bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Nutraceuticals and Phytonutrients in Chickens’ Gastrointestinal Diseases
Authors: Biagini Lucia , Galosi Livio , Roncarati Alessandra , Attili Anna-Rita , Mangiaterra Sara , Rossi Giacomo
Published: April 2022

In poultry, severe gastrointestinal diseases are caused by bacteria and coccidia, with important economic losses in the poultry industry and requirement of treatments which, for years, were based on the use of antibiotics and chemotherapies. Furthermore, Salmonella spp., Clostridium perfringens, and Campylobacter jejuni can cause serious foodborne diseases in people, resulting from consumption of poultry meat, eggs, and derived products. With the spread of antibiotic resistance, which affects both animals and humans, the restriction of antibiotic use in livestock production and the identification of a list of “critically important antimicrobials” became necessary. For this reason, researchers focused on natural compounds and effective alternatives to prevent gastrointestinal disease in poultry. This review summarizes the results of several studies published in the last decade, describing the use of different nutraceutical or phytonutrients in poultry industry. The results of the use of these products are not always encouraging. While some of the alternatives have proven to be very promising, further studies will be needed to verify the efficacy and practical applicability of other compounds.
Badger Meles meles as Ecosystem Engineer and Its Legal Status in Europe
Authors: Kurek Przemysław , Piechnik Łukasz , Wiatrowska Blanka , Ważna Agnieszka , Nowakowski Krzysztof , Pardavila Xosé , Cichocki Jan , Seget Barbara
Published: April 2022

The European badger plays an important role as a natural factor shaping species diversity in forests. Its extensive setts can be used by many other animals as shelters. Soil perturbations in their setts support plant communities that differ from the matrix landscape. The badger is also an effective seed disperser. We investigated its role as an ecosystem engineer in preserving species diversity and discussed its legal status across Europe. In most European countries (69.3% of the continent), the badger is hunted, sometimes year-round. The hunting season lasting through winter until early spring may have a negative effect on badger populations, especially when cubs are born in February. Although this species is Red Listed in 19 European countries (with categories ranging from LC to EN), the badger is strictly protected by law in 30.7% of its European range. A reduction in badger populations may limit its ecosystem services (seed dispersal, topsoil disturbances, microhabitat creation). Much new data on the importance of badgers in ecosystem engineering has allowed us to reconsider how we manage badger populations.
The Effect of Exogenous Lysozyme Supplementation on Growth Performance, Caecal Fermentation and Microbiota, and Blood Constituents in Growing Rabbits
Authors: Abu Hafsa Salma H. , Mahmoud Amr E. M. , Fayed Amal M. A. , Abdel-Azeem Abdel-Azeem S.
Published: April 2022

The effects of exogenous lysozyme supplementation (LYZ) on growth performance, caecal fermentation and microbiota, and blood characteristics were investigated in growing rabbits. A total of 420 growing male V-Line rabbits (30 d old; weighing 528 ± 16 g) were randomly divided into four groups of 105 rabbits each, and monitored for 42 days. Experimental groups included a control group (LYZ0) fed a basal diet without LYZ supplementation, and three treated groups fed the same basal diet supplemented with LYZ at 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg diet, respectively. The results showed a quadratic improvement in the final body weight, daily growth rate, FCR, and digestibility of DM, while the digestibility of OM, CP, EE, NDF, and ADF improved linearly when LYZ supplementation was increased. The dressing percentage increased quadratically when LYZ levels were increased in the rabbit diets. In rabbits fed LYZ diets, L. acidophilus counts increased linearly (p < 0.05) and L. cellobiosus, and Enterococcus sp. counts increased quadratically, whereas E. coli counts decreased. In the LYZ-supplemented groups, the caecal pH value and NH3-N concentration declined quadratically, whereas total VFA, acetic, and butyric acids increased. Total lipids decreased linearly, whilst triglycerides and cholesterol decreased quadratically with LYZ supplementation. Total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase, and catalase increased quadratically, while malondialdehyde decreased linearly in the LYZ-supplemented groups. In conclusion, exogenous lysozyme administration improved rabbit growth performance and antioxidant status while lowering the blood lipid profile, altering the bacterial population, and regulating caecal fermentation. Therefore, LYZ up to 150 mg/kg can be used as a potential supplement in rabbit feed.
Effectiveness and Adverse Events of Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, and Prednisolone Chemotherapy in Feline Mediastinal Lymphoma Naturally Infected with Feline Leukemia Virus
Authors: Sunpongsri Supita , Kovitvadhi Attawit , Rattanasrisomporn Jatuporn , Trisaksri Viphavee , Jensirisak Nichakorn , Jaroensong Tassanee
Published: April 2022

