bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Egg Quality of Italian Local Chicken Breeds: I. Yield Performance and Physical Characteristics
Authors: Rizzi Chiara , Cendron Filippo , Penasa Mauro , Cassandro Martino
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to compare yield performance (from 39 to 50 weeks of age) and egg physical characteristics (at 50 weeks of age) of eight autochthonous chicken breeds of the Veneto region (Italy). Four white eggshell breeds, namely Padovana Camosciata (PA-C, chamois plumage), Padovana Dorata (PA-G, golden plumage), Polverara Bianca (PO-W, white plumage), and Polverara Nera (PO-B, black plumage), and four tinted eggshell breeds, namely Pepoi (PP), Ermellinata di Rovigo (ER), Robusta Maculata (RM), and Robusta Lionata (RL) from a conservation centre were considered in the trial. Significant differences (p < 0.05) among breeds were observed for yield performance and egg quality. From 39 to 50 weeks of age, the hen-day egg production was higher in PA-C and RM than in RL, and PO-W and ER were intermediate; PA-G, PO-B, and PP were the lowest. The hen-day egg production changed according to the age of the hens. From 39 to 42 weeks of age, ER showed the highest hen-day egg production and PA-G the lowest; from 47 to 50 weeks, PA-C, PO-W, and RM were the highest and PP the lowest. The tinted eggshell breeds, with the exception of PP, had higher egg weights than white eggshell breeds. PP egg weight was similar to PO-B. As regards the tinted eggshell breeds, RM eggs had the highest eggshell a* and b*, and PP the lowest. PA-C had the most spherical eggs, and PO-B and ER had the most ovoid eggs. PO-W and RM had the highest eggshell thickness and ER had the lowest. The highest eggshell ratio was observed for PO-W and PO-B, and the lowest for ER. The yolk-to-albumen ratio was higher in the white eggshell breeds than in PP, ER, and RL. ER had the highest Haugh units and PA-G the lowest. PO-W, PO-B, PA-C, PA-G, and ER had the lowest egg inclusions, and RL and RM the highest. Tinted eggshell eggs differed from white eggshell eggs by having higher meat spots. Results indicated that the eggs produced by the eight local chicken breeds differed according to the laying rate and a wide range of physical external and internal characteristics which allow the consumer to distinguish them for their genetic origin by the eggshell shape and colour, and to use them for different purposes to valorise poultry biodiversity.
The Occurrence and Meta-Analysis of Investigations on Sarcocystis Infection among Ruminants (Ruminantia) in Mainland China
Authors: Zhu Zifu , Ying Zhu , Feng Zixuan , Liu Qun , Liu Jing
Published: January 2023

Sarcocystis is a zoonotic pathogen that threatens public health and the quality of food safety. To determine the Sarcocystis spp. prevalence in ruminants (Ruminantia) in China, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. Data were collected from English databases (PubMed and Web of Science) and Chinese databases (Chinese Web of knowledge (CNKI), Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals (VIP) and Wan Fang databases). A total of 20,301 ruminants from 54 publications were evaluated. The pooled prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. among ruminants in mainland China was 65% (95% CI: 57–72%). Our results indicate that sarcocystosis is prevalent in ruminants, which show significant geographical differences. Therefore, it there is a need for continuous monitoring of infections of Sarcocystis spp. in ruminants to reduce the threat to human health and economic losses to the animal industry.
Mitochondrial DNA and Distribution Modelling Evidenced the Lost Genetic Diversity and Wild-Residence of Star Tortoise, Geochelone elegans (Testudines: Testudinidae) in India
Authors: Kundu Shantanu , Mukherjee Tanoy , Kim Ah Ran , Lee Soo-Rin , Mukherjee Abhishek , Jung Won-Kyo , Kim Hyun-Woo
Published: January 2023

The Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is a massively traded animal in South Asia. To mitigate this risk, the conservation agencies recommended guidelines to safeguard this charismatic species in nature. We adopted mitochondrial DNA-based investigation and performed species distribution modeling of G. elegans throughout its distribution range in the Indian subcontinent. The genetic analyses revealed weak genetic landscape shape interpolations, low intraspecific distances (0% to 1.5%) with mixed haplotype diversity, and a single molecular operational taxonomic unit (MOTU) in the cytochrome b gene dataset. The star tortoise, G. elegans, and its sister species Geochelone platynota showed a monophyletic clustering in the Bayesian (BA) phylogeny. We also attempt to understand the habitat suitability and quality of G. elegans in its distribution range. Our results suggest that, out of the extant area, only 56,495 km2 (9.90%) is suitable for this species, with regions of highest suitability in Sri Lanka. Comparative habitat quality estimation suggests the patch shape complexity and habitat fragmentation are greater in the western and southern ranges of India, which have been greatly influenced by an increased level of urbanization and agriculture practices. We have also provided a retrospect on the potential threat to G. elegans related to the wildlife trade on the regional and international spectrum. Our results detected multiple trading hubs and junctions overlying within the suitable ranges which need special attention in the vicinity. The present study calls for a proper conservation strategy to combat the fragmented distribution and explicitly recommends intensive genetic screening of founder individuals or isolated adult colonies, implementing scientific breeding, and subsequent wild release to restore the lost genetic diversity of star tortoises.
Recognition of an Odour Pattern from Paenibacillus larvae Spore Samples by Trained Detection Dogs
Authors: Thomson Neroli , Taylor Michelle , Gifford Pete , Sainsbury James , Cross Sarah
Published: January 2023

