bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical Management of Cholecystoenteric Fistula in Patients With and Without Gallstone Ileus: An Experience of 29 Cases
Authors: Huang Shi-fei , Han Ye-hong , Chen Jie , Zhang Jun , Huang Hai
Published: July 2022

Background

Cholecystoenteric fistula (CEF) is an uncommon complication of cholelithiasis. Here, we report our experience on diagnostic methods and surgical management of CEF patients with and without gallstone ileus (GI).

Methods

This is a retrospective cases series over an 11-year period (2011–2022). Data analyzed included preoperative characteristics, ultrasound, imaging features, operation findings and postoperative course.

Results

A total of 29 patients diagnosed with CEF were enrolled, 51.7% (15/29) of whom were female, with a median age of 66 years (range: 35–96 years). With regards to subtype distribution, seventeen patients had cholecystoduodenal fistula (CDF), six had cholecystoconlonic fistula (CCF), three exhibited cholecystogastric fistula (CGF), one CDF combination with CCF and two CDF combination with type I Mirizzi syndrome. Twelve patients presented with gallstone ileus, and received one stage procedure or simple Enterolithotomy. The median operation time and blood loss of 157 min (range: 65–360 min) and 40 ml (range: 10–450 ml), respectively. Surgical complications, evidenced by fistula recurrence, were recorded in three patients (3/22; 13.6%), while four (4/29; 13.8%) and one patient (1/29; 3.4%) presented with wound infection and residual stone in common bile duct, respectively. No deaths were reported in our study.

Conclusion

CEF is a rare complication of gallstone disease that is occasionally found during operation. To date, no consensus has been reached regarding efficacious treatment therapies for CEF patients. For a CEF patient with GI, one stage procedure should be selected prudently, while simple Enterolithotomy would be a mainstream choice for relieving bowel obstruction.
“How Are My Age and Cows Related?” Cognitive Interviewing as a Tool to Pretest Survey Questions in Two Limited Resource Settings
Authors: Wenemark Marika , Ngwili Nicholas , Ndoboli Dickson , Wieland Barbara , Roesel Kristina
Published: July 2022

Antimicrobial resistance is a complex topic requiring interdisciplinary solutions embedded in One Health thinking. Currently, many surveys are underway in low- and middle-income countries to study how antimicrobial use in the livestock sector is driving resistance. In a survey, the respondents must understand and answer the questions correctly to produce accurate and valuable results. Pretesting survey questions is therefore important but sometimes not performed due to limited time and resources. Cognitive interviewing is a pretesting method to give insights into the respondent's way of interpreting and mentally processing the survey questions to identify problems and finding ways to improve the questions. It has previously been suggested that cognitive interviews may be difficult to use in some cultural settings. This study aimed to use cognitive interviews in a respondent-adjusted way to study how survey questions related to antimicrobial use are understood and answered by 12 small-scale farmers in Kenya and Uganda. The results show that even a small number of interviews and using interviewers with limited knowledge of cognitive interviewing can identify many problems in survey questions and the survey tool. Cognitive interviews may provide a feasible and affordable way of pretesting questionnaires in situations where time and resources are limited, for example, during a disease outbreak.
Integrated ONT Full-Length Transcriptome and Metabolism Reveal the Mechanism Affecting Ovulation in Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata)
Authors: Lin Junyuan , Ge Liyan , Mei Xiang , Niu Yurui , Chen Chu , Hou Shuisheng , Liu Xiaolin
Published: July 2022

Ovulation is a complicated physiological process that is regulated by a multitude of different pathways. In comparison to mammalian studies, there are few reports of ovulation in Muscovy ducks, and the molecular mechanism of ovarian development remained unclear. In order to identify candidate genes and metabolites related to Muscovy duck follicular ovulation, the study combined Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) full-length transcriptome and metabolomics to analyze the differences in gene expression and metabolite accumulation in the ovaries between pre-ovulation (PO) and consecutive ovulation (CO) Muscovy ducks. 83 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were identified using metabolomics analysis, 33 of which are related to lipids. Combined with data from previous transcriptomic analyses found that DEGs and DAMs were particularly enriched in processes including the regulation of glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway, arachidonic acid metabolic pathway and the steroid biosynthetic pathway. In summary, the novel potential mechanisms that affect ovulation in Muscovy ducks may be related to lipid metabolism, and the findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of ovulation in waterfowl and will contribute to a better understanding of changes in the waterfowl ovarian development regulatory network.
Chimeric RNA TNNI2-ACTA1-V1 Regulates Cell Proliferation by Regulating the Expression of NCOA3
Authors: Liu Dongyu , Li Jiaxin , Hao Wanjun , Lin Xu , Xia Jiqiao , Zhu Jiyuan , Yang Shuo , Yang Xiuqin
Published: July 2022

