bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of pancreatic microcirculation profiles in spontaneously hypertensive rats and Wistar-kyoto rats by laser doppler and wavelet transform analysis
Authors: Song Xiaohong , Li Yuan , Wang Bing , Liu Mingming , Zhang Jian , Li Ailing , Zhang Honggang , Xiu Ruijuan
Published: December 2020

Pancreatic microcirculatory dysfunction emerged as a novel mechanism in the development of hypertension. However, the changes of pancreatic microcirculation profiles in hypertension remain unknown. Pancreatic microcirculatory blood distribution pattern and microvascular vasomotion of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKYs) were determined by laser Doppler. Wavelet transform analysis was performed to convert micro-hemodynamic signals into time-frequency domains, based on which amplitude spectral scalograms were constructed. The amplitudes of characteristic oscillators were compared between SHRs and WKYs. The expression of eNOS was determined by immunohistochemistry, and plasma nitrite/nitrate levels were measured by Griess reaction. Additionally, endothelin-1, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and interleukin-6 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. SHRs exhibited a lower scale blood distribution pattern with decreased average blood perfusion, frequency and amplitude. Wavelet transform spectral analysis revealed significantly reduced amplitudes of endothelial oscillators. Besides reduced expression of eNOS, the blood microcirculatory chemistry complements micro-hemodynamic profiles as demonstrated by an increase in plasma nitrite/nitrate, endothelin-1, malondialdehyde, interleukin-6 and a decrease of superoxide dismutase in SHRs. Here, we described abnormal pancreatic microcirculation profiles in SHRs, including disarranged blood distribution pattern, impaired microvascular vasomotion and reduced amplitudes of endothelial oscillators.
ORAL SNAKE SKİN RESULTİNG IN ANAPHYLAXİS: HOW AND WHY?
Authors: Dönmez Ezgi , Gürsoy Canan , Dönmez Cem , Demirbilek Semra
Published: December 2020

İntroduction: The use of snake skin, both transdermal and orally comes from ancient Chinese medicine. People eat snake skin for skin disorders, convulsions, gallbladder disorders and hypertension. People also apply snake skin by transdermal way for skin disorders such as sores,boils, itching, psoriasis, scabies, hemorrhoids, eye infections, cloudy spots in the eye..etc. There isn’t enough reliable information available about snake skin to know if it is safe or what the side effects might be.
Case: The patient described in the case report has given his informed consent for publication. We present a case of anaphylaxis developed after 10 days of snake skin eating and dicharged after 4 days treatment with full recovery.
Conclusion: It must be kept in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and also dosages can be important. Availability of exotic foods for different uses is steadily increasing. No matter how developed we are, those who try traditional medicine methods instead of chemical drugs will always be. So we must be careful and always be awake for different food consumptions.
Three-dimensional low-order surge model for high-speed axial compressors
Authors: Righi Mauro , Pachidis Vassilios , Könözsy László , Zhao Fanzhou , Vahdati Mehdi
Published: December 2020

Surge in modern aero-engines can lead to violent disruption of the flow, damage to the blade structures and eventually engine shutdown. Knowledge of unsteady performance and loading during surge is crucial for compressor design, however, the understanding and prediction capability for this phenomenon is still very limited. While useful for the investigation of specific cases, costly experimental tests and high-fidelity CFD simulations cannot be used routinely in the design process of compressor systems. There is therefore an interest in developing a low-order model which can predict compressor performance during surge with sufficient accuracy at significantly reduced computational cost.
This paper describes the validation of an unsteady 3D through-flow code developed at Cranfield University for the low-order modelling of surge in axial compressors. The geometry investigated is an 8-stage rig representative of a modern aero-engine IP compressor. Two deep surge events are modelled at part speed and full speed respectively. The results are compared against high-fidelity, full annulus, URANS simulations conducted at Imperial College. Comparison of massflow, pressure and temperature time histories shows a close match between the low-order and the higher-fidelity methods. The low-order model is shown capable of predicting many transient flow features which were observed in the high-fidelity simulations, while reducing the computational cost by up to two orders of magnitude.
Variations in Reactive Oxygen Species Generation by Urban Airborne Particulate Matter in Lung Epithelial Cells—Impact of Inorganic Fraction
Authors: Mazuryk Olga , Stochel Grazyna , Brindell Małgorzata
Published: December 2020

Air pollution is associated with numerous negative effects on human health. The toxicity of organic components of air pollution is well-recognized, while the impact of their inorganic counterparts in the overall toxicity is still a matter of various discussions. The influence of airborne particulate matter (PM) and their inorganic components on biological function of human alveolar-like epithelial cells (A549) was investigated in vitro. A novel treatment protocol based on covering culture plates with PM allowed increasing the studied pollutant concentrations and prolonging their incubation time without cell exposure on physical suffocation and mechanical disturbance. PM decreased the viability of A549 cells and disrupted their mitochondrial membrane potential and calcium homeostasis. For the first time, the difference in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) profiles generated by organic and inorganic counterparts of PM was shown. Singlet oxygen generation was observed only after treatment of cells with inorganic fraction of PM, while hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, and superoxide anion radical were induced after exposure of A549 cells to both PM and their inorganic fraction.
Development of a Comparative European Orthohantavirus Microneutralization Assay With Multi- Species Validation and Evaluation in a Human Diagnostic Cohort
Authors: Hoornweg Tabitha E. , Zutt Ilse , de Vries Ankje , Maas Miriam , Hoogerwerf Marieke N. , Avšič-Županc Tatjana , Korva Miša , Reimerink Johan H. J. , Reusken Chantal B. E. M.
Published: December 2020