Spores of the bacteria Paenibacillus larvae play a central role in the transmission of American Foulbrood (AFB), a major disease of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies. This study investigated whether trained detection dogs could recognise an odour pattern from P. larvae spore samples. Although dogs have previously been used to detect diseased larvae in colonies with AFB, this is the first time they have been investigated for detecting P. larvae spore samples. Given that spores are metabolically inactive, it was unknown whether the spore samples would produce enough volatile organic compounds to form an odour pattern that could be detected by dogs. Three dogs were trained to identify laboratory-produced P. larvae spore samples and were systematically desensitized to non-target odours with a series of control samples. Two of the dogs successfully completed training and were then tested by having each dog perform six searches in an odour-detection carousel with the trainer blinded to the location of the spore samples. In this high-stakes forced-choice test, each dog was asked to identify one new spore sample, containing approximately 93–265 million P. larvae spores, from seven control samples. Both dogs correctly identified the spore sample every time (100% success rate); the probability of this result occurring by chance was p = 0.0000038. Therefore, this study demonstrates that dogs can recognise an odour pattern from bacterial spore samples, in this case, P. larvae, and provides proof of concept for further investigation into the use of detection dogs to reduce the spread of AFB in beekeeping businesses.
Variability in Enteric Methane Emissions among Dairy Cows during Lactation
Authors: Hardan Ali , Garnsworthy Philip C. , Bell Matt J.
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate variability in enteric CH4 emission rate and emissions per unit of milk across lactations among dairy cows on commercial farms in the UK. A total of 105,701 CH4 spot measurements were obtained from 2206 mostly Holstein-Friesian cows on 18 dairy farms using robotic milking stations. Eleven farms fed a partial mixed ration (PMR) and 7 farms fed a PMR with grazing. Methane concentrations (ppm) were measured using an infrared CH4 analyser at 1s intervals in breath samples taken during milking. Signal processing was used to detect CH4 eructation peaks, with maximum peak amplitude being used to derive CH4 emission rate (g/min) during each milking. A multiple-experiment meta-analysis model was used to assess effects of farm, week of lactation, parity, diet, and dry matter intake (DMI) on average CH4 emissions (expressed in g/min and g/kg milk) per individual cow. Estimated mean enteric CH4 emissions across the 18 farms was 0.38 (s.e. 0.01) g/min, ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 g/min, and 25.6 (s.e. 0.5) g/kg milk, ranging from 15 to 42 g/kg milk. Estimated dry matter intake was positively correlated with emission rate, which was higher in grazing cows, and negatively correlated with emissions per kg milk and was most significant in PMR-fed cows. Mean CH4 emission rate increased over the first 9 weeks of lactation and then was steady until week 70. Older cows were associated with lower emissions per minute and per kg milk. Rank correlation for CH4 emissions among weeks of lactation was generally high. We conclude that CH4 emissions appear to change across and within lactations, but ranking of a herd remains consistent, which is useful for obtaining CH4 spot measurements.
Nipah Virus Disease: Epidemiological, Clinical, Diagnostic and Legislative Aspects of This Unpredictable Emerging Zoonosis
Authors: Bruno Luigi , Nappo Maria Anna , Ferrari Luca , Di Lecce Rosanna , Guarnieri Chiara , Cantoni Anna Maria , Corradi Attilio
Published: January 2023

Nipah virus (NiV) infection is a viral disease caused by a Henipavirus, belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family, responsible for a zoonosis. The course of the disease can be very serious and lead to death. NiV natural hosts are fruit bats (also known as megabats) belonging to the Pteropodidae family, especially those of the Pteropus genus. Natural infection in domestic animals has been described in farming pigs, horses, domestic and feral dogs and cats. Natural NiV transmission is possible intra-species (pig-to-pig, human-to-human) and inter-species (flying bat-to-human, pig-to-human, horse-to-human). The infection can be spread by humans or animals in different ways. It is peculiar how the viral transmission modes among different hosts also change depending on the geographical area for different reasons, including different breeding methods, eating habits and the recently identified genetic traits/molecular features of main virus proteins related to virulence. Outbreaks have been described in Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, India and the Philippines with, in some cases, severe respiratory and neurological disease and high mortality in both humans and pigs. Diagnosis can be made using different methods including serological, molecular, virological and immunohistochemical methods. The cornerstones for control of the disease are biosecurity (via the correct management of reservoir and intermediate/amplifying hosts) and potential vaccines which are still under development. However, the evaluation of the potential influence of climate and anthropogenic changes on the NiV reservoir bats and their habitat as well as on disease spread and inter-specific infections is of great importance. Bats, as natural reservoirs of the virus, are responsible for the viral spread and, therefore, for the outbreaks of the disease in humans and animals. Due to the worldwide distribution of bats, potential new reports and spillovers are not to be dismissed in the future.
Equine Stomach Development in the Foetal Period of Prenatal Life—An Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Poradowski Dominik , Chrószcz Aleksander
Published: January 2023

