bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitigating Soil Salinity Stress with Gypsum and Bio-Organic Amendments: A Review
Authors: Bello Suleiman K. , Alayafi Abdullah H. , AL-Solaimani Samir G. , Abo-Elyousr Kamal A. M.
Published: August 2021

Salinity impedes soil and crop productivity in over 900 million ha of arable lands worldwide due to the excessive accumulation of salt (NaCl). To utilize saline soils in agriculture, halophytes (salt-tolerant plants) are commonly cultivated. However, most food crops are glycophytes (salt-sensitive). Thus, to enhance the productivity of saline soils, gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) as well as bio-organic (combined use of organic materials, such as compost and straw with the inoculation of beneficial microbes) amendments have been continuously recognized to improve the biological, physical and chemical properties of saline soils. CaSO4·2H2O regulates the exchange of sodium (Na+) for calcium (Ca2+) on the clay surfaces, thereby increasing the Ca2+/Na+ ratio in the soil solution. Intracellularly, Ca2+ also promotes a higher K+/Na+ ratio. Simultaneously, gypsum furnishes crops with sulfur (S) for enhanced growth and yield through the increased production of phytohormones, amino acids, glutathione and osmoprotectants, which are vital elicitors in plants’ responses to salinity stress. Likewise, bio-organic amendments improve the organic matter and carbon content, nutrient cycling, porosity, water holding capacity, soil enzyme activities and biodiversity in saline soils. Overall, the integrated application of gypsum and bio-organic amendments in cultivating glycophytes and halophytes is a highly promising strategy in enhancing the productivity of saline soils.
Glucose Induces Thylakoid Formation and Upregulates Green Pigment Contents in Complete Dark Culture of the Angiosperm Pachiramacrocarpa
Authors: Lee Tzan-Chain , Lin Kuan-Hung , Huang Meng-Yuan , Yang Chi-Ming
Published: August 2021

In addition to angiosperms, most plants are able to synthesize chlorophyll (Chl)-generating green tissues in total darkness. In this study, 140 plants of the angiosperm Pachira macrocarpa were divided into five groups. Among them, one group was grown for 2 weeks under natural light conditions, whereas the others were grown in complete darkness (0 μmol m−2 s−1). Dark-grown plants were then treated with 0~6% glucose for another 8 weeks. The budding and greening ratios, ultrastructure of chloroplasts (ChlPs) of newly developed leaves, and green pigment contents of pre-illuminated mature and young leaves, and totally dark-grown newly developed leaves were measured. Results showed that glucose inhibited the budding and promoted the greening of newly developed leaves. Pre-illuminated mature and young leaves were able to synthesize green pigments during the 2 weeks of dark adaption. Dark-grown newly developed leaves contained high levels of green pigments at 2 and 3 weeks after budding. Green pigments of glucose-fed newly developed leaves had increased, whereas they had decreased in control leaves. In addition, ChlPs of dark-grown glucose-fed newly developed leaves contained both giant grana and prolamellar bodies (PLBs), usually found in shade plants and etiolated seedlings, respectively. The higher the glucose concentration was, the greater the numbers of grana, thylakoids, and PLBs. Glucose increased the green pigment contents and grana formation in newly developed leaves in a dark condition, and the mechanisms are discussed.
The Invasive Bank Vole (Myodes glareolus): A Model System for Studying Parasites and Ecoimmunology during a Biological Invasion
Authors: McManus Andrew , Holland Celia V. , Henttonen Heikki , Stuart Peter
Published: August 2021

The primary driver of the observed increase in emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) has been identified as human interaction with wildlife and this increase has emphasized knowledge gaps in wildlife pathogens dynamics. Wild rodent models have proven excellent for studying changes in parasite communities and have been a particular focus of eco-immunological research. Helminth species have been shown to be one of the factors regulating rodent abundance and indirectly affect disease burden through trade-offs between immune pathways. The Myodes glareolus invasion in Ireland is a unique model system to explore the invasion dynamics of helminth species. Studies of the invasive population of M. glareolus in Ireland have revealed a verifiable introduction point and its steady spread. Helminths studies of this invasion have identified enemy release, spillover, spillback and dilution taking place. Longitudinal studies have the potential to demonstrate the interplay between helminth parasite dynamics and both immune adaptation and coinfecting microparasites as M. glareolus become established across Ireland. Using the M. glareolus invasion as a model system and other similar wildlife systems, we can begin to fill the large gap in our knowledge surrounding the area of wildlife pathogen dynamics.
Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions in Portugal: A Questionnaire to Municipal and Animal Association Shelters
Authors: Gomes-Neves Eduarda , Marques Sara , Alves-Pereira Adélia , Osório Pedro , Müller Alexandra , Baptista Cláudia S.
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has an indirect impact on the health and welfare of animals. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on Municipal and Association animal shelters. A questionnaire was sent to 97 Municipal shelters and 65 Associations. Questions focused on public funding, management and animal welfare during COVID-19 restrictions. The response rate was 43.3% (42/97) for Municipal shelters and 38.5% (25/65) for Associations. Municipal shelters (67%) received over 80% of public funding, whereas 68% of the Associations received less than 50%. During the COVID-19 restrictions, financial difficulties were observed by 52% of Associations and 5% of Municipal shelters, and a lack of volunteers was observed by 56% of Associations and 17% of Municipal shelters. Operational difficulties were indicated by 43% of Associations and 12% of Municipal shelters, and a lack of instructions was observed by 31% of Municipal shelters and 4% of Associations. No significant differences were obtained on abandonment, adoption, clinical support, exercise and interaction. Decreased feed supply was reported by 40% of Associations and 5% of Municipal shelters. During the COVID-19 restrictions, Municipal shelters were more affected by the lack of instructions, and Associations were more affected by external factors such as a decrease in feed supply, volunteers and funding. Preparedness and contingency plans seem essential to face unpredicted crises.
Interest in Humans: Comparisons between Riding School Lesson Equids and Assisted-Intervention Equids
Authors: Lerch Noémie , Cirulli Francesca , Rochais Céline , Lesimple Clémence , Guilbaud Estelle , Contalbrigo Laura , Borgi Marta , Grandgeorge Marine , Hausberger Martine
Published: August 2021

