bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma Linoleate Diols Are Potential Biomarkers for Severe COVID-19 Infections
Authors: McReynolds Cindy B. , Cortes-Puch Irene , Ravindran Resmi , Khan Imran H. , Hammock Bruce G. , Shih Pei-an Betty , Hammock Bruce D. , Yang Jun
Published: April 2021

Polyunsaturated fatty acids are metabolized into regulatory lipids important for initiating inflammatory responses in the event of disease or injury and for signaling the resolution of inflammation and return to homeostasis. The epoxides of linoleic acid (leukotoxins) regulate skin barrier function, perivascular and alveolar permeability and have been associated with poor outcomes in burn patients and in sepsis. It was later reported that blocking metabolism of leukotoxins into the vicinal diols ameliorated the deleterious effects of leukotoxins, suggesting that the leukotoxin diols are contributing to the toxicity. During quantitative profiling of fatty acid chemical mediators (eicosanoids) in COVID-19 patients, we found increases in the regioisomeric leukotoxin diols in plasma samples of hospitalized patients suffering from severe pulmonary involvement. In rodents these leukotoxin diols cause dramatic vascular permeability and are associated with acute adult respiratory like symptoms. Thus, pathways involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of these regulatory lipids should be investigated in larger biomarker studies to determine their significance in COVID-19 disease. In addition, incorporating diols in plasma multi-omics of patients could illuminate the COVID-19 pathological signature along with other lipid mediators and blood chemistry.
UAV-Based Thermal, RGB Imaging and Gene Expression Analysis Allowed Detection of Fusarium Head Blight and Gave New Insights Into the Physiological Responses to the Disease in Durum Wheat
Authors: Francesconi Sara , Harfouche Antoine , Maesano Mauro , Balestra Giorgio Mariano
Published: April 2021

Wheat is one of the world’s most economically important cereal crop, grown on 220 million hectares. Fusarium head blight (FHB) disease is considered a major threat to durum (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum (Desfontaines) Husnache) and bread wheat (T. aestivum L.) cultivars and is mainly managed by the application of fungicides at anthesis. However, fungicides are applied when FHB symptoms are clearly visible and the spikes are almost entirely bleached (% of diseased spikelets > 80%), by when it is too late to control FHB disease. For this reason, farmers often react by performing repeated fungicide treatments that, however, due to the advanced state of the infection, cause a waste of money and pose significant risks to the environment and non-target organisms. In the present study, we used unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based thermal infrared (TIR) and red-green-blue (RGB) imaging for FHB detection in T. turgidum (cv. Marco Aurelio) under natural field conditions. TIR and RGB data coupled with ground-based measurements such as spike’s temperature, photosynthetic efficiency and molecular identification of FHB pathogens, detected FHB at anthesis half-way (Zadoks stage 65, ZS 65), when the percentage (%) of diseased spikelets ranged between 20% and 60%. Moreover, in greenhouse experiments the transcripts of the key genes involved in stomatal closure were mostly up-regulated in F. graminearum-inoculated plants, demonstrating that the physiological mechanism behind the spike’s temperature increase and photosynthetic efficiency decrease could be attributed to the closure of the guard cells in response to F. graminearum. In addition, preliminary analysis revealed that there is differential regulation of genes between drought-stressed and F. graminearum-inoculated plants, suggesting that there might be a possibility to discriminate between water stress and FHB infection. This study shows the potential of UAV-based TIR and RGB imaging for field phenotyping of wheat and other cereal crop species in response to environmental stresses. This is anticipated to have enormous promise for the detection of FHB disease and tremendous implications for optimizing the application of fungicides, since global food crop demand is to be met with minimal environmental impacts.
Overexpression of a Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenase Involved in Orobanchol Biosynthesis Increases Susceptibility to Fusarium Head Blight
Authors: Changenet Valentin , Macadré Catherine , Boutet-Mercey Stéphanie , Magne Kévin , Januario Mélanie , Dalmais Marion , Bendahmane Abdelhafid , Mouille Grégory , Dufresne Marie
Published: April 2021

Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) is a cereal disease caused primarily by the ascomycete fungusFusarium graminearumwith public health issues due to the production of mycotoxins including deoxynivalenol (DON). Genetic resistance is an efficient protection means and numerous quantitative trait loci have been identified, some of them related to the production of resistance metabolites. In this study, we have functionally characterized theBrachypodium distachyon BdCYP711A29gene encoding a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP). We showed thatBdCYP711A29belongs to an oligogenic family of five members. However, following infection byF. graminearum,BdCYP711A29is the only copy strongly transcriptionally induced in a DON-dependent manner. The BdCYP711A29 protein is homologous to theArabidopsis thalianaMAX1 andOryza sativaMAX1-like CYPs representing key components of the strigolactone biosynthesis. We show that BdCYP711A29 is likely involved in orobanchol biosynthesis. Alteration of theBdCYP711A29sequence or expression alone does not modify plant architecture, most likely because of functional redundancy with the other copies.B. distachyonlines overexpressingBdCYP711A29exhibit an increased susceptibility toF. graminearum, although no significant changes in defense gene expression were detected. We demonstrate that both orobanchol and exudates ofBd711A29overexpressing lines stimulate the germination ofF. graminearummacroconidia. We therefore hypothesize that orobanchol is a susceptibility factor to FHB.
Identification of the Patterns Produced in the Offensive Sequences That End in a Goal in European Futsal
Authors: Amatria Mario , Álvarez Javier , Ramírez Javier , Murillo Víctor
Published: April 2021

