bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Rearing Strategies on the Metabolizable Energy and SID Lysine Partitioning in Pigs Growing from 90 to 200 kg in Body Weight
Authors: Schiavon Stefano , Malgwi Isaac Hyeladi , Giannuzzi Diana , Galassi Gianluca , Rapetti Luca , Carnier Paolo , Halas Veronika , Gallo Luigi
Published: March 2022

The current nutrient recommendations focus on pigs fed ad libitum up to 140 kg in body weight (BW). It remains unclear whether this applies to pigs weighing above 140 kg in BW under different rearing conditions. This study aimed to estimate protein (Pd) and lipid (Ld) depositions and the metabolizable energy (ME), standardized ileal digestible lysine (SID lysine) requirement and partitioning in 224 C21 Goland pigs (90–200 kg in BW). The control pigs (C) received diets limiting ME up to 170 kg in slaughter weight (SW) at 9 months of age (SA); older (OA) pigs had restricted diets limiting ME and SID lysine up to 170 kg in SW at >9 months SA; younger (YA) pigs were fed nonlimited amounts of ME and SID lysine up to 170 kg in SW at <9 months SA; and greater weight (GW) pigs were fed as the YA group, with 9 months SA at >170 kg in SW. The estimated MEm averaged 1.03 MJ/kg0.60. An 11% increase in MEm was observed in OA pigs compared to the controls. Energy restriction had negligible effects on the estimated MEm. The marginal efficiency of SID lysine utilization for Pd averaged 0.725, corresponding to a SID lysine requirement of 9.8 g/100 g Pd.
Automated Video-Based Analysis Framework for Behavior Monitoring of Individual Animals in Zoos Using Deep Learning—A Study on Polar Bears
Authors: Zuerl Matthias , Stoll Philip , Brehm Ingrid , Raab René , Zanca Dario , Kabri Samira , Happold Johanna , Nille Heiko , Prechtel Katharina , Wuensch Sophie , Krause Marie , Seegerer Stefan , von Fersen Lorenzo , Eskofier Bjoern
Published: March 2022

The monitoring of animals under human care is a crucial tool for biologists and zookeepers to keep track of the animals’ physical and psychological health. Additionally, it enables the analysis of observed behavioral changes and helps to unravel underlying reasons. Enhancing our understanding of animals ensures and improves ex situ animal welfare as well as in situ conservation. However, traditional observation methods are time- and labor-intensive, as they require experts to observe the animals on-site during long and repeated sessions and manually score their behavior. Therefore, the development of automated observation systems would greatly benefit researchers and practitioners in this domain. We propose an automated framework for basic behavior monitoring of individual animals under human care. Raw video data are processed to continuously determine the position of the individuals within the enclosure. The trajectories describing their travel patterns are presented, along with fundamental analysis, through a graphical user interface (GUI). We evaluate the performance of the framework on captive polar bears (Ursus maritimus). We show that the framework can localize and identify individual polar bears with an F1 score of 86.4%. The localization accuracy of the framework is 19.9±7.6 cm, outperforming current manual observation methods. Furthermore, we provide a bounding-box-labeled dataset of the two polar bears housed in Nuremberg Zoo.
In Silico Tools for Analysis of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Bovine Transferrin Gene
Authors: Ali Aarif , Rehman Muneeb U. , Ahmad Syed Mudasir , Mehraj Tabish , Hussain Ishraq , Nadeem Ahmed , Mir Manzoor Ur Rahman , Ganie Showkat Ahmad
Published: March 2022

Dairy cattle with a high milk yield are susceptible to many infectious diseases, such as mastitis. Subclinical mastitis (SCM) is the most prevalent form of mastitis that predominantly affects animal health, and causes adverse effects on the quality and quantity of milk. In dairy animals, subclinical mastitis often remains undetected, as no gross changes in udder characteristics are visible. In the present study, 135 Holstein Friesian dairy animals were selected and screened as healthy (n = 25) and mastitic (n = 110) based on diagnostic tests such as the California mastitis test, pH, electrical conductivity, and somatic cell count. In this study, the somatic cell count was used as a gold-standard test in differentiating subclinical mastitis animals from healthy ones. The present study was carried out to study polymorphisms in the bovine transferrin gene in cows (with subclinical mastitis and healthy). For the early detection of resistant/or susceptible animals, a useful marker could be provided by the detection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the transferrin gene, which are often associated with mammary innate immune response. The sequencing results revealed three nucleotide substitutions: two transversions (230 A > C, 231 C > A) and one transition (294 A > G) in susceptible cows as compared to disease-free subjects. The nucleotide variations at position 230 (GAC > GCA) and 231 (GAC > GCA) were nonsynonymous, and corresponded to an amino acid change from aspartic acid to alanine; whereas at position 294 (GAA > GAG), the mutation was synonymous. In the present study, many in silico tools were taken into consideration to determine the effect of SNPs on protein structure and function. The PROVEAN tool found the amino acid substitution to be neutral and deleterious. PolyPhen-2 revealed the amino acid variations at positions 320 and 321 to most likely be damaging; and at the 341 position, the variations were benign. The I-Mutant and MUpro tools found that the protein stability decreased for nonsynonymous variations. The SIFT tool revealed the protein function was likely to be affected in nonsynonymous variations, with no change in the case of synonymous ones. Phylogenetic analysis of the bovine transferrin gene revealed a close relation of the CA allele with the Bos taurus transferrin, while the G allele was closely related to a cross of Bos indicus × Bos taurus serotransferrins, followed by the Bison bison transferrin. The least relation was shown by both alleles to Capra hircus, Ovis aries, and Bubalus bubalis.
Comparison of the Effect of Synthetic (Tannic Acid) or Natural (Oak Bark Extract) Hydrolysable Tannins Addition on Fatty Acid Profile in the Rumen of Sheep
Authors: Majewska Małgorzata P. , Miltko Renata , Bełżecki Grzegorz , Kędzierska Aneta , Kowalik Barbara
Published: March 2022

