bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioral comorbidities treatment by fecal microbiota transplantation in canine epilepsy: a pilot study of a novel therapeutic approach
Authors: Watanangura Antja , Meller Sebastian , Farhat Nareed , Suchodolski Jan S. , Pilla Rachel , Khattab Mohammad R. , Lopes Bruna C. , Bathen-Nöthen Andrea , Fischer Andrea , Busch-Hahn Kathrin , Flieshardt Cornelia , Gramer Martina , Richter Franziska , Zamansky Anna , Volk Holger A.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Anxiety and cognitive dysfunction are frequent, difficult to treat and burdensome comorbidities in human and canine epilepsy. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been shown to modulate behavior in rodent models by altering the gastrointestinal microbiota (GIM). This study aims to investigate the beneficial effects of FMT on behavioral comorbidities in a canine translational model of epilepsy.

Methods

Nine dogs with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) and behavioral comorbidities were recruited. The fecal donor had epilepsy with unremarkable behavior, which exhibited a complete response to phenobarbital, resulting in it being seizure-free long term. FMTs were performed three times, two weeks apart, and the dogs had follow-up visits at three and six months after FMTs. Comprehensive behavioral analysis, including formerly validated questionnaires and behavioral tests for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)- and fear- and anxiety-like behavior, as well as cognitive dysfunction, were conducted, followed by objective computational analysis. Blood samples were taken for the analysis of antiseizure drug (ASD) concentrations, hematology, and biochemistry. Urine neurotransmitter concentrations were measured. Fecal samples were subjected to analysis using shallow DNA shotgun sequencing, real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based Dysbiosis Index (DI) assessment, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) quantification.

Results

Following FMT, the patients showed improvement in ADHD-like behavior, fear- and anxiety-like behavior, and quality of life. The excitatory neurotransmitters aspartate and glutamate were decreased, while the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and GABA/glutamate ratio were increased compared to baseline. Only minor taxonomic changes were observed, with a decrease in Firmicutes and a Blautia_A species, while a Ruminococcus species increased. Functional gene analysis, SCFA concentration, blood parameters, and ASD concentrations remained unchanged.

Discussion

Behavioral comorbidities in canine IE could be alleviated by FMT. This study highlights FMT’s potential as a novel approach to improving behavioral comorbidities and enhancing the quality of life in canine patients with epilepsy.
HIV latency potential may be influenced by intra-subtype genetic differences in the viral long-terminal repeat
Authors: Doolabh Deelan Sudhir , Selhorst Philippe , Williamson Carolyn , Chopera Denis , Abrahams Melissa-Rose
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Elucidation of mechanisms that drive HIV latency is essential to identifying cure strategies. While host mechanisms associated with viral persistence on antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been well studied, less is known about the viral properties that influence latency. The viral promoter element, the 5’ long terminal repeat (LTR), has been shown to affect the number of latently infected cells shortly after infection. Here we investigated the role of subtype C LTR genotypic variation on the establishment of latency in a dual reporter HIV-1 infection model.

Methods

The LTR U3 and R regions from 11 women with acute/early subtype C HIV infection were cloned into the dual reporter pRGH plasmid. Latency potential was calculated based on the expression of fluorescent reporter genes in Jurkat E6–1 cells measured by flow cytometry as the proportion of latent (mCherry +ve cells)/proportion of active (eGFP +ve mCherry +ve cells) infection. Reversal of latency was performed using PMA/Ionomycin stimulation 24 hours before fixing of cells. LTR transcriptional capacity, in the presence and absence of a heterologous subtype C Tat, was measured for the same LTRs cloned into a pGL4.10 luciferase expression vector following transfection of HEK293T cells.

Results

The majority of proviruses were latent at day 8 post-infection, yet the proportion of latently infected cells varied significantly across participants. We observed a median latent:active infection ratio of 1.79 (range 0.86–2.83) across LTRs with the hierarchy of latency potential remaining consistent across repeat experiments. The median latent:active infection ratio decreased by a median of 3-fold following PMA/Ionomycin stimulation to 0.55 (range 0.46–0.78) indicating that a proportion of latently infected cells could produce viral proteins upon activation. Latency potential did not correlate with LTR transcriptional capacity.

Conclusions

We found intra-subtype level differences in the latency potential of LTRs from South African women independent of their transcriptional capacity, suggesting that HIV-1 LTRs have intrinsic properties that influence the proportion of latently infected cells shortly after infection. The inability to reactivate viral expression in all latently infected cells supports the complex nature of mechanisms driving latency and the need for continued advancements in methods used to study these mechanisms.
Avoidable Mortality in Korea 1997–2001: Temporal Trend and its Contribution to All-cause Mortality
Authors: Jeong Yoolwon , Seo Sunghyo
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study analyzed the mortality trends from avoidable causes in Korea from 1997 to 2021, to estimate its contribution to the overall mortality in different subgroups, including. Gender, age, and cause of disease.

Methods

The all-cause and avoidable mortality were presented as a time series plot and average annual percent change. Trend of avoidable mortality was also analyzed by subgroups, disease causes and the percentage attributed to each causes.

