bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population Genetic Structure Analysis Reveals Decreased but Moderate Diversity for the Oriental Fire-Bellied Toad Introduced to Beijing after 90 Years of Independent Evolution
Authors: Teng Yang , Yang Jing , Zhu Guofen , Gao Fuli , Han Yingying , Bao Weidong
Published: May 2021

Detailed molecular genetic research on amphibian populations has a significant role in understanding the genetic adaptability to local environments. The oriental fire-bellied toads (Bombina orientalis) were artificially introduced to Beijing from Shandong Province in 1927, and since then, this separated population went through an independent evolution. To explore the differentiation of the introduced population with its original population, this study analyzed the genetic structure of the oriental fire-bellied toad, based on the mitochondrial genome control region and six microsatellite sites. The results showed that the haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity of the mitochondrial D-loop region partial sequences of the Beijing Botanical Garden population and the Baiwangshan population were lower than those of the Shangdong Kunyushan population. Microsatellite marker analysis also showed that the observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity of the Beijing populations were lower than those of the Kunyushan population. The phylogenetic trees and network diagrams of haplotypes indicated that the three populations were not genetically separated. However, the structure analysis showed a genetic differentiation and categorized the sampling individuals into Beijing and Shandong genetic clusters, which indicated a tendency for isolated evolution in the Beijing population. Although the Beijing populations showed a decline in genetic diversity, it was still at a moderate level, which could maintain the survival of the population. Thus, there is no need to reintroduce new individuals from the Kunyushan source population.
Effects of Essential Oil Derived from the Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium) on Growth Performance, Histology and Gene Expression Levels in Common Carp Juveniles (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Acar Ümit , Kesbiç Osman Sabri , Yılmaz Sevdan , İnanan Burak Evren , Zemheri-Navruz Fahriye , Terzi Funda , Fazio Francesco , Parrino Vincenzo
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to detect effects of bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) essential oil, commonly called neroli oil (NO) (0, 0.25, 0.50, 1, and 1.5% referred to as NO0 NO0.25, NO0. 05, NO1 and NO1.5, respectively) on growth performance output and expression levels of some growth-related genes in the muscle tissue and some immune-related genes in the head kidney and pathological differences in digestive system organs of common carp Cyprinus carpio. The NO0.25 group had a large improvement in growth efficiency at the end of the 60-day feeding cycle. Real-time PCR (Bio RAD, USA) system was used to detect variations in gene expression levels. Furthermore, NO supplementation of up to 0.25% in muscle tissue controlled the release of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Furthermore, in the NO0.25 treatment category, immune response gene levels TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-1ß increased in head kidney tissue. In the histological examination of the liver and intestine, there were significant differences between fish fed with N1 and N1.5 diets. This study confirms that dietary supplementation of NO up to 0.25% can improve common carp growth efficiency and increase the expression of genes (GH and IGF-I) related to muscle growth, TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-1ß genes related to immune status, and liver and intestine histological status of common carp.
Faecal Microbiome Transplantation as a Solution to Chronic Enteropathies in Dogs: A Case Study of Beneficial Microbial Evolution
Authors: Berlanda Michele , Innocente Giada , Simionati Barbara , Di Camillo Barbara , Facchin Sonia , Giron Maria , Savarino Edoardo , Sebastiani Federico , Fiorio Francesca , Patuzzi Ilaria
Published: May 2021

Chronic enteropathies (CE) are gastrointestinal diseases that afflict about one in five dogs in Europe. Conventional therapeutic approaches include dietary intervention, pharmacological treatment and probiotic supplements. The patient response can be highly variable and the interventions are often not resolutive. Moreover, the therapeutic strategy is usually planned (and gradually corrected) based on the patient’s response to empirical treatment, with few indirect gut health indicators useful to drive clinicians’ decisions. The ever-diminishing cost of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) allows clinicians to directly follow and characterise the evolution of the whole gut microbial community in order to highlight possible weaknesses. In this framework, faecal microbiome transplantation (FMT) is emerging as a feasible solution to CE, based on the implant of a balanced, eubiotic microbial community from a healthy donor to a dysbiotic patient. In this study, we report the promising results of FMT carried out in a 9-year-old dog suffering from CE for the last 3 years. The patient underwent a two-cycle oral treatment of FMT and the microbiota evolution was monitored by 16S rRNA gene sequencing both prior to FMT and after the two administrations. We evaluated the variation of microbial composition by calculating three different alpha diversity indices and compared the patient and donor data to a healthy control population of 94 dogs. After FMT, the patient’s microbiome and clinical parameters gradually shifted to values similar to those observed in healthy dogs. Symptoms disappeared during a follow-up period of six months after the second FMT. We believe that this study opens the door for potential applications of FMT in clinical veterinary practice and highlights the need to improve our knowledge on this relevant topic.
Effect of Delayed Refrigeration on the Microbial Carcass Contamination of Wild Boars (Sus scrofa)
Authors: Cenci-Goga Beniamino , Amicabile Alberto , Karama Musafiri , El-Ashram Saeed , Saraiva Cristina , García-Díez Juan , Finotti Simone , Genna Viviana , Moretti Giampaolo , Murari Riccardo , Muliari Riccardo , Bonizzato Sabrina , Lugoboni Erica , Cassini Sabina , Dal-Ben Caterina , Grispoldi Luca
Published: May 2021

