bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Test and Numerical Simulation of Vertical Bearing Performance for Rigid-Flexible Composite Pouch Piles with Expanded Bottom (RFCPPEB)
Authors: Wang Xinquan , Que Yichen , Wang Kangyu , Diao Hongguo , Cui Yunliang , Li Qing , Li Dongliang
Published: January 2022

Rigid-flexible composite pouch piles with expanded bottom (RFCPPEB) are generally considered as new symmetrical piles in practical engineering, but their bearing characteristics and design method are still not completely understood. The objective of this study is to investigate the vertical bearing performance and the optimal design scheme of RFCPPEB. Hence, laboratory modeling tests for this symmetric structure and an ABAQUS three-dimensional (3D) numerical simulation analysis were used to study the vertical bearing characteristics on bottom-expanded piles and rigid-flexible composite piles with expanded bottom. The vertical bearing capacity, shaft resistance, pile tip resistance distribution rule, and load sharing ratio of RFCPPEB were analyzed and verified using different bottom expansion dimensions and cemented soil thicknesses. The results revealed that the optimal bottom expansion ratio of rigid bottom-expanded piles was 1.8 when the ratio of pile body to bottom-expanded pile head was 9:1. When the bottom expansion ratio (D/d) was increased, the bearing capacity of bottom-expanded piles was significantly increased at D/d = 1.4 and D/d = 1.8 compared to that of D/d = 1.0, reaching 1.67 and 2.29 times, respectively, while for D/d = 1.6 and D/d = 2.0, the ultimate bearing capacity remained unchanged. Besides, shaft resistance played an important role in the bearing process of the rigid bottom-expanded piles and RFCPPEB. When the shaft resistance was increased, the ultimate bearing capacity of the pile foundation was significantly improved. The shaft resistance of RFCPPEB was increased with increasing cemented soil thickness. The increases in the shaft resistance and thickness of the cemented soil showed a nonlinear growth, and the maximum shaft resistance was approximately 75 cm from the pile top. When the diameter of the expanded head was 1.8 times the diameter of the pipe pile and slightly larger than the thickness of the cemented soil (0.5 times the diameter of the pipe pile), the optimal amount of concrete 425.5 kN/m3 required for per unit volume around piles was obtained, with the RFCPPEB ultimate bearing capacity of 7.5 kN. For RFCPPEB, the soil pressure at the pile tip was directly proportional to the pile top load under small load and was decreased in the form of a half quadric curve under large load. It reached the most reasonable position where the slope of the quadric curve was the largest when the thickness of the cemented soil was larger than 0.5 times the diameter of the pipe pile.
Symmetries and Solvability of a Class of Higher Order Systems of Ordinary Difference Equations
Authors: Mkhwanazi Kgatliso , Folly-Gbetoula Mensah
Published: January 2022

We perform Lie analysis for a system of higher order difference equations with variable coefficients and derive non-trivial symmetries. We use these symmetries to find exact formulas for the solutions in terms of k. Furthermore, a detailed study for a specific value of k is presented. Our findings generalize some results in the literature.
A Mathematical Model for Transport in Poroelastic Materials with Variable Volume: Derivation, Lie Symmetry Analysis and Examples—Part 2
Authors: Cherniha Roman , Davydovych Vasyl’ , Stachowska-Pietka Joanna , Waniewski Jacek
Published: January 2022

The model for perfused tissue undergoing deformation taking into account the local exchange between tissue and blood and lymphatic systems is presented. The Lie symmetry analysis in order to identify its symmetry properties is applied. Several families of steady-state solutions in closed formulae are derived. An analysis of the impact of the parameter values and boundary conditions on the distribution of hydrostatic pressure, osmotic agent concentration and deformation of perfused tissue is provided applying the solutions obtained in examples describing real-world processes.
A Novel High-Capacity Behavioral Steganographic Method Combining Timestamp Modulation and Carrier Selection Based on Social Networks
Authors: Zhang Mingliang , Li Zhenyu , Zhang Pei , Zhang Yi , Luo Xiangyang
Published: January 2022

Behavioral steganography is a method used to achieve covert communication based on the sender’s behaviors. It has attracted a great deal of attention due to its robustness and wide application scenarios. Current behavioral steganographic methods are still difficult to apply in practice because of their limited embedding capacity. To this end, this paper proposes a novel high-capacity behavioral steganographic method combining timestamp modulation and carrier selection based on social networks. It is a steganographic method where the embedding process and the extraction process are symmetric. When sending a secret message, the method first maps the secret message to a set of high-frequency keywords and divides them into keyword subsets. Then, the posts containing the keyword subsets are retrieved on social networks. Next, the positions of the keywords in the posts are modulated as the timestamps. Finally, the stego behaviors applied to the retrieved posts are generated. This method does not modify the content of the carrier, which ensures the naturalness of the posts. Compared with typical behavioral steganographic methods, the embedding capacity of the proposed method is 29.23∼51.47 times higher than that of others. Compared to generative text steganography, the embedding capacity is improved by 16.26∼23.94%.
Fast Computation of Highly Oscillatory ODE Problems: Applications in High-Frequency Communication Circuits
Authors: Zaman Sakhi , Khan Latif Ullah , Hussain Irshad , Mihet-Popa Lucian
Published: January 2022

