bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of Soil Water and Heat Flow under Plastic Mulching and Different Ridge Patterns
Authors: Li Ruofan , Ma Juanjuan , Sun Xihuan , Guo Xianghong , Zheng Lijian
Published: November 2021

The ridge–furrow mulching system with plastic film (RFMS) has been widely used in semi-arid areas in order to improve soil water and heat conditions, crop yields and water use efficiency. It is of practical significance to study the effect of mulching and ridge types on soil water and heat in order to optimize mulching measures and improve the effectiveness of the ridge and furrow system. To clarify the combined effect of soil water and heat beneath the system and the influence of ridge morphology on it, field experiments were conducted with three treatments, including conventional planting in bare land (CK), a ridge–furrow (wide ridge with 70 cm width and 10 cm height, narrow ridge with 40 cm width and 15 cm height) mulching system with complete plastic film (RFWN) and a ridge–furrow (equal ridge with 55 cm width and 15 cm height) mulching system with complete plastic film (RFE). An insufficient irrigation system was adopted and the two-dimensional numerical software HYDRUS-2D was used to simulate the soil water and heat flow under the experimental conditions. The model was calibrated and verified according to test data for the period of 2018 to 2019, which showed good agreement between the simulated and measured values. The simulation results revealed that the ground temperatures of RFWN and RFE were much higher than that of CK, and the average value of 0–25 cm during the growth period could increase by 2.29–4.61%. Compared with CK, RFWN and RFE reduced soil evaporation (84.71–93.73%) and field evapotranspiration (12.02–21.75%), while they increased root water uptake (25.87–40.98%) and T/ET (48.85–80.15%). Plastic film mulching and ridge morphologies affected the infiltration range and the direction of soil water movement, increased soil moisture when there was no rainfall or irrigation and reduced soil water and heat fluctuations, which was more conducive to crop growth, especially under the RFWN system. The simulation method proposed in this paper is an effective technique for calculating the soil water and heat dynamics under different ridge and furrow sections under the condition of film mulching, and it can be used for the optimal management of soil water and heat in this area.
The Joint Action of Some Broadleaf Herbicides on Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Weeds and Photosynthetic Performance of Potato
Authors: Kalkhoran Elham Samadi , Alebrahim Mohammad Taghi , Abad Hamid Reza Mohammaddust Chamn , Streibig Jens Carl , Ghavidel Akbar , Tseng Te-Ming Paul
Published: November 2021

Herbicide mixtures are a modern weed management practice as they reduce herbicide application. This study aimes to evaluate the effect of metribuzin, halosulfuron and flumioxazin applied individually and as mixtures (metribuzin:halosulfuron and metribuzin:flumioxazin) on Chenopodium album, Amaranthus retroflexus, and potatoes on biomass and chlorophyll-a fluorescence in 21 experiments. The individual herbicide experimental design was a randomized completely block design with seven doses and three replications. The factorial experiments were performed on the basis of randomized completely block design in three replications for binary mixture experiments. Flumioxazin was very potent in controlling C. album, A. retroflexus, and injured potatoes with a 50% effective dose (ED50) of 1.21, 0.54, and 12.23 g ai·ha−1, respectively. Both mixtures of metribuzin:halosulfuron and metribuzin:flumioxazin generally showed an antagonistic effect on both weeds and potato in 12 independent experiments. Metribuzin, halosulfuron, and flumioxazin significantly decreased photosystem II activity by decreasing the maximum quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm). The metribuzin:halosulfuron mixtures almost followed the Additive Dose Model for Fv/Fm, whilst there was an antagonistic effect for the metribuzin:flumioxazin that was closely related to biomass. The results indicated that mixtures were generally antagonistic, and the endpoint choice is pivotal when assessing the joint action of mixtures.
Detoxification, Hydrogen Sulphide Metabolism and Wound Healing Are the Main Functions That Differentiate Caecum Protein Expression from Ileum of Week-Old Chicken
Authors: Volf Jiri , Rajova Jana , Babak Vladimir , Seidlerova Zuzana , Rychlik Ivan
Published: November 2021

Sections of chicken gut differ in many aspects, e.g., the passage of digesta (continuous vs. discontinuous), the concentration of oxygen, and the density of colonising microbiota. Using an unbiased LC-MS/MS protocol, we compared protein expression in 18 ileal and 57 caecal tissue samples that originated from 7-day old ISA brown chickens. We found that proteins specific to the ileum were either structural (e.g., 3 actin isoforms, villin, or myosin 1A), or those required for nutrient digestion (e.g., sucrose isomaltase, maltase–glucoamylase, peptidase D) and absorption (e.g., fatty acid-binding protein 2 and 6 or bile acid–CoA:amino acid N-acyltransferase). On the other hand, proteins characteristic of the caecum were involved in sensing and limiting the consequences of oxidative stress (e.g., thioredoxin, peroxiredoxin 6), cell adhesion, and motility associated with wound healing (e.g., fibronectin 1, desmoyokin). These mechanisms are coupled with the activation of mechanisms suppressing the inflammatory response (galectin 1). Rather prominent were also expressions of proteins linked to hydrogen sulphide metabolism in caecum represented by cystathionin beta synthase, selenium-binding protein 1, mercaptopyruvate sulphurtransferase, and thiosulphate sulphurtransferase. Higher mRNA expression of nuclear factor, erythroid 2-like 2, the main oxidative stress transcriptional factor in caecum, further supported our observations.
Do Rubber Floor Mats Prevent Lameness in Gestating Sows Housed in Large Groups? A Field Experiment on Three Commercial Farms in France
Authors: Huneau-Salaün Adeline , Bougeard Stéphanie , Balaine Loïc , Eono Florent , Eveno Éric , Guillermic Maxime , Thomas Rodolphe , Rose Nicolas , Pol Françoise
Published: November 2021

