bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the In Ovo Injection of Vitamin D3 and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 in Ross 708 Broilers Subsequently Challenged with Coccidiosis: II Immunological and Inflammatory Responses and Small Intestine Histomorphology
Authors: Fatemi Seyed Abolghasem , Elliott Katie E. C. , Macklin Ken S. , Bello Abiodun , Peebles Edgar David
Published: April 2022

In broilers challenged with coccidiosis, effects of in ovo vitamin D3 (D3) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) administration on their inflammatory response and small intestine morphology were evaluated. At 18 d of incubation (doi), a 50 μL volume of the following 5 in ovo injection treatments was administrated: non-injected (1) and diluent injected (2) controls, or diluent injection containing 2.4 μg D3 (3) or 2.4 μg 25OHD3 (4), or their combination (5). Four male broilers were randomly allocated to each of eight isolated replicate wire-floored battery cages at hatch, and birds were challenged at 14 d of age (doa) with a 20x live coccidial vaccine dosage. One bird from each treatment–replicate (40 birds in each of 8 replicates per treatment) was bled at 14 and 28 doa in order to collect blood for the determination of plasma IL-1β and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations. The duodenum, jejunum, and ilium from those same birds were excised for measurement of villus length, crypt depth, villus length to crypt depth ratio (VCR), and villus surface area. In ovo injection of 2.4 μg of 25OHD3 resulted in a reduction in plasma NO levels as compared to all other treatments at 28 doa. Additionally, duodenal VCR increased in response to the in ovo injection of 25OHD3 when compared to the diluent, D3 alone, and the D3 + 25OHD3 combination treatments at two weeks post-challenge (28 doa). Therefore, it can be concluded that 2.4 μg of 25OHD3, when administrated in ovo at 18 doi, may be used to decrease the inflammatory reaction as well as to enhance the small intestine morphology of broilers during a coccidiosis challenge.
Evaluation of Two Injection Techniques in Combination with the Local Anesthetics Lidocaine and Mepivacaine for Piglets Undergoing Surgical Castration
Authors: Werner Julia , Saller Anna M. , Reiser Judith , Senf Steffanie , Deffner Pauline , Abendschön Nora , Fischer Johannes , Grott Andrea , Miller Regina , Zablotski Yury , Steiger Katja , Bergmann Shana , Erhard Michael H. , Ritzmann Mathias , Zöls Susanne , Baumgartner Christine
Published: April 2022

The present study evaluated the effects of two injection techniques in combination with lidocaine or mepivacaine for piglets undergoing castration. To improve ease of use, a cannula with side holes (one-step fenestrated (F)) was invented to simultaneously deliver a local anesthetic into the testis and scrotum and was compared to a two-step injection technique. The distribution of a lidocaine/contrast agent mixture using the two methods was examined using computed tomography. Piglets were randomly divided into treatment groups: handling, castration without pain relief and castration after lidocaine or mepivacaine injection using the one-step F or two-step method. Acute physiological responses to noxious stimuli were evaluated by measuring the mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and nocifensive movements. Fos protein expression in the spinal dorsal cord was semi-quantitatively analyzed. Both injection techniques achieved similar distribution patterns. The one-step F method was faster and easier. Injection was not associated with significant changes in MAP or HR, but Mepi1 and NaCl elicited significantly increased nocifensive movements. Both techniques significantly reduced MAP and nocifensive movements when the spermatic cords were cut, regardless of the local anesthetic type. Compared to NaCl, only the lidocaine treatments significantly reduced HR during skin incision. Lido2 significantly reduced Fos protein expression.
Disease Ecology of a Low-Virulence Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae Strain in a Free-Ranging Desert Bighorn Sheep Population
Authors: Johnson Brianna M. , Stroud-Settles Janice , Roug Annette , Manlove Kezia
Published: April 2022

Infectious pneumonia associated with the bacterial pathogen Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae is an impediment to bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) population recovery throughout western North America, yet the full range of M. ovipneumoniae virulence in bighorn sheep is not well-understood. Here, we present data from an M. ovipneumoniae introduction event in the Zion desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) population in southern Utah. The ensuing disease event exhibited epidemiology distinct from what has been reported elsewhere, with virtually no mortality (0 adult mortalities among 70 animals tracked over 118 animal-years; 1 lamb mortality among 40 lambs tracked through weaning in the two summers following introduction; and lamb:ewe ratios of 34.9:100 in the year immediately after introduction and 49.4:100 in the second year after introduction). Individual-level immune responses were lower than expected, and M. ovipneumoniae appeared to fade out approximately 1.5 to 2 years after introduction. Several mechanisms could explain the limited burden of this M. ovipneumoniae event. First, most work on M. ovipneumoniae has centered on Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (O. c. candensis), but the Zion bighorns are members of the desert subspecies (O. c. nelsoni). Second, the particular M. ovipneumoniae strain involved comes from a clade of strains associated with weaker demographic responses in other settings. Third, the substructuring of the Zion population may have made this population more resilient to disease invasion and persistence. The limited burden of the disease event on the Zion bighorn population underscores a broader point in wildlife disease ecology: that one size may not fit all events.
Cat Coat Color, Personality Traits and the Cat-Owner Relationship Scale: A Study with Cat Owners in Mexico
Authors: González-Ramírez Mónica Teresa , Landero-Hernández René
Published: April 2022

