bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic detection of foreign body objects in neurosurgery using a deep learning approach on intraoperative ultrasound images: From animal models to first in-human testing
Authors: Abramson Haley G. , Curry Eli J. , Mess Griffin , Thombre Rasika , Kempski-Leadingham Kelley M. , Mistry Shivang , Somanathan Subhiksha , Roy Laura , Abu-Bonsrah Nancy , Coles George , Doloff Joshua C. , Brem Henry , Theodore Nicholas , Huang Judy , Manbachi Amir
Published: November 2022

Objects accidentally left behind in the brain following neurosurgical procedures may lead to life-threatening health complications and invasive reoperation. One of the most commonly retained surgical items is the cotton ball, which absorbs blood to clear the surgeon’s field of view yet in the process becomes visually indistinguishable from the brain parenchyma. However, using ultrasound imaging, the different acoustic properties of cotton and brain tissue result in two discernible materials. In this study, we created a fully automated foreign body object tracking algorithm that integrates into the clinical workflow to detect and localize retained cotton balls in the brain. This deep learning algorithm uses a custom convolutional neural network and achieves 99% accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, and surpasses other comparable algorithms. Furthermore, the trained algorithm was implemented into web and smartphone applications with the ability to detect one cotton ball in an uploaded ultrasound image in under half of a second. This study also highlights the first use of a foreign body object detection algorithm using real in-human datasets, showing its ability to prevent accidental foreign body retention in a translational setting.
Epidemiology-based analysis of the risks and elimination strategies of the monkeypox outbreak in 2022
Authors: Chen Ji-Ming , Chen Rui-Xu , Gong Huan-Yu , Zhao Meng-Meng , Ji Yu-Fei , Sun Ming-Hui , Li Guo-Hui , Tan Su-Mei , Zhang Gui-Hong , Chen Ji-Wang
Published: November 2022

Human monkeypox, caused by monkeypox virus, has spread unprecedentedly to more than 100 countries since May 2022. Here we summarized the epidemiology of monkeypox through a literature review and elucidated the risks and elimination strategies of this outbreak mainly based on the summarized epidemiology. We demonstrated that monkeypox virus became more contagious and less virulent in 2022, which could result from the fact that the virus entered a special transmission network favoring close contacts (i.e., sexual behaviors of men who have sex with men outside Africa) and the possibility that the virus accumulated a few adaptive mutations. We gave the reasons to investigate whether cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs are susceptible to monkeypox virus and whether infection with monkeypox virus could be latent in some primates. We listed six potential scenarios for the future of the outbreak (e.g., the outbreak could lead to endemicity outside Africa with increased transmissibility or virulence). We also listed multiple factors aiding or impeding the elimination of the outbreak. We showed that the control measures strengthened worldwide after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) could eliminate the outbreak in 2022. We clarified eight strategies, i.e., publicity and education, case isolation, vaccine stockpiling, risk-based vaccination or ring vaccination, importation quarantine, international collaboration, and laboratory management, for the elimination of the outbreak.
Serological survey of SARS-CoV-2 in companion animals in China
Authors: Wang Aiping , Zhu Xifang , Chen Yumei , Sun Yaning , Liu Hongliang , Ding Peiyang , Zhou Jingming , Liu Yankai , Liang Chao , Yin Jiajia , Zhang Gaiping
Published: November 2022

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be transmitted from human to companion animals. The national wide serological surveillance against SARS-CoV-2 was conducted among pet animals, mainly in cats and dogs, 1 year after the first outbreak of COVID-19 in China. All sera were tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies using an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on the receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike protein. This late survey takes advantage of the short duration of the serological response in these animals to track recent episode of transmission. A total of 20,592 blood samples were obtained from 25 provinces across 7 geographical regions. The overall seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in cats was 0.015% (2/13397; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.0, 0.1). The virus infections in cats were only detected in Central (Hubei, 0.375%) and Eastern China (Zhejiang, 0.087%) with a seroprevalence estimated at 0.090 and 0.020%, respectively. In dogs, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections was 0.014% (1/7159; 95% CI: 0.0, 0.1) in the entire nation, seropositive samples were limited to Beijing (0.070%) of Northern China with a prevalence of 0.054%. No seropositive cases were discovered in other geographic regions, nor in other companion animals analyzed in this study. These data reveal the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in companion animals, although transmission of the virus to domestic cats and dogs is low in China, continuous monitoring is helpful for the better understand of the virus transmission status and the effect on animals.
Gamma Ray Source Localization for Time Projection Chamber Telescopes Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Khek Brandon , Mishra Aashwin , Buuck Micah , Shutt Tom
Published: November 2022

