bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fecal microbiota transplantation in alcohol related liver diseases
Authors: Shasthry Saggere Muralikrishna
Published: June 2020

The current standard of care for severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH) has several limitations in that only up to one-third of patients are eligible for steroid therapy. Additionally, steroids have their own issues: a portion of patients do not respond, while there is doubtful long-term benefit in those who do and a large proportion are ineligible to receive steroids entirely and hence have no definitive options for treatment. As such, there is a large gap between the problem and the available solutions. Alcohol causes dysbiosis and also disrupts gut barrier function, consequently promoting the translocation of microbial lipopolysaccharide into the portal circulation and liver. Therefore, probiotics, prebiotics, antibiotics, or transplantation of gut microbiota are likely to attenuate the dysbiosis-related liver insult. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is expected to have a role in managing alcoholic liver disease in general and SAH in particular by correcting dysbiosis, the primary insult. Results from mouse studies have suggested beyond doubt that alcohol-related liver injury is transferrable and also treatable by adopting FMT from suitable donors. Initial human trials from our center have affirmed benefits in human subjects with SAH as well, with both improvements in disease severity and as well as the rate of survival. Further studies addressing the head-to-head comparison of steroids and FMT are ongoing. Available preliminary data are promising and FMT and/or gut microbial modulation might become the standard of care in the near future for managing alcohol-related liver diseases, especially alcoholic hepatitis, with greater applicability, improved acceptability, and minimal side effects.
Linkage of future regional climate extremes to global warming intensity
Authors: Wang X , Lang X , Jiang D
Published: June 2020

Changes in extreme climate have caused widespread concern, and it is important to understand how climate extremes will link to global warming intensity at the regional scale. Based on the daily minimum and maximum temperature and precipitation outputs from 25 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) climate models under the Representative Concentration Pathways 8.5 (RCP8.5) scenario, we project the linkage of future regional climate extremes to the global mean temperature increase above preindustrial levels. Results show that regionally averaged changes in absolute temperature extremes (the coldest night and the warmest day) scale linearly with global warming intensity. In contrast, changes in cold nights and cold days in all regions, warm nights in low latitudes, and warm days in Southeast Asia exhibit nonlinear relationships with the global mean temperature increase, which manifests rapid changes in early warming stages and weak changes in late warming stages. The percentile-based temperature extremes vary at large magnitudes as global warming intensifies in low latitudes, while large values are seen in middle and high latitudes for the coldest night and warmest day, respectively; large intermodel spread occurs in the strong scaling areas, except for cold days and cold nights. Regional mean changes in extreme precipitation show consistent linear trends with global warming, and different indices vary in magnitude with region. Extreme heavy precipitation events increase linearly with global warming in high latitudes with larger magnitudes. The intermodel spread is generally large in low latitudes and will increase with warming. The work presented here can provide effective support to decision makers for developing adaptation and mitigation measures.
The role of extrinsic variation—cohabiting juvenile fish species exhibit similar otolith elemental signatures
Authors: Cavole LM , Miller JA , Salinas-de-León P , Aburto-Oropeza O , Marin Jarrin JR , Johnson AF
Published: June 2020

The effect of extrinsic (environmentally based) and intrinsic (physiologically based) controls on otolith elemental signatures remains poorly understood. We evaluated the relative importance of both extrinsic and intrinsic factors using juvenile fish in Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) mangroves. To assess extrinsic influences, we compared the cohabiting yellow snapper Lutjanus argentiventris and sailfin grouper Mycteroperca olfax from the Galápagos Archipelago. To evaluate intrinsic influences, we compared yellow snapper from the Gulf of California (Mexico) and the Galápagos Archipelago (Ecuador). The 2 cohabiting species in the Galápagos exhibited very similar otolith elemental signatures, with no significant differences observed for Li, Cu, Mg, Mn, Rb, and Sr (univariate ANOVAs, p > 0.05), and a small separation achieved between these species (ANOSIM test, R = 0.01, p = 0.038). The yellow snappers from Galápagos and the Gulf of California exhibited distinct elemental signatures increasing from Rb, Cu, Mn, Sr, Li to Ba (univariate ANOVAs, p < 0.05), with a large separation between them (ANOSIM test, R = 0.55, p = 0.001). The present study suggests that extrinsic factors (e.g. water chemistry, temperature, salinity) can be more important than intrinsic factors (e.g. physiology, growth rates, genetics) for influencing elemental uptake in the otoliths of juveniles from mangrove waters. However, improved understanding of factors influencing elemental incorporation is still needed to ensure accurate interpretation of field data, especially in dynamic oceanographic systems, which is the case for both the Gulf of California and the Galápagos Archipelago.
Rendición de cuentas en la gestión del gobierno municipal de Puno-Perú (2011-2018)
Authors: Tumi Quispe Jesús Evaristo
Published: June 2020

