bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Identification of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.)) Genotype Subjected to Drought Stress
Authors: Kumar Baibhav , Kumar Animesh , Jaiswal Sarika , Iquebal Mir Asif , Angadi Ulavappa B. , Tomar Rukam S. , Rai Anil , Kumar Dinesh
Published: August 2022

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) is affected by drought stress, affecting crop productivity and survival. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are reported to play a vital role in the response to drought stress. LncRNAs represent a major part of non-protein coding RNAs and are present prevalently. These are involved in various biological processes, which may functionally act as RNA rather than getting transcribed as protein. We targeted genome-wide identification of lncRNAs in pearl millet from root and leaf tissues subjected to drought stress. A total of 879 lncRNAs were identified, out of which 209 (leaf control, root control), 198 (leaf treated, root treated), 115 (leaf control, leaf treated) and 194 (root control, root treated) were differentially expressed. Two lncRNAs were found as potential target mimics of three miRNAs from the miRBase database. Gene ontology study revealed that drought-responsive lncRNAs are involved in biological processes like ‘metabolic process’ and ‘cellular process’, molecular functions like ‘binding’ and ‘catalytic activities’ and cellular components like ‘cell’, ‘cell part’ and ‘membrane part’. LncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network shows that it plays a vital role in the stress-responsive mechanism through their activities in hormone signal transduction, response to stress, response to auxin and transcription factor activity. Only four lncRNAs were found to get a match with the lncRNAs present in the plant lncRNA database CANTATAdb, which shows its poorly conserved nature among species. This information has been cataloged in the pearl millet drought-responsive long non-coding RNA database (PMDlncRDB). The discovered lncRNAs can be used in the improvement of important traits, as well as CISPR-Cas technology, in the editing of ncRNAs in plants for trait improvement. Such a study will increase our understanding of the expression behavior of lncRNAs, as well as its underlying mechanisms under drought stress in pearl millet.
The Solanum torvum Transcription Factor StoWRKY6 Mediates Resistance against Verticillium Wilt
Authors: Zhang Yu , Shen Lei , Li Liangjun , Yang Xu
Published: August 2022

WRKY is a transcription factor family that has attracted much attention in recent studies of plant disease resistance, but there are few reports in the study of eggplant resistance to Verticillium wilt. Here, we retrieved an up-regulated WRKY transcription factor, StoWRKY6, from the transcriptome sequencing data of Solanum torvum response to Verticillium dahliae infection. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the highest homology species of StoWRKY6 in the WRKY family is Solanum melongena. Based on the quantitative real-time PCR analysis, StoWRKY6 was highly expressed in the roots but barely expressed in the leaves. Transient expressions of StoWRKY6 in Nicotiana benthamiana showed a nuclear localization. A virus-mediated gene silencing experiment indicated that the silencing of StoWRKY6 reduced the resistance to Verticillium wilt in Solanum torvum. To further verify the immune response function, we introduced StoWRKY6 into Nicotiana benthamiana using transient transformation technology and found obvious spots under UV light. In summary, these results showed that StoWRKY6 played an important role in the resistance to Verticillium wilt of Solanum torvum, which may function mainly by inducing an immune response. Our study provided strong evidence for the mechanism of eggplant resistance to Verticillium wilt and laid a foundation for the potential molecular breeding of eggplant disease resistance.
Monitoring the Bud Mite Pest in a Hazelnut Orchard of Central Italy: Do Plant Height and Irrigation Influence the Infestation Level?
Authors: Contarini Mario , Rossini Luca , Di Sora Nicolò , de Lillo Enrico , Speranza Stefano
Published: August 2022

Mite pests are a serious threat for hazelnut cultivations, causing economic losses every year. At least two species of big bud mites, Phytoptus avellanae (Acari: Phytoptidae) and Cecidophyopsis vermiformis (Acari: Eriophyidae), are involved in severe hazelnut bud infestations, even though few studies report P. avellanae as the most present and harmful. Great steps forward have been made in monitoring and management strategies of these mite pests, but a plethora of questions remains unanswered about their ecology and behaviour and how agronomical practices impact populations. Given this precondition, we conducted a four-year monitoring in an experimental hazelnut orchard located in the Viterbo hazelnut district, Central Italy, to: (i) explore the potential effect that irrigation has on mite infestations, (ii) assess if mites locate in a particular band height of hazelnut plants; and (iii) assess the overall field infestation over the years. This study showed that not-irrigated plants and plants irrigated by underground pipe systems were similarly infested. Mites tend to locate in the middle band of the plant, namely from 1.5 to 3 m from the ground. The four-year survey showed an overall increasing infestation trend, with a peak in 2021 for irrigated plants and 2022 for not-irrigated. These results are a milestone for further exploration of the biology and ecology of this pest and to formulate ad hoc monitoring and control strategies as well.
Application of Artificial Intelligence Models for Aeolian Dust Prediction at Different Temporal Scales: A Case with Limited Climatic Data
Authors: Aryal Yog
Published: August 2022