Results

The decline in avoidable mortality accounted for 82.6% of all-cause mortality reduction. Preventable mortality showed a more pronounced decline than treatable mortality, explaining 72.3% of the avoidable mortality reduction. In 1997–2001, avoidable death occurred in 72.2% (537,024 cases) of all-cause deaths, which declined to 60.0% (342,979 cases) in 2017–2021. The contribution of avoidable mortality in the decline of all-cause morality was greater in males (83.6%) than in females (79.3%).

Conclusion

The decline in avoidable mortality and its contribution to the all-cause mortality reduction implies general improvement of the population health in Korea. Nevertheless, the heterogenous trend within different subgroups warrants more equitable design and implementation of health services and policies.
Views, Attitudes and Challenges When Supporting a Family Member in Their Decision to Travel to Switzerland to Receive Aid-In-Dying
Authors: Sperling Daniel
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Exploring the experiences, perceptions and meanings of family members and close friends of Israeli individuals who sought aid-in-dying outside Israel.

Methods

Using the phenomenological-interpretive approach, a qualitative research design was employed, based on ten in-depth semi-structured interviews with Israelis who had provided support for a relative who embarked on suicide tourism.

Results

The following five themes emerged from interviews: (1) facilitators for supporting an individual requesting suicide tourism; (2) choosing death and actively making the decision to die; (3) the meaning of traveling to die; (4) offering support throughout the process; and (5) facilitating procedures after death.

Conclusion

The participants spoke of the active role that they played in their relative’s suicide-tourism journey. They conveyed conflicting emotions and values regarding the decision at hand, the ability to say goodbye thanks to their pre-planned death, helping to reduce their suffering and burden, and dealing with the challenge of disclosing the deceased’s plans, before and after the act, as well as their own involvement in the process. Relatives of suicide-tourism patients should receive professional support during and following this difficult process.
Diaphragm and Lung Transplantation
Authors: Palleschi Alessandro , Mattioni Giovanni , LoMauro Antonella , Privitera Emilia , Musso Valeria , Morlacchi Letizia , Vergari Maurizio , Velardo Daniele , Grasselli Giacomo
Published: June 2024

Mutual interactions between the diaphragm and lung transplantation (LTx) are known to exist. Before LTx, many factors can exert notable impact on the diaphragmatic function, such as the underlying respiratory disease, the comorbidities, and the chronic treatments of the patient. In the post-LTx setting, even the surgical procedure itself can cause a stressful trauma to the diaphragm, potentially leading to morphological and functional alterations. Conversely, the diaphragm can significantly influence various aspects of the LTx process, ranging from graft-to-chest cavity size matching to the long-term postoperative respiratory performance of the recipient. Despite this, there are still no standard criteria for evaluating, defining, and managing diaphragmatic dysfunction in the context of LTx to date. This deficiency hampers the accurate assessment of those factors which affect the diaphragm and its reciprocal influence on LTx outcomes. The objective of this narrative review is to delve into the complex role the diaphragm plays in the different stages of LTx and into the modifications of this muscle following surgery.
Incorporating Human–Machine Transition into CACC Platoon Guidance Strategy for Actuator Failure
Authors: Liu Qingchao , Gong Ling
Published: June 2024

This study proposes a guidance strategy based on human–machine transition (HMT) for cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC) truck platoon actuator failures. Existing research on the CACC platoon mainly focuses on upper-level planning and rarely considers platoon planning failures caused by actuator failures. This study proposes that the truck in the platoon creates sufficient space on the target lane through HMT when the actuator fails, thereby promoting lane changes for the entire team. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is evaluated using the Simulation of Urban Mobility (SUMO) simulation. The results demonstrate that under conditions ensuring the normal operation of traffic flow, this guidance strategy enhances the platoon’s lane-changing capability. In addition, this strategy exhibits stronger robustness and efficiency in different traffic densities. This guidance strategy provides valuable insights into improving the driving efficiency of CACC truck platoons in complex road environments.
Thermally Induced Vibration of a Flexible Plate with Enhanced Active Constrained Layer Damping
Authors: Guo Yueru , Guo Yongbin , Zhang Yongxin , Li Liang , Zhang Dingguo , Chen Sijia , Eltaher Mohamed A.
Published: June 2024

When spacecraft execute missions in space, their solar panels—crucial components—often need to be folded, unfolded, and adjusted at an angle. These operations can induce numerous detrimental nonlinear vibrations. This paper addresses the issues of nonlinear and thermal-coupled vibration control within the context of space-based flexible solar panel systems. Utilizing piezoelectric smart hybrid vibration control technology, this study focuses on a flexible plate augmented with an active constrained layer damping. The solar panel, under thermal field conditions, is modeled and simulated using the commercial finite element simulation software ABAQUS. The research examines variations in the modal frequencies and damping properties of the model in response to changes in the coverage location of the piezoelectric patches, their coverage rate, rotational angular velocity, and the thickness of the damping layer. Simulation results indicate that structural damping is more effective when the patches are closer to the rotation axis, the coverage area of the patches is larger, the rotational speed is lower, and the damping layer is thicker. Additionally, the effectiveness of vibration suppression is influenced by the interplay between the material shear modulus, loss factor, and specific working temperature ranges. The selection of appropriate parameters can significantly alter the system’s vibrational characteristics. This work provides necessary technical references for the analysis of thermally induced vibrations in flexible solar sails under complex space conditions.
Surface Pressure Measurement of Truncated, Linear Aerospike Nozzles Utilising Secondary Injection for Aerodynamic Thrust Vectoring
Authors: Sieder-Katzmann Jan , Propst Martin , Stark Ralf H. , Schneider Dirk , General Stephan , Tajmar Martin , Bach Christian
Published: June 2024

