bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Claudins: Beyond Tight Junctions in Human IBD and Murine Models
Authors: Čužić Snježana , Antolić Maja , Ognjenović Anja , Stupin-Polančec Darija , Petrinić Grba Adriana , Hrvačić Boška , Dominis Kramarić Miroslava , Musladin Sanja , Požgaj Lidija , Zlatar Ivo , Polančec Denis , Aralica Gorana , Banić Marko , Urek Marija , Mijandrušić Sinčić Brankica , Čubranić Aleksandar , Glojnarić Ines , Bosnar Martina , Eraković Haber Vesna
Published: November 2021

Claudins are transmembrane proteins constituting one of three tight junction protein families. In patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), disease activity–dependent changes in expression of certain claudins have been noted, thus making certain claudin family members potential therapy targets. A study was undertaken with the aim of exploring expression of claudins in human disease and two different animal models of IBD: dextrane sulfate sodium–induced colitis and adoptive transfer model of colitis. The expression of sealing claudin-1, claudin-3, claudin-4, and claudin-8, and pore-forming claudin-2 in humans and rodents has been evaluated by immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Claudins were expressed by epithelial and cells of mesodermal origin and were found to be situated at the membrane, within the cytoplasm, or within the nuclei. Claudin expression by human mononuclear cells isolated from lamina propria has been confirmed by Western blot and flow cytometry. The claudin expression pattern in uninflamed and inflamed colon varied between species and murine strains. In IBD and both animal models, diverse alterations in claudin expression by epithelial and inflammatory cells were recorded. Tissue mRNA levels for each studied claudin reflected changes within cell lineage and, at the same time, mirrored the ratio between various cell types. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that 1) claudins are not expressed exclusively by epithelial cells, but by certain types of cells of mesodermal origin as well; 2) changes in the claudin mRNA level should be interpreted in the context of overall tissue alterations; and 3) both IBD animal models that were analyzed can be used for investigating claudins as a therapy target, respecting their similarities and differences highlighted in this study.
Low Molecular Weight Heparin Improves the Inflammatory State of Acute Sinusitis Rats Through Inhibiting the TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wu Tong , He Sihan , Jiao Zan , Liang Xiang , Chen Yu , Liu Huow , Zhang Yongq , He GuangX
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), a natural sulfated glycosaminoglycan with an affinity for proangiogenic factors, is produced by chemical or enzymatic depolymerization of unfractionated heparin (UFH). Known for its anticoagulant effects, LMWH has recently been reported to have a strong anti-inflammatory effect on colitis, myocarditis, and airway inflammation. However, as a newly-developed drug, its anti-inflammatory mechanism in upper respiratory tract inflammation has not been well-studied.

Methods: SD rats were randomly divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental group was established by building an acute nasal sinusitis model with expansion sponges mixed with Streptococcus pneumoniae. Then the experimental group rats were subcutaneously injected with different concentrations of LMWH. After seven consecutive days of injection, some rats were sacrificed, and blood and nasal mucosa samples were taken to determine their inflammation status. The remaining acute sinusitis rats were randomly selected for a week of nasal irrigation with normal saline or saline mixed with different concentrations of LMWH. One week later, rats were sacrificed, and samples of blood and nasal mucosa were taken to determine the inflammation status.

Results: Rat nasal mucosa in the model group had obvious inflammation. The degree of nasal mucosa inflammation damage in the experimental group was lower than in the experimental control group, proving that LMWH has a protective effect on the nasal mucosa and that the effect correlates with dosage. Irrigation of the nose with saline mixed with LMWH can improve the anti-inflammatory effect. Protein related to the TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway was activated in the acute sinusitis rat model, and LMWH can significantly inhibit its expression.

Conclusion: This is the first report of the anti-inflammatory effect of LMWH in acute upper respiratory tract inflammation, together with an explanation of its anti-inflammatory mechanism. The findings contribute a theoretical basis for its potential anti-tumor effect.
Kratom Alkaloids: Interactions With Enzymes, Receptors, and Cellular Barriers
Authors: Hanapi Nur Aziah , Chear Nelson Jeng-Yeou , Azizi Juzaili , Yusof Siti R.
Published: November 2021

Parallel to the growing use of kratom, there is a wealth of evidence from self-report, preclinical, and early clinical studies on therapeutic benefits of its alkaloids in particular for treating pain, managing substance use disorder, and coping with emotional or mental health conditions. On the other hand, there are also reports on potential health risks concerning kratom use. These two aspects are often discussed in reviews on kratom. Here, we aim to highlight specific areas that are of importance to give insights into the mechanistic of kratom alkaloids pharmacological actions. This includes their interactions with drug-metabolizing enzymes and predictions of clinical drug-drug interactions, receptor-binding properties, interactions with cellular barriers in regards to barrier permeability, involvement of membrane transporters, and alteration of barrier function when exposed to the alkaloids.
Long Non-Coding RNA-Mediated Competing Endogenous RNA Networks in Ischemic Stroke: Molecular Mechanisms, Therapeutic Implications, and Challenges
Authors: Zhang Shuxia , Zhu Ting , Li Qiaoyu , Sun Guibo , Sun Xiaobo
Published: November 2021