The aim of the study was to compare two sources of tannins on fatty acids (FA) composition in rumen. Treatments were (g tannins/kg diet as-feed-basis) as follows: (1) no supplemental tannin addition (CON), (2) addition of 13 g of oak bark extract (OAK), and (3) 4 g of tannic acid (TAN). The basal diet contained 55:45 forage to concentrate ratio. Net consumption of tannins (g/d) was 4 g for both tannins sources. The study was performed on three Polish Mountain ewes fitted with rumen cannulas, and was divided into three experimental periods (I, II, and III). Both sampling time and animal diet had a significant effect on FA profile in the rumen fluid. In general, FA concentrations were higher before feeding in comparison to samples collected 2 and 4 h after feeding. In terms of dietary effect, it was shown that TAN addition had a greater influence on FA profile in the ruminal fluid than the OAK diet. Briefly, in the TAN group significantly increased concentrations of C18:2 c9c12 (linoleic acid, LA) 8 h after feeding (vs. control, CON and OAK), C18:3 c9c12c15 (α-linolenic acid, LNA) 4 h after feeding (vs. OAK), C20:3 n-6 before feeding (vs. CON), C20:4 before feeding (vs. CON and OAK) and 8 h after feeding (vs. OAK) were recorded. In contrast, OAK addition significantly reduced C20:3 n-6 concentration 2 h after feeding (vs. CON). In conclusion, increased concentrations of both LA and LNA in the rumen indicated that supplemental tannic acid may inhibit the initial stage of FA biohydrogenation in the rumen.
Animal Biomonitoring for the Surveillance of Environment Affected by the Presence of Slight Contamination by β-HCH
Authors: Bocedi Alessio , Lai Olga , Cattani Giada , Roncoroni Cristina , Gambardella Giorgia , Notari Sara , Tancredi Francesco , Bitonti Giuseppe , Calabrò Serena , Ricci Giorgio
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of hidden environmental pollution on some blood parameters of sheep to detect susceptible biomarkers able to reveal slight contamination. Four dairy sheep farms, two with semi-extensive and two with intensive type systems were involved in this study. Two farms in different systems were chosen as properly located in a southern area of Latium (Italy), close to the Sacco River, in which contamination with β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) occurred in the past due to industrial waste. A recent study established the presence of low but detectable residual contamination in these areas. The other two farms were outside the contaminated area. Erythrocyte glutathione transferase (e-GST) and oxidative stress parameters were monitored as well as some immune response and metabolic profile parameters throughout the investigated period of four months. The present study showed a relevant and significant increase in e-GST (+63%) in the extensive farming system of the contaminated area, whereas some immune response biomarkers, i.e., white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and lysozyme resulted within the physiological range. In all farms, oxidative stress and acute phase response parameters were also within the physiological range. Our results suggest that e-GST is a very effective alarm signal to reveal “hidden” persistent contamination by β-HCH, and reasonably, by many other different dangerous pollutants.
No-Reference Image Quality Assessment Based on Image Multi-Scale Contour Prediction
Authors: Wang Fan , Chen Jia , Zhong Haonan , Ai Yibo , Zhang Weidong
Published: March 2022

Accurately assessing image quality is a challenging task, especially without a reference image. Currently, most of the no-reference image quality assessment methods still require reference images in the training stage, but reference images are usually not available in real scenes. In this paper, we proposed a model named MSIQA inspired by biological vision and a convolution neural network (CNN), which does not require reference images in the training and testing phases. The model contains two modules, a multi-scale contour prediction network that simulates the contour response of the human optic nerve to images at different distances, and a central attention peripheral inhibition module inspired by the receptive field mechanism of retinal ganglion cells. There are two steps in the training stage. In the first step, the multi-scale contour prediction network learns to predict the contour features of images in different scales, and in the second step, the model combines the central attention peripheral inhibition module to learn to predict the quality score of the image. In the experiments, our method has achieved excellent performance. The Pearson linear correlation coefficient of the MSIQA model test on the LIVE database reached 0.988.
Automation System for the Flexible Sample Preparation for Quantification of Δ9-THC-D3, THC-OH and THC-COOH from Serum, Saliva and Urine
Authors: Bach Anna , Fleischer Heidi , Wijayawardena Bhagya , Thurow Kerstin
Published: March 2022