Lameness and foot disorders are major health and welfare issues in intensive swine production systems. They are exacerbated when sows are housed in large groups on slatted concrete floors during gestation. Our study aimed to assess the effect of rubber mats in the lying area of the gestation pen on lameness and leg health in gestating sows housed in large pens in commercial conditions. The study was conducted on three commercial farms over two successive gestations. A total of 582 Large White × Landrace sows, housed in 10 static groups, were enrolled: 5 groups in pens with rubber mats and 5 groups on slatted concrete floors. Lameness, bursitis, leg injuries, claw growth defects and claw lesions were measured at the beginning, middle and end of each gestation period. The rubber mats decreased the risk of suffering from bursitis, but had no effect on the risk of lameness, leg injuries, claw growth defects or claw lesions. Sows housed on rubber mats were heavily soiled compared with those on slatted concrete floors because the mats were not perforated for slurry evacuation. Locomotion disorders and foot lesions remained prevalent despite the rubber mats in the lying area of the gestation pens, but adding rubber mats in service rooms and farrowing crates may produce better results.
Event-Driven Dashboarding and Feedback for Improved Event Detection in Predictive Maintenance Applications
Authors: Moens Pieter , Vanden Hautte Sander , De Paepe Dieter , Steenwinckel Bram , Verstichel Stijn , Vandekerckhove Steven , Ongenae Femke , Van Hoecke Sofie
Published: November 2021

Manufacturers can plan predictive maintenance by remotely monitoring their assets. However, to extract the necessary insights from monitoring data, they often lack sufficiently large datasets that are labeled by human experts. We suggest combining knowledge-driven and unsupervised data-driven approaches to tackle this issue. Additionally, we present a dynamic dashboard that automatically visualizes detected events using semantic reasoning, assisting experts in the revision and correction of event labels. Captured label corrections are immediately fed back to the adaptive event detectors, improving their performance. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to demonstrate the synergy of knowledge-driven detectors, data-driven detectors and automatic dashboards capturing feedback. This synergy allows a transition from detecting only unlabeled events, such as anomalies, at the start to detecting labeled events, such as faults, with meaningful descriptions. We demonstrate all work using a ventilation unit monitoring use case. This approach enables manufacturers to collect labeled data for refining event classification techniques with reduced human labeling effort.
Camera-Based In-Process Quality Measurement of Hairpin Welding
Authors: Hartung Julia , Jahn Andreas , Bocksrocker Oliver , Heizmann Michael
Published: November 2021

The technology of hairpin welding, which is frequently used in the automotive industry, entails high-quality requirements in the welding process. It can be difficult to trace the defect back to the affected weld if a non-functioning stator is detected during the final inspection. Often, a visual assessment of a cooled weld seam does not provide any information about its strength. However, based on the behavior during welding, especially about spattering, conclusions can be made about the quality of the weld. In addition, spatter on the component can have serious consequences. In this paper, we present in-process monitoring of laser-based hairpin welding. Using an in-process image analyzed by a neural network, we present a spatter detection method that allows conclusions to be drawn about the quality of the weld. In this way, faults caused by spattering can be detected at an early stage and the affected components sorted out. The implementation is based on a small data set and under consideration of a fast process time on hardware with limited computing power. With a network architecture that uses dilated convolutions, we obtain a large receptive field and can therefore consider feature interrelation in the image. As a result, we obtain a pixel-wise classifier, which allows us to infer the spatter areas directly on the production lines.
Anomaly Segmentation Based on Depth Image for Quality Inspection Processes in Tire Manufacturing
Authors: Ko Dongbeom , Kang Sungjoo , Kim Hyunsuk , Lee Wongok , Bae Yousuk , Park Jeongmin
Published: November 2021

This paper introduces and implements an efficient training method for deep learning–based anomaly area detection in the depth image of a tire. A depth image of 16 bit integer size is used in various fields, such as manufacturing, industry, and medicine. In addition, the advent of the 4th Industrial Revolution and the development of deep learning require deep learning–based problem solving in various fields. Accordingly, various research efforts use deep learning technology to detect errors, such as product defects and diseases, in depth images. However, a depth image expressed in grayscale has limited information, compared with a three-channel image with potential colors, shapes, and brightness. In addition, in the case of tires, despite the same defect, they often have different sizes and shapes, making it difficult to train deep learning. Therefore, in this paper, the four-step process of (1) image input, (2) highlight image generation, (3) image stacking, and (4) image training is applied to a deep learning segmentation model that can detect atypical defect data. Defect detection aims to detect vent spews that occur during tire manufacturing. We compare the training results of applying the process proposed in this paper and the general training result for experiment and evaluation. For evaluation, we use intersection of union (IoU), which compares the pixel area where the actual error is located in the depth image and the pixel area of the error inferred by the deep learning network. The results of the experiment confirmed that the proposed methodology improved the mean IoU by more than 7% and the IoU for the vent spew error by more than 10%, compared to the general method. In addition, the time it takes for the mean IoU to remain stable at 60% is reduced by 80%. The experiments and results prove that the methodology proposed in this paper can train efficiently without losing the information of the original depth data.
Evaluating the Motor Imagery Classification Performance of a Double-Layered Feature Selection on Two Different-Sized Datasets
Authors: Nguyen Minh Tran Duc , Phan Xuan Nhi Yen , Pham Bao Minh , Nguyen Trung-Hau , Huynh Quang-Linh , Le Quoc Khai
Published: November 2021