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection is considered a poor prognostic factor for feline lymphoma. This study investigated the prevalence of cats suffering from feline lymphoma with natural infection of the feline leukemia virus, as well as clinical signs, adverse events, and survival time after cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisolone (COP) chemotherapy. This retrospective study involved 92 cats diagnosed with mediastinal or mediastinal plus other anatomical sites of lymphoma and treated with COP chemotherapy. FeLV-antigen-positive was observed in all cats. Clinical signs and adverse events were observed after the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd inductions. Clinical signs improved after the 3rd induction of COP chemotherapy. The response rate was 96.74% (81.52% complete response, 15.22% partial response, and 3.26% no response). The overall median survival time was 338 days (range 62–1057 days). The overall response rate and median survival time of cats with feline lymphoma that were FeLV-antigen-positive and treated with COP chemotherapy were higher than from other studies. This study found that cats aged <4 years survived longer than those aged at least 4 years. Anemia (before COP), azotemia (after 2nd induction), and elevated alanine aminotransferase (after 1st induction) were associated with an increased chance of mortality.
Temperature Distribution of Vessel Tissue by High Frequency Electric Welding with Combination Optical Measure and Simulation
Authors: Wang Hao , Yang Xingjian , Madeniyeti Naerzhuoli , Qiu Jian , Zhu Caihui , Yin Li , Liu Kefu
Published: April 2022

In clinical surgery, high frequency electric welding is routinely utilized to seal and fuse soft tissues. This procedure denatures collagen by electrothermal coupling, resulting in the formation of new molecular crosslinks. It is critical to understand the temperature distribution and collagen structure changes during welding in order to prevent thermal damage caused by heat generated during welding. In this study, a method combining optical measurement and simulation was presented to evaluate the temperature distribution of vascular tissue during welding, with a fitting degree larger than 97% between simulation findings and measured data. Integrating temperature distribution data, strength test data, and Raman spectrum data, it is discovered that optimal parameters exist in the welding process that may effectively prevent thermal damage while assuring welding strength.
In-Plane Seismic Behavior of Brick Masonry Walls Reinforced with Twisted Steel Bars and Conventional Steel Bars
Authors: Demaj Armando , Gago António Sousa , Marques Ana Isabel , Ferreira João Gomes
Published: April 2022

The in-plane seismic performance of old unreinforced brick masonry walls strengthened with stainless-steel twisted bars and conventional steel bars (usually used in concrete reinforcing) was investigated in the present study. For this purpose, a total of seventeen masonry wallettes reproducing masonry walls of traditional Lisbon buildings from the 1930s–1950s (known as “placa” buildings) were constructed. The specimens were assembled using original bricks from demolished old buildings and a sand-cement bedding mortar with the same proportions as reported in building design documents of the time. Out of the fourteen wallettes tested in diagonal compression, three were unreinforced, and eleven were strengthened in different layouts. Additionally, axial compression tests were performed on the other three unreinforced masonry wallettes. The tested specimens were reproduced with numerical models calibrated based on the experimental results. The experimental and numerical results of the reinforced specimens were compared to the unreinforced specimens to draw conclusions on the effectiveness of the strengthening solutions when applied to masonry walls of the typology under study. The most important result of the strengthening was an important increase in the ductility of the specimens that were originally brittle. In addition, in some cases a slight increase of shear strength was also observed.
Cell-Free DNA at Diagnosis for Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Costs, Time to Diagnosis and Clinical Relevance
Authors: Koole Simone N. , Vessies Daan C. L. , Schuurbiers Milou M. F. , Kramer Astrid , Schouten Robert D. , Degeling Koen , Bosch Linda J. W. , van den Heuvel Michel M. , van Harten Wim H. , van den Broek Daan , Monkhorst Kim , Retèl Valesca P.
Published: April 2022

Tissue biopsies can be burdensome and are only effective in 10–30% of patients with metastasized non-small-cell lung cancer (mNSCLC). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) on cell-free DNA (cfDNA) might be an attractive alternative. We evaluated the costs, throughput time, and diagnostic yield of two diagnostic scenarios with tissue and cfDNA for mNSCLC patients, compared to diagnostics based on tissue biopsy alone. Data were retrieved from 209 stage IV NSCLC patients included in 10 hospitals in the Netherlands in the observational Lung cancer Early Molecular Assessment (LEMA) trial. Discrete event simulation was developed to compare three scenarios, using LEMA data as input where possible: (1) diagnostics with “tissue only”; (2) diagnostics with “cfDNA first”, and subsequent tissue biopsy if required (negative for EGFR, BRAF ALK, ROS1); (3) cfDNA if tissue biopsy failed (“tissue first”). Scenario- and probabilistic analyses were performed to quantify uncertainty. In scenario 1, 84% (Credibility Interval [CrI] 70–94%) of the cases had a clinically relevant test result, compared to 93% (CrI 86–98%) in scenario 2, and 93% (CrI 86–99%) in scenario 3. The mean throughput time was 20 days (CrI 17–23) pp in scenario 1, 9 days (CrI 7–11) in scenario 2, and 19 days (CrI 16–22) in scenario 3. Mean costs were €2304 pp (CrI €2067–2507) in scenario 1, compared to €3218 (CrI €3071–3396) for scenario 2, and €2448 (CrI €2382–2506) for scenario 3. Scenarios 2 and 3 led to a reduction in tissue biopsies of 16% and 9%, respectively. In this process-based simulation analysis, the implementation of cfDNA for patients with mNSCLC resulted in faster completion of molecular profiling with more identified targets, with marginal extra costs in scenario 3.
Non-Covalent Functionalization of Graphene Oxide-Supported 2-Picolyamine-Based Zinc(II) Complexes as Novel Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Production
Authors: Amin Mohammed A. , Mersal Gaber A. M. , Shaltout Abdallah A. , Badawi Ali , El-Sheshtawy Hamdy S. , Das Manash R. , Boman Johan , Ibrahim Mohamed M.
Published: April 2022