The paper demonstrates symmetric integral operator and interpolation based numerical approximations for linear and nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) with oscillatory factor x′=ψ(x)+χω(t), where the function χω(t) is an oscillatory forcing term. These equations appear in a variety of computational problems occurring in Fourier analysis, computational harmonic analysis, fluid dynamics, electromagnetics, and quantum mechanics. Classical methods such as Runge–Kutta methods etc. fail to approximate the oscillatory ODEs due the existence of oscillatory term χω(t). Two types of methods are presented to approximate highly oscillatory ODEs. The first method uses radial basis function interpolation, and then quadrature rules are used to evaluate the integral part of the solution equation. The second approach is more generic and can approximate highly oscillatory and nonoscillatory initial value problems. Accordingly, the first-order initial value problem with oscillatory forcing term is transformed into highly oscillatory integral equation. The transformed symmetric oscillatory integral equation is then evaluated numerically by the Levin collocation method. Finally, the nonlinear form of the initial value problems with an oscillatory forcing term is converted into a linear form using Bernoulli’s transformation. The resulting linear oscillatory problem is then computed by the Levin method. Results of the proposed methods are more reliable and accurate than some state-of-the-art methods such as asymptotic method, etc. The improved results are shown in the numerical section.
Comprehensive Survey of Multimedia Steganalysis: Techniques, Evaluations, and Trends in Future Research
Authors: Shehab Doaa A. , Alhaddad Mohmmed J.
Published: January 2022

During recent years, emerging multimedia processing techniques with information security services have received a lot of attention. Among those trends are steganography and steganalysis. Steganography techniques aim to hide the existence of secret messages in an innocent-looking medium, where the medium before and after embedding looks symmetric. Steganalysis techniques aim to breach steganography techniques and detect the presence of invisible messages. In the modern world, digital multimedia such as audio, images, and video became popular and widespread, which makes them perfect candidates for steganography. Monitoring this huge multimedia while the user communicates with the outside world is very important for detecting whether there is a hidden message in any suspicious communication. However, steganalysis has a significant role in many fields, such as to extract the stego-message, to detect suspicious hidden messages and to evaluate the robustness of existing steganography techniques. This survey provides the general principles of hiding secret messages using digital multimedia as well as reviewing the background of steganalysis. In this survey, the steganalysis is classified based on many points of view for better understanding. In addition, it provides a deep review and summarizes recent steganalysis approaches and techniques for audio, images, and video. Finally, the existing shortcomings and future recommendations in this field are discussed to present a useful resource for future research.
Identification of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Using Transvaginal Ultrasonography. A Useful Tool
Authors: Valero Irene , Garcia-Jimenez Rocio , Valdevieso Pamela , Garcia-Mejido Jose A. , Gonzalez-Herráez Jose V. , Pelayo-Delgado Irene , Fernandez-Palacin Ana , Sainz-Bueno Jose A.
Published: January 2022

The gold standard for the diagnosis of pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is venography (VG), although transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) might be a noninvasive, nonionizing alternative. Our aim is to determine whether TVU is an accurate and comparable diagnostic tool for PCS. An observational prospective study including 67 patients was carried out. A TVU was performed on patients, measuring pelvic venous vessels parameters. Subsequentially, a VG was performed, and results were compared for the test calibration of TVU. Out of the 67 patients included, only 51 completed the study and were distributed in two groups according to VG results: 39 patients belonging to the PCS group and 12 to the normal group. PCS patients had a larger venous plexus diameter (15.1 mm vs. 12 mm; p = 0.009) and higher rates of crossing veins in the myometrium (74.35% vs. 33.3%; p = 0.009), reverse or altered flow during Valsalva (58.9% vs. 25%; p = 0.04), and largest pelvic vein ≥ 8 mm (92.3% vs. 25%). The sensitivity and specificity of TVU were 92.3% (95% CI: 78.03–97.99%) and 75% (95% CI: 42.84–93.31%), respectively. In conclusion, transvaginal ultrasonography, with the described methodology, appears to be a promising tool for the diagnosis of PCS, with acceptable sensitivity and specificity.
Determine Cumulative Radiation Dose and Lifetime Cancer Risk in Marfan Syndrome Patients Who Underwent Computed Tomography Angiography of the Aorta in Northeast Thailand: A 5-Year Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chaosuwannakit Narumol , Aupongkaroon Phatraporn , Makarawate Pattarapong
Published: January 2022