Orthohantaviruses (family Hantaviridae, order Bunyavirales) can cause two serious syndromes in humans: hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), associated with the Old World orthohantaviruses, and hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), associated with orthohantaviruses in the Americas. In Europe, four different orthohantaviruses (DOBV, PUUV, SEOV, and TULV) are associated with human disease. As disease severity and zoonotic source differ between orthohantavirus species, conclusive determination of the infecting species by either RT-PCR or comparative virus neutralization test (VNT) is of importance. Currently, the focus reduction neutralization test (FRNT) is considered the ‘Gold Standard’ for orthohantavirus VNTs, however this test is laborious and time-consuming. Consequently, more high-throughput alternatives are needed. In this study, we developed a comparative orthohantavirus microneutralization test (MNT) including all four human pathogenic orthohantavirus species circulating in Europe. The assay was validated using RT-PCR-confirmed rodent (n=17) and human sera (n=17), DOBV-suspected human sera (n=3) and cohorts of orthohantavirus-negative rodent (n=3) and human sera (n=85). 16/17 RT-PCR-confirmed rodent sera and 18/20 of the RT-PCR-confirmed and DOBV-suspected human sera were serotyped successfully, while for the remaining rodent (n=1) and human sera (n=2) no neutralizing titers could be detected. All negative control sera tested negative in the MNT. The assay was subsequently evaluated using a clinical cohort of 50 orthohantavirus patients. Orthohantavirus infection was confirmed in all 50 patients, and 47/50 (94%) sera were serotyped successfully, confirming PUUV as the major cause of orthohantavirus infections in Netherlands. Notably, two previously unrecognized SEOV cases from 2013 were diagnosed using the MNT, underlining the added value of the MNT in a diagnostic setting. In conclusion, we demonstrate the successful development and clinical implementation of a comparative European orthohantavirus MNT to determine the infecting virus species in European HFRS patients. Identification of the causative species is needed for an adequate Public Health response and can support individual patient care. For many labs, the implementation of orthohantavirus neutralization tests has not been a straightforward procedure. This issue will be addressed by the rollout of the comparative MNT to multiple European laboratories to support patient diagnostics, surveillance and Public Health responses.
Assessing University Students' Critical Online Reasoning Ability: A Conceptual and Assessment Framework With Preliminary Evidence
Authors: Molerov Dimitri , Zlatkin-Troitschanskaia Olga , Nagel Marie-Theres , Brückner Sebastian , Schmidt Susanne , Shavelson Richard J.
Published: December 2020

Critical evaluation skills when using online information are considered important in many research and education frameworks; critical thinking and information literacy are cited as key twenty-first century skills for students. Higher education may play a special role in promoting students' skills in critically evaluating (online) sources. Today, higher education students are more likely to use the Internet instead of offline sources such as textbooks when studying for exams. However, far from being a value-neutral, curated learning environment, the Internet poses various challenges, including a large amount of incomplete, contradictory, erroneous, and biased information. With low barriers to online publication, the responsibility to access, select, process, and use suitable relevant and trustworthy information rests with the (self-directed) learner. Despite the central importance of critically evaluating online information, its assessment in higher education is still an emerging field. In this paper, we present a newly developed theoretical-conceptual framework for Critical Online Reasoning (COR), situated in relation to prior approaches (“information problem-solving,” “multiple-source comprehension,” “web credibility,” “informal argumentation,” “critical thinking”), along with an evidence-centered assessment framework and its preliminary validation. In 2016, the Stanford History Education Group developed and validated the assessment ofCivic Online Reasoningfor the United States. At the college level, this assessment holistically measures students' web searches and evaluation of online information using open Internet searches and real websites. Our initial adaptation and validation indicated a need to further develop the construct and assessment framework for evaluating higher education students in Germany across disciplines over their course of studies. Based on our literature review and prior analyses, we classified COR abilities into three uniquely combined facets: (i) online information acquisition, (ii) critical information evaluation, and (iii) reasoning based on evidence, argumentation, and synthesis. We modeled COR ability from a behavior, content, process, and development perspective, specifying scoring rubrics in an evidence-centered design. Preliminary validation results from expert interviews and content analysis indicated that the assessment covers typical online media and challenges for higher education students in Germany and contains cues to tap modeled COR abilities. We close with a discussion of ongoing research and potentials for future development.
L-T4 Therapy in the Presence of Pharmacological Interferents
Authors: Benvenga Salvatore
Published: December 2020

