bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myeloid Wls expression is dispensable for skin wound healing and blood vessel regeneration
Authors: Sim Seen Ling , Blumenthal Antje , Kaur Simranpreet , Khosrotehrani Kiarash
Published: September 2022

Wnt signaling controls blood vessel growth, regression and patterning during embryonic and postnatal life. Macrophages are major producers of Wnt ligands and angiogenic growth factors. It regulates vascular development and specification during embryogenesis and wound healing. Macrophage dysregulation in wound healing impairs vessel regeneration and delay wound closure. During cutaneous wound healing, the endovascular progenitors (EVPs) proliferate and differentiate into mature endothelial (D) cells in response to signals produced by perivascular cells, including macrophages, governing blood vessels regeneration. However, the role of macrophage’s Wnt production on endothelial cells, especially the EVPs during wound healing is currently unknown. Here we used a cutaneous excisional wound model in mice with conditional deletion of Wnt secretion by myeloid cells (Wlsfl/flLysM-Cre+) to assess the kinetics of endothelial subpopulations (including EVP), myeloid infiltration, collagen deposition and wound closure. Deletion of Wls expression by myeloid cells did not affect wound closure and collagen deposition, indicating that myeloid Wls expression does not promote wound healing and regeneration. Myeloid-specific Wls deletion elevated the EVP population during the peak of angiogenesis, yet without affecting blood vessel density. Wounds in Wlsfl/flLysM-Cre+ animals showed unperturbed myeloid infiltration and differentiation. Overall, our data indicate that macrophage Wnt production shapes EVP kinetics without major relevance to wound healing. These findings extend the knowledge of macrophage and endothelial molecular crosstalk and position myeloid-derived Wnt production as a regulator of endovascular progenitor.
The impact of the low-carbon city pilot policy on green innovation in firms
Authors: Pei Fei , Wang Peilu
Published: September 2022

To achieve China’s 2030 target for reducing greenhouse gases, the government has implemented a low-carbon pilot city policy. One goal of this policy is to promote the green transformation of local firms; as such, this paper focuses on how the policy influences green innovation among firms. The study analyzed data on the number of green patents held by industrial firms listed in Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges in China for the 2007–2017 period. This enabled an investigation of green innovation activity after implementation of the low-carbon pilot city policy, using a Differences-in-Differences model. We found that the low-carbon pilot cities policy has a significant impact on applications for green patents. The relationship is stronger for private owned firms compared to State-owned firms. The direction of the effect was mainly due to green utility patent applications by private owned firms. State-owned firms have strong path dependence and are protected by local governments, so they are less constrained by low-carbon pilot city policies, which makes it difficult for them to improve the green innovation of State-owned firms. Firms in a monopoly position have more motivation to pursue green innovations than firms in competitive settings. Because green innovations have double positive externalities and require cooperation between multiple departments, they are associated with higher risk levels compared to nongreen innovations. It is difficult for firms in highly competitive industries to continuously invest many resources in green environmental R&D. This study provides important data supporting the basis of low-carbon pilot city policy implementation.
Bacteroides fragilis ameliorates Cronobacter malonaticus lipopolysaccharide-induced pathological injury through modulation of the intestinal microbiota
Authors: Ling Na , Zhang Xiyan , Forsythe Stephen , Zhang Danfeng , Shen Yizhong , Zhang Jumei , Ding Yu , Wang Juan , Wu Qingping , Ye Yingwang
Published: September 2022

Cronobacter has attracted considerable attention due to its association with meningitis and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in newborns. Generally, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) facilitates bacterial translocation along with inflammatory responses as an endotoxin; however, the pathogenicity of Cronobacter LPS and the strategies to alleviate the toxicity were largely unknown. In this study, inflammatory responses were stimulated by intraperitoneal injection of Cronobacter malonaticus LPS into Sprague–Dawley young rats. Simultaneously, Bacteroides fragilis NCTC9343 were continuously fed through gavage for 5 days before or after injection of C. malonaticus LPS to evaluate the intervention effect of B. fragilis. We first checked the morphological changes of the ileum and colon and the intestinal microbiota and then detected the generation of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) and the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), occludin, claudin-4, and iNOs. The results indicated that C. malonaticus LPS exacerbated intestinal infection by altering gut microbe profile, tight junction protein expression, and releasing inflammatory factors in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Intriguingly, treatment with B. fragilis obviously diminished the pathological injuries and expression of TLR4 caused by C. malonaticus LPS while increasing gut microbes like Prevotella-9. We note that Shigella, Peptoclostridium, and Sutterella might be positively related to C. malonaticus LPS infection, but Prevotella-9 was negatively correlated. The results suggested that the intestinal microbiota is an important target for the prevention and treatment of pathogenic injuries induced by C. malonaticus LPS.
Species classification and novel plasmid identifications in Arcobacter cryaerophilus and Arcobacter cryaerophilus-like organisms
Authors: Zhou Guilan , Wang Min , Wang Hairui , Chen Xiaoli , Gu Yixin , Shao Zhujun , Zhang Jianzhong , Zhang Maojun
Published: September 2022