Victory is the ultimate aim in high performance sports; when it comes to team sports, the goal is the key that allows players to achieve that victory. This is the case with futsal which, due to its internal structure as well as the speed in the development of its game, makes the achievement of a goal not an isolated event, but rather more than one goal must be scored to achieve victory. The aim of the present study is to analyze the construction of offensive sequences that have resulted in goal-scoring in the two main European futsal leagues, the Spanish and the Italian, as well as to identify the patterns relating to offensive actions that have ended with a goal being scored. Observational methodology was used to develop the research and an ad hoc observation instrument (OAF-I) was developed for this purpose. The data was analyzed using inferential statistics as well as sequential analysis of delays in a diachronic analysis to identify the patterns of offensive actions. The results obtained enable recognition of a league’s idiosyncrasy patterns in goal-scoring in each of the leagues studied. The results obtained will allow experts to have a better understanding of how goals are scored and how to establish more specific training tasks, in both attack and defense.
The Emotional States Elicited in a Human Tower Performance: Case Study
Authors: Damian-Silva Sabrine , Feixa Carles , Prat Queralt , Luchoro-Parrilla Rafael , Pic Miguel , Rillo-Albert Aaron , Sáez de Ocáriz Unai , Costes Antoni , Lavega-Burgués Pere
Published: April 2021

Human Towers are one of the most representative traditional sporting games in Catalonia, recognized in 2010 as Intangible Cultural Heritage by the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO). The objective of this research was to study the emotional states (well-being, discomfort, and affectivity) elicited by a representative performance of the colla de Castellers de Lleida. This research is based on an ethnographic case study, with mixed methods in which 17 key informants (castellers) voluntarily participated. Participant observation was used; the data were recorded in a field diary and oral sources (semi-structured interviews). The content analysis was done using the Atlas.ti software (version 8.4.4). An SPSS database was also created. The statistical techniques were: Descriptive statistical techniques, cross tables with Pearson's Chi-square values (significance level of p < 0.05). We also used a classification and regression trees (CRT) to examine the predictive capacity of five independent variables (data source, logic, semantic units; contexts of a performance) of emotional states. The results reveal that the comments (n = 132) were mostly oriented toward well-being states (n = 70; 53%), The internal cooperative logic of the Human Towers enhances the intense interpersonal relationships of socio-emotional well-being.
Estimating Group Stress Level by Measuring Body Motion
Authors: Tsuji Satomi , Sato Nobuo , Ara Koji , Yano Kazuo
Published: April 2021

Understanding employee stress has become a key issue for top management for corporate growth and risk reduction. So far, annual employee satisfaction surveys (ESs) have been conducted to assess the soundness of an organization. However, since it is difficult to collect questionnaires quantitatively and continuously, there is a need for a practical method that can be used to frequently measure group stress levels with a small burden on employees. We propose such a method and evaluated four combinations of approaches, using activity/rest duration distributions from body motion data and generating estimation models on an individual/group basis. The optimal result was obtained when modeling was made on a group basis by using the activity duration distribution (r = 0.928, p < 0.001, estimation error: 1.36%), making it possible to assess the degree of the stress of employees quantitatively and easily, and this showed the possibility of this method being useful as a management guide for companies.
The Role of Temporal Contingency and Integrity of Visual Inputs in the Sense of Agency: A Psychophysical Study
Authors: Mizuhara Hiroaki , Uhlhaas Peter
Published: April 2021

The sense of agency is a subjective feeling that one's own actions drive action outcomes. Previous studies have focused primarily on the temporal contingency between actions and sensory inputs as a possible mechanism for the sense of agency. However, the contribution of the integrity of visual inputs has not been systematically addressed. In the current study, we developed a psychophysical task to examine the role of visual inputs as well as temporal contingencies toward the sense of agency. Specifically, participants were required to track a target on a sinusoidal curve on a computer screen. Visual integrity of sensory inputs was manipulated by gradually occluding a computer cursor, and participants were asked to report the sense of agency on a nine-point Likert scale. Temporal contingency was manipulated by varying the delay between finger movements on a touchpad and cursor movements. The results showed that the sense of agency was influenced by both visual integrity and temporal contingency. These results are discussed in the context of current models that have proposed that the sense of agency emerges from the comparison of visual inputs with motor commands.
Heterogeneity in Risk-Taking During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence From the UK Lockdown
Authors: Guenther Benno , Galizzi Matteo M. , Sanders Jet G.
Published: April 2021