Pharmacological interference on L-thyroxine (L-T4) therapy can be exerted at several levels, namely from the hypothalamus/pituitary through the intestine, where the absorption of exogenous L-T4 takes place. A number of medications interfere with L-T4 therapy, some of them also being the cause of hypothyroidism. The clinician should be aware that some medications simply affect thyroid function tests with no need of modifying the dose of L-T4 that the patient was taking prior to their prescription. Usually, the topic of pharmacological interference on L-T4 therapy addresses the patient with primary hypothyroidism, in whom periodic measurement of serum thyrotropin (TSH) is the biochemical target. However, this minireview also addresses the patient with central hypothyroidism, in whom the biochemical target is serum free thyroxine (FT4). This minireview also addresses two additional topics. One is the costs associated with frequent monitoring of the biochemical target when L-T4 is taken simultaneously with the interfering drug. The second topic is the issue of metabolic/cardiovascular complications associated with undertreated hypothyroidism.
Schisandrin B Inhibits Cell Viability and Migration, and Induces Cell Apoptosis by circ_0009112/miR-708-5p Axis Through PI3K/AKT Pathway in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Wang Bing , Wang Xiaowei , Tong Xing , Zhang Yingang
Published: December 2020

Osteosarcoma is a primary tumor of bone and its incidence is increasing. Schisandrin B (Sch B), a generally used lignan in Chinese medicine, has been found to repress cancer progression. This study aims to reveal the effects and regulatory mechanism of Sch B in the viability, apoptosis and migration of osteosarcoma cells. In this study, we found circ_0009112 expression was higher and miR-708-5p expression was lower in SaOS2 and U2OS cells than in hFOB1.19 cells. Circ_0009112 expression was downregulated, but miR-708-5p was upregulated by Sch B treatment in a dose-dependent manner in SaOS2 and U2OS cells. Sch B exposure inhibited osteosarcoma development in vitro and in vivo; however, these effects were restored by circ_0009112. Furthermore, circ_0009112 acted as a sponge of miR-708-5p. Circ_0009112 regulated PI3K/AKT pathway after Sch B treatment by associating with miR-708-5p. Sch B exposure inhibited cell viability and migration, whereas promoted cell apoptosis by regulating circ_0009112/miR-708-5p axis through PI3K/AKT pathway in osteosarcoma cells. This study provided a theoretical basis for further studying osteosarcoma therapy with Sch B.
Genome-Wide Association Study and Transcriptome Differential Expression Analysis of the Feather Rate in Shouguang Chickens
Authors: Liu Xiayi , Wu Zhou , Li Junying , Bao Haigang , Wu Changxin
Published: December 2020

The feather rate phenotype in chicks, including early-feathering and late-feathering phenotypes, are widely used as a sexing system in the poultry industry. The objective of this study was to obtain candidate genes associated with the feather rate in Shouguang chickens. In the present study, we collected 56 blood samples and 12 hair follicle samples of flight feathers from female Shouguang chickens. Then we identified the chromosome region associated with the feather rate by genome-wide association analysis (GWAS). We also performed RNA sequencing and analyzed differentially expressed genes between the early-feathering and late-feathering phenotypes using HISAT2, StringTie, and DESeq2. We identified a genomic region of 10.0–13.0 Mb of chromosome Z, which is statistically associated with the feather rate of Shouguang chickens at one-day old. After RNA sequencing analysis, 342 differentially expressed known genes between the early-feathering (EF) and late-feathering (LF) phenotypes were screened out, which were involved in epithelial cell differentiation, intermediate filament organization, protein serine kinase activity, peptidyl-serine phosphorylation, retinoic acid binding, and so on. The sperm flagellar 2 gene (SPEF2) and prolactin receptor (PRLR) gene were the only two overlapping genes between the results of GWAS and differential expression analysis, which implies thatSPEF2andPRLRare possible candidate genes for the formation of the chicken feathering phenotype in the present study. Our findings help to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the feather rate in chicks.
High-Resolution Sampling of a Broad Marine Life Size Spectrum Reveals Differing Size- and Composition-Based Associations With Physical Oceanographic Structure
Authors: Greer Adam T. , Lehrter John C. , Binder Benjamin M. , Nayak Aditya R. , Barua Ranjoy , Rice Ana E. , Cohen Jonathan H. , McFarland Malcolm N. , Hagemeyer Alexis , Stockley Nicole D. , Boswell Kevin M. , Shulman Igor , deRada Sergio , Penta Bradley
Published: December 2020

