bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voltage–Time Transformation Model for Threshold Switching Spiking Neuron Based on Nucleation Theory
Authors: Yap Suk-Min , Wang I-Ting , Wu Ming-Hung , Hou Tuo-Hung
Published: April 2022

In this study, we constructed a voltage–time transformation model (V–t Model) to predict and simulate the spiking behavior of threshold-switching selector-based neurons (TS neurons). The V–t Model combines the physical nucleation theory and the resistor–capacitor (RC) equivalent circuit and successfully depicts the history-dependent threshold voltage of TS selectors, which has not yet been modeled in TS neurons. Moreover, based on our model, we analyzed the currently reported TS devices, including ovonic threshold switching (OTS), insulator-metal transition, and silver- (Ag-) based selectors, and compared the behaviors of the predicted neurons. The results suggest that the OTS neuron is the most promising and potentially achieves the highest spike frequency of GHz and the lowest operating voltage and area overhead. The proposed V–t Model provides an engineering pathway toward the future development of TS neurons for neuromorphic computing applications.
The Role of Pericytes in Ischemic Stroke: Fom Cellular Functions to Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Zhou Sheng-Yu , Guo Zhen-Ni , Zhang Dian-Hui , Qu Yang , Jin Hang
Published: April 2022

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a cerebrovascular disease causing high rates of disability and fatality. In recent years, the concept of the neurovascular unit (NVU) has been accepted by an increasing number of researchers and is expected to become a new paradigm for exploring the pathogenesis and treatment of IS. NVUs are composed of neurons, endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes, microglia, and the extracellular matrix. As an important part of the NVU, pericytes provide support for other cellular components and perform a variety of functions, including participating in the maintenance of the normal physiological function of the blood–brain barrier, regulating blood flow, and playing a role in inflammation, angiogenesis, and neurogenesis. Therefore, treatment strategies targeting pericyte functions, regulating pericyte epigenetics, and transplanting pericytes warrant exploration. In this review, we describe the reactions of pericytes after IS, summarize the potential therapeutic targets and strategies targeting pericytes for IS, and provide new treatment ideas for ischemic stroke.
A New Insight Into the Underlying Adaptive Strategies of Euryhaline Marine Fish to Low Salinity Environment: Through Cholesterol Nutrition to Regulate Physiological Responses
Authors: Bao Yangguang , Shen Yuedong , Li Xuejiao , Wu Zhaoxun , Jiao Lefei , Li Jing , Zhou Qicun , Jin Min
Published: April 2022

Salinity is an important environmental factor that can affect the metabolism of aquatic organisms, while cholesterol can influence cellular membrane fluidity which are vital in adaption to salinity changes. Hence, a 4-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of water salinity (normal 23 psu and low 5 psu) and three dietary cholesterol levels (CH0.16, 0.16%, CH1.0, 1.0% and CH1.6, 1.6%) on osmoregulation, cholesterol metabolism, fatty acid composition, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) biosynthesis, oxidative stress (OS), and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) of the euryhaline fish black seabream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii). The results indicated that in low salinity, fish fed with the CH1.0 diet improved ion reabsorption and osmoregulation by increased Na+ concentration in serum as well as expression levels of osmoregulation-related gene expression levels in gills. Both dietary cholesterol level and water salinity significantly affected most cholesterol metabolic parameters in the serum and tissues, and the results showed that low salinity promoted cholesterol synthesis but inhibited cholesterol catabolism. Besides, in low salinity, hepatic expression levels of LC-PUFA biosynthesis genes were upregulated by fed dietary cholesterol supplementation with contents of LC-PUFAs, including EPA and DHA being increased. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly increased in low-salinity environment, whereas MDA content was decreased in fish fed with dietary CH1.0 by activating related antioxidant enzyme activity and gene expression levels. A similar pattern was recorded for ERS, which stimulated the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (nf-κb), triggering inflammation. Nevertheless, fish reared in low salinity and fed with dietary CH1.0 had markedly alleviated ERS and downregulated gene expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Overall, these findings demonstrate that cholesterol, as an important nutrient, plays vital roles in the process of adaptation to low salinity of A. schlegelii, and provides a new insight into underlying adaptive strategies of euryhaline marine fish reared in low salinity.
Disease Management of Clinical Complete Responders to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy of Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Review of Literature
Authors: Wu Jie , Xie Rui-Yang , Cao Chuan-Zhen , Shang Bing-Qing , Shi Hong-Zhe , Shou Jian-Zhong
Published: April 2022

Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is an aggressive disease requiring active management. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by radical cystectomy (RC) is considered the standard treatment paradigm for MIBC patients, which could result in significant perioperative mortality and morbidity, as well as the significant alteration of the quality of life (QOL). Notably, multimodal bladder-preserving treatment strategies have been recommended for highly selected patients. Pathologic complete response (pCR) after NAC is a powerful prognostic indicator of survival for patients with MIBC. Clinical complete response (cCR) is then introduced as a complementary endpoint for pCR to assess disease status preoperatively. Bladder preservation strategy for patients who achieve cCR following NAC is emerging as a new treatment concept. However, the efficiency of the conservative strategy remains controversial. In this state-of-the-art review, we discuss the advantages and limitations of cCR and the feasibility and safety of bladder preservation strategy in highly selected MIBC patients who achieve cCR following NAC. We conclude that a conservative strategy can be considered a reasonable alternative to RC in carefully selected cCR MIBC patients, leading to acceptable oncological outcomes.
Chronic Non-infectious Osteomyelitis Mimicking Scurvy as the Presenting Sign of Crohn’s Disease: Case Report
Authors: Goldfarb Alexa , Breitling Stefan , Amadasun Owen , Kiernan Bridget , Gold-von Simson Gabrielle , Sagalowsky Selin T.
Published: April 2022