Numerous investigations have been conducted to enhance the motor imagery-based brain–computer interface (BCI) classification performance on various aspects. However, there are limited studies comparing their proposed feature selection framework performance on both objective and subjective datasets. Therefore, this study aims to provide a novel framework that combines spatial filters at various frequency bands with double-layered feature selection and evaluates it on published and self-acquired datasets. Electroencephalography (EEG) data are preprocessed and decomposed into multiple frequency sub-bands, whose features are then extracted, calculated, and ranked based on Fisher’s ratio and minimum-redundancy-maximum-relevance (mRmR) algorithm. Informative filter banks are chosen for optimal classification by linear discriminative analysis (LDA). The results of the study, firstly, show that the proposed method is comparable to other conventional methods through accuracy and F1-score. The study also found that hand vs. feet classification is more discriminable than left vs. right hand (4–10% difference). Lastly, the performance of the filter banks common spatial pattern (FBCSP, without feature selection) algorithm is found to be significantly lower (p = 0.0029, p = 0.0015, and p = 0.0008) compared to that of the proposed method when applied to small-sized data.
Allograft Customized Bone Blocks for Ridge Reconstruction: A Case Report and Radiological Analysis
Authors: Boogaard Maarten J. , Romanos Georgios E.
Published: November 2021

The aim of the present case report was to demonstrate the vertical gain in the posterior resorbed mandible utilizing the use of an Allograft Customized Bone Block. The case presents a 66-year-old healthy female nonsmoker who lost her right mandibular molars long time ago. In the past, she had an implant placement, which failed due to a fracture of the implant. Due to the high risk of mandibular nerve damage, the implant was left in the jaw and was completely covered with bone. Since the jaw was completely atrophic and short implants were not an option, a vertical ridge augmentation was required. This case report presents the use of an Allograft Customized Bone Block as a good option in patients with an atrophic mandible, showing no vertical bone resorption five months after placement and great osseointegration of the placed implants.
Comparative Study of Modified Mueller Matrix Transformation and Polar Decomposition Parameters for Transmission and Backscattering Tissue Polarimetries
Authors: Chen Binguo , Lan Yuxiang , Zhai Haoyu , Deng Liangyu , He Honghui , Mao Hua , Ma Hui
Published: November 2021

Mueller matrix polarimetry is widely used in biomedical studies and applications, for it can provide abundant microstructural information about tissues. Recently, several methods have been proposed to decompose the Mueller matrix into groups of parameters related to specific optical properties which can be used to reveal the microstructural information of tissue samples more clearly and quantitatively. In this study, we thoroughly compare the differences among the parameters derived from the Mueller matrix polar decomposition (MMPD) and Mueller matrix transformation (MMT), which are two popular methods in tissue polarimetry studies and applications, while applying them on different tissue samples for both backscattering and transmission imaging. Based on the Mueller matrix data obtained using the setups, we carry out a comparative analysis of the parameters derived from both methods representing the same polarization properties, namely depolarization, linear retardance, fast axis orientation and diattenuation. IN particular, we propose several modified MMT parameters, whose abilities are also analyzed for revealing the information about the specific type of tissue samples. The results presented in this study evaluate the applicability of the original and modified MMT parameters, then give the suggestions for appropriate parameter selection in tissue polarimetry, which can be helpful for future biomedical and clinical applications.
Study on Ducted Vertical Take-Off and Landing Fixed-Wing UAV Dynamics Modeling and Transition Corridor
Authors: Wang Chunyang , Zhou Zhou , Wang Rui , Ding You
Published: November 2021

An accurate description of the transition corridor is of great significance for the flight process of the vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). To study the transition flight process of vertical take-off and landing fixed-wing UAVs, the dynamic model and transition corridor model of this type of UAV are established in the current article. The method for establishing the model is based on a reasonable match of the power and aerodynamic force of this type of UAV. From the perspective of flight dynamics, the ducted lift-increasing system’s deflection angle–speed envelope is studied with the maximum lift coefficient of the wing and the system’s available power. The influence of the overall parameters and energy parameters of the UAV on the deflection angle–speed envelope of the ducted lift-increasing system is analyzed, and a method is proposed to expand the vertical take-off and landing fixed-wing UAV’s transition corridor. Taking the UAV as the object, using the established model, the transition flight corridor of the UAV is obtained, the influence of the control parameters on the transition flight is studied, and the appropriate transition flight control strategy is determined. At the same time, the influence of the overall parameters and energy parameters on the transition corridor is calculated. According to the calculation results, the effect of expanding the flight corridor of the UAV is more obvious when increasing the available power than when increasing the aerodynamic parameters by the same proportion.
An Exploratory Bibliometric Analysis of the Birth and Emergence of Industry 5.0
Authors: Madsen Dag Øivind , Berg Terje
Published: November 2021

