bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in African penguins Spheniscus demersus
Authors: Hurtado R , Parsons NJ , Gous TA , der Spuy Sv , Klusener R , Stander N , van Wilpe E , Vanstreels RET
Published: June 2020

Cryptosporidiumspp. are parasitic intracellular protozoa that infect the digestive, respiratory, and urinary tracts of vertebrates. The disease affects many different avian species across all continents, and >25 species and genotypes ofCryptosporidiumhave been documented infecting birds. We report on an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in African penguinSpheniscus demersuschicks admitted to a rehabilitation center in South Africa from February 2012 to October 2013. Eighteen cases were confirmed through histopathology. The most frequent clinical signs were regurgitation (78%), dyspnea (72%), decreased weight gain or weight loss (72%), and lethargy (50%). Clinical signs began 8-46 d after hatching or admission (median: 13 d), and death followed 1-41 d after the onset of clinical signs (median: 13.5 d). The most frequent necropsy findings were stomach distended with undigested food or gas (78%), mildly reddened lungs (56%), spleen petechial hemorrhage (44%), and kidney congestion (39%). The most frequent histopathological findings were necrotic bursitis (89%), necrotic enteritis (83%), and bursal atrophy (67%). Small round or oval basophilic bodies (3-5 µm diameter) consistent withCryptosporidiumsp. were closely associated with the surface of the epithelial cells or in the lumen of the bursa (89%), large intestine (61%), small intestine (44%), trachea (22%), and ventriculus (6%). Transmission electron microscopy of 1 case confirmed that these organisms wereCryptosporidiumsp. To our knowledge, this is the first report of cryptosporidiosis in penguins, raising concern of the potential implications for the conservation of these species.
Resiliencia y habilidades sociales en estudiantes secundarios de San Luis de Shuaro, La Merced
Authors: Sosa Palacios Sharon Stefany , Salas-Blas Edwin
Published: June 2020

El objetivo del estudio fue estudiar la relación entre resiliencia y habilidades sociales, participaron 212 estudiantes de cuatro colegios de gestión estatal de nivel secundario pertenecientes al distrito San Luis de Shuaro, ubicado en la selva central peruana; ellos estudian en diferentes grados, del primero hasta quinto grado de secundaria, sus edades oscilan entre los 11 y 20 años, el 52% hombres. Los instrumentos que se utilizaron fueron la Escala de Resiliencia para Adolescentes de Prado y Del Águila (2003) y la Lista de Chequeo de Habilidades Sociales de Goldstein, estandarizada por Tomás y Lescano (2003). Se encontró que la resiliencia correlaciona positivamente con las dimensiones de la lista de chequeo de las habilidades sociales, específicamente se obtuvo correlaciones altas con las dimensiones: habilidades frente al estrés, habilidades de comunicación, habilidades de planificación, habilidades alternativas a la violencia y habilidades relacionadas a los sentimientos. Al comparar los resultados por sexo, se encontraron también, diferencias significativas en las habilidades de planificación, puntuando más alto las mujeres.
Procesos de exclusión a través de la inclusión subordinada: inmigrantes guatemaltecos en la frontera sur de México
Authors: Ramírez Ramos Laura Itzel , Nazar Beutelspacher Dominga Austreberta , Zapata Martelo Emma
Published: June 2020

This document shows how, through precarious work on the Southern Border of Mexico, migrant men and women from Guatemala are inserted and contribute to the development of the border space in conditions of inequality (subordinate inclusion) with which social exclusion processes are generated and justified. Quantitative and qualitative research methods and techniques were used (a survey, participant observation and in-depth interviews). The results obtained allow us to conclude that on the Southern Border of Mexico the employment of impoverished laborers lacking protection and options is legitimized, before which neither States nor markets assume responsibilities.
Itinerarios terapéuticos y procesos de atención de la enfermedad en migrantes latinoamericanos: conflictos, negociaciones y adaptaciones
Authors: Lamarque Muriel , Moro Gutiérrez Lourdes
Published: June 2020

The following article explores the different health care strategies deployed in the context of Latin American immigration in Spain. Based on an ethnographic approach, the discourses of the actors involved are exposed and analyzed in order to reconstruct the main characteristics of their therapeutic itineraries and the factors involved in their conformation. In this scenario —characterized by medical pluralism—, self-care and - healing represents a preferential option, which not only facilitates the resolution of problems but also stands as a form of resistance, identity revaluation, negotiation and adaptation to their new social space.
Hirsutizmli Hastada Sertoli Leyding Hücreli Over Tümörü
Authors: ERGÜN Uğur , EROĞLU Mustafa
Published: June 2020

Hiperandrojenizm; kadınlarda hirsutizm, akne, alopesi gibi belirtilere neden olan androjen fazlalığı durumudur. Hirsutizm ise kadınlarda androjene duyarlı bölgelerde erkek tipi kıllanma artışıdır. Hiperandrojenizmin birçok nedeni bulunmaktadır. Androjen salgılayan over ve adrenal tümörler hiperandrojenizmin nadir görülen nedenlerindendir. Özellikle klinik tablonun hızlı ilerlediği, virilizasyon bulgularının eşlik ettiği androjen düzeylerinin çok yüksek olduğu olgularda over ya da adrenal kaynaklı tümörler akla gelmelidir. İzole total testosteron düzeyi 4,15 ng/mL olan ve görüntülemede lezyon saptanmayan postmenopozal kadın hastada bilateral ooforektomi sonrası hiperandrojenizmin nadir bir nedeni sertoli leyding hücreli over tümör tanısı konuldu.
Living Mulch Management Spatially Localizes Nutrient Cycling in Organic Corn Production
Authors: Ginakes Peyton , Grossman Julie M. , Baker John M. , Sooksa-nguan Thanwalee
Published: June 2020

Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum) is a perennial living mulch species that can be used in conjunction with zone tillage to reduce nitrogen pollution, maintain ground cover, and provide nitrogen to crops. In such systems, kura clover is maintained between crop rows by limiting tillage only to within-row areas. However, the effect of zone-tilled living mulches on soil quality and nutrient cycling in these distinct regions is relatively unexplored. We examined three pools of labile soil organic matter (SOM): microbial biomass, particulate organic matter (POM), and permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC). Soil samples were collected from both within-row and between-row locations of a zone-tilled kura clover living mulch at three time points per year: before spring zone tillage, approximately ten days after spring zone tillage and corn (Zea mays) planting, and at corn harvest in 2015 and 2016. In 2016, POM and POXC decreased within rows relative to between-row regions after tillage, suggesting that zone till management stimulated decomposition of readily available SOM to effectively localize nutrient cycling in this region and slow mineralization between rows where living kura clover remained. This work shows that zone-tilled living mulches may be a promising avenue for enhancing the synchrony of nutrient mineralization specifically within crop rows, while maintaining year-round ground cover between rows.
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Establishment Techniques and Their Implications for Soil Properties, Global Warming Potential Mitigation and Crop Yields
Authors: Alam Md. Khairul , Bell Richard W. , Hasanuzzaman Mirza , Salahin N. , Rashid M.H. , Akter Nadia , Akhter S. , Islam Mahammad Shariful , Islam S. , Naznin S. , Anik M.F.A. , Apu Md. Mosiur Rahman Bhuyin , Saif Hasib Bin , Alam M.J. , Khatun Mst. Fatima
Published: June 2020

Rice-based intensive cropping systems require high input levels making them less profitable and vulnerable to the reduced availability of labor and water in Asia. With continuous conventional puddled rice transplanting, the situation is exacerbated by damaged soil structure, declining underground water and decreasing land and water productivity. To minimize these negative effects a range of new crop establishment practices have been developed (zero tillage, dry direct seeding, wet direct seeding, water seeding, strip planting, bed planting, non-puddled transplanting of rice, mechanical transplanting of rice crop and combinations thereof) with varying effects on soil health, crop productivity, resource saving and global warming mitigation potential. Some of these allow Conservation Agriculture (CA) to be practiced in the rice-based mono-, double- and triple cropping systems. Innovations in machinery especially for smallholder farms have supported the adoption of the new establishment techniques. Non-puddling establishment of rice together with increased crop residue retention increased soil organic carbon by 79% and total N (TN) in soil by 62% relative to conventional puddling practice. Rice establishment methods (direct seeding of rice, system of rice intensification and non-puddled transplanting of rice) improve soil health by improving the physical (reduced bulk density, increased porosity, available water content), chemical (increased phosphorus, potassium and sulphur in their available forms) and biological properties (microbiome structure, microbial biomass C and N) of the soil. Even in the first year of its practice, the non-puddled transplanting method of rice establishment and CA practices for other crops increase the productivity of the rice-based cropping systems. Estimates suggest global warming potential (GWP) (the overall net effect) can be reduced by a quarter by replacing conventional puddling of rice by direct-seeded rice in the Indo-Gangetic Plains for the rice-based cropping system. Moreover, non-puddled transplanting of rice saves 35% of the net life cycle greenhouse gases (GHGs) compared with the conventional practice by a combination of decreasing greenhouse gases emissions from soil and increasing soil organic carbon (SOC). Though the system of rice intensification decreases net GHG emission, the practice releases 1.5 times greater N2O due to the increased soil aeration. There is no single rice establishment technology that is superior to others in all circumstances, rather a range of effective technologies that can be applied to different agro-climates, demography and farm typologies.
Effect of Bead Composition, PVS Type, and Recovery Medium in Cryopreservation of Bleeding Heart ‘Valentine’—Preliminary Study
Authors: Kulus Dariusz
Published: June 2020

Bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis (L.) Fukuhara) is a valuable ornamental and medicinal perennial. To date, there are few studies focused on cryopreservation of this species, although it could be useful in storage and breeding. This research is aimed at analyzing the effect of bead composition, type of plant vitrification solution (PVS), and the recovery medium of cryopreservation of bleeding heart. Shoot tips of L. spectabilis ‘Valentine’ were used in the study. The explants were precultured on modified Murashige and Skoog medium (MS; 1962), supplemented with 9% sucrose, 1.0-mg·L−1 kinetin (KIN), and 2.62-mg·L−1 abscisic acid. Next, in the first experiment, the shoot tips were embedded in 3% calcium alginate, based either on an MS medium or distilled sterile water. The produced synseeds were inoculated on the recovery medium with 3.0-mg·L−1 KIN, 0.5-mg·L−1 6-benzyladenine (BA), or cytokinin–free control. Based on the results of the first study, in the second experiment, precultured shoot tips were embedded in 3% calcium alginate based on MS medium and dehydrated with PVS2 or PVS3 for various durations. The pre-treated explants were plunged in liquid nitrogen and, after rewarming, inoculated on the recovery MS medium with 0.5-mg·L−1 BA. PVS3 was more effective in securing the shoot tips than PVS2. The highest recovery level (68.3%) was reported after a 150-min pretreatment with PVS3. Explants from this experimental combination also proliferated the highest number of shoots, as well as those with the greatest length. On the other hand, a higher share of dry weight was found in PVS2-derived shoots (13.5–18.2%) compared with plants produced after PVS3 treatment (10.6–11.4%). The obtained results here can serve as a good basis for further studies related to synthetic seeds and cryopreservation of bleeding heart.
Assessing the Orange Tree Crown Volumes Using Google Maps as a Low-Cost Photogrammetric Alternative
Authors: Marín-Buzón Carmen , Pérez-Romero Antonio , Tucci-Álvarez Fabio , Manzano-Agugliaro Francisco
Published: June 2020

The accurate assessment of tree crowns is important for agriculture, for example, to adjust spraying rates, to adjust irrigation rates or even to estimate biomass. Among the available methodologies, there are the traditional methods that estimate with a three-dimensional approximation figure, the HDS (High Definition Survey), or TLS (Terrestrial Laser Scanning) based on LiDAR technology, the aerial photogrammetry that has re-emerged with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as they are considered low cost. There are situations where either the cost or location does not allow for modern methods and prices such as HDS or the use of UAVs. This study proposes, as an alternative methodology, the evaluation of images extracted from Google Maps (GM) for the calculation of tree crown volume. For this purpose, measurements were taken on orange trees in the south of Spain using the four methods mentioned above to evaluate the suitability, accuracy, and limitations of GM. Using the HDS method as a reference, the photogrammetric method with UAV images has shown an average error of 10%, GM has obtained approximately 50%, while the traditional methods, in our case considering ellipsoids, have obtained 100% error. Therefore, the results with GM are encouraging and open new perspectives for the estimation of tree crown volumes at low cost compared to HDS, and without geographical flight restrictions like those of UAVs.
First Evaluations and Cryopreservation of Semen Samples from Sunda Clouded Leopards (Neofelis diardi)
Authors: Zainuddin Zainal , Mohamed Tarmizi Mohamed , Yap Keng , Comizzoli Pierre , Sipangkui Symphorosa
Published: June 2020

A better understanding of semen characteristics and resilience to freezing temperatures is necessary before developing assisted reproductive techniques and systematic biobanking for the Sunda clouded leopard. The objective of this study was to evaluate for the first time the semen and sperm quality (in fresh and frozen samples) of two captive Sunda clouded leopards in Malaysia. A total of 17 examinations of the reproductive tract (using ultrasonography) and electro-ejaculations were performed on the two leopards over a 2-year period. Samples obtained from Leopard 1 (8 years old) varied in terms of volume (402 ± 92 µL), pH (7.9 ± 0.9), sperm motility (54.5 ± 24.2%), sperm concentration (122.4 ± 84.7 × 106 sperm/mL), normal morphology (23.9 ± 12.3%), and viability (55.2 ± 18.2%). Midpiece defects represented the most common structural abnormality followed by abnormal tail and head defects. Samples from Leopard 2 (11 year old with abnormal testicular tissue) were of lesser quality. Two frozen semen samples from Leopard 1 were thawed and examined for acrosome integrity. Post-thawed samples contained <10% of motile spermatozoa but almost 50% of abnormal acrosomes. The present results emphasized the high incidence of structurally-abnormal spermatozoa, similar to the mainland clouded leopard. Post-thaw evaluations showed that the few surviving spermatozoa could potentially be used for in vitro fertilization or sperm injection. However, more individuals must be studied to validate those first findings that are exciting but still preliminary.
Combining Threshold, Thurstonian and Classical Linear Models in Horse Genetic Evaluations for Endurance Competitions
Authors: Cervantes Isabel , Gutiérrez Juan Pablo , García-Ballesteros Silvia , Varona Luis
Published: June 2020

