bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiological Characterization of the Striatal Cholinergic Interneurons in Dyt1 ΔGAG Knock-In Mice
Authors: Xing Hong , Yokoi Fumiaki , Walker Ariel Luz , Torres-Medina Rosemarie , Liu Yuning , Li Yuqing
Published: July 2022

DYT1 dystonia is an inherited early-onset movement disorder characterized by sustained muscle contractions causing twisting, repetitive movements, and abnormal postures. Most DYT1 patients have a heterozygous trinucleotide GAG deletion mutation (ΔGAG) in DYT1/TOR1A, coding for torsinA. Dyt1 heterozygous ΔGAG knock-in (KI) mice show motor deficits and reduced striatal dopamine receptor 2 (D2R). Striatal cholinergic interneurons (ChIs) are essential in regulating striatal motor circuits. Multiple dystonia rodent models, including KI mice, show altered ChI firing and modulation. However, due to the errors in assigning KI mice, it is essential to replicate these findings in genetically confirmed KI mice. Here, we found irregular and decreased spontaneous firing frequency in the acute brain slices from Dyt1 KI mice. Quinpirole, a D2R agonist, showed less inhibitory effect on the spontaneous ChI firing in Dyt1 KI mice, suggesting decreased D2R function on the striatal ChIs. On the other hand, a muscarinic receptor agonist, muscarine, inhibited the ChI firing in both wild-type (WT) and Dyt1 KI mice. Trihexyphenidyl, a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1 antagonist, had no significant effect on the firing. Moreover, the resting membrane property and functions of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels, μ-opioid receptors, and large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels were unaffected in Dyt1 KI mice. The results suggest that the irregular and low-frequency firing and decreased D2R function are the main alterations of striatal ChIs in Dyt1 KI mice. These results appear consistent with the reduced dopamine release and high striatal acetylcholine tone in the previous reports.
METTL3 inhibits inflammation of retinal pigment epithelium cells by regulating NR2F1 in an m6A-dependent manner
Authors: Meng Jiayu , Liu Xianyang , Tang Shiyun , Liu Yusen , Zhao Chenyang , Zhou Qian , Li Na , Hou Shengping
Published: July 2022

N6-metyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation has been proven to be involved in diverse biological processes, but its potential roles in the development of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) inflammation have not been revealed. In this study, we explored the effects and underlying mechanisms of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in LPS stimulated RPE cells. Proliferation of METTL3-silenced RPE cells was examined by Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) and 5-Ethynyl-2´-Deoxyuridine (Edu). Expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and Occludin, and secretion of inflammatory factors interleukins (IL)-1, 6 and 8 were detected by Western blotting or Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RNA sequencing and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) sequencing were used to analyze the target gene nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 1 (NR2F1) of METTL3. Our results showed that both human RPE (hRPE) cells and ARPE19 cells exhibited inhibited proliferation, tight junction protein expression, and increased inflammatory factor secretion after METTL3 silencing. Mechanistically, we found that NR2F1, as a METTL3-methylated target gene, inhibits Occludin level and promotes IL-6 secretion of RPE cells in an m6A-dependent manner. Interestingly, NR2F1 deficiency reversed the decreased Occludin expression and increased IL-6 secretion in METTL3-defective RPE cells. In conclusion, our study revealed that METTL3 attenuates RPE cell inflammation by methylating NR2F1, suggesting the critical role of METTL3 in RPE cells.
Flow-State Identification of Oil-Based Magnetic Fluid Seal Based on Acoustic Emission Technology
Authors: Xue Jinyu , Xiao Yancai , Li Decai
Published: July 2022

At present, most research studies on the changing process of the magnetic fluid seal are analyzed with the pressure signal of each chamber or the magnetic fluid flow photos taken by a camera, which need to change the seal structure. Based on nondestructive acoustic emission technology, a flow-state identification model of the oil-based magnetic fluid seal using the grey wolf optimizer and random forest is proposed in this study. The acoustic emission signal and pressure signal are collected at the same time under static conditions in the two-stage pole shoes oil-based magnetic fluid seal experiment. Through power spectrum analysis of the acoustic emission signal with the aid of pressure signal, the changing process before seal failure is divided into three states: no magnetic fluid flow, the first pole shoe magnetic fluid flow, and two pole shoes magnetic fluid flow together. Then, the time- and frequency-domain features of acoustic emission signal samples are extracted to form feature vectors as inputs, and the flow-state identification model is established based on the grey wolf optimizer and random forest. The experimental results show that the testing accuracy and F1 scores (the index representing the precision and recall at the same weight) of three states are close to or higher than 90%. The effectiveness of oil-based magnetic fluid seal flow-state identification model based on non-destructive acoustic emission technology is proved.
CD44 Glycosylation as a Therapeutic Target in Oncology
Authors: Liao Chengcheng , Wang Qian , An Jiaxing , Chen Jie , Li Xiaolan , Long Qian , Xiao Linlin , Guan Xiaoyan , Liu Jianguo
Published: July 2022