Chimeric RNA is a crucial target for tumor diagnosis and drug therapy, also having its unique biological role in normal tissues. TNNI2-ACTA1-V1 (TA-V1), a chimeric RNA discovered by our laboratory in porcine muscle tissue, can inhibit the proliferation of Porcine Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells (PSCs). The regulatory mechanism of TA-V1 in PSCs remains unclear, but we speculate that NCOA3, DDR2 and RDX may be the target genes of TA-V1. In this study, we explored the effects of NCOA3, DDR2 and RDX on cell viability and cell proliferation by CCK-8 assay, EdU staining and flow cytometry. Furthermore, the regulatory pathway of proliferation in PSCs mediated by TA-V1 through NCOA3 or CyclinD1 was elucidated by co-transfection and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). The results revealed that overexpression of NCOA3 significantly increased cell viability and the expression level of CyclinD1, and also promotes cell proliferation by changing cells from the G1 phase to the S phase. In addition, inhibiting the expression of NCOA3 substantially reduced cell viability and inhibited cell proliferation. Overexpression of DDR2 and RDX had no significant effect on cell viability and proliferation. Co-transfection experiments showed that NCOA3 could rescue the proliferation inhibition of PSCs caused by TA-V1. Co-IP assay indicated that TA-V1 directly interacts with NCOA3. Our study explores the hypothesis that TA-V1 directly regulates NCOA3, indirectly regulating CyclinD1, thereby regulating PSCs proliferation. We provide new putative mechanisms of porcine skeletal muscle growth and lay the foundation for the study of chimeric RNA in normal tissues.
Multilocus Sequence Typing and Antifungal Susceptibility of Candida albicans Isolates From Milk and Genital Tract of Dromedary Camel
Authors: Fayez Mahmoud M. , Swelum Ayman A. , Alharbi Nada K. , AlRokban Ahlam H. , Almubarak Abdullah , Almubarak Ameen H. , Alaql Fanan , Ahmed Ahmed E.
Published: July 2022

Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was used to study the genetic diversity and population structure of 48 Candida albicans (C. albicans) isolates from the udder or genital tract of apparently healthy or diseased camels. This study aimed also to determine the frequency of C. albicans isolates in the genital tract and udder of healthy or diseased female dromedary camels. A total of 240 mature dromedary camels (230 females and 10 males) were categorized based on the clinical examination of gentile tract and udder into five groups [fertile females (n = 70), infertile females (n = 115), healthy udder (n = 15), mastitis (n = 30), and fertile males (n = 10)]. Swabs were collected from male and female genital tracts of dromedary camels and milk samples were collected from healthy and diseased udders. C. albicans was isolated from 20% of the samples. The frequency of isolation was significantly higher (p < 0.00001) in disease camels (75%) compared with apparently healthy camels (25%). Most of C. albicans was isolated from infertile female genitalia (62.50%) which was significantly higher than that isolated from fertile female genitalia (16.67%). Multilocus sequence (MLS) analysis identified seven different diploid sequence types (DSTs) including DST2, DST50, DST62, DST69, DST124, DST142, and DST144. The most frequently identified DTS was DST69 (13/48) which significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) than DST2, DST62, and DST124. The frequency of identification of DST50, DST142, and DST 144 was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) than DST62. DST62 and DST124 were isolated only from diseased camels. DST62 was isolated only from mastitic milk. DST124 was isolated only from infertile female genitalia. The percentage of DST50 and DST 142 was significantly higher in diseased camels (infertile females) than in the apparently healthy ones (fertile females). DST2 and DST50 were isolated only from female genitalia of apparent health and diseased camels. The C. albicans isolated from diseased camels had significantly higher biofilm formation, hydrophobicity, phospholipase, proteinase, and hemolysin activities compared with the isolates from apparent healthy camels. All isolates were sensitive to amphotericin B, itraconazole, micafungin, posaconazole and voriconazole. In conclusion, the present study represents the first molecular typing of C. albicans in samples isolated from milk and the genital tract of the dromedary camel. MLST is a useful tool for studying the epidemiology and evolution of C. albicans. Early identification of Candida species and attention to Candida virulence factors and their antifungal susceptibility patterns is very important for establishing strategies to control and/or prevent candidiasis by novel therapeutic management. Amphotericin B, itraconazole, micafungin, posaconazole, or voriconazole can be efficient in treatment of candidiasis.
Comparison of Global Metabolite for Growing Pigs Fed at Metabolizable Energy Requirement for Maintenance
Authors: Liu Hu , Chen Yifan , Wang Wenhui , Jiang Zhaoning , Ma Xi , Wang Fenglai
Published: July 2022