This study provides an exploratory bibliometric analysis of the emerging literature on Industry 5.0, which is a new visionary concept on the future of industry. Industry 5.0 has in recent years begun to attract the interest of both practitioners and academics, but this new field can still be considered embryonic and not well documented. Therefore, this study aims to map the field and provide a preliminary picture of the emergence and status of the scientific literature on Industry 5.0. Bibliometric data covering the period from 2015 to 2021 were extracted from the Scopus database. Bibliometric analyses of overall publication volume and growth trajectory, influential documents, authors, sources and countries are performed. The exploratory analysis provides a preliminary overview of the birth and emergence of this new research area. The results are discussed in relation to theories on the emergence and evolution of new management concepts. The article closes with some speculations about the future trajectory of Industry 5.0.
Bottom–Up Inventory of Residential Combustion Emissions in Poland for National Air Quality Modelling: Current Status and Perspectives
Authors: Gawuc Lech , Szymankiewicz Karol , Kawicka Dorota , Mielczarek Ewelina , Marek Kamila , Soliwoda Marek , Maciejewska Jadwiga
Published: November 2021

For many years, the Polish air quality modelling system was decentralized, which significantly hampered the appropriate development of methodologies, evaluations, and comparisons of modelling results. The major contributor to air pollution in Poland is the residential combustion sector. This paper demonstrates a novel methodology for residential emission estimation utilized for national air quality modelling and assessment. Our data were compared with EMEP and CAMS inventories, and despite some inequalities in country totals, spatial patterns were similar. We discuss the shortcomings of the presented method and draw conclusions for future improvements.
Removal of Iron Oxide from Indoor Air at a Subway Station Using a Vegetation Biofilter: A Case Study of Seoul, Korea
Authors: Kim Tae-Han , Choi Boo-Hun , Kang Moon-Sung , Lee Han-Ju
Published: November 2021

Recently, metallic particulate pollutants floating underground have been reported to negatively affect the human body. Thus, there is an urgent need for a public health policy pertaining to the air quality in subway stations. In this study, we investigated whether a vegetation biofilter is effective in reducing metal particle contaminants, especially iron oxide. After selecting a subway station, a vegetation biofilter system was installed, and samples were collected three times, at three intake areas and one exhaust area. The average weight ratio of the detected elements was calculated. The iron oxide reduction effect was evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. In the return air, C, O, and Fe were detected at 64.9, 27.3, and 5.2 wt.%, respectively; in the supply air, C, O, and Fe were detected at 67.2, 30.4, and 0.7 wt.%, respectively. The difference in the average Fe weight ratio was statistically significant. Air quality has a considerable effect on human health. We confirmed the possibility of reducing Fe in particulate matter using biofilters. However, we could not confirm whether the air quality was improved enough to not have a negative effect on the human body. This should be elucidated through follow-up studies.
The Darboux Transformation and N-Soliton Solutions of Gerdjikov–Ivanov Equation on a Time–Space Scale
Authors: Dong Huanhe , Huang Xiaoqian , Zhang Yong , Liu Mingshuo , Fang Yong
Published: November 2021

The Gerdjikov–Ivanov (GI) equation is one type of derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equation used widely in quantum field theory, nonlinear optics, weakly nonlinear dispersion water waves and other fields. In this paper, the coupled GI equation on a time–space scale is deduced from Lax pairs and the zero curvature equation on a time–space scale, which can be reduced to the classical and the semi-discrete GI equation by considering different time–space scales. Furthermore, the Darboux transformation (DT) of the GI equation on a time–space scale is constructed via a gauge transformation. Finally, N-soliton solutions of the GI equation are given through applying its DT, which are expressed by the Cayley exponential function. At the same time, one-solition solutions are obtained on three different time–space scales ( X = R, X = C and X = Kp ).
The Effects of Single or Combined Supplementation of Probiotics and Prebiotics on Growth Performance, Dietary Energetics, Carcass Traits, and Visceral Mass in Lambs Finished under Subtropical Climate Conditions
Authors: Estrada-Angulo Alfredo , Zapata-Ramírez Octavio , Castro-Pérez Beatriz I. , Urías-Estrada Jesús D. , Gaxiola-Camacho Soila , Angulo-Montoya Claudio , Ríos-Rincón Francisco G. , Barreras Alberto , Zinn Richard A. , Leyva-Morales José B. , Perea-Domínguez Xiomara , Plascencia Alejandro
Published: November 2021

