bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lifestyle, Eating Habits, and Health Behaviors Among Dietary Supplement Users in Three European Countries
Authors: Iłowiecka Katarzyna , Maślej Monika , Czajka Magdalena , Pawłowski Adrian , Więckowski Piotr , Styk Tomasz , Gołkiewicz Michał , Kuzdraliński Adam , Koch Wojciech
Published: June 2022

Dietary supplements (DS) are used by about 30–50% of adults in developed countries. However, only a few studies have compared the characteristics of DS users in different nations. This study aimed to identify and compare selected health-related behaviors of DS users from three European countries. A total of 3,588 adults (32.08 ± 8.04 years) from Poland (1,030 females, 287 males), Germany (994 females, 190 males), and the United Kingdom (911 females, 176 males) were included in the analysis. The study was based on a self-administered survey consisting of 70 questions regarding baseline characteristics, lifestyle, eating, and health habits. The associations of the obtained results were compared using the Kruskal–Wallis test, Pearson Chi-Square test, and Cramer's V value. The highest percentage of DS users (56.98%, n = 2,044) had a correct body weight, while higher body weight values were observed in 39.19% (n = 1,406). In terms of lifestyle, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were noted for alcohol consumption and the level of physical activity. Fruit and vegetables were most often consumed a few times a weeks (34.67%, n = 1,244). A similar result was observed for the consumption of whole grain (37.76%, n = 1,355), dairy (39.99%, n = 1,435), eggs (49.67%, n = 1,782), and meat (51.45%, n = 1,846). Most DS users did not have a chronic disease (66.72%, n = 2,394). Among the other conditions, a frequent occurrence (a few times a weeks) of gastrointestinal problems (28.29%, n = 1,015) and concentration disorders (29.15%, n = 1,046) was noted. Cramer's V values (<0.3) indicated a weak (but significant p < 0.05) relationship between the country of residence and most of the analyzed variables. In conclusion, DS users were characterized by a healthy lifestyle with appropriate behaviors but not healthy eating habits.
The Role of CD4+CD8+ T Cells in HIV Infection With Tuberculosis
Authors: Zou Shi , Tan Yuting , Xiang Yanni , Liu Yang , Zhu Qi , Wu Songjie , Guo Wei , Luo Mingqi , Shen Ling , Liang Ke
Published: June 2022

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is an important opportunistic infection in acquired immunodeficiency diseases (AIDS). Although the frequency of CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) T cells has been observed to increase in pathological conditions, their role (phenotypic and functional) is poorly described, especially in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection with TB (HIV/TB (HT) coinfection).

Methods

The percentage and phenotypic and functional properties of peripheral blood DP T cells in patients with HT coinfection in comparison to uninfected controls and to patients with HIV or TB mono-infection were analyzed by direct intracellular cytokine staining (ICS).

Results

Total and CD4lowCD8high DP T cells were significantly increased in patients with both HIV and TB mono-infection, especially in patients with HT coinfection. Compared with healthy controls (HCs), the percentage of DP T cells expressing chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) in patients with HT coinfection was significantly higher. Compared with HCs and patients with TB, a lower percentage of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) secreting DP T cells and a higher percentage of granzyme A-secreting DP T cells were observed in patients with HIV mono-infection and HT coinfection, respectively. In addition, DP T cells expressed more cytolytic markers (granzyme A and perforin) than CD4+ T cells, but similarly to CD8+ T cells in patients with HT coinfection.

Conclusions

Our data suggested that HT coinfection resulted in a marked increase in DP T cells, especially the CD4lowCD8high subpopulation. DP T cells may be susceptible to HT coinfection, and have the same cytotoxic function as CD8+ T cells.
Does Migration Distance Affect Happiness? Evidence From Internal Migrants in China
Authors: Zheng Ge , Yang Dongliang , Li Jiawei
Published: June 2022

Background

Happiness is a complex concept involving many subjects such as society, psychology, and ethics. How will migration distance affect migrants' happiness under the new trend of migration in China? The goal of this paper is to analyze the influence and transmission mechanism of migration distance on happiness of migrant individuals, and the heterogeneity of this effect on urban and rural migrants.

Methods

Employing data of 129,803 observations from the 2012 China Migrants Dynamic Survey, we first estimate the effects of migration distance on happiness by the ordinal logistic regression and propensity score matching (PSM) method. Second, we examine the heterogeneity of effect by splitting the sample into the urban and rural migrants. Finally, we analyze the transmission mechanism of migration distance on happiness by mediating effect model.

Results

The migration distance of internal migrants in China has a significant negative impact on happiness. Urban migrant individuals show a stronger response to migration distance compared to rural counterparts. Social integration is proved as the potential mechanism through which the effect of migration distance on happiness.