En la gestión de los gobiernos municipales, el acceso a información y transparencia sobre inversión pública y ejecución presupuestal es muy restringido, dado que generalmente con reticencias y limitaciones se accede a los informes semestrales o de carácter anual, lo que hace poco efectivo no sólo el control social sino también la rendición de cuentas. La investigación tuvo como objetivo comprender los mecanismos del proceso de rendición de cuentas que se implementa en la gestión del gobierno municipal de Puno. El estudio es de carácter documental y cualitativo. El referente empírico está sustentado en el análisis de información correspondiente a los ejercicios económicos del 2011 - 2018. Los resultados son: La rendición de cuentas en la gestión del gobierno municipal de Puno condicionado por la voluntad política de las autoridades y funcionarios municipales y en la institucionalización de los mecanismos participativos de acceso a información y transparencia, denota un carácter parcial, de naturaleza agregada y poco representativo expresado en las audiencias públicas. Los aspectos considerados, enfatizan la labor legislativa, el informe presupuestal, los proyectos priorizados y el informe consolidado de gastos e inversión, los cuales tuvieron un carácter muy global. La limitada representación, se expresa en tanto los participantes en las audiencias públicas fueron los directivos de los comités de gestión de obra, los usuarios de los proyectos priorizados y simpatizantes de la organización política de la autoridad municipal. Conclusión: El proceso de rendición de cuentas del gobierno municipal de Puno implementado a través de las audiencias públicas centralizadas o descentralizadas, tuvo un carácter parcial, agregado y limitada representatividad.
Hombres jóvenes del poniente de Ciudad Juárez: construyendo identidades en contextos de violencia
Authors: Rosas Landa Bautista Héctor Sebastián , Salguero Velázquez María Alejandra
Published: June 2020

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the process of identity construction in six young men from the west of Ciudad Juárez, in northern Mexico. Qualitative research was carried out using participant observation and semi-structured interviewing as the main co-construction technique, focusing on everyday life and significant affective experiences in their life trajectories. Fieldwork was carried out between 2016 and 2017. The analysis of the data shows that violence, often fatal and predominantly represented by drug trafficking groups, is the main driver in participants’ affective and everyday lives. It was also found that young people respond to violence pragmatically by constructing identities that allow them to safeguard their integrity and remain part of the social context.
Şizofreni ve İntihar; Bir Gözden Geçirme
Authors: KOPARAL Buket , HOCAOĞLU Çiçek
Published: June 2020

Şizofreni hastalarında intihar erken ölüm nedenleri arasındadır. Yapılan çalışmalar hastaların yaklaşık %5’inin intihar nedeni ile öldüğünü bildirmektedir. Bu hasta grubunda yüksek intihar oranlarının azaltılması ancak öngörücü risk etmenlerinin anlaşılması ile mümkündür. Eşlik eden depresyon, pozitif belirtiler ve önceki intihar girişimi şizofreni hastalarında intihar riskini en çok arttıran etmenlerdir. Hastalığın başlangıç dönemi, hastanede yatış ve sonrasındaki ilk haftalar intihar için en riskli dönemlerdir. Düzenli antipsikotik tedavi ve yeterli psikososyal desteğin ise intihar riskini azaltabileceği düşünülmektedir.
Tekirdağ İli 2014-2016 Yılları Arasında Dış Ortam Hava Kalitesinin Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: GÜL İbrahim
Published: June 2020

Hava kirliliği, sağlık için en büyük çevresel risklerden biridir. 2012'de her dokuz ölümden bir tanesi hava kirliliği ile ilgili koşulların sonucu olmuştur. Bu ölümlerin yaklaşık 3 milyonu sadece dış ortam hava kirliliğine atfedilebilir. Amaç: Bu çalışmada amacımız; Tekirdağ il genelindeki hava kirliliği ölçüm istasyonlarından elde ettiğimiz PM10, PM2.5, SO2 ve NOX değerlerinin 2014, 2015 ve 2016 yılları arasındaki farklarını, yaz-kış ve 24 saat içindeki değişimlerini incelemektir. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Çalışmamız kesitsel ve tanımlayıcı araştırmadır. Bu çalışmanın verileri, 1 Ocak 2014-31 Aralık 2016 tarihleri arasındaki Çevre ve Şehircilik Bakanlığı’na ait www.havaizleme.gov.tr sitesinden alınan saatlik ölçüm değerleridir. Elde edilen değerler Avrupa Birliği (AB) ve Dünya Sağlık Örgütü’nün (DSÖ) PM10, PM2.5, SO2 ve NOX değerlerinin saatlik ve 24 saatlik ortalama sınır değerleri ile karşılaştırılmıştır.Bulgular: Çalışmamızda Tekirdağ il genelinde PM10, PM2.5, SO2 ve NOX kirleticilerin hemen hemen tüm yıllarda ortalamaları DSÖ sınır değeri üzerinde bulunmuştur. Ayrıca çalışmamızda SO2, PM10, PM2,5 ve NOX değerlerinin aylık ortalamaları 3 yılda da özellikle kış dönemi içindeki aylarda (ocak, şubat, mart, ekim, kasım, aralık) hem DSÖ hem de AB 24 saatlik ortalama limitlerinin çok üzerindedir. Bununla birlikte araştırmamızda hava kirliliğinin kış döneminde yaz dönemine göre anlamlı olarak arttığı görülmektedir (p<0,05). Sonuç: Tekirdağ il genelinde DSÖ ve AB sınır değerleri baz alındığında SO2, PM10, PM2.5 ve NOX kaynaklı hava kirliliği mevcut olup kirlilik kış döneminde anlamlı şekilde artmaktadır. Tekirdağ il genelinde görülen sağlık sorunlarının muhtemel nedenleri arasında hava kirliliği akla gelmelidir. SO2, PM10, PM2.5 ve NOX kaynaklı hava kirliliğinin engellenebilirse birçok sağlık probleminin önlenmesi mümkündür. Tekirdağ il genelinde hava kalitesi ölçüm noktalarının ve ölçüm yapılan kirlilik parametrelerinin sayısı yetersiz olup sayıları ve nitelikleri artırılmalıdır. Hava kirliğinin kaynaklarının tespit edilmesine ve muhtemel sağlık etkilerine yönelik bilimsel çalışmaların sayıları arttırılmalıdır.
Mamografide Tespit Edilen BIRADS 3 ve 4 Lezyonlara Yönelik Mamografi Eşliğinde Yapılan Stereotaktik Vakum Aspirasyon Biyopsi Sonuçlarımız: Tek Merkez Deneyimi
Authors: GÖKSU Kamber , VURAL Ahmet , DERİN ÇİÇEK Esin
Published: June 2020