The study consisted of the immunohistochemical analysis of fundic and pyloric mucosa in the equine stomach between the 4th and 11th month of gestation. The accessible material was classified into three age groups using the CRL method. The adult reference group was used to define potential differences between foetal and adult populations of gastric APUD cells. The samples were preserved, prepared, and stained according to the standard protocols. The immunohistochemical reaction was assessed using the semi-quantitative IRS method. The results were documented and statistically analysed. The most significant increase was seen in gastrin (G) cell activity. The activity of other endocrine cells (cholecystokinin (I) cells, somatostatin (D) cells, and somatotropin receptor (SR) cells) was less dynamic. This study proved that the development of APUD cells within the stomach mucosa undergoes quantitative and qualitative changes during stomach development. Our results correspond with the findings described in the accessible literature and prove a strong correlation between morphological changes in the stomach wall and the organ development, growth, and maturation.
Dietary Supplementation with a Blend of Hydrolyzable and Condensed Tannins Ameliorates Diet-Induced Intestinal Inflammation in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Imperatore Roberta , Fronte Baldassare , Scicchitano Daniel , Orso Graziella , Marchese Maria , Mero Serena , Licitra Rosario , Coccia Elena , Candela Marco , Paolucci Marina
Published: January 2023

The current study evaluated the effects of hydrolyzable and condensed tannins from chestnut and quebracho wood, respectively (TSP, Silvafeed®), on zebrafish with intestinal inflammation induced by a plant-based diet (basal diet). Four experimental diets were prepared as follows: the basal diet + 0 TSP, the basal diet + TSP at 0.9 g/kg of feed, the basal diet + TSP at 1.7 g/kg of feed, and the basal diet + TSP at 3.4 g/kg of feed. Eighty-four zebrafish (Danio rerio) were fed for 12 days with the experimental diets. In zebrafish fed the basal diet, intestine integrity appeared to be altered, with damaged intestinal villi, high immunoexpression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), and high expression of the cox2, interleukin 1 (il-1b), interleukin 8 (cxcl8-l1), and tnfα genes. The tannin treatment partially restored intestinal morphology and downregulated the expression of cytokines. The best activity was detected with 1.7 and 3.4 g/kg of feed. In the guts of all groups, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes were the most represented phyla. The most represented genera were Plesiomonas and Sphingomonas, belonging to the Proteobacteria phylum; Cetobacterium, belonging to the Fusobacteria phylum; and Lactobacillus, belonging to the Firmicutes phylum. No significant differences were detected among groups, except for a slight decrease in the Fusobacteria phylum and slight increases in the Shewanella and Bacteroides genera with TSP. In conclusion, these results suggest that tannins can improve the zebrafish intestinal inflammation caused by a terrestrial-plant-based diet in a dose-dependent manner.
Spirulina-enriched Substrate to Rear Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Prepupae as Alternative Aquafeed Ingredient for Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Diets: Possible Effects on Zootechnical Performances, Gut and Liver Health Status, and Fillet Quality
Authors: Ratti Stefano , Zarantoniello Matteo , Chemello Giulia , Giammarino Miriam , Palermo Francesco Alessandro , Cocci Paolo , Mosconi Gilberto , Tignani Maria Vittoria , Pascon Giulia , Cardinaletti Gloriana , Pacetti Deborah , Nartea Ancuta , Parisi Giuliana , Riolo Paola , Belloni Alessia , Olivotto Ike
Published: January 2023

In the present study, an organic substrate (coffee silverskin) enriched with spirulina (Arthrospira platensis; 15% w/w), as a source of lipids and bioactive molecules, was used to rear the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) prepupae. Three grossly isonitrogenous, isoproteic, isolipidic and isoenergetic experimental diets for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) juveniles were then produced: a control diet (HM0) mostly including fish meal and fish oil, and two other test diets named HM3 and HM20, in which 3 or 20% of the marine ingredients were substituted with full fat black soldier fly prepupae meal (HM), respectively. Experimental diets were provided for 6 weeks, and at the end of the trial the physiological responses and marketable traits of the fish were investigated using a multidisciplinary approach. Generally, all test diets were well accepted, and fish growth, gut and liver health status, and marketable characteristics were not impaired by the experimental diets. However, an increased immuno-related gene expression along with a slight reduction of fillet redness and yellowness was evident in fish from the HM20 group.
Experimental Study on Destruction Mode and Influence Factors of the Gridded Hard Crust Using Transparent Soil
Authors: Guo Yanxiang , Chen Geng , Lin Minguo , Guo Qianqian
Published: January 2023

In this study, 12 groups of plane strain model tests of gridded hard crust with different cement contents and structures were conducted with a transparent soil experimental technique. The destruction mode and influence factors in the ultimate state were investigated by analyzing the law of soil displacement and ultimate load change around the structure. The test results revealed that the destruction mode of gridded hard crust under 8% cement content was mainly the destruction of the upper hard crust. Under the condition of small spacing, the grid structure was destructed when the thickness of the hard crust increased. The destruction mode of the gridded hard crust was majorly the destruction of the lower grid structure when the cement content was 15%, and the thinner hard crust was destroyed when the space between grid structures enlarged.
Western Message Petroglyphs: A Faux Indian Picture-Writing Project in the American West
Authors: Marymor Leigh
Published: January 2023