Studies regarding the cat-owner bond are quite rare, and several aspects merit more research, including personality trait differences in cats related to coat color and the cat-owner relationship. The objectives of the study were to describe, from the perspective of their owners, the personality traits of cats based on their coat colors and to evaluate the relationships among the Cat Owner Relationship Scale (CORS), its subscales and the traits of cats. Therefore, the CORS was translated into Spanish, and its psychometric properties were assessed. For the personality traits of cats, participants answered a 7-point Likert scale indicating the extent to which they agreed with the following characteristics in describing their cats: active, aloof, bold, calm, friendly, intolerant, shy, stubborn, tolerant and trainable. 211 cat owners living in Mexico participated. Owners perceived their cats as being bold and friendly. Gray cats had the highest score for being as shy, aloof and intolerant, while orange cats had the highest scores for being trainable, friendly and calm. Tabbies the highest for bold and active, tricolor cats for stubborn, and bicolor cats for tolerant. The 3 CORS subscales had adequate psychometric properties when evaluated separately. Cat-owner interaction was positively correlated with an active and friendly personality and negatively correlated with aloofness. Emotional closeness was positively correlated with an active, bold and friendly personality, and perceived cost was negatively correlated with boldness.
MALDI-TOF-MS-Based Identification of Monoclonal Murine Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies within One Hour
Authors: Tscheuschner Georg , Kaiser Melanie N. , Lisec Jan , Beslic Denis , Muth Thilo , Krüger Maren , Mages Hans Werner , Dorner Brigitte G. , Knospe Julia , Schenk Jörg A. , Sellrie Frank , Weller Michael G.
Published: April 2022

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, many virus-binding monoclonal antibodies have been developed for clinical and diagnostic purposes. This underlines the importance of antibodies as universal bioanalytical reagents. However, little attention is given to the reproducibility crisis that scientific studies are still facing to date. In a recent study, not even half of all research antibodies mentioned in publications could be identified at all. This should spark more efforts in the search for practical solutions for the traceability of antibodies. For this purpose, we used 35 monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 to demonstrate how sequence-independent antibody identification can be achieved by simple means applied to the protein. First, we examined the intact and light chain masses of the antibodies relative to the reference material NIST-mAb 8671. Already half of the antibodies could be identified based solely on these two parameters. In addition, we developed two complementary peptide mass fingerprinting methods with MALDI-TOF-MS that can be performed in 60 min and had a combined sequence coverage of over 80%. One method is based on the partial acidic hydrolysis of the protein by 5 mM of sulfuric acid at 99 °C. Furthermore, we established a fast way for a tryptic digest without an alkylation step. We were able to show that the distinction of clones is possible simply by a brief visual comparison of the mass spectra. In this work, two clones originating from the same immunization gave the same fingerprints. Later, a hybridoma sequencing confirmed the sequence identity of these sister clones. In order to automate the spectral comparison for larger libraries of antibodies, we developed the online software ABID 2.0. This open-source software determines the number of matching peptides in the fingerprint spectra. We propose that publications and other documents critically relying on monoclonal antibodies with unknown amino acid sequences should include at least one antibody fingerprint. By fingerprinting an antibody in question, its identity can be confirmed by comparison with a library spectrum at any time and context.
A Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Framework for Quantifying Antibody Distribution Gradients from Tumors to Tumor-Draining Lymph Nodes
Authors: Salgado Eric , Cao Yanguang
Published: April 2022

Immune checkpoint blockades prescribed in the neoadjuvant setting are now under active investigation for many types of tumors, and many have shown early success. The primary tumor (PT) and tumor-draining lymph node (TDLN) immune factors, along with adequate therapeutic antibody distributions to the PT and TDLN, are critical for optimal immune activation and anti-tumor efficacy in neoadjuvant immunotherapy. However, it remains largely unknown how much of the antibody can be distributed into the PT-TDLN axis at different clinical scenarios. The goal of the current work is to build a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model framework capable of characterizing antibody distribution gradients in the PT-TDLN axis across various clinical and pathophysiological scenarios. The model was calibrated using clinical data from immuno-PET antibody-imaging studies quantifying antibody pharmacokinetics (PK) in the blood, PTs, and TDLNs. The effects of metastatic lesion location, tumor-induced compression, and inflammation, as well as surgery, on antibody concentration gradients in the PT-TDLN axis were characterized. The PBPK model serves as a valuable tool to predict antibody exposures in various types of tumors, metastases, and the associated lymph node, supporting effective immunotherapy.
Granulomatous Cheilitis or Tuberculid?
Authors: Tomov Georgi , Voynov Parvan , Bachurska Svitlana
Published: April 2022

