bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Academic Stress and Emotional Well-Being in United States College Students Following Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Clabaugh Alison , Duque Juan F. , Fields Logan J.
Published: March 2021

COVID-19 has resulted in extraordinary disruptions to the higher education landscape. Here, we provide a brief report on 295 students’ academic perceptions and emotional well-being in late May 2020. Students reported the high levels of uncertainty regarding their academic futures as well as significant levels of stress and difficulty coping with COVID-19 disruptions. These outcomes were related to the higher levels of neuroticism and an external locus of control. Female students reported worse emotional well-being compared to males, and the students of color reported the significantly higher levels of stress and uncertainty regarding their academic futures compared to White students. These results suggest that some students may be at particular risk for academic stress and poor emotional well-being due to the pandemic and highlight the urgent need for intervention and prevention strategies.
Stagewise Overview of Issues Influencing Organizational Technology Adoption and Use
Authors: Saghafian Mina , Laumann Karin , Skogstad Martin Rasmussen
Published: March 2021

This paper provides a stagewise overview of the important issues that play a role in technology adoption and use in organizations. In the current literature, there is a lack of consistency and clarity about the different stages of the technology adoption process, the important issues at each stage, and the differentiation between antecedents, after-effects, enablers, and barriers to technology adoption. This paper collected the relevant issues in technology adoption and use, mentioned dispersedly and under various terminologies, in the recent literature. The qualitative literature review was followed by thematic analysis of the data. The resulting themes were organized into a thematic map depicting three stages of the technology adoption process: pre-change, change, and post-change. The relevant themes and subthemes at each stage were identified and their significance discussed. The themes at each stage are antecedents to the next stage. All the themes of the pre-change and change stages are neutral, but the way they are managed and executed makes them enablers or barriers in effect. The thematic map is a continuous cycle where every round of technology adoption provides input for the subsequent rounds. Based on how themes have been addressed and executed in practice, they can either enhance or impair the subsequent technology adoption. This thematic map can be used as a qualitative framework by academics and practitioners in the field to evaluate technological changes.
Creating Learning Environments Free of Violence in Special Education Through the Dialogic Model of Prevention and Resolution of Conflicts
Authors: Duque Elena , Carbonell Sara , de Botton Lena , Roca-Campos Esther
Published: March 2021

Violence suffered by children is a violation of human rights and a global health problem. Children with disabilities are especially vulnerable to violence in the school environment, which has a negative impact on their well-being and health. Students with disabilities educated in special schools have, in addition, more reduced experiences of interaction that may reduce both their opportunities for learning and for building protective social networks of support. This study analyses the transference of evidence-based actions to prevent violence in schools – the dialogic model of prevention and resolution of conflicts (DMPRC) – in the context of a special school, and its impact on the reduction of violence, the creation of egalitarian relationships, and the prevention of bullying. A case study with a communicative approach was conducted including in-depth interviews and communicative focus groups with the diverse participants to analyze the process of transformation carried out in the school and the main actions that give students a voice in the management and creation of egalitarian non-violent relationships. The results show that the inclusion of the students’ voices in the resolution and prevention of conflicts reduces violence, empowers special education students, strengthens friendship relationships, caring behavior, and active positioning among the community. The positive impact of the transference of the DMPRC to special schools contributes to students’ well-being and healthy development by offering safe and protective educational spaces and quality emotional education, also contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals related to the elimination of all forms of violence in childhood.
Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis Reveals Essential Genes and Pathways in Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Zhang Zhen-Qing , Wu Wei-Wei , Chen Jin-Dong , Zhang Guang-Yin , Lin Jing-Yu , Wu Yan-Kun , Zhang Yu , Su Yun-Ai , Li Ji-Tao , Si Tian-Mei
Published: March 2021

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a major and highly heritable mental illness with severe psychosocial impairment, but its etiology and pathogenesis remains unclear. This study aimed to identify the essential pathways and genes involved in BD using weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), a bioinformatic method studying the relationships between genes and phenotypes. Using two available BD gene expression datasets (GSE5388, GSE5389), we constructed a gene coexpression network and identified modules related to BD. The analyses of Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were performed to explore functional enrichment of the candidate modules. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was further constructed to identify the potential hub genes. Ten coexpression modules were identified from the top 5,000 genes in 77 samples and three modules were significantly associated with BD, which were involved in several biological processes (e.g., the actin filament-based process) and pathways (e.g., MAPK signaling). Four genes (NOTCH1, POMC, NGF, and DRD2) were identified as candidate hub genes by PPI analysis and CytoHubba. Finally, we carried out validation analyses in a separate dataset, GSE12649, and verified NOTCH1 as a hub gene and the involvement of several biological processes such as actin filament-based process and axon development. Taken together, our findings revealed several candidate pathways and genes (NOTCH1) in the pathogenesis of BD and call for further investigation for their potential research values in BD diagnosis and treatment.
Pharmacological Interventions to Treat Antipsychotic-Induced Dyslipidemia in Schizophrenia Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis
Authors: Kanagasundaram Pruntha , Lee Jiwon , Prasad Femin , Costa-Dookhan Kenya A. , Hamel Laurie , Gordon Madeleine , Remington Gary , Hahn Margaret K. , Agarwal Sri Mahavir
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Antipsychotic-induced dyslipidemia represents a common adverse effect faced by patients with schizophrenia that increases risk for developing further metabolic complications and cardiovascular disease. Despite its burden, antipsychotic-induced dyslipidemia is often left untreated, and the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions for mitigating dyslipidemia has not been well-addressed. This review aims to assess the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions in alleviating dyslipidemia in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods: Medline, PsychInfo, and EMBASE were searched for all relevant English articles from 1950 to November 2020. Randomized placebo-controlled trials were included. Differences in changes in triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and VLDL cholesterol levels between treatment and placebo groups were meta-analyzed as primary outcomes.

