bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multicarbohydrase and Phytase Complex Is Able to Compensate a Nutrient-Deficiency in Growing-Finishing Pigs
Authors: Huang Ya-Kuan , Zhao Ling , Sun Hua , Xu Xue-Mei , Maamer Jlali , Preynat Aurélie , Sun Lv-Hui , Qi De-Sheng
Published: April 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of supplementing a corn-wheat-soybean meal-based diet with a multicarbohydrase and phytase complex (MCPC) on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, carcass traits, and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 300 pigs (Duroc × Large White × Landrace; body weight = 25.3 ± 0.7 kg) were randomly allotted to three groups with 10 replicates of 10 pigs each. Pigs from three groups were fed positive control (PC) or negative control (NC), without or with MCPC diets, respectively. The MCPC supplied at least 1800, 1244, 6600, and 1000 units of xylanase, β-glucanase, α-arabinofuranosidase, and phytase per kilogram of diet, respectively. The NC diet was the PC diet but reduced in net energy (NE), digestible amino acids (dig. AA), digestible P (dig. P), and Ca by 74 kcal/kg, 7.0%, 0.134, and 0.119 percentage points, respectively. The diets were fed in 4 growth phases based on body weight (BW): phase 1: 25–50 kg, phase 2: 50–75 kg, phase 3: 75–100 kg, and phase 4: 100–135 kg. Compared to the PC, the NC diet decreased (p < 0.05) body weight gain, feed intake, and(or) feed to gain ratio during the growing/finishing phases 1, 2, 3, and 4. It also reduced (p < 0.05) the ATTD of crude protein, crude fat, P, and Ca of pigs. MCPC supplementation improved (p < 0.05) the body weight gain, feed intake, and(or) feed to gain ratio in phases 2, 3, and 4 and the ATTD of crude protein, crude fat, ash, P, and Ca for the NC diet. Additionally, dietary treatment had no effects on carcass traits and meat quality with the exception that the loin eye area in the NC plus MCPC diet was higher (p < 0.05) than the NC diet. In conclusion, the addition of MCPC to a corn-soybean meal-wheat-based diet reduced in energy and nutrients improved the growth performance and nutrient digestibility but had little effect on carcass traits and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs.
A First Insight into the Gonad Transcriptome of Hong Kong Catfish (Clarias fuscus)
Authors: Lin Xinghua , Zhou Dayan , Zhang Xiaomin , Li Guangli , Zhang Yulei , Huang Cailin , Zhang Zhixin , Tian Changxu
Published: April 2021

Hong Kong catfish (Clarias fuscus) exhibit sexual dimorphism, particularly in body size. Due to the fast growth rate of males, the sexual size dimorphism of Hong Kong catfish has become an economically important trait. However, limited knowledge is known about the molecular mechanisms of sex determination and sex differentiation in this species. In this study, a first de novo transcriptome sequencing analysis of testes and ovaries was performed to identify sex-biased genes in Hong Kong catfish. The results showed that a total of 290,291 circular consensus sequences (CCSs) were obtained, from which 248,408 full-length non-chimeric (FLNC) reads were generated. After non-redundant analysis, a total of 37,305 unigenes were predicted, in which 34,342 unigenes were annotated with multiple public databases. Comparative transcriptomic analysis identified 5750 testis-biased differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 6991 ovary-biased DEGs. The enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were classified into 783 Gene Ontology (GO) terms and 16 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) pathways. Many DEGs were involved with sex-related GO terms and KEGG pathways, such as oocyte maturation, androgen secretion, gonadal development and steroid biosynthesis pathways. In addition, the expression levels of 23 unigenes were confirmed to validate the transcriptomic data by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). This is the first investigation into the transcriptome of Hong Kong catfish testes and ovaries. This study provides an important molecular basis for the sex determination and sex control breeding of Hong Kong catfish.
Perosomus Elumbis in Piglets: Pathological, Radiological and Cytogenetic Findings
Authors: Piegari Giuseppe , D’Anza Emanuele , Costanza Dario , Prisco Francesco , Meomartino Leonardo , d’Aquino Ilaria , Albarella Sara , Paciello Orlando , Ciotola Francesca
Published: April 2021

Perosomus elumbis (PE) is a rare congenital condition characterized by agenesis of the lumbar, sacral and coccygeal vertebrae. Perosomus elumbis has rarely been reported in literature as morphological description of singles or few cases. Here we report the first extensive description of eight cases of PE detected in two consecutive litters from the same parents of Casertana pig breed. In August 2018, eight piglets were investigated for multiple malformations. All malformed animals, but one, died in the first day of life. The survivor piglet died at 23 days of age. Pathological, radiological and cytogenetic examination was performed. Furthermore, a farm epidemiological investigation was carried out to investigate the percentage of piglets born dead or with malformations in 2018. The radiological and pathological exams showed skeletal abnormalities at the spinal cord level and visceral malformations. Cytogenetic investigations showed a normal chromosome arrangement. Finally, epidemiological investigation revealed a low prevalence of malformations in newborn pigs, equal to 0.5% of the total birth rate of the farm. Our findings report the first extensive description of PE cases in pigs and suggest an underestimation of this malformation in veterinary medicine. Our findings also suggest a specific genetic etiological basis as cause of PE in pigs and exclude chromosomal abnormalities. Further studies will be performed to confirm this hypothesis.
Adverse Effects of Heat Stress on the Intestinal Integrity and Function of Pigs and the Mitigation Capacity of Dietary Antioxidants: A Review
Authors: Ortega Arth David Sol Valmoria , Szabó Csaba
Published: April 2021