The granulomatous cheilitis (GC) presents a heterogeneous group of disorders characterised by a granulomatous inflammation/reaction of the lips to various stimuli. Numerous etiologies have been proposed, including genetic, immunologic, allergic and infectious. Among the secondary causes of GC, an infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MBT) should be considered. In such cases, the GC could be the clinical presentation of a tuberculid resulting from a hypersensitivity reaction to an underlying focus of active (ATBI) or latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). This communication describes an immunocompetent patient diagnosed with GC resulting from tuberculid, who responded well to Isoniazid monotherapy.
Availability, Prices and Affordability of Antibiotics Stocked by Informal Providers in Rural India: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Gautham Meenakshi , Miller Rosalind , Rego Sonia , Goodman Catherine
Published: April 2022

Providers without formal training deliver healthcare and antibiotics across rural India, but little is known about the antibiotics that they stock. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of such informal providers (IPs) in two districts of West Bengal, and assessed the availability of the antibiotics, as well as their sales volumes, retail prices, percentage markups for IPs and affordability. Of the 196 IPs that stocked antibiotics, 85% stocked tablets, 74% stocked syrups/suspensions/drops and 18% stocked injections. Across all the IPs, 42 antibiotic active ingredients were stocked, which comprised 278 branded generics from 74 manufacturers. The top five active ingredients that were stocked were amoxicillin potassium clavulanate (52% of the IPs), cefixime (39%), amoxicillin (33%), azithromycin (25%) and ciprofloxacin (21%). By the WHO’s AWaRe classification, 71% of the IPs stocked an ACCESS antibiotic and 84% stocked a WATCH antibiotic. The median prices were in line with the government ceiling prices, but with substantial variation between the lowest and highest priced brands. The most affordable among the top five tablets were ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, cefixime and amoxicillin (US$ 0.8, 0.9, 1.9 and 1.9 per course), and the most affordable among the syrups/suspensions/drops were azithromycin and ofloxacin (US$ 1.7 and 4.5 per course, respectively), which are mostly WATCH antibiotics. IPs are a key source of healthcare and antibiotics in rural communities; practical interventions that target IPs need to balance restricting WATCH antibiotics and expanding the basket of affordable ACCESS antibiotics.
Efficacy of Combination Therapies for the Treatment of Multi-Drug Resistant Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections Based on Meta-Analyses
Authors: Umemura Takumi , Kato Hideo , Hagihara Mao , Hirai Jun , Yamagishi Yuka , Mikamo Hiroshige
Published: April 2022

There is increasing evidence regarding the optimal therapeutic strategies for multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria that cause common infections and are resistant to existing antibiotics. Combination therapies, such as β-lactam combined with β-lactamase inhibitors or combination antibiotics, is a therapeutic strategy to overcome MDR bacteria. In recent years, the therapeutic options have expanded as certain combination drugs have been approved in more countries. However, only a handful of guidelines support these options, and the recommendations are based on low-quality evidence. This review describes the significance and efficacy of combination therapy as a therapeutic strategy against Gram-negative MDR pathogens based on previously reported meta-analyses.
Comparative Risk of Acute Kidney Injury Following Concurrent Administration of Vancomycin with Piperacillin/Tazobactam or Meropenem: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Alshehri Abdulmajeed M. , Alzahrani Mohammed Y. , Abujamal Mohammed A. , Abdalla Mariam H. , Alowais Shuroug A. , Alfayez Osamah M. , Alyami Majed S. , Almutairi Abdulaali R. , Almohammed Omar A.
Published: April 2022

The study aims to comparatively assess the nephrotoxicity of vancomycin when combined with piperacillin-tazobactam (V + PT) or meropenem (V + M) in adult patients hospitalized in general wards or intensive care units. We searched MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Web of Science for observational studies evaluating incidences of AKI in adult patients receiving V + PT or V + M for at least 48 h in general wards or intensive care units. The primary outcome was AKI events, while the secondary outcomes were hospital length of stay, need for renal replacement therapy (RRT), and mortality events. The odds ratio (OR), or mean difference for the hospital length of stay, with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) from the inverse variance weighting random-effects model were estimated for the risk of AKI, RRT, and mortality. Of the 112 studies identified, twelve observational studies were included in this meta-analysis with a total of 14,511 patients. The odds of having AKI were significantly higher in patients receiving V + PT compared with V + M (OR = 2.31; 95%CI 1.69–3.15). There were no differences between V + PT and V + M in the hospital length of stay, RRT, or mortality outcomes. Thus, clinicians should be vigilant while using V + PT, especially in patients who are at high risk of AKI.
Expression of Staphylococcal Virulence Genes In Situ in Human Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
Authors: Pulia Michael S. , Anderson Jennifer , Ye Zhan , Elsayed Noha S. , Le Thao , Patitucci Jacob , Ganta Krishna , Hall Matthew , Singh Vineet K. , Shukla Sanjay K.
Published: April 2022