Diverse phenomena such as positron annihilation in the Milky Way, merging binary neutron stars, and dark matter can be better understood by studying their gamma ray emission. Despite their importance, MeV gamma rays have been poorly explored at sensitivities that would allow for deeper insight into the nature of the gamma emitting objects. In response, a liquid argon time projection chamber (TPC) gamma ray instrument concept called GammaTPC has been proposed and promises exploration of the entire sky with a large field of view, large effective area, and high polarization sensitivity. Optimizing the pointing capability of this instrument is crucial and can be accomplished by leveraging convolutional neural networks to reconstruct electron recoil paths from Compton scattering events within the detector. In this investigation, we develop a machine learning model architecture to accommodate a large data set of high fidelity simulated electron tracks and reconstruct paths. We create two model architectures: one to predict the electron recoil track origin and one for the initial scattering direction. We find that these models predict the true origin and direction with extremely high accuracy, thereby optimizing the observatory’s estimates of the sky location of gamma ray sources.
Antioxidants in Animal Nutrition: UHPLC-ESI-QqTOF Analysis and Effects on In Vitro Rumen Fermentation of Oak Leaf Extracts
Authors: Formato Marialuisa , Vastolo Alessandro , Piccolella Simona , Calabrò Serena , Cutrignelli Monica Isabella , Zidorn Christian , Pacifico Severina
Published: November 2022

The genus Quercus supplies a large amount of residual material (e.g., bark, acorns, leaves, wood), the valorization of which can favor a supply of antioxidant polyphenols to be used in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or cosmeceutical sector. The recovery of specialized metabolites could also benefit livestock feeding, so much so that polyphenols have gained attention as rumen fermentation modifiers and for mitigating the oxidative imbalance to which farm animals are subject. In this context, leaves of Quercus robur L. from Northern Germany were of interest and the alcoholic extract obtained underwent an untargeted profiling by means of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS) techniques. As triterpenes and fatty acids occurred, the alcoholic extract fractionation pointed out the obtainment of a polyphenol fraction, broadly constituted by coumaroyl flavonol glycosides and condensed tannins. Total phenol, flavonoid and condensed tannins content assays, as well as antiradical (DPPH● and ABTS+●) and reducing activity (PFRAP) were carried out on the alcoholic extract and its fractions. When the effects on rumen liquor was evaluated in vitro in terms of changes in fermentation characteristics, it was observed that oak leaf extract and its fractions promoted an increase in total volatile fatty acids and differently modulated the relative content of each fatty acid.
The Implications of Connexin 43 Deficiency during the Early Stages of Chemically Induced Mouse Colon Carcinogenesis
Authors: Santo Sara , da Silva Tereza , Vinken Mathieu , Cogliati Bruno , Barbisan Luís , Romualdo Guilherme
Published: November 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC), associated with an increased intake of processed red meats, saturated fats, and simple carbohydrates accompanied by low dietary fiber, fruits, and vegetables consumption, presents a high epidemiological burden. Connexin43 (Cx43) protein, which forms gap junctions or hemichannels, has tumor suppressor or oncogenic activities in a cancer type- and stage-dependent manner. Cx43 expression varies during colon carcinogenesis, and its functional role is not fully understood. Thus, we evaluated the implications of Cx43 heterologous deletion (Cx43+/−) during the early stages of a chemically induced model of colon carcinogenesis. Female C57BL/6J mice (wild-type or Cx43+/−) were submitted to a colon carcinogenesis model induced by 1,2 dimethylhydrazine (DMH). Mice were euthanized eight hours (week 7) or 30 weeks (week 37) after the last DMH administration to evaluate subacute colon toxicity outcomes or the burden of (pre)neoplastic lesions, respectively. At week 7, Cx43 deficiency inferred no alterations in the DMH-induced increase in systemic (peripheral blood), in situ (colonocytes) DNA damage, and apoptosis in the colonocytes. At week 30, Cx43+/− mice presented an increase in preneoplastic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) multiplicity, while no alterations were observed in colorectal adenoma (CRA) occurrence, multiplicity, volume, proliferation, growth, and β-catenin immunoexpression. Similarly, an in silico analysis of human CRA showed decreased mRNA expression of Cx43 with no correlation with proliferation, apoptosis, and β-catenin markers. These findings indicate the discrete role of Cx43 in the early stages of chemically induced mouse colon carcinogenesis.
Colon-Targeted eNAMPT-Specific Peptide Systems for Treatment of DSS-Induced Acute and Chronic Colitis in Mouse
Authors: Kim Jae-Sung , Kim Hyo Keun , Kim Minsoo , Jang Sein , Cho Euni , Mun Seok-Jun , Lee Joongho , Hong Dawon , Yoon Seokhyun , Yang Chul-Su
Published: November 2022

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT) is required to maintain the NAD+ pool, among which extracellular (e) NAMPT is associated with inflammation, mainly mediated by macrophages. However, the role of (e) NAMPT in inflammatory macrophages in ulcerative colitis is insufficiently understood. Here our analyses of single-cell RNA-seq data revealed that the levels of NAMPT and CYBB/NOX2 in macrophages were elevated in patients with colitis and in mouse models of acute and chronic colitis. These findings indicate the clinical significance of NAMPT and CYBB in colitis. Further, we found that eNAMPT directly binds the extracellular domains of CYBB and TLR4 in activated NLRP3 inflammasomes. Moreover, we developed a recombinant 12-residue TK peptide designated colon-targeted (CT)-conjugated multifunctional NAMPT (rCT-NAMPT), comprising CT as the colon-targeting moiety, which harbors the minimal essential residues required for CYBB/TLR4 binding. rCT-NAMPT effectively suppressed the severity of disease in DSS-induced acute and chronic colitis models through targeting the colon and inhibiting the interaction of NAMPT with CYBB or TLR4. Together, our data show that rCT-NAMPT may serve as an effective novel candidate therapeutic for colitis by modulating the NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated immune signaling system.
Wave-Encoded Model-Based Deep Learning for Highly Accelerated Imaging with Joint Reconstruction
Authors: Cho Jaejin , Gagoski Borjan , Kim Tae Hyung , Tian Qiyuan , Frost Robert , Chatnuntawech Itthi , Bilgic Berkin
Published: November 2022