A cold-gas test campaign has been conducted at the DLR’s P6.2 test bench in Lampoldshausen, with the objective of investigating the linear aerospike nozzle flow in interaction with secondary injection thrust vector control (SITVC). In this campaign, the influence of nozzle truncation, injection position and injection pressure on the nozzle surface and base pressure is analysed using pressure probes and Schlieren flow-visualisation techniques. The effects of injection position and truncation on the nozzle surface pressure development are comparable for all geometric variations, resulting in a locally increased static pressure upstream and a locally decreased static pressure downstream of the injection. The magnitude and dimension of these high- and low-pressure regions are correlated with the injection pressure. However, the influence of injection position and truncation on the base pressure is not entirely predictable by the named parameters, indicating an interdependence between both geometric parameters. Finally, the required pressure ratio of injection to the primary flow to ensure sonic injection has been analysed on TUD’s cold-gas test bench. This allows the respective injection position-dependent threshold to be identified. The analysis reveals that these experiments have been conducted under transsonic injection conditions.
AI-Based Anomaly Detection Techniques for Structural Fault Diagnosis Using Low-Sampling-Rate Vibration Data
Authors: Jung Yub , Park Eun-Gyo , Jeong Seon-Ho , Kim Jeong-Ho
Published: June 2024

Rotorcrafts experience severe vibrations during operation. To ensure the safety of rotorcrafts, it is necessary to perform anomaly detection to detect small-scale structural faults in major components. To accurately detect small-scale faults before they grow to a fatal size, HR (high sampling rate) vibration data are required. However, to increase the efficiency of data storage media, only LR (low sampling rate) vibration data are generally collected during actual flight operation. Anomaly detection using only LR data can detect faults above a certain size, but may fail to detect small-scale faults. To address this problem, we propose an anomaly detection technique using the SR3 (Super-Resolution via Repeated Refinement) algorithm to upscale LR data to HR data, and then applying the LSTM-AE model. This technique is validated for two datasets (drone arm data, CWRU bearing data). First, the necessity for HR data is illustrated by showing that anomaly detection using LR data fails, and the upscaling performance of the SR3 algorithm is validated in the frequency and time domain. Finally, the anomaly detection for a structural fault diagnosis is performed for the upscaled data and the HR data using the LSTM-AE model. The quantitative evaluation of the Min–Max normalized reconstruction error distribution is performed through the MSE (Mean Square Error) value of the anomaly detection results. As a result, it is confirmed that the anomaly detection using upscaled test data can be performed as successfully as the anomaly detection using HR test data for both datasets by the proposed technique.
Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Planting Density on Growth, Nutrient Characteristics, and Chlorophyll Fluorescence in Silage Maize
Authors: Han Xinran , Xiao Xu , Zhang Jiamin , Shao Mingyu , Jie Yucheng , Xing Hucheng
Published: June 2024

The optimal combination of the nitrogen fertilizer application and planting density with reference to the silage maize yield and quality remains unclear. We hypothesized that increasing both would increase yields following the law of diminishing returns. Yayu26, a silage maize cultivar, was used in a split-plot experiment to investigate the effects of nitrogen fertilizer and planting density on growth, nutrient characteristics, and chlorophyll fluorescence. The main plots were assigned to three planting densities: 60,000 (A1), 75,000 (A2), and 90,000 (A3) plants hm−2, and the subplots were assigned to four nitrogen fertilizer rates: 0 (B1), 120 (B2), 240 (B3), and 360 (B4) kg hm−2. The results showed that increasing the nitrogen application rate and planting density both enhanced silage maize yield. Nitrogen accumulation and agronomic use efficiency peaked at a planting density of 75,000 hm−2. Structural equation modeling showed that the nitrogen application rate and planting density affected nitrogen accumulation and nutrient properties by influencing chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and nitrogen agronomic efficiency, ultimately resulting in a positive effect on the yield. The A3 × B2 treatments exhibited higher nitrogen accumulation, potentially compensating for any deficiencies in the dry-matter yield. Therefore, the A3 × B2 treatment was evaluated as the optimal treatment to achieve sustainable and economically feasible silage maize production.
Identification of miRNAs Interacting with Abscisic Acid to Regulate Fatty Acid Metabolism
Authors: Xu Zhijun , Yi Zhenxie , Zhao Jing
Published: June 2024

