bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Respiratory response to finger clamping in dogs under general anesthesia: A descriptive pilot study
Authors: Sylvain Lepape , Jerneja Sredensek , Karine Portier
Published: July 2022

Aim of the study

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a nociceptive stimulus on respiratory variables in anesthetized dogs.

Material and method

Eleven dogs received acepromazine administered intramuscularly (IM) at a dose of 0.04 mg kg−1 45 mins before induction of anesthesia. Loss of consciousness was obtained with midazolam at 0.2 mg kg−1 and propofol administered at a dose of 2 mg kg−1 intravenously (IV). Orotracheal intubation was performed and anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in 100% oxygen. Inspired (VTi) and expired (VTe) tidal volume (VT), minute volume (VM), inspiratory and expiratory time (Ti; Te) were measured and recorded twice a second by a spirometer. The Drive (VT/Ti) and Timing [Ti/(Ti+ Te)] were calculated.

After stabilizing the depth of anesthesia the variables measured by the spirometer were recorded for 5 mins [T0−5-T0]. Then (T0) interdigital clamping of the hind leg was performed until a withdrawal movement was observed. If no reaction occurred, the clamp was left in place for 60s. After removal of the clamp, respiratory variables were measured continuously for another 5 mins [T0-T0+5]. At T0+5 morphine (0.2 mg kg−1 IV) was administered. Five minutes later (T0+10), a second clamp test was performed, using the same procedure. At T0+15 the data recording was stopped.

Result

The results showed a large variation in the individual values of Drive and Timing and are presented in a descriptive manner. The observation of Drive values over time showed variations following nociceptive stimuli. Drive appears to have increased only for those dogs that did not move during the stimulus, and were therefore pinched for a full 60 s. In contrast, the study of the Timing values revealed no difference between the data before and after nociceptive stimulation. However Timing seems to increase after morphine administration.

Conclusion

Drive remains a parameter that needs to be studied in depth to determine its sensitivity and precocity to monitor acute nociception.
Expression Profiles and Interaction of MicroRNA and Transcripts in Response to Bovine Leukemia Virus Exposure
Authors: Ma Hao , Lippolis John D. , Casas Eduardo
Published: July 2022

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection in cattle is omnipresent, which causes significantly economical losses worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine microRNA (miRNA) and transcript profiles and to establish their relationship in response to exposure to the virus. Small noncoding and messenger RNA were extracted and sequenced from serum and white blood cells (WBCs) derived from seven BLV seropositive and seven seronegative cows. Transcriptomic profiles were generated by sequencing RNA libraries from WBC. Bta-miR-206 and bta-miR-133a-3p were differentially expressed in serum (P < 0.05). In WBC, bta-miR-335-3p, bta-miR-375, and bta-novel-miR76-3p were differentially expressed (P < 0.03). There were 64 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs). Gene ontology (GO) analysis of the DETs overexpressed in the seropositive group with GOs of response to stimulus and immune system process predicted that the DETs could potentially negatively regulate viral life cycle and viral entry or release from host cells. In addition, the DETs depleted in the seropositive group could play a role in the downregulation of antigen processing and presentation of endogenous peptide antigen via MHC class I. The differentially expressed miRNAs targeted 17 DETs, among which the expressions of bta-miR-133a-3p and bta-miR-335-3p were significantly negatively correlated with the expressions of ENSBTAT00000079143 and ENSBTAT00000066733, respectively. Under high prediction criteria, 90 targets of the differentially expressed miRNAs were all non-DETs. The most enriched biological process GO term of the targets was the RNA-dependent DNA biosynthetic process, which could be associated with virus replication. These results suggested that the differentially expressed miRNAs fine-tune most of the target genes in responding to BLV exposure. In addition, Bta-miR-206 interacted with BLV regulatory genes rex and tax by targeting their coding regions. A further study of the miRNAs and the genes may reveal the molecular mechanisms of BLV infection and uncover possible ways to prevent the infection.
Pain Interference, Resilience, and Perceived Well-Being During COVID-19: Differences Between Women With and Without Trauma Exposure Prior to the Pandemic
Authors: Serrano-Ibáñez Elena R. , Ramírez-Maestre Carmen , Ruiz-Párraga Gema T. , Esteve Rosa , López-Martínez Alicia E.
Published: July 2022

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in women with non-malignant chronic pain, and to determine whether women exposed to traumatic situations prior to the outbreak would be at a higher risk of negative health impacts.

Methods: A total of 365 women were divided into three subgroups according to whether or not they had experienced a traumatic event prior to COVID-19. They completed an online survey.

Results: Significant differences were found between groups during lockdown: 1) more psychological abuse was experienced by the group of women who had experienced an interpersonal traumatic event prior to the pandemic than in the other subgroups; 2) physical activity levels were higher and scores on pain interference were lower in women in the non-traumatized subgroup than in the other subgroups; 3) pain interference was predicted by pain intensity, decreased social support, and resilience, whereas perceived well-being was predicted by pain interference.

