bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular parameters in rat model of chronic renal failure induced by subtotal nephrectomy
Authors: Švíglerová J , Kuncová J , Nalos L , Tonar Z , Rajdl D , Štengl M
Published: February 2021

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is associated with high incidence of
cardiovascular complications. To clarify pathogenesis of CRF
numerous animal models have been developed. The aim of our
work was to describe methodology of subtotal surgical renal
ablation in rat and to characterize some biochemical and
cardiovascular parameters of this animal model. Male rats
underwent 5/6 surgical nephrectomy or sham operations in two
steps. The following parameters were measured on day 10 and in
week 10 after the surgery: plasma concentrations of creatinine
and urea, blood pressure, resting heart rate, chronotropic
response to atropine and metipranol, heart ventricles weight,
contraction parameters and action potential duration in the left
ventricle. Increased serum concentrations of creatinine and urea,
decreased creatinine clearance, polyuria and alteration of the
remnant kidney tissue were found in CRF rats. Changes in
cardiovascular parameters identified after subtotal nephrectomy
resembled alterations of cardiovascular system in uremic patients
and included hypertension, elevated resting heart rate,
diminished parasympathetic cardiac tone, hypertrophy of the left
ventricle associated with weakened force of contraction,
prolonged contraction and relaxation and shortening of action
potential duration. These data suggest that the present model
can be a useful tool in the study of CRF and its cardiovascular
complications.
Advanced methods for perfusion analysis in echocardiography
Authors: Kolář R , Jiřík R , Harabiš V , Mézl M , Bartoš M
Published: February 2021

It has been shown that besides positron emission tomography,
single photon emission computed tomography and magnetic
resonance imaging; contrast echocardiography can be used for
qualitative and quantitative myocardial perfusion assessment. In
this review, the properties of ultrasound contrast agents, imaging
techniques and acquisition methods are shortly described and the
possibilities of perfusion echocardiography are summarized. The
main focus is put on the description of three perfusion models:
mathematical models, physical models assuming an ideal inflow
and physical models including inflow measurement.
Radiofrequency ablation in treatment of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Lábrová R , Špinar J , Honzíková N
Published: February 2021

Beside heart failure and metabolic syndrome, atrial fibrillation is
termed the cardiovascular epidemic of the 21st century. Its
increased morbidity and mortality is alarming. The present, most
effective therapy of atrial fibrillation is catheter ablation.
Successful ablation of atrial fibrillation prevents the occurrence
and progression of electrical, structural and mechanic
myocardium remodelling, improves function of the left ventricle,
and prevents the risk of thrombembolism. Onset of sinus rhythm
activates the reversal remodelling leading to wall reconstruction
and atrium reduction. The paper reviews the technique and
presents own experience with catheter ablation.
Logit and fuzzy models in data analysis: estimation of risk in cardiac patients
Authors: Honzík P , Křivan L , Lokaj P , Lábrová R , Nováková Z , Fišer B , Honzíková N
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was a comparison of risk stratification for
death in patients after myocardial infarction (MI) and of risk
stratification for malignant arrhythmias in patients with
implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). The individual risk
factors and more complex approaches were used, which take into
account that a borderline between a risky and non-risky value of
each predictor is not clear-cut (fuzzification of a critical value)
and that individual risk factors have different weight (area under
receiver operating curve – AUC or Sommers´ D – Dxy). The risk
factors were baroreflex sensitivity, ejection fraction and the
number of ventricular premature complexes/hour on Holter
monitoring. Those factors were evaluated separately and they
were involved into logit model and fuzzy models (Fuzzy, FuzzyAUC, and Fuzzy-Dxy). Two groups of patients were examined:
a) 308 patients 7-21 days after MI (23 patients died within period
of 24 month); b) 53 patients with left ventricular dysfunction
examined before implantation of ICD (7 patients with malignant
arrhythmia and electric discharge within 11 month after
implantation). Our results obtained in MI patients demonstrated
that the application of logit and fuzzy models was superior over
the risk stratification based on algorithm where the decision
making is dependent on one parameter. In patients with
implanted defibrillator only logit method yielded statistically
significant result, but its reliability was doubtful because all other
tests were statistically insignificant. We recommend evaluating
the data not only by tests based on logit model but also by tests
based on fuzzy models.
Biophysical investigation on left ventricular myocytes in rats with experimentally induced diabetes
Authors: Waczulíková I , Cagalinec M , Uličná O , Slezák P , Ziegelhöffer A
Published: February 2021