Accurately predicting ambient dust plays a crucial role in air quality management and hazard mitigation. Dust emission is a complex, non-linear response to several climatic variables. This study explores the accuracy of Artificial Intelligence (AI) models: an adaptive-network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and a multi-layered perceptron artificial neural network (mlp-NN), over the Southwestern United States (SWUS), based on the observed dust data from IMPROVE stations. The ambient fine dust (PM2.5) and coarse dust (PM10) concentrations on monthly and seasonal timescales from 1990–2020 are modeled using average daily maximum wind speed (W), average precipitation (P), and average air temperature (T) available from the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) dataset. The model’s performance is measured using correlation (r), root mean square error (RMSE), and percentage bias (% BIAS). The ANFIS model generally performs better than the mlp-NN model in predicting regional dustiness over the SWUS region, with r = 0.77 and 0.83 for monthly and seasonal fine dust, respectively. AI models perform better in predicting regional dustiness on a seasonal timescale than the monthly timescale for both fine dust and coarse dust. AI models better predict fine dust than coarse dust on both monthly and seasonal timescales. Compared to precipitation, air temperature is the more important predictor of regional dustiness on both monthly and seasonal timescales. The relative importance of air temperature is higher on the monthly timescale than the seasonal timescale for PM2.5 and vice versa for PM10. The findings of this study demonstrate that the AI models can predict monthly and seasonal fine and coarse dust, based on the limited climatic data, with good accuracy and with potential implications for research in data sparse regions.
In Vitro Activity of Sulbactam–Durlobactam against Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Clinical Isolates: A Multicentre Report from Italy
Authors: Segatore Bernardetta , Piccirilli Alessandra , Cherubini Sabrina , Principe Luigi , Alloggia Giovanni , Mezzatesta Maria Lina , Salmeri Mario , Di Bella Stefano , Migliavacca Roberta , Piazza Aurora , Meroni Elisa , Fazii Paolo , Visaggio Daniela , Visca Paolo , Cortazzo Venere , De Angelis Giulia , Pompilio Arianna , Perilli Mariagrazia
Published: August 2022

In the present study, the in vitro activity of the sulbactam–durlobactam (SUL–DUR) combination was evaluated against 141 carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAb) clinical strains collected from six Italian laboratories. Over half (54.6%) of these isolates were resistant to colistin. The SUL–DUR combination was active against these CRAb isolates with MIC50 and MIC90 values of 0.5 mg/L and 4 mg/L, respectively. Only eleven isolates were resistant to SUL–DUR with MIC values ranging from 8 to 128 mg/L. The SUL–DUR resistant A. baumannii exhibited several antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) such as blaOXA-20, blaOXA-58, blaOXA-66, blaADC-25, aac(6′)-Ib3 and aac(6′)-Ib-cr and mutations in gyrA (S81L) and parC (V104I, D105E). However, in these isolates, mutations Q488K and Y528H were found in PBP3. Different determinants were also identified in these CRAb isolates, including adeABC, adeFGH, adeIJK, abeS, abaQ and abaR, which encode multidrug efflux pumps associated with resistance to multiple antibacterial agents. This is the first report on the antimicrobial activity of SUL–DUR against carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii isolates selected from multiple regions in Italy.
Red Palm Oil Ameliorates Oxidative Challenge and Inflammatory Responses Associated with Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Hepatic Injury by Modulating NF-κβ and Nrf2/GCL/HO-1 Signaling Pathways in Rats
Authors: Ajuwon Olawale R. , Marnewick Jeanine L. , Oguntibeju Oluwafemi O. , Davids Lester M.
Published: August 2022

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a well-conserved cell wall component of Gram positive bacteria, exerts its toxic effects via inducing oxidative and pro-inflammatory responses. Red palm oil (RPO) is a unique natural product with a balanced ratio of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, with reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we assess the protective effect and mechanistic action of RPO using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hepatic injury model. Male Wistar rats were assigned into four groups (10 animals/group): normal control (NC), RPO, LPS and RPO + LPS. Animals in the RPO and RPO + LPS groups were administered RPO (200 μL/day) for 28 days. On the 27th day of experiment, animals in LPS and RPO + LPS groups were injected with LPS (0.5 mg/kg body weight). Animals were sacrificed 24 h later, and blood and liver tissues harvested for biochemical and molecular analysis. RPO resolved hepatic histological dysfunction induced by LPS, and lowered alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyl transferase activities in the serum. Hepatic malondialdehyde and conjugated dienes, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and TNFα were significantly diminished (p < 0.05) by RPO pre-treatment. Activity of hepatic antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, as well as glutathione redox status (GSH:GSSG), and markers of antioxidant capacity that decreased as a result of LPS injection were improved by RPO pre-treatment. Mechanistically, RPO up-regulated mRNA expression of redox sensitive transcription factor Nrf2 and its downstream targets GCL and HO-1, while also suppressing the expression of NFκβ and associated inflammatory protein, Iκβ kinase (IκKβ). In conclusion, this study highlights the ameliorating effects of RPO against LPS-induced hepatic injury and revealed the Nrf2/GCL/HO-1 and NFκβ signaling axis as potential contributing mechanisms.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Use in Acute Tendon Injury: In Vitro Tenogenic Potential vs. In Vivo Dose Response
Authors: Bowers Kristin , Amelse Lisa , Bow Austin , Newby Steven , MacDonald Amber , Sun Xiaocun , Anderson David , Dhar Madhu
Published: August 2022