Background: Staphylococcus aureus, the most common pathogen in skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI), harbors many well-characterized virulence genes. However, the expression of many of them in SSTIs is unknown. In this study, S. aureus virulence genes expressed in SSTI were investigated. Methods: Fifty-three subjects presenting to the outpatient’s care and emergency departments with a purulent SSTI at two medical centers in Wisconsin, USA, were enrolled in the study. Total mRNA was extracted from the purulent or swab materials, made into cDNA and sequenced on MiSeq platform. The relative cDNA counts to gmk and identifications of the transcripts were carried out with respect to USA300 reference genome and using SAMTOOLS v.1.3 and BWA, respectively. Result: A significantly higher cDNA count was observed for many of the virulence and regulatory gene transcripts in the pus samples compared to the swab samples relative to the cDNA counts for gmk, a housekeeping gene. They were for lukS-PV (18.6 vs. 14.2), isaA (13.4 vs. 8.5), ssaA (4.8 vs. 3.1), hlgC (1.4 vs. 1.33), atl (17.7 vs. 8.33), clfA (3.9 vs. 0.83), eno (6.04 vs. 3.16), fnbA (5.93 vs. 0.33), saeS (6.3 vs. 1.33), saeR (5.4 vs. 3.33) and agrC (5.6 vs. 1.5). Conclusions: A relative increase in the transcripts of several toxins, adhesion and regulatory genes with respect to a gmk in purulent materials suggests their role in situ during SSTIs, perhaps in an orchestrated manner.
Discovery of MurA Inhibitors as Novel Antimicrobials through an Integrated Computational and Experimental Approach
Authors: Zhang Fangyuan , Graham Joshua , Zhai Tianhua , Liu Yanhong , Huang Zuyi
Published: April 2022

The bacterial cell wall is essential for protecting bacteria from the surrounding environment and maintaining the integrity of bacteria cells. The MurA enzyme, which is an essential enzyme involved in bacterial cell wall synthesis, could be a good drug target for antibiotics. Although fosfomycin is used clinically as a MurA inhibitor, resistance to this antibiotic is a concern. Here we used molecular docking-based virtual screening approaches to identify potential MurA inhibitors from 1.412 million compounds from three databases. Thirty-three top compounds from virtual screening were experimentally tested in Listeria innocua (Gram-positive bacterium) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative bacterium). Compound 2-Amino-5-bromobenzimidazole (S17) showed growth inhibition effect in both L. innocua and E. coli, with the same Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) value of 0.5 mg/mL. Compound 2-[4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene]-n-nitrohydrazinecarboximidamide (C1) had growth inhibition effect only in L. innocua, with a MIC value of 0.5 mg/mL. Two FDA-approved drugs, albendazole (S4) and diflunisal (S8), had a growth inhibition effect only in E. coli, with a MIC value of 0.0625 mg/mL. The identified MurA inhibitors could be potential novel antibiotics. Furthermore, they could be potential fosfomycin substitutes for the fosfomycin-resistant strains.
Natural Polyphenols May Normalize Hypochlorous Acid-Evoked Hemostatic Abnormalities in Human Blood
Authors: Misztal Tomasz , Golaszewska Agata , Marcińczyk Natalia , Tomasiak-Łozowska Maria , Szymanowska Małgorzata , Chabielska Ewa , Rusak Tomasz
Published: April 2022

During pathogen invasion, activated neutrophils secrete myeloperoxidase (MPO), which generates high local concentrations of hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a strong antimicrobial agent. Prolonged or uncontrolled HOCl production may, however, affect hemostasis, manifesting in inhibition of platelet aggregation and thrombus formation and in elevated fibrin density and attenuated fibrinolysis. In this report, we investigated whether three plant-derived polyphenols with well-known antioxidant properties, i.e., quercetin (Que), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and resveratrol (Resv), at concentrations not affecting platelet responses per se, may normalize particular aspects of hemostasis disturbed by HOCl. Specifically, Que (5–25 μM) and EGCG (10–25 μM) abolished HOCl-evoked inhibition of platelet aggregation (assessed by an optical method), while the simultaneous incubation of platelet-rich plasma with Resv (10–25 μM) enhanced the inhibitory effect of HOCl. A similar effect was observed in the case of thrombus formation under flow conditions, evaluated in whole blood by confocal microscope. When plasma samples were incubated with HOCl, a notably higher density of fibrin (recorded by confocal microscope) was detected, an effect that was efficiently normalized by Que (5–25 μM), EGCG (10–25 μM), and Resv (5–25 μM) and which corresponded with the normalization of the HOCl-evoked prolongation of fibrinolysis, measured in plasma by a turbidimetric method. In conclusion, this report indicates that supplementation with Que and EGCG may be helpful in the normalization of hemostatic abnormalities during inflammatory states associated with elevated HOCl production, while the presence of Resv enhances the inhibitory action of HOCl towards platelets.
Antioxidant Effects of Korean Propolis in HaCaT Keratinocytes Exposed to Particulate Matter 10
Authors: Bae In Ah , Ha Jae Won , Choi Joon Yong , Boo Yong Chool
Published: April 2022