Chronic non-infectious osteomyelitis (CNO) is a rare, inflammatory process associated with pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Signs and symptoms of CNO parallel scurvy, a nutritional deficiency that can affect children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is the first report of a child initially thought to have scurvy, then subsequently diagnosed with CNO as the presenting manifestation of Crohn’s disease. This case enhances the literature elucidating extra-intestinal manifestations of IBD and pediatric nutritional deficiencies.
Dynamic Interactions of Multiple Wall-Mounted Flexible Plates in a Laminar Boundary Layer
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Li Yuhang , Zhang Xing
Published: April 2022

The interactions between large arrays of wall-mounted flexible plates and oncoming laminar boundary-layer flows are studied numerically by using the immersed boundary method. The influences of bending rigidity, mass ratio and gap distance between adjacent plates on the dynamic behaviors are explored. With the variation of control parameters, five distinct dynamic modes, namely, static reconfiguration, sectional waving, regular waving, upright oscillation and cavity oscillation, are identified. The frequency lock-in phenomenon and various types of flow instability associated with different dynamic modes are discussed. The findings of this study indicate that the coherent motions of the arrays are governed by a coupled mechanism in which the frequency of flow instability is locked onto the structural natural frequency.
An Intelligent Analysis Method for 3D Wheat Grain and Ventral Sulcus Traits Based on Structured Light Imaging
Authors: Huang Chenglong , Qin Zhijie , Hua Xiangdong , Zhang Zhongfu , Xiao Wenli , Liang Xiuying , Song Peng , Yang Wanneng
Published: April 2022

The wheat grain three-dimensional (3D) phenotypic characters are of great significance for final yield and variety breeding, and the ventral sulcus traits are the important factors to the wheat flour yield. The wheat grain trait measurements are necessary; however, the traditional measurement method is still manual, which is inefficient, subjective, and labor intensive; moreover, the ventral sulcus traits can only be obtained by destructive measurement. In this paper, an intelligent analysis method based on the structured light imaging has been proposed to extract the 3D wheat grain phenotypes and ventral sulcus traits. First, the 3D point cloud data of wheat grain were obtained by the structured light scanner, and then, the specified point cloud processing algorithms including single grain segmentation and ventral sulcus location have been designed; finally, 28 wheat grain 3D phenotypic characters and 4 ventral sulcus traits have been extracted. To evaluate the best experimental conditions, three-level orthogonal experiments, which include rotation angle, scanning angle, and stage color factors, were carried out on 125 grains of 5 wheat varieties, and the results demonstrated that optimum conditions of rotation angle, scanning angle, and stage color were 30°, 37°, black color individually. Additionally, the results also proved that the mean absolute percentage errors (MAPEs) of wheat grain length, width, thickness, and ventral sulcus depth were 1.83, 1.86, 2.19, and 4.81%. Moreover, the 500 wheat grains of five varieties were used to construct and validate the wheat grain weight model by 32 phenotypic traits, and the cross-validation results showed that the R2 of the models ranged from 0.77 to 0.83. Finally, the wheat grain phenotype extraction and grain weight prediction were integrated into the specialized software. Therefore, this method was demonstrated to be an efficient and effective way for wheat breeding research.
The Good Samaritan Parable Revisited: A Survey During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lu Yong
Published: April 2022

From an integrative approach of parable interpretation that combines ethical, evolutionary, historical, and psychological perspectives, the current research empirically examined the purely theorized assumption elucidating the behaviors of the priest, Levite, and Samaritan in the good Samaritan parable (Luke 10:25-37) by the regulatory focus theory. In one experiment conducted during the COVID-19 outbreak, 93 Polish participants were randomly assigned to a simulated vignette of the good Samaritan parable where either the prevention or promotion regulatory focus was manipulated. The results confirmed a certain favorable tendency to offer quasi-realistic help in both the regulatory focus conditions. The finding highlights a dynamic association in goal pursuit motivation and prosocial behavior in a pandemic context regarding the good Samaritan parable. The current study is among rare empirical research which reflects a challenge people respond to offer help in simulated scenarios as original as the good Samaritan parable.
Contextualization of Religion and Entrepreneurial Performance: A Lens of Buddhist Small Business Entrepreneurs
Authors: Mahadewi Lufina , Surachman Surachman , Hadiwidjojo Djumilah , Indrawati Nur Khusniyah
Published: April 2022