A recently introduced model-based deep learning (MoDL) technique successfully incorporates convolutional neural network (CNN)-based regularizers into physics-based parallel imaging reconstruction using a small number of network parameters. Wave-controlled aliasing in parallel imaging (CAIPI) is an emerging parallel imaging method that accelerates imaging acquisition by employing sinusoidal gradients in the phase- and slice/partition-encoding directions during the readout to take better advantage of 3D coil sensitivity profiles. We propose wave-encoded MoDL (wave-MoDL) combining the wave-encoding strategy with unrolled network constraints for highly accelerated 3D imaging while enforcing data consistency. We extend wave-MoDL to reconstruct multicontrast data with CAIPI sampling patterns to leverage similarity between multiple images to improve the reconstruction quality. We further exploit this to enable rapid quantitative imaging using an interleaved look-locker acquisition sequence with T2 preparation pulse (3D-QALAS). Wave-MoDL enables a 40 s MPRAGE acquisition at 1 mm resolution at 16-fold acceleration. For quantitative imaging, wave-MoDL permits a 1:50 min acquisition for T1, T2, and proton density mapping at 1 mm resolution at 12-fold acceleration, from which contrast-weighted images can be synthesized as well. In conclusion, wave-MoDL allows rapid MR acquisition and high-fidelity image reconstruction and may facilitate clinical and neuroscientific applications by incorporating unrolled neural networks into wave-CAIPI reconstruction.
Interaction of Epigallocatechin Gallate and Quercetin with Spike Glycoprotein (S-Glycoprotein) of SARS-CoV-2: In Silico Study
Authors: Alavi Mehran , Mozafari M. R. , Ghaemi Saba , Ashengroph Morahem , Hasanzadeh Davarani Fatemeh , Mohammadabadi Mohammadreza
Published: November 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 from the family Coronaviridae is the cause of the outbreak of severe pneumonia, known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was first recognized in 2019. Various potential antiviral drugs have been presented to hinder SARS-CoV-2 or treat COVID-19 disease. Side effects of these drugs are among the main complicated issues for patients. Natural compounds, specifically primary and secondary herbal metabolites, may be considered as alternative options to provide therapeutic activity and reduce cytotoxicity. Phenolic materials such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG, polyphenol) and quercetin have shown antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, in this study, molecular docking was applied to measure the docking property of epigallocatechin gallate and quercetin towards the transmembrane spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2. Results of the present study showed Vina scores of −9.9 and −8.3 obtained for EGCG and quercetin by CB-Dock. In the case of EGCG, four hydrogen bonds of OG1, OD2, O3, and O13 atoms interacted with the Threonine (THR778) and Aspartic acid (ASP867) amino acids of the spike glycoprotein (6VSB). According to these results, epigallocatechin gallate and quercetin can be considered potent therapeutic compounds for addressing viral diseases.
Tissue Engineering as a Promising Treatment for Glottic Insufficiency: A Review on Biomolecules and Cell-Laden Hydrogel
Authors: Ng Wan-Chiew , Lokanathan Yogeswaran , Baki Marina Mat , Fauzi Mh Busra , Zainuddin Ani Amelia , Azman Mawaddah
Published: November 2022

Glottic insufficiency is widespread in the elderly population and occurs as a result of secondary damage or systemic disease. Tissue engineering is a viable treatment for glottic insufficiency since it aims to restore damaged nerve tissue and revitalize aging muscle. After injection into the biological system, injectable biomaterial delivers cost- and time-effectiveness while acting as a protective shield for cells and biomolecules. This article focuses on injectable biomaterials that transport cells and biomolecules in regenerated tissue, particularly adipose, muscle, and nerve tissue. We propose Wharton’s Jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (IP-SCs), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and extracellular vesicle (EV) as potential cells and macromolecules to be included into biomaterials, with some particular testing to support them as a promising translational medicine for vocal fold regeneration.
Interference Free HPLC-SERS for the Trace Analysis of Residual Furazolidones in the Aquaculture Sediment
Authors: Zeng Boming , Huang Yuting , Fan Meikun
Published: November 2022

Furazolidone (FZD), a typical highly effective nitrofuran antibiotic, has been banned in aquaculture for its carcinogenicity and other adverse health effects, but it is still wildly used for its low cost and significant efficacy. Since FZD will be rapidly metabolized in living organisms, the traditional standard mass spectrometry method can quantitatively analyze trace amount of FZD by detecting its derivative. However, a rapid qualitative analysis method is more consistent with market demand in regular monitoring. In this study, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to separate and purify FZD from the sea cucumber culture sediment, and the purified effluent was combined with a substrate of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection. The absolute detection limit of FZD by SERS is 1 ng, and the detection limit of FZD in actual sediment samples is less than 1 μg/kg. The cost and period of FZD analysis by HPLC-SERS are greatly reduced for the omission of derivatization compared with the traditional mass spectrometry method, which can better meet the requirements of practical applications.
Nonspecific Effects of Infant Vaccines Make Children More Resistant to SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Fonte Luis , Ginori María , García Gissel , Hernández Yisel , de Armas Yaxsier , Calderón Enrique J.
Published: November 2022