Conclusion

The results emphasize happiness of internal migrant and other mental health problems. Moreover, particular attention should be paid to social integration on happiness, such as strengthening the cultural exchange in different areas, narrowing the income gap between urban and rural areas, promoting rational migrant decision of individual, and enhancing the happiness of them.
Automated 2D, 2.5D, and 3D Segmentation of Coral Reef Pointclouds and Orthoprojections
Authors: Runyan Hugh , Petrovic Vid , Edwards Clinton B. , Pedersen Nicole , Alcantar Esmeralda , Kuester Falko , Sandin Stuart A.
Published: June 2022

Enabled by advancing technology, coral reef researchers increasingly prefer use of image-based surveys over approaches depending solely upon in situ observations, interpretations, and recordings of divers. The images collected, and derivative products such as orthographic projections and 3D models, allow researchers to study a comprehensive digital twin of their field sites. Spatio-temporally located twins can be compared and annotated, enabling researchers to virtually return to sites long after they have left them. While these new data expand the variety and specificity of biological investigation that can be pursued, they have introduced the much-discussed Big Data Problem: research labs lack the human and computational resources required to process and analyze imagery at the rate it can be collected. The rapid development of unmanned underwater vehicles suggests researchers will soon have access to an even greater volume of imagery and other sensor measurements than can be collected by diver-piloted platforms, further exacerbating data handling limitations. Thoroughly segmenting (tracing the extent of and taxonomically identifying) organisms enables researchers to extract the information image products contain, but is very time-consuming. Analytic techniques driven by neural networks offer the possibility that the segmentation process can be greatly accelerated through automation. In this study, we examine the efficacy of automated segmentation on three different image-derived data products: 3D models, and 2D and 2.5D orthographic projections thereof; we also contrast their relative accessibility and utility to different avenues of biological inquiry. The variety of network architectures and parameters tested performed similarly, ∼80% IoU for the genus Porites, suggesting that the primary limitations to an automated workflow are 1) the current capabilities of neural network technology, and 2) consistency and quality control in image product collection and human training/testing dataset generation.
Participatory Governance of Culture and Cultural Heritage: Policy, Legal, Economic Insights From Italy
Authors: Iaione Christian , De Nictolis Elena , Santagati Maria Elena
Published: June 2022

The topic of participatory governance of cultural heritage (hereinafter PGCH) is increasingly at the core of the debate on the policy approach to cultural heritage in Europe. This paper aims at offering an innovative approach to this topic by bringing a multi-actor, commons-based governance model, whereby it is often stated that PGCH may well be implemented by entrusting local communities with the restoration and valorization of cultural heritage. We argue that this model is best realized through a public-private-community partnership (PPCP) employing a diversity of legal tools. The article sketches out the legal background underpinning PGCH, provides an overview of its conceptualization in the academic debate and looks at the main policy initiatives adopted at the European and Italian domestic level. The article goes on focusing on commons-oriented case-studies of PGCH, adopting a qualitative methodology: the experimental process of the Co-Roma social partnership (Rome); the Faro Heritage Community Friends of Molo San Vincenzo (Naples); the Royal Estate of Carditello (San Tammaro); the Catacombs in Rione Sanità (Naples). Finally, the article raises some reflections and comments on the peculiarity of the PPCP model and its criticalities. The main argument we advance is that a commons-inspired, multi-actor governance model is a way to implement the vision entrenched by the European Union and the Council of Europe for supporting PGCH. This approach to PGCH may contribute to develop a sustainable and inclusive governance model, adaptive to the local needs.
Speckle Interferometric Observations With the Gemini 8-m Telescopes: Signal-to-Noise Calculations and Observational Results
Authors: Howell Steve B. , Furlan Elise
Published: June 2022

Using 3 years of observations with the Zorro and ’Alopeke speckle interferometric instruments at Gemini South and North, respectively, we present an analysis of the sensitivity of the data taken in two narrow-band optical filters centered at 562 and 832 nm (widths of 54 and 40 nm, respectively). In this paper we focus on model calculations of the predicted signal-to-noise values achievable and the results of over 2500 actual observations. We find that S/N values of several 100 are easily achieved, but that the sky background during full moon is a very limiting factor in the observations, especially those performed in the short-wavelength (blue) optical spectral range and for targets fainter than R ∼14. A comparison of our Gemini speckle observations over six observing semesters reveals that red band-pass observations provide more robust results in general, likely due to better atmospheric performance at these wavelengths. Using the identical instruments on Gemini North and South, we find that similar results are obtained, yielding typical contrast limits of 5-9 magnitudes from the diffraction limit out to 1.2″ for a range of target brightness (optical magnitudes from ∼ 3 to >16). Using our S/N model along with the observational results, an estimation of the contrast limits achievable for a given observation can be predicted based on the target brightness, sky illumination and seeing conditions, and the total integration time.
Modelling the Radical Chemistry on Ice Surfaces: An Integrated Quantum Chemical and Experimental Approach
Authors: Sameera W. M. C. , Senevirathne Bethmini , Nguyen Thanh , Oba Yasuhiro , Ishibashi Atsuki , Tsuge Masashi , Hidaka Hiroshi , Watanabe Naoki
Published: June 2022

