bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A major quantitative trait locus for wheat total root length associated with precipitation distribution
Authors: Chen Huangxin , Wei Jiatai , Tian Rong , Zeng Zhaoyong , Tang Huaping , Liu Yanlin , Xu Qiang , Deng Mei , Jiang Qiantao , Chen Guoyue , Liu Yaxi , Li Wei , Qi Pengfei , Jiang Yunfeng , Jiang Yun , Tang Liwei , Wei Yuming , Zheng Youliang , Lan Xiujin , Ma Jian
Published: August 2022

Optimizing root system architecture (RSA) allows crops to better capture water and nutrients and adapt to harsh environment. Parental reproductive environment (PRE) has been reported to significantly affect growth and development throughout the life cycle of the next generation. In this study, 10 RSA-related traits were evaluated in seedling stage from five independent hydroponic tests using seeds harvested from five different PREs. Based on the Wheat55K SNP array-based genetic map, quantitative trait loci (QTL) for these traits were detected in a recombinant inbred line population. Twenty-eight putative QTL for RSA-related traits were detected, covering thirteen chromosomal regions. A major QTL, QTrl.sicau-2SY-4D for total root length (TRL), which was likely independent of PREs, explained 15.81–38.48% of phenotypic variations and was located at 14.96–19.59 Mb on chromosome arm 4DS. Interestingly, it showed pleiotropic effects on TRL, root area, root volume, root forks, root dry weight, and shoot dry weight. The functional marker KASP-Rht-D1 for Rht-D1 was used to genotype 2SY population and remapping QTL for TRL showed that QTrl.sicau-2SY-4D was not linked to Rht-D1. The kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) marker, KASP-AX-110527441 linked to this major QTL, was developed and used to successfully validate its effect in three different genetic populations. Further analysis suggested that the positive allele at QTrl.sicau-2SY-4D was mainly utilized in wheat breeding of northwest China where precipitation was significantly lower, indicating that wheat requires longer TRL to capture water and nutrients in arid or semi-arid regions due to deficient precipitation. Additionally, four genes (TraesCS4D03G0059800, TraesCS4D03G0057800, TraesCS4D03G0064000, and TraesCS4D03G0064400) possibly related to root development were predicted in physical interval of QTrl.sicau-2SY-4D. Taken together, these results enrich our understanding on the genetic basis of RSA and provide a potentially valuable TRL QTL for wheat breeding.
Posttraumatic Growth and Its Measurement: A Closer Look at the PTGI’s Psychometric Properties and Structure
Authors: Jozefiaková Bibiána , Kaščáková Natália , Adamkovič﻿﻿﻿ Matúš , Hašto Jozef , Tavel Peter
Published: August 2022

Despite negative connotations, surviving trauma can result in improvements in some domains of a person’s life. This phenomenon is known as posttraumatic growth (PTG), and it is typically measured using the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Given the ambiguous results of the existing validation studies, the present study aimed to verify the psychometric properties of the Slovak version of the PTGI in a representative sample of Slovak citizens. Although the results suggest that a modified one-factor structure fit the data best, other issues, such as extremely high correlations between the latent factors related to the PTGI’s factor structure, were observed. It is likely that the application of the latent variable model does not represent the essence of PTG adequately and the network approach thus appears to be a far more suitable conceptualization of PTG. More detailed information on between-person differences and within-person changes in PTG could help to tailor more effective interventions or preventive programs.
Adaptation to stress in football athletes: The importance of cognitive appraisal
Authors: Gomes A. Rui , Simães Clara , Morais Catarina , Cunha Ricardo
Published: August 2022

This study analysed the adaptation of football athletes to competitive stressors regarding the upcoming match. For that, the study adopted a cross-sectional methodology using a critical incident approach. The participants were 352 young male football athletes, aged between 15 and 19 years (M= 16.91, SD = 0.99), who were competing in the national football championship. The results indicated that cognitive appraisal partially mediated the relationship between competitive stressors and emotions: athletes who perceived stressors as a challenge, tended to feel more control over the situation and more resourceful (coping perception), leading to a more positive emotional experience, while those perceiving the stressors as a threat were more prone to experience less control and more negative emotions. This mediation model was moderated by athletes’ competitive level (U17 or U19), as the role of challenge perception was more pronounced in the U19 team, while the relationship between threat perception and less control was only observed for the U17 team. In sum, the data reveals the importance of cognitive appraisal in young football athletes’ adaptation to competitive stressors, bolstering the theoretical models in this area and the importance of psychologists to consider these variables during intervention, particularly cognitive appraisal.
A positive psychology group intervention in Greek university students by the counseling center: Effectiveness of implementation
Authors: Kounenou Kalliope , Kalamatianos Antonios , Garipi Aikaterini , Kourmousi Ntina
Published: August 2022