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a disease that is characterized by high mortality and disability. Recent studies have shown that LncRNA-mediated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks play roles in the occurrence and development of cerebral I/R injury by regulating different signaling pathways. However, no systematic analysis of ceRNA mechanisms in IS has been reported. In this review, we discuss molecular mechanisms of LncRNA-mediated ceRNA networks under I/R injury. The expression levels of LncRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and their effects in four major cell types of the neurovascular unit (NVU) are also involved. We further summarize studies of LncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Finally, we analyze the advantages and limitations of using LncRNAs as therapeutics for IS.
Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidative Effects of AM404 in IL-1β-Stimulated SK-N-SH Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Apweiler Matthias , Streyczek Jana , Saliba Soraya Wilke , Ditrich Johannes , Muñoz Eduardo , Fiebich Bernd L.
Published: November 2021

An emerging number of studies address the involvement of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases. Different cytokines and molecules, such as prostaglandin (PG) E2, are associated with neuroinflammatory processes. The active acetaminophen metabolite AM404 has been shown to prevent inflammation and neuroinflammation in primary microglia and organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. However, its effects on pathophysiological conditions in the CNS and especially on neurons are still poorly understood. In this study, we therefore evaluated the effects of AM404 and acetaminophen on the arachidonic acid cascade and oxidative stress induced by interleukin (IL)-1β in human SK-N-SH neuronal cells. We observed that AM404 and acetaminophen significantly and concentration-dependent inhibited IL-1β-induced release of PGE2, independent of cyclooxygenases (COX)-1 and COX-2 enzymatic activity as well as COX-2 mRNA and protein levels in SK-N-SH-cells. The reduction of IL-1β-induced PGE2-release by AM404 and acetaminophen treatment might be mediated by the 8-iso-PGF2α pathway since IL-1β-induced synthesis of this free radical marker is dose-dependently reduced by both compounds, respectively. Therefore, understanding of the potential therapeutic properties of AM404 in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress might lead to future treatment options of different neurological disorders.
Muscle Damage Indicated by Maximal Voluntary Contraction Strength Changes From Immediately to 1 Day After Eccentric Exercise of the Knee Extensors
Authors: Shoji Mikio , Ema Ryoichi , Nosaka Kazunori , Kanda Akihiro , Hirata Kosuke , Akagi Ryota
Published: November 2021

The present study examined if the magnitude of changes in indirect muscle damage markers could be predicted by maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) torque changes from immediately to 1 day after eccentric exercise. Twenty-eight young men performed 100 maximal isokinetic (60°/s) eccentric contractions of the knee extensors. MVIC torque, potentiated doublet torque, voluntary activation (VA) during MVIC, shear modulus of rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis and lateralis, and muscle soreness of these muscles were measured before, immediately after, and 1–3 days post-exercise. Based on the recovery rate of the MVIC torque from immediately to 1-day post-exercise, the participants were placed to a recovery group that showed an increase in the MVIC torque (11.3–79.9%, n = 15) or a no-recovery group that showed no recovery (−71.9 to 0%, n = 13). No significant difference in MVIC torque decrease immediately post-exercise was found between the recovery (−33 ± 12%) and no-recovery (−32 ± 9%) groups. At 1–3 days, changes in MVIC torque (−40 to −26% vs. −22 to −12%), potentiated doublet torque (−37 to −22% vs. −20 to −9%), and proximal RF shear modulus (29–34% vs. 8–15%) were greater (p < 0.05) for the no-recovery than recovery group. No significant group differences were found for muscle soreness. The recovery rate of MVIC torque was correlated (p < 0.05) with the change in MVIC torque from baseline to 2 (r = 0.624) or 3 days post-exercise (r = 0.526), or peak change in potentiated doublet torque at 1–3 days post-exercise from baseline (r = 0.691), but not correlated with the changes in other dependent variables. These results suggest that the recovery rate of MVIC torque predicts changes in neuromuscular function but not muscle soreness and stiffness following eccentric exercise of the knee extensors.
Comparative Physiological and Proteomic Analyses Reveal the Mechanisms of Brassinolide-Mediated Tolerance to Calcium Nitrate Stress in Tomato
Authors: Zhang Yi , Chen Haoting , Li Shuo , Li Yang , Kanwar Mukesh Kumar , Li Bin , Bai Longqiang , Xu Jin , Shi Yu
Published: November 2021