The aim of this trial was to test the effects of the use of eubiotics (pro- and prebiotics) alone or in combination in the diet of lambs finished under subtropical climate conditions. For this purpose, 40 Pelibuey × Katahdin lambs (29.5 ± 4.8 kg initial live weight) were used in a 93 day growth-performance experiment. Dietary treatments consisted of a cracked corn-based finishing diet supplemented with (1) no eubiotics (control), (2) 3 g of probiotics (live Saccharomyces cerevisiae, SC), (3) 3 g of prebiotics (mannan oligosaccharide plus b-glucans, MOS), and (4) a combination of 1.5 g of SC and 1.5 g of MOS (SC+MOS). Throughout the study, the average temperature humidity index (THI) was 78.60. Compared to controls, supplementation with SC or MOS, alone did not affect average daily gain (ADG), but enhanced feed efficiency by 5.6% and 6.9% (gain-to-feed ratio, G:F) and dietary net energy by 4.6% and 5.9%, respectively. Compared to controls, SC+MOS enhanced ADG (10%), G:F (9.5%), and dietary net energy (7.2%). Lambs fed SC+MOS had also greater ADG, G:F, and dietary net energy compared to lambs fed SC alone. When compared to MOS, the combination enhanced ADG (10.4%, p = 0.04). This effect could be attributed to the increased dry matter intake (7.6%, p = 0.06), as neither G:F nor dietary energy was significantly affected. Compared with controls and SC, supplementation with MOS alone and SC+MOS increased kidney–pelvic–heart fat, while SC supplementation tended (p = 0.08) to reduce 4.1% the relative intestinal mass (as a proportion of empty body weight) when compared to controls. Treatment effects on the other carcass measures were not significant. In the present study, supplemental probiotics and/or prebiotics improved dietary energetic efficiency in lambs finished under subtropical climatic conditions. The combination of probiotics with prebiotics reinforced this positive effect.
A Digital PCR Assay to Quantify the Percentages of Hulled vs. Hulless Wheat in Flours and Flour-Based Products
Authors: Morcia Caterina , Bergami Raffaella , Scaramagli Sonia , Delogu Chiara , Andreani Lorella , Carnevali Paola , Tumino Giorgio , Ghizzoni Roberta , Terzi Valeria
Published: November 2021

Several food products, made from hulled wheats, are now offered by the market, ranging from grains and pasta to flour and bakery products. The possibility of verifying the authenticity of wheat species used at any point in the production chain is relevant, in defense of both producers and consumers. A chip digital PCR assay has been developed to detect and quantify percentages of hulless (i.e., common and durum wheat) and hulled (i.e., einkorn, emmer and spelt) wheats in grains, flours and food products. The assay has been designed on a polymorphism in the miRNA172 target site of the AP2-5 transcription factor localized on chromosome 5A and involved in wheat spike morphogenesis and grain threshability. The assay has been evaluated even in a real-time PCR system to assess its applicability and to compare the analytical costs between dPCR and real-time PCR approaches.
Current Potential Therapeutic Approaches against SARS-CoV-2: A Review
Authors: Yadav Dharmendra Kumar , Singh Desh Deepak , Han Ihn , Kumar Yogesh , Choi Eun-Ha
Published: November 2021

The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is a serious threat to public health worldwide and, to date, no effective treatment is available. Thus, we herein review the pharmaceutical approaches to SARS-CoV-2 infection treatment. Numerous candidate medicines that can prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication have been proposed. These medicines include inhibitors of serine protease TMPRSS2 and angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The S protein of SARS-CoV-2 binds to the receptor in host cells. ACE2 inhibitors block TMPRSS2 and S protein priming, thus preventing SARS-CoV-2 entry to host cells. Moreover, antiviral medicines (including the nucleotide analogue remdesivir, the HIV protease inhibitors lopinavir and ritonavir, and wide-spectrum antiviral antibiotics arbidol and favipiravir) have been shown to reduce the dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 as well as morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19.
Mitoxantrone-Loaded Nanoferritin Slows Tumor Growth and Improves the Overall Survival Rate in a Subcutaneous Pancreatic Cancer Mouse Model
Authors: Conti Giamaica , Pitea Martina , Ossanna Riccardo , Opri Roberta , Tisci Giada , Falvo Elisabetta , Innamorati Giulio , Ghanem Esther , Sbarbati Andrea , Ceci Pierpaolo , Fracasso Giulio
Published: November 2021

Pancreatic cancer (PC) represents an intriguing topic for researchers. To date, the prognosis of metastasized PC is poor with just 7% of patients exceeding a five-year survival period. Thus, molecular modifications of existing drugs should be developed to change the course of the disease. Our previously generated nanocages of Mitoxantrone (MIT) encapsulated in human H-chain Ferritin (HFt), designated as HFt-MP-PASE-MIT, has shown excellent tumor distribution and extended serum half-life meriting further investigation for PC treatment. Thus, in this study, we used the same nano-formulation to test its cytotoxicity using both in vitro and in vivo assays. Interestingly, both encapsulated and free-MIT drugs demonstrated similar killing capabilities on PaCa44 cell line. Conversely, in vivo assessment in a subcutaneous PaCa44 tumor model of PC demonstrated a remarkable capability for encapsulated MIT to control tumor growth and improve mouse survival with a median survival rate of 65 vs. 33 days for loaded and free-MIT, respectively. Interestingly, throughout the course of mice treatment, MIT encapsulation did not present any adverse side effects as confirmed by histological analysis of various murine tissue organs and body mass weights. Our results are promising and pave the way to effective PC targeted chemotherapy using our HFt nanodelivery platforms.
Walking down Skeletal Muscle Lane: From Inflammasome to Disease
Authors: Dubuisson Nicolas , Versele Romain , Davis-López de Carrizosa María A. , Selvais Camille M. , Brichard Sonia M. , Abou-Samra Michel
Published: November 2021