Most institutions in higher education have emphasized success in knowledge while overlooking Students’ wellbeing. The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the implementation of a 5-week positive psychology group intervention to a sample of 69 students that were assigned to the intervention (N = 34) and the control group (N = 35). Pre and post measures were taken assessing positive and negative emotions, resilience, happiness, optimism, and self-esteem. In particular, Modified Differential Emotions Scale (mDES), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS), Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) were administered to the participants. A mixed measures design was employed with the condition experimental vs. control group as the between-participants factor and time, namely, baseline vs. post-intervention as the within-participants factor. Except for optimism, compared with students in the control group, students in the experimental group showed no significant differences at baseline and experienced a significant increase in positive emotions and resilience in the post-test. On the contrary, the control group demonstrated no significant difference at post-test. Additionally, the students of the intervention group reported significantly higher levels in all measures in comparison with the students of the control group, except resilience, at post-test. However, when the interaction of design and time was considered, the increase in positive emotions solely emerged as a significant result of the intervention. The implementation of a positive psychology group intervention program can be effective in helping students experiencing positive emotions. More research is needed in order to refine and improve the application of such a program in a university setting, in regard to long term intervention.
Public objectives and policy instruments for improving the quality of postgraduate education in China
Authors: Tang Erzi
Published: August 2022

This paper mainly introduces and studies public objectives and instruments in educational policies that authorities can use to improve and evaluate the quality of postgraduate cultivation in China. Under the political environment in the state, the standard for the quality of postgraduate education first includes graduate students in higher education institutions who support the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), educational authorities formulate, and implement policies and regulations surrounding postgraduate education under the leadership of the Party committees as well. From the political perspective, moral cultivation should become an important indicator in the evaluation of the quality of postgraduate education. Specific policy instruments including examination and admission systems, graduation requirements, and performance evaluations are designed to increase knowledge and academic skills or allow students to better perform work in their future careers. Although these policy instruments have played some roles in improving the quality of postgraduate cultivation in practice, some associated social negative phenomena also appear in the field, such as academic misconduct, excessive academic and psychological pressure of postgraduate students, etc. The moral cultivation and psychological health should be measured and assessed while evaluating the quality of postgraduate education. The public objectives surrounding the higher education in political level could provide some useful and constructive recommendations to improve the evaluation system that guides the development of postgraduate education.
Remote self-administration of digital cognitive tests using the Brief Assessment of Cognition: Feasibility, reliability, and sensitivity to subjective cognitive decline
Authors: Atkins Alexandra S. , Kraus Michael S. , Welch Matthew , Yuan Zhenhua , Stevens Heather , Welsh-Bohmer Kathleen A. , Keefe Richard S. E.
Published: August 2022

Cognitive impairment is a common and pervasive feature of etiologically diverse disorders of the central nervous system, and a target indication for a growing number of symptomatic and disease modifying drugs. Remotely acquired digital endpoints have been recognized for their potential in providing frequent, real-time monitoring of cognition, but their ultimate value will be determined by the reliability and sensitivity of measurement in the populations of interest. To this end, we describe initial validation of remote self-administration of cognitive tests within a regulatorily compliant tablet-based platform. Participants were 61 older adults (age 55+), including 20 individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD). To allow comparison between remote (in-home) and site-based testing, participants completed 2 testing sessions 1 week apart. Results for three of four cognitive domains assessed demonstrated equivalence between remote and site-based tests, with high cross-modality ICCs (absolute agreement) for Symbol Coding (ICC = 0.75), Visuospatial Working Memory (ICC = 0.70) and Verbal Fluency (ICC > 0.73). Group differences in these domains were significant and reflected sensitivity to objective cognitive impairment in the SCD group for both remote and site-based testing (p < 0.05). In contrast, performance on tests of verbal episodic memory suggested inflated performance during unmonitored testing and indicate reliable use of remote cognitive assessments may depend on the construct, as well as the population being tested.
Social cognition and quality of life in Huntington's disease
Authors: Eddy Clare M. , Rickards Hugh
Published: August 2022

Individuals with Huntington's disease (HD) and their close others report difficulties with social interaction, and previous studies have shown that the areas of quality of life detrimentally impacted by HD include social and emotional domains. However, despite the finding that people with HD often exhibit difficulties on standard tests of social cognition, the relationship between such impairments and patients' everyday life has remained largely unexplored. We used a range of tasks assessing empathy, emotion recognition and Theory of Mind, to investigate whether patients' performance may predict quality of life within the social and emotional domains, while also accounting for broader cognitive function, behavioural changes, motor symptoms, disease stage and functional capacity. Poorer social functioning was predicted specifically by a reduced tendency to attribute intentionality while viewing social animations, in addition to emotional blunting and apathy, while role limitations due to emotional problems were predicted by personal distress, irritability and aspects of executive function. These findings highlight the potential impact of Theory of Mind impairment on quality of life in HD, and suggest that enhanced assessment of social cognition will offer unique insight into patients' social function and related wellbeing.
Application of 5G network combined with AI robots in personalized nursing in China: A literature review
Authors: Guo Caixia , Li Hong
Published: August 2022