A myriad of reasons, or a combination of them, have been alluded to in order to explain the lower susceptibility of children to SARS-CoV-2 infection and the development of severe forms of COVID-19. This document explores an additional factor, still little addressed in the medical literature related to the matter: nonspecific resistance to SARS-CoV-2 that could be generated by vaccines administered during childhood. The analysis carried out allows one to conclude that a group of vaccines administered during childhood is associated with a lower incidence and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection among pediatric ages. Looking from an epidemiological perspective, this conclusion must be taken into consideration in order to ensure greater rationality in the design and implementation of prevention and control actions, including the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine, for these ages.
Clinical Determinants of Childhood Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus among Early and Peri-Adolescent Age Groups
Authors: Nelson Meghan Corrigan , Chandrakasan Shanmuganathan , Ponder Lori , Sanz Ignacio , Goldberg Baruch , Ogbu Ekemini A. , Rouster-Stevens Kelly , Prahalad Sampath
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. SLE disproportionately affects women and minorities. Childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) in particular tends to be more aggressive than adult-onset SLE. Despite substantial improvements in the treatment of cSLE, there is significant variability in treatment responses and long-term outcomes. Furthermore, there is a paucity of studies involving cSLE, and in particular, cSLE among different age groups. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that an early-onset cSLE cohort would demonstrate unique characteristics with distinctive clinical and laboratory features at disease onset. We specifically investigated whether clinical, epidemiological, or serological factors are differentially associated with early- and late-onset cSLE. This could have direct impact on clinical management with the goal of improving outcomes and quality of life for children with SLE. Methods: Our study was conducted at a large tertiary center. We included 213 subjects seen at our pediatric rheumatology clinic aged 4–17 years. Epidemiologic, clinical phenotype, disease severity, serology, treatment, and outcome data were compared between subjects with cSLE onset prior to 10 years of age (early-onset disease, n = 43) and those with cSLE onset greater than 10 years of age (peri-adolescent disease, n = 170). We compared clinical features between early- and peri-adolescent onset cSLE in order to investigate the association between age at disease onset of cSLE and clinical disease expression and outcomes. Results: Of the 213 subjects with cSLE in our study, 43 subjects had early-onset disease (age 2 to ≤9 years) and 170 patients had peri-adolescent onset disease. We found that early-onset cSLE was associated with a higher prevalence of positive anti-dsDNA antibody at cSLE diagnosis, higher anti-dsDNA antibody titer at cSLE diagnosis, rash, and azathioprine use (p < 0.001, p = 0.004, p = 0.011, and p = 0.008, respectively). In contrast, we found that peri-adolescent onset cSLE (≥10 years of age) was associated with worse disease activity (SLEDAI range 0–24) (p < 0.001), higher SLICC at diagnosis (p < 0.001), as well as a higher rate of mycophenolate mofetil and hydroxychloroquine use (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms or the development of Class IV/Class V lupus nephritis between the early-onset and peri-adolescent groups.
Global Health Challenges: Why the Four S’s Are Not Enough
Authors: Novotny Nathan M. , Hamouri Shadi , Kayal Donna , Abukhalaf Sadi , Aqra Haitham , Amro Wael , Shaltaf Ahmad
Published: November 2022

A well-known tenant of global health is the need for the four-S’s to be successful in providing care in any context; Staff, Stuff, Space and Systems. Advanced thoracoscopy is slow to gain traction in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To our knowledge, no pediatric advanced thoracoscopy had been attempted previously in either LMIC. Therefore, we report the challenges associated with the adoption of the first advanced thoracoscopic procedures in two LMIC hospitals by a visiting surgeon. To further identify aspects of care in promoting the introduction of advanced thoracoscopy, we added a fifth S as an additional category—Socialization. A key to accomplishing goals for the patients as a visiting surgeon, particularly when introducing an advanced procedure, is acceptance into the culture of a hospital. Despite facing significant obstacles in caring for complex thoracic pathology with heavy reliance on disposable and reusable instrumentation provided through donation and limitations in staff such as access to neonatologists and pediatric surgeons, many obstacles have been overcome. In this perspective article, we show that a “fifth S” is also integral—having local surgeons and anesthesiologists eager to learn with acceptance of the visiting surgeon’s expertise opens a path towards attempting advanced procedures in limited-resource settings.
Mapping and Managing Livelihoods Vulnerability to Drought: A Case Study of Chivi District in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mugandani Raymond , Muziri Tavagwisa , Murewi Cyril Tapiwa Farai , Mugadza Amanda , Chitata Tavengwa , Sungirai Marvelous , Zirebwa Farai Solomon , Manhondo Petronella , Mupfiga Elvis Tawanda , Nyamutowa Charles , Mudereri Bester Tawona , Mugari Zvenyika Eckson , Mwadzingeni Liboster , Mafongoya Paramu
Published: November 2022

