bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photosynthesis, Yield, Nutrient Availability and Soil Properties after Biochar, Zeolites or Mycorrhizal Inoculum Application to a Mature Rainfed Olive Orchard
Authors: Lopes João Ilídio , Arrobas Margarida , Raimundo Soraia , Gonçalves Alexandre , Brito Cátia , Martins Sandra , Pinto Luís , Moutinho-Pereira José , Correia Carlos M. , Rodrigues Manuel Ângelo
Published: January 2022

Soil conditioners and beneficial microorganisms are important tools that can be used to increase the sustainability of agro-systems. However, the high diversity of conditions where they can be applied may influence the results, which requires extensive field research. In this study, a field trial of four years was conducted in olive (Olea europaea L.) to assess the effect of biochar, zeolites and a commercial mycorrhizal inoculum in the photosynthetic performance, nutritional status of trees, olive yield and soil properties. The experimental design also included a fertilizer treatment with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and boron (B), which nutrients were applied at 50 kg ha−1 of N, P2O5 and K2O and 2 kg ha−1 of B, and an untreated control. The mineral fertilizer treatment increased significantly the dry mass of pruning wood and the average olive yield by 21% over the control treatment. The mineral treatment increased plant N nutritional status, the most likely reason why the trees of this treatment performed better. Overall, the soil treatments had net photosynthetic rates similar to each other and higher than the control treatment, from the second year onwards. Biochar increased soil organic matter, as a result of the carbon (C) contained in the amendment itself, and probably by stimulating soil biological activity. Biochar and zeolites did not improve the productive performances of the tress, but increased the soil cation exchange capacity (CEC), which can benefit the system in the long-term. Mycorrhizal fungi did not show any benefit for soil or plants, which could mean that mycorrhization was not established, or their effect was not better than that of native microorganisms. In the conditions of this study, the interest of using commercial mycorrhizal fungi in a mature olive orchard seems to be low.
Soil Macroinvertebrate Response to Paddy Rice Farming Pathways in Mpologoma Catchment, Uganda
Authors: Bunyangha Jackson , Muthumbi Agnes W. , Gichuki Nathan N. , Majaliwa Mwanjalolo J. G. , Egeru Anthony
Published: January 2022

Agricultural practices play a major role in influencing soil fauna abundance and diversity. Interest in these practices has increased owing to the growing need for sustainable agricultural systems in this era of increasing agricultural intensification. In this study, two paddy rice farming pathways (smallholder and large-scale commercial) and an adjacent natural wetland in Mpologoma catchment were studied to determine the response of soil macroinvertebrates to paddy rice farming pathways. Eighteen macroinvertebrate taxa were observed, some of which were not the usual soil taxa (Hirudinea, Decapoda, Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, and Odonata). SIMPER analysis showed that Oligochaeta, Gastropoda, and Coleoptera were the major taxa responsible for dissimilarity among sites. Macroinvertebrate richness and diversity also varied among sites. Some taxa showed habitat exclusivity: Diptera, Odonata, and Trichoptera were exclusive to both rice paddies; Decapoda, Chilopoda, Diplopoda, and Blattodea to natural wetland; Diplura and Ephemeroptera were exclusive to large-scale commercial paddies. NMDS ordination showed that macroinvertebrate distribution among sites was strongly correlated with soil pH and calcium and moderately correlated with phosphorus. These results indicate that wetland conversion to rice paddies could affect macroinvertebrate richness and diversity and underscore the importance of soil environment in influencing the macroinvertebrate community in rice paddies.
In Vitro Propagation of the Dendrobium anosmum Lindl. Collected in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Hai T. , Dinh Son T. , Ninh Thao T. , Nong Hue T. , Dang Tam T. T. , Khuat Quyet V. , Dang Anh T. P. , Ly My T. , Kirakosyan Rima N. , Kalashnikova Elena A.
Published: January 2022

Hoa Binh province is one of the best places for orchids in Vietnam. The climate and environment of Hoa Binh province are favorable for the development of orchids, especially rare indigenous ones. Dendrobium anosmum Lindl., which stands out because of the unique fragrance and colors, is one of the most popular varieties in Hoa Binh province. To meet the increasing demands of the industrial market as well as to contribute to the preservation and development of genetic resources of Dendrobium sp. in Hoa Binh province, propagating D. anosmum Lindl. is a crucial step. Plant tissue culture, which has been applied to improve reproducibility of orchids for many years, is still an effective method, especially for large-scale propagation. Studies on in vitro propagation of D. anosmum Lindl. from Hoa Binh province showed that growth regulators (BA, kinetin, α-NAA) did not have a significant effect on protocorm initiation because D. anosmum Lind. from Hoa Binh province already has a high rate of regeneration. However, MS medium + 1.0 mg/L kinetin + 0.5 mg/L α-NAA + 30 g sucrose + 8.0 g agar per liter, pH 5.7–5.8 was the optimal medium to increase shoot length. The MS medium + 1.0 g activated charcoal + 30 g sucrose + 8.0 g agar per liter, pH 5.7–5.8 was the most suitable medium for shoot growth—after 6 weeks of culture, the average shoot length was 1.09 cm, the average number of leaves was 6.13, the average number of roots was 3.17, and the average root length was 1.11 cm—about 3.3, 4.17, 3.41, and 1.67 times higher, respectively, than in the control (without activated charcoal).
Multi-CartoonGAN with Conditional Adaptive Instance-Layer Normalization for Conditional Artistic Face Translation
Authors: Komatsu Rina , Gonsalves Tad
Published: January 2022