This study explores the manifestation of Buddhism's conception in underlying entrepreneurial performance. The study is a qualitative research approach with a development direction that comes from successful Buddhist small business entrepreneurs in Bekasi, Indonesia. The interpretive paradigm is used to interpret social life in the reality of successful Buddhist small business entrepreneurs on entrepreneurial performance. Data collection using in-depth interviews with Buddhist small business entrepreneurs in an open-ended format. Data analysis was done in many stages, including domain analysis, taxonomy analysis, component analysis, and theme analysis. The findings indicate that religion acts as an institution that legitimizes the formation of entrepreneurial performance. The performance of Buddhist small business entrepreneurs is manifest in their management of economic or material achievements, and their religious observance in a broad socio-economic context in the relationship of three aspects of human life, namely the individual, social, and environmental, as a form of entrepreneurial practice based on Buddhist values. This research reveals the embodiment of social responsibility for small business Buddhist entrepreneurs which is reflected in entrepreneurial performance through the manifestation of religious values. The findings provide theoretical relevance in institutional theory.
How to Use Artificial Intelligence to Improve Entrepreneurial Attitude in Business Simulation Games: Implications From a Quasi-Experiment
Authors: Chen Jiachun , Chen Yuxuan , Ou Ruiqiu , Wang Jingan , Chen Quan
Published: April 2022

Business simulation games (BSGs) have been widely used in entrepreneurship education with positive effects. However, there are still some deficiencies in the BSGs, such as limited guidance, low uncertainty and limited simulation environment, which make it impossible to exert the maximum effect. Artificial intelligence (AI) can solve the above shortcomings. The combination of AI and BSGs is the possible development direction of BSGs. But how to effectively combine BSGs with AI is still an open question. Using a quasi-experimental design, this study uses fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to analyze how participants’ entrepreneurial attitude changes in BSGs. The results show that BSGs can effectively improve entrepreneurial attitude, and there are four types of promotion configurations. These four configurations consist of five antecedent conditions. According to the above conclusions, AI can improve entrepreneurial attitude in BSGs in various ways, such as simulating competitors, providing targeted feedback for failures, and improving game experience. The contribution of this paper is to highlight the possibility of combining AI with BSGs, and to provide suggestions on how AI can intervene in BSGs.
A Deep Learning-Based Sentiment Classification Model for Real Online Consumption
Authors: Su Yang , Shen Yan
Published: April 2022

Most e-commerce platforms allow consumers to post product reviews, causing more and more consumers to get into the habit of reading reviews before they buy. These online reviews serve as an emotional feedback of consumers’ product experience and contain a lot of important information, but inevitably there are malicious or irrelevant reviews. It is especially important to discover and identify the real sentiment tendency in online reviews in a timely manner. Therefore, a deep learning-based real online consumer sentiment classification model is proposed. First, the mapping relationship between online reviews of goods and sentiment features is established based on expert knowledge and using fuzzy mathematics, thus mapping the high-dimensional original text data into a continuous low-dimensional space. Secondly, after obtaining local contextual features using convolutional operations, the long-term dependencies between features are fully considered by a bidirectional long- and short-term memory network. Then, the degree of contribution of different words to the text is considered by introducing an attention mechanism, and a regular term constraint is introduced in the objective function. The experimental results show that the proposed convolutional attention–long and short-term memory network (CA–LSTM) model has a higher test accuracy of 83.3% compared with other models, indicating that the model has better classification performance.
Transdiagnostic Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Depression and Anxiety Disorders in Cardiovascular Disease Patients: Results From the CHAMPS Pilot-Feasibility Trial
Authors: Tully Phillip J. , Turnbull Deborah A. , Horowitz John D. , Beltrame John F. , Baune Bernhard T. , Sauer-Zavala Shannon , Baumeister Harald , Bean Christopher G. , Pinto Ronette B. , Cosh Suzie , Wittert Gary A.
Published: April 2022

Objective

The aim of the Cardiovascular Health in Anxiety and Mood Problems Study (CHAMPS) is to pilot the Unified Protocol (UP) for the transdiagnostic treatment of depression and anxiety disorders in patients recently hospitalized for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and evaluate the feasibility.

Methods

The present study is a controlled, block randomized pragmatic pilot-feasibility trial incorporating qualitative interview data, comparing UP (n = 9) with enhanced usual care (EUC, n = 10). Eligible trial participants had a recent CVD-cause admission and were above the severity threshold for depression or anxiety denoted by Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) total scores ≥10 and/or Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) total scores ≥7 respectively on two occasions, and met criteria for one or more depression or anxiety disorders determined by structured clinical interview. Study outcomes were analyzed as intention-to-treat using linear mixed models and qualitative interview data were analyzed with content analysis.

Results

Quantitative and qualitative measured indicated acceptability of the transdiagnostic CBT intervention for CVD patients with depression or anxiety disorders. Satisfaction with UP was comparable to antidepressant therapy and higher than general physician counseling. However, there were difficulties recruiting participants with current disorders and distress on two occasions. The UP was associated with a reduction in total number of disorders determined by blinded raters. Linear mixed models indicated that a significantly greater reduction in anxiety symptoms was evident in the UP group by comparison to the EUC group (GAD-7, p between groups = 0.011; Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale, p between groups = 0.013). Results favored the UP group by comparison to EUC for change over 6 months on measures of physical quality of life and harmful alcohol use. There was no difference between the two groups on changes in depression symptoms (PHQ-9), stress, metacognitive worry beliefs, physical activity, or adherence.