Conclusion: Women who had experienced a traumatic event prior to the pandemic suffered worse consequences of the COVID-19 lockdown, particularly greater pain interference, although resilience was shown to both mitigate pain interference and enhance perceived well-being.
Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Fruit Quality Response of Blueberry to Different Mulches
Authors: Retamal-Salgado Jorge , Loor Beder , Hirzel Juan , López María Dolores , Undurraga Pablo , Zapata Nelson , Vergara-Retamales Rosa , Olivares-Soto Héctor
Published: July 2022

Mulch is widely used in blueberry cultivation for weed control; however, there is still uncertainty as to how the use of different types of mulch alters leaf photosynthetic behavior and the quality and productivity of blueberry fruit. The objective of our research was to evaluate the effect of different types of mulch on the physiological, quality and yield characteristics of blueberries. Three treatments were established: T1 (control), T2 (pine bark) and T3 (geotextile) in two cultivars: Ochlockonee and Legacy. The parameters measured were: the photochemical quantum yield of photosystem II (YII), the maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), electron transport rate (ETR), fruit quality and yield parameters. The results show lower soil temperature in T1 during the morning (p < 0.05) compared to the two mulch treatments, which was the opposite during the afternoon, the temperatures were more stable and closer to the optimum (21 °C) in T2 and T3, with mulch favoring root and foliar development. On the other hand, the treatments with mulch favored a higher photosynthetic efficiency of photosystem II (YII) at the end of afternoon and were associated with an increased firmness of the fruit; the firmness of all fruits was higher than that in the control treatment (p < 0.05) in the Legacy cultivar, but without differences between them, with values of 73 and 75 gf mm−1 for T2 and T3, respectively, and 67 gf mm−1 for the Control. In addition, it was observed that the use of mulch only increased the fruit yield in the Legacy cultivar, both in T2 and T3, with both being superior to T1 (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that the use of mulch decreases soil temperature in the midday and late afternoon, improving the edaphoclimatic conditions during the development of the blueberry. In addition, plants with mulch have lower stomatal conductance, which promotes greater photosynthetic efficiency during the day, increasing both firmness and fruit yield.
Orphan GPR26 Counteracts Early Phases of Hyperglycemia-Mediated Monocyte Activation and Is Suppressed in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Kichi Zahra Abedi , Natarelli Lucia , Sadeghian Saeed , Boroumand Mohammad ali , Behmanesh Mehrdad , Weber Christian
Published: July 2022

Diabetes is the ninth leading cause of death, with an estimated 1.5 million deaths worldwide. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) results from the body’s ineffective use of insulin and is largely the result of excess body weight and physical inactivity. T2D increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, retinopathy, and kidney failure by two-to three-fold. Hyperglycemia, as a hallmark of diabetes, acts as a potent stimulator of inflammatory condition by activating endothelial cells and by dysregulating monocyte activation. G-protein couple receptors (GPCRs) can both exacerbate and promote inflammatory resolution. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) indicate that GPCRs are differentially regulated in inflammatory and vessel cells from diabetic patients. However, most of these GPCRs are orphan receptors, for which the mechanism of action in diabetes is unknown. Our data indicated that orphan GPCR26 is downregulated in the PBMC isolated from T2D patients. In contrast, GPR26 was initially upregulated in human monocytes and PBMC treated with high glucose (HG) levels and then decreased upon chronic and prolonged HG exposure. GPR26 levels were decreased in T2D patients treated with insulin compared to non-insulin treated patients. Moreover, GPR26 inversely correlated with the BMI and the HbA1c of diabetic compared to non-diabetic patients. Knockdown of GPR26 enhanced monocyte ROS production, MAPK signaling, pro-inflammatory activation, monocyte adhesion to ECs, and enhanced the activity of Caspase 3, a pro-apoptotic molecule. The same mechanisms were activated by HG and exacerbated when GPR26 was knocked down. Hence, our data indicated that GPR26 is initially activated to protect monocytes from HG and is inhibited under chronic hyperglycemic conditions.
Anti-PD-1 Monotherapy in Advanced Melanoma—Real-World Data from a 77-Month-Long Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Kuzmanovszki Daniella , Kiss Norbert , Tóth Béla , Kerner Tünde , Tóth Veronika , Szakonyi József , Lőrincz Kende , Hársing Judit , Imrédi Eleonóra , Pfund Alexa , Szabó Ákos , Brodszky Valentin , Rencz Fanni , Holló Péter
Published: July 2022

Real-world evidence plays an important role in the assessment of efficacy and safety of novel therapies. The increasing use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in patients with advanced melanoma has led to notably improved clinical outcomes, while they are also associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The majority of the available data are based on clinical trials, where the investigated subjects often do not adequately represent the general patient population of the everyday practice. Although there is a niche of objective biomarkers for the future treatment response of ICIs, certain studies suggest that irAEs may be predictive. The aim of this study was to carry out a retrospective analysis of treatment data from patients with advanced melanoma, treated with a single anti-PD-1 agent (pembrolizumab or nivolumab) during a 77-month-long period. Treatment efficacy and occurrence of adverse events were analyzed to identify potential predictive markers. Primary and secondary endpoints were the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). In our cohort, we demonstrated that the occurrence of more than one irAE showed a correlation with response to PD-1 ICI therapy and improved the OS and PFS. Our study suggests, that the grade of toxicity of the irAE may affect the survival rate.
Exploring Gut Microenvironment in Colorectal Patient with Dual-Omics Platform: A Comparison with Adenomatous Polyp or Occult Blood
Authors: Wei Po-Li , Wu Ming-Shun , Huang Chun-Kai , Ho Yi-Hsien , Hung Ching-Sheng , Lin Ying-Chin , Tsao Mei-Fen , Lin Jung-Chun
Published: July 2022