The racing time and rank at finish traits are commonly used for endurance horse breeding programs as a measure of their performance. Even so, given the nature of endurance competitions, many horses do not finish the race. However, the exclusion of non placed horses from the dataset could have an influence on the prediction of individual breeding values. The objective of the present paper was to develop a multitrait model including race time (T), rank (R) and placing (P), with different methodologies, to improve the genetic evaluation in endurance competitions in Spain. The database contained 6135 records from 1419 horses, with 35% of the records not placed. Horse pedigree included 10868 animals, with 52% Arab Horses. All models included gender, age and race effect as systematic effects and combined different random effects beside the animal and residual effects: rider, permanent environmental effect, and interaction horse-rider. The kilometers per race was included as a covariate for T. Heritabilities were estimated as moderately low, ranging from 0.06 to 0.14 for T, 0.09 to 0.15 for P, and 0.07 to 0.17 for R, depending on the model. T and R appeared mostly as inverse measures of the same trait due to their high genetic correlation, suggesting that T can be ignored in future genetic evaluations. P was the most independent trait from the genetic correlations. The possibility of simultaneously processing the threshold, Thurstonian and continuous traits has opened new opportunities for genetic evaluation in horse populations, and much more practical genetic evaluations can be done to help a proper genetic selection.
In Vitro Fermentation Patterns and Methane Output of Perennial Ryegrass Differing in Water-Soluble Carbohydrate and Nitrogen Concentrations
Authors: Rivero M. Jordana , Keim Juan P. , Balocchi Oscar A. , Lee Michael R.F.
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of perennial ryegrass (PRG) forages differing in their concentration of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and crude protein (CP), and collected in spring and autumn, on in vitro rumen fermentation variables, nitrogen (N) metabolism indicators and methane (CH4) output, using a batch culture system. Two contrasting PRG pastures, sampled both in autumn and spring, were used: high (HS) and low (LS) sugar pastures with WSC concentrations of 322 and 343 g/kg for HS (autumn and spring), and 224 and 293 g/kg for LS in autumn and spring, respectively. Duplicates were incubated for 24 h with rumen inocula in three different days (blocks). Headspace gas pressure was measured at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, and 24 h, and CH4 concentration was determined. The supernatants were analysed for individual volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentrations, and NH3-N. The solid residue was analysed for total N and neutral detergent insoluble N. Another set of duplicates was incubated for 4 h for VFA and NH3-N determination. The HS produced more gas (218 vs. 204 mL/g OM), tended to increase total VFA production (52.0 mM vs. 49.5 mM at 24 h), reduced the acetate:propionate ratio (2.52 vs. 3.20 at 4 h and 2.85 vs. 3.19 at 24 h) and CH4 production relative to total gas production (15.6 vs. 16.8 mL/100 mL) and, improved N use efficiency (22.1 vs. 20.9). The contrasting chemical composition modified in vitro rumen fermentation tending to increase total VFA production, reduce the acetate:propionate ratio and CH4 concentration, and improve N use efficiency through lower rumen NH3-N.
Acceptability, Preferences, and Palatability of Diets Containing Summer and Winter Brassica Forage in Growing Pigs: A Pilot Study
Authors: Figueroa Jaime , del Río Katalina , Romero Fernanda , Keim Juan Pablo , Gandarillas Mónica
Published: June 2020

Brassica forage may be included in pigs’ diet as a dietary fiber ingredient to reduce feeding costs, benefit gut health, immune system, reproductive traits, and welfare. However, they contain antinutritional factors which may affect feeding behavior. This study evaluated feeding behavior of growing pigs offered winter (kale and swede) and summer (turnip and forage rape) brassicas incorporated on their diets as dried ground meal. Two consecutive experiments with six growing castrated male pigs were conducted. Experiment 1 evaluated the inclusion of turnip bulbs and forage rape, while experiment 2 studied inclusion of kale and swede bulbs. Brassica meal was included at 15% of the diet by replacing wheat middlings (control diet). In each experiment, pigs were offered experimental diets over six consecutive days for 10 min to test their acceptability (day 1–3) and preferences (day 4–6). No differences were found between diets that included brassicas and control diet in pigs’ acceptability or palatability (p > 0.05). However, during preference tests of winter brassicas, swede presented a higher consumption than control and kale (p < 0.05). This suggest that brassicas may be incorporated in growing pigs’ diets without negative effects in animals’ oral perception during short term feeding tests. Nevertheless, the long-term effects need to be explored.
Fiber Metabolism, Procollagen and Collagen Type III Immunoreactivity in Broiler Pectoralis Major Affected by Muscle Abnormalities
Authors: Mazzoni Maurizio , Soglia Francesca , Petracci Massimiliano , Sirri Federico , Lattanzio Giulia , Clavenzani Paolo
Published: June 2020

The present study aimed to evaluate the muscle fiber metabolism and assess the presence and distribution of both procollagen and collagen type III in pectoralis major muscles affected by white striping (WS), wooden breast (WB), and spaghetti meat (SM), as well as in those with macroscopically normal appearance (NORM). For this purpose, 20 pectoralis major muscles (five per group) were selected from the same flock of fast-growing broilers (Ross 308, males, 45-days-old, 3.0 kg live weight) and were used for histochemical (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide tetrazolium reductase (NADH-TR) and alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (α-GPD)) and immunohistochemical (procollagen and collagen type III) analyses. When compared to NORM, we found an increased proportion (p < 0.001) of fibers positively stained to NADH-TR in myopathic muscles along with a relevant decrease (p < 0.001) in the percentage of those exhibiting a positive reaction to α-GPD. In addition, an increased proportion of fibers exhibiting a positive reaction to both stainings was observed in SM, in comparison with NORM (14.3 vs. 7.2%; p < 0.001). After reacting to NADH-TR, SM exhibited the lowest (p < 0.001) cross-sectional area (CSA) of the fibers (−12% with respect to NORM). On the other hand, after reacting to α-GPD, the CSA of WS was found to be significantly larger (+10%) in comparison with NORM (7480 vs. 6776 µm2; p < 0.05). A profound modification of the connective tissue architecture involving a different presence and distribution of procollagen and collagen type III was observed. Intriguingly, an altered metabolism and differences in the presence and distribution of procollagen and collagen type III were even observed in pectoralis major muscle classified as NORM.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle for Food Waste: A Second Life for Fresh-Cut Leafy Salad Crops in Animal Diets
Authors: Pinotti Luciano , Manoni Michele , Fumagalli Francesca , Rovere Nicoletta , Luciano Alice , Ottoboni Matteo , Ferrari Luca , Cheli Federica , Djuragic Olivera
Published: June 2020