Three mononuclear 2-picolylamine-containing zinc(III) complexes viz [(2-PA)2ZnCl]2(ZnCl4)] (Zn1), [(2-PA)2Zn(H2O)](NO3)2] (Zn2) and [Zn(2-PA)2(OH)]NO3] (Zn3) were synthesized and fully characterized. Spectral and X-ray structural characteristics showed that the Zn1 complex has a square-pyramidal coordination environment around a zinc(II) core. The hydroxide complex Zn3 was non-covalently functionalized with few layers of graphene oxide (GO) sheets, formed by exfoliation of GO in water. The resulting Zn3/GO hybrid material was characterized by FT-IR, TGA-DSC, SEM-EDX and X-ray powder diffraction. The way of interaction of Zn3 with GO has been established through density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Both experimental and theoretical findings indicate that, on the surface of GO, the complex Zn3 forms a complete double-sided adsorption layer. Zn3 and its hybrid form Zn3/GO have been individually investigated as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction. The hybrid heterogenized form Zn3/GO was supported on glassy carbon (GC) with variable loading densities of Zn3 (0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mg cm−2) to form electrodes. These electrodes have been tested as molecular electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in 0.1 M KOH. Results showed that both GC-Zn3 and GC-Zn3/GO catalysts for the HER are highly active, and with increase of the catalyst’s loading density, this catalytic activity enhances. The high catalytic activity of HER with a low onset potential of −140 mV vs. RHE and a high exchange current density of 0.22 mA cm−2 is achieved with the highest loading density of Zn3 (0.8 mg cm−2). To achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2, an overpotential of 240 mV was needed.
A Heme-Binding Transcription Factor BACH1 Regulates Lactate Catabolism Suggesting a Combined Therapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Padilla Joselyn , Lee Bok-Soon , Zhai Karen , Rentz Bethany , Bobo Tia , Dowling Norca Maritza , Lee Jiyoung
Published: April 2022

The oncogenic expression or mutation of tumor suppressors drives metabolic alteration, causing cancer cells to utilize diverse nutrients. Lactate is a known substrate for cancer cells, yet the regulatory mechanisms of lactate catabolism are limited. Here, we show that a heme-binding transcription factor, BACH1, negatively regulates lactate catabolic pathways in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. BACH1 suppresses the transcriptional expression of monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) and lactate dehydrogenase B, inhibiting lactate-mediated mitochondrial metabolism. In our studies, the depletion of BACH1 either genetically or pharmacologically increased the lactate use of TNBC cells, increasing their sensitivity to MCT1 inhibition. Thus, small inhibitory molecules (SR13800 and AZD3965) blocking MCT1 better suppressed the growth of BACH1-depleted TNBC cells than did the controls. Particularly, hemin treatment degrading BACH1 proteins induced lactate catabolism in TNBC cells, generating synthetic lethality with MCT1 inhibition. Our data indicates that targeting BACH1 generates metabolic vulnerability and increases sensitivity to lactate transporter inhibition, suggesting a potential novel combination therapy for cancer patients with TNBC.
Regulation of Aging and Longevity by Ion Channels and Transporters
Authors: Venkatachalam Kartik
Published: April 2022

Despite significant advances in our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie age-related physiological decline, our ability to translate these insights into actionable strategies to extend human healthspan has been limited. One of the major reasons for the existence of this barrier is that with a few important exceptions, many of the proteins that mediate aging have proven to be undruggable. The argument put forth here is that the amenability of ion channels and transporters to pharmacological manipulation could be leveraged to develop novel therapeutic strategies to combat aging. This review delves into the established roles for ion channels and transporters in the regulation of aging and longevity via their influence on membrane excitability, Ca2+ homeostasis, mitochondrial and endolysosomal function, and the transduction of sensory stimuli. The goal is to provide the reader with an understanding of emergent themes, and prompt further investigation into how the activities of ion channels and transporters sculpt the trajectories of cellular and organismal aging.
The Immune Profile of Major Dysmood Disorder: Proof of Concept and Mechanism Using the Precision Nomothetic Psychiatry Approach
Authors: Maes Michael , Rachayon Muanpetch , Jirakran Ketsupar , Sodsai Pimpayao , Klinchanhom Siriwan , Gałecki Piotr , Sughondhabirom Atapol , Basta-Kaim Agnieszka
Published: April 2022