Stem cell therapy for the treatment of tendon injury is an emerging clinical practice in the fields of human and veterinary sports medicine; however, the therapeutic benefit of intralesional transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells in tendonitis cases is not well designed. Questions persist regarding the overall tenogenic potential and efficacy of this treatment alone. In this study, we aimed to isolate a rat mesenchymal stem cell lineage for in vitro and in vivo use, to assess the effects of growth factor exposure in vitro on cell morphology, behavior, and tendon-associated glycoprotein production, and to assess the therapeutic potential of intralesional stem cells, as a function of dose, in vivo. First, rat adipose-derived (rAdMSC) and bone marrow-derived (rBMSC) stem cell lineages were isolated, characterized with flow cytometric analysis, and compared in terms of proliferation (MTS assay) and cellular viability (calcein AM staining). Rat AdMSCs displayed superior proliferation and more homogenous CD 73, CD 44H, and CD 90 expression as compared to rBMSC. Next, the tenogenic differentiation potential of the rAdMSC lineage was tested in vitro through isolated and combined stimulation with reported tenogenic growth factors, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β3 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). We found that the most effective tenogenic factor in terms of cellular morphologic change, cell alignment/orientation, sustained cellular viability, and tendon-associated glycoprotein upregulation was TGFβ3, and we confirmed that rAdMSC could be induced toward a tenogenic lineage in vitro. Finally, the therapeutic potential of rAdMSCs as a function of dose was assessed using a rat acute Achilles tendon injury model. Amounts of 5 × 105 (low dose) and 4 × 106 (high dose) were used. Subjectively, on the gross morphology, the rAdMSC-treated tendons exhibited fewer adhesions and less scar tissue than the control tendons; however, regardless of the rAdMSC dose, no significant differences in histological grade or tissue collagen I deposition were noted between the rAdMSC-treated and control tendons. Collectively, rAdMSCs exhibited appropriate stem cell markers and tenogenic potential in vitro, but the clinical efficacy of intralesional implantation of undifferentiated cells in acute tendonitis cases could not be proven. Further investigation into complementary therapeutics or specialized culture conditions prior to implantation are warranted.
N-Palmitoyl-D-Glucosamine Inhibits TLR-4/NLRP3 and Improves DNBS-Induced Colon Inflammation through a PPAR-α-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Palenca Irene , Seguella Luisa , Del Re Alessandro , Franzin Silvia Basili , Corpetti Chiara , Pesce Marcella , Rurgo Sara , Steardo Luca , Sarnelli Giovanni , Esposito Giuseppe
Published: August 2022

Similar to canine inflammatory enteropathy, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic idiopathic condition characterized by remission periods and recurrent flares in which diarrhea, visceral pain, rectal bleeding/bloody stools, and weight loss are the main clinical symptoms. Intestinal barrier function alterations often persist in the remission phase of the disease without ongoing inflammatory processes. However, current therapies include mainly anti-inflammatory compounds that fail to promote functional symptoms-free disease remission, urging new drug discoveries to handle patients during this step of the disease. ALIAmides (ALIA, autacoid local injury antagonism) are bioactive fatty acid amides that recently gained attention because of their involvement in the control of inflammatory response, prompting the use of these molecules as plausible therapeutic strategies in the treatment of several chronic inflammatory conditions. N-palmitoyl-D-glucosamine (PGA), an under-researched ALIAmide, resulted in being safe and effective in preclinical models of inflammation and pain, suggesting its potential engagement in the treatment of IBD. In our study, we demonstrated that micronized PGA significantly and dose-dependently reduces colitis severity, improves intestinal mucosa integrity by increasing the tight junction proteins expression, and downregulates the TLR-4/NLRP3/iNOS pathway via PPAR-α receptors signaling in DNBS-treated mice. The possibility of clinically exploiting micronized PGA as support for the treatment and prevention of inflammation-related changes in IBD patients would represent an innovative, effective, and safe strategy.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Potential of Circulating-Free DNA and Cell-Free RNA in Cancer Management
Authors: Hassan Sadia , Shehzad Adeeb , Khan Shahid Ali , Miran Waheed , Khan Salman , Lee Young-Sup
Published: August 2022