Secondary salinization caused by the overaccumulation of calcium nitrate [Ca(NO3)2] in soils due to excessive fertilization has become one of the major handicaps of protected vegetable production. Brassinolide, a bioactive plant steroid hormone, plays an important role in improving abiotic stress tolerance in plants. However, whether and how brassinolide (BR) can alleviate Ca(NO3)2 stress remains elusive. Here, we investigated the effects of exogenous BR on hydroponically grown tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants under Ca(NO3)2 stress through proteomics combined with physiological studies. Proteomics analysis revealed that Ca(NO3)2 stress affected the accumulation of proteins involved in photosynthesis, stress responses, and antioxidant defense, however, exogenous BR increased the accumulation of proteins involved in chlorophyll metabolism and altered the osmotic stress responses in tomatoes under Ca(NO3)2 stress. Further physiological studies supported the results of proteomics and showed that the exogenous BR-induced alleviation of Ca(NO3)2 stress was associated with the improvement of photosynthetic efficiency, levels of soluble sugars and proteins, chlorophyll contents, and antioxidant enzyme activities, leading to the reduction in the levels of reactive oxygen species and membrane lipid peroxidation, and promotion of the recovery of photosynthetic performance, energy metabolism, and plant growth under Ca(NO3)2 stress. These results show the importance of applying BR in protected agriculture as a means for the effective management of secondary salinization.
Optimisation of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium for Soilless Production of Cannabis sativa in the Flowering Stage Using Response Surface Analysis
Authors: Bevan Lewys , Jones Max , Zheng Youbin
Published: November 2021

Following legalisation, cannabis has quickly become an important horticultural crop in Canada and increasingly so in other parts of the world. However, due to previous legal restrictions on cannabis research there are limited scientific data on the relationship between nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) supply (collectively: NPK) and the crop yield and quality. This study examined the response of a high delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Cannabis sativa cultivar grown in deep-water culture with different nutrient solution treatments varying in their concentrations (mg L–1) of N (70, 120, 180, 250, 290), P (20, 40, 60, 80, 100), and K (60, 120, 200, 280, 340) according to a central composite design. Results demonstrated that inflorescence yield responded quadratically to N and P, with the optimal concentrations predicted to be 194 and 59 mg L–1, respectively. Inflorescence yield did not respond to K in the tested range. These results can provide guidance to cultivators when formulating nutrient solutions for soilless cannabis production and demonstrates the utility of surface response design for efficient multi-nutrient optimisation.
Pas de Trois: An Overview of Penta-, Tetra-, and Octo-Tricopeptide Repeat Proteins From Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Their Role in Chloroplast Gene Expression
Authors: Macedo-Osorio Karla S. , Martínez-Antonio Agustino , Badillo-Corona Jesús A.
Published: November 2021

Penta-, Tetra-, and Octo-tricopeptide repeat (PPR, TPR, and OPR) proteins are nucleus-encoded proteins composed of tandem repeats of 35, 34, and 38–40 amino acids, respectively. They form helix-turn-helix structures that interact with mRNA or other proteins and participate in RNA stabilization, processing, maturation, and act as translation enhancers of chloroplast and mitochondrial mRNAs. These helical repeat proteins are unevenly present in plants and algae. While PPR proteins are more abundant in plants than in algae, OPR proteins are more abundant in algae. In Arabidopsis, maize, and rice there have been 450, 661, and 477 PPR proteins identified, respectively, which contrasts with only 14 PPR proteins identified in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Likewise, more than 120 OPR proteins members have been predicted from the nuclear genome of C. reinhardtii and only one has been identified in Arabidopsis thaliana. Due to their abundance in land plants, PPR proteins have been largely characterized making it possible to elucidate their RNA-binding code. This has even allowed researchers to generate engineered PPR proteins with defined affinity to a particular target, which has served as the basis to develop tools for gene expression in biotechnological applications. However, fine elucidation of the helical repeat proteins code in Chlamydomonas is a pending task. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role PPR, TPR, and OPR proteins play in chloroplast gene expression in the green algae C. reinhardtii, pointing to relevant similarities and differences with their counterparts in plants. We also recapitulate on how these proteins have been engineered and shown to serve as mRNA regulatory factors for biotechnological applications in plants and how this could be used as a starting point for applications in algae.
Personalized Assessment of Anxiety and Avoidance in Children and Their Parents—Development and Evaluation of the Anxiety and Avoidance Scale for Children
Authors: Lippert Michael W. , Sommer Katharina , Flasinski Tabea , Pflug Verena , Rölver Angela , Christiansen Hanna , In-Albon Tina , Knappe Susanne , Romanos Marcel , Tuschen-Caffier Brunna , Schneider Silvia
Published: November 2021