The interaction of non-kinase transmembrane glycoprotein CD44 with ligands including hyaluronic acid (HA) is closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors. Changes in CD44 glycosylation can regulate its binding to HA, Siglec-15, fibronectin, TM4SF5, PRG4, FGF2, collagen and podoplanin and activate or inhibit c-Src/STAT3/Twist1/Bmi1, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, ERK/NF-κB/NANOG and other signaling pathways, thereby having a profound impact on the tumor microenvironment and tumor cell fate. However, the glycosylation of CD44 is complex and largely unknown, and the current understanding of how CD44 glycosylation affects tumors is limited. These issues must be addressed before targeted CD44 glycosylation can be applied to treat human cancers.
Influence of Individual Cognition, Satisfaction, and the Theory of Planned Behavior on Tenant Loyalty
Authors: Lee Chun-chang , Yeh Wen-chih , Chang Hung-chung , Yu Zheng , Tsai Zheng-yang
Published: July 2022

This study proposed a conceptual framework and explored the influence of personal-level variables such as cognition, affection, conation, and attitude, as well as the theory of planned behavior, on tenant loyalty using situational influence as a moderator variable. Structural equation modeling was employed for parameter estimation. A total of 315 questionnaires were administered to housing tenants residing in Kaohsiung City, of which 300 were recovered, a recovery rate of 95.2%. The results are as follows: Tenants’ cognition, affection, and conation positively influenced their attitude toward their tenancy; tenants’ attitude significantly and positively influenced their satisfaction and loyalty; tenant satisfaction significantly and positively influenced tenant loyalty; perceived behavioral control significantly and positively influenced tenant loyalty; and subjective norms significantly and positively influenced tenant loyalty. Regarding the influence of attitude on tenant loyalty, the inclusion of a situational influence-based moderator variable—i.e., whether a tenant has friends or relatives living nearby—revealed that the presence of this variable significantly diminishes the influence of attitude on loyalty. The findings indicate that landlords could improve the quality of their services by implementing sustainable management measures to strengthen tenant satisfaction and, consequently, tenant loyalty.
Safety Evaluation on a Fastening Device of an Agricultural By-Product Collector for Hard Flat Ground Driving
Authors: Kim Jeong-Hun , Sri Markumningsih , Nam Ju-Seok
Published: July 2022

In this study, the static safety factor and fatigue life of fastening devices of an agricultural by-product collector were evaluated under hard flat ground driving conditions. The strain gage-based measurement system was constructed, and the strain gage was attached on the highest stress spot of the fastening devices derived from structural analysis. The static safety factor and fatigue life of the fastening devices were calculated using the measured strain values and by converting it into stress data. The two operating conditions are considered to be the loading part of the by-product collector, lifted and non-lifted. The results for all fastening devices showed that the static safety factor was larger than 1.0 and the fatigue life was much greater than the expected lifetime under both operating conditions. Therefore, it can be concluded that the fastening devices of the by-product collector can be operated reliably under hard flat ground driving conditions. In future work, we plan to evaluate the safety of the fastening devices in various actual orchard farm environments.
Characterization of the MADS-Box Gene CmFL3 in chrysanthemum
Authors: Zhao Kunkun , Li Song , Jia Diwen , Xing Xiaojuan , Wang Haibin , Song Aiping , Jiang Jiafu , Chen Sumei , Chen Fadi , Ding Lian
Published: July 2022

Chrysanthemummorifolium is one of the four major cut flowers in the world, with high ornamental and economic value. Flowering time is an important ornamental characteristic of chrysanthemum that affects its value in the market. In Arabidopsis, the FRUITFULL (FUL) gene plays a key role in inducing flowering. Here, we isolated an FUL clade MADS-box gene, CmFL3, from chrysanthemum inflorescence buds. CmFL3 localized in the cellular membrane and nucleus, and showed no transcriptional activity in yeast. The qRT-PCR assay showed that CmFL3 was strongly expressed in the leaves, receptacles, and disc floret petals. Furthermore, CmFL3 was mainly detected in the inflorescence meristem and bract primordia using in situ hybridization. Similar to Arabidopsis, overexpression of CmFL3 in chrysanthemum induced early flowering. Particularly, the expression level of CmAFT was downregulated, whereas that of CmFTL3 was upregulated in the leaves of transgenic chrysanthemum lines. Meanwhile, the overexpression of CmFL3 in Arabidopsis also led to earlier flowering. Furthermore, the expression of AtFT, AtAP1, AtLFY, and AtFUL was significantly increased in CmFL3 transgenic Arabidopsis. The present study verified the function of CmFL3 in regulating flowering time and further revealed that it could affect the expression of other flowering-related genes—CmAFT and CmFTL3. Therefore, the CmFL3 gene may be an important candidate for genetic breeding aimed at regulating flowering.
Effects of Microbial Fertilizer on Soil Fertility and Alfalfa Rhizosphere Microbiota in Alpine Grassland
Authors: Zhao Yangan , Lu Guangxin , Jin Xin , Wang Yingcheng , Ma Kun , Zhang Haijuan , Yan Huilin , Zhou Xueli
Published: July 2022