Heterogeneous radical processes on ice surfaces play a vital role in the formation of building blocks of the biologically relevant molecules in space. Therefore, quantitative mechanistic details of the radical binding and radical reactions on ices are crucial in rationalizing the chemical evolution in the Universe. The radical chemistry on ice surfaces was explored at low temperatures by combining quantum chemical calculations and laboratory experiments. A range of binding energies was observed for OH, HCO, CH3, and CH3O radicals binding on ices. Computed reaction paths of the radical reactions on ices, OCS + H and PH3 + D, explained the experimentally observed products. In both radical reactions, quantum tunnelling plays a key role in achieving the reactions at low temperatures. Our findings give quantitative insights into radical chemistry on ice surfaces in interstellar space and the planetary atmospheres.
Assessing Institutional Support From Dietetics Associations Toward Integration of Sustainable Food Concepts in Dietetics Practice
Authors: Callaghan Edith G. , Powell Rachael , Carlsson Liesel
Published: June 2022

The degrees to which diets are consistent with food system sustainability, are the result of influences across scales of social interaction. This study considers the importance and limitations of institutional influence over integration of sustainable food systems ideas and concepts in dietetics practice. Working with the International Confederation of Dietetics Associations (ICDA) and their Member Country Associations our objectives are to (a) understand ways by which ICDA could contribute to global sustainable food systems, (b) develop a method for assessing ICDA's contribution to sustainable food systems and (c) test initial data collection options for this assessment. Assessment of institutional support for sustainable food system integration to practice was conducted by examining usage data (from Google Analytics) of the ICDA sponsored online sustainable food system Toolkit, and website content analysis. Study results establish baseline data and indicate initially modest support for backing integration of sustainable food system concepts within the dietetics profession.
Rapid Spontaneous Total Fusion of Neuropathic Arthropathy of the Wrist After Limited Intercarpal Arthrodesis: A Case Report and Brief Literature Review
Authors: Xu Ke , Wu Guangzhi , Zhang Weizhong , Yu Wei , Cui Shusen , Zhang Zhan
Published: June 2022

Background

Previous reports on the treatment of neuropathic arthropathy of the wrist were generally conservative, with few case reports of treatment with osteoarticular surgery.

Case Presentation

A 25-year-old right-handed male complained of unpainful swelling of the dorsal aspect of his right wrist for 3 years. He was at that time diagnosed with synovitis and radiocarpal arthritis. The patient underwent a partial Four-Corner Arthrodesis and Synoviectomy to preserve motor function. Over the next 2 months, his right wrist also developed painful redness, with progressive swelling and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis arthritis, and infectious diseases were ruled out in this case. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated that he had Chiari II syringomyelia so the patient was eventually diagnosed with destructive neuropathic arthropathy (syringomyelia). After 2 months of conservative treatment, the patient’s right wrist spontaneously and completely fused and the pain disappeared.

Conclusion

Neuropathic arthropathy of the wrist is a rare but clinically significant disease due to its effect on the function of the active limb. Surgeons should rule out a diagnosis of it when treating patients with wrist swelling and osteoarticular abnormalities, otherwise, limited intercarpal arthrodesis should not be taken as a treatment option. Inappropriate partial surgery is likely to lead to rapid total fusion of neuropathic arthropathy of the wrist.
Comparative Efficacy of Three Minimally Invasive Procedures for Kümmell’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Yajian , Liu Bo , Sun Zhenwei , Zhang Yaning , Su Jiangping
Published: June 2022

Background

Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP), percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP), and bone-filling mesh containers(BFC) are three viable minimally invasive techniques that have been used to treat Kümmell’s disease(KD). However, there is still debate as to which is safer and more effective. This study summarized the pros and cons of the three techniques in the treatment of KD through network meta-analysis(NMA).

Methods

All eligible published clinical control studies comparing PVP, PKP, and BFC for KD up to December 2021 were collected by online search of Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang Database, and Chinese biomedical literature database. Data were extracted after screening, and Stata 16.0 software was used to perform the network meta-analysis.

Results

Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 16 retrospective case-control studies (CCTs) with a total of 1114 patients were included. The NMA results showed no statistical difference between the 3 procedures in terms of improving patients’ clinical symptoms. PKP was most likely to be the most effective in correcting kyphosis, while BFC was likely to be the most effective in managing the occurrence of cement leakage. No statistical differences were found in the incidence of new vertebral fractures in adjacent segments.

Conclusions

Ranking analysis showed that BFC has the highest likelihood of being the optimal procedure for the treatment of KD, based on a combined assessment of effectiveness in improving patients’ symptoms and safety in the occurrence of adverse events.
Management of Vulvovaginal Cellular Angiofibroma: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Yuan Zhen , Wang Jinhui , Wang Yongxue , Feng Fengzhi , Pan Lingya , Xiang Yang , Shi Xiaohua
Published: June 2022

Objective

The study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of cellular angiofibroma in females.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study in patients with vulvovaginal cellular angiofibroma treated at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between August 2012 and October 2021.

