bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Newborn Screening for Long-Chain 3-Hydroxyacyl-CoA Dehydrogenase and Mitochondrial Trifunctional Protein Deficiencies Using Acylcarnitines Measurement in Dried Blood Spots—A Systematic Review of Test Accuracy
Authors: Stinton Chris , Fraser Hannah , Geppert Julia , Johnson Rebecca , Connock Martin , Johnson Samantha , Clarke Aileen , Taylor-Phillips Sian
Published: March 2021

Background: Long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD) and mitochondrial trifunctional protein (MTP) deficiencies are rare autosomal recessive fatty acid β-oxidation disorders. Their clinical presentations are variable, and premature death is common. They are included in newborn blood spot screening programs in many countries around the world. The current process of screening, through the measurement of acylcarnitines (a metabolic by-product) in dried blood spots with tandem mass spectrometry, is subject to uncertainty regarding test accuracy.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review of literature published up to 19th June 2018. We included studies that investigated newborn screening for LCHAD or MTP deficiencies by tandem mass spectrometry of acylcarnitines in dried blood spots. The reference standards were urine organic acids, blood acylcarnitine profiles, enzyme analysis in cultured fibroblasts or lymphocytes, mutation analysis, or at least 10-year follow-up. The outcomes of interest were sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). Assessment of titles, abstracts, and full-text papers and quality appraisal were carried out independently by two reviewers. One reviewer extracted study data. This was checked by a second reviewer.

Results: Ten studies provided data on test accuracy. LCHAD or MTP deficiencies were identified in 23 babies. No cases of LCHAD/MTP deficiencies were identified in four studies. PPV ranged from 0% (zero true positives and 28 false positives from 276,565 babies screened) to 100% (13 true positives and zero false positives from 2,037,824 babies screened). Sensitivity, specificity, and NPV could not be calculated as there was no systematic follow-up of babies who screened negative.

Conclusions: Test accuracy estimates of screening for LCHAD and MTP deficiencies with tandem mass spectrometry measurement of acylcarnitines in dried blood were variable in terms of PPVs. Screening methods (including markers and thresholds) varied between studies, and sensitivity, specificity, and NPVs are unknown.
Baicalin Inhibits Ferroptosis in Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Duan Lining , Zhang Ying , Yang Yuna , Su Shiyu , Zhou Ligui , Lo Po-Chieh , Cai Jiaying , Qiao Yiqi , Li Min , Huang Shuiqing , Wang Hong , Mo Yousheng , Wang Qi
Published: March 2021

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a subtype of stroke characterized by high mortality and disability rates. To date, the exact etiology of ICH-induced brain injury is still unclear. Moreover, there is no effective treatment to delay or prevent disease progression currently. Increasing evidence suggests that ferroptosis plays a dominant role in the pathogenesis of ICH injury. Baicalin is a main active ingredient of Chinese herbal medicine Scutellaria baicalensis. It has been reported to exhibit neuroprotective effects against ICH-induced brain injury as well as reduce iron deposition in multiple tissues. Therefore, in this study, we focused on the protective mechanisms of baicalin against ferroptosis caused by ICH using a hemin-induced in vitro model and a Type IV collagenase-induced in vivo model. Our results revealed that baicalin enhanced cell viability and suppressed ferroptosis in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells treated with hemin, erastin and RSL3. Importantly, baicalin showed anti-ferroptosis effect on primary cortical neurons (PCN). Furthermore, baicalin alleviated motor deficits and brain injury in ICH model mice through inhibiting ferroptosis. Additionally, baicalin existed no obvious toxicity towards the liver and kidney of mice. Evidently, ferroptosis is a key pathological feature of ICH and baicalin can prevent the development of ferroptosis in ICH. As such, baicalin is a potential therapeutic drug for ICH treatment.
Synergies and Entanglement in Secondary Cell Wall Development and Abiotic Stress Response in Trees
Authors: Coleman Heather D. , Brunner Amy M. , Tsai Chung-Jui
Published: March 2021

A major challenge for sustainable food, fuel, and fiber production is simultaneous genetic improvement of yield, biomass quality, and resilience to episodic environmental stress and climate change. For Populus and other forest trees, quality traits involve alterations in the secondary cell wall (SCW) of wood for traditional uses, as well as for a growing diversity of biofuels and bioproducts. Alterations in wood properties that are desirable for specific end uses can have negative effects on growth and stress tolerance. Understanding of the diverse roles of SCW genes is necessary for the genetic improvement of fast-growing, short-rotation trees that face perennial challenges in their growth and development. Here, we review recent progress into the synergies and antagonisms of SCW development and abiotic stress responses, particularly, the roles of transcription factors, SCW biogenesis genes, and paralog evolution.
Temporal Loudness Weights Are Frequency Specific
Authors: Fischenich Alexander , Hots Jan , Verhey Jesko , Oberfeld Daniel
Published: March 2021