In the life sciences, automation solutions are primarily established in the field of drug discovery. However, there is also an increasing need for automated solutions in the field of medical diagnostics, e.g., for the determination of vitamins, medication or drug abuse. While the actual metrological determination is highly automated today, the necessary sample preparation processes are still mainly carried out manually. In the laboratory, flexible solutions are required that can be used to determine different target substances in different matrices. A suitable system based on an automated liquid handler was implemented. It has been tested and validated for the determination of three cannabinoid metabolites in blood, urine and saliva. To extract Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-D3 (Δ9-THC-D3), 11-hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-OH) and 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH) from serum, urine and saliva both rapidly and cost-effectively, three sample preparation methods automated with a liquid handling robot are presented in this article, the basic framework of which is an identical SPE method so that they can be quickly exchanged against each other when the matrix is changed. If necessary, the three matrices could also be prepared in parallel. For the sensitive detection of analytes, protein precipitation is used when preparing serum before SPE and basic hydrolysis is used for urine to cleave the glucuronide conjugate. Recoveries of developed methods are >77%. Coefficients of variation are <4%. LODs are below 1 ng/mL and a comparison with the manual process shows a significant cost reduction.
Uncertainty Theory-Based Structural Reliability Analysis and Design Optimization under Epistemic Uncertainty
Authors: Zhou Shuang , Zhang Jianguo , Zhang Qingyuan , Huang Ying , Wen Meilin
Published: March 2022

Reliability analysis and trade-offs between safety and cost with insufficient data represent an inevitable problem during the early stage of structural design. In this paper, efficient uncertainty theory-based reliability analysis and a design method are proposed under epistemic uncertainty. The factors influencing the structure are regarded as uncertain variables. Based on this, a new metric termed uncertain measure is employed to define an uncertainty reliability indicator (URI) for estimating the reliable degree of structure. Two solving methods, namely, the crisp equivalent analytical method and uncertain simulation (US) method, are introduced to calculate the URI and acquire reliability. Thereafter, a URI-based design optimization (URBDO) model is constructed with target reliability constraints. To solve the URBDO model and obtain optimal solutions, crisp equivalent programming and a genetic-algorithm combined US approach are developed. Four physical examples are solved to verify the adaptability and advantage of the established model and corresponding solving techniques.
An Enhanced Neural Word Embedding Model for Transfer Learning
Authors: Kowsher Md. , Sobuj Md. Shohanur Islam , Shahriar Md. Fahim , Prottasha Nusrat Jahan , Arefin Mohammad Shamsul , Dhar Pranab Kumar , Koshiba Takeshi
Published: March 2022

Due to the expansion of data generation, more and more natural language processing (NLP) tasks are needing to be solved. For this, word representation plays a vital role. Computation-based word embedding in various high languages is very useful. However, until now, low-resource languages such as Bangla have had very limited resources available in terms of models, toolkits, and datasets. Considering this fact, in this paper, an enhanced BanglaFastText word embedding model is developed using Python and two large pre-trained Bangla models of FastText (Skip-gram and cbow). These pre-trained models were trained on a collected large Bangla corpus (around 20 million points of text data, in which every paragraph of text is considered as a data point). BanglaFastText outperformed Facebook’s FastText by a significant margin. To evaluate and analyze the performance of these pre-trained models, the proposed work accomplished text classification based on three popular textual Bangla datasets, and developed models using various machine learning classical approaches, as well as a deep neural network. The evaluations showed a superior performance over existing word embedding techniques and the Facebook Bangla FastText pre-trained model for Bangla NLP. In addition, the performance in the original work concerning these textual datasets provides excellent results. A Python toolkit is proposed, which is convenient for accessing the models and using the models for word embedding, obtaining semantic relationships word-by-word or sentence-by-sentence; sentence embedding for classical machine learning approaches; and also the unsupervised finetuning of any Bangla linguistic dataset.
A Compensation Strategy Using an H∞ Control Law for a Multi-Time-Delay Control System
Authors: Chen Chaojun , Teng Jun , Li Zuohua , Lin Beichun
Published: March 2022

The joint work of multiple subsystems in an active mass damper/driver (AMD) system solves the problems that the excessive weight and the insufficient driving capacity exist in the AMD system with an auxiliary mass. However, each subsystem has its own time delay, which is caused by inherent equipment defects. As a result, each subsystem works asynchronously, which reduces the performance of the whole system. It is necessary to take into account its multi-time-delay characteristics. Firstly, a four-layer frame is constructed for analyzing the impact of multi-time-delay on the output of control parameters. Then, a new compensation gain is designed by an H∞ control law. Finally, the proposed methodology is used in the above experimental system, and the performance is verified by the control indexes. The results manifest that the proposed controller enhances the performance of the multi-time-delay control system.
Distributed Grouping Cooperative Dynamic Task Assignment Method of UAV Swarm
Authors: Qin Boyu , Zhang Dong , Tang Shuo , Wang Mengyang
Published: March 2022

Aiming at the problem of UAV swarms with distributed subsets performing cooperative reconnaissance-and-attack tasks on multi-targets in complex and uncertain combat scenarios, a distributed grouping cooperative dynamic task assignment method is proposed based on extended contract network protocol. The dynamic task assignment model for the UAV swarm with the topology of distributed subsets is established considering multiple constraints such as task cooperation, performing sequence, dynamic environment, communication topology, payload model, and UAV capability. According to the characteristics of multi-participants and multi-tasks in the process of UAV swarm executing tasks, the determination mechanism on cooperators and the selection mechanism of sequential tasks are proposed, and then the contract network protocol is extended. On the basis of the above, an event-triggered task assignment strategy for dynamic tasks is designed. The simulated results show that the proposed method can achieve the cooperative dynamic assignment of the UAV swarm to perform reconnaissance-and-attack tasks to multi-targets in complex and uncertain combat scenarios, improve the adaptiveness of the swarm under the sudden circumstance, and realize the optimization for task execution efficiency of the UAV swarm.
Recycled Polyethylene Fibres for Structural Concrete
Authors: Sainz-Aja Jose A. , Sanchez Marcos , Gonzalez Laura , Tamayo Pablo , Garcia del Angel Gilberto , Aghajanian Ali , Diego Soraya , Thomas Carlos
Published: March 2022