The term “Western Message Petroglyphs” (WMPs) refers to a number of petroglyph sites found scattered among eight western states that are recognized by their shared image content and layout. The imagery is drawn largely from a mash-up of late historic Native American sign-gesture language and picture-writing traditions inter-mixed with pan-cultural imagery from around the world. An increasing number of sites that fit this mold have been reported over the past 85 years or so, currently numbering 39 in all. There is no question that these sites date to post-European contact based on images in some panels that depict Euro-American cultural content (e.g., western-style house, rifle, whiskey keg, horse, etc.). The post-contact era is also apparent in the method used in rendering the engraved images evidenced by the smooth angular lines and chisel strikes produced by metal tools. This paper focuses on narrowing the time frame for these sites based on two additional streams of evidence. First, patterned associations with historic landscape settings tied to the era of western expansion bind the sites together into a coherent whole and set a floor for their oldest probable dates. An example of four sites located in Utah and Arizona illustrates their connection to the last quarter of the nineteenth century and the opening years of the twentieth. Secondly, a study of their imagery supports the proposed dates by revealing a “smoking gun” for the source of many of the individual icons. An example of the methodology used to translate a Western Message Petroglyph panel is described, and a profile of the central author who appears to have acted with a small group of others is suggested in order to aid in the search for this person(s) in the historic record of the American West.
An Introduction to Relativistic Theory as Implemented in GRASP
Authors: Jönsson Per , Godefroid Michel , Gaigalas Gediminas , Ekman Jörgen , Grumer Jon , Li Wenxian , Li  Jiguang , Brage Tomas , Grant Ian P. , Bieroń Jacek , Fischer Charlotte Froese
Published: January 2023

Computational atomic physics continues to play a crucial role in both increasing the understanding of fundamental physics (e.g., quantum electrodynamics and correlation) and producing atomic data for interpreting observations from large-scale research facilities ranging from fusion reactors to high-power laser systems, space-based telescopes and isotope separators. A number of different computational methods, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, is available to meet these tasks. Here, we review the relativistic multiconfiguration method as it applies to the General Relativistic Atomic Structure Package [grasp2018, C. Froese Fischer, G. Gaigalas, P. Jönsson, J. Bieroń, Comput. Phys. Commun. (2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.cpc.2018.10.032]. To illustrate the capacity of the package, examples of calculations of relevance for nuclear physics and astrophysics are presented.
Highly Stable Lithium Metal Anode Constructed by Three-Dimensional Lithiophilic Materials
Authors: Yang Zhehan , Ruan Qingling , Xiong Yi , Gu Xingxing
Published: January 2023

Although lithium metal anode has irreplaceable advantages, such as ultra-high specific energy density and ultra-low redox potential, a variety of issues, i.e., short cycle life, low Coulomb efficiency, and tendency to cause fire explosions caused by lithium dendrite growth and high reactivity to the electrolyte, seriously hinder the practical progress of lithium metal anode. This perspective summarizes how 3D lithiophilic materials have stabilized lithium metal anodes in recent years by improving the uneven deposition of lithium metal, alleviating the volume expansion of lithium metal anodes, and limiting dendrite growth. Simultaneously, the issues of the 3D composite lithium anodes in practical application are concluded and the research direction of 3D composite lithium anode is prospected.
Molybdenum Nitride and Oxide Quantum Dot @ Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Nanocomposite Material for Rechargeable Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Lixia , Zhao Taibao , Chen Ruiping , Fang Hua , Yang Yihao , Cao Yang , Zhang Linsen
Published: January 2023

A multistage architecture with molybdenum nitride and oxide quantum dots (MON-QDs) uniformly grown on nitrogen-doped graphene (MON-QD/NG) is prepared by a facile and green hydrothermal route followed by a one-step calcination process for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Characterization tests show that the MON-QDs with diameters of 1–3 nm are homogeneously anchored on or intercalated between graphene sheets. The molybdenum nitride exists in the form of crystalline Mo2N (face-centered cubic), while molybdenum oxide exists in the form of amorphous MoO2 in the obtained composite. Electrochemical tests show that the MON-QD/NG calcinated at 600 °C has an excellent lithium storage performance with an initial discharge capacity of about 1753.3 mAh g−1 and a stable reversible capacity of 958.9 mAh g−1 at current density of 0.1 A g−1 as well as long-term cycling stability at high current density of 5 A g−1. This is due to the multistage architecture, which can provide plenty of active sites, buffer volume changes of electrode and enhance electrical conductivity as well as the synergistic effect between Mo2N and MoO2.
Engineering Advanced Drug Delivery Systems for Dry Eye: A Review
Authors: Wang Tian-Zuo , Liu Xin-Xin , Wang Si-Yu , Liu Yan , Pan Xin-Yang , Wang Jing-Jie , Nan Kai-Hui
Published: January 2023