Diabetes is a recognized risk factor of heart disease. The
abnormalities related to a decreased heart performance probably
arise at cellular and molecular levels already in the asymptomatic
phase of diabetes. However, the early alterations initiating a
sequence of events that culminates in the clinical signs have not
been fully elucidated yet. This review deals with some biophysical
methods applied to investigation of left ventricular myocytes in
rats with streptozotocin diabetes, as well as our most important
findings concerning diabetes-induced cell changes which cannot
be captured by other techniques. The observed decrease in
sarcolemmal membrane fluidity is causatively associated with
increased glycation and glycoxidation. On the other hand, an
increase in the mitochondrial membrane fluidity may be
attributed to augmented energy transduction through the
membranes. We reported for the first time concurrent
measurements of membrane potential and dynamics, and
respiratory chain activities in rat heart mitochondria, as well as
calcium transients in the myocytes from diabetic hearts together
with the assessed quantitative relationships among these
variables. We were able to detect some significant alterations
that may underlie myocyte dysfunction and subsequent
remodeling of the heart. We suppose that not all these changes
reflect mechanisms leading to pathology; some may represent
adaptive and compensatory responses to diabetes.
Antioxidant and cytotoxic activity studies of sulfur containing glycine imine derivatives MCF-7 and DLD-1 cell lines
Authors: MESCİ Seda , GÜL Melek , YILDIRIM Tuba
Published: February 2021

Objective: To investigate the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of sulfur-containing glycine imine derivatives MCF-7 (human breast
adenocarcinoma) and DLD-1 (colorectal adenocarcinoma) cell lines.
Methods: This study examined the antioxidant activities (25-200 µM) of sulfur-containing glycine imine derivatives via the DPPH, metal chelating and reduction methods. Furthermore the cytotoxic activity of MCF-7, MCF-12A (normal breast epithelial) and DLD-1, CCD-18CO (normal colon fibroblast) were examined with MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) and RTCA (Real-time Cell Analysis) assays.
Results: The antioxidant assay of the metal chelating activity showed significant results (71, 77 and 40% respectively) as compared to
knowing synthetic antioxidant (trolox; 95.45, EDTA; 97.06 %). Reducing activity was found to be very low compared to the standard compounds.Compounds were shown to be moderated by DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) activity, and the IC50 value ranged from 91
to 150. The IC50 values (100 µM) of the MTT and RTCA analyses were similar.
Conclusion: The study showed that the compounds had selective and significant antioxidant activities, and we also found that they
had cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 and DLD-1 cells.
The Impact of Socioeconomic Factors and Oral Health Behaviour on Knowledge Levels of the Dental Health and Procedures: The Questionnaire based Research
Authors: YILMAZ ÇIRAKOĞLU Neslihan , GÖKCEK Mihriban
Published: February 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study is to describe oral health behaviour of the individuals and determine the relationship level of knowledge of the participants about dental health and procedures and their personal variables.
Methods: The total number of participants who answered the questionnaire was 575. Oral health behaviours were assessed according to tooth brushing frequency, dental floss or interdental brush use, when was the last time he/she went to dentist and their reason for going to the dentist. Also, the eight dental health knowledge items were selected to determine the individual’s dental health knowledge status.
Results: There was no statistical difference between the ages of the participants and the knowledge levels of dental health and procedures (p=0.089, p>0.05). There was statistical difference between level of education and the knowledge levels of dental health and procedures (p=0.001, p<0.05). There was statistical difference between level of family income and the knowledge levels of dental health and procedures.
(p=0.001, p<0.05). There was statistical difference between dental floss or interdental brush using and the knowledge levels of dental health
and procedures (p=0.001, p<0.05).
Conclusion: The findings of the present study showed that Oral hygiene habits and oral and dental health knowledge level is insufficient in our society. Preventive and educational programs should be developed in order to both improve and inform individuals about oral care.
Pomegranate Peel Extract Reduces Cisplatin-Induced Toxicity and Oxidative Stress in Primary Neuron Culture
Authors: ÇINAR İrfan , YAYLA Muhammed , DEMİRBAĞ Çağlar , BİNNETOĞLU Damla
Published: February 2021

Objective: Cancer is the most common cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. Cisplatin used in most types of cancer produces neurotoxicity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of pomegranate peel extract (1) in different doses, as potent antioxidants, on the prevention of neurotoxicity due to cisplatin, which is frequently used in cancer treatment.
Methods: In our study, newborn rat cortex was used. 2 hours following the application of PPE at 200, 300 and 400 mg/mL, neurotoxicity was
established by applying cisplatin in 50 and 100 µM concentrations.
Results: In our study, cisplatin decreased cell viability in increasing doses, while PPE showed the best neuroprotective effect in high doses.
Increased total oxidant capacity due to toxicity was significantly improved by PPE4. The antioxidant capacity decreased in the toxicity group showed improvement with the administration of PPE4. At the same time, increased TNF-α mRNA expression after cisplatin administration was significantly reduced with the administration of PPE4. The increased caspase 3 (CAS 3) and caspase 9 (CAS 9) mRNA expression due to cisplatin showed improvement with the administration of PPE4.
Conclusion: These results indicated that PPE could inhibit cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity, and these effects may be related to anti-apoptotic and antioxidants activities.
Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activities of Scorzonera Species on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: ŞAKUL Ayşe Arzu , KURTUL Ekin , ÖZBEK Hanefi , KIRMIZI Neriman İpek , BAHTİYAR Bade Cevriye , SALTAN Hayriye , BAHADIR ACIKARA Özlem
Published: February 2021