Results: Our review identified 48 randomized controlled trials that comprised a total of 3,128 patients and investigated 29 pharmacological interventions. Overall, pharmacological interventions were effective in lowering LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels while increasing the levels of HDL cholesterol. Within the intervention subgroups, approved lipid-lowering agents did not reduce lipid parameters other than total cholesterol level, while antipsychotic switching and antipsychotic add-on interventions improved multiple lipid parameters, including triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol. Off label lipid lowering agents improved triglycerides and total cholesterol levels, with statistically significant changes seen with metformin.

Conclusion: Currently available lipid lowering agents may not work as well in patients with schizophrenia who are being treated with antipsychotics. Additionally, antipsychotic switching, antipsychotic add-ons, and certain off label interventions might be more effective in improving some but not all associated lipid parameters. Future studies should explore novel interventions for effectively managing antipsychotic-induced dyslipidemia.

Registration: PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020219982; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020219982.
Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Unique Transition From Home, School or College Into University
Authors: Worsley Joanne Deborah , Harrison Paula , Corcoran Rhiannon
Published: March 2021

Although previous research has shown that psychological distress increases on entering university, little is known about first-year student perspectives on the stressors in university environments, and what measures might better support student mental health and well-being during the transition period. The present research seeks to bridge this gap by exploring the unique transition period from home, school or college into university in order to identify aspects of the university experience (teaching, curriculum, support services, accommodation) that could be adapted to better support student mental health and well-being. Eight focus groups were conducted across two higher education institutions in North West England. Focus group data were thematically analyzed. Four overarching themes were identified: “Tackling multiple challenges”; “The preparatory role of schools and colleges”; “University staff and services: Feeling supported/unsupported”; and “Friendships.” Although pressure to perform academically whilst fulfilling the stereotypical student life is keenly felt during the transition period, many students conceal their struggles from family and friends. Living beyond their familiar support structures often leaves students in need of compassionate humans to turn to for support or advice, especially as many keep their struggles hidden. Large-group teaching settings stifle social connection and leave students feeling lonely. Loneliness was also experienced within accommodation environments. Providing increased opportunities for connection within living and learning environments would enable young people to build and strengthen relationships with fellow students and staff. As supportive environments foster a sense of belonging and community, universities should ensure that students feel supported by staff and peers whilst they acclimatize to multiple new challenges.
Analytical and Experimental Investigations of Novel Maglev Coupling Based on Opposed Halbach Array for a 2D Valve
Authors: Meng Bin , Zhu Chenhang , Xu Hao , Dai Mingzhu , Li Sheng
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a novel maglev coupling based on the opposed Halbach array is proposed as the interface between the linear electro-mechanical converter and 2D valve body. This non-contact maglev coupling possesses several advantages over existing mechanical couplings such as zero friction and wear, low vibration and noise, and no lubrication, which is expected to greatly improve the control accuracy and life cycle of the 2D valve. A detailed analytical model of maglev coupling is established based on the electro-magnetic theory. Firstly, the permanent magnets of the Halbach array is decomposed into several types of basic elements to obtain their individual analytical expressions, which are then re-superimposed into the whole coupling to obtain the analytical formula of torque–displacement characteristics. In order to obtain maximum output torque of maglev coupling, a parametric analysis was performed using an analytical model and optimal pitch angle and shifted distance was explored and found. To verify the correctness of the analytical modelling and parametric analysis results, the torque–displacement characteristics were also studied through both the FEM simulation and experimental approach. The results of analytical modelling, FEM simulation and experiment were in a good agreement, which shows that the maximum magnetic torque can reach about 0.579 N·m when the external armature displacement is 1 mm. The research work provides an important reference for the future application of maglev coupling in a 2D valve.
Strength Analysis of Alternative Airframe Layouts of Regional Aircraft on the Basis of Automated Parametrical Models
Authors: Vedernikov Dmitry V. , Shanygin Alexander N. , Mirgorodsky Yury S. , Levchenkov Mikhail D.
Published: March 2021