Over the last decade, innate immune system receptors and sensors called inflammasomes have been identified to play key pathological roles in the development and progression of numerous diseases. Among them, the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD-), leucine-rich repeat (LRR-) and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is probably the best characterized. To date, NLRP3 has been extensively studied in the heart, where its effects and actions have been broadly documented in numerous cardiovascular diseases. However, little is still known about NLRP3 implications in muscle disorders affecting non-cardiac muscles. In this review, we summarize and present the current knowledge regarding the function of NLRP3 in diseased skeletal muscle, and discuss the potential therapeutic options targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome in muscle disorders.
Acid Sphingomyelinase Controls Early Phases of Skeletal Muscle Regeneration by Shaping the Macrophage Phenotype
Authors: Roux-Biejat Paulina , Coazzoli Marco , Marrazzo Pasquale , Zecchini Silvia , Di Renzo Ilaria , Prata Cecilia , Napoli Alessandra , Moscheni Claudia , Giovarelli Matteo , Barbalace Maria Cristina , Catalani Elisabetta , Bassi Maria Teresa , De Palma Clara , Cervia Davide , Malaguti Marco , Hrelia Silvana , Clementi Emilio , Perrotta Cristiana
Published: November 2021

Skeletal muscle regeneration is a complex process involving crosstalk between immune cells and myogenic precursor cells, i.e., satellite cells. In this scenario, macrophage recruitment in damaged muscles is a mandatory step for tissue repair since pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages promote the activation of satellite cells, stimulating their proliferation and then, after switching into anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, they prompt satellite cells’ differentiation into myotubes and resolve inflammation. Here, we show that acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase), a key enzyme in sphingolipid metabolism, is activated after skeletal muscle injury induced in vivo by the injection of cardiotoxin. ASMase ablation shortens the early phases of skeletal muscle regeneration without affecting satellite cell behavior. Of interest, ASMase regulates the balance between M1 and M2 macrophages in the injured muscles so that the absence of the enzyme reduces inflammation. The analysis of macrophage populations indicates that these events depend on the altered polarization of M1 macrophages towards an M2 phenotype. Our results unravel a novel role of ASMase in regulating immune response during muscle regeneration/repair and suggest ASMase as a supplemental therapeutic target in conditions of redundant inflammation that impairs muscle recovery.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Cardiorenal Syndrome 3: Renocardiac Effect of Vitamin C
Authors: Neres-Santos Raquel Silva , Junho Carolina Victoria Cruz , Panico Karine , Caio-Silva Wellington , Pieretti Joana Claudio , Tamashiro Juliana Almeida , Seabra Amedea Barozzi , Ribeiro César Augusto João , Carneiro-Ramos Marcela Sorelli
Published: November 2021

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a pathological link between the kidneys and heart, in which an insult in a kidney or heart leads the other organ to incur damage. CRS is classified into five subtypes, and type 3 (CRS3) is characterized by acute kidney injury as a precursor to subsequent cardiovascular changes. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative and nitrosative stress have been reported in the pathophysiology of CRS3. It is known that vitamin C, an antioxidant, has proven protective capacity for cardiac, renal, and vascular endothelial tissues. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess whether vitamin C provides protection to heart and the kidneys in an in vivo CRS3 model. The unilateral renal ischemia and reperfusion (IR) protocol was performed for 60 min in the left kidney of adult mice, with and without vitamin C treatment, immediately after IR or 15 days after IR. Kidneys and hearts were subsequently collected, and the following analyses were conducted: renal morphometric evaluation, serum urea and creatinine levels, high-resolution respirometry, amperometry technique for NO measurement, gene expression of mitochondrial dynamic markers, and NOS. The analyses showed that the left kidney weight was reduced, urea and creatinine levels were increased, mitochondrial oxygen consumption was reduced, NO levels were elevated, and Mfn2 expression was reduced after 15 days of IR compared to the sham group. Oxygen consumption and NO levels in the heart were also reduced. The treatment with vitamin C preserved the left kidney weight, restored renal function, reduced NO levels, decreased iNOS expression, elevated constitutive NOS isoforms, and improved oxygen consumption. In the heart, oxygen consumption and NO levels were improved after vitamin C treatment, whereas the three NOS isoforms were overexpressed. These data indicate that vitamin C provides protection to the kidneys and some beneficial effects to the heart after IR, indicating it may be a preventive approach against cardiorenal insults.
Moving the Research Forward: The Best of British Biology Using the Tractable Model System Dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Williams Robin S. B. , Chubb Jonathan R. , Insall Robert , King Jason S. , Pears Catherine J. , Thompson Elinor , Weijer Cornelis J.
Published: November 2021

The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum provides an excellent model for research across a broad range of disciplines within biology. The organism diverged from the plant, yeast, fungi and animal kingdoms around 1 billion years ago but retains common aspects found in these kingdoms. Dictyostelium has a low level of genetic complexity and provides a range of molecular, cellular, biochemical and developmental biology experimental techniques, enabling multidisciplinary studies to be carried out in a wide range of areas, leading to research breakthroughs. Numerous laboratories within the United Kingdom employ Dictyostelium as their core research model. This review introduces Dictyostelium and then highlights research from several leading British research laboratories, covering their distinct areas of research, the benefits of using the model, and the breakthroughs that have arisen due to the use of Dictyostelium as a tractable model system.
Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles Conjugated with Nisin: Improving the Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Properties of Nanomaterials
Authors: Zimet Patricia , Valadez Ruby , Raffaelli Sofía , Estevez María Belén , Pardo Helena , Alborés Silvana
Published: November 2021