The gut mucosa is actively absorptive and functions as the physical barrier to separate the gut ecosystem from host. Gut microbiota-utilized or food-derived metabolites are closely relevant to the homeostasis of the gut epithelial cells. Recent studies widely suggested the carcinogenic impact of gut dysbiosis or altered metabolites on the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, liquid chromatography coupled-mass spectrometry and long-read sequencing was applied to identify gut metabolites and microbiomes with statistically discriminative abundance in CRC patients (n = 20) as compared to those of a healthy group (n = 60) ofenrolled participants diagnosed with adenomatous polyp (n = 67) or occult blood (n = 40). In total, alteration in the relative abundance of 90 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and 45 metabolites were identified between recruited CRC patients and healthy participants. Among the candidates, the gradual increases in nine OTUs or eight metabolites were identified in healthy participants, patients diagnosed with occult blood and adenomatous polyp, and CRC patients. The random forest regression model constructed with five OTUs or four metabolites achieved a distinct classification potential to differentially discriminate the presence of CRC (area under the ROC curve (AUC) = 0.998 or 0.975) from the diagnosis of adenomatous polyp (AUC = 0.831 or 0.777), respectively. These results provide the validity of CRC-associated markers, including microbial communities and metabolomic profiles across healthy and related populations toward the early screening or diagnosis of CRC.
Snake Graphs Arising from Groves with an Application in Coding Theory
Authors: Moreno Cañadas Agustín , Rios Gabriel Bravo , Serna Robinson-Julian
Published: July 2022

Snake graphs are connected planar graphs consisting of a finite sequence of adjacent tiles (squares) T1,T2,…,Tn. In this case, for 1≤j≤n−1, two consecutive tiles Tj and Tj+1 share exactly one edge, either the edge at the east (west) of Tj (Tj+1) or the edge at the north (south) of Tj (Tj+1). Finding the number of perfect matchings associated with a given snake graph is one of the most remarkable problems regarding these graphs. It is worth noting that such a number of perfect matchings allows a bijection between the set of snake graphs and the positive continued fractions. Furthermore, perfect matchings of snake graphs have also been used to find closed formulas for cluster variables of some cluster algebras and solutions of the Markov equation, which is a well-known Diophantine equation. Recent results prove that snake graphs give rise to some string modules over some path algebras, connecting snake graph research with the theory of representation of algebras. This paper uses this interaction to define Brauer configuration algebras induced by schemes associated with some multisets called polygons. Such schemes are named Brauer configurations. In this work, polygons are given by some admissible words, which, after appropriate transformations, permit us to define sets of binary trees called groves. Admissible words generate codes whose energy values are given by snake graphs. Such energy values can be estimated by using Catalan numbers. We include in this paper Python routines to compute admissible words (i.e., codewords), energy values of the generated codes, Catalan numbers and dimensions of the obtained Brauer configuration algebras.
Nanocomposites Based on Cerium, Lanthanum, and Titanium Oxides Doped with Silver for Biomedical Application
Authors: Lavrynenko Olena Mykolaivna , Zahornyi Maksym Mykytovych , Vember Valeriia Volodymyrivna , Pavlenko Olesia Yuriivna , Lobunets Tatyana Fedorovna , Kolomys Olexandr Fedorovych , Povnitsa Olga Yurievna , Artiukh Luibov Oleksievna , Naumenko Krystyna Sergiivna , Zahorodnia Svitlana Dmitrievna , Garmasheva Inna Leontievna
Published: July 2022

Nanosized composites CeO2–Ag, La2O3–Ag, and TiO2–Ag are a class of nanomaterials suitable for photocatalysis, optical devices, and photoelectrochemical elements. Further, nanocomposites with several wt.% of silver can be used as creating materials for pathogenic virus inactivation with pandemic-neutralizing potential. Thus, CeO2–Ag, La2O3–Ag, and TiO2–Ag nanocomposites are prospective materials due to their optical and biological activity. In the present work, CeO2–Ag, La2O3–Ag, and TiO2–Ag nanocomposites were synthesized by the co-precipitation method. The morphological and optical properties and the structure of the prepared nanocomposites were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with EDX, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption based on BET, Raman spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL). Both oxide matrixes corresponded to the cubic crystal lattice with the inclusion of argentum into the crystal lattice of oxides at relative low c(Ag) and reduction of silver on particle surface at 5 wt.% Ag and greater. The CeO2, TiO2, and La2O3 with a concentration of 4 wt.% Ag inhibited the growth processes of prokaryotic cells of E. coli, Bacillus sp., and S. aureus compared to pure oxides. Influenza A virus and herpes completely suppressed reproduction by nanocomposites of CeO2–Ag (2, 5 wt.%) and La2O3–Ag (2, 5 wt.%) action.
Measured Indoor Environmental Data in a Retrofitted Multiapartment Building to Assess Energy Flexibility and Thermal Safety during Winter Power Outages
Authors: Erba Silvia , Barbieri Alessandra
Published: July 2022