Previous work showed that the beginning of a sound is more important for the perception of loudness than later parts. When a short silent gap of sufficient duration is inserted into a sound, this primacy effect reoccurs in the second sound part after the gap. The present study investigates whether this temporal weighting occurs independently for different frequency bands. Sounds consisting of two bandpass noises were presented in four different conditions: (1) a simultaneous gap in both bands, (2) a gap in only the lower frequency band, (3) a gap in only the higher frequency band, or (4) no gap. In all conditions, the temporal loudness weights showed a primacy effect at sound onset. For the frequency bands without a gap, the temporal weights decreased gradually across time, regardless of whether the other frequency band did or did not contain a gap. When a frequency band contained a gap, the weight at the onset of this band after the gap was increased. This reoccurrence of the primacy effect following the gap was again largely independent of whether or not the other band contained a gap. Thus, the results indicate that the temporal loudness weights are frequency specific.
The Contributions of Language Skills and Comprehension Monitoring to Chinese Reading Comprehension: A Longitudinal Investigation
Authors: Zhao Aiping , Guo Ying , Sun Shuyan , Lai Mark H. C. , Breit Allison , Li Miao
Published: March 2021

This study examined how vocabulary, syntactic knowledge, and orthographic knowledge are related to comprehension monitoring and whether comprehension monitoring mediates the relations between these language skills and reading comprehension. Eighty-nine Chinese children were assessed on their vocabulary, syntactic knowledge, orthographic knowledge, and comprehension monitoring in Grade 1. Their reading comprehension skills were assessed in Grade 1 and Grade 3. Results showed that in Grade 1, comprehension monitoring mediated the relations between vocabulary and syntactic knowledge and reading comprehension. For Grade 3 reading comprehension, syntactic knowledge in Grade 1 was the only significant predictor. These findings indicate that multiple language skills make direct and indirect contributionsviacomprehension monitoring to Chinese reading comprehension, and the relations would change as children’s reading skills develop.
Mental Health Among School-Going Adolescents in Greater London: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Al-Zawaadi Asmaa , Hesso Iman , Kayyali Reem
Published: March 2021

Objectives: Mental health problems are among the leading causes of health-related disability among children and adolescents worldwide. However, there is still a global challenge in terms of gathering consistent epidemiological information about the issue. The present study was designed to describe various mental health issues and factors associated with negative feelings among adolescents in Greater London.

Methods: This is a cross sectional study, using a self-administered questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha = 0.742). A convenience sampling strategy was used to recruit participants who were school/college-attending adolescents, aged 11–19. A minimum sample size of 199 was required (95% confidence interval, 5% margin of error, and 15.3% population proportion). The study was conducted between February and April 2016 in Greater London. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics including chi square, Spearman correlation, and binary logistic regression were used to identify the key findings. Data analysis was performed using SPSS v21.

Results: A total of 526 out of 1,920 surveys were collected across 18 secondary schools and two colleges, giving a response rate of 27.4%. More than half of the adolescents reported to be either neutral (41.4%), sad (7.8%), or very sad (2.8%), whereas 48% reported to be either happy (35%) or very happy (13%). Difficulties in relationships and hectic schedules were among the most stressful situations affecting adolescents' mental health. Discrimination was identified as the main predicting factor with five-fold increase in odds of having negative mental health symptomatology. Other significant risk factors identified were age, gender, smoking, and health comorbidities.

Conclusion: Discrimination was identified as the most predictive factor influencing negative symptomatology among the study cohort. The study had several limitations, most notably the use of a non-validated surrogate measure for mental health, in addition to the exclusion of adolescents aged 10–11 years, school/college dropouts and non-school-going adolescents. A similar study on a national scale is highly recommended to determine the real magnitude of the problem, which would be the starting point toward proper tackling of mental health issues and associated complexities among the adolescent population across England.
Adjustment to a “New Normal:” Coping Flexibility and Mental Health Issues During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Cheng Cecilia , Wang Hsin-yi , Ebrahimi Omid V.
Published: March 2021

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an unprecedented health crisis in terms of the scope of its impact on well-being. The sudden need to navigate this “new normal” has compromised the mental health of many people. Coping flexibility, defined as the astute deployment of coping strategies to meet specific situational demands, is proposed as an adaptive quality during this period of upheaval. The present study investigated the associations between coping flexibility and two common mental health problems: COVID-19 anxiety and depression. The respondents were 481 Hong Kong adults (41% men; mean age = 45.09) who took part in a population-based telephone survey conducted from April to May 2020. Self-report data were assessed with the Coping Flexibility Interview Schedule, COVID-19-Related Perception and Anxiety Scale, and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Slightly more than half (52%) of the sample met the criteria for probable depression. Four types of COVID-19 anxiety were identified: anxiety over personal health, others' reactions, societal health, and economic problems. The results consistently revealed coping flexibility to be inversely associated with depression and all four types of COVID-19 anxiety. More importantly, there was a significant interaction between perceived likelihood of COVID-19 infection and coping flexibility on COVID-19 anxiety over personal health. These findings shed light on the beneficial role of coping flexibility in adjusting to the “new normal” amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Predicting Real-World Functioning in Schizophrenia: The Relative Contributions of Neurocognition, Functional Capacity, and Negative Symptoms
Authors: Yang Zixu , Lee Soon Hong , Abdul Rashid Nur Amirah , See Yuen Mei , Dauwels Justin , Tan Bhing Leet , Lee Jimmy
Published: March 2021

