bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oncolytic virotherapy against lung cancer: key receptors and signaling pathways of viral entry
Authors: Dong Wenxun , Luo Ying , He Daqian , Zhang Ming , Zeng Jingtong , Chen Ying
Published: October 2024

Lung cancer accounts for the highest cancer-related mortality worldwide. While immunotherapies targeting anti-tumor immune responses have demonstrated efficacy in clinical practice, the demand for novel treatment modalities remains urgent. Oncolytic viruses (OVs), which selectively kill tumor cells while stimulating an anti-tumor immune response, represent a potential breakthrough in lung cancer therapy. The induction of anti-tumor immunity by OVs is central to their overall therapeutic effectiveness. Many natural receptors on the surface of cancer cells are dysregulated, providing potential entry points for OVs. Furthermore, the inherent dysregulation of some key signaling pathways in lung cancer cells promotes proliferation, progression and metastasis, which may facilitate selective viral replication. In this review, we explore the application of OVs in lung cancer by analyzing several major OVs and their corresponding entry receptors. Then, we also examine the key signaling pathways and molecules with the potential to synergize with OVs in modulating the immune tumor microenvironment. Finally, we discuss the combination and administration strategies that warrant further clinical trials for validation. Despite certain limitations, the tolerability of OVs positions virotherapy as a promising avenue in the future of lung cancer treatment.
Assessing lobster and co-predator feeding rates on barrens-forming sea urchins in South East Australia
Authors: Day Jeremy K. , Knott Nathan A. , Swadling Daniel S. , Huggett Megan J. , Gaston Troy F.
Published: October 2024

Globally, key predators such as lobsters are thought to control urchins. In south-eastern Australia, the role of Sagmariasus verreauxi (eastern rock lobster) as a key predator of the native urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii (long-spined urchin) has been questioned while the sympatric Heliocidaris erythrogramma (short-spined urchin) may be eaten more frequently. To test this, we tethered and filmed 100 urchins (50 C. rodgersii and 50 H. erythrogramma) outside of a lobster den over 25 nights to identify predators and quantify predation rates, time to feeding onset and handling time. Sagmariasus verreauxi exhibited very low predation rates (4%), despite being filmed walking past urchins repeatedly whereas Heterodontus galeatus (crested horn shark) was the main predator (45%). Predation rates by all predators (lobsters and sharks) were influenced primarily by tethering night but not urchin size or species. Predation increased throughout the study and while H. erythrogramma and C. rodgersii were eaten at similar rates, there was a trend for lobsters to eat H. erythrogramma and sharks to eat C. rodgersii. Feeding onset had no significant predictors though large C. rodgersii took longer to handle during feeding for both predators. Importantly, sharks readily consumed 25 C. rodgersii up to 121 mm Test Diameter (TD) while lobsters only ate one C. rodgersii (58 mm TD). These findings, although from only one test location, provide important insights into the species eating urchins and highlight the potential significance of overlooked predators such as H. galeatus.
Observed water-mass characteristics and circulation off Prydz Bay, East Antarctica
Authors: Foppert Annie , Bestley Sophie , Shadwick Elizabeth H. , Klocker Andreas , Vives Clara R. , Liniger Guillaume , Westwood Karen J.
Published: October 2024

Circulation and water masses in the greater Prydz Bay region were surveyed in the austral summer 2021 (January-March) during the ‘Trends in Euphausiids off Mawson, Predators and Oceanography’ (TEMPO) experiment, and are described in this paper. The Southern Antarctic Circumpolar Current Front is found in the northern part of the survey area, generally near 63-64°S, whereas the Southern Boundary Front is located between 64 and 65.5°S. The westward flowing Antarctic Slope Front (ASF) is found in the southern part of the survey area near the continental slope on most transects. Highest concentrations of oxygen (> 300 µmol kg−1) are found in shelf waters at stations in Prydz Bay, south of 67°S along 75°E, whereas the lowest oxygen values are found in the Circumpolar Deep Water layer, with an average of roughly 215 µmol kg−1. North of the northern extension of the ASF, surface mixed layers are between 20 and 60 m deep. Mixed layers tend to deepen slightly in the northern part of the survey, generally increasing north of 64°S where the ocean has been ice-free the longest. We find evidence of upwelling of waters into the surface layers, based on temperature anomaly, particularly strong along 80°E. Enhanced variability of biogeochemical properties - nutrients, DIC, DO - in the AASW layer is driven by a combination of sea-ice and biological processes. Antarctic Bottom Water, defined as water with neutral density > 28.3 kg m-3, was sampled at all the offshore full-depth stations, with a colder/fresher variety along western transects and a warmer/saltier variety in the east. Newly formed Antarctic Bottom Water – the coldest, freshest, and most recently ventilated – is mostly found in the deep ocean along 65°E, in the base of the Daly Canyon.
A ConvLSTM nearshore water level prediction model with integrated attention mechanism
Authors: Yang Jian , Zhang Tianyu , Zhang Junping , Lin Xun , Wang Hailong , Feng Tao
Published: October 2024