Heat stress (HS) significantly affects the performance of pigs by its induced stressors such as inflammation, hypoxia and oxidative stress (OS), which mightily strain the intestinal integrity and function of pigs. As heat stress progresses, several mechanisms in the intestinal epithelium involved in the absorption of nutrients and its protective functions are altered. Changes in these mechanisms are mainly driven by cellular oxidative stress, which promotes disruption of intestinal homeostasis, leading to intestinal permeability, emphasizing intestinal histology and morphology with little possibility of recovering even after exposure to HS. Identification and understanding of these altered mechanisms are crucial for providing appropriate intervention strategies. Therefore, it is this papers’ objective to review the important components for intestinal integrity that are negatively affected by HS and its induced stressors. With due consideration to the amelioration of such effects through nutritional intervention, this work will also look into the capability of dietary antioxidants in mitigating such adverse effects and maintaining the intestine’s integrity and function upon the pigs’ exposure to high environmental temperature.
Staphylococcus aureus RnpA Inhibitors: Computational-Guided Design, Synthesis and Initial Biological Evaluation
Authors: Suigo Lorenzo , Chojnacki Michaelle , Zanotto Carlo , Sebastián-Pérez Victor , Morghen Carlo De Giuli , Casiraghi Andrea , Dunman Paul M. , Valoti Ermanno , Straniero Valentina
Published: April 2021

Antibiotic resistance is spreading worldwide and it has become one of the most important issues in modern medicine. In this context, the bacterial RNA degradation and processing machinery are essential processes for bacterial viability that may be exploited for antimicrobial therapy. In Staphylococcus aureus, RnpA has been hypothesized to be one of the main players in these mechanisms. S. aureus RnpA is able to modulate mRNA degradation and complex with a ribozyme (rnpB), facilitating ptRNA maturation. Corresponding small molecule screening campaigns have recently identified a few classes of RnpA inhibitors, and their structure activity relationship (SAR) has only been partially explored. Accordingly, in the present work, using computational modeling of S. aureus RnpA we identified putative crucial interactions of known RnpA inhibitors, and we used this information to design, synthesize, and biologically assess new potential RnpA inhibitors. The present results may be beneficial for the overall knowledge about RnpA inhibitors belonging to both RNPA2000-like thiosemicarbazides and JC-like piperidine carboxamides molecular classes. We evaluated the importance of the different key moieties, such as the dichlorophenyl and the piperidine of JC2, and the semithiocarbazide, the furan, and the i-propylphenyl ring of RNPA2000. Our efforts could provide a foundation for further computational-guided investigations.
Cytotoxic Influence of Khat (Catha edulis (Vahl) Forssk. ex Endl) on Oral Fibroblasts, Squamous Carcinoma Cells, and Expression of α Smooth Muscle Actin
Authors: Syed Azeem Ul Yaqin , Ahmed Muhammad A. , AlSagob Eman I. , Al-Askar Mansour , AlMubarak Abdulrahman M. , Jouhar Rizwan , Ahmed Abdul R. , Mokeem Sameer A. , Aldahiyan Nada , Vohra Fahim , Abduljabbar Tariq
Published: April 2021

The aim was to determine the cytotoxicity of Khat (Catha edulis (Vahl) Forssk. ex Endl) on normal oral fibroblasts (NOFs) and SCC4 (squamous carcinoma cells) along with expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in fibroblasts. Khat filtrate was prepared to obtain a concentrated viscous solution. NOFs and SCC4 cells were cultured in biological cabinets and were grown in Dulbeccos’ modified Eagles medium. Frozen cells were thawed at 37 °C and cell seeding was performed. NOFs and SCC4 cells were seeded on 96 well plates and allowed to attach. The medium was removed and a fresh medium containing different concentrations of Khat was added. The group without Khat served as a negative control and 4% paraformaldehyde as the positive control. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay and effect of Khat on fibroblast and SCC4 phenotypes was evaluated by immunostaining. Analysis of variance was used to assess data (p < 0.05). NOF 316 showed cell death in response to 4% paraformaldehyde, 12.5, 6.25, and 3.12 mg/mL of Khat. The highest concentration of Khat (25 mg/mL) failed to cause cytotoxicity of NOF 316. NOF 319 and NOF 26 displayed cell death at all concentrations of Khat, however, cytotoxicity was not dose dependent. NOF 18 and SCC4 cells showed dose-dependent cell death. NOF 316 showed α-SMA expression after 1 mg/mL of Khat exposure. Not all fibroblasts were α-SMA-positive, suggesting specific activation of a subset of fibroblasts. Khat is cytotoxic to NOF and SCC4 cells. Furthermore, it can also cause activation and phenotypic changes in oral fibroblasts, indicating a potential role in progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Intelligent Packaging for Real-Time Monitoring of Food-Quality: Current and Future Developments
Authors: Dodero Andrea , Escher Andrea , Bertucci Simone , Castellano Maila , Lova Paola
Published: April 2021