Observing multiple size classes of organisms, along with oceanographic properties and water mass origins, can improve our understanding of the drivers of aggregations, yet acquiring these measurements remains a fundamental challenge in biological oceanography. By deploying multiple biological sampling systems, from conventional bottle and net sampling to in situ imaging and acoustics, we describe the spatial patterns of different size classes of marine organisms (several microns to ∼10 cm) in relation to local and regional (m to km) physical oceanographic conditions on the Delaware continental shelf. The imaging and acoustic systems deployed included (in ascending order of target organism size) an imaging flow cytometer (CytoSense), a digital holographic imaging system (HOLOCAM), an In Situ Ichthyoplankton Imaging System (ISIIS, 2 cameras with different pixel resolutions), and multi-frequency acoustics (SIMRAD, 18 and 38 kHz). Spatial patterns generated by the different systems showed size-dependent aggregations and differing connections to horizontal and vertical salinity and temperature gradients that would not have been detected with traditional station-based sampling (∼9-km resolution). A direct comparison of the two ISIIS cameras showed composition and spatial patchiness changes that depended on the organism size, morphology, and camera pixel resolution. Large zooplankton near the surface, primarily composed of appendicularians and gelatinous organisms, tended to be more abundant offshore near the shelf break. This region was also associated with high phytoplankton biomass and higher overall organism abundances in the ISIIS, acoustics, and targeted net sampling. In contrast, the inshore region was dominated by hard-bodied zooplankton and had relatively low acoustic backscatter. The nets showed a community dominated by copepods, but they also showed high relative abundances of soft-bodied organisms in the offshore region where these organisms were quantified by the ISIIS. The HOLOCAM detected dense patches of ciliates that were too small to be captured in the nets or ISIIS imagery. This near-simultaneous deployment of different systems enables the description of the spatial patterns of different organism size classes, their spatial relation to potential prey and predators, and their association with specific oceanographic conditions. These datasets can also be used to evaluate the efficacy of sampling techniques, ultimately aiding in the design of efficient, hypothesis-driven sampling programs that incorporate these complementary technologies.
The Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Sepsis in Critically Ill Patients in China: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Meiping , Jiang Li , Zhu Bo , Li Wen , Du Bin , Kang Yan , Weng Li , Qin Tiehe , Ma Xiaochun , Zhu Duming , Wang Yushan , Zhan Qingyuan , Duan Meili , Li Wenxiong , Sun Bing , Cao Xiangyuan , Ai Yuhang , Li Tong , Zhu Xi , Jia Jianguo , Zhou Jianxin , He Yan , Xi Xiuming ,   China Critical Care Sepsis Trial (CCCST) workgroup
Published: December 2020

Background: Sepsis is a main cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. The epidemiology of sepsis in high-income countries is well-known, but information on sepsis in middle- or low-income countries is still deficient, especially in China. The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence, characteristics, risk factors, treatment, and outcomes of sepsis in critically ill patients in tertiary hospitals in China.

Methods: A multicenter prospective observational cohort study was performed with consecutively collected data from adults who stayed in any intensive care unit (ICU) for at least 24 h; data were collected from 1 January 2014 to 31 August 2015, and patients were followed until death or discharge from the hospital.

Results: A total of 4,910 patients were enrolled in the study. Of these, 2,086 (42.5%) presented with sepsis or septic shock on admission to the ICU or within the first 48 h after admission to the ICU. ICU mortality was higher in patients with sepsis (13.1%) and septic shock (39.0%) and varied according to geographical region. Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus infections were associated with increased ICU mortality. In addition, age, Acute Physiology, and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores, pre-existing cardiovascular diseases, malignant tumors, renal replacement therapy (RRT), and septic shock were independent risk factors for mortality in patients with sepsis. The prompt administration of antibiotics (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.46–0.92) and 30 mL/kg of initial fluid resuscitation during the first 3 h (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.30–0.63) improved the outcome in patients with septic shock.

Conclusions: Sepsis was common and was associated with a high mortality rate in critically ill patients in tertiary hospitals in China. The prompt administration of antibiotics and 30 mL/kg fluid resuscitation decreased the risk of mortality.
Public Database-Driven Insights Into Aging Stress-Associated Defective Gut Barrier With Low SARS-CoV-2 Receptors
Authors: Moon Yuseok
Published: December 2020

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to a global pandemic, and resulted in high case-fatality rate in the elderly. In addition to typical respiratory responses, ~50% of clinical cases include gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and persistent fecal shedding of the virus even after its clearance from the pulmonary system. In the present study, we assessed aging-associated gut transcriptomic responses considering the gastrointestinal symptoms contributing to COVID-19 severity. Intestinal expression of SARS-CoV-2 receptors and defense biomarkers decreased with increasing age. Moreover, aging-associated integrated stress responses (ISR) and mTOR-linked cell metabolic stress signals counteracted gut defense biomarkers. However, SARS-CoV-2 receptor expression was positively associated with gut barrier integrity potently via downregulation of the two stress-responsive signals. Gut transcriptome-based mechanistic prediction implicates that high susceptibility to COVID-19 in the elderly with low SARS-CoV-2 receptors is due to aging stress-associated defective gut defense, providing a new avenue for viral entry receptor-independent interventions.
Current Perspectives and Potential of Probiotics to Limit Foodborne Campylobacter in Poultry
Authors: Deng Wenjun , Dittoe Dana K. , Pavilidis Hilary O. , Chaney William E. , Yang Yichao , Ricke Steven C.
Published: December 2020