Microbial technology offers a green alternative for the synthesis of value-added nanomaterials. In particular, fungal compounds can improve silver nanoparticle production, stabilizing colloidal nanoparticles. Based on a previous study by our group, silver nanoparticles obtained using the extracellular cell-free extracts of Phanerochaete chrysosporium (PchNPs) have shown antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, nisin—a bacteriocin widely used as a natural food preservative—has recently gained much attention due its antimicrobial action against Gram-positive bacteria in biomedical applications. Therefore, the aim of this work was to conjugate biogenic silver nanoparticles (PchNPs) with nisin to obtain nanoconjugates (PchNPs@nis) with enhanced antimicrobial properties. Characterization assays were conducted to determine physicochemical properties of PchNPs@nis, and also their antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were studied. The formation of PchNPs@nis was confirmed by UV-Vis, TEM, and Raman spectroscopy analysis. Different PchNPs@nis nanobioconjugates showed diameter values in the range of 60–130 nm by DLS and surface charge values between −20 and −13 mV. Nisin showed an excellent affinity to PchNPs, with binding efficiencies higher than 75%. Stable synthesized PchNPs@nis nanobioconjugates were not only able to inhibit biofilm formation by S. aureus, but also showed inhibition of the planktonic cell growth of Staphyloccocus aureus and Escherichia coli, broadening the spectrum of action of the unconjugated antimicrobials against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In conclusion, these results show the promising application of PchNPs@nis, prepared via green technology, as potential antimicrobial nanomaterials.
Laser Illumination Adjustments for Signal-to-Noise Ratio and Spatial Resolution Enhancement in Static 2D Chemical Images of NbOx/IGZO/ITO/Glass Light-Addressable Potentiometric Sensors
Authors: Chen Chun-Hui , Akuli Neelanjan , Lu Yu-Jen , Yang Chia-Ming
Published: November 2021

In a previous study, a thin In-Ga-Zn-oxide light addressable potentiometric sensor (IGZO LAPS) was indicated to have the advantages of low interference from ambient light, a high photocurrent and transfer efficiency, and a low cost. However, illumination optimization to obtain two-dimensional (2D) chemical images with better spatial resolutions has not been fully investigated. The trigger current and AC-modulated frequency of a 405-nm laser used to illuminate the fabricated IGZO LAPS were modified to check the photocurrent of the sensing area and SU8–2005 masking area, obtaining spatial resolution-related functions for the first time. The trigger current of illumination was adjusted from 0.020 to 0.030 A to compromise between an acceptable photocurrent and the integrity of the SU8–2005 masking layer. The photocurrent (PC) and differential photocurrent (DPC) versus scanning length (SL) controlled by an X-Y stage were used to check the resolved critical dimensions (CDs). The difference between resolved CD and optically measured CD (e.g., delta CD) measured at an AC frequency of 500 Hz revealed overall smaller values, supporting precise measurement in 2D imaging. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) has an optimized range of 2.0 to 2.15 for a better resolution for step spacings of both 10 and 2 μm in the scanning procedure to construct static 2D images. Under illumination conditions with a trigger current of 0.025 A and at an AC frequency of 500 Hz, the spatial resolution can be reduced to 10 μm from the pattern width of 6 μm. This developed methodology provides a quantitative evaluation with further optimization in spatial resolution without an extra cost for applications requiring a high spatial resolution, such as single-cell activity.
Physical and Neurological Development of a Girl Born to a Mother with Methylmalonic Acidemia and Kidney Transplantation and Review of the Literature
Authors: Marcellino Alessia , Guido Cristiana Alessia , Bloise Silvia , Mallardo Saverio , Isoldi Sara , Del Giudice Emanuela , Dilillo Anna , Martucci Vanessa , Sanseviero Mariateresa , Iorfida Donatella , Spalice Alberto , Lubrano Riccardo
Published: November 2021

Background: actual literature suggests that children of methylmalonic acidemia patients are mostly healthy, but data are only partial, especially regarding long-term outcome. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the possible long-term neurological effects of fetal exposure to high levels of methylmalonic acid in a child of a renal transplant recipient. Methods: we retrospectively evaluated the clinical and neurological records of a girl whose mother is a kidney transplant recipient affected by methylmalonic acidemia. Subsequently, we compared our results with the ones already published. Results: the girl’s weight and stature were within the normal range in the first years of life but, starting from 4 years of age, she became progressively overweight. Regarding the neurodevelopment aspects, for the first time we performed a complete and seriated neuropsychological evaluation, highlighting a mild but significant weakness in the verbal domain, with a worsening trend at three-year revaluation. Conclusions: since children of MMA patients are exposed to methylmalonic acid, the efforts of the physicians caring for these children should be directed on careful evaluation of growth, prevention of obesity and regular neurological examination together with structured neuropsychological tests to achieve a better insight in possible complications of pregnancy in patients suffering from this condition.
Thermoinduced and Photoinduced Sustainable Hydrophilic Surface of Sputtered-TiO2 Thin Film
Authors: Park Sangbin , Yoon Younghwa , Lee Sehyun , Park Taejun , Kim Kyunghwan , Hong Jeongsoo
Published: November 2021