Modern society demands more sustainable and economical construction elements. One of the available options for manufacturing this type of element is the valorisation of end-of-life waste, such as, for example, the recycling of polymers used in industry. The valorisation of these wastes reduces costs and avoids the pollution generated by their landfill disposal. With the aim of helping to obtain this type of material, this work describes a methodology for recycling polyethylene for the manufacture of fibres that will later be used as reinforcement for structural concrete. These fibres are manufactured using an injection moulding machine. Subsequently, their physical and mechanical properties are measured and compared with those of the material before it is crushed and injected. The aim of this comparison is to evaluate the recycling process and analyse the reduction of the physical-mechanical properties of the recycled polyethylene in the process. Finally, to determine the properties of the fibre concrete, three types of concrete were produced: a control concrete, a reinforced concrete with 2 kg/m3 of fibres, and a reinforced concrete with 4 kg/m3 of fibres. The results show an enhancement of mechanical properties when the fibres are incorporated, particularly the tensile strength; and they also show excellent performance controlling cracking in concrete.
Enhanced Electrodesorption Performance via Cathode Potential Extension during Capacitive Deionization
Authors: Fu Jie , Wang Haifang , Jin Riya , Liu Pengxiao , Li Ying , Wang Yunyan , Wang Qingwei , Sun Zhumei
Published: March 2022

Complete desorption of contaminants from electrode materials is required for the efficient utilization and long service life of capacitive deionization (CDI) but remains a major challenge. The electrodesorption capacity of CDI in the conventional electrode configuration is limited by the narrow electrochemical stability window of water, which lowers the operating potential to approximately 1.2 V. Here, we report a graphite anode–titanium cathode electrode configuration that extends the cathode potential to −1.7 V and provides an excellent (100%) electrodesorption performance, which is maintained after five cycles. The improvement of the cathode potential depends on the redox property of the electrode. The stronger the oxidizability of the anode and reducibility of the cathode, the wider the cathode potential. The complete desorption potential of SO42− predicted by theoretical electrochemistry was the foundation for optimizing the electrode configuration. The desorption efficiency of Cl− depended on the ionic strength and was negligibly affected by circulating velocities above 112 mL min−1. This work can direct the design optimizations of CDI devices, especially for reactors undergoing chemisorption during the electrosorption process.
Cell Shortening and Calcium Homeostasis Analysis in Adult Cardiomyocytes via a New Software Tool
Authors: Fassina Lorenzo , Assenza Maria Rita , Miragoli Michele , Isidori Andrea M. , Naro Fabio , Barbagallo Federica
Published: March 2022

Intracellular calcium (Ca2+) is the central regulator of heart contractility. Indeed, it couples the electrical signal, which pervades the myocardium, with cardiomyocytes contraction. Moreover, alterations in calcium management are the main factors contributing to the mechanical and electrical dysfunction observed in failing hearts. So, simultaneous analysis of the contractile function and intracellular Ca2+ is indispensable to evaluate cardiomyocytes activity. Intracellular Ca2+ variations and fraction shortening are commonly studied with fluorescent Ca2+ indicator dyes associated with microscopy techniques. However, tracking and dealing with multiple files manually is time-consuming and error-prone and often requires expensive apparatus and software. Here, we announce a new, user-friendly image processing and analysis tool, based on ImageJ-Fiji/MATLAB® software, to evaluate the major cardiomyocyte functional parameters. We succeeded in analyzing fractional cell shortening, Ca2+ transient amplitude, and the kinematics/dynamics parameters of mouse isolated adult cardiomyocytes. The proposed method can be applied to evaluate changes in the Ca2+ cycle and contractile behavior in genetically or pharmacologically induced disease models, in drug screening and other common applications to assess mammalian cardiomyocyte functions.
Zika M—A Potential Viroporin: Mutational Study and Drug Repurposing
Authors: Tomar Prabhat Pratap Singh , Krugliak Miriam , Singh Anamika , Arkin Isaiah T.
Published: March 2022

Genus Flavivirus contains several important human pathogens. Among these, the Zika virus is an emerging etiological agent that merits concern. One of its structural proteins, prM, plays an essential role in viral maturation and assembly, making it an attractive drug and vaccine development target. Herein, we have characterized ZikV-M as a potential viroporin candidate using three different bacteria-based assays. These assays were subsequently employed to screen a library of repurposed drugs from which ten compounds were identified as ZikV-M blockers. Mutational analyses of conserved amino acids in the transmembrane domain of other flaviviruses, including West Nile and Dengue virus, were performed to study their role in ion channel activity. In conclusion, our data show that ZikV-M is a potential ion channel that can be used as a drug target for high throughput screening and drug repurposing.
Effects of a 13-Week Personalized Lifestyle Intervention Based on the Diabetes Subtype for People with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: de Hoogh Iris M. , Pasman Wilrike J. , Boorsma André , van Ommen Ben , Wopereis Suzan
Published: March 2022