In two pre-registered online studies during the COVID-19 pandemic and the early 2020 lockdown (one of which with a UK representative sample) we elicit risk-tolerance for 1,254 UK residents using four of the most widely applied risk-taking tasks in behavioral economics and psychology. Specifically, participants completed the incentive-compatible Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART) and the Binswanger-Eckel-Grossman (BEG) multiple lotteries task, as well as the Domain-Specific Risk-Taking Task (DOSPERT) and the self-reported questions for risk-taking used in the German Socio-economic Panel (SOEP) study. In addition, participants in the UK representative sample answered a range of questions about COVID-19-related risky behaviors selected from the UCL COVID-19 Social Survey and the ICL-YouGov survey on COVID-19 behaviors. Consistently with pre-COVID-19 times, we find that risk tolerance during the UK lockdown (i) was higher in men than in women and (ii) decreased with age. Undocumented in pre-COVID-19 times, we find some evidence for healthier participants displaying significantly higher risk-tolerance for self-reported risk measures. We find no systematic nor robust patterns of association between the COVID-19 risky behaviors and the four risk-taking tasks in our study. Moreover, we find no evidence in support of the so-called “risk compensation” hypothesis. If anything, it appears that participants who took greater risk in real-life COVID-19-relevant risky behaviors (e.g., isolating or taking precautions) also exhibited higher risk-tolerance in our experimental and self-reported risk-taking measures.
Citizen Consultation on Problematic Usage of the Internet: Ethical Considerations and Empirical Insights From Six Countries
Authors: Gjoneska Biljana , Jones Julia , Vella Anna Maria , Bonanno Philip , Flora Katerina , Fontalba-Navas Andrés , Hall Natalie , Ignjatova Liljana , Kirtava Zviad , Moreno Sanjuán Daniel , Vaz-Rebelo Maria Piedade , Sales Célia M. D.
Published: April 2021

Citizens and scientists can work together to improve the collective well-being, if citizens are inspired to help the advancement of science, and researchers motivated to listen to the voices of citizens. The benefits of such collaboration are increasingly recognized by both citizens and scientists, as reflected in the growing number of related publications and initiatives. This is especially relevant for emerging areas of research, where early involvement of citizens could help to envision, prioritize, and plan prospective studies. The Problematic Usage of the Internet (PUI) is one such area, which is fast becoming a public mental health concern. However, there remains a lack of clarity regarding the practical guidelines and ethical requirements for citizen involvement at the earliest stages of PUI. In our paper, we propose a conceptual framework and a template for initial involvement of citizens in PUI. They are derived from our community case studies, conducted in six European countries (Georgia, Greece, Malta, North Macedonia, Portugal, and Spain) and consisting of consultation with diverse groups of interested citizens (students, parents, teachers, and health professionals). Informed by our consultation exercises, we also highlight four ethical aspects for citizen involvement in the research on PUI or novel disciplines in general. They follow simple guiding principles to ensure that scientists will: enable a long-term commitment and inclusive opportunities for citizens, challenge established power hierarchies, and support collaboration, co-production and co-authorship with citizens. We believe that the proposed practical guidelines and ethical considerations, provide a valuable foundation on which to advance our understanding and generate international strategies for citizen involvement in PUI.
Harnessing Clinical Trial Capacity to Mitigate Zoonotic Diseases: The Role of Expert Scientists in Ethiopia
Authors: Belay Senait , Giday Mirutse , Manyazewal Tsegahun
Published: April 2021

Background: The emergence and resurgence of zoonotic diseases have continued to be a major threat to global health and the economy. Developing countries are particularly vulnerable due to agricultural expansions and domestication of animals with humans. Scientifically sound clinical trials are important to find better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat zoonotic diseases, while there is a lack of evidence to inform the clinical trials' capacity and practice in countries highly affected with the diseases. This study aimed to investigate expert scientists' perceptions and experiences in conducting clinical trials toward zoonotic diseases in Ethiopia.

Methods: This study employed a descriptive, qualitative study design. It included major academic and research institutions in Ethiopia that had active engagements in veterinary and public health researches. It included the National Veterinary Institute, the National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center, the College of Veterinary Medicine at Addis Ababa University, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, the Armauer Hansen Research Institute, and the College of Health Sciences at Addis Ababa University. In-depth interviews were conducted with expert scientists. Data were collected from October 2019 to April 2020. Data analysis was undertaken using open code 4.03 for qualitative data analysis.

Results: Five major themes, with 18 sub-themes, emerged from the in-depth interviews. These were: challenges in the prevention, control, and treatment of zoonotic diseases; One Health approach to mitigate zoonotic diseases; personal and institutional experiences in conducting clinical trials on zoonotic diseases; barriers in conducting clinical trials toward zoonotic diseases; and strategies that promote conducting clinical trials on zoonotic diseases. Conducting clinical trials on zoonotic diseases in Ethiopia is hampered by a lack of clearly articulated ethics and regulatory frameworks, trial experts, financial resources, and good governance.

