bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Microorganisms in Low-Temperature Water Environments by in situ Generation of Biogenic Nanoparticles
Authors: Skladnev Dmitry A. , Vasilyeva Lina V. , Berestovskaya Yulia Yu. , Kotsyurbenko Oleg R. , Kalenov Sergei V. , Sorokin Vladimir V.
Published: November 2020

A new nanobiotechnological approach for the detection of extraterrestrial Earth-like biological forms is proposed. The approach is based on the ability of microbial cells to reduce artificially added cations with the generation of crystalline nanoparticles (NPs) from zero-valent atoms. The method is named DBNG (Detection of Biogenic Nanoparticles Generation). The subglacial low-temperature oligotrophic Lake Untersee in Antarctica was used as a model of putative extraterrestrial water environments inhabited by Earth-like type microorganisms. The DBNG protocol for the comparative study of microbial communities of low-temperature oligotrophic environments was optimized on the base of experiments with the pure culture of psychroactive bacterium Cryobacterium sp. 1639 isolated earlier from Lake Untersee. The formation of silver nanoparticles (Ag°NPs) has been conducted in natural water samples of three horizons at low temperature (+5°C), which was in the temperature range registered in the Lake Untersee. The generation of biogenic Ag°NPs was detected only at the presence of indigenous microorganisms in all studied samples. No Ag°NPs generation was observed in the lake water samples artificially free of cells or exposed to pasteurization (two types of controls). The miniature microfluidic chip for an automated version of the device, based on using different analytical methods for recording in situ-formed biogenic nanoparticles, is proposed. The device allows the detection of the biological objects directly at the sampling site.
TransOral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy via Submental and Vestibular Approach: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Fu Yilong , Wu Mengwei , Fu Jinbo , Lin Suqiong , Song Zhengfu , Chen Jiyu , Yan Wei , Kuang Penghao , Lin Fusheng , Luo Yezhe , Lin Ende , Hong Xiaoquan , Wu Guoyang
Published: November 2020

Purpose: Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via vestibular approach (TOETVA), with its excellent cosmetic effect, has become increasingly popular worldwide. Nonetheless, anatomic obstacles have limited its development to a certain extent. Here, we present our preliminary outcomes of transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via submental and vestibular approach (TOETSMVA), which can overcome those limitations.

Methods: From November 2019 to March 2020, we performed TOETSMVA in 21 consecutive patients with thyroid carcinoma at Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University. A 1.5-cm lateral incision was made at two fingers below the mandible; two 5-mm incisions were made in the vestibule near the first molars; TOETSMVA was completed through these incisions. The demographic data and surgical outcomes of the patients were retrospectively reviewed.

Results: Twenty-one patients with a mean age of 37.5 ± 10.4 years were incorporated into this study. Fourteen patients had papillary thyroid micro-carcinomas, two had papillary thyroid carcinomas, and five had benign nodules. Eight patients had lymph node metastases. All surgeries were performed successfully without conversion to open thyroidectomy. The mean operation time was 138.8 ± 33.2 min; the average hospital stay was 3.3 ± 0.8 days. No patients developed cutaneous paralysis in the midline chin region. Transient recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis was observed in one patient. There was no evidence of postoperative bleeding, infection, tetany, or other complications.

Conclusion: TOETSMVA was shown to be a safe and advisable alternative for selected patients. This approach can overcome the limitations of TOETVA without sacrificing cosmetic results.
Evaluation of Colostral Immunity Against Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) in Martina Franca's Foals
Authors: Di Francesco Cristina E. , Smoglica Camilla , De Amicis Ippolito , Cafini Federica , Carluccio Augusto , Contri Alberto
Published: November 2020

Eight Martina Franca pregnant jennies were selected in order to evaluate the transfer of colostral antibodies against equine herpesvirus type 1 in their relative foals after immunization with a commercial inactivated vaccine, compared with an unvaccinated group. Samples of serum and colostrums/milk were collected from jennies and foals under study starting from 10 min before and up to 21 days after the foaling. Specific anti-EHV-1 antibody titers were evaluated by means of a serum neutralization test, and the results obtained from both groups were analyzed. The serological titers in the vaccinated jennies was significantly higher (p < 0.01). No significant differences were found in the specific time-point intervals in both groups examined (p > 0.05). The antibody titers in milk at the time of delivery and subsequent withdrawal (T0 and T1) were very high in both groups, but no significant differences were found between the two groups (p > 0.05). In the foal sera, a significant difference was found between foals in the vaccinated group compared with those in the unvaccinated group (p < 0.05). Finally, a significant correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between the antibody titers found in serum and colostrum of jennies and the foal titers in the first time-point sampling (up to 12 h after foaling). The results confirm a substantial homology in the antibody production compared with other most investigated equids, highlighting the efficacy of the vaccination against EHV-1 of the jennies to ensure the protective immunity to their foals during the first weeks after delivery.
Computed Tomographic and Histopathological Characteristics of 13 Equine and 10 Feline Oral and Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Strohmayer Carina , Klang Andrea , Kneissl Sibylle
Published: November 2020