The immediate refrigeration of meat after slaughter is a key issue for the proper storage and aging of meat. The industry standard cold chain relies on low temperatures and ventilation to lower the internal carcass temperature to 0–4 °C within the first 48 h, i.e., within four times the so-called semi-cooling time. On the other hand, for games, once bled and eviscerated, the carcass must be sent to a point where it can be sectioned or kept on air for maturation at refrigeration temperature. The precautions to observe are few and simple but essential: protect the meat and start the cooling process quickly. After preparing the animal (bleeding and evisceration), it may be necessary to face a period of transport that is sometimes long and not very easy; while small animals can be easily transported in a backpack, larger ones must necessarily be carried by several people or sometimes dragged to the vehicle capable of transporting them. It is obvious that a wild boar opened from the jaws to the pelvis and dragged for hundreds of meters will tend to be contaminated, although these contaminations are to be considered secondary for the preservation of the meat, compared to contamination by the intestinal contents. In an attempt to investigate the effect of delayed refrigeration on wild boar carcass contamination, the aim of this work was to determine a correlation between several hunting and logistic parameters (age, sex, animal weight, shooting distance, number of shots, weather and temperature and time from shot to refrigeration and to analysis) and bacterial contamination of the carcass. The correlation coefficient, r, was found to be 0.038 for the eviscerated body weight (p < 0.05), 0.091 for the external temperature on the day of hunting (p < 0.05), 0.027 for the time from shot to refrigeration (p = 0.081), 0.038 for the time from refrigeration to analysis (p < 0.05) and 0.043 for the time from shot to analysis (p < 0.05). These results stand for a negative correlation between the bacterial population and eviscerated carcass weight and between the bacterial population and external temperature and for a positive correlation between the time from shot to analysis and from refrigeration to analysis. No association was demonstrated between the bacterial population and the time from shot to refrigeration.
Clinical and Economic Impact of Community-Onset Urinary Tract Infections Caused by ESBL-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Requiring Hospitalization in Spain: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Rozenkiewicz Dawid , Esteve-Palau Erika , Arenas-Miras Mar , Grau Santiago , Duran Xavier , Sorlí Luisa , Montero María Milagro , Horcajada Juan P.
Published: May 2021

Objective: To analyze the clinical and economic impact of community-onset urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae requiring hospitalization. Methods: A retrospective cohort study that included all adults with a UTI caused by K. pneumoniae that were admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Barcelona, Spain, between 2011 and 2015. Demographic, clinical, and economic data were analyzed. Results: One hundred and seventy-three episodes of UTIs caused by K. pneumoniae were studied; 112 were non-ESBL-producing and 61 were ESBL-producing. Multivariate analysis identified ESBL production, acute confusional state associated with UTI, shock, and the time taken to obtain adequate treatment as risk factors for clinical failure during the first seven days. An economic analysis showed differences between ESBL-producing and non-ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae for the total cost of hospitalization per episode (mean EUR 6718 vs EUR 3688, respectively). Multivariate analysis of the higher costs of UTI episodes found statistically significant differences for ESBL production and the time taken to obtain adequate treatment. Conclusion: UTIs caused by ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae requiring hospitalization and the time taken to obtain adequate antimicrobial therapy are associated with worse clinical and economic outcomes.
Effects of Antifungal Carriers Based on Chitosan-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on Microcosm Biofilms
Authors: Caldeirão Anne Caroline Morais , Araujo Heitor Ceolin , Tomasella Camila Miranda , Sampaio Caio , dos Santos Oliveira Marcelo José , Ramage Gordon , Pessan Juliano Pelim , Monteiro Douglas Roberto
Published: May 2021

Resistance of Candida species to conventional therapies has motivated the development of antifungal nanocarriers based on iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) coated with chitosan (CS). This study evaluates the effects of IONPs-CS as carriers of miconazole (MCZ) or fluconazole (FLZ) on microcosm biofilms. Pooled saliva from two healthy volunteers supplemented with C. albicans and C. glabrata was the inoculum for biofilm formation. Biofilms were formed for 96 h on coverslips using the Amsterdam Active Attachment model, followed by 24 h treatment with nanocarriers containing different concentrations of each antifungal (78 and 156 µg/mL). MCZ or FLZ (156 µg/mL), and untreated biofilms were considered as controls. Anti-biofilm effects were evaluated by enumeration of colony-forming units (CFUs), composition of the extracellular matrix, lactic acid production, and structure and live/dead biofilm cells (confocal laser scanning microscopy-CLSM). Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Fisher LSD’s test (α = 0.05). IONPs-CS carrying MCZ or FLZ were the most effective treatments in reducing CFUs compared to either an antifungal agent alone for C. albicans and MCZ for C. glabrata. Significant reductions in mutans streptococci and Lactobacillus spp. were shown, though mainly for the MCZ nanocarrier. Antifungals and their nanocarriers also showed significantly higher proportions of dead cells compared to untreated biofilm by CLSM (p < 0.001), and promoted significant reductions in lactic acid, while simultaneously showing increases in some components of the extracellular matrix. These findings reinforce the use of nanocarriers as effective alternatives to fight oral fungal infections.
Bacterial Resistance to Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Varela Manuel F. , Stephen Jerusha , Lekshmi Manjusha , Ojha Manisha , Wenzel Nicholas , Sanford Leslie M. , Hernandez Alberto J. , Parvathi Ammini , Kumar Sanath H.
Published: May 2021