Objective: In Turkish folk medicine, different species of Scorzonera (Asteraceae) have been used in the treatment of various disorders. The study aimed to investigate antidiabetic activity of Scorzonera species and if rutin is the primary component responsible of this activity.
Methods: The extracts of aerial parts of Scorzonera tomentosa, S. mollis ssp. szowitsii, S. suberosa ssp. suberosa, S. eriophora, S. acuminata, S. sublanata and S. cana var. jacquiniana were used in the experiment. Additionally, rutin, which has been analysed and detected by using HPLC qualitatively and quantitatively in some Scorzonera species, was also tested for its antidiabetic activity in the same conditions. An alloxaninduced diabetic mice test model was used in order to verify antidiabetic activity. Antidiabetic activities of the 9 groups (n=5; each) were measured at four different times: before Scorzonera extracts and rutin treatment and after 1, 2 and 4 hours of treatments.
Results: S. sublanata extract exhibited the highest antidiabetic activity and at 100 mg/kg dose, it significantly reduced blood glucose levels
measured after 1, 2 and 4 hours of treatments when compared to isotonic saline solution group (diabetic control group). S. cana var. jacquiniana extract also displayed notable decrease after 4 hours of treatment. Significant lowering effect on blood glucose level was also observed by treatment with rutin in all tested times at 100 mg/kg i.p. injection. According to the HPLC analyses the highest rutin content was determined in the S. acuminata aerial parts.
Conclusion: Rutin content and the antidiabetic activity of the plant extracts were not correlated as displayed in this present study. Further
studies should be performed to reveal responsible compunds for antidiabetic activity.
Microbiota as Drivers and as Therapeutic Targets in Ocular and Tissue Specific Autoimmunity
Authors: Salvador Ryan , Zhang Amy , Horai Reiko , Caspi Rachel R.
Published: February 2021

Autoimmune uveitis is a major cause of blindness in humans. Activation of retina-specific autoreactive T cells by commensal microbiota has been shown to trigger uveitis in mice. Although a culprit microbe and/or its immunogenic antigen remains to be identified, studies from inducible and spontaneous mouse models suggest the potential of microbiota-modulating therapies for treating ocular autoimmune disease. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the contribution of microbiota to T cell-driven, tissue-specific autoimmunity, with an emphasis on autoimmune uveitis, and analyze microbiota-altering interventions, including antibiotics, probiotics, and microbiota-derived metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids), which have been shown to be effective in other autoimmune diseases. We also discuss the need to explore more translational animal models as well as to integrate various datasets (microbiomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and other cellular measurements) to gain a better understanding of how microbiota can directly or indirectly modulate the immune system and contribute to the onset of disease. It is hoped that deeper understanding of these interactions may lead to more effective treatment interventions.
Molecular Basis of LH Action on Breast Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion via Kinase and Scaffold Proteins
Authors: Mondaca Joselina Magali , Uzair Ivonne Denise , Castro Guijarro Ana Carla , Flamini Marina Inés , Sanchez Angel Matias
Published: February 2021

Breast cancer (BC) is a major public health problem affecting women worldwide. Approximately 80% of diagnosed cases are hormone-dependent breast cancers. These hormones are known to stimulate tumor development and progression. In this setting, tentative evidence suggests that luteinizing hormone (LH) may also play a role in tumors. In BC cells that express functional LH receptors (LHR), this hormone regulates cell migration and invasion by controlling several kinases that activate actin cytoskeletal proteins. In this article, we show that LH induces phosphorylation of paxillin and its translocation toward the plasmatic membrane, where focal adhesion complexes are assembled. This process is triggered via a rapid extra-gonadal LHR signaling to Src/FAK/paxillin, which results in the phosphorylation/activation of the nucleation promoter factors cortactin and N-WASP. As a consequence, Arp2/3 complexes induce actin polymerization, essential to promote cell adhesion, migration, and invasion, thus enhancing metastatic spread of tumoral cells. Our findings provide relevant information about how gonadotrophins exert their action in BC. This information helps us understand the extragonadal effects of LH on BC metastasis. It may provide new perspectives for therapeutic treatment, especially for women with high serum levels of gonadotrophins.
In Silico Study of Coumarins and Quinolines Derivatives as Potent Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease
Authors: Yañez Osvaldo , Osorio Manuel Isaías , Uriarte Eugenio , Areche Carlos , Tiznado William , Pérez-Donoso José M. , García-Beltrán Olimpo , González-Nilo Fernando
Published: February 2021

The pandemic that started in Wuhan (China) in 2019 has caused a large number of deaths, and infected people around the world due to the absence of effective therapy against coronavirus 2 of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). Viral maturation requires the activity of the main viral protease (Mpro), so its inhibition stops the progress of the disease. To evaluate possible inhibitors, a computational model of the SARS-CoV-2 enzyme Mpro was constructed in complex with 26 synthetic ligands derived from coumarins and quinolines. Analysis of simulations of molecular dynamics and molecular docking of the models show a high affinity for the enzyme (∆Ebinding between −5.1 and 7.1 kcal mol−1). The six compounds with the highest affinity show Kd between 6.26 × 10–6 and 17.2 × 10–6, with binding affinity between −20 and −25 kcal mol−1, with ligand efficiency less than 0.3 associated with possible inhibitory candidates. In addition to the high affinity of these compounds for SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, low toxicity is expected considering the Lipinski, Veber and Pfizer rules. Therefore, this novel study provides candidate inhibitors that would allow experimental studies which can lead to the development of new treatments for SARS-CoV-2.
Gut Microbiome of Children and Adolescents With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis in Association With Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Cortez Ramon V. , Moreira Luana N. , Padilha Marina , Bibas Mariana D. , Toma Ricardo K. , Porta Gilda , Taddei Carla R.
Published: February 2021