Fatty acids are synthesized and stored in seeds during development in Brassica napus. Understanding the molecular mechanism behind fatty acid biosynthesis during seed development is a crucial research objective. In this study, we proved that exogenous application of abscisic acid (ABA) to the siliques can efficiently improve unsaturated fatty acid content in rapeseeds. Then we identified a total of 97 novel microRNAs (miRNAs) and 211 known miRNAs in the seeds of B. napus by high-throughput sequencing. Among them, a total of 23 differentially expressed miRNAs were observed between siliques treated with ABA and the control group. These 23 miRNAs regulated target genes that were involved in lipid metabolism through the integration of gene ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotations. Moreover, we validated selected members from these miRNAs and their predicted targets through quantitative RT-PCR. Among these, miR172a, miR395a, and novel13 were significantly down-regulated after ABA treatment, while novel3 was significantly up-regulated. Notably, the predicted target genes of miR172a and miR395a, namely, KAS I and DGAT, play crucial roles in fatty acid synthesis and exhibit up-regulated expression in response to ABA. Our findings suggest that a variety of miRNAs interact with ABA to regulate fatty acid biosynthesis, highlighting the important roles played by miRNAs in the process of fatty acid biosynthesis during seed development.
The Soil Ecological Stoichiometry Characteristics of the Highest Latitude Areas in the Main Tea-Producing Regions of China
Authors: Niu Ziru , Zhang Yang , Han Jichang , Zhao Yutong , Zhu Xiankui , He Peng
Published: June 2024

To investigate the contents of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in tea plantation soils and their ecological stoichiometric characteristics, as well as their response to environmental factors in high-latitude regions of China, soil samples from 0 to 20 cm depth were collected from tea plantations at different altitudes and cultivation years in the main tea-producing areas of Shaanxi Province. These samples were used to determine the soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) contents and to calculate their stoichiometric ratios. The findings revealed the following: the average soil SOC and TN content in tea gardens were 13.15 and 1.30 g·kg−1, respectively, exceeding the national soil average. These values met the Class I tea garden fertility standards. However, the average soil TP content, at 0.45 g·kg−1, fell below the national soil average, meeting the Class II tea garden fertility standards. In tea gardens, the average ratios of carbon to nitrogen (C:N), carbon to phosphorus (C:P), and nitrogen to phosphorus (N:P) in the soil were 10.42, 30.98, and 3.32, respectively. These ratios were all lower than the national soil average, indicating relatively high phosphorus availability but nitrogen deficiency in tea garden soils. As altitude increased, there was a decline in soil SOC content, C N, and C P ratios, followed by a subsequent increase. No significant changes were seen in TN, TP, and N P ratio in the soil, but there was an increase in SOC content, TN content, and C P ratio during cultivation. The N-to-P ratio initially increased before decreasing, while the C-to-N ratio decreased before increasing. Soil TP content did not change significantly. The study recommends careful nitrogen fertilizer application in tea garden management to balance nitrogen and phosphorus.
Craniocervical Morphometry in Pomeranians—Part I: Intra-Observer, Interobserver, and Intermodality (CT vs. MRI) Agreement
Authors: Santifort Koen , Bellekom Sophie , Carrera Ines , Mandigers Paul
Published: June 2024

Background: Currently, there are no diagnostic imaging-based studies that have focused specifically on the craniocervical morphology of Pomeranian dogs in relation to Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia (CM/SM). The aims of Part I of this two-part study are to assess the intra-observer, interobserver, and intermodality reliability and agreement for various aspects of the craniocervical morphology of Pomeranians with and without CM/SM. Methods: Prospectively, Pomeranians were included that underwent both CT and MRI studies of the head and cervicothoracic vertebral column. Two observers (experienced and novice) independently performed CM and SM classifications, qualitative assessments, and quantitative measurements. The experienced observer performed these assessments twice. A third observer (experienced) performed CM and SM normal or abnormal classifications. Results: Ninety-nine (99) dogs were included. Interobserver reliability was influenced by observer experience level. For the experienced versus novice observers, substantial interobserver agreement was found for classification of SM as normal or abnormal (Cohen’s kappa = 0.63), while interobserver agreement was fair for classification of SM as normal or abnormal (Cohen’s kappa = 0.31). Interobserver, intra-observer, and intermodality reliability were variable for different measurements and assessments, and best overall for the CT-based measurements. Conclusions: Interobserver reliability and agreement results should be taken into account in the evaluation of results of future studies as well as the evaluation of imaging studies of Pomeranians presented clinically.
Craniocervical Morphometry in Pomeranians—Part II: Associations with Chiari-like Malformation and Syringomyelia
Authors: Santifort Koen , Bellekom Sophie , Carrera Ines , Mandigers Paul
Published: June 2024

Background: The aim of Part II of this two-part study is to describe and analyze the association of various aspects and measurements related to the morphometry of the skull and craniocervical region to CM/SM status of Pomeranians, by means of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Prospectively, Pomeranians were included that underwent both CT and MRI studies of the head and cervicothoracic vertebral column. For those cases where qualitative classifications differed between observers, the experienced observer re-evaluated the studies and decided on a final classification that was used for further analysis. For quantitative measurements, the means of the observers’ measurements were used for analysis. Results: Among statistically significant differences in measurements, we found that dogs with SM had a significantly shorter clivus length based on both MRI (p = 0.01) and CT measurements (p = 0.01), and a significantly smaller caudal cranial fossa area based on both MRI (p = 0.02) and CT measurements (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Significant morphometrical differences were identified between dogs with or without CM/SM. The findings in this study add to those already described in other breeds and provide further insight into factors that may play a role in the pathogenesis of CM/SM in Pomeranians.
Globetrotting Horses: Welfare Discourses and Disciplinary Power in the Transportation of Horses by Air
Authors: Gräschke Lucia
Published: June 2024