The medical and healthcare industry is currently developing into digitization. Attributed to the rapid development of advanced technologies such as the 5G network, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data, and their wide applications in the medical industry, the medical model is shifting into an intelligent one. By combining the 5G network with cloud healthcare platforms and AI, nursing robots can effectively improve the overall medical efficacy. Meanwhile, patients can enjoy personalized medical services, the supply and the sharing of medical and healthcare services are promoted, and the digital transformation of the healthcare industry is accelerated. In this paper, the application and practice of 5G network technology in the medical industry are introduced, including telecare, 5G first-aid remote medical service, and remote robot applications. Also, by combining application characteristics of AI and development requirements of smart healthcare, the overall planning, intelligence, and personalization of the 5G network in the medical industry, as well as opportunities and challenges of its application in the field of nursing are discussed. This paper provides references to the development and application of 5G network technology in the field of medical service.
Prospect of potential intrauterine programming impacts associated with COVID-19
Authors: Khanal Prabhat , Duttaroy Asim K.
Published: August 2022

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) - 2019 (COVID-19) has led to a worldwide public health concern. In addition to immediate impacts on human health and well-being, COVID-19 can result in unfortunate and long-term health consequences for future generations. In particular, pregnant women and developing fetuses in low-income settings could be prone to a higher risk of undernutrition, often due to an inadequate supply of food and nutrition during a pandemic outbreak like COVID-19. Such situations can subsequently lead to an increased risk of undesirable health consequences, such as non-communicable diseases, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes, in individuals born to exposed mothers via fetal programming. Moreover, COVID-19 infection or related stress during pregnancy can induce long-term programming outcomes on neuroendocrinological systems in offspring after birth. However, the long-lasting consequences of the transplacental transmission of COVID-19 in offspring are currently unknown. Here we hypothesize that a COVID-19 pandemic triggers intrauterine programming outcomes in offspring due to multiple maternal factors (e.g., nutrition deficiency, stress, infection, inflammation) during pregnancy. Thus, it is crucial to establish an integrated lifetime health information system for individuals born in or around the COVID-19 pandemic to identify those at risk of adverse pre-and postnatal nutritional programming. This approach will assist in designing specific dietary or other nutritional interventions to minimize the potential undesirable outcomes in those nutritionally programmed individuals.
Considerations and tradeoffs of UAS-based coastal wetland monitoring in the Southeastern United States
Authors: DiGiacomo Alexandra E. , Giannelli Ryan , Puckett Brandon , Smith Erik , Ridge Justin T. , Davis Jenny
Published: August 2022

Coastal wetlands of the Southeastern United States host a high abundance and diversity of critical species and provide essential ecosystem services. A rise in threats to these vulnerable habitats has led to an increased focus on research and monitoring in these areas, which is traditionally performed using manual measurements of vegetative characteristics. As these methods require substantial time and effort, they are often limited in scale and infeasible in areas of dense or impassable habitat. Unoccupied Aircraft Systems (UAS) provide an advantage over traditional ground-based methods by serving as a non-invasive alternative that expands the scale at which we can understand these ecosystems. While recent interest in UAS-based monitoring of coastal wetland habitats has grown, methods and parameters for UAS-based mapping lack standardization. This study addresses variability introduced by common UAS study techniques and forms recommendations for optimal survey designs in vegetated coastal habitats. Applying these parameters, we assess alignment of computed estimations with manually collected measurements by comparing UAS-SfM mapping products to ground-based data. This study demonstrates that, with careful consideration in study design and analysis, there exists great potential for UAS to provide accurate, large-scale estimates of common vegetative characteristics in coastal salt marshes.
When innovation rests on sustainability and food safety: Some experiences from Italian agri-food start-ups
Authors: Del Baldo Mara
Published: August 2022

In the context of the agri-food industry, innovative start-ups have come into the spotlight as key drivers of innovation, sustainability and food safety orientation. Prior studies have produced significant knowledge on these topics but have mainly addressed established enterprises, while little is known about agri-food start-uppers and their contribution to social and eco-innovation. To fill this gap, this paper explores new entrepreneurial initiatives in the agri-food industry to understand how and why food safety, as well as environmental and social sustainability issues, are incorporated into their business models. The empirical analysis—based on four Italian start-ups—points out start-uppers' awareness of the importance of protecting the environment and promoting sustainability and health. In this vein, innovation is driven by the start-upper desire to actively contribute to educate the consumer on healthier and more sustainable food and trigger more sustainable lifestyles. Accordingly, their businesses, given their agility and flexible models, are by nature among the first to propose innovative solutions that incorporate the principles of circular economy and sustainability.
Craniomaxillofacial trauma in immature dogs–etiology, treatments, and outcomes
Authors: Wolfs Elias , Arzi Boaz , Guerrero Cota Jose , Kass Philip H. , Verstraete Frank J. M.
Published: August 2022