Neurocognition and functional capacity are commonly reported predictors of real-world functioning in schizophrenia. However, the additional impact of negative symptoms, specifically its subdomains, i.e., diminished expression (DE) and avolition-apathy (AA), on real-world functioning remains unclear. The current study assessed 58 individuals with schizophrenia. Neurocognition was assessed with the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia, functional capacity with the UCSD Performance-based Skills Assessment (UPSA-B), and negative symptoms with the Negative Symptom Assessment-16. Real-world functioning was assessed with the Multnomah Community Ability Scale (MCAS) with employment status as an additional objective outcome. Hierarchical regressions and sequential logistic regressions were used to examine the associations between the variables of interest. The results show that global negative symptoms contribute substantial additional variance in predicting MCAS and employment status above and beyond the variance accounted for by neurocognition and functional capacity. In addition, both AA and DE predict the MCAS after controlling for cognition and functional capacity. Only AA accounts for additional variance in employment status beyond that by UPSA-B. In summary, negative symptoms contribute substantial additional variance in predicting both real-world functioning and employment outcomes after accounting for neurocognition and functional capacity. Our findings emphasize both DE and AA as important treatment targets in functional recovery for people with schizophrenia.
Mood Symptoms, Suicide, and Associated Factors Among Jimma Community. A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tesfaye Yonas , Agenagnew Liyew , Anand Susan , Tucho Gudina Terefe , Birhanu Zewdie , Ahmed Gutema , Getnet Masrie , Yitbarek Kiddus
Published: March 2021

Background: The global burden of mental health problems is high and is predicted to rise. At present, mood symptoms are the foremost common psychological problems worldwide, yet little is known regarding their magnitude and associated factors in developing countries. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of anxiety, depressive, manic symptoms, and suicidal behavior among the rural Jimma community, Ethiopia.

Methods: A community-based quantitative cross-sectional survey was employed on 423 households selected through systematic random sampling. An adapted version of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview tool was used for the structured face-to-face interview. The collected data were checked for completeness, coded, and inserted into Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Variables with P < g0.05 and odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] on multivariate logistic regression analysis were considered as factors associated with the outcome variable.

Results: Overall, 185 (44.0%), 55 (13.1%), 44 (10.5%), and 23 (5.5%) of the respondents had anxiety, depressive, manic symptom, and suicide behavior, respectively. The odds of having anxiety symptoms were nearly 5 times higher among those who had perceived discrimination and racism experience compared to their counterpart [adjusted OR (AOR), 5.02; 95% CI, 1.90–13.26]. Likewise, recently bereaved participants had 4-fold higher odds of reporting depressive symptoms (AOR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.4–10.4) than the non-bereaved ones. Furthermore, respondents who had depressive symptoms were almost four and a half times more likely to have manic symptoms compared to those who did not (AOR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.71–11.02).

Conclusion: Anxiety, depressive, manic symptoms, and suicidal behavior were prevalent in the community and positively associated with multiple psychosocial factors. Implementing accessible and affordable community-based mental health services is recommended to mitigate the problems.
Higher Temperatures, Higher Solar Radiation, and Less Humidity Is Associated With Poor Clinical and Laboratory Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Hachim Mahmood Yaseen , Hachim Ibrahim Y. , Naeem Kashif , Hannawi Haifa , Al Salmi Issa , Hannawi Suad
Published: March 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic varies between countries, with suggestions that weather might contribute to the transmission mode, disease presentation, severity, and clinical outcomes. Yet the exact link between climate and COVID-19 is still not well-explored.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hot geographical region weather [like United Arab Emirates (UAE)] on COVID-19 clinical profile and outcomes. Temperature, wind speed, cloud cover, precipitation, and other weather-related variables were studied concerning COVID-19 patients outcomes and laboratory results.

Methodology: A total of 434 COVID-19 positive patients admitted between January and June 2020, were recruited from Al Kuwait Hospital, Dubai, UAE. Temperature, wind speed, cloud cover, and precipitation rate were retrieved from history+ for the day when COVID-19 patients presented to the hospital. These weather parameters were correlated with COVID-19 clinical and laboratory parameters.

Results: Our results showed that patients needed admission in days with higher temperatures, higher solar radiation, and less humidity were associated with higher deaths. This association can be linked to the association of these weather parameters with age at diagnosis; higher C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil count, white cell count (WCC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP); and lower lymphocyte count, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), hemoglobin (Hb), Na, and albumin, all of which are considered poor prognostic factors for COVID-19.

Conclusion: Our study highlighted the importance of weather-related variables on the dynamics of mortality and clinical outcomes of COVID-19. The hot weather might makes some people, especially those with comorbidities or older ages, develop aggressive inflammation that ends up with complications and mortality.
Physician–Patient Language Discordance and Poor Health Outcomes: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Cano-Ibáñez Naomi , Zolfaghari Yasmin , Amezcua-Prieto Carmen , Khan Khalid Saeed
Published: March 2021

Objective: This systematic review assessed whether physician–patient language concordance, compared with discordance, is associated with better health outcomes.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted, without language restrictions, using PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PsycINFO, from inception to July 2020. We included studies that evaluated the effects of physician–patient language concordance on health outcomes. Articles were screened, selected, and data-extracted in duplicate. Review protocol was prospectively registered (PROSPERO, CRD42020157229).