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common equine sinonasal and feline oral tumour. This study aimed to describe the computed tomographic and histopathological characteristics of equine and feline SCC. Thirteen horses and 10 cats that had been histopathologically diagnosed with oral or sinonasal SCC and had undergone computed tomography (CT) of the head were retrospectively included in the study. CT characteristics of the mass and involved structures were noted. Histological examinations were evaluated according to a human malignancy grading system for oral SCC, which considered four grades of increasing aggressiveness. In horses, the masses were at the levels of the paranasal sinuses (n = 8), mandible (n = 3), tongue (n = 1), and nasal cavity (n = 1). In cats, the masses were at the levels of the maxilla (n = 4), mandible (n = 3), tongue (n = 1), and buccal region (n = 1) and were diffusely distributed (facial and cranial bones; n = 1). Masses in the equine paranasal sinuses showed only mild, solid/laminar, periosteal reactions with variable cortical destruction. However, maxillary lesions in cats showed severe cortical destruction and irregular, amorphous/pumice stone-like, periosteal reactions. CT revealed different SCC phenotypes that were unrelated to the histological grade. For morphologic parameters of the tumour cell population, a variability for the degree of keratinization and number of mitotic cells was noted in horses and cats. Concerning the tumour-host relationship a marked, extensive and deep invasion into the bone in the majority of horses and cats was seen. Most cases in both the horses and cats were categorized as histological grade III (n = 8); four horses and one cat were categorized as grade IV, and one horse and one cat were categorized as grade II. In this study, we examined the diagnostic images and corresponding applied human histopathological grading of SCC to further elucidate the correlations between pathology and oral and sinonasal SCC imaging in horses and cats.
Tourism Competitiveness of Rural Areas: Evidence from a Region in Poland
Authors: Roman Michał , Roman Monika , Prus Piotr , Szczepanek Małgorzata
Published: November 2020

The aim of the article is to present the analysis of tourism competitiveness of the rural areas of the Eastern Poland microregion (Podlaskie, Warmińsko–mazurskie, Lubelskie, Świętokrzyskie, Podkarpackie provinces). To group the rural communes in terms of tourism competitiveness, a cluster analysis with Ward’s method was applied. To do so, the data provided by the Central Statistical Office (Warsaw) in Poland of 2019 were used. The analyses provided in the article confirm the dependence between the size of the areas of outstanding natural beauty and the region’s tourism competitiveness. The results can be applied by the representatives of various institutions and organizations supporting the development of tourism in those areas.
Temporal–Spatial Distribution of Risky Sites for Feeding Cattle in China Based on Temperature/Humidity Index
Authors: Wang Ting , Zhong Rongzhen , Zhou Daowei
Published: November 2020

This study identifies risk areas for cattle husbandry based on temperature and a relative humidity index (THI) derived from climate data (1987 to 2016) at 839 meteorological stations in China using geostatistics (ordinary and indicator kriging) in the geographical information system (GIS). In general, monthly mean THI values were the highest in July and the lowest in January for all regions. The correlation analysis showed that there were negative relationships between THI values and latitude or elevation for the whole year (p < 0.01). The THI values were higher at low latitudes in coastal areas and at high latitudes in arid areas in summer. The healthy risk for cattle production varied depending on the time of the year and region. The study shows that cattle production is suitable throughout the whole year in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau; from October to April for most areas, except the southern coastal areas; in May and September in Northeast China, North China, and parts of Northwest China; in June in Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia. The information obtained in this study can provide a regional distribution of risk for the cattle industry in China.
Effect of Phenological Stage and Rooting Enhancers on Physiological Parameters in Stem Cuttings in the Process of Rhizogenesis of Rosa × alba ‘Maiden’s Blush’
Authors: Monder Marta Joanna , Niedzielski Maciej , Woliński Konrad
Published: November 2020

Once-blooming roses belong to difficult-to-root. One-bud leafy cuttings have limited storage capacity, due to the small size of the stem, and are exposed to prolonged stress conditions. The objective of this study was to examine if the treatment of the cuttings of Rosa × alba ‘Maiden’s Blush’ with plant origin preparations as rooting enhancers may increase their rooting percentage, chlorophyll a/b, and proteins concentration in leaves. The cuttings were prepared from shoots in four phenological stages: flower buds closed, flowers open, immediately after petal shedding, and 7–14 days after petal fall. The following were used: 0.4% indole butyric acid (Ukorzeniacz Aaqua), 0.2% naphthalene acetic acid (Ukorzeniacz Baqua), Bio Rhizotonic; Root Juice™, and Bio Roots. Controls included untreated cuttings. The highest rooting percentage was obtained after two treatments with 0.6% Bio Rhizotonic (81.5%), compared to the control (55.0%), using cuttings from shoots with flower buds closed, but the rooting enhancers did not show any unequivocal impact on rooting percentage in cuttings of all phenological stages or affected improvement this feature in cuttings harvested 7–14 after shedding petals with low root ability. However, the action of plant preparations affected positively higher soluble proteins and chlorophyll content. The plant-origin preparations can be used as alternatives to chemicals in nursery production.
Leaf Response to Different Light Spectrum Compositions during Micropropagation of Gerbera Axillary Shoots
Authors: Cioć Monika , Pawłowska Bożena
Published: November 2020