Amaç: Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) 3 ve 4 kategori içerisinde yer alan meme lezyonlarına yönelik, geleneksel biyopsi yöntemleri ya da eksizyonel biyopsiye alternatif olarak mamografi eşliğinde yapılan stereotaktik vakum aspirasyon biyopsi (SVAB) nin etkinliğini değerlendirmek.Gereç ve Yöntemler: Kliniğimizde yapılan mamografilerde BIRADS 3-4 lezyon tespit edilen hastalardan, stereotaktik vakum aspirasyon biyopsisi (SVAB) yapılan hastaların patoloji sonuçları retrospektif olarak değerlendirildi. SVAB patoloji sonuçları ile cerrahi patoloji sonuçları arasında fark olup olmadığı incelenerek yöntemin etkinliğinin değerlendirilmesi planlandı.Bulgular: Kliniğimizde Mayıs 2014 – Mayıs 2015 tarihleri arasında yapılan 1196 mamografi incelemesinin değerlendirilmesi ile BI-RADS kategori 3 ve 4 tanısı alan olguların, SVAB uygulanmış 53'ü çalışmamıza dahil edildi. Bu olguların 9'u BI-RADS 3 (%17), 33'ü 4a (%62), 6'sı 4b (%11) ve 5'i 4c (%9) olarak sınıflandırıldı. Patoloji sonucu BI-RADS 4a olan olguların 4 ü (%12.1), BI-RADS 4c olguların 2 si (%40) premalign / in situ lezyonlar (Duktal karsinoma in situ, Atipik duktal hiperplazi) ile uyumludur. Olguların 47'sinde mikrokalsifikasyon, 11'inde nodüler dansite mevcuttu. Olguların sadece iki tanesinde (ciltte laserasyon/hemoraji ile vagal hipotansiyon) işleme bağlı komplikasyon gelişmiştir. Sonuç: SVAB yeteri kadar örnek materyal alma imkânı sunmaktadır. Yetersiz materyal ve yanlış negatif sonuçlar verebilen geleneksel biyopsi yöntemleri ya da invaziv eksizyonel biyopsi yerine başarılı, alternatif bir tanı yöntemidir.
RETRACTED: MicroRNA-200a Inhibits Inflammation and Atherosclerotic Lesion Formation by Disrupting EZH2-Mediated Methylation of STAT3
Authors: Wang Jinpeng , Li Ping , Xu Xiaofei , Zhang Beilin , Zhang Jing
Published: June 2020

Endothelial inflammation and dysfunction are critical to the process of atherosclerosis. Emerging evidence demonstrates that upregulation of miR-200a reduces VCAM-1 expression and prevents monocytic cell adhesion onto the aortic endothelium. However, limited information is available about the role of microRNA-200a (miR-200a) in facilitating atherosclerotic lesion formation. We investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic actions of miR-200a. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured in the presence of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), and their viability and apoptosis were evaluated using CCK-8 assays and flow cytometric analysis. The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) promoter activity was evaluated in the presence of miR-200a by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. EZH2-mediated methylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was validated by ChIP and IP assays. ApoE−/− mice were given a 12-week high-fat diet and developed as in vivo atherosclerotic models. miR-200a was downregulated but EZH2 and HMGB1 were upregulated in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs and the aorta tissues of atherosclerotic mouse models. Elevated miR-200a was shown to protect HUVECs against ox-LDL-induced apoptosis and inflammation. EZH2 was verified as a target of miR-200a. The protective effects of miR-200a were abrogated upon an elevation of EZH2. EZH2 methylated STAT3 and enhanced STAT3 activity by increased tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT3, thereby increasing apoptosis and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs. An anti-atherosclerotic role of miR-200a was also demonstrated in atherosclerotic mouse models. Our study demonstrates that miR-200a has anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic activities dependent on the EZH2/STAT3 signaling cascade.
Inflammation-Associated Synaptic Alterations as Shared Threads in Depression and Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Bruno Antonio , Dolcetti Ettore , Rizzo Francesca Romana , Fresegna Diego , Musella Alessandra , Gentile Antonietta , De Vito Francesca , Caioli Silvia , Guadalupi Livia , Bullitta Silvia , Vanni Valentina , Balletta Sara , Sanna Krizia , Buttari Fabio , Stampanoni Bassi Mario , Centonze Diego , Mandolesi Georgia
Published: June 2020