Conclusion: In Ethiopia, conducting clinical trials on zoonotic diseases deserves due attention. Strengthening institutional and human resources capacity is a pre-condition to harness effective implementation of clinical trials on zoonotic diseases in the country. In Ethiopia where skilled human resource is scarce, One Health approach has the potential to form multidisciplinary teams to systematically improve clinical trials capacity and outcomes in the country.
Positive Energy District: A Model for Historic Districts to Address Energy Poverty
Authors: Gouveia João Pedro , Seixas Júlia , Palma Pedro , Duarte Henrique , Luz Henrique , Cavadini Giovan Battista
Published: April 2021

The Positive Energy District (PED) concept has been pointed out as key for cities' energy system transformation toward carbon neutrality. The PED may be defined as an energy-efficient and flexible urban area with net-zero energy import and greenhouse gas emissions, aiming toward annual local surplus of renewable energy. Most of the studies and practical experiences about PEDs are based on newly built districts, where the planning and integration of innovative solutions are less complex and more cost-effective. However, to achieve Europe Union's 2050 carbon-neutral ambition, we argue that the transformation of the settled districts is essential, including historic districts, which present common challenges across European cities, such as degraded dwellings, low-income families, and gentrification processes due to massive tourism flows. This paper aims to discuss how the PED model can be an opportunity for historic districts to reduce their emissions and mitigate energy poverty. The historic district of Alfama, in the city of Lisbon (Portugal), is used as a case study to show the potential of energy renovation measures and solar PV production in households, cornerstones of a PED. The annual energy needs potential reduction due to building retrofit is 84 and 19% for space heating and cooling, respectively, while the integration of building-integrated PV technologies in rooftops and windows potentially generates up to 60 GWh/year. At the district scale, these two components of the PED concept could require an investment of 60M€ to 81M€ depending on the PV technologies in the rooftops, a sensitive aspect in historical districts. Unlike other mechanisms to tackle energy poverty, like the social tariffs, the adoption of structural measures like building energy efficiency retrofit and renewable energy integration will contribute to solve the energy poverty problem, which is significant in Alfama, in both the winter and summer. The highlighted investments require an innovative financial scheme to support not only buildings' owners but also tenants, as these are among the most vulnerable to energy poverty. However, the social benefits of that investment, on the health system, air quality, climate resilience, labor productivity, and social integration, would be invaluable.
What Regional Living Conditions Affect Individual Smoking of Adults in Russia
Authors: Maksimov Sergey A. , Shalnova Svetlana A. , Balanova Yulia A. , Kutsenko Vladimir A. , Evstifeeva Svetlana E. , Imaeva Asiia E. , Drapkina Oksana M.
Published: April 2021

Objectives: Our study evaluated the impact of a wide range of characteristics of large administrative regions on the individual level of cigarette smoking in the Russian adult population.

Methods: The pool of participants included 20,303 individuals aged 25–64 years. We applied 64 characteristics of the 12 Russian regions under study for 2010–2014. Using principal component analysis, we deduced five evidence-based composite indices of the regions. We applied the generalized estimating equation to determine associations between the regional indices and the individual level of smoking.

Results: The increased Industrial index in the region is associated with the probability of smoking (odds ratio = 1.15; 95% confidence interval = 1.06–1.24). The other indices show associations with smoking only in separate gender and educational groups. Surprisingly, it was found that the Economic index has no associations with the probability of smoking.

Conclusion: We evaluated the key associations of the territorial indices with the individual probability of smoking, as well as the mutual influence between the territorial indices and individual factors.
Contactless Picking of Objects Using an Acoustic Gripper
Authors: Röthlisberger Marc , Schuck Marcel , Kulmer Laurenz , Kolar Johann W.
Published: April 2021

Acoustic levitation forces can be used to manipulate small objects and liquids without mechanical contact or contamination. This work presents analytical models based on which concepts for the controlled insertion of objects into the acoustic field are developed. This is essential for the use of acoustic levitators as contactless robotic grippers. Three prototypes of such grippers are implemented and used to experimentally verify the lifting of objects into an acoustic pressure field. Lifting of high-density objects (ρ > 7 g/cm3) from acoustically transparent surfaces is demonstrated using a double-sided acoustic gripper that generates standing acoustic waves with dynamically adjustable acoustic power. A combination of multiple acoustic traps is used to lift lower density objects (ρ≤0.25g/cm3) from acoustically reflective surfaces using a single-sided arrangement. Furthermore, a method that uses standing acoustic waves and thin reflectors to lift medium-density objects (ρ≤1g/cm3) from acoustically reflective surfaces is presented. The provided results open up new possibilities for using acoustic levitation in robotic grippers, which has the potential to be applied in a variety of industrial use cases.
Shape Optimization of Labyrinth Seals to Improve Sealing Performance
Authors: Zhao Yizhen , Wang Chunhua
Published: April 2021