Bacterial pathogens as causative agents of infection constitute an alarming concern in the public health sector. In particular, bacteria with resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents can confound chemotherapeutic efficacy towards infectious diseases. Multidrug-resistant bacteria harbor various molecular and cellular mechanisms for antimicrobial resistance. These antimicrobial resistance mechanisms include active antimicrobial efflux, reduced drug entry into cells of pathogens, enzymatic metabolism of antimicrobial agents to inactive products, biofilm formation, altered drug targets, and protection of antimicrobial targets. These microbial systems represent suitable focuses for investigation to establish the means for their circumvention and to reestablish therapeutic effectiveness. This review briefly summarizes the various antimicrobial resistance mechanisms that are harbored within infectious bacteria.
L-Carnosine Stimulation of Coenzyme Q10 Biosynthesis Promotes Improved Mitochondrial Function and Decreases Hepatic Steatosis in Diabetic Conditions
Authors: Schwank-Xu Cheng , Forsberg Elisabete , Bentinger Magnus , Zhao Allan , Ansurudeen Ishrath , Dallner Gustav , Catrina Sergiu-Bogdan , Brismar Kerstin , Tekle Michael
Published: May 2021

Mitochondrial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes leads to oxidative stress, which drives disease progression and diabetes complications. L-carnosine, an endogenous dipeptide, improves metabolic control, wound healing and kidney function in animal models of type 2 diabetes. Coenzyme Q (CoQ), a component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, possesses similar protective effects on diabetes complications. We aimed to study the effect of carnosine on CoQ, and assess any synergistic effects of carnosine and CoQ on improved mitochondrial function in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes. Carnosine enhanced CoQ gene expression and increased hepatic CoQ biosynthesis in db/db mice, a type 2 diabetes model. Co-administration of Carnosine and CoQ improved mitochondrial function, lowered ROS formation and reduced signs of oxidative stress. Our work suggests that carnosine exerts beneficial effects on hepatic CoQ synthesis and when combined with CoQ, improves mitochondrial function and cellular redox balance in the liver of diabetic mice. (4) Conclusions: L-carnosine has beneficial effects on oxidative stress both alone and in combination with CoQ on hepatic mitochondrial function in an obese type 2 diabetes mouse model.
Approaching Nuclear Safety Culture in Fission and Fusion Technology
Authors: Lomonaco Guglielmo , Mainardi Enrico , Marková Tereza , Mazzini Guido
Published: May 2021

The topic of Nuclear Safety Culture touches several different aspects with contributions from the main organizations involved in nuclear projects and belonging to vendors, utility and regulators. Two nuclear safety directives issued by the European Commission emphasize the fundamental principle of national responsibility for nuclear safety and are implemented in each member country’s legislation. An example of fission implementation is highlighted, referring to the Czech Republic legislation; an example of application in fusion technology is the implementation of the Nuclear Safety Culture in the ITER project, located in Cadarache, in the south of France. The aim of the paper is to highlight the importance of this field, pointing out the cross reference between fission and fusion technology as applied in two countries, with concrete experiences and future prospects for nuclear technologies.
Selecting Target Range with Accurate Vital Sign Using Spatial Phase Coherency of FMCW Radar
Authors: Choi Ho-Ik , Song Woo-Jin , Song Heemang , Shin Hyun-Chool
Published: May 2021

Respiration and heartbeat are basic indicators of the physiological state of human beings. Frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar can sense micro-displacement in the human body surface without contact, and is used for vital-sign (respiration and heartbeat) monitoring. For the extraction of vital-sign, it is essential to select the target range containing vital-sign information. In this paper, we exploit the coherency of phase in different range-bins of FMCW radar to effectively select the range-bins that contain accurate signals for remote monitoring of human respiration and heartbeat. To quantify coherency, the spatial phase coherency (SPC) index is introduced. The experimental results show that the SPC can select a range-bin containing more accurate vital-sign signals than conventional methods. This result demonstrates that the proposed method is accurate for monitoring of vital signs by using FMCW radar.
Enhancing Compressive Strength of Reticulated Porous Alumina by Optimizing Processing Conditions
Authors: Lee Sujin , Lee Chae Young , Ha Jang-Hoon , Lee Jongman , Song In-Hyuck , Kwon Se-Hun
Published: May 2021