Chemical fertilizers are gradually being replaced with new biological fertilizers, which can improve the soil and soil microorganisms. In this experiment, leguminous forage (Medicago sativa cv. Beilin 201) was used as the research object. By measuring alfalfa root systems and soil properties and using high-throughput sequencing technology, we investigated the effect of biological (rhizobial) fertilizer at different concentrations on soil fertility and alfalfa rhizosphere microbiota in alpine grasslands. The results demonstrated that the treatment with biofertilizer significantly reduced total nitrogen (TN) and total organic carbon (TOC) content in soils, increased root densities, and significantly increased the number of root nodules in alfalfa. There were differences in the response of rhizosphere microorganisms to different concentrations of biofertilizer, and the treatment with biofertilizer led to pronounced changes in the microbial community structure. The abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Rhizobium, Arthrobacter, and Pseudomonas was significantly increased. The Pearson correlation analysis showed that soil moisture and soil conductivity were significantly positively correlated with the observed richness of rhizosphere microbiota (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, Actinobacteria showed a significantly positive correlation with nitrate, TOC, and TN (p < 0.01). These results indicated that biofertilizers enhanced soil fertility and altered the rhizosphere microbiota of alfalfa in alpine grassland.
Adaptability and Stability Analysis of Commercial Cultivars, Experimental Hybrids and Lines under Natural Fall Armyworm Infestation in Zimbabwe Using Different Stability Models
Authors: Matova Prince M. , Kamutando Casper N. , Mutari Bruce , Magorokosho Cosmos , Labuschagne Maryke
Published: July 2022

Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith); FAW)-resistant cultivars and breeding lines have been identified in sub-Saharan Africa. However, these genotypes have not been evaluated for their stability across environments with natural FAW infestation. The objectives of this study were to: (i) identify hybrids/open pollinated varieties combining high grain yield (GYD) and stability across environments with natural FAW infestation, (ii) select maize inbred lines with high GYD and stable FAW resistance, and (iii) identify the most discriminating environments for GYD performance and foliar FAW damage (FFAWD) under natural FAW infestation. The additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model was used to detect the presence of genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) for GYD, and foliar and ear FAW damage. Seven stability analysis models were used to analyse adaptation and stability of genotypes across environments. The hybrids Mutsa-MN521 and CimExp55/CML334 were the best, combining adaptation and stability across FAW infested environments. Other acceptable hybrids were identified as 113WH330, Manjanja-MN421, CML338/CML334 and PAN53. The local inbred lines SV1P and CML491 combined adaptability and stable FAW resistance across environments. The best exotic donor lines exhibiting stable FAW resistance were CML67, CML346, CML121 and CML338. Harare and Gwebi were identified as the most discriminating sites for GYD performance, while Kadoma and Rattray-Arnold Research Stations were identified for FFAWD among inbred lines.
Genotype Shift of Malaysian Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV2) from PCV2b to PCV2d within a Decade
Authors: Tan Chew Yee , Thanawongnuwech Roongroje , Arshad Siti Suri , Hassan Latiffah , Fong Michelle Wai Cheng , Ooi Peck Toung
Published: July 2022

This paper aims to update the molecular status of porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) in Malaysia. Firstly, the molecular detection rate of PCV2 in farm and sampled pig population were reported to be 83.78% (31/37 farms) and 83.54% (66/79 pigs) positive for PCV2, respectively. PCV2 was detected across all age groups, from fetuses, porkers to sows. Co-detection of PCV2 and PCV3 antigens was also reported at a rate of 28.77% (21/73). Secondly, PCV2 antigen was also detected in Malaysian abattoir lung samples: 18 out of 19 (94.74%) samples originating from clinically healthy finishers were tested positive. Further, this is the first study to confirm the circulation of PCV2 in the wild boar population roaming Peninsular Malaysia, where 28 out of 28 (100%) wild boar lung samples were found positive. One decade earlier, only genotype PCV2b was reported in Malaysia. This most recent update revealed that genotypes PCV2a, PCV2b and PCV2d were present, with PCV2d being the predominant circulating genotype. PCV2 cap gene nucleotide sequences in this study were found to be under negative selection pressure, with an estimated substitution rate of 1.102 × 10−3 substitutions/site/year (ssy).
Correlation between Ocular and Rectal Temperature with Intra Ocular Pressure in Horse during Exercise
Authors: Aragona Francesca , Di Pietro Simona , Arfuso Francesca , Fazio Francesco , Piccione Giuseppe , Giudice Elisabetta , Giannetto Claudia
Published: July 2022

The aim of the present study was to investigate the response to physical exercise of some ocular physiological variables (ocular temperature and intraocular pressure) in horses performing a jumping course in the morning (a.m.) or in the afternoon hours (p.m.), before and after the exercise, in correlation with the rectal temperature. Data collection was carried out on 14 clinical healthy Italian saddle horses. All horses were trained from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. and from 19:00 to 20:00 p.m. according to a specific training program. Ocular temperature (OT), rectal temperature (RT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were determined. Statistical analysis showed no differences between the results for the left and the right eyes. The application of two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a statistically significant effect of time (before vs. after) on IOP (p = 0.0001). RT and OT were statistically influenced by time of day and by experimental conditions (a.m. vs. p.m.) (p = 0.0001). Bland–Altman (B-A) testing showed an agreement between the values of RT and OT. Our results showed a correlation between increased body temperatures and IOP variations during exercise, so they can probably be considered indicators of athletic horses’ physical fitness during exercise.
Collagen Type III as a Possible Blood Biomarker of Fibrosis in Equine Endometrium
Authors: Alpoim-Moreira Joana , Fernandes Carina , Rebordão Maria Rosa , Costa Ana Luísa , Bliebernicht Miguel , Nunes Telmo , Szóstek-Mioduchowska Anna , Skarzynski Dariusz J. , Ferreira-Dias Graça
Published: July 2022