Though the energy requirement for maintenance is an important part of net energy system, little is known of the metabolic characteristics of maintenance energy expenditure. This study was investigated the effect of feeding level at metabolizable energy requirement for maintenance (FLM) on plasma metabolites in growing pigs. Ten barrows (22.5 ± 0.5 kg BW) were kept in metabolism crates and catheterized in the precaval vein during adaptation period. Pigs were fed a corn-soybean meal diet at 782 kJ ME/kg BW0.6·d−1 during d 1 to 8 and then were refeeding at 2,400 kJ ME/kg BW0.6·d−1 on d 9. Plasma samples of each pig were collected by catheter on the morning of d 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 10, respectively, for metabolomics testing. Results showed that the concentration of plasma urea nitrogen decreased under FLM (p < 0.01) and increased significantly after refeeding (p < 0.01). The concentration of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and albumin in plasma were decreased significantly after refeeding (p < 0.01). Eleven identified compounds were up-regulated and six ones were down-regulated under FLM. In conclusion, the energy metabolism of growing pigs was relatively stable after 4 days of feeding at FLM.
Artemisia annua L. Aqueous Extract Promotes Intestine Immunity and Antioxidant Function in Broilers
Authors: Guo Shiwei , Ma Jiaxin , Xing Yuanyuan , Shi Lulu , Zhang Linghui , Xu Yuanqing , Jin Xiao , Yan Sumei , Shi Binlin
Published: July 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Artemisia annua L. aqueous extract (AAE) on intestinal immune and antioxidative function of broilers. A total of 200 one-day-old Arbor Acre broilers were randomly allotted into five dietary treatment groups, with five replicates per treatment and eight broilers per replicate. The five treatment diets were formulated by adding, respectively, 0 (control group), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g/kg AAE in the basal diet. The results showed that dietary inclusion of AAE quadratically decreased interleukin (IL)-1β content, linearly decreased IL-6 content in the small intestine through regulating the nuclear factor-kappa B signal pathway, and quadratically increased immunoglobulin (Ig)M and sIgA content in ileum and jejunum. Besides, there was a quadratic decrease in the gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) in ileum on day 21, and the gene expression of IL-6 and TLR4 in duodenum on day 42, thereby improving small intestinal immune function in broilers. Additionally, dietary inclusion of AAE improves antioxidative function through the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signal pathway in the small intestinal mucosa of broilers, especially, quadratically increased catalase (CAT) and superoxidase dismutase activity in ileum, and total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase activity in duodenum, and quadratically decreased malondialdehyde concentration in ileum, besides, linearly increased heme oxygenase-1 and Nrf2 gene expression in jejunum and ileum on day 42, quadratically increased CAT gene expression in the small intestine. Furthermore, regression analyses of the above parameters showed that the optimal dose range of AAE in the diet of broilers was 1.12–1.38 g/kg.
Case Report: A New Geographic Area for the Presence of the Zoonotic Ocular Nematode, Onchocerca lupi in Romania
Authors: Deak Georgiana , Toader Serenela , Soare Diana Gabriela , Ionică Angela Monica , Taulescu Marian , Mihalca Andrei Daniel
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Onchocerca lupi is a zoonotic parasite of carnivores reported in countries from Europe, North America, Asia and Africa. In Romania, canine ocular onchocercosis was first reported in dogs in 2016 from Târgovişte (Dâmboviţa County) and Oneşti (Bacău County) and more recently, it was detected in an adult stray dog exported to UK from an unspecified location in Romania.

Methods

A 4-years old male mongrel dog was referred to a private veterinary clinic in Năvodari (Constanţa County), Romania due to ocular disorders. The dog was originally from a public dog shelter in Balş (Olt County) and transferred in June 2020 to a dog shelter in Medgidia (Constanţa County). A cytological examination followed by surgical removal of the granuloma localized at the internal angle of the right eye, and molecular identification of the extracted nematode were done.

Results

The cytological examination confirmed a parasitic granuloma. Skin biopsy and PCR confirmed the infection with O. lupi. Two doses of moxidectin and imidacloprid were administered after the surgery. No relapse observed after a period of follo-up of 11 months.

Conclusion

Onchocerca lupi is present in dogs from Romania with its actual distribution remaining unknown.
Socioeconomic Disparities in Disability-Free Life Expectancy and Life Expectancy Among Older Chinese Adults From a 7-Year Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhan Yuanyuan , Han Yaofeng , Fang Ya
Published: July 2022

Objectives: We examined the magnitude and determinants of socioeconomic disparities in disability-free life expectancy and life expectancy at age 65 (DFLE65 and LE65) in China.

Methods: Data from Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey collected during 2011–2018 (8,184 participants aged ≥65) were used. Socioeconomic status (SES) was measured by economic status (ES), and education, respectively. Multistate Markov models and microsimulations were fitted to estimate DFLE65 and LE65.

Results: LE65 between high- and low-ES groups differed by 2.20 years for males and 2.04 years for females. The DFLE65 disparity in ES was 1.51 and 1.29 years for males and females, respectively. Not undergoing physical examinations, inadequate fruit/vegetable intake, and stress contributed to 35.10% and 57.36% of DFLE65 disparity in ES, as well as 26.36% and 42.65% of LE65 disparity for males and females, respectively. These disparities in education and ES were of a similar magnitude, while the above factors contributed little to education disparity.

Conclusion: Socioeconomic disparities in DFLE65 and LE65 existed in China. Physical examination, fruit/vegetable intake and stress partly explained these disparities.
Numerical Simulation and Verification of Seed-Filling Performance of Single-Bud Billet Sugarcane Seed-Metering Device Based on EDEM
Authors: Wang Meimei , Liu Qingting , Ou Yinggang , Zou Xiaoping
Published: July 2022

The seed filling of a seed-metering device is a critical process in sugarcane cultivation operations. To analyze the contact between billets, the related mechanical components, and the law of billets movement in the seed-metering device, a simulation of the seed-filling process based on EDEM was proposed, and a geometric model of the seed-metering device, a particle model, and a contact model were established by EDEM software. The physical experimental results and simulation results of the angle of repose were compared. The experimental results showed that the relative error of the angle of repose experiment was 6.67%, which verified the effectiveness of the material parameters of single-bud billet; the linear correlation coefficient of the seed-filling experiment was 0.762 for Sq and 0.869 for Se, which demonstrated the validity of using EDEM software to simulate the seed-filling process. Finally, the velocity and force of the particles in the seed-filling process were analyzed in EDEM. The analysis results indicated that there are two circulation circles in the seed box, and the larger the circulation circle, the easier the billets enter the rake bar. The EDEM simulation provides a basis for optimizing the structure and parameters of the sugarcane billet planter in future work.
Research on Multiobjective Optimization Algorithm for Cooperative Harvesting Trajectory Optimization of an Intelligent Multiarm Straw-Rotting Fungus Harvesting Robot
Authors: Yang Shuzhen , Jia Bocai , Yu Tao , Yuan Jin
Published: July 2022