Few studies reported the relation of intestinal microbiome composition and diversity in pediatric patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and ulcerative colitis (UC). In this cross-sectional study, we selected patients younger than 19 years old from the pediatric gastroenterology and hepatology outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital to describe the intestinal microbiome of pediatric patients with PSC associated or not to UC. Patients were divided in PSC, PSC+UC, and UC diagnosis. A stool sample was collected from each patient (n=30) and from a healthy relative/neighbor (n=23). The microbiome composition was assessed using MiSeq (Illumina) platform. Differences in microbial composition were found between PSC and PSC+UC groups. The relative abundance of Veillonella and Megasphaera genera were increased depending on patients’ age at diagnosis. Veillonella was also increased in patients who were in an active status of the disease. Both genera were positively correlated to total bilirubin and gamma-glutamyl transferase. As a conclusion, the disease, the age and the disease activity status seem to influence the intestinal microbiome, highlighting the difference of intestinal microbiome profile for patients depending on age at diagnosis. We also showed an increase of Veillonella in patients with PSC and PSC+UC, and a positive correlation of dysbiosis and higher gamma-glutamyl transferase and total bilirubin in PSC+UC patients. Our findings are promising in the diagnosis, prognosis, and future therapeutic perspectives for PSC patients.
Grain Yield and Quality of Winter Wheat Depending on Previous Crop and Tillage System
Authors: Gawęda Dorota , Haliniarz Małgorzata
Published: February 2021

The effects of previous crops (soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) and winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L. ssp. oleifera Metzg)), as well as of conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT), on yield and some quality parameters of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain were evaluated based on a four-year field experiment. Wheat was grown in a four-field crop rotation: Soybean—winter wheat—winter oilseed rape—winter wheat. The study revealed that growing winter wheat after soybean, compared to its cultivation in the field after winter oilseed rape, significantly increased grain and straw yield, as well as all yield and crop components evaluated. After the previous soybean crop, higher grain protein content, Zeleny sedimentation value, and grain uniformity were also found. After winter oilseed rape, only a greater value of the gluten index was obtained. Statistical analysis did not show the tillage system (TS) to influence the grain yield of winter wheat. Under the CT system, relative to NT, straw yield, number of ears per 1 m2, and plant height of winter wheat were found to be significantly higher. The NT system, on the other hand, beneficially affected the thousand grain weight. Wheat grain harvested under the CT system was characterized by a higher grain test weight, better grain uniformity, and lower gluten index than under NT.
An Overview of Olive Cultivation in Turkey: Botanical Features, Eco-Physiology and Phytochemical Aspects
Authors: Ozturk Munir , Altay Volkan , Gönenç Tuba Mert , Unal Bengu Turkyilmaz , Efe Recep , Akçiçek Eren , Bukhari Andleeb
Published: February 2021

Global climate change, especially global warming, is affecting olive production efficiency as well as its product quality. The size and water content of fruit varies depending on the olive fruit yield along with the region, climate, and geographical position as well as agricultural applications. Anthropogenic activities also affect its ecology to a great extent. The plant prefers areas with mild winters and short rainy seasons but is facing long and dry summers, sunny habitats, well drained dry, poor, loamy, clayey-loamy, slightly calcareous, pebbly and nutrient-rich soils, with a pH around 6–8. It is resistant to drought but suffers much from harsh winters and air pollutants, which affect its production. Although the olive plant tolerates temperatures between −7 °C to 40 °C, the optimum temperature demanded for growth, development, and fruit yield is 15–25 °C. The annual precipitation demand lies between 700–850 mm. An important part of the composition of its fruit consists of water and oil or the “liquid gold”. Main ingredients are additionally fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, organic sugars, and phenolics. Phenolic substances are responsible for many beneficial health effects as well as the taste and aroma of olive fruit. Oleuropein stands out due to its inhibition of oxidation of low density lipoproteins and its hypoglycemic and cholesterolemic effects. It is also a component that protects the olive tree against various parasites and diseases, one of the reasons why olive is recorded as the “immortal tree”. Olive trees are cultivated in different regions of Turkey. A series of changes occur in morphological, physiological, and biochemical features to overcome different types of stress. In this review, information about the botanical aspects, eco-physiology, and pharmaceutical features of the oil, fruit, and leaves has been evaluated.
The Effect of Increasing Neutral Detergent Fiber Level through Different Fiber Feed Ingredients throughout the Gestation of Sows
Authors: Shi Baoming , He Wei , Su Ge , Xu Xiaodong , Shan Anshan
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of increasing dietary neutral detergent fiber (NDF) levels on pregnant sows, and to select the best feed ingredients based on reproductive performance, plasma biochemistry parameters, colostrum and milk composition, and nutrient digestibility. Seventy-two multiparous sows were randomly allotted to six dietary treatment groups (n = 12). The feeding of chicory meal (CM), wheat bran (WB), corn gluten, and rice bran meal (RBM) increased the average weaning weight of piglets compared with the control (CON) group (p < 0.05). Supplementation with CG diet increased the sow BW, weight gain, and back fat thickness compared with WB and RBM on day 107 of gestation (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Supplementation with CG diet resulted in lower plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) and higher total protein (TP) concentrations in plasma (p < 0.05). Feeding CM diet and soybean curd residue (SCR) diet reduced the total protein and globulin, and supplementation with CM diet significantly increased the PUN (p < 0.05). The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of crude protein (CP), crude fat (EE), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were decreased following the addition of CM, WB, or SCR to the diets (p < 0.05). The ATTD of NDF and ADF were significantly increased in the CG group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the feeding of CG diet to sows have an excellent effect.
Sorting out the Superbugs: Potential of Sortase A Inhibitors among Other Antimicrobial Strategies to Tackle the Problem of Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Zrelovs Nikita , Kurbatska Viktorija , Rudevica Zhanna , Leonchiks Ainars , Fridmanis Davids
Published: February 2021