The assessment of the vulnerability to drought hazards in smallholder farming systems dependent on rain-fed agriculture has recently gained global popularity, given the need to identify and prioritize climate hotspots for climate adaptation. Over the past decade, numerous studies have focused on vulnerability assessments with respect to drought and other meteorological hazards. Nonetheless, less research has focused on applying common measurement frameworks to compare vulnerability in different communities and the sources of such vulnerability. Yet, the crucial question remains: who is more vulnerable and what contributes to this vulnerability? This article is a case study for assessing the vulnerability to drought of smallholder farmers in two wards in Chivi district, Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe. This study is timely, as climate change is increasingly affecting populations dependent on rainfed agriculture. This assessment has been conducted by calculating the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) and Livelihood Vulnerability Index of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (LVI-IPCC). This empirical study used data from 258 households from the two wards and triangulated it through Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions. To calculate the LVI, twenty-six subcomponents made up of seven major components, including socio-demographic variables; livelihood strategies; social capital; access to food, health, and water; and exposure to drought, were considered. To calculate the LVI-IPCC, we combined the three contributing factors of vulnerability (exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity). Our results indicate that the LVI forward 14 is statistically higher than for ward 19 (F = 21.960; p ≤ 0.01) due to high exposure to drought, food insecurity, and compromised social networks. Concerning the LVI-IPCC, ward 14 was significantly more vulnerable to the impacts of drought than ward 19 (F = 7.718; p ≤ 0.01). Thus, reducing exposure to drought through early warning systems, building diversified agricultural systems, and social networks are of high priority to reduce the vulnerability of the farmers.
A Systems Approach to Improving Foundational Reading Skills at a Preschool in India
Authors: Zahedi Siamack , Iyer Anuj , Jaffer Rhea , Shenoy Sunaina , Shourie Radhika
Published: November 2022

Holistic Education School located in Mumbai, India, created a strategic improvement plan to address the poor foundational reading skills of its kindergarten students. Curriculum Based Measure (CBM) assessment data showed a rise in reading performance during the implementation of the plan, from 87% of the students scoring below grade level in 2016 to 89% achieving grade level benchmarks in 2021. An instrumental case study qualitative research design was employed to describe the nature of changes made in relation to the increase in performance. Data were collected from a variety of sources and coded through inductive and deductive processes that achieved intercoder agreement of 97.87% and 0.73 Kappa coefficient for reliability. Triangulation, member checking, and clarifying researcher bias, were employed to maximize validity. The findings describe the nature of transformation undertaken by the strategic improvement plan on key systems-level elements like curriculum, professional development, student engagement, parent engagement, and school leadership.
The Role of Interactive Features within a Mathematics Storybook in Interpreting a Conflict and Conflict Resolution: The Case of Three Fifth Graders
Authors: Aqazade Mahtob
Published: November 2022

Students often experience cognitive conflicts when trying to interpret negative numbers’ order and values because they do not correspond to their prior whole number knowledge. One way to trigger students’ cognitive conflicts and support their conflict resolution meaningfully is through stories. Thus, I used a temperature-related mathematics storybook—Temperature Turmoil—to highlight the cognitive conflict students often experience because of relying on the integers’ absolute value and introduce conflict resolution (i.e., integers have both absolute value and directed value). By incorporating interactive features, I used a multiple-case approach to describe three fifth graders’ cognitive conflict and conflict resolution experiences. Harry, Lola, and Claire were engaged in control, interactive language, and interactive visual version of the storybook, respectively. I analyzed their responses to integer order and value questions on the pretest, session tests, and posttest as well as retellings to characterize the extent of their conflict and conflict resolution. All three benefited from the storybook with Lola making the most growth and using the mathematical language in her retellings more often. Harry, more accurately than others, described the mathematical ideas of the storybook in his retellings. Claire did not make large progress because of misinterpreting the language used in the integer values questions. This paper provides implications for how to make use of students’ common conflicts to facilitate their learning, which adds to the current understanding of using cognitive conflict as a teaching strategy. Further, the findings contribute to underdeveloped research on the benefits and limitations of interactive mathematics storybooks.
Identification and Genetic Diversity of Amylase Producing Lactic Acid Bacteria from Brown Rice (Oryza nivara) Wakawondu Cultivar Based on 16S rRNA Gene
Authors: Wahyuni Sri , Sarinah  , Purnamasari Wa Ode Gustiani , Pato Usman , Susilowati Prima Endang , Asnani  , Khaeruni Andi
Published: November 2022

