bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Increasing Supplementation Levels of Coffee Pulp on Milk Yield and Food Intake in Dual-Purpose Cows: An Alternative Feed Byproduct for Smallholder Dairy Systems of Tropical Climate Regions
Authors: Estrada-Flores Julieta Gertrudis , Pedraza-Beltrán Paulina Elizabeth , Yong-Ángel Gilberto , Avilés-Nova Francisca , Rayas-Amor Adolfo-Armando , Solís-Méndez Alejandra Donají , González-Ronquillo Manuel , Vázquez-Carrillo María Fernanda , Castelán-Ortega Octavio Alonso
Published: May 2021

Coffee is one of the main traded commodities worldwide, unfortunately, it generates massive amounts of by-products like coffee pulp (CoP), which could be utilized as an alternative feedstuff for cattle contributing to mitigate coffee production environmental damage. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of CoP supplementation on milk production, milk composition, and grass dry matter intake (GDMI) by dual-purpose tropical cows. A 4 × 4 Latin square experimental design was conducted, where four multiparous dual-purpose Holstein x Cebu cows with an average live weight of 477 ± 7 kg and milk yield of 12.1 ± 2.7 kg/d were used. The cows grazed 10 h/d on a Cynodon plectostachius sward with a stocking rate of three cows/ha. All cows received 6 kg/d DM of an experimental concentrate (EC), and the treatments consisted of four supplementation levels of CoP: T1 = 0, T2 = 0.6, T3 = 0.9, and T4 = 1.2 kg DM/d, which was provided on top of the concentrate and mixed with the EC. Grass intake was determined by the n-alkanes technique. A significant difference was observed for the average total daily DM intake (p < 0.02). No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed for milk yield, milk composition, body weight, and GDMI for all the inclusion levels of CoP. It was concluded that CoP can be included at levels of 0.6 to 0.9 kg DM/d in the diets of cows without compromising milk yield or GDMI.
Growth Stage Specific Lighting Spectra Affect Photosynthetic Performance, Growth and Mineral Element Contents in Tomato
Authors: Samuolienė Giedrė , Miliauskienė Jurga , Kazlauskas Algirdas , Viršilė Akvilė
Published: May 2021

The aim of study was to evaluate if the alternation in growth stage–specific lighting spectrum would be superior for tomato growth, photosynthesis, and mineral element contents compared to constant spectrum lighting. Dwarf tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Micro Tom) was cultivated in controlled environment chamber (23/19 °C) under light emitting diode lighting. Three lighting spectrum treatments were set, optimized for different tomato growth stages: “seedling” (S; blue (B, 447 nm), red (R, 660 nm) and far red (FR, 740 nm) light), “growth” (G; R, B and FR light, supplemented with 523 nm green) and fruiting (F; R, B, FR light supplemented with 385 nm ultraviolet A (UV-A)). The total photon flux density of 250 μmol m−2·s−1 was maintained in all treatments. Three lighting spectrums were alternated in seedling (S, G, F), biomass growth (SS, SG, GG, FF) and fruiting (SSS, SGG, GGG, GGF, FFF, SGF) stages of tomato creating growth stage-specific or constant lighting spectrum strategies. The light effects depended on tomato age, however the alternation in growth stage-specific lighting spectrum did not have a pronounced impact on dwarf tomato photosynthetic indices, growth, yield and mineral element content. The investigated parameters mainly depended on the spectrum of the latter growth stage.
Characterizing Early-Season Nitrogen Fertilization Rate Effects on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Strawberry
Authors: Agehara Shinsuke
Published: May 2021

In winter strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) production, early-season nitrogen (N) fertilization greatly affects fruit earliness and yields, especially when pre-plant N is not applied. The objective of this study was to characterize the dose-responses of canopy growth, yield, and fruit quality to early-season N fertilization in ‘Florida Radiance’ and ‘Florida127’ strawberry. Field experiments were conducted in west-central Florida, United States. Treatments included four (0.56, 0.84, 1.12 and 1.40 kg ha−1 d−1) and five (0.22, 0.67, 1.12, 1.57, and 2.02 kg ha−1 d−1) early-season N rates in the first and second growing seasons, respectively. Increasing the early-season N rate increased early and total season yields by up to 62% to 65% and 56% to 58%, respectively, in the two cultivars. The total season yield had high positive correlations with leaf area and shoot DW. Model fitting analysis revealed cultivar-dependent dose-responses. Yield and berry size responses in ‘Florida Radiance’ were linear increases, whereas those in ‘Florida127’ were quadratic with peaks occurring at N rates of 1.21 or 1.57 kg ha−1 d−1. In ‘Florida Radiance’, soluble solids concentration showed a linear dose-response with a slope of –0.91 (0.91 °Brix decrease per 1 kg ha−1 d−1 N increase) during the early season. These results suggest that optimization of early-season N fertilization is an important production strategy to improve the profitability of winter strawberry production. Furthermore, fertilizer management that takes into account cultivar-dependent dose-responses can improve fertilizer use efficiency while minimizing fruit quality loss and environmental pollution risks.
Identification of QTL for Tolerance to Flooding Stress at Seedling Stage of Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.)
Authors: Dhungana Sanjeev Kumar , Kim Hong-Sik , Kang Beom-Kyu , Seo Jeong-Hyun , Kim Hyun-Tae , Shin Sang-Ouk , Oh Jae-Hyeon , Baek In-Youl
Published: May 2021