In the past years, several theories have been advanced to explain the pathogenesis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), a neuropsychiatric disease that causes disability in general population. Several theories have been proposed to define the MDD pathophysiology such as the classic “monoamine-theory” or the “glutamate hypothesis.” All these theories have been recently integrated by evidence highlighting inflammation as a pivotal player in developing depressive symptoms. Proinflammatory cytokines have been indeed claimed to contribute to stress-induced mood disturbances and to major depression, indicating a widespread role of classical mediators of inflammation in emotional control. Moreover, during systemic inflammatory diseases, peripherally released cytokines circulate in the blood, reach the brain and cause anxiety, anhedonia, social withdrawal, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Accordingly, chronic inflammatory disorders, such as the inflammatory autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis (MS), have been associated to higher risk of MDD, in comparison with overall population. Importantly, in both MS patients and in its experimental mouse model, Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE), the notion that depressive symptoms are reactive epiphenomenon to the MS pathology has been recently challenged by the evidence of their early manifestation, even before the onset of the disease. Furthermore, in association to such mood disturbance, inflammatory-dependent synaptic dysfunctions in several areas of MS/EAE brain have been observed independently of brain lesions and demyelination. This evidence suggests that a fine interplay between the immune and nervous systems can have a huge impact on several neurological functions, including depressive symptoms, in different pathological conditions. The aim of the present review is to shed light on common traits between MDD and MS, by looking at inflammatory-dependent synaptic alterations associated with depression in both diseases.
Low Lymphocyte Count Is Associated With Radiotherapy Parameters and Affects the Outcomes of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhao Zongxing , Wang Peiliang , Geng Xiaotao , Zhu Liqiong , Li Minghuan
Published: June 2020

Purpose: Lymphocytes are central players in systemic anti-tumor immune responses. In this study, we aimed to identify the relationship between absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) nadir during definitive radiotherapy (RT) and survival outcomes in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), as well as evaluate the effect of RT parameters on ALC during RT.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed 189 patients with stage I-IVA ESCC, who were treated with definitive RT at a single institution between 2012 and 2015. ALC values were assessed before, weekly during RT, and 1 month after the end of RT. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between ALC nadir during RT and patient outcomes. Predictors of low ALC nadir were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results: The median ALC before treatment was 1.73 × 103 cells/μL. Fifty-eight (58.2) percent of the patients exhibited low ALC nadir (≤ 0.38 × 103 cells/μL) during RT. A low ALC nadir during RT was significantly associated with poor OS, PFS, and LRFS. The planning target volume (PTV) was larger in patients with low ALC nadir compared with patients with high ALC nadir (418.5 vs. 347.7 cm3, P = 0.023). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that tumor stage III-IVA (P = 0.002), low ALC before treatment (P = 0.028), large Log10(PTV) (P = 0.01), high heart V10 (P = 0.003), and high heart V20 (P = 0.028) were associated with low ALC nadir during RT.

Conclusions: In ESCC patients who received definitive RT, a low ALC nadir during RT was associated with large PTVs, and it was an independent prognostic factor of outcomes.
Dual-mTOR Inhibitor Rapalink-1 Reduces Prostate Cancer Patient-Derived Xenograft Growth and Alters Tumor Heterogeneity
Authors: La Manna Federico , De Menna Marta , Patel Nikhil , Karkampouna Sofia , De Filippo Maria Rosaria , Klima Irena , Kloen Peter , Beimers Lijkele , Thalmann George N. , Pelger Rob C. M. , Jacinto Estela , Kruithof-de Julio Marianna
Published: June 2020

Bone metastasis is the leading cause of prostate cancer (PCa) mortality, frequently marking the progression to castration-resistant PCa. Dysregulation of the androgen receptor pathway is a common feature of castration-resistant PCa, frequently appearing in association with mTOR pathway deregulations. Advanced PCa is also characterized by increased tumor heterogeneity and cancer stem cell (CSC) frequency. CSC-targeted therapy is currently being explored in advanced PCa, with the aim of reducing cancer clonal divergence and preventing disease progression. In this study, we compared the molecular pathways enriched in a set of bone metastasis from breast and prostate cancer from snap-frozen tissue. To further model PCa drug resistance mechanisms, we used two patient-derived xenografts (PDX) models of bone-metastatic PCa, BM18, and LAPC9. We developed in vitro organoids assay and ex vivo tumor slice drug assays to investigate the effects of mTOR- and CSC-targeting compounds. We found that both PDXs could be effectively targeted by treatment with the bivalent mTORC1/2 inhibitor Rapalink-1. Exposure of LAPC9 to Rapalink-1 but not to the CSC-targeting drug disulfiram blocked mTORC1/2 signaling, diminished expression of metabolic enzymes involved in glutamine and lipid metabolism and reduced the fraction of CD44+ and ALDEFluorhigh cells, in vitro. Mice treated with Rapalink-1 showed a significantly delayed tumor growth compared to control and cells recovered from the tumors of treated animals showed a marked decrease of CD44 expression. Taken together these results highlight the increased dependence of advanced PCa on the mTOR pathway, supporting the development of a targeted approach for advanced, bone metastatic PCa.
An Application of a Modified Gappy Proper Orthogonal Decomposition on Complexity Reduction of Allen-Cahn Equation
Authors: Dechanubeksa Chutipong , Chaturantabut Saifon
Published: June 2020