Rapid spread of antibiotic resistance throughout the kingdom bacteria is inevitably bringing humanity towards the “post-antibiotic” era. The emergence of so-called “superbugs”—pathogen strains that develop resistance to multiple conventional antibiotics—is urging researchers around the globe to work on the development or perfecting of alternative means of tackling the pathogenic bacteria infections. Although various conceptually different approaches are being considered, each comes with its advantages and drawbacks. While drug-resistant pathogens are undoubtedly represented by both Gram(+) and Gram(−) bacteria, possible target spectrum across the proposed alternative approaches of tackling them is variable. Numerous anti-virulence strategies aimed at reducing the pathogenicity of target bacteria rather than eliminating them are being considered among such alternative approaches. Sortase A (SrtA) is a membrane-associated cysteine protease that catalyzes a cell wall sorting reaction by which surface proteins, including virulence factors, are anchored to the bacterial cell wall of Gram(+) bacteria. Although SrtA inhibition seems perspective among the Gram-positive pathogen-targeted antivirulence strategies, it still remains less popular than other alternatives. A decrease in virulence due to inactivation of SrtA activity has been extensively studied in Staphylococcus aureus, but it has also been demonstrated in other Gram(+) species. In this manuscript, results of past studies on the discovery of novel SrtA inhibitory compounds and evaluation of their potency were summarized and commented on. Here, we discussed the rationale behind the inhibition of SrtA, raised some concerns on the comparability of the results from different studies, and touched upon the possible resistance mechanisms as a response to implementation of such therapy in practice. The goal of this article is to encourage further studies of SrtA inhibitory compounds.
Preventing Developmental Origins of Cardiovascular Disease: Hydrogen Sulfide as a Potential Target?
Authors: Hsu Chien-Ning , Tain You-Lin
Published: February 2021

The cardiovascular system can be programmed by a diversity of early-life insults, leading to cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adulthood. This notion is now termed developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD). Emerging evidence indicates hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a crucial regulator of cardiovascular homeostasis, plays a pathogenetic role in CVD of developmental origins. Conversely, early H2S-based interventions have proved beneficial in preventing adult-onset CVD in animal studies via reversing programming processes by so-called reprogramming. The focus of this review will first summarize the current knowledge on H2S implicated in cardiovascular programming. This will be followed by supporting evidence for the links between H2S signaling and underlying mechanisms of cardiovascular programming, such as oxidative stress, nitric oxide deficiency, dysregulated nutrient-sensing signals, activation of the renin–angiotensin system, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. It will also provide an overview from animal models regarding how H2S-based reprogramming interventions, such as precursors of H2S and H2S donors, may prevent CVD of developmental origins. A better understanding of cardiovascular programming and recent advances in H2S-based interventions might provide the answers to bring down the global burden of CVD.
Thermal Effects on Photovoltaic Array Performance: Experimentation, Modeling, and Simulation
Authors: Ghabuzyan Levon , Pan Kevin , Fatahi Arianna , Kuo Jim , Baldus-Jeursen Christopher
Published: February 2021

The performance of photovoltaic (PV) arrays are affected by the operating temperature, which is influenced by thermal losses to the ambient environment. The factors affecting thermal losses include wind speed, wind direction, and ambient temperature. The purpose of this work is to analyze how the aforementioned factors affect array efficiency, temperature, and heat transfer coefficient/thermal loss factor. Data on ambient and array temperatures, wind speed and direction, solar irradiance, and electrical output were collected from a PV array mounted on a CanmetENERGY facility in Varennes, Canada, and analyzed. The results were compared with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and existing results from PVsyst. The findings can be summarized into three points. First, ambient temperature and wind speed are important factors in determining PV performance, while wind direction seems to play a minor role. Second, CFD simulations found that temperature variation on the PV array surface is greater at lower wind speeds, and decreases at higher wind speeds. Lastly, an empirical correlation of heat transfer coefficient/thermal loss factor has been developed.
Rockfall Modelling in Forested Areas: The Role of Digital Terrain Model Grid Cell Size
Authors: Žabota Barbara , Mikoš Matjaž , Kobal Milan
Published: February 2021