Collagen pathological deposition in equine endometrium (endometrosis) is responsible for infertility. Kenney and Doig’s endometrial biopsy histopathological classification is the gold standard method for endometrosis evaluation, whereby blood biomarkers identification would be less invasive and could provide additional information regarding endometrosis diagnosis and fertility prognosis. This study aimed to identify blood biomarkers for endometrosis diagnosis (42 mares were used in experiment 1), and fertility assessment (50 mares were used in experiment 2). Reproductive examination, endometrial biopsy histopathological classification (Kenney and Doig) and blood collection were performed. Endometrium and serum collagen type I (COL1) and type III (COL3), and hydroxyproline concentrations were measured (ELISA). Serum COL3 cut-off value of 60.9 ng/mL allowed healthy endometria (category I) differentiation from endometria with degenerative/fibrotic lesions (categories IIA, IIB or III) with 100% specificity and 75.9% sensitivity. This cut-off value enabled category I + IIA differentiation from IIB + III (76% specificity, 81% sensitivity), and category III differentiation from others (65% specificity, 92.3% sensitivity). COL1 and hydroxyproline were not valid as blood biomarkers. Serum COL3 cut-off value of 146 ng/mL differentiated fertile from infertile mares (82.4% specificity, 55.6% sensitivity), and was not correlated with mares’ age. Only COL3 may prove useful as a diagnostic aid in mares with endometrial fibrosis and as a fertility indicator.
Anaemia in Lambs and Kids Reared Indoors on Maternal Milk and the Impact of Iron Supplementation on Haemoglobin Levels and Growth Rates
Authors: Crilly James Patrick , Plate Peter
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to assess iron deficiency anaemia in new-born lambs and goat kids and was carried out in two parts: (1) Twenty blood samples were taken from one-month-old lambs and kids under different systems and were tested for haemoglobin. Three groups of lambs were compared: indoor reared on maternal milk, indoor reared on milk replacer, and outdoor reared on maternal milk. Indoor-reared kids were compared: those fed on maternal milk and fed on milk replacer. Indoor-reared kids and lambs on maternal milk showed significantly lower haemoglobin levels than those on milk replacer or reared outdoors. (2) On farms with indoor-reared lambs or goat kids on maternal milk, an intervention trial was carried out: animals were randomly assigned at 1–8 days of age to either receive 300 mg (lambs) or 150 mg iron (goat kids) as intramuscular iron dextran, and growth rates were compared after one and two months. Haemoglobin levels at one month were also compared in randomly selected animals from both groups. Treated lambs and kids showed higher haemoglobin levels at one month of age and a numerically increased growth rate that was statistically significant for twin lambs. Iron dextran improves haemoglobin levels in these animals and may lead to higher growth rates, especially in twin lambs.
Molecular Detection of Feline Coronavirus in Captive Non-Domestic Felids from Zoological Facilities
Authors: Ratti Gabriele , Stranieri Angelica , Giordano Alessia , Oltolina Maurizio , Bonacina Eleonora , Magnone William , Morici Manuel , Ravasio Giuliano , Paltrinieri Saverio , Lauzi Stefania
Published: July 2022

Cases of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a disease with a high mortality rate caused by the feline coronavirus (FCoV), have been reported in non-domestic felids, highlighting the need for surveys of FCoV in these endangered species. With the aim of adding information on FCoV prevalence in captive non-domestic felids, samples (feces or rectal swabs and, when available, oral swabs, blood, and abdominal effusion) collected between 2019 and 2021 from 38 non-domestic felids from three different zoological facilities of Northern Italy were tested for evidence of FCoV infection via RT-qPCR. Three animals were found to be FCoV positive, showing an overall 7.9% FCoV prevalence ranging from 0% to 60%, according to the zoological facility. FCoV infection was detected in tiger cubs of the same litter, and all of them showed FCoV-positive oral swabs, with low viral loads, whereas in one animal, FCoV presence was also detected in rectal swabs at low FCoV copy numbers. Future studies should be carried out, including samplings from a higher number of captive non-domestic felids, in order to gain a deeper knowledge of FCoV epidemiology within these populations.
Early Life Antimicrobial Exposure: Impact on Clostridioides difficile Colonization in Infants
Authors: Obiakor Chinwe Vivien , Parks Jaclyn , Takaro Tim K. , Tun Hein M. , Morales-Lizcano Nadia , Azad Meghan B. , Mandhane Piushkumar J. , Moraes Theo J. , Simons Elinor , Turvey Stuart E. , Subbarao Padmaja , Scott James A. , Kozyrskyj Anita L.
Published: July 2022