Results: There were 541 citations identified through databases and eight citations through reverse search and Google Scholar. A total of 15 articles (84,750 participants) were included reporting outcomes within five domains: diabetes care (four studies), inpatient care (five studies), cancer screening (three studies), healthcare counseling (two studies), and mental health care (one study). Ten studies were of good quality, four were fair, and one was poor, according to the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Eight studies (53%) showed a significant negative association between language discordance and at least one clinical outcome. Five studies (33%) found no association.

Conclusion: Over half the evidence collated showed that physician–patient language concordance was associated with better health clinical outcomes.
Towards Understanding Clustering Problems and Algorithms: An Instance Space Analysis
Authors: Fernandes Luiz Henrique dos Santos , Lorena Ana Carolina , Smith-Miles Kate
Published: March 2021

Various criteria and algorithms can be used for clustering, leading to very distinct outcomes and potential biases towards datasets with certain structures. More generally, the selection of the most effective algorithm to be applied for a given dataset, based on its characteristics, is a problem that has been largely studied in the field of meta-learning. Recent advances in the form of a new methodology known as Instance Space Analysis provide an opportunity to extend such meta-analyses to gain greater visual insights of the relationship between datasets’ characteristics and the performance of different algorithms. The aim of this study is to perform an Instance Space Analysis for the first time for clustering problems and algorithms. As a result, we are able to analyze the impact of the choice of the test instances employed, and the strengths and weaknesses of some popular clustering algorithms, for datasets with different structures.
Influence of the Apron Parking Stand Management Policy on Aircraft and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Gaseous Emissions at Airports
Authors: Sznajderman Lucas , Ramírez-Díaz Gabriel , Di Bernardi Carlos A.
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study is to analyze the concept of a hybrid apron with a fixed number of parking positions considering the management model influence for the average delay per aircraft and the gaseous emissions generated by aircraft and ground support equipment (GSE) altogether. The apron is studied based on two gate management models: in the first model, the aircraft are allocated in each gate due to operational factors only; in the second model, the rules of exclusive use of each gate according to the airline are included. The emissions generated by aircraft operations and that of their GSE (produced by the service and movements on the apron) are quantified and compared in the two gate management models: operation in the standard LTO cycle of the studied aircraft, GSE emissions have a similar relation with the compared gasses (NOx and CO), ranging between 1% and 3%. Further, if it compares the emissions between support vehicles and aircraft taking only into account the in-out taxiway, the relation between both CO sources shows similar values to those of the previous comparison, whereas NOx emissions produced by GSE reach an approximately 20%. The study considers different demand conditions obtained from the average day of the peak month of Aeroparque Jorge Newbery airport. Subsequently, through the SIMMOD PLUS software, the aircraft operations are simulated. The gates assignment and the arrival timetables are used as inputs for the GSE study due to an analytical model developed by us. Once the operational dimension is characterized and evaluated, the necessary data to quantify the gaseous emissions from the sources (Aircraft-GSE), based on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines, is obtained.
A Sustainable Approach for Improving Soil Properties and Reducing N2O Emissions Is Possible through Initial and Repeated Biochar Application
Authors: Horák Ján , Kotuš Tatijana , Toková Lucia , Aydın Elena , Igaz Dušan , Šimanský Vladimír
Published: March 2021

Recent findings of changing climate, water scarcity, soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions have brought major challenges to sustainable agriculture worldwide. Biochar application to soil proves to be a suitable solution to these problems. Although the literature presents the pros and cons of biochar application, very little information is available on the impact of repeated application. In this study, we evaluate and discuss the effects of initial and reapplied biochar (both in rates of 0, 10, and 20 t ha−1) combined with N fertilization (at doses of 0, 40, and 80 kg ha−1) on soil properties and N2O emission from Haplic Luvisol in the temperate climate zone (Slovakia). Results showed that biochar generally improved the soil properties such as soil pH(KCl) (p ≤ 0.05; from acidic towards moderately acidic), soil organic carbon (p ≤ 0.05; an increase from 4% to over 100%), soil water availability (an increase from 1% to 15%), saturated hydraulic conductivity (an increase from 5% to 95%). The effects were more significant in the following cases: repeated rather than single biochar application, higher rather than lower biochar application rates, and higher rather than lower N fertilization levels. Initial and repeated biochar applications, leading to N2O emissions reduction, can be related to increased soil pH(KCl).
Using Machine Learning and Hyperspectral Images to Assess Damages to Corn Plant Caused by Glyphosate and to Evaluate Recoverability
Authors: Zhang Ting , Huang Yanbo , Reddy Krishna N. , Yang Pingting , Zhao Xiaohu , Zhang Jingcheng
Published: March 2021

Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in crop production due to the widespread adoption of glyphosate-resistant (GR) crops. However, the spray of glyphosate onto non-target crops from ground or aerial applications can cause severe injury to non-GR corn plants. To evaluate the crop damage of the non-GR corn plants from glyphosate and the recoverability of the damaged plants, we used the hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technique in field experiments with different glyphosate application rates. This study investigated the spectral characteristic of corn plants and assessed the corn plant damage from glyphosate. Based on HSI image analysis, a spectral variation pattern was observed at 1 week after treatment (WAT), 2 WAT, and 3 WAT from the glyphosate-treated non-GR corn plants. It was further found that the corn plants treated with glyphosate rates equal to or higher than 0.5X (X = 0.866 kilograms acid equivalents/hectare (kg ae/ha) represents the recommended spray rate for GR corn) would suffer unrecoverable damage. Using the Jeffries–Matusita distance as the spectral sensitivity criterion, three sensitive bands from the measured spectra were selected to create two spectral indices for crop recoverability differentiation in band ratio and normalization forms, respectively. With the two spectral indices, the corn plants recoverable and unrecoverable from damage were classified with an overall accuracy greater than 95%. Then, three machine learning algorithms (k-nearest neighbors, random forest, and support vector machine) were respectively combined with the successive projections algorithm to create models to relate selected feature spectral bands to glyphosate spray rates. The results indicated that the models achieved reasonable accuracy, especially in the group of recoverable plants. This study illustrated the potential of the hyperspectral imaging technique for evaluating crop damage from herbicides and recoverability of the injured plants using different data analysis and machine learning modeling approaches for practical weed management in crop fields.
A Systematic Review of the Methods of Assessment of Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux in Anaesthetized Dogs
Authors: Fernandez Alasia Anna Carolina , Levionnois Olivier , Raillard Mathieu
Published: March 2021

We reviewed the definitions and methods of assessment of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) in anaesthetized dogs. Three databases were used. Titles and abstracts were screened by two of the authors independently. A total of 22 studies was included in the analysis. The definition of GOR implied the presence of fluids not reaching the mouth or nose in the oesophagus in all studies. Most studies considered a change in pH using oesophageal pH meters as the sole method of assessment. Calibration of the pH probe was inconsistently reported. The position of the tip of the oesophageal probe was inconsistent and not always precisely described. The correct positioning in the intended location was verified in a limited number of studies. Some studies considered that GOR had happened for changes in pH below 4.0 or above 7.5 while others considered that GOR had happened when the pH dropped below 4.0 only. Some studies stated that the pH change had to be sustained for a minimum period of time (20 or 30 s) whereas others did not mention any duration. The variability of definitions and methods of assessment of GOR in anaesthetized dogs precludes meaningful comparison of the findings. Re-evaluation and uniformization of the methods appear necessary.
Clay Minerals Affect the Solubility of Zn and Other Bivalent Cations in the Digestive Tract of Ruminants In Vitro
Authors: Schlattl Maria , Buffler Marzell , Windisch Wilhelm
Published: March 2021

Ruminants ingest large quantities of clay minerals along with inorganic soil constituents in roughages. The layered structure of clay minerals, however, may adsorb cations and may, thus, interfere with the ruminants’ supply of essential trace metals, such as Zn, Mn, Cu, and Fe. As quantitative knowledge about interactions between clay ingestion and essential trace metal metabolism are largely lacking, this in vitro study focussed on the effect of clay on the solubility of dietary Zn and other bivalent trace metals in the digestive tract of ruminants. Therefore, buffered rumen fluid was used for the simulation of ruminal conditions (RC), acidified rumen fluid (pH 2) was used for abomasal conditions (AC), and duodenal chyme was used for duodenal conditions (DC). These media were added with gradient levels of zinc and incubated at 39 °C for 24 h in the absence or presence of clay minerals. Soluble Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe were derived by centrifugation (10,000× g) of incubated media, and the supernatants were analysed. Clay depressed the solubility of added Zn in ruminal (65.3% vs. 16.5%), abomasal (97.7% vs. 33.7%), and duodenal conditions (41.3% vs. 21.1%), the results of which were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Moreover, clay reduced dissolved Cu (µg/mL) (RC: 0.13 vs. 0.10; AC: 0.16 vs. 0.13; DC: 0.10 vs. 0.08) and Mn (µg/mL) (RC: 3.00 vs. 1.80; AC: 5.53 vs. 4.80; DC: 3.18 vs. 1.77) (p < 0.05 in all cases). The presence of clay minerals increased the concentrations of solubilised Fe (µg/mL) in abomasal (1.80 vs. 2.86, p < 0.05) and duodenal conditions (1.76 vs. 2.67; p < 0.05). In total, the present in vitro study demonstrates the potential of clay minerals ingested with ruminant feeds for depressing the solubility of dietary Zn, as well as the depression of dietary Cu and Mn along the passage of the digesta from the rumen until the duodenum. Additionally, clay minerals may release Fe into the digesta.
Usefulness of Maternal and Fetal Parameters for the Prediction of Parturition Date in Dogs
Authors: Siena Giulia , Milani Chiara
Published: March 2021