Dry eye disease (DED) is a widespread and frequently reported multifactorial ocular disease that not only causes ocular discomfort but also damages the cornea and conjunctiva. At present, topical administration is the most common treatment modality for DED. Due to the existence of multiple biological barriers, instilled drugs generally exhibit short action times and poor penetration on the ocular surface. To resolve these issues, several advanced drug delivery systems have been proposed. This review discusses new dosage forms of drugs for the treatment of DED in terms of their characteristics and advantages. Innovative formulations that are currently available in the market and under clinical investigation are elaborated. Meanwhile, their deficiencies are discussed. It is envisioned that the flourishing of advanced drug delivery systems will lead to improved management of DED in the near future.
Genetic Polymorphisms and Diversity in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Mini Review
Authors: Sulaiman Siti Aishah , Dorairaj Vicneswarry , Adrus Muhammad Nafiz Haidi
Published: January 2023

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease with a wide spectrum of liver conditions ranging from hepatic steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The prevalence of NAFLD varies across populations, and different ethnicities have specific risks for the disease. NAFLD is a multi-factorial disease where the genetics, metabolic, and environmental factors interplay and modulate the disease’s development and progression. Several genetic polymorphisms have been identified and are associated with the disease risk. This mini-review discussed the NAFLD’s genetic polymorphisms and focusing on the differences in the findings between the populations (diversity), including of those reports that did not show any significant association. The challenges of genetic diversity are also summarized. Understanding the genetic contribution of NAFLD will allow for better diagnosis and management explicitly tailored for the various populations.
Targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway in Breast Cancer: From Biology to Clinical Challenges
Authors: Cerma Krisida , Piacentini Federico , Moscetti Luca , Barbolini Monica , Canino Fabio , Tornincasa Antonio , Caggia Federica , Cerri Sara , Molinaro Alessia , Dominici Massimo , Omarini Claudia
Published: January 2023

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common women cancer and cause of cancer death. Despite decades of scientific progress in BC treatments, the clinical benefit of new drugs is modest in several cases. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway mutations are frequent in BC (20–40%) and are significant causes of aggressive tumor behavior, as well as treatment resistance. Improving knowledge of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is an urgent need. This review aims to highlight the central role of PI3K-mTORC1/C2 mutations in the different BC subtypes, in terms of clinical outcomes and treatment efficacy. The broad base of knowledge in tumor biology is a key point for personalized BC therapy in the precision medicine era.
Recent Development of Neural Microelectrodes with Dual-Mode Detection
Authors: Xu Meng , Zhao Yuewu , Xu Guanghui , Zhang Yuehu , Sun Shengkai , Sun Yan , Wang Jine , Pei Renjun
Published: January 2023

Neurons communicate through complex chemical and electrophysiological signal patterns to develop a tight information network. A physiological or pathological event cannot be explained by signal communication mode. Therefore, dual-mode electrodes can simultaneously monitor the chemical and electrophysiological signals in the brain. They have been invented as an essential tool for brain science research and brain-computer interface (BCI) to obtain more important information and capture the characteristics of the neural network. Electrochemical sensors are the most popular methods for monitoring neurochemical levels in vivo. They are combined with neural microelectrodes to record neural electrical activity. They simultaneously detect the neurochemical and electrical activity of neurons in vivo using high spatial and temporal resolutions. This paper systematically reviews the latest development of neural microelectrodes depending on electrode materials for simultaneous in vivo electrochemical sensing and electrophysiological signal recording. This includes carbon-based microelectrodes, silicon-based microelectrode arrays (MEAs), and ceramic-based MEAs, focusing on the latest progress since 2018. In addition, the structure and interface design of various types of neural microelectrodes have been comprehensively described and compared. This could be the key to simultaneously detecting electrochemical and electrophysiological signals.
Development and Validation of the Teacher Career-Related Support Self-Efficacy (TCSSE) Questionnaire
Authors: Parola Anna , Pettignano Marina , Marcionetti Jenny
Published: January 2023

Background: Career-related teacher support self-efficacy refers to the teacher’s confidence in his/her own ability to support students’ career choices. To our knowledge, there are neither studies that focus on this topic nor instruments to measure it. Therefore, the current study aimed at developing and validating an instrument to assess teacher career-related support self-efficacy (TCSSE). Methods: In a multi-step process, items were developed and three studies that involved Italian in-service teachers were conducted. In Study 1 (n = 232), the TCSSE was developed and exploratory factor analysis on the 51 initial items was performed. In Study 2 (n = 294), six factors—Get Ready, Empower Self, Get Curious, Empower Skills, Emotional Support and Instrumental Support (α = 0.885)—across 36 items were tested through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). In Study 3 (n = 100), the reliability of TCSSE was tested. Results: The EFA performed in Study 1 suggested a six-factor solution with 36 items. The results of Study 2 confirmed the six-factor structure (χ2 (579) = 1387.965, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.964, TLI = 0.961, RMSEA = 0.069), the internal consistency (α = 0.863 for Get Ready, α = 0.857 for Empower Self; α = 0.864 for Get Curious; α = 0.909 for Empower Skills; α = 0.881 for Emotional Support; α = 0.885 for Instrumental Support) and validity of the TCSSE. Finally, in Study 3, the reliability of TCSSE was also confirmed. Conclusion: The TCSSE questionnaire can provide researchers and practitioners with a new and reliable measure to assess teacher career-related support self-efficacy. Suggestions for future studies and practice are also provided.
The Interplay between Chronotype and Emotion Regulation in the Recognition of Facial Expressions of Emotion
Authors: Santos Isabel M. , Bem-Haja Pedro , Silva André , Rosa Catarina , Queiroz Diâner F. , Alves Miguel F. , Barroso Talles , Cerri Luíza , Silva Carlos F.
Published: January 2023