Over time, molecular biology and genomics techniques have been developed to speed up the early diagnosis and clinical management of cancer. These therapies are often most effective when administered to the subset of malignancies harboring the target identified by molecular testing. Important advances in applying molecular testing involve circulating-free DNA (cfDNA)- and cell-free RNA (cfRNA)-based liquid biopsies for the diagnosis, prognosis, prediction, and treatment of cancer. Both cfDNA and cfRNA are sensitive and specific biomarkers for cancer detection, which have been clinically proven through multiple randomized and prospective trials. These help in cancer management based on the noninvasive evaluation of size, quantity, and point mutations, as well as copy number alterations at the tumor site. Moreover, personalized detection of ctDNA helps in adjuvant therapeutics and predicts the chances of recurrence of cancer and resistance to cancer therapy. Despite the controversial diagnostic values of cfDNA and cfRNA, many clinical trials have been completed, and the Food and Drug Administration has approved many multigene assays to detect genetic alterations in the cfDNA of cancer patients. In this review, we underpin the recent advances in the physiological roles of cfDNA and cfRNA, as well as their roles in cancer detection by highlighting recent clinical trials and their roles as prognostic and predictive markers in cancer management.
A Historical Review of Military Medical Strategies for Fighting Infectious Diseases: From Battlefields to Global Health
Authors: Biselli Roberto , Nisini Roberto , Lista Florigio , Autore Alberto , Lastilla Marco , De Lorenzo Giuseppe , Peragallo Mario Stefano , Stroffolini Tommaso , D’Amelio Raffaele
Published: August 2022

The environmental conditions generated by war and characterized by poverty, undernutrition, stress, difficult access to safe water and food as well as lack of environmental and personal hygiene favor the spread of many infectious diseases. Epidemic typhus, plague, malaria, cholera, typhoid fever, hepatitis, tetanus, and smallpox have nearly constantly accompanied wars, frequently deeply conditioning the outcome of battles/wars more than weapons and military strategy. At the end of the nineteenth century, with the birth of bacteriology, military medical researchers in Germany, the United Kingdom, and France were active in discovering the etiological agents of some diseases and in developing preventive vaccines. Emil von Behring, Ronald Ross and Charles Laveran, who were or served as military physicians, won the first, the second, and the seventh Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for discovering passive anti-diphtheria/tetanus immunotherapy and for identifying mosquito Anopheline as a malaria vector and plasmodium as its etiological agent, respectively. Meanwhile, Major Walter Reed in the United States of America discovered the mosquito vector of yellow fever, thus paving the way for its prevention by vector control. In this work, the military relevance of some vaccine-preventable and non-vaccine-preventable infectious diseases, as well as of biological weapons, and the military contributions to their control will be described. Currently, the civil–military medical collaboration is getting closer and becoming interdependent, from research and development for the prevention of infectious diseases to disasters and emergencies management, as recently demonstrated in Ebola and Zika outbreaks and the COVID-19 pandemic, even with the high biocontainment aeromedical evacuation, in a sort of global health diplomacy.
The Role of Immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA and IgE—Antibodies against Helicobacter pylori in the Development of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Chronic Gastritis
Authors: Smirnova Olga Valentinovna , Sinyakov Alexander Alexandrovich , Kasparov Eduard Vilyamovich
Published: August 2022

Aim: To study the predominant serum responses (antibodies IgG, IgA, IgE) against H. pylori in relation to the indicators of the system “lipid peroxidation–antioxidant system” in various pathogenetic variants of chronic gastritis (CG). Materials and Methods: Sixty patients with CG, 33 patients with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) and 31 patients with chronic allergic gastritis (CALG) were examined. The values of the system of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant protection in plasma were determined in the serum of patients using a spectrophotometric method. Statistical data processing was carried out using the Statistica 7.0 software package (StatSoft, Tulsa, OK, USA). Results: With serum responses “antibodies IgG > IgA” and “high concentrations of IgE antibodies”, we found unidirectional changes in the form of an increase in the amount of diene conjugates, malondialdehyde and an increase in the activity of all enzymes: superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase. With a serum response with low concentrations of IgG, IgA antibodies, multidirectional changes were found in the form of an increase in the amount of diene conjugates, malondialdehyde and a decrease in the activity of all enzymes: superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase relative to the control group. Conclusions: The obtained data testify to the balance of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant system processes and depend on the characteristics of the immune response to H. pylori infection.
Production of Reactive Oxygen Species by Epicardial Adipocytes Is Associated with an Increase in Postprandial Glycemia, Postprandial Insulin, and a Decrease in Serum Adiponectin in Patients with Severe Coronary Atherosclerosis
Authors: Naryzhnaya Natalia V. , Koshelskaya Olga A. , Kologrivova Irina V. , Suslova Tatiana E. , Kharitonova Olga A. , Andreev Sergey L. , Gorbunov Alexander S. , Kurbatov Boris K. , Boshchenko Alla A.
Published: August 2022