This article examines how digital terrain model (DTM) grid cell size influences rockfall modelling using a probabilistic process-based model, Rockyfor3D, while taking into account the effect of forest on rockfall propagation and runout area. Two rockfall sites in the Trenta valley, NW Slovenia, were chosen as a case study. The analysis included DTM square grid cell sizes of 1, 2, 5, and 10 m, which were extracted from LiDAR data. In the paper, we compared results of rockfall propagation and runout areas, maximum kinetic energy, and maximum passing height between different grid cell sizes and forest/no forest scenario, namely by using goodness-of-fit indices (average index, success index, distance to the perfect classification, true skill statistics). The results show that the accuracy of the modelled shape of rockfall propagation and runout area decreases with larger DTM grid cell sizes. The forest has the important effect of reducing the rockfall propagation only at DTM1 and DTM2 and only if the distance between the source area and forest is large enough. Higher deviations of the maximum kinetic energy are present at DTMs with larger grid cell size, while differences are smaller at more DTMs with smaller grid cell sizes. Maximum passing height varies the most at DTM1 in the forest scenario, while at other DTMs, it does not experience larger deviations in the two scenarios.
Development of Add-On Planar Translational Driving System for Aerial Manipulation with Multirotor Platform
Authors: Miyazaki Ryo , Paul Hannibal , Shimonomura Kazuhiro
Published: February 2021

We propose an add-on planar translational driving system (ATD) which can be equipped on a multirotor platform for aerial manipulation. The device is lightweight and consists of three ducted fans controlled via an on-board CPU. It uses a simple control method and enables a multirotor to perform positioning and generate force in two dimensions while keeping the airframe horizontal. By translating the multirotor without changing attitude, it can more smoothly and easily perform many types of aerial manipulation tasks with higher positioning accuracy. In this paper, we mainly show the design, modeling, and control of the ATD. Several preliminary experiments were performed to verify the positioning accuracy and effectiveness of the system. In addition, we successfully performed the push and pull task using a rigid arm.
Automatic Point-Cloud Registration for Quality Control in Building Works
Authors: Mora Rocio , Martín-Jiménez Jose Antonio , Lagüela Susana , González-Aguilera Diego
Published: February 2021

Total and automatic digitalization of indoor spaces in 3D implies a great advance in building maintenance and construction tasks, which currently require visits and manual works. Terrestrial laser scanners (TLS) have been widely used for these tasks, although the acquisition methodology with TLS systems is time consuming, and each point cloud is acquired in a different coordinate system, so the user has to post-process the data to clean and get a unique point cloud of the whole scenario. This paper presents a solution for the automatic data acquisition and registration of point clouds from indoor scenes, designed for point clouds acquired with a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) mounted on an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). The methodology developed allows the generation of one complete dense 3D point cloud consisting of the acquired point clouds registered in the same coordinate system, reaching an accuracy below 1 cm in section dimensions and below 1.5 cm in walls thickness, which makes it valid for quality control in building works. Two different study cases corresponding to building works were chosen for the validation of the method, showing the applicability of the methodology developed for tasks related to the control of the evolution of the construction.
Selective Removal of Diesel Oil Hydrocarbons in Aerobic Bioremediation
Authors: Raffa Carla Maria , Chiampo Fulvia , Vergnano Andrea , Godio Alberto
Published: February 2021

In soil bioremediation, the main target is the removal of pollutants to the maximum extent. Careful monitoring of pollution concentration provides information about the process efficacy and removal efficiency. Moreover, a detailed analysis of residual pollution composition provides a detailed picture of single compound removal or presence, especially of interest when pollution is constituted by a mixture of chemical species. This paper shows the first results of a study on the speciation of diesel oil compound removal from soils by aerobic remediation. The experimental study was carried out in a microcosm using indigenous microorganisms and adopting the biostimulation strategy with a mineral salt medium for bacteria. The microcosm contained 200 g of dry soil and 14 g of diesel oil with a carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N) equal to 180 and water content (u%) equal to 12% by mass. The residual pollution concentration in soil was monitored for 138 days to evaluate both the overall removal efficiency and that for the main groups of hydrocarbons. The results showed that the pollution composition changed during the test because of the different rate of metabolization for the single compounds: the overall removal efficiency was about 65%, and that of different hydrocarbon clusters was between 53% and 88%. The monitoring data also allowed the kinetic study of the degradation process, which was better modeled by a second-order kinetic model than by a first-order one. These findings were confirmed by analyzing other microcosms with different operative conditions (C/N = 120, 180 and u% = 8%, 12%, 15% by mass). The proposed methodology may be useful for the evaluation of compliance to concentration limits imposed by law.
On the Energy Performance of Micro-Encapsulated Phase Change Material Enhanced Spackling with Night Ventilation
Authors: Aamodt Andreas , Chaudhuri Arnab , Madessa Habtamu Bayera , Vik Tor Arvid
Published: February 2021

