildings
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2023

In order to study the influence of chamfered and rounded corners on vortex-induced vibration of super-tall buildings, a series of multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF, in short) aeroelastic models were made, including chamfered-corner models with chamfer ratios of 0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, and 12.5%, and rounded-corner models with rounded ratios of 0%, 12.5%, 15%, and 17.5%. The crosswind displacement response of each aeroelastic model was measured by a laser displacement meter in a wind tunnel. The test results indicate that the crosswind displacement response is significantly reduced when the chamfer ratio increases to 5% or the rounded ratio increases to 12.5%; in particular, the vortex-induced vibration (VIV, in short) response can be reduced by more than 60%, which indicates that the chamfered corner and rounded corner play a good role in restraining the VIV of super high-rise buildings. When the reduced wind speed is small, the reduction of the crosswind response of chamfered and rounded models is mainly caused by the reduction of wind load; when the reduced wind speed approaches the VIV wind speed, the negative aerodynamic damping phenomenon of the model with a proper chamfer ratio and rounded ratio disappears, which shows that the VIV is suppressed not only because the cut corner reduces the wind load but also because the cut corner weakens the aeroelastic effect. Generally speaking, a chamfer ratio of about 7.5% and rounded ratio of about 15% can achieve a good reduction effect on the VIV of super high-rise buildings.