The relationship between antibiotic use and Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) has been well established in adults and older children but remains unclear and is yet to be fully examined in infant populations. This study aimed to determine the separate and cumulative impact from antibiotics and household cleaning products on C. difficile colonization in infants. This study included 1429 infants at 3–4 months of age and 1728 infants at 12 months of age from the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) birth cohort. The levels of infant antimicrobial exposure were obtained from hospital birth charts and standardized questionnaires. Infant gut microbiota was characterized by Illumina 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene sequencing. Analysis of C. difficile was performed using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Overall, C. difficile colonized 31% and 46% of infants at 3–4 months and 12 months, respectively. At 3–4 months, C. difficile colonization was significantly higher in infants exposed to both antibiotics and higher (above average) usage of household cleaning products (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.50, 95% CI 1.03–2.17; p = 0.032) than in infants who had the least antimicrobial exposure. This higher colonization persisted up to 12 months of age. Our study suggests that cumulative exposure to systemic antibiotics and higher usage of household cleaning products facilitates C. difficile colonization in infants. Further research is needed to understand the future health impacts.
Scattering from a Truncated Metamaterial Layer Hosted by a Planar PEC Structure: Uniform Asymptotic Solution and Validation Tests
Authors: Riccio Giovanni , Gennarelli Gianluca , Ferrara Flaminio , Gennarelli Claudio , Guerriero Rocco
Published: July 2022

This research paper proposes an analytical approach for evaluating electromagnetic scattering from a planar complex object made of a perfect electric conductor, which hosts a double negative metamaterial half-layer on the lit face. The method is based on the physical optics approximation of equivalent sources and works in the framework of the uniform geometrical theory of diffracion, so that the scattered field in the surrounding free space is obtained by adding the reflected contribution and the diffracted one, which is originated by the surface break. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is tested and proved by using a full-wave numerical tool to generate reference values.
An Application of Pixel Interval Down-Sampling (PID) for Dense Tiny Microorganism Counting on Environmental Microorganism Images
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Zhao Xin , Jiang Tao , Rahaman Md Mamunur , Yao Yudong , Lin Yu-Hao , Zhang Jinghua , Pan Ao , Grzegorzek Marcin , Li Chen
Published: July 2022

This paper proposes a novel pixel interval down-sampling network (PID-Net) for dense tiny object (yeast cells) counting tasks with higher accuracy. The PID-Net is an end-to-end convolutional neural network (CNN) model with an encoder–decoder architecture. The pixel interval down-sampling operations are concatenated with max-pooling operations to combine the sparse and dense features. This addresses the limitation of contour conglutination of dense objects while counting. The evaluation was conducted using classical segmentation metrics (the Dice, Jaccard and Hausdorff distance) as well as counting metrics. The experimental results show that the proposed PID-Net had the best performance and potential for dense tiny object counting tasks, which achieved 96.97% counting accuracy on the dataset with 2448 yeast cell images. By comparing with the state-of-the-art approaches, such as Attention U-Net, Swin U-Net and Trans U-Net, the proposed PID-Net can segment dense tiny objects with clearer boundaries and fewer incorrect debris, which shows the great potential of PID-Net in the task of accurate counting.
Dairy 4.0: Intelligent Communication Ecosystem for the Cattle Animal Welfare with Blockchain and IoT Enabled Technologies
Authors: Gehlot Anita , Malik Praveen Kumar , Singh Rajesh , Akram Shaik Vaseem , Alsuwian Turki
Published: July 2022

An intelligent ecosystem with real-time wireless technology is now playing a key role in meeting the sustainability requirements set by the United Nations. Dairy cattle are a major source of milk production all over the world. To meet the food demand of the growing population with maximum productivity, it is necessary for dairy farmers to adopt real-time monitoring technologies. In this study, we will be exploring and assimilating the limitless possibilities for technological interventions in dairy cattle to drastically improve their ecosystem. Intelligent systems for sensing, monitoring, and methods for analysis to be used in applications such as animal health monitoring, animal location tracking, milk quality, and supply chain, feed monitoring and safety, etc., have been discussed briefly. Furthermore, generalized architecture has been proposed that can be directly applied in the future for breakthroughs in research and development linked to data gathering and the processing of applications through edge devices, robots, drones, and blockchain for building intelligent ecosystems. In addition, the article discusses the possibilities and challenges of implementing previous techniques for different activities in dairy cattle. High computing power-based wearable devices, renewable energy harvesting, drone-based furious animal attack detection, and blockchain with IoT assisted systems for the milk supply chain are the vital recommendations addressed in this study for the effective implementation of the intelligent ecosystem in dairy cattle.
A Metal Detector for Clip Location Tracking of Stomach and Colon Cancer during Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Yoon Kicheol , Chung Jun-Won , Kim Kwang Gi
Published: July 2022

In laparoscopic surgery for colorectal and gastric cancer, it is difficult to locate the tumor in the cavity for excision. Tumors in the colon or stomach are blocked by mucous membranes; thus, the view from the cavity is obscured. Therefore, to determine the location of the tumor, a marker can be installed around the tumor and the location of the tumor can be found using a sensor. Until now, most of the clip-detectors that have been developed can detect the location of tumors for either colorectal or gastric cancer. The research on the development of a detector that can detect the location of tumors for both colorectal and gastric cancer, is insufficient. Most detectors for tumor location determination are devised using a magnet by connecting a wire to a clip. In this method, the position of the magnet moves along the length of the wire. Therefore, it is difficult for the detector to detect the exact location of the tumor. Based on this method, this study designs a clip maker to determine the location of a tumor and a detector that can detect the clip. The clip and the sensing element are directly connected. The clip is developed using ferrite and coil to generate a magnetic field induced by an eddy current in the metal (clip), and the detector is designed using the Colpitts oscillator to induce a magnetic field. After installing the prepared clip at the tumor location, the detector is used to detect the clip, and accordingly, the location of the tumor can be identified using the detector. To test the performance of the clip and detector, we conducted animal experiments. In the course of the animal experiment, four clips were installed in the colon and stomach, and we succeeded in detecting all the clips. Because the clip-detector is used to locate the tumor during laparoscopic surgery, an endoscope must be used. Therefore, it is predicted that the demand for laparoscopic surgery and endoscopic medical industry will increase because of the clip-detector.
Seismic Analysis of Slender Monumental Structures: Current Strategies and Challenges
Authors: Masciotta Maria Giovanna , Lourenço Paulo B.
Published: July 2022