An accurate parturition timing is of key importance for breeders and veterinarians in order to give professional assistance to parturition in dogs. However, pregnancy length calculated from the breeding date has a wide variability. Different parameters and formulas have been described and calculated, as well as their accuracy which is affected by various factors: stage of pregnancy, litter and maternal size. Therefore, the selection of the most appropriate parameter panel poses the challenge of weighing their influences and impact on the overall accuracy. The aim of this review is to analyze the parameters useful for parturition timing, especially their accuracy, and to propose the addition of fetal maturity and criteria for its evaluation to detect readiness for parturition. Parameters, as described in literature, are classified as: (i) maternal parameters, (ii) fetal parameters, (iii) ultrasonographic assessment of maternal and fetal heart rate and blood flow, (iv) parameters indicating fetal maturity. A focus on recently described parameters—such as fetal gastrointestinal motility and fetal lung development detected by quantitative ultrasound—is reported. Currently, the most accurate way to predict parturition day is represented by a prepartum progesterone drop, but the identification of a panel of ultrasonographic parameters combining their significance and their accuracy throughout pregnancy is still needed.
Effects of Milk Storage Temperature at the Farm on the Characteristics of Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese: Chemical Composition and Proteolysis
Authors: Franceschi Piero , Malacarne Massimo , Formaggioni Paolo , Faccia Michele , Summer Andrea
Published: March 2021

Parmigiano Reggiano is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheese whose official production protocol provides that milk cannot be stored at less than 18 °C at the farm. The possibility of refrigerating milk at the farm is highly debated, since it should allow for the limiting of bacterial growth, thus improving the quality of the cheese. The present research aimed to study the influence of storing the milk at 9 °C on the chemical composition and proteolysis during the ripening of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. The experimentation considered six cheese-making trials, in which both evening and morning milks were subdivided into two parts that were maintained at 9 and 20 °C. After Parmigiano Reggiano cheese-making, one of the twin wheels obtained was analyzed after 21 months of ripening. From each cheese, two different samples were taken, one from the inner zone, and the other from the outer zone. The results of the chemical analyses evidenced that milk storage at 9 °C significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influenced fat, crude protein, soluble nitrogen and peptone nitrogen contents. Nevertheless, the differences observed with respect to the cheese obtained with milk stored under standard condition were very small and should be considered within the “normal variations” of Parmigiano Reggiano chemical characteristics.
Analysis and Design of a Leading Edge with Morphing Capabilities for the Wing of a Regional Aircraft—Gapless Chord- and Camber-Increase for High-Lift Performance
Authors: Contell Asins Conchin , Landersheim Volker , Laveuve Dominik , Adachi Seiji , May Michael , Wacker Jens-David , Decker Julia
Published: March 2021

In order to contribute to achieving noise and emission reduction goals, Fraunhofer and Airbus deal with the development of a morphing leading edge (MLE) as a high lift device for aircraft. Within the European research program “Clean Sky 2”, a morphing leading edge with gapless chord- and camber-increase for high-lift performance was developed. The MLE is able to morph into two different aerofoils—one for cruise and one for take-off/landing, the latter increasing lift and stall angle over the former. The shape flexibility is realised by a carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) skin optimised for bending and a sliding contact at the bottom. The material is selected in terms of type, thickness, and lay-up including ply-wise fibre orientation based on numerical simulation and material tests. The MLE is driven by an internal electromechanical actuation system. Load introduction into the skin is realised by span-wise stringers, which require specific stiffness and thermal expansion properties for this task. To avoid the penetration of a bird into the front spar of the wing in case of bird strike, a bird strike protection structure is proposed and analysed. In this paper, the designed MLE including aerodynamic properties, composite skin structure, actuation system, and bird strike behaviour is described and analysed.
Special Issue on “Sports Performance and Health”
Authors: Supej Matej , Spörri Jörg
Published: March 2021

Sports performance is primarily perceived to be associated with elite sport, where athletes strive for a place on the podium, with the most prestigious result probably being an Olympic gold medal [...]
Polylactic Acid and Polycaprolactone Blended Cosmetic Microneedle for Transdermal Hispidin Delivery System
Authors: Lee Seungyeon , Lee Jihye , Choi Kanghyun , Kim Hyoseon , Park Youngkum , Yoon Juhee , Kim June Hyun , Ryu Seongwoo
Published: March 2021

Microneedles (MNs) are a new system of effective drug delivery that create micron-sized pathways to the epidermis or upper dermis regions of the skin. In this study, we developed coated-type microneedles for direct hispidin delivery to the skin. Hispidin is a well-known plant-derived antioxidant component showing antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antiangiogenic, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and immunomodulatory activities. Polymeric blends of polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) were casted as MNs to enhance skin permeability. PLA/PCL MNs exhibited the highest strength of 51.26 MPa with a width of ~200 ųm. Hispidin was directly coated onto the MNs with PLA/PCL blends to form delivery layers. Compared to the hispidin-only delivery layer, skin permeability of hispidin increased by over 50% when using agarose gel in in vitro tests. In a dose-dependent manner, hispidin coated on PLA/PCL MNs also showed a brightening effect, as well as anti-inflammatory activity at the gene and protein level in skin cell culture experiments. It also demonstrated antimicrobial activity, and showed no cytotoxicity to skin cells. These results suggest that the PLA/PCL MN system with hispidin may have great potential as a prototype platform for various drug delivery systems, allowing the development of more effective subcutaneous delivery of vaccines, oligonucleotides, insulin, and many other cosmetic applications.
Antibiotics Modulate Intestinal Regeneration
Authors: Díaz-Díaz Lymarie M. , Rosario-Meléndez Natalia , Rodríguez-Villafañe Andrea , Figueroa-Vega Yariel Y. , Pérez-Villafañe Omar A. , Colón-Cruz Angela M. , Rodríguez-Sánchez Paola I. , Cuevas-Cruz Julio M. , Malavez-Cajigas Sonya J. , Maldonado-Chaar Sergio M. , García-Arrarás José E.
Published: March 2021