The world’s population is growing rapidly, which means that the environmental impact of food production needs to be reduced and that food should be considered as something precious and not wasted. Moreover, an urgent challenge facing the planet is the competition between the food produced for humans and the feed for animals. There are various solutions such as the use of plant/vegetable by-products (PBPs) and former foodstuffs, which are the co/by-products of processing industries, or the food losses generated by the food production chain for human consumption. This paper reviews the by-co-products derived from the transformation of fresh-cut leafy salad crops. A preliminary nutritional evaluation of these materials is thus proposed. Based on their composition and nutritional features, in some cases similar to fresh forage and grasses, this biomass seems to be a suitable feedstuff for selected farm animals, such as ruminants. In conclusion, although the present data are not exhaustive and further studies are needed to weigh up the possible advantages and disadvantages of these materials, fresh-cut leafy salad crops represent a potential unconventional feed ingredient that could help in exploiting the circular economy in livestock production, thereby improving sustainability.
Survey of Serum Amyloid A and Bacterial and Viral Frequency Using qPCR Levels in Recently Captured Feral Donkeys from Death Valley National Park (California)
Authors: Jerele Sara , Davis Eric , Mapes Samantha , Pusterla Nicola , Navas González Francisco Javier , Iglesias Pastrana Carlos , Abdelfattah Essam Mahmoud , McLean Amy
Published: June 2020

Feral donkey removal from state land has raised concerns in terms of disease transmission between equine species. Disease outbreaks may occur as a result of the relocation of animals to new environments. Virus and bacteria DNA load and serum amyloid A derived from the pathogenic processes that they involve were measured in recently captured donkeys. Blood and nasal swabs were collected from 85 donkeys (Death Valley National Park, Shoshone, California); 24 were retested after 30/60 days in the Scenic (Arizona) long-term holding facility co-mingled with feral donkeys from Arizona and Utah. Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR) was performed to detect viral and bacterial genomic material (equine influenza A [EIV], equine rhinitis A and B viruses, AHV-2, AHV-3, AHV-5 and EHV-1, EHV-4, Streptococcus equi subspecies equi and zooepidemicus,). Significant relations between behavior, body condition score, nasal discharge, and coughing were found in donkeys for which AHV-2 and Streptococcus zooepidemicus DNA was detected. Higher SAA concentrations were found in foals. AHV-2 and Streptococcus zooepidemicus DNA concentrations significantly differed between sampling moments (p < 0.05). In conclusion, donkeys do not appear to be a substantial risk for disease transmission to horses but could be if they carried strangles or other processes in which AHV-2 and Streptococcus zooepidemicus were involved.
Antifungal In Vitro Activity of Pilosulin- and Ponericin-Like Peptides from the Giant Ant Dinoponera quadriceps and Synergistic Effects with Antimycotic Drugs
Authors: Dodou Lima Hilania Valéria , de Paula Cavalcante Carolina Sidrim , Rádis-Baptista Gandhi
Published: June 2020

Venoms from ants comprise a rich source of bioactive peptides, including antimicrobial peptides. From the proteome and peptidome of the giant ant Dinoponera quadriceps venom, members of five known classes of antimicrobial peptides were disclosed (e.g., dermaseptin-, defensin-, ICK-, pilosulin- and ponericin-like types). Based on comparative analysis, these family members have structural determinants that indicate they could display antimicrobial activities. In previous works, pilosulin- and ponericin-like peptides were demonstrated to be active against bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Herein, the antifungal activity of ponericin- and pilosulin-like peptides were assessed, aiming at the expansion of the knowledge about AMPs in predatory ants and the development of new microbicide strategies to deal with difficult-to-treat fungal infections. Synthetic pilosulin- (Dq-2562, Dq-1503, and Dq-1319) and ponericin-like (Dq-3162) peptides were evaluated for their fungicide and fungistatic activities against different species of Candida, including a drug-resistant clinical strain. The MICs and MLCs were determined for all peptides individually and in combination with general antifungal drugs by the microdilution method. The time-kill kinetic curves were set up by means of a luminescent reagent, of which the light signal is proportional to the number of viable cells. The candicidal synergism observed by the combination of subinhibitory concentrations of peptides and general antimycotic drugs were quantified by the checkerboard test and fluorescent dye permeation assay. The influence of ergosterol on the antifungal activity was verified by supplementation of culture medium. The pilosulin- (Dq-2562 and Dq-1503) and ponericin-like (Dq-3162) were the most active peptides, displaying a broad spectrum of antifungal activity in vitro, with MICs in the range of 0.625 to 10 µM. The combination of peptides and conventional antimycotic drugs displayed a synergistic reduction in the MIC values of individual peptides and drugs, while soluble ergosterol in the culture medium increased the MICs. The fungicide and fungistatic activity of the individual peptides and peptides in combination with antimycotics were time-dependent with a rapid onset of action and long-lasting effect, which involved membrane disruption as an underlying mechanism of their action. Altogether, pilosulin- and ponericin-like peptides from the giant ant D. quadriceps venom display a broad-spectrum of candicidal activity, what allows their inclusion in the row of the antifungal peptides and gives support for further studies on the development of strategies to fight candidiasis.
Neuroprotection by Phytoestrogens in the Model of Deprivation and Resupply of Oxygen and Glucose In Vitro: The Contribution of Autophagy and Related Signaling Mechanisms
Authors: Abbruzzese Giuseppe , Morón-Oset Javier , Díaz-Castroverde Sabela , García-Font Nuria , Roncero Cesáreo , López-Muñoz Francisco , Marco Contelles José Luis , Oset-Gasque María Jesús
Published: June 2020