Flooding stress is a serious problem in soybean production, causing a remarkable yield reduction. The onset of rainy season during the early growth of soybean in Korea and some other parts of the world potentially subjects soybean plants to flooding stress. The objective of this study was to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for flooding tolerance using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between ‘Danbaekkong’ (flood-tolerant) and ‘NTS1116′ (flood-susceptible) cultivars grown in a plastic house for two years. The plants were flood-stressed at the V1-V2 stage by ponding about 10 cm water from the soil surface. Leaf chlorophyll content and shoot dry weight were measured under control and flooded conditions to map the QTL. The genetic map was constructed using 1689 polymorphic markers obtained from the 180K Axiom® SoyaSNP markers used for genotyping the population. Ten QTL with 3.39–5.14 logarithm of odds scores and 8.1–30.7% phenotypic variations (PVE) were identified on seven chromosomes. One QTL on chromosomes 6 and 15 and two QTL on chromosome 7 were detected at least in two different environments causing up to 30.7% PVE, suggesting their potential applications in the breeding of flood-tolerant soybeans. The results could be useful in further exploring the genetic basis of flooding tolerance and developing tolerant cultivars of soybean.
Vision-Guided Hand–Eye Coordination for Robotic Grasping and Its Application in Tangram Puzzles
Authors: Wei Hui , Pan Sicong , Ma Gang , Duan Xiao
Published: May 2021

In this study we present an autonomous grasping system that uses a vision-guided hand–eye coordination policy with closed-loop vision-based control to ensure a sufficient task success rate while maintaining acceptable manipulation precision. When facing a diversity of tasks with complex environments, an autonomous robot should use the concept of task precision, including the accuracy of perception and precision of manipulation, as opposed to just the grasping success rate typically used in previous works. Task precision combines the advantages of grasping behaviors observed in humans and a grasping method applied in existing works. A visual servoing approach and a subtask decomposition strategy are proposed here to obtain the desired level of task precision. Our system performs satisfactorily on a tangram puzzle task. The experiments highlight the accuracy of perception, precision of manipulation, and robustness of the system. Moreover, the system is of great significance for improving the adaptability and flexibility of autonomous robots.
Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Properties of FeO Fabricated Chitosan/PVA Nanocomposite Sponge
Authors: Sathiyaseelan Anbazhagan , Saravanakumar Kandasamy , Mariadoss Arokia Vijay Anand , Wang Myeong-Hyeon
Published: May 2021

Diabetic and anemia-associated diabetic wounds increase the considerable morbidity and mortality in people, as reported by clinical studies. However, no anemia-associated diabetic wound dressing materials have been developed until now. Hence, this study aimed to develop a nanocomposite scaffold composed of chitosan (CS), poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and phytogenic iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs), for accelerated anemia-associated diabetic wound healing. The aqueous leaves extract of Pinus densiflora (PD) was utilized for the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs). TEM and elemental analysis confirmed smaller size PD-FeO NPs (<50 nm) synthesis with the combination of iron and oxide. In addition, in vitro biological studies displayed the moderate antioxidant, antidiabetic activities, and considerable antibacterial activity of PD-FeO NPs. Further, the different concentrations of PD-FeO NPs (0.01, 0.03, and 0.05%) incorporated CS/PVA nanocomposites sponges were developed by the freeze-drying method. The porous structured morphology and the presence of PD-FeO NPs were observed under FE-SEM. Among nanocomposite sponges, PD-FeO NPs (0.01%) incorporated CS/PVA sponges were further chosen for the in vitro wound-healing assay, based on the porous and water sorption nature. Furthermore, the in vitro wound-healing assay revealed that PD-FeO NPs (0.01%) incorporated CS/PVA has significantly increased the cell proliferation in HEK293 cells. In conclusion, the CS/PVA-PD-FeO NPs (0.01%) sponge would be recommended for diabetic wound dressing after a detailed in vivo evaluation.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns and Resistance Trends of Staphylococcus aureus and Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci Strains Isolated from Ocular Infections
Authors: Petrillo Francesco , Pignataro Danilo , Di Lella Federica Maria , Reibaldi Michele , Fallico Matteo , Castellino Niccolò , Parisi Guglielmo , Trotta Maria Consiglia , D’Amico Michele , Santella Biagio , Folliero Veronica , Della Rocca Maria Teresa , Rinaldi Michele , Franci Gianluigi , Avitabile Teresio , Galdiero Marilena , Boccia Giovanni
Published: May 2021

Ocular bacterial infections represent a serious problem that affecting people of all age and genders. These infections can lead to visual impairment and blindness if not properly treated. The current study evaluates the antimicrobial resistance profiles and the resistance trend of both Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), the main pathogens involved in eye infections. A total of 322 isolates of S. aureus and CoNS, were collected from patients with bacterial conjunctivitis and keratitis at the “Luigi Vanvitelli” University Hospital of Campania in Naples, Italy, between 2017 and 2020. The isolated bacteria showed a high percentage of resistance to methicillin and other antibiotics commonly used for the treatment of ocular infections. Trends in antibiotic resistance were not encouraging, recording—especially among CoNS strains—an increase of more than 20% in resistance to methicillin and aminoglycosides during the study period. Instead, the resistance rates to tetracycline had a significant decrease in CoNS isolates while no changes in their susceptibility to fluoroquinolones and macrolides were observed. However, all isolates showed no resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and chloramphenicol. In this scenario, preventive identification of the infection causative agents and the evaluation of the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns are essential to set up an ocular infection effective drug treatment and also prevent antibiotic resistance.
Colistin Treatment Affects Lipid Composition of Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Tao Ye , Acket Sébastien , Beaumont Emma , Galez Henri , Duma Luminita , Rossez Yannick
Published: May 2021

Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) causes severe and often fatal healthcare-associated infections due partly to antibiotic resistance. There are no studies on A. baumannii lipidomics of susceptible and resistant strains grown at lethal and sublethal concentrations. Therefore, we analyzed the impact of colistin resistance on glycerolipids’ content by using untargeted lipidomics on clinical isolate. Nine lipid sub-classes were annotated, including phosphatidylcholine, rarely detected in the bacterial membrane among 130 different lipid species. The other lipid sub-classes detected are phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), lysophosphatidylethanolamine, hemibismonoacylglycerophosphate, cardiolipin, monolysocardiolipin, diacylglycerol, and triacylglycerol. Under lethal and sublethal concentrations of colistin, significant reduction of PE was observed on the resistant and susceptible strain, respectively. Palmitic acid percentage was higher at colistin at low concentration but only for the susceptible strain. When looking at individual lipid species, the most abundant PE and PG species (PE 34:1 and PG 34:1) are significantly upregulated when the susceptible and the resistant strains are cultivated with colistin. This is, to date, the most exhaustive lipidomics data compilation of A. baumannii cultivated in the presence of colistin. This work is highlighting the plasma membrane plasticity used by this gram-negative bacterium to survive colistin treatment.
High Expression of SOD2 Protein Is a Strong Prognostic Factor for Stage IIIB Squamous Cell Cervical Carcinoma
Authors: Talarico Maria Cecília Ramiro , Nunes Rafaella Almeida Lima , Silva Gabriela Ávila Fernandes , Costa Larissa Bastos Eloy da , Cardoso Marcella Regina , Esteves Sérgio Carlos Barros , Zanatta Sarian Luis Otávio , Zeferino Luiz Carlos , Termini Lara
Published: May 2021

High superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) expression is associated with a poor prognosis at many cancer sites, the presence of metastases, and more advanced cervical cancer. This study aims to determine whether SOD2 protein expression is associated with the prognosis of stage IIIB cervical carcinoma. Methods: sixty-three patients with stage IIIB squamous cell cervical carcinoma were included. The evaluation of SOD2 expression by immunohistochemistry was based on a positive cell ratio score and the staining intensity score. Taking disease recurrence and death as endpoints, receiver operating characteristic curves were used to discriminate between high and low SOD2 expression. Results: high SOD2 expression was associated with recurrence (p = 0.001), distant recurrence (p = 0.002), and death (p = 0.005). A multivariate analysis showed that patients with high SOD2 expression had a threefold increased risk for recurrence (HR = 3.16; 1.33–7.51) and death (HR = 2.98; 1.20–7.40) compared with patients who had low SOD2 expression. Patients with high SOD2 expression had shorter disease-free survival (p = 0.001) and overall survival (p = 0.003) than patients with low SOD2 expression. Conclusion: high SOD2 expression is a strong prognostic factor for stage IIIB squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix and could be used as a prognostic marker in women with cervical carcinoma.
Systematic Development and Characterization of Novel, High Drug-Loaded, Photostable, Curcumin Solid Lipid Nanoparticle Hydrogel for Wound Healing
Authors: Sandhu Simarjot Kaur , Kumar Suneel , Raut Jayant , Singh Mandeep , Kaur Sandeep , Sharma Garima , Roldan Tomas L. , Trehan Sonia , Holloway Jennifer , Wahler Gabriella , Laskin Jeffrey D. , Sinko Patrick J. , Berthiaume Francois , Michniak-Kohn Bozena , Rishi Praveen , Ganesh Narayanan , Kaur Indu Pal
Published: May 2021

The study aims to develop high drug-loaded (about 15% lipid matrix) curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles (CSLNs) for wound healing. CSLNs prepared by hot, high-pressure homogenization, without using organic solvents, were optimized using the Taguchi design followed by the central composite design. The optimized CSLNs exhibited a high assay/drug content (0.6% w/w), solubility (6 × 105 times), and EE (75%) with a particle size < 200 nm (PDI—0.143). The CSLNs were safe (in vitro and in vivo), photostable, autoclavable, stable up to one year at 30 °C and under refrigeration and exhibited a controlled release (zero-order; 5 days). XRD, FTIR, and DSC confirmed solubilization and entrapment of the curcumin within the SLNs. TEM and FESEM revealed a smooth and spherical shape. The CSLNs showed a significant antimicrobial effect (MIC of 64 µg/mL for planktonic cells; 512 µg/mL for biofilm formation; and 2 mg/mL for mature biofilm) against Staphylococcus aureus 9144, while free curcumin dispersion did not exhibit any effect. This is the first report on the disruption of mature biofilms by curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles (CSLNs). The cell proliferation potential of CSLNs was also evaluated in vitro while the wound healing potential of CSLNs (incorporated in a hydrogel) was assessed in vivo. In (i) nitrogen mustard gas and (ii) a full-thickness excision wound model, CSLNs exhibited (a) significantly faster wound closure, (b) histologically and immunohistochemically better healing, (c) lower oxidative stress (LPO) and (d) inflammation (TNFα), and (e) increased angiogenesis (VEGF) and antioxidant enzymes, i.e., catalase and GSH levels. CSLNs thus offer a promising modern wound therapy especially for infected wounds, considering their effects in mature biofilm disruption.
Diabetic Complications and Oxidative Stress: A 20-Year Voyage Back in Time and Back to the Future
Authors: Iacobini Carla , Vitale Martina , Pesce Carlo , Pugliese Giuseppe , Menini Stefano
Published: May 2021

