bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Report: Ovulation Induction in Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)
Authors: Hermes Robert , Balfanz Folko , Haderthauer Simone , Dungl Eveline , Hildebrandt Thomas B. , Schwarzenberger Franz
Published: June 2021

Despite a profound knowledge on reproduction biology in greater one-horned (GOH) rhinoceros, many individuals cope with sub or infertility or an-ovulatory estrous. At the same time, early and regular captive breeding is of high importance in female GOH rhinoceros due to their high prevalence to develop genital tract tumors with consequent cessation of reproduction. Thus, mature, an-ovulatory GOH rhinoceros represent a challenge for captive breeding programs and warrant for means of reliable ovulation induction. Here, we used hCG and GnRH analog histrelin to induce ovulation in an-ovulatory GOH rhinoceros. Upon ultrasound diagnosis of a preovulatory follicle hCG or GnRH were injected to induce ovulation (n = 11). As a result, 75% of the hCG (n = 6/8) and 33% of GnRH (n = 1/3) inductions resulted in ovulation. Ovulation occurred when fecal estrogen concentration increased before and pregnane concentration after induction. Thirty-six percent of all treatments (n = 4/11) failed to induce ovulation. When ovulation induction by hCG/GnRH injection failed, estrogen and pregnane concentrations were significantly lower compared to ovulatory estrous (P < 0.001). Our results suggest that hCG and GnRH analog facilitate an easily applicable treatment to induce ovulation in females with behavioral but at times an-ovulatory estrous. Frequent use of hCG as an ovulation inducer might help to achieve pregnancies in genetically important but an-ovulatory GOH rhinoceroses.
Effects of Water Stress and Auxin Application on Growth and Yield of Two Sugarcane Cultivars under Greenhouse Conditions
Authors: Bamrungrai Jiraporn , Tubana Brenda , Tre-loges Vidhaya , Promkhambut Arunee , Polthanee Anan
Published: June 2021

Water stress (drought and flood) is one of the major factors that limits sugarcane growth and yield. The two greenhouse experiments were conducted at Khon Kaen University, Thailand. The first experiment investigated the individual and combined effects of droughts and floods on two sugarcane cultivars. The results showed that photosynthetic potential, based on chlorophyll a fluorescence (PSII) and chlorophyll content, exhibited a response to the water regime treatments. However, stomatal conductance in the K93-219 cultivar was higher than the KK3 cultivar. Similarly, plant height, number of tillers, number of stems, fresh stem weight, and sugar quality were not affected by the varying water regime conditions imposed on both of the sugarcane cultivars. However, drought or flood conditions, whether alone or in combination, reduced the fresh stem weight, with regards to the water regimes and cultivars. In general, a combination of drought and flood reduced the fresh stem weight as opposed to drought or flood alone. The KK3 cultivar gave a higher fresh stem weight than the K93-219 cultivar under dual stress conditions. The second experiment investigated the auxin application rates at different growth stages on two sugarcane cultivars under flood conditions. The results revealed that the application of auxin at 10 mg L−1 increased the number, and fresh weight, of adventitious roots over the control (0 mg L−1). The cultivar K93-219 produced a higher number, and fresh weight, of adventitious roots. However, the amount of aerenchyma in the adventitious roots was not affected by auxin application rates, growth stages, or cultivars. Similarly, plant height, leaf width, number of stems, fresh stem weight, and sugar quality were not affected by auxin rates. Auxin application at five months of age increased leaf width and fresh stem weight over the control. The cultivar K93-219 tended to produce a higher fresh stem weight than the KK3 cultivar.
Role of Camel Husbandry in Food Security of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Authors: Orazov Ayan , Nadtochii Liudmila , Bozymov Kazybay , Muradova Mariam , Zhumayeva Araigul
Published: June 2021

This paper examines the problem of food security in the Republic of Kazakhstan over the past 10 years. Based on statistical data, an assessment was made of the prevalence of malnutrition among the population of the country, including children under 5 years of age. There has been a trend towards for an improvement in the nutrition of the population for a few indicators; however, further optimization of food security indicators is required to achieve the goals of sustainable development (SDGs) of the FAO WHO Agenda for the period up to 2050 in Kazakhstan and in its individual regions. The paper reflects data on demographic changes over the past 10 years and its self-sufficiency in basic foods for 2019. A high degree of self-sufficiency in meat products (117.6%) is revealed in the population of the Republic of Kazakhstan. However, self-sufficiency in dairy products is at an extremely low level (0.1%). Camel breeding has been successfully developing in the country over the past 10 years. However, the number of camels in the country is still at a low level. Camel milk can be considered as a great source of macronutrients, its daily consumption partially facilitates the problem of Food Security in Kazakhstan.
Decreasing Defoliation Frequency Enhances Bromus valdivianus Phil. Growth under Low Soil Water Levels and Interspecific Competition
Authors: García-Favre Javier , Zhang Yongmei , López Ignacio F. , Donaghy Daniel J. , Cranston Lydia M. , Kemp Peter D.
Published: June 2021