Nearshore water-level prediction has a substantial impact on the daily lives of coastal residents, fishing operations, and disaster prevention and mitigation. Compared to the limitations and high costs of traditional empirical forecasts and numerical models for nearshore water-level prediction, data-driven artificial intelligence methods can more efficiently predict water levels. Attention mechanisms have recently shown great potential in natural language processing and video prediction. Convolutional long short-term memory(ConvLSTM) combines the advantages of convolutional neural networks (CNN) and long short-term Memory (LSTM), enabling more effective data feature extraction. Therefore, this study proposes a ConvLSTM nearshore water level prediction model that incorporates an attention mechanism. The ConvLSTM model extracts multiscale information from historical water levels, and the attention mechanism enhances the importance of key features, thereby improving the prediction accuracy and timeliness. The model structure was determined through experiments and relevant previous studies using five years of water level data from the Zhuhai Tide Station and the surrounding wind speed and rainfall data for training and evaluation. The results indicate that this model outperforms the four other baseline models of PCCs, RMSE, and MAE, effectively predicting future water levels at nearshore stations up to 48 h in advance. Compared to the ConvLSTM model, the model with the attention mechanism showed an average improvement of approximately 10% on the test set, with a greater error reduction in short-term forecasts than that in long-term forecasts. During Typhoon Higos, the model reduced the MAE of the best-performing baseline model by approximately 3.2 and 2.4 cm for the 6- and 24-hour forecasts, respectively, decreasing forecast errors by approximately 18% and 11%, effectively enhancing the ability of the model to forecast storm surges. This method provides a new approach for forecasting nearshore tides and storm surges.
Iron homeostasis as a cell detoxification mechanism in Mesorhizobium qingshengii J19 under yttrium exposure
Authors: Coimbra Carina , Morais Paula V. , Branco Rita
Published: October 2024

Yttrium (Y), an important rare earth element (REE), is increasingly prevalent in the environment due to industrial activities, raising concerns about its toxicity. Understanding the effects of Y on microorganisms is essential for bioremediation and biorecovery processes. This study investigates how Mesorhizobium qingshengii J19, a strain with notable resistance to Y, manages iron homeostasis as a detoxifying mechanism under Y stress. Using comparative genomic and transcriptomic analyses, we explored the gene expression profile of strain J19 to identify the mechanisms underlying its high Y resistance and effective Y removal from the medium. Genome-wide transcriptional profiling revealed 127 significantly differentially expressed genes out of 6,343 under Y stress, with 36.2 % up-regulated and 63.8 % down-regulated. Notably, Y exposure significantly affects cellular iron homeostasis and activates arsenic detoxifying mechanisms. A key finding was the 7.6-fold up-regulation of a TonB transporter gene, indicating its crucial role in Y detoxification. Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) analysis of the selected gene confirmed the accuracy of RNA sequencing results. Further validation showed that iron supplementation mitigates Y-induced growth inhibition, leading to reduced ROS production in strain J19. This study elucidates the molecular mechanisms by which strain M. qingshengii J19 adapts to Y stress, emphasizing the importance of iron in controlling ROS and protecting against Y toxicity. It also highlights critical pathways and adaptive responses involved in the strain’s resilience to metal stress.
Optimizing Escherichia coli strains and fermentation processes for enhanced L-lysine production: a review
Authors: Wu Zijuan , Chen Tianpeng , Sun Wenjun , Chen Yong , Ying Hanjie
Published: October 2024

lysine is an essential amino acid with significant importance, widely used in the food, feed, and pharmaceutical industries. To meet the increasing demand, microbial fermentation has emerged as an effective and sustainable method for L-lysine production. Escherichia coli has become one of the primary microorganisms for industrial L-lysine production due to its rapid growth, ease of genetic manipulation, and high production efficiency. This paper reviews the recent advances in E. coli strain engineering and fermentation process optimization for L-lysine production. Additionally, it discusses potential technological breakthroughs and challenges in E. coli-based L-lysine production, offering directions for future research to support industrial-scale production.
Association of trimethylamine oxide and its precursors with cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Long Caiyi , Li Zihan , Feng Haoyue , Jiang Yayi , Pu Yueheng , Tao Jiajing , Yue Rensong
Published: October 2024

Objectives

The role of trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) in patients with cognitive impairment remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the association between TMAO and its precursors and the prevalence of cognitive impairment.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for studies that met the inclusion criteria from their inception to 14 September 2024, and references were manually searched to identify any additions. Odds ratio (OR) was assessed by random-effects modeling, subgroup analyses to identify potential sources of heterogeneity, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Inventory for qualitative evaluation.

Results

Nine studies involving 82,246 participants were included in the analysis. Meta-analyses suggested that elevated TMAO levels were strongly associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment (OR: 1.39, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.09–1.77, p < 0.05, I2:60%), and consistent results were obtained across all subgroups examined and sensitivity analyses. However, in the TMAO dose–response meta-analysis and TMAO precursor meta-analyses, the results were not significantly different (dietary choline: OR: 0.93, 95%CI: 0.78–1.10, p = 0.385, I2:68%, plasma choline: OR: 0.65, 95%CI: 0.41–1.02, p = 0.063, I2:76%, plasma betaine: OR: 0.74, 95%CI: 0.52–1.05, p = 0.094, I2:61%).