In treating childhood anxiety disorders, therapists use highly individualized anxiety hierarchies to assess anxiety-eliciting situations and to personalize treatment. In contrast, psychometric assessment of anxiety symptoms in children usually consists of standardized questionnaires, assessing either total anxiety or disorder-specific symptom scores, prioritizing comparability over individual information. To account for interindividual differences, the Anxiety and Avoidance Scale for Children (AVAC) was developed, following a precise, personalized, assessment approach. In responding to the questionnaire, children and parents identify the most anxiety-eliciting situations before starting treatment, and rate them for anxiety and avoidance. Ratings are repeated over the course of treatment. The aim of this study is to introduce the new questionnaire and present first data on psychometric properties. The AVAC was administered to 389 children with separation anxiety disorder (N = 148), social anxiety disorder (N = 110) or specific phobia (N = 131) aged 8 to 16 and their parents, along with other measures of anxiety and psychopathology before and after cognitive behavioral treatment. Results showed adequate to good test-retest reliability. The AVAC items correlated significantly with established anxiety questionnaires, indicating convergent construct validity. Regarding divergent construct validity, the AVAC showed only small correlations with externalizing symptoms, demonstrating its precision in measuring anxiety and avoidance. The questionnaire was also sensitive to change after treatment, with medium to large effects in the reduction of anxiety and avoidance. The present analyses suggest that the new personalized assessment approach with the AVAC is a reliable and valid assessment of individualized anxiety and avoidance, as well as change in those constructs over the course of CBT treatment.
The Impostor Phenomenon: Toward a Better Understanding of the Nomological Network and Gender Differences
Authors: Fleischhauer Monika , Wossidlo Josephine , Michael Lars , Enge Sören
Published: November 2021

The impostor phenomenon (IP) refers to the tendency to perceive oneself as intellectually incompetent and to attribute one’s own success to effort-related or external factors, such as fortunate circumstances. The present study (N=209) aimed to contribute to open questions regarding gender differences in the IP and the nomological network of the IP. The results show that the consistently found key correlates of the IP, that is, lower self-esteem and higher neuroticism, could also play a role in explaining why women report higher impostor feelings than men in many studies. Moreover, the results suggest that IP is characterized by the more maladaptive, socially prescribed perfectionism, which is related to the belief that others expect perfection from oneself, whereas self-oriented perfectionism, which is characterized by a critical view on oneself, plays a smaller role in differences in the IP. Finally, a strong association with the sandbagging construct challenges the conceptualization of the IP as a genuine doubt about one’s own competence, because similarly to IP, sandbaggers present themselves negatively to others, but do so for very strategic reasons in order to create a low expectation base in other individuals. Regression analysis was used to assess the incremental value of the personality factors in explaining variance in the IP. It was found that sandbagging and IP are highly related but not interchangeable.
Effects of Short-Term Dynamic Balance Training on Postural Stability in School-Aged Football Players and Gymnasts
Authors: Kenville Rouven , Maudrich Tom , Körner Sophie , Zimmer Johannes , Ragert Patrick
Published: November 2021

Static and dynamic balance abilities enable simple and complex movements and are determinants of top athletic performance. Balance abilities and their proficiency differ fundamentally with respect to age, gender, type of balance intervention, and type of sport. With this study, we aim to investigate whether 4weeks of dynamic balance training (DBT) improves static balance performance in school-aged gymnasts and football players. For this purpose, young male gymnasts (n=21) and male football players (n=20) completed an initial static balance assessment consisting of two one-legged stance (left and right foot) and two two-legged stance (eyes open and eyes closed) tasks. Subsequently, all participants underwent a 4-week intervention. DBT consisting of nine individual tasks was performed two times per week. Another static balance assessment followed 1day after the last training session and retention was assessed 2weeks later. Dynamic balance scores and total path length were analyzed via rank-based repeated measures designs using ANOVA-type statistics. The influence of factors GROUP and TIME on the static and dynamic balance performance was examined. Prior to DBT, young gymnasts showed better static balance performance than football players. However, after intervention, both groups improved in both one-legged stance tasks and also had high retention rates in these tasks. No significant improvements were seen in either group in the two-legged balance tests. Both groups improved in the dynamic balance tasks, although no differences in learning rates were evident. Our findings imply an inter-relationship between both static and dynamic balance components. Consequently, training regimes should include both balance components to facilitate early development of balance ability.
The Mental Health Impact of COVID-19 Racial and Ethnic Discrimination Against Asian American and Pacific Islanders
Authors: Zhou Sasha , Banawa Rachel , Oh Hans
Published: November 2021

Hate crimes against Asian American/Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) have surged in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic to alarming new levels. We analyzed data from the Healthy Minds Study, and found that COVID-19 related racial/ethnic discrimination was associated with greater odds of having depression, anxiety, non-suicidal self-injury, binge drinking, and suicidal ideation among AAPI university students (N = 1,697). Findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic precipitated discrimination, which has been linked to mental health problems, calling for more preventive interventions to address the AAPI population, especially given their low rates of formal treatment utilization.
The Association Between the Number of Consecutive Night Shifts and Insomnia Among Shift Workers: A Multi-Center Study
Authors: Sim Juho , Yun Byung-Yoon , Lee Jiho , Kim Sung Kyung , Lee Seunghyun , Cho Ara , Kim Seunghan , Kim Chang-young , Oh Yeon Suh , Yoon Jin-Ha
Published: November 2021

Objectives: There is a need to determine the optimal limit of consecutive night shift work to reduce insomnia caused by the accumulation of sleep problems among night shift workers. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of insomnia caused by consecutive night shifts and evaluate the night shift duration that worsens insomnia the most, using a large amount of medical examination data.