Little is known about the impact of equine-assisted interventions (EAI) on equids’ perception of humans. In this study 172 equids, living in 12 riding centres, were submitted to a standardised human–horse relationship test: the motionless person test. Age, sex, type (horse/pony), housing, and feeding conditions of subjects were recorded. Overall, 17 equids worked in EAI, 95 in riding school lessons (RS), and 60 in both (EAI-RS). There were high inter-individual variations in the number of interactive behaviours directed towards the experimenter: negative binomial general linear models showed that activity was the most important factor: RS equids performed more interactive behaviours than EAI (p = 0.039) and EAI-RS (p < 0.001) equids. Daily quantity of hay appeared as the second most important factor (equids with more than 3 kg interacted more than equids with less than 3 kg, p = 0.013). Individual characteristics were also important as horses interacted more than ponies (p = 0.009), geldings more than mares (p = 0.032), and 3–15-year-old equids more than equids over 15 years (p = 0.032). However, there was no interaction between factors. The lower number of interactive behaviours of EAI equids leads to different hypotheses—namely, selection on temperament, specific training, or compromised welfare (apathy). In any case, our results raised new lines of questions on EAI.
The Influence of Fusarium Mycotoxins on the Liver of Gilts and Their Suckling Piglets
Authors: Dolenšek Tamara , Švara Tanja , Knific Tanja , Gombač Mitja , Luzar Boštjan , Jakovac-Strajn Breda
Published: August 2021

Mycotoxins are common fungal secondary metabolites in both animal feed and human food, representing widespread toxic contaminants that cause various adverse effects. Co-contamination with different mycotoxins is frequent; therefore, this study focused on feed contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins, namely, deoxynivalenol (5.08 mg/kg), zearalenone (0.09 mg/kg), and fusaric acid (21.6 mg/kg). Their effects on the liver of gilts and their piglets were chosen as the research subject as pigs are one of the most sensitive animal species that are also physiologically very similar to humans. The gilts were fed the experimental diet for 54 ± 1 day, starting late in their pregnancy and continuing until roughly a week after weaning of their piglets. Livers of gilts and their piglets were assessed for different histopathological changes, apoptosis, and proliferation activity of hepatocytes. On histopathology, gilts fed the experimental diet had a statistically significant increase in hepatocellular necrosis and apoptosis (p = 0.0318) as well as sinusoidal leukocytosis with inflammatory infiltrates of hepatic lobules (p = 0.0004). The amount of interlobular connective tissue in the liver of experimental gilts was also significantly decreased (p = 0.0232), implying a disruption in the formation of fibrous connective tissue. Apoptosis of hepatocytes and of cells in hepatic sinusoids, further assessed by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) assay, showed a statistically significant increase (p = 0.0224 and p = 0.0007, respectively). No differences were observed in piglet livers. These results indicated that Fusarium mycotoxins elicited increased apoptosis, necrosis, and inflammation in the liver of gilts, but caused no effects on the liver of piglets at these concentrations.
The Influence of Biological Factors on Haematological Values in Wild Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) Nestlings
Authors: Zaremba Urszula , Kasprzykowski Zbigniew , Kondera Elżbieta
Published: August 2021

Marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) is a species with obligatory cainism, in which hatching asynchrony creates a pronounced size hierarchy in nestlings. The size-related competitive advantage of older nestlings means that they tend to dominate the younger ones, and brood reduction occurs in most nests. The aim of the study was to reference values and carry out a haematological examination in order to evaluate the physiological status and health of nestlings with respect to hatching order, brood size, and nest initiation date. To do so, we examined 19 nests with a total of 58 nestlings from a free-living population of this species located in fishpond complexes in the agricultural landscape of eastern Poland. Repeated blood samples (118 in all) were collected from nestlings. The following parameters were measured using fresh full blood: red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin level (Hb), white blood cell count (WBC), and plasma glucose level (Glu). The data were analysed using generalized linear mixed models and linear mixed models ((G)LMM). The study revealed that hatching order, but not brood size or nest initiation date, affected the physical condition of marsh harrier nestlings. Hb levels and RBC counts gradually decreased, whereas Glu levels and WBC counts increased from the first- to the last-hatched nestlings. This result points to the generally poorer condition of the youngest nestlings compared with their older siblings. The poor physiological condition of the youngest nestlings may consequently increase the likelihood of their perishing, and hence, of brood reduction.
Supplementary Tryptophan Fed to Sows Prior to and after Farrowing to Improve Piglet Growth and Survival
Authors: Munn Amy L. , Weaver Alice C. , van Wettere William H. E. J.
Published: August 2021