Twenty years have passed since Brownlee and colleagues proposed a single unifying mechanism for diabetic complications, introducing a turning point in this field of research. For the first time, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were identified as the causal link between hyperglycemia and four seemingly independent pathways that are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes-associated vascular disease. Before and after this milestone in diabetes research, hundreds of articles describe a role for ROS, but the failure of clinical trials to demonstrate antioxidant benefits and some recent experimental studies showing that ROS are dispensable for the pathogenesis of diabetic complications call for time to reflect. This twenty-year journey focuses on the most relevant literature regarding the main sources of ROS generation in diabetes and their role in the pathogenesis of cell dysfunction and diabetic complications. To identify future research directions, this review discusses the evidence in favor and against oxidative stress as an initial event in the cellular biochemical abnormalities induced by hyperglycemia. It also explores possible alternative mechanisms, including carbonyl stress and the Warburg effect, linking glucose and lipid excess, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the activation of alternative pathways of glucose metabolism leading to vascular cell injury and inflammation.
Exploring the Determinants of Service Quality of Cloud E-Learning System for Active System Usage
Authors: Naveed Quadri Noorulhasan , Alam Mohammad Mahtab , Qahmash Adel Ibrahim , Quadri Kahkasha Moin
Published: May 2021

E-Learning through a cloud-based learning management system, with its various added advantageous features, is a widely used pedagogy at educational institutions in general and more particularly during and post Covid-19 period. Successful adoption and implementation of cloud E-Learning seems difficult without significant service quality. Aims: This study aims to identify the determinant of cloud E-Learning service quality. Methodology: A theoretical model was proposed to gauge the cloud E-Learning service quality by extensive literature search. The most important factors for cloud E-Learning service quality were screened. Instruments for each factor were defined properly, and its content validity was checked with the help of Group Decision Makers (GDMs). Empirical testing was used to validate the proposed theoretical model, the self-structured closed-ended questionnaire was used to conduct an online survey. Findings: Internal consistency of the proposed model was checked with reliability and composite reliability and found appropriate α ≥ 0.70 and CR ≥ 0.70. Indicator Reliability was matched with the help of Outer Loading and found deemed fit OL ≥ 0.70. To establish Convergent Validity Average Variance Extracted, Factor Loading and Composite Reliability were used and found deemed suitable with AVE ≥ 0.50. The HTMT and Fornell–Lacker tests were applied to assess discriminant validity and found appropriate (HTMT ≤ 0.85). Finally, the Variance Inflation Factor was used to detect multicollinearity if any and found internal and external VIF < 3. Conclusions: Theoretical model for cloud E-Learning service quality was proposed. Information Quality, Reliability, Perceived ease of use and Social Influence were considered as explanatory variables whereas actual system usage was the dependent variable. Empirical testing on all parameters stated that the proposed model was deemed fit in evaluating cloud E-Learning service quality.
Global Stability Analysis of the Model of Series/Parallel Connected CSTRs with Flow Exchange Subject to Persistent Perturbation on the Input Concentration
Authors: Rincón Alejandro , Hoyos Fredy E. , Candelo-Becerra John E.
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we study the convergence properties of a network model comprising three continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) with the following features: (i) the first and second CSTRs are connected in series, whereas the second and third CSTRs are connected in parallel with flow exchange; (ii) the pollutant concentration in the inflow to the first CSTR is time varying but bounded; (iii) the states converge to a compact set instead of an equilibrium point, due to the time varying inflow concentration. The practical applicability of the arrangement of CSTRs is to provide a simpler model of pollution removal from wastewater treatment via constructed wetlands, generating a satisfactory description of experimental pollution values with a satisfactory transport dead time. We determine the bounds of the convergence regions, considering these features, and also: (i) we prove the asymptotic convergence of the states; (ii) we determine the effect of the presence of the side tank (third tank) on the transient value of all the system states, and we prove that it has no effect on the convergence regions; (iii) we determine the invariance of the convergence regions. The stability analysis is based on dead zone Lyapunov functions, and comprises: (i) definition of the dead zone quadratic form for each state, and determination of its properties; (ii) determination of the time derivatives of the quadratic forms and its properties. Finally, we illustrate the results obtained by simulation, showing the asymptotic convergence to the compact set.
Towards Productive and Ergonomic Order Picking: Multi-Objective Modeling Approach
Authors: Gajšek Brigita , Šinko Simona , Kramberger Tomaž , Butlewski Marcin , Özceylan Eren , Đukić Goran
Published: May 2021