To reduce gas leakage, shape optimization of a straight labyrinth seal was carried out. The six design parameters included seal clearance, fin width, fin height, fin pitch, fin backward, and forward expansion angle. The CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) model was solved to generate the training and testing samples for the surrogate model, which was established by the least square support vector machine. A kind of chaotic optimization algorithm was used to determine the optimal design parameters of the labyrinth seal. As seal clearance, fin width, fin height, fin pitch, fin backward and forward expansion angles are 0.2 mm, 0.1 mm, 7 mm, 9 mm, 0°, and 15°, the discharge coefficient can reach its minimum value in the design space. The chaotic optimization algorithm coupled with least square support vector machine is a promising scheme for labyrinth seal optimization.
Velocity Obstacle Based Conflict Avoidance in Urban Environment with Variable Speed Limit
Authors: Ribeiro Marta , Ellerbroek Joost , Hoekstra Jacco
Published: April 2021

Current investigations into urban aerial mobility, as well as the continuing growth of global air transportation, have renewed interest in conflict detection and resolution (CD&R) methods. The use of drones for applications such as package delivery, would result in traffic densities that are orders of magnitude higher than those currently observed in manned aviation. Such densities do not only make automated conflict detection and resolution a necessity, but will also force a re-evaluation of aspects such as coordination vs. priority, or state vs. intent. This paper looks into enabling a safe introduction of drones into urban airspace by setting travelling rules in the operating airspace which benefit tactical conflict resolution. First, conflicts resulting from changes of direction are added to conflict resolution with intent trajectory propagation. Second, the likelihood of aircraft with opposing headings meeting in conflict is reduced by separating traffic into different layers per heading–altitude rules. Guidelines are set in place to make sure aircraft respect the heading ranges allowed at every crossed layer. Finally, we use a reinforcement learning agent to implement variable speed limits towards creating a more homogeneous traffic situation between cruising and climbing/descending aircraft. The effects of all of these variables were tested through fast-time simulations on an open source airspace simulation platform. Results showed that we were able to improve the operational safety of several scenarios.
Rapid and Cost-Effective Assessment of the Neutral and Acid Detergent Fiber Fractions of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) by Combining Modified PLS and Visible with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Font Rafael , del Río-Celestino Mercedes , Luna Diego , Gil Juan , de Haro-Bailón Antonio
Published: April 2021

The near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with modified partial least squares (modified PLS) regression was used for determining the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and the acid detergent fiber (ADF) fractions of the chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seed. Fifty chickpea accessions (24 desi and 26 kabuli types) and fifty recombinant inbred lines F5:6 derived from a kabuli × desi cross were evaluated for NDF and ADF, and scanned by NIRS. NDF and ADF values were regressed against different spectral transformations by modified partial least squares regression. The coefficients of determination in the cross-validation and the standard deviation from the standard error of cross-validation ratio were, for NDF, 0.91 and 3.37, and for ADF, 0.98 and 6.73, respectively, showing the high potential of NIRS to assess these components in chickpea for screening (NDF) or quality control (ADF) purposes. The spectral information provided by different chromophores existing in the chickpea seed highly correlated with the NDF and ADF composition of the seed, and, thus, those electronic transitions are highly influenced on model fitting for fiber.
Maize Crop Coefficient Estimation Based on Spectral Vegetation Indices and Vegetation Cover Fraction Derived from UAV-Based Multispectral Images
Authors: Marcial-Pablo Mariana de Jesús , Ontiveros-Capurata Ronald Ernesto , Jiménez-Jiménez Sergio Iván , Ojeda-Bustamante Waldo
Published: April 2021

Remote sensing-based crop monitoring has evolved unprecedentedly to supply multispectral imagery with high spatial-temporal resolution for the assessment of crop evapotranspiration (ETc). Several methodologies have shown a high correlation between the Vegetation Indices (VIs) and the crop coefficient (Kc). This work analyzes the estimation of the crop coefficient (Kc) as a spectral function of the product of two variables: VIs and green vegetation cover fraction (fv). Multispectral images from experimental maize plots were classified to separate pixels into three classes (vegetation, shade and soil) using the OBIA (Object Based Image Analysis) approach. Only vegetation pixels were used to estimate the VIs and fv variables. The spectral Kcfv:VI models were compared with Kc based on Cumulative Growing Degree Days (CGDD) (Kc-cGDD). The maximum average values of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), WDRVI, amd EVI2 indices during the growing season were 0.77, 0.21, and 1.63, respectively. The results showed that the spectral Kcfv:VI model showed a strong linear correlation with Kc-cGDD (R2 > 0.80). The model precision increases with plant densities, and the Kcfv:NDVI with 80,000 plants/ha had the best fitting performance (R2 = 0.94 and RMSE = 0.055). The results indicate that the use of spectral models to estimate Kc based on high spatial and temporal resolution UAV-images, using only green pixels to compute VI and fv crop variables, offers a powerful and simple tool for ETc assessment to support irrigation scheduling in agricultural areas.
The Influence of Diet Change and Oral Metformin on Blood Glucose Regulation and the Fecal Microbiota of Healthy Horses
Authors: Ericsson Aaron C. , Johnson Philip J. , Gieche Lyndsy M. , Zobrist Chelsea , Bucy Katie , Townsend Kile S. , Martin Lynn M. , LaCarrubba Alison M.
Published: April 2021