Air pollution causes oxidative stress that leads to inflammatory diseases and premature aging of the skin. The purpose of this study was to examine the antioxidant effect of Korean propolis on oxidative stress in human epidermal HaCaT keratinocytes exposed to particulate matter with a diameter of less than 10 μm (PM10). The total ethanol extract of propolis was solvent-fractionated with water and methylene chloride to divide into a hydrophilic fraction and a lipophilic fraction. The lipophilic fraction of propolis was slightly more cytotoxic, and the hydrophilic fraction was much less cytotoxic than the total extract. The hydrophilic fraction did not affect the viability of cells exposed to PM10, but the total propolis extract and the lipophilic fraction aggravated the toxicity of PM10. The total extract and hydrophilic fraction inhibited PM10-induced ROS production and lipid peroxidation in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas the lipophilic fraction did not show such effects. High-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (HPLC-DAD) analysis showed that the hydrophilic fraction contained phenylpropanoids, such as caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid, whereas the lipophilic faction contained caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE). The former three compounds inhibited PM10-induced ROS production, lipid peroxidation, and/or glutathione oxidation, and ferulic acid was the most effective among them, but CAPE exhibited cytotoxicity and aggravated the toxicity of PM10. This study suggests that Korean propolis, when properly purified, has the potential to be used as a cosmetic material that helps to alleviate the skin toxicity of air pollutants.
HO-1 Upregulation by Kaempferol via ROS-Dependent Nrf2-ARE Cascade Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Mediated Intercellular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 Expression in Human Pulmonary Alveolar Epithelial Cells
Authors: Yang Chien-Chung , Hsiao Li-Der , Wang Chen-Yu , Lin Wei-Ning , Shih Ya-Fang , Chen Yi-Wen , Cho Rou-Ling , Tseng Hui-Ching , Yang Chuen-Mao
Published: April 2022

Lung inflammation is a pivotal event in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a key antioxidant enzyme that could be induced by kaempferol (KPR) and exerts anti-inflammatory effects. However, the molecular mechanisms of KPR-mediated HO-1 expression and its effects on inflammatory responses remain unknown in human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells (HPAEpiCs). This study aimed to verify the relationship between HO-1 expression and KPR treatment in both in vitro and in vivo models. HO-1 expression was determined by real time-PCR, Western blotting, and promoter reporter analyses. The signaling components were investigated by using pharmacological inhibitors or specific siRNAs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay was performed to investigate the interaction between nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor (Nrf2) and antioxidant response elements (ARE) binding site of HO-1 promoter. The effect of KPR on monocytes (THP-1) binding to HPAEpiCs challenged with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) was determined by adhesion assay. We found that KPR-induced HO-1 level attenuated the LPS-induced intercellular cell adhesion protein 1 (ICAM-1) expression in HPAEpiCs. KPR-induced HO-1 mRNA and protein expression also attenuated ICAM-1 expression in mice. Tin protoporphyrin (SnPP)IX reversed the inhibitory effects of KPR in HPAEpiCs. In addition, in HPAEpiCs, KPR-induced HO-1 expression was abolished by both pretreating with the inhibitor of NADPH oxidase (NOX, apocynin (APO)), reactive oxygen species (ROS) (N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC)), Src (Src kinase inhibitor II (Srci II)), Pyk2 (PF431396), protein kinase C (PKC)α (Gö6976), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor (p38i) VIII, or c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK)1/2 (SP600125) and transfection with their respective siRNAs. The transcription of the homx1 gene was enhanced by Nrf2 activated by JNK1/2 and p38α MAPK. The binding activity between Nrf2 and HO-1 promoter was attenuated by APO, NAC, Srci II, PF431396, or Gö6983. KPR-mediated NOX/ROS/c-Src/Pyk2/PKCα/p38α MAPK and JNK1/2 activate Nrf2 to bind with ARE on the HO-1 promoter and induce HO-1 expression, which further suppresses the LPS-mediated inflammation in HPAEpiCs. Thus, KPR exerts a potential strategy to protect against pulmonary inflammation via upregulation of the HO-1.
Quality Prediction in Directed Energy Deposition Using Artificial Neural Networks Based on Process Signals
Authors: Marko Angelina , Bähring Stefan , Raute Julius , Biegler Max , Rethmeier Michael
Published: April 2022

The Directed Energy Deposition process is used in a wide range of applications including the repair, coating or modification of existing structures and the additive manufacturing of individual parts. As the process is frequently applied in the aerospace industry, the requirements for quality assurance are extremely high. Therefore, more and more sensor systems are being implemented for process monitoring. To evaluate the generated data, suitable methods must be developed. A solution, in this context, was the application of artificial neural networks (ANNs). This article demonstrates how measurement data can be used as input data for ANNs. The measurement data were generated using a pyrometer, an emission spectrometer, a camera (Charge-Coupled Device) and a laser scanner. First, a concept for the extraction of relevant features from dynamic measurement data series was presented. The developed method was then applied to generate a data set for the quality prediction of various geometries, including weld beads, coatings and cubes. The results were compared to ANNs trained with process parameters such as laser power, scan speed and powder mass flow. It was shown that the use of measurement data provides additional value. Neural networks trained with measurement data achieve significantly higher prediction accuracy, especially for more complex geometries.
Effects of Time and Temperature on Stability of Bioactive Molecules, Color and Volatile Compounds during Storage of Grape Pomace Flour
Authors: Gerardi Carmela , Durante Miriana , Tufariello Maria , Grieco Francesco , Giovinazzo Giovanna
Published: April 2022