Conclusion

We found that high TMAO concentrations were positively associated with the risk of cognitive impairment. TMAO is expected to be a potential risk predictor and therapeutic target for cognitive impairment. However, more high-quality studies are needed to further investigate the dose relationship between circulating TMAO concentrations and cognitive impairment.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42023464543.
Activation of orexin-A (hypocretin-1) receptors in the Raphe Pallidus at different ambient temperatures in the rat: effects on thermoregulation, cardiovascular control, sleep, and feeding behavior
Authors: Hitrec Timna , Del Vecchio Flavia , Alberti Luca , Luppi Marco , Martelli Davide , Occhinegro Alessandra , Piscitiello Emiliana , Taddei Ludovico , Tupone Domenico , Amici Roberto , Cerri Matteo
Published: October 2024

The Raphe Pallidus (RPa) is a brainstem nucleus containing sympathetic premotor neurons that control thermogenesis and modulate cardiovascular function. It receives inputs from various hypothalamic areas, including the Lateral Hypothalamus (LH), a heterogeneous region intricately involved in several autonomic and behavioral functions. A key subpopulation of neurons in the LH expresses orexin/hypocretin, a neuropeptide which is crucially involved in the regulation of the wake–sleep states and feeding behavior. The RPa receives orexinergic projections from the LH and orexinergic signalling in the RPa has been shown to enhance thermogenesis in the anaesthetized rat, but only in the presence of an already existing thermogenic drive, without significantly affecting cardiovascular function. The present work was aimed at exploring the effects on thermoregulation and autonomic function and the possible role in the modulation of the wake–sleep states and feeding behavior of orexin injection in the RPa in the free-behaving rat. In order to assess the influence of an already present thermogenic drive on orexinergic signalling in the RPa, animals were studied at three different ambient temperatures (Ta, 10°C, 24°C, and 32°C). We found that orexin injection into the RPa variably affected the wake–sleep states, autonomic functions, motor activity, and feeding behavior, at the different Tas. In particular, in the first post-injection hour, we observed an increase in wakefulness, which was large at Ta 24°C and Ta 10°C and rather mild at Ta 32°C. Deep brain temperature was increased by orexin injection at Ta 10°C, but not at either Ta 24°C or Ta 32°C. Moreover, an increase in mean arterial blood pressure occurred at Ta 24°C, which was probably masked by the high baseline levels at Ta 10°C and was completely absent at Ta 32°C. Finally, an enhancement in feeding behavior was observed at Ta 24°C and 10°C only. In accordance with what observed in anaesthetized rats, orexinergic signalling in the RPa seems to be ineffective in the absence of any thermogenic drive. Moreover, the effects observed on the wake–sleep states and feeding behavior introduce the RPa as a novel player in the central neural network promoting wakefulness and feeding.
Case report: dynamic personalized physiological monitoring in lung cancer using wearable data
Authors: Bliss Joshua W. , Underwood Whitney P. , Carlson Adele M. , Scott Jessica M. , Daly Robert , Li Bob T. , Drilon Alexander , Stetson Peter , Boutros Paul C. , Jones Lee W.
Published: October 2024

Pretreatment prognostication, on-treatment monitoring, and early detection of physiological symptoms are considerable challenges in cancer. We describe the feasibility of high-resolution wearable data (steps per day, walking speed) to longitudinally profile physiological trajectories extracted from Apple Health data in three patients with lung cancer from diagnosis through cancer treatment after obtaining informed consent. We used descriptive statistics to describe our approach of building longitudinal physiological profiles. The wearable data monitoring period ranged from 58 to 135 weeks, with between 34,319 and 103,535 distinct digital physiological measures collected during this period—the equivalent to 41 measures per day/patient. Longitudinal profiling revealed that wearable data accurately captured physiological changes linked with clinical events such as surgery and hospitalizations as well as initiation (and cessation) of systemic cancer treatment in all three patients. These findings suggest that wearable devices could play a critical role in the management of lung cancer, although larger studies are needed to confirm these preliminary observations and validate their generalizability. Wearable devices hold significant promise for the development of personalized “digital biomarkers,” which may enhance risk stratification and management in oncology.
Meta-analysis: accuracy of the Baveno VI criteria for the diagnosis of high-risk varices in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Xiaoqin , Mei Tingting , Xu Hui , Yin Heran , Jin Hua , Gou Chunyan , Wang Xiaojun , Ding Huiguo
Published: October 2024

Background and aim

Diagnosing high-risk varices (HRV) is crucial for determining the prognosis and treatment strategy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although the Baveno VI consensus guidelines have been validated for assessing HRV in patients with liver cirrhosis, their applicability to those with HCC remains uncertain. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Baveno VI criteria in screening for HRV in patients with HCC.