Purpose. This work investigates the relations between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) adipocytes and parameters of glucose/insulin metabolism, circulating adipokines levels, and severity of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD); establishing significant determinants describing changes in ROS EAT in this category of patients. Material and methods. This study included 19 patients (14 men and 5 women, 53–72 y.o., 6 patients with diabetes mellitus type 2; 5 patients with prediabetes), with CAD, who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery. EAT adipocytes were isolated by the enzymatic method from intraoperative explants obtained during coronary artery bypass grafting. The size of EAT adipocytes and ROS level were determined. Results. The production of ROS by EAT adipocytes demonstrated a direct correlation with the level of postprandial glycemia (rs = 0.62, p < 0.05), and an inverse correlation with serum adiponectin (rs = −0.50, p = 0.026), but not with general and abdominal obesity, EAT thickness, and dyslipidemia. Regression analysis demonstrated that the increase in ROS of EAT adipocytes occurs due to the interaction of the following factors: postprandial glycemia (β = 0.95), postprandial insulin (β = 0.24), and reduced serum adiponectin (β = −0.20). EAT adipocytes in patients with diabetes and prediabetes manifested higher ROS production than in patients with normoglycemia. Although there was no correlation between the production of ROS by EAT adipocytes and Gensini score in the total group of patients, higher rates of oxidative stress were observed in EAT adipocytes from patients with a Gensini score greater than median Gensini score values (≥70.55 points, Gr.B), compared to patients with less severe coronary atherosclerosis (<70.55 points, Gr.A). Of note, the frequency of patients with diabetes and prediabetes was higher among the patients with the most severe coronary atherosclerosis (Gr.B) than in the Gr.A. Conclusions. Our data have demonstrated for the first time that systemic impairments of glucose/insulin metabolism and a decrease in serum adiponectin are significant independent determinants of oxidative stress intensity in EAT adipocytes in patients with severe coronary atherosclerosis. The possible input of the interplay between oxidative stress in EAT adipocytes and metabolic disturbances to the severity of coronary atherosclerosis requires further investigation.
Ionic Liquid/Deep Eutectic Solvent-Mediated Ni-Based Catalysts and Their Application in Water Splitting Electrocatalysis
Authors: Zhang Chenyun , Bai Te , Sun Yefan , Xin Bingwei , Zhang Shengnan
Published: August 2022

Nickel-based electrocatalysts have been widely used to catalyze electrocatalytic water splitting. In order to obtain high-performance nickel-based electrocatalysts, using ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents mediated their preparation has received increasing attention. Firstly, ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents can act as media and templates for the preparation of Ni-based nanomaterials with novel structures and excellent catalytic activity. Secondly, ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents can be employed as reactants to participate the synthesis of catalysts. Their participation not only increase the catalytic performance, but also simplify the reaction system, improve reproducibility, reduce emissions, and achieve atomic economy. On the basis of the work of our group, this review gives a detailed description of the impressive progress made concerning ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents in the preparation of nickel-based electrocatalysts according to their roles. We also point out the challenges and opportunities in the field.
Biochar: A Sustainable Alternative in the Development of Electrochemical Printed Platforms
Authors: Cancelliere Rocco , Cianciaruso Miriam , Carbone Katya , Micheli Laura
Published: August 2022

Biochar is a pyrolytic material with several environmental benefits such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, sequestering atmospheric carbon and contrasting global warming. However, nowadays, it has moved to the forefront for its conductivity and electron transfer properties, finding applications in the fabrication of electrochemical platforms. In this field, researchers have focused on low-cost biomass capable of replacing more popular and expensive carbonaceous nanomaterials (i.e., graphene, nanotubes and quantum dots) in the realization of sensitive cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly electrochemical tools. This review discusses recent developments of biochar-modified screen-printed electrodes (SPEs). Special attention has been paid to biochar’s manufacturing processes, electron-donating capabilities and sensing applications. Examples of representative works are introduced to explain the distinct roles of biochar in several electro-bioanalytical strategies.
Pseudorandom Noise Forced Oscillation Technique to Assess Lung Function in Prematurely Born Children
Authors: Gunawardana Shannon , Harris Christopher , Greenough Anne
Published: August 2022

The forced oscillation technique (FOT) is a non-volitional assessment that is used during tidal breathing. A variant of FOT uses a pseudorandom noise (PRN) signal which we postulated might have utility in assessing lung function in prematurely born children. We, therefore, undertook a systematic review to evaluate the evidence regarding PRN FOT. A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted by using the following databases: Medline, Embase, Web of Science and CINAHL. Observational studies, case series/reports and randomized-controlled trials were eligible for inclusion. Article abstracts and full texts were screened independently by two reviewers, with disagreements resolved by discussion or a third reviewer if necessary. Five studies were included (n = 587 preterm children). Three compared PRN FOT with spirometry, and two compare it to the interrupter technique. Most studies failed to report comprehensive methodology of the frequency spectra used to generate the PRN signal. There was evidence that poorer lung function, as assessed by PRN FOT, was associated with a greater burden of respiratory symptoms, but there was insufficient evidence to determine whether PRN FOT performed better than other lung-function tests. Detailed methodological documentation, in accordance with ERS guidance, is needed to assess the benefits of PRN FOT prior to routine clinical incorporation to assess prematurely born children.
A New Model to Investigate the Effects of Cosmetics on Skin Microorganisms In Vitro
Authors: Rademacher Marian , Zinn Marc-Kevin , Beinio Robert , Bockmühl Dirk P.
Published: August 2022