Results

Eight patients were included in our study, with 7 cases of vulvar tumors and 1 case of vaginal stump tumors. The median age at diagnosis was 47.5 years (range, 38–83 years). The tumors were found incidentally in two patients (2/8, 25.00%) without specific history before diagnosis surgery. Of the other six patients, the median history from onset of the mass to diagnosis was 5.5 years (range, 3–14 years). Complete excision was performed in all 8 patients. According to histopathologic examination, the median tumor size was 3.4 cm (range, 1.7–11 cm). As the tumor size increased, both the operation time and postoperative length of stay increased. Gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist was used in one case to minimize the size of the tumor, obtaining satisfactory results. Up to the last follow-up, no evidence of relapse was found in all 8 patients.

Conclusions

For vulvovaginal cellular angiofibroma, the mainstay of treatment remains surgical resection without residual tumor if possible; inadvertent urinary system injury and rectum injury should be avoided to the utmost; and enough attention should be paid to hemostasis to avoid hematoma after surgery. Before surgery, hormone receptor modulators may be considered to minimize the size of the tumor to reduce the surgery-associated risk.
Low Level of Dietary Organic Trace Elements Improve the Eggshell Strength, Trace Element Utilization, and Intestinal Function in Late-Phase Laying Hens
Authors: Chen Xing , Ma Xiang-ming , Yang Chong-Wu , Jiang Shu-zhen , Huang Li-bo , Li Yang , Zhang Fan , Jiao Ning , Yang Wei-ren
Published: June 2022

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of organic trace elements (Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn) on performance, egg quality, trace elements utilization, and intestinal function in late-phase laying hens. A total of 1,080 laying hens (Hy-line brown, 65 weeks old) were randomly assigned to four treatments with six replications of 45 layers each. The basal diet was prepared without adding exogenous trace elements. The control group was fed with a basal diet supplemented with 600 mg/kg of inorganic trace elements. The three treatment groups were fed basal diets supplemented with 300, 450, and 600 mg/kg organic trace elements (OTE300, 450, and 600), respectively. The results showed that there was no significant difference in growth performance among all treatments. However, OTE450 significantly improved the eggshell strength of laying hens (p < 0.05), but had no significant effects on haugh unit, egg yolk weight, eggshell weight, and eggshell thickness, compared with other groups. Moreover, compared with the control group, OTE450 significantly increased the contents of copper, iron, and zinc in serum (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, all of the trace elements had a lower deposition in the feces in organic trace elements groups (p < 0.05). Histological analysis showed that the addition of organic trace elements could significantly improve the villus height and villus concealment ratio (p < 0.05). In addition, the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expressions of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), zinc transporter 1 (ZnT-1), and ferroportin 1 (FPN1) were the highest in the OTE450 group. In conclusion, OTE450 could improve egg quality, intestinal function, and trace element utilization efficiency. Thus, this study provides a theoretical basis for the application of low levels of organic trace elements in laying hens.
Dietary Aronia melanocarpa Pomace Supplementation Enhances the Expression of ZO-1 and Occludin and Promotes Intestinal Development in Pigs
Authors: Ren Zhongshuai , Fang Hengtong , Zhang Jing , Wang Rui , Xiao Wenyu , Zheng Kexin , Yu Hao , Zhao Yun
Published: June 2022

A fruit juice production byproduct, Aronia melanocarpa pomace (AMP) is rich in natural polyphenol antioxidant components. The objectives of this study were to study the effects of dietary AMP supplementation on the feeding outcome and intestinal barrier function of pigs. In total, 27 growing pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire, ~60 days, average weight of 27.77 ± 2.87 kg, males and females included at random) were randomly allotted to 3 treatment groups, with 3 repetitions per group and 3 pigs per repetition. At the experiment completion, 2 pigs (close to the average body weight of all experimental pigs) per replicate were slaughtered. The control group (CON group) was fed a basic diet, and the experimental groups were fed 4% (4% AMP group) and 8% (8% AMP group) AMP in the basic diet. These pigs were prefed for 3 days, and the formal experiments were performed for 7 weeks. The results showed that compared with the CON diet, the 4% AMP supplementation significantly increased the average daily gain of pigs (P < 0.05). Regarding intestinal development, 4% AMP significantly increased the jejunal villus height/crypt depth ratio (P < 0.05), and different AMP levels had no significant effect on the pig cecum morphology. Different AMP levels significantly decreased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria (P < 0.05). Regarding other microbial genera, 4% AMP supplementation significantly increased the levels of Lachnospira, Solobacterium, Romboutsia and other beneficial microorganisms (P < 0.05). Different AMP levels significantly decreased the relative abundances of the opportunistic pathogens Escherichia-Shigella and Pseudoscardovia (P < 0.05) and increased the contents of acetic acid and butyric acid in the pig cecal contents (P < 0.05). Compared with the CON treatment, 4% AMP supplementation significantly downregulated the jejunal gene expression of porcine proinflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α) and significantly upregulated the jejunal gene expression of ZO-1, Occludin and Claudin-1 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, 4% AMP supplementation in feed is beneficial to overall pig health and growth.
Rutin Supplementation Reduces Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Apoptosis of Mammary Gland in Sheep During the Transition Period
Authors: Ding Hongyan , Li Yu , Zhao Chang , Yang Yue , Xiong Chengkun , Zhang Daoliang , Feng Shibin , Wu Jinjie , Wang Xichun
Published: June 2022