Common treatments for Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and associated conditions include removal from pasture and adoption of an all-hay diet. Pharmacological treatments for EMS include metformin, a biguanide antihyperglycemic agent also administered to people to help improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Both treatments may work, at least partially, through the gut microbiota, yet little is known regarding these effects in the equine host. To determine the influence on the fecal microbiota of this diet change and administration of metformin, six healthy horses were removed from pasture and switched to an all-hay diet, with four of those horses also receiving oral metformin for seven days. Control horses (n = 24) remaining on pasture and receiving no metformin were sampled at the beginning and end of one week. All samples were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing, and horses undergoing the diet change were subjected to an oral sugar test twice, one week apart. Characteristic changes in the microbiota following diet change included the significant expansion of the phylum Kiritimatiellaeota. As Kiritimatiellaeota are related to Verrucomicrobia, found to expand in the microbiota of mice and humans in response to metformin, this taxon may represent the cognate microbes in equine hosts.
Zinc in Dog Nutrition, Health and Disease: A Review
Authors: Pereira Ana Margarida , Maia Margarida R. G. , Fonseca António José Mira , Cabrita Ana Rita Jordão
Published: April 2021

Zinc is an essential trace element, required for enzymatic, structural, and regulatory functions. As body reserves are scarce, an adequate zinc status relies on proper dietary supply and efficient homeostasis. Several biomarkers have been proposed that enable the detection of poor zinc status, but more sensitive and specific ones are needed to detect marginal deficiencies. The zinc content of commercial dry dog foods has great variability, with a more frequent non-compliance with the maximum authorized limit than with the nutritional requirement. The bioavailability of dietary zinc also plays a crucial role in ensuring an adequate zinc status. Despite controversial results, organic zinc sources have been considered more bioavailable than inorganic sources, albeit the zinc source effect is more evident after a restriction period of dietary zinc. Many disorders have been associated with inadequate zinc status, not being clear whether the occurrence of the disease is the consequence or the cause. This review presents data on zinc requirements and biomarkers for zinc status, that can be applied for the development of supplementation strategies of zinc in complete pet foods. Moreover, it provides an understanding of the role zinc plays in the health of dogs, and how altered zinc status affects diseases in dogs.
Toll-Like Receptor Expression Profiles in Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Infected with Multiple KoRV Subtypes
Authors: Kayesh Mohammad Enamul Hoque , Hashem Md Abul , Tsukiyama-Kohara Kyoko
Published: April 2021

Toll-like receptors (TLRs), evolutionarily conserved pattern recognition receptors, play an important role in innate immunity by recognizing microbial pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Koala retrovirus (KoRV), a major koala pathogen, exists in both endogenous (KoRV-A) and exogenous forms (KoRV-B to J). However, the expression profile of TLRs in koalas infected with KoRV-A and other subtypes is yet to characterize. Here, we investigated TLR expression profiles in koalas with a range of subtype infection profiles (KoRV-A only vs. KoRV-A with KoRV-B and/or -C). To this end, we cloned partial sequences for TLRs (TLR2–10 and TLR13), developed real-time PCR assays, and determined TLRs mRNA expression patterns in koala PBMCs and/or tissues. All the reported TLRs for koala were expressed in PBMCs, and variations in TLR expression were observed in koalas infected with exogenous subtypes (KoRV-B and KoRV-C) compared to the endogenous subtype (KoRV-A) only, which indicates the implications of TLRs in KoRV infection. TLRs were also found to be differentially expressed in koala tissues. This is the first report of TLR expression profiles in koala, which provides insights into koala’s immune response to KoRV infection that could be utilized for the future exploitation of TLR modulators in the maintenance of koala health.
The Use of hCG for Inducing Ovulation in Sheep Estrus Synchronization Impairs Ovulatory Follicle Growth and Fertility
Authors: Bruno-Galarraga Macarena , Cano-Moreno Virginia , Lago-Cruz Beatriz , Encinas Teresa , Gonzalez-Bulnes Antonio , Martinez-Ros Paula
Published: April 2021

Currently, there is an intense effort to find an alternative hormone to eCG to induce ovulation after estrus synchronization treatments in sheep. One of the proposed alternatives is based on the use of hCG, but the results are controversial since fertility rates are commonly affected. The present study aims to evaluate, therefore, the adequacy of hCG in protocols for the synchronization of estrus and ovulation. Ovarian follicle dynamics, occurrence of estrus behavior and subsequent ovulation, quality of corpora lutea, and pregnancy rate after controlled natural mating were assessed in two consecutive trials. The findings indicate that the low fertility rates reported for the protocols based on the administration of hCG for inducing ovulation during estrus synchronization in sheep may be related to a high occurrence of abnormal follicular growth patterns, disturbances, and retardments of ovulation and concomitant formation of follicular cysts in the treated females. These results preclude their practical application to induce ovulation concomitantly to estrous synchronization treatments.
Differences in Intestinal Barrier Development between Intrauterine Growth Restricted and Normal Birth Weight Piglets
Authors: Olszewski Jarosław , Zabielski Romuald , Skrzypek Tomasz , Matyba Piotr , Wierzbicka Małgorzata , Adamski Antoni , Grzesiuk Elżbieta , Sady Maria , Gajewski Zdzisław , Ferenc Karolina
Published: April 2021

Intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) piglets are born at term but have low birth mass and a characteristic shape of the head. Impaired general condition, especially in intestinal function, leads to an increase in the occurrence of diarrhoea and high mortality in the first days of life. So far, the mechanical and immunological gut barrier functions in IUGR are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to microscopically evaluate the early postnatal changes in the gut mucosa occurring in IUGR piglets. Whole-tissue small intestine samples were collected from littermate pairs (IUGR and normal) on postnatal day (PD) 7, 14 and 180 and analysed by light microscopy. We found that in the IUGR piglets, the percentage of intraepithelial leukocytes was reduced in the duodenum on PD 7, but it increased in the proximal and middle jejunum both on PD 7 and PD 14, which suggested the development of an inflammatory process. The number of goblet cells was also reduced on PD 14. The average size of the Peyer’s patches in the distal jejunum and ileum showed significant reduction on PD 7 as compared to normal pigs; however, on PD 14, it returned to normal. On PD 180, we did not find any differences in the measured parameters between the IUGR and the normal pigs. In conclusion, we found that in one-week-old IUGR pig neonates, the gut barrier and the immune system structures display signs of retarded development but recover within the second postnatal week of life.
Benefits of Silvopastoral Systems for Keeping Beef Cattle
Authors: Huertas Stella Maris , Bobadilla Pablo Ernesto , Alcántara Ignacio , Akkermans Emilie , van Eerdenburg Frank J. C. M.
Published: April 2021

The potential benefits of keeping Zebu cattle in silvopastoral systems are well described in tropical regions. In order to obtain information on European breeds of beef cattle (Bos taurus taurus) in temperate climate zones, individual records of body weight and welfare indicators were obtained from 130 beef cattle. These belonged to four herds and were randomly allocated to two contiguous plots: Silvopastoral Systems (SPS) and Open Pastures Systems (OPS). The SPS in this study were areas with exotic trees of Eucalyptus globulus globulus for paper pulp production planted in a 2 × 2 design (two meters between each tree) over diverse, native grasses. The OPS were large open areas with a great diversity of native grasses, herbs, and small plots of trees where the animals could rest and shelter from extreme weather conditions. Over the course of one year, individual body weights and a number of specific animal welfare indicators were measured every 45 days. After a descriptive analysis, a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) with a Gaussian distribution, with time and system (OPS or SPS) fitted as fixed effects and individuals nested by herd as random intercepts, was used. The results showed that weight gain did not differ between the two systems. None of the animals showed any sign of impaired welfare in either system over the study period. Silvopastoral systems offer animals a sustainable and richer environment that will improves their welfare. The additional income provided by the wood production allows the farmers to maintain their traditional cattle farming lifestyle.
Validation of a Behavior Test for Predicting Puppies’ Suitability as Detection Dogs
Authors: Lazarowski Lucia , Rogers Bart , Krichbaum Sarah , Haney Pamela , Smith Jordan G. , Waggoner Paul
Published: April 2021

Behavioral characteristics are the most influential factor in the success of a working dog. The need for highly capable detection dogs continues to rise; but reliable methods for early selection are lacking. The current study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of a behavioral test for assessing detection dog suitability. A cohort of candidate detection dog puppies (n = 60) were tested at 3; 5; and 11 months of age; as well as at the completion of training at approximately one year. Tests were designed to assess important detection dog behavioral characteristics such as search ability and fearfulness. Inter-rater reliability was high between independent observers. Convergent validity was demonstrated by comparing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) scores from the behavior test to trainer ratings using the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) and a survey of detection dog traits. Performance on the behavior test predicted adult selection as a detection dog as early as 3 months. The methods reported will be valuable for improving selection measures and enhancing collaborations across breeding programs in order to increase the availability of highly capable detection dogs.
Mitochondria and the Frozen Frog
Authors: Storey Janet M. , Wu Shaobo , Storey Kenneth B.
Published: April 2021

The wood frog, Rana sylvatica, is the best-studied of a small group of amphibian species that survive whole body freezing during the winter months. These frogs endure the freezing of 65–70% of their total body water in extracellular ice masses. They have implemented multiple adaptations that manage ice formation, deal with freeze-induced ischemia/reperfusion stress, limit cell volume reduction with the production of small molecule cryoprotectants (glucose, urea) and adjust a wide variety of metabolic pathways for prolonged life in a frozen state. All organs, tissues, cells and intracellular organelles are affected by freeze/thaw and its consequences. This article explores mitochondria in the frozen frog with a focus on both the consequences of freezing (e.g., anoxia/ischemia, cell volume reduction) and mitigating defenses (e.g., antioxidants, chaperone proteins, upregulation of mitochondria-encoded genes, enzyme regulation, etc.) in order to identify adaptive strategies that defend and adapt mitochondria in animals that can be frozen for six months or more every year. A particular focus is placed on freeze-responsive genes in wood frogs that are encoded on the mitochondrial genome including ATP6/8, ND4 and 16S RNA. These were strongly up-regulated during whole body freezing (24 h at −2.5 °C) in the liver and brain but showed opposing responses to two component stresses: strong upregulation in response to anoxia but no response to dehydration stress. This indicates that freeze-responsive upregulation of mitochondria-encoded genes is triggered by declining oxygen and likely has an adaptive function in supporting cellular energetics under indeterminate lengths of whole body freezing.
Kinetics Drying of Blackberry Bagasse and Degradation of Anthocyanins and Bioactive Properties
Authors: Grández-Yoplac Dorila E. , Mori-Mestanza Diner , Muñóz-Astecker Lucas D. , Cayo-Colca Ilse S. , Castro-Alayo Efraín M.
Published: April 2021