In CycleGAN, an image-to-image translation architecture was established without the use of paired datasets by employing both adversarial and cycle consistency loss. The success of CycleGAN was followed by numerous studies that proposed new translation models. For example, StarGAN works as a multi-domain translation model based on a single generator–discriminator pair, while U-GAT-IT aims to close the large face-to-anime translation gap by adapting its original normalization to the process. However, constructing robust and conditional translation models requires tradeoffs when the computational costs of training on graphic processing units (GPUs) are considered. This is because, if designers attempt to implement conditional models with complex convolutional neural network (CNN) layers and normalization functions, the GPUs will need to secure large amounts of memory when the model begins training. This study aims to resolve this tradeoff issue via the development of Multi-CartoonGAN, which is an improved CartoonGAN architecture that can output conditional translated images and adapt to large feature gap translations between the source and target domains. To accomplish this, Multi-CartoonGAN reduces the computational cost by using a pretrained VGGNet to calculate the consistency loss instead of reusing the generator. Additionally, we report on the development of the conditional adaptive layer-instance normalization (CAdaLIN) process for use with our model to make it robust to unique feature translations. We performed extensive experiments using Multi-CartoonGAN to translate real-world face images into three different artistic styles: portrait, anime, and caricature. An analysis of the visualized translated images and GPU computation comparison shows that our model is capable of performing translations with unique style features that follow the conditional inputs and at a reduced GPU computational cost during training.
The Effect of Photoperiodic Conditions on GnRH/LH Secretion in Ewes
Authors: Kopycińska Kamila , Wojtulewicz Karolina , Herman Andrzej Przemysław , Tomaszewska-Zaremba Dorota
Published: January 2022

Secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) displays a circadian pattern. Data concerning differences in daily GnRH/LH secretion during different seasons in sheep are fragmentary. The aim of the study was to determine day/night differences in GnRH/LH secretion in the follicular phase and in the anestrous ewes. The studies were performed on Blackhead ewes (n = 24). Ewes from each season were divided into two groups of six animals (day and night group). The animals were euthanized 5 h after sunset or 5 h after sunrise and blood was taken to determine LH and melatonin concentrations. In the hypothalamus, the expression of GnRH and gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) was determined. In the anterior pituitary, the expression of mRNA encoding subunit β of LH (LHβ) and GnRHR was assayed. Our study showed that GnRH/LH secretion is subject to diurnal and seasonal changes. The observed reduction in LH release, a few hours after the sunset, seems to be universal for both the anestrus and follicular phase, when the processes occurring at the hypothalamus are more equivocal. It could be concluded that the nocturnal suppression of LH secretion in follicular phase ewes may be a mechanism moving the LH surge to the early morning.
Metabolite Comparison between Serum and Follicular Fluid of Dairy Cows with Inactive Ovaries Postpartum
Authors: Wang Zhijie , Song Yuxi , Sun Shuhan , Zhao Chang , Fu Shixin , Xia Cheng , Bai Yunlong
Published: January 2022

Inactive ovaries (IO) accounts for 50% of ovarian disease in postpartum dairy cows, which seriously affects their reproductive efficiency. To investigate the metabolic changes in the serum and follicular fluid of dairy cows with IO during lactation, six estrus (E) cows and six IO cows at 50 to 55 days in milk were selected based on B ultrasonic detection and clinical manifestations. The differential metabolites in serum and follicular fluid between the E cows and IO cows were identified by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, combined with multidimensional statistical methods. The results showed that dairy cows with IO were in a subclinical ketosis status where beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) exceeded 1.20 mmol/L, 14 differential metabolites in the serum of IO cows included 10 increased metabolites and 4 decreased metabolites, and 14 differential metabolites in the follicular fluid of IO cows included 8 increased metabolites and 6 decreased metabolites. These differential metabolites mainly involved nine metabolic pathways. The common enrichment pathway of different metabolites in serum and follicular fluid were glycerophospholipid metabolism and pentose and glucuronate interconversions. In conclusion, there were significant differences in the differential metabolites and enrichment pathways between serum and follicular fluid of IO cows, implying that there were complex changes in blood metabolism and local follicular metabolism of IO cows, whose interactions need further investigation.
Vitamin D Levels in Sows from Five Danish Outdoor Herds
Authors: Jakobsen Sine Stricker , Jakobsen Jette , Nielsen Jens Peter
Published: January 2022