The article describes detailed measurements of indoor environmental parameters in a multiapartment housing block located in Milan, Italy, which has recently undergone a deep energy retrofit and is used as a thermal battery during the winter season. Two datasets are provided: one refers to a series of experimental tests conducted by the authors in an unoccupied flat, in which the thermal capacity of the building mass is exploited to act as an energy storage. The dataset reports, with a time step of 10 min, measurements of air temperature, globe temperature and surface temperatures in the analyzed room and data characterizing the adjacent spaces and the outdoor conditions. The second set of data refers to the air temperature monitoring carried out continuously in all the apartments of the apartment block, and hence also during two unplanned heating power outages. The analyzed data show the role of deep renovations in extending the time over which a building can remain in the thermal comfort range after an energy interruption and thus highlight the potential role of retrofitted buildings in delivering energy flexibility services to related stakeholders, such as the occupants, the building manager, the grid operator, and others. Furthermore, the dataset can be used to calibrate an energy simulation model to investigate different demand-side flexibility strategies and evaluate thermal safety under extreme weather events.
An Error Prediction Model for Construction Bulk Measurements Using a Customized Low-Cost UAS-LIDAR System
Authors: Guan Shanyue , Huang Yilei , Wang George , Sirianni Hannah , Zhu Zhen
Published: July 2022

Small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have been increasingly popular in surveying and mapping tasks. While photogrammetry has been the primary UAS sensing technology in other industries, construction activities can also benefit from accurate surveying measurements from airborne LIDAR. This paper discusses a custom-designed low-cost UAS-based LIDAR system that can effectively measure construction excavation and bulk piles. The system is designed with open interfaces that can be easily upgraded and expanded. An error model was developed to predict the horizontal and vertical errors of single point geo-registration for a generic UAS-LIDAR. This model was validated for the proposed UAS-LIDAR system using calibration targets and real-world measurements from different scenarios. The results indicated random errors from LIDAR at approximately 0.1 m and systematic errors at or below centimeter level. Additional pre-processing of the raw point cloud can further reduce the random errors in LIDAR measurements of bulk piles.
Measurements of Soot Particulate Emissions of Ammonia-Ethylene Flames Using Laser Extinction Method
Authors: Chong Cheng , Cao Mingkun , Tian Bo , Xie Tian
Published: July 2022

Ammonia (NH3) has emerged as an attractive carbonless fuel that can be co-fired with hydrocarbon fuel to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. To understand the influence of NH3 on soot formation when co-fired with hydrocarbons, the soot formation propensity is experimentally investigated via a laminar diffusion jet flame. A stable ethylene (C2H4) jet flame doped with NH3 at different volume percentages was established for the investigation of soot formation tendency. OH* chemiluminescence imaging revealed the change of flame structure, in which the signals emitted from the heat release region weakened with increasing NH3 addition, while the peak intensity shifted from the flame wings towards flame centerline region. The laser extinction method used to measure the soot volume fraction (SVF) at different heights above the burner, which showed the effect of NH3 on soot suppression is significant, owing to the interaction between N-containing compounds with carbon atoms that result in the reduction of key intermediate products required for the formation of benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). The effect of soot inhibition appears to be stronger for the low NH3 blend fraction. The chemistry effect of NH3 on soot reduction for C2H4 flame is ascertained by comparing with N2-doped C2H4 flame at the same volume percentage. This work highlights the need for improved understanding of hydrocarbon fuel with NH3 to enable detailed understanding on the soot generation and oxidation process.
An Efficient Estimation of Wind Turbine Output Power Using Neural Networks
Authors: Javed Muhammad Yaqoob , Khurshid Iqbal Ahmed , Asghar Aamer Bilal , Rizvi Syed Tahir Hussain , Shahid Kamal , Ejsmont Krzysztof
Published: July 2022

Wind energy is a valuable source of electric power as its motion can be converted into mechanical energy, and ultimately electricity. The significant variability of wind speed calls for highly robust estimation methods. In this study, the mechanical power of wind turbines (WTs) is successfully estimated using input variables such as wind speed, angular speed of WT rotor, blade pitch, and power coefficient (Cp). The feed-forward backpropagation neural networks (FFBPNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs) are incorporated to perform the estimations of wind turbine output power. The estimations are performed based on diverse parameters including the number of hidden layers, learning rates, and activation functions. The networks are trained using a scaled conjugate gradient (SCG) algorithm and evaluated in terms of the root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) indices. FFBPNN shows better results in terms of RMSE (0.49%) and MAPE (1.33%) using two and three hidden layers, respectively. The study indicates the significance of optimal selection of input parameters and effects of changing several hidden layers, activation functions, and learning rates to achieve the best performance of FFBPNN and RNN.
Emerging Trends in Energy Economics
Authors: Gogas Periklis , Papadimitriou Theophilos
Published: July 2022