The preservation and seismic risk mitigation of built cultural heritage is considered today as a major priority in the international political agenda. Among the great variety of heritage structures spread worldwide, masonry towers belong to one of the most vulnerable categories against earthquake actions due to their morphological and material singularity. The proper understanding of the structural behavior of these artefacts at the micro, meso and macro scales, combined with a thorough knowledge of the best analysis practices deriving from the shared experience of the scientific community working in this field, is a fundamental prerequisite to appropriately address their seismic assessment. In this context, the present work offers an extensive discussion on the major challenges that slender monumental towers pose in terms of characterization of their actual behavior under seismic actions. A critical appraisal of the principal analysis methods applicable to the study of these structures is also presented along with a brief review of the existing modelling strategies for their numerical representation. Relevant examples are discussed in support of each argument. In spite of being a relatively young discipline, earthquake engineering has made remarkable progress in the last years and appropriate modi operandi have been consolidating to tackle the seismic assessment of unconventional systems, such as slender heritage structures. The work is conceived in a format of interest for both practitioners and researchers approaching the seismic assessment of this type of structures, and for those in need of an overall practical review of the topic.
Development of a Novel Gear-like Disk Resonator Applied in Gyroscope
Authors: Gu Liutao , Zhang Weiping , Feng Jun , Zhang Zhihan
Published: July 2022

This paper proposes a novel gear-like disk resonator (GDR). The design, fabrication, and characterization of GDR are presented. In comparison with a ring-like disk resonator (RDR), a GDR replaces the circular rings with meander-shaped rings consisting of linear beams. The finite element method (FEM) is implemented, and the simulation results show that the GDR has a much lower frequency and effective stiffness, higher quality factor (Q), and better immunity to crystal orientation error. Affected by high Q and small frequency splits, the mechanical sensitivity (Smech) is shown to increase greatly. GDR and RDR with the same structure parameters are built side-by-side on the same wafer, and prototypes are fabricated through the SOI fabrication technique. The frequency response test and ring-down test are implemented using a readout circuit under a vacuum condition (5 Pa) at room temperature. The frequency split (9.1 Hz) of the GDR is about 2.8 times smaller than that (25.8 Hz) of the RDR without electrostatic tuning. Compared with the RDR, the Q (19.2 k) and decay time constant (0.59 s) of the GDR are improved by 145% and 236%, respectively. The experimental results show great promise for the GDR being used as a gear-like disk resonator gyroscope (GDRG).
Physical Development Differences between Professional Soccer Players from Different Competitive Levels
Authors: França Cíntia , Ihle Andreas , Marques Adilson , Sarmento Hugo , Martins Francisco , Henriques Ricardo , Gouveia Élvio Rúbio
Published: July 2022

In soccer, physical development is crucial for developing optimal performance. This study aimed to assess and compare the physical development of elite and non-elite professional soccer players. Seventy-eight male professional football players divided into four competitive levels participated in this study: the elite group (EG), the non-elite group A (NEG-A), the non-elite group B (NEG-B), and the under 23 group (U23). Body composition, static strength, lower-body explosive strength, flexibility, and balance were assessed. No significant statistical differences between elite and non-elite players were seen in body composition parameters. However, the EG performed better in static strength, lower-body explosive strength, flexibility, and balance, even after adjusting for the effects of chronological age. The analysis showed that the competitive level (group) explained 25% to 29% of the variance observed in the lower-body explosive strength tasks. Sports staff and coaches in different age categories or competitive levels should include specific lower-body explosive strength content during soccer training to promote players’ long-term development towards the elite level.
The Eigensharp Property for Unit Graphs Associated with Some Finite Rings
Authors: Abdelkarim Heba Adel , Rawshdeh Eman , Rawashdeh Edris
Published: July 2022

Let R be a commutative ring with unity. The unit graph G(R) is defined such that the vertex set of G(R) is the set of all elements of R, and two distinct vertices are adjacent if their sum is a unit in R. In this paper, we show that for each prime, p,G(Zp) and G(Z2p) are eigensharp graphs. Likewise, we show that the unit graph associated with the ring Zp[x]∕x2 is an eigensharp graph.
Iterative Approximate Solutions for Variational Problems in Hadamard Manifold
Authors: Dilshad Mohammad , Filali Doaa , Chandok Sumit , Akram Mohammad
Published: July 2022