This publication presents the results of complex parametrical strength investigations of typical wings for regional aircrafts obtained by means of the new version of the four-level algorithm (FLA) with the modified module responsible for the analysis of aerodynamic loading. This version of FLA, as well as a base one, is focused on significant decreasing time and labor input of a complex strength analysis of airframes by using simultaneously different principles of decomposition. The base version includes four-level decomposition of airframe and decomposition of strength tasks. The new one realizes additional decomposition of alternative variants of load cases during the process of determination of critical load cases. Such an algorithm is very suitable for strength analysis and designing airframes of regional aircrafts having a wide range of aerodynamic concepts. Results of validation of the new version of FLA for a high-aspect-ratio wing obtained in this work confirmed high performance of the algorithm in decreasing time and labor input of strength analysis of airframes at the preliminary stages of designing. During parametrical design investigation, some interesting results for strut-braced wings having high aspect ratios were obtained.
Grain Yield Stability of Cereal-Legume Intercrops Is Greater Than Sole Crops in More Productive Conditions
Authors: Weih Martin , Karley Alison J. , Newton Adrian C. , Kiær Lars P. , Scherber Christoph , Rubiales Diego , Adam Eveline , Ajal James , Brandmeier Jana , Pappagallo Silvia , Villegas-Fernández Angel , Reckling Moritz , Tavoletti Stefano
Published: March 2021

The intercropping of two or more crop species on the same piece of land at a given time has been hypothesized to enhance crop yield stability. To address this hypothesis, we assessed the grain yield stability of various barley-pea and wheat-faba bean mixtures grown in seven experimental field trials (locations) across Europe during two years with contrasting weather (2017 and 2018). Three different yield stability measures were used, all based on the expected yield variability of the mixture components grown as sole crops, and the corresponding observed yield variability of the same components grown in 50:50 mixtures in a replacement design. Stability indices were calculated as ratios between the expected and observed variabilities, with values > 1 indicating greater stability of the intercrops. Mean grain yields tended to be higher in intercrops than sole crops. However, in contrast to our hypothesis, the observed (intercrop) yield stability was similar or lower than the expected (sole crop) stability in most locations except one. Furthermore, yield stability significantly increased with increasing mean yields when assessed across differentially productive locations. The results are relevant for the designing of intercropping systems as a means to increase yield stability and the resilience of cropping systems.
Physiological and Yield Responses of Green-Shelled Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Grown under Restricted Irrigation
Authors: Campos Karen , Schwember Andrés R. , Machado Daniel , Ozores-Hampton Mónica , Gil Pilar M.
Published: March 2021

Common bean is an important crop, consumed as green-shelled bean in several countries. In Chile, green-shelled beans are cultivated often as a dry land crop, vulnerable to drought. The objective of this study was to characterize the hydric and productive responses of four green-shelled bean genotypes subjected to deficit irrigation in order to outline production strategies in the face of increasing water scarcity. Two experiments were evaluated: one pot experiment with three irrigation treatments, supplying 100% of the crop evapotranspiration (ETc) (T100), 50% (T50), and 30% (T30); and an open field experiment with two treatments: 100% (I100) and 40% of ETc (I40). Treatments were applied during reproductive stage in determinate cultivars and vegetative stage in indeterminate plants. Severe water restriction (T30 and I40) in both experiments showed a significant decrease in stomatal conductances, as well as biomass and number of grains per pod; I40 treatment also showed a reduction in chlorophyll fluorescence. Water use efficiency (WUE) was higher under water stress in field (I40), but lower on the T30 treatment from the pot experiment. Determinate cultivars showed 22.7% higher of 100-seed weight compared to indeterminate type, and, thus, higher tolerance to drought. Our results indicate that severe water stress is highly harmful in terms of yield, and a moderate controlled deficit irrigation plus the use of determinate genotypes may be a strategy for producing green-shelled bean successfully under a drought scenario.
Design and Evaluation of a Macroarray for Detection, Identification, and Typing of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus (VHSV)
Authors: López-Vázquez Carmen , Bandín Isabel , Dopazo Carlos P.
Published: March 2021

The viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) is the causative agent of an important disease in freshwater and marine fishes. Its diagnosis officially relies on the isolation of the virus in cell culture and its identification by serological or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodologies. Nowadays, reverse transcription real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is the most widely employed technique for the detection of this virus and some studies have reported the validation of RT-qPCR procedures for the detection, typing, and quantification of VHSV isolates. However, although the efficacy of this technique is not in doubt, it can be cumbersome and even impractical when it comes to processing large numbers of samples, a situation in which cross-contamination problems cannot be ruled out. In the present study, we have designed and validated a macroarray for the simultaneous detection, typing, and quantification of VHSV strains. Its analytical sensitivity (5–50 TCID50/mL), analytical specificity (intra and intergroup), efficiency (E = 100.0–101.1) and reliability (repeatability and reproducibility with CV < 5%, and standard curves with R2 < 0.95) with strains from any VHSV genotype have been widely demonstrated. The procedure is based on the ‘binary multiplex RT-qPCR system (bmRT-qPCR)’ previously reported by the same team, applied to arrays of 96-well PCR strip tubes plates, which can be stored at −25 °C for three months and up to one year before their use, without significant loss of efficiency.
Genomic Prediction for Twin Pregnancies
Authors: McGovern Shaileen P. , Weigel Daniel J. , Fessenden Brenda C. , Gonzalez-Peña Dianelys , Vukasinovic Natascha , McNeel Anthony K. , Di Croce Fernando A.
Published: March 2021