Methods

We searched for English-language articles related to Baveno criteria and HCC across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases, covering publications from their inception until April 19, 2024. Our meta-analysis was conducted using STATA 14.0 and Meta-Disc 1.4 software. We assessed the quality of the included studies using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool. We analyzed pooled sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), positive likelihood ratio (LR+), and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) using a random-effects model and constructed a summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve. Based on established consensus, the favorable Baveno VI criteria were defined as a liver stiffness measurement (LSM) < 20 kPa and a platelet count (PLT) > 150×109/L to exclude HRV. This study is registered with PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42024533946.

Results

We finally brought four studies, including 1277 patients with HCC, into this meta-analysis. The SEN, SPE, DOR, and AUC of favorable Baveno VI criteria in screening HRV in patients with HCC were 0.90 (95% CI: 0.81–0.95), 0.33 (95% CI: 0.25–0.41), 4.44 (95% CI: 2.14–9.22), and 0.59 (95% CI: 0.55–0.64), respectively. The LR+ and LR- of the favorable Baveno VI criteria were 1.34 (95% CI: 1.19–1.50) and 0.30 (95% CI: 0.16–0.58), respectively. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses indicated that BCLC and Child-Pugh stages likely contribute to the heterogeneity in the SPE.

Conclusions

The favorable Baveno VI criteria may not effectively screen HRV in patients with HCC. However, the current evidence is insufficient, and further studies with larger sample sizes and detailed patient subgroups are needed.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024533946.
Diverse responses of hypoxia-inducible factor alpha mRNA abundance in fish exposed to low oxygen: the importance of reporting methods
Authors: Murphy Taylor E. , Rees Bernard B.
Published: October 2024

Low dissolved oxygen (hypoxia) poses significant challenges to aquatic ecosystems, affecting the behavior, reproduction, and survival of aquatic organisms. Some fishes respond to hypoxia by changes in gene expression, which may be regulated by the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) family of transcription factors. HIF abundance and activity depends upon the post-translational modification of the alpha protein subunit, although several studies indicate that HIFA mRNA abundance increases in tissues of fishes exposed to hypoxia. This study reviewed reports of laboratory exposures of adult ray-finned fishes to hypoxia and used generalized linear mixed effects models to examine the influence of HIFA gene, tissue sampled, and exposure conditions in explaining the diversity of responses seen in HIFA mRNA abundance. The frequency of hypoxia-induced increases in HIFA mRNA was poorly explained by gene, tissue, or the severity of the hypoxic exposure. Rather, the frequency of reported increases was strongly related to the extent to which studies adhered to guidelines for documenting quantitative real-time PCR methods: the frequency of hypoxia-induced increases in HIFA mRNA decreased sharply in studies with more thorough description of experimental design. Future research should (a) adhere to stringent reporting of experimental design, (b) address the relative paucity of data on HIF2A and HIF3A, and (c) determine levels of HIF alpha protein subunits. By following these recommendations, it is hoped that a more complete understanding will be gained of the role of the HIF family of transcription factors in the response of fish to hypoxia.
Early maladaptive schemas in adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Sireli Ozlem , Colak Mehmet , Demirci Tugce Hilda , Savascihabes Ayse Ece , Oz Cinar Hatice
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Current evidence suggests that early maladaptive schemas are affected in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Most of the studies on the subject have been conducted with adults, but the number of studies conducted with adolescents with ADHD is quite limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate early maladaptive schemas in adolescents diagnosed with ADHD.

Methods

The study included 66 patients diagnosed with ADHD and 70 healthy adolescents who were similar to the case group in terms of age and gender. Clinical evaluation of the case and control groups were performed with "The Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version, DSM-5 November 2016-Turkish Adaptation (K-SADS-PL-DSM-5-T)". "Conners-Wells Adolescent Self-Report Scale - Revised Short Form (CASS-RS)" and "Set of Early Maladaptive Schema Questionnaires for Children and Adolescents between the ages of 10-16" were administered to all participants.

Results

It was determined that the schema scores of "dependence/incompetence", "vulnerability to harm or illness", "entitlement/grandiosity", "insufficient self-control", "subjugation" were significantly higher in the ADHD group than in the control group. A negative, significant relationship was found between age and "enmeshment/undeveloped self", "entitlement/grandiosity" and "insufficient self-control" schema scores. There was no significant difference between schema scores in terms of gender in the ADHD group. Additionally, no significant relationship was found between the education level of the parents, family income levels and schema scores. A significant positive relationship was found between the CASS-RS scores and all schema scores. As a result of the regression analysis, it was determined that CASS-RS scores positively predicted all schema scores, while the age variable negatively predicted only the schema scores of "enmeshment/undeveloped self".