Background: Grape pomace is highly attractive for the food industry as it contains numerous bioactive molecules relevant for human health. However, in order to exploit pomace flour as a functional food ingredient for food industry, it is important understand how long-term storage affects the stability of both bioactive molecules and volatile compounds, in addition to color. To this end, we analyzed whole pomace flour from red grape during a six-month storage period in the dark, either at 4 °C or 25 °C. Methods: The specific parameters monitored of grape pomace flour included: antioxidant activity (TEAC assay), total phenol content (Folin-Ciocalteu assay), phenol composition (high performance liquid chromatography), fatty acid composition (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry), volatile compound profiles (headspace-solid phase micro-extraction) and color. Results: Prolonged storage did not significantly affect total phenol content, antioxidant activity and characterized bioactive molecules (polyphenols, fatty acids). The only detected effect of storage was a slight whitening of the pomace flour and a small increase of volatile long chain esters and ketons after 6 months at 25 °C. Conclusions: The activity of several health-relevant bioactive compounds remained stable following storage of pomace flour for 6 months at 4 °C, supporting its possible use as a functional food ingredient.
Orthopedics-Related Applications of Ultrafast Laser and Its Recent Advances
Authors: Li Celina L. , Fisher Carl J. , Burke Ray , Andersson-Engels Stefan
Published: April 2022

The potential of ultrafast lasers (pico- to femtosecond) in orthopedics-related procedures has been studied extensively for clinical adoption. As compared to conventional laser systems with continuous wave or longer wave pulse, ultrafast lasers provide advantages such as higher precision and minimal collateral thermal damages. Translation to surgical applications in the clinic has been restrained by limitations of material removal rate and pulse average power, whereas the use in surface texturing of implants has become more refined to greatly improve bioactivation and osteointegration within bone matrices. With recent advances, we review the advantages and limitations of ultrafast lasers, specifically in orthopedic bone ablation as well as bone implant laser texturing, and consider the difficulties encountered within orthopedic surgical applications where ultrafast lasers could provide a benefit. We conclude by proposing our perspectives on applications where ultrafast lasers could be of advantage, specifically due to the non-thermal nature of ablation and control of cutting.
Flux-Barrier Design and Torque Performance Analysis of Synchronous Reluctance Motor with Low Torque Ripple
Authors: Liang Jing , Dong Yan , Sun Hexu , Liu Rongzhe , Zhu Guantong
Published: April 2022

In this paper, an improved rotor structure with cross-shaped flux-barriers was proposed to improve the torque output capacity and reduce the torque ripple of the synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM). Firstly, an improved rotor structure of synchronous reluctance motor with cross-shaped flux-barriers, which can be described by two main parameters, is presented. Second, the improved motor is qualitatively analyzed by using magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC), and then the effects of the main parameters of the improved flux-barriers on the distribution of air-gap flux density, average torque, and torque ripple were analyzed by using the finite element method. Based on the above analysis, the rotor structure parameters of the proposed cross-shaped flux-barriers were obtained, and the performance was compared with that of the initial motor. The results show that the proposed rotor structure with cross-shaped flux-barriers can significantly reduce the torque ripple and increase the average torque.
In Vitro Activity of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester against Different Oral Microorganisms
Authors: AlSheikh Rasha , Albagieh Hamad N. , Abdouh Ismail , Zaki Hattan , Alzahrani Amal M. , Halawany Hassan S. , Al-Khalifa Khalifa S.
Published: April 2022

This was an in vitro study that aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of the propolis extract caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on four different oral microorganisms. Seven different concentrations of CAPE (0.2, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, and 4 mg/mL) for use against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus oralis, and Streptococcus salivarius were determined using minimum inhibition concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), broth microdilution, and well diffusion tests over 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h, while NaF at 0.05 percent was used as a positive control. Staphylococcus aureus was most affected by CAPE’s inhibitory effect on bacterial growth, whereas S. mutans was the least affected. S. mutans and S. oralis had similar CAPE MIC and MBC values of 1 mg/mL and 1.5 mg/mL, respectively. The most resistant bacteria to CAPE were S. salivarius and S. aureus, with MIC and MBC values of 3 mg/mL and 4 mg/mL, respectively. S. oralis, followed by S. salivarius, S. mutans, and S. aureus, had the highest viable count following exposure to CAPE’s MBC values, while S. aureus had the lowest. The current results of the inhibitory effect of CAPE on bacterial growth are promising, and the values of both CAPE MBC and MIC against the related four cariogenic bacterial organisms are significant. CAPE can be employed as an adjunct dental hygiene substance for maintaining good oral hygiene, and has a potential therapeutic effect in the field of oral health care.
Advanced Oxidation Pretreatment for Biological Treatment of Reclaimer Wastewater Containing High Concentration N-methyldiethanolamine
Authors: Oh Gi-Taek , Ahn Chi-Kyu , Lee Min-Woo
Published: April 2022

