bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Exercise on Sleep Quality and Insomnia in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Xie Yi , Liu Shuai , Chen Xue-Jiao , Yu Hai-Han , Yang Yuan , Wang Wei
Published: June 2021

Study Objectives: We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the effects of different regular exercise (lasting at least 2 months on a regular basis) on self-reported and physiological sleep quality in adults. Varied exercise interventions contained traditional physical exercise (e.g., walking, cycling) and mind–body exercise characterized by gentle exercise with coordination of the body (e.g., yoga).

Methods: Procedures followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Systematical searches were conducted in three electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science) for relevant research that involved adult participants without pathological diseases receiving exercise intervention. The search strategy was based on the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome study design (PICOS) framework. The self-reported outcomes included varied rating scales of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Subgroup meta-analyses of PSQI scores were conducted based on type of exercise, duration of intervention, and participants' age and gender. The physiological outcomes were measured by Actigraph. All meta-analyses were performed in a fixed or random statistic model using Revman software.

Results: Twenty-two randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis. The overall analysis on subjective outcomes suggests that exercise interventions significantly improved sleep quality in adults compared with control interventions with lower PSQI (MD −2.19; 95% CI −2.96 to −1.41), ISI (MD −1.52; 95% CI −2.63 to −0.41), and ESS (MD −2.55; 95% CI −3.32 to −1.78) scores. Subgroup analyses of PSQI scores showed both physical and mind–body exercise interventions resulted in improvements of subjective sleep to the same extent. Interestingly, short-term interventions (≤3 months) had a significantly greater reduction in sleep disturbance vs. long-term interventions (>3 months). Regarding physiological sleep, few significant effects were found in various sleep parameters except the increased sleep efficiency in the exercise group vs. control group.

Conclusions: Results of this systematic review suggest that regular physical as well as mind–body exercise primarily improved subjective sleep quality rather than physiological sleep quality in adults. Specifically, self-reported sleep quality, insomnia severity, and daytime sleepiness could be improved or ameliorated with treatment of exercise, respectively, evaluated by PSQI, ISI, and ESS sleep rating scales.
Neuropathology of Aging in Cats and its Similarities to Human Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Sordo Lorena , Martini Alessandra C. , Houston E. Fiona , Head Elizabeth , Gunn-Moore Danièlle
Published: June 2021

Elderly cats develop age-related behavioral and neuropathological changes that ultimately lead to cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). These neuropathologies share similarities to those seen in the brains of humans with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), including the extracellular accumulation of ß-amyloid (Aβ) and intraneuronal deposits of hyperphosphorylated tau, which are considered to be the two major hallmarks of AD. The present study assessed the presence and distribution of Aβ and tau hyperphosphorylation within the cat brain (n = 55 cats), and how the distribution of these proteins changes with age and the presence of CDS. For this, immunohistochemistry was performed on seven brain regions from cats of various ages, with and without CDS (n = 10 with CDS). Cats accumulate both intracytoplasmic and extracellular deposits of Aβ, as well as intranuclear and intracytoplasmic hyperphosphorylated tau deposits. Large extracellular aggregates of Aβ were found in elderly cats, mainly in the cortical brain areas, with occasional hippocampal aggregates. This may suggest that these aggregates start in cortical areas and later progress to the hippocampus. While Aβ senile plaques in people with AD have a dense core, extracellular Aβ deposits in cats exhibited a diffuse pattern, similar to the early stages of plaque pathogenesis. Intraneuronal Aβ deposits were also observed, occurring predominantly in cortical brain regions of younger cats, while older cats had few to no intraneuronal Aβ deposits, especially when extracellular aggregates were abundant. Intracytoplasmic hyperphosphorylated tau was found within neurons in the brains of elderly cats, particularly in those with CDS. Due to their ultrastructural features, these deposits are considered to be pre-tangles, which are an early stage of the neurofibrillary tangles seen in AD. The largest numbers of pre-tangles are found mainly in the cerebral cortex of elderly cats, whereas lower numbers were found in other regions (i.e., entorhinal cortex and hippocampus). For the first time, intranuclear tau was found in both phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated states within neurons in the cat brain. The highest numbers of intranuclear deposits were found in the cortex of younger cats, and this tended to decrease with age. In contrast, elderly cats with pre-tangles had only occasional or no nuclear labelling.
Premature Professionalisation or Early Engagement? Examining Practise in Football Player Pathways
Authors: Sweeney Liam , Horan Dan , MacNamara Áine
Published: June 2021

There is a growing debate, both in the academic and sporting worlds, about the most appropriate pathway for high potential young players in sport. In this regard, there has been a considerable focus on the age of selection into structured talent development pathways and the nature of the experience once players have been recruited. Given the economic and reputational currency associated with developing professional footballers in particular, it is unsurprising that professional football clubs continue to invest significant financial resources into their academy structures. Understandably, this recruitment policy has attracted substantial attention within the media and research community, with ethical concerns arising surrounding the impact early selection may have on the welfare and the experiences of the young players within the pathway. The aim of this perspective article was to critically consider the research underpinning the early engagement practises of football clubs and the extent to which, and how, the pathway can provide players with the most appropriate starting point for their development. This evidence points to the need to look beyond the prevalent ‘early specialisation vs. diversification’ debate in youth sport towards a consideration of an early engagement perspective that reflects the biopsychosocial influences on talent development and the socio-political environment that influences decisions. We provide practical recommendations focused on the quality of the early engagement experience.
Physicochemical Characteristics and Lactic Acid Bacterial Diversity of an Ethnic Rice Fermented Mild Alcoholic Beverage, Haria
Authors: Ghosh Kuntal , Adak Atanu , Halder Suman K. , Mondal Keshab C.
Published: June 2021