Food packaging encompasses the topical role of preserving food, hence, extending the shelf-life, while ensuring the highest quality and safety along the production chain as well as during storage. Intelligent food packaging further develops the functions of traditional packages by introducing the capability of continuously monitoring food quality during the whole chain to assess and reduce the insurgence of food-borne disease and food waste. To this purpose, several sensing systems based on different food quality indicators have been proposed in recent years, but commercial applications remain a challenge. This review provides a critical summary of responsive systems employed in the real-time monitoring of food quality and preservation state. First, food quality indicators are briefly presented, and subsequently, their exploitation to fabricate intelligent packaging based on responsive materials is discussed. Finally, current challenges and future trends are reviewed to highlight the importance of concentrating efforts on developing new functional solutions.
An Improved FFIP Method Based on Mathematical Logic and SysML
Authors: Jiao Jian , Pang Shujie , Chu Jiayun , Jing Yongfeng , Zhao Tingdi
Published: April 2021

In recent years, the model-based safety analysis (MBSA) has been developing continuously. The Functional Failure Identification and Propagation (FFIP) method is a graphics processing technology which supports the analysis of fault propagation paths before making costly design commitments. However, the traditional FFIP has some deficiencies. In this paper, we extend the functional failure logic (FFL) in the FFIP and introduce the concept of deviation. So, FFIP can be used to analyze the failure process of the systems and make the logical analysis of functional failure easier. Based on the extended FFL, we present a new overview of the FFIP. The FFIP is improved by using mathematical logic and Systems Modeling Language (SysML). The standard expression of FFL is realized, which is conducive to the subsequent modeling and modification. Additionally, we use the failure logic analysis in the FFIP to improve the state machine diagram (SMD) in SysML. Finally, the improved FFIP method is used to analyze the fault propagation paths of the system and Simulink is used for simulation. The fault tree is generated according to the simulation results, the minimum cut set is calculated, and the key failure parts of the system are obtained.
Kriging Method-Based Return Prediction of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment in Reverse Logistics
Authors: Lv Jun , Du Shichang
Published: April 2021

In reverse logistics, the accurate prediction of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) return amount is of great significance to guide electronic enterprises to formulate a reasonable recycling plan, remanufacturing production plan and inventory plan. However, due to the uncertainty of WEEE return, it is a challenge to accurately predict the WEEE return amount of recycling sites. Differently from the existing research methods aiming at the spatial correlation of the recycling amount of recycling sites, a spatial mathematical model based on Kriging method is proposed by this paper to predict the return amount of WEEE in reverse logistics. Based on the second-order randomness of the return amount, the spatial structure of the return amount of the recycling network is analyzed. According to the principle of unbiased prediction and minimum variance, the Kriging space mathematical model of WEEE return amount is derived, and the calculation process of three variograms is given. The results of Monte Carlo simulation and the case study on J company in Shanghai show that it is effective to utilize the Kriging method-based spatial mathematical model to predict the WEEE return of reverse logistics and analyze the spatial correlation structure of each recycling site. The proposed model can accurately predict the WEEE return amounts of unknown sites as well as those of the whole area through the known site data, which provides a novel analysis method and theoretical basis for the prediction of reverse logistics return amount.
Power-Ordered NOMA with Massive MIMO for 5G Systems
Authors: Marques da Silva Mário , Dinis Rui
Published: April 2021

The aim of this article is to study the conventional and cooperative power-order Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) using the Single Carrier with Frequency Domain Equalization (SC-FDE) block transmission technique, associated with massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), evidencing its added value in terms of spectral efficiency of such combined scheme. The new services provided by Fifth Generation of Cellular Communications (5G) are supported by new techniques, such as millimeter waves (mm-wave), alongside the conventional centimeter waves and by massive MIMO (m-MIMO) technology. NOMA is expected to be incorporated in future releases of 5G, as it tends to achieve a capacity gain, highly required for the massive number of Internet of things (IoT) devices, namely to support an efficient reuse of limited spectrum. This article shows that the combination of conventional and cooperative NOMA with m-MIMO and SC-FDE, tends to achieve capacity gains, while the performance only suffers a moderate degradation, being an acceptable alternative for future evolutions of 5G. Moreover, it is shown that Cooperative NOMA tends to outperform Conventional NOMA. Moreover, this article shows that the Maximum Ratio Combiner (MRC) receiver is very well fitted to be combined with NOMA and m-MIMO, as it achieves a good performance while reducing the receiver complexity.
Isolation and Identification of Two Potent Phytotoxic Substances from Afzelia xylocarpa for Controlling Weeds
Authors: Krumsri Ramida , Ozaki Kaori , Teruya Toshiaki , Kato-Noguchi Hisashi
Published: April 2021