Emotion regulation strategies affect the experience and processing of emotions and emotional stimuli. Chronotype has also been shown to influence the processing of emotional stimuli, with late chronotypes showing a bias towards better processing of negative stimuli. Additionally, greater eveningness has been associated with increased difficulties in emotion regulation and preferential use of expressive suppression strategies. Therefore, the present study aimed to understand the interplay between chronotype and emotion regulation on the recognition of dynamic facial expressions of emotion. To that end, 287 participants answered self-report measures and performed an online facial emotion recognition task from short video clips where a neutral face gradually morphed into a full-emotion expression (one of the six basic emotions). Participants should press the spacebar to stop each video as soon as they could recognize the emotional expression, and then identify it from six provided labels/emotions. Greater eveningness was associated with shorter response times (RT) in the identification of sadness, disgust and happiness. Higher scores of expressive suppression were associated with longer RT in identifying sadness, disgust, anger and surprise. Expressive suppression significantly moderated the relationship between chronotype and the recognition of sadness and anger, with chronotype being a significant predictor of emotion recognition times only at higher levels of expressive suppression. No significant effects were observed for cognitive reappraisal. These results are consistent with a negative bias in emotion processing in late chronotypes and increased difficulty in anger and sadness recognition for expressive suppressor morning-types.
The Effects of Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) on the Residual Mechanical Properties of Concrete after Exposure to High Temperatures—Review
Authors: Ramzi Sanaz , Hajiloo Hamzeh
Published: January 2023

Fire events remain a severe hazard despite significant progress in the construction industry. The high-temperature resistance of concrete structures highly depends on the properties of their ingredients. The present study provides an analytical review of the available experimental studies investigating the influence of high temperatures on the residual mechanical characteristics of concrete, namely compressive and tensile strength, as well as the modulus of elasticity. This paper primarily focuses on the influences of supplementary cementing materials, including silica fume (SF), fly ash (FA), and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), as well as different aggregate types. The literature findings show that the mechanical characteristics of concrete are degraded dramatically due to heat-caused changes in concrete. In addition, the mechanical properties of concrete are highly influenced by the types of aggregate and the amount of supplementary cementing materials at both high temperatures and room temperature. The inclusion of FA and GGBFS improves the high-temperature resistance of concrete. However, high contents of FA and GGBFS result in adverse effects on the properties of concrete. This review will provide a basis for future studies and enhance the knowledge of the behaviour of reinforced concrete structures subjected to high temperatures.
Road-Related Information Mining from Social Media Data: A Joint Relation Extraction and Entity Recognition Approach
Authors: Yu Lei , Li Dezhi
Published: January 2023

Social media data have been gradually regarded as a prospective social sensor in the transportation domain for capturing road conditions. Most existing social media data-based sensors (SMDbSs) of road conditions, however, rely heavily on lexicon-based methods for information extraction and provide coarse-grained location information. Hence, this work newly devises an SMDbS based on joint relation extraction and entity recognition for sensing road conditions from social media data, which eliminates the reliance on lexicon-based methods and offers finer-grained location information in comparison with existing SMDbSs. This SMDbS development consists of four major steps, including data collection and annotation, data cleansing, two-stage information extraction, and model verification. A tweet dataset in Lexington city is exploited to demonstrate this SMDbS, which shows satisfactory information extraction performance. This study would help facilitate social media data to be an extra information source in the transportation domain.
Comparative Review of the Technology and Case Studies of 3D Concrete Printing of Buildings by Several Companies
Authors: Bello Nicholas D. , Memari Ali M.
Published: January 2023

This paper dives into the current state of 3D printing in the concrete industry. Currently, there are a number of companies that specialize in the construction of buildings using 3D-printed concrete. This paper looks at each of these companies and the processes they use to accomplish the creation of their concrete walls using 3D-printing technology. The literature review portion of the paper looks at several companies currently in the field and describes their methods based on several distinguishing factors such as printer type, print speed, wall design, reinforcement used, insulation used, wall dimensions, nozzle shape, and several other distinguishing factors. These factors allow for similarities and differences to be drawn between companies. The reader is able to see each company’s approach to the printing of walls. Additionally, this paper estimates and analyzes the structural and thermal performance of drawings mimicking each company’s wall design based on section configuration. This estimation allows the reader to see which wall design they can expect to perform the best in terms of stress generation and thermal bridging.
Nonlinear Regression Prediction of Mechanical Properties for SMA-Confined Concrete Cylindrical Specimens
Authors: Eilbeigi Saeed , Tavakkolizadeh Mohammadreza , Masoodi Amir R.
Published: January 2023