In view of the difficulties of fruit cluster identification, the specific harvesting sequence constraints of aggregated fruits, and the balanced harvesting task assignment for the multiple arms with a series-increasing symmetric shared (SISS) region, this paper proposes a multi-objective optimization algorithm, which combines genetic algorithm (GA) and ant colony optimization (ACO) stepwise, to optimize the multiarm cooperative harvesting trajectory of straw-rotting fungus to effectively improve the harvesting efficiency and the success rate of non-destructive harvesting. In this approach, firstly, the multiarm trajectory optimization problem is abstracted as a multiple travelling salesman problem (MTSP). Secondly, an improved local density clustering algorithm is designed to identify the cluster fruits to prepare data for harvesting aggregated fruits in a specific order later. Thirdly, the MTSP has been decomposed into M independent TSP (traveling salesman problem) problems by using GA, in which a new DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) assignment rule is designed to resolve the problem of the average distribution of multiarm harvesting tasks with the SISS region. Then, the improved ant colony algorithm, combined with the auction mechanism, is adopted to achieve the shortest trajectory of each arm, which settles the difficulty that the clustered mature fruits should be harvested in a specified order. The experiments show that it can search for a relatively stable optimal solution in a relatively short time. The average harvesting efficiency is up to 1183 pcs/h and the average harvesting success rate is about 97%. Therefore, the proposed algorithm can better plan the harvesting trajectory for multiarm intelligent harvesting, especially for areas with many aggregated fruits.
A Novel Crop Shortlisting Method for Sustainable Agricultural Diversification across Italy
Authors: Wimalasiri Eranga M. , Jahanshiri Ebrahim , Perego Alessia , Azam-Ali Sayed N.
Published: July 2022

Whilst current policies recognize the impacts that changes in climates and markets have imposed on the Italian food system, less attention is given to the development of systematic approaches to identify alternative cropping systems across Italy and the European continent. In this article, a novel evidence-based crop shortlisting method was developed to address crop diversification needs for Italy as an example for the whole of Europe. In order to shortlist possible options from a pool of 2700 crops, a crop–climate–soil matching exercise was performed across Italian territory, and crops with more than 70% suitability were chosen for further analysis. In the second phase, a multi-criteria ranking index was employed to assign ranks to chosen crops of four main types: (i) cereals and pseudocereals, (ii) legumes, (iii) starchy roots/tubers, and (iv) vegetables. To provide a comprehensive analysis, all of the abovementioned criteria were compared for both major crops that are grown in the region and potential underutilised crops (UCs). The results of evaluation of four major criteria (namely (a) calorie and nutrition demand, (b) functions and uses, (c) availability and accessibility to their genomic material, (d) possession of adaptive traits, and (e) physiological traits) revealed the potential for teff, faba bean, cowpea, green arrow arum, Jerusalem artichoke, Fig-leaved Gourd, and Watercress. We discuss the implication of utilising such systematic approaches to crop selection and developing transformative solutions for food security with the aim of providing a primer for mainstreaming UCs in policy and investment plans.
Response of Nitrifier and Denitrifier Abundance to Salinity Gradients in Agricultural Soils at the Yellow River Estuary
Authors: Huang Daqing , Li Xiang , Luo Xuesong
Published: July 2022

Salinization is considered a threat to agricultural soil and decreases crop yield worldwide. Nitrification and denitrification are the core processes of soil N-cycle. However, the response of nitrifiers and denitrifiers to salinity in agricultural soils remains ambiguous. The study aimed to explore the effect of salinity on nitrifiers and denitrifiers communities in agricultural soils along a naturally occurring salinity gradient. The effects of salinity on the abundance, composition, and interactions of nitrifiers and denitrifiers in surface soils were investigated. The abundance of nitrifiers significantly decreased in response to the increase in salinity. Ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) were more susceptible to salinity elevation than ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB). Nitrospira and Nitrobacter showed a similar trend to the salinity gradient, but the relative abundance of Nitrobacter was increased in the saline soils. High salinity decreased the abundance of napA and nirK, but had no significant effect on other marker genes for denitrification. Besides electrical conductivity, total sulfur (TS)+available potassium (AK) and TN+TS+C/N+total phosphorus (TP)+AK significantly explained the variation in denitrifier and nitrifier communities. We also found that high salinity decreased the connections between different N functional genes. These results implied the alteration of the nitrogen cycling community by high salinity mainly through decreasing AOA, NOB, and some denitrifiers with nitrate or nitrite reduction potentials and weakening the connectivity between nitrogen cycling drivers.
Does a New Antibiotic Scheme Improve the Outcome of Staphylococcus aureus-Caused Acute Prosthetic Joint Infections (PJI) Treated with Debridement, Antibiotics and Implant Retention (DAIR)?
Authors: Auñón Álvaro , Tovar-Bazaga Miguel , Blanco-García Antonio , García-Cañete Joaquín , Parrón Raúl , Esteban Jaime
Published: July 2022