Major depressive disorder and a major depressive episode (MDD/MDE) are characterized by activation of the immune-inflammatory response system (IRS) and the compensatory immune-regulatory system (CIRS). In MDD/MDE, recent precision nomothetic psychiatry studies discovered a new endophenotype class, namely major dysmood disorder (MDMD), a new pathway phenotype, namely reoccurrence of illness (ROI), and a new model of the phenome of depression. The aim of the present study is to examine the association between ROI, the phenome of depression, and MDMD’s features and IRS, CIRS, macrophages (M1), T helper (Th)1, Th2, Th17, T regulatory, and growth factor (GF) profiles. Culture supernatants of unstimulated and stimulated (5 μg/mL of PHA and 25 μg/mL of LPS) diluted whole blood of 30 MDD/MDE patients and 20 controls were assayed for cytokines/GF using the LUMINEX assay. MDMD was characterized by increased M1, Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg, IRS, CIRS, neurotoxicity, and GF profiles. Factor analysis shows that ROI features and immune-GF profiles may be combined into a new pathway phenotype (an extracted latent vector). ROI, lifetime and recent suicidal behaviors, and severity of depression are significantly associated with immunotoxicity and GF profiles. Around 80.0% of the variance in the phenome is predicted by ROI and neurotoxicity or the IRS/CIRS ratio. The molecular pathways underpinning ROI-associated sensitization of immune/growth networks are transmembrane receptor protein kinase-triggered STAT protein phosphorylation, TLR/NF-κB, JAK-STAT, and the main proliferation/survival PI3K/Akt/RAS/MAPK pathway. In conclusion, MDMD’s heightened immune responses are the consequence of ROI-associated sensitization combined with immunostimulatory triggers.
Effect of Seed Layer on the Growth of Zinc Oxide Nanowires by Chemical Bath Deposition Method
Authors: Azmi Zaidatul Hanis , Mohd Aris Siti Nurnadiah , Abubakar Shamsu , Sagadevan Suresh , Siburian Rikson , Paiman Suriati
Published: April 2022

This study concentrated on the effect of the ZnO seed layer on the growth of ZnO nanowires by the chemical bath deposition method. Multilayer coatings were used to control the thickness of the seed layer of one layer, three layers, and five layers. The seed layer thickness was measured using a profilometer at 14.43, 33.31, and 53.13 nm for one-layer, three-layer, and five-layer samples, respectively. The samples were then immersed in a chemical bath deposition solution at 90 °C for 3 h to allow ZnO nanowires to grow. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of seed layers revealed a polycrystalline wurtzite structure with (101) orientation as the dominant peak in all samples. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed that ZnO nanowires grown in a single layer have a flower-like structure, whereas ZnO nanowires grown in three and five layers have a rod-like structure. Further, ImageJ software revealed that the diameter and length of the ZnO nanowires were in the 40–90 nm and 100–900 nm ranges, respectively. The five-layer sample had the highest density of ZnO nanowires at 668 µm−2, followed by the three-layer sample and the one-layer sample. However, the ZnO nanowires in the five-layer and one-layer samples are not vertically aligned. On the other hand, the three-layer sample had the best vertical alignment of this group of samples.
Preparation of Visible-Light Active Oxygen-Rich TiO2 Coatings Using Low Pressure Cold Spraying
Authors: Gibas Anna , Baszczuk Agnieszka , Jasiorski Marek , Winnicki Marcin , Ociński Daniel
Published: April 2022

Visible-light active photocatalysts in the form of coatings that can be produced using large-scale methods have attracted considerable attention. Here we show a facile approach to deposit coatings using the low pressure cold spray (LPCS) from oxygen-rich amorphous titanium dioxide, which is a structurally-unconventional feedstock powder for LPCS. We synthesized amorphous TiO2, in which we introduced numerous defects, such as oxide groups (peroxy and superoxy) in volume and hydroxyl groups on the surface. Then we deposited as-prepared powder preserving the presence of active groups, which we demonstrated using Raman spectroscopy. To show the activity of the prepared coatings, we perform methylene blue degradation under visible light. Our research shows that it is worth considering the internal atomic structure and surface chemistry of the powders to be preserved after low pressure cold spraying.
Electrochemical Noise Response of Cr2Nb Powders Applying Mechanical Alloying
Authors: Nava-Dino Claudia Georgina , Flores-De los Ríos Juan Pablo , Maldonado-Orozco Maria Cristina , Sánchez-Carrillo Mario , Bautista-Margulis Raul German , Delgado Anabel De la Cruz , Almeraya-Calderón Facundo
Published: April 2022

Cr2Nb alloys are potential candidates for high-temperature structural materials. The influence of different mechanical alloying parameters (milling time) and sintering processes were studied. After mechanical alloying and observation by scanning electron microscope (SEM), nano powders were characterized and then sintered by spark plasma sintering (SPS). Electrochemical noise (EN) tests were also conducted in order to study the electrochemical behavior. From the current experimental results, it was revealed that ball milling times up to 20 h may explain the influence of Nb–Cr alloys and its association to the Laves phase and corrosion behavior. These insights aimed at improving the samples’ predicted behavior before spending time and resources at high-temperature industrial processes.
Diversity of Periphytic Chironomidae on Different Substrate Types in a Floodplain Aquatic Ecosystem
Authors: Čerba Dubravka , Koh Miran , Vlaičević Barbara , Turković Čakalić Ivana , Milošević Djuradj , Stojković Piperac Milica
Published: April 2022