Haria, a rice fermented alcoholic beverage, is prepared and consumed by the vast number of Indian tribal people as a staple drink. Lactic acid bacteria are the dominant microbial community in this beverage. Participating lactic acid bacterial diversity in this beverage were determined by using PCR denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) asLactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lysinibacillussp.,Lysinibacillus fusiformis, and a group of unculturedBacillussp. The beverage was enriched with a significant amount of lactic acid (17.63 mg/g), acetic acid (0.18 mg/g), folic acid, thiamine, pyridoxine, ascorbic acid, linolenic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid. The phytase activity in this beverage was shown highest (18.93 U/g) at the fourth day of fermentation. The beverage was also augmented with essential minerals like calcium, ferrous, magnesium, and sodium, whereas the quantity of chromium, lead, cobalt, and nickel were gradually decreased during the course of fermentation. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis clearly revealed that three types of esters were produced during fermentation. This study clearly demonstrated that a group of lactic acid bacteria along with other microorganism provide a wide array of bioactive substances make this beverage more nutritious.
Sustainable Ethanol Production From Sugarcane Molasses by Saccharomyces cerevisiae Immobilized on Chitosan-Coated Manganese Ferrite
Authors: Núñez Caraballo Arianna , Iliná Anna , Ramos González Rodolfo , Aguilar Cristóbal N. , Michelena Álvarez Georgina , Flores Gallegos Adriana Carolina , Sandoval-Cortés José , Aguilar-Gonzalez Miguel A. , Soto-Cruz Nicolas Oscar , García García José Daniel , Martínez-Hernández José L.
Published: June 2021

The interaction between nanostructures and yeast cells, as well as the description of the effect of nanoparticles in ethanol production are open questions in the development of this nanobiotechnological process. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the ethanol production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the free and immobilized state on chitosan-coated manganese ferrite, using cane molasses as a carbon source. To obtain the chitosan-coated manganese ferrite, the one-step coprecipitation method was used. The nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction obtaining the typical diffraction pattern. The crystal size was calculated by the Scherrer equation as 15.2 nm. The kinetics of sugar consumption and ethanol production were evaluated by HPLC. With the immobilized system, it was possible to obtain an ethanol concentration of 56.15 g/L, as well as the total sugar consumption at 24 h of fermentation. Productivity and yield in this case were 2.3 ± 0.2 g/(L * h) and 0.28 ± 0.03, respectively. However, at the same time in the fermentation with free yeast, 39.1 g/L were obtained. The total consumption of fermentable sugar was observed only after 42 h, reaching an ethanol titer of 50.7 ± 3.1, productivity and yield of 1.4 ± 0.3 g/(L * h) and 0.25 ± 0.4, respectively. Therefore, a reduction in fermentation time, higher ethanol titer and productivity were demonstrated in the presence of nanoparticles. The application of manganese ferrite nanoparticles shows a beneficial effect on ethanol production. Research focused on the task of defining the mechanism of their action and evaluation of the reuse of biomass immobilized on manganese ferrite in the ethanol production process should be carried out in the future.
Strategies to Upgrade Animal Health Delivery in Village Poultry Systems: Perspectives of Stakeholders From Northern Ghana and Central Zones in Tanzania
Authors: Enahoro Dolapo , Galiè Alessandra , Abukari Yakubu , Chiwanga Gaspar H. , Kelly Terra R. , Kahamba Judith , Massawe Fatihiya A. , Mapunda Fausta , Jumba Humphrey , Weber Christoph , Dione Michel , Kayang Boniface , Ouma Emily
Published: June 2021

Village chicken production holds much potential for the alleviation of malnutrition and poverty in rural communities in Africa. Owing to their subsistence nature, however, such systems are rife with infectious poultry diseases such as Newcastle disease (ND). Strategies common for the management of ND and other poultry diseases in intensive production systems, including vaccination and biosecurity measures, have seen limited success in the village production systems. New approaches are needed that can successfully deliver animal health inputs and services for the effective management of poultry health challenges in low-input systems. Our study utilized focus group discussions with men and women farmers as well as other poultry value chain actors such as input suppliers, live bird traders and processed poultry meat retailers, to investigate potential options for delivery of animal health care to village poultry systems in northern Ghana and central Tanzania. ND was commonly reported as a major disease constraint in the study sites of the two countries, with resulting fatalities particularly impactful on men and women producers and on traders. We therefore also conducted interviews that focused specifically on the gender component of village chicken production. The key health related challenges prioritized by women and men participants included limited access to, and poor quality of, vaccines and veterinary drugs, a shortage of veterinary officers, and insufficient knowledge and training of farmers on flock management practices. Women, more than men, emphasized the difficulties of accessing poultry health services. Our assessments suggest that for poultry health care delivery in the studied communities to be effective, there is need to improve the supply of good quality drugs and vaccines in rural areas, respond to the needs of both men and women, and recognize the different incentives for farmers, traders and other value chain actors. Community-based approaches and increased use of ICT technology such as mobile phones have much to offer in this regard.
Effects of Vitamin D2 and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D2 Supplementation on Plasma Vitamin D Epimeric Metabolites in Adult Cats
Authors: Ruggiero Catherine E. , Backus Robert C.
Published: June 2021