Bromus valdivianus Phil. (Bv) is a water stress-tolerant species, but its competitiveness in a diverse pasture may depend on defoliation management and soil moisture levels. This glasshouse study examined the effect of three defoliation frequencies, based on accumulated growing degree days (AGDD) (250, 500, and 1000 AGDD), and two soil water levels (80–85% of field capacity (FC) and 20–25% FC) on Bv growth as monoculture and as a mixture with Lolium perenne L. (Lp). The treatments were applied in a completely randomised block design with four blocks. The above-ground biomass of Bv was lower in the mixture than in the monoculture (p ≤ 0.001). The Bv plants in the mixture defoliated more infrequently (1000 AGDD) showed an increase in root biomass under 20–25% FC compared to 80–85% FC, with no differences measured between soil water levels in the monoculture. Total root length was highest in the mixture with the combination of infrequent defoliation and 20–25% FC. Conversely, frequent defoliation treatments resulted in reduced water-soluble carbohydrate reserves in the tiller bases of plants (p ≤ 0.001), as they allocated assimilates mainly to foliage growth. These results provide evidence that B. valdivianus can increase its competitiveness relative to Lp through the enhancement of the root growth and the energy reserve in the tiller base under drought conditions and infrequent defoliation in a mixture.
The Effect of Alfalfa Mineral Fertilization and Times of Soil Sampling on Enzymatic Activity
Authors: Symanowicz Barbara , Skorupka Wojciech , Becher Marcin , Jaremko Dawid , Krasuski Sebastian
Published: June 2021

This study examined changes in soil enzymatic activity caused by constant mineral fertilization with NPK and diversified fertilization with Fe and Mo micronutrients. A field experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications in Siedlce (central-eastern Poland) between 2012 and 2014. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was used as the test plant. The first factor consisted of fertilization treatments: control; NPK; NPKFe1; NPKMo1; NPKFe1Mo1; NPKFe2; NPKMo2, and NPKFe2Mo2. The second factor was composed of the time of soil sampling (15 August 2012, 20 September 2012, 17 June 2013, and 20 July 2014). Mineral fertilization was applied: N-20; P-22; K-124.5; Fe1-0.5; Mo1-0.5; Fe2-1.0; Mo2-1.0 kg ha−1. Application of molybdenum (Mo2-1.0 kg ha−1) in alfalfa fertilized with NPK was optimal for obtaining the beneficial nitrogenase activity. The applied NPKFe1Mo1 fertilization in alfalfa cultivation was optimized to achieve high dehydrogenases activity, alkaline phosphatase activity, and acid phosphatase activity. The highest of soil urease activity was determined in soil fertilized with NPKFe2Mo2. The biochemical index (BCHI) of soil fertility reached its highest mean value (254.9) after applying the NPKFe1Mo1. A high BCHI soil fertility index indicates the possibility of generating high alfalfa yields and maintaining good soil culture.
Identification and Assessment of Livestock Best Management Practices (BMPs) Using the REDD+ Approach in the Ecuadorian Amazon
Authors: Torres Bolier , Eche David , Torres Yenny , Bravo Carlos , Velasco Christian , García Antón
Published: June 2021

Deforestation is a severe threat to diversity in the Ecuadorian Amazon Region (EAR). To mitigate deforestation, it is necessary to know the relevant stakeholders’ roles and interactions and deepen our knowledge of the local livelihoods, objectives, potentials, limitations, and “rights of being” among farms, as well as the best management practices (BMPs). In this study, our aim was to identify and assess livestock BMPs along an elevational gradient to foster sustainable production and reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+). This approach could be environmentally and economically beneficial. Data were collected from 167 households along three elevational gradients, as well as from 15 interviews held among a multidisciplinary panel of key stakeholders and researchers in the EAR. The results showed that most of the Kichwa population lives in the medium zone, which features a larger agricultural and forest surface. Conversely, in the lower and upper areas, livestock predominates, where the upper area is specialized in milk production and the lower area in dual-purpose cattle (meat and dairy). The stakeholder assessment provided several key results: (a) social, structural, and technical factors have complementary effects on BMP adoption; (b) the sixteen assessed BMPs facilitated the implementation of existing financial incentive programs and enabled public–private partnerships to develop REDD+ projects. The policy implications of implementing these approaches are also discussed.
Towards an Integrated Approach for Monitoring Toxoplasmosis in Southern Italy
Authors: Pepe Paola , Bosco Antonio , Capuano Federico , Baldi Loredana , Giordano Angela , Mancusi Andrea , Buonanno Marialuisa , Morena Luigi , Pinto Renato , Sarnelli Paolo , Cringoli Giuseppe , Rinaldi Laura
Published: June 2021

Toxoplasmosis is a widespread worldwide zoonotic infection caused by the intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. This protozoan infection is considered one of the most important food-borne parasitic zoonoses globally. Beyond its impact on public health, toxoplasmosis has also important veterinary implications, because it causes miscarriage or congenital malformations in livestock with negative economic impacts. An integrated monitoring programme aimed to deepen the epidemiological data on toxoplasmosis and to identify the risk factors that may favour T. gondii infections in animals and humans was conducted in an endemic area of southern Italy. The monitoring activities were based on the following tasks: (i) parasitological analysis and risk factors for T. gondii in livestock (sheep, goat, cattle and water buffalo) farms; (ii) serological and molecular monitoring at slaughterhouse in meat-producing livestock; (iii) analysis of hospital discharge records (HDRs); (iv) outreach activities (information, dissemination and health education) to farmers, vet practitioners and school-age children. The present study confirmed a very high seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in livestock farms (e.g., up to 93.1% in sheep farms) in southern Italy and highlighted the potentially significant public health risk in this area.
Citrullus colocynthis Seeds: A Potential Natural Immune Modulator Source for Broiler Reared under Chronic Heat Stress
Authors: Alzarah Mohamed I. , Althobiati Fayez , Abbas Ahmed O. , Mehaisen Gamal M. K. , Kamel Nancy N.
Published: June 2021