Recently, porous ceramics have received much attention from researchers because of their excellent thermal and chemical stabilities compared to their counterparts (such as porous polymers and metals), despite their inferior mechanical instability. Among the various types of porous ceramics, reticulated porous ceramics have significant industrial potential because of their synergistic high porosity and permeability. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is insufficient data on the processing conditions or preparing optimal reticulated porous alumina. Therefore, we prepared and characterized reticulated porous alumina specimens by controlling various processing conditions, namely average particle size, solid loading, binder, and dispersant. The data obtained were used to assess whether the compressive strength of the reticulated porous alumina could be enhanced and to discuss the potential of these materials for various applications.
The Protective Effect of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids against Dry Eye Disease: A Literature Review
Authors: Hyon Joon-Young , Han Sang-Beom
Published: May 2021

Dry eye disease (DED) is a common disease, and have an adverse effect the physical, functional, and psychological quality of life. It is a multifactorial disorder characterized by the loss of tear film homeostasis, in which self-perpetuating vicious cycle leads to deterioration of function and inflammation of the lacrimal functional unit. Hence, treatment strategies should be aimed at the interruption of the vicious inflammatory cycle and alleviation of ocular surface inflammation. Anti-inflammatory therapies have been shown to improve the signs and symptoms of the disease. Evidence indicates that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may contribute to reinforcement of innate anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and systemic and topical administration of PUFAs may help modulate ocular surface inflammation. In the present review, the authors will introduce the results of clinical and experimental studies to elucidate the mechanism, efficacy, and safety of systemic and topical supplementation with PUFAs as an alternative therapeutic strategy for DED. This review will also include discussion regarding current perspectives, including evidence-based recommendations and possible side effects of PUFAs supplementation. The review of the literature suggests that PUFAs supplementation can be a viable option for the treatment of DED, although further studies are needed for establishment of treatment guidelines.
Exploring Hybrid-Multimodal Routing to Improve User Experience in Urban Trips
Authors: Rodrigues Diego O. , Maia Guilherme , Braun Torsten , Loureiro Antonio A. F. , Peixoto Maycon L. M. , Villas Leandro A.
Published: May 2021

Millions of individuals rely on urban transportation every day to travel inside cities. However, it is not clear how route parameters (e.g., traffic conditions, waiting times) influence users when selecting a particular route option for their trips. These parameters play an important role in route recommendation systems, and most of the currently available applications omit them. This work introduces a new hybrid-multimodal routing algorithm that evaluates different routes that combine different transportation modes. Hybrid-multimodal routes are route options that might consist of more than one transportation mode. The motivation to use different transportation modes is to avoid unpleasant trip segments (e.g., traffic jams, long walks) by switching to another mode. We show that the possibility of planning a trip with different transportation modes can lead to improvement of cost, duration, and quality of experience urban trips. We outline the main research contributions of this work, as (i) an user experience model that considers time, price, active transportation (i.e., non-motorized transport) acceptability, and traffic conditions to evaluate the hybrid routes; and, (ii) a flow clustering technique to identify relevant mobility flows in low-sampled datasets for reducing the data volume and allow the execution of the analytical evaluation. (i) uses a Discrete Choice Analyses framework to model different variables and estimate a value for user experience in the trip. (ii) is a methodology to aggregate mobility flows by using Spatio-temporal Clustering and identify the most relevant of these flows using Curvature Analysis. We evaluate the proposed hybrid-multimodal routing algorithm with data from the Green and Yellow Taxis of New York, Citi Bike NYC data, and other publicly available datasets; and, different APIs, such as Uber and Google Directions. The results reveal that selecting hybrid routes can benefit passengers by saving time or reducing costs, and sometimes both, when compared to routes using a single transportation mode.
Do University Students Adhere to WHO Guidelines on Proper Use of Face Masks during the COVID-19 Pandemic?—Analysis and Comparison of Medical and Non-Medical Students
Authors: Szepietowska Marta , Krajewski Piotr K. , Matusiak Łukasz , Białynicki-Birula Rafał , Szepietowski Jacek C.
Published: May 2021

Covering the mouth and nose has become the common standard for protection from human-to-human virus transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to investigate whether students at universities (medical and non-medical students) do adhere to WHO recommendations on the proper use of face protection. The study was based on the survey created with Google® Forms regarding data on demographics and self-reported skin conditions. The main questions addressed the WHO guideline on the correct use of face masks. Responses were obtained from 1173 students. Compliance with all WHO criteria among the whole group of respondents was very low at less than 1% with no significant difference between medical and non-medical students. Covering of the nose and mouth with the face mask was the criterion most commonly complied with (81.2%); contact avoidance of touching the mask with hands appeared to be the most difficult criterion to comply with (2.8%). Medical students were significantly more compliant with three out of seven criteria. In general, compliance with the WHO guidelines on the proper use of face masks was dramatically low among all the students. Education campaigns should be introduced to increase the awareness of the correct use of face coverings during the viral pandemic.
Synthesis of Starch Nanoparticles and Their Applications for Bioactive Compound Encapsulation
Authors: Morán Diana , Gutiérrez Gemma , Blanco-López María Carmen , Marefati Ali , Rayner Marilyn , Matos María
Published: May 2021