Tryptophan indirectly increases plasma calcium levels, which may improve sow health, and melatonin production, which may improve piglet survival when supplemented during late gestation and lactation. It was hypothesised that tryptophan would increase piglet survival and increase sow circulating melatonin and calcium. Seventy-two multiparous (Landrace x Large White) sows were allocated to either control (0.16% tryptophan; n = 24), low tryptophan (0.42%; n = 24) or high tryptophan (0.56%; n = 24). Piglet viability measures consisted of weights, behaviour, meconium staining, rectal temperature, blood glucose and serum immunoglobulin G concentration. Blood samples collected from sows were analysed for melatonin (two daytime and three night-time samples; n = 17) and calcium (two samples pre- and post-farrowing; n = 14). Both tryptophan treatments increased piglet survival compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Tryptophan had no effect on piglet viability (p > 0.05) and no effect on sow plasma melatonin and calcium concentrations compared with the control group (p > 0.05) except at 21:00 when low tryptophan sows had higher melatonin concentration compared with high tryptophan (p = 0.011). Further research to understand the mediating effects of tryptophan (particularly 5-hydroxytryptophan) on piglet survival, including sow behaviour, is warranted.
HOX Gene Expressions in Cultured Articular and Nasal Equine Chondrocytes
Authors: Storch Christiane , Fuhrmann Herbert , Schoeniger Axel
Published: August 2021

Osteoarthritis the quality and span of life in horses. Previous studies focused on nasal cartilage as a possible source for autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) in cartilage defects in humans. “HOX gene-negative” nasal chondrocytes adapted articular HOX patterns after implantation into caprine joint defects and produced cartilage matrix proteins. We compared the HOX gene profile of equine chondrocytes of nasal septum, anterior and posterior fetlock to identify nasal cartilage as a potential source for ACI in horses. Cartilage was harvested from seven horses after death and derived chondrocytes were cultured in a monolayer to fourth subcultivation. HOX A3, D1, D8 and chondrocyte markers COL2 and SOX9 were analyzed with qPCR in chondrocytes of three different locations obtained during passage 0 and passage 2. HOX gene expression showed no significant differences between the locations but varied significantly between the horses. HOX genes and SOX9 remained stable during culturing. Cultured nasal chondrocytes may be a target for future research in cell-based regenerative therapies in equine osteoarthritis. The involvement of HOX genes in the high regenerative and adaptive potential of nasal chondrocytes observed in previous studies could not be confirmed.
Disentangling the Multidimensional Relationship between Livestock Breeds and Ecosystem Services
Authors: Velado-Alonso Elena , Gómez-Sal Antonio , Bernués Alberto , Martín-Collado Daniel
Published: August 2021

There is an increasing interest in assessing livestock breed contributions to ecosystem services (ES) and including this knowledge in decision making. However, this task has been limited due to the complexity of the multidimensional relationship between livestock diversity and ecosystem services. In this work, we elaborate on the livestock breed characteristics central to developing a comprehensive approach to livestock breed inclusion in the ecosystem services framework. Thus, we explore the multidimensional nature of livestock breeds, i.e., as eco-cultural entities, biodiversity components, and drivers of livestock system heterogeneity and functioning. First, anthropogenic and natural factors have acted jointly to develop breeds as eco-cultural entities. This fact represents an opportunity to move toward farming system sustainability by Nature-Based Solutions and Nature’s Contribution to People paradigms. Second, livestock breeds are components of biodiversity, and as such, can be framed as goods, as final ecosystem services, and as regulators of ecosystem processes. Third, livestock breeds contribute to livestock system heterogeneity and resilience. By integrating these aspects, we might better understand how livestock breeds provide and modulate ecosystem service provision and, therefore, how to improve breed conservation and livestock policies toward farming system sustainability.
Fungal Biofilms as a Valuable Target for the Discovery of Natural Products That Cope with the Resistance of Medically Important Fungi—Latest Findings
Authors: Butassi Estefanía , Svetaz Laura , Carpinella María Cecilia , Efferth Thomas , Zacchino Susana
Published: August 2021