Objective: To evaluate computed tomography angiography (CTA) data focusing on radiation dose parameters in Thais with Marfan syndrome (MFS) and estimate the distribution of cumulative radiation exposure from CTA surveillance and the risk of cancers. Methods: Between 1st January 2015 and 31st December 2020, we retrospectively evaluated the cumulative CTA radiation doses of MFS patients who underwent CTA at Khon Kaen University Hospital, a leading teaching hospital and advanced tertiary care institution in northeastern Thailand. We utilized the Radiation Risk Assessment Tool (RadRAT) established at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, to evaluate the risk of cancer-related CTA radiation. Results: The study recruited 29 adult MFS patients who had CTA of the aorta during a 5-year study period with 89 CTA studies. The mean cumulative CTDI vol is 21.5 ± 14.68 mGy, mean cumulative DLP is 682.2 ± 466.7 mGy.cm, the mean baseline future risk for all cancer is 26,134 ± 7601 per 100,000, and the excess lifetime risk for all cancer is 2080.3 ± 1330 per 100,000. The excess lifetime risk of radiation-induced cancer associated with the CTA surveillance study is significantly lower than the risk of aortic dissection or rupture and lower than the baseline future cancer risk. Conclusions: We attempted to quantify the radiation-induced cancer risk from CTA surveillance imaging performed for MFS patients in this study, with all patients receiving a low-risk cumulative radiation dose (less than 1 Gy) and all patients having a low excessive lifetime risk of cancer as a result of CTA. The risk–benefit decision must be made at the point of care, and it entails balancing the benefits of surveillance imaging in anticipating rupture and providing practical, safe treatment, therefore avoiding morbidity and mortality.
Deep Learning Using Multiple Degrees of Maximum-Intensity Projection for PET/CT Image Classification in Breast Cancer
Authors: Takahashi Kanae , Fujioka Tomoyuki , Oyama Jun , Mori Mio , Yamaga Emi , Yashima Yuka , Imokawa Tomoki , Hayashi Atsushi , Kujiraoka Yu , Tsuchiya Junichi , Oda Goshi , Nakagawa Tsuyoshi , Tateishi Ukihide
Published: January 2022

Deep learning (DL) has become a remarkably powerful tool for image processing recently. However, the usefulness of DL in positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) for breast cancer (BC) has been insufficiently studied. This study investigated whether a DL model using images with multiple degrees of PET maximum-intensity projection (MIP) images contributes to increase diagnostic accuracy for PET/CT image classification in BC. We retrospectively gathered 400 images of 200 BC and 200 non-BC patients for training data. For each image, we obtained PET MIP images with four different degrees (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°) and made two DL models using Xception. One DL model diagnosed BC with only 0-degree MIP and the other used four different degrees. After training phases, our DL models analyzed test data including 50 BC and 50 non-BC patients. Five radiologists interpreted these test data. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated. Our 4-degree model, 0-degree model, and radiologists had a sensitivity of 96%, 82%, and 80–98% and a specificity of 80%, 88%, and 76–92%, respectively. Our 4-degree model had equal or better diagnostic performance compared with that of the radiologists (AUC = 0.936 and 0.872–0.967, p = 0.036–0.405). A DL model similar to our 4-degree model may lead to help radiologists in their diagnostic work in the future.
Effect of Low and High Doses of Two Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors on Pregnancy Outcomes and Neonatal Mortality
Authors: Domingues Rafael R. , Fricke Hannah P. , Sheftel Celeste M. , Bell Autumn M. , Sartori Luma C. , Manuel Robbie S. J. , Krajco Chandler J. , Wiltbank Milo C. , Hernandez Laura L.
Published: January 2022

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are the most common antidepressant used by pregnant women; however, they have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and perinatal morbidity in pregnant women and animal models. We investigated the effects of two SSRI, fluoxetine and sertraline, on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in mice. Wild-type mice were treated daily with low and high doses of fluoxetine (2 and 20 mg/kg) and sertraline (10 and 20 mg/kg) from the day of detection of a vaginal plug until the end of lactation (21 days postpartum). Pregnancy rate was decreased only in the high dose of fluoxetine group. Maternal weight gain was reduced in the groups receiving the high dose of each drug. Number of pups born was decreased in the high dose of fluoxetine and low and high doses of sertraline while the number of pups weaned was decreased in all SSRI-treated groups corresponding to increased neonatal mortality in all SSRI-treated groups. In conclusion, there was a dose-dependent effect of SSRI on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in a non-depressed mouse model. However, the distinct placental transfer of each drug suggests that the effects of SSRI on pup mortality may be mediated by SSRI-induced placental insufficiency rather than a direct toxic effect on neonatal development and mortality.
Validation of a New Sensitive Method for the Detection and Quantification of R and S-Epimers of Ergot Alkaloids in Canadian Spring Wheat Utilizing Deuterated Lysergic Acid Diethylamide as an Internal Standard
Authors: Cherewyk Jensen , Grusie-Ogilvie Taylor , Blakley Barry , Al-Dissi Ahmad
Published: January 2022

Ergot sclerotia effect cereal crops intended for consumption. Ergot alkaloids within ergot sclerotia are assessed to ensure contamination is below safety standards established for human and animal health. Ergot alkaloids exist in two configurations, the R and S-epimers. It is important to quantify both configurations. The objective of this study was to validate a new ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method for quantification of six R and six S-epimers of ergot alkaloids in hard red spring wheat utilizing deuterated lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-D3) as an internal standard. Validation parameters such as linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), matrix effects, recovery and precision were investigated. For the 12 epimers analyzed, low LOD and LOQ values were observed, allowing for the sensitive detection of ergot epimers. Matrix effects ranged between 101–113% in a representative wheat matrix. Recovery was 68.3–119.1% with an inter-day precision of <24% relative standard deviation (RSD). The validation parameters conform with previous studies and exhibit differences between the R and S-epimers which has been rarely documented. This new sensitive method allows for the use of a new internal standard and can be incorporated and applied to research or diagnostic laboratories.
Mutation in the Cadherin Gene Is a Key Factor for Pink Bollworm Resistance to Bt Cotton in China
Authors: Wang Ling , Xu Dong , Huang Yunxin , Zhou Huazhong , Liu Weiguo , Cong Shengbo , Wang Jintao , Li Wenjing , Wan Peng
Published: January 2022