The Arcobacter is a globally emerging foodborne and zoonotic pathogen that can cause diarrhea in humans. It is relatively homogenous and clearly distinguishes the group from other Epsilonproteobacteria. Arcobacter cryaerophilus (A. cryaerophilus) is a heterogeneous species and little is known about its genomic characterization in China. This study aims to determine the genetic and plasmid features of A. cryaerophilus based on whole-genome sequence (WGS). Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) and in silico DNA–DNA hybridization (isDDH) were used for the species classification for 90 initially identified A. cryaerophilus strains. One complete genome and 42 draft genomes were obtained by whole genome sequencing. The genomic characteristics were determined using various bioinformatics software. The genomes of the strains examined were estimated to vary from 1.81 to 2.28 Mb in length, with a G + C content of around 27%. ANI and isDDH results indicated that 90 initially identified A. cryaerophilus strains should be reclassified into four new species (ANI > 96% or isDDH > 70%). Two clades (four subclades) were identified among 90 genomes with the phylogenetic analysis. The phylogenetic tree indicated these 90 genomes exhibited a high intra-species genomic diversity. No clustering was assorted with the host or geographic location among these genomes. Aminoglycoside resistance genes, such as aph(2’’)-Ih, AAC(6’)-Ie-APH(2’’)-Ia, aac(6’)-IIa, ant(6), and streptothricin resistance gene SAT-4 were detected in the chromosomes from a third of the Chinese strains. Virulence-related genes were identified in all the sequenced strains. A novel large multiple drug-resistant plasmid (named pCNAC48 with 161,992 bp in length) was identified in strain ICDCAC48. Two antibiotic-resistance islands were found in the plasmid with lengths of 7,950 and 25,137 bp and G + C content of 38.23 and 32.39%, respectively. The drug resistance genes and some transposable elements were cross-distributed among the islands in the plasmid. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests indicated these resistance genes in the plasmid were functional. Plasmid conjugation and curing experiments proved pCNAC48 was stable in strain ICDCAC48. It was the first identified multiple drug resistance plasmid in A. cryaerophilus-like.
Large-scale biophysically detailed model of somatosensory thalamocortical circuits in NetPyNE
Authors: Borges Fernando S. , Moreira Joao V. S. , Takarabe Lavinia M. , Lytton William W. , Dura-Bernal Salvador
Published: September 2022

The primary somatosensory cortex (S1) of mammals is critically important in the perception of touch and related sensorimotor behaviors. In 2015, the Blue Brain Project (BBP) developed a groundbreaking rat S1 microcircuit simulation with over 31,000 neurons with 207 morpho-electrical neuron types, and 37 million synapses, incorporating anatomical and physiological information from a wide range of experimental studies. We have implemented this highly detailed and complex S1 model in NetPyNE, using the data available in the Neocortical Microcircuit Collaboration Portal. NetPyNE provides a Python high-level interface to NEURON and allows defining complicated multiscale models using an intuitive declarative standardized language. It also facilitates running parallel simulations, automates the optimization and exploration of parameters using supercomputers, and provides a wide range of built-in analysis functions. This will make the S1 model more accessible and simpler to scale, modify and extend in order to explore research questions or interconnect to other existing models. Despite some implementation differences, the NetPyNE model preserved the original cell morphologies, electrophysiological responses and spatial distribution for all 207 cell types; and the connectivity properties of all 1941 pathways, including synaptic dynamics and short-term plasticity (STP). The NetPyNE S1 simulations produced reasonable physiological firing rates and activity patterns across all populations. When STP was included, the network generated a 1 Hz oscillation comparable to the original model in vitro-like state. By then reducing the extracellular calcium concentration, the model reproduced the original S1 in vivo-like states with asynchronous activity. These results validate the original study using a new modeling tool. Simulated local field potentials (LFPs) exhibited realistic oscillatory patterns and features, including distance- and frequency-dependent attenuation. The model was extended by adding thalamic circuits, including 6 distinct thalamic populations with intrathalamic, thalamocortical (TC) and corticothalamic connectivity derived from experimental data. The thalamic model reproduced single known cell and circuit-level dynamics, including burst and tonic firing modes and oscillatory patterns, providing a more realistic input to cortex and enabling study of TC interactions. Overall, our work provides a widely accessible, data-driven and biophysically-detailed model of the somatosensory TC circuits that can be employed as a community tool for researchers to study neural dynamics, function and disease.
Considerations for Upright Particle Therapy Patient Positioning and Associated Image Guidance
Authors: Volz Lennart , Sheng Yinxiangzi , Durante Marco , Graeff Christian
Published: September 2022