In the intersection between economics and engineering, energy economics has been an active research topic for more than 150 years [...]
Neural Network-Based Demand-Side Management in a Stand-Alone Solar PV-Battery Microgrid Using Load-Shifting and Peak-Clipping
Authors: Philipo Godiana Hagile , Kakande Josephine Nakato , Krauter Stefan
Published: July 2022

Due to failures or even the absence of an electricity grid, microgrid systems are becoming popular solutions for electrifying African rural communities. However, they are heavily stressed and complex to control due to their intermittency and demand growth. Demand side management (DSM) serves as an option to increase the level of flexibility on the demand side by scheduling users’ consumption patterns profiles in response to supply. This paper proposes a demand-side management strategy based on load shifting and peak clipping. The proposed approach was modelled in a MATLAB/Simulink R2021a environment and was optimized using the artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm. Simulations were carried out to test the model’s efficacy in a stand-alone PV-battery microgrid in East Africa. The proposed algorithm reduces the peak demand, smoothing the load profile to the desired level, and improves the system’s peak to average ratio (PAR). The presence of deferrable loads has been considered to bring more flexible demand-side management. Results promise decreases in peak demand and peak to average ratio of about 31.2% and 7.5% through peak clipping. In addition, load shifting promises more flexibility to customers.
Review of Recent Development in Copper/Carbon Composites Prepared by Infiltration Technique
Authors: Cantürk Selim Burak , Kováčik Jaroslav
Published: July 2022

The liquid metal infiltration of carbon preformed with copper and its alloys is already an established and well-known process. It is extensively used by the electronic industry to produce heat sinks of power electronics and electric contacts and sliding electric contacts. The advantage of the process is its ability to produce near net shape components with high volume fractions of carbon at a relatively low price. The process is carried out in a vacuum and with low applied pressure. However, a strong dependence on the temperature of infiltration and its precise control is significant for the sound final product. For certain pair carbon matrix–copper alloys, different results could be obtained according to the infiltration temperature. If the temperature is too low, the solidification may occur prior to complete infiltration (high final porosity). When the temperature is too high, undesirable reactions may occur at the fiber–matrix interface (e.g., corrosive carbides). Therefore, there are still a lot of scientific papers pushing this technology to new directions and over old limits. Publications inside scientific journals within this field deal with composite materials for sliding electrical contact and electrical contact materials, sealing materials, parts of brake disks, pantograph strips for high-speed railways, other electric and mechanical applications and even for wall surface shields in future fusion devices. The present paper reviews used carbon preforms, copper alloys, technological parameters, properties of prepared composites prepared via infiltration during the last 12 years. It can be stated that 1/3 of the papers were published within the last 3 years. Moreover, renewed interest in this low-cost technique could be expected within the next few years due to climate programs and increasing prices of the energy resources.
Fishers, Let Us Talk: Validating Métiers in a Multi-Gear Coastal Fishing Fleet
Authors: Szynaka Monika J. , Fernandes Mariana , Anjos Mariana , Erzini Karim , Gonçalves Jorge M. S. , Campos Aida
Published: July 2022

In the multi-gear coastal fleet in the Algarve (South Portugal), fishers own licenses for various fishing gears. However, they generally do not use all these licenses, and therefore, it is difficult to estimate the impacts this fleet has on the local environment. In this study, two types of questionnaires were used directed to the local fishers from the multi-gear fleet during interviews carried out between November 2019 and July 2021 with the objective to validate the métiers proposed for this fleet in a previous study using multivariate analysis on past landing profiles. A total of 10 out of the 11 proposed métiers were validated, including four métiers with gillnets, three with dredges, two with trammel nets, and one with traps. Additional métiers were identified not found in the previous study. The results obtained with the two types of questionnaires are presented, and their usefulness in validating the gear used and the seasonality of fishing activities are discussed, as well as their contribution to a clearer distinction between target species and commercial by-catch.
Understanding the Changes in Quality of Semi-Dried Rice Noodles during Storage at Room Temperature
Authors: Xiao Wen , Ding Yuqin , Cheng Ying , Xu Sili , Lin Lizhong
Published: July 2022

The changes in semi-dried rice noodles during storage at room temperature (25 ± 2 °C) in terms of microbial growth, cooking quality, color, textural properties, thermal properties, crystallinity, and moisture content, and moisture distribution was examined. Total plate count, cooked broken rate, cooking loss, and b* value increased, while rehydration ratio, L* value, and moisture content decreased during storage. The hardness, adhesiveness, and chewiness of semi-dried rice noodles increased significantly, according to textural properties. DSC and XRD showed that the enthalpy of thermal absorption and crystallinity of semi-dried rice noodles increased from 1.67 J/g and 3.48% to 4.21 J/g and 18.62%, respectively. LF-NMR showed that the weakly bound water content in semi-dried rice noodles decreased by 3.71%, and the bound water content and free water content increased by 3.20% and 0.51%, respectively. The results of correlation analysis showed that the changes in quality during storage of semi-dried rice noodles were influenced by the combination of microbial growth, aging of rice noodles, and moisture migration.
Encapsulation of EGCG by Zein-Gum Arabic Complex Nanoparticles and In Vitro Simulated Digestion of Complex Nanoparticles
Authors: Jin Jianchang , Liu Chengzhi , Tong Huafei , Sun Yulu , Huang Min , Ren Gerui , Xie Hujun
Published: July 2022