The experiment evaluated the influence of different light qualities and 6-benzyladenine (BA) concentration in a medium on the leaf response of multiplied Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex Hook. f.‘Big Apple’ shoots. Three different light-emitting diode (LED) spectra—100% blue (B), 100% red (R) and red and blue mixture (7:3, RB)—were used, and a fluorescent lamp was used as a control (Fl). Concentrations of BA in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium were 1, 2.5 and 5 µM. Leaves developed under 100% blue light had a lower frequency of stomata and a smaller area as compared with those from plants exposed to light with red in spectrum. Under 100% red light, the leaf area and the frequency of stomata increased along with growing concentration of BA in the medium. The thickest mesophyll was spotted in the cross-section of leaves exposed to the blue LED light. Leaves developed under the 100% red light had the thinnest mesophyll layers. Increasing concentration of BA in the medium resulted in enhanced leaf blade thickness. The cross-section of leaf vascular bundles was only half of that in petioles. The leaves under the LED combinations had larger vascular bundles than those under fluorescent light. The highest level of photosynthetic pigments was noticed in the leaves grown under LED R and RB lights. Our study demonstrated that 2.5 µM BA and a mixture of blue and red light provided by LED improved leaf quality during multiplication of gerbera shoots.
Distribution of TiO2 Nanoparticles in Acidic and Alkaline Soil and Their Accumulation by Aspergillus niger
Authors: Šebesta Martin , Nemček Lucia , Urík Martin , Kolenčík Marek , Bujdoš Marek , Hagarová Ingrid , Matúš Peter
Published: November 2020

The nanoparticles of TiO2 (TiO2 NP) have been used as a plant-growth stimulant or catalyst in pesticide formulas. However, due to high resistance of TiO2 NP to abiotic weathering, dissolved Ti is unlikely to act as an active compound in these preparations. Even if soil is acidic, TiO2 NP do not dissolve easily and preferably remain as undissolved particles. The low dissolution rates of inorganic nanoparticles in the soil environment make Ti in TiO2 NP largely unavailable for plants and soil microorganisms. To characterize the behavior of TiO2 NP in soil under different pH conditions, we analyzed TiO2 NP-size distribution in two soil materials, an alkaline and acidic one. We also cultivated Aspergillus niger, a fungus ubiquitously found in soils, in the growth medium spiked with TiO2 NP to assess accumulation of the nanoparticles in fungus. In soil suspensions, the dissolved Ti was present in low concentrations (up to 0.010 mg L−1). Most of the TiO2 NP remained in particulate form or appeared as aggregates sized 100–450 nm. In experiment on Ti accumulation by A. niger, TiO2 NP either settled down to the bottom of the flask with growth medium or were actually accumulated by the fungus; about 7.5% of TiO2 NP were accumulated in fungal mycelia. Most of the TiO2 NP remain in particulate form in soil solutions, regardless of soil pH. Filamentous fungus A. niger has the ability to accumulate bioavailable TiO2 NP, which hints at the possibility that some soil fungi can affect spatial distribution of this type of nanoparticles in soils.
Consolidated Bioprocessing, an Innovative Strategy towards Sustainability for Biofuels Production from Crop Residues: An Overview
Authors: Olguin-Maciel Edgar , Singh Anusuiya , Chable-Villacis Rubi , Tapia-Tussell Raul , Ruiz Héctor A.
Published: November 2020

Increased energy demands in today’s world have led to the exploitation of fossil resources as fuel. Fossil resources are not only on the verge of extinction but also causing environmental and economic issues. Due to these reasons, scientists have started focusing their interest on other eco-friendly processes to biofuel and recently, second-generation biorefinery is gaining much more attention. In second-generation biorefinery, the main objective is the valorization of lignocellulosic biomass cost-effectively. Therefore, many scientists started different bioprocessing techniques like Consolidated Bioprocessing (CBP) to produce ethanol by using a single or plethora of microorganisms to produce ethanol in a single process. In this review, in-depth study on CBP is assessed as well as biofuel’s socio-economic value and a brief study of biorefineries. The study not only involves innovative approaches used in CBP but their effect on society and economic aspects.
Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization on Production, Chemical Composition and Morphogenesis of Guinea Grass in the Humid Tropics
Authors: Oliveira Joelma K. S. de , Corrêa Darlena C. da C. , Cunha Antônio M. Q. , Rêgo Aníbal C. do , Faturi Cristian , Silva Wilton L. da , Domingues Felipe N.
Published: November 2020

The use of nitrogen fertilization in tropical grasslands is a strategy that may reduce the pressure of livestock production on biome areas with humid forests. The objective of this study was to assess the use of different doses of nitrogen in Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) con. Mombasa) cultivated in the humid tropics. Doses of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 kg of N ha−1 application−1 were applied during two consecutive years in experimental plots. The experimental area is located in the northeast of Pará, Brazil, with a predominantly tropical climate according to the Köppen classification. The morphogenic, production, and qualitative characteristics of the forage were evaluated. The morphogenic variables, rate of leaf appearance and rate of leaf elongation, in addition to daily accumulation of forage and crude protein content, increased with increasing doses of nitrogen. The morphological structure of the pasture was not modified. The number of cuts increased, whereas the number of days of recovery decreased, in the rainy season with increasing doses of nitrogen. The use of nitrogen fertilization does not alter the structure of the pasture; however, it improves the morphogenic, production, and chemical characteristics of Guinea grass.
Extracellular Vesicles, the Road toward the Improvement of ART Outcomes
Authors: Gervasi Maria G. , Soler Ana J. , González-Fernández Lauro , Alves Marco G. , Oliveira Pedro F. , Martín-Hidalgo David
Published: November 2020