There is an extensive search for natural products that can be introduced to broiler rations to improve performance, especially during the unfavorable breeding conditions. Under heat-stress conditions, the immune response seriously deteriorates, which consequently impairs broiler production performance. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the potentials of Citrullus colocynthis seeds (CCs) supplementation to modulate the immune response of broilers subjected to chronic heat stress. A total of 300 Cobb-500 male broiler chickens aged 21 days were randomly divided into two equal groups and reared under either thermo-neutral condition (24 ± 1 °C) or subjected to cyclic heat stress (34 ± 1 °C for 8 h). Each group was further divided into two groups (5 replicate × 15 chicks) and was fed either the basal diet or the basal diet with 0.1% CCs supplementation. The results showed that heat stress impaired the production performance by lowering the final body weight and feed intake as well as impairing feed conversion. The levels of stress markers (i.e., malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α and corticosterone) increased (p < 0.05), whereas the activity of antioxidant enzymes decreased in broilers exposed to heat stress. Further, heat stress caused direct suppression of broiler humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. The stimulating index of T and B lymphocytes proliferation, as well as the antibody titer against sheep red blood cells, were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by heat-stress exposure. However, CCs supplementation to broilers subjected to heat stress improved (p < 0.05) the final body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR), compared to the non-supplemented stressed group. The cellular and cell-mediated immune response indicators significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) with CCs supplementation. Supplementation of CCs to broilers reared under similar environmental conditions elevated the total white blood cells (TWBCs) count and the broiler stimulating index of T and B lymphocytes. It can be concluded that CC seeds can be effectively used to stimulate the immune response and improve the production performance of broilers reared under heat-stress condition.
What Helps Oiled Wildlife Responders Care for Animals While Minimizing Stress and Compassion Fatigue
Authors: Yeung Polly , White Bridey , Ziccardi Michael , Chilvers B. Louise
Published: June 2021

Oil spills are environmental disasters and their long-term impact is not just a concern for the environment and economy, but also for first responders’ health and wellbeing. Wildlife, such as aquatic birds and certain marine mammals, are highly susceptible to physiological effects of oiling, and oiled wildlife responders are crucial to provide measures for their survival. The purpose of this research was to explore the experiences of oiled wildlife responders and what factors and conditions have helped or inhibited the responders to care-affected wildlife. This study collected responses (n = 50) from a survey of responders who attended either the New Zealand MV Rena or US Refugio pipeline oil spills. Study participants were mostly older (>40), highly educated females. We found there were significant differences in compassion satisfaction, resilience, burnout and overall satisfaction based on age, gender and role. While most responders have only attended limited numbers of oil spill incidents, they reported positive experiences and found it rewarding. Findings from responders indicated that to lessen stress and compassion fatigue during an incident, provision of training and support from professional organizations equips responders with knowledge and skills that can support their personal resilience to respond to disaster events.
Concentrations of Fat, Protein, Lactose, Macro and Trace Minerals in Alpaca Colostrum and Milk at Different Lactation Stages
Authors: Mößler Maria , Aichner Janina , Müller Anja , Albert Thiemo , Wittek Thomas
Published: June 2021

Although alpacas are not used for milk production a detailed knowledge on the composition of the colostrum and milk is needed for development of colostrum and milk replacers. The aim of the present study was to measure the concentration of fat, protein, lactose, and minerals in alpaca colostrum and milk. Colostrum samples were taken daily over four days after parturition from 20 multiparous alpaca mares. Milk samples were obtained monthly, during the first four months of lactation from 17 alpacas. Composition of colostrum and milk differed in numerous indicators. The concentrations of fat and lactose increased from day 1 (0.5%, 4.0%) to day 4 (5.3%, 5.0%), protein decreased from 20.4% on day 1 to 8.3% on day 4. In milk these three indicators did not change during the lactation. Minerals have been little studied in alpaca colostrum and milk in the past, many of which had the highest concentrations in colostrum immediately after birth. The results of the present study do not support that goat’s milk is the preferred substitute for feeding crias. This study contributes to the knowledge of the composition of alpaca colostrum and milk which can be of particular use in developing replacers.
Monthly eDNA Monitoring of an Invasive Bryozoan, Bugulina californica, in Seawater Using Species-Specific Markers
Authors: Kim Philjae , Yoon Tae-Joong , Shin Sook
Published: June 2021