Feline vitamin D status is based on dietary consumption but metabolism of this essential nutrient and the efficacy of supplementation forms are poorly described in cats. The aim of this study was to further elucidate the metabolites of vitamin D2 in cats and to compare the effectiveness of vitamin D2 and 25(OH)D2 for increasing feline vitamin D status. Eight adult male castrated domestic shorthair cats received vitamin D2 or 25(OH)D2 in a single crossover design. Vitamin D2 was dosed daily in a molar equivalent dosage to vitamin D3 ingested in the diet while 25(OH)D2 was provided at a daily dose of 20% molar equivalent intake of dietary vitamin D3 based on its expected higher potency. Plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D epimers were evaluated at baseline then every 2 weeks for a total of 10 weeks. Analysis of multiple vitamin D metabolite concentrations was completed at the end of each supplementation period, followed by a washout period preceding the second phase of the crossover trial. Results showed that supplementation with 25(OH)D2 more effectively and rapidly raised circulating 25(OH)D2 levels in cat plasma compared to vitamin D2. Formation of C-3 epimers of 25(OH)D3, 25(OH)D2, and 24,25R(OH)2D3, but not 24,25(OH)2D2, were observed in feline plasma. The abundant concentrations of epimeric forms of vitamin D metabolites found in circulation suggest that these metabolites should be considered during vitamin D analyses in cats. Further studies using 25(OH)D and vitamin D2 forms are needed to conclude safety and efficacy of these vitamers for supplementation in this species.
Case Report: Unusual Peritoneopericardial Diaphragmatic Hernia in an 8-Month-Old German Shepherd Dog, Associated With a Pericardial Pseudocyst and Coexisting Severe Pericardial Effusion Resulting in Right-Sided Heart Failure
Authors: Hennink Imke , Düver Pia , Rytz Ulrich , Meneses Felix , Moioli Melania , Adamik Katja-Nicole , Kovačević Alan
Published: June 2021

Objective: This study aims to describe an unusual peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH) in an 8-month-old German shepherd dog, associated with a pericardial pseudocyst and coexisting severe pericardial effusion resulting in right-sided heart failure.

Case Summary: An 8-month-old, male, intact, German shepherd dog, was referred for ascites. Echocardiography revealed a severe pericardial effusion with a cyst-like structure within the pericardium and consequently decompensated right-sided heart failure. The ascites was secondary to right-sided heart failure (cardiac tamponade). Computed tomography (CT) of the thorax and abdomen was performed and showed PPDH with severe pericardial effusion and presence of a pericardial cyst-like structure; xyphoid cleft and Y-shaped seventh sternebra; and mild thickening along the cranioventral abdominal wall consistent with scar tissue from the previous umbilical hernia surgical repair. During surgery, the PPDH was corrected, and it was revealed that the remnant of the umbilical cord passed through it, into the pericardium. The cyst-like structure was successfully resected and sent for pathology. Histopathology showed signs of a chronic suppurative inflammation, with absence of a mesothelial or endothelial wall layer, thus consistent with a pseudocyst. Based on tomographic and surgical findings, it is suspected that the pseudocyst, together with the pericardial effusion, evolved by an inflammation of the remnant of the umbilical cord during the umbilical hernia surgical repair 1 month prior to presentation. The underlying PPDH most likely favored the development of the pericardial pseudocyst. However, due to prior antibiotic therapy initiated by the private vet, an infectious origin cannot be ruled out completely.

New or Unique Information Provided: There are a few case reports describing PPDH and/or pericardial pseudocysts in veterinary patients, but the current case report is unique, since it describes PPDH associated with a pericardial pseudocyst and coexisting severe pericardial effusion resulting in cardiac tamponade. As far as the authors know, such a case has not been described in veterinary medicine before.
Molecular Detection and Characterization of Rickettsia Species in Ixodid Ticks Collected From Cattle in Southern Zambia
Authors: Chitanga Simbarashe , Chibesa Kennedy , Sichibalo Karen , Mubemba Benjamin , Nalubamba King S. , Muleya Walter , Changula Katendi , Simulundu Edgar
Published: June 2021