Poultry has been one of the major contributors of Campylobacter related human foodborne illness. Numerous interventions have been applied to limit Campylobacter colonization in poultry at the farm level, but other strategies are under investigation to achieve more efficient control. Probiotics are viable microbial cultures that can establish in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of the host animal and elicit health and nutrition benefits. In addition, the early establishment of probiotics in the GIT can serve as a barrier to foodborne pathogen colonization. Thus, probiotics are a potential feed additive for reducing and eliminating the colonization of Campylobacter in the GIT of poultry. Screening probiotic candidates is laborious and time-consuming, requiring several tests and validations both in vitro and in vivo. The selected probiotic candidate should possess the desired physiological characteristics and anti-Campylobacter effects. Probiotics that limit Campylobacter colonization in the GIT rely on different mechanistic strategies such as competitive exclusion, antagonism, and immunomodulation. Although numerous research efforts have been made, the application of Campylobacter limiting probiotics used in poultry remains somewhat elusive. This review summarizes current research progress on identifying and developing probiotics against Campylobacter and presenting possible directions for future research efforts.
Biodegradation of Unpretreated Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) by Stenotrophomonas sp. and Achromobacter sp., Isolated From Waste Dumpsite and Drilling Fluid
Authors: Dey Anindya Sundar , Bose Himadri , Mohapatra Balaram , Sar Pinaki
Published: December 2020

Exploring the catabolic repertoire of natural bacteria for biodegradation of plastics is one of the priority areas of biotechnology research. Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is recalcitrant and poses serious threats to our environment. The present study explored the LDPE biodegradation potential of aerobic bacteria enriched from municipal waste dumpsite and bentonite based drilling fluids from a deep subsurface drilling operation. Considerable bacterial growth coupled with significant weight loss of the LDPE beads (∼8%), change in pH to acidic condition and biofilm cell growth around the beads (CFU count 105–106/cm2) were noted for two samples (P and DF2). The enriched microbial consortia thus obtained displayed high (65–90%) cell surface hydrophobicity, confirming their potential toward LDPE adhesion as well as biofilm formation. Two LDPE degrading bacterial strains affiliated to Stenotrophomonas sp. and Achromobacter sp. were isolated as pure culture from P and DF2 enrichments. 16S rRNA gene sequences of these isolates indicated their taxonomic novelty. Further biodegradation studies provided strong evidence toward the LDPE metabolizing ability of these two organisms. Atomic Fore Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed considerable damage (in terms of formation of cracks, grooves, etc.) on the micrometric surface of the LDPE film. Analysis of the average roughness (Ra), root mean square roughness (Rq), average height (Rz), maximum peak height (Rp), and maximum valley depth (Rv) (nano-roughness parameters) through AFM indicated 2–3 fold increase in nano-roughness of the LDPE film. FTIR analysis suggested incorporation of alkoxy (1000–1090 cm–1), acyl (1220 cm–1), nitro (1500–1600 cm–1), carbonyl (1720 cm–1) groups into the carbon backbone, formation of N-O stretching (1360 cm–1) and chain scission (905 cm–1) in the microbially treated LDPEs. Increase in carbonyl index (15–20 fold), double bond index (1.5–2 fold) and terminal double bond index (30–40 fold) confirmed that biodegraded LDPEs had undergone oxidation, vinylene formation and chain scission. The data suggested that oxidation and dehydrogenation could be the key steps allowing formation of low molecular weight products suitable for their further mineralization by the test bacteria. The study highlighted LDPE degrading ability of natural bacteria and provided the opportunity for their development in plastic remediation process.
The Neuroprotective Effect of Irisin in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Liu Yaqiang , Zhu Chunhua , Guo Jiahui , Chen Yonghong , Meng Chaoyue
Published: December 2020

Irisin is a PGC-1α-dependent myokine that causes increased energy expenditure by driving the development of white adipose tissue into brown fat-like tissue. Exercise can improve irisin levels and lead to its release into the blood. In ischemic stroke, neurons are always sensitive to energy supply; after a series of pathophysiological processes, reactive oxygen species that are detrimental to cell survival via mitochondrial dysfunction are generated in large quantities. As a protein associated with exercise, irisin can alleviate brain injury in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. It is thought that irisin can upregulate the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which protects nerve cells from injury during ischemic stroke. Furthermore, the release of irisin into the blood via exercise influences the mitochondrial dynamics crucial to maintaining the normal function of nerve cells. Consequently, we intended to summarize the known effects of irisin during ischemic stroke.
Dosimetric Feasibility Study of Dose Escalated Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) in Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer (LAPC) Patients: It Is Time to Raise the Bar
Authors: Mazzarotto Renzo , Simoni Nicola , Guariglia Stefania , Rossi Gabriella , Micera Renato , De Robertis Riccardo , Pierelli Alessio , Zivelonghi Emanuele , Malleo Giuseppe , Paiella Salvatore , Salvia Roberto , Cavedon Carlo , Milella Michele , Bassi Claudio
Published: December 2020

Background and Objective

To assess the dosimetric feasibility of a stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) dose escalated protocol, with a simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) and a simultaneous integrated protection (SIP) approach, in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC).