Environmental DNA (eDNA) method used by many ecologists as effective investigation tool can detect endangered species, rare species, and invasive species. In case of invasive species, eDNA method help to monitor the target species when the species was hard to detect through the traditional survey such as the early stage of invasion, low abundance, and larva or juvenile stage. The bryozoan, Bugulina californica, was known as a marine fouling invasive species in Korea since its first reported in 1978. This species expanded nationwide, and damages to ascidian aquaculture through attached on the ship hulls and artificial facilities. To monitor the distribution and biomass of invasive bryozoan, B. californica, the qPCR analysis of environmental DNA was performed on seawater samples from 12 harbors. In this study, we designed species-specific markers which can calculate the detected DNA copies of B. californica, and the presence and monitoring of this species can be more accurately estimated by environmental DNA analysis than by traditional survey, in which it is difficult to identify the species. Real-time PCR analysis using environmental DNA is an effective monitoring method that can determine both the distribution and the monthly change in biomass of B. californica in Korea.
Preparation and Characterization of Bio-Nanocomposites Film of Chitosan and Montmorillonite Incorporated with Ginger Essential Oil and Its Application in Chilled Beef Preservation
Authors: Zhang Yin-Ping , Wang Xin , Shen Yi , Thakur Kiran , Zhang Jian-Guo , Hu Fei , Wei Zhao-Jun
Published: June 2021

In this study, bio-nanocomposite films containing different proportions of ginger essential oil (GEO), chitosan (Ch), and montmorillonite (MMT) were prepared and characterized, and the antibacterial effect of bio-nanocomposite films on chilled beef was evaluated. Fourier transform infrared analysis showed a series of intense interactions among the components of the bio-nanocomposite films. The infiltration of GEO increased the thickness of the film, reduced the tensile strength of the film, and increased the percentage of breaking elongation and the water vapor permeability. The migration of phenols in the films began to increase exponentially and reached equilibrium at about 48 h. The bio-nanocomposite films (Ch +0.5% GEO group, and Ch + MMT + 0.5% GEO group) effectively delayed the rise of pH, hue angle, and moisture values of chilled beef with time and slowed down the lipid oxidation and the growth of surface microorganisms on chilled beef. Altogether, the prepared biological nanocomposites can be used as promising materials to replace commercial and non-degradable plastic films.
Novel Extract from Beetle Ulomoides dermestoides: A Study of Composition and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Ushakova Nina A. , Brodsky Efim S. , Tikhonova Olga V. , Dontsov Alexander E. , Marsova Maria V. , Shelepchikov Andrey A. , Bastrakov Alexander I.
Published: June 2021

A biologically active extract from the darkling beetle Ulomoides dermestoides was obtained using the electro-pulse plasma dynamic extraction method. The beetle water extract contained a complex of antioxidant substances such as antioxidant enzymes and nonprotein antioxidants, as well as a complex of heat shock antistress proteins. This determines the rather high antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract of the beetle, i.e., 1 mg of dry matter/mL of the extract has an equivalent antioxidant activity to 0.2 mM Trolox (a water-soluble analog of vitamin E). It was shown that the beetle extract can lead to a 25–30% increase in the average lifespan of nematode Caenorhabditiselegans, under normal conditions, and a 12–17% increase under conditions of oxidative stress (with paraquat), and significantly inhibits the fructosylation reaction of serum albumin. Therefore, the beetle aqueous extract shows promise as a biologically active complex exhibiting antioxidant activity.
Effects of Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment on Reactive Oxygen Metabolites and Glycemic Control in Diabetic Patients with Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Marconcini Simone , Giammarinaro Enrica , Cosola Saverio , Oldoini Giacomo , Genovesi Annamaria , Covani Ugo
Published: June 2021

Periodontal infection may contribute to poor glycemic control and systemic inflammation in diabetic patients. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of non-surgical periodontal treatment in diabetic patients by measuring oxidative stress outcomes. Sixty diabetic patients with periodontitis were enrolled, treated with scaling and full-mouth disinfection, and randomly prescribed chlorhexidine mouthwash, antioxidant mouthwash, or ozone therapy. Reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs), periodontal parameters, and glycated hemoglobin were measured at baseline and then at 1, 3, and 6 months after. At baseline, all patients presented with pathologic levels of plasmatic ROM (388 ± 21.36 U CARR), higher than the normal population. Probing depth, plaque index, and bleeding on probing values showed significant clinical improvements after treatment, accompanied by significant reductions of plasma ROM levels (p < 0.05). At the 6-month evaluation, the mean ROM relapsed to 332 ± 31.76 U CARR. Glycated hemoglobin decreased significantly (∆ = −0.52 units) after treatment. Both the test groups showed longer-lasting improvements of periodontal parameters. In diabetic patients, periodontal treatment was effective at reducing plasma ROM, which is an indicator of systemic oxidative stress and inflammation. The treatment of periodontal infection might facilitate glycemic control and decrease systemic inflammation.
Gene Therapy for Systemic or Organ Specific Delivery of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase
Authors: Greenberger Joel S. , Mukherjee Amitava , Epperly Michael W.
Published: June 2021