One of the most commonly used treatments for acute prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is DAIR (debridement, antibiotics and implant retention), which comprises the debridement and the retention of the implant, followed by antibiotic treatment. The efficacy of DAIR remains unclear, as the literature has demonstrated variable success rates, ranging from 26% to 92%. The Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most closely related causative microorganisms, especially with acute and late-acute PJI; it has been identified as one of the most significant predictors of DAIR failure. The current guidelines consider the use of vancomycin as the therapy of choice, but it requires the close control of possible side effects. The aim of this study is to determine if a new combination of antibiotics (a highly bactericidal initial combination followed by an antibiofilm scheme) decreases the failure of DAIR-treated acute prosthetic joint infection (PJI) caused by Staphylococcus aureus. A retrospective analysis of cases of orthopedic infections during a nine-year period (2011–2019) was performed. A total of 45 acute PJI cases caused by S. aureus were diagnosed. The results of two antibiotic schemes were compared: a novel scheme comprising 5 days of daptomycin (10 mg/kg/24 h) + cloxacillin (2 g/6 h) followed by levofloxacin (500 mg/24 h) + rifampicin (600 mg/24 h), versus a traditional, less bactericidal scheme of vancomycin (1000 mg/12 h) plus rifampicin (600 mg/24 h) or levofloxacin (500 mg/24 h) plus rifampicin (600 mg/24 h). Twenty-two out of the twenty-four patients treated with the new scheme (91.6%) were free of infection after 24.8 months of mean follow-up, whereas fourteen out of twenty-one patients (66.6%) were free of infection after 46.6 months of follow-up. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.036). Demographic comparisons demonstrated homogeneous features, except the Charlson score, which was higher in the novel scheme group (p = 0.047). The combination of high-dose daptomycin and cloxacillin, followed by levofloxacin plus rifampicin, together with surgical treatment, shows better results when compared with other antibiotic schemes for treating acute PJI caused by S. aureus in which DAIR was performed.
Influence of Plasma-Isolated Anthocyanins and Their Metabolites on Cancer Cell Migration (HT-29 and Caco-2) In Vitro: Results of the ATTACH Study
Authors: Behrendt Inken , Röder Isabella , Will Frank , Mostafa Hamza , Gonzalez-Dominguez Raúl , Meroño Tomás , Andres-Lacueva Cristina , Fasshauer Mathias , Rudloff Silvia , Kuntz Sabine
Published: July 2022

Cancer mortality is mainly due to metastasis. Therefore, searching for new therapeutic agents suppressing cancer cell migration is crucial. Data from human studies regarding effects of anthocyanins on cancer progression, however, are scarce and it is unclear whether physiological concentrations of anthocyanins and their metabolites reduce cancer cell migration in vivo. In addition, interactions with chemotherapeutics like 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are largely unknown. Thus, we combined a placebo-controlled, double-blinded, cross-over study with in vitro migration studies of colon cancer cell lines to examine the anti-migratory effects of plasma-isolated anthocyanins and their metabolites (PAM). Healthy volunteers (n = 35) daily consumed 0.33 L of an anthocyanin-rich grape/bilberry juice and an anthocyanin-depleted placebo juice for 28 days. PAM were isolated before and after intervention by solid-phase extraction. HT-29 and Caco-2 cells were incubated with PAM in a Boyden chamber. Migration of HT-29 cells was significantly inhibited by PAM from juice but not from placebo. In contrast, Caco-2 migration was not affected. Co-incubation with 5-FU and pooled PAM from volunteers (n = 10), which most effectively inhibited HT-29 migration, further reduced HT-29 migration in comparison to 5-FU alone. Therefore, PAM at physiological concentrations impairs colon cancer cell migration and may support the effectiveness of chemotherapeutics.
Effects of Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized with Bioactive Compounds from Cornus mas Fruit on Aorta Ultrastructural and Biochemical Changes in Rats on a Hyperlipid Diet—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Moldovan Remus , Mitrea Daniela-Rodica , Florea Adrian , Chiş Irina-Camelia , Suciu Şoimiţa , David Luminiţa , Moldovan Bianca Elena , Mureşan Laura Elena , Lenghel Manuela , Ungur Rodica Ana , Opriş Răzvan Vlad , Decea Nicoleta , Clichici Simona Valeria
Published: July 2022