The process of drying food is necessary to preserve it; however, some bioactive compounds can be degraded during drying process. In this work, the convective drying process of Peruvian blackberry bagasse and the degradation of anthocyanins, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity (AC) were studied. The logarithmic model fitted well to the data and could predict the process, showing that 6 h of drying at 90 °C is enough to reach equilibrium moisture. Anthocyanin degradation followed a first-order kinetic model with reaction rate constant between 5.45 × 10−2 ± 4.68 × 10−3 and 1.21 × 10−1 ± 2.31 × 10−2 h−1, and activation energy of 25.11 kJ/mol. The highest retention (84.38%) of anthocyanins was obtained in 1 h at 50 °C and the highest degradation (68.54%) in 6 h at 90 °C. The TPC and AC increased with the drying time and temperature due to the increased water evaporation.
A Systematic Review of Serum γ-Glutamyltransferase as a Prognostic Biomarker in Patients with Genitourinary Cancer
Authors: Takemura Kosuke , Board Philip G. , Koga Fumitaka
Published: April 2021

γ-Glutamyltransferase (GGT), a membrane-bound enzyme, contributes to the metabolism of glutathione (GSH), which plays a critical physiological role in protecting cells against oxidative stress. GGT has been proposed as a biomarker of carcinogenesis and tumor progression given that GGT activity is important during both the promotion and invasion phases in cancer cells. Moreover, GGT expression is reportedly related to drug-resistance possibly because a wide range of drugs are conjugated with GSH, the availability of which is influenced by GGT activity. While serum GGT activity is commonly used as a quick, inexpensive, yet reliable means of assessing liver function, recent epidemiological studies have shown that it may also be an indicator of an increased risk of prostate cancer development. Moreover, elevated serum GGT is reportedly an adverse prognostic predictor in patients with urologic neoplasms, including renal cell carcinoma, prostate cancer, and urothelial carcinoma, although the background mechanisms have still not been well-characterized. The present review article summarizes the possible role of GGT in cancer cells and focuses on evidence evaluation through a systematic review of the latest literature on the prognostic role of serum GGT in patients with genitourinary cancer.
Antioxidative Molecules in Human Milk and Environmental Contaminants
Authors: Lorenzetti Stefano , Plösch Torsten , Teller Inga C.
Published: April 2021

Breastfeeding provides overall beneficial health to the mother-child dyad and is universally recognized as the preferred feeding mode for infants up to 6-months and beyond. Human milk provides immuno-protection and supplies nutrients and bioactive compounds whose concentrations vary with lactation stage. Environmental and dietary factors potentially lead to excessive chemical exposure in critical windows of development such as neonatal life, including lactation. This review discusses current knowledge on these environmental and dietary contaminants and summarizes the known effects of these chemicals in human milk, taking into account the protective presence of antioxidative molecules. Particular attention is given to short- and long-term effects of these contaminants, considering their role as endocrine disruptors and potential epigenetic modulators. Finally, we identify knowledge gaps and indicate potential future research directions.
Application of Frequency Response Analysis Technique to Detect Transformer Tap Changer Faults
Authors: Al-Ameri Salem Mgammal , Almutairi Abdulaziz , Kamarudin Muhammad Saufi , Yousof Mohd Fairouz Mohd , Abu-Siada Ahmed , Mosaad Mohamed Ibrahim , Alyami Saeed
Published: April 2021

Power transformers are located in the electrical transmission and distribution networks where different voltage levels are needed. The turn ratio of the low voltage and high voltage windings is mechanically controlled by an on-load tap changer or de-energized tap changer. As the tap changer is the transformer’s only moving part, it is highly susceptible to mechanical failure and aging degradation. While some diagnostic tools have been used to determine the mechanical condition of tap changer contacts, not much attention was given to use the frequency response analysis to diagnose the transformer’s tap changers’ mechanical integrity. This paper is taking one step forward into maturing the application of the frequency response analysis (FRA) technique to detect transformer tap changer faults. In this regard, two common tap changer faults are created, and experimental testing for four FRA test configurations is conducted. For a better understanding of the tap changer fault mechanism, an electrical equivalent circuit model is proposed and designed using Simulink. The simulation and implementation of the equivalent circuits using MATLAB\R2018a.