The logistics sector should strive for sustainability alongside productivity by protecting its order pickers’ health and welfare. Existing storage assignment models are mainly based on the criterion of order picking time and, to a lesser extent, the human factor. In the paper, a solution to a storage assignment problem using a multi-objective model based on binary integer linear programing is presented by developing a solution that considers order picking time, energy expenditure and health risk. The Ovako Working Posture Assessment System (OWAS) method was used for health risk assessment. The downside of solely health risk-optimization is that the average order picking time increases by approximately 33% compared to solely time-optimization. Contrary to this, the developed multi-objective function emphasizing time has proven to be promising in finding a compromise between the optimal order picking time and eliminating work situations with a very-high risk for injuries. Its use increases the time by only 3.8% compared to solely time-optimization while significantly reducing health risk.
Shell-and-Tube Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Design Methodology with Material Selection, Storage Performance Evaluation, and Cost Minimization
Authors: Yang Lizhong , Xu Haoxin , Cola Fabrizio , Akhmetov Bakytzhan , Gil Antoni , Cabeza Luisa F. , Romagnoli Alessandro
Published: May 2021

Shell-and-tube latent heat thermal energy storage units employ phase change materials to store and release heat at a nearly constant temperature, deliver high effectiveness of heat transfer, as well as high charging/discharging power. Even though many studies have investigated the material formulation, heat transfer through simulation, and experimental studies, there is limited research dedicated to the storage unit design methodology. This study proposes a comprehensive methodology that includes the material assessment with multi-attribute decision-making and multi-objective decision-making tools, epsilon-NTU method, and cost minimization using Genetic Algorithm. The methodology is validated by a series of experimental results, and implemented in the optimization of a storage unit for solar absorption chiller application. A unit cost of as low as USD 8396 per unit is reported with a power of 1.42 kW. The methodology proves to be an efficient, reliable, and systematic tool to fulfill the preliminary design of shell-and-tube LHTES before the computational fluid dynamics or detailed experimental studies are engaged.
Prevention of Recurrence of Oral HPV-Related Lesions: Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Palaia Gaspare , Ciolfi Chiara , Del Vecchio Alessandro , Ciolfi Alessandro , Tenore Gianluca , Romeo Umberto
Published: May 2021

(1) Background The incidence of oral cavity lesions related to human papillomavirus (HPV) is 3%. There are no reliable data in the literature on recurrence rates of HPV-related oral cavity lesions. The only data available concern gynecological infections, which have a recurrence rate of ~30%. Recurrence may be due to a failure to completely eradicate the lesion, persistence of the viral infection, or persistence of an immune-compromised state. Therefore, the study aimed to ascertain the most effective therapeutic strategy to achieve complete eradication of the virus and avoid a possible recurrence of lesions, based upon the long-term behavior of the virus with the type of treatment. (2) Methods: Systematic searches of the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Pubmed, Web of Science, clinicaltrials.gov, and SCOPUS were performed. Restrictions were placed on the date of publication and language. Only English or Italian language articles published between Jan 1990 and Dec 2019 were included in the meta-analysis. The following keywords and/or corresponding medical subject heading terms were used: “oral papillomavirus lesions” and “oral HPV lesions” or “treatment”, “therapy”, “therapeutics,” and “management”. (3) Results: Upon systematic literature review of all analyzed HPV-lesion treatment techniques, 36 studies on laser and cold scalpel eradications were selected. These studies document an excellent success rate from excisional treatments using both laser and cold scalpel and report low recurrence rates with both techniques, respectively 5.98% and 4.07%. (4) Conclusions: The meta-analysis revealed that additional studies with greater sample sizes are needed for these two treatment methods. It would also be appropriate to carry out case-controlled studies, preferably RCTs, to determine the best treatment for eradicating HPV-related lesions.
A Programmable ROADM System for SDM/WDM Networks
Authors: Yang Ruizhi , Liu Lida , Yan Shuangyi , Simeonidou Dimitra
Published: May 2021

This paper proposed and evaluated a programmable ROADM system for MCF-based SDM/WDM networks. The proposed ROADM system employing both bypass connection and Route-and-Select wavelength switching enables adaptable virtual topology in optical networks by dynamically configuring bypass connection cores. The simulation results confirmed this ROADM system could provide acceptable performance with an around 10–20% reduction in the total cost including the number of ports and WSSs by comparing with a fully flexible SDM/WDM ROADM system, which cannot be implemented due to the required extremely high-port-count WSSs.
Current Knowledge on the Fungal Degradation Abilities Profiled through Biodeteriorative Plate Essays
Authors: Trovão João , Portugal António
Published: May 2021

Fungi are known to contribute to the development of drastic biodeterioration of historical and valuable cultural heritage materials. Understandably, studies in this area are increasingly reliant on modern molecular biology techniques due to the enormous benefits they offer. However, classical culture dependent methodologies still offer the advantage of allowing fungal species biodeteriorative profiles to be studied in great detail. Both the essays available and the results concerning distinct fungal species biodeteriorative profiles obtained by amended plate essays, remain scattered and in need of a deep summarization. As such, the present work attempts to provide an overview of available options for this profiling, while also providing a summary of currently known fungal species putative biodeteriorative abilities solely obtained by the application of these methodologies. Consequently, this work also provides a series of checklists that can be helpful to microbiologists, restorers and conservation workers when attempting to safeguard cultural heritage materials worldwide from biodeterioration.
Enhancing Impact Localization from Fluid-Pipe Coupled Vibration under Noisy Environment
Authors: Park Choon-Su , Lee Sun-Ho , Yoon Dong-Jin
Published: May 2021