Rutin, a common dietary flavonoid, exhibits remarkable pharmacological activities such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. Metabolic stress in mammals during the transition period affects mammary gland health. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the protective effect of rutin supplementing against metabolic stress in the mammary glands of sheep during the transition period, particularly after parturition. Transition Hu sheep (2–3 years old with 62.90 ± 2.80 kg) were randomly divided into three groups, the control group was fed a diet without rutin, while rutin (50 and 100 mg/kg body weight/day) was administered to the two treatment groups (−28 day to +28 day relative to parturition). Serum and blood samples were collected from jugular vein on days −14, −7, +1, +2, +7, +14, +21, +28 relative to parturition. Mammary tissue biopsy samples of four sheep from the treatment group were harvested on day +28 postpartum. Compared to that in the control group, rutin supplementation resulted in lower β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) while increasing the concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and globulin after lactation. Furthermore, rutin treatment led to lower hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malonaldehyde (MDA) levels, resulting in increased catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant potential (T-AOC). Compared to that in the control group, rutin inhibits the mRNA expression of inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). In addition, rutin markedly downregulated the ratio of phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-p65) to total NF-κB p65 (p65). Meanwhile, rutin supplementation resulted in high mRNA abundance of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (NFE2L2, formerly NRF2) and its target gene, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which plays critical roles in maintaining the redox balance of the mammary gland. Furthermore, rutin treatment lowered the levels of various downstream apoptotic markers, including Bax, caspase3 and caspase9, while upregulating anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein. These data indicate the positive effect of rutin against inflammation, oxidative stress status, and anti-apoptotic activity in the mammary gland. The mechanism underlying these responses merits further study.
Assessment of the Commitments and Performance of the European Food Industry to Improve Population Nutrition
Authors: Van Dam Iris , Guillon Emilie , Robinson Ella , Allais Olivier , Sacks Gary , Vandevijvere Stefanie
Published: June 2022

Objectives: Food companies could play an important role in improving population diets, but often escape accountability through unspecific commitments. This study evaluated nutrition-related commitments and estimated performance of the largest packaged food and non-alcoholic beverage manufacturers, supermarkets and quick-service restaurants (QSR) in Europe.

Methods: To quantitatively assess companies’ publicly available commitments in 2020, the “Business Impact Assessment on Obesity and Population Nutrition” was applied. The proportion of sales from ultra-processed and “unhealthy” food categories (product categories not-permitted to be marketed to children) and over time changes in the number of QSR transactions and QSR and supermarket outlets were calculated.

Results: Company commitments fell short of best practice recommendations (median overall score of 21%, range: 1%–62%). Food and beverage companies generated 82% (15%–100%) and 58% (1%–100%) sales from ultra-processed and “unhealthy” products, respectively. The number of QSR outlets and transactions substantially increased in Europe since 2011, while QSR commitments to improve population nutrition remained limited.

Conclusion: Whilst most companies made some nutrition-related commitments, they did not comply with best practice recommendations. A large proportion of sales was generated from ultra-processed/unhealthy products and QSR outlets increased. Government regulations are urgently needed.
Anxiety, Worry, Life Satisfaction and Coping During the Acute VS Prolonged Pandemic Stress: Evidence From a Repeated Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Shekriladze Ia , Javakhishvili Nino , Butsashvili Nino , Lortkipanidze Maka
Published: June 2022

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic remains a continuous stressor worldwide. Our study aimed at comparing the data of waves from two lockdowns in Georgia, one in the acute stress phase (May 2020) and the other in the prolonged stress phase (December 2020).

Methods: In total, 750 and 716 individuals participated in the study with a repeated cross-sectional design. Sample equivalence was reached via controlling demographic variables. Anxiety, COVID-19 worry, and life satisfaction were measured along with coping behaviors and four coping styles—information-accessing/processing and action-planning (two problem-focused coping styles), and passive-submissive and avoidant (two emotion-focused coping styles).

Results: As pandemic prolonged, mental health indicators worsened, the action-planning style and behavioral coping decreased, while the information-accessing/processing style increased. The link between the COVID-19 worry and the action-planning coping style was strong in the acute stage and dissapeared in the prolonged stage. The individual context, namely, a history of coronavirus in the household, accounted for lower protective behaviors and higher information seeking in the prolonged phase.