This study identified the genetic diversity of amylase-producing lactic acid bacteria from brown rice (Oryza nivara) Wakawondu cultivar based on the 16S rRNA gene. The ten lactic acid bacteria strains were isolated from the fermented Wakawondu rice washing water; two isolates, SBM3D and SBM4A, displayed strong amylase activity. The two isolates had the same characteristics according to both morphological and biochemical examination. The effect of fermentation time on SBM3D bacterial isolates revealed that bacterial growth at 12 h with OD values and enzyme activity, respectively, of 0.856 and 175 mU/mL, was nearly identical to the growth at 27 h with OD values of 0.886 and 176 mU/mL consecutively. Meanwhile, the bacterial isolate of SBM4A showed a significant increase in growth at 15 h with an OD value of 0.552 and enzyme activity of 99 U/mL. The maximum growth was seen at 18 h with an OD value of 0.657 and enzyme activity of 126 mU/mL. Cladogram of an SBM3D isolate with Pediococcus pentosaceus strains SL001 CP039378.1 and SRCM102740 CP028269.1 forming a sister group clad. Pediococcus pentosaceus strains SRCM102739 CP028266.1 and SRCM102738 CP028264.1 form a sister group in the cladogram of the SBM4A isolate. SBM3D and SBM4A, which are amylase-producing Pediococcus pentosaceus, can be used in food, chemical, health, and other industries.
Qualitative Screening of Yeast Biodiversity for Hydrolytic Enzymes Isolated from the Gastrointestinal Tract of a Coprophage “Gymnopleurus sturmi” and Dung of Ruminants
Authors: Hanane Touijer , Najoua Benchemsi , Salsabil Hamdi , Abdellatif Janati Idrissi , Dalila Bousta , Ahmad Irfan , BukharI Sayyad Ali Raza , Irfan Muhammad , Chen Lijing , Hicham Bekkari
Published: November 2022

In this study, thirty yeast strains isolated from the gut of coprophagous “Gymnopleurus sturmi” and twenty-four from the dung of ruminants were shown to be producers of cellulases. Cellulolytic yeast isolates could also produce other hydrolytic enzymes such as pectinase, lipase, β-glucosidase, catalase, inulinase, urease, gelatinase, and protease. The oroduction of amylase was present in only one isolate of dung of ruminants. On the other hand, the production of tannase was absent in these isolates. All the yeasts isolated from two sources could utilize various carbon sources, including sorbitol, sucrose, and raffinose, and withstand high concentrations of glucose (300 g/L), salt (100 g/L), and exogenous ethanol. They could grow in a wide pH range of 3 to 11. The growth was stable up to a temperature of 40 °C for isolates from the gut of coprophage and 37 °C for the yeast from the dung of ruminants. These activities and growing conditions were similar to the diet of coprophagous insects and the composition of ruminant manure, likely because the adaptation and distribution of these microorganisms depend on the phenology and trophic preferences of these insects.
Effect of Source and Level of Dietary Supplementary Copper on In Vitro Rumen Fermentation in Growing Yaks
Authors: Zhao Xinsheng , Hao Lizhuang , Xue Yanfeng , Degen Allan , Liu Shujie
Published: November 2022

Copper (Cu) is essential for the health of livestock, however, the optimal source and level of dietary Cu for yaks are uncertain. To fill this important gap, we designed an in vitro study to examine the effects of three Cu sources, namely Cu methionine (Met-Cu), Cu chloride (CuCl2) and tribasic Cu chloride (TBCC), at five levels, namely 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mg/kg DM (includes Cu in substrate), on rumen fermentation in yaks. In vitro dry matter degradability (IVDMD) and amylase activity were greater (p < 0.05) with added Met-Cu than the other two Cu sources, and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), microbial protein (MCP) and propionate contents were greater with Met-Cu and CuCl2 than with TBCC. Total gas production and lipase activity were greater with Met-Cu and TBCC than CuCl2 (p < 0.05), which meant that the metabolizable energy yield was greater in the two former Cu sources than the latter, but CH4 production did not differ (p = 0.92) among Cu sources. IVDMD and lipase activity were greatest (p < 0.05) at 15 mg Cu/kg DM in the substrate and MCP, isobutyrate, butyrate and isovalerate contents, and amylase and trypsin activities were greatest or second greatest at 10 and 15 mg Cu/kg DM. It was concluded that Met-Cu was the best source of Cu and 10 to 15 mg Cu/kg DM was the optimal level for yaks, at least under in vitro conditions.
Validation of a Portable eDNA Detection Kit for Invasive Carps
Authors: Kageyama Stacie A. , Hoogland Matthew R. , Tajjioui Tariq , Schreier Theresa M. , Erickson Richard A. , Merkes Christopher M.
Published: November 2022

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a rapid molecular detection technique that has been used as a diagnostic tool for detecting human and animal pathogens for over 20 years and is promising for detecting environmental DNA shed by invasive species. We designed a LAMP assay to detect the invasive carps, silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). To determine the sensitivity of the LAMP assay, we determined limit of detection (LOD) for each invasive carp species and compared with the performance of a grass carp quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay in LOD and in a mesocosm study. We used two grass carp densities, 3 juvenile grass carp in one mesocosm and 33 juvenile grass carp in the other. Prior to adding grass carp to the mesocosms, we added 68 kg of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) to each mesocosm to simulate farm ponds used for raising bait fish. We filtered 500 mL of water per sample to compare LAMP and qPCR analysis, and we collected 50 mL grab samples that were only analyzed using qPCR to gain additional data using a higher-throughput method to monitor environmental DNA (eDNA) levels throughout the study period. No eDNA for any of the four invasive carp species was detected in water collected from the mesocosms during the three days prior to adding grass carp. Forty-eight hours after grass carp addition to mesocosms, we detected grass carp eDNA in the mesocosm containing 33 grass carp using the LAMP assay. However, we failed to detect any grass carp DNA in the mesocosm containing 3 grass carp with the LAMP assay throughout the study. We analyzed the data using an occupancy model and found that the 500 mL filter samples yielded a higher eDNA capture probability than 50 mL grab samples in the mesocosm containing three grass carp but had similar eDNA capture probability in the mesocosm containing 33 grass carp. Both LAMP and qPCR reliably detected grass carp eDNA 2 days after grass carp addition, but detections were more consistent with qPCR. The LAMP assay may have utility for certain niche uses because it can be used to rapidly analyze eDNA samples and is robust to inhibition, despite having some limitations.
From Two-Equation Turbulence Models to Minimal Error Resolving Simulation Methods for Complex Turbulent Flows
Authors: Heinz Stefan
Published: November 2022