Twinning is a multifactorial trait influenced by both genetic and environmental factors that can negatively impact animal welfare and economic sustainability on commercial dairy operations. To date, using genetic selection as a tool for reducing twinning rates on commercial dairies has been proposed, but not yet implemented. In response to this market need, Zoetis (Kalamazoo, MI, USA) has developed a genomic prediction for twin pregnancies, and included it in a comprehensive multitrait selection index. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe a genetic evaluation for twinning in Holstein cattle, (2) demonstrate the efficacy of the predictions, (3) propose strategies to reduce twin pregnancies using this information. Data were retrieved from commercial dairies and provided directly by producers upon obtaining their permission. The twin pregnancies trait (TWIN) was defined as a pregnancy resulting in birth or abortion of twin calves, classified as a binary (0,1) event, and analysed using a threshold animal model. Predictions for a subset of cows were compared to their on-farm twin records. The heritability for twin pregnancies was 0.088, and genomic predicted transmitting abilities ((g)PTAs) ranged from −7.45–20.79. Genetic correlations between TWIN and other traits were low, meaning that improvement for TWIN will not negatively impact improvement for other traits. TWIN was effectively demonstrated to identify cows most and least likely to experience a twin pregnancy in a given lactation, regardless of reproductive protocol used. Effective inclusion of the prediction in a multitrait selection index offers producers a comprehensive tool to inform selection and management decisions. When combined with sound management practices, this presents a compelling opportunity for dairy producers to proactively reduce the incidence of twin pregnancies on commercial dairy operations.
Effect of Age on the Immune and Visceral Organ Weights and Cecal Traits in Modern Broilers
Authors: Martínez Yordan , Altamirano Edison , Ortega Victoria , Paz Patricio , Valdivié Manuel
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to determine the effect of age on the immune and visceral organ weights and cecal traits in modern broilers. 200 male Ross® 308 broilers were randomly selected, then 20 broilers were slaughtered every day (up to 10 days old) after six hours of fasting. All the organs measured had a progressive increase in absolute weight as the days progressed, apart from the spleen, which decreased its absolute weight on day 5, even though on day 10 it showed the highest values. Moreover, the small intestine relative weight increased from the fourth to the ninth day and was correlated (p ≤ 0.05) with the relative weight of the proventriculus, gizzard, small intestine, and cecum, although without statistical association with the of the heart. There was a correlation between the cecum relative weight and the cecal lactic acid bacteria, and between the primary lymphoid organs. The pH (from 5.74 to 7.40) and cecal lactic acid bacteria (from 6.11 to 8.79 log 10 CFU/g) changed according to the age of the broilers. The results could contribute to the understanding of the physiology and intestinal microbiology of the first 10 days old of modern broilers, which is crucial to improve the genetic expression of these animals.
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Seed and Co-Products Inclusion in Diets for Dairy Ruminants: A Review
Authors: Bailoni Lucia , Bacchin Elisabetta , Trocino Angela , Arango Sheyla
Published: March 2021

Recently, hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.) was rediscovery as a plant that offers a wide variety of applications (textile, pharmaceuticals, construction, etc.), including also the use in animal and human nutrition. The inclusion of whole seeds and co-products obtained by processing of seeds (cake, meal, and oil) in the diets of farm animals can allow the transfer of bioactive substances to human food. Few publications are available on the use of hemp in dairy ruminants but some authors reported a positive effect on the fatty acids profile of milk and cheese with an increase of n-3 fatty acids and c9,t11 conjugated linoleic acid. The protein content, amino acids profile, and rumen undegradable protein (RUP) of hempseed and co-products of hemp appear interesting and suitable for ruminant nutrition. Negative effects of anti-nutritional factors (i.e., phytate) are not observed. However, the researches on the effects of the use of hempseed and co-products in diets for dairy ruminants do not allow to suggest optimal levels of inclusion. In addition, no data are published on the use of whole or part of the hemp plant as forage, as another possibility to use the hemp in the perspective of the circular economy.
Bacteriocin-Like Inhibitory Substances from Probiotics as Therapeutic Agents for Candida Vulvovaginitis
Authors: Hefzy Enas Mamdouh , Khalil Mahmoud A. F. , Amin Amal A. Ibrahim , Ashour Hossam M. , Abdelaliem Yasser Fathy
Published: March 2021