In recent years, starch nanoparticles (SNPs) have attracted growing attention due to their unique properties as a sustainable alternative to common nanomaterials since they are natural, renewable and biodegradable. SNPs can be obtained by the breakdown of starch granules through different techniques which include both physical and chemical methods. The final properties of the SNPs are strongly influenced by the synthesis method used as well as the operational conditions, where a controlled and monodispersed size is crucial for certain bioapplications. SNPs are considered to be a good vehicle to improve the controlled release of many bioactive compounds in different research fields due to their high biocompatibility, potential functionalization, and high surface/volume ratio. Their applications are frequently found in medicine, cosmetics, biotechnology, or the food industry, among others. Both the encapsulation properties as well as the releasing processes of the bioactive compounds are highly influenced by the size of the SNPs. In this review, a general description of the different types of SNPs (whole and hollow) synthesis methods is provided as well as on different techniques for encapsulating bioactive compounds, including direct and indirect methods, with application in several fields. Starches from different botanical sources and different bioactive compounds are compared with respect to the efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Applications and future research trends on SNPs synthesis have been included and discussed.
Anticancer Efficacy of Nonthermal Plasma Therapy Combined with PD-L1 Antibody Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Park Jinyoung , Jang Yoon-Seo , Choi Jeong-Hae , Ryu Miheon , Kim Gyoo-Cheon , Byun June-Ho , Hwang Dae-Seok , Kim Uk-Kyu
Published: May 2021

Combination therapies for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma have been studied extensively and represent a synergistic approach with better outcomes than monotherapy. In this study, a novel combination therapy was investigated using gold nanoparticles (GNP) conjugated to programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibodies and nonthermal plasma (NTP). The present study describes the effectiveness of NTP using PD-L1 antibody conjugated to GNP in PD-L1 expressing SCC-25 cells, an oral squamous cell carcinoma line. Immunocytochemistry revealed higher levels of PD-L1 expression and an increase in the selective uptake of PD-L1 antibody + GNP on SCC-25 cells compared to HaCaT cells. In addition, cell viability analyses confirmed higher levels of cell death of SCC-25 cells after treatment with PD-L1 antibody, GNP, and NTP compared to HaCaT cells. Among the experimental groups, the highest cell death was observed upon treatment with PD-L1 antibody + GNP + NTP. Following the Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining, the expression of apoptosis-related proteins was found to increase after treatment with PD-L1 antibody + GNP + NTP among the other experimental groups. In conclusion, the treatment of SCC-25 cells with PD-L1 antibody + GNP + NTP significantly increased the number of dead cells compared to other experimental groups. The results of this in vitro study confirmed the therapeutic effects of PD-L1 antibody + GNP + NTP treatment on oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Local Attention Sequence Model for Video Object Detection
Authors: Li Zhenhui , Zhuang Xiaoping , Wang Haibo , Nie Yong , Tang Jianzhong
Published: May 2021

Video object detection still faces several difficulties and challenges. For example, the imbalance of positive and negative samples leads to low information processing efficiency, and detection performance declines in abnormal situations in video. This paper examines video object detection based on local attention to address such challenges. We propose a local attention sequence model and optimized the parameter and calculation of ConvGRU. It could process spatial and temporal information in videos more efficiently and ultimately improve detection performance under abnormal conditions. The experiments on ImageNet VID show that our method could improve the detection accuracy by 5.3%, and the visualization results show that the method is adaptive to different abnormal conditions, thereby improving the reliability of video object detection.
Advanced Statistical Analysis of 3D Kinect Data: A Comparison of the Classification Methods
Authors: Červená Lenka , Kříž Pavel , Kohout Jan , Vejvar Martin , Verešpejová Ludmila , Štícha Karel , Crha Jan , Trnková Kateřina , Chovanec Martin , Mareš Jan
Published: May 2021

This paper focuses on the statistical analysis of mimetic muscle rehabilitation after head and neck surgery causing facial paresis in patients after head and neck surgery. Our work deals with an evaluation problem of mimetic muscle rehabilitation that is observed by a Kinect stereo-vision camera. After a specific brain surgery, patients are often affected by face palsy, and rehabilitation to renew mimetic muscle innervation takes several months. It is important to be able to observe the rehabilitation process in an objective way. The most commonly used House–Brackmann (HB) scale is based on the clinician’s subjective opinion. This paper compares different methods of supervised learning classification that should be independent of the clinician’s opinion. We compare a parametric model (based on logistic regression), non-parametric model (based on random forests), and neural networks. The classification problem that we have studied combines a limited dataset (it contains only 122 measurements of 93 patients) of complex observations (each measurement consists of a collection of time curves) with an ordinal response variable. To balance the frequencies of the considered classes in our data set, we reclassified the samples from HB4 to HB3 and HB5 to HB6—it means that only four HB grades are used for classification algorithm. The parametric statistical model was found to be the most suitable thanks to its stability, tractability, and reasonable performance in terms of both accuracy and precision.
Determination of Stress Intensity Factors under Shock Loading Using a Diffraction-Based Technique
Authors: Turis Matúš , Ivánková Oľga , Burik Peter , Držík Milan
Published: May 2021