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has many excellent qualities such as its antitumor, antiradiation and anti-oxidation properties, but its application is limited because its oral bioavailability is low and stability is poor. In this paper, zein and gum arabic (GA) were used as wall materials to prepare Zein-GA complex nanoparticles for encapsulating and protecting the EGCG. The particle size of Zein-GA-EGCG complex nanoparticles ranged from 128.03–221.23 nm, and the EGCG encapsulation efficiency reached a maximum of 75.23% when the mass ratio of zein to GA was 1:1. The FTIR and XRD results illustrated that the components of the Zein-GA-EGCG complex nanoparticles interacted by electrostatic, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions. The EGCG release rate of Zein-GA-EGCG nanoparticles (16.42%) was lower than that of Zein-EGCG (25.52%) during gastric digestion, and a large amount of EGCG was released during intestinal digestion, suggesting that the Zein-GA-EGCG nanoparticles could achieve the sustained release of EGCG during in vitro digestion. Hence, using Zein-GA complexes to encapsulate EGCG effectively increased the encapsulation efficiency of EGCG and realized the purpose of sustained release during simulated gastrointestinal digestion.
Hibiscus sabdariffa in Diabetes Prevention and Treatment—Does It Work? An Evidence-Based Review
Authors: Jamrozik Daniel , Borymska Weronika , Kaczmarczyk-Żebrowska Ilona
Published: July 2022

Diabetes is currently a global health problem that is already reported as an epidemic. This metabolic disease, characterized by a disturbance in the carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism, is often accompanied by disorders of several organs. Its treatment is expensive and often difficult to control. Therefore, it seems necessary to search for new drugs and solutions to facilitate therapy and reduce treatment costs. Herbal medicines are becoming more and more popular. Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle) is a plant that grows wild in a tropical climate. It has been used in folk medicine for thousands of years. Thanks to the numerous active compounds, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, organic acids, or pectins, it is reported to exhibit hypoglycemic, antioxidant, hypotensive, and anti-lipidemic activities and numerous indirect effects that are related to them. The aim of this review was to update the knowledge about the therapeutic effects of roselle in diabetes and its comorbidities based on in vitro, animal, and human studies. After a careful analysis of the scientific literature, it can be stated that roselle is a promising product that can be used either on its own or as an addition to the conventional treatment regimens to prevent or treat diabetes and its accompanying diseases.
Preliminary Taphonomical Comparison of the Decomposition Process in Simple Burials, Traditional Tombs and Aerated Tombs in an Urban Cemetery in Northern Italy
Authors: Guareschi Edda Emanuela , Magni Paola Annarosa
Published: July 2022

In densely populated countries like Italy, cremation is promoted for the final disposition of the dead. However, many families still choose inhumation or entombment. In ordinary (traditional) tombs, bodies skeletonize slowly and partially, and often need a second disposal after the exhumation. The aim of this study was to experimentally test the functionality of a new type of tomb, defined as “aerated”. Aerated tombs feature an aerating system, absorbing materials and a purifying filter, which collectively maintain ventilation, process putrefactive fluids and gases and neutralize odors. In an experimental cemetery area with pristine soil, limbs of piglets were wrapped in cotton sheets and were either inhumed, placed in ordinary tombs or placed in aerated tombs. Following exhumation after planned time intervals (1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 months), all samples were macro- and microscopically examined. The inhumed samples were completely skeletonized by 9 months after burial, and after 12 months showed initial bioerosion in bone Haversian canals. The traditionally entombed samples developed progressive adipocere formation, whereas the samples disposed in aerated tombs became mummified. Despite this outcome, aerated tombs represent a more energy-effective, environmentally-friendly and economical choice when compared to ordinary tombs. A mummified body is lighter and drier than a body entombed traditionally and, as such, it is easier to exhume and quicker to cremate. Overall, in the absence of alternative burials, aerated tombs are more suitable than ordinary tombs for the final disposition of the dead in cemeteries with limited space. The results of this experiment add to the knowledge of taphonomical processes in temperate climates and urban environments, potentially benefitting the forensic and medico-legal community.
A Brief Study on Julia Sets in the Dynamics of Entire Transcendental Function Using Mann Iterative Scheme
Authors: Prajapati Darshana J. , Rawat Shivam , Tomar Anita , Sajid Mohammad , Dimri R. C.
Published: July 2022

In this research, we look at the Julia set patterns that are linked to the entire transcendental function f(z)=aezn+bz+c, where a,b,c∈C and n≥2, using the Mann iterative scheme, and discuss their dynamical behavior. The sophisticated orbit structure of this function, whose Julia set encompasses the entire complex plane, is described using symbolic dynamics. We also present bifurcation diagrams of Julia sets generated using the proposed iteration and function, which altogether contain four parameters, and discuss the graphical analysis of bifurcation occurring in the family of this function.
Highly Educated Immigrant Workers’ Perspectives of Occupational Health and Safety and Work Conditions That Challenge Work Safety
Authors: Shankar Janki , Lai Daniel , Chen Shu-Ping , Turin Tanvir , Joseph Shawn , Mi Ellen
Published: July 2022