Transgenic crops producing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins are widely planted for insect control, but their efficacy may decrease as insects evolve resistance. Understanding the genetic basis of insect resistance is essential for developing an integrated strategy of resistance management. To understand the genetic basis of resistance in pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) to Bt cotton in the Yangtze River Valley of China, we conducted an F2 screening for alleles associated with resistance to the Bt (Cry1Ac) protein for the first time. A total of 145 valid single-paired lines were screened, among which seven lines were found to carry resistance alleles. All field parents in those seven lines carried recessive resistance alleles at the cadherin locus, including three known alleles, r1, r13 and r15, and two novel alleles, r19 and r20. The overall frequency of resistance alleles in 145 lines was 0.0241 (95% CI: 0.0106–0.0512). These results demonstrated that resistance was rare and that recessive mutation in the cadherin gene was the primary mechanism of pink bollworm resistance to Bt cotton in the Yangtze River Valley of China, which will provide a scientific basis for implementing targeted resistance management statics of pink bollworm in this region.
Structure Elucidation and Toxicity Analysis of the Byproducts Formed after Biodegradation of Aflatoxins B1 and B2 Using Extracts of Mentha arvensis
Authors: Anjum Tehmina , Iram Wajiha , Iqbal Mazhar , Abbas Mateen , Akram Waheed , Li Guihua
Published: January 2022

The aqueous extracts of leaves and shoots of Mentha arvensis were checked for their potential to biodegrade aflatoxin B1 and B2 (AFB1; 100 µg/L and AFB2; 50 µg/L) through in vitro assays. Overall, the results showed that leaf extract degrades aflatoxins more efficiently than the shoot extract. First, the pH, temperature and incubation time were optimized for maximum degradation by observing this activity at different temperatures between 25 and 60 °C, pH between 2 and 10 and incubation time from 3 to 72 h. In general, an increase in all these parameters significantly increased the percentage of biodegradation. In vitro trials on mature maize stock were performed under optimized conditions, i.e., pH 8, temperature 30 °C and an incubation period of 72 h. The leaf extract resulted in 75% and 80% biodegradation of AFB1 and AFB2, respectively. Whereas the shoot extract degraded both toxins up to 40–48%. The structural elucidation of degraded toxin products by LCMS/MS analysis showed seven degraded products of AFB1 and three of AFB2. MS/MS spectra showed that most of the products were formed by the loss of the methoxy group from the side chain of the benzene ring, the removal of the double bond in the terminal furan ring and the modification of the lactone group, indicating less toxicity compared to the parent compounds. The degraded products showed low toxicity against brine shrimps, confirming that M. arvensis leaf extract has significant potential to biodegrade aflatoxins.
Botulinum Toxin-A Injection in Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Treatment: A Systematic Review and Pooled Meta-Analysis
Authors: Panunzio Andrea , Tafuri Alessandro , Mazzucato Giovanni , Cerrato Clara , Orlando Rossella , Pagliarulo Vincenzo , Antonelli Alessandro , Cerruto Maria Angela
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Pain management of patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is challenging, because pain is often refractory to conventional treatments. Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for these patients. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the role of BTX-A in CPPS treatment. Methods: We reviewed the literature for prospective studies evaluating the use of BTX-A in the treatment of CPPS. A comprehensive search in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases was performed from English language articles published between January 2000 and October 2021. The primary outcome was to evaluate pain improvement in CPPS after BTX-A treatment. Pooled meta-analysis of the included studies, considering the effect of BTX-A on pain evaluated at last available follow-up compared to baseline values, was performed together with meta-regression analysis. Results: After screening 1001 records, 18 full-text manuscripts were selected, comprising 13 randomized clinical trials and five comparative studies. They covered overall 896 patients of both sexes and several subtype of CPPS (interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, chronic prostatitis/prostate pain syndrome, chronic scrotal pain, gynecological pelvic pain, myofascial pelvic pain). The clinical and methodological heterogeneity of studies included makes it difficult to do an overall estimation of the real effect of BTX-A on pain and other functional outcomes of various CPPS subtypes. However, considering pooled meta-analysis results, a benefit in pain relief was showed for BTX-A-treated patients both in the overall studies populations and in the overall cohorts of patients with CPP due to bladder, prostate, and gynecological origin. Conclusions: BTX-A could be an efficacious treatment for some specific CPPS subtypes. Higher level studies are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of BTX-A and provide objective indications for its use in CPPS management.
Effect of Diet Supplementation with the Mycotoxin Binder Montmorillonite on the Bioavailability of Vitamins in Dairy Cows
Authors: Kihal Abdelhacib , Marquès Cristina , Rodríguez-Prado María , Jose-Cunilleras Eduard , Calsamiglia Sergio
Published: January 2022