This work considers model reduction techniques that can substantially decrease computational cost in simulating parmetrized Allen–Cahn equation. We first employ the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) approach to reduce the number of unknowns in the full-order discretized system. Since POD cannot reduce the computational complexity of nonlinearity in Allen–Cahn equation, we also apply discrete empirical interpolation method (DEIM) to approximate the nonlinear term for a substantial reduction in overall simulation time. However, in general, the POD-DEIM approach is less accurate than the POD approach, since it further approximates the nonlinear term. To increase the accuracy of the POD-DEIM approach, this work introduces an extension of the DEIM approximation based on the concept of Gappy POD (GPOD), which is optimal in the least-squares sense. The POD-GPOD approach is tested and compared with the POD and POD-DEIM approaches on Allen–Cahn equation for both cases of fixed parameter value and varying parameter values. The modified GPOD approximation introduced in this work is demonstrated to improve accuracy of DEIM without sacrificing too much efficiency on the computational speedup, e.g., in one of our numerical tests, the POD-GPOD approach provides an approximate solution to the parmetrized Allen–Cahn equation 200 times faster than the full-order system with average error of order O ( 10 − 4 ) . The POD-GPOD approach is therefore shown to be a promising technique that compromises between the accuracy of POD approach and the efficiency of POD-DEIM approach.
A Genome-Wide Association Study Identifying Genetic Variants Associated with Growth, Carcass and Meat Quality Traits in Rabbits
Authors: Yang Xue , Deng Feilong , Wu Zhoulin , Chen Shi-Yi , Shi Yu , Jia Xianbo , Hu Shenqiang , Wang Jie , Cao Wei , Lai Song-Jia
Published: June 2020

Growth, carcass characteristics and meat quality are the most important traits used in the rabbit industry. Identification of the candidate markers and genes significantly associated with these traits will be beneficial in rabbit breeding. In this study, we enrolled 465 rabbits, including 16 male Californian rabbits and 17 female Kangda5 line rabbits as the parental generation, along with their offspring (232 male and 200 female), in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) based on SLAF-seq technology. Bodyweight at 35, 42, 49, 56, 63 and 70 d was recorded for growth traits; and slaughter liveweight (84 d) and dressing out percentage were measured as carcass traits; and cooking loss and drip loss were measured as meat quality traits. A total of 5,223,720 SLAF markers were obtained by digesting the rabbit genome using RsaI + EcoRV-HF® restriction enzymes. After quality control, a subset of 317,503 annotated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was retained for subsequent analysis. A total of 28, 81 and 10 SNPs for growth, carcass and meat quality traits, respectively, were identified based on genome-wide significance (p < 3.16 × 10−7). Additionally, 16, 71 and 9 candidate genes were identified within 100 kb upstream or downstream of these SNPs. Further analysis is required to determine the biological roles of these candidate genes in determining rabbit growth, carcass traits and meat quality.
Virtual Fencing Technology Excludes Beef Cattle from an Environmentally Sensitive Area
Authors: Campbell Dana L. M. , Ouzman Jackie , Mowat Damian , Lea Jim M. , Lee Caroline , Llewellyn Rick S.
Published: June 2020

The eShepherd® virtual fencing system being commercialized for cattle has the potential to exclude cattle from environmentally sensitive areas. Animals are given audio cues to indicate a fence line via a neckband device. An electrical pulse is administered if the animal continues moving forward following an audio cue. A commercial trial was conducted in South Australia to assess whether virtual fencing technology could exclude 20 cattle from an area of regenerating saplings; across 44 days; using a contoured fence line. The results showed that the cattle were able to rapidly learn the virtual fencing cues; responding appropriately to the audio cue for 74.5% of 4378 audio signals; and were excluded from the regenerating area for 99.8% of the trial period with the more complex fence line (contoured; not straight) in place. IceQube R’s® measuring lying time and bouts showed no consistent increasing or decreasing pattern of change. At the trial conclusion; the feed available in the protected zone was double the quantity and quality of the grazed zone. Technical issues occurred with some of the pre-commercial prototype devices; but those versions are now obsolete. This study observed a single group of cattle in one paddock; further testing of the virtual technology is warranted.
Illustration of Different Disease Transmission Routes in a Pig Trade Network by Monopartite and Bipartite Representation
Authors: Büttner Kathrin , Krieter Joachim
Published: June 2020

Besides the direct transport of animals, also indirect transmission routes, e.g., contact via contaminated vehicles, have to be considered. In this study, the transmission routes of a German pig trade network were illustrated as a monopartite animal movements network and two bipartite networks including information of the transport company and the feed producer which were projected on farm level (n = 866) to enable a comparison. The networks were investigated with the help of network analysis and formed the basis for epidemiological models to evaluate the impact of different transmission routes on network structure as well as on potential epidemic sizes. The number of edges increased immensely from the monopartite animal movements network to both projected networks. The median centrality parameters revealed clear differences between the three representations. Furthermore, moderate correlation coefficients ranging from 0.55 to 0.68 between the centrality values of the animal movements network and the projected transportation network were obtained. The epidemiological models revealed significantly more infected farms for both projected networks (70% to 100%) compared to the animal movements network (1%). The inclusion of indirect transmission routes had an immense impact on the outcome of centrality parameters as well as on the results of the epidemiological models.
Color of Colon Content of Normal and Intrauterine Growth-Restricted Weaned Piglets Is Associated with Specific Microbial Taxa and Physiological Parameters
Authors: Wiese Maria , Hui Yan , Nielsen Dennis S. , Williams Andrew R. , Lynegaard Julie C. , R. Weber Nicolai , Amdi Charlotte
Published: June 2020