A type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) subtyping method that determines the T2DM phenotype based on an extended oral glucose tolerance test is proposed. It assigns participants to one of seven subtypes according to their β-cell function and the presence of hepatic and/or muscle insulin resistance. The effectiveness of this subtyping approach and subsequent personalized lifestyle treatment in ameliorating T2DM was assessed in a primary care setting. Sixty participants, newly diagnosed with (pre)diabetes type 2 and not taking diabetes medication, completed the intervention. Retrospectively collected data of 60 people with T2DM from usual care were used as controls. Bodyweight (p < 0.01) and HbA1c (p < 0.01) were significantly reduced after 13 weeks in the intervention group, but not in the usual care group. The intervention group achieved 75.0% diabetes remission after 13 weeks (fasting glucose ≤ 6.9 mmol/L and HbA1c < 6.5% (48 mmol/mol)); for the usual care group, this was 22.0%. Lasting (two years) remission was especially achieved in subgroups with isolated hepatic insulin resistance. Our study shows that a personalized diagnosis and lifestyle intervention for T2DM in a primary care setting may be more effective in improving T2DM-related parameters than usual care, with long-term effects seen especially in subgroups with hepatic insulin resistance.
Substance Use in the Transgender Population: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cotaina Miriam , Peraire Marc , Boscá Mireia , Echeverria Iván , Benito Ana , Haro Gonzalo
Published: March 2022

(1) Background: This meta-analysis aimed to assess the relationship between identifying as transgender and substance use. (2) Methods: We searched for relevant studies in PubMed, Scopus, the Web of Science, and PsycINFO on 21 July 2021. (3) Results: Twenty studies comparing transgender and cisgender people were included in this work, accounting for a total of 2,376,951 participants (18,329 of whom were transgender). These articles included data on current tobacco use, current tobacco use disorder, current alcohol use, current alcohol use disorder, lifetime substance (all) use, current substance use (excluding tobacco and alcohol), current use of specific substances (excluding tobacco and alcohol and including cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamines, ecstasy, stimulants, heroin, opiates, cannabis, marijuana, LSD, hallucinogens, steroids, inhalants, sedatives, Ritalin or Adderall, diet pills, cold medicine, prescription medications, polysubstance, other club drugs, and other illegal drugs), and current substance use disorder (excluding tobacco and alcohol). We used the ORs and their 95% CIs to state the association between identifying as transgender and those variables. The control reference category used in all cases was cisgender. We employed a random-effects model. Transgender people were more likely to use tobacco (odds ratio (OR) = 1.65; 95% CI [1.37, 1.98]), have used substances throughout their lives (OR = 1.48; 95% CI [1.30, 1.68]), and present current use of specific substances (OR = 1.79; 95% CI [1.54, 2.07]). When current alcohol and substance use in general and tobacco, alcohol, and substance use disorders specifically were considered, the likelihood did not differ from that of cisgender people. (4) Conclusions: The presence of substance use disorders did not differ between transgender and cisgender people. Considering this population as consumers or as addicted may be a prejudice that perpetuates stigma. Nonetheless, transgender people were more likely to use tobacco and other substances, but not alcohol. Hypothetically, this might be an emotional regulation strategy, a maladaptive mechanism for coping with traumatic experiences, or could respond to minority stress, produced by stigma, prejudice, discrimination, and harassment. It is of particular importance to implement policies against discrimination and stigmatisation and to adapt prevention and treatment services so that they are inclusive of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Frontline Service Employees’ Profiles: Exploring Individual Differences in Perceptions of and Reactions to Workplace Incivility
Authors: Namin Boshra H. , Marnburg Einar , Bakkevig Dagsland Åse Helene
Published: March 2022

Employee turnover is a big issue in the service industry, which can be significantly affected by job stressors including workplace incivility. This exploratory study aims to identify the frontline service employees’ profiles exploring to what extent individuals may have different perceptions of incivility and social supports at work and showing different reactions (job outcomes). In a cross-sectional study, 291 completed questionnaires from a sample of Norwegian frontline service employees were subjected to correlation analysis, K-means clustering, and post hoc ANOVA analysis with Bonferroni correction. Cluster analysis revealed three distinct clusters of employees with different profiles, which indicated that those who perceived the highest level of workplace incivility and the lowest level of social supports at work showed the highest turnover intention compared to that of others. Moreover, employees with longer tenure and the highest perception of social supports at work coped better with workplace incivility and showed the lowest turnover intention.
Stabilization of Keratinocyte Monolayer Integrity in the Presence of Anti-Desmoglein-3 Antibodies through FcRn Blockade with Efgartigimod: Novel Treatment Paradigm for Pemphigus?
Authors: Zakrzewicz Anna , Würth Celina , Beckert Benedikt , Feldhoff Simon , Vanderheyden Katrien , Foss Stian , Andersen Jan Terje , Haard Hans de , Verheesen Peter , Bobkov Vladimir , Tikkanen Ritva
Published: March 2022