Big impacts from pressure transients are known to be major contributors to pipeline failures, and even small impacts have the potential to result in pipeline deterioration. The effects of these impacts on a pipeline are not disclosed in detail and are hard to evaluate completely by theoretical modeling or numerical simulation. The impacts excite cylindrical structures containing liquid, which results in the development of wave propagation along pipelines. In particular, quasi-longitudinal waves are known to be developed by fluid-structure interaction during propagation. However, impact signal detection needs great care because extreme noise may corrupt the signal. An enhanced wavelet-based approach is proposed to detect and localize the impact source. The method makes use of continuous wavelet transform and band summation within a band of interest along scales to enhance time-difference detectability. In addition, a noise reduction algorithm intended to remove burst noises, in practice, frequently contaminates the impact signals of interest. Experimental results from a water supply network under operation demonstrate that the proposed approach is able to suppress noise and successfully reveal the impact location. The proposed approach provides a more precise and robust way to localize impacts missed by the conventional cross-correlation algorithm.
Understanding Climate Change and Drought Perceptions, Impact and Responses in the Rural Savannah, West Africa
Authors: Adaawen Stephen
Published: May 2021

Rural communities in West Africa have long adopted a variety of coping and adaptation strategies to periods of climate variability and risks. These strategies have mostly been shaped by prevailing indigenous knowledge systems and shared understandings of the underlying causes of climate events. Despite the increasing scientific and policy attention to climate perceptions and integration of indigenous knowledge in climate governance, there is still a lag in going further to probe and consider the socio-cultural and cognitive systems that shape local appreciation of climate change risks and responses. Based largely on qualitative interviews, and complementary household surveys, the paper draws on the concepts of ‘mental’ and ‘cognised’ models to examine drought and climate change risk perceptions and responses in the rural savannah of North-eastern Ghana. Local farmers generally allude to changes in rainfall patterns and prolonged intra-seasonal dry spells. Based on subscriptions to local models of blame in explaining climate risks and impacts, it is also seen that prevailing socio-cultural beliefs and understandings of environmental events tend to inform the responses of farmers in addressing these perceived risks and impacts. The paper advocates for ongoing climate action and policy processes to consider the complexity of different actors and context (socio-cultural, institutional, power structures) in enhancing sustainable adaptation and mitigation measures in vulnerable rural communities.
Big Remote Sensing Image Classification Based on Deep Learning Extraction Features and Distributed Spark Frameworks
Authors: Chebbi Imen , Mellouli Nedra , Farah Imed Riadh , Lamolle Myriam
Published: May 2021

Big data analysis assumes a significant role in Earth observation using remote sensing images, since the explosion of data images from multiple sensors is used in several fields. The traditional data analysis techniques have different limitations on storing and processing massive volumes of data. Besides, big remote sensing data analytics demand sophisticated algorithms based on specific techniques to store to process the data in real-time or in near real-time with high accuracy, efficiency, and high speed. In this paper, we present a method for storing a huge number of heterogeneous satellite images based on Hadoop distributed file system (HDFS) and Apache Spark. We also present how deep learning algorithms such as VGGNet and UNet can be beneficial to big remote sensing data processing for feature extraction and classification. The obtained results prove that our approach outperforms other methods.
Microfluidic System for In Vivo-Like Drug Permeation Studies with Dynamic Dilution Profiles
Authors: Lorenz Thomas , Kirschke Mona , Ledwig Verena , Reichl Stephan , Dietzel Andreas
Published: May 2021

Automated biomimetic systems for the preclinical testing of drugs are of great interest. Here, an in vitro testing platform for in vivo adapted drug absorption studies is presented. It has been designed with a focus on easy handling and the usability of established cell cultivation techniques in standard well plate inserts. The platform consists of a microfluidic device, which accommodates a well plate insert with pre-cultivated cells, and provides a fluid flow with dynamic drug dilution profiles. A low-cost single-board computer with a touchscreen was used as a control unit. This provides a graphical user interface, controls the syringe pump flow rates, and records the transepithelial electrical resistance. It thereby enables automated parallel testing in multiple devices at the same time. To demonstrate functionality, an MDCK cell layer was used as a model for an epithelial barrier for drug permeation testing. This confirms the possibility of performing absorption studies on barrier tissues under conditions close to those in vivo. Therefore, a further reduction in animal experiments can be expected.
Assessment of 16S rRNA Gene-Based Phylogenetic Diversity of Archaeal Communities in Halite-Crystal Salts Processed from Natural Saharan Saline Systems of Southern Tunisia
Authors: Najjari Afef , Stathopoulou Panagiota , Elmnasri Khaled , Hasnaoui Faten , Zidi Ines , Sghaier Haitham , Ouzari Hadda Imene , Cherif Ameur , Tsiamis George
Published: May 2021

