bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining fecal microbiome and metabolomics to reveal the disturbance of gut microbiota in liver injury and the therapeutic mechanism of shaoyao gancao decoction
Authors: Li Jingwei , Zhao Min , Li Jianming , Wang Miao , Zhao Chunjie
Published: August 2022

Chemical liver injury is closely related to gut microbiota and its metabolites. In this study, we combined 16S rRNA gene sequencing, 1H NMR-based fecal metabolomics and GC-MS to evaluate the changes in gut microbiota, fecal metabolites and Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in CCl4-induced liver injury in Sprague-Dawley rats, and the therapeutic effect of Shaoyao Gancao Decoction (SGD). The results showed that CCl4-induced liver injury overexpressed CYP2E1, enhanced oxidative stress, decreased antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH), increased peroxidative products MDA and inflammatory responses (IL-6, TNF-α), which were ameliorated by SGD treatment. H&E staining showed that SGD could alleviate liver tissue lesions, which was confirmed by the recovered liver index, ALT and AST. Correlation network analysis indicated that liver injury led to a decrease in microbiota correlation, while SGD helped restore it. In addition, fecal metabolomic confirmed the PICRUSt results that liver injury caused disturbances in amino acid metabolism, which were modulated by SGD. Spearman’s analysis showed that liver injury disrupted ammonia transport, urea cycle, intestinal barrier and energy metabolism. Moreover, the levels of SCFAs were also decreased, and the abundance of Lachnoclostridium, Blautia, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, UCG-005 and Turicibacter associated with SCFAs were altered. However, all this can be alleviated by SGD. More importantly, pseudo germ-free rats demonstrated that the absence of gut microbiota aggravated liver injury and affected the efficacy of SGD. Taken together, we speculate that the gut microbiota has a protective role in the pathogenesis of liver injury, and has a positive significance for the efficacy of SGD. Moreover, SGD can treat liver injury by modulating gut microbiota and its metabolites and SCFAs. This provides useful evidence for the study of the pathogenesis of liver injury and the clinical application of SGD.
Progress on structural modification of Tetrandrine with wide range of pharmacological activities
Authors: Mo Liuying , Zhang Fan , Chen Feng , Xia Lei , Huang Yi , Mo Yuemi , Zhang Lingqiu , Huang Daquan , He Shunli , Deng Jiagang , Hao Erwei , Du Zhengcai
Published: August 2022

Tetrandrine (Tet), derived from the traditional Chinese herb Fangji, is a class of natural alkaloids with the structure of bisbenzylisoquinoline, which has a wide range of physiological activities and significant pharmacfological effects. However, studies and clinical applications have revealed a series of drawbacks such as its poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and the fact that it can be toxic to humans. The results of many researchers have confirmed that chemical structural modifications and nanocarrier delivery can address the limited application of Tet and improve its efficacy. In this paper, we summarize the anti-tumor efficacy and mechanism of action, anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanism of action, and clinical applications of Tet, and describe the progress of Tet based on chemical structure modification and nanocarrier delivery, aiming to explore more diverse structures to improve the pharmacological activity of Tet and provide ideas to meet clinical needs.
Biomechanical properties of native and cultured red blood cells–Interplay of shape, structure and biomechanics
Authors: Bernecker Claudia , Lima Maria , Kolesnik Tatjana , Lampl Annika , Ciubotaru Catalin , Leita Riccardo , Kolb Dagmar , Fröhlich Eleonore , Schlenke Peter , Holzapfel Gerhard A. , Dorn Isabel , Cojoc Dan
Published: August 2022

Modern medicine increases the demand for safe blood products. Ex vivo cultured red blood cells (cRBC) are eagerly awaited as a standardized, safe source of RBC. Established culture models still lack the terminal cytoskeletal remodeling from reticulocyte to erythrocyte with changes in the biomechanical properties and interacts with membrane stiffness, viscosity of the cytoplasm and the cytoskeletal network. Comprehensive data on the biomechanical properties of cRBC are needed to take the last step towards translation into clinical use in transfusion medicine. Aim of the study was the comparative analysis of topographical and biomechanical properties of cRBC, generated from human CD34+ adult hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, with native reticulocytes (nRET) and erythrocytes (nRBC) using cell biological and biomechanical technologies. To gain the desired all-encompassing information, a single method was unsatisfactory and only the combination of different methods could lead to the goal. Topographical information was matched with biomechanical data from optical tweezers (OT), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and digital holographic microscopy (DHM). Underlying structures were investigated in detail. Imaging, deformability and recovery time showed a high similarity between cRBC and nRBC. Young’s modulus and plasticity index also confirmed this similarity. No significant differences in membrane and cytoskeletal proteins were found, while lipid deficiency resulted in spherical, vesiculated cells with impaired biomechanical functionality. The combination of techniques has proven successful and experiments underscore a close relationship between lipid content, shape and biomechanical functionality of RBC.
The interplay of DNA methyltransferases and demethylases with tuberization genes in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) genotypes under high temperature
Authors: Dutta Madhushree , Raturi Vidhi , Gahlaut Vijay , Kumar Akhil , Sharma Paras , Verma Vipasha , Gupta Vijai Kishor , Sood Salej , Zinta Gaurav
Published: August 2022