Different types of water bodies in lowland river floodplains represent vital biodiversity havens and encompass diverse microhabitats, which are essential for structuring different macroinvertebrate communities. Chironomidae larvae (Diptera) are an inseparable part of these communities, with their high richness and abundance. In three water body types within the Danube floodplain Kopački Rit in Croatia, over the course of four sampling campaigns, we recorded 51 chironomid taxa in periphyton on macrophytes, twigs, and glass slides. The most diverse were chironomid communities on macrophytes, whilst month-old periphyton on twigs supported the least taxa. Cricotopus gr. sylvestris, Dicrotendipes lobiger, Dicrotendipes spp., Endochironomus albipennis, Glyptotendipes pallens agg., Polypedilum sordens and Polypedilum spp. were present in all studied microhabitats. The type of substrate is a very important factor influencing Chironomidae diversity and abundance, which was evident in the presence and dominance of Corynoneura gr. scutellata and Monopelopia tenuicalcar in the dense macrophyte canopy epiphyton. Finding pristine floodplains such as Kopački Rit can be very challenging, as such areas are increasingly altered by human activities. Studies of resident species and the extent to which changes in the parent river influence floodplain communities are important for the protection and restoration of the floodplains.
Chemotherapy-Induced Liver Injury in Patients with Colorectal Liver Metastases: Findings from MR Imaging
Authors: Donati Francescamaria , Cioni Dania , Guarino Salvatore , Mazzeo Maria Letizia , Neri Emanuele , Boraschi Piero
Published: April 2022

Chemotherapy-induced liver injury has been found to be quite common in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Being aware of chemotherapy-induced hepatotoxicity is important for avoiding errors in detecting liver metastases and for defining the most appropriate clinical management strategy. MRI imaging has proven to be a useful troubleshooting tool that helps overcome false negatives in tumor response imaging after chemotherapy due to liver parenchyma changes. The purpose of this review is, therefore, to describe the characteristics of magnetic resonance imaging of the broad spectrum of liver damage induced by systemic chemotherapeutic agents in order to avoid misdiagnoses of liver metastases and disease progression and to define the most appropriate clinical management strategy.
Hypertriglyceridaemia-Induced Acute Pancreatitis: A Different Disease Phenotype
Authors: Dancu Greta , Bende Felix , Danila Mirela , Sirli Roxana , Popescu Alina , Tarta Cristi
Published: April 2022

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is the most common gastrointestinal indication requiring hospitalisation. Severe hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG) is the third most common aetiology of AP (HTGAP), with a complication rate and severity that are higher than those of other aetiologies (non-HTGAP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the supposedly higher complication rate of HTGAP compared to non-HTGAP. The secondary objectives were to find different biomarkers for predicting a severe form. This was a retrospective study that included patients admitted with AP in a tertiary department of gastroenterology and hepatology. The patients were divided into two groups: HTGAP and non-HTGAP. We searched for differences regarding age, gender, the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM), the severity of the disease, the types of complications and predictive biomarkers for severity, hospital stay and mortality. A total of 262 patients were included, and 11% (30/262) of the patients had HTGAP. The mean ages were 44.4 ± 9.2 in the HTGAP group and 58.2 ± 17.1 in the non-HTGAP group, p < 0.0001. Male gender was predominant in both groups, at 76% (23/30) in the HTGAP group vs. 54% (126/232) in non-HTGAP, p = 0.02; 53% (16/30) presented with DM vs. 18% (42/232), p < 0.0001. The patients with HTG presented higher CRP 48 h after admission: 207 mg/dL ± 3 mg/dL vs. non-HTGAP 103 mg/dL ± 107 mg/dL, p < 0.0001. Among the patients with HTGAP, there were 60% (18/30) with moderately severe forms vs. 30% (71/232), p = 0.001, and 16% (5/30) SAP vs. 11% (27/232) in non-HTGAP, p = 0.4 Among the predictive markers, only haematocrit (HT) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) had AUCs > 0.8. According to a multiple regression analysis, only BUN 48 h was independently associated with the development of SAP (p = 0.05). Diabetes mellitus increased the risk of developing severe acute pancreatitis (OR: 1.3; 95% CI: 0.1963–9.7682; p = 0.7). In our cohort, HTGAP more frequently had local complications compared with non-HTGAP. A more severe inflammatory syndrome seemed to be associated with this aetiology; the best predictive markers for complicated forms of HTGAP were BUN 48 h and HT 48 h.
A Literature Review on the Use of Artificial Intelligence for the Diagnosis of COVID-19 on CT and Chest X-ray
Authors: Mulrenan Ciara , Rhode Kawal , Fischer Barbara Malene
Published: April 2022

A COVID-19 diagnosis is primarily determined by RT-PCR or rapid lateral-flow testing, although chest imaging has been shown to detect manifestations of the virus. This article reviews the role of imaging (CT and X-ray), in the diagnosis of COVID-19, focusing on the published studies that have applied artificial intelligence with the purpose of detecting COVID-19 or reaching a differential diagnosis between various respiratory infections. In this study, ArXiv, MedRxiv, PubMed, and Google Scholar were searched for studies using the criteria terms ‘deep learning’, ‘artificial intelligence’, ‘medical imaging’, ‘COVID-19’ and ‘SARS-CoV-2’. The identified studies were assessed using a modified version of the Transparent Reporting of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis (TRIPOD). Twenty studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this review. Out of those selected, 11 papers evaluated the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for chest X-ray and 12 for CT. The size of datasets ranged from 239 to 19,250 images, with sensitivities, specificities and AUCs ranging from 0.789–1.00, 0.843–1.00 and 0.850–1.00. While AI demonstrates excellent diagnostic potential, broader application of this method is hindered by the lack of relevant comparators in studies, sufficiently sized datasets, and independent testing.
Adventitial Fibroblasts in Aortic Aneurysm: Unraveling Pathogenic Contributions to Vascular Disease
Authors: Mackay Cameron D. A. , Jadli Anshul S. , Fedak Paul W. M. , Patel Vaibhav B.
Published: April 2022