Treatment of craniomaxillofacial (CMF) trauma in dogs often requires a multidisciplinary approach and a thorough understanding of the CMF anatomical structures involved. This retrospective study aimed to utilize computed tomography (CT) studies of immature dogs evaluated for CMF trauma and to describe common fracture locations, treatment modalities, and complications, as well as the fracture healing outcomes. The medical records and CT studies of 94 dogs under 1 year of age over a 13-year period were evaluated. The skeletal location of CMF fractures, as well as the severity of displacement and fragmentation of each fracture, was recorded. Case demographic data and trauma etiology were also recorded. Animal bites accounted for the majority of trauma (71.0%). The most likely bone or region to be fractured was the maxillary bones, followed by the molar region of the mandibles. Up to 37 bones or specific regions were fractured in any given patient, with an average of 8.8 ± 3.1 fractured bones or regions per dog. Rostral mandibular trauma was associated with intra-articular fractures of the temporomandibular joint (p = 0.016). Patients sustained concomitant injuries in 32% of the cases. Muzzle therapy was the main treatment performed for most dogs (53.2%), followed by soft tissue closure (47.9%) and selective dental extractions (27.6%). Healing complications were recorded in 71.6% of the dogs, with malocclusion being the most reported complication (55.2%), and associated with dentate mandibular jaw fractures (p = 0.05). The average number of complications per dog was 2.4. No statistically significant association was found between treatment modality and healing outcome. There was a positive correlation between the severity of fracture fragmentation and displacement and a negative healing outcome (all rho >0.7). Further treatment was required in 55.6% of the dogs. Additional dental extractions were performed in 77.7% of patients. Healing complications were common in the immature CMF trauma case. Thus, the need for a comprehensive assessment of the entire CMF region during the initial visit, as well as follow-up, preferably using CT or cone beam CT, is underscored.
Parents’ Working Conditions in the Early COVID-19 Pandemic and Children’s Health-Related Quality of Life: The Ciao Corona Study
Authors: Muralitharan Nevesthika , Peralta Gabriela P. , Haile Sarah R. , Radtke Thomas , Ulyte Agne , Puhan Milo A. , Kriemler Susi
Published: August 2022

Objective: To assess the associations between parents’ working conditions during the lockdown period (March-May 2020) and children’s health-related quality of life (HRQOL) over the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Zurich, Switzerland.

Methods: We included 2211 children (6–16 years) and their parents from the prospective study Ciao Corona. Parents reported their employment status and working conditions during the lockdown. Children’s HRQOL was assessed in June-July 2020, January and March 2021 using the parents-report of the KINDL®. We used mixed models to assess the associations between parents’ working conditions and children’s HRQOL at the three time points.

Results: Children from families in which at least one parent changed their working conditions during the lockdown showed lower HRQOL in June-July 2020, than children from families in which neither parent experienced changes. Children from families in which at least one parent had to work remotely continued to show lower HRQOL in January and March 2021.

Conclusion: Changes in parents’ working conditions during lockdown were negatively associated with children’s HRQOL. Public health policies aiming to support families susceptible to adverse changes are needed.
24-Epibrassinolide Simultaneously Stimulates Photosynthetic Machinery and Biomass Accumulation in Tomato Plants under Lead Stress: Essential Contributions Connected to the Antioxidant System and Anatomical Structures
Authors: Maia Camille Ferreira , da Silva Breno Ricardo Serrão , Batista Bruno Lemos , Bajguz Andrzej , Lobato Allan Klynger da Silva
Published: August 2022

Several toxic pollutants are released into the atmosphere through human activities. Among these pollutants, lead (Pb) is a non-biodegradable element that can cause reduced cell division, impact negatively on the biosynthesis of photosynthetic pigments, and lower biomass accumulation, which can lead to plant death. 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) is a plant growth regulator with broad benefits on physiological functions and biochemical responses, conferring tolerance to plants against several biotic and abiotic stresses. The experiment was randomized with four treatments, two lead concentrations (0 and 200 µM Pb, described as −Pb and +Pb, respectively) and two EBR (0 and 100 nM EBR, described as −EBR and +EBR, respectively). We detected a negative impact of Pb stress in tomato plants; however, the exogenous application of EBR induced protection on leaf anatomy and photosynthetic apparatus, mitigating the Pb impacts on growth. This steroid enhances the root and leaf structures (in root tissue, the epidermis thickness; and in the leaf, palisade parenchyma, and spongy parenchyma), improving the membrane selectivity, light energy absorption, and CO2 fixation. Applying 200 µM Pb and 100 nM EBR caused an increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and peroxidase activity (by 26%, 18%, 25%, and 20%, respectively). Moreover, the improvements obtained on photosynthetic pigments, electron transport rate, the effective quantum yield of photosystem II photochemistry, and net photosynthetic rate prove the benefits and protection of photosynthetic apparatus, resulting in increased biomass accumulation, with increases of 95%, 115%, 74%, and 92% in leaf, root, stem, and the whole plant, respectively. Taken together, our findings confirm that EBR alleviates the damages provoked by Pb stress in tomatoes.
Ethylenediurea Reduces Grain Nitrogen but Enhances Protein and Carbon Yield in Rice Cultivars
Authors: Zhang Guoyou , Cao Rong , Risalat Hamdulla , Hu Qinan , Pan Xiaoya , Hu Yaxin , Shang Bo , Wu Hengchao , Zhang Zujian , Feng Zhaozhong
Published: August 2022