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is a dominant component of the antioxidant defense system in mammalian cells. Since ionizing irradiation induces profound oxidative stress, it was logical to test the effect of overexpression of MnSOD on radioresistance. This task was accomplished by introduction of a transgene for MnSOD into cells in vitro and into organs in vivo, and both paradigms showed clear radioresistance following overexpression. During the course of development and clinical application of using MnSOD as a radioprotector, several prominent observations were made by Larry Oberley, Joel Greenberger, and Michael Epperly which include (1) mitochondrial localization of either manganese superoxide dismutase or copper/zinc SOD was required to provide optimal radiation protection; (2) the time required for optimal expression was 12–18 h, and while acceptable for radiation protection, the time delay was impractical for radiation mitigation; (3) significant increases in intracellular elevation of MnSOD activity were required for effective radioprotection. Lessons learned during the development of MnSOD gene therapy have provided a strategy for delivery of small molecule SOD mimics, which are faster acting and have shown the potential for both radiation protection and mitigation. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current status of using MnSOD-PL and SOD mimetics as radioprotectors and radiomitigators.
Prdx1 Interacts with ASK1 upon Exposure to H2O2 and Independently of a Scaffolding Protein
Authors: Vo Trung Nghia , Malo Pueyo Julia , Wahni Khadija , Ezeriņa Daria , Bolduc Jesalyn , Messens Joris
Published: June 2021

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a key redox signaling molecule that selectively oxidizes cysteines on proteins. It can accomplish this even in the presence of highly efficient and abundant H2O2 scavengers, peroxiredoxins (Prdxs), as it is the Prdxs themselves that transfer oxidative equivalents to specific protein thiols on target proteins via their redox-relay functionality. The first evidence of a mammalian cytosolic Prdx-mediated redox-relay—Prdx1 with the kinase ASK1—was presented a decade ago based on the outcome of a co-immunoprecipitation experiment. A second such redox-relay—Prdx2:STAT3—soon followed, for which further studies provided insights into its specificity, organization, and mechanism. The Prdx1:ASK1 redox-relay, however, has never undergone such a characterization. Here, we combine cellular and in vitro protein–protein interaction methods to investigate the Prdx1:ASK1 interaction more thoroughly. We show that, contrary to the Prdx2:STAT3 redox-relay, Prdx1 interacts with ASK1 at elevated H2O2 concentrations, and that this interaction can happen independently of a scaffolding protein. We also provide evidence of a Prdx2:ASK1 interaction, and demonstrate that it requires a facilitator that, however, is not annexin A2. Our results reveal that cytosolic Prdx redox-relays can be organized in different ways and yet again highlight the differentiated roles of Prdx1 and Prdx2.
Current Perspectives on the Beneficial Effects of Soybean Isoflavones and Their Metabolites for Humans
Authors: Kim Il-Sup
Published: June 2021

Soybeans are rich in proteins and lipids and have become a staple part of the human diet. Besides their nutritional excellence, they have also been shown to contain various functional components, including isoflavones, and have consequently received increasing attention as a functional food item. Isoflavones are structurally similar to 17-β-estradiol and bind to estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ). The estrogenic activity of isoflavones ranges from a hundredth to a thousandth of that of estrogen itself. Isoflavones play a role in regulating the effects of estrogen in the human body, depending on the situation. Thus, when estrogen is insufficient, isoflavones perform the functions of estrogen, and when estrogen is excessive, isoflavones block the estrogen receptors to which estrogen binds, thus acting as an estrogen antagonist. In particular, estrogen antagonistic activity is important in the breast, endometrium, and prostate, and such antagonistic activity suppresses cancer occurrence. Genistein, an isoflavone, has cancer-suppressing effects on estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) cancers, including breast cancer. It suppresses the function of enzymes such as tyrosine protein kinase, mitogen-activated kinase, and DNA polymerase II, thus inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Genistein is the most biologically active and potent isoflavone candidate for cancer prevention. Furthermore, among the various physiological functions of isoflavones, they are best known for their antioxidant activities. S-Equol, a metabolite of genistein and daidzein, has strong antioxidative effects; however, the ability to metabolize daidzein into S-equol varies based on racial and individual differences. The antioxidant activity of isoflavones may be effective in preventing dementia by inhibiting the phosphorylation of Alzheimer’s-related tau proteins. Genistein also reduces allergic responses by limiting the expression of mast cell IgE receptors, which are involved in allergic responses. In addition, they have been known to prevent and treat various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndromes, osteoporosis, diabetes, brain-related diseases, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and inflammation. Further, it also has positive effects on menstrual irregularity in non-menopausal women and relieving menopausal symptoms in middle-aged women. Recently, soybean consumption has shown steep increasing trend in Western countries where the intake was previously only 1/20–1/50 of that in Asian countries. In this review, Ihave dealt with the latest research trends that have shown substantial interest in the biological efficacy of isoflavones in humans and plants, and their related mechanisms.
Deep Learning-Based Crack Identification for Steel Pipelines by Extracting Features from 3D Shadow Modeling
Authors: Altabey Wael A. , Noori Mohammad , Wang Tianyu , Ghiasi Ramin , Kuok Sin-Chi , Wu Zhishen
Published: June 2021