Discussion

Results of this study showed that there were significant differences in adolescents in the ADHD group compared to the control group in terms of early maladaptive schemas, and that ADHD symptom levels was associated with early maladaptive schemas.
Spatiotemporal modeling of COVID-19 spread: unveiling socioeconomic disparities and patterns, across social classes in the urban population of Kermanshah, Iran
Authors: Zangeneh Alireza , Hamidipour Nasim , Khazir Zahra , Ziapour Arash , Molavi Homa , Kiaee Zeinab Gholami , Teimouri Raziyeh , Shakiba Ebrahim , Soofi Moslem , Khosravi Shadmani Fatemeh
Published: October 2024

Background

Presenting ongoing outbreaks and the potential for their spread to nearby neighborhoods and social classes may offer a deeper understanding, enable a more efficient reaction to outbreaks, and enable a comprehensive understanding of intricate details for strategic response planning. Hence, this study explored the spatiotemporal spread of COVID-19 outbreaks and prioritization of the risk areas among social classes in the Kermanshah metropolis.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, the data of 58.951 COVID-19-infected patients were analyzed. In 2020, out of 24.849 infected patients, 10.423 were females, 14,426 were males, and in 2021, 15.714 were females, and 18,388 were males. To categorize social classes (working, middle, and upper), we utilized economic, social, cultural, and physical indicators. Our analysis utilized Arc/GIS 10.6 software along with statistical tests, including standard distance (SD), mean center (MC), standard deviational ellipse (SDE), and Moran’s I.

Results

The results revealed that the average epicenter of the disease shifted from the city center in 2020–2021 to the eastern part of the city in 2021. The results related to the SD of the disease showed that more than 70% of the patients were concentrated in this area of the city. The SD of COVID-19 in 2020 compared to 2021 also indicated an increased spread throughout the city. Moran’s I test and the hotspot test results showed the emergence of a clustered pattern of the disease. In the Kermanshah metropolis, 58,951 COVID-19 cases were recorded, with 55.76% males and 44.24% females. Social class distribution showed 28.86% upper class, 55.95% middle class, and 15.19% working class. A higher disease prevalence among both males and females in the upper class compared to others.

Discussion

Our study designed a spatiotemporal disease spread model, specifically tailored for a densely populated urban area. This model allows for the observation of how COVID-19 propagates both spatially and temporally, offering a deeper understanding of outbreak dynamics in different neighborhoods and social classes of the city.
Application and interpretation of immunophenotyping data in safety and risk assessment
Authors: Johnson Victor J. , Luster Michael I. , Maier Andrew , Boles Corey , Miller Eric W. , Arrieta Daniel E.
Published: October 2024

The use of immunophenotyping during immunotoxicity investigations was first popularized in the 1980 s and has since become more integrated into diagnostic and non-clinical assessments. The data provided from immunophenotyping can serve as an initial source of information to guide decisions for additional, more advanced, immunotoxicity testing as well as for human health safety and risk assessment of drugs and chemicals. However, comprehensive guidance describing applications of immunophenotyping data in immunotoxicity investigations is lacking, particularly among regulatory bodies. Therefore, a critical examination is needed for the appropriate interpretations and potential misinterpretations of such data during the assessment of drug safety and chemical risk. As such, the current uses and implications of immunophenotyping data in human health safety and risk assessments has been evaluated to provide additional context for the application of current methodologies and guidelines. In addition, case studies are presented to highlight the challenges of interpreting immunophenotyping results along with incorporating the findings into immunotoxicity investigations. Based on the analyses of current approaches and methodologies, a decision flow is presented for use of immunophenotyping data during risk informed decision making.
Mapping the lipidomic secretome of the early equine embryo
Authors: Lawson Edwina F. , Pickford Russell , Aitken Robert John , Gibb Zamira , Grupen Christopher G. , Swegen Aleona
Published: October 2024

The lipidomic secretions of embryos provide a unique opportunity to examine the cellular processes of the early conceptus. In this study we profiled lipids released by the early equine conceptus, using high-resolution mass spectrometry to detect individual lipid species. This study examined the lipidomic profile in embryo-conditioned media from in vivo-produced, 8–9 day-old equine embryos (n = 3) cultured in vitro for 36 h, analyzed over 3 timepoints. A total of 1,077 lipid IDs were recorded across all samples, containing predominantly glycerolipids. Seventy-nine of these were significantly altered in embryo conditioned-media versus media only control (p < 0.05, fold-change >2 or < 0.5). Fifty-five lipids were found to be released into the embryo-conditioned media, of which 54.5% were triacylglycerols and 23.6% were ceramides. The sterol lipid, cholesterol, was also identified and secreted in significant amounts as embryos developed. Further, 24 lipids were found to be depleted from the media during culture, of which 70.8% were diacylglycerols, 16.7% were triacylglycerols and 12.5% were ceramides. As lipid-free media contained consistently detectable lipid peaks, a further profile analysis of the various components of non-embryo-conditioned media consistently showed the presence of 137 lipids. Lipid peaks in non-embryo-conditioned media increased in response to incubation under mineral oil, and contained ceramides, diacylglycerols and triacylglycerols. These results emphasize the importance of a defined embryo culture medium and a need to identify the lipid requirements of the embryo precisely. This study sheds light on early embryo lipid metabolism and the transfer of lipids during in vitro culture.
Development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification detection assay for Dictyocaulus viviparus (Bloch, 1782) lungworm: DviLAMP
Authors: Nak-on Sirapat , Campbell Paul , Shalaby Maha Mansour , McIntyre Jennifer , Antonopoulos Alistair , Chontananarth Thapana , Laing Roz
Published: October 2024