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune blistering disease of the epidermis, caused by autoantibodies against desmosomal proteins, mainly desmogleins 1 and 3, which induce an impairment of desmosomal adhesion and blister formation. Recent findings have shown that inhibition of immunoglobulin G binding on the neonatal Fc receptor, FcRn, results in reduced autoantibody recycling and shortens their half-life, providing a valid treatment option for PV. We have here analyzed the role of FcRn in human keratinocytes treated with antibodies isolated from pemphigus vulgaris patient or with recombinant anti-desmoglein-3 antibodies that induce pathogenic changes in desmosomes, such as loss of monolayer integrity, aberrant desmoglein-3 localization and degradation of desmoglein-3. We show that blocking IgG binding on FcRn by efgartigimod, a recombinant Fc fragment undergoing clinical studies for pemphigus, stabilizes the keratinocyte monolayer, whereas the loss of desmoglein-3 is not prevented by efgartigimod. Our data show that FcRn may play a direct role in the pathogenesis of pemphigus at the level of the autoantibody target cells, the epidermal keratinocytes. Our data suggest that in keratinocytes, FcRn may have functions different from its known function in IgG recycling. Therefore, stabilization of keratinocyte adhesion by FcRn blocking entities may provide a novel treatment paradigm for pemphigus.
Batch Effects during Human Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Propagation Prevail Donor Variation and Culture Duration: Impact on Genotype, Phenotype and Function
Authors: Brachtl Gabriele , Poupardin Rodolphe , Hochmann Sarah , Raninger Anna , Jürchott Karsten , Streitz Mathias , Schlickeiser Stephan , Oeller Michaela , Wolf Martin , Schallmoser Katharina , Volk Hans-Dieter , Geissler Sven , Strunk Dirk
Published: March 2022

Donor variation is a prominent critical issue limiting the applicability of cell-based therapies. We hypothesized that batch effects during propagation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in human platelet lysate (hPL), replacing fetal bovine serum (FBS), can affect phenotypic and functional variability. We therefore investigated the impact of donor variation, hPL- vs. FBS-driven propagation and exhaustive proliferation, on BMSC epigenome, transcriptome, phenotype, coagulation risk and osteochondral regenerative function. Notably, propagation in hPL significantly increased BMSC proliferation, created significantly different gene expression trajectories and distinct surface marker signatures, already after just one passage. We confirmed significantly declining proliferative potential in FBS-expanded BMSC after proliferative challenge. Flow cytometry verified the canonical fibroblastic phenotype in culture-expanded BMSCs. We observed limited effects on DNA methylation, preferentially in FBS-driven cultures, irrespective of culture duration. The clotting risk increased over culture time. Moreover, expansion in xenogenic serum resulted in significant loss of function during 3D cartilage disk formation and significantly increased clotting risk. Superior chondrogenic function under hPL-conditions was maintained over culture. The platelet blood group and isoagglutinins had minor impact on BMSC function. These data demonstrate pronounced batch effects on BMSC transcriptome, phenotype and function due to serum factors, partly outcompeting donor variation after just one culture passage.
Noncoding RNAs of Extracellular Vesicles in Tumor Angiogenesis: From Biological Functions to Clinical Significance
Authors: Hu Miao , Li Juan , Liu Chen-Guang , Goh Robby Miguel W. J. , Yu Fenggang , Ma Zhaowu , Wang Lingzhi
Published: March 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) act as multifunctional regulators of intercellular communication and are involved in diverse tumor phenotypes, including tumor angiogenesis, which is a highly regulated multi-step process for the formation of new blood vessels that contribute to tumor proliferation. EVs induce malignant transformation of distinct cells by transferring DNAs, proteins, lipids, and RNAs, including noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). However, the functional relevance of EV-derived ncRNAs in tumor angiogenesis remains to be elucidated. In this review, we summarized current research progress on the biological functions and underlying mechanisms of EV-derived ncRNAs in tumor angiogenesis in various cancers. In addition, we comprehensively discussed the potential applications of EV-derived ncRNAs as cancer biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets to tailor anti-angiogenic therapy.
Leptin-Induced HLA-G Inhibits Myometrial Contraction and Differentiation
Authors: Wendremaire Maeva , Lopez Tatiana E. , Barrichon Marina , Zhang Hang , Hadi Tarik , Ye Xiang-Yang , Neiers Fabrice , Bardou Marc , Sagot Paul , Garrido Carmen , Lirussi Frédéric
Published: March 2022

Maternal obesity is associated with a wide spectrum of labour disorders, including preterm birth. Leptin, a pro-inflammatory adipokine and a key factor of obesity, is suspected to play a major role in these disorders. OB-R, its receptor, is expressed on macrophages and myocytes, two cell types critical for labour onset. Macrophages secrete reactive oxygen species/pro-inflammatory cytokines, responsible for myometrial differentiation while myocytes control uterine contractions. In this study, we assessed the effect of leptin on myometrial contraction and differentiation using our validated co-culture model of human primary macrophages and myocytes. We demonstrated that leptin had a different effect on myocytes and macrophages depending on the dose. A low leptin concentration induced a tocolytic effect by preventing myocytes’ contraction, differentiation, and macrophage-induced ROS production. Additionally, leptin led to an increase in HLA-G expression, suggesting that the tocolytic effect of leptin may be driven by HLA-G, a tolerogenic molecule. Finally, we observed that recombinant HLA-G also prevented LPS-induced ROS production by macrophages. Altogether, these data provide a putative molecular mechanism by which leptin may induce immune tolerance and therefore interfere with labour-associated mechanisms. Therefore, HLA-G represents a potential innovative therapeutic target in the pharmacological management of preterm labour.
Dielectrophoresis-Based Biosensor for Detection of the Cancer Biomarkers CEA and CA 242 in Serum
Authors: Gudagunti Fleming Dackson , Gundlakunta Srilakshmi G. , Lima Ivan T.
Published: March 2022