Phase change material (PCM) is an attractive solution for improvement of thermal performance in buildings, and have excited a vast amount of research in recent years. There are however practical challenges with ensuring adequate phase transitions of the PCM to exploit the passive heat storage benefits. Night ventilation (NV) with free cooling have surfaced as one of the most promising methods to properly utilize PCMs and maximize energy savings. This work deals with a novel spackling compound enhanced with microencapsulated PCM. The product is intended for use at inner walls and ceiling surfaces of buildings and is suited for new and retrofitting building applications. Ensuing former experimental studies, a validated simulation model is developed and used to study the PCM with natural and hybrid NV strategies in an office building during summer conditions in Oslo, Norway. Cooling load reduction and energy savings are analyzed with varying air flow rates of 0.5–5 air changes per hour (ACH) and 2–4 mm PCM layer thickness. It is shown how increasing air flow rates and PCM thickness greatly enhances energy performance, but at a diminishing rate. Although the NV alone can reduce the cooling load by 11.5% at 1 ACH, 40.2% at 3 ACH and 59.8% at 5 ACH, one can achieve further reduction up to 19.5%, 78.2% and 95.5% for the respective ACHs with 4 mm PCM. The natural NV provides more energy savings compared to the hybrid strategy. As energy requirement by fans increases with the increase of air flow rates in the hybrid strategy, the energy savings eventually start to reduce. The hybrid strategy can save 38% energy at most with 3 ACH, and the savings is increased to 50% with the inclusion of 4 mm PCM. On the other hand, the natural strategy saves 56% of energy at the same air flow rate, and 69% with 4 mm of PCM.
Early Effect of Pine Biochar on Peach-Tree Planting on Microbial Community Composition and Enzymatic Activity
Authors: Frene Juan Pablo , Frazier Mattie , Liu Shuang , Clark Bernadette , Parker Michael , Gardner Terrence
Published: February 2021

Biochar offers several benefits as a soil amendment, including increased soil fertility, carbon sequestration, and water-holding capacity in nutrient-poor soils. In this study, soil samples with and without biochar additives were collected for two consecutive years from an experimental field plot to examine its effect on the microbial community structure and functions in sandy soils under peach-trees (Prunus persica). The four treatments evaluated consisted of two different rates of biochar incorporated into the soil (5%, and 10%, v/v), one “dynamic” surface application of biochar, and a 0% biochar control. Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis was used to assess the microbial community structure, and enzyme activities involved in C, N, P, and S nutrient cycling were used as a means of assessing soil functionality. Total FAME and bacterial indicators increased by 18% and 12%, respectively, in the 10% incorporated and 5% surface applied treatments. Biochar applications increased β-glucosaminidase and arylsulfatase activities, 5–30% and 12–46%, respectively. β-glucosidase and acid phosphatase activities decreased by approximately 18–35% and 5–22% in the 0–15 cm soils. The overall results suggest that biochar’s addition to the sandy soils stimulated microbial activity, contributing to the increased mean weight diameter (MWD), C sequestration, and consequential soil health. The changes in microbial community structure and functions may be useful predictors of modifications in soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics due to the long-term application of pine biochar in these systems.
Recognizing the Aggregation Characteristics of Extreme Precipitation Events Using Spatio-Temporal Scanning and the Local Spatial Autocorrelation Model
Authors: Wan Changjun , Cheng Changxiu , Ye Sijing , Shen Shi , Zhang Ting
Published: February 2021

Precipitation is an essential climate variable in the hydrologic cycle. Its abnormal change would have a serious impact on the social economy, ecological development and life safety. In recent decades, many studies about extreme precipitation have been performed on spatio-temporal variation patterns under global changes; little research has been conducted on the regionality and persistence, which tend to be more destructive. This study defines extreme precipitation events by percentile method, then applies the spatio-temporal scanning model (STSM) and the local spatial autocorrelation model (LSAM) to explore the spatio-temporal aggregation characteristics of extreme precipitation, taking China in July as a case. The study result showed that the STSM with the LSAM can effectively detect the spatio-temporal accumulation areas. The extreme precipitation events of China in July 2016 have a significant spatio-temporal aggregation characteristic. From the spatial perspective, China’s summer extreme precipitation spatio-temporal clusters are mainly distributed in eastern China and northern China, such as Dongting Lake plain, the Circum-Bohai Sea region, Gansu, and Xinjiang. From the temporal perspective, the spatio-temporal clusters of extreme precipitation are mainly distributed in July, and its occurrence was delayed with an increase in latitude, except for in Xinjiang, where extreme precipitation events often take place earlier and persist longer.
Cortical Activity Linked to Clocking in Deaf Adults: fNIRS Insights with Static and Animated Stimuli Presentation
Authors: Laurent Sébastien , Paire-Ficout Laurence , Boucheix Jean-Michel , Argon Stéphane , Hidalgo-Muñoz Antonio
Published: February 2021