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the mycotoxin binder montmorillonite (MMT) supplemented in the diet of dairy cows on the bioavailability of vitamins A, D, E, B1 and B6. Six multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows were used in a crossover design with two periods. Treatments were a control diet with or without MMT. Vitamins were infused individually into the abomasum through the ruminal cannula. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 24 and 48 h after the administration of each vitamin. Results showed that vitamin A reached maximal concentration (Tmax) at 5.3 h after dosing, the maximal concentration (Cmax) was 1.2 times higher than the basal concentration (Cbasal), and the area under the curve (AUC) was 739 arbitrary units. Vitamin B6 reached the Tmax at 13 h after dosing, the Cmax was 1.4 times higher than the Cbasal, and the AUC was 222 arbitrary units. No differences were observed in Cbasal, Tmax, Cmax and AUC of vitamin A and B6 between control vs. MMT-supplemented cows. Plasma concentrations of vitamins D, E and B1 had no concentration peaks, and were not affected by MMT addition. The lack of a response suggests that their plasma concentration may be tightly regulated. Results of this study do not show evidence that MMT affects the bioavailability of vitamins A and B6 in vivo.
Mycotoxin Interactions along the Gastrointestinal Tract: In Vitro Semi-Dynamic Digestion and Static Colonic Fermentation of a Contaminated Meal
Authors: Sobral Maria Madalena Costa , Gonçalves Tiago , Martins Zita E. , Bäuerl Christine , Cortés-Macías Erika , Collado Maria Carmen , Ferreira Isabel M. P. L. V. O.
Published: January 2022

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) naturally co-occur in several foods, but no studies have followed the fate of mycotoxins’ interactions along the gastrointestinal tract using in vitro digestion models. This study used a novel semi-dynamic model that mimics gradual acidification and gastric emptying, coupled with a static colonic fermentation phase, in order to monitor mycotoxins’ bioaccessibility by the oral route. AFB1 and OTA bioaccessibility patterns differed in single or co-exposed scenarios. When co-exposed (MIX meal), AFB1 bioaccessibility at the intestinal level increased by ~16%, while OTA bioaccessibility decreased by ~20%. Additionally, a significant increase was observed in both intestinal cell viability and NO production. With regard to mycotoxin–probiotic interactions, the MIX meal showed a null effect on Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strain growth, while isolated AFB1 reduced bacterial growth parameters. These results were confirmed at phylum and family levels using a gut microbiota approach. After colonic fermentation, the fecal supernatant did not trigger the NF-kB activation pathway, indicating reduced toxicity of mycotoxins. In conclusion, if single exposed, AFB1 will have a significant impact on intestinal viability and probiotic growth, while OTA will mostly trigger NO production; in a co-exposure situation, both intestinal viability and inflammation will be affected, but the impact on probiotic growth will be neglected.
Staphylococcal Enterotoxin A Induces Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction and Activates NLRP3 Inflammasome via NF-κB/MAPK Signaling Pathways in Mice
Authors: Liu Chunmei , Chi Kunmei , Yang Meng , Guo Na
Published: January 2022

Staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA), the toxin protein secreted by Staphylococcus aureus, can cause staphylococcal food poisoning outbreaks and seriously threaten global public health. However, little is known about the pathogenesis of SEA in staphylococcal foodborne diseases. In this study, the effect of SEA on intestinal barrier injury and NLRP3 inflammasome activation was investigated by exposing BALB/c mice to SEA with increasing doses and a potential toxic mechanism was elucidated. Our findings suggested that SEA exposure provoked villi injury and suppressed the expression of ZO-1 and occludin proteins, thereby inducing intestinal barrier dysfunction and small intestinal injury in mice. Concurrently, SEA significantly up-regulated the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-associated proteins and triggered the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathways in jejunum tissues. Notably, selective inhibitors of MAPKs and NF-κB p65 ameliorated the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome stimulated by SEA, which further indicated that SEA could activate NLRP3 inflammasome through NF-κB/MAPK pathways. In summary, SEA was first confirmed to induce intestinal barrier dysfunction and activate NLRP3 inflammasome via NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways. These findings will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of SEA and related drug-screening for the treatment and prevention of bacteriotoxin-caused foodborne diseases via targeting specific pathways.
Regulation of Clostridium tetani Neurotoxin Expression by Culture Conditions
Authors: Pennings Jeroen L. A. , Abachin Eric , Esson Raphaël , Hodemaekers Hennie , Francotte Antoine , Claude Jean-Baptiste , Vanhee Céline , Uhlrich Sylvie , Vandebriel Rob J.
Published: January 2022