A thorough assessment of the phylogenetic diversity and community structure of halophilic archaea from three halite-crystal salts, processed from two separated saline systems of Southern Tunisia has been performed using culture dependent and independent methods targeting different regions of 16S rRNA gene sequences including DGGE, 16S rRNA clone libraries and Illumina Miseq sequencing. Two samples, CDR (red halite-crystal salts) and CDW (white halite-crystal salts), were collected from Chott-Eljerid and one sample CDZ (white halite-crystal salts) from Chott Douz. Fourteen isolates were identified as Halorubrum, Haloferax, Haloarcula, and Halogeometricum genera members. Culture-independent approach revealed a high diversity of archaeal members present in all samples, represented by the Euryarchaeal phylum and the dominance of the Halobacteria class. Nanohaloarchaea were also identified only in white halite samples based on metagenomic analysis. In fact, a total of 61 genera were identified with members of the Halorhabdus, Halonotius, Halorubrum, Haloarcula, and unclassified. Halobacteriaceae were shared among all samples. Unexpected diversity profiles between samples was observed where the red halite crust sample was considered as the most diverse one. The highest diversity was observed with Miseq approach, nevertheless, some genera were detected only with 16S rRNA clone libraries and cultured approaches.
Impact of Forest Management on the Temporal Dynamics of Herbaceous Plant Diversity in the Carpathian Beech Forests over 40 Years
Authors: Bugno-Pogoda Anna , Durak Roma , Durak Tomasz
Published: May 2021

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the complex dependence of herbaceous plant diversity on forest structure and management. However, among the studies presented so far, those in which the chronosequence (approach based on the assumption of space-for-time substitution) was used, dominate. On the other hand, it is rare to find results based on long-term research on permanent or semi-permanent sampling plots. The aim of this study was to recognize the changes in the vegetation composition and dynamics of various indices of herbaceous plant diversity over 40 years of forest development, and their dependence on forest structure and management. Here we analyzed the temporal dynamics of herbaceous plant diversity in Carpathian fertile beech forests, based on datasets recorded on semi-permanent plots in three censuses (the 1970s, 2000s and 2010s). We checked the temporal changes in alpha, beta, and gamma diversity. Analyses of the plant diversity were performed on the background of changes in forest structure and management systems. We found that the within-plot (alfa diversity) and between-plot (beta diversity) herbaceous plant diversity metrics showed inconsistent patterns along with changes in the forest structure, management systems, and intensity of forest management, during the last 40 years. Temporal changes in the gamma diversity followed the changes in alpha diversity. Although the beta diversity after 40 years is greater than in the past, we argue that the conservation status of habitats typical for well-preserved fertile mountain beech forests has deteriorated due to a decline in the sharing of the diagnostic species of these forests. We showed the importance of the different temporal interactions between the forest structure and management for herbaceous plant diversity. We argue that, in view of the complexity of these processes, it would be a mistake to reject or prioritize alpha or beta diversity measurements to determine the real course of long-term changes in herbaceous plant diversity and to properly assess the state of the forest biodiversity, their conservation status, or conservation action plans. In addition, we need far more data from long-term observations to fully understand the possible relationship patterns between the factors controlling the forest structure and plant diversity.
Exploring Interactions between Primary Hepatocytes and Non-Parenchymal Cells on Physiological and Pathological Liver Stiffness
Authors: Natarajan Vaishaali , Moeun Youra , Kidambi Srivatsan
Published: May 2021

Chronic liver disease is characterized by progressive hepatic fibrosis leading to the formation of cirrhosis irrespective of the etiology with no effective treatment currently available. Liver stiffness (LS) is currently the best clinical predictor of this fibrosis progression irrespective of the etiology. LS and hepatocytes-nonparenchymal cells (NPC) interactions are two variables known to be important in regulating hepatic function during liver fibrosis, but little is known about the interplay of these cues. Here, we use polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) based substrates with tunable mechanical properties to study how cell–cell interaction and stiffness regulates hepatocytes function. Specifically, primary rat hepatocytes were cocultured with NIH-3T3 fibroblasts on soft (2 kPa) and stiff substrates that recreates physiologic (2 kPa) and cirrhotic liver stiffness (55 kPa). Urea synthesis by primary hepatocytes depended on the presence of fibroblast and was independent of the substrate stiffness. However, albumin synthesis and Cytochrome P450 enzyme activity increased in hepatocytes on soft substrates and when in coculture with a fibroblast. Western blot analysis of hepatic markers, E-cadherin, confirmed that hepatocytes on soft substrates in coculture promoted better maintenance of the hepatic phenotype. These findings indicate the role of stiffness in regulating the hepatocytes interactions with NPCs necessary for maintenance of hepatocytes function.
Some CSF Kynurenine Pathway Intermediates Associated with Disease Evolution in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Alarcan Hugo , Chaumond Romane , Emond Patrick , Benz-De Bretagne Isabelle , Lefèvre Antoine , Bakkouche Salah-eddine , Veyrat-Durebex Charlotte , Vourc’h Patrick , Andres Christian , Corcia Philippe , Blasco Hélène
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the kynurenine pathway (KP) and amino acids profile, using mass spectrometry, in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 42 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients at the diagnosis and 40 controls to detect early disorders of these pathways. Diagnostic and predictive ability (based on weight loss, forced vital capacity, ALS Functional Rating Scale—Revised evolution over 12 months, and survival time) of these metabolites were evaluated using univariate followed by supervised multivariate analysis. The multivariate model between ALS and controls was not significant but highlighted some KP metabolites (kynurenine (KYN), kynurenic acid (KYNA), 3-Hydroxynurenine (3-HK)/KYNA ratio), and amino acids (Lysine, asparagine) as involved in the discrimination between groups (accuracy 62%). It revealed a probable KP impairment toward neurotoxicity in ALS patients and in bulbar forms. Regarding the prognostic effect of metabolites, 12 were commonly discriminant for at least 3 of 4 disease evolution criteria. This investigation was crucial as it did not show significant changes in CSF concentrations of amino acids and KP intermediates in early ALS evolution. However, trends of KP modifications suggest further exploration. The unclear kinetics of neuroinflammation linked to KP support the interest in exploring these pathways during disease evolution through a longitudinal strategy.
Phenotypic and Functional Heterogeneity of Low-Density and High-Density Human Lung Macrophages
Authors: Balestrieri Barbara , Granata Francescopaolo , Loffredo Stefania , Petraroli Angelica , Scalia Giulia , Morabito Paolo , Cardamone Chiara , Varricchi Gilda , Triggiani Massimo
Published: May 2021