Potato is a temperate crop consumed globally as a staple food. High temperature negatively impacts the tuberization process, eventually affecting crop yield. DNA methylation plays an important role in various developmental and physiological processes in plants. It is a conserved epigenetic mark determined by the dynamic concurrent action of cytosine-5 DNA methyltransferases (C5-MTases) and demethylases (DeMets). However, C5-MTases and DeMets remain unidentified in potato, and their expression patterns are unknown under high temperatures. Here, we performed genome-wide analysis and identified 10 C5-MTases and 8 DeMets in potatoes. Analysis of their conserved motifs, gene structures, and phylogenetic analysis grouped C5-MTases into four subfamilies (StMET, StCMT3, StDRM, and StDNMT2) and DeMets into three subfamilies (StROS, StDML, and StDME). Promoter analysis showed the presence of multiple cis-regulatory elements involved in plant development, hormone, and stress response. Furthermore, expression dynamics of C5-MTases and DeMets were determined in the different tissues (leaf, flower, and stolon) of heat-sensitive (HS) and heat-tolerant (HT) genotypes under high temperature. qPCR results revealed that high temperature resulted in pronounced upregulation of CMT and DRM genes in the HT genotype. Likewise, demethylases showed strong upregulation in HT genotype as compared to HS genotype. Several positive (StSP6A and StBEL5) and negative (StSP5G, StSUT4, and StRAP1) regulators are involved in the potato tuberization. Expression analysis of these genes revealed that high temperature induces the expression of positive regulators in the leaf and stolon samples of HT genotype, possibly through active DNA demethylation and RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway components. Our findings lay a framework for understanding how epigenetic pathways synergistically or antagonistically regulate the tuberization process under high-temperature stress in potatoes. Uncovering such mechanisms will contribute to potato breeding for developing thermotolerant potato varieties.
Power hedging and faith fetters: The factors of tribe and religion in Afghanistan's state building
Authors: Chang Li , Pengtao Geng , Xiyao Zhang
Published: August 2022

In recent years, Afghanistan has experienced sustained political instability that is rooted in a relatively low level of modern nation-state building. The traditional tribal and Islamic conservationists are too powerful and restrict the process of nation-state building in Afghanistan. The logic behind a traditional tribal society and a modern nation-state is different, and their power has inherent contradictions in terms of attributes, vectors, and fields of action. The religious conservative tendency fetters the modernization of Afghanistan in different aspects, and the absolute religious right negates national power in concept. In reality, the localization of teaching law eliminates national ability, and fundamentalism stifles the vitality of society. The tribal and religious policies of the new Taliban government will shape the future of Afghanistan politics.
Avoidant attachment attenuates the need-threat for social exclusion but induces the threat for over-inclusion
Authors: Izaki Tsubasa , Wang Wei , Kawamoto Taishi
Published: August 2022

The influence of attachment style—anxious (AX) and avoidant (AV) attachment—on subjective responses to socially excluded experiences termed “Need-Threat” remains inconsistent. Need-Threat is a composite score of four fundamental needs: belonging, self-esteem, control, and meaningful existence. Individuals with high AX tend to spend much effort maintaining strong connections with others, while those with high AV tend to maintain high levels of self-esteem by distancing themselves from others. Therefore, attachment style is most likely to influence the need associated with each style. In addition, since individuals with high AV satisfy their needs by keeping independence from others, they would experience the Need-Threat against excessive inclusion from others. This study aimed to investigate the influence of attachment style on each Need-Threat response to various inclusionary statuses. A total of 133 undergraduate students were equally assigned to low or high groups for each attachment style. Participants played one of the three types of the cyberball task (a ball-tossing game with programmed players): excluded, included, or over-included situation. The high AV group felt fewer threats to self-esteem than the low AV group in the excluded situation (p = 0.02). Furthermore, only in the over-included situation did the high AV group feel more threats to belonging and self-esteem than the low AV group (ps < 0.02). AX did not influence any situation. These findings suggest that individuals with high AV would have a restrictive alleviation effect on adverse subjective responses to socially excluded experiences but demonstrate maladaptive subjective responses to over-included experiences.
Research on the influence mechanism of university-enterprise collaboration: Evidence From five southern coastal provinces in China
Authors: Chen Ximeng , Chen Yan , Li Dongxue , Dong Hao
Published: August 2022