Discussion

In conclusion, this feasibility trial indicates acceptability of transdiagnostic CBT intervention for CVD patients with depression or anxiety disorders that is tempered by difficulties with recruitment. Larger trials are required to clarify the efficacy of transdiagnostic depression and anxiety disorder CBT in populations with CVDs and depressive or anxiety disorders.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://www.australianclinicaltrials.gov.au/anzctr/trial/ACTRN12615000555550, identifier: ACTRN12615000555550.
Co-occurrence of Adult ADHD Symptoms and Problematic Internet Use and Its Links With Impulsivity, Emotion Regulation, Anxiety, and Depression
Authors: El Archi Sarah , Barrault Servane , Brunault Paul , Ribadier Aurélien , Varescon Isabelle
Published: April 2022

The co-occurrence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and problematic Internet use (PIU) is associated with increased severity of PIU and poorer treatment outcomes. The main objective of this study was to examine the association between PIU and adult ADHD symptoms and determine whether adult ADHD symptoms were a predictor of PIU in the general adult population. We also examined the potential mediating role of the dimensional psychopathological factors, including anxiety, depression, impulsivity, and emotion regulation, in this relationship. To achieve these aims, we recruited 532 regular Internet users online from the general adult population. The participants completed an online questionnaire assessing PIU (Internet Addiction Test), anxiety and depression symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), adult ADHD symptoms (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale-V1.1), emotion regulation (Emotion Regulation Questionnaire), and impulsivity (UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale). We conducted a multiple regression analysis to determine the predictors of PIU and mediation analyses to identify the psychopathological mediators of the association between adult ADHD symptoms and PIU. PIU was observed in 17.9% of our sample. A significantly higher proportion of respondents with PIU screened positive for adult ADHD symptoms compared to respondents without PIU (50.5 vs. 21.7%; p < 0.001). Individuals with PIU reported significantly higher scores than those without PIU for anxiety and depressive symptoms, impulsivity, and the emotion regulation strategy of expressive suppression. Additionally, they had significantly lower scores than those without PIU on cognitive reappraisal than non-problematic Internet users. In addition to adult ADHD symptoms, the multiple regression analysis revealed that PIU was also positively predicted by depressive symptoms, positive urgency, lack of perseverance, and expressive suppression, and is negatively predicted by cognitive reappraisal and negative urgency. The mediation analysis showed that lack of perseverance, positive urgency, and depressive and anxiety symptoms were partial mediators of the relationship between adult ADHD symptoms and PIU. Our results highlight the significant co-occurrence of PIU and adult ADHD symptoms. This study also provides support for a theoretical model in which impulsivity dimensions, emotion regulation strategies, as well as the tendency to anxiety and depressive symptoms, may play a mediating role in this co-occurrence. In summary, the findings emphasize the need to assess these psychological characteristics in problematic Internet users, as they can be a factor of clinical complexity, as well as the importance of targeting them as part of integrated interventions for both adult ADHD symptoms and PIU.
Psychological Symptom Progression in School-Aged Children After COVID-19 Home Confinement: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Xie Xinyan , Liu Qi , Zhu Kaiheng , Jiang Qi , Feng Yanan , Xiao Pei , Wu Xiaoqian , Song Ranran
Published: April 2022

Background

The long-term mental health effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children are rarely reported. We aimed to investigate the progression of depressive and anxiety symptoms among a cohort of children in the initial epicenter of COVID-19 in China.

Methods

Two waves of surveys were conducted in the same two primary schools in Wuhan and Huangshi, Hubei province: Wave 1 from 28 February to 5 March, 2020 (children had been confined to home for 30–40 days) and Wave 2 from 27 November to 9 December, 2020 (schools had reopened for nearly 3 months). Depressive and anxiety symptoms were estimated using the Children's Depression Inventory – Short Form (CDI-S) and the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED), respectively. ΔCDI-S and ΔSCARED scores between Wave 2 and Wave 1 were calculated and further categorized into tertiles. Multivariable linear regression and multinomial logistic regression models were then applied.

Results

A total of 1,224 children completed both surveys. The prevalence of mental health outcomes at Wave 2 increased significantly compared to Wave 1, specifically depressive symptoms (age-standardized prevalence rates: 37.5 vs. 21.8%) and anxiety symptoms (age-standardized prevalence rates: 24.0 vs. 19.6%). Higher ΔSCARED scores were observed in females and children in Wuhan, and children with experience of neglect had higher ΔCDI-S (β = 1.12; 95% CI = 0.67–1.58) and ΔSCARED (β = 6.46; 95% CI = 4.73–8.19) scores compared with those without experience of neglect. When the Δ scores were further categorized into tertiles, similar results were found.

Conclusions

The prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms after schools resumed was increased compared with that during the home quarantine period, even though the COVID-19 pandemic was under control. Females and children in Wuhan, and also children with experience of neglect were at increased risk of mental health disorders.
Sleep Efficiency May Predict Depression in a Large Population-Based Study
Authors: Yan Bin , Zhao Binbin , Jin Xiaoying , Xi Wenyu , Yang Jian , Yang Lihong , Ma Xiancang
Published: April 2022

Objectives:

The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of objective sleep characteristics on the incidence of depression.