Background: Pulmonary macrophages are a highly heterogeneous cell population distributed in different lung compartments. Methods: We separated two subpopulations of macrophages from human lung parenchyma according to flotation over density gradients. Results: Two-thirds 65.4% of the lung macrophages have a density between 1.065 and 1.078 (high-density macrophages: HDMs), and the remaining one-third (34.6) had a density between 1.039 and 1.052 (low-density macrophages: LDMs). LDMs had a larger area (691 vs. 462 μm2) and cell perimeter (94 vs. 77 μm) compared to HDMs. A significantly higher percentage of HDMs expressed CD40, CD45, and CD86 compared to LDMs. In contrast, a higher percentage of LDMs expressed the activation markers CD63 and CD64. The release of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12 induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was significantly higher in HDMs than in LDMs. Conclusion: The human lung contains two subpopulations of macrophages that differ in buoyancy, morphometric parameters, surface marker expression and response to LPS. These subpopulations of macrophages probably play distinct roles in lung inflammation and immune responses.
HOXB7 Overexpression Leads Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells to a Less Aggressive Phenotype
Authors: de Bessa Garcia Simone Aparecida , Araújo Mafalda , Pereira Tiago , Freitas Renata
Published: May 2021

HOX genes appear to play a role in breast cancer progression in a molecular subtype-dependent way. The altered expression of HOXB7, for example, was reported to promote breast cancer progression in specific subtypes. Here we induced HOXB7 overexpression in MDA-MB-231 cells, a cellular model of the Triple-Negative breast cancer molecular subtype, and evaluated the phenotypic changes in cell viability, morphogenesis, migration, invasion, and colony formation. During the phenotypic characterization of the HOXB7-overexpressing cells, we consistently found less aggressive behavior represented by lower cell viability, inhibition of cell migration, invasion, and attachment-independent colony formation capacities added to the more compact and organized spheroid growth in 3D cultures. We then evaluated the expression of putative downstream targets and their direct binding to HOXB7 comparing ChIP-qPCR data generated from HOXB7-overexpressing cells and controls. In the manipulated cells, we found enriched biding of HOXB7 to CTNNB1, EGFR, FGF2, CDH1, DNMT3B, TGFB2, and COMMD7. Taken together, these results highlight the plasticity of the HOXB7 function in breast cancer, according to the cellular genetic background and expression levels, and provide evidence that in Triple-Negative breast cancer cells, HOXB7 overexpression has the potential to promote less aggressive phenotypes.
BCG Cell Wall Skeleton As a Vaccine Adjuvant Protects Both Infant and Old-Aged Mice from Influenza Virus Infection
Authors: Kim Ki-Hye , Lee Young-Tae , Park Yoonsuh , Ko Eun-Ju , Jung Yu-Jin , Kim Yu-Jin , Jo Eun-Kyeong , Kang Sang-Moo
Published: May 2021

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and the cell wall skeleton (CWS) derived from BCG are known to enhance nonspecific immune activation and anti-cancer immunity; however, their roles as a vaccine adjuvant are largely unknown. Here, we report that BCG-CWS acts as a strong immune adjuvant by promoting the protective immune responses in mouse models with influenza vaccination. The different aged mice immunized with inactivated split vaccine with or without BCG-CWS were challenged with an influenza pandemic virus. When protective immune responses were compared, even a single immunization of adult mice with a BCG-CWS-adjuvanted vaccine showed significantly enhanced humoral immune responses with increased IgG1 and IgG2a isotype antibodies. Importantly, the protective effects by the BCG-CWS adjuvant for influenza vaccination upon humoral and cellular immunogenicity were comparable between infants (6 days and 2 weeks old) and aged (20 months old) mice. Moreover, BCG-CWS dramatically augmented vaccine-mediated protective responses, including decreased viral loads, lung damage, and airway resistance, as well as increased mouse survival, amelioration of weight loss, and proinflammatory cytokine expression in all experimental groups including infant, adults, and old aged mice. We further provided the evidence that the BCG-CWS adjuvant effects were mediated through Toll-like receptors (TLR) 2 and TLR4 signaling pathways. Together, these data suggest that BCG-CWS can be promising as a potential influenza vaccine adjuvant in both young and old aged population through TLR2/4-mediated immune-boosting activities.