A wastewater treatment configuration consisting of advanced oxidation pretreatment and biological wastewater treatment process (BWTP) was investigated to treat a reclaimer wastewater generated in a steel-making industry, which contained high concentration MDEA (N-methyldiethanolamine) of up to 20,548 mg/L and other pollutants such as formate, phenol, and thiocyanate. The Fenton, ozone, and peroxone methods were tested as candidates, and the peroxone method was chosen because it could selectively decompose MDEA resulting in the final MDEA and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies of 92.87% and 27.16%, respectively. Through the respirometer tests using the sludge of the BWTP, it was identified that the microbial toxicity of the peroxone-pretreated wastewater was negligible and the short-term biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) to COD ratio, indicating that the biodegradability of wastewater significantly increased from 0.103 to 0.147 by the peroxone pretreatment. Analysis of the oxygen uptake rate profiles also revealed that the microbial degradation rate of the pollutants present in the reclaimer wastewater was in the order of phenol > formate > thiocyanate > MDEA, which could be changed depending on the microbial community structure of the BWTP.
Benchmarking of Technological Platforms for Accessible Tourism: A Study Resulting in an Innovative Solution—Access@tour
Authors: Alves Joana , Teixeira Pedro , Eusébio Celeste , Teixeira Leonor
Published: April 2022

Tourism information systems are becoming crucial tools to ensure access to tourism for all people, especially for those with special needs. The aim of this paper is to propose an innovative web platform to increase knowledge transfer among all stakeholders involved in accessible tourism. To achieve this aim, a content analysis of a sample of web platforms responsible for promoting accessible tourism was conducted. With the limitations of the existing platforms as a reference and using a triangulation of methods to identify the requirements that a web platform for accessible tourism should include, a new platform is presented. It is characterized by being innovative and by promoting the collaboration and sharing of information between all the actors involved in accessible tourism—access@tour by action. The analysis revealed that there is a lack of this type of platform: only 10 platforms promoting accessible tourism were identified. Moreover, these platforms are limited in scope. Therefore, new tools should be developed to increase the participation of people with special needs in tourism activities, especially people with disabilities.
Non-Measuring Camera Monitoring of Comprehensive Displacement of Simulated Slope Mass Based on Edge Extraction of Subpixel Ring Mark
Authors: Han Yu , Lian Xugang , Wang Fan , Fan Haodi
Published: April 2022

Slope hazards threaten the safety of buildings and people’s lives and property. Real-time and dynamic monitoring of slope deformation by digital image monitoring technology is an effective method to prevent slope hazards. In this study, the Zhang Zhengyou calibration method is used to calibrate a non-metric digital camera, which is used to monitor the simulated slope with ring marks. The sub-pixel algorithm is used to identify the center coordinates of the landmarks. The proportional coefficient is obtained from the relationship between the landmarks and the actual distance. The change in displacement of the position of the digital camera is calculated in combination with the specific displacement value of the slope, yielding the rapid and accurate displacement trend of the slope. The outdoor experimental results show that the monitoring accuracy of this method can reach millimeter level, which can meet the demand of slope monitoring.
Black Fungi on Stone-Built Heritage: Current Knowledge and Future Outlook
Authors: De Leo Filomena , Marchetta Alessia , Urzì Clara
Published: April 2022

Black fungi are considered as one of the main group of microorganisms responsible for the biodeterioration of stone cultural heritage artifacts. In this paper, we provide a critical analysis and review of more than 30 years of studies on black fungi isolated from stone-built heritage from 1990 to date. More than 109 papers concerning the fungal biodeterioration activity of stone were analysed. The main findings were a check list of the black fungal taxa involved in the biodeterioration of stone-built heritage, with a particular reference to meristematic black fungi, the main biodeterioration pattern attributed to them, and the methods of study including the new molecular advances. A particular focus was to discuss the current approaches to control black fungi from stone-built heritage and future perspectives. Black fungi are notoriously hard to remove or mitigate, so new methods of study and of control are needed, but it is also important to combine classical methods with new approaches to improve current knowledge to implement future conservation strategies.
The Characterization Analysis of the Oil-Immersed Transformers Obtained by Area Elimination Method Design
Authors: Thungsuk Nuttee , Mungkung Narong , Tanaram Thaweesak , Chaithanakulwat Arckarakit , Arunrungsusmi Somchai , Poonthong Wittawat , Songruk Apidat , Tunlasakun Khanchai , Chunkul Chalathip , Tanitteerapan Tanes , Yuji Toshifumi , Kinoshita Hiroyuki
Published: April 2022

This study used the Area Elimination Method (AEM) of transformer design with transformer characteristic simulation. The multidimensional variable of physical parameters such as magnetic density, current density, voltage and coil turn was performed. This method was used in designing the 8000 kVA 22,000–3300/1905 V oil-type large distribution transformer. The result from a design found that the objective function tries to reduce the material to be used, and less core steel, less conductors, less transformer oil or less transformer tanks may cause an increasing load loss or increasing temperature rise, but we have calculated the temperature in the winding and design the radiator fins at the same time. After designing the transformer with AEM and it being manufactured in the production process, the transformer was tested according to IEC standards. It was confirmed that the power loss tests with no load yielded lower power loss than the standard value. In addition, the transformer passed the satisfaction test and the results of this design were built and tested with IEC 60076 standards. The information from the design using the Area Elimination Method could be a guarantee of standardized accuracy for oil distribution transformers. This also saves time and increases design efficiency for transformer designers.
Remote Sensing Scene Data Generation Using Element Geometric Transformation and GAN-Based Texture Synthesis
Authors: Liu Zhaoyang , Guan Renxiang , Hu Jingyu , Chen Weitao , Li Xianju
Published: April 2022