We show that dielectrophoresis (DEP) spectroscopy is an effective transduction mechanism for detection of the concentration levels of the pancreatic cancer biomarkers cancer antigen (CA) 242 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in serum. We noticed a frequency dependence of the negative DEP force applied by interdigitated electrodes on functionalized polystyrene microspheres (PM) with respect to changes in the number of these cancer antigens bound to the PM. An electrode array with a well-defined gradient of the electric field was designed and used, which enabled the automation of the signal processing and reproducibility of the signal acquired by the biosensor.
Preeclampsia and Cerebral Palsy in Offspring
Authors: Badagionis Miltiadis , Sergentanis Theodoros N. , Pervanidou Panagiota , Kalampokas Emmanouil , Vlahos Nikolaos , Eleftheriades Makarios
Published: March 2022

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine the association between exposure to preeclampsia during pregnancy and the occurrence of cerebral palsy in offspring. For this reason, the authors searched PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases (end-of-search: 22 November 2021) and identified the most relevant studies. Then, a meta-analysis of all the eligible studies was performed. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses by study design, degree of adjustment, and geographical region were also conducted. A total of 10 studies were finally included, and no statistical significance was noted in the association between preeclampsia and cerebral palsy (pooled OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 0.77–1.74). The subgroup of studies that provided adjusted odds ratios for any variable except for gestational age showed a statistically significant association (pooled OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.36–1.93), whereas the association dissipated in studies also adjusting for gestational age (pooled OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 0.48–5.50). In conclusion, it seems that preeclampsia is not associated with cerebral palsy independently of gestational age; however, further research is needed to shed light on this topic.
Interventional Pain Management for the Pediatric Cancer Patient: A Literature Review
Authors: Le-Short Christina , Katragadda Kavya , Nagda Neil , Farris David , Gelter Marianne Halphen
Published: March 2022

This literature review examines the use of interventional treatments for pain management in pediatric cancer patients. While interventional procedures may be effective in cancer pain management, these procedures are infrequently employed in pediatric cohorts. This underutilization of interventional procedures may be supported by a deficit in randomized, controlled studies and literature regarding their role in pediatric cancer populations. Particularly because literature on the efficacy of interventional treatments in adult populations may not directly translate to pediatric populations, more research about the role of interventional procedures in managing pediatric cancer pain is necessary for a strengthened understanding of pediatric cancer pain treatment.
Deep Learning and Domain-Specific Knowledge to Segment the Liver from Synthetic Dual Energy CT Iodine Scans
Authors: Mahmood Usman , Bates David D. B. , Erdi Yusuf E. , Mannelli Lorenzo , Corrias Giuseppe , Kanan Christopher
Published: March 2022

We map single energy CT (SECT) scans to synthetic dual-energy CT (synth-DECT) material density iodine (MDI) scans using deep learning (DL) and demonstrate their value for liver segmentation. A 2D pix2pix (P2P) network was trained on 100 abdominal DECT scans to infer synth-DECT MDI scans from SECT scans. The source and target domain were paired with DECT monochromatic 70 keV and MDI scans. The trained P2P algorithm then transformed 140 public SECT scans to synth-DECT scans. We split 131 scans into 60% train, 20% tune, and 20% held-out test to train four existing liver segmentation frameworks. The remaining nine low-dose SECT scans tested system generalization. Segmentation accuracy was measured with the dice coefficient (DSC). The DSC per slice was computed to identify sources of error. With synth-DECT (and SECT) scans, an average DSC score of 0.93±0.06 (0.89±0.01) and 0.89±0.01 (0.81±0.02) was achieved on the held-out and generalization test sets. Synth-DECT-trained systems required less data to perform as well as SECT-trained systems. Low DSC scores were primarily observed around the scan margin or due to non-liver tissue or distortions within ground-truth annotations. In general, training with synth-DECT scans resulted in improved segmentation performance with less data.
Gene Expression Analysis of Biphasic Pleural Mesothelioma: New Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Markers
Authors: Bruno Rossella , Poma Anello Marcello , Alì Greta , Distefano Claudia , Proietti Agnese , Chella Antonio , Lucchi Marco , Melfi Franca , Franco Renato , Fontanini Gabriella
Published: March 2022

Biphasic is the second most common histotype of pleural mesothelioma (PM). It shares epithelioid and sarcomatoid features and is challenging to diagnose. The aim of this study was to identify biphasic PM markers to improve subtyping and prognosis definition. The expression levels of 117 cancer genes, evaluated using the nanoString system, were compared between the three major histotypes (epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic), and expression differences within biphasic PM were evaluated in relation to the percentage of epithelioid components. Biphasic PM overexpressed CTNNA1 and TIMP3 in comparison to sarcomatoid, and COL16A1 and SDC1 in comparison to epithelioid PM. CFB, MSLN, CLDN15, SERPINE1, and PAK4 were deregulated among all histotypes, leading to the hypothesis of a gradual expression from epithelioid to sarcomatoid PM. According to gene expression, biphasic PM samples were divided in two clusters with a significant difference in the epithelioid component. ADCY4, COL1A1, and COL4A2 were overexpressed in the biphasic group with a low percentage of epithelioid component. Survival analysis using TCGA data showed that high COL1A1 and COL4A2 expression levels correlate with poor survival in PM patients. Herein, we identified markers with the potential to improve diagnosis and prognostic stratification of biphasic PM, which is still an orphan tumor.
GLUT3/SLC2A3 Is an Endogenous Marker of Hypoxia in Prostate Cancer Cell Lines and Patient-Derived Xenograft Tumors
Authors: Ryniawec John M. , Coope Matthew R. , Loertscher Emily , Bageerathan Vignesh , de Oliveira Pessoa Diogo , Warfel Noel A. , Cress Anne E. , Padi Megha , Rogers Gregory C.
Published: March 2022