Automatic crack identification for pipeline analysis utilizes three-dimensional (3D) image technology to improve the accuracy and reliability of crack identification. A new technique that integrates a deep learning algorithm and 3D shadow modeling (3D-SM) is proposed for the automatic identification of corrosion cracks in pipelines. Since the depth of a corrosion crack is below the surrounding area of the crack, a shadow of the crack is projected when the crack is exposed under light sources. In this study, we analyze the shadow areas of cracks through 3D shadow modeling (3D-SM) and identify the evolving cracks through the shape analysis of the shadows. To denoise the 3D images, the connected domain analysis is implemented so that the shadow groups of the evolving cracks can be retained and the scattered shadow groups that occur due to insignificant defects can be eliminated. Moreover, a novel deep neural network is developed to process the 3D images. The proposed automatic crack identification method successfully processes the 3D images efficiently and accurately diagnoses the corrosion cracks. Experimental results show that the proposed method achieves satisfactory performance with 93.53% accuracy and a 92.04% regression rate.
Biosorption of Pb(II) Using Coffee Pulp as a Sustainable Alternative for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Gómez-Aguilar Dora Luz , Rodríguez-Miranda Juan Pablo , Baracaldo-Guzmán Deisy , Salcedo-Parra Octavio José , Esteban-Muñoz Javier Andrés
Published: June 2021

The present research shows the results obtained from the biosorption process of Pb, using coffee pulp as a biosorbent in synthetic waters. To do this, the lignin and cellulose content and the percentage of removal of Pb2+ ions was determined; additionally, the sorption’s optimal variables, such as the optimum pH, the point of zero charge (pHpzc), the kinetics and the adsorption isotherm, were determined. A comparison was made with other by-products derived from coffee crops. According to the results obtained in this research, the cellulose percentage was 29.12 ± 0.22% and the lignin percentage was 19.25 ± 0.16% in the coffee pulp, the optimum pH was 2.0 units and the kinetic model, which adjusted to the biosorption’s process, was the pseudo-second order of Ho and McKay, presenting an isotherm of Langmuir’s model and pHpzc of 3.95 units. Lastly, the removal of the pollutant was 86.45%, with a capacity of maximum adsorption of 24.10 mg·g−1 obtained with a particle size of 180 µm, time of contact of 105 min and at 100 RPM. Finally, we express that (a) the coffee pulp can be used as a sustainable alternative for the removal of the pollutant mentioned in synthetic and/or industrial wastewater matrices, to meet goals 3.9 and 6.9 of the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 agenda, and (b) the novelty of this research is the use of an agricultural waste of easy acquisition as a sorbent, without chemical modification, since it presented a high percentage of efficiency in the removal of Pb2+ ions. In turn, the challenge of this research is implementing this green technology on a pilot, semi-industrial and/or industrial scale in wastewater treatment systems.
Facial Anti-Aging Treatments with Soft Peeling and Microneedling Technique
Authors: Amore Roberto , Deriu Fiorella , Sbarbati Andrea , Amuso Domenico , Vitale Massimo , Patruno Ilaria , Perna Anna , Scarano Antonio
Published: June 2021

Background: The interest in maintaining a young and attractive appearance in an era with increasingly hectic rhythms has generated a pressing demand for effective aesthetic procedures with the shortest possible recovery period, stimulating the search for non-invasive, yet successful, solutions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the combined soft peeling and MN technique on the various imperfections typical of facial aging. Methods: This multicentric uncontrolled experimental study recruited a population of healthy subjects of both sexes with advanced signs of photo- and chrono-aging. These subjects were provided with a single session of microneedling and peeling at the same time. Recruited subjects were re-evaluated 30 (±4) and 60 (±4) days after treatment by photographic comparison before and after treatment. The physicians evaluated the improvement of facial wrinkles according to the Wrinkle Assessment Scale of Lemperle. Forty-nine subjects completed the study and showed a significant improvement in wrinkles in all areas of the face. Results: There were no significant differences in the different subpopulations compared: males–females, Glogau 3–Glogau 4, smokers–non-smokers, phototypes 1–4, and check up at 30 days–control at 60 days. The adverse events manifested were localized edema in four cases (8.2%) lasting an average of 3–4 days, very fine crustiness in four cases (8.2%), transient post inflammatory dyschromia in two cases (4.1%) lasting 2–3 weeks, and herpetic reactivation in one case (2.0%). Conclusions: The study demonstrates the therapeutic efficacy of the combined needling-peeling treatment in different types of wrinkles.
Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Reduction in Patients with Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma and Peritumoral Collateral Vessels: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Greco Federico , Quarta Luigi Giuseppe , Carnevale Aldo , Giganti Melchiore , Grasso Rosario Francesco , Beomonte Zobel Bruno , Mallio Carlo Augusto
Published: June 2021

Background: peritumoral collateral vessels adjacent to renal cell carcinoma (RCC) can be encountered in clinical practice. Cancer cachexia is defined as a decrease of adipose and skeletal muscle tissues. In this study we evaluated, using a quantitative CT imaging-based approach, the distribution of abdominal adipose tissue in clear cell RCC (ccRCC) male patients with and without collateral vessels. Methods: between November 2019 and February 2020, in this retrospective study we enrolled 106 ccRCC male Caucasian patients divided into two groups: a ccRCCa group without collateral vessels (n = 48) and a ccRCCp group with collateral vessels (n = 58). The total adipose tissue (TAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) areas were measured in both groups. Moreover, the VAT/SAT ratio was calculated for each subject. Results: a statistically significant difference between the two groups was found in the SAT area (p < 0.05), while no significant differences were found in the TAT area, VAT area and VAT/SAT ratio. Conclusion: this study demonstrates a reduction of SAT in ccRCC patients with peritumoral collateral vessels.
C3VFC: A Method for Tracing and Quantification of Microglia in 3D Temporal Images
Authors: Ly Tiffany T. , Wang Jie , Bisht Kanchan , Eyo Ukpong , Acton Scott T.
Published: June 2021