An experimental optical method has been developed for the measurement of opening and sliding notch face movements. The light passing through a thin slit is monitored by a photodiode detector. Two parts of the slit are fixed independently on the notch faces of the simulated crack. Dynamic variations of the notch face movements are recorded as an electric signal by an oscilloscope. The sensitivity of such displacement measurement is comparable with the wavelength of light. Dynamic mixed-mode stress intensity factors under shock loading were evaluated from the data obtained and subsequently compared with a numerical simulation by ANSYS software. As it was approved, the technique has shown sufficient sensitivity, good linearity, and measurement reliability. Due to its non-destructive nature and overall robustness, the arrangement is applicable even for structural component condition determination taking into consideration potentially unknown boundary conditions and the non-linear character of mechanical parameters.
Pesticide Inhalation Exposure of Applicators and Bystanders Using Conventional and Innovative Cropping Systems in the Valencian Region, Spain
Authors: Fuentes Esther , López Antonio , Ibáñez María , Yusà Vicent , Muñoz Amalia , Vera Teresa , Borrás Esther , Calvete-Sogo Héctor , Coscollà Clara
Published: May 2021

This paper provides scientific results from a European LIFE project carried out in the Valencian region of Spain during the 2017 to 2018 time frame. In 2018, more than 60,000 tons of pesticides were commercialized in Spain, with approximately 15% destined for Valencian crops. In order to improve the air quality in the agricultural areas of this region, an innovative cropping system based on irrigation was developed and compared to conventional treatments based on hand-spray and turbo application. After applying conventional treatments to five types of crops (citrus, persimmon, nectarine, watermelon, and other stone fruits), a total of 13 active substances were detected in the air. The same active substances were applied to crops using the novel irrigation system, and no pesticide was detected in the air. Moreover, applicator and bystander populations in the region were assessed for their risk of inhalation exposure to pesticides, and no risk was found when either of the techniques, the innovative and the conventional agricultural one, were applied.
The 3D Neural Network for Improving Radar-Rainfall Estimation in Monsoon Climate
Authors: Roslan Nurulhani , Md Reba Mohd Nadzri , Sharoni Syarawi M. H. , Hossain Mohammad Shawkat
Published: May 2021

The reflectivity (Z)—rain rate (R) model has not been tested on single polarization radar for estimating monsoon rainfall in Southeast Asia, despite its widespread use for estimating heterogeneous rainfall. The artificial neural network (ANN) regression has been applied to the radar reflectivity data to estimate monsoon rainfall using parametric Z-R models. The 10-min reflectivity data recorded in Kota Bahru radar station (in Malaysia) and hourly rain record in nearby 58 gauge stations during 2013–2015 were used. The three-dimensional nearest neighbor interpolation with altitude correction was applied for pixel matching. The non-linear Levenberg Marquardt (LM) regression, integrated with ANN regression minimized the spatiotemporal variability of the proposed Z-R model. Results showed an improvement in the statistical indicator, when LM and ANN overestimated (6.6%) and underestimated (4.4%), respectively, the mean total rainfall. For all rainfall categories, the ANN model has a positive efficiency ratio of >0.2.
The Research Progress of the Influence of Agricultural Activities on Atmospheric Environment in Recent Ten Years: A Review
Authors: Ge Pengxiang , Chen Mindong , Cui Yan , Nie Dongyang
Published: May 2021

In recent years, the industrial emission of air pollution has been reduced via a series of measures. However, with the rapid development of modern agriculture, air pollution caused by agricultural activities is becoming more and more serious. Agricultural activities can generate a large amount of air pollutants, such as ammonia, methane, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and persistent organic pollutants, the sources of which mainly include farmland fertilization, livestock breeding, pesticide use, agricultural residue burning, agricultural machinery, and agricultural irrigation. Greenhouse gases emitted by agricultural activities can affect regional climate change, while atmospheric particulates and persistent organic pollutants can even seriously harm the health of surrounding residents. With the increasing threat of agricultural air pollution, more and more relevant studies have been carried out, as well as some recommendations for reducing emissions. The emissions of ammonia and greenhouse gases can be significantly reduced by adopting reasonable fertilization methods, scientific soil management, and advanced manure treatment systems. Regarding pesticide use and agricultural residues burning, emission reduction are more dependent on the restriction and support of government regulations, such as banning certain pesticides, prohibiting open burning of straw, and supporting the recycling and reuse of residues. This review, summarizing the relevant research in the past decade, discusses the current situation, health effects, and emission reduction measures of agricultural air pollutants from different sources, in order to provide some help for follow-up research.
Evaluation of a Flexible Single Ice Microphysics and a Gaussian Probability-Density-Function Macrophysics Scheme in a Single Column Model
Authors: Li Jiabo , Peng Xindong , Li Xiaohan , Lin Yanluan , Chu Wenchao
Published: May 2021