Methods

The participants of our study (1,595 men and 1,780 women with 63.1 ± 10.7 years) were selected from the Sleep Heart Health Study (SHHS) datasets. Depression was defined as the first occurrence between SHHS visit 1 and visit 2. Objective sleep characteristics, including sleep efficiency (SE), wake after sleep onset (WASO), sleep fragmentation index (SFI) and arousal index (ArI), were monitored by polysomnography. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between sleep characteristics and depression.

Results

A total of 248 patients with depression (7.3%) were observed between SHHS visits 1 and 2. After adjusting for covariates, SE (odds ratio [OR], 0.891; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.811–0.978; P = 0.016) and WASO (OR, 1.021; 95% CI 1.002–1.039; P = 0.026) were associated with the incidence of depression. Moreover, the relationship between SE and depression was more pronounced in men (OR, 0.820; 95% CI 0.711–0.946; P = 0.007) than in women (OR, 0.950; 95% CI 0.838–1.078; P = 0.429) in subgroup analysis (Pinteraction < 0.05).

Conclusions

SE and WASO may be markers for the incidence of depression. The association between SE and depression was intensified in men.
Development and Validation of a Nomogram Model Based on Hematological Indicators for Predicting the Prognosis of Diffused Gliomas
Authors: Han Song , Qu Fang-wen , Wang Peng-fei , Liu Ying-xin , Li Shou-wei , Yan Chang-xiang
Published: April 2022

Background

Diffused gliomas are aggressive malignant brain tumors. Various hematological factors have been proven to predict the prognosis of patients with gliomas. The aim of this study is to integrate these hematological markers and develop a comprehensive system for predicting the prognosis of patients with gliomas.

Method

This retrospective study included 723 patients pathologically diagnosed with diffused gliomas. Hematological indicators were collected preoperatively, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), albumin globulin ratio (AGR), platelet distribution width (PDW), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), fibrinogen (FIB), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI). Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox was applied to screen the hematological indicators for a better prediction of patients' prognosis and to build an inflammation-nutrition score. A nomogram model was developed to predict the overall survival (OS), which included age, tumor grade, IDH-1 mutations, and inflammation-nutrition score.

Result

Patients were randomly divided into a primary cohort (n = 509) and a validation cohort (n = 214). There was no difference in age and IDH-1 mutation frequency between the cohorts. In the primary cohort, NLR, LMR, AGR, FIB, and PNI were selected to build an inflammation nutrition score. Patients with a high-risk inflammation-nutrition score had a short median OS of 17.40 months compared with 27.43 months in the low-risk group [HR 2.54; 95% CI (1.91–3.37); p < 0.001]. Moreover, age, tumor grade, IDH-1 mutations, and inflammation-nutrition score were independent prognostic factors in the multivariate analysis and thus were included in the nomogram model. The nomogram model showed a high prediction value with a Harrell's concordance index (C-index) of 0.75 [95% CI (0.72–0.77)]. The validation cohort supported these results.

Conclusion

The prognostic nomogram model provided a high prognostic predictive power for patients with gliomas.
Do Hens Use Enrichments Provided in Free-Range Systems?
Authors: Sandilands Victoria , Baker Laurence , Donbavand Jo , Brocklehurst Sarah
Published: April 2022

Hens in free-range systems are given enrichments to increase foraging and limit injurious pecking, but the efficacy of enrichment types requires investigation. We studied hen behaviour and feather cover in eight commercial free-range flocks each given access to four enrichments within the shed. Sheds were split into quarters, in which two enrichments (jute ropes (R) + other) were installed. Other enrichments were: lucerne hay bales (B), pecking blocks (PB), pelleted feed (PF), or further R (control). Hens were observed at three ages, at three times per age (−1, 0, ≥1 h relative to PF application), in 1 m diameter circle locations around ropes (ControlR), Enrich (B, PB, PF, R), and Away from each enrichment. Feather scores were recorded at all ages/times, at the Away location only. Significantly more birds were in Enrich locations where PB, B, and PF were available, and least near R, ControlR, and Away locations (p < 0.001). Proportions of birds interacting with enrichments were significantly higher for PB, B, and PF than R (p < 0.001), but enrichments did not generally affect proportions of birds foraging in the litter, apart from a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in PF birds foraging in the Enrich location because they were directing behaviour at PF instead. Feather scores worsened with age (p < 0.001) but were not consistently affected by enrichment. Enrichment replacement rates varied between farms. Enrichments costs were highest for PB and cheapest for R. Enrichments except R were used by hens, but with no obvious effect on feather cover. A balance has to be struck between enrichment benefits to hens and economics, but evidence suggested that hens did not benefit from R.
Nutritional Modulation, Gut, and Omics Crosstalk in Ruminants
Authors: Abdelrahman Mohamed , Wang Wei , Shaukat Aftab , Kulyar Muhammad Fakhar-e-Alam , Lv Haimiao , Abulaiti Adili , Yao Zhiqiu , Ahmad Muhammad Jamil , Liang Aixin , Yang Liguo
Published: April 2022