Every year, many horses are transported by air. Alongside sport horses traveling to tournaments worldwide, mainly breeding horses, such as shuttle stallions and broodmares, thoroughbreds traded at auctions, and leisure horses are transported by air. Research in veterinary science has highlighted welfare concerns during air transportation. Equine welfare is constituted in the language and discourse evolving from social, political, and ethical views about the treatment of horses. Consequently, this study targets power in creating equine welfare by analyzing the welfare discourses, transportation practices that generate welfare, and their impact on horses and humans in the transportation of horses by air. In detail, this research uses a Foucauldian discourse analysis to examine how welfare discourses and linked transportation practices constitute horses and humans using disciplinary power. The empirical material consists of 81 newspaper articles about horse transportation by air, five video clips, and four interviews with representatives of horse transport agencies that have set standards for the transportation of horses by air. The analysis discovers four different welfare discourses and various practices that guide the carrying of horses by air. The discourses have created inactive horses and human professionals in the business of horse transportation by air.
Tolerability of 2 and 4 mg/kg Dosing Every 12 Hour of a Cannabidiol- and Cannabidiolic Acid-Rich Hemp Extract on Mixed-Breed Dogs Utilized for Teaching in a Closed Colony
Authors: Mills Trista , Myers Stephanie , Hughes Daniel , Wakshlag Joseph
Published: June 2024

With the increase in popularity of utilizing cannabidiol (CBD) for human ailments, owners are actively interested in the possible utilization of cannabinoid products for their pets. The evaluation of CBD-rich hemp as an anti-anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulator, and anti-epileptic supplement has been assessed in previous studies in dogs, with adverse events such as ataxia or lethargy noted. In this study, the utilization of CBD-rich hemp was assessed at two concentrations to ascertain the impact on behavior as well as the tolerability of the medication given in a typically recommended dose and then twice that dose. Eighteen dogs were utilized in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, 3 × 3 designed study. Each group of six dogs was provided placebo, 2 mg/kg, and 4 mg/kg of a cannabidiol/cannabidiolic acid (CBD/CBDA)-rich hemp in two-week intervals with one-week washout periods between each treatment period. Throughout the 10-week treatment period, student evaluations were performed, simulating clients’ subjective assessments. Improvements in anxiety-related behavior and adverse events related to lethargy and ataxia were not observed and may indicate that the utilization of CBD-rich hemp products for behavioral changes may require higher dosing to mitigate unwanted behaviors in normal, healthy dogs. Furthermore, serum chemistry and serum cortisol were evaluated after each treatment period showing only a mildly significant increase in serum alkaline phosphatase when dosing at 4 mg/kg every 12 h, which is consistent with previously reported CBD dosing at these higher concentrations. Adverse events associated with CBD/CBDA-rich hemp extract given at 2 and 4 mg/kg every 12 h for two weeks were not reported, suggesting that using CBD-rich hemp in young, healthy dogs was safe during two weeks of treatment.
Nutritional Evaluation of Milk Thistle Meal as a Protein Feedstuff for Diets of Dairy Cattle
Authors: Lambo Modinat Tolani , Liu Rui , Zhang Xianglong , Zhang Yonggen , Li Yang , Sun Manji
Published: June 2024

The objective of this work is to investigate the chemical and nutritional value of milk thistle meal (MTM) in order to improve it and to provide theoretical support for its application in dairy cattle production. MTM was assessed in comparison with seven conventional protein feed sources, namely, soybean meal (SBM), cottonseed meal (CS), canola meal (CN), palm kernel meal (PK), rice bran meal (RB), corn germ meal (CG), and sesame meal (SS). The chemical composition of these feedstuffs was assessed using wet chemical analysis, the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System was used to evaluate the carbohydrate and protein fractions, and the in situ nylon bag technique and the modified three-step in vitro method were used to assess the rumen degradation and intestinal digestibility. Additionally, Fourier transform infrared technology was used to determine the feedstuff protein spectral molecular structure and its amino acid profile was also assessed. The result showed that MTM acid detergent fiber, lignin, unavailable nitrogen, and non-degradable carbohydrate content were higher than those of the other feedstuffs. It had a 17% and 36% rumen effective degradation rate of neutral detergent fiber and dry matter, respectively, and had the lowest small intestinal rumen undegradable protein digestibility rate. It was low in leucine, histidine, arginine, and proline, but high in methionine. The total area of amide I and amide II in the protein secondary structure was similar to that of CN and CS, and the amide I and II ratio was not different from that of RB. To sum up, MTM has a poor carbohydrate composition and is high in fiber but, in comparison to most other protein feeds, has a higher crude protein rumen effective degradation rate, similar to that of SBM, and it is a good source of methionine, a limiting amino acid. Hence, its nutritional value can be further improved for application in dairy feeding through processes such as microbial or enzymatic fermentation.
Molecular Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant and Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases-Producing Salmonella enterica Serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium Isolated from Raw Meat in Retail Markets
Authors: Rahman Md. Mahfujur , Hossain Hemayet , Chowdhury Md. Shahidur Rahman , Hossain Md. Mukter , Saleh Asmaa , Binsuwaidan Reem , Noreddin Ayman , Helmy Yosra A. , El Zowalaty Mohamed E.
Published: June 2024