Phytoestrogens can have a neuroprotective effect towards ischemia-reperfusion-induced neuronal damage. However, their mechanism of action has not been well described. In this work, we investigate the type of neuronal cell death induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) and resupply (OGDR) and pinpoint some of the signaling mechanisms whereby the neuroprotective effects of phytoestrogens occur in these conditions. First, we found that autophagy initiation affords neuronal protection upon neuronal damage induced by OGD and OGDR. The mammalian target of rapamycin/ribosomal S6 kinase (mTOR/S6K) pathway is blocked in these conditions, and we provide evidence that this is mediated by modulation of both the 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathways. These are dampened up or down, respectively, under OGDR-induced neuronal damage. In contrast, the MAPK-Erk kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK/ERK) pathway is increased under these conditions. Regarding the pathways affected by phytoestrogens, we show that their protective properties require autophagy initiation, but at later stages, they decrease mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and AMPK activation and increase mTOR/S6K activation. Collectively, our results put forward a novel mode of action where phytoestrogens play a dual role in the regulation of autophagy by acting as autophagy initiation enhancers when autophagy is a neuroprotective and pro-survival mechanism, and as autophagy initiation inhibitors when autophagy is a pro-death mechanism. Finally, our results support the therapeutic potential of phytoestrogens in brain ischemia by modulating autophagy.
Antiarrhythmic Effects of Melatonin and Omega-3 Are Linked with Protection of Myocardial Cx43 Topology and Suppression of Fibrosis in Catecholamine Stressed Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Szeiffova Bacova Barbara , Viczenczova Csilla , Andelova Katarina , Sykora Matus , Chaudagar Kiranj , Barancik Miroslav , Adamcova Michaela , Knezl Vladimir , Egan Benova Tamara , Weismann Peter , Slezak Jan , Tribulova Narcisa
Published: June 2020

Cardiac β-adrenergic overstimulation results in oxidative stress, hypertrophy, ischemia, lesion, and fibrosis rendering the heart vulnerable to malignant arrhythmias. We aimed to explore the anti-arrhythmic efficacy of the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory compounds, melatonin, and omega-3, and their mechanisms of actions in normotensive and hypertensive rats exposed to isoproterenol (ISO) induced β-adrenergic overdrive. Eight-month-old, male SHR, and Wistar rats were injected during 7 days with ISO (cumulative dose, 118 mg/kg). ISO rats were either untreated or concomitantly treated with melatonin (10 mg/kg/day) or omega-3 (Omacor, 1.68 g/kg/day) until 60 days of ISO withdrawal and compared to non-ISO controls. Findings showed that both melatonin and omega-3 increased threshold current to induce ventricular fibrillation (VF) in ISO rats regardless of the strain. Prolonged treatment with these compounds resulted in significant suppression of ISO-induced extracellular matrix alterations, as indicated by reduced areas of diffuse fibrosis and decline of hydroxyproline, collagen-1, SMAD2/3, and TGF-β1 protein levels. Importantly, the highly pro-arrhythmic ISO-induced disordered cardiomyocyte distribution of electrical coupling protein, connexin-43 (Cx43), and its remodeling (lateralization) were significantly attenuated by melatonin and omega-3 in Wistar as well as SHR hearts. In parallel, both compounds prevented the post-ISO-related increase in Cx43 variant phosphorylated at serine 368 along with PKCε, which are known to modulate Cx43 remodeling. Melatonin and omega-3 increased SOD1 or SOD2 protein levels in ISO-exposed rats of both strains. Altogether, the results indicate that anti-arrhythmic effects of melatonin and omega-3 might be attributed to the protection of myocardial Cx43 topology and suppression of fibrosis in the setting of oxidative stress induced by catecholamine overdrive in normotensive and hypertensive rats.
Antioxidative Effects of Thymus quinquecostatus CELAK through Mitochondrial Biogenesis Improvement in RAW 264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Hong Jin Young , Kim Hyunseong , Jeon Wan-Jin , Baek Seungho , Ha In-Hyuk
Published: June 2020

Oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies have reported that mitochondrial dysfunction is a leading cause of the overproduction of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. Mitochondrial changes play an important role in preventing oxidative stress. However, there is a lack of experimental evidence supporting this hypothesis. Thymus quinquecostatus CELAK (TQC) extract is a plant from China belonging to the thymus species, which can mediate the inflammatory response and prevent cell damage through its antioxidant activities. This study examines whether TQC can scavenge excess ROS originating from the mitochondria in RAW 264.7 macrophages. We used lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammation and oxidative stress in RAW 264.7 macrophages and performed an immunocytochemistry dot blot of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and real-time PCR to analyze the expression levels of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism. TQC was found to significantly reduce the intensity of immunostained MitoSOX and 8-OHdG levels in the total genomic DNA within the mitochondria in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The HO-1 and Nrf2 mRNA levels were also significantly increased in the TQC groups. Therefore, we verified that TQC improves mitochondrial function and attenuates oxidative stress induced by LPS. Our results can provide reference for the effect of TQC to develop new therapeutic strategies for various diseases.
Process Control Strategies in Chemical Looping Gasification—A Novel Process for the Production of Biofuels Allowing for Net Negative CO2 Emissions
Authors: Dieringer Paul , Marx Falko , Alobaid Falah , Ströhle Jochen , Epple Bernd
Published: June 2020

Chemical looping gasification (CLG) is a novel gasification technique, allowing for the production of a nitrogen-free high calorific synthesis gas from solid hydrocarbon feedstocks, without requiring a costly air separation unit. Initial advances to better understand the CLG technology were made during first studies in lab and bench scale units and through basic process simulations. Yet, tailored process control strategies are required for larger CLG units, which are not equipped with auxiliary heating. Here, it becomes a demanding task to achieve autothermal CLG operation, for which stable reactor temperatures are obtained. This study presents two avenues to attain autothermal CLG behavior, established through equilibrium based process simulations. As a first approach, the dilution of active oxygen carrier materials with inert heat carriers to limit oxygen transport to the fuel reactor has been investigated. Secondly, the suitability of restricting the air flow to the air reactor in order to control the oxygen availability in the fuel reactor was examined. Process simulations show that both process control approaches facilitate controlled and de-coupled heat and oxygen transport between the two reactors of the chemical looping gasifier, thus allowing for efficient autothermal CLG operation. With the aim of inferring general guidelines on how CLG units have to be operated in order to achieve decent synthesis gas yields, different advantages and disadvantages associated to the two suggested process control strategies are discussed in detail and optimization avenues are presented.
Comparison of Pain Perception between Clear Aligners and Fixed Appliances: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pereira Dinis , Machado Vanessa , Botelho João , Proença Luís , Mendes José João , Delgado Ana Sintra
Published: June 2020

We aimed to compare the pain discomfort levels between clear aligners and fixed appliances at multiple time points. Four electronic databases (Pubmed, Medline, CENTRAL and Scholar) were searched up to May 2020. There were no year or language restrictions. Randomized clinical trials and case–control studies comparing pain perception through pain visual analog scale (VAS) in patients treated with clear aligners and with fixed appliances were included. Risk of bias within and across studies was assessed using Cochrane tool and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) approach. Random-effects meta-analysis were conducted. VAS score and analgesic consumption were collected. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to synthesize available data. Following the review protocol, five articles met the inclusion criteria and were included, with a total of 273 participants (177 females, 96 males). Overall, clear aligners were associated with significantly less pain than fixed appliances during the first seven days of orthodontic treatment. Patients treated with clear aligners experience less pain discomfort than those treated with fixed appliances and consume less analgesics, with SORT A recommendation.
Optimization of Phase-Only Computer-Generated Holograms Based on the Gradient Descent Method
Authors: Liu Shujian , Takaki Yasuhiro
Published: June 2020

The Gerchberg–Saxton (GS) algorithm is a Fourier iterative algorithm that can effectively optimize phase-only computer-generated holograms (CGHs). This study proposes a new optimization technique for phase-only CGHs based on the gradient descent method. The proposed technique evaluates the intensity distributions of reconstructed images to directly obtain the phase distributions of the CGHs, whereas the GS algorithm equivalently evaluates the amplitude distributions of reconstructed images and extracts phase distributions from complex-amplitude distributions of the holograms using a constant-amplitude constraint. The proposed technique can reduce the errors in the reconstructed images with fewer iterations than the GS algorithm.
3-D Integral Formulation for Thin Electromagnetic Shells Coupled with an External Circuit
Authors: Le-Duc Tung , Meunier Gerard
Published: June 2020

The aim of this article is to present a hybrid integral formulation for modelling structures made by conductors and thin electromagnetic shell models. Based on the principle of shell elements, the proposed method provides a solution to various problems without meshing the air regions, and at the same time helps to take care of the skin effect. By integrating the system of circuit equations, the method presented in this paper can also model the conductor structures. In addition, the equations describing the interaction between the conductors and the thin shell are also developed. Finally, the formulation is validated via an axisymmetric finite element method and the obtained results are compared with those implemented from another shell formulation.
Recent Progress in Hybrid Solar Cells Based on Solution-Processed Organic and Semiconductor Nanocrystal: Perspectives on Device Design
Authors: Xie Sihang , Li Xueqi , Jiang Yasi , Yang Rourou , Fu Muyi , Li Wanwan , Pan Yiyang , Qin Donghuan , Xu Wei , Hou Lintao
Published: June 2020