Ruminant nutrition has significantly revolutionized a new and prodigious molecular approach in livestock sciences over the last decade. Wide-spectrum advances in DNA and RNA technologies and analysis have produced a wealth of data that have shifted the research threshold scheme to a more affluent level. Recently, the published literature has pointed out the nutrient roles in different cellular genomic alterations among different ruminant species, besides the interactions with other factors, such as age, type, and breed. Additionally, it has addressed rumen microbes within the gut health and productivity context, which has made interpreting homogenous evidence more complicated. As a more systematic approach, nutrigenomics can identify how genomics interacts with nutrition and other variables linked to animal performance. Such findings should contribute to crystallizing powerful interpretations correlating feeding management with ruminant production and health through genomics. This review will present a road-mapping discussion of promising trends in ruminant nutrigenomics as a reference for phenotype expression through multi-level omics changes.
Seroprevalence of Tick-Borne Infections in Horses from Northern Italy
Authors: Villa Luca , Gazzonis Alessia Libera , Allievi Carolina , De Maria Claudia , Persichetti Maria Flaminia , Caracappa Giulia , Zanzani Sergio Aurelio , Manfredi Maria Teresa
Published: April 2022

Tick-borne diseases in horses are considered an emergent problem worldwide; the geographical redistribution of ticks, due to climatic and ecological changes, and the movements of infected horses between different nations play important roles in the spread of tick-borne diseases affecting these hosts. In this study, a survey was planned to estimate the seroprevalence of the Gram-negative bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum and the piroplasmid protozoa Babesia caballi and Theileria equi in Italian horses, as well as to evaluate possible risk factors associated with seropositive cases. Serum samples from 261 horses reared in northern Italy were collected and analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test for the detection of A. phagocytophilum-, B. caballi- and T. equi-specific antibodies. The overall seroprevalence to at least one of the investigated pathogens was 51%; sixty-one horses were seropositive to A. phagocytophilum (23.4%), forty-nine to B. caballi and the same number to T. equi (18.8% each). Seropositivity for more than one of the investigated agents was detected in thirty-two horses and the most common co-infection was observed between B. caballi and T. equi (5.7%). A significant risk factor for all the three pathogens was the elevation above sea level; indeed, the risk of infection was higher with an increase and decrease in elevation for A. phagocytophilum and for B. caballi and T. equi, respectively. Tick control in horses is strongly recommended considering the high seroprevalence values of transmitted pathogens.
Antimicrobial Activity of the Green Tea Polyphenol (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) against Clinical Isolates of Multidrug-Resistant Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Siriphap Achiraya , Kiddee Anong , Duangjai Acharaporn , Yosboonruang Atchariya , Pook-In Grissana , Saokaew Surasak , Sutheinkul Orasa , Rawangkan Anchalee
Published: April 2022

The spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Vibrio cholerae necessitates the development of novel prevention and treatment strategies. This study aims to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of green tea polyphenol (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) against MDR V. cholerae. First, MIC and MBC values were evaluated by broth microdilution techniques against 45 V. cholerae strains. The checkerboard assay was then used to determine the synergistic effect of EGCG and tetracycline. The pharmaceutical mode of action of EGCG was clarified by time-killing kinetics and membrane disruption assay. Our results revealed that all of the 45 clinical isolates were susceptible to EGCG, with MIC and MBC values in the range of 62.5–250 µg/mL and 125–500 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the combination of EGCG and tetracycline was greater than either treatment alone, with a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of 0.009 and 0.018 in the O1 and O139 representative serotypes, respectively. Time-killing kinetics analysis suggested that EGCG had bactericidal activity for MDR V. cholerae after exposure to at least 62.5 µg/mL EGCG within 1 h. The mode of action of EGCG might be associated with membrane disrupting permeability, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. This is the first indication that EGCG is a viable anti-MDR V. cholerae treatment.
Effect of Exogenous Melatonin Application on the Grain Yield and Antioxidant Capacity in Aromatic Rice under Combined Lead–Cadmium Stress
Authors: Jiang Ye , Huang Suihua , Ma Lin , Kong Leilei , Pan Shenggang , Tang Xiangru , Tian Hua , Duan Meiyang , Mo Zhaowen
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to determine the mechanism of exogenous melatonin application in alleviating the combined Pb and Cd (Pb-Cd) toxicity on aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.). In this study, a pot experiment was conducted; two aromatic rice varieties, Yuxiangyouzhan and Xiangyaxiangzhan, were selected, and sprays using 50, 100, 200, and 400 μmol L−1 melatonin (denoted as S50, S100, S200, and S400) and irrigation using 100, 300, and 500 μmol L−1 melatonin (denoted as R100, R300, and R500) were also selected. The results showed that, under the S50, S100, and S200 treatments, the Pb content of aromatic rice grain decreased, and the grain yield increased significantly. Moreover, the application of exogenous melatonin significantly reduced the accumulation of H2O2 in rice leaves at maturity under Cd–Pb stress and reduced the MDA content in Xiangyaxiangzhan leaves. In addition, the microbial community structure changed significantly under S50 and R300 treatments. Some pathways, such as the synthesis of various amino acids and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, were regulated by S50 treatment. Overall, melatonin application improved aromatic rice grain yield while reducing heavy metal accumulation by regulating the antioxidant capacity and metabolites in aromatic rice plants and altering the physicochemical properties and microbial community structures of the soil.
Non-Invasive Physical Plasma Generated by a Medical Argon Plasma Device Induces the Expression of Regenerative Factors in Human Gingival Keratinocytes, Fibroblasts, and Tissue Biopsies
Authors: Eggers Benedikt , Stope Matthias Bernhard , Marciniak Jana , Götz Werner , Mustea Alexander , Deschner James , Nokhbehsaim Marjan , Kramer Franz-Josef
Published: April 2022