The use of prebiotic substances in cosmetic products in order to improve skin appearance by influencing the skin microbiome has become quite common. As known from the food industry, prebiotic cosmetics aim for specific support of beneficial microorganisms, while others, especially pathogenic bacteria, are sought to be inhibited. To develop such products and evaluate their efficacy, it is crucial to understand the mode of action of prebiotic substances already before an in vivo use phase, e.g., by applying appropriate lab methods. We describe the development of a suitable in vitro model in order to test the efficacy of prebiotic substances incorporated in different types of formulas. A leather surface inoculated with different bacterial species of the human residential skin microbiota proved effective in simulating the action of prebiotic agents on the skin. It could be shown that the growth of bacteria was positively or negatively influenced by cosmetic formulas containing prebiotic substances. Thus, the model allows the investigation of prebiotic agents in cosmetic formulas with respect to their efficacy on a skin-like surface.
Donor Age and Non-Relapse Mortality: Study of Their Association after HLA-Matched Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Authors: Kadri Yasmine , Phan Michelle , Bambace Nadia , Bernard Léa , Cohen Sandra , Delisle Jean-Sébastien , Kiss Thomas , Lachance Sylvie , Roy Denis-Claude , Sauvageau Guy , Veilleux Olivier , Roy Jean , Ahmad Imran
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this retrospective study was to study the correlation between donor age (DA) and non-relapse mortality (NRM) and relapse incidence (RI) among patients treated with allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (aHCT) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in a single Canadian center. Data from 125 consecutive patients transplanted with a matched related or unrelated donor between 2015 and 2020 were analyzed using multivariable models. After a median follow-up of 2.8 years, the cumulative incidences of NRM and relapse were 19% and 35% at 5 years. Despite being independently associated with NRM and relapse-free survival (RFS), DA was not associated with RI. The independent determinants of NRM in addition to DA were patient age and hematopoietic cell transplantation comorbidity index (HCT-CI), independently of donor kinship. The effect of DA on NRM was found to be significantly increased over the age of 50 years. DA was not associated with incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) but showed an association with the occurrence of chronic GVHD (cGVHD). In conclusion, younger donors should be favored to limit NRM and increase RFS in HLA-matched aHCT. The etiological mechanisms behind the association of DA with higher NRM remain to be elucidated.
The Test of the Availability Hypothesis Reveals the Needs for Ex-Situ Conservation for Some Protected Area-Restricted Species
Authors: Yessoufou Kowiyou , Muleba Isidore , Rampedi Isaac T.
Published: August 2022

In ethnobotany, the availability hypothesis predicts that plants that are abundant and easily accessible to people are more likely to be medicinal than not. By protecting species diversity away from people, protected areas (PAs) may act as a limiting factor to a sustainable development of traditional knowledge concerning medicinal uses, and in so doing, PAs provide opportunity to prioritize ex-situ conservation for species that are PAs-restricted. In this scenario, ex-situ conservation becomes the only chance for people to develop traditional knowledge on plants which otherwise wouldn’t be documented as traditionally useful to people. To test these expectations, we used data collected for almost 20 years of fieldworks on plant medicinal uses and their abundance inside and outside the Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa. We fitted four different scenarios of structural equation models (SEMs) to the data collected. We found that total plant abundance (abundance outside + inside KNP) is a significant positive predictor of medicinal status, and so is abundance outside KNP, thus supporting the availability hypothesis. However, not only is abundance inside KNP not a direct significant correlate of medicinal status, but the relationship between both is also negative. The lack of predictive power of inside-abundance is most likely because some species are exclusively found inside KNP and local communities do not have access to them. It also shows that the positive and direct correlation of total abundance with medicinal status is driven by outside-abundance. In addition, the negative relationships between inside abundance and medicinal status implies that abundant plants inside KNP tend to be not-medicinal, further providing evidence that PAs hinder the development of medicinal knowledge. Furthermore, when inside and outside abundance were included simultaneously in one metamodel as two distinct variables, inside abundance was never a direct significant predictor of medicinal status, but it was so, via an indirect path mediated by outside abundance. This suggests that outside abundance is the key variable driving the development of medicinal plant knowledge. Cumulatively, our findings suggest that anything that favors the establishment of PA-restricted plants outside the naturally realized niches of these plants (ex-situ conservation), such as in botanical gardens, private gardens, in agroforestry systems, etc., is to be promoted so that people-plant interactions may continue for the benefits of ethnobotanical knowledge development.
Real-Time Survivor Detection System in SaR Missions Using Robots
Authors: Sharma Kaushlendra , Doriya Rajesh , Pandey Saroj Kumar , Kumar Ankit , Sinha G. R. , Dadheech Pankaj
Published: August 2022