Vitamin D is essential for sow health and productivity. Standard sow feed is therefore supplemented with vitamin D3 or 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3). However, it is uncertain whether the levels achieved are adequate for optimal performance. Currently, information on serum levels of vitamin D in pigs reared under both indoor and outdoor conditions is lacking. In August 2020, we obtained blood samples from 97 organic newly weaned sows housed outdoors during pregnancy and farrowing and used these to test for vitamin D in serum. The average concentration was 67 ± 16 ng 25(OH)D3/mL with a range of 32 to 134 ng 25(OH)D3/mL. The vitamin D3 content was 21 ± 7 ng/mL, ranging from 9 to 48 ng/mL. The average number of hours of sun from June to August was 7.0 ± 0.5 h/day. Parity, farm and body condition score did not significantly affect serum levels of 25(OH)D3.
Analysis of Indirect Biomarkers of Effect after Exposure to Low Doses of Bisphenol A in a Study of Successive Generations of Mice
Authors: Bujalance-Reyes Francisca , Molina-López Ana M. , Ayala-Soldado Nahúm , Lora-Benitez Antonio , Mora-Medina Rafael , Moyano-Salvago Rosario
Published: January 2022

Bisphenol A (BPA) is considered as being an emerging pollutant, to which both animal and human populations are continuously and inadvertently exposed. The identification of indirect biomarkers of effect could be a key factor in determining early adverse outcomes from exposure to low doses of BPA. Thus, this study on mice aims to evaluate and identify indirect biomarkers of effect through the analysis of their blood biochemistry, and of certain reproduction parameters after exposure to different BPA concentrations (0.5, 2, 4, 50, and 100 µg/kg BW/day) in drinking water over generations. Our results showed that there were no modifications in the reproductive parameters evaluated, like estrous cycle duration, litter size, or the percentage of the young alive at reaching the weaning stage, at the exposure levels evaluated. However, there were modifications in the biochemical parameters, e.g., alterations in the glucose levels, that increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the breeders at the higher exposure doses (50 and 100 µg/kg BW/day in F1; 50 µg/kg BW/day in F2 and 100 µg/kg BW/day in F3), that would suggest that the BPA could induce hyperglycemia and its complications in adult animals, probably due to some damage in the pancreas cells; albumin, that increased in the breeders exposed to the highest dose in F1 and F3, inferring possible hepatic alterations. Further, total proteins showed a diminution in their values in F1 and F2, except the group exposed to 100 µg/kg BW/day, whereas in F3 the values of this parameter increased with respect to the control group, this aspect likely being related to a possible hepatic and renal alteration. Based on these results, glucose, albumin, and total proteins could initially be considered as early indicators of indirect effect after prolonged exposure to low BPA doses over generations.
Biochemical Properties of Black and Green Teas and Their Insoluble Residues as Natural Dietary Additives to Optimize In Vitro Rumen Degradability and Fermentation but Reduce Methane in Sheep
Authors: Ramdani Diky , Jayanegara Anuraga , Chaudhry Abdul Shakoor
Published: January 2022

Black (BTL) or green (GTL) tea and their spent tea (STL) leaves can be used as natural dietary additives for ruminants. Experiment 1 used a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with four replicates (n = 4) to test the effects of three different inclusions of tea leaves at 0 (control), 50, and 100 g/kg DM of two different tea types (BTL and GTL) in two different total mixed diets containing either ryegrass hay (RH) or rice straw (RS) on in vitro rumen organic matter degradability (IVOMD), volatile fatty acids (VFA), pH, ammonia (NH3), and methane (CH4) outputs over a 24 h incubation time. Experiment 2 followed a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with eight replicates (n = 8) to study the impacts of three different STL inclusions at 0, 100, and 200 g/kg DM of two different STL types (black and green) into two different total mixed diets containing either RH or RS on the same in vitro measurements. Both types of tea leaves decreased NH3 (p < 0.001) and CH4 (p < 0.01) without affecting (p > 0.05) rumen degradability, but the effect of their STL was less remarkable. Tea leaves and their STL inclusions improved (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively) the acetate to propionate (A:P) ratio. Compared with BTL, GTL containing diets had higher IVOMD (p < 0.05) and A:P ratio (p < 0.05) but lower NH3 (p < 0.001). Reduced rumen NH3 and CH4 outputs can be useful for protein and energy use efficiency while an increased A:P ratio might lead to increased milk fat synthesis and reduced low-fat milk syndrome. The surplus or wasted tea leaf products could be used as sustainable sources of nutrients to optimize rumen function and minimize environmental impacts of feeding ruminant animals.
Treatment of Severe Infections Due to Metallo-Betalactamases Enterobacterales in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Timsit Jean-François , Wicky Paul-Henri , de Montmollin Etienne
Published: January 2022

Metallo-beta-lactamases-producing (MBL) Enterobacterales is a growing problem worldwide. The optimization of antibiotic therapy is challenging. The pivotal available therapeutic options are either the combination of ceftazidime/avibactam and aztreonam or cefiderocol. Colistin, fosfomycin, tetracyclines and aminoglycosides are also frequently effective in vitro, but are associated with less bactericidal activity or more toxicity. Prior to the availability of antibiotic susceptibility testing, severe infections should be treated with a combination therapy. A careful optimization of the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties of antimicrobials is instrumental in severe infections. The rules of antibiotic therapy are also reported and discussed. To conclude, treatment of severe MBL infections in critically ill patients is difficult. It should be individualized with a close collaboration of intensivists with microbiologists, pharmacists and infection control practitioners.
Polyclonal Endemicity of Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in ICUs of a Greek Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Protonotariou Efthymia , Meletis Georgios , Pilalas Dimitrios , Mantzana Paraskevi , Tychala Areti , Kotzamanidis Charalampos , Papadopoulou Dimitra , Papadopoulos Theofilos , Polemis Michalis , Metallidis Simeon , Skoura Lemonia
Published: January 2022

Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (CPKP) emerged in Greece in 2002 and became endemic thereafter. Driven by a notable variability in the phenotypic testing results for carbapenemase production in K. pneumoniae isolates from the intensive care units (ICUs) of our hospital, we performed a study to assess the molecular epidemiology of CPKP isolated between 2016 and 2019 using pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) including isolates recovered from 165 single patients. We investigated the molecular relatedness among strains recovered from rectal surveillance cultures and from respective subsequent infections due to CPKP in the same individual (48/165 cases). For the optimal interpretation of our findings, we carried out a systematic review regarding the clonality of CPKP isolated from clinical samples in ICUs in Europe. In our study, we identified 128 distinguishable pulsotypes and 17 clusters that indicated extended dissemination of CPKP within the hospital ICU setting throughout the study period. Among the clinical isolates, 122 harbored KPC genes (74%), 2 harbored KPC+NDM (1.2%), 38 harbored NDM (23%), 1 harbored NDM+OXA-48 (0.6%), 1 harbored NDM+VIM (0.6%) and 1 harbored the VIM (0.6%) gene. Multiple CPKP strains in our hospital have achieved sustained transmission. The polyclonal endemicity of CPKP presents a further threat for the selection of pathogens resistant to last-resort antimicrobial agents.
Antimicrobial and Biocide Resistance among Canine and Feline Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates from Diagnostic Submissions
Authors: Feßler Andrea T. , Scholtzek Anissa D. , Schug Angela R. , Kohn Barbara , Weingart Christiane , Hanke Dennis , Schink Anne-Kathrin , Bethe Astrid , Lübke-Becker Antina , Schwarz Stefan
Published: January 2022

A total of 215 isolates from infections of dogs and cats, including 49 Enterococcus faecalis, 37 Enterococcus faecium, 59 Escherichia coli, 56 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 14 Acinetobacter baumannii, were investigated for their susceptibility to 27 (Gram-positive bacteria) or 20 (Gram-negative bacteria) antimicrobial agents/combinations of antimicrobial agents by broth microdilution according to the recommendations of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Moreover, all isolates were analysed for their susceptibility to the biocides benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine, polyhexanide, and octenidine by a recently published broth microdilution biocide susceptibility testing method. While the E. faecalis isolates did not show expanded resistances, considerable numbers of the E. faecium isolates were resistant to penicillins, macrolides, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones. Even a single vancomycin-resistant isolate that carried the vanA gene cluster was detected. Expanded multiresistance phenotypes were also detected among the E. coli isolates, including a single carbapenem-resistant, blaOXA-48-positive isolate. In addition, multiresistant A. baumannii isolates were detected. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of the biocides showed unimodal distributions but differed with respect to the biocide and the bacterial species investigated. Although there were no indications of a development of biocide resistance, some P. aeruginosa isolates exhibited benzalkonium MICs higher than the highest test concentration.
Combinations of Peptide-Protein Extracts from Native Probiotics Suppress the Growth of Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Citrobacter freundii via Membrane Perturbation and Ultrastructural Changes
Authors: Tenea Gabriela N. , Angamarca Evelyn , Olmedo Daniela
Published: January 2022

The occurrence of multidrug-resistant pathogens in the food chain causes health problems in humans, thus, research for novel antimicrobials to combat their growth is of interest. This study evaluates the antimicrobial potential of several combinations of peptide-protein extracts (PCs) consisting of peptide extracts from three native probiotic strains, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum UTNGt2, Lactococcus lactis UTNGt28, and L. plantarum UTNGt21A, alone or in combination with EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ATCC1026 and Citrobacter freundii UTNB3Sm1. Based on the antimicrobial assay, among the 19 tested PCs, two (PC11 and PC17) produced a greater zone of inhibition against both pathogens in vitro. Time-killing assays indicated the rapid death of S. aureus after exposure to PC11 and PC17, while C. freundii was rapidly inhibited by PC11 and PC1 (UTNGt2 only), suggesting that the inhibitory action is pathogen and dose-dependent of a particular molecule present in the extract. A marginal inhibitory effect was observed when the peptides were combined with EDTA. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the structural membrane damage of both target strains upon interaction with individual peptide extracts. Different degrees of cell deformation, condensed cytoplasm, membrane blebbing, and ghost cell formation with visibly broken cell walls were observed in S. aureus. Likewise, the separation of the cytoplasmic membrane from the outer membrane, ghost cells, along with ovoid and deformed cells with undulated cell walls were observed for C. freundii. Furthermore, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed different wrinkled and deformed cells covered by debris. A leakage of aromatic molecules was detected for both pathogens, indicating that PCs disrupted the cell wall integrity, inducing cell death. Given their inhibitory action and capacity to induce damage of the cytoplasmic membrane, the selected PCs may serve to slow bacterial growth in vitro; further research is required to prove their efficiency ex vitro to battle against food poisoning and subsequent human infection.
Synergistic Effect of Polyphenol-Rich Complex of Plant and Green Propolis Extracts with Antibiotics against Respiratory Infections Causing Bacteria
Authors: Ramata-Stunda Anna , Petriņa Zaiga , Valkovska Valda , Borodušķis Mārtiņs , Gibnere Līga , Gurkovska Eleonora , Nikolajeva Vizma
Published: January 2022