The bovine lungworm, Dictyocaulus viviparus (Bloch, 1782), is highly pathogenic and disease outbreaks can be difficult to predict and manage. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is vital, but without a sensitive diagnostic test this remains challenging in clinical practice. High performance molecular detection tools are therefore required to improve the diagnosis of this parasite and promote the implementation of strategic control measures. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), a rapid DNA assay, offers potential for field-based detection. Here we report a novel LAMP assay (DviLAMP), that was designed to target the D. viviparus internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) ribosomal DNA region. Firstly, genomic DNA was extracted from a single D. viviparus L1 larva to amplify and clone the ITS2 into the recombinant plasmid (DviITS2). The DviLAMP successfully detected the target, with results shown by gel electrophoresis and real-time analysis, in addition to point-of-care amenable end-point detection: colorimetry and lateral flow dipstick (LFD). Analytical sensitivity can detect 0.5 ng DviITS2 following 45 min of incubation at 64°C, increasing to just 1 pg following 90 min of incubation. Using the same primers, other nematodes of cattle, Ostertagia ostertagi and Cooperia oncophora, were also detectable both by gel electrophoresis and real-time. However, when FITC and biotin tagged primers were incorporated to adapt the DviLAMP to LFD end-point detection, the LFD showed specific detection of D. viviparus. Further development of DviLAMP as a point-of-care test could significantly improve the sensitivity of lungworm diagnosis in the field.
Dynamic contrast enhanced high field magnetic resonance imaging for canine primary intracranial neoplasia
Authors: Choi Simon , Brighi Caterina , Long Sam
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Distinguishing meningiomas from other intracranial neoplasms is clinically relevant as the prognostic and therapeutic implications differ greatly and influence clinical decision making. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) is an imaging technique that assists with characterisation of physiologic alterations such as blood flow and tissue vascular permeability. Quantitative pharmacokinetic analysis utilising DCE-MRI has not been studied in canine neuro-oncology.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed in canine patients that underwent DCE-MRI with an imaging diagnosis of an intracranial meningioma and surgery for histopathological diagnosis. Kinetic parameters Ktrans and cerebral blood flow were measured and compared to assess whether differences could be identified between meningiomas and other intracranial neoplasms.

Results

Six dogs with meningiomas and 3 dogs with other intracranial neoplasms were included for statistical analysis. Cerebral blood flow values were found to be statistically higher within meningiomas compared to other intracranial neoplasms. Ktrans values were higher within meningiomas than in other types of intracranial tumours, however this difference did not reach statistical significance.

Discussion

Based on the results of this study cerebral blood flow measurement can be utilised to differentiate canine intracranial meningiomas from other similar appearing intracranial tumours.
Increased freedom of head movement mitigates stress and bacterial load in the airways of horses during transport
Authors: Takahashi Yuji , Niwa Hidekazu , Ebisuda Yusaku , Mukai Kazutaka , Yoshida Toshinobu , Raidal Sharanne , Padalino Barbara , Ohmura Hajime
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Protection of horse welfare during transport is crucial. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of head and neck restraint on behavior and airway bacteria.

Methods

In a randomized crossover study, six healthy Thoroughbreds were transported by road for 22 h in an individual bay with tight head restraint (50 cm short-rope) or loose head restraint (95 cm long-rope). Behavioral parameters relating to head position, eating, and stress were monitored during transportation. Tracheal wash samples were obtained 6 days before and immediately after transport for bacterial culture and metagenomic analysis.

Results and discussion

Compared to before transport, bacterial load (CFU/mL) after transport was significantly increased in the short-rope group (p = 0.04), whereas no changes were observed in the long-rope group. Transport significantly reduced Simpson index at phylum, class, order, and family levels in both groups (p < 0.001) of tracheal microbiota. In both groups, this reduction was associated with increases in the dominant members of relative abundance at phylum (Firmicutes: +24% in long-rope and +14% in short-rope), class (Bacilli: +20% in long-rope and +22% in short-rope) and family (Streptococcaceae: +22% in long-rope and +23% in short-rope) levels. Licking behavior during transportation with short-rope restraint was more frequent than in horses with long-rope restraint. These results suggest loose head restraint during transportation is likely to ameliorate stress and mitigate the associated increased bacterial load in the lower airways associated with transport. Further, head position during transportation is likely a more important determinant of airway hygiene and distress than duration of travel.
Does Social Learning Promote Farmers’ Cooperative Pest Control?—Evidence from Northwestern China
Authors: Li Xinjie , Yang Liu , Lu Qian
Published: October 2024