The development of new antifungal agents that target biofilms is an urgent need. Natural products, mainly from the plant kingdom, represent an invaluable source of these entities. The present review provides an update (2017–May 2021) on the available information on essential oils, propolis, extracts from plants, algae, lichens and microorganisms, compounds from different natural sources and nanosystems containing natural products with the capacity to in vitro or in vivo modulate fungal biofilms. The search yielded 42 articles; seven involved essential oils, two Brazilian propolis, six plant extracts and one of each, extracts from lichens and algae/cyanobacteria. Twenty articles deal with the antibiofilm effect of pure natural compounds, with 10 of them including studies of the mechanism of action and five dealing with natural compounds included in nanosystems. Thirty-seven manuscripts evaluated Candida spp. biofilms and two tested Fusarium and Cryptococcus spp. Only one manuscript involved Aspergillus fumigatus. From the data presented here, it is clear that the search of natural products with activity against fungal biofilms has been a highly active area of research in recent years. However, it also reveals the necessity of deepening the studies by (i) evaluating the effect of natural products on biofilms formed by the newly emerged and worrisome health-care associated fungi, C. auris, as well as on other non-albicans Candida spp., Cryptococcus sp. and filamentous fungi; (ii) elucidating the mechanisms of action of the most active natural products; (iii) increasing the in vivo testing.
Metabolic Alterations Identified in Urine, Plasma and Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells Reflect Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Programmed Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Santiago-Hernandez Aranzazu , Martinez Paula J. , Agudiez Marta , Heredero Angeles , Gonzalez-Calero Laura , Yuste-Montalvo Alma , Esteban Vanesa , Aldamiz-Echevarria Gonzalo , Martin-Lorenzo Marta , Alvarez-Llamas Gloria
Published: August 2021

Atherosclerosis is the predominant pathology associated to premature deaths due to cardiovascular disease. However, early intervention based on a personalized diagnosis of cardiovascular risk is very limited. We have previously identified metabolic alterations during atherosclerosis development in a rabbit model and in subjects suffering from an acute coronary syndrome. Here we aim to identify specific metabolic signatures which may set the basis for novel tools aiding cardiovascular risk diagnosis in clinical practice. In a cohort of subjects with programmed coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), we have performed liquid chromatography and targeted mass spectrometry analysis in urine and plasma. The role of vascular smooth muscle cells from human aorta (HA-VSMCs) was also investigated by analyzing the intra and extracellular metabolites in response to a pro-atherosclerotic stimulus. Statistically significant variation was considered if p value < 0.05 (Mann-Whitney test). Urinary trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), arabitol and spermidine showed higher levels in the CVrisk group compared with a control group; while glutamine and pantothenate showed lower levels. The same trend was found for plasma TMAO and glutamine. Plasma choline, acetylcholine and valine were also decreased in CVrisk group, while pyruvate was found increased. In the secretome of HA-VSMCs, TMAO, pantothenate, glycerophosphocholine, glutathion, spermidine and acetylcholine increased after pro-atherosclerotic stimulus, while secreted glutamine decreased. At intracellular level, TMAO, pantothenate and glycerophosphocholine increased with stimulation. Observed metabolic deregulations pointed to an inflammatory response together with a deregulation of oxidative stress counteraction.
A Novel Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Method for the Analysis of Anthocyanins in Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Carrera Ceferino , Aliaño-González María José , Valaityte Monika , Ferreiro-González Marta , Barbero Gerardo F. , Palma Miguel
Published: August 2021

Purple potato is one of the least known and consumed potato varieties. It is as rich in nutrients, amino acids and starches as the rest of the potato varieties, but it also exhibits a high content of anthocyanins, which confer it with some attractive health-related properties, such as antioxidant, pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and other promising properties regarding the treatment of certain diseases. A novel methodology based on ultrasound-assisted extraction has been optimized to achieve greater yields of anthocyanins. Optimal extraction values have been established at 70 °C using 20 mL of a 60% MeOH:H2O solution, with a pH of 2.90 and a 0.5 s−1 cycle length at 70% of the maximum amplitude for 15 min. The repeatability and intermediate precision of the extraction method have been proven by its relative standard deviation (RSD) below 5%. The method has been tested on Vitelotte, Double Fun, Highland and Violet Queen potatoes and has demonstrated its suitability for the extraction and quantification of the anthocyanins found in these potato varieties, which exhibit notable content differences. Finally, the antioxidant capacity of these potato varieties has been determined by means of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DDPH) radical scavenging and the values obtained were similar to those previously reported in the literature.
On the Development of a Cutaneous Flavonoid Delivery System: Advances and Limitations
Authors: Costa Raquel , Costa Lima Sofia A. , Gameiro Paula , Reis Salette
Published: August 2021

Flavonoids are one of the vital classes of natural polyphenolic compounds abundantly found in plants. Due to their wide range of therapeutic properties, which include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, photoprotective, and depigmentation effects, flavonoids have been demonstrated to be promising agents in the treatment of several skin disorders. However, their lipophilic nature and poor water solubility invariably lead to limited oral bioavailability. In addition, they are rapidly degraded and metabolized in the human body, hindering their potential contribution to the prevention and treatment of many disorders. Thus, to overcome these challenges, several cutaneous delivery systems have been extensively studied. Topical drug delivery besides offering an alternative administration route also ensures a sustained release of the active compound at the desired site of action. Incorporation into lipid or polymer-based nanoparticles appears to be a highly effective approach for cutaneous delivery of flavonoids with good encapsulation potential and reduced toxicity. This review focuses on currently available formulations used to administer either topically or systemically different classes of flavonoids in the skin, highlighting their potential application as therapeutic and preventive agents.
Cellular Redox Homeostasis
Authors: Le Gal Kristell , Schmidt Edward E. , Sayin Volkan I.
Published: August 2021