In the present study, a total of 720 samples were collected from retail raw meat from 13 upazilas in Sylhet District, Bangladesh, of which 225 samples were from cattle meat, 210 samples were from goat meat, and 285 samples were from chicken meat. Salmonella enterica serovars Typhimurium and Enteritidis were screened for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) genes using multiplex PCR. Among the 720 samples, Salmonella spp. was detected in 28.06% (202 out of 720) of the samples, with S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium were identified in 11.53% (83 out of 720) and 12.22% (88 out of 720) of the samples, respectively. It was found that all Salmonella enterica serovars isolated from cattle meat displayed multidrug resistance (MDR) based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Notably, a significant proportion of S. Enteritidis isolates and all S. Typhimurium isolates from goat meat demonstrated complete resistance to multiple drugs (ampicillin, cefuroxime, and ceftazidime). Regarding chicken meat, out of 89 isolates encompassing both S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis, 57 isolates (64.04%) exhibited MDR. Additionally, blaCTX-M-1 exhibited the highest occurrence at 15.69% for S. Typhimurium and 7.89% for S. Enteritidis in chicken meat. Moreover, blaCTX-M-9 was only detected at 3.92% for S. Enteritidis in chicken meat. Furthermore, blaOXA had the highest prevalence rate of 19.04% for S. Enteritidis and 25.80% for S. Typhimurium in cattle meat, followed by chicken meat. These findings highlight the urgency for monitoring ESBL-producing Salmonella in retail raw meat and the need for strict measure to manage antibiotic use to prevent the spread of multidrug-resistant and ESBL-producing Salmonella strains, thereby protecting humans and reducing public health risks.
How to Optimize the Experimental Protocol for Surface EMG Signal Measurements Using the InterCriteria Decision-Making Approach
Authors: Angelova Maria , Angelova Silvija , Raikova Rositsa
Published: June 2024

The InterCriteria decision-making approach, known as InterCriteria analysis (ICrA), was applied here to optimize the experimental protocol when the surface electromyography (EMG) signals of upper arm human muscles are recorded. Ten healthy subjects performed cycling movements in the sagittal plane with and without added weight for ten, six, two, and one second, respectively, for each active phase. The EMG signals from six muscles or parts of muscles, namely m. deltoideus pars clavicularis and pars spinata, m. brachialis, m. anconeus, m. biceps brachii, and m. triceps brachii caput longum, were recorded. ICrA was used on the obtained data to find correlations between the sixteen different phases, eight for elbow flexion and eight for elbow extension. Based on the obtained results, we proposed an optimized experimental protocol (OEP) that omits slower and more difficult tasks while saving crucial data. The optimized protocol consists of seven, instead of ten, tasks and takes three minutes less than the time taken for the full experimental protocol (FEP). The lower number of movements in the OEP could prevent physical and psychical fatigue, discomfort, or even pain in the investigated subjects. In addition, the time to train subjects, as well as the time to process the surface EMG data, can be significantly reduced.
Modelling of the Luminance Coefficient in the Light Scattered by a Mineral Mixture Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Mazurek Grzegorz , Bąk-Patyna Paulina , Ludwikowska-Kędzia Małgorzata
Published: June 2024

The primary objective of the research and analysis reported in this article was to determine an effective method for predicting the luminance coefficient of the mineral mixture for asphalt concrete and stone mastic asphalt. The luminance of the mineral mixture determines the final luminance value of the surface. Predicting the luminance coefficient quickly will significantly improve the mineral–asphalt mix design efficiency in selecting aggregates that meet functional requirements and increase the brightness of the surface. The research process consisted of two stages. The first stage covered modelling the Qd luminance coefficient of aggregate, taking into account its petrographic analysis. The second fundamental stage, based on the research of the first stage, concerned the modelling of the luminance coefficient of the mineral mixture, taking into account the percentage share of a given component, its grain size, and its photometric properties. An effective technique of reinforced trees was used for modelling. As a result of its application, a model match to experimental data was achieved at the level of 87%. It has also been shown that the greatest impact on increasing the luminance coefficient of the mineral mixture was the use of light aggregate (quartzite sandstone or limestone) with a grain size of 2/5 in quantities > 40% or 8/11 in quantities > 60%. Furthermore, the quartzite sandstone aggregates with a grain size of 5/8 had the highest efficiency in lightening the mineral mixture. However, the use of basalt aggregates of the same fraction significantly worsened the photometric properties of the mineral mixture. An important element of the research was also to indicate that the mineralogical composition of the aggregate is crucial for an accurate assessment of its luminance coefficient.
Obtaining Novel Vitamin B12 Production Strains Acetobacter malorum HFD 3141 and Acetobacter orientalis HFD 3031 from Home-Fermented Sourdough
Authors: Stumpf Lisa , Schildbach Stefan , Coffey Aidan
Published: June 2024