Phytotoxic substances released from plants are considered eco-friendly alternatives for controlling weeds in agricultural production. In this study, the leaves of Afzelia xylocarpa (Kurz) Craib. were investigated for biological activity, and their active substances were determined. Extracts of A. xylocarpa leaf exhibited concentration-dependent phytotoxic activity against the seedling length of Lepidium sativum L., Medicago sativa L., Phleum pratense L., and Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the A. xylocarpa leaf extracts led to isolating and identifying two compounds: vanillic acid and trans-ferulic acid. Both compounds were applied to four model plants using different concentrations. The results showed both compounds significantly inhibited the model plants’ seedling length in a species-dependent manner (p < 0.05). The phytotoxic effects of trans-ferulic acid (IC50 = 0.42 to 2.43 mM) on the model plants were much greater than that of vanillic acid (IC50 = 0.73 to 3.17 mM) and P. pratense was the most sensitive to both compounds. In addition, the application of an equimolar (0.3 mM) mixture of vanillic acid and trans-ferulic acid showed the synergistic effects of the phytotoxic activity against the root length of P. pratense and L. sativum. These results suggest that the leaves of A. xylocarpa and its phytotoxic compounds could be used as a natural source of herbicides.
Fourier Transform (FT) Analysis of the Stress as a Tool to Follow the Fatigue Behavior of Metals
Authors: Hirschberg Valerian , Rodrigue Denis
Published: April 2021

This work investigates the possibility of applying Fourier Transform (FT) analysis of the force signal to follow fatigue behavior of metals under oscillatory displacement-controlled tests in uniaxial tension/tension. As a first step, three different materials were selected (cold rolled steel, aluminium and brass). The FT analysis revealed a low level of nonlinearities in the force response, which was possible to measure and quantify as higher harmonics of the imposed sinusoidal deformation. Due to geometric reasons, the odd higher harmonics represent the symmetric nonlinearity while even ones are related to asymmetry, so both odd and even harmonics need to be analyzed separately. The time evolution of the higher harmonics showed that the odd higher harmonics continuously increase during the test. Criteria to better predict the mechanical fatigue and failure (life time) are then proposed based on the integral and derivative based on the time evolution the odd higher harmonics. In contrast, for tests in the high cycle fatigue regime, the even higher harmonics are mainly noise at the beginning of the test (undamaged state), but start to rise after the occurrence of a crack due to internal crack friction. Based on the analysis performed, FT analysis of the force during mechanical fatigue testing of metals is a sensitive tool used to predict failure and to improve our understanding of the dynamics involved in mechanical fatigue.
Stabilization of an Unconventional Large Airship When Hovering
Authors: Azouz Naoufel , Khamlia Mahmoud , Lerbet Jean , Abichou Azgal
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we present the stabilization of an unconventional unmanned airship above a loading and unloading area. The study concerns a quad-rotor flying wing airship. This airship is devoted to freight transport. However, during the loading and unloading phases, the airship is very sensitive to squalls. In this context, we present in this paper the dynamic model of the airship, and we propose a strategy for controlling it under the effects of a gust of wind. A feedforward/feedback control law is proposed to stabilize the airship when hovering. As part of the control allocation, the non-linear equations between the control vectors and the response of the airship actuators are highlighted and solved analytically through energy optimization constraints. A comparison with classical numerical algorithms was performed and demonstrated the power and interest of our analytic algorithm.
Multivariate Statistical Analysis for Training Process Optimization in Neural Networks-Based Forecasting Models
Authors: Jimenez Jamer , Navarro Loraine , Quintero M. Christian G. , Pardo Mauricio
Published: April 2021

Data forecasting is very important for electrical analysis development, transport dimensionality, marketing strategies, etc. Hence, low error levels are required. However, in some cases data have dissimilar behaviors that can vary depending on such exogenous variables as the type of day, weather conditions, and geographical area, among others. Commonly, computational intelligence techniques (e.g., artificial neural networks) are used due to their generalization capabilities. In spite of the above, they do not have a unique way to reach optimal performance. For this reason, it is necessary to analyze the data’s behavior and their statistical features in order to identify those significant factors in the training process to guarantee a better performance. In this paper is proposed an experimental method for identifying those significant factors in the forecasting model for time series data and measure their effects on the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). Additionally, we seek to establish optimal parameters for the proper selection of the artificial neural network model.
Assessment of the Technological Properties of Idebenone and Tocopheryl Acetate Co-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles
Authors: Sarpietro Maria Grazia , Torrisi Cristina , Pignatello Rosario , Castelli Francesco , Montenegro Lucia
Published: April 2021