Ethylenediurea (EDU) is an indicator of surface ozone (O3), has a high potential to be developed as an applicable protectant for crops against O3 phytotoxicity. Studies on the effects of EDU on grain quality are few, limiting evaluation of the efficiency of EDU protection. In order to understand the effects of EDU on grain quality in rice, a field study was conducted in a rice paddy, where EDU solutions were foliar applied to rice plants. At maturity, grain nitrogen concentrations (GN) in 21 rice cultivars and related traits were analyzed. Mean across 21 cultivars, GN was reduced by EDU by 3.81%, suggesting that O3 in ambient air is affecting grain quality. GN negatively correlated with grain weight and source/sink ratio, but positively correlated with spikelet density. Moreover, GN changes to EDU were rice type dependent, which were −0.43%, −0.72%, and 1.19% in indica, japonica, and hybrid rice, respectively. These results suggest that EDU promotes sink in rice, which helps to increase grain yield, but allocation of nitrogen is not enough to maintain GN in both indica and japonica cultivars. Rice types and cultivars’ variations in the responses of GN to EDU highlight a possibility to adjust grain quality by EDU, combining cultivar selection and agricultural management in response to surface O3 pollution.
Crop Load and Thinning Methods Impact Yield, Nutrient Content, Fruit Quality, and Physiological Disorders in ‘Scilate’ Apples
Authors: Sidhu Ramandeep Singh , Bound Sally A. , Hunt Ian
Published: August 2022

Most apple cultivars produce too many flowers to enable consistent yields of high-quality fruit, thus, crop load management (thinning) is an integral part of orchard management in modern apple cultivation. Crop load is managed by thinning excess flowers and/or fruit from a tree, however ideal targets vary between cultivars. In this two-year study, the effect of thinning methods at different levels of crop load on fruit quality and production, post-harvest storability and physiological disorders, and fruit and leaf nutrient content in ‘Scilate’ apples were investigated in southern Tasmania, Australia. Two thinning methods, artificial bud extinction (ABE) and hand thinning (HT), were compared at three levels of crop load: 3, 6, or 12 fruit cm−2 limb cross-sectional area (LCSA), described as low, medium, and high, respectively. During the second season, all the ABE and HT treatments received additional chemical thinning (CT). The results demonstrated that ABE consistently outperformed HT in terms of improved fruit set, return bloom, and fruit weight. The fruit quality parameters, such as flesh firmness, total soluble solids, dry matter content, malic acid content, and fruit shape, were also improved under the ABE regime, with these positive effects being the clearest in the second season. In general, high-quality fruits were obtained from the low and medium crop loads, while the fruit quality was poor for the high crop load trees, but the low crop load fruit had a slightly higher incidence of internal flesh browning (predominantly radial) and fruit softening after regular atmosphere storage. The crop load also impacted on the fruit and leaf mineral nutrient content, where fruit N, Ca, Mn, and Zn, and leaf N, Fe, Zn, and Cu content increased while fruit and leaf K declined with a higher crop load. High crop load, irrespective of the thinning regime, and HT with a medium crop load, induced severe biennial bearing, whereas, the fruit yield was relatively consistent with ABE, even with a medium crop load. We conclude that ABE with a medium crop load (around six fruit cm−2 LCSA) is an effective method of managing crop load and optimizing the fruit quality in ‘Scilate’ apples.
Blood Transfusion in Equids—A Practical Approach and Review
Authors: Jamieson Camilla A. , Baillie Sarah L. , Johnson Jessica P.
Published: August 2022

Transfusion medicine is a crucial part of equine intensive and critical care. Blood transfusions can save lives in both acute and chronic cases of anemia, hemorrhage, and hemolysis. It is vital to have a comprehensive theoretical and practical understanding of the techniques, implications, risks, and complications. This review covers the physiology and pathophysiology of conditions requiring transfusion, as well as step by step guidance for practitioners of all experience levels. This review is designed to serve as a practical reference for those who are treating horses in either the field or hospital setting. It aims to provide both theoretical background and easy to locate formulae with guidance that is easy to refer to in a critical situation. When risks and benefits are well understood, these techniques can be confidently employed in critical situations to improve outcomes and save lives.
Effect of Leukoreduced Platelet Rich Plasma on Intra-Articular Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in a Canine Pilot Study
Authors: Gines J. Alberto
Published: August 2022