The increased antibiotics usage in biomedical and agricultural settings has been well documented. Antibiotics have now been shown to exert effects outside their purposive use, including effects on physiological and developmental processes. We explored the effect of various antibiotics on intestinal regeneration in the sea cucumber Holothuria glaberrima. For this, holothurians were eviscerated and left to regenerate for 10 days in seawater with different penicillin/streptomycin-based cocktails (100 µg/mL PS) including: 100 µg/mL kanamycin (KPS), 5 µg/mL vancomycin (VPS), and 4 µg/mL (E4PS) or 20 µg/mL (E20PS) erythromycin. Immunohistological and histochemical analyses were performed to analyze regenerative processes, including rudiment size, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, cell proliferation, and muscle dedifferentiation. A reduction in muscle dedifferentiation was observed in all antibiotic-treated animals. ECM remodeling was decreased by VPS, E4PS, and E20PS treatments. In addition, organisms subjected to E20PS displayed a significant reduction in the size of their regenerating rudiments while VPS exposure altered cell proliferation. MTT assays were used to discard the possibility that the antibiotics directly affect holothurian metabolic activity while bacterial cultures were used to test antibiotic effects on holothurian enteric microbiota. Our results demonstrate a negative effect on intestinal regeneration and strongly suggest that these effects are due to alterations in the microbial community.
Changes in 25-(OH) Vitamin D Levels during the SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak: Lockdown-Related Effects and First-to-Second Wave Difference—An Observational Study from Northern Italy
Authors: Ferrari Davide , Locatelli Massimo , Faraldi Martina , Lombardi Giovanni
Published: March 2021

Background. We investigated the changes in 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25-(OH)D] concentrations values, during the first and the second pandemic waves and the impact of the lockdown periods, with their different approaches to home confinement, among different age groups. Methods. Daily cloud-modified vitamin D UV dose (UVDVC), for the area of interest (Milano, Italy), was obtained. Single-center 25-(OH)D determinations from 40,996 individuals in a 2019 (pre-pandemic), 32,355 individuals from 1 January to 31 August 2020 (containing the first pandemic wave) and 27,684 individuals from 1 June to 30 November 2020 (containing the second wave) were compared to investigate both the effect of the lockdown on vitamin D status and the association between 25-(OH)D and SARS-CoV-2 positivity. Results. No direct association was found between UVDVC, 25-(OH)D status and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The stringent confinement implemented during the first wave lockdown has not had any effect on 25-(OH)D status, although some peculiar time-restricted profile behaviors can be deduced, possibly due to vitamin D supplementation habits and features of those patients who presented to the hospital during the lockdown period. Conclusions. Although our data do not suggest any direct relationship between 25-(OH)D status, sun exposure, and SARS-CoV-2 infection, an indirect protective role cannot be excluded.
Age-Related Palatal Wound Healing: An Experimental In Vivo Study
Authors: Chaushu Liat , Atzil Svetlana , Vered Marilena , Chaushu Gavriel , Matalon Shlomo , Weinberg Evgeny
Published: March 2021

We assessed age-related excisional palatal mucoperiosteal wound closure in rats. A 4.2 mm diameter punch was used to create a secondary healing defect in the palate of Wistar rats. Study group—21, 18-month-old vs. control 21, 2-month-old males. The 2-dimensional area, maximum length and width of the soft tissue defect served as clinical outcome parameters. The dynamics of the initial three healing weeks were assessed. Semi-quantitative histomorphometric analysis of inflammation and myofibroblasts served for the evaluation of the inflammatory and proliferative wound healing phases. Complete wound closure was faster in the old rats. A dimensional related wound closure was observed in the young rats versus a symmetrical wound closure in the old rats. Inflammatory response was significantly delayed and of lower intensity in the old rats. Myofibroblastic response, representing the proliferative stage, was delayed and of lower intensity in the old rats, albeit not statistically significant. Reduced initial tissue damage due to decreased and delayed inflammatory response in the old rats ultimately led to faster clinical wound healing compared to the young rats, despite a statistically non-significant lower proliferative response in the old rats.
Comprehensive Virtual Screening of the Antiviral Potentialities of Marine Polycyclic Guanidine Alkaloids against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
Authors: El-Demerdash Amr , Metwaly Ahmed M. , Hassan Afnan , Abd El-Aziz Tarek Mohamed , Elkaeed Eslam B. , Eissa Ibrahim H. , Arafa Reem K. , Stockand James D.
Published: March 2021