Methods: Night shift profiles and baseline demographics data of three hospitals were collected from January 2015 to December 2017. For subjects who had been examined more than once at the same institution, information corresponding to the most recent date was used. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Pooled ORs were calculated by using the results of the three institutions.

Results: Of the 33,669 participants, 31.3% were female. The average age was 41.1 ± 11.1 years and the prevalence of insomnia was 38.7% (n = 13,025). After adjusting for potential confounders and compared to workers who reported not working in consecutive night shifts, odds of insomnia were greatest among workers reporting working three consecutive nights (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.97–3.56) followed by those working two nights (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.45–2.26), five nights (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.56–2.03), and four nights (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.55–1.82).

Conclusion: Our study demonstrates a significant relationship between consecutive night shift and insomnia with multicenter examination data, using common data model. This study could be a basis for establishing policies and guidelines that improve night shift workers' health.
Inclusion of Soluble Fiber During Gestation Regulates Gut Microbiota, Improves Bile Acid Homeostasis, and Enhances the Reproductive Performance of Sows
Authors: Wu Xiaoyu , Yin Shengnan , Cheng Chuanshang , Xu Chuanhui , Peng Jian
Published: November 2021

Interaction between the dietary fiber and the gut microbes can regulate host bile acid metabolism. This study sought to explore the effects of guar gum combined with pregelatinized waxy maize starch (GCW) in a gestation diet on reproductive performance, gut microbiota composition, and bile acid homeostasis of sows. A total of 61 large white sows were randomly grouped into the control (n = 33) and 2% GCW (n = 28) groups during gestation. GCW diet increased birth-weight of piglets, and decreased the percentage of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) piglets. In addition, dietary GCW reduced gut microbial diversity and modulated gut microbial composition in sows on day 109 of gestation. The relative abundance of bile salt hydrolase (BSH) gene-encoding bacteria, Lactobacillus and Bacteroides decreased after GCW administration, whereas no significant difference was observed in the fecal level of total glycine-conjugated and taurine-conjugated bile acids between the two groups. Dietary GCW increased the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae (one of few taxa comprising 7α-dehydroxylating bacteria), which was associated with elevated fecal deoxycholic acid (DCA) in the GCW group. GCW administration lowered the concentrations of plasma total bile acid (TBA) and 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (C4) (reflecting lower hepatic bile acid synthesis) at day 90 and day 109 of gestation compared with the control diet. Furthermore, the levels of plasma glycoursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA), tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) and glycohyocholic acid (GHCA) were lower in the GCW group compared with the control group. Spearman correlation analysis showed alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota by GCW treatment was associated with improved bile acid homeostasis and reproductive performance of sows. In conclusion, GCW-induced improves bile acid homeostasis during gestation which may enhance reproductive performance of sows.
Evaluation of Variability in Gait Styles Used by Dogs Completing Weave Poles in Agility Competition and Its Effect on Completion of the Obstacle
Authors: Eicher Logan D. , Markley Arielle Pechette , Shoben Abigail , Sundby Annika E. , Kieves Nina R.
Published: November 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate and define paw placement patterns for canines completing the weave pole obstacle during canine agility trials. The secondary objectives were to determine the most efficient running style and completion percentages and provide a basis for future studies to evaluate the long-term implications of variants in weave style and predisposition to injury. We hypothesized that dogs would display definitive gait patterns and that a single stepping pattern would yield faster run times compared to double stepping patterns.

Animals: A total of 1,377 video recordings of dogs completing weaves poles at the American Kennel Club 2019 National Agility Championship were viewed.

Procedures: Competition videos were reviewed as dogs attempted completion of the weave pole obstacle. Data collected included front limb and rear limb paw placement styles, time to complete the obstacle, and demographic data.