After oral surgery, intraoral wound healing and tissue regeneration is an important factor for the success of the entire therapy. In recent years, non-invasive medical plasma (NIPP) has been shown to accelerate wound healing, which would be particularly beneficial for patients with wound healing disorders. Since the application of NIPP in dentistry has not been sufficiently understood, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of a medical argon plasma device on gingival cells. Human gingival fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and tissue biopsies were treated with NIPP for different durations. Crucial markers associated with wound healing were examined at the mRNA and protein levels by real-time PCR, ELISA and immunohistochemistry. NIPP treatment led to an increase in Ki67 and MMP1 at mRNA and protein levels. NIPP application lasting longer than 60 s resulted in an increase in apoptotic genes at mRNA level and superficial damage to the epithelium in the tissue biopsies. Overall, our experimental setup demonstrated that NIPP application times of 30 s were most suitable for the treatment of gingival cells and tissue biopsies. Our study provides evidence for potential use of NIPP in dentistry, which would be a promising treatment option for oral surgery.
Microfluidic One-Pot Digital Droplet FISH Using LNA/DNA Molecular Beacons for Bacteria Detection and Absolute Quantification
Authors: Kao Yu-Ting , Calabrese Silvia , Borst Nadine , Lehnert Michael , Lai Yu-Kai , Schlenker Franziska , Juelg Peter , Zengerle Roland , Garstecki Piotr , von Stetten Felix
Published: April 2022

We demonstrate detection and quantification of bacterial load with a novel microfluidic one-pot wash-free fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay in droplets. The method offers minimal manual workload by only requiring mixing of the sample with reagents and loading it into a microfluidic cartridge. By centrifugal microfluidic step emulsification, our method partitioned the sample into 210 pL (73 µm in diameter) droplets for bacterial encapsulation followed by in situ permeabilization, hybridization, and signal detection. Employing locked nucleic acid (LNA)/DNA molecular beacons (LNA/DNA MBs) and NaCl-urea based hybridization buffer, the assay was characterized with Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Proteus mirabilis. The assay performed with single-cell sensitivity, a 4-log dynamic range from a lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) at ~3 × 103 bacteria/mL to an upper limit of quantification (ULOQ) at ~3 × 107 bacteria/mL, anda linearity R2 = 0.976. The total time-to-results for detection and quantification was around 1.5 hours.
Textile-Reinforced Concrete as a Structural Member: A Review
Authors: Venigalla Sanjay Gokul , Nabilah Abu Bakar , Mohd Nasir Noor Azline , Safiee Nor Azizi , Abd Aziz Farah Nora Aznieta
Published: April 2022

Textile-reinforced concrete (TRC) is a form of reinforced concrete, where conventional reinforcement is replaced with textiles or fibers. The high tenacity of the textile fibers results in flexible and durable concrete structures. The literature has been limited to TRC applications in retrofitting and nonstructural applications. Therefore, this article attempts to detangle the progressive research direction on the usage of TRC as a structural member. For this, (i) a bibliometric study using scientometrics analysis to visualize the keyword network, and (ii) qualitative discussions on identified research areas were performed. The literature was categorized into four main research areas, namely material properties of TRC, composite behavior of TRC, bond-slip relations, and TRC applications as structural elements. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages in the usage of TRC as a structural member are discussed in association with the identified research areas. Furthermore, the article proposes future directions to reinforce the research on the usage of TRC as a structural element.
Research on Factors Influencing Intelligent Construction Development: An Empirical Study in China
Authors: Li Tao , Yan Xiaoli , Guo Wenping , Zhu Feifei
Published: April 2022