Pest management is pivotal for ensuring secure grain production and constitutes a fundamental strategy in combating pests that detrimentally affect grain supplies. Given the complexity and dynamic nature of pests, it is imperative that farmers implement coordinated prevention and control strategies. Such measures are essential to augment the efficacy of these efforts and to reduce the risks posed by pests to agricultural crops. This research involved a survey of 1205 agricultural households spanning three representative provinces in Northwestern China. By employing an endogenous switching Probit model and addressing sample selection bias, the study investigates the influence of social learning on the adoption of cooperative pest control strategies by farmers. The findings indicate that social learning significantly enhances farmers’ adoption of cooperative pest control measures. In a counterfactual scenario, introducing social learning to farmers previously unexposed to it would result in a 10.3% increase in the likelihood of adopting these practices. Additionally, factors such as the health status of the household head, income level, and size of land under management are critical determinants of farmers’ participation in social learning. The differential access to scientific, accurate, and systematic information, coupled with resource disparities among farmers, can partially account for the varying average treatment effects observed in different learning methods on the propensity to adopt cooperative pest control practices. Furthermore, social learning plays a crucial role in fostering such adoption by establishing trust among farmers, facilitating consensus in decision-making, and enhancing the dissemination of information.
Local Development and LEADER Funding in Poland: Insights from the Wielkopolska Region
Authors: Kiryluk-Dryjska Ewa , Wawrzynowicz Paulina
Published: October 2024

LEADER is a European Union program designed to engage the energy and resources of people and local organizations in contributing to the development of their rural areas. Given the uniqueness of the program—particularly its bottom-up, incentive-based approach—it is of crucial importance to determine the local conditions affecting fund absorption. This study utilizes factor analysis and stepwise multiple regression to assess the influence of the local rural development conditions on the level of funding and rural residents’ participation in the LEADER program in Poland, using the example of the Wielkopolska region. This research spans two consecutive EU funding periods: 2007–2013 and 2014–2020. Our findings reveal that residents in areas with higher developmental needs and lower levels of socioeconomic development display a greater proclivity to access LEADER program funds. Consequently, the LEADER funds in the Wielkopolska region are directed towards areas in genuine need of reinforcement. These results contradict previous research on selected EU rural development measures under the second pillar of the CAP, as well as specific LEADER implementation areas. Furthermore, our findings indicate that entrepreneurship and cultural activities play a pivotal role in stimulating bottom-up initiatives within rural communities.
Remote Sensing Dynamics for Analyzing Nitrogen Impact on Rice Yield in Limited Environments
Authors: Fita David , Bautista Alberto San , Castiñeira-Ibáñez Sergio , Franch Belén , Domingo Concha , Rubio Constanza
Published: October 2024

Rice production remains highly dependent on nitrogen (N). There is no positive linear correlation between N concentration and yield in rice cultivation because an excess of N can unbalance the distribution of photo-assimilates in the plant and consequently produce a lower yield. We intended to study these imbalances. Remote sensing is a useful tool for monitoring rice crops. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using remote sensing to assess the impact of N applications on rice crop behavior. An experiment with three different doses (120, 170 and 220 kg N·ha−1) was carried out over two years (2021 and 2022) in Valencia, Spain. Biomass, Leaf Area Index (LAI), plants per m2, yield, N concentration and N uptake were determined. Moreover, reflectance values in the green, red, and NIR bands of the Sentinel-2 satellite were acquired. The two data matrices were merged in a correlation study and the resulting interpretation ended in a protocol for the evaluation of the N effect during the main phenological stages. The positive effect of N on the measured parameters was observed in both years; however, in the second year, the correlations with the yield were low, being attributed to a complex interaction with climatic conditions. Yield dependence on N was optimally evaluated and monitored with Sentinel-2 data. Two separate relationships between NIR–red and NDVI–NIR were identified, suggesting that using remote sensing data can help enhance rice crop management by adjusting nitrogen input based on plant nitrogen concentration and yield estimates. This method has the potential to decrease nitrogen use and environmental pollution, promoting more sustainable rice cultivation practices.
Influence of Biostimulants and Microbiological Preparations on the Yield and the Occurrence of Diseases and the European Corn Borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn, Lepidoptera, Crambidae) on Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. Var. saccharata)
Authors: Wojciechowicz-Żytko Elżbieta , Kunicki Edward , Nawrocki Jacek
Published: October 2024

The aim of this work was to determine the influence of chosen biostimulants and microbiological preparations on the yield of sweet corn and the occurrence of Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn, and diseases. In both years of the study, the preparations used in this experiment did not have a statistically significant effect on marketable yield; however, in 2017, the highest weight was observed in the cobs of plants treated with Rizocore and Polyversum WP while the lowest in the cobs treated with RhizoVital 42. The biostimulant Asahi SL and the biological fungicide Serenade ASO proved to be the most effective in protecting sweet corn against cob and shoot infections by fungi of the genus Fusarium. All the preparations reduced the development of the common smut in corn, especially on the cobs. There were no statistically significant differences in cob infection by the O. nubilalis in the combinations treated with different preparations, although the lowest number of cobs damaged by pest in both years were observed on plots treated with Serenade ASO and RhizoVital 42, while the highest on plots treated with Goëmar BM.
Alleviative Effect of Exogenous Application of Fulvic Acid on Nitrate Stress in Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)
Authors: Han Kangning , Zhang Jing , Wang Cheng , Chang Youlin , Zhang Zeyu , Xie Jianming
Published: October 2024