Material and Methods

Twenty LAPC lesions, previously treated with SBRT at our Institution, were re-planned. The original prescribed and administered dose was 50/30/25 Gy in five fractions to PTVsib (tumor-vessel interface [TVI])/PTVt (tumor volume)/PTVsip (overlap area between PTVt and planning organs at risk volume [PRVoars]), respectively. At re-planning, the prescribed dose was escalated up to 60/40/33 Gy in five fractions to PTVsib/PTVt/PTVsip, respectively. All plans were performed using an inspiration breath hold (IBH) technique and generated with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Well-established and accepted OAR dose constraints were used (D0.5cc < 33 Gy for luminal OARs and D0.5cc < 38 Gy for corresponding PRVoars). The primary end-point was to achieve a median dose equal to the prescription dose for the PTVsib with D98≥ 95% (95% of prescription dose is the minimum dose), and a coverage for PTVt and PTVsip of D95≥95%, with minor deviations in OAR dose constraints in < 10% of the plans.

Results

PTVsib median (± SD) dose/D95/conformity index (CI) were 60.54 (± 0.85) Gy/58.96 (± 0.86) Gy/0.99 (± 0.01), respectively; whilst PTVt median (± SD) dose/D95 were 44.51 (± 2.69) Gy/38.44 (± 0.82) Gy, and PTVsip median (± SD) dose/D95 were 35.18 (± 1.42) Gy/33.01 (± 0.84) Gy, respectively. With regard to OARs, median (± SD) maximum dose (D0.5cc) to duodenum/stomach/bowel was 29.31 (± 5.72) Gy/25.29 (± 6.90) Gy/27.03 (± 5.67) Gy, respectively. A minor acceptable deviation was found for a single plan (bowel and duodenum D0.5cc=34.8 Gy). V38 < 0.5 cc was achieved for all PRV luminal OARs.

Conclusions

In LAPC patients SBRT, with a SIB/SIP dose escalation approach up to 60/40/33 Gy in five fractions to PTVsib/PTVt/PTVsip, respectively, is dosimetrically feasible with adequate PTVs coverage and respect for OAR dose constraints.
Pasture-Based Dairy Systems in Temperate Lowlands: Challenges and Opportunities for the Future
Authors: Delaby Luc , Finn John A. , Grange Guylain , Horan Brendan
Published: December 2020

Improved efficiency in dairy systems is a significant challenge for the future, to meet increased food demand while competing for inputs, adapting to climate change, and delivering ecosystem services. Future grazing systems can play a major role to supply healthier foods within systems with a reduced reliance on fossil fuels and chemical inputs, while also delivering environmental, biodiversity, and animal welfare benefits. Can we design lower-input systems that deliver efficient levels of output in a positive environmental context? Lower-input systems will have a lower reliance on concentrates and inorganic fertilizers, and an increased reliance on extended grazing seasons and high quality forage. Multiple strategies will be needed to maximize nitrogen use efficiency, including a strong reliance on legume-based swards that displace inorganic nitrogen fertilizer. Expected environmental benefits include a reduction in GHG emissions and nitrate leaching, an increase in C sequestration and a reduced reliance on the use of herbicides and pesticides. In comparison with confinement feeding systems, the relatively low energy density and high climate sensitivity of grazing diets requires both effective pasture management and robust and adaptive animals. The appropriate cow for grazing systems must be able to harvest pasture efficiently by re-calving every 365 days to efficiently utilize peak pasture supply, achieve large intakes of forage relative to their genetic potential for milk production (i.e., aggressive grazers) and be adaptable to fluctuations in feed supply. Legume-based multi-species grassland mixtures can maximize the use of symbiotically-fixed nitrogen, and displace the use of inorganic N fertilizer. There is a need for system-scale experiments that use legume-based mixtures within paddocks, and in grassland leys within crop rotations. Moreover, lower-input systems will need a combined focus on research and knowledge transfer for rapid testing and implementation. New opportunities and requirements will arise as policy, society, and the markets demand a higher level of environmental sustainability from food systems and products. This raises the possibility of public-private partnerships for the demand and reward of provision of environmental benefits. To deliver these benefits, future food systems will need to be redesigned to incorporate the enhanced supply of a range of ecosystem goods and services, which should be better incentivized through the market price returned to producers.
The Effects of a Ketogenic Medium-Chain Triglyceride Diet on the Feces in Dogs With Idiopathic Epilepsy
Authors: Pilla Rachel , Law Tsz Hong , Pan Yuanlong , Zanghi Brian M. , Li Qinghong , Want Elizabeth J. , Lidbury Jonathan A. , Steiner Joerg M. , Suchodolski Jan S. , Volk Holger Andreas
Published: December 2020