Cellular redox homeostasis is an essential and dynamic process that ensures the balance between reducing and oxidizing reactions within cells and regulates a plethora of biological responses and events. The study of these biochemical reactions has proven difficult over time, but recent technical and methodological developments have contributed to the rapid growth of the redox field and to our understanding of its importance in biology. The aim of this short review is to give the reader an overall understanding of redox regulation in the areas of cellular signaling, development, and disease, as well as to introduce some recent discoveries in those fields.
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and Sensory Characterization of Commercial Pomegranate Juices
Authors: Esposto Sonia , Veneziani Gianluca , Taticchi Agnese , Urbani Stefania , Selvaggini Roberto , Sordini Beatrice , Daidone Luigi , Gironi Giacomo , Servili Maurizio
Published: August 2021

We undertook a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the bioactive compounds, volatile substances, sensory profile, and antioxidant activity of eight different commercial pomegranate juices (PJs) differing by cultivation area, processing (from concentrate (CPJ) or not (NCPJ)), and microbial stabilization. Punicalins were the main ellagitannins, whereas the predominant anthocyanin was cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside, followed by cyanidin 3-glucoside. Total phenols, tannins, hydrolyzable tannins, and anthocyanins in the investigated juices ranged from 1379.9 to 3748.8 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/L, 394.8 to 895.2 mg GAE/L, 150.8 to 2374.2 mg ellagic acid/L, and 0 to 281 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside/L, respectively. Antioxidant activity, determined by DPPH•, FRAP, and ABTS, was positively correlated with the total phenolic compounds and hydrolyzable tannins. Alcohols, acids, and furans were the volatile groups that best described the differences between juices. The most abundant volatile compound was 3-Furfural (8.6–879.9 µg/L) in those juices subjected to the concentration process and to high-temperature short-time (HTST) treatment, whereas it was not present in juice subjected to high-pressure processing (HPP). Processing also affected the juices’ sensory attributes: NCPJs were characterized by ‘red–purple’, ‘pomegranate fruit’, ‘fresh fruit’, and ‘overall intensity’ notes, while in CPJs these notes were not revealed or were masked by those related to heat treatment. Our results provide useful information on the importance of extraction methods and on the overall quality of PJ for the food industry.
Tocotrienols as an Anti-Breast Cancer Agent
Authors: Trujillo Madison , Kharbanda Anupreet , Corley Christa , Simmons Pilar , Allen Antiño R.
Published: August 2021

In the past few years, breast cancer has become the most prevalent type of cancer. The majority of patients receive combinatorial chemotherapy treatments, which may result in increased risk of developing drug resistance, a reduced quality of life, and substantial side effects. Treatment modalities that could lessen the physical toll of standard treatments or act in synergy with chemotherapeutic treatments would benefit women worldwide. Research into tocotrienols has thus far demonstrated their potential to be such an agent, with tocotrienols surpassing the pharmacological potential of tocopherols. Further research using in vitro and preclinical breast cancer models to support clinical trials is needed. This review uses bibliometric analysis to highlight this gap in research and summarizes the current and future landscape of tocotrienols as an anti-breast cancer agent.
Biophysical Modulation of the Mitochondrial Metabolism and Redox in Bone Homeostasis and Osteoporosis: How Biophysics Converts into Bioenergetics
Authors: Wang Feng-Sheng , Wu Re-Wen , Chen Yu-Shan , Ko Jih-Yang , Jahr Holger , Lian Wei-Shiung
Published: August 2021

Bone-forming cells build mineralized microstructure and couple with bone-resorbing cells, harmonizing bone mineral acquisition, and remodeling to maintain bone mass homeostasis. Mitochondrial glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation pathways together with ROS generation meet the energy requirement for bone-forming cell growth and differentiation, respectively. Moderate mechanical stimulations, such as weight loading, physical activity, ultrasound, vibration, and electromagnetic field stimulation, etc., are advantageous to bone-forming cell activity, promoting bone anabolism to compromise osteoporosis development. A plethora of molecules, including ion channels, integrins, focal adhesion kinases, and myokines, are mechanosensitive and transduce mechanical stimuli into intercellular signaling, regulating growth, mineralized extracellular matrix biosynthesis, and resorption. Mechanical stimulation changes mitochondrial respiration, biogenesis, dynamics, calcium influx, and redox, whereas mechanical disuse induces mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, which aggravates bone-forming cell apoptosis, senescence, and dysfunction. The control of the mitochondrial biogenesis activator PGC-1α by NAD+-dependent deacetylase sirtuins or myokine FNDC/irisin or repression of oxidative stress by mitochondrial antioxidant Nrf2 modulates the biophysical stimulation for the promotion of bone integrity. This review sheds light onto the roles of mechanosensitive signaling, mitochondrial dynamics, and antioxidants in mediating the anabolic effects of biophysical stimulation to bone tissue and highlights the remedial potential of mitochondrial biogenesis regulators for osteoporosis.
System Dynamics and Lean Approach: Development of a Technological Solution in a Regional Product Packaging Company
Authors: Lagarda-Leyva Ernesto A.
Published: August 2021