In order to achieve active confinement in concrete elements, researchers have recently employed smart materials called shape memory alloys (SMA). Several empirical relationships have been widely used to predict the behavior of confined concrete. To develop more accurate relations for predicting the behavior of concrete actively confined with SMA spirals, it is necessary to obtain new relations for determining the peak compressive stress and the corresponding strain in addition to the ultimate stress and strain. For this purpose, existing data from 42 specimens of plain concrete cylindrical specimens confined with SMA spirals and subjected to uniaxial compression were collected. Then, by using MATLAB and SigmaPlot software, nonlinear regression analyses were conducted to obtain the optimum relations. The best equations were selected using multiple error criteria of root mean square error (RMSE) and R-squared (R2). Finally, the accuracy of the proposed relations was compared to the existing relations for active concrete confinement which showed better accuracy.
Predictions and Evolution Characteristics of Failure Modes of Degenerate RC Piers
Authors: Hu Sicong , Shao Kaiwen , Liu Xiang , Ma Ziqiang , Chen Baokui
Published: January 2023

During the service process, piers are often in harsh chloride ion erosion environments. The failure mode evolution of reinforced concrete (RC) piers may occur under the action of continuous corrosion. Accurately identifying the failure mode types and evolution characteristics of corroded RC bridge piers is a prerequisite for the lifetime seismic performance evaluations of bridges. First, based on Fisher’s theory and 174 RC pier columns as the analysis samples, a two-stage discrimination formula for the pier failure modes was established and compared with the existing theoretical discrimination methods. Then, based on Fisher’s discriminant grouping, and combined with Bayes’ formula and chloride erosion theory, a failure mode discrimination method for corrosion-damaged bridge piers that considers probability was developed. Finally, taking a medium-span concrete bridge as an example, the failure modes of the corroded pier in different service periods were predicted, and the influences of the various parameters on the failure mode evolution process of the corroded pier were studied. The results show that the accuracy of the proposed discriminant model was significantly improved compared with those of previous theoretical studies. The development of the failure mode features depends on how the distinct RC pier material qualities degrade under the influence of chloride ions. The degradation of the stirrups and concrete accelerates the nonductile failure of RC bridge piers, while the degradation of the longitudinal reinforcements delays it.
Quantitative Spatial Characterization of Lymph Node Tumor for N Stage Improvement of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Zhang Jiang , Teng Xinzhi , Lam Saikit , Sun Jiachen , Cheung Andy Lai-Yin , Ng Sherry Chor-Yi , Lee Francis Kar-Ho , Au Kwok-Hung , Yip Celia Wai-Yi , Lee Victor Ho-Fun , Lin Zhongshi , Liang Yongyi , Yang Ruijie , Han Ying , Zhang Yuanpeng , Kong Feng-Ming (Spring) , Cai Jing
Published: January 2023

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of improving the prognosis stratification of the N staging system of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) from quantitative spatial characterizations of metastatic lymph node (LN) for NPC in a multi-institutional setting. A total of 194 and 284 NPC patients were included from two local hospitals as the discovery and validation cohort. Spatial relationships between LN and the surrounding organs were quantified by both distance and angle histograms, followed by principal component analysis. Independent prognostic factors were identified and combined with the N stage into a new prognostic index by univariate and multivariate Cox regressions on disease-free survival (DFS). The new three-class risk stratification based on the constructed prognostic index demonstrated superior cross-institutional performance in DFS. The hazard ratios of the high-risk to low-risk group were 9.07 (p < 0.001) and 4.02 (p < 0.001) on training and validation, respectively, compared with 5.19 (p < 0.001) and 1.82 (p = 0.171) of N3 to N1. Our spatial characterizations of lymph node tumor anatomy improved the existing N-stage in NPC prognosis. Our quantitative approach may facilitate the discovery of new anatomical characteristics to improve patient staging in other diseases.
Association of Pulmonary Sepsis and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Pharmacovigilance Study
Authors: Xia Shuang , Gong Hui , Zhao Yichang , Guo Lin , Wang Yikun , Zhang Bikui , Sarangdhar Mayur , Noguchi Yoshihiro , Yan Miao
Published: January 2023

Background: Although some sepsis cases were reported with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in clinical trials, the link between pulmonary sepsis and ICIs remains mostly unknown. We aim to investigate the association between pulmonary sepsis and ICIs, and to describe the clinical features. Methods: A disproportionality analysis was performed using FAERS data and compared rates of pulmonary sepsis in cancer patients receiving ICIs vs. other drug regimens (such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy). Associations between ICIs and sepsis were assessed using reporting odds ratios (ROR) and information component (IC). We also detected drug interaction signals based on the Ω shrinkage measure. Age and gender distribution were compared between pulmonary sepsis and all adverse events associated with ICIs. Results: We identified 120 reports of pulmonary sepsis associated with ICIs between Q1, 2011 to Q3, 2021. A total of 82 of 120 (68.3%) patients on ICIs suffered from pulmonary sepsis and progressed to death. In addition, there is no significant difference in age and gender in the occurrence of pulmonary sepsis in cancer patients on ICIs. Overall ICIs, nivolumab, and atezolizumab still have a significant signal of pulmonary sepsis (ROR025 > 1, IC025 > 0, p < 0.001) compared with targeted therapy (such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors) or chemotherapy. Co-administration of ICIs and glucocorticoids or proton pump inhibitors synergistically increased the risk of pulmonary sepsis (Ω025 > 0). Conclusions: Our study suggested ICIs, especially nivolumab and atezolizumab, tended to increase the risk of pulmonary sepsis more than other anticancer regimens. Clinicians should be vigilant in the prevention and management of pulmonary sepsis during ICIs therapy.
Identification of Genes Associated with Liver Metastasis in Pancreatic Cancer Reveals PCSK6 as a Crucial Mediator
Authors: He Hang , Zhang Shuman , Yang Hai , Xu Pengyan , Kutschick Isabella , Pfeffer Susanne , Britzen-Laurent Nathalie , Grützmann Robert , Fu Deliang , Pilarsky Christian
Published: January 2023