The huge global expansion of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel SARS-corona virus-2 is an extraordinary public health emergency. The unavailability of specific treatment against SARS-CoV-2 infection necessitates the focus of all scientists in this direction. The reported antiviral activities of guanidine alkaloids encouraged us to run a comprehensive in silico binding affinity of fifteen guanidine alkaloids against five different proteins of SARS-CoV-2, which we investigated. The investigated proteins are COVID-19 main protease (Mpro) (PDB ID: 6lu7), spike glycoprotein (PDB ID: 6VYB), nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (PDB ID: 6VYO), membrane glycoprotein (PDB ID: 6M17), and a non-structural protein (nsp10) (PDB ID: 6W4H). The binding energies for all tested compounds indicated promising binding affinities. A noticeable superiority for the pentacyclic alkaloids particularly, crambescidin 786 (5) and crambescidin 826 (13) has been observed. Compound 5 exhibited very good binding affinities against Mpro (ΔG = −8.05 kcal/mol), nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (ΔG = −6.49 kcal/mol), and nsp10 (ΔG = −9.06 kcal/mol). Compound 13 showed promising binding affinities against Mpro (ΔG = −7.99 kcal/mol), spike glycoproteins (ΔG = −6.95 kcal/mol), and nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (ΔG = −8.01 kcal/mol). Such promising activities might be attributed to the long ω-fatty acid chain, which may play a vital role in binding within the active sites. The correlation of c Log P with free binding energies has been calculated. Furthermore, the SAR of the active compounds has been clarified. The Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) studies were carried out in silico for the 15 compounds; most examined compounds showed optimal to good range levels of ADMET aqueous solubility, intestinal absorption and being unable to pass blood brain barrier (BBB), non-inhibitors of CYP2D6, non-hepatotoxic, and bind plasma protein with a percentage less than 90%. The toxicity of the tested compounds was screened in silico against five models (FDA rodent carcinogenicity, carcinogenic potency TD50, rat maximum tolerated dose, rat oral LD50, and rat chronic lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL)). All compounds showed expected low toxicity against the tested models. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were also carried out to confirm the stable binding interactions of the most promising compounds, 5 and 13, with their targets. In conclusion, the examined 15 alkaloids specially 5 and 13 showed promising docking, ADMET, toxicity and MD results which open the door for further investigations for them against SARS-CoV-2.
A Biorefinery Approach to the Biomass of the Seaweed Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey Suringar, 1873): Obtaining Phlorotannins-Enriched Extracts for Wound Healing
Authors: Ferreira Carolina A. M. , Félix Rafael , Félix Carina , Januário Adriana P. , Alves Nuno , Novais Sara C. , Dias Juliana R. , Lemos Marco F. L.
Published: March 2021

Brown seaweeds are recognized sources of compounds with a wide range of properties and applications. Within these compounds, phlorotannins are known to possess several bioactivities (e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial) with potential to improve wound healing. To obtain phlorotannins enriched extracts from Undaria pinnatifida, a biorefinery was set using low-cost industry-friendly methodologies, such as sequential solid–liquid extraction and liquid–liquid extraction. The obtained extracts were screened for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against five common wound pathogens and for their anti-inflammatory potential. The ethanolic wash fraction (wE100) had the highest antioxidant activity (114.61 ± 10.04 mmol·mg−1 extract by Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 6.56 ± 1.13 mM eq. Fe II·mg−1 extract by and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP)), acting efficiently against Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria, and showing a nitric oxide production inhibition over 47% when used at 0.01 µg·mL−1. NMR and FTIR chemical characterization suggested that phlorotannins are present. Obtained fraction wE100 proved to be a promising candidate for further inclusion as wound healing agents, while the remaining fractions analyzed are potential sources for other biotechnological applications, giving emphasis to a biorefinery and circular economy framework to add value to this seaweed and the industry.
Specific Detection of Influenza A and B Viruses by CRISPR-Cas12a-Based Assay
Authors: Park Bum Ju , Park Man Seong , Lee Jae Myun , Song Yoon Jae
Published: March 2021

A rapid and accurate on-site diagnostic test for pathogens including influenza viruses is critical for preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Two types of influenza virus, A and B cause seasonal flu epidemics, whereas type A can cause influenza pandemics. To specifically detect influenza A (IAV) and B (IBV) viruses, we developed a clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) system-based assay. By coupling reverse transcription recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) and reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP), a CRISPR-Cas12a DNA endonuclease-targeted CRISPR trans-reporter (DETECTR) detected IAV and IBV titers as low as 1 × 100 plaque forming units (PFUs) per reaction without exhibiting cross-reactivity. Only 75 to 85 min were required to detect IAV and IBV, depending on isothermal nucleic acid amplification methods, and results were verified using a lateral flow strip assay that does not require additional analytic equipment. Taken together, our findings establish RT-RPA and RT-LAMP-coupled DETECTR-based diagnostic tests for rapid, specific and high-sensitivity detection of IAV and IBV using fluorescence and lateral flow assays. The diagnostic test developed in this study can be used to distinguish IAV and IBV infections, a capability that is necessary for monitoring and preventing the spread of influenza epidemics and pandemics.