Taking university-enterprise collaborative innovation in five southern coastal provinces of China as subjects, empirical research is implemented by constructing a theoretical model of the effects of interface resource integration, interface conflict management, interface connection mechanisms, and enterprise absorptive capacity on the university-enterprise collaborative innovation performance with the partial least squares structural equation modeling and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. A total of 245 valid questionnaires were collected from five coastal provinces in south China. The research results show that the interface resource integration, interface connection mechanisms, and enterprise absorptive capacity has direct significant positive impacts on the collaborative innovation performance. Interface conflict management has no significant impact on school-enterprise collaborative innovation performance. Moreover, the interface connection mechanism acts as an intermediary. Therefore, it is suggested that university-enterprise should integrate resources with complementing, interacting, and sharing resources; construct the profit and risk-sharing mechanism, communication and trust mechanism, and organizational learning mechanism.
The impact of postpartum obsessive-compulsive symptoms on child development and the mediating role of the parent–child relationship: A prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Blum Sophie , Mack Judith T. , Weise Victoria , Kopp Marie , Asselmann Eva , Martini Julia , Garthus-Niegel Susan
Published: August 2022

Background

The first 2 years of life are a particularly sensitive period for the parent–child relationship as well as a healthy, age-appropriate child development. Both have been shown to be linked to postpartum depressive and anxiety symptoms, while the role of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, which are also common, is still largely understudied. In addition, fathers have been neglected in this area of research. This study, which includes both mothers and fathers, aims to investigate the longitudinal associations between postpartum obsessive-compulsive symptoms and different domains of child development, as well as the mediating role of the parent–child relationship.

Methods

Data were drawn from the prospective longitudinal study DREAM, with 674 mothers and 442 fathers from the general population completing self-report questionnaires at four measurement points. Longitudinal associations between parental postpartum obsessive-compulsive symptoms 8 weeks postpartum, the parent–child relationship 14 months postpartum, and child development 24 months postpartum were investigated using regression and mediation analyses. A number of potential confounding variables were considered, i.e., age, academic degree, postpartum depressive and anxiety symptoms of the parents, preterm birth and temperament of the child, as well as COVID-19 pandemic-driven adversities.

Results

When adjusting for confounders, neither maternal nor paternal postpartum obsessive-compulsive symptoms had adverse effects on the respective parent–child relationship and child development. Further, no mediating role of the parent–child relationship between parental postpartum obsessive-compulsive symptoms and child development could be confirmed. Instead, we found that the mother– and father–child relationship were differentially related to specific child developmental domains. For mothers, a poorer mother–child relationship was prospectively related to poorer fine motor development. For fathers, a poorer father–child relationship prospectively predicted a poorer overall development as well as poorer gross motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and personal-social development.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that negative effects on the parent–child relationship and child development may only become apparent in full-blown postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder. Given the differential impact on specific developmental domains, our findings also suggest that it is crucial to consider both parents in clinical practice as well as in future research, rather than focusing only on the mother–child dyad.
The relationship between theory of mind and executive functions in major depressive disorders: A review
Authors: Pagnoni Ilaria , Gobbi Elena , Alaimo Cristina , Campana Elena , Rossi Roberta , Manenti Rosa , Balconi Michela , Cotelli Maria
Published: August 2022

Patients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) experience difficulties in multiple cognitive and affective abilities. A large body of literature has argued that MDD patients show impaired executive functions (EFs) and deficits in theory of mind (ToM), the ability to infer the mental states of others. However, the relationship between ToM and EFs has been poorly investigated. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of studies that evaluated the association between ToM and EFs in patients with MDD diagnosis. A literature review was conducted to identify all published studies in which ToM and EFs measures were administered to individuals with MDD and in which the relationship between these two domains was investigated. Eleven studies were included, and for each study, we discussed the findings related to ToM, EFs, and the nature of the link between these two aspects. Most of the studies reported that patients with MDD, compared with healthy controls, showed significant impairments in both ToM and EFs abilities. Moreover, this review indicates the presence of a significant association between these two domains in MDD patients, supporting the evidences that executive functioning is important to perform ToM tasks. Although the results that emerged are interesting, the relationship between ToM and EFs in MDD needs further investigation.
What Our Bodies Tell Us About Noise
Authors: Williams Duncan A. H.
Published: August 2022

Noise is defined as unwanted sound. Not only is noise unwanted, it is expensive and bad for human health. But what sounds like noise to one person might be a happy sound for someone else, so how do we study noise? This article explains how we try to understand and measure noise. We run experiments in a laboratory to measure how noises in the environment affect listeners’ thinking, stress levels, and health. We measure the listeners’ brain activity, how much they sweat, and their heartbeat changes in response to noises like car engines, train squeals, and airplanes taking off. We match up the brain activity we measure with what people tell us about their responses to noisy sounds. This work will help us to make the world sound better for everyone—the more we understand how we hear, and design better places and spaces to improve our experiences with sound.
Thrown in at the deep end? Perceptions of burdens, gains, and contributions to the integration of refugee students among teachers with(out) target group-specific professional knowledge
Authors: Spanner Franziska , Maué Elisabeth
Published: August 2022