The goal of this paper is to propose and investigate new iterative methods for examining an approximate solution of a fixed-point problem, an equilibrium problem, and a finite collection of variational inclusions in the Hadamard manifold’s structure. Operating under some assumptions, we extend the proximal point algorithm to estimate the common solution of stated problems and obtain a strong convergence theorem for the common solution. We also present several consequences of the proposed iterative methods and their convergence results.
Gelatin Methacryloyl Hydrogels for Musculoskeletal Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Kim Yang-Hee , Dawson Jonathan I. , Oreffo Richard O. C. , Tabata Yasuhiko , Kumar Dhiraj , Aparicio Conrado , Mutreja Isha
Published: July 2022

Musculoskeletal disorders are a significant burden on the global economy and public health. Hydrogels have significant potential for enhancing the repair of damaged and injured musculoskeletal tissues as cell or drug delivery systems. Hydrogels have unique physicochemical properties which make them promising platforms for controlling cell functions. Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel in particular has been extensively investigated as a promising biomaterial due to its tuneable and beneficial properties and has been widely used in different biomedical applications. In this review, a detailed overview of GelMA synthesis, hydrogel design and applications in regenerative medicine is provided. After summarising recent progress in hydrogels more broadly, we highlight recent advances of GelMA hydrogels in the emerging fields of musculoskeletal drug delivery, involving therapeutic drugs (e.g., growth factors, antimicrobial molecules, immunomodulatory drugs and cells), delivery approaches (e.g., single-, dual-release system), and material design (e.g., addition of organic or inorganic materials, 3D printing). The review concludes with future perspectives and associated challenges for developing local drug delivery for musculoskeletal applications.
The Application of Quantitative Metabolomics for the Taxonomic Differentiation of Birds
Authors: Zelentsova Ekaterina A. , Yanshole Lyudmila V. , Tsentalovich Yuri P. , Sharshov Kirill A. , Yanshole Vadim V.
Published: July 2022

In the current pilot study, we propose the use of quantitative metabolomics to reconstruct the phylogeny of vertebrates, namely birds. We determined the concentrations of the 67 most abundant metabolites in the eye lenses of the following 14 species from 6 orders of the class Aves (Birds): the Black kite (Milvus migrans), Eurasian magpie (Pica pica), Northern raven (Corvus corax), Eurasian coot (Fulica atra), Godlewski’s bunting (Emberiza godlewskii), Great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus), Great tit (Parus major), Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes), Hooded crow (Corvus cornix), House sparrow (Passer domesticus), Rock dove (Columba livia), Rook (Corvus frugilegus), Short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) and Ural owl (Strix uralensis). Further analysis shows that the statistical approaches generally used in metabolomics can be applied for differentiation between species, and the most fruitful results were obtained with hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). We observed the grouping of conspecific samples independently of the sampling place and date. The HCA tree structure supports the key role of genomics in the formation of the lens metabolome, but it also indicates the influence of the species lifestyle. A combination of genomics-based and metabolomics-based phylogeny could potentially resolve arising issues and yield a more reliable tree of life.
The Role of Pyroptosis and Autophagy in Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Zhao Huijie , Yang Yihan , Si Xinya , Liu Huiyang , Wang Honggang
Published: July 2022

Pyroptosis is a process of programmed cell death mediated by gasdermin (GSDM) found in recent years. In the process of pyroptosis, caspase-1 or caspase-11/4/5 is activated, which cleaves gasdermin D and separates its N-terminal pore-forming domain (PFD). The oligomers of PFD bind to the cell membrane and form macropores on the membrane, resulting in cell swelling and membrane rupture. Increasing evidence indicates that pyroptosis is involved in many diseases, including ischemia reperfusion injury. Autophagy is a highly conserved catabolic process in eukaryotic cells. It plays an important role in the survival and maintenance of cells by degrading organelles, proteins, and macromolecules in the cytoplasm and recycling degradation products. Increasing evidence shows that dysfunctional autophagy participates in many diseases. Recently, autophagy and pyroptosis have been reported to play a vital role in the process of ischemia/reperfusion injury, but the related mechanisms are not completely clear. Therefore, this article reviews the role of autophagy and pyroptosis in ischemia–reperfusion injury and analyzes the related mechanisms to provide a basis for future research.
The Involvement of Polyamines Catabolism in the Crosstalk between Neurons and Astrocytes in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Cervelli Manuela , Averna Monica , Vergani Laura , Pedrazzi Marco , Amato Sarah , Fiorucci Cristian , Rossi Marianna Nicoletta , Maura Guido , Mariottini Paolo , Cervetto Chiara , Marcoli Manuela
Published: July 2022

In mammalian cells, the content of polyamines is tightly regulated. Polyamines, including spermine, spermidine and putrescine, are involved in many cellular processes. Spermine oxidase specifically oxidizes spermine, and its deregulated activity has been reported to be linked to brain pathologies involving neuron damage. Spermine is a neuromodulator of a number of ionotropic glutamate receptors and types of ion channels. In this respect, the Dach-SMOX mouse model overexpressing spermine oxidase in the neocortex neurons was revealed to be a model of chronic oxidative stress, excitotoxicity and neuronal damage. Reactive astrocytosis, chronic oxidative and excitotoxic stress, neuron loss and the susceptibility to seizure in the Dach-SMOX are discussed here. This genetic model would help researchers understand the linkage between polyamine dysregulation and neurodegeneration and unveil the roles of polyamines in the crosstalk between astrocytes and neurons in neuroprotection or neurodegeneration.
The Thioredoxin System of Mammalian Cells and Its Modulators
Authors: Hasan Aseel Ali , Kalinina Elena , Tatarskiy Victor , Shtil Alexander
Published: July 2022