Intelligent construction (IC) is an innovative development model of the construction industry in which construction is integrated with digital technologies against the backdrop of the new technological revolution. The development of IC involves many influencing factors which are actively promoting IC development. However, investigations focusing on identifying and examining the relationships among the factors necessary for IC development are limited. In contributing to bridging this gap, this paper investigated and analyzed influencing factors for IC development by developing structural equation modeling (SEM) based on 5 variables and 28 measures, including (1) identifying the factors and examining their influence on IC development in China and (2) clarifying the paths and key measures for successful IC development. The results showed that (1) the three variables of government, company, and technology had a direct and significant impact on the development of IC, (2) the three variables of industry, company, and technology actually formed a “closed-loop” within which they interact and promote each other, and (3) it was widely realized and accepted that IC development has bright prospects in China. Furthermore, four paths for IC development were obtained and the key measures of the five variables were further analyzed. This research contributes to the body of knowledge on IC by identifying the factors influencing IC development. The four paths and key measures were proposed to clarify the relationship between factors. Recommendations were put forward to promote IC development.
Noninvasive Physical Plasma as Innovative and Tissue-Preserving Therapy for Women Positive for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Authors: Marzi Julia , Stope Matthias B. , Henes Melanie , Koch André , Wenzel Thomas , Holl Myriam , Layland Shannon L. , Neis Felix , Bösmüller Hans , Ruoff Felix , Templin Markus , Krämer Bernhard , Staebler Annette , Barz Jakob , Carvajal Berrio Daniel A. , Enderle Markus , Loskill Peter M. , Brucker Sara Y. , Schenke-Layland Katja , Weiss Martin
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) of long-term persistence or associated with individual treatment indications often requires highly invasive treatments. These are associated with risks of bleeding, infertility, and pregnancy complications. For low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), standard treatment procedures are difficult to implement and manage. We characterized the application of the highly energized gas “noninvasive physical plasma” (NIPP) for tissue devitalization and the treatment of CIN. (2) Methods: We report the establishment of a promising tissue devitalization procedure by NIPP application. The procedure was characterized at the in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo levels. We performed the first prospective, single-armed phase-IIb trial in 20 CIN1/2 patients (NCT03218436). (3) Results: NIPP-treated cervical cancer cells used as dysplastic in vitro model exhibited significant cell growth retardation due to DNA damage, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Ex vivo and in vivo tissue assessments showed a highly noninvasive and tissue-preserving treatment procedure which induces transmucosal tissue devitalization. Twenty participants were treated with NIPP and attended a 24-week follow-up. Treatment success was achieved in 19 (95%) participants without postinterventional complications other than mild to moderate discomfort during application. (4) Conclusions: The results from this study preliminarily suggest that NIPP could be used for an effective and tissue-preserving treatment for CIN without the disadvantages of standard treatments. However, randomized controlled trials must confirm the efficacy and noninferiority of NIPP compared to standard treatments.
Application of mTORC1 Inhibitors for Tissue-Agnostic Management of Standard-Therapy-Refractory Solid Tumors
Authors: Taghizadeh Hossein , Maj-Hes Agnieszka , Prager Gerald W. , Müllauer Leonhard , Mader Robert M.
Published: April 2022

In this analysis, we examined the efficacy, feasibility, and limitations of the application of mTOR inhibitors based on the individual molecular profiles of pretreated cancer patients after the failure of all standard treatments in the palliative setting. In this single-center, real-world analysis of our platform for precision medicine, we analyzed the molecular characteristics of 71 cancer patients. The tumor samples of the patients were analyzed using next-generation sequencing panels of mutation hotspots, microsatellite stability testing, and immunohistochemistry. All profiles were reviewed by a multidisciplinary team to provide a targeted treatment recommendation after a consensus discussion. Seventy-one cancer patients with activation of the mTOR pathway were offered an mTORC1-inhibitor-based targeted therapy, and twenty-three (32.4%) of them eventually received the targeted therapy. Only three patients (4.2%) achieved stable disease, of whom one experienced progressive disease again after 9.1 months. The median time to treatment failure was 2.8 months. In total, 110 mutations were detected in 60 patients (84.5%). The three most frequent mutations were found in TP53, PTEN, and KRAS, which accounted for over 50% (56.4%) of all mutations. In sum, in selected patients with heavily pretreated solid tumors with activation of the mTOR pathway, the antitumoral activity of mTORC1 inhibition was weak.
Human Papillomavirus 16 E6 Suppresses Transporter Associated with Antigen-Processing Complex in Human Tongue Keratinocyte Cells by Activating Lymphotoxin Pathway
Authors: Burassakarn Ati , Phusingha Pensiri , Yugawa Takashi , Noguchi Kazuma , Ekalaksananan Tipaya , Vatanasapt Patravoot , Kiyono Tohru , Pientong Chamsai
Published: April 2022

Infection by high-risk human papillomaviruses (hrHPVs), including HPV type 16 (HPV16), is a major risk factor for oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs). However, the pathogenic mechanism by which hrHPVs promote oral carcinogenesis remains to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that the suppression of a transporter associated with the antigen-processing complex (TAPs; TAP1 and TAP2), which is a key molecule in the transportation of viral antigenic peptides into MHC class-I cells, is affected by the E6 protein of HPV16. Mechanistically, HPV-mediated immune evasion is principally mediated via the signal-transduction network of a lymphotoxin (LT) pathway, in particular LTα1β2 and LTβR. Our analysis of transcriptomic data from an HNSCC cohort from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) indicated that expression of TAP genes, particularly TAP2, was downregulated in HPV-infected cases. We further demonstrated that LTα1β2 and LTβR were upregulated, which was negatively correlated with TAP1 and TAP2 expression in HPV-positive clinical OSCC samples. Taken together, our findings imply that HPV16 E6 regulates the machinery of the antigenic peptide-loading system and helps to clarify the role of oncogenic viruses in the context of oral carcinoma.