Aortic aneurysm (AA) is a degenerative vascular disease that involves aortic dilatation, and, if untreated, it can lead to rupture. Despite its significant impact on the healthcare system, its multifactorial nature and elusive pathophysiology contribute to limited therapeutic interventions that prevent the progression of AA. Thus, further research into the mechanisms underlying AA is paramount. Adventitial fibroblasts are one of the key constituents of the aortic wall, and they play an essential role in maintaining vessel structure and function. However, adventitial fibroblasts remain understudied when compared with endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. Adventitial fibroblasts facilitate the production of extracellular matrix (ECM), providing structural integrity. However, during biomechanical stress and/or injury, adventitial fibroblasts can be activated into myofibroblasts, which move to the site of injury and secrete collagen and cytokines, thereby enhancing the inflammatory response. The overactivation or persistence of myofibroblasts has been shown to initiate pathological vascular remodeling. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanisms involved in the activation of fibroblasts and in regulating myofibroblast activation may provide a potential therapeutic target to prevent or delay the progression of AA. This review discusses mechanistic insights into myofibroblast activation and associated vascular remodeling, thus illustrating the contribution of fibroblasts to the pathogenesis of AA.
Automatic Search Dense Connection Module for Super-Resolution
Authors: Zang Huaijuan , Cheng Guoan , Duan Zhipeng , Zhao Ying , Zhan Shu
Published: April 2022

The development of display technology has continuously increased the requirements for image resolution. However, the imaging systems of many cameras are limited by their physical conditions, and the image resolution is often restrictive. Recently, several models based on deep convolutional neural network (CNN) have gained significant performance for image super-resolution (SR), while extensive memory consumption and computation overhead hinder practical applications. For this purpose, we present a lightweight network that automatically searches dense connection (ASDCN) for image super-resolution (SR), which effectively reduces redundancy in dense connection and focuses on more valuable features. We employ neural architecture search (NAS) to model the searching of dense connections. Qualitative and quantitative experiments on five public datasets show that our derived model achieves superior performance over the state-of-the-art models.
Effects of Long-Term Vibration on Cellulose Degradation in an Oil-Impregnated Pressboard under Simultaneous Thermal–Electrical–Mechanical Stress Aging
Authors: Li Shijun , Yang Liuqing , Li Shengtao
Published: April 2022

Due to the complex operation conditions in a power transformer, an oil-impregnated pressboard (OIP) simultaneously suffers from thermal, electrical, and mechanical stress. Since most research studies have paid much attention to thermal or electrical aging of OIPs, this paper analyzes the effects of long-term mechanical vibrations on cellulose degradation in OIPs under simultaneous multi-stress. The aging experiments were firstly conducted at 130 °C, with a DC electric voltage of +6 kV, vibration amplitude of 10–50 μm, and vibration frequency of 100–300 Hz. The finite element analysis (FEA) of the pressboard vibration model was then performed on Abaqus to investigate the time–frequency domain characteristic parameters of compressive stress on the pressboard under varied vibration frequencies and amplitudes. The FEA results reveal that compressive stress on the pressboard in a multi-stress aging experiment coincided with the axial compressive stress on the insulation spacers in an SZ-50000/110 transformer. Moreover, combined with the degree of polymerization (DP) of cellulose, the effects of long-term vibration on cellulose degradation are reflected in two ways: the increase in compressive stress on the pressboard generates more links available for degradation, while more high frequency harmonic components in compressive stress accelerate the reaction rate in cellulose degradation.
How Do Firms Achieve Green Innovation? Investigating the Influential Factors among the Energy Sector
Authors: Yousaf Zahid , Radulescu Magdalena , Sinisi Crenguta , Nassani Abdelmohsen A. , Haffar Mohamed
Published: April 2022

This research aims to examine the direct impact of green innovation strategies and the green dynamic capability on green innovation. The indirect effect is also tested, using green organizational identity as a mediator. A cross-sectional and quantitative research approach was used to collect data from energy firms. The results show that green innovation strategies and green dynamic capabilities positively affect the green innovation. The findings also proved that a green organizational identity acts as a mediator. The research outcomes suggest that the role of green organizational identity needs to be verified by firm managers who want to boost green innovation. In the advance era, society is more conscious about the green environment. Managers need a green innovation strategy to achieve green innovation within their firm. This study will help to manage the environmental issues, environmental degradation reductions, and establishment of green programs and products, which will all benefit society in the terms of improving resource efficiency, enhancing quality of life, and encouraging economic development.
Hardware-in-the-Loop Validation of an Energy Management System for LV Distribution Networks with Renewable Energy Sources
Authors: Kelm Paweł , Wasiak Irena , Mieński Rozmysław , Wędzik Andrzej , Szypowski Michał , Pawełek Ryszard , Szaniawski Krzysztof
Published: April 2022