Vitamin B12 is a critical nutrient in vegan and vegetarian lifestyles as plant-based vitamin sources are rare. Traditional fermented foods could be enriched by adding vitamin B12-producing bacteria to offer non-animal vitamin sources. The aim was to isolate a vitamin B12 producer that is capable of producing the human-active vitamin even at low pH values so that it can be used in fruit juice fortification. Therefore, fermented foods (homemade and industrial) and probiotics were screened for vitamin B12 production strains. A modified microbiological vitamin B12 assay based on Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis DSM 20355 was used to identify vitamin B12-containing samples and the presence of vitamin B12-producing strains. The screening resulted in isolating several positive strains for vitamin B12 formation derived from sourdough. Mass spectrometry confirmed the biosynthesis of solely the human physiologically active form. Species identification carried out by the German Strain Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures resulted in two species: Acetobacter orientalis and Acetobacter malorum, of which two isolates were further characterised. The potential for cobalamin biosynthesises in food matrixes was demonstrated for A. malorum HFD 3141 and A. orientalis HFD 3031 in apple juice at different pH values (2.85–3.80). The isolates synthesised up to 18.89 µg/L and 7.97 µg/L vitamin B12 at pH 3.80. The results of this study suggest that acetic acid bacteria (AAB) and fermented acetic acid foods are promising resources for vitamin B12 and its producers, which might have been overlooked in the past.
Climatic Challenges in the Growth Cycle of Winter Wheat in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain: New Perspectives on High-Temperature–Drought and Low-Temperature–Drought Compound Events
Authors: Chen Geng , Li Ke , Gu Haoting , Cheng Yuexuan , Xue Dan , Jia Hong , Du Zhengyu , Li Zhongliang
Published: June 2024

Global climate change increasingly impacts agroecosystems, particularly through high-temperature–drought and low-temperature–drought compound events. This study uses ground meteorological and remote sensing data and employs geostatistics, random forest models, and copula methods to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of these events and their impact on winter wheat in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain from 1982 to 2020. High-temperature–drought events increased in frequency and expanded from north to south, with about 40% of observation stations recording such events from 2001 to 2020. In contrast, low-temperature–drought events decreased in frequency, affecting up to 80% of stations, but with lower frequency than high-temperature–drought events. Sensitivity analyses show winter wheat is most responsive to maximum and minimum temperature changes, with significant correlations to drought and temperature extremes. Copula analysis indicates temperature extremes and drought severity are crucial in determining compound event probability and return periods. High-temperature–drought events are likely under high temperatures and mild drought, while low-temperature–drought events are more common under low temperatures and mild drought. These findings highlight the need for effective agricultural adaptation strategies to mitigate future climate change impacts.
Emergy-Theory-Based Evaluation of Typhoon Disaster Risk in China’s Coastal Zone
Authors: Gao Zhicheng , Li Jing , Wan Rongjin , Dong Xiaobin , Ye Qian
Published: June 2024

The evaluation of typhoon disaster risk is a widely discussed global topic. Currently, the index system method has become a common approach for the evaluation of typhoon disaster risk. However, the indices within the system are calculated independently, and subjective human factors significantly influence the assignment of index weights. The existing studies lack purely quantitative assessment methods, which makes the studies less precise and more difficult for other researchers to replicate. To bridge this gap, this study employs emergy analysis methods based on thermodynamics to develop a typhoon disaster risk evaluation index system for China’s coastal zone. Without the interference of weights and other human factors, the system contains various quantitative indices, including aggregate impelling energy, typhoon intensity emergy, adaptability emergy, the vulnerability index, and the integrated typhoon hazard index. Subsequently, these indices and socio-economic data were spatialized, and the evaluation of typhoon disaster risk was conducted at the city grid level in the coastal zone of China. The findings reveal that the high-risk areas for typhoon disasters in China are concentrated in prefecture-level cities along the southeast coast. The typhoon disaster risk index is higher in the southern region compared to the northern region, with a decreasing trend in the distribution of the integrated typhoon hazard index from coastal to inland areas. The aim of this study is to use a new quantitative evaluation method (emergy) to evaluate typhoon disasters. It also serves as a theoretical foundation and technical support for national and local governments in the formulation of policies for disaster prevention and reduction.
Visual Fixation of Skull-Vibration-Induced Nystagmus in Patients with Peripheral Vestibulopathy
Authors: Blanco Melissa , Monopoli-Roca Chiara , Álvarez de Linera-Alperi Marta , Menéndez Fernández-Miranda Pablo , Molina Bárbara , Batuecas-Caletrío Angel , Pérez-Fernández Nicolás
Published: June 2024