Bacterial infections are a prevalent complication after primary viral respiratory infections and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Antibiotics are widely used against bacterial respiratory pathogens; however, the rise in antibiotic-resistant strains urges us to search for new antimicrobial compounds, including ones that act synergistically with antibiotics. In this study, the minimal inhibitory (MIC) and minimal bactericidal (MBC) concentrations of a polyphenol-rich complex of green propolis, Tabebuia avellanedae bark, and Olea europaea leaf extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were determined, followed by an analysis of the synergistic effect with clarithromycin, azithromycin, and amoxiclav (875/125 mg amoxicillin/clavulanic acid). A combination of extracts showed activity against all three bacterial strains, with MIC values ranging from 0.78 to 12.5 mg/mL and MBC values from 1.56 to 12.5 mg/mL. The extracts showed synergistic activity with azithromycin and clarithromycin against S. aureus, with clarithromycin against K. pneumoniae, and with all three tested antibiotics against H. influenzae. Synergy with clarithromycin was additionally evaluated in a time-kill assay where the synergistic effects against S. aureus and K. pneumoniae were seen within the first 6 h of incubation. The results show the potential of polyphenol-rich extracts in enhancing the efficacy of antibiotic therapy and indicate their potential to be used in the management of respiratory infections.
Calycosin Alleviates Paraquat-Induced Neurodegeneration by Improving Mitochondrial Functions and Regulating Autophagy in a Drosophila Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Chaouhan Hitesh Singh , Li Xin , Sun Kuo-Ting , Wang I-Kuan , Yu Tung-Min , Yu Shao-Hua , Chen Kuen-Bao , Lin Wei-Yong , Li Chi-Yuan
Published: January 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder with limited clinical treatments. The occurrence of PD includes both genetic and environmental toxins, such as the pesticides paraquat (PQ), as major contributors to PD pathology in both invertebrate and mammalian models. Calycosin, an isoflavone phytoestrogen, has multiple pharmacological properties, including neuroprotective activity. However, the paucity of information regarding the neuroprotective potential of calycosin on PQ-induced neurodegeneration led us to explore whether calycosin can mitigate PD-like phenotypes and the underlying molecular mechanisms. We used a PQ-induced PD model in Drosophila as a cost-effective in vivo screening platform to investigate the neuroprotective efficacy of natural compounds on PD. We reported that calycosin shows a protective role in preventing dopaminergic (DA) neuronal cell death in PQ-exposed Canton S flies. Calycosin-fed PQ-exposed flies exhibit significant resistance against PQ-induced mortality and locomotor deficits in terms of reduced oxidative stress, loss of DA neurons, the depletion of dopamine content, and phosphorylated JNK-caspase-3 levels. Additionally, mechanistic studies show that calycosin administration improves PQ-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and stimulates mitophagy and general autophagy with reduced pS6K and p4EBP1 levels, suggestive of a maintained energy balance between anabolic and catabolic processes, resulting in the inhibition of neuronal cell death. Collectively, this study substantiates the protective effect of calycosin against PQ-induced neurodegeneration by improving DA neurons’ survival and reducing apoptosis, likely via autophagy induction, and it is implicated as a novel therapeutic application against toxin-induced PD pathogenesis.
The Role of NRF2 in Obesity-Associated Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Gutiérrez-Cuevas Jorge , Galicia-Moreno Marina , Monroy-Ramírez Hugo Christian , Sandoval-Rodriguez Ana , García-Bañuelos Jesús , Santos Arturo , Armendariz-Borunda Juan
Published: January 2022

The raising prevalence of obesity is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), particularly coronary artery disease (CAD), and heart failure, including atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. Obesity contributes directly to incident cardiovascular risk factors, including hyperglycemia or diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, which are involved in atherosclerosis, including structural and functional cardiac alterations, which lead to cardiac dysfunction. CVDs are the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In obesity, visceral and epicardial adipose tissue generate inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which induce oxidative stress and contribute to the pathogenesis of CVDs. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2; encoded by Nfe2l2 gene) protects against oxidative stress and electrophilic stress. NRF2 participates in the regulation of cell inflammatory responses and lipid metabolism, including the expression of over 1000 genes in the cell under normal and stressed environments. NRF2 is downregulated in diabetes, hypertension, and inflammation. Nfe2l2 knockout mice develop structural and functional cardiac alterations, and NRF2 deficiency in macrophages increases atherosclerosis. Given the endothelial and cardiac protective effects of NRF2 in experimental models, its activation using pharmacological or natural products is a promising therapeutic approach for obesity and CVDs. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge on the role of NRF2 in obesity-associated cardiovascular risk factors.
Nutraceuticals and Physical Activity as Antidepressants: The Central Role of the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Donati Zeppa Sabrina , Ferrini Fabio , Agostini Deborah , Amatori Stefano , Barbieri Elena , Piccoli Giovanni , Sestili Piero , Stocchi Vilberto
Published: January 2022