This study was performed in a regional product marketing company located in Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, México, where a problem was detected in empirical decision-making due to their recent incorporation into the market. Thus, the objective of this study is the shelf-product production link, where the interest is in knowing the behavior of the main variables that influence the system. System dynamics methodology follows six steps: (1) Map the process under study with the value stream map (VSM); (2) Create a causal diagram; (3) Elaborate the Forrester diagram and equations; (4) Validate the current model; (5) Simulate scenarios; (6) Create the graphical user interface. The main results were the design of the scenarios starting from a robust system dynamics model, three scenarios, and the graphical interface. For this purpose, Stella Architect Software was used as it has special attributes to create a graphical user interface. Furthermore, all the elements of the VSM were added under the Lean Startup approach. Significantly, the inadequate management of the materials was detected, which is why the recommendation was to separate the packaging of dry and cold products to care for food innocuousness and the cold chain. Likewise, processing time decreased, reducing material transfer, which was detected by applying a future VSM based on the Lean Startup methodology. The technological solution in this study is a contribution based on social sciences and mathematics (nonlinear equations) using dynamics simulation to observe the complexity of system behavior.
Life Cycle Assessment of Mortars Produced Partially Replacing Cement by Treated Mining Residues
Authors: Almeida Joana , Faria Paulina , Ribeiro Alexandra Branco , Santos Silva António
Published: August 2021

The use of secondary mining resources to replace conventional constituents in mortars production has proved the effectiveness to preserve the quality of mechanical, physical, and chemical properties. However, minimal research has been performed to quantify the environmental impacts of mortars with mining residues. In the present work, a life cycle assessment of 10 mortars was carried out. A reference mortar (100% of cement binder) and mortars with cement substitutions in 10%, 25%, and 50% by raw, electrodialytic treated, and electrodialytic plus thermal treated mining residues were analysed. The impacts were studied in six environmental categories: (1) abiotic depletion; (2) global warming; (3) ozone depletion; (4) photochemical ozone creation; (5) acidification; and (6) eutrophication potentials. The results demonstrated that mortars formulated with raw mining residues may decrease the environmental impacts, namely in global warming potential (55.1 kg CO2 eq./t modified mortar). Considering the treatments applied to mining residues, the major mitigations were reported in photochemical ozone creation (−99%), ozone depletion (−76 to −98%), and acidification potential (−90 to −94%), mainly due to the disposal impacts avoided in comparison to the reference mortar. Analysing all mortars’ constituents and their management options, products with electrodialytic treated mining residues showed higher influence in ozone depletion (18 to 52%). Coupling a thermal procedure, mining residues contributed for 99% of the abiotic depletion potential of mortars.
A New Approach to Preform Design in Metal Forging Processes Based on the Convolution Neural Network
Authors: Lee Seungro , Quagliato Luca , Park Donghwi , Kwon Inwoo , Sun Juhyun , Kim Naksoo
Published: August 2021

This study presents an innovative methodology for preform design in metal forging processes based on the convolution neural network (CNN) algorithm. The proposed approach extracts the features of inputted forging product geometries and utilizes them to derive the corresponding preform shapes by employing weight arrays (filters) determined during the convolutional operations. The filters are progressively updated during the training process, emulating the learning steps of a process engineer responsible for the design of preform shapes for the forging processes. The design system is composed of multiple three-dimensional (3D) CNN sub-models, which can automatically derive individual 3D preform design candidates. It also implies that the 3D surfaces of preforms are easily acquired, which is important for the forging industry. The proposed preform design methodology was validated by applying it to two-dimensional (2D) axisymmetric shapes, one-quarter plane-symmetric 3D shapes, and two other industrial cases. In all the considered cases, the design methodology achieved substantial reductions in the forging load without forging defects, proving its reliability and effectiveness for application in metal forging processes.
Fuzzy Simheuristics for Optimizing Transportation Systems: Dealing with Stochastic and Fuzzy Uncertainty
Authors: Tordecilla Rafael D. , Martins Leandro do C. , Panadero Javier , Copado Pedro J. , Perez-Bernabeu Elena , Juan Angel A.
Published: August 2021

In the context of logistics and transportation, this paper discusses how simheuristics can be extended by adding a fuzzy layer that allows us to deal with complex optimization problems with both stochastic and fuzzy uncertainty. This hybrid approach combines simulation, metaheuristics, and fuzzy logic to generate near-optimal solutions to large scale NP-hard problems that typically arise in many transportation activities, including the vehicle routing problem, the arc routing problem, or the team orienteering problem. The methodology allows us to model different components–such as travel times, service times, or customers’ demands–as deterministic, stochastic, or fuzzy. A series of computational experiments contribute to validate our hybrid approach, which can also be extended to other optimization problems in areas such as manufacturing and production, smart cities, telecommunication networks, etc.
Reinforced Concrete Beams Retrofitted with External CFRP Strips towards Enhancing the Shear Capacity
Authors: Manos George C. , Katakalos Konstantinos B.
Published: August 2021