Nowadays, farm animal industries use assisted reproductive technologies (ART) as a tool to manage herds’ reproductive outcomes, for a fast dissemination of genetic improvement as well as to bypass subfertility issues. ART comprise at least one of the following procedures: collection and handling of oocytes, sperm, and embryos in in vitro conditions. Therefore, in these conditions, the interaction with the oviductal environment of gametes and early embryos during fertilization and the first stages of embryo development is lost. As a result, embryos obtained in in vitro fertilization (IVF) have less quality in comparison with those obtained in vivo, and have lower chances to implant and develop into viable offspring. In addition, media currently used for IVF are very similar to those empirically developed more than five decades ago. Recently, the importance of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the fertility process has flourished. EVs are recognized as effective intercellular vehicles for communication as they deliver their cargo of proteins, lipids, and genetic material. Thus, during their transit through the female reproductive tract both gametes, oocyte and spermatozoa (that previously encountered EVs produced by male reproductive tract) interact with EVs produced by the female reproductive tract, passing them important information that contributes to a successful fertilization and embryo development. This fact highlights that the reproductive tract EVs cargo has an important role in reproductive events, which is missing in current ART media. This review aims to recapitulate recent advances in EVs functions on the fertilization process, highlighting the latest proposals with an applied approach to enhance ART outcome through EV utilization as an additive to the media of current ART procedures.
Heat Stress Increases In Vitro Hindgut Fermentation of Distinct Substrates in Iberian Pigs
Authors: Pardo Zaira , Mateos Iván , Campos Rómulo , Francisco Andrea , Lachica Manuel , Ranilla María José , Fernández-Fígares Ignacio
Published: November 2020

Heat stress reduces the feed intake and growth of pigs. We hypothesized that heat stress affects the intestinal fermentation capacity of pigs. Sixteen Iberian pigs (44 ± 1.0 kg) were randomly assigned to one of two treatments (eight pigs/treatment) for 4 weeks—heat stress (HS; 30 °C) ad libitum or thermoneutral (TN; 20 °C) pair feeding. Frozen rectum contents were used as inocula for 24 h in vitro incubations in which a mixture of starches, citrus pectin, inulin from chicory, and cellulose were the substrates. Cellulose was poorly degraded, whereas pectin and the mixture of starches were the most fermentable substrates according to total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. The mixture of starches and inulin produced the greatest amount of gas. For all substrates, heat stress enhanced gas production (8%, p = 0.001), total SCFA production (16%, p = 0.001), and the production of acetate and propionate (12% and 42%, respectively; p = 0.001). The increased isoacid production (33%, p = 0.001) and ammonia concentration (12%, p = 0.001) may indicate protein fermentation under heat stress. In conclusion, the in vitro intestinal fermentation capacity of pigs under heat stress was increased compared to thermoneutral conditions, which may indicate an adaptive response to heat stress.
Effects and Safe Inclusion of Narbonne Vetch (Vicia narbonensis) in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Diets: Towards a More Sustainable Aquaculture
Authors: Tomás-Almenar Cristina , Toledo-Solís Francisco Javier , Larrán Ana M. , de Mercado Eduardo , Alarcón Francisco Javier , Rico Daniel , Martín-Diana Ana Belén , Fernández Ignacio
Published: November 2020

Aquaculture’s sustainability deeply relies on the identification and inclusion of alternative raw materials. Although meals from insects and/or byproducts from different industries are being recently tested, the meal from terrestrial vegetable species is still the main substitution candidate for fish meal. Here the effects of 0% (Control), 10% (A10) and 30% (A30) inclusion of Narbonne vetch (Vicia narbonensis; ZV-156 strain) meal in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) diets was assessed in a 63-day feeding trial by means of growth performance, histopathological, nutritional value of the fish fillet and blood biochemistry analyses. A dose-response trial was conducted in triplicate with 25 rainbow trout juveniles (20 g average body weight) per 500 L tank. Narbonne vetch meal decreased total intestine protease activity in vitro (from 26.81% to 48% inhibition), although high temperature partially inhibited the action of antinutritional factors (ANFs). No differences in fish growth performance and no severe histopathological alterations on the proximal intestine were observed between 10% Narbonne vetch inclusion and Control groups. In contrast, high inclusion (30%) of Narbonne vetch led to poor growth performance (30% reduction on final growth) and severe histopathological alterations (e.g., loss of brush border integrity, high number of villi fusion, reduced goblet cells density as well as reduced width of submucosa, muscular and serosa layers). Furthermore, while the A30 diet decreased docosahexaenoic fatty acid (FA) content in fish fillets, the A10 diet improved monounsaturated FA content when compared to that of the Control group. No altered levels of cholesterol, glucose or triglycerides in blood plasma and/or histopathological effects on the liver were observed among fish fed the different experimental diets. Although further research efforts (e.g., identifying potential enzymatic treatments to decrease the action of ANFs from Narbonne vetch meal) might be required, present results show that a low inclusion (10%) of Narbonne vetch in rainbow trout diets is possible. The inclusion of locally produced legumes such a Narbonne vetch might be an interesting approach to reduce carbon footprint in European aquaculture and the dependency on other alternative raw materials such as soybean (Glycine max) imported from third countries.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Nubian Ibex Reveals Candidate Positively Selected Genes That Contribute to Its Adaptation to the Desert Environment
Authors: Chebii Vivien J. , Oyola Samuel O. , Kotze Antoinette , Domelevo Entfellner Jean-Baka , Musembi Mutuku J. , Agaba Morris
Published: November 2020