To achieve self-cleaning at a low maintenance cost, we investigated the possibility of obtaining a sustainable hydrophilic surface of TiO2 thin film. As the hydrophilicity of TiO2 films fabricated by FTS has not yet been studied, we deposited TiOx using FTS, and then TiO2 was formed through additional treatment. Hydrophilic surfaces were obtained by thermoinduced and photoinduced methods. UV irradiation led to the conversion of Ti4+ to Ti3+ in the lattice structure and an increase in the number of OH groups on the surface, and annealing induced the formation of Ti3+ defect sites, as well as organic degradation and changes in the crystal structure. Through the annealing process, the water contact angle of as-deposited film was decreased from 78.7° to 35.7°, and crystallinity changed from amorphous to anatase. These changes contributed to the formation of a hydrophilic surface and reduced the water contact angle by up to 10.8°. After the formation of a hydrophilic surface through annealing and UV irradiation, the sample returned to its original state. We confirmed that the water contact angle of the returned sample was decreased through exposure to sunlight; it reduced the water contact angle of the returned sample by 15.2°. Thus, the results revealed that the crystallinity influences the hydrophilicity and its sustainability for TiO2 films under sunlight.
Porosity Distribution Simulation and Impure Inclusion Analysis of Porous Crystal Layer Formed via Polythermal Process
Authors: Meng Yingshuang , Li Zhonghua , Li Xiangcun , Xiao Wu , He Gaohong , Wu Xuemei , Jiang Xiaobin
Published: November 2021

In this work, we investigated the porosity distribution and separation property of the porous crystal layer formed via the polythermal process. The proposed porosity distribution model, considering both the cooling profile and the crystal settling effect, provided simulative results that met the MRI analysis experimental results with suitable agreement. Significant porosity variation from the top to the bottom of the crystal layer (ϕ from 0.75 to 0.55 under rapid cooling profile) was detected. Meanwhile, the vertical supersaturation degree gradient induced by the fluid fluctuation could impact nucleation and crystal growth kinetic along with crystal particle settling. The resulting crystal layer possessed various impurity inclusion conditions. Under a moderate cooling profile (0.4 K·min−1), the volume fraction of closed pores against overall pores decreased from 0.75 to 0.36. The proposed model and experimental analysis approach were demonstrated to be helpful for porosity distribution simulation and impure inclusion analysis of layer crystallization.
Maxillary Mucormycosis Osteomyelitis in Post COVID-19 Patients: A Series of Fourteen Cases
Authors: Said Ahmed Wael M. , Elsherbini Amira M. , Elsherbiny Nehal M. , El-Sherbiny Mohamed , Ramzy Nevine I. , Arafa Ahmed F.
Published: November 2021

During the current pandemic of COVID-19, numerous manifestations and complications have developed. Patients with COVID-19 are at high risk of fungal infections, such as mucormycosis, that may result directly from COVID-19 infection and/or as a side effect of the drugs used in COVID-19 treatment protocol, such as dexamethasone, hydroxychloroquine, and antibiotics. In this report, we described a series of 14 cases with maxillary mucormycosis osteomyelitis in immediate post-COVID-19 patients.
Rare Case of Bilateral Diffuse Uveal Melanocytic Proliferation with Dermal and Mucosal Hyperpigmentations
Authors: Prasuhn Michelle , Rommel Nathalie , Kakkassery Vinodh , Grisanti Salvatore , Ranjbar Mahdy , Rommel Felix
Published: November 2021

Purpose: The demonstration of a rare case of bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation (BDUMP) due to a lung carcinoma with unusual dermal lesions. Case description: A 76-year-old man with painless bilateral vision loss revealed leopard or giraffe spot chorioretinopathy and bilateral serous retinal detachment. Ultrasound biomicroscopy revealed uveal swelling expanding into the anterior chamber angle. Dermal and mucosal lesions were present on the lip, breast, groin, scrotum, and penis. Screening analyses revealed a non-small cell lung carcinoma. Conclusions: The diagnosis of BDUMP, a rare paraneoplastic syndrome, was made. The ophthalmological diagnosis led to screening investigations and revealed the underlying malignant disease. Uncommonly, multiple dermal and mucosal lesions could be detected and were analyzed histopathologically.
Challenging Gender and Disability Stereotypes: Narrative Identities of Brazilian Female Paralympians
Authors: Kirakosyan Lyusyena
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this narrative inquiry is two-fold: first, to illuminate the views and experiences of Brazilian female Paralympians that helped shape their narrative identities, and second, to develop a better understanding of the reasons behind the gender inequality in Paralympic sports. According to the International Paralympic Committee, 1671 female athletes competed in the Rio 2016 Paralympics, representing almost 40 percent of the participating Paralympians. In Rio, Brazil had the largest Paralympic delegation in its history, with 287 Paralympians, of which only 102 were women (about 35 percent). The reasons why there is a significant discrepancy between male and female Paralympic participation are highly complex and little researched, particularly in Latin American contexts. In examining the complexities of these women’s narrative identities and their relationship with social norms, I draw on the insights from disability feminism, identity theory, and disability sport to analyze and interpret the Paralympic sportswomen’s narrative accounts. Individual interviews with 20 Brazilian female Paralympians from nine different sports revealed the intricate relationships each has with social norms regarding gender, disability, sport, and the body.