Consumption of diets containing medium chain triglycerides have been shown to confer neuroprotective and behavior modulating effects. We aimed to identify metabolic and microbiome perturbations in feces that are associated with consumption of a medium chain triglyceride ketogenic diet (MCT-KD) in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. We used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to generate microbiome profiles and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) to generate lipidomic profiles of canine feces. We made comparisons between the MCT-KD, standardized placebo diet and baseline pre-trial diet phases. Consumption of the MCT-KD resulted in a significant increase in the species richness (α-diversity) of bacterial communities found in the feces when compared to the baseline diet. However, phylogenetical diversity between samples (beta-diversity) was not affected by diet. An unnamed Bacteroidaceae species within genus 5-7N15 was identified by LEfSe as a potential biomarker associated with consumption of the MCT-KD, showing an increased abundance (p = 0.005, q = 0.230) during consumption of MCT-KD. In addition, unclassified members of families Erysipelotrichaceae (p = 0.013, q = 0.335) and Fusobacteriaceae (p = 0.022, q = 0.358) were significantly increased during MCT-KD consumption compared to baseline. Blautia sp. and Megamonas sp. instead were decreased during consumption of either placebo or MCT-KD (p = 0.045, q = 0.449, and p = 0.039, q = 0.449, respectively). Bacteroidaceae, including genus 5-7N15, have previously been associated with non-aggressive behavior in dogs. In addition, 5-7N15 is correlated in humans with Akkermansia, a genus known to be involved in the neuroprotective effect of ketogenic diets in mice models of seizures. Five metabolite features, tentatively identified as long chain triglycerides, were significantly higher after consumption of the placebo diet, but no unique features were identified after consumption of the MCT-KD. The data presented in this study highlight significant changes shown in both the fecal microbiome and lipidome as a result of consumption of the MCT-KD. Elucidating the global canine gut response to MCT consumption will improve our understanding of the potential mechanisms which confer anti-seizure and behavior modulating effects. Further studies should aim to characterize the gut microbiome of both dogs with epilepsy and healthy controls.
Cellular and Molecular Events that Occur in the Oocyte during Prolonged Ovarian Storage in Sheep
Authors: Martín-Maestro Alicia , Sánchez-Ajofrín Irene , Maside Carolina , Peris-Frau Patricia , Medina-Chávez Daniela-Alejandra , Cardoso Beatriz , Navarro José Carlos , Fernández-Santos María Rocío , Garde José Julián , Soler Ana Josefa
Published: December 2020

For the past two decades, there has been a growing interest in the application of in vitro embryo production (IVP) in small ruminants such as sheep. To improve efficiency, a large number abattoir-derived ovaries must be used, and long distances from the laboratory are usually inevitable when adult animals are used. In that scenario, prolonged sheep ovary transportation may negatively affect oocyte developmental competence. Here, we evaluated the effect of ovary storage time (3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 h) and the medium in which they were transported (TCM199 and saline solution) on oocyte quality. Thus, live/dead status, early apoptosis, DNA fragmentation, reduced glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, caspase-3 activity, mitochondrial membrane potential and distribution, and relative abundance of mRNA transcript levels were assessed in oocytes. After in vitro maturation (IVM), cumulus cell viability and quality, meiotic and fertilization competence, embryo rates and blastocyst quality were also evaluated. The results revealed that, after 7 h of storage, oocyte quality and developmental potential were significantly impaired since higher rates of dead oocytes and DNA fragmentation and lower rates of viable, matured and fertilized oocytes were observed. The percentage of cleavage, blastocyst rates and cumulus cell parameters (viability, active mitochondria and GSH/ROS ratio) were also decreased. Moreover, the preservation of ovaries in medium TCM199 had a detrimental effect on cumulus cells and oocyte competence. In conclusion, ovary transport times up to 5 h in saline solution are the most adequate storage conditions to maintain oocyte quality as well as developmental capacity in sheep. A strategy to rescue the poor developmental potential of stored oocytes will be necessary for successful production of high-quality embryos when longer ovarian preservation times are necessary.
Reduction in Nitrogen Exports from Stormflow after Conversion of a Dry Detention Basin to a Stormwater Wetland
Authors: Humphrey Charles P. , Iverson Guy
Published: December 2020

Stormwater control measures such as dry detention basins and wetlands are often used to reduce the discharge of urban runoff and nutrients to streams, but differences in nutrient treatment may vary between practices. The goal of this study was to compare the nitrogen treatment efficiency of a dry detention basin before and after it was converted into a stormwater wetland. Inflow and outflow from a detention basin in Greenville, North Carolina was sampled during 13 storms and the stormwater wetland was sampled during 10 storms. Total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), NO3−, NH4+, chloride, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and physicochemical properties were evaluated. Inflow and outflow from the detention basin had identical median concentrations of TDN (0.47 mg L−1). The median TDN concentration for wetland outflow (0.18 mg L−1) was 63% lower relative to inflow (0.49 mg L−1). The hydraulic residence time of stormwater in the wetland was more than 10 times greater relative to the dry basin. There was a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in dissolved oxygen and oxidation reduction potential and an increase in median DOC concentrations in wetland outflow relative to inflow. Most of the reduction in TDN within the wetland was attributed to loss of NO3− (80% reduction), possibly due to denitrification. Conversion of dry detention basins to wetlands may provide significant benefits with regards to reducing TDN transport associated with urban runoff.
Wireless Sensor Network Aided Assembly Line Monitoring According to Expectations of Industry 4.0
Authors: Gogolák László , Fürstner Igor
Published: December 2020