Scale-aware parameterizations of subgrid scale physics are essentials for multiscale atmospheric modeling. A single-ice (SI) microphysics scheme and Gaussian probability-density-function (Gauss-PDF) macrophysics scheme were implemented in the single-column Global-to-Regional Integrated forecast System model (SGRIST) and they were tested using the Tropical Warm Pool-International Cloud Experiment (TWP-ICE) and the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Southern Great Plains Experiment in 1997 (ARM97). Their performance was evaluated against observations and other reference schemes. The new schemes simulated reasonable precipitation with proper fluctuations and peaks, ice, and liquid water contents, especially in lower levels below 650 hPa during the wet period in the TWP-ICE. The root mean square error (RMSE) of the simulated cloud fraction was below 200 hPa was 0.10/0.08 in the wet/dry period, which showed an obvious improvement when compared to that, i.e., 0.11/0.11 of original scheme. Accumulated ice water content below the melting level decreased by 21.57% in the SI. The well-matched average liquid water content displayed between the new scheme and observations, which was two times larger than those with the referencing scheme. In the ARM97 simulations, the SI scheme produced considerable ice water content, especially when convection was active. Low-level cloud fraction and precipitation extremes were improved using the Gauss-PDF scheme, which displayed the RMSE of cloud fraction of 0.02, being only half of the original schemes. The study indicates that the SI and Gauss-PDF schemes are promising approaches to simplify the microphysics process and improve the low-level cloud modeling.
Carotenoids from Cyanobacteria: Biotechnological Potential and Optimization Strategies
Authors: Pagels Fernando , Vasconcelos Vitor , Guedes Ana Catarina
Published: May 2021

Carotenoids are tetraterpenoids molecules present in all photosynthetic organisms, responsible for better light-harvesting and energy dissipation in photosynthesis. In cyanobacteria, the biosynthetic pathway of carotenoids is well described, and apart from the more common compounds (e.g., β-carotene, zeaxanthin, and echinenone), specific carotenoids can also be found, such as myxoxanthophyll. Moreover, cyanobacteria have a protein complex called orange carotenoid protein (OCP) as a mechanism of photoprotection. Although cyanobacteria are not the organism of choice for the industrial production of carotenoids, the optimisation of their production and the evaluation of their bioactive capacity demonstrate that these organisms may indeed be a potential candidate for future pigment production in a more environmentally friendly and sustainable approach of biorefinery. Carotenoids-rich extracts are described as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumoral agents and are proposed for feed and cosmetical industries. Thus, several strategies for the optimisation of a cyanobacteria-based bioprocess for the obtention of pigments were described. This review aims to give an overview of carotenoids from cyanobacteria not only in terms of their chemistry but also in terms of their biotechnological applicability and the advances and the challenges in the production of such compounds.
A Label and Probe-Free Zika Virus Immunosensor Prussian Blue@carbon Nanotube-Based for Amperometric Detection of the NS2B Protein
Authors: Silva Bárbara V. M. , Cordeiro Marli T. , Rodrigues Marco A. B. , Marques Ernesto T. A. , Dutra Rosa F.
Published: May 2021

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne infection, predominant in tropical and subtropical regions causing international concern due to the ZIKV disease having been associated with congenital disabilities, especially microcephaly and other congenital abnormalities in the fetus and newborns. Development of strategies that minimize the devastating impact by monitoring and preventing ZIKV transmission through sexual intercourse, especially in pregnant women, since no vaccine is yet available for the prevention or treatment, is critically important. ZIKV infection is generally asymptomatic and cross-reactivity with dengue virus (DENV) is a global concern. An innovative screen-printed electrode (SPE) was developed for amperometric detection of the non-structural protein (NS2B) of ZIKV by exploring the intrinsic redox catalytic activity of Prussian blue (PB), incorporated into a carbon nanotube–polypyrrole composite. Thus, this immunosensor has the advantage of electrochemical detection without adding any redox-probe solution (probe-less detection), allowing a point-of-care diagnosis. It was responsive to serum samples of only ZIKV positive patients and non-responsive to negative ZIKV patients, even if the sample was DENV positive, indicating a possible differential diagnosis between them by NS2B. All samples used here were confirmed by CDC protocols, and immunosensor responses were also checked in the supernatant of C6/36 and in Vero cell cultures infected with ZIKV.
Postoperative Pneumocephalus on Computed Tomography Might Predict Post-Corpus Callosotomy Chemical Meningitis
Authors: Fujimoto Ayataka , Hatano Keisuke , Nozaki Toshiki , Sato Keishiro , Enoki Hideo , Okanishi Tohru
Published: May 2021