The domestic goat (Capra hircus) is an important livestock species with a geographic range spanning all continents, including arid and semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia. The Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana), a wild relative of the domestic goat inhabiting the hot deserts of Northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, is well-adapted to challenging environments in hot deserts characterized by intense solar radiation, thermal extremes, and scarce water resources. The economic importance of C. hircus breeds, as well as the current trends of global warming, highlights the need to understand the genetic basis of adaptation of C. nubiana to the desert environments. In this study, the genome of a C. nubiana individual was sequenced at an average of 37x coverage. Positively selected genes were identified by comparing protein-coding DNA sequences of C. nubiana and related species using dN/dS statistics. A total of twenty-two positively selected genes involved in diverse biological functions such as immune response, protein ubiquitination, olfactory transduction, and visual development were identified. In total, three of the twenty-two positively selected genes are involved in skin barrier development and function (ATP binding cassette subfamily A member 12, Achaete-scute family bHLH transcription factor 4, and UV stimulated scaffold protein A), suggesting that C. nubiana has evolved skin protection strategies against the damaging solar radiations that prevail in deserts. The positive selection signatures identified here provide new insights into the potential adaptive mechanisms to hot deserts in C. nubiana.
Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation Differently Affects the Small Intestinal Phenotype and Gene Expression of Newborn Lambs from Differing Litter Sizes
Authors: Li Zhen , Wang Bo , Li Heqiong , Jian Luyang , Luo Hailing , Wang Bing , Zhang Can , Zhao Xingang , Xue Ying , Peng Sijia , Zuo Shuxian
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of maternal dietary folic acid (FA) supplementation during gestation on small intestinal development of newborn lambs of different litter sizes, focusing on the intestinal morphology and development-, apoptosis- and digestion-related genes expression. One hundred and twenty Hu ewes (Ovis aries) were inseminated and randomly allotted to three groups. One group received a control diet [without FA supplementation, control (CON)] and the other two groups received control diets supplemented with different amount of FA [16 or 32 mg FA per kg dry matter (DM), i.e., F16 and F32] during pregnancy. After lambing, according to the dietary FA levels and litter size (twins, TW; triplets, TR), the neonatal lambs were divided into 6 (TW-CON, TW-F16, TW-F32, TR-CON, TR-F16, TR-F32) treatment groups. The results showed that the ratio of small intestinal weight to live body weight and the thickness of the intestinal muscle layer in the offspring was enhanced significantly with increasing maternal FA supplementation (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the expression levels of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) and sodium/glucose co-transporter-1 (SGLT1) in the small intestines of the newborn lambs were increased, while the opposite was true for Bcl2-associated × (BAX) in response to FA supplementation (p < 0.05). Moreover, the small intestinal weights of twins were significantly higher than those of triplets (p < 0.01), and the expression levels of IGF-I (p < 0.05), sucrase-isomaltase (SI) (p < 0.05) and solute carrier family 2 member 5 (SLC2A5) (p < 0.01) were significantly lower than those in triplets. These findings suggest that maternal FA supplementation could improve the offspring’s small intestinal phenotype and the expression of development-, apoptosis- and digestion-related genes, so it could promote the small intestinal development of newborn lambs. Furthermore, the small intestine phenotypic development of twins was generally better than that of triplets, while the expression levels of the above genes of twins were lower than those of triplets.
What Factors Predispose Households in Trans-Himalaya (Central Nepal) to Livestock Predation by Snow Leopards?
Authors: Tiwari Mahesh P. , Devkota Bishnu P. , Jackson Rodney M. , Chhetri Bir Bahadur Khanal , Bagale Sistata
Published: November 2020