Conclusion: The findings highlighted the importance of timing and general and individual contexts in coping with the pandemic.
Surrogate-Based Optimization Design for Air-Launched Vehicle Using Iterative Terminal Guidance
Authors: Li Jiaxin , Wang Donghui , Zhang Weihua
Published: June 2022

In recent years, the penetration of low-cost air-launched vehicles for nano/micro satellites has significantly increased worldwide. Conceptual design and overall parameters optimization of the air-launched vehicle has become an exigent task. In the present research, a modified surrogate-based sequential approximate optimization (SAO) framework with multidisciplinary simulation is proposed for overall design and parameters optimization of a solid air-launched vehicle system. In order to reduce the large computation costs of time-consuming simulation, a local density-based radial basis function is applied to build the surrogate model. In addition, an improved particle swarm algorithm with adaptive control parameters is proposed to ensure the efficiency and reliability of the optimization method. According to the LauncherOne air-launched vehicle, the overall optimization design problem aims to improve payload capacity with the same lift-off mass. Reasonable constraints are imposed to ensure the orbit injection accuracy and stability of the launch vehicle. The influences of the vehicle configuration, optimization method, and terminal guidance are considered and compared for eight different cases. Finally, the effect on the speed of optimization convergence of employing a terminal guidance module is investigated. The payload capability of the optimized configurations increased by 27.52% and 23.35%, respectively. The final estimated results and analysis show the significant efficiency of the proposed method. These results emphasize the ability of SAO to optimize the parameters of an air-launched vehicle at a lower computation cost.
Sodium Selenate: An Environmental-Friendly Means to Control Tomato Bacterial Speck Disease
Authors: Moretti Chiaraluce , Bocchini Marika , Quaglia Mara , Businelli Daniela , Orfei Benedetta , Buonaurio Roberto
Published: June 2022

Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient which plays a beneficial role in plants. Its adsorption at low doses can stimulate plant growth and enhance the plant’s capacity to respond to abiotic stresses, such as salinity, drought, cold and hot temperature, probably due to its antioxidant properties. Here, the effect of selenium supplied in soil-drench treatments as sodium selenate (Na2SeO4) at the dose of 4 mg L−1 (21.17 µM) per plant was studied on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.; cv. Rio Grande) against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst), the causal agent of tomato bacterial speck. Sodium selenate treated tomato plants challenged with Pst showed a reduction in disease severity expressed as percentage of diseased area and number of lesions per leaf. Furthermore, Pst bacterial cells were unable to proliferate in treated tomato plants. The effect of sodium selenate against Pst was also assessed in vitro, demonstrating that the growth of the bacterium was affected in a dose-dependent manner (EC50 = 42 ppm). It is notable that in tomato plants treated with sodium selenate at the above reported dose, a marked callose deposition was observed as well as the expression of the salicylic-acid-responsive tomato ‘pathogenesis-related protein 1b1’ (PR1b1) but not of the jasmonate-mediated ‘proteinase inhibitor 2’ (PIN2) genes. Induced defence responses and direct antimicrobial activity protect treated tomato plants against Pst attacks, suggesting the potential of sodium selanate as an environmentally friendly and effective bacterial control means. Moreover, the increased Se content in treated tomatoes offers an effective approach to reduce Se deficiency problems in human diets.
Silage Grass Sward Nitrogen Concentration and Dry Matter Yield Estimation Using Deep Regression and RGB Images Captured by UAV
Authors: Alves Oliveira Raquel , Marcato Junior José , Soares Costa Celso , Näsi Roope , Koivumäki Niko , Niemeläinen Oiva , Kaivosoja Jere , Nyholm Laura , Pistori Hemerson , Honkavaara Eija
Published: June 2022

Agricultural grasslands are globally important for food production, biodiversity, and greenhouse gas mitigation. Effective strategies to monitor grass sward properties, such as dry matter yield (DMY) and nitrogen concentration, are crucial when aiming to improve the sustainable use of grasslands in the context of food production. UAV-borne spectral imaging and traditional machine learning methods have already shown the potential to estimate DMY and nitrogen concentration for the grass swards. In this study, convolutional neural networks (CNN) were trained using low-cost RGB images, captured from a UAV, and agricultural reference measurements collected in an experimental grass field in Finland. Four different deep regression network architectures and three different optimizers were assessed. The best average results of the cross-validation were achieved by the VGG16 architecture with optimizer Adadelta: r2 of 0.79 for DMY and r2 of 0.73 for nitrogen concentration. The results demonstrate that this is a promising and effective tool for practical applications since the sensor is low-cost and the computational processing is not time-consuming in comparison to more complex sensors.
Automatic Classification of Melanoma Skin Cancer with Deep Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Aljohani Khalil , Turki Turki
Published: June 2022