Probiotics can potentially prevent and treat diseases. We examined the inhibitory activity of bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances (BLISs) from potentially probiotic lactobacilli and streptococci on Candida albicans and non-Candida albicans clinical isolates from women with vulvovaginitis. Using agar well diffusion assays, BLISs inhibited both Candida albicans and non-Candida albicans isolates. The BLIS from L. pentosus isolates had the highest anti-Candida activity (33/45; 73.3%), followed by BLISs from isolates of L. paracasei subsp. paracasei (31/45; 68.9%), L. rhamnosus I (30/45; 66.7%), L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis I (30/45; 66.7%), and S. uberis II (30/45; 66.7%). Upon characterization according to the retained activity under variable physical and chemical conditions, the BLISs showed stability against heat, pH, and surfactants, but were protease-sensitive, which suggests a proteinaceous nature of the active substances. Using crystal violet assays, the BLISs reduced the Candida biofilm biomass significantly as compared to a control group that lacked BLISs. In vivo testing of the antagonistic activity was performed using the Galleria mellonella (G. mellonella) larvae model. BLISs significantly improved survival in G. mellonella larvae treated with Candida isolates on the first, second, and seventh days, as compared to larvae inoculated with Candida only (p < 0.01). The results show that BLISs can be used as biotherapeutic agents in vulvovaginal candidiasis.
5-Benzyliden-2-(5-methylthiazol-2-ylimino)thiazolidin-4-ones as Antimicrobial Agents. Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Haroun Michelyne , Tratrat Christophe , Kolokotroni Aggeliki , Petrou Anthi , Geronikaki Athina , Ivanov Marija , Kostic Marina , Sokovic Marina , Carazo Alejandro , Mladěnka Přemysl , Sreeharsha Nagaraja , Venugopala Katharigatta N. , Nair Anroop B. , Elsewedy Heba S.
Published: March 2021

In this study, we report the design, synthesis, computational and experimental evaluation of the antimicrobial activity, as well as docking studies of new 5-methylthiazole based thiazolidinones. All compounds demonstrated antibacterial efficacy, some of which (1, 4, 10 and 13) exhibited good activity against E. coli and B. cereus. The evaluation of antibacterial activity against three resistant strains, MRSA, P. aeruginosa and E. coli, revealed that compound 12 showed the best activity, higher than reference drugs ampicillin and streptomycin, which were inactive or exhibited only bacteriostatic activity against MRSA, respectively. Ten out of fifteen compounds demonstrated higher potency than reference drugs against a resistant strain of E. coli, which appeared to be the most sensitive species to our compounds. Compounds 8, 13 and 14 applied in a concentration equal to MIC reduced P. aeruginosa biofilm formation by more than 50%. All compounds displayed antifungal activity, with compound 10 being the most active. The majority of compounds showed better activity than ketoconazole against almost all fungal strains. In order to elucidate the mechanism of antibacterial and antifungal activities, molecular docking studies on E. coli Mur B and C. albicans CYP51 and dihydrofolate reductase were performed. Docking analysis of E. coli MurB indicated a probable involvement of MurB inhibition in the antibacterial mechanism of tested compounds while docking to 14α-lanosterol demethylase (CYP51) and tetrahydrofolate reductase of Candida albicans suggested that probable involvement of inhibition of CYP51 reductase in the antifungal activity of the compounds. Potential toxicity toward human cells is also reported.
Population Pharmacokinetic Modelling of Orally Administered Doxycycline to Rabbits at Different Ages
Authors: Mileva Rositsa , Rusenov Anton , Milanova Aneliya
Published: March 2021

Doxycycline is a well-tolerated tetracycline antibiotic, registered for use in rabbits and administered for treatment of bacterial infections in this animal species. Nevertheless, the available pharmacokinetic data are limited and this study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetics of orally administered doxycycline in mature and immature rabbits by application of the population approach. The rabbits were treated orally with doxycycline hyclate (5 mg/kg bw) in the form of a solid gelatin capsules. Free plasma concentrations were determined with HPLC analysis with Photodiode array detection. The estimated typical value of volume of distribution (tvV), total body clearance, and absorption rate constant were 4.429 L/kg, 1.473 L/kg/h, and 0.257 h−1, respectively. The highest between-subject variability (BSV) of 69.30% was observed for tvV. Co-variates such as body weight, age, and biochemical parameters did not improve the tested model and did not contribute to explanation of the BSV. The population pharmacokinetic model of the orally administered doxycycline in rabbits should be further developed by addition of data from more animals treated with higher doses. An oral dose of 5 mg/kg could ensure percentage of the time from the dosing interval during which the concentration is above minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) %fT > MIC of 35% if MIC of 0.18 μg·mL−1 and a dosing interval of 12 h is assumed which does not cover criteria for rational use of antibiotics.
Effects of Erythromycin on Osteoclasts and Bone Resorption via DEL-1 Induction in Mice
Authors: Tamura Hikaru , Maekawa Tomoki , Domon Hisanori , Hiyoshi Takumi , Hirayama Satoru , Isono Toshihito , Sasagawa Karin , Yonezawa Daisuke , Takahashi Naoki , Oda Masataka , Maeda Takeyasu , Tabeta Koichi , Terao Yutaka
Published: March 2021