Tick-borne zoonotic pathogens are increasingly becoming important across the world. In sub-Saharan Africa, tick-borne pathogens identified include viruses, bacteria and protozoa, with Rickettsia being the most frequently reported. This study was conducted to screen and identify Rickettsia species in ticks (Family Ixodidae) infesting livestock in selected districts of southern Zambia. A total of 236 ticks from three different genera (Amblyomma, Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus) were collected over 14 months (May 2018–July 2019) and were subsequently screened for the presence of Rickettsia pathogens based on PCR amplification targeting the outer membrane protein B (ompB). An overall Rickettsia prevalence of 18.6% (44/236) was recorded. Multi-locus sequencing and phylogenetic characterization based on the ompB, ompA, 16S rRNA and citrate synthase (gltA) genes revealed the presence of Rickettsia africae (R. africae), R. aeschlimannii-like species and unidentified Rickettsia species. While R. aeschlimannii-like species are being reported for the first time in Zambia, R. africae has been reported previously, with our results showing a wider distribution of the bacteria in the country. Our study reveals the potential risk of human infection by zoonotic Rickettsia species and highlights the need for increased awareness of these infections in Zambia's public health systems.
Reuse of Exhausted Air from Multi-Actuator Pneumatic Control Systems
Authors: Šešlija Milan , Reljić Vule , Šešlija Dragan , Dudić Slobodan , Dakić Nikolina , Jovanović Zoran
Published: June 2021

In order to improve the energy efficiency of multi-actuator pneumatic systems, a control scheme for the recovery of exhausted compressed air is designed and studied herein. This paper explains the procedure for the development of the balanced operation of a multi-actuator pneumatic system through the collection and reuse of exhausted compressed air. Compared with traditional motion control of pneumatic actuators, significant energy savings can be achieved, while the dynamic behavior of the cylinders from which the exhausted air is collected is maintained.
An HPLC-automated Derivatization for Glutathione and Related Thiols Analysis in Brassica rapa L.
Authors: Nacca Francesco , Cozzolino Concetta , Carillo Petronia , Woodrow Pasqualina , Fuggi Amodio , Ciarmiello Loredana Filomena
Published: June 2021

The high content of glucosinolates and glutathione makes the Brassicaceae an important healthy food. Thiols and especially glutathione and γ-Glu-Cys-Gly tripeptide are involved in many fundamental cellular functions such as oxidative stress protection. Although several methods for sulphur compounds analysis in biological samples are actually used, the determination of glutathione and other sulphur derivatives in plant tissues is rather problematic due to their extreme susceptibility to oxidation, which can lead to their overestimation. The aim of this work was the improvement and validation of an automated method for determination of reduced and oxidised glutathione, cysteine and γ-glutamylcysteine in plant tissues. The method consists of a fully automated pre-column derivatization of thiols based on monobromobimane reagent, a high-performance liquid chromatography derivatives separation, and a fluorimetric detection and quantification. The method was successfully applied for determination of the oxidized and reduced forms of Cys, γ-GC and GSH content in leaves, petioles, inflorescences and roots of Brassica rapa L. subsp. Sylvestris. At harvest, in freshly cut plants, the average contents of GSH/2GSSG were 840/45, 345/70 and 150/70 nmol g−1 FW for the florets, leaf blades and stems, respectively; those of Cys/2Cys were 80/12, 29/12 and 24/6 nmol g-1 FW; while those of γ-GC/γ-GCCG-γ were 8.0/4.0, and 6.0/3.0, 3.0/2.0 nmol g−1 FW, respectively. Such amounts were lower in low-sulphur-grown plants at harvest. The very low coefficient of variation between repeated tests (maximum 1.6%), the high recovery of internal standard (>96%) and the linear correlation coefficient of the calibration (R2 > 0.99) support the efficiency of this method that allowed analysing about 50 samples/die in a totally automated manner with no operator intervention. Our results show that the reported method integrations can significantly improve thiols detection via HPLC.
Closing Biogeochemical Cycles and Meeting Plant Requirements by Smart Fertilizers and Innovative Organic Amendments
Authors: Mora María de la Luz , Calabi-Floody Marcela , Rumpel Cornelia
Published: June 2021

Expansion of farmland with food production as a major service has been largely associated with conversion of natural ecosystems like the Amazon and Savanna into new agricultural land [...]
Survey on the Presence of Bacterial, Fungal and Helminthic Agents in Off-Leash Dog Parks Located in Urban Areas in Central-Italy
Authors: Ebani Valentina Virginia , Nardoni Simona , Ciapetti Stefania , Guardone Lisa , Loretti Enrico , Mancianti Francesca
Published: June 2021

Off-leash dog parks are designated public spaces where dogs can move freely, under their owners’ supervision. These areas, allowing animals to socialize and move freely, are fundamental for dogs’ welfare. However, different pathogens, even zoonotic, may be excreted by the attending animals and contaminate the environment. The aim of the present study was to verify the occurrence of bacterial, fungal and parasitic pathogens in off-leash dog parks located in Florence (central Italy). Between March and May 2019, 83 fecal samples, 43 soil samples and 23 water samples (from fountains and puddles) collected from 26 off-leash fenced areas were examined. Fecal samples scored positive for Yersinia spp. (n = 7), Listeria innocua (n = 4), Toxocara canis eggs (n = 2) and Ancylostoma caninum/Uncinaria stenocephala eggs (n = 1). Keratinophilic geophilic fungi (mostly Microsporum gypseum /A. incurvatum) were recovered from 43 soil samples belonging to 23 out of 26 parks, along with Microsporum canis in a single case. Prototheca spp. was never isolated from water samples, while Trichosporon sp. was cultured in two cases, alone and in association with Geotrichum candidum. These results show that dogs did not act as important carriers for the investigated bacterial and parasitic pathogens, although examined areas may represent a risk for the spreading of some dermatophytoses to both pets and their owners. Periodical examinations to assess the main bacteriological, parasitological and mycological pathogens in different samples collected in off-leash dog parks should be carried out in a One-Health perspective.
Dose Effect of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) Seed Cakes on the Digestibility of Nutrients, Flavonolignans and the Individual Components of the Silymarin Complex in Horses
Authors: Dockalova Hana , Zeman Ladislav , Baholet Daria , Batik Andrej , Skalickova Sylvie , Horky Pavel
Published: June 2021