Solution-processed hybrid solar cells have been well developed in the last twenty years due to the advantages of low cost, low material-consuming and simple fabricating technology. However, the performance, stability and film quality of hybrid solar cells need to be further improved for future commercial application (with a lifetime up to 20 years and power conversion efficiency higher than 15%). By combining the merits of organic polymers and nanocrystals (NC), the reasonable design of interface engineering and device architecture, the performance coupled with stability of hybrid solar cells can be significantly improved. This review gives a brief conclusive introduction to the progress on solution-processed organic/inorganic semiconductor hybrid solar cells, including a summary of the development of hybrid solar cells in recent years, the strategy of hybrid solar cells with different structures and the incorporation of new organic hole transport materials with new insight into device processing for high efficiency. This paper also puts forward some suggestions and guidance for the future development of high-performance NC-based photovoltaics.
Influence of Fibers and Curing Conditions on the Pore Morphology in Plain and Fiber-Reinforced High-Performance Concrete through the Use of Computed Tomography Scan Technology
Authors: González Dorys C. , Rahman Mohammad , Mínguez Jesús , Vicente Miguel A. , Hindi Riyadh
Published: June 2020

This paper analyzes the pore morphology of two different concrete mixtures (plain and fiber-reinforced) under two different curing conditions, through the use of a CT scanner and post-processing software. Twelve cylinders of 45.2 mm in diameter and 50 mm in height were cast. Half of the specimens were kept in a humidity-controlled room, at 20 °C and 60% humidity, and the rest in a curing room, at 20 °C and 100% humidity. All the specimens were scanned at the age of 28 days, using a micro CT scanner. The results reveal that the presence of fibers substantially modifies the pore morphology in the way of increasing the volume of voids and the pore-size, reducing the shape factor of the voids and reorienting the voids toward a direction more aligned to the one showed by the fibers. In general, the curing conditions do no exhibit a great impact on the results.
IMPAβ: Incremental Modal Pushover Analysis for Bridges
Authors: Bergami Alessandro Vittorio , Nuti Camillo , Lavorato Davide , Fiorentino Gabriele , Briseghella Bruno
Published: June 2020

In the present study, the incremental modal pushover analysis (IMPA), a pushover-based approach already proposed and applied to buildings by the same authors, was revised and proposed for bridges (IMPAβ). Pushover analysis considers the effects of higher modes on the structural response. Bridges are structurally very different from multi-story buildings, where multimodal pushover (MPA) has been developed and is currently used. In bridges, consideration for higher modes is often necessary: The responses of some structural elements of the bridge (e.g., piers) influence the overall bridge response. Therefore, the failure of these elements can determine the failure of the whole structure, even if they give a small contribution total base shear. Incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) requires input accelerograms for high intensities, which are rare in the databases, while scaling of generated accelerograms with a simple increment of the scaling acceleration is not appropriate. This fact renders IDA, which is by its nature time-consuming, not straightforward. On the contrary, the change of input spectrum required by IMPA is simple. IMPAβ also utilizes a simple complementary method coupled to MPA, to obtain bounds at very high seismic intensities. Finally, the two incremental methods based on static nonlinear and dynamic nonlinear analyses are compared.
Ultrashort Vortex Pulses with Controlled Spectral Gouy Rotation
Authors: Liebmann Max , Treffer Alexander , Bock Martin , Wallrabe Ulrike , Grunwald Ruediger
Published: June 2020

Recently, the spatio-spectral propagation dynamic of ultrashort-pulsed vortex beams was demonstrated by 2D mapping of spectral moments. The rotation of characteristic anomalies, so-called “spectral eyes”, was explained by wavelength-dependent Gouy phase shift. Controlling of this spectral rotation is essential for specific applications, e.g., communication and processing. Here, we report on advanced concepts for spectral rotational control and related first-proof-of-principle experiments. The speed of rotation of spectral eyes during propagation is shown to be essentially determined by angular and spectral parameters. The performance of fixed diffractive optical elements (DOE) and programmable liquid-crystal-on silicon spatial light modulators (LCoS-SLMs) that act as spiral phase gratings (SPG) or spiral phase plates (SPP) is compared. The approach is extended to radially chirped SPGs inducing axially variable angular velocity. The generation of time-dependent orbital angular momentum (self-torque) by superimposing multiple vortex pulses is proposed.
The Effect of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy Using Chlorophyllin–Phycocyanin Mixture on Enterococcus faecalis: The Influence of Different Light Sources
Authors: Chiniforush Nasim , Pourhajibagher Maryam , Parker Steven , Benedicenti Stefano , Bahador Abbas , Sălăgean Tudor , Bordea Ioana Roxana
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of the chlorophyllin–phycocyanin mixture (Photoactive+) as a photosensitizer (PS) during antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on the count of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) using different light sources. The antimicrobial effect of aPDT with chlorophyllin–phycocyanin mixture using different light sources including diode laser (λ = 660 nm), diode laser (λ = 635 nm), LED (λ = 450 ± 30 nm) alone or in combination was assessed using microbial cell viability assay against E. faecalis. In addition, the cell cytotoxicity of Photoactive+ was assessed on human gingival fibroblast (HuGu) cells by MTT assay; E. faecalis growth when treated by both red wavelengths (635 nm, 660 nm) and combination of LED (420–480 nm) and red wavelengths (635 nm, 660 nm), significantly reduced compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There was no significant reduction in the number of viable cells exposed to Photoactive+ compared to the control group (p < 0.05). This study shows that the application of chlorophyllin–phycocyanin mixture and irradiation with emission of red light achieved a better result for bacterial count reduction, compared to a control. This component can be applied safely due to very negligible cytotoxicity.