Melanoma skin cancer is one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer, which, if not diagnosed early, may lead to death. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis is needed to detect melanoma. Traditionally, a dermatologist utilizes a microscope to inspect and then provide a report on a biopsy for diagnosis; however, this diagnosis process is not easy and requires experience. Hence, there is a need to facilitate the diagnosis process while still yielding an accurate diagnosis. For this purpose, artificial intelligence techniques can assist the dermatologist in carrying out diagnosis. In this study, we considered the detection of melanoma through deep learning based on cutaneous image processing. For this purpose, we tested several convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures, including DenseNet201, MobileNetV2, ResNet50V2, ResNet152V2, Xception, VGG16, VGG19, and GoogleNet, and evaluated the associated deep learning models on graphical processing units (GPUs). A dataset consisting of 7146 images was processed using these models, and we compared the obtained results. The experimental results showed that GoogleNet can obtain the highest performance accuracy on both the training and test sets (74.91% and 76.08%, respectively).
Differential mRNA Expression Profiling Reveals the Role of MiR-375 in Inflammation of Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Li Yuhang , Hu Qichao , Luoreng Zhuoma , Yang Jian , Wang Xingping , Ma Yun , Wei Dawei
Published: June 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that regulate post-transcriptional gene expression and several biological processes. Bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs) mediate critical immune responses in the mammary gland and the occurrence of mastitis. Current research focuses on miRNA regulation of bMECs, but the miR-375 regulatory mechanism in bMECs is unclear. This study explored the role of miR-375 by profiling the transcriptome of miR-375-silenced bMECs using RNA-seq and identifying differentially expressed mRNAs (DIE-mRNAs). There were 63 DIE-mRNAs, including 48 down-regulated and 15 up-regulated mRNAs between miR-375-silenced bMECs and the controls. The Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) functional analysis showed that the DIE-mRNAs enriched nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (NR4A1) and protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 5 (PTPN5) anti-inflammatory genes of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. However, they showed an opposite trend to the expression of miR-375 silencing, suggesting that miR-375 promotes bMEC inflammation through the MAPK signaling pathway. The findings of this study provide a new reference for understanding the regulation of bMEC inflammation and cow mastitis.
Utilization of Waste Date Palm Leaves Biomass Ensiled with Malic or Lactic Acids in Diets of Farafra Ewes under Tropical Conditions
Authors: Gouda Gouda A. , Kholif Ahmed E. , Hamdon Hatem A. , Kassab Ayman Y. , Patra Amlan K.
Published: June 2022

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the ensiling of date palm leaves (DPL) with organic acids (lactic or malic acid) for 45 day as a feed for lactating ewes under desert conditions. Two weeks before expected parturition, 50 multiparous lactating Farafra ewes (mean ± SD: 2 ± 0.3 parity, 34 ± 1.9 kg bodyweight, 25 ± 2.4 months of age, and 555 ± 13.0 g/day of previous milk production) were equally divided into five treatments in a completely randomized design for 90 day. The ewes in the control treatment were offered a diet composed of a concentrate feed mixture and DPL at 60:40 on a dry matter (DM) basis ensiled without additive. In the other treatments, DPL (ensiled without organic acids) in the control treatment was replaced with DPL ensiled with lactic or malic acid (at 5 g/kg DM) at 50 or 100% levels. Organic acids linearly and quadratically increased (p < 0.01) DPL and total intakes and digestibilities of DM, organic matter, crude protein, and nonstructural carbohydrates without affecting fiber digestibility. Malic and lactic acid treatment also increased the concentrations of ruminal total volatile fatty acids, acetate, propionate, and ammonia-N. Additionally, malic and lactic acid-treated DPL increased serum glucose concentration and total antioxidant capacity. Without affecting daily actual milk production, treatments increased (p < 0.001) the daily production of energy-corrected milk (ECM), fat-corrected milk (FCM), milk energy output, milk contents of fats, and feed efficiency. Organic acid-treated DPL increased (p < 0.05) the proportions of total polyunsaturated fatty acids and total conjugated linoleic acids and the unsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio in milk. It is concluded that feeding DPL ensiled with malic or lactic acid at 20 or 40% of total diet DM increased daily ECM and FCM production, nutrient utilization efficiency, and milk quality. No differences were observed between lactic and malic acid treatment of DPL during ensiling; therefore, both of them are recommended to treat DPL for silage preparation.
Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of a Novel Antimicrobial Peptide Derived from LL-37
Authors: Zhuo Haiwei , Zhang Xi , Li Maogen , Zhang Qian , Wang Yonglan
Published: June 2022

Peri-implantitis is a pathological condition involving tissues around dental implants that are characterized by inflammation of the peri-implant mucosa and progressive loss of supporting bone. We found that the antimicrobial peptide KR-12-3 (KRIVKWIKKFLR) derived from LL-37 had antibacterial properties against Streptococcus gordonii. The purpose of this study was to evaluate its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities and its underlying mechanisms. We evaluated the antibacterial activities of antimicrobial peptides in planktonic and biofilm states by measuring their minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, and biofilm susceptibility. The effects of antimicrobial peptides on the production of IL-6 and IL-8 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and other experiments, and their toxicity to MC3T3-E1 cells was also studied. While maintaining low cytotoxicity, KR-12-3 exhibited growth inhibitory effects on S. gordonii in planktonic and biofilm states. Lower concentrations of KR-12-3 treatment reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated RAW264.8 cells. The mechanisms underlying the inhibition of biofilm formation and anti-inflammatory effects have been associated with the low expression of related genes. KR-12-3 may be used to develop an antibacterial, anti-infective, and anti-inflammatory drugs for peri-implantitis.
Evolutionary Adaptations of Parasitic Flatworms to Different Oxygen Tensions
Authors: Martínez-González José de Jesús , Guevara-Flores Alberto , del Arenal Mena Irene Patricia
Published: June 2022