In Germany, young migrants and refugees whose German language skills are not sufficient for attending regular classes at school are assigned to so-called “preparation classes”. As the name implies, the main objective of these classes is to teach German language skills and thereby prepare students for regular classes or vocational education and training. Teachers in these classes face special challenges: They have to teach a group of students that is highly heterogeneous in several key respects, they have to deal with a dearth of institutional support and guidance, and they have a lot of responsibility regarding their students' integration in Germany. Therefore, this paper asks what target group-specific professional knowledge teachers possess and to what extent this knowledge reduces the teachers' burdens and raises their perception of gains and contributions to their students' success. Our mixed-method survey of 48 teachers of refugees in prevocational preparation classes in Germany shows that the majority of teachers acquired useful knowledge for teaching refugees, e.g., dealing with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder, building German proficiency, or language-sensitive teaching, by attending professional training. In sum, most of the teachers saw immigration to Germany as both a problem and an opportunity. The main burdens they identify are bad working conditions, a lack of support and appreciation and a high demand for high flexibility. Despite generally low stress levels and high resilience, the teachers were extremely stressed by the heterogeneity in their students' performance, especially those teachers who had completed professional training. However, teachers appreciated the students' willingness to learn and gratitude, and perceived cultural diversity in the classroom as a gain for themselves and their teaching. The teachers felt they had mostly contributed to their students' acquisition of the German language as well as their educational progress in general and their personal development. Students' chances of success are expected to be especially high in the German language acquisition and the management of everyday life in Germany. The assessments of teachers with and without target group-specific professional knowledge differ only slightly and rarely significantly.
Contouring and augmentation of the temple using stromal vascular fraction gel grafting
Authors: Zhang Yuchen , Zou Jialiang , Yuan Yi , Gao Jianhua , Chen Xihang
Published: August 2022

Background

Hollowing temples are common in aging Asians. Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) gel is a novel, mechanically processed adipose-derived product containing condensed adipose-derived stem cells and native extracellular matrix, allowing improved fat grafting. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of SVF-gel treatment on temple hollowing.

Methods

This prospective, single-center study included an SVF-gel grafting group (n = 34) and a Coleman's fat grafting group (n = 29). Temple contour was assessed using preoperative and postoperative photographs. Temple augmentation was quantified using three-dimensional (3D) technology and an MVS-600 3D scanner system. Patient satisfaction was assessed postoperatively.

Results

At 12 months follow-up, the minimal forehead width/forehead width ratio and the width of the temporal peak were increased in both groups (p < 0.05).; and the retention rate (41.2% ± 8.4%) of the SVF-gel group was significantly higher than that of Coleman's fat group (32.6% ± 8.8%; p < 0.05). Moreover, patients in the SVF-gel group reported higher satisfaction scores than those in Coleman's fat group.

Conclusions

SVF-gel is effective for temple contouring and augmentation., with increased efficacy compared with Coleman's fat.
Predicting prolonged postoperative length of stay risk in patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery: Development and assessment of a novel predictive nomogram
Authors: Lu Chen-Xin , Huang Zhi-Bin , Chen Xiao-Mei , Wu Xiao-Dan
Published: August 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to develop and internally validate a prediction nomogram model in patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery.

Methods

A total of 310 patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery were reviewed, and the median and quartile interval were used to describe postoperative length of stay (PLOS). Patients with PLOS > P75 were defined as prolonged PLOS. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to filter variables for building the prolonged PLOS risk model. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to build a predictive model using the variables selected in the LASSO regression model. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the predicting model was calculated and significant test was performed. The Kappa consistency test between the predictive model and the actual diagnosis was performed. Discrimination, calibration, and the clinical usefulness of the predicting model were assessed using the C-index, calibration plot, and decision curve analysis. Internal validation was assessed using the bootstrapping validation.

Results

According to the interquartile range of PLOS in a total of 310 patients, the PLOS of 235 patients was ≤P75 (7 days) (normal PLOS), and the PLOS of 75 patients was > P75 (prolonged PLOS). The LASSO selected predictors that were used to build the prediction nomogram included BMI, diabetes, hypertension, duration of surgery, duration of anesthesia, anesthesia type, intraoperative blood loss, sufentanil for postoperative analgesia, and postoperative complication. The model displayed good discrimination with an AUC value of 0.807 (95% CI: 0.758–0.849, P < 0.001), a Kappa value of 0.5186 (cutoff value, 0.2445, P < 0.001), and good calibration. A high C-index value of 0.776 could still be reached in the interval validation. Decision curve analysis showed that the prolonged PLOS nomogram was clinically useful when intervention was decided at the prolonged PLOS possibility threshold of 3%.

Conclusions

This study developed a novel nomogram with a relatively good accuracy to help clinicians access the risk of prolonged PLOS in lumbar fusion surgery patients. By an estimate of individual risk, surgeons and anesthesiologists may shorten PLOS and accelerate postoperative recovery of lumbar fusion surgery through more accurate individualized treatment.
Impact of orange essential oil on enteric methane emissions of heifers fed bermudagrass hay
Authors: Jiménez-Ocampo Rafael , Montoya-Flores María D. , Pamanes-Carrasco Gerardo , Herrera-Torres Esperanza , Arango Jacobo , Estarrón-Espinosa Mirna , Aguilar-Pérez Carlos F. , Araiza-Rosales Elia E. , Guerrero-Cervantes Maribel , Ku-Vera Juan C.
Published: August 2022