Several liquid lipids have been proposed to obtain nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) with improved efficiency. An attractive strategy is the use of oils that could elicit a synergic effect with the loaded drug. In this work, different percentages (0–4% w/w) of tocopheryl acetate (TA), an oily antioxidant, were used as liquid lipid to prepare NLC loading idebenone (IDE), a synthetic antioxidant investigated for the treatment of neurodegenerative and topical diseases. The technological properties of such NLC were evaluated, as well as the interactions among lipid core components. Loading different percentages of IDE (1–4% w/w) into NLC containing TA up to 4% w/w, no significant change of mean size and polydispersity index was observed. IDE loading capacity was 4% w/w but NLC containing IDE percentages greater than 1.5% w/w showed poor stability during long-term storage. Differential scanning calorimetry analyses highlighted linear relationships between peak temperature and TA percentages, while the enthalpy variation and recrystallization index values showed that increasing the percentage of TA led to less crystalline structure of the NLC core. Therefore, NLC co-loading IDE and TA could be useful to design new delivery systems for the treatment of diseases that could benefit from the co-administration of these antioxidants.
A Novel Active Control Strategy with Decentralized Decoupling and Wavelet Packet Transformation: Design and Verification
Authors: Yang Lihua , Gao Weipeng , Yang Jun , Zhao Bo , Liu Libin
Published: April 2021

Active vibration control (AVC) can solve many vibration problems. However, structural vibration in underwater vehicles often involves other factors such as complex excitation and path coupling, etc. At present, the traditional algorithm (e.g., multi Filtered-x Least Mean Square, M-FxLMS) usually cannot effectively process the multi-frequency excitation and the coupling effects of the multi-secondary path, which will affect its convergence and stability to a certain extent. Consequently, a novel strategy is presented in this paper, namely, the wavelet packet transformation decentralized decoupling M-FxLMS algorithm (WPTDDM-FxLMS), which can solve the structural vibration problems mentioned above. The multi-frequency control is converted into a single-frequency line spectrum control, and the feedback compensation factor is introduced in the identification of the secondary path, both of which can simplify the multi-path control system to the parallel single-path systems. Furthermore, the WPTDDM-FxLMS algorithm is applied to the AVC in a multi-input and multi-output system (MIMO) vibration platform. Finally, the simulation and experiments show that the wavelet packet can decompose the multi-frequency excitation into a line spectrum signal, and the improvement of the decentralized decoupling and the variable step-size can effectively reduce the computation amount and increase the convergence speed and accuracy. Overall, the novel algorithm is significant for multi-path coupling vibration control. It will have certain engineering application value in underwater vehicles.
Paraben Compounds—Part II: An Overview of Advanced Oxidation Processes for Their Degradation
Authors: Lincho João , Gomes João , Martins Rui C.
Published: April 2021

Water scarcity represents a problem for billions of people and is expected to get worse in the future. To guarantee people’s water needs, the use of “first-hand water” or the reuse of wastewater must be done. Wastewater treatment and reuse are favorable for this purpose, since first-hand water is scarce and the economic needs for the exploration of this type of water are increasing. In wastewater treatment, it is important to remove contaminants of emerging concern, as well as pathogenic agents. Parabens are used in daily products as preservatives and are detected in different water sources. These compounds are related to different human health problems due to their endocrine-disrupting behavior, as well as several problems in animals. Thus, their removal from water streams is essential to achieve safe reusable water. Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) are considered very promising technologies for wastewater treatment and can be used as alternatives or as complements of the conventional wastewater treatments that are inefficient in the removal of such contaminants. Different AOP technologies such as ozonation, catalytic ozonation, photocatalytic ozonation, Fenton’s, and photocatalysis, among others, have already been used for parabens abatement. This manuscript critically overviews several AOP technologies used in parabens abatement. These treatments were evaluated in terms of ecotoxicological assessment since the resulting by-products of parabens abatement can be more toxic than the parent compounds. The economic aspect was also analyzed to evaluate and compare the considered technologies.
The Effect of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Biomarkers and Health Beliefs of Prefrail Older Adults
Authors: Chu Wen , Yang Hui-Chun , Chang Shu-Fang
Published: April 2021