Milk thistle seeds contain a mixture of flavonoids known as silymarin, which consists of silybin, isosilybin, silychristine, and silydianin. Until now, there has been no evidence of monitoring the digestibility of silymarin complex in horses. The aim of the research was to evaluate the digestibility of silymarin complex and the effect of nutrient digestibility in horses. Different daily feed doses (FD) of milk thistle expeller (0 g, 100 g, 200 g, 400 g, 700 g) were administered to five mares kept under the same conditions and at the same feed rations. Digestibility of silymarin complex was monitored by HPLC-UV. Digestible energy (DE), crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, nitrogen-free extract (NFE), crude ash, calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) were determined according ISO/IEC 17025:2017. The biochemical profile of blood plasma (total protein, albumin, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), bilirubin, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triacyl glyceride (TAG), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), creatine kinase (CK), creatinine, urea, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant status (TAS), glucose, calcium, and inorganic phosphate) was investigated. Moreover, the flavonolignans of the silymarin complex in plasma were detected. Statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were found between daily doses of milk thistle expellers in digestibilities. Our findings showed the digestibility of flavonolignans increased with the daily dose and then stagnated with the dose of milk thistle seed cakes at 700 g/day.
Characterization of Foot and Mouth Disease Virus Serotype SAT-2 in Swamp Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) under the Egyptian Smallholder Production System
Authors: El Damaty Hend M. , Fawzi Elshaima M. , Neamat-Allah Ahmed N. F. , Elsohaby Ibrahim , Abdallah Abdelmonem , Farag Gamelat K. , El-Shazly Yousry A. , Mahmmod Yasser S.
Published: June 2021

Spontaneous mutations are a common characteristic of the foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV), leading to wide antigenic variations resulting in the emergence of new topotypes and lineages of FMDV, which contributes to occasional vaccination failures. The objectives of the present study were to genetically characterize FMDV isolated from water buffaloes and study the biochemical and histopathological indicators of infected animals. Fifty-four water buffaloes of both sexes and different ages suffered from acute symptoms of FMD were clinically examined and randomly selected for inclusion in this study. Oral desquamated epithelial and oropharyngeal fluid samples have been tested for FMDV by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). Tissue and serum samples were also collected from the diseased buffaloes and subjected to histopathological and biochemical analysis. Our findings showed that all examined samples were confirmed to be positive to FMDV serotype SAT-2 and were adjusted to be responsible for the recent disease outbreak in this study. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the circulating viruses were of the SAT-2 serotype, closely related to the lineage of lib12, topotype VII, with 98.9% identity. The new lineage of SAT-2 showed a high virulence resulting in the deaths of water buffaloes due to heart failure, confirmed by high serum levels of inflammatory and cardiac markers, including haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, cardiac troponin I and creatine phosphokinase-MB, indicating an unfavorable FMD-infection prognosis. In conclusion, we document the presence of new incursions circulating in water buffalo populations in Egypt in early 2019, explaining the high morbidity rate of FMD outbreak in early 2019. Furthermore, the newly identified serotype SAT-2 lib12 lineage, topotype VII, showed an aggressive pattern in water buffaloes of the smallholder production system.
A Microsatellite Genotyping-Based Genetic Study of Interspecific Hybridization between the Red and Sika Deer in the Western Czech Republic
Authors: Štohlová Putnová Lenka , Štohl Radek , Ernst Martin , Svobodová Kateřina
Published: June 2021

Although inter-species hybrids between the red and sika deer can be phenotypically determined only exceptionally, there is the eventuality of identification via molecular genetic analysis. We used bi-parentally inherited microsatellite markers and a Bayesian statistical framework to re-examine the proportion of hybrids in the Czech red and sika deer populations. In total, 123 samples were collected, and the nuclear dataset consisted of 2668 allelic values. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 10 (BM1818) to 22 (BM888 and T193), yielding the mean of 16 alleles per locus across the deer. The mean allelic diversity of the red deer markedly exceeded that of the Japanese sika deer. Interspecific hybrids were detected, enabling us to confirm the genetic introgression of the sika deer into the red deer populations and vice versa in western Bohemia. The mean hybrid score equaled 10.6%, with 14.3% of the hybrids being among red deer–like individuals and 6.7% among sika-like ones. At two western Bohemian locations, namely, Doupovské hory and Slavkovský les, the total percentages of hybrid animals equaled 18.8 and 8.9, respectively. No red deer alleles were detected in the sika populations of the subregions of Kladská, Žlutice, and Lány. The NeighborNet network clearly separated the seven red and sika deer sampling populations according to the geography. The knowledge gained from the evaluated data is applicable in hunting management to reduce hybridization with the European deer.
Babesia microti in Rodents from Different Habitats of Lithuania
Authors: Mardosaitė-Busaitienė Dalytė , Radzijevskaja Jana , Balčiauskas Linas , Paulauskas Algimantas
Published: June 2021