Cornus mas L. extract (CM) presents hypolipidemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are considered potent delivery systems and may be used to release pharmaceutical compounds at the level of injury. In our study, we used gold nanoparticles functionalized with bioactive compounds from Cornus mas L. (AuNPsCM) in an experimental model of a high-fat diet (HFD), and we assessed their effects on aorta wall but also in the serum, as compared to Cornus mas (CM) administration. Sprague Dawley female rats were fed for 9 months with an HFD. During the last month of the experiment, we randomly allocated the animals into three groups that received, by oral gavage: saline solution, CM solution (0.158 mg/mL polyphenols) or AuNPsCM solution (260 μg Au/kg/day), while a Control group received a standard diet and saline solution. At the end of the experiment, we performed an ultrasonography of the aorta and left ventricle and a histology and transmission electron microscopy of the aorta walls; we investigated the oxidative stress and inflammation in aorta homogenates and in serum and, in addition, the lipid profile. AuNPsCM presented better effects in comparison with the natural extract (CM) on lipid peroxidation (p < 0.01) and TNF-alpha (p < 0.001) in aorta homogenates. In serum, both CM and AuNPsCM decreased the triglycerides (p < 0.001) and C-reactive protein (CM, p < 0.01; AuNPsCM, p < 0.001) and increased the antioxidant protection (p < 0.001), in comparison with the HFD group. In intima, AuNPsCM produced ultrastructural lesions, with the disorganization of intima and subendothelial connective layer, whereas CM administration preserved the intima normal aspect, but with a thinned subendothelial connective layer. AuNPsCM oral administration presented certain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic effects in an experimental model of HFD, but with a negative impact on the ultrastructure of aorta walls, highlighted by the intima disorganization.
Evolutionary-Based Deep Stacked Autoencoder for Intrusion Detection in a Cloud-Based Cyber-Physical System
Authors: Duhayyim Mesfer Al , Alissa Khalid A. , Alrayes Fatma S. , Alotaibi Saud S. , Tag El Din ElSayed M. , Abdelmageed Amgad Atta , Yaseen Ishfaq , Motwakel Abdelwahed
Published: July 2022

As cyberattacks develop in volume and complexity, machine learning (ML) was extremely implemented for managing several cybersecurity attacks and malicious performance. The cyber-physical systems (CPSs) combined the calculation with physical procedures. An embedded computer and network monitor and control the physical procedure, commonly with feedback loops whereas physical procedures affect calculations and conversely, at the same time, ML approaches were vulnerable to data pollution attacks. Improving network security and attaining robustness of ML determined network schemes were the critical problems of the growth of CPS. This study develops a new Stochastic Fractal Search Algorithm with Deep Learning Driven Intrusion Detection system (SFSA-DLIDS) for a cloud-based CPS environment. The presented SFSA-DLIDS technique majorly focuses on the recognition and classification of intrusions for accomplishing security from the CPS environment. The presented SFSA-DLIDS approach primarily performs a min-max data normalization approach to convert the input data to a compatible format. In order to reduce a curse of dimensionality, the SFSA technique is applied to select a subset of features. Furthermore, chicken swarm optimization (CSO) with deep stacked auto encoder (DSAE) technique was utilized for the identification and classification of intrusions. The design of a CSO algorithm majorly focuses on the parameter optimization of the DSAE model and thereby enhances the classifier results. The experimental validation of the SFSA-DLIDS model is tested using a series of experiments. The experimental results depict the promising performance of the SFSA-DLIDS model over the recent models.
Identification of Genomic Regions Associated with Fusarium Wilt Resistance in Cowpea
Authors: Dong Junyang , Song Yuqin , Wang Baogen , Wu Xiaohua , Wang Ying , Wang Jian , Lu Zhongfu , Zhang Yan , Li Guojing , Wu Xinyi , Wang Huasen
Published: July 2022

Fusarium wilt (FW), caused by the soil-borne fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Tracheiphilum, is a serious threat to cowpea production worldwide. Understanding the genetic architecture of FW resistance is a prerequisite to combatting this disease and developing FW resistance varieties. In the current study, a genetic diversity panel of 99 cowpea accessions was collected, and they were infected by a single strain, FW-HZ. The disease index (DI) based on the two indicators of leaf damage (LFD) and vascular discoloration (VD) varied highly across the population: most accessions were susceptible, and only seven accessions showed resistant phenotypes by both indicators. Through a genome-wide association study (GWAS), 3 and 7 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with LFD and VD were detected, respectively, which were distributed on chromosomes 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9, accounting for 0.68–13.92% of phenotypic variation. Based on the cowpea reference genome, 30 putative genes were identified and proposed as the likely candidates, including leucine-rich repeat protein kinase family protein, protein kinase superfamily protein and zinc finger family protein. These results provide novel insights into the genetic architecture of FW resistance and a basis for molecular breeding of FW resistant cultivars in cowpea.
Fuzzy-Based Time Series Forecasting and Modelling: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Palomero Luis , García Vicente , Sánchez José Salvador
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a systematic literature review regarding the development of fuzzy-based models for time series forecasting in the period 2017–2021. The study was conducted using a well-established review protocol and a couple of powerful tools for bibliometric analysis to know and analyse the main approaches adopted in the research field of interest. We analysed 118 articles published in peer-reviewed journals indexed in the 2020 Journal Citation Reports of the Web of Science. This allowed us to present an in-depth performance analysis and a science mapping regarding the current situation of fuzzy time series forecasting and modelling. The outputs of this study provide a practical base for further investigations that address this topic from both a methodological point of view and in terms of applicability.
Laboratory Testing and Theoretical Modeling of Deformations of Reinforced Soil Wall
Authors: Kazimierowicz-Frankowska Krystyna , Kulczykowski Marek
Published: July 2022