Evaluation of effect of Leukoreduced Platelet Rich Plasma (LrPRP) on TNF-α and IL-6 (pro-inflammatory cytokines) in joint fluid in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR). Eight client-owned dogs with CCLR were assigned to treatment (2 mL LrPRP) or control (2 mL saline) injection groups. Day of evaluation (day 0) and day of surgery (day 10–14), joint fluid was collected and joint injected. Joint fluid was also collected on day of suture removal (day 20–28). TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations of joint fluid were measured using a bead-based antibody assay. Concentrations at the later time points were expressed as a ratio to the initial level within each stifle. LrPRP had a mean concentration of platelets 1.7 times higher that of whole blood on day of evaluation and 1.4 times higher on day of the surgery. Leukocytes were reduced by 99.7%. On day of surgery, TNF-α ratios in the joint fluid from dogs injected with LrPRP were significantly different that TNF-α ratios of control group. On the day of suture removal ratios of IL-6 and TNF-α were lower in LrPRP treatment group compared with control group; however, differences were not significant. LrPRP modulate ratios of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α in dogs with CCLR.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Procalcitonin upon Emergency Department Admission during SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
Authors: Malinverni Stefano , Lazzaroni Silvia , Nuňez Maïa , Preseau Thierry , Cotton Frédéric , Martiny Delphine , Bouazza Fatima , Collot Vincent , Konopnicki Deborah , Alard Stéphane , Bartiaux Magali
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Procalcitonin is a marker for bacterial diseases and has been used to guide antibiotic prescription. Procalcitonin accuracy, measured at admission, in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), is unknown in the current severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin to assess the need for antibiotic treatment in patients with CAP presenting to the emergency department during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Methods: We performed a real-world diagnostic retrospective accuracy study of procalcitonin in patients admitted to the emergency department. Measures of diagnostic accuracy were calculated based on procalcitonin results compared to the reference standard of combined microbiological and radiological analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and area under (AUC) the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve were calculated in two analyses: first assessing procalcitonin ability to differentiate microbiologically proven bacteria from viral CAP and then clinically diagnosed bacterial CAP from viral CAP. Results: When using a procalcitonin threshold of 0.5 ng/mL to identify bacterial etiology within patients with CAP, we observed sensitivity and specificity of 50% and 64.1%, and 43% and 82.6%, respectively, in the two analyses. The positive and negative predictive values of a procalcitonin threshold of 0.5 ng/mL to identify patients for whom antibiotics should be advised were 46.4% and 79.7%, and 48.9% and 79% in the two analyses, respectively. The AUC for the two analyses was 0.60 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52–0.68) and 0.62 (95% CI, 0.55–0.69). Conclusions: Procalcitonin measured upon admission during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic should not guide antibiotic treatment in patients with CAP.
Use of Antibiotics in Preterm Newborns
Authors: Simeoli Raffaele , Cairoli Sara , Decembrino Nunzia , Campi Francesca , Dionisi Vici Carlo , Corona Alberto , Goffredo Bianca Maria
Published: August 2022

Due to complex maturational and physiological changes that characterize neonates and affect their response to pharmacological treatments, neonatal pharmacology is different from children and adults and deserves particular attention. Although preterms are usually considered part of the neonatal population, they have physiological and pharmacological hallmarks different from full-terms and, therefore, need specific considerations. Antibiotics are widely used among preterms. In fact, during their stay in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), invasive procedures, including central catheters for parental nutrition and ventilators for respiratory support, are often sources of microbes and require antimicrobial treatments. Unfortunately, the majority of drugs administered to neonates are off-label due to the lack of clinical studies conducted on this special population. In fact, physiological and ethical concerns represent a huge limit in performing pharmacokinetic (PK) studies on these subjects, since they limit the number and volume of blood sampling. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a useful tool that allows dose adjustments aiming to fit plasma concentrations within the therapeutic range and to reach specific drug target attainment. In this review of the last ten years’ literature, we performed Pubmed research aiming to summarize the PK aspects for the most used antibiotics in preterms.
Antibiotic Consumption Patterns in European Countries Are Associated with the Prevalence of Parkinson’s Disease; the Possible Augmenting Role of the Narrow-Spectrum Penicillin
Authors: Ternák Gábor , Németh Márton , Rozanovic Martin , Márovics Gergely , Bogár Lajos
Published: August 2022