In this study, the effects of orange essential oil (OEO) on the rumen fermentation, nutrient utilization, and methane (CH4) emissions of beef heifers fed a diet of bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) were examined. In addition, in vitro and in situ experiments were conducted. The in vitro experiment consisted of three treatments: control (CTL, no OEO), OEO1 (0.25% OEO), and OEO2 (0.5% OEO). The forage to concentrate ratio was 70:30 (dry matter [DM] basis) in all treatments. No changes in pH, proportions of volatile fatty acids, and the acetate:propionate ratio were observed (P > 0.05). The addition of 0.25% OEO resulted in a reduction in CH4 production (mL/g) relative to the control (P < 0.05). In the in situ experiment, 5 g of total mixed ration (CTL, OEO1, and OEO2) were incubated for 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. Potential and effective degradability were not affected by OEO supplementation (P > 0.05). In the in vivo study, six crossbred beef heifers (Bos indicus × Bos taurus), fitted with rumen cannulas, were assigned to three different treatments: no additive (CTL), 0.25% OEO (OEO1), and 0.5% OEO (OEO2) in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square (21-day periods). Heifers were fed at 2.8% body weight. In vivo CH4 production was measured in open-circuit respiration chambers. Reductions in gross energy consumption, apparent total tract digestibility, and rumen valerate concentration were observed for OEO2 compared to the control (P < 0.05). Additionally, decreases in CH4 emissions (g/day; P < 0.05) and CH4 (MJ gross energy intake/day; P < 0.05) were observed in response to supplementation of 0.5% OEO as compared to the CTL treatment. Thus, supplementation of 0.5% OEO reduced CH4 emissions (g/day) by 12% without impacting the DM intake of heifers fed bermudagrass hay as a basal ration.
Efficacy of cilostazol in canine bradyarrhythmia
Authors: Ohmori Takahiro , Matsumura Yuri , Yoshimura Aritada , Morita Shohei , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Hirao Daiki , Fukushima Ryuji
Published: August 2022

Recently, cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor, has been described as alternative medical treatment for canine bradyarrhythmia in cases for which pacemaker implantation was not indicated or available. In this retrospective study, we investigated the use and efficacy of cilostazol in dogs with bradyarrhythmia in Japan. Dogs that had been brought to the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology Animal Medical Center and 23 veterinary hospitals in Japan and been treated with cilostazol initially as the only therapeutic strategy for bradyarrhythmia between January 2010 and August 2021 were included in this study. Survival analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards analysis, the log-rank test, and the generalized Wilcoxon test to evaluate the efficacy of cilostazol. Fifty-nine privately owned dogs were included in this study. In the survival time analysis, the risk of death was significantly lower and the survival rate was higher in cases in which cilostazol was administered at 10 mg/kg or more per dose. A third-degree atrioventricular block also significantly increased the risk of death and was associated with a lower survival rate. However, in some patients with a third-degree atrioventricular block, there was an increase in the ventricular rate and improvement in clinical symptoms without disappearance or decrease of the atrioventricular block. This study had several important findings that have not previously been reported concerning the use of cilostazol for canine bradyarrhythmia, including the appropriate dose in a clinical setting and the efficacy and prognosis according to the type of bradyarrhythmia.
Genomic Prediction for Abortion in Lactating Holstein Dairy Cows
Authors: Wijma Robert , Weigel Daniel J. , Vukasinovic Natascha , Gonzalez-Peña Dianelys , McGovern Shaileen P. , Fessenden Brenda C. , McNeel Anthony K. , Di Croce Fernando A.
Published: August 2022

Abortion in dairy cattle causes great economic losses due to reduced animal health, increase in culling rates, reduction in calf production, and milk yield, among others. Although the etiology of abortions can be of various origins, previous research has shown a genetic component. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe the development of the genomic prediction for cow abortions in lactating Holstein dairy cattle based on producer-recorded data and ssGBLUP methodology and (2) evaluate the efficacy of genomic predictions for cow abortions in commercial herds of US Holstein cows using data from herds that do not contribute phenotypic information to the evaluation. We hypothesized that cows with greater genomic predictions for cow abortions (Z_Abort STA) would have a reduced incidence of abortion. Phenotypic data on abortions, pedigree, and genotypes were collected directly from commercial dairy producers upon obtaining their permission. Abortion was defined as the loss of a confirmed pregnancy after 42 and prior to 260 days of gestation, treated as a binary outcome (0, 1), and analyzed using a threshold model. Data from a different subset of animals were used to test the efficacy of the prediction. The additive genetic variance for the cow abortion trait (Z_Abort) was 0.1235 and heritability was 0.0773. For all animals with genotypes (n = 1,662,251), mean reliability was 42%, and genomic predicted transmitting abilities (gPTAs) ranged from −8.8 to 12.4. Z_Abort had a positive correlation with cow and calf health traits and reproductive traits, and a negative correlation with production traits. Z_Abort effectively identified cows with a greater or lesser risk of abortion (16.6% vs. 11.0% for the worst and best genomics groups, respectively; p < 0.0001). The inclusion of cow abortion genomic predictions in a multi-trait selection index would allow dairy producers and consultants to reduce the incidence of abortion and to select high-producing, healthier, and more profitable cows.
Assessing Population Trends of Species with Imperfect Detection: Double Count Analyses and Simulations Confirm Reliable Estimates in Brown Frogs
Authors: Falaschi Mattia , Gibertini Chiara , Lo Parrino Elia , Muraro Martina , Barzaghi Benedetta , Manenti Raoul , Ficetola Gentile Francesco
Published: August 2022