This paper presents the use of real-time digital simulator (RTDS) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) methods for the validation of an energy management system designed for real low-voltage (LV) distribution networks with a high penetration of renewable energy sources. The system is used to address voltage violations and current overloading issues and allows the network operator to maintain safe and controllable network operations. The applied control strategy and the system software were verified by means of simulations. In this paper, the next stage of system validation using the HIL method is presented. A testbed was designed and developed to test the operation of prototype controllers of the system in flexible and reproducible conditions before installing them in the network. The presented testing platform not only includes the LV network simulator with the power amplifiers needed for closed-loop setup but also additional elements of a real network to which the system is dedicated, i.e., the advanced metering infrastructure, photovoltaic source, and energy storage inverters and load devices. Furthermore, the real cellular network of the distribution network operator is used in the communication between the controllers. In addition, the article contains discussions on communication issues, including limitations related to selected protocols. Finally, examples of the experimental validation of the controller prototypes are presented.
Full-Length Transcriptome Characterization and Comparative Analysis of Chosenia arbutifolia
Authors: He Xudong , Wang Yu , Zheng Jiwei , Zhou Jie , Jiao Zhongyi , Wang Baosong , Zhuge Qiang
Published: April 2022

As a unique tree species in the Salicaceae family, Chosenia arbutifolia is used primarily for construction materials and landscape planting in China. Compared with other Salicaceae species members, the genomic resources of C. arbutifolia are extremely scarce. Thus, in the present study, the full-length transcriptome of C. arbutifolia was sequenced by single-molecular real-time sequencing (SMRT) technology based on the PacBio platform. Then, it was compared against those of other Salicaceae species. We generated 17,397,064 subreads and 95,940 polished reads with an average length of 1812 bp, which were acquired through calibration, clustering, and polishing. In total, 50,073 genes were reconstructed, of which 48,174 open reading frames, 4281 long non-coding RNAs, and 3121 transcription factors were discovered. Functional annotation revealed that 47,717 genes had a hit in at least one of five reference databases. Moreover, a set of 12,332 putative SSR markers were screened among the reconstructed genes. Single-copy and special orthogroups, and divergent and conserved genes, were identified and analyzed to find divergence among C. arbutifolia and the five Salicaceae species. To reveal genes involved in a specific function and pathway, enrichment analyses for GO and KEGG were also performed. In conclusion, the present study empirically confirmed that SMRT sequencing realistically depicted the C. arbutifolia transcriptome and provided a comprehensive reference for functional genomic research on Salicaceae species.
Contribution of Litter Layer to Greenhouse Gas Fluxes between Atmosphere and Soil Varies with Forest Succession
Authors: Jiang Jun , Wang Ying-Ping , Zhang Hao , Yu Mengxiao , Liu Fengcai , Xia Shiting , Yan Junhua
Published: April 2022

Surface litter layer strongly influences CO2, N2O, and CH4 fluxes (FCO2, FN2O, and FCH4) between the atmosphere and forest floor through litter decomposition (litter-internal, fL-L) or interactions between litter and mineral soil (litter-induced, fL-S). However, the relative contribution of fL-L or fL-S to these greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes in forests at different succession stages remain unclear. We conducted a field experiment where surface litter was either removed (LR), left intact (CT), doubled (LD), or exchanged (LE) in a Masson pine forest (PF, early stage of succession) and an evergreen broadleaved forest (BF, climax of succession) at the Dinghushan Nature Reserve in southern China, and studied the responses of FCO2, FN2O, and FCH4 from August 2012 to July 2013. The results showed that both FCO2 and FN2O were increased by LD treatment with a greater increase in BF (41% for FCO2 and 30% for FN2O) and decreased by LR treatment with the greater decrease in PF (−61% for FCO2 and −58% for FN2O). LD treatment decreased FCH4 by 14% in PF and 6% in BF, and LR treatment increased FCH4 by 5% in PF and 18% in BF. fL-S contributed more to FCO2 (36%) and FN2O (45%) than fL-L in PF, whereas contributions of fL-L to FCO2 (41%) and FN2O (30%) were much bigger than fL-S in BF. The greater FCH4 in PF and BF resulted from the contributions of fL-L (−14%) and fL-S (−12%), respectively. Our results indicated that fL-L is the major source of GHG fluxes in BF, whereas fL-S dominates GHG fluxes in PF. The results provide a scientific reference for quantifying the contributions of fL-L and fL-S to GHG fluxes during the subtropical forest succession and should be considered in ecosystem models to predict global warming in the future.
Biochar and/or Compost to Enhance Nursery-Produced Seedling Performance: A Potential Tool for Forest Restoration Programs
Authors: Simiele Melissa , De Zio Elena , Montagnoli Antonio , Terzaghi Mattia , Chiatante Donato , Scippa Gabriella Stefania , Trupiano Dalila
Published: April 2022