Parkinson’s disease: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease, affecting at least 0.3% of the worldwide population and over 3% of those over 80 years old. According to recent research (2018), in 2016, 6.1 million (95% uncertainty interval (UI) 5.0–7.3) individuals had Parkinson’s disease globally, compared with 2.5 million (2.0–3.0) in 1990. The pandemic-like spreading of PD is considered a slow-moving disaster. Most recent studies indicated the possible role of an altered microbiome, dysbiosis, in the development of PD, which occurs long before the clinical diagnosis of PD. Antibiotics are considered as major disruptors of the intestinal flora and we have hypothesized that, as different classes of antibiotics might induce different dysbiosis, certain classes of antibiotics could trigger the PD-related dysbiosis as well. Comparative analyses were performed between the average yearly antibiotic consumption of 30 European countries (1997–2016) and the PD prevalence database (estimated for 2016). We divided the time frame of antibiotic consumption of 1997–2016 into four subsections to estimate the possible time lapse between antibiotic exposure and the prevalence, prevalence change, and PD-related death rates estimated for 2016. Our results indicated that countries with high consumption of narrow-spectrum penicillin experienced a higher increase in PD prevalence than the others. Countries reporting a decline in PD from 1990 to 2016 demonstrated a reduction in the consumption of narrow-spectrum penicillin in this period.
Current Uncertainties and Future Challenges Regarding NAD+ Boosting Strategies
Authors: Poljšak Borut , Kovač Vito , Milisav Irina
Published: August 2022

Precursors of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), modulators of enzymes of the NAD+ biosynthesis pathways and inhibitors of NAD+ consuming enzymes, are the main boosters of NAD+. Increasing public awareness and interest in anti-ageing strategies and health-promoting lifestyles have grown the interest in the use of NAD+ boosters as dietary supplements, both in scientific circles and among the general population. Here, we discuss the current trends in NAD+ precursor usage as well as the uncertainties in dosage, timing, safety, and side effects. There are many unknowns regarding pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, particularly bioavailability, metabolism, and tissue specificity of NAD+ boosters. Given the lack of long-term safety studies, there is a need for more clinical trials to determine the proper dose of NAD+ boosters and treatment duration for aging prevention and as disease therapy. Further research will also need to address the long-term consequences of increased NAD+ and the best approaches and combinations to increase NAD+ levels. The answers to the above questions will contribute to the more efficient and safer use of NAD+ boosters.
Using Geochemical and Environmental Isotopic Tracers to Evaluate Groundwater Recharge and Mineralization Processes in Qena Basin, Eastern Nile Valley, Egypt
Authors: Reda Amira , Eissa Mustafa , Shamy Ibrahim El , Dotsika Elissavet , Saied Mostafa , Mosaad Sayed
Published: August 2022

The Qena basin (16,000 km2) represents one of the largest dry valleys located in the arid Eastern Desert of Egypt. Groundwater resources in this watershed are scarce due to limited recharge from annual precipitation. Hydrogeochemistry and environmentally stable isotopes were utilized to determine the main sources of recharge and geochemical processes affecting groundwater quality. The studied basin comprises three main groundwater aquifers: the Quaternary aquifer, the Post-Nubian aquifer (PNA) of the Paleocene-Eocene age, and the Nubian Sandstone aquifer (NSA) of the Lower Cretaceous age. Groundwater types vary from fresh to brackish groundwater. The groundwater salinity of the Quaternary aquifer ranges from 426 to 9975 mg/L with an average of 3191 mg/L, the PNA’s groundwater salinity ranges from 1134 to 6969 mg/L with an average of 3760 mg/L, and the NSA’s groundwater salinity ranges from 1663 to 1737 mg/L with an average of 1692 mg/L. The NSA’s groundwater is relatively depleted of stable isotopes’ signatures (ranges: δ18O from −9‰ to −4.81‰; δ2H from −71‰ to −33.22‰), whereas the Quaternary aquifer’s groundwater is relatively enriched (ranges: δ18O from −5.51 to +4.70‰; δ2H from −40.87 to +37.10‰). Geochemical and isotopic investigations reveal that the NSA groundwater is a paleo-water recharged in a cooler climate. In contrast, the upstream Quaternary groundwater receives considerable recharge from recent meteoric water and upward leakage from the artesian NSA. The downstream Quaternary aquifer in the delta of the Qena basin is composed of original groundwater mixed with recharge from the River Nile. Isotopic analysis confirms that the PNA’s groundwater recharge (ranges: δ18O from −5.90 to −0.10; δ2H −58.21 to −7.10‰) mainly originates from upward leakage from the NSA under the artesian condition and seepage from the upper unconfined Quaternary aquifer. NETPATH geochemical model results show that water–rock interaction, evaporation, and mixing are the main geochemical and physical processes controlling the groundwater quality. NSA groundwater has a significant regional extension and salinity suitable for use in expanding agricultural projects; it should be well managed for sustainable development.
An Overview of Variants and Advancements of PSO Algorithm
Authors: Jain Meetu , Saihjpal Vibha , Singh Narinder , Singh Satya Bir
Published: August 2022

Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is one of the most famous swarm-based optimization techniques inspired by nature. Due to its properties of flexibility and easy implementation, there is an enormous increase in the popularity of this nature-inspired technique. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) has gained prompt attention from every field of researchers. Since its origin in 1995 till now, researchers have improved the original Particle swarm optimization (PSO) in varying ways. They have derived new versions of it, such as the published theoretical studies on various parameters of PSO, proposed many variants of the algorithm and numerous other advances. In the present paper, an overview of the PSO algorithm is presented. On the one hand, the basic concepts and parameters of PSO are explained, on the other hand, various advances in relation to PSO, including its modifications, extensions, hybridization, theoretical analysis, are included.
Risk Allocation Optimization between Owner and Contractor in Construction Projects by Using the UTA-STAR Method
Authors: Ebrahimi Malekshah Mohammad Ebrahim , Mehdiabadi Amir , Pourmansouri Rezvan , Spulbar Cristi , Birau Ramona
Published: August 2022

Project risk is an uncertain situation or event that, if it occurs, may have a negative or positive effect on one or more project objectives, such as scope, schedule, cost, and quality. Major industrial projects are increasingly facing complexity and uncertainty. The scope of this paper is related to petrochemical projects, in which risks directly affect the approved time, cost, and quality of the project. In such projects, there are risks that neither the owner nor the contractor has the main role in the occurrence or prevention of, and it is not easy to determine who is responsible for them. In such projects, there are risks that neither the owner nor the contractor has the main role in the occurrence or prevention of, and for which it is not easy to determine responsibility. Therefore, predicting, identifying, analyzing, and determining of the optimal allocation of risk responsibility between contracting parties is one of the most important steps before the start of the project. Suppose it is not correctly allocated among project stakeholders, then, in that case, risk responsibility imposes costs on the project that must be paid by the owner, contractor, and partnership, causing, in general, many problems for project management. Therefore, this paper presents a model to calculate the optimal ratio of risk allocation between the project parties in the concluding contract stage, using the UTA-STAR technique to obtain the owner and contractor utility function to create as much of a win-win relationship between them as possible.
Thermal Modelling and Experimental Validation in the Perspective of Tool Steel Laser Polishing
Authors: Meylan Bastian , Masserey Alexandre , Boillat Eric , Calderon Ivan , Wasmer Kilian
Published: August 2022

Laser polishing (LP) is a process that allows a significant reduction of the surface roughness of a metal workpiece via re-melting a shallow layer of material. However, the practical use of LP is limited due to the difficulty of satisfying the high surface polishing quality for industries such as jewelry. Hence, this study presents a thermal model based on the Chernoff formula for fixed and moving LP processes. The model was validated via a sensitivity analysis of the coefficient of absorption of the solid and liquid phase and through comparing the results with the corresponding experimental observations of the melt pools produced. In this investigation, a continuous wave, high power diode laser (980 nm wavelength, Ø 0.9 mm spot size with a flat top distribution) was coupled to a fixed focusing head. The material was a hardened tool steel (X38CrMVo5-1 steel-1.2343) with an initial surface state obtained by electrical discharge machining (EDM) of CH30 on the Charmilles scale for EDM, which corresponds to a roughness Ra of 3.15 µm. The results show that the model is able to represent the thermal behavior of the tool steel during LP. The best results are obtained with two constant coefficients, one for the solid based on the measurement at room temperature (as = 35%) and one for the liquid fixed so that the model fits the experiment data (al = 25%).
A Unified Equation for Prediction of Concrete Strength at Various Ages Using the Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity
Authors: Lin Yung-Chiang , Lin Yiching , Cheng Chia-Chi
Published: August 2022

Using ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) testing has long been regarded as an effective approach for evaluating concrete strength; however, because of the influence of numerous factors (e.g., mixture proportion, type of coarse aggregate, pozzolanic admixture, and age of the concrete), the relationship between UPV and concrete strength cannot be conclusively determined, thus hindering the application of this approach. The objective of this paper is to develop a unified equation for prediction of concrete strength at various ages using the ultrasonic pulse velocity. Firstly, this study investigated the relationship between the UPV evolution index and the strength evolution index of normal concrete with various mixture proportions, coarse aggregate types, and ages. Subsequently, the influence of adding pozzolanic materials on this relationship was considered. The experimental results showed that excellent correlation between the UPV evolution index and the strength evolution index was found and a unified equation was established in this study through regression analysis to represent the relationship between the UPV and the strength evolution index. Finally, the applicability of the unified equation was verified by data obtained from different studies. The results indicated that for all concrete specimens more than 3 days old, the error of the strength estimation decreased to within ±15%, demonstrating that this unified equation has substantial value for application in decision-making processes for major construction procedures (e.g., applying post tensioning or removing formwork supports).