Macrolides are used to treat various infectious diseases, including periodontitis. Furthermore, macrolides are known to have immunomodulatory effects; however, the underlying mechanism of their action remains unclear. DEL-1 has emerged as an important factor in homeostatic immunity and osteoclastogenesis. Specifically, DEL-1 is downregulated in periodontitis tissues. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated whether the osteoclastogenesis inhibitory effects of erythromycin (ERM) are mediated through upregulation of DEL-1 expression. We used a ligature-induced periodontitis model in C57BL/6Ncrl wild-type or DEL-1-deficient mice and in vitro cell-based mechanistic studies to investigate how ERM inhibits alveolar bone resorption. As a result of measuring alveolar bone resorption and gene expression in the tooth ligation model, ERM treatment reduced bone loss by increasing DEL-1 expression and decreasing the expression of osteoclast-related factors in wild-type mice. In DEL-1-deficient mice, ERM failed to suppress bone loss and gene expression of osteoclast-related factors. In addition, ERM treatment downregulated osteoclast differentiation and calcium resorption in in vitro experiments with mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages. In conclusion, ERM promotes the induction of DEL-1 in periodontal tissue, which may regulate osteoclastogenesis and decrease inflammatory bone resorption. These findings suggest that ERM may exert immunomodulatory effects in a DEL-1-dependent manner.
Chemical Properties of Vitis Vinifera Carménère Pomace Extracts Obtained by Hot Pressurized Liquid Extraction, and Their Inhibitory Effect on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Related Enzymes
Authors: Huamán-Castilla Nils Leander , Campos David , García-Ríos Diego , Parada Javier , Martínez-Cifuentes Maximiliano , Mariotti-Celis María Salomé , Pérez-Correa José Ricardo
Published: March 2021

Grape pomace polyphenols inhibit Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)-related enzymes, reinforcing their sustainable recovery to be used as an alternative to the synthetic drug acarbose. Protic co-solvents (ethanol 15% and glycerol 15%) were evaluated in the hot pressurized liquid extraction (HPLE) of Carménère pomace at 90, 120, and 150 °C in order to obtain extracts rich in monomers and oligomers of procyanidins with high antioxidant capacities and inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The higher the HPLE temperature (from 90 °C to 150 °C) the higher the total polyphenol content (~79%, ~83%, and ~143% for water-ethanol, water-glycerol and pure water, respectively) and antioxidant capacity of the extracts (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, ORAC), increased by ~26%, 27% and 13%, while the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) decreased by ~65%, 67%, and 59% for water-ethanol, water-glycerol, and pure water extracts, respectively). Water-glycerol HPLE at 150 and 120 °C recovered the highest amounts of monomers (99, 421, and 112 µg/g dw of phenolic acids, flavanols, and flavonols, respectively) and dimers of procyanidins (65 and 87 µg/g dw of B1 and B2, respectively). At 90 °C, the water-ethanol mixture extracted the highest amounts of procyanidin trimers (13 and 49 µg/g dw of C1 and B2, respectively) and procyanidin tetramers of B2 di-O-gallate (13 µg/g dw). Among the Carménère pomace extracts analyzed in this study, 1000 µg/mL of the water-ethanol extract obtained, at 90 °C, reduced differentially the α-amylase (56%) and α-glucosidase (98%) activities. At the same concentration, acarbose inhibited 56% of α-amylase and 73% of α-glucosidase activities; thus, our grape HPLE extracts can be considered a good inhibitor compared to the synthetic drug.
Curcumin Ameliorated Oxidative Stress and Inflammation-Related Muscle Disorders in C2C12 Myoblast Cells
Authors: Lee Da-Yeon , Chun Yoon-Seok , Kim Jong-Kyu , Lee Jeong-Ok , Lee Young-Joon , Ku Sae-Kwang , Shim Soon-Mi
Published: March 2021

The purpose of the current study was to investigate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of spray dry powder containing 40% curcumin (CM-SD) in C2C12 myoblast cells. CM-SD increased DPPH radical scavenging activity in a dose-dependent manner, and up to 30 μg/mL of CM-SD did not express cytotoxicity in C2C12 cells. Exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) drastically decreased the viability of C2C12 cells, but pre-treatment of CM-SD significantly increased the cell viability (p < 0.01). CM-SD significantly transactivated the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent luciferase activity in a dose-dependent manner and enhanced the levels of heme oxygenase (HO)-1, glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), and NAD(P)H-dependent quinone oxidoreductase (NQO)-1. CM-SD also significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and lipid peroxidation and restored glutathione (GSH) depletion in H2O2-treated C2C12 cells. Moreover, CM-SD significantly reduced lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-mediated interleukin (IL)-6 production in the conditioned medium. Results from the current study suggest that CM-SD could be a useful candidate against oxidative stress and inflammation-related muscle disorders.
NOX4 Mediates Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Induced Nuclear Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and Chromatin Remodeling in Lung Epithelium
Authors: Fu Panfeng , Ramchandran Ramaswamy , Sudhadevi Tara , Kumar Prasanth P. K. , Krishnan Yashaswin , Liu Yuru , Zhao Yutong , Parinandi Narasimham L. , Harijith Anantha , Sadoshima Junichi , Natarajan Viswanathan
Published: March 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infection increases reactive oxygen species (ROS), and earlier, we have shown a role for NADPH oxidase-derived ROS in PA-mediated lung inflammation and injury. Here, we show a role for the lung epithelial cell (LEpC) NOX4 in PA-mediated chromatin remodeling and lung inflammation. Intratracheal administration of PA to Nox4flox/flox mice for 24 h caused lung inflammatory injury; however, epithelial cell-deleted Nox4 mice exhibited reduced lung inflammatory injury, oxidative stress, secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and decreased histone acetylation. In LEpCs, NOX4 was localized both in the cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions, and PA stimulation increased the nuclear NOX4 expression and ROS production. Downregulation or inhibition of NOX4 and PKC δ attenuated the PA-induced nuclear ROS. PA-induced histone acetylation was attenuated by Nox4-specific siRNA, unlike Nox2. PA stimulation increased HDAC1/2 oxidation and reduced HDAC1/2 activity. The PA-induced oxidation of HDAC2 was attenuated by N-acetyl-L-cysteine and siRNA specific for Pkc δ, Sphk2, and Nox4. PA stimulated RAC1 activation in the nucleus and enhanced the association between HDAC2 and RAC1, p-PKC δ, and NOX4 in LEpCs. Our results revealed a critical role for the alveolar epithelial NOX4 in mediating PA-induced lung inflammatory injury via nuclear ROS generation, HDAC1/2 oxidation, and chromatin remodeling.
Effect of Maternal Dietary Redox Levels on Antioxidative Status and Immunity of the Suckling Off-Spring
Authors: Lauridsen Charlotte , Schönherz Anna Amanda , Højsgaard Søren
Published: March 2021