Results: Attempts could be classified into one of five styles based on front and rear paw placement, with no one style dominant. Weave style differed by height and breed, with taller dogs and Border Collies preferring a single stepping style. Weave times were significantly faster for competitors using a single stepping style vs. other gaits.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: This study found five identifiable gait styles used by dogs running weave pole obstacles, with front feet single stepping yielding significantly faster run times compared to other gaits. A clear classification of running styles will allow future studies to evaluate different stresses on joints, such as the shoulder, between varying gait styles, which could lead to recommendations for injury prevention.
Phenotypic and Genetic Components for Growth, Morphology, and Flesh-Quality Traits of Meagre (Argyrosomus regius) Reared in Tank and Sea Cage
Authors: Vallecillos Antonio , María-Dolores Emilio , Villa Javier , Rueda Francisco Miguel , Carrillo José , Ramis Guillermo , Soula Mohamed , Afonso Juan Manuel , Armero Eva
Published: November 2021

Meagre (Argyrosomus regius) plays an important role in the aquaculture system, with the potential for diversification of European aquaculture, and is characterized by its fast growth rate, low feed conversion ratio, and the high quality of the product. Focusing on the relevance of meagre, the aim of the study was to analyze growth performance, fish morphology, and flesh composition phenotypically and genetically to be considered as a strategy in a breeding program. For this purpose, 633 fish were raised in two different housing systems, in sea cages or in a continental tank, and when they reached harvest size, manual growth traits, automatic morphology by the image analysis program IMAFISH_ML, and flesh chemical composition (fat, protein, moisture, and collagen percentages) were measured. The fish reared in the cages showed a higher body weight and fillet fat percentage than those in the tank. Heritabilities for growth and morphology traits, and for fillet fat percentage were medium, revealing these traits as a possible selection criterion in a breeding program. Phenotypic and genetic correlations between growth and morphology traits were positive and high. Phenotypic correlations between growth or morphology traits with fillet fat percentage were positive and medium; genetic correlations were not estimated accurately.
Is There a “Right” Side of Communicating Friendship? Lateralization of Social Interactions in Zoo Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus)
Authors: Baldachini Marzia , Regaiolli Barbara , Llorente Miquel , Riba David , Spiezio Caterina
Published: November 2021

Social laterality in non-human primates has started to attract attention in recent years. The positioning of individuals during social interactions could possibly suggest the nature of a relationship and the social ranking of the subjects involved. The subjects of the present study were 12 adult Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) housed in a zoological garden. We carried out fourteen 210-min video-recorded sessions and we used a focal animal sampling method to collect the position of the subjects during different social interactions. Data on the position of each macaque during three types of social interactions were collected (approach, proximity and affiliative contacts). Moreover, we focused on the outcomes of dyadic agonistic encounters to build the hierarchy of the colony. For each social interaction, two conditions were considered: the side preference (being kept on the left or on the right) and the sagittal preference (being kept in front or on the rear). Bouts of preference of different positions were collected for different social interactions (approach, proximity and contacts). No group-level side preferences were found for any social interaction, suggesting that both hemispheres might be complemental and balance each other during intraspecific communication. For the sagittal preference, we found a group-level bias for proximity, with macaques being kept in front rather than on the rear by close conspecifics. This might be due to the need to detect emotions and intentions of conspecifics. Moreover, high-ranking individuals are kept more frontally than on the rear when in proximity with other macaques. More studies are needed to better investigate social laterality, possibly distinguishing more categories of social interaction, and detecting other variables that might influence the positioning preferences.
Mechanisms of Resistance to Macrolide Antibiotics among Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Miklasińska-Majdanik Maria
Published: November 2021

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains pose a serious treatment problem because of their multi-drug resistance (MDR). In staphylococcal strains, resistance to macrolides, lincosamides, and streptogramin B (MLSB) correlates with resistance to methicillin. The rapid transmission of erm genes responsible for MLSB resistance has strongly limited the clinical application of traditional macrolides such as erythromycin. On the other hand, in the age of increasing insensitivity to antibiotics the idea of implementing a therapy based on older generation drugs brings hope that the spread of antibiotic resistance will be limited. A thorough understanding of the resistance mechanisms contributes to design of antibiotics that avoid bacterial insensitivity. This review highlights the mechanisms of action of macrolides and mechanism of resistance to these antibiotics among Staphylococcus aureus.
Dietary Iron Overload and Hfe−/− Related Hemochromatosis Alter Hepatic Mitochondrial Function
Authors: Fischer Christine , Volani Chiara , Komlódi Timea , Seifert Markus , Demetz Egon , Valente de Souza Lara , Auer Kristina , Petzer Verena , von Raffay Laura , Moser Patrizia , Gnaiger Erich , Weiss Guenter
Published: November 2021