Most animal species are detected imperfectly and overlooking individuals can result in a biased inference of the abundance patterns and underlying processes. Several techniques can incorporate the imperfect detection process for a more accurate estimation of abundance, but most of them require repeated surveys, i.e., more sampling effort compared to single counts. In this study, we used the dependent double-observer approach to estimate the detection probability of the egg clutches of two brown frog species, Rana dalmatina and R. latastei. We then simulated the data of a declining population at different levels of detection probability in order to assess under which conditions the double counts provided better estimates of population trends compared to naïve egg counts, given the detectability of frog clutches. Both species showed a very high detection probability, with average values of 93% for Rana dalmatina and 97% for R. latastei. Simulations showed that not considering imperfect detection reduces the power of detecting population trends if detection probability is low. However, at high detection probability (>80%), ignoring the imperfect detection does not bias the estimates of population trends. This suggests that, for species laying large and easily identifiable egg clutches, a single count can provide useful estimates if surveys are correctly timed.
Modeling the Interdependence Structure between Rain and Radar Variables Using Copulas: Applications to Heavy Rainfall Estimation by Weather Radar
Authors: Zahiri Eric-Pascal , Kacou Modeste , Gosset Marielle , Ouattara Sahouarizié Adama
Published: August 2022

In radar quantitative precipitation estimates (QPE), the progressive evolution of rainfall algorithms has been guided by attempts to reduce the uncertainties in rainfall retrieval. However, because most of the algorithms are based on the linear dependence between radar and rain variables and designed for rain rates ranging from light to moderate rainfall, they result in misleading estimations of intense or strong rainfall rates. In this paper, based on extensive data gathered during the AMMA and Megha-Tropiques data campaigns, we provided a way to improve the estimation of intense rainfall rates from radar measurements. To this end, we designed a formulation of the QPE algorithm that accounts for the co-dependency between radar observables and rainfall rate using copula simulation synthetic datasets and using the quantile regression features for a more complete picture of covariate effects. The results show a clear improvement in heavy rainfall retrieval from radar data using copula-based R(KDP) algorithms derived from a realistic simulated dataset. For a better performance, Gaussian copula-derived algorithms require a 0.8 percentile distribution to be considered. Conversely, lower percentiles are better for Student’s, Gumbel and HRT copula estimators when retrieving heavy rainfall rates (R > 30). This highlights the need to investigate the entire conditional distribution to determine the performance of radar rainfall estimators.
Novel Gene-Correction-Based Therapeutic Modalities for Monogenic Liver Disorders
Authors: Ghasemzad Mahsa , Hashemi Mahdieh , Lavasani Zohre Miri , Hossein-khannazer Nikoo , Bakhshandeh Haleh , Gramignoli Roberto , Keshavarz Alikhani Hani , Najimi Mustapha , Nikeghbalian Saman , Vosough Massoud
Published: August 2022

The majority of monogenic liver diseases are autosomal recessive disorders, with few being sex-related or co-dominant. Although orthotopic liver transplantation (LT) is currently the sole therapeutic option for end-stage patients, such an invasive surgical approach is severely restricted by the lack of donors and post-transplant complications, mainly associated with life-long immunosuppressive regimens. Therefore, the last decade has witnessed efforts for innovative cellular or gene-based therapeutic strategies. Gene therapy is a promising approach for treatment of many hereditary disorders, such as monogenic inborn errors. The liver is an organ characterized by unique features, making it an attractive target for in vivo and ex vivo gene transfer. The current genetic approaches for hereditary liver diseases are mediated by viral or non-viral vectors, with promising results generated by gene-editing tools, such as CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Despite massive progress in experimental gene-correction technologies, limitations in validated approaches for monogenic liver disorders have encouraged researchers to refine promising gene therapy protocols. Herein, we highlighted the most common monogenetic liver disorders, followed by proposed genetic engineering approaches, offered as promising therapeutic modalities.
Patterns of Care for Breast Radiotherapy in Italy: Breast IRRadiATA (Italian Repository of Radiotherapy dATA) Feasibility Study
Authors: Ciabattoni Antonella , Gregucci Fabiana , D’Ermo Giuseppe , Dolfi Alessandro , Cucciarelli Francesca , Palumbo Isabella , Borghesi Simona , Gava Alessandro , Cesaro Giovanna Maria , Baldissera Antonella , Giammarino Daniela , Daidone Antonino , Maurizi Francesca , Mignogna Marcello , Mazzuoli Lidia , Ravo Vincenzo , Falivene Sara , Pedretti Sara , Ippolito Edy , Barbarino Rosaria , di Cristino Daniela , Fiorentino Alba , Aristei Cynthia , Ramella Sara , D’Angelillo Rolando Maria , Meattini Icro , Iotti Cinzia , Donato Vittorio , Formenti Silvia Chiara
Published: August 2022