Livestock depredation across the trans-Himalaya causes significant economic losses to pastoralist communities. Quantification of livestock predation and the assessment of variables associated with depredation are crucial for designing effective long-term mitigation measures. We investigated the patterns and factors of livestock depredation by snow leopards (Panthera uncia) using semi-structured questionnaires targeting herders in the Narphu valley of the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal. During the two years (2017/18 and 2018/19), 73.9% of the households interviewed (n = 65) lost livestock to snow leopards, with an annual average loss of two livestock per household. Of the total depredation attributed to snow leopards, 55.4% were yak (mainly female: 79%), 31.7% goat, 6.8% sheep, 3.2% horse and 2.8% cattle. Results from applying Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) revealed the total number of livestock owned and the number of larger bodied livestock species as the main explanatory covariates explaining livestock depredation. Forty-one (41%) of all herders considered snow leopard’s preference for domestic livestock as the main factor in livestock predation, whereas only 5% perceived poor herding practice as the main reason for the loss. Our study found poor and changing herding practices in the valley, whereby 71% herders reported careful herding as a solution to snow leopard depredation, and 15% of herders considered the complete extermination of snow leopards as the best solution to the problem. Tolerance levels and awareness among herders towards snow leopard conservation is increasing, mainly due to the Buddhist religion and strict law enforcement within this protected area. We recommend the effective implementation of a community-based livestock insurance scheme to compensate the economic loss of herders due to predation and improved herding practices as the recommended mitigation measures for ensuring livestock security and snow leopards’ conservation in the valley.
Extracellular Vesicles from SOD3-Transduced Stem Cells Exhibit Improved Immunomodulatory Abilities in the Murine Dermatitis Model
Authors: Yang Ji Won , Seo Yoojin , Shin Tae-Hoon , Ahn Ji-Su , Oh Su-Jeong , Shin Ye Young , Kang Min-Jung , Lee Byung-Chul , Lee Seunghee , Kang Kyung-Sun , Hur Jin , Kim Yeon-Soo , Kim Tae-Yoon , Kim Hyung-Sik
Published: November 2020

The immunoregulatory abilities of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been investigated in various autoimmune and allergic diseases. However, the therapeutic benefits observed in preclinical settings have not been reproducible in clinical trials. This discrepancy is due to insufficient efficacy of MSCs in harsh microenvironments, as well as batch-dependent variability in potency. Therefore, to achieve more beneficial and uniform outcomes, novel strategies are required to potentiate the therapeutic effect of MSCs. One of simple strategies to augment cellular function is genetic manipulation. Several studies showed that transduction of antioxidant enzyme into cells can increase anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, we evaluated the immunoregulatory abilities of MSCs introduced with extracellular superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3) in the present study. SOD3-overexpressed MSCs (SOD3-MSCs) reduced the symptoms of murine model of atopic dermatitis (AD)-like inflammation, as well as the differentiation and activation of various immune cells involved in AD progression. Interestingly, extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from SOD3-MSCs delivered SOD3 protein. EVs carrying SOD3 also exerted improved therapeutic efficacy, as observed in their parent cells. These results suggest that MSCs transduced with SOD3, an antioxidant enzyme, as well as EVs isolated from modified cells, might be developed as a promising cell-based therapeutics for inflammatory disorders.
MEMS Vibrational Power Generator for Bridge Slab and Pier Health Monitoring
Authors: Hashimoto Katsufumi , Shiotani Tomoki , Mitsuya Hiroyuki , Chang Kai-Chun
Published: November 2020

Micro energy harvesters (MEH) based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are rapidly developing, providing a green and virtually infinite energy source. The electrostatic vibratory power generator outputs electric power when it vibrates, motivating us to apply it to vibrating civil infrastructures excited by ambient and daily traffic loadings. In this study, an innovative monitoring system utilizing MEH devices was proposed for detecting slab damage and pier scours for bridge structures. Its performance was numerically investigated with finite element models, where the damage in slabs was modeled with a reduced Young’s modulus and scours with fixed boundaries of inclined depth. It was shown that the powers generated at each MEH varied as the target structure’s modal frequency shifted and amplitude changed by damage or scour. A power generation index was proposed to identify slab damage and a reference-free method was introduced to detect uneven pier scours. Utilizing an electrostatic vibration-based MEH (MEMS vibrational power generator), this pioneering study showed that MEMS vibrational power generators can work as sensors for an infrastructure structural health monitoring system.
Evaluation of Structural Behavior of Hysteretic Steel Dampers under Cyclic Loading
Authors: Kim Sang-Woo , Kim Kil-Hee
Published: November 2020

This study proposes a relatively simple steel damper with high energy dissipation capacity. Three types of steel dampers were evaluated for structural performance. The first damper with U-shape had two vertical members and a semicircular connecting member for energy dissipation. The second damper with an angled U-shape replaced the connecting member with a horizontal steel member. The last damper with D-shape had a horizontal member added to the U-shaped damper. All the dampers were designed with steel plates on both sides that transmitted external shear force to the energy-dissipating members. To evaluate the structural performance of the dampers, an in-plane cyclic shear force was applied to the specimens. The D-shaped damper showed ductile behavior with excellent energy dissipation capacity after yielding without decreasing in strength during cyclic load. In other words, the D-shaped specimen showed excellent performance, with about 3.5 times the strength of the U-shaped specimen and about 3.8 times the energy dissipation capacity due to the additional horizontal member. Furthermore, the efficient energy dissipation of the proposed D-shaped steel damper was confirmed from the finite element (FE) analytical and experimental results.
A Review of Hygienization Methods of Herbal Raw Materials
Authors: Mrozek-Szetela Aneta , Rejda Piotr , Wińska Katarzyna
Published: November 2020