This study investigates two levels of dietary selenium (Se) and vitamin E in combination on their status in sows and their progeny, and influence on antioxidant status and immunological responses of the piglets at weaning. Female pigs (n = 6) were provided LOW or HIGH antioxidant nutrition (Se and vitamin E) from mating until weaning of their off-spring. The HIGH treatment elevated the concentration of Se (p = 0.015) and α-tocopherol (p = 0.023) in plasma of piglets compared with piglets of the LOW treatment. Treatments also affected the concentrations of milk and sow plasma immunoglobulins. Piglets from sows on the HIGH treatment had increased (p < 0.001) activity of glutathione peroxidase, lower serum levels of C-reactive protein (p = 0.005), haptoglobin (p = 0.05) and albumin (p = 0.05), and the number of white blood cells (p = 0.023) and the ratio of NEU to LYM was lower (p = 0.025) than in piglets from sows on the LOW group. Furthermore, the dietary antioxidant level influenced responses of cytokines (interleukine (IL) 6 (p = 0.007), 12 (p = 0.01) and 18 (p = 0.01)) in piglets’ plasma. In conclusion, improved antioxidant status via dietary maternal provision improves the robustness of the offspring via immunomodulatory mechanisms.
Analysis of Flooding Adaptation and Groundwater Recharge After Adopting JW Ecological Technology in a Highly Developed Urbanization Area
Authors: Ma Kuo-Chen , Chuang Mo-Hsiung , Chan Tze-Yi
Published: March 2021

The relationship between Taiwan’s groundwater resources recharge strategy and flood disasters is significant. The adaptation strategies of traditional urbanization areas simulate the spatial distribution of permeable pavements under different rainfall intensities that affect surface runoff and infiltration. Since there are many parameters of the Stormwater Management Model set in different low-impact development modules, this study refers to transform the inundation to groundwater recharge. In this study, we simulated the spatial distribution multi-advantages of the JW ecological technology under short-duration intense rainfall events. The results show that the application of JW ecological technology can effectively increase groundwater resources by 64.1% through infiltration and reduce economic losses by about NTD 1.25 million under the rainfall event of 112 mm/1 h. The infiltration replenishment amount was about 61%, which could reduce the economic loss of NTD 4.4 million under the rainfall event of 350 mm/6 h. Thus, applying JW ecological technology in a highly developed urbanization area can effectively reduce surface runoff and economic losses. At the same time, the issue of water resources was adapted by the groundwater recharge.
Performance Analysis of Partitioned Step Particle Swarm Optimization in Function Evaluation
Authors: Ocampo Erica , Liu Chien-Hsun , Kuo Cheng-Chien
Published: March 2021

The partitioned step particle swarm optimization (PSPSO) introduces a two-fold searching mechanism that increases the search capability of Particle Swarm Optimization. The first layer involves the γ and λ, values which are introduced to describe the current condition of characteristics of the searched solution that diversifies the particles when it is converging too much on some optima. The second layer involves the partitioning of particles that tries to prevent premature convergence. With the two search mechanisms, the PSPSO presents a simpler way of making the particles communicate with each other without too much compromise of the computational time. The proposed algorithm was compared with different variants of particle swarm optimization (PSO) using benchmark functions as well as the IEEE 10-unit unit commitment problem. Results proved the effectiveness of PSPSO with different functions and proved its competitive advantage in comparison with published PSO variants.
Electrifying with High-Temperature Water Electrolysis to Produce Syngas from Wood via Oxy-Gasification, Leading to Superior Carbon Conversion Yield for Methanol Synthesis
Authors: Larose Sylvain , Labrecque Raynald , Mangin Patrice
Published: March 2021