Babesia microti (Aconoidasida: Piroplasmida) (Franca, 1910) is an emerging tick-borne parasite with rodents serving as the considered reservoir host. However, the distribution of B. microti in Europe is insufficiently characterized. Based on the sample of 1180 rodents from 19 study sites in Lithuania, the objectives of this study were: (1) to investigate the presence of Babesia parasites in eight species of rodents, (2) to determine the prevalence of Babesia parasites in rodents from different habitats, and (3) to characterize the detected Babesia strains using partial sequencing of the 18S rRNR gene. Babesia DNA was detected in 2.8% rodents. The highest prevalence of Babesia was found in Microtus oeconomus (14.5%) and Microtus agrestis (7.1%) followed by Clethrionomys glareolus (2.3%), Apodemus flavicollis (2.2%) and Micromys minutus (1.3%). In M.minutus, Babesia was identified for the first time. The prevalence of Babesia-infected rodents was higher in the meadow (5.67%) than in the ecotone (1.69%) and forest (0.31%) habitats. The sequence analysis of the partial 18S rRNA gene reveals that Babesia isolates derived from rodents were 99–100% identical to human pathogenic B. microti ‘Jena/Germany’ strain.
In Silico and In Vitro Screening of Antipathogenic Properties of Melianthus comosus (Vahl) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Baloyi Itumeleng T. , Adeosun Idowu J. , Yusuf Abdullahi A. , Cosa Sekelwa
Published: June 2021

Bacterial quorum sensing (QS) system regulates pathogenesis, virulence, and biofilm formation, and together they contribute to nosocomial infections. Opportunistic pathogens, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, rely on QS for regulating virulence factors. Therefore, blocking the QS system may aid management of various infectious diseases caused by human pathogens. Plant secondary metabolites can thwart bacterial colonization and virulence. As such, this study was undertaken to evaluate three extracts from the medicinal plant, Melianthus comosus, from which phytochemical compounds were identified with potential to inhibit QS-dependent virulence factors in P. aeruginosa. Chemical profiling of the three extracts identified 1,2-benzene dicarboxylic acid, diethyl ester, neophytadiene and hexadecanoic acid as the common compounds. Validation of antibacterial activity confirmed the same MIC values of 0.78 mg/mL for aqueous, methanol and dichloromethane extracts while selected guanosine showed MIC 0.031 mg/mL. Molecular docking analysis showed anti-quorum sensing (AQS) potential of guanosine binding to CviR’ and 2UV0 proteins with varying docking scores of −5.969 and −8.376 kcal/mol, respectively. Guanosine inhibited biofilm cell attachment and biofilm development at 78.88% and 34.85%, respectively. Significant swimming and swarming motility restriction of P. aeruginosa were observed at the highest concentration of plant extracts and guanosine. Overall, guanosine revealed the best swarming motility restrictions. M. comosus extracts and guanosine have shown clear antibacterial effects and subsequent reduction of QS-dependent virulence activities against P.aeruginosa. Therefore, they could be ideal candidates in the search for antipathogenic drugs to combat P.aeruginosa infections.
Predictive Modeling of Thiol Changes in Raw Ground Pork as Affected by 13 Plant Extracts—Application of Arrhenius, Log-logistic and Artificial Neural Network Models
Authors: Muzolf-Panek Małgorzata , Kaczmarek Anna
Published: June 2021

In this study, predictive models of protein oxidation, expressed as the content of thiol groups (SH), in raw ground pork were established and their accuracy was compared. The SH changes were monitored during, maximum, 11 days of storage at five temperature levels: 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 °C. The effect of 13 plant extracts, including spices such as allspice, black seed, cardamom, caraway, cloves, garlic, nutmeg, and onion, and herbs such as basil, bay leaf, oregano, rosemary, and thyme, on protein oxidation in pork was studied. The zero-order function was used to described SH changes with time. The effect of temperature was assessed by using Arrhenius and log–logistic equations. Artificial neural network (ANN) models were also developed. The results obtained showed very good acceptability of the models for the monitoring and prediction of protein oxidation in raw pork samples. High average R2 coefficients equal to 0.948, 0.957, and 0.944 were obtained for Arhhenius, log-logistic and ANN models, respectively. Multiple linear regression (MLR) was used to assess the influence of plant extracts on protein oxidation and showed oregano as the most potent antioxidant among the tested ones in raw ground pork.
Fibrin Clot Formation under Oxidative Stress Conditions
Authors: Kaufmanova Jirina , Stikarova Jana , Hlavackova Alzbeta , Chrastinova Leona , Maly Martin , Suttnar Jiri , Dyr Jan Evangelista
Published: June 2021