This study explored the perspectives of new immigrant workers regarding occupational health and safety and workplace conditions that increase workers’ vulnerability to sustaining injury or illness. Using an interpretive research approach and semi-structured qualitative interviews, 42 new immigrant workers from a range of industries operating in two cities in a province in Canada were interviewed. Seventy-nine percent of the workers were highly qualified. A constant comparative approach was used to identify key themes across the workers’ experiences. The findings revealed that new immigrant workers have an incomplete understanding of occupational health and safety. In many workplaces, poor job training, little worker support, lack of power in the workplace, and a poor workplace safety culture make it difficult for workers to acquire occupational health and safety information and to implement safe work practices. This study proposes workplace policies and practices that will improve worker occupational health and safety awareness and make workplaces safer for new immigrant workers.
Replacing Sedentary Time with Physically Active Behaviour Predicts Improved Body Composition and Metabolic Health Outcomes
Authors: O’Brien Wendy J. , Rauff Erica L. , Shultz Sarah P. , Sloughter McLean , Fink Philip W. , Breier Bernhard , Kruger Rozanne
Published: July 2022

Background: Discretionary leisure time for health-promoting physical activity (PA) is limited. This study aimed to predict body composition and metabolic health marker changes from PA reallocation using isotemporal substitution analysis. Methods: Healthy New Zealand women (n = 175; 16–45 y) with high BMI (≥25 kg/m2) and high body fat percentage (≥30%) were divided into three groups by ethnicity (Māori n = 37, Pacific n = 54, and New Zealand European n = 84). PA, fat mass, lean mass, and metabolic health were assessed. Isotemporal substitution paradigms reallocated 30 min/day of sedentary behaviour to varying PA intensities. Results: Reallocating sedentary behaviour with moderate intensity, PA predicted Māori women would have improved body fat% (14.83%), android fat% (10.74%), and insulin levels (55.27%) while the model predicted Pacific women would have improved waist-to-hip (6.40%) and android-to-gynoid (19.48%) ratios. Replacing sedentary time with moderate-vigorous PA predicted Māori women to have improved BMI (15.33%), waist circumference (9.98%), body fat% (16.16%), android fat% (12.54%), gynoid fat% (10.04%), insulin (55.58%), and leptin (43.86%) levels; for Pacific women, improvement of waist-to-hip-ratio (5.30%) was predicted. Conclusions: Sedentary behaviour must be substituted with PA of at least moderate intensity to reap benefits. Māori women received the greatest benefits when reallocating PA. PA recommendations to improve health should reflect the needs and current activity levels of specific populations.
Correlations between Physical Fitness and Body Composition among Boys Aged 14–18—Conclusions of a Case Study to Reverse the Worsening Secular Trend in Fitness among Urban Youth Due to Sedentary Lifestyles
Authors: Müller Anetta , Nagy Zsuzsa , Kovács Sándor , Szőke Szilvia , Bendíková Elena , Ráthonyi Gergely , Ráthonyi-Ódor Kinga , Szabados György , Gabnai Zoltán , Bába Éva Bácsné
Published: July 2022

A secular trend can be observed throughout the world with an increase in childhood obesity and a decrease in fitness. The research aimed to examine the results of tests measuring the conditional abilities of young boys aged 14–18 in fitness tests and their correlations with body composition indicators. That was supported by research that has been prepared in Hungary so far. This research focuses on the results of fitness tests conducted on 14- to 18-year-old boys, presented along with body composition data. The authors sought to describe the development of the fitness profiles of males at a Budapest secondary school participating in the research, based on the results of the Hungarian National Student Fitness Test (NETFIT®), and also how their physical characteristics affect the results of NETFIT® tests in the sample measured. A total of 735 male high school students at a Budapest secondary school (14–18 years old) (mean ± SD, 16.05 ± 1.18 years) participated in the survey. The data were collected in the 2018/2019 academic year, and it was compared with the national data. The correlation between the performance indicators of the NETFIT® tests and the physical characteristic indicators was analyzed using the two-block Partial Least Squares method. In the resulting groups, Kruskal–Wallis variance analysis was performed to investigate the differences in performance. In contrast, pairs of group differences were tested with the Mann–Whitney test. Boys with a short physique were at some advantage in trunk-lifts and push-ups, compared to taller boys. It was also obvious that being overweight is a hindrance regarding the PACER test or the standing broad jump. The handgrip in the left and right hand was mostly of similar strength or weakness. Tall-heavy children performed better in this test. The grip strength of tall-thin students was also strong, but not as strong as in the tall-heavy group. Reducing the percentage of body fat (PBF) and creating the optimal BMI index is important for the younger age group, as our results have clearly demonstrated that overweight is a hindrance in the PACER, VO2 max, standing broad jump, back-saver sit-and-reach, and push-up tests.
Oral Antiseptics against SARS-CoV-2: A Literature Review
Authors: Guerrero Bernal Cristian Gabriel , Reyes Uribe Emmanuel , Salazar Flores Joel , Varela Hernández Juan José , Gómez-Sandoval Juan Ramón , Martínez Salazar Silvia Yolanda , Gutiérrez Maldonado Adrián Fernando , Aguilar Martínez Jacobo , Lomelí Martínez Sarah Monserrat
Published: July 2022