Hybrid RANS-LES methods are supposed to provide major contributions to future turbulent flow simulations, in particular for reliable flow predictions under conditions where validation data are unavailable. However, existing hybrid RANS-LES methods suffer from essential problems. A solution to these problems is presented as a generalization of previously introduced continuous eddy simulation (CES) methods. These methods, obtained by relatively minor extensions of standard two-equation turbulence models, represent minimal error simulation methods. An essential observation presented here is that minimal error methods for incompressible flows can be extended to stratified and compressible flows, which opens the way to addressing relevant atmospheric science problems (mesoscale to microscale coupling) and aerospace problems (supersonic or hypersonic flow predictions). It is also reported that minimal error methods can provide valuable contributions to the design of consistent turbulence models under conditions of significant modeling uncertainties.
Characterization of Tenebrio molitor Larvae Protein Preparations Obtained by Different Extraction Approaches
Authors: Gkinali Alkmini-Anna , Matsakidou Anthia , Paraskevopoulou Adamantini
Published: November 2022

Edible insects have recently attracted research attention due to their nutritional value and low environmental footprint. Tenebrio molitor larva was the first insect species to be classified by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as safe for human consumption. However, it is thought that the incorporation of edible insect as an ingredient in a food product would be more appealing to consumers than being visible. The aim of the present study was to determine the physicochemical properties of the larvae meal and protein concentrates. Different methods to extract and recover proteins from defatted (DF) Tenebrio molitor larvae were applied; i.e., alkaline extraction (DF-ASP); isoelectric precipitation after alkaline extraction (DF-AIP); and NaCl treatment (DF-SSP), and the obtained protein fractions were characterized. The DF-ASP exhibited the highest protein extraction/recovery efficiency (>60%), while it was the most effective in decreasing the interfacial tension at the oil/water (o/w) interface. The DF-AIP had the highest protein content (75.1%) and absolute values of ζ-potential and the best ability to retain water (10.54 g/g) and stabilize emulsions at pH 3.0. The DF-SSP protein preparation had the highest oil binding capacity (8.62%) and solubility (~88%) at acidic pHs and the highest emulsifying activity (~86 m2/g). Electrophoresis of the protein preparations revealed proteins with different molecular weights, while the protein secondary structure was dominated by β-structures and α-helix. Protein concentrates with different properties were able to be recovered from Tenebrio molitor larvae, that could affect their interactions with other food ingredients and their behavior during processing or storage. These findings would be valuable guidance for the technological exploitation of larvae protein preparations in the development of food formulations.
Quantitative Determination of Bisphenol A and Its Congeners in Plant-Based Beverages by Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Schiano Marica , Sodano Federica , Cassiano Chiara , Fiorino Ferdinando , Seccia Serenella , Rimoli Maria , Albrizio Stefania
Published: November 2022

The consumption of plant-based beverages as an alternative to cow’s milk has recently gained vast attention worldwide. The aim of this work is to monitor the intake of Bisphenol A (BPA), Bisphenol B (BPB) and Bisphenol S (BPS) in the Italian population through the consumption of these foodstuffs. Specifically, the development and validation of an analytical procedure for the quantitative determination of the analytes by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry was reported. Thirty-four samples of plant-based beverages (soya, coconut, almond, oats and rice) of popular brands marketed in Italy were analyzed. BPA was found in 32% of the samples, while BPB was found in 3% of the samples. The risk assessment using the Rapid Assessment of Contaminant Exposure (RACE) tool demonstrated that there was no risk for all population groups, when using the current Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) of 4 ng/kg body weight (bw)/day as a toxicological reference point. In contrast, using the new temporary TDI of 0.04 ng/kg bw/day, the existing risk was found to be real for all population groups. If this value were to become final, even more attention would have to be paid to the possible presence of BPA in food to protect consumer health.
Screening and Regulation Mechanism of Key Transcription Factors of Penicillium expansum Infecting Postharvest Pears by ATAC-Seq Analysis
Authors: Zhao Lina , Shu Yuling , Quan Sihao , Dhanasekaran Solairaj , Zhang Xiaoyun , Zhang Hongyin
Published: November 2022