This article reviews various decontamination methods of herbal raw materials in Poland. These are the physical and chemical treatments of plant raw materials that remove mineral and microbiological impurities to ensure food safety. There is increasing use of herbal raw materials, and it is important to understand various methods that can be used for hygienization. Techniques used ensure the removal of mechanical impurities and elimination of microorganisms in a plant material. Depending on the method of choice, certain microorganisms are removed to a varying degree, and at the same time, there is a partial loss of the health-promoting properties of the plants subjected to the hygienization. Therefore, there is need to decide on optimal methods for hygienization of herbs that both reduce microbial contamination to the maximum extent and minimize the decrease in valuable ingredients contained in the herbs. Ozonization of plant raw materials is an effective method of removing microbiological contamination from most herbs. A good solution is also to use hybrid methods. In our literature review, ozone is very often mentioned as an effective disinfectant for herbs and spices. However, there is no information about the effect of ozone use on the substances contained in herbs and spices.
The Fuzzy Process Quality Evaluation Model for the STB Quality Characteristic of Machining
Authors: Luo Win-Jet , Chen Kuen-Suan , Yu Chun-Min , Hsu Ting-Hsin
Published: November 2020

Whether it is important components of a machine tool itself or various important components processed by the machine tool, many vital quality characteristics mostly belong to the smaller-the-better type. When the process quality levels of these quality characteristics do not attain to the criteria, friction loss may increase during the machine operation, affecting not only the process precision and accuracy but also the lifetime of the product. Therefore, this study applied a smaller-the-better six-sigma quality index simultaneously demonstrating process quality level and process yield. Besides, in coping with statistical process control data, a one-tail confidence-interval-based fuzzy testing method was developed to evaluate process quality. Because this approach is built on the basis of confidence intervals, it can reduce the possibility of misjudgment resulting from sampling errors as well as integrate past experience to enhance the accuracy and precision of the assessment, and then it can grasp the timeliness of improvement.
A Pilot Longitudinal Evaluation of MicroRNAs for Monitoring the Cognitive Impairment in Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Nuzziello Nicoletta , Consiglio Arianna , Viterbo Rosa Gemma , Licciulli Flavio , Liuni Sabino , Trojano Maria , Liguori Maria
Published: November 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs, seem to play a key role in complex diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS), as well as in many cognitive functions associated with the disease. In a previous cross-sectional evaluation on pediatric MS (PedMS) patients, the expression of some miRNAs and their target genes were found to be associated with the scores of some neuropsychiatric tests, thus suggesting that they may be involved in early processes of cognitive impairment. To verify these data, we asked the same patients to be re-evaluated after a 1-year interval; unfortunately, only nine of them agreed to this further clinical and molecular analysis. The main results showed that 13 differentially expressed miRNAs discriminated the two time-points. Among them, the expression of miR-182-5p, miR-320a-3p, miR-744-5p and miR-192-5p significantly correlated with the attention and information processing speed performances, whereas the expression of miR-182-5p, miR-451a, miR-4742-3p and miR-320a-3p correlated with the expressive language performances. The analysis of mRNA expression uncovered 58 predicted and/or validated miRNA-target pairs, including 23 target genes, some of them already associated with cognitive impairment, such as the transducing beta like 1 X-linked receptor-1 gene (TBL1XR1), correlated to disorders of neurodevelopment; the Snf2 related CREBBP activator protein gene (SRCAP) that was found implicated in a rare form of dementia; and the glia maturation factor beta gene (GMFB), which has been reported to be implicated in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. No molecular pathways involving the most targeted genes survived the adjustment for multiple data. Although preliminary, these findings showed the feasibility of the methods also applied to longitudinal investigations, as well as the reliability of the obtained results. These findings should be confirmed in larger PedMS cohorts in order to identify early markers of cognitive impairment, towards which more efficient therapeutic efforts can be addressed.
Inhibitory Potential of Mangiferin on Glucansucrase Producing Streptococcus mutans Biofilm in Dental Plaque
Authors: Emeka Promise M. , Badger-Emeka Lorina I. , Ibrahim Hairul-Islam M. , Thirugnanasambantham Krishnaraj , Hussen Jamal
Published: November 2020