Particle therapy is a rapidly growing field in cancer therapy. Worldwide, over 100 centers are in operation, and more are currently in construction phase. The interest in particle therapy is founded in the superior target dose conformity and healthy tissue sparing achievable through the particles’ inverse depth dose profile. This physical advantage is, however, opposed by increased complexity and cost of particle therapy facilities. Particle therapy, especially with heavier ions, requires large and costly equipment to accelerate the particles to the desired treatment energy and steer the beam to the patient. A significant portion of the cost for a treatment facility is attributed to the gantry, used to enable different beam angles around the patient for optimal healthy tissue sparing. Instead of a gantry, a rotating chair positioning system paired with a fixed horizontal beam line presents a suitable cost-efficient alternative. Chair systems have been used already at the advent of particle therapy, but were soon dismissed due to increased setup uncertainty associated with the upright position stemming from the lack of dedicated image guidance systems. Recently, treatment chairs gained renewed interest due to the improvement in beam delivery, commercial availability of vertical patient CT imaging and improved image guidance systems to mitigate the problem of anatomical motion in seated treatments. In this review, economical and clinical reasons for an upright patient positioning system are discussed. Existing designs targeted for particle therapy are reviewed, and conclusions are drawn on the design and construction of chair systems and associated image guidance. Finally, the different aspects from literature are channeled into recommendations for potential upright treatment layouts, both for retrofitting and new facilities.
OCT angiography analysis of choriocapillaris vascular density in different stages of age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Savastano Maria Cristina , Fossataro Claudia , Carlà Matteo Mario , Fantozzi Chiara , Falsini Benedetto , Savastano Alfonso , Rizzo Clara , Kilian Raphael , Rizzo Stanislao
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To analyze the choriocapillaris vessel density (CVD) of eyes at different stages of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) with Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA).

Methods

This is a prospective observational cross-sectional study on 21 age-matched healthy eyes and 84 eyes with AMD (i.e., early AMD, late AMD, Geographic Atrophy [GA], and disciform scar AMD). OCTA was used to automatically measure the CVD (%), on both the whole macula and the foveal area, in a layer going from 9 µm above to 30 µm below the Bruch’s membrane. Furthermore, in the GA subgroup, the extension of the Ellipsoid Zone (EZ) interruption and the area of macular chorio-retinal atrophy was analyzed.

Results

Macular CVD was significantly lower in the GA, late AMD and disciform scar AMD-subgroups compared to controls (respectively, p=0.0052; p<0.0001; p=0.0003), whereas it did not significantly vary in the early AMD group (p=0.86). A significant difference between the early AMD and both the late AMD and the disciform scar AMD subgroups was also found (p=0.0009 and 0.0095, respectively). When comparing the foveal CVD of healthy and AMD eyes, a significant difference was found with every AMD subgroup (early AMD, p=0.011; GA, p<0.0001; late AMD, p<0.0001; disciform scar AMD, p<0.0001). Furthermore, in the GA subgroup, the CVD had an inverse correlation with both the extension of the EZ-interruption (p=0.012) and with the calculated chorio-retinal atrophic area (p=0.009).

Conclusions

OCTA could play a crucial role in the categorization of AMD, allowing for the evaluation of gradual flow impairment at different stages of the disease. Moreover, the detection of a decreased macular and foveal CVD may shed light on the pathogenesis of AMD.
Regulation of mitochondrial dysfunction induced cell apoptosis is a potential therapeutic strategy for herbal medicine to treat neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Li Ruo-Lan , Wang Ling-Yu , Duan Hu-Xinyue , Zhang Qing , Guo Xiaohui , Wu Chunjie , Peng Wei
Published: September 2022

Neurodegenerative disease is a progressive neurodegeneration caused by genetic and environmental factors. Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Huntington’s disease (HD) are the three most common neurodegenerative diseases clinically. Unfortunately, the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing year by year. However, the current available drugs have poor efficacy and large side effects, which brings a great burden to the patients and the society. Increasing evidence suggests that occurrence and development of the neurodegenerative diseases is closely related to the mitochondrial dysfunction, which can affect mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial dynamics, as well as mitochondrial mitophagy. Through the disruption of mitochondrial homeostasis, nerve cells undergo varying degrees of apoptosis. Interestingly, it has been shown in recent years that the natural agents derived from herbal medicines are beneficial for prevention/treatment of neurodegenerative diseases via regulation of mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, in this review, we will focus on the potential therapeutic agents from herbal medicines for treating neurodegenerative diseases via suppressing apoptosis through regulation of mitochondrial dysfunction, in order to provide a foundation for the development of more candidate drugs for neurodegenerative diseases from herbal medicine.
Evolution of Artistic and Athletic Propensities: Testing of Intersexual Selection and Intrasexual Competition
Authors: Varella Marco Antonio Correa , Štěrbová Zuzana , Bártová Klára , Fisher Maryanne L. , Valentova Jaroslava Varella
Published: September 2022