Striving for excellence during the assembling process through incorporating the expectations of Industry 4.0 requires complex information management on issues of overall system status, especially the physical characteristics and position of the parts being assembled, as well as the assembling units and tools. This research introduces both an overall customized assembling system supervision model, which is based on a modified four-layer control system hierarchy that suits the specific requirements of such systems and the developed wireless sensor network technology for assembling process management with a particular focus on localization. The developed model highlights the localization problems of the system as well as other aspects required for overall system status determination. The localization of assembled parts is based on the fingerprint localization method by using the received signal strength indicator. The proposed localization algorithms are based either on artificial neural networks or on the weighted k-nearest neighbor method. The developed model has been tested both in laboratory conditions and in a simulated industrial environment. The research results offer a general solution to the problem of assembling system supervision, regardless of size and shape, with emphasis on the localization problem solution.
Differences in Explicit Stereotype Activation among Social Groups Based on the Stereotype Content Model: Behavioral and Electrophysiological Evidence in Chinese Sample
Authors: Yang Yaping , White Katherine , Fan Xinfang , Xu Qiang , Chen Qing-Wei
Published: December 2020

The stereotype content model (SCM; Fiske, Cuddy, Glick and Xu, 2002) identifies four basic categories of stereotyped social groups: high warmth-high competence (HW-HC), high warmth-low competence (HW-LC), low warmth-high competence (LW-HC), and low warmth-low competence (LW-LC). However, many of these groups have not been directly examined in stereotype activation research. The purpose of the present research was to extend stereotype activation research to groups that more fully represent those identified under the SCM. Employing explicit sequential priming task, participants responded to prime-target stimulus pairs that were either congruent or incongruent with stereotypes of social groups from all four SCM quadrants in two studies in the current investigation. Study 1 was to determine the behavioral pattern of explicit stereotype activation among four quadrants (the sample included 60 Chinese undergraduate students, 51%—female). Study 2 further employed event-related brain potentials (ERPs) technique to track the time course and electrophysiological underpinnings of explicit stereotype activation (the sample included 22 right-handed Chinese undergraduate students, 76%—female). In Study 1, participants responded more quickly and accurately on stereotype congruent trials than incongruent trials for all social groups except LW-LC groups. This reverse priming effect on LW-LC social groups in RTs was also replicated in Study 2. ERPs findings further showed that incongruent targets elicited larger N400 amplitudes than congruent targets for all four SCM quadrants. Moreover, congruent targets elicited larger P2 than incongruent targets, but only found for the LW-LC social groups. In addition, congruent targets elicited larger amplitudes of late positive component than incongruent targets for the low warmth (LW-LC and LW-HC) groups. Together, these results highlight the unique processing that LW-LC groups receive throughout the cognitive stream, ultimately manifesting in distinctive behavioral responses. Unconscious activation of egalitarian goals, disgust, and distrust accounts are discussed.
Head Position and Posturography: A Novel Biomarker to Identify Concussion Sufferers
Authors: Carrick Frederick Robert , Pagnacco Guido , Hunfalvay Melissa , Azzolino Sergio , Oggero Elena
Published: December 2020

Balance control systems involve complex systems directing muscle activity to prevent internal and external influences that destabilize posture, especially when body positions change. The computerized dynamic posturography stability score has been established to be the most repeatable posturographic measure using variations of the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration in Balance (mCTSIB). However, the mCTSIB is a standard group of tests relying largely on eyes-open and -closed standing positions with the head in a neutral position, associated with probability of missing postural instabilities associated with head positions off the neutral plane. Postural stability scores are compromised with changes in head positions after concussion. The position of the head and neck induced by statically maintained head turns is associated with significantly lower stability scores than the standardized head neutral position of the mCTSIB in Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) subjects but not in normal healthy controls. This phenomenon may serve as a diagnostic biomarker to differentiate PCS subjects from normal ones as well as serving as a measurement with which to quantify function or the success or failure of a treatment. Head positions off the neutral plane provide novel biomarkers that identify and differentiate subjects suffering from PCS from healthy normal subjects.
Genetic Sequence Variants in TLR4, MBL or IL-1 Receptor Antagonist is not Associated to Increased Risk for Febrile Neutropenia in Children with ALL
Authors: Wahlund Martina , Lindqvist Appell Malin , Hed Myrberg Ida , Berggren Anna , Nilsson Anna
Published: December 2020

Sequence variants in genes involved in the immune system have previously been linked to neutropenia as well as infections in cancer patients. Sequence variants in genes coding for TLR4, MBL, and IL-1Ra were investigated in relation to clinical utility of identifying severe episodes of febrile neutropenia (FN) in a cohort of children undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study included 122 children, where data on FN and microbiological findings were retrospectively collected from medical records. Sequence variants in genes coding for MBL, TLR4, and IL-1Ra were identified by pyrosequencing, TaqMan SNP genotyping assay, and gel electrophoresis. A total of 380 episodes of FN were identified and in 139 episodes, there was a microbiological defined infection. Age and treatment intensity were all associated with the risk of developing FN. No sequence variant was associated to increased numbers of FN episodes. Two sequence variants in the TLR4 gene increased the risk of viral infection, whilst sequence variants in the IL-1Ra gene were associated to a decreased risk of bacterial blood-stream infection (BSI). The investigated sequence variants did not associate with increased risk for FN or to severe infections, as to why the clinical utility as a risk-stratification tool is low. Most episodes of FN were classified as fever with unknown origin, emphasizing the need for improved microbial detection methods.