During coagulation, the soluble fibrinogen is converted into insoluble fibrin. Fibrinogen is a multifunctional plasma protein, which is essential for hemostasis. Various oxidative posttranslational modifications influence fibrinogen structure as well as interactions between various partners in the coagulation process. The aim was to examine the effects of oxidative stress conditions on fibrin clot formation in arterial atherothrombotic disorders. We studied the changes in in vitro fibrin network formation in three groups of patients—with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), with significant carotid artery stenosis (SCAS), and with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), as well as a control group. The level of oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde measured by LC-MS/MS was higher in SCAS and AIS patients compared with controls. Turbidic methods revealed a higher final optical density and a prolonged lysis time in the clots of these patients. Electron microscopy was used to visualize changes in the in vitro-formed fibrin network. Fibers from patients with AIS were significantly thicker in comparison with control and ACS fibers. The number of fibrin fibers in patients with AIS was significantly lower in comparison with ACS and control groups. Thus, oxidative stress-mediated changes in fibrin clot formation, structure and dissolution may affect the effectiveness of thrombolytic therapy.
A Peptide Inhibitor of Peroxiredoxin 6 Phospholipase A2 Activity Significantly Protects against Lung Injury in a Mouse Model of Ventilator Induced Lung Injury (VILI)
Authors: Fisher Aron B. , Dodia Chandra , Chatterjee Shampa
Published: June 2021

Ventilator induced lung injury (VILI) is a lung injury syndrome associated with mechanical ventilation, most frequently for treatment of Acute Lung Injury (ALI), and generally secondary to the use of greater than physiologic tidal volumes. To reproduce this syndrome experimentally, C57Bl/6 mice were intubated and ventilated with low (4 mL/Kg body weight) or high (12 mL/Kg) tidal volume for 6 h. Lung parameters with low volume ventilation were unchanged from non-ventilated (control) mice. High tidal volume ventilation resulted in marked lung injury with increased neutrophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALf) indicating lung inflammation, increase in both protein in BALf and lung dry/wet weight indicating lung edema, increased lung thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and 8-isoprostanes indicating lung lipid peroxidation, and increased lung protein carbonyls indicating protein oxidation. Either intratracheal or intravenous pretreatment of mice with a 9 amino acid peptide called peroxiredoxin 6 inhibitor peptide-2 (PIP-2) significantly reduced all parameters of lung injury by ~50–80%. PIP-2 inhibits NADPH oxidase type 2 (NOX2) activation. We propose that PIP-2 does not affect the mechanically induced lung damage component of VILI but does significantly reduce the secondary inflammatory component.
Green Tea Polyphenol Catechins Inhibit Coronavirus Replication and Potentiate the Adaptive Immunity and Autophagy-Dependent Protective Mechanism to Improve Acute Lung Injury in Mice
Authors: Yang Chih-Ching , Wu Chang-Jer , Chien Chen-Yen , Chien Chiang-Ting
Published: June 2021

Effective antiviral therapeutics are urgently required to fight severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) caused by a SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Because polyphenol catechins could confer antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial activities, we assessed the therapeutic effects of catechins against SARS-CoV replication in Vero E6 cells, the preventive effect of catechins on CD25/CD69/CD94/CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes-mediated adaptive immunity, and the protective effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice. We found that catechins containing 32.8% epigallocatechin gallate, 15.2% epicatechin gallate, 13.2 epicatechin, 10.8% epigallocatechin, 10.4% gallocatechin, and 4.4% catechin directly inhibited SARS-CoV replication at sub-micromolecular concentrations. Four-week catechins ingestion increased CD8+ T cell percentage, upregulated CD69+/CD25+/CD94-NKG2A/CD8+ T lymphocytes-mediated adaptive immunity, and increased type I cytokines release responding to ovalbumin/alum. Catechins significantly reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine storm and oxidative stress and ALI by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling to upregulate Beclin-1/Atg5-Atg12/LC3-II-mediated autophagy mechanism. Pretreatment of autophagy inhibitor 3-Methyladenine reversed the inhibiting effects of catechins on the cytokines and oxidative stress levels and ALI. In conclusion, our data indicated that catechins directly inhibited SARS-CoV replication, potentiated the CD25/CD69/CD94/CD8+ T lymphocytes-mediated adaptive immunity and attenuated lipopolysaccharide-induced ALI and cytokine storm by PI3K/AKT/mTOR-signaling-mediated autophagy, which may be applied to prevent and/or treat SARS-CoV infection.
A Numerical Study for Assessing the Risk Reduction Using an Emergency Vehicle Equipped with a Micronized Water System for Contrasting the Fire Growth Phase in Road Tunnels
Authors: Caliendo Ciro , Genovese Gianluca , Russo Isidoro
Published: June 2021