Frailty poses a considerable risk to the performance of daily living activities, affecting the quality of life of older adults and increasing their risks of falling, disability, hospitalization, and mortality. Frailty is related to pathology with a state of negative energy balance, sarcopenia, diminished muscle strength, and low tolerance for exertion. Few intervention studies have been conducted on prefrail community-dwelling older adults. This study investigated the effects of whole-body vibration training on the biomarkers and health beliefs of prefrail community-dwelling older adults. We conducted a quasi-experimental research. Ninety participants were allocated to either an experimental or control group. This study followed the Transparent Reporting of Evaluations with Nonrandomized Designs (TREND) guidelines for quasi-experimental research design. The experimental group participated in a 12-week whole-body vibration training conducted three times per week, with 5-min continuous vibration at 12-Hz frequency and 3-mm amplitude each time. DVDs on resistance training and manuals were provided to the control group. The data were analysed through descriptive analysis, a chi-square test, an independent t test, a paired t test, and analysis of covariance. There were 42 people in the experimental group and 48 people in the control group. After the 12-week training and intervention, ANCOVA is used to analyze the experimental and control group’s results. Experimental results in 30s chair stand test (F = 98.85, p < 0.05), open-eye stand on dominant foot test (F = 26.15, p < 0.05), two–minute-step test (F = 25.89, p < 0.05), left-leg bone mineral density (F = 14.71, p < 0.05), barriers of perceived frailty (F = 39.81, p < 0.05) and cues to action (F = 92.96, p < 0.05) in health beliefs are statistically significant compared to the control group’s results. The 12-week whole-body vibration program employed in this study partly improved the biomarkers and health beliefs of prefrail community-dwelling older adults. We recommend whole-body vibration training as an exercise strategy, thereby improving community-dwelling older adults’ biomarkers and health beliefs.
Parametric Stability Analysis of Groin Vaults
Authors: Maia Avelino Ricardo , Iannuzzo Antonino , Van Mele Tom , Block Philippe
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a parametric stability study of groin, or cross vaults, a structural element widely used in old masonry construction, particularly in Gothic architecture. The vaults’ stability is measured using the geometric safety factor (GSF), computed by evaluating the structure’s minimum thickness through a thrust network analysis (TNA). This minimum thickness is obtained by formulating and solving a specific constrained nonlinear optimisation problem. The constraints of this optimisation enforce the limit analysis’s admissibility criteria, and the equilibrium is calculated using independent force densities on a fixed horizontal projection of the thrust network. The parametric description of the vault’s geometry is defined with respect to the radius of curvature of the vault and its springing angle. This detailed parametric study allows identifying optimal parameters which improve the vaults’ stability, and a comprehensive comparison of these results was performed with known results available for two-dimensional pointed arches. Moreover, an investigation of different force flows represented by different form diagrams was performed, providing a better understanding of the vaults’ structural behaviour, and possible collapse mechanisms were studied by observing the points where the thrust network touches the structural envelope in the limit states. Beyond evaluating the GSF, the groin vault’s stability domain was described to give additional insights into the structural robustness. Finally, this paper shows how advances in equilibrium methods can be useful to understand and assess masonry groin vaults.
Differential Expression Analysis of Phytohormone-Related Genes of Korean Wheat (Triticum aestivum) in Response to Preharvest Sprouting and Abscisic Acid (ABA)
Authors: Lee Yong Jin , Park Sang Yong , Kim Dae Yeon , Kim Jae Yoon
Published: April 2021

Preharvest sprouting (PHS) is a key global issue in production and end-use quality of cereals, particularly in regions where the rainfall season overlaps the harvest. To investigate transcriptomic changes in genes affected by PHS-induction and ABA-treatment, RNA-seq analysis was performed in two wheat cultivars that differ in PHS tolerance. A total of 123 unigenes related to hormone metabolism and signaling for abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellic acid (GA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and cytokinin were identified and 1862 of differentially expressed genes were identified and divided into 8 groups by transcriptomic analysis. DEG analysis showed the majority of genes were categorized in sugar related processes, which interact with ABA signaling in PHS tolerant cultivar under PHS-induction. Thus, genes related to ABA are key regulators of dormancy and germination. Our results give insight into global changes in expression of plant hormone related genes in response to PHS.
Identification and Functional Analysis of a Lysozyme Gene from Coridius chinensis (Hemiptera: Dinidoridae)
Authors: Huang Hai , Du Juan , Li Shang-Wei , Gong Tao
Published: April 2021

Coridius chinensis is a valuable medicinal insect resource in China. Previous studies have indicated that the antibacterial and anticancer effects of the C. chinensis extract mainly come from the active polypeptides. Lysozyme is an effective immune effector in insect innate immunity and usually has excellent bactericidal effects. There are two kinds of lysozymes in insects, c-type and i-type, which play an important role in innate immunity and intestinal digestion. Studying lysozyme in C. chinensis will be helpful to further explore the evolutionary relationship and functional differences among lysozymes of various species and to determine whether they have biological activity and medicinal value. In this study, a lysozyme CcLys2 was identified from C. chinensis. CcLys2 contains 223 amino acid residues, and possesses a typical domain of the c-type lysozyme and a putative catalytic site formed by two conserved residues Glu32 and Asp50. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CcLys2 belongs to the H-branch of the c-type lysozyme. The analysis of spatiotemporal expression patterns indicated that CcLys2 was mainly expressed in the fat body of C. chinensis adults and was highly expressed in the second- and fifth-instar nymphs. In addition, CcLys2 was significantly up-regulated after injecting and feeding bacteria. In the bacterial inhibition assay, it was found that CcLys2 had antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria at a low pH. These results indicate that CcLys2 has muramidase activity, involves in the innate immunity of C. chinensis, and is also closely related to the bacterial immune defense or digestive function of the intestine.
The Oxindole Derivatives, New Promising GSK-3β Inhibitors as One of the Potential Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease—A Molecular Dynamics Approach
Authors: Czeleń Przemysław , Szefler Beata
Published: April 2021

The glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) is a protein kinase involved in regulating numerous physiological processes such as embryonic development, transcription, insulin action, cell division cycle and multiple neuronal functions. The overexpression of this enzyme is related to many diseases such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and cancer. One of the basic methods of treatment in these cases is the usage of ATP-competitive inhibitors. A significant group of such compounds are indirubin and its analogs, e.g., oxindole derivatives. The compounds considered in this work are 112 newly designed oxindole derivatives. In the first stage, such molecular properties of considered compounds as toxicity and LogP were estimated. The preliminary analysis of the binding capabilities of considered compounds towards the GSK-3β active site was conducted with the use of the docking procedure. Based on obtained molecular properties and docking simulations, a selected group of complexes that were analyzed in the molecular dynamics stage was nominated. The proposed procedure allowed for the identification of compounds such as Oxind_4_9 and Oxind_13_10, which create stable complexes with GSK-3β enzyme and are characterized by the highest values of binding affinity. The key interactions responsible for stabilization of considered ligand–protein complexes were identified, and their dynamic stability was also determined. Comparative analysis including analyzed compounds and reference molecule 3a, which is also an oxindole derivative with a confirmed inhibitory potential towards GSK3B protein, clearly indicates that the proposed compounds exhibit an analogous binding mechanism, and the obtained binding enthalpy values indicate a slightly higher binding potential than the reference molecule.
Mechanisms of Venoarteriolar Reflex in Type 2 Diabetes with or without Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Reynès Cécile , Perez-Martin Antonia , Ennaifer Houda , Silva Henrique , Knapp Yannick , Vinet Agnès
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate the underlying mechanisms of the venoarteriolar reflex (VAR) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with and without peripheral neuropathy. Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) recordings were performed on the medial malleus and dorsal foot skin, before and during leg dependency in healthy controls, in persons with obesity, in those with T2DM, in those with T2DM and subclinical neuropathy, and in those with T2DM and confirmed neuropathy. LDF recordings were analyzed with the wavelet transform to evaluate the mechanisms controlling the flowmotion (i.e., endothelial nitric oxide-independent and -dependent, neurogenic, myogenic, respiratory and cardiac mechanisms). Skin blood perfusion decreased throughout leg dependency at both sites. The decrease was blunted in persons with confirmed neuropathy compared to those with T2DM alone and the controls. During leg dependency, total spectral power increased in all groups compared to rest. The relative contribution of the endothelial bands increased and of the myogenic band decreased, without differences between groups. Neurogenic contribution decreased in controls, in persons with obesity and in those with T2DM, whereas it increased in subclinical- and confirmed neuropathy. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that confirmed diabetic neuropathy alters the VAR through the neurogenic response to leg dependency.
Salvage Boron Neutron Capture Therapy for Malignant Brain Tumor Patients in Compliance with Emergency and Compassionate Use: Evaluation of 34 Cases in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Yi-Wei , Lee Yi-Yen , Lin Chun-Fu , Pan Po-Shen , Chen Jen-Kun , Wang Chun-Wei , Hsu Shih-Ming , Kuo Yu-Cheng , Lan Tien-Li , Hsu Sanford P. C. , Liang Muh-Lii , Chen Robert Hsin-Hung , Chang Feng-Chi , Wu Chih-Chun , Lin Shih-Chieh , Liang Hsiang-Kuang , Lee Jia-Cheng , Chen Shih-Kuan , Liu Hong-Ming , Peir Jinn-Jer , Lin Ko-Han , Huang Wen-Sheng , Chen Kuan-Hsuan , Kang Yu-Mei , Liou Shueh-Chun , Wang Chun-Chieh , Pai Ping-Ching , Li Chih-Wei , Chiek Daniel Quah Song , Wong Tai-Tong , Chiou Shih-Hwa , Chao Yee , Tanaka Hiroki , Chou Fong-In , Ono Koji
Published: April 2021

Although boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a promising treatment option for malignant brain tumors, the optimal BNCT parameters for patients with immediately life-threatening, end-stage brain tumors remain unclear. We performed BNCT on 34 patients with life-threatening, end-stage brain tumors and analyzed the relationship between survival outcomes and BNCT parameters. Before BNCT, MRI and 18F-BPA-PET analyses were conducted to identify the tumor location/distribution and the tumor-to-normal tissue uptake ratio (T/N ratio) of 18F-BPA. No severe adverse events were observed (grade ≥ 3). The objective response rate and disease control rate were 50.0% and 85.3%, respectively. The mean overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and relapse-free survival (RFS) times were 7.25, 7.80, and 4.18 months, respectively. Remarkably, the mean OS, CSS, and RFS of patients who achieved a complete response were 17.66, 22.5, and 7.50 months, respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis identified the optimal BNCT parameters and tumor characteristics of these patients, including a T/N ratio ≥ 4, tumor volume < 20 mL, mean tumor dose ≥ 25 Gy-E, MIB-1 ≤ 40, and a lower recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) class. In conclusion, for malignant brain tumor patients who have exhausted all available treatment options and who are in an immediately life-threatening condition, BNCT may be considered as a therapeutic approach to prolong survival.
The Role of Exosomes in Lysosomal Storage Disorders
Authors: Gleason Adenrele M. , Woo Elizabeth G. , McKinney Cindy , Sidransky Ellen
Published: April 2021