Background: A corpus callosotomy (CC) is a procedure in which the corpus callosum, the largest collection of commissural fibers in the brain, is disconnected to treat epileptic seizures. The occurrence of chemical meningitis has been reported in association with this procedure. We hypothesized that intraventricular pneumocephalus after CC surgery represents a risk factor for postoperative chemical meningitis. The purpose of this study was to analyze the potential risk factors for postoperative chemical meningitis in patients with medically intractable epilepsy who underwent a CC. Methods: Among the patients who underwent an anterior/total CC for medically intractable epilepsy between January 2009 and March 2021, participants were comprised of those who underwent a computed tomography scan on postoperative day 0. We statistically compared the groups with (c-Group) or without chemical meningitis (nc-Group) to determine the risk factors. Results: Of the 80 patients who underwent a CC, 65 patients (25 females and 40 males) met the inclusion criteria. Their age at the time of their CC procedure was 0–57 years. The c-Group (17%) was comprised of seven females and four males (age at the time of their CC procedure, 1–43 years), and the nc-Group (83%) was comprised of 18 females and 36 males (age at the time of their CC procedure, 0–57 years). Mann–Whitney U-tests (p = 0.002) and univariate logistic regression analysis (p = 0.001) showed a significant difference in pneumocephalus between the groups. Conclusion: Postoperative pneumocephalus identified on a computed tomography scan is a risk factor for post-CC chemical meningitis.
Two Faces of a Coin? A Systematic Review of Source Monitoring and Its Relationship with Memory in Autism
Authors: Damiani Stefano , Guiot Cecilia , Nola Marta , Donadeo Alberto , Bassetti Nicola , Brondino Natascia , Politi Pierluigi
Published: May 2021

The ability to discriminate the origin of stimuli, known as source monitoring, is crucial for self–other distinction and the integration of internally generated and externally generated experiences. Despite its valence, evidence on source monitoring in autism is yet scarce and unclear. We systematically reviewed literature concerning source monitoring in autism and its relationship with other constructs, such as memory type, encoding effects, social cognition, general intelligence, and clinical factors. Source-monitoring performance (operationalized as error or accuracy) was reduced in autistic participants in 9 of the 15 studies that met the inclusion criteria. When explicitly investigated, free-recall memory impairments in autism were shown to influence source monitoring deficits. General intelligence was another important factor linked to source-monitoring performance. Conversely, other memory types or encoding effects were not impaired in autism, and no univocal association could be found with source monitoring. Social cognition and clinical symptoms were rarely assessed in spite of their possible involvement in source monitoring. The heterogeneity of the task design, outcome measures and demographical factors limited study comparability. As a research framework on source monitoring as a construct of primary interest in autism is still lacking, we propose preliminary indications for future investigations based on the collected findings.
Online Movement Correction in Response to the Unexpectedly Perturbed Initial or Final Action Goals: An ERP and sLORETA Study
Authors: Yu Lin , Schack Thomas , Koester Dirk
Published: May 2021

In this experiment, we explored how unexpected perturbations in the initial (grip posture) and the final action goals (target position) influence movement execution and the neural mechanisms underlying the movement corrections. Participants were instructed to grasp a handle and rotate it to a target position according to a given visual cue. After participants started their movements, a secondary cue was triggered, which indicated whether the initial or final goals had changed (or not) while the electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded. The results showed that the perturbed initial goals significantly slowed down the reaching action, compared to the perturbed final goals. In the event-related potentials (ERPs), a larger anterior P3 and a larger central-distributed late positivity (600–700 ms) time-locked to the perturbations were found for the initial than for the final goal perturbations. Source analyses found stronger left middle frontal gyrus (MFG) activations for the perturbed initial goals than for the perturbed final goals in the P3 time window. These findings suggest that perturbations in the initial goals have stronger interferences with the execution of grasp-to-rotate movements than perturbations in the final goals. The interferences seem to be derived from both inappropriate action inhibitions and new action implementations during the movement correction.
Effect of Allopregnanolone on Spatial Memory and Synaptic Proteins in Animal Model of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Amin Shaimaa Nasr , Abdalgeleel Shaimaa Abdalaleem , Algahtany Mubarak Ali , Shaltout Sherif Ahmed , El Gazzar Walaa Bayoumie , Elberry Dalia Azmy
Published: May 2021

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is considered a common disorder, especially with a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy food consumption. Cognitive impairment is one of the MetS consequences that worsens the quality of life of the patients. The study aimed to assess the therapeutic effect of the neurosteroid Allopregnalonone on spatial memory and, therefore, the expression of two synaptic plasticity markers in the hippocampus. Thirty-two male rats were divided into four groups: control groups, MetS, and MetS + Allopregnalone. Spatial memory has been evaluated by the Y-maze task and blood pressure measured by the rat tail method. Biochemical evaluation of serum glucose, insulin, lipid profile, and hippocampal expression of Synaptophysin and Associated Protein 43 (GAP-43) were performed for assessing Allopregnanolone on serum and hippocampal markers. Allopregnanolone therapy improved working spatial memory, hypertension, and biochemical markers measured in the serum and hippocampus.