This paper considers the issue of the search and rescue operation of humans after natural or man-made disasters. This problem arises after several calamities, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and explosions. It usually takes hours to locate the survivors in the debris. In most cases, it is dangerous for the rescue workers to visit and explore the whole area by themselves. Hence, there is a need for speeding up the whole process of locating survivors accurately and with less damage to human life. To tackle this challenge, we present a scalable solution. We plan to introduce the usage of robots for the initial exploration of the calamity site. The robots will explore the site and identify the location of human survivors by examining the video feed (with audio) captured by them. They will then stream the detected location of the survivor to a centralized cloud server. It will also monitor the associated air quality of the selected area to determine whether it is safe for rescue workers to enter the region or not. The human detection model for images that we have used has a mAP (mean average precision) of 70.2%. The proposed approach uses a speech detection technique which has an F1 score of 0.9186 and the overall accuracy of the architecture is 95.83%. To improve the detection accuracy, we have combined audio detection and image detection techniques.
Detection of Static and Mobile Targets by an Autonomous Agent with Deep Q-Learning Abilities
Authors: Matzliach Barouch , Ben-Gal Irad , Kagan Evgeny
Published: August 2022

This paper addresses the problem of detecting multiple static and mobile targets by an autonomous mobile agent acting under uncertainty. It is assumed that the agent is able to detect targets at different distances and that the detection includes errors of the first and second types. The goal of the agent is to plan and follow a trajectory that results in the detection of the targets in a minimal time. The suggested solution implements the approach of deep Q-learning applied to maximize the cumulative information gain regarding the targets’ locations and minimize the trajectory length on the map with a predefined detection probability. The Q-learning process is based on a neural network that receives the agent location and current probability map and results in the preferred move of the agent. The presented procedure is compared with the previously developed techniques of sequential decision making, and it is demonstrated that the suggested novel algorithm strongly outperforms the existing methods.
Are Veterinary Students Using Technologies and Online Learning Resources for Didactic Training? A Mini-Meta Analysis
Authors: Muca Edlira , Cavallini Damiano , Odore Rosangela , Baratta Mario , Bergero Domenico , Valle Emanuela
Published: August 2022

Over the last years, there has been an increase in online educational resources and media device use for educational purposes in veterinary settings. However, an overall analysis of these studies providing measurements of the use of learning resources and media devices could be particularly useful for veterinary teachers. The evolution of technology, coupled with the advent of pandemic-related restrictions in person lessons, has made it imperative that educators consider how students may access educational material, as well as what type of educational material may be available to them. Databases including PubMed, Scopus, CAB Abstracts, and Web of Sciences were searched for relevant studies from January 2012 to June 2022. A mini-meta-analysis for proportions was performed using RStudio. Results highlight a high use of portable media devices with differences among countries, continued good use of traditional textbooks, moderate use of online tools, and low use of research papers. The results suggest that despite living in a technologically advanced world, veterinary students have attitudes towards digital resources that cannot be assumed.
Validation of the DigCompEdu Check-in Questionnaire through Structural Equations: A Study at a University in Peru
Authors: Martín Párraga Lorena , Llorente Cejudo Carmen , Barroso Osuna Julio
Published: August 2022

The technologization of society presents a great challenge for education in the twenty-first century; there is a need to face that challenge to be able to promote quality digital literacy. The use of the teacher’s digital competence in terms of the safe and critical use of technologies is one of the key competencies that can guarantee educational success. The present study analyzes the reliability and validity of the DigCompEdu questionnaire for future teachers within the framework of digital competence improvement. This tool is centered on teacher orientation, with respect to their level of competence, through a self-evaluation of their strengths and needs for improvement in digital learning, according to its different dimensions: digital literacy, communication and collaboration with the organization; search and treatment of data, digital socialization; technological creativity and innovation. For its development, the exploratory and confirmatory factorial analysis (EFA and CFA) technique was utilized via structural equation modeling (SEM). A total of 1659 professors, who are employed at a university in Peru, completed the questionnaire. The analyses that were performed corroborated the reliability and validity of the instrument, as well as the different possibilities guaranteed by the validation method via structural equations. We underline the need to offer training for professors in the area of digital competence and endorse methodologies based on competencies that guarantee the use of valid and reliable tools.
Temple Recommendation Engine for Route Planning Based on TPS Clustering CNN Method
Authors: Thirupurasundari Dasarada Rajagopalan , Hemlathadhevi Annadurai , Gupta Amit Kumar , Garg Ruchi Rani , Sain Mangal
Published: August 2022

There are no restrictions on religious or cultural practices in India. India’s temples are becoming an ideal platform for Hindu groups to express their ideals in a global context. For the sake of devotees, temples now require widespread accessibility and participation by a wide range of individuals on major holidays. A pilgrim may be unable to determine which site to visit, or where to stay, due to a variety of considerations such as cost, location, and the interests of each individual user. A user’s preferences are taken into consideration when a personalized recommendation list is generated. A large number of systems use Collaborative Filtering to produce user recommendations. In order to generate user-specific recommendations, this system uses a filtering method dubbed the “hybrid approach”. The Proposed OTPS Cluster technique is used to determine TPS (Time, Place, and Service). Users’ interests and TPA recommendations are taken into account. Users can forecast the location of the temple based on the temple’s history. Collaborative Filtering and Material-Based Filtering were used to propose sites based on comparable users and content, respectively. Testing shows that the algorithm is capable of solving difficulties in standard tour routing and providing a temple visit route that is tailored to each individual’s preferences. This study makes use of data from the South Indian city of Temple in the form of temples.
Main Trends and Research Directions in Hydrogen Generation Using Low Temperature Electrolysis: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Hora Cristina , Dan Florin Ciprian , Rancov Nicolae , Badea Gabriela Elena , Secui Calin
Published: August 2022