Since Darwin proposed that human musicality evolved through sexual selection, empirical evidence has supported intersexual selection as one of the adaptive functions of artistic propensities. However, intrasexual competition has been overlooked. We tested their relative importance by investigating the relationship between the self-perceived talent/expertise in 16 artistic and 2 sports modalities and proxies of intersexual selection (i.e., mate value, mating and parenting efforts, sociosexuality, and number of sexual partners) and intrasexual competition (i.e., aggressiveness, intrasexual competitiveness) in heterosexuals. Participants were 82 Brazilian men, 166 Brazilian women, 146 Czech men, and 458 Czech women (Mage = 26.48, SD = 7.12). Factor analysis revealed five factors: Literary-arts (creative writing, humor, acting/theater/film, poetry, storytelling), Visual-arts (painting/drawing, sculpting, handcrafting, culinary arts, architecture design), Musical-arts (playing/instruments, singing, dance, whistling), Circus-arts (juggling, acrobatics), and Sports (individual, collective). Multivariate General Linear Model (GLM) showed more associations of the arts to intersexual selection in women and to intrasexual selection in men, and overall more relationships in women than in men. In women, literary and musical-arts were related to elevated inter- and intrasexual selections proxies, visual and circus-arts were related to elevated intersexual selection proxies, and sports were related to intrasexual selection proxies. In men, literary-arts and sports were related to elevated inter- and intrasexual selection proxies, musical-arts were related to intrasexual proxies, and circus-arts were related to intersexual proxies; visual-arts did not have predictors. Although present in both sexes, each sexual selection component has different relative importance in each sex. Artisticality functions to attract and maintain long/short-term partners, and to compete with mating rivals.
Allium stent as a curative treatment for benign ureteral strictures: Preliminary experience, surgical technique, and functional results
Authors: Salciccia Stefano , De Marco Ferdinando , Sciarra Alessandro , Moriconi Martina , Alfarone Andrea , Polese Milena , Maggi Martina , Del Giudice Francesco , Gentilucci Alessandro , De Berardinis Ettore , Ricciuti Gian Piero
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the Allium™ ureteral stent as a curative treatment of benign ureteral strictures.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed the electronic database of the two centers of patients who underwent ureteral Allium™ positioning for different types of stenosis (benign or malignant). Between April 2017 and May 2021, 151 patients were treated with the Allium™ stent for ureteral strictures including benign and malignant stenosis. In total, 83 of them met the inclusion criteria for benign ureteral stricture and were included in final analysis.

Results

About the etiology of strictures, 79 (95.18%) were secondary to ureteroscopy or impacted stones and 4 (4.82%) were secondary to pelvic surgery. The median operating time was 47.9 ± 15.53 min, and the median length of strictures was 2.51 ± 0.84 (1-4) cm. The median time of follow-up was 18 months (range 1–48 months), the overall success rate was 85.5% (71/83), and no intraoperative or perioperative major complications were recorded. Among patients with failure (12 pts, 14.5%): 10 (83.33%) presented ureteral strictures again; among them, 8/10 were patients with a stricture length between 2 and 4 cm, 2 (16.67%) patients with pyelus–ureteral junction stenosis experienced the migration of the stent. All patients who experienced failure were treated surgically either with a robotic or laparoscopic approach.

Conclusions

In our preliminary experience, the Allium™ stent seems to be an effective and safe surgical treatment for benign ureteral stricture. Further analysis and prospective trials are necessary to better define the role of the Allium™ stent in the treatment of benign ureteral strictures.
Case report: Stent-first strategy as a potential approach in the management of malignant right-sided colonic obstruction with cardiovascular risks
Authors: Lin Tianyu , Bissessur Abdul Saad , Liao Pengfei , Yu Tunan , Chen Dingwei
Published: September 2022

In obstructing left-sided colonic or rectal cancer, endoscopic stent placement with the purpose of decompression and bridge to elective colon resection has been widely utilized and accepted. However, in malignant right-sided colonic obstruction, stent placement prior to colectomy is still highly controversial, due to lower clinical success and high anastomotic leak. We report a case of malignant right-sided colonic obstruction based on the radiological findings of irregular thickening of ascending colon wall and dilation of proximal large bowel on enhanced computed tomography scan. The 72-year-old woman presented with obvious abdominal distension. Due to concerning cardiovascular complications as intermittent chest pain and a long history of type 2 diabetes, a three-step therapeutic plan was instigated. Initially, a self-expandable metallic stent was placed palliatively to relieve the bowel obstruction. Consecutively, coronary angiography was performed, and two coronary stents were implanted to alleviate more than 80% stenosis of two main coronary arteries. One month later, laparoscopic radical resection of right colon and lymphadenectomy were successfully performed, with a blood loss less than 50 millimeters and a harvest of 29 lymph nodes, 1 being positive. The patient was discharged one week postoperatively with no complications, and received adjuvant chemotherapy one month later. During a follow-up of more than one year, the patient was in complete remission with no recurrence and cardiovascular events. In patients presenting with malignant right-sided colonic obstruction and peril of high cardiovascular risks, we propose colonic and coronary stent-first strategy to emergency surgery as a potential approach so as to ensure sufficient cardiovascular preparation improving perioperative safety. Moreover, the anatomical location of the tumor would be significantly achievable thus granting high-quality radical colon resection and lymphadenectomy.
Hip-preserving reconstruction using a customized cemented femoral endoprosthesis with a curved stem in patients with short proximal femur segments: Mid-term follow-up outcomes
Authors: You Qi , Lu Minxun , Min Li , Zhang Yuqi , Luo Yi , Zhou Yong , Tu Chongqi
Published: September 2022