Background: Ensuring consistency of tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) production by Clostridium tetani could help to ensure consistent product quality in tetanus vaccine manufacturing, ultimately contributing to reduced animal testing. The aim of this study was to identify RNA signatures related to consistent TeNT production using standard and non-standard culture conditions. Methods: We applied RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) to study C. tetani gene expression in small-scale batches under several culture conditions. Results: We identified 1381 time-dependent differentially expressed genes (DEGs) reflecting, among others, changes in growth rate and metabolism. Comparing non-standard versus standard culture conditions identified 82 condition-dependent DEGs, most of which were specific for one condition. The tetanus neurotoxin gene (tetX) was highly expressed but showed expression changes over time and between culture conditions. The tetX gene showed significant down-regulation at higher pH levels (pH 7.8), which was confirmed by the quantification data obtained with the recently validated targeted LC-MS/MS approach. Conclusions: Non-standard culture conditions lead to different gene expression responses. The tetX gene appears to be the best transcriptional biomarker for monitoring TeNT production as part of batch-to-batch consistency testing during tetanus vaccine manufacturing.
Satisfaction with Detrusor OnabotulinumtoxinA Injections and Conversion to Other Bladder Management in Patients with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Chen Sheng-Fu , Jiang Yuan-Hong , Jhang Jia-Fong , Kuo Hann-Chorng
Published: January 2022

This study investigated the satisfaction with continued detrusor Botox injections for urinary incontinence and conversion to other surgical procedures and bladder management procedures for neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). A total of 223 patients with chronic SCI underwent detrusor Botox 200U for urodynamically confirmed NDO and urinary incontinence. After initial detrusor Botox injections, patients opted to either continue detrusor Botox injections every six to nine months and on clean intermittent catheterization (CIC), switch to other bladder management procedures, or receive surgical procedures to improve their urinary incontinence, correct emergent complications, or have better voiding conditions without CIC. Urinary incontinence improvement rates and satisfaction with bladder management were assessed and compared between different subgroups, urodynamic parameters, and bladder management procedures. Finally, a total of 154 male and 69 female patients were included, among whom 56 (25.1%), 81 (36.3%), 51 (22.9%), and 35 (15.7%) showed a marked, moderate, mild, and no reduction in urinary incontinence, respectively. However, only 48.4% of the patients continued detrusor Botox injections over the mean follow-up period of seven years. Patients with cervical or thoracic SCI had fair incontinence improvement rates. The presence of high detrusor pressure and higher-grade bladder outlet resistance also predicted a decrease in incontinence. Although more than 50% of the patients switched to other bladder management procedures or received surgical treatment, 69.1% expressed satisfaction with their current status. This large cohort of patients with chronic SCI who received initial detrusor Botox injections revealed that only 48.4% continued with Botox injections. Those who received surgical procedures due to urological complications or demanded change in bladder management could achieve high satisfaction rates.
Effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin on Pain in Stroke Patients Suffering from Upper Limb Spastic Dystonia
Authors: Trompetto Carlo , Marinelli Lucio , Mori Laura , Puce Luca , Avanti Chiara , Saretti Elena , Biasotti Giulia , Amella Roberta , Cotellessa Filippo , Restivo Domenico A. , Currà Antonio
Published: January 2022

This observational study aimed at investigating pain in stroke patients with upper limb spastic dystonia. Forty-one consecutive patients were enrolled. A 0–10 numeric rating scale was used to evaluate pain at rest and during muscle tone assessment. Patients were asked to indicate the most painful joint at passive mobilization (shoulder, elbow, wrist-fingers). The DN4 questionnaire was administered to disclose neuropathic pain. All patients were assessed just before and 1 month after incobotulinumtoxin-A treatment. Pain was present in 22 patients, worsened or triggered by passive muscle stretching. DN4 scored < 4 in 20 patients. The most painful joints were wrist–fingers in 12 patients, elbow in 5 patients and shoulder in the remaining 5 patients. Both elbow and wrist–fingers pain correlated with muscle tone. BoNT-A treatment reduced pain in all the joints, including the shoulder. We discussed that nociceptive pain is present in a vast proportion of patients with upper limb spastic dystonia. BoNT-A treatment reduced both spastic dystonia and pain in all the joints but the shoulder, where the effect on pain could be mediated by the reduction of pathological postures involving the other joints.
Measuring Effects on Pain and Quality of Life after Abobotulinum Toxin A Injections in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Wong Christian , Westphall Ian , Michelsen Josephine Sandahl
Published: January 2022

Sixty-seven percent of children with cerebral palsy (CCP) experience pain. Pain is closely interrelated to diminished quality of life. Despite this, pain is an overlooked and undertreated clinical problem. The objective of this study was to examine the analgesic effect of a single lower extremity intramuscular injection of Abobotulinum toxin A/Dysport in CCP. Twenty-five CCP with at least moderate pain (r-FLACC ≥ 4) during passive range of motion were included. Localized pain and pain in everyday living were measured by r-FLACC and the Paediatric Pain Profile (PPP), respectively. Functional improvements were evaluated by the goal attainment scale (SMART GAS). Quality of life was evaluated by either the CPCHILD or the CP-QOL. The subjects were evaluated at baseline before injection, then after 4, 12, and 28 weeks. Twenty-two subjects had a significant mean and maximum localized pain reduction (p < 0.001) at four weeks post-treatment in 96% (21/22). The reduction was maintained at 12 (19/19) and 28 weeks (12/15). Daily pain evaluated by the PPP was significantly reduced and functional SMART GAS goals were significantly achieved from 4 to 28 weeks. Quality of life improved significantly at four weeks (CPCHILD). Significant functional gains and localized and daily pain reduction were seen from 4 to 28 weeks.
Taqman qPCR Quantification and Fusarium Community Analysis to Evaluate Toxigenic Fungi in Cereals
Authors: Sohlberg Elina , Virkajärvi Vertti , Parikka Päivi , Rämö Sari , Laitila Arja , Sarlin Tuija
Published: January 2022