Today, the use of nursery-produced seedlings is the most widely adopted method in forest restoration processes. To ensure and enhance the performance of transplanting seedlings into a specific area, soil amendments are often used due to their ability to improve soil physicochemical properties and, in turn, plant growth and development. The aim of the present study was to evaluate Populus euramericana growth and development on a growing substrate added with biochar and compost, both alone and in combination. To accomplish this aim, a pot experiment was performed to test biochar and/or compost effects on growing substrate physicochemical characteristics, plant morpho-physiological traits, and plant phenology. The results showed that biochar and/or compost improved growing substrate properties by increasing electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, and nutrient concentrations. On the one hand, these ameliorations accelerated poplar growth and development. On the other hand, amendments did not have positive effects on some plant morphological traits, although compost alone increased plant height, and very fine and fine root length. The combined use of biochar and compost did not show any synergistic or cumulative beneficial effects and led to a reduction in plant growth and development. In conclusion, compost alone seems to be the best solution in both ameliorating substrate characteristics and increasing plant growth, highlighting the great potential for its proper and effective application in large-scale forest restoration strategies.
Somatic Embryogenesis of Pinus sylvestris L. from Parent Genotypes with High- and Low Stilbene Content in Their Heartwood
Authors: Harju Anni , Heiska Susanne , Julkunen-Tiitto Riitta , Venäläinen Martti , Aronen Tuija
Published: April 2022

The increasing concern about ecological impacts of wood preservation chemicals has raised the interest in the natural durability of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) heartwood. Phenolic compounds—stilbenes—have been found to inhibit fungal growth, making heartwood more resistant to decay. There is a strong genetic component in the stilbene content of the heartwood in Scots pine, with a positive correlation between stilbene content in the heartwood of mother trees and their progenies. Vegetative propagation, i.e., somatic embryogenesis (SE) of Scots pine genotypes with high content of stilbenes could provide a way to produce more durable timber, assuming that there is no trade-off between SE propagation and capacity for high stilbene synthesis. To study this, we made SE initiations from parent genotypes with high and low content of stilbenes in their heartwood, using seed embryos from both open-pollinations and controlled crossings as explants. The success of SE was followed from initiation to embling acclimatization, together with measurements of stilbene content in the explants and the established SE lines. The results show that SE can be induced and emblings regenerated from trees with both high and low content of stilbene. Content of stilbenes was generally low in SE cultures and varied widely among the lines. Following the successful initiation, the later phases of SE propagation proceeded with no connection to the parent genotypes or the stilbene level of the ECs and had large variation among SE-lines.
Determinants and Challenges of Community Sand Forest Management in Vietnam
Authors: Tuan Hoang Huy , Minh Nguyen Van , Mai Nguyen Thi Hong , Hang Tran Thi Thuy , Iwanaga Seiji
Published: April 2022

In the inland sandy areas along the central coast of Vietnam, there is a specific type of ecosystem that local people call a sand forest. Over time, despite many economic, political, and social upheavals, local people in some places still maintain these sand forests. In this study, we aimed to investigate the determinants and challenges of community sand forest management in coastal north central Vietnam. For this purpose, we explore insights regarding the changing roles of sand forests in community perception, community challenges, and the role of stakeholders in sand forest management. We then discuss policy implications for sustainable sand forest management. By applying focus group discussions, household surveys, and in-depth interviews, this study found that local people have used village conventions to manage the sand forest for hundreds of years because they have been aware of the role of the sand forest in daily life, especially the spiritual and environmental roles of the sand forest. However, sand forest management is confusing and inefficient due to the neglect of the role of traditional organizations. Along with this, local people face several challenges, such as conflicts over the use of sand forests, and a lack of recognition of the community’s legal rights to such forests. Based on these results, some policy implications are proposed, such as strengthening the participation of related stakeholders, and providing coordination between traditional organizations and local authorities in forest management and conflict management in forest use. It is necessary to promote the allocation of sand forests to local communities so that they have the legal rights to effectively manage and protect their forests and to obtain potential benefits in the future.
Forest Fire Causes and Motivations in the Southern and South-Eastern Europe through Experts’ Perception and Applications to Current Policies
Authors: Tedim Fantina , Leone Vittorio , Lovreglio Raffaella , Xanthopoulos Gavriil , Chas-Amil María-Luisa , Ganteaume Anne , Efe Recep , Royé Dominic , Fuerst-Bjeliš Borna , Nikolov Nikola , Musa Snjezana , Milenković Milan , Correia Fernando , Conedera Marco , Boris Pezzatti Gianni
Published: April 2022

Forest fires causes and motivations are poorly understood in southern and south-eastern Europe. This research aims to identify how experts perceive the different causes of forest fires as defined in the classification proposed by the European Commission in 2013. A panel of experts (N = 271) was gathered from the EU Southern Member States (France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain) and from Central (Switzerland) and south-eastern Europe (Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of North Macedonia, and Turkey). Experts were asked to answer a questionnaire to score the importance of the 29 fire causes using a five point (1–5) Likert Scale. Agricultural burnings received the highest score, followed by Deliberate fire for profit, and Vegetation management. Most of the events stem from Negligence, whereas malicious fire setting is arguably overestimated although there are differences among the countries. This research demonstrates the importance of different techniques to enhance the knowledge of the causes of the complex anthropogenic phenomenon of forest fire occurrence.