Aim. Breast IRRADIATA (Italian Repository of RADIotherapy dATA) is a collaborative nationwide project supported by the Italian Society of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO) and the Italian League Against Cancer (LILT). It focuses on breast cancer (BC) patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) and was developed to create a national registry and define the patterns of care in Italy. A dedicated tool for data collection was created and pilot tested. The results of this feasibility study are reported here. Methods. To validate the applicability of a user-friendly data collection tool, a feasibility study involving 17 Italian Radiation Oncology Centers was conducted from July to October 2021, generating a data repository of 335 BC patients treated between January and March 2020, with a minimum follow-up time of 6 months. A snapshot of the clinical presentation, treatment modalities and radiotherapy toxicity in these patients was obtained. A Data Entry Survey and a Satisfaction Questionnaire were also sent to all participants. Results. All institutions completed the pilot study. Regarding the Data Entry survey, all questions achieved 100% of responses and no participant reported spending more than 10 min time for either the first data entry or for the updating of follow-up. Results from the Satisfaction Questionnaire revealed that the project was described as excellent by 14 centers (82.3%) and good by 3 (17.7%). Conclusion. Current knowledge for the treatment of high-prevalence diseases, such as BC, has evolved toward patient-centered medicine, evidence-based care and real-world evidence (RWE), which means evidence obtained from real-world data (RWD). To this aim, Breast IRRADIATA was developed as a simple tool to probe the current pattern of RT care in Italy. The pilot feasibility of IRRADIATA encourages a larger application of this tool nationwide and opens the way to the assessment of the pattern of care radiotherapy directed to other cancers.
Efficacy of S-1 or Capecitabine Plus Oxaliplatin Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Stage II or III Gastric Cancer after Curative Gastrectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jeong Sang-Ho , Kim Rock Bum , Oh Sung Eun , An Ji Yeong , Seo Kyung Won , Min Jae-Seok
Published: August 2022

Background: Adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) regimens tegafur/gimeracil/oteracil (S-1) and capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CAPOX) have predominated, however, there has been a lack of studies on their differences in efficacy. Methods: We conducted pairwise meta-analyses comparing the efficacy of S-1 and CAPOX regimens for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in stage II or III GC patients. Results: Three studies were enrolled and analyzed using a forest plot for meta-analysis. Two of them were propensity score matching studies, and the remaining one was a retrospective observational study. In all stages, the five-year OS was not different between the two regimens (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.78–1.17; p = 0.56). Additionally, the 5-year DFS was not different at any stage (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.85–1.18; p = 0.21). After omitting the retrospective observational study, the five-year OS (HR 1.40, 95% CI 0.53–3.73) and DFS (HR 1.41, 95% CI 0.57–3.44) of S-1 tended to be better in stage II, and the five-year OS (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.56–1.16) and DFS (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.63–1.13) of CAPOX tended to be better in stage III, without statistical significance. Conclusions: In the present meta-analysis, the five-year OS and DFS for stage II or III GC patients were comparable between S-1 and CAPOX regimens as AC.
Are Health Literacy and Physical Literacy Independent Concepts? A Gender-Stratified Analysis in Medical School Students from Croatia
Authors: Kesic Marijana , Peric Mia , Gilic Barbara , Manojlovic Marko , Drid Patrik , Modric Toni , Znidaric Zeljka , Zenic Natasa , Pajtler Aleksander
Published: August 2022

Health literacy (HL) and physical literacy (PL) are concepts responsible for achieving and maintaining positive health behaviors. This study aimed to investigate gender-specific associations: (i) between PL and HL; and (ii) among HL, PL, and body composition. We observed 253 students attending health-area high schools from southern Croatia (181 girls; 16.9 ± 1.4 years). HL was assessed by the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire, PL by the PLAYself questionnaire, and body composition by bioimpedance analysis. The t-test was used to assess the differences between genders, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to establish the associations between variables. The results showed a similar level of HL (t-test = 0.2; p = 0.83) and PL (t-test = 0.01; p = 0.99) in boys and girls. Significant but small correlations were identified between HL and PL only in the girls (<10% of common variance). The body composition indices were significantly correlated with PL only in the boys (15–20% of common variance). Our research highlights the necessity of the independent evaluation of HL and PL in adolescence. Further studies evaluating other indices of health status in relation to PL and HL are warranted.
Synthesis and Characterization of Metal Complexes Based on Aniline Derivative Schiff Base for Antimicrobial Applications and UV Protection of a Modified Cotton Fabric
Authors: Saeed S. , Al-Harbi Tahani , Alhakimi Ahmed , Abd El-Hady M.
Published: August 2022