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is an economically important plant disease. Some Fusarium species produce mycotoxins that cause food safety concerns for both humans and animals. One especially important mycotoxin-producing fungus causing FHB is Fusarium graminearum. However, Fusarium species form a disease complex where different Fusarium species co-occur in the infected cereals. Effective management strategies for FHB are needed. Development of the management tools requires information about the diversity and abundance of the whole Fusarium community. Molecular quantification assays for detecting individual Fusarium species and subgroups exist, but a method for the detection and quantification of the whole Fusarium group is still lacking. In this study, a new TaqMan-based qPCR method (FusE) targeting the Fusarium-specific elongation factor region (EF1α) was developed for the detection and quantification of Fusarium spp. The FusE method was proven as a sensitive method with a detection limit of 1 pg of Fusarium DNA. Fusarium abundance results from oat samples correlated significantly with deoxynivalenol (DON) toxin content. In addition, the whole Fusarium community in Finnish oat samples was characterized with a new metabarcoding method. A shift from F. culmorum to F. graminearum in FHB-infected oats has been detected in Europe, and the results of this study confirm that. These new molecular methods can be applied in the assessment of the Fusarium community and mycotoxin risk in cereals. Knowledge gained from the Fusarium community analyses can be applied in developing and selecting effective management strategies for FHB.
One-Stage Hip Revision Arthroplasty Using Megaprosthesis in Severe Bone Loss of The Proximal Femur Due to Radiological Diffuse Osteomyelitis
Authors: Gonzalez Roy , Muñoz-Mahamud Ernesto , Bori Guillem
Published: January 2022

Managing substantial proximal and/or distal femoral bone defects is one of the biggest challenges in chronic hip periprosthetic joint infection. Most authors use two-stage arthroplasty with a temporary antibiotic-loaded cement spacer for the management of these patients. In this study, we show our experience with one-stage exchange arthroplasty in managing severe bone defects due to radiological-extensive proximal femoral osteomyelitis. Two patients were included in the study. They showed radiological-extensive proximal femoral osteomyelitis, and they were treated with one-stage exchange arthroplasty using megaprosthesis. Diffuse osteomyelitis was confirmed in both cases; in one case, the histology was compatible with osteomyelitis, and the other case had a positive culture identified in a bone sample. At a minimum of a four-year follow-up, the patients did not reveal any clinical, radiological or laboratory signs of infection. In conclusion, one-stage exchange arthroplasty and megaprosthesis is an option for the treatment of chronic hip periprosthetic joint infection associated with radiological-diffuse proximal femoral osteomyelitis.
End-User Perspectives on Using Quantitative Real-Time PCR and Genomic Sequencing in the Field
Authors: Parker Kyle , Forman Jonathan , Bonheyo George , Knight Brittany , Bartholomew Rachel , Ozanich Richard , Yeh Kenneth
Published: January 2022

Quantitative real-time PCR and genomic sequencing have become mainstays for performing molecular detection of biological threat agents in the field. There are notional assessments of the benefits, disadvantages, and challenges that each of these technologies offers according to findings in the literature. However, direct comparison between these two technologies in the context of field-forward operations is lacking. Most market surveys, whether published in print form or provided online, are directed to product manufacturers who can address their respective specifications and operations. One method for comparing these technologies is surveying end-users who are best suited for discussing operational capabilities, as they have hands-on experience with state-of-the-art molecular detection platforms and protocols. These end-users include operators in military defense and first response, as well as various research scientists in the public sector such as government and service laboratories, private sector, and civil society such as academia and nonprofit organizations performing method development and executing these protocols in the field. Our objective was to initiate a survey specific to end-users and their feedback. We developed a questionnaire that asked respondents to (1) determine what technologies they currently use, (2) identify the settings where the technologies are used, whether lab-based or field-forward, and (3) rate the technologies according to a set list of criteria. Of particular interest are assessments of sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility, scalability, portability, and discovery power. This article summarizes the findings from the end-user perspective, highlighting technical and operational challenges.
Statistical Hauser-Feshbach Model Description of (n,α) Reaction Cross Sections for the Weak s-Process
Authors: Küçüksucu Sema , Yiğit Mustafa , Paar Nils
Published: January 2022