Background

Short metaphyseal segments that remain following extensive distal femoral tumor resection can be challenging to manage, as the residual short segments may not be sufficient to accept an intramedullary cemented stem of standard length. The present study was developed to detail preliminary findings and experiences associated with an intra-neck curved stem (INCS) reconstructive approach, with a particular focus on mechanical stability.

Method

From March 2013 to August 2016, 11 total patients underwent reconstructive procedures using a customized cemented femoral endoprosthesis (CCFE) with an INCS. Measurements of femoral neck-shaft angle values were made before and after this procedure. Radiological outcomes associated with this treatment strategy over an average 63-month follow-up period were additionally assessed. Functionality was assessed based upon Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scores, while a visual analog scale (VAS) was used to rate pre- and postoperative pain, and any complications were noted.

Results

Relative to the preoperative design, no significant differences in femoral neck–shaft angle were observed after this reconstructive procedure (p = 0.410). Postoperatively, the tip of the stem was primarily positioned within the middle third of the femoral head in both lateral and posterior-anterior radiographic, supporting the accuracy of INCS positioning. The average MSTS score for these patients was 25 (range: 21–28), and VAS scores were significantly reduced after surgery (p < 0.0001). One patient exhibited local disease recurrence and ultimately succumbed to lung metastases, while two patients exhibited aseptic loosening. None of the treated patients exhibited complications such as infections, periprosthetic fractures, or prosthetic fractures as of most recent follow-up.

Conclusion

CCFE with an INCS represents a viable approach to massive femoral diaphyseal defect with short proximal femur repair, as patients can achieve good functional outcomes and early weight-bearing with proper individualized rehabilitative interventions, all while exhibiting low rates of procedure-related complications.
Who Said What: A Multi-Country Content Analysis of European Health Organisations’ COVID-19 Social Media Communication
Authors: Kompani Kamyar , Deml Michael J. , Mahdavian Farnaz , Koval Olena , Arora Sanjana , Broqvist Hilda
Published: September 2022

Objectives: As a risk communication tool, social media was mobilised at an unprecedented level during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined health authorities’ risk communication on social media in response to the pandemic in 2020.

Methods: We analysed 1,633 COVID-19-related posts from 15 social media accounts managed by official health authorities in Germany, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Results: The rate at which the authorities posted about COVID-19 on social media fluctuated throughout 2020. Each account’s posting frequency peaked between March and May 2020, before dropping considerably during the summer. The messages that the organisations focused on also varied throughout the year but covered most risk communication guidelines. Yet, our analysis highlighted themes that were communicated infrequently, such as long COVID or exercising during the pandemic.

Conclusion: With more individuals now following health authorities on social media, platforms such as Instagram hold great potential for future risk communication campaigns and strategies.
RSB: Robust Successive Binarization for Change Detection in Bitemporal Hyperspectral Images
Authors: Falini Antonella
Published: September 2022

The Earth’s observation programs, through the acquisition of remotely sensed hyperspectral images, aim at detecting and monitoring any relevant surface change due to natural or anthropogenic causes. The proposed algorithm, given as input a pair of hyperspectral images, produces as output a binary image denoting in white the changed pixels and in black the unchanged ones. The presented procedure relies on the computation of specific dissimilarity measures and applies successive binarization techniques, which prove to be robust, with respect to the different scenarios produced by the chosen measure, and fully automatic. The numerical tests show superior behavior when other common binarization techniques are used, and very competitive results are achieved when other methodologies are applied on the same benchmarks.
A Hybrid Clustering Approach Based on Fuzzy Logic and Evolutionary Computation for Anomaly Detection
Authors: Akhmedova Shakhnaz , Stanovov Vladimir , Kamiya Yukihiro
Published: September 2022