Dentists are health care workers with the highest risk of exposure to COVID-19, because the oral cavity is considered to be a reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The identification of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva, the generation of aerosols, and the proximity to patients during dental procedures are conditions that have led to these health care workers implementing additional disinfection strategies for their protection. Oral antiseptics are widely used chemical substances due to their ability to reduce the number of microorganisms. Although there is still no evidence that they can prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, some preoperative oral antiseptics have been recommended as control measures, by different health institutions worldwide, to reduce the number of microorganisms in aerosols and droplets during dental procedures. Therefore, this review presents the current recommendations for the use of oral antiseptics against SARS-CoV-2 and analyzes the different oral antiseptic options used in dentistry.
Monocrotaline Toxicity Alters the Function of Hepatocyte Membrane Transporters in Rats
Authors: Pastor Catherine M. , Vilgrain Valérie
Published: July 2022

Pyrrolizidine alkaloid monocrotaline (MCT) induces sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) in rats characterised by a sinusoidal congestive obstruction. Additionally, MCT administration decreases the biliary excretion of gadobenate dimeglumine (BOPTA), a hepatobiliary substrate used in clinical imaging. BOPTA crosses hepatocyte membranes through organic anion transporting polypeptides, multidrug-resistance-associated protein 2, and Mrp3/4 transporters, and a modified function of these transporters is likely to explain the decreased biliary excretion. This study compared BOPTA transport across hepatocytes in livers isolated from normal (Nl) rats and rats with intragastric administration of MCT. BOPTA hepatocyte influx clearance was similar in both groups, while biliary clearance and bile concentrations were much lower in MCT than in Nl livers. BOPTA efflux clearance back to the sinusoids compensated for the low biliary excretion, and hepatocyte concentrations remained similar in both groups. This SOS-associated changes of transporter functions might impact the pharmacokinetics of numerous drugs that use similar transporters to cross hepatocytes.
3′5-Dimaleamylbenzoic Acid Attenuates Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice
Authors: González-García Karina , López-Martínez Armando , Velázquez-Enríquez Juan Manuel , Zertuche-Martínez Cecilia , Carrasco-Torres Gabriela , Sánchez-Navarro Luis Manuel , Villa-Treviño Saúl , Baltiérrez-Hoyos Rafael , Vásquez-Garzón Verónica Rocío
Published: July 2022

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic lung disease characterized by parenchymal scarring, leading progressively to alveolar architecture distortion, respiratory failure, and eventually death. Currently, there is no effective treatment for IPF. Previously, 3′5-dimaleamylbenzoic acid (3′5-DMBA), a maleimide, demonstrated pro-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties; however, its potential therapeutic effects on IPF have not been addressed. Bleomycin (BLM) 100 U/kg was administered to CD1 mice through an osmotic minipump. After fourteen days of BLM administration, 3′5-DMBA (6 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg) and its vehicle carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) were administered intragastrically every two days until day 26. On day 28, all mice were euthanized. The 3′5-DMBA effect was assessed by histological and immunohistochemical staining, as well as by RT-qPCR. The redox status on lung tissue was evaluated by determining the glutathione content and the GSH/GSSG ratio. 3′5-DMBA treatment re-established typical lung histological features and decreased the expression of BLM-induced fibrotic markers: collagen, α-SMA, and TGF-β1. Furthermore, 3′5-DMBA significantly reduced the expression of genes involved in fibrogenesis. In addition, it decreased reduced glutathione and increased oxidized glutathione content without promoting oxidative damage to lipids, as evidenced by the decrease in the lipid peroxidation marker 4-HNE. Therefore, 3′5-DMBA may be a promising candidate for IPF treatment.
Structural Assessment Techniques for In-Service Crossarms in Power Distribution Networks
Authors: Rajeev Pathmanthan , Bandara Sahan , Gad Emad , Shan Johnny
Published: July 2022

Crossarms are widely used in power distribution and telecommunication sectors to support overhead cables. These structures are horizontally attached to the top of vertically erected utility poles and are essential elements in connecting overhead cables to the poles. Timber is the dominantly used material type for crossarms in the existing distribution networks. Nevertheless, there are alternative crossarms made from steel, composites, polymers, and even from concrete. This paper reviews the studies on the condition assessment of timber crossarms considering the aspects of decay identification and flexural strength assessment. The limitations and shortcomings of the conventional inspection techniques for crossarms are presented. Then, the studies on the developments of non-destructive test methods to address these issues are reviewed. Further, the results from the experimental work conducted to assess the structural capacity of in-service crossarms are presented and analysed. In addition, the possible future advancements of alternative crossarm types are also discussed, considering the mechanical strength, durability performance, and sustainability aspects. This paper aims to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of different condition assessment techniques for crossarms, indicating the importance of an integrated approach combining both the conventional and non-destructive testing techniques.