Due to concerns regarding fossil greenhouse gas emissions, biogenic material such as forest residues is viewed nowadays as a valuable source of carbon atoms to produce syngas that can be used to synthesise biofuels such as methanol. A great challenge in using gasified biomass for methanol production is the large excess of carbon in the syngas, as compared to the H2 content. The water–gas shift (WGS) reaction is often used to add H2 and balance the syngas. CO2 is also produced by this reaction. Some of the CO2 has to be removed from the gaseous mixture, thus decreasing the process carbon yield and maintaining CO2 emissions. The WGS reaction also decreases the overall process heat output. This paper demonstrates the usefulness of using an extra source of renewable H2 from steam electrolysis instead of relying on the WGS reaction, for a much higher performance of syngas production from gasification of wood in a simple system with a fixed-bed gasifier. A commercial process simulation software is employed to predict that this approach will be more efficient (overall energy efficiency of about 67%) and productive (carbon conversion yield of about 75%) than relying on the WGS reaction. The outlook for this process that includes the use of the solid oxide electrolyser technology appears to be very promising because the electrolyser has the dual function of providing all of the supplemental H2 required for syngas balancing and all the O2 required for the production of a suitable hot raw syngas. This process is conducive to biomethanol production in dispersed, small plants using local biomass for end-users from the same geographical area, thus contributing to regional sustainability.
Investigation of Deformation Inhomogeneity and Low-Cycle Fatigue of a Polycrystalline Material
Authors: Zhang Mu-Hang , Shen Xiao-Hong , He Lei , Zhang Ke-Shi
Published: March 2021

Considering the relationship between inhomogeneous plastic deformation and fatigue damage, deformation inhomogeneity evolution and fatigue failure of superalloy GH4169 under temperature 500 °C and macro tension compression cyclic loading are studied, by using crystal plasticity calculation associated with polycrystalline representative Voronoi volume element (RVE). Different statistical standard deviation and differential entropy of meso strain are used to measure the inhomogeneity of deformation, and the relationship between the inhomogeneity and strain cycle is explored by cyclic numerical simulation. It is found from the research that the standard deviations of each component of the strain tensor at the cyclic peak increase monotonically with the cyclic loading, and they are similar to each other. The differential entropy of each component of the strain tensor also increases with the number of cycles, and the law is similar. On this basis, the critical values determined by statistical standard deviations of the strain components and the equivalent strain, and that by differential entropy of strain components, are, respectively, used as fatigue criteria, then predict the fatigue–life curves of the material. The predictions are verified with reference to the measured results, and their deviations are proved to be in a reasonable range.
Monitoring of Student Learning in Learning Management Systems: An Application of Educational Data Mining Techniques
Authors: Sáiz-Manzanares María Consuelo , Rodríguez-Díez Juan José , Díez-Pastor José Francisco , Rodríguez-Arribas Sandra , Marticorena-Sánchez Raúl , Ji Yi Peng
Published: March 2021

In this study, we used a module for monitoring and detecting students at risk of dropping out. We worked with a sample of 49 third-year students in a Health Science degree during a lockdown caused by COVID-19. Three follow-ups were carried out over a semester: an initial one, an intermediate one and a final one with the UBUMonitor tool. This tool is a desktop application executed on the client, implemented with Java, and with a graphic interface developed in JavaFX. The application connects to the selected Moodle server, through the web services and the REST API provided by the server. UBUMonitor includes, among others, modules for log visualisation, risk of dropping out, and clustering. The visualisation techniques of boxplots and heat maps and the cluster analysis module (k-means ++, fuzzy k-means and Density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) were used to monitor the students. A teaching methodology based on project-based learning (PBL), self-regulated learning (SRL) and continuous assessment was also used. The results indicate that the use of this methodology together with early detection and personalised intervention in the initial follow-up of students achieved a drop-out rate of less than 7% and an overall level of student satisfaction with the teaching and learning process of 4.56 out of 5.
Monitoring Scheme for the Detection of Hydrogen Leakage from a Deep Underground Storage. Part 2: Physico-Chemical Impacts of Hydrogen Injection into a Shallow Chalky Aquifer
Authors: Gombert Philippe , Lafortune Stéphane , Pokryszka Zbigniew , Lacroix Elodie , de Donato Philippe , Jozja Nevila
Published: March 2021

This paper presents the results of an experiment to simulate a sudden and brief hydrogen leak from a potential deep geological storage site. A 5 m3 volume of groundwater was extracted, saturated with hydrogen, and then reinjected into the aquifer. Saturating the water with hydrogen caused a decrease in the oxidation-reduction potential, the dissolved gas content (especially O2 and CO2), the electrical conductivity, and the concentration of alkaline earth bicarbonate ions and a slight increase in pH. These changes are observed until 20 m downstream of the injection well, while the more distant piezometers (from 30 to 60 m) are not significantly affected. During this experiment, no indicators of the development of chemical or biochemical reactions are observed, because of the rapid transfer of the dissolved hydrogen plume through the aquifer and its significant dilution beyond 10 m downstream of the injection well. Here, hydrogen behaved as a conservative element, reacting very slightly or not at all. However, this experiment demonstrates the existence of direct and indirect impacts of the presence of hydrogen in an aquifer. This experiment also highlights the need to adapt the monitoring of future underground hydrogen storage sites.