Glucansucrase secreted by Streptococcus mutans and composed of virulence genes alters oral microbiota, creating adherent environment for structural bacteria colony forming dental biofilm. The present investigation studied the inhibitory and binding potentials of mangiferin against S. mutans and its enzyme glucansucrase implicated in biofilm formation. Antibacterial activity against planktonic S. mutans was carried out. Using reverse transcription PCR, the expression of crucial virulence genes, gtfB, gtfC, gtfD, gbpB, and comDE were determined. The effect of mangiferin on teeth surfaces biofilm was ascertained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Docking analysis of S. mutans glucansucrase and mangiferin revealed the binding energy of −7.35 and ten hydrogen interactions. Antibacterial study revealed that mangiferin was not lethal to planktonic S. mutans, but a concentration-dependent inhibition of glucansucrase activity was observed. The inhibitory effect of water-insoluble glucan synthesis was apparently more marked relative to water-soluble glucan synthesis attenuation. Mangiferin significantly downregulated the expression of the virulence genes, indicating a mechanism involving glucanotranferases, specifically inhibiting colony formation by attenuating bacterial adherence. SEM images revealed that S. mutans biofilm density was scanty in mangiferin treated teeth compared to non-treated control teeth. Our data therefore suggest that mangiferin inhibited S. mutans biofilms formation by attenuating glucansucrase activities without affecting bacteria growth.
An Innovative Bioceramic Bone Graft Substitute for Bone Defect Treatment: In Vivo Evaluation of Bone Healing
Authors: Syam Syamsiah , Cho Yung-Chieh , Liu Chung-Ming , Huang Mao-Suan , Lan Wen-Chien , Huang Bai-Hung , Ueno Takaaki , Tsai Chi-Hsun , Saito Takashi , Chen May-Show , Ou Keng-Liang
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to analyze characteristics of an innovative α-calcium sulfate hemihydrate (α-CSH) bioceramic and bone healing and regeneration characteristics following its implantation on artificially created defects of rat models and human jaw defects. The α-CSH bioceramic was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and thermal-imaging instruments. The material was implanted on artificially created defects in a rat’s right hind leg bone and observed histologically after three days and seven weeks. The material was also implanted in patients with bone defects in the posterior maxillary, then observed immediately and six months post-treatment by panoramic and computed tomography image. The FE-SEM confirm this material is a uniform-shaped short column crystal, while the EDS measurement reveals calcium as the most component in this material. Thermal observation shows temperature change during the setting time is less than 2 °C, and the maximum temperature reached is 31 °C. In the histological analysis, α-CSH bioceramic shows new trabecular bone formation and absorbed material at seven weeks post-treatment. Moreover, panoramic and computed tomography image shows intact bone six months post-treatment. Therefore, this study suggests that the innovative α-CSH bioceramic can be useful in bone defect treatment.
A Practicable Measurement Strategy for Compliance Checking Number Concentrations of Airborne Nano- and Microscale Fibers
Authors: Meyer-Plath Asmus , Bäger Daphne , Dziurowitz Nico , Perseke Doris , Simonow Barbara Katrin , Thim Carmen , Wenzlaff Daniela , Plitzko Sabine
Published: November 2020

Despite compelling reports on asbestos-like pathogenicity, regulatory bodies have been hesitant to implement fiber number-based exposure limits for biodurable nanoscale fibers. One reason has been the lack of a practicable strategy for assessing airborne fiber number concentrations. Here, a method is proposed, detailed and tested for compliance checking concentrations of airborne nano- and microscale fibers. It relies on Poisson statistical significance testing of the observed versus a predicted number of fibers on filters that have sampled a known volume of aerosol. The prediction is based on the exposure concentration to test. Analogous to the established counting rules for WHO-fibers, which use a phase contrast microscopy-related visibility criterion of 200 nm, the new method also introduces a cut-off diameter, now at 20 nm, which is motivated by toxicological findings on multi-walled carbon nanotubes. This cut-off already reduces the workload by a factor of 400 compared to that necessary for imaging, detecting and counting nanofibers down to 1 nm in diameter. Together with waiving any attempt to absolutely quantify fiber concentrations, a compliance check at the limit-of-detection results in an analytical workload that renders our new approach practicable. The proposed method was applied to compliance checking in 14 very different workplaces that handled or machined nanofiber-containing materials. It achieved detecting violations of the German benchmark exposure level of 10,000 nanofibers per cubic meter.
Wet Inorganic Nitrogen Deposition at the Daheitin Reservoir in North China: Temporal Variation, Sources, and Biomass Burning Influences
Authors: Wu Leixiang , Liu Xiaobo , Li Kun , Xu Wanyun , Huang Wei , Zhang Panwei , Zhao Xiaohui , Liu Chang , Zhang Gen , Liang Linlin
Published: November 2020

Atmospheric nitrogen deposition is of great concern to both air quality and the ecosystem, particularly in northern China, which covers one-quarter of China’s cultivated land and has many heavily air polluted cities. To understand the characteristics of wet N deposition at rural sites in northern China, one-year wet deposition samples were collected in the Daheitin reservoir region. Due to the intense emissions of gaseous nitrogen compounds from heating activities during cold seasons and distinct dilution effects under different rainfall intensities and frequencies, the volume weighted mean concentrations of wet N deposition showed higher levels in dry seasons but lower levels in wet seasons. In contrast, the wet N deposition rates varied consistently with precipitation, i.e., high during the wet season and lower during the dry season. The annual wet deposition rate of total inorganic ions (the sum of NO3−–N and NH4+–N) at the rural site in North China from July 2019 to June 2020 was observed at 18.9 kg N ha−1 yr−1, still remained at a relatively high level. In addition, biomass burning activities are ubiquitous in China, especially in northern China; however, studies on its impact on wet N deposition are limited. Non-sea salt potassium ion (nss-K+) was employed as a molecular tracer to investigate the characteristics of biomass burning activities as well as their impact on the chemical properties of wet N deposition. Three precipitation events with high nss-K+ levels were captured during the harvest season (June to July). The variations in the patterns of nss-K+, deposited N species, and ratios of nss-K+ to nitrogen species as well as their relationships all indicated that biomass burning emissions contributed remarkably to NO3−–N but had a minor influence on NH4+–N.