Iron is an essential co-factor for many cellular metabolic processes, and mitochondria are main sites of utilization. Iron accumulation promotes production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the catalytic activity of iron species. Herein, we investigated the consequences of dietary and genetic iron overload on mitochondrial function. C57BL/6N wildtype and Hfe−/− mice, the latter a genetic hemochromatosis model, received either normal diet (ND) or high iron diet (HI) for two weeks. Liver mitochondrial respiration was measured using high-resolution respirometry along with analysis of expression of specific proteins and ROS production. HI promoted tissue iron accumulation and slightly affected mitochondrial function in wildtype mice. Hepatic mitochondrial function was impaired in Hfe−/− mice on ND and HI. Compared to wildtype mice, Hfe−/− mice on ND showed increased mitochondrial respiratory capacity. Hfe−/− mice on HI showed very high liver iron levels, decreased mitochondrial respiratory capacity and increased ROS production associated with reduced mitochondrial aconitase activity. Although Hfe−/− resulted in increased mitochondrial iron loading, the concentration of metabolically reactive cytoplasmic iron and mitochondrial density remained unchanged. Our data show multiple effects of dietary and genetic iron loading on mitochondrial function and linked metabolic pathways, providing an explanation for fatigue in iron-overloaded hemochromatosis patients, and suggests iron reduction therapy for improvement of mitochondrial function.
Microstructure Formation and Mechanical Properties of Multi-Phase Coating by Thermos Plasma Nitriding of Gradient Cu-Ti Films on C61900 Cu Alloy
Authors: Zhu Yandan , Yan Mufu , Zhang Quanli
Published: November 2021

To improve the processing efficiency and the surface properties of C61900 Cu alloy, a gradient Cu-Ti film with a Ti/Cu atom ratio of 7:1, 7:4, and 1:2 was pre-fabricated by the unbalanced magnetron sputtering process and then nitrided by thermos plasma nitriding. The phase structure, elemental composition, and morphology of the modified surface were characterized, and the mechanical properties, including the wear resistance and adhesion properties, were examined. Combining calculation by the first principle method with thermodynamic analysis, the microstructural formation and phase composition of the Cu-Ti-N system were investigated to reveal the mechanism of improved wear resistance, which indicated the possible formation of various Cu-Ti intermetallics and Ti-N compounds. The Al in the C61900 Cu substrate also participated in the generation of the AlCu2Ti compound, which is a ductile phase with good hardness and elastic modulus. Based on the results of a mechanical properties test, it was concluded that an optimized layer structure for the multi-phase coating should include Ti-N compounds as the surface layer and Cu-Ti intermetallics as the intermediate layer.
The Characteristics of Seismic Rotations in VTI Medium
Authors: Sun Lixia , Wang Yun , Li Wei , Wei Yongxiang
Published: November 2021

Under the assumptions of linear elasticity and small deformation in traditional elastodynamics, the anisotropy of the medium has a significant effect on rotations observed during earthquakes. Based on the basic theory of the first-order velocity-stress elastic wave equation, this paper simulates the seismic wave propagation of the translational and rotational motions in two-dimensional isotropic and VTI (transverse isotropic media with a vertical axis of symmetry) media under different source mechanisms with the staggered-grid finite-difference method with respect to nine different seismological models. Through comparing the similarities and differences between the translational and rotational components of the wave fields, this paper focuses on the influence of anisotropic parameters on the amplitude and phase characteristics of the rotations. We verify that the energy of S waves in the rotational components is significantly stronger than that of P waves, and the response of rotations to the anisotropic parameters is more sensitive. There is more abundant information in the high-frequency band of the rotational components. With the increase of Thomsen anisotropic parameters ε and δ, the energy of the rotations increases gradually, which means that the rotational component observation may be helpful to the study of anisotropic parameters.
Evaluation of the Compatibility of Modified Encapsulated Sodium Silicate for Self-Healing of Cementitious Composites
Authors: Imad Mohammed Abdulmohaimen , Awadh Ba Rahman Ahmed , Mohd Nasir Noor Azline , Bakar Nabilah Abu , Safiee Nor Azizi
Published: November 2021

Healing agent carriers play a significant role in defining the performance of the autonomous self-healing system. Particularly, the ability to survive during the mixing process and the release of the healing agent when cracks occur without affecting the mechanical properties of the cementitious composite. Up to now, these issues are still a concern since glass capsules are unable to survive the mixing process, while some types of microcapsules were reported to cause a decrement in strength as well as limited strength recovery. Therefore, this study was twofold, addressing the surface treatment of polystyrene (PS) capsules and the evaluation of the compatibility of the modified capsules for cement-based applications. Secondly, assessing the healing performance of modified PS capsules in cementitious composites. Furthermore, the study also evaluates the potential healing performance due to the synergic effect between the encapsulation method and the autogenous self-healing mechanism. The investigation was carried out by measuring the changes in the pH of pore solution, FTIR analysis, survival ratio, and bonding strength. For self-healing assessment, the compression cracks on the cement paste were created at an early age and the strength recovery was measured at the age of 28 and 56 days. To identify the chemical compounds responsible for the healing process, SEM-EDX tests were conducted. Moreover, the effect of silica fume (SF) on bonding strength and self-healing was also evaluated. Based on the results, the modified PS capsules by roughing approach showed promising performance in terms of survivability, bonding, and recovery. The modified PS capsule increased the strength recovery by about 12.5–15% for 100%OPC and 95%OPC + 5%SF, respectively. The finding observed that the combining of modified PS capsules and the inclusion of SF gave high strength recovery of about 20% compared to 100%OPC without capsules. Thus, the modified PS capsule has a good potential for self-healing of cementitious-based applications.
Opportunistic Strategy for Maintenance Interventions Planning: A Case Study in a Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Viveros Pablo , Miqueles Leonardo , Mena Rodrigo , Kristjanpoller Fredy
Published: November 2021