In this study, a new approach for novelty and anomaly detection, called HPFuzzNDA, is introduced. It is similar to the Possibilistic Fuzzy multi-class Novelty Detector (PFuzzND), which was originally developed for data streams. Both algorithms initially use a portion of labelled data from known classes to divide them into a given number of clusters, and then attempt to determine if the new instances, which may be unlabelled, belong to the known or novel classes or if they are anomalies, namely if they are extreme values that deviate from other observations, indicating noise or errors in measurement. However, for each class in HPFuzzNDA clusters are designed by using the new evolutionary algorithm NL-SHADE-RSP, the latter is a modification of the well-known L-SHADE approach. Additionally, the number of clusters for all classes is automatically adjusted in each step of HPFuzzNDA to improve its efficiency. The performance of the HPFuzzNDA approach was evaluated on a set of benchmark problems, specifically generated for novelty and anomaly detection. Experimental results demonstrated the workability and usefulness of the proposed approach as it was able to detect extensions of the known classes and to find new classes in addition to the anomalies. Moreover, numerical results showed that it outperformed PFuzzND. This was exhibited by the new mechanism proposed for cluster adjustments allowing HPFuzzNDA to achieve better classification accuracy in addition to better results in terms of macro F-score metric.
Study on Flow and Heat Transfer Performance of a Rectangular Channel Filled with X-Shaped Truss Array under Operating Conditions of Gas Turbine Blades
Authors: Xi Lei , Gao Jianmin , Xu Liang , Zhao Zhen , Yang Tao , Li Yunlong
Published: September 2022

In this investigation, the heat transfer and flow capabilities of an X-shaped truss array cooling channel under various operating conditions of gas turbine blades were thoroughly studied. The influence laws of the inlet Reynolds number, inlet turbulence intensity, wall heat flux and cooling medium (air, steam) on the heat transfer and flow performance of the X-shaped truss array channel were analyzed and summarized. The empirical correlations of friction coefficients and average Nusselt numbers with maximum deviations less than ± 14% were fitted. The results show that the inlet Reynolds number has the most significant effect on the flow and heat transfer performance of the X-shaped truss array channel. When the inlet Reynolds number increases from 20,000 to 200,000, the average Nusselt number of the X-shaped truss array channel is increased by 3.92 times, the friction coefficient is decreased by 12.88%, and the comprehensive thermal coefficient is decreased by 31.19%. Compared with the medium turbulence intensity of Tu = 5%, the average Nusselt number, friction coefficient and comprehensive thermal coefficient of the X-shaped truss array channel at Tu = 20% are increased by 3.70%, 2.51% and 2.79%, respectively. With the increase in the wall heat flux, the friction coefficient of the X-shaped truss array channel roughly shows a trend of first decreasing and then increasing, while the average Nusselt number and the comprehensive thermal coefficient show a trend of first rapidly increasing and then slightly decreasing or remaining unchanged. Compared with air cooling, the average Nusselt numbers of the X-shaped truss array channel of steam cooling are increased by 6.30% to 9.54%, and the corresponding friction coefficients and comprehensive thermal coefficients are decreased by 0.11% to 0.55% and 2.63% to 5.59%, respectively.
Australian Generation Z and the Nexus between Climate Change and Alternative Proteins
Authors: Bogueva Diana , Marinova Dora
Published: September 2022

Scientific evidence shows that current food systems are impacting the planet in ways that are unsustainable and detrimental to human health. Various technological advances have been made in response, one of them being the development of new food products known as novel alternative proteins, including cultured meat, plant-based meat analogues, algae- and insect-based foods. The future of these alternative proteins to a large extent depends on consumer acceptance from young people. This study investigates the attitudes of Australia’s adult Generation Z (Gen Z), born between 1995 and 2003, regarding climate change and more sustainable food choices. Gen Z is a diverse, important and trendsetting group known for organising globally on causes related to climate, social justice and health. The study of Australia’s Gen Z is based on a 2021 cross-national survey in the main Australian cities. It shows that, although 86% of the participants perceive climate change as anthropogenic, only 38% believe that livestock-based foods are contributing significantly to global warming and environmental deterioration. The paper discusses the implications for Gen Z and novel alternative proteins given that the majority of Australia’s young people has low awareness of the environmental impacts of food systems and dietary choices.
Improvement in the Immunity- and Vitamin D3-Activity-Related Gene Expression of Coccidiosis-Challenged Ross 708 Broilers in Response to the In Ovo Injection of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3
Authors: Fatemi Seyed Abolghasem , Macklin Kenneth S. , Zhang Li , Mousstaaid Ayoub , Poudel Sabin , Poudel Ishab , Peebles Edgar David
Published: September 2022