The question of the possible impact of deafness on temporal processing remains unanswered. Different findings, based on behavioral measures, show contradictory results. The goal of the present study is to analyze the brain activity underlying time estimation by using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) techniques, which allow examination of the frontal, central and occipital cortical areas. A total of 37 participants (19 deaf) were recruited. The experimental task involved processing a road scene to determine whether the driver had time to safely execute a driving task, such as overtaking. The road scenes were presented in animated format, or in sequences of 3 static images showing the beginning, mid-point, and end of a situation. The latter presentation required a clocking mechanism to estimate the time between the samples to evaluate vehicle speed. The results show greater frontal region activity in deaf people, which suggests that more cognitive effort is needed to process these scenes. The central region, which is involved in clocking according to several studies, is particularly activated by the static presentation in deaf people during the estimation of time lapses. Exploration of the occipital region yielded no conclusive results. Our results on the frontal and central regions encourage further study of the neural basis of time processing and its links with auditory capacity.
Insula and Olfaction: A Literature Review and Case Report
Authors: Roy-Côté Frédérique , Zahal Rayane , Frasnelli Johannes , Nguyen Dang Khoa , Boucher Olivier
Published: February 2021

(1) Background: It is well established that the insula is involved in olfaction, though its specific role in olfactory processing remains uncertain. In this paper, we first review the current literature on the insula and olfaction. Then, we describe the case of a 56-year-old man with a left insular cavernoma that caused olfactory disturbances. (2) Results: Structural neuroimaging studies suggest that insular gray matter volume is related to olfactory function, and functional neuroimaging shows that various types of stimuli lead to either lateralized or bilateral insular activations. Studies using electro-cortical stimulation reveal a specific region of the insular cortex, around the central insular sulcus, that could be related to unpleasant odor processing. Previous cases of insular lesions leading to olfactory disturbances suggest that left-sided insular lesions may more frequently lead to olfactory changes. In our patient with a left insular cavernoma, odors that were previously perceived as pleasant started smelling unpleasant and were hard to distinguish. Despite these subjective complaints, olfactory function assessed with the Sniffin’ Sticks test was normal. (3) Conclusions: Current tests may not be sensitive to all types of olfactory impairments associated with insular damage, and further studies should be conducted to develop olfactory tests assessing the hedonic appreciation of odors.
Peritumoral Microenvironment in High-Grade Gliomas: From FLAIRectomy to Microglia–Glioma Cross-Talk
Authors: Altieri Roberto , Barbagallo Davide , Certo Francesco , Broggi Giuseppe , Ragusa Marco , Di Pietro Cinzia , Caltabiano Rosario , Magro Gaetano , Peschillo Simone , Purrello Michele , Barbagallo Giuseppe
Published: February 2021

Cellular composition and molecular signatures of the glioma core compared with infiltrative margins are different, and it is well known that the tumor edge is enriched in microglia. In this review of the literature, we summarize the role of the peritumoral area in high-grade gliomas (HGGs) from surgical and biological points of view. There is evidence on the dual role of microglia in HGGs—a scavenger-tumoricidal role when microglia are activated in an M1 phenotype and a role favoring tumor growth and infiltration/migration when microglia are activated in an M2 phenotype. Microglia polarization is mediated by complex pathways involving cross-talk with glioma cells. In this scenario, extracellular vesicles and their miRNA cargo seem to play a central role. The switch to a specific phenotype correlates with prognosis and the pathological assessment of a specific microglial setting can predict a patient’s outcome. Some authors have designed an engineered microglial cell as a biologically active vehicle for the delivery of intraoperative near-infrared fluorescent dye with the aim of helping surgeons detect peritumoral infiltrated areas during resection. Furthermore, the pharmacological modulation of microglia-glioma cross-talk paves the way to more effective therapies.
Deep Learning Algorithm Trained with COVID-19 Pneumonia Also Identifies Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy-Related Pneumonitis
Authors: Mallio Carlo Augusto , Napolitano Andrea , Castiello Gennaro , Giordano Francesco Maria , D'Alessio Pasquale , Iozzino Mario , Sun Yipeng , Angeletti Silvia , Russano Marco , Santini Daniele , Tonini Giuseppe , Zobel Bruno Beomonte , Vincenzi Bruno , Quattrocchi Carlo Cosimo
Published: February 2021

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy-related pneumonitis share common features. The aim of this study was to determine on chest computed tomography (CT) images whether a deep convolutional neural network algorithm is able to solve the challenge of differential diagnosis between COVID-19 pneumonia and ICI therapy-related pneumonitis. Methods: We enrolled three groups: a pneumonia-free group (n = 30), a COVID-19 group (n = 34), and a group of patients with ICI therapy-related pneumonitis (n = 21). Computed tomography images were analyzed with an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm based on a deep convolutional neural network structure. Statistical analysis included the Mann–Whitney U test (significance threshold at p < 0.05) and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve). Results: The algorithm showed low specificity in distinguishing COVID-19 from ICI therapy-related pneumonitis (sensitivity 97.1%, specificity 14.3%, area under the curve (AUC) = 0.62). ICI therapy-related pneumonitis was identified by the AI when compared to pneumonia-free controls (sensitivity = 85.7%, specificity 100%, AUC = 0.97). Conclusions: The deep learning algorithm is not able to distinguish between COVID-19 pneumonia and ICI therapy-related pneumonitis. Awareness must be increased among clinicians about imaging similarities between COVID-19 and ICI therapy-related pneumonitis. ICI therapy-related pneumonitis can be applied as a challenge population for cross-validation to test the robustness of AI models used to analyze interstitial pneumonias of variable etiology.