Antimicrobial textiles have played an increasingly important protection role in the medical field. With this aim, Schiff bases and nanometal complexes on the cotton fabric were in situ synthesized for achieving the conventional cotton fabric’s highly efficient and durable UV protection and antibacterial properties. Herein, a new Schiff base derived from the condensation reaction of 2,4-dihyroxybenzaldehyde with p-amino aniline was synthesized. Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn complexes of the Schiff base were also prepared and characterized by UV-Vis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, elemental analysis, and thermal analysis. The modified cotton fabric was also characterized via X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transition electron microscope (TEM), and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX). Moreover, the microbial, UV protection, and tensile strength of the samples were investigated. The antimicrobial was studied against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and fungal strains. Modified cotton fabric exhibited highly antibacterial activity in contrast with fungal activity. These results depended on the Schiff base and the type of metal complex. The results also show that the cotton fabric modified by in situ nanometal complexes provides excellent UV protection.
Effect of Surfactants on the Corrosion Protectability of Calcium Phosphate Conversion Coatings on Duplex Structured Mg-8Li (in Wt.%) Alloy
Authors: Hou Jiyu , Wang Baojie , Xu Daokui , Cui Liji , Sun Jie
Published: August 2022

Calcium phosphate chemical conversion coatings with the additions of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and dodecanesulfonic acid sodium (DSS), respectively, were prepared on the surface of the Mg-8Li alloy. The surface and cross-sectional corrosion morphologies, compositions, and corrosion behavior of the coated surfaces in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution were respectively investigated by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), electrochemical workstation, hydrogen evolution apparatus, and optical microscope (OM). The results demonstrated that Ca-P coatings had a petal-like structure being composed of leaf-like particles. After being respectively performed for 30 min in conversion solutions containing SLS and DSS, the corresponding average film thicknesses of surface coatings were 27 μm and 7 μm. In addition, the corrosion current densities of coated surfaces by using the conversion solutions containing SLS and DSS were 1.438 × 10−5 A·cm−2 and 4.719 × 10−5 A·cm−2, respectively. The effect of surfactants on phosphate chemical conversion coating was discussed in detail.
Mathematical Modeling for Estimating the Risk of Rice Farmers’ Losses Due to Weather Changes
Authors: Riaman  , Sukono  , Supian Sudradjat , Ismail Noriszura
Published: August 2022

This paper discusses the relationship between weather and rice productivity modeled using the Cobb–Douglas production function principle, with the hypothesis that rice production will increase in line with the increase in average rainfall, wind speed, and temperature every month and then decrease if the weather conditions exceed the threshold. As a result, farmers have the risk of losing rice production. To overcome this problem, we try to estimate the value of the risk. The purpose of this study is to estimate the risk of losses that occurred in rice plants due to weather changes. The method used in this study is risk estimation with the Tail Value at Risk (TVaR) approach. In addition to TVaR, it is estimated simultaneously with Value at Risk (VaR) and Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR). This study uses weather data consisting of rainfall data, wind speed, and air temperature collected from geophysical and meteorological data. Meanwhile, yield data were obtained and processed from the Central Statistics Agency and the West Java Agricultural Service. The data used are data from 2008 to 2021. There are two main parts of the results in this study, namely mathematical analysis and data analysis. The mathematical analysis is a risk model derivation process, which includes TVaR risk measurement. The data analysis process is a simulation of the estimated risk of rice production loss. The results obtained from this study are the value of opportunity risk of loss based on the VaR, CVaR, and TVaR approaches. The conclusion of this study is that the rice plants have a risk of loss in the form of reduced yields caused by weather changes. Farmers can plan to overcome this loss problem, by setting up a reserve fund. Risk of loss can be managed through the rice agricultural insurance program. This is in line with the Indonesian government’s program through the ministry of agriculture. Thus, farmers, insurance companies, and the government can manage the risk of losing rice yields.
3D-Printed Satellite Brackets: Materials, Manufacturing and Applications
Authors: Samal Saswat Kumar , Vishwanatha H. M. , Saxena Kuldeep K. , Behera Asit , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Behera Ajit , Prakash Chander , Dixit Saurav , Mohammed Kahtan A.
Published: August 2022

Brackets are the load-bearing components in a satellite. The current age of satellites comprises specific brackets that set out as a link between the bodies of the satellite, reflector parts, and feeder facilities mounted at its upper end. Brackets are used to carry loads of the satellite body frame, supporting elements, batteries, and electronic goods. The article explicates the various brackets used in satellites and aircrafts. The strength of the bracket is of utmost importance since it is an important load supporting member in several assemblies of aircraft and satellites. In addition to the mechanical strength, the weight of the bracket is a major concern as it adds to the total weight of the aircraft and satellite. Thus, weight savings of brackets can be of paramount importance and Additive Manufacturing (AM) is found as an overall solution to achieve the same. Hence, in addition to various brackets used in satellites, the article presents an exhaustive review of the processing of various advanced functional materials using various AM techniques to make high strength-to-weight ratio satellite brackets. The use of DFAM by various satellite manufacturers globally for optimizing the structure of the brackets resulting in a significant weight saving of the brackets is also presented in the article.