A well-balanced gut microbiome is associated with improved health outcomes, but to date, the GM of IUGR piglets have only been sparsely investigated. Here, we investigated GM composition, color of colon content, and blood parameters of 20 IUGR and 20 normal 24-day-old piglets. No significant differences were detected in colon microbiota composition between IUGR and the normal piglets with respect to alpha and beta diversity measures. The colon content of these piglets displayed three colors: brown, black, and yellow. Interestingly, the color of the colon content varied with microbial community composition, with significant differences in the relative abundance of taxa belonging to Fusobacteria and Treponema. Fusobacteria were most abundant in yellow fecal samples, with a mean relative abundance around 5.6%, whereas this was 0.51% within brown and 0.02% for the black fecal samples. Fusobacteria positively correlated with total blood protein, albumin, and triglycerides. Contrarily, Treponema was at 0.9% the most abundant in black fecal samples, while present at 0.1% of relative abundance in brown fecal samples and 0.01% in yellow samples, correlating positively with blood iron content. This study indicates that colon/fecal content color can be used as indicator for specific GM and metabolite signatures.
A New Framework for Assessing Equid Welfare: A Case Study of Working Equids in Nepalese Brick Kilns
Authors: Norris Stuart L. , Kubasiewicz Laura M. , Watson Tamlin L. , Little Holly A. , Yadav Atish K. , Thapa Sajana , Raw Zoe , Burden Faith A.
Published: June 2020

Equids fulfil many different roles within communities. In low- to middle-income countries (LMICs), in addition to providing a source of income, equids also provide essential transport of food, water, and goods to resource-limited and/or isolated communities that might otherwise lack access. The aim of this investigation was to understand the welfare conditions that donkeys, mules, and horses are exposed to whilst working in Nepalese brick kilns. To understand the welfare conditions of equids in Nepalese brick kilns, the Welfare Aggregation and Guidance (WAG) tool in conjunction with the Equid Assessment, Research and Scoping (EARS) tool was used to understand the health, behaviour, nutrition, living and working conditions in brick kilns. Further analysis of individual EARS responses focused on key indicator questions relating to demographic information was used to investigate specific areas of welfare concern and attitudes of handlers towards their equids. Trained staff carried out welfare assessments between December 2018 and April 2019. The information gathered using the EARS tool was summarised using the WAG tool to pinpoint areas of welfare concern and suggest possible strategies to mitigate poor welfare conditions and suggest areas to improve the welfare of equids. Overall, the results indicate that to improve the welfare of equids working in Nepalese brick kilns, there should be better provision of clean water, both when working and stabled, equipment should be removed and shade provided during rest periods, with improvements made to housing to allow the equids to rest and recuperate when not working. Further work should also focus on collaborating with owners and equid handlers to improve their attitudes and practices towards their equids. Such improvements can be implemented via training of equid handlers and kiln owners whilst using the EARS and WAG tools to provide a sound basis on which to monitor the effectiveness and impact of education programs on equid welfare.
Effects of Exogenous Glucoamylase Enzymes Alone or in Combination with a Neutral Protease on Apparent Total Tract Digestibility and Feces D-Lactate in Crossbred Angus Bulls Fed a Ration Rich in Rolled Corn
Authors: Devant Maria , Yu Shukun , Genís Sandra , Larsen Torben , Wenting Li
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two glucoamylases (GA) and the combination of one GA with a neutral protease on apparent total tract digestibility in beef bulls fed a total mixed ration (TMR) rich in rolled corn. Sixteen Angus beef bulls (266 ± 4.9 kg of initial BW, and 182 ± 1.7 d of age) were distributed in 4 blocks, each block consisted of 4 animals balanced by BW. The experimental design was a 4 × 4 Latin square (4 blocks and 4 periods, 2 w per period). Four treatments were tested; (1) control, (2) GA preparation from Trichoderma reesei (TrGA); (3) GA from Aspergillus fumigatus (AfuGA); (4) AfuGA in combination with a neutral protease from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (BamPro). Apparent total tract digestibility and fecal D-lactate concentration were analyzed. Enzyme supplementation, regardless of enzyme type, increased apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter (from 66.7% to 73.1% ± 2.01), and starch (from 74.7% to 81.8% ± 2.25), without affecting feces D-lactate concentration. Irrespective of glucoamylase type, glucoamylase supplementation improved apparent digestibility of dry matter and starch, and the addition of a protease did not have additional benefits on nutrient digestibility.
Edition of Prostaglandin E2 Receptors EP2 and EP4 by CRISPR/Cas9 Technology in Equine Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Mançanares Ana Carolina Furlanetto , Cabezas Joel , Manríquez José , de Oliveira Vanessa Cristina , Wong Alvaro Yat Sen , Rojas Daniela , Navarrete Aguirre Felipe , Rodriguez-Alvarez Lleretny , Castro Fidel Ovidio
Published: June 2020

In mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), it has been reported that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) stimulation of EP2 and EP4 receptors triggers processes such as migration, self-renewal, survival, and proliferation, and their activation is involved in homing. The aim of this work was to establish a genetically modified adipose (aMSC) model in which receptor genes EP2 and EP4 were edited separately using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. After edition, the genes were evaluated as to if the expression of MSC surface markers was affected, as well as the migration capacity in vitro of the generated cells. Adipose MSCs were obtained from Chilean breed horses and cultured in DMEM High Glucose with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). sgRNA were cloned into a linearized LentiCRISPRv2GFP vector and transfected into HEK293FT cells for producing viral particles that were used to transduce aMSCs. GFP-expressing cells were separated by sorting to obtain individual clones. Genomic DNA was amplified, and the site-directed mutation frequency was assessed by T7E1, followed by Sanger sequencing. We selected 11 clones of EP2 and 10 clones of EP4, and by Sanger sequencing we confirmed 1 clone knock-out to aMSC/EP2 and one heterozygous mutant clone of aMSC/EP4. Both edited cells had decreased expression of EP2 and EP4 receptors when compared to the wild type, and the edition of EP2 and EP4 did not affect the expression of MSC surface markers, showing the same pattern in filling the scratch. We can conclude that the edition of these receptors in aMSCs does not affect their surface marker phenotype and migration ability when compared to wild-type cells.
Numerical Study of a Customized Transtibial Prosthesis Based on an Analytical Design under a Flex-Foot® Variflex® Architecture
Authors: Hernández-Acosta Marco Antonio , Torres-San Miguel Christopher René , Piña-Díaz Armando Josue , Paredes-Rojas Juan Carlos , Aguilar-Peréz Luis Antonio , Urriolagoitia-Sosa Guillermo
Published: June 2020

This work addresses the design, analysis, and validation of a transtibial custom prosthesis. The methodology consists of the usage of videometry to analyze angular relationships between joints, moments, and reaction forces in the human gait cycle. The customized geometric model of the proposed prosthesis was defined by considering healthy feet for the initial design. The prosthesis model was developed by considering the Flex-Foot® Variflex® architecture on a design basis. By means of the analytical method, the size and material of the final model were calculated. The behavior of the prosthesis was evaluated analytically by a curved elements analysis and the Castigliano theorem, and numerically by the Finite Element Method (FEM). The outcome shows the differences between the analytical and numerical methods for the final prosthesis design, with an error rate no greater than 6.5%.
Analysis of the Risks of Hydrogen Leakage from Hydrogen-Powered Cars and Their Possible Impact on Automotive Market Share Increase
Authors: Sinay Juraj , Brestovič Tomáš , Markovič Jaromír , Glatz Juraj , Gorzás Michal , Vargová Marta
Published: June 2020

For the safe operation of a hydrogen-powered car, one of the strategic requirements is to design the drive chain so that it is burdened with the least possible risk. At the same time, in order to be able to use it in normal operation, it is necessary to create a risk management system throughout the life of the car so that risks are minimized to the level of their acceptability not only by customers but also by a comprehensive infrastructure during its technical life. Experience has shown that one of the decisive risks in the operation of a hydrogen-powered car is the leakage of hydrogen from the car’s fuel system. The article analyzes the pressure effects on obstacles in the explosion of 1 m3 of a stoichiometric mixture of hydrogen and air. The analysis of the instantaneous pressures as a function of time describes the possible consequences for the human body and the surrounding objects with regard to the distance from the center of the explosion.
Analysis of Collapse Mechanism and Treatment Evaluation of a Deeply Buried Hard Rock Tunnel
Authors: Qiao Shifan , Cai Ziyong , Tan Junkun , Xu Ping , Zhang Yonggang
Published: June 2020

Collapse is one of the most dangerous geological disasters in tunnel construction, and it is an urgent engineering problem which needs to be solved. Taking the collapse of the top of an actual tunnel face as an example, through field investigation and theoretical calculation methods, the mechanism of tunnel collapse was studied, and the treatment and evaluation of the collapse area were proposed based on field monitoring data. The results show that the extrusion and bulging deformation on the palm surface and the tensile fracture in the top inclined stratum led to the shear slip of the block along the structural surface and the local collapse of the surrounding rock. Based on the block theory, the potential unstable block at the top of the tunnel was successfully identified, and the treatment method of ‘protecting before filling and then digging’ was proposed. The comprehensive treatment measures of advance bolts, steel arch support, collapse backfill, and step excavation were adopted, with on-site monitoring followed up step by step. Based on the analysis of surrounding rock deformation and stress characteristics, in this paper we demonstrate that the treatment effects of the collapse area are good, and ensure the safety and smooth progress of construction. The proposed treatment method achieved the expected goal and was shown to be able to provide successful treatment for similar collapse cases of tunnel engineering.
On the Achievable Information Rate of Probabilistic Shaping QAM Order and Source Entropy in Visible Light Communication Systems
Authors: Zou Peng , Hu Fangchen , Zhao Yiheng , Chi Nan
Published: June 2020

Probabilistic shaping (PS) is a powerful tool that can realize a flexible data rate and high spectrum efficiency. However, the performance of PS is closely related to the quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) order, source entropy (SE), normalized generalized mutual information (NGMI), and achievable information rate (AIR). In this paper, we investigated the relationship between PS QAM order, SE, NGMI, and AIR performance for the first time in the visible light communication (VLC) system. Under a specific signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the PS QAM order and SE in this paper can realize a high AIR at a preset NGMI threshold with the lowest computation complexity, which is just 0.1 bit smaller than the highest AIR. Simulation and experimental results show that the NGMI fluctuates between only ±0.005 of the preset NGMI threshold, which proves that the scheme proposed in this paper is feasible.
CoRNeA: A Pipeline to Decrypt the Inter-Protein Interfaces from Amino Acid Sequence Information
Authors: Chopra Kriti , Burdak Bhawna , Sharma Kaushal , Kembhavi Ajit , Mande Shekhar C. , Chauhan Radha
Published: June 2020