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) face two fundamental challenges: on the one hand, they must ensure an efficient application of preventive maintenance plans for their survival under competitive environments; and on the other hand, they must simultaneously comply with the requirements of reliability, maintainability, and safety of their operations, ensuring environmental care and the quality of their effluents for human consumption. In this sense, this article seeks to propose a cost-efficient alternative for the execution of preventive maintenance (PM) plans through the formulation and optimization of the opportunistic grouping strategy with time-window tolerances and non-negligible execution times. The proposed framework is applied to a PM plan for critical high-risk activities, addressing primary treatment and anaerobic sludge treatment process in a wastewater treatment plant. Results show a 26% system inefficiency reduction versus the initial maintenance plan, demonstrating the capacity of the framework to increase the availability of the assets and reduce maintenance interruptions of the WWTP under analysis.
Spatio-Temporal Deep Learning-Based Methods for Defect Detection: An Industrial Application Study Case
Authors: da Silva Lucas A. , dos Santos Eulanda M. , Araújo Leo , Freire Natalia S. , Vasconcelos Max , Giusti Rafael , Ferreira David , Jesus Anderson S. , Pimentel Agemilson , Cruz Caio F. S. , Belem Ruan J. S. , Costa André S. , da Silva Osmar A.
Published: November 2021

Data-driven methods—particularly machine learning techniques—are expected to play a key role in the headway of Industry 4.0. One increasingly popular application in this context is when anomaly detection is employed to test manufactured goods in assembly lines. In this work, we compare supervised, semi/weakly-supervised, and unsupervised strategies to detect anomalous sequences in video samples which may be indicative of defective televisions assembled in a factory. We compare 3D autoencoders, convolutional neural networks, and generative adversarial networks (GANs) with data collected in a laboratory. Our methodology to simulate anomalies commonly found in TV devices is discussed in this paper. We also propose an approach to generate anomalous sequences similar to those produced by a defective device as part of our GAN approach. Our results show that autoencoders perform poorly when trained with only non-anomalous data—which is important because class imbalance in industrial applications is typically skewed towards the non-anomalous class. However, we show that fine-tuning the GAN is a feasible approach to overcome this problem, achieving results comparable to those of supervised methods.
Analytical Model to Calculate Radial Forces in Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Machines
Authors: Gómez Iratxo , García Gustavo , McCloskey Alex , Almandoz Gaizka
Published: November 2021

There are three principal sources of noise and vibration in electrical machines: electromagnetic sources, mechanical sources, and aerodynamic sources. Nowadays, one of the major advantages of permanent-magnet synchronous machines is their torque density. This density is achieved through a high magnetic flux density in the air gap, which is achieved through hard magnets. Unfortunately, in these machines, electromagnetic forces have been identified as the main source of vibration and noise, and high magnetic flux densities make these vibrations and noises more significant. With the aim of better understanding the relationship between electromagnetic forces and design variables, this article, which is the continuation of previous work, firstly describes a study of the sources of magnetic forces in permanent-magnet synchronous machines. Subsequently, an analytical model for the computation of the radial forces originating from electromagnetic sources in permanent-magnet synchronous machines is stated. This model analyzes the forces on both the rotor surface and the base of the stator tooth. The analytical results were corroborated through simulations using the finite element method (FEM) and also by experimental tests performed over two prototypes. The results achieved by the analytical model show good agreement with both FEM results and experimental measurements.
The Development of a Bayesian Network Framework with Model Validation for Maritime Accident Risk Factor Assessment
Authors: Vojković Lea , Kuzmanić Skelin Ana , Mohovic Djani , Zec Damir
Published: November 2021

An integrative approach to maritime accident risk factor assessment in accordance with formal safety assessment is proposed, which exploits the multifaceted capabilities of Bayesian networks (BNs) by consolidation of modelling, verification, and validation. The methodology for probabilistic modelling with BNs is well known and its application to risk assessment is based on the model verified though sensitivity analysis only, while validation of the model is often omitted due to a lack of established evaluation measures applicable to scarce real-world data. For this reason, in this work, the modified Lyapunov divergence measure is proposed as a novel quantitative assessor that can be efficiently exploited on an individual accident scenario for contributing causal factor identification, and thus can serve as the measure for validation of the developed expert elicited BN. The proposed framework and its approach are showcased for maritime grounding of small passenger ships in the Adriatic, with the complete grounding model disclosed, quantitative validation performed, and its utilization for causal factor identification and risk factor ranking presented. The data from two real-world grounding cases demonstrate the explanatory capabilities of the developed approach.