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental illness. Evidence suggests that the gut microbiota play an essential role in regulating brain functions and the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric diseases, including MDD. There are numerous mechanisms through which the gut microbiota and brain can exchange information in a continuous, bidirectional communication. Current research emphasizes the interexchange of signals influenced by the gut microbiota that are detected and transduced in information from the gut to the nervous system involving neural, endocrine, and inflammatory mechanisms, suggesting a relationship between oxidative stress and the pathophysiology of MDD via the hyperactivation of inflammatory responses. Potential sources of inflammation in the plasma and hippocampus of depressed individuals could stem from increases in intestinal permeability. Some nutraceuticals, such as specific probiotics, namely psychobiotics, polyphenols, carotenoids, butyrate, and prebiotics, have been demonstrated to exert an antidepressant activity, but most of them need to be metabolized and activated by gut microorganisms. By inducing changes in the gut microbiota composition, physical exercise might also exert a role in alleviating depression-like symptoms. The mutual relationships among nutraceuticals, exercise, and depression will be discussed, and the potential role of the gut microbiota as a therapeutic target to treat depression will be explored.
Bioactive Compounds of Citrus Fruits: A Review of Composition and Health Benefits of Carotenoids, Flavonoids, Limonoids, and Terpenes
Authors: Saini Ramesh Kumar , Ranjit Arina , Sharma Kavita , Prasad Parchuri , Shang Xiaomin , Gowda Karekal Girinur Mallikarjuna , Keum Young-Soo
Published: January 2022

The increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contributes to the reduced risk of many diseases related to metabolic syndrome, including neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, and cancer. Citrus, the genus Citrus L., is one of the most important fruit crops, rich in carotenoids, flavonoids, terpenes, limonoids, and many other bioactive compounds of nutritional and nutraceutical value. Moreover, polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs), a unique class of bioactive flavonoids, abundantly occur in citrus fruits. In addition, citrus essential oil, rich in limonoids and terpenes, is an economically important product due to its potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and flavoring properties. Mechanistic, observational, and intervention studies have demonstrated the health benefits of citrus bioactives in minimizing the risk of metabolic syndrome. This review provides a comprehensive view of the composition of carotenoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and limonoids of citrus fruits and their associated health benefits.
Construction of Polygonatum sibiricum Polysaccharide Functionalized Selenium Nanoparticles for the Enhancement of Stability and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Chen Wanwen , Cheng Hao , Xia Wenshui
Published: January 2022

Although selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have attracted great attention due to their potential antioxidant activity and low toxicity, the application of SeNPs is still restricted by their poor stability. A combination of polysaccharides and SeNPs is an effective strategy to overcome the limitations. In this study, Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide (PSP) was used as a stabilizer to fabricate SeNPs under a simple redox system. Dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer were applied to characterize the synthesized PSP-SeNPs. The stability and the antioxidant activity of PSP-SeNPs were also investigated. The results revealed that the zero-valent and well-dispersed spherical PSP-SeNPs with an average size of 105 nm and a negative ζ-potential of −34.9 mV were successfully synthesized using 0.1 mg/mL PSP as a stabilizer. The prepared PSP-SeNPs were stable for 30 days at 4 °C. The decoration of the nanoparticle surface with PSP significantly improved the free radical scavenging ability of SeNPs. Compared to the H2O2-induced oxidative stress model group, the viability of PC-12 cells pretreated with 20 μg/mL PSP-SeNPs increased from 56% to 98%. Moreover, PSP-SeNPs exhibited a higher protective effect on the H2O2-induced oxidative damage on PC-12 cells and lower cytotoxicity than sodium selenite and SeNPs. In summary, these results suggest the great potential of PSP-SeNPs as a novel antioxidant agent in the food or nutraceuticals area.
Vacuum-Free Quantum Dots Planar Hybrid Solar Cells: Improving Charge Transport Using Reduced Graphene Oxide and PEO as the Buffer Layer
Authors: Kim Minsu , Truong Nguyen Tam Nguyen , Lam Nguyen Hoang , Le Nam , Tamboli Asiya M. , Tamboli Mohaseen S. , Vu Truong Nguyen Luan , Jung Jae Hak
Published: January 2022