Liver metastasis occurs frequently in patients with pancreatic cancer. We analyzed the molecular profiling in liver metastatic lesions aiming to uncover novel genes responsible for tumor progression. Bioinformatics analysis was applied to identify genes directing liver metastasis. CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to knock out the candidate gene. Proliferation assays, colony formation assays, cell cycle analysis, migration assays, wound healing assays, Immunofluorescence analysis, and the tumor xenograft model of intrasplenic injection were adopted to evaluate the effects of PCSK6 inactivation on cell growth, migration and liver metastasis. GSEA and Western blot were used to investigate the corresponding signaling pathway. PCSK6 was one of the obtained liver-metastasis-related genes in pancreatic cancer. PCSK6 inactivation inhibited cell growth and cell migration, due to G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and the remodeling of cell–cell junctions or the cell skeleton, respectively. PCSK6 inactivation led to fewer counts and lower outgrowth rates of liver metastatic niches in vivo. The Raf-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 axis was repressed by PCSK6 inactivation. Accordingly, we found PCSK6 inactivation could inhibit cell growth, cell migration, and liver metastasis, and explored the role of the Raf-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 axis in PCSK6 inactivation. PCSK6-targeted therapy might represent a novel approach for combatting liver metastasis in pancreatic cancer.
Management of Endocrine and Metabolic Toxicities of Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitors: From Clinical Studies to a Real-Life Scenario
Authors: Spagnolo Calogera Claudia , Giuffrida Giuseppe , Cannavò Salvatore , Franchina Tindara , Silvestris Nicola , Ruggeri Rosaria Maddalena , Santarpia Mariacarmela
Published: January 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the therapeutic landscape of solid tumors. However, although ICIs are better tolerated than conventional chemotherapy, their use is associated with a peculiar toxicity profile, related to the enhancement of the immune response, affecting several organs. Among immune-related adverse events (irAEs), up to 10% involve the endocrine system. Most of them are represented by thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism), mainly correlated to the use of anti-PD-1 and/or anti-PD-L1 agents. Less common endocrine irAEs include hypophysitis, adrenalitis, and metabolic irAEs. A deeper understanding of endocrine toxicities is a critical goal for both oncologists and endocrinologists. A strict collaboration between these specialists is mandatory for early recognition and proper treatment of these patients. In this review we will provide a comprehensive overview of endocrine and metabolic adverse events of ICIs, with particular interest in the pathogenesis, predisposing factors and clinical presentation of these irAEs, and their impact on clinical outcomes of patients. Furthermore, we will summarize the most recent studies and recommendations on the clinical approach to immune-related endocrinopathies with the purpose to optimize the diagnostic algorithm, and to help both oncologists and endocrinologists to improve the therapeutic management of these unique types of irAEs, in a real-life scenario.
Novel Specific Pyruvate Kinase M2 Inhibitor, Compound 3h, Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy through Suppressing Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway in LNCaP Cells
Authors: Jiang Chunxue , Zhao Xiaodi , Jeong Taejoo , Kang Ju Young , Park Jae Hyeon , Kim In Su , Kim Hyung Sik
Published: January 2023

Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) is a key enzyme involved in the regulation of glycolysis. Although PKM2 is overexpressed in various tumor tissues, its functional role in cancer chemotherapy remains unexplored. In this study, we investigated the anticancer activity of a new PKM2 inhibitor, compound 3h, through the cell metabolism and associated signaling pathways in prostate cancer cells. To evaluate the molecular basis of specific PKM2 inhibitors, the interactions of compounds 3h and 3K with the PKM2 protein were assessed via molecular docking. We found that, compared to compound 3K, compound 3h exhibited a higher binding affinity for PKM2. Moreover, compound 3h significantly inhibited the pyruvate kinase activity and PKM2 expression. Cytotoxicity and colony formation assays revealed the potent anticancer activity of compound 3h against LNCaP cells. Compound 3h significantly increased the apoptotic and autophagic cell death in LNCaP cells. In addition, compound 3h induced AMPK activation along with the inhibition of the mTOR/p70S6K pathway. Furthermore, compound 3h significantly inhibited glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration, as determined by analyzing the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) production. Our results revealed that compound 3h caused apoptotic and autophagic cell death in LNCaP cells by inhibiting cancer cell metabolism. Therefore, blocking glycolytic pathways using specific PKM2 inhibitors can target cancer cell metabolism in PKM2-overexpressed prostate cancer cells.