Effects of the in ovo administration of two vitamin D3 sources (vitamin D3 (D3) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3)) on the expression of D3 activity- and immunity-related genes in broilers subjected to a coccidiosis infection were investigated. At 18 d of incubation (doi), five in ovo injection treatments were administrated to live embryonated Ross 708 broiler hatching eggs: non-injected (1) and diluent-injected (2) controls, or diluent injection containing 2.4 μg of D3 (3) or 2.4 μg of 25OHD3 (4), or their combination (5). Birds in the in ovo-injected treatments were challenged at 14 d of age (doa) with a 20× dosage of a live coccidial vaccine. At 14 and 28 doa, the expression of eight immunity-related genes (IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, TLR-4, TLR-15, MyD88, TGF-β4, and IFN-γ) and four D3 activity-related genes (1α-hydroxylase, 25-hydroxylase, 24-hydroxylase, and VDR) in the jejunum of one bird in each treatment–replicate group were evaluated. No significant treatment effects were observed for any of the genes before challenge. However, at 2 weeks post-challenge, the expression of 1α-hydroxylase, TGF-β4, and IL-10 increased in birds that received 25OHD3 alone in comparison to all the other in ovo-injected treatment groups. Additionally, the expression of 24-hydroxylase and IL-6 decreased in birds that received 25OHD3 in comparison to those injected with diluent or D3 alone. It was concluded that the in ovo injection of 2.4 μg of 25OHD3 may improve the intestinal immunity as well as the activity of D3 in Ross 708 broilers subjected to a coccidiosis challenge.
Effects of Canine-Obtained Lactic-Acid Bacteria on the Fecal Microbiota and Inflammatory Markers in Dogs Receiving Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Treatment
Authors: Herstad Kristin M. V. , Vinje Hilde , Skancke Ellen , Næverdal Terese , Corral Francisca , Llarena Ann-Katrin , Heilmann Romy M. , Suchodolski Jan S. , Steiner Joerg M. , Nyquist Nicole Frost
Published: September 2022

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may cause enteropathy in dogs and probiotics may be one option to prevent this. The objective of this study was to determine whether the administration of canine-obtained lactic acid bacteria (LAB) has an effect on the frequency of diarrhea, the composition of the fecal microbiota, and/or markers of gastrointestinal inflammation in dogs receiving NSAIDs when compared to dogs given NSAIDs and a placebo. A total of 22 dogs treated with NSAIDs for various clinical indications were enrolled in a seven-day randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled interventional study. Dogs were randomized to receive either placebo or LAB, a product containing Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. Fecal samples were collected on days one and seven. The fecal microbiota was evaluated using the fecal dysbiosis index (DI) and individual bacterial taxa. Fecal calprotectin (CP) and S100A12/Calgranulin C concentrations were used as markers of gastrointestinal inflammation. There was a difference in frequency of diarrhea between groups, with it affecting 4/12 dogs (33%) in the placebo group and 1/10 dogs (10%) in the LAB group, but this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.32). There was a correlation between S100A12 and CP (p < 0.001), and Clostridium perfringens correlated with S100A12 (p < 0.015). Neither treatment significantly affected S100A12 (p = 0.37), CP (p = 0.12), or fecal DI (p = 0.65). This study suggests that LAB is a safe supplement to use for short-term treatment in NSAID-treated dogs, but further studies are needed to determine its potential to prevent NSAID-induced enteropathy in dogs.
CFD-Based Numerical Simulation on the Combined Spraying Dust Suppression Device
Authors: Mo Shitu , Wang Pengfei , Gao Runze , Chen Shiqiang , Li Shilin
Published: September 2022

Spraying for dust suppression is a conventional technological means for industrial dust control. The traditional spraying technique shows a few shortcomings, including low dust suppression efficiency, great water consumption, and failure in far-distance dust suppression. This study proposed a novel combined spraying dust suppression device and established the related physical model and mathematical model. Using the CFD numerical simulation method, the basic characteristics of the airflow field and spray field around the device and the related influencing factors were investigated in depth. Results showed that the Coanda effect appeared near the wall surface in the air duct when the combined spraying dust suppression device was operated. Under this effect, negative pressure formed at the center of the device. The velocity of the combined device showed a symmetrical distribution and decayed steadily downward from the outlet of the device. An obvious stratification can be observed in the spray field. The mean droplet size first increased and then decreased along the airflow direction. Meanwhile, the effects of the air supply pressure and water supply pressure were examined. On the one hand, the velocity of the combined spraying dust suppression device and the spraying range were in direct proportion with the air supply pressure. As the air supply pressure increased, the droplet size first increased and then decreased. On the other hand, increasing the water supply pressure imposed almost no effect on the airflow field of the combined spraying dust suppression device but can reduce the droplet size and enhance the spraying range.
Antibiofilm Activity of Biocide Metal Ions Containing Bioactive Glasses (BGs): A Mini Review
Authors: Atkinson Irina
Published: September 2022