The (n,α) reaction contributes in many processes of energy generation and nucleosynthesis in stellar environment. Since experimental data are available for a limited number of nuclei and in restricted energy ranges, at present only theoretical studies can provide predictions for all astrophysically relevant (n,α) reaction cross sections. The purpose of this work is to study (n,α) reaction cross sections for a set of nuclei contributing in the weak s-process nucleosynthesis. Theory framework is based on the statistical Hauser-Feshbach model implemented in TALYS code with nuclear masses and level densities based on Skyrme energy density functional. In addition to the analysis of the properties of calculated (n,α) cross sections, the Maxwellian averaged cross sections are described and analyzed for the range of temperatures in stellar environment. Model calculations determined astrophysically relevant energy windows in which (n,α) reactions occur in stars. In order to reduce the uncertainties in modeling (n,α) reaction cross sections for the s-process, novel experimental studies are called for. Presented results on the effective energy windows for (n,α) reaction in weak s-process provide a guidance for the priority energy ranges in the future experimental studies.
No Intrinsic Decoherence of Inflationary Cosmological Perturbations
Authors: Hsiang Jen-Tsung , Hu Bei-Lok
Published: January 2022

After a brief summary of the four main veins in the treatment of decoherence and quantum to classical transition in cosmology since the 1980s, we focus on one of these veins in the study of quantum decoherence of cosmological perturbations in inflationary universe, the case when it does not rely on any environment. This is what ‘intrinsic’ in the title refers to—a closed quantum system, consisting of a quantum field which drives inflation. The question is whether its quantum perturbations, which interact with the density contrast giving rise to structures in the universe, decohere with an inflationary expansion of the universe. A dominant view which had propagated for a quarter of a century asserts yes, based on the belief that the large squeezing of a quantum state after a duration of inflation renders the system effectively classical. This paper debunks this view by identifying the technical fault-lines in its derivations and revealing the pitfalls in its arguments which drew earlier authors to this wrong conclusion. We use a few simple quantum mechanical models to expound where the fallacy originated: The highly squeezed ellipse quadrature in phase space cannot be simplified to a line, and the Wigner function cannot be replaced by a delta function. These measures amount to taking only the leading order in the relevant parameters in seeking the semiclassical limit and ignoring the subdominant contributions where quantum features reside. Doing so violates the bounds of the Wigner function, and its wave functions possess negative eigenvalues. Moreover, the Robertson-Schrödinger uncertainty relation for a pure state is violated. For inflationary cosmological perturbations, in addition to these features, entanglement exists between the created pairs. This uniquely quantum feature cannot be easily argued away. Indeed, it could be our best hope to retroduce the quantum nature of cosmological perturbations and the trace of an inflation field. All this points to the invariant fact that a closed quantum system, even when highly squeezed, evolves unitarily without loss of coherence; quantum cosmological perturbations do not decohere by themselves.
On the Counter-Rotation of Closed Time-like Curves
Authors: Duan Yuanyuan , Liu Fangxun , Wang Yu , Ong Yen Chin
Published: January 2022

While it is tempting to think of closed time-like curves (CTCs) around rotating bodies, such as a black hole, as being “caused” by the rotation of the source, Andréka et al. pointed out that the underlying physics are not as straightforward as this, since such CTCs are “counter-rotating”, i.e., the time orientation (the opening of the local light cones) of the CTCs is opposite to the direction in which the singularity or the ergosphere rotates. It was also suggested that this is a generic phenomenon that calls for a deeper intuitive physical understanding. In this short note, we point out—with Kerr–Taub–NUT as an example—that CTCs are counter-rotating with respect to the local angular velocity of the spacetime, not the global angular momentum, nor the angular velocity of the black hole horizon, which makes the physical interpretation of CTCs being “caused” by a rotating source even more problematic.
Particle Acceleration in Mildly Relativistic Outflows of Fast Energetic Transient Sources
Authors: Bykov Andrei , Romansky Vadim , Osipov Sergei
Published: January 2022

Recent discovery of fast blue optical transients (FBOTs)—a new class of energetic transient sources—can shed light on the long-standing problem of supernova—long gamma-ray burst connections. A distinctive feature of such objects is the presence of modestly relativistic outflows which place them in between the non-relativistic and relativistic supernovae-related events. Here we present the results of kinetic particle-in-cell and Monte Carlo simulations of particle acceleration and magnetic field amplification by shocks with the velocities in the interval between 0.1 and 0.7 c. These simulations are needed for the interpretation of the observed broad band radiation of FBOTs. Their fast, mildly to moderately relativistic outflows may efficiently accelerate relativistic particles. With particle-in-cell simulations we demonstrate that synchrotron radiation of accelerated relativistic electrons in the shock downstream may fit the observed radio fluxes. At longer timescales, well beyond those reachable within a particle-in-cell approach, our nonlinear Monte Carlo model predicts that protons and nuclei can be accelerated to petaelectronvolt (PeV) energies. Therefore, such fast and energetic transient sources can contribute to galactic populations of high energy cosmic rays.
Radial Oscillations of Quark Stars Admixed with Dark Matter
Authors: Jiménez José C. , Fraga Eduardo S.
Published: January 2022

We investigated compact stars consisting of cold quark matter and fermionic dark matter treated as two admixed fluids. We computed the stellar structures and fundamental radial oscillation frequencies of different masses of the dark fermion in the cases of weak and strong self-interacting dark matter. We found that the fundamental frequency can be dramatically modified and, in some cases, stable dark strange planets and dark strangelets with very low masses and radii can be formed.