During the evolution of the Earth, the increase in the atmospheric concentration of oxygen gave rise to the development of organisms with aerobic metabolism, which utilized this molecule as the ultimate electron acceptor, whereas other organisms maintained an anaerobic metabolism. Platyhelminthes exhibit both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism depending on the availability of oxygen in their environment and/or due to differential oxygen tensions during certain stages of their life cycle. As these organisms do not have a circulatory system, gas exchange occurs by the passive diffusion through their body wall. Consequently, the flatworms developed several adaptations related to the oxygen gradient that is established between the aerobic tegument and the cellular parenchyma that is mostly anaerobic. Because of the aerobic metabolism, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is produced in abundance. Catalase usually scavenges H2O2 in mammals; however, this enzyme is absent in parasitic platyhelminths. Thus, the architecture of the antioxidant systems is different, depending primarily on the superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and peroxiredoxin enzymes represented mainly in the tegument. Here, we discuss the adaptations that parasitic flatworms have developed to be able to transit from the different metabolic conditions to those they are exposed to during their life cycle.
An In Vitro and In Silico Study of Antioxidant Properties of Curcuminoid N-alkylpyridinium Salts: Initial Assessment of Their Antitumoral Properties
Authors: Forero-Doria Oscar , Guzmán Luis , Jiménez-Aspee Felipe , Echeverría Javier , Wehinger Sergio , Valenzuela Claudio , Araya-Maturana Ramiro , Martínez-Cifuentes Maximiliano
Published: June 2022

In this work, we report the synthesis of curcuminoids with ionic liquid characteristics, obtained by incorporating alkyl-substituted pyridinium moiety rather than one phenyl group through a two-step process. The antioxidant capacity of the obtained compounds was evaluated in vitro by 1,1-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, showing that some derivatives are more potent than curcumin. Pyridine curcuminoids (group 4) and curcuminoid N-alkylpyridinium salts with two methoxyl groups in the phenyl ring (group 7), presented the best antioxidant capacity. The experimental results were rationalized by density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE) for O–H in each compound. The computational calculations allowed for insight into the structural–antioxidant properties relationship in these series of compounds. BDEs, obtained in the gas phase and water, showed a notable impact of water solvation on the stabilization of some radicals. The lower values of BDEs in the water solution correspond to the structurally related compounds curcuminoid-pyridine 4c and curcuminoid pyridinium salt 7a, which is consistent with the experimental results. Additionally, an assessment of cell viability and cell migration assays was performed for human colon cancer (HT29), human breast cancer (MCF7) cells, in addition to NIH3T3 murine fibroblast, as a model of non-cancer cell type. These compounds mainly cause inhibition of the cell migration observed in MCF7 cancer cells without affecting the non-tumoral NIH3T3 cell line: Neither in viability nor in migration.
Nucleoredoxin Plays a Key Role in the Maintenance of Retinal Pigmented Epithelium Differentiation
Authors: Holubiec Mariana , Romero Juan , Urbainsky Claudia , Gellert Manuela , Galeano Pablo , Capani Francisco , Lillig Christopher , Hanschmann Eva-Maria
Published: June 2022

Nucleoredoxin (Nrx) belongs to the Thioredoxin protein family and functions in redox-mediated signal transduction. It contains the dithiol active site motif Cys-Pro-Pro-Cys and interacts and regulates different proteins in distinct cellular pathways. Nrx was shown to be catalytically active in the insulin assay and recent findings indicate that Nrx functions, in fact, as oxidase. Here, we have analyzed Nrx in the mammalian retina exposed to (perinatal) hypoxia-ischemia/reoxygenation, combining ex vivo and in vitro models. Our data show that Nrx regulates cell differentiation, which is important to (i) increase the number of glial cells and (ii) replenish neurons that are lost following the hypoxic insult. Nrx is essential to maintain cell morphology. These regulatory changes are related to VEGF but do not seem to be linked to the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which is not affected by Nrx knock-down. In conclusion, our results strongly suggest that hypoxia-ischemia could lead to alterations in the organization of the retina, related to changes in RPE cell differentiation. Nrx may play an essential role in the maintenance of the RPE cell differentiation state via the regulation of VEGF release.
A System for a Real-Time Electronic Component Detection and Classification on a Conveyor Belt
Authors: Varna Dainius , Abromavičius Vytautas
Published: June 2022

The presented research addresses the real-time object detection problem with small and moving objects, specifically the surface-mount component on a conveyor. Detecting and counting small moving objects on the assembly line is a challenge. In order to meet the requirements of real-time applications, state-of-the-art electronic component detection and classification algorithms are implemented into powerful hardware systems. This work proposes a low-cost system with an embedded microcomputer to detect surface-mount components on a conveyor belt in real time. The system detects moving, packed, and unpacked surface-mount components. The system’s performance was experimentally investigated by implementing several object-detection algorithms. The system’s performance with different algorithm implementations was compared using mean average precision and inference time. The results of four different surface-mount components showed average precision scores of 97.3% and 97.7% for capacitor and resistor detection. The findings suggest that the system with the implemented YOLOv4-tiny algorithm on the Jetson Nano 4 GB microcomputer achieves a mean average precision score of 88.03% with an inference time of 56.4 ms and 87.98% mean average precision with 11.2 ms inference time on the Tesla P100 16 GB platform.