In this work, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was synthesized using a modified Hummer method and its morphological and structural properties were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HR-TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The rGO was used as the hole transport buffer layer (HTBL) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) was used as the electron transport buffer layer (ETBL) for the vacuum-free quantum dot planar hybrid (VFQPH) solar cells (SCs) fabrication. PbS quantum dots (Qdots) were prepared using a hot-injection method, which was used as the p-type material and PCBM ([6,6]-Phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester) was used as the n-type material. The effects of the hole transport buffer layer and electron transport buffer layer on the morphological and electrical properties of the device were investigated. A device with a structure of glass/indium tin oxide (ITO)/HTBL/PbS: PCBM/ETBL/E-GaIn was fabricated and the maximum power conversion efficiency of about 4.34% was obtained.
Simple Deterministic Selection-Based Genetic Algorithm for Hyperparameter Tuning of Machine Learning Models
Authors: Raji Ismail Damilola , Bello-Salau Habeeb , Umoh Ime Jarlath , Onumanyi Adeiza James , Adegboye Mutiu Adesina , Salawudeen Ahmed Tijani
Published: January 2022

Hyperparameter tuning is a critical function necessary for the effective deployment of most machine learning (ML) algorithms. It is used to find the optimal hyperparameter settings of an ML algorithm in order to improve its overall output performance. To this effect, several optimization strategies have been studied for fine-tuning the hyperparameters of many ML algorithms, especially in the absence of model-specific information. However, because most ML training procedures need a significant amount of computational time and memory, it is frequently necessary to build an optimization technique that converges within a small number of fitness evaluations. As a result, a simple deterministic selection genetic algorithm (SDSGA) is proposed in this article. The SDSGA was realized by ensuring that both chromosomes and their accompanying fitness values in the original genetic algorithm are selected in an elitist-like way. We assessed the SDSGA over a variety of mathematical test functions. It was then used to optimize the hyperparameters of two well-known machine learning models, namely, the convolutional neural network (CNN) and the random forest (RF) algorithm, with application on the MNIST and UCI classification datasets. The SDSGA’s efficiency was compared to that of the Bayesian Optimization (BO) and three other popular metaheuristic optimization algorithms (MOAs), namely, the genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO) and biogeography-based optimization (BBO) algorithms. The results obtained reveal that the SDSGA performed better than the other MOAs in solving 11 of the 17 known benchmark functions considered in our study. While optimizing the hyperparameters of the two ML models, it performed marginally better in terms of accuracy than the other methods while taking less time to compute.
Preliminary Study on Detecting the Internal Voltage Values of Integrated Circuits Based on Electro-Optical Frequency Mapping
Authors: Liu Pengcheng , Ma Yingqi , Han Jianwei
Published: January 2022

Electro-optical frequency mapping (EOFM) technology can detect node signals from the backside of integrated circuits (ICs). In the past, the detected signal only qualitatively represented the electrical activity strength inside the device. In this paper, the electro-optical signal generation mechanism of the device is systematically studied, and a concise physical model of laser beam modulation based on the optical transmission matrix is proposed. Firstly, the influence of the bandwidth of the laser and each structure covered by the laser spot on the electro-optical signal of the device is well described by the model. Secondly, the model quantifies the electro-optical signal strength, and shows it is positively correlated with the laser wavelength and the reverse bias voltage. Finally, the model is used to quantitatively calculate the accurate voltage level of the internal node inside the device using the detected signal, and the calculation results match well with the experimental results. The model provides theoretical guidance for the efficient and accurate extraction of internal voltage values of devices by EOFM technology.
KIDE4I: A Generic Semantics-Based Task-Oriented Dialogue System for Human-Machine Interaction in Industry 5.0
Authors: Aceta Cristina , Fernández Izaskun , Soroa Aitor
Published: January 2022

In Industry 5.0, human workers and their wellbeing are placed at the centre of the production process. In this context, task-oriented dialogue systems allow workers to delegate simple tasks to industrial assets while working on other, more complex ones. The possibility of naturally interacting with these systems reduces the cognitive demand to use them and triggers acceptation. Most modern solutions, however, do not allow a natural communication, and modern techniques to obtain such systems require large amounts of data to be trained, which is scarce in these scenarios. To overcome these challenges, this paper presents KIDE4I (Knowledge-drIven Dialogue framEwork for Industry), a semantic-based task-oriented dialogue system framework for industry that allows workers to naturally interact with industrial systems, is easy to adapt to new scenarios and does not require great amounts of data to be constructed. This work also reports the process to adapt KIDE4I to new scenarios. To validate and evaluate KIDE4I, it has been adapted to four use cases that are relevant to industrial scenarios following the described methodology, and two of them have been evaluated through two user studies. The system has been considered as accurate, useful, efficient, not demanding cognitively, flexible and fast. Furthermore, subjects view the system as a tool to improve their productivity and security while carrying out their tasks.
Engineering Properties and Economic Feasibility Evaluation of Eco-Friendly Rainwater Detention System with Red Clay Water-Permeable Block Body
Authors: Kim Hojin , Choi Heeyong , Lee Taegyu , Choi Hyeonggil
Published: January 2022