Automatic glia reconstruction is essential for the dynamic analysis of microglia motility and morphology, notably so in research on neurodegenerative diseases. In this paper, we propose an automatic 3D tracing algorithm called C3VFC that uses vector field convolution to find the critical points along the centerline of an object and trace paths that traverse back to the soma of every cell in an image. The solution provides detection and labeling of multiple cells in an image over time, leading to multi-object reconstruction. The reconstruction results can be used to extract bioinformatics from temporal data in different settings. The C3VFC reconstruction results found up to a 53% improvement on the next best performing state-of-the-art tracing method. C3VFC achieved the highest accuracy scores, in relation to the baseline results, in four of the five different measures: Entire structure average, the average bi-directional entire structure average, the different structure average, and the percentage of different structures.
A Survey for Recent Techniques and Algorithms of Geolocation and Target Tracking in Wireless and Satellite Systems
Authors: Elgamoudi Abulasad , Benzerrouk Hamza , Elango G. Arul , Landry René
Published: June 2021

A single Radio-Frequency Interference (RFI) is a disturbance source of modern wireless systems depending on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Satellite Communication (SatCom). In particular, significant applications such as aeronautics and satellite communication can be severely affected by intentional and unintentional interference, which are unmitigated. The matter requires finding a radical and effective solution to overcome this problem. The methods used for overcoming the RFI include interference detection, interference classification, interference geolocation, tracking and interference mitigation. RFI source geolocation and tracking methodology gained universal attention from numerous researchers, specialists, and scientists. In the last decade, various conventional techniques and algorithms have been adopted in geolocation and target tracking in civil and military operations. Previous conventional techniques did not address the challenges and demand for novel algorithms. Hence there is a necessity for focussing on the issues associated with this. This survey introduces a review of various conventional geolocation techniques, current orientations, and state-of-the-art techniques and highlights some approaches and algorithms employed in wireless and satellite systems for geolocation and target tracking that may be extremely beneficial. In addition, a comparison between different conventional geolocation techniques has been revealed, and the comparisons between various approaches and algorithms of geolocation and target tracking have been addressed, including H∞ and Kalman Filtering versions that have been implemented and investigated by authors.
Extra-Heavy Crude Oil Degradation by Alternaria sp. Isolated from Deep-Sea Sediments of the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Romero-Hernández Lucia , Velez Patricia , Betanzo-Gutiérrez Itandehui , Camacho-López María Dolores , Vázquez-Duhalt Rafael , Riquelme Meritxell
Published: June 2021

The Gulf of Mexico (GoM) is an important source of oil for the United States and Mexico. There has been growing interest, particularly after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, in characterizing the fungal diversity of the GoM and identifying isolates for use in the bioremediation of petroleum in the event of another spill. Most studies have focused on light crude oil bioremediation processes, while heavy crude oil (HCO) and extra-heavy crude oil (EHCO) have been largely ignored. In this work, we evaluated the ability of fungal isolates obtained from deep-sea sediments of the Mexican economic exclusive zone (EEZ) of the GoM to degrade HCO (16–20° API) and EHCO (7–10° API). Alternaria sp., Penicillium spp., and Stemphylium sp. grew with HCO as the sole carbon source. Remarkably, Alternaria sp. was the only isolate able to grow with EHCO as the sole carbon source, degrading up to 25.6% of the total EHCO and 91.3% of the aromatic fraction, as demonstrated by gas chromatography analysis of the saturate, aromatic, and polar fractions. These findings proved to be significant, identifying Alternaria sp. as one of the few fungi reported so far capable of degrading untreated EHCO and as a suitable candidate for bioremediation of EHCO in future studies.
Identifying Energy-Use Behavior and Energy-Use Profiles of Hotel Guests
Authors: Palani Hevar , Karatas Aslihan
Published: June 2021

There are about 47,000 hotels in the United States that spend an average of $2200 per room on energy annually. Studies found that hotel guests’ energy consumption behavior is one of the key reasons that affects hotel buildings’ energy consumption. However, there has been little research study that provides efficient energy-use reduction interventions based on guests’ energy-related behavior in hotel buildings. To address this research gap, this research study aims to develop an integrated energy-use framework in four steps: (1) integrating four energy-related behavior models (i.e., Motivation-Opportunity-Ability, Norm Activation Model, Theory of Planned Behavior, and Pro-environmental Behavior); (2) developing a set of hypotheses and their relevant measures to examine the relationship between the energy-related behavior models and hotel guests’ energy-use behavior; (3) conducting an energy-use survey to analyze the effect of each determined measure on hotel guests’ energy-use behavior; (4) analyzing the energy behavior data to identify energy-use behavior of hotel guests in hotel buildings; (5) analyzing the energy behavior data to identify energy-use profiles (i.e., Prone, Indifferent, or Resistant to Change) of hotel guests in hotel buildings. In this study, Prone to Change refers to good energy consumption behavior, Indifferent to Change refers to moderate energy consumption behavior, and Resistant to Change refers to bad or dark energy consumption behavior. From the energy-use survey, 370 responses were collected. Then, the 370 responses were analyzed to identify the energy-use profiles of hotel guests. The results from the analysis indicated that 168 out of 370 (45%) respondents have Resistant to Change energy-use profile, 146 out of 370 (40%) respondents have Indifferent to Change energy-use profile, and 56 out of 370 (15%) respondents have Prone to Change energy-use profile. The findings can provide decision-makers in hospitality industry with a better understanding of their guests’ energy-related behavior; and accordingly develop effective interventions to reduce energy consumption in hotel buildings.
Listeria monocytogenes Serogroup 1/2 Strains Have a Competitive Growth Advantage over Serotype 4b during Refrigerated Storage of an Artificially Contaminated Ready-To-Eat Pork Meat Product
Authors: Andritsos Nikolaos D. , Paramithiotis Spiros , Mataragas Marios , Drosinos Eleftherios H.
Published: June 2021