One of the major clinical issues during the implantation procedure is the bacterial infections linked to biofilms. Due to their tissue localization and the type of bacteria involved, bacterial infections at implant sites are usually difficult to treat, which increases patient morbidity and even mortality. The difficulty of treating biofilm-associated infections and the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria are further challenges for the scientific community to develop novel biomaterials with excellent biocompatibility and antibacterial properties. Given their ability to stimulate bone formation and have antibacterial properties, metal ion-doped bioactive glasses (BGs) have received considerable research. This mini review aims to be successful in presenting the developments made about the role of biocide metal ions incorporated into BGs against the development of bacterial biofilms and the spread of nosocomial diseases.
In Vitro Model for the Evaluation of Innovative Transcatheter Debridement Device (TDD): Pericardium-Based Scaffold and Stem Cells to Reproduce Calcificated Valves
Authors: Tiengo Elena , Fermi Enrico , Zanolla Ilaria , Zanotti Federica , Trentini Martina , Pasquino Enrico , Palmieri Maria Chiara , Soliani Giorgio , Leo Sara , Tremoli Elena , Ferroni Letizia , Zavan Barbara
Published: September 2022

Aortic valve stenosis has become the most common valvular disease in elderly patients. Several treatments are available such as surgical aortic valve replacement and transcatheter aortic valve implantation. To date, however, there is a need to discover alternative treatments that can delay the disease progression and, therefore, the implant of a prosthetic valve. In this regard, a decalcification procedure based on the use of ultrasonic waves could represent an innovative solution in transcatheter cardiovascular therapies. In this article, we describe an innovative transcatheter debridement device (TDD) that uses low-intensity ultrasound shock waves for calcium ablation from the native aortic valve and bioprosthetic valve. Mesenchymal stem cells were seeded onto pericardium-based scaffolds and committed into an osteogenic phenotype. After treatment with TDD, cell proliferation was analyzed, as well as lactate dehydrogenase release and cell morphology. The release of calcium and inflammation events were detected. The results confirmed that the TDD was able to induce a safe decalcification without any adverse inflammatory events.
Heated Humidified High-Flow Nasal Cannula in Children: State of the Art
Authors: Venanzi Annamaria , Di Filippo Paola , Santagata Chiara , Di Pillo Sabrina , Chiarelli Francesco , Attanasi Marina
Published: September 2022

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy is a non-invasive ventilatory support that has gained interest over the last ten years as a valid alternative to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) in children with respiratory failure. Its safety, availability, tolerability, and easy management have resulted its increasing usage, even outside intensive care units. Despite its wide use in daily clinical practice, there is still a lack of guidelines to standardize the use of HFNC. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge about the mechanisms of action, safety, clinical effects, and tolerance of HFNC in children, and to propose a clinical practices algorithm for children with respiratory failure.
Arterial Thrombotic Complications in COVID-19: A Case of Renal Infarction
Authors: Mancini Mariangela , Randazzo Gianmarco , Piazza Gregory , Dal Moro Fabrizio
Published: September 2022

COVID-19 infection has been associated with thrombotic complications, especially venous thromboembolism. Although arterial thrombotic complications are rarely seen in these patients, we report the case of a 43-year-old patient who developed thrombosis of the main branch of the left renal artery, causing partial infarction of the left kidney associated with severe pain. He had no risk factors for thrombosis except for COVID-19 infection. We excluded any possible condition usually associated with renal artery thrombosis/embolism (i.e., cardiovascular, oncological, hematological, or rheumatic). The thrombosis resolved after a combination of anticoagulant and anti-platelet therapy. This case highlights the importance of the risk of recurrence of thrombosis in patients with a recent history of COVID-19, even after hospital discharge, improvement of the initial thrombotic event, and clearance of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Effect of Pre-Existent Sarcopenia on Oncological Outcome of Advanced Thyroid Cancer Patients Treated with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Dalmiglio Cristina , Brilli Lucia , Ciuoli Cristina , Maino Fabio , Valerio Laura , Sannino Ida , Cartocci Alessandra , Guerrini Susanna , Zanoni Matteo , Marrazzo Giuseppe , Mazzei Maria Antonietta , Castagna Maria Grazia
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: Sarcopenia is associated with poor survival and treatment outcomes in several human cancers. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia in a cohort of 58 Caucasian patients with advanced thyroid cancer before and during TKI treatment. The impact of this condition on the outcome of patients was also evaluated. (2) Methods: Sarcopenia was evaluated using the Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI). (3) Results: Pre-treatment sarcopenia was found in 20.7% of patients and this condition significantly affected treatment outcome, emerging as the parameter that has the greatest impact on Progression Free Survival (PFS) (HR 4.29; 95% CI, 1.21–15.11, p = 0.02). A significant reduction in SMI values was observed 3 (p = 0.002) and 12 months (p < 0.0001) after TKI treatment. At a 12-month follow-up, sarcopenia prevalence increased up to 38.5%. Here, 12-month sarcopenia was predicted by a lower SMI (p = 0.029), BMI (p = 0.02) and weight (p = 0.04) and by the presence of bone metastases (p = 0.02). (4) Conclusions: This is the first study that evaluated sarcopenia prevalence and its change over time in Caucasian patients with advanced thyroid cancer under TKI therapy. Sarcopenia seems to be a prognostic factor of TKI treatment outcome, suggesting the importance of the assessment of the nutritional status and body composition in advanced thyroid cancer patients.