Classification of remote sensing scene image (RSSI) has been broadly applied and has attracted increasing attention. However, scene classification methods based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) require a large number of manually labeled samples as training data, which is time-consuming and costly. Therefore, generating labeled data becomes a practical approach. However, conventional scene generation based on generative adversarial networks (GANs) involve some significant limitations, such as distortion and limited size. To solve the mentioned problems, herein, we propose a method of RSSI generation using element geometric transformation and GAN-based texture synthesis. Firstly, we segment the RSSI, extracting the element information in the RSSI. Then, we perform geometric transformations on the elements and extract the texture information in them. After that, we use the GAN-based method to model and generate the texture. Finally, we fuse the transformed elements with the generated texture to obtain the generated RSSI. The geometric transformation increases the complexity of the scene. The GAN-based texture synthesis ensures the generated scene image is not distorted. Experimental results demonstrate that the RSSI generated by our method achieved a better visual effect than a GAN model. In addition, the performance of CNN classifiers was reduced by 0.44–3.41% on the enhanced data set, which is partly attributed to the complexity of the generated samples. The proposed method was able to generate diverse scene data with sufficient fidelity under conditions of small sample size and solve the accuracy saturation issues of the public scene data sets.
Method for Prolonging the Shelf Life of Apples after Storage
Authors: Saletnik Bogdan , Zaguła Grzegorz , Saletnik Aneta , Bajcar Marcin , Słysz Ewelina , Puchalski Czesław
Published: April 2022

This study investigated the effects of the use of low magnetic fields as a potential method for improving the quality of apples after storage. The fruit were exposed to 100 μT magnetic fields for 8 h per day and kept for a period of two weeks in room conditions. The results showed that the samples that were treated with a magnetic field generally had a higher value ratio of total soluble solid and titratable acidity compared to the untreated samples, which indicated their higher quality. Continuous treatment with a magnetic field influenced the mechanical properties of apples, as demonstrated by the greater firmness, lower weight loss and suppressed CO2 production of the apples that were stored in room conditions. After the treatment of the apples, a new product was produced with greater firmness, higher quality potential (the ratio of total soluble solid and titratable acidity) and an extended shelf life/lower respiration rate. Therefore, treatment with a magnetic field can be used to extend the shelf life of apples and needs to be demonstrated by further investigations.
Special Issue “Celebrating Applied Sciences Reaches 20,000 Articles Milestone: Feature Papers in Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering Section”
Authors: Gorska-Ponikowska Magdalena , Cappello Francesco
Published: April 2022

This Special Issue celebrates the publication of 20,000 articles in Applied Sciences [...]
Design and Development of a Management System for Energy Microgrids Using Linear Programming
Authors: Espitia-Ibarra Mateo , Maya-Duque Pablo , Jaramillo-Duque Álvaro
Published: April 2022

Energy is a fundamental tool for human development and this paper presents an approach that seeks to improve its use in Colombian off-grid communities. This approach is based on microgrid concepts where generation, storage, and consumption units interact with each other, and these interactions are presented through a linear programming model. In this approach, specific strategies are implemented according to the Colombian context, where some isolated communities already have diesel-based solutions for energy access, and the type of element that is studied, finding that the proposed optimization model is capable of adequately managing the loads of the microgrid,, thus improving the way in which the generated energy is stored and used through said horizon. Finally, different characteristics of the model are evaluated against multiple indicators and it is concluded that there may be much more specific strategies that improve its operation.
Survey on Video-Based Biomechanics and Biometry Tools for Fracture and Injury Assessment in Sports
Authors: Ortiz-Padilla Vanessa E. , Ramírez-Moreno Mauricio A. , Presbítero-Espinosa Gerardo , Ramírez-Mendoza Ricardo A. , Lozoya-Santos Jorge de J.
Published: April 2022

This work presents a survey literature review on biomechanics, specifically aimed at the study of existent biomechanical tools through video analysis, in order to identify opportunities for researchers in the field, and discuss future proposals and perspectives. Scientific literature (journal papers and conference proceedings) in the field of video-based biomechanics published after 2010 were selected and discussed. The most common application of the study of biomechanics using this technique is sports, where the most reported applications are american football, soccer, basketball, baseball, jumping, among others. These techniques have also been studied in a less proportion, in ergonomy, and injury prevention. From the revised literature, it is clear that biomechanics studies mainly focus on the analysis of angles, speed or acceleration, however, not many studies explore the dynamical forces in the joints. The development of video-based biomechanic tools for force analysis could provide methods for assessment and prediction of biomechanical force associated risks such as injuries and fractures. Therefore, it is convenient to start exploring this field. A few case studies are reported, where force estimation is performed via manual tracking in different scenarios. This demonstration is carried out using conventional manual tracking, however, the inclusion of similar methods in an automated manner could help in the development of intelligent healthcare, force prediction tools for athletes and/or elderly population. Future trends and challenges in this field are also discussed, where data availability and artificial intelligence models will be key to proposing new and more reliable methods for biomechanical analysis.