Listeria monocytogenes is the bacterial causative agent of listeriosis, a life-threatening disease for humans, mainly transmitted through contaminated food. Human clinical isolates of the pathogen are frequently identified as serotype 4b strains; interestingly, however, serotype 4b (lineage I) is normally underrepresented among the food isolates in which serotype 1/2a (lineage II) is usually prevalent. The present study aimed to assess in situ dominance dynamics for the most commonly detected serotypes of L. monocytogenes implicated in foodborne listeriosis cases. A four-strain mixture comprised of L. monocytogenes serogroup 1/2 (i.e., serotypes 1/2a, 1/2b, and 1/2c) and serotype 4b food isolates was inoculated on a sliced ready-to-eat pork meat product, and dominance rates for the pathogenic strains were estimated based on serotype recoveries by utilizing multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR), during storage of the product at 4 °C and 10 °C. The cumulative mPCR results showed that serotype 4b decreased at both storage temperatures, with the most abrupt decrease being noticed during storage at 10 °C. Irrespective of the storage temperature applied, L. monocytogenes strains of serogroup 1/2 predominated at the end of the meat product’s storage period. Conclusively, the preliminary findings of this research suggested a competitive growth advantage of L. monocytogenes serogroup 1/2 strains over serotype 4b during the refrigerated shelf-life of foods, thus advancing our knowledge on the pathogen’s behavior and contributing toward elucidating the manifested underrepresentation of serotype 4b in favor of serogroup 1/2 strains among the food isolates of the pathogen, particularly those recovered during detection and/or enumeration of L. monocytogenes in meat and products thereof.
Use of Deep Learning Architectures for Day-Ahead Electricity Price Forecasting over Different Time Periods in the Spanish Electricity Market
Authors: Vega-Márquez Belén , Rubio-Escudero Cristina , Nepomuceno-Chamorro Isabel A. , Arcos-Vargas Ángel
Published: June 2021

The importance of electricity in people’s daily lives has made it an indispensable commodity in society. In electricity market, the price of electricity is the most important factor for each of those involved in it, therefore, the prediction of the electricity price has been an essential and very important task for all the agents involved in the purchase and sale of this good. The main problem within the electricity market is that prediction is an arduous and difficult task, due to the large number of factors involved, the non-linearity, non-seasonality and volatility of the price over time. Data Science methods have proven to be a great tool to capture these difficulties and to be able to give a reliable prediction using only price data, i.e., taking the problem from an univariate point of view in order to help market agents. In this work, we have made a comparison among known models in the literature, focusing on Deep Learning architectures by making an extensive tuning of parameters using data from the Spanish electricity market. Three different time periods have been used in order to carry out an extensive comparison among them. The results obtained have shown, on the one hand, that Deep Learning models are quite effective in predicting the price of electricity and, on the other hand, that the different time periods and their particular characteristics directly influence the final results of the models.
Predicting Rapid Intensification Events Following Tropical Cyclone Formation in the Western North Pacific Based on ECMWF Ensemble Warm Core Evolutions
Authors: Elsberry Russell L. , Tsai Hsiao-Chung , Chin Wei-Chia , Marchok Timothy P.
Published: June 2021

When the environmental conditions over the western North Pacific are favorable for tropical cyclone formation, a rapid intensification event will frequently follow formation. In this extension of our combined three-stage 7-day Weighted Analog Intensity Pacific prediction technique, the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Prediction ensemble predictions of the warm core magnitudes of pre-tropical cyclone circulations are utilized to define the Time-to-Formation (35 knots) and to estimate the Likely Storm Category. If that category is a Typhoon, the bifurcation version of our technique is modified to better predict the peak intensity by selecting only Cluster 1 analog storms with the largest peak intensities that are most likely to have under-gone rapid intensification. A second modification to improve the peak intensity magnitude and timing was to fit a cubic spline curve through the weighted-mean peak intensities of the Cluster 1 analogs. The performance of this modified technique has been evaluated for a sequence of western North Pacific tropical cyclones during 2019 in terms of: (i) Detection time in advance of formation; (ii) Accuracy of Time-to-Formation; (iii) Intensification stage prediction; and (iv) Peak intensity magnitude/timing. This modified technique would provide earlier guidance as to the threat of a Typhoon along the 15-day ensemble storm track forecast, which would be a benefit for risk management officials.