Oxidative stress involves the increased production and accumulation of free radicals, peroxides, and other metabolites that are collectively termed reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are produced as by-products of aerobic respiration. ROS play a significant role in cell homeostasis through redox signaling and are capable of eliciting damage to macromolecules. Multiple antioxidant defense systems have evolved to prevent dangerous ROS accumulation in the body, with the glutathione and thioredoxin/thioredoxin reductase (Trx/TrxR) systems being the most important. The Trx/TrxR system has been used as a target to treat cancer through the thiol–disulfide exchange reaction mechanism that results in the reduction of a wide range of target proteins and the generation of oxidized Trx. The TrxR maintains reduced Trx levels using NADPH as a co-substrate; therefore, the system efficiently maintains cell homeostasis. Being a master regulator of oxidation–reduction processes, the Trx-dependent system is associated with cell proliferation and survival. Herein, we review the structure and catalytic properties of the Trx/TrxR system, its role in cellular signaling in connection with other redox systems, and the factors that modulate the Trx system.
Bladder Tissue Microbiome Composition in Patients of Bladder Cancer or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Related Human Beta Defensin Levels
Authors: Mansour Bassel , Monyók Ádám , Gajdács Márió , Stercz Balázs , Makra Nóra , Pénzes Kinga , Vadnay István , Szabó Dóra , Ostorházi Eszter
Published: July 2022

Balance between the microbiome associated with bladder mucosa and human beta defensin (HBD) levels in urine is a dynamic, sensitive and host-specific relationship. HBD1—possessing both antitumor and antibacterial activity—is produced constitutively, while the inducible production of antibacterial HBD2 and HBD3 is affected by bacteria. Elevated levels of HBD2 were shown to cause treatment failure in anticancer immunotherapy. Our aim was to assess the relationship between microbiome composition characteristic of tumor tissue, defensin expression and HBD levels measured in urine. Tissue samples for analyses were removed during transurethral resection from 55 bladder carcinoma and 12 prostatic hyperplasia patients. Microbiome analyses were carried out with 16S rRNS sequencing. Levels of HBD mRNA expression were measured with qPCR from the same samples, and urinary amounts of HBD1, 2 and 3 were detected with ELISA in these patients, in addition to 34 healthy volunteers. Mann–Whitney U test, Wilcoxon rank sum test (alpha diversity) and PERMANOVA analysis (beta diversity) were performed. Defensin-levels expressed in the tumor did not clearly determine the amount of defensin measurable in the urine. The antibacterial and antitumor defensin (HBD1) showed decreased levels in cancer patients, while others (HBD2 and 3) were considerably increased. Abundance of Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium and Oxyphotobacteria genera was significantly higher, the abundance of Faecalibacterium and Bacteroides genera were significantly lower in tumor samples compared to non-tumor samples. Bacteroides, Parabacteroides and Faecalibacterium abundance gradually decreased with the combined increase in HBD2 and HBD3. Higher Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus abundances were measured together with higher HBD2 and HBD3 urinary levels. Among other factors, defensins and microorganisms also affect the development, progression and treatment options for bladder cancer. To enhance the success of immunotherapies and to develop adjuvant antitumor therapies, it is important to gain insight into the interactions between defensins and the tumor-associated microbiome.
Hyperreactivity of Salivary Alpha-Amylase to Acute Psychosocial Stress and Norepinephrine Infusion in Essential Hypertension
Authors: Walther Lisa-Marie , von Känel Roland , Zuccarella-Hackl Claudia , Wirtz Petra H.
Published: July 2022

It is unknown whether the observed general physiological hyperreactivity to acute psychosocial stress in essential hypertension also extends to salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), a surrogate sympathetic nervous system marker. Here, we investigated sAA reactivity to acute psychosocial stress in essential hypertensive males (HT) as compared to normotensive controls (NT). To shed light on underlying mechanisms, we moreover tested for sAA reactivity following a standardized norepinephrine (NE) infusion. We hypothesized that both acute psychosocial stress and an NE infusion of similar duration would lead to greater sAA reactivity in HT than in NT. In the stress study, we examined sAA reactivity to 15 min of acute psychosocial stress induced by the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) in 19 HT and 23 NT up to 40 min after stress. In the infusion study, 20 HT and 22 NT received a standardized NE infusion (5 μg/mL/min) over 15 min mimicking NE release in reaction to acute psychosocial stress. HT exhibited greater sAA reactivity to the TSST as compared to NT (p = 0.049, ηp2 = 0.08, f = 0.29). In reaction to the standardized NE infusion, HT showed higher sAA reactivity as compared to NT (p = 0.033, ηp2 = 1.00, f = 0.33). Our findings suggest stress-induced sAA hyperreactivity in essential hypertension that seems to be at least in part mediated by a higher reactivity to a standardized amount of NE in HT. With respect to clinical implications, sAA stress reactivity may serve as a noninvasive marker indicative of early cardiovascular risk.