Salt stress could be a significant factor limiting the growth and development of vegetables. In this study, Fulvic Acid (FA) (0.05%, 0.1%, 0.15%, 0.2%, and 0.25%) was applied under nitrate stress (150 mM), with normal Hoagland nutrient solution as a control to investigate the influence of foliar spray FA on spinach growth, photosynthesis, and oxidative stress under nitrate stress. The results showed that nitrate stress significantly inhibited spinach growth, while ROS (reactive oxygen species) accumulation caused photosystem damage, which reduced photosynthetic capacity. Different concentrations of FA alleviated the damage caused by nitrate stress in spinach to varying degrees in a concentration-dependent manner. The F3 treatment (0.15% FA + 150 mM NO3−) exhibited the most significant mitigating effect. FA application promoted the accumulation of biomass in spinach under nitrate stress and increased chlorophyll content, the net photosynthetic rate, the maximum photochemical quantum yield of PSII (Photosystem II) (Fv/Fm), the quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry [Y(II)], the electron transport rate, and the overall functional activity index of the electron transport chain between the PSII and PSI systems (PItotal); moreover, FA decreased PSII excitation pressure (1 − qP), quantum yields of regulated energy dissipation of PSII [Y(NPQ)], and the relative variable initial slope of fluorescence. FA application increased superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activities and decreased malondialdehyde, H2O2, and O2− levels in spinach under nitrate stress. FA can enhance plant resistance to nitrate by accelerating the utilization of light energy in spinach to mitigate excess light energy and ROS-induced photosystem damage and increase photosynthetic efficiency.
Strategic Light Use Efficiency Optimization of Hydroponic Lettuce Exposed to Different Photosynthetic Photon Flux Densities
Authors: Palsha Peyton Lou , van Iersel Marc W. , Dickson Ryan William , Seymour Lynne , Yelton Melanie , Qin Kuan , Ferrarezi Rhuanito Soranz
Published: October 2024

Light use efficiency characterizes the ability of a crop to convert radiation into biomass. Determining optimum cultivar-specific photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) values from sole-source lighting can be used to optimize leaf expansion, maximize biomass, and shorten the production period. This study evaluated the growth of hydroponic lettuce (Lactuca sativa) ‘Rex’ cultivated under different PPFD levels using sole-source lighting. At lower PPFD levels of 201 to 292 µmol·m−2·s−1, the plant projected canopy size (PCS) and specific leaf area increased to enhance light capture by 36.2% as compared to higher PPFD levels (333 and 413 µmol·m−2·s−1), while plants exhibited 10.3% lower canopy overlap ratio and 27.8% lower shoot dry weights. Both low and high PPFD conditions lead to a similar trend in PCS among plants. Light use efficiency was not a major factor in influencing lettuce growth. Instead, the critical factor was the total incident light the plants received. This study showcased the importance of incident light and PPFD on the growth, morphology, and biomass accumulation in lettuce.
Use of Essential Oils and α-Pinene as Insecticides against Sitophilus zeamais and Their Effects on Maize Seed Germination
Authors: de Carvalho Brito Rodrigo , de Moura Pádua Luiz Evaldo , da Silva Leticia Rodrigues , Briozo Marcus Eugênio Oliveira , Silva Paulo Roberto Ramalho , de Carvalho Luzineide Fernandes , de Andrade Dutra Kamilla , Navarro Daniela Maria do Amaral Ferraz , Barbosa Douglas Rafael e Silva , Rojas Mariano Oscar Aníbal Ibañez , da Silva Giovana Lopes , Breda Mariana Oliveira , Silva Gutierres Nelson , Silva Tadeu Barbosa Martins , Silva Erlen Keila Candido e , de França Solange Maria
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to assess the efficiency of the use of α-pinene and essential oils of Gaultheria procumbens, Juniperus communis, Protium heptaphyllum, and Protium pallidum in treating corn seeds (Zea mays) under storage conditions for the management of Sitophilus zeamais. Contact toxicity, fumigation, repellency, persistence, and residual effects of the targeted essential oil and phytocompound on germination were performed. G. procumbens oil, high in methyl salicylate (96%), was the most toxic in contact tests, with an LC50 of 26.83 µL/20 g. P. heptaphyllum oil, containing 40.1% limonene, was the second most toxic with an LC50 of 45.78 μL/20 g. When test separately, α-pinene was more toxic than J. communis oil, which has 67% α-pinene. P. pallidum oil, with 31.17% o-cimene, also showed toxicity. In fumigation tests, the toxicity order was G. procumbens ≥ P. heptaphyllum > α-pinene > J. communis > P. pallidum. All products were repellent. G. procumbens had the longest persistence (71 days), while J. communis and α-pinene had shorter persistence. J. communis oil and α-pinene did not affect corn seed germination or vigor. The findings are crucial for managing S. zeamais in stored maize and determining the appropriate use of natural insecticides without affecting their ability to germinate and grow.