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of a vertical reinforced soil (RS) wall. The structure was built on a laboratory scale. Horizontal displacements on the surface of the model wall were monitored at the end of construction and during surcharge application (as post-construction displacements). The experimental results were compared with their theoretical predictions. The accuracy of the selected analytical approach was examined to predict deformations of the RS structure under external loading. It was shown that the proposed original and relatively simple analytical method for estimating structural deformation can be successfully used in practice (the average difference between the recorded and calculated values of deformation did not exceed 25%). From a scientific point of view, an important element of this work was the analysis of the effect of friction between the backfill and the side walls of the test box on the measured displacements. For the investigated case, it was shown that the impact of this element caused a reduction in the value of external loading of more than 60%. The final results may be particularly useful in the design process of structures used in transportation engineering (bridge abutments), where deformation limit values cannot be exceeded.
Steady State and Transient Vibration Analysis of an Exponentially Graded Rotor Bearing System Having a Slant Crack
Authors: Sathujoda Prabhakar , Batchu Aneesh , Canale Giacomo , Citarella Roberto
Published: July 2022

The dynamic behaviour of a slant-cracked exponentially graded (EG) rotor-bearing system has been investigated using the finite element method for flexural vibrations. A two nodded EG rotor element has been developed based on the Timoshenko beam theory. Local flexibility coefficients (LFCs) of a slant-cracked EG shaft element have been derived using fracture mechanics concepts to develop the stiffness matrix of a cracked EG element. The steady-state and transient vibration responses of cracked and uncracked rotor systems have been simulated using the Houbolt time marching method. When a crack is present in the shaft, the subharmonic frequency peaks are centred on operating speed in the steady-state frequency responses, whereas on critical speed in the transient frequency responses at an interval frequency corresponding to the torsional frequency. It has been found that the crack parameters such as crack depth and location, temperature gradients and torsional frequencies have a significant influence on natural frequencies and dynamic responses, which could be implemented for efficient rotor crack detection methodologies.
Chemical Composition and Valorization of Broccoli Leaf By-Products (Brassica oleracea L. Variety: Italica) to Ameliorate Reno-Hepatic Toxicity Induced by Gentamicin in Rats
Authors: Khalil Hany Ezzat , Abdelwahab Miada F. , Emeka Promise Madu , Badger-Emeka Lorina I. , Abdel Hafez Sara Mohamed Naguib , AlYahya Khalid A. , Ahmed Al-Shaimaa F. , Anter Aliaa F. , Abdel-Wahab Nada M. , Matsunami Katsuyoshi , Ibrahim Selim Alyaa Hatem
Published: July 2022

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) is reported to possess antioxidant activity that could potentially prevent oxidative damage to tissues caused by many diseases. In the present study, we investigated the preventive effect of broccoli leaf by-product extract (BL) on gentamicin-induced renal and hepatic injury by measuring tissue antioxidant activities and morphological apoptotic changes. Broccoli leaf was thoroughly extracted with 70% methanol to yield the total methanol extract (TME). The total phenolic content (TPC) was determined. Thirty male rats were divided into five groups (six animals/group). Group I received phosphate-buffered saline orally, while group II was treated with gentamicin (100 mg/kg i.p. intraperitoneal) for ten days. Group III and group IV animals were given BL (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively) plus gentamicin treatment. Group V received L-cysteine (1 mmole/kg) plus gentamicin. Antioxidant and biochemical parameters, such as transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, and urea, and mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) were determined in various groups, along with the quantification of inflammatory and apoptotic cells in hepatic and renal tissues. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were determined in liver and renal samples. Histopathological studies of the liver and kidneys were also carried out. The TME was subjected to various and repeated techniques of chromatography to yield caffeic acid, gallic acid, and methyl gallate. The TPC was 6.47 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent/g of dry extract. Gentamicin increased the levels of serum AST, ALT, ALP, creatinine, and urea. The MDA and GSH contents and theactivity levels of the antioxidant enzyme SOD decreased in liver and kidney samples with gentamicin administration. BL administration dose-dependently prevented the alteration in biochemical parameters and was supported by low levels of tubular and glomerular injuries induced by gentamicin. This study valorizes the potential of BL as a preventive candidate in cases of gentamicin-induced liver and kidney toxicity and recommends further clinical studies using BL to validate its utilization for human consumption and as a source of phenolics for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical purposes.
Integrated Fuzzy-Logic and Triple-Loop PI-Based Management Strategy for a Lead-Acid/Lithium-Ion Hybrid Battery Energy Storage System
Authors: Lencwe Mpho J. , Zau Andre T. Puati , Chowdhury S. P. Daniel , Olwal Thomas O.
Published: July 2022

The huge success of electric vehicles across the world is challenged by a lack of infrastructure and a major increase in battery material prices. This challenge positions internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) to remain a vehicle of choice. The majority of these vehicles use a lead-acid battery (LAB) for starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) functions. However, these LABs are faced with challenges of short lifespan and low storage capacity because of improved electronic systems in modern ICEVs. In this manuscript, we propose an extension application of a hybrid LAB and lithium-ion energy storage system (ESS) for a vehicle using a single source of 70 Ah and 90 Ah capacity. Whereas previously, a hybrid energy storage system (HESS) for use in a vehicle using a source of 50 Ah battery capacity was proposed. Hence, the unique contribution of the study is using an integrated fuzzy-logic and triple-loop-proportional-integral-based battery management strategy (BMS) to improve LAB performance in a wide range of vehicles with different battery capacities sizes. The results show that the proposed BMS can help increase LAB lifespan and improve the storage capacity of the system, thus ensuring reliability. Additionally, compared to a single use of LAB, the combined energy storage system shows superior performance.
Riceberry Rice Bran Protein Hydrolyzed Fractions Induced Apoptosis, Senescence and G1/S Cell Cycle Arrest in Human Colon Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Wattayagorn Vichugorn , Kongsema Mesayamas , Tadakittisarn Sukuntaros , Chumnanpuen Pramote
Published: July 2022