Nystagmus induced by applying an intense vibratory stimulus to the skull (SVIN) indicates vestibular functional asymmetry. In unilateral vestibular loss, a 100 Hz bone-conducted vibration given to either mastoid immediately causes a primarily horizontal nystagmus. The test is performed in darkness to avoid visual fixation (VF) but there are no data about how much VF affects the often-intense SVIN. The aim is to analyze the amount of reduction in SVIN when VF is allowed during testing. Thus, all patients seen in a tertiary hospital for vertigo or dizziness with positive SVIN were included. SVIN was recorded for 10 s for each condition: without VF (aSVINwo) and with VF (aSVINw). We obtained an aSVINwo and an aSVINw as average slow-phase velocities (SPV) without and with VF. VF index (FISVIN) was calculated as the ratio of SPV. Among the 124 patients included, spontaneous nystagmus (SN) was found in 25% and the median slow phase velocity (mSPV) (without VF) of SN was 2.6 ± 2.4°/s. Mean FISVIN was 0.27 ± 0.29. FISVIN was 0 in 42 patients, and FISVIN between 0 and 1 was found in 82 (mean FISVIN 0.39 ± 0.02). Fixation suppression was found in all patients with SVIN in cases of peripheral vestibulopathy. FISVIN clearly delineates two populations of patients: with or without a complete visual reduction in nystagmus.
Enhancing the Management of Non-Specific Neck Pain through Gamification: Design and Efficacy of a Health Application
Authors: Sun Yiran , Xian Yanjie , Lin Hongbo , Sun Xing
Published: June 2024

Chronic non-specific neck pain (CNNP) poses a substantial health and economic burden in China. This study introduces a gamified motion-sensing health application framework to address the limitations of existing health applications. The gamified cervical spine somatic exercise application employs motion capture technology alongside the smartphone’s built-in sensors to simulate accurate somatic interactions. Controlled experiments and data analyses demonstrated that the application significantly outperformed traditional text and video interventions in relieving participants’ neck pain by increasing their average daily activity and compliance with the cervical spine exercise routine. The neck pain level of the participants is quantified by the Neck Disability Index (NDI). The results from the controlled experiments demonstrate that this gamified approach significantly decreases the Neck Disability Index (NDI) score from 1.54 to 1.24, highlighting its ability to alleviate neck pain and increase user compliance.
Automatic Detection of Acute Leukemia (ALL and AML) Utilizing Customized Deep Graph Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Zare Lida , Rahmani Mahsan , Khaleghi Nastaran , Sheykhivand Sobhan , Danishvar Sebelan
Published: June 2024

Leukemia is a malignant disease that impacts explicitly the blood cells, leading to life-threatening infections and premature mortality. State-of-the-art machine-enabled technologies and sophisticated deep learning algorithms can assist clinicians in early-stage disease diagnosis. This study introduces an advanced end-to-end approach for the automated diagnosis of acute leukemia classes acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This study gathered a complete database of 44 patients, comprising 670 ALL and AML images. The proposed deep model’s architecture consisted of a fusion of graph theory and convolutional neural network (CNN), with six graph Conv layers and a Softmax layer. The proposed deep model achieved a classification accuracy of 99% and a kappa coefficient of 0.85 for ALL and AML classes. The suggested model was assessed in noisy conditions and demonstrated strong resilience. Specifically, the model’s accuracy remained above 90%, even at a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 0 dB. The proposed approach was evaluated against contemporary methodologies and research, demonstrating encouraging outcomes. According to this, the suggested deep model can serve as a tool for clinicians to identify specific forms of acute leukemia.
Rational Design of Pectin–Chitosan Polyelectrolyte Nanoparticles for Enhanced Temozolomide Delivery in Brain Tumor Therapy
Authors: Silant’ev Vladimir E. , Belousov Andrei S. , Trukhin Fedor O. , Struppul Nadezhda E. , Shmelev Mikhail E. , Patlay Aleksandra A. , Shatilov Roman A. , Kumeiko Vadim V.
Published: June 2024

Conventional chemotherapeutic approaches currently used for brain tumor treatment have low efficiency in targeted drug delivery and often have non-target toxicity. Development of stable and effective drug delivery vehicles for the most incurable diseases is one of the urgent biomedical challenges. We have developed polymer nanoparticles (NPs) with improved temozolomide (TMZ) delivery for promising brain tumor therapy, performing a rational design of polyelectrolyte complexes of oppositely charged polysaccharides of cationic chitosan and anionic pectin. The NPs’ diameter (30 to 330 nm) and zeta-potential (−29 to 73 mV) varied according to the initial mass ratios of the biopolymers. The evaluation of nanomechanical parameters of native NPs demonstrated changes in Young’s modulus from 58 to 234 kPa and adhesion from −0.3 to −3.57 pN. Possible mechanisms of NPs’ formation preliminary based on ionic interactions between ionogenic functional groups were proposed by IR spectroscopy and dynamic rheology. The study of the parameters and kinetics of TMZ sorption made it possible to identify compounds that most effectively immobilize and release the active substance in model liquids that simulate the internal environment of the body. A polyelectrolyte carrier based on an equal ratio of pectin–chitosan (0.1% by weight) was selected as the most effective for the delivery of TMZ among a series of obtained NPs, which indicates a promising approach to the treatment of brain tumors.