Hydrogen (H2) is the most abundant element in the universe and it is also a neutral energy carrier, meaning the environmental effects of using it are strictly related to the effects of creating the means of producing of that amount of Hydrogen. So far, the H2 generation by water electrolysis research field did not manage to break the efficiency barrier in order to consider H2 production as a technology that sustains financially its self-development. However, given the complexity of this technology and the overall environmental impacts, an up-to-date research and development status review is critical. Thus, this study aims to identify the main trends, achievements and research directions of the H2 generation using pure and alkaline water electrolysis, providing a review of the state of the art in the specific literature. Methods: In order to deliver this, a Systematic Literature Review was carried out, using PRISMA methodology, highlighting the research trends and results in peer review publish articles over more than two years (2020–2022). Findings: This review identifies niches and actual status of the H2 generation by water and alkaline water electrolysis and points out, in numbers, the boundaries of the 2020–2022 timeline research.
Advances and Challenges in Solar PV Systems’ Performance
Authors: Polo Jesús
Published: August 2022

The increase in the dissemination of renewable energies constitutes a new energy model that can be used to face the global challenges derived from the reduction in fossil fuels to limit the effects of global warming [...]
Long-Term Planning of Electrical Distribution Grids: How Load Uncertainty and Flexibility Affect the Investment Timing
Authors: Alvarez-Herault Marie-Cécile , Dib Jean-Pierre , Ionescu Oana , Raison Bertrand
Published: August 2022

Due to the rise of smart grids, new players and services are emerging and can have an impact on the decision-making process in distribution networks, which, over the past decades, were only driven by linear demand growth with a low level of uncertainties. Nowadays, the evolution of distribution networks and investment decisions (conductors and transformers) can no longer be based solely on deterministic assumptions of load evolution since there is a high level of uncertainties related to the development of electrical loads such as electric vehicles. In this paper, we focus on the uncertainty of the peak power, key elements for triggering an investment, and the flexibility to choose between different topologies of electric networks. To solve this problem, we apply a real option approach and provide an analytical model with closed-form solutions that allows a full treatment of the dynamic aspects of the decision to reconsider the topology of the network. Moreover, through a comparative statics analysis, we infer the sensitivity of the option value to modify the network with respect to the volatility of the peak power, the associated investment cost or other types of costs of power losses, the growth rate, or the discount rate.
Cooling Modelling of an Electrically Heated Ceramic Heat Accumulator
Authors: Taler Dawid , Taler Jan , Sobota Tomasz , Tokarczyk Jarosław
Published: August 2022

This paper presents a simple novel mathematical model of a heat accumulator with an arranged packing in the form of ceramic cylinders. The accumulator analysed in the paper can be heated with inexpensive electricity overnight or excess electricity from wind farms. It can be used as a heat source in a hydronic heating system or for domestic hot water. The differential equations describing the transient temperature of the accumulator packing and flowing air were solved using the explicit Euler and Crank–Nicolson methods. The accuracy of both methods was assessed using exact analytical solutions and the superposition method for a uniform initial temperature and accounted for time changes in inlet air temperature. A numerical simulation of the accumulator cooled by flowing air was carried out. The correlation for the air-side Nusselt number was determined using the method of least squares based on experimental data. The calculated exit air temperature was compared with the measured data. The accumulator can operate as a heat source with dynamic discharge. The developed mathematical model of the accumulator can be used in a system to adjust the fan rotational speed so that the air temperature in the room is equal to the preset temperature.
Performance Analysis of an Experimental Linear Encoder’s Reading Head under Different Mounting and Dynamic Conditions
Authors: Gurauskis Donatas , Przystupa Krzysztof , Kilikevičius Artūras , Skowron Mikołaj , Jonas Matijošius , Michałowska Joanna , Kilikevičienė Kristina
Published: August 2022

The performance of an optical linear encoder is described and evaluated by certain parameters such as its resolution, accuracy and repeatability. The best encoder for a particular application, just like other sensors, is usually selected according these parameters. There are, however, many side effects that have a direct influence on the optimal operation of an encoder. In order to understand how to minimize these harmful effects, a deeper knowledge of an encoder’s performance and a method for determining these factors are necessary. The main aspects of an encoder’s accuracy, resolution and repeatability are briefly reviewed in this paper. Discussed and developed in previous work, the experimental reading head for a Moiré effect-based optical linear encoder is used for the experimental analysis of the influence of different reading head designs on an encoder’s performance under various mounting inaccuracies and dynamic conditions.