Riceberry rice bran is the part of rice that has been scrubbed out during the coloring process. There are various health benefits to be gained from foods with a high protein content. This work aimed to study the effect of hydrolyzed riceberry rice bran extracts on colon cancer cell lines compared to normal cells. The MTT assay result showed that our extract has lower cytotoxicity effects on normal cells (PCS-201-010, IC50 = 6745 µg/mL) compared to colon cancer cell lines and has a greater effect on metastatic cancer cell lines (SW-620, IC50 = 5468 µg/mL) than non-metastatic cancer cell lines (HT-29, IC50 = 6054 µg/mL). The apoptotic inductive effects of HRBE on SW-620 were observed after 72 h at a maximum rate of 76% and at maximum concentration. According to the result of the cell senescence analysis after 24 h of HRBE treatment, the percentage of HT-29 (86%) expressing SA-β-gal was much higher than that of SW-620 (32%). Consequently, the decrease in the cell population in the S and M/G2 phases indicated cell cycle arrest in HT-29 cells after being treated with HRBE. Focusing on the peptide fraction size of HRBE, the largest (>50 kDa) fraction showed the highest anticancer activity compared to other fractions. In conclusion, the hydrolyzed riceberry rice bran extract induced the apoptosis process in the metastatic cancer cells and induced the senescence process in the non-metastatic cancer cells. This observed information will be useful and applicable for medical research and colon cancer treatment in the future.
Development of Continuum Robot Arm and Gripper for Harvesting Cherry Tomatoes
Authors: Yeshmukhametov Azamat , Koganezawa Koichi , Yamamoto Yoshio , Buribayev Zholdas , Mukhtar Zhassuzak , Amirgaliyev Yedilkhan
Published: July 2022

Smart farming technology is becoming of the actual topics in the modern world of technology. Contemporary farming technology expands robot applications by using AI for the recognition of variable patterns. Moreover, the agriculture field demands a safety robot, due to the fragile surrounded confined space and it must be adaptable to extremely constrained working environments. Therefore, this research paper presents a novel tomato harvesting robot arm based on a continuum robot structure. The proposed continuum robot arm flexible backbone structure provides safety and efficient work in a confined workspace. This research paper consists of three parts: the first part of the paper contains the robot design and the newly designed tomato harvesting gripper tool. The second part of the paper describes the machine learning part for detecting matured tomatoes and the distance measuring technique with a single camera. The third part of the research paper explains robot kinematics and control algorithms. The final part of the research paper explains the experimental results. As a result of the conducted experiment, the tomato harvesting speed of the proposed robot was 56 s for a single tomato. Meanwhile, the tomato recognition accuracy was 96 percent.
A Computer Vision Model to Identify the Incorrect Use of Face Masks for COVID-19 Awareness
Authors: Crespo Fabricio , Crespo Anthony , Sierra-Martínez Luz Marina , Peluffo-Ordóñez Diego Hernán , Morocho-Cayamcela Manuel Eugenio
Published: July 2022

Face mask detection has become a great challenge in computer vision, demanding the coalition of technology with COVID-19 awareness. Researchers have proposed deep learning models to detect the use of face masks. However, the incorrect use of a face mask can be as harmful as not wearing any protection at all. In this paper, we propose a compound convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture based on two computer vision tasks: object localization to discover faces in images/videos, followed by an image classification CNN to categorize the faces and show if someone is using a face mask correctly, incorrectly, or not at all. The first CNN is built upon RetinaFace, a model to detect faces in images, whereas the second CNN uses a ResNet-18 architecture as a classification backbone. Our model enables an accurate identification of people who are not correctly following the COVID-19 healthcare recommendations on face mask use. To enable further global use of our technology, we have released both the dataset used to train the classification model and our proposed computer vision pipeline to the public, and optimized it for embedded systems deployment.
DNA Computing: Concepts for Medical Applications
Authors: Sakowski Sebastian , Waldmajer Jacek , Majsterek Ireneusz , Poplawski Tomasz
Published: July 2022

The branch of informatics that deals with construction and operation of computers built of DNA, is one of the research directions which investigates issues related to the use of DNA as hardware and software. This concept assumes the use of DNA computers due to their biological origin mainly for intelligent, personalized and targeted diagnostics frequently related to therapy. Important elements of this concept are (1) the retrieval of unique DNA sequences using machine learning methods and, based on the results of this process, (2) the construction/design of smart diagnostic biochip projects. The authors of this paper propose a new concept of designing diagnostic biochips, the key elements of which are machine-learning methods and the concept of biomolecular queue automata. This approach enables the scheduling of computational tasks at the molecular level by sequential events of cutting and ligating DNA molecules. We also summarize current challenges and perspectives of biomolecular computer application and machine-learning approaches using DNA sequence data mining.