An integrated rainwater management system is necessary due to the frequent occurrence of localized torrential rainfall and heat waves caused by an abnormal climate. It is necessary to develop a rainwater detention system that can implement rainwater infiltration and detention simultaneously. In this study, the safety, durability, and eco-friendliness of an eco-friendly rainwater detention system developed using an eco-friendly inorganic binder, which involves red clay, were evaluated and its economic feasibility was compared with that of the existing detention system. After 14 days, analysis of the maximum compression load and computational finite element analysis confirmed that the strength standard was satisfied and the structure was safe. No heavy metals or organic compounds were detected in the leaching test. Thus, the eco-friendly rainwater detention system is structurally safe and eco-friendly with no impact on the soil and groundwater environment, and is economically feasible because the construction cost and life cycle cost are approximately 30% and 58% lower, respectively, than those of the existing polyethylene infiltration detention tank system. These results indicate that improved safety, eco-friendliness, and economic feasibility can be achieved, compared to those of the existing system, if the eco-friendly rainwater detention system is applied in the field.
Identification of Common Liver Metabolites of the Natural Bioactive Compound Erinacine A, Purified from Hericium erinaceus Mycelium
Authors: Kuo Yu-Hsuan , Lin Ting-Wei , Lin Jing-Yi , Chen Yu-Wen , Li Tsung-Ju , Chen Chin-Chu
Published: January 2022

Metabolite identification, in the early stage, for compound discovery is necessary to assess the knowledge for the pharmaceutical improvement of drug safety and efficacy. Even if the drug has been released into the market, identification and continuous evaluation of the metabolites are required to avoid the risk of post-marketing withdrawal. Hericium erinaceus (HE), a medicinal mushroom, has broadly documented nutraceutical benefits, including anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, anti-aging, hypolipidemic, and gastric mucosal protection effects. Recently, erinacine A has been reported as the main natural bioactive compound in the mycelium of HE for functional food development. In neurological studies, the consumption of enrinacine A enriched HE mycelium demonstrates its significant nutraceutical effects in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and ischemic stroke. For the first time, we explored the metabolic process of erinacine A molecule and identified its metabolites from the rat and human liver S9 fraction. Using a liquid chromatography/triple quadrupole mass spectrometer for quantitative analysis, we observed that 75.44% of erinacine A was metabolized within 60 min in rat, and 32.34% of erinacine A was metabolized within 120 min in human S9. Using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) to identify the metabolites of erinacine A, five common metabolites were identified, and their possible structures were evaluated. Understanding the metabolic process of erinacine A and establishing its metabolite profile database will help promote the nutraceutical application and discovery of related biomarkers in the future.
Temporal and Regional Differences and Empirical Analysis on Sensitive Factors of the Corn Production Cost in China
Authors: Ouyang Shumiao , Hu Jie , Yang Minli , Yao Mingyin , Lin Jinlong
Published: January 2022

The corn production cost (CPC) in China is related to national food security. However, there are few studies on the temporal and regional differences (TRD) and sensitive factors in the CPC. In this paper, the TRD of the corn production cost across various regions, as well as over the entirety of the country from 2008 to 2018, is presented. It is based on the GIS exploratory spatial data analysis method (ESDA). Simultaneously, a spatial panel model is established to conduct an empirical analysis of the main factors affecting the CPC. The results from the period in question show that the CPC in China and the three major production regions present a fluctuating growth trend, mainly associated with the increase in labor prices. Moreover, the CPC exhibits significant spatial differences, and demonstrates an overall trend of gradual increase from the east to the west. Over time, the number of relatively high-cost provinces has increased. All are located in southern mountainous and hilly corn areas. In addition, the CPCs of various regions are spatially correlated. Factors such as the scale of land management, the degree of mechanization, and socioeconomic conditions have a significantly negative impact on the CPC in China. Furthermore, the labor structure has a notably positive impact on the CPC.
Nonlinear Dynamics Suppression of Bending Deflection in a Composite Laminated Plate Using a Beam Stiffener Due to Critical Buckling Load and Shear Force
Authors: Yousuf Louay S.
Published: January 2022

In this paper, the nonlinear dynamics behavior of the bending deflection of a stiffened composite laminated plate is suppressed using beam stiffeners at different fiber volume fractions and different aspect ratios. The non-periodic motion and chaos in a stiffened composite laminated plate is detected using the largest Lyapunov exponent parameter and power density function of a fast Fourier transform (FFT). The critical buckling load is calculated at different thickness ratios, numbers of stiffeners, lamination angles and stiffener–depth ratios based on different boundary conditions. The nonlinear response of the bending deflection is analyzed analytically, numerically and experimentally. The analytic solution has been derived using Levy and Navier solutions of classical laminate plate theory at different boundary conditions (CLPT). The numerical simulation was conducted using the ANSYS program while the experiment test was carried out using a strain gauge through a strain meter device. Experimentally, a Southwell plot is used to investigate the value of the critical buckling load. The combined loading are the in-plane compression mechanical load and shear force. All the values of the largest Lyapunov exponent are positive, which gives indication to non-periodic motion and chaos. The nonlinear dynamics behavior of the bending deflection is decreased with the increasing of number of stiffeners in which the value of largest Lyapunov exponent has been decreased. The nonlinear dynamics behavior is increased with the increasing of aspect ratios and fiber volume fractions. The system with an aspect ratio (2.5) and fiber volume fraction (υf = 80%) for an un-stiffened plate is more chaotic than the other systems.