Transcription factors play a key role in Penicillium expansum infection process. Although the crucial characteristics of some transcription factors of pathogenic fungi have been found, many transcription factors involved in P. expansum infections have not been explored and studied. This study aimed to screen the transcription factors of P. expansum involved in postharvest pear infections by ATAC-seq analysis and to analyze the differentially expressed peak-related genes by GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis. Our results found the up-regulation of differentially expressed peak-related genes involved in the MAPK signaling pathway, pentose phosphate pathway, starch and sucrose metabolism, and pentose and glucuronate interconversions. Our study especially confirmed the differential regulation of transcription factors MCM1, Ste12 and gene WSC in the MAPK signaling pathway and PG1, RPE1 in the pentose and glucuronate interconversions pathway. These transcription factors and related genes might play an essential role in pear fruit infection by P. expansum. RT-qPCR validation of twelve expressed peak-related genes in P. expansum showed that the expression levels of these twelve genes were compatible with the ATAC-Seq. Our findings might shed some light on the regulatory molecular networks consisting of transcription factors that engaged in P. expansum invasion and infection of pear fruits.
Potential of Red, Green and Brown Seaweeds as Substrates for Solid State Fermentation to Increase Their Nutritional Value and to Produce Enzymes
Authors: Ferreira Marta , Salgado José , Fernandes Helena , Peres Helena , Belo Isabel
Published: November 2022

Seaweeds are valuable feedstocks with the potential to be used as ingredients in aquafeeds. However, their use are still limited, given their recalcitrant polysaccharide structure. To break this structure, a biotechnological approach such as solid-state fermentation (SSF) by filamentous fungi can be used, which simultaneously increases the nutritional value of the biomass. However, SSF has hardly been studied in seaweeds; thus, in this study, five different seaweeds (Gracilaria sp., Porphyra dioica, Codium tomentosum, Ulva rigida, and Alaria esculenta) were used as substrates in SSF with Aspergillus ibericus MUM 03.49 and A. niger CECT 2915. Firstly, the seaweeds were fully characterized, and, then, changes in the crude protein and carbohydrate contents were assessed in the fermented biomass, as well as any carbohydrases production. The SSF of U. rigida with both fungi resulted in the maximum xylanase and β-glucosidase activities. The maximum cellulase activity was achieved using Gracilaria sp. and U. rigida in the SSF with A. niger. The protein content increased in C. tomentosum after SSF with A. ibericus and in U. rigida after SSF with both fungi. Moreover, U. rigida’s carbohydrate content decreased by 54% and 62% after SSF with A. ibericus and A. niger, respectively. Seaweed bioprocessing using SSF is a sustainable and cost-effective strategy that simultaneously produces high-value enzymes and nutritionally enhanced seaweeds to be included in aquafeeds.
Treatment of Fresh Meat, Fish and Products Thereof with Cold Atmospheric Plasma to Inactivate Microbial Pathogens and Extend Shelf Life
Authors: Paulsen Peter , Csadek Isabella , Bauer Alexandra , Bak Kathrine H. , Weidinger Pia , Schwaiger Karin , Nowotny Norbert , Walsh James , Martines Emilio , Smulders Frans J. M.
Published: November 2022

Assuring the safety of muscle foods and seafood is based on prerequisites and specific measures targeted against defined hazards. This concept is augmented by ‘interventions’, which are chemical or physical treatments, not genuinely part of the production process, but rather implemented in the framework of a safety assurance system. The present paper focuses on ‘Cold Atmospheric pressure Plasma’ (CAP) as an emerging non-thermal intervention for microbial decontamination. Over the past decade, a vast number of studies have explored the antimicrobial potential of different CAP systems against a plethora of different foodborne microorganisms. This contribution aims at providing a comprehensive reference and appraisal of the latest literature in the area, with a specific focus on the use of CAP for the treatment of fresh meat, fish and associated products to inactivate microbial pathogens and extend shelf life. Aspects such as changes to organoleptic and nutritional value alongside other matrix effects are considered, so as to provide the reader with a clear insight into the advantages and disadvantages of CAP-based decontamination strategies.
Jetting Dynamics of Burning Gel Fuel Droplets
Authors: Sharma Janmejai , Miglani Ankur , John Jerin , Nandagopalan Purushothaman , Shaikh Javed , Kankar Pavan Kumar
Published: November 2022

Jetting in burning gel fuel droplets is an important process which, in addition to pure vaporization, enables the convective transport of unreacted fuel vapors from the droplet interior to the flame envelope. This aids in accelerating the fuel efflux and enhancing the mixing of the gas phase, which improves the droplet burn rates. In this study, Schlieren imaging was used to characterize different jetting dynamics that govern the combustion behavior of organic-gellant-laden ethanol gel fuel droplets. To initiate jetting, the gellant shell of the burning gel fuel droplet was subjected to either oscillatory bursting or isolated bursting, or both. However, irrespective of the jetting mode, the jets interacted with the flame envelope in one of three possible ways. Based on the velocity and the degree to which a jet disrupts the flame envelope, it is classified as either a flame distortion, a fire ball outside the flame or a pin hole jet (localized flame extinction), where the pin hole jets have the highest velocity (1000–1550 mm/s), while the flame distortion events have the lowest velocity (500–870 mm/s). Subsequently, the relative number of the three types of jetting events during the droplet lifetime was analyzed as a function of the type of organic gellant. It was demonstrated that the combustion behavior of gel fuels (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose: HPMC at 3 wt.%) that tend to form thin-weak-flexible shells is dominated by low-velocity flame distortion events, while the gel fuels (methylcellulose: MC at 9 wt.%) that facilitate the formation of thick-strong-rigid shells are governed by high-velocity fire ball and pin hole jets. Overall, this study provides critical insights into the jetting behavior and its characterization, which can help us to tune the droplet gasification and the gas phase mixing to achieve an effective combustion control strategy for gel fuels.