Exosomes, small membrane-bound organelles formed from endosomal membranes, represent a heterogenous source of biological and pathological biomarkers capturing the metabolic status of a cell. Exosomal cargo, including lipids, proteins, mRNAs, and miRNAs, can either act as inter-cellular messengers or are shuttled for autophagic/lysosomal degradation. Most cell types in the central nervous system (CNS) release exosomes, which serve as long and short distance communicators between neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia. Lysosomal storage disorders are diseases characterized by the accumulation of partially or undigested cellular waste. The exosomal content in these diseases is intrinsic to each individual disorder. Emerging research indicates that lysosomal dysfunction enhances exocytosis, and hence, in lysosomal disorders, exosomal secretion may play a role in disease pathogenesis. Furthermore, the unique properties of exosomes and their ability to carry cargo between adjacent cells and organs, and across the blood–brain barrier, make them attractive candidates for use as therapeutic delivery vehicles. Thus, understanding exosomal content and function may have utility in the treatment of specific lysosomal storage disorders. Since lysosomal dysfunction and the deficiency of at least one lysosomal enzyme, glucocerebrosidase, is associated with the development of parkinsonism, the study and use of exosomes may contribute to an improved understanding of Parkinson disease, potentially leading to new therapeutics.
The Emerging Role of Epigenetic Mechanisms in the Causation of Aberrant MMP Activity during Human Pathologies and the Use of Medicinal Drugs
Authors: Sarker Hassan , Haimour Ayman , Toor Ravneet , Fernandez-Patron Carlos
Published: April 2021

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) cleave extracellular matrix proteins, growth factors, cytokines, and receptors to influence organ development, architecture, function, and the systemic and cell-specific responses to diseases and pharmacological drugs. Conversely, many diseases (such as atherosclerosis, arthritis, bacterial infections (tuberculosis), viral infections (COVID-19), and cancer), cholesterol-lowering drugs (such as statins), and tetracycline-class antibiotics (such as doxycycline) alter MMP activity through transcriptional, translational, and post-translational mechanisms. In this review, we summarize evidence that the aforementioned diseases and drugs exert significant epigenetic pressure on genes encoding MMPs, tissue inhibitors of MMPs, and factors that transcriptionally regulate the expression of MMPs. Our understanding of human pathologies associated with alterations in the proteolytic activity of MMPs must consider that these pathologies and their medicinal treatments may impose epigenetic pressure on the expression of MMP genes. Whether the epigenetic mechanisms affecting the activity of MMPs can be therapeutically targeted warrants further research.
Integrated Solution-Base Isolation and Repositioning-for the Seismic Rehabilitation of a Preserved Strategic Building
Authors: Vailati Marco , Monti Giorgio , Bianco Vincenzo
Published: April 2021

This paper deals with the design of the seismic rehabilitation of a case-study building located in Florence, Italy. The particular reinforced concrete building hosts an important operational center of the main company that manages the Italian highway network. It is composed of the juxtaposition of three reinforced concrete edifices standing out from a common basement. The design of the interventions for the seismic rehabilitation of this case study posed different challenges, some even in contrast with each other. The main design challenge was to reach the seismic retrofitting, due to the strategic role of the activities hosted herein, safeguarding as much as possible the peculiarity of the architectural elements. Moreover, the design was made harder by the presence of existing thermal joints between adjacent edifices which were inadequate to prevent the latter from pounding upon each other during an earthquake. This outcome yielded the need to intervene by enlarging the gap between the adjacent buildings. This latter intervention was in stark contrast with the explicit request of the client to bring the least possible disturbance to the strategic activities carried out within it; in fact, the joints are crossed by optical fibers and other technological systems which can be damaged easily. The need to fulfill all these design constraints brought the development of an original design strategy based on the employment of base-isolation in a rather unusual configuration. The details of the design procedure, along with the innovative aspects and the designed devices, are presented. With the objective to refine the adopted strategy in view of its possible repeatability by colleague engineers, the paper also presents a fair discussion of every aspect with regards to both the design and the realization phases. Possible ideas for new research and developments are also highlighted.
A Monte Carlo Determination of Dose and Range Uncertainties for Preclinical Studies with a Proton Beam
Authors: Bongrand Arthur , Koumeir Charbel , Villoing Daphnée , Guertin Arnaud , Haddad Ferid , Métivier Vincent , Poirier Freddy , Potiron Vincent , Servagent Noël , Supiot Stéphane , Delpon Grégory , Chiavassa Sophie
Published: April 2021

Proton therapy (PRT) is an irradiation technique that aims at limiting normal tissue damage while maintaining the tumor response. To study its specificities, the ARRONAX cyclotron is currently developing a preclinical structure compatible with biological experiments. A prerequisite is to identify and control uncertainties on the ARRONAX beamline, which can lead to significant biases in the observed biological results and dose–response relationships, as for any facility. This paper summarizes and quantifies the impact of uncertainty on proton range, absorbed dose, and dose homogeneity in a preclinical context of cell or small animal irradiation on the Bragg curve, using Monte Carlo simulations. All possible sources of uncertainty were investigated and discussed independently. Those with a significant impact were identified, and protocols were established to reduce their consequences. Overall, the uncertainties evaluated were similar to those from clinical practice and are considered compatible with the performance of radiobiological experiments, as well as the study of dose–response relationships on this proton beam. Another conclusion of this study is that Monte Carlo simulations can be used to help build preclinical lines in other setups.