We performed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling, and simulated a people evacuation process from a tunnel in the event of a fire, for evaluating the potentialities of using, as a temporary safety measure, an emergency vehicle equipped with a micronized water system for contrasting the fire growth phase. The structure investigated is a one-way road tunnel with only natural ventilation, and with a length less than 1000 m. The tunnel is assumed at present to be affected by refurbishment works for making it comply with the minimum safety requirements of the European Directive 2004/54/EC. In particular, it is considered that it has not yet been provided with hydrants, and with the sidewalks and the emergency exit which are still under construction. This means that users are forced to use the road carriageway for escaping from the tunnel if a fire occurs. The CFD findings have shown that the use of the micronized water system might lead to a significant improvement in the environmental conditions along the escape route since the tenability limits of temperature, radiant heat flux, CO and CO2 concentration were found to be better satisfied. Additionally, the visibility distance was shown to increase, even though it was found to be higher than the acceptable threshold value only in a few cases. However, the quantitative risk analysis based on a probabilistic approach, which was combined with a method currently used in Europe for assessing the risk due to the transit of only dangerous goods, shows that the final cumulative F-N curves related to the micronized water system always lie below those without the mentioned system, and in addition, they are always contained within the limits of the ALARP region. It is to be stressed that our paper might represent a reference in showing the effectiveness of the micronized water system as a temporary safety measure. However, it is desirable that the Tunnel Management Agencies accelerate the refurbishment works for making road tunnels definitively safer for users in a short period of time.
Case Study of Power Plants in the Slovak Republic and Construction of Microgrid and Smart Grid
Authors: Štefko Róbert , Čonka Zsolt , Kolcun Michal
Published: June 2021

To reduce emissions worldwide, decarbonization has also affected for power engineering and its conventional methods of power generation, distribution, and transmission. This fact affects not only the production of power and supply itself, but also other parts related to it, namely systems for the protection of electricity generation facilities and the location of faults in distribution networks and transmission systems. Is this new technology of renewable energy sources (RES) mastered enough to be able to replace traditional methods of energy generation reliably and safely? If we can answer the previous question, we could proceed to the next phase of putting these technologies into practice, considering the actual state of distribution networks and transmission systems. The aim of the article will be to evaluate the current state of systems and production sources of electricity in the Slovak Republic and to provide a better insight and suggestions for rebuilding current networks on a smart grid. The proposals will also include models of some RES in the Matlab/Simulink software.
Smart Topology Optimization Using Adaptive Neighborhood Simulated Annealing
Authors: R. Najafabadi Hossein , G. Goto Tiago , Falheiro Mizael S. , C. Martins Thiago , Barari Ahmad , S. G. Tsuzuki Marcos
Published: June 2021

Topology optimization (TO) of engineering products is an important design task to maximize performance and efficiency, which can be divided into two main categories of gradient-based and non-gradient-based methods. In recent years, significant attention has been brought to the non-gradient-based methods, mainly because they do not demand access to the derivatives of the objective functions. This property makes them well compatible to the structure of knowledge in the digital design and simulation domains, particularly in Computer Aided Design and Engineering (CAD/CAE) environments. These methods allow for the generation and evaluation of new evolutionary solutions without using the sensitivity information. In this work, a new non-gradient TO methodology using a variation of Simulated Annealing (SA) is presented. This methodology adaptively adjusts newly-generated candidates based on the history of the current solutions and uses the crystallization heuristic to smartly control the convergence of the TO problem. If the changes in the previous solutions of an element and its neighborhood improve the results, the crystallization factor increases the changes in the newly random generated solutions. Otherwise, it decreases the value of changes in the recently generated solutions. This methodology wisely improves the random exploration and convergence of the solutions in TO. In order to study the role of the various parameters in the algorithm, a variety of experiments are conducted and results are analyzed. In multiple case studies, it is shown that the final results are well comparable to the results obtained from the classic gradient-based methods. As an additional feature, a density filter is added to the algorithm to remove discontinuities and gray areas in the final solution resulting in robust outcomes in adjustable resolutions.
Functional Properties of Chlorella vulgaris, Colostrum, and Bifidobacteria, and Their Potential for Application in Functional Foods
Authors: Hyrslova Ivana , Krausova Gabriela , Smolova Jana , Stankova Barbora , Branyik Tomas , Malinska Hana , Huttl Martina , Kana Antonin , Curda Ladislav , Doskocil Ivo
Published: June 2021

The market for new functional foods and food supplements is rapidly evolving, with a current emphasis on using natural sources. Algae, probiotics, and colostrum are rich sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds with positive effects on human and animal health. To determine the potential for developing new functional foods combining these components, we evaluated their synergistic effects. We assessed the growth of selected bifidobacteria in a medium supplemented with Chlorella vulgaris and its immunomodulatory and cytotoxic effects on the human peripheral mononuclear cells and colon cancer cell lines Caco-2 and HT29. The hypocholesterolemic effects of Chlorella powder and bovine colostrum fermented by Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB12® on lipid metabolism in rats fed a high-fat diet were also determined. Chlorella addition promoted Bifidobacteria growth, with significantly increased inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α and IL-6) levels following 1.0% (w/v) Chlorella stimulation. Rats fed diets containing fermented colostrum with 0.5% (w/v) added Chlorella powder exhibited significantly decreased triglyceride, very low-density lipoprotein, and alanine and aspartate aminotransferase levels, compared to those of the control group. These results support that C. vulgaris is not cytotoxic in intestinal cell models and affords prebiotic and immunomodulatory effects, as well as synergistic triglyceride-lowering effects with bovine colostrum and B. animalis subsp. lactis BB-12.