The microenvironment of solid tumors is dynamic and frequently contains pockets of low oxygen levels (hypoxia) surrounded by oxygenated tissue. Indeed, a compromised vasculature is a hallmark of the tumor microenvironment, creating both spatial gradients and temporal variability in oxygen availability. Notably, hypoxia associates with increased metastasis and poor survival in patients. Therefore, to aid therapeutic decisions and better understand hypoxia’s role in cancer progression, it is critical to identify endogenous biomarkers of hypoxia to spatially phenotype oncogenic lesions in human tissue, whether precancerous, benign, or malignant. Here, we characterize the glucose transporter GLUT3/SLC2A3 as a biomarker of hypoxic prostate epithelial cells and prostate tumors. Transcriptomic analyses of non-tumorigenic, immortalized prostate epithelial cells revealed a highly significant increase in GLUT3 expression under hypoxia. Additionally, GLUT3 protein increased 2.4-fold in cultured hypoxic prostate cell lines and was upregulated within hypoxic regions of xenograft tumors, including two patient-derived xenografts (PDX). Finally, GLUT3 out-performs other established hypoxia markers; GLUT3 staining in PDX specimens detects 2.6–8.3 times more tumor area compared to a mixture of GLUT1 and CA9 antibodies. Therefore, given the heterogeneous nature of tumors, we propose adding GLUT3 to immunostaining panels when trying to detect hypoxic regions in prostate samples.
Thermal Load and Heat Transfer in Dental Titanium Implants: An Ex Vivo-Based Exact Analytical/Numerical Solution to the ‘Heat Equation’
Authors: Panotopoulos Grigorios P. , Haidar Ziyad S.
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Heat is a kinetic process whereby energy flows from between two systems, hot-to-cold objects. In oro-dental implantology, conductive heat transfer/(or thermal stress) is a complex physical phenomenon to analyze and consider in treatment planning. Hence, ample research has attempted to measure heat-production to avoid over-heating during bone-cutting and drilling for titanium (Ti) implant-site preparation and insertion, thereby preventing/minimizing early (as well as delayed) implant-related complications and failure. Objective: Given the low bone–thermal conductivity whereby heat generated by osteotomies is not effectively dissipated and tends to remain within the surrounding tissue (peri-implant), increasing the possibility of thermal-injury, this work attempts to obtain an exact analytical solution of the heat equation under exponential thermal-stress, modeling transient heat transfer and temperature changes in Ti implants (fixtures) upon hot-liquid oral intake. Materials and Methods: We, via an ex vivo-based model, investigated the impact of the (a) material, (b) location point along implant length, and (c) exposure time of the thermal load on localized temperature changes. Results: Despite its simplicity, the presented solution contains all the physics and reproduces the key features obtained in previous numerical analyses studies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first introduction of the intrinsic time, a “proper” time that characterizes the geometry of the dental implant fixture, where we show, mathematically and graphically, how the interplay between “proper” time and exposure time influences temperature changes in Ti implants, under the suitable initial and boundary conditions. This fills the current gap in the literature by obtaining a simplified yet exact analytical solution, assuming an exponential thermal load model relevant to cold/hot beverage or food intake. Conclusions: This work aspires to accurately complement the overall clinical diagnostic and treatment plan for enhanced bone–implant interface, implant stability, and success rates, whether for immediate or delayed loading strategies.
The CARe Burn Scale—Adult Form: Identifying the Responsiveness and Minimal Important Difference (MID) Values of a Patient Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) to Assess Quality of Life for Adults with a Burn Injury
Authors: Griffiths Catrin , Tollow Philippa , Cox Danielle , White Paul , Pickles Timothy , Harcourt Diana
Published: March 2022

The CARe Burn Scales are a suite of burn-specific PROMs for adults, children, young people, and parents affected by burns. This study aimed to determine the responsiveness and minimal important difference (MID) values of the Adult Form for use in adult burn care and research. Participants were recruited by 11 UK Burn Services. They completed online or paper versions of the CARe Burn Scale –Adult Form and a set of appropriate comparison validated measures and anchor questions at baseline (T1, up to 4 weeks post-burn), 3 months (T2), and 6 months post-burn (T3). A total of 269 participants took part at baseline and 226 (84%) were retained at the 6-month follow-up. Spearman’s correlation analysis and effect sizes based on Cohen’s d thresholds were reported and MID values calculated. MID values were created for all subscales and ranged from 4–15. The CARe Burn Scale–Adult Form is responsive to change over time and can therefore be used to reliably inform the management of adults’ burn injury treatment and recovery. It is freely available for clinical and research use.