Decrypting the interface residues of the protein complexes provides insight into the functions of the proteins and, hence, the overall cellular machinery. Computational methods have been devised in the past to predict the interface residues using amino acid sequence information, but all these methods have been majorly applied to predict for prokaryotic protein complexes. Since the composition and rate of evolution of the primary sequence is different between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, it is important to develop a method specifically for eukaryotic complexes. Here, we report a new hybrid pipeline for predicting the protein-protein interaction interfaces in a pairwise manner from the amino acid sequence information of the interacting proteins. It is based on the framework of Co-evolution, machine learning (Random Forest), and Network Analysis named CoRNeA trained specifically on eukaryotic protein complexes. We use Co-evolution, physicochemical properties, and contact potential as major group of features to train the Random Forest classifier. We also incorporate the intra-contact information of the individual proteins to eliminate false positives from the predictions keeping in mind that the amino acid sequence of a protein also holds information for its own folding and not only the interface propensities. Our prediction on example datasets shows that CoRNeA not only enhances the prediction of true interface residues but also reduces false positive rates significantly.
TGF-β1 Activates Nasal Fibroblasts through the Induction of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Shin Jae-Min , Kang Ju-Hyung , Park Joo-Hoo , Yang Hyun-Woo , Lee Heung-Man , Park Il-Ho
Published: June 2020

(1) Background: Tissue remodeling and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation contribute to the development of chronic inflammatory diseases of the upper airway. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is considered to be the key signal for triggering tissue remodeling in pathological conditions. The present study aimed to investigate the role of ER-stress in TGF-β1-stimulated nasal fibroblasts and inferior turbinate organ cultures; (2) Methods: Fibroblasts and organ cultures were pretreated with 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA) and stimulated with TGF-β1 or thapsigargin (TG). Expression of ER-stress markers, myofibroblast marker, and ECM components was measured by Western blotting and real-time PCR. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified using 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. Cell migration was evaluated using Transwell assays. Contractile activity was measured by collagen contraction assay; (3) Results: 4-PBA inhibited TGF-β1 or TG-induced ER-stress marker expression, phenotypic changes, and ECM. Pre-treatment with ROS scavengers inhibited the expression of TGF-β1-induced ER-stress markers. Migration and collagen contraction of TGF-β1 or TG-stimulated fibroblasts were ameliorated by 4-PBA treatment. These findings were confirmed in ex vivo organ cultures; (4) Conclusions: 4-PBA downregulates TGF-β1-induced ER-stress marker expression, migration, and collagen contraction via ROS in fibroblasts and organ cultures. These results suggest that ER-stress may play an important role in progression of chronic upper airway inflammatory diseases by aiding pathological tissue remodeling.
Circulating Inflammatory miRNAs Associated with Parkinson’s Disease Pathophysiology
Authors: Oliveira Sara R. , Dionísio Pedro A. , Correia Guedes Leonor , Gonçalves Nilza , Coelho Miguel , Rosa Mário M. , Amaral Joana D. , Ferreira Joaquim J. , Rodrigues Cecília M. P.
Published: June 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, being largely characterized by motor features. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs, whose deregulation has been associated with neurodegeneration in PD. In this study, miRNAs targeting cell death and/or inflammation pathways were selected and their expression compared in the serum of PD patients and healthy controls. We used two independent cohorts (discovery and validation) of 20 idiopathic PD patients (iPD) and 20 healthy controls each. We also analyzed an additional group of 45 patients with a mutation in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene (LRRK2-PD). miRNA expression was determined using Taqman qRT-PCR and their performance to discriminate between groups was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. We found miR-146a, miR-335-3p, and miR-335-5p downregulated in iPD and LRRK2-PD patients versus controls in both cohorts. In addition, miR-155 was upregulated in LRRK2-PD compared to iPD patients showing an appropriate value of area under the ROC curve (AUC 0.80) to discriminate between the two groups. In conclusion, our study identified a panel of inflammatory related miRNAs differentially expressed between PD patients and healthy controls that highlight key pathophysiological processes and may contribute to improve disease diagnosis.
Amplified Concern for Social Risk in Adolescence: Development and Validation of a New Measure
Authors: Andrews Jack L. , Foulkes Lucy E. , Bone Jessica K. , Blakemore Sarah-Jayne
Published: June 2020

In adolescence, there is a heightened propensity to take health risks such as smoking, drinking or driving too fast. Another facet of risk taking, social risk, has largely been neglected. A social risk can be defined as any decision or action that could lead to an individual being excluded by their peers, such as appearing different to one’s friends. In the current study, we developed and validated a measure of concern for health and social risk for use in individuals of 11 years and over (N = 1399). Concerns for both health and social risk declined with age, challenging the commonly held stereotype that adolescents are less worried about engaging in risk behaviours, compared with adults. The rate of decline was steeper for social versus health risk behaviours, suggesting that adolescence is a period of heightened concern for social risk. We validated our measure against measures of rejection sensitivity, depression and risk-taking behaviour. Greater concern for social risk was associated with increased sensitivity to rejection and greater depressed mood, and this association was stronger for adolescents compared with adults. We conclude that social risks should be incorporated into future models of risk-taking behaviour, especially when they are pitted against health risks.
Life Cycle Prediction and Maintenance of Buildings
Authors: de Brito Jorge , Silva Ana
Published: June 2020

The sustainability of the built environment can only be achieved through the maintenance planning of built facilities during their life cycle, considering social, economic, functional, technical, and ecological aspects [...]