The practical difficulties in upgrading the structural performance of existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures is discussed, when retrofitting structural members by conventional RC jacketing. The use of retrofitting schemes employing externally applied fiber reinforcing polymer (FRP) strips attracted considerable research attention as a preferable alternative. Such retrofitting FRP schemes aiming to upgrade the shear capacity of existing RC beams have been examined in many published works employing such externally applied FRP shear reinforcing schemes without confronting the practical difficulties arising from the presence of the RC slab. Anchoring external CFRP strips aiming to shear upgrade, which is the focus here, overrides this difficulty. It is shown that effective anchoring, using either mechanical anchors such as the ones devised by the authors or CFRP anchor ropes produced by the industry, can effectively upgrade the shear capacity of an RC T-beam under-designed in shear to the desired level. A novel laboratory test set-up, devised by the authors, can be utilized to quantify the tensile capacity of CFRP stirrups with or without anchors, that can be of practical use. The predicted, according to design guidelines, upgraded shear capacity of the tested prototype RC T-beam, employing the used shear retrofitting schemes, under-estimates the measured shear capacity by 58%. This conservatism can counter-balance uncertainties arising from in situ conditions in constructing the various parts of such a shear retrofitting scheme.
Lingonberry Fruit Ethanol Extract Ameliorates DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Jeon Yong-Deok , Lee Ji-Hyun , Kang Sa-Haeng , Myung Hyun , Jin Jong-Sik
Published: August 2021

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory chronic intestinal disease with pathological characteristics, including imbalanced immune function and the overexpression of inflammatory cytokines and mediators. Inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and IL-6) were oversecreted in UC condition. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and prostaglandin (PG)E2 were also overexpressed in colon tissue. Lingonberry (LB) (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) possesses pharmacological activities, including anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-obesity effects. To explore LB’s effects on UC, BALB/c mice were administered with 3% (w/v) dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) and LB extract (70% ethanol) orally for nine days. The severity of UC was measured by the change in body weight and colon length. To evaluate LB’s regulatory effect on inflammatory cytokines, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit was used to measure the inflammatory cytokines in mouse serum. Mouse peritoneal microphages were used to detect LB’s anti-inflammatory effect. The results showed that LB treatment ameliorated less weight loss and longer colon length compared to the DSS-treated group. LB treatment also ameliorated the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. These results indicated that LB has potential as an herbal medicine to treat UC.
UV Absorption Spectroscopy for the Diffusion of Plasma-Generated Reactive Species through a Skin Model
Authors: Ki Se Hoon , Masur Kai , Baik Ku Youn , Choi Eun Ha
Published: August 2021

Skin applications of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTAPP) have been at-tracting attention from medical and cosmetic aspects. The reactive species generated from plasma sources have been known to play important roles in the skin. For proper applications, it is essential to know how they diffuse into the skin. In this study, the penetration of active species from NTAPP through a skin model was analyzed by UV absorption spectroscopy. The diffusions of hydrogen peroxide, nitrite, and nitrate were quantified through curve fitting. We utilized an agarose gel to mimic epidermis and dermis layers, and we used a lipid film or a pig skin sample to mimic the stratum corneum (SC). The diffusion characteristics of reactive species through this skin model and the limitations of this method were discussed
Dense Robust 3D Reconstruction and Measurement for 3D Printing Process Based on Vision
Authors: Lv Ning , Wang Chengyu , Qiao Yujing , Zhang Yongde
Published: August 2021

The 3D printing process lacks real-time inspection, which is still an open-loop manufacturing process, and the molding accuracy is low. Based on the 3D reconstruction theory of machine vision, in order to meet the applicability requirements of 3D printing process detection, a matching fusion method is proposed. The fast nearest neighbor (FNN) method is used to search matching point pairs. The matching point information of FFT-SIFT algorithm based on fast Fourier transform is superimposed with the matching point information of AKAZE algorithm, and then fused to obtain more dense feature point matching information and rich edge feature information. Combining incremental SFM algorithm with global SFM algorithm, an integrated SFM sparse point cloud reconstruction method is developed. The dense point cloud is reconstructed by PMVs algorithm, the point cloud model is meshed by Delaunay triangulation, and then the accurate 3D reconstruction model is obtained by texture mapping. The experimental results show that compared with the classical SIFT algorithm, the speed of feature extraction is increased by 25.0%, the number of feature matching is increased by 72%, and the relative error of 3D reconstruction results is about 0.014%, which is close to the theoretical error.
Is Panoramic Radiography Really a Key Examination before Chemo-Radiotherapy Treatment for Oropharyngeal Cancer?
Authors: Bosoni Carlo , Pietragalla Michele , Maraghelli Davide , Rastrelli Vieri , Locatello Luca Giovanni , Desideri Isacco , Giuntini Veronica , Franchi Lorenzo , Nardi Cosimo
Published: August 2021

Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of panoramic radiography (PAN) for the identification of infectious foci of the tooth and periradicular bone before definitive chemo-radiotherapy treatment for oropharyngeal cancer, using multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) imaging as the reference standard. Materials and methods: 50 patients with oropharyngeal cancer who had performed both pre-treatment MSCT and PAN were retrospectively evaluated. Pre-radiotherapy MSCT showed 65 deep caries, 37 root remnants, 143 stage III periodontal diseases, and 77 apical periodontitis, for a total of 322 infectious foci. The same number of healthy teeth (control group) was selected via MSCT to be analysed by PAN. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy for PAN images with respect to MSCT imaging were examined. Results: PAN showed sensitivity, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of 100% for deep caries, root remnants, and stage III periodontal disease, whereas there were 46.8%, 64.7%, and 72.1% apical periodontitis respectively. Conclusions: PAN did not show great diagnostic accuracy in the assessment of apical periodontitis, and therefore maxillofacial MSCT carried out before chemo-radiotherapy treatment should always be examined to identify dental and jaw diseases. Deep caries, root remnants, and stage III periodontal disease were perfectly detected on PAN.
Macroalgae as Protein Sources—A Review on Protein Bioactivity, Extraction, Purification and Characterization
Authors: Gordalina Mariana , Pinheiro Helena M. , Mateus Marília , da Fonseca M. Manuela R. , Cesário M. Teresa
Published: August 2021

The increased demand for protein sources combined with a decrease in the available land and water resources have led to a growing interest in macroalgae as alternative protein sources. This review focuses on strategies for macroalgae protein extraction, enrichment and characterization. To date, the protein extraction methods applied to algae include enzymatic hydrolysis, physical processes and chemical extraction. Novel methods, such as pulsed electric field, microwave-assisted, pressurized liquid and supercritical fluid extractions, and the application of smart solvents are discussed. An overview of the use of membranes and other processes to generate high-value protein concentrates from algae extracts is also presented, as well as some examples of the methods used for their characterization. The potential bioactivities from macroalgae-derived proteins and peptides, including novel glycoproteins and lectins, are briefly reviewed.
Comparison of Efficacy between Three-Dimensional Printing and Manual-Bending Implants for Inferomedial Orbital Fracture: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Kim Jun Hyeok , Lee Chae Rim , Oh Deuk Young , Jun Young-Joon , Moon Suk-Ho
Published: August 2021

The purpose of reconstruction of an orbital fracture is restoration of normal structure and volume without visible or functional complications. In a previous study, orbital implants were created using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology to restore orbital fractures. In the present study, the authors compared the efficacy of the conventional manual-bending implant and the 3D-printed standardized implant in order to verify the clinical utility of the fabricated 3D printed orbital implant. In this single-center, retrospective study, the authors evaluated medical records and 3D-CT scans of patients with inferomedial orbital fracture. Selected patients were divided into two groups. Group A underwent surgery with the 3D-printed standardized implant, while group B was treated using a manual technique to mold and trim the implant. A total of 32 patients was included in this study, 16 in each group. The volume of the preoperative lesion side was significantly different from that of the normal side or postoperative lesion side within each group. The volume of the postoperative lesion side was not statistically different from that of the normal side in Group A, but this volume was significantly different from that of the normal side in Group B. The 3D-printed standardized implant provides surgical efficacy to restore inferomedial orbital fracture and has superior surgical outcomes to the manual-bending implant.
Diagnosis of Friction on an Unbalanced Rotor by Phase-Shift Empirical Mode Decomposition Integration and Recurrence Plot
Authors: Torres-Contreras Ignacio , Jáuregui-Correa Juan Carlos , Echeverría-Villagómez Salvador , Benítez-Rangel Juan P. , Camacho-Martínez Stephanie
Published: August 2021

The friction and imbalance of components in rotating machines are some of the most recurrent failures that significantly increase vibration levels, thus affecting the reliability of the devices, the shelf life of its elements, and the quality of the product. There are many publications related to the different techniques for the diagnosis of friction and imbalance. In this paper, an alternative and new phase-shift empirical mode decomposition integration (PSEMDI) method is proposed to transform the acceleration into its velocity and displacement in order to construct the phase plane and recurrence plot (RP) and analyze the friction. The focus of PSEMDI and RP is to analyze nonlinear failures in mechanical systems. In machinery fault diagnosis, the main reason for using RP is to solve the integration of acceleration, and this can be achieved by phase-shifting the intrinsic mode function (IMF) with the empirical mode decomposition (EMD). Although the highest IMFs contain some frequencies, most of them have very few; thus, by applying the phase shift identity, the integration can be carried out maintaining the nonlinearities. The proposed method is compared with Simpson’s integration and detrending with the EMD method (here referred to as SDEMDI). The experimental RP results show that the proposed method gives significantly more information about the velocity and displacement spectra and it is more stable and proportional than the SDEMDI method. The results of the proposed integration method are compared with vibration measurements obtained with an interferometer.